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Stafford

Four local students graduate from Alfred University

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The following students received degrees during Alfred University Commencemen on May 12:

Brittany Best, of Corfu, received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Inamori School of Engineering. Best, is the daughter of John and Genia Best and a graduate of Pembroke Central School.

Alicia Schuler, of Elba, received a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood/Childhood Educationation from the College Liberal Arts/Sciences. Schuler, is the daughter of Kelly and Susan Schuler and a graduate of Elba Central School.

Vincent Gravanda III, of Stafford, received a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and Biology from the College Liberal Arts/Sciences. Gravanda, is the son of Vincent Gravanda and Judi Anderson-Tooze and a graduate of Le Roy J.r-Sr. High School.

James Bonacquisti Jr., of Le Roy, received a Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude in Biology from the College Liberal Arts/Sciences. Bonacquisti is the son of James and Michele Bonacquisti and a graduate of Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School.

The graduates were among 13 doctoral, 104 masters, and 423 bachelor's degree recipients who heard David J. Miller, AU Class of '66, tell them that Alfred University prepares its graduates to take risks in pursuing their passions.

Miller, a member of the AU Board of Trustees, said he owes his success as a noted lawyer and jazz musician, "in no small part to the experiences I had at Alfred University. It's the same for you," he said, noting it was on campus he learned "the importance of listening, reflecting, and respecting others' points of view.

"You need to take risks to perform on the stage of life," Miller told the Class of 2012. Then "you too can reap a life of fulfillment."

Alfred University, founded in 1836, became the first coeducational institution in New York State and the second in the nation. The university encourages students to undertake community service projects as an important part of their education. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks AU among the top 20 regional universities in the North.

Stafford man promoted in NY Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Major General Patrick A. Murphy, The Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Timothy Laporte, of Stafford, who is serving with the Company C, 27th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, is promoted to the rank of Private.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.

These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber citizen soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com

Car wreck at junction of Route 5 and Batavia-Stafford TL Road

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported at the junction of Route 5 and Batavia-Stafford Town Line Road. One person is complaining of neck pain. Traffic is blocked. Stafford Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

Grand Jury Report: Man accused of trying to sell oxycodone in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Nicholas J. Pascucci Jr. is indicted on a count of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Pascucci is accused of possessing with the intent to sell 44 oxycodone tables on Nov. 25 in the Town of Le Roy.

Robert L. Ealey is indicted on a count of driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of drugs and alcohol and aggravated unlicensed operation. Ealey is accused of DWAI on Jan. 1, on Church Street, Le Roy. Ealey was previously convicted of DWI on Jan. 29, 2009.

MIchael D. Pacer is indicted on a felony of DWI and felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Pacer is accused of driving drunk on Sweetland Road, Stafford, on Dec. 1. Pacer was convicted of DWI July 7, 2008.

Melvin G. Draper is indicted on a felony count of DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st. Draper is accused of driving drunk Oct. 29 while in the Town of Batavia. Draper was previously convicted of DWI on March 3, 2009.

The Grand Jury returned a "no bill" on the charge of aggravated criminal contempt against Eric M. Duda.

The Grand Jury returned a "no bill" on the charge of criminal contempt, 1st, against Jerry K. Scroger Jr.

Stafford student to graduate from Herkimer County Community College

By Billie Owens

Matthew R. Riggi, of Stafford, is a candidate for the AAS in Travel and Tourism: Hospitality & Events Management (with honors) from Herkimer County Community College.

Riggi is one of 727 candidates eligible to participate in the college's 44th annual commencement ceremony on Friday, May 18.

Herkimer County Community College is a unit of the State University of New York, located in Herkimer, about 20 miles east of Utica. With an enrollment of approximately 3,600 students, Herkimer offers more than 40 associate degree and certificate programs, on-campus housing, an active co-curricular activities schedule and a national championship athletic program.

For more information visit www.herkimer.edu.

Car fire on Clipnock Road, Stafford

By Billie Owens

A car fire is reported at 9156 Clipnock Road in Stafford. The Stafford Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 11:42: A firefighter on scene reports the vehicle owner is using a fire extinguisher on the blaze and has it under control.

UPDATE 11:58 a.m.: The fire is out. Stafford is back in service.

Driver knocks out power for some in Bethany and Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

A 70-year-old man from Gates was involved in a single-car accident Monday night that caused 231 National Grid customers to lose power for about four hours.

Morley J. Pray, of Ashton Drive, Gates, was driving southbound on Clipnock Road at 7:13 p.m. when his vehicle went off the west shoulder of the road for an unknown reason.

Pray was reportedly unable to get the 2004 Chevy pickup back on the road before striking a petroleum pipeline cap and then a National Grid utility pole in the area of 9455 Clipnock Road.

No citations were issued.

Pray suffered minor injuries, but did not require transport to a hospital.

The accident was investigated by Sgt. Greg Walker.

Power outage in Bethany, Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

Some 231 National Grid customers in Bethany and Stafford are without power.

The cause is not known at this time.

National Grid estimates power will be restored at 11:15 p.m.

Power went out at 7:59 p.m.

The location is from Ellicott Street Road, including Little Canada, spreading northeast toward Route 5, across Transit Road.

Two men seen stealing sheet metal from barn on Clipknock Road

By Howard B. Owens

Two people apparently stole some salvaged sheet metal from inside a barn on Clipknock Road, Stafford, this morning.

The suspects are described as "average white males."

They were last scene about 40 minutes ago heading east on Sweetland Road in a '90s-era white pickup truck.

It sounds like it should be easy to spot with the sheet metal piled high in the back of the truck bed.

The truck may be heading toward Rochester.

Anybody with information that may assist the investigation can contact the Sheriff's Office at 343-5000.

Law and Order: Batavia resident accused of smashing car windows in Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

Lennie M. Colley, 46, of South Lyon Street, Batavia, is charged with a felony count of criminal mischief, 3rd, DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and consumption of a alcohol in a motor vehicle. Colley is accused of smashing out windows of motor vehicles at about 2:40 a.m., today, on Route 5 in Stafford. Deputy James Diehl and Sgt. Brian Frieday responded to the call and found Colley allegedly driving drunk.

Lee Ann Marchese, 51, of Alleghany Road, Alabama, is charged iwth burglary 2nd. Marchese is accused of entering a dwelling in Stafford on Tuesday and stealing property.

Dimitri Carmelo Burton, 19, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Burton is accused of shoplifting from the AT&T store on Veterans Memorial Drive. Burton was jailed on $250 bail.

Assemblyman Hawley holds public outreach meeting in Stafford Town Hall

By Billie Owens

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) is hosting his regular monthly outreach meeting for Genesee County residents at Stafford Town Hall from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4.

“The meeting will provide the people of Western New York with an opportunity to share their thoughts on how to improve the quality of life in our area,” Hawley said. “I strongly encourage all local citizens to attend this event.”

The hall is located at 8903 Route 237 in the Town of Stafford.

Event Date and Time
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One vehicle rollover reported on Byron Stafford Road, Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

A rollover accident with unknown injuries is reported in the area of 8100 Byron Stafford Road, Stafford.

Responders are advised to use caution on approach. Bridges on the east side of the county are reported to be icy this morning.

Stafford Fire Department and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 7:29 a.m.: Vehicle is on its side in the roadway. The roadway is blocked. The bridge is iced over. Mercy EMS asked to respond as a precaution. The driver is out of the vehicle.


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Law and Order: Pembroke couple accused of growing marijuana in 2010

By Howard B. Owens

Edwin L. Stancliff, 32, of Alleghany Road, Pembroke, and Adrienne F. Yocina, 31, of Alleghany Road, Pembroke, are charged with unlawful growing of cannabis and criminal possession of marijuana, 5th. Both charges are misdemeanors. Stancliff and Yocina were allegedly found growing cannabis on their property and possessing marijuana in excess of 25 grams during an investigation of an incident at 8:20 p.m., Aug. 13, 2010.

Tammy Marie Chojnacki, 40, of Pike Road, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI and felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Chojnacki was arrested by Deputy Matt Fleming at her residence following an investigation at 9:24 p.m., Saturday, into a reported domestic incident in her car.

Jesse Stephen Stocking, 24, of Genesee Street, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Stocking was stopped on Route 33 in Pembroke at 4:46 p.m., Saturday, by Deputy Matt Fleming.

Robert Jeffery Curry, 22, of Dillon Road, Pavilion, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child. Following a complaint to the Tip Line at 1:02 a.m., Saturday, Curry was arrested for allegedly hosting an underage drinking party at his residence.

Christopher Willard Logsdon, 24, of Big Tree Road, Pavilion, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child. Following a complaint to the Tip Line at 12:23 a.m., Saturday, Curry was arrested for allegedly hosting an underage drinking party at his residence.

Cody Allen Eaton, 22, of Main Street, Attica, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and speeding. Eaton was stopped at 1:54 a.m., Saturday, on Pearl Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Howard Carlson.

John Charles McGrath, 43, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, resisting arrest and harassment, 2nd.

Lori Ann Brightenfield, 52, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Brightenfield is accused of using a telephone for no legitimate purpose to contact another person she was allegedly told previously not to contact.

Joseph Carl Jeffords, 21, of Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief. Jeffords is accused of driving across the lawn at College Village and while driving across the lawn, intentionally speeding up, leaving ruts. The alleged incident was caught on tape.

Wilson Figueroa, 28, of Conkey Avenue, Rochester, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Figueroa's car was stopped for alleged traffic violations on Route 33, Stafford, and was found to allegedly have as a passenger protected by an active stay away order.

Stephen D. Reamer, 53, of 76 Gilbert St., Le Roy, is charged with felony aggravated DWI. Reamer was stopped Friday morning in Le Roy by Le Roy Police.

Law and Order: Rochester resident accused of violation stay away order

By Howard B. Owens

Wilson Figueroa, 38, of Conkey Avenue, Rochester, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Figueroa reportedly was under court order out of Rochester City Court from being with a certain person. During a traffic stop on Route 33, Stafford, at 4:01 p.m., Wednesday, the protected person was allegedly in Figueroa's vehicle.

Aicha Keita, 20, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Keita is accused of stealing $206.65 in merchandise from Walmart.

Stafford Fire Department putting out an apparent controlled burn on Prentice Road

By Howard B. Owens

Stafford Fire Department is extinguishing an apparent controlled burn at 6505 Prentice Road, Le Roy.

A first responder reported, "It looks like somebody went to lunch," and reported finding a can of oil, matches and a rake.

The call came in as a grass fire. First responders reported finding a hedgerow fire.

A chief informs dispatch that the homeowner has been advised of the open burn law.

UPDATE 1:29 p.m.: A chief tells dispatch, "The homeowner is arguing with us that agriculture is exempt from burning laws." The fire is out except for a couple of smoldering spots. Stafford is back in service.


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Stafford student named to Deans' List at Buffalo State College

By Billie Owens

Dan Coward, of Stafford, has been named to the School of Arts and Humanities Fall 2011 Deans' list at Buffalo State College. Coward, a graduate of Le Roy High School, is the son of Bob Harris and the late Gwen Harris.

To qualify, students must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours.

Founded in 1871, Buffalo State is the largest comprehensive college in the SUNY system. Buffalo State offers more than 165 undergraduate and 62 graduate programs in the arts, sciences, professions, and education. Each year nearly 12,000 students choose Buffalo State for its superb academic programs, applied learning opportunities, affordable tuition, and metropolitan location.

GCEDC approves assistance for expansion projects for two local companies

By Howard B. Owens

The Genesee County Economic Development Center Board approved the following two projects for tax-abatement assistance:

University Eye/Lassiter Properties, 217 Summit St., Batavia. Planned 1,961-square-foot expansion, six new jobs, total capital investment of $755,000. Sales tax exemption on building materials and supplies of $26,000 and a PILOT tax exemption on the increased value of the property of $52,500 over 10 years.

R & D Electronics, 5272 Clinton St. Road, Stafford. Planned 10,800-square-foot expansion, six new jobs. The company will construct a warehouse facility and move its current electronics repair business into the new space. The company will use its existing space to expand its Ebay sales business selling refurbished and factory returned products. Total capital investment of $312,000. Sales tax exemption on building materials and supplies of $10,800, mortgage tax exemption of $2,500, PILOT tax exemption based on $76,700 of increased property value.

Photos: Three barns and a horse

By Howard B. Owens

Coming back from the Notre Dame game yesterday, of course I took some time to take a few photos.

Above, another barn on Griswold Road, Stafford.

Same white barn from a photo published yesterday, on Griswold Road, Stafford, but a different view.

Further south on Griswold Road, a barn and a pond and some horses.

A horse on the same property.

Photos: Three barns in Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

Saturday afternoon, I drove to SUNY Brockport to speak to a group of college students about online journalism. The drive there was overcast and snowy (windblown snow). The drive back was bright and sunny.

Here's three barn pictures from the drive home -- above, the Welch barn on North Lake Road, Bergen.

This barn is on Peachy Road, Bergen. The shot is from North Lake Road. 

White barn on Griswold Road.

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