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Stafford

Church in Stafford to celebrate 200th anniversary in October

By Maria Pericozzi

The Morganville United Church of Christ in Stafford is celebrating its 200th anniversary this fall, inviting members of the community to take part in the festivities.

On Oct. 14, there will be a spaghetti dinner for the community and the 200th anniversary service will be on Oct. 22. The church is located at 8466 Morganville Road. 

“The service will go back 200 years,” Pastor James Morasco said. “We’re going to dress the part. We want to capture the time period.”

According to a history compiled by Grace Woodworth in 2003, on Oct. 20, 1817, Elders Levi Hathaway and Joseph Badger, traveling ministers, organized “The Church of God in Stafford, New York.” The church started off with 11 members, but grew to 50 in a couple months.

The church has around 70 members now. Morasco said the church is slowly growing.

“It’s a nice place to be,” Morasco said. “It’s very welcoming. People say when they come here that it’s a warm church. They feel the warmth from everybody.”

Marianne Garigen was baptized in 1952 at Morganville UCC and became a member 13 years later. Her mother was a member of the church.

“When I first started, [the church] was very active,” Garigen said. “Sunday School had 80 children. Back then, the church was your social network.”

She currently serves as the financial secretary, but has held many other positions with the church.

“I moved away for seven years and then moved back to the area,” Garigen said. “I’ve been here ever since. It’s a part of me.”

Her husband, Barry Garigen, has been a friend of the church for 45 years and recently became a member, but currently is the church moderator. He runs the quarterly and annual meetings, and serves as an ambassador for the church, speaking on behalf of the congregation.

“We got married in this church,” Barry said. “All our kids were baptized here, so it’s been a part of their lives since the beginning.”

Marianne said the future is looking better for the church, but she would like to see younger families join the church to keep it going.

“We would like to continue being a part of the community and reaching out,” Marianne said. “We want to let them know we are here and that anyone is welcome.”

The church organizes a food link once a month, serving hundreds of people. Barry said it is a way to reach out to the community.

“Anybody that needs it, gets it,” Barry said. “The volunteers from the church set up. People come through, sign in and they can help themselves to the provided food.”

Barry said people line up hours ahead of time and they are very thankful.

In celebration of 200 years, the congregation is attempting to perform 200 random acts of kindness by the end of the year. A member can do anything from welcoming a new neighbor, cook a meal for someone, or leave notes of encouragement on cars.

“It’s an opportunity to show the community that we’re here,” Morasco said.

The Morganville UCC has a Facebook page located here and Morasco said they’re currently working on a website.

After the 200th service, there will be a hymn sing at 2 p.m. with the organist, Carin Wade.  

“We have an outstanding organist who will be very entertaining for the hymn sing,” Barry said. “Music is a big part of our service here and she’s added to it.” 

A poem written by Pastor James Morasco for the 200th anniversary.

37th annual Stefani-Costa family reunion held July 30 at Wildwood Park, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

(Photo above: Dorothy (Stefani) Bater, of Le Roy, and sisters Dolores (Stefani) Lathan, of Le Roy, and Ruth (Stefani) Tracy, of Rochester, were the oldest in attendance at this year's Stefani-Costa family reunion.)

Submitted photos and press release:

The families of the late Baptist and Christina (Costa) Stefani, and Dominic and Johanna (Rigoni) Costa gathered for their 37th consecutive annual family reunion at Le Roy’s Wildwood Park on Sunday, July 30, 2017. Wildwood Park is located on Munson Street Extension near the Le Roy Community Swimming Pool. Both founding families made their homes in Lime Rock (New York).

Linda (Orlando) Totten, of Elba, Carol (Orlando) Panepento, of Pavilion, Gloria (Orlando) Oliver, of Le Roy, and Amy Panepento, of Le Roy, hosted the event.

After a potluck buffet and cookout, followed by selections from a sweets table, the family held a short business meeting.  A review of family news since last year included the following:

  • Dorothy (Stefani) Bater, of Le Roy, was the oldest person in attendance at age 90, followed closely by Dolores (Stefani) Lathan of Le Roy, who is one day younger. 
  • The youngest family member to attend was 14-month-old Ryder Christopher Barclay, of Byron. He is the son of Samantha Blake and Joe Barclay. Ryder’s proud parents are expecting another addition to their family in April.
  • The only new member of the family is Abby Grace Aradine, born on on Oct. 17, 2016. She is the daughter of Jeffrey and Bethany (Pocock) Aradine, of Bergen. Her older sister, Kate, was last year’s youngest reunion participant.
  • Michelle Goldstin and Tim Sisson, of Piffard, have recently become engaged to be married.
  • Rena C. Wagner, 90, of Batavia, passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2017. She was born Dec. 17, 1926 in Asiago, Italy, and was a daughter of the late Peter and Battastina Dalle Ave Costa. She is survived by her brother, Victor (Jean) Costa, of Le Roy, and her sister, Mary Regone, of Virginia.

Next year’s event chairs are Marilyn (Costa) Pocock, of Bergen, Darlyn (Costa) Hawkins, of Le Roy, and Richard Costa, of Stafford.

(Photo below: Jennifer (Slane) Blake, of Elba, enjoyed the reunion's beautiful weather with grandson Ryder Barclay.)

$10K raised by Stafford members for Houseknecht scholarship

By Howard B. Owens

A members-only tournament at Stafford Country Club raised $10,000 for the Michael Houseknecht Scholarship Fund at Batavia High School.

The check was presented last night in the clubhouse.

Photo and info submitted by Lizabeth Starkweather.

Soggy course doesn't dampen day for Arc tournaments

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Assistant Golf Professional Mike Eichner urged golfers to use common sense when negotiating the Stafford Country Club course during the 41st Annual Arc of Genesee Orleans Lullo Memorial Tournament. Although the weather was picture perfect Monday, recent heavy rains resulted in areas along the 96-year-old course that was a little challenging.

“In the end, it was a great day of golf for the Arc,” Eichner said.

The tournament also features tennis and bocce divisions.

In golf play, Jonathan Tretter and Marc Ramos came out on top, both shooting a 77.  Low gross honors for women went to Tina Lambert with an 84.

In the low net category, Bryan Countryman and Paul Marchese tied at 64, and Ed Shultz was close behind with 65. Francesca Fuller had a low net score of 73 for women.  

In the blind bogey competition, Alan Saskowski matched the blind bogey number drawn of 74.

The hole-in-one contest on 8 was sponsored by Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Unfortunately, no one shot an ace to drive away with a 2017 Ram Pickup Express.

In other contests on the course, Zach Fuller won the longest drive on 15 and honors for longest putt on 11went to Dan Burnham who sank a 60’ 5” putt! In the closest to the pin contests, John Curtiss won a golf bag, courtesy of C.H. Wright on 8 (20’2”);  Marc Ramos earned top prize on 12, a Red Osier Gift Certificate; Paul Barton won a Schwinn bicycle, donated by Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle in the top prize on 14(15’6”).  The contests on #11 and #12 this year honored the memory of Ralph Houseknecht, a disability advocate and Arc supporter who passed away in 2016. Three generations of the Houseknecht family were represented at the tournament on Monday, the same day an engraved stone was installed on the course in his memory between the 12th tee box and a walking bridge that also bears his name. 

In bocce, the first-place team representing ESL Federal Credit Union was Jim Miller, Jenna Holota, Mary Blevins and Dan Basch.

In tennis, first-place team honors went to Steve Clemm and Paul Hiscutt. Second-place team went to Diane Bonarigo and Jerry Reinhart. Bonarigo also earned top score in the tennis division.

Gold sponsors of the event were Turnbull Heating & Air-Conditioning, Graham Corporation, MTE Turf Equipment Solutions/Tom & Lynn Houseknecht, Crickler Vending, One Group, Relph Benefit Advisors and Tompkins Bank of Castile /Insurance Agencies/ Financial Advisors. Silver sponsors were: Batavia Turf, The Daily News, The Bonadio Group, Oakfield Family Medical Care, Alpina Foods, Erie and Niagara Insurance Association, In Memory of Ralph Houseknecht, Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Tops Friendly Markets, Bessey Tools, Parkview Health Services, Genesee Valley PennySaver and Manning Napier, One Group and The Insurance Center.

Also supporting the event were 12 golf sponsors, three tennis sponsors, seven bocce sponsors and seven Friend of Arc Tournament sponsors. Door prizes, silent, and Chinese auction items were donated by dozens of area businesses. The 2017 cart sponsors were Philadelphia Insurance and Pinnacle Manufacturing.

A total of 124 golfers, eight tennis players, and 36 bocce players participated in the annual event that raises money to benefit programs and service for people with disabilities served by Arc of Genesee Orleans.

The winner of the $1,000 cash drawing was Ron Brueckner with ticket number 15341. The ticket seller was Deb Hinze, of Batavia.

The Arc of Genesee Orleans Lullo Memorial Tournament is named in memory of Danny Lullo, a local businessman who came up with the idea to hold a tournament to benefit Genesee ARC programs and services for people with disabilities in our community. The Tournament is the longest-running charity event at the local private country club.

Ed Carney is the event chairman. Peggy Lamb chairs tennis and Deb Fischer chairs bocce.

Law and Order: Duo charged with drug possession after accident in Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

Chris Kaboingo, 28, of Mill Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th. Kaboingo was arrested following a property damage accident at 7:29 p.m. May 25 on Alexander Road, Alexander. He was allegedly found in possession of amphetamine pills. He was arraigned July 11 and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. Also charged was Darazian Willie Paul Williams, 24, of West Main Street, Batavia. Williams was also cited for alleged failure to keep right.

Alexander Albert Chandler, 25, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and inadequate plate lamp. Chandler was stopped at 9:50 p.m. Friday on Main Road, Stafford, by Deputy Michael Lute.

Riley Kristine Davis, 20, of Gilbert Road, Bergen, is charged with petit larceny. Davis is accused of shoplifting from a business on Veterans Memorial Drive at 12:11 p.m. on July 10. Davis allegedly stole jewelry. 

Nasir Chalee Nathan, 21, of Goade Park, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Nathan was allegedly found in possession marijuana while in a parking lot off Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, at 12:43 p.m. on July 10 by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Jessica Ann Shiltz, 33, Claybed Road, Filmore, is charged with DWI and refusal to take breath test. At 12:27 a.m., July 13, Deputy Ryan DeLong observed a vehicle stopped at the side of the road on Colby Road, Darien. Upon investigation, Shiltz was found to be allegedly driving drunk. She was jailed on $250 bail.

Jay'von D Spivey, 18, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 5th, and resisting arrest. Spivey is accused of stealing a bicycle. He allegedly pulled away and resisted when police attempted to place him in custody. He was jailed on $1,000 bail or $2,000 bond.

Gregory Seppe, 59, of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny, burglary, 2nd, and conspiracy, 4th. Gregory Seppe was arrested with Brandon Seppe, 33, when the two men were allegedly found leaving the area of a reported burglary. Both were held without bail.

Olivia J. Paganin, 28, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and motor vehicle with lights that do not meet standards. Paganin was stopped at 1:15 a.m., July 1, on East Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Sheryl A. Jeffery, 58, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Jeffery allegedly struck a registered nurse while being treated at UMMC.

Photos: Taste of Stafford

By Maria Pericozzi

The 13th annual Taste of Stafford was Thursday, where residents gathered in the Stafford Fire Hall to enjoy music and food, for the fund-raising event hosted by the Stafford Historical Society.

The venue was changed from Illette Park due to rain. Last year it was also switched to the Fire Hall -- because of extreme heat. But those who attend always seem to have a good time no matter where it's held.

The Mark Time Marchers from Churchville played tunes that people listening, enjoyed and danced to. 

Other residents enjoyed the food from various local eateries, including Stafford's renowned Red Osier Landmark Restaurant. 

Law and Order: Alabama man charged with grand larceny after two complaints about construction work paid for but allegedly not completed

By Billie Owens

Dana Ryan, 39, of Galloway Road, Alabama, is charged with two counts of fourth-degree grand larceny. An investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office was initiated after two complaints reported to the Sheriff's Office, one in the Town of Pembroke, the other in the Town of Batavia. The complaints concerned payments which were allegedly made to Ryan by two different customers pursuant to construction contracts for work agreed upon but not completed. It is alleged that the payments to Ryan for home-improvement contracts were not allocated into a proper account and that these funds were used by the defendant for purposes other than the agreed upon work. The time frame of the allegations in the complaints, according to the Sheriff's Office news release, is February 2016 through May (2017). Ryan is due in Town of Pembroke Court on July 11 and in Town of Batavia Court on July 13. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Office Investigator J.M. Graff, assisted by Deputy K.M. McCarthy.

Danny D. Williams Sr., 28, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, second-degree menacing, and endangering the welfare of a child -- a child less than 17 years old. The charges stem from an incident which occurred at 8:01 p.m. on June 9 on Central Avenue, Batavia. It is alleged that Williams pulled a knife on an individual during an altercation and that there was a child in close proximity at the time. He was jailed in lieu of $15,000 cash bail or $30,000 bond and was due in Batavia City Court on July 7. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Dustin L. Landin, 38, of Sierk Road, Attica, is charged with grand larceny -- value greater than $1,000. Landin was arrested for allegedly stealing money/property from a local business at 8:20 p.m. on June 28 on East Main Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court on July 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Christopher Harris Pompa, 45, of Byron Road, Byron, is charged with DWI, refusal to take breath test, and speeding. At 6:16 p.m. on July 8 on South Lake Road in Bergen,  the defendant was stopped in the Village of Bergen following the observation of an alleged traffic violation. The defendant was arraigned on the charges and then released on his own recognizance. He is due in Bergen Town Court on July 19. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Joseph K. Schlossel, 58, of Linwood Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: moving from lane unsafely; backing unsafely; drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle; and DWI -- first offense. The charges stem from a one-car accident that occurred at 11:45 a.m. on March 11 on Clifton Avenue in Batavia. He was issued tickets and released and is due in City Court July 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Salvatore M. Schwable, 19, no permanent address, is charged with failure to appear. He was arrested on a bench warrant out of City Court for failure to appear for a scheduled court appearance and jailed on July 6 in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or bond. He was due back in court on July 7. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards.

Salvatore M. Schwable, 19, no permanent address, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and two counts of petit larceny. The charges stem from an incident at McDonald's on East Main Street in Batavia at 6:33 p.m. on May 12. It is alleged that Schwable took property from three different individuals without their permission. The defendant was jailed without bail and was due back in court on July 7. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards.

Felicia Dianne Swartenberg, 20, of Willowbrook Road, Brockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding. At 9:51 p.m. July 8, the defendant was stopped on Waterman Road in the Town of Stafford for an alleged vehicle and traffic violation. The defendant allegedly possessed a quantity of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Swartzenberg is due in Stafford Town Court on Aug. 1 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Lindsay Rae Crist, 20, of Redman Road, Brockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. At 9:51 p.m. July 8, the defendant was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped on Waterman Road in the Town of Stafford for an alleged vehicle and traffic violation. The defendant allegedly possessed a quantity of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Crist is due in Stafford Town Court on Aug. 1 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Grand Jury Report: Man accused of possessing Suboxone with intent to sell it

By Billie Owens

Isaac C. King is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Jan. 9 in the City of Batavia that King knowingly and unlawfully possessed a controlled substance, Suboxone, with intent to sell it. In count two, King is accused of the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. It is alleged in count two that on the same day, the defendant knowingly and unlawfully possessed a controlled substance, Suboxone. In count three, King is accused of unlicensed operation in the third degree, a misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three, that on the same day, King drove a 2017 Nissan on Swan Street while knowing, or having reason to know, that his driver's license was suspended or revoked by authorities.

Darrel T. Wilder is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, per se, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on April 29 in the Town of Stafford that Wilder drove a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee on Route 33 while he had a BAC of .08 percent or more as shown by a chemical analysis of his breath. In count two, he is accused of DWI as a Class E felony for allegedly driving on the same day on the same road while intoxicated. In count three, Wilder is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count three that the defendant drove on that day on that road while knowing, or having reason to know, that his driver's license was suspended revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities and that he did so while under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count four, Wilder is accused of the crime of circumvention of an ignition interlock device, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count four that the defendant, while subject to a court-ordered ignition interlock device, operated a vehicle that was not equipped with this device.

George J. Budzinack is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on March 14 in the Town of Stafford that Budzinack operated a 2001 Chevrolet Venture van on Route 33 while knowing, or having reason to know, that his driver's license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities. It is also alleged that the defendant was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count two, Budzinack is accused of driving while intoxicated, as a misdemeanor. In Special Information filed by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, the defendant is accused of having been convicted of DWI on March 3, 2004, in Genesee County Court. The document states the defendant knew, or had reason to know, that his driving privilege was suspended or revoked as a result of the conviction and that the revocation or suspension was still in effect at the time of the crimes alleged in the indictment.

Law and Order: Couple in Le Roy face charges following domestic incident

By Howard B. Owens

Bryan D. Bates Jr., 37, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and Andrea Gray, 39, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with falsely reporting an incident, 3rd. The charges stem from a domestic disturbance July 1 at a residence on Lake Street, Le Roy. Bates was allegedly violating a stay away order issued out of Batavia City Court. He was jailed in lieu of an unspecified amount of bail. Gray allegedly falsely reported to a neighbor that Bates had committed suicide, causing the neighbor to call 9-1-1. Gray was also jailed on an unspecified amount of bail.

Kevin William Dart, 59, of Transit Road, Elba, is charged with unlawfully dealing with a child. Dart allegedly allowed people under age 21 to consume alcohol during a party at his house.

Todd Alan Kendall, 54, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Kendall allegedly struck another person in an incident reported at 5:56 a.m. Monday at a location on Main Road, Stafford.

Susan Ann Minardo, 28, of Shelby Road, Kings Mountain, N.C., was arrested as a fugitive from justice. During an investigation by Deputy Chad Cummings of a call at the TA Travel Center in Pembroke, Minardo was located and identified as the subject of a warrant out of Pennsylvania. Minardo was jailed without bail.

Christopher James Draper, 46, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Draper allegedly entered Rite Aid on West Main Street Road, Batavia, after being previously advised he was not allowed on the property.

'Torrential rains' expected in Southern Genesee County within the hour

By Billie Owens

A Special Weather Statement was issued a few minutes ago by the National Weather Service stating: "An area of strong thunderstorms will bring torrential rains to Northern Wyoming and Southern Genesee counties. 

"Strong thunderstorms were clustered near Attica, or eight miles south of Batavia, moving east at 15 mph.

"These storms will bring very heavy rainfall to Attica and nearby locations with more than an inch of rain possible in an hour or less. Locations impacted include... Darien Lakes State Park, Le Roy, Bennington, Attica, Pavilion, Stafford, Covington, Alexander, Wyoming and East Bethany. This includes Interstate 90 near exit 47. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways."

These conditions are expected until 2 p.m.

One of oldest homes in Stafford demolished

By Maria Pericozzi

There is a pile of rubble located at the bottom of Temperance Hill on Route 5, where one of the oldest properties in Stafford, dating back to the early 1800s, used to stand.

A piece of history was forever lost last Wednesday morning when the property was demolished, according to Linda Call, a member of the Stafford Historical Society.

“We, as the Stafford Historical Society, feel badly that this piece of history is no longer something we can go look at,” Call said.

The property was built by Worthy Lovell Churchill, a colonel who commanded the 164th Regiment of State Militia during the War of 1812, when he came to Stafford in 1803. Churchill served as the Genesee County Sheriff between 1820 and 1825. Garth Swanson, the Stafford historian, said the house was built no later than 1805.

Swanson said he has lived in the area for about 25 years and has never seen it occupied.

“I know the house was in conditions beyond repair,” Swanson said. “But, it’s a sad loss of an incredibly significant piece of history. He was one of the founders of Stafford.”

Churchill’s child was the first child born in Stafford and could have possibly been born in the house, Swanson said.

The house was used as a public house, with a tavern and dining room on the first floor, with rooms and living quarters on the second floor.

“It was a very significant house,” Swanson said. “It served as a public house for a number of years.”

In 1820, the house was sold to Persis Prole Bell and her husband, who died in 1828. Persis was the first woman to receive a driver’s license in Genesee County, according to Michael Eula, Ph.D., the county historian.

Persis remarried a man named John Hitchcock, who transformed the house into a temperance house.

Swanson said the hill was later named Temperance Hill.

“The house saw both ends of the spectrum,” Swanson said. “One end there was alcohol in the early 1800s and then it went to no alcohol at all.”

Call said the house served as a two-family house during the 1960s, '70s and '80s.

“There used to be a sprung floor dance floor that was used for parties and dances,” Call said. “Travelers would stop and stay upstairs. It’s sad to lose it as a property.”

Above is a hand drawing in an Atlas of the house, provided by the Genesee County History Department. 

Law and Order: Woman accused of threatening another person through Facebook messages

By Howard B. Owens

Molly Ann Chatley, 20, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Chatley allegedly sent messages through Facebook to another person that were threatening in nature. 

Charlene Marie Poole, 46, of Donahue Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Poole is accused of shoplifting from Walmart. 

Mary Winifred McGowan, 49, of Terry Street, Byron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and driving left of the pavement markings. McGowan was stopped at 8:17 p.m. Wednesday on Terry Street, Byron, by Deputy Ryan Delong. 

Qumane James Santiago, 18, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with criminal trespass. Santiago was allegedly trespassing at a residence on Main Road, Stafford, at 8:38 p.m. Friday.  

Adam W. Hildebrant, 26, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd. Hildebrant was allegedly found in possession of brass knuckles during a parole check.

Stafford citizens group forms, preparing to study solar energy

By Maria Pericozzi

Sandra Swanson, a resident in the Town of Stafford, will be leading a citizens group to look into solar farms and solar power plants.

Swanson said she hopes to have a group of people to help her and brief the Stafford Town Board toward the end of July.

“We have until February,” Swanson said, “but we should be ending it in January. There is a huge amount of information to look at.”

Swanson attended a Genesee Finger Lakes Regional Council meeting in Pittsford in May, and went to three sessions about solar energy.

“There’s a huge amount of information about solar and people all over the country to talk to,” Swanson said. “I think it [helps] us to get as much information as possible.”

In May, the Stafford Town Board passed a nine-month moratorium on solar farms and solar-powered plants in the town. The moratorium prevents solar companies from submitting applications for a permit to construct a solar farm or power plant within the Town of Stafford.

“We would like to commend the town for entering a moratorium,” said Dan Compitello, the zoning and outreach manager for Cypress Creek Renewables. “It’s a very good, solid path to take."

Compitello attended the town board meeting, held on June 12, to offer his services, representing some of the landowners in Stafford. He said he provides workshops for towns that are in moratorium or in the process of updating codes.

He said he would be happy to assist the town board with through the process.

“The first thing to do would not be to have the business man tell us how to do it,” Swanson said.

Driver pleads not guilty to charge of endangering disabled person

By Howard B. Owens

(file photo)

     Nicole Sullivan

A 32-year-old woman accused of endangering a disabled person in an accident on Fargo Road, Stafford, a year ago entered not guilty on a three-count Grand Jury indictment in County Court this morning.

Nicole Kimberly Sullivan, currently of Mt. Morris (in the past year, she's also lived in Wyoming and Perry), is charged with: second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony; endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physical disabled person in the first degree, a Class E felony; and leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it, a Class E felony.

Sullivan has hired David Silverberg to represent her and the attorney told Judge Charles Zambito that he will be filing motions in the case, including a motion to suppress at least one witness statement. A hearing on the motions was set for Aug. 16.

At 2:30 a.m., June 10, 2016, Stafford fire and Mercy medics were dispatched to Fargo Road for a car that had struck a tree.

Only one person, an apparent passenger who had suffered serious injuries, was located in the vehicle. After extricating the passenger and getting him aboard an ambulance, firefighters scoured the area looking for the driver, unsure if the driver had been ejected, had tried to leave the scene but was injured and in need of assistance or exactly what happened.

The assault charge stems from Sullivan's alleged recklessness in driving.

Sullivan allegedly called her husband to come and pick her up and ADA Shirley Gorman told Zambito today that, if not for an alert area resident who spotted her before she was picked up, were deputies able to identify her.

That was one reason Gorman said she opposed in Town of Stafford Court the defendant being released on her own recognizance. She renewed her request today for bail in the case or at least a release under supervision.

Zambito ordered supervision of Sullivan by Genesee Justice. Because Sullivan currently lives in Livingston County, has parents in Wyoming County and her attorney is in Erie County, Zambito amended the release order to allow her to travel in those counties, plus Genesee County.

Law and Order: Suspect caught going through vehicles on Union Street

By Howard B. Owens

Joshua John Dibble, 35, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Dibble was allegedly caught going through vehicles and stealing property on Union Street at 2:37 a.m., Monday.

A 16-year-old resident of Linwood Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, and harassment, 2nd. The youth was arrested in connection with an unspecified incident reported at 3:50 p.m., Saturday.

Danny D. Williams Sr., 28, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Williams was charged following a report of multiple people fighting on Holland Avenue at 7:40 p.m., Thursday. Williams is accused of making violent and aggressive actions toward police and was arrested on the disorderly conduct charge without further issues.

Gary D. Burney, 36, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and burglary, 2nd. Burney allegedly violated a stay-away order by entering a residence on North Spruce Street at 4:22 p.m., Thursday. He was also charged with criminal contempt and harassment second stemming for a reported incident July 11, 2016. He was also charged with harassment, 2nd, criminal contempt, 1st, burglary, 2nd, grand larceny, 4th, and endangering the welfare of a child stemming from an incident reported Nov. 12.

Devon D. Rogers, 30, of Langfield Drive, Buffalo, was charged with burglary, 1st, criminal mischief, 3rd, assault, 3rd, and criminal contempt stemming from an incident reported at 3 a.m., Saturday. He was also arrested on a warrant. Rogers was allegedly at a residence on Pearl Street, Batavia, in violation of a stay-away order. He allegedly became involved in a fight and injured another person. He was ordered held without bail.

Qumane J. Santiago, 18, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with menacing, 2nd. Santiago was arrested after police responded to a report of a disturbance on Central Avenue at 8:45 p.m., Friday. Also arrested, Brandon C. Smart, 39, of Huchins Street, Batavia. He was charged with disorderly conduct. He is accused of trying to start a fight with people walking in the area while in the presence of police officers. Richard G. Hafford, 39, of Liberty Street, Batavia, was also charged with disorderly conduct for also allegedly trying to start a fight.

Tiffany A. Kent, 28, of Wood Street, Batavia, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration, 2nd. Kent allegedly tried to hide her roommate from police when they arrived with a warrant for the roommate's arrest moments after the roommate had been seen entering the residence. Kent allegedly refused to cooperate with police even after several warnings.

Alex J. Ianita, 23, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd. Ianita was allegedly found in possession of brass knuckles at 3:38 p.m., Friday. He was jailed without bail.

Joseph J. Mazzarella, 64, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, and harassment, 2nd. Mazzarella was allegedly involved in an incident where he prevented the other person from contacting emergency dispatchers and pushed the person to the ground. He was jailed on $250 bail. He was also arrested on a warrant.

Charles E. Schmidt, 46, of Alexander Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Schmidt allegedly hit another person while at the Genesee County Fairgrounds at 11 p.m., Saturday.

William Alexander Gruschow II, 37, of Union Street, Spencerport, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Gruschow allegedly passed a note to an employee at Batavia Downs causing the employee to become alarmed.

AR-Rahmaan M. Jones, 36, of East Avenue, Le Roy, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and one count of unlawful possession of marijuana. Jones was arrested by members of the Local Drug Task Force following a stop Friday on Ellicott Street. He also had a warrant for his arrest out of the City of Batavia. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Stafford Firemen's second annual Father's Day Retro Jam & Musicians' Reunion is Sunday

By Billie Owens

The Stafford Firemen's second annual Father's Day Retro Jam & Musicians' Reunion will be held on Sunday, June 18, behind the Stafford Fire Department.

It is located at 6153 Main Road (Route 5).

BBQ starts at 11 and live music starts at 1 p.m. and lasts until 7 o'clock.

There will be hots, burgers and fries available along with soda pop and water.

BYO lawn chair and/or cooler.

Bands scheduled to appear include:

  • SkyCats
  • Ghost Riders
  • TONK! Bros.
  • Ryan & Scott
  • Bake & The Boys
  • Front Porch Pickers
  • KW Does Country
  • plus Friends & Guests!

Good fans, good families, good food, good music, good friends, good times!

Law and Order: Corfu woman convicted of DWI earlier this year, now charged with felony DWI

By Billie Owens

Christina V. Dadey, 43, of Corfu, is facing numerous charges after an investigation following a 9-1-1 call about an erratic driver around 4 p.m. on June 7. Dadey was stopped on Gulf Road in the Village of Wyoming by Wyoming County Sheriff's Deputy Aaron Chase and Sgt. Colin Reagan. They had responded to a call that originated in Genesee County about a vehicle that was all over the road. The vehicle had failed to keep right and the driver was pulled over and a roadside investigation was completed along with field sobriety testing. Dadey was subsequently arrested on suspicion of DWI and transported to the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office where she allegedly supplied a positive BAC or .18 percent or higher. She was charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, failure to use an ignition interlock device and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Dadley was convicted earlier this year of DWI, making this a felony arrest. She was put in Wyoming County Jail on $500 cash bail or $2,000 bond. She is due in Town of Middlebury Court on June 19.

Marissa Marie Yott, 21, of Livingston Street, Warsaw, is charged with second-degree assault. Yott was arrested at 7 p.m. on June 3 on Alleghany Road in Darien after allegedly striking another person in the head with a glass bottle, which caused injury to the victim. Yott was arraigned in Pembroke Town Court and subsequently released under supervision of Genesee Justice pending futher court appearances to be scheduled in Darien Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Graff, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

Jordan David Edenholm, 28, of Gabbey Road, Corfu, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more, first offense; DWI -- first offense; DWAI (driving while ability impaired) -- combined influence of drugs or alcohol and drugs; criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th; and unlawful possession of marijuana. At 7:57 a.m. on June 8, Edenholm was arrested on Griswold Road in Stafford. Following a traffic stop, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies conducted an inventory search of the vehicle and allegedly found a controlled substance and marijuana. The defendant was released on appearance tickets and is due in Stafford Town Court on July 27. The case was handled by Deputy Chad Cummings, assisted by Deputy Andrew Hale.

What's left of Oderkirk barn in Stafford destroyed in controlled burn

By Howard B. Owens

Richard Oderkirk is still growing sunflowers this year, and vegetables and other flowers, but that big old barn that was once the backdrop for a scenic view along Route 33 in Stafford won't be there anymore to provide a touch of history to the six-generation family farm.

The barn was heavily damaged in a storm a couple of winters ago and this morning Stafford fire, with help from Bethany and South Byron, managed a controlled burn on what was left of the structure.

Oderkirk, along with his daughter, who currently lives in the old farmhouse on the property, was there to watch what was left of the century-old barn go up in flames.

Like a lot of old barns that have been lost over the years, this one long ago needed a new roof and it didn't get it, and that's the main reason it fell apart, Oderkirk said. The other barns on the property have been re-roofed.

The roof on this barn was added in 1922, Oderkirk said, because his grandmother for some reason wanted a gable roof on it. Oderkirk said he didn't know why she decided to make the change, but the barn was also enlarged at the time.

"My dad had mentioned the roofers kept the nails in the house so they were warm, so they worked all winter, or part of winter, putting the cedar shingles on," Oderkirk said.

The timber in the beams was still green when they were nailed into place, Oderkirk said, and when the hardwood dried around those nails the wood became hard as rock, he said.

"I can't even pull those nails out now," he said.

Previously: Sunflower farm adds beauty, but grower wants to sell produce

Red Osier Landmark Restaurant launches new state-of-the-art catering trailer

By Maria Pericozzi

Red Osier Landmark Restaurant, located in Stafford, debuted its new state-of-the-art catering trailer on May 31 at the Le Roy Fine Arts Festival.

Owners Steven Foster and Timothy Adams designed the trailer in three days in Tennessee. Foster said they created it based off of the kitchenette at the restaurant.

“We got the idea of a catering trailer and we just thought of going small, but we decided if we’re going to do it, we’re going to go big,” Foster said. “So, we went big.”

Foster said the can serve anything on their restaurant menu from the catering trailer. Each event they cater can choose specifically what will be served for that event.

“This is unlike any food truck in the country,” Foster said. “It is the only one of its kind in the country.”

Adams said they hope to go in the direction of catering private parties, corporate parties, graduation parties and events. Foster said they can serve anything from prime rib sandwiches to prime rib and lobster tails.

Matthew Chiverton is an alumnus from Le Roy Junior/Senior High School, returning five years later as the head chef on board.

Foster said the truck was made to run off of electricity, propane and/or a generator.

“It is absolutely mobile,” Foster said. “We can go out into the middle of nowhere and run this thing.”

Wendy Frongetta, a chef on board, said she is excited about the truck and the opportunities it gives.

“The possibilities are endless with what we can do,” Frongetta said.

The catering trailer will be at the American Warrior Concert on June 2 and 3 at The Ridge in Le Roy, and at the Genesee County Fair from July 17 to 22.

NOTE: The Red Osier Landmark Restaurant in Stafford is not affiliated with Red Osier in Rochester.

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