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Photos: Sunset and moonrise

By Howard B. Owens

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Melinda Hagen shared this picture from a couple of nights ago of the sunset as seen from the Byron-Bergen soccer fields.

Below, yesterday evening's moonrise in Pembroke by Joanne Meiser.

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Kylie Britt of Byron graduated from SUNY Oneonta

By Press Release

Press release:

Kylie Britt of Byron, NY, graduated from SUNY Oneonta with a Master of Science in Education in Educational Technol Specialist .

More than 1,000 graduates completed the requirements for bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and certificates of advanced study.

SUNY Oneonta is a public, four-year college in Central New York, enrolling about 6,000 students in a wide variety of bachelor's degree programs and several graduate certificate and degree programs. The college is known as both an exemplary residential campus that values inclusion, service and sustainability, and a nurturing community where students grow intellectually, thrive socially and live purposefully. Visit https://suny.oneonta.edu/

Byron resident named to Southern New Hampshire University's summer 2021 President's List

By Press Release

Press release:

Jeffrey Maskell of Byron (14422) has been named to Southern New Hampshire University's summer 2021 President's List. Eligibility for the President's List requires that a student accumulate an academic grade point average (GPA) of 3.7-4.0 and earn 12 credits for the term.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution with an 89-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 150,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 accredited undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH. Recognized as the "Most Innovative" regional university by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner. Learn more at www.snhu.edu.

South Byron Chicken BBQ

By Howard B. Owens
South Byron Vol Fire Company Auxiliary, 7389 Byron Holley Road, Byron, is holding a chicken BBQ from 11 a.m. until sold out on Sept. 19. The cost is $12.  Drive-thru only. 250 tickets being sold. 
Event Date and Time
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Byron resident enters guilty plea in welfare fraud case

By Press Release

Press release:

Trina Grimmer, 50, of Byron, pled guilty to one count of petit larceny and was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge in Batavia Town Court on August 17, 2021.

Grimmer was originally charged with six counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing 1st and one count of Grand Larceny 3rd after an investigation by Genesee County Department of Social Services Investigator Dakota Nicholson revealed that she failed to report that her son and his father were also residing in the home.  Grimmer subsequently received $8104.00 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to.

In addition to the reduced charge and conditional discharge, Grimmer was also disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for one year and has made full restitution to the Genesee County Department of Social Services.

Anyone wishing to report suspected cases of Welfare Fraud in Genesee County can contact the Genesee County Department of Social Services Fraud Unit at (585) 344-2590, ext. 6417 or 6541

 

Sheriff's Office trying to locate woman last seen in Byron

By Howard B. Owens

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in locating Madalyn R. Muntz.

Muntz was last seen in the Town of Byron on Aug. 24 in the early morning.

Muntz is not in any trouble. The Sheriff's Office is trying to locate her to make sure she is OK.

If you've seen her or know her whereabouts, call (585) 343-5000 or 911.

UPDATE 10 a.m.: Aug. 26: Muntz has been located and is safe.

House fire reported on Swamp Road, Byron

By Howard B. Owens

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A fully involved house fire is reported at 6718 Swamp Road, Byron.

Byron and South Byron responding. 

A second alarm is called with Bergen, Elba, Oakfield, and the City's Fast Team dispatched.

UPDATE 9:37 p.m.: Per command, all tankers can go back in service.

UPDATE 10:25 p.m.: Fire is out and under control, reports command.

UPDATE 8 a.m.:  Reported by Alecia Kaus: "According to Genesee County Fire investigators, one person was home at the time of the fire. They were able to get out of the house along with the family dog. One cat is still unaccounted for. One other resident who lives in the home was not home at the time. Investigators are looking at a window air conditioning unit as a possible cause of the fire. The home is a total loss. Residents will be staying with family."

Photo by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service

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Byron-Bergen Home Alone Safety Program for Children

By Howard B. Owens

Children ages 7 and up can learn essential life skills for staying home alone at the Byron-Bergen Public Library’s upcoming class. Safety topics covered in the class, held Aug. 17 from 4-6 p.m. include telephone tips, internet safety, first aid, what to do in a power outage, and how to handle other challenges. 

The course fee is $20 cash only.  Participants must register and pay before Aug. 13 at the library or by calling 585-494-1120.  Class size is limited.

Event Date and Time
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Five GC students recognized for academic achievement at SUNY Oswego

By Billie Owens

SUNY Oswego recently recognized Genesee County residents as high academic achievers on its President’s List and dean's list for the Spring 2021 semester.

President's List students are those attaining semester grade-point averages of 3.8 or higher while carrying required academic credits. Students on the President’s List include:

  • Alexis N. Begin, of Corfu, Communication

  • Collin J. Knapp, of Byron, Journalism, History 

  • Chase N. Monachino, of Batavia, History 

Dean's list students are those attaining semester grade-point averages between 3.3 and 3.79 while carrying required academic credits. Students on the dean's list include:

  • Charles T. Burton, of Batavia, Creative Writing

  • Kelsey Kasmarek, of Stafford, Criminal Justice

SUNY Oswego enrolls nearly 8,000 students in more than 110 academic majors across its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Communication, Media and the Arts; and School of Education. For more information, visit oswego.edu.

Fourteen GC students earned degrees in May from RIT

By Billie Owens

 Rochester Institute of Technology conferred more than 4,000 degrees at all of its campuses in the 2020-2021 academic year. Due to New York state COVID-19 occupancy restrictions, commencement was celebrated May 14-15 in smaller ceremonies by college and were livestreamed for graduates' family and friends.

  • Thomas Berggren, of Bergen, received a BS in physics.
  • Tiffani Bragg, of Pavilion, received an ACT in engineering psychology.
  • Jordan D'Alba, of Oakfield, received a BS in mechanical engineering.
  • Mikayla Johnson, of Le Roy, received a BS in biology.
  • Patricia Lane, of Batavia, received an MS in health systems management.
  • David Lapierre, of Oakfield, received a BS in mechanical engineering technology.
  • Melissa Mountain, of Batavia, received a BFA in interior design.
  • Celia Mercovich, of Bergen, received a BS in physics.
  • Don Pangrazio, of Le Roy, received an MS in product development.
  • Alex Rosse, of Byron, received a BS in computing security.
  • Chase Roth, of Alexander, received an AAS in mobile app development.
  • Bailey Russo, of Batavia, received a BS in game design and development.
  • Charlie Stevens, of Le Roy, received a BS in mechanical engineering technology.
  • Cassidy Territo, of Corfu, received an MS in secondary education of students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 18,600 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the U.S.

The university is internationally recognized and ranked for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. RIT also offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. Global partnerships include campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai and Kosovo.

For news, photos and videos, go to www.rit.edu/news.

Combine and field fire reported in Byron

By Howard B. Owens

A combine and field fire is reported off of Townline Road east of Swamp Road in South Byron.

A first responder reports the combine is fully involved.

There is heavy black smoke in the area.

Byron and South Byron dispatched. Mutual aid is requested from Elba.

UPDATE 7:46 p,m.: "Fire is under control. Hitting hot spots."

Occupants of vehicle reportedly flee scene of accident in Byron

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident is reported in the area of 5678 Walkers Corners Road and the occupants of the vehicle have reportedly fled the scene on foot.

The vehicle ran into a tree.

The occupants are described as teenagers. Both fled north before cutting west toward Bank Street Road.

Byron and South Byron fire are responding to the accident.

UPDATE 7:24 p.m.: They're reportedly in a cornfield with shoulder-high stalks limiting visibility.

UPDATE 8 p.m.: There is an ongoing search for the subjects.

UPDATE 8:45 p.m.: "Both subjects secured. No injuries," a first responder reports. Byron and South Byron back in service.

Law and Order: Wilkinson Road man accused of being a child sex predator, first-degree rapist and sex abuser

By Billie Owens
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        Melvin Huntley

Melvin A. Huntley, 40, of Wilkinson Road, Batavia, is charged with: predatory sexual assault against a child; course of conduct against a child in the first degree; first-degree rape; first-degree sex abuse. Huntley was arrested after an investigation into him sexually assaulting a child/children over an extended period of time. He was arraigned July 8 in Town of Batavia Court and put in Genesee County Jail without bail. The investigation is ongoing and further charges are expected. No additional information will be released at this time. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Investigator Howard Carlson, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Donald Ray Read Jr., 49, of Mill Pond Road, Byron, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree -- with a previous conviction; and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree -- an explosive. At 10:09 a.m. on July 6, following the investigation into the alleged possession of a pipe bomb, Read was arrested on the charges. It is alleged that he possessed a knife with metal knuckles on the handle and a separate set of metal knuckles. He was arraigned in Stafford Town Court for Byron Town Court and put in Genesee County Jail. Read is due in Byron Town Court this afternoon at 4 o'clock. Assisting with the investigation was the GC Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division, the GC Drug Enforcement Task Force, the ATF, FBI, Erie County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad, and the GC Probation Department.

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        Brandon Dodd

Brandon Dodd, 34, is charged with second-degree burglary and petit larceny stemming from an investigation into a residential burglary at 8:22 a.m. June 28 on Swan Street, City of Batavia. Dodd is accused of entering another person's apartment and stealing property including an air conditioner and television. This burglary occurred about four hours after Dodd's arrest for stealing an air conditioner from another property on Jackson Street. Dodd was put in Genesee County Jail on $5,000 cash bail, $5,000 bond, or $10,000 partially secured bond.

Brandon Dodd, 34, is charged with petit larceny. It is alleged that at 6:39 p.m. June 29 that Dodd entered a business on East Main Street in Batavia and stole about $300 worth of cigarettes. He was issued an appearance ticket while incarcerated in GC Jail on unrelated charges. He is due in Batavia City Court on July 27 to answer this charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Brandon Dodd, 34, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. At 4:42 a.m. June 28, Dodd was arrested on Ganson Avenue after an investigation into an allegation that he took an air conditioning unit out of a window on Jackson Street in the City of Batavia. While being searched by a Batavia Police officer, a crack pipe was allegedly found on Dodd's person.

Ernest J. Parry, 40, is charged with trespass. He is alleged to remained on the premises of a business of Park Road in Batavia at 10:20 a.m. July 2 after being told to leave by security staff several times during out outdoor concert. He was issued a ticket to be in Batavia City Court July 13, no time provided, then released.

Andrew Martin, 43, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He responded to BPD headquarters at 5:04 p.m. July 3 and was issued an appearance ticket after an alleged violation of an order of protection. He is due in city court on July 21.

Tierance Davis Sr., 34, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested on a warrant out of Batavia City Court stemming from an incident June 9 in which he was allegedly located at a residence of a person who had an order of protection against him. He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and was due in court today (July 12); time not provided.

Michael Jackson Jr., 40, is charged with: second-degree assault; third-degree assault; second-degree strangulation; criminal obstruction of breathing; and unlawful imprisonment in the first degree. He was arrested July 2 in connection to an incident at 1:30 a.m. on June 10 on Hutchins Place. He was located by Greece PD with two warrants for his arrest out of Batavia City Court. He was arraigned in city court, held at GC Jail and is due to return to city court on July 29.

Robert Gerety, 48, is charged with aggravated family offense. He was arrested at 9:48 p.m. Feb. 28 on West Main Street, Batavia. He responded to Batavia PD headquarters on his own accord after allegedly violating a stay away order of protection while involved in a traffic stop. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court July 2 then released on his own recognizance.

Samantha Lawrence, 31, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. She was arrested June 29 after an investigation into an incident at 10 a.m. June 27 in which she is accused of violating an order of protection. It is alleged that she showed up to a protected party's workplace and that she had contact with the protected person. She was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on an unspecified date.

Christopher J. Wiegman, 32, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree -- criminal possession of a hypodermic needled. Wiegman was arrested July 3 at 10:12 a.m. in Bergen stemming from an incident May 10 on Raymond Avenue following the results of a drug report from the Monroe County Crime Laboratory. It is alleged that he possessed nine hypodermic needles and cocaine residue after a Genesee County Probation home search. Wiegman is due back in Batavia City Court on July 20.

Rae Cook, 32, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 1:55 p.m. July 6 on North Lyons Street in the City of Batavia following an unspecified incident. Cook is due on July 27 in city court.

Crystal Marsceill, 40, is charged with petit larceny. Marsceill was arrested at 4:22 a.m. June 28 following an incident outside a Batavia residence on Jackson Street. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on July 13.

Jose Castro, 36, is charged with unlawful possession of fireworks.He was arrested at 8:30 p.m. on June 29 on Willow Street in the City of Batavia after allegedly setting off fireworks. Castro was issued an appearance ticket  for a later date, unspecified, in city court.

Matthew Zakrewski, no age provided, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration. Zakrewski was arrested on a warrant stemming from an incident at 9:26 p.m. June 28, 2019, on Osterhout Avenue in the City of Batavia. The original charge is based on an incident where the defendant allegedly fled from officers in an attempt to avoid arrest. He was scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on July 6.

Jon Charles Brooks, 51, of Vroom Road, Spencerport, is charged with: aggravated DWI: per se -- with a BAC of .18 percent or more -- no priors; driving while intoxicated -- first offense; and failure to keep right on a two-lane road. At 3:18 p.m. on July 10 on Clinton Street Road in Bergen, Brooks was arrested after a traffic stop for a vehicle and traffic law violation. He is due in Town of Bergen Court on Aug. 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

Gregory Solomonidis, no age provided, is charged with driving while intoxicated. He is accused of driving while having a BAC of .08 percent or more at 5:02 a.m. July 3 on East Main Street in Batavia. During the investigation, it was allegedly revealed that he was involved in an altercation and that he was intoxicated. Solomonidis was arrested, then issued traffic tickets and released.

John Wesley Harding, 64, of West Bank Street, Albion, is charged with petit larceny. Harding was arrested at 3:40 p.m. July 9 at Walmart in Batavia after deputies responded there for a reported larceny complaint of $27.72 in merchandise. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on July 26. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre.

Power outage reported on east side of Batavia into Stafford, Bethany, and Byron

By Howard B. Owens

A power outage affecting more than 4,600 National Grid customers is reported in the northeast section of Batavia into Byron, Stafford and East Bethany.

A crew has yet to be assigned. There is not yet an ETA for repairs.

A dispatcher informed Batavia PD that several traffic lights are not functioning in the area.

UPDATE 11:08 a.m.: Dispatch has received calls from people concerned about the light being out at Route 33 and Batavia Stafford Townline Road. The concern is that people "coming over the hill" will not see the lights are out. A trooper is advised but the dispatcher said callers have been advised multiple lights are out in the area and law enforcement may not be available for that specific intersection.

UPDATE 11:21 a.m.: Statement from Batavia PD: "There is currently a power outage affecting some areas of the City. Remember that if you approach a traffic signal that is not functioning to treat it as a 4-way stop."

UPDATE 11:30 a.m.: The estimated power restoration time for the Batavia-to-Byron outage is 1:15 p.m. For the outage to the east, the restoration time estimate is 12:45 p.m.

UPDATE Noon: Statement from National Grid -- "Earlier today a faulty piece of equipment at a substation resulted in the loss of electricity service for around 4,800 customers in the Batavia area. Our crews are making repairs and they should all be restored at around 1 p.m."

UPDATE 1:41 p.m.: It appears power has been restored to both areas.

Election results released in three GOP primaries

By Howard B. Owens

Town of Bethany Justice – Vote for any Two (Republican)

  • Peggy Johnson -- 23
  • Nichole Szymkowiak -- 37
  • Christopher Hausfelder -- 27
  • Jeff Wolak -- 58
  • Joseph Nowakowski -- 63

Town of Byron Supervisor – Vote for One (Republican)

  • Gerald L. Heins -- 78
  • Peter N. Yasses -- 82

Town of Stafford Clerk – Vote for One (Republican)

  • Julie Scheuerlein -- 33 
  • Barbara L. Radley -- 181

Early voting site has changed for Republican primary voters in Bethany, Byron and Stafford

By Press Release

Press release:

Press release:

EARLY VOTING REMINDER to Republican Primary Voters in Bethany, Byron and Stafford

The location for Early Voting has changed. Early Voting has moved from County Building #2 to the ARC Community Center, 38 Woodrow Road, Batavia.

Contests are ONLY for registered Republicans in Bethany, Byron and Stafford. No other jurisdictions have contests.

Registered Republican voters from those three communities can plan to vote early, if they wish, at the ARC Community Center during the following dates and times:

  • June 12 -- 12 to 5 p.m.
  • June 13 -- 12 to 5 p.m.
  • June 14 -- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • June 15 -- 12 to 8 p.m.
  • June 16 -- 12 to 8 p.m.
  • June 17 -- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • June 18 -- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • June 19 -- 12 to 5 p.m.
  • June 20 -- 12 to 5 p.m.

Primary Election Day is Tuesday, June 22nd, from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. for the Republican contests in the three jurisdictions: Bethany (Bethany Community Center 10510 Bethany Center Road); Byron (Byron Town Hall, 7028 Route 237); and Stafford (New Town Hall, 8903 Route 237).

There are no contests in any other Genesee County towns or in the city.

Law and Order: Woman accused of subjecting victim to physical harm and yelling racial slurs at theme park

By Billie Owens

Haley Christine Keyser, 35, of Strasbourg Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with aggravated harassment -- physical contact due to race, and disorderly conduct. Following a complaint at Six Flags Darien Lake at 5:28 p.m. May 30, Keyser was arrested. She allegedly subjected a victim to physical harm, yelled obscenities and racial slurs in a public place. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Darien Town Court on June 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

Matthew Jacob Zon, 39, of East Main Street, Byron, is charged with criminal contempt in the first degree and criminal obstruction of breathing. He was arrested at 6:35 p.m. May 29 after a disturbance on East Main Street in the Town of Byron. Zon was arraigned in Town of Stafford Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $2,500 cash, $5,000 bond, or $15,000 partially secured bond. Zon is due in Genesee County Court on June 28. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Deputy Kyle Tower.

Tevin Bloom, 27, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, second-degree harassment and criminal mischief. At 9 p.m. on May 20, Bloom was arrested after an investigation into a domestic incident where Bloom was allegedly involved in a physical altercation. He allegedly damaged property inside the victim's apartment. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and is due there June 23.

Dustin Wilcox, 36, was arrested on May 20 by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post and charged with disorderly conduct. It is alleged that he was involved in a fight on Washington Avenue. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court today (June 1).

Lawrence Boone, 30, was arrested outside a Batavia residence after being located by police May 20; he is charged with disorderly conduct. It is alleged that he physically fought another male in the street. Boone was due in Batavia City Court on May 25.

Rachel Baehr, 34, was arrested May 21 and charged with second-degree harassment and endangering the welfare of a child. At 2:57 p.m. May 14 on Oak Street, it is alleged Baehr was involved in a physical altercation during a domestic incident. She was issued an appearance ticket for a future date in Batavia City Court.

Kevin Thomas, 32, turned himself in on numerous active warrants May 18 and was arraigned in Batavia City Court. He is charged with burglary in the second degree, criminal contempt in the second degree, criminal mischief in the fourth degree, criminal mischief in the third degree; endangering the welfare of a child; and first-degree criminal contempt. The charges stem from a domestic incident that occurred May 4 on Walnut Street. Bail was set at $1 and Thomas is due back in court June 22.

Ray Spencer-Lindqui Saile, 19, of Judge Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with second-degree menacing. On May 28 at 3:45 a.m., the dispatch center received a report of a domestic incident involving a knife on Bloomingdale Road in Alabama. An investigation at the scene allegedly revealed the defendant possessed a knife, which caused the victim to fear being injured. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Sgt. Michael Lute.

Ernest Jerome Heineman, 40, of Old Creek Road, Alexander, is charged with aggravated harassment in the second-degree. At 3 a.m. on May 30, Heineman was arrested for an incident that occurred at 7:30 p.m. May 1 on Old Creek Road. It is alleged that he sent threatening text messages to a person, causing them to fear for their safety. He was arraigned in Alexander Town Court and he was served with an order of protection. He is due in Genesee County Court July 13. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Deputy Jordan Alejandro.

Stephanie Lynn Salcido, 31, of Walden Creek Drive, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of drugs and alcohol; driving a motor vehicle on a sidewalk; failure to stop at a stop sign; and failure to keep right. At 11 p.m. on May 30, Salcido was arrested on the charges. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on June 16. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

Zachari Morgan, 25, is charged with second-degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. He was arrested May 26 at DeWitt Recreation Area after he allegedly threw a rock at another person, striking them in the head during an altercation. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. Then on May 27, Morgan was arrested and charged with third-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child. It is alleged that at 5:11 p.m. on May 25, Morgan slapped and threw a person to the ground, causing injury, during a domestic incident at DeWitt Recreation Area. He was arraigned in city court and released on his own recognizance. Morgan is due back in court July 8.

Modesto Domingo-Cardenas, 27, is charged with unlawful imprisonment in the second degree and harassment in the second degree. He was arrested after a domestic incident at 1:15 p.m. May 25 on Pearl Street in Batavia. It is alleged that he slapped a person and then attempted to prevent them from leaving the residence. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court July 1.

Thomas Martin, 80, is charged with third-degree menacing following a dispute at 5:04 p.m. May 26 on McKinley Avenue. Martin allegedly threatened another male. He was issued an appearance ticket for June 1 in Batavia City Court.

Eric Gant Jemison, 48, of West Center Street, Medina, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more -- first offense; driving while intoxicated -- first offense; operating a motor vehicle without stop lights. At 9:05 p.m. on May 28, Jemison was arrested after deputies responded to Judge Road in Alabama for a complaint of a vehicle that struck a stop sign and drove away. Deputies located the vehicle a short time later. Jemison was released with appearance tickets for June 8 in Alabama Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Kyle Tower. 

Timothy James Passage, 37, of Squire Court, Amherst, is charged with possession of a forged instrument in the first degree. At 12:22 p.m. on May 28, Passage was arrested on a warrant out of Town of Pembroke Court. He allegedly passed a fake U.S. $20 bill while at Tim Hortons in Pembroke. He was transported to Genesee County Jail to be arraigned virtually. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Deputy Chad Cummings.

Joseph Freeman, 38, and Lynn Homer, 48, were arrested on warrants out of Batavia City Court at 3:38 p.m. April 28. It is alleged that they stole while together at a local business. They were arraigned in city court then released under supervision of Genesee Justice. Freeman is due back in court June 23; Homer is due back in court June 24. 

Kyle Shea, 26, was arrested May 20 on a warrant out of Batavia City Court for failure to appear after appearance tickets were served. It is alleged that Shea was driving a motor vehicle on Aug. 9 on Willow Street while his driver's license was suspended and so was the vehicle's registration. Shea turned himself in, was arraigned in city court, and the matter was resolved by plea. No further court proceedings are pending.

Paul Schwartzmeyer, 42, was arrested and charged with having a dog running at large. It is alleged that at 8:05 p.m. May 18 at an apartment complex parking lot, Schwartzmeyer allowed his dog to run at large and it attacked another dog. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on June 15.

Updates on road work the next few weeks in Genesee County

By Press Release

From Laura A. Wadhams, P.E., assistant county engineer:

Here are updates for construction and road work that will be happening in Genesee County in the next few weeks.

  • The Tower Hill Road Bridge west of Searls Road in Byron will be closing June 1 for a bridge replacement project. This project is expected to take three and a half months. The road will not be passable to regular traffic or emergency vehicles.
  • The County Highway Department will be doing work on June 1st and June 2nd on Swamp Road in Bergen between West Sweden Road and the Village line. The road will be closed during the day and reopened at night.
  • On June 3nd and 4th the Highway Department will be doing work on Cook Road in Pavilion between Route 63 and Route 20. The road will be closed during the day and reopened at night.

UPDATED: Vehicle fire in driveway near trailer reported in Byron

By Billie Owens

A vehicle fire in the driveway with several exposures is reported at 6485 Byron Holley Road, Byron. It is near a trailer.

The location is between North Byron Road and North Bergen Road.

Byron Fire Department is in command and South Bryon arrived for mutual aid. Elba is en route with fire police for traffic control.

Command calls for Route 237 and North Byron Road to be shut down.

UPDATE 3:38 p.m.: Byron command advises Elba that fire police are needed at Pumpkin Hill -- Route 237 at Byron Road, and also at Searles and North Bergen roads.

UPDATE 3:48 p.m.: Command also wants fire police stationed at Byron and Warboys roads. Bergen is standing by in Byron's fire hall.

UPDATE 3:49 p.m.: Mercy medics are called to the scene in nonemergency mode.

UPDATE May 20: The daughter-in-law of the vehicle owner sent us these photos of the burned-out vehicle and an email identifying it as a brand-new Buick Encore with only 300 miles on it.

She wrote: "Owner, Arnold Brakenbury, 81, of Cockram Road, Byron, had just turned off the vehicle and exited moments before it burst into flames. This is a 2021 model, which was not part of GM’s recent massive recall for a part causing transmission oil leaks and a number of vehicle fires. Perhaps GM did not resolve the problem, as it claimed, and should expand its recall?"

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