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Elba student earns High Honors at University of New Hampshire

By Billie Owens

Lauren Burhans, of Elba, has earned High Honors for the spring semester of the 2011-2012 academic year at the University of New Hampshire.

Students named to the Deans' List at the University of New Hamsphire have earned recognition through their superior scholastic performance. Students with a 3.5 to 3.69 average are awarded high honors.

Forty-five local students make the Deans' List at SUNY Brockport

By Billie Owens

The College at Brockport, State University of New York, recently honored students who excelled academically by naming them to the Deans' List for the Spring 2012 semester. Students who earn a GPA of 3.70–3.99 are named to the Deans' List with Honors (***), while students who achieve a 3.40–3.69 are named to the Deans' List.

The honorees, and their hometowns, are:

Basom

Krystal Rivers

Lori Stellrecht

Bergen

Mary Cocking

***Joanna Menzie

***Samantha Elliott

***Melanie Monroe

***Shane Chatham

Danielle Lovett

Kathleen Lovett

Harjit Singh

***Brian Burgay

Byron

***Patricia Johnston

Melissa Dilcher

Melissa Hale

Darren Kwiatkowski

Capri Sullivan

Corfu

Casey Herman

East Bethany

Amanda Boulden

Elba

Torianne Cavallo

Bronson Cole

Le Roy

***Danielle Ford

***Gena Korn

***Antonio Madau

***Christina Mancuso

***Joseph Patton

***Emily Kovatch

***Abigail Graham

Katlyn Brooks

Chelsea Dillon

Chelsey Macomber

James Mangefrida

Jason McElroy

Danielle Merica

Joel Pitts

Justin Toland

***Lyman Rhodes

***Katherine Rogers

Oakfield

Kristen Casper

***Samantha Denton

Zackary Kibler

Shelby Kielbasa

Pavilion

***Theresa Raponi

Sarah Merritt

South Byron

Kallee Stein

Stafford

***James Mignano


The College at Brockport offers 50 undergraduate majors, more than 40 graduate programs as well as 24 teacher certification programs. The college has been rated among the "Best in the Northeast" by The Princeton Review, a "Best Regional University" by U.S. News & World Report, and a "Best Value" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.

NFL-sponsored camp in Elba teaches that football is more than just the game

By Howard B. Owens

Over the past five days, 400 boys from throughout the GLOW region were in Elba to do something that doesn't happen much in June -- practice football.

But that's not all the camp was about. The players also were given talks on a few life lessons, such as integrity, good grades and time management.

The camp is jointly sponsored by the NFL and the National Guard and organized by local coaches.

"The NFL and National Guard have gone off chart (on funding the camp)," said Dan Geiger, now an assistant coach with Elba/Byron-Bergen. "No other professional sports program is that willing to put out this kind of money to really go after what they claim is their goal. You know, they talk about character, well they put their money where their mouth is and provide a camp like this."

The players don't need to spend a cent on the camp and the sponsors provide jerseys and workbooks that serve as a time-management tool (mainly, it's a calendar) along with advice on everything from homework tips to exam advice, an NCAA eligibility guide plus action shots of NFL players.

"There’s a lot of great football going on here, a lot of great football learning, but on top of that, there’s a lot of every night the kids learn about character and integrity," Geiger said.

At 400 participants, the local camp is almost certainly the best attended in New York and perhaps the United States.

The week began Sunday night with a some guest speakers, both motivational and inspirational, and players said they found the talks meaningful.

"I personally like the guest speakers," said Nate Jonathan, a senior defensive end from Alexander. "I think it’s cool – a little motivational stuff."

Alton Rupp, a junior fullback and outside linebacker from Alexander, said one inspirational speaker was especially touching.

"Recently my mom passed away," Rupp said. "It kind of helped me because yesterday we talked a little about faith. I believe that my mom is still with me, so it kind of helps out a little bit. I’m doing this right now to help get better for the season and just help make my faith for the season a little bit better."

Austin Schroeder, a senior from Oakfield-Alabama, focused most on the football aspect of the camp.

"It's awesome how many kids are here and it’s set up really cool," Schroeder said. "I get to practice fundamentals of the line that I need to and it's nice to be able to hit before the season."

Asked how much he loved football, Schroeder said, "It's the only sport I play, so that sums it up, I guess."

The camp is one of about 180 throughout the nation and Elba/Byron-Bergen Head Coach Mike Cintorino said teams participating this year came not only from his school, but Batavia, Alexander, Alabama-Oakfield, Holley, Brockport, Albion and Barker/Roy-Hart (Gasport).

Area college football coaches Rocco Salomone, of Buffalo State, and Buddy Sims, of St. John Fisher, also helped out with the camp, Cintorino said.

"It gives them a chance to come out and talk to the kids and tell them what they’re looking for, not just as an athlete but also for students," Cintorino said. "(They tell them) the fact that you’ve got to be a good kid and have to do well in the academics to get into the school."

Geiger said the camp, which he started promoting a few years when was coaching the Batavia Blue Devils, is so popular because so many coaches in the area support and believe in the lessons it aims to teach the boys.

Cintorino said he hopes it's those life lessons that have the most impact on the players.

"We talk about how there’s more to football than just the game," Cintorino said. "There’s a lot of life lessons to be learned -- teamwork, trust, relationships, integrity, honesty, character -- all of those things, so I hope that first and foremost they get to take that way from it."

Shed fire on Ivison Road, Byron

By Billie Owens

A shed fire is reported at 7410 Ivison Road in Byron. It is connected (or close) to a barn. Byron, South Byron and Bergen fire departments are responding.

UPDATE 7:01 p.m.: Elba is called to stand in at the Byron Fire Hall.

UPDATE 7:04 p.m.: Firefighters on scene report smoke is showing. The location is between Gillett and Freeman roads.

UPDATE 7:08 p.m.: The response from Elba and Bergen is cancelled.

UPDATE 7:14 p.m.: This was actually a tractor on fire, which was parked in the shed. The fire is out and the tractor has been removed from the shed. The inside of the shed has been hosed down.

UPDATE 7:21 p.m.: Byron is back in service. South Byron is remaining until the scene is picked up/cleaned up.

Man cut in fight on Oak Orchard Road, Elba

By Billie Owens

Medics are responding to aid a man who received a laceration in a fight at 7614 Oak Orchard Road in Elba. When the call came in, the dispatcher said the altercation "sounds very violent." Law enforcement is on scene. Elba Fire Department is also responding.

UPDATE 2:32 p.m.: The man is being taken to UMMC with several cuts on his right arm. Elba is back in service.

Gas line leak reported in Village of Elba

By Howard B. Owens

A gas line has been struck and is leaking in the back yard of 35 N. Main St., Elba.

Elba fire dispatched.

UPDATE 4:55 p.m.: Elba fire still on scene, awaiting arrival of National Fuel.

UPDATE 5:43 p.m.: Elba back in service.


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GCC learning specialist honored by the Nioga Library System

By Billie Owens

A community project aimed at encouraging reading for pleasure and building relationships has earned kudos for a learning specialist at Genesee Community College.

Sue Chiddy, of Elba, was honored recently by the Nioga Library System for her efforts to engage GCC with the public library initiative called "A Tale for Three Counties." The outreach project encourages people to read a chosen book, discuss it with friends and neighbors at local libraries or in chance meetings on the street, and then meet the author at the conclusion of the program.

It was launched by public libraries in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties nine years ago, and Chiddy brought the college onboard in 2005. Her efforts earned her Nioga's Outreach Award, which was given to her during the Nioga Board of Trustee's annual dinner last month at Terry Hills Banquet Facility in Batavia.

Chiddy helps GCC students embrace reading for pleasure through the college's developmental reading classes. She says "A Tale for Three Counties" is a dynamic and motivating program that she hopes instills the value of reading in her students, and motivates them to build relationships by discussing what they've read with classmates and neighbors.

"I am honored to receive the award, but I feel honored every time I notice students, faculty and staff reading the year's selected 'Tale for Three Counties' book," Chiddy said. "It's a pleasure to see the college community participating in the community at large."

The award, which includes a $75 honorarium to be used for the purchase of library materials to further outreach goals, is granted to nominees who show a commitment to providing library services to populations that have limited access to such services.

This past year, GCC's participation included the reading of Yannick Murphy's "The Call," which details the life of a small town veterinarian. Instructors in 21 of GCC's classes used the book as a learning resource and the library distributed more than 400 copies.

Local student athletes named to NJCAA Academic All-Region List

By Billie Owens

Several student-athletes from Genesee Community College were named to the NJCAA Academic All-Region List for the 2011-2012 athletic seasons. Students honored on the NJCAA Academic All-Region List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a grade point average of 3.5 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

Those who made the list include:

  • Summer Bliss, of Bethany, a member of the women's soccer team;
  • Lauren Hughes, of Elba, a member of the volleyball and swimming and diving teams;
  • Cody Niccloy, of Le Roy, a member of the men's soccer team;
  • Emily Mott, of Oakfield, a member of the swimming and diving team;
  • Lindsay Chatt, of Oakfield, a member of the softball team;
  • Amanda Brown, of Bergen, a member of the women's soccer team.

Genesee Community College Athletics Program endeavors to provide a quality and competitive intercollegiate athletics program consistent with the National Junior Collegiate Athletics Association (NJCAA) philosophy and the overall educational mission of Genesee Community College.

Participation in collegiate athletics should be an extension of the total educational experience for the student athlete. The inherent philosophy emphasizes the athletic setting as a classroom used to teach character, commitment, work ethic, respect for differences, and the importance of sacrifice, teamwork and cooperation.

For further information and pictures go to Genesee's Athletic Web page, which is updated regularly with game results, team rosters, photographs and information about Genesee's overall athletic program. http://www.genesee.edu/athletics

Law and Order: Swan Street resident accused of not returning rental items

By Howard B. Owens

Darrel R. Scroger, 34, of 8 Swan St., Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd. Scroger is accused of renting more than $3,000 in property from a local rental store and then failing to abide by the rental agreement. When the store tried to recover the items, it was discovered that Scroger apparently no longer has the items. Scroger was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Brandon J. March, 27, of 15 James St., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 4th. March is accused of damaging property of a person who was protected under a "no offensive conduct" order of protection.

Cory James Hemmer, 28, of South Main Street, Elba, is charged with unlawful imprisonment, 2nd, coercion, 2nd, harassment, 2nd. Hemmer turned himself in on an arrest warrant for the listed charges, which stem from an incident reported May 30. Hemmer was jailed on $2,000 bail or $5,000 bond.

Garage fire on Pearl Street

By Billie Owens

A garage fire, with heavy smoke showing, is reported at 33 Pearl St. City fire is responding. It's now a second alarm.

UPDATE 1:42 p.m.: A responder on scene says the fire is fully involved. There are no people inside. There is some fire exposure to an adjacent structure. Alexander's Fast Team is called to the scene and the Town of Batavia will send a fire crew to fill in at the city station. Two mercy rigs are called in case needed.

UPDATE 1:45 p.m.: Now they are saying people are believed to be still inside the structure on the second floor.

UPDATE 1:49 p.m.: Elba's "Cascade" is called to the scene.

UPDATE 1:50 p.m.: The fire has spread to the house. The location is between Franklin Street and Brooklyn Avenue.

UPDATE 1:53 p.m.: The fire inside has been knocked down.

UPDATE 1:54 p.m.: A truck at the site is also on fire.

UPDATE 2:05 p.m.: They've confirmed that there's no one inside the structure. National Grid is called to the scene.

UPDATE 2:09 p.m.: They checked for extension into the small attic. There is smoke and heat, but no flames.

UPDATE 2:16 p.m.: The Salvation Army is called to provide cold drinks at the scene.

UPDATE 2:22 p.m.: Power to the structure has been disconnected. The American Red Cross is called to provide housing for five adults.

UPDATE 2:28 p.m.: City command reports that the fire is under control.

UUPDATE 2:41 p.m.: Three cats and one puppy are unaccounted for. The three cats lived in the downstairs unit and the puppy lived in the upper apartment, where the fire extension occurred.

UPDATE 2:58 p.m.: The cats are actually kittens, and two of the three have been rescued.

UPDATE 3:07 p.m.: All three cats have been rescued -- only two were kittens. No word still on the pup.

UPDATE 3:16 p.m.: Residents of the building say more than five people lived there. They say five lived upstairs, three lived downstairs and two in the basement. The fire started in the garage. Two people are being interviewed at the police station.

UPDATE 3:27 p.m.: Town of Batavia and Elba are back in service, and so is East Pembroke, which filled in at the town's station.

UPDATE 4:03 p.m. (by Howard): As of about 20 minutes ago, the puppy had not been located. It's a 10-week-old chihuahua.

UPDATE 4:16 p.m. (by Howard): City building inspector requested to the scene.

UPDATE 4:25 p.m.: Ladder 15 and Engine 12 are back in service. Others from city station remain at the scene to continue their investigation. The code enforcement officer is there. Regretably, the puppy was found. He didn't make it.

UPDATE 5:05 p.m.: Engine 14 is back in service.

'Best and brightest sixth-grade math and science minds' honored today at GCC

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The best and brightest sixth-grade math and science minds in the GLOW region were honored during an awards breakfast at Genesee Community College today.

In February, school districts across the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming county region nominated 70 students for the inaugural cohort of the Math Science Preparatory Program at GCC. Embedded within the competitive application process was an opportunity for two students to earn a full scholarship to Math Science Preparatory Program at GCC for their first year in the program.

Two students were selected from among 21 Scholar of the Year finalists to win the first-ever award, and all the finalists were recognized today (May 29, 2012). The scholarship winners and 2012 Inaugural Math Science Scholars of the Year are Triton Adamski of Pembroke Central School, and Kiera Gross of Pavilion Central School.

Triton earned the highest score in the competition by performing exceptionally well on the competitive placement examination (placing into college-level mathematics). Combined with his excellent classroom grades in math and science, a thoughtful essay on the role of LEGOS ® in the better understanding of math and science, and an educational Powerpoint presentation, Triton clearly earned top honors. Triton also received awards for reading and character, and has been asked to tutor younger students in reading and math. He is an active member in team sports, his school's band, and the SADD club at Pembroke. Triton's mother, Denise Adamski, told the ACE program that he is looking forward to a wonderful and challenging experience at Genesee Community College.

Kiera demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the scientific method with her essay about the use of crash-test dummies in safety experiments. An active sixth grader at Pavilion Central School, Kiera is a member of PageTurners, as well as Sixth-Grade Band and Chorus. Kiera is also a black stripe belt at Cain's Taekwondo Academy, where she is a member of SMAC Competition Team and GOLD (Guidance on Leadership Development) Team. She also helps run craft activities for kids in grades one through four in Kids Count Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at Akron Free Methodist Church. She is a Cadette Girl Scout and a member of 4-H. She enjoys caring for animals, camping, and making her own science experiments.

ACE program specialist Karlyn M. Finucane says she and other members of the GCC ACE team are looking forward to working with all of the students who were nominated for the Math Science Preparatory Award throughout the next several years.

"While the inaugural cohort was limited to 48 students, the overall quality of the applicants and overwhelming interest expressed by the community for this type of program has prompted the research and development of several additional math and science enrichment opportunities to meet the educational needs of our region's top performing students," says Finucane.

In alphabetical order, students nominated by their school districts in Genesee County for the Math Science Preparatory Program include:

•    Triton Adamski, Pembroke Central School *◦§

•    Landon Bish, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School *

•    Logan Cadieux, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School *◦§

•    Kim Davis, Pavilion Central School ◦

•    Cassandra DeLelys, Elba Central School ◦

•    Trevor Fitzgibbon, Alexander Central School *◦§

•    Samantha Gibbs, Alexander Central School

•    Cassidy Graham, Alexander Central School ◦

•    Kiera Gross, Pavilion Central School *◦§

•    Cameron Hausfelder, Alexander Central School *

•    Gabrielle Havens, Batavia Middle School *

•    Kelsey Hilburger, Elba Central School ◦ *

•    Madison Hoerbelt, Batavia Middle School

•    Lauren Hume, Alexander Central School ◦

•    Ethan Hutchins, Batavia Middle School *◦§

•    Tara Jagodzinski, Pavilion Central School *◦§

•    Logan Kellogg, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School

•    Jora Kusmierski, Alexander Central School

•    Jay Lewis, Batavia Middle School *

•    Nathan Loria, Batavia Middle School ◦ *

•    Michal Lullo, Batavia Middle School *

•    Joseph Marchese, Batavia Middle School

•    Aaron Michalak, Batavia Middle School *◦§

•    Christa Moscicki, Batavia Middle School

•    Madison Murray, Batavia Middle School ◦

•    Jason Normandin, Pavilion Central School ◦ *

•    Callee Norton, Elba Central School ◦

•    Anand Patel, Batavia Middle School *

•    Benjamin Pflaumer, Elba Central School ◦

•    Justina Pruski, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School ◦ *

•    Lauren Reding, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School ◦ *

•    Erik Scharlau, Alexander Central School

•    Kylie Schlagenhauf, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School ◦

•    Jordyn Schmidt, Batavia Middle School

•    Trevor Schoonover, Pavilion Central School ◦

•    Chloe Schrier, Pavilion Central School ◦

•    Edward Skalny, Batavia Middle School *◦§

•    Benjamin Slenker, Alexander Central School *◦§

•    Job Smith, Alexander Central School ◦

•    Ethan Stone, Pembroke Central School *◦§

•    Nicholas Ventola, St. Joseph's School *◦§

•    Grace Vogler, Pembroke Central School *◦§

•    Moira Werner, St. Joseph's School ◦

•    Emma Whalen, Pavilion Central School ◦

•    Claire Zickl, Batavia Middle School *◦§

•    Bethany Zwolinski, Pembroke Central School ◦

Key:

* Accepted for Math Science Preparatory Program

◦ Nominated for Math Science Scholar of the Year Award

◦§ Award Finalist

Multiple cars sideswiped in Elba

By Billie Owens

Multiple vehicles are reportedly involved in an accident in Elba on North Main Street, north of Mechanic Street. A Sheriff's deputy is on scene and Elba firefighters are responding. A female driver allegedly sideswiped a number of vehicles after her car's brakes failed.

Six local students graduate from RIT

By Billie Owens

The following local residents graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology in winter 2011–2012 quarter:

•     Jamie Braswell, of Le Roy, earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from RIT's College of Science.

•     Andrew Darling, of Stafford, earned a master of science degree in Bioinformatics from RIT's College of Science.

•     Kathryn Shaver, of Corfu, earned a bachelor of science degree in ASL-English Interpretation from RIT's National Technical Institute for the Deaf.

•     Christine Snell, of Le Roy, earned an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Project Management from RIT's Center for Multidisciplinary Studies.

•     Kyle Stacy, of Elba, earned a bachelor of science degree in Computer Engineering Technology from RIT's College of Applied Science and Technology.

•     Benjamin Stauber, of Le Roy, earned a bachelor of science degree in Biotechnology from RIT's College of Science.

Rochester Institute of Technology is internationally recognized for academic leadership in computing, engineering, imaging science, sustainability, and fine and applied arts, in addition to unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Elba student earns master's degree from University of Vermont

By Billie Owens

Nicole Shufelt, of Elba, received a master of science degree in Geology within the Graduate College during May commencement ceremonies at the University of Vermont.

Chartered in 1791, UVM was the first college or university in the United States that did not give preference to a religious sect in its charter and the first to allow women to join Phi Beta Kappa. As a small, comprehensive university, it blends the academic heritage of a private university with services missions in the land-grant tradition.

Norton Road resident prizes 103-year-old postcard showing her house

By Howard B. Owens

There's an old shack stuck far back in the woods off Norton Road in Elba. I've photographed it before, but wasn't entirely pleased with the results.

As I drove down Norton this evening, I saw the shack, but the field that last year was full of wildflowers was plowed. The shack was still in a wooded area, surrounded by flowers. I then noticed a woman watering some plants in her front yard, so I stopped to ask if I could go on her property (to get the right vantage point) to make a photograph.

I introduced myself and, yes, Charline Shultz reads The Batavian.

We chatted a second and Charlene told me she had an old postcard of Norton Road. It shows her house, which was built in 1812. Charlene said a friend happened across the postcard on Ebay and bought it for her.

The back of the card reads: "The view as we see it from our home looking south.  The church in the distance is where Mr. Kellogg preached when we knew him.  With best wishes and warm regards, Mary Norton, Elba, N.Y., Dec. 25, 1908."

It was apparently contained in a letter sent by Mary Norton to a friend in California, and now it's back in New York more then 100 years later on the road where it started.

Photos: A drive through Elba

By Howard B. Owens

Really, without a plan, I found myself in Elba late this afternoon, and then my drive back to Batavia took a few twists and turns. Here are some pictures from the drive.

Above, a red barn on Ford Road.

My intention was to take a picture of the tree to the left. The cows either thought I had food or are eager to get on camera and they came running over toward Route 262.

The McCoys on Norton Road gave me permission to walk into their back yard and take a picture of this old barn, which turns out to be just over the property line and actually on Torrey Farms' property.

There's a couple of old shacks on Norton Road that always draw my attention. The flowers in this case provided some added visual interest.

Anybody care to identify this plant? This was actually taken off Bank Street Road, Batavia, but I saw the plant two or three times while driving through Elba.

Photos: To honor LaVerne Bridge, pallbearers adopt his favorite clothing style

By Howard B. Owens

LaVerne "Vern" M. Bridge was a man known to enjoy working in his yard and being seen around town in work boots, blue jeans, suspenders and a baseball cap.

Today, at the Maple Avenue Cemetery in Elba, Bridge was laid to rest in his favorite attire while his pallbearers and some friends wore similar clothing in his honor.

The 84-year-old Oakfield resident was working in his yard at 6624 Fisher Road last week, apparently cutting down a tree, when the tree fell on him.

Pallbearers in the top photo are, from left, Joe Seweryniak, John Latko, Rob Warboys, Scott Mabon, Andrew Fowler and Roy Scroger.

For the full obituary of Bridge, click here.

Landmark Society picks three winners in annual drawing competition

By Howard B. Owens

We're a bit tardy in publishing this, but last week the Landmark Society of Genesee County gave out its annual awards in drawing contest, which is open to fourth-graders from throughout the county.

The first-place winner was Esmeralda O'Campo, center, from Elba Central School for her relief artwork of 4899 Ford Road, Elba. She receive $50, a framed certificate and a copy of the book "The Architectural Heritage of Genesee County."

The second-place winner was Isabella Riner, left, from Elba Central School for her mixed media artwork of 39 S. Main St., Elba.

The third-place winner was Gabrielle Root from St. Joseph School for her mixed media artwork of the E.N. Rowell House in Batavia.

Second- and third-place winners received $25, a framed certificate, and a copy of "The Architectural Heritage of Genesee County."

Honorable mentions were Trinity Aponte, Lauryn Engle, Morgan Harrington, Trevor Matthison, Adryona Miller, and Harmony Parker.

The guest judges this year were Sharon and Don Burkel, of Batavia. Sharon Burkel is an architectural historian and currently serves on the City of Batavia Historic Preservation Commission. Don Burkel is the Executive Director of the Batavia Business Improvement District (BID). Both are members of the Landmark Society. 

Law and Order: Three DWI arrests over the weekend

By Howard B. Owens

Kelly A. Lucas, 41, of 62 Summit St., Le Roy, is charged with DWI. Lucas was reportedly involved in an ATV accident Friday night at a location just off Lake Street. Lucas reportedly lost control of the ATV and rolled it. She was arrested following an investigation by Le Roy PD. (Initial Report)

Joshua Andrew Robert Anstett, 18, of Caledonia, Ontario, Canada, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and possession or consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Anstett was charged following an investigation into an accident in the employee parking lot of Darien Lake Theme Park at 9:55 p.m., Saturday. Anstett is accused of driving over nine fence posts, striking three different chainlink fences and a set of wood stairs before he was stopped by Darien Lake security officers.

Christina Catherine Fiscus, 33, of Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Fiscus was stopped at 2:11 a.m., Sunday, on Route 262, Elba, by Sgt. Brian Frieday.

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.

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