Press release:

Four Oakfield-Alabama graduates were recently inducted into the O-A Alumni Hall of Fame.

Selection for the OA Alumni Hall of Fame is based on achievement after leaving OACS which includes a worthy record in more than one, and exemplary achievement in at least one of the following: job-related achievements; professional honors and awards; professional affiliations; publications; civic or community involvement; personal achievements/accomplishments; and positive impact on the communities in the Oakfield-Alabama School District.

The 2017 inductees are:

Joe Cassidy -- ‘62

After graduating from OACS, Joe served his country in the Vietnam War as a member of the Army Signal Corps. His military service earned him numerous ribbons, awards and medals.

Joe is a member of Hiram G. Luhman Post 626 the American Legion, where he has held several offices, a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 273 and is currently the Post Commander, a life member of Chapter 166 Disabled American Veterans, and a member of the Genesee County Joint Veterans Honor Guard.

Joe is a 50-year member of the Alabama Volunteer Fire Department where he been president and fire chief. He is a life member of Western New York Volunteer Fireman’s Association. Joe also served his community as a three-term councilman on the Alabama Town Board, Alabama Town Historian, and president of the Alabama Historical Society, as well as a member of Association of Public Historians of New York State and Government-Appointed Historians of Western NY. 

Joe's passion preserving the history of his beloved hometown of Alabama, New York, included authoring books preserving records of Civil War soldiers, and many aspects of local history such as schools, churches, government, one on early accounts of crime in Alabama and one on recorded tales of “offbeat history.” He has researched and documented the lives of individuals from the town of Alabama who have distinguished themselves in their chosen field.

Joe headed up the acquiring and erection of a Veterans Memorial in the Town of Alabama which was dedicated on Aug. 5th.

Michael Cianfrini -- '92

Michael graduated University of Albany in 1996 with a BA degree, earning his Juris Doctor from University of Pittsburgh Law School in 1999.

He was a practicing attorney in Pittsburgh for five years before moving back to Oakfield in 2004 to enter the general practice of law with his father with the Cianfrini Law Firm LLP.

Michael was elected as Genesee County Clerk in 2013, after serving for 10 years as a councilman on Oakfield's Town Board, including three years as town supervisor. Michael was selected for Cornell Cooperative Extension's Leadership Genesee program in 2017.

In his free time, he coaches T-ball, softball, basketball and football in the Oakfield Youth Programs.

Travis Betters -- ‘94

Travis graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Agriculture Resource Managerial Economics. In 2001, he started his company, Brothers International Food Corporation with just one employee. The company has grown to more than 40 employees and has offices in Rochester, North Carolina, Ecuador and China. 

Brothers International includes an Ingredients Division, one of the largest importers of fruit concentrates and purées in the United States; Brothers All Natural, which makes 100-percent freeze-dried healthy snacks; and Lost Vineyards, which imports ultra-value wines from across the globe.

Brothers International believes in giving back to the community and has donated to several youth, education, religious, and health charities in Genesee County and Western NY, including Wilmot Cancer Center and Golisano Children’s Hospital, home of the Travis and Katharine Betters Sibling Clubhouse, a supervised room for healthy children to enjoy, while their sibling receives care in the Hospital. 

Justin Tretter -- ‘02

Justin majored in molecular biology.at Grove City College, developing a passion for “serving the underserved” after participating in a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic. He continued his education at St. George’s University School of Medicine, an international medical school, with students representing nearly 100 nations. Located in Grenada, West Indies, St. George’s gained him exposure to local hospitals of underdeveloped countries.

Justin returned to Western New York to complete his pediatric residency at Strong Hospital in Rochester, then moving to New York City, where he completed a three-year fellowship in pediatric cardiology at NYU Langone Medical Center.

Under the mentorship of internationally renowned cardiologists met there, he developed into a “publishing machine” with 19 publications in peer-reviewed medical journals and two textbook chapters. To put his accomplishments into perspective -- most fellows only have one or two publications at this time in their careers.  

Justin chose to move to Cincinnati for the research opportunities their program offered. He is currently working in advanced cardiac imaging and continues collaboration with his UK-based mentors. His career continues to grow with his continued devotion to global health and contributing to the advancement of the cardiovascular and medical imaging fields.

A bit of Oakfield-Alabama Future Farmers of Amercia history was returned to the current FAA chapter at the school -- now in its second year -- at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis last month.

James Connors, Ph.D., a professor at the University of Idaho, had purchased a box of parliamentary items off of eBay and found within it a gavel inscribed with Oakfield-Alabama FFA.

When he found out O-A FFA would be at the convention, he reached out and at first members thought it was maybe a sales pitch, but after a little investigation, agreed to meet. Connors presented them with the gavel that must have belonged to the prior FFA chapter at the school.

Connors presented the gavel to OAE FFA President John Igoe, Secretary Lauren Reding, Reporter Karly Smith and Julia Uhrinek.

“We are thrilled to have a piece of Oakfield-Alabama FFA history back in our possession at school,” said FFA advisor Todd Hofheins.

Chapter members would like to learn more about the history of the gavel. If you know anything about it email thofheins@oahornets.org or call the school at 585.948.5211, ext. 4010.

Here is a solid home for the money. Really great use of space – seems larger than the square footage reflects!! First floor laundry and very large first floor bedroom and bath make it great for that person who needs first floor everything. There are two additional rooms up or loads of storage space if needed! Living room has gas fireplace. New tear off roof 3 years ago. Yard is large and backyard is private. Nice shed with electric for hobby person. Perfect for starting out or downsizing! Call Lynn Bezon At Reliant Real Estate today at 585-344-HOME (4663) or click here for more information about this listing.

It's Election Day. Polling stations are opened throughout Genesee County. Be sure to get out and vote.

A tractor-trailer versus pole accident at a construction site on Judge Road caused power lines to be ripped down. A power company rep is on scene and lines are across construction equipment, the road and are torn from a house.

Alabama fire command is holding the assignment to remain in the fire hall. The road will be temporarily closed from Kenyon Avenue to Route 77 until the lines are removed.

No injuries are reported.

A smoke detector in the room of 66-year-old Lance Dery did not have a battery in it at the time a fire broke out at the Sunset Motel on West Main Street Road, Batavia, Saturday, according to a Sheriff's Office investigator.

Dery was found dead in the motel room when firefighters arrived at the fire scene. The fire had not spread and was confined to Dery's room. The cause of the fire appears to be a cigarette in the bed, though an autopsy has yet to be completed so officials don't know yet if Dery suffered a medical condition or died as a result of the fire, said Investigator Chris Parker.

As to the smoke detector, fire inspector and code compliance officer for the Town of Batavia, Mathew Mahaney, said the investigation is ongoing and no citations have been issued.

"As of right now, the Town of Batavia has no outstanding building or zoning violations associated with the property," Mahaney said. "We are waiting for the investigation to be completed so that we can follow up. We will follow up on similar occupancies to ensure that all places of business are complying with all procedures for life safety."

The Batavian's news partner WBTA contributed to this report.

The Tonawanda Creek crested at 11.27 feet, well into the moderate flood level, at about 10 p.m. and has since dropped to under nine feet.

Law Street is being reopened with the water's receding.

Higher crests over the previous 10 years are 11.94 feet in December 2013 and 11.72 feet in December 2008. The highest crest on record was 14.5 feet, March 1, 1942.

Below are two flood photos, from North Pembroke Road, submitted by Michael Quaranto.

Area league bowling scores for the week of Oct. 30 are posted on the Pin Points page (see tab at the top of the home page) -- and there were some big ones, led by a 300 game and 762 series by Curtis Foss of Medina in the Friday Mixers League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.

Other "high rollers" were Gregg Wolff of Batavia, 298--729 in the County Line Stone League at Scopano's Lanes in Oakfield; Jason Nickerson, 297--738 in the Sneezy's Monday Night League at Oak Orchard Bowl, and Michele Larson, 267 game and 732 series in the Synergistic Online Solutions Monday Night Football League at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.

Watch for Mike Pettinella's Pin Points bowling column, which will be published this Thursday.

A truck vs. utility pole accident is reported in area of 7561 Gilbert Road in Bergen. 

No word on injuries. 

Pole is down and blocking the roadway. Wires down  

Bergen fire dispatched. 

A tractor-trailer has reportedly jackknifed on Route 20 near Smithly Road, Darien. 

Darien fire dispatched. 

Route 20 is blocked. 

UPDATE 4:22 a.m.: Alexander fire requested to shut down traffic at Route 98. The trailer is on its side. 

A spokesperson for the Department of Energy contacted The Batavian today to explain that the reason 1366 Technologies hasn't received its loan guarantee yet is that the company has yet to meet all the criteria of the original 2011 loan guarantee agreement.

On one hand, that appears to be true. The DOE says 1366 needs to secure $100 million in private investment. That hasn't happened yet. The second qualification, that 1366 has yet to select a site for its factory, is a matter of how the DOE interprets 1366's agreement with New York to build at the STAMP site in Alabama.

Asked about the seeming incongruity of 1366 announcing a site selection in 2015 and the DOE now claiming no site has been selected, the spokesperson said, "In a meeting with DOE officials last month, 1366 Technologies stated that it was considering three possible locations for their facility, of which one location is in New York."

Laureen Sanderson, speaking for 1366 Technologies, said 1366 is committed to building in Genesee County but the company also let the DOE know that if the loan guarantee wasn't approved, the company would have to initiate its contingency plans, which likely means building a plant in another country.

"Of course, we discussed contingency plans with DOE," Sanderson said. "That's par for the course when talking with a partner, but our focus remains on New York."

She added, "What’s important to recognize is that our commitment to New York remains. That's the site we selected in 2015. State and local officials have been wonderful. We’re doing everything we can to make that site a reality."

What both sides can agree on is that negotiations on the loan guarantee agreement are ongoing and active. Sanderson characterized the discussions as positive and productive.

"We have a shared goal with the Department of Energy to create U.S. manufacturing jobs," Sanderson said. "That's what we both want to do and that’s what we hope we can achieve together with the Department of Energy."

The spokeswoman confirmed there was a loan guarantee finalized in 2011 but said it was contingent on 1366 securing $100 million in equity financing and finalizing a location for its manufacturing plant.

Sanderson confirmed 1366 has so far raised only $89 million but emphasized again the company is committed to New York and creating U.S. manufacturing jobs.

The negotiations with the DOE are necessary, in part, because the solar industry has continued to evolve since 2011.

"A lot has changed in the solar industry but what hasn’t changed is the strength of the technology," Sanderson said.

The lag time between announcing the company's plans to build at the STAMP site and now, Sanderson said, has enabled the company to improve the energy efficiency of its solar wafers, working with partner Hanwha.

"The technology has only gotten better," Sanderson said. "Our technology not only improves the manufacturing process and reduces costs but every wafer we produce is a better product."

The proprietary technique development by 1366 at MIT's labs in the Boston area uses molten silicon to make a wafer, rather than the cutting and grinding process the solar industry has used for 40 years. This reduces waste and energy used to make wafers.

Right now, 1366 only has a demonstration production facility in Medford, but the company, working with Hanwha, has continued to improve efficiency by .08 percent annually, making 1366's wafers the most efficient in the industry, Sanderson said.

When the company can go into full production, it can continue to make efficiency gains as well as work with solar panel companies to find other uses for this new technology. The company will be able to make thinner wafers that are strong and more flexible. Current wafers are too brittle for thin, flexible uses.

"Because we are able to work at the melt level, we are able to introduce new features the industry has long wanted but can't achieve," Sanderson said. "There is only more innovation and discoveries to be had through the manufacturing process."

When 1366 announced its intention to build in Alabama, CEO Frank van Mierlo cited lower cost, clean hydropower from Niagara Falls as an attraction to the location. Sanderson added another reason 1366 wants to stay in the United States, if at all possible -- a superior silicon supply chain.

"Our technology is the first major change in the solar industry in more than 40 years," Sanderson said. "We solved a manufacturing challenge that the industry has wanted to solve for 40 years. There is a lot of technological strength in the U.S. supply chain and with that strength, the U.S. has a real chance to establish manufacturing leadership."

As soon as fifth-grader Caleb Nichols got off the school bus today at Morton Avenue, he took his school-supplied horn, which he just got to today, and started blowing.

We found the Batavia Middle School student again a half-hour later in front of his house still practicing.

He first learned to play trumpet last year and didn't have a trumpet all summer to practice on. 

While he practiced, his mother prompted him, "what did your teacher say?"

"She told me not to quit," he said.

Asked why he was going to quit, he said he did a lot of other things, too, like play basketball, but somebody told him, he said, that playing basketball and trumpet would make him better.

"My teacher told me I shouldn't quit because I'm one of the best," Caleb said.

A female walking with her son on Lewiston Road in Alabama was struck by a beer can sent flying out the window of a white pickup truck equipped with a ladder rack on the back. The vehicle was last seen eastbound on Lewiston.

The victim is going to UMMC for treatment. 

Sheriff's deputies and city police are on the lookout for the white pickup.

Law Street

This photo and one below, Tonawanda Creek from the Law Street Bridge.

Three photos of Kibbe Park.

Please vote for Roger V.V. Rouse for the Town of Byron Supervisor! Voting takes place at the Byron Town Hall on Tuesday, November 7th, 2017.

Photo submitted by Lynette Celedonia. Send flooding photos to howard@thebatavian.com.

A Batavia Police officer has asked dispatchers to inform the school bus companies that Law Street is not currently passable due to flooding.

UPDATE 2:45 p.m.: The east-west portion of Ganson Avenue is closed due to flooding and so is a portion of South Jackson Street.

UPDATE 3:24 p.m.: The city's yard waste station on Law Street is closed due to flooding.

Photo by Steve Ognibene.

UPDATE: Photo of Jackson Avenue by Steve Ognibene and 9156 Clipnock Road, Stafford, by Crista Boldt.

The Byron-Bergen/Elba boys soccer team is 19-1-1, ranked #1 in the state and on the verge of playing for a Class C state championship.

The captured a Section V title by beating Bishop Kearney in a second overtime period and then went on to win the Far West Regional title.

The Final Four begins at 1:30 p.m., Saturday in Middletown with B-B/Elba taking on Lake Placid. The finals will be played the following day in Middletown at 10:30 a.m.

Info and photos submitted by Robert Swapceinski.

Top photo: Celebration after the sectional title. Adam Swapceinski, Greyson Huntington, Wade Thompson, Adam Drake, Kylar Chambry and Kyle Foeller.

Captain Kylar Chambry, left, Captain Adam Swapceinski and Coach Ken Rogoyski.

      Paul Hoffman

Paul Robert Hoffman, 43, of South Knowlesville Road, Alabama, is charged with assault, 2nd, strangulation, 2nd, and unlawful imprisonment. Hoffman allegedly struck another person with a hammer during a fight at a location on Knowlesville Road, Alabama, at 8:30 p.m. Friday. He then reportedly choked the person to the point of unconsciousness and prevented the person from leaving. Following the incident, Hoffman allegedly called 9-1-1 requesting assistance for medical attention due to an unknown medical condition. An investigation led to the charges against Hoffman. He was jailed on $75,000 bail. The victim was treated at an area hospital for injuries sustained during the incident and released.

Frank H. McEwan, 18, of Batavia, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, failure to obey a police officer, unsafe turn, unlicensed operation, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, depositing refuse on a public highway, obstructing governmental administration, and criminal nuisance. Cramer J. D'Andre, 18, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and open container. McEwan was stopped at 1 a.m. Oct. 21 on Keeney Road, Warsaw, by State Police for an alleged traffic violation. Troopers alleged that McEwan did not have a driver's license and was violating conditions of his parole. D'Andre was a passenger in the vehicle.

Sarah Ann Malone, 35, of Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Malone is accused of driving on Verona Avenue, Batavia, at 6:04 a.m. Sunday while intoxicated. She was arrested by Arick Perkins.

Dwayne L. Sheffield, 24, of Thorpe Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. Sheffield allegedly did more than $250 damage to property during a fight at 11:10 p.m. Tuesday. He was jailed without bail.

Randy G. Leach, 31, of Torrey Road, Stafford, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and unlicensed operation. Leach was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 9:13 p.m. Oct. 31 on East Avenue, Batavia, by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Jeffrey D. Anderson, 22, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Anderson is accused of failing to provide adequate supervision of a child.

John J. Caez-Gonzalez, 30, of Cunningham Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal trespass. Caez-Gonzalez allegedly entered a dwelling on State Street without permission and after being advised to stay away. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Minnie Marie Henry, 29, no permanent address, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. At 4:51 p.m., Oct. 29, police were flagged down to investigate a disturbance on State Street involving multiple individuals. During the course of the investigation, Henry was allegedly found in possession of narcotics. She was issued an appearance ticket and turned over to State Police on unrelated charges.

Jared M. Adamski, 21, of Krieger Road, Webster, is charged with criminal mischief. Adamski allegedly damaged the property of another person at a location on Bank Street, Batavia, at 6 p.m. Oct. 28. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Julia A. Calzaretta, of Eustis, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and illegal signal. Calzaretta was stopped by State Police at 7:57 p.m. Friday on West Main Street Road, Batavia.

Stephen J. Tomidy, 58, of Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and inadequate plate lamp. Tomidy was stopped at 11:49 p.m. Tuesday by State Police on Route 33, Stafford.

A motor vehicle accident with injuries is reported in Oakfield at Main Street and Maple Avenue.

There are two vehicles and they are blocking.

Oakfield Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 9:34 a.m.: Two patients in one vehicle. A second ambulance requested to the scene.