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Oakfield's Holly Grayson earns degree in Childhood Education from Buffalo State

By Billie Owens

Holly Grayson, of Oakfield, graduated from Buffalo State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Childhood Education in spring 2020.

Buffalo State is a State University of New York (SUNY) college located in Buffalo, New York.

The college offers 79 undergraduate majors as well as many minors and certificate programs. Every year, thousands of students benefit from Buffalo State's community engagement, hands-on learning opportunities, and affordable SUNY tuition. Buffalo State also offers more than 60 graduate programs.

Total of 29 GC students made the dean's list at RIT this spring

By Billie Owens

The following local residents made the dean's list at Rochester Institute of Technology for the 2020 Spring Semester.

Degree-seeking undergraduate students are eligible for dean's list if their term GPA is greater than or equal to 3.400; they do not have any grades of "Incomplete", "D" or "F"; and they have registered for, and completed, at least 12 credit hours.

Marissa Dispenza, of Batavia, who is in the Chemical Engineering program.

Nicholas Kelly, of Byron, who is in the Software Engineering program.

Celia Mercovich, of Bergen, who is in the Physics program.

Cody Zajaczkowski, of Le Roy, who is in the Packaging Science program.

Erik Scharlau, of Alexander, who is in the Physician Assistant program.

Andrew Pickard, of Batavia, who is in the Software Engineering program.

Ava Vescovi, of Le Roy, who is in the Business Administration-Marketing program.

Bethany Zwolinski, of Corfu, who is in the Biomedical Sciences program.

Tyler Henry, of Bergen, who is in the Illustration program.

Taylor Schofield, of Pavilion, who is in the Biomedical Engineering program.

Lauren Burke, of Bergen, who is in the Biomedical Sciences program.

Maddi Howard, of Elba, who is in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.

Jessie Abrams, of Corfu, who is in the Medical Illustration program.

Triton Adamski, of Corfu, who is in the Game Design and Development program.

Jacob Gualtieri, of Le Roy, who is in the Computer Engineering program.

Alex Warren, of Corfu, who is in the Computer Science program.

Grace Vogler, of Corfu, who is in the Business Administration-Management program.

Sarah Nati, of Corfu, who is in the Applied Arts and Sciences program.

Lily Mercovich, of Bergen, who is in the Film and Animation program.

Olivia Fox, of Alexander, who is in the Applied Arts and Sciences program.

Jordan D'Alba, of Oakfield, who is in the Mechanical Engineering program.

Melissa Mountain, of Batavia, who is in the Interior Design program.

Kiera Gross, of East Bethany, who is in the Computational Mathematics program.

Katelyn Hersee, of Batavia, who is in the business administration-accounting program.

Chase Roth, of Alexander, who is in the Mobile App Development program.

Charles Carroll, of Oakfield, who is in the Chemistry program.

Ethan Stone, of Batavia, who is in the Computer Engineering program.

Colin Hunt, of Batavia, who is in the Packaging Science program.

Allen Snyder, of Darien Center, who is in the Mechanical Engineering program.

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 19,000 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.

Sponsored Post: New listing alert from Reliant Real Estate

By Lisa Ace


New Listing Alert: 3081 Batavia Oakfield Townline Road: Just like out of a storybook, the setting of this home will leave you wanting to come back again and again! This classic home has so much to see, over two thousand square feet of charm!

The best extra large back mud room leading to cheery bright kitchen with door leading out to covered porch-you just want to sit and have a lemonade. Extra Large and bright rooms with stunning old school wide plank floors impossible to recreate with this much character!

Downstairs has so many possibilities with so many rooms to choose from -- possible for amazing first floor master or just more play space and office space. Upstairs has three bedrooms and bath.

This home is all ready to move into and live in and there is so much more that could be possible for an absolute stunner!

Mechanically sound and updated, the roof is only 4 years old and there is also high speed internet and hooked to public water! Outside is just amazing, situated on almost 6 acres with outbuildings galore for storage and every hobby there is!

This is truly a homestead! Think of family gatherings, grad parties, weddings -- already a stop for local photographers this home is meant for all the memories!

Come check out for yourself-easy to see anytime! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today, call 344-HOME (4663) or click here for more information on this listing.

Law and Order: Maltby Road man arrested on warrant in grand larceny case

By Billie Owens

Judd Allen Farewell, 28, of Maltby Road, Oakfield, is charged with third-degree grand larceny. He was arrested June 16 on an arrest warrant out of Genesee County Court. He allegedly committed the crime he's charged with at 2:12 p.m. May 31 on Coe Avenue in Oakfield. He was arraigned and jailed without bail. He is due in county court on July 14. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Marshawn Jamal Singletery, 38, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; criminal use of drug paraphernalia; driving while ability impaired by alcohol; registration display violation; operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration. Singletery was arrested at 4:50 p.m. on June 19 on Swan Street, Batavia, after a motor-vehicle stop for having no license plates. He was allegedly found to be under the influence at the time and refused Data Master testing at Genesee County Jail. He was issued an appearance ticket for July 29 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen, assisted Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Hezekiah N. Burch, 18, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. At 10:20 p.m. on June 16, Batavia police responded to a report of a large fight in the area of State Street in Batavia. While investigating the incident, police arrested Burch after he allegedly "engaged in violent, tumultuous behavior towards another male." Burch was issued a computerized appearance ticket for Batavia City Court and he is due there on June 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Connor Borchert.

Andrew L. Kosiorek, 48, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. At 10:20 p.m. on June 16, Batavia police responded to a report of a large fight in the area of State Street in Batavia. While investigating the incident, police arrested Kosiorek after he allegedly "engaged in violent, tumultuous behavior towards another male." Burch was issued "a hand written appearance ticket (65007)" for Batavia City Court and he is due there on June 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Connor Borchert.

Mark Leroy Farley 51, of Harvester Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrest at 3 p.m. on June 14 following a domestic incident at an apartment on Harvester Avenue. He was issued an appearance ticket and released from custody. Farley is due in Batavia City Court on July 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Austin Hedges, assisted by Officer Joshua Girvin.

Jzon Anthony Richardson Sr., 21, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. At about 10:20 p.m. on June 16, Richardson was arrested at the intersection of Hutchins Place and Lewis Place, in Batavia, following a physical and verbal dispute. He was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court and is due there on July 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Connor Borchert, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Oakfield man critically injured in ATV accident

By Howard B. Owens

A 45-year-old Oakfield resident is in critical condition at ECMC following an ATV accident on Drake Street last night.

James P. Lucki, of Drake Street, was driving a 2003 Arctic Cat four-wheel ATV eastbound on Drake in the Village of Oakfield when it crossed over the westbound lane and left the roadway off the north shoulder. The ATV struck a 2020 Toyota two-door sedan that was parked in a residential driveway. 

Lucki was ejected from the ATV.

Jeff McIntire, 2nd assistant chief with Oakfield Fire, said the driver was located behind the vehicle that he struck on the ground.

“He was conscious and alert upon arrival, his condition deteriorated as we moved him to Mercy Flight," McIntire said. "He was not conscious and alert when he was flown from the scene to ECMC.” 

Lucki reportedly sustained lower leg injuries, chest injuries and abdominal injuries.

The car was unoccupied.

The accident is still under investigation by the Sheriff's Office.

(Initial Report)

Additional reporting and photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

ATV reportedly hits parked car in Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

An ATV has reportedly hit a parked car in the area of 22 Drake St., Oakfield.

A possible serious injury is reported.

Mercy Flight will be landing at the Little League field.

Oakfield fire is on scene.

UPDATE 10:33 p.m.: Mercy Flight canceled. The patient will be transported by ground ambulance.

UPDATE 10:42 p.m.: Mercy Flight is requested to the scene again. The helicopter will be landing in the town park.

UPDATE 10:55 p.m.: Mercy Flight is headed to ECMC.

Sponsored Post: New listings from Reliant Real Estate

By Lisa Ace


21 Main St., Oakfield. Entrepreneurs, here’s your opportunity! Solid building site to two long standing retail businesses in the heart of the Village! Great location right next to Village Parking lot -- so your customers have convenient access plus Main Street parking as well!

Low maintenance brick building, inexpensive utility bills. Furnace replaced in 2015 -- not a lot to do besides paint and update decor and open your doors to business! Check it out ASAP! Call Lynn Bezon now – 344-4663.

15 Linwood Ave., Batavia. Super solid and well cared for home in the City! Awesome location on quiet street! This home has a lot of curb appeal -- large yard, two-car detached 20x20 garage, perfect for all the "stuff." Home features large room sizes, nice woodwork, and a walk up attic that could be just about anything -- toy room, storage, etc.

New metal roof installed in 2019 and a tankless hot water heater. Great home with good bones just needs your finishing touches! Call Lynn Bezon now – 344-4663.

A dozen GC students at Buffalo State College

By Billie Owens

 Buffalo State College is pleased to recognize the following 12 students from Genesee County who have been named to the Spring 2020 dean's list.

In general, students who have completed at least 12 credit hours and who have attained a GPA of 3.5 or higher qualify for the Buffalo State dean's list. Full criteria and grade-type exceptions can be found in the undergraduate catalog.

Carli Bogue, of Elba

Neve Georgia, of Batavia

Jaclyn Guzdek, of Oakfield

Jenna Huntington, of Elba

Jordyn Johnson, of Batavia

Brendon Kendall, of South Byron

Curtis Kreutter, of East Bethany

Mckenna Moran, of Darien Center

Dylah Pantlin, of Batavia

Tess Rebmann, of Darien Center

Miranda Schiller, of Alexander

Samantha Tatarski, of Corfu

Buffalo State is a State University of New York (SUNY) college located in Buffalo. The college offers 79 undergraduate majors as well as many minors and certificate programs. Every year, thousands of students benefit from Buffalo State's community engagement, hands-on learning opportunities, and affordable SUNY tuition. Buffalo State also offers more than 60 graduate programs.

Oakfield Girl Scout Ava Flores earns Gold Award for setting up little food pantry for all

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and information from Melissa Domoy:

“Feed The Need” is a little food pantry located in the Oakfield community behind the Okafield United Methodist Church at 2 S. Main St.

Creating this valuable resource was a project two months in the making as Ava Flores (above photo) worked to complete her Girl Scout Gold Award.

Ava saw that there was a growing need in Oakfield during this difficult time. It is her hope that Feed The Need food pantry will help her Oakfield-Alabama community, not just now but in the future.

Inside the food pantry are recipes for simple affordable meals. It is also stocked with soups, canned fruits and vegetables and other shelf-stable food items.

Anyone who is in need is welcome to stop by and take what they need.

It is her hope that the little food pantry will be self-sustaining in the weeks to come where people may drop off donations or take what they need.

If you would like to make a donation, please contact the church at (585) 948-5550, or go the Feed The Need food pantry and put in some nonperishable goods to help out a local family.

Five GC students named Presidential Scholars this spring at Clarkson University in Potsdam

By Billie Owens

POTSDAM -- Students have been named Presidential Scholars for the spring 2020 semester at Clarkson University.

Logan Cadieux, of Oakfield, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the spring 2020 semester at Clarkson University.

Zachary Dusky, of Basom, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the spring 2020 semester at Clarkson University.

Colin Graham, of Oakfield, a junior majoring in aeronautical engineering / mechanical engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the spring 2020 semester at Clarkson University.

John Igoe, of Oakfield, a junior majoring in aeronautical engineering / mechanical engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the spring 2020 semester at Clarkson University.

Ben Slenker, of Alexander, a junior majoring in chemical engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the spring 2020 semester at Clarkson University.

Presidential Scholars must achieve a minimum 3.80 grade-point average and carry at least 14 credit hours.

As a private, national research university, Clarkson is a leader in technological education and sustainable economic development through teaching, scholarship, research and innovation. We ignite personal connections across academic fields and industries to create the entrepreneurial mindset, knowledge and intellectual curiosity needed to innovate world-relevant solutions and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow.

With its main campus located in Potsdam and additional graduate program and research facilities in the New York Capital Region, Beacon, N.Y., and New York City, Clarkson educates 4,300 students across 95 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, the arts, education, sciences and health professions. Our alumni earn salaries that are among the top 2.5 percent in the nation and realize accelerated career growth. One in five already leads as a CEO, senior executive or owner of a company.

 

A sunny afternoon in Oakfield

By Billie Owens

Reader Ritchie Kirkum, of the Oakfield Betterment Committee, sent us this photo of lovely scenery he took late yesterday from the lookout tower on Albion Road.

Law and Order: Hutchins Street woman accused of fraudulently receiving DSS benefits

By Billie Owens

Heidi M. Connolly, 44, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with seven counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree, a felony, and one count of third-degree grand larceny, also a felony. Connolly was arrested at about 5 p.m. on May 28, arraigned in Genesee County Court, then released on her own recognizance. It is alleged that between October 2018 and October 2019, Connolly allegedly falsified paperwork at the Genesee County Department of Social Services Building and as a result fraudulently received $3,631 in benefits. She was released on her own recognizance and is due in county court on July 7. The case was investigated by GC DSS Fraud Investigator Robert Riggi and GC Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Sheriff's Sgt. Michael Lute.

Christopher M. Smith, 26, of Pratt Road, Batavia, and James C. Malone, 23, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana in the second-degree, a violation. They were allegedly found in possession of marijuana after an investigation by a Batavia Neighborhood Engagement Team (NET) officer and the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force. The May 28 press release from the Genesee County Sheriff's Offices does not say when or where the arrests were made. The defendants were issued appearance tickets and are due in City of Batavia Court on June 23.

Car drives into silo on Judge Road, Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

A driver reportedly choked on coffee, causing him to lose control of the car before his vehicle collided with a silo at 2767 Judge Road, Oakfield.

The driver has spoken with dispatchers, although he is reportedly injured.

Oakfield Fire Department is responding. All Mercy EMS ambulances are tied up on other calls. An ambulance from Medina is requested.

The vehicle is a pickup truck with a trailer. There are propane takes in the area.

UPDATE 7:12 p.m.: A hazmat team requested to the scene for a propane leak.

UPDATE 7:13 p.m.: Judge Road is being closed.

UPDATE 7:24 p.m.: Firefighters have secured one tank and are working on the second.

UPDATE 7:30 p.m.: Both tanks are secure.

Firearm found in creek in Oakfield had been there for a while, Sheriff's Office investigating

By Howard B. Owens

A firearm retrieved from a creek in Oakfield last week had been in the water for "a considerable amount of time," Chief Deputy Joseph Graff said this morning.

The Sheriff's Office took possession of the firearm after a caller who was "magnet fishing" in the area of 6000 Fisher Road reported the find.

Graff said there isn't much information about the firearm but that the Sheriff's Office is looking into it.

"It is very rusted/corroded and not identifiable in its present state," Graff said. "We will be sending it to the lab to see if anything identifiable can be restored."

An unusual catch in the creek in Oakfield prompts deputy response

By Billie Owens

A caller to dispatch reports an unusual catch and asks for some help with it. They were "magnet fishing" in the creek in the 6000 block of Fisher Road in Oakfield when they "pulled up some pieces of a firearm." A Genesee County Sheriff's deputy is responding.

Nazareth College names five Genesee County students to Spring 2020 dean's list

By Billie Owens

Nazareth College students named five Genesee County stundets to the Spring 2020 dean's list.

They are:

  • Kaitlin Ange, of Batavia
  • Kimberly Davis, of Pavilion
  • Chelsea Jensen, of Batavia
  • Lauren Reding, of Oakfield
  • Ryann Stefaniak, of Batavia

A student's grade-point average must be at least 3.5 or above, and they must complete 12 credit hours of graded work that semester in order to be included on the dean's list at Nazareth

Nazareth College's academic strengths cross an unusually broad spectrum of 60 majors, including education, health and human services, management, the fine arts, music, theater, math and science, foreign languages, and the liberal arts.

The coeducational, religiously independent, classic campus in a charming suburb of Rochester challenges and supports 2,000 undergrads and 800 graduate students.

Nazareth is recognized nationally for its Fulbright global student scholars and commitment to civic engagement. Rigorous programs, an uncommon core, experiential learning, career skills, and a global focus prepare graduates for not just one job, but for their life's work.

With 'deep sadness' Oakfield Betterment Committee cancels Oakfield Labor Daze at Triangle Park

By Billie Owens

Press release:

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that the Oakfield Betterment Committee Board must announce the cancellation of this year’s Oakfield Labor Daze in Triangle Park.

We know that this will come as an enormous disappointment, not only to the vendors, volunteers but to our amazing community who were looking forward to another exciting Oakfield Labor Daze this year.

This is not a decision we have taken lightly and there are a few overriding concerns due to COVID-19 that have caused us to make this decision at this time.

Labor Daze is a tradition that is and has always been funded by our wonderful sponsors. In uncertain economic times like these, our wonderful sponsors have the difficult struggle and decision to not only keep, or to not keep, employees, but to keep their door open. Oakfield Labor Daze should not be a decision they are confronted with, nor one we should present to them.

Second, our primary concern is the health and safety of EVERYONE who attends Labor Daze, which includes our committee, volunteers, food, craft and game vendors to YOU, our community, who has welcomed back Labor Daze to Triangle park with open arms.

In closing, with all these factors and uncertainty, we had to make this difficult decision.

As the weeks and months pass, we will be re-evaluating the situation and will be looking for a safe and responsible way to have a celebration during Labor Day weekend. We also look forward to getting a head start on other events that the Oakfield Betterment Committee has done in the past, new event ideas, and Oakfield Labor Daze 2021.

Please stay safe, healthy and continue to show warmth to others in these trying times.

County Legislator John Hilchey of District #1 resigns

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County District #1 Legislator John Hilchey submitted a resignation letter dated May 14, 2020 to Legislature Chair Rochelle M. Stein.

“With my role as a Genesee County Legislator having a negative impact on my current employment, with risks of possible negative financial impact upon my employer, I hereby submit my resignation as Genesee County Legislator District #1, effective immediately. It has been an honor to serve the residents of Alabama and Oakfield and a greater honor to serve with such a fine group of legislators," signed, sincerely, John R. Hilchey.

Legislature Chair Rochelle M. Stein stated, “It is with deep and profound regret that I accept Legislator Hilchey’s letter of resignation. We are losing a community leader who has served the people of Alabama and Oakfield honorably and well. Mr. Hilchey brought expertise and vast experience to his role as legislator and we are grateful for his service.”

Oakfield's Connor Rohan attends SUNY Oneonta, a Top Music Business School says Billboard magazine

By Billie Owens

Connor Rohan, of Oakfield, is currently enrolled at SUNY Oneonta, one of the 28 colleges and universities featured in Billboard magazine's 2020 list of "Top Music Business Schools."

Rohan is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry.

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, SUNY Oneonta's music industry program prepares students for careers in media and entertainment industries, including management, marketing, promotion, merchandising, publishing, production and performance.

The curriculum includes specialized music industry studies in the recording industry, entertainment industry business affairs, intellectual property law, music products, music theory, performance and history/literature.

Students also take courses from the School of Economics and Business on topics such as business law, marketing, management and accounting. Internships, field experience and several related minors -- audio productions with Pro Tools certification, performance, music theory and music literature -- allow students to tailor the program to their interests.

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 online here.

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