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A year in review of service, wins and loss at South Byron Fire's annual banquet

By Virginia Kropf

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South Byron Volunteer Fire Company President Reggie Macdonald presents Melody Stone with his choice as Member of the Year during the annual fire company banquet.

The South Byron Volunteer Fire Company celebrated a year of achievements during its annual banquet Saturday night at South Byron Fire Hall.

Tim Yaeger, Genesee County fire coordinator, served as master of ceremonies and introduced guests during an evening filled with memories, recognitions and honors bestowed on members past and present.

Theresa Hammer gave the firematic membership report, in which she announced they have 48 members, 23 of which are active, and four new members. John Leaton is a life member.

South Byron lost one member, Jeremy Bateman, who died this year. His achievements included being Member of the Year in 1998 and was a past president.  Bob Fite read the Firemen’s Prayer in honor of Bateman. Fite added this year marks the 50th anniversary of South Byron’s fire hall.

In the membership report, Michelle Dougherty announced Melody Stone as a 20-year member.

In the absence of chief Brian Hickey, deputy chief Jacob Yasses presented the annual firematic report. The department responded to 79 calls, a steady increase from the previous year. These included fire calls, motor vehicle accidents, mutual aid, service calls and one natural disaster.

Jacob Yasses, Jeremie Rassel, Allison Gurgel, Vito Muoio and Matthew Dougherty were recognized as top responders.

The department completed more than 2,400 hours of training during 2022. Topping the list was Nicole Boldt, followed by Vito Muoio,  Jeremie Rassel and Allison Gurgel.

Jeremie Rassel announced Allison Gurgel as Firefighter of the Year.

“She is a huge asset to the department,” Rassel said. “She strives for excellence in everything she does for us.”

In choosing a Member of the Year, president Reggie Macdonald said it’s not about being at every call.

“Sometimes it’s what you do behind the scenes, stepping up whenever you’re needed and being there for our community, as well as the fire company,” he said.

He chose Melody Stone for the honor.

“I don’t know what to say,” Stone said. “I didn’t expect this, but I really appreciate it.”

Stone said she is following in her father’s footsteps.

Gurgel and Jacob Yasses presented a special Recognition Award to his mother Michelle Yasses.

“She has supported Allie and me at our training on Monday nights or during fire calls in the middle of the night,” Yasses said. “She helps watch the kids when Jake and Allie run calls on the rescue squad. I couldn’t run the number of calls I do without her.”

The final presentations were citations for “going above and beyond,” presented by Assemblyman Steve Hawley. They were presented to Jeremie Rassel, Vito Muoio and Brian Hickey for responding for assistance in the severe December 2022 snow storm which hit the area; Nicole Boldt and Vito Muoio, who responded to a call for a woman in labor, and delivered her healthy baby; and to Allison Gurgel and Nicole Boldt for their fast thinking in saving the life of a child who was choking.

Firematic officers for 2023 are Brian Hickey, chief; Jacob Yasses, deputy chief; Jeff Starowitz, assistant chief; Allison Gurgel, captain; Jeremie Rassel, 1st lieutenant; Vito Muoio, 2nd lieutenant and engineer, Chase Cone.

Administrative officers are Reggie Macdonald, president; Jeremie Rassel, vice president; Fred Klycek, treasurer; Katie Rassel, secretary; and Theresa Hammer, membership chair.

Members of the Auxiliary board are Michelle Dougherty, president; Andy Stone, vice president; Katie Rassel, treasurer; and Melody Stone, secretary.

The evening concluded with awarding of door prizes and benediction by the Rev. Harold Coller.

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Members of the South Byron Volunteer Fire Company who were recognized for hours of training are, from left, Allison Gurgel, Jacob Yasses, Jeremie Rassel, Vito Muoio and Nicole Boldt.

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Three top responders in the South Byron Volunteer Fire Company are Allison Gurgel, Vito Muoio and Matthew Dougherty.

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Michelle Yasses, right, excitedly accepts a Special Recognition Award from her son Jacob Yasses and his fiancée Allison Gurgel at the South Byron Volunteer Fire Company banquet.

Photos by Virginia Kropf.

Reminder: Support volunteer firefighters -- queue up for some 'cue Sunday in Elba and/or South Byron

By Billie Owens

Don't forget to support these two volunteer fire departments on Sunday, Oct. 25, when each will offer drive-thru chicken BBQ to raise money for their respective departments in a year when opportunities to do so have been few and far between.

ELBA

A drive-thru chicken barbecue to benefit the Elba Volunteer Fire Department will be held on Sunday, Oct. 25 at the fire rec hall on Route 98 in Elba.

It starts at 11:30 a.m. and goes until sold out. Cost is $12.

Coronavirus protocols will be observed. Please wear a face mask and remain in your vehicle.

"Because of the (COVID-19) shutdown, last month was the first chicken barbecue we held this year," said an organizer, Barbie Starowitz. "It's sold out so fast! Now that we can be outside again we wanted to do another one. We're hoping for a nice (weather) day."

The address of Elba Firemen's Recreation Hall is 7143 Oak Orchard Road (Route 98). 

SOUTH BYRON

There will be a chicken BBQ fundraiser for the South Byron Volunteer Fire Company beginning at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 until sold out.

It will be held on a drive-thru basis at the fire hall, located at 7389 Route 237 in South Byron.

Cost is $12 per person.

Please wear a face mask and remain in vehicle.

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.

Car-into-pole accident with injuries reported in Byron

By Billie Owens

A motor vehicle crashed into a pole and injuries are reported at 6378 Byron-Holley Road.

Byron and South Byron fire departments are called to the scene along with Mercy medics. Fire Police are called to set up a landing zone for Mercy Flight.

UPDATE 8:37 p.m.: RG&E is called to the scene.

UPDATE 8:42 p.m.: Mercy Flight is preparing to land behind the Byron Fire Hall.

UPDATE 8:57 p.m.: One patient is going by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital. Another patient is going to strong via Mercy EMS.

Pole and wires down on South Byron Post Office

By Billie Owens

A pole and wires are down on the South Byron Post Office building, which has been evacuated. It's at 7545 Byron Holley Road. Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding. There is no smoke or fire.

South Byron honors top volunteers, installs officers

By Howard B. Owens

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Jeff Starowitz was named Member of the Year by the South Byron Volunteer Fire Department during an awards and installation dinner Friday night at the South Byron Recreation Hall.

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Jennie Starowitz was honored for her 65 years of service to the South Byron department. Pictured in the front row are: Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Theresa Hammer, Bob Fite, Jennie Starowitz and Jeff Starowitz.

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Lt. Vito Muoio was named Firefighter of the Year. Chief Brian Hickey, Muoio, and President Dean Bates.

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Allie Gurgel completed the most training hours -- while also being a new mother -- in 2019.

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Capt. Any Konieczny made it to the scene of the most calls in 2019.

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Administrative officers for 2020: Dean Bates, president; Reggie Macdonald, vice president; Theresa Hammer, secretary; Alfred Klycek, treasurer; Bob Fite, membership chair; Al Secash, is Bell Jar chair; Rev. Harold Coller, chaplain.

Firematic officers for 2020: Brian Hickey, chief; Jim McKenzie, deputy chief; Jacob Yasses, asst. chief; Andy Konieczny, captain; Vito Muoio, 1st lieutenant; Jeff Starowitz, 2nd lieutenant; Chase Cone, engineer; Matt Dougherty, fire police captain; Aaron Belluscio, fire police sergeant; and Allie Gurgel, fire police corporal.

Video: Members of the South Byron Volunteer Fire Department reflect on being a volunteer firefighter.

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Nine local students named to Buffalo State College fall 2019 dean's list

By Billie Owens

Buffalo State College is pleased to recognize the following students who have been named to the Fall 2019 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.

  • Kodian Becker, of Darien Center 
  • Holly Grayson, of Oakfield
  • Jenna Huntington, of Elba 
  • Brendon Kendall, of South Byron 
  • Angelina Miconi, of Batavia 
  • Mckenna Moran, of Darien Center 
  • Dylah Pantlin, of Batavia 
  • 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.

Total of 21 GC volunteer firefighters trained for traffic management and/or highway safety

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

Emergency services responders assist in ensuring that the scene of an incident remains safe for firefighters, emergency service workers, and members of the public working in its vicinity as well as protecting bystanders and crowd control at emergencies. Duties include traffic control at fires, car crashes, mass casualty incidents (MCI) emergencies, drills and other fire department operations.

Instruction focusing on responsibilities for maintaining highway safety was presented in a two-part program at the Genesee County Fire Training Center. Twenty-two area volunteers completed the Traffic Incident Management (TIMS) training held on Sept. 7 and 18 area volunteers completed the Highway Safety for Emergency Responders (HS-ER) on Sept. 21.

A total of 21 of the 22 volunteer firefighters who took part in either one or both parts of the training program were from Genesee County. They are listed below.

BERGEN

  • Tina M. Carson (TIMS), (HS-ER)

BETHANY

  • Lyle M. Boundy (TIMS), (HS-ER)
  • Carl L. Hyde Jr. (TIMS), (HS-ER)
  • Scott D. Thurley (TIMS)
  • William J. Thurley (TIMS), (HS-ER)

BYRON

  • Cory J. Russell (TIMS), (HS-ER)

DARIEN

  • Joe N. Marino (TIMS),(HS-ER)
  • David N. McGreevy (TIMS), (HS-ER)

EAST PEMBROKE 

  • Matthew N. Allen (TIMS)
  • Samantha M. Cavalieri (TIMS), (HS-ER)
  • Eric C. Holderle (TIMS), (HS-ER)
  • David A. Martin (TIMS), (HS-ER)
  • Adam W. Pearce (TIMS), (HS-ER)

SOUTH BYRON 

  • Nicole M. Boldt (TIMS), (HS-ER)
  • Chase A. Cone (TIMS),(HS-ER)
  • Allison N. Gurgel (TIMS), (HS-ER)
  • Andrew L. Konieczny (TIMS), (HS-ER)
  • Vito J. Muoio (TIMS), (HS-ER)
  • Jacob T. Yasses (TIMS), (HS-ER)

STAFFORD

  • Samantha S. Call (TIMS) 
  • Stephanie E. Call (TIMS)

Total of 52 GC volunteer firefighters complete annual foam training for vapor suppression ops

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Annual Foam Training was held for members of fire departments in Genesee and Orleans counties, with three-hour classroom sessions held in each of the counties followed up with a three-hour hands-on session held on Sept. 30 at the Genesee County Fire Training Center. 

The annual foam training centered on terminology related to firefighter suppression foam, application techniques, equipment, calculations used in accordance with NFPA 11 and water supply to perform foam firefighting or vapor suppression operations.

The 52 Genesee County participants were:  

ALABAMA

  • Sidney Eick
  • Gary Patnode
  • Michelle Patnode
  • Bill Schutt
  • Ryan Thompson
  • Todd Thompson

BATAVIA, TOWN 

  • Bill Allen
  • Paul Barrett
  • Russell Borden
  • James Bouton
  • Josh Boyle
  • Dan Coffey
  • Paul Dibble
  • Gary Diegelman
  • Scott Garlock
  • Tom Garlock
  • Clayton Gorski
  • Stephen Kowalcyk
  • Bryan Moscicki
  • Scott Newman
  • Ian Sanfratello
  • Rich Schildwaster
  • Tyler Stewart
  • Chris Strathearn
  • Conor Wilkes

BETHANY

  • Dan Adams
  • James Duval
  • Jamie Fluker
  • Jeff Fluker
  • Gregory Johnson
  • Kyle Rombout

BYRON

  • Zachery Johnson
  • Robert Mruczek
  • Cory Russell
  • Jacob Schultz

CORFU

  • Lori Ann Santini
  • Brian Schollard

DARIEN 

  • Jeff Luker

ELBA

  • Ryan Hart
  • Christopher Lane
  • Michael Pfendler
  • Michael Schad Jr.
  • George Underhill

INDIAN FALLS 

  • Edwin Mileham

SOUTH BYRON 

  • Aaron Belluscio
  • Nicole Boldt
  • Chase Cone
  • Allison Gurgel
  • Vito Muoio
  • Jacob Yasses

STAFFORD

  • Julie Bobo
  • Stephanie Call

Two dozen GC fire volunteers learn 'fireground strategies and tactics'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Responding to concerns over the length of firefighting training programs, the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control has redesigned the Fire Officer I (FOI) program into five individual modules. Completion of all five modules will earn the participant a Fire Officer 1 certificate. 

The latest offering in the Fire Officer program held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center was "Fireground Strategies and Tactics for the First Arriving Companies." 

The Fireground Strategies and Tactics course prepares fire officers to act as the leader of a company or as an initial incident commander. The students received instructions in both fire and non-fire emergency operations with an emphasis on risk vs. benefit analysis while conducting operations.

The fifteen-hour module was completed by 26 volunteer fire personnel, nine of whom earned their Fire Office 1 certification. 

The 24 Genesee County participants were:

ALEXANDER

  • Anthony R. Johnston (FOI)

TOWN OF BATAVIA

  • Russell S. Borden
  • Bryan A. Moscicki
  • Ian A. Sanfratello
  • Tyler J. Stewart

BETHANY

  • Gregory W. Johnson (FOI)
  • Peggy J. Johnson             
  • Rick J. Klunder III (FOI)
  • Christopher M. Page (FOI)
  • Corrie A. Rombaut             

BYRON

  • Victor L. Flanagan (FOI)

CORFU

  • Dean T. Eck (FOI)
  • Daniel P. Smith (FOI)

ELBA 

  • Jennifer A. Cardinali             
  • Timothy J. Hoffarth             
  • Christopher P. Lane             
  • Michael Pfendler  (FOI)
  • Michael J. Schad (FOI)
  • George M. Underhill             

LE ROY

  • Jared Chick
  • Thomas Feeley

SOUTH BYRON 

  • Nicole M. Boldt
  • Chase A. Cone
  • Vito J. Muoio

Visit your local fire department to find out more about volunteer opportunities.

Open house is Sept. 10 to learn more about solar energy facility planned in Byron

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The community is cordially invited to attend an informational open house Tuesday, Sept. 10 for the Excelsior Energy Center, a 280-megawatt solar energy generating facility with 20 megawatts of energy storage proposed in the Town of Byron.

At the open house to be held at the South Byron fire hall, information about the project will be displayed on large poster boards.

Rather than a structured, formal presentation, the open house will provide many opportunities for any member of the public to speak directly with project representatives and subject-matter experts about questions they may have.

The public is invited to arrive anytime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., or 5 and 7 p.m.

Please arrive anytime during the hours above. Information will be provided and questions will be answered throughout the duration of these sessions. Each session will follow the same open house-style format containing the same information.

South Byron Volunteer Fire Department
7389 Route 237
South Byron

Seven local students named to Spring dean's list at Buffalo State College

By Billie Owens

BUFFALO -- Buffalo State College is pleased to recognize the following students who have been named to the Spring 2019 dean's list:

Kaylee Cassidy, of Batavia (14020)

Hannah Dunlap, of Batavia (14020)

Holly Grayson, of Oakfield (14125)

Brendon Kendall, of South Byron (14557)

Dylah Pantlin, of Batavia (14020)

Miranda Schiller, of Alexander (14005)

Matthew Stroka, of Corfu (14036)

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.

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.

South Byron Volunteer Fire Department annual awards -- 2018 was a very busy year

By Virginia Kropf

Above, Andy Konieczny, who was Fireman of the Year in 2018 at South Byron Volunteer Fire Company, presented this year’s award to Nicole Boldt at the annual banquet Saturday night.

SOUTH BYRON – In spite of declining membership, South Byron Volunteer Fire Company experienced one of its busiest years, Chief Scott Blossom told guests at the 44th annual Installation and Awards Banquet Saturday night.

“We responded to 80 calls, about 20 more than average,” Blossom said in his chief’s report.

These included fire calls, motor vehicle accidents, ambulance assists and hazardous material incidents, as well as false alarms. The department’s 35 active members racked up 605 manhours, making this a very busy year, Blossom said.

One member, Ron Gonyea, who was lost last year, was remembered in a candle-lighting ceremony by membership chairman Bob Fite.

Byron Town Clerk Debra Buck Leaton installed officers for 2019.

Administrative officers are Dean Bates, president; Reggie Macdonald, vice president; Theresa Hammer, secretary; Alfred Klycek, treasurer; Bob Fite, membership chairman; Al Secash, Bell jar chairman; Dean Bates, sunshine chairman; and the Rev. Harold Coller, fire chaplain.

Firematic officers are Scott Blossom, chief; Brian Hickey, deputy chief; Jim McKenzie, assistant chief; Jacob Yasses, captain; Andy Konieczny, 1st lieutenant; Nicole Boldt, 2nd lieutenant; Vito Muoio, engineer; Chase Cone, fire police captain; Matt Dougherty, fire police sergeant; and Aaron Belluscio, fire police corporal.

Ladies Auxiliary officers are Theresa Hammer, president; Michelle Kukuvka, vice president; Melody Stone, secretary; Michelle Yasses, treasurer; Irene Fite, sunshine chairperson; Theresa Hammer, party chairperson; and Mariellen Blossom, chaplain.

Bates presented a check for $25 to Brad Nickerson for the Byron Rescue Squad and announced another $250 check will be sent to Mercy Flight.

Citations from Assemblyman Stephen Hawley and Jay Grasso on behalf of Senator Mike Ranzenhofer were presented to Al Secash in recognition of his 25 years of commitment to the South Byron Fire Company. 

Also recognized was Nicole Boltd for accumulating the most training hours. 

In addition, Boldt was chosen as “Firefighter of the Year.” Her award was presented by Andrew Konieczny, who received the award last year. Konieczny said Boldt puts her heart and soul into the South Byron Fire Company.

“Words can’t describe what this person does for this department,” Konieczny said. 

The honor of being named “Member of the Year” was bestowed by Bates on Fred Klycek.

Bates said Klycek has been a dedicated member of the fire department for a very long time.

“He is many things to many people – a husband, father and brother, and he has helped this organization move forward in so many ways,” Bates said. “He always has a positive attitude and goes above and beyond in all he does.”

Klycek has been a member of the South Byron Fire Department for 40 years. He said it takes a whole community to make the fire department succeed. He praised the guys who volunteer hours and hours every week and those who show up to help for a special event once a year.

One surprise award was given to Irene Fite for 50 years of service to the fire company and auxiliary.

Theresa Hammer, secretary of the fire company and president of the Ladies Auxiliary, said Fite has touched them all.

“She has a sense of humor and can make you laugh one minute, and the next she is serious and putting you in your place,” Hammer said. “The history of this person cannot be replaced.”

Bates said Irene’s insight and advice to others is very much appreciated. She also received citations from the New York State Assembly and Senate. 

The evening concluded with a 50/50 raffle and awarding of door prizes. 

All photos by Virginia Kropf.

Below, Irene Fite looks at a citation in her honor being read by Assemblyman Stephen Hawley on behalf of the New York State Assembly. Fire was recognized Saturday night for 50 years of service to the South Byron Volunteer Fire Company.

Below, Dean Bates, left, president of South Byron Volunteer Fire Company, and Theresa Hammer, president of the Auxiliary, present a service award to Irene Fite for 50 years of membership. Looking on at right are Assemblyman Stephen Hawley (taking Fite’s picture) and fire company Vice President Reggie Macdonald.

Below, Bob Secash, left, was honored as a 25-year member of the South Byron Volunteer Fire Company during their installation banquet Saturday night. At right, membership chairman Bob Fite looks on as Assemblyman Stephen Hawley and Jay Grasso, representing Senator Mike Ranzenhofer, present citations from the State Assembly and Senate.

Below, Dean Bates, right, president of the South Byron Volunteer Fire Department, gives Fred Klycek his award for being chosen Member of the Year.

Below, Bob Fite, membership chair of the South Byron Volunteer Fire Company, honored member Ron Gonyea, who died during the past year, by lighting a candle in his memory. Seated at the head table, from left, are Theresa Hammer, president of the Ladies Auxiliary; Dean Bates, president of the fire company; Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, emcee for the evening; and Reggie Macdonald, vice president. 

Seven poles topple onto field on Tripp Road, Byron

By Billie Owens

Seven utility poles, possibly with power lines attached, are down in a field on Tripp Road near Townline Road in Byron. Byron and South Byron fire departments are called to investigate.

UPDATE 1:27 p.m.: National Grid crews are called to the scene.

A total of 264 GCC students named to dean's list for fall 2018 semester

By Billie Owens

BATAVIA -- A total of 264 students from Genesee Community College were named to the dean's list for the fall 2018 semester. Students honored on the Dean's List have maintained full or part-time enrollment and earned a quality-point index of 3.50 to 3.74.

Ryli Crego of Alexander, NY

Benjamin Vacanti of Alexander, NY

Grace Marzolf of Darien Center, NY

Cassidy Miller of Batavia, NY

Joshua Barton of Batavia, NY

Kesa Janes of Batavia, NY

Mason Turner of Batavia, NY

Taylor Stefaniak of Batavia, NY

Rikki Ettinger of Batavia, NY

Ashlee Ohlson of Batavia, NY

Matthew DiFilippo of Batavia, NY

Shannon Cervone of Batavia, NY

Andrew Frank of Batavia, NY

Samantha Hyback of Batavia, NY

Chase Monachino of Batavia, NY

Matthew Fouquet of Batavia, NY

Chandah Sundown of Batavia, NY

Taylor Dimmig of Bergen, NY

Melissa Haacke of Oakfield, NY

Nicole Mickey of Batavia, NY

Tamara DePalmo of Batavia, NY

Christopher Morris of Pavilion, NY

Merrisa Bohn of Batavia, NY

Kitana Maher of Bergen, NY

Marlaina Fee of Bergen, NY

Nathan Knickerbocker of Byron, NY

Elizabeth Penkszyk of South Byron, NY

Kathryn Long of Stafford, NY

Riley Dyson of Batavia, NY

Julia Starczewski of Corfu, NY

Brandon Kowalski of Corfu, NY

Lynne Blake of Corfu, NY

Bethany Pfennig of Corfu, NY

Zachary Von Kramer of Corfu, NY

Ashlee Gilchrist of Corfu, NY

Haley Steen of Le Roy, NY

Megan Webb of Le Roy, NY

Kaden Vangalio of Le Roy, NY

Amy Kabel of Batavia, NY

Jessica Newton of Batavia, NY

Ivan Pangrazio of Oakfield, NY

Jessica Barclay of Oakfield, NY

Sabrina Walton of Batavia, NY

Katrina Mogavero of Batavia, NY

Mackenzie Simpson of Le Roy, NY

Jeremiah Keaton of Pavilion, NY

Jaden Dumbleton of Pavilion, NY

Kelsey Ehrhart of Stafford, NY

Melissa Ladin of Batavia, NY

Reilly Clark of Bergen, NY

Kaelin Proefrock of Batavia, NY

Shelby Hill of Batavia, NY

Dustin Wheeler of Darien Center, NY

Celestia Chandler of Elba, NY

Genesee Community College serves more than 5,700 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics. 

GCC's new Student Success Center makes admissions, financial aid and enrollment a simple and efficient process. The college has earned three national sports titles; most recently, the Men's Soccer team brought home the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association D-III title. The athletics program, housed in the brand new, state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena hosts more than a dozen intercollegiate men's and women's teams.

Highly convenient, GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as a significant online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three-minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high tech" and "high touch."

Cook Road structure fire rekindles

By Billie Owens

The fire at 6123 Cook Road in Byron, which was first reported shortly after 7 o'clock last night, has rekindled. Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding.

"It's going fairly good," says a first responder at the scene.

UPDATE 5:48 a.m.: A pumper and a tanker from Elba are called to provide mutual aid.

SUNY Buffalo welcomes Class of 2022, four are from Genesee County

By Billie Owens

Buffalo State is pleased to welcome the Class of 2022 to campus. The new Bengals started class on Aug. 27.

  • Brooke Ziminski, of Batavia
  • Brendon Kendall, of South Byron
  • Riley Sadler, of Byron
  • Grace Krizen, of Batavia

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

The college offers more than 160 undergraduate programs,including business administration, education, forensic chemistry, psychology, and television and film arts. 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.

Serious injury motorcycle accident reported in Byron

By Billie Owens

A motorcycle accident with serious injuries is reported in Byron at 6153 Searls Road. The location is between Cook Road and North Byron Road. Mercy Flight is on ground standby. Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics.

Lines down on Byron Holley Road

By Billie Owens

Lines are down across the roadway at 7578 Byron Holley Road and Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding.

Fifteen volunteer fire students complete Apparatus Operator - Pump program

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Fifteen students successfully completed the Apparatus Operator – Pump program on June 23. It was held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center.

Building on the knowledge and skills obtained through the Basic Exterior Firefighter Operations (BEFO) program, the 24 hour Apparatus Operator – Pump course offers fire service personnel the knowledge and skills essential to pump operations.

These include: hydraulics and friction loss, pump control and accessories, fire streams, pumper practices, pumping from draft and pump evolutions and using the fire pump at the fire hydrant.

Participants included: 

Alabama

  • Ryan M. Thompson

Alexander

  • Anthony R. Johnston
  • Jennifer R. Merle

Elba

  • Nicholas Guarino
  • Timothy J. Hoffarth
  • Michael J. Pfendler
  • Oliver R. Shuknecht

Oakfield

  • Joshua M. Finn
  • Jeffery W. McIntire

Pavilion

  • Nicholas P. Saravullo
  • Sean Vogt Jr.

South Byron

  • Nicole M. Boldt
  • Mathew T. Dougherty
  • Vito J. Muoio

Indian Falls

  • Colby Sanner

Authentically Local