A possible silo fire is reported at 2810 Judge Road in Oakfield. Two callers report seeing smoke coming from the silo. Oakfield Fire Department is responding, The location is between Maltby and Hutton roads.

A Batavia resident who has served three prior prison terms was arraigned in County Court this morning on a sealed grand jury indictment for alleged drug dealing.

Adam McGill, 40, is charged with single counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd.

He is accused of selling narcotics on an occasion in February.

McGill first prison term came after a conviction in Genesee County on charges of attempted criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, and attempted burglary, 3rd, in 2001.

In 2003, he was convicted of criminal possession of a forged instrument and sent to state prison again.

His last felony conviction was for criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, in 2012 in Wyoming County. He served three and a half years at Groveland and was released from parole in February 2017.

In arguing for $10,000 bail for McGill, Public Defender Jerry Ader pointed to McGill's nearly two years of unsupervised freedom since then, but Assistant District Attorney Kevin Finnell countered that McGill has 19 total arrests, which includes 15 felony counts, and three failures to appear on prior court cases, including one that required an arrest on a warrant.

Judge Charles Zambito set bail at $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond.

NOTE: There's been no press release yet from the law enforcement agency that investigated this case. When there is one we will update this post with any new information.

Sleigh bells ring, children sing, and winter is all around us. The holiday season has arrived, and celebrations and festivities abound in Genesee County.

From a one-man Christmas Carol show to a train ride that takes you straight to the North Pole, there are so many ways to celebrate. So, bundle up for tree lighting, ready your camera for pictures with Santa, and put on those dancing shoes -- we’ve rounded up enough events to keep you busy until 2019!

Bergen Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Dec. 3

Join the festivities! Starting from Hickory Park, carolers will lead the way to Ward park where the tree lighting ceremony will take place. Enjoy the company of your friends, neighbors and Mr. & Mrs. Claus.

Winter Wonderland of Lights at Red Osier, Dec. 3 & 10

The Original Red Osier Landmark Restaurant is rapidly becoming the largest holiday display in Genesee County! With over 2 million lights on display, Red Osier pulls out all the stops to celebrate the season. On Dec. 3 & 10, come out for pictures with Santa, horse and carriage rides, food from the Red Osier trailer, and homemade Christmas cookies.

DIY Evergreen Centerpieces, Dec. 5, 8 & 14

Decorations are all part of the holiday fun – and you can make your own with Pudgie's. Join a DIY class and create your own evergreen centerpiece. Materials and instruction are provided. Four workshops will be taking place in December!

Snowshoeing at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Dec. 8

Don't let winter make you blue, grab some friends and come snowshoe at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. This free event is perfect for snowshoe enthusiasts and beginners alike -- you can even borrow snowshoes at no extra cost. Spend the morning exploring the Kanyoo Trail on Route 77.

Christmas in the Park, Dec. 8

The holiday season is all about family, and this lighted tree ceremony in Veterans Memorial Park is no different. Join the Elba Betterment Committee to honor and remember loved ones in a celebration of the season. Members of the Elba Central School music department will lead Christmas caroling, cookies and cocoa will be provided, and Santa himself will join to read "‘Twas the Night Before Christmas" to children of all ages.

GSO Holiday Celebration, Dec. 9

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra knows exactly how to celebrate in the spirit of the holidays. Grab your ticket and enjoy a program that incorporates music spanning from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” to “Sleigh Ride” and “Christmas Festival” by Leroy Anderson. Founded in 1947, GSO is one of the oldest civic orchestras in New York State.

DIY Holiday Wreaths, Dec. 10 & 12

Is your door really complete without a wreath to adorn it? Come out to Pudgie's on three dates in December to make your own holiday wreath – complete with all of the trimmings and extras you could ever want.

Christmas at Hillcrest, Dec. 15

Hillcrest Estate transforms into a winter wonderland befitting of the big man himself! Gather by a crackling fire and get a rare peek inside the grand ballroom, where local vendors offer Christmas goodies, holiday cookies call for decorations, and Santa waits with his elves to welcome good girls and boys. Picturesque backdrops will be found throughout the property – the perfect place to grab a family photo for the Christmas card.

'A Christmas Carol starring' Mike Randall, Dec. 21

'A Christmas Carol' like you’ve never seen it before! Join Mike Randall and as he shares the festive and heart-warming story of "A Christmas Carol." Enjoy Randall's acting talents as he performs the story through distinguishing voices for each unique character, while in costume as Charles Dickens himself. You won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind performance.

Santa & Reindeer Train Ride, Dec. 22

On the Santa & Reindeer train, everyone rides with Santa! In just half an hour, the train magically reaches the North Pole where everyone gets to visit Santa’s reindeer. All tickets include admission into the Medina Railroad Museum, hot cocoa, a cookie and a reindeer toy for children.

Le Roy's "First Night," Dec. 31

Join locals in welcoming the New Year in Le Roy. Shops will be open to browse, purchase warm drinks, enjoy entertainment and “ooo” and “ahhh” at the fireworks starting at 9 p.m. Main Street Bridge provides the best view for this family-friendly event – but get there early to secure your spot!

Countdown at the Downs—New Year’s Eve Party! Dec. 31

Don't miss the New Year's Eve Party going down at The Downs! Ring in 2019 with delicious food and drinks, plenty of dancing, and, of course, free play at the casino. The countdown to midnight will be celebrated with fireworks and a champagne toast. Package rates for hotel nights are also available. 

New Year’s Eve Party, Dec. 31

Oakfield is ready to welcome 2019 with a bang – and a party of their own! Join the celebration with family, friends, and fun from 7 p.m. – 2 a.m. There’s plenty of party to go around.

The fun continues straight into 2019. Visit the events page here to find out more.

Public Notice

The Town of Alabama has several positions open. Positions available are Planning Board member, Planning Board alternate, Zoning Board chairman, and Zoning Board alternate.  

Interested town residents should send a letter to the Town Board, 2218 Judge Road, Oakfield, NY 14125, or drop them off at the Town Clerk’s Office.

All letters must be received no later than Dec. 10.

Press release:

The Batavia Players/Harvester 56 Theater are pleased to announce that due to high ticket sales for our originally schedule production of "Annie," we have added another production on Thursday, Dec. 20th.

This very special offering of "Annie" will also be a fundraising event for Broadway Cares --internationally known for its commitment to AIDS research, patient care and health-related issues. It is also in the forefront of breast cancer research and recently assisted and aided with the California fire relief.

For every ticket sold, the Batavia Players will be donating $3 to Broadway Cares.

We also will have special auction prizes and a 50/50 Raffle during the evening. The evening will be all “tied up in a holiday bow” with special refreshments and meeting the cast. Please join us for this wonderful evening of heater, music and holiday spirit.

Get your tickets online today!

Adults $15 / Students and Seniors $12

www.bataviaplayers.org

David J. Somerton, 36, of Kelsey Road, Batavia, (in photo above) is charged with possession of obscene sexual performance by a child and use of a child in a sexual performance, both felonies. He was arraigned on the charges on Nov. 29 in Batavia Town Court. Somerton was initially arrested and arraigned on five counts of disseminating indecent material to a minor on Oct. 31 after investigation into a sex offense that occurred in the Town of Batavia Oct. 13. The new charges stem from further investigation and additional charges are pending. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator Howard Carlson, assisted by Investigator/Youth Officer Timothy Westcott. The Genesee County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division was assisted by the FBI Buffalo field office.

Alvin Ezra Way, 57, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 9:06 p.m. on Dec. 1 on Colonial Way in Batavia for allegedly violating an order of protection by having personal contact with the protected party. He was issued an appearance ticket for Dec. 17 in Town of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Christie Lynn Daniels, 22, of Council House Road, Basom, is charged with: DWI, speeding in excess of 55 mph, and unlicensed operation -- driving without a license. At 1:59 a.m. on Dec. 2 on Lewiston Road in Batavia, Daniels was stopped by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Young for allegedly speeding. After an investigation, it is alleged that Daniels was driving without a license and while intoxicated. She was issued appearance tickets for Dec. 17 in Batavia Town Court. Deputy Young was assisted in the case by Deputy Austin Heberlein.

Trisha A. Park, 26, of Le Roy, was arrested in the evening on Nov. 30^th by the Le Roy Police Department and charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child passenger under 15 years of age inside the vehicle, a class E felony; operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs and endangering the welfare of a child -- both misdemeanors; unlawful possession of marijuana and inadequate headlights on a motor vehicle, both violations. At approximately 5:45 p.m. on Nov. 30^th, patrols observed a vehicle operating without a headlight on Wolcott Street in the Village of Le Roy. Patrols initiated a traffic stop and interviewed the operator. While speaking with the operator, patrols allegedly noticed a strong marijuana odor emanating from the vehicle. A vehicle search would allegedly reveal marijuana as well as marijuana paraphernalia. After a brief investigation it was allegedly determined that Park was impaired by drugs. Park was taken into custody without incident and was evaluated by a Drug Recognizant Expert. Park was arraigned in Le Roy Town Court and released under supervision. Park is due back in court on Dec. 20^th.

Frank L. Cortright, 60, of Route 77, Alabama, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. It is alleged that at 12:15 p.m. on Nov. 30 on Pratt Road in Pembroke that Cortright intentionally damaged property belonging to another individual. He was issued an appearance ticket returnabled to Pembroke Town Court on Dec. 11. The case was handled by Genesee Coounty Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Stephen Michael Milroy, 24, of Perry Road, Pavilion, is charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana. At 3:42 a.m. on Dec. 1, Milroy was arrested on Park Road in Batavia after investigation into a report of an unconscious male sleeping in his vehicle in the Batavia Downs' parking lot. Milroy was processed at the jail and issued appearance tickets returnable to Batavia Town Court on Dec. 17. The case was handled by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Christopher Jai Shawn Middleton, 24, of Dumont Avenue, Brooklyn, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding. The defendant was stopped at 8:35 a.m. on Sumner Road in Darien on Nov. 29 for allegedly speeding. Investigation allegedly revealed he possessed marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Town of Darien Court on Dec. 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Michelle Ann Case, whose criminal case goes back to 2011, still owes her former employer, HomeCare & Hospice, in the neighborhood of $14,000 but her restitution has yet to be placed on a payment plan by a judge and such a plan was delayed again in County Court this morning.

The 50-year-old Case has been through two trials, convicted twice but the first conviction was overturned on appeal.

This morning Judge Charles Zambito ordered Case to prepare a financial affidavit to help him determine appropriate monthly payments and set a hearing for 9:45 a.m., Dec. 18.

Meanwhile, Public Defender Jerry Ader, representing Case, is challenging Zambito's jurisdiction to order restitution payments.

Because Case has moved a couple of times since her jury trial conviction in July 2016 her probation was transferred to Erie County and then to Niagara County.

She is no longer on probation.

Ader contends that since she was last on probation in Niagara County, the county court in Niagara County has jurisdiction over restitution. He said there is no legal mechanism to transfer jurisdiction back to a court in Genesee County.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman disagrees. He argued that legal precedent doesn't cover jurisdiction over restitution just other matters related to probation.

Ader said he will prepare a written memo for Zambito on his interpretation of legal precedent for Zambito to consider prior to the Dec. 18 hearing.

Case was convicted of falsifying business records in order to increase her compensation from HomeCare & Hospice. She said the inaccurate records were not her fault.

The Toyota of Batavia team in the league of the same name at Mancuso Bowling Center set a Genesee Region USBC record for high team game on Thursday night (Nov. 29).

Bowling on lanes 17-18, the team of Nate Cordes (297), Josh Elliott (265), Matt Buckley (214), Jason Gallo (216) and Wagner 279) registered a 1,271 game to cap off a big night, that also featured a 300 game and 824 series by Batavia's Wagner.

The 1,271 eclipses the 1,220 rolled by the Terry Hills Restaurant team of Fred Gravanda, Jerry Martino, Don Buckley, Joe Trigilio and John Gravante at Mancuso Lanes in February 1986.

Wagner rolled 245-300-279-824 -- his 37th perfect game and fourth 800 series. As the season nears the midway point, the 35-year-old lefty is averaging 245, which also would be a GRUSBC record.

Gallo finished with 717 -- he's averaging 235 -- while Cordes shot 715, closing with a 297 game. Elliott had 657 and Buckley, filling in for regular Leon Hurd, added 556 for a 3,469 total -- short of the Terry Hills' team record by 103 pins.

In other recent league action around the Genesee Region:

-- Curtis Foss of Medina finished with a 299 game on Sunday to place first in the weekly Sunday Rolloff at Medina Lanes. He left a solid 8-pin on the 12th ball. Earlier in the week, he had a 773 series in the Sneezy's Monday Night League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.

-- Chris Bardol spun a 769 series in the G&W Vending League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.

For more high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

The Batavia Improvement District hosted Christmas in the City last night, which included sleigh rides, a toy train ride, visits with Santa (and the Grinch) along with local Christmas shopping.

For pictures of the parade by Jim Burns, click here.

Gregory Hallock as Grinch and Nora Browne as Cindy Lou at GO ART! Hallock made his costume while Paige Sikorski, who is 13, put on his makeup.

Paul Grazioplene posed with Grinch, trying to convince his child that Grinch wasn't scary but the child didn't buy it.

There's a tiny little bundle in Santa's lap. It's 1-month-old Greyson Malcomb getting his first picture with Santa.

Batavia Police Sgt. Dan Coffey with Bo Coffey and Alyssa Coffey. Bo and Dan were in line waiting for a ride in the horse-drawn sleigh.

The Town of Pavilion held its first Christmas tree lighting yesterday, with residents and local businesses decorating trees in the park in Pavilion.

Several families decorated trees in memory of loved ones who have passed. 

The tree in the top photo is a memorial to Bill Prosser, a Navy veteran who served at the end of World War II. In the photo: Joan, Debbie Prosser, Ken Prosser, Jim Prosser, and Liz Prosser.

Rhonda Clary with a memorial tree for her son John, a popular student at Pavilion High  School who died in 2004.

The family of Jack Carney with a memorial tree for him.

Kaylee Brown, 5, with her father Chris Brown, shows off the reindeer she made at yesterday's Create-A-Critter session at the Genesee County Park Interpretive Center.

A couple of dozen children showed up over two sessions yesterday where the kids could create small little animals out of corncobs, pine cones, thistle pods, and other natural materials.

Below, Rhowen Torrey, 4, with Gregg Torrey.

It was Winterfest in Le Roy yesterday. Along with shopping, crafts, and Santa, there was the annual 5K race. We were there for the start of the race.

Kaitlyn Sturgeon tells Santa that for Christmas she wants a big Lego set during Santa's visit to Oakfield yesterday.

Below, Christian Quinn, Kaylee Quinn, Mitchell Quinn, Kaitlyn and Hannah Sturgeon.

While in Oakfield, we also visited the Genesee Society of Model Engineers' annual open house.

Six-year-old Taylor Moorehead tells Santa and Mrs. Claus that she wants a remote car for Christmas during a visit to Foxprowl on Ellicott Street in Batavia yesterday.

A few superheroes also dropped in at the store, as well.

Lyndsay Baker captured a shot of a rainbow this morning.

Saturday night was Batavia’s Christmas in the City Parade. It was a little cold, at times there was a little rain, but a lot of fun was had by all in attendance. 

The parade had a new rouet and direction down Main Street, concentrating most of the crowd from city hall down to Bank Street. 

There were a few first-time participants enjoying Christmas in the City this year. The person I talked to was surprised by the large turnout and said that they had never made it out for the event before. She said her and her family would be sure to make the event an annual family trip from now on. 

Press release:

The Live Nation Lawn Pass provides unlimited lawn admission to all concerts at any of your local participating Live Nation amphitheaters throughout the 2019 season for one price. 

Lawn Pass will go on sale starting at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4 and be available through Dec. 18 or while supplies last, making the pass the perfect holiday gift that can be enjoyed all next summer.

To purchase the pass, fans can go to lawnpass.livenation.com and use the dropdown menu to select a desired amphitheater. Each fan will receive a custom laminate with their name and unique barcode that serves as their ticket on show day. Once fans scan in, they are all set to dance the night away on the lawn.

The full list of participating amphitheaters found below. Pricing varies per amphitheater and further details and restrictions for the Lawn Pass can be found at lawnpass.livenation.com.

Sold for a limited time only, this pass will give fans lawn access to Live Nation concerts (even the sold-out ones!) at Darien Lake Amphitheater* for just $125 plus fees. In addition to guaranteed admission, passholders will receive Fast Lane access for speedy entry, complimentary lawn chair rental to chill out and enjoy the show, as well as exclusive ticket offers.