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Alabama

Highland Park teen accused of stealing cash and harassing minor

By Billie Owens

Devon A. Wright, 18, of Highland Park, Batavia is charged with: second-degree harassment -- physical contact; fourth-degree grand larceny -- taking property from a person; and endangering the welfare of a child less than 17. Wright was arrested on Nov. 10 following an incident with a juvenile that occurred at Batavia City Centre at 10 a.m. that day. Wright allegedly stole an envelope containing cash from the pant pocket of a juvenile, and then grabbed the person by the wrist, causing them to feel threatened and fear physical harm. Wright was arraigned at 9:37 p.m. in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail. Wright was due back in city court on Nov. 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Joshua Girvin, assisted by Officer Sean Wilson.

Casey Lynn Fitch, 30, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with: having unsafe tires; moving from lane unsafely; leaving the scene of a property damage accident; driving while intooxicated; and DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or higher. Fitch was arrested following a hit-and-run property damage accident that occurred at 9:11 p.m. on Nov. 7 on Naramore Drive in Batavia. Fitch was transported to Batavia Police Department and processed, then issued traffic tickets. She is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

William C. Hofert, 60, of Dewey Avenue, Batavia, is charged with driving while intoxicated and refusal to take a breath test. Hofert was arrested on Nov. 5 following an accident that occurred at 10:03 p.m. on Dewey Avenue. He allegedly drove a vehicle while intoxicated and struck parked cars. He was issued traffic tickets and released and is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.

Thomas Scott Flower, 47, of West County House Road, Albion, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more; driving while intoxicated; and speed not reasonable and prudent. At 9:08 a.m. on Nov. 12, following the investigation into a one-car accident on Knowlesville Road in Alabama, Flower was arrested on the charges. He was released on appearance tickets and   is due in Alabama Town Court on Nov. 27. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Alexandrea Lea Fitzwater, 33, of Church Street, Medina, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, petit larceny and sixth-degree conspiracy. Fitzwater was arrested on Nov. 12 following in investigation into a larceny that occurred at Kohl's department store in Batavia during the afternoon of Sept. 8. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in Town of Batavia Court on Dec. 5. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Portion of Bloomingdale Road in Alabama closed today until about Dec. 6

By Billie Owens

From the county Highway Department:

Bloomingdale Road between Wright Road and Tensow Road in the Town of Alabama will be closed effective today (Nov. 1) through approximately Dec. 6.

The road will NOT be passable for regular traffic or emergency vehicles.

The public will be notified when the road reopens.

For questions or more information, contact Laura A. Wadhams, P.E., assistant county engineer at (585) 344-8508 or Laura.Wadhams@co.genesee.ny.us

Medicare open enrollment is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Office for the Aging will, once again, be holding Medicare open enrollment vendor fairs for members of the community.

These vendor fairs will have representation from local Medicare Advantage insurance companies, AARP Supplemental, and EPIC where you can ask questions and change your plan, should you decide to do so.

HIICAP counselors from the Office for the Aging, who specialize in Medicare, will also be available to give you an unbiased look at your options before you speak to a sales agent.

Volunteers will also be available assisting those wishing to sign up for a MyMedicare.gov account.

All vendor fairs run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For questions call (585) 343-1611.

Thursday, Oct. 17th 

  • Alabama Fire Hall, 2230 Judge Road, Alabama 

Tuesday, Nov. 5th 

  • Our Lady of Mercy Gym, 44 Lake St., Le Roy

Wednesday, Nov. 20th 

  • Darien Center Fire Hall, 10537 Alleghany Road, Darien Center

Tuesday, Dec. 3rd 

  • First United Methodist Church of Batavia, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia

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

Law and Order: Oakfield woman suspected of drunk driving

By Billie Owens

Natalie Helen Brown, 25, of Weber Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with: Driving while intoxicated, with a BAC of .08 percent or more; DWI; insufficient stop lamp; speeding in a 55-mph zone; and moving from lane unsafely. Brown was arrested at 1:45 a.m. this morning (Sept. 20) on Route 63 in Alabama following a traffic stop. She was released on appearance tickets and is due in Alabama Town Court on Oct. 9. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jordan Alejandro, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

Geoffrey Paul Jamele, 25, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, unlawful possession of marijuana, and having an obstructed driver's view. On Sept. 19 Jamele was arrested at 4:18 p.m. at Genesee Community College after a traffic stop on 1 College Road in the Town of Batavia. He allegedly possessed two THC oil cartridges (THC -- tetrahydrocannabinol -- is the principle psychoactive compound in marijuana.). He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Town of Batavia Court on Oct. 10. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Mathew Clor.

Public hearing on 2020 budget to be held Oct. 8 for East Pembroke Fire District

By Billie Owens

Notice of Public Hearing

A public hearing will be conducted by the East Pembroke Fire District in the East Pembroke Fire Hall, 8655 Barrett Drive, Batavia, from 6 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 8.

It will be held to permit public review of the proposed budget for the East Pembroke Fire District for the calendar year of 2020, pursuant to Town Law 176.

A copy of the proposed budget has been filed with the town clerks at Alabama, Batavia, and Pembroke, and is available for review.

All persons residing within these areas served have the right to be heard in person or by representative at the public hearing. This includes all persons, firms and corporations owning real property within the service area, and all persons, firms and corporations whose business interests or employment would either be benefited or adversely affected (regardless of whether they reside or own property there).

This hearing is called by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Pembroke Fire District, towns of Alabama, Batavia, and Pembroke, Genesee County, New York.

William R. Joyce, Secretary East Pembroke Fire District

O-A Alumni Hall of Fame community dinner and 2019 induction ceremony is Oct. 12

By Billie Owens

Press release and submitted photos:

The Oakfield-Alabama Alumni Hall of Fame Committee will be honoring the Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2019 during an Alumni Hall of Fame weekend scheduled for Oct. 10th-12th.

This year's honorees are: Daniel Hopkins ('70), Linda Baldwin Potter ('72), and Kim Wolcott ('72).

On the evening of Saturday, Oct. 12th, there will be a community dinner and ceremony to induct our newest members. The dinner will be held at the OACS High School cafeteria, located at 7001 Lewiston Road in Oakfield.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with appetizers for guests to enjoy and the dinner will begin at 6 o'clock.

Tickets are on sale only through Oct. 4th and are available at the high school attendance office or by contacting Committee Member Brandon Brummert through email at bbpennstate10@aol.com. Tickets are $25 each.

The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding OACS alumni who have achieved distinction in their lives and chosen field after high school through significant contributions to their career, community or through personal achievements. 

Dan Hopkins has a lifetime of service to the OACS community, with an excellent track record in business.

Beginning public service as a trustee on the Haxton Library Board, Dan continued on to be a village trustee and Mayor of Oakfield. In these roles he helped establish the current village offices and headed the project to improve water quality in the village.

An early advocacy of ARC group homes in the community helped earn him NYS ARC Public Official of the year and Genesee County Public Official of the year awards.

As a member of the Board of the Children's Home Association Dan helped allocate funds for underpriveleged children. Dan was also a fixture at Labor Daze and Oakfield Youth Baseball.

Dan worked at Batavia Metal Products before being given an opportunity to buy Kaplan Container in East Rochester. He ran Kaplan Container for several years before selling it, and returning to Batavia Metal Products, which had become Strong Forge, in a leadership role.

A multitude of interests and accomplishments highlight Linda Baldwin Potter's induction. Moving to Texas after graduation from OACS she received her AA from San Jacinto Junior College, her BBA from the University of Houston (including a Who’s Who in America listing for her academic excellence, extracurricular activities and community service), and her MBA from Rice University, where she studied International Business in China, Hong Kong and Mexico.

An early supporter of computers for students, Linda was instrumental in placing the first computers in Texas schoolrooms.  She also played key roles in helping the corporate world adapt to computerization and continual new technological advances. Linda received an award from the state of Texas for accomplishments in the War on Drugs.

While raising her two children, Linda also became deeply involved in public service in the Houston area, beginning with school and Girl Scout volunteer leadership roles, culminating in her 2017 role as head of the Hurricane Harvey Family Relief Shelter at NRG Center, and including several other past and ongoing volunteer and leadership roles.

She is the Global Shared Services manager at Powell Electrical Systems Inc. in Houston. Multiple charities in the Houston Area benefit from Linda's involvement through her role at Powell.

Linda has devoted her life to others in the Houston area. For this and her professional accomplishments, Linda Baldwin Potter is inducted into the OACS Alumni Hall of Fame.

Success in business and contributions to the community bring Kim Wolcott to the Hall of Fame.

Starting as an installer at Will's Wallpaper and Floor Covering in Batavia in 1974, Kim rose to the position of sales representative, president and part owner.

He continues in these roles today and has helped shape Will's Carpet One Floor & Home into one of Genesee County's leading businesses.

Kim's community involvement begins with the Oakfield Baptist Church as a youth group leader and trustee.

An active participant in Labor Daze, Kim also helped coach OACS's girls' soccer teams for many years.

We hope to see you there!

For more information about the Oakfield-Alabama Alumni Hall of Fame, click here

Photo: Sunset in Alabama

By Howard B. Owens

70182248_696890667467291_5411881001682993152_n.jpg

Rachael Anderson shared this picture from this evening of sunset in Alabama.

Law and Order: Man accused of robbery at Speedway is jailed without bail

By Billie Owens

Dustin Wayne Bogue, 37, "address unknown," (inset photo, right) is charged with: first-degree robbery; second-degree menacing; criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree; and criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree. At 1:51 a.m. on Sept. 14, Batavia police responded to Speedway at 204 W. Main St. in Batavia for the report of a robbery. Bogue was later arrested on the charges following an investigation. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail. He is due in Batavia City Court at 11 a.m. on Sept. 19. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Taylor S. Wyder, 25, of Alleghany Road, Alabama, is charged with unlawfully dealing with a child in the first degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Following the investigation into a complaint of an adult serving alcohol to a minor at 1 a.m. on Sept. 16 on Alleghnay Road in Alabama, Wyder was arrested, then released on his own recognizance. An order of protection was issued against Wyder favor of the victim. Wyder is due in Alabama Town Court on Oct. 3. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Colby L. Ellis, 30, of West Academy Street, Albion, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Ellis was arrested at 4:35 p.m. on Sept. 13 on Apollo Drive in Batavia. He allegedly violated a stay-away order of protection during a traffic stop in the parking lot. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court at held on unspecified bail. He was due in Batavia City Court this afternoon (Sept. 16). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Schnell Alexandria Ogletree, 30, of Eagle Lane, Canillus, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; driving while ability impaired by drugs; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree; speeding; and unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree. At 9:14 a.m. on Sept. 14 on Clinton Street Road in Stafford following the alleged observation of a vehicle and traffic observation. She was subsequently arrested on the charges. She was taken to Genesee County Jail and evaluated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster, a certified drug recognition expert. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in Stafford Town Court on Oct. 1. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Brock Cummins, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong, and also aided by Deputy Ryan DeLong and Deputy Chris Erion.

Jesse James Smoody, 43, of 8th Court, Westfield, Wis., is charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated -- with a BAC of .18 percent or more, and DWI. At 1:13 a.m. on Sept. 15, Smoody was arrested on Byron Holley Road in Byron following the welfare check on a male who had fallen off his morocycle in the parking lot of a convenience store. He was arrested and released on appearance tickets for Oct. 21 in Byron Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.

Matthew C. Olcott, 40, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of drugs and criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the second degree. Olcott was arrested at 1:16 p.m. on Sept. 12 on Osterhout Avenue in Batavia after a search allegedly led to the discovery of narcotics paraphernalia. Olcott was taken to Batavia Police Department and processed, then released on an appearance ticket for Sept. 17 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker. 

Possible car fire after rollover accident at Lewiston Road and Lockport Road

By Howard B. Owens

A possible car fire is reported following a rollover accident at Lewiston Road and Lockport Road, Alabama.

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 11:27 p.m.: There is a report of a tractor-trailer involved and flames are showing. The driver is reportedly uninjured and out of the vehicle.

Total of 28 volunteer firefighters complete skills refresher course

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Designed to review previously learned skills and improve proficiency, the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus / Interior Firefighter Operations (SCBA-IFO) four-hour refresher is an engine company refresher that combines skills learned in the Basic Exterior Firefighter Operations (BEFO) program and IFO program into a scenario-based response format.  

Twenty-eight Genesee County fire personnel completed the refresher class held on Aug. 19 at the Genesee County Fire Training Center. 

ALABAMA

  • Richard T. Brunea
  • Ronald Bauer
  • Sidney Eick
  • Aron J. Kehlenbeck
  • Michelle L. Patnode
  • Ryan M. Thompson

DARIEN 

  • Thomas Bieler
  • Jeff Luker 
  • Joe Marino
  • Joseph Murphy 
  • Teresa Tesch

CORFU

  • Dean T. Eck 
  • Glenn Eck
  • Jayden D. Eck 
  • Bruce Fauth
  • Casey Felski
  • Kristen Gaik 
  • James Hale
  • Tyler G. Lang
  • Matthew P. Lenhard
  • Ethan J. Librock 
  • Justin S. Rodland 
  • Steven Rodland 
  • Lori Ann Santini
  • Brian Schollard 
  • Dan Smith 
  • Jacob Stiles
  • Megan Stiles 

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

Hawley: DOT scraps planned roundabout at Route 77 and Ledge Road in favor of blinking red and yellow lights

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that the state Department of Transportation (DOT) has reversed its decision to construct a roundabout at the dangerous intersection of State Route 77 and Ledge Road in the Town of Alabama in favor of a blinking yellow light on Route 77 and a blinking red light on Ledge Road.

The busy intersection is known to be very treacherous, having become a common site for traffic accidents, and is routinely used by tractor-trailers and farm vehicles as a gateway to the western portions of the state.

The Alabama Town Board recently passed a resolution opposing the construction of a roundabout for myriad reasons including cost, the need to build onto nearby private property, and the likelihood accidents would continue.

Hawley backed the town board’s opposition to the roundabout and twice requested that the DOT consider different alternatives to the proposed roundabout. 

“Although I am pleased that the state DOT deferred to the concerns of local citizens and the town board in this case, I hope and pray that all residents take the dangers surrounding this intersection seriously and heed all traffic signals and devices,” Hawley said.

“The proposed roundabout would have cost nearly $1.8 million in taxpayer money, whereas the new lights will cost less than $100,000 and be infinitely less intrusive to nearby residents’ properties and daily commuters. The citizens of Alabama know what works best for their community and I will happily stand behind their decision.”

Those Alabama/Oakfield seniors are at it again with their Senior Luncheons -- first one is Sept. 17

By Billie Owens

The newly reorganized Alabama/Oakfield Senior Luncheons are starting up again!

“We’ve Only Just Begun.”

The first one is slated for 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Oakfield Community Bible Church​, which is located at 80 N. Main St., Oakfield.

These will be held on the third Tuesday of the month going forward.

Come and bring your favorite dish-to-pass and enjoy lunch and an afternoon of fun with friends!

Please use the door at the back of the church, directly into the Dining Hall (located at the back of the parking lot).

Contacts: Michael Hamm (585) 734-5921, or LaNora Thompson (630) 888-8966.

Rollover accident reported in Basom

By Howard B. Owens

A rollover accident with a person being ejected from the vehicle is reported at the intersection of Meadville Road and Bloomingdale Road in Basom.

No further word on possible injuries.

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 7:10 p.m.: A landing zone for Mercy Flight is being established.

UPDATE 7:19 p.m.: A 9-year-old child is being transported by Mercy Flight to ECMC. No loss of consciousness.

Grand Jury: Man accused of seriously injuring person with a hammer during Batavia crime spree

By Billie Owens

Benjamin Santiago Jr. is indicted for the crime of first-degree robbery, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that on June 2 at an upper apartment on Ellicott Street in Batavia that Santiago forcibly stole property from another person, and in the course of the commission of the crime used or threatened the immediate use of a dangerous instrument -- a hammer. In count two, Santiago is accused of forcibly stealing property and in the commission of the crime, causing serious physical injury to a person. It is also a Class B violent felony. In count three the defendant is accused of first-degree assault, another Class B violent felony, for intentionally causing serious physical injury to another person by means of a dangerous instrument -- a hammer. In count four, Santiago is accused of grand larceny in the fourth degree, a Class E felony, for stealing a credit or debit card belonging to another person. In count five, he is accused of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, for stealing U.S. currency from the same victim. In count six, he is accused of petit larceny for stealing a Fuji bicycle from a different victim that day on Bank Street in the city, which is a misdemeanor. In count seven, Santiago is accused of second-degree burglary, a Class C violent felony, for entering a dwelling on Bank Street Road in the Town of Batavia with the intent to commit a crime. In count eight, the defendant is accused of third-degree grand larceny, a Class D felony, for allegedly stealing property with a value of more than $3,000 -- a 2010 Ford F150 Lariat super cab truck -- belonging to a third victim.

Juaquin E. Davis is indicted for the crime of criminal contempt in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Jan. 16 in the City of Batavia that he violated an order of protection by being in the presence of the protected party. In count two his is accused of the same crime on March 18. In count three, Davis is accused of the same crime on March 18 for allegedly grabbing the protected party by the hair and pushing her up against a wall, then shoving her against a window. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Davis is accused of having been convicted of second-degree criminal contempt, a Class A misdemeanor, on Oct. 3 in City of Batavia Court. His conviction stems from violating an order of protection and that conviction was within five years of the crimes alleged in the current indictment.

Cody M. Landin is indicted for the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on March 20 in the Town of Stafford that Landin drove a 2008 Mazda on Route 237 while intoxicated and while a passenger age 15 or under was a passenger. In count two, he is accused DWI, also as a Class E felony, for driving that day while allegedly intoxicated. In count three, Landin is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a Class E felony, for allegedly driving while intoxicated, knowing that his NYS driver's license was suspended or revoked by authorities. In count four, he is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree, as a misdemeanor, for driving when his license was suspended by authorities on Nov. 14. In count five, the defendant is accused of refusing to submit to a breath test, a violation of vehicle and traffic law. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney's Office, Landin is accused of having been convicted of driving while ability impaired by alcohol and drugs, as a misdemeanor, on Jan. 14 in Town of Covington Court and that conviction was within 10 years of the crimes alleged in the current indictment. The conviction forms the basis of the driver's license revocation referred to in count three of the current indictment. The DA also accused Landin of failing to pay a fine imposed for a conviction in Town of Le Roy court for an offense committed on May 15, 2018; failure to pay that fine forms the basis for the driver's license suspension on Nov. 14.

Eric C. Cleary is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on March 31 in the Town of Alabama that Cleary drove a 2016 Ford van on Lewiston Road while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a Class E felony, for driving that day while intoxicated and while his driver's license was suspended or revoked by authorities. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Cleary is accused of having been convicted for DWI, as a felony, on Nov. 23, 2010 in County of Monroe Court and that conviction is within 10 years of the crimes alleged in the current indictment. He is also accused by the DA of having been charged in Brighton Town Court of DWI, per se, on Nov. 18 of last year, and prosecution of that crime forms the suspension referred to in count two of the current indictment. Furthermore, as a result of the Nov. 18 crime, his driver's license was suspended or revoked on Dec. 19 pending the prosecution of it.

Eduardo Santiago is indicted for the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated, per se, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on May 19 in the Town of Pembroke that Santiago drove a 2002 Fore Ranger westward on I-90 while having a BAC of .08 percent or more and while a child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count two, he is accused of aggravated DWI, also as a Class E felony, for driving while intoxicated with a passenger age 15 or less. In count three, he is accused of speeding for driving over the maximum speed limit. In count four, he is accused of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle for driving the Ford Ranger without a driver's license.

Paula A. Cipro is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on March 21 that Cipro knowingly possessed stolen property while on Bank Street in the City of Batavia -- a debit card belonging to another person. In count two, she is accused of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, for using the victim's debit card to make purchases at a local deli.

Volunteers successfully complete training at GC Fire Training Center

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

Thirteen students successfully completed the Apparatus Operator – Pump program on June 15 at the Genesee County Fire Training Center.  

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

Genesee County participants included:  

TOWN OF BATAVIA

  • William J. Allen Jr. 
  • Josh K. Boyle
  • Thomas M. Garlock 
  • Clayton A. Gorski 
  • Thomas E. Marlowe 
  • Bryan A. Moscicki

EAST PEMBROKE

  • Matthew N. Allen 
  • Samantha M. Cavalieri

One of five modules required to earn  the Fire Officer 1 certification, the Company Training & Community Risk Reduction course covers the basic responsibilities of the fire officer as they relate to community relations, company-level building inspections and community risk reduction.

Additionally, this course provides potential fire officers with the basic knowledge of how to determine company-level training needs, teaching from a lesson plan, documentation of training activities, and different methods to conduct company-level training. 

Twenty-two students recently completed the 12-hour Company Training & Community Risk Reduction module offered at the Genesee County Fire Training Center on June 19 (photo below).

Genesee County participants included:  

ALEXANDER

  • Anthony R. Johnston 
  • Sean McPhee

TOWN OF BATAVIA

  • Josh K. Boyle
  • Thomas M. Garlock
  • Clayton A. Gorski
  • Conor P. Wilkes

BETHANY

  • Peggy Johnson 
  • Gregory Johnson
  • Richard Klunder III
  • Christopher M. Page
  • Corrie A. Rombaut
  • Kyle L. Rombaut

BYRON

  • Victor  L. Flanagan

CORFU

  • Dean T. Eck
  • Tyler G. Lang
  • Lori Ann Santini
  • Daniel P. Smith

ELBA

  • Bradley R. Chaddock
  • Michael J. Pfendler
  • Michael Schad Jr.

LE ROY

  • Thomas E. Feeley

One of five modules required to earn  the Fire Officer 1 certification, the Leadership & Supervisory Module was offered at the Genesee County Fire Training Center earlier this year. 

This module, consisting of 15 hours of instruction, provided current and potential fire officers with a fundamental knowledge of the duties, responsibilities and leadership required to be successful as a fire officer.

Students were presented the basic responsibilities of the fire officer as they relate to human resource management as well as common administrative functions.

Twenty-eight students completed the 12-hour Company Training & Community Risk program representing nine county fire companies.  

Genesee County participants included:  

ALABAMA

  • David J. Kinney 

ALEXANDER 

  • Anthony R. Johnston 
  • Sean McPhee

TOWN OF BATAVIA

  • Josh K. Boyle
  • Thomas M. Garlock 
  • Clayton A. Gorski
  • Scott T. Maloy
  • Conor P. Wilkes 

BETHANY

  • Gregory W. Johnson 
  • Richard, Klunder III
  • Timothy J. McCabe
  • Christopher M. Page
  • Kyle L. Rombaut

BYRON

  • Victor L. Flanagan

CORFU

  • Dean T. Eck
  • Gregory S. Lang 
  • Tyler G. Lang
  • Lori Ann Santini
  • Daniel P. Smith 

DARIEN

  • Aaron Elliott

ELBA

  • Jennifer A. Cardinalli 
  • Nicholas J. Esten
  • Timothy Hoffarth 
  • Christopher P. Lane 
  • Michael J. Pfendler 
  • Michael Schad Jr. 
  • George M. Underhill 

LE ROY

  • Thomas E. Feeley

GCEDC takes part in cutting-edge Semicon West conference in San Francisco

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Officials from the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) once again made the annual trip to the New York Loves Nanotech Summit at Semicon West at the Moscone Center in San Francisco July 8-11.

GCEDC Vice President of Business and Workforce Development Chris Suozzi participated in a panel discussion with other economic development professionals about how infrastructure investments are advancing New York’s impact on the development and commercialization of emerging and existing technologies.

Suozzi highlighted investments at the Western New York Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (WNYSTAMP), the 1,250-acre high-tech greenfield developed in Alabama.

“Semicon West is a great event for us to not only talk about all the great economic development initiatives occurring in Genesee County, but across New York State,” Suozzi said. “New York is continuing to make investments in semiconductor infrastructure and the Buffalo-Rochester Metro Corridor stands out as an area that is providing the best workforce and STEM education in the country.”

New York State is at the forefront of advancing AI, quantum computing, power electronics, and neuromorphic computing capabilities through their advancements in process, equipment, materials and device technology-related research. 

Suozzi and GCEDC Director of Marketing and Communications Jim Krencik also led discussions with representatives of semiconductor and advanced manufacturing businesses seeking to invest in Genesee County and the talent-rich Buffalo-Rochester Metro Corridor.

Suozzi and Krencik were joined at Semicon West by New York Loves Nanotech, a statewide group led by economic development organizations, academic institutions, and technology companies. NYLN promotes WNY STAMP and the state’s assets to high-tech companies.

“Through our presence at this annual event and the relationships with have established with officials from advanced manufacturing companies, Genesee County’s assets will be well received as these officials are discussing ideal locations for their operations,” Krencik said.

For the 22nd year, NY Loves Nanotech had a large delegation of more than 60 officials attending the industry conference. NY Loves Nanotech, Empire State Development (ESD) and National Grid hosted a pavilion at the industry leading conference, which they co-exhibited with several other companies and organizations.

So far, New York has attracted more than $20 billion in nano-optics, photonics, and semiconductor investments. New York State’s world-class workforce and research and development capacities are huge asset, as are the infrastructure capacities at WNY STAMP.

Teen sent to prison for making threats arrested on menacing charge

By Howard B. Owens

A teenage resident of Alabama who just 18 months ago was sentenced to prison for making a terroristic threat against a police officer was arrested again Tuesday night for allegedly threatening another person with a baseball bat.

Isaac Abrams, 19, of Sky Road, is charged with menacing, 2nd.

At 11:26 p.m., Tuesday, Abrams allegedly threatened to injure another person using a metal baseball bat.

He was arrested by deputies Austin Heberlein and Travis DeMuth.

In February 2018, Judge Charles Zambito sentenced Abrams to one-and-one-third to four years in prison following his earlier guilty plea to the Class D felony of making a terroristic threat.

Zambito also granted Abrams youthful offender status (his juvenile record would be sealed) if he could stay out of trouble. 

In September 2017, Abrams threatened to shoot deputies during an incident on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation. Two days before that, Abrams was accused of trying to seriously hurt or kill a person with a motor vehicle at a fast-food restaurant in Batavia.

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