Skip to main content

byron

Law and Order: Couple reportedly involved in dispute in vehicle on Swamp Road both arrested

By Howard B. Owens

Tylur Tyshawn Harper, 27, of Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd and criminal obstruction of breathing. Harper is accused of breaking the rear window of a vehicle and applied pressure to the throat of another person during a disturbance at a location on Swamp Road in Byron at 10:42 p.m., Wednesday.  Harper allegedly fled the scene on foot following a traffic stop by Deputy David Moore and was later located by Sgt. Mathew Clor and Trooper Ruckdaschel and Trooper Serio  on Byron Holley Road with the help of tracking from  Swamp Road by Batavia PD Officer Stephen Quider and K-9 "Batu."  Harper was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court with an order of protection issued.  Harper was released on his own recognizance.

Elizabeth Christine Lambert, 26, of Swamp Road, Byron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Lambert was stopped at 10:42 p.m., Wednesday, on Swamp Road, by Deputy David Moore.

Wendy Marie Rivera, 56, of Redwood Avenue, Albion, is charged with stalking 4th and harassment 2nd. Rivera is accused of stalking and harassing another person while following that person in a car on Clinton Street Road in Stafford.  Rivera was located and arrested by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

Sponsored Post: Reliant Real Estate: Just Listed: 6457 Mill Pond Road, Byron

By Lisa Ace


Just Listed: 6457 Mill Pond Road, Byron. The affordable country ranch you have been waiting for! This solid home has great space, new furnace 2020, large living room and a great walk out basement!    Needs some updating but overall good condition! The yard is amazing - home sits up and back from the road, on the corner and oversees a nice quiet country road. Besides the attached garage, there is a nice little barn for all your extra storage or hobbies. Definitely take a look at this one! Call reliant Real Estate today - call 595-344-HOME (4663). Delayed negotiations until 9/30 at 12:00. Click here for more information on this listing.

Photos: Yesterday's sunset

By Howard B. Owens

img_5254hbosunset.jpg

This is a photo I took on Route 262 approaching Bryon yesterday evening.  Below, a shot from Frank Capuano in Batavia and one from Joanne Meiser in Indian Falls.

20210925_185851.jpg

img_5256.jpg

Driver dies after vehicle crashes into barn in Byron

By Howard B. Owens

barnfatal_0_4.jpg

A driver whose vehicle drove into a barn at 5693 Chapell Road, Byron, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident this evening, according to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

The accident was reported around 6:10 p.m.

The vehicle was reportedly heading south on Chapell Road when it left the roadway.

The identity of the driver has not yet been released, nor has a description of the vehicle.

Chapell Road has been closed between Route 237 and Transit Road since the time of the accident.

Byron Fire, South Byron Fire, and Elba Fire, all responded.

The Sheriff's Crash Management Team is on scene.

UPDATE 9 a.m. Sunday: The driver has been identified as Dustin M. Nemec, no age provided, of Elba. Nemec was reportedly driving his 2020 Volkswagen eastbound on Chapell Road when he failed to negotiate a curve. His car struck a tree and the barn.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Photo and info from Alecia Kaus/Video News Service. 

Photos: Sunset and moonrise

By Howard B. Owens

img_0326sunset.jpg

Melinda Hagen shared this picture from a couple of nights ago of the sunset as seen from the Byron-Bergen soccer fields.

Below, yesterday evening's moonrise in Pembroke by Joanne Meiser.

img_1338moon.jpg

Kylie Britt of Byron graduated from SUNY Oneonta

By Press Release

Press release:

Kylie Britt of Byron, NY, graduated from SUNY Oneonta with a Master of Science in Education in Educational Technol Specialist .

More than 1,000 graduates completed the requirements for bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and certificates of advanced study.

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 https://suny.oneonta.edu/

Byron resident named to Southern New Hampshire University's summer 2021 President's List

By Press Release

Press release:

Jeffrey Maskell of Byron (14422) has been named to Southern New Hampshire University's summer 2021 President's List. Eligibility for the President's List requires that a student accumulate an academic grade point average (GPA) of 3.7-4.0 and earn 12 credits for the term.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution with an 89-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 150,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 accredited undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH. Recognized as the "Most Innovative" regional university by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner. Learn more at www.snhu.edu.

South Byron Chicken BBQ

By Howard B. Owens
South Byron Vol Fire Company Auxiliary, 7389 Byron Holley Road, Byron, is holding a chicken BBQ from 11 a.m. until sold out on Sept. 19. The cost is $12.  Drive-thru only. 250 tickets being sold. 
Event Date and Time
-

Byron resident enters guilty plea in welfare fraud case

By Press Release

Press release:

Trina Grimmer, 50, of Byron, pled guilty to one count of petit larceny and was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge in Batavia Town Court on August 17, 2021.

Grimmer was originally charged with six counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing 1st and one count of Grand Larceny 3rd after an investigation by Genesee County Department of Social Services Investigator Dakota Nicholson revealed that she failed to report that her son and his father were also residing in the home.  Grimmer subsequently received $8104.00 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to.

In addition to the reduced charge and conditional discharge, Grimmer was also disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for one year and has made full restitution to the Genesee County Department of Social Services.

Anyone wishing to report suspected cases of Welfare Fraud in Genesee County can contact the Genesee County Department of Social Services Fraud Unit at (585) 344-2590, ext. 6417 or 6541

 

Sheriff's Office trying to locate woman last seen in Byron

By Howard B. Owens

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in locating Madalyn R. Muntz.

Muntz was last seen in the Town of Byron on Aug. 24 in the early morning.

Muntz is not in any trouble. The Sheriff's Office is trying to locate her to make sure she is OK.

If you've seen her or know her whereabouts, call (585) 343-5000 or 911.

UPDATE 10 a.m.: Aug. 26: Muntz has been located and is safe.

House fire reported on Swamp Road, Byron

By Howard B. Owens

swamproadfirewide.jpg

A fully involved house fire is reported at 6718 Swamp Road, Byron.

Byron and South Byron responding. 

A second alarm is called with Bergen, Elba, Oakfield, and the City's Fast Team dispatched.

UPDATE 9:37 p.m.: Per command, all tankers can go back in service.

UPDATE 10:25 p.m.: Fire is out and under control, reports command.

UPDATE 8 a.m.:  Reported by Alecia Kaus: "According to Genesee County Fire investigators, one person was home at the time of the fire. They were able to get out of the house along with the family dog. One cat is still unaccounted for. One other resident who lives in the home was not home at the time. Investigators are looking at a window air conditioning unit as a possible cause of the fire. The home is a total loss. Residents will be staying with family."

Photo by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service

swamproadhousefire.jpg

Byron-Bergen Home Alone Safety Program for Children

By Howard B. Owens

Children ages 7 and up can learn essential life skills for staying home alone at the Byron-Bergen Public Library’s upcoming class. Safety topics covered in the class, held Aug. 17 from 4-6 p.m. include telephone tips, internet safety, first aid, what to do in a power outage, and how to handle other challenges. 

The course fee is $20 cash only.  Participants must register and pay before Aug. 13 at the library or by calling 585-494-1120.  Class size is limited.

Event Date and Time
-

Five GC students recognized for academic achievement at SUNY Oswego

By Billie Owens

SUNY Oswego recently recognized Genesee County residents as high academic achievers on its President’s List and dean's list for the Spring 2021 semester.

President's List students are those attaining semester grade-point averages of 3.8 or higher while carrying required academic credits. Students on the President’s List include:

  • Alexis N. Begin, of Corfu, Communication

  • Collin J. Knapp, of Byron, Journalism, History 

  • Chase N. Monachino, of Batavia, History 

Dean's list students are those attaining semester grade-point averages between 3.3 and 3.79 while carrying required academic credits. Students on the dean's list include:

  • Charles T. Burton, of Batavia, Creative Writing

  • Kelsey Kasmarek, of Stafford, Criminal Justice

SUNY Oswego enrolls nearly 8,000 students in more than 110 academic majors across its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Communication, Media and the Arts; and School of Education. For more information, visit oswego.edu.

Fourteen GC students earned degrees in May from RIT

By Billie Owens

 Rochester Institute of Technology conferred more than 4,000 degrees at all of its campuses in the 2020-2021 academic year. Due to New York state COVID-19 occupancy restrictions, commencement was celebrated May 14-15 in smaller ceremonies by college and were livestreamed for graduates' family and friends.

  • Thomas Berggren, of Bergen, received a BS in physics.
  • Tiffani Bragg, of Pavilion, received an ACT in engineering psychology.
  • Jordan D'Alba, of Oakfield, received a BS in mechanical engineering.
  • Mikayla Johnson, of Le Roy, received a BS in biology.
  • Patricia Lane, of Batavia, received an MS in health systems management.
  • David Lapierre, of Oakfield, received a BS in mechanical engineering technology.
  • Melissa Mountain, of Batavia, received a BFA in interior design.
  • Celia Mercovich, of Bergen, received a BS in physics.
  • Don Pangrazio, of Le Roy, received an MS in product development.
  • Alex Rosse, of Byron, received a BS in computing security.
  • Chase Roth, of Alexander, received an AAS in mobile app development.
  • Bailey Russo, of Batavia, received a BS in game design and development.
  • Charlie Stevens, of Le Roy, received a BS in mechanical engineering technology.
  • Cassidy Territo, of Corfu, received an MS in secondary education of students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 18,600 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.

For news, photos and videos, go to www.rit.edu/news.

Combine and field fire reported in Byron

By Howard B. Owens

A combine and field fire is reported off of Townline Road east of Swamp Road in South Byron.

A first responder reports the combine is fully involved.

There is heavy black smoke in the area.

Byron and South Byron dispatched. Mutual aid is requested from Elba.

UPDATE 7:46 p,m.: "Fire is under control. Hitting hot spots."

Occupants of vehicle reportedly flee scene of accident in Byron

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident is reported in the area of 5678 Walkers Corners Road and the occupants of the vehicle have reportedly fled the scene on foot.

The vehicle ran into a tree.

The occupants are described as teenagers. Both fled north before cutting west toward Bank Street Road.

Byron and South Byron fire are responding to the accident.

UPDATE 7:24 p.m.: They're reportedly in a cornfield with shoulder-high stalks limiting visibility.

UPDATE 8 p.m.: There is an ongoing search for the subjects.

UPDATE 8:45 p.m.: "Both subjects secured. No injuries," a first responder reports. Byron and South Byron back in service.

Law and Order: Wilkinson Road man accused of being a child sex predator, first-degree rapist and sex abuser

By Billie Owens
huntleymug2021.jpg
        Melvin Huntley

Melvin A. Huntley, 40, of Wilkinson Road, Batavia, is charged with: predatory sexual assault against a child; course of conduct against a child in the first degree; first-degree rape; first-degree sex abuse. Huntley was arrested after an investigation into him sexually assaulting a child/children over an extended period of time. He was arraigned July 8 in Town of Batavia Court and put in Genesee County Jail without bail. The investigation is ongoing and further charges are expected. No additional information will be released at this time. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Investigator Howard Carlson, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Donald Ray Read Jr., 49, of Mill Pond Road, Byron, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree -- with a previous conviction; and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree -- an explosive. At 10:09 a.m. on July 6, following the investigation into the alleged possession of a pipe bomb, Read was arrested on the charges. It is alleged that he possessed a knife with metal knuckles on the handle and a separate set of metal knuckles. He was arraigned in Stafford Town Court for Byron Town Court and put in Genesee County Jail. Read is due in Byron Town Court this afternoon at 4 o'clock. Assisting with the investigation was the GC Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division, the GC Drug Enforcement Task Force, the ATF, FBI, Erie County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad, and the GC Probation Department.

doddmug2021.jpg
        Brandon Dodd

Brandon Dodd, 34, is charged with second-degree burglary and petit larceny stemming from an investigation into a residential burglary at 8:22 a.m. June 28 on Swan Street, City of Batavia. Dodd is accused of entering another person's apartment and stealing property including an air conditioner and television. This burglary occurred about four hours after Dodd's arrest for stealing an air conditioner from another property on Jackson Street. Dodd was put in Genesee County Jail on $5,000 cash bail, $5,000 bond, or $10,000 partially secured bond.

Brandon Dodd, 34, is charged with petit larceny. It is alleged that at 6:39 p.m. June 29 that Dodd entered a business on East Main Street in Batavia and stole about $300 worth of cigarettes. He was issued an appearance ticket while incarcerated in GC Jail on unrelated charges. He is due in Batavia City Court on July 27 to answer this charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Brandon Dodd, 34, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. At 4:42 a.m. June 28, Dodd was arrested on Ganson Avenue after an investigation into an allegation that he took an air conditioning unit out of a window on Jackson Street in the City of Batavia. While being searched by a Batavia Police officer, a crack pipe was allegedly found on Dodd's person.

Ernest J. Parry, 40, is charged with trespass. He is alleged to remained on the premises of a business of Park Road in Batavia at 10:20 a.m. July 2 after being told to leave by security staff several times during out outdoor concert. He was issued a ticket to be in Batavia City Court July 13, no time provided, then released.

Andrew Martin, 43, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He responded to BPD headquarters at 5:04 p.m. July 3 and was issued an appearance ticket after an alleged violation of an order of protection. He is due in city court on July 21.

Tierance Davis Sr., 34, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested on a warrant out of Batavia City Court stemming from an incident June 9 in which he was allegedly located at a residence of a person who had an order of protection against him. He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and was due in court today (July 12); time not provided.

Michael Jackson Jr., 40, is charged with: second-degree assault; third-degree assault; second-degree strangulation; criminal obstruction of breathing; and unlawful imprisonment in the first degree. He was arrested July 2 in connection to an incident at 1:30 a.m. on June 10 on Hutchins Place. He was located by Greece PD with two warrants for his arrest out of Batavia City Court. He was arraigned in city court, held at GC Jail and is due to return to city court on July 29.

Robert Gerety, 48, is charged with aggravated family offense. He was arrested at 9:48 p.m. Feb. 28 on West Main Street, Batavia. He responded to Batavia PD headquarters on his own accord after allegedly violating a stay away order of protection while involved in a traffic stop. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court July 2 then released on his own recognizance.

Samantha Lawrence, 31, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. She was arrested June 29 after an investigation into an incident at 10 a.m. June 27 in which she is accused of violating an order of protection. It is alleged that she showed up to a protected party's workplace and that she had contact with the protected person. She was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on an unspecified date.

Christopher J. Wiegman, 32, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree -- criminal possession of a hypodermic needled. Wiegman was arrested July 3 at 10:12 a.m. in Bergen stemming from an incident May 10 on Raymond Avenue following the results of a drug report from the Monroe County Crime Laboratory. It is alleged that he possessed nine hypodermic needles and cocaine residue after a Genesee County Probation home search. Wiegman is due back in Batavia City Court on July 20.

Rae Cook, 32, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 1:55 p.m. July 6 on North Lyons Street in the City of Batavia following an unspecified incident. Cook is due on July 27 in city court.

Crystal Marsceill, 40, is charged with petit larceny. Marsceill was arrested at 4:22 a.m. June 28 following an incident outside a Batavia residence on Jackson Street. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on July 13.

Jose Castro, 36, is charged with unlawful possession of fireworks.He was arrested at 8:30 p.m. on June 29 on Willow Street in the City of Batavia after allegedly setting off fireworks. Castro was issued an appearance ticket  for a later date, unspecified, in city court.

Matthew Zakrewski, no age provided, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration. Zakrewski was arrested on a warrant stemming from an incident at 9:26 p.m. June 28, 2019, on Osterhout Avenue in the City of Batavia. The original charge is based on an incident where the defendant allegedly fled from officers in an attempt to avoid arrest. He was scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on July 6.

Jon Charles Brooks, 51, of Vroom Road, Spencerport, is charged with: aggravated DWI: per se -- with a BAC of .18 percent or more -- no priors; driving while intoxicated -- first offense; and failure to keep right on a two-lane road. At 3:18 p.m. on July 10 on Clinton Street Road in Bergen, Brooks was arrested after a traffic stop for a vehicle and traffic law violation. He is due in Town of Bergen Court on Aug. 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

Gregory Solomonidis, no age provided, is charged with driving while intoxicated. He is accused of driving while having a BAC of .08 percent or more at 5:02 a.m. July 3 on East Main Street in Batavia. During the investigation, it was allegedly revealed that he was involved in an altercation and that he was intoxicated. Solomonidis was arrested, then issued traffic tickets and released.

John Wesley Harding, 64, of West Bank Street, Albion, is charged with petit larceny. Harding was arrested at 3:40 p.m. July 9 at Walmart in Batavia after deputies responded there for a reported larceny complaint of $27.72 in merchandise. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on July 26. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre.

Power outage reported on east side of Batavia into Stafford, Bethany, and Byron

By Howard B. Owens

A power outage affecting more than 4,600 National Grid customers is reported in the northeast section of Batavia into Byron, Stafford and East Bethany.

A crew has yet to be assigned. There is not yet an ETA for repairs.

A dispatcher informed Batavia PD that several traffic lights are not functioning in the area.

UPDATE 11:08 a.m.: Dispatch has received calls from people concerned about the light being out at Route 33 and Batavia Stafford Townline Road. The concern is that people "coming over the hill" will not see the lights are out. A trooper is advised but the dispatcher said callers have been advised multiple lights are out in the area and law enforcement may not be available for that specific intersection.

UPDATE 11:21 a.m.: Statement from Batavia PD: "There is currently a power outage affecting some areas of the City. Remember that if you approach a traffic signal that is not functioning to treat it as a 4-way stop."

UPDATE 11:30 a.m.: The estimated power restoration time for the Batavia-to-Byron outage is 1:15 p.m. For the outage to the east, the restoration time estimate is 12:45 p.m.

UPDATE Noon: Statement from National Grid -- "Earlier today a faulty piece of equipment at a substation resulted in the loss of electricity service for around 4,800 customers in the Batavia area. Our crews are making repairs and they should all be restored at around 1 p.m."

UPDATE 1:41 p.m.: It appears power has been restored to both areas.

Election results released in three GOP primaries

By Howard B. Owens

Town of Bethany Justice – Vote for any Two (Republican)

  • Peggy Johnson -- 23
  • Nichole Szymkowiak -- 37
  • Christopher Hausfelder -- 27
  • Jeff Wolak -- 58
  • Joseph Nowakowski -- 63

Town of Byron Supervisor – Vote for One (Republican)

  • Gerald L. Heins -- 78
  • Peter N. Yasses -- 82

Town of Stafford Clerk – Vote for One (Republican)

  • Julie Scheuerlein -- 33 
  • Barbara L. Radley -- 181

Early voting site has changed for Republican primary voters in Bethany, Byron and Stafford

By Press Release

Press release:

Press release:

EARLY VOTING REMINDER to Republican Primary Voters in Bethany, Byron and Stafford

The location for Early Voting has changed. Early Voting has moved from County Building #2 to the ARC Community Center, 38 Woodrow Road, Batavia.

Contests are ONLY for registered Republicans in Bethany, Byron and Stafford. No other jurisdictions have contests.

Registered Republican voters from those three communities can plan to vote early, if they wish, at the ARC Community Center during the following dates and times:

  • June 12 -- 12 to 5 p.m.
  • June 13 -- 12 to 5 p.m.
  • June 14 -- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • June 15 -- 12 to 8 p.m.
  • June 16 -- 12 to 8 p.m.
  • June 17 -- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • June 18 -- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • June 19 -- 12 to 5 p.m.
  • June 20 -- 12 to 5 p.m.

Primary Election Day is Tuesday, June 22nd, from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. for the Republican contests in the three jurisdictions: Bethany (Bethany Community Center 10510 Bethany Center Road); Byron (Byron Town Hall, 7028 Route 237); and Stafford (New Town Hall, 8903 Route 237).

There are no contests in any other Genesee County towns or in the city.

Authentically Local