Skip to main content

byron

Oxbo's new high-clearance sprayer got some limelight at NY Farm Show in Syracuse

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Byron -- Oxbo International Corporation (“Oxbo”) was pleased to exhibit several products at this year’s New York Farm Show in Syracuse, held Feb. 27-29.

The Oxbo 7550 front boom (high-clearance) sprayer (in top photo) and its 77 inches of crop clearance was highlighted by Farm Progress’ Northeast Editor Chris Torres after the show.

“Each year Oxbo brings equipment to exhibit at the New York Farm Show because this show draws a broad group of agricultural customers from across the Northeast,” said Jim Welch, a Genesee County based Technical Services representative for Oxbo.

“This gives us a great opportunity to talk to our customer base and listen to suggestions to keep up with their changing needs. For 2020, we were able to exhibit our 2114 and 2334 forage mergers and our 7550 high clearance sprayer in the booth. Oxbo is the global leader in forage merger technology; forage merging is critical to feed quality for dairies in the Northeast.

"The 7550 is a new product for us, but we have supported high clearance sprayer customers for over twenty years; this product builds on our experiences in this industry and delivers a unique factory-direct sales and service model to our customer base. Both models are built locally in our Byron, New York facility,” added Welch.

Oxbo International Corporation is a leading supplier of specialized harvesters and other equipment for niche market agriculture. With manufacturing operations in Byron, Clear Lake, Wis., and Lynden, Wash., Oxbo markets its equipment to agribusiness and producers worldwide.

Photo courtesy of Chris Torres.

Law and Order: Four suspected of DWI, another accused of stealing from Speedway

By Billie Owens

Michael Robert Simcick, 26, of Keeney Road, Le Roy, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- first offense; refusal to take a breath test; unlawful possession of marijuana; failure to stop at stop sign; and moving from lan unsafely. At 1:26 a.m. on March 8, Simcick was arrested on Perry Road in Pavilion after a traffic stop for a violation of vehicle and traffic law. An investigation allegedly determined him to be intoxicated by alcohol and in possession of marijuana. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Pavilion Town Court on March 17. Genesee County Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush handled the case, assisted by Deputy Austin Heberlein, and the Le Roy Police Department.

Shane R. Reisman, 50, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: failure to stop at a stop sign; driving while intoxicated; drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle on a highway; and refusal to take a breath test. Batavia Police Officer Peter Post arrested Reisman at 2:36 p.m. on March 2 on Trumbull Parkway in Batavia after a traffic stop. Reisman was later released with appearance tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on March 18.

Baltazar de la Rosa Sifuentes, 26, of Parkland Creek Lane, Chili, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more -- first offense; driving while intoxicated -- first offense; and moving from lane unsafely. At 9:30 p.m. on March 6, Sifuentes was arrested after an investigation of a single-car accident on Route 33 in the Town of Stafford. He was released with appearance tickets and is due in Stafford Town Court on March 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Jessica Lyn Revier, 35, of Hall Road, Holley, is charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated; DWI; failure to stop at a stop sign; and speed not reasonable and prudent. At 7:55 a.m. on March 7, Revier was arrested on North Bergen Road in Byron. She allegedly drove her vehicle off the roadway while in an intoxicated condition. Revier was released on appearance tickets and is due in Byron Town Court on March 16. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore, assisted by Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Phillip Detraell Byford Jr., 29, of Brockport Spencerport Road, Brockport, was arrested March 3 on two separate warrants out of Batavia City Court. It is alleged that Byford stole from the Speedway convenience store at 204 W. Main St. in Batavia at 8:44 p.m. on Jan. 24 and then failed to appear in court after his appearance ticket was issued. He was arraigned in city court and released. He is due back in court on March 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Austin Hedges, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Grand Jury: Two people accused of possessing fentanyl in Byron with intent to sell it

By Billie Owens

Chance J. Barnwell-McClary and Marvelous C. Williams are indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 10 in the Town of Byron, that the defendants knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug -- fentanyl -- with the intent to sell it. In count two, Barnwell-McClary and Williams are accused of criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that on Oct. 10 in the Town of Byron that the defendants knowingly possessed or sold gelatin capsules, glassine envelopes, vials, capsules or other material suitable for packaging individual quantities of narcotic drugs or stimulants under circumstances that evinced the intent to use or unlawfully manufacture, package or dispense narcotic drugs or stimulants.

Niasia S. Jiggetts is indicted for the crime of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged that in 2017 at an apartment in the 4000 block of West Main Street Road, Town of Batavia, that the defendant, being age 18 or older, intentionally caused physical injury to a person under age 7. In count two, she is accused of another count of second-degree assault. It is alleged in count two that last year on Thomas Avenue in the City of Batavia that the defendant, an adult, intentionally caused physical injury to a person less than 7 years old.

Edwin Peart Jr. is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 29 in the City of Batavia the defendant knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug, cocaine, with the intent to sell it. In count two, Peart is accused of promoting prison contraband in the first degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged in count two that Peart introduced dangerous contraband -- cocaine -- into the Genesee County Jail. In count three, he is accused of tampering with physical evidence, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count three that on Aug. 29, believing certain evidence was about to be produced, he tried to suppress it, by an act of concealment, alteration, destruction, intimidation or force. Peart is accused of retrieving bags of cocaine from his underwear while being processed at the jail, placing them in his mouth and chewing them, "refusing all commands to open his mouth and spit the substance out."

Walter H. Bennett is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 24 in the City of Batavia that he knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug -- cocaine -- with the intent to sell it. In count two, he is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that on Oct. 24 in the City of Batavia that he knowingly and unlawfully possessed a controlled substance -- cocaine.

James R. Blakeslee is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 28 in the Town of Le Roy on Route 19, Blakeslee drove a 2003 Dodge while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of DWI, per se, as a Class E felony. In is alleged in count two that the defendant had a BAC of .08 percent or more at the time, according to an chemical analysis of his breath. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Blakeslee is accused of having been convicted of DWI as a misdemeanor on Sept. 16, 2014 in Wyoming County Court, and that conviction was within 10 years of the crimes alleged in the current indictment.

Schnell A. Ogletree is indicted for the crime of driving while ability impaired by drugs, as a misdemeanor. It is alleged that on Sept. 14 in the Town of Stafford that Ogletree drove a 2012 GMC Terrain on Route 33 while her ability was impaired by the use of drugs. In count two, she is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count two that when she drove that day she knew or had reason to know that her driver's license was suspended or revoked by authorities. In count three, Ogletree is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three that on that day she knowingly and unlawfully possessed a controlled substance -- cocaine. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Ogletree is accused of having been convicted of driving while ability impaired by the consumption of alcohol. It is alleged in Special Information that the defendant was convicted of this on June 12 in the Town of Onondaga and this conviction forms the basis of count two in the current indictment.

Shamya Brown is indicted for the crime of grand larceny in the fourth degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on March 19 in the Town of Batavia that Brown stole cosmetics and/or skin care items having a value exceeding $1,000.

Total of 28 GC students named to fall 2019 dean's list at RIT

By Billie Owens

The following local residents made the dean's list at Rochester Institute of Technology for the 2019 Fall Semester:

Nicholas Kelly, of Byron (14422), who is in the software engineering program.

Celia Mercovich, of Bergen (14416), who is in the physics program.

Erik Scharlau, of Alexander (14005), who is in the physician assistant program.

Nicholas Johnson, of Batavia (14020), who is in the computing and information technologies program.

Ava Vescovi, of Le Roy (14482), who is in the business administration-marketing program.

Bethany Zwolinski, of Corfu (14036), who is in the biomedical sciences program.

Sophia Zwolinski, of Corfu (14036), who is in the mechanical engineering program.

Tyler Henry, of Bergen (14416), who is in the illustration program.

Taylor Schofield, of Pavilion (14525), who is in the biomedical engineering program.

Lauren Burke, of Bergen (14416), who is in the physician assistant program.

Amelia Pestillo, of Batavia (14020), who is in the management information systems program.

Maddi Howard, of Elba (14058), who is in the diagnostic medical sonography program.

Jessie Abrams, of Corfu (14036), who is in the medical illustration program.

Triton Adamski, of Corfu (14036), who is in the game design and development program.

Lucas Kohorst, of East Pembroke (14056), who is in the web and mobile computing program.

Bria Brade, of Batavia (14020), who is in the applied arts and sciences program.

Sarah Nati, of Corfu (14036), who is in the applied arts and sciences program.

Jeremy Boyle, of Batavia (14020), who is in the supply chain management program.

Melissa Mountain, of Batavia (14020), who is in the interior design program.

Bailey Russo, of Batavia (14020), who is in the game design and development program.

Ryan Missel, of Corfu (14036), who is in the computer science program.

Jay Lewis, of Batavia (14020), who is in the mechanical engineering technology program.

Kiera Gross, of East Bethany (14054), who is in the computational mathematics program.

Katelyn Hersee, of Batavia (14020), who is in the business administration-accounting program.

Chase Roth, of Alexander (14005), who is in the mobile app development program.

Ethan Stone, of Batavia (14020), who is in the computer engineering program.

Michelle Miller, of East Bethany (14054), who is in the industrial design program.

Allen Snyder, of Darien Center (14040), who is in the mechanical engineering program.

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

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 19,000 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the United States.

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.

Byron's Clayton Sadler promoted in the NY Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Clayton Sadler, from Byron, and assigned to the 222nd Military Police Company received a promotion to the rank of Private First Class.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.

These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com

The New York National Guard (New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs) is the state's executive agency responsible to the Governor for managing New York's Military Forces, which consists of nearly 20,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard.

15 local students named to dean's list at Canisius College

By Billie Owens

Canisius College congratulates more than 1,110 undergraduate students who were named to the fall 2019 dean's list.

To qualify for the dean's list students must have attained a grade point average of at least 3.50 for the semester and completed at least four courses of three credits or equivalent.

Canisus College is one of 27 Jesuit colleges in the nation and the premier private college in Western New York.

The following Genesee County students made the list:

Christina Barraco, from Batavia, an undecided major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2022.

Cora Ivison, from Byron, a Communications major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2020.

Alexis Hoerner, from Batavia, a Communications major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2021.

Luca Zambito, from Elba, a Finance major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2020.

Alexander Kunes, from Batavia, an Economics major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2021.

Bella March, from Batavia, a Animal Behavior Ecology and Conservation major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2023.

Thomas Kubiniec, from Batavia, a Biology major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2020.

Calvin Herrick, from Le Roy, a Biology major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2023.

Griffin Della Penna, from Batavia, a Journalism major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2023.

Ava Horgan, from Le Roy, a Political Science major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2023.

Trevor Maier, from Oakfield, a Sport Management major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2023.

Zachary Brown, from Linwood, an undecided major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2023.

Mary Warner, from Le Roy, a Mathematics major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2023.

David Doan, from Batavia, a Finance major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2023.

James Farmer, from Alexander, a Digital Media Arts major at Canisius and member of the Class of 2020.

Photos: Old truck off Route 262

By Howard B. Owens

oldtruckrpoute237feb142020.jpg

Driving down Route 262 in Byron this morning, I spotted this old, snow-covered truck, in a yard off the roadway.

oldtruckrpoute237feb142020-2.jpg

Firefighters from six GC fire companies complete course in lightweight wood construction

By Billie Owens

Press release 2/11/20:

Understanding the special characteristics and considerations of lightweight wood construction is an important factor in fighting fires today. Sixteen firefighters from six county fire companies completed 12 hours of instruction regarding manufacturing methods, component awareness, fire performance and strategies and tactics pertaining to fires involving lightweight wood construction.  

The program’s emphasis was to improve fire personnel’s ability to recognize the presence of light-weight wood construction and the related hazards, better predict the overall reaction of a building during fire conditions and how to operate safely. 

The following Genesee County fire personnel completed the program:

City of Batavia

  • Sean D. Huggins
  • Josh J. McCarthy

Town of Batavia

  • Joshua K. Boyle

Byron

  • Zachery C. Johnson
  • Jacob M. Schultz

Elba

  • Nicole M. Boldt
  • Sydney R. Brown 
  • Jennifer A.  Cardinali
  • Nicholas J.  Easten
  • Timothy J. Hoffarth 
  • Michael  Pfendler
  • Nathan J. Tabor

Le Roy

  • Jared N. Chick  

Stafford

  • Brian M. Breemes
  • Kari E. Breemes
  • Jason M.  Smith

53 local students named to fall 2019 Provost's List at GCC

By Billie Owens

A total of 248 students from Genesee Community College were named to Provost's List for fall 2019, including 53 who reside in Genesee County.

Students honored on the Provost's List have maintained part-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

Jacob Farnsworth of Alexander (14005)

Naomi LaDuke of Alexander (14005)

Morgan Woodhouse of Alexander (14005)

Jessica Lennon of Alexander (14005)

Julia Lennon of Alexander (14005)

Melanie Snyder of Basom (14013)

Catherine Bilodeau-Redeye of Basom (14013)

Elizabeth Rindell of Batavia (14020)

Mikala Phillips of Batavia (14020)

Elizabeth Grosskopf of Batavia (14020)

Andrew Lin of Batavia (14020)

Bernard Skalny of Batavia (14020)

Samuel Sallome of Batavia (14020)

Erik Kesler of Batavia (14020)

Justin Scott of Batavia (14020)

Brian Wheeler of Batavia (14020)

Janelle DiMartino of Batavia (14020)

Tammy Kingdollar of Batavia (14020)

Margaret Richardson of Batavia (14020)

Carolyn Logsdon of Batavia (14020)

Kyla Phillips of Batavia (14020)

Alexis Balduf of Batavia (14020)

Cassandra Dembik of Batavia (14020)

Robert Tripp of Batavia (14020)

Gabriella Rindell of Batavia (14020)

Janae Meister of Batavia (14020)

Bailey Gavenda of Batavia (14020)

Alexandria Tarbell of Corfu (14036)

Jeffrey Fischer of Corfu (14036)

Nicole Alvord of Darien Center (14040)

Lauren Carli of East Bethany (14054)

Brian Wlazlak of East Bethany (14054)

Angelique Newton of East Bethany (14054)

Kimberly McCullough of E Pembroke (14056)

Robert Stabler of Elba (14058)

Racheal Cook of Elba (14058)

Jamie Lippold of Oakfield (14125)

Shannon Pohl of Oakfield (14125)

Patrick Puccio of Stafford (14143)

Kathryn Long of Stafford (14143)

Kelly Kruppner of Bergen (14416)

Kristina Bird of Bergen (14416)

Anna Morrill of Bergen (14416)

Grace Morrill of Bergen (14416)

Siomara Caballero of Byron (14422)

John Boyle of Le Roy (14482)

Nicole Roth of Le Roy (14482)

Marshall Schultz of Le Roy (14482)

Jacob Eggleston of Le Roy (14482)

Morgan Luce of Le Roy (14482)

Jared Carlson of Le Roy (14482)

Cassandra Hirsch of Pavilion (14525)

Katelyn Barnes of Pavilion (14525)

Genesee Community College serves more than 5,000 students with more than 65 academic programs and certificates. Among the many options are the Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, Food Processing Technology, Theater Arts, and six different healthcare programs including the new Health Studies, A.S.

Each GCC student is assigned a success coach at the College's Student Success Center. The coach provides academic and career guidance from the first steps of the admissions process through to graduation or transferring credits to other institutions. The College's robust athletic program is housed in the state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena featuring a fieldhouse, fitness center, Human Performance Lab, press box, as well as coaches' offices and classrooms.

GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, a significant online program, and student housing is available at College Village, just a three minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and innovative technology inside and out of the classroom, SUNY GCC is known for being "high tech" and "high touch."

Genesee County Democrats seek candidates for local elected offices

By Billie Owens

Press release:

If you are someone who is civic-minded, independent, ambitious, enjoy exploring creative solutions to problems, and want to make an impact in your community, we want to talk to you about running for local office.

If you are interested in getting involved politically in any capacity, please reach out to us at geneseenydemocrats@gmail.com or www.geneseedemocrats.net

The following local elected offices will be voted on this November.

  • Genesee County -- Sheriff, Treasurer, Family Court Judge, Coroner -- two positions

  • City of Batavia -- one City Council at Large -- unexpired term

  • Town of Alabama -- one Town Council -- unexpired term

  • Town of Alexander -- one Town Clerk -- unexpired term

  • Town of Batavia -- one Town Justice

  • Town of Bergen -- one Town Justice

  • Town of Byron -- one Town Justice

  • Town of Elba -- one Town Justice, one Town Council -- unexpired term

  • Town of Le Roy -- one Town Council -- unexpired term

  • Town of Oakfield -- Town Justice, one Town Supervisor -- unexpired term, 1 Town Council- unexpired term

  • Town of Pavilion -- Highway Superintendent -- unexpired term

Byron's Shawn Turner promoted to Private First Class in NY Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the recent promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Shawn Turner, from Byron and assigned to the Company A, 2-108th Infantry, received a promotion to the rank of Private First Class.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.

These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com

The New York National Guard (New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs) is the state's executive agency responsible to the Governor for managing New York's Military Forces, which consists of nearly 20,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard.

South Byron honors top volunteers, installs officers

By Howard B. Owens

southbyronawards2020.jpg

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.

southbyronawards2020-2.jpg

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.

southbyronawards2020-3.jpg

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

southbyronawards2020-4.jpg

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

southbyronawards2020-5.jpg

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

southbyronawards2020-6.jpg

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.

Video Sponsor
.pane-node-body img {background: none !important; border: 0 !important; margin: 0 !important; padding: unset !important; padding-left: 1px !important } broadstreet.zone(69076)

Last night somebody said to me, "I always say, 'If you want to know what's going on, read the paper. If you want to know what's going on now, read The Batavian." Help us keep bringing you the local news coverage you love most.  Become a patron. Click the support button below.

Oxbo in Byron announces executive team promotion and addition

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

Byron -- Oxbo International Corporation (“Oxbo”) announced today that Joe Perzia (inset photo left), senior vice president of Operations, was recently named chief operating officer of Ploeger Oxbo Group.

Perzia joined Oxbo in 1995 and serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Ploeger Oxbo Group, the Dutch parent company of Oxbo.

Perzia will remain based at Oxbo’s corporate offices in Byron.

Oxbo also announced that Tom Cerasuolo (inset photo right), CPA, has joined the company as vice president of Finance.

Cerasuolo, who lives in Rochester, joins Oxbo after almost 25 years with Xerox Corporation.

He will be based at the company’s Byron offices.

Oxbo International Corporation is a leading supplier of specialized harvesters and other equipment for niche market agriculture.

With manufacturing operations in Byron as well as Clear Lake, Wis., and Lynden, Wash., Oxbo markets its equipment to agribusiness and producers worldwide.

Ploeger Oxbo Group, based in Roosendaal, the Netherlands, designs and manufactures harvesters and application equipment for worldwide markets.

The Group has manufacturing operations in the Netherlands, France, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and in the United States through its subsidiary Oxbo International.

Strong winds topple telephone pole onto house in Byron, trapping residents

By Billie Owens

A telephone pole fell onto a house at 6281 Walker Corners Road in Byron. No word on injuries. Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding. "Residents are trapped," says a dispatcher. A Sheriff's deputy is heading there to check on residents.

Multiple power, phone and cable lines and signs and trees are down countywide and multiple alarms for fire and burglary have been called in due to strong winds during the early morning hours. Emergency responders have been very busy.

According to the National Weather Service, a powerful winter storm with snow, ice, heavy rain, severe thunderstorms and flash flooding hit much of the eastern United States Saturday and is expected to wind down today. Gusty winds are anticipated behind the storm which is why wind advisories are issued across a large portion of the eastern United States, including Genesee County.

UPDATE 6:47: "Sounds like (Byron and South Byron) fire's all set. Where do you want me to go next?" the deputy asks.

One-vehicle rollover accident reported in Byron

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident with unknown injuries is reported at 6557 Townline Road in Byron. Byron and South Byron fire departments and Mercy medics are responding. The location is between Ivison and Swamp roads.

Byron's Kyley Pascarella earns President's List honors at SUNY Canton

By Billie Owens

SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran congratulates Kyley Pascarella, of Byron, for earning President's List honors during the Fall 2019 Semester. Pascarella is a SUNY Canton Management major.

"In recognition of your success, I'm pleased to include your name on the SUNY Canton President's List," Szafran said. "You have demonstrated a great commitment to your academic studies and should be proud of your accomplishments." 

This honor is awarded to full-time students who achieve a 3.75 or greater grade-point average.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and professional certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in digital design, engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. As SUNY's leader in online education, SUNY Canton Online offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as 18 online degree programs. The college's 15 traditional athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division III level as part of the North Atlantic Conference. SUNY Canton also offers varsity esports and cheerleading. For more information, visit www.canton.edu.

Faulty equipment at substation blamed for yesterday's power outage

By Howard B. Owens

Statement from David Bertola, spokesman for National Grid in WNY, about yesterday's power outage:

A faulty piece of equipment that caused a Le Roy area substation to fail yesterday at around 9:08 a.m.
As a result, around 5,500 customers lost power. Around 5,000 of those customers had power restored by 2 p.m.

The remaining were restored by around midnight.

Byron's Zachary Cratsley reenlists in NYS Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General, announces the recent reenlistment of members of the State National Guard in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

Specialist Zachary Cratsley, from Byron, reenlisted to continue service with the Company A, 2-108th Infantry.

"It's great to see Soldiers staying in the Army and continuing to serve their State and Nation in the New York Army National Guard," Shields said. "The most important Army asset we have is the individual Soldier. The dedication, skills, and leadership traits they bring to our community and their employers are invaluable."

"By choosing to stay in the Army National Guard they directly contribute to our nation's security and to the governor's ability to respond to disasters, all while building a bright future for their family through the Guard's retirement, education, and health insurance programs," Shields said.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com.

The New York National Guard (New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs) is the state's executive agency responsible to the Governor for managing New York's Military Forces, which consists of nearly 20,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard.

Law and Order: Jackson Street man accused of strangulation jailed without bail

By Billie Owens

Jeremy M. Fairbanks, 41, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree strangulation. Fairbanks was arrested following an investigation into a domestic dispute that occurred at 10:15 a.m. on Dec. 13 on Jackson Street in Batavia. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court at 3:03 p.m. on Dec. 18 and jailed without bail. He was due to return to court on Dec. 19. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan.

Edward G. Ruckdeschel, 57, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with: unauthorized use of a vehicle in the second degree; grand larceny in the fourth degree; and criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree. Ruckdeschel was arrested following an investigation into a stolen vehicle complaint made at 4:47 a.m. on Dec. 7. It is alleged that the defendant stole a vehicle from a parking lot of a business in the city. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 17 and jailed without bail. He will return to court at a later date (unspecified). The case was investigated by Batavia Police Sgt. Matthew Lutey, assisted by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

David Michael Martin, 59, of Scott Crescent Drive, Scottsville, is charged with third-degree grand larceny. At 4:10 p.m. on Dec. 22, Martin was arrested following an investigation into a larceny complaint (unspecified). Martin was arraigned in Batavia City Court at 7:30 p.m. the same day, then released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court on Jan. 6. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jared Swimline.

Matthew Jacob Reid, 25, of Main Street, Warsaw, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; and unable to maintain lane. Reid was arrested following an investigation of a possible medical complaint reported at 12:27 a.m. on Oct. 12 on March Road in Bethany. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Bethany Town Court on Jan. 7. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack.

Jamie Valerie Hart, 21, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree; unlawful possession of marijuana; and speed exceeding 55 mph. On Dec. 21 at 3:57 p.m. Hart was arrested on Clinton Street Road in Byron. The defendant was released on appearance tickets and is due in Byron Town Court on Jan. 13. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.

NextEra cuts big check to support Sheriff's K-9 program

By Howard B. Owens

nexterak9dontation2019.jpg

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is $10,000 closer to its $50,000 fundraising goal for a second K-9 and handler to work alongside "Frankie" and Deputy Chris Erion after receiving a donation yesterday from NextEra Energy.

And the K-9 fund is getting pretty close to that $50,000 goal, said Sheriff William Sheron, thanks to generous community support.

NextEra is planning a 1,500- to 2,000-acre, 280-megawatt solar energy project in the Town of Byron.

Barbie Starowitz, Star Farms, one of the farms that will lease land to NextEra, helped arrange the donation.

Adding a new K-9 is expensive but the Sheriff's Office has long sought community donations to support the K-9 program rather than relying on taxpayer funds. Costs include purchasing the dog, training, and outfitting a car properly for a K-9 patrol.

“We strive to be a good community partner and are thrilled to have the opportunity to sponsor the county’s newest K-9,” said Keddy Chandran, project director for NextEra Energy Resources. “At NextEra Energy Resources, we believe in building strong partnerships and supporting the communities we serve with initiatives like this.

"We are honored to be part of the Genesee County community and look forward to continuing to work in partnership to develop the Excelsior Solar Energy Center which will bring significant economic benefits to the region, including good-paying jobs and increased revenue.”

Photo: Barbie Starowitz, Keddy Chandran, Deputy Chris Erion, "Frankie," Sheriff William Sheron, and Undersheriff Brad Mazur.

Authentically Local