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Total of 69 local students named to Spring 2020 President's List at GCC

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College named 63 Genesee County students to the President's List for the Spring 2020 semester. Students honored on the President's List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

In total, there were 253 students named to the President's List from all seven campus locations in Batavia, Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw.

Online, Genesee Community College's Spring 2020 President's List (PDF) honorees are listed alphabetically by their hometowns.

The College also maintains a Provost's List to recognize part-time students with a quality point index of 3.75 or better and a dean's list comprised of students who earn a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74. These other GCC honorees are announced separately; see the College's website

Below are the 69 Genesee County students named to the President's List for the Spring 2020 semester:

Macie Riggs of Alexander 

Jessica Scharlau of Alexander 

Naomi LaDuke of Alexander

Jessica Lennon of Alexander 

Jordin Cecere of Alexander

Logan Kellogg of Basom 

Donovan Nephew of Basom

Megan Gilman of Basom 

Stephanie Gilman of Basom 

Megan Jacques of Batavia 

Jocelyn Castaneda of Batavia 

Monique McKenrick of Batavia 

Kate Wasik of Batavia 

Stacey Johnston of Batavia

Kristen Gloskowski of Batavia 

Samuel Rigerman of Batavia 

Gregory Metz of Batavia

Heather Demmer of Batavia 

Steven Geyer of Batavia

Abigail Swinehart of Batavia 

Meredith Cutro of Batavia 

Bethany Ruffino of Batavia 

Brandi-Lyn Heidenreich of Batavia 

Nichole Ambrosoli of Batavia 

Macy Midla of Batavia

Janelle DiMartino of Batavia 

Trevor Zewan of Batavia 

Mackenzie Pedersen of Batavia

Shane Cockle of Batavia 

Jennifer Bartz of Batavia 

Brittaney Lang of Batavia

Margaret Richardson of Batavia

Tara Clattenburg of Batavia 

Cortney Dawson of Batavia

Alexis Balduf of Batavia 

Tylin Torcello of Batavia 

Anne Koestler of Batavia 

Jessica Accardi of Batavia 

Bailey Faucett of Batavia 

Ryan Weaver of Batavia

Bailey Gavenda of Batavia

Danielle Joyce of Bergen

Marlaina Fee of Bergen

John Gabalski of Byron

MacKenzie Rosse of Byron

Julia Starczewski of Corfu 

Mackenzie Jurek of Corfu

Nicholas Brown of Corfu 

Carley Staebell of Corfu

Olivia Kohorst of Corfu 

Katharine Smallwood of Corfu 

Ryan Curtis of Corfu 

Dustin Wheeler of Darien Center 

Joshua Kramer of Darien Center 

Haley Alvord of Darien Center 

Caroline Pelton of East Bethany 

Jessica Padilla of Elba

Emily Reynolds of Elba 

Nicole Roth of Le Roy 

Hanna Erion of Le Roy 

Marshall Schultz of Le Roy 

Brenda Turner of Le Roy 

Morgan Ferrara of Le Roy

Kristin Griffin of Le Roy

Emma-Kate Uberty of Le Roy 

Samantha Reinhardt of Oakfield

Annette Velletta of Oakfield

Jazmyn Dobson of Oakfield 

Josilynn Russo of Pavilion

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, Computer Repair, and the newest Micro-Credential offerings in Human Resource Management, NYS Coaching and Professional Sales. GCC also offers a variety of Fine Arts, Theatre 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 its quality education at an affordable price.

Total of 29 GC students made the dean's list at RIT this spring

By Billie Owens

The following local residents made the dean's list at Rochester Institute of Technology for the 2020 Spring Semester.

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.

Marissa Dispenza, of Batavia, who is in the Chemical Engineering program.

Nicholas Kelly, of Byron, who is in the Software Engineering program.

Celia Mercovich, of Bergen, who is in the Physics program.

Cody Zajaczkowski, of Le Roy, who is in the Packaging Science program.

Erik Scharlau, of Alexander, who is in the Physician Assistant program.

Andrew Pickard, of Batavia, who is in the Software Engineering program.

Ava Vescovi, of Le Roy, who is in the Business Administration-Marketing program.

Bethany Zwolinski, of Corfu, who is in the Biomedical Sciences program.

Tyler Henry, of Bergen, who is in the Illustration program.

Taylor Schofield, of Pavilion, who is in the Biomedical Engineering program.

Lauren Burke, of Bergen, who is in the Biomedical Sciences program.

Maddi Howard, of Elba, who is in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.

Jessie Abrams, of Corfu, who is in the Medical Illustration program.

Triton Adamski, of Corfu, who is in the Game Design and Development program.

Jacob Gualtieri, of Le Roy, who is in the Computer Engineering program.

Alex Warren, of Corfu, who is in the Computer Science program.

Grace Vogler, of Corfu, who is in the Business Administration-Management program.

Sarah Nati, of Corfu, who is in the Applied Arts and Sciences program.

Lily Mercovich, of Bergen, who is in the Film and Animation program.

Olivia Fox, of Alexander, who is in the Applied Arts and Sciences program.

Jordan D'Alba, of Oakfield, who is in the Mechanical Engineering program.

Melissa Mountain, of Batavia, who is in the Interior Design program.

Kiera Gross, of East Bethany, who is in the Computational Mathematics program.

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

Chase Roth, of Alexander, who is in the Mobile App Development program.

Charles Carroll, of Oakfield, who is in the Chemistry program.

Ethan Stone, of Batavia, who is in the Computer Engineering program.

Colin Hunt, of Batavia, who is in the Packaging Science program.

Allen Snyder, of Darien Center, who is in the Mechanical Engineering program.

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 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.

Large fire involving grass and building materials is reported in Byron

By Billie Owens

A large grass fire also involving building materials is reported at 7120 Byron Road. The location is between Route 262 and Cochran Road. Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding.

UPDATE 1:40 p.m.: A deputy in Bethany is also responding to the scene.

UPDATE 1:52 p.m.: Byron command reports the fire is out.

UPDATE 2:04 p.m.: Byron command puts the assignment in service "with a warning given" to the person burning the building materials.

Byron woman accused of drunk driving, and without a license, with a child in the car

By Billie Owens

Taylor K. Laird, 27, of Mechanic Street, Byron, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; aggravated DWI -- child in vehicle; aggravated unlicensed operation. Laird was arrested at 10:57 a.m. on May 28 on Pearl Street in Batavia following a "check the welfare call" at a business on West Main Street. Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson handled the case, assisted by Officer Connor Borchert and the NYS Police.

Salvatore P. Scarlata, 36, of East Main Street Road, Stafford, is charged with criminal contempt. Scarlata was arrested at 6:52 p.m. on June 3 on East Main Street Road in Stafford after he was allegedly found in the presence of a person with an order of protection against him out of Town of Sweden Court. Scarlata was fingerprinted, photographed and issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 6 in Town of Stafford Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Erion, assisted by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Brittany L. Bolton, 20, of East Main Street Road, Stafford, is charged with criminal contempt. Bolton was arrested at 6:52 p.m. on June 3 on East Main Street Road in Stafford after allegedly being found in the presence of a person with an order of protection from Town of Greece Court. She was fingerprinted, photographed and issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 4 in Town of Stafford Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Erion, assisted by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Ashley K. Marshall, 28, of Batavia (no address provided), was arrested and issued appearance tickets for Town of Warsaw Court, where she is due to appear at a later date. At 4:20 p.m. on May 31, Wyoming County Sheriff's deputies were patrolling northbound Route 19 in the Town of Warsaw when they stopped Marshall near Mungers Mill Road for having a suspended registration. She was also ticketed for having an uninspected motor vehicle, and operating a motor vehicle which had broken glass. The deputy handling the case was Austin Harding.

Uncle Sam takes a ride around Byron

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and information from Pat Iamon:

Joe Riggi, aka "Uncle Sam," decided the Town of Byron needed to commemorate Memorial Day despite having their yearly Memorial Day parade and festivities cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

So the Air Force veteran and Byron resident donned on his patriotic costume, plastered on white sideburns made of cotton and decorated his "float," which is no match for an overgrown lawn.

He hooked up his wireless speakers and computer and drove around with speakers blaring patriotic songs. His efforts were very much appreciated.

He was met with waves, smiles and many thumbs up!

Riggi is a member of the Byron Volunteer Fire Department, a proud denizen of Byron, and a spirit lifter for sure.

Car-into-pole accident with injuries reported in Byron

By Billie Owens

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

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

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

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

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

Byron's Hannah Green graduates from Nazareth College with Doctor of Physical Therapy degree

By Billie Owens

ROCHESTER -- Hannah Green, of Byron, graduated from Nazareth College with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in Physical Therapy on May 9.

Nazareth College's academic strengths cross an unusually broad spectrum of 60 majors, including education, health and human services, management, the fine arts, music, theater, math and science, foreign languages, and the liberal arts.

The coeducational, religiously independent, classic campus in a charming suburb of Rochester, N.Y., challenges and supports 2,000 undergrads and 800 graduate students. Nazareth is recognized nationally for its Fulbright global student scholars and commitment to civic engagement. Rigorous programs, an uncommon core, experiential learning, career skills, and a global focus prepare graduates for not just one job, but for their life's work.

UPDATED: Mark Your Calendar: 'Cruising for Mercy Flight' escorted by Sheriff's deputies is June 7

By Billie Owens

Route information from Bill and Jeanne Freeman​:

Cruising for Mercy Flight is a car-cruise fundraiser that will be held on Sunday, June 7, escorted by Genesee County Sheriff's deputies.

Participants -- including classic automobile enthusiasts, hot rodders, vintage car owners, and people with way cool rides -- will assemble at the Genesee County Fairgrounds at 5056 E. Main St. Road (Route 5) in Batavia, and the procession will leave at approximately 1 p.m.

And this cavalcade surely must include thankful everyday operators who carry a valid license to drive in New York, have a vehicle that has adequate gasoline in the tank, is inspected, insured and runs.

They can all rally around Mercy Flight, a really good reason to enjoy some fresh air with people for a change, whether the weather cooperates or not weather weather permitting.

The Route

  • From fairgrounds, turn left onto Route 5 westbound (about 1 p.m.);
  • In Batavia, turn right on Route 98 north to Elba (1:15 p.m.)
  • In Elba, turn right onto Route 262 going through Byron and into Bergen (1:35 p.m.);
  • In Bergen, turn right onto Route 19 southbound through Le Roy (1:45 p.m.);
  • Keep on Route 19 south to Pavilion (1:52 p.m.);
  • Turn right on Route 63 westbound in Pavilion to go to junction of routes 63 & 20 (1:55 p.m.);
  • Turn left onto Route 20 at Texaco Town (2 p.m.);
  • Take Route 20 through Bethany and Alexander, to Route 77 westbound to Darien Center (2:15 p.m.);
  • Take Route 77 northbound from Darien Center to Alabama (2:35 p.m.);
  • Turn right on to Route 63 in Alabama and go to Oakfield (2:45 p.m.);
  • Approximately 1 mile down the road, turn left onto Route 262 to Elba;
  • In Elba turn right on to Route 98. This will take you back to Route 5 and also to the Batavia Exit on the Thruway.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR MERCY FLIGHT!

We would like to thank the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, especially Undersheriff Brad Mazur, the Genesee County Agricultural Society, and the Batavia and Le Roy police departments!

We certainly appreciate your support in being a part of this cruise. Be careful on your way home.

We sure hope to see everyone next month.

Stay Healthy and Be Safe,

Bill and Jeanne Freeman

UPDATE 12:28 p.m. May 21: A Mercy Flight Helicopter on a truck and trailer will be in the convoy, being held "in memory of all the former cruisers that have passed before us." A goodwill collection for Mercy Flight will be taken at the start of the event.

Here are the rules:

  1. If you get out of your car you have to wear a mask.
  2. If you do get out of your car be sure to practice social distancing.
  3. If you bring a snack and a beverage with you, please take home any trash. 
  4. CARRY IN AND CARRY OUT PLEASE!

Questions, call Jeanne Freeman at (585) 548-7197 before June 7.

Byron's David Kenward earns Ph.D. in Physics from University of New Hampshire

By Billie Owens

DURHAM, N.H. -- David Kenward, of Byron, graduated from the University of New Hampshire on May 16. He earned a Pd.D. degree in Physics.

Students who received the honor summa cum laude graduated with a GPA of 3.85-4.0: Students who received the honor of magna cum laude graduated with a GPA of 3.65-3.84; and students who received the honor of cum laude graduated with a GPA of 3.50-3.64.

Students are only graduated after the Registrar's Office has certified that all degree requirements have been successfully completed. Participating in the commencement ceremony is the act of honoring and celebrating academic achievement.

The University of New Hampshire, founded in 1866, is a world-class public research university with the feel of a New England liberal arts college. A land-, sea- and space-grant university, UNH is the state's flagship public institution, enrolling 13,000 undergraduate and 2,500 graduate students.

Burning of rubber and construction material reported in Byron

By Billie Owens

Someone is reportedly burning rubber and construction materials on property at the northeast corner of Walkers Corner Road and Caswell Road in Byron.

Byron Fire Department is responding, along with law enforcement and a representative from the Department of Environmental Conservation.

House fire with flames showing reported on Swamp Road, Byron

By Billie Owens

A house fire with flames showing is reported at 6657 Swamp Road, Byron. Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding. The location is between Cole and Mud City roads.

Called as mutual aid are: Bergen, Elba, Stafford and Oakfield fire departments, along with the city's FAST Team and Mercy medics.

UPDATE 11:45 p.m.: A first responder on scene reports smoke is in the residence. Command restricts the assignment to Byron, South Byron, Bergen and Elba. Other mutual aid responders, which also included Perry and Clarendon, can go back in service.

UPDATE 11:48 p.m.: No smoke or fire visible outside the residence, according to command. Remaining responding units can proceed in nonemergency mode. National Grid is called to the scene.

UPDATE 11:52 p.m.: Infrared cameras are requested to the scene.

UPDATE 12:17 a.m.: Elba is released from service along with Mercy medics.

Possible house fire on Swamp Road, Byron

By Howard B. Owens

A caller reports smoke coming from the back of a residence in the area 6966 Swamp Road, Byron.

Byron and South Byron fire departments dispatched.

UPDATE 8:49 a.m.: Working trailer fire at 6966 Swamp Road. Second alarm sounded. Oakfield, Bergen, Elba, Stafford, and City of Batavia FAST team dispatched.

UPDATE 8:56 a.m.: Fire police requested to shut down traffic on Swamp Road between Hessenthaler Road and Pocock Road. The trailer is reportedly unoccupied.

UPDATE 9 a.m.: City fire's Fourth Platoon recalled to city headquarters.

UPDATE 9:16 a.m.: Fire is out.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of impaired driving and possessing a 'blackjack' weapon

By Billie Owens

Clayton R. Baylor, 23, of Batavia (no address provided), is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs and possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. He was arrested after a traffic stop on Route 19 in the Town of Middlebury April 11. Baylor was driving a vehicle which had fled the scene of an attempted burglary in the Village of Warsaw. Wyoming County Sheriff's Deputies stopped it and allegedly found Baylor in possession of a "blackjack" weapon. He also allegedly performed poorly on field sobriety testing. Baylor was processed at the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office, then turned over to the Warsaw Police Department.

Mark Allen Knickerbocker, 22, West Main Street, Byron, is charged with petit larceny. At 6:48 p.m. on April 15, Knickerbocker was arrested at the Crosby's gas station and convenience store on Clinton Street Road in Batavia. It is alleged that he stole a box of candy valued at $48. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia Town Court on June 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Cummings.

Town of Byron declares State of Emergency

By Billie Owens
Public Notice

 

The Town of Byron Supervisor, Peter Yasses, has declared a State of Emergency on today, March 20, 2020 at 3 p.m. and issued an Emergency Order effective Saturday, March 21, 2020 beginning at 12:01 a.m.

  • The Town of Byron Town Office and Highway Garage are closed to the public effective March 21, 2020 until further notice.
  • The Town will conduct business with the public via telephone, email or other means.
  • All Town Board, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings are cancelled until further notice.
  • All Town of Byron Court matters are cancelled until further notice.
  • The transfer station will continue to remain open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

All Town Clerk, Tax Collecting and dog license matters can be deposited in the secure drop box in the foyer or mailed to the Town of Byron, P.O. Box 9, Byron, NY 14422.

Please email (townclerk@byronny.com) or call (585-548-7123, ext. 10) the Town Clerk with any questions you may have.

Shed fire reported in Byron

By Howard B. Owens

A shed fire, with flames showing, is reported at 6177 Walkers Corner Road, Byron.

There is a boat and other equipment nearby.

Byron and South Byron along with Stafford dispatched.

Brush fire reported on Route 262, Byron

By Howard B. Owens

A brush fire is reported on Route 262 just east of Transit Road on the south side, Byron.

Byron, South Byron, and Stafford fire departments dispatched.

UPDATE 6:18 a.m.: A chief on scene reports all equipment can be held in quarters.

Pole and wires down on South Byron Post Office

By Billie Owens

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

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.

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