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Lady Bees capture tournament title with 56-48 win over Greece Odyssey

By Howard B. Owens

The Byron-Bergen Lady Bees beat Greece Odyssey on Thursday night to capture, for the second year in a row, the Sports Boosters Tournament championship.

The Bees came back from a 29-23 half-time deficit to win 56-48.  

After starting the season with three losses, Byron-Bergen has won five in a row.

On Thursday, Juliana Amesbury had 19 points, Kelsey Fuller 14 and Miriam Tardy with 12. Odyssey Shyasia McCullough had 16 points.

Byron-Bergen's Kelsey Fuller was named tournament MVP. The rest of the all-tournament team is Lydia Borrelli from Le Roy, Shyasia McCullough and Abby Wilson from Odyssey and Juliana Amesbury.

Information submitted by Kathryn Krzewinski. Photos by Tammy Fuller.

Byron-Bergen pulls away from Le Roy in second half for win

By Howard B. Owens

Byron-Bergen's Lady Bees beat Le Roy in a girls basketball game Tuesday night at Byron-Bergen, 58-34.

The two teams were tied at the half, but the Bees outscored the Knights in the third and fourth quarter, 21-11 and 16-2.

For Byron-Bergen, Kelsey Fuller scored 16 points, Miriam Tardy, 14, Juliana Amesburg, 12, and Emily Kaczmarek, 8.

For Le Roy, Erin Cappotelli had 12 points, Bryn Luckey, 7, and Ava Horgan, 6.

Sponsored Post: Reliant Real Estate has your NEW HOME this holiday

By Lisa Ace


5774 Shelt Road, Byron  | $87,900. CLICK HERE FOR LISTING INFO.
Awesome country location for this affordable 3 bedroom, 2 full bath home! Whether you are downsizing or just starting out this home fits the bill -- spacious open concept with large rooms makes this home feel large but super cozy. Located in the Elba School System this home is perfect for the people who want their piece of country. Surrounded by fields on a quiet road -- definitely one to take a ride for!

4243 West Avenue, Elba | $179,900. CLICK HERE FOR LISTING INFO.
Super opportunity to own this beautifully remodeled from top to bottom Country home! Literally from the studs up this home has been done -- electrical, drywall, furnace, central air, flooring, bathrooms, kitchen, windows and siding! The layout is spacious and open with cathedral ceilings and the bedrooms are large with huge closets -- the master bedroom suite is every girl's dream! Master bedroom bath and laundry hookups all on main floor for no stairs convenience! The location is on quiet country road within five minute drive of Thruway and shopping. Home has public water as well -- all the pluses of Country living with amenities! Definitely one to check out-why build when you can buy this beautiful home at almost half the cost!

32 Cary Avenue, Oakfield | $94,900. CLICK HERE FOR LISTING INFO.
Solid home in the heart of the village! This three bedroom home has a lot to offer either to someone starting out or a growing family. This home is super spacious with a very open floor plan downstairs and upstairs features plenty of closets and good size bedrooms. The kitchen is sunny and bright and has homey back breakfast nook out looking the fenced in back yard. There is an extra deep garage plenty big enough for a car and work space! The basement of the home with a little work could be great extra living space -- it is already partially finished and has a wet bar! The home does have central air and a new 200-amp electrical service and the roof on home and garage is 7 years young. With very little elbow grease this home can be up and running for the New Year! Very easy to see!

Law and Order: Byron resident accused of driving while impaired by drugs

By Howard B. Owens

Denise Marie Busiere, 32, of Townline Road, Byron, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, failed to stop for stop sign, and driving with obstructed view. Busiere was stopped at 6:26 p.m. Monday on Lake Avenue, Bergen, by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Olivia Maria Lyons, 24, of Sokol Drive, Attica, is charged with petit larceny. Lyons is accused of shoplifting from the Dollar General in Oakfield.

John G. Kindig, 59, of Batavia, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, and stopping or standing on a roadway. Kindig was stopped by State Police at 8:50 a.m. Monday on Veterans Memorial Drive. No further details released.

Community holiday spirit abounds at Byron-Bergen Central School District

By Billie Owens

(Photo: Volunteers packed more than 100 food baskets and delivered them throughout the community during the weekend of Dec. 16.)

Submitted photos and press release:

Members of the Byron-Bergen Central School District’s learning community can always be counted on to provide assistance to neighbors in need during the holidays. For many years, district students, teachers, staff, and administrators have worked together with local partners to make the season happier for everyone in the Byron-Bergen area.

This year’s Holiday Community Service program collected toys and games, clothing items, rolls of wrapping paper, boxes for wrapping gifts, and more than 1,200 non-perishable food items.

In addition, close to $4,000 was donated by the faculty, staff, and others in our learning community to purchase gifts for district families in need. Many area businesses also helped out by “adopting” local families and individuals, providing special holiday gifts.

The district partnered with the local Hesperus Lodge No. 837 Free & Accepted Masons, where donated items were taken for sorting and packing. Organized by Dick Sands, the Masons, and employees from both the Byron-Bergen Elementary and Jr./Sr. High schools, Board of Education members, and community volunteers pitched in to help. More school volunteers help deliver over 100 food baskets and gifts before the holidays.

“The magic of this special season is the community spirit it inspires in so many of us,” said District Superintendent Mickey Edwards. “I am so proud of the generosity shown by all of our students and by everyone in our schools.”=

A big part of the program’s success this year was the contribution made by the Varsity Club Holiday Food Drive. Student athletes from the high school pulled together to collect more than 850 food items—a record amount.

The drive was organized by student officers Leah Thompson, president; MaKenzie Muoio, vice-president; Morgan Fuller, secretary and Lucas Stucchio, treasurer, and the hard work was provided by the girls and boys basketball and swim teams, and the cheerleading team. Team members pooled their competitive spirit to make the challenge more fun: it became a contest, won by the Cheer Team who collected more than 300 items.

Varsity team members from all three seasons of sport at Byron-Bergen perform community service throughout the school year, with projects like the annual Lift-a-thon, the Retro Apparel Sale, and the spring Blood Drive.

(Photo below: Varsity Club members with a few of the hundreds of donated items collected for the Holiday Food Drive.)

Sponsored Post: Reliant Real Estate has your NEW HOME this holiday

By Lisa Ace


5774 Shelt Road, Byron  | $87,900. CLICK HERE FOR LISTING INFO.
Awesome country location for this affordable 3 bedroom, 2 full bath home! Whether you are downsizing or just starting out this home fits the bill -- spacious open concept with large rooms makes this home feel large but super cozy. Located in the Elba School System this home is perfect for the people who want their piece of country. Surrounded by fields on a quiet road-definitely one to take a ride for!

4243 West Avenue, Elba | $179,900. CLICK HERE FOR LISTING INFO.
Super opportunity to own this beautifully remodeled from top to bottom Country home!! Literally from the studs up this home has been done -- electrical, drywall, furnace, central air, flooring, bathrooms, kitchen, windows and siding! The layout is spacious and open with cathedral ceilings and the bedrooms are large with huge closets -- the master bedroom suite is every girl's dream! Master bedroom bath and laundry hookups all on main floor for no stairs convenience! The location is on quiet country road within five minute drive of thruway and shopping. Home has public water as well-all the pluses of Country living with amenities! Definitely one to check out-why build when you can buy this beautiful home at almost half the cost!

32 Cary Avenue, Oakfield | $94,900. CLICK HERE FOR LISTING INFO.
Solid home in the heart of the village! This three bedroom home has a lot to offer either to someone starting out or a growing family. This home is super spacious with a very open floor plan downstairs and upstairs features plenty of closets and good size bedrooms. The kitchen is sunny and bright and has homey back breakfast nook out looking the fenced in back yard. There is an extra deep garage plenty big enough for a car and work space! The basement of the home with a little work could be great extra living space -- it is already partially finished and has a wet bar! The home does have central air and a new 200-amp electrical service and the roof on home and garage is 7 years young. With very little elbow grease this home can be up and running for the New Year! Very easy to see!

Law and Order: Oak Street resident charged with robbery

By Howard B. Owens

James J. Spivey, 19, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with robbery, 2nd. Spivey is accused of forcefully taking property from another person at 2:25 p.m., Oct. 25, while on Park Avenue, Batavia. He was jailed without bail.

William G. Schultz, 43, of Evans Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 5th. Schultz was allegedly found in possession of stolen property -- the property is not specified -- while at 1 W. Main St., Batavia. The original incident was reported at 11:46 p.m. Oct. 6 at a residence on Union Street, Batavia. Schultz was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Cameron Robert Lochren, 23, of Broadway Road, Darien, is charged while driving while ability impaired by drugs, driving without headlines, and driver's view obstructed. Lochren was stopped at 12:58 a.m. Friday on Railroad Street, Alexander, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Lochren was jailed on $1,250 bail or $2,500 bond.

Robert David Cummings III, 31, of Akron Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Cummings is accused of damaging the property of another person at 3 p.m. Friday at a location on Phelps Road, Pembroke. 

Amie Lin Santiago, 31, of Hindsburg Road, Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Santiago was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 1:47 a.m. Saturday on Roberts Road, Alabama, by Deputy Jeremy McClellan.

Alex A. Applegate, 21, of Upper Holley Road, Holley, is charged with DWI and moving from lane unsafely. Applegate was charged following an investigation into a motor-vehicle accident Saturday on Route 237 in Byron. The accident was investigated by Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Gerald Jacob Farrell, 24, of Nunda-Byersville Road, Nunda, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or more, and failure to keep right. Farrell was stopped at 12:28 a.m. Sunday on Ellicott Street Road, Bethany, by Deputy Jeremy McClellan. 

Woman seriously injured in crash in Byron this morning

By Howard B. Owens

A 38-year-old Brockport woman was seriously injured this morning when her 2012 Toyota Camry left the roadway on Route 262, Byron, and struck a tree.

The accident was reported at 7:11 a.m. at the intersection of Route 262 and Transit Road.

Dawn Dunlap was driving eastbound on Route 262 when her car drifted off the roadway onto the south shoulder, struck a road sign and large wooden sign and then a tree.

She was conscious and alert when emergency personnel arrived on scene. 

It's believed the accident occurred a considerable amount of time before it was reported by passersby.

Byron and South Byron fire departments responded and Elba fire responded with extrication equipment. 

Mercy EMS assisted at the scene.

Dunlap was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight. She is listed in guarded condition.

The accident is under investigation by Deputy Erik Andre, Deputy Kevin McCarthy, Sgt. Ron Meides, and Investigator James Diehl.

Charges are pending.

(initial report)

Car into tree reported at Route 262 and Transit Road, Byron

By Howard B. Owens

A car has reportedly hit a tree at Route 262 and Transit Road, Byron. 

Unknown injuries. 

Byron and South Byron fire departments dispatched. 

UPDATE 7:22 a.m.: Female driver said to be entrapped. Complaint of arm and leg pain. 

UPDATE 7:25 a.m.; Elba requested to the scene to assist with extrication.

UPDATE 7:31 a.m.; Mercy Flight on ground standby. Elba fire police requested. 

UPDATE 7:34 a.m.: Mercy Flight requested to the scene. 

UPDATE 8:06 a.m.:Mercy Flight in route to Strong. 

Law and Order: Medina man accused of sex act with disabled person in Batavia and Perry

By Howard B. Owens

Arsenio Youngs, 27, of Medina, is charged with criminal sex act, 2nd. Youngs is accused of a sex act with a disabled person in the City of Batavia. The complaint was made to State Police at 4:31 p.m., Nov. 1. Youngs was also charged with the same crime in the Town of Perry based on a complaint to State Police at 10:01 a.m., Nov. 1. Youngs was released on his own recognizance. No further details released.

Erika L. Gilson, 37, of West Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with felony DWI, three counts of felony aggravated DWI, and felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. Gilson was stopped at 3:05 p.m. Wednesday on West Main Street, Village of Le Roy, by Le Roy PD. Gilson was accused of driving while intoxicated with three children in the car under age 16. She was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Shane M. Nugent, 32, of West Middlebury Road, Wyoming, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and failure to keep right. Nugent was stopped at 2:19 a.m. Saturday on Warsaw Road, by Le Roy PD.

Daun Elizabeth Monachino, 58, Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, improper left turn, improper right turn, and no left side mirror. Manachino was stopped at 4:34 p.m. Sunday on Richmond Avenue, Batavia, by Deputy Richard Schildwaster, following a citizen traffic offense complaint.

Tyler Lee Walls, 21, of Viking Way, Brockport, is charged with menacing. Walls allegedly threatened another motorist during a road rage incident reported at 1:36 p.m. Sunday on Warboys Road, Bergen.

Anson Torpe Arenas, 43, of Lexington Parkway, Rochester, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, driving left of pavement, driving a vehicle without a valid inspection, insufficient tail lamps, and driving with alcohol in a motor vehicle. Arenas was stopped at 6:16 p.m. Saturday on Townline Road, Bergen, by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Shawn William Cross, 46, of Craigie Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Cross was arrested following a report of a car vs. deer accident at 9:18 p.m. Friday on Perry Road, Pavilion, by Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Jenna Leann Hernandez, 21, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding, driving left of pavement marking, and driver's view obstructed. Hernandez was stopped at 2:16 a.m. Saturday on Wortendyke Road, by Deputy Howard Wilson.

Jeremy Sheehan, 35, of West Bergen Road, Le Roy, is charged with menacing, 2nd. Sheehan allegedly displayed a handgun to a resident in a nearby apartment at 1:18 a.m. Thursday at a location on West Bergen Road, Le Roy. He was jailed on $1,000 bail or $3,000 bond. 

David Michael Bratt, 38, of Carolina Avenue, Lockport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, moving from lane unsafely, and driving left of pavement markings. Bratt was stopped at 12:54 a.m. Wednesday on Lewiston Road, Alabama, by Deputy Ryan Young. 

Kari Ann Marble, 26, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Marble is accused of shoplifting from Kohl's Department Store on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia at 11:58 a.m. on Nov. 9.

Sarah A. Cheek, 33, of Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Arrested as part of the same incident was a 16-year-old on an execution of a bench warrant. The incident was reported at 10:48 a.m. Sunday on Route 237, Byron, by State Police. No other details released.

Christina M. Sarratori, of North Chili, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd. Sarratori is accused of entering an enclosed area at 8315 Park Road, Batavia. The incident was reported to State Police at 12:52 a.m. Saturday.

Amanda M. Volkman, 32, of Byron, is charged with assault, 3rd, obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. Volkman is accused of attacking a person with intent to cause serious physical injury. The complaint was reported to State Police at 11:45 p.m. Thursday at a location on Caswell Road, Byron. Volkman was held in jail. No further details released.

Mary B. Thompson, 34, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Thompson was charged by State Police based on an incident reported at 4:31 p.m. Nov. 15 on Pearl Street Road, Batavia.

Outstanding Byron-Bergen vocalists to join elite RPO Festival HS Chorale for gala holiday performances

By Billie Owens

Byron-Bergen’s top vocal talents prepare for their debut with the RPO Festival High School Chorale at the season’s Gala Holiday Pops concert. From left, Jerome Spinks, Esther Wilkins, Mason Fuller, Stephanie Buell, Josh Phelps, Hannah VanSkiver and Brian Ireland. (Not present: Sydney Brown)

Submitted photo and press release:

The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra’s Festival High School Chorale, a group of nearly 200 of the finest vocal talents from more than 30 high schools in our seven-county area, has been part of the popular Gala Holiday Pops concerts every year since 1994.

This year, Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School will be represented in the Chorale by eight young vocalists: Hannah Van Skiver, soprano; Esther Wilkins, soprano; Sydney Brown, alto; Stephanie Buell, alto; Joshua Phelps, tenor; Jerome Spinks, tenor; Mason Fuller, bass; and Brian Ireland, bass.

“This is a great group,” said Byron-Bergen’s Vocal Music Director Laurence Tallman. “They have strong, expressive voices, wonderful musical skills, and unusual depth and maturity. Each one is positive, enthusiastic, and committed to being the best they can be.”

The Festival High School Chorale gives young singers an opportunity to take on a program of challenging winter and holiday-themed music, under conductor Jeff Tyzik with co-directors Amy Story and Harold McAulliffe, and accompanied by the full Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Performances will feature guest Denzal Sinclaire, one of Canada's most popular jazz vocalists who is ranked among the finest jazz singers of his generation.

The performances will be held in Kodak Hall at the Eastman Theatre at: 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21; 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22; and 2 p.m. and also 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 23.

Tickets are available online at www.RPO.org.

Hilton resident pleads guilty to weapon charge for possessing high capacity magazine with live ammunition

By Howard B. Owens

A 33-year-old man from Hilton accused of illegally possessing a semiautomatic .223-caliber rifle and large capacity magazine in violation of New York State law while in Byron in March entered a guilty plea this morning to a single felony count of criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd.

Under terms of the plea deal, if Charles S. Ganoung IV, avoids criminal legal trouble for the next year while on probation, his plea can be reduced to a misdemeanor, criminal possession of a weapon, 4th.

He would then serve two more years on probation.

Deputies arrested Ganoung March 25 while in the course of an unrelated investigation when Ganoung was found with rifle, which deputies said was unregistered and equipped with a telescoping stock, pistol grip, detachable high-capacity magazine, loaded with 28 live rounds, flash suppressor/muzzle break and a bayonet mount. 

The Army veteran admitted to the second count of the indictment, the one dealing with the large capacity magazine, in Genesee County Court this morning but made no other statements.

Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 24.

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By Lisa Ace


Awesome country location for this affordable 3-bedroom, 2 full-bath home! Whether you are downsizing or just starting out this home fits the bill! Spacious and open concept with large rooms makes this home feel large but super cozy.

Located in the Elba School system, this home is perfect for the people who want their piece of country. Surrounded by fields on a quiet road -- definitely one to take a ride for! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today, 344-4663, to view this listing or click here for more information.

Grand Jury Report: indictments for attempted murder on Thorpe, trailer park burglary, plus Byron man accused of selling LSD

By Billie Owens

Tyshawn K. King (AKA "Bullet," AKA "Jodeci" or "Jodecee") is indicted for the crime of second-degree attempted murder, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 20 in the area of Thorpe Street, near Maple Street, in the City of Batavia, that King -- with intent to commit second-degree murder, specifically with intent to cause the death of another person -- engaged in conduct "which tended to effect the commission of such crime" by shooting the intended murder victim with a gun. In count two, the defendant is accused of the crime of first-degree assault, also a Class B violent felony. It is alleged in count two that with intent to cause serious physical injury to another person, King caused such injury by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, a gun. In count three, King is accused of the crime of criminal use of a firearm in the first degree, another Class B felony, for allegedly commiting a violent felony offense and possessing a deadly weapon, in this case a loaded gun, and/or displaying what appeared to be a pistol, revolver or other firearm.

Marie L. Gardner and Jason A. Shaffer are indicted by the Grand Jury of Genesee County. In count one, Gardner is accused of the crime of first-degree burglary, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that between Jan. 28 and 29 Gardner entered or remained unlawfully in a dwelling on West Main Street Road in the Town of Batavia, with the intent to commit a crime. In so doing, at some point she or another participant in the crime caused physical injury to a person who was not a participant in the crime. In count two, Shaffer is accused of the crime of second-degree burglary, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged in count two, that between Jan. 28 and 29, he entered or remained unlawfully in a dwelling on West Main Street Road in the Town of Batavia, with the intent to commit a crime. In count three, Gardner is accused of the crime of second-degree burglary, a Class C violent felony, for entering or remaining unlawfully inside the same dwelling during the same time period on a second occasion with the intent to commit a crime. In count four, Shaffer is accused of first-degree burglary, a Class B violent felony, for entering or remaining unlawfully inside the same dwelling during the same time period on a second occasion with the intent to commit a crime. In so doing, at some point he or another participant in the crime caused physical injury to a person who was not a participant in the crime. In count five, Shaffer is accused of the crime of second-degree strangulation, a Class D felony. It is alleged in count five, that at the same time and place, he acted with intent to impede the normal breathing or circulation of blood of another person by applying pressure on the throat or neck of the victim, thereby causing stupor, loss of consciousness and/or other physical injury or impairment. In count six, Shaffer is accused of the crime of third-degree attempted assault, a Class B misdemeanor, for intentionally attempting to cause injury to a person. In count eight, Gardner is accused of the crime of third-degree menacing, a Class B misdemeanor. It is alleged in count eight that Gardner used physical menace to intentionally place another person in fear of death, imminent serious physical injury or physical injury, or attempting to do so. In count nine, Shaffer is likewise accused of third-degree menacing for allegedly using physical menace to intentionally place another person in fear of death, imminent serious physical injury or physical injury, or attempting to do so.

Jacob J. Russell is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on March 31 in the Town of Byron that Russell knowingly and unlawfully possessed a controlled substance -- lysergic acid diethylamide -- more commonly known as the hallucinogen LSD, with intent to sell it. In count two, the defendant is accused of the same crime on the same day for allegedly knowingly and unlawfully possessing another controlled substance with intent to sell it, psilocybin mushrooms (sometimes called 'shrooms, or "magic mushrooms"), also a hallucinogen. In count three, he is accused of the same crime as in count two, but on a different day, April 7. In counts four and five, the defendant is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly possessing "a firearm, electonic dart gun, electronic stun gun, gravity knife, pilum ballistic knife (which has a detachable blade that can be ejected to a distance of several yards by pressing a trigger or operating a lever or switch), metal knuckle knife, cane sword, billy, blackjack, bludgeon, metal knuckles, chukka stick, sand bag, sand club, wrist-brace type sling or slingshot, shirken or "kung fu star," to wit, respectively: a gravity knife and a switchblade knife. In counts seven, eight and nine, he is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, Class A misdemeanors, for allegedly knowingly and unlawfully possessing a controlled substance, psilocybin mushrooms, on March 31, and on two occasions April 7. In count 10, he is accused of another count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, but this time it's for LSD. In counts 11, 12, 13 the defendant is accused of unlawful possession of marijuana ("contrary to Penal Law Section 221.05") for allegedly knowingly and unlawfully possessing marijuana on March 31 and twice on April 7, respectively, in the Town of Byron. In count 14, Russell is indicted for the crime of growing, by unlicensed persons, the plant known as cannabis (marijuana), which is a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count 14, that on April 7 in the Town of Byron that Russell grew the plant of the genus Cannabis, or knowingly allowed it to grow on his land without destroying it; he allegedly grew it in his residence.

Randy K. Wilmet is accused by the Grand Jury of the offense of third-degree assault, based on Prosecutor's Information (#2017-01), which is a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged that on July 21 in the City of Batavia that Wilmet intended to cause physical injury to another person and did so. In count two of the indictment, again based on Prosecutor's Information, Wilmet is accused of third-degree menacing, a Class B misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that Wilmet on the same day, by means of physical menace, intentionally placed another person in fear of death, imminent serious physical injury or physical injury, or attempted to do so. On Sept. 29, Genesee County Court Judge Charles N. Zambito approved an order authorizing the filing of the Prosecutor's Information charging the defendant with the offenses, which were subsequently filed with City of Batavia Court.

Meghan K. Gould is indicted for the crime of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony. It is alleged on between Oct. 5 and Oct. 19, 2016, that she stole U.S. currency in excess of $1,000.

Matthew H. Delosh is accused of the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged in the indictment that on May 8 in the City of Batavia that Delosh drove a 2003 Saturn on Evans Street, Ellicott Street and South Swan Street while knowing, or having reason to know, that his driver's license was suspended or revoked by authorities and that at the time he was under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count two, he is accused of the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a misdemeanor, on the same day and in the same places. In Special Information, the District Attorney accuses the defendant of having been convicted of driving while ability impaired by alcohol on April 19, 2012 in the Town of Salina Court, County of Onondaga, and that conviction forms the basis for the suspension or revocation referred to in count one of the indictment. Furthermore, the DA accuses Delosh of knowing, or having reason to know, that the prior conviction existed and that his driving privilege was therefore suspended or revoked because of that prior conviction.

John P. Daley is accused of the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged in the indictment that on May 21 in the Town of Alabama, Daley drove a 1998 Honda on Route 77 while in an intoxicated condition. In Special Information filed with the indictment, District Attorney Lawrence Friedman accused Daley of having been convicted of the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated, per se, as a Class D felony. The DA accuses Daley of being so convicted on June 19, 2008 in Erie County Court, and the conviction was within 10 years of the crimes alleged in this indictment.

Local residents graduated from RIT

By Billie Owens

Some 3,500 students graduated during Rochester Institute of Technology's 132nd commencement celebration, held in May, including:

Michael Barnard of Bergen (14416), who graduated with a BS in criminal justice. 

Juliana Blackburn-Baskin of Batavia (14020), who graduated with a BS in international business. 

Michael Burns of Batavia (14020), who graduated with a BS in management information systems. 

Cassandra Golda of Bergen (14416), who graduated with a BS in international business. 

Erica Hickey of Byron (14422), who graduated with a BS in advertising and public relations. 

Ryan Hochreiter of Le Roy (14482), who graduated with a BS in mechanical engineering. 

Rachel Kobel of Bergen (14416), who graduated with a BS in environmental sustainability, health and safety. 

Alexis La Boy of Le Roy (14482), who graduated with a BS in civil engineering technology. 

Samantha Mitchell of Batavia (14020), who graduated with a BS in business administration-accounting. 

Maryssa Peirick of Batavia (14020), who graduated with a BS in diagnostic medical sonography. 

Russell Schultz of Le Roy (14482), who graduated with a BS in computer science. 

Courtney Smith of Batavia (14020), who graduated with a BS in political science. 

Christopher Snyder of Darien Center (14040), who graduated with a BS in bioinformatics. 

Ryan Warner of Batavia (14020), who graduated with a BS in physics. 

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 partnershipsinclude campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai and Kosovo.

Law and Order: Property damage accident on Bank Street leads to DWI arrest

By Howard B. Owens

David Alan Leach, 23, of Morganville Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to stop at stop sign, and driving a motor vehicle on a sidewalk. Leach was charged following the report of a property damage accident at 12:18 a.m. Thursday at 337 Bank St., Batavia. The accident was investigated by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Brian Thomas Resch, 29, of Buffalo Road, Bergen, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, criminal possession of marijuana, 5th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. At 5:33 p.m. Saturday, the Sheriff's Office received a complaint on Buffalo Road of man who had disabled a phone to prevent a person from seeking emergency assistance. Upon investigation by deputies Ryan DeLong and Richard Schildwaster, Resch was allegedly found in possession of a quantity of marijuana and he was accused of smoking marijuana in a public place.

Derek James Wert, 35, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Wert is accused of pushing another person during an argument at noon Sept. 18 at a location on North Street, Batavia. Wert was also charged with second-degree criminal contempt related to an incident at 7:02 p.m. Wednesday in Austin Park. Wert is accused of violating an order of protection.

Markeda D. Starks, 26, of Highland Park, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Starks posted bail and was released.

Adam Ross Atkinson, 29, of Kent Road, Stow, Ohio, is charged with under the influence of narcotics in public. Atkinson was arrested after deputies responded to multiple calls at 6:35 p.m. Friday of a disruptive male at a convenience store in Byron.

Brian R. Barnard, 53, of Leicester, is charged with burglary, 3rd, burglary, 2nd, and criminal mischief. The alleged burglary was reported at 3:08 p.m. Thursday in Le Roy. This is a State Police case. No further information released.

Brandon A. Brott, 20, Jacey L. McGregor, 19, and Jessica H. Shepard, 26, all three of Lockport, are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Brott, McGregor, and Shepard were arrested at 3:36 a.m. in the Town of Alabama by State Police.

Town of Byron received $2.9 million in funding assistance for water district

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced $2,220,000 in federal funding for the Village of Wyoming and $2,858,000 in federal funding for the Town of Byron. This $5,078,000 was awarded through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Water and Waste Disposable Loans and Grants Program.

The Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary waste disposal, and stormwater drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas.
 
“Communities throughout all of Western New York deserve reliable access to clean drinking water,” Congressman Chris Collins said. “Constructing and maintaining water systems oftentimes are costly projects, but the Water and Waste Disposable Loan and Grant Program provides federal assistance to ensure rural communities, like the Town of Byron and Village of Wyoming, are still able to provide clean water for their residents. I’m proud to announce this $5,078,000 award and I know it will help residents of both communities grow stronger and healthier.”

The Town of Byron has been awarded a USDA Rural Development loan of $2,108,000 and a grant of $750,000, both of which will be used to address the lack of clean, accessible drinking water in the area. The Town of Byron intends to create Water District #8, a project which is estimated to cost $2,858,000, will extend public water service to 107 residential users in the town who currently do not have access to safe potable water.

“On behalf of the Town of Byron, myself, and residents of the affected area, we greatly appreciate the work that Congressman Collins has done on our behalf,” said Peter Yasses, Byron Town supervisor. “Most of the residents have had to haul drinking water in, and so this funding will address that issue and ensure we can provide adequate fire protection as well.”

The Village of Wyoming has been awarded a USDA Rural Development loan of $1,554,000 and a grant of $666,000 to assist with fund restorations and replacements to local water systems. The Village of Wyoming intends to address ongoing issues with on-site wastewater systems, which have been causing groundwater quality impairments within the Village’s public water supply.

This project, which is projected to cost $2,220,000, will provide a secondary source of water to 163 residential and commercial users and will ensure the Village’s water supply is preserved and protected.

“This is something our Village needed, as we have less than 500 village residents and only one water well,” said Nate Norton, Village of Wyoming mayor. “This USDA funding will allow us to redo our water system, which has been a priority of ours for years. This will have a significant and direct impact on the quality of life of for here in Wyoming and we thank the Congressman for his support. We look forward to improving our water systems in the near future.”

To learn more about the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program, including eligibility requirements, please click here.

Annual ag tour doesn't miss a beet with stop at Byron processing facility

By Howard B. Owens

New York used to be the largest grower of beets in the nation, participants in today's Decision Makers Agricultural Tour, learned while visiting a processing facility in Byron.

Now we're number two behind Michigan, but most of the beets grown in the state that puts us in that position are grown in Genesee County.

As part of the tour, Mark Dewey, of Dewey Farms, talked about his company's processing facility and the beet industry.

The facility processes beets from 600 acres of farmland in the area, on five farms in Genesee County and two in Livingston County. There are no beets grown in New York outside of those counties.

This was the 28th annual ag tour sponsored by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

Most of the beets processed in Byron are handled for a U.K.-based company called Love Beets. 

Love Beets initially started selling beets in the United States by shipping them from Europe to a processing plant in New Jersey. When they learned about the Byron plant, which meets their mission-critical need for sorting by size, the company contracted with Dewey.

The plant processes beets year around. When the local growing season end here in the fall, beets are trucked in from the south through the winter. Dewey said they're working on getting more beets from Mexico for the spring and summer months.

Beets are pickled or canned or turned into juice. Some beets are organic. Others meet the dietary demands of Kosher.

Visitors were able to sample a variety of beet products, including a beet lemonade (really, it's good) that's sold at Tops.

The tour also included a stop by Oxbo International in Byron, where farm equipment is manufactured, and Vegetal, which grows sedum, a cactus-like plant that can be grown on roofs to help reduce energy costs (prior coverage).

NOTE: Oxbo asked that we not publish photos from inside the facility. First three photos are of Dewey Farms and below those is one of Christian Yunker, from CY Farms, which hosts Vegetal, at the Vegetal facility on Bank Street Road, Batavia.

UPDATE: Last photo is of John Easton, Oxbo employee, conducting a tour of the plant. Published with permission.

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