Residents of the Byron-Bergen Central School District are being asked to vote today on a $20 million capital improvement project to help improve safety and energy efficiency as well as promote educational opportunities.
For more on the project click here.
Graphic from the Byron-Begen district.
Press release:
Twenty-five students from the Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School were inducted as new members of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) on March 22. They proudly joined the 38 standing members of the school’s NJHS.
The NJHS program highlights the well-rounded students at Byron-Bergen. Inductees are selected based on their high standards of scholarship, citizenship, service, leadership and character. All members are required to demonstrate their achievements in each of these areas. The 2017 new members are:
- Seventh Grade: Jared Barnum, Rachel Best, Madison Burke, Caleb Carlson, Sadie Cook, Makenzie Eccleston, Grace Huhn, Brooke Jarkiewicz, Meghan Kendall, Madelynn Pimm, Elli Schelemanow, Grace Shepard, Alayna Streeter, Ella VanValkenburg, Alexandra Vurraro, Claire Williams, Corden Zimmerman;
- Eighth Grade: Zoey Chambry, Carli Kirkwood, Andrew Parnapy, Sarah Streeter, Devon Zinter;
- Ninth Grade: Kelsey Fuller, Mikaela Hubler, Miriam Tardy.
The evening began with a welcome from faculty advisor Ken Gropp, and NJHS Vice President Nathan Zwerka led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The ceremony continued with opening remarks from Superintendent Mickey Edwards and Principal Patrick McGee. Students Cambria Kinkelaar and Siomara Caballero led the traditional candle lighting with help from Nick Baubie, Alex Brumsted, Amaya Gunther, Colby Leggo and Jillian Menzie.
NJHS President Abby Vurraro addressed the crowd and spoke about the importance of failure.
“It’s what you do after you fail that really counts,” she said.
The induction ceremony featured two guest speakers who were chosen by NJHS members: Byron-Bergen teachers Diana Walther and Laurence Tallman.
“Different is good,” Tallman said. “Our diversity is ultimately what unifies us.”
As part of the induction ceremony, each new inductee received a certificate and pin, and the distinct honor to be a part of the National Junior Honor Society. More than a million students participate in NJHS: https://www.njhs.us/. Membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments but also challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.
Victor Michael Delatorre, 34, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. Delatorre allegedly damaged property of the Genesee County Jail.
Eric McWethy, 20, of Columbia Avenue, Batavia, is charged with loud muffler and unlawful possession of marijuana. McWethy was allegedly found in possession of marijuana during at traffic stop at 9:11 p.m. March 16 on Ellicott Street, Batavia, by Officer Chad Richards.
Keaira Sharee Jones, 25, of Jay Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Jones was a passenger in a vehicle stopped at 12:34 p.m. March 17 on Washington Avenue by Officer Frank Klimjack.
Cassi A. Schutt, 29, of West Crest Drive, Rochester, is charged with driving on a suspended registration, aggravated unlicensed operation, driving without insurance and failure to stop at sign. Schutt was arrested on a warrant for the listed charges.
Carlton L. Beardsley, 22, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breaking and menacing, 2nd. Beardsley was arrested following a complaint of a domestic incident at 4:45 p.m. March 17 on Walnut Street, Batavia. He allegedly threatened a female with a knife and then choked her. He was jailed on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond.
Shane K. Borton, 44, Chase Park, Batavia, is charged criminal contempt, 1st, and harassment, 2nd. Borton was allegedly involved in a physical altercation at 6:02 p.m. Saturday, which also violated an order of protection.
Donald Egan Jr., 26, of State Street, Seneca Falls, was arrested on a warrant. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.
Gangi Steven Perez, 21, of Bridge Road, Elba, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding, possession of alcohol in a vehicle, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Perez was stopped at 12:27 a.m. Saturday on West Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Arick Perkins.
Jamie L. Soto, 42, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with offering a false instrument for filing, 1st. Soto allegedly filed a sex offender change of address form with a false address. This is an additional charge added to previous charges.
Ifrah Mohammed Jajimusse, 38, of Main Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Jajimusse was allegedly found in possession of marijuana during at traffic stop at 8:25 p.m. Monday on West Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.
Jacob J. Russell, 21, of Walkers Corners Road, Byron, and Salvatore M. Schwable, of Weber Avenue, Oakfield, are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Russell and Schwable were in a vehicle stopped by members of the Local Drug Task Force and were allegedly found in possession of marijuana. Schwable was also found to have an arrest warrant of out Batavia Town Court for alleged petit larceny and criminal mischief.
Kristopher Martin Driffill, 37, of Norwich Drive, Rochester, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny. Driffill was arrested at 2:46 a.m. on March 11 on Park Road in Batavia following an investigation into an incident in the Town of Batavia. The defendant allegegedly stole an amount of money exceeding $1,000 from another person at a local establishment. He was jailed in lieu of $5K cash or $10K bond and is due in Town of Batavia Court on April 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Deputy Michael Lute.
Todd F. Smith, 51, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Smith was arrested at 10:05 p.m. on March 13 at 122 Bank St., upper rear apartment, Batavia, following an investigation into an incident wherein he allegedly threatened a neighbor. He was issued an appearance ticket for March 21 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.
Cory Robert Lapp, 24, of Main Street, Attica, is charged with: DWI; DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or higher -- first offense; failure to yield the right of way when entering a roadway; and failure to use turn signal. At 2:18 a.m. on Union Street in Batavia, Lapp was arrested for DWI and the others charges. He was issued an appearance ticket for April 5 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Howard Wilson.
Samual D. Saxman, 19, of Sackett Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment and stalking in the fourth degree. At noon on March 19, Saxman was arrested for allegedly harassing and stalking another person on East Main Street Road, Batavia. He was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court and released on his onw recognizance. He is due in Town of Batavia Court on April 6. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jenna Ferrando, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.
Mark James Salven, 55, of Keeney Road, Le Roy, is charged with: DWI; DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or higher; operating a motor vehicle without inspection certificate; and driving left of pavement markings in a no-passing zone. At 4:57 p.m. on March 18, following a traffic stop on Keeney Road in the Town of Le Roy, Slaven was arrested for DWI. He was issued an appearance ticket for April 20 in Town of Le Roy Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Le Roy Police Officer Cameron Leight.
Zachary James Walsh, 23, of Route 237, Byron, is charged with operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more, DWI, and failure to keep right. Walsh was arrested at 2:07 a.m. on March 18 on Walnut Street in Batavia following a traffic stop. He was allegedly found to have a BAC of .10 percent and subsequently was issued several appearance tickets for Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Hale.
George John Budzinack Jr., 37, of Augustine Street, Rochester, is charged with: first-degree aggravated operation; DWI; refusal to take breath test; consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle; moving from lane unsafely; and unlawful possession of marijuana. At 9:19 p.m. on March 14, following the investigation of a single-car accident on Route 33 in the Town of Stafford, Budzinack was arrested for DWI and charged with offenses cited. He was issued an appearance ticket for March 21 in Stafford Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth, assisted by Deputy Cassidy Longhini.
Antonio Javier Santiago, 20, of Transit Road, Pavilion, is charged with second-degree harassment. The defendant was arrested at 11:33 a.m. on March 18 after a domestic dispute on Ellicott Street Road in Pavilion in which he allegedly grabbed a former girlfriend during an argument. He was issued an appearance ticket for April 11 in Pavilion Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Erion, assisted by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.
Richard L. Mosher, 50, of Zingarra Road, Conyers, Ga., is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol. He was arrested at 9:58 p.m. on March 14 on Alleghany Road, Pembroke, following a domestic incident on Route 77. He was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court, then released on his own recognizance. He is due in Town of Pembroke Court on April 11. The case has handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.
Carlton L. Beardsley, 22, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 1:54 a.m. on March 10 on West Main Street, Batavia, following a shoplifting complaint at Tops Friendly Market where several alcoholic beverages were stolen. He was arrested on scene, then released on an appearance ticket for March 21 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Eric Bolles.
A 17-year-old resident of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. The youth was arrested following a complaint at Speedway, located at 204 W. Main St., Batavia, about an incident at 11:40 p.m. on Feb. 7. The youth was released on an appearance ticket for April 14 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.
Rajea S. Thomas, 28, of Sutorius Drive, Rochester, turned himself in at Rochester Police Dpeartment on a Batavia City Court bench warrant for failing to appear on a charge of third-degree aggravated unlicensed operator. The defendant was released on an appearance ticket for March 22 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.
Ahdeosun R. Aiken, 18, of Ellicott Avenue, Batavia, had an active bench warrant out of City of Batavia Court for failure to pay a fine. The fine stemmed from an incident on Feb. 9, 2016 wherein it is alleged that Aiken damaged glass at the Batavia Centre City shopping mall. The defendant was arrested without incident on March 13. After arraignment, Aiken was released after paying part of his restitution at Genesee County Probation Department. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.
Ghislaine Pena, 25, of Highland Park, Batavia, was arrested at 3:18 a.m. on March 11 on a bench warrant for failure to appear on an unspecified incident that occured on July 16. Pena posted $300 cash bail and was released on an appearance ticket for March 22 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels.
Press release:
The Comprehensive Plan Update will help guide future zoning and development decisions in Byron. What would you like to see for the future of Byron? Please complete a survey and return to the Byron Town Clerk (P.O. Box 9, 7028 Byron Holley Road, Byron, NY 14422) by March 31.
Survey forms are available at the Byron Town Hall, Byron Hotel & Trailhouse, Fullerino’s Pizzeria, Gillett’s Hardware or Gillam-Grant Center. The survey is also available online. You can link to the survey on the Town of Byron website: http://www.byronny.com/ or go directly to the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ByronCommunitySurvey
Please only complete one survey (online or on paper). Thank you for your participation.
A driver has been cited for alleged failure to yield the right of way leading to an injury accident at 5:04 p.m. Monday on Griswold Road in Stafford.
Cited was Thomas J. Scheuerlein, 78, of Griswold Road, Byron. Griswold along with passenger Patricia Scheuerlein, 78, were transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy EMS.
The other driver, Danielle Rozell, 35, of Elm Street, Batavia, was not injured.
According to the report by Deputy Robert Henning, Scheuerlein pulled onto Griswold Road from Godfrey's Pond Road without yielding the right of way to traffic on Griswold.
Rozell's car struck Scheuerlein's car on the driver's side.
Two barns were destroyed in fires on Saturday.
The first was reported about 2:45 p.m. at 7014 Townline Road, Bryon. Responding were Byron, South Byron, Elba, Bergen and Emergency Services. The fire is believed to have started when the owner was burning a small debris pile near the barn causing extension to the barn. The barn was a total loss. (Note: We didn't have prior coverage because I was in Buffalo covering basketball and Billie was at our house without any electrical power at that time.)
The second fire was reported about 10:30 p.m. at 9829 Simonds Road, Darien. Darien Fire, Town of Batavia, Alexander, East Pembroke, Corfu and Pembroke along with the City's Fast Team and Mercy EMS were dispatched. The barn was already fully involved by the time the first firefighters arrived, so the city's response was canceled and Mercy EMS soon went back in service. Tim Yaeger, emergency management coordinator, said the cause of the fire has yet to be determined. For photos and additional coverage, click here.
A possible fire in a wall is reported at 6900 Cockram Road, Byron.
Byron and South Byron fire departments are dispatched.
UPDATE 6:01 p.m.: Chief on scene requests all units respond non-emergency.
Press release:
The 2017-2018 school year is fast approaching. Byron-Bergen families with children who will turn 4 or 5 years of age by Dec. 1, 2017 should register them for Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) or Kindergarten as soon as possible.
1. Universal PreK Registration
The Byron-Bergen School District plans to once again offer a half-day UPK program for the 2017-18 school year. The classes will be held at the Byron-Bergen Elementary School, located at 6971 West Bergen Road, Bergen, New York 14416.
Students eligible for the program must turn 4 years of age by Dec. 1, 2017. If you have an eligible child and are interested in having him/her attend our UPK program, please send a letter of interest by Friday, April 7, 2017 with your child’s name, parents’ names, address, phone number, and birth date to:
Elementary School Principal Brian Meister, 6971 West Bergen Road, Bergen, NY 14416
Parents who have already contacted the Elementary School by phone still need to send a letter to be eligible for UPK. Please note that if we receive more applications than our allowed capacity, we will select students using a lottery system.
What are the program goals of UPK at Byron-Bergen?
Philosophy of UPK at Byron-Bergen
The UPK program at Byron-Bergen is focused on socialization, and learning through play and self-exploration. Children learn in a hands-on learning environment, which includes activities, learning centers, concrete materials, and manipulatives. The learning environment is also nurturing, enriching, challenging, and developmentally appropriate.
2.Kindergarten Registration
Children who will be 5 years of age, on or before Dec. 1, 2017, are eligible for entrance to kindergarten in September of 2017. New families in the school district should notify the school as soon as possible if they have a child qualified to enter kindergarten this fall.
Please contact the Byron-Bergen Elementary School Office by calling Becky Kelly at 494-1220, ext. 1301. Parents can send the required registration information (see list below) to the Byron-Bergen Elementary School, 6971 W. Bergen Road, Bergen, NY 14416.
All children registering for kindergarten will be scheduled for a screening appointment this summer. The results of this screening will be used to plan for the 2017-2018 kindergarten program.
The following items are necessary to complete the registration process:
Calling Scott Lamagna's participation in an attack on a patron of Playmates in Byron "brutal" and "senseless," County Court Judge Charles Zambito rejected the idea of a probationary sentence and sent him to state prison for three and a half years.
"I can't put you on probation or give you a community-based sentence and be confident the community will be safe," Zambito said. "I don't know what will set you off."
Lamagna and his brother Jonathon attacked a patron in the parking lot of the strip club. The attack stemmed from a barroom disagreement. After beating the victim, the owner of Playmates tried to assist the man, whom she found in the parking lot lying in a pool of his own blood, by dragging him onto the porch. Zambito noted that Scott and Jonathan then renewed their attack. Jonathan kicked the victim in the ribs and Scott kicked him in the head, both kicks caused serious injuries.
The brothers then left the scene, stopped at the 7-Eleven in Bergen, where they attacked two other people.
"Mr. Burns (defense attorney Thomas Burns) did his best to try and convince me I should give you a chance out in the community, but I'm not convinced," Zambito said.
Burns argued that his client is remorseful for his actions and realizes he needs help for alcohol and drug abuse. He said Lamagna does have a record of being able to maintain a job and would be employable if released to probation. He also said Lamagna had strong support from his family.
Scott is older than his brother and Burns said Scott understands that as the older brother it was his responsibility to society to set the mature example.
"He knows he dropped the ball on that one," Burns said.
Jonathan Lamagna was sentenced last week and Scott's sentencing was scheduled for the same day, immediately afterward, but Assistant District Attorney Kevin Finnell presented information obtained from wiretaps on jail phone calls between Scott and family members.
Burns objected to use of the recordings in evidence for the sentencing because he didn't even know about their existence before Finnell mentioned them in court, so the sentencing was adjourned to today, giving Burns time to review the recordings.
The recordings reveal a defendant who was scared and under stress and trying to deal with his immediate concerns, as any person would, Burns said, adding they didn't indicate Lamagna was any less concerned about the condition of his victim.
There was also evidence presented that indicated that before Lamagna was arrested, he made frantic calls to people trying to find somebody to take care of his dog.
Before sentencing, Lamagna addressed the court and said he was deeply sorry for hurting innocent people.
"I wish I could take it all back but I know I can't," Lamagna said.
He said he was prepared for the consequences of the judge's decision as a result of his own actions.
If sent to prison, he said, "I will come out a better person."
Zambito wasn't convinced as he looked at the violent nature of the attacks and Lamagna's seven prior charges of resisting arrest.
"It's sad that you didn't have the same concern that you had for your dog for human beings," Zambito said.
Two brothers from Rochester involved in the beating of a patron of the Playmates strip club in Byron were scheduled for sentencing in County Court today, but after the attorney for one objected to new evidence brought to the hearing, that sentencing was delayed.
In the first case, Jonathon Lamagna, 19, who previously entered a guilty plea on second-degree assault and second-degree coercion, was sentenced to five years in prison and three years parole.
Scott Lamagna will be back in court Feb. 17 after defense attorney Thomas Burns said he felt "ambushed" by the presentation of recordings of phone calls in jail between Scott Lamagna and family members that Assistant District Attorney Kevin Finnell said showed that Scott Lamagna showed no remorse for his actions, that he was more interested in minimizing his jail time.
The brothers were arrested after a patron suffered serious injuries when they attacked him in the parking lot of Playmates.
Finnell provided a written deposition from the owner of Playmates who said she tried to assist the bloodied and beaten victim by dragging him back into the club and the brothers then continued their assault, kicking him as she tried to pull him away from them.
According to the statement, Scott Lamagna grabbed the victim from by the shirt and punched him repeatedly in the face as the owner tried to pull him onto the establishment's porch. She said she screamed, "Stop, stop, you're going to kill him."
Then Jonathon kicked the victim in the head and ribs, she said.
The victim was described by Finnell as a liver transplant recipient and short in stature and slight in build.
Before sentencing, Jonathon read a statement, saying, "I feel drugs and alcohol played a part in my actions. I accept full responsibility for what I did."
Via our news partner, WBTA.
Byron-Bergen's Brandon Burke scored his 1,000th point last night, becoming the first player at the school to hit that milestone in boys basketball. In a submitted photo, Burke is pictured with his family.
A car has hit a pole on Townline Road near Tripp Road in Byron.
Injuries are reported.
Byron, South Byron and Mercy EMS responding.
UPDATE 8:53 p.m.: Minor injuries. No traffic issues.
Shawn M. Twardowski, 34, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with: animal cruelty; second-degree harassment; third-degree robbery; fourth-degree criminal mischief; obstruction of governmental administration; and resisting arrest. Twardowski was reportedly involved in an incident at his residence on Bank Street at 12:15 a.m., Thursday. He allegedly strangled and punched a beagle, subjected a female at the location to physical contact, stealing and attempting to disable her mobile phone and then, upon police arrival, barricaded himself in a bedroom. When police gained access, he allegedly struggled with officers. He was jailed on $50,000 bail.
Salvatore M. Schwable, 19, of Webber Avenue, Oakfield, was arrested on a warrant. Schwable allegedly violated the terms of his release-under-supervision contract. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.
Ronald J. Murray Jr., 22, of Wood Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Murray allegedly pushed another person during an argument, reported at 8:30 p.m., Thursday.
Alan P. Ellis, 36, of Lewis Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, criminal obstruction of breathing, endangering the welfare of a child and cruelty to animals. During an argument reported at 5:15 a.m., Sunday, Ellis grabbed victims by their throats, with one being under age 17, and he allegedly threw and kicked a dog, causing it to limp.
Charles J. Rodriguez Sr., 40, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Rodriguez was arrested on a warrant out of Batavia City Court at Buffalo City Court when he appeared there on an unrelated matter. He was jailed on $1,000 bail or $2,000 bond.
Michael J. Antonucci, 34, of Alexander Road, Attica, is charged criminal contempt, 2nd. Antonucci was arrested on a warrant for allegedly violating an order of protection.
Jeanna M. Hattaway, 29, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Hattaway allegedly stole two pairs of sunglasses from the 7-Eleven at 505 E. Main St., Batavia.
Diane M. Fiorentino, 67, of Grandview Terrace, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Fiorentino was arrested Nov. 13 following the report of an incident at 5:30 p.m. that day at her residence. No further details released.
Nikayla C. Jackson, 19, no permanent address, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a disorderly conduct charge.
Willie A. Saab, 42, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of first-degree criminal contempt and two counts of aggravated family offense. Saab allegedly violated a pair of stay-away orders. He was jailed without bail.
Grayson Jordan Albert Finnin, 20, of Seven Springs Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, obstructing emergency medical services, and unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under age 21. Finnin was allegedly involved at a disturbance at a local hotel at 12:12 a.m., Tuesday. He was transported to UMMC and allegedly became combative with medical staff and police officers.
Gerardo Carrera-Sanchez, 31, Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, unlicensed operator and moving from lane unsafely. Carrera-Sanchez was arrested by Deputy Howard Wilson following the investigation into a motor-vehicle accident reported at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 22 on Shelt Road, Byron.
Timothy Michael Weinstein, 44, of Alleghany Road, Darien, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Weinstein allegedly violated the terms of an order of protection.
Yahaira Ann Marie Brown Diaz, 18, of Old Telephone Road, Bethany, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Diaz was allegedly found in possession of marijuana while at a location on West Main Street Road, Batavia, at 7:04 p.m., Sunday.
On Saturday, the South Byron Volunteer Fire Department held its annual banquet and named Chief Scott Blossom Firefighter of the Year and President Dean Bates Member of the Year. They are flanked by Sen. Mike Ranzenhofer and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
Robert Fite, pictures below, was honored for 50 years of service.
Info and photos provided by Scott Blossom.
A unique feature of the Byron Museum is that it is located in an historic church -- the sanctuary of the former German Lutheran church is packed with countless items, including clothing, textiles, photographs and yearbooks. Behind the church, there is a large annex dedicated to farming equipment and items. To tour this museum, call town historian, Bob Wilson at 585-548-9008.
Visit www.VisitGeneseeNY.com to learn more about Genesee County's unique attractions.
Byron, South Byron and a tanker from Elba are requested to 5583 Cook Road, Byron, for a brush fire.
The entrance is off Transit Road.
Press release:
A state-mandated 30-day public review period has begun for Agricultural Districts No. 2 in the towns of Alabama, Batavia, Byron, Elba, Oakfield and Pembroke.
The Genesee County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board announced that Agricultural District No. 2 will embark on its eight-year review with a 30-day public review period beginning on Jan. 26.
As with every eight-year review, landowners with lands in the district under review will be asked to complete a worksheet where they will be given the option to enroll or withdraw property from the district. Only entire parcels can be included or excluded.
Landowners will receive the worksheet, along with a letter, informational brochure, and map of the current district boundaries in the next couple of days. Each landowner will have until Friday, Feb. 24th of this year to mail the worksheets to the Department of Planning in the envelopes provided. This deadline also coincides with the deadline for the Annual Enrollment Period, which allows for inclusion of predominantly viable agricultural land to any of the County’s Agricultural Districts pending review by the Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board. In addition, nearby landowners that are receiving Agricultural Tax Assessments and are not part of the Agricultural Districts Program will be mailed a letter and form inviting them to join the program.
During this 30-day period, a map of the District will be on file and open to the public in the office of the Genesee County Clerk and at the Genesee County Department of Planning.Any municipality whose territory encompasses the above Agricultural District, any State Agency or any landowner within or adjacent to the District, may propose a modification of the District during this period. The District and any proposed modification will be submitted to the Genesee County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board for review. Consequently, a public hearing on the District and any proposed modifications will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10, at the Genesee County Old Courthouse, 7 Main St., Batavia.
At the conclusion of this review, the Genesee County Legislature will vote on any modifications to the District and send the proper materials to the State Department of Agriculture and Markets for recertification. The public is encouraged to attend all open meetings.
By enrolling land in the Agricultural Districts Program, participating farmers can receive relief from nuisance claims and certain forms of local regulation. Enrollment is free and voluntary. For a free informational brochure, please contact the Genesee County Department of Planning. Phone: (585) 815-7901; fax: (585) 345-3062; email: planning@co.genesee.ny.us. Visit us on the Web at www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/planning.
Investigators continue to work leads in the case of a series of battery thefts from trucks and farm equipment in Genesee County, and as a result previously arrested suspects face new charges.
Bart Towne, 48, of Alleghany Road, Alabama, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. He was first arrested Sept. 27 and has been charged in the jurisdictions of Byron, Oakfield, Alabama, Elba, Pembroke and Alexander.
He allegedly stole batteries in each of those towns.
He is being held without bail.
Amber L. Heveron, 28, of Rice Road, Albion, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. She was first arrested Dec. 6. She was previously charged in Alabama, Pembroke, Oakfield and Elba.
She is out of jail under supervision of Genesee Justice.
The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are possible.
Press release:
The Byron-Bergen Central School District is in the process of developing the 2017‑2018 school budget and we welcome, appreciate, and value your input. The Board would like to extend an invitation to members of the Byron-Bergen School District to participate in a survey that will help the Board to determine priorities for next year’s budget.
Please take a moment to complete the online survey by visiting our website www.bbschools.org and clicking on the “2017-18 Budget Development Survey” link. If you prefer a hard copy of the survey, please contact Mrs. Gunio at (585) 494-1220, ext. 2329, and she will be happy to mail you a copy, through Jan. 31.
Budget information will be updated on our website www.bbschools.org and discussed at our regularly scheduled Board of Education Meetings. Our meetings start at 7 p.m. and take place in the Professional Development Room (former Jr. High Library).
Please note that the public is invited to provide budget input at the Thursday, Feb. 2, Board meeting, which will take place in the Jr./Sr. High School Cafeteria to accommodate the community at 7 p.m.
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