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Casper Farm donates farm-raised meat to new Pantry of Blessings at Cornerstone Church in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens
casper farms cornor stone church
Carolyn Casper, Marianne Fish, Brandon Ramirez, Caleb Baker, Crystal Casper, and Jason Casper.
Photo by Howard Owens

For the second time, the owners of Casper Farm, a farm and retail meat shop on Route 5 in Stafford, have made a substantial donation of steaks, roasts, ground beef, and other cuts of meat to Cornerstone Church in Batavia.

"This has been such a blessing," said Marianne Fish, a member of Cornerstone who helped pick up the donation at the farm on Tuesday evening. "We just started the Pantry of Blessings and were lacking in meat."

Fish said the pantry is open to anybody who needs food assistance. Many people in Batavia access the pantry, she said, and the church makes deliveries to people being housed in local hotels. There are also people from Rochester and Buffalo who come to the pantry for assistance. 

"They're helping the community tremendously," Fish said.

The Batavian just happened to be in the shop when the folks from Cornerstone stopped by to pick up the donation.

"We do this because we want to help the community with product we have an abundance of, and if this community is in need, we want to be able to help the community out," Crystal Casper said.

This donation had a retail value of $1,000.

"We feel that this is a good thing to do, to give back to our community," Casper said.

Le Roy swimmers recognized by school board for Section V championship

By Howard B. Owens
le roy swim team
Erik Fix, Gary Donofrio, Carter Fix, Lucas Morrison, Gabriel Vallese, Jack Walker, and Sara Stockwell.
Photo by Howard Owens.

The Le Roy High School members of the Byron-Bergen/Le Roy Swimming and Diving Team were honored at Tuesday's Le Roy Central School District Board of Education meeting for their Section V Class C championship.

The team went 10-1 on the season. 

Coach Sara Stockwell said that accomplishment is all the more notable because the team didn't have its own pool for training this season. The Byron-Bergen pool is undergoing renovations.  The team practiced in Chili.

"Ten and one is a huge improvement over last year and the year before," Stockwell said. "They were 2-10, so it's a major improvement. We were the Genesee Regional League champions, and we won the Genesee Region League meet championship, so they won the meet and the league. 

She said, "Our kids swam phenomenally all season."

Young man from Greece with ties to Albion and Batavia reported missing

By Howard B. Owens
cooper karas

A 21-year-old man from Greece who is missing and was last seen two days ago in Albion has ties to Batavia, and family members are asking local residents for any help in locating him.

Cooper Karas was last seen wearing black sweatpants, a black hoodie, and a black NF jacket.  

At 7:30 p.m. on Monday, he drove his 2013 silver VW Jetta to his grandmother's house in Albion and left his dog in the fenced yard (the dog is fine) and left.

He has a history of mental health issues and may have been upset at the time he disappeared. 

He is 5 feet 8 inches tall and 180 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

He attended Batavia High School for a time a few years ago and has family in Batavia.

If you have any information regarding Cooper’s location or safety, please call Orleans County Dispatch at 585-589-5527, the Albion Police Department at 585-589-5627 or Greece Police Department at 585-581-4033 or Genesee County Sheriff's Office at 585-343-5000.

UPDATED: Sheriff's Office, firefighters searching for missing 18-year-old woman from Niagara County in Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens
oakfield fire search
Photo by Howard Owens
serenity-joy-quiett
Serenity Joy Quiett.

UPDATE 8:49 p.m.: Chief Deputy Brian Frieday confirmed that Serenity Joy Quiett has been located and is safe.

UPDATE, Press Release:

The Missing Vulnerable Adult Alert for Serenity Joy Quiett out of Niagara County has been canceled, and Serenity was located safely this evening, March 27, 2024. 

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the public for their assistance in successfully locating Serenity. The search was assisted by the Batavia Police Department, Oakfield Fire Department, Elba Fire Department, Genesee County Emergency Management Office, Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center, and the New York State Police.   


Emergency personnel have been working in Oakfield searching for a missing 18-year-old woman from Niagara County whose phone was tracked to the area.

She is considered a vulnerable adult who may need medical attention.

Chief Deputy Brian Frieday said the Sheriff's Office was alerted to the trace of her phone in the Oakfield area yesterday and began a search for her. Additional search teams from Oakfield Fire and Elba Fire were brought in to assist this morning.

Niagara County is also participating in the search. 

Frieday said on Wednesday afternoon that the woman's phone had recently been traced again to the area.

"We're trying to check whatever leads we can," Frieday said.

The woman was identified in a press release as Serenity Joy Quiett and described as 5 feet 5 inches tall, 120 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes, and white.

She is described as autistic. 

She was last seen in Barker on foot wearing all-black clothing and black earrings.

The Office of Emergency Management is assisting in the search, and the command post is located at the Oakfield Fire Hall.

Anybody with information that may assist can reach the Sheriff's Office at 585-343-5000.

 

Batavia's varsity softball players mentor young players in Saturday morning clinic

By Howard B. Owens
stingers softball camp with blue devils

The young players who are learning the game as members of the Batavia Stingers, so Batavia High School's varsity softball team members coaching the Stingers players is good for both teams, said Rob Kersch.

Kersch is Batavia's varsity softball coach.

The Blue Devils hosted a clinic for Stingers players in the auxiliary gym at the high school on Saturday.

"I wanted to make sure our kids are giving back to the community," Kersch said. "They were all little softball players, you know, like they're teaching and coaching right now. I wanted to give back, and they're excited about it, too. They want to get involved with these kids. The other thing is, you're looking at future Batavia Blue Devils. We want to foster some a relationship with them, and help build them up, so when they come up to us, they will be much better players."

Saturday's clinic was all about hitting. Clinics scheduled for April 7 and April 21 will concentrate on fielding and base running.

Current Stingers Board President Michelle Gillard said, "This is a great opportunity for our young athletes to learn and be mentored by older players."

Matt Landers, one of the co-founders of the Stingers, helped facilitate the clinic and said he thinks there is demand for the Stingers program to grow in Batavia, but more parents need to get involved, especially as coaches.

"I think that we definitely have a need in the community and more interest in the community," Landers said. "We're thrilled to be able to do this, again to keep this program going. But we know we can get bigger and have more more kids play ball, but it all comes down to having more coaches."

Photos by Howard Owens.

stingers softball camp with blue devils
stingers softball camp with blue devils
stingers softball camp with blue devils
stingers softball camp with blue devils
stingers softball camp with blue devils
stingers softball camp with blue devils

Genesee County student-athletes gain honors and recognition at Ronald McDonald House charity game

By Howard B. Owens
mcdonalds game
Ashley Johnson, Pembroke, Isabella Reeves, Alexander, and Kori Radley, Le Roy, were among the cheerleaders for the game.
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro

Genesee County was well represented in Rochester on Saturday for the 39th annual Ronald McDonald House Charity Basketball Games.

Le Roy's Merritt Holly, playing on the Red Team, was named the game's MVP, scoring 18 points and six rebounds. Braedyn Chambry was awarded the Bob Parker Sportsmanship Award for the Red Team.

Roxanne Noeth was one of the two coaches for the Red Team.  She was honored during the game for playing in the girls' RMHC 1987 game.  She is the first person to play in a girl's game and coach a boy's team. (People have played and later coached in a game, but she is the first female to coach boys and play in the girls' game). 

Victoria Fetzer, a freshman from Le Roy sang the National Anthem to open both the boys' and girls' games.

merritt holly game mvp
Merritt Holly, MVP.
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
merrit holly
Merrit Holly
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
brayden chambry
Roxanne Noeth and Braedyn Chambry.
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
braedyn chambry
Braedyn Chambry
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
roxanne noeth
Roxanne Noeth
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
tyson totten
Pembroke's Tyson Totten represented Pembroke on the Gold Team.
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
tyson totten
Tyson Totten
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
caitlin ryan
Caitlin Ryan, left, represented Oakfield-Alabama in the girls' game.
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
victoria-fetzer
Le Roy's Victoria Fetzer sang the National Anthem for both the boys' and the girls' games.
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
charity game
Byron-Bergen's Brody Baubie was at the game as a spectator, and his ticket was selected to attempt a three-point shot for a chance to win $500.  He made the shot.  He donated a portion of the prize back to the Ronald McDonald House.  
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro

Photo: Monday's Golden Easter Egg found in Centennial Park

By Howard B. Owens
easter egg find jasper thomas
Submitted photo

Jasper Thomas found the Kiwanis Golden Easter Egg in Centennial Park on Monday, with a prize certificate in it for a chocolate Easter bunny from Oliver's Candies.

The Batavia Kiwanis Club is hiding a golden egg daily through Thursday. The ticket can be redeemed at the club's annual Easter Egg Hunt in Centennial Park at 9 a.m. sharp on Saturday.

Photos: 'Worm Moon' over Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens
full moon
Photo by Jessica Pfalzer, taken in Corfu at 12:02 a.m.

The early moon of Monday is known as the Worm Moon, the first full moon of Spring.

The naming of full moons comes from Native American traditions.

Upcoming full moons are the Pink Moon (April 23), the Flower Moon, May 23, and the Strawberry Moon (June 21)

full moon
Photo by Frank Capuano.

Pavilion Fire honors volunteers, installs officers at annual dinner

By Howard B. Owens
pavilion-fire-dinner-2024
Codey O'Neill, Jason Everett, Bryen Murrock, and Firefighter of the Year, Ken Weaver.
Photos by Howard Owens.

Members of the Pavilion Volunteer Fire Department honored their own on Saturday at the fire hall with an awards and installation dinner.

Ken Weaver was named Firefighter of the Year. Dave Clor received the EMS Person of the Year award. Paul Daugherty received the President's Award.

Tom Garlock, Jason Everett, Chris Holley, and Don Roblee Jr. received a special EMS award for their effort to deliver a baby during a snowstorm in January. The baby was named Cinderella.

Matt Jacobs received the Lifetime Member Award.

Jerry Fitzsimmons was honored as a 50-year member for 2022, and Don Roblee and Ken Weaver were honored for 50 years in 2023.

The 2024 officers:

  • Jason Everett, chief
  • Bryen Murrock, 1st asst. chief
  • Codey O'Neill, 2nd asst. chief
  • Chris Holley, captain
  • Kelly Murrock, captain
  • Jason True, lieutenant
  • Dewey Murrock, lieutenant
  • Ken Weaver, fire police captain
  • Dave Clor, safety officer
pavilion-fire-dinner-2024
Codey O'Neill, Jason Everett, Bryen Murrock, and Dave Clor.
Photos by Howard Owens.
pavilion-fire-dinner-2024
Chris Holley, Don Roblee Jr., Tom Garlock, and Jason Everett.
Photo by Howard Owens.
pavilion-fire-dinner-2024
Paul Daugherty and Ken Weaver.
Photo by Howard Owens.
pavilion-fire-dinner-2024
Jerry Fitzsimmons
Photo by Howard Owens.
pavilion-fire-dinner-2024
Doug Wright, Ken Weaver, Don Roblee, and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
Photo by Howard Owens.
pavilion-fire-dinner-2024
Photo by Howard Owens

Photo: GSO's Young Artist Competition held on Saturday

By Howard B. Owens
gso-young-artist-competition-2024
Photo by Howard Owens

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra held its annual young artists' competition on Saturday at Batavia First Presbyterian Church.

On hand as judges were board members and Musical Director S. Shade Zajac. 

The winners will be announced prior to the 2024-25 season and be featured soloists in the winter concert.  There were a half-dozen entrants this year, including 14-year-old Tristan Zhang, pictured, from Pittsford, whom Howard Sounder accompanied.

Photos: Community Easter celebration at Batavia First Presbyterian

By Howard B. Owens
first-presbyterian-easter-egg-hunt-2024

The Easter Bunny visited Batavia First Presbyterian Church on Saturday.

Snow and cold moved the Easter egg hunt indoors. There were also games, face painting, refreshments, and a basket raffle. The event was also a fundraiser for the North Bergen Community Food Pantry.

Photos by Howard Owens.

first-presbyterian-easter-egg-hunt-2024
first-presbyterian-easter-egg-hunt-2024
first-presbyterian-easter-egg-hunt-2024
first-presbyterian-easter-egg-hunt-2024
first-presbyterian-easter-egg-hunt-2024

Photos: Two more golden Easter eggs found at Centennial Park

By Howard B. Owens
kiwanis golden easter egg
Killian Henry with the golden Easter egg he found in Centennial Park on Saturday.
Submitted photo.

The hunt for gold Easter eggs hidden in Centennial Park in Batavia continues, with eggs found on Saturday and Sunday.

The Batavia Kiwanis Club is hiding a golden egg daily through Thursday. The egg contains a prize ticket for a large chocolate bunny from Oliver's Candies. The ticket can be redeemed at the club's annual Easter Egg Hunt in Centennial Park at 9 a.m. sharp on Saturday.

kiwanis golden easter egg
Ivan and Clifford Heddy with the golden Easter Egg they found in Centennial Park on Sunday.
Submitted photo.

'Brush fire' reported in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A brush fire was called into dispatch in Le Roy, with the caller stating the fire was about 15 feet from a residence.

What the first responders from Le Roy Fire actually found: A metal fire ring with some wood smoldering it, surrounded by snow, about 75 feet from a structure.

Photos: Blue lights in Oakfield honoring Sgt. Sanfratello and as show of support for his daughter

By Howard B. Owens
oakfield blue lights sanfratello

Last week, in the wake of the death of Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello, the Oakfield Betterment Committee distributed blue lights to local businesses and Oakfield residents.

Betterment Committee President Jamie Lindsley stated:

The Oakfield community likes to support one of their own, as was evident ever since the line-of-duty loss of Sgt. Sanfratello, a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department. Last week, caring citizen Kristen Porter decided to show support for Sgt. Sanfratello's daughter Alexis, who is a student at Oakfield-Alabama Central School, by lighting a blue light in honor of the fallen deputy. Another community member, Kate Engle, took this tribute to the entire community by engaging the assistance of Oakfield Betterment Committee members. Together, they contacted local Home Depots, Lowes, and other stores and arranged pickups and distributions to the entire Oakfield area and some surrounding communities. Joshua Schultz took it upon himself to drive all the way from Syracuse with a delivery of 50 blue light bulbs. A dozen bulbs were donated to illuminate all front windows of School House Manor in the middle of the village. In total, over 300 blue light bulbs were donated and handed out to the community, and each night, the night is brightly lit blue to honor our fallen deputy and show our support as a community for Alexis.

The committee shared these photos with The Batavian.

For prior coverage of Sgt. Sanfratello, click here.

oakfield blue lights sanfratello
oakfield blue lights sanfratello
oakfield blue lights sanfratello
oakfield blue lights sanfratello
oakfield blue lights sanfratello
oakfield blue lights sanfratello
oakfield blue lights sanfratello
oakfield blue lights sanfratello

Photo: First Kiwanis golden Easter egg of 2024 found in Centennial Park

By Howard B. Owens
kiwanis golden easter egg
The first golden Easter egg of the season hidden by the Kiwanis Club of Batavia in Centennial Park was found on Friday by Aria and Mila Solis. Matt Landers said the egg for Saturday was hidden around 10 a.m. The annual Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt will be at 9 a.m. sharp on Saturday in Centennial Park, Batavia.
Submitted Photo

Law and Order: Batavia woman accused of repeatedly trespassing at Kwik Fill

By Howard B. Owens

Alicia M. Lyons, 44, of Batavia, is charged with four counts of trespass and one count of obstructing governmental administration 2nd.  Between March 11 and March 13, Lyons was arrested four times for allegedly trespassing at Kiwik Fill after being previously banned from the property.  She allegedly fled from police officers when they attempted to take her into custody. She was arraigned and released.

Trevor N. Christman, 33, of Batavia, is charged with exposure of a person. Christman is accused of exposing himself in a public place on March 14. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Martin J. Rodgers, 40, of Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment 2nd. Rodgers is accused of throwing a mobile phone at a 15-year-old child during a disturbance on Summit Street on March 16. He was arraigned and released.

Janell M. Sauer, 48, was arrested on March 13 on a warrant. Sauer was initially charged on Nov. 10 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 3rd. The warrant was issued after she allegedly failed to appear in court. Sauer was arraigned and released. 

Brian A. Powell, 64, of Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration 2nd. On Feb. 28, patrols responded to Oak Street and West Main Street for a report of a person slumped over the wheel of a car. When officers made contact with the driver, he allegedly drove away, leading police on a short pursuit. The driver stopped the vehicle on Central Avenue but refused to exit the car. The driver was removed from the vehicle by officers and placed under arrest and identified as Powel. He was issued an appearance ticket. 

Keonon S Williams, 46, is charged with petit larceny. Williams is accused of stealing license plates from another person and refusing to return them. He was arraigned and released.

Misty R. Scutt, 34, of Akron, was arrested on March 11 on a warrant. Scutt was initially charged with driving while ability Impaired by drugs on April 26. The warrant was issued after she allegedly failed to participate in a court-ordered program. Scutt was arraigned in City Court and released. 

Law and Order: Alexander man accused of child sex abuse

By Howard B. Owens
john volpe
John Volpe

John P. Volpe, 71, of Buffalo Street Road, Alexander, is charged with predatory sexual assault against a child, course of sexual conduct against a child 1st, two counts of criminal sexual act 1st, attempted rape 1st, aggravated sexual abuse 2nd, aggravated sexual abuse 1st, aggravated sexual abuse 3rd, three counts of sexual abuse 1st, rape 3rd, two counts of criminal sexual act 3rd, and two counts of forcible touching. Volpe is accused of engaging in numerous acts of sexual conduct involving a child beginning in 2012 and continuing until 2024 with a known victim. Volpe was arrested on March 7. He was arraigned and ordered held on $20,000 bail. This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges are possible, according to the Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office was assisted in the investigation by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Police. The FBI also participated in the investigation.

randolph byrd
Randolph Byrd

Randolph R. Byrd, 60, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd, assault 3rd, unlawful imprisonment 2nd, criminal obstruction of breathing, criminal mischief 4th, and resisting arrest. Byrd is accused of illegally entering a residence on East Main Street on March 5 and attacking a victim. He allegedly resisted arrest and damaged an officer's portable radio. He was arraigned and held in the Genesee County Jail.

Anthony Michael Gabri, 28, of Long Wood Drive, Rochester, is charged with criminal impersonation of a public servant and front windshield non-transparent. Gabri was stopped at 11:30 a.m. on March 18 on an alleged traffic violation on West Main Road, Le Roy, by Deputy Jeremy McClellan. During the stop, Gabri was allegedly found to be wearing the badge of a village of East Rochester constable and an outer carrier tactical vest typically used to carry body armor while traveling to Batavia to serve paperwork for his privately owned business and not under the direction of village authorities. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Alicia M. Lyons, 44, of Batavia, is charged with trespass.  Lyons is accused of being at Kwik Fill, 99 Jackson St., Batavia, on March 11, after being previously barred from the property. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Trevon L. Armstrong, 38, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on March 11. Armstrong was initially arrested on Nov. 16 on a charge of criminal mischief 4th after allegedly damaging property during an incident on Denio Street. He is accused of failure to appear in court on the charge.  Armstrong was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Ronald W. Lewis, 36, of Ogden, was arrested on March 8 on two warrants issued by City Court. The first warrant stems from an incident on July 7, when Lewis was charged with petit larceny after allegedly stealing merchandise from a local business. The second warrant is the result of an incident reported on Sept. 24, when Lewis was charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave United Memorial Medical Center. Lewis was arraigned and released. 

Niranh S. Woods, 29, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on March 8. Woods was initially charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 2nd on Aug. 5. The warrant was issued after he allegedly failed to appear in court. Woods was arraigned in City Court and released. 

Robert J. Schultz, 66, of Elba, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Schultz is accused of damaging another person's car on March 8 during a fight on Liberty Street. Schultz was issued an appearance ticket.

Christopher G. Marr, 55, of Batavia, is charged with DWI.  Marr was stopped on March 3 on South Main Street by a Batavia patrol officer. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Shamond R. Adams, 27, of Batavia, is charged with a barking dog violation.  Adams is accused of allowing his dog to bark for an extended period of time on March 9. He was issued an appearance ticket.

John Carl Ireland, 39, of Sumner Road, Darien, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd. Ireland is accused of damaging the property of another person with a value in excess of $250 during an argument reported at 11:40 a.m. on March 12 at a location on Sumner Road, Darien. Ireland was arraigned and released.

Torres Epifanio Nazario, 47, of Church Street, Bergen, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, and improper turn signal. Nazario was stopped at 9:57 p.m. on March 9 on Route 19 in Bergen by Deputy Zachary Hoy. He was issued tickets and released.

Khadija Aisha Wilson, 27, of Freeman Street, Buffalo, and Shakayla Monique Williams, 29, of Petters Street, Buffalo, are charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. Wilson and Williams are accused of shoplifting from Ulta Beauty on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, at 12:39 p.m. on Feb. 27. Deputy Ayrton Blankenship and Sgt. Michael Lute investigated the case. 

Mark W. McWethy, 56, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and failure to keep right. McWethy was allegedly found in possession of cocaine during a traffic stop at 9:47 p.m. on March 18 on Main Street, Batavia. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Dustin James Brown, 22, of Raymond Road, Ontario, Canada, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, drinking alcohol or using cannabis in a motor vehicle, and unregistered motor vehicle. Brown was stopped following traffic complaints at 5:50 p.m. on March 14 on Byron Holley Road, Byron, by Deputy Stephen Smith. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Michael Anthony Sweet, 38, of Raymond Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and driving without an inspection certificate. Sweet was stopped at 1:09 a.m. on March 19 on Oak Street by Deputy Jacob Kipler. Sweet was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Vincenne Elizabeth Mendrysa, 68, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd and falsely reporting an offense to law enforcement 3rd. Mendrysa was arrested on March 14 after allegedly reporting an incident to law enforcement that did not occur. Mendrysa was allegedly found in violation of an order of protection at the time of her arrest. She was jailed pending arraignment.

Sharon Renee Boyer, 55, of Alexander, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or higher. Boyer was stopped by State Police at 11:28 p.m. on March 15 in the Town of Alexander. She was released to a third party.

Sheriff's Office investigating apparent homicide, body of missing Niagara County man found in Alabama

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating an apparent homicide. The victim has been identified as Michael G. Poole, age 59, of the Olcott, NY area. The victim waslocated during the afternoon of March 19, 2024 in the Town of Alabama, New York during the investigation into a missing person out of Niagara County.

The preliminary investigation indicates that this appears to be an isolated incident and that there is no threat to the public. Anyone who may have information related to this incident is asked to contact the Genesee County Sheriff's Office at 585-343-5000. This investigation is ongoing, and no further details have been released at this time.

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