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Tylur Tyshawn Harper, 27, of Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd and criminal obstruction of breathing. Harper is accused of breaking the rear window of a vehicle and applied pressure to the throat of another person during a disturbance at a location on Swamp Road in Byron at 10:42 p.m., Wednesday.  Harper allegedly fled the scene on foot following a traffic stop by Deputy David Moore and was later located by Sgt. Mathew Clor and Trooper Ruckdaschel and Trooper Serio  on Byron Holley Road with the help of tracking from  Swamp Road by Batavia PD Officer Stephen Quider and K-9 "Batu."  Harper was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court with an order of protection issued.  Harper was released on his own recognizance.

Elizabeth Christine Lambert, 26, of Swamp Road, Byron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Lambert was stopped at 10:42 p.m., Wednesday, on Swamp Road, by Deputy David Moore.

Wendy Marie Rivera, 56, of Redwood Avenue, Albion, is charged with stalking 4th and harassment 2nd. Rivera is accused of stalking and harassing another person while following that person in a car on Clinton Street Road in Stafford.  Rivera was located and arrested by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

Press release:

The Asbury Road Bridge, north of Harris Road in the Town of Le Roy will be closed beginning Monday 10/4/2021 for bridge repairs. This project is expected to take six weeks. During this time the road will not be passable to regular traffic or emergency vehicles.

Press release:

Today, Torrey Farms, a member of the Grow NY Farms Coalition, welcomed state officials to tour their 13,000-acre property. Officials discussed the industry with farmers and farmworkers and heard about the potential impacts of lowering the overtime threshold from 60 hours to 40. The overtime threshold was determined by the 2019 Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act and is in danger of being decreased further, threatening farmers and farm workers alike. Elected officials had the opportunity to see the real implications of a lowered threshold and speak with the farmworkers and farmers who will be directly affected by this change.

“Our land, workers and produce feed families across New York State as well as the Eastern United States and have done so for twelve generations. This year’s harvest is no different. However, if the threshold is lowered, many locally-owned farms will not be able to say the same next year. The compromise of 60 hours reached in 2019 must be maintained. A decreased threshold will dramatically alter the agriculture industry as well as farmworker family income in New York State and decision-makers need to listen to the men and women of the industry they are looking to protect, “said Max Torrey, Torrey Farms.

"Our farm runs 24 hours a day 7 days a week. There is always work to be done when it comes to animal care and we are often presented with obstacles that we cannot predict including inclement weather and breakdowns. Employees want to work on New York dairy farms because they have a passion for agriculture, they take pride in knowing that their work has to get done because the animals are counting on them. They also seek out dairy farm work because they can earn a good living working at least 60 hours a week to support their families. We have employees who have been with us for over 10 years. They want to work here, and we can't afford to lose them. Our businesses and our consumers rely on them. We're urging our legislators and Governor Hochul to maintain the current overtime threshold so we can retain our team, and continue to be competitive in the regional and global marketplace," said Keith Kimball, Owner of La Casa de Leche Farm and Red Maples Dairy, NEDPA Board Vice-Chair.

“New Yorkers have grown accustomed to a wide variety of local produce at their fingertips, especially this time of the year during the fall harvest. However, we are at risk of losing our vibrant fruit farms if the overtime threshold is lowered. We simply can't compete against lower-priced fruit from neighboring states and Canada. If the wage board moves to 40-hours, we have plans to remove trees and transition to less labor-intensive crops. New York State must maintain the 60-hour overtime threshold and protect New York agriculture, farmworker jobs and our food supply,” Jim Bittner, Bittner-Singer Orchards located in Niagara County, NY.

Prior to the adoption of the 60-hour overtime threshold, the industry standard for farmworkers was 80 hours during peak season⁠—a well-established concept amongst farmworkers and farmers whose industry is reliant on labor-intensive harvesting. Although influenced by downstate activists unfamiliar with the agriculture industry, the threshold of 60 hours served as a compromise, despite objections from farmworkers who want as many hours as possible. Farmworkers, many of whom come from other countries to work seasonally, benefited from the long weekly hours in order to make a projected income to return home with. Currently, farmers are at risk of not being able to afford their workers at all with the potential for an even more onerous overtime threshold. Tours like today’s provide the opportunity to educate elected officials and key stakeholders about the agriculture industry and how the proposed policy change with drastically harm the industry.

Later this year, the New York State Wage Board will revisit the 2019 Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act’s 60-hour overtime threshold for farmworkers and determine if an adjustment to 40 hours will be necessary. For more information on the group’s efforts, please visit https://grownyfarms.com/.

Video Produced by The Batavian

More than 700 students from throughout the GLOW region -- including students from every high school in Genesee County --  participated Tuesday in GLOW With Your Hands at the Genesee County Fairgrounds.

The event gives students a chance to experience a variety of trades including, bricklaying, carpentry, electrical, mechanical, and various forms of manufacturing.  

Among the 40 companies participating wereOxbow, Liberty Pumps, and O-AT-KA Milk.  Major sponsors included LandPro and Genesee Construction.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

To view or purchase pictures, click here.

Robert C. Paris, 31, of West Lee Road, Albion, is charged with felony DWI,  moving from lane unsafely, aggravated unlicensed operation, refusal to take a breath test, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. At 11:40 p.m., Tuesday, deputies were dispatched to a residence on  Downy Road in the Village of Oakfield for a possible domestic dispute. While en route, deputies were notified that a male suspect had fled the incident location in a vehicle and was heading south on South Pearl Street.  A few minutes later, Deputies located a vehicle that had crashed into a utility pole and had come to rest in a field. The driver had left the scene.  After an investigation, deputies Zachary Hoy and David Moore arrested Paris. He was also charged with no or inadequate lights and speed not reasonable and prudent. He reportedly has two prior DWI convictions in the past 10 years. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and issued an appearance ticket.

Erik Robert Motquin, 39, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Motquin is accused of switching price tags on items at Walmart in order to pay less for certain items. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Joshua Edward Wayne Sager, 31, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, Aggravated DWI (child passenger), aggravated unlicensed operation, endangering the welfare of a child, and running a red light.  Sager was stopped at 10:22 p.m., Sept. 18, on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, by Deputy Trevor Sherwood.

Press release:

Jennifer Noble, of Craigs Creamery, a dairy cooperative based in Pavilion, NY has officially launched FarmDrop of Western NY. Initially founded in Blue Hill, Maine, FarmDrop is a mission-focused organization that is dedicated to supporting local growers and producers by making their products available online to local communities. 

“FarmDrop offers a safe and convenient way to shop farm-fresh produce and locally made products,” said Jennifer Noble. “Our website offers the very best seasonal products our region has to offer. By keeping items local we’re reducing our carbon footprint while also maintaining dollars in our region. It’s also been a means to reconnect customers and producers with a modern approach. We are growing quickly to meet demand, with a goal to provide access to fresh produce and healthy food in a number of ways: we offer contactless pickup, we will soon be a SNAP retailer, and this fall we will launch delivery.” 

Western NY FarmDrop orders can be placed at farmdrop.us Saturdays at 9 am until Tuesdays at 11:59 pm. Pick-ups take place on Thursdays at one of two WNY locations: Dublin Corners Farm Brewery in Linwood or Clover Oak Heritage Acres in Batavia. A third pick-up location in Livonia is slated to begin this week.

“As a dairy farmer, I know how critical it is to have support from the local community,” added Noble.  “This program provides access to the e-commerce tools and marketing support that many farmers in our area would otherwise not have access to. For anyone interested in being a producer, they can reach out directly to me at craigscreamery@gmail.com. At the end of the day, people can order high-quality products year-round and the money stays right here in our local community. Now it’s time to get the word out that we’re here, ready to serve, support, and grow.” 

Press release:

“Per the New York State  COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Healthcare workers, Rochester Regional Health is currently nearing 99 percent compliance. This percentage includes individuals who have received at least one dose of the vaccine, or have been granted religious or medical exemptions. Rochester Regional Health is proud of all of its employees for their hard work and dedication in keeping the community safe through the pandemic and beyond. We remain committed to serving the community and taking care of all individuals who seek care. “

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) expressed outrage today as the vaccine mandate for healthcare workers takes effect, forcing countless healthcare employees throughout the state to resign from their positions. Many of these healthcare workers have for months now been on the front lines of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, and have been left without recourse in the face of a mandate that does not permit regular testing of unvaccinated healthcare workers

“Taking jobs from healthcare workers who have been working harder than anybody to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is a slap in their face, and I am incensed by the governor’s willingness to cast aside a group of highly skilled people who have saved the lives of so many New Yorkers,” said Hawley. “The valuable experience these professionals have in fighting COVID-19 will be squandered, and the ones who will pay the price for this decision are those who need the highest quality of care possible to save their lives. I am vaccinated and would encourage anyone who wishes to be vaccinated to do so, but I also believe in personal choice, and with no option for unvaccinated healthcare workers to elect for frequent testing, this mandate will only harm our ability to help patients who need care most.”

This is a photo I took on Route 262 approaching Bryon yesterday evening.  Below, a shot from Frank Capuano in Batavia and one from Joanne Meiser in Indian Falls.

Pembroke traveled to Red Jacket on Saturday and the Dragons lost 51-6.

Photos  by Elizabeth Gabbey

A driver whose vehicle drove into a barn at 5693 Chapell Road, Byron, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident this evening, according to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

The accident was reported around 6:10 p.m.

The vehicle was reportedly heading south on Chapell Road when it left the roadway.

The identity of the driver has not yet been released, nor has a description of the vehicle.

Chapell Road has been closed between Route 237 and Transit Road since the time of the accident.

Byron Fire, South Byron Fire, and Elba Fire, all responded.

The Sheriff's Crash Management Team is on scene.

UPDATE 9 a.m. Sunday: The driver has been identified as Dustin M. Nemec, no age provided, of Elba. Nemec was reportedly driving his 2020 Volkswagen eastbound on Chapell Road when he failed to negotiate a curve. His car struck a tree and the barn.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Photo and info from Alecia Kaus/Video News Service. 

City Fire and UMMC hosted a free child safety seat check at the Fire Hall this morning.

The Batavia Improvement District's annual scarecrows contest is underway with numerous entries lining Main Street in Downtown Batavia.

Each scarecrow is designed and sponsored by a business, organization, or person.

This morning, hundreds turned out for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's this morning, which started at Dwyer Stadium and meandered through residential streets on the Northside.

Oakfield-Alabama/Elba crushed yet another opponent -- this time, York/Pavilion.  Final score: 58-6.

Bodie Hayes was 3-5 passing for 119 yards and two TD tosses. He ran for 61 yards on five carries, crossing the goal line three times.

Gaige Armbrewster rushed for 83 yards on eight carries and scored a touchdown on a 34-yard pass reception.

Noah Currier scored a TD on two carries for 42 yards.

Kameron Cusmano had a 54-yard TD reception and on defense, seven tackles.

CJ Gottler had seven tackles.

Connor Scott blocked a punt and returned it 30 yards for A TD.

TJ Andrews had nine tackles. 

"We feel like we did a better job playing a complete game for foour quarters than we did a week ago," Head Coach Tyler Winter said. "Hats off to York/Pavilion.  Their boys played much harder than the score may suggest.  Some minor things to learn from and improve as we get ready to host CMBB."

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

In their fourth game of the season, The Batavia Blue Devils once again proved a dominating team on offense and defense beating Pal-Mac 55-0.

Jesse  Reinhart was 6-6 passing for 157 yards and three touchdowns. 

Jameson Richardson carried the ball three times for 97 yards and two touchdowns.

Cam McClinic gain 79 yards on seven carries and Aidan Anderson scored a TD and ran for 68 yards on eight carries.

Javin McFollins caught two TD passes and Vincent Arroyo and Cole Grazioplene each had a TD grab.

Kaden Marucci had 12 tackles, Garratt Schmidt, seven, and Abel Hammer, six.

To view or purchase prints, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Melvin A. Huntley, 40, of Wilkinson Road, Batavia, is charged with rape 1st, sex abuse 1st, and predatory sexual assault with two or more victims. Huntley, accused previously of being a child sex predator and later charged with additional felonies, has been charged again as the result of further investigation by detectives Howard Carlson and Kevin Forsyth. An additional alleged victim was identified.  There are no known additional victims.  There are allegedly four victims total. Huntley is accused of multiple incidents of sexual assault over a seven-year period.  He remains in the Genesee County Jail being held without bail.

Brian Michael Raphael, 33, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and conspiracy 6th. Raphael was allegedly found in possession of cocaine following a traffic stop in the Town of Bergen at 11:15 p.m., June 7, by Deputy David Moore.  He was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to return to court Oct. 13.

Press release:

Western Region Off-Track Betting (WROTB) President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek was joined by Batavia Downs employees to present the Alzheimer’s Association with a $2,000 check to support Western New York patients and their families.

“We could not be prouder of the team at Batavia Downs. As we’ve made our way through the pandemic, we understand now more than ever the need to support our neighbors any way we can,” Wojtaszek said. “We look forward to working with the Alzheimer’s Association and supporting their amazing work for years to come.”

Funds were collected earlier this summer at Batavia Downs' “Rockin the Downs” concert series. Local food vendors donated a portion of their sales on Batavia Downs grounds back to support the regional charitable causes.

Lynn Westcott, Director of Corporate Relations for the Alzheimer’s Association said, “We are very grateful for this partnership and donation. Batavia Downs recognizes the challenges so many people face because of this disease, and they have stepped up to ensure that free, crucial care and support services are available to residents of Genesee County who are living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia, and their care partners. Through consultations, education classes, a 24/7 Helpline (1-800-272-3900), early-stage programs, and support groups, the Alzheimer's Association WNY Chapter strives to make a difficult time a little easier to manage.”

State Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan, who is on the State’s Committee on Aging, added; “Alzheimer’s disease is a terrible disease that effects nearly two-thirds of all dementia cases and countless families. The Alzheimer’s Association is the leader in global Alzheimer’s support and research.  I share in their vision to have a world without Alzheimer’s and dementia, but without proper funding, that vision cannot come to fruition. Thank you to Western Region OTB for their generous donation to the Alzheimer’s Association for their continued research.”

Batavia Downs and Western Region Off-Track Betting (WROTB) runs a year-round fundraising program to support local charities. In 2021 alone, WROTB has distributed more than $50,000 in various forms, including stay and play certificates, cash sponsorships, merchandise, and tickets.

Batavia Downs also partnered with Genesee County to host a vaccination drive earlier this year where they raffled off a signed Thurman Thomas Bills Jersey, passes to the concerts, and coupons to any of the restaurants at Batavia Downs.

“We’ve always looked for creative approaches to partnerships with charities and worthy causes,” Wojtaszek said. “We encourage anyone who thinks we might be able to play a positive role in helping achieve their mission to reach out to our team to see how we can help.”

Submitted photo: From left, Lynn Westcott – Director of Corporate Relations for Alzheimer’s Association of WNY, WROTB President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek, Connie Czworka, Batavia Downs receptionist and organizer of community outreach efforts.

Daniel Joseph Davis, 55, of Hollymount Road, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, reckless endangerment, improper passing, failure to obey traffic control devices, failure to obey police officer, speed not reasonable and prudent for conditions, and moving from lane unsafely. It's alleged that Davis tried to avoid a traffic safety checkpoint by leaving his lane of travel and proceeding into the oncoming traffic lane nearly striking law enforcement officers and then fleeing the checkpoint before being stopped by a patrol vehicle a short distance from the checkpoint on  Clinton Street Road, Stafford. Davis was arraigned in Town of Stafford Court and released on his own recognizance.

Katie Lee Winnie, 27, of Martin Road, Akron, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Winnie was located at 3:06 a.m., July 8, on South Lake Road, Bergen, by Deputy David Moore, after the Sheriff's Office received a complaint of a woman slumped over the wheel of a vehicle parked at a convenience store.  Winnie was arrested this week after the office received the results of a lab test.  She was released on an appearance ticket.