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Sponsored Post: Reliant Real Estate - New listing: 22 Bennett Avenue, Oakfield

By Lisa Ace
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22 Bennett Avenue, Oakfield. Solid 3 bedroom, 2and 1/2 bath home located on prime village street. This yard is the fun yard! Fully enclosed and private backyard with large sunny open deck, awesome extra large playset and plenty more yard space for entertaining and games!! Stepping inside you will be greeted by large and bright kitchen with so much space and cupboards plus an oversized pantry closet for all the supplies! There's also conveniently a large 1/2 bath and laundry room for your guests and you right as you walk in to catch all the mess! There is a great spacious layout between the formal dining room and oversized living room and front foyer and all three rooms boast hardwood floors and beautiful unpainted woodwork and even a set of beautiful wooden and glass pocket doors! Upstairs there are 3 large bedrooms -the master is roomy and bright with a sunny connected bath that everyone will want to use! There is also a large attic for all your storage needs and a full basement that once upon a time was partially finished off and could be again! There's a lot here for the next owner to enjoy so make it yours today! Delayed negotiations until Monday July 31 at 5:00. Call Reliant Real Estate 585-344-HOME (4663) today to see this listing.

Power outage reported north of Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

A power outage is affecting 829 customers in the Oakfield area, centered on Lockport Road and Lewiston Road.  The outage area covers north in Shelby, south to Batavia Oakfield Townline Road, and from Basom to the northwest half of the Village of Oakfield.

National Grid estimates power will be restored by 9:15 p.m.

UPDATE 9:57 p.m.: National Grid reports that power has not yet been restored and that crews are "re-assessing condition."

UPDATE 10:30 p.m.: Since the last update, power has been restored.

At end of chase, suspects accused of possessing loaded 'ghost gun'

By Howard B. Owens
grayson mug
Sylvan P. Grayson

After a high-speed chase from Oakfield to Bergen, deputies say they recovered a loaded 9mm handgun with no identifying information on it from the vehicle two suspects ran from after it wouldn't go any further.

Taken into custody were Sylvan P. Grayson, 24, from Le Roy, and Luke A. Rose, 19, from Batavia. A juvenile backseat passenger did not flee from the vehicle and was detained at the scene without incident.

Grayson and Rose are accused of possessing a "ghost gun," which is an unserialized and untraceable firearm. 

The case began at 2:38 a.m. on Thursday on Batav ia Oakfield Townline Road and Route 63 when Deputy Jacob Kipler attempted a traffic stop on a 2013 blue Dodge Avenger for an alleged headlight violation.

rose mug
Luke A. Rose

The Avenger fled at speeds that reached 90 mph. The vehicle went off the road several times on Batavia Stafford Townline Road, and the Sheriff's Office reports that the Avenger "intentionally" drove through a crop field, causing extensive damage to the crops.

Spike strips were successfully deployed on Route 237 in the Town of Stafford, according to the report. The Avenger lost several tires but continued to drive on rims at high rates of speed.

The driver lost control of the vehicle in the area of Clinton Street Road and Apple Tree Avenue in Bergen.  It went off the road, struck a street sign and crashed into an earthen embankment. 

According to deputies, the driver and a front-seat passenger took off running, heading south toward businesses an Apple Tree.  The passenger was apprehended without further incident after a short foot pursuit and was later identified as Luke A. Rose.

The other suspect, Sylvan P. Grayson, was located behind a business on Apple Tree about an hour later and taken into custody without further incident.

During an inventory of the contents of the vehicle, before it was impounded, deputies allegedly found a loaded 9mm handgun with no serial number, make or model identification.

Grayson is charged with:

  • Criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a Class C felony;
  • Criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony;
  • Criminal possession of a firearm (a "ghost gun"), a Class E felony;
  • Criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, a Class A misdemeanor;
  • Unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle;
  • Obstructing governmental administration;
  • And 16 traffic tickets.

Rose is charged with:

  • Criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a Class C felony;
  • Criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree (a "ghost gun"), a Class A misdemeanor;
  • And criminal possession of a firearm, a Class E felony.

Both Grayson and Rose were arraigned and ordered held on bail.

The Sheriff's Office did not release whether there were charges against the juvenile in the backseat.

Fun and food enjoyed by kids of all ages at summer reading carnival

By Press Release
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Press Release:

Haxton Memorial Library had its Summer Reading Kick-Off Carnival on June 29 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at Triangle Park.

This year’s theme is “All Together Now” and our carnival consisted of kiddie games, face painting, crafts, popcorn, cotton candy, and the Iroquois National Wild Life Refuge had a display including a blow-up Archery Station for the kids.

"This annual library event had a wonderful turnout of over 170 people in attendance and was put together with the help of dedicated staff, board members, patrons, and young volunteers". "We love to offer this program each year to our community to encourage everyone to be a part of our Summer Reading Program, which starts July 3 - Aug 11," said Kim Gibson, Library Manager for the Haxton Memorial Library. "Throughout this 6-week program our readers of all ages can participate in our programs and win prizes and more importantly, read for fun!"

Stop by the library, check out our website (haxtonlibrary.org), or follow Haxton Library on Facebook for more information on what’s happening at the library this summer.

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Submitted photos

Oakfield man killed in ATV accident on Monday

By Howard B. Owens

A 60-year-old Oakfield resident died in an ATV accident reported at 6:28 p.m. on Monday, according to State Police.

According to troopers, Michael D. Borkholder was driving a 2008 Cam-Am Outlander Max XT southbound on Maple Road, Town of Alabama, and failed to stop and struck the rear end of another ATV, a 2021 CF Moto ZForcce 950, that was slowing to make a turn into a driveway. 

Borkholder was ejected from his ATV. 

He was transported by Mercy Flight to Erie County Medical Center with severe injuries. He succumbed later that night.

Three students graduate from Clarkson University

By Press Release

Press Release:

Students from Clarkson University were awarded bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees this spring on May 13.

Evan Dusky of Basom received a Bachelor of Science degree with distinction in Mechanical Engineering, Product Development, and Marketing Minor.

Matthew Grover of Batavia received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Colin Graham of Oakfield received a Bachelor of Science degree with great distinction in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Mathematics minor.

23 students named RIT dean's list

By Press Release

Press Release:

The following students were named to the Dean's List at Rochester Institute of Technology for the spring semester of the 2022-2023 academic year. Full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students are eligible for Dean's List if their term GPA is greater than or equal to 3.40; they do not have any grades of "Incomplete", "D" or "F"; and they have registered for, and completed at least 12 credit hours.

Jake Humes of Batavia, who is in the applied arts and sciences program.

Tori Russell of Pavilion, who is in the biotechnology and molecular bioscience program.

Jake Long of Batavia, who is in the civil engineering technology program.

Lexi Begin of Corfu, who is in the communication program.

Zach Wagner of Batavia, who is in the computer engineering program.

Tanner Richardson of Batavia, who is in the electrical engineering program.

Emily Eckdahl of Stafford, who is in the environmental sustainability, health and safety program.

Megan Johnson of Oakfield, who is in the finance program.

Megan Conibear of Corfu, who is in the global business management program.

Amelia Beckman of Batavia, who is in the illustration program.

Xishun Miller-Williams of Batavia, who is in the industrial engineering program.

Sophia Zwolinski of Corfu, who is in the mechanical engineering program.

Austin Hunt of Batavia, who is in the mechanical engineering technology program.

Timothy Bessel of Le Roy, who is in the mechanical engineering technology program.

Ella Llewellyn of Batavia, who is in the medical illustration program.

Fanny Venegas of Elba, who is in the photographic and imaging arts program.

Megan Watson of Le Roy, who is in the photographic sciences program.

Madison Maniace of Pavilion, who is in the physician assistant program.

Maddi Howard of Elba, who is in the psychology program.

Cambria Kinkelaar of Bergen, who is in the public policy program.

Robert Lin of Batavia, who is in the robotics and manufacturing engineering technology program.

Isaac Ladley of Byron, who is in the supply chain management program.

Chase Roth of Alexander, who is in the web and mobile computing program.

SUNY Potsdam names area students to president's list

By Press Release

Press Release:

The State University of New York at Potsdam recently named 716 students to the President's List, in recognition of their academic excellence in the Spring 2023 semester. The SUNY Potsdam students were honored for earning top marks by President Suzanne Smith.

To achieve the honor of being on the President's List, each student must have satisfactorily completed 12 numerically-graded semester hours, with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

The students included:

  • Lydia Geiger of Batavia, whose major is Musical Studies.
  • Erin Parnapy of Byron, whose major is Theatre.
  • Paola Perez Matos of Oakfield, whose major is Psychology.
  • Megan Privatera of Le Roy, whose major is Music Education.

Area musicians keep Father's Day tradition alive with jamboree in Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens
Father's Day Jamboree
Musicians from throughout the region and a few hundred music fans gathered in Oakfield on Father's Day for the annual Retro Jam and Musicians Reunion.
Photo by Howard Owens.

An audience and a chance to play is usually a pretty good reason for local musicians to show up at a venue on a sunny afternoon, and add in a chance to see the guys and gals they are too busy to see on gig nights, and a few dozen are likely to make the scene.

And though the venue had changed since its inception, that's been what has kept the Father's Day Retro Jam and Musicians Reunion going since 1978.

"Most of the musicians playing the jamboree are working musicians," said organizer Bill Pitcher. "They've been in different bands together, but while they're working, they don't see each other much because when they've got gigs, they're playing in different places.  This is a chance for musicians to get together to mix and chat and have some fun."

The first jamboree was part of the Stafford Firemen's Carnival and grew bigger each year until the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department discontinued the carnival because of changes in state law forced them to end the annual Corvette Raffle.

Soon, area musicians were calling Pitcher with one question: "Where are we going to jam?"

Scott Graff and his wife Val had a solution, Pitcher said.  The Oakfield Rod and Gun Club. There's a pavilion with electricity, plenty of grass for lawn chairs and canopies and parking.

"It's a great venue," Pitcher said. 

The Rod and Gun Club sells hotdogs, there are public restrooms available and everything is friendly and laid back.

A 50/50 raffle raised $1,000 for the Center for H.O.P.E. at the VA Hospital in Batavia.

"This is the second year at the Rod and Gun Club," Pitcher said. "They've been very cooperative and friendly, very supportive."

The lineup of bands is a mixture of the old guard and some young musicians, so there's a next-generation ready to move forward with the event in the coming years.

This year's lineup included the Ghost Riders, the Double Image Band, Front Porch Pickers, Rock-A-Bully’s, Prospect, Sounds Good, and Bad Sign.

"We have a waiting list of bands that want to come and play," Pitcher said. "Most of the bands have been playing for years and years but we're getting a couple of younger bands involved."

Father's Day Jamboree
Photo by Howard Owens.
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Bill Pitcher
Photo by Howard Owens.
Father's Day Jamboree
Greg Houseknecht
Photo by Howard Owens
Father's Day Jamboree
Keith Worthington
Photo by Howard Owens.
Father's Day Jamboree
Nino Speranza
Photo by Howard Owens.
Father's Day Jamboree
Photo by Howard Owens.
Father's Day Jamboree
Photo by Howard Owens.

Photos: Clear Spring Friday evening in Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens
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To help a friend with a project, I needed to head out to Oakfield to take some landscape photos, and Friday evening seemed like perfect weather for such an excursion.

Photos by Howard Owens

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Batavia's last champion boxer, Tim Edgerton, dies at age 62

By Howard B. Owens
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File photo from 2013. By Howard Owens.

Timothy Freeman Edgerton, whose distinguished life as a citizen of Genesee County included winning a Golden Gloves championship in 1977 in Texas, died at age 62 at home in Oakfield on May 7.

He is the last known boxer with roots in Batavia to have won a championship.

His obituary was released today.

Edgerton was born Aug. 6, 1960 in Batavia. He graduated from Byron-Bergen and attended GCC for a year. He then transferred to Sam Houston State University in Texas, where he majored in Criminal Justice.

As a youth, Edgerton was captivated by boxing stories of his uncle Norman, who once battled for a Golden Gloves title and lost. In 1976, he took boxing lessons in Rochester. He was unable to get on a Golden Gloves card in Buffalo -- for some reason, the only names drawn were all Buffalo residents, so he hung up his gloves for a little bit.

He moved to Houston, and while there, he decided to try again to compete for a Golden Glove title.  While signing up, he was recruited by a boxing team, Cut and Shoot, Texas.

They were a few boxers short for the team, Edgerton told The Batavian in 2013 in an exclusive interview. They could provide people to work his corner. That way, Ederton got help, and if he scores any points, the Cut and Shoot team gets the points.

That sounded like a fair deal, Edgerton said.

"Of course, they had no idea what my skill level was," Ederton said. "They just went into it blind, kind of like I went with them blind."

From The Batavian's 2013 story

Then this man from Cut and Shoot, Texas, had another proposal for the 174-pound fighter.

"The guy says, 'What would you think about fighting as a heavyweight?' and I said, 'Are you kidding me?' "

Edgerton would be giving up at least 25 pounds to every fighter he faced.

"You'll be giving up a lot of weight, but you're quick, you're fast," the man said. "Jab and move, stay away from them, try to score some points. Your chances are better as a heavyweight. I know some of the kids in the lightweight division. They're really good. I don't know you, but that's the best I can offer."

Edgerton and Lettie talked it over. The man, whom Edgerton still didn't know from a fence post, seemed to know what he was talking about.

After winning the preliminary bouts, Edgerton was facing a man 45 pounds heavier in the finals.

"He had had to go 220, maybe 225 pounds," Edgerton said. "He was bigger. He was taller. And I won. I don't know how. Maybe out of fear. But I was able to take it to him pretty good.

"It did work out where he was bigger and stronger, but he was slower," Edgerton added. "I could outmaneuver his punches, you know, duck. A couple of times, he swung, and I could just literally feel the air rush overhead. If he ever hit me, I would have been gone. They would have been carrying me out."

The fight went all three rounds, and for a moment, Edgerton thought he could score a knockout.

"In the third round, I almost had enough to put him down," Edgerton said. "He was stumbling back into the ropes, but I didn't have enough.

"In my corner, they yelled out, 'stick and move, stick and move, you got the fight won, just stick and move,' so that's what I did," Edgerton added. "I got on the bicycle, and started sticking, moving, moving, sticking. He couldn't catch me. He was tired. I was in better shape, thank God, and I ended up winning."

With the victory, Edgerton won his Golden Gloves title, and as a heavyweight. Those points also put the team from Cut and Shoot, Texas, over the top for a team championship.

That was Edgerton's last fight. He finished with a career record of 19-6.

Edgerton married Lettie, whom he met in Texas. 

He wanted to return home, but couldn't land a crime-fighting job in Genesee County. He went to work for the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, living in Detroit for a while.

Eventually, the job brought him back to Batavia

In 1993, he developed Operation Child Intercept, which has been adopted nationwide, to combat the illicit transportation of missing and abducted children across the international borders into the U.S.

Edgerton served on the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District board for 15 years and was an advocate for student rights, improved school nutrition, and diversity and inclusion. He also served as President and a key member of the Elementary Community School Organization (ECSO), where he helped bring skating parties, winter carnivals, public speakers, and countless other special events to the students and larger community each year.

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File photo from 2013. By Howard Owens.

Four local students set to graduate from SUNY Potsdam

By Press Release

Press Release:

The State University of New York at Potsdam will recognize the Class of 2023 during the College's 203 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 20. During Commencement, SUNY Potsdam honors students who have either earned their degree or are eligible to graduate during that calendar year.

Local graduates include:

  • Harmony Parker of Pavilion, who is set to graduate magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Archaeological Studies
  • Erin Parnapy of Byron, who is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre
  • Paola Perez Matos of Oakfield, who is set to graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice Studies
  • Megan Privatera of Leroy, who is set to graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education

Two people seriously injured in motorcycle accident in Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens
accident in oakfield

Two people were seriously injured when a motorcycle they were on left the roadway on Lewiston Road in Oakfield and struck a retaining wall in a yard.

Contrary to an earlier report, no vehicle was involved.

Sgt. Matt Wikowski, State Police, said at this stage of the investigation it's not clear why the driver lost control over the motorcycle.

The driver and a female passenger were both ejected from the bike. The driver was transported to ECMC by ground ambulance and the female was flown to ECMC by Mercy Flight.

Oakfield Fire and Mercy EMS assisted at the scene.

Previously: Two people reportedly injured in accident involving motorcycle in Oakfield

Photos and information by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

accident in oakfield
accident in oakfield

Two people reportedly injured in accident involving motorcycle in Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

Two people are reportedly injured after a collision between a car and a motorcycle at Lewiston Road and Maltby Road, Oakfield.

Oakfield Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 3:19 p.m.: Mercy Flight is on standby.

UPDATE 3:21 p.m.: Elba Fire requested to the scene to set up landing zone for Mercy Flight.

UPDATE 3:35 p.m.: Mercy Flight is on scene. A second helicopter is requested to the scene with a 21-minute ETA.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of fleeing from police, possessing narcotics to sell

By Howard B. Owens

Jason W. Whitehead, 25, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, possession of a narcotic with the intent to sell, harassment 2nd, resisting arrest and use of drug paraphernalia 2nd. Batavia patrol officers located Whitehead, who had an active warrant for his arrest, walking on Bank Street on April 16. Whitehead allegedly fled on foot when officers attempted to arrest him. A private citizen assisted Officer John Gombos and Sgt. Christopher Lindsay in stopping Whitehead. The officer took Whitehead into custody. Whitehead was allegedly found to be in possession of a quantity of drugs and drug paraphernalia. Whitehead was arraigned in  City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail on no bail.

Cassandra F. Smith, 37, of Manhattan Ave.,  Batavia, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. Smith is accused of stealing various items from a yard on Manhattan Avenue on April 8. Smith was released on an appearance ticket.  On April 12, she was charged with criminal trespass 2nd. She is accused of entering and remaining unlawfully in an apartment on Washington Avenue, where she left a note for a resident to find when the person came home. She was arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Court and released. She was charged with criminal mischief 4th on April 12. She is accused of spray-painting an apartment door, doorbell camera, and van in the driveway of a residence on Washington Avenue.  She was arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Court, and her release status is unknown.

Joseph C. Jeffords, 32, of Chestnut Street, Batavia, was arrested on two bench warrants issued by City Court. Jeffords is accused of failure to appear on two prior appearance tickets, one for alleged unauthorized use of a motor vehicle on Jan. 23, and the second for alleged criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th on Feb. 6. He was arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Court, and his release status is unknown. Jeffords was also arrested on April 9 and charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. Jeffords was allegedly in possession of various narcotic drugs upon being arrested on multiple warrants.  Jeffords was arraigned in  City Court and custody remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of bail.  

Salvatore Dellapenna, 54, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief. Dellapenna is accused of damaging a neighbor's front door by kicking it in on April 8. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Patricia M. Anderson, 38, of Buell Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny, operating a motor vehicle while the registration is suspended, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle third. Anderson is accused of filling a shopping cart with $139 in merchandise and leaving the business on East Main Street, Batavia, without paying. During the investigation, it was allegedly found that Anderson operated a motor vehicle with a suspended registration while her license was suspended. Anderson was released with an appearance ticket.

Modesto O. Cardenas, 29, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment in the second degree.  Cardenas was arrested by Officer John Gombos following an investigation into a disturbance on April 1. He was arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Court, and his release status is unknown.

Linda L. Snyder, 40, of Creek Road, Batavia, was arrested for bench warrants issued by City Court and charged with bail jumping in the third degree. On April 5, Officer Peter Post arrested Snyder on bench warrants issued by  City Court for harassment, criminal mischief, and animal cruelty charges.  Additionally, Snyder was charged with bail jumping 3rd because she failed to appear in court as directed after being released on her own recognizance from a criminal proceeding.  Snyder was arraigned in City Court and custody remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash bail. 

Josia G. Culver, 18, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with two counts of burglary 3rd, two counts of criminal mischief 4th and petit larceny. Culver is accused of breaking into a local restaurant on Ellicott Street on April 14. He is accused of breaking into another restaurant in the mall on April 16 and stealing money from the register. His release status is unknown.

Lori A. Wittkopp, 61, of Spencer Court, Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .18% or greater. On April 14, Officer John Gombos stopped Wittkopp following a complaint that Wittkopp was driving while intoxicated. Wittkopp was issued appearance tickets.

Kendra Q. Thomas, 35, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and endangering the welfare of a child. Thomas is accused of a physical altercation with a juvenile on April 15.  Thomas was issued an appearance ticket.

Luis J. Santiago Arroyo, 34, of Buell Street,  Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal contempt 1st. Arroyo is accused of being involved in a physical incident during a custody exchange on April 23. Arroyo is accused of striking another person, unprovoked, who was covered by an order of protection while she was holding a child.  Police say a Ring camera captured video of the incident. Arroyo was held in the Genesee County Jail pending arraignment. Release status unknown.

Aaron T. Hendershot, 26, of Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd and aggravated family offense. Hendershot allegedly violated an order of protection on April 20 by calling, messaging, and writing letters to the protected party.  He was additionally charged with aggravated family offense as he has been convicted of a specified offense within the immediately preceding 5 years, Feb. 6, 2023.  Hendershot was arraigned in City Court and custody remanded to the Genesee County Jail without bail. 

Alisha A. Soule, 26, of Route 237, Le Roy, is charged with harassment 2nd and criminal mischief 4th. Police responded to a reported disturbance on April 26. Soule is accused of kicking in a door to gain entry to a house and then striking one person while attempting to get to another person. Soule was arraigned in City Court and released.

Pamela L. Dickinson, 60, of Roosevelt Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, failure to comply, speeding, and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle. At about 6:30 a.m. on April 24, Officer Joseph Weglarski reported observing a vehicle speeding on Pearl Street. The driver allegedly failed to stop until being blocked by patrols at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Bank Street in Batavia. Dickinson was released on traffic tickets.

Shelby L. Fryer, 27, of Prune Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal impersonation.  Officer John Gombos stopped a vehicle reportedly driven by Fryer on April 22. She allegedly gave a false name to the officer in an attempt to avoid an arrest on a warrant. She was arrest on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. She was arraigned. Her release status is unknown.

Haley M. Larnder, 23, of North Street, Batavia, was arrested on a  City Court arrest warrant. Officer Andrew Mruczek located Larnder on April 21 and took her into custody on a warrant. Larnder was originally arrested on March 19 on a charge of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and issued an appearance ticket. Larnder was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance.

Jacqulyn A. Dueppengieser, 39, on Page Road, Perry, is charged with petit larceny. Dueppengieser is accused of stealing from a business on East Main Street on April 20. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Natasha J. Durney, 29, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with nine counts of harboring an unlicensed dog. On April 21, Officer Stephen Quider responded to a report on Hutchins Street of dogs fighting on Hutchins Place. During the fight, a person was reportedly bitten. Durney is accused of owning nine unlicensed dogs.  Durney was issued an appearance ticket.

Jessica Hernandez, 35, of Summit Street, Batavia, was arrested as a fugitive from justice. Police officers executed an arrest warrant on April 22 after being contacted by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office in Florida. The police department was informed that Volusia County had a warrant for Hernandez on the charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Hernandez was processed, arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Part Court and held at the Genesee County Jail to await extradition to Volusia County, Florida. 

David A. Kendall, 50, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Kendall is accused of violating a stay-away order of protection on April 23. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Adam M. Zastrocky, 38, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, failure to stop at stop sign, driving left of pavement markings in no passing zone, and refusal to take breath test. Zastrocky was arrested by Sgt. Jason Saile following an investigation into a motor vehicle accident reported at 10 p.m. on April 20 on Cockram Road, Byron.

Joseph Earnest Marr, 44, of Nesbitt Road, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny 4th.  Marr is accused of stealing a phone while at Batavia Downs. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Nathan Paul Crawford, 27, of Federal Drive, Batavia, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. Crawford is accused of shoplifting from 48 Deli Express at 5:04 p.m. on April 15. He was issued an appearance ticket. He is also accused of shoplifting from Kohls at 11:05 a.m. on April 19. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Heather Nicole Derooy, 33, of Keith Terrace, Chili, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, and improper plates. Derooy was stopped at 8:26 p.m. on April 8 on Clinton Street Road, Bergen, by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun and Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush. She was allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine. Derooy was released on an appearance ticket.

Robert E. Sacher, 53, of Kibbe Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI. Sacher was stopped at 3:11 p.m. on April 13 on Veterans Memorial Drive by Deputy Jonathan Dimming. Sacher was issued traffic tickets and released.

Jeenathan Rodeny Williams, 63, of Hazelwood Terrace, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, unlicensed driver, side wings/side windows non-transparent, and plates covered by glass or plastic. Williams was stopped at 6:56 p.m. on April 25 on Byron Elba Road, Byron, by Deputy Zachary Hoy and issued an appearance ticket.

Scott Aaron Muntz, 25, of Maltby Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and speeding. Muntz was stopped at 12:15 a.m. on April 16 on Knowlesville Road, Alabama, by Deputy Jonathan Dimming.  He was issued traffic tickets.

Madison McKenzie, 18, of Creek Road, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. McKenzie is accused of giving a letter to a child under age 17 that contained sexual content. McKenzie was arraigned and released.

Michelle Dawn Grover, 38, of Olean Road, South Wales, is charged with petit larceny. Grover is accused of shoplifting from Dollar General in Pavilion at 10 a.m. on March 5. Grover was issued an appearance ticket.

Village of Oakfield asked to allow residents to own up to six egg-laying hens

By Howard B. Owens

samantha_ilacqua_chickens.jpg

Samantha Ilacqua loves fresh eggs and wants to have them available for her children -- like her mother had since she was in first grade -- and since Oakfield is a rural community, she believes that village residents should be allowed to own up to six egg-laying hens.

On Monday, she presented a petition signed by more than 40 other village residents asking the village trustees to change the zoning ordinance to allow hen-raising in the village.

"I feel like we should be able to have them in this rural community," Ilacqua said. "It's a right-to-farm community, and we should be able to have chickens in our own back yards, as long as they're fenced in cages and only six hens."

Here is a portion of the speech she gave to the village trustees at a previous board meeting:

Changing this law benefits both families as well as the Village of Oakfield.  The Village of Oakfield can create income from allowing hens in the Village by charging for permits.

Families should be able to know where their food came from, as well as be able to raise their own food especially in these economic times.  In January an eighteen count of eggs was $8.42.  

Chickens are great for pest control in gardens (they eat ticks), as well as waste reduction as they can eat food that would normally end up in a landfill. 

I know this topic has come up previously, and I could talk to you about statistics and proof of successful ownership in larger villages, but I think I would rather talk about why I am coming to you tonight.

I grew up in Bergen, New York.  In 1999, My first-grade class hatched chickens, and my parents decided to build a coop. We took home those chicks that hatched.  My parents have had chickens ever since.  A Cambridge study even shows the nutritional value of fresh eggs versus commercial is consistently higher.  

When my husband and I moved into our current residence, it wasn’t long before we decided we wanted chickens of our own.  There really is nothing like raising the food that you eat, knowing where it came from and teaching your children the life lessons and responsibilities that come from owning pets.  I was shocked to find out that in the Village of Oakfield, I was not allowed to have chickens at all, but if I lived in the City of Batavia, I would be allowed six hens.  

I can not think of a better time than now to allow village residents the right to grow their own food.  Eggs are a staple in homes.  I personally believe the wording of, “farm animals” is broad.  If you have ever been around chickens, they are quiet, about the same decibels as humans having a conversation.  There is a huge difference between having a goat or cow in your backyard versus having a few chickens.

I am not sure why the board has denied previous requests of allowing chickens in the village.  I have heard that one possible concern is that foxes could make their way into the village looking for the chickens.  Research suggests that well-designed coops could mitigate that risk.  I believe that education on the front end would avoid issues later on, such as a Hen agreement to be signed at the time of receiving a permit or even licensing the chicken coop by maintaining a building/zoning permit versus licensing the hens.  Additionally, this could potentially generate some decent income for the village.  Hunters obtain licenses and permit to hunt.  Fishers obtain licenses to fish.  Residents could obtain a permit to keep six hens.  

Mayor Dave Boyle said the trustees will discuss the proposal at its May meeting and perhaps vote on it that night.

Photo by Howard Owens.

Village of Oakfield resident honored for 50 years of dedicated community service

By Howard B. Owens

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Over the past 50 years, Ron D'Alba never did it for recognition.  He didn't hang Christmas lights or help start the Oakfield Betterment Committee or the Labor Daze celebration, coach Little League or serve on the village board or the zoning board of appeals to get attention.

He didn't do any of that so that someday the community might thank him, but that's exactly what took place at the Village of Oakfield Board of Trustees meeting on Monday.

As D'Alba's term on the ZBA draws to a close, the village recognized his five decades of community service.

"The village board would like to recognize and applaud Ron D'Alba for 50 years of dedication and passion to our community," Board Chairwoman Judy Boyle said. "He loves the village, and over the years, he has shown his commitment by volunteering in many capacities. Ron has lived in Oakfield his entire life raising two sons and settling on Bennett Avenue. Preserving the character of Oakfield has always been a concern of his. It has been a major reason he has continued to volunteer and help keep the village a great place to raise a family."

Ron's son Scott is a current board member, and he listed many of his father's achievements over the years.

  • He was a Little League coach and manager from 1972 to 1984.
  • He was a founding member of the sports boosters.
  • He helped raise funds for the first lights on the OAS football field.
  • He was a member of the Youth Recognition Commission from 1975 to 1983.
  • He and his wife Sue were founding members of the Oakfield Betterment Committee.
  • He installed Christmas lights on Main Street in the village.
  • He Helped organize the first Labor Daze celebration.
  • He helped raise funds to build the Gazebo in Triangle Park.
  • He served as an interim member of the village Board of Trustees in 1988 and 1989.
  • And from 2012 until this year, he served on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

"He was born and raised in the Village of Oakfield," Scott said. "He's always loved this community and shown that love, by the way he supported our local school sports teams and in volunteering and finding ways to make this village a nicer place to live and raise a family."

He added at the end of his speech, "We are all here tonight to acknowledge and thank him for his time and service. I've been fortunate enough to witness all this firsthand along with my brother Joel, and couldn't be prouder to call him Dad. Dad, you have instilled this love for community in Joel (Scott's brother) and me. You've always been a true role model, and we thank you for that."

The ceremony highlighting Ron D'Alba was a surprise for him, and he was quite honored for the recognition, he said.

"It means the world to me," he said. "I've been doing this forever because I love the community.  I never expected to get anything. It's beautiful."

Photos by Howard Owens. Top photo, as a gag gift, Mayor David Boyle presents Ron D'Alba with an old village Christmas banner.

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Ron D'Alba.

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Mayor Dave Boyle reads a proclamation honoring Ron D'Alba on his 50 years of community service.

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