Alabama

The Chamber's tourism staff recently visited each of our Genesee County history museums, so that we could better share with visitors our unique history. Most of our towns and villages have preserved vast collections of local history that are waiting for you to explore. Many of the historical societies are run by volunteers, so you'll just need to call ahead to schedule a most welcomed visit.

In this video, you'll learn about the Alabama Museum in Alabama, NY. Contact Alabama Historian Joseph Cassidy at 585-813-2812 to schedule a tour.

Check back each week to learn about another local museum!

The Alabama Museum itself is a neat place as it was originally an one-room schoolhouse. When you walk into the museum, you can see the big windows and high ceilings and wonder about the children and the education that went on in the building. Through the artifacts you will discover that Alabama used to have three gun manufacturers in its small town. There was a prominent citizen named Dr. Grant Neal, whose buggy is displayed at the museum.

Part of the original Basom post office is also on display.

Some people might find the museum's vintage posters of "horse auctions" and old-time carnivals as interesting historical markers and how life was way back then. One small item that is still relevant today is a Christmas party invitation harking back to 1856 in regards to some soiree in Alabama.

Alabama Museum, 2218 Judge Road, Alabama, NY; 585-813-2812.

Visit www.VisitGeneseeNY.com to learn more...

An Oakfield resident spent a couple of cold hours in his crashed car in a field off Maple Road in Alabama early Saturday morning when a friend who went looking for him couldn't find him.

It's unclear at what point he called 9-1-1, but at that point, emergency dispatchers were able to locate him based on his mobile phone signal.

The driver's friend and State Police were already on scene when Alabama fire and Mercy EMS arrived, said Chief Gary Patnode.

The driver is identified by State Police as Jerald E. Bliemeister, 46. He was driving a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser when he suffered a medical emergency. The accident was reported at 12:20 a.m.

His car was westbound on Townline Road and he drove through the T-intersection at Maple Road and came to rest about 300 feet in a farm field. State Police said the vehicle struck a mailbox, fence and snow fence.

The car apparently became airborne at some point, Patnode said.

The ground was frozen, which made rescue operations a little easier, Patnode said.

"It was frozen enough to support a pickup, so I drove my pickup out there with a Stokes basket, so we were able to get him out," Patnode said. "We thought about calling in East Pembroke's new gator, but the medics were eager to get him out because he had been out there so long. He might have suffered a little exposure."

Bliemeister apparently suffered broken ankles but was otherwise believed to be OK.

Jennifer Lynn Greck, 47, of Seven Springs Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. Greck allegedly damaged a room door of a motel on West Main Street Road, Batavia, at 6:53 a.m. Saturday. The case was investigated by Deputy Jenna Ferrando.

Joshua Miguel Laureano, 26, of Cumberland Avenue, South Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, driving while on a mobile phone, aggravated unlicensed operation and unsafe tires. Laureano was stopped at 7:07 p.m. Saturday on Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Hannah Marie Zuppa, 19, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. Zuppa is accused of thefts from a location on Judge Road, Alabama.

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.

A 26-year-old St. Johnsville woman cried and begged for a chance to avoid prison for her part in a strong-armed robbery attempt at a smoke shop in May in Basom, but the judge hearing her case told her she hadn't earned a chance to be released on probation.

"In light of the violent nature of the crime and the apparent lack of any effort on your part to address your addictions and mental health issues until the day you were to be sentenced, it is alarming," said Interim County Court Judge Emilio Colaiacovo.

Misty Dawn Souza was sent to prison for three and a half years.  

Her attorney, Fred Rarick, tried to argue for probation, given her history of mental issues, but District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said that nature of the crime and her criminal history warranted the maximum sentence available under the plea agreement.

"The reasons for a probationary sentence you have presented have been an unconvincing explanation for why the court should show (mercy)," Colaiacovo said.

Souza said she was a drug-addicted baby at birth, that she had been diagnosed with mental health issues at age 11, but instead of giving her the medicine prescribed by a doctor, her mother introduced her to marijuana. A short time later, she said, her father introduced her to crack cocaine.

Dressed in a dress of wide black-and-white horizontal stripes, Souza cried through most of her statement to the court.

"I believe I need help with my mental health issues," Souza said. "I don't want to go to prison. I'm scared. I know what I did was wrong. If I could take it all back, I would."

Souza and Jeremy J. Reynolds, 34, of Johnstown, entered the Smoke Rings Smoke Shop the night of May 20 carrying what looked like guns. Things quickly got out of hand and it was a dangerous and scary situation, Friedman said.

"They pointed what appeared to be real guns at the clerk behind the counter and the clerk obviously became fearful for his life," Friedman said.

Rarick said his client was a person who could be easily mislead and that's exactly what Reynolds did. He also said that Reynolds had slipped Souza a gummy bear laced with acid (LSD), which she didn't know, prior to the robbery.

It wasn't long after the robbery attempt began that Souza fled into the dark woods near the smoke shop where she wandered haphazardly for some time. When she was picked up later, she said, according to Rarick, that she had a bear on her back.

Souza said she has a 10-year-old daughter who is a straight-A student and wants to be a police officer someday.

Colaiacovo told Souza that there will be plenty of opportunities in prison for Souza to get the mental health care and drug treatment she needs, if she takes advantage of those programs.

"It's never too late to become a good example to your child," Colaiacovo said. "I hope avail yourself of the opportunities you will have in prison and start heading in the right direction in life."

A car fire has become a garage fire at 2093 Lewiston Road, Alabama.

Alabama fire and an engine from Oakfield fire, along with Mercy EMS, requested to the scene.

UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 1:37 p.m.: This is a two-car garage. A person has third-degree burns on the right hand.

UPDATE 10:10 p.m.: Alabama Fire dispatched for a rekindle. 

UPDATE 10:14 p.m.: Chief on scene, nothing showing. Engine can respond non-emergency. 

The Town of Alabama is looking for applicants for positions on the planning board (the chairman position is open) and zoning board (including chairman).

Interested town residents should send a letter to the Town Board, 2218 Judge Road, Oakfield, NY 14125; or drop them off at the Town Clerk’s Office. All letters must be received no later than Jan. 5.

A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported at Crosby Road and Lewiston Road, Alabama.

Unknown injuries.

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Patricia Guy, 68, of Yonkers, is charged with five counts of offering a false instrument for filing, 1st, and one count of grand larceny. The former Batavia resident is accused of claiming more people living in her residence than were actually living there, allowing her to collect more in food stamps than she was eligible to receive. The alleged falsified forms were filed between July 2012 and January 2015. She is accused of receiving benefits she wasn't entitled to of $1,474.47. She was arrested by Deputy James Diehl following an investigation by Michael Kowalczyk, principal fraud investigator for DSS.

A 16-year-old resident of Ridge Road, Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and inadequate exhaust. The youth was stopped on Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, at 7:41 p.m. Friday by Deputy Eric Meyer.

At least three cars are reportedly involved in an accident in the area of 1130 Lewiston Road, Alabama. 

There maybe injuries. 

There maybe a drunken driver involved. A vehicle may have left the scene.

Traffic lanes may be blocked. 

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE: There may be only two vehicles. One hit a tree and a passenger was left behind.

UPDATE 7:33 p.m.: Passenger is a sign off.

A car vs. pole accident with people trapped inside is reported at 1182 Ledge Road. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 3:24 a.m.: Injuries are said to be minor.

Frederich Welch, 57, and Doncella Loyd, 53, both of Rochester, are charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 5th. Welch and Loyd are accused of making several trips in and out of Kohl's, taking merchandise worth $719.91. Troopers stopped the vehicle in the Batavia Towne Center parking lot. Welch was jailed on $2,500 bail and Loyd was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Jonathan Dylan Jacob, 23, of Meadville Road, Alabama, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Jacob was arrested following a report of an incident in the Town of Alabama. During law enforcement contact, he was allegedly found in possession of marijuana.

James Rosie Thomas, 20, of 367 West St., Lake George, is charged with resisting arrest, escape and he was arrested on a warrant out of Elba. Thomas allegedly ran and resisted arrest when Deputy John Dehm attempted to take him into custody on a warrant at a location on South Main Street, Oakfield.

Tracy L. Miller, 32, of South Lake Road, Pembroke, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Miller is accused of stealing a purse, which contained several debit and credit cards. 

Nicholas Price, 29, of Batavia, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. Price was stopped by a trooper after a report of an erratic driver, including a witness reporting seeing the vehicle hit a mailbox and continue down the road. Price was stopped and administered a field sobriety test before being arrested. He was also charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th.

Daniel Hinca, 21, of Alexander, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs and speeding. Hinca was stopped by State Police in Byron. A trooper administered a field sobriety test prior to his arrest. 

Joshua Taro, 38, of Auburn, is charged with petit larceny. Taro is accused of shoplifting from a store in Pembroke. He was jailed on $500 bail.

Brandi Heidenreich, 26, of Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. Heidenreich was arrested by State Police for allegedly stealing items from Walmart worth $45.18.

Alabama Volunteer Fire Department held its annual awards banquet and installation of officers.

Sid Eick achieved the rare distinction of winning both the Service Award, selected by the chief, and the Fireman of the Year Award, selected by the previous three winners of the award.

Eick has been active for 44 years and is currently a captain.

Several members were also honored for their years in service, including Gloria Abrams and Barbara Lee Hendershott for 15 years, Robert Eick for 20 years, Todd Thompson and Jeffrey Sage, for 30 years, and at 50 years -- Henry Brunea.

Brunea received a watch and a citation from Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

The installed fire officers are: Chief -- Gary Patnode; 1st Assistant Chief -- Nikkolas Bruner; 2nd Assistant Chief -- William Schutt; Captains -- Patrick Buczek &  Sidney Eick; Lieutenants -- Aron Kehlenbeck & Ashley Covel; EMS Captain -- Richard Brunea; EMS Lieutenant -- Terry Thompson; Fire Police Captain -- Ryan Thompson; Health & Safety Officer -- David Kinney.

Service officers: President --Robert Crossen; Vice President -- Patrick Buczek; Treasurer -- Anthony Mudrzynski; Secretary -- Michelle Patnode; Financial Secretary --Rebecca Borkholder; Board of Directors -- Henry Mudrzynski, Rick Brunea, Edwin Schoenthal, Donald Sage, & Gary Patnode Sr.; Chaplain -- Ralph Bauer; Bell Jar Secretary -- Clayton Fry.

The theme of the event was "Prom," so of course, there were Prom King and Queen and their Court. Prom King -- Tony Mudrzynski; Prom Queen -- Jo Anna Benaquist; Prince -- Ryan Thompson; Princess -- Jenna Wozniak; Jester -- Chad Pratt.

Photos and info provided by Alison Thompson.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center Board of Directors voted at its Oct. 27 meeting to accept Empire State Development’s $28 million Grant Disbursement Agreement (GDA) to start infrastructure work at the STAMP campus in order to achieve shovel-ready status.

The funding will be used to acquire some remaining acreage at the site and construction and inspection services for water lines, wastewater pump stations and sewer lines, road infrastructure and gas and electric connectivity. It is anticipated that the first bid for infrastructure work will be for the construction of a water system from Oakfield to the STAMP site.

“Based on the release of the funds, we expect that bids will be going out in the next couple of months,” said Mark Masse, CPA, Sr. VP of Operations for the GCEDC. “The other projects that the agency will be putting out to bid over the next few months include onsite construction of the roadway and associated stormwater management.”

Among other things, GCEDC staff is working with its engineering consultants and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Army Corps of Engineers, as well as officials in Orleans County on the permitting for the sewer line to extend from the STAMP campus to the Medina wastewater treatment plant.

STAMP is New York State’s second mega-site designed to attract high-tech companies like semiconductor, solar, photonics, bio-pharmaceuticals, energy storage companies and other advanced manufacturing operations. The campus consists of 1,250 acres and planned development of more than 6 million square feet of manufacturing space.

Overall economic studies estimate that 10,000 employees could work directly on campus with up to 50,000 supply-type jobs created across Western New York and the Finger Lakes regions. The campus will also bring significant construction work to the region.

“STAMP has been validated by site selection community as a highly attractive greenfield site for large advanced manufacturers, and we continue to work with interested companies that are looking for a mega campus with the right infrastructure that includes large electric, gas, water and sewer capacity combined with our amazing workforce here in the Finger Lakes and Western New York regions,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center.

“This is evidenced by securing the commitment of 1366 Technologies, a solar wafer manufacturing company which plans to locate its operations on the campus.”

Christopher J. Campbell, 38, of Chaddock Road in Bethany, is a registered sex offender who, on Oct. 18, was charged with failure to report a change of address as required by law. It is a felony. He formerly resided on West Main Street Road in Batavia. Campbell was arraigned in Bethany Town Court and jailed in lieu of $5,000 cah bail. He is due to return to court at 7 p.m. on Nov. 15. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Parker, assisted by Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Saile.

Teresa M. Bosdyk, 54, of Water Street, Perry, is charged with DWI, speeding lane violation and not wearing a seat belt. The defendant was involved in a motor-vehicle accident at 11:50 p.m. on Oct. 18 on Ellicott Street Road in Bethany. It appears she crossed into the oncoming lane and struck a tractor-trailer. Further investigation revealed she was allegedly driving while intoxicated. Bosdyk was transported via Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital for evaluation of her injuries. She will return to Bethany Town Court at a later date. Additional charges are pending. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Howard Carlson, assisted by Deputy Andrew Hale.

Douglas Duane Brown Jr., 34, of Meadow Farm, North Chili, is charged with insufficient tail lamp, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, aggravated DWI, per se, with a BAC of .18 or more, DWI. The defendant was stopped on Alexander Road in the Town of Alexander at 11:50 p.m. on Sept. 22 for an alleged equipment violation. Further investigation allegedly revealed that the defendant was driving while intoxicated. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan, assisted by Howard Carslon.

Adam Louis Zichitella, 18, of Cole Road, Colden, is charged with DWI, operation of a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more, and stopping, standing or parking upon a highway. The defendant was found parked roadside in the southbound lane of Route 77 in the Town of Alabama at 12:43 a.m. on Sept. 25. An investigation allegedly revealed that the defendant was allegedly driving while intoxicated. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan, assisted by Deputy Howard Carlson.

Peter Stanley Hawkins, 49, of A Cayuga Village Street, Niagara Falls, is charged with third-degree assault. He was arraigned on the charged in Darien Town Court at 4:20 p.m. on Oct. 18. His arrest stems from an unspecified incident that occurred at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center at 9 p.m. on Aug. 31. Hawkins was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is due back in Darien Town Court at 1 p.m. on Nov. 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Guillermo Avila-Ramirez, 64, of Port Bay Road, Wolcott, is charged with: third degree criminal possession of a weapon; unlawful possession of marijuana; unsafe tire; and uninspected vehicle. The subject was arrested for allegedly possessing a dagger in his truck after it was involved in a motor-vehicle crash on Bloomingdale Road at the Tonawanda Indian Reservation at 8:03 a.m. on Oct. 16. The subject also allegedly possessed a bag of marijuana in his pocket at the time of his arrest. He is due in Town of Alabama Court on Nov. 3. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Parker, assisted by Sheriff's Sgt. Eric Seppala and NYS Trooper Mark Catanzaro.

Joshua John Dibble, 34, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. At 4:28 p.m. on Oct. 15, following the investigation of a shoplifting complaint on Lewiston Road in the Town of Batavia, Dibble was arrested. He allegedly stole merchandise from a department store by passing all points of purchase without paying. He was issued an appearance ticket for Oct. 27 in Batavia Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Robert Henning.

Press release:

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has announced $55,000 in state funding to establish a new joint agriculture education program for Oakfield-Alabama Central and Elba Central School districts.

The mission of the new program is to encourage more high school students to explore agriculture and consider a career in the industry.

“This important program will serve as another tool for educators to cultivate student development and success, and I am proud to have been able to jump start this new program," Ranzenhofer said. "Now, our students will have better opportunities to learn more about agriculture and be inspired to start a career in the industry."

The start-up funding will cover equipment, field trip expenses, instructional resources and materials, and instructional salaries. Enrolled students, in grades nine through 12, will experience classroom instruction, hands-on projects and opportunities to visit local businesses with a connection to the agriculture industry. The program will be administered by and located at the Oakfield-Alabama School District.

“We appreciate the support of Senator Ranzenhofer in this new program. Our students are surrounded by agriculture and now have the opportunity to learn about the careers of the industry. We hope the program will motivate some of our graduates to remain in the area as well,” said Oakfield-Alabama Superintendent Mark A. Alexander.

Agriculture and its related industries are the number one economic driver for Genesee County and New York State, and industry demand for a properly trained workforce is greater than ever. According to the Land O' Lakes Foundation, food production in the next 50 years will need to be higher than the prior 500 years.

Senator Ranzenhofer’s office received letters of support from the local agriculture industry, including: Cornell University Cooperative Extension Genesee County; Lamb Farms Inc.; CY Farms LLC; East Pembroke Grange; Wayne E. Phelps Ent. Inc.; Offhaus Farms Inc.; and Z&M Ag and Turf.

The Oakfield-Alabama Board of Education will publicly recognize Senator Ranzenhofer for his efforts to establish the new program during tonight’s board meeting.

A pickup truck has reportedly hit a bridge in the area of 650 Bloomingdale Road, Basom.

If there are injuries, they are apparently minor. The driver is out of the vehicle and walking around.

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 8:12 a.m.: The vehicle is well off the road. It hit a guardrail.

UPDATE 8:15 a.m.: Ambulance can continue in, non-emergency.

UPDATE 8:27 a.m.: Two tow trucks will be needed to deal with the vehicle. A hook to pull it to the road, and a flatbed to haul it away. Bloomingdale will be shut down for a time during the operation.

A propane tank leak is reported on Skye Road, Basom.

Alabama fire, Indian Falls and a tanker from Oakfield are requested to the scene.

UPDATE 6:08 p.m.: All Alabama units back in service.

Press release:

Members of the Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club will be at Denny’s Restaurant on Main Street in Batavia on Wednesday, Oct. 19, to raise funds as part of Denny’s Benefit Night. From 4 to 9 p.m., Denny’s will donate 20 percent of all pre-tax sales directly to the club. Funds will be used to support the Oakfield-Alabama Lions program for vision screening.

According to Bill Barbur, president of Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club, “Money raised on October 19 will allow Lions to meet pressing needs in our community including screening school children for visions problems and aid for furnishing eyeglasses and hearing aids to the needy.

"Lions members thank everyone who contributes to this important work. This year were able to purchase our own SPOT eye screener and to date have screened 265 students with 23 having been referred for further testing. You are truly helping Lions make a difference in our community.”

The Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club has 29 members and meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6:45 p.m. at the Oakfield Hotel on South Pearl Street in Oakfield.

Lions clubs are a group of men and women who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs. For more information or to get involved with the Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club, please contact Bill Barbur at 585-948-9882 or Bonnie Woodward at 585-739-2928.

Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with more than 1.3 million members in approximately 45,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired and made a strong commitment to community service and serving youth throughout the world. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit the website at www.lionsclubs.org.