A man is unconscious after a tire exploded at Zuber Farms, 5633 Tower Hill Road. Byron Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. Mercy Flight in Batavia is put on ground standby.
UPDATE 12 p.m.: Mercy Flight is cancelled.
UPDATE 12:02 p.m.: The chief on scene says responders can continue in non-emergency mode to the structure east of the main building. A tire exploded off its rim, striking the victim.
The Byron Heritage Festival will take place all day on Saturday, July 29, at the park behind the Byron Fire Department on Route 262.
It starts with a Fishing Derby at Trestle Park for children age 12 and younger from 8 to 9 a.m. Sign-ins begin at 7:30. The Fishing Derby is sponsored by the Byron Kiwanis Club.
The 5K Run, sponsored by the Byron Rescue Squad, begins at 8:30, with registration starting at 7 a.m. Registration forms are available online at www.byronny.com or at the Byron Fire Hall.
A townwide garage sale starts at 9 and ends when sellers choose.
Chicken BBQ, also sponsored by Byron Kiwanis, starts at 4 and ends when sold out.
Live music will be featured from 4 to 9 p.m. Koko and The Moon Crickets perform. This entertainment is made possible from the Decentralization Program, a re-grant program of the NYS Council on the Arts with support of the governor and the State Legislature, and administered by GO ART!
The festival ends with fireworks.
Dwayne Bartholemau Spivey, 40, of Doran Street, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st. At 10:45 a.m. Sunday on Lake Street Road, Le Roy, Le Roy PD, State Police and the Sheriff's Office were conducting a joint traffic checkpoint. Officers reported observing a vehicle driven by Spivey stop prior to the checkpoint, with Spivey exiting the driver's side and changing seats with the passenger, making the passenger the driver when the vehicle arrived at the checkpoint. Upon investigation by Deputy Chad Cummings and Deputy Chris Erion, Spivey was found to have 25 suspensions over the course of two decades. The other occupant, the passenger who became the driver, had a valid license. Spivey was jailed without bail.
Jesse Dean Parsons, 33, of Swamp Road, Byron, is charged with promoting prison contraband. Parsons is accused of entering the Genesee County Jail on an unrelated charge with a known banned item.
Press release:
On Saturday, July 29th there will be a 5K race during the Byron Heritage Day Festival.
Registration is 7 – 8:15 a.m. at Byron Community Park behind the Byron Fire Hall. The registration fee is $15 if paid by July 24th. Registration is $20 on race day. Family and school teams welcome -- discounts available. This race is for ages 8 and older. Rain or shine.
Register online at https://register-this.com/?raceid=20170729BYRN or pick up registration forms at Gillett’s Hardware, located at the Four Corners in Byron -- 6330 Townline Road.
First 30 pre-registered participants receive free T-shirts. The 5K race benefits the Byron Rescue Squad.
For more information call Laura at 585-548-2245.
The All-Greater Rochester spring sports standouts were announced today and five Genesee County athletes made first team in their respective sports:
For more information on the athletes and a list of honorable mentions in each league, visit the Democrat and Chronicle's website.
Dave Burke finished the mural on the back of the Byron-Bergen Public Library, dedicating it to Eileen Almquist, better known as "Tally."
Almquist was the director of the Byron-Bergen Public Library before she retired in 1993 and she was also the town historian for 21 years.
The Bergen Town Board approved the mural and gave Burke the idea of depicting a train, because it is a part of Bergen.
Nancy Bailey, the manager of the Byron-Bergen Public Library, said when she walked in the building every morning the parking lot was boring. She originally just wanted flowers painted on the wall, but said she is really excited about the final product.
Molly Ann Chatley, 20, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Chatley allegedly sent messages through Facebook to another person that were threatening in nature.
Charlene Marie Poole, 46, of Donahue Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Poole is accused of shoplifting from Walmart.
Mary Winifred McGowan, 49, of Terry Street, Byron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and driving left of the pavement markings. McGowan was stopped at 8:17 p.m. Wednesday on Terry Street, Byron, by Deputy Ryan Delong.
Qumane James Santiago, 18, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with criminal trespass. Santiago was allegedly trespassing at a residence on Main Road, Stafford, at 8:38 p.m. Friday.
Adam W. Hildebrant, 26, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd. Hildebrant was allegedly found in possession of brass knuckles during a parole check.
Through Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s BRIDGE NY program, Genesee County received two grants to rebuild two local bridges in Pembroke and Byron.
According to the governor’s website, the state is making $200 million available in enhanced assistance for local governments to rehabilitate and replace bridges and culverts statewide.
The Pratt Road bridge over Tonawanda Creek in Pembroke was structurally red flagged and load posted for 5 tons.
Highway Superintendent Tim Hens said the bridge over Tonawanda Creek is one of the top bridges in terms of need for replacement.
“It’s not a high-volume road,” Hens said. “But it is a key connector.”
The bridge replacement will be $178,000, with 95 percent being federally funded.
The Searles Road bridge over Spring Creek in Byron will also be replaced.
Hens said the capital project established would amount to $133,000 for the Searles Road bridge, with 95 percent being federally funded.
This fall they will go through the design process and both bridges should be ready for construction in 2018.
“By time the state executes their part of the grant, the clock starts ticking,” Hens said. “We have to have the bridge under construction in 18 months.”
The Byron-Bergen Public Library is seeking a Community Development Block Grant, with the hopes of making the library handicap accessible.
Don Cunningham, the Bergen town supervisor, said the project is estimated at a total of $267,630.
“There would be a matching portion on the town’s obligation,” Cunningham said. “The library is also looking at possibly getting Nioga grant support for the same project, but that has yet to be determined.”
Cunningham said the plan includes significant renovations to the bathrooms, access to the library and the library counter.
“This is a win-win situation for the town and us,” said Nancy Bailey, the library manager. “It will help not only handicap people, but also young people with children in strollers.”
Bailey said the grant is in the beginning stages, but she is optimistic that construction could start next fall.
“I’d love to have the ability for easier access to the library,” Bailey said. “Just changing the scope of that and redesigning the space to meet the needs of the community is a great thing.”
Bailey said if they don’t receive the grant this year, they will apply again.
“I’m excited, but apprehensive,” Bailey said. “I don’t think we have a plan B if we don’t get the grant, so that might be why.”
"Huckleberry" was last seen on North Bergen Road near Route 237. He is chipped and belongs with Cindy Matthews and Chris Oehler. Call Chris at (585) 315-2995 or Cindy at (585) 455-9377.
UPDATE: Huckleberry is home safe, thanks to an alert reader.
The Genesee County representatives for the American Legion Boys State of New York met on Thursday night in Le Roy, before they depart on June 25.
The American Legion Boys State is a weeklong program that immerses high school youth in citizenship and leadership training. While at Boys State, they learn the practical aspects of government in New York and participate in physical fitness, teamwork and other activities under the guidance of counselors and Marines.
This year, Boys State will be held at SUNY Morrisville.
Bryce Bordonaro, Ryan Driscoll and Thomas Mellon are representing Le Roy; Jacob Brower is representing Waterport; Ethan Fischer, John Kindig, Nathan Loria and Joseph Marchese are representing Batavia; John Igoe is representing Oakfield; Nathan Knickerbocker is representing Byron; and Tyler Wood is representing Corfu.
(Photos by Maria Pericozzi.)
Press release:
The Byron-Bergen community’s agricultural heritage was celebrated on June 2 with the Jr./Sr. High School’s fourth annual Agriculture Appreciation Day — better known as the bring-your-tractor-to-school-day.
Brothers Garrett and Wyatt Sando were the first to arrive in their carefully restored and shining 1973 White tractor. They were soon joined by other students with their farm vehicles, large and small, including a classic 1952 Farmall.
Science teacher Jeff Parnapy is excited about the important role agriculture will be playing in education at the school next year. He is spearheading the new agriculture program, which will launch in the fall with an Intro to Ag class and a new Byron-Bergen chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA).
“We’ve been working with our Advisory Council, a wonderful group of experienced people from the community, to plan and organize the program,” he said. “Our Superintendent, Mickey Edwards, and Principal Pat McGee, recognize the interest our students have in agriculture and natural resources. We already have 22 students signed up for the first class.”
Junior Garrett Sando is one of them. His family owns 75 acres and he has had his tractor license since ninth grade.
“I’m really interested in trying the program out,” Garrett said.
Parnapy is excited to work with young people who are interested in building futures in agriculture. He taught Agriculture in Albion schools before coming to Byron-Bergen in 2000, and sees similarities between the two communities.
“My hope is to launch the program and expand it every year. The FFA chapter will be open to kids in grades nine through 12 for the first year, with plans to extend it to grades seven and eight when it is solidly established.”
Top photo: Brothers Garrett and Wyatt Sando with their 1973 White tractor.
Student drivers strike a pose on Adam Starowitz’s tractor: (l-r) Garrett Sando, Brandon Lewis, Marquis Brown, Benjamin Latham, and Starowitz with School Resource Officer Matt Butler.
Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School hosted more than 30 colleges and organizations at the Genesee Regional College Fair for area students in grades nine through 11.
Submitted photo and press release:
With the help of the New York State Association for College Admissions Counseling (NYSACAC), Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School hosted more than 30 colleges and universities on May 18 for the new Genesee Regional College Fair.
The school’s gymnasium was filled with students from grades nine through 11 from Byron-Bergen, Oakfield-Alabama Middle-High School, Rochester Preparatory High School, Keshequa Middle-High School, and the Western New York Tech Academy. Colleges traveled to the event from all over New York State, and from as far away as the University of Alabama, University of Guelph in Canada, and Quinnipiac University in Connecticut.
"Our goal is to host this event every year and continue to expose students to all of the opportunities that exist after high school," said Byron-Bergen College and Career counselor Rob Kaercher. "I know it is a busy time of year for colleges and high schools, but it would be impossible to host a large event without the support of every employee at Byron-Bergen and the NYSACAC.
"They are instrumental in providing professional development opportunities for school counselors and college admissions professionals from across the state, as well as opportunities for many college-bound students.”
Many area high school students attend the NYSACAC college fair in March at the Rochester Convention Center and in Buffalo at the First Niagara Center. Now, the Genesee Regional College Fair will give students exposure to colleges in a more intimate setting, right in their own backyard.
"Next year we plan to have even more colleges and branches of the armed services, and we will invite more high schools to experience this event," Kaercher said.
The following colleges and organizations attended the NYSACAC Regional College Fair at Byron-Bergen: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Canisius College, Daemen College, Elmira College, Genesee Community College, Hartwick College, Ithaca College, Jamestown Community College, Keuka College, La Roche College, Le Moyne College, Monroe Community College, Morrisville State College, New York State Higher Education Services Corp, Niagara University, Mercyhurst University, Quinnipiac University, Roberts Wesleyan College, Rochester Institute of Technology, St. John Fisher College, SUNY - Alfred State College, SUNY Brockport, SUNY - Buffalo State College, SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Delhi, SUNY Geneseo, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, The University of Alabama, University of Guelph, University of Rochester, the Army, and Wells College.
Ian Jarreau Blake, 30, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana in the fifth degree. Blake was stopped on Route 33 in Corfu at 10:31 p.m. on June 1 by the Corfu Police Department and allegedly found to possess a quantity of marijuana exceeding 25 grams. He was also found to a have an active bench warrant out of Family Court. He was released on appearance tickets for the marijuana charge and the matter of the Family Court bench warrant was transferred over to the GC Sheriff's Office for handling. The Corfu PD case was handled by Officer Lonnie Nati and Officer Richard Retzlaff.
Andrew Scott Bradstreet, of Telegraph Road, Holley, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and a vehicle registration plate violation. Bradstreet was stopped at 8:29 p.m. May 31 on Searls Road in Byron following the alleged observation of a vehicle and traffic violation. The defendant allegedly possessed a small quantity of marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Byron Court for June 7. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.
Nancy Bailey, the manager of the Byron-Bergen Public Library, said when she walked in the building every morning, the parking lot was boring and uninviting.
The parking lot was remodeled about a year ago and there was a big empty space on the wall. She said it was the perfect space for a mural.
She applied for a Decentralization Grant from New York State through the Council on the Arts. Once the grant was approved, local artist Dave Burke got to work designing a mural that would reflect the community.
“The board members said we definitely needed a train because it was a big part of Bergen,” Burke said. “It also has farmland, birds and a swamp, and will have a part of the trail.”
Burke has been an artist all his life, but this is the first mural he has done. He usually paints on canvas or boards using watercolor or acrylics.
“The last couple years, I just started painting all the time,” Burke said. “Work and other things just got in the way. I wish I had done this 30 years ago and totally concentrated on painting.”
Burke mixes his own colors with acrylic paint and will seal the mural with clear varnish when it is completed.
The mural is dedicated to Eileen Almquist, the director of the Byron-Bergen Public Library, before she retired in 1983. Her picture is also painted on the mural, surrounded by children and books.
“Somebody suggested to put her up there,” Bailey said. “It looks really neat with her up there.”
Bailey said once the mural is completed, she would like to put park benches and chairs behind the library.
“It seems like a pleasant place to sit,” Bailey said. “It gets enough shade here in the late afternoon and some early morning sunshine.”
Bailey said there will be an unveiling when the mural is completed.
Submitted photos and press release:
The Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation Scholarship Dinner will be held at Terry Hills Restaurant and Banquet Facility beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14. There will be a cash bar followed by an Italian buffet at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and are available at Ben’s Appliance, VJ Gautieri Construction or from any board member.
Outstanding Italian Americans will be honored and the recipient of the Paolo Busti Scholarship will be named.
The following scholarship applicants are all high school seniors in the Class of 2017.
Alexis "Lexi" Hoerner, pictured above, attends Batavia High School where she holds an overall GPA of 95 and ranks 19th in a class of 175. Lexi is a member of the National Honor Society as well as the National Art Honor Society. She has received numerous honors and awards, including a commendation in the 2016 Congressional Art Competition NY 27th District, and the Bob Heischman Award for Excellence in Creativity in Drawing as well as various school awards for outstanding achievement in art, printmaking, portfolio, sculpture, and excellence and creativity in drawing.
Lexi is a member of the BHS varsity swim team and has volunteered with various local community organizations including the Lions Club, YWCA, Crossroads House, and Genesee County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). She has also served as a BHS Link Leader and with the Art Department Stage Crew at Batavia High School.
Lexi plans to attend Canisius College in the fall where she will continue her studies in Studio Art.
Alexis is the daughter of Karen Cutitta and Michael Hoerner.
She is currently employed at Olympia Sports in Batavia. This job has given her incredible communication skills, leadership qualities and patience. She volunteers at the NYS Veterans Home in Batavia. She helps in the business office with medical records and also has helped with the residents when needed.
She feels her work ethic has come from being a part of a sports team, volunteer and working with different people at Olympia. She would be a different person if she did not experience all she has, especially in her last four years at Notre Dame High School. Gabby plans on attending Niagara University in the fall and major in Biology.
Gabrielle is the daughter of Rocco and Janice Della Penna, of Batavia.
Lyndsey has dedicated many hours to various activities in high school. She has participated in band, chorus, drama club, JV and varsity volleyball, track and field, DECA, business club, National Honor Society and high honor roll. She has also participated in various events outside of school, including youth group and nursery at Grace Baptist Church, Genesee Cancer Assistance fundraisers, club volleyball, teen leadership conference, youth seminars and mission trips.
When Lyndsey is not participating in sports and various clubs at school, she works hard at home with her many chores and household work.
Lyndsey is the daughter of Scott and Karen Rowland, of Perry.
She is president of Tri-M National Music Honor Society and treasurer and historian of the Production Club. At Batavia High School she had lead roles in "Hairspray," "Much Ado About Nothing" and "Mary Poppins."
As President of Tri-M, she established a sock drive in tandem with the Zonta Club to benefit the Salvation Army. This sock drive was a true high point for Serena.
Serena is attending the University at Buffalo in the fall with a double major in History and Theater with a minor in Italian. Her goal is to become an entertainment industry lawyer working with women in that industry who are historically under represented.
Serena is the daughter of Anita Strollo, of Batavia, and Joseph DiCenso, of Williamsville.
Karson Antonia Richenberg, bottom right, is a senior at Byron-Bergen High School. She plans to attend the University of Buffalo to study Psychology.
Her interests include track and field, soccer and basketball. Her hobbies are hiking, running, visiting historical places, and volunteering her time to different community activities.
She is a Scholar Athlete, and also received the Triple C Award from the New York State Attorney General for her “Character, Courage and Commitment.” She has been awarded the Human Services Scholarship for her involvement in the community and her plan to pursue a career in Psychology.
Karson prides herself on her ability to overcome adverse situations and never losing her positive outlook on life and the future. She has been able to do this through her faith in God. Karson enjoys making lifelong memories with her family and friends and never taking any moment for granted.
She is the daughter of Eric and Antonia Richenberg.
Press release:
"What is the biggest challenge you face in your business?" is a question often asked by the Agri-Business Academy students during tours of local agriculture businesses. The answer is almost always the same. "Labor."
The challenge of finding dependable, hardworking individuals for stable, well-paying careers in agriculture has been a constant battle for agriculturalists for years. As the instructor of the Agri-Business Academy, I've spoken with local agribusiness people from more than 100 local agribusinesses and the need for good employees is a common thread.
The common misconception is that these are not careers, but physically demanding jobs that do not require a college degree and involve a way of life that many would not willingly choose. Today, agribusinesses are usually seeking applicants with college degrees, technology and management experience, and business and communication skills. What is most important is that the compensation aligns with these requirements. In addition, the benefits and satisfaction that comes from working in the agriculture industry is unlike any other.
Agriculture continues to be the number one industry in Genesee County and the driving force of the local economy. When students of the Agri-Business Academy toured Torrey Farms, among the largest agribusinesses in New York state, they heard Maureen Torrey Marshall explain that Torrey Farms does not simply employ a few people in the surrounding community.
She described the multiplier effect, which means that other businesses, such as trucking companies, mechanic shops, equipment dealerships, transportation hubs, technology, fuel and fertilizer suppliers, and many others are all part of the agribusiness economy. Most people do not recognize the many different aspects of agriculture and the need for individuals with a broad array of interests and expertise. Animal and plant systems, food products and processing, agricultural mechanics, precision agriculture, agribusiness networks, international trade, environmental and conservation systems, and energy use are just a few of the trades under umbrella of agriculture.
To ensure that the agriculture community has the employees they need to thrive, and to continue to be the bedrock of our community the Agri-Business Academy is again seeking high school seniors to learn about careers in all aspects of agriculture. The Agri-Business Academy is a one-year partnership program between the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership and Genesee Community College.
Through this program, the students earn 15 college credits through the ACE program at Genesee Community College. They spend half the school day in the Agri-Business Academy enrolled in the following five college courses: Western New York Agriculture, Career and Educational Planning, Principles of Business, Principles of Biology and Public Speaking.
Throughout the year students tour area agribusinesses to learn and experience these businesses, job shadow professional producers and at the end of the year each student participates in a two-week internship. This year's Agri-business Academy students are working at their internships experiencing many different aspects of agribusiness -- from robotic and organic dairies to maple syrup and crop management and much more.
The following locations throughout Western New York are currently sponsoring student internships: DeLaval Dairy Services in Corfu, WBB Farm in Alden, Beaver Meadows Audubon Center in North Java, Merle Maple Farm in Attica, Cottonwood Farms in Pavilion, Cornell Cooperative Extension in Wyoming County, Schierberdale Holsteins, Perry and WNY Crop Management in Warsaw.
If you know of a current junior or underclassman who is interested in business or agriculture, or is unsure of a career path, please encourage them to apply for the Agri-Business Academy at the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. Through the Agri-Business Academy, students explore the plethora of wonderful careers available to them -- locally, internationally or often it is a dynamic blend of both.
Whether they like working inside or outside, with their hands or crunching numbers, handling heavy equipment or studying the nuances of soil (agronomy), tending to livestock or discovering how technology can help feed the world-the "Ag Academy" is a career starter.
Jack Klapper, an Agri-Business Academy graduate and Cornell University assistant men's basketball coach, said, "I would recommend this academy to anyone, whether they are pursuing a career in agriculture or not. The life skills I developed in this program are some of the best skills I have ever learned."
Applications are available at http://www.genesee.edu/home/ace/career-pathways/agri-business-academy/.
The first 20 students to submit their application will receive a free Genesee Community College flash drive wristband.
Questions? Please do not hesitate to contact me at 585-344-7783 or kirchardson3@gvboces.org. Check out the Agri-Business Academy on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Agri-Business-Academy-680673051998953/
Top photo: Agri-business Academy student Cherie Glosser of Warsaw High School with calf at Post Dairy Farms.
Agri-Business Academy students at Torrey Farms, in Elba.
Agri-Business Academy students at Porter Farms in Elba.
Agri-Business Academy students at SJ Starowitz Farm, in Byron.
An unmarked gas line has been struck and ruptured at 6249 Batavia-Elba Road, Byron.
Byron and South Byron fire departments responding.
UPDATE 9:20 a.m.: Traffic is being shut down at Casewell and Route 232, and Route 237 and Route 262.
Batavia City School District:
Budget - $49,870,585 (increase of $5,504,146 or 12.41%: $0.00 increase in tax levy)
Yes - 374 (81.84%)
No - 83 (18.16%)
Establish $7.5 Million 10 Year Capital Reserve 2017 -
Yes - 370 (80.96%)
No - 87 (19.04%)
Board of Education positions (2):
Two terms from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020
Barbara Bowman, 293
Tanni Bromley, 279
Oakfield-Alabama Central School District
Proposition #1-Budget
Yes: 297
No: 53
Proposition #2-Buses
Yes: 290
No: 60
Proposition #3-Athletic Equipment
Yes: 258
No: 92
Proposition #4-Capital Reserve Fund
Yes: 288
No: 59
Board Members (Three Vacancies)
Chris Haacke, 208
Bonnie Woodward, 171
Jennifer Kirkum, 170
Tim Edgerton, 162
Andrew Merkel, 142
Bruce Pritchett 141
Elba Central School District
Proposition #1 Budget - $9,273,839
Yes: 136
No: 26
Proposition #2 – Authorization to establish the 2017 General Capital Reserve Fund
Yes: 132
No: 29
Proposition #3 – Authorization to appropriate and expend from Transportation Vehicle and Equipment Capital Reserve to purchase one (1) 65 passenger school bus
Yes: 134
No: 28
Two Board of Education seats with two candidates running:
Travis Torrey, 149
Michael Augello, 134
Byron-Bergen Central School District
Proposition 1, Budget
Yes: 327
No: 153
Proposition 2: Bus purchase
Yes: 340
No: 150
I actually shot this photo late Sunday afternoon off Route 262 in Byron but didn't get a chance to process it until tonight.
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