Pavilion

A proposed expansion of the O-AT-KA Milk Products plant at Cedar Street and Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, received a vote of approval from the County Planning Board on Thursday night.

O-AT-KA is contemplating adding a 194,543-square-foot building and a 35,279-square-foot building that will serve as warehouse space and a distribution center.

A spokesman for O-AT-KA repeated several times to reporters last night that the expansion remains a proposal at this time. There's no information available on how O-AT-KA's business might be expanding as a result of the new space.

The location of the new structures would be on the east side of the plant with vehicle access off of Ellicott Street Road.

The board recommended approval of a site plan review with recommended modifications for a stormwater pollution-prevention plan prior to final approval by the city.

Also on Thursday:

The board recommended approval of a site plan review for a 1,620-square-foot addition to the Pavilion Public Library. The expansion, which will include a new children's wing, is funded in part by a $200,000 donation from Edgar Mary Louis Hollwedel. Deborah Davis said the library is also seeking a state grant. The size of that grant could exceed $200,000.

The board recommended disapproval of a zoning map change on South Lake Road in Pavilion. Superior Plus Energy Services was seeking the change to develop a bulk storage and truck distribution center for bulk propane. The 32-acre site is currently zoned agriculture-residential and Superior Plus Energy is seeking a change to industrial. Staff's recommendation was for disapproval because the change would be inconsistent with the town's comprehensive plan and the Future Land Use Map, which plans for agriculture use or residential with minimum lot sizes of five acres.

A planned Dollar General store in Pavilion received recommended approval for its sign. The sign design presented previously by Moeller Sign Co. wasn't approved because it would have meant a sign larger than currently allowed in the zoning code. The new design complies with the code.

Kindergarteners from all over the county took a field trip to Grassland Dairy in Pavilion to learn about milk production and other aspects of farming for the annual Kinderfarmin' Day.

The purpose of the farm tour is to teach children where their food comes from.

"The tour helps to inform kids in the community about agriculture," said Jeff Post, president of the Genesee County Farm Bureau. "They need to understand food doesn't come from the supermarket."

Grassland Dairy is owned and operated by Brent and Polly Tillotson. The Tillotson family milks 190 organic Jersey cows. They provide natural feed for the cows by farming 300 acres of organic land.

More than 400 kindergarteners and 100 teachers, parents and chaperones visited the farm. Children from schools in Batavia, Oakfield, Elba, Pavilion, Alexander and Byron-Bergen participated in the tour. The four suggested learning stations that all of the groups were scheduled for included the milkhouse, milking parlor, comfy cows and cow cuisine. At other stations around the farm children could experience what it's like to milk a cow using a milk simulator, make s'mores using a hi-tech camp stove and pet various farm animals.

Barb Sturm, agriculture in the classroom educator from Cornell Cooperative Extension, visits schools in Genesee County to educate students in agriculture and set up the stations to go along with agricultural lessons she has taught them.

"The learning stations have keywords that align with the Common Core curriculum," Sturm said.

As a part of the Common Core farming unit, Amand Wachter's kindergarten class at Pavilion has been learning about cows, chickens and crops that farm animals eat.

"The tour connects to what we have talked about in class," Wachter said. "Kids can see how to milk a cow and what goes into their food."

Julie Tryon, a mother from Jackson Primary School, went through the barns and stations with her children. Their favorite part about the tour was getting to see the baby calves.

"It's a great opportunity for my kids to learn about agriculture and become familiar with it," Tryon said.  

Kinderfarmin' Day was sponsored by the Genesee County Farm Bureau and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County helped organize it. Some of the other contributors to the event included Upstate Niagara who donated cartons of milk and Cargill Animal Nutrition who donated ice cream for the kids to enjoy.

The dairy days have been going on for more than 30 years and different farms have taken turns hosting the event. For future years, the farm bureau welcomes any farm that would be interested in volunteering to host the event to contact them.

Photos by Howard Owens.

To purchase prints, click here.

A rollover accident is reported at 7871 Big Tree Road, south of South Street Road, west of Wallace Road. Unknown injuries, but possible entrapment. Pavilion Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics.

UPDATE 1:34 a.m.: Driver is out of the vehicle. This is in Covington, Wyoming County.

UPDATE 1:50 a.m.: The patient is being transported to Strong Memorial Hospital. There is a lot of broken glass and debris in the roadway as a result of the accident, according to a responder on scene.

Press release:

The Town of Pavilion Republican Committee is still seeking candidates for the following positions, which will appear on the election ballot in November:

• Town supervisor
• Highway superintendent
• Town justice
• and a Town Board seat.

Another endorsement meeting is being held on May 7.

Any town resident interested in one of the positions is asked to send a letter to:

Town of Pavilion Republican Committee

c/o Dorothy Wentland, Chair

10511 Asbury Road, Le Roy, NY 14482.

Letters must be received by May 4 for consideration.

Ann Rita Pokornowski, 54, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Pokornowski is accused of stealing a pair of boots from her boyfriend's house on Bennett Avenue, Oakfield.

Sade Henderson, 20, of New York City, is charged with petit larceny. Henderson is accused of stealing an Internet router from a dorm room at College Village. 

Danielle G. Bryant, 41, of Stewart Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Bryant is accused of violating an order of protection in Le Roy.

At least one person is injured, with a possible neck injury, in a motor-vehicle accident on Route 63, Pavilion, in front of Pavilion High School.

Pavilion fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 10:52 a.m.: Two patients. Both are alert and conscious.

Dakota R.L. White, 16, of South Lake Street, Bergen, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 5th, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. White is accused of possessing and selling a controlled substance at Byron-Bergen High School. White was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

A 17-year-old resident of York Road, Pavilion, is charged with petit larceny. The youth is accused of stealing an item from Pavilion High School.

Amer Jusufbasic, 37, of Mohawk Street, Utica, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes, aggravated unlicensed operator, 2nd, unlicensed operator, driver's view obstructed and driving without an interlock device. Jusufbasic was stopped at 12:48 p.m. Wednesday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Jusufbasic was allegedly in possession of 2,600 untaxed cigarettes. He was jailed on $1,500 bail or $5,000 bond.

Christine Amnita Soler, 37, of Phelps Road, Pembroke, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, aggravated unlicensed operator, 3rd, improper left turn, unlawful possession of marijuana and unlicensed operator. Soler was stopped at 10:16 a.m. Friday on Phelps Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Christopher Allen Sewar, 28, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Sewer is accused of stealing merchandise valued at $10 from Walmart.

Todd Vincent Amico, 51, of Burritt Road, Hilton, is charged with possession of 400 untaxed cigarettes. Amico was a passenger in a vehicle stopped at 10:08 a.m. Friday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Amico was allegedly in possession of 2,300 untaxed cigarettes.

Jerell J. Jones Sr., 26, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration. Jones was allegedly involved in two verbal arguments that required police intervention to prevent two separate physical confrontations. Jones was jailed on $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond.

Joshua H. Currier, 30 of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Currier was stopped by State Police on the Thruway in Henrietta on Thursday. He allegedly had a BAC of .12. 

Crystal L. Wojtkowiak, 19, of Attica, is charged with obstructing governmental administration and reporting false information regarding an incident. Wojtkowiak was arrested by State Police in regards to an unspecified incident in Alexander.

Laquasia M. Orr, 19, of Bronx, is charged with identity theft, 3rd. Orr was arrested by State Police in relation to an unspecified incident Saturday.

Jeffrey M. Johnson, 27, of Batavia, is charged with obstructing firefighting operations. Johnson was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident reported at 5:20 a.m. Sunday at 26 Overlook Drive, Batavia. No further details released.

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An accident with injuries is reported at 1195 Taylor Road, Pavilion. Pavilion fire is called to respond.

Thomas E. Hensel, 31, and Tonya D. Smith, 29, are charged with grand larceny, 4th, and conspiracy, 6th. Hensel and Smith were allegedly caught stealing items from the Target store. Upon further investigation, they were found to have allegedly committed additional larcenies during March at Target and Walmart. Hensel was charged with four counts of petit larceny and Smith was charged with one count of grand larceny, 4th, and two counts of petit larceny. Some of the stolen items were recovered.

Amir D. Gifford, 19, of Cherry Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged violation of probation. Gifford turned himself in. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Jessica M. Rivera-Mann, 31, of Liberty Street, was arrested on a pair of warrants related to alleged parking violations. Rivera-Mann turned herself in and entered a guilty plea in City Court. and was ordered to pay a $100 fine within 60 days.

Kerri L. Forsberg, 43, of East Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a harassment, 2nd, charge. Forsberg was arrested following a reported incident at UMMC on April 3.

Laura J. Reed, 23, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Reed was allegedly found in possession of marijuana at 6:18 p.m. April 10 by Officer Jamie Givens.

Kenardo R. Fields, 25, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Fields was allegedly involved in a domestic incident at 9:20 a.m., Sunday.

Zachary Michael Burk, 18, of Sparks Road, Pavilion, is charged with petit larceny. Burk allegedly stole a 30-pack of Busch beer from Pavilion Farm Market.

Charles H. Wroten, 54, of Buell Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated DWI (Leandra's Law), DWI, improper right turn, improper signaling a turn. Wroten was stopped at 11:03 p.m. Tuesday on West Main Street, Batavia, by Sgt. Ron Meides. Wroten is accused of driving while intoxicated with a child less than 15 years old in the vehicle.

Michael Robert Sigl, 22, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with possession of a forged instrument, 2nd. Sigl was arrested on a warrant. He was jailed without bail.

Taylor Nicole Tillotson, 19, of Perry Road, Le Roy, is charged with trespass. Tillotson allegedly returned to College Village after being banned from the property.

Cindy Lou Bush, 53, of Route 98, of Elba, is charged with five counts of criminal contempt, 2nd. Bush was allegedly at a residence with five people under an order of protection forbidding her not to contact the individuals. She was jailed on $2,500 bail, $5,000 bond. Bush was also wanted for alleged failure to appear on five prior counts of criminal contempt stemming from a single incident.

Barbara Jean Salmon, 44, of Coal Hill Road, Taberg, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes, tinted windows and plate obstruction. Salmon was stopped at 11:38 a.m. Tuesday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Amanda Christine Paige, 24, of Park Street, Pavilion, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Paige is accused of stealing from a business.

Jonathan Chris Shirley, 33, of Council House Road, Basom, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, failure to comply with lawful order, unlicensed operation, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and no use of signal lamps. Shirley was stopped at 8:24 a.m. Sunday by Deputy Chad Cummings following a complaint of shots fired in the neighborhood on Council House Road, Basom. Shirley's vehicle was stopped and he was found to allegedly be a felon in possession of a weapon. He was jailed without bail. Deputies Christopher Parker, Brad Mazur and Cory Mower, along with State Police assisted in the response and investigation. 

Alexander D. Sweeney, 23, of Redfern Drive, Churchville, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Sweeney was stopped at 1:20 a.m. Sunday on Lake Street, Village of Le Roy, by Le Roy PD.

Timothy L. Freeman, 46, of Pavilion, is charged with menacing, 3rd. Freeman allegedly threatened a woman during an argument at a residence in Covington. State Police responded. He was jailed on $2,500 bail. An order of protection was issued.

William S. Smith, 47, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Smith was allegedly found in possession of marijuana during a traffic stop at 10:57 p.m. Saturday on Main Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Kenneth Russell Hernandez, 49, of Adams Street, Rochester, was arrested on a warrant stemming from a petit larceny charge. Hernandez was arrested upon his release from the Monroe County Jail, arraigned in Bergen Town Court, and jailed on $1,000 bail.

Kristine Elizabeth Harmon, 37, of Lincoln Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, speeding and driving a vehicle without an inspection certificate. Harmon was stopped at 12:36 a.m. Friday on Pearl Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Allyn Jay George, 49, of Council House Road, Basom, is charged with menacing, 2nd. George allegedly threatened another person with a firearm during an argument, which was reported at 5:53 a.m., Friday. He was jailed on $500 bail.

A possible controlled burn of a residence is reported at Roanoke and Keller Road, Pavilion. A state trooper in the area saw a house burning and stopped and talked to people at the site who informed him that they had called authorities to say they were doing a controlled burn there, but Genesee County dispatchers say they have no such record or information. Pavilion fire is responding.

Kirk Arnold Thomas Jr., 30, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal use of drug paraphernalia, criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and escape, 1st. Thomas was the subject of an investigation by Le Roy PD and the subject of a Town of Batavia Court warrant and was located by Batavia PD at Days Inn. At the time of his arrest he allegedly possessed a large quantity of heroin and drug paraphernalia.

Peter John Olander, 41, of Rochester Street, Bergen, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration, 2nd, and resisting arrest. Olander was arrested after deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the Village of Bergen. Olander allegedly failed to comply with numerous lawful orders and/or warnings from deputies and physically resisted arrest when they attempted to place him in custody. Olander was jailed on $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond.

Christopher M. Colantonio, 35, of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, and petit larceny. Colantonio was arrested as a result of an investigation in April 2014 into a complaint of stolen, forged and cashed checks. Colantonio is also charged with criminal sale of a firearm, 3rd, criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd, and grand larceny, 4th. The charges stem from a criminal complaint in November 2013 in which a family member reported a gun was stolen and sold.

Bryon Gilbert Keller, 20, of Sumner Road, Darien, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, and harassment, 2nd. Keller was allegedly involved in an altercation with a family member, which was also a violation of a court order. Keller was jailed on $10,000 bail or $20,000 bond.

Samantha Jean Glendhill, 24, of Chapel Street, Mt. Morris, is charged with petit larceny and possession of burglar tools. Glendhill is accused of shoplifting from Kmart and using a bag to conceal the stolen items.

A 17-year-old resident of York Road, Pavilion, is charged with harassment, 2nd. The youth allegedly struck another person during an argument.

Erick Antonio Castaneda, 18, of Redman Road, Brockport, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. Castaneda is accused of shoplifting from Kohl's.

A pole and unknown type of wire are reported down across the roadway in the area of 11338 Lake Road, Pavilion.

That's across from the Pavilion Fire Hall.

Pavilion fire dispatched.

A one-vehicle rollover accident, unknown injuries, is reported at 6698 Ellicott St. Road. Pavilion fire and Mercy medics responding. The location is between Sparks and Starr roads.

UPDATE 11:14 p.m.: There are no injuries.

UPDATE 11:20 p.m.: The Pavilion assignment is back in service.

Press release:

Two students from the Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center, Morgan Good, a senior and an Agri-Business Academy student from Pavilion Central Schools, and Emily Borkholder, a senior and an Animal Science student from Oakfield-Alabama Central Schools, recently attended the New York State Farm Bureau Taste of New York Lobby Day and Reception in Albany. Holly Partridge, Batavia CTE Animal Science instructor; Kerry Richardson, Batavia CTE Agri-Business Academy instructor; Catherine Bennett, Batavia CTE assistant principal, escorted the students.

During this event, members of the New York State Assembly and Senate met with businesses, farms and educational institutions that rely on New York state agriculture to run their business.

“We learned how much agriculture drives our economy in New York state. One of the most interesting experiences was when we attended two legislative meetings with Senator Michael Razenhofer and Assemblyman Michael DenDekker. We discussed what needs to be changed in our state to help farmers become more productive,” Emily said.

“We also spoke with other senators and assemblymen from throughout New York state and helped them to understand and increase awareness of the needs of farmers from our area,” Morgan added.

Throughout the conference exhibit time, the group showcased duck eggs versus chicken eggs in baking, the important collaboration between the Batavia CTE Animal Science and Culinary Arts programs and how the farm-to-table concept is incorporated into the curriculum of these two programs.

Brian Michael Glor, 43, of Church Street, Oakfield, is charged with DWI and refusal to take breath test. Glor was arrested following an investigation into a hit-and-run accident at 7:34 p.m., Monday, in the City of Batavia, by Deputy Michael Lute.

Steven R. Colombo, 28, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Colombo allegedly violated a complete stay away order of protection. He was allegedly found hiding in the pantry of the protected party's residence.

Jimpce J. Etienne, 38, of Buell Street, Batavia, is charged with unnecessary noise. Etienne is accused of playing extremely loud and disturbing music at 11:30 a.m., Saturday.

Kayla D. Joiner, 22, of Schreck Avenue, Buffalo, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, charge. Joiner turned herself in and was jailed on $100 bail.

Thomas J. Mitchell, 25, of Batavia, was arrested on two warrants for alleged failure to appear. Mitchell was located and arrested and jailed on $1,500 bail.

Robin A. Pickering, 31, of Croop Road, Clarence Center, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, operation by an unlicensed driver and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Pickering reportedly drove her car into a snowbank on Burke Drive, Batavia, at 4:36 a.m., Friday. The accident was investigated by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

James Rocco Soccio, 33, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with coercion, 2nd. Soccio reportedly went to the residence of a person scheduled to speak against Soccio in a Family Court proceeding. Soccio allegedly threatened to harm the person. 

Jacob J. Camerera, 23, of South Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, reckless endangerment, 2nd, and two counts of aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. Camerera allegedly drove a vehicle toward four other people in a reckless manner on Watson Street, Batavia, at 4:59 p..m., Feb. 15. One of the four people was covered by an order of protection.

A 17-year-old resident of Walnut Street, Batavia is charged with two counts of harassment, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 4th. The youth was arrested following an alleged incident at his residence at 11:30 a.m., Friday.

Kenneth L. Perkins, 51, of West Main Street, Corfu, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Perkins allegedly damaged the property of another person.

Heyward Clark Jr., 50, of Whitney Avenue, Niagara Falls, is charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a child, driving while ability impaired by alcohol, following too closely, driving without a license, and child passenger in back seat not properly restrained. Heyward was stopped at 12:02 a.m. Saturday on Lewiston Road, Batavia, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Jennifer P. Hepp, 32, of Varysburg, is charged with petit larceny. Hepp was arrested by State Police on Friday at a location on Veterans Memorial Drive. No further information released.

Philip D. Stahli, 34, of Lockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Stahli was arrested by State Police in Pavilion on Saturday. No further details released.

Harry R. Silliman, 50, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd, and harassment, 2nd. Silliman was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident at 9:45 p.m., Feb. 17. No further details released.

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at South Street Road and Telephone Road. Pavilion fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 4:23 p.m.: A second ambulance is called to the scene.