Oakfield

Press release:

Elmira College released its Dean's List for Academic Achievement for the Fall 2025 Term. The Dean's List recognizes full-time undergraduate students who were registered for at least 12 computable credit hours and who earned a term grade point average of 3.6 or higher. Among the recipients are:

• Callie Douglas of Oakfield, NY

Oraid J. Blackshear Jr. and Alexander N. Parsons (ages and residence not provided) were each arrested Nov. 29 on three counts of criminal possession of a weapon 3rd. The charges stem from an investigation at an apartment on North Spruce Street, where Blackshear and Parsons were found in possession of an illegal pistol. Both were arraigned and released.

Brian W. Herdtner, 37, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd. Herdtner allegedly damaged a TV during an altercation on Tracy Avenue on Nov. 29. He was arraigned in centralized arraignment court.

Alexander C. Preedom, 22, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful imprisonment 1st, menacing 2nd and criminal possession of a weapon. Preedom was charged Nov. 17 following an incident at an apartment on East Main Street, where he allegedly refused to let the victim leave the apartment while in possession of a knife. Preedom was arraigned and released.

Bryson R. Gentile, 20, of Batavia, is charged with menacing 2nd, criminal possession of a weapon 2nd, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon 3rd and criminal use of a firearm 2nd. Gentile allegedly pointed a gun at another person in a parking lot on Bank Street on Nov. 10. He was arraigned and released.

Craig D. Brown, 45, of Rochester, is charged with DWI. Brown was charged Nov. 23 following a traffic stop on Clinton Street. He was issued several traffic tickets and released.

Noah A. Giesler, 26, of Albion, is charged with DWI. Giesler was charged Nov. 23 following a traffic stop on Oak Street. He was issued several traffic tickets and released.

Brian R. Dilcher, 40, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Dilcher was arrested Nov. 20 following a traffic stop. He was issued several traffic tickets and released.

Anibal R. Caalcuc, 24, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Caalcuc was charged Nov. 27 following an investigation into an accident where he allegedly crashed his truck into a house on Willow Street. Caalcuc was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released.

Jon H. Bush Jr., 42, of Batavia, was arrested Nov. 26 on an arrest warrant. The warrant was issued when Bush failed to appear in court after being issued an appearance ticket. He was arraigned and released.

Felicia M. Hirsch, 39, of Pavilion, was arrested Nov. 26 on an arrest warrant. Hirsch allegedly failed to appear in court after being issued a misdemeanor traffic ticket in March. She was arraigned and released.

Elizabeth A. Lindner, 39, of Batavia, is charged with soliciting in a public place, three counts of trespass and petit larceny. Lindner was arrested Nov. 12 for allegedly asking people for money on Ellicott Street. She was issued an appearance ticket and released. She was arrested Nov. 14 for allegedly returning to Byrne Dairy on East Main Street after previously being trespassed. She was issued an appearance ticket and released. Lindner was arrested Nov. 15 for allegedly trespassing at McDonald's on East Main Street. She was issued an appearance ticket and released. She was arrested Nov. 21 for allegedly stealing bottles and cans from Ascension Parish on Sumner Street. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Derrick L. Washington, 53, of Batavia, was arrested Nov. 22 on three bench warrants. The first warrant stems from a traffic stop in January on Oak Street, where Washington was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree. The second warrant is related to a traffic stop in April on Clinton Street, where Washington was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. The third warrant stems from an incident on Nov. 5 on Thomas Avenue, where Washington allegedly ran from police when they attempted to arrest him on active warrants. Washington Blind Boys of Alabama

Bill A. Thomas, 66, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree. Thomas was allegedly found in possession of a stolen bicycle on Nov. 21 while at an address on Ellicott Street. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Cindy L. Marcello, 56, of Batavia, was arrested Nov. 20 on an arrest warrant for petit larceny. The warrant stems from an incident in 2022 when Marcello allegedly stole merchandise from Tops. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released.

Austin A. Heideman, 28, of Batavia, was arrested Nov. 16 on a bench warrant. The warrant stems from an incident in May when he was allegedly found in possession of narcotics. Heideman was arraigned and released. Heideman was arrested again on Nov. 26 on a charge of criminal contempt in the second degree. He was charged after allegedly being located at a residence on Ellicott Street in violation of an order of protection. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail.

Nashiem R. Harris, 27, of Batavia, was arrested Nov. 14 on two bench warrants. Both warrants are related to incidents where Harris was issued misdemeanor traffic tickets but failed to appear in court. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released.

Jack M. Fox-Salah, 28, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree. Fox-Salah allegedly stole merchandise from Tops Nov. 12 and fled from police on an e-bike when officers attempted to stop him. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Patricia A. Larson, 75, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Larson allegedly stole property from another person on Nov. 25 at an address on East Main Street. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Amy E. Kirk, 46, of Batavia, is charged with DWAI drugs. Kirk was charged Nov. 18 following a traffic stop on West Main Street. She was issued traffic tickets and released.

Nicole M. Dellapenna, 39, of Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree. Dellapenna was charged Nov. 14 after police responded to a report of a suspicious person on Masse Place. Dellapenna allegedly ran from police and resisted arrest. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Steven R. Sikora, 26, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Sikora was charged Nov. 9 following a traffic stop on East Main Street. He was issued several traffic tickets and released.

Christina M. Rose, 58, of Depew, is charged with DWI. Rose was charged Nov. 16 following a traffic stop on East Main Street. She was issued several traffic tickets and released.

Nathan T. Stanton, 21, of Hilton, was arrested Nov. 16 on a trespass warrant. Stanton was initially arrested in October for allegedly trespassing at UMMC. The warrant was issued after he failed to appear in court. He was arraigned and released.

Alicia M. Lyons, 46, of Perry, is charged with aggravated harassment in the second degree. Lyons allegedly called the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center 154 times in approximately six hours on Nov. 12 for no legitimate purpose. She was issued an appearance ticket at the Wyoming County Jail, where she is being held on unrelated charges.

Jason M. Perry, 43, of Batavia, is charged with harassment in the second degree. Perry allegedly punched another person on Dec. 3 during an altercation in Hyde Park. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released.

Seth D. Sharp, 23, of Byron, is charged with DWI. Sharp was charged Nov. 28 following a traffic stop on East Main Street. He was issued several traffic tickets and released.

Anthony M. Itacqua III, 33, of Coe Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, moved from lane unsafely and cross divider limited access highway. Itacqua was arrested Dec. 1 at about 6:55 a.m. on Route 63 in Batavia. Itacqua was arraigned in Batavia City Court and his license was temporarily suspended after he refused to submit to a chemical test. He is due back in court Dec. 16.

Press Release

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers will host the club's 23rd Annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the club's facilities located at 50 Main St., (Rte. 63), Oakfield, NY (above the M&T Bank). The "FREE" event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stairway access only.

The club's facilities feature operating layouts in O Gauge (Lionel), HO & N. Club members will be available to answer your model railroading questions. A great family-oriented event filled with photo-ops and fun for kids of all ages.

"The Christmas holidays seem to bring back those childhood memories of a model train and miniature village around the Christmas tree," says club President Mike Bakos. "Our members are busy keeping the tradition of trains and the holidays alive. We invite you to visit and enjoy one of Genesee County's best kept secrets."

This year's Open House will be one of the many events featured as part of Oakfield’s Christmas in the Village celebration, along with many other family-oriented activities taking place in the village throughout the day.

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers is located at 50 Main St., (Rte. 63), Oakfield, (above the M&T Bank) and is open Tuesdays from 7 until 9 p.m.

Business meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month. Visit www.gsme.org . Like us on Facebook.

The Town of Oakfield announced it is accepting letters of intent for volunteer positions on two town boards.

The town is seeking residents to fill two positions on the Zoning Board of Appeals for five-year terms. The board meets as needed, approximately five times per year. The positions are volunteer roles with no compensation.

The town is also seeking a member for the Assessor Board of Review, which meets once per year in May for Grievance Day. The position pays 75ドル for the day.

Both positions are open to all residents of the Town and Village of Oakfield.

Letters of intent should be submitted to Dustin T. Reding, Supervisor Elect, at 3219 Drake Street Road, Oakfield, N.Y. 14125.

The deadline is Dec. 22, 2025.

Jacob W. Patterson, 29, of East Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd and resisting arrest. Patterson was arrested Nov. 25 on East Main Street Road after deputies attempted to arrest him on an active Genesee County Court bench warrant, and he allegedly resisted and injured a deputy. He was held pending arraignment.

Dylan J. Kipfer, 23, of Dunbar Road, Attica, is charged with unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle 3rd, reckless driving, failure to yield right of way to an emergency vehicle, speeding and failure to stop at a stop sign. Kipfer was arrested after a pursuit that began at 7:21 p.m. Nov. 24 on Route 98 in the Town of Alexander, where he allegedly failed to yield for deputies. He was released on appearance tickets.

Michael H. Cummings Jr., 26, of Luella Street, Rochester, is charged with obstructing governmental administration 2nd, resisting arrest, no stop lamps, unregistered motor vehicle and operating without insurance. Cummings was arrested Nov. 26 on Route 33 in Pembroke after he allegedly refused to exit a vehicle being towed for lack of current insurance and then resisted deputies. He was released on an appearance ticket for Pembroke Town Court Dec. 10.

Darius D. Townsend, of Genesee County, is charged with three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 5th, tampering with physical evidence, two counts of criminally using drug paraphernalia 2nd and obstructing governmental administration 2nd. Townsend was arrested Nov. 11 after he allegedly fled on foot from deputies trying to take him into custody on an unrelated matter, discarded evidence and was found in possession of a large quantity of cocaine and packaging materials. He was held at the Genesee County Jail pending CAP Court arraignment.

Warren T. Cotton, 48, of West Bergen Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd. Cotton was arrested Nov. 8 on West Main Street in Batavia after he was allegedly found with methamphetamine and packaging materials for narcotics. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and is due in Batavia City Court Nov. 11.

Warren T. Cotton, 48, of Batavia, was arrested Nov. 8 on two bench warrants. Both warrants are related to incidents when Cotton allegedly violated an order of protection. He was arraigned and is due in Batavia City Court at a later date.

Kory A. Rettig, 34, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Rettig was arrested Nov. 20 and is accused of stealing appliances belonging to another person on Shady Lane in Batavia. Rettig was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Batavia Town Court Nov. 25.

Wilhelmina F. Hill, 34, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Hill was arrested Nov. 19 and is accused of stealing appliances belonging to another person on Shady Lane in Batavia. She was released on an appearance ticket for Batavia Town Court Nov. 25.

Haylie A. Allis, 23, of Van Buren Street, Holley, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, running a red light and moving from lane unsafely. Allis was stopped at 2 a.m. on Nov. 23 on East Main Street by Deputy Richard Flores. She was transported to the Genesee County Jail and released on appearance tickets.

Salvatore M. Schwable, 28, of Oakfield, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 5th with intent to sell and tampering with physical evidence. Schwable was arrested Nov. 21 on Bethany Center Road in Bethany after he allegedly attempted to conceal controlled substances on his person. He was held at the Genesee County Jail pending CAP Court Nov. 22.

Nathaniel D. Wilson III, 19, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with disobeying a mandate. Wilson was arrested Nov. 16 after allegedly making 33 phone calls to a protected party under a full stay-away order of protection while at a West Main Street Road address in Batavia. He is to appear in Batavia Town Court Nov. 25.

Steven P. Nasewytewa, 37, of Skye Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd, menacing 3rd and endangering the welfare of a child. Nasewytewa was arrested Nov. 19 following a domestic incident on Bloomingdale Road involving his children while a court mandate was in place. He was scheduled to appear in CAP Court Nov. 20.

LeeAnne Krull, 56, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with falsely reporting an incident 3rd and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Krull was arrested in connection with an incident at 2:04 a.m. on Nov. 17 and is accused of falsely reporting an incident and making threatening comments in the presence of two young children at a West Main Street Road location in Batavia. She is being held at the Genesee County Jail awaiting CAP Court.

LeeAnne T. Krull, 56, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd. Krull was arrested Nov. 16 on Park Road in Batavia after she allegedly entered and remained in a business from which she had previously been trespassed. She was released on an appearance ticket for Batavia Town Court on Nov. 25.

Samuel R. Baudanza, 28, of State Route 19, Wyoming, is charged with DWI and operating a motor vehicle with .08% or more alcohol, plus moving from lane unsafely. Baudanza was stopped at 9:35 on Nov. 13 on Seward Road in Alexander by Deputy Scout Seelau. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Nicole A. Sprung, 40, of Lathrop Avenue, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd. Sprung was stopped at 1:37 a.m. on Nov. 17 by Deputy Jacob Kipler on North Street Road in Le Roy. She was released on an appearance ticket for Le Roy Town Court Dec. 2.

LeeAnne Krull, 56, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is also charged with promoting prison contraband 2nd. Krull was arrested Nov. 17 at the Genesee County Jail and is accused of introducing marijuana into the facility. She was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia Town Court Nov. 25.

Emoni M. Massey, 28, of Kinsboro Road, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, unlicensed driver and making an illegal U-turn. Massey was stopped at 1:45 a.m. on Nov. 25 on Park Road in Batavia by Deputy Zachary Hoy when she was allegedly found with cocaine and a suspended license. She was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia Town Court Dec. 2.

Ashley E. Hutt, 32, of Buckhill Road, Rochester, is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, drinking alcohol or using cannabis in a motor vehicle on a highway, moving from lane unsafely and aggravated unlicensed operation 1st. Hutt was stopped at 12:03 a.m. on Nov. 27 on Pearl Street Road in Batavia by Deputy Richard Flores. She was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on appearance tickets.

Winston A. Lockhart, 30, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd and criminal contempt 1st. Lockhart allegedly violated an order of protection Nov. 5 on Hutchins Place. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail.

James L. Dart, 71, of Batavia, is charged with attempted burglary 2nd, criminal mischief 4th, criminal possession of a weapon 4th and menacing 3rd. Dart allegedly attempted to break through his neighbor's door with a baseball bat Oct. 27 during an altercation on Tracy Avenue. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released.

Christine Mailloux, 59, of Batavia, is charged with three counts of petit larceny. The charges stem from three separate incidents when Mailloux allegedly stole merchandise on Nov. 7 from Dollar General. She was issued appearance tickets and released.

Alexis Lopez, 36, of the Bronx, is charged with DWI. Lopez was arrested Nov. 8 following a traffic stop on Main Street. He was issued several traffic tickets and released.

John P. Wittkopp, 42, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Wittkopp was arrested Nov. 3 following a civilian complaint of a reckless driver. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released.

Terrence D. Barner, 36, of Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass 2nd. Barner allegedly trespassed Nov. 8 at Euphoria Bar and Lounge on Main Street. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Jacob C. Pangrazio, 28, of Elba, is charged with DWI. Pangrazio was arrested Nov. 2 following a traffic stop on East Main Street. He was issued several traffic tickets and released.

Alyssa M. Harnish and Sarah A. Malone, both of Batavia, are charged with harassment 2nd. Harnish and Malone allegedly engaged in a physical fight with each other on Nov. 2 on Raymond Avenue. They were both arraigned and released.

John R. Smith, 72, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Smith was arrested Nov. 1 following a traffic stop on Woodrow Road. He was issued several traffic tickets and released.

Philip S. Hall, 38, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Hall was arrested Nov. 2 after a civilian complaint of an intoxicated driver on West Main Street. He was issued several traffic tickets and released.

Stanley N. Oney, 46, of Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Oney allegedly was found Nov. 1 in the middle of the street on Kingsbury Avenue, obstructing traffic and refusing to move out of the road. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Lukas H. Cochran, 23, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Cochran allegedly was involved on Oct. 22 in a traffic accident with an e-bike on West Main Street. Cochran allegedly left the scene of the accident, but was located a short time later and found to be intoxicated. He was issued traffic tickets and released.

Relina N. Robinson, 21, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Robinson allegedly shoved another person on Oct. 30 during an argument on Jackson Street. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Heriberto Benitez, 51, of Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd. Benitez allegedly punched another person in the face on Oct. 31 during an altercation on West Main Street. He was arraigned and released.

David M. Camelio, 43, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th and harassment 2nd. Camelio allegedly pulled another person off of a moving bicycle and damaged their property Oct. 31 during an incident on East Main Street. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released.

Jacob R. Torcello, 23, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Torcello allegedly damaged the sideview mirror of another vehicle Oct. 31 during a road rage incident on Liberty Street. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

For Jacqualine Chamberlain and her family, their battle with the Oakfield-Alabama School District is about getting 14-year-old Gunnar back to his friends and classes that he enjoys by having his medical vaccine exemption recognized.

For district officials and the board, the matter is about a state health requirement for students to get the vaccine, and so far rejecting the exemption request signed by the Chamberlains’ doctor.

The issue began this past summer when Gunnar decided that he wanted to change from being home-schooled to attending in-person classes at Oakfield-Alabama, his mom, Jacqualine, said.

"We had been told before that it was very difficult to get a medical exemption in New York State all along, that even back in 2019, when all that hubbub happened (religious exemptions were excluded). And so we started talking to doctors, and we started doing some research, and we started doing some testing. We're like, okay, why did he have these reactions? Does this qualify him for a medical exemption? And our doctor said wholeheartedly, his reactions that he had do qualify him for a medical exemption, but let's do some testing," she said to The Batavian. "So we did some testing, and that was a lot of work, but we did the testing, and it does show that he very much cannot have vaccines, and he would have adverse reactions to vaccines. So our doctor wrote us a medical exemption, and it all happened within July through September."

Gunnar went to school. And he jumped right into everything: student council, volunteer work, and signing up for basketball. He thrived, his mom said. He loved being with his friends, working on engines, helping out during a Veterans Day event, and being part of the school population.

That didn’t last long, however, when the decision to allow the teen to attend was reversed. A school nurse had submitted a sworn testimony about the other Chamberlain children’s vaccination history.

"I am familiar with the student’s two younger sisters’ immunization records (they have not received any vaccinations per NYSIIS) as well as the student’s older sister’s ("H.D.") immunization records as she graduated from the district in 2017. With respect to H.D., she received all required immunizations for school and did not report any adverse response to any vaccines. Likewise, neither petitioner nor H.D. reported or otherwise provided documentation demonstrating any ‘altered immunocompetence’ as suggested by the student’s physician."

Jacqualine questions how this nurse obtained that information, since she was not privy to such details, and it was never discussed with the family.

"She tried to bring up the fact that we didn’t tell her that our oldest daughter, who is 26, had a reaction to vaccines. We continued to vaccinate her; I didn’t know any better at the time. And the nurse brought up in her testimony how we didn’t disclose that information to her," Jacqualine said. "That is between our medical doctor and us as her parents. It has nothing to do with the school nurse. It has nothing to do with (the oldest daughter’s) academics or anything there, or her ability to be there."

Another frustrating part of the nurse’s testimony was that she said, "We had never sought a medical exemption before," Jacqualine said, adding that there was no need for one, since Gunnar had never attended school before.

She took her case before the school board on Nov. 18, asking board members for answers, including about the medical exemption itself and the nurse’s testimony, and appealing to the group that Gunnar just wants to return.

"I do want to thank those of you on the board who heard me, who listened to me, and who advocated on Gunnar's behalf for him to remain in school as long as possible. Despite our differences, which we do have, you chose to do what was in the best interest of Gunnar, and I really do thank you. I also want to thank the student body who have shown up in support of Gunnar and all these visitors. Thank you. It means the world to our family," she said. "First of all, I'd like to ask the board why was our son's medical exemption not honored at the school level. Are not any other doctor's notes honored when someone has a sports injury, when someone has an allergy, do they not honor notes? Do they second-guess those?"

Board President Justin Staebell forewarned her that "we’re not usually going to respond right back to you," and that responses would likely be in writing. He wanted to emphasize that if she asked a question with no response, "we’re not ignoring you."

Later in the meeting, Interim Superintendent Robert Banzer consulted with Staebell to add that answers may not be so forthcoming, as this is "a legal matter."

Chamberlain pressed on for about 10 to 15 minutes, reiterating that the New York State licensed doctor issued a state medical exemption on a state form after special testing was conducted on her son, indicating that he cannot process the ingredients in the immunizations.

"He has had three rounds of vaccines, once at two weeks, once at four months, and once at eight months. He had reactions after every single vaccination, much worse than the one before," she said. "Any parent would have done what my husband and I did, and we researched like heck, and we talked to our medical doctor, and therefore, Gunnar cannot have any vaccines. We have not sought a medical exemption until this point because we’ve always home-schooled. We enjoy homeschooling. I love having my kids at home. And it was not until this year that Gunnar expressed a serious interest in coming to public school. Therefore, that’s when we started seeking a medical exemption."

She then asked when the board was notified about the medical exemption, "and your administration that you guys employ second-guessed it?" She then asked: When did you receive these documents? Did you receive all of the documentation that we submitted? Did you receive the testing? There was no immediate reply.

"I want to express some disappointment in the administration and how they handled Gunnar’s medical exemption. We firmly believe that the district has overstepped the law in second guessing our medical doctor, both Mr. Peterson and nurse Starkweather submitted sworn testimony against Gunnar remaining in school while this process was complete, because after you guys denied the medical exemption, we started the appeal process," she said. "That appeal process is a lengthy one. The school administration could have chosen to allow this student to remain in school while this appeal process was taking place, but Mr. Peterson and nurse Starkweather chose to submit sworn testimony against my son remaining in school."

District residents and members of Gunnar’s basketball team had filled the room as a show of support. This has been a difficult process filled with a lot of legwork and emotion by Jacqualine, her husband said, and a teenager who really wants to get back to school.

Resident Jeremy Yasses shared concerns about two employees seemingly overriding the board and administration.

"I have a problem. I run a few businesses, and you're the CEO of our school right here. This is our board, and if we have employees making decisions that our board is not in favor of, their CEO is not in favor of, I think that's a problem. We don't have a say in any employees that you both cite. And so I think there are questions that should be answered that are, did you receive the correct information when it was handed in, whatever day that might be?" Yasses said. "And I don't think the board should have to make decisions if they don't have all the correct information ... What was the difference from when he started in September to now, because two people didn't want him here, or maybe more, which is fine.

"It's okay to have a difference of opinion, but if opinion is keeping him out and not, you mentioned legal," he said. "If they did everything right, and I believe Mr. B. you said, and the board said, correct me if I'm wrong, or you can send me an email to tell me if I'm wrong, that you allow them to stay during the appeal process, how did two employees trump you guys? I don’t understand."

Jacqualine Chamberlain has filed a Freedom of Information request for documents that the family has not seen regarding this case, and an appeal to the state, which she believes will likely be denied. If that happens, the family will then make a decision to file in federal court, working with their attorney Chad Davenport, who successfully represented a Starpoint Middle School student barred from attending classes due to not having the required vaccine.

In that case, the judge ruled that the district made the wrong decision by not allowing this student in school, even though she had a medical exemption, according to a WGRZ April news article.

The Batavian reached out to Davenport, of Davenport Law, who said, "the Chamberlain family simply wants their son to receive the public education he is entitled to by law."

Does the district have any merit in keeping Gunnar out of school?
"No. Under New York Public Health Law § 2164(8), a school district’s role in processing a medical exemption is strictly ministerial. The law states that if any physician licensed in New York certifies that immunization may be detrimental to a child's health, the requirements 'shall be inapplicable.' Federal courts, including the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, have explicitly ruled that school officials do not have the discretion to 'second-guess' a treating physician's medical judgment or substitute their own opinion for that of a licensed doctor. By overruling Gunnar’s physician, the District is acting outside its legal authority," Davenport said.

Can you verify that a medical exemption has been submitted?
"Yes. I can confirm that valid, statutorily compliant medical exemption forms, signed by a licensed New York State physician, were submitted to the District on Gunnar's behalf. These documents certify that specific immunizations are contraindicated for his health," he said.

If the state denies the appeal, what are the next steps?
"Our next step will be to file an action in either the Federal Court or the State Supreme Court. It is necessary to challenge this denial in a true court of law rather than continuing before a biased administrative agency," he said. "We intend to have this matter heard by an impartial judge who will enforce the plain language of the Public Health Law and protect Gunnar's civil rights."

Regarding the School Nurse and the other children’s records:
"We are deeply concerned by the revelation in the District's own legal filings that school personnel accessed the private immunization records of the Chamberlains' other children — children who are not, and have never been, enrolled in the Oakfield-Alabama School District. This appears to be an unauthorized 'fishing expedition' into a family's private data to justify a predetermined outcome. We are currently evaluating all legal remedies regarding this serious breach of privacy."

How likely is it that Gunnar will be returning to school?
"We are very confident in the legal merits of this case. The law does not permit school administrators to play doctor. We fully expect that Gunnar's rights will be vindicated and he will remain in school," he said.

Is this a matter of law, health, or opinion?
"This is fundamentally a matter of law and government overreach. The question is whether a school principal has the right to overrule a licensed physician regarding the medical needs of a patient. The law says they do not," he said.

Banzer did not return The Batavian’s call to him for comment. As for his reply via Staebell during the board meeting that "it’s a legal matter" and that there would be no comments made then, "it is standard for public entities to refuse comment on ‘pending legal matters'" even though an actual lawsuit has not been filed, Davenport said.

"However, hiding behind that phrase does not absolve them of their responsibility to their constituents or their duty to follow the law," he said.

Gunnar’s case is becoming more common than an anomaly, as multiple lawsuits have been filed in New York State regarding the two well-known words in these circles: medical freedom. These lawsuits typically challenge school districts for denying medical vaccine exemptions that were certified by physicians.

Recent Lawsuit Examples

• In 2025, a federal judge ruled in favor of a teenager from the Oceanside Union Free School District, granting her a preliminary injunction to return to classes after her medical exemption for the hepatitis B vaccine was denied, despite severe reactions and certifications from several physicians.

  The court indicated that schools cannot override valid physician-certified medical exemptions, and this decision could impact thousands of students across the state.

• Also in 2025, two families from Webster Central and Penfield Central School Districts filed federal lawsuits alleging unlawful denial of medical exemptions for their children, who suffered documented life-threatening reactions to vaccines. The families sought injunctions and damages for lost educational opportunities and emotional distress.
• Another recent case involved the Williamsville Central School District, where a mother sued after her son was barred from attending school because the district overrode his doctor’s signed medical exemption for vaccines. The family is seeking a temporary restraining order and an injunction to have the student returned to class.

These lawsuits frequently claim violations of disability law, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and a failure by school districts to provide reasonable accommodations or to abide by state regulations requiring that exemption decisions be made by qualified physicians, as in the Chamberlain matter.

An end to New York’s religious exemptions in 2019 (In June during the worst U.S. measles outbreak) apparently shifted the emphasis to medical exemptions coming under greater scrutiny from school administrators and district-appointed medical directors.

Brandon C. Buzak, 42, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with reckless endangerment 1st, petit larceny, unlawful fleeing a police officer 3rd, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, three counts of reckless driving, and 13 uniform traffic tickets. Buzak was arrested Oct. 23 after allegedly stealing merchandise from Walmart and fleeing deputies at high speed through several highways. He was held for arraignment. Jennifer K. Freeman, 41, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th in connection with the same incident. She was released on appearance tickets.

Shaquan A. Dixon, 29, of North Malcolm Street, Ossining, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd, improper plates, and criminal mischief 4th. Dixon was arrested Oct. 23 on North Main Street in Oakfield after allegedly slashing a tire with a knife and driving with a swapped plate while his license was suspended. He was held for the CAP Court. Deputy Nicholas Jennings investigated, assisted by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Morgan L. Cox Jr., 33, of Euclid Avenue, Hamburg, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Cox was arrested Oct. 24 on Creek Road in Batavia for allegedly violating a stay-away order of protection issued by Family Court. The investigation was led by Deputy Neva Saile and Deputy James Stack.

LeeAnne Krull, 56, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Krull was arrested Oct. 24 for allegedly throwing property in the parking lot of the Quality Inn and Suites and obstructing traffic. She was issued an appearance ticket. The investigation was led by Deputy Mason Schultz, assisted by Deputy Neva Saile.

Keyanna L. Gibson, 28, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, operating a motor vehicle with .08 or more alcohol, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, unlicensed operator, and moving from lane unsafely. Gibson was arrested Oct. 15 on Ellicott Street Road in Batavia after being found intoxicated during a property damage accident. The investigation was led by Deputy Soren Calderon, assisted by Deputy Leah Bezon. Gibson was issued tickets and is scheduled to appear in court.

Perry O. Dempski, 27, of Webber Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, unlawful imprisonment 2nd, criminal mischief (disabling emergency equipment), and harassment 2nd. Dempski was arrested Oct. 24 after a domestic incident. He was held pending arraignment. Deputy Richard Flores investigated, assisted by Deputy Soren Calderon.

Richard E. Johnson, 65, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with falsifying business records 1st, criminal possession of stolen property 5th, and conspiracy 5th. Johnson was arrested Oct. 28 after selling items stolen from Harbor Freight at Pawn King. He was taken to the county jail for processing. Deputy Alexander Hadsall investigated.

Tia E. Schmieder, 34, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment 2nd. Schmieder was arrested Oct. 25 for allegedly sending multiple threatening text messages. She was held pending CAP Court. Deputy Scout Seelau investigated, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.

Nicholas Daniel Scott, 30, of Seven Springs Road, Batavia, is charged with aggravated DWI (BAC .18 or more, no priors), DWI 1st offense, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, unlicensed driver, and operating a vehicle without an inspection certificate. Scott was arrested Oct. 27; his vehicle was stopped for traffic violations, and he was found intoxicated. Deputy Jacob Kipler investigated, assisted by Deputy Richard Flores. Scott was released on appearance tickets.

Jason Michael Grillo, 50, of Heritage Drive, Rochester, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Grillo was charged Oct. 18 after allegedly subjecting another person to unwanted physical contact during an altercation at Darien Lake Theme Park. Deputy Eric Meyer investigated, assisted by Deputy Kevin McCarthy. Grillo is to appear in Darien Town Court.

Timothy G. Welch, 60, of Cicero, is charged on a warrant with criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, menacing 2nd, and harassment 2nd. Welch was arrested Oct. 23 for allegedly threatening another person with a gun during an incident on July 27. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released.

Adam L. Root, 41, of Elba, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd, reckless endangerment 2nd, menacing 2nd, and reckless driving. Root was arrested Oct. 20 after allegedly striking another vehicle with a semi-truck and pushing it down West Main St for several blocks. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released.

Tierance J. Davis Sr., 38, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st and burglary 2nd. Davis was arrested Oct. 14 for allegedly violating an order of protection by being inside the protected person's residence. He was arraigned in CAP Court and is due in Batavia City Court later.

Gloria L. Peckham, 65, of Batavia, was arrested Oct. 22 on two warrants issued when she failed to appear in court on harassment charges. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released.

Charles J. Rodriguez, 49, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Rodriguez was arrested Oct. 15 after allegedly stealing merchandise from Quicklee’s, then returned later that day after being trespassed. He was arrested a second time for trespassing and issued another appearance ticket. He is due in court Oct. 28.

Bill A. Thomas, 66, of Batavia, is charged with trespassing. Thomas was arrested Oct. 21 after allegedly being found at Batavia City Centre after previously being trespassed. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Richard A. Miller, 39, of Batavia, was arrested Oct. 21 on two warrants. The first stems from a petit larceny and criminal possession of a forged instrument charge on June 5. The second is related to a criminal trespass 2nd and harassment 2nd charge on June 11. He was arraigned in CAP Court and is due in Batavia City Court later.

Jeanna M. Hattaway, 38, of Batavia, was arrested Oct. 21 on a warrant for failing to appear in court on a petit larceny charge. She was arraigned in CAP Court and is due in Batavia City Court later.

Benjamin G. Evans, 37, of Batavia, was arrested Oct. 20 on a warrant for obstructing governmental administration 2nd, originally charged in July 2024. The warrant was issued after Evans failed to appear in court. He was arraigned in CAP Court and is due in Batavia City Court later.

Cylie R. Gebo, 28, of Palmyra, was arrested Oct. 17 on a warrant for tampering with physical evidence. Gebo allegedly attempted to destroy drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop Sept. 24. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court.

Juan A. Claudio, 24, of Batavia, was arrested Oct. 18 on a warrant issued after failing to appear in court on a criminal contempt 2nd charge. He was arraigned in CAP Court and is due in Batavia City Court later.

Steven J. Godinho, 40, of Batavia, was arrested Oct. 15 on a warrant issued when he failed to appear in court on a petit larceny charge. He was arraigned in CAP Court and is due in Batavia City Court later.

Savatore Dellapenna, 57, of Batavia, is charged with grand larceny 4th. Dellapenna was arrested Oct. 13 after he allegedly stole an iPhone out of another person’s shopping cart at Tops. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Reginald Meiguel Wilson, 52, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd. Wilson was arrested Oct. 19 and is accused of biting another person confined at the Genesee County Jail during a fight on Oct. 18, causing injury to the victim’s pectoral area. He remained in custody.

Megan Tyler Forder, 28, of Junction Road, Pavilion, is charged with disobeying a court mandate. Forder was arrested Oct. 18 and is accused of violating two active full stay-away orders of protection by walking past the protected parties’ residence. She was held for arraignment.

Tommy Lee Jakes Jr., 44, of Oak Orchard Estates, Albion, is charged with DWI, DWI operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, failure to dim headlights, and no tail lamps. Jakes was arrested Oct. 18 following a traffic stop on Route 98 in the Town of Batavia by Sgt. Mathew Clor and is accused of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He was issued tickets and released.

Mason George Kennedy, 18, of Alleghany Road, Oakfield, is charged with aggravated DWI (per se, .18 BAC or more, no priors), DWI 1st offense, speeding, and moving from lane unsafely. Kennedy was arrested Oct. 13 on Judge Road in Oakfield following a property damage accident and is accused of driving while intoxicated. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Molly Ann Chatley, 28, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd with intent to cause physical injury. Chatley was arrested Oct. 17 and is accused of poking another person in the eye with intent, causing physical injury. She was held pending arraignment.

Devita Eronia Barnes, 31, of Parsells Avenue, Rochester, is charged as a fugitive from justice. Barnes was arrested Oct. 15 at 4250 Federal Drive after authorities learned she was wanted by the Winston-Salem Police Department in North Carolina on an extraditable warrant. She was held pending arraignment.

Salvatore Michael Schwable, 28, no permanent address, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and resisting arrest. Schwable was arrested Oct. 12 on Park Avenue in Batavia after fighting with deputies when being placed into custody. He was held for arraignment. Schwable was also arrested on Oct. 12 and charged with grand larceny 4th for allegedly stealing 1,400ドル worth of items Oct. 5 on Hickox Road, Alexander.

Tierrance J. Davis, 38, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd and criminal contempt 1st. Davis was arrested Oct. 7 after allegedly being found inside a residence in violation of an order of protection. He was also arrested on an unrelated bench warrant, arraigned in Batavia City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail.

Nickol R. Burnett, 34, of Batavia, was arrested Oct. 2 on a warrant issued after she failed to appear in court in July following a misdemeanor traffic ticket. She was arraigned and released.

Jessica R. Radka, 39, of Batavia, was arrested Oct. 9 on an arrest warrant for petit larceny. Radka is accused of stealing merchandise from Quicklee’s on Oak Street on Sept. 22. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released.

Press Release

The Oakfield Republican Committee will hold a Special Meeting on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the Community & Government Center, 3219 Drake Street Road, Oakfield.

The purpose of the meeting is to seek and endorse a qualified candidate to fill the position of Councilperson for unexpired term.

Letters of Intent should be sent to the following address no later than Oct. 29, 2025:

Chairman Aaron Chamberlain
21 Cary Ave.
Oakfield, NY, 14125

Robert L. Stanley, 66, of Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing. Stanley is accused of grabbing another person by the neck during an altercation at Austin Park on Oct. 4. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Ivan M. Borgyan, 32, of Oakfield, is charged with sex offender registry violation — prior offense. Borgyan was arrested Oct. 1 and is accused of failing to report a change of address within 10 days as a registered sex offender. He was held at Genesee County Jail pending arraignment.

Nazia Sultana, 21, of Wick Street, Buffalo, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd. Sultana was arrested Sept. 28 at Darien Lake Amphitheater and is accused of re-entering the concert venue after being ejected for intoxication and warned not to return.

Ryan M. Carpenter, 21, of Clinton Street, Dansville, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd. Carpenter was arrested Sept. 28 at Darien Lake Theme Park and is accused of attempting to re-enter the Suicide Boys concert after being previously ejected.

Tricia Mae Blatt, 38, no permanent address, is charged with burglary 3rd. Blatt was arrested Oct. 6 and is accused of trying to gain entry to a home on East Main Street, Byron, which she no longer owns after a legal eviction.

Kyra Marie Lettieri, 24, of Moll Street, North Tonawanda, is charged with trespass. Lettieri was arrested Sept. 29 at Six Flags Darien Lake and is accused of attempting to re-enter a concert venue after being ejected.

Archiedale T. Davis, 23, of Three Oaks Bend, Stone Mountain, Georgia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 4th (credit card). Davis was arrested Oct. 13 in Pembroke and is accused of possessing a stolen purse and identification cards.

Kelly J. Mungo, 49, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Mungo is accused of hitting another person during an altercation on East Main Street on Oct. 6. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Michael J. Hilton, 34, of Le Roy, was arrested Oct. 5 on a bench warrant stemming from an incident in which he is accused of stealing merchandise from 7-Eleven. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released.

Anmarie G. Maher, 37, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Maher was arrested Oct. 4 following a traffic stop on East Main Street. During the same incident, her husband, Matthew J. Maher, 38, of Batavia, is accused of throwing a set of keys at a police officer and resisting arrest. Both were issued appearance tickets and released.

Christopher A. Sewar, 38, of Batavia, was arrested Oct. 2 on three arrest warrants issued after he failed to appear in court on three petit larceny charges. Sewar was arraigned. On Oct. 8, he was again arrested for trespass after allegedly returning to Dollar General after previously being banned. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Ryan M. Bobzin, 36, of Byron, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and appearing in public under the influence of narcotics. Bobzin was arrested Oct. 4 after police responded to a welfare check near Washington and Dellinger avenues. He is accused of being under the influence of narcotics and in possession of fentanyl. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Sabrena L. McGill, 49, of Painted Post, was arrested Oct. 7 on four warrants. McGill was arraigned in Batavia City Court and remanded to Genesee County Jail.

Mark A. Taylor, 57, of Batavia, was arrested Oct. 8 on an arrest warrant stemming from a prior incident in which he is accused of possessing a controlled substance. He was arraigned in CAP Court.

Eric S. Dawson-Leach, 36, of Batavia, was arrested Oct. 9 on a warrant for false personation. Dawson-Leach is accused of giving police a fake name during an incident on East Avenue on Sept. 17. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released.

What an unforgettable celebration! As we marked the 41st anniversary of Labor Daze, the Oakfield Betterment Committee (OBC) was overwhelmed by the love, energy, and support from our incredible community. Whether you came for the music, food, raffle, or simply to connect, your presence and generosity made this one of the best Labor Daze festivals ever!

Additional thanks to the Oakfield Volunteer Fire Department, Alabama Volunteer Fire Department, Village of Oakfield, Oakfield DPW, Town of Oakfield, Oakfield Highway Department, and Genesee County Sheriff’s Department for the hours of support you provided to OBC and Labor Daze.

We greatly appreciate help from businesses and organizations that were instrumental in our success. Special thanks to Dance Images, Haxton Memorial Library, School House Manor, Batavia Players, The Batavian, Oakfield Methodist Church, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Oakfield-Alabama Central School, Oakfield-Alabama Little League, Cedar Street Rentals, the Bielski family, Iroquois Job Corps volunteers, Tim Richter Foundation, Lamb Farms, Santino’s, Sweet Ally’s, Yasses Recycling, and School House Manor.

To every volunteer—whether you gave a few hours or many—thank you! To our dedicated OBC members who plan all year long, you are remarkable and dedicated volunteers: Ritchie Kirkum, Eileen Ostrander, Stephanie Kellogg, Christopher Dickens, Thom Jennings, Diane Klos, Rob Ostrander, Crystal Veazey, Emily Kolpack, Ryan Kolpack, Brenda Chartraw, Norma Coleman, Aaron Burns, Shanda Spink, Christina Sosnowski, Howard Sosnowski, Christopher Marcott, Lori Nocita, Jaden and Kerry Ohlson, and Pam Pangrazio.

We are especially proud of our amazing Junior OBC team. Their energy, creativity, and dedication made a big difference in the community: Colin, Tia, Michael, Chantelle, Sophia, Tori, Travis, Kendall, Ethan, Allie, Amora, Polina, Teagan, and Lilah.

New members are always welcome! Contact OakfieldLaborDaze@gmail.com for more information.

Thank you to those who went above and beyond, even if not official members. Your generosity and spirit lifted us all: Ron Mullen, Ethan Kitanik, Pete Beuler, Joel Hamm, Tyler Hamm, Dalton Hamm, Andrew and Rachael Anderson, Holly Hudson, Kadi Hilchey, Courtney Kelly, Tim Dusen, Gul Dadlani, Howard Owens, Bob Klos, Mike Lindsley, Justin Hopkins, Brian and Amy Thompson of Genesee Country Church, Chad Williams, Anne Engel, Ed Engel, Jeff Allen, Josh Luxon, Jessica and Garrett Mattimore, Judy and Dave Boyle, Matt Martin, and Brandon Rebert.

Thank you to our nonprofit helpers and vendors: OAE Varsity Cheerleaders, OAE Titans Cheerleaders, OAE X-Country, Oakfield-Alabama Parent Teacher Association, Elba Boy Scouts Troop 6017 & 5017, Oakfield-Alabama Music Boosters, Dollars for Scholars, VFW, and The Richter Foundation.

Food Vendors: Ice Cream and Chill, WDS Concessions, Buckaroos, More Than a Mouthful, Lori’s Delectables, Munchies Empanadas, Confection Connection, Kitchen Africana, Rusty Rail Bar & Grill, Alabama Hotel, Straight Out the Boot, and our friends at the Oak Church.

All our musical performers were incredible! Thank you for being part of our event: Embrace the Bass, Dance Images, Batavia Players, Paint the Floor, Salvatore, Past Masters, Songbirds: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac, Evan Anstey & The Old Ways, Scott Graff & The Double Image Band, DJ JT, Nerds Gone Wild, Captain Tom & The Hooligans, Barnstorm, and Cami Clune & The Fringe. Huge thank-you to Audio Images and the friendly professionalism you bring to our event each year.

To our basket raffle contributors, 5K participants, parade marchers, car cruisers, artists, and crafters—thank you for sharing your talents and energy.

Huge thank-you to all our sponsors! Your generosity helps us make magic happen for our little community.

Blue Diamond Sponsors: Greenbacker, Ton of Laundry, Yasses Realty Group

Ruby Sponsors: Admonitor, Jericka Lee Photography, Nortera, Tru Cut Construction, Two Eagles Smokeshop, US Gypsum, Waldron Financial Group

Emerald Sponsors: Alabama Hotel, Batavia Garage Door Inc., Ben’s Appliance, Kitchens & Bath, Brothers All Natural, EDP Renewables / Alabama Solar Park, Houseman Refrigeration, Lamb Farms, M&T Bank, My-T Acres, National Fuel, Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club, Pudgies Lawn & Garden, Relco, RenewGas Transportation, Ron Mullen Electric LLC, Scofield Transfer & Recycling, WBTA

Pearl Sponsors: Alleghany Farm Services, Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, Fieldstone Private Wealth, First Choice Travel, Ken Barrett Chevrolet, Pete’s Siding & Trim, Santino’s, Sweet Ally’s, Tompkins Bank of Castile, Tompkins Insurance, Viking Cives

Supporters: Barre Stone Product, Burdett & Sanford, Frontier Abstract, Genesee County Roofing, NYS Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Ron Becker Building & Remodeling, US Chrome

Last but certainly not least, thank you to GO ART! for supporting the Labor Daze Music & Food Festival and helping us bring incredible live music to residents near and far. This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by GO ART!

Oakfield and surrounding area residents: we are honored by your presence and inspired by your contributions. Thank you for making Labor Daze 2025 unforgettable. We look forward to celebrating with you again next year!

Sincerely,

Jamie Lindsley, President, Oakfield Betterment Committee

Cylie R. Gebo, 28, of Palmyra, is charged with burglary 2nd, criminal mischief 3rd, and obstructing governmental administration 2nd. Gebo is accused of refusing to leave an apartment on East Main Street, locking the tenant out, damaging property inside, and repeatedly calling 911 without legitimate reason. She was arraigned in CAP Court.

Josia G. Culver, 20, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd (while confined in a correctional facility). Culver is accused of punching a Genesee County Corrections Officer and causing physical injury during an incident at the jail on October 6. He was held for CAP Court arraignment.

Ivan M. Borgyan, 32, of Oakfield, is charged with sex offender registry violation — prior offense. Borgyan is accused of failing to report a change of address within 10 days as a registered sex offender. He was arrested at the Genesee County Jail and held pending arraignment.

Tricia Mae Blatt, 38, no permanent address, is charged with burglary 3rd. Blatt is accused of attempting to gain entry to a home on East Main Street, Byron, that she no longer owns, having been legally evicted. She was taken to the Genesee County Jail for processing.

Nazia Sultana, 21, of Wick Street, Buffalo, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd. Sultana is accused of re-entering the Darien Lake Amphitheater after being ejected from the concert for intoxication and being warned she would be arrested if she re-entered.

Ryan M. Carpenter, 21, of Clinton Street, Dansville, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd. Carpenter is accused of attempting to re-enter the Suicide Boys concert at Darien Lake Theme Park after being previously ejected from the venue.

Kyra Marie Lettieri, 24, of Moll Street, North Tonawanda, is charged with trespass. Lettieri is accused of attempting to re-enter the concert venue at Six Flags Darien Lake after being ejected.

Anthony L. Webb, 37, of Rochester, is charged with possession of a forged instrument 2nd and criminal possession of stolen property 5th. Webb is accused of possessing a stolen license plate and forged registration documents following a traffic stop on East Main Street. He was arraigned in CAP Court.

Loretta L. Baer, 54, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Baer is accused of possessing cocaine and fentanyl during an unrelated arrest on August 29. She was issued an appearance ticket.

John W. Biaselli, 56, of Batavia, was arrested on two bench warrants related to separate drug possession arrests. Biaselli was arraigned in Batavia City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail.

Elizabeth M. Grattan, 35, of Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant related to an incident where she is accused of stealing prescription pills from another person. She was arraigned in CAP Court.

Jessica L. Culver, 36, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for petit larceny. Culver is accused of stealing merchandise from Family Dollar on March 19. The warrant was issued after she failed to appear in court. She was arraigned in CAP Court.

Marvin L. Crout, 38, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Crout is accused of stealing merchandise from Plaza Spirits on East Main Street. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jonathan C. Perrine, 43, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 4th and petit larceny. Perrine is accused of stealing a debit card and using it to withdraw cash. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Matthew L. McHugh, 43, of Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. McHugh is accused of yelling profanities and making threats toward the presiding judge in Batavia City Court, then resisting officers while being taken into custody. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Hunter J. Woodrich, 25, of Rochester, was arrested on a warrant for criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Woodrich is accused of possessing a controlled substance during a traffic stop on River Street on May 20. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released.

Nancy E. Rumble, 45, of Elba, is charged with DWI. Rumble was stopped by officers on Ellicott Street after a citizen complaint of erratic driving on Oak Street. She was allegedly found to be intoxicated, issued several traffic tickets, and released.

Cylie R. Gebo, 28, of Palmyra, is charged with tampering with physical evidence. Gebo is accused of attempting to destroy evidence during a traffic stop on West Main Street. She was issued an appearance ticket.

There isn't much information available yet about a house fire at 51 Farnsworth Ave., Oakfield, except that all of the occupants, including three dogs, got out safely.

The fire appears to have started in the attached garage, spread to the residence, causing fire damage to a portion of the structure and smoke damage throughout.

The house is owned by Joe and Rebecca Bradt. Joe Bradt is the former general manager of the Alabama Hotel. He and the restaurant made national news in 2023 during Winter Storm Elliott when the restaurant became a shelter on Christmas Eve.

Oakfield Fire, along with several mutual aid companies, responded to the fire.

Previously:

• Alabama has its own Christmas story to tell, and stranded travelers aren't 'home alone'
• Chamber Award: Alabama Hotel recognized for history of community service and success

Photos by Howard Owens.

Press Release

We’ve Only Just Begun senior luncheon will be on Tuesday, September 16th at the South Alabama Firehall, 2230 Judge Road (Rt 63), Oakfield, NY, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Theme will be "FOOTBALL ... Go BILLS" or wear YOUR favorite team's colors. Our Guest Speaker is Lisa Wittmeyer, Case Manager from Catholic Charities, and will discuss the benefits that they offer to senior citizens in helping to make their day-to-day activities easier and more enjoyable.

Come and bring your favorite dish-to-pass! Enjoy lunch and an afternoon of fun and facts with OLD and NEW friends.

Co-Chairpersons: Michael Hamm and LaNora Thompson.

When it came time for Dan Fischer to strike out on his own -- after more than three decades in broadcasting -- he started looking for a radio station to own that suited his experience and belief in local news, and he found WBTA in Batavia.

"This was the perfect kind of station for me, not only for my skill set, but my philosophy and everything else," Fischer said. "This was a heritage station. People grew up with it. It went on the air in 1941; it had all this history. It had always been successful when a local owner operated it, and so that’s the property we took over, and the rest, as they say, is history."

Fischer's dedication to broadcasting and local news will be recognized on Sept. 10 by the Buffalo Broadcasters Association when he is inducted into the association's Hall of Fame as the first inductee from outside the Buffalo metropolitan area.

The association created a new category this year, and Fischer is the first-ever inductee in the Western New York Broadcaster category.

Fischer began his career in broadcast news in 1969, taking his first on-air position as a country music disc jockey at WADR Radio in Utica. He read the news in addition to spinning records, and quickly discovered his preference and aptitude for journalism.

After his start in Utica, Fischer moved west to Jamestown, where he spent the next 30 years at WKSN and WHUG Radio, rising from news director to vice president of broadcasting for the Derrick Publishing Company. In that role, he managed five radio stations in Jamestown and Dunkirk.

During his time in Jamestown, he also broadened his journalism experience as a correspondent for the Buffalo Courier Express and the Erie Morning News. He spent the 1980s working as a regional photographer for WIVB-TV and WKBW-TV in Buffalo. His "side hustles," as he puts it.

The move into management was a nod to fiscal reality for Fischer. The fact is, reporters in small markets typically draw bare-bones salaries.

"Yes, I wanted to be able to eat, and as much as I loved it, don’t get me wrong, I loved it -- we put in 40-hour workweeks or more, and you had side hustles that allowed you to do it," Fischer said. "But yes, the only way I could have moved up was by going to another market, a larger market, but I had kids, and we enjoyed Jamestown, so to be able to stay there, I moved up within the company."

In early 2004, tired of working for others, Dan and his wife Debbie purchased WBTA in Batavia, relocating the station’s studio operations to Main and Center streets downtown, where the station continues under the ownership of Jim Ernst, who purchased the station from Dan and Debbie in 2023.

Throughout his career, Fischer received several broadcasting awards, including honors from the New York State Broadcasters Association, United Press International, and the National Headliners Club.

In addition to the national and state recognition, Dan and Debbie Fischer were recognized repeatedly while with WBTA for their local contributions. In 2010, WBTA was named Business of the Year by the Genesee Chamber of Commerce. They were also honored as business of the year by the Business Improvement District. They received the Spirit of ARC Award at Genesee ARC’s annual awards banquet for their support and involvement in local community initiatives.

Commitment to local news
Fischer built his reputation on covering significant local stories with an emphasis on credibility and community engagement. Early in his career, he covered high-profile murder trials, which he considered instrumental in sharpening his skills and establishing his niche.

"Any reporter worth their salt should cover a murder trial every few years to keep their skills sharp," Fischer said. "There was a triple murder that had occurred in Jamestown the year before I started. So I got there just as the trial was coming up -- there’s nothing like covering a murder trial."

In Batavia, Fischer found himself often focused on business development and the activities of Genesee County Economic Development Center, notably projects such as the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park and the businesses that built facilities there.

"Some things were built there that would not have been built, so industrial development was big," Fischer said. "The other thing I think of is, frankly, the growth of Batavia Downs and Western Region Off-Track Betting and what that has become, and the importance of it to the community. Not everything went smoothly, certainly, but it was a major story, put a lot of people to work, put Batavia back on the map, in my view."

All the focus on industrial and business development has often left the county's largest industry -- agriculture -- often sidelined, in Fischer's view.

"If I had a wish for the community or for the political leadership, it would be to, hey, let’s give agriculture its due," he said.

Fischer’s career highlights aren’t all local, however.

His influence extended internationally during the mid-1990s through U.S. State Department projects that helped foster private broadcasting in Africa and Eastern Europe.

In 1996, he was part of a three-person delegation from SUNY Fredonia that traveled to several countries in Eastern Africa. In 1998, he participated in a similar project in Bulgaria.

"It was extremely rewarding," Fisher said. "We presented seminars in four different countries, in Africa and in Bulgaria, and what an experience that was to talk to broadcasters a world away and find out just how much we had in common with them. I remember one time we presented seminars in different cities, and you found out the similarities among broadcasters. We’re really all of the same type. That was extremely rewarding."

Navigating industry change
A long career in the same field gives a person a chance to view up close the changes that advance some trends and destroy others, and broadcasting and local news in general have been no different over the past 50 years.

With changes in broadcast models and the advance of technology, Fischer has seen firsthand how the advertising market has changed, making it harder for local owners to make a buck.

"I’m worried about the revenue side of it decreasing because you can operate a local radio station these days out of a closet, literally, I mean, the technology is such that I could, we could operate the business out of that transmitter shack on Creek Road," Fischer said. "We choose not to. We choose to be visible. We choose to be involved in the community. We choose to have a quality news department of varying quality. I thoroughly believe that when you servethe community the way the FCC licenses require us to do, your audience will grow."

Even for the challenges -- and he continues to advise WBTA -- he is bullish about the station's future.

"The station has always done well when operated by a local owner. Local owners understand that the way to success is serving the public interest, convenience and necessity, being involved in the community and making sure the audience knows you care about what happens in their lives," he said.

Community and family at the core
At Main and Center, the news cycle ebbs and flows, giving a prankster like Fischer to dream up new puns (some that make it into local radio ads) and gags.

One year, Fischer and crew dreamed up a recreation of the famous WKRP in Cincinnati "Turkey Drop," and with the help of Paul Figlow, recreated the episode on video (unfortunately, not currently online).

The station has also found time for charitable work, annually supporting Ken Barrett Chevrolet and the Salvation Army for the Christmas Toy Drive, where they collect and distribute toys to local families. Dan and Debbie Fischer, who live in Oakfield, have also served on boards for organizations such as ARC, Rotary, the Business Improvement District, the Chamber of Commerce, the Holland Land Office Museum, and the Batavia Concert Band.

Debbie Fischer has been a true partner in business and in life, Dan said. At her position at the front desk in the office, she was more than a gatekeeper for Fischer and the newsroom. She managed the finances, handled billing, ensured ads ran in their designated slots and on time, assisted with the auction, and kept track of all the important details in a busy broadcast office.

"Her skill set was needed," Fisher said. "It complimented mine. She is every bit the broadcaster that I am. She could very easily, very easily, have won this award."

More important than the radio station, though, are Fischer's children.

He raised Susan and Karen, but until a few years ago, he knew nothing of his oldest daughter, Cindy, except that he had an older daughter.

"A few Christmases ago, we gave Karen one of these ancestry kits, and kind of forgot about it, and she sent it in, and it came back, and she said to me, ‘Who is Cindy Shearer?'" Fischer said. "I’m thinking, 'Oh my God' -- it just didn’t dawn on me. This was Karen’s sister. I was down in Florida vacationing at the time, so I had a couple of very important phone calls to make to Susan and Karen. As I said, those things sometimes do not go well. This did. The three of them are now as tight as can be."

When they reconnected, Fischer and his oldest daughter immediately bonded. She and her husband will be attending the Hall of Fame dinner, Fischer said. All of the children have been involved in multiple family holidays and gatherings since reconnecting.

In retirement, Fischer remains active in Batavia, continuing to serve on the boards of the Chamber, HLOM, and as president of the Batavia Concert Band. He's also still active in the Batavia Rotary Club. He's also worked as a substitute teacher in Oakfield since retiring.

The Hall of Fame award -- especially being the first broadcaster inducted from outside of Buffalo -- is a big deal. Fischer, who never gets too puffed up with pride, is appreciative. He understands the moment.

"Who doesn’t like recognition?" Fischer said. "I mean those who say, 'Oh, it's not so important.' Hell, it’s important. It makes me feel good coming at the end of my career. It’s a recognition of your peers."

Tickets are still available for the Buffalo Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame induction. The event will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Samuels Grande Manor, 8750 Main St., Williamsville, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Single tickets are 150ドル.

Photos by Howard Owens.

On Sunday afternoon at the Oakfield Labor Daze Music & Food Festival, Evan Anstey & The Old Ways performed, followed by The Double Image Band.

At 6:30, Sunday's headliner, Nerds Gone Wild, takes the stage.

The annual Labor Day Parade is on Monday at 10 a.m. Captain Tom & the Hooligans take the stage at 11 a.m., followed by Barnstorm. Monday’s headliner is Cami Clune & The Fringe at 4 p.m.

All performances are free.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Past Masters, a celebration of the music of The Beatles, as well as local rock band Salvatore, performed on Saturday afternoon at the Oakfield Labor Daze Music & Food Festival.

The Songbirds for Saturday evening's entertainment.

Photos by Howard Owens.