corfu

The Village of Corfu will host a free community ice cream social from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, at Corfu Homestead Park at the Corfu Village Commons, 81 East Main Street, Corfu.

The event is part of the village's celebration of America's 250th anniversary, organizers said.

The social will include free ice cream, live music, activities for children and a chance for residents to meet their neighbors. Local organizations will sell food and beverages.

The event is free and open to everyone, organizers said. Corfu Community Heart & Soul sponsors the event.

Robert H. Ergas, 75, of West Main Street, Corfu, is charged with assault 2nd. Ergas was arrested on June 25 in the Village of Corfu by Deputy Scout Seelau. He is accused of subjecting another individual to physical contact resulting in serious physical injury. He was held for arraignment.

Danny D. Williams Sr., 37, of Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd. Williams was arrested at 4:53 p.m. on July 6 at the Genesee County Jail by Deputy Soren Calderon. He is accused of causing physical injury to another person while incarcerated. He was held for arraignment.

Rosemary R. Waters, 40, of Batavia, is charged with promoting prison contraband 1st, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th (two counts). Waters was arrested on July 6 on Ellicott Street on an outstanding warrant. During the arrest, she was allegedly found in possession of cocaine. She was held for arraignment.

Crystal L. Marsceill, 45, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Marsceill was arrested on June 29 following a traffic stop on Washington Avenue, where she was allegedly found in possession of cocaine. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Richard L. Nicometo, 29, and Daniel J. Nicometo, 27, are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Both were arrested on June 30 following a traffic stop on Main Street, where they were allegedly found in possession of narcotics. Both were released on appearance tickets.

James E. Wroten, 59, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd and criminal contempt 1st. Wroten was arrested on July 2 in Batavia. He was allegedly found inside a residence in violation of an order of protection. He was held for arraignment.

Krista M. Radford, 56, of Holley, is charged with attempted assault 2nd and reckless driving. Radford was arrested on July 6 in Batavia. She allegedly attempted to run another person over with her vehicle during an altercation in the parking lot of Tops on West Main Street. She was held for arraignment.

Stephen P. Dobnack, 33, of Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd. Dobnack was arrested on June 28 in Batavia. He allegedly entered the vacant Days Inn building on Oak Street. He was released on an appearance ticket.

James M. DiFrancesco, 40, of Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. DiFrancesco was arrested on June 28 in Batavia. He allegedly failed to supervise a 2-year-old child, allowing the child to walk out of the house and into the street. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Sarah A. Malone, 44, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd (two counts). Malone was arrested on July 6 in Batavia. She is accused of going to a residence on Raymond Avenue on two separate occasions, June 26 and June 28, in violation of an order of protection. She was released on her own recognizance.

Kailey Williams, 18, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Williams was arrested on June 29 in Batavia. She allegedly struck multiple people during a fight in the women's bathroom at Tim Hortons on Main Street. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Jesse J. Kessens, 20, and Brandon C. Powell, 27, both of Batavia, are each charged with harassment 2nd. Both were arrested on June 26 following an altercation at a residence on West Main Street in which each allegedly struck another person. Powell was additionally charged with criminal mischief 4th for allegedly damaging a TV. Both were released on appearance tickets.

Kristen R. Aquino, 42, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Aquino was arrested on June 30 in Batavia. She allegedly grabbed and shoved another person during an altercation on Maple Street. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Jonathan A. Bell, 41, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Bell was arrested on July 5 in Batavia. He allegedly placed a speaker in his front yard and played messages calling his neighbors vulgar names. He was released on an appearance ticket.

David F. Woods, 23, of Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration 2nd and multiple vehicle and traffic violations. Woods was stopped on July 4 on Ellicott Street for speeding and allegedly attempted to walk away from the vehicle. His vehicle was found to have switched plates, no insurance and no inspection. He was released on traffic tickets.

Ted E. Kingsley, 53, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Kingsley was arrested on July 6 in Batavia. He allegedly threatened another person during an altercation on Washington Avenue. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Nicholas D. Scott, 31, of Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment 2nd. Scott was arrested on July 7 in Batavia. He allegedly sent threatening text messages to another person. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Jody B. Gillett, 65, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Gillett was arrested on July 1 in Batavia. He allegedly stole beer from Speedway on West Main Street. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Nicholas D. Scott, 31, of Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment 2nd. Scott was arrested on July 7 in Batavia. He allegedly sent threatening text messages to another person. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Journey S. Kingdollar is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Kingdollar was arrested on July 6 at Walmart on Veterans Memorial Drive in the Town of Batavia. She is accused of stealing merchandise and possessing a crack pipe with residue. She was released on appearance tickets.

Steven M. Binder, 37, of Kingsbury Avenue, Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest. Binder was arrested at 5:43 p.m. on June 23 at 4 Kingsbury Ave., Batavia, by Deputy Richard Flores. He allegedly fought with deputies when they attempted to arrest him on other charges. He was held for arraignment.

Thomas C. Perl, 67, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with making terroristic threats. Perl was arrested at 7:03 p.m. on July 1 on Main Road in Stafford by Deputy Richard Flores. He allegedly made a violent claim in reference to Stafford Town Court. He was held for arraignment.

Iris G. Pineda Fuentes, 33, of Clifton Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI with a BAC of 0.08% or more, DWI, moving from a lane unsafely, and driving to the left of pavement markings. Pineda Fuentes was stopped at 2:27 a.m. on July 1 on Route 63 in the Town of Oakfield by Deputy Neva Saile. She was released on traffic tickets.

Bradley R. Jordan, 33, of Fargo Road, Darien, is charged with strangulation 2nd, criminal mischief 3rd, menacing 3rd, disorderly conduct, and aggravated family offense. Jordan was arrested on July 7 in the Town of Batavia by Deputy Scout Seelau. He is accused of being involved in a domestic dispute at Walmart on Veterans Memorial Drive. He was held for arraignment.

Bobbi Jo Capretto, 40, of State Route 63, Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd and criminal possession of a weapon 4th. Capretto was arrested at 12:37 p.m. on July 10 at 8250 Park Road, Batavia, by Deputy James Stack. She is accused of using a butane torch-style lighter to intentionally burn a victim during a domestic incident. She was held for arraignment.

Eugenia R. Bell, 33, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Bell was arrested at 4:56 p.m. on July 9 at 3727 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy John Garlock. She allegedly dumped water on a victim. She was held for arraignment.

Following the Memorial Day parade, community members gathered at Corfu Homestead Park for a ceremony honoring veterans and celebrating the continued development of the park.

The event included food, music, and bounce houses for children, creating a family-friendly gathering for residents after the parade.

According to Jennifer Gass, co-chair of the Corfu Homestead Park Committee, the goal for the park is to provide community members with a place to enjoy, and learn about and honor veterans through its Veterans Memorial.

The park has been developed by a group of dedicated volunteers, with support from community members who have donated their time, resources and expertise. Gardens and an orchard have been planted and will be maintained by the community.

The Veterans Memorial, which includes a large mural, is now available for the public to view.

“We are so grateful to be part of this lasting legacy,” Gass said.

Additional events are planned at the park this summer, including jam nights, yoga in the park and more.

Press Release

Genesee County has been awarded $2,500,000 through the New York State Homes and Community Renewal Vacant Rental Rehabilitation Program, and property owners across the county are invited to attend one of three upcoming informational sessions to learn how they can put these funds to work. The sessions are being hosted by Genesee County in partnership with G&G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing and CMD Group, with stops in Batavia, Pembroke, and Le Roy.

This $2.5 million award will help property owners renovate and reoccupy vacant rental units throughout Genesee County, ultimately increasing housing availability and improving neighborhood stability. Each informational session will walk attendees through the program
requirements, eligibility criteria, application process, and how to request disbursement for approved project expenses.

Session Schedule:

Tuesday, May 12 — Batavia
Genesee County Building 2, Large Conference Room
3837 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020
Time: 6 p.m.

Tuesday, May 12 — Pembroke
Pembroke Town Hall
1145 Main Road, Corfu, NY 14036
Time: 3 p.m.

Wednesday, May 13 — Le Roy
Le Roy Village Hall
3 West Main St., Le Roy, NY 14482
Time: 6 p.m.

“We are thrilled to partner with Genesee County to bring this transformative opportunity to local property owners,” said Jay Grasso of G&G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing and CMD Group. “With $2.5 million in funding now available, these sessions are a great chance for landlords to learn how to tap into these resources and return their vacant rental units to productive use.”

All property owners with vacant residential units in Genesee County are strongly encouraged to attend whichever session is most convenient to determine whether the program fits their needs.

No pre-registration is required. Questions can be directed to G&G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing and CMD Group at Contact@ggprocess.com or info@cmdgroup-usa.com, or by calling (585) 368-8866.

The Pembroke Teachers' Federation will be hosting its second annual Heart and Sole 5K later this month to raise funds and awareness for mental health resources in Genesee County.

The event takes off at 10 a.m. April 25, and organizers say this year's 5K is "shaping up to be even bigger" than last year, which raised more than $2,800.

Highlights include:

• More than 260 registered participants, up from 213 in 2025; 
• A Touch-a-Truck with the Corfu Fire Department;
• Burnin' Barrel BBQ dinner for purchase; 
• Genesee County Raffle, with prizes donated by various busineses from throughout the county, including gift cards of $15 to $50 from Bourbon and Burger, Red Osier Landmark Restaurant, Sprinkles Creamery, Brittany's Booze Barn, Batavia's Original Pizzeria, The Coffee Press, Russells Steaks, Chops and More; two 18-hole passes from Terry Hills Golf Course; and a grand prize of Stay and Play package from Batavia Downs.

• Corfu businesses will also be open for shopping

  All of this is "for a great cause," and organizers look forward to next week's event, Pembroke Teachers' Federation President Arron Brown says.

Eryn Dunn has reported that her puppy Juniper is missing after she ran away Thursday from a house on Brown Road in Corfu. Juniper is a brown, black, and grey dapple dachshund. She is about eight pounds and 5 months old.

If anyone spots Juniper, please call or text (585) 861-0509 or email erynelizabeth09@gmail.com.

April Meier, a 2010 Pembroke High School grad, is bringing her recipe of seven parts certified science teacher with about double that in the hospitality arena to serve up a culinary experience for her hometown with an investment at Brick House Commons in Corfu.

Having worked at various entertainment and restaurant venues in Genesee County, she has honed her skills and love for coffee and food service, she said, while her former career also brings something to the dining table.

“So this is my first project in entrepreneurship, but I have worked in culinary and in food and entertainment for a long time. So it's like going on almost 14 or 15 years. I've worked for Six Flags Darien Lake in their culinary department. And then, more recently, I worked for Legends Hospitality, which they do large event centers and concert venues. So I work here at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, and we do the food and beverage operation there, ” Meier said to The Batavian. “And then my love for coffee came because I ... was a barista for four years, that really sort of cultivated my love for coffee and the social aspect of being in a cafe and getting to meet with friends or meet new people. 

“A lot of my work history has been food, but it hasn't only been food. I also worked in education for seven years," she said. "I'm a certified high school science teacher. So that also sort of brings, sort of a love of the food science aspect for me too, now.”

Her interest and prior work in science helped lead the way to the name of this venture: Solstice Café.

“I have sort of a deep love for sort of the natural and physical world. And I always really liked both the winter and the summer solstice. One is the shortest day of the year, and one's the longest period of daylight for the year. And I sort of just have this draw to the sun as the star that sort of powers our solar system,” she said. “And then how the earth interacts with it, and it's kind of more just my fascination with science and nature, and I thought the name sounded really unique and cool.”

This has been a labor-intensive project of renovating and building the space, from drywall and utilities installation to finding the right rattan and wicker furniture and complementary decor.

The 1,700 square-foot space includes a kitchen, bar area, work counter and dining room to seat 20 to 30 patrons comfortably. An outdoor patio will be available in warmer weather.

The site is equipped to “possibly expand” for a drive-through at some point, Meier said; however, initially, “we won't be operating the drive-through right away. We want to focus on getting the in-seat operation up and running. But there is always that possibility for the future.”

Due to some construction delays, the anticipated opening won’t be for a while yet — hopefully by May, she said. By then, Meier plans to welcome customers with a staff of three to five and a menu of breakfast and lunch options, plus healthy snacks, baked goods and an assortment of smoothies and hot beverages. Anything can be made for vegan and vegetarian requirements, and there is gluten-free bread, Meier said.

“So the focus will be on wholesome foods. I'm very prevalent in sort of fitness and wellness, that those are huge values that I hold in my life. One, having worked in science and education, and then two, I'm also an avid coach. I coach multiple sports. I still do a lot of athletics myself. So, providing something that's a little bit more healthy and more nutritious in value than like fast food, per se,” she said. “We will be a limited-service restaurant. Everything will be made to order, but we're looking at breakfast sandwiches. We have some really nice sandwiches and wraps and then some really good salads, specialty salads on our menu. And I want to do smoothies too, so that'll be fun.”

How about the Solstice Smoothie, a creamy blend of chocolate, banana, peanut butter, espresso and milk? Or choose one of the lighter breakfast options of the grilled bacon, egg and cheese on a croissant; a heartier lunch option of a chipotle grilled chicken ranch panini; a ham, turkey, apple and provolone wrap; or one of the seasonal-themed salads. Spring Salad features a mix of berries, almonds, and feta, dressed with raspberry vinaigrette.

Owning her own business is something Meier has always wanted to do, she said, stemming from exposure to her own family’s business pursuits.

“My mom has always owned multiple small businesses growing up. So, sort of just some of that exposure from my family, and then also just realizing, for my life goals, that ultimately I want to be able to work for myself and to sort of build my life around my own project and my own work. And then to hopefully, eventually, lead me to financial freedom and more freedom of time too,” she said.

Hours will be 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday at Brickhouse Commons, 8705 Brickhouse Corners Drive, with an option for extended hours in the future. 

While Corfu village officials have been going along with the city of Batavia and Genesee County sales tax agreement that includes all towns and villages, they spoke up during this week’s meeting given this year’s anticipated distribution.

County Manager Matt Landers was at the meeting to address questions they had about a few items.

“As we were doing the budget, we asked for what the projection was for county sales tax sharing, and when we received it, basically our jaws dropped, because it's a killer on our budget,” Mayor Tom Sargent said Wednesday evening. “It's about $10,000 less than last year. I had a sheet out here, if you look at it, the distribution has just continuously gone down for the village, while the revenue that the county's received has gone up. I don't know. Can you explain that to us?”

Landers said the 40-year sales tax sharing agreement means that “basically $10 million is carved out to towns and villages for 40 years.”

Does that go along with inflation, or is it a fixed $10 million for the 40 years? How do we deal with that? 
“You guys make tons of money off of this,” Sargent added.

It wasn’t a secret, Landers said, and executed through multiple iterations and percentages. 

“And then it was going to be in the towns where we handled revenue distribution, and we discovered subsequently that there was a problem with an allocation that, for budgeting purposes, we couldn't utilize so heavily on revenue distributions because towns and villages ended up being harmed,” Landers said. “So we changed. We amended the sales tax sharing arrangement to bring the villages and towns back and have a flat $10 million for the entire remaining balance of the 40-year sales tax.”

What is the criteria for how much each town and village receives?
"So this year we go down $10,000 and the town of Pembroke goes up $70,000," Sargent said. What changes the weight of who gets what percentage?

Sales tax distribution is based on assessed property valuation, Landers said.

“And that's something that real property recalculates. So Kevin Andrews’ office recalculates it every single year based on tax post assessed valuation,” he said. “So some towns are going up, some towns going down, villages down. It's all based on taxable assessed valuation.”

How about a data center that “we all know it’s probably gonna go in” and is going to generate a lot of sales tax revenue?
“Is there any chance that the agreement can be amended so that there’s more piece of the pie? Otherwise, again, Genesee County and the state, of course, will be sitting, I don’t want to say fat and happy, but fat and happy, and the towns and village are going to be stuck,” Board Trustee Ken Lauer said. “And if I was a resident in Alabama, I'd be like, wait a minute, this is generating through my municipality, and I don't get any more than what I'm getting. So is there a chance that that's going to be reevaluated when that goes in?”

Landers said that he always tries to be careful about replying to these types of questions, because he’s not the final word, and has “nine bosses” and doesn’t want to speak for them.

“But I can give my opinion carefully ... But we basically needed to get into this with the city of Batavia, and water and sales tax were intertwined. We needed a 40-year water supply agreement with the city of Batavia, and to do that, there had to be a 40-year sales tax sharing arrangement in place. So amending that is a challenge," Landers said. "However, outside of the sales tax sharing arrangement, there are opportunities for revenue distribution payments, and there's been a couple of those in the past, or a million here, or a million there. That's where I guess, if there was a logical way that if the sales tax projections that have been put out there, and right now, we're not reliant, till I see, I'm not going to rely on anything that far out and with the speculation and everything else.

"But yeah, so there ends up being a windfall of five, six, seven, eight, nine, $10 million annually dedicated from that Data Center. I think it's passing conversations with legislators. I think that would be an obvious open question," he said. "I think that they would be open to potential revenue distribution. And I'm going out on my skis a little bit. I've got one of my bosses here, but I think it's something that”

Sargent interjected that “I think your bosses have to be elected, though, too, and this is hurting all the towns and villages.”

He said that since 2019 sales tax revenue has gone up $18.5 million for the county, “and we’re getting a share of $10 million.”

“That’s sad. In 2016 we got $215,000. This year, you’re projecting us to get $136,000,” Sargent said. “That's tax money we have to do. I think we had to raise taxes 10% last year just because of the lack of sales tax sharing.”

The Batavian also asked Landers a few additional questions about the current sales tax agreement:

How did the agreement pass given the fact that at least some towns and villages have expressed dissatisfaction with the arrangement?
“Many local municipalities were obviously not happy about the reduced payments from the 40-year sales tax sharing agreement between the county and city,” Landers said. “The agreement passed because it is an agreement between the city and county, and while input from towns and villages was taken into consideration, they are not a signor to the agreement.”

Is there flexibility in the current sales tax distribution agreement, and how would the process begin? Have you recently received requests from other municipalities? 
"As with most agreements, it could be amended at a later date if both parties were agreeable," he said. "In this case there has been no discussion between the city and county about amending the current 40-year sales tax sharing agreement.  I am not aware of any recent requests to amend the agreement." 

This is the second story in our series on the 2025 Chamber of Commerce award winners. The chamber will present the awards on Saturday at Batavia Downs. The stories are running on The Batavian through Friday.

Step into the hefty-sized Reynolds family Rec Center in Corfu, and you may be tempted to shoot a game of pool or take a seat at one of the vintage milk can bar stools while glancing up at the prize-winning ribbons lined up overhead or absorbing some of the history within the framed glass photo collection on a section of wall.

It would be even more difficult not to appreciate that the family of John, Shelley and their children aren’t just on a farm, but that the farm is part of their family, represented in everything they do — from hosting tours, civic meetings and Kinder farming outings to using the most up-to-date materials for cow comfort, nutrition and care.

“We enjoy teaching people, sharing our farm, and answering questions. His dad and mom, Edward and Mary, are a big part of our success,” Shelley Reynolds said. “It is nice that someone else thinks you do a good job, because I think we try so hard every single day, and sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't, but it's nice to think that maybe someone else kind of sees that as well and kind of agrees that you're doing a good job, or at least trying the best you can. We have just such a great team all the way around, top to bottom here. And it's definitely a team award, that's for sure.”

That success is being celebrated with the Genesee County Chamber’s Agricultural Business of the Year Award. The Reynolds family was nominated for its community involvement and willingness to share Reyncrest Farms with others, plus tend to the cows as good stewards of animal welfare.

Their team has 25 people tasked to take care of the 3,000-acre spread of corn, alfalfa and straw -- all of which goes right back to the cows -- the cows themselves and all of the processes before, during and after.

The cows sleep on a bed of sand versus past materials, an idea that John and Shelley credit their kids for learning while at Cornell University.

“I think everybody that's still in business today does a good job, but yes, we utilize sand as we think that's the gold standard for cow comfort. But it's a choice we make, and everybody's kind of different,” John said. “There's good and bad that comes with every different thing. So that's just an example of something we choose to do.”

Parents plus five working toward a common goal
The rest of the Reynolds family includes Tyler, his wife Kelly, Mackenzie, Andy, and his wife Whitney, all who attended Cornell. Like any family in close proximity, they may “butt heads, but you still have a common goal,” Andy said. The siblings have worked together and challenged each other to do better each step of the way, Tyler said.

“Our parents did a great job building a successful business and provided us with the opportunity to be able to come back, which is number one. Number two, it was a successful, thriving, growing business, which made it attractive to come back,” he said. “And then number three, I think we all genuinely enjoy it. We enjoy working with each other. We enjoy working towards a common goal, and that goal is ultimately to be successful.”

As for the updated technology and systems at the farm, that was about “moving forward and growth,” Mackenzie said.

“And how do we get the most out of what we have?” she said. “And cow comfort is, we’re all cow people, so comfort is a huge aspect for all of us. And that was the biggest thing, is making the most of what we could do.”

Their theory is to invest in the cows and treat them well, and they will, in turn, produce well. Their children learned about using sand beds at college and brought those ideas back with them. Kelly does most of the tours and believes that it’s “important for people to know where their food comes from,” she said.

“I think our proximity to some main roads, a lot of people are driving past our farm, and Shelley and her team do a great job of keeping the farm looking really nice, day in and day out, and so it's an easy spot for people to drive by and say they want to visit a dairy farm,” she said. “It's important to us that people value animal agriculture, and the nutritious dairy products are very nutrient-rich food, and so, just through social media and tours, hopefully we are able to connect people to a farmer.”

It was exciting to be recognized for this award, Mackenzie said, as Tyler added, especially when there are so many great agriculture businesses in Genesee County in Western New York.

“We’re very fortunate to be in the area that we are, that our neighbors, our community, support agriculture,” he said. “Understand that not everything is always perfect with agriculture, but we try to do our best on a day to day basis.”

How it all began
John and Shelley each went to Pembroke Central School, participated in 4-H, and grew up on farms, eventually connecting through friends. John’s father died in 1989, and John and his brother Jim took over the family dairy farm of 200 cows.

“And in 1997, we did an expansion, and we expanded at that point to 400 cows. So we doubled in size,” Shelley said. “Very exciting. And then it was John and his brother. And then since, a short seven years after that, we bought Jim out. And then it became John and myself. And since then, we’ve kind of grown and grown and grown til we are where we are now, at right around 2,000 cows.

“With having five families involved, it's different than just having one family. And you know, that's kind of why we have grown through the years, our kids had talked that they did want to come back, so that this has been what our motivation has been all along.”

There are plans to expand to make the parlor an 80-cow rotary parlor to allow milking 3,000 to 3,500 cows. They will accomplish that through an “internal herd growth” system that raises more heifers and breeds on site rather than purchasing animals from elsewhere.

Is there ever a stopping point?
They both smiled.

“Four hundred was my final goal. That’s where I wanted to be. So yet to be determined, and I think it’s that group over there that’s going to determine that,” Shelley said, nodding to their grown, capable kids. “They're basically, you know, in charge of the building process and making the decisions and how things are going to go. And John and I are kind of the support staff this time around, which is how it should be.”

John summed it up: “If you want to support multiple families, you need to continue to grow.” And the farm has continued to support a growing brood of families, with Cannyn, 5, and 3-year-old Saylor serving as prospective fourth-generation members to carry on at this location.

“We talk about, you know, we've been doing this since 1989, and we often talk about the people who have had the most impact on us through the years, and many of them go back to the 1990s, and what they taught us, and then, we kind of took that and hopefully grew from there,” Shelley said. “And I think that's what we've tried to do with our kids all along. We say, okay, we've gotten to this point. Your turn. You take it to the next point, see where you want the next point to be.”

The Pembroke Teachers' Federation will host its second annual Heart and Sole 5K walk/run on April 25 at 10 a.m. to benefit Genesee County Mental Health Services.

The race will start at Pembroke Intermediate School, 58 Alleghany Road, Corfu. This year's event will be officially timed, and each finisher will receive a medal at the finish line.

Packet pickup and in-person registration will be on Friday, April 24, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. or on race day starting at 8:45 a.m. Packet pickup will be at the Pembroke Intermediate School.

Only the first 250 registered participants will be guaranteed a Sport-Tek unisex Heart and Sole T-shirt. Participants who register before March 18 will be guaranteed their size.

Registration costs $20 through March 17, $25 from March 18 through April 25, and $25 on race morning.

Trophies will be awarded to first-place male and female finishers.

To register, click here 

Howard M. DeCarlis, also known as "Chaz," 43, of Batavia, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd, a class B felony (two counts), and criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, a class B felony (two counts). DeCarlis was taken into custody on Jan. 6 by members of the Genesee County Drug Task Force on a sealed indictment warrant out of Genesee County Court. He is accused of selling crack cocaine to an agent of the Genesee County Drug Task Force on multiple occasions. The Drug Task Force located DeCarlis in the town of Greece in Monroe County, where he was taken into custody with the assistance of deputies from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. Deputy James Stack and K9 partner Rayzor participated in the arrest. DeCarlis was also the subject of a search warrant in November of 2025 in the town of Stafford and the City of Batavia, where he was alleged to have possessed a large quantity of cocaine and fentanyl with the intent to sell. DeCarlis was arraigned in Genesee County Court and released. The Genesee County Drug Task Force was assisted by deputies from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office as well as the Genesee County District Attorney's Office.

Lisa R. Richmond, 37, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and theft of services. Richmond was arrested at approximately 5:21 p.m. on Jan. 10 at 3839 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. She is accused of stealing property from an individual and fraudulently using another individual's PIN number without her permission while at the Genesee County Jail. Richmond is currently held at the Genesee County Jail and was issued an appearance ticket. 

Jessica Leigh Culver, 36, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Culver was arrested at approximately 2:26 p.m. on Jan. 20 at 3839 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. Deputies responded to the Genesee County Jail for a harassment complaint. She is accused of subjecting another person to physical contact after an argument. Culver was released on an appearance ticket.

Justine Denae Wood, 38, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Wood was taken into custody at approximately 10 p.m. on Jan. 13 on Montclair Avenue, Batavia, for pending conspiracy charges for the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. While conducting a search incident to arrest, deputies and officers allegedly located controlled substances, drug paraphernalia and an electric stun gun on Wood's person and in her personal belongings. Wood was then transported to the Genesee County Jail and is being held pending arraignment. 

Raymond Douglas Wood, 68, of Xavier Road, Clarence, is charged with falsely reporting an incident 3rd, and moving from lane unsafely. Wood was arrested at approximately 7:58 p.m. on Jan. 17 on Main Road, Pembroke. He is accused of falsely calling 911 to report an accident involving striking a deer, in order to conceal the fact that he had caused property damage to multiple objects off the roadway. Wood allegedly moved from his lane unsafely while operating on a New York State Highway. Wood was taken into custody, and he was transported to the Genesee County Jail for processing. Wood was released on an appearance ticket.

Kierstin M. Hamill, 22, of East Main Street, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC .08 or greater, driving while using a portable electronic device, moving from lane unsafely, and not wearing a seatbelt. Hamill was arrested on Jan. 18 at 10:54 a.m. She is accused of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated following an investigation of a previous motor vehicle accident that occurred on Dec. 2, 2025, on Indian Falls Road in the Town of Pembroke. She was transported to the Genesee County Jail for processing and was released on uniform traffic tickets. 

Samuel H. Beck, 49, of Paul Road, Bethany, is charged with disobeying a mandate and harassment 2nd. Beck was arrested on Jan. 16 at 7 a.m. on Paul Road, Bethany. He is accused of disobeying a court mandate issued by Hon. Thomas D. Williams of Genesee County Family Court. 

Trace G. Brewer, Brandon C. Dodd, and Justine D. Wood, all from Batavia, were arrested following a a report of a larceny in progress call at Home Depot in Batavia on Dec. 30 at 2:47 p.m. Upon arriving on scene, deputies saw three suspects in the parking lot who matched the description given by dispatch. Brewer and Wood were arrested on Jan. 13 and taken to Genesee County Jail for processing. Brewer and Wood were issued appearance tickets. Dodd was arrested on Jan. 14 at approximately 6 p.m. while he was being held on other charges at the Genesee County Jail. Wood is charged with conspiracy 6th. Brewer is charged with petit larceny, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, and conspiracy 6th. Dodd is charged with burglary 3rd, petit larceny, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, and conspiracy 6th.

The Corfu Volunteer Fire Department dedicated its truck room to the late Jim Mallory at its annual installation and awards dinner Saturday at the Corfu Village Hall.

Mallory, who died Oct. 27 at age 90, served the department for 72 years. He joined in September 1953 and remained active until his death, responding to calls, attending training sessions and serving as a fire district commissioner.

Chaplain Brad Lang walked those gathered through Mallory's seven decades of service, describing how firefighting changed from party-line phone calls to plectrons to pagers to cell phones. Through it all, Mallory adapted and remained committed.

"From the 20 I've been here, he was consistent -- every training, every call, every fire truck, every time you were around this fire hall, Jim was here," Lang said. "That's my 20 years. I've seen it. For some of you, for much longer."

The department was incorporated in 1882, which means Mallory served for nearly half of the fire department's existence. Lang said Mallory's 72 years rivals the longest-serving volunteer firefighter in the nation, who had 73 or 74 years of service.

Mallory was born Aug. 24, 1935, and grew up near the fire hall. As a child, he would rush to the hall when alarms sounded to watch the trucks leave.

"I was fascinated by fire trucks," Mallory told The Batavian in a 2024 interview when he was honored for his 70 years of service.

He joined as soon as he turned 18.

Mallory served as fire chief from 1962 to 1964, held various assistant chief positions, served on truck committees, and was once named firefighter of the year. He also held roles as president, secretary, trustee and treasurer. He was a commissioner of the Corfu Fire District until his death.

"There was always another truck to buy," Mallory said in 2024, noting that it helped keep his interest up.

Throughout his career, Mallory responded to countless major incidents. Lang recounted some of the notable calls: the Central Hotel fire, multiple barn fires, the Pembroke Hotel fire, drownings along Tonawanda Creek, the viaduct that flooded every spring, Deep Man's Corner Store fire, Baptist Church fire, a migrant bus crash at routes 33 and 77 that happened at his house, multiple train derailments, arson fires in the 1970s, lumber yard fires, a tornado, an airplane crash and numerous accidents and medical calls.

Beyond emergency response, Mallory worked on fundraising projects, served on the building committee for the new fire hall in 1974, worked on the department's 100th and 125th anniversary celebrations, and participated in countless chicken barbecues, boot drives and other community events.

Then-Chief Greg Lang said in 2024 that Mallory's continued presence made a difference for younger members.

"He brings in all the young people," Lang said. "He's educational. He's got a brain like you wouldn't believe. He educates us. He helps keep members of the fire department because they want to meet his standards, you know what I'm saying? The younger guys love it. I've learned so much from him throughout the years, it's not even funny."

Brad Lang said he asked members to describe Mallory. The words came back: longevity, even-keeled, quiet sense of humor, helpful, knowledgeable, kind, mentor, friend.

"Most importantly, he was a brother," Lang said, "not just to those that are serving today, but for those that have served over those 72 years with him."

Mallory also was a successful businessman, operating a gas station at the corner of Main and Alleghany streets before opening a convenience store at the location that became Crosby's. He ran the business for 45 years.

When the department changed from long boots, rubber coats and leather hats in the 1950s to today's complex gear, Mallory kept pace. In the 1950s, the department averaged 20 calls per year. Last year, it responded to 195 calls.

Lang ended the memorial portion of the installation with a firefighter's prayer that Mallory requested be read at his funeral.

"When I'm called to duty, God, wherever flames may rage, give me the strength to save some life, whatever be its age," the prayer began.

The department also presented department awards on Saturday. Jacob Stiles received Firefighter of the Year. Fire Chief Dean Eck described Stiles as someone who consistently exceeds expectations and constantly seeks additional training and certification.

"What truly sets them apart is their mindset," Eck said. "They are constantly striving to better themselves, seeking out additional classes, training and certification, not for recognition, but to be better prepared to serve others."

Stiles is an EMT, advanced EMT and paramedic, bringing advanced medical skills to critical moments. He also is a hazardous materials technician and rope rescue technician.

Jennifer Eck received the Fire Service Person of the Year award. President Megan Stiles said Eck goes out of her way for the department, helping with boot drives, chicken barbecues and heading up the annual craft show fundraiser. She also runs the fund drive and has served as department treasurer for more than a decade.

"She works more behind the scenes for the department than most people know," Stiles said.

Eck also serves as village clerk.

The department recognized service milestone pins: Krista Hale (5 years), Jessica Doktor (5 years), Kathy Skeet (35 years), Brian Scott (45 years), and Bruce Fauth (55 years).

Matt Lenhard led the department with 97 calls in 2025. Jacob Stiles had 81 calls and Rob McNally responded to 80 calls. Megan Stiles and Brian Scott tied with 31 calls each.

Megan Stiles led in training hours with 150. Jacob Stiles had 79 training hours, Tyler Lang completed 36 hours and Matt Lenhard logged 20 hours.

The department also recognized former President Dylan Hale, who served three years in the position and demonstrated leadership and dedication.

County Fire Coordinator Tim Yaeger served as installing officer for the 2026 officers and commissioners.

Executive officers
President – Megan Stiles; Vice President – Sebastian Sloat; Secretary – Paula Trapani; Treasurer – Jen Eck; Trustee – Kelly Hess; Trustee – Lori Stiles; Trustee – Joshua McMartin; Sergeant of Arms – Jayden Eck; Chaplain – Brad Lang

Firematic officers
Fire Chief – Dean Eck 451; Deputy Chief – Dan Smith 452; Second Assistant – Jim Hale 453; Senior Captain – Jacob Stiles 454; Fire Captain – Jayden Eck 455; EMS Captain – Megan Stiles 456; Fire Police Captain – Rob McNally 457; EMS Lieutenant – Tyler Lang; Fire Lieutenant – Matt Lenhard; Fire Lieutenant – Wesley Cliff; Safety Officer – Greg Lang

Corfu Fire District
Chairman – Bruce Fauth; Deputy Chairman – Steve Rodland; Commissioner – Justin Rodland; Commissioner – Matt Lenhard; Secretary – Paula Trapani; Treasurer – Jenny McMartin-Eck

A Mexican national was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for his role in a multi-state cocaine distribution conspiracy that included a controlled delivery at a Corfu motel.

Gilberto Alarcon-Holguin, also known as Beto, 57, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra Jr. sentenced Alarcon-Holguin to serve 168 months in prison.

The investigation began when Homeland Security Investigations seized 10 kilograms of cocaine from an identified co-conspirator on Oct. 14, 2017. HSI obtained a phone number as a point of contact for the delivery of the cocaine, which was linked to co-conspirators of Alarcon-Holguin.

On Oct. 19, 2017, HSI conducted a controlled delivery of 10 bricks of "sham" cocaine to a motel parking lot in Corfu. The fake cocaine had been wrapped in the same manner as the seized kilograms.

The bag was given to co-conspirator Eduardo Valdez, who was on the phone with Alarcon-Holguin during the delivery. Following the controlled delivery, the New York State Police conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Valdez was riding in. HSI seized $259,960 in cash as a result of the controlled delivery.

Subsequent investigation determined that Alarcon-Holguin had multiple communications with another co-conspirator, Edgar Pavia. Alarcon-Holguin provided instructions to Pavia about shipments of cocaine, packaging of money and more, all of which was passed along to drug distributors supplied by Alarcon-Holguin in cities including Buffalo and Louisville, Kentucky.

Alarcon-Holguin also passed information to Pavia that was separately conveyed to other co-conspirators, including those involved in the transportation of drugs.

On June 21, 2018, co-conspirator Adrian Goudelock received 40 kilograms of cocaine in Buffalo. Over the course of the conspiracy, Goudelock received multiple shipments of 10 kilograms of cocaine or more brokered by Pavia and supplied by Alarcon-Holguin. Alarcon-Holguin also provided instructions to Pavia on how Goudelock should wrap and mark money being sent back to Mexico. Specifically, Alarcon-Holguin told Pavia that Goudelock should wrap the money into 52 packages of $10,000 each.

Other deliveries organized by Alarcon-Holguin during the investigation included 17 kilograms of cocaine seized from a co-conspirator in West Seneca and shipments of 10, 15, 20 and 40 kilograms of cocaine to a co-conspirator in Kentucky. In addition, approximately $1,144,735 in cash was seized from a commercial truck driver in Chicago. During the course of the investigation, investigators seized approximately $2.6 million.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan; the Federal Bureau of Investigation under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera; the New York State Police under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto; the Erie County Sheriff's Department under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia; and Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations under the direction of Director Christopher Romosz.

Additional assistance was provided by the New York National Guard and Homeland Security Investigations, El Paso, Texas. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Alarcon-Holguin.

Corfu held its annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting on Friday. The evening featured decorated floats, holiday music, and the official lighting of the village Christmas tree.

Photos by Kara Richenberg.

Press Release:

The Western New York National Cemetery will host its annual Wreaths Across America Day on December 13, beginning at 12 p.m. The event, which honors veterans by placing wreaths on their graves, is open to the public and aims to decorate over 2,000 headstones at the cemetery.

The ceremony will start at the Garrison Flag Pole at approximately noon, with the presentation of colors and wreaths laid by representatives of each military branch. The WNY National Cemetery Memorial Council will offer brief remarks, and the event will conclude with the playing of Taps. 

Family and Community Wreath Laying 

After the ceremony, family members of veterans laid to rest at the cemetery will have the opportunity from 12:20 to 12:25 p.m. to place wreaths on the graves of their loved ones. From 12:25 to 1:00 p.m., the community is invited to participate in the wreath-laying by placing one wreath at a time on the remaining 2,400 veteran headstones.

Parking and Shuttle Service

Attendees will park at Pembroke High School, located at 8750 Alleghany Road, Corfu. Due to parking restrictions within the cemetery, buses will transport participants to and from the cemetery, which is about 2.3 miles away. Shuttle service will begin at 10:30 a.m. and continue until all attendees have returned to their vehicles. Two smaller buses will also provide transport within the cemetery for those who need assistance.

Handicap parking will be available inside the cemetery. However, parking will be prohibited along Indian Falls Road, Gabbey Road, and Route 77 on the day of the event. 

Wreath Sales to Benefit Memorial Council 

Wreaths can be purchased for $17 each, with $5 from each sale benefiting the WNY National Cemetery Memorial Council, which is responsible for maintaining the cemetery's Avenue of Flags and supporting the Honor Guard. Wreaths can be ordered online at wreathsacrossamerica.org/ny0368p or by mailing a check made payable to the WNY National Cemetery Memorial Council, 3837 West Main Street Road County Bldg. #2 Batavia.

Event Details

The WNY National Cemetery Memorial Council, a nonprofit organization, coordinates the event and encourages community participation. Volunteers will assist in directing attendees to the appropriate sections and help place wreaths on the graves. For more information or to purchase a wreath, visit https://www.wnymemorialcouncil.org/wreaths-across-america.

The Village of Corfu is hosting its Fifth Annual Autumn Festival on Saturday.

Photos by Kara Richenberg.

Alex Scott Dumbleton, 32, of East Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with three separate counts related to thefts: (1) petit larceny Aug. 26 at Dick's Sporting Goods, Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia; (2) petit larceny Aug. 26 at Walmart, Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia; (3) falsifying business records 1st on Aug. 26 at Pawn King and relating to merchandise stolen from Dick's Sporting Goods and Walmart. Dumbleton was arrested Sept. 9 and held at Genesee County Jail for CAP Court. Deputy Nicholas Jennings investigated. Deputy Alexander Hadsall assisted.

Evan Michael Gawlik, 50, of Regency Parkway, Cary, N.C., is charged with DWAI and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Gawlik was arrested Sept. 4 on West Main Road in Le Roy following a traffic offense investigation. Gawlik allegedly operated a motor vehicle while his ability was impaired by drugs and was found to be in possession of controlled substances. He was processed at Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket for Batavia Town Court on Oct. 16. Deputy Nicholas Jennings investigated. Deputy Robert Henning assisted.

Charles P. Stevens, 37, of Shady Lane, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence. Stevens was arrested Sept. 9 after allegedly discarding narcotics inside Batavia Downs when he saw another deputy outside the casino. He was processed at Genesee County Jail and arraigned in CAP Court on Sept. 9. Deputy Alexander Hadsall investigated.

Jill K. Depczynski, 49, of Two Rod Road, Alden, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and operating a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate. Depczynski was stopped by Deputy Neva Saile for a traffic violation at 11:54 p.m. Sept. 5 on Genesee Street in Darien. Depczynski was processed at Genesee County Jail and released with tickets to appear in Darien Town Court Sept. 23. Deputy Jacob Kipler assisted.

Mariah Rose Covert, 26, of Fargo Road, Corfu, is charged with petit larceny. Covert was arrested Sept. 7 after allegedly stealing $190.45 of merchandise from Walmart on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia. Covert was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia Town Court on Oct. 14. Deputy Joshua Brabon investigated.

Jarrod Keith Fotiathis, 30, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and harassment 2nd (physical contact). Fotiathis was arrested Sept. 9 on South Lake Avenue in Bergen after deputies responded to a domestic dispute. Fotiathis allegedly put his hands around the victim's neck and punched her in the face. He was processed at Genesee County Jail and held for CAP Court. Deputy Neva Saile investigated. Deputy Jacob Kipler assisted.

Zachary Michael Wiedrich, 24, of Boyd Road, Pavilion, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Wiedrich was arrested Sept. 7 after a complaint in Pavilion. He was issued an appearance ticket to Pavilion Town Court on Oct. 22. Deputy Joshua Brabon investigated. Deputy Mathew Clor assisted.

Volunteers from the Pembroke, Indian, Falls, Corfu, and East Pembroke fire departments were recognized at Thursday's Town of Pembroke Board meeting.

Five people were killed and dozens were injured in the tour bus crash on the Thruway on Aug. 22. The driver lost control of the bus, reportedly distracted by a loose water bottle, and multiple passengers were ejected when the bus overturned at high speed.

Emergency crews from throughout the region, and especially Genesee County, responded to the scene and rescued passengers trapped under the bus as well as those inside.