The Genesee County Department of Public Works advises motorists that a portion of South Street Road in the Town of Pavilion will be closed beginning the week of August 17, 2026, for a culvert replacement project.
South Street Road will be closed between York Road and Boyd Road, specifically between 11271 and 11290 South Street Road. The road will be completely closed at the work site, and no through traffic, including emergency vehicles, will be able to pass.
Construction is expected to last approximately two weeks, weather and conditions permitting. Motorists should plan alternate routes and allow additional travel time.
The project will replace an aging corrugated steel pipe that has exceeded its expected service life and has begun undermining the roadway.
The existing pipe will be replaced with a new smooth-wall plastic pipe designed to provide a longer service life under typical conditions and accommodate a greater volume of water flow.
Genesee County appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation while this necessary infrastructure work is completed.
Joliee P. John, 23, of Batavia, is charged with aggravated vehicular assault, reckless endangerment 1st, endangering the welfare of a child (two counts), aggravated DWI with a child passenger (two counts), and DWI. John was arrested on July 31 in connection with a serious-injury motor vehicle accident that occurred on Bloomingdale Road in the Town of Alabama on Dec. 18, 2025. She is accused of operating a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol and impaired by drugs, resulting in serious physical injuries to others. She was also issued traffic tickets for reckless driving, speeding, moving from a lane unsafely, and seat belt violations. The investigation was assisted by the GCSO Collision Reconstruction Unit, NYSP Collision Reconstruction Unit, Town of Alabama Fire Department, MercyEMS, Genesee County Child Protective Services, and the Genesee County District Attorney's Office. She was held on $2,500 cash bail.
Andrew Michael Perl, 18, of East Main Street Road, Stafford, is charged with petit larceny. Perl was arrested at 5:04 p.m. on July 31 at 4133 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, by Deputy Kaitlyn Englerth. He is accused of stealing money from a cash register while working at Walmart. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Jackson D. Perkins, 32, of Parkway, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd (three counts), criminal possession of a controlled substance 5th, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd (two counts). Perkins was arrested on July 30 at 14 Otis St. upper apartment, Batavia, during the execution of a search warrant by the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force and the Batavia Police Emergency Response Team stemming from a narcotics investigation. He was held for arraignment.
Joseph L. Barclay, 37, of Park Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd (two counts), aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd, and failure to stop at a stop sign. Barclay was arrested at 4 a.m. on Aug. 7 on Byron Holley Road in Byron by Deputy Neva Saile. Following a traffic stop, Barclay was found to be in possession of a quantity of cocaine. He was held for arraignment.
Jermain T. Tyson, 26, of Holley, is charged with felony DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation 1st, false personation, and several traffic violations. Tyson was arrested on July 25 following a traffic stop on Clinton Street. He allegedly was operating a vehicle while intoxicated and gave police a false name. He was released on appearance tickets.
William A. Murray Jr., 55, of Fairport, is charged with felony DWI. Murray was arrested on July 25 following a traffic stop on Pearl Street. He was held for arraignment.
Michael W. VanSlyke, 44, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. VanSlyke was arrested on July 24 following a traffic stop on Sumner Street, where he was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Mary A. McGraw, 39, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. McGraw was arrested on July 28 in Batavia. She was allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine during a probation home visit. She was released on an appearance ticket.
Anthony M. Manara, 35, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd, endangering the welfare of a child, unlawful fleeing from a police officer 3rd, and numerous vehicle and traffic violations. Manara was arrested on July 25 in Batavia. He allegedly was involved in a domestic dispute at a residence on Vine Street, then left in a vehicle and fled when officers attempted to stop him. He was taken into custody after officers deployed spike strips. He was held for arraignment.
Latashia M. Sanchez, 33, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st and harassment 2nd. Sanchez was arrested on July 19 in Batavia. She allegedly shoved another person in violation of an order of protection. She was held for arraignment.
Krasheena L. Watts, 30, of Beaverton, Ore., is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Watts was arrested on July 18 in Batavia. She was allegedly found in a vehicle with another person in violation of an order of protection. She was released on an appearance ticket.
Dustin A. Huffer, 42, of Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration 2nd and harassment 2nd. Huffer was arrested on July 30 in Batavia. He allegedly shoved a police officer who was responding to a report of a fight at Austin Park. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Lisa M. Austin, 39, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Austin was arrested on July 28 following a traffic stop on Ellicott Street, where she was allegedly found in possession of cocaine. She was released on an appearance ticket.
Gianna E. Williams, 19, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd and criminal contempt 2nd. Williams was arrested on Aug. 2 in Batavia. She allegedly was found inside a residence in violation of an order of protection. She was arraigned and released.
Brian K. Ace Jr., 36, of Wake Forest, N.C., is charged with DWI. Ace was arrested on July 26 following a traffic stop on East Main Street. He was released on traffic tickets.
Trevon L. Armstrong, 41, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Armstrong was arrested on Aug. 1 in Batavia. He allegedly stole a set of vehicle keys and refused to return them. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Taylor R. Bess, 24, of Lockport, is charged with harassment 2nd. Bess was arrested on July 30 in Batavia. She allegedly sent threatening messages to another person on social media. She was released on an appearance ticket.
Tyara J. Davis, 18, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Davis was arrested on July 28 in Batavia. She allegedly struck two people during an altercation on Washington Avenue. She was released on an appearance ticket.
Jessica M. Rivera, 42, of Le Roy, is charged with harassment 2nd. Rivera was arrested on Aug. 3 in Batavia. She allegedly shoved another person during an altercation on State Street. She was released on an appearance ticket.
Dennis R. Ramsey, 47, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Ramsey was arrested on Aug. 4 in Batavia. He allegedly stole alcoholic beverages from Tops. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Michael D. Snyder, 54, of Otis Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 4th and criminal nuisance 1st. Snyder was arrested on July 30 at 14 Otis St., Batavia, during the same search warrant execution. He was held for arraignment.
Colleen M. Hutchinson, 51, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 4th. Hutchinson was arrested on July 30 at 14 Otis St., Batavia, during the same search warrant execution. She was held for arraignment.
Cora L. Lichtenberger, 31, of Golden Pond Estate, Akron, and Willie Lydell Wright, 56, of Progressive Avenue, Buffalo, are each charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Both were arrested at 12:20 p.m. on Aug. 1 at 383 Bloomingdale Road in the Town of Alabama by Deputy Alexander Hadsall. They allegedly possessed crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia containing narcotics residue inside a vehicle. Both were released on appearance tickets.
Joshua A. Nichols, 41, of State Route 89, Romulus, is charged with unlawful surveillance 2nd. Nichols was arrested at 5:45 p.m. on July 29 on Attica Road in Darien by Deputy David Moore. He allegedly placed a USB wall-mounted charger containing a hidden camera in a bathroom of a victim's residence. He was held for arraignment.
Nathaniel S. Salverson, 28, of Buffalo Street Road, Alexander, is charged with criminal mischief 4th (two counts) and harassment 2nd. Salverson was arrested on July 29 on Buffalo Street Road in Alexander by Deputy Neva Saile. He is accused of intentionally damaging property and disabling equipment to prevent a request for emergency assistance. He was held for arraignment.
John Byron Lang Jr., homeless, is charged with petit larceny. Lang was arrested on July 30 on South Main Street in Elba by Deputy Nicholas Jennings. He allegedly consumed an alcoholic beverage and exited the store past all points of sale without paying. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Shaun E. Alexander, 20, of Marble Road, Alabama, is charged with DWI with a BAC of 0.18% or more, DWI, and drinking alcohol or using cannabis in a motor vehicle on a highway. Alexander was arrested at 12:04 a.m. on Aug. 7 at the Darien Lake Amphitheater following a property damage accident by Deputy John Garlock. He was released on appearance tickets.
Donald Edward Ford Jr., 52, of Perry Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal contempt. Ford was arrested on Aug. 4 on Perry Road in Pavilion by Deputy Nicholas Jennings. He allegedly went to the residence of a protected party in violation of an order of protection. He was held for arraignment.
Each year the Western Zone of the Retired Educators of NY (RENY), which includes Genesee County Retired Educators Association, awards five $1,000 grants to current educators for innovative projects intended to improve student learning.
This year, the Pre-K team at Dorothy B. Bunce School in Pavilion was the recipient of one of the grants. Teachers Jen Deaton, Christine Lutes and Rosemary Stephens received the award, which includes the purchase of light boards and accompanying materials.
These will be used for a variety of learning activities, including identifying, counting, matching and other STEM activities.
George & Swede Sales & Service, Inc. has recently become a Blue Diamond Attachments Blue Chip Dealer. As such, it will carry and support Blue Diamond Brush Cutters — the company's flagship attachment offering — along with additional attachments, parts and accessories.
The Blue Chip Dealer Program is exclusively for the highest-level Blue Diamond dealers and offers an increased level of customer service, warranty, marketing, sales and dealer training support.
"We've been providing exceptional equipment and service to our customers since 1983," said Greg Newell, owner of George & Swede Sales & Service. "We're proud of the experience we've gained over the years and are excited to bring that experience to the Blue Chip Dealer Program by supporting their products."
"George & Swede Sales & Service is an ideal fit for our Blue Chip Dealer Program," said Drew Truan, chief executive officer of Blue Diamond Attachments. "Along with their longevity in the equipment business, their knowledgeable and friendly staff is dedicated to helping customers find the right machines, attachments and accessories to meet their needs."
For more information on George & Swede Sales & Service and its full lineup of solutions, visit www.georgeandswede.com/default.htm. To learn more about Blue Diamond Attachments and its full attachment, parts and accessories offering, visit www.bluediamondattachments.com.
In half a dozen years, 2015 Pavilion High School grad Kelsey Milligan has accomplished one of her goals to return closer to her hometown and provide professional services so that some folks won't have to drive out of town to obtain them.
Since obtaining her Doctorate in physical therapy at Nazareth College, Milligan has established herself as a physical therapist and assistant director at Lattimore Physical Therapy in Webster over the past six years.
As the company, founded in 1992 by John and Cindy Shuman, has grown to more than 30 clinics across Monroe, Livingston, Ontario, Yates and Wayne counties, there will soon be one more in Genesee, with Milligan as director.
“I think the biggest thing is, I am really excited to be all the closer to my hometown. I think it's helpful to have people — doctors and things like that — who are a little more local. You can kind of speak the language, you know the area, you know the clientele, and things like that. So I am very excited,” Milligan said during an interview with The Batavian. “That's something that I've always wanted to do, is kind of come back and be able to give back to my community. Obviously, I know Batavia isn't a super small town, but a lot smaller than Rochester, so I'm excited to kind of give back to that community.”
She will be the primary physical therapist at 7 Evans St., Batavia, in the rare circular building downtown, across from the city fire station and McCarthy Ice Arena.
“The owners have been looking at Batavia for a while. Obviously, it's a little bit of an untapped market. I grew up in Pavilion, so I know that area well, and there's a lot of people driving 20-25 minutes to go to the doctor's office and things like that. That's how I grew up too,” she said. “So we're obviously more in the Rochester area, as far as Lattimore goes. But we’re hoping to kind of get a little bit more outreach into some of the rural areas as well. So they found a good place and great opportunity, and, obviously, Batavia is continuing to grow too.”
John Shuman, one of the founders, died just a couple of months ago, she said, but his son Charlie is one of the owners and has taken on more of a leadership role to carry on the family aspect of the business, Milligan said.
“They're a great family. That's one of the reasons, honestly, I love Lattimore, because he's from owner all the way to just staff, PT, it really is kind of a family,” she said. “Everyone knows everyone, and it really does have a good family atmosphere.”
The new clinic, a former doctor's office, will feature various types of equipment for a range of patient needs, including a turf section, a sled, a weight rack, and tables.
“I'll have a lot of equipment that I can use for athletes, older individuals, a little bit of everything in between,” she said. “I treat pretty much everything. I love working with youth athletes; I like working with young kids as well, older individuals, so I treat pretty much everything, which is nice. I have a vestibular and concussion certification, so that's one of my specialties is working with any sort of vertigo or dizziness issues, and things like that.
“I’m very passionate about working with athletes of all kinds. I play volleyball, so athletes are really fun too. But, I honestly love the outpatient world, because I can see a lot of variability,” she said. “It's nice to get a couple of my cute little ladies, or even, the youngest I see right now is four years old, so pretty much anything. That's why I love the outpatient world, is because I see a little bit of everything, and I get to see a lot of different patients, which is really fun.”
Are you seeing any trends in your treatment currently? “I would say super common are your rotator cuff repairs, and things like that. That's just going to continue to be common as our patient population ages. And those surgeries are getting better and better, so patients are able to recover much sooner, which is great, but that's a big one,” she said. “And then, as far as the athlete population goes, there's a lot of youth athletes that are playing more and more and specializing in one sport, so I am seeing a lot of repetitive overuse injuries at even earlier ages, even into middle school and younger, just because a lot of kids are doing club sports and things like that, which is great, but sometimes they're almost doing too much.”
What do you think makes Lattimore different from other places? “I think Lattimore is unique in the sense that it is a family atmosphere. I know my clinic specifically, and I'm hoping to grow that in Batavia as well. People come in, they know each other, they see their neighbor from 10 years ago, and things like that. So I think the atmosphere is a huge thing,” she said. “When people are in pain, it's really nice to be able to provide a welcoming and fun atmosphere to just make that pain a little bit better. So I think that the atmosphere and family feel is a big thing that separates Lattimore, again, from all the way to ownership on down; like, everyone knows everyone, and that's been a trend in our clinic, of even our patients as well.
"And I think that really helps people, because they can relate to, 'oh, I had that same surgery, or I had that same surgeon,'" she said. "They're great; it's nice to have people that are relating to you when you're dealing with pain or issues.”
Milligan is not certain about her schedule from the beginning, but will likely be on site about two or three days, and then add to it once she gets established and appointments increase, she said. Then she plans to be open Monday to Friday.
Renovations at the Evans Street site have been ongoing, with the potential for an August opening. The company will issue a public notice when the date is finalized, she said.
Lattimore takes most general insurance plans, workers' compensation and self-pay if needed, she said, but “most of the time insurance covers it.”
Clair R. Cupler, 72, of Starr Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and harassment 2nd. Cupler was arrested twice on June 30 on Starr Road in the Town of Pavilion by Deputy Kaitlyn Englerth. He is accused of possessing crack cocaine and, separately, making threatening comments to an individual, causing that person to become fearful. He was held for arraignment.
George N. Jeffries Jr., 37, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Jeffries was arrested on June 23 following a traffic stop on Otis Street, where he allegedly was found in possession of narcotics. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Thomas A. Culver, 47, Jessica L. Culver, 36, and Brodes J. Gibson, 65, are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. All three were arrested on June 22 following a traffic stop on Oak Street, where they allegedly were found in possession of narcotics. They were released on appearance tickets.
Frank P. Bellucci, 28, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Bellucci was arrested on June 23 following a traffic stop on East Main Street. He was released on traffic tickets.
Jason W. Whitehead Jr., 28, of Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration 2nd and aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd. Whitehead was arrested on June 27 during a traffic stop on West Main Street. He allegedly got out of the vehicle and attempted to flee from police. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Demauri J. Humber, 26, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Humber was arrested on June 26 in Batavia. He allegedly violated an order of protection by having contact with the protected person. He was held for arraignment.
Alan D. Tidd, 66, of Batavia, is charged with sex offender failure to register address. Tidd allegedly failed to register his address as required. He was held for arraignment.
Gerald A. Mattison, 33, of Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Mattison was arrested on June 26 in Batavia. He allegedly destroyed property and threw items around a residence while a child was present. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Jill M. Turner, 44, of Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Turner was arrested on June 27 in Batavia. She allegedly operated a vehicle with the passenger door open while a child was in the passenger seat. She was released on an appearance ticket.
Jason G. Moneau, 49, of Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass 2nd. Moneau was arrested on June 25 in Batavia. He allegedly entered a residence on Hutchins Street without permission. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Kodey R. Mills, 32, of Church Street, Le Roy, is charged with felony DWI with two prior convictions within 10 years, speed not reasonable and prudent, moving from a lane unsafely, operator leaves scene of a property damage accident, and aggravated unlicensed operation 1st. Mills was arrested at 2:17 a.m. on June 21 on Perry Road in Pavilion by Deputy Richard Flores. He allegedly operated a motor vehicle with a revoked license while intoxicated by alcohol, traveled at an unsafe speed, moved from his lane unsafely striking a utility pole, and left the scene. He was held for arraignment.
Andrew D. Janas, 28, of Williams Street, Middlesex, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd and criminal mischief 4th. Janas was arrested at 1:03 a.m. on June 14 at the Six Flags Darien Lake campground by Deputy Kevin McCarthy. He allegedly damaged a tire on another person's vehicle in violation of an existing order of protection. He was held for arraignment.
James Albert Chase, 46, of East Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with failure to register an address change as a sex offender with a prior conviction of the same within 10 years. Chase was arrested on May 19 in Batavia by Deputy Jeremy McClellan. He was held for arraignment.
Kiha S. McNear, 28, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with attempted assault 2nd while confined in a correctional facility. McNear was arrested at 10:54 a.m. on July 4 at the Genesee County Jail. He allegedly struck another inmate in the face. He was held for arraignment.
A Pavilion man who stole gift cards from mail while working as a postal carrier was sentenced to six months' probation in federal court.
Matthew Hurlburt, 25, was convicted of theft of mail by an employee of the United States Postal Service and sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Hurlburt was assigned as a city carrier at the Perry Post Office. The case began in July 2025, when a $100 Visa gift card, mailed inside a birthday card to a Perry resident, never arrived. An investigation by U.S. Postal Inspection Service special agents determined Hurlburt had used the gift card multiple times at a gas station and bar.
In August 2025, investigators placed a test envelope containing a $25 Visa gift card in Hurlburt's mail delivery tray, labeled so it should have been returned to the post office at the end of his shift. Instead, Hurlburt kept the envelope, opened the birthday card inside and used the gift card to buy snacks, alcohol and gas.
The Town of Pavilion Highway Department will close Asbury Road between Route 20 and Murray Road for a culvert replacement from Monday, June 22, through Wednesday afternoon, June 24.
Daniel Berg won the 3rd Annual Gopher 5K at Pavilion Jr./Sr. High School on June 13 in a photo finish, crossing the line in 21:28.883. Pavilion alumnus Eric Swede finished just behind him with a time of 21:28.920.
Perhaps the most remarkable result of the race was 11-year-old Pavilion Central School student Madilyn Kramell, who won the overall female race with a time of 25:38.623. Her mother, Amanda Kramell, and her grandmother, Kris Hoffmeister, also won their respective age groups, making it a family sweep.
The event was organized by Ashley Tallman and Kyle Banser. Natural Upcycling and GAHP made generous donations to support the race.
Full results are available at hourglassworks.com/results/20260613_GOPHER5K_AgeGroup.pdf.
KeriAnne Barbaritz, 47, of Batavia, is charged with welfare fraud 3rd. Barbaritz was charged following an investigation by Genesee County Social Services Investigator Sherri Sibley. She is accused of failing to report income from her husband and adult daughter, both of whom reside in her home, resulting in her receiving $4,623 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. She was arraigned in Batavia Town Court.
Sandra L. Marsceill, 54, of Batavia, is charged with offering a false instrument for filing 1st and criminal use of a public benefit card 2nd. Marsceill was charged following an investigation by Genesee County Social Services Investigator Sherri Sibley. She is accused of selling her food stamps in exchange for money. She was arraigned in Batavia Town Court.
Katelyn Monk, 33, of Pavilion, is charged with welfare fraud. Monk was arrested on June 3 following an investigation by Social Services Investigator Robert Riggi. She is accused of failing to report that she was actively employed and receiving monthly commission checks at the time she applied for benefits, resulting in her receiving $8,119 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. She was arraigned in Batavia Town Court.
Three people were killed early Sunday when a car left Prole Road in the Town of Stafford and struck a tree.
The Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received a 9-1-1 call reporting the crash at 2:01 a.m. June 14.
Deputies identified the driver as Joseph A. Martinez, 23, of Pavilion. The two passengers were Dylan S. Pehrson, 23, of Batavia, and Megan R. Merrell, 22, of Batavia. All three were pronounced dead at the scene by the Genesee County Coroner's Office.
The vehicle, a black 2012 Nissan Altima, was traveling northbound on Prole Road when it exited the west shoulder of the roadway and struck a tree.
The crash remains under investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office Investigative Division and Crash Management Team. Assisting at the scene were the Genesee County Coroner's Office, New York State Police, Stafford Fire Department, Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy EMS.
Ed Doody, left, receives his Genesee Region USBC Hall of Fame plaque from GRUSBC Hall of Famer Dave Montemarano Jr., who nominated Doody for the honor, at Saturday night's association annual banquet at Batavia Downs Gaming. Submitted Photo
Press release:
Ed Doody of Pavilion and Christopher George of Dansville expressed their appreciation of all those who supported them throughout their bowling careers -- both stating that their love of the sport began at a very young age -- as they were inducted into the Genesee Region USBC Hall of Fame on Saturday night at Batavia Downs Gaming.
Doody, a Batavia native, and George were enshrined into the Hall of Fame in the Outstanding Achievement category for their accomplishments on the lanes -- with Doody competing primarily in the Batavia Bowling Association and George in the Perry Bowling Association prior to continuing to bowl in the merged Genesee Region USBC association.
About 80 people attended the GRUSBC's annual banquet, which also saw the inaugural presentation of the Joe Mortellaro Memorial Award to Randy Hanks, proprietor of Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, and a special plaque presented to Mike Pettinella by the GRUSBC for his more than 50 years of service as a bowling columnist, bowling center manager, and New York State USBC and GRUSBC association manager and as an accomplished bowler.
Keynote speaker Josh Kierpiec, owner of Begin'rs to Pro's pro shop in Rochester and standout tournament bowler, talked about his time as a member of the Rochester Institute Technology bowling team and provided an inside look into the technology behind today's bowling balls.
Additionally, 2025-26 league season leaders and GRUSBC Association Tournament champions were recognized prior to the awarding of a total of $1,600 to seven lucky winners in the season-ending grand prize drawing. Big winners of $500 each were Shawn Yates, Albert Burch and Mike Gates. Winners of $25 each were Mark Mack, Jordan Gelser, Jeff Baes and Tyree Winkfield.
Several Genesee Region USBC officers and directors were reelected to three-year terms. They are Vice President Jerry Davis, Sergeant-at-Arms Gary Gilman and Directors Blake Leddick, Rebecca Carpenter and Matt Bourg. Currently, one director position is open on the board.
Doody: Family, Friends Shaped His Path Stating that induction into the Hall of Fame "means more to me than I can put into words," Doody, 54, thanked family and friends for supporting him over the years, singling out his presenter, Dave Montemarano Jr., for encouraging him to bowl in tournaments, and his parents and grandparents for introducing him to the sport at the age of 4. About a couple of dozen family members -- including his sisters, Lisa and Patty, and son, Christopher -- were in attendance.
A multiple association tournament champion, holder of an 836 series and several other honor scores, Doody acknowledged his late grandparents, Ray and Jean Doody and Joe and Rose Caruso, and his father, Ed, and late mother, Linda, for "always being involved in everything I did as a child."
He said it was "Papa Joe" who picked him up every Sunday morning, where they would go to Mancuso Lanes and bowl on lanes 21-22 (now lanes 9-10). "I just want to give him all the credit for getting me into this when I was 4 years old," he said.
Doody said he bowled in the junior leagues and, at the age of 15, joined his first adult league while working part-time at Mancuso Lanes, where he was able to absorb much about the game from watching Classic League bowlers such as Frank Corradini, Tony Martino, Fred Gravanda, Dave Montemarano Sr., Nino Trinchera and Mike Pettinella.
He said he embraced tournament bowling, competing alongside Montemarano Jr. and some of the Buffalo area's best bowlers. He also mentioned many of his teammates -- Pete Gravante, Dave Barone, Jimmy Lambert, Rich Culver, Mark Brown, Bill Gaston, Brian Morey, Ricky Underhill and Jim Pursel.
Health struggles have kept him away from bowling in recent years, noting that "four surgeries over the last two years have kind of taken its toll on me." He said he is considering a comeback, only offering that time will tell.
Christopher George, right, accepts his GRUSBC Hall of Fame plaque from GRUSBC Hall of Famer Kelly Rounsville, who presented him to the 80 people in attendance at Saturday night's annual banquet. Submitted Photo
George: It's All About the Friendships George's road to the Hall of Fame is one of perseverance, as he has undergone three open heart surgeries, with the first at the age of 8. It was at that young age when he received a gold bowling ball from his mother as a going-home present.
"This is when I fell in love with the sport of bowling," said George, who has numerous honor scores, two Perry Bowling Association doubles titles and several league team and individual crowns under his belt, mostly while competing at Brae-Burn Lanes in Dansville. For the past 20 years, he has bowled in leagues at Mount Morris Lanes.
He said that bowling, in his eyes, is more than a sport.
"To me, it's been a family, a community and a place where I've built lifelong friendships. The camaraderie, competition and memories made along the way have shaped who I am," he said.
He acknowledged, among others, his wife, Mary Lou, and children, Jenna and Brett, as well as his mother and father, brother and sister, presenter Kelly Rounsville, nominator Dave Keller and former Genesee Valley Women's Bowling Association President Connie Walker, who lived close by and provided George's "living room training program" in the form of plastic pins and plastic ball more than a half-century ago.
"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities, the memories and for every single person who has been part of this journey," he said.
Mark McVay, left, nephew of the late Joe Mortellaro, congratulates Randy Hanks, proprietor of Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, upon Hanks' selection as the first Joe Mortellaro Memorial Award recipient. The award, sponsored by the Mortellaro family and the GRUSBC, honors Joe, the longtime president of the Batavia Bowling Association, pro shop owner and outstanding bowler, who passed away in December 2024. Submitted photo
Hanks Recalls Kind Words From Joe In his acceptance speech, Hanks recalled meeting Joe Mortellaro for the first time during the New York State Open Championships at Rapids Bowling Center in Niagara Falls in 2010.
"We all were getting ready to bowl the states, and Joe was sitting down, and he came up to me and said, 'Hey, I hear you've been doing a lot of good things at the (Oak Orchard Bowl) bowling center.' And that just meant the world to me, especially from an outsider," he said. "I heard it a lot from, obviously, our league bowlers, but it was just something amazing that Joe said that to me, and I appreciated it very much."
Hanks, who has built his league base from 100 to close to 400 over the 20 years that he has owned the 18-lane center, thanked the committee consisting of the Mortellaro family and the GRUSBC board for the award. He also thanked his wife, Renee, and his grown children who work at the lanes. "If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be here now," he said.
A founding member of the Youth Bowlers Tour in the Rochester area, Hanks is a member of the New York State Bowling Proprietors Association and is a former delegate to the New York State USBC annual meeting. In 2014, he was named "Proprietor of the Year" by the NYS USBC. Oak Orchard Bowl hosts several charity tournaments, including those benefiting the PAWS Animal Shelter in Albion and the Scott Whittier Memorial Scholarships.
Mark McVay, Joe's nephew, presented Hank with a plaque and a $200 gift card after sharing a heartfelt tribute to his "Uncle Joe."
"To me, Uncle Joe was more than an accomplished bowler. He was my uncle, my neighbor and such an important part of my everyday life," McVay said. "Having him so close meant more to me than I can express, especially after my dad (Fred) passed away. Uncle Joe filled the void at that time in my life when I needed that steady presence, guidance and support. He was my mentor and my favorite uncle."
Mortellaro, known as "Mr. Bowling" in the Genesee Region, was the longtime co-owner of Joe's Pro Shop.
"Uncle Joe loved gathering with family and friends ... he was warm, generous, approachable and loved by many," McVay said. "I am grateful to the USBC committee for creating this award. It means so much to me that his impact upon the sport and this community will continue to be remembered for years to come."
Tom Fluker, left, GRUSBC association manager, presents plaque to Mike Pettinella, marking the lifelong Batavia resident's 50-plus years of service to the bowling community. Pettinella, the emcee of Saturday night's banquet, is stepping down from the GRUSBC board, where he previously served as association manager. Submitted photo
Guest speaker Josh Kierpiec of Rochester congratulates Sarah Cassidy of Albion, who bowled a 300 game in January -- the first by a woman bowler at Oak Orchard Bowl -- and Gianna LaPiana of Mount Morris, who had the high game (246) and series (628) in girls' youth competition this season. Submitted photo
Rachel Huntz, left, and her mom, Joann Van Duser, tied for first in Women's Doubles, while Steve Krna placed first in Open Singles at this season's Association Tournament at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia. Submitted photo
The Pavilion Central School Hall of Fame Committee has named three inductees for the Class of 2026. The induction ceremony will be held on Friday, May 15, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the high school auditorium. The public is welcome.
Michael Bunce is a 1964 graduate of Pavilion Central School and a 1966 graduate of Alfred State College with an AAS in engine technology. He was employed by Worthington Corporation in Buffalo before receiving his draft notice and serving in Vietnam, where he attended Radio Control School and Radio Teletype School and served as an instructor. After returning home to Pavilion, he was hired in May 1969 as a test technician by Dresser-Rand Corporation in Olean, beginning a 37-year career that included management positions and worldwide travel. After retiring in 2006, Dresser hired him as a consulting director of recruiting. He and his wife, Donna, raised their family in Hinsdale, where he was active in volunteer fire departments and served on the Hinsdale Central School Board.
Col. John C. Powers, USMCR (retired), is a 1963 graduate of Pavilion Central School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from Canisius College. After graduating in 1967, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and served on active duty during the Vietnam War, earning numerous honors. He later pursued graduate studies at George Washington University and New Hampshire College under the GI Bill. After 22 years of active and reserve service, he retired as a full colonel before moving into private sector leadership roles.
Jane Lindquist Lesniewski is a 1993 graduate of Pavilion Central School. She earned her B.A. in psychology with a minor in religious studies from the College of Wooster and her M.A. in counseling psychology from Boston College in 1999. Her career began as a youth coordinator at Samaritans of Boston, where she trained hundreds of volunteers and worked in suicide prevention. In 2006, she moved into higher education and has held leadership and advisory roles. She is active in community involvement, local arts councils and Christian education and worship leadership.
Tyquawn D. Bethel, 35, of Rochester, is charged with rape 1st, burglary 2nd, criminal contempt 1st, and aggravated family offense. Bethel was arrested on March 6. He is accused of unlawfully entering the home of a person who had an order of protection against him and forcibly raping her. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail on $100,000 bail.
Tyquawn D. Bethel, 35, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st and aggravated family offense. Bethel was arrested on March 23. He is accused of violating an order of protection. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail, where he is currently held on unrelated charges.
Michael J. Hilton, 34, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, assault 3rd, and menacing 3rd. Hilton was arrested on March 3. He is accused of threatening another person with a knife during an incident on South Spruce Street. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail without bail.
Shandell M. Lissow, 38, of Albion, was arrested on March 2 on two bench warrants. The first stems from a larceny complaint in June 2025, when Lissow allegedly stole merchandise from Dollar General. The second is related to a traffic stop in May 2025, when she was allegedly found in possession of narcotics. She was arraigned in CAP Court and is due in Batavia City Court at a later date.
William R. Johnson Jr., 46, of Freedom, is charged with making a threat of mass harm. Johnson was arrested on March 5. He is accused of threatening to blow up a building during an altercation on Bank Street. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.
Mateo C. Snyder, 24, of Warsaw, is charged with making a threat of mass harm and harassment 2nd. Snyder was arrested on March 7. He allegedly threatened to shoot multiple people during an altercation on Apollo Drive. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released.
Danny D. Williams, 37, is charged with harassment 2nd. Williams was arrested on Feb. 26. He allegedly punched another person in the face during an altercation on Ellicott St. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.
Michael E. Weichman, 31, of Batavia, is charged with public lewdness. Weichman was arrested on March 9. He allegedly exposed himself to several people during an altercation on Pearl Street. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.
Tishay S. Daniels, 41, of Rochester, is charged with DWI. Daniels was arrested on March 6 after police received a civilian complaint about an erratic driver on Clinton St. She was located driving on West Main St. and subsequently arrested. She was arraigned in CAP Court and released.
Elizabeth A. Lindner, 39, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Lindner was arrested on March 9. She allegedly stole merchandise from Family Dollar. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.
Ambernae S. Inman and Brodes J. Gibson are charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. Inman and Gibson were arrested on March 9. They allegedly stole property from Quicklee's. Both were arraigned in Batavia City Court and released. During her arrest, Inman was allegedly found in possession of narcotics and was additionally charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th.
Jason A. Klinkbeil, 37, of Batavia, is charged with trespass. Klinkbeil was arrested on March 9. He allegedly entered a property on Dellinger Avenue, remained on the premises and refused to leave. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. Later the same day, Klinkbeil was arrested again for trespass, this time allegedly at McDonald's on West Main Street. During his arrest, he allegedly threw items at a patrol car, causing damage. He was additionally charged with criminal mischief 4th.
Heather L. McCarthy, 35, of Corfu, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. McCarthy was arrested on March 5. She is accused of violating an order of protection on Feb. 19 by having contact with the protected person. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released.
Shineacqua C. McNair, 34, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, obstructing governmental administration 2nd, and several traffic violations. McNair was arrested on March 8 after being pulled over in the parking lot of 7-Eleven. She allegedly exited her vehicle and walked into the store, ignoring an officer's orders to remain in the car, then resisted officers when they attempted to detain her inside the store. She was arraigned in CAP Court and released.
Savannah C. Odom, 33, of Stafford, is charged with DWI. Odom was arrested on March 8 following a traffic stop on East Main St. She was issued several traffic tickets and released.
Jzon A. Richardson, 27, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Richardson was arrested on March 12. He allegedly pushed another person during a domestic incident on N. Spruce Street. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released.
Timmy L. Taylor Jr., 30, of Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment 2nd. Taylor was arrested on March 10. He allegedly threatened another person during a phone call. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released.
Sandra L. Marsceill, 54, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. Marsceill was arrested on March 8. She and another person allegedly stole property from a residence on East Main St. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.
Trisha R. Santora, 43, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Santora was arrested on March 12. She allegedly grabbed another person by the hair during an altercation at the Euphoria Bar and Lounge. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.=
Thomas F. Hofmeier, 24, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, criminal contempt 2nd, menacing 2nd, and petit larceny. Hofmeier was arrested on March 17. He is accused of threatening another person with a knife during a domestic incident on Ellicott Street and stealing their dog. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail. The dog was later located and returned.
Jesse J. Kessens, 20, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st and harassment 2nd. Kessens was arrested on March 13. He allegedly slapped another person in violation of an order of protection. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of bail.
Elizabeth N. Jones, 19, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny, criminal mischief 4th, resisting arrest, and obstructing governmental administration 2nd. Jones was arrested on March 11. She allegedly stole numerous lottery tickets while working at the Speedway gas station on West Main Street, then resisted arrest and damaged property while being taken into custody. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in court on March 24.
Diana T. Bueno, 48, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Bueno was arrested on March 14 following a traffic stop on N. Lyon Street. She was issued several traffic tickets and is due in court on March 25.
Margaret D. Robinson, 37, of Cheektowaga, is charged with criminal trespass 2nd and harassment 2nd. Robinson was arrested on March 17. She allegedly entered a residence on East Main St. without permission and struck another person in the face. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released.
Stacy L. Colombo, 51, of Pavilion, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle 3rd. Colombo was arrested on March 12. She allegedly rented a vehicle and failed to return it. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in court on March 31.
Ramiro Gaona, 30, of Labelle, Fla., is charged with DWI. Gaona was arrested on March 14 following a traffic stop on West Main St. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released.
Shelby L. Fyer, 30, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Fyer was arrested on March 19. The charge stems from a Dec. 15, 2025, incident when she was allegedly found in possession of narcotics while being arrested on an unrelated warrant. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in court on March 31.
Robert W. Paine, 40, of Summerville, S.C., is charged with DWI. Paine was arrested on March 15 following a traffic stop on Bank Street. He was issued several traffic tickets and released.
Rochelle Bradford, 45, of Rochester, was arrested on March 18 on an arrest warrant issued after she failed to appear in court on a misdemeanor traffic ticket. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released.
Cordero L. Royes, 39, of Batavia, was arrested on March 16 on a bench warrant related to a December 2022 incident in which he was charged with harassment 2nd. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released.
Dennis J. Calkins, 46, of Albion, was arrested on March 15 on a bench warrant related to a September 2024 traffic stop in which he was allegedly found in possession of narcotics. He was arraigned in CAP Court and is due in Batavia City Court at a later date.
Jasmine L. Nelson, 28, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance 4th, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd. Nelson was arrested on March 24 following an investigation into an incident in which she allegedly left narcotics and drug paraphernalia inside a rental vehicle when she returned it. She was arraigned in CAP Court.
Wayne D. Potter, 42, of Batavia, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender. Potter was arrested on March 23. He allegedly failed to register his address as required as a level 2 sex offender. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail.
Tyler W. Reeves, Austin A. Heideman, Jamie A. Dutton, Johnathan L. Soloman, Julie L. Dutton, and Sandra L. Marsceill are each charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. All six were arrested on March 19 following a parole home visit on East Main Street, where they were allegedly found in possession of narcotics. Soloman was additionally charged with tampering with physical evidence, falsifying business records 1st, and criminal impersonation 2nd. Marsceill was additionally charged with tampering with physical evidence. Reeves was additionally charged with criminal possession of a weapon 3rd.
Chad E. Alwardt, 46, of Pavilion, was arrested on March 19 on an arrest warrant for criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. The charge stems from a December 2024 incident when he was allegedly found in possession of narcotics. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released.
Jon H. Bush Jr., 42, of Batavia, was arrested on March 21 on a bench warrant after failing to appear in court on a misdemeanor traffic ticket. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released.
Mariha E. Taylor, 33, of Rochester, was arrested on March 23 on an arrest warrant after failing to appear in court on a misdemeanor traffic ticket. She was arraigned in CAP Court and released.
Nasir C. Nathan, 30, of Batavia, was arrested on March 20 on an arrest warrant after failing to appear in court on a misdemeanor traffic ticket. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released.
Eddie L. Miles, 54, of Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration 2nd and petit larceny. Miles was arrested on March 24 during a parole home visit, during which he allegedly ran from the residence. He was located several hours later at a residence on Thorp St. He was held at the Genesee County Jail pending arraignment on a parole warrant.
John Watkins, 43, of Rochester, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. Watkins was arrested on March 19. The charge stems from an investigation into a January traffic stop. He was issued several traffic tickets and released.
Michael J. Metz, 48, of Alexander, is charged with DWI. Metz was arrested on March 21 following a traffic stop on Washington Avenue. He was issued several traffic tickets and released.
Heriberto Benitez, 52, of Batavia, is charged with trespass. Benitez was arrested on March 21. He was allegedly found on the property at Tops after having previously been trespassed. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.
Jason W. Alexander, 47, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and resisting arrest. Alexander was arrested on March 19. He allegedly threatened another person during an altercation at the Batavia City Centre, then allegedly resisted arrest and kicked an officer in the face. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.
Gloria L. Peckham, 65, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Peckham was arrested on March 20. She allegedly stole property from another tenant in her apartment building. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.
Macy F. Paladino, 44, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Paladino was arrested on March 16 at 8400 Lewiston Road in the Town of Batavia. She allegedly stole an Apple Watch from the location. She was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Batavia Town Court on March 24.
Hailey E. Olender, 21, of Stevens Road, Tully, is charged with DWI with a BAC of 0.18% or more, DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, failed to turn as required, and failed to use designated lane. Olender was stopped at 10:22 p.m. on March 17 at 8330 Lewiston Road in the Town of Batavia by Deputy James Stack. She allegedly drove while intoxicated with a BAC greater than 0.18%. She was released on appearance tickets and is scheduled to appear in Batavia Town Court on April 9.
Bailey M. Burns, 26, of Woodstock Gardens, Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration 2nd, operating a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate, equipment violation for no left-side mirror, muffler exhaust system violation, and a dirty plate or plate covered by glass or plastic. Burns was arrested at 8:44 p.m. on March 17 on West Main Street Road, Batavia. He allegedly refused to provide identification to law enforcement following a traffic stop. He was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on April 7.
Brandi L. Reuben, 30, of Martin Road, Alabama, is charged with aggravated harassment 2nd. Reuben was arrested on March 21 following an investigation into an aggravated harassment complaint. She allegedly sent threatening messages to another individual on multiple occasions. She was held at the Genesee County Jail pending arraignment in CAP Court on March 21.
Michael E. Russell, 63, of South Lake Road, Pavilion, is charged with DWI, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or more, and unsafe turn/failure to signal. Russell was stopped at approximately 8:03 p.m. on March 20 on Route 19 in the Town of Pavilion by Deputy Zachary Hoy. He was issued traffic tickets and released. He is scheduled to appear in Pavilion Town Court on April 22.
James J. Boyce, 35, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Boyce was arrested on March 23 at 4133 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. He allegedly shoplifted property from a local store and was found in possession of methamphetamine. He was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Batavia Town Court on April 7.
Lucas D. Booth, 33, of Clinton Street Road, Bergen, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, petit larceny, and trespass. Booth was arrested at 3:54 p.m. on March 12 on Wortendyke Road, Batavia. He is accused of being on someone's property without permission with intent to steal. When deputies detained and searched him, he was allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine. He was held pending arraignment in CAP Court on March 12.
Michael W. Vanslyke III, 43, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd. Vanslyke was arrested on March 14 at the Fairbridge Inn & Suites on Federal Drive in Batavia. He was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Batavia Town Court on March 24.
Crystal A. Mounts, 48, is charged with petit larceny. Mounts was arrested at 11:25 a.m. on March 18 at 4133 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. She allegedly stole $161.73 worth of merchandise without paying. She was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Batavia Town Court on April 7.
Aaron M. Gawlik, 48, of Drake Street Road, Oakfield, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd with intent to sell and criminal possession of a controlled substance 4th. Gawlik was arrested on March 11. During a parole home visit, he was allegedly found in possession of a large quantity of narcotics and cash. He was held pending arraignment in CAP Court.
Bennie Wright, 41, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, tampering with physical evidence, and three counts of criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd. Iris L. El-Amin, 54, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd and two counts of criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd. Both were arrested on March 20 after the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 316 East Main Street and 24 Central Avenue, Batavia, stemming from a narcotics investigation. Both are scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on a future date. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be pending.
Richard M. Schiersing, 50, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Schiersing was arrested on March 16 following an investigation into a larceny complaint. He allegedly stole merchandise from Walmart on March 9. He was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Batavia Town Court on March 24.
Junior W. Duffy, 50, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with conspiracy 6th. Duffy was arrested on March 12 following an investigation into a larceny complaint. He allegedly conspired with another person to steal merchandise from Walmart on March 9. He was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Batavia Town Court on March 24.
Shante C. Johnson, 28, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Johnson was arrested on March 8 on West Main Street, Batavia. She allegedly went to a residence uninvited and damaged the homeowner's property. She was transported to the Genesee County Jail and is scheduled to appear in CAP Court on March 8.
Lieutenant Shane Freeman, right, was named Firefighter of the Year. Left are 2nd Assistant Chief Tom Garlock and Chief Bryen Murrock. Photo by Howard Owens.
Shane Freeman was named Firefighter of the Year at the Pavilion Fire Department's annual awards dinner Saturday at the Community Fire Hall.
Freeman, who also serves as a department lieutenant, responded to 115 calls over the past year. The award recognizes a member who demonstrates dedication, commitment and a strong sense of duty, responding to emergencies day or night and putting the needs of the community first.
Cheyanne Powers was named EMS Person of the Year. The award recognizes a member who demonstrates exceptional skill, compassion and dedication in providing emergency medical care. Powers also serves as EMS captain.
Paul Daugherty was honored as a 50-year member, recognized for decades of response, training and leadership and the lasting legacy he has created for future generations.
Ken Weaver led the department with 223 calls for the year, earning top responder honors. Weaver also serves as the department's fire police captain.
Department officers:
Chief of Department — Bryen Murrock
1st Assistant Chief — Codey O'Neill
2nd Assistant Chief — Tom Garlock
Captain — Chris Holley
Lieutenant — Shane Freeman
EMS Captain — Cheyanne Powers
EMS Lieutenant — Dave Clor
Safety Officer — Dewey Murrock
Fire Police Capt. — Ken Weaver
Fire Police Lt. — Don Roblee Jr.
Social officers:
President — Donna Davis
Vice President — Dave Clor
Treasurer — Ashli O'Neill
Recording Secretary — Ken Weaver
Financial Secretary — Kelly Murrock
Cheyanne Powers, second from left, was named EMS Person of the Year. Photo by Howard Owens
Paul Daugherty was honored as a 50-year member. Photo by Howard Owens
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) welcomed the Pavilion/York Air Rifle Team to the New York State Capitol in Albany, recognizing the student-athletes for their outstanding achievement as 2026 New York State Champions.
The team was honored in the Assembly chamber for capturing the state championship in the three-position event at the New York State Rifle Invitational in Orchard Park. Pavilion/York earned its place in the competition after winning both the Section V three-position and standing championships and went on to secure the state title with a program-record score of 1,143 points.
"It was a privilege to welcome these exceptional young athletes to the Capitol," said Hawley. "I am incredibly proud of each member of this team and all the hard work they put in to achieve this milestone. Their dedication, teamwork and perseverance truly set them apart."
Team members competing in the three-position event included seniors Cooper Harkins and Tyler Brian, and juniors Myra Beardsley, Emily Harwood and Jayden Harkins. The standing team featured senior Cooper Harkins, juniors Emily Harwood, Myra Beardsley and Jayden Harkins, and sophomore Jesse Brian. Additional contributors included Morgan Kidder, Levi Church and Brooke Berry.
The team also earned several individual honors at the state level. Tyler Brian and Emily Harwood each recorded their first perfect prone targets, while Myra Beardsley was recognized as the top kneeling shooter and overall champion in both the standing and three-position competitions.
"This team's journey is just as impressive as their victory," Hawley added. "From rebuilding the program just a few years ago to becoming state champions, their story is one of determination and resilience. They've made their schools and community incredibly proud."
Hawley also commended head coach Jenny Harkins and the coaches and community members who helped guide and grow the program.
"Coach Harkins and everyone involved in this program have done an outstanding job supporting these athletes," Hawley said. "Their leadership has made a lasting impact, and this championship is a reflection of that commitment."
The team was recognized through an official proclamation on the Assembly floor, honoring their achievements and celebrating their success.
"I was honored to recognize these champions in Albany and congratulate them on an unforgettable season," Hawley said.
There were 17 eighth-graders recognized for their academic success at Pavilion. Photo by Brian Quinn
The Middle/High School Cafeteria has been serving an early breakfast once a year for 3 1/2 decades, even though it means being at school at 6:45 a.m., as some kids were this morning.
The Breakfast of Champions, in its 35th year, brought students to the cafeteria to be honored for keeping their academic averages up. Students must have a cumulative average of 90 or above in middle school and 95 or above in high school for four consecutive marking periods.
"We invite these kids and their families to come to breakfast every March. We have them come up. We give them a T-shirt, take pictures and provide this breakfast," Middle/High School Principal Charles Martelle said before his presentation started. "The teachers come down. Always, as part of the tradition, they help serve breakfast."
There is also special recognition for seniors who were invited to the Breakfast of Champions all four years of high school. This year, the student who accomplished that is Liam Campbell.
"A lot of the families here, many of their parents probably came here when they were kids and did this, because it's been going on for so long," Martelle said. "I think newer families learn, because they'll get invited when the kids are younger, maybe in seventh or eighth grade. That sets in so they know what it is."
The only tough part is that the breakfast is held so early, Martelle said.
"Everybody gets here at 6:30-6:40 in the morning, so that's tough," he said. "We know families have to work. This was the time we figured we could get everybody here."
When he came to the podium to speak to students and families, Martelle said the district decided last year to change the marking-period requirement.
"It was something (where) we really wanted to honor students who maintain their grades for four periods or basically every single quarter," he said.
It's important for students to remember that the district's goal is not to honor them because of their grades, the principal said.
"We want to honor you for what you've been doing, which results in good grades," Martelle said. "There's two primary virtues I just want to point out. First is your diligence. That is meeting deadlines, completing assignments, attending school and working hard every single day. You've shown fortitude, even in classes where things are difficult, you find a way to succeed. When you encounter problems, you don't give up easily."
The students honored include:
Seventh grade: Roman Abdella, Ethan Bannister, Madesyn Bissell, Anna Galliford, Austin Green, Liam Grice, Quinn Harding, Alyssa Hewson, Lucas Klancer, Sofia Lopez, Colin Merica, Adelaide Noble, Aiden Palmer, Oliver Quackenbush, Wyatt Rounds, Zachary Schiller and Connor Smart
Ninth grade: Oscar Chojnacki, Eleanor Kingsley-LaPoint, Natalie Nichiporuk, Riley Osterman, Olivia Rounds, Gwendolyn Rudgers and Brooke Tedford
10th grade: David Bush, Emily Conway, Souly Coots, Avalon Forti, Peyton Gay, Mia Gilkes, Brandon Jacobson, Chloe Kramer, Megan MacKay, Charlotte Rudgers and Lexie Thomas
11th grade: Makenzy Greene, Margaret Pritchett and Zoe Washburn
12th grade: Liam Campbell
Pavilion seventh-graders show off the T-shirts they got this morning. Photo by Brian Quinn
Pavilion’s high school students were honored for maintaining 95 averages for four straight marking periods. Photo by Brian Quinn
Pavilion Middle/High School Principal Charles Martelle kicks off the Breakfast of Champions this morning. Photo by Brian Quinn
Senior Liam Campbell, who was invited to the Breakfast of Champions all four years of high school, shakes hands with Assistant Principal James Tauzel. Photo by Brian Quinn
Eighth-grader Kennedy Quigley shakes hands with Assistant Principal James Tauzel before accepting her award. Photo by Brian Quinn
Members of the Pavilion/York team winnig the Air-Rifle state title this past weekend in Orchard Park NY Photo by Head Coach Jenny Harkins
The Pavilion/York air rifle team traveled to Orchard Park on Saturday to compete in the New York State Rifle Invitational, where the squad captured the state championship in the three-position event and earned several individual honors.
The state invitational features two team competitions and two individual matches. Teams qualify by winning their sectional championships, while the top two unaffiliated competitors advance as individual shooters. Pavilion/York secured its invitation after winning Section V titles in both the three-position and standing events, sending full teams to both competitions.
Representing Pavilion/York in the three-position match were seniors Cooper Harkins and Tyler Brian, and juniors Myra Beardsley, Emily Harwood, and Jayden Harkins. Also, were Alexanders Morgan Kidder and Perry's Levi Church.
The standing match team included senior Cooper Harkins, juniors Emily Harwood, Myra Beardsley, Jayden Harkins, and sophomore Jesse Brian.Also were Alexanders Morgan Kidder and Brooke Berry.
The Pavilion/York team delivered an outstanding performance at the state level. Both Tyler Brian and Emily Harwood achieved their first-ever perfect targets in the prone position. Pavilion/York went on to win the state title in the three-position event, while Myra Beardsley received top individual honors as the highest shooter in the kneeling position and as the overall champion in both the standing and three-position matches.
Program Development and Growth The Pavilion/York program’s success represents years of dedicated effort. The initiative to rebuild local air rifle teams was led by Tom Green of Alexander and Nathan Paddock and Dillon Hirsh of Perry, who worked to revive the sport following the COVID-19 pandemic. Pavilion joined four years ago, initially competing with borrowed rifles and homemade equipment.
After obtaining an NRA grant, the team began purchasing proper gear and later joined forces with York, adding key shooters Beardsley and Harwood three years ago. Continued support from Whitetails Unlimited allowed the team to expand its equipment and enhance training resources. With the addition of Elba this season, the program gained formal recognition under Section V.
A Season of Milestones Prior to this season, the Pavilion/York squad had never recorded a match victory. This year, however, marked a dramatic turnaround. With the acquisition of new shooting jackets, the team went undefeated in league competition and earned a win against a Section VI opponent. Additional uniform improvements came ahead of sectionals, as the team purchased shooting pants before capturing both sectional titles.
Heading into the state invitational, the team hoped for a strong showing, though expectations were tempered by the fact that Section VI teams had won seven of the previous eight state championships. Pavilion/York exceeded all expectations with a team score of 1,143 — its highest in program history — securing the state title and completing a true Cinderella season.
Coach’s Reflection “I have the privilege of working with a truly gifted group of athletes who embody the spirit of teamwork,” said head coach Jenny Harkins. “They practice diligently, support one another, and genuinely enjoy what they do. Their achievement this season is the result of years of shared effort and growth. While we will miss our two seniors next year, I am excited to see how our younger members rise to the occasion.”
Coach Harkins extended her gratitude to the community and program supporters. “Our success would not have been possible without the collaboration and assistance of Section V coaches Nate Paddock, Dillon Hirsh, and Tom Green, along with Jeff Beardsley, who has provided invaluable guidance,” she said. “We are deeply appreciative of the ongoing support from our schools and communities, and we hope this victory makes them proud.”
Photos and story submitted by Head Coach Jenny Harkins
The Town of Pavilion Republican Committee is seeking individuals interested in serving their community as a candidate for town justice.
All interested parties should email a letter of interest to Committee Chair Erica Welch at republicancommittee.top@gmail.com no later than Monday, March 9. Please include a good phone number. Interviews will be conducted March 10.
Tenth-seeded Pavilion erased a nine-point halftime deficit and outscored seventh-seeded Wheatland-Chili 30-10 over the final two quarters Wednesday night to advance with a 46-39 Class C2 sectional victory.
Emma Tillotson powered the comeback with 21 points, 12 rebounds and four steals, hitting three 3-pointers. Mollie McMaster added 10 points with two 3-pointers, and Charlotte Rudgers contributed six points and five rebounds.
Whitney Thrush led Wheatland-Chili with 15 points, and Vanessa Guerrero added 11.
Pavilion, now 6-15, travels to Oakfield-Alabama to play the #2 seed on Saturday at 2 p.m.
