Tuesday News Brief

GENESEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT

Deputies had their hands full this week with several unusual arrests across Genesee County.
On November 17th, Darius Townsend was taken into custody after allegedly fleeing from deputies on an unrelated matter. Investigators say he tried to ditch evidence while running, and was ultimately found with a large quantity of cocaine along with packaging materials. Townsend is facing a long list of felony drug charges, including three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, plus tampering with evidence and obstructing governmental administration. He was held at the Genesee County Jail pending arraignment.
Two separate incidents involved 56-year-old LeeAnne Krull of Batavia. On November 16th, she was charged with criminal trespass after allegedly entering a Park Road business she had already been banned from. Then the next day, Krull was arrested again—this time at the Genesee County Jail—after deputies say she brought marijuana into the facility. She was issued appearance tickets in both cases.
And on November 8th, Warren Cotton, 48, of Le Roy, was arrested after deputies say he was found with methamphetamine and drug-packaging materials. Cotton was processed at the jail and later appeared in Batavia City Court.

Batavia Seeks Public Input on Accessibility Barriers

The Genesee Region Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities is asking Batavia residents to take part in a new survey on accessibility, traffic flow, and problem intersections across the city.
Supported by Independent Living of the Genesee Region, the committee advises local leaders on the needs of people with disabilities and says community input is vital for identifying barriers and improving safe, accessible travel.
Residents can take the survey at forms.office.com/r/Bri9GQbZSSZ.

Notre Dame High School Inducts 2025 Hall of Fame Class

Notre Dame High School honored its 2025 Hall of Fame class during Sports Night on November 8th, recognizing five standout former athletes, longtime contributor Jerome Pawlak, and the famed 2001 Boys Basketball team that won the NYSPHSAA State Championship with a 26–2 record and 20 straight wins.
This year’s inductees include multi-sport standouts David Sutherland, Kristen Balbick Degnan, Michael Pratt, Laurie Call Rice, and Melanie Taylor, all celebrated for championship seasons, All-State honors, and record-setting careers.
The school also presented the Notre Dame Service Award to John Dwyer and named Jim Sutherland the Bill Sutherland Humanitarian of the Year.

Oakfield-Alabama Family Challenges School Over Denied Vaccine Exemption

Joanne Beck with the Batavian reports, a dispute between the Chamberlain family and the Oakfield-Alabama School District has escalated after 14-year-old Gunnar Chamberlain was removed from school despite a doctor-issued medical vaccine exemption.
Gunnar, previously home-schooled, enrolled this fall and quickly became active in student council, volunteering, and basketball. His mother, Jacqualine, says testing over the summer confirmed that he cannot safely receive vaccines, and a New York State–licensed physician submitted the required exemption form.
The district later reversed course, citing sworn testimony from a school nurse questioning the exemption and referencing immunization records from Gunnar’s siblings — a move the family argues was improper and a breach of privacy.
At a packed school board meeting on November 18th, Chamberlain pressed for answers while supporters filled the room. Interim Superintendent Robert Banzer said the matter is now a legal issue and offered no comment.
Attorney Chad Davenport, who represents the family, says state law leaves no discretion for districts to “second-guess” a treating physician, and he expects Gunnar will ultimately return. If the state denies the Chamberlains’ appeal, the family plans to file in federal court.

Byron-Bergen FFA Team Competes at National Convention

Members of the Byron-Bergen FFA traveled to Indianapolis for the 98th National FFA Convention, where the school’s state-champion Poultry Evaluation team competed at the national level and earned a bronze award.
The trip doubled as an agriculture road tour, with students visiting working farms, university ag centers, and educational facilities across five states.
At the convention, longtime FFA advisor Jeffrey Parnapy received the prestigious Honorary American FFA Degree for his service and dedication to agriculture education.
Students also explored the FFA Career Expo and additional stops including Nashville, Charlotte Speedway, and a rodeo at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.