Local News

Push for more surveillance of Batavia streets.
Batavia Police are asking the city to fast track the purchase of four additional video surveillance cameras like the one that captured footage of a fatal stabbing and shooting on the city’s south side.
The Department is requesting approval of $20,000 dollars to purchase the cameras.
Council is expected to address the request on Monday night.
City Police have also renewed request to obtain a military surplus Mine Resistant vehicle for use by the Emergency Response Team.
The armored truck is provided by the military at no cost to local law enforcement except for transportation and up-fitting the vehicle.
The estimated cost is between $11,000 and $17,000, half of which the sheriff’s office says it will pay for.

Henrietta man arrested for allegedly producing a massive amount of child porn.
44 year old Mark Buechler was arrested and charged with production and possession of child pornography involving minors less than 12 years old.
Investigation began in May of this year after an 11 year old boy disclosed the alleged sexual abuse to his school counselor.
Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputies seized multiple digital and electronic storage devices in a raid of Buechler’s Stone Road residence in Henrietta and several days later another 18 year old boy came forward claiming he was a past victim of Buechler.
Investigators found 8,700 images and two videos of child sex abuse some containing the defendant.
Buechler was detained and could face up to 30 years in prison on the charges.

An Alexander resident busted for drugged driving in Bethany.
Following complaint of a man lying in the roadway on Transit Road in Bethany Deputies arrested 33 year old Joshua Sumeriski of Buffalo Street Alexander.
He was charged with DWAI by Drugs, Disorderly Conduct along with several vehicle infractions.
Sumeriski was released with an appearance ticket for August 21st in Bethany Town Court.

Perry Police report one of their easiest drug arrests.
36 year old Jessica Eagan of South Main Street Perry apparently walked into the police station earlier this week and admitted to selling prescription drugs to another man.
Eagan is already on probation for attempted second degree rape for having a sexual relationship with an underage boy in 2015.
According to police she may have thought that the man she was selling to would be punished instead of her.
She was remanded to the Wyoming County Jail for the drug dealing charge and may face other charges for violation her probation.

Batavia Police want to fast track the purchase of additional video surveillance cameras like the one that proved its worth on the south side.
The city currently has only one such camera. It was deployed recently on Central Avenue and captured footage of a fatal stabbing and shooting.
The PD is asking City Council to approve $20,000 dollars toward the purchase of four more cameras.
Council is expected to take up the measure on Monday night.
The police department has also renewed its request to obtain a military surplus Mine Resistant vehicle for use by the Emergency Response Team.
The armored truck is provided by the military at no cost to local law enforcement except for transportation and up-fitting the vehicle.
That cost is estimated at between $11,000 and $17,000.
The sheriff’s office says it will pick up half of that cost.

It’s the first day for the Farmers Market in downtown Batavia.
New to the Marketplace for this season is Pickle Annie’s who specializes in homemade apple cider vinegars and pickles.
Also new is Bad-Ash-Bar-B-Que a BBQ food truck from Middleport.
Market Manager Mike Bakos says the market has some specials

More Farmer’s Market Photos HERE

Beginning in July the Market also gives away a free bag of groceries every week with products donated by the vendors.

Marc Molinaro says it’s time for term limits in New York State. The Republican candidate for governor says he’ll only serve two terms if elected in November. The Dutchess County Executive would limit other state lawmakers to 12 years. Molinaro says longtime legislators often put their own needs ahead of voters.

Some Bills fans will pay more to park near New Era Field this season.
The team is raising the cost of spots in the bus lot from $60 to $100. The Bills say the change is due to dangerous incidents there the last few seasons.
Drivers will be responsible for the actions of everyone on their bus.

It’s the first day for the Farmers Market in downtown Batavia with returning vendors alongside several newcomers already attracting customers for a taste of local fare.

New to the Marketplace for this season is Pickle Annie’s who specializes in delicious homemade apple cider vinegars and pickles along with Bad-Ash Bar-B-Que a BBQ food truck from Middleport.

Market Manager Mike Bakos has some special tips for market shoppers…

Beginning in July the Market also gives away a free bag of groceries every week with products donated by the vendors.

Bakos also commented on the DRI project proposal to build an outdoor enclosure to serve as a public marketplace.

He said rain and wind are a big detractor for customers that an outdoor enclosure would address…

SRO’s expected to be added to three more Genesee County schools.
At the request of Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron three more School Resource Officers will likely be added this fall to three Genesee County School Districts.
Three experienced deputies have been elected to become SROs in Alexander, Pavilion and Pembroke.
Sheriff William Sheron…

According to Sheron the school districts will be under contract to pay for the resource officers with a 12 month contract for Pavilion and 10 month agreements in Alexander and Pembroke.
The county legislature is expected to give final approval of the contracts at their meeting next Wednesday.

A Pittsford man sentenced for being busted with child porn twice.
30 year old Jeffrey Bernecky of Pittsford was convicted of possessing and distributing child porn in 2012.
He served a 5 year prison sentence and was released in 2016 on 15 years’ post release supervision.
Bernecky
During a routine inspection late last year probation officers discovered Bernecky had an unauthorized smartphone.
After seizing and searching the phone investigators uncovered over 200 images and 25 videos containing sexual abuse of children.
Bernecky was convicted of possession of child pornography and was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison with 10 years of probation.

Accident opens up a new Drive-thru at a Brockport Burger King.
According to Monroe County Deputies yesterday’s crash outside a Burger King in Brockport appears to be an accident.
A man in his 60’s, may have accidentally hit the gas pedal instead of the brake, seriously damaging the building.
He wasn’t hurt and isn’t facing any charges.

Drunk driving at Darien Lake leads to arrest for a Wayne County couple.
State Police say they arrested the pair in a Darien Lake parking lot after someone complained about them driving on a pedestrian walkway.
The driver, 24 year old Michael Mathews of Ontario, New York, was charged with DWI and resisting arrest.
His passenger, 24 year old Hannah Schreiber of Palmyra was charged with obstruction and disorderly conduct.
Mathews was remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of bail while Schreiber was released with an appearance ticket Darien Town Court.

Some Bills fans will pay more to park near New Era Field this season.
The team is raising the cost of spots in the bus lot from 60 to 100 dollars.
The Bills say the change is due to dangerous incidents there the last few seasons.
Drivers will be responsible for the actions of everyone on their bus.

Sheriff William Sheron

Three more Genesee County School Districts will likely have School Resource Officers this fall.
Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron has selected three deputies to become SROs in Alexander, Pavilion and Pembroke.

The school districts will pay for the SRO’s under a contract with the sheriff’s office.
The county legislature is expected to give final approval to the contracts next week.

A Wayne County couple arrested for allegedly driving on a sidewalk at Darien Lake.
The driver, 24 year old Michael Mathews of Ontario, New York, was charged with DWI and resisting arrest.
His passenger, 24 year old Hannah Schreiber (schri-ber) of Palmyra was charged with obstruction and disorderly conduct.
Troopers say the collared the pair in a Darien Lake parking lot after someone complained about them driving on a pedestrian walkway.

A New York Assemblyman wants the state to put money toward developing a vaccine for Lyme Disease. Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, who represents parts of Upstate New York, says New Yorkers must remain vigilant about Lyme disease. He says funds are needed to research a possible vaccine, which he calls an epidemic primarily affecting the northeast. Santabarbara has introduced a bill that would set aside state funds for this. He also encourages New Yorkers to learn about the disease and learn how to avoid ticks.

Michael Mathews

Hannah Schreiber

State Police arrested two people on Sunday following a complaint of a car driving on a pedestrian walkway at Darien Lake.

Michael V. Mathews, 24 of Ontario, NY was arrested for driving while intoxicated, obstruction of governmental administration 2nd degree, resisting arrest, and numerous traffic tickets. Troopers also arrested passenger Hannah Schreiber, 24 of Palmyra NY for obstruction of governmental administration 2nd degree, and disorderly conduct.

Troopers located and stopped Mathews in the Darien Lake parking lot on State Route 77 in the town of Darien. While speaking to Mathews Troopers detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage. Troopers said Mathews and Schreiber became uncooperative, did not comply with verbal commands and physically resisted them. Both were arrested and taken to SP Batavia for processing.

Mathews refused a chemical test and was arraigned in the town of Darien Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail on $500 cash $1,000 bond. He is to return to the town of Darien Court in June 2018. Schreiber was processed and issued an appearance ticket to the town of Darien Court for June 2018.

Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam)

A New York Assemblyman wants the state to put money toward developing a vaccine for Lyme Disease. Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, who represents parts of Upstate New York, says New Yorkers must remain vigilant about Lyme disease. He says funds are needed to research a possible vaccine, which he calls an epidemic primarily affecting the northeast. Santabarbara has introduced a bill that would set aside state funds for this. He also encourages New Yorkers to learn about the disease and learn how to avoid ticks.

Three more Genesee County School Districts will likely have School Resource Officers this fall.
Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron has selected three deputies to become SROs in Alexander, Pavilion and Pembroke.

The school districts will pay for the SRO’s under a contract with the sheriff’s office.
The county legislature is expected to give final approval to the contracts next week.

News Release

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced that funding for a state-of-the-art fitness facility at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station (ARS) is included in an appropriations bill expected to pass the House this week. Original proposals for this facility were included in the Fiscal Year 2021 budget, although Collins worked with the Air Force and House Appropriations Committee to have the funding expedited to this year.

“The men and women who bravely serve in the 914th Airlift Wing and the Air National Guard 107th Airlift Wing currently do not have a fitness facility that meets their needs,” said Collins. “After learning of this problem, I have done everything in my power to speed along funding for a new facility to make sure that our servicemen and women are prepared to do the job they so courageously have volunteered to do.”

Collins noted that the current fitness facility does not include an indoor track, leaving service members without a place to run during the winter months. This has forced service members to delay parts of their physical fitness assessments for up to six months, threatening their ability to serve when called upon.

Additionally, the facility has become physically dangerous because there is not enough space to follow effective safety protocols. Space constraints have also led to road closures around the base during the summer months when roads are being used for service members to complete their physical fitness tests.

Collins added: “Our nation’s military faced years of neglect under President Obama, and we unfortunately saw these shortfalls in Western New York at the Niagara Falls ARS. Now that President Trump is in office, we are finally making critical investments to increase readiness and modernize operations. I would like to thank the Trump Administration and the House Appropriations Committee for prioritizing this project and for their commitment to the men and women who serve in Niagara Falls.”

The House is expected to vote Friday on H.R. 5895 – Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 [Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019]. To read a copy of H.R. 5895, click here.

Press Release:

VA Western New York Healthcare System and Batavia Veterans Alumni Association will honor veterans who have passed away at the Memorial Walkway Ceremony, Friday, June 8, 2018, at the Batavia site of VA Western New York Healthcare System, 222 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, New York.

The ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the walkway behind Building 5 of the Jack Wisby Jr. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Building. Two veteran graduates of the PTSD Program will have their names added to the walkway this year joining 53 other veterans who have been honored since it was unveiled in 2006. “The camaraderie amongst veterans is strong,” said Caryn Dilandro, Ph.D., PTSD Program Manager. “That bond carries years after veterans have graduated from PTSD treatment. This walkway and ceremony is one of the many ways our VA community honors, and advocates for, the hard work it takes in recovery from PTSD.”

The Jack H. Wisby Jr. Memorial Walkway was made possible by donations. Following the Walkway ceremony, the annual picnic will take place. All are welcome.

Thruway stop with a stolen handgun lands man in prison.
Alberto Santos a former resident of Puerto Rico, Kentucky, and Indiana, appeared for sentencing in Genesee County Court after he was found with a stolen loaded handgun during a traffic stop on the Thruway in Genesee County.
State Police made the arrest in February after clocking Santos at 91 miles per hour.
The officer found a stolen Sig Sauer handgun that was loaded in the vehicle and it was later revealed that Santos had a pending serious felony charge out of Indiana.
In May Santos pled guilty to charges of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property.
Santos’s attorney suggested a probationary sentence however Judge Charges Zambito was hesitant to grant the request, noting that on every prior criminal case for Santos in Kentucky and Indiana, a warrant had to be issued for failing to appear.
Zambito sentenced him to two years in state prison to be followed by three years’ probation.
For more on the story check the article by our news partner The Batavian.

Accident at a vehicle auction leaves four injured.
Troopers out of Batavia were called to the ADESA Auto Auction in Newstead just before noon on Tuesday for a reported accident.
According to authorities 75 year old Robert Henning of Akron was pulling a handicapped accessible van into the demonstration area when his leg bumped the modified accelerator under the steering wheel accidentally.
The Ford Econoline van accelerated into four customers that were inspecting another vehicle.
They sustained a range of injuries including broken bones and lacerations and three were taken to ECMC.
The injured customers were listed in stable condition and no charges have been filed as of yet.

Report of a domestic incident involving a gun leads to capture and serious felony charges against an Attica man.
According to Attica Police, 55 year old Robert Balon Jr. of Cascade Road attempted to abduct his estranged wife, before she managed to escape and barricade herself in her son’s bedroom.
She managed to call for help as Balon fled the scene reportedly armed with a handgun.
After a three hour search Balon was located and the handgun was found to be a CO2 pellet pistol.
Balon is being held on $100,000 bail on a litany of charges.

Eight Rochester Diocese priests are being accused of sexually abusing children.
Yesterday, an attorney for the victims said the abuse happened over a period of nearly 30 years.
He also claims the priests, many of whom are dead, were moved between parishes to hide the crimes.
The diocese said in a statement some of the allegations are unfounded and no other reports of abuse have been made.
There are no records of any of the priests being charged with a crime.

Those “I Love New York Signs” often spotted on highways to promote tourism will be staying up longer than planned.
The governor’s office wanted them taken down and replaced before summer, but there’s debate over their look.
The signs need to go since they don’t follow state or federal rules.
New York has until late September to fix the problem or it can’t recoup a 14-million dollar fine.

An Attica man behind bars this afternoon following a domestic incident involving a gun.
Police say 55 year old Robert Balon Jr. of Cascade Road tried to abduct his estranged wife early yesterday morning.
Balon fled the scene, without the woman, but was reported to be armed with a handgun.
Lawmen caught up with Balon three hours later. The handgun turned out to be a CO2 pellet pistol.
Balon is jailed in lieu of $100,000 bail.

Four people were injured at the ADESA Auto Auction in Newstead.
State Police say 75 year old Robert Henning of Akron was pulling a handicapped accessible van into the demonstration area when he accidentally engaged the modified accelerator under the steering wheel.
Four people inspecting the van were injured, three were taken to ECMC.
All are expected to OK.

A Liberty Street man is facing multiple charges or violating a stay-away order of protection.
Police say 52 year old Raymond Radley is facing nine felony counts of Criminal Contempt.
Authorities say the suspected violations of the court order occurred between February and May of this year.
Radley has been jailed without bail.

Triple Crown contender Justify is arriving at Belmont Park this afternoon ahead of this weekend’s Belmont Stakes. The horse left his Churchhill Downs barn earlier today for a flight to Long Island’s MacArthur Airport. Justify is the 4-to-5 morning-line favorite for Saturday’s 150th running and could become the 13th Triple Crown winner in history. American Pharoah ended a 37-year Triple Crown drought by taking all three legs in 2015.

“Customer Service is the driving force in all of our businesses that can mean the difference between winning a sale and losing one”, said Tom Turnbull, president of the Chamber. “Customers today are pickier than ever and have more reach via social media, so it is imperative we keep them happy. Attend this workshop to learn more about how to win more and repeat sales.”

Among the subjects to be covered include tips to better serve your customer, how to win new customers with customer service, how to increase loyalty and repeat purchases and he importance of online customer service. Greg Lindberg of the Small Business Administration will conduct the workshop.

This is the one of a series of business workshops held in conjunction with the United States Small Business Administration and the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce. The workshops are open to all Chamber and non-Chamber businesses and their employees and will offer expert advice from experienced professionals designed to help small businesses succeed and grow.

52 year old Raymond Radley of Liberty Street in Batavia was arrested by LeRoy Police yesterday and charged with nine felony counts of Criminal Contempt in the First Degree.

Radley is accused of violating a Full Stay Away Order of Protection by contacting the protected party on numerous occasions between February and May of this year.

Radley was arraigned in LeRoy Town Court and committed to the Genesee County Jail without bail.

Attempted abduction in Attica leads to hours’ long manhunt ending in arrest.
Attica Police were called to a West Main Street address for report of a violent domestic incident involving a firearm.
The call came from a female victim around quarter to 4 yesterday morning after she had apparently broken free from an alleged abduction attempt and barricaded herself into her adult son’s bedroom.
When officers arrived they were informed that 55 year old Robert Balon Jr. of Cascade Road in Attica had attempted to abduct his estranged wife and had fled the scene armed with a handgun.
Additional officers from the Wyoming and Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and State Police were called in to begin a manhunt.
Balon was located several hours later near Route 98 and Lindsay road in Attica and a shortly after the weapon was recovered which was then identified as a CO2 pellet pistol.
Balon was charged with multiple felonies including counts of Burglary, Criminal Use of a Firearm and Stalking with additional charges pending.
He was jailed in lieu of $100,000 in the Wyoming County Jail.
The investigation remains on-going.

Gypsy burglaries reported in Batavia and Pembroke.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is reporting suspicious activity which they have referenced as Gypsy burglaries as the stereotypical band of thieves have been known to move from town to town.
Investigators were informed of two distraction type burglaries in Batavia and Pembroke this past weekend.
The thieves seem to target the residences of an elderly person with someone who comes to their door with a story intended to distract the resident and get them out of their home.
At this point another thief then enters the house.
If you think you have been targeted by someone trying to rip you off, or if you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood, the sheriff’s office encourages you to call at 585-343-5000.

Governor Andrew Cuomo is calling for a “red flag” bill to be passed, in order to keep the mentally ill from accessing guns.
He says the measure would give family members, friends and educators a chance to identify a perceived threat.

The governor said that in his opinion the state has benefited from the “NY SAFE Act”, which added regulations for those looking to obtain a firearm.

Rochester woman allegedly found with drugs after attempting to steal a vacuum cleaner.
35 year old Kelly Widzinski was caught allegedly attempting to take a vacuum from the Target in Batavia.
A subsequent search found that she was in possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
She was arrested on charges Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and drug possession and was remanded to Jail in lieu of $2,000 bail.

LeRoy resident jailed for threatening phone calls.
27 year old Ricky Porter Jr of Gilbert Street was arrested for allegedly making threatening statements to another individual in Batavia.
He was charged with Aggravated Harassment and was jailed with bail set at $2,500.

Residents of North Spruce Street and Evergreen Drive will be without water for a while today.
City crews will be working on a water main beginning around 8 this morning.
No estimate on how long the water will be shut off.

The sheriff’s office is reporting gypsy burglary activity.
Deputies label the thieves “gypsies” because they have been known to move from town to town.
Two distraction type burglaries were reported over the weekend in the Town of Batavia and Pembroke.
In both cases, a home – often occupied by an elderly person – is targeted by someone who comes to their door with a story intended to distract the resident and get them out of their home. At this point another thief then enters the house.
If you think you have been targeted by someone trying to rip you off, or if you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood, call the sheriff’s office and report it.

The Mount Morris man accused of killing a Rochester toddler in a hit and run crash is pleading not guilty.
48-year-old Frank Cassata is accused of trying to hit a man on Lyell Avenue but missed but struck and killed a three year old boy.
Cassata pleaded not guilty to murder and was sent to jail without bail.

Residents of North Spruce Street and Evergreen Drive will be without water for a while today.
City crews will be working on a water main betginning around 8 this morning.
No estimate on how long the water will be shut off.

The Genesee County Economic Development Center will consider tax breaks for two proposed projects.
J. Rental is seeking tax exemptions to build a new 60-thousand square foot facility in the Apple Trees Acres business park in Bergen.
Lancor Development Corp. is looking to build a 12,000 sq. ft. facility in the new LeRoy Food and Technology Park.
The combined projects are expected to create 20 new jobs.
The tax incentives sought by the two companies total just over$100,000..
The GCEDC Board is scheduled to take up the incentives at their meeting Thursday afternoon.

News Release

The Genesee County Sheriffs Office has been investigating several “distraction” residential burglaries that occurred within minutes of each other about 3:15PM on the afternoon of June 2, 2018 in the Towns Pembroke and Batavia.

The first report involved a residence on the Batavia-Elba Townline Road, Town of Batavia, where an elderly resident was approached by a man operating a white colored, possibly a KIA, SUV who said he was checking the phone lines and asked to see where the lines were buried in the backyard. Walking out back with the man, another person entered the home and removed cash and jewelry. The crime was interrupted by a relative and the suspects entered the SUV in the driveway and left in a westerly direction. The KIA did not have a front license plate and the rear hatch was open so a rear plate was not visible. The only descriptions provided were two Hispanic males aged 30 to 40 years old, one of whom was wearing a baseball cap, and a black male, aged 30-40 years old.

The second report was made involved a residence on the Indian Falls Road, T/Pembroke where a light brown-skinned male in his late 20s to early 30s knocked on the front door and asked to be shown some trees in the back yard that needed to be cut down. Although suspicious of the man’s story, the resident walked out back while a second person, described similarly to the first male, knocked on the front door which was answered by another resident. During the conversation, the resident saw a third person, described as a light-skinned brown male, similarly aged, exit a side door of the residence. All three then got into a white-colored SUV having no front license plate, leave in a westerly direction. A check of the residence revealed that nothing appeared to have been taken.

In both instances, the man in the back yard had either a telephone or two way radio which is typical of this type of crime, usually referred to as Gypsy activity, where elderly residents are usually targeted. The Sheriffs Office is working with a national organization comprised of law enforcement members that monitor and track this type activity.

It is likely that other residents were similarly approached on June 2nd (Saturday) and may have additional identification information that could assist the Sheriffs Office (585 343-5000).

News Release

Robert Balon Jr

At or about 03:46 am the Attica Police Department was dispatched to a violent domestic involving a firearm at 105 West Main Street, Attica, NY.  Upon arrival Officer Prusak was advised that Robert E. Balon Jr. had attempted to abduct his estranged wife from the residence and was in possession of a handgun, Balon fled the scene on foot into a wooded area behind the residence.  Officer Prusak secured the scene and requested additional assistance.  Additional units from the Wyoming County Sheriff Office, Genesee County Sheriff Office, New York State Police (Batavia and Warsaw Barracks) responded to the scene with additional assistance from NYSP K-9 Officer J. Hoy and K-9 Risson.  A perimeter was set up and a man hunt began.  The victim and her family were removed from the residence to a secure location for safekeeping until the defendant could be located.

At approximately 06:19 am Sheriff Greg Rudolph of the Wyoming County Sheriff Office located the defendant on Route 98 near Lindsey Road in the Town of Attica.  The defendant was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Attica Police Department. At which time he was turned over to the custody of the Attica Police Department for booking on the above charges.  The weapon was not immediately located however with the assistance of NYSP K-9 Officer J. Hoy and K-9 Risson the weapon was located and taken into evidence. At that time the weapon was discovered to be a CO2 pellet pistol. The Wyoming County District Attorneys Office, Domestic Violence Coordinator along with Wyoming County Department of Social Services assisted with the victim.

Robert E. Balon Jr. was then arraigned in Attica Village Justice Court in front of Justice J. Perry.  Balon was then committed to Wyoming County Jail on $100,000.00 cash bail, $250,000.00 bond.

Balon was arrested on May 21, 2018 for Domestic Violence and charged with Harassment 2^nd and Coercion 2^nd .  At which time he was arraigned in Attica Village Court and a complete stay away order of protection was issued by Justice Perry.   On May 25, 2018 at about 10:33 am Balon violated the Order of Protection by going to the residence at 105 West Main Street, the residence of the victim.  He was again arrested and arraigned in Attica Village Court on a single charge of Criminal Contempt 2^nd .  Justice Perry set bail at $2500.00 cash, $5000.00 bond.  Balon was committed to Wyoming County Jail where he posted cash bail and was released.

Additional charges are pending as the investigation is continuing.

News Release

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) will consider accepting applications for incentives for two project at the agency’s June 7th board meeting. The combined projects would create 20 new jobs and approximately $7.6 million in capital investment.

J. Rental is seeking sales, mortgage and property tax exemptions to build a new 60,000 sq. ft. facility on 19.5 acres in the Apple Trees Acres business park in Bergen. The $6.3 million project would create 15 new jobs.

Lancor Development Corp. will invest $1.3 million to build a 12,000 sq. ft. facility in the new LeRoy Food and Technology Park. The project would create 5 new jobs and retain 7 jobs. Lancor is seeking sales and property tax exemptions.

Since both projects are requesting incentives totaling more than $100,000, the GCEDC will be scheduling public hearings if the board accepts the applications.

The GCEDC Board meeting June 7th is at 4 p.m. in the Innovation Zone at 99 MedTech Drive in Batavia. The meeting is open to the public.

News Release:

As part of the $2 billion Smart School Bond Act that was approved by voters in 2014, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that both Pembroke and Oakfield-Alabama Central School Districts will be receiving funding to make technology and security upgrades in their schools.

“Technology is ever-changing and that means the way our students learn must be ever-changing and adaptable as well. The whole idea behind the Smart Schools Investments was to provide a higher quality of education for our students and bring every classroom up to par with the digital age of tablets, lap top computers, whiteboards and high-speed wireless internet access,” Hawley said.

In addition to technology and internet capabilities, a portion of the funding will be allotted to high-tech security upgrades. Hawley wrote Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie earlier this year asking for $50,000 per school statewide to hire armed resource officers. Furthermore, he recently introduced legislation that would make it easier for school districts to hire armed security personnel.

“The safety and security of our students is preeminent and I am glad some of this funding will go toward technological security upgrades,” Hawley continued. “Our students, teachers and faculty deserve to feel safe and protected from the moment they step inside a school and that starts with taking a proactive approach.”

Press Release:

The Batavia Concert Band will be returning for their 93rd season of public concerts in Batavia’s Centennial Park (rain venue is the Stuart Steiner Theater at Genesee Community College). Concerts will be held at 7:00pm on June 27, July 11, July 18, July 25, August 1, and August 8, as well as the ever-popular July 4th Picnic in the Park sponsored by GO ART!. The July 25th concert will feature percussionist Christopher Taylor, Alexander Central School District Music Teacher, as part of the Pam Frisby Memorial Concert Series.

The band will also perform a special tribute concert on August 1st in memory of Neil Hartwick, made fully possible with memorial donations. Neil was a long-time and beloved music teacher at Batavia and Brockport whose former students have and continue to play in the Batavia Concert Band. In addition, Neil was a good friend of the Batavia Concert Band, and his former students have been invited to join the band for this tribute concert.

The Batavia Concert Band’s repertoire has something for everyone; marches, big-band and swing numbers, popular songs from musicals and movies, rock favorites, classical adaptations, and everything in-between.

The Band consists of 45-55 brass, woodwind and percussion players ranging from talented high school students to 60-year veterans. Many have professional experience, others are advanced amateur musicians, but one thing is for sure– all love to play!

Returning for his 6th season as conductor is Mr. John Bailey, Instrumental Music teacher at Lyndonville Central School. The July 4th Picnic in the Park concert will be conducted by Mr. Joshua Pacino.

Founded in the early 1920s, the Batavia Concert Band has brought musical pleasure to the region every year except WWII. Concerts are currently supported and funded in part by GO ART!, local businesses, program advertisers, and individual patrons. The City of Batavia graciously supplies chairs for musicians, while Genesee Community College generously donates rehearsal space and a rain venue. The Band also sponsors 50-50 raffles at every concert, bake sales, and other fundraisers. Individuals or businesses interested in supporting the Band should contact a Board member at any concert.

The Batavia Concert Band is also excited to announce WBTA 1490 as the Official Media Sponsor for our 2018 summer concert series! Be on the lookout for appearance by band members on WBTA’s “Main & Center” program, where we will go into some depth about the band’s make-up and its history. Also be listening for weekly radio ads promoting the musical selections for the upcoming concerts, and announcing our weekly sponsors.

Downbeat for regular season concerts is 7:00pm, Wednesday evenings, in Centennial Park, Batavia. (* In the event of rain, concerts will move to Genesee Community College’s Stuart Steiner Theatre. Notices will be posted at the NW corner of Centennial Park, announced on WBTA radio AM1490, posted on http://TheBatavian.com, the Batavia Daily News website, http://www.thedailynewsonline.com), on the Batavia Concert Band’s website http://bataviaconcertband.net, and the Band’s Facebook page.

All concerts are fully funded by local businesses and sponsors and are open to music lovers of all ages. Light refreshments are available. Bring your family and friends, lawn chairs or a blanket, and enjoy. We’ll meet you in the park!

This project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!.

For more information on the Band, how to sponsor, etc. see http://bataviaconcertband.net. We’re also on Facebook!

Summer 2018 Concert Season

* Rain venue: Genesee Community College, Stuart Steiner Theatre

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is holding his next round of office hours for Genesee and Monroe county residents starting this Wednesday. The office hours will be attended by Hawley’s staff. The 139th Assembly District, represented by Hawley, includes all of Genesee County and portions of western Monroe County.

“These office hours offer local residents an opportunity to share their thoughts, concerns and ideas regarding the issues facing state government,” said Hawley. “I strongly encourage those who are able to attend to come and make their voices heard.”

To schedule an individual appointment with Hawley, please contact his office at hawleys@nyassembly.gov or by calling 585-356-0686 for the Monroe County office hours, or 585-813-1608 for the

Genesee County office hours.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley
June Office Hours:

Monroe County:

Ellwanger Room
Seymour Library
161 East Avenue, Brockport
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Ellwanger Room
Seymour Library
161 East Avenue, Brockport
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Genesee County:

Genesee Community College
Conable Technology Building, Room T124
Assemblyman R. Stephen Hawley Drive (1 College Road), Batavia
Friday, June 15, 2018
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Genesee Community College
Conable Technology Building, Room T124
Assemblyman R. Stephen Hawley Drive (1 College Road), Batavia
Friday, June 29, 2018
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Trio of suspects arraigned for violence on Central Ave.
Three suspects connected to last month’s fatal violence on Central Avenue have been arraigned in Genesee County Court.
Yesterday accused murderer, 30 year old Nathaniel Wilson was committed back to jail without bail on a 2nd degree murder charge for allegedly fatally stabbing 41 year old Jerry Toote.
17 year old Samuel Blackshear who is accused of shooting Wilson in the leg is being held in lieu of $100,000.
Blackshear could face up to 15 years in prison on the attempted assault charge and is also dealing with drug related charges from a previous case.
Blackshear’s private attorney, which was hired by his sister, says the teenager shot Wilson in self-defense.
48 year old Jennifer Urvizu-Hanlon who allegedly provided her revolver to the teen is being held on $50,000 bail.
All three pled not guilty to the charges.

Last weekend’s Darien Lake concert nets lawmen 20 arrests.
The collars game during the Kendrick Larmar concert on Sunday night.
14 of the arrests were for trying to re-enter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Stalking on East Main Street lands man in lock up.
36 year old Nicholas Garbarini of Batavia was apprehended by Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputies following a lengthy investigation into a series of alleged incidents at the Genesee County Mental Health facility.
Garbarini was charged with 4th degree Stalking and was ordered to be held in lieu of bail in the Genesee County Jail.
The judges also put a Stay Away Order of Protection in place for the victim.

Holley Artist defends float after some interpret it as racist.
An artist’s float in the Holley June Fest parade has caught the attention of some citizens for all the wrong reasons, saying it depicted an African-American doll that was handcuffed and hanging from a tree.
While the Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty has said the float does not represent the village, the artist responsible Peter Gewerz says it was all a misinterpretation of his art.
Gewerz calls his creations “tree huggers” and explained that he has been designing similar installations on his property for about 7 or 8 years.
Gewerz said he apologized if he offended anyone and that he is not, and has never been a racist.
Mayor Sorochty says they will have a tighter review process for future parade floats.

Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame Quarterback Jim Kelly is going to get an award for his battles with cancer.
He’s fought cancer three times in the last five years and is recovering from his latest surgeries for oral cancer.
Yesterday Kelly announced that he was going to receive the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the ESPYS in July.

A Hutchins Street man is being held in the county jail accused of brandishing a knife at a police officer.
32 year old Adam Arsenault is charged with resisting arrest and menacing.
BPD went to Arsenault’s place to serve a warrant.
While there, Arsenault resisted and brandished a knife.
Following the incident, Arsenault was taken to Strong Hospital “for evaluation,” according to Batavia Police.
Police declined to comment on why Arsenault needed medical attention.
Upon his release from the hospital, Arsenault was arrested on the original warrant accusing him of failure to appear for a court appearance.

Owen Hidalgo-Calderon

The search for a missing toddler is now suspended.
Deputies in Wayne County say that after 12-days, they haven’t found the body of 14-month-old Owen Hidalgo-Calderon and are calling off the search.
His mother Selena was found dead last month on a farm in Sodus. Her boyfriend has been charged for allegedly burying her body and is a person of interest in the homicide investigation.

A Mount Morris man is under arrest after Rochester Police say he hit and killed a toddler.
Police say 48-year-old Frank Cassata intentionally drove off Lyell Avenue hitting three-year-old Amir Pallet.
Cassata has arraigned on a murder charge.

Former Yankees manager Joe Torre is in Albany pushing for a bill that regulates sports betting. Torre who is now a top executive for Major League Baseball told reporters he’s at the state capital on behalf of the league. State lawmakers are mulling regulations on sports bets.

The latest Darien Lake concert nets lawmen 20 arrests.
The collars game at yesterday’s Kendrick Larmar concert.
14 were arrested for trying to re-enter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

City man behind bars without bail for pulling a knife on police.
32 year old Adam Arsenault of Hutchins Street Batavia was accused of brandishing a knife toward City Police as officers attempted to execute an arrest warrant for an unrelated matter.
He was arrested after being released from Strong Memorial Hospital on a Batavia City Court warrant for failing to appear for a previous matter from January of last year.
Arsenault was charged in the Saturday incident with Menacing a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest and Criminal Possession of a Weapon.
He was remanded to the Genesee County Jail without bail.

Batavia woman jailed for conspiring to sell another person’s property.
24 year old Latiqua Jackson of East Main Street was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and Conspiracy following investigation into an incident of in March.
Jackson allegedly pawned, traded or sold stolen property with the assistance of at least one other co-conspirator earlier this year.
She was ordered to be held in lieu of $2,500 bail.

Man accused of making his way into a Batavia residence through a window is arrested.
33 year old Luis Ramos-Mercado of South Main Street Batavia was taken into custody following a report that he allegedly entered into a Turnbull Parkway residence through a window unbeknownst to the property owner.
Ramos-Mercado was charged with Criminal Trespassing and was released on his own recognizance.

Charge added to Batavia resident already jailed for a violent robbery in Alabama.
30 year old Edward Loper of West Main Street is currently incarcerated in the Genesee County Jail on a robbery charge for his alleged involvement in a violent assault and robbery along with two Albion women at an Alabama residence last month.
He was additionally charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property for an incident on Veterans Memorial Drive in February of this year.
After being arraigned in Batavia Town Court Loper was remanded back to Jail.

The search for a missing Upstate toddler is now suspended.
Yesterday deputies in Wayne County announced that after 12-days, they hadn’t found the body of 14-month-old Owen Hidalgo-Calderon and were calling off the search.
His mother Selena was found dead last month on a farm in Sodus.
Her boyfriend 26 year old Everardo Donoteo-Reyes of Mexico has been charged for allegedly burying her body and is facing federal Immigration charges for illegally reentering the country and possessing fake identification.
He remains a person of interest in the homicide investigation.

Senator Chuck Schumer says it’s time for the Environmental Protection Agency to help keep gas prices down.
The EPA is planning to roll back mile-per-gallon standards that Schumer says could cost drivers more money at the pump and hurt the environment.
According to Triple A, the average cost for a gallon of regular gas in New York is now three-oh nine a gallon, a 31 percent increase from this time last year.

The financially beleaguered YWCA of Genesee County has put its North Street building up for sale.
The building has been home to YW for the 50 years.
In a statement released yesterday, YW Executive Director Millie Tomidy-Pepper said the building will be sold or fully leased out.
If leased, she expects the YW would remain in the building as a tenant.
Earlier this year the YW was forced to suspend some of its programming and find other providers for the services.
Among those programs were the YW’s School Daycare and Crisis Hot-Line.
The statement went on to say that the agency needs to shift its focus from building maintenance to its core mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

Watch out where you leave your wallet.
State Police say a man accidentally left his wallet on the counter at the TA truck stop in Pembroke.
When he returned to get it, $103 was missing.
Video showed, sure enough, another man helped himself to the cash.
Troopers say he was identified as 38 year old Matthew Hyland of Canandaigua. He was arrested for Petty Larceny.

An effort is underway to raise money for two horse trainers after a barn fire at an equestrian facility killed 28 horses. The fire broke out at the Mount Hope Training Center in Orange County early Saturday morning. Police are considering lightning as a possible cause.

Editors Note: The following statement was issued to WBTA by Millie Tomidy-Pepper, Executive Director of the YWCA of Genesee County

Dear Friends,
On behalf of the YWCA, I want to update you on the status of the agency. First and foremost, we are Open! As many of you know, in March of this year, the YWCA of Genesee County was without the means to meet its financial obligations. Quite simply, if it were not for the generous financial support of Nancy and Bill Brach of Brach Machine in Batavia, our doors would have closed and services to the community would have ceased immediately! While this was a daunting time, the Brach’s financial support afforded us an opportunity to assess the situation and define a path forward for the 108 year old organization.

A strategic planning process commenced and many heartfelt hours were spent determining the complexities of the situation. We evaluated if the organization could regain viability. Our goal: to make decisions that not only assured the survival of the organization but ensured the organization would thrive to meet the needs of this generation and many more to come.

While the strategic plan is an ongoing process, several critical decisions have been made that we would like to share with the community. With a focus on the organizations mission and the fiscal viability of each program, the decision was made to transition the School Daycare Program, Care and Crisis Line and Child and Adult Care Food Program to other providers. We approached the conversion of each program with care to assure a seamless transition for all involved. The reduction of these programs will allow the YWCA to rebuild its fiscal infrastructure while focusing its attention on our Domestic Violence Services and Courthouse Daycare Programs.

Additionally, after countless hours of deliberation the decision was made to sell (or fully lease) the building the YW has called home for over 50 years. This decision was bittersweet, but if we are to secure a place for the YWCA’s future, we need to shift our focus from building maintenance to our core mission — eliminating racism and empowering women. In short, our home for the last 50 years will make the next 50 years possible. We are excited for the opportunities this reorganization period will bring to help us use our resources more responsibly, eliminate all debt and allow us to invest in the future as our founding sisters once did. We will also take the lead to stand against racism, inequality, sexism and hate crimes as they continue to dominate the headlines in our nation today.

In closing, we are forever grateful for the outpouring of community support shown us. From community fundraisers to roof repairs, tech support, volunteerism, donations and pots of flowers left on our front porch… all are incredible acts of kindness…thank you!

YWCA will need to find a new home in Batavia to fund the future of the organization.
The YWCA has decided to sell the building it has called home for the past 50 years.
In a statement released to WBTA, Executive Director Millie Tomidy-Pepper said the YW has decided to either sell or fully lease its building on North Street as a means of addressing its financial problems.
Earlier this year the YW was forced to suspend some of its programming and find other providers for the services.
Among those programs were the YW’s School Daycare and Crisis Hot-Line.
The statement went on to say that the agency needs to shift its focus from building maintenance to its core mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

Boyfriend who admitted to burying a young mother off a farm in Sodus accused of repeatedly reentering the country illegally.
26 year old Everardo Donoteo-Reyes of Mexico has been charged with possession of a counterfeit social security card and alien registration card, and illegal re-entry after deportation.
Donoteo-Reyes was arrested by Immigration in September 2016 in Louisiana and again in March of last year by Border Patrol in Laredo Texas.
On both occasions he was deported to Mexico and advised that he could not re-enter the United States without permission.
During the course of investigation into a missing mother and son in Wayne County he was arrested on criminal charges.
Lawmen located fraudulent documents belonging Donoteo-Reyes, and his fingerprints were submitted to Immigration.
Donoteo-Reyes faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a quarter million dollar fine for each charge and is expected in federal court on June 4th.

Better communication between the police and the public may be the best way to stem simmering trouble in the Central Avenue neighborhood.
About three dozen residents met Thursday night with police and politicians to find a path to peace on the streets.
Ward 5 Councilwoman Kathy Briggs suggested bringing back an old idea

Police suggested that the public continue to report suspicious activity when they see it.

An Alden man accused of assaulting his baby is going to prison.
Joseph Jurek has pleaded guilty to reckless assault.
Prosecutors say he dropped or shook his infant son more than once in the past year. Jurek is expected to get to two to seven years in prison.

A ribbon cutting was held yesterday at Darien Lake unveiling its brand new, 5-million dollar roller-coaster called the Tantrum.  Park Manager Chris Thorpe says the Tantrum plummets riders into a 97-degree drop

The Tantrum reaches speeds of 52 miles an hour.

Students from the Byron-Bergen Builder’s Club presented a check for $500 to support the Rochester Regional Health Chemical Dependency Program.

The club raised the funds through coin collections and basket raffles over the course of the school year. As a group, the students decided to donate those funds to Rochester Regional Health’s Behavioral Health Treatment Center at Unity, part of the health system’s chemical dependency program.

The club also made inspirational cards for patients to read during their treatment at the center.

The Builder’s Club was founded three years ago and is sponsored by the Byron Kiwanis Club. Designed to build future community leaders, the club provides students in eighth through 10th grade with hands-on opportunities to build leadership skills and develop positive character traits through volunteering and fundraising.

PHOTO: The Byron-Bergen Builder’s Club with Advisor Andrea Feeney and two Byron Kiwanis Club representatives present a check to David Catalino, a recreation therapist and counselor for Rochester Regional Health’s Behavioral Health Treatment Center at Unity.

Councilwoman Kathy Briggs

Better communication between the police and the public may be the best way to stem simmering trouble in Batavia’s  Central Avenue neighborhood.
About three dozen residents met last night with police and politicians to find a path to peace on the streets.
Ward Councilwoman Kathy Briggs said trouble in the streets is not just a south side problem

Police suggested that the public continue to report suspicious activity when they see it.

A 26 year old man facing charges for taking a beef into his own hands in Byron.
Robert Arnold of Terry Street in Byron is charged with choking another person during a fight on Wednesday night.

An Alden man accused of assaulting his baby is going to prison.
Joseph Jurek has pleaded guilty to reckless assault.
Prosecutors say he dropped or shook his infant son more than once in the past year. Jurek is expected to get to two to seven years in prison.

New York is still considering passing a bill to allow sports betting this year. This legislative session closes in a few weeks and Governor Cuomo says there isn’t enough time this year to address this.
Some state lawmakers are dismissing that and continue pushing gaming bills. Western Region Off Track Betting, owner of Batavia Downs, says the local gaming facility is ready to proceed with legal book making when the state allows it.

Chris Thorpe

Darien Lake cut the ribbon today on its brand new, 5-million dollar roller-coaster called the Tantrum.

Park Manager Chris Thorpe says the Tantrum plummets riders into a 97-degree drop

The Tantrum reaches speeds of 52 miles an hour.

News Release

The Batavia Rotary Club’s popular annual Fly-in Breakfast is scheduled for Sunday, June 17, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Genesee County Airport, 4701 Saile Drive, Batavia.

As in years past, the event is expected to attract more than 1,500 guests from across Western New York, as well as numerous private aircraft pilots from across the state and beyond. Residents throughout Western New York are invited to enjoy breakfast, meet the pilots, and view their aircraft.

The Fly-in Breakfast menu will feature sausage, eggs and omelets, pancakes, and beverages. Adult tickets are $8. Tickets for children ages 4 through 12 are $5. Children under the age of 4 are admitted free.

Tickets for the event may be obtained from any member of the Batavia Rotary Club or at the door.

Saile Drive is located just north of the City of Batavia and the Batavia exit of the New York State Thruway, off Route 98.

Over the years, members of the Batavia Rotary Club have turned the event into a well-oiled machine. Co-chair Edmund Leising and a team of almost 50 Rotarians will check people in, cook and serve a delicious breakfast, and clean tables after guests leave, all quickly and efficiently.

The event attracts families celebrating Father’s Day, people coming from church, or area residents wanting to enjoy breakfast in an unusual location. The event also attracts many people curious about aircraft. Guests can see airplanes landing and taking off up close, and talk with the pilots.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Batavia Rotary Club’s youth programs. The Batavia Rotary Club, founded in 1919, provides financial and volunteer support to numerous community service organizations, with a special emphasis on service to young people.

Councilwoman Kathy Briggs

Ward 5 Councilwoman Kathy Briggs says she was pleased with city police and all the community engagement at her Ward meeting at St. Anthony’s Community Center in Batavia.

Police along with several city council members attended the meeting last night to address concerns over the spread of violence in the city’s south side.

The meeting was held in the City Church owned center on Liberty Street, and Briggs is hopeful it was not the last…

Briggs praised the efforts of police and their increased patrolling, and said members of both the community and local law enforcement need continued support to ensure her constituents are safe in their own neighborhood.

News Release

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) will host a luncheon honoring appointed candidates to our nation’s service academies. Family members of the appointees and Collins’ Service Academy Review Board will also be present to celebrate this honorable achievement.

WHAT:
Each year, Collins hosts a celebration for students who have been appointed to attend one of our nation’s five service academies this fall. As a Member of Congress, Collins has said this is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences for himself and his office. This year, seven students from Collins’ district were appointed to a service academy.

WHEN:
Saturday, June 2nd, 11:30 AM

WHERE:
Clarence Town Park Clubhouse
10405 Main Street
Clarence, NY 14031

WHO:

• Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27)
• Service Academy Appointed Candidates and their families
• Collins’ Service Academy Review Board

Brother of an overdose victim in Oakfield faces felony in her death.
A Niagara County man is being held responsible in the overdose death of his sister.
34 year old Christyna Wells of Oakfield died of a drug overdose from unnamed substances on November 10th of last year.
She was apparently in Niagara Falls with her brother, 29 year old Daniel Wells of Royalton when it occurred.
According to investigators, instead of requesting immediate medical assistance for his sister, Wells drove with her for nearly an hour to a Ridge Road address in Royalton before calling for help.
He has been charged with criminally negligent homicide and remains jailed without bail in Niagara County on unrelated charges.

The Muckdogs make their way back on the air.
WBTA will be the frequency for what’s on the ballfield in Batavia this season as the Muckdogs return to the radio waves.
The entire season of Muckdogs home games beginning with the home-opener on June 18th can be heard here on WBTA AM and FM.
The announcement was made official yesterday.
Andy Helwig the new “Voice of the Muckdogs,” will be commentating all 76 games scheduled for the Batavia ball-club this season.
Away game coverage for the Muckdogs can be found with the TuneIn radio app.

Altercation in Byron leads to charges for a Terry Street resident.
26 year old Nathan Arnold was accused of choking another individual during an altercation on Wednesday night.
Following investigation into an incident, Arnold was arrested and charged with Criminal Obstruction of Breathing.
He was released on his own recognizance with an appearance scheduled for June 4th in Byron Town Court.

New York is still considering passing a bill to allow sports betting this year.
The United States Supreme Court recently struck down a federal ban on sports gambling, leaving it to the states to decide.
This legislative session closes in a few weeks and Governor Cuomo says there isn’t enough time this year to address this.
Some state lawmakers are dismissing that and continue pushing gaming bills.
Batavia Downs has been in discussions with state legislators to secure their spot at the forefront of the new opportunity if and when sports betting is allowed in the state.

The Bills are letting veteran center Eric Wood go.
In January the lineman announced that he had suffered a career ending neck injury and planned on retiring.
Yesterday it was reported that the Bills had reached an injury settlement with Wood and were releasing him.
This would mean a roughly ten-million dollar hit to Buffalo’s salary cap this coming season.

The brother of a 34 year old Oakfield woman has been charged with criminally negligent homicide in his sister’s death.
29 year old Daniel Wells of Royalton is accused in the overdose death of his sister, 34 year old Christyna Wells of Oakfield.
Authorities say Wells was with his sister in Niagara Falls last November 10th when she suffered a drug overdose.
Investigators say Wells drove with his sister for nearly an hour before seeking medical attention for Christyna.
Wells is in the Niagara County Jail on unrelated charges.

The Batavia Muckdogs will be back on the radio this summer.
The Muckdogs and WBAT announced today that all Muckdogs home games will be broadcast on WBTA AM and FM all season long, beginning with the home-opener on June 18th.
The Muckdogs stream coverage of away games via the TuneIn radio app.

The consultant gathering applicants for the job of Batavia City Manager is ready to present them to city council.
Interim Manager Matt Worth speaking on WBTA’s Main and Center program today…

The applicants are told the job will pay between 110 and 135 thousand dollars a year.

A state lawmaker from Rotterdam is sponsoring a bill to allow doctors to prescribe marijuana in place of opioids.
State Senator George Amedore is pushing the bill to try to help move New Yorkers one step farther away from opioids. The bill to expand medical marijuana will be voted on by the Senate Health Committee today.

The Batavia Muckdogs today announced an agreement with WBTA to bring Muckdogs baseball back to the radio waves. Home games will air on 1490 WBTA after a one-year hiatus. Road games will be broadcast online, as well as the TuneIn Radio App.

“We have received a lot of feedback from fans wanting the games back on WBTA, are very excited to be able to deliver that to them.” Muckdogs General Manager Dave Chase said Thursday.

WBTA President and General Manager Dan Fischer added: “We are extremely excited for professional baseball to be back on our air, and to continue the tradition of Muckdogs baseball on WBTA.”

The new “Voice of the Muckdogs,” Andy Helwig will be on the call for all 76 Muckdogs games this season. Helwig comes to the Muckdogs from Canisius College, where he broadcasts volleyball, soccer, lacrosse and basketball on ESPN3 and the WatchESPN App.

The recently expanded Board of Directors for the Genesee County YWCA had to address some serious financial concerns at the beginning of the year, with a number of services needing to be cut including child care.

Executive Director for the YWCA Millie Tomidy-Pepper said other organizations have picked up what the Y had to drop…

She added that she was overwhelmed with the outpouring of donations and support from local businesses and community members.

The organization is finding their financial footing, however they still need to take steps to raise funds for continued operations.

Two fundraisers are scheduled for next month.

The first is slated for Sunday June 10th at T.F Browns and a second is on Saturday June 16th at the hotdog stand in the Peace Garden.

The new city manager candidates have been culled by the Novak Consulting Group and are ready for review by the city’s search subcommittee.

Interim City Manager Matt Worth provided the latest update this morning on WBTA’s Main and Center Program…

The timeline remains on-track with Novak’s initial schedule with the recruiting firm suggesting a salary offer between $110,000 and $135,000.

29 year old Daniel Wells of Royalton has been charged with criminally negligent homicide in the overdose death of his sister 34 year old Christyna Wells of Oakfield.

According to investigators Wells was with his sister in Niagara Falls on November 10th when she suffered from a drug overdose.

He allegedly drove with her for nearly an hour to a Ridge Road address in Royalton before seeking medical attention for his sister.

Wells is behind bars without bail in the Niagara County Jail on unrelated charges.

Assault and Robbery in Alabama lands three in lock up.
Two Albion women and a Batavia man have been jailed for a violent robbery that resulted in a victim being physically assaulted in Alabama.
Albion residents, 32 year old Holly Squires of West Bank Street and 22 year old Brianna Button of King Street were accused of forcibly stealing money and injuring an individual at a Church Street residence in Alabama Sunday afternoon.
30 year old Edward Loper of Pratt Road Batavia was also arrested in connection to the incident.
He was charged with second degree Robbery for allegedly stealing money while the two females physically attacked the victim and was jailed in lieu of $20,000 bail.
Both Squires and Button were charged with Robbery and Assault in the third degree and are being held in lieu of $10,000 bail in the Genesee County Jail.

Funding request for Batavia’s Development Corporation falls short, straining search for a new director.
In order to help secure a new executive director for the agency the Batavia Development Corporation has requested a five year funding commitment from city council.
Around a month ago former executive director Julie Pacatte resigned from her position at the economic development agency.
President of the BDC Pier Cipollone says potential hires will require some sort long term stability in the position which he sees as a five year funding agreement.

City Council was reluctant to make a long commitment but did agree to take up a non-binding letter of support for the BDC at council’s next business meeting.

A state lawmaker from Rotterdam is sponsoring a bill to allow doctors to prescribe marijuana in place of opioids.
WRGB reported yesterday that State Senator George Amedore is pushing the bill to try to help move New Yorkers one step farther away from opioids.
The bill to expand medical marijuana will be voted on by the Senate Health Committee today.

A grand jury has indicted a Rochester teen accused of killing his girlfriend. Earlier this month 17 year old Jermaine Brown was arrested for allegedly shooting 18 year old Ciara Grimes to death at a friend’s house. Prosecutors say he dragged her body outside and left it in the driveway. Yesterday Brown was indicted for manslaughter, possession of a weapon and criminal contempt.

A neighborhood meeting to address concerns over Batavia’s south side is being held tonight.
Council Woman Kathy Briggs and Police Chief Shawn Heubusch want to remind residents about the importance of reporting incidents and encourage them to take back their community.
The meeting will be held tonight at 6pm in the St. Anthony’s Community Center on Liberty Street.

The Batavia Development Corporation, the economic development arm of city hall, is without an executive director.
The agency is asking city council for a five year funding commitment.
BDC president Pier Cipollone any prospective exec-director will want to see long term stability in the position
City Council was reluctant to make a long commitment but did agree to take up a non-binding letter of support for the BDC at council’s next business meeting.

A second arrest has been made in a town of Alabama robbery.
30 year old Edward Loper of Pratt Road, Batavia, is suspected of taking part in the robbery with Holly Squires of Albion.
Deputies say the victim of the robbery was injured.
Both Loper and Squires were jailed in lieu of bail.

A former Stafford resident has been sentenced to five years’ probation for stealing and using a friend’s credit card.
56 year old Jonathan Seiger of Stafford was accused of withdrawing over 16-hundred dollars from an ATM using the stolen card.

A Batavia drug dealer cops a plea deal for a reduced prison sentence.
36 year old Jonathan Hoges pled guilty to a single count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Hoges was arrested last August for selling crack to a drug task force agent
It was Hoges second felony offense.
He’ll get up to four years in prison and two years’ probation.

56 year old Jonathan Seiger formerly of Stafford was indicted on 18 counts in February of last year for allegedly taking and using a female acquaintances’ debit card.

Seiger and his former roommate and co-defendant in the case Scott Spencer were accused of possessing and using the card at an ATM machine to withdraw over
$1,600 in August of 2016.

Seiger was sentenced in Genesee County Court yesterday to five years’ probation and ordered to pay restitution.

Blood spilt in Elba lands a Batavia man in lock up.
Reports of violence have reached into the usually peaceful Village of Elba following a stabbing on Church Street.
Deputies have arrested 42 year old Lamont Crimes of North Street in Batavia for First Degree Assault for allegedly stabbing another man with a knife on Memorial Day.
An altercation on Church Street in Elba led to the alleged stabbing according to authorities however Deputies wouldn’t say what started the fight.
Crimes was remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $15,000 bail.
The south side of Batavia is still reeling from the fatal stabbing two weeks ago with a ward meeting scheduled for tomorrow night at 6 in the St. Anthony’s Community Center on Liberty Street with Ward 5 Councilwoman Kathy Briggs and city police.

City Council offers support to BDC without a funding guarantee.
Former City Councilman Pier Cipollone and current president of the Batavia Development Corporation, was seeking a five-year funding commitment for the agency from council at last night’s council meeting.
Cipollone said without long term support by council, recruiting a new executive director will prove to be difficult.
The Batavia City Council is willing to lend moral support to the economic development agency so long as it is not obligated to continue funding it for another five years.
BDC President Pier Cipollone…

The executive director’s position has been vacant since the resignation a month ago of Julie Pacatte.
Cippolone cited the agency’s track record of attracting state and federal grants, stating that for every $1 invested in the BDC the city has over $30 returned in public and private investment.

Batavia drug dealer takes plea deal for reduced prison sentence.
36 year old Jonathan Hoges appeared in Genesee County Court yesterday morning where he pled guilty to a single count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Hoges was arrested last August after he was accused selling crack cocaine to a Drug Task Force Agent on two occasions.
He was previously convicted on a similar drug charge in 2015 and was deemed a second felony offender.
The plea deal resulted in a determinate four year prison sentence to be followed by two years post release supervision.

An AMBER Alert is canceled for an Upstate toddler who’s still missing.
Wayne County deputies say 14-month-old Owen Hidalgo-Calderon has been missing for two weeks.
His mother Selena Hidalgo-Calderon was found last week buried on a Sodus farm.
Deputies are searching a wooded area they think Owen’s body might be in.
They say the mother’s boyfriend admitted to burying her but said he didn’t kill her.

Violence with a knife moves into the normally quiet Village of Elba.
Deputies say a fight occurred yesterday on Church Street in Elba.
One man was stabbed by another.
Arrested for First Degree Assault was 42 year old Lamont Crimes of North Street in Batavia.
Crimes is in the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $15,000 abil.
Deputies did not say what the fight was about.
The south side of Batavia is still simmering from stabbing two weeks ago that killed one man and left another with a gunshot wound to the leg.

An Albion woman is jailed for assault and robbery.
32 year old Holly Squires is accused of forcibly taking money from another person and causing injury. She has been jailed in lieu of $5,000 bail.
The suspected robbery occurred Sunday in the Town of Alabama.

A Pavilion man has been arrested for allegedly vandalizing a sports car in the parking lot of a Stafford restaurant.
52 year old Michael Joanette has been charged by State Police with a felony count of Criminal Mischief.
Troopers say Joanette smashed the windshield of a white corvette parked in the Red Osier lot.
He’s being held in lieu of $20,000 bail.

A State Street woman held without bail for allegedly stealing rent money she was supposed to pay.
30 year old Jessica Deridder is charged with Grand Larceny for taking rent money from a neighbor and failing to pay the landlord.

State Police in Batavia arrested 23 year old Alexander Koch of Buffalo for DWI and failure to stop or yield at an intersection after he reportedly made a left turn from Snipery Road onto Route 33 in Pembroke.

Koch allegedly failed to yield and pulled out in front of a patrol car causing the Trooper to make evasive maneuvers to avoid a collision shortly after midnight on Sunday.

Koch was taken into custody after failing several field sobriety tests and was released with appearance tickets returnable to the town of Pembroke Court for June.

21 year old Nathan Arieno was taken into custody following report of an aggressive male at a business in Perry.

Arieno was allegedly found to be in possession of drugs and drug packaging materials and was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminal use of Drug Paraphernalia.

He was remanded to the Wyoming County Jail in lieu of $2,500 bail and is slated to appear in Perry Village Court on June 19th.

30 year old Jessica Deridder was arrested and charged with Grand Larceny for an alleged incident in April where she is accused of stealing another State Street tenant’s rent money when she was expected to pay it to the landlord.

Deridder was jailed without bail and is expected back in Batavia City Court this afternoon.

42 year old Lamont Crimes of North Street Batavia was arrested and charged with a felony count of first degree Assault following an altercation on Church Street in Elba.

Crimes was accused of stabbing another person with a knife yesterday afternoon.

He was arraigned in Elba Town Court and committed to the Genesee County Jail in Lieu of $15,000 bail.

Crimes is expected to reappear in Elba Town Court on May 31st.

Press Release:

On Monday, June 4th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Batavia Muckdogs will be hosting a job fair at Dwyer Stadium. Those that are looking to work in concessions, maintenance/janitors, grounds crew, box office/ticket takers, press box, promotions, in-game entertainment, the mascot, or bat boys for the duration of the 2018 season can arrive at the visitor’s clubhouse at 4 p.m. for check-in. Attendees are encouraged to dress business casual. The Muckdogs look to fill the positions right away, with the necessary training beginning the weekend of June 15th.

Forcible Robbery and Assault in Alabama lands an Albion woman in lock up.
32 year old Holly Squires of West Bank Street Albion was accused of forcibly stealing money and injuring someone during an attempted robbery.
She was arrested following the reported incident Sunday evening on Church Street in Alabama.
Apparently Squires didn’t act alone in the incident, and was aided by another unnamed individual.
She now faces charges of Robbery and Assault with intent to cause physical injury.
Squires was remanded in lieu of $5,000 bail to the Genesee County Jail.
She is expected to appear in Alabama Town Court on June 7th.

Search for a missing 14 month old continues today in Wayne County.
Law men located the body of 18 year old Selena Hidalgo-Calderon on a farm in Sodus last week after family members reported their concerns over Selena and her young sons’ whereabouts.
Selena’s fourteen-month-old child Owen Hidalgo-Calderon was never located following an amber alert issued last week and law enforcement believes the search will end in a recovery rather than a rescue.
Hidalgo-Calderon’s boyfriend Alberto Reyes has been arrested and apparently admitted to police to burying the 18 year old woman in a bag in the woods.
Over 170 people helped search the farm yesterday for any trace of little Owen.
The Wayne County Sheriff says they are committed to find him even though they don’t expect to find him alive.

Man arrested for vandalism at the Red Osier Restaurant.
Troopers out of Batavia arrested 52 year old Michael Joanette of Pavilion on a felony count of Criminal Mischief for allegedly smashing out the windshield of a car sitting in the parking lot of the Red Osier in Stafford.
Police released security photos from the incident that were posted by our news partner The Batavian.
Troopers say they received numerous tips identifying Joanette.
He was remanded to the Genesee County Jail on $20,000 bail pending an appearance in Stafford Court.

Genesee County Deputies have arrested 15 youngsters during the Darien Lake concert this past weekend.
The highly anticipated Post Malone show kicked off Saturday at the Performing Arts Center however law enforcement wasn’t there to enjoy the music.
Officers arrested 15 people ranging in age from 17 to 23.
They face various charges ranging from trespassing to disorderly conduct, one for having fake IDs and another for having brass knuckles.

Batavia man arrested for obstruction of breathing in Bethany.
54 year old James Young of Thomas Ave was arrested and charged with Criminal Obstruction of Breathing and Unauthorized use of a Motor Vehicle following investigation into a reported incident on Bethany Center Road Friday.
Young was allegedly using a female’s vehicle without her consent and after the woman confronted him about returning the vehicle he became physically violent obstructing her breathing.
Young was released under Genesee Justice Supervision.

Buffalo is hosting the NHL combine again.
This week promising young NHL hopefuls will be evaluated at the KeyBank Center and Harbor Center ahead of the draft.
This is the fourth consecutive year Buffalo has hosted hockey prospects ahead of the draft but this year the Sabres get first pick.
The physical tests will begin on Friday. Buffalo will host the event next year for the fifth year in a row.

Woodrow Horseman

More trouble on Batavia’s south side.
Three men have been arrested following a fracas on Central Ave. late Wednesday night.
42 year old Woodrow Horseman, who lists no permanent address, was charged with Attempted Assault and resisting arrest.
Horseman was ordered held without bail.
Two other men were arrested for disorderly conduct.

Authorities in Wayne County are continuing their search for a missing toddler today.
The 14-month-old child’s mother, 18 year old Selena Hidalgo-Calderon, was found dead on a farm in Sodus last week. Her boyfriend is behind bars charged with tampering with evidence.
An AMBER Alert was issued Friday for little Owen but deputies say they don’t expect to find the boy alive.

Today is Memorial Day, a federal holiday set aside to remember the
Nation’s war dead.
Ceremonies have been scheduled throughout Genesee County during the morning hours.
To view a list of ceremonies, click HERE

Batavia City Council is meeting tomorrow night.
On the agenda is a five year funding plan for the Batavia Development Corporation, which has been without a paid executive director for the past month.
Council is also expected to receive a report on repairing the pillars at the entrance to Redfield Parkway.
The early estimate places the cost of the job at between $57,000 and $67,000.

The search will continue today in Wayne County for a missing one year old boy whose mother was found dead last week.
Authorities say if their search for little Owen Hidalgo-Calderon comes up empty today, the formal search may be called off.
The body of the boy’s mother, 18 year old Selena Hidalgo-Calderon, was found last Wednesday near a farm in Sodus.
Her boyfriend, Alberto Reyes, is being held on a charge of tampering with evidence for allegedly moving the body.
Authorities has also revealed that Reyes, who is not Owen’s biological father, was in this country illegally and had been deported twice before.

A well-known local funeral director has died.
70 year old Ronald Konieczny passed away Friday at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
Mr. Konieczny operated the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home on Bogue Avenue for many years.
It is now operated by his son.
Calling hours for Ronald Konieczny will be held Tuesday at the funeral home’s Batavia location and on Wednesday at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home in Akron.

Tough local talent to take center stage at Throwdown at the Downs.
Mixed Martial Artists from around the area will be matching up for a number of bouts out on the center track Saturday, June 23rd.
Local fighters on the card for that night include Matt Norstrand, Le Roy, Quentin Marozzi, Caledonia, Tim Shelby Le Roy, Brandon Sarkis, Pavilion, Kenny Hale, Jake Hixenbaugh, and Grady Wall, all from Bergen, and Steven Kleckler, Batavia.
Throwdown at the Downs is scheduled for Saturday, June 23rd at 6pm and Tickets are on sale now at bataviaconcerts.com

On Monday, June 4th, from 4 to 6 p.m., the Batavia Muckdogs will be hosting a job fair at Dwyer Stadium.
Those who are looking to work in concessions, maintenance/janitors, grounds crew, box office/ticket takers, press box, promotions, in-game entertainment, the mascot, or bat boys for the duration of the 2018 season can arrive at the visitor’s clubhouse at 4 p.m. for check-in.
Attendees are encouraged to dress business casual. The Muckdogs look to fill the positions right away, with the necessary training beginning the weekend of June 15th.

Search in Sodus to resume this morning for a missing one-year old boy.
The search for a missing 14 month old boy from Sodus resumes this morning with investigators focusing on a 350 acre Joy Road Farm.
An Amber Alert was issued throughout Western New York yesterday for 14 month old Owen Hidalgo-Calderon whose mother was found dead earlier this week.
The body of 18 year old Selena, Hidalgo-Calderon was located Wednesday in some woods behind the farm in Sodus and Wayne County Sheriff Barry Virts believes the boy’s body will be recovered there as well.
State Police have arrested the woman’s boyfriend, Alberto Reyes, on a charge of tampering with evidence after he apparently admitted to moving the body and burying it.
Reyes refused to talk about the whereabouts of the child.
Sheriff Virts said following yesterday’s search there is no evidence that the boy was abducted and his experience in law enforcement leads him to believe the search will end in a body recovery.

Bad blood on Batavia’s south side has spurred a city councilwoman to call for a neighborhood meeting.
5th Ward Councilwoman Kathy Briggs…

The meeting is in response to last week’s fatal stabbing and shooting on Central Ave and will be held this coming Thursday night at 6 in the St. Anthony’s Community Center on Liberty Street.
Police Chief Shawn Heubusch will be in attendance with other fellow officers to remind residents about the importance of reporting incidents in order to back their community.

Tough local talent to take center stage at Throwdown at the Downs.
Mixed Martial Artists from around the area will be matching up for a number of bouts out on the center track Saturday, June 23rd.
Henry Wojtaszek, CEO/president at Batavia Downs held by a press conference in the lobby of Batavia Downs yesterday where Richard Mitchell, owner of Ground Force Fights ran down the list of local fighters.

Throwdown at the Downs is scheduled for Saturday, June 23rd at 6pm and Tickets are on sale now at bataviaconcerts.com
For more on the press conference check the article by our news partner The Batavian.

An assault in Pavilion pub leads to the arrest of a LeRoy Man.
36 year old David Howard of Wolcott Street LeRoy is accused of pushing another patron of the Clover Leaf pub on Telephone Road in Pavilion to the ground causing a head injury.
Howard was charged with Assault and issued a court appearance ticket.

An Amber Alert has been issued in Genesee County and throughout Western New York for a missing one-year old child whose mother was found dead earlier this week.
The child is identified as 14 month old Owen Hidalgo-Calderon.
The body of the child’s mother, 18 year old Selena, Hidalgo-Calderon, located Wednesday in some woods behind a farm on Joy Road in Sodus.
State Police have arrested the woman’s boyfriend, Alberto Reyes, on a charge of tampering with evidence for allegedly moving the body and burying it.
Reyes has not commented on the whereabouts of the child.
Troopers say given the circumstances the child is in imminent danger of serious physical harm or death.

Councilwoman Kathy Briggs

Simmering tension on Batavia’s south side has prompted police and a city councilwoman to call for a neighborhood meeting.
5th Ward Councilwoman Kathy Briggs:

The meeting will be held this coming Thursday night at 6 in the St. Anthony’s Community Center on Liberty Street.
Briggs and Police Chief Shawn Heubusch want to remind residents about the importance of reporting incidents as they see them as a means of taking back their community.
All of this is in response to last week’s fatal stabbing and shooting on Central Ave.

An assault in Pavilion pub leads to the arrest of a LeRoy Man.
36 year old David Howard of Wolcott Street LeRoy is accused of getting into a fracas with another man at the Clover Leaf pub on Telephone Road in Pavilion.
Howard was charged with Assault and issued a court appearance ticket.

Local Lawmen will be increasing enforcement on impaired drivers beginning today.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Batavia and LeRoy Police Departments will begin enforcement in the statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown effort today and will end on Tuesday May 29th.
Governor Cuomo is also suspending road and bridge construction projects on New York highways throughout the Memorial Day weekend to help ease congestion on one of the busiest travel holidays of the year.

Press Release:

A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)

Click Here to watch a special Memorial Day message from Assemblyman Steve Hawley

“This Monday is dedicated to the countless men and women who have given their lives to protect our freedom and way of life. The American dream is uniquely cherished and we owe our gratitude to the veterans who courageously defended it throughout our nation’s history.

“As a veteran, son of a World War Two veteran and member of the Assembly’s Veterans Affairs Committee for many years, our servicemen and servicewomen have always held a special place in my heart and are an inspiration for me to keep fighting in Albany.

“As you are enjoying this special day with family and friends, I ask that you take a moment to reflect on those who have given their lives so future generations can live free and thank a veteran in your life for their service. Lastly, always remember to be safe and responsible when driving but, most importantly, have a happy Memorial Day!”

…This is an ACTUAL AMBER ALERT…

Issued By: New York State Police
Affected Jurisdictions: Allegany, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Genesee, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates Counties

Headline: AMBER Alert: SODUS NEW YORK CHILD:1yrs 2mo Hispanic male 2′ 30lbs Hr:brown Eye:brown CALL(866)NYS-AMBER

NEW YORK STATE AMBER ALERT
Activation Date and Time: Friday, May 25, 2018 – 9:57 AM

The WAYNE COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT has activated the New York State AMBER Alert and is investigating a child abduction that occurred on JOY ROAD , in SODUS NEW YORK at about 9:48 AM on 5/16/2018.

The CHILD, OWEN HIDALGO-CALDERON is a Hispanic male, approximately 1 year 2 months old with short, brown hair and brown eyes. He is approximately 2 feet and weighs about 30 pounds. OWEN is known to need ASTHMA MEDICATION and was last seen wearing UNKNOWN.

THE CHILD WAS TAKEN UNDER CIRCUMSTANCES THAT LEAD POLICE TO BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE IN IMMINENT DANGER OF SERIOUS PHYSICAL HARM AND OR DEATH Anyone with any information on this abduction is asked to call the WAYNE COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT at (866)N Y S-AMBER or dial 911 to provide information on a report or sighting.

Visit http://amber.ny.gov for the most up to date information concerning this alert.

Press Release:

Ignite Buffalo is providing local small businesses a new opportunity for growth through a grant program that will award up to $100,000 to Western New York businesses.

Ignite Buffalo is a business grant and mentorship program that promotes sustainable growth, job creation, and ongoing education to local small business owners. Ignite Buffalo is presented by 43 North in partnership with national and local partners including Facebook, M&T Bank, Quickbooks, AWS, WordPress.com and Woo Commerce.

Finalists selected will be in the running to receive one of 27 grants awarded ranging from $25,000-$100,000 and free access to a curated mentorship program. Within this program, business owners will gain access to industry experts offering ongoing educational programming, access to resources and curated workshops.

All applicants need to do is tell their business story. Applications can be made online at www.ignitebuffalo.org and must be submitted by June 13 at 12 noon EDT.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce and 43 North will be hosting an informational meeting regarding the Ignite Buffalo grants on May 31 from 4-6 p.m. in the city council chambers at the Batavia City Centre, 105 Main St., Batavia. Food and refreshments will be served. The meeting is free and open to the public. You can register for the meeting on the Chamber’s website at www.geneseeny.com.

City Councilwoman calls for response to violence brewing in Batavia.
Batavia’s Ward 5 Councilwoman Kathy Briggs says her constituents have been continually calling her reporting of violence and suspicious drug activity in the City’s south side.
She has been in contact with police and following last week’s fatal stabbing on Central Ave, Briggs decided to organize a ward meeting with law enforcement to address the growing concern.
Police Chef Shawn Heubusch was apparently eager to hold a meeting himself and hopes to empower south side city residents to take back their community…

According to Police the tensions have been high in the Central Avenue neighborhood for a while with bad blood between two apparent groups.
Councilwoman Briggs and Batavia Police will hold a meeting next Thursday night at St. Anthony’s Community center on Liberty Street.
This week three people were indicted by a Grand Jury in connection with last week’s fatal stabbing and shooting.

LeRoy Man arrested for Assault in Pavilion.
Deputies arrested 36 year old David Howard of Wolcott Street LeRoy following investigation into an alleged assault at the Clover Leaf pub on Telephone Road in Pavilion.
Howard was accused of shoving another patron to the ground causing a head and elbow injury.
Wolcott was charged with Assault and issued an appearance ticket for June 5th in Pavilion Town Court.

Deputies make drugged driving arrest after crash in Elba.
23 year old James Edwards of Upper Holley Road Holley was arrested following a single car crash on Lockport Road in Elba Wednesday Afternoon.
The crash occurred after Edwards apparently lost control of his vehicle driving off of the roadway into a ditch.
Edwards had three other passengers one of which sustained a minor injury.
He was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle impaired by Drugs, Unlawful Pot Possession and vehicle and traffic infractions.
He was released with an appearance ticket for August 8th in Elba Town Court.

Increasing enforcement on impaired drivers begins today.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Batavia and LeRoy Police Departments will begin enforcement in the statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown effort today and will end on Tuesday May 29th.
Governor Cuomo is also suspending road and bridge construction projects on New York highways throughout the Memorial Day weekend to help ease congestion on one of the busiest travel holidays of the year.

For the first time, both major parties nominated African-American candidates to run for attorney general of New York.
Yesterday in New York City, Republicans nominated Manhattan attorney and Buffalo native Keith Wofford.
On Long Island, Democrats nominated New York City lawyer Letitia James.
They’re going to face off in November to try to replace Eric Schneiderman after he resigned amid abuse allegations by several women.

City Hall is responding to the simmering violence on Batavia’s south side.
Police say trouble in the Central Avenue neighborhood had been brewing for some time.
Now, a community meeting has been scheduled in the 5th ward.

Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch

Police Chef Shawn Heubusch says the meeting will be held next Thursday night at St. Anthony’s Community center

Councilwoman Kathy Briggs

Ward 5 Councilwoman Kathy Briggs organized the meeting.

A Grand Jury on Wednesday indicted three people in connection with last week’s fatal stabbing and shooting.

A Batavia man admits to arson and drug sales in plea agreement.
47 year old Eddie Lee Miles was arrested last January when he used a a piece of furniture to barricade himself in an apartment on Washington Ave., then set it on fire, and threatened to shoot police.
Miles pled guilty to felony counts of Arson, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.
He will remain in custody pending his first sentencing date scheduled for June 22nd.

State Democratic and Republican conventions continue today in New York.
Former Vice President Joe Biden is set to endorse Governor Andrew Cuomo at the Democratic convention underway at Hofstra University on Long Island.
Cuomo got 95 percent of the votes from Democratic delegates, securing a spot on the primary ballot.
Republicans gave the nod to Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro.

No one is injured after a Boston-bound flight had to make a sudden landing.
Officials say a JetBlue plane hit a bird early this morning in Buffalo, about ten minutes after takeoff.
The pilot circled the plane back safely to the airport and the passengers were shuffled onto a new flight.
The plane is undergoing maintenance.

News Release:

The Spring of 2018 Instructors and Students of the Semester for both the Albion and Medina Campus Centers of Genesee Community College have been named! Nominations from fellow teachers, students and colleagues were collected at each campus center during the semester. The selection committee, led by Associate Dean of Orleans County Campus Centers James Simon reviewed each nomination and selected the winning instructors and students.

ALBION CAMPUS CENTER

Peggy Feary-Pray has been selected as the Spring 2018 Instructor of the Semester at GCC’s Albion Campus Center. In a nomination, one of her students expressed appreciation that Ms. Feary-Pray took an interest in her and gave her opportunities to grow within her field of study stating, “She develops and creates hands-on activities that generate group discussions and realistic role-plays.”

In the course of her career she has been a clinical therapist, foster care caseworker and rape crisis coordinator. Reflecting on her varied career path, Peggy said, “I would change nothing…I am always amazed by the twists my career has taken.” Her sage advice for new instructors: “Be prepared with more than you need for class, and make your students use their brains. You might be surprised by what they say.” She added, “Rise to the challenge, you might surprise yourself!”

Peggy shared that her most rewarding experience has been seeing her students’ ability to write a great paragraph response at the end of the semester!

Peggy graduated from Alexander Central School and continued her education at SUNY College at Brockport and University at Albany. She holds Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Welfare degrees. She is teaching classes in Human Relations and Human Services in GCC’s Albion Campus Center this semester. She lives in Corfu with her husband, three children, dog and two cats. When she isn’t in the classroom, Peggy enjoys camping and playing her flute. She is active in her community, serving on the Missions and Ministry Committee at Alexander UMC.

Summer Moore was named Spring 2018 Student of the Semester at the Albion Campus Center. An Albion native, Summer attends classes at GCC part time in pursuit of her Criminal Justice AAS degree with a concentration in Corrections Counseling.

Summer says that what she loves most about college is meeting new people and learning new things. She believes that one of her strengths as a student is her dedication to working hard and making herself accountable for her own efforts. Agreeing, her instructor said “Summer has clearly worked hard, and as a result, her writing has consistently improved throughout the semester.”

Summer offered some words of wisdom to new college students, “things may seem scary and overwhelming at first, but it gets better as long as you try!” She cites her parents as the major influences in her life, saying that they’ve always pushed her to try her hardest, and they never gave up on her.

Upon graduation from GCC, Summer plans to look for a good job that will allow her to live near a beach in Virginia. When she isn’t studying, Summer enjoys drawing, listening to music and walking nature trails. Summer resides in Albion.

MEDINA CAMPUS CENTER

The selection committee has named Amy Crockford as the Spring 2018 Instructor of the Semester at the Medina Campus Center. Amy joined Genesee Community College as an adjunct instructor of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Culture in 2017. In addition to Medina, she currently teaches at GCC’s Batavia campus, The SUNY College at Brockport, Buffalo State College and Erie Community College.

Amy has her BS degree in Communications from Rochester Institute of Technology and her MS degree in Student Affairs Administration from the University at Buffalo.

Students who nominated Amy this semester collectively shared that she makes learning ASL enjoyable and relatable. One student stated that if it were not for Amy’s class, the student would have dropped out of school. Amy smiles and blushes as she recalls her most rewarding teaching experience – receiving a nomination for the Presidential Academic Excellence in Teaching Award. She added that GCC’s Medina Campus Center staff have been wonderful assets to her and the College by encouraging students.

When asked for one piece of advice to a new instructor, Amy said, “Be patient with your students and it will be reflected in their work, class participation and eagerness to learn.”

Married and raising two sons, Amy finds time to be an active Scout mom in Akron Cub Scouts Pack 531 and Boy Scout Troop 559. She also belongs to Deaf Access Services, The American Sign Language Teacher’s Association and the American Sign Language National Honor Society. The Crockford family resides in Lockport.

Dustin Wells has been named the Spring 2018 Student of the Semester at the Medina Campus Center. Dustin will earn his Liberal Arts & Science: General Studies AS degree and graduate from GCC in the Fall of 2018. He plans to transfer to a four-year institution to play collegiate baseball and to pursue a degree in architecture.

One of the nominations stated that “Dustin regularly demonstrates not only effort, but also insight and excellence. Dustin stands out. Many people are happy with doing what is required, but few challenge themselves to be the best that they can personally be, as he does.”

Dustin was quick to cite his mother and father as the major influences in his life and education. He said his mother always strives for success in college and life and his father works hard and stays focused – no matter what. Dustin wanted new students to know that, “College is much easier if you don’t procrastinate and actually study.” Dustin resides in Medina.