Morning News Brief

A Batavia man is in jail following a violent confrontation with two people on Alexander Road. Sheriff’s deputies say they arrested 23-year-old Kaleb Bobzien. He was charged with second-degree strangulation, two counts of criminal obstruction of breathing and endangering the welfare of a child. According to a press release, he allegedly placed a blanket over the face of one victim and choked the second victim with his arm. One victim reported a neck injury as a result of the choking. Bobzien was arraigned and remanded to jail without bail.

The Batavia City Council this week sent a stinging letter to state officials regarding the bail reform mandate that went into effect in 2019. In the letter, the Council said it is very concerned. The Council added that while well intentioned, the reforms are having serious consequences regarding public safety in Batavia. Local officials also noted that criminal elements from both Rochester and Buffalo have an even more visible presence in Batavia. The Council said…”at the end of the day, judges should be able to determine whether a violent criminal poses a dangerous threat to the community and can be held without bail.

The Diocese of Buffalo says it recently became aware of an action brought pursuant to the Child Victims Act by an individual who alleges that he was abused as a child fifteen years ago by 83-year-old Rev. Msgr. James G. Kelly, a retired priest of the Diocese of Buffalo, but who continues to assist in parish ministry. The complaint has been filed anonymously and was not served on the Diocese but was discovered during a recent search of publicly filed complaints. Upon learning of the complaint, the Diocese notified the Erie County District Attorney’s office.  As a result, Bishop Fisher has decided to place Msgr. Kelly on administrative leave pending a thorough investigation by the appointed independent investigator and a final determination by the Independent Review Board.

With everything that has been canceled in the past year and a half, one thing that is remaining the same is the Genesee County Fair Talent Show! All are welcome to show off their talents, whether it is music, dance, comedy or more. The fair is set for July 24-31. Participants will receive a goody bag and first, second, and third prizes will be awarded. Participants will be divided into age groups.

Legislation to establish an “Opioid Settlement Fund” has been signed into law. The new law requires that any settlement funds New York State receives from lawsuits and other actions against opioid manufacturers and distributors be dedicated to opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery programs and services. The legislation was unanimously approved by the Senate and Assembly in the closing days of this year’s legislative session and signed into law this week by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The Genesee County Office for the Aging has added a new program to its many services for adults 60 years of age and older. The new “Got Groceries?” program is a free grocery-shopping service. The office is looking for volunteers who are age 55 and older to do the shopping and deliver the groceries to individuals’ homes within Genesee County. The commitment can be as little as two shopping trips a month or more often if the volunteer is willing and the need exists. The office is kicking this off with an Open House on Wednesday, July 14 from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. outdoors on the patio of the Senior Center, 2 Bank St., Batavia. Interested parties are invited to stop by anytime for information on volunteering or receiving this service for themselves or a loved one. No reservations are needed.

State Police arrested 32-year-old Jacob W. Dunaway of Leroy for Driving While Intoxicated. Troopers responded to a motor vehicle that had crashed into a tree off Old Buffalo Road in town of Warsaw.  Dunaway was released with appearance tickets for Warsaw town court on a later date.