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Law and Order: Man accused of burglary extradited from Tennesee

By Howard B. Owens

Dylan James Perry, 36, of Kingsbury Avenue, Batavia, is charged with burglary, 3rd, and petit larceny. Perry is accused of entering a business on Route 20 in Darien on Dec. 4 and stealing money. He was located in Manchester, Tenn., and extradited to New York.

Michael Joseph Panepento, 21, of North Street, Le Roy, is charged with assault, 3rd. Panepento is accused of punching another man several times in the head causing substantial swelling, bruising, and a cut, during an argument at a home in the Town of Pavilion at midnight April 28.

Jennifer A. Noll, 38, of Harvester Avenue, Batavia, is charged with soliciting alms in violation of Batavia Municipal Code. Noll is accused of asking people for money near Kwik Fill at 99 Jackson St., Batavia, at 10:22 p.m. April 30.

Darien Leonard Rhodes, 25, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Rhodes was allegedly found in possession of marijuana at 5:10 p.m. May 1 at a location on Dellinger Avenue.

Steven M. Morales, 42, Lewiston Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Morales was charged following a traffic stop where he was allegedly found in possession of a glass crack pipe with residue. He was stopped at 1:21 p.m. May 3 on Central Avenue by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Erin M. George, 30, of Horseshoe Lake Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and speeding. George was stopped at 2:13 a.m. April 27 on Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Angela Reanee Bateman, 45, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd. Bateman was charged following a report into a disturbance on Pringle Avenue at 4:11 a.m. May 1 by Sgt. Eric Bolles.

Miguel E. Alvarez, 23, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and unlawful possession of marijuana. Alvarez is accused of stealing the property of another person on Maple Avenue on April 25. He was allegedly found in possession of marijuana at the time of his arrest.

James C. Emerson, 56, of Church Street, East Pembroke, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. He was arrested in Wayne County and turned over to Batavia PD. He posted bail and was released.

Ahdeosun Richaud Aiken, 19, of Ellicott Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Aiken is accused of damaging property during an argument at 1:45 a.m. May 3 at a location on Hutchins Street, Batavia.

Nicholas Matthew Erway, 21, of East Robinson Road, North Tonawanda, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, stopping on a highway. Erway was allegedly found sleeping behind the wheel of his vehicle at 12:04 a.m. May 6 while it was stopped on Route 77 in Alabama by Deputy Howard Wilson.

June Ann Weinart, 28, of Freeman Road, Byron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding, moving from lane unsafely, and open container. Weinart was charged following a traffic stop at 3:23 a.m. Saturday on Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, by Deputy James Stack.

Bruce Kenneth Ames, 51, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unnecessary smoke/vapors. Ames was stopped at 8:20 p.m. May 1 on Ellicott Avenue by Deputy Austin Heberlein. He was accused of having unnecessary smoke/vapors coming from his vehicle. Ames was allegedly found in possession of a green leafy substance that he identified as marijuana.

Kevin Wayne Napier, 34, of Kendall, is charged with bail jumping, 3rd, and aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. 

Richardo Sampel, 48, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, and Emily D. Schramm, 32, of Alabama, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Sampel and Schramm were arrested together in Alabama by State Police on an incident reported at 10:17 p.m., April 24. Both were ordered held in jail. No further details released.

Sarah J. Ehrman, 38, of Scio, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Ehrman was arrested May 3 in the Town of Alexander by State Police. No further details released.

Milling of pavement on Lehigh Avenue, Batavia, begins Tuesday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Please be aware that all motorists using Lehigh Avenue within the City of Batavia will experience travel delays on Tuesday, May 8th, between the hours of 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Roadwork involving the milling of pavement will begin at Ellicott Street, working toward Creek Road. Local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence/property but should plan accordingly for delays.

All residents/businesses within the work area are asked not to park on the roadway during the day.

Once milling is complete, the roadway will be prepared for paving. An additional memo will be issued with specific dates and times for this work.

Please contact the Bureau of Maintenance with any questions. Phone: 585-345-6400 (Option 1); Fax: 585-343-6199.

Thank you for your cooperation in advance.

Batavia PD looking for owner of lost ring on Richmond Avenue

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

An engagement/wedding ring was turned in to the Batavia Police Department after it was found on the sidewalk on Richmond Avenue on 05/05/2018. If you believe you are the owner of this ring, please contact Officer Ivison at (585) 345-6350 with a detailed description and/or pictures of the ring.

Two of Batavia fire dispatched to two accidents

By Howard B. Owens

A Mercy medic has been dispatched to what was first reported as a non-injury, property-damage accident involving two cars at 4857 Ellicott Street Road, Batavia.

Town of Batavia was also called to deal with a fuel leak.

Town of Batavia has also just been dispatched to an accident on Assemblyman R. Steven Hawley Drive and Medtech Drive for a two-car accident.

Mercy EMS also summoned.

Arrest made in thefts from two local liquor stores

By Howard B. Owens
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      Willie Dozier

A Rochester man is in custody on charges related to thefts from two local liquor stores in August and November in Batavia.

Willie A. Dozier, 49, of Terrace Park, Rochester, is charged with two counts of burglary, 3rd, and two counts of conspiracy, 5th.

Dozier is accused participating in the left of $500 cash and a credit card from the back office of Mr. Wine & Liquor in the Tops Plaza on Aug. 12.

He is also accused of stealing a box of cash from Plaza Spirits in Batavia on Nov. 16.

In both cases, Dozier appeared to be working with a partner -- hence the conspiracy charges -- but no other arrest was announced yet in the case. Police say the investigation is ongoing.

Dozier was also arrested in Monroe County on charges related to similar crimes there.

He was jailed without bail.

Pedestrian struck by car on Buell Street

By Howard B. Owens

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A person has been struck by a car on Buell Street in the city.

City fire on scene reporting one person down in the roadway.

The first Batavia PD officer on scene asked for another patrol to respond.

City fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 12:14 a.m. It turns out the patient may not have been struck by the vehicle according to a police officer on scene. The patient may have been trying to ride on top of the car or had jumped on the car. The driver may know the patient. The patient is a 19-year-old male. He was transported to UMMC with road rash and for evaluation of a possible head injury. The investigation is continuing.

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Possibly injured Rottweiler on Cedar Street

By Howard B. Owens

City police are out with a possibly injured Rottweiler at 2 Cedar St. but don't yet have it in custody.

The officer says the dog appears friendly.

The dog may have a leg injury.

Photos: Race fans at Batavia Downs for the Kentucky Derby

By Howard B. Owens

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Justify won the Kentucky Derby, which seemed to please many race fans at Batavia Downs yesterday.

Below, Mary Foster and Alyssa Park, winners of the hat contest, with Henry Wojtaszek, Western OTB president, and Scott Kiedrowski, VP of operations.

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Photo: $1 tacos at Cedar Street for Cinco de Mayo benefited YWCA

By Howard B. Owens

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For Cinco de Mayo yesterday, Cedar Street Sales and Rentals, served up $1 tacos to store visitors. The proceeds, along with any donations, are going to the local YWCA to help the 109-year-old service organization out of its financial difficulties.

Residents and veterans invited to participate in Memorial Day Parade

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

This is an open invitation to all members of the community to participate in this year’s Batavia Memorial Day parade on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28th.

The City of Batavia is sponsoring the parade and we are looking forward to another great turnout. The parade will kick off at 9:45 a.m. from the Eastown Plaza and end at the Alva Place parking lot.

People can then go to the Veterans Memorial Service at the memorial site across the street at the Jerome Center.

Any veterans wishing to participate in the parade can just show up at 9:15. Any veterans needing a ride in the parade please contact me.

Any groups wishing to participate please let us know as all are welcome. Please keep the theme of respect to all our veteran and first responders.

Let’s show our support to our veterans and first responders.

Thank you,
Bob Bialkowski
Councilman at Large
(585) 409-3624

Severe thunderstorm warning issued

By Billie Owens

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued at 4:10 p.m. by The National Weather Service office in Buffalo.

It is in effect until 4:45 p.m.

At 4:09 p.m. a severe thunderstorm was located over Batavia moving northeast at 75 mph. Wind gusts of up to 70 mph are a hazard. Up to three-quarters of an inch of hail are possible.

The weather service says: Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

This area of impact includes the following highways: Interstate 390 between exits 11 and 12; and Interstate 90 between exits 48 and 46.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

Also, a high wind warning is in effect until 10 p.m.

Reminder: GC Women's Republican Club hosts Spring Breakfast at Ascension Parish May 19, must RSVP by May 7

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Women's Republican Club will host the 2018 Spring Breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 19, at Ascension Parish Hall in Batavia.

Enjoy a full breakfast buffet catered by the Dibble Family Center.

Cost is $20 per member and $25 per nonmember; you can sign up for membership at the event.

The parish hall is located at 15 Sumner St.

This year's "Caring for America Charity" is the Alzheimer's Association.

For more information, contact Melissa M. Haacke at 314-4501.

RSVP by May 7 to:

Michele Smith

20 Canterbury Lane

Bergen NY 14416

or via email at:

Msmith1548@frontiernet.net

Lost dog found running with little canine buddy on West Main Street near Settler's

By Billie Owens

Reader James P. Bradman sent us a photo of this female dog found running around West Main Street in Batavia near Settler's restaurant. "Apparently there was another small white dog with her that we were unable to find," he says.

An animal control officer has taken this one with the jaunty pistachio-colored bandana kerchief to the shelter. The shelter's phone number is 343-6410.

Scratcher pays $1 million for Batavia couple

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Twenty-seven-year-old Marquele Tomlin, of Batavia, has been playing the Lottery since he turned 18. The auto shop bodywork expert said he never won more than $50, but kept playing because he thought, “Maybe someday I’d have a day like this.” Tomlin and his girlfriend of eight years, Amber Blackshear, recently claimed a $1,000,000 top prize on the $1,000,000 Double Sided Dollars scratch-off game. Tomlin purchased the couple’s ticket during a quick stop at their local Rite Aid to wire some money to his mother.

“I had a $20 winner that I exchanged for 10 $1 tickets and two $5 tickets,” he said. “I bought the tickets home and we scratched them just standing around the kitchen Island. She ended up with the big one.”

“We brought it back to the store to be sure and even the machine said ‘Big Winner,’” Blackshear said. “I got all excited; maybe too excited because Marquele told me I had to calm down.”

Blackshear, 23, said she believes fate had a hand in the couple’s windfall. “After eight years together, we broke up for awhile. The day we won was our first day back together as a couple.”

The couple opted to receive their prize as a one-time lump sum payment in the amount of $400,000 each. They will each receive a net check totaling $268,720 after required withholdings.

The two plan to use their respective shares of the prize to invest in a house for their growing family, which includes two toddlers. “I’d like one with a pool,” said Blackshear.

When asked what it felt like to be a Lottery Millionaire Tomlin said simply, “Ahhhhhhhhh. We did it!”

Blackshear said the win is a dream come true. “Now we can do anything as individuals or as a family,” she said. “It’s a feeling you can’t explain.”

The winning ticket was purchased at Rite Aid at 601 E. Main St. in Batavia.

The New York Lottery contributed $13,874,189 in Lottery Aid to Education to school districts in Genesee County during fiscal year 2016-2017.

Voters approve Richmond Memorial Library budget

By Howard B. Owens

Voters tonight approved the Richmond Memorial Library's 2018-19 budget with an 88 percent yes vote out of 214 votes tallied.

The budget increases spending by $24,878.

There were 30 no votes.

Gregg McAllister was elected to a five-year term on the library's Board of Trustees, filling a vacancy to be left by Jennifer Reardon at the expiration of her term next month.

People on Porter Avenue reportedly throwing bricks at the jail

By Howard B. Owens

A corrections officer has requested a response from Batavia PD to deal with a group of people on Porter Avenue who are reportedly throwing bricks at the Genesee County Jail.

No description available.

The C.O. says a supervisor is out on Porter Avenue now.

UPDATE 8:48 p.m.: A responder just drove up Porter and didn't see anything.

UPDATE 8:49 p.m.: A supervisor was out with two females. The women have moved on. An officer says they may have been girlfriends of inmates trying to get their attention. 

Free weekly workshop series on Chronic Disease Self-Management starts May 11, must register by May 9

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County Office for the Aging and Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) will be holding a FREE six-week Chronic Disease Self-Management (CDSM) workshop for the community, beginning on Friday, May 11.

Those who attend the CDSM workshops will be shown practical steps to gain control of their daily health concerns.

Participants will learn about healthy eating, problem-solving, action plans, medications, weight management, physical activity, sleep, and relationship communication skills.

The workshop information is relevant for those experiencing chronic conditions such as: arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and eating disorders.

The workshop is taking place at 2 Bank St., Batavia, at the Genesee County Office for the Aging, from 9:30 AM to noon over six Friday’s; the dates are May 11, May 18, May 25, June 1, June 8 and June 15th.

Participants who complete the series will receive free materials and a gift card.

Preregistration by Wednesday, May 9, is required.

You can receive more information, and sign up for the workshop by contacting Donna Becker at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411.  

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

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