batavia

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia are collecting donations today for the people downstate effected by Superstorm Sandy.

The drop-off location is on Veterans Memorial Drive, between Michael's and the former Lowe's location.

Canned goods, bottled water, and other non-perishable items along with blankets are welcome donations.

Donations will be collected until 2 p.m., when a truck that is making the rounds throughout New York will stop and pick up all of today's donations.

Photo: Andre Dunlap, left, Mike Rich and Paul White. Below, Harold Kilthau, of Batavia, drops off a donation.

Crystal L. Kiebzak (inset photo), 30, of Darien, is charged with identify theft, 1st, criminal possession of stolen property, 5th, and unlawful possession of personal identification information, 3rd. Kiebzak was arrested after a three-month investigation by State Police into the suspected unlawful use of personal information to obtain merchandise at the Walmart in Batavia. Kiebzak is accused of using the identification of a relative to obtain more than $3,000 in merchandise.

Michael P. Murphy, 27, of 38 Columbia Ave., Batavia, is charged with assault, 3rd, endangering the welfare of a child and criminal mischief. Murphy is accused of punching and pushing another person during a domestic incident at 7:32 p.m., Monday. A child was allegedly in the vicinity of the incident. Murphy was jailed on $3,000 bail or $6,000 bond.

Linda L. Henry, 49, of 6 Maple St., Batavia, Michael J. Henry, 45, of 6 Maple St., Batavia, and Katrina L. Thigpen, 30, of 18 Maple St., Batavia, are charged with harassment, 2nd, and disorderly conduct. The trio were arrested following a police response by officers Jason Ivison and Eric Dibble to a report of a fight on Maple Street at 1:25 p.m., Monday. Thigpen is accused of punching another person in the face. Michael Henry is accused of pushing another person and causing that person to fall through a porch railing. Thigpen and Michael Henry were charged with harassment, 2nd. Linda Henry is accused of repeatedly yelling obscenities at police officers. She was charged with disorderly conduct.

Kevin J. O'Connell Jr., 32, and Samantha L. Johnson, 25, both of 466 Ellicott St., Batavia, are charged with criminal nuisance, 2nd, falsely reporting an incident, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and moving from lane unsafely (O'Connell on the vehicle charges). Batavia PD officers Thad Mart and Darryle Streeter responded to a report of a car hitting a house at 3:35 a.m., Saturday, at 499 Ellicott St., Batavia. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene before officers arrived. The investigation revealed that a vehicle was northbound on Ellicott Street when the driver lost control of the car and it left the roadway on the northeast side of the road. The vehicle drove through a lawn at 451 Ellicott St. before striking and becoming stuck underneath the front porch at 449 Ellicott St. Following interviews with witnesses, officers identified O'Connell as the suspected driver. During the investigation, officers determined that O'Connell and Johnson allegedly hosted an underage drinking party at their residence. Johnson is accused of initially telling officers that her car had been stolen by an unknown person.

UPDATE, to add arrest out of Wyoming County.

Andre Roberts, 20, of Perry Road, Pavilion, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and uninspected vehicle. Roberts was stopped by a Wyoming County Sheriff's deputy at 4:50 p.m., Nov. 8, on Keeney Road, Warsaw. He was jailed on $2,000 bail.

A reader sent in this photo of game players waiting outisde of Game Stop in Batavia tonight for the release -- three hours from now -- of Call of Duty - Black Ops II.  A friend of mine posted on Facebook a similar picture of fans outside a Game Stop location in Los Angeles.

A fight, now broken up, was reported on Maple Street near Jackson Street. Police are on scene.

UPDATE 1:35 p.m.: An ambulance is called to the scene for a person with a laceration.

Jason Micheal Kone, 31, of Townline Road, Byron, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, violation of probation, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, operating with a suspended registration and operating without insurance. Kone was stopped at 1:51 p.m., Sunday, on Townline Road, Byron, by Deputy Chris Parker. At the time of the stop Kone was allegedly found in possession of a pipe containing marijuana. Kone was also arrested on a warrant out of Monroe County for alleged violation of probation and turned over to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

Christina J. Larsen, 37, of 6024 Fisher Road, Oakfield, is charged with felony DWI, felony aggravated DWI, improper left turn, uninspected motor vehicle and unregistered motor vehicle. Larson was stopped at 7:21 p.m. Sunday on West Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Jamie Givens.

Nicholas C. Klippel, 28, of 80 Walden Creek Drive, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Klippel is accused of threatening to "murder" another person.

Steven A. Earl, 27, of 8017 Bank Street Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to yield right of way. Earl was stopped at 2:02 a.m. Sunday on South Swan Street, Batavia, by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Richard L Coughlin, 59, of 17 Fisher Park, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, and menacing, 3rd. Coughlin is accused of putting another person in fear of physical injury by yelling and screaming while in close proximity to that person and raising clenched fists. Coughlin is accused of violating an order of protection issued by Family Court.

Michael L. Valle, 31, of 146 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with attempted burglary, 2nd, criminal contempt, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 4th. Valle is accused of attempting to break into the residence of a person protected by a court order causing damage to a window screen and exterior light. Valle was jailed on $20,000 bail or $40,000 bond.

Brian D. Stotts, 35, of East Main Road, Le Roy, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, unlawful possession of marijuana and running a red light. Stotts was stopped Saturday in Le Roy by a Le Roy police officer.

Bobbie Jo Hudson, 28, of Banks Road, Churchville, is charged with DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, driving on a suspected registration, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, failure to keep right, and uninspected motor vehicle. Hudson was stopped at 2:25 a.m. Friday on Route 19, Bergen, by Deputy Eric Seppala.

Lucas G. Yauchzee, 23, of West Bergen Road, Bergen, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Yauchzee's arrest stems from the investigation of an alleged domestic incident Oct. 20. He was allegedly found in possession of LSD and marijuana. The case was investigated by Deputy Brian Thompson and Trooper J.J. Pitz.

Richard G. Medwid, 27, of Alexander Road, Alexander, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and unreasonable speed. Medwid was reportedly involved in a one-vehicle accident on Route 98, Town of Batavia, at 12:55 a.m., Sept. 15.

While I was out with my film cameras today, I came across Mark Dougherty and Wayne Newton on my street with their old Ford trucks. That seemed like a suitable subject for film photography, and these are both beautiful old trucks.

Two people were taken to regional hospitals by Mercy Flight after an accident at 2:40 p.m. on West Main Street at the turn-in for Valu Plaza.

Both people, the driver of one car and his passenger, had non-life-threatening injuries. The driver was taken ECMC and the passenger to Strong Memorial Hospital.

A third person, the driver of a red Chevy Avalanche involved in the crash, was taken to Strong by Mercy EMS.

Reportedly, the driver of a blue Chevy Aveo was making a left-hand turn from the westbound lane into Valu Plaza. He allegedly pulled in front of the red Avalanche.

City and Town of Batavia fire departments responded and Sheriff's deputies are investigating the accident.

Information and photos provided by Alecia Kaus.

Students from Penn State are on Batavia's street corners today and tomorrow morning collecting spare change from passing cars as part of there charity drive on the behalf of pediatric cancer.

The students are part of a group called THON, which was first organized at Penn State in 1977. The group has raised more than than $89 million for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. Last year alone, students raised $10 million.

The students came to Batavia this weekend because one of the members, James Leisenring, is from Genesee County.

They will be collecting change until 4 p.m. today and tomorrow morning before heading back to State College, Pa.

Each year, THON culminates its fundraising efforts with a 46-hour dance marathon. For more information, visit THON.org.

Pictured is James Metz, of Butler, Pa., and below, Rick Mancuso, who happened to stop at the Hess Station and then found out about the fundraiser and kicked in a donation.

Bottom photo of participating students submitted by Lisa Rapone.

Members of Adventure Crew 69, Scout Pack 69 and Boy Scout Troop 69 were on the Southside this morning collecting donations for the food pantry at St. James Episcopal Church.

Photo submitted by Jason Smith.

A few minutes ago, a law enforcement officer was asked to return to the jail to help a guy who'd locked himself out of his vehicle. The officer said brightly "Sure, I'd be glad to." It's the same person he'd just taken to jail for prints and photos, who was then subsequently released on his own recognizance.

So far, according to Mike Adams, everything about moving Kreative Design Kitchen and Bath to a new location at 5582 E. Main Road, Batavia, has been a success.

Mike and Debbie Adams founded their business in 1993. A big reason for the move was so they could enjoy the financial benefits own owning their own building. In doing so, they also expanded their showroom space by 800 square feet. The expansion has allowed them to expand their business to include more flooring and closet systems.

In the kitchen and bathroom departments they still offer Omega and Diamond cabinets.

With more than 100 people showing up for the grand opening weekend last Saturday and Sunday, Adams said he's pleased the new location is attracting some attention.

Photo, Debbie and Mike Adams, left, and designer Aubrey Kingston.

A 27-year-old Batavia man stopped for alleged traffic violations is in jail today, being held on a warrant out of Clark County, Nevada, for alleged sexual assault of a child under age 14.

Kevin Jerome Bacon II, of Bank Street, was stopped by Deputy Joseph Graff for allegedly operating a vehicle in the City of Batavia without headlights or taillights.

Subsequently, Bacon was identified as a warrant suspect.

Bacon is being held in the Genesee County Jail without bail as a suspected fugitive from justice.

A 42-year-old Manhatten Avenue resident was taken into custody today on suspicion of selling cocaine in Batavia.

Robert K. Andreassen is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd.

Andreasson is accused of selling a quantity of cocaine to an agent of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force.

Task force members along with Batavia PD officers arrested Andreassen at his residence.

Following arraignment in county court, Andreassen was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

An ashcan, or ashtray-type container, is reportedly on fire at 319 W. Main St., Batavia.

The owner has pulled the container away from the building.

City fire is responding.

UPDATE 7:38 p.m.: Fire out. City fire back in service.

Submitted by Bare Antoles:

The students of Notre Dame started their day on Friday by gathering to cheer on their classmates, the Girls XC Sectional Championship team -- Madison Gluck, Laurie Call, Anna Warner, Emily McCracken, Shelby McGinnis, Rosemary Flumerfeldt, Emily Sherman -- and Boys Sectional Champion Jeffrey Antolos prior to leaving for the NYSPHSAA State Championships to be held tomorrow at Elma Meadows Golf Course in Elma, NY.

A Brooklyn man is facing a rare bribery charge in Genesee County, but that's not nearly the end of his legal troubles.

He's also wanted in Poughkeepsie and Virginia.

Christian J. Nykian, 20, was in custody and identified as a man wanted on a warrant out of Henrico County, Virginia, when he allegedly told State Troopers, “Yo, I will give you all my money in my pocket to make this go away."

In his pocket, according to Investigator Andre Dunlap, was $198.28.

Troopers Jenny Bryman and Steve Brady initially made contact wth Nykian at College Village on Wednesday after responding to a trespassing complaint.

Four subjects were found in a dorm room who allegedly did not have permission to be there.

When questioned, Nykian said his given name was Christian, according to Dunlap. When a records check turned up a warrant in Virginia, he said his real name was Johnny.

The troopers took him back to the State Police Barracks on West Saile Drive and a fingerprint scan positively identified him as Christian J. Nykian, Dunlap said.

That's when Nykian allegedly offered the troopers his $198.28 to "make this go away."

Locally, Nykian is facing a Class D felony for the alleged bribery of a public official as well as false personation and obstruction of governmental administration, 2nd.

In Virginia, Nykian is wanted for felony false pretense and false utterance.

Poughkeepsie PD authorities are also seeking Nykian on charges of grand larceny, 3rd, and possession of a forged instrument, 2nd.

Dunlap said both jurisdictions have said they will seek extradition of Nykian. He will likely face the New York charges before being sent to Virginia.

Nykian is being held in the Genesee County Jail without bail.

An electrical fire is reported in a storage room in the back of the Salvation Army Thrift Store, located at 96 Jackson St. The fire is said to be inside an electrical panel box. City firefighters are on scene but report nothing showing.

UPDATE 4:15 p.m.: A fire chief says there is an odor of smoke coming from the panel box and he requests that National Grid be notified of the problem.

UPDATE 4:17 p.m.: The power company has been notified. No ETA given.

UPDATE 4:25 p.m.: National Grid says a rep will be there in about 10 minutes.

UPDATE 4:28 p.m.: An electrician will need to be called in. The circuit breakers are completely burned, according to the chief. The power is shut down.

A 40-year-old man turned himself in to Batavia PD following a complaint that the man sexually abused a child under age 11.

John W. Eastridge, 40, of 7058 N. Pearl St., Oakfield, was charged with sexual abuse, 1st. Following arraignment he was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Eastridge allegedly subjected a child to sexual contact in September 2009 in Batavia.

Assisting Det. Charles Dudek on the investigation were Chris Erion and John Dehm of the Sheriff's Office.

An injury accident that is blocking traffic is reported at East Main and Liberty streets. One patient has a back injury. Mercy medics are on scene and city fire is responding.

Press release:

Batavia police are investigating a hit-and-run accident which occurred on Thursday, Oct. 25, between 2:15 p.m. and 2:20 p.m. in the rear parking lot of the YMCA at 209 E. Main St.

A white Chevrolet van, belonging to Next Generation Vending, was struck by another vehicle. The van had been parked along the sidewalk behind the building and was struck by a vehicle backing out of one of the 15-minute parking spaces.

The suspect vehicle is a newer black SUV which had a Web address written on the back hatch. The Web address was "(an unknown word) signs.com" and the driver of the suspect vehicle may have been an older male wearing a ball cap. It appears that he may not have been aware that he struck another vehicle.

Anybody with information is asked to call the Batavia PD at 345-6350.