batavia

Two days ago, I happened across Dan Sprague jamming on a little death metal on his way to band practice. Sprague said he's a member of three bands, including the folk-rock band he was practicing with that day.

A lot has changed in the furniture business in the past 50 years. Shag carpet is out and twists and berbers are in, and good luck finding an avocado green loveseat.

But one thing hasn't changed at Max Pies. Phil Pies is still there every day to greet customers with a smile and a quip. 

"What do I love about the job?" Pies said during a celebration today of his 50 years in the business. "Meeting people. The people are the business."

Phil Pies is the third generation of Pies in the furniture business. Sticking around for 50 years, though, wasn't really something he expected when he started selling furniture.

"When I first came here, I didn't think I would actually stay here and here I am," Pies said. "I got involved in the business and I couldn't stop."

Alonzo C. Williams, 44, of Watson Street, Batavia, is charged with: criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony; and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, also a Class B felony. He was arrested after an investigation by the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of officers from the Sheriff's Office, Batavia Police Department and Le Roy Village Police Department. It is alleged that Williams sold a quantity of crack cocaine to an agent of the drug task force. Williams, who had an active arrest warrant, was located driving on North Street in the City of Batavia and he was taken into custody. Williams was arraigned in Genesee County Court, then released on his own recognizance. The drug task force was assisted by uniformed deputies, Batavia police and the District Attorney's Office.

Michael Eugene Weichman, 25, Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief, third-degree assault, and criminal obstruction of breathing. On Nov. 22, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office received a report of a domestic incident that occurred at 5 p.m. on Nov. 19 on Pratt Road. Weichman was identified as the suspect, then arrested and arraigned virtually at Genesee County Jail. A NYS parole detainer was put in place for Weichman and he remains in jail. The case was handled by Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Deputy Howard Wilson. Sgt. Andrew Hale also assisted in the case.

Shawn Phillip Wolcott, 38, of South Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt and obstruction of governmental administration in the second degree. Following a complaint of a violation of a court order, Wolcott was arrested at 4:49 p.m. on Nov. 22 on South Main Street Road. During his arrest he allegedly obstructed deputies by barricading himself in his home. Wolcott was released with an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on Dec. 10. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Jacob Gauthier.

Richard David Trykowski III, 39, Tinkham Road, Darien, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; aggravated driving while intoxicated -- BAC of .18 percent or more; DWI -- first offense; moving from lane unsafely; unreasonable speed; and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Trykowski was arrested after an investigation of a one-car accident that occurred at 10:07 p.m. on Nov. 22 on South Lake Road in Pembroke. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Pembroke Town Court on Jan. 7. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Jacob Gauthier.

A car vs. bicyclist accident is reported in the city at West Main Street and Montclair Avenue. City fire, police and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 2 p.m.: The bicyclist was standing up next to the bicycle when first responders arrived. The person has minor injuries and was taken to UMMC for evaluation. A female driver was southbound on Montclair Avenue and went to make a right-hand turn into West Main Street when the accident occurred. She says she looked both ways and it was clear, then the bicyclist suddenly appeared in front of her. The driver was not injured.

Due to the rise of coronavirus cases, there is an increasing demand for tests. Many of our health centers including Albion, Brockport and Hornell provide testing for people with and without symptoms.

At the Corfu, Batavia and Alexander locations we are testing people with symptoms who meet the criteria. To keep everyone safe, all testing is by appointment only. 

COVID-19 swab tests are available at our health centers outdoors to ensure safety for patients and staff, however, if you have symptoms, please call in advance for arrival instructions. Test results are typically back in three  to five days but in some cases can take up to seven business days. 

“We want the community to know that Oak Orchard Health is here for them should they need a COVID-19 test. We have several testing locations and options including a free LetsGetChecked Self-Collection Kit,” said Dr. Mary Obear, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Clinical Officer, Oak Orchard Health (inset photo left).

Regarding payment, Oak Orchard starts by billing the insurance companies (co-pays may apply), and should it not be covered, we also offer a sliding fee scale discount based on family size and annual income. For questions or more information, please call (585) 637-3905, ext. 221.  

The LetsGetChecked COVID-19 Self Collection Kits were purchased by Oak Orchard but are being given out free to our patients 18 years of age or older. They can be used at home but are in limited supply.

The kits can be used when appropriate based on current testing guidelines. The test kit comes with a UPS next day air return shipping label to send your sample back to the lab. They aim to deliver your results within 24-72 hours of your sample being received in their laboratory.  

Take a moment look at the COVID-19 testing options available at Oak Orchard Health. For more information, visit our website at or call (585) 637-3905.

Interview with Dan Ireland, CEO of UMMC. Scheduled to start at 11 a.m.

Submitted photos and information:

There's a special "Mini" Mammoth Sale (An oxymoron, yes, but it works!) at St. Joe's Regional School in Batavia today until 3 o'clock.

The annual fundraiser will also take place tomorrow (Nov. 25) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Friday (Nov. 27) also from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Then on Saturday (Nov. 28) all items will be half price and times are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Don't miss out! Masks and social distancing will be necessary. 

This year's bargain bonanza is co-chaired by Randa Williams and John Bowen.

They say there are thousands of beautiful things for sale, which include women's and men's clothing, household items, furniture, toys, games, small appliances, bath decor, 100s of new books, collectibles, and so much more.

There are lovely baskets to raffle off, too.

If you have questions or concerns, or donations, which can be brought to the sale or want to call for pickup, contact Randa at (585) 356-5333 or John at (585) 313-6455.

St. Joe's is located at 2 Summit St. in the city.

Matt Worth, retiring after nearly 34 years with the city, was honored tonight for his service to the community with a proclamation from the City Council read by Council President Eugene Jankowski.

"I'm incredibly thankful," Worth said. "The City of Batavia is a great place to work. Amazing and remarkable people."

Photo and information by Mike Pettinella.

Previously: Matt Worth emphasizes bond with coworkers as he reflects upon long career with City of Batavia

The “Comfort Foods” Cookbook will be available at the sale or you can purchase online at www.crossroadshouse.com.

We will be observing standard safety precautions including masks, social distancing, and sanitizing. Enjoy great gift and collectible shopping while supporting comfort care in your neighborhood. We'll see you this weekend!

Members of Batavia High School's senior class and their families held a pandemic-era Thanksgiving parade through the City of Batavia this morning.

The Holland Land Office Museum's 2020 Wonderland of Trees is open to the public during regular business hours until Dec. 31. The annual event this year doesn't include the usual gala opening but visitors are still welcome to enjoy the holiday cheer of more than 20 trees decorated by local organizations and businesses.

As many as 25 people at a time will be allowed into the building to view the trees. Masks are required inside the building.

This year's sponsors include Tompkins Bank of Castile, Batavia Downs, and The YNgodess Shop.  

This is a major fundraiser each year for HLOM and to help in that effort, there is a basket raffle. The winners will be drawn on Dec. 18.

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra will provide musical performances on the evenings of Dec. 4, Dec. 11, and Dec. 18.

Sgt. Greg Kellogg, Le Roy PD, and troopers Ben Hersee, Stephanie Grimaldi and Bill Franz, show off some of the toys collected at Target today for the annual Stuff the Cruiser event.

Local law enforcement gathers for the event each year to collect donations for children who might not otherwise fund many presents under their Christmas trees. Besides Le Roy PD and State Police, participating this year were the Sheriff's Office, Batavia PD, Corfu PD, GC Probation Department, and the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Brooke Fisher, 5, drops off a toy with Le Roy PD Officer CJ Miller and Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, Sheriff's Office.

Photo submitted by Greg Kellogg of the final haul of presents.

Patrick Hager, with American Legion Post 637 in Strykersville, helps deliver meals from the Original Red Osier Landmark Restaurant to residents and staff at the VA Hospital in Batavia on Thursday. Veterans in Wyoming County raised $2,100 to pay for 175 meals.

View this listing: 42 Redfield Parkway, Batavia, click here.
View this listing: 40 N. Lyon St., Batavia, click here.
View this listing: 7575 S. Pearl St., Oakfield, click here.
View this listing: 6484 Route 262, Bryon, Batavia, click here.

While it's too early to say that a series of brush fires next to buildings at 29 Liberty St. in the City of Batavia were deliberately set, said Chief Stefano Napolitano, the fires do deserve closer scrutiny.

City fire and Batavia PD are working together on an investigation.

The property is a long narrow band with a trailer on it -- like a long trailer used at construction sites -- and the fires were several yards apart on the property.

"With fires at multiple locations, it warrants an extremely closer look," Napolitano said.

The investigation will also try to determine if the Liberty Street fires are linked to a dumpster fire at School and Cedar streets earlier today.

Out at the scene this evening, Napolitano was overheard talking with a police officer about the unusual number of brush fires in the area for November. We asked him about it later.

There were fires today in Alabama, Oakfield, Pavilion and Darien.

"I can't speak for other chiefs but in my 35 years (in the fire service), I don't remember a November 20th with this kind of temperature and dry conditions," Napolitano said. "Maybe when I was younger, I didn't notice it, but now I can feel it in my bones."

He said its really not a good time for one last bonfire or to burn things.

He praised the response of his team. The firefighters protected nearby buildings from the fire and got it out quickly.

Previously: Brush fire reported on Liberty Street in the city

Video by Rick Hale.