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Grand Jury: four people indicted on drug-dealing charges

By Billie Owens

Andrea A. Arteaga is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on May 18 in the Village of Le Roy that Arteaga knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug -- methamphetamine/amphetamine -- with intent to sell it. In count two, the defendant is accused of criminally possessing a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged in count two that on May 18 while on Bacon Street in the Village of Le Roy that he possessed a firearm -- a pistol. In count three, he is accused of driving while ability impaired by drugs, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count three that on May 18, he drove a 2015 Chevrolet on Route 5 in Le Roy while his ability to do so was impaired by drugs. In Special Information filed by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, Arteaga is accused of having been convicted of driving while intoxicated as a Class A misdemeanor on Oct. 22, 2018 in Town of Batavia Court and that conviction forms the basis for counts two and three of the current indictment.

Randy J. Dumbleton is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on June 17 in the City of Batavia that Dumbleton knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug -- cocaine -- with intent to sell it. In count two, he is accused of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony, for allegedly knowingly and unlawfully possessing a narcotic drug -- cocaine -- with the intent to sell it. In count three, the defendant is accused of driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of drugs or alcohol, as a misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three that on June 17 in the City of Batavia that he drove a 2003 Honda on Main Street, Dellinger Avenue and Washington Avenue, while his ability to do so was impaired by the combined influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Angela R. Bateman is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 12 in the City of Batavia that Bateman knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug -- cocaine -- with intent to sell it. In count two, she is indicted for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on the same day she also possessed the narcotic fentanyl with intent to sell it. In count three, Bateman is accused of criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged that she knowingly possessed scales and balances designed for weighing or measuring controlled substances -- for the purpose of unlawfully manufacturing, packaging or dispensing any narcotic drug or stimulant. In count four, Bateman is indicted for the crime of promoting prison contraband in the first degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 24 she knowingly and unlawfully introduced a dangerous contraband -- fentanyl -- into a detention facility -- the Genesee County Jail.

Darius L. Jones is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on June 24 in the City of Batavia that Jones knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug -- cocaine -- with intent to sell it. In count two, he is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony, for allegedly possessing a narcotic drug -- fentanyl -- that day with intent to sell it. In count three, he is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, a Class D felony, for having cocaine weighing 500 mg or more. In count four, he is accused of criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. In count four, it is alleged that Jones possessed gelatine capsules, glassine envelopes, vials, capsules or other materials suitable for the packaging of individual quantities of narotic drugs or stimulants, for the purpose of unlawfully manufacturing, packaging or dispensing them. In count five, Jones is indicted for criminal trespass in the third degree, a Class B misdemeanor. It is alleged in count five that Jones unlawfully entered property on North Spruce Street in the city. In count six, Jones is accused of unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree, a violation, for allegedly possessing marijuana June 24 in the City of Batavia.

Chaniah L. Wellington-Martino is indicted for the crime of third-degree attempted assault, a Class B misdemeanor. It is alleged that on Aug. 7 in the Town of Stafford that she acted with intent to cause physical harm to a Genesee County Sheriff's investigator and did so by trying to bite him on the left arm. In count two, she is indicted for the crime of resisting arrest. It is alleged that on that day in Stafford that she intentionally prevented or attempted to prevent a police officer from arresting her and that she fought with the officer and attempted to bite him. In count three, she is accused of obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three that the defendant attempted to grab contraband from a person during a lawful arrest, that she tried to prevent her detainment, and she pulled away from the officer while he attempted to remove a personal item that was entangled around her arm. In count four, Wellington-Martino is accused of tampering with physical evidence, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count four that she threw a purse containing marijuana down an embankment. In count five, she is accused of the same crime as in count four for allegedly trying to retrieve drugs from her co-defendant's pocket. In count six, Wellington-Martino is accused of unlawful possession of marijuana in the second-degree, a violation, for allegedly knowingly possessing marijuana that day in Stafford. In count seven, she is accused of a vehicle and traffic law infraction -- pedestrian failure to walk facing traffic, for allegedly failing to walk on the left side of the roadway or its shoulder facing oncoming traffic.

William R. Metz is indicted for the crime of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged that on April 4 in the Town of Oakfield that Metz possessed a loaded firearm -- Canik 9-mm pistol -- with the intent to use it unlawfully against a person. In count two, Metz is accused of reckless endangerment in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that he engaged in conduct that created substantial risk of serious physical injury to a person by discharging three rounds from the pistol into the bedroom floor of a residence on Batavia Oakfield Townline Road that day. In count three, Metz is accused of the crime of second-degree menacing, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three that the defendant intentionally placed a person in reasonable fear of physical injury, serious physical injury or death by displaying a dangerous instrument -- a pistol.

Jose A. Rivera is indicted for the crime of second-degree burglary, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged that on July 27, Rivera knowingly and unlawfully entered a building on Swan Street in the City of Batavia with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, Rivera is accused of first-degree criminal contempt, a Class E violent felony, for allegedly violating a duly served order of protection by intentionally harassing, annoying, threatening or alarming the protected party and subjecting her to physical contact.

Markel T. Handley is indicted for the crime of tampering with physical evidence, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on June 15 on Alleghany Road in the Town of Pembroke that the defendant attempted to conceal buprenorphine and naloxone underneath the passenger seat of a Genesee County Sheriff's Office patrol car. In count two, Handley is indicted for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that Handley knowingly and unlawfully possessed controlled substances -- buprenorphine and naloxone.

Jason L. Pullen is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on May 24 in the Town of Byron, that Pullen drove a 2003 Honda on Route 237 while he was under the influence of alcohol or a drug and that at the time he has 10 or more suspensions imposed on at least 10 separate dates in effect: Jan. 20, 2009 / July 24, 2009 / Aug. 7, 2009 / Oct. 8, 2009 / Nov. 12, 2009 / Jan. 9, 2010 / May 23, 2012 / Aug. 25, 2013 / Feb. 17, 2017 / Feb. 3, 2019 / March 14, 2019, / and Dec. 20, 2019. In count two, Pullen is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated -- as a misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that on May 24 on Route 237 in Byron, that Pullen drove while intoxicated. In count three, he is accused of DWI, per se, as a misdemeanor, for having a BAC of .08 percent at the time.

Mario A. Reyes is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated as a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 13 in the Town of Stafford that he drove a 2011 Chevrolet on Route 33 while he was intoxicated. In count two, Reyes is accused of DWI, per se, as a Class D felony, for having a BAC of .08 percent at the time. In count three, Reyes is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony, for having a driving that day while his privilege to do so was withdrawn or suspended by authorities. In count four, he is accused of operating a vehicle that was not equipped with an ignition interlock device as he is required to do. In count five, he is accused of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle for driving without a license that day. In count six, Reyes is accused of moving from his lane of travel unsafely that day in Stafford. In Special Information filed by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, Reyes is accused of having been convicted of driving while under the influence of alcohol, as a misdemeanor, on July 7 in Orleans County Court, and on March 2, 2017 in County of Hidalgo Court, State of Texas, and those convictions are within 10 years of the crimes alleged in the current indictment.

Andrew T. Pape is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 18 in the Town of Bergen that Pape drove a 2004 Chevrolet on Jerico Road, a public highway, while he was in an intoxicated condition. In Special Information filed by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, Pape is accused of having been convicted of DWI -- as a misdemeanor -- on Jan. 24, 2012 in Town of Ogden Court, Monroe County, and that conviction is within 10 years of the crime alleged in the current indictment.

Jimmy R. Hill is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on July 25 in the Village of Le Roy that Hill drove a 2009 Chevrolet on Lake Street, a public highway, while he was intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggravated DWI, per se, as a Class E felony, for having a BAC of .18 percent or more at the time. In Special Information filed by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, Hills is accused of having been convicted of DWI -- as a misdemeanor -- on June 26, 2014, in City of Syracuse Court, County of Onondaga, and that conviction was within 10 years of the crimes alleged in the current indictment.

Jason A. Klinkbeil is indicted for the crime of third-degree grand larceny, a Class D felony, for allegedly stealing property having a value of more than $3,000 on Nov. 13 in the City of Batavia that belonged to Chapin Manufacturing Inc.

Jason A. Klinkbeil is indicted for the crime of falsifying business records in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 19, while at the Pawn King on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia, that Klinkbeil -- with intent to defraud -- made a false entry in the business records there by signing a document claiming he was the sole owner of the property he sold. In count two, he is indicted for criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly knowingly possessing stolen property while at Pawn King -- tools.

Shane C. Bunce is indicted for the crime of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 8 in the City of Batavia, that Bunce knowingly possessed stolen property that had a value exceeding $1,000 -- a 2007 Honda dirt bike. In count two, he is indicted for criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, a Class E felony, for allegedly knowingly possessing stolen property that had a value exceeding $1,000 -- a 2007 Honda dirt bike. In count three, Bunce is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree, an unclassified misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three that on that day in the city he drove a motor vehicle while his privilege to do so was suspended by authorities. In count four, Bunce is accused of trespass, a violation, for allegedly knowingly and unlawfully entering property in the Town of Bergen on Sept. 8.

UNY-USHWA names best of Batavia Downs meet

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, president, UNY-USHWA
 

As the 2020 Batavia Downs meet draws to a close on Saturday (Dec. 12), the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association has announced the top human and equine performers for this past season. 

These awards would normally be presented in the winner’s circle on the final night of racing during the annual UNY-USHWA Night of Distinction.

However due to state restrictions with regard to the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic, that will not be the case this year.

The award winners will be given gift certificates in the paddock in lieu of the usual trackside ceremony because no one is allowed on the apron. 

This will be the first time the Night of Distinction has not been held since its inception in 2008. 

The following were the best on the track from the 2020 Batavia Downs season. 

Driver of the Meet - Jim Morrill Jr.

A two-time dash title winner at Batavia Downs already, Jim Morrill Jr. (top inset photo) notched his third after winning 101 races, finishing 11 wins ahead of the second place Billy Davis Jr. who won this award last year. In 401 starts at Batavia Morrill also had 70 seconds and 51 thirds for a .391 UDR and winnings of $500,000 for the meet. Morrill, who scored his 7,500th career victory at the Downs this past November, currently sits 13th in North America for UDR among all drivers with 500 or more starts and his overall mark of .383 for the year is the highest he’s had since the 2016 season. 

For all of 2020 Morrill has 742 starts, 180 wins, 133 seconds and 92 thirds and $1,267,773 in earnings.

Trainer of the Meet -- Gerry Sarama

 

Not only did Gerry Sarama (inset photo left) register career training win 1,000 at Batavia this year, he also won 62 races, finishing 31 ahead of his nearest competitor to claim his first training title at the Downs. Sarama also had 34 seconds and 26 thirds during the meet with total earnings of $275,112.

Sarama has had one of his best overall years training in 2020 with 87 wins, 60 seconds and 55 thirds out of 426 starts while posting a UTR of .326 and earnings of $475,635. That UTR is the highest Sarama has had in 22 years as a conditioner. Sarama also trained two of the meet’s three equine award winners.

(Above, Black Is Back.)

Pacer of the Meet -- Black Is Back (Western Terror -- Magic Moments) 1:52.1, $288,875

Black Is Back made 16 starts at the Downs and won six Open I Handicap paces while finishing second and third twice each, banking purses of $33,645 in the process. He registered his season’s best time on August 29 when he toured the facility at Batavia in a sharp 1:53.4.  

This is the second consecutive year Black Is Back has been named Horse of the Meet at Batavia Downs. 

Black Is Back is owned by Curtis Edholm and Mihajlo Zdjelar Sr. and is trained by Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr.

(Above, II Mago.)

Trotter of the Meet -- Il Mago (Kadabra-Northern Style) 1:52.3, $899,763

Il Mago came to western New York through a private purchase back in July and won his first two races upon arrival. Since the Batavia meet began, he has been in the Open I Handicap trot every week and has dominated that class all meet. In 14 starts Il Mago has won seven, was second twice and third once more and earned $35,390 during that time. His best win time at the Downs was 1:56.4, a mark he hit twice during the meet. 

The classy 11-year-old has 55 lifetime wins and is currently just $237 short of $900,000 lifetime and has a legitimate chance to cross the $1 million dollar threshold before he retires. 

Il Mago is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Gerry Sarama.

(Above, Sir Richie N.)

Claimer of the Meet -- Sir Richie N 

Sir Richie N started the year racing at the Meadowlands and found his way to Western New York through a private sale in January. Although he had moderate success earlier in the year, it was nothing like he would see when he got to Batavia. Sir Richie N raced in claimers ranging from $4,000 to $10,000 during his 18 starts and he won 10 of those along with three seconds. 

His fastest win came on Oct. 3 when he paced the Genesee County oval in 1:55. His efforts earned him $30,630 in purses and a very strong following at the windows. 

Sir Richie N is owned by Mike Torcello and is trained by Gerry Sarama. 

Also, Batavia Downs has announced that the track will offer a guaranteed pool of $3,000 for the Pick-5 wager on Saturday (Dec. 12) with a mandatory payout as this is the final card of the meet.

The pool is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages are available courtesy of Trackmaster on the Batavia Downs and USTA websites or by clicking here.

The Pick-5 wager begins in race one and runs through race five. It is a 50-cent base wager and if all five winners aren’t selected, the closest combination(s) will be paid out on Saturday. Post time for the first race is 5 p.m.

GLOW Women Rise free monthly virtual series 'Ready, Set, GLOW!' -- Vision Board Happy Hour

By Billie Owens
GLOW Women Rise (GWR) has a FREE online monthly event series called, Ready, Set, GLOW! to provide area women with fun and upliftment during these stressful times. People can register at www.glowwomenrise.org/events.
 
Upcoming
 
Jan.
Event Date and Time

GLOW Women Rise free monthly virtual series 'Ready, Set, GLOW!' -- Practical Self-care and Adult Bingo

By Billie Owens
GLOW Women Rise (GWR) has a FREE online monthly event series called, Ready, Set, GLOW! to provide area women with fun and upliftment during these stressful times. People can register at www.glowwomenrise.org/events.
 
Upcoming
 
Dec.
Event Date and Time

Hour-long free virtual Opioid Overdose Reversal Training offered Jan. 15

By Billie Owens

If a drug overdose happened and you were nearby, would you know what to do to potentially save a life?

To be prepared, you just need to spend an hour in training.

A free virtual Opioid Overdose Reversal Training session will be held starting at 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 15.

This opportunity is sponsored by the Western New York Rural Area Health Education Center in collaboration with Spectrum Health and Human Services.

Certified trainer Dawn Stone, CRPA, of Spectrum, will teach you how to:

  • Recognize the signs of an opioid overdose;
  • Respond appropriately and effectively to an opioid overdose;
  • Correctly administer the spray form of naloxone (Narcan);
  • Apply the Good Samaritan Overdose Law to overdose responders.

A free reversal kit will be mailed to you upon completion of training.

To learn more visit th WNY Rural Area Health Education Center website.

Call Lisa Green to register at (585) 786-6275.

Five local students named to Fall dean's list at Nazareth College

By Billie Owens

 

Nazareth College has named five Genesee County students to its Fall 2020 dean's list. A student's grade-point average must be at least 3.5 or above, and they must complete 12 credit hours of graded work that semester in order to be included on the dean's list at Nazareth.

  • Kimberly Davis, of Pavilion
  • Sarah Efing, of Le Roy
  • Emily Overacker, of Le Roy
  • Lauren Reding, of Oakfield
  • Ryann Stefaniak, of Batavia

Nazareth College's academic strengths cross an unusually broad spectrum of 60 majors, including education, health and human services, management, the fine arts, music, theater, math and science, foreign languages, and the liberal arts. The coeducational, religiously independent, classic campus in a charming suburb of Rochester challenges and supports 2,000 undergrads and 800 graduate students.

Nazareth is recognized nationally for its Fulbright global student scholars and commitment to civic engagement. Rigorous programs, an uncommon core, experiential learning, career skills, and a global focus prepare graduates for not just one job, but for their life's work.

 

Rollover accident reported on North Bergen Road in Bergen

By Billie Owens

A single-vehicle rollover accident is reported at 7285 North Bergen Road, Bergen. Bergen Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. The location is between Wood Road and West Sweden Road.

UPDATE 1:58 p.m.: Byron's rescue truck is called to respond. The lone occupant, the driver, is reportedly able to talk but is pinned inside and extraction is needed.

UPDATE 2:02 p.m.: Law enforcement on scene confirms the patient is conscious, entrapped, and bleeding from a head injury.

UPDATE 2:04 p.m.: The vehicle landed on its side.

UPDATE 2:06 p.m.: A first responder reports a utility pole was struck. There are no wires down, but the pole is cracked at the base.

UPDATE 2:21 p.m.: Mercy Flight was called, then cancelled.

Ray Fisher Jr. wins five at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Photo: CR Blazin Beauty with driver Ray Fisher Jr. in the lead.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Despite wintry conditions and a sloppy track, driver Ray Fisher Jr. was on top of his game and delivered five horses to the winner’s circle at Batavia Downs on tonight (Dec. 9) including three straight winners in races two through four for the natural hat trick. 

Fisher’s top score was in the $10,200 Open I Handicap trot with CR Blazin Beauty, who bolted right to the front and called all the shots. With the two post time favorites making breaks before the quarter, CR Blazin Beauty went unchallenged through fractions of :28.2, :59 and 1:27.4 and then turned for home with a four-length lead. From there she trotted to the wire under wraps to win in 1:59.1. 

The victory pushed CR Blazin Beauty ($8.70) to $41,275 in earnings for the year for owner Marissa Russo. David Russo trains. 

Fisher also won with Lady Justice (2:02.4, $19.20) and Mr. Quaker (2:01.2, $6.90), both of whom are trained by his wife Ryan Swift, and Wonderful World (1:58.2, $5.00) and Awake My Soul (2:00.1, $2.50) who were both trained by Sabrina Shaw. 

(Above, Blue Bell Bonnie with driver Jim Morrill Jr. in the lead.)

Fisher wasn’t the only hot driver on the cold night as Jim Morrill Jr. also had a grand slam on Wednesday.

Morrill took the co-featured $10,200 Open I Handicap pace for fillies and mares with Blue Bell Bonnie who also went coast to coast. Blue Bell Bonnie tucked third off the gate but Morrill made an early power play pulling past the eighth to take the lead from Lady London (Ray Fisher Jr.) at the quarter. Once there, the pair led to the half in :58.1 and three-quarters in 1:27.1. Coming off the last turn Lady London pulled to take a shot at the leader but Blue Bell Bonnie would have none of that. She switched gears and paced away to an easy length win in 1:57.3. 

It was the sixth win of the year for Blue Bell Bonnie ($4.30) who is owned by Mike Torcello and trained by Gerry Sarama. 

Morrill filled out his card winning with Le Millienaire (2:02.3, $5.40), Southern Palms (2:00.3, $4.10) and Simonthediamond (2:03.2, $5.40). 

Live racing at Batavia Downs will resume one more time in 2020 as the meet comes to a close on Saturday (Dec. 9) and the Downs has announced there will be a guaranteed pool of $3,000 for the Pick-5 wager that night.

The pool is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages will be available courtesy of Trackmaster on the Batavia Downs and USTA websites on Thursday (Dec. 10). 

Post time for the first race Saturday is 5 p.m.

Law and Order: Rochester man accused of assaulting and injuring officer and resisting arrest

By Billie Owens

Andre Lamar Roberts (inset photo right), 28, of Burrows Street, Rochester, is charged with assault on a police officer and resisting arrest, a Class C felony and Class A misdemeanor, respectively. On Dec. 8, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies apprehended and arrested Roberts following an investigation of an incident that occurred on Oct. 21 on Church Street in Alexander. Roberts allegedly resisted arrest when being taken into custody, resulting in a deputy being injured. Roberts was arraigned in Genesee County Court and put in jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond. He is scheduled to reappear in county court on Jan. 8. The case was investigated by Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, Deputy Jeremy McClellan, and Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

Annual WBTA Toy Drive at Ken Barrett car dealership -- live broadcast

By Billie Owens

The Salvation Army of Batavia is proud to announce, for the 37th year in a row, WBTA’S annual toy drive with Ken Barrett Cadillac Chevrolet. COVID-19 has hit The Salvation Army especially hard, with the need for services being at an all-time high and funding down nearly 40-50 percent. 

The annual drive for new, unwrapped toys will take place at the car dealership this Friday, Dec. 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is located at 229 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia. WBTA will broadcast live.

Event Date and Time
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This holiday season, don't forget our four-legged furry friends at the shelter

By Billie Owens

The Volunteers for Animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter have racked up good deeds left and right this year, unsurprisingly and most assuredly.

If you'd like to donate to a good cause this season, consider them if you'd like to make a tax-deductible contribution. Or you can donate stuff they need to care for homeless pets.

According to the volunteers' latest newsletter:

  • So far in 2020, 369 cats and 124 dogs have been adopted from the shelter and VFA.
  • In April, VFA received a $15,000 grant from Petco Foundation to provide low-cost spay/neuter vouchers for more than 230 local pets.
  • More than $70,000 has been spent this year so far on vet care, surgery, medications and vaccines for the animals that come through the shelter.
  • During the 2020 kitten season, they averaged 60 to 80 kittens in foster care. They receive around-the-clock care and attention in private homes.

The breakdown of how donations were used in 2019 was:

  • 74 percent -- Vet care
  • 14 percent -- Medications/vaccines/food
  • 7 percent -- Fundraising/promotion/operational
  • 5 percent -- Rescue dog fees

Success Stories

"Spay It Forward" -- This program is funded by VFA with the assistance of community donations and grants in two ways. Firstly, it provides vouchers to the public to spay and neuter their pets. Since 2015, more than 3,500 cats and dogs have been assisted by the program. Secondly, the funds are used to ensure that every animal at the shelter is spayed/neutered prior to adoption.

A Dog Named Wolf -- One family was very lucky to adopt this guy (the dog in the inset right photo). You know that a dog's nose is so much more sensitive that a human's. You have perhaps seen news stories about dogs who are able to tell when a diabetic is in trouble due to high or low blood sugar, or when a seizure is about to happen. Some dogs can even sniff out cancer. One of the dogs at the Genesee County animal shelter did just that for a person this spring. The canine was a young mixed breed who was adopted by a family still grieving the loss of their old dog.

That family had stopped at the shelter on a whim with no intention of adopting. But their daughter met a pup named Wolf who stole her heart straightaway and she convinced her parents to adopt him. In the following days Wolf would not stop sniffing the mom, who had recently watched a TV show about the amazing noses that dogs have. She got checked out by her doctor and found she did indeed have cancer and she was able to get treatment right away. The mom credits Wolf with saving her life and that has made him an even more treasured member of the household.

"Flower" and Her Very Happy Ending -- Flower came in to the Genesee County Animal Shelter as a stray last December. The volunteers noticed she was having trouble urinating so she was taken to the vet. An X-ray revealed her bladder was "loaded with stones."

Thanks to Winnie's Fund, they were able to get surgery for her and the stones were removed. Her recovery was great but they knew she would need a special home to ensure she had the proper care to stay healthy. In February that special person came along, and Patsy met Flower (inset photo left) and they adored each other.

"Flower is absolutely delightful, fun and smart," says Patsy. "My wonderful little companion during the pandemic. She's a little sweetheart who loves to cuddle. She rolls over onto her back so I can scratch her under her neck. ... She lives to play "red dot!" (with the laser toy)."

Flower has a great appetite and no urinary troubles -- in fact she has a clean bill of health from the vet.

This tale of true companionship would not have been possible with the "incredible support we receive from everyone in the community," say the volunteers.

If you'd like to donate money for the animals at the shelter, located at 3841 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, you can do so via PayPal or by sending a check to:

Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia NY 14021

Shelter phone is (585) 343-6410.

Here's the shelter schedule during adoption hours:

  • Sunday, Monday and Friday: 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday and Wednesday: 1 to 3 & 7 to 9 p.m.
  • Thursday: Closed

Shelter Wish List -- Items Perpetually Needed

  • KITTEN FOOD -- Preferred food -- Purina ONE Healthy Kitten

  • CANNED DOG FOOD

  • DRY CAT FOOD -- Preferred food -- Purina ONE -- Indoor Advantage

  • DRY DOG FOOD -- Preferred food -- Purina ONE -- Chicken and Rice

  • LAUNDRY SOAP AND BLEACH

  • PAPER TOWELS

  • NON-CLUMPING CAT LITTER

  • NEWSPAPERS for the cat cages

  • CAT LITTER BOXES (no small boxes, please)

  • DOG COLLARS AND LEASHES

  • KONGS AND PEANUT BUTTER (no rawhide treats please) and LARGE NYLABONES

  • PLAIN YOGURT

  • CAT TOYS OF ANY KIND

  • RETURNABLE POP/BEER CANS AND BOTTLES

  • FOREVER POSTAGE STAMPS

  • REAMS OF COPY PAPER (LETTER SIZE)

  • GENTLY USED DOG HOUSES

  • GIFT CARDS TO WALMART, TRACTOR SUPPLY OR PETCO

  • DOG TREATS -- If you purchase rawhide, please make sure they are bones and not the small chews. The small chews can be ingested whole and may cause obstructions.

  • Amazon Wish List for Volunteers For Animals

PLEASE NO FOOD OR TREATS FROM CHINA! In recent years there have been animal related deaths due to the consumption of food and treats from China. We just don't want to take the chance.

Guaranteed $3,000 Pick-5 pool Wednesday at Batavia

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia Downs has announced there will be a guaranteed pool of $3,000 for the Pick-5 wager on Wednesday (Dec. 9).

The pool is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages are available courtesy of Trackmaster on the Batavia Downs and USTA websites or by clicking here

The Pick-5 wager begins in race one and runs through race five. It is a 50-cent base wager and if all five winners aren’t selected, any carryover pool will be moved to the Pick-5 wager on the Saturday (Dec. 12) program.

Post time for the first race Wednesday is 5 p.m.

Drive thru Country Christmas displays and food at WNY Gas & Steam Engine grounds, Alexander

By Billie Owens

Western New York Gas & Steam Association cordially invites you to the DRIVE THRU COUNTRY CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAY – WITH DRIVE THRU FOOD COURT every Friday and Saturday through Dec. 19. From 5 to 9 o'clock each evening.

Admission is $10 a vehicle.

Take a half-mile ride through our grounds and enjoy our thousands of Christmas lights and unique/ amazing displays.

Event Date and Time
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Drive thru Country Christmas displays and food at WNY Gas & Steam Engine grounds, Alexander

By Billie Owens

Western New York Gas & Steam Association cordially invites you to the DRIVE THRU COUNTRY CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAY – WITH DRIVE THRU FOOD COURT every Friday and Saturday through Dec. 19. From 5 to 9 o'clock each evening.

Admission is $10 a vehicle.

Take a half-mile ride through our grounds and enjoy our thousands of Christmas lights and unique/ amazing displays.

Event Date and Time
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Drive thru Country Christmas displays and food at WNY Gas & Steam Engine grounds, Alexander

By Billie Owens

Western New York Gas & Steam Association cordially invites you to the DRIVE THRU COUNTRY CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAY – WITH DRIVE THRU FOOD COURT every Friday and Saturday through Dec. 19. From 5 to 9 o'clock each evening.

Admission is $10 a vehicle.

Take a half-mile ride through our grounds and enjoy our thousands of Christmas lights and unique/ amazing displays.

Event Date and Time
-

Drive thru Country Christmas displays and food at WNY Gas & Steam Engine grounds, Alexander

By Billie Owens

Western New York Gas & Steam Association cordially invites you to the DRIVE THRU COUNTRY CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAY – WITH DRIVE THRU FOOD COURT every Friday and Saturday through Dec. 19. From 5 to 9 o'clock each evening.

Admission is $10 a vehicle.

Take a half-mile ride through our grounds and enjoy our thousands of Christmas lights and unique/ amazing displays.

Event Date and Time
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Mary Abdella

By Billie Owens

Mary Abdella, 77, of Batavia, born to Anthony and Madeline Abdella, went to be with the Lord on Dec. 4, 2020. Mary will be remembered as loving, compassionate, gentle and giving.

One of the greatest memories we all have of her is that she called and sang to you on your birthday. 

Mary was a nun at Sister of Mercy convent for six years, after graduating from Norte Dame High School. She received a degree as a Registered Nurse while in the convent. Because of her compassion, she made a wonderful nurse at St. Jerome’s Hospital for many years.

Her love for Jesus and devotion to the Catholic Church led her to be a longtime member and lector at St. Mary’s Perish. Throughout her life she volunteered and was a part of many organizations. Some of these include: Norte Dame Prayer group, Aglow, Christian Women’s Club, The Salvation Army, St. Jerome’s Guild, and Genesee County Information Booth. 

Mary was predeceased by her husband, Art Wesdorp, sister Anne Teresa Feltham, and brother-in- law David Saleh.

Mary is survived by: her children -- Paul Falcone (Robin), Maria Rowland (Rob), Mark Falcone, Ralph Falcone (Stacy), Vinnie Falcone Jr., Angela Geitner, and John Falcone (Melanie); stepchildren -- Casey (Hope), Carol (Fred), Annette, and Sharon (Carl); siblings -- her twin Regina Abdella, Ray (Jan) Abdella, brother-in-law Tom Feltham, Larry Abdella, Gerry (Elaine) Abdella, Liz Saleh, Tony (Sheri) Abdella, Cathy (Sami) Hatoum; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Mary donated her body to the University at Buffalo.

Due to COVID-19 a celebration of life ceremony will take place at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Batavia Salvation Army, St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, or St. Jerome’s Guild.

Law and Order: Lockport Road man accused of driving while drug impaired, seriously injuring a person in a crash

By Billie Owens

Jason Allan Klinkbeil, 32, of Lockport Road, Alabama, is charged with: first-degree vehicular assault; felony driving while intoxicated -- drugs; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; reckless driving; failure to keep right; speed not reasonable and prudent; moving from lane unsafely; driving left of pavement markings; improper passing; failure to notify DMV of address change; and failure to change address on vehicle registration. Following an investigation into a motor-vehicle collision with injury at 8:48 p.m. Sept. 12 on Bliss Road in Oakfield, Klinkbeil was arrested. He allegedly drove a vehicle while he was impaired by drugs and caused serious physical injury to a passenger in another vehicle. Klinkbeil was released with appearance tickets and is due in Oakfield Town Court on Feb. 1. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Aaron Joseph Romani, 29, of Milestrip Road, Blasdell, is charged with driving while intoxicated -- drugs; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree; and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Romani was arrested Dec. 3 for an incident at 2:48 a.m. on Aug. 2 when he was found pulled to the side of the road on Byron Elba Road in Byron. He was allegedly driving while intoxicated by drug and in possession of methadone which was not prescribed to him. His driver's license was expired. He was issued appearance tickets returnable to Byron Town Court on Jan. 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Gauthier, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.

Renee Irene Brown, 40, of Harris Road, Waterport, is charged with petit larceny and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree. At 3:09 p.m. on Dec. 3, the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received a call of a woman stealing items from the Crosby's convenience store in the Village of Elba, then fleeing in a vehicle southbound on Route 98. Deputies located the car in the Town of Batavia a short time later and conducted a traffic stop. Following an investigation, Brown was arrested. It is alleged that she possessed 72 packages of Starburst candy chews, 19 packages of Slim Jim meat snack sticks, and 14 packages of Jack Links Wild Snack Sticks XXL Original. Brown was also allegedly found driving while her license to do so was suspended. She was released with appearance tickets and is due in Elba Town Court on Dec. 23. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

Black Mazda zooming over 100 mph toward Le Roy on Route 5

By Billie Owens

A black Mazda is reportedly going more than a 100 miles an hour eastbound on Route 5 from the Department of Social Services complex on east Main Street, Batavia, toward Le Roy. It is said to be weaving in and out of traffic. Deputies are responding and Le Roy is notified.

Shed fire reported on Byron Road in Stafford

By Billie Owens

A shed fire about 50 feet behind a residence is reported at 8050 Byron Road, Stafford. Unknown contents of the shed. The location is between the Thruway and School Road. Stafford fire is responding.

UPDATE 3:07 p.m.: A first responder confirms this is a working fire, 60 to 70 feet behind the residence. Responders are told to come in non-emergency mode. There is no water hyrdrant available.

UPDATE 3:14 p.m.: South Byron fire is called to the scene.

UPDATE 3:16 p.m.: Shed fire is out, command reports.

UPDATE 3:17 p.m.: South Byron is put back in service.

UPDATE 3:44 p.m.: Command requests an investigator to the scene.

UPDATE 3:47 p.m.: It is agreed a Sheriff's deputy should respond to the fire scene first "to see what we have" before bringing in an investigator.

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