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Dine at Settler's from 4 to 8 p.m June 29 and Crossroads House gets 20 percent of pre-tax receipts

By Billie Owens

Enjoy a GREAT meal at Settler’s Family Restaurant on Tuesday, June 29th and support comfort care in our neighborhood, at the same time.

From 4 to 8 p.m. 20 percent of the evening’s pre-tax receipts will be generously donated to Crossroads House.

Settler’s is located at 353 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

No grocery shopping, no cooking, and no dishes to wash, just a delicious dinner in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. (No coupon is necessary.) We hope to see you there!

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City fire chief leaves in July to start new job as deputy state fire adminstrator

By Billie Owens

From submitted statements; file photo:

Stefano Napolitano, chief of the City of Batavia Fire Department, has accepted a new job as deputy state fire administrator and officially starts in mid-July.

Today's announcement from the state's Office of Fire Prevention and Control says Napolitano will bring a wealth of experience to the office, including both career and fire service, county emergency management, and as a State Fire Instructor.

He has degrees in mechanical engineering, fire protection technology, and a Master of Science degree in Executive Fire Science Leadership.

“I would like to congratulate Fire Chief Napolitano for his leadership and dedication to the City of Batavia Fire Department over the last four years," said City Manager Rachael Tabelski.

"It was a pleasure to work with the Chief and I wish him great success in his new role as Deputy State Fire Administrator with the Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC), part of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES).

"Chief Napolitano will continue to serve the City of Batavia until Friday July 9th. At such time an Interim Chief will be named. Please join me in congratulating him in his new role as a Deputy State Fire Administrator. "

City fire officers also congratulated the chief in a written statement, saying "Chief Napolitano has been an asset to the City Fire Department since being appointed in 2017. We wish him continued success and look forward to working with him in his new position."

Chief Napolitano is a Queens native who lived in the Mohawk Valley for about 45 of his 54 years.

Before coming to Batavia, Napolitano was deputy fire chief for the Village of Herkimer. While there, he assisted in development, revision and implementation of local disaster and emergency management plans, along with assisting in the county 9-1-1 dispatch communication center and the administration of the county’s mutual aid plan, mutual aid radio system and state fire training.

Is your pet bird missing?

By Billie Owens

A caller reports a bird wearing several leg bands, "bracelets," is secured at a residence on Liberty Street in the city. It is believed to be someone's pet. An officer is responding to retrieve the bird and take it to the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

No descriptive information was relayed about the feathered friend.

Batavia's Kyra Stella earns Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Elmira College

By Billie Owens

Kyra Stella, of Batavia, was one of 60 students who participated in the annual Elmira College Nurse Pinning Ceremony in Gibson Theatre as part of Commencement weekend activities.

The ceremony recognizes students who have completed the requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.

Congratulations EC nursing graduates!

Founded in 1855, Elmira College is a private, residential, liberal arts college offering 25-plus majors, an honors program, 17 academic societies, and 18 Division III varsity teams. Located in the Southern Finger Lakes Region of New York, Elmira's undergraduate and graduate student population hails from more than 20 states and nine countries.

Elmira is a Phi Beta Kappa College and has been ranked a top college, nationally, for student internships. The College is also home to the Center for Mark Twain Studies, one of four historically significant Twain heritage sites in the United States, which attracts Twain scholars and educators from around the world for research on the famous literary icon. Proud of its history and tradition, the College is committed to the ideals of community service, and intellectual and individual growth.

Batavia's Taylor McKenzie named to Ohio University's Spring 2021 dean's list

By Billie Owens

Ohio University College of Fine Arts student Taylor McKenzie, from Batavia, has been named to Ohio University's Spring 2021 dean's list.

More than 7,800 students qualified for the spring semester 2021 dean's list at Ohio University, including main and regional campuses.

Over more than 40 states were represented on the dean's list, including: Alabama, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Mexico, Washington and Ohio. Students also represented China, France, Germany, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Oman, Peru and many other countries.

Due to COVID-19, OHIO students who earned 12 semester hours of credit, including at least six hours attempted for letter grades, with a minimum grade-point average of at least 3.5 achieved this distinction.

About Ohio University

Ohio University strives to be the best student-centered, transformative learning community in America, where students realize their promise, faculty advance knowledge, staff achieve excellence, and alumni become global leaders. OHIO is committed to fostering, embracing, and celebrating diversity in all its forms. Our Athens Campus offers students a residential learning experience in one of the nation's most picturesque academic settings. Additional campuses and centers serve students across the state, and online programs further advance the University's commitment to providing educational access and opportunity. Visit www.ohio.edu for more information.

'Extensive, difficult' process was required to get driver out safely after milk tanker overturned in Alexander

By Billie Owens

The extrication process to remove the injured driver of a tanker truck this afternoon in Alexander was extensive and difficult, according to Tim Yaeger, Genesee County Emergency Services coordinator. The trucker was hauling 60,000 pounds of milk when it rolled over into a wet ditch filled with cattails.

Shortly before noon, Alexander Fire Department was dispatched to 11181 Chaddock Road in Alexander, between Spring Road and the Wyoming County line. The male driver remained conscious, alert and talking throughout but pinned in by the steering wheel, dashboard and a foot or more of earth that the semi-truck rammed into.

"They were both fighting against the vehicle that was damaged and pinning him, as well as working against the dirt where the truck ended up landing," Yaeger said.

The biggest obstacle was coming up with a plan.

"We train a lot for peeling away, and cutting away and spreading away metal. This was a little more complicated because he was trapped by earth as well as metal. So it was a difficulty and just time-consuming."

Asked if groundwater seeping into the cab posed a danger to the trapped driver, Yaeger said no, the concern here, as in any vehicle accident, was the hazard of fire.

He said a lot of equipment was called to the scene. The Alexander fire chief wanted to make sure they had all the resources they needed. More manpower was warranted because of the heat and humidity.

Mercy medics responded along with Attica and their extrication equipment, Bethany, Town of Batavia, Elba's rescue truck, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the county Hazmat Spill Response Team. Stafford fire filled in at Alexander's fire hall.

It took more than an hour to extricate the driver, who was ​transported by Mercy EMS to ECMC. Although Mercy Flight landed in an adjacent cornfield to transport the patient, it was unable to do so because of a mechanical issue involving the equipment to secure the gurney; so the aircraft returned to the hangar.

He said the spill was significant and included oil and hydraulic fluid in addition to the milk in the tanker; no fuel was seen.

It is “fairly contained.”

They are trying to get the truck uprighted and removed without spilling more product.

A heavy rescue team will offload unspilt product onto another truck to facilitate uprighting the damaged vehicle.

The process will take a couple of hours, possibly up to four hours.

The accident occurred by a curve, but Yaeger could not speculate about what caused the accident, which is under investigation.

"Members and firefighters, medics from several agencies, along with law enforcement worked to get the patient out safely," Yaeger said. “It’s all hands on deck, we’re going to give everything that we could. And they did a fantastic job working as a team.”

Photos and audio of Tim Yaeger courtesy of Alecia Kaus / Video News Service.

Previously: Driver pinned in after rollover on Chaddock Road, Alexander

UPDATE: Reader-submitted photos.

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Caller says 3-year-old is wandering alone in Cary Cemetery

By Billie Owens

A caller to dispatch reports a 3-year-old is wandering unattended in the Cary Cemetery off Maple Avenue in Oakfield. The tot is wearing just shorts. A Sheriff's deputy is responding.

UPDATE 4:42 p.m.: The caller says the mother has been located asks for the deputy to stand down, but the deputy says he's responding.

Two-car collision reported in Bergen

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported in Bergen at the intersection of Clinton Street Road and West Bergen Road. One Mercy ambulance is called to the scene in emergency mode; a second ambulance is requested. Bergen Fire Department is responding along with law enforcement.

There are two patients; one is complaining of neck and chest pain and has an eye laceration.

UPDATE 3:25 p.m.: Command reports a property damage accident at the same scene. A tow truck backed into an ambulance. The Bergen assisgnment is back in service. Mercy BLS #5 is transporting one patient to UMMC.

UPDATE 3:40 p.m.: One patient is a female with an injured, bleeding right hand. She also has an injured left ankle. There was air bag deployment and heavy front-end damage to her vehicle.

Driver pinned in after rollover on Chaddock Road, Alexander

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover is reported at 11181 Chaddock Road in Alexander between Spring Road and the Wyoming County line. The male driver is conscious and alert but pinned in by the steering wheel.

Alexander Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding along with Attica and their extrication equipment. Mercy Flight's availability is checked and it is available.

"We're gonna need help with extrication -- he's pinned in there pretty good," says command at the scene.

UPDATE 12:08 p.m.: Mercy Flight is called to the scene and has a 12-minute ETA. Dan's Towing is en route with a heavy wrecker/"rotater." Milk is spilled in a ditch; the Department of Environmental Conservation is advised. 

UPDATE 12:12 p.m.: "A large amount of milk is down in the soil, uncontrolled at this point," says a first responder. A DEC rep is being requested to the scene. Mercy Flight will land in a cornfield east of the accident site. The driver of the tanker truck has a severe leg injury.

UPDATE 12:54 p.m.: Stafford fire is asked to fill in at Alexander's fire hall.

UPDATE 12:57 p.m.: Attica is being deployed as rehab for the first responders.

UPDATE 1:12 p.m.: Elba's rescue equipment is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 1:41 p.m.: One Alexander fire truck is back in service.

UPDATE 1:42 p.m.: Mercy Flight just lifted off to take the patient to a hospital to return to the Batavia hangar.

UPDATE 2:05 p.m.: Command releases Town of Batavia, Attica and Bethany. Alexander #6 will remain on scene.

UPDATE 2:41 p.m.: Alexander is clearing the scene, which is turned over to law enforcement.

MORE T/K

Photos by Alecia Kaus, Video News Service.

Law and Order: Man accused of arson in Alabama, another of criminal mischief in Pembroke

By Billie Owens

Charles Edward Allis Jr., 23, of Garland Street, Lyndonville, is charged with fifth-degree arson and trespass. Following the initial call for a structure fire at 5:57 p.m. June 8 on Ham Road in Alabama, Allis was arrested. He allegedly entered property without permission and started a fire. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Alabama Town Court on July 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Tyler William Reeves, 23, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with second-degree criminal mischief. Reeves was arrested after an incident at 2:45 p.m. June 8 on Main Road in Pembroke. He was arraigned virtually in Bergen Town Court and released under supervision. He is due in Genesee County Court on Aug. 3. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Sgt. Mathew Clor.

Pavilion's Lydia Milligan inducted into Elmira College circle of Omicron Delta Kappa honor society

By Billie Owens

Lydia Milligan, of Pavilion, was one of 28 students inducted into the Elmira College circle, or chapter, of Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society.

The Society recognizes achievement in scholarship; athletics; campus or community service, social and religious activities, and campus government; journalism, speech and the mass media; and the creative and performing arts.

Emphasis is placed on the development of the whole person, both as a member of the college community and as a contribution to a better society.

Omicron Delta Kappa was founded Dec. 3, 1914, at Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Va. The Elmira College circle was established on May 21, 1995.

Founded in 1855, Elmira College is a private, residential, liberal arts college offering 25-plus majors, an honors program, 17 academic societies, and 18 Division III varsity teams. Located in the Southern Finger Lakes Region of New York, Elmira's undergraduate and graduate student population hails from more than 20 states and nine countries. Elmira is a Phi Beta Kappa College and has been ranked a top college, nationally, for student internships.

The College is also home to the Center for Mark Twain Studies, one of four historically significant Twain heritage sites in the United States, which attracts Twain scholars and educators from around the world for research on the famous literary icon. Proud of its history and tradition, the College is committed to the ideals of community service, and intellectual and individual growth.

Accident at East Main and Cedar

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with minor injuries is reported at East Main and Cedar streets in the city. City fire, Mercy medics and police are responding.

Law and Order: Le Roy woman accused of multiple drug impairment after five-vehicle crash in Castile

By Billie Owens

Lynn Scarpa, 25, of Le Roy, was arrested June 4 after a five-car collision on North Main Street in the Village of Castile. Scarpa was driving a white 2004 Chevrolet Silverado southbound on North Main Street when her vehicle left the roadway, sideswiping a parked vehicle in front of the post office. Scarpa's vehicle continued southbound, striking a Ford work van from behind, which was also parked in front of the post office. Scarpa's vehicle pushed the work van into a Ford Fusion, which was parked in front of Carney's Market, which then struck a Toyota RAV4 that was parked in front of it. The Fusion was occupied and the occupant was transported by Castile Ambulance to the Wyoming County Community Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. A tow company removed two vehicles from the scene that were not drivable. It is alleged that Scarpa had concentrated cannabis in her pants pocket and throughout her vehicle. She allegedly performed poorly on field sobriety tests and was taken into custody, transported to the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office and evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert. The expert reportedly deemed her impaired by multiple categories of drugs. She is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; DWAI by the combined influence of drugs; and moving from lane unsafely. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Castile Court on June 14. Scarpa was released to a sober third party. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Sgt. Colin Reagan.

Michael Snyder, 49, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested June 3 at 9:59 a.m. for an incident that occurred at 10:10 p.m. May 30 on Highland Park in Batavia. Snyder allegedly threw an unopened can of beer at another person, striking the person in the head. Snyder was processed, issued an appearance ticket and released. He is due in Batavia City Court June 22.

Kevin McCoy, 54, was arrested by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post and charged with second-degree harassment after a disturbance at 4:11 p.m. June 2 on East Main Street. It is alleged that McCoy struck a female during an argument. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court, released on his own recognizance and is due back in court June 10.

Eric Swede, 32, was arrested at 10:05 a.m. May 26 and charged with criminal contempt in the second degree after a complainant alleged he violated a stay away order of protection by being in the presence of a protected party. His presence was confirmed by police. Swede was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court at a later date, then released from custody.

Brandon Crawford, 19, is charged with two counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested at 10:50 a.m. May 24 on Ross Street in the City of Batavia after he allegedly broke a front door and a closet door that did not belong to him during a domestic incident on Vine Street. Crawford was arraigned in city court and released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court July 8.

Michael Fisher, 51, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle without a license; driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent or more; driving without head lamps; drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle; and aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree. At 10:33 p.m. on May 30, Fisher was arrested after a traffic stop on Ellicott Street in the city. He was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court and released from custody.

Kyle John Gugel, 35, of Genesee Street, Le Roy, is charged with refusal to take a breath test and driving while intoxicated. At 1:52 a.m. on May 18, deputies conducted a traffic stop for speeding over 55 mph in the 5700 block of Clinton Street Road in the Town of Stafford. Gugel was allegedly operating the vehicle while intoxicated and he was issued appearance tickets returnable to Stafford Town Court June 1. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Zachary Hoy, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun. 

Joanne Krutchen Harper, 56, of County Road 16, Dalton, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested at 4:32 p.m. on June 3 after a police investigation into a larceny on Vallance Road in the Town of Le Roy May 30. She was issued appearance tickets and released from custody. Harper is due in Le Roy Town Court on June 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jenna Ferrando, assisted by Deputy Jonathan Dimmig.

Lindsey Densmore, 26, was arrested May 31 and charged with petit larceny after an investigation into the theft of $166.38 worth of merchandise from a business in the City of Batavia at 4:20 p.m. that day. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court at a later date.

Tierance Davis, 34, was arrested May 26 on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court for failing to appear in court on March 22. He was processed at Batavia Police Headquarters and released. Davis is due back in court June 15.

Tierance Davis, 34, is charged with third-degree bail jumping. He was arrested at 1 p.m. April 24 on West Main Street in Batavia on a warrant out of Batavia City Court. He was processed at Batavia Police Headquarters and released. Davis is due back in court June 15.

More Pride Game Night fun at Batavia Presbyterian church: free make-and-take baby sunflowers, sidewalk chalk art

By Billie Owens

The Little Free Pantry will be hosting a FREE Make-and-Take Baby Sunflower Station and sidewalk chalk art as part of the Pride Game Night and Royal Court Crowning at Batavia First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, June 11.

Make and take your own baby sunflower -- soil, seed and containers provided.

A Plant Sale by donation will also be offered. It features an assortment of potted plants and garden vegetable plants (tomatoes, peppers, cukes, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.)

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Additions to Pride Game Night: free make-and-take baby sunflowers, sidewalk chalk art

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Little Free Pantry will be hosting a FREE Make-and-Take Baby Sunflower Station and sidewalk chalk art as part of the Pride Game Night and Royal Court Crowning at Batavia First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, June 11.

Make and take your own baby sunflower -- soil, seed and containers provided.

A Plant Sale by donation will also be offered. It features an assortment of potted plants and garden vegetable plants (tomatoes, peppers, cukes, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.)

Express your Pride with sidewalk chalk art, supplies will be provided to decorate the sidewalk in front of the church on Main Street.

The Presbyterian church is having a fun evening of ice cream (Ice Cream and Chill Truck), outdoor games, board games and a Royal Court Competition to celebrate Pride Month. The Royal Court Competition begins at 7:30 p.m. and is open to all genders and ages. The competition is judged and the best costume and dance moves, the theme is DISCO.

For more information: https://www.lfpbatavia.org

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