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Car vs. motorcycle accident with injuries reported on the reservation

By Billie Owens

A car vs. motorcycle accident with injuries is reported at 994 Bloomingdale Road on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. The location is between Ackerson and Griffin roads.

A first responder reports the motorcycle is in the middle of the road. The rider is conscious and alert, complaining of back pain and pain in both arms. Two vehicles are off the road at the scene.

UPDATE 3:25 p.m.: Responders can continue in nonemergency mode. "Everything seems to be all right here," says command.

UPDATE 3:31 p.m.: Two tows are needed, for the motorcycle and one vehicle.

UPDATE 3:42 p.m.: A Mercy BLS ambulance is called to the scene.

Motorcycle accident reported on South Lake Road, Bergen

By Billie Owens

A motorcycle accident is reported in Bergen at 7218 S. Lake Road. No other vehicles are believed to be involved. The motorcyclist is up and walking around but is bleeding. Bergen fire and Mercy medics are responding.

Accident at Ellicott and Jackson in the city

By Billie Owens

An accident is reported at Ellicott and Jackson streets in the city. Unknown injuries. City fire, police and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:39 a.m.: Two vehicles involved; two patients are being evaluated.

UPDATE 11:58 a.m.: A gold Chrysler minivan with Florida plates was southbound on Jackson and it appears to have missed the right turn lane when the driver decided to make a right anyway and go around the little turn island. At that point, the minivan was struck by a sedan. No injuries.

UPDATE AND CLARIFICATION (By Howard) 1:20 p.m.: Upon further investigation, police have determined the Chrysler van was southbound on Jackson and was not attempting a right turn. It was continuing straight. The van had a green light, according to Sgt. Mitch Cowen. The white vehicle was northbound (it might look like westbound on Ellicott Street but the state considers Route 63 a northbound/southbound roadway) and allegedly ran the red light. The driver of the Chrysler decided to be transported to UMMC for evaluation.

Three-car pileup at Galloway and Slusser roads, Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A three-car accident is reported at Galloway Road and Slusser roads in East Pembroke. A pregnant female complains of foot pain. A first responder says it is not blocking traffic. Pembroke Fire Department is responding and two Mercy medic ambulances are requested.

UPDATE 8:49 p.m.: The second ambulance is cancelled. Three flatbed tows will be needed.

UPDATE 8:59 p.m.: The Pembroke assignment is back in service.

Bergen's Alexander Dean named to Spring dean's list at Mansfield University

By Billie Owens

Alexander Dean, of Bergen, has been named to the Spring 2021 dean's list at Mansfield University. 

To be named to the dean's list, a student must be attending the university full-time and attain at least a 3.5 GPA for the semester.

Mansfield University is a member of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). For more information visit mansfield.edu.

Mansfield University of Pennsylvania is a public, regional university committed to providing affordable and accessible education that fosters positive social mobility for a diverse population. The university offers personalized and transformative degree programs, taught by accomplished faculty, that meet the needs of regional, state and global economies.

By developing talented graduates who influence industry and enrich communities, Mansfield's impact begins in Northcentral Pennsylvania and extends around the world. Founded in 1857, Mansfield University is one of 14 institutions that comprise Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). Learn more at mansfield.edu.

Batavia's Margaret Cecere named to spring dean's list at Kutztown University

By Billie Owens

Nearly 2,300 students have been named to the Spring 2021 dean's list at Kutztown University, including Margaret R. Cecere, of Batavia.

To be eligible for the dean's list, an undergraduate student must be registered for at least 12 credits and have a minimum grade-point average of 3.60. 

About Kutztown University of Pennsylvania 

Founded in 1866, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania is a proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education located on 289 acres nestled in the beautiful East Penn Valley in Berks County, between Reading and Allentown, Pennsylvania. KU is just two hours from New York City; 90 minutes from Philadelphia. 

As the region's center for excellence in academics, culture and public engagement, KU's programs and reputation for quality offer students the opportunity to discover lifelong avenues of learning and discovery. KU students select from more than 100 areas of study within four colleges in a diverse liberal arts academic environment. To complement their studies, KU's NCAA Division II athletics program with 21 varsity sports joins the more than 160 student clubs and organizations providing students with a variety of activities for learning and discovery.

Three local students named to spring dean's list at Clarkson University

By Billie Owens

Three local students have been named to the dean's list for the spring 2021 semester at Clarkson University

  • Evan Hunter Dusky, of Basom, a junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
  • Colin Jacob Graham, of Oakfield, a senior majoring in Aeronautical Engineering / Mechanical Engineering.
  • Ben Edward Slenker, of Alexander, a senior majoring in Chemical Engineering.

Dean's list students must achieve a minimum 3.25 grade-point average and also carry at least 14 credit hours.

As a private, national research university, Clarkson is a leader in technological education and sustainable economic development through teaching, scholarship, research and innovation. We ignite personal connections across academic fields and industries to create the entrepreneurial mindset, knowledge and intellectual curiosity needed to innovate world-relevant solutions and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. With its main campus located in Potsdam and additional graduate program and research facilities in the New York Capital Region, Beacon and New York City, Clarkson educates 4,300 students across 95 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, the arts, education, sciences and health professions. Our alumni earn salaries that are among the top 2.5 percent in the nation and realize accelerated career growth. One in five already leads as a CEO, senior executive or owner of a company.

Batavia's Paige Haile and Elba's Jacob Gangi named Presidential Scholars at Clarkson University

By Billie Owens

Two local students have been named Presidential Scholars for the Spring 2021 semester at Clarkson University.

  • Paige Elizabeth Haile, of Batavia, a sophomore majoring in Biology, was named a Presidential Scholar.
  • Jacob Perez Gangi, of Elba, a senior majoring in Civil Engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar.

Presidential Scholars must achieve a minimum 3.80 grade-point average and carry at least 14 credit hours.

As a private, national research university, Clarkson is a leader in technological education and sustainable economic development through teaching, scholarship, research and innovation. We ignite personal connections across academic fields and industries to create the entrepreneurial mindset, knowledge and intellectual curiosity needed to innovate world-relevant solutions and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. With its main campus located in Potsdam and additional graduate program and research facilities in the New York Capital Region, Beacon, and New York City, Clarkson educates 4,300 students across 95 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, the arts, education, sciences and health professions. Our alumni earn salaries that are among the top 2.5 percent in the nation and realize accelerated career growth. One in five already leads as a CEO, senior executive or owner of a company.

Best friends share their 'miracle' of baby BFFs in the making

By Billie Owens

Photos and information from Kaylynn Hopkins:

My two best friends and I are all pregnant literally days apart from each other. It’s such a miracle so we are sharing it on The Batavian.

McKenrick wrote her friends:

"Who wouldn’t want to share their pregnancy with their best friends!? Who would have thought our babies would be due days apart? I loved growing up with you two and I can’t wait for our babies to have that same friendship!"

Predicted due dates: July 28th (Kaylynn Hopkins), July 30th (Anmarie Maher), and July 31st (Danyelle Brinkman).

#bestfriends #futurebesties #family

Robert Burns

By Billie Owens

JULY 6, 1930 - MAY 27, 2021

Robert Burns, 90, of Vero Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home under the loving care of VNA Hospice on May 27, 2021 to be reunited in Heaven with his parents Archie and Harriet.

Bob was a fixture in his Vero Beach neighborhood, which he patrolled daily with his beloved nonhuman companions Trixie and Dixie. He embraced the warmth of many neighbors and friends and excelled in his ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. He possessed a sharp wit and a genuine smile.

He relished working with his hands, tinkering in his workshop and passing the time of day with a face-to-face chat with people of all walks of life. A Veteran of the United States Army and former engineer with Conrail, Bob enjoyed each day of his retirement and the warmth of the Florida sunshine in his adopted Vero Beach.

In addition to his many, many friends he is survived by: his three children Robert (Linda) Burns, of Memphis, Tenn., Lori (Howard) Cohen, of South Carolina, Thomas (Kelly) Burns, of Batavia, NY; his four grandchildren; his former wife Antoinette Burns, of Batavia, NY; his surviving siblings, nieces and nephews; as well as his best friend and confidant Angela, who over many years shared with Bob all that should be enjoyed in the daily experience of a true friendship.

At his request no services will be held and Bob will be returned to his native Upstate New York for burial in his final resting place near his deceased family members.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that a donation be made in his memory to Hospice VNA of Vero Beach or any animal rescue organization of the donor's choice.

Darrell the declawed cat is missing in the city

By Billie Owens

Photos and information from Patti Chadwick:

Missing from the Williams Street / Otis Street area in the City of Batavia is a beloved pet cat named Darrell.

Short hair, black, with a few white hairs on his chest.

No collar. Declawed and neutered male. Indoor cat.

Friendly, but may be afraid since he isn't used to being outside.

If you find him or even see him in your area, please call or text (585) 297-3009.

Law and Order: Woman accused of subjecting victim to physical harm and yelling racial slurs at theme park

By Billie Owens

Haley Christine Keyser, 35, of Strasbourg Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with aggravated harassment -- physical contact due to race, and disorderly conduct. Following a complaint at Six Flags Darien Lake at 5:28 p.m. May 30, Keyser was arrested. She allegedly subjected a victim to physical harm, yelled obscenities and racial slurs in a public place. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Darien Town Court on June 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

Matthew Jacob Zon, 39, of East Main Street, Byron, is charged with criminal contempt in the first degree and criminal obstruction of breathing. He was arrested at 6:35 p.m. May 29 after a disturbance on East Main Street in the Town of Byron. Zon was arraigned in Town of Stafford Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $2,500 cash, $5,000 bond, or $15,000 partially secured bond. Zon is due in Genesee County Court on June 28. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Deputy Kyle Tower.

Tevin Bloom, 27, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, second-degree harassment and criminal mischief. At 9 p.m. on May 20, Bloom was arrested after an investigation into a domestic incident where Bloom was allegedly involved in a physical altercation. He allegedly damaged property inside the victim's apartment. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and is due there June 23.

Dustin Wilcox, 36, was arrested on May 20 by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post and charged with disorderly conduct. It is alleged that he was involved in a fight on Washington Avenue. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court today (June 1).

Lawrence Boone, 30, was arrested outside a Batavia residence after being located by police May 20; he is charged with disorderly conduct. It is alleged that he physically fought another male in the street. Boone was due in Batavia City Court on May 25.

Rachel Baehr, 34, was arrested May 21 and charged with second-degree harassment and endangering the welfare of a child. At 2:57 p.m. May 14 on Oak Street, it is alleged Baehr was involved in a physical altercation during a domestic incident. She was issued an appearance ticket for a future date in Batavia City Court.

Kevin Thomas, 32, turned himself in on numerous active warrants May 18 and was arraigned in Batavia City Court. He is charged with burglary in the second degree, criminal contempt in the second degree, criminal mischief in the fourth degree, criminal mischief in the third degree; endangering the welfare of a child; and first-degree criminal contempt. The charges stem from a domestic incident that occurred May 4 on Walnut Street. Bail was set at $1 and Thomas is due back in court June 22.

Ray Spencer-Lindqui Saile, 19, of Judge Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with second-degree menacing. On May 28 at 3:45 a.m., the dispatch center received a report of a domestic incident involving a knife on Bloomingdale Road in Alabama. An investigation at the scene allegedly revealed the defendant possessed a knife, which caused the victim to fear being injured. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Sgt. Michael Lute.

Ernest Jerome Heineman, 40, of Old Creek Road, Alexander, is charged with aggravated harassment in the second-degree. At 3 a.m. on May 30, Heineman was arrested for an incident that occurred at 7:30 p.m. May 1 on Old Creek Road. It is alleged that he sent threatening text messages to a person, causing them to fear for their safety. He was arraigned in Alexander Town Court and he was served with an order of protection. He is due in Genesee County Court July 13. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Deputy Jordan Alejandro.

Stephanie Lynn Salcido, 31, of Walden Creek Drive, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of drugs and alcohol; driving a motor vehicle on a sidewalk; failure to stop at a stop sign; and failure to keep right. At 11 p.m. on May 30, Salcido was arrested on the charges. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on June 16. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

Zachari Morgan, 25, is charged with second-degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. He was arrested May 26 at DeWitt Recreation Area after he allegedly threw a rock at another person, striking them in the head during an altercation. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. Then on May 27, Morgan was arrested and charged with third-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child. It is alleged that at 5:11 p.m. on May 25, Morgan slapped and threw a person to the ground, causing injury, during a domestic incident at DeWitt Recreation Area. He was arraigned in city court and released on his own recognizance. Morgan is due back in court July 8.

Modesto Domingo-Cardenas, 27, is charged with unlawful imprisonment in the second degree and harassment in the second degree. He was arrested after a domestic incident at 1:15 p.m. May 25 on Pearl Street in Batavia. It is alleged that he slapped a person and then attempted to prevent them from leaving the residence. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court July 1.

Thomas Martin, 80, is charged with third-degree menacing following a dispute at 5:04 p.m. May 26 on McKinley Avenue. Martin allegedly threatened another male. He was issued an appearance ticket for June 1 in Batavia City Court.

Eric Gant Jemison, 48, of West Center Street, Medina, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more -- first offense; driving while intoxicated -- first offense; operating a motor vehicle without stop lights. At 9:05 p.m. on May 28, Jemison was arrested after deputies responded to Judge Road in Alabama for a complaint of a vehicle that struck a stop sign and drove away. Deputies located the vehicle a short time later. Jemison was released with appearance tickets for June 8 in Alabama Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Kyle Tower. 

Timothy James Passage, 37, of Squire Court, Amherst, is charged with possession of a forged instrument in the first degree. At 12:22 p.m. on May 28, Passage was arrested on a warrant out of Town of Pembroke Court. He allegedly passed a fake U.S. $20 bill while at Tim Hortons in Pembroke. He was transported to Genesee County Jail to be arraigned virtually. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Deputy Chad Cummings.

Joseph Freeman, 38, and Lynn Homer, 48, were arrested on warrants out of Batavia City Court at 3:38 p.m. April 28. It is alleged that they stole while together at a local business. They were arraigned in city court then released under supervision of Genesee Justice. Freeman is due back in court June 23; Homer is due back in court June 24. 

Kyle Shea, 26, was arrested May 20 on a warrant out of Batavia City Court for failure to appear after appearance tickets were served. It is alleged that Shea was driving a motor vehicle on Aug. 9 on Willow Street while his driver's license was suspended and so was the vehicle's registration. Shea turned himself in, was arraigned in city court, and the matter was resolved by plea. No further court proceedings are pending.

Paul Schwartzmeyer, 42, was arrested and charged with having a dog running at large. It is alleged that at 8:05 p.m. May 18 at an apartment complex parking lot, Schwartzmeyer allowed his dog to run at large and it attacked another dog. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on June 15.

Oakfield Community Bible Church hosts second annual Summer Craft & Vendors Event

By Billie Owens

Oakfield Community Bible Church will host its second annual Summer Craft & Vendors Event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 12.

The church is located at 82 N. Main St., Oakfield.

There will be crafts, vendors, food trucks and much more!

Vendors include:

Event Date and Time
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Scanner: Goats in the road in Byron, car parked on wrong side of the street in the city

By Billie Owens

Goats are in the roadway at 7015 Townline Road, Byron, east of Tripp Road.

"The caller's trying to keep them out of the roadway," says the dispatcher.

Genesee County Sheriff's deputies are responding.

Meanwhile in the city, police are asked to respond to Summit Street near North Street for a report of a vehicle parked on the wrong side of the street.

UPDATE 11:09 a.m.: In the city, the responding officer says "All the vehicles are legally parked; I'll be clear."

Graham Corp. reports fiscal 2021 fourth-quarter and full-year results

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Graham Corporation (NYSE: GHM), a global business that designs, manufactures and sells critical equipment for the energy, defense and chemical/petrochemical industries, today reported financial results for its fourth quarter and full fiscal year ended March 31(“fiscal 2021”).

The Company separately announced that today it has completed the acquisition of Barber-Nichols Inc. (“BNI”), a specialty turbomachinery designer and manufacturer for total consideration of $70 million, subject to customary working capital adjustments. 

James R. Lines, Graham’s president and chief executive officer, said, “Overall, we had a solid year, slightly exceeding our expectations as short cycle sales were stronger than expected in the quarter. As we look back at fiscal 2021, I believe that the results of our persistent efforts to diversify our business as we continue to focus on becoming a more significant defense industry supplier were apparent, with 25 percent of revenue generated by sales to the U.S. Navy.

"While orders still indicate a weak environment in our energy and petrochemical markets, our strong backlog reflects $69.2 million of U.S. Navy orders received in fiscal 2021. We now have $104 million of firm backlog related to the U.S. Navy. This strong backlog, combined with the acquisition of Barber-Nichols, significantly advances our diversification strategy into the defense industry.

"BNI will be immediately accretive to fiscal 2022 earnings and expand our top line by 50 percent. We are excited to welcome the BNI team to Graham and look forward to working together for continued growth.”

  • Orders were for the year were $121.6 million including $69.2 million from the defense industry.
  • Backlog at fiscal year-end was $137.6 million; 76 percent of backlog was for the defense industry.
  • Graham furthers strategic diversification into defense industry with $70 million acquisition of Barber-Nichols Inc., a specialty turbomachinery company.

Click here to view the entire release, including financial statements.
Click here to view the teleconference slides.

To participate in today's Earnings teleconference call at 11 a.m. ET, dial (201) 689-8560.

Or click here to listen to the webcast.

6-year-old run over by a vehicle on Otis Street in the city

By Billie Owens

otisaccidentmay2021.jpg

A 6-year-old child was reportedly run over by a vehicle at 117 Otis St. in the city. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 3:55 p.m.: Police are on scene.

UPDATE 3:59 p.m.: Command asks that the availability of Mercy Flight be checked.

UPDATE 4:29 p.m.: A 6-year-old girl who lives at the address was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital with serious injuries. Before the accident occurred, a man at the address backed a trailer loaded with ATVs into the side yard and unhooked the trailer. After unhitching the trailer, he got back into his truck and pulled forward. That's when he heard the girl scream. He told police he knew the girl was outside playing with her dog but thought she was on the other side of the house.

A white and gray kitten named 'Scarlett' is a runaway from Monclair Ave

By Billie Owens

This is Scarlett, a nearly 6-month-old cat who lives on Monclair Avenue in the city. She has never been outside, until now of course, and her household is up in arms over her sudden disappearance.

Naturally, you are expected to keep your eyes peeled and find this feline, who by the way, was named after the fictional heroine Scarlett O'Hara and not Hollywood's Scarlett Johansson.

"She almost looks Chinese, but she's not," says her mom, Tracey Cook. (Did she mean Siamese?)

She suspects Scarlett may have darted out last night around midnight when her son, who lives happily in the basement, left to walk his girlfriend home from work.

This morning at 8 o'clock, the neighbor lady in the adjoining duplex reported seeing a slim snip of a white and gray cat on her back porch but had no idea it was Cook's cat -- since it had never been outside, until it got outside, you know.

The neighbor heretofore was only aware of Scarlett's big brother, who is neutered and goes in and out as he sees fit.

"I would've scooped her up," lamented the neighbor about the lost opportunity.

The neighbor said Scarlett was laying on the back porch. We say she was languidly lounging, oblivious, in a sunny spot before dashing off someplace in search of naughty fun.

"I'm afraid she'll get hit by a car ... we live close to Main Street," Cook wrote in her email, which also noted the prospect that someone might try to steal the kitten!

"She’s an emotional support animal and is in process of being registered as same," according to Cook.

Where's that emotional support when you need it most?

Scarlett's family and friends have scoured the neighborhood, peered up trees, beat the bushes and even went over to -- "Holland Ave," a known "hot cat spot," Cook says, to see if she wound up there.

Meanwhile, there are three "cat ladies" (they know who they are) who have been informed of this breach of security -- unauthorized access to the outside world --and they are quite skilled in cat-luring techniques.

Hopefully, it's just a matter of time. And it is ticking. Scarlett is due at the vet's in a couple days to be spayed.

An unspecified reward is being offered. 

​If you see Scarlett, call or text Tracey Cook at (585) 356-6082, or email:   brewertracey@aol.com

Photos courtesy of Tracey Cook.

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