Rodney A. Barber is indicted for the crime of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 22 in the City of Batavia that the defendant intended to cause, and did cause, physical injury to a person by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, in this case several -- "a can of corn, a toaster, a vase, a knife and glass dishes." In count two, Barber is accused of the crime of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged in count two that on the same day at an apartment on South Main Street in the City of Batavia, that the defendant possessed "a dagger, dangerous knife, dirk, razor, stiletto" or another dangerous or deadly instrument or weapon with the intent to use it unlawfully against another person. In Special Information filed with the indictment, the District Attorney accuses Barber of having been convicted of the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor, on Feb. 7, 2012, in Genesee County Court and that "conviction forms the basis for count two" of this indictment.

Steven R. Colombo is indicted for the crime of second-degree burglary, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged that on Jan. 25, Colombo knowingly entered or remained unlawfully in a dwelling on East Main Street in Batavia with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, he is accused of criminal contempt in the first degree, a Class E felony, for allegedly violating a duly served order of protection. The defendant allegedly intentionally violated the order by some means of physical contact, or he attempted or threatened physical contact.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) announced new federal funding from the Department of Transportation for the Genesee County Airport. The $2,926,222 grant will assist the airport in rehabilitating a runway and install runway distance-to-go signs.

“It is of paramount importance that we invest federal funds in local infrastructure projects like this one,” Congressman Collins said. “This grant provides the Genesee County Airport with new resources to ensure the safety of travelers and provide new efficiencies which will ultimately increase air traffic. I am proud to be able to help secure this funding.”

“This announcement is terrific news for Genesee County,” said Legislator Marianne Clattenburg, Public Service Committee chairwoman. “We look forward to continuing to work with Congressman Collins to improve infrastructure and support job creation in our community."

"Genesee County has pursued an aggressive and proactive redevelopment and improvement of our general aviation/reliever airport here in Batavia,” said Jay Gsell, County Manager. “Genesee County is excited and encouraged that the FAA, our long-term partners in airport maintenance, upkeep, and improvement, have again shown their faith in Genesee County and our airport partners to provide one of the best and safest flying venues in NYS.”

The Congressman’s office remains available to assist any local government pursuing a federal grant.

The Bank of America branch in Downtown Batavia was robbed at about 4 p.m. today.

No weapon was displayed nor was use of one threatened. 

Batavia PD will release more information later. 

Jeremy Lyons, 32, of Lake Street, Le Roy, was taken custody as a result of an outstanding parole warrant on July 19 by members the Le Roy Police Department. In early afternoon of July 19^th the Le Roy Police Department received an anonymous tip that Lyons had been seen hanging around outside his residence on Lake Street. When police arrived on location, a subject matching Lyons' description was seen running into the apartment building. Police met with an uncooperative tenant who denied Lyons being in the residence. After a brief investigation, it was believed that Lyons jumped out of a second-story window of the residence in an attempt to flee the police. Members of the Le Roy Police Department with assistance from the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit as well as members of the New York State Police were able to track and locate Lyons hiding in a wooded area off of Lent Avenue in the Village of Le Roy. Lyons was taken into custody at that time without incident. He was then turned over to the Genesee County Jail to await further action by New York State Parole. The Le Roy Police Department would like to thank the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit and New York State Police for assisting with taking Lyons into custody.

Michelle Richmond, 48, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: felony DWI -- previous conviction within 10 years; operation of a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent of more; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree; driving with an open container of alcohol; and having unauthorized tinted windows -- 44 percent (visibility). Richmond was issued an appearance ticket for City of Batavia Court and is to appear there Sept. 6. The incident location was Central Avenue at 9:41 p.m. on July 19. The case was handled by Genesee Coumty Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan.

Charles G.T. Williams AKA "Gusto," 38, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th, a Class C felony, and criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, a Class D felony. On Wednesday, July 19, GC Local Drug Enforcement Task Force members observed Williams driving a vehicle in the City of Batavia while there was an active bench warrant out for him. He was stopped on Ellicott Street in the city and arrested. At the time of his arrest, he was allegedly in possession of a handgun and a quantity of powder cocaine and crack cocaine. He was jailed on the outstanding warrant and was due to be arraigned today on the new charges.

Hogs for Paws, the annual fundraising event for the Genesee County Animal Shelter, is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12 at Stan's Harley-Davidson, located at 4425 W. Saile Drive, Batavia. 

Attendees are asked to please bring an item on the shelter's Wish List or make a monetary donation. All monetary donations will go toward the spaying and neutering of shelter animals prior to adoption.

Wish LIst items include:

• Canned and dry cat and dog food
• Small blankets and beds
• Bleach
• Laundry detergent
• Paper towels
• Non-clumping (plain, old-fashioned) cat litter

The event at Stan's will features vendors, a T-shirt sale, 50/50 raffle, the opportunity to buy pet ID tags, microchipping and much more!

Stan's is sponsoring the event along with Volunteers for Animals.

Questions? Contact Ashley at (585) 343-9598.

A strong thunderstorm is blowing in from Canada and is expected to hit Genesee County this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

The storm system is located along a line extending 12 miles and is moving east at 55 mph.

Winds in excess of 40 mph are possible.

The storm system may gain in intensity. 

UPDATE 12:27 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued.

Students participating in the Holland Land Office Museum's History Heroes program this summer are learning about World War I.

Recently they visited the Richmond Memorial Library and Batavia Showtime Theaters. There are 40 children enrolled in the eight-day program.

Info and photos provided by Anne Marie Starowitz.

(Photo provided by Jake Pietrzykowski via GoFundMe.)

Jeremy Pietrzykowski thought he could save a little money if he repaired his own barn roof. That is what he was doing July 1 at his barn at 8953 Alexander Road, Batavia, when a gust of wind kicked up, caused him to lose his footing, and he fell 20 feet to the ground.

He landed on his side. Town of Batavia Fire was called, Mercy EMS and soon Mercy Flight was dispatched to the scene. He was airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital, where doctors discovered he had cracked vertebra, a punctured lung, broken ribs, and deep bruises.  

“It was the most pain I’ve ever experienced in my life,” Pietrzykowski said. “I thought I was going to die.”

On July 2, Pietrzykowski underwent spinal fusion surgery, to fuse five vertebrae together, to eventually heal as one solid bone.

“I’ve been sleeping in the chair,” Pietrzykowski said.  “I can’t help out with anything.”

Pietrzykowski grew up in Batavia and has lived here his entire life. He loves to be outdoors and enjoys running marathons. He had hoped to qualify for the Boston Marathon this year but had to scratch that plan.

“I love to run,” Pietrzykowski said. “I’ve run 13 marathons in Boston and New York [City], and others.”

As a hardworking father of three, Pietrzykowski has spent more than 20 years working for UPS. He is on a five-pound weight lifting restriction.

“I’m normally the guy that doesn’t stop moving and now I can’t do anything,” Pietrzykowski said. “I can walk around a little bit, but as far as the kids, I can’t pick them up.”

Pietrzykowski’s brother started a GoFundMe page, located here asking for donations to help get him back on his feet and support his family. His mother-in-law has been staying with him to help take care of the kids, but he said things have not been easy.

“She’s stepped right up and helped us out tremendously,” Pietrzykowski said.

His doctors said his recovery should be three to four months.

“There is always a light at the end of the tunnel,” Pietrzykowski said. “I’ll get back to where I need to be, it’s just going to be a long road.”

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced $92,994 in federal funding for the Alexander Fire Department. The grant was awarded through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, which is designed to help first responders improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.

“Firefighters are selfless individuals and are essential to keeping our communities safe,” Congressman Collins said. “It is imperative that our fire departments have the resources necessary to keep their members safe while they are protecting others. I was proud to work with the Alexander Fire Department to secure this crucial $92,994 in AFG funding and thank them for their service.”

The Alexander Fire Department will use this $92,994 federal grant to purchase 15 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) air packs and 30 oxygen bottles. This will provide the Alexander volunteer firefighters with breathable air when responding to an emergency situation.

"This funding will help keep our firefighters safe and ensure they can properly respond to emergencies in the local community. We are strong supporters of the AFG grant program and will continue to work with Rep. Collins to support this important funding,” said Alexander Fire Chief Marshall Merle.

The AFG Grant Program provides direct funding assistance to fire departments, State Fire Training Academies, and non-affiliated EMS organizations to enhance their response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of both the public and emergency response personnel with respect to fire and all other hazards.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced $84,191 in federal funding for the Corfu Fire Department. The grant was awarded through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, which is designed to help first responders improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.

“Firefighters answer a noble calling to put the lives of others before their own,” Congressman Collins said. “It is imperative that our fire departments have the resources necessary to keep their members safe while they are protecting others. I was proud to work with the Corfu Fire Department to secure this crucial $84,191 in AFG funding and thank them for their service.”

The Corfu Fire Department will use this $84,191 federal grant to purchase 12 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) air packs. This will provide the Corfu Fire Department with breathable air when responding to an emergency situation.

"This funding will allow us to purchase necessary equipment that we might otherwise not have the resources to replace. The federal AFG program is an important funding source for rural departments like ours. We will continue to work with Congressman Collins regarding issues impacting local fire departments in our region," said Corfu Fire Chief Brian Schollard.

The AFG Grant Program provides direct funding assistance to fire departments, State Fire Training Academies, and non-affiliated EMS organizations to enhance their response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of both the public and emergency response personnel with respect to fire and all other hazards.

Press release:

Proving that a minute can matter, Tompkins Bank of Castile is launching the fourth and final round of the quarterly Community Minute Challenge. Each quarterly winner is awarded $2,500; by the end of the contest, a total of $10,000 will have been provided in much-needed funds to local not-for-profit organizations.

“In each of the first three rounds, the support for the Community Minute Challenge has been impressive, with thousands of votes cast for the participating organizations,” said John McKenna, Bank president and CEO. “As proud members of the communities where we operate, we’re thankful for the important services that are provided by non-for-profit organizations in our area.

"We’re thrilled to be able to bring attention to their positive work through the Community Minute Challenge.”

The fourth round will begin July 24 and run through Aug. 7. The winning organization is determined by public voting on the Bank of Castile Facebook page, where visitors can watch the one-minute videos produced by participating nonprofits and then vote for their favorite. Each video explains how the nonprofit would use the awarded funds. The seven organizations competing in this round are:

• Delphi Drug and Alcohol Council Inc. (Monroe County)
• Friends of Letchworth State Park (Wyoming County)
• Friends of the Richmond Memorial Library (Genesee County)
• Genesee Cancer Assistance (Genesee County)
• Geneseo Parish Outreach Center (Livingston County)
• Gilda's Club Rochester (Monroe County) 
• Pathstone Enterprise Corporation (Monroe County)

To show support for the initiative and cast a vote, participants should “like” the Tompkins Bank of Castile Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TompkinsBankofCastile and click on the Community Minute Challenge app. They can then select their favorite nonprofit after watching the one-minute videos. Individuals can vote once per day during the contest period.

Launched in August 2016, the Community Minute Challenge has awarded $7,500 to date.

The first-round winner was Going to the Dogs Rescue in Wyoming County, an organization dedicated to helping homeless pets find loving forever homes. The second-round winner was ARC of Genesee Orleans, a resource of choice for people with disabilities and their families in both Genesee and Orleans counties. The third-round winner was Community Action for Wyoming County, an organization that seeks to improve the quality of life of all people they serve by focusing on their needs and encouraging them to realize their goals and become self-sufficient.

T.F. Brown's Blind Squirrels beat Wii Not Fit 12-11 last night to take the Co-Ed Softball Championship at Kibbe Park.

Mike Jamil provided the game summary:

Eddie Davis' big game was not enough as Wii Not Fit loses in the bottom of the seventh inning by one, as Lee hits walk-off opposite field single.

Everybody contributed for the T.F. Brown's Blind Squirrels, that's for certain.

Fava gets his first ever title in any league anywhere, breaking his mush curse.

Jamil finally breaks his coed curse.

Wii Not Fit, though they always look like they're overmatched and the underdogs, keep that grit, which got them to a #2 seed regular season although preseason picked to be no higher than the #5 seed.

An evenly matched game throughout with a muckyish outfield -- left by the flood at Kibbe Park not even a week prior -- wasn't keeping these two teams filled with non-prima donnas off the field.

Davis burned Jamil badly in the first, which led to his immediate benching, costing the team with pathetic fielding. Safe to say he redeemed himself at the plate, returning the favor by not being dead weight, thank God. (Corny third-person talk since I'm the one writing this.)

Over 10 hours of HAND rolling and almost 72 hours of sun made this night possible.

Couldn't believe the number of spectators tonight even.

Members of the winning team are Ronnie Sumeriski, Mike Jamil, Pat Fava, Jackie Janes, Jarad Lee, Heidi Dempsey, Mike Badami, Chester Harrington, Ariel Ford, Chelsey Ruzewski, Lacy Leto, as well as Kirsten Rowland and Jerry Dykstra, who were unable to participate in the title game but were vital cogs all season long for the T.F. Brown's Blind Squirrels. 

For more pics go to: Visit Steve Ognibene's photography site.

Another great sunny day at the Genesee County Fair. You really need to come check it out, so many more events and activites to enjoy. 

Highlight's of today's activities include the 4-H dairy cattle show, the 4-H livestock auction, Karaoke, and stock-car races at the Genesee Speedway. For a complete schedule, click here.

Thursday, June 20 - Veteran’s Day at the Fair

• 9am 4-H Dairy Cattle Show (Show Ring)
• 9am Open Sheep Show (Old Draft Horse Barn)
• 9am 4-H Horse Show - Games, Gymkhana Classes (Horse Ring)
• 10am EXHIBIT HALLS & BUILDINGS OPEN
• 2pm 4-H Goat & Sheep Quiz Bowl (Merton Building)
• 5-10pm Midway Opens (Amusement Area)
• 5:30-7pm 4-H Market Animal Auction Buyers Dinner (Kennedy Building)
• 7pm Genesee Speedway SPECIAL STOCK CAR RACES (Grandstand)
• 7pm Karaoke (Entertainment Tent)
• 7pm 4-H Market Animal Auction (Show Ring)
• 7pm 4-H Horses Released
• 10pm - Exhibit halls & buildings close

*This schedule is tentative and is subject to change at any time*

DAILY AT THE GENESEE COUNTY FAIR: $5 Carload Admission Every Day & Night! * Midway Rides * DAILY WRIST BAND SPECIALS AVAILABLE. 
* Agricultural Awareness Exhibit * Livestock Exhibits * Air Sculpture – Transforming Balloons into Art (Exhibition Building), Chainsaw Carver—Elaine Foy.​

(Submitted photo: 2017 State Fair selections in the Kennedy Building at the Genesee County Fairgrounds.)

Press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Office would like to thank all of the local 4-H members who entered exhibits in the 2017 Genesee County Fair.

We would also like to thank all of our volunteers, judges, family and friends who came to support our youth; we could not do it without you!

There were so many great exhibits to choose from and they will be on display in the Kennedy Building on the Genesee County Fairgrounds now through Saturday, July 22.

Congratulations to the following Genesee County 4-H members whose exhibits have been selected to advance to the New York State Fair, which will take place in Syracuse Aug. 23- Sept. 4.

For more information about the New York State Fair visit: http://nysfair.org/  

Section B – Educational Exhibits

• Renee Chapell – “How Music Affects Your Mood”
• Steven Zocco – President Lincoln Diorama

Section C – Communications and Expressive Arts

• Melissa Keller – Poster of the Circulatory System
• Melissa Keller – Business Plan – “Keller Pork”
• Gabriella Zocco – “Caring for Pigs” Diorama 

Section DA – Food and Nutrition

• Mae Grimes – Maple Syrup
• Melissa Keller – Peanut Butter Cookies
• Melissa Keller – Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Caroline Luft – Gluten Free Muffins
• Clare Mathes – Blueberry Muffins
• Teagan Mathes – Blueberry Pie
• Maggie Winspear – Lemon Zucchini Bread

Section DB – Fine Arts and Crafts 

• Clare Mathes – Watercolor Painting with Sailboat
• Corrine Rhoads – Cat Perler Beads “Corrine’s Cat Creations”
• Mary Sweeney – Charcoal Cow Portrait
• Mary Sweeney – Acrylic Painting of Landscape with Barn

Section DC – Hobby Crafts and Home Environment

• Amelia Brewer – Hand Painted Decorative Rocks
• Jillian Brewer – Quilt
• Cole Carlson – Metal Chicken Feeder
• Katie Ewert – Decorative Picture Frame with Boot
• Melissa Keller – 4-H Ribbon Quilt
• Aubrianna Martinez – Owl Pillow
• Eva Rhoads – Ribbon Chandelier 

Section DE – Textiles & Clothing

• Clare Mathes – Chicken Feed Bag with Pocket
• Caroline Pelton – Retro Dress
• Mason Werth – Rope Halter

Section E – Visual Arts and Photography

• Melissa Keller – Photo of Easter Table
• Melissa Keller – Photo of Rye Field
• Melissa Keller – Dog Portrait 
• Georgia Luft – Photo of Chickens 
• Alexandria Tarbell – Rustic Rider Club Logo Design
• Colton Tarbell – PowerPoint Presentation on RC Vehicles 

Section F – Horticulture

• Jillian Brewer – Fairy Garden in Wagon
• Mae Grimes – Floral Design
• Melissa Keller – Chicken Feeder Container Garden
• Melissa Keller – Galvanized Bucket Container Garden
• Melissa Keller – Terra Cotta Pot with Pig Transfer Container Garden
• Melissa Keller – Container Garden 
• Melissa Keller – Fairy Garden in Wagon
• Georgia Luft – Fairy Garden in Suitcase 
• Hudson Luft – Fairy Garden in Crate
• Alexandria Tarbell – Rhubarb
• Alexandria Tarbell – Marimo (Houseplant Aquarium) 
• Evan Winspear – Celosia

Section M – Veterinary Science

• Melissa Keller – Field Guide of Endangered Species

Cloverbuds – For Display Only

• Layla Baker – Bug House
• Aiden Hyman – Poster of Kentacloth
• Levi Miller – Hunting Poster
• Michael Shisler – Star Drawing
• Otto Uberty – Tie-Dye T-Shirt
• Wyatt Uberty – Bandana Pillow

Press release:

Genesee Division, NY District Kiwanis will hold a Division Council Meeting to "Meet the Candidates" and dinner on Saturday, July 22, at BW Restaurant & Reception Center. It is located at 11070 Perry Road in Pavilion.

The event is hosted by Kiwanis from Le Roy, Pavilion, Stafford & Pembroke, Corfu and Darien.

Cost is $30 per person. This is a "Take a Bite Out of Lyme" fundraiser.

Time is divided as follows:

• Social Hour -- 5:30 p.m.
• Meeting convenes -- 6:30 p.m.
• Dinner -- 7 p.m.
• Meeting adjourned -- 9 p.m.

Come and enjoy Kiwanis fellowship and year-end celebration!

Meet the candidates for Kiwanis Governor-Elect 2017-18:

• Lt. Gov. John ("Hank") Baker (Niagara Frontier South)
• IPLG Bruce Brooks (Long Island Southwest)

RSVP to Penny Arnold (585) 356-3413 or pennyarnolddunigan@yahoo.com

Or to Charlene Schoenenberger (585) 584-3738 or schoenenberger50@gmail.com

Seniors at Batavia High School this year will not only be afforded the privilege of reserved parking spaces in the student lot, they will be able to paint their designated spot with just about any design they like.

Overall, board members for the City School District loved the idea, presented by the executive council of the Class of 2018, but requested some modifications from the original idea before approving it.

"With a personalized parking spot, the students are able to reserve their spots and then express their individuality, which is really meaningful as maturing young adults," said student Mikey Lullo.

The students said there would be three options for students. The first costs the student nothing -- they get an assigned spot that will remain black asphalt throughout the year. The second option allows them to reserve a spot for $10, but they can't personalize it. The sweet spot, painted and personalized, would be $15.

The project is a fundraiser for the Class of 2018.

The original proposal would make all options available to all students who drive to school and students paying $15 would be able to select three possible spots, which would then be assigned randomly from those choices.

Because it's the first year, the board thought painted spots should be reserved for seniors and all spots should be selected at random.

"I love this kind of stuff," Board Member Peter Cecere said. "I think the finished product looks amazing."

Then he raised concerns about how slots would be selected.

"While I'd like to give everybody at least one of their top three choices, that's just not going to work," Cecere said. "Inevitably you're going to have a kid complaining because 'hey this kid's got this and I paid the same amount of money.' "

Trustee Shawna Murphy wondered if the privilege might be tied to academic performance or attendance, but the feeling was that would add another level of complication. She also expressed concern that in this climate, the painted slots would look dingy over the course of the year.

The students said they researched schools in similar climates and found with the right paint, it hasn't been a problem. They also said the paint acts as a sealant, which helps protect the surface of the parking lot.

At the end of the year, the students would be responsible for painting over, with black paint, the customized student spots.

While students who wish to personalize parking spots must get a sketch approved by school administrators, the council said they will also help watch over the parking lot.

Cecere expressed concern about vandalism and bullying associated with customized slots. The students hope security cameras and their vigilance will help tap down these issues.

"We're going to be there and we take it upon ourselves to monitor everything, us being the executive council," said Lauren Leone. "We are there to check everyone's paint and make sure it's being respectful."

Murphy asked how the council knew this was something they knew their fellow students wanted.

Lullo said the idea has been a big hit on social media.

"This has gone around multiple times and there has been positive feedback from pretty much the majority of the school who is on social media saying 'oh we wish we have this' and 'this would be so cool,' " Lullo said. "They said, 'this is so great, we want this.' So we kind of took it and ran with it."

Top Photo: Lauren Leone.  Bottom photo: Kiara Cherry, Amand Patel and Mikey Lullo.

Video about a similar program at a high school in Lebanon, Ind.

Dwayne Bartholemau Spivey, 40, of Doran Street, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st. At 10:45 a.m. Sunday on Lake Street Road, Le Roy, Le Roy PD, State Police and the Sheriff's Office were conducting a joint traffic checkpoint. Officers reported observing a vehicle driven by Spivey stop prior to the checkpoint, with Spivey exiting the driver's side and changing seats with the passenger, making the passenger the driver when the vehicle arrived at the checkpoint. Upon investigation by Deputy Chad Cummings and Deputy Chris Erion, Spivey was found to have 25 suspensions over the course of two decades. The other occupant, the passenger who became the driver, had a valid license. Spivey was jailed without bail.

Jesse Dean Parsons, 33, of Swamp Road, Byron, is charged with promoting prison contraband. Parsons is accused of entering the Genesee County Jail on an unrelated charge with a known banned item.