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Law and Order: Felony DWI arrest in Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

Douglas James Tallent, 36, of Walworth-Marion Road, Marion, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, driving on a suspended registration, and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Tallent was stopped at 9:40 p.m., June 24, on Buffalo Parkway, Bergen, by Deputy Rachel Diehl and jailed without bail.

Cathleen Ann Bishop, 51, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Bishop is accused of stealing $145.99 in merchandise from Kohl's Department Store on June 30.

Tree limb falls on power line and garage on Woodrow Road, Batavia

By Billie Owens

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A large tree limb fell onto a power line, breaking it, and landed on a garage at 45 Woodrow Road in Batavia; no arcing or sparking. City Fire Department is responding and National Grid is notified.

UPDATE 7:35 p.m.: City fire cleared the scene and National Grid was in route.

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Sponsored Post: Try the Y in July with a 5 class pass

By Lisa Ace

Try the Y in July! Stop in at the Genesee County YMCA and try the Y in the month of July! Starting July 1st when an individual mentions this promotion they will receive a Class Pass to try any of our group exercise classes five times for free! If an individual uses all 5 punches on their pass card and decides to join the YMCA we will waive their Joining Fee as well (a savings up to $75).

The YMCA also offers scholarships to help subsidize membership dues for individuals and families who qualify. If you have any questions, contact Josh Bender at 585-344-1664 or jbender@glowymca.org.

Master Sgt. Higgins lain to rest

By Howard B. Owens

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Funeral services were held today for Master Sgt. Charles L. Higgins, a former Batavia resident who died June 19 at age 36.

Higgins served in the Army and Army National Guard from 1999 to 2017. 

For his full obituary, click here.

Photos: Something Else at Jackson Square

By Howard B. Owens

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The trio Something Else played Jackson Square yesterday evening as part of the summer concert series downtown. There's live music in Jackson Square each Friday at 7 p.m. through August.

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License plate left behind after accident on Slusser Road

By Billie Owens

Somebody is missing a license plate from their vehicle after driving on Slusser Road in Batavia.

A dispatcher says the residents at 8299 Slusser Road "heard a loud bang about 4:30 this morning. They have the license plate and there is damage to their property." The responding deputy says "I would consider that a clue."

He just arrived there and reports that a couple of road hazard signs are down, too.

Sponsored Post: Try the Y in July with a 5 class pass

By Lisa Ace

Try the Y in July! Stop in at the Genesee County YMCA and try the Y in the month of July! Starting July 1st when an individual mentions this promotion they will receive a Class Pass to try any of our group exercise classes five times for free! If an individual uses all 5 punches on their pass card and decides to join the YMCA we will waive their Joining Fee as well (a savings up to $75).

The YMCA also offers scholarships to help subsidize membership dues for individuals and families who qualify. If you have any questions, contact Josh Bender at 585-344-1664 or jbender@glowymca.org. 

Police looking for car that hit girl on bike in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A girl riding her bike on Main Street in Le Roy was struck by a hit-and-run driver at about 3:20 p.m. and police are asking for help in locating the suspect vehicle.

The vehicle may be a Lincoln Continental, or similar sedan, from the early to mid-1990s. It was blue or green and was driven by an older male, possibly in his 60s, with gray hair.

The girl had a minor injury to her foot and ankle but did not require transport to a hospital.

To share information to assist in the investigation, contact Sgt. Mike Hare by calling (585) 345-6350.

(Initial Post)

Dog left at vacant apartment will be available for adoption

By Howard B. Owens

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"Zeva" will soon need a new home.

The friendly pooch was reportedly left at an apartment at 17 Elm St., Batavia, after the owner moved out.

Somebody called police yesterday evening and reported the apparently abandoned dog and a police officer picked it up and took it to the shelter.

The address is the same apartment where another dog, on April 30, got itself stuck on the eve of a second-floor deck and then fell off when the owner was brought back to the residence by a police officer.

Today, the owner -- whom we're not identifying by name at this point because she hasn't been charged with a crime, and it's not certain she will be -- went to the animal shelter and signed the necessary paperwork to surrender ownership of Zeva.

She reportedly told staff she had left the dog rather than take it to the shelter because of a requirement that the owner acknowledges that the animal could potentially be euthanized. Animal Control Officer Agie Jaroszewski said the form is standard procedure for most shelters but doesn't mean the animal will be put down.

Alecia Kaus with Video News Service posted a report about the dog on Facebook yesterday and a women said the dog had been hers, but that the dog was being taken care of and that she retained access to the apartment until the end of the month.

"I was the owner," the woman wrote. "And to be clear again have posted all week about finding her a home and was just with her at 7 pm last night to walk her feed and water her."

There is not information available on the status of the other dog that was at the apartment April 30. Police have yet to determine what will happen with the case.

Below, photos from April 30.

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Pedestrian hit in front of Post Office in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A car has reportedly hit a pedestrian in front of the Post Office at 2 Main St., Le Roy.

Injuries are reported.

Le Roy Fire and Le Roy Ambulance responding.

UPDATE 3:25 p.m.: Law enforcement on location and reports fire and ambulance can respond non-emergency. A chief on scene requests Le Roy Fire equipment to remain in quarters.

Hawley on closing Albany's 'extraordinary session': 'Albany's dysfunction was on full display'

By Billie Owens

Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“Albany’s dysfunction was on full display (Wednesday) as legislators were called back to session for a 12-hour fiasco with many of us in the dark until very late as to what bills we were to vote on. As usual, the three-men-in-a-room backdoor deal circus was on full display, costing taxpayers tens of thousands in per diems and travel expenses.

“Although many issues like ethics reform, small-business relief, property and income-tax reform were unfortunately not addressed this year, we did manage to pass sales tax extenders for Orleans and Genesee counties that will help mitigate rising property taxes and fund various county initiatives.

“We also made important changes that will allow us to streamline the grant process for homeowners and owners of secondary properties affected by flooding to obtain aid and relief. I am hopeful that the governor will sign this bill into law soon and help residents who are still struggling with Lake Ontario’s devastating flooding.

“While this session was far from perfect and rife with dysfunction and secrecy, we did provide a record amount of aid for our schools, provided funding to combat the growing heroin epidemic, passed the ‘New York Buy American Act’ to bolster manufacturing and construction jobs and brought ride-sharing services Upstate.

“I look forward to a productive summer and fall visiting with constituents in our area and hearing feedback, questions and concerns as we look forward to the 2018 Session. Please remember that I am always available to discuss state issues and I will always be your voice and represent you fairly in Albany.”

Hawley on the Fourth of July: 'Cherish this holiday and what it stands for'

By Billie Owens

Assemblyman Steve Hawley issued this statement about the Fourth of July: 

“As the 4th of July approaches, we should all take a moment to appreciate the importance of this great day. Our independence is something that can sometimes be overlooked, and with all the corporate and trendy holidays that we have throughout the year, we need to cherish this holiday and what it stands for.

“It is a true gift to have a sense of patriotism and to remember the people who made our independence possible. The fight for liberty and justice is never complete; and as Americans it is our duty to remember and cherish our independence.

It is a day to celebrate our freedom, our country, our triumphs and to remember all those men and women who have served our nation and who have made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of those ideals.

"Although this holiday is a joyous occasion, I encourage everyone to stay safe and to celebrate responsibly with family and friends.”

'Torrential rains' expected in Southern Genesee County within the hour

By Billie Owens

A Special Weather Statement was issued a few minutes ago by the National Weather Service stating: "An area of strong thunderstorms will bring torrential rains to Northern Wyoming and Southern Genesee counties. 

"Strong thunderstorms were clustered near Attica, or eight miles south of Batavia, moving east at 15 mph.

"These storms will bring very heavy rainfall to Attica and nearby locations with more than an inch of rain possible in an hour or less. Locations impacted include... Darien Lakes State Park, Le Roy, Bennington, Attica, Pavilion, Stafford, Covington, Alexander, Wyoming and East Bethany. This includes Interstate 90 near exit 47. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways."

These conditions are expected until 2 p.m.

Four arrests made during Third Eye Blind concert at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Third Eye Blind concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Thursday:

Robin S. Bascus, 26, of Townsend Avenue, Bronx, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly entering Darien Lake property after having been ejected from the property on June 25 and told not to return. Bascus was arraigned in Darien Court and put in jail in lieu of $250 bail.

Kaitlyn M. Rector, 19, of Boyd Road, Pavilion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Riley J. Guenther, 19, of Dye Road, Akron, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Jason R. Morley, 25, of Pole Bridge Road, Geneseo, is charged with assault, 3rd, after allegedly punching a Live Nation security officer in the mouth, causing injury.

Batavia Housing Authority receives $227K grant in latest round of federal funding

By Howard B. Owens

The Batavia Housing Authority will receive a $227,424 federal grant as part of a $397 million package for New York's public housing programs.

The authority provides subsidized housing to low-income residents in four complexes in Batavia, including 400 Towers, The Pines at 4 MacArthur Drive, Edward Court at 15 Edward St., and The Terraces at 193 S. Main St.

Press release:

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand today announced $397,628,820 for housing authorities across New York State. The funds were allocated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Public Housing Capital Fund. Schumer and Gillibrand said the funding will help housing authorities develop, finance and modernize their public housing facilities.

“Having a roof over your head is one of life’s basic necessities, so we must do everything we can to help provide those truly in need with a decent and affordable place to live. This federal funding will help support affordable housing initiatives throughout New York that assist needy families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities to find an affordable place to live,” Senator Schumer said.

“We need to invest more federal funds to help more low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in New York with access to affordable and safe housing,” Senator Gillibrand said. “These resources are vital for vulnerable communities and I will continue to do everything I can in the Senate to make sure that all New Yorkers have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

HUD’s Office of Capital Improvement administers the Capital Fund program, which provides financial assistance in the form of grants to public housing agencies (PHAs) to carry out capital and management activities; acting as the primary tool to preserve New York's affordable housing stock. These federal dollars are used to increase a PHA's ability to maintain the physical infrastructure of developments and improve the safety and security of its residents. 

Sponsored Post: Solid city home and superb condition

By Lisa Ace

Super solid classic Batavia home in superb condition! This home has been lovingly taken care of for many years and recently went through major upgrades within last five years, which include siding, windows, tear-off roof, electrical and insulation, and hardwired smoke detectors! Literally all the major components!

Spacious room sizes which include nice kitchen with cute breakfast nook and formal dining room and large enclosed front porch -- plenty of entertaining space. The woodwork in this home is untouched and beautiful and bonus hardwood floors under carpeting thru out home! This is a lot of bang for the buck and should be seen -- call for easy viewing!

Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today or click here to view the complete listing. Look for an OPEN HOUSE next week!

Dozens of acts set to take the stage in annual Batavia Ramble and Arts Fest

By Howard B. Owens

The Batavia Ramble and Arts Fest is tomorrow in Downtown Batavia.

In the case of rain, performances will take place inside Center Street Smoke House.

Here's the lineups for both stages:

Jackson Square Stage
  • 11 – 11:15 a.m. --  **Opening Ceremony**
  • 11:15 – 11:45 a.m. -- Ghost Riders
  • 11:50 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. -- KoKo & The Moon Crickets
  • 12:25 – 12:55 p.m. -- Ryan & Scott
  • 1– 1:30 p.m. -- Gridder
  • 1:35 – 2:05 p.m.  -- Bluesway
  • 2:10 – 2:40 p.m. -- Genesee Ted
  • 2:45 – 3:15 p.m.  -- Me & Red
  • 3:20 – 3:50 p.m.  -- TONK
  • 3:50 – 4:05 p.m.  -- * * * Memorial * * *
  • 4:05 – 4:35 p.m.  -- Sierra
  • 4:40 – 5:10 p.m.  -- PD3 & Co.
  • 5:15 – 5:45 p.m.  -- Rich Lullo Band
  • 5:50 – 6:20 p.m.  -- Lonesome Road
  • 6:25 – 6:55 p.m. -- Loosely Tight
  • 7 – 7:30 p.m. -- Trolls
  • 7:35 – 8:05 p.m.  -- Zero
  • 8:10 – 8:40 p.m. -- Driven
  • 8:45 – 9:15 p.m. -- Noah's Reign 
Center Street Stage
  • 11 – 11:15 a.m. -- **Opening Ceremony**
  • 11:15 – 11:45 a.m. --  Steve Kruppner
  • 11:50 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. -- Kruppner Brothers
  • 12:25 – 12:55 p.m. -- Mark Grover
  • 1  – 1:30 p.m.  -- Ryan Consiglio
  • 1:35 – 2:05 p.m. -- Dave Holnbeck
  • 2:10 – 2:40 p.m. -- Kevin Moyles
  • 2:45 – 3:15 p.m. -- Paul Almeter
  • 3:20 – 3:50 p.m. -- Jim Luttrell
  • 3:50 – 4:05 p.m.  --  * * * Memorial * * *
  • 4:05 – 4:35 p.m. -- Red Creek
  • 4:40 – 5:10 p.m.  -- Mitty & The followers
  • 5:15 – 5:45 p.m. -- Rock Soulgers
  • 5:50 – 6:20 p.m.  -- Bad Luck
  • 6:25 – 6:55 p.m.  -- Audibull
  • 7 – 7:30 p.m. -- Rhythm Collision
  • 7:35 – 8:05 p.m.  -- Eagle Creek
  • 8:10 – 8:40 p.m. -- Nichols Brothers Band
  • 8:45 – 9:15 p.m. -- Open Jam

Five area athletes make first team for All-Greater Rochester

By Howard B. Owens

The All-Greater Rochester spring sports standouts were announced today and five Genesee County athletes made first team in their respective sports:

  • Anthony Ray Jr., Batavia, Track and Field
  • Brandon Burke, Byron-Bergen, Track and Field
  • Kilian Lewis, Pembroke, Track and Field
  • Kiaya Franklin, Batavia, Track and Field
  • Casey Radka, Batavia, Baseball

For more information on the athletes and a list of honorable mentions in each league, visit the Democrat and Chronicle's website.

Top Items on Batavia's List

The Batavia Housing Authority is seeking a positive, hardworking teammate to perform a variety of outdoor landscaping tasks, primarily mowing, with some trimming and cleanup work. The Groundskeeper is independently responsible for outdoor landscaping tasks on a weekly basis with some flexibility. This job may require some weekend hours when necessary. Part-time position Pay Range: $19.00/hr - $22.00/hr Anticipated start date: May 2024 Application deadline: April 29, 2024 See full job description at: https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/Groundskeeper.pdf Complete Civil Service Application at: https://cms1files.revize.com/geneseecountynew/CivilServiceApplication2022Revision-09.22.22.pdf Contact Information Nathan Varland Executive Director Batavia Housing Authority 400 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 (585) 344-1888 nvarland@bataviahousing.org Location: Batavia
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