A multi-vehicle accident is reported in the area of 73 Main Street, in front of the YNGodess Shop, Batavia.

Unknown injuries.

City Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 7:14 p.m.: A car has struck a parked car in front of Key Bank.

UPDATE 7:44 p.m.: An Audi sedan struck a parked vehicle pushing that vehicle into another car parked in front of it.  The driver of the Audi was administered a field sobriety test and taken into custody.  His name has not yet been released.

Press release:

In a decision rendered December 21, 2021, Genesee County Court Judge Charles N. Zambito affirmed the misdemeanor DWI conviction of defendant James D. Doyle (complete decision attached). The defendant was convicted upon his guilty plea in Pembroke Town Court in March of 2018 and was sentenced to a conditional discharge.

On August 26-27, 2012, around midnight, Trooper Timothy Pickering was on duty and received multiple reports through dispatch of an erratic vehicle traveling eastbound on the Thruway. Trooper Pickering located the car in the Pembroke service area. The vehicle was parked but it was still running. When the trooper approached the car, he saw "a driver sitting in the driver's seat, no seat belt, slumped over the wheel, and there was a female passenger in the passenger seat slumped over, too." The trooper knocked on the window and received no response. He then opened the door and was eventually successful in waking up the driver, who was Mr. Doyle.

After Mr. Doyle pleaded guilty, he filed a notice of appeal In April of 2018. In July of 2020, after Mr. Doyle had made no further action to perfect the appeal, the Genesee County District Attorney's Office moved to dismiss the matter. Genesee County Court allowed Mr. Doyle to complete his appeal, and an oral argument occurred on September 29, 2021.

In its decision, Genesee County Court found that Trooper Pickering was justified In "the minimally intrusive act of opening the defendant's . . . door to continue his Investigation" due to "the recent and substantial report of the defendant's erratic driving behavior, the manner in which the defendant's vehicle was parked, the fact that the vehicle was still running, and the defendant's unresponsive state." These factors gave the trooper reasonable cause to believe that the defendant had operated the vehicle while intoxicated or impaired. The trooper's actions were also justified under the emergency doctrine.

Assistant District Attorney Robert J. Shoemaker, who handled the appeal, welcomed the decision. "This is a good result not only for law enforcement, but it is also a win for logic and reason. We appreciate County Court's recognition that a trooper in this situation can approach a car and check on the occupants, both to determine their welfare and to investigate possible criminal activity.

Indeed, Trooper Pickering would have been derelict in his duties if he had knocked on Mr. Doyle's window and, upon receiving no response, had simply walked away.”

To read the full decision, click here (pdf).

Sarah P. Lytle, 39, of Batavia, is charged with torture/injure/failure to provide sustenance to an animal.  Lytle was accused of animal cruelty after Batavia PD was asked to assist the Probation Department with a house check at 10:39 p.m., Dec. 21, on State Street. Lytle is accused of keeping a dog in a cage without adequate food or water and the cage contained the dog's own feces. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Brian Paul Demko, 44, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, use of a vehicle without an interlock device, refusal to take breath test, driver license restriction violation, driving with motor vehicle vision obstruction. Demko was stopped at 12:36 p.m., Dec. 23, on Main Road, Stafford, by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush. 

Mathew Paul Parker, 32, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass. Parker is accused of trespassing at Walmart at 3:02 p.m., Dec. 21. He was taken to the Genesee County Jail for prints and photos and released on an appearance ticket.

Jeffrey Michael Kirkey, 50, of South Wind Court, Rochester, and Jessica Lynn Zicari, 38, of Suston Street,  are each charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. Kirkey and Zicari were arrested after Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush and Deputy Kyle Krzemien responded to Route 33 in Stafford for a report of a vehicle partially blocking the roadway.  Kirkey and Zicari were allegedly found in possession of cocaine.  The suspects were processed at the Genesee County Jail. Zicari was released on her own recognizance. Kirkey was turned over to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office on an outstanding felony warrant.

Robert W. Russo, 46, of Winter Park, Fla., was arrested as a fugitive from justice at 2:06 a.m., Dec. 18, by Batavia PD when he was located by an officer investigating an unrelated complaint. The warrant out of Orange County, Florida, was for an alleged assault.  He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held in the Genesee County Jail.

Marcell F. Greene, 37, of Bliss, was arrested on a bench warrant. Greene allegedly failed to comply with a court-ordered program. She was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

John J. Saddler, 34, of Batavia, is charged with grand larceny 4th. Saddler is accused of stealing cash from the pants pocket of another person at 11:30 a.m., Oct. 25, at a location on East Main Street, Batavia.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jason P. Gorton, 25, of Batavia, is charged with assault with intent to cause physical injury with a weapon and criminal possession of a weapon. Gorton was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 10:51 p.m., Dec. 26, in the Town of Batavia.  He was released on his own recognizance.  No further information was released.

Chase E. Shultz, 31, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Schultz was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 1:45 p.m., Dec. 23, in the Town of Oakfield. Schultz was issued an appearance ticket. No further information was released.

Kaleb J. Bobzien, 23, of Lockport, is charged with criminal contempt. Bobzien was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 5 p.m., Oct. 5, in the Town of Batavia. He was ordered held in the Genesee County Jail. No further information was released.

Anthony J. Maye, 21, of Bergen, is charged with rape 3rd (inability to consent) and sexual abuse 3rd. Maye was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 12:48 p.m., Oct. 26, in the Town of Bergen. He was released on his own recognizance.  No further information was released.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department and the New York State Police are investigating two separate incidents of burglaries at two different gas stations in the City of Batavia and Town of Batavia respectively this weekend.

In both incidents, two suspects smashed a front window with construction debris found near the gas stations. The suspects then made entry into the businesses and stole property.

The Batavia Police Department is looking for assistance identifying the suspects or if any citizens observed any suspicious events near the Valero Gas Station on Sunday, December 26, 2021, at or about 5:00 a.m.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jason Ivison at (585) 345-6312 or email him at jivison@batavianewyork.com.

You may also use the CONFIDENTIAL TIP LINE at (585) 345-6370.

Press release:

The B.I.D. FeBREWary Committee announces this year’s event which will be held on Saturday, February 26th.

Only 600 tickets are available for this year’s event. Tickets may be purchased online. General Admission tickets are $25, VIP $35 and DD tickets for $5. All VIP ticket holders get into event 1 hour early at 4 PM, a special gift, raffle tickets and more! All ticket holders will enjoy a tasting of several NYS Craft Beer and at over 20 local businesses throughout our Downtown.

For more information contact the Batavia Business Improvement District at 585-344-0900 or Shannon Maute at director@downtownbataviany.com.

Press release from AAA: 

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.29, down two cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.25. The New York State average is $3.50, down one cent from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.32. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages from last week:)

• Buffalo - $3.45 (down one cent from last week)
• Ithaca - $3.50 (no change from last week)
• Rochester - $3.50 (down one cent from last week)
• Rome - $3.52 (down one cent from last week)
• Syracuse - $3.46 (down one cent from last week)
• Watertown - $3.50 (down four cents from last week)

Despite increased demand with holiday travelers, national gas prices are down two cents from last week. Oil prices are now fluctuating in the $70s, and if oil prices go up, gas prices usually follow. January typically brings the cheapest prices of the year with a drop in demand amid winter weather.

From Gas Buddy:

"Nearly every state saw average gasoline prices decline last week as millions of Americans took to the road for holiday travel, with the national average now nearly 20 cents per gallon lower than in early November. While the fall in prices is welcomed, we set an ugly new record for the holiday- it was the most expensive Christmas Day we've ever seen by two tenths of a penny," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "The average on Christmas was $3.264 per gallon, just a fraction of a penny higher than Christmas Day 2013 which saw the national average at $3.262 per gallon. Motorists shouldn't get too worked up about it - the downward direction in gas prices should persist into this week in most areas. However, gas prices are likely to jump in the Great Lakes due to a behavior called price cycling, caused by a rise in the wholesale price of gasoline against a backdrop of prices in the region that have now fallen under replacement cost. This will trigger a likely jump in gas prices in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Kentucky very soon."

The Oakfield Betterment Committee has announced the winners of its annual home Christmas Decorating Contest.

First place, top photo: Becky Chatt, 50 Drake St.

Photos and info submitted by Jamie Lindsley

Second place, Jerry Bliemeister- 32 Oak St.

Third place, Matt & Amanda Kastelic - 30 Webber.

Volunteers along with their family members at T. F. Brown's on Christmas Day for the restaurant's annual free Christmas Day Dinner for the community.  This year, the meal distribution was drive-thru with about 300 meals distributed.  This year, the toys donated for community children were distributed by City Church.

Photo and info submitted by Joe Teresi.

A portion of Route 5 is closed due to an ongoing incident in the 6300 block of Main Road, Stafford. More details will be posted as they become available.

Update 12:27 p.m.:  The local law enforcement emergency response team is on scene.

Update 12:46 p.m.: One person is in custody.

Update 1:05 p.m.: Stafford fire department is clearing the scene. The road is to remain closed for the time being. There is no estimated time for when it will open.

Update 1:13 p.m.: Route 5 is now open.

Update 1:20 p.m.: This was a mental health incident, Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron said, but possible charges are pending. The subject has been transported to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. The sheriff expects to put out a press release in a few hours, he said.

UPDATE 6 p.m. (By Howard Owens): This afternoon, 9-1-1 emergency dispatchers received a call of a detached garage at a residence on Main Road, Stafford, was on fire.  Stafford Fire responded and encountered a reportedly uncooperative male. Deputies responded and attempted to make contact with the male, who was by then barricaded in the garage. The male claimed the garage was equipped with explosives and would detonate if approached. Additional deputies, along with the State Police, and DEC responded.  Route 5 was closed and residents in the area were evacuated. Batavia PD's Emergency Response Team, including members of the Sheriff's Office, responded, along with Batavia PD patrol officers. Negotiation specialists from both Batavia PD and the Sheriff's Office responded.  The subject was taken into custody and criminal charges are pending. There was no threat to the general public. More information will be released later.

Photos by Howard Owens

Press release:

A pair of Batavia left-handers found perfection in Genesee Region USBC league bowling this week.

On Wednesday, Rich Wagner started with a 300 game in the Wednesday Men's Handicap League on lanes 3-4 at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.

He followed that with 279 before finishing with 218 for a 797 series.

On Thursday, Brian Green ended with a 300 game in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday 5-Man League at Mancuso Bowling Center to post a 698 series. On Tuesday, Green rolled a 778 series in the Mancuso Real Estate League in Batavia.

Also in the Toyota league, Batavian Fred Gravanda started with 274 and 278 en route to a 766 series.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Marcella Greene Chelsea Mutter

Marcella F. Greene, 37, of Fernwood Park, Rochester, and Chelsea M. Mutter, 28, of Miller Avenue, Batavia, are both charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd and criminal possession of a controlled substance 4th.

Greene and Mutter were arrested by members of the Local Drug Task Force after local law enforcement responded a call at Quality Inn and Suites, 8250 Park Road, about an attempt to locate a warrant subject.

Upon investigation, Greene and Mutter were allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine. They were taken into custody without incident and also arrested on multiple outstanding warrants.

The duo was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court.  Greene was released under supervision of Genesee Justice. Mutter was released on her own recognizance. 

Batavia PD assisted in the investigation.

Brian Thomas Durett, 31, of Mount Vernon, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, and speed not reasonable and prudent. Durett was charged following an investigation by Deputy Moore of a report at 12:39 a.m., Dec. 24, into a report of a vehicle in a ditch on I-490 in Le Roy.  He was released on an appearance ticket.

The Batavia Blue Devils boys basketball team lost Thursday to Greece Olympia 64-47.

Javin McFollins and Tanner Mountain scored nine points each. Estavan Lovett and Sawyer Siverling scored six each.

Also in boys basketball, Notre Dame beat Lyndonville 83-56.

In girls basketball, Batavia beat Olympia 47-37. Jaylene Dersham scored 21 points and Julia Clark scored 10.

Firmly entrenched in a profession where compassion and knowledge work hand in hand, Shannon Murphy, director of Treatment/Batavia office at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, stands out from the crowd.

“Shannon is more committed and the most dedicated in this field than anyone I’ve ever seen,” said GCASA Executive Director John Bennett, marking Murphy’s longevity award as a 25-year employee of the nonprofit agency on East Main Street.

“She loves the patients. That’s her strength and her gift. She’s always there for her team, the agency and the people she serves.”

Murphy (photo at right) was one of 14 GCASA employees to receive longevity awards, ranging from 25 years to five years with the company.

Not one for being in the public eye, she said she “was so grateful” for her job and her co-workers.

“I love everybody here,” she said. “It has been an honor.”

Treatment Director Kathy Hodgins, who has worked with Murphy for the past 20 years, called her colleague “a game-changer.”

“She is the most loyal person I’ve ever met – my comic relief (noting Murphy’s quick wit) – and sincere and genuinely compassionate,” Hodgins said.

Others recognized for their longevity were as follows:

TWENTY YEARS

• Liz Riter, director of Corporate Compliance/Quality Assurance, Batavia office;
• Lisa Schutt, chemical dependency counselor, Batavia office.

FIFTEEN YEARS

• Holly Main, assistant director of Treatment, Batavia office;
• Sue Murphy, registered nurse, Batavia/Albion offices.

TEN YEARS

• Sarah Millen, billing clerk, Batavia office:
• Shellye Dale-Hall, prevention educator, Batavia office.

FIVE YEARS

• McKayla Burvid, registered nurse, Batavia office;
• Beth Collee, executive secretary, Batavia office;
• Gretchen Franke, registered nurse, Batavia/Albion offices;
• Shannon Ford, director of Communications & Development and Prevention, Batavia office;
• Dawn Sagerman, director of Prevention Resource Center, Batavia office;
• Gina Henry, prevention educator, Batavia office;
• Matt Martin, chemical dependency counselor, Batavia office.

Disclosure: Mike Pettinella is publicist for GCASA.

Wednesday evening seemed to be the right time to check out what was going on at Genesee County Animal Shelter on West Main Street Road, Batavia. Evening hours provided opportunities for several folks to visit, adopt a pet and/or drop off generous donations.

Top photo: Sara Rose of Revival Salon in Batavia brings in a donation of edible treats Wednesday evening for the animals at Genesee County Animal Shelter on West Main Street Road, Batavia. Bottom photos: Kevin and Krista Kretschmer donate a large assortment of items, a chart on the Volunteers For Animals website displays how donations are used, Ken Krueger adopts Princess, a cat makes itself comfortable in the greeting room and Mike and Patty Uzialko snap a photo of their future household addition, Juliette. Photos by Howard Owens

In what Head Coach Marc Staley called “our poorest effort of the year,” Batavia Notre Dame United – plagued by mistakes in its own zone and outshot by a more than two-to-one margin – dropped a 7-4 decision to Pittsford tonight in Section V hockey at the Batavia Ice Arena.

Sophomore Ben Norten scored three goals and assisted on another as the visiting Panthers broke away from a 2-2 tie with four goals in the second period to take a 6-4 advantage heading into the third period.

Pittsford, 4-3-1, fired 46 shots at BND goaltender Courtney Schum, while United could manage to put just 19 on Panthers’ goalie Aden Brown.

“This was our poorest effort of the year and we have to address that,” Staley said. “We have to come to play every night. And we didn’t execute tonight and they’re a fast team and a skilled team.”

Staley pointed to his team’s miscues in its own end that provided Pittsford numerous extra opportunities.

“We gave up too many pucks in our own zone -- sloppy play,” he said. “Pucks in the back of our net (given away). You can’t make mistakes against Class A teams that are good like this. And we made too many tonight, so we’ve got to tighten that up. And we will. It’s still early in the year.”

Pittsford had several chances to draw first blood but was unable to capitalize on a power play midway through the opening period.

When BND drew a pair of penalties at the 8:00 and 7:21, it came through with the two-man advantage -- with senior Gavin Schrader putting away a rebound at 6:59. Jameson Motyka and Zack Eschberger assisted.

The Panthers tied the score at 3:44 on a goal by sophomore Henok Hankinson (assisted by junior Will Masaschi) and took the lead less than two minutes later when junior Lucas Procious scored from close range, with Norten and Colin Norton assisting.

United rallied with a minute left in the period when Eschberger converted a pass from the speedy Schrader, who had raced down the left side of the rink past the defense.

Pittsford controlled most of the action in the second period, outshooting the home team 26-10. And it didn't help the United cause when defenseman Noah Hudson's skate blade broke, forcing him to miss most of the 17-minute session while correcting the situation.

Norten scored off a rebound of a shot by Norton at 13:22 and Masaschi buried the puck after an initial save by Schum at 12:09 to put Pittsford up 4-2.

Following a BND timeout, United cut the deficit in half as Schrader deflected a shot by Parker Corbelli past Brown at the 11:00 mark (Eschberger also assisted), but Pittsford came back 55 seconds later as sophomore Brady McMahon beat Schum to her glove side from a tough angle.

After Schrader hit the crossbar on a shot at 6:25, United pulled to within a goal again as senior Vin DiRisio found the back of the net after a nifty pass from Motyka.

Schum made a couple tough saves inside of three minutes, but was unable to thwart Norten at the 1:14 mark when he scored his second goal, assisted by Norton. The duo combined again to close out the scoring at 10:57 of the third period after United gave up the puck behind its own net.

Pittsford clamped down in the third period, holding BND without a shot on goal until 2:57 remained in the game.

Asked if he thought Pittsford had a deeper team and better skaters, Staley instead talked about United’s unforced errors.

“We scored one on ourselves. Those are the things we have to address; too many giveaways in our own zone,” he said. “And we need more balance. We’re relying on two few guys right now.”

Still, Staley said he saw it as a learning experience.

“It’s good for us to play against these teams to learn the level that we have to get to,” he said.

Schrader upped his goal total to 15 (to go with his 15 assists) while DiRisio’s goal was his 10^th of the season.

United, 5-3, travels to the LECOM Harborcenter in Buffalo for games against Section VI opponents next week – at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday against Hamburg and at 1:15 p.m. Thursday against Frontier.

Photo at top: Batavia Notre Dame's Jameson Motyka avoids a Pittsford defender as goaltender Courtney Schum looks on. Photos at bottom: United's Parker Corbelli controls the puck as Pittsford's Lucas Procious converges; teammate Brady Johnson looks to maneuver past Pittsford's Keegan Ahern. Photos by Howard Owens.

Jonathan Maher, 9, and his younger brother Henry, 6, couldn’t help but check out the dogs heard barking down the hall at Genesee County Animal Shelter.

The boys had come to the West Main Street site this week to make their donation to Volunteers For Animals, which operates out of the shelter. It was one of at least three donations brought in during a 90-minute span.

“We had some share money and didn’t know what to do with it,” Jonathan said as to why they were visiting on a snowy Wednesday evening. “I really like animals.”

His mom, Melannie, explained that the youngsters earn a regular allowance, and they merge some of the money for a “share” fund, which is given to charity. 

“We had dropped off some stuff before and thought it’d be nice to help the local shelter,” she said. “They were so excited to come and see the animals.”

Seeing the animals: Ruben

The boys met Ruben, a friendly and energetic pit bull terrier mix with a light tan coat and spots of white at his paws and chest. Reuben was previously adopted, but was returned when his family discovered he needed “an attitude adjustment,” VFA President Debbie Stocking said. 

“He has a lot of behavioral issues and is getting training,” Stocking said. “He loves people. He wants to learn, he really tries.”

Ruben is about 2 years old and loves to play with toys. The blue-eyed looker would be ideal with someone who can be his leader and understand his need for exercise and having “room to run,” Stocking said. He is a playful and affectionate boy who will do best in a household that provides consistent guidance and direction. Ruben is learning loose leash walking and receiving some basic obedience training while at the shelter. Volunteers say he will excel in a household that will maintain the training and give him a structured environment.

And Sammie … 

Then there was Sammie, who stood taller than his cellmate as a black and tan hound mix. Found as a stray at the Rez Smoke Shop and Gas Mart, Sammie’s sweet disposition belies her untold time without a home. She’s in heat and will get spayed when possible.

“This is the best place for her to be, rather than going out and getting pregnant,” Stocking said. 

Sammie can go to a good home now, and the spaying procedure will be paid for by VFA. Stocking wasn’t certain whether she gets along with dogs and/or cats because she was just brought in, however, she demonstrated an enthusiastic joy for mingling with people. She is estimated to be 1-1/2 years old and weighing in at around 70 to 80 pounds. She is a strong young lady and is receiving some training as well.

Volunteer Vern Luce favors Sammie, he said, because she reminds him of a dog he adopted when the new shelter first opened. That other dog, named Kazoo, was a 10-month-old shepherd-Rottweiler mix.

“She was just so sweet,” Luce said of his prior pup, turning to the brown, long tail-wagging Sammie. “That’s why I like her.”

Coco and River …

Coco is a brown Labrador retriever mix from a shelter in Kentucky. After torrential storms leveled nearby states, the Kentucky shelter cleared out some of its inventory to make way for animals from those devastated communities, Stocking said. VFA took in six of those dogs, about half of which have already been adopted. Coco is a “very sweet” 4-year-old who loves greeting visitors. River is another rescue from Kentucky. He is a 2-year-old black Labrador retriever/German Shepherd mix.

“They’re good with other dogs, and they play with everybody,” Stocking said. 
  
Hunter and Felco …

Jonathan and Henry also met up with Hunter and Felco, two Catahoula puppies. Rather tall and lean for their age of nine months, the light brown pups are differentiated by a lighter white vertical patch on Felco’s face. 

“They love to play, and they can run and run and run,” Luce said. 

There were 10 dogs up for adoption, and about a half dozen cats, as of Wednesday evening. The Batavian will be publishing periodic stories about the animals in need at the shelter, including those that have been rescued, turned in, or found as strays. That doesn’t mean they will make ideal holiday gifts, Stocking said. What may seem like a cute surprise to hand to a child — or even to an adult — can soon become an inconvenience, she said. 

“We don’t recommend a pet for Christmas,” she said. “Nine out of 10 come back. I would never suggest a pet as a gift. Adopting a pet is a lot of responsibility.” 

Adoption fees are $60 for county dogs and cats and $50 to $150 for rescues from out of state. If the animal is not spayed or neutered, there is a $35 refundable deposit that is returned upon proof of surgery. An adoption application must be filled out at the shelter by the person wishing to adopt the animal. Once the application has been reviewed and approved, the potential adopter may visit and meet any of the animals. All cats must leave the shelter in a cat carrier, to be supplied by the adopter.

If you’re ready for the long-term commitment of raising a four-legged friend, contact the shelter at 585-343-6410, Option 7, to schedule an appointment. For more information, go to vol4animals.org. 

Top photo: Jonathan and Henry Maher drop off a monetary donation to Volunteers For Animals during a visit Wednesday at the Genesee County Animal Shelter in Batavia. They visit with residents Ruben, Sammie, Coco, River, Hunter and Felco, assisted by volunteers Cindy Moag, Debbie Stocking, and Vern Luce. 

Photos by Howard Owens.