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Town of Batavia GOP endorses candidates, appoints new members

By Press Release

Press release:

Last evening the Committee unanimously endorsed Incumbents for Re-election:

Brooks Hawley, County Legislature, District 4 Towns of Batavia and Stafford. Additionally, Chad Zambito and Sharon White were both endorsed to continue serving as members of the Town Board.

Appointed as new Town Republican Committee members were William Sutton, Andrew Mullen and Michael Pettinella.

EverPresent Church hosting Mass Deliverance Service

By Press Release

Press release:

Are you or a loved one struggling with anxiety, fear, panic disorders, depression, obsession, sleep disorders, PTSD, schizophrenia, eating disorders, disruptive behavior, bipolar disorder, hearing voices, or seeing hallucinations? While some of these conditions may have scientific explanations, others may not.

Doctors often attribute these symptoms to physical or mental disorders and prescribe drugs to treat them. However, some believe that many of these symptoms are actually spiritual in nature.

As Christians, it is believed that some of these issues can be caused by poor decisions, wrong choices, and engaging in activities that are not in line with biblical teachings. This can include occult practices, sorcery, or witchcraft, even if engaged in unknowingly.

The Bible offers guidance on these matters, and Jesus Christ offers deliverance and healing. If you or a loved one are struggling with afflictions, you are invited to attend a Mass Deliverance Service on Feb. 17 at EverPresent Church, located at 4 Batavia City Centre in Batavia. Parking is available in the former JC Penny lot. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the event begins at 6 p.m.

If you have any questions, please call (585) 297-3155.

Tenney introduces resolution promising to protect Social Security

By Press Release

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), a member of the Ways and Means Committee, today introduced a resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Social Security should be preserved and protected for current beneficiaries, and for future generations to come.

Congresswoman Tenney released the following statement after the introduction of the resolution: 

“Last night, in his State of the Union address, President Biden once again spewed lies and a false narrative surrounding House Republican’s plan for Social Security and Medicare,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “This resolution reaffirms House Republicans’ commitment to protecting Social Security for current beneficiaries and future generations to come. Programs like Social Security and Medicare were lifelines for my parents when they were older, and I will always fight to preserve and strengthen them for seniors, retirees, and future beneficiaries. Joe Biden’s shameful and deliberate deception demonstrates once again how unserious he is about working with Republicans to address the crises facing our nation under his leadership.”

Read the full text of the resolution here.

 

Volunteer firefighters complete leadership training

By Press Release

Press release:

The Leadership and Supervision course is one of five modules required to earn New York State Fire Officer 1 certification.

The 15-hour Leadership and Supervision module provides current and potential fire officers with the fundamental knowledge of the duties, responsibilities, and leadership required to be successful as a fire officer. This course covers the basic responsibilities of the fire officer as they relate to human resource management and common administrative functions.

New York State Fire Instructor Chuck Dodson presented the course to 13 county responders at the Genesee County Fire Training Center. The course concluded on Jan. 4, 2023. Congratulations to the following responders for the successful completion of the course:

Town of Batavia

  • Dwayne J. Fonda, Jr.
  • Robert J. Hunt

Bergen

  • Paul J. Cummings
  • Donald S. Cunningham

Byron

  • Brandon L. Crossett
  • Zachary C. Johnson
  • Edward L. Sharp

Corfu

  • John T. Mc Carthy

East Pembroke

  • Andrew D. Martin

Oakfield

  • Annette J. Johnson     

South Byron

  • Vitorrio J. Muoio
  • Jeremie J. Rassel

Stafford

  • Jason M. Smith  

Sponsored Post: Huge price drop on 5399 Horseshoe Lake Road, Batavia

By Lisa Ace

Don't regret not looking at this home! The possibilities are endless and 99% of the work has already been done!!! Remember, ☀️ days are ahead!!


If you want one floor living in awesome setting, then this solid ranch checks all the boxes! Hillside location has scenic views from all windows! Set back from road, you can look out front across to see Horseshoe Lake and out back to a gorgeous wooded backdrop-best of all worlds! Home features 3 large bedrooms -master bedroom with full bath-as well as a second full bath and roomy guest bedrooms. Large living room and unique split kitchen/dining room or cozy secondary family gathering spot with wood stove looking out sliding glass door to back yard! Truly the gathering spot of this home it makes you want to stay and watch the seasons change! There is large pantry style closet for all your kitchen supplies as well as a great utility/laundry room for all the other necessities! This room also has direct access to covered carport for easy in and out for unloading the cars! Also there is enclosed front entryway, extra large foyer, and xtra wide hallway. This home packs a lot in! This owner did all the right things through out the years maintenance wise, all that is needed is for the next person to make it their own! Don't underestimate all the possibilities here-this is a FOREVER HOME!! Call Reliant now!! Call 585-344-4663

'Skully McPepsi' makes its McCarthy Ice Arena debut

By Mike Pettinella

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The Zamboni machine at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena on Evans Street has a new name. But it’s not Zam-Pepsi or even Peps-oni.

“Just call it Skully McPepsi,” said Batavian Tom Fluker, new business manager for Pepsi’s Upstate New York market, as he – with help from a group of Mite level hockey players – unveiled the updated ice cleaning machine this afternoon.

The Zamboni’s facelift is a product of Fluker’s initial idea of an imposing skull in a hockey setting, the artistry of Janette Biehler of Beals Graphic Design of Rochester and the precision “wrapping” by Guy Laesser’s Unitech Application of Le Roy.

“This is something that we wanted to do as part of our relationship with Matt Gray, whose company is managing the rink and also through his Eli Fish and Alex’s Place restaurants,” said Fluker (pictured at top with youth hockey player Abram Lopez).

The Zamboni now sports space age colors of purple and blue, punctuated by the logos of Pepsi Zero, Gatorade, McCarthy Ice Arena, Batavia Notre Dame United and Ramparts youth hockey.

But the main attraction – depicted on the front and top of the Zamboni -- is the gold skull and cross sticks, featuring a flaming puck between its teeth.

“It really is a work of art,” Fluker said.

Gray thanked Pepsi for stepping forward to provide the Zamboni’s new look.

“This is a big part of the stuff that we've done -- the work that we've been doing to improve the arena,” said Gray, owner of Batavia Sports Facility Management. “Several businesses recently signed on as dasher board sponsors and all of that money specifically went to the lighting upgrades that we just installed last week.”

Companies that supported the lighting project included Arctic Refrigeration, Casella Waste Systems, Eli Fish Brewing Company, McAndrew Funeral Home, Max Pies Furniture, Batavia Muckdogs and Suburban Propane, Gray said.

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From left, Tom Fluker, Pepsi sales manager; Ryan Webster and Jed Davis, Zamboni drivers/maintenance, and Kati Murray, general manager of Batavia Sports Facility Management.

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These Mite hockey players were excited to see the new look Zamboni. From left, Levi Jafari, Luis Reyes, Connor Reidmiller, Jameson Smith, Liam Langiewicz and Joey Sacheli.

Photos by Mike Pettinella.

Batavia picks up big win over Greece Athena 96-91

By Howard B. Owens

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Greece Athena, a top-seeded Section V Class A team, was upset by Class B Batavia on Wednesday, 96-91.

It was only the third loss of the year for the Trojans and the Blue Devils improved to 14-4.

Scoring for Batavia:

  • Ja'vin McFollins, 30 points, hitting eight three-point buckets
  • Sawyer Siverling, 18 points, four three-pointers
  • Carter McFollins 18 points
  • Cam McClinic. 13 points and 8-8 from the foul line down the stretch
  • Rashawd Christie, 12 points, with eight points in the final four minutes.

"I don’t think I’ve ever won a game where both teams scored in the 90s," said Coach Buddy Brasky. "They are a very talented offensive team   We matched them shot for shot   Ja'vin caught fire early, so they face-guarded him in the 2nd half. That opened up Carter’s penetration. He was able to get into the lane, finish, dump to Rashawd or pitch to Sawyer."

Girls Basketball:

  • Alexander beat Oakfield-Alabama, 48-45. For the Trojans, Alyssa Kramer scored 16 points, Riely Powell, nine, and Emily Pietrzykowski, eight. For the Hornets, Emma Wray, 16, and MaKena Reding, 15.
  • Byron-Bergen beat Wheatland, 58-25. MacKenzie Senf scored 11 points, Zoey Shepherd, 10, and Kendall Phillips, nine.
  • Pavilion beat Cal-Mum 49-45. Karlee Zinkievich scored 34 points. Lauren Kingsley, seven.
  • Pembroke beat Holley, 41-35. Elle Peterson scored 18 for Pembroke. Isabel Breeden scored eight.
  • Le Roy lost to Geneseo, 42-41. Kenna MacKenzie scored 15 points. Abby Allen, 12, Corina Dunn, 10.
  • Notre Dame beat Lyondonville, 65-39. Amelia McCulley scored 28 points, Avelin Tomidy, 19, and Emma Sisson, 10.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

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February tournaments include 'Super Bowl' singles, Crossroads House, GRUSBC Doubles No-Tap

By Mike Pettinella

Mancuso Bowling Center is hosting the annual “Super Bowl” Handicap Singles Tournament this Sunday with one qualifying squad set for noon.

First place in the event, which is sponsored by Red Bull, is $450 based on at least 32 bowlers. One in four bowlers will advance to the head-to-head final rounds.

Entry fee is $45. Handicap is 100 percent of the difference in the bowler’s average and 215 – using the 2021-22 highest United States Bowling Congress-certified average unless this season’s is 10 or more pins higher.

To enter, contact Mark Brown at 716-474-7960.

Other local tournaments during February are as follows:

  • Feb. 17-18, “Strike Out for Crossroads House.”

The 27th Annual Betty Ellison Memorial "Strike Out for Crossroads House" No-Tap Tournament returns to Mancuso Bowling Center, with squads at 6 p.m. Feb. 17 and noon and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 18.

Registration fee for the four-person team event is $100. Entry forms are available at the bowling center or on the Crossroads House website – www.crossroadshouse.com.

For more information, contact Vicki Johnson at vickijohnson@crossroadshouse.com or at 585-343-3892.

  • Feb. 18-19, Genesee Region USBC No-Tap Doubles.

Letchworth Pines in Portageville is hosting the 3rd GRUSBC No-Tap Doubles event with squads at 1, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. on both days.

Open to GRUSBC members, the entry fee is $60 per team. One in four teams will cash.

The maximum team average is 420 -- based on the bowlers' highest USBC book average in a league for at least 21 games over the past three seasons, unless this season's average is 10 or more pins higher (for at least 21 games).

To sign up, send an email to mikep@bowlgr.com or call 585-343-3736.

  • Feb. 19, Tommy Kress 60-and-Over Tour.

Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion will be the site of the next Tommy Kress 60-and-Over Tour stop.

Check-in begins at 10 a.m. with competition getting started at 11 a.m.

The entry fee is $50. Walk-ins are welcome.

  • Feb. 24-26, Ron Riggi Memorial 4-Person Handicap.

Legion Lanes in Le Roy will be conducting the 21st annual Ron Riggi Memorial tournament in honor of the late well-known Le Roy native.

Squad times are 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24, noon and 4 p.m. Feb. 25 and 1 p.m. Feb. 26.

Entry fee is $100 per team and first place, based on 32 teams, is $800. One out of every five teams will cash.

An optional singles tournament will take place, with an entry fee of $5.

To enter, contact Mark Brown at 716-474-7960.

Youth group takes a trip to GO Art! and Peru

By Joanne Beck

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A creamy casserole resembling layered lasagna with a Peruvian twist, and a sweet finale of cinnamon-dusted milk custard, wedged between a tour of an arts facility and hands-on exercises of creative works.

Not too shabby of a school day for a group of 13 students visiting GO Art! Wednesday in Batavia.

The day was part of a Youth Bureau Genesee Youth Leadership program organized by Program Coordinator Chelsea Elliott. The program offers a different each month from October through May, and February is about Arts and Culture. Elliott worked with GO Art! staff for the artistic component, and staff, in turn, reached out to members of the Peruvian Outreach Project to provide the cultural aspect.

“And they did all the behind-the-scenes work. They are the ones that thought of who would cook the meal and what the culture would be. And I let them kind of run with it. Because I knew that they would have the best connections to make this day be the best for our kids,” Elliott said after the cooking demonstration. “So each month we focus on different topics. We begin at BOCES, that's our home base. And then we go out to the community for the rest of the day, basically, for them to learn more about their community. What happens behind the scenes … a lot of these kids don't even know anything about art until today. So it's opening their eyes to other things that go on in the community, other than just what goes on in their own little towns.

"We always hope that … they can go back to their schools and tell their peers, ‘there's this great program that's in the community, you know, we should get more involved,’" she said. "Because, again, if they don't know about it, they don't know about it.”

The group of 13 students represented grades nine through 12 in five different school districts of Batavia, Byron-Bergen, Le Roy, Alexander and Oakfield. GO Art! Executive Director Gregory Hallock gave them a tour of the East Main Street facility, and Christian Houlihan of the Peruvian Outreach Project talked about his experience as an orphan who was adopted and brought to the United States and now travels back to Peru to assist his native homeland.

The students were then seated next to the kitchen while Veronica Collantes demonstrated how to assemble the authentic causa rellena dish of layered potatoes with lemon oil, chicken salad, and avocados. A dish piled high and a bright yellow, it was then served for lunch as Latin-themed music played in the background.

The kids were also given a cup of inca kola, a sugary yellow Peruvian drink, and topped off their meals with leche asada, a creamy milk custard. Elliott described it as similar to a rice pudding. No one left much on their plates or in the dessert glasses.

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“It’s good, I never had anything like it,” 15-year-old Mary Engelhardt said.

Mary has known for a while now that she wants to go into law enforcement and become a deputy, so when Elliott recommended that she apply for the leadership program, that’s just what the Le Roy 10th-grader did. Other program topics include criminal justice, community service, and agriculture. It wasn’t too difficult to figure out Mary’s favorite outing so far: criminal justice, which included a visit to the jail.

“I’ve been before, but I liked it. It’s just what I want to do,” she said. “Today has been very interesting. I’m not interested in art, but it’s interesting.”

Neither Mary nor Elijah Loysen, a ninth-grader from Oakfield, had ever been to the GO Art! building. Elijah enjoyed the visit, he said.

“I think the art and ambiance of the building and the colors are aesthetically pleasing,” he said.

Kathy Houlihan wanted to educate the kids about Peru and the outreach project, while also potentially recruiting a few volunteers for future events, including a dinner and basket raffle in March at GO Art!.

“If anyone likes chopping vegetables, we could use the help,” she said. 

After lunch, the students were going to meet up with artists Susan Ferrari Rowley and Gaitrie Subryan for some hands-on experience. This type of visit from the Youth Bureau only happens once a year, Education Director/SCR Coordinator Mary Jo Whitman said.

“It's very exciting. A lot of people don't realize that our building is open to the public. So having them come in and realizing, okay, well, this is actually a really cool building,” Whitman said. “There's a lot of artwork, and we have a ton of programming, a lot of stuff that might be actually interesting to them.”

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Top Photo of Veronica Collantes demonstrating how to make causa rellena; Kathy Houlihan serving leche asada; students enjoying lunch at GO Art!; and watching the demonstration in between a tour and hands-on art project. Photos by Joanne Beck.

How about a little arroz con pollo with your basket raffle? Peruvian dinner fundraiser March 25

By Joanne Beck

The Peruvian Outreach Project is a nonprofit organization that assists orphaned children in Peru with donations of clothing, essential supplies, special celebrations for Christmas, and educational opportunities for young women at an outreach-leased residence so that they can pursue the field of nursing and have hope for the future.

The residence, known as the Hogar Hermelinda Home for Young Women, is full, with six young women who are studying nursing and volunteering at the Aldea Orphanage.

There will be a dinner and basket raffle fundraiser to help with expenses for outreach efforts. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and dinner is at 7 p.m. on March 25 at GO Art!, 201 East Main St., Batavia. Organizer Kathy Houlihan hopes to have at least 20 baskets for the event, and winning tickets will be drawn at 8:30 p.m.

A Peruvian meal of papas a la huancaina (potatoes with Huancaina sauce), arroz con pollo (chicken with rice), leche asada (milk custard), and inca cola (a sweet beverage) will be served. There will also be a cash bar and door prizes.

The Peruvian Outreach Project has already made a big difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people the last few years with your help, Houlihan said. The organization’s mission is “hope and compassion through work that enhances the lives of others.”

Outreach members are also striving to spread the word of the project and share the culture with others while garnering support for the work, she said.

Presale tickets are $30 and may be purchased via PayPal or Venmo at Peruvian Outreach Project, or by mail at: P.O. Box 234, East Pembroke, NY, 14056.

Pedestrian struck on Pearl Street Road, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A pedestrian has reportedly been stuck in the area of 2719 Pearl Street Road, Batavia,

East Pembroke Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 6:36 p.m.: The patient is a child. She is apparently speaking with a first responder and provided her name.

BCSD: Free pianos to good homes

By Press Release

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Via Batavia City School District:

BCSD has a surplus of pianos!

We didn't receive any bids on our lot of pianos at a recent auction, so we're offering the pianos to individuals and organizations in the community who may want one free of charge.

The pianos are available on a first-come-first-served basis, and they will need to be picked up by the interested party (we will assist with removal from our facility). Their condition is as-is with no expressed, written, or implied warranty. BCSD is not responsible for providing personnel, tools, or heavy equipment to aid in removal.

If you're interested, please contact Jim Jacobs via email (jjacobs@bataviacsd.org) by Friday, February 17. All pianos must be picked up by March 1.

Photos courtesy Batavia City School District.

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Forum Players take the stage Thursday through Saturday in 'Tartuffe' at GCC

By Press Release

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Press Release:

The GCC Forum Players are excited to present Moliere's "Tartuffe," translated into English verse by Richard Wilbur. Performances will be held February 9-11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Stuart Steiner Theatre at Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia.

The show follows the chaos surrounding the titular character who completely entrances Orgon, a wealthy patriarch, into giving away his fortune, his family and even some dangerous secrets. Will the family reveal Tartuffe for the scoundrel he is or will Tartuffe take hold of the estate and ruin this family forever?

Originally written in the 1600's, "Tartuffe" was condemned for its unflinching takedown of religious hypocrisy and the odd behaviors of the upper classes. This production, set among Miami's elite of the 1980s, takes a skewer to televangelist con artists, clueless yuppies, corporate greed, and unending consumption, all to the sounds of new-wave synth-pop.

GCC Forum Players "Tartuffe" Cast List:

  • Kassi Carlson as Orgon
  • Claudette Hill as Elmire
  • Cameron Liedmann as Cleante
  • Cass Dzielski as Dorine
  • Marc Sapareto as Damis
  • Jocelyn Coburn as Mariane
  • Gyandro Marselia as Valere
  • Anthony Haitz as Tartuffe
  • Lauren Ruch as Mme. Pernelle
  • Bella Wheeler as Flipote
  • Chris Hansgen as Laurent
  • Ophelia Walton as M. Loyal
  • Jeriko Suzette as Officer
  • Production Directed and Designed by Brodie McPherson
  • Producer: Maryanne Arena
  • Box Office Assistant: Jessica Skehan
  • Dance Captain: Tiffany Smith

Tickets are available at the door and online. The Genesee Center for the Arts Box Office accepts cash, checks and card payments. Seating is first-come, first-served and there is no assigned seating when purchasing tickets. Ticket prices are as follows:

$10 General Admission
$5 for GCC faculty/staff, seniors 55+ and non-GCC students
Admission is free for GCC students with student ID

The play features comedic violence, sexual situations, and illicit substance use. Tartuffe is not appropriate for children under 16.

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Photos courtesy of Genesee Community College.

Le Roy man in 'shots fired' case accepts plea deal

By Mike Pettinella
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Arthur Brown

Sentencing has been set for 2 p.m. April 3 in Genesee County Court for a repeat violent felony offender who accepted a plea agreement this afternoon with a sentence agreement of no fewer than seven years and a maximum of 10 years.

Arthur J. Brown, 45, of Le Roy, pled guilty to three felony charges, paving the way for County Court Judge Melissa Lightcap Cianfrini to sign off on the prison term parameters agreed to by Assistant District Attorney Joseph Robinson and defense attorney Joseph A. Lobosco of Rochester.

By accepting the plea deal, Brown avoids a lengthy sentence on a charge of second-degree attempted criminal possession of a weapon, a Class D violent offense, in connection with an incident on Clinton Street Road (Route 33) in the Town of Stafford in September 2021.  That incident led to a massive manhunt after a wildlife scare cannon was mistaken for gunshots while Brown was hiding in a cornfield.

The defendant also plead guilty to third-degree attempted criminal possession of a narcotic drug with intent to sell, a Class B felony, in connection with an arrest in January of this year in the City of Batavia, and to one count of violating the Sex Offender Registration Act, a Class E felony, for failing to register as a sex offender upon a change of address.

On Monday of this week, the county DA’s office extended a plea agreement of seven to eight years to satisfy the aforementioned offenses and others stemming from the September 2021 incident. It was changed to seven to 10 years today in consideration of a handful of other drug-related charges.

Brown also was informed that he would be forfeiting $2,405 that was seized during an investigation into the intent to sell offenses.

While Lobosco argued for Brown’s release upon his own recognizance or into the hands of Genesee Justice while awaiting the sentencing date, Robinson asked the judge to revoke bail in light of the defendant’s criminal record.

Lightcap Cianfrini decided to set bail at $30,000 (cash), $60,000 (bond) and $90,000 (partially secured) while placing strict conditions on that action.  She advised Brown that if he was to post bail or cash and that he did not appear at the sentencing hearing or if he violated any of the conditions imposed upon him, then he would lose the sentence cap.

Brown, per the plea deal, waived his right to a trial, his right to an appeal and his right to vote while incarcerated, the judge said.

The judge also outlined the sentences that Brown could have faced if he would have lost at trial – at least seven years in state prison, five years of post-release supervision and up to a $5,000 fine on the weapons charge; 12 years plus three years of post-release supervision and up to a $30,000 fine on the drug possession charge, and 1 1/3 to 4 years and a $5,000 fine on the SORA violation.

Previously:

Unexpected visit ends in manhunt, K-9, and arrest in city neighborhood

By Joanne Beck

During a break from Tuesday’s budget workshop, city leaders discussed various topics, including one City Councilman’s unusual visit last Friday.

While working at his kitchen table, two women had appeared on his doorstep, and, moments later, went around to his garage door, apparently shivering from the sub-zero windy temperature and begging to come inside. Their vehicle had broken down, and they needed a place to stay while they awaited a ride.

“One of the girls was screaming and crying, her hands were purple,” Councilman John Canale said. “I was trying to be a good Christian.”

Yes, perhaps hindsight has served him up a different answer for next time, but, especially on the heels of December’s massive blizzard and the need to shelter so many people in need, Canale did what he thought was the right thing by allowing the young women to warm up in his home.

Once inside, they asked to borrow a coat, and then went back outside to smoke a cigarette, he said. They came back inside before Canale noticed a sheriff’s, city police and unmarked vehicle each parked on the street. The ladies took off, and he called the police to ask, “are you chasing two girls?” Yes, they were.

What he didn’t realize was that their vehicle hadn’t broken down. The Rochester residents had apparently instead recently been at Pawn King in Batavia, which had filed a complaint of theft, prompting the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office to respond. The women allegedly fled the scene in a U-haul van and ended up at a cul-de-sac on Pickthorn Drive, where they abandoned the van, Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said.

The Sheriff’s Office and Batavia Police Department responded to the general area in the city and conducted a manhunt, Heubusch said, also using the tracking abilities of the K-9 unit.

“It took approximately an hour to locate the women from the time they fled their vehicle on foot,” Heubusch said. “K-9 Batu was utilized to track the individuals, successfully locating them inside an outbuilding after tracking them through several backyards.”

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Breanna Brummond Brittany Hollaert

Breanna Brummond, 31, and Brittany Hollaert, 26, both of Rochester, are each charged with petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor, attempted grand larceny 4th degree, a class A misdemeanor and criminal trespass 3rd degree, a class B misdemeanor. Both women were issued appearance tickets, Heubusch said.

Hollaert was also charged with several traffic offenses “as she was identified as the driver of the van,” the Sheriff’s Office said.

‘There were several items recovered in the van which we suspect are stolen property and are working on identifying,” said Chief Deputy Joseph Graff, of the Sheriff's Office. “We are still investigating this incident and may have some further charges.”

The women had attempted to take the coat and a car key fob from Canale’s home during the incident, he said.

Heubusch cautions residents against letting strangers inside their homes.

“I know it is difficult to ignore people who may be in need of assistance, but I would advise residents to contact 911,” he said. “A patrol will be dispatched and assist the person if they are truly in need.”

It’s a lesson learned, Canale said. From now on, he will make sure to get proper identification before ever allowing a stranger into his home, he said.

Truck, vehicle reportedly involved in Accident on Ellicott Street Road

By Howard B. Owens

An accident involving a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle is reported at Ellicott Street Road and Transit in Stafford.

Unknown injuries.

Stafford Fire and Bethany Fire dispatched along with Mercy EMS.

UPDATE 5:01 p.m.: The passenger vehicle involved is reportedly a sedan.  Minor injuries reported.

UPDATE 5:04 p.m.: Debris in the roadway. No travel lanes are blocked.  Fire police are being asked to flag for one lane of traffic with firefighters are on scene.

Tenney responds to Biden's State of the Union address

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) tonight issued the following statement in response to President Biden’s State of the Union Address.

“Tonight, President Biden once again tried to take a victory lap despite the endless crises caused by his administration,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “From the economy to national security, the President has continued to fail this country. The list is endless, but to start, inflation has risen over 13%, 4.5 million illegal aliens have flooded across our Southern Border, and homicides are up 13% since Joe Biden took office. 

“Despite Biden’s disastrous presidency, our Republican House Majority is committed to delivering real results for the American people. In the first month that Republicans have been in the Majority, we have fully reopened the Capitol to the American People, voted to defund Biden’s 87,000 new IRS Agents, established a bipartisan Select Committee to hold the Chinese Communist Party Accountable, stood up for the right to life and voted to end unconstitutional and overreaching vaccine mandates.

“Republicans will continue fighting to preserve our self-governing Constitutional Republic and defend our individual rights. We will keep our communities safe, make life more affordable, and make the government more transparent. And we will always hold Joe Biden and the federal bureaucracy accountable to the American people.”

Blessing Box in front of St. James celebrated on second anniversary

By Press Release

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Press release:

The Blessing box is “blessed” to celebrate two years of serving the community of Batavia. Many thanks to the volunteers who shop and stock the Blessing Box, our food drives, and the generous donations from churches, and the community.

Huge thanks to The Red Osier Restaurant for the Christmas food drive again this year and to Tompkins Bank for their generous donation. And to The Batavian for their e-news support.

Submitted photo.

Notre Dame coach praised for heading up restoration of track at Sutherland Field

By Press Release

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Press release:

The track surrounding the playing field at Notre Dame High School’s Bill Sutherland Field has been completely redone through the efforts of long-time Notre Dame PE Teacher/Coach Eric Geitner and Barre Stone Products.  The condition of the track had deteriorated due to a variety of issues, including COVID-19 and a canceled Eagle Scout project.  Athletic Director Mike Rapone asked Coach Geitner to head the restoration project with the goal of having the track available for the Spring Track & Field season. Using his expertise as well as help from Barre Stone Products, Coach Geitner exceeded expectations providing our athletes with a practice facility that will help them maximize their talents for many years to come.

Thank you and God Bless all associated with this project. 

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