A Stafford man admitted this morning to brandishing a rifle in a threatening manner during a dispute on March 17.

Michael A. Nicometo, 24, also pleaded guilty to an unrelated misdemeanor DWI charge and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. He was arrested on the DWI charge in Le Roy on Sept. 6.

As part of the plea arrangement, a handful of traffic tickets, some stemming from the Sept. 6 arrest and two others from other dates, were dismissed.

Nicometo will be released to an alcohol treatment facility and will come back at a later date for bail review and sentencing on the menacing and DWI pleas.

The maximum sentence imposed on Nicometo, primarily for the aggrevated unlicensed operation charge, could be four years in state prison. But if Nicometo follows the judge's orders, he could face a maximum sentence of 1 1/3 to 3 years. Regardless, the menancing charge would result in a concurrent sentence.

A Batavia man accused of selling cocaine and crack cocaine on two different occasions plead not guilty today to all the pending charges.

Timothy "Cricket" O'Neil Lee, Sr., of 19 Porter Ave., Batavia, is charged with four counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance and four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance stemming from an arrest earlier this month. In June, Lee was arrested and charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was reportedly a resident of Ross Street at the time of that arrest.

Lee is out of jail after posting bail of $50,000 for the first arrest and an additional $5,000 on the second set of charges.

Previously:

• Batavia man accused of dealing cocaine
• Police Beat: Alleged drug dealer on Maple Street in Batavia arrested

Two men accused of dealing drugs in Batavia -- in separate cases -- were in court today to consider possible plea bargains and both men said they needed more time to think about the offers.

Michael R. Ransear, 24, of Rochester, was arrested in January for allegedly dealing crack cocaine. His aunt was arrested at the same time for alleged possession of a controlled substance.

Today, Asst. D.A. David Gann told Judge Robert Noonan that Ransear has been offered a plea that would lead to a maximum six-month sentence. He would be required to plead guilty to a class D felony, criminal sale of a controlled substance.

Ransear's attorney, Fred Rarik, said his client requested more time to think about it. Judge Noonan set a trial date for October, but also granted Ransear an extension on the plea offer.

Kirby S. Wall, 32, of Rochester, was arrested in April. He reportedly tried to run from police to evade arrest but was subsequently caught in the area of 400 Towers.

Wall has been offered a 2 1/2- to 3 1/2-year prison term in exchange for pleading guilty to a felony count of criminal sale of a controlled substance as a second serious felony offense.

Wall, also, wants more time to consider the offer. Judge Noonan granted an extension on the offer, but also set a trial date in the case.

Gann asked that as a condition of his plea, Wall be required to return "the buy money," which he allegedly ditched during the foot pursuit.

Both Wall and Ransear are out on bail.

Cody L. Pahuta, 18, of 9548 Alleghany Road, Corfu, is charged with rape in the second degree, a criminal sexual act and endangering the welfare of a child. Pahuta is accused of having sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl. He was jailed on $10,000 bail. The case was investigated by Village of Corfu Police.

Joel D. Prouty, 23, of 705 Old State Road, Bergen, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or greater and citations for alleged unsafe lane change, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, uninspected motor vehicle and failure to notify DMV of an address change. Prouty was stopped by Deputy Jason Saile on Thwing Road in Stafford following a report of a suspicious person in the area. Prouty was issued an appearance ticket.

Marilyn Drilling has been named museum director of the Holland Land Office Museum.

Her appointment was approved by the board of directors last night, according to a press release we received this morning.

Drilling replaces Patrick Weissand, who held the position for 11 years before accepting a position as a branch manager with the Bank of Castile.

Drilling was hired by the museum in July to create a marketing and membership program.

A totaly of 49 people applied for the position, according to the press release.

Drilling is a 1983 summa cum laude graduate of St. Bonaventure University with a degree in Mass Communication. She has held fundraising and public relations positions in both Genesee and Wyoming counties, including the director of development for the Medina Health Care Foundation, development director for Notre Dame High School in Batavia and Crossroads House. She was also the director of the Genesee Country Mall and has worked in the newsrooms of WBTA, WRTK in Rochester and WBTF in Attica.

"I am excited to begin implementing an integrated marketing program for the museum," noted Drilling. "The public will soon notice new life and new  programs coming from our doors. There is renewed interest in history and the younger generation especially wants to know more about our past and how it can affect our future."

Full press release after the jump

Marilyn Drilling of Batavia has accepted the position of Museum Director at  the Holland Land Office.  The Board of Directors made the offer after final  interviews last night (Tuesday, Sept. 22).

Drilling was initially hired by the Board in July to create a marketing and  membership program for the West Main Street Museum.  She submitted her resume  to the Board during their search for a replacement of long-time Museum  director Patrick Weissand, who resigned in June to join the Bank of Castile  in Medina as its branch manager.

49 resumes were reviewed for the position, according to Barbara Toal,  President of the Holland Purchase Historical Society.

Drilling is a 1983 summa cum laude graduate of St. Bonaventure University  with a degree in Mass Communication.  She has held fundraising and public  relations positions in both Genesee and Wyoming counties, including the  Director of Development for the Medina Health Care Foundation, Development  Director for Notre Dame High School in Batavia and Crossroads House.  She was  also the director of the Genesee Country Mall and has worked in the newsrooms  of WBTA Batavia, WRTK Rochester and WBTF Attica.

"I am excited to begin implementing an integrated marketing program for the  Museum," noted Drilling.  "The public will soon notice new life and new  programs coming from our doors.  There is renewed interest in history and the  younger generation especially wants to know more about our past and how it  can affect our future."

New board-approved programs include History Heroes, a series of programs and activities for the younger generation.  A Membership campaign will kick-off  on October 5th and new events have been added to the calendar.

Organizations and businesses are also encouraged to utilize the meeting room  at the Holland Land Office Museum for their gatherings.  "The Meeting Place"  is available at no charge and can be reserved by telephoning the Museum at  343-4727.

"We're also very excited about our newest exhibit," said Drilling."  "52  handsewn quilts are now on display...each unique in design and each has its  own story.  Members of the Museum Quilt Guild are celebrating their 30th  anniversary this year by showcasing some of their finest creations."

The public is invited to a special Quilt Exhibit Opening on Friday, September  25th from 6 to 9 p.m.  complete with entertainment and refreshments.  Members  of the Museum Guild will be there to share their quilting stories.

"This is a beginning of new and exciting displays for the Museum," said  Drilling.  "We're ""Making History Happen"" in Genesee County."
 

Kravings, Valu Plaza, W. Main Street, Batavia, NY: Recently opened, it offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Brighten up your home or office with flowers! We have a $20 gift certificate for $8.50.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, NY: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center, 3646 West Main Road, Batavia, NY: Autumn is the time to think about spring flowers -- and Pudgie's has a great selection of bulbs already in stock, ready to plant. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, NY: Clor's features the finest and freshest selection of meat in town, from strip steaks to a variety of sausages. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $15 gift card for $7.50.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Ribs, brisket, steak, prime rib -- Center Street is a meat lover's paradise. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

Sport of Kings Family Restaurant, 419 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: A favorite locally owned family restaurant that is open 24 hours per day, seven days a week. We have a $15 gift card for $7.50.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

SOLD OUT

In an attempt to get Americans to turn against the health insurance companies and to the Presidents plan, MoveOn.org has paid for and produced this PSA starring Will Ferrell and other celebrities sarcastically mocking insurance company executives as overpaid and pampered.  Does MoveOn really not see the hypocrisy in using overpaid, pampered celebrities to deliver the message?  Do I think health insurance executives are overpaid, yes I do, as are most CEO's in this country.  But using high-priced actors can't be the best use of spokespeople.  Notice also that they rehash antiquated statistics like 80% of Americans support the public option when the true number is almost half of that, and yes we have put that argument to rest previously.

To highlight the hypocrisy of the ad, I've attached links to Forbes list of healthcare CEO salaries as well as the net worths of the same politicians who are trashing CEO's and their salaries.  Will Ferrells yearly income is estimated in ther $31 million dollar range and I'm sure each of the other celebrities net worths equal or surpass many of the executives they feign outrage towards.

What's next, overpaid athletes in commercials demeaning the salaries of oil company CEO's?

www.opensecrets.org/pfds/overview.php

www.forbes.com/lists/2009/12/best-boss-09_CEO-Compensation-Health-Care-Equipment-Services_9Rank.html

A Stafford man was robbed in his home this morning after he answered a knock on the door only to be hit on his head by a man wielding an unknown object, and when he regained consciousness, the 22-year-old had been cut on his chest and face.

He was treated at UMMC, although his injuries were not serious.

The robber or robbers grabbed his wallet and smashed his mobile phone. The wallet was recovered in the driveway, short $30 cash.

No other items were reported stolen.

The suspect is described as a male in his early 20s, stocky build, wearing blue jeans with a black hoodie. He may have been driving a red Pontiac Grand Am.

The incident occurred between 9:30 and 9:45 a.m..

Anybody with information is asked to call investigator Kristopher Kautz at the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, (585) 343-5000.

I know a couple of people who have been pretty sick recently, and you probably do, too. The symptoms sound a lot like flu, and according Randy Garney, interim health director for Genesee County, if you have the flu this time of year, there's about a 90-percent chance it's H1N1, or "swine flu."

But, according to Garney, there have been no official cases of H1N1 reported recently in Genesee County.

Suspected flu cases are only tested, Garney said, if the sick person shows up at the hospital. 

We have a call into UMMC to see if they've been dealing with any suspected H1N1 cases and are waiting for a call back.

Garney said H1N1 is widespread throughout the Southeast, according to the National Center for Disease Control.

"At this point (outside of flu season) widespread activity is unheard of," Garney said. "To call it widespread is not normal at all."

As usual, Garney warned that people who are sick need to stay home in "social isolation" to avoid spreading the virus.

If you have a fever of 100 degrees, you probably have the flu. You should wait at least 24 hours after the fever has abated (not counting taking medications to reduce the fever) before mixing in public.

He called the virus a mild form of the flu.

"I use mild very gently because the people I’ve talked to, the epidemiologists I’ve talked to, (say) it may be mild, but you’re going to be very sick," Garney said.  "You’re going to be very achy, you’re going to be in bed, but you’re going to recover with no ramifications."

The New York Department of Health recommends:

A significant amount of blood was found in at least one vehicle that was the target of an overnight larceny in the Town of Batavia.

The blood -- some of which was collected as evidence -- had law enforcement officials checking with UMMC for anybody who might have reported to the emergency room with a hand or arm laceration.

No suspects were identified through the hospital check.

A total of eight cars were broken into overnight in the Edgewood, Route 33, South Main area, according to Chief Deputy Gordon L. Dibble. Items taken include GPS units, radar detectors, change and sound systems -- some of which were ripped out of dashboards.

All but one of the cars were left unlocked, according to Dibble, and three were left with keys in the ignitions. No cars were reported stolen.  The criminal broke a small window to gain entry to the one locked car he hit.

There was also at least one car struck in the same area within city limits.

If you happen to come across anybody with unexplained cuts, or can offer any other evidence to help solve this or other recent car break-ins, the Sheriff's Office can be contacted at (585) 345-3000 (press "1" for dispatch).

A Le Roy woman is accused of stealing jewelry, credit cards and checks from a friend and then forging the checks before cashing them at a local bank.

Olivia J. Paganin, 20, of Summit Street, allegedly took the items between June 3 and July 5.

She is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, two counts of grand larceny and one count of petit larceny.

Paganin is already in the custody of New York State Department of Corrections on an unrelated matter (not disclosed) and returned to the correctional facility following her arraignment yesterday.

An arrest has been made in a nine-month old burglary in Le Roy, and the suspect is a man already in Erie County Jail on unrelated attempted murder and weapons charges.

Albert J. Bauer, 40, of Akron, is accused of breaking into a Lake Street office on Nov. 11 and, along with an accomplice, damaging the property and stealing more than $1,000.

The burglary was interrupted in progress and Bauer allegedly fled by jumping out of a second-story window.

He was arraigned in Le Roy Town Court yesterday on charges of burglary in the third degree, grand larceny, criminal mischief and conspiracy.

Following his arraignment, Bauer was returned to Erie County Jail.

Det. John Condidorio of the Le Roy Police Department handled the investigation.

An accident with injuries has been reported at 6 Ellicott Place in Batavia.

Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE: Engine 12 reports one apparently minor injury.

UPDATE: One vehicle suffered substantial rear-end damage.

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John W. Lavender, 77, of 174 Broadway, Darien, is charged with attempted assault in the second degree. Lavender allegedly struck his girlfriend on the hand with a cane during a domestic dispute. The alleged incident occurred at about 9:14 p.m. Monday.

Michael P. McDonald, 44, of 39 Kingsbury Ave., Batavia, is charged with a felony DWI. McDonald was stopped after police received a report of a driver seen drinking a beer.  Officer Wayne Fenton made the traffic stop and upon further investigation determined McDonald was allegedly drinking and driving. The DWI is a felony because McDonald reportedly has a DWI conviction within the prior 10 years. He was jailed without bail.

Five people were injured -- including all members of a family of four from Bear, Delaware -- in a two-vehicle accident on Route 20 in the Town of Bethany at 9:04 p.m. on Monday.

The accident was allegedly caused by a driver pulling onto Route 20 who failed to yield the right-of-way.

Taken to Strong Memorial Hospital was: Quratul-Ain Abbasi, 29; Mansoor H. Khan, 40; Azan M. Kahn, 4; and Mira Kahn, 6.

Abbasi, the driver of the second vehicle, suffered an abdomenal injury, as did 6-year-old Mira. Both Mansoor Kahn and 4-year-old Azan sustained facial injuries.

The driver of the first vehicle was identified as Steven W. Clouse II, 19, of 12479 Allen Road, Chaffee. He was cited for alleged failure to yield right-of-way.

Clouse was reportedly pulling onto Route 20 from West Bethany Road. After stopping, he reportedly proceeded onto Route 20 when his 2000 Buick sedan was struck by Abbasi's car, a 1999 Chevy SUV.

The SUV then traveled off the southeast corner of the intersection, struck a street sign and a telephone box. The SUV then overturned and came to rest off the roadway on the southeast corner of the intersection.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

New Today -- The Color Salon, 35 Center St., Batavia, NY: Susan Francis, the owner and stylist at The Color Salon reminds women, "your hair is your greatest accessory." Francis has more than 20 years experience at helping women get the best hair color. We have a $50 gift certificate for $25.

Main St. Pizza Company, 206 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Pizza, wings, subs and even hamburgers and hot dogs, Main St. Pizza makes everything deliciously. We have a $15 gift certificate for $7.50.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's is another Batavia favorite for pizza and wings. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, NY: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Vintage and Vogue Inspirations, 36 Main St., Le Roy, NY: Just the kind of store to help make your home more warm and inviting. Handcrafted items, including quilts, candles and quality antiques. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, W. Main Street, Batavia, NY: Recently opened, it offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

Jackson St. Grill, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: If you think a great hamburger is a great treat, then you'll love Jackson St. Grill. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Brighten up your home or office with flowers! We have a $20 gift certificate for $8.50.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

SOLD OUT

Ok, so this PR Director of Care-A-Van Ministries  has got to confess, she was so excited when she heard "Gopher" from the Love Boat was going to be at GCC.

I use to love Gopher on the Love Boat Show. It was a true pleasure getting to hear "Gopher" , Fred Grandy speak at the Sixth Annual Wolcott J. Humphrey III Symposium on Leadership and Community LIfe.  The title of his message was "The Art of Change".  Talk about change in one life, to hear of his life from Hollywood Acting, to being a member of US Congress, to the former CEO of Goodwill to having his own radio show was unbelievable.

The theatre was packed this evening. After the presentation, there was a reception held in the Forum area. This reception gave the companies , agencies and students from GCC an opportunity to mingle and get to know one another.

Sitting at our table was the Dean of Elim Bible Institute, Harry Vellekoop and Pastor Phil from the World Life Christian Fellowship of Henrietta.   It was just amazing how even getting to network with these gentlemen was a blessing. Paul Ohlson, Founder of Care-A-Van  enjoyed sharing of the minstry with them and offering to partner with them in any way that we could to help them with their missions of meeting the needs of others.

We at Care-A-Van know that times are changing and the needs within the community are changing. We are forever grateful for the partnering of agencies, churches and individuals that help with the misssion of serving those in need.

A special thank you to all who planned this wonderful event for the community.

Thank you for your support of The Batavian. It's gratifying to both Billie and I (and Pachuco) to get all the positive feedback we get from readers.  We are continually amazed at how many people start raving about The Batavian when they meet one of us for the first time.

But, of course, without local businesses supporting The Batavian, we couldn't do this. 

If you enjoy The Batavian, if you visit the site regularly and consider it an important part of how you stay involved and informed about your community, please patronize The Batavian's sponsors -- and let them know it.

Here is the current list of sponsors:

Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle
Affordable Floor Covering
Alex's Place
Amelia's Antiques and Collectibles
Anglican Community Church
Barrett's Batavia Marine and Sporting Supplies
Batavia Cycle Center
Batavia Downs Casino
Batavia Muckdogs
Blue Pearl Yoga
Bonarigo & McCutcheon
Carlson's Studio
Castilone Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep
Cedar St. Sales and Rentals
Center of Attention Auto Spa
Center Street Smokehouse
Charles Men's Shop
Clor's Meat Market
The Color Salon
D&R Depot Restaurant
D'n'R Fireplaces and Stoves
Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern
Diegelman Plumbing
The Enchanted Florist
Fastec Automotive
Genesee County Red Cross
Genesee Feeds
Great Kutz
Herbly Wonderful
Holland Land Office Museum
Jackson St. Grill/Belladessa's
Kravings Kafe
The Insurance Center
Lewis and Lewis
Main St. Pizza Company
The Mane Attraction
The Manor House
Matteo & Mullen, CPA
Matty's Pizzeria
Max Pies
O'Lacy's Irish Pub
Oliver's Candies
Optique
Pauly's Pizza
Pellegrino Auto Sales
Picasso's Pizza
Present Tense Books
Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center
Reeb Family Moving
Roxy's Music Store
Settler's Family Restaurant
South Main Country Store
Southside Deli
Sport of Kings
Suzanne Interiors
T.F. Brown's
Total Image Hair Salon
T-Shirts Etc.
Valle Jewelers
Vintage & Vogue Inspirations