Local law enforcement have two people in custody after a larceny incident at a store on Veteran's Memorial Drive on Saturday afternoon. 

A black Honda Odessey minivan was attempting to evade police as it left the area of Veteran's Memorial Drive. This led to a short pursuit through the City of Batavia.

The pursuit ended at Porter Avenue and West Main Street when the minivan became stuck at the intersection due to the traffic on West Main.

According to local law enforcement, the driver of the minivan then fled on foot from the van and was later apprehended on Washington Avenue by Batavia patrol officers.

A female passenger remained inside the minivan.

Both are in custody.

The minivan was towed from the scene.

Story and photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

Lucine Kauffman, right, reacts to a generous tip she received during Friday night's celebrity bartender challenge at GO Art! in Batavia.

Lucine, former supervisor for the Town of Elba, was up against her husband, local author Bill Kauffman.

The winner on Friday was Lucine, who earned $65.32 in tips to $62.01 for Bill.

All the tips are donations to GO Art!

Willow Amherein dances in her rehearsal for a green screen video production during the final day, today, of GO Art!'s spring week-long art camp for children.

GO Art! offers art camps during school breaks -- winter and spring -- to expose children to as much art as possible.

Many of the classes during the camp were taught by guest artists. The artists included:

• Blanca Rodriguez from Avon, originally from Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico. She demonstrated and helped the campers make traditional foods: tortillas, pico de gallo and a drink, agua de jamaica (Hibiscus flower "tea".)
• Womba Africa, a Ghanaian drumming and dance group from Rochester. Their leader is Quaye Odai, and two other members of the group came on Friday, Odai and Raymon. They came to the U.S. in 2019 and settled in Rochester. They perform for all kinds of community events, concerts and do assemblies or visits to schools.
• Grandmaster Yuanming Zhang, who earned international recognition for his expertise in medical qigong, internal martial arts, energy painting & calligraphy, practical application of the Yi-Jing, and remote energy healing. He did Calligraphy with the kids.

The students also painted and made 3D mosaics.

At the end of an interview, Mary Jo Whitman, education/SCR director for GO Art! as a group working at paintings on a nearby table, "What is art?" and Kashmarae Wissinger spoke up immediately: "It's everything!"

"That's right," Whitman said. "It's everything and that's the goal of our program."

Photos by Howard Owens

Jodi Fisher working with students on their green screen video projects.

Mary Jo Whitman mixing paint for a student.

Thera Sanchez helping a student with her art project.

In a service conducted by pastors Roula Alkhouri, Batavia First Presbyterian Church, and Jim Renfrew, Byron Presbyterian Church, first responders, and health care workers received a Good Friday blessing outside City Hall.

There were representatives from Batavia PD, City Fire, UMMC, and the Genesee County Health Department at the service.

Both Alkhouri and Renfrew reminded those in attendance of the example set by serving others first.

As part of the service, the agencies received certificates of appreciation as well as a basket of sweets.

A 29-year-old man in Basom has been charged with attempted murder.

Jarrett C. Coniglio, of Bloomingdale Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with three other felonies and two misdemeanors.

He was arrested after deputies responded to a residence on Sandhill Road on the reservation for a reported assault. 

He is accused of attacking a male victim with a knife causing serious physical injury. 

Coniglio was arraigned in Town of Alabama Court and ordered held without bail.

In addition to attempted murder 2nd, a Class B felony, Coniglio is charged with:

• Assault 1st, a Class B felony;
• Criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, a Class D felony;
• Intimidating a witness 3rd, a Class E felony;
• Criminal mischief 4th, an A misdemeanor; and,
• Menacing 3rd, a B misdemeanor.

The incident was investigated by Erik Andre, assisted by Sgt. James Diehl, Investigator Kevin Forsyth, Investigator Ryan DeLong, Investigator Howard Carlson, Investigator Chad Minuto, Investigator Joseph Loftus, Sgt. Mathew Clor, Deputy James Stack, Deputy Aryton Blankenburg, Deputy Ryan Mullen, and Deputy NicholasChamoun.

Press release:

The Town of Alexander Republican Committee is seeking candidates interested in the following positions that have been vacated due to resignations:

• Town Council (fill vacancy)
• Republican Committee Member, District #1 

Those interested please contact Barbara Eddy, (585) 507-9930,  no later than April 25, 2022.  

Three longtime Genesee Region USBC members will be inducted into the bowling association’s Hall of Fame at its annual banquet at 6 p.m. May 14 at Batavia Downs Gaming on Park Road.

In the Meritorious Service category, Tom Fluker of Batavia and William VanAlst of Stafford, will be enshrined while in the Outstanding Achievement Veteran category, Tim Fonte of Dansville will be honored.

TOM FLUKER, BATAVIA

Fluker made his mark as a GRUSBC director and officer for 12 years – including six years as president – and also as a United States Bowling Congress Level I bowling instructor. He was instrumental in creating numerous adult and youth tournaments in the association and oversaw the growth of the Genesee Region Youth Travel League.

He served as president of the Turnbull Heating Junior League at Mancuso Bowling Center for 14 years and previously was an officer of adult leagues at Mancuso’s. Fluker also had a lead role in creating the GRUSBC’s website and creating the association’s awards program, which is one of the strongest in New York State.

On the lanes, Fluker, 51, has recorded 11 300 games and has high league averages of 225 and 221. He also placed first in the GRUSBC Bracket Challenge tournament in 2019 and inthe association scratch singles event in 2017.

WILLIAM VANALST, STAFFORD

VanAlst, 71, has been an association member for 48 straight years – all with the Tuesday Night League at Le Roy Legion Lanes, where he has served as secretary-treasurer since 1977.

He also was director and coach of the Legion Lanes junior bowling program and Le Roy Junior Travel League from 1987-2001, coaching more than 160 young bowlers over that time.

Prior to the formation of the GRUSBC, VanAlst was secretary-treasurer for 10 years of the Genesee Valley Young American Bowling Alliance that included programs from nine bowling centers – Le Roy, Oakfield, Caledonia, Livingston, Mount Morris, Perry, Letchworth, Bennington and Dansville.

TIM FONTE, DANSVILLE

Fonte is one of Mount Morris Lanes’ most consistent bowlers over his 47 years as a member of the Perry Bowling Association and GRUSBC – averaging over 190 for many years before the era of high scores and over 200 for nine of the past 10 seasons.

He rolled a 300 game in 1997, 299 in 1998 and recorded another milestone – an 806 series – on Dec. 1, 2021 at the age of 73. Fonte has excelled in tournament competition as well, cashing in the Lilac City Tournament in Rochester and the Wild Irish Rose Tournament in Canandaigua, as well as in local association events.

Off the lanes, he worked at the pro shop at Mount Morris Lanes for 18 years, serving as manager from 1994-2003. He also coached youth bowlers there for 15 years.

Alexis Patterson of Dansville, a bowler in the Mount Morris Youth League and GR Youth Travel League, will receive a $750 scholarship given annually to graduating seniors.

The guest speaker for the evening will be Ramon “Ray” DiSanto Sr., a member of three Halls of Fame in New York State – GRUSBC (1976), Rochester NY USBC (1978) and NYS USBC (1995). DiSanto recently retired after many years as owner-operator of Bowlers World pro shop in Henrietta.

The event also will serve to honor tournament champions and individual season leaders.

The cost of the dinner is $30, with the following exceptions:

• NO CHARGE -- GRUSBC directors, Hall of Fame inductee(s) and one guest, adult tournament champions (limit one tournament only), youth tournament champions and one guest (limit one tournament only), guest speaker if applicable, scholarship recipient(s) and one guest.

• HALF PRICE -- Past GRUSBC Hall of Famers, league secretary or representative (limit one per league).

The deadline for reservations is May 5. No reservations will be taken after that date and no one will be allowed to "walk in" on May 14. Seating is limited, so ask fast.

Open to all GRUSBC members and guests, the banquet also will include a brief memorial service and election of officers and directors.

RSVP by May 5 by sending an email to mikep@bowlgr.com or by calling 585-343-3736.

Press release:

In 1991, a formal Congressional resolution acknowledged the vital role that telecommunicators play in emergency situations by proclaiming the second week in April as a week of annual recognition in their honor.  National Public Safety Telecommunicators’ Week is a time to thank these men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving the public.  Last year, Governor Hochul signed a bill designating “first responder” status to all 911 operators and dispatchers across New York State, recognizing that they are the first responders of first responders.

Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr., along with the Genesee County Legislature and all emergency first responders, recognize these public safety professionals for their continued dedication, professionalism, and commitment to public service.  The Genesee County Legislature will be issuing a proclamation at its Wednesday night meeting recognizing April 10 – 16, 2022, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators’ Week.  The lights on the Old County Courthouse cupola will be changed to red, white and blue to acknowledge this week. 

Emergency Services 9-1-1 Dispatchers are there 24/7, 365 days a year for police, fire and emergency medical personnel and the public in time of need.  Many people do not think about these seemingly nameless, faceless individuals until they experience actual emergencies themselves.  In many instances, Dispatchers make the difference between life and death.  Typically, over 80,000 events are dispatched yearly, a daily average of 219, and over 100,000 telephone calls are handled, which is an average of 273 calls per day.  The Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center (Public Safety Answering Point-PSAP) is comprised of 25 men and women who dispatch to 5 local police agencies/New York State Police; 19 fire departments/Emergency Management Service; 3 ambulance services; as well as 41 other local, county, regional, state, and federal agencies.

“Everyday citizens depend on the skill, expertise and commitment of the 9-1-1 Dispatchers.  They are the first to take that phone call; the first to provide basic life support in a medical emergency; and also the first to dispatch needed fire, police or EMS responders for the call.  They are to be recognized and commended during this very special week.  I would like to personally extend my sincere appreciation for their hard work and dedication.  They are truly unsung heroes in our community,” stated Sheriff Sheron.                                         

After a long career in the natural gas and oil exploration industry, Pembroke resident William Gerych is ready to put the “bright” idea he has been holding onto for a while into action.

Gerych and his wife, Mary Ann, attended tonight’s Genesee County Planning Board meeting at County Building 2 on West Main Street Road, seeking a special use permit for a home-based business: Creating and repairing neon signs.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” said Gerych, who has worked for Lenape Resources, Inc., of Alexander for the past 39 years. “I like bending glass and have learned that it is truly an art.”

He said he spent six weeks learning the craft in a one-on-one training session with Howie Cohen, owner of Just Neon in Utica.

Gerych said neon sign repair is a “dying industry” because there aren’t a lot of people specializing in the vocation, but believes there is a market for it. His business plan is to advertise through the internet and to contact stores and restaurants that either sell or display the signs.

The planning board, understanding that Gerych will work out of his pole barn-style garage behind his house, recommended approval of the special use permit request with the stipulation that storage and disposal of any hazardous materials must comply with state and federal regulations.

In other action, the board recommended approval of:

• The downtown design site plan for a new façade at 35 Batavia City Centre for the Batavia Players’ Main Street 56 Theater;

• Site plan of additions to two office buildings under construction on the Gateway GS LLC (Gallina Development) site on Call Parkway. One building is going from 22,200 square feet to 30,000 square feet and the other is going from 27,000 square feet to 33,600 square feet. A third building, designated for future construction, will be reduced from 27,000 square feet to 17,400 square feet;

• Site plan for a 55- by 70-foot addition at O-At-Ka Milk Products on Ellicott Street Road, a project known as a MaCC Room Expansion.

Press release:

National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week is celebrated every second full week of April and is endorsed by the National Animal Care & Control Association. 

For those in the community that may not be aware, Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr. is responsible for the Genesee County Animal Shelter and its two Dog Control Officers (DCO), Sarah Fountain and Catherine Seward. 

DCO Fountain and Seward are tasked with picking up stray or dangerous animals every day, all year round.  They protect animals from abusers and people from dangerous animals.  These officers seek justice in cases of abused, neglected and abandoned animals; they conduct humane investigations pursuant to NYS Agriculture and Markets Laws, Public Health Laws and bring in helpless animals.  They ensure any and all animals impounded are properly sheltered, fed, and watered and properly adopted, redeemed, or disposed of in a humane manner.

If you see Dog Control Officer Fountain or Seward this week, give them a thumbs up or friendly wave.  Remember, pet owners, license and tag your pet. Your local dog control officer will be happy knowing regular vaccination protocols have been followed and the tag (or chip implant) will help the officer identify the animal and you, the owner.

“The work of the Genesee County Dog Control Officers is so important for our community.  Additionally important is the support and unique relationship we have with the Volunteers for Animals organization.  Dog Control Officers Fountain and Seward, along with the VFA, ensure the shelter runs efficiently and needed services are provided to the community,” stated Sheriff Sheron.

Kristopher Robert Almeter, 34, of Union Hill Drive, Spencerport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Almeter was arrested following an investigation into a motor vehicle accident reported at 9:01 p.m., April 11, in the area of 7405 Reuben Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation.  The accident was investigated by Deputy Zachary Hoy. Almeter was released on appearance tickets.

Jordan Alexander Brown, 20, no address provided, is charged with criminal mischief.  Brown is accused of damaging the property of another person. The damage was reported at 4:59 p.m., April 13, at a location on Lewiston Road, Alabama. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Beth Ann Jeffres, 40, of Pavilion Warsaw Road, Covington, is charged with filing false instrument 2nd. Jeffres is accused of providing a false supporting deposition on March 21 at a location on School Street, Batavia.  She allegedly provided another supporting deposition on April 7 recanting her original statement. She was released on an appearance ticket. 

James Joshua Preedom, 37, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Preedom is accused of harassing a person at 6 a.m., April 8, at a location on West Main Street, Batavia. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released on his own recognizance. 

There’s only one way to say it: the big one is back, John Bowen says.

After a two-year break, the annual Mammoth Sale will be a treasure trove of assorted goodies to benefit St. Joseph’s School, Bowen said Wednesday to The Batavian. The sale that’s grown so enormous for any words other than “Mammoth” will return for the public on April 21, 22 and 23 at the elementary school at 2 Summit St.

“It’s going to be different this year,” Bowen said. “On Wednesday (April 20), we’re having a special promotion day, it’s a special thank-you for all of our supporters.”

All emergency responders, fire department, law enforcement, hospital employees, stores that have donated goods and related office staff from Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties are invited from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday to shop with a 50 percent discount. 

There will be plenty to choose from on all four days of the event, Bowen said, with collections of lamps, dining and living room chairs, flower and terracotta pots and “really nice kids’ toys,” including a large puppet stage, picnic tables, a work bench, sandbox, assorted toys and chairs and a Thomas the Train set-up. 

Other items include women’s purses, hand-painted furniture, a Xerox work center 7535, Mason jars with covers, antique bottles of varying shapes and colors, soda fountain sundae cups and some 12 feet of appliances — brand new still in the box — such as coffee and waffle makers. A table of gift baskets, a “huge furniture section” and knick-knacks, dishes and paintings round out the offerings laid out in the school cafeteria. And while in the cafeteria, shoppers may want to nibble on a little something, perhaps the homemade soup, wrapped baked goods, freshly made popcorn, doughnuts, or a slice or two of pizza.

Bowen and fellow co-chairpersons Mary Barbeau and Norm Argulsky are grateful for the donated food items from Tim Horton’s, Ficarella’s, Main St. Pizza Company, Cinquino’s and Pizza 151, and gift basket items from many other local businesses. 

Some of the COVID-19 protocols are still in place, and a small core of volunteers are ensuring that everything is being done right, Bowen said. That means cleaning, wrapping, containing, serving and ensuring that sale and food items are safe. Before the pandemic hit, there was a stage of clearance items for 75 percent off, and that will return for this event. Although the cafeteria can accommodate a couple of hundred people, staff will be monitoring the area to make sure it doesn’t get too congested with foot traffic, he said. 

As a longtime volunteer for nearly 18 years, Bowen has watched the event become an ever-improving one. “COVID threw us a curveball,” he said, adding that he and his co-chairs have had to adjust to new ways of doing things. 

Donations have been slower than usual so far this year, he said, and he encourages donations of “almost everything,” which now includes clothing. Pick-up of larger items may be possible with advance arrangements, and donations can be dropped off at the school’s annex throughout the year.

Bottom line for the Mammoth sale is that “every penny goes to the school,” Bowen said. All proceeds go to St. Joseph’s School to help with emergency funding, which may be anything from a roof repair, electrical issues and equipment needs to bus expenses for a student field trip. The goal this year is to raise $10,000, which is “a realistic goal,” he said, given the items up for sale. 

Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday (April 21) noon to 8 p.m. Friday (April 22) and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday (April 23). For more information, call (585) 297-7629. 

Top photo: The Mammoth Sale is filled with several items big and small, from dishes, paintings and children's toys to furniture and household appliances. Co-chairs John Bowen and Mary Barbeau review the items list, various displays of goods are being prepared for the sale, co-chairman Norm Argulsky prices items, co-chairwoman Mary Barbeau sets up a display, all at St. Joseph's School at 2 Summit St., Batavia. Photos by Howard Owens. 

Press Release:

The Digital Art program at Genesee Community College is proud to share this year's juried student exhibit with the entire community at the Roz Steiner Art Gallery on the Batavia Campus. The exhibit, prepared entirely by GCC students, is titled Illusion and will be on display from April 21 to May 12, 2022.

This exhibition will feature digital prints on paper and fabric, projections and media displays created by the digital art students. A juried exhibition artwork is selected through a competitive process. Images and information for the artwork are submitted and will be selected by a juror. Mary Jo Whitman, education director for the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!), served as juror for the 2022 Digital Art Student Exhibit. It is a high honor for the students to have their work chosen for display and accolades will be presented.

Whitman holds an MA in Critical Museum Studies from the University of Buffalo, a BA in Sculpture with a minor in Art History from SUNY Brockport and is a GCC alum with an AAS in Fine Arts. "I'm thrilled and honored to be jurying the 2022 Digital Art Student Exhibit." Whitman said, "Over the past several years, I have witnessed so much talent coming from the students at GCC and this year is no exception. With so many impressive submissions, jurying the exhibit was by no means an easy task. The Digital Art and Photography students should be very proud of themselves for their outstanding work this year."

The entire community is invited to attend the Opening Reception in the Gallery lobby on Thursday, April 21, 2022, from 12:30 - 2 p.m. The public is also invited to attend an Awards Reception that evening, from 5 - 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served at both receptions.

The Roz Steiner Art Gallery hours are Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information on all upcoming events at the Roz Steiner Art Gallery visit https://www.genesee.edu/home/campus-life/arts/gallery/.

The Genesee County Legislature issued three proclamations at its meeting Wednesday afternoon at the Old Courthouse -- National Public Health Week (April 4-10), National Public Safety Telecommunications Week (April 10-16) and Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week (April 10-16).

Legislator Gregg Torrey, left, reads from the National Public Health Week proclamation as Brenden Bedard, Public Health deputy director, looks on. The decree asks residents "to observe this week by helping our families, friends, neighbors, co-workers and leaders better understand the value of public health and supporting great opportunities and to celebrate public health’s accomplishments in light of this year’s theme, Public Health is Where You Are.

Legislator Chad Klotzbach presents the National Public Safety Telecommunications proclamation to, from left, Dispatcher Shelby Turner, Assistant Director Frank Riccobono, Director Steven Sharpe and Sheriff William Sheron. According to the proclamation, "Public Safety Telecommunicators are the first and most critical contact our citizens have with emergency services; they work 24/7 and have one of the most stressful jobs in America, and (the legislature) takes great pride in honoring the men and women whose diligence and professionalism keep our county, citizens, and first responders safe."

Dog Control Officers Catherine Seward, left, and Sarah Fountain accept the Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week proclamation as Sheriff Sheron and Legislator Gordon Dibble look on. The decree states that animal control officers "are compassionate and committed individuals who serve to protect animals every day by enforcing laws pertaining to their treatment, and (the legislature) takes great pride in honoring the officers whose dedication and professionalism protect the welfare of helpless animals and pets within our county."

Submitted photos.

Zachary S. Natale is indicated on a count of burglary in the second degree, a Class C violent felony, and two counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree, a Class E felony. Natale is accused of entering a dwelling on Elm Street in the City of Batavia on May 7, 2017, with the intent of committing a crime in the dwelling. He is accused of stealing firearms, including a Savage Arms A17 bolt action, Savage Arms Axis .223, Kel-Tec .556, and a Marlin Firearms 3030 lever action. He's accused of stealing property with a value in excess of $1,000.

Kenrey D. Benjamin is indicted on two counts of burglary in the first degree, a Class B violent felony, a count of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony, and attempted assault in the first degree, Class C violent felony. Benjamin is accused of knowingly entering a dwelling, an apartment on Lake Street in Le Roy,  without permission and remaining in it on Oct 17, with the intent of committing a crime in the dwelling and of causing physical injury to an occupant of the dwelling. He is accused of using a knife against another person. He is accused of attempting is permanently disfigure another person.

Marcus T. Hill is indicted on counts of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. Hill is accused of driving a 2006 Hummer HU3 on Clinton Street in the City of Batavia when he knew or should have known that his privilege to drive had been suspended or revoked on at least ten separate dates.

Jaequele M. Tomlin is indicted on counts of criminal mischief in the third degree, a Class E felony, and harassment in the second degree. Tomlin is accused of damaging the property of another person, a television and television stand, on Nov. 4, at a location in the City of Batavia. Tomlin is accused of having physical contact, or threatening to do so, with another person in an attempt to harass, annoy, or alarm the other person.

Thomas J. Wolcott is indicted on a count of criminal contempt in the first degree, a Class E felony. Wolcott is accused of violating a stay-away order of protection while on Central Avenue, City of Batavia, on Oct. 28.

Press release:

“When your lieutenant governor is arrested for quid pro quo, and your administration has a reputation for making deals behind closed doors, people have a reason to be concerned about what’s really going on in your administration. While I welcome the resignation of Lt. Gov. Benjamin in light of the charges brought against him, I hope more than anything it will give New Yorkers some pause and make them wonder if four scandalous governorships in a row is a sign we’re due for a change in leadership.”

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) released its 2021 annual report demonstrating significant investments made throughout Genesee County during the past year. Themes from the Annual Report include the revitalization of downtowns, acceleration of workforce development and the impact of shovel-ready sites in Genesee County.

During 2021, groundbreaking events, expansion projects and new activity occurred across Genesee County, including major projects at the Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP), Apple Tree Acres, and preparedness for future growth at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park and Gateway II Corporate Park.  These projects will have an estimated economic impact of $647 million.

Highlighting one of the largest investments in 2021 is Plug Power. The $232 million investment will be home to the first large-scale green hydrogen manufacturing facility in North America. Plug Power is now under construction at STAMP, Genesee County’s 1,250-acre mega site located in the town of Alabama.

“Significant progress and financial investments were made in Genesee County in 2021 and one of the main reasons is our shovel-ready sites,” said Steve Hyde, GCEDC President and CEO. “Our local, county and state government partners and the private sector have done a great job in collaborating to bring in new jobs and capital investment as well as retaining jobs at existing businesses.”

The GCEDC assisted in two significant expansions of homegrown businesses in 2021, including Craft Cannery and Liberty Pumps both located at Apple Tree Acres. Craft Cannery was able to double its production capacity as a result of new equipment it purchased through assistance from the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation (GGLDC).

Liberty Pumps broke ground on the company’s third major expansion since 2000 at Apple Tree Acres. The company’s $13.5 million materials center started construction in October 2021 and is expected to create 30 new jobs. The family-owned company currently has over 300 employees.

Another highlight from the 2021 Annual Report focuses on workforce development, especially among high school students. 

The GLOW region has been equipping students and future employees with the appropriate educational tracks for careers in the food and beverage, advanced manufacturing, and skilled trades sectors among others.

Since the launch of GLOW With Your Hands, there has been a 30% increase in student participation and a 73% increase in participation of the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program from 2021 to 2022. This in turn is helping companies across the County to hire locally for hundreds of job openings.

“One of the biggest reasons employers operate in Genesee County is because of our people. We are centrally located between two major tech hubs and have career-focused programs preparing students in growing industries with great career opportunities,” said Chris Suozzi, GCEDC VP of Business and Workforce Development. “Programs such as GLOW With Your Hands, Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship, and Cornell in High School are preparing the next generation for positions in these sectors.”

Raven M. Spikes, 20, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful dissemination of intimate images. Spikes allegedly posted a video of sexual conduct on social media at 5 p.m., March 20. She was issued an appearance ticket.

James R. Tillery, 49, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Tillery is accused of damaging property at a restaurant on East Main Street, Batavia, at 8:25 p.m., March 28. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Gary Philip Castronova, Jr., 36, of Dewitt Road, Webster, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, unlicensed driver, aggravated unlicensed driver 3rd., and insufficient turn signal. Castronova was stopped at 8:05 p.m., April 8, on East Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Ayrton Blankenberg. He was issued an appearance ticket. Also charged, Heather Nicole Holbrook, 36, of East Main Street, Batavia. She is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and driving with no seat belt. 

Justin Michael Conner, 29, of Franklin Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, speeding, and failure to yield for an emergency vehicle. Conner was stopped at 12:46 a.m., April 9, on Clinton Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Morgan Ewert. He was released on appearance tickets.

Carrie L. Hensley, 44, of Batavia, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Hensley allegedly refused to return a vehicle to its owner after borrowing it on April 2. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Jacob L. Hernandez, 27, of Batavia, is charged with obscenity 3rd. Hernandez allegedly sent lewd images of himself to another person at 8:20 a.m., March 31. He was arrested by Batavia PD on the charge after a Sheriff's deputy tried to arrest him on a bench warrant and Hernandez allegedly fled on foot into a wooded area where he was later detained. He then turned himself over to Batavia PD. He was ordered held on bail on the new charge as the charge related to the warrant.

Marie I. Frye, 57, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and endangering the welfare of a child. Frye is accused of punching another person at 8:03 p.m., March 26, while a child was in the room. Frye was arraigned in City Court and released.

Joseph W. Freeman, 37, of Batavia, is charged with failure to stop at a stop sign and obstructing governmental administration. Freeman allegedly fled from police on his bicycle at 4:44 p.m., April 3, during an attempted traffic stop. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Dean C. Siminski, 32, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Siminski is accused of contacting a person at 3:20 p.m., March 29, he was ordered by a court not to contact. He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $10,000 bail, $20,000 bond, or $40,000 partially secured bond.

Gina M. Olszewski, 29, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Olszewski was arrested by a Batavia patrol officer following an investigation initiated at 8:28 p.m., March 28, into a possible criminal mischief at a local business. Olszewski was released on traffic tickets.

Nancy L. Lawrence, 69, of Batavia, is charged with soliciting alms on a public street. Lawrence was arrested following a complaint of a person begging for money on Alva Place, Batavia, at 11:30 a.m., March 29. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Matthew W. Kurtz, 52, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Kurtz allegedly had a third-party contact a person he was prohibited from contacting by an order of protection. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jolene Y. Stevens, 33, of resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration 2nd. Stevens is accused of fighting with police when officers attempted to arrest her ona warrant at 12:03 p.m., March 4. Stevens was arraigned in City Court and released.

Robert J. Ritchey, 58, of Oakfield, is charged with two counts of criminal sex act with a child less than 11 years old 1st, three counts of forcible touching, three counts of sex abuse 1st, and three counts of acting in a manner injurious to a child. Ritchey was charged following an investigation by State Police after a report was made at 1:17 p.m., April 5. He was ordered held in jail. No further information was released.

Lori A. Green, 59, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Green is accused of stealing something in the Town of Batavia at 2:21 p.m., April 9. She was issued an appearance ticket.  No further information was released by State Police.

Jared C. Kostrewa, 28, of North Tonawanda, is charged with felony DWI and felony driving with a BAC of.08 or greater. Kostrewa was stopped by State Police at 2:23 a.m., April 8, in the Town of Darien. She was released on an appearance ticket.