Skip to main content

Lewiston Road resident reportedly fires on deputy responding to burglary report

By Howard B. Owens

An 81-year-old man whom investigators believe was injured during an attempted burglary of his residence on Tuesday morning reportedly exchanged gunfire with a deputy who responded to 7924 Lewiston Road at 3:41 a.m. to a reported burglary.

Neither the deputy nor the resident, identified as Gregory Poole, were injured in the incident.

According to the Sheriff's Office, a deputy -- not identified -- responded to the call and was approaching the home when he confronted a person outside the residence. The deputy identified himself, and the person fired a gunshot in the direction of the deputy. The deputy returned fire while continuing to identify himself, but the person continued to fire his gun.  

The deputy took cover and called for backup. 

Upon the arrival of a second deputy, the person was taken into custody without further incident. 

The Sheriff's Office says that neither the deputy nor the subject were struck by gunfire, and neither sustained an injury as a result of the gunfire.

The type of firearm used by the subject has not been released.

Poole was reportedly injured in a struggle with the burglary suspect.

It's believed the burglary suspect fled the scene before the deputy arrived. The area was searched, but the suspect was not located.

Once Poole was released from the hospital, he was charged with reckless endangerment in the first degree and menacing a police officer. He was arraigned and released on his own recognizance.

The Sheriff's Office states that the investigation into both the burglary and the gunfire is ongoing.

Police investigating burglary at Batavia Marine

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia PD is investigating a burglary at Batavia Marine and Sporting Supply Store, 411 West Main St., that occurred during the early morning hours of May 27.

Patrol officers responded to a burglary alarm at 2:30 a.m. and, upon arrival, discovered evidence of forced entry into the building.

Further investigation revealed that the property was taken from the building.

The police did not release the nature of the property taken.

Detectives responded to the scene to gather additional evidence.

Anyone with any information regarding the incident is asked to contact Detective Jason Ivison by calling 585-345-6350 or submitting by clicking here.

Batavia Marine has operated by appointment only since July.

Previously: By appointment only: Mike Barrett winding down after 50-plus years at Batavia Marine

Deep Blue Pool & Spa celebrates 20 years of fun to Batavia-area residents

By Howard B. Owens
deep blue pool and spa 20th
Deep Blue Pool & Spa: Dominick Camelio, partner; Rich Pfreedom, service tech; Cory Bater, service tech; and Brian Bater, partner.
Photo by Howard Owens.

When you want to take a dip in a pool or grill hot dogs, rain isn't your friend.

But a bit of precipitation didn't dampen the spirits on Saturday of Dominick Comelio and Brian Bater, who were celebrating the 20th anniversary of their business, Deep Blue Pool and Spa, located at 4152 W Main Street Road, Batavia (Valu Plaza).

Bater said it's been a good business, especially in Batavia.

"I started working for Danny Dugan at Denny's Pool World in 1984," Bater said. "He was kind of my mentor. Along the way, Dominick and I started a service business called BNR Pool Service. We opened that around 1990. We did all the service work for 15 years, and then we decided to go into the retail side of it. Now, we continue to have a large service department, and we also do the retail side."

The first location was in Warsaw, and within two years, Comelio and Bater moved their location in Batavia. In 2010, they decided to expand and opened a store in Henrietta.

"We decided (a couple of years later) it was too much for us," Bater said. "We wanted to consolidate back down and focus on the Batavia region and our customer base here."

Camelio said he's enjoyed the pool business.

"It's fun, it's exciting. There's always something new to work on and make people happy," Camelio said.

deep blue pool and spa 20th
Grace Campbell and Kyle Bater
Photo by Howard Owens.

Mattel donates four cases of Hot Wheels cars to local law enforcement in honor of Sgt. Sanfratello

By Press Release
hot wheels sanfratello donation
Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger; Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, CID Chief Deputy Joseph Graff; Director of Emergency Communications Frank Riccobono, retired Emergency Services Dispatcher Lynn Riccobono; Sergeant Kyle Krzemien, Genesee Justice Program Coordinator Diana Prinzi, Justice for Children Advocacy Center Program Coordinator Trisha Reynolds, Undersheriff Bradley Mazur; Corfu Police Officer Tommy LaBelle; Le Roy Police Officer Jordan Wolcott.
Submitted Photo.

Press release:

Genesee County Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello passed away in the line of duty on March 10, 2024. While he will be remembered for his many contributions to the Sheriff’s Office and the Genesee County community, everyone may not be aware that he was also known for his love of Hot Wheels die-cast cars. 

Shortly after Sergeant Sanfratello’s passing, retired Emergency Services Dispatcher Lynn Riccobono wanted to do something to honor Tommy. Riccobono, who worked her entire career at the Sheriff’s Office with Sergeant Sanfratello, knew that he kept Hot Wheels cars in his office drawer and would give them to children who came into the Sheriff’s Office.  Riccobono reached out to Mattel, Inc. (the manufacturer of the Hot Wheels cars) and told them Sergeant Sanfratello’s story.  Mattel, Inc. responded by graciously shipping four cases of Hot Wheels cars along with their condolences for the loss of Sergeant Sanfratello.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is sharing this donation with other Genesee County police agencies, Genesee Justice, and the Justice for Children Advocacy Center to distribute the cars to children they interact with in Sergeant Sanfratello’s honor.

hot wheels sanfratello donation
Submitted Photo.
hot wheels sanfratello donation
Submitted Photo.

Sponsored Post: Join the Early Access Pass today and receive a $50 T.F. Brown's gift card

By Sponsored Post
Early Access Pass

Click here to sign up for an Early Access Pass from The Batavian. Join before June 14 and receive as a thank you gift from The Batavian and T.F. Brown's a $50 gift card redeemable at T.F. Browns.

Use the promo code BROWNS1050 and get an additional $10 off.

Members of Early Access Pass help support local journalism and get early access (currently, four hours) to select stories published by The Batavian.

Batavia girls threepeat as Section V champions in Track and Field

By Press Release
batavia girls track and field

Press release:

The Batavia Girls track team proved their dominance once again.  After wrapping up an undefeated regular season in Monroe county competition (5-0) and winning three local track invitational meets (Attica Invite, Alexander Invite, Batavia Invite), Batavia scored 185 points at the class B1 sectional championships to win the title for the third consecutive year.  Batavia was led by the following stellar performances...

Campbell Riley dominated on the track winning the 2000m Steeple (7:31.01), winning the 800m (2:21.81), getting 2nd in the 1500m (5:05.73) and then anchoring the winning 4x400m relay team along with teammates Jadyn Boyce, Ava Anderson, and Karizma Wescott.

Ava Wierda continued her dominance in the throws by winning both Shot (33 feet 8.25inches) and Disc (118feet)

Ava Anderson won the 400 hurdles (68.86) and placed 2nd in the 100m hurdles (17.5).

Madeline Smith won the 100 hurdles (15.74) and placed 6th in the 400m hurdles (73.58)

Karizma Wescott won the 400m (58.81), was on the winning 4x4 mentioned above as well as the winning 4x1 relay team along with teammates Ady O'Donnell, Ella Radley, and Ella Shamp. (49.59)

Ella Shamp also placed 2nd in LJ (16'6.5"), 3rd in HJ (4-10), and 5th in the 200m (27.06).

Anna Varland won the pentathlon for the THIRD YEAR IN A ROW scoring 2445 points!

Jaimin MacDonald placed 2nd in the shot (32'6")

The 4x8 relay team consisting of Jadyn Boyce, Mallory Boyce, Helaina Staley, and Maddie Bellamy placed 2nd with a time of 10:29.83.

Full scores and results can be found here.

I am extremely proud of this group of girls for their hard work and dedication throughout the spring.  Many of them are juggling multiple commitments but have always found the time to put in the work that they need to in order to achieve this goal.  I am especially happy for our group of seniors (Jadyn Boyce, Anna Varland, Isa Walsh, Kaelee Kelso, Sophie Moore, and Ella Radley) many of whom have been on the team since they were in 7th or 8th grade and have been instrumental in returning this team to its current state of success.  As a direct result of their mental and physical toughness and their leadership, they end their career as 3-time sectional champs!!!!

Driver cited in serious injury accident at Jackson and Ellicott

By Howard B. Owens
ellicott accident may 2024
File photo by Howard Owens

The driver of a 2012 Ford Focus involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer on May 17 at Ellicott Street and Jackson Street in Batavia, has a received traffic citation following an investigation by Batavia PD.

Emma Durnham, 24, of Avon, was cited for allegedly passing a red traffic light. 

Durham and a passenger, not identified by police, were seriously injured in the accident, but both have been released from the hospital and are expected to make full recoveries, according to police.

The truck driver, Michael Johnson, 48, of North Tonawanda, was not cited and was not injured in the collision.

The accident was reported at 9:30 p.m. on May 17, and Batavia PD, along with City Fire, Oakfield Fire, Town of Batavia Fire, and Mercy EMS. Due to a shortage or of ambulances at the time, volunteer crews from Byron and Darien responded to the city to assist with other calls.

The Ford Focus was reportedly southbound on Jackson Street and allegedly ran a red light at the intersection of Ellicott Street and was struck by a southbound tractor-trailer (note: Jackson runs north and south, Ellicott Street (Route 63 is considered a north-south road).

The Ford Focus came to rest in the gas lane (but did not strike a pump) of the Kwik Fill at 99 Jackson St., and firefighters had to extricate both occupants.

The Sheriff's Office Crash Management Team assisted with the accident investigation.

Previously: Tractor-trailer vs. car accident reported at Jackson and Ellicott, Batavia

Batavia boys win eighth sectional title in Track and Field

By Staff Writer
batavia track team
Submitted photo.

The Batavia Boys Track and Field team won its eighth sectional championship on Friday with 148.5 points in the Class B1 division, beating out Honeoye Falls/Lima, the runner-up with 131 points.

Batavia's scores include:

  • Parris Price:  1st 110 Hurdles (15.25), 4th 200m (23.34)
  • Cameron Garofalo: 1st 800m (2:00.11), 2nd 3000m Steeple (10:48.24), 3rd 1600m (4:35.09)
  • Sheldon Siverling:  1st Shot Put (56-6), 1st Discus (154-10)
  • Grant Gahagan: 1st High Jump (5-10)
  • Justin Smith: 2nd Discus (139-4), 3rd Place High Jump (5-8)
  • Jamari Irvin:  2nd Pentathlon (2591 points)
  • Da'Von Gallo Williams - 3rd place Long Jump (20-2.45)
  • Mekhi Fortes:  3rd Shot Put (49-6)
  • Karvel Martino:  4th Shot Put (46-7.75)
  • Tym Murrell:  4th Pentathlon (2275 points)
  • Isaac Varland:  4th Discus (133-7)
  • Donavin Solis:  5th 1600m (4:47.44), 5th 3200m (10:36.31)
  • Brian Calderon: 5th Shot Put (44-3.5)
  • Emmanuel Richardson:  5th HIgh Jump (5-8)
  • Cooper Konieczny:  5th 400 Hurdles (1:02.40)
  • Brock Warren: 6th Pentathlon  (2234 points)
  • Nate Kinsey:  6th 3200m (10:51.4)
  • Kahler Evans: 6th 3000m Steeple (11:19.89)

Also, all 3 relays finished in 2nd place

  • 4x100m (Zailen Griffin, Parris Price, Trevor Tryon, Isaac Varland) 44.41
  • 4x400m (Trevor Tryon, Parris Price, Isaac Varland, Cameron Garofalo (3:30.73)
  • 4x800m (Nate Kinsey, Grant Gahagan, E'Nhazje Carter, Donavin Solis (8:53.84) 

"This was a very tough and competitive meet, and Batavia Track and Field really rose to the occasion," said Coach Nick Burk. We had many personal best performances, and our athletes never gave up. We certainly represented our school positively and demonstrated resilience throughout the competition. I was also very glad that our relays performed so well, with many athletes needing to step up in order for us to win. Including Indoor and Outdoor track, this is our program's 44th Sectional championship."

For full results, click here.

Three Season Basketball Training Camp returns to elevate players' skills

By Press Release
brasky basketball camp
Coach Matt Shay providing shooting instruction during basketball camp in 2022.
FIle photo by Howard Owens.

Press Release:

Basketball enthusiasts seeking to enhance their skills and elevate their game are invited to participate in the annual Three Season Basketball Training Camp. Led by renowned coaches, the camp offers comprehensive instruction aimed at honing fundamental skills and tactical understanding.

Value & Repetition
Distinguished by its commitment to excellence, Three Season Basketball Training Camp provides campers with over 30 hours of intensive basketball instruction spread across a 5-week period. This extended duration allows for a focused approach to skill development, in contrast to the brief, condensed schedules typical of other camps, which often span only 3-4 consecutive days.

Dates and Cost
The camp will run from July 8 through August 9, offering participants an extensive opportunity to refine their abilities under expert guidance. Enrollment is $350, with a discounted rate of $175 available for additional siblings. Teams seeking group discounts are encouraged to contact Coach Brasky directly.

Directed by Coach Buddy Brasky
Under the tutelage of Coach Buddy Brasky, the Batavia basketball program has enjoyed a remarkable record of success over the past two decades. With 13 league titles, 6 sectional championships, and multiple appearances in the state semifinals, Coach Brasky's leadership has consistently propelled his teams to excellence. Recognized as Section V Coach of the Year on seven occasions, as well as earning numerous other coaching accolades, Coach Brasky's track record speaks volumes about his coaching prowess and commitment to player development.

Assistant Director: Coach Matt Shay
Coach Brasky is assisted by Coach Matt Shay, whose tenure at Pembroke High School has seen significant achievements, including multiple division titles and sectional final appearances. Coach Shay's dedication to his craft has been acknowledged through multiple Coach of the Year awards, reflecting his impact on the basketball landscape within the region.

Notable Camp Alumni
The Three Season Basketball Training Camp boasts an impressive roster of alumni who have gone on to achieve success both on and off the court. Among them are standout players like Tyson Totten, Cole Harding, Cayden Pfalzer, and Jeff Redband whose accomplishments serve as a testament to the camp's ability to nurture talent and foster growth.

Session Details
The camp is divided into two sessions catering to different age groups and skill levels:

  • Session 1 (Starts July 8): Boys entering 10th-12th grade
  • Session 2 (Starts July 9): Boys entering 7th-9th grade

Sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 12:30 pm, with an additional session on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for Session 1 and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Session 2.

For further updates and information, follow Three Season Basketball on Facebook @ThreeSeasonBasketball, contact Batavia High School at 585-356-4050, or click here for the flyer and registration form. Inquiries can also be directed via email to mbrasky@bataviacsd.org.

Three Season Basketball Training Camp represents an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring basketball players to refine their skills, learn from accomplished coaches, and take their game to the next level. Join us this summer and embark on a journey of growth, excellence, and camaraderie on the court. 

Photo's: Memorial Service at the Jerome Center in Batavia

By Staff Writer
img_9890.jpeg
A large attendance during the Memorial Service at the Jerome Center at Rochester Regional Health.
Photo by Nick Serrata.
img_6087.jpeg
Barbara Coe leads prayer for everyone.
Photo by Nick Serrata.
img_6090.jpeg
The crowd participates during the National Anthem of the Memorial Service at the Jerome Center.
Photo by Nick Serrata.
img_9888.jpeg
Batavia Concert plays some patriotic music during the Memorial Service.
Photo by Nick Serrata.

Photos: A rainy start to Batavia's Memorial Day parade

By Staff Writer
img_9877.jpeg
City of Batavia Police Department leads the way during the Batavia Memorial Day parade.
Photo by Nick Serrata.
img_6060-1.jpeg
Photo by Nick Serrata.
img_6079.jpeg
American flag display as participants pass by during the parade.
Photo by Nick Serrata.
img_6064.jpeg
Some of the crowd hide under the trees to stay dry during the parade.
Photo by Nick Serrata.
img_9880.jpeg
A member of the NYS Police Department drives his cruiser with a military veteran.
Photo by Nick Serrata.
img_6066.jpeg
Some of the Batavia Muckdogs participated in the Batavia Memorial Day parade.
Photo by Nick Serrata.
img_9883.jpeg
Both parade participants and parade-goers try to stay dry.
Photo by Nick Serrata.
img_6062.jpeg
Batavia Fire Department walking in the parade.
Photo by Nick Serrata.
img_6074.jpeg
Both parade participants and parade goers trying to stay dry.
Photo by Nick Serrata.
img_6072.jpeg
Members of the Genesee County Spartans showed of their American pride during the Batavia Memorial Day parade.
Photo by Nick Serrata.

Photos: Alexander Memorial Day parade and ceremonies

By Staff Writer
alexander memorial day parade

Photos by Philip Casper

alexander memorial day parade
alexander memorial day parade
alexander memorial day parade
alexander memorial day parade
alexander memorial day parade
alexander memorial day parade
alexander memorial day parade
alexander memorial day parade
alexander memorial day parade
alexander memorial day parade
As part of Memorial Day ceremonies in Alexander, the Alexander Volunteer Fire Department dedicated three new flag poles at the department's Rec Hall on Monday. The flag poles were erected as an Eagle Scout project for Nate Foss (kneeling, center).
Photo by Heidi McPhee

Photos: Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the Genesee County Park

By Staff Writer
img_9852.jpeg
The local Veteran Honor Guard helps carry the salute during the ceremony.
Photo by Nick Serrata.
img_6048.jpeg
The color-guard gets ready for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Photo by Nick Serrata.
img_9848.jpeg
Ray Cummings leads the prayer.
Photo by Nick Serrata.
img_9850.jpeg
Veterans and crowd participating in the National Anthem.
Photo by Nick Serrata.
img_9857.jpeg
New York State Assemblyman Steve Hawley delivers his speech.
Photo by Nick Serrata.
img_6049.jpeg

Photos: Memorial Day weekend ceremonies at WNY National Cemetery

By Staff Writer
vets cemetery memorial day
The National Anthem was sung by Amanda Werner.
Photo by Nick Serrata

On Saturday, area veterans gathered at the WNY National Veterans Cemetery in Pembroke to remember those who have served their country and have passed.

This was the third consecutive year for the Memorial Day weekend event.

For details on Monday's Memorial Day events, click here.

vets cemetery memorial day
Photo by Nick Serrata
vets cemetery memorial day
Rev. Robert Elkins leads the Invocation.
Photo by Nick Serrata
vets cemetery memorial day
Orleans County Honor Guard provides a salute.
Photo by Nick Serrata
vets cemetery memorial day
Audience participates in Pledge of Allegiance.
Photo by Nick Serrata.
vets cemetery memorial day
Photo by Nick Serrata.
vets cemetery memorial day
Photo by Nick Serrata.

Top Items on Batavia's List

Town Court Clerk Below are two lists: one details the myriad responsibilities that fall within the purview of the court clerk; the other summarizes the knowledge and abilities that court clerks possess or acquire through training. These lists are provided so that a judge and municipality can intelligently discuss the benefits that a court clerk can provide. The items below can also form the basis for a list of job duties should a municipality need to fill a vacancy in a court clerk position. Primary Responsibilities A. Maintain confidentiality of records and information when required to do so B. Prepare court calendar C. Collect monies, reconcile daily receipts, deposit receipts, prepare reports for monthly disbursements, reconcile bank accounts, and prepare administrative reports D. Enter convictions on drivers' licenses and prepare conviction reports electronically transmitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles E. Enter criminal conviction on NCIC reports and electronically send same to Division of Criminal Justice Services F. Respond to inquiries-in person, by phone, by e-mail and by mail-and provide assistance to lawyers, litigants, media, and members of the public G. Prepare monthly reports that are electronically sent to the Office of the State Comptroller H. Prepare orders, summonses, warrants and other court forms i. Communicate with outside agencies in order to coordinate the Court's activities and provide services to litigants. Such agencies include: ii. Law enforcement agencies, such as local police departments, New York State Police, Sheriffs office, FBI and CIA, US Armed Forces, and the Office of the District Attorney; I. Other courts, including superior courts and other local town and village courts; and i. Miscellaneous county agencies, such as Community Service, Community Dispute Resolution Center, Pre-trial Release, Probation, Stop DWI program, Victim Impact Panel, and Youth Court. ii. State agencies that require periodic reporting, including the New York State Unified Court System, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Office of the State Comptroller, the Division of Criminal Justice Services, and the Office of Court Record Retention. J. Examine court documents to ensure their accuracy and completeness K. Receive and file summonses, traffic tickets and other documents for court proceedings i. Assist the Justice at the bench during all Court proceedings Knowledge of: 1. The functions and organization of the Unified Court System ii. Basic legal terminology, codes and abbreviations iii. Court forms, practices and procedures, including those set forth in the Uniform Justice Court Act and the Uniform Civil Rules for the Justice Courts (22 NYCRR Part 214) 2. Ability to: i. Prepare judicial orders and decisions ii. Effectively communicate information orally and in writing iii. File and retrieve materials, extract data from various sources for entry onto court form iv. Research and interpret laws outlined in court documents and litigants' motions and other papers v. Perform mathematical tasks in order to compile court activity reports, total receipts, accept payments, and verify bills vi. Refer to appropriate documents, statutes, citations or other sources in order to respond to specific questions from attorneys, litigants and members of the general public vii. Interpret policies, statutes, rules and regulations and apply them in specific contexts viii. Establish work priorities ix. Constructively manage conflict with court users Qualifications: Highschool diploma recognized by the NYS Dept of Education or appropriate equivalent. Along with 4 years of college, specialization in criminal justice, law, business administration or related field. -OR- 2 years college with specialization in Business Administration or related field. Please email your resume to abrownell@townofbatavia.com no later than 12/16/2024. Pay is based on experience.
Tags: Jobs Wanted

Authentically Local