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RPD officer from Batavia recovering from gunshot wound

By Howard B. Owens

A former Batavia High School student, a 2000 graduate, who joined the Marines and then returned to Western New York to become a Rochester police officer, is home with his family tonight, recovering from a wound sustained from a gunshot near his face.

Jeremy Nash was driving when a gunshot came flying into an unmarked patrol car on North Street near Clifford Avenue. 

He served in the Iraq Freedom and Enduring Freedom operations, is an 11-year veteran of RPD, and the father of a baby girl.

(Video by our news partner, 13WHAM.)

Chestnut Hill CC hosting CALEO charity tournament on Tuesday

By Mike Pettinella

Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo and the Toronto Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation will be the beneficiaries of the sixth annual "Arnie Abramowitz" Memorial CALEO Alumni Charity Golf Tournament on Tuesday at Chestnut Ridge County Club in Darien.

CALEO (Canadian American Law Enforcement Organization) alumni from both countries will be participating in the event, which gets under way with a shotgun tee off at 10 a.m. All players will receive lunch at the turn, a steak dinner afterward and the chances to win numerous prizes.

Procees will be donated to the aforementioned charities in the name of Abramowitz, a former member police officer.

CALEO was established in 1978 to provide intelligence support for a series of marine enforcement operations planned for Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. The original group included senior intelligence officers, investigators and enforcement officers from the U.S. Coast Guard, R.C.M.P., U.S. Customs, U.S. Border Patrol, Canada Customs, Ontario Provincial Police, Niagara Regional Police and U.S. Immigration.

For more information, contact Doug Knorr at knorr.douglas@gmail.com.

Man facing deportation admits to slashing woman with knife, trying to escape from police

By Howard B. Owens

With a Spanish language translator assisting him, a man who violently slashed a woman with a knife on Wood Street in Batavia in March entered guilty pleas in County Court today to charges of second-degree assault, attempted robbery, and attempted escape.

Reynoldo Diaz-Ruiz will be sentenced to five years in state prison on July 27 under terms of the plea deal he accepted.

Meanwhile, he is being held without bail. The Department of Homeland Security has also placed a detainer on Diaz-Ruiz, who is a Mexican citizen and may be in the country illegally. He faces possible deportation once his prison term is completed. 

Diaz-Ruiz was arrested in late March after Batavia police responded to 8 Wood St. for a physical domestic incident and found a female victim with a laceration to her neck.

In acknowledging his guilt, Diaz-Ruiz admitted that his attack could have caused death to another person and caused serious physical injury. 

After being located, Diaz-Ruiz resisted arrested and was subdued with a Taser. 

When he was taken to Batavia PD headquarters, he attempted to take the sidearm from the transporting officer.

Hazardous weather outlook: 'Lake effect rains' could hit Genesee County tonight

By Billie Owens

A hazardous weather outlook was issued today for portions of Western New York, including Genesee County, by the National Weather Service.

It says "An anomalously cold upper level trough crossing the region combined with warm lake temperatures will result in the development of lake effect rains tonight and into Tuesday, potentially resulting in localized flooding, particularly across low-lying flood-prone areas."

Sponsored Post: Price reduced on this charming and classic home

By Lisa Ace

Charming Batavia classic tucked away on quiet street in great City location! This elegant home boasts amazing space with over 3,000 square feet, which does not include finished walk-out basement, but still manages to convey a very homey and comforting space. First floor has everything you need with double living rooms and formal dining area to eat-in kitchen, first-floor laundry, small den and the most serene enclosed porch area overlooking an amazing private back yard!

Upstairs has five bedrooms if needed with two full baths and access to fenced walkout upper porch for bird's eye views! The home has been maintained well and has new tear off roof with transferable warranty! There is much to see here with amazing opportunities for those who love decorating! Schedule your showing today!

Call Lynn Bezon today to see this listing or click here to see full listing details.

Horses moved from residence in Village of Elba

By Mike Pettinella

Per a judge's order, two horses that were illegally stabled at a home in the Village of Elba were moved to another undisclosed location Saturday afternoon.

At court proceedings last Wednesday, Elba Town Justice E. Douglas King ruled that the young colts would have to be moved from the South Main Street residence of Mark and Bunny Stoneham by Saturday or else he would impose monetary fines for each day after that.

It is unlawful, according to Elba's zoning laws, to stable farm animals or store manure, fertilizer, etc., in a Residential district.

Reportedly, the horses were at the Stonehams for nearly three months.

When contacted by phone on Saturday, Bunny Stoneham -- who had indicated they took the horses in because they needed special care -- said she did not want to comment.

Batavia man admits to child sexual abuse

By Howard B. Owens

Dwayne Pearsall, 26, a Batavia resident with no permanent address, entered a guilty plea to sexual abuse in the first degree and criminal sexual act in the second degree in County Court this morning.

Pearsall was scheduled to appear for an evidentiary hearing in advance of a potential trial but decided to enter a guilty plea.

He admitted to abusing a child under age 14 in 2012 and a child under age 11 in 2015.

Pearsall was arrested in April and charged then with second-degree attempted rape, and two counts each of criminal sexual act and sexual abuse.

The potential prison term for Pearsall is seven years followed by 10 years on parole.

(Via our news partner, WBTA)

Eleven arrests made at Zac Brown concert on Sunday

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Zac Brown Band concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sunday:

A 17-year-old, of Sunset Court, Hamburg, is charged with trespass and disorderly conduct after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return and then causing a disturbance while exiting the venue. He was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $250 bail.

Brett J. Gill, 57, of South Plymouth Street, Rochester, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly slapping another patron in the face.

Brian R. Kelly, 26, of East Street, Pittsford, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Heather M. Skeels, 35, of Fairmont Avenue, Salamanca, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Zachary J. Corey, 23, of Griener Road, Clarence, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Nicholas J. Luciano, 18, of West Combe Park, West Henrietta, is charged with trespass (two counts) after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Holly T. Zimmerman, 24, of North Creek Road, Evans, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Kristen B Baumer, 18, of Hidden Meadow, Penfield, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Lindsey J. Gamer, 20, of Fiddlers Hollow, Penfield, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Walter W. Roman, 55, of Silkwood Circle, Spencerport, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing a Live Nation employee.

Edward B. Schmitt, 20, of Autumn Trail, Clarence, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing a Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputy.

Ranzenhofer announces $54K for local libraries

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has announced today $54,000 in state funding for public libraries throughout Genesee County.  

“From summer reading programs to job searching tools, public libraries enrich our communities by providing invaluable services to residents. Local libraries operate with a limited budget, and this state funding will help to offer more services to their patrons,” Ranzenhofer said.

The total funding will be distributed among Genesee County’s six public libraries:

• Byron-Bergen Library, $9,000;
• Corfu Free Library, $9,000;
• Haxton Memorial Library; $9,000;
• Hollwedel Memorial Library, $9,000;
• Richmond Memorial Library, $9,000; and
• Woodward Memorial Library, $9,000.

The funding can be used for a variety of purposes, including capital improvements, new books, learning materials, software, programming and computers. The funding is part of the 2017-18 State Budget. The funding is administered by the New York State Education Department.

Law and Order: Small cache of cocaine found during traffic stop in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Bailey A. Kennedy, 20, of 85 Wolcott St., Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, unlawful possession of marijuana, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia. Bailey was stopped by Le Roy PD at 1:42 a.m. Sunday for an alleged traffic violation on Myrtle Street. During the stop, Kennedy was allegedly found in possession of 13 small baggies of cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Kennedy was jailed on $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond.

Timothy Fredrick Hughes, 55, of Burbank Drive, Orchard Park, is charged with DWI, refusal to take breath test, speeding, failure to signal, and unsafe passing. Hughes was stopped at 11 p.m. Sunday on Bennet Road, Darien, by Deputy Jeremy McClellan.

Nicholas Ryan Dorson, 30, of Reed Road, Olean, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Dorson is accused of driving drunk in the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center at 6:32 p.m. Sunday prior to the Zac Brown concert, when Dorson's vehicle struck another vehicle. Dorson allegedly registered a BAC of .13 percent.  The incident was investigated by Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Brian J. Hart, 33, of Lakeshore Road, Kent, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 percent or greater, and moved from lane unsafely. Hart was arrested after an investigation into a report of a vehicle off the roadway on Richley Road at 12:57 a.m. today by Deputy Howard Wilson.

Justin C. Holtfoth, 43, of South Main Street, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and speeding. Holtfoth was stopped at 6:25 p.m. Friday on Lewiston Road, Alabama, by Deputy Jeremy McClellan.

Keith Adam Lowery, 47, of Clipnock Road, Bethany, is charged with assault, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 4th. Lowery is accused of kicking another person, breaking one of her ribs. He also allegedly through the victim's phone out of the trailer window when she wanted to call 9-1-1. Lowery was jailed without bail.

Carlene Victoria Santiago, 28, of Cherry Street, Batavia, is charged with falsifying business records, 1st, and petit larceny. Santiago is accused of making fraudulent gift cards at Walmart and using them at the store.

Timothy Micheal Weinstein, 45, of Alleghany Road, Darien, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Weinstein allegedly violated at stay away order by sending text messages to the protected party. He was jailed on $7,500 bail or $15,000 bond.

Tyler William Reeves, 19, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with petit larceny. Reeves allegedly stole property while at a residence in Pembroke. He is accused of stealing two camera lenses and a stereo with a total value of $475. He was jailed on $750 bail.

Batavia High School 2017 graduation ceremony

By Steve Ognibene

A graduating class of 170 students received their diplomas from Batavia High School yesterday in a ceremony held at Genesee Community College.

Superintendent Chris Dailey said 72 percent of the class is pursuing higher education, including 46 going directly to four-year colleges, 11 will attend a post-secondary school, 75 will go to a community college and 21 students are entering the workforce already with jobs, plus 11 students are going into the military.

Of the 170 graduates, 159 are receiving regent’s diplomas, 39 of them with various advanced honors.

To view and purchase photos click here: http://steveognibenephotography.zenfolio.com/p681207694

Principal Scott Wilson opening the ceremony.

Batavia High School Spanish teacher Jennifer Korpanty delivers the keynote speech.

Valedictorian Campbell Anderson

Salutatorian Maggie Cecere

Batavia City School District Superintendent​ Christopher Dailey #takecareofbcsd

Batavia Board President Patrick Burk

Sam Bartz receiving his diploma from Batavia City School District Superintendent​ Christopher Dailey.

Batavia Board of Education Member Peter Cecere giving his daughter Salutatorian Maggie Cecere her diploma.

Muckdogs even up doubleheader against West Virginia

By Steve Ognibene

Batavia Muckdogs played a doubleheader this afternoon and split the wins with West Virginia, losing the first game 6-4 and winning the second game 4-1.

Muckdogs led 3-1 after the fifth inning until the eighth when the Black Bears had two men on base. Then Deon Stafford gave West Virginia a 5-4 lead and capped a three-run inning for the team. They added another run in the ninth to finish the game that was suspended yesterday.

In the second game, during the first inning both teams scored a run and remained tied. Bottom of the ninth bases loaded for Batavia, Marcos Rivera hit a walk-off three-run homer as the Batavia Muckdogs beat the West Virginia Black Bears 4-1.

Muckdogs' record improves to 4-3 and they are in a three-way tie for second place in the Pinckney Division with Mahoney and State College.

Next game is tomorrow night to finish the series with West Virginia, game time is 7:05 at Dwyer Stadium. There is a pre-game chicken wing eating contest sponsored by Batavia’s Original Pizza. Email Travis Sick at tsick@muckdogs.com before 4 p.m.

Law and Order: Woman accused of threatening another person through Facebook messages

By Howard B. Owens

Molly Ann Chatley, 20, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Chatley allegedly sent messages through Facebook to another person that were threatening in nature. 

Charlene Marie Poole, 46, of Donahue Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Poole is accused of shoplifting from Walmart. 

Mary Winifred McGowan, 49, of Terry Street, Byron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and driving left of the pavement markings. McGowan was stopped at 8:17 p.m. Wednesday on Terry Street, Byron, by Deputy Ryan Delong. 

Qumane James Santiago, 18, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with criminal trespass. Santiago was allegedly trespassing at a residence on Main Road, Stafford, at 8:38 p.m. Friday.  

Adam W. Hildebrant, 26, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd. Hildebrant was allegedly found in possession of brass knuckles during a parole check.

Photo: Dark clouds over Dwyer

By Howard B. Owens

A reader sent in this picture from this afternoon suggesting the cloud looked pretty ominous with a ball game scheduled. 

The Muckdogs did get the game underway, but it was later suspended and will be resumed on Sunday. 

Le Roy's Class of '67 on hand to honor 2017 grads

By Howard B. Owens

The Class of 1967 led the Class of 2017 into the auditorium Thursday for Le Roy High School's Honors Night.

More than $65,000 in awards were handed out to graduating seniors  

"We are fortunate to have many individuals and organizations in this community that dedicate efforts to raise funds for our students," Principal Tim McArdle said. "A highlight of the night was hosting members of the Class of 1967."

Jerry Howe gave a special greeting and message to the Class of 2017.

"It was awesome to have them with us last night!" McArdle said. "I would like to congratulate our seniors who received an award and were recognized for their efforts!"

Photos and info submitted by Tim McArdle.

Collins says New York provision to Medicaid funding included in Senate version of healthcare insurance bill

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today hailed the inclusion of his amendment to the House passed American Health Care Act into the Senate version of the bill. The amendment, introduced with Congressman John Faso (NY-19), would require New York State to take over the county portion of Medicaid by 2020 and would provide the largest property tax reduction ever to Western New York.
 
“This was a long fought battle against the injustice in Albany and is a big victory for taxpayers,” Congressman Collins said.
 
Federal law now permits states to share some of their costs with local governments, but New York is the only state that has imposed this level of burden on property taxpayers. Counties currently have no say in how local revenues are spent on Medicaid; they’re simply required to foot part of Albany’s bill. Local state leaders agreed that the inclusion of the amendment is important and welcome news for Western New York residents.
 
"Mandate relief has been talked about in Albany for as long as anyone can remember - it certainly wasn't new when I was talking about it as mayor. It's not a headline-grabbing or attractive issue, so meaningful proposals on mandate relief are generally swept aside. But I can tell you that it's real. It's real for the local governments who deal with tight budgets and it's real for taxpayers who pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation. I applaud Congressman Collins for bringing this issue to the forefront. Ideally, this would have been a serious discussion at the state level, but having failed that, I'm pleased that we could possibly address the crippling burden placed on our local governments as part of larger, federal health care discussions,” said State Senator Ortt.
 
“As a long-time supporter of curbing the costs of Medicaid, which would take a heavy burden off of local governments, I am proud to support Congressman Collins’ amendment. The impact on my assembly district and local taxpayers will be tremendous with estimated tax reductions of 49 percent in Orleans County and 35 percent in Genesee County. It is clear that New York’s outrageous Medicaid spending is one of the driving forces behind property and school tax increases and it is time for government to take that burden off our residents’ backs,” said Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
 
"Western New Yorkers pay some of the highest property taxes in the state. Rep. Collins' amendment fixes this problem and protects upstate taxpayers from Albany’s unfunded mandates. Removing the unfunded county Medicaid mandate is key to reducing local property taxes and growing our economy,” said Assemblyman Ray Walter. 
 
"This amendment is a blessing for upstate families, small businesses, and farms that’ve been crushed by the high taxes and unfunded mandates coming from Albany. The inclusion of this amendment is a win for our towns and villages and I appreciate Rep. Collins efforts to stand up for our taxpayers,” said Assemblyman Joseph Errigo.   
 
"I'm pleased that the Senate has included Rep. Collins's amendment in the healthcare reform bill. This promises real relief for property taxpayers in communities like Niagara County, and holds state government accountable to fund their mandates instead of passing on costs to the local level. Americans deserve access to the best healthcare possible, but it shouldn't fall to just homeowners to fund the system,” said Niagara County Legislature Chairman Wm. Keith McNall.
 
"Congressman Collins' Medicaid proposal will provide historic “real” property tax relief for hardworking local taxpayers. Currently over 30 perfect of the Ontario County property tax levy currently goes towards paying for New York's unfunded Medicaid mandate. I look forward to working with Rep. Collins and the members of the Board of Supervisors as we continue our efforts to reduce the burden on hardworking taxpayers in our community," said Jack Marren, Chairman of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors. 
 
"This is an important step forward in our fight to reduce unfunded mandates and protect local taxpayers. This measure will reduce local property taxes and help ensure that our seniors can afford to stay in their homes," said Bob Green, Vice Chairman of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors.
 
“We as a board supported a resolution in support of this measure because protecting property taxpayers is one of our prime concerns. This legislation will reduce an unfunded state mandate and help us deliver real tax relief to local homeowners,” said Eric Gott, Chairman, Livingston County Board of Supervisors.  
 
“We appreciate Rep. Collins efforts to relieve the counties of this extraordinary unfunded mandate. This will be a tremendous relief to local county property taxpayers and will allow us to invest in our infrastructure and other county services,” said Raymond Cianfrini, Chairman, Genesee County Legislature.  
 
“For years counties in New York have decried the use of property taxes to fund New York State’s expansive Medicaid program. We are optimistic that changes at the federal level can result in real, substantive, positive changes to the bottom line for county property taxpayers,” said David B. Callard, Chairman, Orleans County Legislature.
 
The Senate is expected to vote next week on their version of the Obamacare repeal bill.

RTS implements changes Monday

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

RTS announced today that service improvements stemming from the Regional Service Efficiency Study conducted in 2016 will be implemented in Genesee and Wyoming counties on Monday, June 26.
 
“These improvements to our transit system are a direct result of the engagement and feedback from customers and stakeholders in these respective communities, and months of hard work from the RTS team,” said Bill Carpenter, CEO at RTS. “We encourage our customers to provide input on the new changes in the coming days and weeks to help us ensure the most efficient operation possible.”   
 
The improvements are as follows:
 
RTS Genesee
 
Routes 1, 2, 3 and 4 will be renamed 211, 212, 213 and 214. Aside from the renaming of the routes, the biggest changes include the addition of service on Saturdays, connections to Orleans and Wyoming counties, and the creation of a “Countywide Runner.” The details of these and other improvements are as follows:
 
·   We retained a good portion of current route system (routes 211 and 212);
·   Route 212 will begin earlier in the morning to continue service to the Middle/High School and create additional opportunity for rides to work;
·   We added transportation to Big Tree Glen 10 times a day, Monday – Friday;
·   We integrated the early morning Genesee Community College (GCC) run into current routes and added additional transportation for a total of six trips to GCC;
·   We added a midday service run to Le Roy;
·   We added Saturday service;
·   We now connect with Orleans and Wyoming counties at K-Mart on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8:55 a.m., 11:55 a.m. and 2:55 p.m., and;
·   We merged our Dial-A-Ride and Countywide service to create a “Countywide runner.” This countywide service is now available Monday – Friday to anywhere in the county not within ¾ miles of the route. This service will focus on countywide and medical appointments.
 
Following are the links to the new RTS Genesee route maps on our website:
·   RTS Genesee Routes 210 & 211
·   RTS Genesee Routes 212 & 213
·   RTS Genesee Route 214

Registration open for environmental science camp

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Spots are still open for Environmental Science Career Exploration Camp, July 10th – 14th at Genesee County Park & Forest! Rising eighth- through 11th-graders will have a fun-filled week in the forest with hiking, identifying plant species, navigating, taking forest inventories, performing land bird surveys and more.

Discover and sample careers in Environmental Science through presentations and hands-on activities led by professionals in 10 different fields including Forestry, Conservation Law Enforcement, Wildlife Management, and Environmental Planning. Environmental Science Career Exploration Camp takes place Monday July 10th – Friday July 14th, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Camp meets at the Interpretive Nature Center at Genesee County Park & Forest.

To register, download the registration form from our website at

http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/docs/Environmental_Science_Career_Exploration_Camp_Registration_For m.pdf. Return completed forms with payment to:

Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry Attn: Paul Osborn
153 Cedar St.
Batavia, NY 14020

For more information contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us
or (585) 344-1122. Follow us on Facebook at Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry.

Environmental Science! Camp is $95/camper and includes a camp T-shirt, lunch, snacks and supplies.

Get outside and do “work” projects.

Explore the world of environmental conservation at New York State’s First County Forest.

Register by Tuesday, June 27.

Ranzenhofer kicks off summer reading program

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer is encouraging students to continue growing, learning and developing– even though school is out of session until September– by participating in his Summer Reading Program.

“As the school year comes to an end, students are turning their thoughts away from books to vacation. This program is a great way to promote literacy and keep children’s minds active when they are not in a classroom. I encourage students to indulge in the wonderful world of books by participating in the Summer Reading Program,” Ranzenhofer said.

The theme of this year’s program is "Build A Better World." For more information, students and parents can log on to ranzenhofer.nysenate.gov, create a profile, record reading progress, share books on Facebook and earn a certificate.

Evidence shows that children who stop reading over the summer break often fall behind when they return to class in September. More than 2.1 million students participated in summer reading at New York libraries last year.

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