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What Was That Toe Tappin' Music on Main Street?

By Gregory Langen

Over 100 residents of the 400 Towers and their families and friends enjoyed a picnic on June 20 in spite of the rain.  Lou Signore's 10-piece band played everyone's favorite music from the 30's, 40's and 50's under a tent on the front lawn, and a sumptuous picnic feast was enjoyed thanks to the efforts of the 400 Towers Resident Council and all the residents who pitched in.

Talk about co-operation from the weatherman!  The rain stopped when the band started, and held off until they finished.

This was just one of many varied events planned throughout the year by our Resident Council, which always does a terrific job! 

Our special thanks - this event was made possible by a grant from the Genesee Senior Foundation, Inc., funded by the Rochester Area Community Foundation's Muriel H. Marshall Fund for the Aging.

Deputies and GCASA team up to crack down on under-age drinking at concert

By Howard B. Owens

The Sheriff's Office announced today that during Friday's Def Leppard/Poison concert at Darien Lake Theme Park 15 young people were arrested for alleged under-age drinking.

The operation, aimed at aggressively clamping down on under-age drinking during the concert, was co-sponsored by GCASA.

The names and ages of the people charged are:

  • Kaitly M. Rozwood, 18, Blasdell
  • Kayla M. Kinsley, 19, Blasdell
  • Timothy L. Kiebzak, 18, Kenmore
  • Brandon C. Costanzo, 20, Buffalo
  • Ellie N. McGee, 18, Williamsville
  • Jillian E. Pettis, 20, Williamsville
  • Thomas D. Meyer, 20, Belfast
  • Ashton M. Meyer, 20, Bath
  • Joey J. Ruderman, 19, Cheektowaga
  • Tara M. Wojtkowski, 18, Savona
  • Michelle C. Schwegler, 20, North Tonowanda
  • Valerie D. Kostart, 20, Noth Tonowanda

Plus one 17-year-old male and a 16-year-old male from Rochester.

Alleged heist of scrap metal thwarted by Sheriff's deputies

By Howard B. Owens

Five men from Rochester apparently thought they were pretty clever last night when they showed up to the CSX railroad tracks on Route 98 in the Town of Batavia with a plan to use a logging truck to steal scrap metal.

Not clever enough, though, to avoid observation by Sheriff's Deputies.

Deputy Chief Jerry Brewster told WBTA this morning that lawmen watched the alleged would-be thieves load the scrap metal onto the the logging truck and then tailed the vehicle into Batavia where the truck was stopped in a well-lit area.

The scrap metal was owned by Ed Arnold Scrap Processors of Corfu.

The five men arrested in connection with the case are:

Christopher H. Monfort, 37, of 113 Pine Street, East Rochester, charged with two counts of grand larceny. Monfort allegedly stole scrap valued in excess of $12,000 during the weekend of June 19-21. In last night's case, he's accused of trying to steal scrap worth more than $4,000. He is held without bail.

Anthony Toscano, 44, 918 S. Goodman St., Rochester, is charged with one count of grand larceny. He is held without bail.

Richard E. Riedman, 35, 542 Klem Road, Webster, is charged with one count of grand larceny. He is being held on $15,000 bail.

Anthony J. Russell, 35, of 75 Snug Harbor Court, Rochester, is charged with one count of grand larceny. He is being held in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Timothy M. Stone, 29, 3735 Chili Ave., Rochester, is charged with one count of grand larceny. He is being held on $10,000 bail.

Assisting the Sheriff's Office were the State Police and the Batavia Police Department.

Today's Deals: Valle Jewelers, Present Tense, Blue Pearl

By Howard B. Owens

Today's Deals:

Valle Jewelers, 21 Jackson St., Batavia, N.Y.: Does your ring need a good cleaning, re-sizing or its prongs reset? Your gift certificate from The Batavian can be used for jewelry repair services. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Present Tense Books, 101 Washington Ave., Batavia, N.Y.: Present Tense is a great independent bookseller which sponsors a variety of book-related events and sells some great gifts. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: Exercise your soul as well as your body in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. We have a gift certificate for a seven-week session ($56 value) for $28.

A $1 PayPal service fee applies.

Rules: The gift certificate must be used by within 30 days of purchase. It is not valid with other offers and has no cash value.  People who have won a certificate in the past 30 days are not eligible to win a certificate from the same business as before.  By state law, gift certificates cannot be used for alcohol purchase.

How to Win: Purchase using the PayPal "Buy Now" button below. After the first person to hit the "buy now" button completes the purchase, PayPal will let you know that the item has been sold. Ideally, the winner will arrange to stop by my office on Main Street to pick up gift certificate. Mail is an option, but it would be better to hand you the gift certificate. 

If you want to be notified via e-mail of future Deals of the Day, sign up for the Deals of the Day e-mail list by clicking here.

Merchants: If you would like your business featured in Deal of the Day, call Howard Owens at 260-6970.

Valle Jewelers

sold

Present Tense Books

sold

Blue Pearl Yoga

sold

Muckdogs split pair in Williamsport, but maintain slim first-place margin

By Howard B. Owens

The Batavia Muckdogs remain a mere percentage point ahead of Mahoning Valley in the Pinckney division after splitting a double header with the Williamsport Crosscutters on Monday.

Batavia took the first game 5-1 as Matt Carpenter and Ryde Rodriquez continued to swing hot bats, each picking up a pair of RBIs.

Devin Goodwin also had two hits from the lead off spot while Xavier Scruggs continues putting together a good start to the season with a double and an RBI.

San Diego native Deryk Hooker pitched five innings giving up four hits and no runs to pick up his first win of the season.

In the second game, Crosscutters' pitching held the Muckdogs to only five hits, with only D'Marcus Ingram notching a multi-hit game. The Muckdogs dropped the nightcap 4-3, with Joshua Squatrito taking the loss -- his first of the season.

Squatrito pitched one and a third inning giving up two runs, but only one of those was earned. 

San Diego State grad Tyler Lavigne pitched the first three and two-thirds innings, giving up two earned runs.

The Muckdogs battle the Crosscutters again tonight in Williamsport at 7:05. Batavia returns home tomorrow for a 7:05 p.m. game against Jamestown and then are home again Friday night against the Jammers.

2nd Consolidation meeting tonight at Batavia High School

By Howard B. Owens

Where do you stand on consolidation?

If you still have things to say, questions to ask and points to ponder -- you should attend the second of two community meetings on the consolidation question at Batavia High School tonight at 7.

The consolidation study committee will be there to explain the consolidation proposal as it stands now (it's subject to change based on community feedback) and answer questions.

Library usage up, funding should remain stable county commitee told

By Howard B. Owens

When times get tough, library usage goes up, according to Thomas C. Bindeman, executive director of the Nioga Library System, which helps manage six libraries in Genesee County.

Bindeman told the County Legislature's Human Service Commitee today that with increased usage its important to keep the county's share of library funding at its current $60,000 level.

In tough times, people also check out more books. Circulation at the six libraries was up 60,000 in 2008 vs. 2007.

"When economic times get tough use of libraries skyrockets," Bindeman said.

People who are finding it hard to pay for their home internet usage show up at the library more, Bindeman said. They use the computer libraries to handle online banking and to check their e-mail.

Car hits deer on Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road, minor injury reported

By Howard B. Owens

A car reportedly struck a deer at 2629 Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road.  A passenger reportedly suffered facial lacerations and the white Ford Blazer is in a ditch at the side of the road.

UPDATE: We received an accident report on this accident late this afternoon from the Sheriff's Office.

Seven-year-old MiKayla McLain was reportedly injured in this accident when he was partially ejected from the vehicle. MiKayla reportedly suffered head injuries with severe bleeding and was transport via ambulance to UMMC. He was semi-conscious at the time of transport, according to the accident report.

The vehicle was reportedly driven by Jason McLain, 33, of 31 Walnut St., upper, Batavia.  McLain complained of head pain.

McLain was issued three citation. One for reportedly not wearing a safety belt, one for not properly restraining a child age 7 to 15, and one for reportedly driving without a license.

The accident was investigated by Deputy L.A. Nati.

 


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Today's Deals: Belladessa's, Enchanted Florist, South Main Country Gifts

By Howard B. Owens

Today:

Jackson St. Grill/Belladessa's Pizzeria, 9 Jackson St., Batavia: From homemade soups, desserts to pizza, the Grill and Pizzeria offers a fully menu of great meals. Today, we have a Family Deal (value $25), which includes a large one-topping pizza, 24 wings and 2 liter soft drink for $12.50 (half off).

The Enchanted Florist, 2002 East Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: Whether you need just the right gift or a memorial or simply want to brighten up your home or work place, The Enchanted Florist can put together a fantastic floral arrangement for you. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, N.Y.: Always a great place for gifts, South Main just brought in a bunch of new merchandise from the region. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

A $1 PayPal service fee applies.

Rules: The gift certificate must be used by within 30 days of purchase. It is not valid with other offers and has no cash value.  People who have won a certificate in the past 30 days are not eligible to win a certificate from the same business as before.  By state law, gift certificates cannot be used for alcohol purchase.

How to Win: Purchase using the PayPal "Buy Now" button below. After the first person to hit the "buy now" button completes the purchase, PayPal will let you know that the item has been sold. Ideally, the winner will arrange to stop by my office on Main Street to pick up gift certificate. Mail is an option, but it would be better to hand you the gift certificate. 

If you want to be notified via e-mail of future Deals of the Day, sign up for the Deals of the Day e-mail list by clicking here.

Merchants: If you would like your business featured in Deal of the Day, call Howard Owens at 260-6970.

The Enchanted Florist

Jackson St./Belladessa

SOLD

South Main

SOLD

An Introduction from Batavia council candidate Phil Ricci

By

Hello Everyone!

I think it’s high time for me to officially introduce myself. My name is Phil Ricci and I am running for the Batavia City Council At Large seat this November. As in the past I come to you all with great humility and an eagerness to serve this city through the next phase of its evolution. Even though I would be considered to many as the “newcomer”, I am confident that you will find my ideas and ideals very much in line with what is needed for this position.

My young public service career has seen me thus far as a member of the Batavia City School’s Board of Education, President of the Batavia Youth Board and member of the School’s Audit Committee. As a whole, I have strived to be the positive young voice that stands for controlled spending and forward thinking initiatives that benefit us in the long run, not just the short term. It is my belief that we must act responsibly not just for the current generation, but to our future ones as well. My two young children, Delilah and Vivian, serve as my constant reminder that my actions carry more weight than just a day’s vote, but in fact could help or harm them for years to come.

In my private profession I have been in finance and business management for almost ten years, running and creating profitable businesses that produce jobs and opportunities for many. I am also a small business owner and financial consultant and realize the detriment that our expanded governments cause on the very life blood of our economy.    

My platform is simple: It’s time to get “Back to Basics!” It has been my experience that the more government is involved, the more complicated and difficult it becomes to get anything done! It’s not government’s job to solve every problem we have, but it is the responsibility of that body to provide a safe and reasonable place for us to live and grow our families. Even though we have done a good job of reducing our past debts, we are not done by far! It is one thing for any prospective candidate to sit before you and make promises to maintain tax levels and continue to do good works, but that is just not good enough anymore! We must find sensible, pragmatic and realistic solutions to become more efficient and effective in how we govern. We must also do whatever we can to clean up our neighbors so that not only can we can be safe, but reduce our taxes and create real growth through economic development.

If I am given the honor to serve the City of Batavia, I will do my best to represent the public’s interests and remain open to any and all ideas that are brought to my attention. I know that I am new, but I believe that it is time for my generation to stand and put our hands to the plow. I thank you for allowing me this brief time with you and welcome any questions you may have. I look forward to meeting you all as I put the rubber to cement this summer!

Respectfully Yours,
Phil Ricci

Muckdogs start week atop division with 5-2 record

By Howard B. Owens

Matt Carpenter and Ryde Rodriguez  each collected three hits while Xavier Scruggs homered to lead the Muckdogs to a 9-2 victory over Jamestown Saturday.

Sunday's game against Williamsport was rained out.

At 5-2, the Muckdog's are in first place in the Pinckney division, a half game ahead of Mahoning Valley.

Carpenter is leading the league with a .483 batting average. Rodriquez is the early RBI leader with nine.

The Muckdogs play a double header in Williamsport today (making up Sunday's rain out), and face Williamsport again tomorrow. The team returns home Wednesday and Friday to host Jamestown (with fireworks following Friday's game, of course).

Police Beat: Trespass alleged at College Village

By Howard B. Owens

Patrick Wolff, 18, 34 Vine St., Batavia, is charged with trespass. He is accused of entering College Village after being banned from the area.

Brian Griffin, 24, 14 Orchard St, Oakfield, is charged with criminal contempt. Griffin allegedly violated an order of protection by visiting the protected person at home.

Daniel J. Berhow, 23, 1640 Carmen Road, Barker, is accused of criminal mischief, harassment and DWI following an incident Friday night on Route 33 in the Town of Batavia. Berhow allegedly choked another person and punched out the window to her car. Further investigation revealed that he apparently drove while intoxicated. An order of protection was issued following the incident.

Michael J. Hoffman, 40, 5106 Parker Road, Hamburg, was charged with DWI following a traffic stop on Colby Road in Darien for allegedly driving without tail lamps. Hamburg is accused of having a BAC of .08 or greater.

Phillip Ehnot, 30,  23 Harvester Ave., Batavia, is in jail on $2,000 bail. According to Batavia police, Ehnot reportedly grabbed his wife and threw her to the ground, pulling her hair. He also allegedly pushed his son into some stairs. He is charged with harassment and endangering the welfare of a child. The alleged incident occurred Saturday night just after 10 p.m.

My Son at Work!

By Bea McManis

Make sure you stop and say "hi" to Jim if you see him at any local carnivals; parades and other events as he explains the virtues of the Fuel Car.  Let him know you read about it at thebatavian.com

GCASA and Sheriff's Office message: Don't host underage drinking parties

By Howard B. Owens

Found this video on GCASA's blog.

In another item, there's also this:

GCASA held the annual DWI Victim Impact Panel Recognition Dinner on Friday, June 19, 2009 at Bohn's restaurant in Batavia, NY. At that dinner, Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Howard J. Carlson was honored for his exeptional service having made 22 DWI arrests in 2008 with a 98% conviction rate.

New York State Trooper, Eric J. Daigler was also honored. He had 19 DWI arrests.

Jackson Square Ghostriders

By daniel cherry


Jackson Square concert series kicked off with the Ghostriders.There were quite a few people out last night.I thought i'd add the seagull picture too.They've taken over downtown.I did a short video but the sound is bad cause i was by the speaker.And used auto mic setting.When i should have set the mic manually.

Red Cross looking for volunteers to help in case of emergency

By Howard B. Owens

The Genesee County Chapter of the American Red Cross is recruiting volunteers to help staff emergency shelters at area high schools.

Loren Penman provided the video and the following information:

The Genesee County Chapter of the American Red Cross is one of only 128 chapters in the nation (and 6 in New York State) to have been awarded a competitive grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation.  The funds support grassroots efforts for disaster response and projects to build local capacity in our communities.  According to a Wal-Mart Foundation press release, the goal of the disaster readiness effort funded by this donation is to ensure that smaller, rural communities can respond to the needs of its residents in the first few days of a disaster.

The grants will help the Red Cross chapters acquire and maintain material and human resources necessary to manage relief operations and will also be used to improve community relationships.  Being prepared with trained people and adequate supplies on hand prior to a disaster event can help save lives, time and money, the press release goes on to say.

A total of $5 million was awarded to Red Cross chapters in 44 states and 3 U.S. territories.  Grant proposals were evaluated at the national level; local Wal-Mart stores were not involved in the process.

The Genesee County Chapter's project involves the purchase of critical disaster supplies and equipment, particularly for use in emergency shelters.  Another part of the project will recruit and train high school students in Batavia, Byron-Bergen and Oakfield-Alabama to serve as shelter volunteers in their respective school buildings.  Included in the grant are monies to support AmeriCorps positions (one in each district) to work with faculty advisors in order to develop full-fledged, student emergency response teams.

A video has been created to help prospective student volunteers understand how they can become involved.  For more information, contact Loren Penman at lpenman1@yahoo.com

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.
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