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House fire on River Street in the city

By Billie Owens

A house fire is reported at 100 River St. in the City of Batavia. City firefighters are en route. Town of Batavia Fire Department is also called. The fire is fully involved.

UPDATE 10:40 p.m.: The Town of Batavia's Fast Team is also called and Alexander is asked to fill in at the city fire hall.

UPDATE 10:42 p.m.: All occupants are evacuated. A medic is called to evaluate a female for smoke inhalation and another ambulance is called to stand by at the scene.

UPDATE 10:45 p.m.: River Street will be shut down at Pearl Street.

UPDATE 10:48 p.m.: The city's Fast Team is asked to continue and its second engine is told to stand down.

UPDATE 10:49 p.m.: People at the scene tried to resuscitate a dog on the property but failed.

UPDATE 10:55 p.m.: National Grid has been notified. No ETA given.

UPDATE 11:04 p.m.: The location is actually a duplex, with smoke spewing from both units, 100 and 102 River St.

UPDATE 11:19 p.m.: The fire is under control.

Motorcycle stolen 14 years ago returns from England to its home in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Mike Lullo kept the key tacked to a bulletin board in his office for years.

"I told my wife, 'I'm going to ride that motorcycle again.' "

Her response, "yeah, yeah, yeah."

Soon, Lullo will ride that motorcycle again.

The motorcycle in question arrived in Batavia last night and was uncrated outside his insurance office on Center Street this morning.

It's a 1969 BSA Rocket III, a highly desirable bike in its day that Lullo acquired in 1975 while attending college in Albany.

It was his primary transportation for awhile. He took it on some road trips, and on one of those trips it broke down.

Lullo took the bike into the basement of a building he owned and started repair work.

"It was at the time what’s known as a basket case," Lullo said. "It had broken down, had some engine problems and was being repaired. It was somewhat disassembled, so to the untrained eye it was just a bunch of parts, a frame with some wheels on it."

One of Lullo's tenants took it upon himself to sell the bike to somebody locally. It was some time before Lullo discovered the bike was missing and about 11 years ago, he reported it stolen.

The former tenant still lives in Batavia and recently told police, Lullo said, that he sold the bike because Lullo told him to clean out the basement and get rid of everything.

"Yeah, right," Lullo said.

Even if the former tenant admitted to stealing the bike, it wouldn't matter much now.

"The statute of limitations is only five years," Lullo said. "That was 14 years ago. There's no touching him at this point. I'm just happy to get the bike back."

The tenant got $150 for the BSA and it changed hands a couple of times before it was sold to a man in Syracuse for $200.

That buyer sold the motorcycle on Ebay last November for $3,350.

In March, one of Lullo's insurance customers came into his office and they started talking motorcycles.

Lullo mentioned he once owned a BSA, and the customer said, he once did, too.  Lullo asked him to describe the bike.

"It was your bike, wasn't it, Mike?" the customer said.

With that clue, Lullo was able to find the guy in Syracuse who wound up with the motorcycle and sold it on Ebay.

At that point, Lullo recontacted Batavia PD. Det. Pat Corona got involved in the case and between the two of them -- Corona contacted Ebay for help -- they were able to track down the online transaction and the buyer in England.

The buyer in England is a retired fellow, Lullo said, who is quite into motorcycles and buys and sells parts on Ebay.

"He was a bit taken aback when he discovered he had purchased a stolen motorcycle and really didn’t want to give it back because he had invested a lot into the restoration," Lullo said.

The man shared receipts with Lullo showing $7,500 in work on the motorcycle.

The restoration project was never completed because once the man found out he would be sending the motorcycle back to the U.S. he stopped working on the project.

He returned the bike and all the original and restored parts, professionally packed in a well-constructed crate.

Lullo paid for the shipping and reimbursed the man in England for some of the restoration, otherwise, the man in England is out his purchase price and some of the restoration expense.

While Lullo expressed some sympathy for the man, he did buy a motorcycle without absolutely no documentation and once Lullo established rightful ownership the man in England, legally, had to turn it.

According to Lullo, because the buyer is in England, Ebay's buyer protection program doesn't apply to the transaction.

Proving Lullo owned the BSA wasn't necessarily easy. 

Back in the 1970s, New York didn't issue title on motorcycles, so all he had was sales receipt and a registration. Those documents disappeared with the bike.

One of the things Lullo learned about the bike the man in England had was that it was missing a side panel.

When the bike was originally stolen, the thief and/or buyer left behind a side panel.

The paint job was a custom color and that color matched the color of the bike at the time the buyer in England received the motorcycle pieces.

That helped prove Lullo was the proper owner of the motorcycle.

Getting the motorcycle back to the United States proved problematic. It was shipped to England as motorcycle parts along with other freight, so there was no export record for a motorcycle, so to customs it looked like a new import. Lullo had to produce police records and other documentation to prove the bike was being repatriated to the U.S.

After not hearing from customs, Lullo called Newark and this time he apparently got the right guy on the phone who said simply, "Your bike is ready. Come and pick it up."

Immediately, Lullo jumped in his pickup truck and drove down to Newark to retrieve a very important connection to his youth.

After unpacking it today, he stood back, held his arms out wide and with a broad grin said, "It's back home."

Annual external audit presented for city schools

By Kathie Scott

Annual External Audit Report Presented

David Mancuso of Freed Maxick, CPAs, PC, presented a summary of their audit of the basic financial statements of the Batavia City School District for the fiscal year that ended June 30, indicating that there were no significant, unusual or controversial transactions or accounting practices.  

   Some specific points from the report and presentation follow. 

  • The district currently maintains an A1 credit rating from Moody’s Credit Corporation, which is among the highest in Genesee County. 
  • Amid uncertain economic times, the district has been successful in efforts to spend and budget conservatively, as well as to plan for the long-term by setting funds aside in reserve for specific areas of concern: unemployment insurance, retirement contribution, repairs, and employee benefit liability. In an economic climate where the future is likely to see reduced state aid as well as increased expenses, continued economic conservatism is to be encouraged.   
  • The district total tax levy has increased only $473,599 or 2.97 percent since 2007-08 or an average yearly increase of $94,720 or averaging 0.59 percent, while at the same time maintaining most of our educational program offerings by restructuring its educational plan and building footprint.  
  • The district finished the year with an unexpected general fund surplus of approximately $451,519. This was primarily due to conservative budget estimates in difficult-to-predict categories such as to special education services, foster care tuition, and utilities; being able to cover some budgeted payroll costs with money from grants, delaying purchasing and savings in utilities because of a rather mild winter. The district was able to put this money into the retirement contribution reserve to help with future increases in employer contribution rate increases which are tentatively anticipated to rise over 18 percent for 2013-14 and 13 percent for 2014-15. 
  • The unassigned fund balance (formerly referred to as undesignated fund balance) of the district’s general fund was $1,508,767 and this amount was within the state’s limit of 4 percent of the ensuing year’s budget, excluding of the amount designated for the subsequent year’s budget.  

The complete report will be available on the district’s Web site (www.bataviacsd.org): go to the “District” tab for a drop-down menu, scroll down and click on “Business Office,” click on “Financial Reports,” then scroll down to the appropriate report. 

More after the jump, click on the headline.

Jackson Primary School Toured

Jackson Primary School Principal Diane Bonarigo welcomed the board of education members and guests to the school which now houses two universal pre-kindergarten classrooms (each with a morning and afternoon class), 10 kindergarten classes, nine first-grade classes, and one 12:1 class. In addition to providing a tour of the facility, she introduced several initiatives that will begin soon. The first, Science Stars, “starring” first-graders, will run from November to June and will involve various labs and activities that will culminate in a science fair. A second will be an ELA and math night this fall for students and their parents in which teachers will plan and present fun lessons aligned with the Common Core Standards. In January, advanced writers and readers will have an opportunity to publish a piece of their work, ideally one with a national audience.

Annual Professional Performance Review Plan (APPR) Approved

In the final step before submitting it to the NYS Education Department (NYSED), Deputy Superintendent Chris Dailey presented the district’s APPR plan to the board for its approval. In his presentation, he explained the 100-point scoring system that is used to rate teachers and principals as highly effective (91-100 points), effective (75-90 points), developing (65-74 points), or ineffective (0-64 points), noting that “effective” and “highly effective” are the only acceptable target scores. In addition, he explained state and local criteria and measurement tools -- such as student grades on state and/or local assessments, on-site observations by a supervisor, and setting and meeting targeted goals that boost student success -- that are used to determine scores. While the APPR format is new, the process of staff development and of implementing strategies to improve student learning -- the true aim of the APPR plan -- have long been the standard.

The board adopted the plan which now will be sent to the NYS Education Department for approval. While expecting the plan to be approved by the state, Mr. Dailey also reminded the board that this was a one-year plan so the committee will continue to review and adjust it in preparation for next year. The board and superintendent of schools commended Mr. Dailey and the committee for their work in the development of the plan.

The APPR plan, once approved by the state, will be posted on the district Web site.

2013-2014 Budget Calendar and Board’s Budget Guidelines

Business Administrator Scott Rozanski submitted for approval a budget calendar to be followed for the preparation and presentation of the 2012-2013 spending plan for the district, leading up to the vote in May. Some important dates to note include the following:

·                Deadline for turning in Budget Ambassador applications: Jan. 3

·                Budget Ambassador meetings: Feb. 13 and 20

·                Board of Education petitions due: April 24

·                Voter Registration Day: April 24

·                Proposed Budget available for public view: May 6

·                Presentation of Proposed Budget/Propositions: May 14, 7 p.m., Batavia High

·                Budget, Board of Education, and Propositions (if any) vote: May 21, 7 a.m. through 9 p.m. at Batavia High and John Kennedy Intermediate schools.

He also presented suggested guidelines requiring board input and approval, based on parameters that the board has set in the past for the development of the preliminary budget. Those guidelines, as approved by the board, include:

  • Meet all applicable mandates, and health, safety, and legal requirements;
  • Fulfill all contractual obligations;
  • Support educational programs and services vital to successful implementation of the district mission and vision;
  • Identify alternative funding sources;
  • Prepare the first draft of the 2013-14 budget with a tax levy increase over the 2012-13 budget of no more than the Consumer Price Index, or the calculated tax levy cap.

Student Count and Consolidation; Superintendent Report

Superintendent of Schools Margaret Puzio reported that the annual count of students which provides a snapshot of student enrollment -- the Basic Educational Data System (BEDS) -- held no big surprises. The district has 23 more students than at this time last year, most of which are in the ninth grade and, to a slightly lesser degree, the fifth grade.

In continuing to check in on the consolidation process, Mrs. Puzio visited the fifth-grade wing at the middle school during one of the enrichment periods held twice a week. Noting that “it was even better than expected,” she cited the students’ enthusiasm and engagement in their activities, which included groups involved in keyboarding, math games, an art project, and a creative thinking activity. Staying through dismissal, she was pleased to report that it all went very smoothly.

Griswold Road over Black Creek in Stafford closed indefinitely for work

By Billie Owens

Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center reports that a portion of Griswold Road in Stafford is now closed for road work until further notice. It's the part that spans Black Creek, with an address of 6120 Griswold Road on the west, and 6164 on the east.

Virginia creeper showing her colors

By JIM NIGRO

If you've spent any time outdoors in the past couple of weeks, chances are you've noticed the telltale coloration of Virginia creeper off in the distance, whether in the hedgerows or the edges of woodlots. 

Often mistaken for poison ivy, Virginia creeper, aka parthenocissus quinquefolia, is a prolific climber.

Also called "five finger" because of the number of leaves per cluster, Virginia creeper's vivid shades of red and burgundy start to appear well ahead of the peak autumn foliage colors.

Maybe it's me, but this year the colorful vine seems to be permeating the countryside, its colors more resplendent than in years past.   

Whether hiking or driving, it has been hard to take my eyes off of it -- and numerous times over the past couple of weeks I've heard Claudia say, "Watch the road!"

Second time around for GCC students' 'Walk for a Cure'

By Daniel Crofts

When Genesee Community College students in the "Alpha Iota Upsilon" chapter of Phi Theta Kappa met for their organizational meeting over a year ago, they came to realize that they had all been affected by breast cancer in some way or another.

"Be it a family member, friend, or acquaintance," said Chapter President Thomas Wieszczyk,"we all knew someone who had battled breast cancer."

That's why they started "Walk for a Cure," a walk in honor of breast cancer victims and survivors that will be heldat 10 a.m. on Saturday on GCC grounds (at 1 College Road in Batavia). This will be the second annual walk; the above photo, which features student officers and volunteers, is from last year.

Pre-registration is not required to participate in the walk, which is open to the public. Lasting about 30-45 minutes, it will begin at the nature trail west of the campus and then wind its way through the woods and across the field, ending at the student forum.

Tickets cost $3, and T-shirts can be purchased for an additional $4.

Around 11 a.m., there will be a post-walk gathering in the student forum with refreshments -- including drinks and pizza from Mark's Pizzeria -- guest speakers and information on how to conduct a self-examination.

Guest speakers will include Bobbie Noto of GCC, Sharon Occhino of "Komen for the Cure" and Susan Smith, a GCC student and breast cancer survivor.

The event will also feature:

  • A raffle including gift baskets, gift certificates and a pink ribbon quilt; and
  • A Chinese Auction that will include gift certificates to Settler's Restaurant, Burger King, Denny's, the National Museum of Play in Rochester, Total Tan, Continental School of Beauty and more.

According to Wieszczyk, "Walk for a Cure" was sparked by a desire to start a "project that would help our community, raise student involvement within the community and fit into Phi Theta Kappa's national initiative for that year."

"Our then-president, Devon Kleinbach, called for order and said that she would very much like to do a breast cancer awareness walk."

The first walk raised over $1,000, which was donated to United Memorial Medical Center "to cover the cost of breast cancer screening for people who could not otherwise afford it."

The same will be done with this year's proceeds.

So far, the students of Phi Theta Kappa have gotten a lot of support, with community organizations and individuals donating gift baskets and nearly $300 raised from a pre-walk bake sale on Tuesday.

"If things continue in this fashion," Wieszczyk said, "we will have another phenomenal year."

Photo submitted by Thomas Wieszczyk

One man killed another seriously hurt in accident on Lockport Road, Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

A one-car accident on Lockport Road, Oakfield, claimed the life of a 21-year-old South Alabama resident and sent another man to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The accident occurred at 7:19 p.m. near the intersection of Bliss Road.

Stephen T. Ferry was driving a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix when he lost control of the vehicle for unknown reasons. The car slid sideways, struck a small pine tree and then a larger tree on the driver's side.

Ferry was pronounced dead at the scene.

His passenger, 19-year-old Jonathan T. Coombs, of Orchard Street, Oakfield, was apparently ejected from the vehicle.

Coombs was transported to ECMC by Mercy Flight with what authorities describe as life-threatening injuries.

The cause of the accident has not been determined.

Responding to the accident were Oakfield and Alabama fire departments and Mercy EMS.

The investigation is being conducted by Deputy James Diehl, Deputy Eric Seppala, Deputy Patrick Reeves and Investigator Timothy Weis.

Assisting at the scene were Deputy Joseph Graff and Trooper Holly Hansel.

(Initial Report)

Batavia PD looking for gold Chevy S-10 involved in hit-and-run accident

By Howard B. Owens

At about 6:12 p.m., Thursday, a gold-colored Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck reportedly struck another vehicle on East Main Street at Elm Street and fled the scene.

Batavia PD is looking for assistance in locating the vehicle and driver.

The other car reportedly suffered extensive damage.

While the license plate number is unknown, it's believed the truck had New York Empire gold and blue license plates.

The truck should have extensive hood and front passenger-side damage.

The vehicle was last seen heading north on Elm Street.

The driver is described as a white male, from 30 to 40 years, average height and blond hair.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Batavia PD at 345-6350. The confidential tip line is 345-6370.

Photos: Ringneck Marsh, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

By Howard B. Owens

'

One thing I haven't spent enough time doing is exploring the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge -- what a great resource for Genesee County.

Prior to the public hearing in Alabama Thursday night, I headed out to the refuge a few hours ahead of time with the specific idea of going to a part of the park I'd seen previously and thought was quite scenic. It's actually in Orleans County, but hey, most of the refuge in in Genesee County. I believe the area is called Ridgeneck Ringneck Marsh. It's off Oak Orchard Ridge Road, which is in the northern part of the refuge.

Here are the pictures I took.

BTW: Not that any of these pictures are worthy of entry, but entries are being accepted now for the Friends of Iroquois NWR photo contest. The deadline is Sept. 1, 2013.

'

Speakers in Alabama express hope and fear over proposed 1,200 acre technology park

By Howard B. Owens

For Holly Nelson, the proposed 1,200-acre technology business park in the Town of Alabama is both something to dread and something that seems like a good opportunity.

She's not alone in her conflicted feelings. Nearly a dozen people spoke at a public hearing Thursday night in the town's fire hall and expressed both a wish that Alabama remain a small, rural community, and that it embrace jobs and growth.

"I moved back here so I could be in the country," Nelson said during a short statement where she fought back tears. "If we had known what would happen, that this would be proposed, when we started building our home, we never would have built it. My whole family is here and loves Alabama. I don't want to lose that, but I do want my kids to be able to stay here and have a place to work. I'm so torn."

After speaking another minute or so, she said, "I'm scared," and seemingly unable to hold back the tears any longer, she walked away from the mic.

The purpose of Thursday's meeting was to give interested members of the public -- especially Alabama residents -- a chance to raise any issues with a proposed compensation package from the Genesee County Economic Development Center and the necessary changes in zoning for the site.

In all, the total estimated benefit to the town is $8.5 million, including $5.2 million for a new public water system. The town will also receive a commission on the sale of the land in park -- to be known as the Science, Technology, Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) -- as manufacturers are signed to build facilities on the property.

The first speaker was an organized labor representative who encouraged Alabama residents to support STAMP because both in the construction and in the new factories, it could bring good-paying jobs to the region.

He was followed by Alabama resident Doug Crosen who encouraged the town board to not be swayed by outside voices.

"There's going to be huge pressure from the outside both for and against it, but the decision better be about our town," Crosen said.

Among Crosen's concerns is whether the money for public water will cover hook-ups for residents, and whether residents will have the option to say on well water.

Anita Goras said she had split feelings about the project.

"This is going to be in my back yard and that's where my cows are right now," Goras said. "I am open. I know I'm not going to live forever and I would like to see my grandchildren be able to come back here and work."

Kevin Sheehan, deputy mayor for Albion, told the board that if Alabama didn't want STAMP, Orleans County will take it. He encouraged the board to approve the project for the sake of all of Western New York.

Bruce Pritchett -- who grew up in Alabama, still lives on Maple Road, and teaches in Albion -- said he understands the desire to keep Alabama a small farming community, but young people, he said, need jobs, they need a reason to say in Genesee County.

"There are not a lot of jobs available," Pritchett said. "We send our jobs overseas. There's nothing here for people. This is a great opportunity. As a community, I hope we take advantage of this opportunity we have and make the best of it."

Tom Walsh, a Corfu resident, said he understands the resistance from some, but encouraged Alabama to move forward with the project.

"I know it scares a lot of people," Walsh said. "If it came to Corfu, I'd probably be a little scared for me at first, but I would know at least there would be some work for people."

Vance Wyder Jr., said he's a 40-year-old disabled military veteran who really only knows farming. He isn't sure he and other farming community members can really be trained for the kind of jobs STAMP will bring. He's worried about losing farming jobs, which are harder and harder to come by in Alabama, and then the new jobs not being filled by local residents. He said nobody has really assured him that local residents can and will be trained for the jobs.

"My message to the board is be cautious, be wary, make sure you are doing the right thing for our town and not for the almighty dollar, because in the end, the almighty dollar might kick us in the ass," he said.

Another speaker, a gentleman who has worked in IT for 20 years and is a resident of Alabama, said the board should be mindful of the potential for spinoff businesses from high-tech manufacturers.

He encouraged the board to ensure any businesses coming in reinvest in the local business community, such as by creating an incubator for start-up tech firms.

"We don't need some monolithic company with 1,800 jobs that never talks to the town after it's in place," he said.

Max Merten seemed the most strongly opposed to STAMP. He said he moved to Alabama 20 years ago to live in a rural community and he doesn't want it to change. He said he raised his kids to work, not push paper.

He's worried, he said, that the project is being pushed through the process too quickly.

"We don't need more jobs in a cornfield," Merten said.

Angela Kost concluded the round of speakers with the same ambiguity that set the tone for the meeting.

"I don't want to see it in my back yard, obviously," Kost said. "I don't think anybody in Alabama wants that, but it is a good opportunity."

The town board will meet within two weeks to take formal action on the proposals.

Fatal accident reported in Oakfield, on Lockport Road

By Howard B. Owens

Investigators are on scene in the area of 2625 Lockport Road, Oakfield, for a fatal motor vehicle accident.

At least one other person was seriously injured and transported by Mercy Flight to an area hospital.

The vehicle hit a tree and came to rest about 50 feet off the road and at least one person was trapped in the vehicle.

It's unknown at this time if there were other victims.

The accident was reported at 7:19 p.m.

Oakfield Fire and Mercy EMS were dispatched and Alabama Fire provided fire police to close Lockport Road.

Oakfield Fire is now back in service.

Candlelight Ghost Tours of historic Batavia Cemetery are Saturday Oct. 13 and 20

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Cemetery Association will present Candlelight Ghost Tours on Saturday, Oct. 13 and 20 at the cemetery on Harvester Avenue.

Cost is $10. Tours begin at 7 p.m. and depart every 15 minutes until 8:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at the cemetery gates on tour nights and/or can be reserved by calling 344-2550, ext. 2613, or 343-0248.

GC Historians present Ghost Walk tour Friday, Oct. 12 and 19

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Historians will present the 2012 Ghost Walk on Friday (Oct. 12) and again on Friday, Oct. 19.

Cost is $10 and tickets are available at the Engine House at 3 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

Tours are at 7:30 and 8 p.m.

For those unable to walk two hours, the length of the tour, a Power Point presentation is available for viewing.

For more information and/or to make reservations, call 344-2550, ext. 2613.

ARC hosts workforce recognition luncheon

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Genesee ARC saluted local business partners during a luncheon Thursday, celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The event is an opportunity to thank local businesses for believing in the abilities of the ARC workforce, both in the community and through Work Center subcontracts.

The theme of this year’s NDEAM awareness campaign is "Building an Inclusive Workforce" and focuses on recruiting, hiring and retaining employees with disabilities. Scott Jones, Genesee ARC director of Vocational Services, thanked business partners and asked them to share their ARC experience with colleagues in the business community.

“We can help place, train and work alongside an individual to help them succeed at a job placement,” Jones said. “Our success rate is phenomenal and we have a team of enthusiastic workers, with a variety of skills."

One individual on the ARC workforce was singled out for recognition at the luncheon. Roxy Kio of Batavia is one of 59 Joslin Outstanding Performers recognized through NYSID’s annual people-centered awards program.

NYSID (New York State Industries for the Disabled) is a not-for-profit business which administers Preferred Source contracts for goods and services in support of state and local government procurement budgets, to achieve its mission of “Turning business opportunities into JOBS for New Yorkers with disabilities.”

Roxy joined the Genesee ARC workforce in February 2011. She learned about different types of contract work jobs and was initially trained on piecework tasks. She quickly mastered her new work skills and was open-minded to learning more about training and new assignments.

In March of last year, she began working with the janitorial crew and due to her thoroughness and attention to detail, she worked at 100-percent productivity rate. Over the summer, Roxy joined the Culinary Arts team at the Genesee ARC Community Center and has been assisting daily with the Meals on Wheels contract.

As a ‘Joslin Outstanding Performer’ Roxy received a certificate of achievement and cash award in a presentation by Assemblyman Steve Hawley. She will also be featured in NYSID’s annual yearbook.

Genesee ARC works with about 60 local business partners through individual employee placements, the trash & recycling center, work center and community contracts.

Businesses who want to learn about the benefits of building an inclusive workforce may contact Scott Jones at 343-1123 or scjones@rochester.rr.com.

Submitted photo: Scott Jones, ARC, Roxy Kio, award recipient, Margie Werder, NYSID, Donna Saskowski, ARC executive director, and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

Pavilion bank robbery suspect charged with two felonies

By Howard B. Owens

A Rochester man accused of robbing the Five Star Bank branch in Pavilion on April 16 has been formally charged with the crime.

Jonathan Alexander Mills, 25, was arraigned in Genesee County Court on Wednesday. He is charged with robbery, 3rd, and grand larceny, 4th.

While bail was set at $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond, Mills is currently being held in the Columbia County Jail on similar charges. He is scheduled to reappear in Genesee County for further court proceedings Dec. 11.

Culvert replacement planned for North Pearl Street, Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Please be advised the Genesee County Highway Department will be replacing a culvert on North Pearl Street in the Village of Oakfield.

Pavement cutting will be performed on Friday with a temporary road closure during this time. The road will remain open over the weekend, however, the road will be closed on Monday, Oct. 15, to allow for the culvert replacement and relocation of storm drains to occur.

The project is anticipated to take less than two weeks to complete.

Silver SUV strikes dog on Richmond Avenue

By Howard B. Owens

Police are being dispatched to the area of Park Road to look for a silver SUV that reportedly struck a dog on Richmond Avenue.

The caller who reported the incident is "quite upset" according to a dispatcher.

There is no further description available on the suspect vehicle.

New York law requires drivers to stop after hitting a dog or cat.

Law and Order: Police apprehend suspects in beer heist from Tops

By Howard B. Owens

James G. Cox II, 27, of 46 Holland Ave., Lancaster, is charged with petit larceny, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle and permitting unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Cox was identified as a suspect of a heist of a 12-pack of beer from Tops Market at 11:29 p.m., Wednesday. His vehicle was located on School Street and Officer Frank Klimjack initiated a traffic stop.

Jamie A. Showler, 16, of 19 Manhattan Ave, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and unlicensed operation. Showler was allegedly driving the vehicle (see Cox, above) seen leaving the scene of an alleged beer theft from Tops Market.

(Name redacted upon request), 22, of River Road, Pavilion, is charged with petit larceny and criminal tampering, 3rd. xxx was located in Target on Wednesday and identified as a suspect in the theft of the beverage Red Bull on Oct. 6. Besides allegedly stealing the Red Bull, Losh is accused of tampering with the security device on a Dyson vacuum.

Rena P. Argento, 53, of Chili, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Argento was stopped by State Police on Caswell Road, Stafford, at 2:36 a.m., Tuesday.

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