Organized by Harry Rascoe, director of The Recovery Station on Clinton Street Road, this group participated in the Mission 22 Walk on the Ellicott Trail from the DeWitt Recreation Area on Cedar Street to Seven Springs Road and back to The Recovery Station today to bring awareness to a high rate of suicide among the veteran population. "The Recovery Station (a program of Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse) is here to help everyone in need but on this day we chose to shine a special light on our veterans and their struggles after returning home from military service," Rascoe said. Submitted photo.

Several local veterans were honored Thursday morning during a Veterans Day ceremony at Batavia High School. Band Director Jane Haggett, whose father Robert was amongst the recipients, handed out tokens of appreciation for their service.

They were:

U.S. Army

• Robert Haggett
• William Hughes
• Thomas Steffinella
• Rich Favaloro

U.S. Air Force

• Dennis Mahoney
• Matt Lutey

U.S. Marines

• Colin Dailey, husband of BHS social worker Lindsay
• John Dwyer
• Vincent Pontillo
• John Gombos

U.S. Navy

• Tom Cecere
• Harold McJury
• Rocco Pellegrino

The district also gave a proud shout-out to members of its own school community.

“The BHS community is very fortunate to have three veterans on staff. We thank them for their service to our country and for keeping everyone safe," BHS Principal Paul Kesler said. "We would like to call the three gentlemen up to the front of the auditorium to receive a small token of our appreciation."

• Mr. Greg Ciszak, BHS School Counselor: served his country for 12 years in the 152nd Engineer Company as a Staff Sergeant in the Army National Guard. He was a horizontal construction engineer. His unit was activated for numerous state emergencies including snow storms, floods, and the September 11th World Trade Center disaster.
• Christopher Gorton, a Special Education teacher: joined the Army in 1984 and was in active duty from 1984 to 1989. During a portion of his active duty, Mr. Gorton was stationed in Western Germany. He continued to be on inactive duty from 1989 to 1992. Mr. Gorton was twice awarded the Army Achievement Medal and earned a good conduct medal. His unit received its second presidential unit citation award while he was stationed in West Germany. To this day, Mr. Gorton still carries a Challenge coin from President Reagan, the Commander in Chief, that was given out to the unit.
• BHS Earth Science teacher Christopher Weicher: served in the United States Marine Corps from 1987 to 1991. Mr. Weicher completed two combat deployments during Operation Just Cause in Panama and the Gulf War 1. While serving his country, he received two combat action ribbons, a Presidential Unit Citation, and a Meritorious Unit Citation while serving with the 6th Marine Regiment.

The event included readings from students about what Veterans Day means to them. Adrien Fytros said that veterans are often defined as those who have been in the workforce for an extensive period of time, and those who have served in the military. 

"Those that have served in any branch of the military are easily the least selfish people in our community and should be treated as such. They are those who would put themselves through intense, rough, and enduring training for years to ensure that we can carry on a worry-free life, explore our interests, and pursue our own careers and dreams we’ve sought out," he said. "Veterans Day as a whole is to honor and give a spotlight to these brave and compassionate people that allow us to do everything we’ve desired to do. 

"Veterans Day is a day to honor those who put their family, community, and most of all, their country and its residents before themselves."

Photo: BHS Band Director Jane Haggett hands out tokens of appreciation the district's thanks to veterans during a Veterans Day assembly Thursday at the State Street school in Batavia. Photos by Joanne Beck.

Harold McJury’s four grandchildren ran over to him after an assembly Thursday in Batavia High School’s auditorium.

He had been one of the guests of honor during a Veterans Day ceremony.

“It’s so fun, I get to see my grandpa at school,” granddaughter Lucy Taggart said, just moments after playing the solemn “Taps” on trumpet. “And celebrate him.”

It wasn’t the first such ceremony for McJury, he said, but he liked that this one included students.

“The first thing that goes through my mind is that it's wonderful to have the high school do something like this for the veterans because that helps young people to understand what a veteran is. And then they go on, and maybe they'll be in the service, maybe they won't, but a few of them probably will, so they understand the importance of serving our country,” he said. “And, as far as myself goes, I was very fortunate because I went into service during Vietnam, and I always felt it was my duty to do that. So I figured the best place to be, and would be in the Navy. The Navy is a good place. To be in all the services are good, but I always thought the Navy was something special.”

McJury, a Batavia native, served in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1973. The 72-year-old liked submarines and wanted to be stationed on one “since I was a little boy,” he said. He was part of the Submarine Service with the USS Lafayette, which was christened by then-First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in May 1962.

Married 52 years to his wife Donna, they even had a Christmas dinner on a sub around 1972. Their granddaughter isn’t the only musical one in the family, as all of them are involved in band, and grandpa plays trumpet as well.

He plays for events at the National Cemetery in Corfu and has years of experience.

“So I've played trumpet all my life as well. They're all playing something,” he said. “I feel that being a veteran, and defending our country, is a very important thing. And I do still feel that to this day, there should be a time between high school and college that you serve a year or so. You know, you don't have to stay, you just go for a year. It sort of solidifies all that stuff.”

Thursday’s ceremony included a band medley of various popular and patriotic tunes; vocal solos for “The Star-Spangled Banner” by student Abigail Hoerbelt and “God Bless America” by student Clara Wood; a strings performance of signature military songs, prompting branch members to stand when their song was played; and a message from keynote speaker Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

"There are never enough words to fully express our appreciation and gratitude, gratitude for the sacrifice the veterans have made for our nation,” Hawley said. “Their courage and determination are a true testament to the American spirit and embodiment of freedom and celebration of what our nation stands for.”

A veteran himself, Hawley’s family also served, including his late father R. Stephen Hawley,  who served in Burma during World War II and was awarded a Bronze Star as part of Merrill’s Marauders. Hawley’s uncle also served during World War II, and was awarded a Purple Heart for the wounds he received during the war.

Hawley talked about “one of the crowning pieces of legislation that I've sponsored, that got signed into law,” referring to the Gold Star Families bill that provides free college tuition for Gold Star families who have lost a loved one during military service.

“As we gather here today to honor our heroes, please know we can never say thank you enough for the service of our veterans, to our country. Please, today take a moment to reflect on what it means to live in America, and the sacrifices our veterans have made to keep us safe and free,” he said. “And please thank them for their service when you see them 365 days a year. God bless America. Happy Veterans Day everybody.”

Top Photo: Batavia High School student Lucy Taggart plays "Taps" for the finale of a Veterans Day assembly Thursday at the Frank E. Owen Auditorium; High school Principal Paul Kesler talks about the veterans, including Lucy's grandpa Harold McJury, second from left, and their service; students perform patriotic songs in a strings section, concert band (not pictured) and chorus; keynote speaker Assemblyman Steve Hawley offers a thankful message to veterans; Kesler and members Michael Marchese and Matt Doeringer of Boy Scouts Troop 6 serve as the color guard. Photos by Joanne Beck.

A surprise ride to school on Ladder 15

Madelyn Alford, the second-place winner from John Kennedy School in Group 2 (2-3rd grade) of the City Fire, Fire Prevention Coloring Contest, had a big surprise today.

Alford received a ride to school on City Ladder 15 on Thursday morning.

First-place winner, Kylie Lutey of St. Joseph's School, who had won previously,  decided to defer her ride to the second-place winner.

Photo: Lt. Bob Tedford, Madelyn Alford, and Firefighter Brian Fix. Photo by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

Press Release:

The major fundraiser for the Batavia Rotary Club is underway, and once again a Corvette or $50,000 is the prize. 

"This is the major fundraiser that allows our club to make so many contributions to the community, such as $18,000 in college scholarships to area students each year," said President John McGowan.

Rotary is also contributing $250,000 toward the Healthy Living Campus under construction on Main Street, a joint project for the YMCA and United Memorial Medical Center.

Most recently, Rotary has offered a $150,000 matching pledge for the renovation of the local hospital's Intensive Care Unit, McGowan said.

Rotary's motto is Service Above Self, he explained.  Rotarians actively engage in projects to improve the local community. 

"Fundraisers like this Corvette event are critical for helping us help others," said Lisa Ormsbee, who co-chairs the event with Laurie Mastin. 

In addition to the grand prize, there are 10 additional prizes of $500 each, Mastin explained.

Only 4,500 tickets are sold.  The drawing will be Jan. 21, 2023, at 7:30 pm live on Facebook.

Persons interested in purchasing tickets may go to www.bataviarotaryraffle.com or contact any Rotarian. 

Photo: Lisa Ormsbee and John McGowan. Photo by Howard Owens.

Onnalee Berrios was well-known for her compassion and generosity, her brother says.

Whether it was stopping to offer kids a ride to school, delivering homemade gingerbread cookies, buying extra groceries for someone in need, or spending time with family, Berrios had a kind way about her, brother Anthony Terrell said.

“She had very good instincts. My sister was wonderful,” he said by phone from his home in New York City. “I loved going to her house.”

Terrell is a native of Batavia and graduated from Batavia High School in 1967. He returned to the area after being drafted and serving in the Army for two years, though it was as a young teen when he first adored his sister for being so accessible, hospitable, and for being so easygoing with the house rules. He appreciated the little things that she did.

"She would let us watch a movie, we would still have to go to bed like around 11:30, 12 o'clock. But it was better than ... watching your parents watch Ponderosa at 9:30 and telling me, 'don't make so much noise when you go upstairs to your bedroom,'" Terrell said. "Whenever I would go over to the house, she would always have a few bottles of cold beer and pizza." 

Onnie, as she was called, died several years ago at age 64 after a battle with cancer. Terrell — one of the five remaining siblings out of the family’s whopping 17 —  plans to honor her memory with a set of six pastel paintings during a reception from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Haxton Memorial Library, 3 North Pearl St., Oakfield.

Why Onnie and why now? Terrell’s fondness for his sister while growing up in rural Genesee County is due to her friendly and accommodating nature. An infusion of Beatles mania encouraged kids to be independent, while adolescence brought on rebellion in wanting to break out of the small-town boredom he and his friends often experienced.

And there was Onnie — with her house full of homemade goodies, a few bottles of beer in the fridge for the taking, movies that were too risqué for their parent’s approval, and someone to talk with.

“She was pretty much my mentor,” he said. “There was nothing to do, and it was very, very boring. I would go over to my sister’s house; she had kids, and we’d play basketball and eat cookies. Boys started growing their hair long, which created problems for families. If you had someone that you could gravitate to, you did.”

Terrell had an art show at Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council last year and met up with former classmates and friends. He met Terry Kolb of Oakfield, a former art teacher -- and one of the recipients of his sister's famous gingerbread cookies -- and before they knew it, the artists agreed to have a show in the western part of the county. Since Onnie had lived there, Terrell thought it fitting to commemorate the show to her.

He then completed six pieces of art as a tribute to his beloved sister.

“Each one replicates what I did when I was there,” he said.

Those activities, illustrated in muted pastels of purples, pinks and blues, include the two of them sitting in rocking chairs that Onnie had restored and refinished herself; sitting in her amethyst-laden room of window sills lined up with the purple stones that reflected the sunlight, casting a violet-flavored veil over everything; and yet another of the two of them sitting in the dark, eating pizza next to a glowing fireplace.

Terrell plans to introduce each one with what it represents and how it came about, he said.

“I’m trying to convey that it’s a very, very rich, deep and rewarding feeling. I think about my sister spiritually,” he said. “She was very well revered. When you love somebody, whether they're here physically or they're not here. When you love somebody, it's continuous. It stays with you. That's the thing about love.”

The first half hour of the reception is for mingling, with the program to begin at 7 p.m., he said.

More about Terrell will be published Friday.

Photos of artworks painted by Batavia native Anthony Terrell will be featured in an art show debuting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Haxton Memorial Library in Oakfield. Photos by Howard Owens. Submitted photo of Anthony Terrell in his studio.

The ladies of St. James Episcopal Church have been busy baking cookies to sell on Friday to benefit Ukraine. The sale at the church runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. -- or until the cookies are all gone.

Submitted photo and information.

Andrew J. Draper is indicted on a count of falsifying business records in the first degree, a Class E felony. Draper is accused of signing a fraudulent bill of sale on June 22 at Pawn Kings on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia. He is also indicted on counts of criminal contempt in the first degree, a Class E felony, and harassment in the second degree, a violation.  Draper is accused of violating an order of protection and taking physical action against another person on June 17 at a location on Miller Avenue, Batavia.

Andrew A. Searight and Jerrotonia A. Scarbrough are indicted on two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals under Section 353-a(1) of the Agriculture and Markets Law, a felony.  Both are accused of intentionally killing and causing physical injury to two dogs on May 10.

Dustin M. Locicero is indicted on counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, a Class E felony, burglary in the third degree, a Class D felony, and petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor. Locicero is accused of signing a fraudulent bill of sale at Pawn Kings on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, on April 26.  He is accused of breaking into a garage on Broadway Road, Darien, on June 5 and stealing a power nailer, an orbital sander, and a battery charger.

Aaron T. Hendershot is indicted on two counts of criminal mischief in the second degree, a Class D felony, and one count of obstructing governmental administration. Hendershot is accused of damaging a City of Batavia patrol vehicle on Sept. 11 and of damaging the tires of a vehicle belonging to a local resident on Sept. 10. He is also accused of intentionally obstructing a public servant from performing an official function on Sept. 11.

Ajie J. Smith-Ezell is indicted on a count of assault in the second degree, a Class D violent felony. Smith-Ezell is accused of intending to cause serious injury to another person and causing serious injury to that person on March 12 in the City of Batavia.

Marcella F. Greene is indicted on a count of driving while impaired by drugs, a Class E felony, of reckless driving, a misdemeanor, and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Greene is accused of being impaired by drugs while operating a 2003 Dodge on East Main Street and North Spruce Street, City of Batavia, on April 22.

John Saddler, Jr. is indicted on counts of aggravated family offense, a Class E felony, and criminal contempt in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Saddler is accused of violating a court order at 2:33 p.m. on July 10 in the City of Batavia.

Todd A. Kendall is indicted on a count of failure to verify as a sex offender, a Class E felony. Kendall, a registered Level 2 sex offender, is accused of providing a current photograph of himself to authorities in a manner and within a time period required by law.

John C. Hoogasian is indicted on a count of grand larceny in the third degree, a Class D felony. Hoogasian is accused of stealing a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck from a location on Oak Orchard Road, Elba, on Sept. 29, 2021. He is also indicted on a count of bail jumping in the second degree, a Class E felony. He is accused of failing to appear in Town of Oakfield Court as ordered as part of a criminal proceeding.

Arthur J. Brown is indicted on a count of failure to register a change of address as a sex offender, a Class E felony. Brown is accused of failure to register a change of address within the required 10 days as a registered sex offender.

Ledeja K. Wright is indicted on counts of burglary in the second degree, a Class C felony, criminal mischief in the third degree, a Class E felony, and criminal tampering in the third degree, a Class B misdemeanor. Wright is accused of entering a residence on Holland Avenue, Batavia, on June 15 with the intent to commit a crime inside the residence. Wright is accused of damaging a television and stereo inside the residence. Wright is also accused of damaging property of another person with the intent to cause substantial inconvenience to another person.

Jeffrey D. Hall is indicted on a count of sexual abuse in the first degree, a Class D violent felony. Hall is accused of subjecting another person to sexual contact by forcible compulsion on May 24 at a location in the City of Batavia.

Joseph D. Krug is indicted on a count of grand larceny in the fourth degree, a Class E felony. Krug is accused of stealing property with a value exceeding $1,000 from a location in the Town of Batavia on Feb. 16.

Jamie M. Cyr is indicted on a count of promoting prison contraband in the first degree, a Class D felony. Cyr is accused of possession of suboxone while confined to the Genesee County Jail on April 16.

Hockey players in Batavia have a new learning tool, one that Marc Staley, head coach of Batavia United, said will help younger players improve their technique and help the high school team get more proficient in its play.

Batavia Rotary Club gave a gift of a computer and large-screen monitor for players and coaches to review practices and games at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena.

"It's an amazing gift by Rotary," Staley said. "It's obviously a pretty expensive piece of equipment, but it puts our local organization and certainly our high school program on par with anyone now in terms of having technology and ability to help these kids develop."

Staley said he's hoping youth coaches will use it to help members of their squads improve how they skate as hockey players.

"It's more technical -- how does your stride look? How's your head position, your knee, bend of your stick?" Staley said. "I mean, all those things when they can see themselves, it's a really impactful teaching tool than just telling a kid, you got to bend your knees, they don't get it, right? So this is something that right after practice, coaches can come off the ice and say, This is what I was talking about. So that's awesome."

For the high school team, which is used to reviewing a lot of film anyway, they now have a location right at their practice site to do it so the review is better synchronized with the practice.

"In particular, where we might run the power play for a couple of minutes then bring them right off, let them watch immediately what they did," Staley said. "Here's where you could have more poise. Here's the back door that's open. Here's where we need more movement. And then they get back on the ice and it can happen in some training. It just speeds up that learning curve for kids instead of waiting two days later when we can get the guy to the high school and they go, 'oh yeah, I remember that.'"

Photo: Marc Staley, head coach of Batavia United, Marlin Salmon, Batavia Rotary Club president, and John Kirkwood, assistant coach. Photo by Howard Owens.

Alexander Middle School/High School presents Little Women: The Musical on Thursday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m.

All performances will be in the Alexander District Auditorium and admission is free.

There will be concessions sold at intermission.

Students from 7 to 12 will perform, as well as work backstage, on lights and sound and playing with the orchestra.

The director and choreographer is Batavia resident Jacqueline Morrison. Mark Hoerbelt is the vocal music director and Drama Club advisor. Joe Paris is the set designer. Loretta Stratton is the costume designer.

Press release:

The 37th Health and Humanitarian Award of Genesee County will be presented to Peter Zeliff of Batavia on Friday, Dec. 2, at an awards luncheon at noon at Terry Hills Restaurant. The award presented by The Jerome Foundation recognizes volunteer men and women of Genesee County who have helped promote the emotional, physical and spiritual well-being of the area’s residents.  Nominations reflected “ordinary people who reach far beyond themselves to the lives of those in need, bringing hope, care, and friendship, and helping build a stronger, healthier community.”

In naming Mr. Zeliff for this year’s award, the Jerome Foundation will recognize him for his many volunteer efforts.  He developed the WNY Aviation Adventure Camp for high school students interested in the field of aviation. He is spearheading an effort to bring back in 2023 the Wings Over Batavia airshow. Pete also has served on the Board of Directors of many local organizations.  Currently, he is Chairman of the GCEDC Board and serves on the UMMC Board of Directors. He also volunteers for Wings Flights of Hope, Veteran’s Air Lift Command and the Special Olympics Airlift.  In addition, he has supported multiple charitable causes in our community, including but not limited to, ARC, Crossroads House, CASA, ARC, GCC, Genesee Cancer Assistance and the Ricky Palermo Foundation. 

In nominating Pete Zeliff for this award, Paul Battaglia stated that “in his own quiet way, Pete has been involved in numerous events that have as their sole purpose the betterment of the people of our county.  Perhaps one of Pete’s largest contributions to our community has been his involvement in the development and capital campaign for the Healthy Living Campus.  He has spent countless hours working on the planning and fundraising for this project.”

In his letter of support for Peter Zeliff, Ricky Palermo wrote that “Pete if a person who gives selflessly of his time, talents and treasures to our community.  He has flown many at his own expense – including me – in need of medical care to other states so they can receive necessary treatment. Pete has dedicated his life to helping those in need and giving back to our community.”

The Health and Humanitarian Award luncheon is open to the public.  Tickets are $25 and maybe purchased by mailing a check to The Jerome Foundation, PO Box 249, Batavia, New York 14021. For information call Chris Fix at 356-3419 or by email to thejeromefoundation@gmail.com.  Seating will be limited so early reservations are encouraged by Nov. 24.

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens

Events slated for, or in honor of, Veterans Day have this year expanded into a three-day schedule, beginning with a Batavia City Schools district ceremony Thursday morning at the high school, and -- new this year -- continuing with an awareness walk on the Ellicott Trail.

The ceremony at BHS, 260 State St., Batavia, is set for 8:15 a.m. and is to include music and remarks in honor of local military veterans. Local veterans have been invited by students and staff to attend the ceremony that will feature keynote speaker Assemblyman Steve Hawley. There will also be performances by the BHS orchestra, chorus and concert band.

Other presentations include a “What Does Veterans Day Mean to Me” by high school students; the retiring of colors by a Boy Scout troop, and remarks by district leadership.

Genesee-Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse is hosting a “Mission 22 Walk” at 2:30 p.m. that begins at DeWitt Recreation Area, follows the Ellicott Trail on the outskirts of the town, and ends at The Recovery Station on Clinton Street Road.

The Recovery Station is a program of GCASA, and this event is “an opportunity to shine a light on statistics that show that 22 veterans take their lives by suicide every day,” Recovery Station Director Harry Roscoe said in a news release.

After the walk, folks will be treated to a cookout at the Recovery Station, formerly Bohn’s restaurant near the corner of Seven Springs and Clinton Street roads in the Town of Batavia.

Friday will feature the traditional Veterans Day line-up of activities:

• 9 a.m. Genesee County Park (VVA), 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany
• 10 a.m. Batavia Veterans Administration Medical Center, 222 Richmond Ave., Batavia
• This will be conducted in the side patio area near Building 4. Free parking is on the side of the building. The program includes an invocation by Chaplain Alpha Sanon; the “National Anthem;” local musician Frank Panepento on trumpet; remarks from Danielle Bergman, assistant director; the Genesee County Joint Veterans Honor Guard; and a benediction by Chaplain Alpha Sanon.
• 10:15 a.m. NYS Veterans Home
• 11 a.m. Upton Monument, at the intersection of Main and Ellicott streets, Batavia
• 11 a.m. Le Roy Post 576 will be hosting a ceremony at 2 Trigon Park, Le Roy
• 11:30 a.m. Jerome Center Monument, Bank Street, Batavia
• 1 p.m. Genesee Community College will be hosting a Veterans Day service in the William Stuart Forum, 1 College Road, Batavia

In observance of the day, Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia will be closed Thursday and Friday.

Third-day event next week

On Nov. 16, The Recovery Station will host a “Veteran Connection” gathering from 5 to 7 p.m.

Veterans from Genesee and surrounding counties will be able to network with various veteran and local service organizations and take a tour of the facility.  This is being conducted in partnership with the GOW Pathway to Hope coalitions.

For more information, call Rascoe at 585-813-6050.

File Photo of a Veterans Day ceremony in 2020, by Howard Owens.

Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr. announces the promotion of Francis A. Riccobono to Director of Emergency Communications of the Genesee County Emergency Services Dispatch Center. Director Riccobono assumed his new duties on October 29, 2022.

Director Riccobono has over 31 years of experience in Genesee County emergency dispatching services, having begun his dispatching career with the City of Batavia Police Department in 1991, and transitioning to the Genesee County consolidated dispatch center in 2008. In 2019, he was appointed Assistant Director of Emergency Communications/Operations. During his tenure, he has been awarded two Commendations.

“Director Riccobono’s vast amount of emergency services experience is a very valuable asset to Genesee County,” stated Sheriff Sheron.

A child sex predator said he was sorry today, but Judge Melissa Lightcap Cianfrini wasn't completely sold on his remorse.

Then when predator Wesley Thigpen refused to sign an order of protection to acknowledge that he had been served with it, that was almost more than the judge's patience could tolerate.

"That just shows me the kind of person you are," Cianfrini said. "Don't sign it. I don't care. I'll send the order to DOCs (the Department of Corrections), and your refusal to sign it is in the transcript. When they see it at a parole hearing, they can see how you acted." 

The 42-year-old Thigpen entered a guilty to predatory sexual assault against a child, a Class A-II felony, on Oct. 24. The plea agreement capped his sentence at 10 years to life.

"I took the plea deal because I wouldn't want to make them (his victims) go through a trial and have them traumatized again," Thigpen said during a lengthy statement that was supposed to be directed to the court but often used personal pronouns as if he was addressing his victims.

He had been previously warned by Cianfrini not to address his victims.

In his statement, Thigpen acknowledged that his victims and members of their family do not believe he is remorseful. He said he is.

"Breaking people's trust in you at such a massive level, of course they do not have faith in anything you say," Thigpen said. "I do have remorse. I am ashamed, and from day one, I've admitted it.  I didn't hide. 

"I understand the pain I caused," he added. "I am ashamed and sorry."

In 2019, while entering a guilty plea on sexual abuse charges, Thigpen called the statements against him attributed to one of his victims "(expletive) lies" after hearing the evidence the people would present against Thigpen if the case went to trial.

Today, Thigpen was less belligerent, saying he hoped his victims would find peace. 

"The shame is not with you," Thigpen said. "I understand it's embarrassing and I sympathize but the shame is not with you. You have done nothing wrong. There is nothing you did that caused this to happen. It's not your fault at all."

He added, "It's not on you. It's on me. The embarrassment and shame that I caused is on me."

It was at this point that one of the victims left the room in tears and members of her family followed.

First District Attorney Joseph Robinson objected to Thigpen's statements, pointing out that he had strayed from addressing the court to addressing the victims directly. 

Thigpen tried to explain that he was just trying to tell the court what he would say to his victims if given the chance.

Two victims spoke in court this morning, as well as their mother. 

"I'm torn to pieces," one of them said. "You made a mess of my life. The trauma affects my regular daily life. I am stuck trying to retain any relationship in my life. I can't keep a steady relationship.  It's affected me, and lately, I don't feel normal. I wish I could live a normal life."

She said she feels shame and she feels cheated.

The other victim to speak said, "it's hard to make friends with other kids and have a normal life at school.  I can't ever live a normal life and I carry this sick, dirty feeling with me.  It's hard for me to have a romantic relationship. I struggle with my body image and self-worth."

She said she's being treated for depression and is in counseling.

But she also said she has come out of the experience a strong and independent woman.

"I will never let another person hurt me the way you did," she said.

Their mother said, "My kids will never be the same because he took their childhood away.  I struggle every day because of the terrible things he did to them."

Robinson said Thigpen deserved a long prison sentence so he would have time to think about what he did.

"He stole from them not just their innocence. They will likely have this memory for the rest of their lives. They will have this memory no matter how many years he's in prison. They will move on with their lives, maybe start families, maybe have loving families, but that memory will always be with them no matter what happens."

Cianfrini had her own lengthy statement when it came time to explain her sentencing decision.

First, she addressed the victims, only she didn't call them victims. She called them survivors.

"That's a very strong thing to be in this world, a survivor," Cianfrini said. 

She said they can move on with their lives.

"You have survived something that is unsettling, but you can rise above it because you are strong. You are altruistic. You are smart. It's all of those things that are going to carry you forward in life and I believe you will have a positive impact on our society."

As for Thigpen, Cianfrini said, "Now you, Mr. Thigpen, you are poison. You are the worst kind of poison."

She added, "Sexual abuse is a poison that goes through society. It goes through whole families."

She reminded him that he had been a victim of sexual abuse and that he should know what it does to people, "and you did it anyway."

She recalled that at his hearing where he entered his guilty plea, he "tried to back peddle." 

She said he likes to write letters and told him to stop trying to write letters to third parties in order to communicate with "the survivors." 

"It's not legal," she said.

She noted that one of the victims left the room while he was making his statement and said that was because he doesn't know how to regulate his speech and understand its impact on other people. 

"You went too far and that's what you do," Cianfrini said. "You always go too far."

After Cianfrini reprimanded Thigpen for his refusal to sign the order of protection, she pronounced sentence.

Ten years to life.

Then Thigpen tried to address the court.  Cianfrini told him, "You've had your opportunity to speak." He tried again. She said, "no." Then she stood up and walked out of the chamber before corrections officers removed Thigpen from the court to return him to prison. Maybe for the rest of his life.

Press Release

In October, the Elba FFA (Future Farmers of America) Chapter competed in the
National FFA Dairy Evaluation and Management Competition in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team put in many hours of hard work and effort to compete at the national level.

The competition consisted of an online multiple-choice test that tested their dairy knowledge at the end of September, then at the end of October, they traveled to the National FFA Convention to compete in multiple days of events which included a team activity as well as judging multiple classes of dairy cattle.

The Elba FFA Chapter was awarded the National Silver Award for Dairy Evaluation and Management. Ian Keberle and Bing Zuber were awarded national gold individually, and Amelia and Jillian Brewer
were awarded national silver individually.

Other members of the FFA that attended the national convention were Addison Keberle and Maggie Winspear. They participated in general convention sessions hosted at Lucas Oil Stadium, were inspired by their peers as they were recognized for their accomplishments, and heard from keynote speakers.

Those members that attended also explored various career paths at the National FFA Expo, participated in career success tours, and more. The FFA chapter is advised by Tracy Dahlhaus, Elba Central School’s
agriculture science teacher.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 850,000 student members as part of 8,995 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

More than 69,500 FFA members and supporters from across the country celebrated agriculture and agricultural education during the 95th National FFA Convention Expo in Indianapolis. This time-honored tradition, hosted by the city of Indianapolis, was held Oct. 26-29.

Photo submitted by Elba Central School of Bing Zuber, left, Ian Keberle, Amelia Brewer, and Jillian Brewer.

A vehicle has reportedly struck a pedestrian in the area of 9430 Alexander Road, Batavia.

The pedestrian has a possible leg injury and is conscious and alert.

Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 3:53 p.m.: The patient was struck by a door that came off a motor vehicle that was involved in a motor vehicle accident. He is being transported to UMMC.

One of the two people charged with aggravated cruelty to animals for allegedly abandoning a pair of dogs in an apartment on Bank Street entered a not guilty plea in County Court today.

It was the first appearance in County Court for Andrew A. Searight, 35, following his Grand Jury indictment on the two felony counts under New York's Ag and Market Law, section 353-a(1).

His codefendant, Jerrtonia A. Scarbrough, 24, who was also indicted, is being prosecuted separately.

They are accused of abandoning two Pitbulls in apartment 60 at 337 Bank St., Batavia. The two animals were found malnourished and covered in feces in their cages inside the apartment on May 10, according to witness statements.

The male Pitbull recovered while the female Pitbull had to be euthanized. 

Searight was ordered to return to court at 10 a.m. on Jan. 3, for a preliminary conference in his case, with oral arguments on any motions in the case set for 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 24.

Previously: One of two Pitbulls found abandoned in apartment in good health while mate had to be put down