Antwoine Kush, 19, of Lockport, is charged with criminal contempt 1st, burglary 2nd, unlawful imprisonment, and robbery 3rd. Kush was arrested on a warrant in Savannah, Ga., and extradited back to Batavia, on charges stemming from an incident reported at 5:08 a.m., Dec. 16, on East Main Street, Batavia.  He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $25,000 bail, $50,000 bond, or $75,000 partially secured bond.  He was also arrested and arraigned on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a prior arrest.

Antwan L. Odom, 21, of Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd.  Odom is accused of striking a neighbor in the face with a fist causing a physical injury at 12:25 p.m., Jan. 25, on Miller Avenue, Batavia. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Isaac D. Abrams, 21, of Alabama, is charged with burglary 1st. Abrams was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 9:48 p.m., Dec. 28, in Alabama. He was ordered held in jail. No further details released.

Stephen Gerard Ognibene, 64, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal purchase or disposal of a firearm and failure to report a lost or stolen firearm.  On Dec. 15, deputies Erik Andre and Jeremiah Gechell began an investigation into unaccounted handguns stemming from a criminal contempt arrest. It's alleged that Ognibene unlawfully disposed of two revolvers to an individual who could not legally possess firearms and failed to report to law enforcement that the firearms were lost or stolen. He was arraigned in City Court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Virginia Steen, 52, of Gilbert Street, Le Roy, is charged with harassment 2nd and criminal contempt 2nd. Steen is accused of tampering with the property of another person in a common area of a residence on Gilbert Street, Le Roy, at 1 a.m., Feb. 6. The action allegedly violated an order of protection. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Jose Antonio Cruz, 28, of Linwood Road, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. Cruz is accused of stealing from a business where he was employed on West Main Street, Le Roy, at 5 p.m., Feb. 1. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Quincy R. Byrd, 26, of Bacon Street, Le Roy, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Byrd is accused of driving a 2005 Toyota Camry without permission of its owner at about 3 p.m., Feb. 5, on Bacon Street, Le Roy. After being arraigned in Le Roy Town Court, Byrd was released to Lockport PD on an arrest warrant.

John A. Cabrera, Sr., 54, of Batavia, is charged petit larceny. Cabrera is accused of stealing two frozen pizzas and three cans of beer from a business on Ellicott Street, Batavia, at 11:36 a.m., Feb. 3. he was issued an appearance ticket.

Chantalle J. Bessil, 27, of Batavia, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration, resisting arrest, and suspended registration. Bessil was stopped at 9:29 pm., Feb. 1, on East Main Street by a Batavia PD patrol. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Carlene V. Santiago, 32, of Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Santiago was arrested on a warrant stemming from an incident reported at 3:19 p.m., March 17, on Vine Street, Batavia. She was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance.

Talana J. Savery, 22, of Fulton, is charged with failure to appear. Savery was arrested on a warrant after turning herself into Batavia PD. She was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance. 

Shawn M. Twardowski, 39, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Twardowski is accused of stealing beer from a business on East Main Street, Batavia, at 9:32 a.m., Jan. 26. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Gregory Reese, 52, of Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Reese was arrested on a warrant for alleged aggravated unlicensed operation in the City of Batavia at 12:23 a.m., Jan. 30, 2021, on Ellicott Street, Batavia. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.

Andrew J. Draper, no age provided, of Batavia, and Crystal A. Mounts, no age provided, of Batavia, are both charged with petit larceny. Draper and Mounts are accused of stealing at 1:46 p.m., Jan. 29, from a business on Ellicott Street, Batavia. They attempted to leave the store with more than $700 worth of merchandise.  They were issued appearance tickets.

John Kenneth Hobbs, 34, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Hobbs was allegedly found in the presence of a protected party when authorities responded to a residence on Clinton Street Road, Batavia, for a medical emergency at 9:20 p.m., Feb. 1. He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and ordered held on bail.

A 15-year-old male resident of Alabama is charged with promotion of a sexual performance of a child less than 17 and possession of sexual performance by a child. The youth was arrested by State Police in connection with an investigation begun at 7:28 p.m., Sept. 16, in the Town of Alabama.  The youth was issued an appearance ticket. No further details were released.

Manzel R. Maxwell, 30, of Rochester, is charged with grand larceny 4th. Maxwell is charged with a theft committed at 1:20 p.m., Dec. 6, in the Town of Batavia. The investigation is ongoing by State Police. No further details released.

Among the vendors at yesterday's Volunteers for Animals Vendor Fair, hosted by Batavia Downs, were Brock Bucceri and Hunter Wagner making their vendor show debut as entrepreneurs. 

During the pandemic, Bucceri and Wagner (along with friend Gavin Beck, not pictured) decided to start making their own fishing lures.

"We spent a lot of money on fishing lures at Dick's and Cabela's where a frog can cost up to $12," said 13-year-old Bucceri. "So we said, 'let's make some money off of it and we can get some free lures."

The trio makes the senkos they sell themselves. They design the frogs and have them custom manufactured, which they sell for $8.99.

Yeah, that's cheaper than the big retailers but Bucceri said they're still making money -- mostly with sales through Etsy -- because their frogs sell.

The first-ever vendor fair was a big success, according to Angie Knisley, who organized the event for Volunteers for Animals.  It raised more than $2,000 and the more than 300 people who attended brought in a large amount of food and other pet-care donations.

Press release:

The Town of Alexander Republican Committee is seeking interested candidates for the position of   Town Justice (four-year term).  Interested Town of Alexander registered republicans can submit a letter of interest by February 16th to:  Barbara Eddy, Chairwoman 11054 Alexander Road., Attica NY  14011 or may call (585) 507-9930.

Duke saw a deer near his home in Byron and decided to give chase. Owner Chriss DeValder hasn't seen her boy since.

"I just don't know what to do without him," she said.

She said he may have been spotted in Oakfield.

He's also not good with other dogs, she said.

She asks that people call or text if they see him, or "call out Duke."  She can be reached at (585) 409-9325.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.44, up seven cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.46. The New York State average is $3.59, up four cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.56. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $3.52 (up one cent from last week)
• Buffalo - $3.53 (up four cents from last week)
• Ithaca - $3.58 (up four cents from last week)
• Rochester - $3.58 (up three cents from last week)
• Rome - $3.63 (up five cents from last week)
• Syracuse - $3.55 (up four cents from last week)
• Watertown - $3.58 (up four cents from last week)

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks have grown, while gasoline demand has dropped recently. An increase in total stocks and a decrease in demand typically puts downward pressure on pump prices, but rising crude prices continue to push prices higher instead. If crude prices continue to climb, pump prices will likely follow suit.

Crude prices are now topping $90 per barrel. The tension between Russia and Ukraine continues to contribute to rising oil prices. Russia is a member of OPEC+, and any sanctions based on their actions toward Ukraine may cause it to withhold crude oil from the global market. Moreover, OPEC+ announced this week it will stick to its plan to increase crude production by 400,000 barrels per day next month despite calls for a greater increase to help meet demand. Additionally, EIA reported that total domestic crude stocks decreased, contributing to pressure on domestic crude prices.

From Gas Buddy:

“Gas prices saw their sharpest rise in months last week as oil surged to $93 per barrel, on continued concerns over Russia invading Ukraine and that there won't be enough supply to meet demand come this summer," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "With the national average at its highest level since 2014, the news is grim: motorists should expect even more price increases, with the larger jumps coming later this spring as a confluence of seasonal factors and the potential flare-up in geopolitical tensions. Ultimately, the national average could be pushed to record territory by the start of the summer driving season."

Traffic was tied up at West Main and Lewiston, Batavia, for about 20 minutes after a two-car accident at about 3:30 p.m. today.

No injuries were reported.

Oakfield-Alabama beat Lyondonville in girls basketball on Saturday, 68-34.

Scoring for O-A:

• Makena Reding, 12 points,  five assists, three steals
• Kelsey Schlagenhauf, 11 points, 11 rebounds, nine steals   
• Caitlin Ryan, 11 points 11 rebounds,  five steals, three blocks
• Alea Groff, 11 points, six rebounds
• Brooke Reding, 10 points
• Emma Wray,  six points

Also in girls basketball on Saturday, Alexander beat Wheatland 68-12

In boys basketball, Byron-Bergen lost to Wheatland-Chili, 61-52

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

About two dozen people donned skimpy swimsuits and rode snowmobiles before a crowd of onlookers on a sunny but frigid Saturday in Oakfield for the 8th Annual Bikini Rally sponsored by the Genesee Sno Packers.

The event raised $19,205 for the Pink Fund, a breast cancer financial assistance program.

About 450 people attended, according to Jane Chaddock, one of the event organizers.

Photos by Kristin Smith.  For more, click here.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Water Department will be repairing a water main break on Oak Street, in the southbound lane in the area of Noonan Drive on Monday, February 7, 2022.  There is the potential that the water may need to be shut off on Oak Street, from Union Street heading north to the City line.  In addition, the water shut-off would also impact all of Noonan Drive.

The length of time the water will be off is unknown.

Traffic will also be impacted in the area of Oak Street and Noonan Drive in the form of lane closures or lane shifts while the repairs are being made.

As always, when the water is restored it may be discolored.  Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.

We apologize for any inconvenience and the public’s patience is greatly appreciated.

Press release:

A graduation ceremony was held on Feb 4 at the NYS Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls to recognize officers from across New York State who completed the intense two-week training school to become certified D.A.R.E. instructors. 

Officer Miah Stevens, the Department's officer assigned to the Batavia City School District as a School Resource Officer, completed the training and was recognized for her hard work and dedication to the D.A.R.E. program.

Officer Stevens is now certified to teach the D.A.R.E. curriculum to grades K-12. 

D.A.R.E. is more than just a "drug-resistance" curriculum. The D.A.R.E. Mission and Vision statements embody what the revamped program consists of; The D.A.R.E. Mission “Teaching students good decision-making skills to help them lead safe and healthy lives.”

The D.A.R.E. Vision, “A world in which students everywhere are empowered to respect others and choose to lead lives free from violence, substance use, and other dangerous behaviors.”

"We look forward to partnering with the Batavia city school district to deliver this important curriculum to students in the district and continue to build relationships throughout the community." stated chief Shawn Heubusch. "Congratulations to officer stevens on completing such an important and intense training curriculum."

Oakfield-Alabama beat Alexander in girls basketball on Thursday night, 55-49.

For the Hornets:

• Caitlin Ryan   13 points., 8 rebounds
• Brooke Reding    13 points., 7 assists, 3 steals
• Makena Reding   10 points., 2 steals
• Kelsey  Schlagenhauf   9 points., 7 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists

For the Trojans:

• Riley Powell  14 points.
• Natalie Whitmore  13 points.
• Melanie Pohl  10 points.
• Emma Kramer 10 points

"This was an incredibly well played high school game, said O-A head coach Jeff Schlagenhauf. "Both teams played at a very high level. This was a great win for our kids. Marcia's teams are  extremely well coached and they play hard from start to finish. I think the largest lead tonight was 6 points."

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

Press release:

Brooke Tubbins, 41 of Batavia, pled guilty to one count of petit larceny in Batavia Town Court on February 1, 2022.  Sentencing has been adjourned to a later date.

Tubbins was originally charged with 3rd-degree grand larceny and 3 counts of filing a false instrument after failing to report income on two separate applications for SNAP benefits after an investigation by Genesee County Department of Social Services Investigator Robert Riggi.  Tubbins received $6215 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to.

Full restitution has been made to the Genesee County Department of Social Services and Tubbins will be disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for one year.

Anyone wishing to report suspected cases of welfare fraud in Genesee County can contact the Genesee County Department of Social Services Fraud Unit at (585) 344-2580, ext. 6417 or 6541.

Christine Loranty shared these photos of cardinals and a blue jay in her backyard yesterday in Alexander.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has written a letter to Gov. Hochul at the behest of school districts within the 139th Assembly District requesting that she put forward guidance to school districts that would provide a “path to normalcy” by ending all state-mandated COVID-19 mitigation measures and returning control of such policies to local school districts. 

In recent weeks, school district superintendents throughout the state have called for the creation of such a plan, following an over 90% decrease in new COVID-19 cases statewide since infections peaked on Jan. 7.

“If we’re looking at the data to guide our decisions as policymakers, it’s become clear the time has come to restore authority to local school districts to make the best decisions possible for students in their communities,” said Hawley. “I’ve always been guided by the belief that local decision-makers know how to best serve the interests of their neighbors. Throughout the pandemic our rural school districts have managed to implement creative and effective solutions to comply with mandates, as difficult as that’s been with how many students lack reliable broadband access. 

“If their rightful authority to design and enforce policies of this nature is returned to them, I’m certain the measures they choose to implement will be ones that both enhance the learning experience for students and protect their health, without disrupting their education.”

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) released the following statement after voting against the partisan, costly, and unserious America COMPETES Act that fails to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable.

“China presents one of the greatest national security threats our nation faces today and for the foreseeable future – that is why I proudly cosponsored the China Task Force Act that combined bipartisan policies into a comprehensive package to address the CCP’s malign activities and bolster our nation’s competitiveness. I also have been a strong supporter of the CHIPS Act, which supports the domestic manufacturing of semiconductors. Sadly, instead of addressing these issues head-on, the America COMPETES Act is riddled with unserious partisan policies that would funnel billions of American taxpayer dollars to China and climate change initiatives with zero accountability. If Democrats were serious about addressing the very real threat China poses, they would’ve kept on the bipartisan track of negotiating serious legislation, not a package that wastes more taxpayer money on unrelated partisan priorities the same week as the national debt hit a record $30,000,000,000,000.”

Press release:

Artists of all kinds are invited to submit work to GO ART! for our 5th Annual Art of the Rural Juried Show. GO ART! is so excited to have the opportunity to open our Bank of Castile Main, Oliver’s, and Batavia Club galleries to a variety of artists for this show. 

Gallery Coordinator Mary Jo Whitman said  “We are thrilled to be able to bring back the “Art of the Rural” Juried Exhibit this year.  We have always had such a great turnout and community response to this annual exhibit.  It is a fabulous opportunity for artists of every level to showcase their talents while exploring the theme ‘rural’.”

Entries of any media, no larger than 36”x48” will be accepted from February 23rd through March 4th at 201 E Main St in Batavia (Seymour Place) durning gallery hours. All works must be original and created by the submitting artist. No previous submissions are permitted.  Entries must be accompanied by an entry form as well as an entry fee of $30 that will cover the submission of 5 pieces for Members and 3 for Non Members, additional submissions will cost $5 each. Entry forms can be found at goart.org/upcoming-exhibitions. Absolutely no entries will be accepted after March 4th. A jury of selection will review all entries and will choose artwork to be displayed in the exhibit. Notification, by email, of the jury’s decisions will be made by March 12, 2022. 

Accepted art will then be displayed in our The Art of the Rural Exhibit that will run from March 16th through April 30th, with an Opening Reception to be held on March 22nd from 6-9pm. All are invited to this free reception! Tavern 2.o.1 will be open and on reception night cash prizes will be announced and awarded. 

A four-vehicle accident, believed to be with minor injuries, is reported in the area of 9441 Alexander Road, Alexander.

Alexander Fire and ambulance, along with Mercy EMS responding.

City Fire is responding to 541 East Main St., Batavia, where there is an alarm of fire along with a report of smoke coming from an apartment.

A first responder reports nothing showing. The apartment complex is being evacuated.

UPDATE 4:29 a.m.: Smoke is due to somebody cooking. No fire.

A house fire is reported at 31 Walnut Street, Batavia.

Dispatchers report multiple calls.

UPDATE 3:22 a.m.: City  Fire on scene reporting light smoke out of second-story window.  A patrol officer first on scene reported the fire may have originated in a downstairs kitchen and extended upstates.

UPDATE 3:23 a.m.: All platoons recalled to headquarters.

UPDATE 3:48 a.m.: All occupants were out of the two residences safely.  The fire is out and firefighters are conducting overhaul and checking for extensions.

UPDATE Friday morning:

Press release:

On Friday, February 4, 2022, at 3:16 a.m., the City of Batavia Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 31 Walnut St. in the City of Batavia.  Initial fire units arrived to find smoke emanating from a two-and-a-half-story, two-family home.  Fire crews entered the home to find a fire in the kitchen that was quickly extinguished.  Three occupants were home at the time of the fire and escaped unharmed prior to the fire department's arrival.  Residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.    

The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental by City of Batavia Fire Department fire investigators.   

The City of Batavia Fire Department was assisted by the City of Batavia Police and Water Departments, Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center, the American Red Cross, National Grid and National Fuel.