A dog is reported to be on the roof in the first block of Washington Avenue in the city. Officers are responding.
UPDATE 2:30 p.m.: Dispatch has left a message on the resident's voicemail machine. An officer at the residence reports the dog has opted to go back inside the house, but still has access the roof. "I'll be hanging in the area until we get it secured," says the officer.
A car vs. pedestrian accident with possible serious injuries is reported at 229 W. Main St., in front of Ken Barrett's Chevolet dealership. City fire is en route. Mercy medics are responding. Police are on scene. Mercy Flight out of Batavia is on ground standby.
UPDATE 2:13 p.m.: Mercy Flight is called to scene and directed to land behind city fire headquarters in a grassy area off Evans Street. City Ladder #15's crew is the ground contact.
UPDATE 2:23 p.m.: Mercy Flight has landed behind city fire headquarters.
UPDATE 2:38 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne and heading to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. The city assignment on West Main is back in service.
UPDATE 4:35 p.m.: From the City of Batavia Police Department -- The City of Batavia Police Department is investigating a car vs. pedestrian personal injury accident that occurred on Tuesday, June 22, at about 2:03 p.m. in front of 229 W. Main St., Batavia. A pedestrian was crossing West Main Street and was struck by an SUV that was traveling eastbound. The pedestrian was transported by Mercy Flight to Strong Hospital to be treated for his injuries, which are unknown at this time. The investigation is ongoing and the names of the individuals involved will not be released at this time. The City of Batavia Police Department would like to thank the City of Batavia Fire Department, Mercy EMS and Mercy Flight Air Crew for their assistance with the initial investigation.
Top photo: City police say this dark-colored SUV was involved in the accident where a pedestrian was struck.
Below: Emergency personnel at the scene while the patient is being stablized in the ambulance in order to transport them to city fire headquarters where Mercy Flight has landed.
Submitted images and press release:
The Batavia Society of Artist is hosting artist Collette Savage on Tuesday, July 13th at 6 p.m. at DeWitt Recreation Area at 115 Cedar St. in Batavia. She will be demonstrating pastels en plein air (outside).
We will be in the smallest pavilion on the left side of the park. Nonmembers welcome for a $5 fee. Please bring a chair in case Savage wants to get closer to the water.
Savage has been an artist since she could pick up a pencil. She received her bachelor’s degree in art from SUNY Brockport but has found the best education she received has come from sources outside of academia.
She has taken classes from local artists including Sari Gaby and Thomas Keggler, as well as nationally known artists Albert Handel and Marc Hanson. Nevertheless, working directly from life on a regular basis has been her greatest teacher.
Savage has worked in pastels for the past 20 years and continues to be fascinated by all the creative ways that pastels can be used. An avid plein air pastel painter, she teaches classes in pastel painting and plein air for the beginner where she can share her knowledge and love of what she does.
Savage is a member of Suburban Rochester Art Group, Greater Rochester Plein Air Painters and the Pastel Society of Western New York. In addition to teaching classes, she does workshops and demonstrations.
Savage enjoys sharing her knowledge of pastel and plein air painting. Recently, Colette has begun recording videos on YouTube, which demonstrate pastel painting techniques. Here is the link.
You can read her blog about pastel painting here.
She also offers her pastel paintings and giclee prints on her Etsy shop. You can email her at: cmsavage31@gmail.com
The project manager of Le Roy Meadows says a solid plan is in place to address more than $600,000 in back taxes owed to Genesee County and necessary roof and driveway repairs at the 10-building, 80-apartment complex at 18 Genesee St.
David Renzo Jr., president of V&V Development Corp., of Batavia, today said a vouchering system to retrieve subsidies owed to the project by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and a commitment of an investment group out of California, which owns 95 percent of the complex, are the keys to getting Le Roy Meadows back on track.
“As soon as we get the subsidy in for all that, the taxes are going to be paid,” Renzo said.
“We’re resubmitting vouchering covering the past three or four years, and we’re thinking that in four to five weeks we will start receiving the HUD subsidy again and the taxes will be paid.”
The Batavian has learned that the county is waiting to receive $605,886.43 in back taxes owed by Le Roy Meadows -- $603,167.33 on the property assessed at $2.2 million and another $2,719.10 on a small parcel assessed at $10,000. The taxes are for the years 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Genesee County hasn’t started the foreclosure process yet due to the signing by Gov. Andrew Cuomo of an extension of the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 and the COVID-19 Emergency Protect Our Small Businesses Act through Aug. 31.
Renzo said the location’s current problems stem from HUD suspending its contract with Le Roy Meadows several years ago. Tenants there pay 30 percent of their monthly income toward rent with HUD supplying the difference.
“Our HUD contract was suspended but we’re working on that with HUD right now by sending the vouchers (for the back subsidies),” he said. “There was a lot of confusion. The tenants shouldn’t be worried now because we have a plan in place. They’re not going to lose their rental assistance.”
He said the worst-case scenario is that tenants will receive an individual voucher that can be used for the rental assistance – giving them a choice between staying at Le Roy Meadows or taking that voucher to live somewhere else.
“Right now, rental assistance is project-based. The investment group in California is committed to getting this done. They’ve got positive feedback from HUD and getting the back subsidy that is owed to us to pay off the taxes and get the work done,” Renzo advised.
Concerning the condition of the roofs and driveway, Renzo said he is working with the investment group, soliciting the bids and lining up the work, to have all of the roofs replaced and to blacktop “the worst part of the driveway.”
He also said that repairs of the original sidewalks are part of the plan.
The tarps covering the roofs on many of the buildings are there as precautionary measures, he noted. Thus far, one of the 10 roofs has been repaired.
“With the subsidies about to come, plus the reserve accounts that we have set up and the backing of the investment group, the work will get done,” he said, adding that the interior of the apartments are in “great shape.”
Renzo said that contrary to what was reported in another local news outlet, neither he nor the V&V Development Group own Le Roy Meadows. He did say that plans are to bring in a new management group specializing in HUD policies and procedures to run Le Roy Meadows.
V&V Development Group also manages three complexes governed by the United States Department of Agriculture – The Meadows at South Main Street and Northside Meadows, both in Batavia, and Corfu Meadows.
Photo: Le Roy Meadows building with tarps protecting the roof, which needs replacing. Courtesy of Le Roy code enforcement officer.
Press release:
Northgate Free Methodist Church will be offering free youth pickleball this summer for students in both middle school and high school on Thursdays at 1 p.m. All events will be held at Northgate’s South Campus (350 Bank St., Batavia).
There is no cost, no equipment or knowledge of the game required to attend. All that is required is the ambition to have a great time while learning an awesome game!
Games will begin on Thursday, July 1 and continue weekly on Thursdays.
Northgate encourages you to bring a friend and learn to “dink,” stay out of the “kitchen” and, hopefully, don’t get “pickled!”
If you have any questions, please call Pastor Daniel Calkins (585) 343-4011, or email him at: daniel@northgatefmc.com!
Psst...Free pizza the first week!
From the city's Bureau of Maintenance:
On Wednesday, June 23 and Monday, June 28 Chase Park, Fisher Park and North Spruce Street will be closed to all through traffic, for a two-course pavement operation. Residents are asked to not park in the street on these two days.
All motorists that regularly use these streets are asked to seek alternative routes while the closures are in place.
Contact the Bureau of Maintenance and ask to speak to the Superintendent or Streets Supervisor at (585) 345-6400, opt. 1, if you have any questions.
Press release:
United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) has been gifted the largest donation in its history of more than 100 years. Marian Ransom, who lived in LeRoy, left her entire estate of more than $1.2 million to the hospital upon passing away last year. In honor of Marian Ransom and her generous contribution, the second-floor medical wing at UMMC has been renamed the “Marian Ransom Medical Unit.”
“Its contributions like Marian’s that make such a profound impact on the community,” said Dan Ireland, president of United Memorial Medical Center. “We are beyond grateful for Marian’s contributions and what it will mean for the hospital, our patients, and the community. With the support of her donation, we’ll be renovating the intensive care unit (ICU), which will also have a significant impact on the newly named Marian Ransom Medical Unit.”
The ICU project is still in the early stages of development, but when complete will improve patient, visitor access, and flow to both the ICU and the Marian Ransom Medical Unit. The ICU will get a new waiting area and greeting area and also, clinical support spaces for both units.
“Marian desired to make a difference at the end of her life and so bequeathed her entire estate of more than $1.2 million to United Memorial Medical Center," said Michael T. Welsh, Marian’s attorney. “This humble and philosophical woman has left a legacy which will benefit so many of our citizens for years to come.”
Press release:
The Genesee County Youth Bureau is seeking applicants for the Genesee Youth Lead Program. Applicants should be a Genesee County high school student entering their freshman through senior year.
The deadline to apply is Sept. 3.
The eight-month program is focused on developing leadership skills within an individual through each specific session and through hands-on experience. Each session will have a different focus on our community and leadership.
The Youth Lead Program will take place at GVEP BOCES beginning Oct. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will be held once a month on the second Wednesdays of each month except for November due to the holiday.
The program dates are: Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Feb. 9, March 9, April 13, and May 11.
Youths who complete the program are encouraged to use the skills and information gained through their experience to support the communities in which they live.
The selection process will be done through an application and interview process by the staff. The class size is limited.
The program will cost $75 for each student. If there is an economic hardship please contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau.
Applications for the program can be found here.
Please contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau with questions at (585)344-3960 or at: youthbureau@co.genesee.ny.us.
Press release:
Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse and the Batavia Community Schools initiative are joining forces to present a “School’s Out for Summer!” informational fair from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at The Recovery Station at 5256 Clinton Sreet Road.
Shannon Ford, GCASA’s director of Communications/Development/Prevention, said the event is set up to provide available resources, such as summer activities and educational opportunities, for both parents and youth.
“GCASA’s Prevention Team is very excited to partner with Batavia Community Schools to host this event at The Recovery Station,” Ford said. “After a long, challenging school year, we want to make sure parents and youth have the resources they need to stay healthy and safe. We’re hoping families will stop by, have some fun and get some important information that we plan to share.”
Batavia Community Schools is a new program developed by the Batavia City School District. Its mission is to unite the Batavia community and schools through shared resources, working partnerships, and open, collaborative communication.
Julia Rogers, coordinator of Community Schools, said the event with GCASA “aligns nicely with our vision of building a better Batavia by promoting equitable learning activities, cultivating healthier families and establishing a stronger community.”
Thursday’s activities include Hidden Mischief (a hidden-in-plain-sight experience) for adults from 6:15-7:15 p.m. and special games for children during that time. Attendees will be able to tour the facility.
Refreshments will be available from Pub Coffee Hub.
Other participants include Blue Cross Blue Shield, Hillside Children’s Center Young Life, The ACT Program.
It isn’t too late for other community agencies or organizations to participate, Rogers said, adding that she can be reached at (585) 343-2480, ext. 1004.
CLICK HERE for more information about Batavia Community Schools.
Above, Elon Spink and his granddaughter, Tammy Charbonneau.
Written by Thomas Spink.
LE ROY -- Le Roy Village Green resident Elon Spink is Genesee County's newest centenarian!
Elon was born 100 years ago on June 19, 1921 in Attica to Ida and Harry Spink. He was the fourth of five children.
At an early age, he was diagnosed with polio, but thankfully he recovered, and he was able to get back his mobility and live a remarkably long life. Having had polio prevented him from enlisting to fight for his country in World War II, which disappointed him as he wanted to help defend his country from the Germans.
During his lifetime, Elon held many jobs. He transported farm equipment, construction materials, worked as an accountant for his brother Tom’s business and then started driving bus. He finished up his career delivering beer and beverages, retiring in 1983 at the age 62.
He moved to Rochester in the 1950s where he would meet and marry the love of his life -- Fern Elizabeth Sherman. Fern had three children, Patrick, Lucinda and Susan, who have known Elon as Dad for the past 60+ years. Elon and Fern had one child together, Thomas.
Elon and Fern were married for 51 years. Fern passed away in 2006, and Elon continued living ON HIS OWN until December, 2020. At the age of 99 and a half, in the middle of COVID-19, he had a fall and he and his family realized it was time that he needed assistance, which is when he moved to Le Roy Village Green.
Many of Elon’s most cherished memories are related to sports. Elon was a pretty good bowler. He won team championships in Rochester in the '50s and '60s. Elon is a diehard Rochester Redwings fan and through his son, Pat, (who worked in broadcasting for the Red Wings), he got to meet and befriend several players over the years.
In June of 2001, to celebrate his 80th birthday, he traveled to New York to watch the Yankees play on a Saturday and then rode down to Philadelphia to watch the Batavia Muckdogs parent team take on the New York Mets that following Sunday.
He is an avid Buffalo Bills fan, and one lifetime experience for Elon was going to the Buffalo Bills first Superbowl in Tampa in 1991. He had the opportunity to meet Bills' owner Ralph Wilson at a Bills game. Ralph asked him how old he was, and when Elon said he was 83, Ralph chuckled and said that he was 86. Later that year, Ralph signed a picture of the two of them saying, “You're still not as old as me.”
The Buffalo Bills are Elon’s favorite team by far. He jokingly comments all the time, “I don’t know if I will ever see them win the Big Game.” Well Elon, maybe Josh Allen will do what your favorite quarterback, Jim Kelly, tried so hard to do four times in a row – and you may get to see a Buffalo Bills’ Super Bowl victory this year as you work your way toward 101!
We all wish you the happiest 100th birthday!
Photos courtesy of Margaret Sheelar.
Below, Elon Spink and his son, Thomas Spink.
Christopher P. Thomas, 37, was arrested June 11 and charged was endangering the welfare of a child. It is alleged that at 6:37 p.m. on May 13 that Thomas allowed three children to engage in a physical fight with another person on Lewis Place in Batavia. Thomas was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on June 22.
Nicole R. Griffin, 39, was arrested June 12 and charged was endangering the welfare of a child. It is alleged that at 6:37 p.m. on May 13 that Griffin allowed three children to engage in a physical fight with another person on Lewis Place in Batavia. Griffin was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on June 22.
Brandon Crawford, 19, was arrested June 15 and charged with petit larceny. It is alleged that at 6 p.m. on June 1 on Kingsbury Avenue that Crawford took a sum on money from residence while he was house sitting for a family on vacation. He was processed, issued an appearance ticket returnable to Batavia City Court July 6, and then released.
Tierance J. Davis Sr., 34, was arrested at 5:52 p.m. June 8 and charged with endangering the welfare of a child. He was arrested after a physical altercation that day with a juvenile female on North Lyons Street in Batavia. Following his arraignment in Batavia City Court, he was released on his own recognizance. He due to return to court July 15.
Angie Maniaci, 39, was arrested at 3:37 p.m. June 12 by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post on Chandler Avenue in Batavia and charged with second-degree harassment. It is alleged she struck another person after a brief argument. Maniaci was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court and is due there June 22.
Shawn P. Wolcott, 38, was arrested at 11:30 p.m. June 11 on West Main Street Road in Batavia and charged with second-degree criminal contempt and resisting arrested. It is alleged that he violated a stay away order of protection by coming to the protected party's residence. Wolcott then allegedly resisted arrest when officers attempted to take him into custody. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is due back in court July 1.
Robert Williams Jr., 30, was arrested at 1:51 a.m. June 13 on Hutchins Street, Batavia. He is charged with: driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent or more; DWI common law; aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; and operating/using/leasing/renting, or was loaned, a vehicle without a required ignition interlock device. The arrest follows a traffic stop after a patrol allegedly observed traffic violations. Williams was released with traffic tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on June 22.
Danielle Weldon, 19, was arrested at 9:24 p.m. June 10 on West Main Street in Batavia and charged with second-degree harassment. Batavia Police Officer Peter Post arrested Weldon after an unspecified incident at a local restaurant. She was issued an appearance ticket and was due in Batavia City Court on June 15.
Jacob Hernandez, 26, was arrested by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post June 9 on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court. It stems from an unspecified incident at 5:52 a.m. Sept. 22 on Jackson Street in the City of Batavia. After his arraignment June 9, Hernandez was released on his own recognizance. He was due back in city court June 17.
Heather Holbrook, 36, was arrested on a warrant out of Batavia City Court at 9 a.m. June 2 on West Main Street in Batavia. Holbrook is accused of failing to appear in court May 12 for an unspecified incident that occurred Jan. 14. She was issued an appearance ticket for a later date (unspecified) and then released.
The road to updated Genesee County Comprehensive and Recreation plans is much more demanding than the proverbial “walk in the park” but County Planning Director Felipe Oltramari is hoping an event of that name helps move the municipality closer to its goals.
Oltramari is inviting county residents to come to the DeWitt Recreation Area at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 10 for Walk in the Park!, an interactive gathering featuring a walking tour of the Cedar Street site, workshops, question-and-answer session, and available food and refreshments from Pub Coffee Hub.
Representatives of Prospect Hill Consulting LLC, of Buffalo, the firm coordinating the plan revisions, and Joy Kuebler Landscape Architect, of North Tonawanda, a subcontractor, will be attending.
“We’re trying to come up with a new framework (of plan components), with the main thing that we want to do is see if we can modernize the way that we present it to the public,” Oltramari said. “That is why having this Genesee 2050 website is important. It will be a hub where people can get information and we can share across departments. We want to use technology more instead of having just in-person meetings and PowerPoint presentations.”
He also said a second piece of the puzzle is creating a countywide recreation plan.
“With that, we can look at potential trails, gaps in our park system and recreational activities that we want to have or encourage; sort of set us up for more grant funding in the future,” he said.
Oltramari said planners, legislators, community members and consultants have been updating the comprehensive plan every year since 2000 – utilizing focus groups and steering committees – but now they want to update the entire plan.
A comprehensive plan is a long-range guide for future development and resource protection that considers land use regulation, zoning code revisions and future ordinances. It consists of the following elements:
“We had some funding set aside for the recreation plan capital project and we didn’t have any luck getting a grant to help pay for it,” Oltramari said. “So, in 2019 we decided to try for a grant for both the comprehensive plan and the recreation plan together, and we were successful in getting that grant.”
On Wednesday, the legislature is expected to vote on a resolution to add a $40,000 grant from New York State Empire State Development to the Comprehensive/Recreation Plan Capital Project.
The grant stipulates that Genesee County provide a cash match of $45,000 and in-kind contribution (personnel, ancillary costs) of $15,000 for a total project cost of $100,000.
Other resolutions on Wednesday’s agenda include:
Press release from AAA:
Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.07, down 1 cent in the past week. One year ago, the price was $2.13. The New York State average is $3.13 – up 2 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.23.
AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:
- Batavia -- $3.08 (no change since last Monday)
- Buffalo- - $3.07 (up 3 cents since last Monday)
- Ithaca -- $3.11 (up 6 cents since last Monday)
- Rochester -- $3.10 (up 3 cents since last Monday)
- Rome -- $3.20 (up 3 cents since last Monday)
- Syracuse- - $3.12 (up 6 cents since last Monday)
- Watertown -- $3.17 (up 2 cents since last Monday)
The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has decreased by one cent to $3.07. In its latest report, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) noted growth in gasoline demand and stocks. The increase in total supply, even as gas demand increased, has helped to limit pump price fluctuations this week on the national level.
However, local motorists aren’t seeing much relief at the pump, and rising crude oil prices could mean higher prices later this month.
As of this morning, oil prices remain over $71 per barrel. Until two weeks ago, crude prices hadn’t crossed the $70/bbl threshold since mid-October 2018.
From GasBuddy:
"The ferocious rise in gas prices has finally started to cool as gas prices have eased across a majority of the country for the first time in months," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "There have been some challenges in pockets across the country as demand remains very healthy, and stations in some areas where demand is very high struggle to keep up with demand thanks to the truck driver shortage.
"As we head toward the July 4 holiday, I'm optimistic that we'll continue to see prices slowly drift lower before possibly rising in later July or August should we see any disruptions from hurricane season. But for now it seems most Americans are simply happy to be getting outside and back to some sense of normal."
Law enforcement is called to the Pavilion Baseball Field for a complaint that 10 to 12 parents are arguing. The location is 11302 S. Lake Road.
UPDATE 1:03 p.m.: "We're gonna hang out here a bit," says a deputy. "It's apparently heated on both sides."
UPDATE 11:08 p.m. (by Howard): We received the following email from Tim Kingdon.
Hi Howard this is Tim Kingdon president of pavilion youth baseball. I'd like for you to update your story you posted earlier today with what happened. First, there were no Pavilion parents kids or teams involved it was two softball teams one from Arcade the other from Arkport who were playing in tournament using our field as a neutral site. There wasn't even a Pavilion team in the tournament. The way your post is titled makes it out to be that it was an incident between Pavilion parents and another town and it couldn't be any further from the truth. Thanks.
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: Nowhere in the post or the headline does it suggest Pavilion parents were involved. The headline and post both say the incident occurred in Pavilion without any mention of where the parents might be from. We are happy however to clarify that no Pavilion parents were involved.
Do not be afraid. The cat with the seemingly luminous laser eyes is not possessed by evil spirits, but he is on the loose. Fear not, it's only "Spot."
Beyond the dazzling backlit eyeballs is an ordinary housecat who has scampered away from home at the corner of State Street and MacArthur Drive in Batavia, just in time for tomorrow's Summer Solstice -- the year's longest day of sunlight.
His markings are distinctive -- the black teardrop nose, the prominent snowy bib, and what appears to be a black cat's arm stretched around his head and under his chin, with paw resting on the right side of his mouth. Charming.
Another unique thing about Spot is his front legs are shorter than his back ones, kinda Manx-like, kinda rabbity.
"He's only ever been out of the house once and (this time) he snuck out and wouldn't come back," pouts owner David Austin, astonished by his pet's willfull disregard for the Official Handbook of Household Rules.
All cats apparently would have us believe they only got out once -- once -- on a Sunday morning to hang out in the church parking lot before rushing home straightaway once the congregation was dismissed. Never another defiant act! Yea, right...
If you see this rapscallion, email David Austin at: daustin201345@gmail.com
Oakfield-Alabama held its 2021 graduation ceremony on Friday.
Above, Karly Smith delivers her Valedictorian speech.
Zachary Hall, below, was the Salutatorian.
Photos by Kristen Smith.
Taylor Augello was crowned the 2020 Onion Queen in a ceremony in the Elba Village Park on Friday evening.
The 2021 Onion Queen will be crowned in September.
Photos by Debra Reilly.
Sponsored by the Just Kings Social Club, Batavia's Juneteenth celebration is taking place in Williams Park today. The celebration of freedom continues until 7 p.m.
Chris Humel and Julio Morales busking this afternoon outside the Pok-A-Dot at Liberty and Ellicott.
The Volunteers for Animals collected a dumpster full of scrap metal today, an annual fundraiser for the organization.
You have plenty time yet to donate your old metal items. You can either drop it off this evening, placing it as close to the dumpster as possible, or tomorrow between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
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