A two-car accident with injuries is reported in Stafford at 5955 Main Road. Stafford Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. The location is between Sanders and Clipnock roads.
UPDATE 5:32 p.m.: Two flatbed tows are called for a Toyota and a Mazda sedan. A second ambulance is called to the scene.
Katelyn M. Bennett, AKA Katelyn Orozco, age 29, white female, 5’5” 180 lbs., brown hair, blue eyes, LKA Dyson Street, Rochester, NY
Bench warrant for violation of probation CPL 410.40 (felony) Genesee County Court DOW 3/19/19
Robert W. Blankenberg, age 35, white male, 6’6” 260 lbs., brown hair, hazel eyes, LKA Union Street, Le Roy, NY
Arrest warrant for grand larceny 4th PL 155.30-1 (felony) Le Roy Town Court DOW 3/23/19
Lawrence D. Boggs, age 30, white male, 6’0” 200 lbs., blond hair, hazel eyes, LKA Embreville Road, Johnson City, TN
Bench warrant for DWI and DWI drugs VTL 1192-3, VTL 1192-4 (misdemeanors) Batavia Town Court DOW 9/23/13
Robert A. Boggs, age 32, white male, 6’0” 200 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes, LKA Reeser Road, Johnson City, TN
Bench warrant for assault 3rd PL 120.00-1 (misdemeanor) Batavia Town Court DOW 9/23/13
Richard J. Burdick, age 41, white male, 6’1” 190 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes, LKA Summit Street, Batavia, NY
Arrest warrant for petit larceny PL 155.25 (misdemeanor) Batavia Town Court DOW 3/27/19
Benjamin G. Evans, age 30, white male, 6’1” 180 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes, LKA West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY
Bench warrant for petit larceny PL 155.25 (misdemeanor) Batavia Town Court DOW 3/12/19
If you are able to assist the Sheriff's Office in locating these people, the Sheriff's Office asks that you do not approach these people and that you call (585) 343-5000 with information that may assist in locating the suspects.
Willis Floyd Miller Jr., 59, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested on April 18 and arraigned in Pembroke Town Court at 4:30 p.m. for allegedly stealing tools belonging to his former employer on Dec. 5 on Genesee Street in Pembroke. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Pembroke Town Court again on April 30. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.
Elizabeth Rose George, 28, of Council House Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with: unauthorized use of a vehicle; leaving the scene of a property damage accident; and moving from lane unsafely. George was arrested on April 18. It is alleged that she drove a vehicle on April 18 without the owner's consent and that she was subsequently involved in an accident at 5:13 a.m. on Bloomingdale Road. It is also alleged that she left the scene of the accident. George was issued traffic tickets and released on appearance tickets. The defendant is due in Alabama Town Court on May 8 to answer the charges. The case was handled by Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Deputy Joshua Brabon.
Brandon Eugene Matteson, 25, of Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree harassment. Following a domestic incident that occurred at 7:56 a.m. on April 17 on Ellicott Street Road in Pavilion, Matteson was arrested and arraigned at 11:41 p.m. on April 17 in Le Roy Town Court. He was jailed in lieu of $500 cash or $3,000 bond. Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer handled the case, assisted by NYS Police.
Press release:
On Thursday, April 18th, members of the Genesee Community College Criminal Justice Club made a donation of $200 to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Fund.
Accepting the donation from the Sheriff’s Office was Undersheriff Brad Mazur.
The club members raised the money from a one-day bake sale at the college. Club members hoped that the donation could be used by the K-9 unit toward the purchase of a bulletproof vest for the new K-9 or toward the cost of the K-9.
The GCC Criminal Justice Club consists of students enrolled at the college, the majority of whom are Criminal Justice majors. They are trying to pursue careers in the Criminal Justice field. However, membership in the club is open to all GCC students.
Students in the club participate in social and community service activities throughout the academic year.
Submitted photos and press release:
In celebration of Spring, beautiful bouquets of flowers were hand delivered on Wednesday (April 17) to more than 90 Meals on Wheels recipients. This delightful surprise brought smiles all across Genesee County -- and even some tears of joy.
The Genesee County Office for the Aging and the RSVP Volunteer Placement Program were pleased to partner with the Kohl’s Batavia store for Kohl’s Cares Associates in Action.
Five local employees volunteered their morning to help bring joy to area older adults. Additionally, Kohl’s Corporation will make a monetary donation to the Genesee Senior Foundation to further support programming for residents 60 and older and their caregivers.
The special delivery of posies was made possible through the generosity of a private donation, specifically to benefit the lives of those receiving Meals on Wheels.
The Program offers a nutritionally balanced, hot meal at lunchtime, five days per week. The meals are delivered by dedicated RSVP volunteers and Office for the Aging staff. Each person receives social interaction and a safety check with each delivery as well as ongoing case management, an important piece of the program, which supports their health and independence in the community.
Anyone interested in helping with these efforts by way of a donation is encouraged to do so through the Genesee Senior Foundation, a nonprofit affiliated with the Office for the Aging. Please call Dorian Ely, services coordinator, at (585) 343-1611 to learn more about charitable donations to the Foundation.
The Office for the Aging wishes to thank everyone involved in making this day special, including staff and volunteers from Kohl’s, OFA, RSVP and the ARC Culinary Program.
James A. Chase is indicted for the crime of failure to register a change of address, a Class D felony. It is alleged that this convicted Level 3 sex offender failed to register with the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services within 10 calendar days any change of address, including Internet accounts, Internet access providers or Internet identifiers. In this case, he is accused of not registering a specific email account. In count two, he is accused of the same crime for allegedly not registering a Facebook account that used the screen name of John Chase. In count three, he is accused of the same crime for allegedly not registering an Internet access provider he used, in this case Boost Mobile. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Chase is accused of having been convicted of: the crime of failure to register/verify a change of address, as a Class A misdemeanor, on Aug. 18, 2005 in Batavia City Court; failure to register a change of address, a Class D felony, on Sept. 12, 2005 in Town of Oakfield Court; and failure to register/verify change of address, as a Class E felony, on March 10, 2015 in Genesee County Court.
Jacob J. Camerera is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 18 in the City of Batavia that Camerera knowingly possessed stolen property, in this case one or more firearms, rifles or shotguns -- a Marlin .22-caliber model 60 rifle.
A caller reports seeing and hearing a transformer explode in the area of Maple Street and Ganson Avenue, Batavia.
City fire responding.
Submitted information and photos from VA WNY Healthcare System:
A luncheon was held today at the Quality Inn in Batavia for VA Voluntary Service volunteers to recognize their many hours of volunteer service to veterans at VA WNY Heatlhcare System.
Irvin Bratz, in photo above, is pictured with Danielle Bergman, interim associate director for VA WNYHS. Bartz was specifically recognized for his 7,500 hours of volunteer service.
Below, members of the Brockport Elks Lodge provided a donation to VA Voluntary Service in the amount of $1,500.
Below, the luncheon was well attended.
Below, VA Chaplain Brian Stuttler with VA volunteers.
Submitted photos and press release:
It's that time of year again to plan for YWCA Spring Fest, formerly known as the Carnival at Batavia Downs. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 9 -- only seven weeks away!
This is its fourth year and it promises to be the best one yet.
The YWCA of Genesee County is taking over the event which means it will become bigger and better! The YWCA is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
The proceeds of Spring Fest will go toward supporting programs that help enhance the lives of families in Genesee County.
Also, anyone wishing to set up a game booth may do so for free and proceeds can go to the charity/nonprofit of your choice.*
The YWCA Spring Fest is a family friendly event for the whole family. It is the only festival during the month of June in Genesee County for families.
There will be bounce houses, a train ride, pony rides, exotic animal petting zoo, games, 10 food trucks, entertainment, face painting and more than 100 artists, vendors, crafters, authors, potters, jewelers, entrepreneurs, quilters, spice purveyors, exotic jerky sellers, maple syrup sappers, bee product vendors and toy reps from throughout Western New York.
Come and enjoy a fun-filled day with family at Spring Fest. Free Play Coupons for the adults inside the casino and FREE admission and parking. Batavia Downs is located at 8315 Park Road, Batavia.
* To get a game booth contract that you can print out, fill out and mail in, click here.
Send to: Lucille DiSanto, 3732 S. Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020
Note: Batavia Downs Gaming reserves the right to deny any applications.
Despite a shortage of corrections officers, officials have been able to hold down overtime pay at the Genesee County Jail, Superintendent William Zipfel told members of the County Legislature's Public Service Committee on Wednesday.
Zipfel made his report as part of a Sheriff's Office department review with the committee.
Overtime was more than $17,500 less in the first quarter of 2019 compared to 2018, Zipfel said.
The jail is understaffed by six C.O. positions even with three C.O.'s recently completed training and two more in the pipeline.
"We're constantly doing interviews and background checks," Zipfel said when asked about filling the vacancies.
Because of the vacancies, there hasn't been jail staff available to handle inmate transports, so the task has fallen once again to deputies on road patrol.
The prison population continues to exceed the jail's capacity.
While there has been an average of 16.16 women (who can't be held locally) incarcerated under Genesee County jurisdiction, which is about two more than last year, there has also been an increase of male prisoners who must be housed at other county jails.
The state seems to be contributing to an increase in the jail population because of new policies that have prison inmates being released on parole sooner and then being picked up on parole violations faster. Those parolees, when found in Genesee County, are held locally until transferred to state prison.
The kitchen is also turning out to be another place the jail is saving money, Zipfel said, praising head chef Bill Cultrara. He said last year in the first quarter, the jail served 20,194 meals at a cost of $30,722, or $1.52 per meal. In the first quarter this year, Cultrara and staff served 4,500 more meals but at cost of $1.15 per meal.
Older inmates, inmates with more health problems, more mental health problems, and substance abuse problems, are driving up other costs, such as prisoner transports to the hospital and other health providers.
Sheriff William Sheron told the Legislature that felony and drug cases in the first quarter were on par with 2018.
He said illegal drugs remain a concern, particularly cocaine, heroin, and LSD. He said there seems to be an increase in LSD use among high school students.
For the concert season at Darien Lake, he said one show is sold out, a few more are likely to sell out, and 17 shows of an anticipated 20 to 25 have been announced. He said he anticipates adequate law enforcement staffing for the shows.
The Sheriff's Office is also expecting the construction of a new communications tower in Attica, actually in Wyoming County, which will eliminate dead spots in Pavilion, Alexander and Darien.
Submitted photos and press release:
CountryMax announces the opening of its new Batavia store located at 4160 Veterans Memorial Drive. The new Batavia location is the 17th store operated by the local, Western New York family-owned business.
The 23,000-square-foot store showcases multiple custom-built, wood-themed interior elements reflecting local history, as well as climate-controlled small pet rooms, a wild bird center, and over 2,000 square feet of premium, healthy foods for dogs, cats, and pets of all shapes and sizes.
In addition to the massive selection of healthy pet options, the new location features a large selection of barn and stable feed and supplies, as well as expansive lawn and garden offerings for all seasons.
Additional features include “Scrub House” self-serve dog wash, a “Ship” Fish Room, special events room, and a custom-built wood lodge filled with homesteading products; beer, wine, cider, and cheese making kits; housewares; gifts and novelty items.
CountryMax is celebrating 35 years in 2019. It has grown by being known as the neighborhood store that can compete with competition both big and small, with prices and selection consumers have come to demand, as well as a customer service experience that goes above and beyond traditional expectations of today’s retail stores, such as their full carry-out service for purchases big and small.
"I think anyone who shopped with us in the past knows we have a huge, unique selection of products that fits the Batavia area," said Brad Payne, director of Sales, “and they are going to be thrilled to see the amount of time, effort, and work that has gone into creating the new CountryMax store experience.”
Grand Opening Celebration
A Grand Opening Celebration is being planned for the weekend of May 18 and 19. Vendors will be on hand, along with experienced CountryMax team members to provide valuable product information, free samples, and demonstrations to benefit customers. FREE CountryMax Tote Bags full of “goodies” will be handed out to the first 250 people both Saturday and Sunday.
Bring the whole family and enjoy face painting, bounce house, games, prizes, food and fun!
Pets are welcome, too! Details will be available at www.countrymax.com.
Batavia new store hours are Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kelly J. Rhim, 40, of Colvin Avenue in Rochester, is charged with attempted assault, 1st, and assault, 2nd, for an attack he is accused of perpetrating at 1:05 a.m., Saturday outside of T.F. Brown's in Batavia.
Rhim is accused of stabbing the victim in a parking lot outside the establishment.
He turned himself in following an investigation by Batavia PD.
The victim of the alleged stabbing was transported to an area hospital, treated and released.
The investigation was led by Det. Thad Mart, and Batavia PD said no further information about the incident would be released.
Rhim was jailed on $25,000 bail or $50,000 bond.
Press release:
I believe the local Democratic leadership has lost sight of its responsibility to serve its own constituents. Rose Mary Christian has represented Batavia’s sixth ward for over 28 years. Although I have at times agreed with her on issues and at other times disagreed, I have always respected the fact that Rosemary understands service at the local level and works very hard to serve the residents of the sixth ward. That’s why she’s held her seat for so long. All 28 years she has represented the sixth ward, Rosemary has enjoyed the support of local Democrats. However, that changed this year and it changed for reasons that should trouble any community-minded Batavia Democrat.
Rosemary was very concerned with the radically liberal abortion/infanticide bill that was passed by Albany and Downstate Democrats and decided to speak out for the unborn. The local Democratic leadership, obviously in lockstep with the radical views prominent in Albany, New York, and Washington decided that an honest objection from a local Democrat who had the courage to speak out was unacceptable. Having endorsed Rosemary just a very few weeks earlier, the leadership decided to rescind her endorsement and suddenly a candidate emerged who tried, unsuccessfully, to challenge her in a primary this June. Isn’t there any loyalty to a local representative who has shown loyalty to her party and her constituents for so many years? Whose interests are to prevail in the Batavia and Genesee County Democratic Party; the local constituents, or the kingmakers in Albany? It looks like the answer is obvious. In addition, I respectfully hope Batavia’s sixth ward Democrats express their independence and send a message to the kingmakers by supporting your long term representative without punishing her for speaking up on an issue that she is passionate about; supporting the lives of the unborn.
If you want a better voice at the local level and an honest commitment to represent your interests first, join our local Republican party. I personally promise that your voice will be heard and respected. We are also committed to doing what’s best for the City of Batavia, even if that requires some sacrifices by our local candidates.
You can contact me or any Republican Committee person and we will happily assist you in making the change.
Sincerely,
David Saleh, Chairman,
City of Batavia Republican Committee
Press release:
As the opioid epidemic continues to distress our community, local agencies are coming together to offer more services to those in need.
“Last fall, 24 counties in New York State, including Genesee, that are deemed ‘opioid burdened’ received funds from the CDC and New York State Department of Health to take local action to address the epidemic,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health director for Genesee and Orleans counties.
“After looking at our current services and speaking with local partners we wanted to launch an innovative program we learned about a few months earlier during a GOW Opioid Task Force meeting where Police Chief Volkman from Chatham spoke about the Police Assisted Addiction Recovery Initiative, more easily known as PAARI (pronounced PARR-REE).
"Using the funding to bring the successful approach of this program from Chatham into Genesee, will allow those who want to get into substance use treatment a 24/7 opportunity by going to one of the partnering first-responder agencies for help.”
The PAARI program will launch locally on Tuesday, April 23rd.
It will allow anyone who wants help with their addiction to walk into any police station or the city fire station and get the help they need. The program is supported by City of Batavia Police, City of Batavia Fire Department, Le Roy Police, and Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
“The funds will help pay for overtime that will likely be incurred by staff of Public Safety agencies, as well as help pay for peer recovery coaches from Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (GCASA) that will be contacted once a person seeking treatment walks through the door," Pettit said.
"GCASA is an equally important partner in this, as they have hired the peer recovery coaches, who have been trained in providing services in the community early after receiving these funds.
"The peers will work with each individual and identify where they can go for the proper services,regardless of if it’s local or not, and make sure they get there. Ultimately, being a support in that moment and in the future, too. This program highlights the commitment and collaboration of our community partners to help address this crisis.”
GC Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. agrees with Pettit regarding the collaboration of our first responders and the commitment to help address the opioid epidemic.
“This is a good collaboration between police, fire and the public," Sheron said. "I fully support the program and hope it will help people get the treatment services they need.”
For more information or for immediate help, please call GCASA’s peer services hotline at (585) 815-1800.
Public Notice
Genesee County is completing the process of updating its Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP).
The HMP documents the County’s vulnerability to hazards and its strategy to reduce that vulnerability. The draft of the updated HMP is now complete and available for review at www.geneseecountyhmp.com under the "Draft Documents for Review" page.
A meeting to discuss the draft HMP will be held on Tuesday, May 28 from 4:30-6 p.m. at the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management Services, 7690 State Street Road, Batavia.
Additional information about the HMP and the planning process is available at www.geneseecountyhmp.com. Contact Tim Yaeger, coordinator, Genesee County Office of Emergency Management Services, for more information at 585-344-0078.
Press release:
As part of a $40 million capital improvement program, Tops Friendly Markets is investing back into a number of its stores with several major floor-to-ceiling interior renovations and updated exterior facades, landscaping, and parking lots. These stores will remain open during their respective renovation projects so as not to inconvenience shoppers.
One of the six stores to be renovated during phase one is in Genesee County -- the Le Roy store at 128 W. Main St. When the renovation is complete, there will be a Grand Reopening at the store at 11 a.m. on July 16.
Stores will be remodeled to provide customers with a warm, inviting atmosphere that highlights the fresh departments. Shoppers will find an expansion of Tops’ produce, bakery, and deli/carry out café areas as well as finding a wide selection of natural and organic and gluten-free offerings conveniently integrated throughout the main aisles.
New flooring, energy efficient equipment, cart corrals, shopping carts, as well as a whole new interior décor will give stores a refreshed and vibrant appearance.
“Throughout our stores, shoppers will see expanded refrigerated produce allowing for more variety and convenience, new offerings including an in store cut fruit and vegetable program, and an increase of antibiotic-free meat and seafood selections,” said John Persons, president and chief operating officer. “We’re also looking to bring a new coffee shop and comfortable sit-down area to a few of our locations which is an exciting addition for our shoppers.”
Additionally Tops is aggressively investing in its stores by rolling out new services where customers can shop online for store pick up, without even getting out of their cars, or have their groceries delivered to their homes or businesses in as little as an hour.
“By the end of May 2019 Tops will have 20 stores that will offer grocery pickup service to its customers with expansion into our other major markets on the horizon,” said Persons. “When we create an even more exceptional shopping experience and help make grocery shopping simple, friendly and easy, our shoppers benefit at the end of the day.”
The first phase of renovations are already underway at the Tops locations noted below with Grand Reopening events already earmarked on the calendar.
The other locations to be renovated during phase one are in, respectively: Elmira, Saranac Lake, Cheektowaga, Alden, and on Sheridan Drive in Buffalo.
Additionally Tops is pursuing more stores for renovations for phase two of the program and are currently in the planning and permitting process. These stores will be named at a later date.
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Tops Markets LLC is headquartered in Williamsville and operates 159 full-service supermarkets with five additional franchise stores and is the largest private, for-profit employer in Western New York.
As a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, Northern Pennsylvania, and Western Vermont, and with the support of 14,000 associates, at the core of our mission is to help our communities flourish.
We support programs that seek to eradicate hunger and disease; promote the education of our youth; and to ensure we reduce environmental waste and energy consumption while providing our customers with sustainably sourced, high quality products. For more information, visit www.topsmarkets.com
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