Fire is reported at 415 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia. It is reported that the building is evacuated. City Fire Department is on scene. A Mercy ambulance is requested for a person suffering from possible smoke inhalation.
The location is between Bank and Wiard Ross and Vine streets.
UPDATE 11:15 p.m.: Medics are back in service with a patient sign-off.
It's early in the negotiations and officials with Minor League Baseball are working hard to save all the minor league ball clubs from the chopping block, a spokesman for Minor League Baseball said this evening.
"The game of baseball is just as important to Batavia and Auburn as it is in Charlotte or Indianapolis," said Jeff Lantz. "We want to see baseball grow and thrive and be a part of all of our communities."
He said it's unfortunate that word leaked that Major League Baseball floated a proposal to eliminate some minor league teams, and even more unfortunate that this week a list of teams MLB is proposing to be cut was leaked. Both Batavia and Auburn were on a list of New York Penn League clubs that could be scrapped if MLB is successful in reducing the number of minor league teams from 160 to 120.
"That's not good for anybody," Lantz said. "It's not good for Minor League Baseball. It's not good for the fans, and it's not good for the fans of Batavia and Auburn."
He said it's early in the process and MLB and its officials are meeting this week to negotiate. They'll meet again at the Winter Meetings in a couple of weeks to try and hammer out a deal.
"We'll find out their (MLB's) concerns," Lantz said. "I don't think there are any concerns that can't be addressed through negotiations and finding out the best way to go."
Asked if MLB holds all the cards, Lantz said, obviously, the Appalachian League (of) MLB owns all the franchises and can do with them as they please, but the rest of the teams have separate owners so their status does become a point of negotiation.
The Batavia Muckdogs are owned by the New York Penn League now, but the team's former owner, a community group -- Genesee County Baseball Club -- would receive a part of the proceeds if NYPL ever sold the club. If the club were sold and moved, members of the club have floated the idea of using the funds to start a baseball team in one of the leagues that provides summer baseball for college-level players.
Lantz referred questions about the team's ownership status and how that might play out in these negotiations to league president Ben Hayes.
The Batavian has been unable to reach Hayes although we've tried for the past couple of weeks.
General Manager Brendan Kelly said he was not authorized to talk about the status of the minor league clubs. We were also unable this evening to reach club President Brian Paris.
That said, Lantz confirmed, there will be a 2020 season for the Muckdogs in Batavia. The current contract between MiLB and MLB runs until Sept. 15, 2020.
"The good news is, that gives us 11 months to try to negotiate a deal," Lantz said.
Lantz said one thing that is helping the cause of Minor League Baseball is politicians speaking out to help save the teams in the communities they represent. He cited specifically a member of Congress from Massachusetts who got more than 100 other members of Congress to sign a petition to send to MLB asking MLB to protect these teams.
Sen. Charles Schumer has come out strongly in favor of keeping ball clubs in Batavia and Auburn.
“America’s favorite pastime should not become part of Upstate New York’s past," Schumer said. "It’s no secret that New York’s minor league teams are institutions within their communities, which is why I implore MLB to reconsider any such plans and will be reaching out to them directly to advocate for our New York teams."
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who along with her husband, Bill, is a big fan of the Muckdogs and has attended several games over the years, also sent out a couple of Tweets in support of protecting minor league teams in New York. In one, Hochul wrote, "Foul ball!? @MLB - please say this isn’t so. As the birthplace of baseball and home to the Baseball Hall of Fame, these teams are big economic drivers for our small towns and part of New York’s identity & culture."
UPDATE 8:25 p.m.: Genesee County Baseball Club President Brian Paris said he's had no conversations at this point with Ben Hayes or Minor League Baseball about the future of the Batavia Muckdogs, though he is mindful of the fact that the club has a financial stake in the outcome of negotiations. He noted that Major League Baseball enjoys an antitrust exemption, which could limit the leverage of ball club owners but, citing a Baseball America article, noted that terminating as many as 40 franchises could jeopardize baseball's always tenuous hold on its exemption (which is authorized by Congress). If the Muckdogs are ever sold, Paris noted, it's the intention of the club's board of directors that any proceeds from a sale (about half the value of the club, less operational losses sustained by the NYPL since the league took over) would be used to the benefit the community.
Commonly Asked Workers’ Compensation Questions:
Q. What is a Workers’ Compensation claim?
A. A Workers’ Compensation claim is a legal action that occurs when you get hurt during the course of your employment. In New York State you cannot sue your employer. When you get hurt at work, the Workers’ Compensation system provides for lost time financial payments and medical treatment required as a result of your work-related injury.
Q. How do I know if I have a Workers’ Compensation claim?
A. If you sustain an injury during the course of your employment, you should contact our office for a free case evaluation as soon as possible. We can help you determine if you have a Workers’ Compensation claim and assist you in filing the proper paperwork.
Q. How long do I have to file a Workers’ Compensation claim?
A. You are required to report your injury to your employer within 30 days. There is also a two-year time limit to file a claim with the Workers’ Compensation Board. Failure to adhere to these time limits can result in a denial of your claim.
Q. Is a Workers’ Compensation claim my only recourse if I am hurt at work?
A. In New York State, you cannot sue your employer. In some circumstances, a personal injury lawsuit can be filed in addition to a Workers’ Compensation claim. This includes, but is not limited to, injuries sustained in a work-related motor vehicle accident, constructions injuries, or injuries sustained at a location not owned by your employer. Our team of attorneys at Dolce Panepinto will assess your claim to ensure that every legal avenue available to you is pursued.
Q. How much does a Workers’ Compensation Attorney cost?
A. Workers’ Compensation fees are generated on a contingent basis. This means that we only receive payment if we generate money in connection with your Workers’ Compensation claim. More information on contingent fees can be found here. Additionally, our attorneys can explain our attorney fees in greater detail.
Q. Do I need an attorney?
A. While an attorney is not required, it is strongly recommended that you retain an attorney. The Workers’ Compensation Law is complex, confusing, and often difficult to navigate. The insurance carrier will have an attorney fighting on their behalf, we recommend that you have an attorney fighting on your behalf. Having an attorney means ensuring your rights are protected, maximizing your benefits, and making sure your questions and concerns are addressed.
Dolce Panepinto works tirelessly to protect the rights of injured workers by making sure that those responsible are held accountable. If you or a family member are injured at work, or in your private life, contact us today for a free case evaluation at 585-815-9003. For further questions regarding Worker's Compensation Law or to contact Dolce Panepinto: click here.
"The 12 Plates of Christmas" will be presented at GO ART! by Jeanne's Table on Thursday, Dec. 12.
This Culinary Arts collaboration promises to be a great -- and delectable -- way to celebrate the holiday season.
Twelve courses of fine cuisine will be served at this small plates dinner.
Only 20 tickets will be sold.
Cost is $75 per person. Beverages not included. The venue's craft beer and wine bar will be open.
It starts at 6 p.m.
To reserve your seat or get additional information, call or text 585-409-9019.
GO ART! is located in the historic Seymour Place building at 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia.
The Kiwanis Club of Batavia is sponsoring Thanksgiving morning ice skating at the Falleti Ice Arena.
It will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 28, at the arena at 22 Evans St. in the City of Batavia.
Free admission! Free skate rentals -- while supplies last! And free hot chocolate, too!
Press release:
Are you currently unemployed and subsisting on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) but are considering seeking employment and could use some assistance? This may be just the opportunity that you're looking for!
Batavia’s premier consumer-run human service and advocacy agency for people with disabilities, Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is holding a FREE Ticket To Work Program and Benefits Advisement Information Session at the ILGR office in the Crickler Executive Business Center, at 319 W. Main St., (the former Pepsi Distribution Building) Batavia.
It will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday Dec. 10; light refreshments will be provided.
Offered through the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), the Ticket to Work (TTW) program is a free and voluntary program that can help Social Security beneficiaries go to work, get a good job that may lead to a career, and become financially independent, all while they keep their Medicare or Medicaid.
Individuals who receive Social Security benefits because of a disability and are age 18 through 64 probably already qualify for the program. TTW offers participants with disabilities access to meaningful employment with the assistance of Ticket to Work employment service providers called Employment Networks (EN). It may be a good fit for you if you want to improve your earning potential and are committed to preparing for long-term success in the workplace.
For more information or to register, please contact: Donna Becker at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411, or email her at dbecker@wnyil.org.
Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.
At 8:42 a.m., after barricading himself in his apartment for 20 hours while SWAT teams swarmed around his residence, a Batavia man was finally coaxed out of his dwelling by a detective who managed to gain his trust over the course of the ordeal.
The resident, whose name has not yet been released, was gently escorted by Det. Kevin Czora and a plainclothes state trooper to a waiting ambulance five houses down the block, just north of Cherry Street.
Assistant Chief Todd Crossett said the man is facing criminal charges and his name and the exact nature of the charges will be released later today.
The Batavian captured exclusive video of the subject being escorted from the house and down Liberty Street.
This is video from the standoff on Liberty Street with footage from yesterday afternoon through early this morning.
We will post a second video later that shows the end of the standoff, including exclusive shots of the suspect being led away by Det. Kevin Czora.
The photos below are by Jim Burns.
PHOTO (9:32 a.m.): Det. Kevin Czora worked into the evening to establish a relationship with the man who had barricaded himself in an apartment on Liberty Street and came back this morning and resumed the conversation. He spent at least 90 minutes talking to the man before the subject slowly came out and Czora then coaxed him around the corner of the house and then walked him down the street, with the assistance of only one other officer, and into a waiting ambulance. The man was clearly fearful of both the other people around and the environment (he looked up at the sky and all around him at least once).
UPDATE 9:21 a.m. (By Billie): City fire units on Liberty Street are clearing the scene; back in service.
Prior to the end of the standoff, the school district sent a telephone message to parents informing them of the situation, noting that bus service would be at St. Anthony's for those living on Liberty Street.
Watch for more updates and photos. The Batavian will have exclusive video of the subject being coaxed by Det. Kevin Czora from the house and walked to an ambulance.
----------------
Previously:
Nov. 18, 4:18 p.m.
Batavia City Police Chief Shawn Heubusch reported that the man barricaded inside of a house at 209 Liberty St. has fired several shots at police with a pellet gun and is refusing to come out peacefully.
"Our patrols responded to an address (about two hours ago) on Liberty Street for a domestic disturbance situation," Heubusch said. "Upon arrival, there's this male subject in the upstairs apartment that has barricaded himself in and is refusing to come out. He has a pellet rifle or pellet gun that he is shooting at us, if you will.
"Right now we're working through the process of trying to get him to come out and talk to us."
Heubusch said that the victim of the alleged dispute (the man's girlfriend) is no longer inside the house and the downstairs neighbor also has been evacuated.
He added that police are "working with the (Batavia City) school district, busing the children from Jackson (School) and making sure the kids stay safe and there's no traffic in the area."
"We're keeping the kids away from the area and keeping the neighbors indoors at this point until we can get the subject in custody."
According to David Zanghi, the downstairs tenant, the incident started when the upstairs tenant (name being withheld at this time) punched his girlfriend in the right eye and took some of her prescription drugs. Zanghi said the suspect also is in an intoxicated state.
"He's got a sword and a BB gun, and he's already shot out a couple windows," Zanghi said. "They (police) won't go in there until they get a warrant; that's what the police told me."
Previously (3:12 p.m.) (by Billie):
A man who was reported to dispatch for allegedly carrying a sword while walking down Liberty Street in the City of Batavia is barricaded in one of three houses cordoned off by police.
The incident began about an hour ago and police immediately established a perimeter around the Liberty Street trio of homes.
Jackson Primary School at 411 S. Jackson St. was put on lockout -- meaning no one is allowed to enter or exit until the scene is secure.
UPDATE 3:26 p.m.: The students have been dismissed and have boarded buses.
UPDATE 9:30 p.m. (by Howard): The standoff continues. Chief Shawn Heubusch said a little while ago that law enforcement is prepared at this point to wait as long as they must for the man in the house to exit on his own safely. The Orleans County SWAT team responded to the incident about 7:30 p.m. and at about 8 p.m., once in position around the house, fired a volley of CS gas canisters into the house. The suspect did not exit the house and there was no communication between law enforcement and the subject for at least 45 minutes, at which point negotiations began again. Heubusch said he's reluctant to send in officers to try and apprehend the suspect because that could lead to serious consequences for either the suspect or an officer and the goal is to ensure there are no serious injuries or fatalities. Trying to make entry could force a confrontation that would require an officer to take decisive action. (We'll post a video and photos later.)
UPDATE 10:53 p.m. (by Howard): Heubusch just confirmed that about three hours ago the suspect tried to stab "Frankie," the K-9 of Deputy Chris Erion. The attempt was unsuccessful. Frankie was not injured.
UPDATE 6:09 a.m. Nov. 19 (by Howard): The individual is still barricaded in the apartment. Law enforcement is still waiting him out. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office has provided additional manpower to provide relief for officers who had been on scene for hours. The contingent from MCSO includes a negotiator who has been trying to talk with the subject. From about 2:20 a.m. to 3 a.m., he did not respond to repeated requests to speak and shortly after 3 a.m. he responded to the officer. The Batavian is continuing to withhold publication of photos and video until the situation is resolved.
A man who was reported to dispatch for allegedly carrying a sword while walking down Liberty Street in the City of Batavia is barricaded in one of three houses cordoned off by police.
The incident began about an hour ago and police immediately established a parameter around the Liberty Street trio of homes.
Jackson Primary School at 411 S. Jackson St. was put on lockout -- meaning no one is allowed to enter or exit until the scene is secure.
UPDATE 3:26 p.m.: The students have been dismissed and have boarded buses.
Stephen Anthony Marazita, 37, of North Lake Avenue, Bergen, is charged with criminal tampering in the second degree. Marazita was arrested at 8:49 p.m. on Nov. 14. It is alleged that he tampered with his electric meter to turn power back on at his residence after it was shut off. He was arraigned in Bergen Town Court and released on an appearance ticket. He is due to return to court on Nov. 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.
Phillip Sanders Brunson, 32, of an unspecified address in Gowanda, is charged with two counts of second-degree harassment. Brunson was arrested on Nov. 14 in regard to an incident that occurred on Nov. 24, 2016. He allegedly slapped and spit in a female's face and shoved another female during a domestic incident on Maple Street in the City of Batavia. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court. (His disposition afterward was not provided.) The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Joshua Girvin, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.
A 17-year-old female who lives in Batavia was arrested on Nov. 7 after an incident that occurred the day before outside a residence on Hutchins Place in Batavia. The girl allegedly threatened to harm people while holding a baseball bat. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jordan McGinnis, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.
Kaleb James Bobzien, 21, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Following an investigation of phone calls made from recorded jail phones, Bobzien was arrested on Nov. 18. It is alleged that he violated a stay away order of protection issued by Batavia City Court. He is due back in court on Nov. 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James Stack, assisted by Officer Dennis Bartholomew.
Jahmaal Lee Barnes, 19, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with third-degree burglary and fourth-degree grand larceny. Barnes was arrested at about 8 p.m. on Nov. 16 and arraigned in Batavia Town Court. It is alleged that at 11 a.m. on Nov. 14 that Barnes entered an apartment on Batavia Stafford Townline Road and stole the resident's debit card. Barnes was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is due back in Batavia Town Court on Dec. 16. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.
A two-car collision with injuries is reported at 300 Ellicott St. in the city, in front of Southside Deli. City fire, police and Mercy medics responding.
UPDATE 11:55 a.m.: A second ambulance is called to the scene.
UPDATE 12:21 p.m.: A man and his children in a minivan were rear-ended by a car after the minivan stopped at a the red light at Liberty and Ellicott streets. None of the minivan's occupants were injured. The driver of a car was a female who was transported to UMMC with complaints of left arm and chest pain. A first responder said the car was going about 30 mph at the time of impact and there was no air-bag deployment.
Poster above created by Grand Prize winner Zoey Shepard, a ninth-grader at Byron-Bergen Central School.
The Genesee County STOP-DWI Advisory Board announces the students and law enforcement officers who will be honored Thursday, Nov. 21 at its annual awards luncheon.
In September, the board invited local sixth- through 12th-grade students to submit a poster design that reflects the dangers of drinking and driving. The designs were to focus on the affects drinking and driving have on an individual, their family and the community.
The theme for the 2019 contest was: "Drinking and Driving is a gamble that you just can’t win.”
The sixth- through eighth-grade winners are:
The ninth- through 12th-grade winners are:
The computer-generated art winner is Jade Wolff, seventh grade, Byron-Bergen Central School.
The Grand Prize winner is Zoey Shepard, ninth grade, Byron-Bergen Central School.
The Top Cop award will be given to Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen and Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor.
The luncheon will be held at Terry Hills Restaurant & Banquet Facility in Batavia.
Below is how the billboard incorporating Zoey's poster will appear:
Above photo: Sarah Worley, valedictorian, receives an award from Heidi Mix, Regional Medical Programs coordinator.
Submitted photos and press release:
The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (the Partnership) School of Practical Nursing graduated 32 students during a ceremony at Pavilion Central School on Nov. 7.
Heidi Mix, Regional Medical Programs coordinator, offered congratulatory remarks on the dedication and hard work the graduates displayed throughout the yearlong program.
Sarah Worley, the class valedictorian, addressed the crowd during the ceremony. Sarah Lewis and Michelle Ramsdell were named co-salutatorians.
Brandon Davidson received awards for both leadership and professionalism.
Instructors Janet Green, Frank Dana, Krista Copeland, and Amanda Milligan assisted throughout the ceremony. Seventeen of the graduates were named Students with High Honors, a designation for averages of 90 or above.
According to Mix, there is a huge need for practical nurses in the healthcare system.
The Partnership’s LPN Program currently has 23 clinical contracts with different hospitals, nursing facilities, and primary care practices. This allows students exposure to many different types of facilities, and many of these sites hire the students prior to graduation.
“In the past year, our LPN program has had 100-percent job placement for those who have taken their State Boards and passed,” Mix said. “Many of our graduates go on for their Registered Nursing degree and work as an LPN as they go through school.
"Our graduates are able to make a good salary while continuing their education. Many healthcare facilities help support the growth of our LPNs by providing tuition assistance to go on in the nursing profession.”
Students took part in this 12-month, 1,200-clock-hour program that is certified by the New York State Education Department. The program is designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-PN Examination for licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
This course is offered in three different sites in Western New York: Batavia; Rochester Tech Park in Gates, and Mount Morris.
For more information about this program, contact the Adult Education/School of Practical Nursing at (585) 344-7788.
Photo below, instructor Janet Green helps LPN graduates light candles at the conclusion of the Nov. 7 ceremony.
Now that a new 40-year sales tax agreement is in place, the County Legislature is ready to move forward with designing and building a new jail on land next to County Building #2.
Assistant County Manager Matt Landers presented an anticipated budget for the new facility with an anticipated expense of $60,000,000 at a Committee of the Whole meeting on Wednesday night.
The proposed jail will hold 184 beds in four pods, giving the jail staff space to keep separate jail populations for men and women as well as threat level, mental health issues, or substance abuse issues.
The location is off West Main Street Road in Batavia.
The actual construction costs are an estimated $49,763,323 million: with more than $2 million in expense for design; $2 million for furnishings; $1.2 million for bonds and insurance payments; $1.2 million for a construction manager; more than $1 million in additional expenses for planning and development; plus $1.8 million set aside for unexpected costs.
Construction will be funded by bonds, which will be paid back over 30 years by the sales tax revenue that has been shifted away from villages and towns as part of the new state-approved sales tax agreement.
Chairman Robert Bausch said that under this plan, there would be no need to raise property taxes to help pay for the jail.
Bausch also noted that the county's consultant initially projected, based on county inmate trends, that Genesee County would need a 215-bed facility but that a new bail reform law is expected to reduce the demand in the county for inmate beds.
However, there is room available on the proposed jail site to add two additional cell blocks if the need arises.
If sales tax revenue falls short in the coming years, Landers noted, there is other county debt that will retire and revenue now going to pay those expenses can be reallocated to the jail debt if necessary.
With the new jail, the county will be able to go from being a tenant in other agencies' facilities -- all female inmates are housed at other jails in the region -- to being a landlord for other counties, the state or the feds.
"Local counties, the federal government, the state, are all short of space right now," Bausch said.
Revenue from other jurisdictions will cover some of the jail's ongoing operating expenses.
Legislators Shelly Stein, Gary Maha, and Gregg Torrey all spoke in favor of proceeding with the proposal.
"I served on the new jail committee," Stein said. "The details were combed through, and it is my recommendation that we proceed with 184 beds ... To not hit property taxes," she added, "is a major win for what we've done together as a legislature."
The need for a jail is beyond dispute, Maha said.
"I'm not fond of spending $60 million," Maha said but the current jail is in bad shape, is landlocked, and the state is demanding a new facility in compliance with state standards.
"This is the county's responsibility and we have to get a jail done, and we have to do it right," Maha said.
Torrey agreed with Maha and said, "we have one chance to do it right. We hired a consultant, and I think it's best to follow what they recommend we do."
Photo: Members of the legislature listen to incoming Legislator (not in frame) Christian Yunker on his thoughts about the new jail, which he also supports.
CORRECTION: The bonds will be paid back over 30 years, the maximum time period for bond payback under state law.
Press release:
Directed and choreographed by GCC Adjunct Professor Tara Pocock, the modern dance showcase "BREATHE" will take over the Stuart Steiner Theater stage of Genesee Community College's Batavia Campus at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22.
With a cast of 20 dancers comprised of members of GCC's Dance Team, the Spotlight Dance Studio, Divine Dance Studio and GCC students, the show will use fog machines and strobe lighting to highlight a variety of dance genres set to music from popular hip-hop rapper Lil Jon to the pop artist Billie Eilish.
Tickets to see "BREATHE" are $8 for adults, and $5 for seniors (55+) and students (16+) and GCC faculty/ staff. GCC students with ID are $3, and GCC alumni with ID will receive a $2 discount on an adult ticket. To reserve seats, contact the GCC box office at boxoffice@genesee.edu or (585) 345-6814. Tickets will also be sold at the door.
All ticket sale proceeds will benefit GCC's Forum Players. Please contact tapocock@genesee.edu with any questions.
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