batavia

Press release:

As many of you may know, the family, loved ones, and allies of the GOW Opioid Task Force are hard at work planning the first-ever Overdose Awareness Day for the GOW community from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday Aug. 28^th at Austin Park, Batavia.

This event will be a special time for the community to come together to raise awareness, share information, and support each other as a community. We will be having local area speakers, live music, FREE Narcan training, a kid’s zone, and food, and much more!

If you are interested in having a table at the event please complete the Vendor Table Registration Form and send it to Sue Gagne -- Family, Loved Ones, and Allies Work Group co-chair -- by 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug.17. Email it to her at: sgagne@gcasa.org

For more information, be sure to visit the website at: www.gowopioidtaskforce.org

We look forward to seeing our communities come together to continue to bring awareness to those in our families and community struggling with substance use disorder.

A magnesium fire is reported outside the building at 3817 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, which is Hodgins Engraving Co.

Town of Batavia fire dispatched.

UPDATE 4:33 p.m.: Town of Batavia Engine 24 continuing non-emergency.

Press release:

Registration for the fall semester is still open at Genesee Community College, and there is a brand-new course available -- Public Procurement -- listed as course BUS194.

Available completely online, this course was developed and will be taught by Eve Hens, who is the purchasing director for Genesee County, and also a Certified Professional Public Buyer with an MBA in Project Management.

The course is the first and only online Public Procurement class offered in Western New York.

It will introduce public procurement principles and relevant applications, and integrate concepts from a legal, ethical and documentation perspective as well as include the latest best practices in this field. NYS public procurement policies and procedures will be the focus of this course.

The purchasing function, in any industry, is critical to the global supply chain and this course has been designed to prepare individuals looking to enter or advance in that role -- whether in the public or private sectors.

Government procurement accounts for a substantial part of the global economy and therefore, Public Procurement (BUS194) also serves the small and large business owner interested in contracting with the government for goods or services by providing a solid understanding of the applicable procurement concepts, processes and procedures.

As an online course, BUS194 offers maximum flexibility and convenience, requires no prerequisites, and can be taken as an elective as part of an academic degree program or on its own to bolster knowledge or advance careers.

This coursework and information can readily be applied to a broad range of industries such as retail, healthcare, construction, government, technology, manufacturing, film making and more. And with the median wage of a procurement officer being $32 per hour according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor-it also provides a sound career choice.

Additionally, in some businesses, it is a position that allows the employee to work remotely; in some cases from home.

"As Baby Boomers continue to retire in large numbers, the Public Procurement industry is anticipating more and more employment opportunities," said Lina LaMattina, Ph.D., professor and director of GCC's Business Program. "Students in any of GCC's business programs would also benefit from this Public Procurement elective, as they further prepare to enter the workforce."

GCC's semester starts Monday, Aug. 19, at GCC.

To learn more about BUS194 or to enroll in the course, go to https://www.genesee.edu/courses/schedule/.

The Business and Commerce division at GCC also offers the following 11 different degree programs including: Business Administration with concentrations in Supply Chain Management or Marketing and Social Media; Accounting; Business Administration; Economic Crime Investigation; Entrepreneurship; Tourism and Hospitality Management; and four concentrations in Fashion Business, including E-Commerce, Event Planning, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising Management and Office Technology.

"As companies continue to require their employees to perform a broader and broader array of tasks and wear multiple hats in the workplace, an individual with knowledge of the public purchasing function will add immense value to their professional resume," LaMattina said.

Young football players from throughout the county -- 48 total -- participated Monday in a youth camp conducted by Batavia HS Head Coach Brennan Briggs.

Submitted photo.

Press release:

Anyone looking to further their education this fall has the perfect opportunity to complete the entire enrollment process with one visit to any of Genesee Community College's seven campus locations.

A series of Instant Admit Days will be held each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday starting this week through Aug. 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at GCC's campus locations in Albion, Arcade, Batavia, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw.

In just one day a student can apply, be accepted, take the Placement Test (if needed), have assistance completing the FAFSA and be able to register for classes.

It is not necessary to preregister to attend, but an official copy of a high school transcript or equivalency is required. The official Instant Admit Days are July 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31, and Aug. 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15.

"Whether you just graduated from high school or haven't been to school in a decade; whether you want to study part-time or full-time; whether it's planning for a total career change or career advancement; or perhaps it's personal enrichment for a recent retiree -- our Instant Admit Days are the perfect time and place to enroll in GCC for the fall semester," said Lindsay Gerhardt, assistant dean of Admissions. "We are here to help new students no matter what part of their life's journey they are on." 

Preregistration for an Instant Admit Day is not required. Call or stop by the Batavia Campus Center or any campus location nearest you:

• Albion Campus Center, 456 West Ave., Albion, NY 14411 (585) 589-4936
• Arcade Campus Center, 25 Edward St., Arcade, NY 14009 (585) 492-5265
• Batavia Campus (Main Campus), One College Road, Batavia, NY 14020 (585) 345-6805
• Dansville Campus Center, 31 Clara Barton Street, Dansville, NY 14437 (585) 335-7820
• Lima Campus Center, 7285 Gale Road, Lima, NY 14485 (585) 582-1226
• Medina Campus Center, 11470 Maple Ridge Road (Route 31A), Medina, NY 14103 (585) 798-1688
• Warsaw Campus Center, 115 Linwood Ave., Warsaw, NY 14569 (585) 786-3010

See for yourself why Genesee Community College is the #1 value in WNY and students from all over the world are choosing GCC.

Press release:

Veterans can get checks to buy farm fresh produce at the Downtown Batavia Public Market this Friday, July 19.

Victor Roberts, Veterans Benefits advisor, NYS Division of Veterans' Affairs, will be at the market at Bank Street and Alva Place from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. to distribute NYS FreshConnect Checks to local veterans.

FreshConnect Veterans Checks are a component of Governor Cuomo's "New York FreshConnect Farmers' Markets" (FreshConnect) program. The program is designed to assist New York farmers by increasing the sale of locally grown food in communities.

FreshConnect checks will be issued as a one-time annual benefit: 10 -- $2 checks ($20 total yearly benefit); one packet per household, per season.

Checks will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 80 veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, current members of the Armed Forces, members of their immediate families, or un-remarried surviving spouses.

"Recipients will not require ID," says Roberts, "but they will need to sign a form accepting the program's rules and regulations."

A parolee who robbed the Speedway in Batavia in February got the prison term he bargained for when he entered a guilty plea to third-degree robbery last month.

Daryl Leach will serve two to four years in prison after being sentenced this morning in Genesee County Court by Judge Charles Zambito.

The 38-year-old Leach's prior convictions include grand larceny, attempted robbery, 1st, attempted assault, 1st, and robbery, 3rd, in Genesee County in 2003 that led to more than a dozen years in prison following a 1999 conviction in Genesee County for attempted robbery.

After Leach robbed the Speedway, he fled to a location on Swamp Road where he was located by law enforcement.

Press release:

Edgar Martinez and the Batavia Muckdog bullpen put together another solid outing, but the offense could not get the timely hits needed as their fell, 3-1 to the Vermont Lake Monsters.

Martinez struck out five over five innings and gave up two runs, then recent University of Alabama grad Brock Love, who just joined the Muckdogs, threw his second scoreless inning. Love is a 2019 Miami Marlins draft pick. Edison Suriel, who has a 2.25 ERA ad was signed out of the Dominican Republic by the Marlins, struck out two in one inning and did not allow a hit or run. Geremy Galindez threw one inning and struck out two. The only run he gave up came on a 2-2 wild pitch and the next pitch he struck the batter out to end the inning.

Milton Smith II continued his incredible season going 1-for-3 with a run and two stolen bases and is now hitting .402, which leads the New York-Penn League. Smith was drafted in the 22nd round in 2018 by the Marlins.

Troy Johnston (17th-round draft pick this year) had an RBI single and is now hitting .313 and Sean Reynolds had a hit and is batting .421 on the season. Nick Ready had the other Batavia hit.

Vermont lefty Jhenderson Hurtado struck out 10 in relief, throwing five innings to improve to 3-0 on the season. Vermont's three pitchers combined to strike out 19.

Batavia will have a travel day on Tuesday.

The Muckdogs, who have increased attendance by 29 percent over last year, will return home on Wednesday and Thursday to take on the Auburn Doubledays (Washington Nationals).

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

The team is also home on July 20, 21 and 22 against Mahoning Valley (Cleveland Indians).

Photo: Submitted file photo of Edgar Martinez, who threw five innings against Vermont and struckout five hitters.

Tuesday, July 16th – sponsored by ROCHESTER REGIONAL HEALTH

• 9 a.m. – Halter Class – Draft Horses (Horse Arena)
• 10 a.m. – 4-H Cloverbud Rabbit Show (Merton Building)
• 10 a.m. – Exhibition Halls & Buildings Open
• 11 a.m. – 4-H Dairy & Meat Goat Show (Main Show Ring)
• Immediately followed by Open Class Goat Show
• Noon – OPEN Draft Hitch Show (Horse Arena)
• 1 p.m. – 4-H Dairy Judging Contest
• 4 p.m. – Midway Opens
• 2 – 10 p.m. -- Faith at the Fair (Entertainment Tent)
• 5 p.m. – 4-H Market Auction Hog Show (Main Show Ring)
• 7 p.m. – Fair Barn Dance (Open Dairy Barn)
• 9 p.m. – 4-H & Open Class Goats Released (Except Market Auction Goats)
• 10 p.m. – Exhibit Halls & Buildings Close

Events & times subject to change. Follow us on Facebook to keep up-to-date with changes.

St. Paul Lutheran Church Pastor Allen Werk is leaving his position as Genesee County Sheriff’s Office chaplain because he will be moving to Indiana in the coming weeks.

Werk served as the Sheriff’s Office chaplain for seven years. As a chaplain, Werk was often called upon to assist with death notifications and provide counseling services for Sheriff’s deputies. Werk occasionally rode along with patrol deputies to offer support. 

Werk has been working with the Sheriff’s Office to identify other individuals who are interested in the chaplain position. The pastor has met with candidates, explained the duties of chaplain and shared his experiences. The Sheriff's Office is moving forward with interviews and looking to fill the position as soon as possible.

“I can’t thank him enough for everything he’s done for us," said Sheriff William Sheron Jr. "He’s been there in times of need for all the officers here. We relied on him heavily, both to help us with situations that we’ve encountered and tragic situations, but also assisting us with our personal lives.

“We thank him from the bottom of our hearts, and we wish him well."

The Batavia Community Garden, located at 12 MacArthur Drive next to the Batavia Youth Bureau, is expanding and being reorganized as the Youth Bureau transitions to its new St. Anthony’s at City Church location on Liberty Street.

The Community Garden recently removed its south fence and added a 4,400-square-foot expansion. The extended gardening space allowed for four 4’ x 4’ and four 4’ x 8’ raised beds to be constructed and placed in the garden by volunteers during the United Way Day of Caring in May.

The addition of a 12’ x 16’ wooden pergola is underway and will be completed during the 2020 growing season. The shaded pergola will serve as a community social meeting area within the garden to supplement the existing shaded resting spot.

The Community Garden Advisory Board is also facing changes to its leadership due to vacant positions. These were created when City Manager Martin Moore learned that two volunteer advisory board members, Bob Gray and Carol Boshart, were not city residents as required by a provision in the city charter.

This resulted in the reappointment of those members as non-voting special liaisons to the board. The reassignment caused frustration among board members due to a proposed change to city municipal code that relaxes residency requirements for city employees.

At the June 24 City Council meeting, council members were welcome to a review of the charter in order to reconcile the issue with the advisory board.

“They discussed it and why they had to enforce it. It was a city charter versus a municipal code. But, I’m still here — being a master gardener is a passion,” Bob Gray said.

Gray cofounded the garden in 2011 and served as the former secretary before his Stafford residency caused him to become a non-voting liaison.

“They’ve been very supportive," Gray said of the city, despite his reappointment. "Whenever we need anything, we just shoot them an email and it gets tended to.”

The City of Batavia supports the garden through maintenance work and funding.

Jocelyn Sikorski, Youth Bureau director and Community Garden coordinator, acts as a liaison between the city and the garden. She said that the reorganization of board members has presented some challenges that the board is working to overcome.

“[The special liaisons] were part of the group that started this," Sikorski said. "So, they really are invested and they care about it overall. Those are the people that we want at the table, and I don’t have city residents banging down my door to fill those two vacant spots."

Sikorski recognized that there will be further changes for the Community Garden as the Youth Bureau relocates to its new 114 Liberty St., Batavia, home. The Youth Bureau will continue to collaborate with the garden although the Batavia City School District will occupy its former facility.

“We will probably establish a different type of Youth Garden at St. Anthony’s starting next year," Sikorski said. "We will keep bringing the kids over throughout the end of the summer and into the fall to maintain these beds once we have relocated and close our doors here.”

In the midst of these changes, the garden's community outreach continues. Throughout the season, surplus produce and cut flowers are donated to benefit individuals at Washington Towers and Crossroads House.

“A lot of cities our size don’t have community gardens," Gray said. "This is an asset.”

Photo by Lauren Leone.

Craig L. Fien Jr. and Carla L. Catalano are indicted for the crime of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that in late October through early November in the Town of Le Roy that the defendants knowingly possessed stolen property consisting of one or more firearms, rifles or shotguns, in this case a Savage Arms Stevens model 320 pump shotgun. In count two, the duo is accused by the district attorney of fifth-degree conspiracy, a Class A misdemeanor, for intentionally engaging in conduct that constituted a felony.

James M. Mucci is indicted for the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on April 21 in the Town of Batavia that Mucci drove a 2006 Chevrolet on the Thruway while he was intoxicated and while a child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count two, He is accused of aggravated DWI, per se, as a Class E felony, for having a BAC of .08 percent of more at the the time and while a child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count three, Mucci is accused of aggravated DWI, per se, as a misdemeanor, of have a BAC of .18 or more at the time. In count four, he is accused of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly knowingly acting in a manner that day likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child less than 17.

Sharnice S. Gibson, is indicted for the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on March 14 in the Town of Alabama that Gibson drove a 2002 Saturn on Route 63 while intoxicated and while a child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count two, she is accused of aggravated DWI, as a Class E felony, for driving while intoxicated while a second child age 15 or less was a passenger.

Kyle Allan Hawley, 29, of South Lake Street, Bergen, and Marissa A. Brennan, 26, of Townline Road, Byron, are both charged with: second-degree grand larceny, a felony; and four misdemeanors -- criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, criminally using drug paraphernalia, and fourth-degree criminal mischief. In addition, Hawley alone is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree. They were arrested in the early morning hours of July 11. They allegedly stole a vehicle on West Main Street Road in Batavia and were later observed in the Village of Bergen but left prior to the arrival of a Genesee County Sheriff's patrol. They were allegedly found in the Village of Churchville still inside the vehicle and in possession of drugs, paraphernalia and possibly other stolen items. They also reportedly did damage to the inside of the vehicle prior to it being recovered. The investigation is ongoing. Both defendants were arraigned in Town of Batavia Court on July 12 and then put in jail. Hawley's bail was set at $15,000 cash or bond; Brennan's bail was set at $10,000 cash or bond. They are due back in Batavia Town Court on July 22. The incident was investigated by deputies Kevin McCarthy and David Moore, assisted by Deputy Richard Schildwaster, Sgt. Michael Lute; the GC Drug Task Force, Investigator Chris Parker, Chief Deputy Joseph Graff, and members of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

Solomon Jason Wood, 40, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree assault -- intentionally causing serious physical injury, and criminal contempt in the first degree -- violating an order of protection by having physical contact. Wood was arrested following a physical domestic altercation at 3 a.m. on July 9 on North Spruce Street. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed in lieu of $10,000 cash or bond. He was due in  city court July 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Matthew Scott Eggleston, 29, of West State Street, Albion, is charged with: felony driving while ability impaired by drugs; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree; speeding in a 55 mph zone; and having an obstructed driver's view. At 1:38 p.m. on July 13, Eggleston was arrested on Quaker Hill Road in Elba. He was previously convicted of a DWI offense within the last 10 years. He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is due in Elba Town Court on July 24. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Jason Lee Johnson, 36, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, criminally using drug paraphernalia, and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. At 12:47 a.m. on June 29, Batavia police responded to a drive-thru of a restaurant on East Main Street in Batavia where it was reported that a male was passed out at the wheel. Johnson was initially issued a traffic ticket for the DWAI-drugs charge due to his being transported to a local hospital for care. On July 3, Officer Stephen Cronmiller issued Johnson appearance tickets for the other related charges. He is due in Batavia City Court on July 17. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Sabrena L. Randall, 43, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with: circumventing the required interlock device -- operating a vehicle without the device; aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree; unsafe backing of a vehicle; operation of a motor vehicle by an unlicensed driver; and petit larceny. Randall was arrested July 11 on an arrest warrant out of City of Batavia Court. The warrant and charges are in regards to a shoplifting incident that occurred on Dec. 3 at JCPenney in the mall. She was arraigned in city court and jailed on $250 bail. She was due back in court July 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Wesley Thigpen, 38, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested after allegedly making numerous phone calls at 7:38 p.m. July 7 to a person on West Main Street in Batavia who has a full stay away order of protection against him. He is due in Batavia City Court on Tuesday (July 16). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Coty Ray Read, 28, of South Hillcrest Drive, Albion, is charged with criminal trespass. At 9:22 a.m. on July 14 following the investigation of a suspicious condition complaint on Mill Pond Road in Byron, Read was arrested. He is accused of allegedly unlawfully entering and remaining in a residence without the owner's permission. He was released with an appearance ticker for Aug. 5 in Byron Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl.

Morgenn Surabian pictured with her homemade recycling boxes (photo courtesy of Stephanee Surabian).

Morgenn Surabian, a 5-year-old girl from Batavia, wants her 6th birthday to make a meaningful impact by hosting a beach cleanup party at LaSalle Park in Buffalo.

From 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 3, Morgenn invites community members to join her in recycling items found on the shore of Lake Erie to help protect marine life and beautify the environment.

"She's calling it her 'Birthday Wish for the Fish' for her friends and family and other volunteers to come join her to help make her birthday wish come true," Morgenn's mother, Stephanee Surabian, said.

"We'll be hosting a public event, free to anyone who would like to come join us that day," Surabian said. "We're going to be cleaning up that beach and collecting information of the findings."

The event will offer snacks and music for volunteers to enjoy. The Surabians are working with the Buffalo Division of Parks and Recreation to donate the bottles and cans collected during the cleanup.

Morgenn said her birthday idea was inspired by the Disney animated movie "Finding Dory." She said the beach cleanup is important to her "to keep the water healthy" and "because we don't want the fish to be caught in the plastic."

Volunteers can register for "Birthday Wish for the Fish" online here.

The 77-acre LaSalle Park, located at 1 Porter Ave., is Buffalo’s largest waterfront park -- at the mouth of the Niagara River where it meets Lake Erie.

Monday, July 15th – VETERAN’S DAY AT THE FAIR

• 9 a.m. – 4-H Market Auction Goat Show (Main Show Ring)
• 10 a.m. – Exhibition Halls & Buildings Open
• 10 a.m. – 4-H Cloverbud Poultry Show (Merton Building)
• 10 a.m. – 4-H Dairy Fitting Clinic & Master Fitter Competition
• 10 a.m. – 4-H Goat Agility Contest (Goat Barn Show Ring)
• 10 a.m. – 4-H Market Auction Lamb Show (Main Show Ring)
• 4 p.m. – Midway Opens
• 4 p.m. – 4-H Market Auction Dairy Steer Show (Main Show Ring)
• 5 p.m. – 4-H Market Auction Beef Steer Show (Main Show Ring)
• 5 p.m. – North American Classic Six-Horse Hitch (Horse Arena)
• 7 to 9:30 p.m. – Band – BB Dang (Entertainment Tent)
• 10 p.m. – Exhibit Halls & Buildings Close

Events & times subject to change. Follow us on Facebook to keep up-to-date with changes.

A possible fire is reported in the attic of a house at 319 E. Main St. The location is between Ross and Liberty streets. The structure has been evacuated. City fire is responding.

The second platoon is called to city fire headquarters.

UPDATE 7:49 a.m.: Town of Batavia Fire Department is called to city fire headquarters as mutual aid.

UPDATE 8:13 a.m.: Mercy medics are called to the scene for firefighters' rehab.