batavia

The Batavia Stingers won the inaugural Lions Club softball tournament at Lions Park yesterday.

The team is coached by Stan Kaus, Matt Landers, and Chuck Richmond.

Submitted photo.

Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball and the Batavia Lions Club hosted an inaugural four-team softball tournament today at Lions Park.

The Batavia Stingers fielded two teams to play against teams from Perry and Lyndonville.  Pictured is a game between Perry and Lyndonville.

The 4-H Sheep Club hosted a car wash, along with a hot dog sale, at the Tractor Supply in Batavia today.

City fire and Mercy medics are called to 324 W. Main St. in Downtown Batavia for a subject with a laceration. Police are on scene.

Gail Stevens, a past member of the Batavia City School District Board of Education, has been selected to speak at SUNY Empire State College’s commencement event at Rochester.

It will take place at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 31, at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, 123 E. Main St..

Stevens was a longtime resident of Batavia, now residing in North Port, Fla.  

She worked in the Batavia County Sheriff’s Office and then for Troop A of the New York State Police as a clerk for more than 20 years. Stevens remarried in 1998 and, in 2013, returned to Florida to work for Paychex Inc., her current employer.

She is an alumna of Genesee Community College, Class of 1980. The single mother of Michelle and Eric began work on her bachelor’s degree in 1991.

Twenty-seven years later, she has completed her Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Economics, with a 3.80 GPA, and graduates this spring.

As she studied long and hard to complete her degree, Stevens met significant challenges, including the death of both parents, divorce, a career change, a move from Florida to New York, then back to Florida, and a son who became addicted to heroin, and who now has recovered.

Her volunteer leadership experience in Genesee County includes serving as:

• A member, and then president, of the Board of Education of the Batavia City School District from 2004-13;
• President of the City of Batavia Youth Board, 2004-12;
• Treasurer of the Batavia Players Inc., 2005-13;
• Treasurer of the Batavia High School Band Boosters, 2005-13;
• President of the Batavia High School Parent Teacher Group, 2005-12;
• A member of the City of Batavia Consolidation Team, 2010-11;
• A member of the Genesee Valley Educational Leadership Board, 2006-13.

In Florida, she volunteers at San Pedro Catholic Church as an usher, serves on the City of North Port Parks and Recreation Committee and is helping to launch a Celebrate Recovery Group at the New Hope Community Church of North Port, as she continues her career at Paychex.

There will be a car wash at the Tractor Supply Co. store from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 26, to raise money for the Genesee County 4-H Sheep Club.

It is located at 4974 E. Main Street Road, Batavia.

All proceeds will go toward fair awards/trophies and barn improvements at the GC Fairgrounds.

Cost is $5 per vehicle.

The club will also be selling hotdogs, chips, soda and water at the fundraiser.

Press release from the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce:

Ignite Buffalo is providing local small businesses a new opportunity for growth through a grant program that will award up to $100,000 to Western New York businesses.

Ignite Buffalo is a business grant and mentorship program that promotes sustainable growth, job creation, and ongoing education to local small business owners. Ignite Buffalo is presented by 43 North in partnership with national and local partners including Facebook, M&T Bank, Quickbooks, AWS, WordPress.com and Woo Commerce.

Finalists selected will be in the running to receive one of 27 grants awarded ranging from $25,000-$100,000 and free access to a curated mentorship program. Within this program, business owners will gain access to industry experts offering ongoing educational programming, access to resources and curated workshops.

All applicants need to do is tell their business story. Applications can be made online at www.ignitebuffalo.org and must be submitted by June 13 at noon EDT.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce and 43 North will be hosting an informational meeting regarding the Ignite Buffalo grants on Thursday, May 31, from 4-6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at the Batavia City Centre, 105 Main St., Batavia. Food and refreshments will be served.

The meeting is free and open to the public. You can register for the meeting on the Chamber’s website at www.geneseeny.com.

James Michael Edwards, 23, of Upper Holley Road, Holley, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, unlawful possession of marijuana, driving left of pavement markings, no seat belt. Edwards was the alleged driver in a personal-injury accident on Lockport Road, Elba, at 2:32 p.m. Wednesday. Edwards was arrested by Deputy Michael Lute.

Kenneth T. Parker, 34, of Phyllis Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with DWI, unlawful possession of marijuana, uninspected vehicle, loud exhaust, and refusal to submit to breath test. Parker was stopped at 11:20 p.m. Thursday on Highland Park, Batavia, by Deputy James Stack.

Jason Patrick Wickson, 36, of Searls Road, Byron, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and trespass. Wickson is accused of being involved in a physical altercation with two people on private property on Rose Road, Batavia, at 9:39 p.m. Sunday.

David Michael Howard, 36, of Wolcott Street, Le Roy, is charged with assault, 3rd. Howard is accused of pushing another patron of the Clover Leaf in Pavilion at 6:30 p.m. Saturday causing the person to fall, leading to head and elbow injuries.

After a full day of play in Genesee County, there are plenty of places to lay your head and catch some ZZZs – from boutique hotels with a unique story to tell, to the tried-and-true chain hotels that you know you can rely on. 

When you are done exploring great food, playing the slots at Batavia Downs, learning about the origin of JELL-O, or spending some time out in nature – book your stay and kick your feet up at one of our comfortable lodging properties.

Unique & Boutique

If you are looking for your overnight that’s an experience in itself, check out these three great offerings.

Farmer's Creekside Tavern & Inn. Though Creekside is new to Le Roy, the building it sits in has been a pillar of the community for nearly 200 years. Located along the banks of the Oatka Creek bed, this newly renovated offering has exposed wood and brick, modern charm, and stunning views overlooking the water and Main Street. They have three premier suites for guests – and downstairs is Creekside’s restaurant where diners can enjoy a beverage or order upscale fare.

River Spring Lodge. Gorgeous water views, five-course dinners every night and wine pairings to match. What more could you ask for in this beautiful, reclusive bed and breakfast? Chef David Hamer and his wife, Carolyn, are known for their world-class customer service and incredible food. Tucked away in the woods, with eight suites available to guests, this is the perfect place for a night or a weekend, vacation or staycation.

Hotel at Batavia Downs. With guest rooms and suites over looking the track and the gaming floor just steps away, staying at the hotel at Batavia Downs puts you right in the middle of it all. You don’t have to be a gamer to enjoy this destination location – the hotel offers complimentary breakfast, access to four in-house restaurants, live harness racing from July – December and $10 free play per night stay. Batavia Downs is a one-stop shop for relaxation and fun.

Tried & True

If comfort and convenience are at the top of your list and free breakfast is your savior, we’ve got you covered.

• Days Inn. Conveniently located near Batavia Downs, Darien Lake and several golf courses, this Days Inn offers pet-friendly rooms, complementary breakfast and a $5 free play at Batavia Downs.
• Super 8. Situated in between Darien Lake, Batavia Downs, Letchworth and Niagara Falls, this Super 8 offers free Wi-Fi and can accommodate your furry friends. It’s located right next door to Bob Evans restaurant, so you can satisfy your late-night burger craving.
• LaQuinta. Parents – breathe easy. LaQuinta boasts a complementary breakfast and indoor heated pool where kids can burn off all their extra energy before bed. And once they’re done making waves, you can settle in for a movie from one of the hotel’s premium movie channels. Either way you look at it, LaQuinta offers fun family vibes and a good night’s sleep.
• Red Roof Inn. The Red Roof Inn puts you just five minutes from Batavia Downs. Recently renovated, this hotel offers free Wi-Fi, free HBO, complementary hot breakfast, and access to five local dining locations within a mile of the property.
• Best Western Crown Inn & Suites. How does a whirlpool in your room sound? Best Western has a variety of room styles and deluxe amenities to choose from when you stay – including a heated indoor pool and a spa, as well as complimentary breakfast. It’s perfect for couples or families – and even offers evening Manager’s Receptions – a perk for anyone looking to relax without leaving the comfort of their hotel.
• Quality Inn & Suites. Not only does this hotel boast pet-friendly rooms and a full-service restaurant, it’s also attached to a water park! Hotel guests receive discounted tickets to Palm Island Indoor Water Park as well as $5 free play at Batavia Downs.
• Econo Lodge. This is not just any Econo Lodge. This property is just minutes away from Darien Lake Amusement Park – giving you access to roller coasters and waterslides right in your backyard. It’s also located 25 minutes away from beautiful Niagara Falls – a must-see if you’re planning a family vacation to Western New York.
• Comfort Inn. Sixty rooms grace this newly renovated Comfort Inn – including whirlpool suites and places for Fido to sleep. Stay and you’ll be treated to a deluxe breakfast buffet on the house, valet dry cleaning, and access to a seasonal outdoor pool – so you can soak up a few rays while the kids play.

Booking a good hotel can often be the hardest part of any vacation. In Genesee County, the pillows are soft, and the options are plenty. Visit https://visitgeneseeny.com/where-to-stay for more hotels, motels, boutiques and B&Bs nearby.

A three-vehicle accident is reported in the area of 22 W. Main St. in the city. It is blocking traffic and injuries are believed to be minor. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

Press release:

During the month of June, designated by the Alzheimer’s Association® as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, you can take advantage of a free educational program being offered by the Association’s Western New York Chapter.

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease makes planning for the future a very important task for families. Concerns about care planning and programs that can help offset costs mean that families need accurate information about legal and financial matters specific to the disease.

"Legal and Financial Planning for Alzheimer’s Disease" is an opportunity to learn about important legal and financial issues to consider, how to put plans in place and how to access legal and financial resources in the community.

The Alzheimer’s Association WNY Chapter is offering the program on Wednesday, June 13, at 4:30 p.m. in The Manor House at 427 E. Main St. in Batavia. A light meal will also be provided.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Making legal plans that fit individual and family needs;

• Legal documents and what they mean;

• How to find legal and financial assistance;

• Practical strategies for making a long-term plan of care;

• Government programs that can help pay for care;

The program is free and open to the public, but seating reservations are requested by calling 1-800-272-3900.

Preschoolers, kindergarteners, and first-graders were able to attend the annual Teddy Bear Clinic in UMMC's Cary Hall Auditorium on Wednesday with their favorite stuffed toy and learn about medical care through several interactive stations.

The children went through the clinic set up to resemble hospital departments such as the emergency room, radiology and dietary. If necessary the “patient” received a bandage, cast or stitches. 

The doctors and nurses were high school seniors from throughout the county enrolled in the Health Career Academy, a college-credit program that gives the seniors a chance to learn about every aspect of the healthcare career field.

Also participating were staff from UMMC, members of the United Memorial League, United Memorial Guild and Mercy EMS.

Richard T. Fleig, 38, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 4th. As the result of an investigation by the Local Drug Task Force on Feb. 17, Fleig was allegedly found in possession of more than two ounces of marijuana. Sgt. Matthew Lutey and Officer Chad Richards assisted in the investigation.

Michael J. Smith, 70, of Le Roy, is charged with felony aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, driving while ability impaired by alcohol, failure to surrender suspended driver's license, and failure to keep right. Smith was stopped by Sgt. Colin Reagan, Wyoming County Sheriff's Office, in the Town of Warsaw, for alleged failure to maintain lane. He allegedly failed a field sobriety test. He reportedly has a pending felony DWI charge in Genesee County. He was jailed on $1,000 bail or $2,000 bond.

Edward Dexter McDonald III, 28, of West Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with two counts of harassment, 2nd, and trespass. McDonald was allegedly involved in a fight with two people on private property on Rose Road at 9:39 p.m. Sunday.

Joshua R. Nanni, 24, of Oakfield, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, 1st, driving left of pavement markings, and unsafe turn. Nanni was stopped by State Police in Pembroke at 10:40 p.m., Tuesday.

Cathi A. Adams, 48, of Bergen, is charged with DWI. Adams was stopped by State Police on Swamp Road at 9:17 p.m. Monday.

Students will also learn how aviation plays a role in the world of Math, Science and Technology. This innovative educational program provides on average, 20 hours of flight time, as well as classroom instruction with hands–on activities designed to teach team work, decision-making, leadership skills as well as career opportunities in aviation.

WNY Aviation Adventure Camp will provide area youth with a unique and highly interactive opportunity to experience the exciting world of aviation.

On June 16th, the WNY Aviation Adventure Camp Board is hosting a Hangar Dance as the fundraiser for this year’s camp. Tickets are available online at wnyaviation.com or at Batavia Bootery (210 E. Main St., Batavia).

Attendees at this year’s event will have exclusive raffles for rides in various aircraft as well as opportunities to win an Adult Aviation Weekend. Winners of Adult Aviation Weekend will be allowed to ride in and learn to fly several different model airplanes, a helicopter, and be treated to a jet set flight for lunch.

Ticket holders are encouraged to dress the theme of this year’s event, 1960’s Aviation, for additional prizes as best dressed. Food, flights, music, prizes….Purchase your tickets today!

The Pembroke Dragons will play their Class C1 Section V semifinal playoff game at 4:30 p.m. today at Dwyer Stadium against Avon.

Batavia plays Aquinas in a Class A2 semifinal at 4:30 at Brockport.

Notre Dame plays Bolivar in a Class D1 semifinal at 7 p.m. at Keshequa.

This week, the Batavia Muckdogs, after a delay caused by the change in ownership and management, started selling season tickets, but with the season fast approaching season ticket holders are encouraged to renew their seat reservations by June 1.

Unrenewed season tickets will go on public sale June 1.

Season ticket holders who haven't renewed should visit the Muckdog's ticket office at Dwyer Stadium to renew before June 1.

General Admission season and single-game tickets are on sale as well.

"Overall, the Muckdogs are pleased with the renewals and are looking forward to a fantastic 2018 season at Dwyer Stadium," said General Manager Dave Chase.

The home opener is Monday June 18. Gates open at 6 p.m. and first pitch is at 7:05 p.m.

A disturbance was reported on Central Avenue several minutes ago involving a large number of people. 

After police arrived on scene a dispatcher informed deputies and troopers that Batavia PD required assistance at Central and Pringle. 

Immediately following that call there was a disturbance reported on Jackson Street. 

Immediately after that, there was a disturbance reported at Thorpe and Watson. Troopers report that group has dispersed. 

UPDATE 11:51 p.m.: It sounds like two people in custody and another detained.

UPDATE 11:53 p.m.: Just a note, there were at least three prior disturbance calls to the Jackson/Central area today. One seemed to involve mothers arguing and another, shortly before the disturbance on Central, was reported as a male and female fighting.

UPDATE 12:47 a.m.: Report of a male/female disturbance at Central and Pringle.

In addition, he accepted a number of conditions and terms and in return, two cases pending in Batavia City Court from last year will be dismissed. He was arrested in August for allegedly putting his arm around the neck of another person and charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and/or blood flow; and he allegedly injected his dog with an unknown purple liquid, garnering a charge of torturing or injuring an animal in violation of Agriculture and Markets law.

As part of the plea agreement, he agreed to relinquish ownership of his dog so it can find a new home.

Also in 2017, he was arrested on a warrant for allegedly selling crack cocaine on two occasions to an agent of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force. Then on Jan. 7, he used a couch to barricade himself in an apartment at 20 Washington Ave., then set it on fire.

After a standoff, because Miles had allegedly threatened to shoot police officers, Miles exited the burning apartment through a back window and refused to come down from a roof, before agreeing to climb down a ladder.

He has been in Genesee County Jail since then without bail.

Today the 47-year-old Batavia native, who has a GED, made a factual admission of guilt on count three of Indictment 6074:

• Third-degree arson, a Class C felony. Prison is mandatory. The minimum is one to three years; the max is 5-15 years.

He made a factual admission of guilt on count one of Indictment 6036:

• Third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, a Class B felony, but if sentenced to the maximum prison term, becomes a Class C felony. He agreed to pay $160 restitution at the time of sentencing. The minimum is five and a half years, with one to two years of post-release supervision; the maximum is nine years with three years of post-release supervision.

He made a factual admission of guilt on count one of Indictment 6015:

• Second-degree unauthorized use of a vehicle, a Class E felony, for taking a 2000 Mercury Sable and operating it in the City of Batavia on May 18, 2017, without the owner's permission. This would garner an indeterminant sentence of one and a third to four years. He also had to admit to the Special Information filed by the District Attorney in the case wherein he acknowledged having been convicted of the same crime in the Town of Pembroke within the last 10 years. 

He will remain in custody until his sentencing, which is set for 2 p.m. on June 22, on the first two counts cited above. Those will run concurrently.

Sentencing on the count in Indictment 6015 is delayed until Aug. 13, pending the submission to the court of blood-test results.

As a condition of his plea agreement regarding the count in Indictment 6015, he must be tested for blood-borne pathogens; why was not explained. Failure to do so will result in voiding the plea agreement and subjecting him to maximum sentence guidelines and/or consecutive sentencing.

Miles has a prior felony conviction but it was 20 or more years ago, therefore for sentencing purposes, he will not be considered a second felony offender.

Judge Charles Zambito ordered a pre-sentencing report.

Henceforth, Miles cannot own or possess firearms. An order of protection was issued for a female victim until May 23, 2019.

Two blondes, neither of whom is the subject of the order of protection, sat in sandaled feet in the front row of the gallery this afternoon and they smiled at Miles when he entered the courtroom in shackles, wearing an orange jumpsuit. His hair was combed neatly and tied in a little graying ponytail in back. The older of the two women, who had ankle tattoos, mouthed something nice as he was led away.

Thursday's incident on Central Avenue that left one man dead of a knife attack and another man wounded by a gunshot may have stemmed from a series of confrontations between two groups of people over prior days, District Attorney Lawrence Friedman indicated during a press conference in the Genesee County Court building this afternoon.

The DA's Office announced the indictments of three individuals allegedly involved.

The confrontations appear to have been personal in nature and not gang or drug related, Friedman said.

"There had been confrontations I believe prior to this, maybe some physical violence between people prior to this or threats," Friedman said. "And, as I say, it just seemed to be a situation that was brewing between these groups."

He described the conflict as personal in nature but had no information to elaborate on regarding what may have led to the deadly encounter on Central between Nathaniel D. Wilson Jr., Samuel Blackshear, and Terry J. Toote.

The 30-year-old Wilson is accused of stabbing Toote, 41, to death and has been indicted by a Genesee County Grand Jury on counts of murder in the second degree, which carries a maximum prison term of 25 years to life, and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree.

The man who allegedly shot Wilson in the leg, 17-year-old Blackshear, is indicted on counts of attempted assault in the first degree, assault in the second degree, and two counts of criminal possession in the second degree.

Blackshear is facing up to 15 years in prison.

The woman who is accused of handing over her handgun, which she was licensed to carry, 48-year-old Jennifer Urvizu-Hanlon, owner of the La Mexicana store in the Valu Plaza, is indicted on two charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.

The indictment accuses her of being an accessory to Blackshear's possession of the loaded firearm.

She is facing up to 15 years in prison.

Wilson's indictment also includes the district attorney's Special Information, which is a listing of Wilson's prior convictions. They are:

• Attempted criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd. He possessed a weapon in the Genesee County Jail on May 18, 2016.
• Attempted to knowingly make or possess dangerous contraband in prison, 1st. He possessed contraband in prison in Washington County on Sept. 10, 2010.
• Escape, 3rd. He escaped custody in the Town of Le Roy on Dec. 5, 2005.
• Menacing, 3rd. He menaced an individual Feb. 22, 2006, in the City of Batavia.
• Burglary, 3rd. He broke into a building Oct. 17, 2005.
• Attempted assault, 2nd. He attempted to stab another person Oct. 17, 2005. (See previous story)

All three defendants are being held without bail. They will be arraigned in County Court on June 5.

Friedman said he does not anticipate any further arrests related to this specific incident. 

There were numerous people present at the incident, perhaps more than a dozen, Friedman said, but he said he doesn't know what brought them there, though there had been people hanging out in the area for hours before the attack, or how long those involved were at that location prior to the stabbing.

Friedman commended the work of the law enforcement agencies involved, particularly the Batavia PD and Sheriff's Office, whose detectives had numerous people to interview to help prepare for the presentation of the case to the grand jury.

Top photo: District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, First Assistant DA Melissa Cianfrini, Batavia PD Chief Shawn Heubusch.

This year's Class of 2018 fundraiser that allowed seniors to paint their own personal parking spaces at Batavia High School was a huge hit, the Board of Education was told Tuesday night, and representatives of the junior class pitched the board on continuing the project next year but with some additional features.

The juniors would like next year's seniors to pay $20 per space and allow juniors (who previously could only reserve an unpainted space) to paint theirs for $30.

They would also like to come up with an employee of the month space that is painted by students as well as sell reserved spaces for teachers, at higher prices, that would be painted by students.

The 2018 class raised more than $700 with its project and there were no problems reported in the student parking lot throughout the year.

There were 35 spaces painted and another 19 spaces reserved.

"It is probably one of the easiest fundraisers that the officers have ever had to do," said senior Mikey Lullo. "We would call it a very big success."

The proposal for the 2018-19 project was presented by Madison Dedman and Brianna Bromley.

Based on feedback from the 2018 class, they would start to start painting in July, get five days instead of two to complete the painting, and be able to paint at night when it's cooler.

The board will vote on the proposal at its next meeting.