batavia

One of the Northeast's largest dairy producers now officially has a footprint in Batavia.

HP Hood, based in Lynnfield, Mass., closed on the deed to the former Muller Quaker Dairy plant on Friday, paying $54,216,000 to Dairy Famers of America for the facility.

DFA acquired the property from Muller Quaker in December 2015 for $60 million.

As part of the deal, Hood agreed to take over the obligations of Muller Quaker for the property, which includes making payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) along with paying a variety of fees to Genesee County Economic Development Center.

The GCEDC board has yet to improve a new PILOT agreement for the 363,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art milk processing facility, but is considering providing Hood with more than $7 million in tax abatements over 10 years, with an anticipated total economic benefit to the region of more than $330 million.

Hood will pay GCEDC $1.7 in annual installments of $280,000 over six years, starting with an initial payment delivered Friday at closing.

There is also an annual $1,000 administration fee and a $5,000 annual property maintenance fee to assist with maintenance of the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park, where the plant is located (next to the Genesee County Fairgrounds on Route 5).

Hood is reportedly planning to add a 100,000-square-foot warehouse to what is already the largest dairy processing facility in the United States.

The plant cost PepsiCo and Theo Muller Group $206 million and Hood is planning to invest significantly more into the plant. Reconfiguring the plant from one that made just Quaker Muller's own take on Greek yogurt and adding the warehouse will create more than 500 construction jobs with a payroll of $26 million. 

While Muller Quaker topped out at 162 jobs created, Hood promises 250 jobs at the plant, with an average annual salary of $47,000.

Hood plans to begin construction this summer and be operational by the first quarter of 2019.

Previously:

• New England's large dairy company, HP Hood, buying former Muller Quaker plant
• DFA paying full tax bill on former Muller Quaker plant while officials wait to hear co-op's plans for production
• There will be jobs at the former Muller Quaker plant, Hyde says, we just don't know when
• Quaker Muller closing, but new dairy processing operation expected to open in plant soon
• County officials get high praise from executives, governor for bringing new yogurt plant to Batavia
• Officials optimistic about yogurt and Genesee County with opening of Muller Quaker plant
• Likely buyer for 'Project Wave' plant is PepsiCo

Oliver Thomas, 25, entered a guilty plea to attempted burglary in the second-degree on Thursday morning and could face up to seven years in prison as a second felony offender.

Thomas was part of the attack that occurred around 11 p.m. on Oct. 28 at an upper apartment on Central Avenue, involving several people and resulting in the hospitalization of two individuals.

He also pleaded guilty to failure to register change of address as a registered sex offender. Thomas was convicted of rape in 2009 and was required to register as a Level 2 sex offender when he was released from prison.

Thomas was the last of the four men accused of the attack, who was taken into custody after police had been looking for him for five months.

Also charged were Daniel Gilbert, Adante Davis and Marquis Saddler.

Gilbert received a four-year prison term. Davis five years, and Saddler five years.

Thomas will be held without bail until his sentencing at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 4.

Press release:

The Town of Batavia Republican Committee held its annual picnic at the Batavia/Kiwanis Park and presented its "Community Service" Award to Gordon Offhaus. This is an annual award to recognize a person or business for service to the Town of Batavia community.

Gordie moved to the Town of Batavia in 1972 -- 45 years ago this year -- and established Offhaus Farms on Oak Orchard Road (Route 98) with 18 cows. He and his son Scott still operate the business now milking 1,200 cows. He has served on the Town Planning Board for more than 30 years representing Agriculture. He is always ready to serve on committees, Comprehensive Plan updates and assist the Town in many ways. He is very deserving of this recognition.

The plaque was presented by Deputy Town Supervisor Dan Underhill. Even though it was a rainy evening, the event has attended by about 100 people.

A few minutes ago, a deputy was dispatched to check on the welfare of a "big yellow cat in the area of the animal shelter" -- to make sure the feline was "by the side of road" -- (as opposed to being in the road, we're guessing). Once on scene, the officer reported "no sign of Garfield east or west of the road" and then went back in service.

Isaac C. King is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Jan. 9 in the City of Batavia that King knowingly and unlawfully possessed a controlled substance, Suboxone, with intent to sell it. In count two, King is accused of the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. It is alleged in count two that on the same day, the defendant knowingly and unlawfully possessed a controlled substance, Suboxone. In count three, King is accused of unlicensed operation in the third degree, a misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three, that on the same day, King drove a 2017 Nissan on Swan Street while knowing, or having reason to know, that his driver's license was suspended or revoked by authorities.

Darrel T. Wilder is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, per se, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on April 29 in the Town of Stafford that Wilder drove a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee on Route 33 while he had a BAC of .08 percent or more as shown by a chemical analysis of his breath. In count two, he is accused of DWI as a Class E felony for allegedly driving on the same day on the same road while intoxicated. In count three, Wilder is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count three that the defendant drove on that day on that road while knowing, or having reason to know, that his driver's license was suspended revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities and that he did so while under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count four, Wilder is accused of the crime of circumvention of an ignition interlock device, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count four that the defendant, while subject to a court-ordered ignition interlock device, operated a vehicle that was not equipped with this device.

George J. Budzinack is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on March 14 in the Town of Stafford that Budzinack operated a 2001 Chevrolet Venture van on Route 33 while knowing, or having reason to know, that his driver's license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities. It is also alleged that the defendant was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count two, Budzinack is accused of driving while intoxicated, as a misdemeanor. In Special Information filed by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, the defendant is accused of having been convicted of DWI on March 3, 2004, in Genesee County Court. The document states the defendant knew, or had reason to know, that his driving privilege was suspended or revoked as a result of the conviction and that the revocation or suspension was still in effect at the time of the crimes alleged in the indictment.

Bryan D. Bates Jr., 37, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and Andrea Gray, 39, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with falsely reporting an incident, 3rd. The charges stem from a domestic disturbance July 1 at a residence on Lake Street, Le Roy. Bates was allegedly violating a stay away order issued out of Batavia City Court. He was jailed in lieu of an unspecified amount of bail. Gray allegedly falsely reported to a neighbor that Bates had committed suicide, causing the neighbor to call 9-1-1. Gray was also jailed on an unspecified amount of bail.

Kevin William Dart, 59, of Transit Road, Elba, is charged with unlawfully dealing with a child. Dart allegedly allowed people under age 21 to consume alcohol during a party at his house.

Todd Alan Kendall, 54, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Kendall allegedly struck another person in an incident reported at 5:56 a.m. Monday at a location on Main Road, Stafford.

Susan Ann Minardo, 28, of Shelby Road, Kings Mountain, N.C., was arrested as a fugitive from justice. During an investigation by Deputy Chad Cummings of a call at the TA Travel Center in Pembroke, Minardo was located and identified as the subject of a warrant out of Pennsylvania. Minardo was jailed without bail.

Christopher James Draper, 46, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Draper allegedly entered Rite Aid on West Main Street Road, Batavia, after being previously advised he was not allowed on the property.

More than 2,000 fans enjoyed a 3-2 Muckdogs win over the Auburn Doubledays at Dwyer Stadium in Batavia on Tuesday night and then a July 4 fireworks display after the game.

Four Batavia pitchers scattered eight hits over nine innings. Kenny Koplove (1-1), pitching one and a third innings, got the win. Starter Alejandro Mateo went four and two-thirds innings, giving up four hits and a run and getting five strikeouts. Travis Neubeck tossed two innings and picked up his first save of the season. 

Jhonny Santos had two hits. Samuel Castro and Marcos Rivera each had an RBI.

The Muckdogs are now 7-8 on the season and in fourth place, three games back in the Pinckney Division standings, behind the West Virginia Black Bears (10-5).

The 39th annual GO ART! Picnic in the Park was Tuesday, starting at 11 a.m., featuring music, food, arts and crafts, and family fun at Centennial Park in Batavia. 

Britishmania, a Beatles Tribute Band, was the headlining act on the stage, promoting the "Summer of Love" theme. 

Gregory Hallock began the transition as the new executive director of the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council five weeks ago, after former Executive Director Jennifer Gray resigned.

Hallock grew up in Delevan and went to Genesee Community College. He graduated with a Theater degree and from there, went to Brockport to get his bachelor’s degree in Acting, with a minor in Dance. He received his graduate degree from the University at Buffalo and started working for GO ART! a year and a half ago as the assistant director.

As the executive director, Hallock’s schedule changes from day to day. He works on events, finances and the Decentralization Grant Program.  

“I’m getting paid to be involved with the arts,” Hallock said. “It’s the most incredible thing in the world. Most people, arts is a luxury. It’s something that they can only hope they can get somewhere. I get to do it as my job.”

Since 1962, GO ART! has been dedicated to developing the cultural life in Genesee and Orleans counties by facilitating the creation, presentation and experience of art, heritage and traditions.

GO ART! is in the midst of hiring a new assistant director to take over the grants program. Hallock said he hopes the new director will start Aug. 1.

Gray resigned from the position for personal reasons, but still volunteers, Hallock said.

“She is still completely passionate about us,” Hallock said. “She is still dedicated to us.”

Hallock said his immediate goal is to increase the membership to 600 members by June 2018 and he also wants to increase awareness of GO ART!

“I’ve been trying to attend every event possible,” Hallock said. “Once I am done with the transition [into the new position] I am going to start going to board meetings all over the place.”

Picnic in the Park, at 11 a.m. on July 4, is one of Hallock’s big projects. He is in charge of the event at Centennial Park, and said he is excited for this year’s theme, “Summer of Love.”

Hallock said he is more than willing to meet with anybody or talk to anybody about GO ART!, and arts and culture in general. He wants to get more people into the building, known as Seymour Place, located at 201 E. Main St. in Batavia, to see the artwork.

“This building is our biggest expense,” Hallock said, of the historic brick property downtown. “It’s an amazing building and I want to utilize it to its fullest potential. I want to get people in this building and have art hanging on every wall.”

Hallock said working under Gray was extremely beneficial for his transition to the new position.  

“Working with her has been amazing,” Hallock said. “I’ve made the connections I didn’t previously have. I got to see how things worked here before I got to dive in.”

Anyone can visit GO ART! from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturdays and every second Sunday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

“We may not be the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, but we have some pretty amazing stuff here,” Hallock said.

Press release:

The Batavia Blue Devil Athletic Hall of Fame committee has recently chosen the Class of 2017. They are:

• Bruce Dedman, 1973
• Jason Bibler, 1991
• Ice Devils Hockey Team, 1986-87
• Nate Hicks, 1998
• Joe Amico, 1987
• Brian Herdlein, 1999

On Saturday, Sept. 30th, we will be hosting the Hall of Fame Dinner at Terry Hills Restaurant and Banquet Facility. A social hour will begin at 5 p.m. with dinner being served at 6 and the ceremony immediately following dinner. Tickets will be available in the Batavia HS Athletic Director's office after Aug. 15th.

Siobhan Larkin (right) and Jennifer Petry (left) always wanted to be surrounded by beautiful things, which inspired them to open a holistic home goods store, Hearth & Soul, at 214 Ellicott St. in Batavia.

Hearth & Soul offers handmade Bohemian home décor, holistic accessories and crystals, jewelry, organic skin care, and everything people need to create a nurturing and comfortable home. They also feature local artists in the store.

“We want to make sure we’re educating the community,” Petry said. “We want to try to make sure we build the community we wish we had when we were growing up here.”

Petry said anything in the store that is not handmade, such as diffusers, are high quality products recommended by professionals.

The products in the shop come from all over the country, including Vermont and Oregon, and from Ontario, Canada. A line of clothing in the store is also made in Nepal and there is a selection of organic baby clothes made in Peru.

“We’re really proud to support these small businesses,” Petry said. “We’re trying to get things for everyone.”

Larkin grew up in Medina and Petry was born in Arizona, but grew up in Pembroke. Petry opened up a daycare when her children were little, so she has experience as a business owner, while Larkin spent time in management positions while working at a hotel.

Larkin and Petry met when they were both working at a local hotel in Batavia. They hit it off right away and have been friends ever since. Larkin said it was a mutual goal of theirs to open a holistic home goods store. They put off the idea for a while, but the timing fell into place.

Both Larkin and Petry come from families where small business ownership was common, so it was not hard for them to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

The community has supported them every step of the way, Larkin and Petry said.

“We cannot say enough how amazing it has been,” Petry said. “All of these people have in some way encouraged us or gave us business information. The support has been tremendous.”

Petry said they will eventually have meditation classes in the shop, but when they will start, has yet to be determined.

Larkin said they are trying to get a feel for what people in the community want to see at their shop.

“Any products that people want to see here and that fit in the naturally made or support small businesses thing, we’re taking suggestions,” Larkin said. “We really want to be able to offer everyone something.”

They are still working on their website, but can be found on Facebook here. They plan to do a sharing contest to give away a salt lamp. Larkin said community involvement is important to them and they appreciate the support everyone has given them. 

On July 8, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m., followed by wine tastings, courtesy of Christine Crocker, owner of The Yngodess Shop on Main Street, light hors d’oeuvres, and music from local artist Justin Reynolds.

A shed fire is reported at 219 S. Swan St., Batavia.

City fire responding.

UPDATE 10:44 a.m.: Fire is out. 

Douglas James Tallent, 36, of Walworth-Marion Road, Marion, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, driving on a suspended registration, and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Tallent was stopped at 9:40 p.m., June 24, on Buffalo Parkway, Bergen, by Deputy Rachel Diehl and jailed without bail.

Cathleen Ann Bishop, 51, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Bishop is accused of stealing $145.99 in merchandise from Kohl's Department Store on June 30.

A large tree limb fell onto a power line, breaking it, and landed on a garage at 45 Woodrow Road in Batavia; no arcing or sparking. City Fire Department is responding and National Grid is notified.

UPDATE 7:35 p.m.: City fire cleared the scene and National Grid was in route.

Try the Y in July! Stop in at the Genesee County YMCA and try the Y in the month of July! Starting July 1st when an individual mentions this promotion they will receive a Class Pass to try any of our group exercise classes five times for free! If an individual uses all 5 punches on their pass card and decides to join the YMCA we will waive their Joining Fee as well (a savings up to $75).

The YMCA also offers scholarships to help subsidize membership dues for individuals and families who qualify. If you have any questions, contact Josh Bender at 585-344-1664 or jbender@glowymca.org.

Funeral services were held today for Master Sgt. Charles L. Higgins, a former Batavia resident who died June 19 at age 36.

Higgins served in the Army and Army National Guard from 1999 to 2017. 

For his full obituary, click here.

The trio Something Else played Jackson Square yesterday evening as part of the summer concert series downtown. There's live music in Jackson Square each Friday at 7 p.m. through August.

Somebody is missing a license plate from their vehicle after driving on Slusser Road in Batavia.

A dispatcher says the residents at 8299 Slusser Road "heard a loud bang about 4:30 this morning. They have the license plate and there is damage to their property." The responding deputy says "I would consider that a clue."

He just arrived there and reports that a couple of road hazard signs are down, too.