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Local landlord uncovers a bit of local history in South Swan Street front yard

By Howard B. Owens

James Pontillo is doing some restoration work on one of properties, in this case, on Swan Street, and he dug up this slab of stamped concrete inscribed for J. McBride.

Pontillo thinks this was a marker for John McBride, a contractor or engineer in the area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and that the house on South Swan was once his residence.

The house was built in the 1880s or 1890s, Pontillo thinks.

There was a John McBride from Batavia born in 1862 who died in 1937. Online records indicate, though not conclusively, his sons were John McBride, born in 1892, and a Robert McBride, born in 1882. This McBride family does not appear to be related to the family that ran McBride Steel Plate Construction Company in Batavia for many decades, and whose patriarch was an immigrant from Ireland.

Pontillo also uncovered the remains of a granite hitching post.

He isn't quite sure what to do with this piece.He isn't sure if one of the historical agencies would be interested in it.

Walk to End Alzheimer's returns to Batavia Sept. 24

By Billie Owens

(Submitted photo of Jake Oberg.)

Press release:

The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research, will be heading to Warsaw this October. 

The Batavia walk will take place at the Genesee County Nursing Home, located at 278 Bank St., Batavia, on Satruday, Sept. 24. On-line registration is available now at alz.org/WNY. On-site registration and check-in, basket and 50/50 raffles, and refreshments will be available from 9 to 10 a.m. with a brief opening ceremony to launch the Walk at 10.

The walks are organized by the local Alzheimer’s Association and are a vital source of funding for local services and resources. The walks also provide funding for research into a disease that “kills more people than breast and prostate cancers combined,” and touches almost 250,000 people across the greater Buffalo Niagara region.

“My grandpa died of Alzheimer’s...and I walk with my mom because I don’t think anyone else should lose their grandpa to this disease,” said Jake Oberg. 

The 11-year-old has been taking part in the event since before he could walk. Additionally, he has raised more than $7,000 with a lemonade stand and baked goods sale to support his Walk team, which has also earned him some special incentives.

In addition to fundraising participants, the Walks rely on hundreds of volunteers and the support of corporate sponsors like Elderwood. Eighty-five percent of residents in skilled care facilities exhibit at least some form of dementia including Alzheimer’s.

“Understanding firsthand the personal and health care ramifications of dementia, Elderwood has a long-standing history of supporting the Alzheimer’s Association through its Walk to end this disease,” said Elderwood Director of Business Development Anna Bojarczuk-Foy. “Finding a cure is one of the single most important goals in extending and improving the lives of the elderly in our communities.”

“Northtown Automotive is very proud to continue to support the mission set forth by the Alzheimer’s Association WNY Chapter. We understand the importance of supporting our community and have done so for over 45 years,” said Northtown Auto Group Chief Marketing Officer Mike Ahern. “Doing our part to support the Walk is a way for our organization to make a difference to thousands and thousands of WNY families who know the impact of this disease. We are confident these efforts will one day find a cure."

Additional corporate sponsors include the law firm of Cellino and Barnes, WDCX Radio and Tim Hortons. 

For more information or to register call 1-800-272-3900 or visit alz.org/WNY.

Sponsored Post: Open House this Sunday 1pm-4pm!

By Lisa Ace


Home for Sale - 8 Union Street, Batavia! Don't miss our open house this Sunday from 1pm-4pm! 

Colonial Style 3 bedroom, 1 bath with 1,300 square feet! This home features a new driveway, electric panel/breakers, front porch. New patio doors leading to a new backyard deck. New energy efficient windows & light fixtures. New kitchen cabinetry, counter tops, flooring, along with microwave and dishwasher. Newly remodeled bathroom and finally new laminate flooring and carpeting throughout. This house has been completely repainted inside and out with updated landscaping. Easy maintenance, charming and move-in ready! $104,900

Offered by owners: Call 585-344-1286

Eugene Jankowski Jr. takes 8th Place in Tactical Division, 20th overall, in national shooting competition

By Billie Owens

(Submitted photos.)

Press release:

Eugene Jankowski Jr. of Batavia finished in 8th place in the Tactical Division and 20th place overall at the 2016 Precision Rifle Series (PRS) Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) Challenge on July 23-24 at Peacemaker National Training Center in Gerrardstown, W. Va.

Jankowski is a retired Batavia City police officer and current president of the Batavia City Council.

Competitors used semiautomatic rifles with magnified optics in various shooting positions to complete 14 tough courses of fire over two days. Each course of fire required shooting multiple steel targets of different sizes at distances of 165 to 600 yards with a 90-second-maximum time limit. Shooters were tested on marksmanship as well as their ability to overcome physical and mental stress.

The Precision Rifle Series is a rifle sports competition series utilizing the most recognized and reputable long range rifle matches in the nation based on individual effort. To learn more about PRS http://www.precisionrifleseries.com/

Latest N.E.T. detail in the city results in four arrests for pot

By Billie Owens

Press release:

On July 20, uniformed members of the City of Batavia Police Department along with members from the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force (comprised of members from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Le Roy Police Department and City of Batavia Police Department), the Genesee County Probation Department and uniformed members of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office conducted a N.E.T. -- Neighborhood Enforcement Team -- detail in the City of Batavia.

The detail focused on quality-of-life issues, drug enforcement, warrant checks and probation checks in targeted neighborhoods.

The following arrests were made:

  • A 17-year-old male of Batavia was charged with one count of unlawful possession of marijuana (a violation) and criminally using drug paraphernalia (a Class A misdemeanor) following a traffic stop
  • A 17-year-old male of Batavia was charged with one count of unlawful possession of marijuana (a violation) following a traffic stop;
  • John Burns, 26, of Erie, Pa., was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana (a violation) following a traffic stop;
  • David Draper, 36, of Batavia, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana (a violation) and driving while ability impaired by drugs (a misdemeanor) following a traffic stop;
  • Officers conducted 21 parole checks where Probation officers located: one Probation violation; conducted 37 traffic stops; and issued 20 traffic tickets for various violations.

Local student wins Youth Court scholarship

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Kelsey Scott-Avery, a Genesee County Youth Court member who recently graduated after being homeschooled, won the Association of New York State Youth Court’s Judge Judith Kaye Memorial Scholarship.

Judge Judith Kaye was the first woman to serve as the New York State’s Chief Justice and the longest-serving Chief Justice, who unfortunately passed away in January.

Judge Kaye was an advocate for the Youth Court System and she lived the example that when you are inspired to act, do it. She was inspired by youth courts in Alaska and she brought that inspiration to New York. 

To qualify for the scholarship, the youth court member must be a graduating senior and a member of a Youth Court Program that paid membership dues to ANYSYC in 2015.

The applicant must enroll in a two- or four-year program at an accredited college/university. The individual must be of good moral character, have demonstrated civic responsibility through volunteerism, and have a good strong desire to make a contribution to his/her community. The process included an application, an essay specified in the honor of Judge Kaye. Applicants were to write on the topic of how they plan to impact their field of study the way Judge Kaye impacted the court system.

On behalf of ANYSYC, Kelsey was awarded $500 to put toward her college education. She will be attending Genesee Community College and transferring to a four-year university to become a school counselor.

New tardy policy for student athletes at BHS intended to help students improve academic performance

By Howard B. Owens

Student athletes deserve every opportunity to be successful, said Batavia High School Athletic Director Micheal Bromley at Tuesday evening's Batavia City Schools board meeting, which is why the district needs a tighter tardy policy for those students participating in school sports.

About 54 percent of Batavia's students are involved in athletics during at least one season of the school year, so a stronger tardy policy will have a positive impact on academics overall, Bromley said. 

"We want our students to be successful," Bromley said. "To be successful, they need to be in school."

The proposed policy will require student athletes to be on time for their first class of the day. If they're even five minutes late, it's a tardy. They get two freebie tardies during the season. A third tardy means they can't participate in the next practice or athletic event.

Currently, there are no consequences if the student arrives by at least 11 a.m., which means they miss the first two blocks of classes.

There were seniors this year, Bromley said, who were in danger of not meeting academic standards for graduation.

Bromley thinks the change this fall will be a big adjustment for students and their parents. He expects some push back but wants to deliver the message that this policy will help students and their teams succeed.

"We want you to be here," Bromley said he would tell the students. "We want you to represent our school. It's a great honor. With that comes responsibility. Athletics teaches life skills and life skills include being on time, being responsible, being respectful to your coach and your teammates by doing the right things."

The need for a policy change arose, Bromley said, because of frustrations expressed by coaches and teachers.

Many teachers questioned how students could represent the school in athletic events while not showing up regularly to classes, he said.

"We're not trying to be mean here," Bromley said. "We just want people to be here. Teachers are very frustrated when students don't show up for the first block of the day."

School board members responded favorably to the new policy, which was crafted by a committee of school officials who looked at policies from several area school districts before crafting the one presented to the board.

The policy is intended to be both stricter than what exists now, but also flexible. The two freebie tardies recognize that things happen -- cars break down, assignments are forgotten at home and need to be retrieved, family members get sick and hold things up, etc., but student-athletes also need to be held accountable if they want to faithfully represent the community in competition.

The policy will be evaluated during the fall, comparing this fall's data with data from previous fall seasons to see if tardiness is reduced and attendance is improved. If the policy works and is refined, it could be rolled out to cover students participating in other extracurricular activities.

Policy summary:

  • Student athletes will get two free tardies each sports season, fall, winter and spring.
  • A third tardy will result in the student not being allowed to participate in his or her team's next athletic event, be it practice or game.
  • A tardy can be excused by a doctor's note; parental notes will not be accepted as an excuse.
  • The tardy clock begins as soon as the bell rings for the first class of the day.

Photos: 7-on-7 drills at Batavia HS

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia High School, led by Head Coach Brennan Briggs, has been hosting 7-on-7 drills for the past few weeks as players get ready for the fall football season.

Yesterday, Batavia's varsity and JV teams participated along with Medina and Oakfield-Alabama combined with Elba. On some Tuesdays as many as six teams from throughout the region have participated.

Mini-camps open in two weeks, followed by pre-season camp and, then, the season.

'Battle of the Badges' blood drive set for Aug. 11 at Quality Inn & Suites

By Billie Owens

The debut of a community blood drive dubbed "The Battle of the Badges" will take place from noon to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11, at Quality Inn & Suites, 8250 Park Road, Batavia.

It's being presented by Tompkins Financial for the American Red Cross.

The question looms: Who will be the 2016 First Responder Champion for the premiere of this contest?

A Trooper? Sheriff's Deputy? A city or village Police Officer? City firefighter? A volunteer for a town fire department? A Mercy EMS technician? Ambulance personnel?

All help save lives on the job and by donating blood, they help save lives off the job, too.

For appointments, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or sign up online at redcrossblood.org

Household Hazardous Waste Collection event to be held Sept. 17 in Batavia, appointment required

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The GLOW Region Solid Waste Management Committee is pleased to announce that it will hold a single Household Hazardous Waste Collection on Saturday, Sept. 17, in Batavia.

Funding is provided by GLOW’s County contributions and a grant from the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation with assistance from the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department and Covanta Niagara. Residents from Genesee, Livingston and Wyoming counties are eligible to participate.

Materials accepted include household cleaning products, pesticides/insecticides, oil base paint/stains, vehicle batteries and fluids (except motor oil), oil filters, pool chemicals, driveway sealer and home computers, TVs & microwaves FREE OF CHARGE. (NOTE: NO MORE THAT TWO (2) CRT TVs AND/OR MONITORS PER REGISTRANT CAN BE ACCEPTED.)

Passenger/light truck tires will be accepted for $4 each and truck tires for $10.

For the seventh year, pharmaceutical waste -- outdated, unwanted or unusable medicines -- will be accepted.

Items that will not be accepted include latex paint, used motor oil, empty containers, asbestos and household batteries.

Appointments are required on a first come, first serve basis. A total of 600 spots are available. Details and additional information can be obtained by calling the GLOW office at 585/815-7906 or 800/836-1154 or 585/344-2580, ext. 5463.

“Collections such as this provide residents with an excellent opportunity to safely dispose of materials they no longer want or need and that have the potential to harm the human and environmental health," said Peggy Grayson, GLOW’s recycling administrator.

"The addition of medicines helps not only the environment but other sectors of the community such as law enforcement and the public. The GLOW Committee is happy to offer the collection of medicines to the program and hopes that residents will take full advantage of the opportunity to rid their homes of these hazards."

Two local students named to Medaille College Spring dean's list

By Billie Owens

Medaille College has named the following students to the Dean's List for the Spring 2016 semester:

Justice Fagan, of Batavia

Mark Lancaster, of Bergen

Students that meet the requirements of a minimum of 12 credit hours and earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher for all credit hours carried during that semester are placed on the dean's list.

With campuses in Buffalo, Rochester, and Online, Medaille College (www.medaille.edu) is a dynamic, private college committed to serving the higher education needs of western New York. Medaille is known for its flexible delivery systems, offering master's, bachelor's and associate degrees through day, evening, weekend and online programs.

Global Big Latch On breastfeeding event set for Aug. 5 at Jerome Center, Batavia

By Billie Owens

Press release:

For the second year in a row, local health care organizations, Rochester Regional Health United Memorial Medical Center and Oak Orchard Health will be hosting an event for breastfeeding mothers that will attempt to break international records as well as raise awareness on the important health benefits of breastfeeding.

Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and their children are invited to attend the event that will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Jerome Center at 16 Bank St. in Batavia on Friday, Aug. 5.

It's part of the Global Big Latch On, a synchronized breastfeeding event that will include thousands of breastfeeding women and their babies/children across the world. In addition to the 10:30 a.m. count, the Latch On event at the Jerome Center will also have Foodlink’s Curbside Mobile Market, a baby clothing swap, refreshments, freebies, face painting, car seat check, and door prizes.

Anyone who wishes to donate gently used baby clothing for the swap can drop it off at Oak Orchard Health WIC at 314 Ellicott St. in Batavia by Aug. 4 or bring it to the event. Attendees can register at the event or pre-register at www.biglatchon.org

The Global Big Latch On was organized by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action as part of World Breastfeeding Week to raise awareness on the important health benefits of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding contributes to the normal growth and development of children, and children who are not breastfed are at increased risk of infant morbidity and mortality, adult obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and premenopausal breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of a baby's life to optimize these benefits, continuing to breastfeed for 2 years and as long thereafter as is mutually desired by a woman and her child. World Breastfeeding Week will take place Aug. 1-7.

Whitney Athoe of Batavia wins two scholarships from SUNY Fredonia

By Billie Owens
The State University of New York at Fredonia recently announced scholarship recipients for the 2016-17 academic year. Scholarships are made possible by private donors and foundations, most of whom made gifts to the Fredonia College Foundation. Among the new scholarship recipients is the following local student:
 
Genesee County
  • Whitney Athoe, of Batavia, a junior majoring in Medical Technology, has received the Woods and Earl Memorial Scholarship for $555 and the Biology Department Scholarship for $500. She is the daughter of Melissa Bowen.

RIT graduated 19 local students in May

By Billie Owens

Rochester Institute of Technology celebrated its 131st Academic Convocation in May. Diplomas were distributed to graduates following the event at separate ceremonies held by each of RIT's nine colleges and two academic centers. Local residents who graduated include:

David Belcher of Le Roy (14482), who received an MBA in business administration from RIT's Saunders College of Business.

Geoffrey Berl of Le Roy (14482), who received a BS in software engineering from RIT's B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Benjamin Bliss of Pavilion (14525), who received a BFA in illustration from RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Maura Chmielowiec of Batavia (14020), who received a BS in mechanical engineering from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Edward Cigno of Le Roy (14482), who received an MS in mechanical engineering from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

James Erb of Darien Center (14040), who received a BS in mechanical engineering from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Shane Hale of Corfu (14036), who received a BS in computer science from RIT's B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Taylor Harkness of Batavia (14020), who received a BS in biotechnology and molecular bioscience from RIT's College of Science.

Eric Hunt of Bergen (14416), who received a BS in new media interactive development from RIT's B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Dean Kubik of Basom (14013), who received a BS in chemical engineering from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Shannon Lajuett of Le Roy (14482), who received a BS in biomedical sciences from RIT's College of Health Sciences and Technology.

Michelle Lane of Batavia (14020), who received a BS in applied arts and sciences from RIT's School of Individualized Study.

Michael Norway of Elba (14058), who received a BS in chemistry from RIT's College of Science.

Joseph Oddo of Batavia (14020), who received a BS in electrical engineering from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Karl Pajak of Corfu (14036), who received a BFA in film and animation from RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Trevor Powers of Batavia (14020), who received a BS in mechanical engineering from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Jared Raphael of Batavia (14020), who received a BS in industrial engineering from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Michael Slack of Bergen (14416), who received a BFA in film and animation from RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Michael Wilmoth of Le Roy (14482), who received a BS in computing security from RIT's B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls 18,600 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the United States.

Law and Order: Dump truck driver from Scio charged with false personation, inmate arrested in jail fracas

By Billie Owens

Jeremy Michael Depasquale, 26, of Pixley Hill Road, Scio, is charged with false personation. At 6:15 p.m. on July 22, a dump truck was stopped on Route 33 in the Town of Pembroke for an equipment violation. Investigation revealed that the driver's license was suspended. The defendant who was the owner of the dump truck arrived on scene and allegedly identified himself to officers with a false name in an attempt to make officer believe that he possessed a commerical driver's license to drive the truck. Depasquale was arrested, arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court, and jailed on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Trooper Kosowski and Trooper Hansel.

Michael Shawn McKenzie, 27, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment -- physical contact. At 7:50 p.m. on July 23, McKenzie was arrested for second-degree harassment following a physical distrubance at the Genesee County Jail. He was issued an appearance ticket for July 25 in City of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Muckdogs game postponed due to weather

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Tonight’s game between the Batavia Muckdogs and State College Spikes has been postponed due wet and unsafe field conditions. This game will be made up as part of a double header on Tuesday, July 26th. We will play two seven innings games, with the first game starting at 11:05 p.m. Gates will open at 10:00 a.m. Any person with tickets to tonight’s game can exchange their tickets for any other regular season game, subject to availability.

The Batavia Lions Club bike raffle that was originally scheduled for tonight will be rescheduled at a to be determined home game. 

Sponsored Post: Crossroads House annual garage sale is this weekend! Don't miss this, we have something for everyone!

By Lisa Ace

The Annual Crossroads House Garage Sale will take place July 28th, 29th and 30th. This year’s sale will be the biggest yet and includes something for everyone. We having everything from housewares to collectibles, furniture to kitchenware, tools to toys. You’ll find recliners, desks, dressers, dining sets, rockers, couches, end tables, antique furniture, area rugs, glassware, books, lamps, tableware, small appliances, washers, dryers and more. New items will be out each day of the sale.

New this year is our Preview Day for early bird and hardcore garage sale hunters on Wednesday the 27th from 12:30 – 3:30. On Preview Day, there will be a $10 preview fee and prices will be marked and firm. Regular Sale hours are Thursday and Friday 9‐4 and Saturday 9‐noon. Hot dogs and drinks will be available for purchase courtesy of The First Baptist Church on Thursday and Friday.

Our featured item is the pictured 1987 Yamaha Virago 535 with less than 14,000 original miles! The motorcycle will not be sold before the sale and will be available to inspect during the sale. For more information on the motorcycle visit: http://crossroadshouse.com/yamaha‐virago‐535/ 

Law and Order: Ellicott Street Road resident accused of stealing $5K 'over a period of time' from her employer, JCPenney

By Billie Owens

Danielle S. Cervone, 20, of Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, is charged with third-degree grand larceny. She was arrested at 1 p.m. on July 21 at 40 Batavia City Centre, Batavia, for allegedly stealing about $5,000 from her employer, JCPenney,  over a period of time. She was arraigned and released on her own recognizance and is due in City Court at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Madalyn R. Muntz, 30, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree; criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree; operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration; operating without stop lamps; and having suspended registration -- failure to turn in plates to DMV. At 9:35 a.m. on July 20, Muntz was stopped on Ross Street in Batavia for a traffic infraction. The registration to her vehicle was also found to be suspended. Further investigation allegedly revealed that Muntz possessed drug paraphernalia and a wallet that belonged to a coworker, which had been reported stolen to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on June 3. Followin arraignment, she was jailed in lieu of $1,000 cash bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police OfficerFrank Klimjack, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Breanna M. Smith, 22, of Lake Street Road, Batavia, is charged with: making a punishable false written statement; conspiracy in the sixth degree; falsely reporting an incident in the third degree; insurance fraud in the third degree; and third-degree grand larceny. She was arrested following an investigation into a report at 12:45 p.m. on July 1 that her vehicle had been stolen on East Main Street in Batavia. She was arraigned, then released under supervision of Genesee Justice. She is due in City Court on Aug. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Thad Mart.

Lewis C. Rhodes, 37, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment and first-degree criminal contempt. At 7:02 a.m. on July 24, Rhodes was arrested as the result of an investigation into a domestic incident which occurred on Summit Street a short time earlier. He was processed at Batavia Police headquarters, arraigned in Batavia Town Court and then ordered jailed without bail. He was due in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Sgt. Matthew Lutey.

Adam D. Smart, of Raymond Avenue, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at about 8 p.m. on July 23 after an investigation into a domestic incident which occurred on Raymond Avenue a short time earlier. He was processed at Batavia Police headquarters, arraigned in Batavia Town Court and then ordered jailed without bail. He was due in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Darien L. Rhodes, 23, of 1/2 Dellinger Ave., Batavia, is charged with second-degree unlawful imprisonment, second-degree harassment, and first-degree criminal contempt -- physical contact. At 11:32 p.m. on July 19, Rhodes was arrested as the result of an investigation into a domestic incident which occurred on Dellinger Avenue a short time earlier. He was processed at Batavia Police headquarters, arraigned in Batavia Town Court and then released on his own recognizance. He was due in City Court July 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Erics Foels.

Glenn H. Quintern, 57, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 6:23 a.m. on July 23 after an investigation into the alleged violation of a court order. He was processed at Batavia Police headquarters, arraigned in Batavia Town Court and then ordered jailed without bail. He was due in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Michael J. Elmore, 25, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with disobeying a mandate at 9 p.m. on July 20 on Summit Street in Batavia. He was arrested and arraigned in Batavia Town Court on July 23 and jailed on $500 cash or $2,000 bond. He was due this afternoon in City Court to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Sgt. Matthew Lutey.

Holly H. Miller, 32, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny -- using a credit card, and unlawful possession of personal identification in the third degree -- for the commission of a crime. Miller was arrested for allegedly stealing a DSS case worker's credit card information and it the purchase food and personal items at 9:30 p.m. on May 25. She was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is due in City Court on Sept. 1. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.

Jason M. Hirtreiter, 29, of Catherine Street, Medina, is charged with criminal tampering and petit larceny. He was arrested at 4:15 a.m. on July 19 on North Street in Batavia, arraigned at 8:31 a.m. and then jailed on $2,500 bail. He was due back in court that day at 1:30 p.m. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Darryle Streeter.

Jolynn M. Gorski, 36, of Chandler Avenue, Batavia, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs. She was arrested at 9:40 p.m. on July 21 on Washington Avenue in Batavia. Gorski was allegedly found behind the wheel of a vehicle in the drive-thru of M&T Bank, apparently asleep. She was issued an appearnce ticket and in due in City Court on Aug. 17 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Police Sgt. Chris Camp.

Marcus L. Viverette, 28, of Elk Street, Rochester, was arrested on July 23 by the Le Roy Police Department. Viverette was charged with aggravated harassment in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Viverette was arrested after allegedly threatening the life of the victim during a phone call earlier this month. Viverette was arraigned in front of the Honorable Judge Sehm and is being held at the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,500 cash bail and $3,000 bond. Viverette is to return to the Le Roy Town Court on Aug. 18 to answer to the charge. 

Danny D. Williams Sr., 27, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 8:49 p.m. on July 20 on Maple Street in Batavia following an incident wherein he allegedly spit on a person. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court for Aug. 2 and released. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Nathan M. Payne, 21, of Corfu, was arrested at 10:51 p.m. on July 24 for unlawful possession of marijuana after a traffic stop for speeding (47 mph in a 35-mph zone) on State Route 33. Corfu Police Officer Michael Petritz allegedly detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana emanating from Payne's vehicle. Payne was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 1 in Darien Town Court to answer the charges.

Tyler A. Stoddard, 21, of Meiser Road, Corfu, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 8:05 p.m. on July 16 on Ellicott Street in Batavia for allegedly stealing $1.49 worth of merchandise from a local business. Stoddard was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on Aug. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Sgt. Matthew Lutey.

Melissa R. Piazza, 27, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. She was arrested at 12:15 a.m. on July 14 on Jefferson Avenue, Batavia, after allegedly failing to appear for a City Court date on July 19. She was jailed, posted bail, and is set to return to City Court on Aug. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Jeri M. Diaz, 36, of Bank Street, Batavia, was arrested on an active bench warrant out of Batavia City Court. It is alleged that Diaz failed to appear for a court date in March. She was arraigned, released, and was due in City Court on July 21. The case was handled by Batava Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Tyanna D. Green, 21, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant for allegedly failing to pay a fine. She is due in City Court on Aug. 2. The case was handled by Batava Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Cornell extension to offer Master Gardener Training on Wednesday nights this fall, registration deadline is Aug. 26

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County will be offering Master Gardener Training on from 6 to 9 on Wednesday evenings, starting Sept. 7 and running through Nov. 16. There will also be a full day on Saturday, Nov. 5. Classes will be held at the CCE office at 420 E. Main St., Batavia.

Each class will focus on a different horticulture topic throughout the training. By attending the Master Gardener training, you will become a more knowledgeable gardener.  Participants will learn about the following horticulture topics: botany, diagnosing plant diseases, entomology, soils & fertilizers, lawn care, herbs, vegetable gardening, weed identification, woody ornamentals, pruning, tree and small fruits, perennials and annuals, nuisance wildlife and organic gardening.

Anyone interested in learning more about gardening may attend the course. Pre-registration by Aug. 26 is required. Class size will be limited. No walk-ins will be accepted. The fee for this horticulture training is $225 per person, which includes all class sessions and materials, as well as the Cornell University Master Gardener Manual on CD.

If you have a passion for volunteering and gardening, this training is the first requirement to becoming a Genesee County Master Gardener. Graduates of the program (Genesee county residents) are then eligible to apply to become a Genesee County Master Gardener volunteer. (Other county residents should contact their local Master Gardener program.) A Master Gardener volunteer should have a willingness to give back to the community and help put into practice what they learned at training. Enthusiasm for sharing their skills and knowledge is a must.

For an informational brochure or to register contact Brandie Schultz at 585-343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by the Extension office located at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.

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