batavia

The Batavia Planning & Development Committee on Tuesday night approved a slightly modified plan to enclose a 1,700-square-foot patio on the west side of City Slickers Bar & Grill at 59 Main St.

Owner Ken Mistler's request focused on making the patio a bit smaller than what had been previously approved (in July 2014), reducing the size from 99 feet to 64 feet, and adding a small awning over the structure, which will feature six 12-foot, 6-inch retractable overhead doors -- four on the west side and one each on the south and north sides. The patio is located in an area next to M&T Bank.

"Patrons will be able to access (the patio) from the restaurant and also from the side and front of the patio," Mistler said, noting that the project will cost around $60,000. "(By enclosing it), we hope to utilize it more, especially in inclement weather."

Last week, Mistler's proposal was approved by the Genesee County Planning Board.

The patio will be able to seat 61 people, said Mistler, who added that he hopes to complete the project within the next several weeks.

In other action, the committee:

-- Approved a request by Michael Mammano, sign company agent, to place two lighted signs on the building at 69-71 Main St., which is being transitioned from First Niagara Bank to Key Bank. One sign will measure 2 feet, 8 inches by 17 feet, 10 inches and will go on the north elevation of the building and the other will measure 2 feet by 13 feet, 5 inches and will be placed on the south side of the building.

-- Approved a request by Batavian David Pero to subdivide property on Webster Avenue, the site of his sons' disposal business, Trash Away, LLC.  The larger parcel, consisting of vacant land, will not be used for any commercial venture at this time, Pero said.

-- Recommended that the City Zoning Board of Appeals denial a request by Randy White to create a second driveway -- measuring 16 feet wide by 60 feet long -- on his Lyon Street property. The board was not in favor of the additional overage and the fact that the applicant would be turning a larger portion of his yard into a second driveway.

​Batavia PD announced today that a 40-year-old Batavia man was arrested for allegedly having sexual contact with a family member. Eric Watson is in Genesee County Jail with bail set at $20,000.

He is accused of engaging in sexual conduct with a mentally disabled family member who is incapable of consenting to such activity. The allegations date back three years, but were just reported this year.

Watson is charged with second-degree rape, second-degree criminal sexual act, and second-degree incest.

He is due to appear in Genesee County Court at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 21.

Det. Sgt. Todd Crossett and Det. Kevin Czora are the city Police Department investigating officers.

Head Coach Brennan Briggs submitted this photo of youths who participated in a two-day football camp at Batavia High School.

A silver sedan struck a pole on Bank Street near the Northgate Free Methodist Church in Batavia. There is heavy front-end damage but the driver is not injured. Mercy medics and firefighters responded.

Press release:

Western New York Independent Living, Inc., (WNYIL), which has an office in Batavia, will be holding its third Biannual Summit on Aging and Independence: “Shaping Health and Wellness for the Future” on Sept. 29-30 at the Buffalo Convention Center, and they need knowledgeable people to share their expertise.

WNYIL is recruiting individuals who work with seniors, OR who are part of an organization, business or service providing support to individuals who are over 55 years old, OR are doing research specifically focused on the senior population, to participate as presenters, as plenary speakers, or in panels or interactive workshops. There is no charge to make a presentation, which is limited to 75-minutes long, and those accepted will be given breakfast or lunch.

The purpose of the Summit is to identify and reveal critical efforts, ideas, research and issues related to aging, independence, wellness and change, but it also affords participants a great opportunity to represent and exchange knowledge regarding concepts, programs, services, trends, etc., which can impact individuals who are in the 55+ group.

To be considered, would-be presenters should prepare a proposal that fits one of these categories: Practical and scholarly work on issues important to aging populations; Lecture-style presentations; Hands-on workshops or simulations; Presentations on or by community groups that interact with aging populations; Presentations by students on aging-related course assignments or volunteer work; Panel Discussions; and Interactive Workshops.

While proposals can involve any appropriate topic, some potential areas are: Health Care Provision; Managed Long-Term Care; Assistive Technology Advances; Gerontology; Care-giving; Research; Independent Living; Public Policy or Systems Advocacy; Healthy Lifestyles; Cultural Diversity; New Trends; or Outcomes. The Summit is divided into five tracks to appeal to the perspectives of different attendees: Service providers or advocates; healthcare professionals; consumers; caregivers; or researchers/educators.

The intended audience should be identified in the proposals, which will be scored by the Steering Committee based on how well they address the content area, plus clarity, objectives, method of presentation, likely interest to participants, and overall program balance.

For more information, and to request Proposal Guidelines and application forms, please call Heather at (716) 836-0822, ext. 146, or Katie at ext.166, and we will be happy to assist you! Applications are due by Aug. 15 to WNY Independent Living, Inc. – Summit on Aging, 3108 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14214, or to hmattiuzzo@wnyil.org. Those accepted will be notified by Sept. 1.

The Western New York Independent Living, Inc., family of agencies offer an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Submitted photo. First row, from left: Gianni Ferrara, Kenny Saunders, Zac Vanderhoof, Colin McCulley, Maveric McKenzie, Shawn Morabito, Adam Risewick, Cole Rauscher, John Panepento, Jim Burns, Tyler Strollo, Brady Fix. Back row, from left: Coaches Rob Panepento, Ken Saunders and Manager Erik Fix.

Press release:

The Le Roy Little League U12 All-Stars captured the District 3 Championships with a 5-3 victory over Batavia Tuesday evening in Le Roy. 

The game was a hard-fought battle by both teams. Batavia struck first in the bottom of the second when Dominic Taylor would reach on an error and score on a fielder’s choice by Sawyer Siverling. 

It didn’t take long for Le Roy to answer as Maveric McKenzie would lead off the top of the third with a double to right and reach third on a passed ball. He would score on a sacrifice fly by Colin McCulley to make it 1-1. Le Roy would add three more in the top of the fourth when Kenny Saunders hit a two-run homerun scoring Zac Vanderhoof.

Catcher Cole Rauscher would make it back-to-back homers just two pitches later and Le Roy would take a 4-1 lead.

Luke Rogers and Jameson Richardson would both score in the bottom of the fourth to pull Batavia to within 1, 4-3.

Le Roy got an insurance run in the top of the sixth when Brady Fix would score on a sacrifice fly by Saunders to take a 5-3 lead. Saunders would get the win on the mound, thanks to some strong defense including two double plays, and a great catch by Fix on the last out of the game. 

Le Roy advances to Sectional play in Fredonia, July 17-21^st.

SATURDAY, JULY 16TH • Today's Events• Farm Bureau Day & Bring Your Tractor to the Fair Day

• All Day Matt Episcopo (Roving the Fairgrounds)
• 8:30am - NIOGA Colored Breed Show (Show Ring)
• 9am - NIOGA Holstein/Open Class Dairy Show (Show Ring)
• 9am - Open Class Goat Show (4H Goat Barn)
• 9am - ECYSS - Youth Breed Show (Old Draft Horse Barn)
• 10am - 4H Horse Gymkhana & Games Classes (Horse Ring)
• 10am - FARM STOCK TRACTOR - Bring your tractor!! Enhanced Tractor & Garden Pullers (GRANDSTAND)
• 11am - Exhibit Halls & Buildings Open 
• 1-8pm - Mr. Scribbles (Entertainment Tent)
• 1-11pm - MIDWAY OPENS (Amusement Area)
• 1-5pm - Jony James - Band (Entertainment Tent)
• 2-4pm - 4H Vegetable Contest (Kennedy Building)
• 3:30pm - Small Fry Tractor Pull (Exhibition Building)
• 4pm - 4H Master Showman Contest (Show Ring)
• 6pm - Empire State Pullers Tractor Pulls (GRANDSTAND)
• 6:30pm - 4H Scavenger Hunt (Kennedy Building)
• 8pm-12am - Branded - Band (Entertainment Tent)
• 8pm - 4H Dairy Cattle Released
• 8:30pm - 4H Horses Released
• 9pm - 4H Poultry & Rabbits Released 
• 9pm - 4H Non-Market Animals - Beef, Goat, Sheep, & Swine released
• 10pm - 4H Non-Animal Exhibits Released

This schedule is tentative and is subject to change at any time.*

City police are responding to 5 Spruce St. for a complaint of a white male walking around in just his underwear -- publicly.

A Livingston County woman has been accused of possessing more than $50,000 in stolen medical equipment that disappeared from UMMC last year.

Kim Diamond, 47, was allegedly trying to sell the equipment on eBay after stealing the equipment.

She was arrested by the Livingston County Sheriff's Office on a charge of possession of stolen property. She has also reportedly been charged locally with grand larceny.

The property was reportedly found in her home in March and investigators have been positively identifying and valuing the equipment since.

Our news partner, WBTA, which broke the story of the thefts in March, reports that Diamond was employed by UMMC at the time of the thefts.

Following arraignment in Livingston County, she was released on her own recognizance. 

Wallets heavy, hands at the ready; enthusiastic buyers weren't holding much back Thursday night. Buyers showed up in numbers for the 4-H livestock auction ready to see the best lambs, goats, hogs, and steer available at the Genesee County Fair.

Bill Hayes, owner/president of Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning, won the Market Steer Overall Project Champion and Jr. Showmanship Champion for $2.20 a pound or an estimated $2,800. He then donated the steer right back to the 4-H; the champion steer weighed in at 1,390 pounds and was raised by Oakfield resident Tyler Jirovec. 

"I come to the auction every year to support these good kids, parents and staff," Hayes said.  

This is the first year the 4-H has allowed you to donate your winnings back to the program.

"I can see myself donating the animal back to 4-H, the program is so great," said Genesee County resident Bill Baskin. "I come every year, haven't missed one in a long time."

The 4-H champions are determined by a point system; points are added up based on your participation in 4-H meetings, community service, your overall placement, and showmanship. The individual with the most points by the Genesee County Fair date is Project Champion; the winner gets a large ribbon to show off.

"If you win Grand or Reserved Project Champion when you step into that ring, everyone wants to bid on you," said Tim Adams, 4-H swine club leader.

The 4-H Swine Club raises show hogs. The club has around 20 members ranging in age 8 to 19 years old. At initial weigh-in, a student's hog cannot weigh more than 80 pounds and must weigh between 210 and 285 pounds by the time of the fair. Adams says he donates roughly four hours of his time to the 4-H daily, and during fair week even more.

This year was special for the Swine Club, members were able to get rid of their wood pens and install metal ones, which are more sanitary for the animals and people.

"4-H is so much more than just marketing animals; it's a small family," Adams said.

The 4-H takes devotion and a lot of effort on the students' part. Some kids spend two or three hours a day grooming, walking and feeding their show animals. The learning experience doesn't stop at the children either; parents learn a lot about what it takes to raise a hog, cattle, goat or lamb.

"It's nice to have kids and friends to learn and grow with you," said Kevin Bezon, parent of Tucker and uncle of Leah and Ashton Bezon -- all 4-H participants.

"I easily spend three or four hours a day to the animals," said Tucker Bezon, proud owner of an impressive 1,208-pound steer.

Fourth-year 4-H participant Shianne Foss from Corfu placed fourth overall with a 1,300-pound steer. Much like other 4-H'ers, Shianne doesn't just go to the Genesee County Fair, she travels all over Western New York to show off her livestock and hard work. 

Overall Project Champion, Rate of Gain Champion, and Reserve Project Champion Miasy Ross was ecstatic after her lambs sold for top dollar. Placing one and two overall, Miasy is a very dedicated 4-H member and has been in the program for years.

"I actually gained so many friends, I wish more people did this," Miasy said.

4-H Livestock Auction is a great place for local farmers and livestock owners to display the results of their toil. You can feel the good spirits and pride of showmanship that abound while walking the auction grounds.

(Micheal Ermantrout had the Grand Champion goat.)

(Shianne Foss completes some final grooming before the auction.)

(Peggy Shuknecht, of Elba, holds Helena Kotarski, 2, so she can pet a cow.)

(Cole Phelps relaxes before the auction.)

(Photos by Howard Owens.)

To purchase prints, click here.

I don't know much about cranes, but I know a really big one when I see it, and this monster was working today on the new bridge over the Tonawanda Creek on West Main Street Road in Bushville.

Visiting teams are bringing more top prospects to Batavia over the next couple of nights, with a first-rounder starting for Aberdeen tonight, and the son of a former major leaguer who missed last season because of an injury tomorrow night.

This evening, Cody Sedlock, the 27th overall pick for the Baltimore Orioles, takes the mound against the Muckdogs in his second professional start. Hailing from Rock Island, Ill., Sedlock set a new school record in strikeouts this season for the University of Illinois. 

On Saturday, Hunter Harvey (photo) continues his comeback effort. The son of former major league pitcher Bryan Harvey was a first-round pick for the Orioles in 2013.

Last night, Aberdeen also put a prospect from Rochester on the mound. Steven Klimek, a graduate of Greece Arcadia before attending St. Bonaventure, pitched two and a third innings, fanning six and not allowing a hit against eight batters.

Photo of Hunter Havery courtesy Mike Janes/Four Seam Images.

Press release:

The Board of Directors of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) authorized a public hearing for Freightliner & Western Star of Batavia, LLC, at the agency’s July 14 board meeting. The hearing is required as the company is seeking incentives over $100,000.

Freightliner & Western Star of Batavia, LLC, plans to expand beyond its West Seneca location and build a second site on State Street Road in the Town of Batavia. The project will involve construction of a 30,000-square-foot warehouse and service center that will create 30 new full-time jobs. The new location will be built along the New York State thruway near the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership campus.

The company is seeking approval for $437,652 in sales, mortgage and property tax exemptions. The planned capital investment will total approximately $4.35 million.

“This is a significant investment being made in our community that will create new jobs and help continue the economic growth of our region,” said Paul Battaglia, chairman, GCEDC Board of Directors.

FRIDAY, JULY 15TH • Today's Events • Community Day & Thrill Night. Kids ride special - $5 wrist bands 1-4pm.

• All Day Matt Episcopo (Roving the Fairgrounds)
• 9am - ECYSS - Showmanship Clinic (Old Draft Horse Barn)
• 10am - 4H Horse Show Western Classes  (Horse Ring)
• 11am - Exhibit Halls & Buildings Open
• 11am - 4H Beef Show (Show Ring)
• 12pm - 4H Livestock Skillathon (TBA)
• 12pm - ECYSS - Fitting Clinic (Old Draft Barn)
• 1pm  - Open Class Beef Show ( Show Ring)
• 1pm - 4H Sheep 7 Goat Obstacle Course Contest (TBA)
• 1-8pm - Mr. Scribbles (Entertainment Ring)
• 1-11pm - Midway Opens (Amusement Arena)
• 3pm - 4H Sheep Trimming & Blocking Contest (4H Sheep Barn)
• 4pm - ECYSS - Showmanship (Old Draft Horse Barn)
• 5:30pm - 4H Tractor Driving Contest - Via Pre-Registration (Kennedy Building)
• 6pm - NIOGA Jr. Showmanship (Show Ring)
• 7pm - COUNTY FAIR GRAND DEMOLITION DERBY (GRANDSTAND)
• 7:30pm - ECYSS - Judging Clinic (Old Draft Horse Barn)
• 7:30-11:30pm - Under the Gun - Band (Entertainment Tent)
• 10pm - Exhibit Halls & Buildings Close

This schedule is tentative and is subject to change at any time.

Here are a few photos from Thursday at the Genesee County Fair. We'll have more photos and a story about the 4-H Livestock Auction sometime Friday afternoon.

Suzanne Corona was sentenced to one and a half years in state prison this afternoon and one year post-release supervision by Genesee County Court Acting Judge Michael F. Pietruszka.

The determinant sentence was given for her guilty plea last year to one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fifth degree.

She admitted selling one suboxone pill for $60 to an undercover drug agent.

Although Corona has a record of petty, albeit some sensational, crimes dating back to 2010, the suboxone sale was her first felony offense.

She could have avoided prison entirely had she been able to successfully complete probation, given in lieu of incarceration, in that case.

But in April she admitted lacing her coffee with the liqueur Amaretto. In exchange for her admission of the probation violation, Judge Pietruszka allowed her to continue probation without any additional penalty.

A week later, she tested postive for alcohol again and was sent to jail for the weekend. On April 25, she was back in court and the judge released her to the custody of an inpatient rehab facility for a month after signing a court order for the medical care. Upon release, she was in court for a bail review hearing and the judge determined that despite the stay in rehab, she was in violation of her probation and she was ordered back to jail.

Today, she smiled wanly at her husband in the gallery when she was led into the courtroom by a bailiff. Wearing navy blue scrubs and canvas slip-on shoes, chained at the waist and handcuffed, she stood with regal posture next to her attorney, Brian Degnan.

"Miss Corona has a lengthy criminal history -- both in this court and in local courts," said Assistant District Attorney Kevin Finnell (standing in for ADA William Zickl). "She has shown a lack of ability to comply with the conditions of her probation."

Attorney Degnan said his client successfully completed the month-long rehab program and that authorities recommend she be placed in a halfway house, a sober living facility, but she and her spouse cannot afford the $900-per-month cost of that option. He acknowleged her failure to comply with probation and said she intends to take classes to improve her mental health and well being.

"She has issues she needs to work on," Degnan said.

Degnan disputed Zickl's characterization of his client's criminal past, specifically the claim that she "has a lengthy criminal history in this court."

The judge asked Corona if she had anything to say on her own behalf. She did.

"I would like to apologize to you for not being able to complete my probation," she said clearly and sincerely, adding that she intends to take as many classes as she can to improve herself.

Then, choking back tears, she said "I apologize to my family for being so selfish and not realizing how much hurt I have caused them. My family has suffered and now they'll suffer because I won't be here."

With that, the matter was concluded. Her husband told her that he loved her; she waved awkwardly to him with one of her manacled hands and was led away.

The folks who arranged the creation of the Batavia Peace Garden have a request of Pokemon trainers congregating there in droves -- please do them one simple favor: Pick up after yourselves.

Carol Grasso called WBTA today to pass that message along.

She stopped by the garden and spoke to three people who had biked there from Hilton, and she thought it was great and hopes people who come to the garden are having a good time, but she wants everyone to enjoy it.

"I guess there are some rare Pokemon there," she told WBTA.

She said she was told there will be a "rally" there Saturday and she hopes people will respect the garden and keep it clean.

“We work very hard on the Peace Garden and it is a beautiful spot and we’re just trying to encourage anybody who is looking for these Pokemon to at least put their trash in the trash can," She said. "We do have trash cans in the garden and we will clean them out every day and try to make them empty so there shouldn’t be any trashing going on.” 

She concluded her interview by noting that she was driving by right at that moment and there were about 15 people there playing the game.

"I hope they enjoy the garden, but take your trash with you or put it in the garbage cans," she said. "Thanks everybody. Have fun with the Pokemon."

Previously: Even in Batavia, Pokemon are everywhere