batavia

A young man already serving a three-year prison sentence on a gang assault conviction admitted in Genesee County Court this morning that he attempted to sell cocaine to an undercover agent Oct. 14 in the Town of Batavia.

Leonard A. Johnson III was dressed in a green prison jumpsuit and accompanied by two state corrections officers and had family members in the courtroom as he appeared before Interim Judge MIchael Pietruszka to plead guilty to the Class C felony of attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd.

The plea satisfies five pending charges, none of which had yet been referred to the grand jury, stemming from an investigation by the Local Drug Task Force into the sale of narcotics in the city and Town of Batavia.

The plea deal includes the stipulation that any sentence imposed by the County Court in September be served concurrently with Johnson's current prison term. The conviction carries a maximum possible sentence of five years.

Johnson entered the guilty plea to the gang assault charge, along with two accomplices, in January. The three young men were accused of beating and kicking a victim on Holland Avenue.

Because of the timing of that conviction and these additional charges, this new conviction will not count on Johnson's record as a second felony offense, which is an issue only if Johnson is ever charged with another felony. (Two prior felony convictions for sentencing purposes could lead to a longer prison term.)

Under questioning from Pietruszka, Johnson said he is currently undergoing substance use counseling while incarcerated.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony Sunday at new county airport terminal. From left, County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens, and members of the Genesee County Legislature, from left, Rochelle Stein, Marianne Clattenburg, Chairman Ray Cianfrini, John Deleo, Gregg Torrey and Andrew Young. Photo by Zachary Lee.

Local Legislature Chairman Ray Cianfrini had the honor of cutting the ribbon at the grand opening Sunday of the new Genesee County Batavia Airport terminal. It was open for the public to tour during the Batavia Rotary Club's annual Fly-In Breakfast on Father's Day.

Construction on the nearly $6 million terminal began May 2015. It's 14,400 square feet, compared to its previous footprint of the 12,800 square feet, and taller, too.

"This is a major upgrade from the old terminal, this is really beautiful," said Batavia resident Jim Owen.

The weather was hot and sunny and the airport was packed with families.

Some pilots left their planes open so people look inside and get a glimpse of the controls. Mercy Flight of Western New York brought one of its helicopters to the event and people got to see it up close.

"It has to be one of the biggest fundraisers we do here in Batavia," said County Highway Superintendent Timothy Hens.

(Photo of Mercy Flight of Western New York.)

A car vs. bicycle accident is reported at North Street and Tracy Avenue. The bicyclist was reportedly unconscious in the roadway but now is conscious. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 10:12 a.m.: The bicyclist was transported to UMMC. City fire and police have cleared the scene.

(Photo of Frank Gioia by Zachary Lee.)

Local runner and Empire State Games Gold Medal winner Frank Gioia (1983, 1984; plus a Bronze medal in '82) is proof that age is just a number.

After an injury-induced hiatus of more than a decade, the 63-year-old Batavia resident renewed his enthusiam for racing after retiring 2013.

He raced in the third annual GLOW Corporate Cup 5K last August, placing 10th out of 744 participants with a time of 19:46.

Earlier this year, on April 24 in Dedham, Mass., he placed eighth in the United States Track & Field Masters 10K Championship for his age group (ages 61-64) with a time of 41:58.

Being in the top 10 in the nation for his age group is quite an accomplishment, especially after suffering a severe injury to his Achilles tendon while running Rochester's Cobbs Hill 17 years ago.

"I was reaching the mile mark and I felt it; it caused me to jump in the air in pain and I knew I was done," Gioia said.

That, coupled with work and family and the everyday demands of life, steered him clear of running for 14 years. But that's mostly in his rearview mirror now. These days, this Dad is focused forward.

His next race will be Oct. 2 at Syracuse's Festival of Races National 5K starting in the morning at 8:50.

Beer, sun and fun at Beertavia today.

A caller to dispatch reports about 20 minutes ago a red Chevy Cavalier-type coupe drove into the parking lot of Batavia Middle School on Ross Street and dropped off "a cage full of cats," then left. Law enforcement is reponding.

UPDATE 4:29 a.m.: An eyewitness told Howard at the scene that a lone woman driving a bright red Cavalier drove behind their house and to the school parking lot and got out with a cage. When the driver saw she had been spotted, she left the cage with two cats inside and quickly drove off. The cats are black and white and were taken to the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

Officials with Empire Access said today they expect to begin offering cable TV service in Batavia this fall.

They've applied for a franchise license and have been working closely with City Manager Jason Molino and other staff on an agreement.

"Jason's been great to deal with. We're looking forward to giving Time Warner more competition," said Empire COO Jim Baase.

Empire Video, a subdivision, has been offering high-speed Internet service (data and voice) in the city for the past year.

Following a public hearing, once the city council approves its franchise agreement, it goes to the state’s Public Service Commission for final approval.

Empire plans to offer new customers an introductory monthly rate of $65, which would rise to $121 after six months. There would be no rate increase for the term of the contract.

But existing Empire customers would be offered "bundled pricing" and be given the opportunity to get the introductory rate as well.

"We try to do the right thing by customers," Baase said.

Once cable TV service is added to the mix, Empire expects to double its local customer base, to at least 15 percent market penetration.

Customers can expect a high-quality, 100-digital signal with a higher resolution than the competition, which has a mix of analog and digital.

Plus, they will be able to provide their customers with local stations from both Rochester AND Buffalo, not one or the other as is the case currently -- depending on your provider.

Also, it will all be in high definition at no extra cost.

"It's a TV everywhere product," said Bob VanDelinder, Empire Access director of marketing. "You can watch it on your iPad, smartphone, and not just at home, but while traveling, too."

The digital video recording service records up to five different stations at a time, and while using different TV sets.

There will be no set-up or installation costs. No bulky cable to install. It's all wireless, with a modem. And they will help you program your remote control device before they leave.

"It's a pretty easy transition for customers," Baase said.

"We offer a very competitive product," VanDelinder said. "We're excited to be here."

Because Batavia is already wired for broadband, TV service will be a cinch for Empire to roll out.

"It'll happen immediately, as soon as we sign a franchise agreement with the city," Baase said.

Empire says its eager to help the city in its "Bet on Batavia" campaign to vy for $10 million in downtown revitalization funds, for example, by bringing Wi-Fi downtown.

They are rolling out broadband to business customers in the Village of Le Roy and hope to add residential soon.

Kevin Adair, AWS Section chairman (right), presents the award to Aaron Buckland.

Press release:

The Rochester Section of the American Welding Society (AWS) recently presented Aaron Buckland with a $5,000 scholarship that he can apply to the welding technical school or college of his choice. He also received an additional $500 cash award toward equipment or supplies for school.

Aaron plans to attend the Commercial Diving Academy in Florida to train as an underwater welder/diver.

Aaron is a recent graduate of the Metal Trades Program at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center. Don Shuknecht was Aaron’s instructor. 

“Aaron is a fine example of a student who is committed to achieving his absolute best," said Shuknecht, a Metal Trades instructor. "His positive attitude and spirit provides him with a drive to achieve. I know that he will be successful in whatever he attempts."

Aaron is also a member of the NYS SkillsUSA Fabrication Team that will be competing in the SkillsUSA National Competition in Louisville, Ky., later this month.

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The Batavia Career and Technical Education Center is a school that is part of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services offering shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York State. 

Information provided by the NYS Education Department.

Batavia City School District was awarded a grant totaling $212,748 from the state Education Department for extended school day and school violence prevention programs.

A total of 83 school districts and nonprofit organizations statewide, out of 450 applicants, received $24 million in grants for these programs, Commissioner MaryEllen Elia announced Wednesday.

Batavia City School District was the only school district or nonprofit in Genesee County to receive grant money for this purpose.

“It’s a simple proposition – when students are safe and engaged in productive afterschool activities, they’re going to enjoy school more and do better,” Elia said in a press release. “The grants we’re awarding today will go a long way toward protecting and enriching our children.”

Eligible programs provide support to students through extended school day activities and/or school safety programs which promote violence prevention. Extended school day programs will increase student achievement, provide extracurricular enrichment activities, and contribute to school violence prevention. School violence prevention activities include comprehensive school-based intervention models that reduce violence and improve school safety as well as provide funding for safe corridors, diversity programs, collaboration with law enforcement agencies or community-based organizations.

Each application was evaluated and scored by peer reviewers, including experts in expanded learning opportunities; college and university faculty and administrators; professional program evaluators; community educators; community service providers; staff from foundations and charitable organizations, as well as SED staff.

Lucy N. Friedman, president of ExpandED Schools, said, “We believe in the power of an extended day to engage kids in ways that are not always possible in a traditional classroom setting. Without the fear of a grade, students are more open to explore new challenges, like robotics or debate.

"Extended day programming provides kids with more time for enriched learning and social-emotional development. These extra hours also support the working parents because they know their children are in a safe, engaging place and this strengthens communities.”

A full list of grant awards is available at: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/sss/documents/ESDSVPR3Awardees.pdf

Don't miss these open houses this weekend! See addresses and time above. For more information on 6 Montclair Avenue., click here. For more information on 15 Warren Street, click here. For more information on 23 Dellinger Avenue., click here or call Charles Flynn, Nothnagle Realtors at 716-860-2222 today!

Press release from the city's Bureau of Maintenance:

Please be aware that all motorists using South Main Street within the City of Batavia from Oak Street Extension west to the City Line will experience travel delays and road closures between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, June 20 and Tuesday, June 21.

Roadwork involving the milling of the pavement will begin on the east end and progress west. Areas of work will be closed to all through traffic. Local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence/ property but should plan accordingly for delays.

All residents within the work area are asked not to park on the roadway during the day.

Once milling is complete, the roadway will be prepared for paving and then final paved. An additional media release will be issued with specific dates and times for this work.

Contact the Bureau of Maintenance with any questions at 345-6400, option 1.

Thank you for your cooperation in advance.

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, Inc., is looking for additional vendors and crafters for its upcoming Vendor Blender to be held on Saturday, Oct. 8, in Batavia.

Please e-mail Kim for more information at kgloskowski@caoginc.org. 

Community Action Of Orleans & Genesee

5073 Clinton Street Road

Batavia, NY 14020

The River Street Bridge over the Tonawanda Creek, which is owned and maintained by Genesee County, received more than $2 million in federal aid to help develop a plan to rehabillitate the structure.

The total estimated cost to rehab the bridge is $2,155,000, divided between three seperate funds:

• 80 percent funded by Federal Highway Administration
• Estimated 15 percent funded by New York State Department of Transportation
• Estimated 5 percent funded by local share (taxpayers)

At an information meeting at City Hall Wednesday night, County Highway Superintendent Timothy Hens said the project would take between four to six months and will begin next June. Construction will take place in eight-hour shifts beginning at 8 a.m.

The bridge was built in 1975. Senior project engineer Jonathan M. Walczak said one of its fault is that the joints were placed at the bottom of the beams and the saltwater and severe weather of Western New York winters took its toll on the bridge joints. He proposes raising the joints so that it's harder for salt and river water to reach them.

A River Street resident asked about raising the actual roadway of River Street and Walczak replied "It's so flat out here, the geometrics just won't let us raise the bridge." 

The engineer's team is already in contact with National Fuel talking about the eight-inch natural gas main; the gas main will be maintained.

River Street residents debated about how handicapped individuals who live at the Birchwood Village Apartments would get to work without bridge access, since several of them work at Tops Market in Batavia.

"I will try to be in touch with local employers to see if we can get an alternate way of transportation," Walczak replied.

Residents suggested installing a temporary sidewalk and Walczak seems open to such ideas.

He was also asked about the dimensions of the sidewalk, five-feet wide, and bridge railing, 45-inches high, and said both will be kept the same.

River Street resident Nann Zorn wasn't at the meeting but wrote to Highway Superintendent Hens espressing concern about the bridge's months-long closure.

"There are hundreds of pedestrains who use this bridge every day as a main route to their employment and to obtain provisions and necessities for their daily lives," Zorn wrote.

That sparked spirited debate on whether it was possible to keep a temporary path open over creek during bridge reconstruction. The proposed detour would be approximately 1.7 miles long and consist of using West Main Street, Oak Street and Pearl Street instead.

Press release from City Department of Public Works:

The contractor for the Summit Street reconstruction has begun work, and as a result, traffic access will be limited during this project.

Please observe the posted detours, and use caution when traveling in the construction zone.

The initial phase of this project will impact the Summit Street sidewalk on the east side of the road, but the west sidewalk will be open and passable for pedestrians.

Summer is here. Mini Golf is, too. Terry Hills Miniature Golf Course opens Friday, June 17th! Excitement for all ages as you putt your way over ramps, bridges, dips & other fun obstacles in pursuit of those Hole-In-Ones! Bring Dad this Father’s Day and he plays for FREE (and if you let him win, that’s OK, too).
Make it a day and stop into the restaurant before or after you play for a delicious lunch, dinner or Sunday Brunch! Click here for our menus (Restaurant Hours: Mon-Fri 11-9, Sunday Brunch 10-2). Terry Hills is located at 5122 Clinton Street Road, Route 33, Batavia, NY. (585) 343-0642

Press release:

The City of Batavia Audit Advisory Committee was established to provide oversight to the financial and compliance reporting process, external audit process and control environment. 

If you are interested in serving on the Audit Advisory Committee, please submit your application (which can be obtained from the Clerk’s Office or found on our website, www.batavianewyork.com) to the City Clerk’s Office by June 30^th.

The Committee aids in the communication between the City Manager and the independent auditor in areas including integrity of the City’s financial statement, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and the performance, qualifications and independence of the auditors.

The Committee will be responsible for meeting with the auditor’s prior to the audit, reviewing risk assessment, reviewing the draft financial statements and making a recommendation on acceptance of the external audit reports to the City Manager. Additional responsibilities include reviewing the management letter and establishing internal controls. The Committee is made up of three City residents and two Council members.

Thank you for your interest!