batavia

A car vs. pedestrian accident is reported in the parking lot at 16 Bank St. The patient is conscious and alert and states she has face and hand injuries. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

A two-car accident with unknown injuries is reported at 5267 Clinton Street Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

The season opener for the Notre Dame Girls Basketball Team didn't exactly go the way Dave Pero Sr. would have liked, with a tough loss to Gates Chili, 42-33, but Pero couldn't have been prouder of his son.

Dave Perio Jr., was appointed the Gates Chili coach during the off-season, and after three years as an assistant to his father at Notre Dame, the younger Pero gets his first opportunity to run his own program.

"I've been happy for him since the day he got the job," said Pero Sr. "It's a great opportunity for him. It's his second win. He's 2-0. He's got a nice road ahead of him. Let's hope he keeps building and great things are going to happen."

Always intense on the sidelines, Pero Jr. was perhaps even a little more animated making his first appearance as a head coach in a gym where he played high school ball and helped the Lady Irish to a couple of championship seasons.

"Coming in here, seeing my brother on the other bench and my family here, and I've coached these girls on Notre Dame's team for three years, so I know every single one of them," Pero Jr. said. "I know they wanted to beat me as much as I wanted to win. I'm trying to build a program at Gates Chili, so a win at Gates is just as big for my program. I loved my time here, but unfortunately, I had to move on and I'm trying to do the best I can where I am now."

He said the win was bittersweet because he hates seeing his father lose, but he needed his girls to play winning basketball.

"My father is my mentor, one of my best friends," Pero Jr. said. "It was tough coaching against him."

Both coaches said the game was like watching twin teams battle on the hardwood.

"I teach the same things he does," Pero Jr. said. "Hard work, boxing out, diving on the floor for loose balls. Everything I know, I learned from him."

Both coaches are optimistic about their teams' prospects for 2015-16, even though they both have young teams. Pero Sr. said the loss was just a small setback. It doesn't derail the season.

"My expectations are high, even after a loss tonight," Pero Sr. said. 

One roster change that makes Notre Dame a bit younger than expected this season is the departure of Shea Norton, a 6' 2" senior who was one of the area's dominant girls basketball players last season, who decided she would rather be a cheerleader than a hoops star. It's a change of heart Pero Sr. didn't want to discuss other than to say, "We're moving on."

To purchase prints of photos, click here.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Water Department is repairing a broken water main on South Swan Street. South Swan Street will be closed to traffic from Ellicott Street to Sumner Street until repairs are completed.  

There will be a water service interruption for residents from Ellicott Street to Sumner Street. Other residents in the area may experience low water pressure or discolored water, which should return to normal once repairs are complete.

The Batavia High School Drama Club will present a special adaptation of "Peter Pan" called "Peter and Wendy" this weekend on the stage -- a theater-in-the-round setting -- in the school's auditorium.

The adaptation, by writer Jeremy Bloom, explores some of the deeper themes of "Peter Pan," including the relevance of time.

There are 28 students in the cast and four more working as stage crew. The production is directed by Caryn Burk.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m., Sunday. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for students.

Pictured are: Shannon Cervone, Eryn Dunn, and Elise Hoerbelt as Lost Boys; Alex Mott as Peter, Chelsea Jensen as Tiger Lily and Sarah Wetzel as Tinker Bell.

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul was in town today for a meeting with local business organizations. After her meeting, Tom Turnbull, president of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, and Laurie Oltramari, director of the Batavia Business Improvement District, took Hochul for a shopping trip on Main Street to support the campaign to “Shop Small."

First stop was Charles Men’s Shop.

David Howe, the owner of Charles Men’s Shop, explained to Hochul that he was skeptical of “Shop Small” when he heard about it but it has been rather successful the last two years. An encouraging discussion about the strength of the town and local business ensued but was interrupted by Hochul because, like most who go into the Men’s shop, her eye was drawn to the tie rack. I will not divulge what happened after that because I do not want to ruin the surprise of William Hochul’s Christmas present.

Off to Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle. 

Miller’s is another classic local business with unique items and something for everyone. Hochul asked store owner John Roche what the hot item was this year and the answer was the Yo-Yo, American made no less. 

Next stop was p.w. minor

p.w. minor is a company on the move. Andrew Young, the president of p.w. minor, light ups when Hochul asks him how things are going. Apparently they are going well, very well. Young is delighted with the progress the shoe manufacturing business is making and says he's very happy with the local work force.

Young explains to Hochul some of the technology in the athletic shoes that is unique to p.w. minor.

The last stop was Main Street Pizza. It's another small business success -- doubling in size, taking over the store next to it. Inside, the popular pizzeria is celebrated with pictures and wall murals mixing up the past and present. Owner Vic Marchese is pictured in his red apron.

A would-be robber reportedly pointed a long gun at a potential victim outside the 7-Eleven at 404 E. Main St., Batavia, at about 9 p.m. Sunday, according to the Batavia Police Department, and demanded money.

The assailant demanded personal property from a person sitting in a vehicle, but after the person did not turn over any property, the assailant left the area.

No injuries were reported.

The suspect is described as wearing a mask, a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt, and camouflage pants. There's no further description of the suspect available. 

The confidential tip line for Batavia PD is (585) 345-6370. Police dispatch can be reached at (585) 345-6350.

Ring in the holiday season with the sounds of Serendipity Swing at Terry Hills! Spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying our exquisite holiday buffet, while listening to Serendipity Swing play Big Band music and Christmas favorites. 

Choose from a delicious buffet selection of soup, salad, two to three hot chef-selected entrees, potatoes, vegetables, our famous seafood stuffed cod, and dessert!

Only $10.95/person! Includes buffet, coffee, soda & dessert.

Regular lunch menu also available.

Reservations Required.
Filling quickly, so don't delay! Call 585-343-0642 now to reserve a spot!

Harrison J. Hartung, 32, of Power Street, Syracuse, was arrested on a warrant by State Police in Auburn during a traffic stop and turned over to Batavia PD. The warrant stems from an alleged incident in 2005 that led to a charge of disorderly conduct. The incident was reported at 6:19 a.m., May 7, 2005, at 318 E. Main St., Batavia. Hartung was arraigned in City Court, pled guilty, was fined $80, plus a $95 surcharge, and released.

Nicholas Alexander Pleace, 29, of Orangeport Road, Gasport, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd, criminal mischief, 4th, and harassment, 2nd. Pleace allegedly forced his way into a residence on Pratt Road at 2:25 p.m. Thursday,and damaged property in the process. He allegedly shoved a victim and refused to leave upon request. He was jailed on $500 bail.

Wayne Lewis, 28, of Thorn Street, Rochester, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Lewis was arrested following an investigation by Le Roy PD into the theft of a credit card at Tops Market. Lewis was identified as the suspect through the use of surveillance footage that helped identify him and his vehicle. Lewis is accused of stealing the card and then making a purchase with it. He was issued an appearance ticket.

A 17-year-old resident of River Road, Pavilion, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was allegedly found in possession of marijuana during a traffic stop at 8:44 p.m. Wednesday by Officer Chad Richards (defendant's name withheld by Batavia PD).

James E. Wroten Jr., 49, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. Wroten allegedly violated a complete stay away order of protection.

Leslie O. Hinz, 66, of Manhatten Avenue, Batavia, turned himself in on an arrest warrant after speaking with Sgt. Dan Coffey. Hinz was wanted on a harassment, 2nd, charge. Hinz allegedly approached and continuously followed a stranger at 10:20 a.m., Oct. 19. Hinz posted $300 bail.

Kathleen M. Watkins, 36, of Perry Road, Pavilion, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear to pay a fine.

Oscar L. Muniz Jr., 22, of Parma Center Road, Hilton, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, inadequate muffler and uninspected motor vehicle. Muniz was stopped at 9:23 p.m. Wednesday on West Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Chad Richards for allegedly driving a vehicle with a loud muffler.

Kimberly Ashley Paladino, 25, of Church Street, Le Roy, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. Paladino is accused of stealing $198 in merchandise from Walmart on Thursday. She is also accused of stealing $163.37 in merchandise from Walmart on Nov. 19.

The CO detector went off inside the residence at 5 Prospect Ave. in the city and the occupants have ill effects, described as "flu-like symptoms." City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

Shoppers at Batavia Town Center today could get a ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

A motor-vehicle accident with a minor injury is reported on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 392. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

A pedestrian has been struck by a vehicle and is injured at Ellicott and Jackson streets. City fire and Mercy medics are on scene.

UPDATE 12:37 p.m.: A car was turning left from Jackson Street onto Ellicott Street. The light was green and two pedestrians were crossing in the crosswalk, but the driver reported he did not see them and "bumped" into them. An adult female was transported to UMMC after being evaluated by a medic. She complained of hip pain. A child who was walking with her was not injured. The driver was cited by a police officer.

Bill Moon came home to his house on Bank Street, City of Batavia, Saturday evening to find a bullet hole in a family room window. A neighbor said he heard the shot ring out between 4 and 5 p.m.

Fortunately, Moon said, nobody was home at the time, but he blames the county's new law allowing long rifles to be used during deer season.

He said Batavia PD, a Sheriff's deputy and a Department of Environmental Conservation officer responded and agreed the shot likely came from a .30-caliber rifle, such as a .30-30 or .30-06.

The bullet passed through the family room and into the kitchen.

A spokesman for Batavia PD confirmed a complaint was filed and law enforcement responded, but said the investigation is being handled by the DEC. We were unable to reach the DEC for further information.

Photo submitted by Bill Moon.

 A mattress that was on fire was pulled outside at 2 Valley View Drive, Batavia, and the fire is now believed to be out and contained. 

 Town of Batavia fire responding.

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia will host its annual free Thanksgiving Day skate at the Falleti Ice Arena starting at 9 a.m.

The event ends at 11 a.m.

Free skate rentals while supplies last, and free hot chocolate.

A worker is preparing the foundation for a sundial so it can be permanently placed in the plaza in front of Batavia City Hall.

The Batavia Centennial Committee and its Legacy Sponsors are going to present the sundial as a gift to the city.

The sculpture, designed by local architect Ed Smart, is made of steel and teak, with stainless steel lettering, and is said to be virtually maintenance free. It costs $15,000 to $20,000 and is being paid for by the contributions several local businesses made to the Centennial Celebration as "Legacy Sponsors."

There's no expense to the city. The City Council has already approve placement of the sculpture on city property.