batavia

The Rotary Club of Batavia is hosting its annual hanging basket sale today outside the Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union. The sale runs until 5 p.m.

Pictured are Susie Boyce and Susan Schuler.

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia honored the Top 10 students at their weekly lunch today.

In addition to the Top 10 honorees, Bryce Rogers received the Outstanding Citizenship Award, and Music awards were given to Chelsea Mountain, Mason Battaglia and Lauren Dunn.

Here's bio information on each of the Top 10 students:

Samir Jain is the son of Dr. Lalit and Abha Jain of Batavia. Samir will be attending Cornell University at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Samir is one of 25 seniors out of 20,000 in Western New York to be recognized with First Team honors on Business First’s 2015 All-Western New York Academic Team. He is captain of the varsity soccer and tennis teams, a member of the champion scholastic bowl and math teams, and an attorney for the regional-finalist mock trial team. Samir participates in community service as a volunteer for Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership.

Katie Kesler is the daughter of Paul and Jana Kesler of Batavia. Katie will be attending Boston University in the fall to major in both Behavior and Health and Hispanic Language and Literature. She plans to attend graduate school to become an occupational therapist. Katie has been involved in Mr. Batavia, mock trial, student government, National Honor Society, Youth Court and jazz band. She was a scholar athlete on the varsity soccer team. She attends Grace Baptist Church where she helps out in the nursery and in a preschool class. Katie especially enjoys volunteering at YMCA Challenger Sports.

Dylan Beckman is the son of Anthony and Jolene Beckman. He is attending the University of Rochester with an intended major of Optical Engineering. He plans to get some experience in the field, and then return to school to obtain a graduate degree in the field and eventually become an Optical Engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Labs. Dylan is vice president of his class, he is a member of National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, Link Crew, mock trial, and participated in this year’s Mr. Batavia Pageant, securing third place.

Brandon Smart is the son of Doug and Bernadette Smart of Batavia. Brandon received the Dean’s Scholarship to the University of Rochester and will be majoring in computer science to one day become a researcher on the quantum computer team at Google. He is a member of National Honor Society, treasurer of the senior class, regional finalist in the 2015 Science Olympiad competition and seven-year veteran of the championship math team.

Andrew Maniace is the son of Rick and Kathy Maniace of Batavia. Andrew received the Rensselaer Medal Scholarship, and will be attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy in the fall majoring in nuclear engineering. He is in National Honor Society, math team, Science Olympiad, a contributor to "Blue Canon," and was a contestant in Mr. Batavia. Andrew has been a three-season scholar athlete on varsity cross-country, indoor and outdoor track teams for the last four years.

Bryce Rogers is the son of Paula and Durin Rogers. Bryce will attend American University participating in their prestigious Scholars Program having received the Dean’s Scholarship. Bryce intends to dual-major in International Relations and Economics while concentrating in Foreign Policy and National Security. At BHS, Bryce is an active member of the mock trial team, National Honor Society, is the managing editor of BHS’ Literary Magazine, and band president. Bryce is active in his community serving on the Genesee County Youth Court and the County Youth Board as secretary. Bryce is also the AmeriCorps Program coordinator for the Batavia Summer Recreation program.

Emily DiBacco is the daughter of Michael and Mary Beth DiBacco of Batavia. Emily is president of National Honor Society, Student Ex-Officio to the Board of Education, an editor for the "Blue Canon" literary magazine, a Link Crew leader, and a committee head for the Mr. Batavia Pageant. She has also been a scholar athlete on the varsity swimming and diving team, as well as a member of the Board of Education’s Code of Conduct Committee. Emily will be attending the University of Pittsburgh with a double major in Business Administration and English, to pursue a career in publishing.

Rebecca Canale is the daughter of John and Cindy Canale of Batavia. Rebecca will be attending the University of Rochester in the fall majoring in Biology with a minor in Business in hopes of attending medical school to become a pediatrician. She is very involved in the school community, participating in varsity soccer, indoor and outdoor track, mock trial, student government, Tri-M Honor Society, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, beauty shop quartet, chorus, Link Crew, and Mr. Batavia. Rebecca also participated in the Roswell Park Summer Research Program as an intern in the Cell Stress Biology department.

Brooke Leddon is the daughter of Shane and Crystal Leddon of Batavia. Brooke is attending SUNY Brockport and majoring in Political Science with a double minor in International Relations and pre-Law. Brooke has been a part of the varsity swimming and diving team since she was in seventh grade.  She has been the team captain for the past two years.  Brooke plans on continuing her diving career at Brockport in the fall.

Kristyn Mott is the daughter of Amy and Jamie Mott.  Kristyn received the Dean’s Scholarship along with the Horizon Scholarship and will be attending Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. She will be majoring in business of Art and Design. She plans to work in the advertising and marketing community. Kristyn was a three-season scholar athlete for varsity soccer and indoor and outdoor track. She plans to continue pole vaulting with different local clubs while in college.

Curtis L. Williams, 34, of Central Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. The warrants were related to charges of aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and 2nd. Williams was located walking on Ross Street and taken into custody. During the arrest, he was allegedly found in possession of cocaine. He was jailed on $3,000 bail or $6,000 bond.

Kevin Michael Lampman, 42, of Jackson Road, Holley, is charged with trespass. Lamp is accused of trespassing at Buttermilk Falls, Le Roy. Also arrested, Allyson Fraser Breon, 18, of Chili Riga Center Road, and a 17-year-old female of Westside Drive, North Chili.

Ashley R. Keene, 27, of Woodstock Gardens, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Keene allegedly stole oxycodone from a family member. She was jailed on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond.

Sarah M. Wilson, 31, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with violation of an order of protection. Wilson allegedly placed a phone call to a person in the Livingstone County Jail in violation of an order of protection.

Steve D. Holmwood, 20, of Angling Road, Corfu, is charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Holmwood allegedly parked a vehicle on the grass at Williams Park. Upon investigation, he was allegedly found in possession of syringes and heroin.

Joseph William Freeman, 30, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration, endangering the welfare of a child and disorderly conduct. Freeman was allegedly involved in a disturbance outside 4 Olyn Ave. at 11:17 p.m., Tuesday. No further details released. James Edward Wroten, 48, of Olyn Avenue, Batavia, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

Info and photo submitted by Lauren Humphrey.

St. Joseph Catholic School students walked to meet sponsor pledges they raised in an effort to promote exercise and supplement funding for technology improvements.  The students have raised more than $3,000 to date and are still accepting donations. Visit our Web site, www.sjsbatavia.org  if you would like to make a donation online!

The Holland Land Office Museum has replaced its decade-old banner with two new posters featuring Joseph Ellicott and Gen. Emory Upton.

The posters were created by Vinyl Sticks and sponsored by Ken Barrett Chevrolet and Cadillac.

Speaking of HLOM, June speakers:

Tuesday June 9th, 6 to 8 p.m., Genesee County Historian Michael Eula; Topic: Why do wars happen? Genesee County and the problems of human conflict 1775 – present

Friday June 12th, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Erica Wanecski; Topic: Health Resorts in the 19th Century

For more information call the Holland Land Office Museum, (585) 343-4727​ 

Six area figure skaters who train at Lockport’s Cornerstone CFCU Arena competed May 16-17 at the Spring Skate Festival hosted by the Skating Club of Western New York at Holiday Twin Rinks in Cheektowaga. Angelina DiTullio, of Lockport, Michelle Dyer, of Batavia, Macy Midla, of Batavia, sisters Emily and Allison Milleville, of Lockport, and Kristin Riemer, of Royalton, together competed in 13 events over the course of the two-day competition. The skaters collected one gold medal, four bronze medals, and three fourth-place ribbons overall.

The Figure Skating program at Cornerstone CFCU Arena is growing under the coaching and direction of Figure Skating Director Dawn Ahlers.

On June 13, Cornerstone CFCU Arena’s Lockport Skating School will host its first Basic Skills competition involving competitors from its Figure Skating and Learn to Skate program as well as skaters from out of town. To date, applications have been received from as far away as Rochester and Ontario, Canada. Plans are to create a United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA) sanctioned club and host recurring events to draw skaters from across the region to Lockport.

The Cornerstone CFCU Arena features two NHL regulation-size rinks, a pro shop, a performance training center and seating for 630 spectators. The 93,500 square-foot facility at 34 Chestnut St. in Lockport opened its Figure Skating and Learn to Skate programs in October. More information about these and other programs may be found at www.cornerstoneicearena.com.

In photo, from left, Macy Midla, of Batavia, Michelle Dyer, of Batavia, and Kristin Riemer, of Royalton.

Press release:

Here is a fun and interesting way that you can assist your community -- by volunteering a few hours at the Genesee County Visitor Information Center. If you love our surrounding communities, enjoy helping people, and feel that you could be great ambassador for Genesee County, the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is looking you.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce will reopen the seasonal Visitor Information Center on Friday, June 5th. The center is located at 131 W. Main St. in Batavia and operates in the summer months to assist summer visitors.

The Chamber is currently looking for a few helpful residents to greet visitors and provide directions and area information to travelers at our visitor “booth,” which is located in the parking lot of the Holland Land Office Museum.  Our volunteers greet visitors, hand out maps, dining guides, provide directions, recommendations and more. 

Available shifts are:

• Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.
• Sundays: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., as well as every other Sunday 3 to 5 p.m.

If you are interested in a two- or three-hour shift, weekly or biweekly, please call Kelly Rapone (585) 343-7440, ext. 23, at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

Photo by Howard Owens.

It's planter planting day in Downtown Batavia with volunteers from the Sun Catcher Garden Club of Batavia helping out. Above, Connie Moon and Barb Defazio take care of a planter at Main and Jackson.

Results from Tuesday's vote in the Batavia City School District vote:

I.  Budget - $43,108,373 (increase of $122,011 or 0.28%: $0.00 increase in tax levy)
   Yes   - 426 (85.03%)
   No    - 75  (14.97%)

II.  Capital Reserve - $7,500,000, ten years
   Yes -  391  (81.12%)
   No -    91   (18.88%)

III.  Transportation Mileage Change - Grades 2-4 > 0.50 miles and Grades 9-12 >1.50 miles within the city limits (all outside city limits are eligible already)
  Yes -  405  (83.16%)
  No -   82   (16.84%)

It's budget vote day in the Batavia City School District.

Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.

Besides the proposed 2015-16 budget, residents are asked to vote on establishing a capital reserve fund, a mileage change in transportation, and three board of education seats.

A summary of the public proposal is available on the district Web site, as well as all the budget documents.

If you live north of Route 5/Main Street, vote at Robert Morris. If you live south of Route 5/Main Street, vote at Batavia High School.

• April 22 -- Do I have what it takes to own a small business?

• April 29 -- Can I earn a living through my passion? Maybe I should buy a business?
• 
May 6 -- Why didn’t I think of THAT business?
• 
May 13 -- The Sniff Test, assessing your business idea!

• May 27 -
- Trials, tribulations & skills of a successful business leader
• June 3 -
-  Marketing strategies to increase sales

• June 10 -
- Using financial information to guide my business
• June 17 --  Learning to “manage” a business
• June 24 -- Business plan presentation and networking 

Ashley Marie Fladie, 24, of Pearl Street Road, Batavia, is charged with two counts of cruelty to animals. Fladie is accused of possessing two dogs that were deprived of proper care and, as a result, suffered from numerous medical conditions that authorities say could have been avoided with proper care. The dogs were examined by a veterinarian, who allegedly determined the dogs were in unsatisfactory condition due to improper care. Animal Control assisted in the investigation. The dogs were discovered during a response to a fire at 2720 Pearl Street Road the evening of March 11.

Ashley M. Kreutz, 27 of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Kreutz is accused of stealing a gift card from her employer, Kohl's, worth $37. The alleged theft was detected on surveillance video.

Jordan C. Dunham, 42, of Batavia, is charged with three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, controlled substance in non-original container and no license plate lamp, and Nicole P. Gonzalez, 32, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and controlled substance in non-original container. State Police stopped Dunham's Chevrolet Cobalt on Route 33, Bergen, for an alleged license plate lamp out. During the interview, Dunham reportedly said he didn't have a license. A trooper reportedly observed his hands shaking and he appeared nervous.  The trooper allegedly spotted five glassine bags of heroin on the back seat floor. During the subsequent search, a trooper allegedly found two plastic baggies containing cocaine and a large glassine bag containing suboxone sublingual strips.

Merlin L. Brainerd, 34, of Silver Springs, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Brainerd was stopped by State Police on Route 63, Batavia, for alleged tinted windows. A trooper detected the alleged odor of marijuana. Further investigation turned up a baggie allegedly containing two grams of marijuana and a glass smoking pipe with marijuana residue.

Alexis A. Camilo, 19, of Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Camilo was stopped in Corfu by Village police for allegedly driving 48 in a 35 mph zone on Route 77.

Craig M. Stevens, 54, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Steven allegedly slapped a woman at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at a location on North Spruce Street.

Yolanda E. Johnson, 28, of West Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant related to an aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, charge. Johnson was arrested, arraigned and released on her own recognizance.

A 17-year-old resident of Batavia is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. The youth allegedly punched a hole in a wall at an undisclosed location at 9:30 pm. on May 12. Batavia PD withheld the name of the suspect.

Francisco Martinez Jr., 42, no permanent residence, was arrested on a warrant related to an endangering the welfare of a child charge. Martinez was arraigned, had a DNA sample collected at the jail, and was released.

A 17-year-old resident of Batavia is charged with endangering the welfare of a minor and menacing, 2nd. The youth allegedly threatened his 13-year-old brother with a knife at 6:30 p.m., May 5, at an undisclosed location. The name of the suspect withheld by Batavia PD.

Carlos Samol, 50, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Samol allegedly struck two people, including a juvenile, in an alleged incident reported at 2:38 p.m., Wednesday.

Sarah Mae Wilson, 32, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with disobeying an order of protection. Wilson was allegedly located by police officers hiding in the closet of a protected party. Wilson was jailed on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond.

Karen D. Bannister, 74, of South Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a harassment charge. Bannister was arraigned and released on her own recognizance.

Daniel L. Dioguardi, 34, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration. Dioguardi allegedly ran from police when they attempted to detain him for questioning during a burglary investigation at 5:17 p.m., Friday. Dioguardi was jailed on $3,000 bail or $6,000 bond.

Stanley D. Wilson, 54, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Wilson is accused of stealing beer from the Red Apple at 99 Jackson St., Batavia.

Michael A. Galas, 24, of Woodcrest Boulevard, Tonawanda, is charged with trespass. Galas was allegedly trespassing at Rolling Hills Asylum, Bethany. Also charged, Nicholas J. Hora, 24, of Old Farm Court, Cheektowaga, Rebecca M. Klein, 24, of Knowlton Road, Kenmore, and Jessica M. Cichocki, of Elm Place, Lancaster. The four people were allegedly caught on the property at 6:54 p.m., Sunday.

Daniel Thomas McPhee III, 48, of Losson Road, Cheektowaga, is charged with possession or transport of unstamped cigarettes, motor vehicle lights not meeting safety standards and running a red light. McPhee was stopped at 8:53 p.m. Sunday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Christina Aminta Soler, 37, of Phelps Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Soler allegedly violated an order of protection by contacting the protected party.

Jacob John Stone, 39, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief. Stone allegedly kicked and damaged a door during an argument.

Honour Haley Myers, 26, of Hamm Road, Lockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and failure to stop at stop sign. Myers was stopped at 6:33 p.m. Saturday on Route 33, Stafford, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Eric Charles Zglinicki, 53, of Alleghany Road, Darien, is charged with criminal possession of weapon, 4th. Zglinicki was allegedly found in possession of firearms despite his prior felony conviction. The weapons were confiscated.

Patricia Leslie Brown, 61, of Park Avenue, Whitesboro, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarattes. Brown was stopped at 9:56 a.m. Sunday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Kathleen Marie Szkotak, 46, of Park Avenue, Whitesboro, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes and driving with dark-tinted windows. Szkotak was stopped at 9:56 a.m. Sunday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Robert James Lefrois, 30, of Down Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, unlicensed operator, possession / display of a forged inspection certificate and inadequate muffler. Lefrois was stopped at 12:52 p.m. Sunday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Harvey Arthur McMurray Jr., 47, of Bennett Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol, speeding, unlicensed driver and unregistered motor vehicle. McMurray was stopped at 2 a.m. May 8 on Lewiston Road, Oakfield, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Wendy S. Dempsey, 44, of Sunset Parkway, Oakfield, is charged with trespassing. Dempsey allegedly entered a business in Oakfield where she had been previously told not to enter.