batavia

Rocky, the 2- to 3-year-old pit bull found at a local residence reportedly suffering from second- and third-degree burns from scalding water poured on his back, is doing much better, according to Batavia PD officials.

The boyfriend of the dog's apparent owner and the owner were charged Friday with several crimes related to the incident, including animal cruelty and lying to police about the incident.

The dog was burned around July 20 but the incident wasn't reported to police until Aug. 3.

Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan and Animal Control Officer James Sheflin investigated the complaint.

As a result of the investigation, Brandon M. Maldonado, 26, of 52 Walnut St., was charged with aggravated cruelty to an animal and offering a false written statement.

His girlfriend, 36-year-old Melissa A. Broadbent, and believed to be the dog's owner, allegedly tried to help Maldonado cover up the crime, including coercing her children into lying about the incident, and was charged with: "overdriving, torturing and injuring" an animal; endangering the welfare of a child; first-degree coercion; offering a false written statement; intimidating a witness or victim in the third degree; and owning/harboring an unlicensed dog.

The couple are scheduled to appear in City Court on the charges this afternoon.

Sgt. Dan Coffey said a State Street Animal Hospital vet conveyed to police that the dog was likely in a great deal of pain between the time he was burned and brought in for treatment nearly two weeks later.

It's expected that the second and third-degree burns will leave permanent scars, and some patches of skin will never regrow any fur. 

Despite what he's been through, Rocky was in great spirits during a visit at the Animal Shelter today. He was eager to meet a visitor and go outside. He readily obeyed commands to sit and stay.  

The dog's wounds show marked improvement from what was visible in the photo released by police Friday.

Officials believe Broadbent has owned Rocky since he was a puppy.

Coffey said police are trying to work through the District Attorney's Office to find a way to speed along the process that would result in a new owner for Rocky. As in previous dog cruelty cases, the owner must relinquish ownership or be convicted of a crime before the dog can go into foster care or to a new permanent home.

Batavia PD is investigating a missing person report to see if it's connected to the body of a deceased African-American male found Friday afternoon in the Tonawanda Creek behind Kibbe Park, said spokesman Det. Eric Hill.

"We do not know if this missing person is associated with the body found in the Tonawanda Creek or not," Hill said.

Over the weekend, police said there was no missing person report that could be connected at that time with the deceased person.

The name of the missing person is not being released at this time, pending further family notifications, Hill said.

The body of the dead man is at the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office undergoing forensic and DNA testing. The person has not been identified and police have asked the public's help in potentially identifying the person. The cause of death remains undetermined.

John F. Brown, 56, of Woodcrest Drive, Batavia, is charged with criminal tampering, 3rd. Brown allegedly used a pen to scribble on a picnic table at Williams Park at 8:13 a.m., Saturday.

Alton G. Williams, 38, of Bacon Street, Le Roy, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Williams is accused of failing to pay a fine. He posted an unspecified amount of bail and was released.

Andrew J. Leaton, 30, of Walkers Corner Road, Byron, is charged with DWI/Drugs. Leaton was stopped at 1:18 a.m. April 23 on West Main Street Road, Batavia, by Officer Christopher Lindsday.

Joshua Daniel Barber, 21, of North Road, Fillmore, is charged with unlawful fleeing a police officer, 3rd. Barber was allegedly involved in a brief police pursuit on State Street at 5:10 p.m., Saturday.

Joseph W. Gottstine, 26, Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful imprisonment, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Gottstine was arrested on a warrant stemming from an alleged incident at 6:34 a.m., July 19. He was jailed on $2,000 bail.

Dawn M. Morford, 54, of Weber Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Morford was arrested on a warrant while at the Genesee County courts facility.

Joshua K. Williams, 24, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, and menacing, 2nd. A warrant was issued for Williams on the listed charges stemming from an alleged incident at 2:15 a.m., July 31. Williams turned himself in. Williams allegedly threw a glass bottle at the windshield of a vehicle during an altercation, damaging the windshield. He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

David Nicholas Greco Sr., 65, of Merrill Road, Byron, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, and harassment, 2nd. Greco allegedly pushed a woman and used a hatchet to break out the window of the woman's car. An order of protection was issued.

From Marybeth Stefani:

I recently moved to Ross Street. My cat Mittens was always an indoor cat, but since moving to the new place she was eager to get outside, so we let her. She was only going as far as the neighbor's and would show up periodically throughout the day. We have been here for a month and a half. Well last Monday is the last I’ve seen of her

She is a female cat who is about 14 years old. She has a scar on her lower side (from a cat fight from before I adopted her). When she went missing, she was wearing a purple flea collar on which I had written her name and address. She is friendly but hides from people she doesn't know.

She could be hiding under a porch or even a garage, so I am asking people to keep their eyes out for her.  She is a family cat and we are missing her terribly! I can be contacted by phone 585-297-7418.

Brian Sandstorm and his son Luke pose for a picture with professional wrestler Eric Young today at the five-year anniversary celebration of Foxprowl Collectables on Ellicott Street.

In five years, owner Bill Hume has grown the inventory, the variety and the floor space of his store.

When I remarked, "you've come a long way," he said, "You know, passion and hard work. It's what I love."

In the seven-year history of The Batavian, this is the first time we've covered both the opening of a new business and its fifth anniversary.

Below, Hume with Young and Matt Troisi, owner of Limited Edition Collectables, who help Hume secure Young's appearance at Foxprowl today.

A two-car accident is reported on Park Road in front of Alex's Place restaurant. There is reportedly one person with a minor head injury. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is looking for assistance in identifying the male that was found in the Tonawanda Creek on Friday, Aug. 7.

The department has reached out to surrounding jurisdictions for information on any missing persons that have been reported. Originally reported as a white male, it appears that he may actually be of African-American descent.

The discrepancy in race is from the body being in the water for at least two days. He is approximately 6’00” tall with very short hair. The man had facial stubble and no scars, marks or tattoos anywhere on his body. The individual may be in his 30s or 40s.

(Initial Report)

Two, US size 12, “Nike” sandals were found in close proximity to the body. The sandals had a white strap across the top and black soles. He was wearing a brown “Zoo York” shirt with a white T-shirt underneath. Both were size XXL. He had red gym shorts on with a black stripe down both sides and a cell phone was in his pocket. The cell phone is being sent out for forensic examination.

The cause and manner of death is yet to be determined pending the results of the toxicology / DNA analysis. More information will be available at that time.

Citizens with any information are encouraged to contact the Batavia Police Department directly at (585) 345-6350 or via the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370. Photos are not being released at this time.

A Batavia couple who lives on Walnut Street in the city is facing multiple charges relating to animal cruelty, according to a press release this afternoon from Batavia PD.

Brandon M. Maldonado, 26, of 52 Walnut St., is charged with aggravated cruelty to an animal and offering a false written statement.

His live-in girlfirend, 36-year-old Melissa A. Broadbent, is charged with: "overdriving, torturing and injuring" an animal; endangering the welfare of a child; first-degree coercion; offering a false written statement; intimidating a witness or victim in the third degree; and owning/harboring an unlicensed dog.

Both were arraigned in front of City Court Judge Durin Rogers and put in Genesee County Jail without bail.

On Aug. 3, Batavia Police Officer Flanagan and Animal Control Officer Sheflin received a report that Maldonado poured scalding water on a young pit bull named "Rocky" sometime between July 20-21 at his residence. This resulted in second-degree burns on the dog's shoulders and rib cage, causing considerable pain.

Through the officers' investigation, it was determined that Broadbent lied to the police and instructed her children to do the same thing -- pour scalding water on the dog -- in an attempt to prevent Maldonado from being arrested.

The couple was subsequently arrested. Rocky was taken to a vet where he was treated for his injuries and is now in the care and custody of the GC Animal Shelter.

There is no new information available on the deceased white male whose body was found yesterday around 2 p.m. floating in the Tonawanda Creek behind Kibbe Park.

Chief Shawn Heubusch​ said the body is still with the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office.

Previously: Body of white male retrieved from Tonawanda Creek near Kibbe Park this afternoon

Photos by Jim Burns / Press release from Batavia Downs:

There is a small but select group of 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings entered to compete in the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) at Batavia Downs on Sunday (Aug. 9). Thirteen entrants will compete in two divisions (carded as race two and four) for their share of the $108,000 purse up for grabs.

The first $54,500 division features Autotune Hanover (Art Major-Anderosa Hanover) who has been on fire at Yonkers Raceway recently. Last week he won a division of the $76,512 NYSS wire to wire, and 12 days prior to that, was victorious in the $107,500 L.B. Sheppard Stake final in a lifetime best 1:54.3.

Autotune Hanover has earned over $95,000 in only four starts this year and the speed and versatility he has shown on a half-mile track over the past two weeks is evidence he is a serious contender for the major share again this week. 

The track record for 2-year-old pacing colts at Batavia Downs in 1:54.2 set by Doctor Butch in 2012 and then tied by He’s Watching in 2013. Based on his effort in the Sheppard Stake at Yonkers, Autotune Hanover has a very good chance of setting a new standard at Batavia Downs on Sunday.

Autotune Hanover is trained by Mark Harder and will start from post three for driver Tyler Buter. He has been installed as the 8-5 morning line favorite.

Fine Diamond (Rock N Roll Heaven-Yellow Diamond), who hails from the stable of North America’s leading trainer, Ron Burke, looks to be his major competition. Although the colt is winless in four starts this year, he has not finished out of the money during that time. Fine Diamond can leave enough to gain early position in order to track Autotune Hanover, who will most certainly set the pace.

Fine Diamond starts from post five for local driving favorite John Cummings Jr. and has been designated as the early second choice at 5-2.

There is no clear-cut favorite in the second $53,500 division and the two main players should be in a battle to the wire.

Joe Larry N Curly (Roll With Joe-Life’s Image) is currently the top point-getter in NYSS competition for this sex and gait to date and Travel Playlist (Art Major-Village Madonna) sits third behind him. Whereas they both have two wins in NYSS competition, Travel Playlist is undefeated and one of his wins was over Joe Larry N Curly last week at Yonkers.

Both horses 2015 earnings are separated by only $845 (both in excess of $56,000) and their lifetime marks are only three-fifths of a second apart. They can both leave the gate and in this short field (only six horses entered) they will probably be looking to do just that, having drawn the outside posts.

Joe Larry N Curly will start from post five for NYSS leading driver Jim Morrill Jr. and is listed at 8-5 in the early line. Mark Harder conditions Joe Larry N Curly.

Trainer Erv Miller has appointed Mark Macdonald to steer Travel Playlist and he will wear number six behind the gate, rated second choice at 9-5.

There are also two divisions of the NYSS Excelsior Series “A” races on the card that will go for a total purse of $30,000.

Post time for the first of 12 races is set for 1:15 p.m.

Southern Tier Brewing Company's free beer tasting.

One dollar hot dogs all night.

Vibrant Batavia is sponsoring a communitywide garage/yard sale weekend and many of the sales have been posted to the Garage Sale Map on Batavia's List.

If your sale isn't posted, post it.

The body of an as-yet-unidentified white male was retrieved from Tonawanda Creek this afternoon, but police officials have little other information to provide the public at this point.

Around 2:30 p.m., authorities received a call about a possible body in the creek near Kibbe Park. City police and fire, Sheriff's deputies, a rep from the District Attorney's Office, and a county Coroner, converged at the scene, described as the embankment near where the creek curves by the park.

They confirmed a dead body, dressed in shorts, a T-shirt, no shoes. There was no canoe, boat, kayak or other vessel around, "but nothing's off the table at this point," said Batavia Police Det. Eric Hill.

"I couldn't even tell you an age," Hill said. "Looks like he may have been in there awhile, but we don't have an exact time on how long it was. ... We won't know until the autopsy comes back officially. ... We'll probably have more information on that tomorrow or Monday, depending on when the autopsy takes place -- possibly who he is or what the cause of death is."

Photos by Shannon Dent.

Previously: Record-setting day for GLOW Corporate Cup

Genesee Cancer Assistance held its annual golf outing today at the Batavia Country Club.

Above, Andy Squire, of Spencerport, hits a shot off the first tee.

Below, Debbie and Dan Fischer, of WBTA, flank Mary Blevins and Andrea Mazukiewicz, ESL Credit Union, while playing bocce ball.

The History's Heroes summer educational program at the Holland Land Office Museum culminated today in historical scenes and music performed by the students who took part in the day camp at the museum. They performed in the Legislature chambers at the Old Courthouse.

Timothy J. Corke II, 28, of Liberty Street, Batavia, was arrested twice on Aug. 5 by Le Roy Police. Corke was arrested about 3:45 p.m. and charged with endangering the welfare of a child following an investigation into an incident. Corke allegedly threw a wristwatch at a 3-year-old child then slapped the child across the head causing bruises on the child's forehead and left eye. He was arraigned in the Le Roy Town Court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice and a full stay away order of protection was issued. Later that night Corke was arrested again and charged with criminal contempt of court after he allegedly called the protected person violating the order of protection. He was arraigned and put in the Genesee County Jail on $2,000 bail.

Cherylann Bevilacqua, 29, of Depew, is charged with obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest following a traffic stop on Sumner Road in Darien. Bevilacqua was a passenger and exited the vehicle while the driver was performing a sobriety test. Deputies told her to get back in the vehicle but she allegedly refused to do so. When confronted, she allegedly started to punch, scratch and spit at a deputy. She was put in the Genesee County Jail on $2,000 bail.

Joseph M. Platten, 31, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, leaving the scene of a property damaged accident, following too closely, backing unsafely, and no front plate after a hit and run accident on Ross Street Aug. 4. Platten allegedly rear-ended another vehicle and fled the scene cutting through a parking lot. Platten's front license plate fell off his vehicle at the scene of the accident. In addition to the charges, he was issued traffic tickets for driving with an obstructed view and disobeying a traffic control device. He posted $250 bail.

Andrew L. Kosiorek, 43, of Haven Lane, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, and unlicensed operator following a traffic stop by Officer Chad Richards on Cedar Street. Kosiorek allegedly had multiple suspensions/revocations and did not possess a valid driver's license in any state. He was put in Genesee County Jail without bail.

A 16-year-old from Elba is charged with unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under 21, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle on a highway. Deputy Joseph Corona pulled over the youth on Clinton Street Road in Stafford.

A 17-year-old from Varysburg is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. The youth allegedly shot a BB gun pistol at the rear window of a vehicle causing it to shatter. The incident occurred in the parking lot at Walmart in Batavia.

Charles-Gus T. Williams, 36, of Lockport, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child after an alleged domestic incident on Liberty Street in Batavia. Williams is accused of punching another person.

Cynthia E. Houseknecht, 35, of Jackson Street, Batavia, and Melvin L. Thomas are charged with harassment, 2nd, following an investigation into an alleged domestic incident. 

Charles W. Lococo, 25, of Depew, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 percent or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, unlicensed operation, and failure to obey a police officer. While leaving the Kid Rock Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, Lococo was pulled over by deputies after he failed to obey a traffic direction. Lococo is accused of driving while in an intoxicated condition with no driver's license. He was also ticketed for allegedly refusing a prescreen device.

Ralph A. Jones, 24, from Oregon, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and driving while ability impaired by drugs following a traffic stop by Deputy Michael Lute on Alleghany Road in Pembroke.

Tera M. Williams, 42, of Bacon Street, Le Roy, was arrested on a bench warrant issued out of Batavia City Court after Chili Police pulled her over for a traffic stop. Williams is accused of failing to pay a fine for a disorderly conduct conviction. She was turned over to Batavia Police and issued an appearance ticket.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants on Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 12 and 13, from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the general area north of East Main Street and east of Bank Street.

Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you experience discoloration in your water after crews have been flushing in your neighborhood, clear the pipes in your home or business by running all water faucets for a minute or two.
Thank you-
Lieutenant Greg Ireland

With 840 runners and walkers, 51 company teams and 42 corporate tents set up in Batavia's Centennial Park, the third year of the GLOW Corporate Cup proved to be the biggest yet.

The event, organized primarily by executives with the Merrill Lynch office in Batavia, will have raised more than $20,000 for the GLOW YMCA once receipts are tallied.

Batavia City Schools fielded the winning team and Corey Brown of Crickler Vending posted the race's fastest time at 17:42.

The organizers got a lot of positive feedback, said Joshua Dent, a VP with Merrill Lynch.

"If they're serious runners, the racers are very happy with the course Steve Tufts set up," Dent said. "It runs like a professional race. Then, unlike most races, there is this incredible after-party that makes it unique and different. The environment is fun. So we get the serious runners who are happy with the event, and then the businesses who participate and send walkers and then get to hang out after and listen to a band and they're satisfied as well. Those two aspect help make it a successful and unique event."

Dent looks forward to seeing the event grow, especially as the promoters work to attract more corporate teams from Orleans, Livingston and Wyoming counties.

It's gratifying to see the hard work of Tufts and John Ritter pay off in a big way for the GLOW YMCA, Dent said.

"It obviously means a lot to be able to give that much back to the community," Dent said. "The support of all the volunteers means so much. There's just an incredible amount of work that goes into putting this together. John Riter and Steve Tufts worked tirelessly to pull this off.

"It's not a one-day process. It's days and days and days. So to see the culmination, to see all the businesses that participate and do something that is fun and good for you and get the chance to hang out on a beautiful day and network, it clicked on all points."

• For individual race results, click here.
• For team results, click here.

UPDATE: Photos posted previously were from last year.

Top photo: City fire's team.

If you have photos to share, e-mail them this morning to howard@thebatavian.com

Upstate Toyota's team.

Three photos below, from Genesee Community College.

Photo from Elizabeth Downie

The Crickler Vending team. Photo submitted by Bob Brown.

Reader submitted, but company ID not included. Will try to update when we get it.

An ATV is reportedly on fire at Bank and Vine street. City firefighters are en route.

The smoke-gray, vinyl-sided building may not look like much now, but when Genesee County Chamber of Commerce officials gaze upon the vacant house converted into office space on Park Road, they see a spruced-up facade and a big sign that says "Visitors Center."

It's been a decades-long dream for the Chamber to relocate its headquarters and visitors bureau to space closer to the Thruway exit in the Park Road/Oak Street area.

Now plans are coming together to purchase this building on Park Road across from the Sheriff's Office and just south of the Clarion Hotel.

The building isn't as visible as something right at Park and Oak, but it will still be plenty visible to visitors passing through Genesee County, said Chamber President Tom Turnbull.

"The location is right in the middle of everything," Turnbull said. "There are 800 hotel rooms right in the area. There's the Clarion, Batavia Downs, Alex's, Applebee's. It's where we want to be. It's someplace where we can capture people as they come into the area and bring them into the county. That's what we've always wanted to do. That's been the dream to get there."

There's a sign outside the current chamber offices in the City Church building on East Main Street that says, "Visitors Center," but tourists rarely stop there. There's also the visitors hut in the parking lot of the Holland Land Office Museum, but with the median on Route 5 restricting traffic flow, it's hard to access and is seldom visited.

Turnbull thinks the proposed location on Park Road will get more tourist activity and help the tourism staff and volunteers do a better job of guiding people to the abundance of sightseeing opportunities locally, from HLOM, to Darien Lake, to the Jell-O Museum to Genesee County Park & Forest and the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

"We want to get people out into the county," Turnbull said.

Turnbull has heard from the critics, the people who are skeptical or concerned about chamber leaving Downtown.

We can do more for Main Street out there than we can down here," Turnbull said, adding, "The chamber itself might be better off here, but tourism isn't. While the chamber can be good out there, tourism can be great out there."

The location, at 8276 Park Road, was first spotted on Google Maps when a committee of chamber members were scouring the area for a potential location.

Turnbull admits that at first he didn't see the potential for the building.

"My vision isn't very good," Turnbull said. "I looked at it and said it's an ugly old house, but start talking to people and they say you can dress it up and put a nice facade on it."

Ed Smart has been hired to do a feasibility study and initial architectural drawings so officials can see just what can be done with the building.

Turnbull remembers the chamber talking about a project like this in 2000, when he was president of the Board of Directors, and in 2001, the chamber was about to purchase the former armory at Oak and Park, but then the 9/11 tragedy happened and the federal government decided it wanted to hold onto its buildings. The INS now occupies that space.

Then in 2007, the chamber and Town of Batavia started talking about a joint facility a little further west on Park Road, where Park turns south and Veterans Memorial Drive splits off to the west.

The plan was to open a joint court facility shared with Elba and Oakfield. But Elba and Oakfield backed out of the project as it neared the approval stage, so its languished since, which is what sent the chamber on a quest to find another potential location to fulfill its dreams.

The chamber has made a purchase offer that is contingent on the outcome of the study.

The plan is to tap into the $500,000-bed-tax reserve to pay for the tourism bureau's portion of the project. This is the kind of project the bed tax is meant to help fund, Turnbull said -- and County Manager Jay Gsell agrees -- and so the chamber will seek County Legislature approval for the expenditure of nearly all of the reserve.

The bed-tax money can only be used for the facade to promote tourism and the downstairs portion of the building that will be used as a visitors center. That is the bulk of the cost of the project.

But since this project is primarily about promoting tourism, Turnbull said he expects tourism revenue to fund some 70 to 80 percent of the total project. The chamber itself will pay for the balance and he said that balance is within the chamber's financial reach.

If the project goes through, the new visitor center could open in about a year.