batavia

All of  the victims of two-car accident Friday at Richmond Avenue and Oak Street are out of the hospital, according to Batavia PD.

The two pedestrians struck either by a vehicle or debris were treated and released at UMMC for cuts and contusions. One victim was 22 years old, the other 29.

Of the four occupants of the red GMC Jimmy, one patient spent about a day at Strong Memorial Hospital. The 14-year-old suffered a broken orbital bone in his or her left eye. 

The driver, 40, was treated and released for a back injury. The front passenger, 45, was treated and released for a wrist fracture. The other rear seat passenger, 20, had no injuries.

The driver of the black Acura, age 45, suffered a back injury and was treated at UMMC and then transferred to Strong and has since been released from the hospital.

Chief Shawn Heubusch has declined to release the names of the victims citing an ongoing criminal investigation.

Previously, the driver of the Acura was reported to be Michael I. Sanders of 22 Columbia Ave., Apt. #1, Batavia. He was cited alleged failure to yield right of way.

Batavia resident and avid chess player Kevin Larsen has had some free time on his hands lately, so he decided to start a chess club in Batavia.

This comes just as the game of chess seems to be making a comeback. According to a recent article in The New York Times, the game lags in popularity in spite of a record number of players worldwide -- possibly due to the absence of an appealing personality to represent it.

A promising candidate is 22-year-old Norwegian player Magnus Carlsen, who is the top-ranked chess player worldwide. Larsen has not followed Carlsen too closely, but he agrees that an appealing personality as the "face of chess" might, in part, be what the game needs.

"If people see someone young and cool playing chess," he said, "they might be more interested."

Furnished with United States Chess Federation regulation boards, clocks, and scorebooks, the "Batavia Community Chess Club" is for novices and chess buffs alike. 

"As long as people have fun with it, it's fine with me," Larsen said. "But I do hope to get people who are interested in coming every week and want to get better at chess by studying and competing."

He would like people to use clocks so that competitors have equal playing time, as well as scorebooks so they can keep track of their progress in the game and discover what they need to work on.

So far, 13 people have said they will come to the first meeting this Thursday from 6 until 8:30 p.m. at the Richmond Memorial Library, at 19 Ross St. in Batavia.

Club meetings will take place every Thursday during that time frame. All ages are welcome, but young children should be accompanied by their parents.

Larsen said it will be easier if everyone who is interested comes at the same time, since otherwise people might have to wait 30 minutes to an hour for someone to play against. But people are welcome to walk in at any time between 6 and 8:30.

Because "Batavia Community Chess Club" is being run with the support of the library, it is open to the public at no cost. However, Larsen said he will accept any donations to pay for equipment upgrades, clocks, and funding for the NIOGA Library System so they can purchase more chess-related books.

Chess has been touted as a tool for helping people to sharpen their concentration, build patience and perseverance, develop critical and analytical thinking, and improve planning and management skills.

Larsen rejects the stereotype that you have to have a high IQ in order to do well at chess.

"It helps," he said, "but if you have a good teacher and are willing to study, you'll do fine. I've read scientific literature about people who had below-average IQs but were high-ranking chess players."

Right now, Larsen has only a couple of volunteers helping with the club. When he gets more, he would like to have people available to teach the game.

For more information and to contact Larsen, visit www.bataviachess.org.

Police have yet to identify the driver involved in a hit-and-run accident around 5:20 p.m. on Nov. 22 on Liberty Street near Ellicott Street.

A black Chevy Silverado struck two vehicles and fled the scene. Both struck vehicles sustained significant damage. No serious injuries were reported.

A witness described the suspect vehicle as an extended cab, possibly late 1990s or early 2000 with 4x4 written on the side. The truck would have sustained damage to its front and back. A partial plate of 14196 or 14197 with a letter A in it. The driver is described as a white male with dark blond hair and facial hair, approximately in his 30s. He is possibly 5'8" to 6' tall and about 200 pounds.

Anybody with information that may assist in the investigation can contact Batavia PD at (585) 345-6350.

Since 1971, the Genesee Chorale has been making beautiful music for the people of WNY. That tradition continues this month with two holiday concerts.

First, the Chorale performs a show entitled "Hail the Star" starting at 7 p.m., Friday, at Le Roy Jr./Sr. High School, 9300 South St.

Two days later, on Sunday at 3 p.m., the group performs in Albion at the First Presbyterian Church.

The 70 or so people who comprise the chorale have been traveling weekly to Batavia from the seven area counties of WNY to prepare for these concerts.

"We come from a lot of rural communities," said chorale president Maureen Degolyer. "Coming from a rural community, like I am from Castile, you have to be willing to travel a distance to do any quality music, and that's what we do here."

The Chorale is dedicated, she said, to providing audiences with the highest quality performance they could possibly hear.

"Our expectations are high and we don't do anything that isn't quality because nobody could stand it," Degolyer said. "We aim for quality and it is wonderful stuff."

The concert is a blend of traditional and contemporary songs.

A few of the selections are: “Jesus Loves Me,” which has a jazz influence and will be feature Dan Jones on the alto saxophone; “What Strangers Are These,” featuring Fran Woodworth on flute and Mike Teeling on acoustic guitar; and, a unique arrangement of “Jingle Bells” as made popular by Barbra Streisand.

For more information and tickets, visit www.GeneseeChorale.com. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Top photo, conductor Ric Jones.

Fran Woodworth

Maureen Degolyer

Mike Teeling

Bob Holley

Jones conducting, Woodworth on flute.

The chorale's rehearsal at St. James Episcopal Church in the community room.

Dustin Michael Locicero, 29, of Gibson Street, Bergen, is charged with forgery 2nd. Locicero was arrested following an investigation into a complaint of a stolen check and its forged use at a location in the City of Batavia. Locicero was jailed without bail.

Thomas E. Newcomb, 42, of 27 E. Main St., Le Roy, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Newcomb is accused of striking a woman in the face with his hand during an argument.

Brandon David Gendron, 25, of Judge Road, Basom, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, uninspected motor vehicle and failure to keep right. Gendron was stopped at 11:25 p.m. Fridayon Fotch Road, Stafford, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Stephen Joseph Peters, 18, of Wyoming Road, Warsaw, is charged with petit larceny. Peters accused of shoplifting from Walmart.

David William Buchholtz, 54, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Buchholtz is accused of shoplifting from Walmart.

Harry Lee Flatt, 68, of Fruit Avenue, Medina, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right and moving from lane unsafely.

Donald Anthony Irwin, 43, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon. Irwin was allegedly found in possession of a metal knuckle knife following a property damage accident at 9:12 p.m. Thursday in the Walmart parking lot.

Michael J. Wall, 39, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and endangering the welfare of a child. Wall was arrested following an investigation into an alleged domestic incident reported at 6:40 a.m., Nov. 23.

Christopher Brian King, 22, of Pearl Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. King is accused of ordering food at the Denny's in Pembroke and leaving without paying for the food.

Dana Robert Devin Cipra, 21, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Cipra was arrested following a traffic stop at 12:47 a.m. Thursday on Route 77, Corfu, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Danielle M. Stevens, 37, of Ford Road, Elba, is charged with petit larceny. Stevens was arrested after a check of video surveillance footage indicated she allegedly stole two vacuums from Walmart.

Robert Allen Norway, 40, of Lake Avenue, Rochester, is charged with violation of a Family Court order. Norway was arrested on a warrant out of Family Court.

A private contractor is working on a water line on Center Street today. The line broke Saturday afternoon. The line runs into Center Street Smoke House and for most of the day, the city has been able to provide water to the restaurant. The restaurant is expected to be open for business this evening.

UPDATE: Water service was fully restored at 5:30 p.m.

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Need a gift for Grandma? How about a framed Custom Wall Canvas? This is the same high quality product you would receive from a professional photography studio; only ours is made in-house, right here in Batavia and it won’t leave your pockets empty. This holiday season, give a gift that your loved ones can cherish for years to come!

Call Adam or Joe at Vinyl Sticks today at 585-300-4307 and they will gladly provide you with an estimate and answer any questions you may have.

Please take a moment to check out the gallery at www.VinylSticks.com.

Since opening nearly a year ago, Vinyl Sticks has quickly become Batavia’s premier Sign and Decal Company. Vinyl Sticks uses a state-of-the-art wide-format printer and software to create stunning graphics, banners, vehicle graphics and much more. They have graphics that allow you to advertise on glass, while still being able to see out of the glass. These one-way window graphics make great gift ideas for business advertising and custom designs for the rear window of vehicles. 

Vinyl Sticks offers free estimates, free consultation, and of course design, production and installation services. Feel free to visit Vinyl Sticks, located at 23 Ganson Avenue in Batavia, NY. Off of Route 63, turn onto Evans Street; go past the Falleti Ice Arena, and at the stop sign go straight onto Ganson Avenue. Vinyl Sticks will be on your right.

Gift Certificates are available in any amount!

An accident involving a tractor-trailer and car is reported in front of the Holland Land Office Museum on West Main Street. It is blocking traffic. Batavia fire, police and Mercy medics are responding.

A two-car accident is reported at Summit and East Main streets, Batavia.

One person is reportedly injured.

Batavia Fire Department and Mercy EMS requested to the scene.

UPDATE 8:14 a.m.: The base of a traffic pole has been struck and damaged.

UPDATE 8:16 a.m.: Second ambulance requested to the scene for evaluation of a juvenile.

You can get inked for charity from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Dec. 14, at High Voltage Tattoo and Piercing.

It's the third year the artists at High Voltage have donated their time to help raise money for worthy causes.

This year, the beneficiaries will be Don Carroll's Toys for Kids, Golisano Children’s Hospital and Crossroads House in Batavia.

You can choose from a select number (below) of tattoos for $30 each or receive a piercing for $15. All proceeds, along with all tips and purchases of aftercare products, will go to the three charities.

Last year, High Voltage raised more than $3,000 for the selected charities. Volunteers are sought to help with tasks around the shop during the event.

Pictured are the artists, Jeremy Fridman, Andrew London, Kenny McCarthy and owner Mark Farnara.

A water main break is reported on Center Street in front of the Center Street Smoke House Restaurant. "It's a geyser," says a dispatcher. Appropriate personnel are called to deal with the situation.

UPDATE 12:33 p.m.: A responder says "it's no longer a geyser," but it's still leaking. A public works crew is on its way.

UPDATE 12:42 p.m.: A police officers says Center Street will be shut down between Main and School streets so the work crew can repair the ruptured line.

UPDATE: Notice from the city: "Water service on Center Street will be interrupted on Monday Dec. 2 in the morning to allow a contractor to make a repair on a private water service."

Seven Five people were injured, including two pedestrians, in a two-car crash at Oak and Richmond today.

With some Mercy EMS ambulances already tied up on other calls, ambulances from Le Roy and Darien were called to the scene and two Mercy Flight medics also assisted with the treatment of patients.

Five Three patients were taken to UMMC and two were transported to Strong.

All patients were in stable condition at the time of transport, said Officer Kevin DeFelice.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation though DeFelice said it appears one vehicle failed to yield the right-of-way to another vehicle on a left-hand turn.

Two of those injured were pedestrians, though DeFelice said it's unclear at this point whether they were on the crosswalk or sidewalk and whether they were struck by a vehicle or by debris.

DeFelice said a press release with more details will be issued this afternoon. This story will be updated with additional details as they become available.

UPDATE: Officials have issued a press release stating it was actually five people who were injured in the accident. Here's the press release:

Five people were injured in the accident at Oak Street and Richmond Avenue today. Three were taken to UMMC, Two were taken to Strong. Investigation reveals that a northbound black Acura being driven by the defendant was attempting to make a left turn onto Richmond Avenue from Oak Street. The defendant failed to yield the right of way to a southbound red GMC Jimmy. The vehicles collided sending the GMC Jimmy into 2 pedestrians that were standing on the sidewalk on the southwest corner of the intersection. The defendant was issued a UTT and released. Additional charges may be pending. Assisting at the scene were Batavia City Fire, Mercy EMS, Darien Fire and Leroy Ambulance.

The only person identified in the release was one of the drivers, Michael I. Sanders, 45, of 22 Columbia Ave., Apt. #1, Batavia. He was cited for alleged failure to yield right of way.

(Initial Report)

A motor-vehicle accident is reported at Oak Street and Richmond Avenue in the city. Two pedestrians are involved, one is bleeding. Three medic units, including mutual aid from Le Roy and Alexander, are responding along with city fire and police. There is at least one back injury and a chest injury. "We're going to need traffic control here. It's a mess," says a responder.

UPDATE 11:15 a.m.: A police investigator with a camera is called to the scene and has an ETA of about 10 minutes. The city's third fire platoon is called to headquarters on Evans Street.

UPDATE 11:18 a.m.: Another ambulance is called in; mutual aid from Darien.

UPDATE 11:22 a.m.: Due to mechanical issues, a second Le Roy ambulance will not be able to assist. But another Mercy unit is now available and is responding, emergency mode.

UPDATE 11:28 a.m.: Alexander fire is told to stand by in its hall. The pedestrians were assisted at Lyon Street and Richmond. A Mercy medic calls UMMC to say four patients will be transported there, all with minor injuries: a 59-year-old woman with a leg injury who was side struck by a car while walking in the sidewalk; a 45-year-old male driver with mid-back pain; a person with a nose injury; and a person with a laceration over the left eye. Le Roy's unit, still in route, is told to go to UMMC. Mercy Flight pilots are at the scene assisting, although no air transport is required.

UPDATE 11:46 a.m.: A Mercy rig is taking one victim to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 11:49 a.m.: A Darien ambulance is taking a victim to Strong.

UPDATE 11:51 a.m.: City command reports all patients have been transported for medical treatment. Alexander fire can stand down. The remaining responders are working to clean up the scene. Northbound traffic is moving. Southbound traffic will remain closed for awhile.

For the 13th straight year, City Church provided Thanksgiving meals to members of the community.

The annual event was first held at Miss Batavia restaurant when the church bought meals for everybody who wanted one between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Now the church owns a building on Center Street, the Generations Center, with a kitchen and serves the community meal there.

The purpose of the free meal, said Pastor Marty Macdonald, is to ensure nobody need feel left out of the holiday.

"I grew up in home where it was very dysfunctional, very disjointed," Macdonald said. "Holiday times were the hardest because we had lost a sister, my brother, my dad by the time I was 13, so when holidays came it was hard on everybody. My heart was on humanity. I didn't want anybody to be alone."

Most of the volunteers are members of the church, but other community members volunteer and there were volunteers there today from Arcade and Syracuse.

"I think the people who serve get more out of it than those who are served," Macdonald said.

To purchase prints of photos, click here.

Barn on Lewiston Road at Batavia Oakfield Townline Road.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Brandon Betances pushes his 6-year-old daughter Laura down the hill at Centennial Park late this afternoon in the midst of a short lake effect snowfall.

Continued lake effect snow is in the forecast tonight through Friday.

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A three-vehicle accident is reported on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, across from Peeble's.

One occupant reportedly has minor injuries.

Traffic is blocked.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 5:40 p.m.: Town of Batavia fire back in service.