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Law and Order: Batavia resident arrested on drug charges

By Howard B. Owens

Chad M. Johnston, 27, of 15 N. Lyon St., Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, public appearance under the influence of a narcotic and possession of a hypodermic needle. Johnston was observed at 10:15 p.m., Monday, on Liberty Street by Officer James DeFreze, under the apparent influence of a drug. Upon investigation, Johnson was allegedly found in possession of heroin and a needle.

David Michael Robinson, 51, of Lake Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with forcible touching. Robinson is accused of touching the intimate body parts of another person after being told not to do so.

A 16-year-old and a 17-year-old resident of Porter Avenue are both charged with criminal mischief, 3rd, criminal tampering, 3rd, and unlawful possession of marijuana (16-year-old only). The youths are accused of going into the bedroom of their sister and brother-in-law and damaging all of their personal property, throwing everything on to the floor and down a stairwell. A marijuana pipe was found at the residence of the youth while Officer James DeFreze was at the location questioning the 16-year-old.

Jessica R Johns, 30, of 122 Jackson St., lower, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant out of City Court related to a DWI charge. Johns allegedly failed to report to jail. She was jailed on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.

Voters approve City Schools budget and capital project plan

By Howard B. Owens

According to the unofficial vote count released by the Batavia City School District, voters approved the district's budget and approved the capital project.

The $41,981,241 spending plan received 505 yes votes to 201 no votes.

The $3.8 million capital project was approved 454 yes votes to 233 no votes.

Also approved 557 to 128 was a change to the transportation plan.

For the results of school district votes throughout Genesee County, WBTA, The Batavian's official news partner, is tracking the results: click here.

Possible structure fire on South Pearl Street Road, Oakfield

By Billie Owens

A possible structure fire is reported at 7475 S. Pearl Street Road in Oakfield. It is believed to stem from an electrical problem in the basement, which is showing some white smoke. Oakfield Fire Department is responding and mutual aid is requested from East Pembroke, Town of Batavia, and Alabama, which is called to fill in at Oakfield's hall. Everyone is out of the building.

UPDATE 6:42 p.m.: The electrical circuits have been shut off and Oakfield is waiting for National Grid to arrive. All mutual aid responders back in service.

School district receives BEA award

By Howard B. Owens

Photo and information submitted by Robert Mullen.

The Apple Award - Presented to the Batavia City School District...

...at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce - Business Education Alliance - Annual Spring Breakfast Meeting held on Fri., May 17th, 2013 at the Terry Hills Golf Course, Restaurant, & Banquet Facility.

Accepting the award (pictured L to R) from BEA President Mrs. Kitty Maerten (Superintendent of the Alexander School Distirict) are Mrs. Jillian Thomas - High School Business Teacher and Junior Achievement Coordinator for the Bataiva City Schools, Mr. Shawn Clark - Batavia High School Principaland Mrs. Eileen Ognibene - High School Business teacher and coordinator for the B.E.E.P. (Business Education Employability Profile) offered through the Career and Financial Management course offerings.

The Apple Award is given to schools and/or programs that exemplify the characteristics of authentic learning through educational opportunities that integrate real world business experiences (both in-the-classroom and out-of-the-classroom) for enhanced student learning. Batavia City Schools was recognized for having a superintendent on the BEA board, a liaison who attends the monthly meetings, junior achievement programs offered in the district, a job shadowing program, a CFM class that worked with the BEA to offer mock interviews, job shadows, and an employability portfolio (B.E.E.P.) that students interviewed for in order to qualify for a scholarship.

Community Action Angels Vendor Blender

By Kim Gloskowski

The Community Action Angels will host a Vendor Blender on Saturday, June 8th from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Genesee Community College One College Road in Batavia.  There will be a nice variety of over 50 crafters & vendors, Chinese auction, 50/50 and lunch will be available.  For more information call 585-343-7798 ext. 114

Event Date and Time
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Brothers suspected of having multiple sexual abuse victims over three-decade period

By Howard B. Owens

The brother of a former Batavia resident already under a grand jury indictment for allegedly abusing children has been taken into custody by the FBI and accused of transporting children across state lines for sexual purposes.

David Allen Vickers, 49, of Stanley, is accused of taking a child on his commercial truck driving trips to New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Canada and engaging in sexual activity with the child.

The investigation into Vickers began after the recent arrest of Sean M. Vickers, 44, of 117 Andes St., Geneva, for allegedly sexually abusing children in Batavia more than a decade ago.

Media coverage of Sean's arrest prompted other alleged victims to come forward and led to the investigation of David.

The two bothers are suspected of being involved in sexual abuse going back as long as 30 years ago and which has continued until as recently as two months ago.

Authorities encourage any parent of a child that came into contact with either of the brothers, or any adults whose children came into contact with either of the brothers to get in touch with local law enforcement.

Numerous alleged victims have already come forward, according to police.

Sean Vickers is also a suspect in sexual abuse cases in Niagara County.

Photos: Troop A honors those who have fallen in the line of duty

By Howard B. Owens

State Police and members of the regional law enforcement gathered today at the Batavia Barracks of Troop A to honor their brethren who have fallen in the line of duty.

U.S. Attorney for WNY William Hochul was among the speakers. He quoted Matthew 5:9 -- "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" -- and told the families of those who had fallen that police officers do more than enforce laws, they are the peacemakers who keep communities safe so they are assured of honor in the eyes of God.

To purchase prints from this event, click here.

Photo: Sweat Pea's now serving ice cream

By Howard B. Owens

Sweet Pea's Cupcakery Café, on Jackson Avenue, has something new just in time for summer: soft-serve ice cream.

It's very good.

Pictured are owners Lyndsey Oliver-Farewell and Travis Farewell.

Batavia PBA announces annual fundraiser

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Police Benevolent Association will be conducting a fund-raising event this summer, starting in May. The P.B.A. will be sending out mailings to the community in an effort to help raise money, which it uses to support various groups. For years, the Batavia P.B.A has helped fund programs in and around Batavia, such as numerous youth athletics, senior citizen groups, and community programs. We encourage all to help us continue our efforts in serving the community. We will not be making any solicitations by phone or in person. Should anyone have questions regarding this event, please contact one of our members, or mail us at: Batavia P.B.A., P.O. Box 299, Batavia, New York, 14021.

Grass fire off eastbound Thruway by State Street overpass

By Billie Owens

A grass fire off the eastbound Thruway is reported in the area by the State Street overpass. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 11:52 a.m.: A fireman at the scene says it's a controlled burn that's being tended to. It's "a bit smoky" but is not an impediment to traffic.

Car hits tree on Jefferson Avenue

By Billie Owens

Somebody's vehicle hit a tree on Jefferson Avenue in the city by Wendy's and Tim Horton's and the tree is said to be hanging at a 45-degree angle over the roadway.

UPDATE 11:31 a.m.: It is believed that a large commercial truck that was parked in the area damaged the tree when it left and a police officer is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 11:27 a.m. (by Howard): The tree would have been planted about 2004. It would have been about two inches in diameter at the time. It's now four or five inches and would cost from $400 to $500 to replace with a tree of the same size, according to the county Department of Public Works.

Rollover accident on westbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A rollover accident is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 386.4. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:09 a.m.: There's one patient, the driver, who is out of the vehicle and walking around, according to a medic on scene. Only one vehicle is involved and it is partially blocking a lane of traffic. It was towing a trailer and landed on its side.

UPDATE 11:12 a.m.: The male driver will be a sign-off. Responders are directing traffic around the accident.

UPDATE 11:16 a.m.: The vehicle is a pickup truck that is "drip, drip, dripping" diesel fuel and asorbant materials will be used to clean it up.

Law and Order: Truck driver involved in accident accused of DWI

By Howard B. Owens

David E. Muffley, 63, of Druck Valley Road, York, Pa., is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Muffley was reportedly involved in an accident at 6:20 p.m., Thursday, at the intersection of Route 63 and Route 20. Muffley was allegedly operating a loaded tractor-trailer while intoxicated and attempted to turn right onto Route 63 and struck a vehicle stopped on Route 63. The accident was investigated by Deputy Cory Mower.

Clifford Leo Regimbal, 34, of Granite Street, Webster, Mass., is charged with criminal possession of stolen property with a value of more than $3,000. Regimbal was arrested in Webster, Ma., on unrelated charges and held as an alleged fugitive from justice on the Genesee County charge. He was returned to New York and jailed on $20,000 bail. Regimbal also has warrants issued by the courts in Corfu, Alexander and Rochester.

Francis E. Ikokide, 42, of 3330 Weston Road, Apt. 316, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. Ikokide was stopped at 6:22 a.m. on Oak Street by Officer Felicia DeGroot for alleged defective brake light. Ikokide was allegedly found to have a suspended license. Ikokide posted $100 police bail and was released.

Nicholas Christian Doell, 22, of Lippold Road, Darien, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and possession of a controlled substance not in original container. Doell was allegedly found by his probation officer in possession of controlled substances concealed in a cigarette pack at 5 p.m., Friday. He was jailed on $500 bail. (Doell was allegedly involved in a high-speed chase with deputies and tasered Saturday night.)

Amanda Rose McDonald, 31, of Cherry Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. McDonald is accused of shoplifting from Walmart.

Terry Lynne Butler, 54, of Genesee Street, Le Roy, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, recless driving, moving from lane unsafely and improper signal. Butler was allegedly observed driving at 11:54 p.m., Friday, on Lewiston Road when her vehicle nearly collided with oncoming traffic. She was arrested by Deputy John Weis.

Dylan Jacob Keem, 19, of Folsomdale Road, Cowlesville, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Keem was allegedly found in possession of marijuana concealed in a vehicle during an investigation on Route 77, Darien, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Also arrested was Benjamin Edward Burek, 19, of Burrough Road, Cowlesville. Burek was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and consumption of alcohol under 21 years of age.

Terry Robert Konfederath, 51, of Meadowbrook Terrace, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .01 or greater, failure to keep right and moving from lane unsafely. Konfederath was stopped at 12:47 a.m., Saturday, on Genesee Street, Pembroke, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Daniel Lynn Diguardi, 31, of Upper Holley Road, Holley, is charged with falsifying business records, 2nd. Diguardi is accused of claiming ownership of property owned by Rent-a-Center that he allegedly pawned at Pawn King. Diguardi turned himself in on an arrest warrant to Deputy John Baiocco.

Benjamin Gove Evans, 24, of Maple Street, Batavia, was taken into custody on arrest warrants for alleged failure to pay fine on an attempted petit larceny charge. Evans appeared before Justice Tom Williams and promised to return the next day and make a fine payment and to make his payments every week until paid off.

Mary Jean Daniel, 26, of Morrow Road, Pavilion, is charged with petit larceny. Daniel allegedly stole an unassembled TV stand from Kmart.

Derrick R. Kio, 22, of Wyoming, is charged with criminal mischief (preventing emergency call), harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Kio was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident reported at 10:24 a.m., Saturday, in the Town of Pavilion. No further details were released.

Photos: Dandelions at Centennial Park

By Howard B. Owens

When I drove past Centennial Park today it was quite a sight with all the dandelions in bloom.

If you look closely, you can see a tiny little bug climbing up the stem.

Tased motorcyclist racks up slew of misdemeanor charges following Saturday night's high-speed chase

By Billie Owens

The 22-year-old man who got Tased by a deputy Saturday after a high-speed chase in the Darien area is identified as Nicholas Christian Doell , according to a press release today from the Sheriff's Office.

Doell, who lives on Lippold Road, Darien, was riding a 2003 Harley Davidson at a quarter to nine last night when he allegedly failed to stop for an officer attempting to stop him for allegedly violating traffic law and for having vehicle violations.

After zooming 90 mph through Darien, Alexander and Town of Batavia, the defendant allegedly fled on foot and "was tased to effect arrest" in front of My Saloon on Route 20 in Darien Center.

The motorcyclist racked up a slew of misdemeanor charges, including unlawful fleeing a police officer, resisting arrest and reckless driving.

Other charges are: failure to yield right of way to an emergency vehicle; uninspected motor vehicle; operating without insurance; having modified exhaust on a motorcycle; two counts of improper left turn on a two-way road; three counts of improper / no turn signal; two counts for failure to stop at stop sign; speed in zone (90 mph in a 30-mph zone); speed over 55 mph (90 / 55); and failure to keep right.

Doell was arraigned in Town of Darien Court then jailed with bail set at $5,000 cash. He is scheduled to reappear in town court on June 4.

He was also issued tickets in the Town of Batavia and will appear in court there June 3 on charges of: unregistered motor vehicle; failure to stop at stop sign; speed in zone (90 / 45); improper / no turn signal; and speed over 55 (90 / 55).

In addition, he was issued a ticket for Town of Alexander Court and will appear in that court June 4 for alleged failure to stop at stop sign.

The incident was investigated by deputies J.M. Diehl and K.R. McCarthy.

Possible house fire on West Main Street Road

By Billie Owens

A possible house fire is reported at 3728 W. Main St. Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding along with Alexander's Fast Team.

UPDATE 8:28 p.m. Alexander is cancelled, along with East Pembroke fire.

BBQ grill fire in backyard on Bank Street in the city

By Billie Owens

A BBQ grill fire is reported at 118 Bank St. in the backyard. City fire is responding.

UPDATE 5:26 p.m.: Firefighters on scene report nothing showing.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: Fire is out. Firefighters are returning to quarters.

UPDATE 5:30 p.m.: It was a grease fire. The assignment is in service.

Three-car accident reported on Thruway in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident has been reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 386.7 in the eastbound lane.

As many as three cars may be involved and there are possible injuries.

Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 4:52 p.m.: Fire crews on scene. There are no reports of any serious injuries.

Batavia student earns master's degree in accounting from Byrant University in Rhode Island

By Billie Owens

Bryant University held its Graduate School Commencement on Thursday, May 17. Among the graduates is Sarah-Elizabeth Rindo, of Batavia, who earned a Master of Professional Accountancy degree.

Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I., is a leading private university offering an innovative and uniquely integrated business and liberal arts education. Founded in 1863 and recognizing its 150th anniversary in 2013.

On the Web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Sarah-Elizabeth-Rindo-Graduates-from-Bryant-University/6153789.

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