batavia

Driving down Creek Road this evening, I saw something head of me in the road. As I got closer, I thought it might be a turtle and just about that time, a car coming from the opposite direction was stopping.

John Volpe jumped out of the car and scooped up the snapping turtle and carried it over to the side of the road.

Volpe then called his father and told him about the turtle, which he said had a slight deformity in its shell and might be a female.

He told his dad his location and said he would wait for him.

Volpe explained to me that he and his father often rescue turtles. He said they would take the turtle home, ensure she (or he) is healthy. If healthy, and a female, they would hold her until she laid her eggs, then release her back into the wild, then raise the babies.

"Turtles mean a lot to us," Volpe said, who is Native American.

When his father arrived, Mary Volpe jumped out of the minivan and grabbed the turtle's shell from behind and carried it over to a plastic carry-all.

We're a bit tardy in publishing this, but last week the Landmark Society of Genesee County gave out its annual awards in drawing contest, which is open to fourth-graders from throughout the county.

The first-place winner was Esmeralda O'Campo, center, from Elba Central School for her relief artwork of 4899 Ford Road, Elba. She receive $50, a framed certificate and a copy of the book "The Architectural Heritage of Genesee County."

The second-place winner was Isabella Riner, left, from Elba Central School for her mixed media artwork of 39 S. Main St., Elba.

The third-place winner was Gabrielle Root from St. Joseph School for her mixed media artwork of the E.N. Rowell House in Batavia.

Second- and third-place winners received $25, a framed certificate, and a copy of "The Architectural Heritage of Genesee County."

Honorable mentions were Trinity Aponte, Lauryn Engle, Morgan Harrington, Trevor Matthison, Adryona Miller, and Harmony Parker.

The guest judges this year were Sharon and Don Burkel, of Batavia. Sharon Burkel is an architectural historian and currently serves on the City of Batavia Historic Preservation Commission. Don Burkel is the Executive Director of the Batavia Business Improvement District (BID). Both are members of the Landmark Society. 

A group of geese were behind Settler's -- as there often is -- and keeping cool in the Tonawanda this afternoon.

The temperature today is 76 degrees with humidity at 56 percent.

Thunderstorms are expected between 6 and 8 p.m.

Temperatures are expected to climb into the 80s by Wednesday with lots of sun.

A North Spruce Street resident sent in this picture of a pair of ducks that found the family pool behind their house quite inviting this morning.

I stopped by the Ag Park this afternoon just to see how construction is coming along -- Haskell has made some visible progress on the Pepsi/Muller Project Wave plant.

I happened to be on hand when some bedrock was blasted from the ground.

Perhaps not surprisingly, this sign warns that only Pepsi products are allowed in the construction area.

For those keeping score, it look like a majority of the vehicles in the employee parking lot had New York license plates.

Meanwhile, most of the work for the new Alpina plant is now taking place inside the new building. Alpina is on schedule to start producing yogurt in Batavia some time in August.

I didn't get a picture, but the Marktec building is completed.

A fully involved car fire is reported in the Batavia Downs parking lot, located at 8315 Park Road, behind Kmart. Town of Batavia Fire Department is "well on the way."

UPDATE 12:05 p.m.: A responder at the scene reports two adjacent vehicles have been impacted by the blaze.

UPDATE 12:11 p.m.: A firefighter says the blaze has been contained to the fully involved vehicle. Law enforcement is called to the scene to take a report.

UPDATE 12:52 p.m.: The car fire is out. Town of Batavia is back in service.

The Town of Batavia Republican Committee is accepting nominations for the annual “Community Citizen Award” that will be awarded at the Town Picnic which will be held the Town of Batavia Kiwanis Park on Friday, June 22.

The deadline to nominate someone is Friday, June 1.

This is meant to honor a resident of the Town of Batavia who has dedicated his or her time and support to the betterment of the community.

There is no particular requirement to receive this award, we ask that you submit your name of nominee, why you believe the nominee should be recognized and how they have excelled in the community. This can be done on a sheet of paper or you can obtain a Nomination Form by contacting a committee member.

This is a good opportunity to honor someone from the past for community service or some recent achievement or recognition received by a town resident.

The committee to select the recipient of the Community Citizen Award is Teressa Morasco- teressamorasco@yahoo.com,  Kathy Jasinski – kjasinski19@gmail.com or Sharon White – cccsgrandma@yahoo.com.

Please let them know if you have any questions or would like to submit a nomination.

Law enforcement and medics are responding to a call of a 16-year-old male roadside in a vehicle at 5109 Ellicott St. in the Town of Batavia who is vomiting and nauseous due to a possible overdose from smoking incense.

UPDATE 8:25 p.m.: The boy is being transported to UMMC with a complaint of severe overdose of an intoxicant known as "Spice." He is reportedly experiencing "twitchiness" and general nauseousness.

A two-car accident with unknown injuries is reported at West Main and Oak streets in the city. Two flatbed tow trucks are called. City fire and Mercy medics are responding. Police are on scene. Fluids are leaking.

UPDATE 11:42 p.m.: City fire is back in service. No one was transported to a hospital; they were "sign offs."

FYI...Howard will soon board a plane in Buffalo and head to Chicago. He is attending a small conclave of independent online news publishers from across the nation. He returns this Sunday afternoon.

The Batavian welcomes digital photos taken by readers at events this weekend. We will take a look at submissions and may post them on the Home Page on Sunday -- or on Saturday if time permits.

Meanwhile, I'll be listening to the scanner and posting items as warranted.

Have a great weekend! The weather is supposed to be really nice.

A 40-year-old Batavia woman who bilked two elderly patients out of more than $308,000 faces up to seven years in prison and significant restitution after pleading guilty this morning to four felonies.

Heidi L. Schollard, 161 Bank St., Batavia, entered a guilty plea to three counts of grand larceny, 3rd. Each Class D felony carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, but under the plea deal, Schollard's sentences will be served concurrently.

She also entered a guilty plea to grand larceny, 4th, a Class E felony with a maximum sentence of four years.

Schollard is ordered to repay $265,131 to one elderly victim and $43,000 to another, plus $23,414 to the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance and $2,485 to the Department of Labor.

Schollard was initially arrested in December 2010 for allegedly stealing about $250,000 from a Batavia resident.

She was out of jail during the proceedings in that case and was arrested again in March and accused of defrauding another elderly person. The alleged victim in this case is a resident of Alabama.

In both cases, Schollard was reportedly a caregiver for the victims.

Sentencing is set for 9 a.m., Aug. 9.

The Sheriff's Office is looking for assistance in locating Paul J. Doctor. Doctor allegedly failed to comply with a release under supervision contract and an arrest warrant was issued by Genesee County Court related to two counts of burglary.

Warrant Officer Eric Olson asks that anyone with information that may assist in locating Doctor to call (585) 343-0911.

UPDATE:  Paul Doctor turned himself in May 21.

Press release:

The Dwyer Stadium Box Office will open for the 2012 season at 9 a.m. Monday, May 21. Tickets for Opening Day and ALL regular season games for the 2012 season will be on sale. The box office will be open until 5 p.m.

Normal box office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Season seat holders will be able to pick up their season tickets on Monday. Fans interested in season tickets can also stop by the stadium and pick out their seat for the 2012 season.

The Batavia Muckdogs, Genesee County’s only professional sports franchise, have also released their 2012 promotional schedule featuring fireworks, giveaways, special events, theme nights and daily promotions.

The fun will kick off three days prior to Opening Day with an exhibition game vs. the Newark Pilots of the Perfect Game League. The aim of this game is not only to get the players acquainted with the stadium but also to give fans the first opportunity to meet the team. Tickets for the exhibition game will be discounted off the already low box office prices and season tickets holders will receive a free ticket to that evening’s ball game.

The Muckdogs will again offer fans a daily menu of money-saving promotions available throughout the season.

Tuesday features a new addition to the lineup. This year, New York’s 529 College Savings Program presents Kids’ Tuesday Night Tickets. Every Tuesday home game, the first 50 kids accompanied by an adult will receive a free General Admission ticket.

The Family Four Pack will take place on every Wednesday during the 2012 season and is presented by M&T Bank. Fans can purchase four general admission tickets, four hot dogs, four 12 oz. sodas and a 2012 program for only $30, a savings of $14.

On Thursday nights, The Williams Law Firm will once again sponsor our Kids Eat Free promotion. At every Thursday home game, the first 100 kids 12 & under will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soda and snack item.

Fireworks will again light up the sky after every Friday night game at Dwyer Stadium, as well as on the annual Independence Day celebration on July 4th.

Every Saturday will feature a pre-game concert in the concourse. These “Rock the Ballpark” events are presented by Tim Horton’s of Batavia and New Buffalo Impact with Papa and Mama Root, an oldies rock 'n' roll tribute band, and original music recording artists. All performances begin at 6 p.m. and are weather permitting.

At Sunday home games, kids can run the bases with Homer after the game courtesy of Denny’s of Batavia. Every child that runs the bases will receive a coupon for a free Kids Meal at Denny’s.

Other games of note on the 2012 promotional schedule include:

• Opening Day/Magnet Schedule Giveaway                            Monday, June 18th
• Muckdogs Car Decal Giveaway                                             Wednesday, June 27th
• Prostate Cancer Awareness Day                                           Saturday, June 30th  
• Independence Day Celebration Fireworks                            Wednesday, July 4th
• Classic Rock band “The Strikeouts” pregame concert          Sunday, July 8th                      
• Bark in the Park                                                                    Saturday, July 21st   
• Synch Backpack Giveaway -- Friday, July 27th 
• In Plain View pregame concert (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.)      Friday, August 10th
• Team Photo Giveaway                                                          Saturday, August 11th 
• Genesee Valley Penny Saver Giveaway                               Tuesday, August 21st 
• 15th Anniversary Poster Giveaway                                        Sunday, September 2nd

Fireworks Nights will be as follows: June 22nd, July 4th, July 6th, July 20th, July 27th, August 10th, and August 24th.

The Muckdogs open their 2012 home schedule on Monday, June 18th vs. the Auburn Doubledays at 7:05 p.m. For a complete 2012 promotional schedule, go to www.muckdogs.com or call the Muckdogs office at (585) 343-5454. Muckdogs season tickets, coupon books, ticket packages and individual tickets are all on sale.

Jonathan E. Garcia, 19, of 101 State St., upper, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful imprisonment, and Sandra L. Fry, 41, of 101 State St., upper, Batavia, is charged with criminal nuisance, 2nd. The charges stem from an investigation into the whereabouts of a missing 14-year-old girl. Garcia is accused of forcibly preventing the victim from leaving his apartment. Fry, his mother, is accused of maintaining a place where persons gather for the purpose of engaging in criminal conduct. Both were arraigned in city court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Rae C. Cook, 23, of 121 Liberty St., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Cook is accused of striking a protected person several times during an altercation May 5. Cook was arraigned in city court and jailed on $5,000 bail.

Press release:

John Weber and his Genesee ARC family care provider, Lynda Domnissey, experienced memories of a lifetime during a May 13 concert in Boston featuring The Go-Go’s. They had VIP tickets for the Wilbur Theater show, but Domnissey said, “This was over the top!” 

“We met everyone from all of the roadies, right up to Belinda Carlisle and the rest of the band,” she added, saying it’s something they will never forget!

John has been a part of Domnissey’s family care home for the past eight years.

“My husband, Mike Grosshans, and I love music and so does John,” she said.

John summed it up with, “The Go-Go’s are AWESOME!”

Group members took the time to pose for photos and sign John’s self-advocacy backpack 

The Go-Go’s formed in Los Angeles in 1978. Their hits include "Our Lips are Sealed," "We Got the Beat" and "Vacation."

Pictured above: John Weber (seated); with Gina Schock, drummer; Belinda Carlisle, singer; Charlotte Caffey, guitar; Jane Weidlin, guitar; Lynda Domnissey and Kathy Valentine, base guitar.

A one-vehicle rollover accident has been reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 386.

Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 6:41 a.m.: Very minor injuries. The location is just east of the Clinton Street Road overpass.

UPDATE 6:44 a.m.: Rescue 20 back in service. Engine 24 to the scene to secure the vehicle.

UPDATE 6:46 a.m.: At the request of the NYS Thruway Authority, Engine 24's response cancelled. Town of Batavia back in service.

Yesterday, as part of the United Way Day of Caring, members of the Batavia Lions Club showed up at Adam Miller Toy and Bicycles and whipped 25 bikes into shape for local charities, including Genesee ARC. Near the end of the day, four clients of Genesee ARC showed up to pick up their new rides. Pictures are Hank, left, Amber, Tim and Andrew.

Press release:

Batavia Downs Casino is marking its seventh anniversary with a weekend celebration that includes a Preakness party and prize drawings.

Batavia Downs Casino opened at 10 a.m. on May 18, 2005 with just 586 machines. Now open 20 hours a day with 640 machines on site, the facility’s growth has meant more jobs and more money given back to the counties and cities that the public benefit corporation serves. With a 27 million dollar expansion also set to start, the facility’s staff is looking forward to the future.

“We are pleased with not only where we are but also with what’s on the horizon,“ said Michael Nolan, chief operating officer of Batavia Downs Casino and Western Regional Off-Track Betting.

"As a partner in this community we’ve created jobs for this region and will look to create even more with this expansion. Our monetary distributions to the counties and cities that we serve will also increase.”

Further details can be found at bataviadownscasino.com