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DSP Trio at T.F. Brown's

By Howard B. Owens

From a play written in 1697 by William Congreve comes the phrase "Music Hath Charms To Sooth A Savage Beast".  Are you in need of "soothing"?

We can help!  Come to T. F. Browns in Batavia on Thursday, August 19 from 5-8 pm and be "soothed" by Derek, Skip & Pete....AKA.....the DSP Jazz Trio.
Check us out on YouTube from Jackson Square by searching: DSP Jazz Trio Hello Dolly.
Event Date and Time
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Law and Order: Luke Bryan concert goer allegedly found with baggies of drugs hanging from his socks

By Howard B. Owens

Bryan Fitts

Bryan Lewis Fitts, 32, of Chestnut Ridge, Gasport, is charged with criminal possession of narcotics with intent to sell and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. Fitts was allegedly found in possession of a sufficient amount of narcotics and controlled substances to suggest he intended to sell the illicit drugs after being ejected from the Luke Bryan concert at Darien Lake at 9:23 p.m., Saturday.  Deputy Jeremy McClellan reportedly spotted baggies of drugs hanging out of his socks.  He was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court and released.

Aaron J. McFollins, 42, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd. At 1:18 a.m., June 4, McFollins is accused of throwing a chair at a woman causing an injury.  He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.

Aaron J. McFollins, 42, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny 4th, identity left 3rd, and petit larceny. McFollins is accused of taking and using another person's credit card.  McFollins was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Larry Kennedy, 43, of Eastbrooke Lane, Greece, is charged with felony DWI, unlicensed operation, driving outside restrictions, driving without an ignition interlock device, and aggravated unlicensed operation. Kennedy was arrested by Batavia PD following an investigation into a suspicious condition at an undisclosed location on Aug. 8. He was released on his own recognizance.

Matthew Oppel, 34, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, driving while using a portable electronic device, running a red light, and failure to keep right. Oppel on July 31 for an alleged incident at 7:37 p.m., March 20. Oppel was reportedly involved in a property damage accident on Main Street, Batavia. Following an investigation, Oppel was accused of driving while under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Laura R. Mroz, 32, of Chandler Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Mroz is accused of pushing another person on Aug. 7 at an undisclosed location.  Morz was issued an appearance ticket.

John K. Hobbs, 33, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with menacing 3rd.  Hobbs allegedly threatened a woman and put her in fear of physical injury during an incident reported at 6 a.m., Aug. 13.  Hobbs was released on his own recognizance.

William G. Horner, 70, of Batavia, is charged with assault with intent to cause physical injury with a weapon, and Wendy L. Henry, 36, of Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd/injuring victim 65 or older.  Horner and Henry were arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 8:39 a.m., Aug. 11, in the Town of Batavia. No further information was released. Horner was ordered held in jail and Henry was released on her own recognizance.

Jessica R. Parker-Sharkey, 28, of Rochester, is charged with criminal impersonation, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, and driving with a suspended registration. Parker-Sharkey was arrested by a trooper in connection with an incident at 3:20 p.m., Aug. 12.  No further information was released.  She was released on an appearance ticket.

Tyler J. Gasiorek, 27, of Cheektowaga, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Gasiorek was stopped at 3:47 p.m., Saturday, in Bergen by a state trooper. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Patrick J. Reiner, 49, of Corfu, is charged with felony DWI and felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Reiner was stopped by a trooper at 12:01, Sunday, in the Town of Pembroke. He was released on an appearance ticket.

David B. Kenjockety, 44, of Lockport, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Kenjockety was stopped by a trooper at 8:50 p.m., Aug. 13, in the Town of Darien. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Deborah M. Kreienberg, 62, of Pittsford, is charged with felony DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Kreienberg was stopped by a trooper at 2:19 p.m., Aug. 13, in the Town of Bergen. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Richmond Friends honor 2020 and 2021 volunteers

By Howard B. Owens

Sue Chiddy was honored Saturday as the 2020 Friend of the Year by the Friends of the Richmond Memorial Library and Jerianne Barnes was honored for 2021 in a COVID-delayed celebration at the library.

Chiddy moved to Batavia in 1982 and learned about the Richmond Library by taking her five children there. A retired teacher, she has worked at GCC and has been involved in the planning and organizing of "The Tale of Three Counties," is on the Books Sandwiched in committee, helping bring in speakers, and she is part of the library reading group. She is also a member of the Richmond reads program. She enjoys gardening and has helped in the upkeep of the Library garden.

"I have enjoyed all of the opportunities the library has afforded us. It's been my pleasure to bring books and exciting new programs to the community of Batavia."

Barnes got her first paid library job at Prendergast Public Library in Jamestown, NY in 1956.  Jerianne and her husband Larry along with their young daughter arrived in Batavia in 1968.   In 1975, she received a Masters in Library Science from the University at Buffalo. She served as a school librarian and media specialist. Her volunteer work at Richmond has focused on reference, local history, and genealogy.  She also delivers books for the Library Visits program.

"Working here is a labor of love," Barnes says. "This is the icing on the cake, it's sweet and I am grateful."

Photos and information by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

Group photo: Jessica Ecock Rotundo/VP Board of Directors, Bob Conrad/Library Director, Sue Chiddy, Jerianne Barnes, and Kathy Zipkin/Pres. Friends of the Richmond Library

Photos: ABATE rides to honor fallen officers

By Howard B. Owens

Genesee County ABATE members held a fundraising drive today to benefit the fallen officers memorial at the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on Park Road in Batavia.

The group's goal is to raise money for a more substantial memorial rather than the metal signs currently commemorating officers who died in the line of duty.

About fifty riders participated in the run.

Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

Top photo: Frank Gallo VP/ABATE, Tim Johnson.Pres./ABATE, John Peck, and Sheriff William Sheron.

Farmers Market coupons available at Office for the Aging

By Press Release

Anyone 60  years or older and income-eligible can receive a Famers Market coupon booklet from the Office for the Aging.

The booklets are available at 2 BAnk St., Batavia, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Income guidelines:

  • One person in the household, $1,986 monthly
  • Two people, $2,686 monthly
  • Three people, $3,386 monthly

Batavia man dies following crash in Lockport on Thursday

By Howard B. Owens

The Niagara County Sheriff's Office said this morning that John Kindig, 63, of Batavia, has succumbed to injuries he sustained in a single-vehicle accident at 11:47 p.m. on Chestnut Ridge Road in Lockport.

Kindig's car struck at the residence with three people inside the home.  None of the residents were injured but a deputy did need to extricate one person from a bedroom.

Previously: Batavia man seriously injured in accident in Lockport

Sponsored Post: Genesee County Fair would like to thank you

By Lisa Ace


THANK YOU TO THE GENEROUS SPONSORS & VOLUNTEERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY FAIR - WITHOUT YOU NONE OF THIS WOULD BE POSSIBLE!

  • Adams Welding & Fabrication
  • Alexander Equipment
  • Allie McIlroy
  • Allen & Debbie Dennis
  • Andy & Lori Bartow
  • April Meier
  • Arctic Refrigeration
  • Barniak Farms
  • Baskin Livestock
  • Batavia Downs
  • Batavia Country Club
  • Batavia Legal Printing
  • Batavia Restaurant Supply
  • Becky Starowitz
  • Ben & Jim Duyssen
  • Bethany FD
  • Bev Wolcott
  • Big O Farms
  • Bobbie Young
  • Burk Family
  • BW’s Restaurant
  • Byron-Bergen FFA
  • Cathy Kingdon
  • Carolina Eastern Crocker
  • Carrie Beil
  • Cedar Street Sales & Rental
  • Cheryl Mullen
  • Chris & Mike Maher
  • Clark Patterson Lee
  • Coco Landscaping
  • Cole Young
  • Country Line Electrical Distributor’s Inc
  • Dan Duyssen Farm
  • Danny Thomas
  • Dave & Brenda Dermody
  • Davis Countryside Meadows
  • Dave Reisdorf Inc.
  • Debbie Lowe
  • Debbie Starowitz
  • Dewey Produce, Inc.
  • East Town Beverage
  • Empire Access
  • Empire Tractor
  • Erie and Niagara Insurance Assoc.
  • Extreme Streetwear
  • Faith at the Fair Volunteers
  • Freed Maxik CPA's PC
  • Genesee County Chamber of Commerce
  • Genesee County Farm Bureau
  • Genesee County Sheriff's Department
  • Genesee Patrons Cooperative Insurance Company
  • Genesee Speedway
  • Genesee Valley Penny Saver
  • George & Swede Sales & Service Graham Corporation
  • Greg Post - General Contracting
  • Hazlett Services
  • Hirsch’s Dairy Farm & Custom Service Home Depot – Batavia
  • HP Hood
  • J L Kingdon Mechanical
  • J&L Ice
  • Jack & Sundae Duyssen
  • Jack MacDuffie
  • Jam at the Ridge
  • James Foss & Family
  • Jason & Crystal Heimlich
  • Java Farm Supply
  • Jeff Condidorio – Bread Delivery
  • Jeff, Kim & Olivia Lovetro
  • Jeff Parnapy
  • Jim & Pam Johnson & Family
  • Joe Lewadowski
  • Joe's Pro Shop
  • Kelly & Lilly Stalica
  • Ken Barrett Chevrolet
  • Kevin Kelkinberg
  • Kim Wolcott
  • Kitana Maher
  • Kyle Young
  • Lacy Katzen, LLP
  • L.D. Stevens Golf Carts
  • Lamb Farms, Inc.
  • Land Pro
  • Lardon Disposal/Mark Palmer
  • Larry & Sue Carlson
  • Leonard Petterson
  • Liberty Pumps
  • Lift School of Music - Laura Kauppi
  • Lor Rob Farms
  • Lori & Tony Prinz
  • LorRob Dairy Farm
  • MacDuffie Sand & Gravel
  • M&J Anderson Concessions
  • M&T Trucking
  • Maple Moon Farms, LLC
  • Margaret Perry
  • Mark Barrie
  • Mark Willis
  • McKenzie Farms
  • Michael Houseknecht
  • Milton Cat - Batavia
  • Monroe Tractor
  • Mowacres Farm
  • Norm Sr. & Pat Pimm
  • Northside Deli
  • OATKA Milk Products
  • Offhaus Farms, Inc.
  • Paul Hirsch
  • Paul Smith Refuse Service
  • Photography by Susan Meier
  • Pocock Repair Shop
  • Posy Power Peddler
  • Pumpkin Hill Veterinary Clinic
  • RKK Construction
  • R.W. Taylor Trucking & Excavating
  • Reece Starowitz
  • Reisdorf Oil & Propane
  • Reyncrest Farms
  • Ron & Chris Brown
  • Ron & Julie Radley
  • Rose Maher & Bill Davis
  • Scofield Transfer & Recycling
  • Scott Adams Trucking
  • SJ Starowitz Farms, LLC
  • SMA Farms
  • Smitty’s Amish Sheds
  • Southern Tier Fire Extinguishers
  • Stafford FD
  • Sterling Tent & Awnings
  • Steve Mel’s BBQ
  • Steve Warner
  • Steve Winska
  • Student Transportation of America
  • Stein Dairy Farms
  • Sue Rich
  • Summer Kick Off Classic Horse Show Volunteers
  • Summit Lubricants
  • T.S. Lighting, LLC
  • Talent Show Volunteers
  • Terry Hills Golf Course, Restaurant & Banquet Facility
  • The Batavian
  • The Batavia Daily News
  • The Red Osier Landmark Restaurant
  • Tim & Joanne Horine
  • Tim Adams & Steven Foster
  • Todd & Amanda Hofheins
  • Todd Berkemier
  • Tom Nesbit
  • Town of Batavia FD
  • Turnbull Heating & Cooling
  • United Healthcare
  • United Rentals
  • Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc.
  • Verginia Zocco
  • Volvo
  • WBTA
  • WCJW
  • William Kent, Inc.
  • Wright Beverage Distributing
  • Xylem
  • Yancy’s Fancy

*We apologize to anyone we may have missed!

Batavia man seriously injured in accident in Lockport

By Howard B. Owens

A 63-year-old Batavia resident was seriously injured in a single-vehicle accident at 11:47 p.m., Thursday, in Lockport.

John Kindig was found unresponsive in his vehicle after it struck a house at 7098 Chestnut Ridge Road, according to a release from the Niagara County Sheriff's Office.  He was extricated from the vehicle and transported by Mercy Flight to ECMC.

Three people were in the residence at the time and none were injured. Deputy Jacob Kenny assisted one resident who was trapped in a bedroom.

The accident is being investigated by the NCSO's Accident Investigation Unit.

Lockport's code enforcement officer Brian Belson declared the residence a total loss and ordered the residence demolished immediately. 

Responding volunteer fire departments: Wright's Corners, Terry's Corners, South Lockport, along with Niagara County's Technical Rescue Team.

 

Law and Order: Two DWI arrests reported

By Howard B. Owens

Pamela Lynn Palaszynski, 35, of Bank Street Road, Elba, is charged with felony DWI, driving with a felony BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, and speed not reasonable and prudent.  Palaszynski was arrested by Deputy Trevor Sherwood following a car-into-house complaint at 11:59 p.m., Aug. 7.  Palaszynski was released on an appearance ticket.

Teresa Marie Stephenson, 31, of Cedar Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Stephenson was arrested by Deputy Trevor Sherwood at 2:54 a.m., Aug. 6, on Bethany Center Road, Bethany, for allegedly driving drunk.  She was released on an appearance ticket.

Keith Alan Stevens, 63, of Forest Edge Drive, Batavia, is charged with failure to report a change of address within 10 days as a registered sex offender. Stevens was released on an appearance ticket.

Lyndsay Taylor Young, 38, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Young is accused of stealing $206.03 in merchandise from Walmart at 4:04 p.m., Thursday.  She was released on an appearance ticket.

Ray Spencer-Lindquist Saile, 19, of Judge Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Saile is accused of violating a stay-away order after being found with the protected party at the protected party's house.  Saile was arraigned in Town of Alabama Court and ordered held on $2,500 cash bail.

Sheriff's Office looking for UTV that fled from Deputy in Town of Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A Utility Terrain Vehicle was spotted by a Sheriff's patrol at 1:34 a.m., July 31, on Route 33, in the area of Seven Springs Road, in the Town of Batavia and when the deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver failed to stop.

According to the Sheriff's Office, the drive took the UTV into harvestable crops causing significant damage to the crops and to fencing in the area.

The Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in identifying and locating the UTV.

The UTV is described as white in color and affixed with lights that change colors while in operation.

Anyone with information that may assist in the case can call Investigator Ryan DeLong at (585) 345-3000 ext. 3572 or Deputy Jordan Alejandro at (585) 345-3000 ext. 3257.

BHS Class of 1965 to hold 55 Plus 1 Reunion

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia High School Class of 1965 will gather for their 55 Plus 1 Reunion on August 27-28. The highlight of the celebration will be dinner on Saturday, August 28 at Terry Hills Golf Club. with a 4 p.m. Social Hour followed by a 6 p.m. dinner. Any classmate who has not made reservations should do so by sending a check for $45 ($25 for just the Social Hour) to BHS Class of 65 c/o Steve Hawley, 50 Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.

On Friday, August 27 classmates are invited to meet at 6 p.m. at TF Browns, where a Party Room will be open to the Class of 1965 to order from the menu. A cash bar will be available. Those planning to attend
are asked to notify Bill Hyatt at hyhat@hotmail.com. Since 1992, the BHS Class of 1965 has annually awarded a scholarship, the Freedom Award, to a graduating senior from Batavia High School. To date, the group has donated nearly $40,000.

Some of the stones and shells stolen from Peace Garden recovered and returned

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia PD received an anonymous tip that led to the recovery of some of the decorated stones and shells that were stolen from the Batavia Peace Garden a couple of weeks ago, according to Chief Shawn Heubusch.

The officers who recovered the stones and shells returned them to the Peace Garden.

Peace Garden founder and director Paula Savage confirmed that the stones and shells returned were from the Peace Garden.

Previously: Two-month art project at the Peace Garden, painted stones and shells, destroyed by vandals

Photos: Batavia Police Community Night Out at St. Anthony's

By Howard B. Owens

City Church, at its St. Anthony's facility on Liberty Street, was the site Tuesday of the Batavia Police Community Night Out event.

The evening, which includes games, demonstrations, displays, vendors, and food for the whole community, is designed primarily to give community members and local law enforcement to intact in a fun, casual atmosphere. 

City receives infrastructure grant that could help with development on Bank Street

By Press Release

Press release:

The City of Batavia has been awarded a Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) 2021 State Economic & Infrastructure Development (SEID) grant.  

The City’s Bank Street water project was awarded $334,000. The NBRC received 156 applications this year for the SEID grant cycle, requesting more than $81M in funding.  This was a 16% increase in requests over 2020. Across the four states, 44 applications from this very competitive field were selected including the City of Batavia.

“The much-needed upgrades to infrastructure will support both public and private development along Bank Street including the progress being made at the City Centre Campus redevelopment and Healthy Living Campus. The new 8” water main will also allow for an additional number of residential and commercial units to be developed in the corridor as planned in the downtown revitalization strategy,” said Eugene Jankowski, Jr. City Council President.

The current Bank street waterline will be updated to an 8” line.  Over 950 linear feet of 8-inch diameter water main will be installed and replace the current 4” and 6” lines that are undersized and aging, 90+-year-old water lines.  The estimated cost of the project is $410,000 and the City will provide a local match to the grant of 20% ($82,000).  

The waterline project is needed to improve water pressure and fire suppression capabilities on Bank Street, as well as enable future development on the City Centre Campus, and the Alva Place parking lot for the Police Station,” said Rachael J. Tabelski, City Manager.  

This project aligns with the strategies laid out by the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Investment Plan and New York State Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) as well as being in a federally designated Opportunity Zone. It is also part of a larger corridor plan in which the City is seeking Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant funds, as well for roadwork and streetscape on Bank Street.  

Currently, there is over $50M in public/private development in downtown Batavia, at various stages of planning, permitting, and construction.  This will be a welcomed investment that helps City as a whole, as well as the local business community, community institutions, and quality of life. 

Photo: Pub Coffee Hub finally gets its ribbon-cutting

By Howard B. Owens

Rob Credi did something unusual last summer -- he opened a physical location for his business -- Pub Coffee Hub, which up to that time had been purely mobile -- in the middle of a pandemic.

It hasn't hurt business at all. In fact, Credi said yesterday the business is doing well.

But it did mean there was no ribbon-cutting with the Chamber of Commerce.

That item on the business-opening checkbox was ticked off yesterday.  

Previously: Moon Java to become new location for Pub Coffee Hub under ownership of Rob Credi

Photo courtesy the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

Law and Order: Batavia woman charged with burglary, sex abuse, robbery, prostitution

By Howard B. Owens
Nateeka Gibson

Nateeka M. Gibson, no age provided, no residence provided, is charged with burglary 2nd, sex abuse 1st, robbery 3rd, grand larceny 4th, criminal mischief 4th, and prostitution.  At 4:36 p.m., Aug. 5, Batavia police officers were dispatched to a location on Holland Avenue after a report that Gibson was involved in a disturbance with another female. Officers were aware of four active arrest warrants against Gibson from City Court and Town of Batavia Court. Gibson was also a suspect in an ongoing investigation where charges are still pending. Among the responding officers were Officer Stephen Quider and K-9 "Batu."  The K-9 team conducted a search of the Holland Avenue residence. Gibson was reportedly located hiding in the basement.  Gibson was placed under arrest after an alleged brief struggle inside the residence.  Gibson was arraigned in City Court on Aug. 6 and ordered held without bail.  The ongoing investigation is related to Gibson allegedly entering the residence of an elderly male on July 28 at a location on East Main Street.  Police suspect Gibson of stealing money from the victim on two occasions and prevented the male from calling 9-1-1.  

Brooke Kimberley Tubbins, 40, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny 3rd and three counts of offering a false instrument for filing.  Tubbins allegedly failed to report income on two applications for SNAP benefits and as a result, received $6,215 in benefits she was not qualified to receive from May 2020 through March 2021.  The case was investigated by Robert Riggi, DSS. Tubbins was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released on her own recognizance. 

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