batavia

If you've been driving at night on Routes 5 or 33 and looked up at the Old County Courthouse, you've spotted the green-capped building already. Befitting of a patriotic theme, the lit cupola sits above the Upton Monument from the west, casting a faint lime green glow on the eagle.

While green may not seem so patriotic, it represents a yearly tradition that can't get any more red, white and blue, at least in spirit: Operation Green Light is all about offering up one's respect for veterans.

On Wednesday, the Genesee County Legislature proclaimed this time, which runs through Veteran's Day (Saturday) as an opportunity to place a green light in your home or business window to demonstrate "respect, admiration and the utmost gratitude for all of the men and women who have selflessly served their country and this community in the armed forces." 

The proclamation continues: 

WHEREAS, the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens, and

WHEREAS, Genesee County seeks to honor these individuals who have paid the high price for freedom by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all, and

WHEREAS, New York States Veteran Population has decreased by 44% over the last 20 years, and

WHEREAS, Veterans continue to serve their community in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, church groups, civil service, and

WHEREAS, approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities annually, and

WHEREAS, an estimated 20% increase of service members will transition to civilian life in the near future, and

WHEREAS, studies indicate that 44 percent to 72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during the transition from military to civilian life, and

WHEREAS, active Military Service Members transitioning from military service are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after military service, and

WHEREAS, the Genesee County appreciates the sacrifices our United States Military Personnel made while defending freedom and believes accord them specific recognition in appreciation of their service and to demonstrate the honor and support they have earned. Now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, with designation as a Green Light for Military Service County, Genesee County hereby declares from October through Veterans Day, November 11 th, 2023, a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform transitioning from Active Service, and be it further

RESOLVED, that in observance of Operation Green Light, the Genesee County Legislature encourages its citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those whose immeasurable sacrifices helped to preserve freedom by displaying a green light in a window of their place of business or residence.

Press Release: 

Each year, on Nov. 20, people worldwide take time to remember those lost to anti-transgender violence. This year, GLOW OUT will host four ceremonies in all GLOW counties simultaneously. 

In a broad sense, the phrase “transgender” means anyone whose gender identity or expression is outside of the norms that society ascribes to the gender someone was assigned at birth. Some might take medication or have surgery to align their body with their gender, while others might not. 

In the US, transgender people are more likely to be bullied, become homeless, go to jail, or experience violence than their cisgender (non-trans) peers. For these reasons and others, transgender people are also more likely to consider or attempt suicide.

Genesee County’s remembrance ceremony will take place at Old Batavia Courthouse on Main & Ellicott streets; the Zion Episcopal Church in Avon will host Livingston County’s vigil; the ceremony in Orleans County will be at the Rotary Park on Main Street in Medina; and the event in Wyoming County will be held on the street corner of Main & Borden in Perry. All of the vigils will begin at 7 p.m.

First officially observed in 1999, the International Transgender Day of Remembrance is a day of mourning initiated by a group of US transwomen. It began with a memorial service for Rita Hester, a Black transwoman who was killed in her Boston apartment, a murder that remains unsolved. 

Annually, the remembrance ceremony is held in a somber acknowledgment of the friends and loved ones taken too soon because of anti-transgender violence. 

Anti-transgender violence happens nationwide, resulting in a troubling number of murdered trans people every year. As transphobia intersects with sexism and racism, a large proportion of victims (every single year) are trans women of color - specifically, Black and Latina. 

Overall, the number of those killed in the US has declined since 2021 (59, with 41 in 2022). As of this writing, at least 25 transgender Americans have been killed in 2023. Because the Remembrance period begins in November, those killed in the Club Q anti-transgender mass shooting in Colorado in November 2022 will be included in the list read at the vigils. This list is likely incomplete, because of the misreporting and underreporting of these crimes. Some have been disrespected in death by using their “dead name”, the name they were assigned at birth.

Since 2009, November 13-19 has been recognized as Trans Awareness Week. This observation creates the opportunity to uplift joys and successes for our trans loved ones as well. This week allows us to remind our transgender community that their lives are more than tragedy. 

After all, we cannot wait for someone to die to give them their flowers. We owe it to their memory and to our future to recognize the importance of supporting and celebrating our transgender loved ones, community members, and friends – remembering them in death, yes, and loving them while they are alive.

Patricia McDonald, 37, of East Avenue, Batavia, is charged with offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree and grand larceny 3rd after an investigation by Social Services Investigator Robert Riggi.  McDonald is accused of falsely reporting that her children were residing with her in order to obtain additional SNAP benefits in the amount of  $2,501.  McDonald was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released on her own recognizance.

James Harris, 63, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny 4th and welfare fraud 4th after an investigation by Genesee County Department of Social Services Investigator Robert Riggi. Harris is accused of failing to report income from a job he had, resulting in him receiving $2,395 in SNAP benefits he was not entitled to.  Harris was arraigned in Town of  Batavia Court and released on his own recognizance.

Remy Lacey, 33, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with welfare fraud 3rd and grand larceny 3rd after an investigation by Genesee County Department of Social Services Investigator Robert Riggi. Lacey is accused of failing to report wages from a job he held, resulting in him receiving $3,326 in SNAP benefits he was not entitled to.  Lacey was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released on his own recognizance.

Press Release:

As the holiday season approaches, a collaborative effort is underway to bring joy and support to underprivileged children and teenagers in Genesee County. 

On Nov. 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., "Stuff the Cruiser" will take place in Batavia, featuring the active involvement of many local law enforcement and social welfare agencies including the Genesee County Probation Department, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Batavia Police Department, the New York State Police, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Genesee County Department of Social Services.

Residents and community members are encouraged to visit the Batavia Towne Center parking lot on Veterans Memorial Drive, where police cruisers from these agencies will be stationed. There is no need to avoid the area due to these vehicles; instead, we invite everyone to join this heartwarming event. 

The focus of "Stuff the Cruiser" is to collect gifts and essentials for children and teenagers aged eighteen and under throughout Genesee County. We seek your support in making this holiday season brighter for those in need. Donated items such as new toys, new clothing, small denomination gift cards, personal care gift sets, hats, gloves, accessories, and non-perishable food items are highly appreciated. 

All contributions will remain within Genesee County, ensuring they reach children and families who can benefit from these gifts during the holiday season. 

For further information, please contact Jason Mindler, Probation Supervisor at the Genesee County Probation Department, at 585-344-2550 ext. 2254 or Jason.Mindler@co.genesee.ny.us. 

Press Release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Annual will be hosting its Annual Membership Meeting on Nov. 16 at Terry Hills Golf Course & Banquet Facility, 5122 Clinton Street, Batavia. Registration begins at 11:30 am, and Buffet Lunch begins promptly at Noon, cost is $25 per person.

The Agenda for the Meeting will be a review of 2023, a look ahead into 2024 & Election of 2024 Chamber Board Members. To register directly online visit the Chamber’s Website www.geneseeny.com or call Kelly B. at 585-343-7440, ext. 1026. Deadline for registration is Nov. 10.

Press Release:

The Batavia Society of Artists is hosting artist Julie Lambert on Tuesday, Nov. 14 starting at 7 p.m. at Go Art!/Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia. She will be demonstrating papermaking art. 

Non-members are welcome with a $5 fee. Light refreshments will be provided.  The Tavern 2.o.1. will be open for cash purchases.

Submitted photos of Julie Lambert's artwork.

A six-month investigation into the possession, transportation, and sale of crack cocaine in and around Genesee County has led to the rest of a 36-year-old Batavia resident.

Philp R. Chin, of McKinley Avenue, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, and one count of tampering with physical evidence.

Chin was taken into custody on a sealed indictment warrant issued by Genesee County Court on Thursday evening following a traffic stop in the Village of Le Roy initiated by members of the Local Drug Task Force. 

He is accused of selling crack cocaine to an agent of the task force in Batavia on two separate occasions.

During the traffic stop, Chin was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine and attempted to conceal it from arresting officers.

Following arraignment in County Court, Chin was released on his own recognizance in accordance with current New York State bail laws.

The task force was assisted by uniformed deputies, Le Roy patrol officers, and the District Attorney's Office.

Four people are facing weapons and drug charges following the execution of a search warrant by members of the Local Drug Task Force on Oct. 28 at 14 South Spruce St., Batavia.

The arrests were the result of a months-long investigation, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Taken into custody were:

Michael J. Torres, 40, Batavia, no street residence provided, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 2nd for allegedly possessing a loaded firearm, a Class C felony, criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, a Class B felony, and criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, a Class D felony.

Haley M. Larnder, 24, Batavia, no street residence provided, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 2nd for allegedly possessing a loaded firearm, a Class C felony, criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, a Class B felony, and criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, a Class A misdemeanor.

Dawn M. Morford, 60, Batavia, no street residence provided, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, a Class B felony, and criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, a Class D felony.

Jason H. Freeman, 42, Batavia, no street residence provided, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, a Class B felony, and criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, a Class D felony.

The Sheriff's Office did not provide details on the weapons nor narcotics allegedly recovered at the scene.

All four defendants were held pending arraignment.

The task force was assisted by the Batavia Emergency Response Team, uniformed officers, Batavia PD, and the District Attorney's Office.

Terrance L. Falk, 25, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 3rd and menacing 2nd. Falk is accused of threatening two people with a knife during an altercation on Washington Avenue at an undisclosed time on Oct. 24. He was arraigned and ordered back to court at a later date.

Victor M. V. Diaz, 22, of Canisteo, is charged with gang assault 2nd. Dias is accused of causing serious physical injury to another person during an altercation on Law Street on May 30, 2022. Dias was arrested on Oct. 19 and arraigned in City Court and released under supervision.

Jennifer K. Freeman, 39, of Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd. Freeman is accused of striking another person in the head with a blunt object on Oct. 17 at an undisclosed time and location, causing injury. Freeman was arraigned and released.

Keith M. Lewandowski, 32, of Albion, is charged with robbery 3rd, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, menacing 2nd, and harassment 2nd. Lewandowski is accused of being involved in a disturbance on Oct. 14 at an undisclosed time and undisclosed location where Lewandowski allegedly struck another person, threatened that person with a knife, and stole the victim's mobile phone. Lewandowski was arraigned and ordered to reappear at a later date.

Christopher H Monfort, 51, of Webster, was arrested on a warrant on Oct. 17. Monfort was initially charged on Feb. 18 with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 2nd, and switched license plates. He was released on appearance tickets and is accused of failure to appear in court. Monfort was arraigned and held on nominal bail. 

Amber L. Turner, 30, of Batavia, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on Oct. 16. Turner was initially charged with making graffiti on July 28 after allegedly spray painting the sidewalk on South Main Street. The warrant was issued after Turner allegedly failed to appear in court. She was arraigned in City Court and released. 

Malik I Ayala, 32, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Ayala is accused of stealing merchandise from Kwik Fill on Jackson Street on Sept .19. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Sarah E. Hill, of Corning, is charged with harassment 2nd. Hill is accused of striking another person at a location on West Main Street, Batavia, on Oct. 3. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Benjamin G. Evans, 35, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on Oct. 13. Evans was initially arrested on July 9 and charged with petit larceny after allegedly stealing a package from the front porch of a residence. The warrant was issued on Oct. 11 after he allegedly failed to appear in court. He was arraigned and released. 

Michael A Sweet, 37, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 4th, identity theft 3rd, and petit larceny. Sweet is accused of possessing a stolen debit card and using it to purchase items from a local store.  He was arrested on Oct. 22 and issued an appearance ticket.

Shante C. Johnson, 26, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd and criminal mischief 4th. Johnson is accused of entering a residence on Thorpe Street, Batavia, and damaging property inside on Sept. 26. Johnson was arrested on Oct. 16 and arraigned and released pending further court proceedings.

Corey A. Brown, 37, of Batavia, was arrested on Oct. 15 on two arrest warrants. Each warrant charges Brown with sex offender failure to notify change of address and Level 3 sex offender failure to verify address. He was arraigned and ordered to reappear at a later date.

Joseph M Tornabene, 32, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Tornabene is accused of making unwanted physical contact with a person covered by a protective order. Tornabene was arrested on Oct. 19 and arraigned and ordered to reappear in court at a later date.

Gage A. Dieterle, 22, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Dieterle is accused of damaging property that belonged to another person during an altercation on Lincoln Avenue. He was arrested on Oct. 24 and arraigned in City Court, and ordered to reappear at a later date.

James E. Murray, 24, undisclosed residence, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Murrary is accused of having contact with a person covered by a protective order. He was arrested on Oct. 23, arraigned in City Court and jailed.

Hailee N. Callicutt, 33, of Batavia, was arrested on Oct. 23 on a warrant issued by City Court. Callicutt was initially arrested on Jan. 1, 2022, and charged with obstructing governmental administration 2nd, resisting arrest and several vehicle and traffic violations. She was issued appearance tickets and released. Callicutt allegedly failed to appear in court, and a warrant was issued on Sept. 20, 2022. Callicutt was arrested on that warrant on Aug. 29. She was released and was scheduled to appear in court at a later date. She allegedly failed to appear again, and another warrant was issued on Oct. 16. Callicutt was located on a traffic stop in Batavia and arrested. She was arraigned is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

Peter L. Jackson, 57, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Jackson is accused of violating an order of protection. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Ted E. Kingsley, 51, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Kingsley is accused of stealing merchandise from Family Dollar on East Main Street, Batavia on Oct. 21. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jeslene Daniell Beach, 35, of Morrow Road, Pavilion, is charged with grand larceny 4th and five counts of petit larceny. Beach is accused of stealing five checks from one person and then cashing those checks via mobile deposit. The total of the five checks cashed exceeded $1,000.

Paul Everett Cooper, 47, of Swamp Road, Bergen, is charged with 12 counts of falsifying business records 1st. Cooper is accused of making multiple false entries in his Federal Firearms License Acquisition and Disposition Log Book in an alleged attempt to conceal the crime of criminal possession of a weapon by another person. Cooper was issued an appearance ticket.

Larry Francis Dillon, 62, of Covington Street, Perry, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right. Dillon was arrested by Deputy Mason Schultz following an investigation into a motor vehicle accident reported at 9:21 p.m. on Oct. 12 on Big Tree Road, Pavilion. Dillon was transported to the Genesee County Jail for processing and released.

Todd James Strong, 52, of Rochester (no street provided), is charged with felony DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation 1st, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, and parking on the highway. Strong was reportedly located at 3:22 a.m. on Oct. 19 asleep in his vehicle at Route 33 and Wortendyke Road, Batavia, by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell. Strong allegedly has two prior DWI convictions within the past 10 years. He was held pending arraignment.

Raven Madison Spikes, 21, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, and Jaliyah Shontel McClinic, 20, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, are both charged with petit larceny and endangering the welfare of a child. Spike and McClinic are accused of stealing items from Target in Batavia at 5 p.m. on Oct. 20 while accompanied by two children. Both were issued appearance tickets.

Ronald James Murray, Jr., 29, of Wood Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Deputies were dispatched to a location on Bethany Center Road, Bethany, at 4:03 p.m. on Oct. 22 to investigate a report of a male passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle. Deputies allegedly found Murray in possession of a white rock-like substance in his lab, which was later identified as crack cocaine. He was arrested and taken to the Genesee County Jail for processing before being released on an appearance ticket. 

Tyler Joseph Burns, 19, no residence provided, is charged with criminal mischief (no degree of the charges listed). At 4 a.m. on Oct. 22, Deputies were dispatched to the parking lot of Batavia Downs for a report of a man going through cars. At the scene, deputies spoke with Burns. It's unclear if this happened before or after the interview, but Burns reportedly fell asleep in a bathroom at Batavia Downs, and when awoken by security, he reportedly became irate and destroyed the baby changing station.  He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.

Jonathan Michael Falk, 25, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with conspiracy 6th. Also charged was Trace G. Brewer, 23, of Montclaire Avenue, Batavia, who is also charged with petit larceny. Falk and Brewer are accused of stealing from Kohl's Department Store at 4:32 p.m. on Oct. 16. They allegedly stole a $40 pair of children's Nike shoes and fled the store. Once located, the pair was taken into custody and transported to the Genesee County Jail for processing and released on an appearance ticket.

Jeremey Gene English, 21, of Ellis Drive, Brockport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right, and driving with an obstructed view. English was reportedly involved in a head-on collision at 12:07 a.m. on Oct. 29 on Route 33 in Pembroke. English was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.

Casey Thomas Vaughn, 34, of Prestige Xing, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Vaughn is accused of violating a complete stay-away order at 8:21 p.m. on Oct. 26 by allowing the protected party into his residence. He was helped pending arraignment.

Marando Lena Button, 30, of Batavia (no street address provided), is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and insufficient signal. Button was allegedly found in possession of drug paraphernalia following a traffic stop by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 28 on Lewiston Road and Park Road, Batavia. Button was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.

Miguel Esquivel Alvarez, Jr., 28, of Main Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, unlicensed driver, and inadequate lights. Alvarez was stopped at 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 1 on Clinton Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Zachary Hoy. He was issued tickets and released.

Ronald Walter Sibs, 58, of Stonebriar Lane, Rochester, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd. Sibs is accused of being inside Batavia Downs at 6:27 a.m., Oct. 28, after being previously barred from the property. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.

Trevvohn Sherreff Parker, 32, of West Avenue, Medina, is charged with petit larceny. Parker is accused of stealing fuel from the TP Deli on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation at 1:34 p.m. on Oct. 7. He was arrested on Nov. 5 and issued an appearance ticket.

Jason J. Meyer, 46, of Elba is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Meyer was stopped by State Police in the Town of Oakfield at 6:26 p.m. on Nov. 3. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Robert O. Taft, 49, of Alexander, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Taft was arrested in connection with an incident reported 7:35 p.m. on Nov. 1 in the Town of Alexander. Taft was released on his own recognizance. 

Heather N. Holbrook, 38, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance 5th, and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. During an arrest on an unrelated warrant on Oct. 24, Holbrook was allegedly found in possession of narcotics. She was arraigned and ordered held.

Jeffrey D. Bald, 41, of Le Roy, is charged with burglary 2nd and petit larceny. Bald is accused of entering a residence on East Main Street, Batavia, and stole property. Bald was arraigned in City Court and jailed.

Robert D. Griffin, 45, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st and assault 2nd. Griffin is accused of sending multiple harassing text messages and leaving voicemails to a protected party. While in custody, Griffin allegedly kicked a door, which hit and injured an officer. Griffin was arraigned and ordered held without bail.

Martin J. Rodgers, 39, of Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd, and Wayne D. Potter, 40, of Batavia, is charged with attempted assault 3rd. Both men were arrested on Oct. 27 following an investigation into a fight on Oct. 14 at a location on West Main Street, Batavia. Both men were issued appearance tickets.

Timothy J. Stump, 51, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Stump is accused of damaging property inside a residence on Highland Park on Oct. 28. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Haley M. Larnder, 24, of Batavia, was arrested on Oct. 29 on a warrant issued by City Court. Larnder was initially arrested on March 19 and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. She was issued an appearance ticket and was to appear in court at a later date. She allegedly failed to appear, and a warrant was issued on April 11. She was arrested on the warrant on April 21. She was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance. Larnder again allegedly failed to appear in court, and another warrant was issued on June 22. She was arrested on that warrant on Aug. 2. She was arraigned and released. She again allegedly failed to appear in court, and a third warrant was issued on Aug. 21. She was located and arrested on Oct. 29. She was arraigned and was released on her own recognizance. 

Lawrence J. Sharpstene, 44, of Batavia, was arrested on Oct. 28 on a warrant issued by City Court. Sharpstene was initially charged on Aug. 28 on charges of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 3rd and expired inspection following a traffic stop on East Avenue. Sharpstene was issued traffic tickets. The warrant was issued after he allegedly failed to appear in court. Sharpstene was arraigned in City Court and released. 

James J. Richardson, 45, of Sweden, is charged with harassment 2nd. Richardson allegedly struck another person in the face while at T.F. Brown's on Oct. 27. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Deputies have been dispatched to Veterans Memorial Drive following the report of two men stealing coats from Dick's Sporting Goods.

The men reportedly fled on bicycles.

They are described as white, one wearing a black sweater, baseball cap, and jeans and the other in blue jeans and gray sweater. 

They were last seen headed toward Walmart.

UPDATE 2:45 p.m.: One suspect in custody.

Press Release:

On Thursday, Nov. 9 the Batavia High School faculty, administration, and students are planning to celebrate and honor our Veterans in Genesee County. 

We would like to invite our Genesee County Veterans to attend our ceremony to honor and thank you for your service to our country.

All veterans are asked to arrive at 8 a.m. at Batavia High School. The ceremony will begin at 8:15 a.m. in the Batavia High School Auditorium. There will be performances from our High School Band, orchestra, and Chorus, a student representative speaker, and a keynote speaker. 

After the ceremony, we will be offering a reception for our veterans in the High School Library. 

If you are interested in attending the Veteran’s Day Ceremony, RSVP the following information:

1. Name (Full Military Title)
2. Years of service
3. Military Branch

Please email or mail by Nov. 1.

Mail:

Collin Murtaug
Batavia High School
260 State Street
Batavia, NY 14020

Email: CMurtaugh@bataviacsd.org or JHaggett@bataviacsd.org. 

If you have a picture of you in uniform, please send it in with a reservation. We will return the picture on Nov. 9 at the end of the ceremony. We hope you can join us!

Press Release:

The Genesee County Master Gardeners are excited to announce that we will be collecting NEW, unwrapped BOOKS for youth, ages infant to 18 years old.  The books will be donated to the local Salvation Army for their annual Christmas gift giving campaign.

Books enhance a child’s ability to read and to communicate effectively.  The gift of a new book delivers a message of hope and instills self-confidence in children.

You can drop books off at the Genesee County Cooperative Extension office (420 East Main St., Batavia), Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  There is a collection bin set up near the reception area window.  Donations of new books can be made through Dec. 4.

The Genesee County Master Gardeners thank you in advance for your support.

Please contact Jan at 585-343-3040 x132 if you have questions.

“CCE of Genesee County is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.”

Press Release:

AmeriCorps Seniors, a program dedicated to connecting people aged 55 and older with meaningful volunteer opportunities, is thrilled to invite residents of all ages to the upcoming Volunteer Fair on Tuesday, Nov. 14. This event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Genesee County Office For The Aging, located at 2 Bank St., Batavia.

The AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteer Fair promises to be an enlightening and engaging event, open to all members of the community who wish to explore the world of volunteering and community service. Courtney Iburi, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Director, will be available to help guide and connect people to volunteer opportunities. She is committed to finding the perfect volunteer opportunity to match your interests, skills, and passions.

What to Expect 

• Diverse Volunteer Opportunities: AmeriCorps Seniors partners with numerous local organizations to provide a wide array of volunteer opportunities. This event is your chance to learn about these opportunities and how you can get involved.
• Perfect Match for You: Finding the right volunteer opportunity that aligns with your interests and skills is crucial. At the Volunteer Fair, you will discover how AmeriCorps Seniors can help you find the perfect volunteer match that not only fulfills your desire to give back but also utilizes your talents effectively. 
• Support and Recognition: AmeriCorps Seniors offers valuable support to volunteers, including supplemental liability insurance while volunteering and various training opportunities. We also make it a point to celebrate our volunteers at an annual recognition event, acknowledging their contributions to the community.

AmeriCorps Seniors is committed to providing meaningful ways for individuals to purposefully serve their community, creating a positive impact on the lives of others. 

The first 50 attendees will receive a special gift package containing an insulated tote, notebook, and pen. A drawing for exciting prizes will also be held for every attendee who visits each attending table. For more information about the AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteer Fair or any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 585-343-1611.

You are invited to attend a waffle breakfast on Saturday, November 11 th from 7AM to 10AM at Bontrager Auction Center in Batavia, NY! Come and enjoy all-you-can-eat waffles, sausage, coffee and all the fixin’s! Admission is $10. Non-perishable food donations for those in need are also being accepted at this event.

All funds raised at the breakfast support the Christian Missions & Relief Sale, a benefit auction planned for August 10 th, 2024. This sale is seeking to support efforts to further God’s Kingdom through two organizations: Christian Aid Ministries and the East African Initiative. Christian Aid Ministries is a organization working to provide relief and the Gospel to those in areas of crisis and need around the world. East African Initiative is an effort of Christians in Western NY to train and minister to church
leaders in growing East African Churches.

Tickets are also being sold pre-sale. For tickets or more information on this event, contact Zak Jantzi, (585) 409-7408.

Batavia's youth basketball camp, this year run by JV Coach Dave Pero, opened on Saturday.

Pero said 20 kids signed up for the camp, and 20 more showed up on the first morning, for a total of 40 boys and girls participating.

The camp is free and lasts six weeks, with a week off for Thanksgiving.

There are three sessions at John Kennedy Primary School each Saturday:

• Grades 1-2, 9 to 10 a.m.
• Grades 3-4, 10 to 11:15 a.m.
• Grades 5-6, 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

The players work on the fundamentals of the game -- dribbling, passing, shooting.

"The emphasis is on the kids having fun," Pero said. "The goal is to introduce the game of basketball to young kids and help the older kids get prepared for their travel seasons."

Photos by Howard Owens

Heartbreaking is the best way to describe the Batavia Blue Devil's 26-20 loss to the Honeoye Falls/Lima Cougars in the Class B football semifinal on Friday night.

The boys' varsity squad was by no means guaranteed the win when the defense made a costly mistake late in the fourth quarter.

But the mistake gave the Cougars' offense new life after the defense had snuffed an apparent scoring drive in the red zone.

First-year head coach Alex Veltz took responsibility for the mental error, saying he hadn't properly prepared his team for a rare circumstance in a high school football game: a blocked field goal attempt.

The defense, apparently unaware that, unlike a point-after attempt, the ball is still live when the kick is blocked, didn't immediately scramble to obtain possession of the ball, and HFL lingered a couple of seconds, too.  When a Batavia player did pick up the ball, he tossed it away, making it a fumble, and at least one HFL player had the situational awareness to pounce on it, giving the Cougars a new set of downs and another chance to score. That TD became the difference in an otherwise evenly-matched game. 

The Blue Devils got the ball back with less than 1:30 left on the clock and couldn't mount a quick-strike drive.

"You don't see many high school field goals," Veltz said in an on-field interview with The Batavian after the game. "It's just not a situation you encounter very much. It was something we didn't prep for, so my message to the team was I took ownership of it because it was a situation we didn't prepare for, a blocked field goal, reacting to a live ball, knowing that is different and the guys weren't ready for it."

It was a big game for junior running back Zailen Griffen, who scored all three of Batavia's TDs on 20 carries for 160 yards.

Cole Grazioplene had three receptions for 25 yards, and one carry for 37 yards.

On defense, Maggio Buchholz had 13.5 tackles; Lakoda Mruczek, 8.5 tackles; and Carter Mullen, one interception.

Veltz took over a young team, and while he will lose three of his senior captains to graduation, he expects good things from the Blue Devils in 2024.

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City officials have been keeping a close eye on the Bank Street property once owned and operated by Batavia Iron and Metal Company, and in more recent months, where the grounds have been the target of remediation work by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Although the City of Batavia no longer owns the property and will likely move to foreclose on it and devise a re-use strategy, City Manager Rachael Tabelski said she is pleased with all that has taken place there since the DEC has claimed it as a Superfund site for brownfield cleanup.

“Re-use of the site will be dependent on the level of clean-up.  If the site has been cleaned to unrestricted, residential and/or commercial activities would be allowed there,” Tabelski said.  “The work the DEC has done at this parcel is truly amazing, and on behalf of the City, I would like to thank the members of the site cleanup team, from the engineers, construction, monitors, trucking, etc. and DEC for the leadership and prioritizing community health. Any time a brownfield site in our city is cleaned up, either by the DEC or a private developer, it is an accomplishment we should celebrate.”

The city threw that celebration online recently with some photos of the work-in-progress at the site that sits between Dwyer Stadium and private homeowners.

Photos from City of Batavia online post

Back then
After nearly 50 years operating as a metal recycling business and then sitting defunct for another dozen or so years next to Dwyer Stadium, Batavia Iron and Metal has been on a slow track for cleanup, and the next phase to get it back on the tax rolls began more than a year ago, Jeff Wernick of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said previously.

DEC put out a call for bids to conduct remediation of approximately 50,000 tons of PCB-impacted soil for off-site disposal, backfill and restoration, Wernick said in response to The Batavian’s inquiries in 2022.

“DEC received four viable bids,” Wernick said. "The bids are associated with the remediation efforts under the State Superfund program. Work is being performed under a self-implementation agreement with the United States Environmental Protection Agency. DEC’s role for future use is limited to the completion of the cleanup activities and the release of the remediated site for residential or commercial use in accordance with local zoning ordinances.”

The winning bid award is expected in the fall, with work to start in the spring of 2023, he said. The scope of work is estimated to cost $15 million to $20 million. Remedial activities include the removal of PCB-contaminated soil, temporary water treatment, backfill, and restoration, including the transport and disposal of non-hazardous and hazardous soils. 

The site at 301 Bank St., Batavia, earned special attention from the Department of Environmental Conservation more than a dozen years after it went defunct and was abandoned. Cleanups had been initiated for neighboring properties and the business site from 2013 to 2018.

And now
Since then, DEC has been overseeing the comprehensive cleanup that, once complete, “will be fully protective of public health and the environment,” DEC Assistant Public Information Officer Denis Slattery said Friday. “Remedial work at the site is moving forward as scheduled with the transport and disposal of 65,000 tons of impacted soil and debris to off-site permitted facilities, as well as backfilling, and restoration of wetland areas. 

“Areas suitable for fall planting and seeding will be restored before work shuts down for the winter in December,” he said. “Site activity will resume in the spring with the restoration of paved areas and permanent fencing.”

Work is projected to be completed by summer 2024, he said. The site is anticipated to be restored for commercial use under an easement in accordance with local zoning laws. 

“DEC will continue to coordinate with the city as the project moves toward completion,” Slattery said.  

A DEC fact sheet from 2018 states that, based on the April 2013 Record of Decision, the cleanup included removal of contaminated soil and debris and from on-site and parcels located near the former facility. The Site operated as a metal recycling facility from 1951 to 1999.

Batavia Iron and Metal aftermath
Batavia Iron and Metal also purchased and handled electrical transformers on the property. Two furnaces operated at the facility from the early 1970s until 1994 for the purpose of reclaiming wire and smelting white metals. Prior to the use of the furnaces, the facility utilized open burning in Dumpsters in the yard to remove insulation from the wiring.

DEC took charge of designing and implementing this cleanup to remove the contaminants that have migrated from the site onto City property, the Fact Sheet states. As part of the remedy, the installation of sub-slab depressurization systems at three residences near the site was completed in 2013. In addition, a cleanup involving soil removal at three residences was completed in 2014.

Further work included soil removal and restoration activities along the rear property boundary of 299 Bank Street and 301 Bank Street. The goal of the cleanup effort was “to ensure the effective removal and proper disposal of contaminated soil and to restore the property with clean soil.” At least one neighbor — who lives next door to the defunct business — had complained about potential health issues from toxins leaching into his water system and how his trees would not grow in the contaminated soil.

Work done in 2017 was performed by Nature’s Way Environmental of Alden, with oversight and inspection provided by DEC. Soil identified for remediation was to be excavated and disposed of off-site. All areas that were disturbed during the removal were also to be restored, and the same for any City of Batavia-owned roads, utilities, or other infrastructure impacted by the cleanup activities.

DEC and the New York State Department of Health approved a Community Air Monitoring Plan that required continuous air monitoring during all excavation and backfilling activities to ensure no additional contamination was released to the environment or adjacent properties during the cleanup.

The project is being funded and conducted pursuant to terms of the State Superfund program, intended for “Brownfield” areas that are contaminated with toxic waste and in need of remediation for safe future use.