Skip to main content

batavia

Police respond to woman's complaint of violence on Jackson Street

By Billie Owens

Batavia police responded to Jackson Street after receiving a complaint by a woman who says a man on the street threw things at her, knocked her down and threatened her with a knife. She said he then went and sat out on a nearby porch. Police are out with the suspect at 113 Jackson St. This was not a domestic violence call.

Driver wearing clown mask prompts 9-1-1 call

By Billie Owens

A person wearing a clown mask and driving a car downtown caught the eye of another driver, who called 9-1-1. Police are checking out the "suspicious condition" somewhere off Ellicott Street.

Woman walking with little kids on Pearl Street allegedly screaming obscenities

By Billie Owens

A caller to dispatch complains that a woman who appears to be in her 40s is pushing a baby in a stroller, and has two small children trailing behind her and she's allegedly screaming obscenities. The caller says she can "hear her all the way down the street," but she can't tell if she's allegedly screaming at the kids or something / somebody else. The caretaker was seen walking on Pearl Street in the city. Police are responding.

Molino addresses conference of mayors for the third straight year

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Batavia City Manager, Jason Molino, spoke to approximately 75 attendees at a roundtable discussion on Tuesday during the New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) 2013 Fall Training School that took place this week in Saratoga Springs.

Molino addressed the group as part of a discussion about budgeting and finance, a topic which Molino has been asked to speak about before. Molino shared Batavia’s budgeting process and outlined the way in which it has been successfully linked to the City’s Strategic Plan the past three years. He also shared Batavia’s achievements in developing a progressive employee wellness plan, successful water loss program and cost-effective sewer infrastructure improvements.

Last year Molino was invited to address attendees at NYCOM’s 2012 CFO Summit about Batavia’s Wellness Initiative.

“Our wellness initiative has resulted in higher employee and spouse participation as well as aggressive pursuit to minimize future healthcare costs for the City,” Molino said, “and after the summit last year, I received multiple phone calls from other cities and villages requesting more details about our wellness initiative.”

“One of NYCOM’s core functions is to educate and train local officials, and the September conference is our largest conference of the year,” said Barbara VanEpps, NYCOM’s deputy director. “During this conference, it’s important that our members walk away with a wealth of knowledge. We keep inviting Jason (Molino) to speak to our members because he has provided many good ideas regarding initiatives that the City of Batavia has undertaken that not have only helped Batavia to reduce expenses and function more efficiently, but that can also be replicated in other cities and villages across the state.”

“We are thrilled that Jason has been asked to represent Batavia on the state level for three years in a row,” said Batavia City Councilwoman Patty Pacino. “Jason is constantly pushing the envelope seeking to make Batavia a better, more viable place to live and work, and he is also an excellent teacher. The fact that NYCOM continues to invite Jason to help educate others clearly demonstrates the respect Jason has earned from other city, village and town leaders. This kind of recognition is important for Batavia, because while we realize that the programs we are doing and the decisions we are making are effective, being recognized by the state serves to reinforce the quality of those decisions.”

NYCOM, founded in 1910, has 1,579 members which include counties, cities, towns and villages across New York State. NYCOM’s mission is threefold: to serve as an advocate for city and village governments and their taxpayers before the state’s government; to serve as a readily accessible source of practical information for every area of municipal activity; and to serve as the preeminent provider of training for local government officials.

Deadline extended for Dellapenna building proposals

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia released a request for redevelopment proposals to reinvest at one of the City’s strategic Batavia Opportunity Area (BOA) sites. The one-acre parcel is located in the heart of downtown. Market research reports a demand for new office space and downtown market-rate residential.

The RFP deadline has been extended to Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Please review the attached proposal or visit the Web site for more details. Questions? You may contact our office or the City Manager’s office at 585-345-6330.

http://www.batavianewyork.com/

PDF Files:

Batavia battles back but comes up short against Honeoye Falls-Lima

By Howard B. Owens

A pick six with a 70-yard return by Andrew Budlong in the fourth quarter felt like a game changer.

The Batavia Blue Devils cut in half their 14-point deficit against the Cougers of Honeoye Falls-Lima and the energy level on the sidelines and in the stands kicked up a notch.

Even Head Coach Brandon Briggs was thinking "win" as the refs signaled touchdown.

"We always talk about X plays, the big plays, and you've got to win the big play battle," Briggs said. "When he was running that back, first I've got to look to make sure we don't clip anybody, and when he was crossing that goal line I was saying in my mind, 'we're going to win this football game.' Momentum swings."

Alas, with two minutes left in the came the momentum dissipated as quickly as it had swung to Batavia.

The Blue Devils were knocking on the door for another six when sophomore QB Greg Mruczek flicked a pass into the end zone that only found white jerseys.

From there, HFL was able to run out the clock. Final score, HFL 27, Batavia 20.

At no point during the four quarters of football did Batavia have a lead.

The Cougers scored in the first quarter on a seven-yard run by Ryan Olivo. At the top of the second quarter, HFL made it 13-0 when Cougers QB Dan Hart hit Jovan Alcorn on a 24-yard TD pass.

Brandon Stevenson finally put Batavia on the board with a 13-yard run, but the Blue Devils went into the locker room down 20-6 at the half.

"We told them when we were down a couple of scores last year at half time against Albion, we came back to beat them," Briggs said.

And the Blue Devils fought back, even after the Cougers opened the third quarter with another score, Batavia never said quit.

Mruczek answered HFL with a 38-yard strike to Stevenson to make Budlong's eventual pick six meaningful.

The defense tightened up and the cause seemed far from hopeless.

"Our theme is to keep chopping," Briggs said. "We're a small team. We're a blue collar team. We've got to come out no matter what and keep chopping away."

The game, like any early season game for a good, young team, is a learning experience, Briggs said.

"Monroe County football is a different horse," Briggs said. "I think our guys found that out tonight. I don't think they're going to pack it in at all. I think we're going to come in with our lunch boxes on Monday and we're going to do a good job."

UPDATE: Stats from the game: Stevenson, 18 carries for 105 yards and a TD, and two catches for 40 yards and one TD. Mruczek was 4-10 for 90 yards, a TD and three interceptions. Tom Garlock had 4.5 tackles and one sack. Budlong has a 77 interception return for a TD.

To purchase prints of photos, click here.

In other Friday night football action:

Alexander scored 64 points against hapless CG Finney for a 64-0 victory. Alexander had 509 yards of total offense, including 452 yards rushing. Dylan Scharlau had 22 carries for 239 yards and three TDs. Scharlau also blocked a punt and recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown. Tristan Aldinger filled in at fullback and had three carries for 118 yards and two touchdowns. Will Burke also played fullback and gained 58 yards on six carries and scored once plus three two-point conversion runs. On defense, Burke had 10 tackles. QB Nelson Burke was 2-5 passing for 57 yards and one TD with no interceptions. Zach Laird scored on a 41-yard reception. Cody Trzecieski has five tackles and two interceptions. John George had six tackles and he picked off a screen pass that he returned 28 yards to set up another Alexander score. Alexander is now 2-0 on the season and plays Notre Dame next Saturday.

Notre Dame moved to 2-0 with a 35-21 win over Oakfield-Alabama (0-2). Andrew Mullen carried the ball 18 times for 62 yards and one TD. QB Tim McCulley was 7-18 for 116 yards and four touchdowns. He also carried the ball 13 times for 99 yards. McCulley was 5-5 in PATs. Charlie Hebert had three receptions for 36 yards and one TD. Josh Johnson had two TD receptions and gained 53 yards. Joe Zickl also caught a 22-yard pass for a score. Hebert and Zickl led the defense with 8.5 tackles. Mullen had 7.5 tackles, as did McCulley. Tyler Stroud, 8. Dylan Cory recorded a sack. For the Hornets, QB Allen Chatt was 7-16 for 88 yards and one TD. Chris Nanni carried the ball 31 times for 167 yards and one TD. Nanni also had three receptions for 56 yards and a TD. Chase Manzella had 15 carries for 95 yards and a TD. Dominic D'Alba caught two pases for 15 yards. Manzella led the defense with six tackles and a sack. Jon Harris had four tackles as did D'Alba.

Le Roy moved to 2-0 with a 47-8 win over Bishop Kearney. We did not receive any stats for this game.

The only local game today is at 1:30 when Elba/Byron-Bergen (0-1) hosts Pembroke (1-0).

Sponsored Post: Join us for the 1st Annual Yuengs and Wings Fest! Saturday September 14th, 4-8 p.m.

By Lisa Ace

Join us for the first ever Yuengs and Wings Fest. Saturday September 14th 4-8 p.m. to benefit Genesee Cancer Assistance. It's sponsored by T.F. Brown's, Big Pauly’s Pizza and the Yuengling Brewery.

This event will be held on the patio at T.F. Brown's, located at 214 E. Main St., in Batavia. The participating vendors are: T.F. Brown's, Big Pauly's Pizza, Main Street Pizza and Batavia’s Original Pizzeria.

Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Each vendor will bring their favorite flavored wing. The $10 ticket price gets you three wings from each vendor -- so 12 wings for $10. We will donate $5 from each ticket to a local charity.

Live music on the patio during the event, with $2 cans of Yuengling Lager and Light Lager. Music entertainment provided by the Strummerz, and Rich Conroy from 4 – 8 p.m. The evening entertainment is Brent Persia.

Yuengs & Wing Fest is sponsored by T.F. Brown’s, Big Pauly’s Pizza and Yuengling Brewery. Proceeds will benefit Genesee Cancer Assistance.

Large mulch pile smoldering on Park Road

By Billie Owens

A large mulch pile is smoldering on city property north of the Sheriff's Office, which is located at 165 Park Road. City fire is on scene.

UPDATE 6:23 p.m.: A firefighter aboard Engine 11 says "We're going to call it a steaming pile of mulch. We're returning to service."

Sponsored Post: MoonJava Cafe to host book signing on September 19th!

By Lisa Ace

MoonJava Cafe will host a book signing for new sci-fi author, Kelda Wells and her first book, "The Whole Story." This one-time event will take place on Thursday, September 19th from 2 to 7 p.m.

With her first novel, Ms.Well's book dives into the complexities of time and space exploration as well as spinning a gripping tale that will keep you on the edge until the very end. The book is available as paperback, hardcover and e-book.

MoonJava cafe is located on 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia, NY.

For more information please call (585) 356-3817. Vist us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Moonjavacafe

Renter on Bank Street reportedly left dog after moving

By Billie Owens

The woman who rented the lower apartment at 139 Bank St. in the City of Batavia is believed to have abandoned her dog after moving out. A neighbor called dispatch to report that the dog has been in the vacant residence for at least two days. An officer responded to the scene.

Inmate at federal detention center on apparent 'hunger strike'

By Billie Owens

An inmate at the Buffalo Federal Detention Center has not eaten for 55 days, according to a caller to dispatch, and an ambulance is called to the facility at 4250 Federal Drive in the Town of Batavia.

The man is said to have "a severe sickness" due to "an apparent hunger strike." Because a Mercy rig is not available, an ambulance from Byron is responding.

UPDATE 11:51 a.m.: Byron is standing down and Mercy is now responding.

UPDATE 12:28 p.m.: The 28-year-old is being taken to UMMC.

UPDATE 3:50 p.m. (by Howard): We're trying to get more information on this situation and have been in touch with a spokesman for ICE. We can say at this point, it's 55 (or 50) meals, NOT days. More information to come, assuming it becomes available.

Photo: Repaving School Street parking lot

By Howard B. Owens

Workers have begun resurfacing the city-owned School Street parking lot. The area has been milled and cleaned and new asphalt will be laid soon, weather permitting.

The council approved the $30,000 project Monday.

Batavia Blue Devils tuning up for run at sectionals in volleyball

By Howard B. Owens

With all six of his starters returning from last year, Jeremy Mettler thinks the Batavia volleyball team can make a good run at a sectional title this season.

In his 14th year as head coach of the varsity squad, Mettler described his team as scrappy, one  that makes opponents work for their points.

That attitude was certainly on display Wednesday night when the Blue Devils fought back from seven-point deficit to force the rubber match into an extra-point ending.

Even in the loss there was a measure of victory because Mettler said he purposefully set up his girls with a tough early season schedule to better prepare them for sectional play.

Hilton, last night's opponent, is a bigger school with some taller players and heavy hitters.

"The best moment of the game was, when we switched sides in the volleyball game we were down 13-6 and at one point we were down 21-14 and we fought back and took them to 26-24," Mettler said. "It just shows this team is not going to give up. They're going to scrap and make you earn every point you get."

Last night's scores (Batavia in bold): 11-25, 25-18, 25-20, 14-25, 26-24.

Batavia's record so far on the season 2-2 overall, but 2-0 in their division.

Mettler said he teaches his players to be aggressive servers and that was on display in the final match when Ashlee Yasses and Tessa Engel each went on five-point runs.

"That's the kind of thing I look for my team to do," Mettler said. "I expect them to get at least three points every serve."

Mettler said Tessa Engel and Haley Case were hitting the ball from the outside well and Madison McCulley made some key kills.

"Bri Mazurkiewicz came off the bench to start a nice run in game four," Mettler said. "It's nice to get kids coming off the bench that contribute right away and help quite a bit."

Batavia has three tough games coming up: at Spencerport on Friday, Brockport at home on Monday and then a rematch with Honeoye Falls-Lima -- the team that knocked Batavia out of sectionals last year -- at home one week from today. Game time for home matches is 6 p.m.

Batavia plays in the Monroe County League in Division 4.

Here are the standings in the Genesee County League -- Division 1: Pembroke (3-0), Notre Dame (2-0), Byron-Bergen (2-0), Alexander (2-1) and Attica (1-1). Oakfield-Alabama leads Division 2 with a record of 1-1. Le Roy, in the Livingston County League, has no league record and is 2-1 overall to lead its division and Pavilion, also in Livingston County's league, leads its division with a 3-0 record.

To purchase prints of photos, click here.

Law and Order: DNA allegedly links two people to 2012 burglary in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens
Kristen Brightenfield James Kavanagh

Kristen L. Brightenfield, of South Byron, and James M. Kavanagh, 23, of Chili, are charged with one count each of burglary, 3rd and grand larceny, 4th. Brightenfield and Kavanagh were arrested following a lengthy investigation by Le Roy PD into a burglary in April 2012 at the old Jell-O Factory, 57 North St., Le Roy.

John O'Shea was arrested for the burglary shortly after it occurred and is currently serving a sentence in State Prison. Brightenfield and Kavanagh are accused of being accomplices. Investigators executed a search warrant at a location in Monroe County and allegedly recovered stolen property. DNA evidence linking Brightenfield and Kavanagh to the crime was also reportedly found at the scene. Both suspects were arraigned and released on their own recognizance.

Rachel Lynne Chatley, 18, of Angling Road, Corfu, is charged with petit larceny. Chatley and a 17-year-old friend (name withheld by the Sheriff's Office) are accused of shoplifting $115.55 worth of merchandise from Walmart.

Christopher John Naugle, 44, of Appletree Avenue, Bergen, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Naugle is accused of throwing a lit cigarette at another person and hitting that person in the face with it. During the investigation, Naugle was allegedly found in possession of marijuana and a pipe with marijuana inside of it. Naugle was jailed on $300 bail.

Sponsored post: IR systems - WE ARE... The Official DIRECTV HEADQUARTERS!

By Lisa Ace

IR Systems DIRECTV BATAVIA wants you to know that WE ARE... The Official DIRECTV HEADQUARTERS to suit all of your television needs!!

  • Free Sunday Ticket
  • Excellent Customer Service
  • Face-to-Face Interaction
  • Record up to 5 shows at once
  • Have access to over 10,000 movies and shows
  • In-home lifetime service plans SUPERIOR to all

Call (585) 345-7428 or stop down at 309 W. Main St., Batavia.
Visit us online: http://wnydtv.com/

Receive a $50 gift card to the RED OSIER when you sign up AND MENTION THIS AD!

Photo: 9/11 tribute on Morton Avenue

By Howard B. Owens

Pam Kilgore hung this 9/11 tribute in front of her house on Morton Avenue today. She said her husband painted the tribute sign four years ago.

Mercy Flight and Terry Hills pay tribute to first responders on 9/11

By Howard B. Owens

Terry Hills hosted the 5th Annual Hackers for Helicopter golf tournament today to benefit Mercy Flight.

The event served as a tribute to first responders. Mercy Flight pilot Brian Smith spoke of the dedication and sacrifice of first responders on behalf of their communities and said that all first responders consider it an honor to serve. Joining him were crew members William Hockenberry and Susan Thompson.

Skydivers also parachuted onto the ninth fairway to help kick off the event.

The skydiving team of Mike Maly, Bob McEvoy, Tim Allen, Bill Zipfel, with Nichols and Anthony Maly holding the flag. Mike Maly is a Buffalo firefighter and Zipfel is a member of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. Both wore their uniforms for their dive.

Harvester Artisan Market & Artisan Center bring Art & Activities to Batavia

By lucie griffis
The Harvester Artisan Center and the newly opened Harvester Artisan Market have been working on revitalizing the Harvester Center with activities and events. Next Thursday September 19th will be the first scheduled event with more to come! There will be a Ladie's Night Out and Wine Tasting at the Harvester Artisan Market from 5-9. YN Goddess will be doing a wine tasting at the event from 5:30-7:30. The tasting will be $5 a person with 3-4 wines tasted out. Wine tasting tickets are available presale or at the event. Call 768-8147 for more info or tickets. Mac Acoustic Trio ( Carla & Mac Ewell and Lee Moore) will be playing. There will be artisans/ crafters offering their handmade goods along with a few home based commercial vendors to shop. *Shiny Bits Jewelry *Adora Design Jewelry * Arbonne* Tracy's Tea's & Hollistics Wellness * WildTree ( Gluten Free) food * and more! The Harvester Artisan Center will be open and have specials. Art Ah La Carte will be offering create your own FREE wine charm from 7:30-8:30.. MoonJava Cafe will be holding a book signing and release for new Sci-Fi writer, Kelda Wells and her first book the whole story from 2:00-7:00. What could be better than friends, fun, shopping, music, and wine? Events are free and open to all. The wine tasting presale tickets are available by calling 768-8147 or the night of the event. Come out and check out what the Harvester Center has to offer.

Authentically Local