batavia

L&M Speciality Fabrication is moving from Albion to a new, bigger location on East Saile Drive, Batavia, and today, company owners and local officials officially broke ground on the site of the new 23,000-square-foot facility.

The company specializes in onion harvesting equipment, custom farm machinery and repairs of farm equipment.

The company is investing $2.2 million in the project. The new facility will include a production area and retail space for farm equipment parts.

Co-owner Lee Schuknecht said the new location was attractive because it's central to three rural counties (Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming), Batavia is already a central location for businesses that support farmers, and West Saile Drive has easy Thruway access.

While the company might be known for its onion harvesting equipment, L&M works with farmers to meet a variety of needs. They've built harvesters for other crops as well as custom conveyors and wagons for a variety of produce.

"With most farmers, we try to figure out their needs for different growing areas and try to meet those needs," Schuknecht said. "A lot times people come to us with something they need or a problem they have and we try to engineer a solution for their problem, so a lot of things we do, we may only build one or a couple."

Genesee County Economic Development Center assisted the project with a sales tax worth $84,000 for building materials and supplies, and property tax abatement valued at $158,656. The company currently has seven employees and plans to hire two more once they are in their new building.

Photo: Chris Suozzi, VP of business development for GCEDC, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Lee Schuknecht, Matt Geissler, Sarah Geissler, Robin Schuknecht, and Dale Schuknecht. Lee, Matt, and Sarah own the business. Dale and Robin, parents of Lee and Sarah, assist in the business.

Press release:

Sleep Insights, a local sleep medicine practice, is now offering testing at their Batavia sleep center.

The sleep center provides board-certified sleep physician appointments (ages 5+), home sleep apnea testing, overnight/daytime sleep testing and CPAP services. They are the only sleep medicine practice in Batavia and the surrounding area to comprehensively offer all these services all at one location. Sleep Insights is neither owned by nor affiliated with a hospital system.

In January, Sleep Insights moved into 47A Batavia City Centre and has been remodeling ever since: new interior paint, exterior lit signs, and the creative use of space for patient appointments and sleep testing offers a welcoming environment. The bedrooms resemble upscale hotel rooms with cable TV, WiFi, and sinks.

A small snack and beverage area is available, as is curbside parking for testing patients.

“We want people to feel relaxed and comfortable at our practice, particularly our overnight/daytime testing patients,” said Dr. Jacob Dominik, Sleep Insights’ medical director.

In addition, Dr. Kenneth Murray, a board-certified sleep specialist and neurologist, joined Sleep Insights and began seeing patients at the Batavia location in response to patient demand.

“We’ve seen a steady increase of new patients since we opened here, so that tells there was an unmet need,” noted Dr. Dominik, “People come to us for all types of sleep issues and questions. Testing isn’t always needed, so that definitely shouldn’t deter people from seeking help.”

People go to a sleep specialist when they aren’t regularly waking up and feeling refreshed or when they suspect they have a sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea, shift work disorder, insomnia or parasomnias such as sleep walking, nightmares or sleep paralysis. Many patients are referred by their healthcare provider or dentist, but patients can self-refer to Sleep Insights for a physician appointment. 

Their new location provides a soothing, upscale environment with expanded room for CPAP supplies and support from a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Their phone number is 585.219.4330. New patient appointments are available and no healthcare provider referral is needed.

About Sleep Insights

Founded in 2005, Sleep Insights is a regional, comprehensive sleep medicine practice offering consultative, diagnostic testing and sleep therapy services. Sleep Insights is an independent sleep center, not owned by or affiliated with a hospital. The company’s main site is in Rochester, with 10 locations throughout Central and Western New York.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department during the G-Eazy Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday.

Terrance L. Falk, 19, of Watson Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct, harassment, 2nd, and resisting arrest after allegedly yelling several obscenities around other individuals while being ejected from the concert venue causing a disturbance; head-butting a Live Nation employee in the face; and fighting with law enforcement while being placed under arrest. Falk was arraigned in Darien Town Court and jailed in lieu of $500 bail. 

A 16-year-old of Audubon Drive, Amherst, is charged with false personation, obstructing governmental administration, and resisting arrest after allegedly being refused entry into the concert venue, running into a restricted area, fighting with law enforcement while being placed under arrest, and then giving a false name to law enforcement. The youth was arraigned in Darien Town Court and jailed in lieu of $2,000 bail.

Kaitlyn M. Kist, 19, South Creek Road, Derby, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Kist was arraigned in Darien Town Court and jailed in lieu of $200 bail.

Brittany J. McGruther, 22, of Lower Mountain Road, Lockport, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Brittany was arraigned in Darien Town Court and jailed in lieu of $200 bail.

Michaela R. Bohn, 18, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, after allegedly being found in possession of a small quantity of cocaine and heroin.

A 17-year-old of South Main Street, of Angola, is charged with trespass after allegedly climbing on top of a concession stand and entering a restricted area.

Adam L. Vargas, 20, of Coleman Street, Barker, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

A 17-year-old of South Union Road, of Williamsville, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

John J. Rozmus, 23, of Laird Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly yelling several obscenities around other individuals trying to enter the concert venue, causing a disturbance.

Kaylin M. Carlson, 19, of Route 64, Bloomfield, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching another individual in the face.

Timothy D, Trask, 19, of Wilkinson Road, Erin, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing and shoving law enforcement while being ejected from the concert venue.

Ashley R. Jolliff, 22, of Lowell Road, Tonawanda, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly shoving a law enforcement officer while another individual was being arrested.

Able Nazareem Supreme Jones, 18, of Falls Street, Seneca Falls, is charged with unlawful possession of marihuana after allegedly being found in possession of a small quantity of marijuana.

(Name redacted upon request), 19, of Woodmore Court, Lockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marihuana after allegedly being found in possession of a small quantity of marihuana.

Cornelius Lawson III, 21, of Middle Street, Geneva, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a small quantity of marijuana.

An odor of natural gas is reported at Arby's in Batavia.

At least one person reports feeling ill.

City Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 1:47 p.m.: National Fuel on location.

UPDATE 2 p.m.: City Fire is turning the scene over to National Fuel and is going back in service. Mercy EMS has five sign-offs.

Press release:

It looked like a trackside racing crowd from the 1960s at Batavia Downs as a gathering of more than 4,000 people jammed the stands and the apron to watch the 14th annual “Dachshund Dash” on a beautiful late summer Sunday afternoon (Aug. 26). The Wiener Dog Races were the centerpiece of Batavia Downs Family Fun Day presentation.  

Eighty dogs were programmed to compete in 10 heats with one winner from each advancing to the final. And after several close finishes, three romps and one runaway dog, “Louie” nosed out “Jasper” in a photo finish with “Dexter Tyberius” finishing a close third in the championship heat.

Louie is owned by Bruce Hummel, of Pittsford, and quickly became a fan favorite in the Purple Haze winner’s circle after the race.

All those who entered received doggie bags courtesy of Genesee Feeds of Batavia, the official sponsor of the race. The owners of all heat winners received $25 in gaming Free Play and the top three finishers in the championship race received two Clubhouse buffet certificates and $100, $75 and $50 (first through third) in Free Play for the gaming floor. The top winner’s total prize package including the gaming Free Play is valued at $200.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Last night's sunset looking down East Main Street, Batavia.

About a dozen players and coaches, including manager Mike Jacobs, came out to the ballpark Saturday morning to provide baseball instruction to 30 or so young ballplayers at the Batavia Muckdogs annual youth camp.

Young players were given tips on fielding, hitting, running the bases, and pitching.

Genesee Community College's History Club will begin its fall lecture series on Wednesday, Sept. 5, when Kevin R. Pawlak speaks on "The Jewels of War: Robert E. Lee, George B. McClellan and the Battle of Antietam."

The free lecture will take place at 7 p.m. in Room T102 in the Conable Technology Building at GCC's Batavia Campus, located at One College Road. All are invited.

The History Club will host a lecture on the first Wednesday evening of every month this fall as part of its Historical Horizons Lecture Series. 

Pawlak is the author of "Shepardstown in the Civil War."

The Battle of Antietam is America's bloodiest single day. In totality, 12 hours of fighting on Sept. 17, 1862 left approximately 23,000 casualties. During this lecture, Pawlak will assess the dramatic events of the Civil War battle from the unique perspective of the commanders on the field.

(Photo of author Kevin R. Pawlak, courtesy of GCC.)

The 71st annual Batavia Gun and Sportsman Show, sponsored by the Alabama Hunt Club, will be held the weekend of Sept. 15 and 16 at Quality Inn & Suites in Batavia. There will be more than 100 vendor and exhibitor tables and plenty of free parking.

Hours on Saturday are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The hotel is located at 8250 Park Road and features a restaurant and a water park.

Admission is $6. Children under 12 get in free when accompanied by adult.

Exhibitors will bring items for collectors, including antiques and investment firearms, swords and knives, Revolutionary War to World War II militaria, plus books, traps, pistols, gun parts, ammo and hunting accessories, black powder accessories, reloading equipment, archery, medals and more.

The public is urged to participate by bringing items to sell or trade with dealers.

Note: All Firearm Laws MUST Be Obeyed.

A national instant criminal background check, which is free, MUST be completed prior to all firearm sales.

Exhibitors/dealers may only set up Friday, Sept. 14, from 1 to 7:30 p.m. or Saturday, Sept. 15, from 7 to 8 a.m.

No dealing is authorized out of autos, trucks or in the parking areas.

Exhibit tables require a $40 deposit per table and are available on a first-come basis. (Cancellations will be charged a $25 fee per table.) You must received a confirmation card in order to get a table(s).

(Editor's note: On Sept. 21, 2019, personal contact information for this event's organizer was redacted upon request of that organizer; and the request was granted because the information is no longer relevant.)

A caller reports smoke coming from under the porch and possibly from the basement of a residence at 5 Franklin St., Batavia.

The occupants have been advised to evacuate. 

City fire dispatched.

UPDATE 10:25 p.m.: Fire contained to the porch, smoldering right now.

UPDATE 10:31 p.m.: Fire is out. Overhauling.

An 80-year-old resident of Medina was pronounced dead at the scene Friday evening of a two-car accident at the intersection of Pearl Street Road and Wortendyke Road, Batavia.

The investigation so far indicates that Irene B. Cichocki was driving a 2018 Kia Sportage westbound on Route 33 when it was hit broadside by a 2016 Honda Pilot that was southbound on Wortendyke Road.

The Pilot was driven by Lauren D. Power, 17, of Scotch Plains, N.J.

Power reportedly told investigators she was unfamiliar with the area and did not see the stop sign on Wortendyke.

Power, along with her passengers, suffered minor injuries and were transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for evaluation and treatment. Her passengers were Marianna D. Ban, of Hamlin, Sophia E. Buono, of Rochester, and Justin R. Barnard, of Rochester.

The investigation indicates that after Power's Pilot hit Cichocki's SUV, the Sportage overturned multiple times and came to rest in a grassy area on the south side of Pearl Street Road.

Neither alcohol nor drugs are considered a factor in the accident.

Power was issued a citation for alleged failure to stop at a stop sign.

The cause of the accident is officially still under investigation.

The investigation is being conducted by Undersheriff Gregory Walker, Sgt. Andrew Hale, Investigator James Diehl, Investigator Joseph Loftus, Deputy Kyle Krzemien. Trooper Brackett assisted at the scene along with Mercy EMS, East Pembroke fire, and Town of Batavia fire, and L & L Towing.

A T-bone accident is reported at Wortendyke Road and Pearl Street Road in the Town of Batavia. East Pembroke firefighters and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 6:21 p.m.: Injuries are reported. One vehicle rolled over.

UPDATE 6:22 p.m.: A second ambulance is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 6:26 p.m.: Serious injury accident. Mercy Flight is called to the scene. Town of Batavia Fire Police are asked to shut down Route 33 at Donahue Road, and Corfu Fire Police are to shut down 33 at Read Road.

UPDATE 6:32 p.m.: "The landing zone is no longer needed to be secured."

UPDATE 6:41 p.m.: This is a fatal accident. Mercy Flight was cancelled. An official at the scene said four young people from New Jersey were traveling in a blue SUV southbound on Wortendyke Road when the driver, who says she never saw a stop sign, blew through the intersection and T-boned a westbound SUV on Route 33, killing the female driver. The westbound SUV rolled after it was struck and landed on the shoulder of the roadway. The four occupants from New Jersey are being evaluated at the scene, but none have life-threatening injuries. A portion of Route 33 will remain closed for awhile while the accident is being investigated.

The family of Ray Morgan misses him every day, said daughter Raelee Morgan in an interview earlier this week, which is making it so hard to wait for justice in his murder case.

Batavia PD has a person of interest and that person is being held in the Genesee County Jail on an unrelated charge, but until the State Police lab reports back on the results of DNA tests from the crime scene it would be premature to try and charge that person with murder, said Chief Shawn Heubusch.

Raelee said members of the family don't feel the case is moving fast enough nor is much information being shared with the family.

"I'm not sure what they're looking for but we're doing everything we can to prepare a case to present to a grand jury," Heubusch said. "The worst thing that can happen is we present a case and the grand jury returns a no bill, then we're done. We can't present the case again."

Heubusch said the State Police lab is cooperative and has expedited the case but it still takes time to get results.

He also said investigator's sisters communicate regularly with Raelee's sister, Faith, but the police cannot release all of the information they have because there is information, if made public, that could compromise the investigation.

The 47-year-old Morgan, who besides two daughters, had seven grandchildren, was reportedly badly beaten in the attack.

Heubusch sounded a little exasperated at one point to even be talking about the case publicly.

"When you go on social media or you go to the media and start talking, it hurts the case," Heubusch said. "You could put something out there that makes it harder to get a conviction."

Raelee said the family just wants justice and they don't want the public to remember him as a person who had a criminal record but as a man who was a kind, loving family man, and friend to many people. She said everything he did, even the things that got him into trouble, was to help other people.

"He was the type of guy that no matter who you are what you've done in the past, he will give you the shirt off his back," Raelee said. "If he had 10 dollars in his pocket he would give it to you if you needed it. He was an amazing guy. He really was."

She's also upset that after Morgan's murder the night of July 24 at 111 Liberty St., Batavia, that once police left his apartment, the room was left open. Morgan's belongings disappeared, she said, and a neighbor posted gruesome, bloody pictures on Facebook.

Raelee blames the police.

"I would like to find a lawyer for the wrongdoings of the Batavia Police Department handling his crime scene because, like I said, his crime scene was not taped off; his crime scene was completely opened up," Raelee said. "Myself and my sister only received three bags of bloody clothes -- all the rest of his belongings were thrown away."

The day after the murder, Heubusch told The Batavian that once investigators finish processing a crime scene, the property is turned over to the property owner and the owner from that point is responsible for securing the scene. As a matter of Constitutional law, the police cannot maintain control of private property once it has finished processing the crime scene.

The Batavian's news partner, 13WHAM contributed to this story.

Steven A. Barclay, 32, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon -- defaced for concealment. He was arrested at 7 p.m. on Aug. 16 on Apollo Drive in Batavia for allegedly stealing from his employer. While investigating the larceny, it was discovered that Barclay also allegedly possessed a defaced, illegal firearm. He was arraigned in City Court and put in Genesee County Jail. He was due in court on Aug. 22. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Devin L. Stevenson, 26, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with open burn. On Aug. 19 at 10:32 p.m. City fire responded to 411 Ellicott St. where they located a recreational fire where plastic was being burned. Stevenson was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 28 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Julie R. Ewing, 29, of Mill Street, Akron, is charged with: DWI; DWI -- operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or higher; driving left of pavement markings; and failure to signal. Ewing was arrested at 3:06 a.m. today (Aug. 24) on Bloomingdale Road in the Tonawanda Indian Reservation following a traffic stop. She was arraigned in Alabama Town Court and jailed in lieu of $1,000 cash bail or $2,500 bond. She is due back in court on Sept. 6 to answer the charges. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor, assisted by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Ronnie J. Flinchum, 59, of East Main Street, Batavia, was arrested Aug. 20 on an active bench warrant out of City Court. Flinchum was located at an acquaintance's residence on West Main Street in Batavia during an unrelated incident. During the investigation, the bench warrant was discovered. The defendant was taken into custody without incident, arraigned, then jailed in lieu of $1,500 cash bail or $2,500 bond. Flinchum is due in court at a later date. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Kyle Krtanik, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Mikia M. Thomas, 30, of Norton Street, Rochester, was arrested at 9:33 a.m. on Aug. 22 for failing to appear in court on two traffic tickets. The tickets were for aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and inadequate or no stop lamps. Thomas was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance. She is to return to court on Sept. 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Jason Davis.

Taylor L. Finnin, 25, of South Swan Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant Aug. 22 for failure to show up for court after being served an appearance ticket on a previous charge. After being processed at BPD, Finnin was issued another appearance ticket and is due back in court on Aug. 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

David P. Grossman, 35, of State Street, Batavia, was arrested Aug. 23 on a bench warrant for allegedly failing to appear in City Court for sentencing. After arraignment, he was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court on Sept. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Pavel V. Yefremenko, 30, of Broadway Road, Darien, was arrested on Aug. 23 on a bench warrant out of City Court after he allegedly failed to meet requirements of his release. He was arraigned, held on bail, and was due in City Court this morning. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Cowen Mitchell.

Tyler D. Price, 25, of Ross Street, Batavia, was arrested at 9:21 p.m. on Aug. 22 on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court. It is alleged Price failed to comply with a court-ordered program. The defendant was arraigned in City Court and jailed in lieu of $100,000 cash or bond. Price was due in court Thursday (Aug. 23). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp.

Kaylynn C. Buchinger, 19, of Judge Road, Alabama, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Buchinger was arrested on South Jackson Street in the City of Batavia at 10:43 p.m. on Aug. 22 after police investigated a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot. The defendant was allegedly found to be in possession at marijuana. She is due in City Court Sept. 4 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Peter Flanagan.

A motor-vehicle accident is reported on West Main Street, Batavia, in front of the Holland Land Office Museum.

One subject is complaining of head pain.

The cars are in the parking lot. Traffic is not blocked.

City fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.