batavia

Batavia Police have just apprehended a subject who was reportedly seen with a handgun in the area of 7 Chestnut St.

The suspect, described as a white male with short hair, wearing a black hoodie with the hood down, and barefooted, was taken into custody in the area of Kibbe and South Jackson streets.

Officers were apparently on foot as they searched for the suspect, who was seen heading down Kibbe, lost for a minute, and then seen heading east across Kibbe. A few minutes later, a Batavia police officer informed dispatchers that he had the suspect in custody.

There are no reports of shots fired at this time.

UPDATE 8:52 a.m.: The man was reportedly carrying an unloaded BB gun.

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A semi-truck was temporarily stuck on Oak Street roundabout this evening.

The cause may have been a broken air line to the brakes, according to Batavia Police Officer Chris Camp. 

The line may have broke because of the current height difference between the brick inner turning circle and the outer asphalt area.

The truck was stuck on the circle for only a short time. It was no longer on scene by the time I arrived and I live close by (hence, no picture).

For those who don't know, as Camp explained to me, air brakes on trucks work differently than car brakes. On trucks, the brake pads are separated from the wheel and held apart by air pressure. In this case, when the air line broke, the brake pads contracted, causing the tire to stop spinning.

Batavia police officers issued 15 tickets at two checkpoints set up Thursday night in conjunction with the Phish concert at Darien Lake.

The checkpoints were on Pearl Street and Clinton Street.

Three arrests were made. Two were reported this morning.

A third arrest was of Sara Hill, of North Canton, Ohio, who was allegedly driving an unregistered vehicle with improper license plates. She also allegedly had no insurance. According to police, Hill has a DWI conviction in Ohio and is required to drive a vehicle with special license plates. Hill, who reportedly said she was heading to the Phish concert, reportedly told police she didn't want to drive her vehicle with the restricted license plates to the concert, so she took plates form her garage and put them on her car. The plates had reportedly been stolen previously. A possible charge of possession of stolen property is pending.

A man wanted in Pontiac, Ill. on a home repair fraud charge, who was arrested in Batavia on May 19, may go free because, apparently, the governor's office in Illinois has failed to file an extradition request.

At least, no request has reached the Genesee County District Attorney's Office, according to Will Zickl, an assistant D.A.

It's also possible, the request never made it out Gov. David Patterson's office.

Normally, it would be up to the Illinois governor's office to contact the New York governor's office with such a request.

William John Riley, who was reportedly living in the Rochester area at the time of his arrest, was stopped May 19 for allegedly having excessively tinted windows on the vehicle he was driving.

Under state law, a person cannot be held more than 90 days without a proper extradition request. The clock would have started ticking at the time of his arraignment, a few days within the time of his arrest.

Riley is out on bail. He was reportedly scheduled to appear in court today along with his attorney, Mike Ranzenhofer, at 1:30 p.m. Neither Riley nor Ranzenhofer were apparently in court at that time.

Sometime around 2:30 p.m., Ranzenhofer did meet with Judge Robert Noonan and Zickl in the judge's chambers.

Zickle said Ranzenhofer made a motion to dismiss the case, and Noonan requested that the motion be filed in writing.

It's unclear if Riley was in the courthouse today or where he is living. Ranzenhofer said during a phone interview later that he couldn't discuss the specifics of the case without his client's permission.

According to Zickl, a wrinkle in the case is that Riley isn't being held in jail, but is out on bail, which may change the 90-day limitation.

Ranzenhofer contends, in general, without discussing his client's case, that being held is being held, whether in jail or out on bail.

There's no word on when Noonan might issue an opinion on the motion.

I'm Cletus, an adult, neutered, male hound mix. They found me wandering around a dog competition. I was the wrong breed for the show, but I didn't care. I have a sweet personality and would make a great member of your family. Although I have tested positive for heartworm, I will be treated for it by Volunteers for Animals.

I'm Lucky, an orange and white female whose family had to move. They couldn't take me. I'm the kind of cat that needs very little to make me happy -- a soft bed, a sunny spot in the window. I'm a loving companion with much to offer. Please stop in and see me soon.

Adoption fee is $30

Unspayed/unneutered animals also require a $35 refundable deposit

The animal shelter is located at 3841 W. Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia. Visit Volunteers for Animals on the Web at <vol4animals.org>

Hours are:

Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.

Wednesday 1 to 3 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.

Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

City station is being dispatched to 400 Towers, 400 E. Main St., Batavia, for a general fire alarm.

Danielle Eckert 22, of Batavia, has volunteered more than 500 hours in Genesee County and the number keeps rising.

Batavia High School gave Eckert a scholarship for college based on good character, commitment and community service. Today she has been nominated by her employer, Target, as "Best in Community." One nominee out of each Target district will be chosen to visit the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Tennesee.

"I was shocked because I didn't even know about this program," Eckert said, "but I was extremely happy and thankful."

She hopes she is selected so she can change the life of a child.

Her love for helping others started when she was in fourth grade. She helped out at a game night at Robert Morris Elementary.

"I just remember really enjoying helping other kids and getting to meet a lot of new people. It made me want to keep volunteering."

Eckert has a special place in her heart for volunteering and said it comes from her mother.

"In sixth grade I started doing the Walk for Juvenile Diabetes because my mother suffered from it. When she died, I was in seventh grade and I knew that I really wanted to continue doing what I could. It was sort of a remembrance for her, and it just grew from there."

While she maintains a busy schedule juggling work and events, she also makes time for her church, The Pentecostals of Genesee: United Pentecostal Church, in Batavia.

"The most important thing I gain is knowing I've made other people happy."

She is currently working on a talent show through Target to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy.

"It's still in the works and (needs) a lot of ironing out."

Volunteering isn't just about the rewarding experience for yourself, but also the effect it leaves on those you help.

" I remember one time when I was at work, a child around 10 ran up to me and asked, 'Do you remember me? You were the person in charge of my group at church.' She reassured me how much fun she had and (said) she was hoping to come back and work with me again. It's a nice reward when people remember you and look forward to seeing you at another event."

Eckert believes everyone should volunteer at least once in their lifetime. She said although she may be young, it seems everyone in general is too consumed with themselves.

"I've noticed people don't even really smile at each other or appreciate others. I think it's good to work together in a group, get to know people in your community, and help others."

She has a passion for art as well and is working on starting an art club with kids in second to fifth grade.

Here is a glimpse of some of the events she has volunteered for: YMCA Healthy Kids Days; Jackson School's Breakfast with Santa; Quiznos Subs; Children's Christmas event; craft fairs; Christmas in the City; National Night Out, Genesee County Fair; juvenile diabetes; Light of Hope (cancer support); fundraisers for troops/military support; and various church events

Disclosure: Tasia Boland is employed by Target.

A former Batavia firefighter who operates a train museum in Medina is accused of sexually assaulting a 27-year-old woman Friday at the museum and may have installed a videotaping system in the building.

Martin Phelps, 67, is accused assaulting the woman at 4:30 p.m.. Medina police have also removed an "extensive" videotaping system from the building.

Phelps bought the museum in 1991 and opened it in 1997 after spending six years remodeling the location.

He was remanded to Orleans County Jail on $5,000 bail.

(Source, the Batavia Daily News)

There's a new enterprise in the former Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co.'s distribution site in Batavia, which was based in the Crickler Business Building. SolarX now occupies this property, located at 319 W. Main St., as its primary distribution center.

SolarX sunglasses and ornaments are sold in mall kiosks nationwide.

Ben Mancuso, managing director at Chas. Mancuso & Son, Inc., represented both sides of the transaction.

"We have repositioned the facitily as a full-service business center," Mancuso said, "since the transition we have signed deals (with) 35,000 ft. of warehouse/distribution space and 4,000 ft. of executive office suites.

Tenants share a receptionist, conference rooms and lunch rooms. Given the current climate, we are pleased with the activity and very happy to have SolarX operating in Western New York."

The Six Star Body Shop at 101 Lehigh Ave. Batavia, was apparently hit by a burglar on Thursday night or early Friday morning.

Batavia Police Officer Andrews is investigating the incident, in which a person or persons kicked in a door and ransacked the office.

The owner of the business is taking an inventory to determine what items are missing.

Chad M. Johnson, 23, of 15 Fairway Drive, Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration. Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack reports that he encountered Johnson as a suspicious subject on South Main Street and when Klimjack requested to pat him down for weapons, Johnson allegedly refused. At that point, Johnson allegedly tried running away. After being ordered to stop, Klimjack used his Taser, at which point, Johnson stopped running. Upon further investigation, Batavia Police learned Johnson is reportedly on parole and was allegedly in violation of his terms of release from a state correctional facility. State parole officers were notified and further action is pending.

William Lyons, 36, of unknown address, Medina, is charged with harassment. Lyons was allegedly involved in a fight with another family member at 149 Ross St.. He was jailed on $1,500 bail.

Shane D. Vandenberg, 29, of 20 S. Main St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, menacing and endangering the welfare of a child. Vandenberg allegedly choked a female in front of the couple's child.

A 16-year-old boy is charged with criminal contempt. The boy was arrested at a roadside check point on Clinton Street Thursday night after allegedly being found in the company of a person whom he's been ordered not to contact.

Steven R. Goodrich, 27, of 649 E. Maine Road, Johnson City, is charged with DWI following a stop at a roadside checkpoint Friday night on Pearl Street. He is also accused of driving an uninspected vehicle.

UPDATE: The item below came in later this morning.

Andrew R. Miles, 20, and Benjamin M. Rogalia, 19, residences not given, were arrested at Darien Lake Theme Park on Monday at 3:07 a.m. for allegedly stealing a golf cart and running it into a locked gate. Both the gate and the cart were damaged. Both were jailed on $1,000 bail.

UPDATE II: More items that came in later in the day.

Darren W. Spencer, 26, of Springville, is charged with assault in the third degree after he allegedly punched the driver of another vehicle during a road-rage confrontation.  Spencer and the other driver confronted each other after an incident took place between the two of them on the roadway. The victim suffered a dislocated jaw in the incident.

Lawrence R. Laude, 22, of Corfu, is charged with robbery, criminal mischief and harassment in connection with a domestic incident last night. Laude was jailed in lieu of bail.

Valerie R. Mullen, 20, of Batavia, is charged with DWI following a property damage accident Thursday at 4:25 a.m. at 6835 Knowlesville Road in Alabama. Mullen was also charged with driving with a BAC of .08 percent or greater.

UPDATE III: And just missed this one this morning:

Charles P. Yaeger, 69, of 17 Madison Ave., Akron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08, endangering the welfare of the child and violations of moving from a lane unsafely, failing to keep right and having an unsafe tire. Yesterday at 4:25 p.m., the Sheriff's Office received a complaint that a car had struck two parked cars at 1288 Little Falls Road, Pembroke, and then fled the scene. Yeager's car, which suffered a broken axle and flattened tire, reportedly left skid marks over eight miles of roadways, which Sheriff's deputies Patrick J. Reeves and Timothy Wescott said they followed from the scene of the accident to Yaeger's Akron home. Upon investigation, Reeves and Wescott found that Yaeger reportedly had a 17-year-old passenger in his car.

The Amazing Kayden grabs a tennis ball after leaping through hurdles at top speed.  He was part of the fun at the Festival of Fur today on West Main Street Road in Batavia.

The event was co-sponsored by Genesee Feeds, Dave's Ice Cream and Volunteers for Animals. 

Dogs could enjoy the day with some ice cream and making new friends, as well receive a microchip for more reliable identification if lost or stolen.

Larry Dewitt and Lauren Paluta give a car a free car wash at Center of Attention Auto Spa on Park Road (next to Alex's Place).

Owner Dan Kemp opened up his shop today to members of SADD so they could offer free car washes to anybody who brings a vehicle by. A donation, of course, is requested, either in cash or in school supplies.

The car wash is on until 2 p.m. today.

Dancing Derrick is also there.

A Batavia man was found dead at 7:57 p.m. Friday along Route 98 in Alexander.

The body of Michael J. Falk, 55, a resident on East Main Street, was found about six feet down an embankment by a passing motorist, who initially spotted a bicycle leaning against a guard rail.

The motorist called 9-1-1 and the Alexander Volunteer Fire Department responded to the call. County Coroner Donald Coleman pronounced Falk dead at the scene.

Foul play is not suspected.

The investigation is ongoing. It is being conducted by Deputy Joseph Graff, Sgt. Greg Walker, Sgt. Steve Mullen, Investigator William Ferrando and the Genesee County Coroner's Office.

Tonight was the final night for Northgate's Street Jam. It appeared everyone had a grand time at the closing carnival. Thanks again to Northgate for an awesome week on the streets!

Paul Ohlson, Founder of Care-A-Van chats with Robert Kurtz of the Salvation Army who was set up next to us.

I for one have always loved Anthony's and Rick's music!

Russ Cornman of Northgate is  the King

Mel Robinson and wife Amy of Northgate particpated on the drama team

Now that is one big bubble!

Patti Chadwick and Husband John Pass out free books to the kids

"Hey I got the ball in!"

Double the Fun!

State police are reporting a "pretty significant" accident involving four vehicles at Route 77 just south of Route 5.

Multiple injuries are reported and traffic is snarled. Northbound is open, but southbound is stopped and officers are about to block it off.

Emergency crews are enroute from Pembroke, Darien and Indian Falls. The accident is in Corfu's district.

It was all smiles Thursday at 400 Towers for the celebration of Ruth Stell's birthday. She was born in 1909 and turned 100 on Aug. 13. She was all smiles, too.

"I feel so very young, " Ruth explained. "You just have to live a good life, that's all you can do. Trust, and go on living."

The centenarian has lived in Batavia for more than 70 years.

Ruth has been an inspiring presence for 38 years at 400 Towers. Her friend Henry Larson said she brings joy to many residents because she is an excellent baker.  He -- and most others -- especially love her banana cupcakes.

Ruth is very happy with her life. She opens her apartment to potential residents and lets them look around as part of a tour. Her place looks like something right out of Good Housekeeping.

"It's amazing how she can have so many memories in one place and still, it looks so inviting!" said Gregory Larson, executive director of the Housing Authority at 400 Towers. Ruth's place is full of knickknacks and stuffed animals, but there's plenty of room for visitors and her bird Snoopy.

Ruth says she saw the most beautiful sights in her 100 years when she was 80 and took a trip to Hawaii. To her, the biggest change from her childhood to now is the invention of airplanes.

When asked what her secret was, she whispered to me, "I tell everyone it's Oil of Olay -- I've been using it for years."

Happy Birthday Ruth!