Tonight could be the biggest crowd ever at the Genesee County Fairgrounds assembled to watch the Grand Demolition Derby. It's packed -- SRO: Standing Room Only. And the traffic jam getting into the venue was one for the record books.
City fire is responding to 10 Maple St. in the city after it was reported that some lighter fluid was dumped on some bushes and set on fire.
UPDATE 6:22 p.m.: City fire back in service.
Press release:
The Batavia Police Department is reporting the suspect has been identified as Steven Vega, 25 years old, from Rochester. Vega is currently in the custody of RPD for a separate incident.
Vega’s arrest is pending and he will be arraigned in Batavia City Court. Vega is a New York State Parole absconder.
The Batavia Police Department would like to thank the Rochester Police Department and the Batavia community for all of their assistance and tips that led to the identification of this suspect.
UPDATE: Vega was also a suspect in a bank robbery in Rochester in 2015.
Press release:
As the proud sponsor the 11th annual Genesee County Mega Blood Drive, Tompkins Bank of Castile is calling on all eligible donors to give blood on Tuesday, Aug. 1 from noon to 7 p.m. at the Quality Inn & Suites in Batavia. It is located at 8200 Park Road.
“Tompkins Bank of Castile has been a proud sponsor and supporter of the annual blood drive in Batavia for years,” said Gregg McAllister, VP, Marketing Communications, Tompkins Bank Of Castile. “This year’s blood drive comes at a time when the Red Cross is facing a critical blood shortage, which makes donations more important than ever.
"This is an opportunity for everyone in our community who is able to do so, to make a blood donation so patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatments they need.”
According to the Red Cross, the shortage of blood donations may lead to delays in urgent medical care to vulnerable patients. Blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, and more donations are needed now to replenish the blood supply. According to the Red Cross, every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood, and approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day nationwide.
The blood drive will also honor the area’s everyday heroes with the second annual “Battle of the Badges” competition for first responders such as Mercy EMS, Batavia City Fire Department, Town of Batavia Fire Department, State Troopers, Batavia City Police and the Sheriff’s Office.
However, donors don’t need to be a first responder to participate in the blood drive on Aug. 1, and walk-ins are welcome. All those who donate can do so to honor our local first responders, and all participants will receive a Target e-gift card.
To make an appointment to donate to the blood drive, please call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.
Press release:
For the second year, UR Medicine’s Wilmot Cancer Institute (WCI) will host Survivors Night on Friday, July 28 at Dwyer Stadium with the Batavia Muckdogs. Anyone who has been impacted by cancer is invited, including patients, survivors and caregivers.
The game starts at 7:05 p.m. and fireworks will follow.
More than 15.5 million cancer survivors are living in the United States today and that number is expected to exceed 20 million by 2026. In Genesee County alone, approximately 400 people are diagnosed with cancer each year. The purpose of Survivors Night is to unite those impacted by cancer to celebrate cancer survivorship.
“Cancer is something that touches almost everyone at some point in life and Survivors Night is a way for us all to come together for a fun family night to celebrate life beyond cancer,” says Tiffany Paine-Cirrincione, associate director, Advancement and Community Events for Wilmot Cancer Institute.
“We encourage anyone in the community who is a cancer survivor or patient, or who has loved or cared for someone with cancer, to join us.”
Tickets for the game cost $4 each, and participants receive a Wilmot Warrior Walk T-shirt for each ticket purchased. They can be purchased at WCI Batavia, 262 Bank St., Batavia. Questions can be directed to Karen Soria at (585) 344-3050.
Patrick D. Moore, 39, of Strouts Road, Elba, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. Moore is accused of selling crack cocaine on two occasions to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force. Moore was held in the Genesee County Jail pending an arraignment today.
Mark David Humel, 25, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with assault, 3rd. Humel was arrested in connection with an unspecified incident in the Town of Pembroke, on Gilmore Road, at 11 p.m., July 14.
City fire and Mercy EMS are responding to the McDonald's on West Main Street for a report of a pedestrian struck by a car in the parking lot.
UPDATE 11:43 a.m.: Minor injury.
Press release:
Do you have a speedy Dachshund? That’s what Batavia Downs officials are wondering as they have announced that registration is opening for the 2017 Genesee Feeds Dachshund (“Wiener Dog”) races that will be held on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 27).
All entered dogs will receive a doggie bag of gifts courtesy of Genesee Feeds of Batavia. The owners of all heat winners will receive $25 in gaming Free Play and the top three finishers in the championship race will receive Clubhouse buffet certificates and $100, $75 and $50 (first through third) in Free Play for the gaming floor. The winner’s total prize package including the gaming Free Play is valued at $200.
Dachshund owners wishing to participate should call Batavia Downs Wiener Dog race coordinator Arna Tygart at (585) 343-3750, ext. 6437, or Sara Tenney, ext. 6430, and leave a message. Staff will call back to confirm. The races are limited to the first 80 dogs that register.
The Wiener Dog races will begin at approximately 4:15 p.m. and are the final event on the annual Family Fun Day at the Races at America’s oldest lighted harness racetrack. Admission and parking are free.
Friday, July 21st - Community Day & Thrill Night
*This schedule is tentative and is subject to change at any time*
DAILY AT THE GENESEE COUNTY FAIR: $5 Carload Admission Every Day & Night! * Midway Rides * DAILY WRIST BAND SPECIALS AVAILABLE.
* Agricultural Awareness Exhibit * Livestock Exhibits * Air Sculpture – Transforming Balloons into Art (Exhibition Building), Chainsaw Carver—Elaine Foy.
Police are looking for a white male with a tattoo on his neck in connection with a robbery at 3:58 p.m. of the Bank of America branch at 100 Main St., Batavia.
The suspect was wearing a white Yankee's hat with a flat brim, a blue hooded sweatshirt, and jeans.
He fled on foot, northbound on Bank Street, before patrols arrived.
There were no weapons displayed. There was no threat of a weapon. There were no injuries.
Investigators are asking for the public's assistance in identifying the suspect.
Police are not releasing further information at this time.
To contact Batavia PD, call (585) 345-6350 or the confidential tip line at 585-345-6370.
Rodney A. Barber is indicted for the crime of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 22 in the City of Batavia that the defendant intended to cause, and did cause, physical injury to a person by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, in this case several -- "a can of corn, a toaster, a vase, a knife and glass dishes." In count two, Barber is accused of the crime of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged in count two that on the same day at an apartment on South Main Street in the City of Batavia, that the defendant possessed "a dagger, dangerous knife, dirk, razor, stiletto" or another dangerous or deadly instrument or weapon with the intent to use it unlawfully against another person. In Special Information filed with the indictment, the District Attorney accuses Barber of having been convicted of the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor, on Feb. 7, 2012, in Genesee County Court and that "conviction forms the basis for count two" of this indictment.
Steven R. Colombo is indicted for the crime of second-degree burglary, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged that on Jan. 25, Colombo knowingly entered or remained unlawfully in a dwelling on East Main Street in Batavia with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, he is accused of criminal contempt in the first degree, a Class E felony, for allegedly violating a duly served order of protection. The defendant allegedly intentionally violated the order by some means of physical contact, or he attempted or threatened physical contact.
Press release:
Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) announced new federal funding from the Department of Transportation for the Genesee County Airport. The $2,926,222 grant will assist the airport in rehabilitating a runway and install runway distance-to-go signs.
“It is of paramount importance that we invest federal funds in local infrastructure projects like this one,” Congressman Collins said. “This grant provides the Genesee County Airport with new resources to ensure the safety of travelers and provide new efficiencies which will ultimately increase air traffic. I am proud to be able to help secure this funding.”
“This announcement is terrific news for Genesee County,” said Legislator Marianne Clattenburg, Public Service Committee chairwoman. “We look forward to continuing to work with Congressman Collins to improve infrastructure and support job creation in our community."
"Genesee County has pursued an aggressive and proactive redevelopment and improvement of our general aviation/reliever airport here in Batavia,” said Jay Gsell, County Manager. “Genesee County is excited and encouraged that the FAA, our long-term partners in airport maintenance, upkeep, and improvement, have again shown their faith in Genesee County and our airport partners to provide one of the best and safest flying venues in NYS.”
The Congressman’s office remains available to assist any local government pursuing a federal grant.
The Bank of America branch in Downtown Batavia was robbed at about 4 p.m. today.
No weapon was displayed nor was use of one threatened.
Batavia PD will release more information later.
Jeremy Lyons, 32, of Lake Street, Le Roy, was taken custody as a result of an outstanding parole warrant on July 19 by members the Le Roy Police Department. In early afternoon of July 19th the Le Roy Police Department received an anonymous tip that Lyons had been seen hanging around outside his residence on Lake Street. When police arrived on location, a subject matching Lyons' description was seen running into the apartment building. Police met with an uncooperative tenant who denied Lyons being in the residence. After a brief investigation, it was believed that Lyons jumped out of a second-story window of the residence in an attempt to flee the police. Members of the Le Roy Police Department with assistance from the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit as well as members of the New York State Police were able to track and locate Lyons hiding in a wooded area off of Lent Avenue in the Village of Le Roy. Lyons was taken into custody at that time without incident. He was then turned over to the Genesee County Jail to await further action by New York State Parole. The Le Roy Police Department would like to thank the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit and New York State Police for assisting with taking Lyons into custody.
Michelle Richmond, 48, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: felony DWI -- previous conviction within 10 years; operation of a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent of more; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree; driving with an open container of alcohol; and having unauthorized tinted windows -- 44 percent (visibility). Richmond was issued an appearance ticket for City of Batavia Court and is to appear there Sept. 6. The incident location was Central Avenue at 9:41 p.m. on July 19. The case was handled by Genesee Coumty Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan.
Charles G.T. Williams AKA "Gusto," 38, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th, a Class C felony, and criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, a Class D felony. On Wednesday, July 19, GC Local Drug Enforcement Task Force members observed Williams driving a vehicle in the City of Batavia while there was an active bench warrant out for him. He was stopped on Ellicott Street in the city and arrested. At the time of his arrest, he was allegedly in possession of a handgun and a quantity of powder cocaine and crack cocaine. He was jailed on the outstanding warrant and was due to be arraigned today on the new charges.
Students participating in the Holland Land Office Museum's History Heroes program this summer are learning about World War I.
Recently they visited the Richmond Memorial Library and Batavia Showtime Theaters. There are 40 children enrolled in the eight-day program.
Info and photos provided by Anne Marie Starowitz.
(Photo provided by Jake Pietrzykowski via GoFundMe.)
Jeremy Pietrzykowski thought he could save a little money if he repaired his own barn roof. That is what he was doing July 1 at his barn at 8953 Alexander Road, Batavia, when a gust of wind kicked up, caused him to lose his footing, and he fell 20 feet to the ground.
He landed on his side. Town of Batavia Fire was called, Mercy EMS and soon Mercy Flight was dispatched to the scene. He was airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital, where doctors discovered he had cracked vertebra, a punctured lung, broken ribs, and deep bruises.
“It was the most pain I’ve ever experienced in my life,” Pietrzykowski said. “I thought I was going to die.”
On July 2, Pietrzykowski underwent spinal fusion surgery, to fuse five vertebrae together, to eventually heal as one solid bone.
“I’ve been sleeping in the chair,” Pietrzykowski said. “I can’t help out with anything.”
Pietrzykowski grew up in Batavia and has lived here his entire life. He loves to be outdoors and enjoys running marathons. He had hoped to qualify for the Boston Marathon this year but had to scratch that plan.
“I love to run,” Pietrzykowski said. “I’ve run 13 marathons in Boston and New York [City], and others.”
As a hardworking father of three, Pietrzykowski has spent more than 20 years working for UPS. He is on a five-pound weight lifting restriction.
“I’m normally the guy that doesn’t stop moving and now I can’t do anything,” Pietrzykowski said. “I can walk around a little bit, but as far as the kids, I can’t pick them up.”
Pietrzykowski’s brother started a GoFundMe page, located here asking for donations to help get him back on his feet and support his family. His mother-in-law has been staying with him to help take care of the kids, but he said things have not been easy.
“She’s stepped right up and helped us out tremendously,” Pietrzykowski said.
His doctors said his recovery should be three to four months.
“There is always a light at the end of the tunnel,” Pietrzykowski said. “I’ll get back to where I need to be, it’s just going to be a long road.”
Thursday, June 20 - Veteran’s Day at the Fair
*This schedule is tentative and is subject to change at any time*
DAILY AT THE GENESEE COUNTY FAIR: $5 Carload Admission Every Day & Night! * Midway Rides * DAILY WRIST BAND SPECIALS AVAILABLE.
* Agricultural Awareness Exhibit * Livestock Exhibits * Air Sculpture – Transforming Balloons into Art (Exhibition Building), Chainsaw Carver—Elaine Foy.
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