batavia

Kevin J. Jackson Jr., 30, of Batavia (no address provided), is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; driving while ability impaired by drugs -- combination; uninspected motor vehicle; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the second degree; and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. At 2:21 a.m. on July 21, Wyoming County Sheriff's Deputy Bliss conducted a roadside stop for a traffic violation on Route 246 in the Town of Perry. A field sobriety test was conducted and Anzalone was arrested. He submitted to a Drug Influence Evaluation administered by a Drug Recognition Expert, who allegedly found the defendant impaired by multiple drug categories. Jackson was issued an appearance ticket and is due on Town of Perry Court at a later date.

Robert J. Anzalone, 34, of Le Roy (no address provided), is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; driving while ability impaired by drugs -- combination; failure to keep right; and having inadequate plate lamps. At 12:17 a.m. July 19 on Silver Lake Road in the Town of Perry, Wyoming County Sheriff's Deputy Bliss conducted a roadside stop for a traffic violation. A field sobriety test was conducted and Anzalone was arrested. He submitted to a Drug Influence Evaluation administered by a Drug Recognition Expert, who allegedly found the defendant impaired by multiple drug categories. No further information provided about court.

Press release:

In recent days, Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral and Cremation Chapel LLC in Batavia has been accused of pre-need theft. During this unfortunate time, we would like to first and foremost like to extend our sincerest condolences to all those affected.

As a family-owned business since 1900, we consider the opportunity to serve the communities of Genesee County an absolute privilege. Our staff works diligently to provide you and your loved ones with the utmost respect and care and are humbled when we are granted the honor of doing so.

With that said, if you or a loved one held pre-need funeral arrangements with Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral and Cremation Chapel LLC we want to help! We will assist in possible recovery of funds and can help to determine if you and your family qualify for donation of service from our funeral homes.

As lifelong residents of Genesee County, our family of funeral homes will continue to provide the highest standards for our community and we are dedicated to restoring the dignity your family deserves.

Please don’t hesitate to call – (585) 344-4295. Our lines are open 24/7 and as your neighbors, we’re here to support you through this difficult time. lease, allow us to earn your trust.

Sincerely,
Justin D. Calarco-Smith, Joshua J. Smith, Steven L. Johnson, Randy W. McIntire, James F. Smith
The Bohm-Calarco-Smith, H.E. Turner & Co. Inc., and Burdett & Sanford Family

Local funeral director Michael S. Tomaszewski, 48, is being charged with 91 counts of failure to deposit monies paid in advance in connection with agreements for funeral merchandise or services.

He has been arrested following an investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's Office opened an investigation into Tomaszewski after a client of the Office of the Aging received a complaint from a customer of the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral Home & Cremation Chapel. The client expressed concern regarding a deposit made for prepaid funeral arrangements. 

The investigation led authorities to conclude that Tomaszewski had received prepayments from 91 customers for which trust accounts were never opened.  

Reached this afternoon, Tomaszewski declined to comment.

When a funeral director receives prepayment for funeral services, the director is required under NYS law to place the money in a trust account within 10 days.  

Investigators believe no such accounts were ever opened. 

Additionally, Tomaszewski is accused of receiving payment for two headstones, and gravesites that were never purchased.

The deposits ranged from $350 to $15,500. It's alleged that Tomaszewski's customers sustained a total loss of approximately $525,000.

In February, Tomaszewski filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 in Federal Court.

Tomaszewski is charged with 61 counts of third-degree grand larceny, 29 counts of fourth-degree grand larceny 4th, and three counts of petit larceny.

He is also charged with five counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. He is accused of creating fake business documents reflecting nonexistent account information for trust accounts.

The longtime funeral director, who also owns the Dibble Family Center, is also accused of knowingly sending fake documentation to the Department of Social Services and is charged with offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree.

There are also two counts of scheme to defraud filed against Tomaszewski. He is accused of engaging in a scheme constituting a systematic course of conduct with intent to defraud at least 10 people by making false promises to obtain money. He is also accused of defrauding a vulnerable elderly person as defined by state law.

Today, Tomaszewski was arraigned in Genesee County Court by Judge Charles Zambito via Skype. He was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in Batavia Town Court at 10 a.m., Sept. 17.

The investigation is ongoing and further charges are expected, according to the Sheriff's Office. Anybody who wishes to check the status of any prepaid account can call (800) 577-3752 to verify the existence of a preplan account. Anybody who believes they are a victim is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at (585) 343-5000.

In his personal bankruptcy, Tomaszewski lists $409,896 in assets, including a home on Edgewood Drive valued at $396,549. He claims to owe $1,570,682 to 25 creditors, including more than $25,000 to the IRS along with back taxes owed to the State of New York.

Tomaszewski is the owner of Acme Holdings of NY Inc. Acme owns the building that houses his funeral home, and adjacent property, including the Dibble Center. Acme has also filed for bankruptcy. In the Acme bankruptcy filing, Tomaszewski lists $684,450 in assets and $1,671,708 in debts.

Batavia PD Assistant Chief Chris Camp walks on North Lyon Street with a K9 officer from Monroe County who was assisting Batavia PD this afternoon in a search in the area of Montclair Avenue and Vernon Avenue in an effort to find any items related to the shooting last night at Days Inn.

A shirt that may be connected to the incident was located in the backyard of a residence in the area.

Camp said the search effort is part of the ongoing investigation.

The suspect, Jacob Sponaugle, 21, of Montclair Avenue, is charged with attempted murder.  The victim, whose name has not been released, is in stable condition at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Batavia PD encourages anyone with any further information to contact the police department at (585) 345-6350 or the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370.

For more on the case, click here.

Michael J. Hilton, 29, of Robbins Road, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested after an investigation into an incident that occurred at 2:40 p.m. July 15 on Osterhout Avenue, Batavia. He allegedly stole a puppy from a resident. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court at 1 p.m. on Oct. 20. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Jamie L. Soto, 45, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Soto was arrested at 6:50 p.m July 17 at an apartment on Liberty Street, Batavia. She is accused of pushing a family member. Soto was released with an appearance ticket for Oct. 21 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker.

Anthony L. Rice, 27, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear in Batavia City Court. A warrant was issued for his arrest for failing to appear on traffic tickets on Nov. 15. Following his arrest, he was released with an appearance ticket to be in city court on Aug. 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Alec Roberts, assisted by Officer Joshua Girvin.

City firefighters are responding to a fire alarm at Tops Market in Batavia.

This super spacious, three-bedroom home is move in ready, and right now the central air is a bonus, along side the newer furnace, hot water tank, roof and siding! The big things have been taken care of – leaving time for decorating the big rooms, that all have closets and storage!

The home has a couple of bonus rooms, starting with the awesome enclosed front porch which really can supplement the living space as an office or toy room or just for enjoying the nice evenings and early mornings!

Off of the dining room there is a cute room that could be great office space for those working at home these days, and last but not least, is the attic. which has been finished and could be great additional rec space -- there is a room for everybody!

The street of course is a Batavia classic to enjoy in all the seasons -- there is a lot of home here, come check it out! Click here for more information or call Lynn Bezon today at (585) 344-HOME (4663).

Thermory USA has recently expanded and relocated their headquarters in Batavia to a space on Harvester Avenue. 

The company sells thermally modified wood decking, cladding, and porch flooring. The wood used is enhanced using heat and steam to increase strength, durability, and rot resistance.

It was drawn to Batavia as the location for its headquarters because Principle, Kevin Demars, is a Batavia native. 

“I wanted to work right in my backyard,” Demars said about choosing the City of Batavia for the headquarters. 

Thermory USA has been based here since 2014, formerly in the old Carr's Department Store Warehouse in Jackson Square, but recently moved to a larger space on Harvester Avenue as they have experienced immense growth, nearly doubling in size each year. 

The company started in 2012 with one employee and now has a team of 19, with the company having roughly 85 percent of the North American market share in the field. 

The company is now focusing on how to communicate effectively with customers during this time when travel and contact are restricted.

“Figuring out how to reinvent ourselves, be a better company and employer right now in spite of the hurdles at hand is our priority,” Demars said.

Demars contributes the company’s success, in large part, to the people, saying, “There are a lot of great, intelligent people here.”

Thermory USA is located at 56 Harvester Ave., Suite 1-201, in Batavia. Phone is (585) 252-5807.

Each region of Italy is known for their particular style of pasta sauce. Just as in Italy, Western New York has its own style of sauce and its popularity has led a local maker, Albanese’s Finest, to start producing sauce locally for everyone to enjoy.

The Albanese family is renowned for its sauce.

Sauce maker Darrin Albanese (in photos) learned how to cook mostly from his mother and father, David and Theresa, and also learned some cooking from aunts and uncles at his family's restaurant, Albanese’s in Albion.

So eight months ago Albanese parlayed his legacy into crafting a classic Marinara Sauce, Meat Sauce and Pizza Sauce. They are made the same as he made them in his own kitchen, with the finest ingredients (hence the name Albanese’s Finest). He uses fresh herbs, not dried, and no added sugar or salt.

The simple straightforward approach wins customers with its result -- fresh, homemade taste.

Albanese plans to add at least three more varieties before the end of 2021. 

He has his sauces made at Permac Enterprises, owned by Pauly Guglielmo. It's a specialty small-batch food production facility that operated for 15 years in a pizzeria. In May, Guglielmo closed the deal then moved operations to a new 5,000-square-foot facility on Appletree Avenue in Bergen.

Permac is one of only six USDA cannery manufacturing plants in New York State that specializes in taking recipes from individuals, restaurants or food production brands, and adjusting it for large production. Guglielmo has increased the staff by 30 percent this year and expects to grow more in near future.

Albanese has plans to grow, too, and hopes to sell his sauces nationally someday. For now, most of his sales are in Western New York and can be found in 60+ locations.  

The first store to take on his sauce was ANG Shur Save in Churchville and it is now also available around Genesee County at:

• Harrington's Produce and Market Cafe, Batavia
• Southside Deli, Batavia
• Save-A-Lot, Batavia and Le Roy
• Tops Friendly Markets, as a specialty item in a display case, Batavia and Le Roy
• The Divine Tree, Le Roy
• Sweet Life Country Store, Elba

Albanese says without the help and support of his daughter, Kaleigh, and the encouragement of his close friends and some family, his sauce still might only be served at his house. 

You can follow Albanese's Finest Sauce on Facebook

Photos by Jim Burns.

One person was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital following a two-vehicle T-bone accident at about 10:20 a.m. on Bank Street Road at Batavia Elba Town Line Road, Town of Batavia.

According to Trooper Mark Catanzaro, the initial investigation indicates that an eastbound white van failed to stop for a stop sign at the intersection and was struck in the side by a southbound pickup truck.

Two other people sustained minor injuries in the accident and were taken by Mercy EMS to area hospitals. A fourth person was treated and released at the scene.

Names have not yet been released.

(Initial Report)

A Montclair Avenue resident is in custody and charged with attempted murder following a shooting at about 9:30 p.m. last night outside the Days Inn in Batavia.

Jacob Sponaugle, 21, is also charged with assault, 1st, criminal use of a firearm, aggravated criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd, criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd, and criminal sale of a firearm, 3rd.

Police believe Sponaugle was at 200 Oak St., Batavia, to sell another individual a gun.

The victim of the shooting and Spongaugle are said to be acquaintances. 

The name of the victim is not being released by Batavia PD at this time.

After the victim was shot, he walked into the lobby of the Days Inn and a person there called 9-1-1. A police officer who was first on scene provided aid to the victim, who was awake and alert. A short time later, Mercy EMS arrived on scene and transported the victim to the Genesee County Airport. The victim was then flown by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Chief Shawn Heubusch said this afternoon that he is listed in stable condition. His injuries are not considered life-threatening. 

During the initial investigation, police officers determined the suspect had fled the scene in a four-door sedan with a female passenger. They searched the area with the assistance of a K-9 patrol.

Officers interviewed witnesses and obtain video surveillance footage.

"With the assistance of key witnesses and the community, the suspect, Jacob J. Sponaugle, was taken into custody at approximately 2:15 a.m. without incident outside of a residence on Montclair Avenue in the City," Batavia PD said in a release this afternoon.

Assisting Batavia in the incident were the Sheriff’s Office, City Fire, State Police, a DEC K-9 patrol, Mercy EMS, the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force, the 911 Emergency Dispatch Center, and the District Attorney’s Office

The investigation is ongoing and Batavia PD encourages anyone with any further information to contact the police department at (585) 345-6350, or the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370.

A van and a pickup have collided at Bank Street Road and Batavia Elba Townline Road in the Town of Batavia.

There are possibly no serious injuries but as a precaution, a responding chief asked dispatchers to check the availability of Mercy Flight.

One person is trapped in a vehicle but is conscious and alert.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS responding. Elba requested to provide fire police to assist with traffic control.

UPDATE 10:30 a.m.: Mercy Flight requested to the scene.

UPDATE 11:50 a.m.: One person was transported to an area hospital by Mercy Flight; two were taken by ground ambulances to hospitals. One person at the scene was a sign-off. Town of Batavia has cleared the scene. They are opening up the roadway. State Police are investigating the accident.

A person has been possibly shot in the chest at 200 Oak St., the Days Inn in Batavia. Mercy Flight out of Batavia is on a ground standby. Batavia police and Mercy medics are responding. The victim is reportedly in the lobby of the hotel.

UPDATE 9:40 p.m.: Mercy medics communicate they will transport the victim to the Mercy Flight hangar and the helicopter will transport from there.

UPDATE 9:48 p.m.: The victim is a 22-year-old male, shot in the left side of the chest with a 22-caliber firearm.

UPDATE 10:11 p.m.: The victim is being taken to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, whether by ambulance or Mercy Flight is not clear.

UPDATE 10:36 pm.: City fire Engine #11 has arrived on scene; why is not clear. The person suspected of shooting the victim remains at large.

UPDATE 10:44 p.m.: Police believe the suspect is still in the vicinity. Lights in the hotel parking lots and the former Bob Evans Restaurant, have been shut off.

UPDATE 11:30 p.m. (by Howard): Chief Shawn Heubusch briefed the media. Police believe the victim and suspect know each other and that the shooting involved something between the two individuals. While the suspect is still at large, police have identified a person of interest and a related vehicle. Heubusch indicated investigators are confident enough in the information that they are not releasing further descriptive information. The victim was conscious and alert at the time of transport by Mercy Flight, from the airport to Strong Memorial Hospital. Heubusch said he was shot "in the area" of the Days Inn and walked into the lobby and a person there called 9-1-1. Heubusch said the investigators do not believe the suspect is a threat to the general public.

UPDATE 7:13 a.m.: Chief Heubusch reports the suspect is in custody as of 3:45 a.m. More information will be released later this morning.

From Crossroads House:

This is the 13^th year that Alex’s Place will be hosting their annual Golf Scramble. It will be on Sunday, Aug. 23^rd at the Batavia Country Club, and the deadline to register is Aug. 14^th.

The money raised from this fundraiser will be donated to Crossroads House and for a scholarship in memory of Chef Russell Bugbee.

This scholarship will be awarded to an area high school graduate who is pursuing education in the culinary field and who demonstrates the drive and passion that are a part of Chef Russell’s legacy.

Registration and festivities will begin at noon, and the shotgun start will be at 1 p.m.

The price of $95 per golfer includes 18 holes of golf with cart, grilled lunch, beverages at registration and throughout the day, a buffet dinner, prizes, skins, 50/50, and giveaways.

The grand prize is a three-night stay at Captain Pip’s Marina & Hideaway in Marathon, Fla. The package includes a one-day boat rental and snorkeling for two from Spirit Snorkeling.

Come on out for a day of golfing 18 of the finest holes in Western New York!

By Samantha Stryker, Community and Adult Services librarian, Richmond Memorial Library:

At a small gathering last Thursday, the Richmond Reads committee and Richmond Memorial Library revealed the 2020 Richmond Reads title -- "Nothing More Dangerous," a 2019 mystery by Minnesota author Allen Eskens.

The Richmond Reads committee, comprised of six community members and Community and Adult Services Librarian Samantha Stryker, met for months to find the perfect book to select.

Of the dozens of titles read this year, "Nothing More Dangerous" stood out for a number of reasons.

“It’s a mystery, which appeals to many readers,” Stryker said. “It also has strong themes of coming of age, racial justice and family that will strike a chord with those who read it.”  

"Tale for Three Counties" author Thomas Mullen described the book as "both heartwarming and hard-nosed” and “a coming-of-age page-turner that probes the dark heart of small towns and the resilient strength that keeps families together.”

The book was a “Best Crime Fiction of 2019” selection by Library Journal and a Finalist in the 2020 Minnesota Book Awards. It appeared on many lists of “best crime fiction” for 2019.

"Nothing More Dangerous" centers on 15-year-old Boady Sanden, who wants nothing more than to escape the small town of Jessup, Mo., where he lives with his widowed mother. His life changes in unexpected ways when the Elgins – a black family – move in across the street and cause Boady to reexamine his understanding of the world as he knows it.

The town has also been unsettled by the sudden and ominous disappearance of Lida Poe, a black woman who kept the books at the local plastics factory. As Boady delves into this mystery and navigates the racial tensions around him, he uncovers more than he expected about his family, his neighbors and himself.

“The small-town rural theme resonated with us; it felt like we could be reading about any small town in Genesee County,” Stryker said. “The messages are universal and especially essential now, as our nation is so divided and issues of racial inequality are at the forefront.” 

Author Allen Eskens is the bestselling author of "The Life We Bury," "The Guise of Another," "The Heavens May Fall," "The Deep Dark Descending," "The Shadows We Hide, and "Nothing More Dangerous." After practicing criminal law for 25 years, Eskens published his first book in 2014 and his work has been translated into 26 languages.  

In a short video recorded for the event, Eskens said that "Nothing More Dangerous" is “the novel I became a writer to write,” noting that he began writing it in the early '90s. Eskens worked on other projects for nearly 20 years before completing it. The video can be viewed at the library’s YouTube page here.

Richmond Memorial Library will host Eskens for an author visit at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. With the ongoing conditions regarding the COVID19 pandemic, the visit may be virtual or in person, but more announcements will be made as the date gets closer.

The library will also host book discussions in the fall, with dates and format to be announced.

A community one-book program that began in 2019, Richmond Reads is sponsored by The Friends of Richmond Memorial Library.

Copies of the book in hardcopy and audio are available to check out at the library and audiobook and eBook copies are available via OverDrive. Limited copies are available to purchase for $24 at the library. Contributions to the Friends of the Library to support this and other programs are always welcome.

Richmond Memorial Library is now open regular hours for limited services, including browsing for materials, checking out materials, limited computer use, photocopying and faxing. Anyone entering the library must wear an appropriate face covering.

Richmond Memorial Library continually provides access to physical and virtual resources and services that meet the educational, informational and recreational needs of its diverse community in a safe and comfortable environment. Learn more at www.batavialibrary.org

Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

Stacey Foose shared this photo of geese roaming around DeWitt Recreation Area yesterday. She said they were getting close to the playground. She said, "I thought maybe they wanted to go for a slide or try to climb the monkey bars. LOL."

William A. "Billy" Sheron III, of Buffalo, died two days ago at Strong Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.

Sheron was born in Batavia on April 24, 1984, and graduated from Batavia High School in 2002. He became a certified public accountant after earning a bachelor's and master's degree from SUNY Oswego.

According to his obituary, Billy was a compassionate and kind-hearted man who loved his family and friends to no end.

He was an avid golfer, a valued member of The Genny and enjoyed grilling, fantasy football, and the Buffalo Bills. Steaks and chicken wings were his specialties. The animated TV classic "The Simpsons" always kept him laughing, and we can’t forget his love for Kendrick and Ophelia.

Sheriff Sheron declined to comment this morning.

For his full obituary, click here.

CORRECTION: In a previous version, we misstated the name of Billy Sheron's mother. It has been corrected. We regret the error and apologize to Karen M. Maskell and the Sheron family.

Above: Christina Brown, a student from Batavia City School District, created a design called "Covid-19" and placed third in The DIGIES Graphic Arts division -- Grades 7-9.

Submitted image and press release:

Despite cancellation due to COVID-19 of the annual media awards event called "The DIGIES" put on by the School Library System, there were more entries than ever this year and a total of 14 third-place winners from Genesee County.

The system's media conference, festival and awards is a program of the Genesee Valley Board of Cooperative Educational Services -- BOCES.

The mission of The DIGIES is to strengthen the digital media continuum between PreK-12 schools, higher education and professional institutions. The DIGIES recognizes student potential in an annual festival format and students compete from all throughout the region and the Upstate New York area.

The year’s festival awards event was scheduled to be held last month at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester. 

Emilee Hillman and Andrea Fetterly, Library Technologies’ specialists coordinate this conference. Fetterly said that school building closures due to COVID-19 did not dampen enthusiasm for this year’s festival, which drew a number of entries.

“We are excited to celebrate the amazing creativity and skill demonstrated by the participants in this year's DIGIES festival," Fetterly said. "Despite a shortened in-person school year and extraordinary circumstances, students continue to achieve great success."

Below is a listing of categories, grades, winners and school districts from Genesee County. (Other categories were Audio and Interactive Media, but there were no winners from Genesee County.)

Congratulations to these imaginative students!

GRAPHIC ARTS

Grades 7-9

1st:                   The Stranger by Zac Hakes -- Hilton CSD

2nd:                  Fatoma by Cornelia Adakah -- Pittsford CSD

3rd:                  Covid-19 by Christina Brown -- Batavia CSD

3rd:                   En Pointe by Cammi Eccleston -- Hilton CSD

VIDEO

Grades 7-9

1st:                   The Silk Road by Jonathan Popper -- Pittsford CSD (Submitted by Animatus Studio)

2nd:                  Land Rover Series III Pickup: Desert Joyride by Zachary Heiman -- Dansville CSD

3rd:                  Things to do in Quarantine by Matthew Covert -- Le Roy CSD

Grades 10-12

1st:                  Doors by Jacob French -- Geneseo CSD

2nd:                 Michi by Ashlyn Kreiss -- Pittsford CSD

3rd (tie):           A Quest to Learn Part I by Devon Deuel -- Dansville CSD

3rd (tie):          Quarantine Catch by Mikayla Hickey, Makenna Boyce, Kayla Yax, Adeline Kautz, Kelsey Kautz, Samantha Sawyer, Neva Saile, Emma Raines, Courtney Schum, Emily Balduf, Sydney Smith and Taylor Fletcher (Alexander Softball) -- Alexander CSD

(Editor's note: we asked, but entries from the Le Roy and Alexander winners were not available from GV BOCES' School Library System, which runs The DIGIES event.)

Paul Grazioplene, owner of Extreme Streetwear in Batavia, was among the vendors Sunday in the Batavia Downs parking lot for a craft show and flea market. A couple of dozen vendors set up booths for the event.

A female caller to dispatch reports she was punched by a male motorcyclist in the parking lot of BJ's Wholesale Club. The male took off, unknown direction of travel. She's waiting in a parking lot of a nearby business to talk to a State trooper.