batavia

Press release:

For nearly 80 years, Ferrellgas has provided propane service to homes, farms, and businesses in our community and across the nation. With the help of local residents, Ferrellgas plans to deliver more than just propane this holiday season.

Ferrellgas is collecting new and gently used coats, hats, scarves, and gloves this year and putting them into the hands of less fortunate members of our community.

Donations can be given to Ferrellgas deliverymen or brought to the Ferrellgas office at 655 Ellicott St. Batavia, NY 14020 through Dec. 30. At the end of the coat drive, Ferrellgas will donate items collected to one or more local charities.

“Ferrellgas is proud to provide a product that helps keep people in our community warm and provides some comfort in their lives,” says Doug Muha, Ferrellgas’ local director of Operations. “But we realize that too many local residents will struggle to stay warm this winter because they don’t have an adequate coat. Our goal is to help provide one to as many people here as possible. Thanks to the generous members of our community, we look forward to doing just that.”

Muha said local residents do not have to be customers of Ferrellgas to participate in the coat drive.

More information about Ferrellgas can be found at www.Ferrellgas.com.

A full-on winter storm has hit Genesee County with bitter cold and heavy snow.

Top photo, Jackson Street.

Send your snow storm photos to howard@thebatavian.com.

Cornell Cooperative Extension on East Main.

Jackson Street.

Bradley J. Broadbent is indicted for the crime of promoting prison contraband in the first degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on April 24 at the Genesee County Jail, Broadbent, while confined in the detention facility, knowingly or unlawfully made, obtained or possessed dangerous contraband -- heroin. In count two, Broadbent is accused of the crime of criminal possession of a controlled subtance, a Class B felony, for allegedly knowingly and unlawfully possessing a narcotic drug -- heroin -- with intent to sell it while at the jail. In count three, he is accused of the crime of criminal sale of a controlleged substance in the third degree, a Class B felony, for allegedly knowingly and unlawfully selling a narcotic drug -- heroin.

Roberto F. Fuentes Jr. is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on July 14 on Alleghany Road in Corfu, Fuentes drove a Pontiac while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of DWI, per se, also a Class E felony, for allegedly having a .08 BAC at the time. In Special Information filed by the district attorney, Fuentes is accused of having been convicted of DWI, as a misdemeanor, on May 28, 2014 in the Town of Amherst, Erie County, and that occurred within 10 years of the crimes alleged in this indictment.

Nicole A. Mickey is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on July 10 on Richmond Avenue in Batavia, Mickey drove a 2004 Toyota while intoxicated.

Sergio A. Forte is indicted for the crime of unauthorized use of a vehicle in the second degree, a Class E felony. It is alleed that on June 30 in the Town of Le Roy that Forte, while knowing he did not hoave the owner's consent, took, operated and exercised control over, rode in or otherwise used a 2003 Ford Focus. In Special Inofrmation filed by the district attorney, Forte is accused of having been convicted of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in the third degree, a Class A misdemeanor, on March 10, 2007, in the Town of Le Roy, and that occured within 10 years of the crime alleged in this indictment.

Temperatures tonight are expected to dip as low as 10 degrees, and in each of the past two winters, a group of volunteers has created a warming shelter for anyone who might need a warm bed for a night like this, but this year, shelter will be provided on a case-by-case basis.

Last year, a local church provided the shelter, but a church secretary referred us to the Salvation Army and the Salvation Army referred us to Tim Yaeger, emergency management coordinator for Genesee County.

Yaeger said he and officials at the Salvation Army discussed options and the best course -- given the low demand for beds in cold weather locally, and with limited staff available -- is to respond to requests for shelter rather than keep a shelter open all night.

If anybody finds themselves without shelter at night, they should either call emergency dispatch or go to the nearest fire hall. That will trigger officials to contact the Salvation Army to assist that person or group of people with finding a safe place for the night. 

The local Salvation Army doesn't have the staff available to specifically keep a shelter open all night, but staff is always on call and available to assist anybody with an urgent need for shelter, Yaeger said. 

During the weekdays, the Salvation Army at 529 E. Main St., Batavia, is open for anybody who needs assistance.

In the past, the shelters have been barely used, if used at all. People living in the area who may lack permanent housing seem to be able to find a friend or family member to stay with in cold weather.

There is a lake effect snow watch in effect now until 1 a.m., Thursday. Storm totals of 5 to 10 inches of snow are expected in the region. Winds will reportedly be 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, creating blowing and drifting snow and low visibility.

Melissa R. Piazza, 27, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Piazza was allegedly found going through vehicles on Pearl Street at 1:23 a.m., Dec. 2.

Victor D. Albert, 55, of Clinton Street, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Albert was charged after police were called to Batavia Downs at 1:34 p.m., Sunday, to investigate an incident and Albert was allegedly found in possession of marijuana.

Joshua Micheal Bratcher, 26, of Fargo Road, Bethany, is charged with obstructing governmental administration and unlawful possession of marijuana. Bratcher was arrested after Batavia PD was dispatched to the area of 17 Central Ave. for a report of several people fighting.

Woodrow C. Horseman, 40, of South Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on two warrants. The warrants stem from charges of petit larceny and criminal trespass in two separate incidents. Horseman was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Darrell Smith, 49, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to pay fine. Smith turned himself in on a warrant.

Jacklyn M. Ganzhorn, 29, of Central Avenue, was arrested on a warrant. Ganzhorn was arrested when located on Alva Place for alleged failure to appear in court. Ganzhorn was held on a bail.

Nikki L. Stonebraker, 28, of Liberty Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. 

Joshua A. Porter, 19, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with unnecessary noise. Porter is accused of hosting a loud party in his residence, which was reported at 12:06 a.m., Dec. 8.

Cheryl M. Lyons, 51, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Lyons is accused of violating terms of probation. She was arraigned and jailed.

Joey A. Evans, 26, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 5th. Evans allegedly possessed property stolen from another individual.

Jaylyn S. Strong, 21, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, driving a vehicle without stop lamps, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and unlicensed operator. Strong was stopped at 10:40 p.m., Dec. 1, on East Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Chad Richards.

Robert S. Sodja, 52, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Sodja was arrested on a warrant.

Harry T. Gibson, 52, of West Main Street, was arrested on a warrant. Gibson is charged with petit larceny. Gibson was sentenced in City Court to six months in jail, to run concurrent with a sentence out of Town of Batavia Court.

Bradley R. Jordan, 23, of Colby Road, Darien, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, 3rd. Jordan allegedly entered and started a vehicle that didn't belong to him at 6:55 p.m., Nov. 16, at 4 Treadeasy Ave., Batavia.

Martin F. Jones, 45, of State Street, is charged with petit larceny. Jones allegedly stole a phone from a residence on State Street at 9:30 p.m., Nov. 27.

Andrei Peter Sliker, 25, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Sliker was allegedly found in possession of cocaine and buprenorphine during at traffic stop initiated by Deputy Eric Meyer at 7:45 a.m. Dec. 23, 2015 on Route 5 in Stafford.

Amandarae L. Moore, 29, of Route 31, Albion, was arrested on a warrant. Moore is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation in the Town of Elba.

A larceny from Kay Jewelers around 6 p.m. led local law enforcement agencies on a high-speed chase through the city and then down Route 33 into Corfu before a sergeant called off the pursuit.

The suspect vehicle, a black Chevy Impala, was last seen heading onto the Thruway, according to information obtained from the Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's Office is planning a press release later tonight on the incident.

The suspect vehicle was pursued by deputies, troopers, City PD officers and a Corfu officer, before Sgt. Jason Saile said he canceled the pursuit out of concern for public and officer safety.

It was a newer Impala, said Sgt. Greg Walker. It had tinted windows, no rear plate and entered the Thruway in Pembroke, but unknown direction of travel at this time.

We'll update this post with more information when it becomes available.

UPDATE 10:30 p.m. (by Howard): A suspect described as a black male entered the store and stole something, according to the Sheriff's Office and then left the store and got into a black Impala. The vehicle was pursued down Route 33 into Corfu. The call came in at 5:55 p.m. Information was not released about what was stolen. No information was released about possible other occupant(s) of the vehicle. The investigation is ongoing.

NOTE: Story given a new headline and rewritten by Howard Owens at 9:15 p.m.

After a search of the woods last night in the area of Keeney Road and Quinlan Road, Le Roy, two suspects in a series of incidents were located and arrested.

The call to police started with a report to Le Roy PD of suspicious activity at the Kwik Fill in Le Roy, followed by the report of an accident on Keeney Road at about 10:13 p.m.

Two people were seen fleeing into a wooded area.

Deputy Ryan Young along with the K-9 patrol led by Livingston County Deputy Michael Wade responded and started a search. 

Also assisting were other Le Roy PD officers, local deputies, troopers and State Police aviation.

After a lengthy search, the suspects were located and identified as Haleigh I. Ogden, 18, of East Avenue, Batavia, and Giancarlo A. Miranda, 18, of Clipnock Road, Stafford.

During the course of the investigation, Ogden and Miranda were identified as suspects in a burglary that occurred sometime between Dec. 8 and 9 at the Genesee County Animal Shelter. A pit bull was stolen from the shelter. 

Last night, they were found in possession of the pit bull.

Both were charged with burglary, 3rd, and jailed on $15,000 bail each.

The pit bull was returned to the animal shelter.

(initial report)

Serena Lynn Snyder, 31, of East Shelby Road, Oakfield, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Snyder is accused of assisting a cashier at Walmart in the theft of $1,500 from the store. Previously charged: Brittani Louise Diaz, 18, of East Shelby Road, Oakfield.

Christianna Maria Vicaretti, 26, of Silent Meadows Drive, Spencerport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Vicaretti was allegedly found in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia during at traffic stop at 4:45 p.m. Saturday on Townline Road, Bergen, by Deputy Chris Erion.

Russell Fields Jr., of 27 W. Bergen Road, Bergen, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Fields is accused of violating an order of protection. He was jailed on $3,500 bail or $7,000 bond.

Saturday morning Jackson Primary School hosted a Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Breakfast was bagels and donuts. The children attending had the opportunity to play games and build some art and crafts. There was a basket raffle for the adults and kids. There was a book giveaway, too. Of curse any child who wanted was able to meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus and get their picture taken with them. (Follow this link to see all of the pictures.) After visiting with Santa, every child was given a toy donated by Dollar General of Batavia. 

Photos provided by www.jimburns.org

At least 55 local children were able to shop at Walmart for free today, with the help of police officers from three local agencies, so they could find Christmas presents to give to family members.

This is the second straight year Walmart has hosted the event, which is designed to help children from families who might not otherwise be able to afford Christmas presents for parents, grandparents and brothers and sisters.

In all, about nine police officers from Batavia PD, along with 19 deputies from the Sheriff's Office and more than a dozen troopers participated in the event.

Photos courtesy Investigator John Dehm, Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

Emerson, 2, and Avalon, 6, were among the dozens of kids who stopped in at Adam Miller Toy and Bicycles today to share their Christmas wishes with Santa.

Emily Helenbrook, of Alexander and a soprano, a graduate of the Eastman School of Music, who has performed from Buffalo to California, will be a featured artist tomorrow during the Genesee Symphony Orchestra's annual holiday concert at St. Mary's Church.

For more about Helenbrook, see our previous story: Emily Helenbrook dreams big, works hard as she seeks career as opera singer

Also featured will be Amelia Snyder, on alto saxophone, and one of GSO's Young Artist Competition winners.

The program includes:

• Ukrainian Bell Chorale, arrangement by Nancy Strelau
• Fanfare from La Perri, Dukas
• Concerto for Saxophone and Strings, Glazonov
• Christ at the Movies, arranged by Krogstag
• Emily Helenbrook singing several selections
• Canadian Brass, arrangement by Custer
• Sleigh Ride, Leroy Anderson
• Christmas Festival, Anderson.

The concert begins at 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. To purchase tickets online, please make your purchase by 1 p.m. tomorrow. Visit GeneseeSymphony.com

The Batavia Lady Devils picked up their first win of the season in their home opener on Friday night, beating Eastridge 54-36.

Ryann Stefaniak led all scorers with 14 points. Mackenzie Reigle hit three three-pointers on her way to an 11-point game and Taylor Stefaniak also scored 11.

City Fire is responding to the 100 block of Summit Street., Batavia, for a kitchen fire.

The fire reportedly started in the oven but has spread to the sink.

UPDATE 5:12 a.m.: Fire is reportedly out.

Daniel J. Gilbert is accused of the crime of first-degree burglary, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 28, Gilbert knowingly entered or remained unlawfully in a dwelling -- an upper apartment on Central Avenue in Batavia -- with the intent to commit a crime therein and when entering or immediately fleeing from the dwelling, he or another participants in the alleged crime caused physical injury to a person who was not a participant in the crime. In count two, Gilbert is accused of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged in count two that Gilbert or another participant, in the course of and in furtherance of the commission or attempted commission of a felony, caused physical injury to a person others than one of the alleged participants.

Marquis K. Saddler is accused of the crime of first-degree burglary, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 28, Saddler knowingly entered or remained unlawfully in a dwelling -- an upper apartment on Central Avenue in Batavia -- with the intent to commit a crime therein and when entering or immediately fleeing from the dwelling, he or another participants in the alleged crime caused physical injury to a person who was not a participant in the crime. In count two, Saddler is accused of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged in count two that Saddler or another participant, in the course of and in furtherance of the commission or attempted commission of a felony, caused physical injury to a person others than one of the alleged participants.

Marlek E. Holmes is accused of the crime of criminal contempt in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged that on June 23 at the Genesee County Courts Facility Holmes intentionally disobeyed or resisted the lawful process or other mandate of a court by violating an order of protection issued by Batavia City Court on Dec. 2, 2015. Holmes allegedly violated the portion of the order which directed him to refrain from communication or any other contact ny mail, telephone, email, voice-mail or other electronic, or any other, means with the protected person. In addition, he is alleged to have violated that portion of the order of protection which directed him to refrain from harassment or any other criminal offense against the protected party.

Tammy L. Strassner-Noble is accused of the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on June 18 in the Town of Le Roy, that Strassner-Noble operated a 2012 Cadillac on Main Street while knowing, or having reason to know, that her driver's license in New York was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn. It is further alleged that the defendant was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count two, Strassner-Noble is accused of the crime of first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation on Main Street in the Town of Le Roy on April 6 and of operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count three, she is accused of driving while intoxicated, as a misdemeanor, on June 18 on Main Street in Le Roy.

Brittani Louise Diaz, 18, of East Shelby Road, Oakfield, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Diaz is accused of stealing from her employer, Walmart. Diaz, with the assistance of another employee, allegedly stole $1,500 from the store while employed as a cashier. 

Dylan James Maychoss, 20, of Snipery Road, Corfu, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and inadequate exhaust. Maychoss was stopped at 2:43 a.m. on East Main Street, Corfu, by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Christopher R. Stowell, no age or residence provided, is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol, unsafe lane change, unreasonable speed, operating in violation of restrictions and aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st. Stowell was charged in connection with an accident Sept. 6 in Pavilion. Stowell reportedly lost control of his motorcycle. He and a passenger were hospitalized for several days as a result.

Bradley Scott Baldwin, 20, of Peacefield Road, Pine City, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Baldwin's vehicle was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 2:37 a.m. Thursday on Bank Street, Batavia, by Deputy Andrew Hale.

Clint Jacob Reed, 19, Peart Avenue, Rochester, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs and inadequate headlamps. Reed was stopped at 9:55 p.m. Tuesday on East Saile Drive, Batavia, by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

The Salvation Army Toy Drive is underway today at Ken Barrett Chevrolet on West Main Street, Batavia.

The event is hosted by Ken Barrett and WBTA and sponsored by several local businesses.

Top photo: Lt. Rachel Moore, Colton Moore, Joan Stevens and firefighters Jerry Yoder and Adam Palumbo.

Pete Zeliff dropped off a barrel of toys.

Ken Barrett and Dan Fischer.

The Batavia Society of Artists opened its winter show last night at the Richmond Memorial Library.  

Brian Kemp, above, received the Best of Show award.  

In the photo below, Kevin Feary, of Batavia, explains the technique behind his second-place photo.

H.E. Turner Funeral Homes held its annual Service of Remembrance last night at Grace Baptist Church in Batavia. The candlelight service is a chance for members of the community to come together and reflect on loved ones who have passed in the previous year.