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Local tourism boost: Two prominent car clubs to visit here starting Sunday

By Billie Owens

Press release from the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce:

Two prominent automobile clubs will be visiting the Batavia-area beginning Sunday, July 10th.

The 1965-66 Full-Size Chevrolet Club will use Batavia as a base of operations for five days. The Early Ford V-8 Club of America will embark on a five-day driving tour that will begin and end in Batavia. In total, more than 200 people will be coming to the area.

The 2016 International Meet for the 1965-66 Full-Size Chevrolet Club will take place at the Quality Inn in Batavia on from Sunday, July 10 to Friday, July 15. The group is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1966 Impala.

While here, the group will tour Oliver’s Candies in the City of Batavia (afternoon of July 11) and Kutter's Cheese Factory in Corfu (morning of July 15) and the JELL-O Museum in Le Roy (morning of July 11). The club will also have a show day at Ken Barrett Chevrolet on West Main Street, Batavia, on the morning of July 13.

The Chevrolet club will also be cruising to Letchworth State Park in Wyoming County, touring the Chevy plant in Tonawanda, visiting the Carousel Museum, getting an exclusive tour of the Pierce Arrow Museum, and visiting the Erie Basin & Waterfront Naval Park.

The club was founded in 1983 and has more than 100 members. Members have been successfully working with manufacturers to make hard-to-find parts available again and assist in restoration of the vehicles.

From July 10 to July 15, the Western New York Regional Group #3 of the Early Ford V-8 Club of America will celebrate its 50th anniversary on a five-day National Driving Tour around the Finger Lakes.

On Sunday, July 10, the group will be hosting an opening party at the Quality Inn in Batavia. The following morning they will depart for a tour of Olean, Corning, Binghamton and Liverpool. The group will return to Batavia on Friday, July 15, for a farewell dinner.

The Western Regional Group of the Early Ford V-8 Club of America is centered in Rochester. It features all Ford products produced from 1932-1953 and are the second-oldest active regional group in the world. They have 85 active members.

Grand Jury indictments: Man allegedly busts out front-door window on Kingsbury Avenue, and sex offender allegedly fails to register new Buell Street address

By Billie Owens

Patrick D. Neaverth is indicted for the crime of second-degree burglary, a Class C violent felony. On March 13, he allegedly knowlingly entered or remained unlawfully in a dwelling on Kingsbury Avenue in the City of Batavia with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, he is accused of third degree criminal mischief, a Class E felony, for intending to damage the property of another person and without having any right to do so allegedly damaged property, in this case a glass window to the front door of a residence, and the amount of damage exceeds $250. In count three, the defendant is accused of first degree criminal contempt, a Class E felony, for allegedly violating a duly served order of protection by intentionally or recklessly damaging the property of a protected person in an amount exceeding $250.

Triton A. Drock is indicted for the crime of failure to report a change of address within 10 days as required of a registered sex offender, a Class E felony. The convicted sex offender moved to 20 Buell St. in the City of Batavia then allegedly failed to register his new address with the state Dvision of Criminal Justice within the required 10 calendar days.

South Main Street, Batavia, man charged with drug possession and criminal nuisance

By Billie Owens

Rodney A. Barber, 40, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a Class A misdemeanor, and second degree criminal nuisance, a Class B misdemeanor.

Barber was arrested Friday morning after members of the Genesee County Drug Task Force, along with Sheriff's deputies, Batavia Police officers and the Sheriff's K-9 "Destro" executed a search warrant on South Main Street. He was issued an appearance ticket. The investigation is continuing and further charges may be pending.

The task force is comprised of officers from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Batavia Police NET officers, and the Le Roy Village Police Department.

Barber's arrest is the result of the task force's investigation into the sale and possession of cocaine in and around the Batavia area.

Law and Order: Rochester man jailed without bail after caught driving with license allegedly suspended 19 times

By Billie Owens

Travail L. Madison, pictured left, 24, of Merlin Street, Rochester, is charged with first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and unlicensed operator. At 8:10 a.m. on June 30, Madison was operating a motor vehicle on Ellicott Street without a driver's license. A subsequent computer check revealed that his driving privilege has allegedly been suspended 19 times on 10 different dates. He was jailed without bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack, assisted by Officer Daniel Coffey.

Calvin L. Mosher, 38, of Maple Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; speeding (53 mph in 40-mph zone); unsafe start; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Mosher was stopped at 12:30 p.m. on Alleghany Road in Alabama for vehicle and traffic violations. The defendant was subsequently found to be operating a vehicle while his ability to do so was allegedly impaired by suspected illicit drugs. Mosher was allegedly found in possession of a small quantity of suspected LSD and marijuana. He was issued traffic summons and appearance tickets and directed to be in Town of Alabama Court on July 9. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Patrick Reeves, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

Nicholas D. Martino, 35, of Main Street, Alexander, is charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operator. He was arrested at 6:12 p.m. on Bank Street in Batavia following a traffic stop. He was allegedly driving a silver van while his driver's license was suspended. He was jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash or bond and was due in court on June 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp. 

Eric Richard McWethy, 20, Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, and having only one plate displayed on his vehicle, which was obstructed. He was arrested at 7:40 p.m. July 1 on Main Street, in Oakfield, after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana following a traffic stop. He was stopped for allegedly failing to display a properly affixed rear axle plate to the vehicle he was operating. He was released on appearance tickets returnable to Town of Oakfield Court on July 25. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

Photos: Baseball and fireworks at Dwyer Stadium

By Howard B. Owens

On a night when the Batavia Muckdogs fell to 4-14 in a 5-1 loss to Brooklyn, at least there were fireworks after the game.

There was also the professional debut of the New York Mets' #1 draft pick, Justin Dunn, who brought his own kind of heat, striking out two in the ninth of a jittery eighth frame.

In the eighth, the Muckdogs managed two hits off of Dunn, matching the total number of hits they got over seven innings against starter Merandy Gonzalez (2-0, 2.21 ERA).

Muckdogs starter Reilly Hovis took the loss, giving up four runs and seven hits over four innings to fall to 1-2 with a 5.60 ERA. Relievers Chevis Hoover and Parker Bugg held things down over the final five innings, giving up a run and two hits.

For the Muckdogs, Isaiah White had two hits.

The Muckdogs face Brooklyn again tonight at Dwyer. Game time is 7:05. 

Top photo: Dunn delivering his first professional pitch.

Batavia second baseman Rony Cabrera gets ready to apply the tag on Gene Cone's steal attempt in the sixth inning.

In the second, Samuel Castro attempted to bunt for a base hit, but seemed to wait for the umpire to call his bunt foul before running toward first. He was thrown out at first.

Dale Burdick steals second in the second. Burdick is the nephew of Tom Turnbull, president of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

Reilly Hovis pitching.

Aaron Knapp gets a stolen base, his second of the season.

Justin Dunn

Photos: Kiwanis 5K at Centennial Park

By Howard B. Owens

The annual July 4 Kiwanis 5K was held this morning, starting and finishing at Centennial Park.

Today is PIcnic in the Park and tonight the Muckdog's play Brooklyn at Dwyer Stadium, game time 7:05, followed by fireworks.

Mets top pick for 2016 could make debut against Muckdogs tomorrow

By Howard B. Owens

New York Mets fans in the area might be interested to know that Justin Dunn, this year's #1 draft pick by the Mets, and 19th overall, could make his professional debut tomorrow against the Batavia Muckdogs at Dwyer Stadium.

It's July 4th and there will be post-game fireworks, so expect a sellout anyway.

Game time is 7 p.m.

Dunn was born in Freeport and attended Boston College before being drafted.

Photo courtesy Mike Janes/Four Seams Images.

Photos: Batavia Ramble Music and Arts Fest 2016

By Howard B. Owens

Hundreds of music fans and musicians swarmed into Downtown Batavia today for the annual Batavia Ramble Music and Arts Fest, held in Jackson Square and at a stage set up at School and Center streets.

In all, 40 music acts were scheduled to perform. The last act goes on at 8:40 p.m., so there's still time to see the show.

Photos: Big turnout for first Friday night concert in Jackson Square

By Howard B. Owens

The 2016 summer season of concerts in Jackson Square kicked off Friday night with performances by St. Joe's of Batavia Brass Ensemble (its 85th Reunion) and the Mighty St. Joe's Alumni Corps (with an interlude covering the history of the bugle, featuring members of the ensemble).

City school board holds annual organizational meeting

By Howard B. Owens

Patrick Burk, right, will continue to serve as school board president during the 2016-17 year, and Jessica Maguire-Tomidy will serve as VP. Madison Moore, left, is the student, ex-officio member for the year.

The district board held its annual meeting this morning at the district office. The meeting included approving the board calendar, appointment of committees and appointment of key district staff. Chris Dailey was reappointed as district superintendent.

House fire reported on Hutchins Street

By Billie Owens

A house fire is reported at 54 Hutchins St. Everybody is out of the house, according to a dispatcher. City firefighters are responding.

UPDATE 7:35 a.m.: Fire under control; checking for extensions.

Photos submitted by Frank Capuano.

Genesee Community College names 314 students to Spring 2016 dean’s list

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College, including all seven campus locations in Batavia, Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw, proudly announces the following are among 314 full- and part-time students who were named to the dean's list for the Spring 2016 semester. Students honored on the dean's list have earned a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74.

This year's Genesee Community College Spring 2016 dean's list honorees, with their hometowns, are:

Heather Bombard, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Heather Volpe, a resident of Elba, NY 14058

Amber Hutchings, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Jessica Caryl, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Jennifer Piazza, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Matthew Bridger, a resident of Basom, NY 14013

McKenna Ford, a resident of Alexander, NY 14005

Andrea Pugliese, a resident of Darien Center, NY 14040

Branden Riggs, a resident of Alexander, NY 14005

Richard Gutowski, a resident of Corfu, NY 14036

Alyssa Baiocco, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Chelsea Bishop, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Matthew Dobbertin, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Christen Ferraro, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Emma Francis, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Zachary Hoy, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Nathaniel Kabel, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

John LaFarnara, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Tayler Mitchell, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Carly Scott, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Natalie Sharpe, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Valerie Stephens, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Brandon Corcoran, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Rachel Cosimeno, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Courtney Fisher, a resident of Batavia, NY 14021

Kristy Gallo, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Bailey Paserk, a resident of Batavia, NY 14021

Katelyn Richenberg, a resident of Stafford, NY 14143

Maria Ross, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Julie Cultrara, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Alison Diskin, a resident of Le Roy, NY 14482

Emily Reese, a resident of Le Roy, NY 14482

Philip Vigneri, a resident of Elba, NY 14058

Kyle Dougherty, a resident of Bergen, NY 14416

Abigail Noeth, a resident of Byron, NY 14422

Kyley Pascarella, a resident of Byron, NY 14422

Lauren Hughes, a resident of Elba, NY 14058

Sheena Mest, a resident of Byron, NY 14422

Nathan Reiner, a resident of Bergen, NY 14416

Sierra Bosdyk, a resident of Pavilion, NY 14525

Dawn Wylie, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Zachary Franclemont, a resident of Corfu, NY 14036

Zoey Ransom, a resident of Corfu, NY 14036

Adam Sewar, a resident of Elba, NY 14058

Carley Sformo, a resident of Corfu, NY 14036

Kodian Becker, a resident of Darien Center, NY 14040

Sarah Wolcott, a resident of Byron, NY 14422

Evan Cole, a resident of Oakfield, NY 14125

Melissa Engle, a resident of Elba, NY 14058

Scott Ligon, a resident of Elba, NY 14058

Patrick Delude, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Michele Mandel, a resident of Basom, NY 14013

Wade Webster, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Samuel Freeman, a resident of Darien Center, NY 14040

Jessica Bonin, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

James Hamler, a resident of Le Roy, NY 14482

Brooke Ortiz, a resident of Le Roy, NY 14482

Alex Brownlie, a resident of Basom, NY 14013

Kasey Edgerton, a resident of Oakfield, NY 14125

Aspen Moyer, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Mia Velletta, a resident of Oakfield, NY 14125

Michelle Rushok, a resident of Batavia, NY 14020

Todd Schrauger Jr, a resident of Oakfield, NY 14125

Veronica Rizzo, a resident of Le Roy, NY 14482

Gina Johnson, a resident of Bergen, NY 14416

Stephen Coast, a resident of Basom, NY 14013

Laurie Yaskulski, a resident of Le Roy, NY 14482

Sarah Corcimiglia, a resident of Bergen, NY 14416

Elisabeth Haas, a resident of Elba, NY 14058

The College also maintains President's and Provost's Lists comprised of students who earned quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better. These other GCC honorees are announced separately. Go to the College's website at www.genesee.edu.

Genesee Community College offers over 65 academic programs and certificates, including the new Nanotechnology AAS, which studies on a microscopic scale and atomic level leading to jobs in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and also careers in burgeoning photovoltaics.

Genesee is accessible through seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as through its online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three-minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes, yet state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high-tech" and "high-touch." The 2016 semester begins Aug. 22.

For further information about all of GCC's opportunities, go to www.genesee.edu.

Two local students earn dean’s list recognition at Norwich University

By Billie Owens

The following students from your readership area have been recognized on the dean’s list at Norwich University for the spring 2016 semester:

* James Alexander Spear, of Batavia 

* Jake Hunter Nichols, of Batavia

Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the Army and is the oldest private military college in the United States of America. Norwich is one of our nation's six senior military colleges and the birthplace of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).
www.norwich.edu

Nine local students honored for dean's list achievement at Daemen College

By Billie Owens

Daemen College Dean Michael Brogan, Ed.D., announces the following students achieved dean's list status at Daemen College for the Spring 2015 semester.

* Sarah Loranty, of Alexander
* Nicole Fore, of Batavia 
* Erik Moscicki, of Batavia
* Patrick Wrobel, of Batavia
* Adam Siedlecki, of Batavia
* Katrina Stork, of Batavia 
* Emily Graham, of Le Roy 
* Allison Bartholomew, of Oakfield
* Morgan Zakes, of Oakfield

A matriculated undergraduate student who attains a grade-point average of 3.30 or better in any one semester is eligible for dean's list status.

Law and Order: Buffalo man jailed after allegedly threatening ex-wife in GC Family Court

By Billie Owens

Marlek E. Holmes, 42, of Niagara Street, Buffalo, is charged with: intimidating a victim or witness by instilling fear of physical injury; second-degree criminal contempt; and second-degree harassment -- threatening physical contact. Holmes was arrested at 10:10 a.m. on June 23 following a disruption during a court proceding in Genesee County Family Court wherein he allegedly threatened his ex-wife with physical harm. He was jailed and was to appear in Batavia City Court June 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.

Chad N. Gibson, 26, of East Lee Road, Albion, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; aggravated DWI per se -- a BAC of .18 percent or more; moving from lane unsafely; leaving the scene of a personal injury accident; and driving left of pavement markings. Gibson allegedly struck another vehicle while operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated at 12:27 a.m. on June 25. He then allegedly left the scene. He was subsequently arrested and jailed on $1,000 bail and was due in City Court June 27. The case was handled by Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Thomas T. Bennett, 51, of Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree harassment. At 6:12 p.m. on June 27, Bennett was arrested after an incident in which he allegedly grabbed a female's arm, took a phone out of her hand and then broke it in half. He was jailed on $1,000 bail and was due in City Court on June 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Katelynn M. Higgins, 30, of Grandview Terrace, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested on June 27 following an investigation of an incident that occurred at 11:50 p.m. on June 11 on Grandview Terrace in Batavia wherein Higgins allegedly struck a person with a shoe. She was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on July 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Joshua W. Eccleston, 32, of Winters Avenue, Mt. Morris, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested June 27 following an investigation into an incident that occurred at 11:30 p.m. on June 11 on Grandview Terrace in Batavia wherein Eccleston allegedly damaged a cell phone. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on July 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Donald J. Egan, 25, of Boardman Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. At 12:08 p.m. on June 28, Egan's vehicle was disabled at 26 W. Main St. in Batavia. While attempting to assist Egan, Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze observed a wooden billy club in between the driver door and the driver seat. Egan was arrested and issued a computer-issued appearance ticket for City Court on July 12.

Picnic planned at Kiwanis Park July 26 to celebrate 26th anniversary of ADA, must RSVP

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Batavia’s premier consumer-run human service and advocacy agency for people with disabilities, Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) will hold an ADA Picnic to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Open to the general public, and offering FREE food, fun, and games, the event will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26, at Kiwanis Park, 3808 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

To ensure that we have enough, if you plan to attend, please R.S.V.P. to Donna Becker at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411.  

At the time the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed in 1990, a patchwork of laws existed to protect the civil rights of citizens with disabilities only in certain situations, such as access to airports, fairness in housing, and non-discrimination by federally funded institutions.

The ADA broadly bars disability-based discrimination in employment, telecommunications, by state and local governments, in places of public accommodation such as stores, restaurants, banks, theaters, hotels, and stadia, among other protections. This has made it the single most important body of law for a particular population, the disability community, since the protections for racial and ethnic minorities and women of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which inspired some of the ADA’s provisions.

No announcement expected today for $10 million development prize

By Howard B. Owens

City officials expected the governor's office to announce today the winners of the statewide contest for grants to assist in downtown economic development, but City Manager Jason Molino said this afternoon that he's received word not to expect the announcement today.

The city is competing with other municipalities in the Finger Lakes Economic Development region for a $10 million prize.

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