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Photo: Home show ready to open at Falleti Ice Arena

By Howard B. Owens

Late this afternoon, vendors were busy putting together the final touches on their booths for the annual home show at Falleti Ice Arena.

The home show, brought to you by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, opens at 5 p.m. today and continues tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday.

There are about 70 exhibitors with goods and services designed to help you make home life better, beautiful or more efficient. For more information, visit the Chamber's Web site.

Sponsored Post: Think Spring and visit the Home Show April 1st - April 3rd!

By Lisa Ace

It’s been a long cold winter and now it’s time to “think spring.” And there’s no way better way to beat those long winter blues than by attending the second annual Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Home Show. The Home Show will be held at Falleti Ice Arena in Batavia Friday through Sunday, April 1st - April 3rd.
 
Here’s your chance to talk face to face with more than 60 area businesses attending this year’s Home Show for help with your home ideas and projects. And while you’re there, make sure you register for a chance to win a $500 gift certificate from the Home Show vendor business of your choice. The winner will be drawn at the conclusion of the Home Show and you do not need to be present to win.
 
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Home Show will be open Friday, April 1 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. And if you’re hungry, the concessions are being run by Alex’s Place, so you know the food will be excellent!
 
Admission is only $3 per person and children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Parking is free at the Falleti Ice Arena. Coupons good for $1 off all admissions are available at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce office, 210 E. Main St., Batavia, or at any of the participating businesses. For a complete list of participating businesses go to www.geneseeny.com/homeshow. For more information, call the Chamber office at 343-7440.

Law and Order: Woman charged with grand larceny, accused of stealing $1K in coins and cash in Darien

By Billie Owens

Kendra Marie McGuire, 25, of Bryant Street, North Tonawanda, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny. She was arrested and issued an appearance ticket for April 26 in Darien Town Court. It is alleged that she stole cash and coins valued at more than $1,000 from a residence on Richley Road in Darien in November of 2012. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Chad Minuto.

Daniel Joseph Kish, 44, of Payne Avenue, of North Tonawanda, was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and unsafe turn/failure to signal at noon on March 17. He was arrested on the charges March 31 after turning himself in on an arrest warrant out of the City of Batavia. Kish allegedly missed city court for prior alleged traffic violations. Bail was set at $250 and he did bail himself out at city court. He was released and is to reappear in city court on May 18. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

Tracy Avenue woman charged with selling crack cocaine out of her city residence

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, comprised of officers from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Batavia Police NET officers, and the Le Roy Village Police, concluded an investigation into the sale of "crack" cocaine in the City of Batavia with the arrest of a City of Batavia woman Wedesnday afternoon.

Jennifer M. Moore, 30, of Tracy Avenue, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, a Class B felony, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, also a Class D felony.

The defendant was arrested on Wednesday afternoon on a Genesee County Grand Jury indictment warrant by the Drug Task Force and uniform officers from the City of Batavia PD. She was jailed without bail. The investigation is continuing into the sales of illicit drugs from the defendant's residence with further charges and arrests pending.

Task Force members were also assisted in the investigation by the District Attorney's Office.

Muckdogs announce 'Hit the Books' reading program

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs today announced the start of their reading program, designed to promote reading amongst the youth of the local communities. Along with the help of New York’s 529 College Savings Program, 2016 will mark the fourth year of the “HIT THE BOOKS with the Batavia Muckdogs” reading program.   

As part of this program, the Muckdogs have provided various schools and libraries across local counties with customized bookmarks. On the back of these bookmarks, children can have a parent, guardian, teacher, or librarian initial each time they complete a book. When a child completes 10 books, they can redeem the bookmark at the Dwyer Stadium box office for a FREE TICKET to any Sunday-Thursday Batavia Muckdogs’ game!

In addition to the free ticket, the child will also receive a prize courtesy of New York’s 529 College Savings Program. If a child reads 20 books, they will be entered into a drawing to win a backpack with school supplies, provided by New York’s 529 College Savings Program; along with the opportunity to throw out a first pitch at a Muckdogs game. 

In addition to the many participating schools, bookmarks will be made available to children at the following local libraries:

  • Richmond Memorial Library (Batavia)
  • Lee-Whedon Memorial Library (Medina)
  • Byron-Bergen Public Library
  • Haxton Memorial Library (Oakfield)
  • Hoag Library (Albion)
  • Pavilion Public Library
  • Woodward Memorial Library (Le Roy)
  • Holley Community Free Library

Any questions about the reading program, bookmarks, or redeeming for tickets can be answered by Josh Swan, at 585-343-5454, ext. 1005.

Celebrate Earth Day at DeWitt Recreation Area with special activities April 23

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Earth is a Wild Blue Planet! On Saturday, April 23, celebrate Earth Day (nationally recognized on Friday, April 22) by helping with habitat cleanup at DeWitt Recreation Area, making awesome crafts out of recycled materials, and taking home your own live tree seedling!

It is located off Cedar Street in the City of Batavia.

Sign up for the naturalist-guided Blue Planet Hike, Helping Hands for Wildlife, habitat checkup, and catching Clean Water Critters by calling 585-344-1122.

Learn about aquatic habitats, the wild animals that live there, and how you can help them! Grab a friend or sign up as a group!

Schedule of Activities at DeWitt Recreation Area, Saturday, April 23:

  • 9 – 11 a.m. -- Park Cleanup Projects: Helping Hands for Wildlife
  • 11 a.m. to noon -- Wildlife and Water: A Blue Planet Hike
  • Noon to 1 p.m. -- Habitat Checkup: Water Monitoring Activity
  • 1 – 2 p.m. -- Clean Water Critters

Ongoing -- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. --  Special Guests, “The Incredible Journey" game and Earth-Friendly Crafts!

Special guests include: Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District, Genesee County Youth Bureau/AmeriCorps, Batavia Youth Bureau, Department of Environmental Conservation Fisheries, GLOW Region Solid Waste, ACORNS and more!

Scouts may earn requirements for the following projects by signing up for Earth Day Activities: Webelos Naturalist 11 and 12, Daisies Between Earth and Sky, Brownies The Wonders of Water, Juniors Animal Habitats badge, Cadettes Breathe Journey, Boy Scouts Bird Study Merit Badge 1. Sign up for Helping Hands for Wildlife and leave the park better than you found it!

Celebration is FREE! Please pre-register for activities by calling 585-344-1122.

To register call (585) 344-1122. For more information visit the Web site at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122. 

Law and Order: Batavia man charged with second-degree harassment, another charged with DWI

By Billie Owens

Timothy J. Wood Sr., 27, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 3:34 a.m. on March 28 as the result of an incident that occured at a residence on West Main Street on March 26. He was released on an appearance ticket and had a court date on March 29. The case was handled by Bataiva Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Michael S. Garrett, 25, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, DWI with a BAC of .08 percent of higher, and having an unregistered motor vehicle. The charges stem from a traffic stop condiucted at 1:56 p.m. on March 20 in the area of West Main Street and Dellinger Avenue. His vehicle registration was found to be expired and after field tests, he was arrested for DWI. Garrett was issued an appearance ticket and released to a sober party. He is due in city court on April 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Sgt. Daniel Coffey.

Car vs. pedestrian accident with injuries reported on State Street Road, Batavia

By Billie Owens

A car versus pedestrian accident with injuries is reported at 8157 State Street Road, Batavia. There are two occupants in the vehicle. Law enforcement is on scene. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics.

UPDATE 1:47 p.m.: The patient is being transported via ambulance to the Genesee County Airport hangar and will be flown to a hospital by Mercy Flight.

GC Women's Republican Club holds annual Spring Breakfast April 9 at Dibble Family Center, RSVP by April 4

By Billie Owens
Press release:

The Genesee County Women’s Republican Club (GCWRC) is excited to announce the 2016 Spring Breakfast. It will take place on Saturday April 9th at the Dibble Family Center located at 4110 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. The breakfast begins at 9 a.m. and registration is requested by April 4.

“Supporting women and Republican candidates in politics and government is important and I encourage anyone that wants to be involved in our community decision making process to attend this event,” said Rachael Tabelski, president of the Women’s Republican Club.

“For too long members of our community have missed opportunities to participate in civic engagement, and the GCWRC is looking to change this."

Not only will participants enjoy a hearty breakfast, but will learn about new initiatives that the GCWRC is undertaking and have the opportunity to network with local, state and federal representatives and their staff.

Participants will also hear from Donna Saskowski, executive director of the Genesee ARC who is the guest speaker of this year’s event. The Genesee ARC is the Club’s Caring for America 2016 charity.

The cost of breakfast is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Checks can be made out to GCWRC, mailed to Treasurer Michele Smith at 20 Canterbury Lane, Bergen, NY 14416.

If you have a question or want to learn more about the GCWRC, contact Rachael Tabelski, 558-409-4008 or at rachael.tabelski@yahoo.com

Consider volunteering at Crossroads House

By Billie Owens

Have you thought about being a volunteer?

Learn about opportunities available at Crossroads House? They are hosting five days in the month of April to learn about opportunities for volunteering in a variety of ways including resident care and beyond at Crossroads House!

These are no obligation days! Pick a date and stop by to learn more!
April 2nd – 10am – 11am
April 6th – 6:30pm – 7:30pm
April 11th – 6:30pm – 7:30pm
April 19th – 6:30pm – 7:30pm
April 21st – 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Crossroads House
585-343-3892
11 Liberty St., Batavia NY 14020
Crossroadshouse.com

50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Vietnam War event today at 2 at Batavia VA center

By Billie Owens

Information provided by the VA Public Affairs Office:

Today at 2 p.m. at the VA Medical Center, 222 Richmond Ave., Batavia, there will be a Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration. It will take place in the auditorium of Building #4.

The guest speaker will be Mr. Vincent Schollard, who served two tours of duty in Vietnam (1966-68) as a Navy Corpsman. Vietnam Veterans and their families are encouraged to attend to share camaraderie. Refreshments will be served afterward.

VA Western New York Healthcare System is a Federal commemorative partner for The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. One of the main objectives of these events is to give a long overdue thanks to honor Vietnam Veterans and their families, including personnel who were held prisoners of war or listed as missing in action.

The Commemoration will pay tribute to their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States. Additionally, it will mark advances in technology, science and medicine related to the military research conducted during the Vietnam War. Lastly, the often overlooked contributions and sacrifices made by our allies will be recognized.

To fulfill President’s Lincoln’s mission to our Veterans and their families "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan,” after each commemoration several VA representatives will be on hand and ready to provide information and answers to questions about VA health care enrollment and other Veterans benefits to include disability claims, employment and educational opportunities, and National Cemetery internment. Many Veterans are still unaware of VA benefits they have earned or may be in need of updated information to qualify and use these benefits.  

Here's the lineup of the event in Batavia:

Invocation -- Father Ivan Trujillo, VA Western NY Healtchcare System

Presentation of Colors -- Joint Veterans Honor Guard of Genesee County

"Star-spangled Banner" -- St. Joe's Brass Ensemble of Batavia

Pledge of Allegiance 

Welcome -- Brian Stiller, Medical Director, VA Western NY Healtchcare System

Keynote Address -- Vincent Schollard, former Navy Corpsman

Musical Tribute -- St. Joe's Brass Ensemble of Batavia

Vietnam Veterans Pin Presentation 

Echo Taps -- Frank Panepento & Tom Cecere

Benediction -- Father Ivan Trujillo

For additional information please contact the VA Public Affairs Office at (716) 862-8753/8754.

Sponsored Post: Think Spring and visit the Home Show April 1st - April 3rd!

By Lisa Ace

It’s been a long cold winter and now it’s time to “think spring.” And there’s no way better way to beat those long winter blues than by attending the second annual Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Home Show. The Home Show will be held at Falleti Ice Arena in Batavia Friday through Sunday, April 1st - April 3rd.
 
Here’s your chance to talk face to face with more than 60 area businesses attending this year’s Home Show for help with your home ideas and projects. And while you’re there, make sure you register for a chance to win a $500 gift certificate from the Home Show vendor business of your choice. The winner will be drawn at the conclusion of the Home Show and you do not need to be present to win.
 
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Home Show will be open Friday, April 1 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. And if you’re hungry, the concessions are being run by Alex’s Place, so you know the food will be excellent!
 
Admission is only $3 per person and children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Parking is free at the Falleti Ice Arena. Coupons good for $1 off all admissions are available at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce office, 210 E. Main St., Batavia, or at any of the participating businesses. For a complete list of participating businesses go to www.geneseeny.com/homeshow. For more information, call the Chamber office at 343-7440.

March 12 property auction nets city nearly $2,200 after back taxes paid

By Billie Owens

Below are the results of the March 12 city property auction, according to City Manager Jason Molino.

At tonight's 7 o'clock City Council Conference Meeting, the councilmembers will vote on a resolution to authorize the council president to sign agreements for the sale of property sold at the auction.

They are all parcels of vacant land.

  • 26-28 and 30 Hutchins Place -- Sold to Christopher Hallifax, of Gasport, for $1,000. There were no back taxes as the property was City owned.
  • Bank Street -- A parcel adjacent to 375 Bank St. sold for $300 to Betty Russo. Back taxes amounted to $263.02 and she was the only bidder. Her property is next to this land (Parcel No. 71.020-1-12).
  • Evergreen Drive, rear -- Sold to Donald Childs of 12 Evergreen Drive for $1,100. Back taxes were $166.22. His property is next to this property (Parcel No. 71.020-1-81).
  • 28 Franklin St., rear -- Sold to Donna Howard of 28 Franklin St. for $650. Back taxes were $424.43. Her property is next to this land.

Total proceeds were $3,050. Total back taxes were $853.67. Net proceeds: $2,196.33.

Law and Order: Ellicott Street resident arrested for allegedly dumping trash onto neighbor's property

By Billie Owens

Rae C. Cook, 27, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with illegal disposal of items. Cook was arrested following an investigation into an illegal dumping complaint. At 1 p.m. on March 17, Cook was observed by a neighbor allegedly depositing refuse onto the neighbor's private property. Cook was issued an appearance ticket and is due in city court on Tuesday. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Damien A. Boyd, 32, of Meadville Road, Batavia is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, possession of a hypodermic instrument and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd. The charges on March 23 stem from a warrant that was issued as a result of an incident on Aug. 25 wherein Boyd was allegedly found to be in possession of heroin, needles and several small plastic bags for packaging narcotics. He was jailed in lieu of $2,000 bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards.

J'shon K. Naegely, 19, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Naegely was arrested March 26 on a warrant out of Batavia City Court. It is alleged Naegely failed to appear in court on a charge on Jan. 15 of criminal possession of stolen property. Naegely was jailed on $1,000 bail and is due back in court on Tuesday. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Tina R. Ayala, 48, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested for allegedly shoplifting at Dollar General at 12:45 p.m. on March 24. Ayala received an appearance ticket and is to be in city court on Tuesday. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.

Calling all cops and deputies -- free classes at Batavia Cross Training and May contest to benefit family of Frank Bordonaro

By Billie Owens

A little friendly competition among law enforcement officers for a good cause is planned starting April 1st at Batavia Cross Training, 34 Swan St., Batavia.

New owner Jessica Pratt is opening the doors to all Batavia City Police officers, Le Roy Police officers and Genesee County Sheriff's deputies. No need to sign up! This is for two months of unlimited classes. Donations are accepted and will benefit the family of late local hero Frank Bordonaro, a Sheriff's deputy who died in service to the citizens of Genesee County.

The competition workout will be the "Memorial Day Murph." It will be held at the end of May for everyone to compete against one another.

"Please take full advantage of this event!" says Pratt.

For more information, call Pratt at 813-2369.

Law and Order: Batavia resident charged with harassment after allegedly pushing safety officer at College Village

By Billie Owens

Tre'Shaun Diamond Perry, 20, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. The subject was arrested today after an incident at 10:10 p.m. on March 24 at College Village. It is alleged Perry pushed a safety officer while in a building at College Village. Perry was released on an appearance ticket to appear in Town of Batavia Court at a later date. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Chad Cummings.

Brandon Thomas Beard, 21, of Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, driving while ability impaired by drugs and driver's view obstructed. On March 26, at 8:41 p.m., the defendant was stopped following the observation of a vehicle and traffic violation on Clinton Street Road, Town of Bergen. He was arrested after allegedly possessing marijuana and driving while his ability to do so was allegedly impaired by drugs. He was released on appearance tickets and is to return to Town of Bergen Court at a later date. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Three men in a Jeep reportedly on the railroads tracks

By Billie Owens

Three white males in a white Jeep are reportedly on the railroad tracks, west of Wilkinson Road. The location is about a mile and a half west of Wilkinson in the Town of Batavia. Sheriff's deputies are responding.

UPDATE 10:16 a.m.: When the call came in, they were "stationary, possibly taking photos."

UPDATE 10:22 a.m.: Deputies have not found the men or the vehicle. The call came in from CSX. There's a private property crossing in that area.

Grand Jury: Man accused of violating orders of protection involving two different people on same day, plus trio of DWIs

By Billie Owens

Adam D. Smart is indicted for the crime of first-degree criminal contempt, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 6 in the City of Batavia, the defendant violated an Order of Protection which required him to stay away from the person on whose behalf the order was issued. In count two, he is accused of first-degree criminal contempt for allegedly violating an Order of Protection on Nov. 6, which required him to stay away from another person in the City of Batavia who also had a protective order against him.

Gayno S. Standsblack is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class D felony. Standsblack is accused of driving a 2000 Dodge on Meadville Road in the Town of Alabama on Jan. 16 while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony, for driving on that date allegedly under the influence of alcohol or a drug while knowing, or having reason to know, that his driver's license was suspended or revoked. In count three, he is accused of the crime of using a vehicle that did not have an ignition interlock device, a Class A misdemeanor.

John R. Benton is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. On Oct. 1, in the Town of Darien, it is alleged that he drove a 2006 Toyota on Tinkham Road while intoxicated. In count two, Benton is accused of aggravated DWI, per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .18 percent or more at the time.

Alfonso G. Mayfield is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. On Nov. 8, in the Town of Pembroke, it is alleged that he drove a 2007 Jeep on I-90 while intoxicated.

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