batavia

Justine D. McWethy, 28, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 2nd. McWethy is accused of stealing $80,000 from a business at 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia. McWethy was arrested on a warrant after being found to be a passenger in a car stopped by a Batavia PD patrol. The alleged theft was reported Nov. 11. McWethy was also arrested by Deputy Joseph Corona on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a petit larceny charge. On that arrest, she was jailed on $500 bail or $1,000 bond. On the grand larceny charge, she was jailed without bail.

Alfred A. Panepinto, 59, of Ellicott Avenue, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and failure to stop for stop sign. Panepinto was stopped at 10:48 p.m. Jan. 2 on Ellicott Avenue by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Lonnie J. Ford III, 44, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to pay a fine stemming from a loitering charge. He was jailed on $125 bail.

Coretta M. Pitts, 47, of Williams Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Pitts allegedly entered a residence in violation of a complete stay away order. She was jailed on $1,000 bail. 

Vincent Allen Sanfratello, 49, of Gibson Street, Bergen, was arrested on a bench warrant for alleged failure to pay a fine. Sanfratello was jailed without bail.

Joshua David Schultz, 32, of Maple Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and insufficient tail lamps. Schultz was stopped on Drake Street, Oakfield, at 5:48 p.m. Tuesday by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Jonathan Patrick Little, 25, of Boyce Road, Corfu, is charged with petit larceny. Little is accused of stealing from Kmart on Wednesday.

A driver was cited for alleged failure to yield Thursday following an afternoon accident on Route 63 at Galloway Road that sent three people to UMMC with minor injuries.

Lisa Marie Wilson, 25, of Springville, who was among those reportedly injured, was cited for allegedly making a right turn from Galloway to Route 63 with another car approaching that had the right of way.

The accident was reported 2:47 p.m. and Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS responded.

Also injured were Michele A. Fox, 48, and Brandi L. Baker, 24, both passengers in Wilson's 2013 Hyundai sedan. 

The other driver, Truman W. Johnson, 63, of Medina, wasn't injured.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Press release:

BATAVIA – Mary’s drug addiction has cost her everything: her family, her friends, her job and, she fears, her life. She has been in and out of therapy, support groups and abstinence from cocaine. Feeling frustrated and very much alone with no options left, Mary called the Care & Crisis Helpline.

She talked about her dilemma of not being able to stay clean while her addiction was killing her. A trained Helpline listener quietly took it all in and offered the support and referrals that Mary needed.

This is no fictional tale. Mary’s call was one of more than 7,300 that the Helpline received since it began a year ago. As of midnight Jan. 1, the service has fielded calls from depressed, lonely, distressed, frustrated or otherwise unhappy people with a desperate need to talk about their troubles. And for the last year someone has been on the other end of the line 24 hours a day.

“We have continuously updated our knowledge about what’s going on in Genesee County to be able to help people no matter what their concern is,” Helpline Manager Holly Baxter said. “From autism and heroin use to cancer, family issues and broken relationships, Helpline staff really is here for anyone with any type of crisis.”

According to Baxter, there are many stories that are all too real for those struggling through the myriad of ills that plague society. Without the patient support of a trained listener, those people could have ended up in worse shape, or dead. There was the caller who was upset because he broke his sobriety on Christmas after a 14-month abstinence. After doing so well he decided to stop going to support group meetings and counseling. The listener talked about the importance of staying with treatment and encouraged him to call whenever he felt like drinking.

Another caller was still arguing with her husband while she was on the phone. She was upset that he stayed too long at a friend’s house while she was home sick with their kids. The listener calmed the caller down to the point where she felt she could resume her discussion with her husband. Another caller had completely different family issues. She has suffered from low self-esteem and depression ever since her father abused her as a child. Her parents are divorced and her dad, who lives out of state, has wanted her to visit. She talked over options with the listener to identify what is best for her life.

The stories are many and varied. The issues are real. And Helpline staff has been in place now every day, even on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. The Care & Crisis Helpline supplements coverage for other local agencies including Genesee County Mental Health after-hours calls, Stop DWI, Genesee County’s Medicaid Fraud Line and YWCA’s Domestic Violence Crisis & Prevention Services program.

The Helpline took 7,353 calls last year, including 3,929 for Genesee County Mental Health crisis, 382 that were suicide related, 466 domestic violence crisis calls and 1,555 for crisis information and referrals. Those numbers reflect the instances that someone in need received the support he or she was seeking.

Contracts are still available to agencies, organizations and businesses, Baxter said.

“To serve as a safety net for people in crisis in Genesee County and the surrounding area,” she said. “We have a fully trained staff, a toll-free number and access to more than 220 dialects and languages. The Helpline ensures that you have somebody available 24/7.”

For more information, call (585) 344-4400 or (844) 345-4400, or go to ywcagenesee.org for a live Chat option.

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at Galloway Road and Lewiston Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. Law enforcement is on scene. Fire police are requested to shut down eastbound traffic at Galloway and Kelsey roads.

Norte Dame beat Attica 45-30 and Batavia topped Cal-Mum 50-31 to set the stage for a rematch of last year's exciting final in the annual Batavia Rotary Club Tournament at Genesee Community College.

Perhaps the big news of the night was an injury to Batavia's Madison McCulley (#42), a key part of the Lady Devils' talented starting five. McCulley was honored before the game for just achieving her 1,000th career point. Shortly before the end of the third period, she fell to the floor coming off a layup crying in pain. She was carried to the locker room and came out later with her knee wrapped in an ice pack. She had a medical exam today, but those exam results are not yet available.

To purchase prints of photos, click here.

Batavia's Dom Mogavero has been named first team in Class B to New York's All-State football team as a linebacker.

Fellow Blue Devil Greg Mruczek was named to the second team at QB. Ryan Hogan made second team as an offensive end. 

In Class D, honorable mentions went to Allen Chatt, Oakfield-Alabama, at defensive back and C.J. Suozzi, Notre Dame, at punter.

Mercury leaking from a wall-mounted blood-pressure monitor cuff at a doctor's office on Summit Street in the city has prompted a portion of the building to be evacuated, and the air and heating system has been shut off.

The equipment breakage occurred within the past 45 minutes and city firefighters responded to medical suites at 229 Summit St.

Interim Fire Chief Dan Herberger said even a pea-size amount of exposed mercury creates an airborne hazard, which is why the air and heating system was shut off.

County Emergency Services is on scene and working to determine how to proceed with the situation.

A CO2 detector was activated at 22 Tracy Ave. in the city and ill affects are reported by occupants in the lower apartment. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

Press release:

The Batavia City School District will host a Technology Night beginning at 6:30 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7, at Batavia High School (260 State St.). Parents and the community are invited to see highlights of what students and staff are doing in the District with technology and to hear more about our plans for technology upgrades as they are developing in our Smart School Investment Plan.

Passage of New York State’s Smart School Bond Act in November 2014 provided the District with an opportunity to receive $2.1 million to invest in our students’ future. To take advantage of this opportunity, the District must develop and submit a Smart School Investment Plan (SSIP) for State approval. This plan for District-wide technology upgrades is being developed with input from staff, students, and the community.

Community members are encouraged to attend this meeting to hear about and review the emerging plans for the near future.

An apartment building at 17 Wood St. in the city was just evacuated due to the smell of natural gas. When city fire crews arrived they reportedly found a person on the front porch smoking a cigarette.

The Sheriff's Office announced the following arrests as a result of investigations conducted by the Local Drug Task Force.

Joseph M. Platten, 32, of Warren Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 5th, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th. Platten allegedly sold a quantity of a controlled substance to an agent of the Drug Task Force while in the City of Batavia. Platten was jailed without bail.

James R. Soccio, 34, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 4th, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th. Soccio allegedly sold a quantity of methadone to an agent of the Drug Task force while in the City of Batavia. He was jailed without bail.

Joseph C. Gaudio, 35, of Telephone Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd and criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. Gaudio allegedly sold a quantity of cocaine to an agent of the Drug Task Force. He was jailed without bail.

Jennifer S. Maychoss, 41, of Snipery Road, Corfu, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, criminal sale of a controlled substance, 5th, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th.  Maychoss allegedly sold cocaine and pills containing a controlled substance to agents of the Drug Task Force in the Town of Batavia and in Pembroke. She was arraigned in Pembroke Town Court and released on her own recognizance and arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and jailed on $5,000 bail.

Nicholas E. Patterson, 21, of Kilian Road, Pembroke, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 5th, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th. Patterson allegedly sold a quantity of pills containing a controlled substance to agents of the Drug Task Force in the Town of Batavia and in Pembroke. He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Edward Jordan White, 20, of Michigan Street, Lockport, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. White's vehicle was stopped Dec. 30 by members of the Local Drug Task Force for allegedly operating on a suspended license. White was accused of possessing crack cocaine and marijuana. He is also accused of aggravated unlicensed operation. He was also arrested on a warrant out of Genesee County Court for alleged violation of probation. White is alleged to have sold a quantity of heroin and crack cocaine to an agent of the Drug Task Force on another date while in the City of Batavia. White was jailed without bail.

YMCA Waives Join Fee to Jump Start your January! Are you ready to shed those extra holiday pounds? Looking for a fresh start in 2016? Has cabin fever already started setting in? Join the Y during our membership campaign and save! Between 12/26/15 and 1/9/16 we will waive the full joining fee on any membership category.

New to the Y and not sure if you are ready to commit? Try the Y 5 times between 12/26 and 1/9/16 for just $15. If you decide to join during that same time frame we will take the $15 you paid off of your first month’s membership dues.

YMCA Membership entitles you and your loved ones the chance to become part of an organization that believes in and promotes active and healthy lifestyles, progressive skill development, fair play, family, and character development. The YMCA is not just another gym. When you join the Y, you join a family and what’s more you join a place where people are looking for changes to their overall health. The Genesee County YMCA offers a wide array of programs and services to meet the interests and needs of the entire family from memberships for youth, college students, families and seniors. From swimming lessons and sports, to childcare and summer camping, there is truly something for everyone at the Genesee County YMCA.

If you feel like you cannot afford a YMCA membership, it is the policy of the YMCA that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. Financial assistance for membership and programs is available through the annual Strong Communities Campaign. The application process is easy and confidential. Please call or visit our member service desk to obtain an application.

For more information on membership or programs offered at the Genesee County YMCA, please call (585)344­-1664 or log on to our Web site at www.glowymca.org.

The suspect is described as a black male, 50 to 60 years old, 5'10" or 5'11" and 250 to 300 lbs.

Police believe the man created a distraction and then while the store clerk wasn't looking, removed cash from the register. He then left in the red SUV shown in the picture below.

The suspect may be involved in similar larcenies outside of Genesee County. 

Anybody with information that may assist in the investigation are asked to call Det. Eric Hill at (585) 345-6373.

Newly appointed City Council Member Adam Tabliski said a vote Monday night to change council leadership was something no other council member warned him was coming, and even Eugene Jankowski, who replaced Brooks Hawley as council president on a 5-4 vote, said he wasn't sure he would even be nominated for the position until it happened.

Jankowski said he doesn't believe the unexpected move signals a power shift toward a new council coalition with its own agenda.

Four of the five votes for Jankowski -- Jankowski, with new council members Paul Viele and Al McGinnis, and incumbent Kathy Briggs -- came from members observers have said want to replace Jason Molino as city manager.

Rose Mary Christian also supported Jankowski for council president.

After the meeting, Jankowski, Viele and McGinnis all denied they were part of any such movement and said they support Molino continuing as the city's top administrator.

"I can only speak for myself and I don't feel that way," Jankowski said. "I don't see that as an issue. I plan to carry on with the regular weekly meetings just like Councilman Hawley did and disseminate that information to council like it was done in the past and keep things public."

Ask if he anticipated a movement to change city managers, Viele said he didn't see that happening.

McGinnis said, "Not from me, there won't be." 

Viele said his priorities are the mall issue, the deer issue and what to do with the police department.

McGinnis put the police issue at the top of his agenda, followed by the mall.

"I'm pro having a police department," McGinnis said. "I want to have a police department."

As one of the task force members who recommended the Swan Street location for the new police headquarters, he said he still favors constructing a new facility on that vacant lot.

Tabelski, selected by the City GOP to replace John Deleo, who was elected to the County Legislature, was confirmed as the new appointed by the City Council in a unanimous vote at the start of Monday's meeting. 

There are a number of big issues facing the city, Tabelski noted.  The council must dive right into a new budget; there's the law enforcement issue, the mall, the comprehensive plan and brownfield redevelopment.

"I'm eager to be part of the discussion," Tabelski said.

Given the sudden change in leadership, and despite the denials from other council members, Tabelski acknowledged some concern that there might be an effort among some on the council to change city managers.

"I have a concern that that might be a direction some would want to go in. That's not my direction," said Tabelski, whose experience includes a term as mayor in Medina. "I have a lot of confidence in the current manager and the very professional team he has assembled."

It would take five votes to replace the city manager.

Tabelski, like other council members, said he does believe that the 5-4 vote does not signal a potential inability for council members to work together. Jankowski said the council has a history of not always agreeing on their votes, but continuing to work together in a congenial manner.

"This is not a split on the council," Jankowski said. "There are new people on the council and they want to take it in a different direction and I think we're all going to work together, so I don't think it's a problem either way."

The City Council: Brooks Hawley, front row, left, Eugene Jankowski, Paul Viele; Kathy Briggs, back left, Patti Pacino, Al McGinnis, John Canale, Adam Tabelski and Rose Mary Christian.

Batavia Lady Devils had been rolling on a streak, winning their last six straight games. But coming on the court in the first half Monday night, they were very flat-footed and missing opportunities.

Pittsford Sutherland came out hitting five 3-point baskets, and they held the lead by six points after the first quarter 20-14.

Batavia's senior Madison McCulley needed 12 points to reach a 1,000th-point milestone and her hopes were not good after the first half. Hitting one of one from the 3-point line, rimming a couple from underneath, the ball just would not drop for #42. Seniors Tiara Filbert led the first half with 15 points and Sam Cecere had nine.

Pittsford Sutherlands' Mary Bayer had seven points and Lena Kaufmans was three for three, ending with 11 points at the half, and Batavia was down by five, 36-31.

Coach Marty Hein and assistant John McCulley had to get their team back in the game and they did.  

Tiara Filbert came out strong with eight of the 16 points. Batavia scored in the third quarter to lead 47-43. Pittsford Sutherland started making some key errors, was missing baskets, and Batavia took advantage. 

Taylor and Ryann Stefaniak started the charge combining 12 points in the fourth quarter. McCulley sank two buckets to bring her within one point of making her milestone. At the 5:54 mark in the fourth quarter, McCulley made her third straight 3-pointer to get her 1,000th high school career point -- actually 1,002. 

McCulley went to her bench and was embraced by her players (top photo) above, her dad John, and Coach Hein.  

Final score was 71-51 Batavia who is now 8-1 and Pittsford Sutherland drops to 5-5. Next game for Batavia is tomorrow at Genesee Community College where they are hosting a tournament and playing Calmum at 7:45 p.m. in the first round. 

Pictured below is Madison McCulley along with her teammates holding signs of her 1,000th career point tonight. Last year Tiara Filbert made her 1,000th career point on Batavia's home court.

For more photos of last night's game go to: Steve Ognibene Photography

Press release:

City Bureau of Maintenance crews have started picking up Christmas trees. They will continue to do so through Jan. 29.

City residents are asked to place their trees in the parkway without bags, stands, or decorations, as these can damage equipment. Please keep trees free of snow and ice so they are visible.

Press release:

Tompkins Financial Corporation has announced the acquisition of Shepard, Maxwell & Hale Insurance by Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Inc., an affiliate of the financial corporation. The acquisition was effective Jan. 1.

“We are happy to continue to grow our business in Batavia and serve our neighbors through this expansion,” said David S. Boyce, president and CEO of Tompkins Insurance. 

The change is a win-win for customers, Boyce said.

“In addition to continuing to receive personal attention from local insurance professionals who place a high value on customer service, customers will have 'one-stop shopping' access to the comprehensive array of financial solutions offered by our affiliation with Tompkins Bank of Castile and Tompkins Financial Advisors,” Boyce said.

According to Boyce, Daniel G. Hale and Stephen S. Maxwell, will remain with the agency. Most current employees will be retained in the merger and will continue to service accounts. The Batavia location of Shepard, Maxwell & Hale will close and move operations to the Tompkins Financial Center at 90 Main St. on or about Feb. 1. The Hamlin office will continue to operate at its current location for the time being.

Effective Feb. 1, clients of Shepard, Maxell & Hale may receive service at any of the 28 locations throughout New York and Pennsylvania, including the 16 locations in Western New York. 

Tompkins Insurance serves 30,000 personal insurance customers and 7,600 commercial insurance customers, making it the third largest commercial insurance firm in the Rochester area and the 82nd largest agency in the country. The acquisition will add the approximately 4,000 Shepard, Maxwell and Hale accounts to its customer base. 

Established in 1957, Shepard, Maxwell & Hale has a long history of serving western New York through its two offices in Batavia and Hamlin. The merger with Tompkins Insurance makes sense for customers, according to Hale.

“Along with continuing to receive top-notch service, our customers will see additional benefits like access to 24/7 claims service 365 days a year, and more price and product options offered through Tompkins’ relationship with 50+ leading insurance companies,“ Hale said. 

Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Inc., operates 16 offices in Western New York, six offices in Central New York and six offices in Southeast Pennsylvania. A part of Tompkins Financial Corporation, (trading as TMP on the NYSE - MKT), the agency is affiliated with Tompkins Bank of Castile, Tompkins Trust Company, Tompkins VIST Bank and Tompkins Financial Advisors. It is an independent insurance agency offering personal and business insurance and employee benefits services through more than 50 different companies. Further information is available at www.tompkinsins.com. 

Edward Jordan White, 20, of Michigan Street, Lockport, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, unlawful possession of marijuana and aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. White was stopped by members of the Local Drug Task Force on Dec. 30 for allegedly driving on a suspended driver's license. White was allegedly found in possession of a quantity of marijuana and cocaine. White was also allegedly in violation of probation.

William Guadalupe Potter, 62, of North Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Potter allegedly pushed a woman into a wall causing her to fall over.

Brian Eric Dagger, 30, of Batavia Street, Holley, is charged with petit larceny. Dagger allegedly stole a bottle of Robitussin tablets from Kmart. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Seth Ryan Doster, 24, of Alleghany Road, Darien, is charged with petit larceny. Doster allegedly stole $102.20 in merchandise from Walmart. Also charged, Sarah Dianne Lazarus, 24, of Alleghany Road, Darien.

Kim Marie Spencer, 56, of Chick Road, Darien, is charged with DWI. Spencer was arrested by Deputy Michael Lute in connection into an investigation into an incident reported at 6:49 p.m. Thursday on Chick Road, Darien. The investigation is continuing and additional charges are pending.

Jeffrey Lynn Shultz, 21, of Walkers Corner Road, Byron, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Shultz allegedly engaged in an unsupervised visit in violation of a court order.

Kenneth Fred McGiveron, 25, of Route 78, South Wales, is charged with no stop lights, open container, DWAI drugs and alcohol combined and DWAI drugs. McGiveron was stopped at 12:58 p.m. Saturday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Leonard Alfred Johnson, 23, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd. Johnson was a passenger in a car stopped by Officer Chad Richards at 5:23 p.m. in the parking lot of Horizon Health Services, 31 Ellicott St., Batavia. Johnson allegedly fled on foot following the traffic stop, but returned on his own a short time later. Police allegedly found a bag containing a dozen smaller bags of cocaine, which Johnson indicated belonged to him. Johnson was jailed without bail.

Coretta M. Pitts, 47, of Williams Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Pitts allegedly scratched the face of another person during an argument reported at 4:50 a.m., Saturday. Pitts was jailed on $400 bail.

Jason A. Armstrong Sr., 43, of Main Road, East Pembroke, is charged with first-degree criminal sexual act and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. Armstrong allegedly choked and had unwanted sexual contact with another person during an alleged domestic incident reported at 10 p.m. Nov. 6 on South Main Street, Batavia. Armstrong was jailed without bail. Armstrong was also charged with strangulation, 2nd, and assault, 2nd, for an alleged incident reported at 6 a.m. Dec. 22 at a location on South Main Street, Batavia.

Robert W. Blankenberg, 31, of Union Street, Le Roy, was arrested on a warrant. Blankenberg was stopped for an alleged traffic violation and arrested on the warrant.

Robert D. Kendall, 55, of Jamaica Lane, Cheektowaga, is charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident, moving from lane unsafely, driving a motor vehicle on sidewalk, driving through safety zone and unlawful possession of marijuana. Kendall was charged after an investigation into an accident reported at 12:03 p.m. Dec. 29 on Oak Street, Batavia. Kendall was located by police in the parking lot of a business on West Main Street following a tip from a witness.

Michael J. Henry, 48, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Henry is accused of continuously using obscene language outside his home on State Street while police officers were there investigating a complaint.

Michael J. Antonucci, 33, of Alexander Road, Attica, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Antonucci allegedly violated a complete stay away order by sending a text to the protected party.

Jason W. Wolf, 39, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and driving without interlock device. Wolf was stopped at 5:04 p.m. Dec. 29 on Brooklyn Avenue, Batavia, by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Kenneth J. Wolter, 45, of Watson Street, Batavia, is charged with unreasonable noise. Wolter was allegedly playing music an unreasonable level at 10:37 p.m. Dec. 30 and he refused repeated requests to turn it down.

Robert Ernest Saari, 34, of Meiser Road, Corfu, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Saari allegedly failed to appear in City Court on a traffic violation. Saari posted cash bail and was released.

Melvin J. Swanson, 60, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, failure to obey traffic control device and open container. Swanson was stopped at 1:58 a.m. Friday on South Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Up until recently it has not felt at all like winter. It has just seemed like an extended fall season. But as you know, shortly after Christmas the cold and snow returned.

Well it is now officially winter, by the calendar, by the feel of the ice and snow and by the return of the snowy owls to the Genesee County Airport. The owls have not been seen here this season until the last couple days. Their arrival is two months later than last year's visit. One can assume that they also did not feel winter was upon us until recently either.

Pictured below, a female snowy owl. 

The new year kicked off with something that looked a bit like winter this morning as Batavia got hit by a mild lake effect snowstorm.