batavia

An accident with injuries is reported in front of the Arby's restaurant on West Main Street in the City of Batavia. City firefighters and Mercy medics are on location.

UPDATE 5:18 p.m.: The city fire assignment is back in service and Mercy medics will handle the sign-offs for the three people involved.

UPDATE 5:20 p.m.: The Mercy unit is back in service.

Four people are being questioned by police in connection with an incident at 12 Highland Park this afternoon that was initially reported by a third party to police as a hostage situation.

Sgt. Dan Coffey responded to the call first and an area resident reportedly told him that one or more people in the residence might have a gun.

Coffey called for backup and officers arrived within minutes from Batavia PD, the State Police and the Sheriff's Office. The Emergency Response Team was also activated and State Police responded with a K-9 and a robot.

Nearby residents were asked to either shelter in place or wait near the Ascension Parish / St. Anthony's parking lot off Central Avenue.

Highland was closed between Pringle Avenue and Jackson Street.

"Obviously the information that was given to Sgt. Coffey when he arrived (was) the situation was serious in nature," Chief Shawn Heubusch said. "We take as much caution as possible when we respond to a situation. There was information given to him that there was a hostage situation or weapons involved so we're going to get everybody here we can to get this locked down as safely as possible."

No arrests have been made yet and Heubusch said investigators are trying to sort out who did what and who, if anybody, was a hostage.

The situation ended peacefully shortly after most of the law enforcement response was in place.

A man in a black tank top came out onto the porch smoking a cigarette and walked down the stairs and looked around. A woman was behind him dressed in a pink tank top.

He went back into the house only to reemerge minutes later. Apparently under instructions from law enforcement, he put his hands in the air and then laid down flat on the ground. The woman then came and laid down next to him.

The man was then instructed to stand with his hands in the air, and back up to a position down the street where a Batavia detective was waiting to take him into custody.

The woman was then placed in cuffs in a similar fashion.

Minutes later, two more people came out of the residence, a woman first and then a man. Law enforcement then closed in and the man was immediately cuffed. The woman laid down on the ground, but did not appear to be cuffed.

The individuals reportedly told police that there was nobody else in the house, but as a precaution the police robot was sent inside, then the ERT team entered to ensure everyone was out.

Heubusch said depositions were being taken from all four people so investigators could try and determine exactly what happened.

He said more information would be released this evening or in the morning.

Batavia Police, detectives, Sheriff's deputies, medics and firefighters responded to a hostage situation on Highland Park about a half hour ago. Four people are now in custody. No one else is believed to be inside the lower apartment where the incident took place.

The first report indicated a person reportedly entered an apartment with a baseball bat and subesquently police shut down traffic at Pringle Avenue and Highland Park, and at Jackson Street and Highland, as well as Central Avenue.

UPDATE 2:25 p.m.: The perimeter is being opened. However, pedestrians and bystanders are still being kept at bay for the time being. Mercy medics are back in service.

Photo courtesy of WBTA

More T/K

Molasses Hill Bulk Foods on Ellicott Street, Batavia, is closed after the store was seized by an agent of NYS Taxation and Finance this morning.

Neal Harder, husband of owner Shannon Harder, said he and his wife are trying to negotiate with Taxation and Finance to be able to reopen today with an agreement to pay taxes owed by July 15.

He said he felt the sudden closure was the result of a disagreement between his wife and the agent.

Alicia M. Stankwick, 21, of 2880 Transit Road, West Seneca, is charged with disobeying mandate. Stankwick was arrested following a complaint of a woman refusing to leave an apartment on State Street, Batavia.

Glenn H. Wright Jr., 43, of 118 Prospect St., Warsaw, is charged with unlawful imprisonment and assault, 3rd. Wright was arrested by Warsaw PD on an arrest warrant out of City Court.

Douglas Scott Sprague, 46, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with a felony count of criminal contempt, 1st, and harassment, 2nd. Sprague was arrested on a warrant issued by Town of Batavia Court.

Timothy Huurman, 23, of Genesee Park Boulevard, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding (69 in a 55 mph zone), and refusal to submit to breath test. Huurman was stopped at 11:49 p.m. Sunday on Route 20, Alexander, by Sgt. Ron Meides.

David Michael Snyder, 27, of East Main Street Road, Stafford, is charged with petit larceny. Snyder is accused of shoplifting at Walmart. Also arrested was Destany Ann Marie McNutt, 24, of East Main Street Road, Stafford.

Michael J. Anderson, 24, of Keady Road, Lodi, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Anderson is accused of threatening to shoot another person during a phone conversation, which allegedly violated a court order.

Timothy W. Churchill, 45, of Le Roy, is charged with DWI and DWI with a child in the car, and Joanne M. Riggi, 43, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. A vehicle allegedly driven by Churchill was stopped by State Police at 5:18 p.m. Friday on South Street Road, Le Roy. No further details released.

Thomas M. Szarleta, 49, of Springville, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI and improper passing on the right. Szarleta was stopped at 6:04 p.m. Sunday on Sumner Road at Route 77, by a state trooper.

Conor W. Wellott, 25, of North Tonawanda, is charged with DWI. Wellott was stopped at 12:10 a.m. Monday at Route 77 and Route 20 by a state trooper.

Steve Carr, a popular local businessman who managed the C.L. Carr store in its final years, passed away Friday after suffering a heart attack while swimming at Stafford Country Club.

Carr was 66.

Funeral arrangements are pending, but will be handled by H.E. Turner.

His death comes as a shock to many people who remember him as a warm and fun person.

Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian remembers that Carr helped her get reestablished in Batavia after she returned to her native city 40 years ago.

"He was a generous person," Christian said.

Peter Mumford, Carr's cousin, said they were both born in 1947 and grew up together and remained close.

"He was always trying to help people out," Mumford said. "I always considered him a bon vivant. He liked to travel. He liked people a lot. He liked music, especially blues."

Carr was the grandson of C.L. Carr who opened a retail store in Batavia in 1917. That store would become one of the mainstays in the city until about 2001, but changes in the local market made it difficult for the family to keep the large department store open.

Carr was the majority shareholder, but members of the Carr, Minor and Mumford families also held shares, Mumford said.

A member of Rotary, Carr remained active in the community after the store closed.

The winner of our recently completed Facebook Like contest sponsored by Council Opticians of Batavia is Cara Grosshans.

Cara wins a Coach handbag.

If you would like to get more fans for your business page on Facebook, contact Lisa Ace at (585) 250-4118 to find out more.

Jeremy K. Hogeboom, 38, of South Pearl Street Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, speed not reasonable nor prudent, failure to keep right and unlawful possession of marijuana. Hogeboom was stopped at 12:06 a.m. Friday on Phelps Road, Pembroke, by Deputy James Diehl.

Tyler J. Aina, 21, of 13929 Waterport Circle Road, Albion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, driving left of pavement marketings and failure to stop at stop sign. Aina was stopped by Officer Darryle Streeter at 1:09 a.m. June 15 on Oak Street.

Derrick R. Kio, 22, of 5471 Hudson Road, Pavilion, is charged with disobeying mandate. Kio is accused of violating an order of protection by calling the protected person.

Keith B. Besaw, 42, of 61 1/2 North Lyon St., Batavia, is charged with operating a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate. Besaw was taken into custody by Batavia PD on an arrest warrant issued in City Court.

Brad C. Doward, 23, of 10 Hall St., Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Doward was allegedly involved in a domestic incident.

A 17-year-old resident of Swamp Road, Byron, is charged with petit larceny. The youth is accused of shoplifting $39.72 in merchandise from Walmart.

Debra M. Davis, 53, and Samantha B. Steiner, 22, both of 620 Yacht Club Drive, Machias, are charged with petit larceny. Davis and Steiner were arrested by State Police in connection with an alleged incident reported in the Town of Alabama in October. No further details released.

There's quite a sight on Lewiston Road, Batavia -- MY T Acres has planted acres and acres and acres of potatoes, which are now in flower.

Batavia's legendary landmark diner the Pok-A-Dot turned 60 today with a few hundred people turning out for the celebration.

Above, owners Joe Marone and Phil Pastore are congratulated by one of the regular customers, James Pero, on the anniversary.

Stan's Harley Davidson hosted a car and bike show today at its location on West Saile Drive. More than 100 classic cars and show-quality motorcycles were on display throughout the afternoon.

Above, Stafford resident Don McDonald with his 1932 Ford, "Lucky Lady." McDonald bought the car in 1957 for $250, which was not only a lot of money in 1957, but it was a lot of money for a 1932 Ford, which in some cases could be picked up for $50 in those days, McDonald said. Some of his friends teased him then about overpaying for the car, but it's worth substantially more now.

Darrell Mase, of Batavia with his '57 Ford. The continental kit on the back is painted with a tribute to a late friend.

Paul Horton, of Lockport, with a '31 Ford Roadster Pickup that he restored and rebuilt with the help of some friends.

John Peck was serving up hotdogs and hamburgers.

There is a fire alarm -- and smoke has been spotted coming from a custodian's closet -- in the Ontario Cottage of the New York State Vet's Home.

City Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 8:41 p.m.: A firefighter has gained entry to the closet and reports, "no fire."

A porch fire is reported at 14 Woodstock Gardens.

City Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 8:04 p.m.: Engine 11 on scene. Nothing showing.

UPDATE 8:05 p.m.: Fire located and fire is out.

UPDATE 8:11 p.m.: City fire back in service.

Press release:

Summer will be a happening place at YWCA, with the start of this year's Market at North Street and the unveiling of its exciting new Summer Adventure Program for children!

The Market at North Street is ready to go from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Sunday, June 23, with 15 vendors selling everything from maple syrup and tomatoes, peppers, sweet corn and strawberries to flowers, cheese, organic beef, farm fresh eggs, alpaca goods, wines, a variety of meats, artisan-crafted gifts, sweet baked goods, dried herbs, cheese and breads.

Each week will feature seasonal produce and something tempting to buy and eat right on the spot! Clor's will have grilled sausage and peppers, hotdogs and stuffed flatbread and will have assorted meats for purchase.

You may also want to relax for awhile and take in the sights and sounds of belly dancers, musicians and other live entertainment.

Market hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday through Sept. 29. SNAP and EBT accepted.

"Stop by to visit and get a head start on your weekly grocery needs. It's a fantastic opportunity to meet our local farmers and talk with them face to face about the products they grow and sell. That's something you can't do when you buy it off a shelf," says Market Manager Myra Schroeder.

"Agriculture is a big part of life in Western New York, and we are fortunate enough to have so many people willing to share their passion for healthy, fresh, organic foods with the rest of us."

The YWCA is also a pick-up site for Porter Farms' Community Supported Agriculture program. Participants get a bag full of organic produce each week for 22 weeks. The Porter family has graciously offered that for every 15 people the YW gets through its facility, Porter Farms will donate one free bag for a family in need.

What:  Scholarships & Strawberries at YWCA
When:  Starting June 23
Where: 301 North St., Batavia
Call:  (585) 343-5808

Also, for those who haven't heard about the YW's updated Summer Adventure Program, it offers kids opportunities for outdoor enrichment activities in the YW's six-acre back yard and field trips to Genesee County parks, planetariums and other fun places.

They'll also get to hone their culinary skills in the facility's commercial-grade kitchen and explore their green thumbs in the children's garden.

All of it is to teach teamwork, create motivation for learning and, most importantly, give kids a chance to have fun while exploring new things with their peers! But not everyone gets to join in on the fun, Executive Director Jeanne Walton said.

"Sadly, there are many families in our program who will not be able to afford the field trips, and their children will be left out as a result," Walton said. "We are seeking the support of the community to establish a scholarship fund, so that we can help more kids to be part of the full program."

A donation of $250 will allow one child to take advantage of 10 field trips offered during the Summer Program.

Your tax-deductible donation of any amount will go toward the Summer Program Scholarship Fund to ensure that every child may participate. Children may be signed up for a half-day up to five full days each week, depending on family needs.

For more information about these programs, call (585) 343-5808.

Press release:

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council’s 35th annual family event “Picnic in the Park” will take place on the Fourth of July from Noon until 5 p.m. in Batavia's historic Centennial Park on Richmond Avenue.

As always, this year’s “Picnic in the Park” is a free, family friendly event that will once again include all-day live musical entertainment, an arts and crafts show, folk arts programs, food vendors, children’s activities, and much more!

New this year is a Kiddie Parade, which will be held preceding the event. Harkening back to earlier times, families with children ages 12 and under are invited to bring their bikes, scooters or strollers to the northwest corner of Centennial Park – between the Main Stage and Richmond Avenue -- at 11a.m. to decorate them for an old-time “kiddie parade." Decorations will be provided, compliments of Kmart, and the parade will take place at 11:30 starting at Ellicott and Park avenues.

As is tradition, Main Stage entertainment commences at Noon with the Batavia Concert Band playing its traditional mix of Sousa-style marches and Big Band numbers. Founded in 1924, the Band has brought musical pleasure to the region every year except during World War II. The Concert Band itself consists of 40 to 50 brass, woodwind and percussion players ranging from advanced high school musicians to 50-year veterans. Many have professional performance experience; the rest are advanced amateurs.

All members of the concert band love to play. Their repertoire is wide-ranging in origin, style and period, and includes marches, Broadway show tunes, favorites from hit musicals and movies, pop, jazz and even rock numbers arranged for band. Join the band for weekly concerts during the summer on Wednesday evenings beginning at 7 in Centennial Park.

At 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 4,  “The Town Pants” take the stage with their own unique brand of rollicking Celtic roots music. With Genesee County native Mike Mastin on drums, this Vancouver, Canada-based band combines aspects of Irish traditional, folk rock and roots Americana, fusing their signature dual lead vocals to create their own unique brand of high energy "West Coast Celtic" that remains in the heart and head long after the music stops.

There are lots of Celtic folk rock bands out there, but rarely does a band have this combination of passion, energy, animation and spirit that makes for some of the most imaginative songwriting you’ll find in the genre.

Then at 2:30 p.m., Trio Los Arpegios takes the stage. They have been performing Latin American music for the past 24 years, specializing in the typical trio style of close vocal harmonies with guitar accompaniment. Led by Marcos Santiago, the members include Jesus Gracia Montes and Pedro Santiago, all on vocals and guitar. They will be joined for our Picnic performance by Latin percussionists Fermin Sanchez and Juan Collazo.

They perform traditional music from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Central and South America. The Trio performs frequently in the Rochester and Monroe County area, and has traveled from Buffalo to Albany, from Watertown to Binghamton and even to New York City.

At 4, The BossTones round out the afternoon with a wide variety of music ranging from traditional fiddle tunes, Irish, bluegrass, and Southern Appalachian to jazz and swing. The BossTones are a fiddle music trio comprised of Jessica Boss Collins (fiddle), Darcy Collins (guitar), and Jack Metzger (bass).

Jessica was first exposed to fiddle music through her grandfather, Roland Huehn, a musician himself. When she was growing up Roland took her to a local fiddle club, The Fiddlers of the Genesee, where she met another musical mentor, Jack Metzger. Starting in the mid 1990s, Jessica, her sister Meghan and Jack formed a smaller ensemble, The BossTones, and began performing throughout New York State. Darcy Collins, the newest addition of the trio, was immersed in many musical activities starting at a young age, and has been playing the guitar for 18 years. Jack Metzger, a veteran musician, has performed with various bluegrass and other acoustic music bands throughout New York State. In addition to playing bass, Jack is also an accomplished guitar player.

STAGE II, the “family stage,” features two rotating acts this year -- at 12:30 and 2 p.m. The Traveling Dressup Theatre entertains with their family friendly dressup storytelling; and at 1:30 and 3 p.m. The Stringmen perform their delightful mix of folk and participatory music for kids of all ages.

Throughout the day in Centennial Park, other activities include horse-drawn wagon rides and petting zoo by Hartland Carriages, and the Wildlife Educators Coalition returns with its wide assortment of animals. Geoffrey Clough presents his popular interactive program of children’s songs called “Cookie Songwriting,” and don’t miss juggling by Picnic fave Brian Kozody and new this year, Owen Gould. The GLOW Area YMCA will have its bounce house and inflatable obstacle course on site, and recycling is generously provided by Genesee County ARC. Also new this year is My Cowboy Miniature Golf with a nine-hole course, putters, balls, scorecards and pencils.

In the Explore Art! Tent families are invited to decorate paper flower pots and create paper flowers to be delivered to area nursing homes and hospitals. Also, kids can try their hand at decorating white paper bags to be used in delivery of Meals on Wheels to senior citizens. All materials are provided. AmeriCorps volunteer Beth Ely will help kids and adults explore art! Free face painting will also be available at the Explore Art! Tent.

Along the Richmond Avenue side of Centennial Park, artists and crafters are again featured in an Arts & Crafts Show & Sale. An amazing variety of arts and crafts are represented, such as hand-beaded jewelry, photography, seasonal indoor/outdoor woodcrafts, homemade soap, hand-woven textiles, tie-dyed apparel, ceramics, and much more.

Additional attractions consist of booths by community nonprofit organizations, including Genesee County ARC information and recycling education, Genesee County Historians Association, Batavia Assembly of God dunk tank and sand art, Volunteers for Animals with dogs and cats for adoption, St. James Church garden tour tickets and plant raffle, Habitat for Humanity, GO ART!’s Picnic in the Park prize giveaway and many others.

The Picnic always offers up tantalizing food by a variety of vendors, such as Abbott’s cones, sundaes, milkshakes and root beer floats, Lonsberry fresh-squeezed lemonade and soft pretzels, Kernel Cravin’ Kettle Corn, and, of course, the Batavia Jaycees famous "dog and burger stand" in its traditional location.

The event is funded, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts Folk Arts Program with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

Picnic Sponsors include the County of Genesee and Rotary Club of Batavia.

Table Sponsors include: Batavia Area Jaycees; The Batavian; CY Farms/Batavia Turf; The Daily News & The Drummer Pennysaver; Stephen M. Hawley & Assoc., LLC.

Contributors include: Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C.; and WBTAi.com.

Flag Sponsors include: Bouchard Financial Services; Genesee ARC; Bob and Linda Knipe; McGinnis Excavation & Plumbing; SJF Construction, Inc.; and Tonawanda Valley FCU.

Friends include: DelPlato/Casey Law Office; Max & Jane Mason; Paula R. Schumann; Roger & JoAnn Triftshauser; and Wortzman Furtniture, Inc.

Additional support provided by City of Batavia DPW, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce and the Porter Family.

Please call GO ART! at 585-343-9313, or e-mail info@goart.org, or visit <http://www.goart.org> for more information.

Press release:

Through financial support provided by National Fuel and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), the first class of 25 graduates received certificates as part of a workforce development program targeting the food processing industry.

Certificates were awarded to the graduates in Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt through RIT, basic dairy science and sanitation through Cornell University, as well as team building and OSHA training in a manufacturing environment through The BEST Center at Genesee Community College.

“This program is just another example of the high level of collaboration in our region between the public and private sectors and in this instance, our centers of higher education and food processing companies,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center. “If we are going to create a world-class industry cluster in the food processing industry, then we need to make sure our workforce is highly trained and educated.”

Cornell University’s Department of Food Science and Cornell Cooperative Extension has been a long-term resource to the food growing and dairy processing industry in Western NY.

“Workforce development is now a key to the growing industry and we are continuously developing and improving our training programs and accessibility to meet industry needs and to support economic development," said Tristan Zuber, Dairy Foods Processing Extension associate with Cornell University.

The first graduating class of 25 individuals was from a pool of 78 applications. Sixteen graduates were from Genesee County; three from Livingston County; two from Orleans and Monroe counties; and, one from Wyoming and Cattaraugus counties.

One graduate has been hired while 18 graduates will visit and tour Yancey’s Fancy, an artisan cheese maker in Corfu, as part of a job application project at the company. Alpina and Muller Quaker Dairy are also interviewing and considering the graduates at their yogurt manufacturing facility in the Genesee Agri-Business Park.

“This is just the first step in a process to ensure that as the food processing industry grows there is an ample supply of labor to fill jobs,” said John Jakubowski a workforce consultant hired by GCEDC. “The certificate program provides a short-term solution to fill a gap, but we need to continue working on a longer term plan so that people who want a career in food processing have the skills and training to be successful.”

As part of this process, Genesee Community College has asked the New York State Education Department to approve a two year Food Processing Technology associates degree. The program has already been approved by the GCC Board of Trustees and is now under review by the State University of New York as well as SED.

“While anticipating the implementation of GCC’s full credit Food Processing Technology program, The BEST Center will be offering three more sessions of the two-week, intensive certificate program,” said Lina LaMattina, director of Business Skills Training at The BEST Center. “We are also reaching out to numerous companies within all segments of the food industry to expand employment opportunities for the program participants. After a very successful first class, we are looking forward to the next session which starts September 23, 2013.”

Those interested in applying to be part of next training cohort should contact the Genesee County Career Center (One Stop) in the Eastown Plaza, 587 E. Main St., Suite 100, Batavia, (585) 344-2042. Applicants take ability tests in math and reading. If needed, assistance with these skills is available.


May 2013 GCEDC Food Processing Training Program Graduates (all of New York):

Craig Barnes – Le Roy
Dawn Czaja – Oakfield
Victor DiGregorio – Byron
Mark Ebersole – Mt. Morris
Mary Fulkerson – Rochester  
Jeffery German – Batavia
Laurie Gerstenslager – Delevan
Donna Heininger – Batavia  
Elizabeth Horner – Darien Center
Jeanne Jansch – Dansville
Kevin Jones – Batavia  
Sharon Joyce – Batavia 
Jake Kent III – Henrietta
Steven Lindsley – Warsaw
Donald Lowe – Batavia  
Catherine MacConnell – Bergen   
Jacob MacConnell – Bergen
David Minervino – Medina
Thomas Misisco – Pavilion  
John Mosher – Bergen
Rachel Neilans – Alexander
Elise Prevost – Leicester
Daniel Sobczak – Batavia
Paul Stack – Elba
Jamie Unger – Kent
 

Press release:

Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation (WROTBC), owner/operator of Batavia Downs has pledged its support of the Upstate New York Gaming Economic Development Act and the referendum that will be put to the citizens of New York State in November.

“This legislation keeps Batavia Downs Gaming as a vital partner to state and local governments,” said Michael Kane, president and CEO of WROTBC and Batavia Downs Gaming. “This act will allow us to continue providing good paying jobs and generating significant funding for schools and our municipalities. Governor Cuomo and the legislature recognize the significant contributions made by racetrack casinos in Western New York to state education funding and job creation.”