batavia

Press Relase:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors will consider a final resolution for a proposed $4.5 million financial investment by Valiant Real Estate USA Inc. for a bus operations facility in the town of Batavia at its board meeting on Thursday, December 2, 2021.

The 20,000 sq. ft. facility would include office space, training space, repair areas and storage in order to support school districts and school bus operators across Genesee County. The project would include infrastructure to support future utilization of electric/clean energy vehicles and related initiatives.

The facility would be located on Saile Drive in the town of Batavia. Over the next three years Valiant Real Estate USA Inc. plans to create up to 19 new jobs and 12 part-time jobs. 

The GCEDC Board also will hear an initial resolution to consider the purchase of a vacant 142,000 sq. ft building in the city of Batavia by Mega Properties Inc., which plans to develop the building into a warehouse distribution facility. 

The potential $8.5 million financial investment by Mega Properties Inc. would retain nine full-time employees and the creation of up to 11 new jobs. The project would receive approximately $600,000 in property, sales, and mortgage tax exemptions. 

“There is a huge demand in the marketplace for operations and warehouse space not only regionally but across the nation,” said GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde. “The dynamics of supply chain economics is impacting every industry sector and the need for more storage and distribution space is vital to future economic development.”

A public hearing regarding the Mega Properties Inc. plan will be held at 4 p.m., December 2 at the Town of Pembroke offices on 1145 Main Road in Pembroke.

The December 2, 2021, GCEDC Board meeting will take place at 4 p.m. at 99 Med-Tech Drive.

A livestream and on-demand recording of the meeting also will be available at www.gcedc.com.

The BHS Drama Club presents three performances this weekend of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

The play is a mystery adapted by Jon Jory.

Performances are at 7 p.m., Friday, 7 p.m., Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets are $9 in advance or $10 at the door. For advance tickets visit  https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/58348 (advance sales close one hour before the event).

The play is presented in the round on the stage of the Batavia HS auditorium.

Devon A. Wright, 20, of Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration.  Wright is accused of resisting arrest during an attempt by police officers to execute a bench warrant at 4:29 a.m., Nov. 16. (Later that day he entered a guilty plea to felony charges to avoid further proceedings in a criminal trial). Wright was issued an appearance ticket.

Arron J. McFollins, 42, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. McFollins is accused of twice violating a court order at 12:48 p.m., Oct. 27.  He was released on an appearance ticket.

Anthony S. Brooks, 31, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Brooks is accused of throwing a thermos at another person during an argument at a location on East Main Street, Batavia.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Ricky Albanese, 54, of Hunt, is charged with grand larceny 3rd. Albanese is accused of working as an Amish furniture salesman while collecting Genesee County Mental Health disability payments.  During the time he was working in sales, he allegedly collected $38,684.18 in payments.  He was arrested on a warrant on Nov. 12 by Sheriff's Investigator Joseph Loftus. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.

Tyler Even Ryan Deleys, 28, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding, plate display violation, failure to obey traffic control device. Deleys was stopped at 1:18 a.m., Sunday, on West Main Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Austin Herbelein.

Scott Patrick Simmons, 25, of Brewster Street, Depew, is charged with burglary 3rd, criminal trespass 3rd, petit larceny, and false personation.  Simmons is accused of stealing merchandise from Walmart at 4:07 p.m., Saturday.

Matthew M. Vanvorce, 33, of Vestal, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Vanvorce was stopped at 6:04 p.m. in the Town of Batavia by a State Police trooper.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Press Release:

Batavia First United Methodist Church will hold its annual Cookie Walk & Vendor / Craft Sale on Saturday, December 11, 2021 from 10:00 am – 2:00pm.  The event will feature a large variety of homemade Christmas cookies for sale by the pound along with 35+ vendors and crafters with many interesting items for you or that special someone on your Christmas gift list.  There will be free pictures of the kids with Santa and the Kozy Korners Thrift Shop will be open.  Lunch will be available for takeout.  The church is located at 8221 Lewiston Road in Batavia.  For further information, call the church office at 585-343-4708.  Pictured are The Rev. Wayne A. Mort as Santa along with Children & Youth Coordinator Sandy Trimmer and Office Manager Anita Giles.

Photo provided by Diana German

Press Release:

H.E. Turner & Co., Bohm-Calarco-Smith, and Burdett & Sanford Funeral Homes proudly present their 25th Annual Service of Prayer & Remembrance at 7 pm on Wednesday, December 8 at the First Presbyterian Church of Batavia, 300 East Main Street.

For those who wish to participate from home, the service will live streamed as well via the funeral home's website.

“We hear from families how the service helps them through their grief, especially during this time of year," said Joshua Smith, of H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home. "For some of these families it will be their first year participating in the service, which means it is their first Christmas without their loved one, and for others, they come back year after year.” 

A candle in memory of your loved one will be lit prior to the start of the service and remain that way throughout.

As always, one candle will be provided per deceased loved one and will be given to attendees at the service. Those that choose not to attend but would still like a candle to participate from home, please call the funeral home to arrange pick-up.

Call (585) 344-4295 to reserve your candle by Friday, December 3. There is no cost for a candle and all who experienced the pain of loss are welcome to participate regardless of who took care of your loved one and arranged their funeral service.

The ecumenical service will combine music, prayer, Scripture reading, reading of the names of your loved ones & tolling of the bell in remembrance, and a message of hope by Reverend Dr. Roula Alkhouri.

To register the name or names for your candle please call H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home at (585) 344-4295 or register online at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com by Dec. 3.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is investigating a disturbance that occurred at Tops Markets this morning at approximately 10:55 a.m.

Batavia Police are attempting to locate and identify any witnesses to the disturbance that occurred inside of the store involving two or three adult males.

If you were inside and witnessed the altercation, please contact Officer Girvin at (585) 345-6350, or submit a tip through this site.

A 29-year-old resident of Batavia, and teacher in WNY, has been accused by Federal authorities of producing and distributing child pornography.

Derek Hagen faces from five to 30 years in Federal prison if convicted.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in September 2020, Snapchat sent a cyber tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding a user that had uploaded images of child pornography to a group chat. After tracing the user to Western New York, NCMEC alerted the New York State Police, who subsequently identified the defendant.

On July 20, investigators confiscated two computers and a cell phone from an apartment Hagen kept in Mount Morris.

A forensic analysis uncovered a pattern of child exploitation activity on the devices with the defendant actively producing and distributing child pornography in online chats.

During the chats, Hagen and the other individuals traded child pornography and discussed specific children that they had sexually abused or wanted to sexually abuse. To date, analysts have allegedly recovered approximately 50,000 images and videos of child pornography on Hagen’s devices.    

The complaint further states that the defendant worked in several teaching, substitute teaching, and child-care positions in the Western District of New York, including at the Brockport Childhood Development Center, the Batavia City School District, the Pembroke Central School District, and most recently with the Dansville Central School District.

Members of the public who have information related to this case are asked to contact Homeland Security Investigations at (716) 464-6070 or hsibuffalotips@ice.dhs.gov.

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.           

Photos by Philip Casper.

Press release:

Join us Fridays at the Holland Land Office Museum during our 20th Annual Wonderland of Trees, sponsored in part by Tompkins Bank of Castile and WBTA, to be serenaded by groups of musicians from the Genesee Symphony Orchestra. On Friday, November 26th, December 10th, and December 17th from 6-8:30 various members of the GSO will bring the holiday spirit to the Holland Land Office Museum. November 26th will feature a brass quartet; December 10th a cello and French Horn duet; December 17th a flute quartet. Tickets to the concerts are $5 or $4 for museum members. Tickets are limited to 20 people due to space. Masks are required.

A two-car motor vehicle accident is reported in the area of 229 West Main St., Batavia.

Possible injuries. A pregnant female is reported as one of the occupants.  Medics requested to the scene for evaluations.

City Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 5:13 p.m.: One minor injury, requesting an evaluation.

UPDATE 5:20 p.m.: The vehicles have been moved into a parking lot.

Celina Andreanna Desinord, 19, of Ridge Road, Rochester, is charged with attempted criminal mischief 4th, aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd, harassment 2nd, and unlicensed operation.  At 12:50 a.m., Nov. 21, Deputy Jacob Gauthier observed a vehicle running in the parking lot of the Crosby's at 5267 Clinton Street Road, Batavia, and the operator asleep in the driver's seat. Upon investigation, the driver was identified as Celina Desinord, who allegedly presented a suspended identification card when asked for a driver's license.  Desinord was placed in the back of a patrol vehicle and her vehicle was searched. A deputy reportedly found suspected narcotics. The substance is being sent to a lab for testing.  The deputy spoke with Desinord. She is accused of spitting on the deputy. While the deputy was completing an appearance ticket, Desinord allegedly kicked the rear passenger window as well as the divider between the front and back seat at least 71 times.  She also allegedly spit several times on the divider and the window.  She was issued an appearance ticket.

Justin L. Pyatt, 33, of Silver Springs, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 4th and petit larceny.  Pyatt is accused of using a stolen credit card to make purchases in the City of Batavia.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

James Carl Malone, 24, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with criminal mischief 4th.  Malone is accused of taking the mobile phone of another person in order to stop that person from calling 9-1-1 during a dispute in an incident reported at 2:19 p.m., Nov. 19.

After 30 years of service to the City of Batavia and its residents, Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian retired Monday with a reception in her honor before the regularly scheduled City Council meeting. 

At the start of the meeting, she was presented with proclamations recognizing her service.

Photos and captions by Mike Pettinella.

Council members Kathleen Briggs and Eugene Jankowski Jr. present a proclamation to Christian, signifying her as an "advocate who had the best interests of the City of Batavia at heart."

Legislature Chair Rochelle Stein is joined by legislators Marianne Clattenburg, John Deleo and Gary Maha as the county honored Rose Mary Christian for her dedicated service. Those in attendance, including two of Christian's daughters and a grandson, chuckled on a few occasions when Stein referred to her as Mary Rose while reading the proclamation. Rose Mary is seated at left with her daughter, Raelene, and Ron Gibble.

Assemblyman Steven Hawley, before reading a proclamation that highlighted Christian's "faithful, conscientious and valuable service to the City of Batavia," compared Christian to former legislator Florence Gioia as someone "who believes in folks" and wanted to do all she could to help her neighbors.

Press release:

Still looking for the perfect Christmas gift?  The Batavia Rotary Club is now selling its annual Chevrolet Corvette Raffle tickets. 

“We are pleased to bring back our popular Corvette Raffle,” said Marlin Salmon, this year’s Batavia Rotary Club president.  “Every dollar raised stays in our community and supports Rotary’s many charitable causes including high school scholarships, major contributions to local non-profits including our hospital, the YMCA and YWCA and many more worthy local charities.”

Tickets are $50 each or 3 for $100 with donations fully tax-deductible.  First prize is a new 2022 Chevrolet Corvette of $50,000 cash with ten additional prizes of $500 also being awarded.  Only 4,500 tickets will be sold.  The drawing will be held on February 26, 2022. 

Tickets can be purchased from any Batavia Rotarian or online at www.bataviarotaryraffle.com.

“The Corvette Raffle allows the Batavia Rotary Club to do with what we do best – support our community” Salmon said.

Santa Claus made his annual visit this weekend to Oliver's Candies in Batavia.  There will undoubtedly be many happy children come Christmas morning.

Photos submitted by Oliver's.

Top photo: Aurora Friesema & Lily Harder gave Santa a big hug.

Avery Nelson expressed her wishes to Santa.

Nate, Alana, and Kyle Mlyniec with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.

First Santa visit for four-month-old Emmalynn Staub.

Oliver’s employees: Heather Cole, Renee Chapell, and Elizabeth Rindell.

Julie Heale with her granddaughter Rosalea Heale holding a bunny from WNY Tiny Petting Zoo.

Kennedy Pedraza, age 6, holding a bunny from WNY Tiny Petting Zoo.

Michael Robbins, 61, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Robbins was allegedly found with an unidentified substance on him during an interaction with police at an incident at 7:20 p.m., Aug. 28. The substance was tested and found to allegedly contain methamphetamine and fentanyl. Robbins was arrested at the Genesee County Jail, where he is being held on other charges, and issued an appearance ticket.

Matthew W. Kurtz, Sr., 52, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th, attempted assault 3rd, and harassment 2nd.  Kurtz is accused of shoving another person and throwing an object at that person during a disturbance reported at 7:10 p.m., Nov. 16, at a location on Liberty Street, Batavia.  He was arraigned in City Court and ordered released on his own recognizance. 

Jesslyn F. Bigelow, 24, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving without insurance, driving a vehicle with a suspended registration. Bigelow was stopped at 1:56 a.m., Nov. 13, on Jackson Street, Batavia by a Batavia patrol officer. Bigelow was issued traffic tickets.

Christine Caplis, no age or residence provided, is charged with theft of services. Caplis allegedly failed to pay for services provided by a local restaurant on Ellicott Street, Batavia, at 8 p.m., Nov. 4. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Ziyad Ziyad Alhojaji, 22, of Geraldine Parkway, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny.  Alhojaji is accused of shoplifting from Walmart in Batavia. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Tonya Marie Weber, 37, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Weber is accused of shoplifting from Five Below on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia. Weber was released on an appearance ticket.

Michael R. Mullen, 37, of Oakfield, is charged with 10 counts of sex abuse, 1st (contact with a person less than 11 years old), course of sexual conduct, 2nd, with a child less than 11 years old, and 10 counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Mullen was arrested by State Police on Saturday. He was ordered held in jail. No further information released.

Theresa A. Gillette, 44, of East Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Gillette is accused of stealing in Bergen in an incident reported at 10:51 p.m., Sept. 14.  She was arrested by State Police and ordered held in jail. No further information released.

Sean M. Harloff, 31, of Farmington, is accused of grand larceny 4th. Harloff was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 12:53 p.m., July 6. He was ordered held in jail.  No further information released.

Michaela R. Bohn, 22, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd and criminal mischief 4th. Bohn was arrested by State Police in relation to an incident reported at 11:51 p.m., Nov. 10, in the Town of Batavia. She was released to a third party. No further information released.