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Free Summer Recreation Program offered for kids 6 to 14 at four city parks

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Are you looking for a fun program to get your children involved in this summer? Well, the 2019 Batavia Summer Recreation Program, operated by the Batavia Youth Bureau, is scheduled for July 1-Aug. 9 (no program on July 4).

This year a structured program will be run in four city parks and they are as follows: Farrell, Lambert, Lions and Williams. There will be NO John Kennedy site this year due to construction at the school.

This FREE program has something for everyone…sports, arts and crafts, educational activities, physical activity, creativity, socialization, fun, health and wellness, and much more. A FREE and nutritious lunch will also be available to those children who are registered.

Each park will be run by two to five recreation leaders who will have participated in a two-day training in the areas of: Basic First Aid; Child Abuse Indicators and Reporting Procedures; Working with Diverse Populations/Bullying; Crafts and Games; Youth Development; and the Importance of Recreation.

The recreation leaders will also have participated in basic CPR Training.

During the training, Youth Bureau staff continually stress the importance of safety. Keeping the young participants safe is of the utmost importance and is our number one concern. Each park will also be equipped with a cellular phone for emergency situations.

The Parks Program is offered to youngsters ages 6-14. It is a drop-in program that runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. This program is for school-aged children and is not an appropriate daycare situation.

The recreation leaders at each park will be responsible for structuring their individual park and creating a schedule each week that will be sent home with each child.

The program will be primarily recreational in nature, but will also have an educational component. In addition to the activities offered directly at the park, we have scheduled swimming at the YMCA, Safe Summer Children’s Carnival, Muckdogs Camp, Trips to the Nature Center at the Genesee County Park, Community Service Day, Hula Hoop presentations and more!

The Youth Bureau will be offering an Open House from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26th at Farrell Park, 100 James St., to preregister children for the program.

This is also an opportunity for parents to ask questions and become more familiar with each aspect of the program.

You can register your child for a park on any day that the program runs. You will be asked to complete a registration card for your child or children for emergency purposes and to sign a walking field trip permission slip. A separate registration card will need to be completed to participate in the lunch program.

Each child must be registered to attend a program at a park.

For more information about the 2019 Summer Recreation Program, call the Batavia Youth Bureau at 345-6420.

County officials told to expect state rebate thanks to energy-saving projects

By Lauren Leone

County officials can expect a state rebate for their energy-saving efforts that began last spring.

How much of a rebate remains to be seen, Deputy Highway Superintendent Paul Osborn told the Public Service Committee on Monday.

In the update, Osborn said his department is waiting to receive summary reports from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to show where savings have been made and where more savings can occur later on.

“NYSERDA still has to review all of it to make sure that the realization of the energy savings that they say that they were going to do initially is realized again as well,” Osborn said. “And then, if there is more realization in the savings, then they give us a rebate for that.

“We are not anticipating a significant rebate, but we are anticipating some rebate from them. So, we can take that rebate and put it into some of those facilities that they reviewed that may need some work.”

Some cost savings will be realized with the completion of smaller projects like switching lighting in county buildings to more energy-efficient systems. More extensive projects include electrical panels, boilers, HVAC systems and breakers or air handlers.

So far, heating at County Building #1, ventilation and insulation work at the animal shelter and HVAC improvements to the highway garage have been underway.

Osborn said that once the NYSERDA report is released in late July, it will paint a clearer picture of where the funding can be allocated.

“Our biggest thing is we want to see the report — see where our idealized savings can be furthered,” Osborn said.

County Manager Jay Gsell added, “The Highway Department has one of our older buildings. [It] is also one that had probably the least internal changes made to it as with anything with HVAC and lighting and other things. So, this is one of those times, finally, let’s really make some significant improvements.”

The energy-savings projects are being conducted by Johnson Controls, which entered into a $4 million contract with the county last spring after the company conducted an energy consumption audit of county facilities in 2017.

The projected energy savings are expected to be nearly $4.3 million, for a potential net savings to the county of about $300,000.

There was debate about whether to hire Johnson Controls, but a key selling point was the claim that energy-saving projects will pay for themselves in 20 years.

Initially, legislators Gary Maha and Andrew Young approached the agreement with skepticism, while legislators Shelly Stein, Marianne Clattenburg and John Hilchey expressed their approval.

The Johnson Controls contract allows the county to undertake projects that are already part of the county's capital investment plans and save money on existing utilities. The money saved from lower energy costs will flow back into the capital project budget to cover additional upgrades.

Legislators seemed satisfied with the information contained in the energy-saving projects update and raised no objections.

Stein requested that Osborn return to the Public Service Committee in September to present the next update on Johnson Controls.

GCC names 41 local students to Spring 2019 Provost's List

By Billie Owens

A total of 223 students from Genesee Community College are named to Provost's List for the Spring 2019 semester; 41 live in Genesee County.

Students honored on the Provost's List have maintained part-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

The 41 Genesee County students named to the Provost's List are (in their community's alphabetic order):

Cassandra Koepp of Alexander, NY (14005)

Naomi LaDuke of Alexander, NY (14005)

Jessica Lennon of Alexander, NY (14005)

Jennamarie Schiller of Alexander, NY (14005)

Alexis Balduf of Batavia, NY (14020)

JoAnne Clemm of Batavia, NY (14020)

Mallory Gilbraith of Batavia, NY (14020)

Tammy Kingdollar of Batavia, NY (14020)

Tessa Lynn of Batavia, NY (14020)

Kali Nichols of Batavia, NY (14020)

Jessica O'Neil of Batavia, NY (14020)

Cleghon Rolle of Batavia, NY (14020)

Cameron Sanzo of Batavia, NY (14020)

Margaret Smith of Batavia, NY (14020)

Ashley Stone of Batavia, NY (14020)

Julia Streeter of Batavia, NY (14020)

Robert Tripp of Batavia, NY (14020)

Megan West of Batavia, NY (14020)

Stephanie Wolfe of Batavia, NY (14020)

Grace Morrill of Bergen, NY (14416)

Sheena Dilcher of Byron, NY (14422)

Teagan Mathes of Byron, NY (14422)

Nicole Franclemont of Corfu, NY (14036)

Alexandria Tarbell of Corfu, NY (14036)

Edward Foeller of Darien Center, NY (14040)

Jillian Hartwig of Darien Center, NY (14040)

Lewis Ryan of Darien Center, NY (14040)

Dustin Wheeler of Darien Center, NY (14040)

Angelique Newton of East Bethany, NY (14054)

Caroline Pelton of East Bethany, NY (14054)

Bailey Delelys of Elba, NY (14058)

Samantha Nickerson of Elba, NY (14058)

John Boyle of Le Roy, NY (14482)

Kristin Johnston of Le Roy, NY (14482)

Kathryn Krautwurst of Le Roy, NY (14482)

Cheryl McGee of Le Roy, NY (14482)

Zach Sovocool of Le Roy, NY (14482)

Megan Webb of Le Roy, NY (14482)

Colin Graham of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Jacqueline Thompson of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Jessica Ruiz of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Genesee Community College serves approximately 6,000 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics. 

GCC's new Student Success Center makes admissions, financial aid and enrollment a simple and efficient process. The college has earned three national sports titles. The athletics program, housed in the new, state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena hosts more than a dozen intercollegiate men's and women's teams.

Highly convenient, GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as a significant online learning program. Student housing is available at College Village, just a three minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high tech" and "high-touch."

Alexander and Batavia residents promoted in NY Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Miles Dietzman, from Batavia, assigned to the 105th Military Police Company, received a promotion to the rank of Private.

Elizabeth Taylor, from Alexander, assigned to the Headquarters, 153rd troop Command (Brigade) received a promotion to the rank of Sergeant.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.

These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com

The New York National Guard (New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs) is the state's executive agency responsible to the Governor for managing New York's Military Forces, which consists of nearly 20,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard.

Reminder: Last week to donate worn flags at Tops in Batavia for 'Stars for Our Troops"

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Tops Friendly Markets Stars for Our Troops initiative is still underway until June 22.

The program welcomes the community to donate their worn and tattered American Flags at 33 select Tops Markets locations as well as their corporate office for proper retirement.

In Genesee County, the participating Tops location is the Batavia store on West Main Street.

In collaboration with partner veterans organizations, including Honor Flight and local VFWs, embroidered stars will be preserved and presented to local veterans who have defended our flag.

“The respect and gratitude we have for the people who serve and have served in the military is immeasurable, and for that we are forever grateful,” said Kathy Sautter, public and media relations manager for Tops.

"With the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, Tops wanted to offer the community this service to not only properly retire their flags, but also know they are in some small way extending their thanks and respect to a veteran through Stars for Our Troops."

Law and Order: Medina man accused of threatening to burn down house of Pearl Street Road resident

By Billie Owens

Morgan Lee Cox Jr., 27, of Bates Road, Medina, is charged with aggravated harassment in the second degree. He was arrested on June 15 for allegedly threatening over the telephone at 2:20 a.m. on June 14 to burn another person's house down who lives on Pearl Street Road in Batavia. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia Town Court on June 24. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack.

Nicole Jean Andrews, 37, of Boone Street, Buffalo, is charged with: third-degree burglary; possession of burglar tools; criminal tampering in the third degree; attempted petit larceny, and sixth-degree conspiracy. Jacquline M. Ross, no age or address provided, is charged with attempted petit larceny and sixth-degree conspiracy: At 3:04 p.m. on June 12, the GC Dispatch Center received a call of shoplifting in progress at a department store on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia. Following an investigation, the defendants were arrested. Andrews was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and jailed without bail. Ross was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia Town Court at a later date. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale and Investigator Chris Parker.

Herbert B. Gennis, 25, of Raymond Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment and endangering the welfare of a child. He is arrested at 12:58 p.m. on June 15 on Holland Avenue in Batavia, incident details not provided, and issued appearance tickets for June 25 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post.

Malik I. Ayala, 27, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested on June 14 for allegedly stealing items from a store on East Main Street in Batavia at 7:49 p.m. on April 9. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on June 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Alexandra R. Lasky, 29, of Seven Springs Road, Batavia, was arrested on a Batavia City Court warrant for failure to appear after she was located during a traffic stop in Monroe County on June 16. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed in lieu of $500 cash bail or bond. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider.

RSVP for Independent Living's picnic July 26 in Kiwanis Park to celebrate 29th year of the ADA

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Batavia’s premier consumer-run human service and advocacy agency for people with disabilities, Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), will hold an ADA Picnic to celebrate the 29th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Open to the general public, and offering FREE food, fun, and games, the event will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, July 26, at Kiwanis Park, 3808 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

Contributing to the fun will be the University Heights Art Association (UHAA), which regularly partners with ILGR on the ARTiculations Ability Exhibition in the Independent Living reception area.

Artists with disabilities are given the opportunity to display and sell their artwork at the Center. UHAA will bring projects and materials that will enable picnickers to creatively celebrate the birthday of the ADA. 

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

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

The ADA broadly bars disability-based discrimination in employment, telecommunications, by state and local governments, in places of public accommodation such as stores, restaurants, banks, theaters, hotels, and stadia, among other protections.

This has made it the single most important body of law for a particular population, the disability community, since the protections for racial and ethnic minorities and women of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which inspired some of the ADA’s provisions.

We look forward to having you celebrate with us, but please remember to R.S.V.P.!

Northgate church to hold its 15th session of Financial Peace University starting July 1

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Are you ready to change your financial future? Northgate Free Methodist Church is hosting its next semester of Financial Peace University, which will be held on Monday nights, starting on July 1st from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at the North Campus.

It is located at 8160 Bank Street Road in Batavia.

For more than 25 years, Financial Peace University, created by Dave Ramsey, has helped thousands of people take control of their money.

Through this nine-week course, Ramsey’s proven money-management class will show you step-by-step how to create a budget, pay off your debt, make wise spending decisions, and save for the future.

Preregistration is required, so please visit www.northgatefmc.com and follow the Financial Peace link to sign up.

The cost is $109, scholarships are available.

If you have questions please email office@northgatefmc.com or call the church office at (585) 343-4011.

Genesee-Orleans OUT! hosts inaugural Pride Parade and Festival in Batavia June 28, starts at Austin Park

By Billie Owens

Genesee-Orleans OUT! will be hosting their first ever Pride Parade and Festival in Batavia from 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday, June 28th.

Lineup for the parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Austin Park in Batavia. The parade will conclude on Bank Street at the GO ART! building where there will be food and entertainment! It is located at 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia.

For more information and to register for the Pride Parade please go to www.goart.org and click on the Program & Events tab or contact Gregory Hallock directly at (585) 343-9313 or ghallock@goart.org

A subsidiary of Batavia-based GVT Rail heralded with 'Short Line of the Year' award

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Norfolk, Va. – For the second time this year, the Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad (DL) has been chosen for a prestigious freight rail industry award. On June 11, Norfolk Southern Corporation presented the DL, a Genesee Valley Transportation (GVT Rail) subsidiary, with its Short Line of the Year award.

The corporate headquarters of GVT Rail is on Mill Street in the City of Batavia.

In bestowing this honor upon the DL, Norfolk Southern identified the carrier’s operational and business development teams, respectively and collectively, for conscientious customer service and commitment to growth.

“Our partnership with the Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad has resulted in significant growth across multiplecommodities and service improvements for both manifest and unit trains,” said Mike Moen, Norfolk Southern Senior Short Line development manager. “Their cooperation and efforts have contributed to amore efficient interchange and an improved service offering for our mutual customers.”

The recognition from Norfolk Southern follows the DL receiving the American Shortline & Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) Business Development Award for 2019. Presented at the organization’s annual conference, the ASLRRA award spoke to the DL’s boots-on-the-ground, "one carload at a time" growth strategy.

This strategy has created traffic volume growth of 510 percent in the 25 years since GVT Rail first came to the Lackawanna Valley.

This quarter-century of growth could not have come to pass without the partnership between the DL and the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority (PNRRA), rail trackage owner and regional authority with which the DL is the contracted operator.

"The public-private model forged in Northeastern Pennsylvania has become a model increasingly used across the United States to save rail trackage that has been abandoned and was being liquidated by privatesector railroads,” said Larry Malski, PNRRA president. “The progress continues in Northeastern Pennsylvania, as evidenced by a 29 percent increase in carloads during the first four months of 2019 on this trackage."

Through these partnerships, and through public-good relationships with entities such as the Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Pocono Mountain Economic Development Corporation, freight rail is at the throttle of the post-anthracite economic rebirth of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The GVT Rail and Delaware-Lackawanna teams wish to thank Norfolk Southern Corporation for this recognition.

ABOUT GVT RAIL

Genesee Valley Transportation Co. Inc. (GVT Rail) is a privately owned shortline and regional rail corporation based out of Batavia. Founded in 1985, GVT Rail has grown from a five-mile spur in greater Buffalo to a 318-mile network of five subsidiary railroads in two states.

Over three-and-a-half decades, we’ve set an imprint as an industry-recognized leader in business development and “friendly, customized service.” Be it restoring service to an existing industry or establishing truck-train transloading services, the GVT Rail team is always on the lookout for new opportunities to contribute to the economic renaissance of the communities and regions that we serve.

Batavia man accused of selling crack cocaine

By Howard B. Owens
      Carlos Samol

A 54-year-old Batavia man has been accused of selling crack cocaine to agents of the Local Drug Task Force. 

Carlos "Sinbad" Samol, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd.

Samol was picked up Sunday morning on a sealed Grand Jury indictment by Batavia PD while they were investigating an unrelated matter.

The suspect allegedly sold a quantity of crack cocaine an undercover agent on two separate occasions.  

He was arraigned in County Court and jailed on $15,000 bail or $30,000 bond.

Pair of officers complete field training with Batavia PD

By Howard B. Owens
      Peter Post        Miah Stevens

Press release:

The Police Department wishes to welcome Officer Miah Stevens and Officer Peter Post Jr. to the Department.

Both Officers recently completed their field training and have been assigned to the road patrol.

Officer Stevens is a 2013 graduate of Pembroke High School and then attended Genesee Community College and SUNY Brockport where she majored in Criminal Justice. She completed her Basic Police Academy at Niagara University having graduated this past February. Officer Stevens’ stepfather works for the City of Batavia in the Water Department, she has three brothers and sisters.

Officer Post attended GCC after earning his High School Diploma in 2015. He is a 2018 graduate of the Rural Police Training Academy at GCC. Officer Post then began his career with the villages of Perry and Warsaw Police Departments as a part-time police officer. His father is a retired Police Detective and his mother a retired New York State Trooper. Officer Post has three brothers and sisters.

“We wish to welcome Officer Stevens and Officer Post to the City of Batavia and the Police Department,” said Chief Shawn Heubusch. “They are both wonderful additions to the police force and extremely community oriented.”

The Hillcrest Estate offers festivity, a rich history and authentic sense of community

By Lauren Leone

“I find when I bring people here, I’ll get a parent who will be like, ‘what’s that?’ and we’ll go into a 20-minute conversation about the history of the house,” said Kate Wilcox-Rodwell, who owns a newly renovated mansion in Pavilion called The Hillcrest Estate.

Twenty minutes may just scratch the surface of the history of mansion, which sits on 120 acres at 1940 Craig Road.

It was built in the late 1800s in the Country Place Era, a time according to The Cultural Landscape Foundation, in which large, opulent residences were built by affluent families in pastoral settings, often serving as getaways from city life during the warmer months of the year.

The Hillcrest Estate has welcomed notable guests like President Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Twain and Ethel Barrymore.

And for nearly four decades it has stayed in the Wilcox family, which has hosted many public and private events for friends and family.

Kate Wilcox-Rodwell (inset photo below) grew up in the home and last year she and her husband, Matthew Rodwell, moved to the property to devote themselves to extensively restoring it.

The 32-room mansion is spacious at 9,500 square feet. It features 11 bedrooms, a grand ballroom, stone fireplaces and its original wooden floors. Historic antiques are showcased with natural lighting, bookshelves, flower arrangements and vintage furniture.

The estate’s grounds are groomed and landscaped, but they still feel walk-able and casual. The secluded property has a reflecting pool, covered veranda, tiered terraces and various locations suitable for photography like the woods.  

“There’s a lot of unique character here that you can’t get in a brand-new facility,” said Wilcox-Rodwell. “You can’t get authentic character everywhere, but you can here.”

The ballroom and lawns are available for weddings, bridal parties, corporate meetings, small and large social gatherings and community events. The ballroom can accommodate 120 guests, and the outdoor reception tent can host approximately 300 guests.

“One of the things I love about this place is the flexibility and different areas to choose from [for your event]. You’re not subject to one spot for one thing,” Wilcox-Rodwell said.

In May, the estate received a grant from The Landmark Society of Western New York Preservation Grant Fund Committee. This grant funds for preliminary planning and design studies for restoration projects throughout the region. Wilcox-Rodwell put the $2,000 award toward the development of a permit set to turn a portion of the estate into an event venue.

Upgrades to the estate include new landscaping, roofing, masonry work and an ADA-accessible ramp. To use the space to its fullest potential, the owners are renovating the restrooms, foyer and bridal lounge. Future plans include remodeled bedrooms for guests and year-round housing for the owners.

The Hillcrest Estate recently joined the Chamber of Commerce in Genesee and Livingston counties to enhance its business culture and grow closer to the community.

“I have to commend both of the chambers because they have been great — resources and spreading the word about what we are trying to do — I can’t thank them enough for that,” Wilcox-Rodwell said.

“They can really connect you with other individuals who share similar values because they’ve got businesses in their respective counties that want to grow and thrive and connect with other business owners.”   

The owners plan to also support charitable causes with their event space going forward. In September, The Hillcrest Estate will host the Town of York Historical Society to celebrate the town’s bicentennial.

Wilcox-Rodwell describes a rewarding part of owning the mansion as “being able to share this property with other people. There are people who live five minutes from here that don’t know that there’s this amazing house in their backyard that has all this history that 100 years ago was a big part of their town. I’m excited to share it.”

To contact The Hillcrest Estate, phone (585) 356-7164 or visit online here.

Photos courtesy of Kate Wilcox-Rodwell.

Hawley honors Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia of Batavia

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Coinciding with the 244th Anniversary of the United State Army, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) had the privilege of unanimously passing an Assembly Resolution Thursday in Albany honoring Staff Sergeant David Bellavia for receiving the Medal of Honor. The honor will be presented to him by President Trump on June 25.

Staff Sgt. Bellavia, who was born in Albion and lives in Batavia, will become the first living Iraq War veteran to receive the Medal of Honor after bravely rescuing his entire squad who had become trapped during the Battle of Fallujah. He then proceeded to engage the enemy, killing four and wounding a fifth, which ultimately led to the safety of three squads of the Third Platoon.

“Staff Sgt. David Bellavia is a true example of the American courage, bravery and heroics that have forged our great nation and he is beyond deserving of this tremendous honor,” Hawley said.

“His willingness to put the lives and protection of others above himself during the Iraq War’s most intense battle is a priceless act of selflessness to which we should all emulate and, for that, he is an American hero. I am honored to recognize Staff Sgt. Bellavia for his service to our nation and thank him for his sacrifices in protecting our country and its citizens.”

Law and Order: Man accused of punching woman in the nose, pushing her down after argument on Fargo Road

By Billie Owens

Edward James Leddick, 23, of Cheektowaga, is charged with second-degree harassement. At 12:39 a.m. on June 17 Leddick was arrested following an argument on Fargo Road in the Town of Darien. It is alleged that during the arugment, Leddick struck a female in the nose and pushed her to the ground. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Darien Court on July 7. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Austin Heberlein.

Eric Duda, 46, of Prestige Crossing, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief. At 11:20 p.m. on June 14, deputies responded to Prestige Crossing in the Town of Batavia for a reported criminal mischief complaint. After an investigation Duda was arrested. He allegedly damaged property valued at $300 that belonged to another person. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on July 8. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Eril Andre, assisted by Deputy Andrew Mullen

Daniel Jon Lewis, 23, of Meadow Farm South, North Chili, is charged with second-degree assault. He was arrested on June 11 for an assault that allegedly occurred at 10:09 p.m. on June 10 while he was incaracerated in the Genesee County Jail. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or bond. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor.

Kelly James Rhim, 40, of Coven Street, Rochester, is charged with second-degree assault. He was arrested on June 11 for an assault that allegedly occurred at 9:49 p.m. on June 10 while he was incarcerated in the Genesee County Jail. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or bond. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor.

Sponsored Post: Reliant Real Estate has your summer listings

By Lisa Ace


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3233 Pratt Road - Town of Batavia: 1991 Fairmont 14 x 76 with a permanent 25x19 side addition that gives this home extra roominess that you don't get with the others!

Spacious and homey and well kept is what you will find with this three bedroom two full bath home. The floor plan is great and the kitchen is wonderfully big with a ton of cupboards!

Pretty landscaped yard with covered open porch and nice shed for all your extras! Click here for more information or call Lynn Bezon today to see this listing.

Farmers Market Coupons available to low-income adults age 60 and over

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Farmers Market Coupons will be distributed at the Genesee County Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia, on the following dates:

  • Wednesday            June 26         10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Wednesday            July 10           1 - 4 p.m.
  • Tuesday                 July 16           10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Thursday                July 18           10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Also, the Genesee County Office for the Aging also plans to distribute coupons at the:

  • Le Roy Farmer’s Market from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 6;
  • Downtown Batavia Public Market from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, July 26.

Booklets are available to adults aged 60 years and older who are income-eligible. Proof of age identification must be provided.

Income guidelines are as follows: household of one $1,926 per month; household of two $2,607per month; and, household of three $3,289 per month.

Maureen Estabrooks, Office for the Aging’s coordinator for the program, noted, “Anyone 60 or older in a household may receive a coupon booklet as long as they are income eligible. This means that in a qualifying household, multiple individuals may receive booklets.

"This program is a wonderful way to help older adults with limited income purchase fresh produce from our local farmers.”

Questions may be directed to the Genesee County Office for the Aging at 585-343-1611.

Rochester man with drug-dealing criminal history accused of selling crack locally

By Howard B. Owens
       Lorenzo Terry

A 51-year-old Rochester resident has been arrested by members of the Local Drug Task Force, accused of selling crack cocaine in and around Genesee County.

Lorenzo A. "Tone" Terry, of Lang Street, Rochester, is accused of selling crack on three separate occasions to an agent of the task force over a six-month period.

Terry, the subject of an arrest warrant, was arrested on Batavia PD a week ago when he was spotted walking in the City of Batavia.  

The suspect has served four prior prison terms, going back to 1992, for drug possession and sales.

Judge Charles Zambito ordered Terry held in the Genesee County Jail on $50,000 bail or $100,000 bond.

John Kennedy students honor veterans and military members at Flag Day ceremony

By Howard B. Owens

For Flag Day on Friday, John Kennedy School honored veterans who are family members of students at the school, which including David Bellavia (top photo), who will receive the Medal of Honor in a ceremony at the White House on June 25.

The assembly included the Batavia High School Brass Ensemble performing the National Anthem by the flagpole during the raising of the flag.

There were patriotic activities and classwork throughout the day.

The closing ceremony in the afternoon included local veterans and active military members. The assembly included patriotic songs, a reading of the names of veterans, the announcement of winners of the student costume contest.

Winners included Keyon Morris, Jonah Arroyo, Keaton Corcoran, Aristina Reidel, Blake Samuelson, Isla Wolff, Mason Bohn and Camden DeMena.

Photos and information provided by Batavia City Schools

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