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Health department seeks help in finding owner of dog who bit pedestrian

By Billie Owens

Press release:

On Monday, Dec. 24, at approximately 11 p.m. a pedestrian was bitten by a free-roaming dog in the City of Batavia.

The incident occurred along the west sidewalk of Summit Street that is located between Washington Avenue and East Main Street.

The dog is described as possibly being an American Pit Bull Terrier or a breed resembling that, or a mix that has short black fur. The dog is of a medium build and is about knee high in height.

The dog approached from an unknown direction and after the bite occurred it ran off in an unknown direction.

“The purpose in locating the owner of the dog is to make sure the dog is up-to-date on its anti-rabies vaccine,” said Sarah Balduf, Environmental Health director of Genesee and Orleans counties. “If the owner cannot be located, the individual will have to go through unnecessary treatment.”

Anyone with information on the dog and/or dog owner is asked to contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580, ext. 5555.

Six Genesee County students named to Fall 2018 dean's list at Nazareth College

By Billie Owens

ROCHESTER -- Nazareth College students named to the Fall 2018 dean's list are as follows:

  • Kimberly Davis, of Pavilion
  • Danielle Foeller, of Bergen 
  • Bailey Groth, of East Pembroke 
  • Chelsea Jensen, of Batavia
  • Jessica Meyers, of East Bethany 
  • Lauren Reding, of Oakfield 

Nazareth College's academic strengths cross an unusually broad spectrum of 60 majors, including education, health and human services, management, the fine arts, music, theater, math and science, foreign languages, and the liberal arts.

The coeducational, religiously independent, classic campus in a charming suburb of Rochester challenges and supports 2,000 undergrads and 800 graduate students. Nazareth is recognized nationally for its Fulbright global student scholars and commitment to civic engagement. Rigorous programs, an uncommon core, experiential learning, career skills, and a global focus prepare graduates for not just one job, but for their life's work.

Ray Leach, record-setting running back named region's top football player for 2018

By Howard B. Owens

Ray Leach's list of records is impressive:
  • Section V single season, rushing yards, 3,012;
  • Section V single season, touchdowns, 49;
  • Section V single season, points scored, 310;
  • Section V career record, rushing yards, 6,023;
  • Section V career touchdowns, 111;
  • Section V career points, 720;
  • State playoff record for yards rushing, 474;
  • State playoff record for touchdowns, 8 (twice);
  • State playoff record for points scored, 50.

So it's no surprise that Leach has been named Football Player of the Year for All-Greater Rochester by the Democrat & Chronicle.

Brennan Briggs, who coached his fourth team in the past five years to a Section V championship. This season was the first time a Briggs-coached team reached the state championship game. 

Also making first team: Joshua Barber and Ethan Biscaro. Taiyo Iburi-Bethel was named to the second team. Alex Rood, Joe Martinucci and Andrew Francis all received honorable mention.

Chris McClinic, Alexander, also made second team. Honorable mentions went to Terrez Smith, Ty Woods, Dylan Busch, Jake Jasen, Ethan Heineman and Hayden Walton.

Honorable mention for Notre Dame: Gabe MacDonald, Keith Szczepanski, Mason Randall, Tim Klotzbach, Tyler Totten.

Honorable mention for Pembroke: Theodore Pintabona, Colby Cerasani, Trent Smith, Trevor Vaughn.

Honorable mention in eight-man football for Oakfield-Alabama/Elba: Colton Dillon, Gage Dieterle, Ty Mott, Kyle Magliocco, Peyton Yasses, Seth Sepalla.

First team in other fall sports:

  • Lukas Milligan, Pavilion, boys volleyball
  • Maiya Reinhart, Batavia, girls swimming

Man associated with Amber Alert after Bergen girl disappeared facing possible federal charges

By Howard B. Owens
     Torres-Acevedo

A 22-year-old Batavia man who was the subject of a manhunt at the end of November after he allegedly drove off with a teenage Bergen girl in a blue SUV, which prompted an Amber Alert, is back in Genesee County and may face federal charges.

Sheriff William Sheron said today that because Jose Guillermo Torres-Acevedo is suspected of taking the girl across state lines, the Sheriff's Office is working with the FBI to determine if Torres-Acevedo should be charged by federal authorities.

Locally, he's been charged with grand larceny, 3rd, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle for allegedly stealing the Dodge Journey he is accused of using to transport the girl from her Bergen home.

He is being held in the Genesee County Jail without bail.

In November, Torres-Acevedo was arrested following an investigation by State Police and charged with endangering the welfare of a child. A judge issued a complete stay away order requiring Torres Acevedo to have no contact with the girl.

The morning of Nov. 29, Torres-Acevedo allegedly drove to the girl's home and picked her up. The Sheriff's Office was soon notified that the girl was missing and an Amber Alert was issued that afternoon.

The girl, authorities said, went with Torres-Acevedo willingly.

The girl and Torres-Acevedo were reportedly located that night at a Walmart in Mansfield, Pa., when authorities were able to ping the girl's mobile phone.

Torres-Acevedo was taken into custody and the girl was returned to her family in Bergen. Torres-Acevedo waived extradition and a deputy picked him up in Pennsylvania on Friday.

The suspect is scheduled to appear in Bergen Town Court next month to face charges stemming from his initial arrest by State Police.

Law and Order: Ellicott Street man charged with strangulation, unlawful imprisonment and more

By Billie Owens

Manuel Mendoza-Stymus, 20, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, (inset photo, right) is charged with: second-degree strangulation; fourth-degree criminal mischief; second-degree unlawful imprisonment; and endangering the welfare of a child. The charges stem from an altercation on Dec. 21 at an apartment on Ellicott Street in Batavia wherein the defendant allegedly choked another person, held that person down against their will and took their cell phone when the victim attempted to call police for assistance. The incident also took place in the immediate proximity of a 5-month-old infant. Mendoza-Stymus was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in Genesee County Jail without bail. He was due back in court Dec. 24. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Daniel E. King, 42, of Pembroke, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 5:08 p.m. on Dec. 24 by troopers out of SP Batavia. Troopers were dispatched to Ye Olde Willow Bend Inn in the Town of Batavia for a larceny complaint. Upon arrival, the complainant advised troopers on scene that a green pickup truck pulled up next to the restaurant and tavern, then the front passenger exited the pickup and allegedly proceeded to steal a sign to the business. The registration and suspect description were provided to troopers and the information quickly led to the arrest of King. He was given an appearance ticket returnable to Batavia Town Court in January.

Emily D. Smith, 33, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child. Smith was arrested at 10 a.m. on Nov. 22 on Liberty Street on the charges and was issued an appearance ticket for Jan. 8 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Zachary Vernon Donald Seeley, 22, of Central Avenue, Batavia, and Krista Swan, no age or address provided, are both charged with petit larceny. They were arrested at 8:56 p.m. on Dec. 18 on West Main Street in Batavia after Tops Friendly Market reported a larceny in progress to Batavia Police Department. Police responded and located the suspects, who matched descriptions provided by Tops employees. Numerous items totaling $306.81 in value were recovered. The defendants were released on appearance tickets and are due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Iszon C. Richardson, 18, of Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with trespass. He was arrested on Dec. 21 after he allegedly entered and remained on the property of another person on Jackson Street in the City of Batavia without permission at 9:20 p.m. Dec. 20. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Kiha S. McNear, 21, no permanent address, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree criminal contempt -- disobeying a mandate (arrest warrant); harassment in the second degree -- physical contact resulting in arrest warrant; and execution of a bench warrant. McNear was arrested on Dec. 19. All three charges stem from separate cases, all with warrants. The defendant was issued three appearance tickets and then released. McNear is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Eric Bolles.

Patrick M. Viscuso, 54, Evans Street, is charged with second-degree harassment and unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested at 4:33 p.m. Dec. 18 on Evans Street in Batavia following an incident wherein it's alleged that Viscuso struck another subject on the side of the face during an argument. Viscuso was allegedly also found to possess a small amount of marijuana at the time of his arrest. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Guillermo Jose Torres-Acevedo, 22, of Collegeview Drive, Batavia, is charged with third-degree grand larceny and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. He was arrested on a warrant Dec. 21 following an investigation into an incident that occurred Nov. 29 at about 7 a.m. in the Town of Batavia. Torres-Acevedo allegedly stole a motor vehicle from a residence. He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and jailed without bail.

Triton Adam Drock, 24, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree and failure to use headlights while operating windshield wipers. He was arrested on an outstanding Batavia City Court warrant issued for failure to appear on charges made Nov. 18. He was arraigned on Dec. 20 and is due in city court Jan. 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice.

St. Paul Lutheran School's annual Christmas program highlights the simple joys of the season

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

St. Paul's Lutheran School in Batavia held its annual school Christmas program on Dec. 20.

The mission of St. Paul Lutheran School is to enable the families of the community to know Jesus as their Savior by providing a Christian educational environment which fosters academic excellence.

At St. Paul's, school is a family!

All teachers, staff, students and families work together to create a loving, inspiring and encouraging environment in which children can thrive to their greatest potential -- a great way to begin your child's education experience.

At St. Paul's they like to say "We don't raise little Lutherans, we develop Disciples of Christ."

Structure fire is reported on Maple Street in the city

By Billie Owens

A structure fire is reported at 10 Maple St. in the city. Smoke is pouring from the second floor. An alarm is sounding; unknown if the structure is occupied. City fire is responding and it's gone to a second alarm.

UPDATE 6:21 p.m.: Firefighters searched inside and no one was there.

UPDATE 6:37 p.m.: The dog in the photo below was rescued from the structure and given air as a precaution for the effects of smoke inhalation.

UPDATE 10 p.m. (By Howard): The dog's name is Sadie. She is fine. The fire appears to have started with a space heater. There was no apparent structural damage, no extension to the walls or ceiling. There are three apartments in the building and only one was occupied at the time of the fire. That occupant was sleeping and was awoken by Capt. Marty Hinz when he arrived on scene. Nobody was hurt in the fire. Video at top of the story replaced original breaking news video.

 

Video and Photos: Christmas Eve snow in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

It looks like we're having a White Christmas after all.

Stephen Hall blowing snow on Ross Street.  

Jonathan Hoca and Quintin, 5, building a snowman on Ross Street.

Jennifer Desautels submitted this photo of Teigan Desautels, 5, with a snowman.

Suspected shoplifters running from Walmart

By Howard B. Owens

Two shoplifting suspects are running from Walmart.

They are described as white males. One is in a brown jacket the other in a green jacket.

A deputy is dispatched and Batavia PD asked to assist.

UPDATE 11:27 a.m.: Two males are stopped in the Auto Zone parking lot.

Three-car accident reported at West Main and South Lyon, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A three-car accident is reported at West Main Street and South Lyon Street, Batavia.

Minor injuries reported.

Traffic is blocked. 

City fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 11:15 a.m.: One minor leg injury, reported. Also, city fire responding reports a property damage accident at Main and Court.

Law and Order: Man faces eight felony charges for domestic incident on Jackson Street in the city

By Billie Owens

The victim of a domestic incident responded to the Batavia Police Department and an investigation determined that Iszon Richardson (right inset photo) allegedly violated a complete stay away order of protection.

Richardson is suspected of holding the protected party at their residence on Jackson Street and refusing to allow them to leave.

A short time later, the Batavia PD received information that Richardson had returned to the protected party's residence and police responded. Police did not release the date of the incident, but put out this report on Friday (Dec. 21).

They located Richardson hiding and he was taken into custody and charged with: four counts of first-degree criminal contempt -- Class E felonies; three counts of second-degree burglary -- Class C felonies; and one count of unlawful imprisonment in the first degree -- also a Class E felony.

Richardson was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $30,000 bail. He is to reappear in city court at a later date.

This case was investigated by Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Sgt. Christopher Camp, Officer Mitchell Cowen, Officer Chad Richards and Officer Jamie Givens.

Steven William Barnhardt, 27, of River Road, Pavilion, is charged with second-degree aggravated harassment and fourth-degree stalking. At 12:15 p.m. on Dec. 21, Barnhardt was arrested on the charges. After meeting a female a week prior, he allegedly continued to send text and Facebook messages and call the female, who lives on Barrville Road in Elba, after being advised to have to further contact. Barnhardt was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. An order of protection was issued by the court. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator Joseph Loftus.

Gary David Doctor, 36, of Pembroke, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; unlawful possession of marijuana; driving left of pavement markings; having an unregistered motor vehicle; unauthorized sticker on rear window; and obstructed driver's view. On Dec. 20, Doctor was arrested on the charges, which stem from a motor-vehicle accident that occurred at 9:48 p.m. on Nov. 5 on Knapp Road in Pembroke. Doctor was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Pembroke Town Court on Jan. 22. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Damien M. Schoonmaker, 20, of Smith Street, Rochester, is charged with trespass. The defendant was arrested after allegedly driving around the property and racetrack of the Genesee County Fairgrounds at 1:43 p.m. on Nov. 30 without permission and causing ruts in the mud and grass. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Ronald Meides.

GO ART! opens member show, Heat Wave

By Howard B. Owens

Gregory Hallock, executive director of GO ART! holds up the winning ornaments from an ornament-decorating contest for GO ART! members. Tammy Hathaway, the left ornament, won in the adult category and Anna Browne won in the children's category.

GO ART! opened its winter members' art show, Heat Wave, on Thursday night.

Best of Show, "Firebird," by David Burke.

A sculpture, "Forest Floor," by Emily Crawford.

Batavia PD members make annual donation to Genesee Cancer Assistance

By Howard B. Owens

This morning, members of the Batavia Police Department presented a check for $1,930 to Genesee Cancer Assistance, funds raised as a result of their ability and willingness to grow facial hair during "Movember."

Officers paid $50 for a goatee, $25 for a mustache and $100 for a full beard.

Chief Shawn Heubusch gave members of the department permission to continue the facial hair fundraising in December, with money raised going to a local family with medical needs. Donations to that cause are being accepted at the police station until Jan. 11.

Officers will need to become clean shaven again Jan. 1, unless their efforts to lobby Heubusch for an extension is successful.

Photo: Sgt. Matt Lutey, Det. Sgt. Kevin Czora, Sue Underwood and Teresa Potzebowski, both with Genesee Cancer Assistance, Officer Frank Klimjack, and parking enforcement and animal control officer James Sheflin.

Ellicott Street stabbing suspect charged with attempted murder

By Howard B. Owens

     Rashawn Gosier

A man was taken into custody Monday night after a report of a fight and a stabbing at 337 Ellicott St., Batavia, has been charged with attempted murder.

Rashawn L. Gosier, 40, Shady Lane, Batavia, was also charged with assault in the first degree.

The arrest of Gosier comes after police were able to interview the victim, who was treated and released from a hospital in the region.

Police said the victim was "stabbed by a stabbing instrument." Public Information Officer Marc Lawrence confirmed investigators do not know at this time what type of sharp instrument was involved. The weapon has not been recovered.

After the report of the stabbing at 11:45 p.m. Monday, a man reportedly wearing a blue jacket was seen by an officer running from the scene.

Though the man ran from the scene, police believe he circled back and tried to hide in the basement of the house on Ellicott Street.

Some 15 or 20 minutes later, a man matching the description of the suspect, and later identified as Gosier, was taken into custody after crawling out of the basement window.

According to Lawrence, Gosier and the victim knew each other through a mutual acquaintance.

On his Facebook page, Gosier says he's originally from New Jersey. He was arrested earlier this year on a charge of petit larceny for allegedly stealing merchandise from Tops. He doesn't appear to have a prior felony record.

Lawrence said no further information is being released at this time because this is an ongoing investigation.

People with information that may assist in the investigation are asked to call Det. Matt Wojtaszczyk at (585) 345-6350 or the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370.

Previously:

Northgate church invites people to participate in groups aimed at helping, sharing, coping

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Northgate Free Methodist Church in Batavia is continually opening its doors to the community and inviting everyone to their events throughout 2019. In addition to worship services, Northgate offers dozens of volunteer-led small groups, many of which are open to the public. Several groups relaunch in January, including:

  • Grief Share, a 13-week group designed to help and encourage those grieving the loss of a loved one due to death. The format is a weekly video presentation and discussion time that offers hope and comfort. Find more information at http://www.griefshare.org/about. Meetings will take place on Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m., starting Jan. 22nd, at Northgate’s North Campus, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia. There is a $15 cost for workbooks, scholarships available.
  • Divorce Care, a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. Divorce Care seminars and support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help. You will learn how to heal from the deep hurt of divorce and discover hope for your future. A new 13-week session begins on Saturday, Jan. 19th, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Northgate’s North Campus. There is a $15 cost for workbooks, scholarships available.
  • Mothers of Preschoolers or “MOPS” are women who gather together twice a month to share and support each other in the remarkable journey that is motherhood. Meetings consist of relevant speakers, fun crafts, supportive conversations and fellowship. There is always hot coffee and childcare provided at MOPS meetings. Moms can choose a 9 a.m. group or a 6:30 p.m. group. MOPS is open to all moms with children from birth to their youngest child finishes kindergarten. MOMSNext is also available for moms of school-aged children, they meet every second and fourth Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Visit Northgatefmc.com/mops for more information. Each group has a separate membership fee, scholarships are available.
  • Celebrate Recovery meets every Thursday evening at 6:30 (including any and all holidays that fall on a Thursday, unless there is a serious snowstorm). Our CR leaders guide and assist those of us who are gaining joy and freedom in Christ as we apply the 12-Steps of Celebrate Recovery to the hurts, habits and hang-ups we all struggle with. All are welcome! We believe anyone and everyone would benefit by attending this group, where we take off our masks and allow God to transform our lives. We are able to share openly and honestly about our struggles with people we come to trust, who will maintain confidentiality, and who will not judge us. For more info, go to: https://northgatecr.weebly.com/
  • Financial Peace University will be held on Wednesday nights, starting on Feb. 13th, from 7-8:30 at the North Campus (8160 Bank Street Road, 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 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 https://fpu.com/1079986 to sign up. The cost for the class is $129, scholarships are available. If you have questions please email john@northgatefmc.com.

For more information about any of these groups or other events, please contact the Northgate office at (585) 343-4011 or email office@northgatefmc.com

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