batavia

Billie Faye Owens, 63, editor of The Batavian from 2010 to 2021, died at Rochester General Hospital on Friday evening from complications from congestive heart failure.

She was taken to United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia with health issues on July 26 and remained hospitalized for 81 days. At no time did she test positive for COVID-19.

She was born in 1958 in Charlotte, N.C., to Barbara Jean Carter and Billie Eugene McSwain. Her mother moved her when she was 5 to San Diego where she would eventually attend San Diego State University, earning a B.A. in Journalism.

She went to work for the Daily Californian in El Cajon, Calif. in 1989, where she met her second husband, Howard Owens, then a wire and copy editor at the Daily Californian, and currently publisher of The Batavian. They were married on the campus of Point Loma Nazarene College in 1993.

Her journalism career began with an internship at the Los Angeles Times and included stints at the San Diego Business Journal, the Ventura County Star, and the Canandaigua Daily Messenger.

She won numerous regional and statewide journalism awards in San Diego for her writing and reporting.

She was passionate about her craft and one thing Howard and Billie bonded over quickly was the fact they both had substantial collections of books about journalism, which has grown to more than 400 titles over the years.  They also both enjoyed old movies with main characters who were reporters and editors.

She loved animals and was upset by anybody who abused animals.  She made it a mission to publish reports of people leaving dogs in hot cars and made local animal abuse cases her beat in Genesee County.  She was also well-known for her colorful reports of lost and missing pets and shelter animals in need of adoption.

In 2015, Howard and Billie adopted Rocky, a mix-breed pit bull who had been abused by a previous owner.  Rocky succumbed to cancer on July 31.

Billie is survived by her husband and three grandchildren, whom she loved.  Her mother, Barbara France, passed away in December in San Diego. 

In lieu of flowers or condolences, donations can be made to Volunteers for Animals in the name of Billie and Rocky.  There will be no local service. Her wishes were that her ashes be deposited in the Pacific Ocean off the Ventura County Pier, where the ashes of her son, Charles Raymond Sutherland, were deposited in 2018.

Press release:

Applications are now being accepted with anticipated move-in capability for December 6 for Liberty Square Apartments on East Main Street, Batavia.

Liberty Square is a 28-unit program located at 554 East Main Street, Batavia, NY, that will serve homeless or unstably housed Veterans with disabilities in a Permanent Supportive Housing environment. The 28 units are integrated into a 55-unit, general occupancy community, being developed in partnership with Home Leasing, LLC. The project consists of a 4-story, fully accessible building with a secure entry system, a welcoming community room, discrete staff offices, to include specific space for Eagle Star Housing staff, in-door bike storage, laundry facilities, fitness center, available laptops, raised garden beds, a fenced playground, and on-site parking.

Liberty Square Apartments includes a fully equipped kitchen with a range, refrigerator, microwave, wall-mounted TV, local TV channels with cable available, and in-unit storage. Heat, air conditioning, hot water, trash removal, and electricity are all included in the rent, and on-site laundry facilities are available at no cost to the tenant. Off-street parking is available. Tenants have access to a community room, bike storage, exercise equipment, and a computer lab. There are eight studio apartments and 20 one-bedroom apartments available. Tenant pays 30% of their income as rent and a stipend covers the rest. No security deposit is required.

Applications are now being accepted with an anticipated move-in capability for December 6, 2021. To qualify, you must have served in the Military, be in a housing crisis, and have an identified disability or case management need. Must meet eligibility and income requirements associated with the Low-Income Housing Tax credit program. Staff will aid in completing a housing application to make this determination.

Eagle Star Housing is a not-for-profit organization in New York State that provides housing services for homeless veterans under the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative. They have a 16-bed transitional housing program for homeless veterans in East Pembroke as well as other programs for homeless veterans in Central and Western New York.

Eagle Star has provided more than 960 homeless veterans with over 81,000 nights of safe housing since opening its doors in 2012.

Applications for the Supportive Housing apartments are available at the Eagle Star Housing website:

www.eaglestarhousing.com/supportive-apartment-programs/. 

Eagle Star Housing is made possible with the generous donations of community members. If you would like to donate today please visit our website: https://eaglestarhousing.com/donate/

Press release:

Western Region Off-Track Betting (WROTB) President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek was joined by Batavia Downs employees and members of the Batavia Fire Department as a check for $2,000 was presented to Operation Warm.  Operation Warm provides brand new shoes and coats to needy children across North America.

“As we move into the winter season, we know that some local families are in need of high-quality coats and shoes for their children,” Wojtaszek said. “We have worked alongside and with the City of Batavia Fire Department for many years and we are happy to contribute to causes that they support. “

A portion of proceeds from sold tickets to the Batavia Downs’ Bourbon & Whiskey Fest and Vodka & Gin Fest held in the fall are what make up this contribution.

Greg Ireland, Captain of the City of Batavia Fire Department said, “We are very thankful for this partnership and contribution.  By partnering with Operation Warm we are able to ensure that the money raised by Batavia Downs at their events is staying here with local families.  We appreciate that Batavia Downs recognizes the challenges that many in our community are facing.”

New York State Assemblyman Steve Hawley added, “This generous donation will help keep children throughout our region healthy and comfortable in the cold, something incredibly important as we come to face what’s shaping up to be a tough winter season. I am incredibly grateful to Batavia Downs for their support of Operation Warm, and to the Batavia Fire Department for continuing their work to coordinate this successful, critical program.”

Photo by Howard Owens

Press release:

Citywide leaf collection will begin October 25th, 2021, and will continue until November 24th, 2021.

Residents are asked to rake leaves into piles and leave them in the parkway (un-bagged). Please, place close to curb line/edge of roadway without placing in the street. Do not pile around fire hydrants, trees, utility poles or signposts. Leaf piles should only contain leaves and no branches, grass clippings or other materials.

Leaf operations typically have one crew on the Northside working from Grandview Terrace moving West, North of Main Street, and a second crew on the Southside beginning on River Street moving East in areas South of Main Street. A third crew will work using a vacuum along main roads and numbered routes. It takes about 2 weeks to go through the entire city.

Any resident with leaves can also bring them to the Yard Waste Station until it closes for the season on

December 11th, 2021. The Yard Waste hours are 8 am-2 pm Monday through Friday, 12 pm-6 pm Saturdays through October 30, and then 11 am-5 pm from November 1st through December 11th due to daylight savings. The Yard Waste Station will be closed on November 25th and will officially close for the season after December 11th, 2021.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAF COLLECTION:

• Leaf piles must be clear of sticks and other debris.
• Leaf piles must be clear of all animal waste – if animal waste is found in the piles, it will not be picked up
• Grass clippings, Flower potting’s, Branches, Pumpkins cannot be picked up and residents may bring those items to the Yard Waste Station on Law Street (which will be open through December 11th, 2021)
• Leaves should not block traffic.
• Leaves should not be piled near intersection corners. This causes sight issues for motorists/bicyclists/pedestrians.
• Keep leaf piles clear of drainage ways and catch basins. Blocked drainage leads to localized flooding.
• Leaves should not be piled around mailboxes, power poles, fences, fire hydrants or other obstacles.
• Do not park on leaf piles. The heat from a vehicle exhaust system could start a fire.
• Do not wait to get your leaves out. We will normally collect leaves twice within the month of leaf collection.
• If it is snowing, we plow first. If it continues to snow, then leaf operations will be suspended.

There is no leaf pickup in the spring.

Contact the Bureau of Maintenance @ 585-345-6400 option 1 if you have any questions.

A rollover accident is repoorted in the area of 46 Redfield Parkway, Batavia.

Unknown injuries.

City Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 9:10 a.m.: The accident was apparently the result of a medical issue, accrding to Asst. Chief Chris Camp.  The minivan drifted off the roadway and struck a small tree, pushing it out of the ground and as the minivan road up the trunk of the tree it tipped n its side.  The driver was being treated at the scene by Mercy EMS and is expected to not require transport to a hospital.

A rollover accident is repoorted in the area of 46 Redfield Parkway, Batavia.

Unknown injuries.

City Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

Press release:

Genesee Lumber is excited to announce the acquisition of Smith Lumber and Hardware Center at 5833 Big Tree Road in Lakeville, NY. For over 65 years, Smith Lumber and Hardware Center has been serving the community as a family-owned, quality lumber yard and home improvement center.

Going forward, Genesee Lumber will continue to carry premium products, superior hardware, and maintain staff with the expertise to assist both contractor and homeowner. This acquisition will serve to increase delivery and product availability in Lakeville and the surrounding area.

“This is a great opportunity for us to expand our business within the Western New York region. When the opportunity presented itself, we quickly realized it would be a good long-term move to strengthen both companies”, said John Harrower, president, and CEO.“

Genesee Lumber, also a family-owned business, has been serving Western New York for over 90 years. Built on the same family values that have been key to their success, Smith Lumber and Hardware is a welcomed addition to the Genesee Lumber family.

Press release:

Today, at approximately 12:45 p.m., a school bus carrying Batavia Career and Technical Education students to the Building Trades house project site, was involved in an accident. In order to avoid hitting a car, the bus swerved, went off the road and into a ditch. The accident occurred on Route 98 in the Town of Alexander.

EMS responded to the scene, along with GV BOCES Administration, School Resource Officer, and the school nurse. The bus driver was not injured. All students are being evaluated at the accident scene by EMS and the school nurse.

The students are being evacuated from the accident scene and returned to the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center.

“The safety and security of our students is of utmost importance; hence we are taking every precaution possible,” said Kevin MacDonald.

Press release:

GENESEE AMATEUR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION invites children to the Batavia Ice Rink on Evans Street on Saturday, November 6h for a Try Hockey For Free clinic as part of  Hockey  Week  Across  America.  Starting at 10:30 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. local youth, ages 4 to 9, are encouraged to experience ice hockey for the first time and learn the basic skills in a fun, safe environment.

“We look forward to welcoming families to Batavia Ice Rink to try our great sport of ice hockey” said Sharon Gray, Coordinator of the “Try Hockey for Free” event.  “Our goal is for these families to enjoy watching their kids learn new skills with big smiles on their faces.”

USA Hockey’s Try Hockey program, with the support of the National Hockey League and NHL member clubs, among others, is designed to provide youth hockey associations with a national platform for introducing children to the sport, free of charge. 

All your youngster needs is a helmet (bike or sports) and winter gloves.  Skates are available at the Rink and will be available Free of Charge through the Firland Rink Management Group. The GAHA organization does have some used hockey helmets available for the event as well as a few hockey sticks.

Players in attendance will be given a free hockey jersey to take home.

To register for this Try Hockey For Free event, please visit

www.TryHockeyForFree.com

Photo: File photo from 2013.

Press release:

The Genesee County Health Department is seeking information about the location of a dog and its owner following a dog bite incident on the late morning of Monday, October 11 at Centennial Park in Batavia (near Lincoln Avenue).

The dog is described as a grey pitbull with white markings around its neck, front paws, and left ear. The dog was approximately 55 to 60 pounds and was wearing a camo collar. The dog was NOT accompanied by its owner and was running loose throughout Centennial Park.

It is important to locate the dog to determine whether or not it is current on its rabies shot. If the health status is not identified, post-exposure rabies shots will be offered to the victim.  

If you have information about the location of the dog and its owner, please contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555.

A motor vehicle accident with unknown injuries is reported at East Main Street and Vine Street, Batavia.

City Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 4:48 p.m.: Apparent minor injuries.

Two Batavia residents were arrested yesterday on weapons and drug charges following an investigation by the Local  Drug Task Force in drug sales in the City of Batavia.

The charges were filed following the execution of a search warrant on Aug. 16

Taken in custody yesterday were Cecilia Tina Rodriquez, 32, and Herbert Bernard Gennis, III, 28, both of Raymond Avenue.

Rodriquez is charged with:

• Criminal nuisance 1st, a Class E felony
• Conspiracy 4th, a Class E felony
• Criminal possession of a weapon 4th
• Criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th
• Two counts of criminal using drug paraphernalia
• Endangering the welfare of a child.

Gennis is  charged with:

• Criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, a Class  D felony
• Criminal nuisance 1st, a Class E  felony
• Conspiracy 4th, a  Class E felony
• Criminal  possession of a controlled substance 7th
• Two counts of criminal using drug paraphernalia 2nd
• Endangering the welfare of a child.

Both were arraigned in City Court. Rodriquez was released on an appearance ticket. Gennis was released on his own recognizance.

Information and photo submitted by the Chamber of Commerce. 

Local businessman John McGowan, Jr. recently completed the purchase and renovation of a space in Batavia City Centre.

The location was ideal,  McGowan said, because it is central to the city and the people he will be servicing. He was also attracted by the low cost of purchasing and renovating the space.

Press release:

Everyone knows that Western New York winters can be long, snowy and brutally cold. Can you imagine being a child trying to get to and from school in these conditions and not having a warm coat to wear?

The City of Batavia Firefighters Local 896 is once again teaming up with Operation Warm to provide winter coats to children in our community. Local 896 has partnered with Batavia Downs raising money to purchase brand new American made winter coats so children can comfortably and confidently get to school this winter.

In the past Local 896 has donated more than 300 coats through Operation Warm. Our goal this year is to raise enough funds to purchase 300 coats. City firefighters will coordinate with Batavia Community Schools and distribute coats in the coming months.

To donate easily and securely please visit:

https://secure.givelively.org/donate/operation-warm-inc/team-up-with-city-of-batavia-firefighters?fbclid=IwAR3lcxk0tMnKQQ94zKuf74S1YQKXBDt7YslkKcwWCknXrHmigUo8C8KBAfQ

Thank you for your continued support.

Jon T. Magliocco, 44,  of  Batavia, is charged with rape  3rd, criminal sexual act 3rd, and criminal sexual act 1st. Magliocco was released from prison on Aug. 2nd as a Level 3  sex offender. On Aug. 16,  two people reported being raped by Magliocco. The first incident allegedly occurred sometime between Aug. 10 and 11 at a residence on  Mill  Street. The second incident allegedly occurred between Aug.  14 and 15 at the same location. Magliocco was arrested after an investigation by Det. Jason Ivison and Officer Jason Waldron. Magliocco is being held at the Genesee County Jail.

William A.  Nichols, Jr., 28, of Medina, was arrested by Medina  PD and turned over to Batavia PD on a warrant for alleged failure to appear in court as directed. He was arraigned in City Court. His current status was not released.

Michael J. Robbins, 61, of Batavia, is charged with grand larceny 4th and conspiracy 5th. Robbins is accused of stealing property from a business on East Main Street, Batavia, on July 31. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Earnest J. Reese, 74, of Batavia, is charged with DWI,  driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Reese was stopped at 9:24 p.m., Saturday, on Bank Street in Batavia by Officer Peter Post.  Reese's vehicle allegedly struck a parked car.  Reese was issued an appearance ticket.

Cassandra F. Smith,  35, of York, was arrested on a warrant. Smith allegedly failed to appear in court on charges related to thefts from a  cemetery on  Harvester Avenue on  Aug. 16. Smith was processed at the jail and released.

A 16-year-old was arrested on a charge of harassment 2nd. The youth is accused of pushing and punching another juvenile during a fit. The youth was issued an appearance ticket.

Aaron J. McFollins, 42, of Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. McFollins was stopped by a Batavia PD officer on Sept. 16 on East Main Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Leslie R. Parris, 38, of Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. Parris was stopped at 4:53 a.m., Sept. 19, on Dellinger Avenue  by a Batavia police officer. Parris was issued an appearance ticket.

Adele J. Feeley, 20, of Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, an open container, and speeding. Feeley was stopped at 10:46 p.m., Sept. 24, on West Main Street, Batavia, by a Batavia police officer. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Stephanie L. Coley, 39, of Brockport, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. At 1:58 a.m., Sept. 24, a Batavia police officer reportedly found Coley sleeping in the driver's seat of her vehicle at a location on Oak Street. She was allegedly found in possession of a crack pipe and several small bags containing an unknown white powder. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Mandy L. Miller, 41, of Batavia, is charged with arson 2nd and criminal mischief.  Miller is accused of setting fire to a carpet and a door at a residence on North Spruce Street on Sept. 25 during a dispute. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Jeremy G. Ives, 46, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd. Ives is accused of damaging a residence on Highland Park, Batavia, on Sept. 26. He as issued an appearance ticket.

Kimberly J. Pol, 33, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and failure to use a turn signal. Pol was stopped at 10:12 p.m., Sept. 26, in Batavia by a Batavia police officer. Pol was issued an appearance ticket.

Christopher C. Taylor, 21, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Taylor allegedly made threats to burn down a house in violation of an order of protection. He was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Myron D. Dupler, 74, of Batavia, is charged with public lewdness.  Dupler is accused of masturbating with his penis out of his pants while at the corner of State Street and Washington Avenue at 8:12 a.m., Sept. 27. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Rae C. Cook, 32, of Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd and criminal possession of a weapon. Cook is accused of stepping another person in the neck with a knife during an argument at 10:28 p.m.,  Oct. 2, at a location on Fisher Park, Batavia. Cook was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.

Marcos Velazquez, 18, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd. Valazquez allegedly smashed out several windows of a vehicle on Wood Street at 2:11 p.m., Sunday. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jessica B. Eschenlauer, 32, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Eschenlauer is accused of striking a person with a wooden kitchen spoon during an argument at a residence on Eleanor Place at 9:30  p.m., Monday. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Jery Riley III, 43, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Riley allegedly damaged a door inside a residence on Manhattan Avenue during an argument at 4:19 p.m., Monday. He was released on his own recognizance. 

A 17-year-old is charged with harassment 2nd. The youth allegedly threatened another person with physical harm during an argument on Wednesday at a location on Hutchins Place, Batavia. He was released on his own recognizance. 

James Lee Thomas, Jr., 47, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with endangering the welfare of an incompetent person. Thomas allegedly struck a mentally disabled minor multiple times causing pain. He was arraigned in Stafford Town Court and released on his own recognizance.

Daniel Jonathan Eastridge, 26, of  Woodstock Gardens Apartments, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08  or greater, speeding, moving from lane unsafely, and driving left of pavement markings. Eastridge was stopped at 6:03 p.m., Saturday, on Telephone Road, Pavilion, by Deputy Jordan Alejandro.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jayson Lee Chamberlain, 37, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with burglary 3rd and petit larceny. Chamberlain is accused of stealing property from a barn on Fisher Road, Oakfield, at 10:55 p.m., Oct. 7. He was arraigned in Oakfield Town Park and released on his own recognizance. 

Jessica J. Stocum, 44, of Batavia, is charged with assault, endangering an incompetent person, endangering an adult, criminal possession of a weapon. Stocum was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 3:19 a.m., Sunday, in the Town of Batavia. She was ordered held on $10,000 bail.  No further details released.

Cynthia M. Stewart, 40, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Stewart was arrested by State Police in connection with a theft reported at 1:41 p.m., Oct., in the Town of Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket. No further details released.

Matthew J. Zon, 40, of South Byron, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, criminal mischief 4th, and criminal contempt 1st. Zon was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 5:24 p.m., Oct. 4, in the Town of Byron. He was ordered held on bail. No further details released.