batavia

Kaleb James Bobzien, 23, of Alexander Road, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree strangulation; two counts of criminal obstruction of breathing; and endangering the welfare of a child under age 17. Bobzien was arrested at 8 p.m. June 24 on Alexander Road in Batavia after an incident in which he allegedly obstructed the breathing of two victims, including one juvenile. During an altercation with the two victms, Bobzien is alleged to have placed a blanket over the face of one victim while choking the second victim with his arm. One victim reported an injury to her neck as a result of the choking. Following an investigation, Bobzien was arrested and put in Genesee County Jail with no bail. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Deputy Jacob Gauthier, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

David Thomas Gay, 40, of Ellicott Street, Batavia is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- first offense; unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree; second-degree obstruction of governmental administration; resisting arrest; and speeding -- exceeding 55 mph; and refusal to take a breath test. On June 30 at 8:36 p.m., Gay was arrested on Byron Road in Stafford after Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush tried to stop Gay's vehicle on Route 33 for allegedly violating NYS vehicle and traffic law. Gay eventually stopped a few miles away on Byron Road. It is alleged that Gay was intoxicated and that he resisted arrest. Gay was transported to GC Jail, where he allegedly fought with officers. He was released with appearance tickets and is due in Stafford Town Court on July 9. Quackenbush was assisted by Deputy Jacob Gauthier in this case.

Brenda Good, elected to a City Schools Board of Trustees seat in May would rather be a candidate for an administrator's position in the district than a member of the board, according to a letter of resignation she sent to Superintendent Anibal Soler on June 14.

The board voted unanimously to accept her resignation last night.

Good's resignation comes after last month's resignation by Peter Cecere, so there are now two vacant positions on the board. 

In her resignation email to Soler, Good acknowledged a prior phone call and said, "After much thought, I have decided to resign my anticipated seat on the Batavia City School Board. I am very invested in the youth and community of Batavia as my goal is to help all of our students become successful adults. With that said, I'm highly interested in becoming an administrator within the Batavia City School District. I'd like to be given the opportunity to interview for anticipated openings."

It will be up to the remaining trustees to fill the vacancies and the district has posted a call for candidates.

John Reigle, who won re-election in May, and Jennifer Lendvay, elected to her first term, took their oaths of office last night.

Eighteen months into his tenure as Batavia City School District superintendent, Anibal Soler informed city schools staff this morning that he is the final candidate to become superintendent of schools in Schenectady.

"Once I am officially appointed, I will be working with the Board of Education on a transition plan to ensure the district is supported and ready to reopen in the Fall, Batavia Strong," Soler said in his letter.

In an interview this morning, Soler said it's bittersweet leaving Batavia where he thinks the district has moved forward during his time here but the opportunity in Schenectady fits his career aspirations. 

"It's a larger district in a larger community," Soler said. 

It also offers some significant challenges for an ambitious superintendent. The graduation rate there is 68 to 70 percent, much lower than Batavia's 90 to 94 percent, and Schenectady has a couple of schools in receivership, which are "persistently struggling" schools.

"It wasn't an easy decision," Soler said. "I thought about it a long time and this fits my aspirations to do good things for more students."

There are 9,750 students in the Schenectady district. There are 2,283 students in Batavia.

Soler will step into a district roiled by controversy and facing a $7.8 million lawsuit by its former superintendent, Larry Spring.  

The claim alleges Spring was "coerced" to resign a year ago based on what he insists were false sexual harassment and workplace retaliation allegations made by a female employee, and that the district subsequently breached a confidentiality agreement by allegedly sharing materials concerning the claims against Spring with the media.

Soler said he was aware of the situation but knew no more about it than what has been reported in news sources. He then shifted the discussion to the bigger challenge of the academic issues in the district.

Soler has not officially resigned. He informed the school board and the staff of his position as the finalist in Schenectady because his potential appointment is being made public in that community today. Once the Schenectady board approves his appointment -- the vote is Wednesday -- Soler will formally resign from Batavia City Schools and begin working with the board and staff on a transition.

The Batavia City School District Board of Trustees recently approved a contractually scheduled 2-percent raise for Soler along with a one-year contract extension, extending the agreement to 2024. Soler was expected to make $164,800 in 2021-22.

After more than eight years with the Schenectady district, Spring was earning $205,000 a year at the time of his resignation.

Letter:

Good morning Batavia Staff, 

I hope your summer recess has kicked off to an amazing start and you are finding time to rest, rejuvenate and recharge. I am writing to let you know that today it will be announced that I have been selected as the next permanent candidate for Superintendent of Schools in the Schenectady City School District in Schenectady, NY. 

This was not an easy decision given all that we have endured and achieved in my short tenure. I want to first thank the Batavia Board of Education for their continuous support and understanding. Once I am officially appointed I will be working with the Board of Education on a transition plan to ensure the district is supported and ready to reopen in the Fall, Batavia Strong. 

It has truly been my honor and privilege to serve the children and families of Batavia for the past year and a half. I thank the many parents, community members and countless committed educators and staff members, who have offered their unwavering encouragement, resources, and expertise on behalf of children. What we accomplished during a pandemic is commendable and will never be something I will forget. In addition, working with the dedicated individuals on the leadership team and staff who also comprise the Batavia School Board has been equally rewarding. 

Most importantly, I thank the students of Batavia, for demonstrating their talents, resilience, persistence, and skills to all of us during what has been a difficult time. The work we accomplished across the district includes experiences that I will take with me as I embark on this new opportunity.

I am extremely proud of the work we accomplished together during my time in Batavia City Schools. Behind each of these accomplishments lies the hard work and dedication of the exceptional Leadership Team in the district. 

These are but a few of those achievements and highlights:

• Developed a strong Reopening Plan in the Fall of 2020.
  • No layoffs or mid-year cuts in staff during pandemic despite ongoing threat from Governor’s Office regarding a 20% reduction.
  • Stayed open five days a week throughout the majority of 2020-21 school year for our English Language Learners, Special Education, and at-risk students.
  • Reopened schools for the last 10 weeks to 5 days of in-person learning.
  • All of our student-athletes were able to have a sports season this year.
• 2019-20 Budget: Closed $2 million deficit & 0% Tax Increase - 63% Community Approval.
• 2020-21 Budget: Adopted with 0% Tax Increase and no impact on staff/ programs - 82% Community Approval.
• The 2020-21 Budget includes fully funded appropriated & unappropriated reserve funds.
• Graduation rate for 2016-20 Cohort 93% (June) Cohort 94% (August) - 2% point growth from the previous cohort.  Estimated to be higher for 2017-21 Cohort.
• Served 500,000 meals to our community since March 2020.
• Opened the new Family and Community Engagement Center at Robert Morris.
• Launched a Community Schools Initiative that focuses on equity, opportunity and family.
• Implemented a Strategic Planning Process - that will help guide the district forward for years to come.
• Adopted Policy 8140, Equity, Inclusivity, and Diversity in Education - which will create systemic structures and practices to ensure ALL kids are supported.
• District-wide Equity Journey.
• Grants Awarded:
  • My Brother’s Keeper Family & Community Engagement Grant - $500,000 (4 year Grant).
  • Extended School Day/ School Violence Prevention Grant - $1.75 million (5 year Grant).
• Built a new state of the art playground at Jackson Primary School.
• Assisted in adding an eSports Program at BHS in partnership with Daemen College.
• Successfully Negotiated contracts for the Batavia Custodial Department, Batavia Administrative Association and IT Department. 
• Energy Performance Contract Initiated that will bring operational savings to the district.
• Completed an updated Building Condition Survey of all district facilities. 
• Implemented new website management and communication platform - Thrillshare by Apptegy.
• Added a new critical executive position to the organization overseeing Human Resources, labor relations and personnel matters. 

I wish much-continued success for Batavia and the Batavia City School District. Batavia will always hold a special place in my heart as the district of my first Superintendency. I will, at the pleasure of the Board, spend my remaining time ensuring and assisting in a smooth transition in order to maintain the positive momentum that has begun. 

Enjoy your holiday weekend.

Submitted photos and press release:

She is currently working full time as a Registered Nurse at UMMC Batavia Urgent Care.

Prior to the Urgent Care position, Elmore worked at WNY Batavia Pediatrics, and at Golisano Children’s Hospital in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Elmore is currently registered in the Bachelor’s of Science Degree Nursing Program at SUNY Brockport.

She is interested in a future career as a Family Nurse Practitioner or may enter a master’s program in Nursing Informatics.

Colleen Larson Dorchak (inset photo, left) has been awarded the 2021 St. Jerome Guild Health Professional Scholarship of $300.

She is a bachelorette prepared Registered Nurse receiving her degree with Highest Distinction, magna cum laude in 2019.

Dorchak is currently enrolled in the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program at the University of Buffalo.

She is employed full time and recently promoted to Clinical Nurse Leader at the UMMC Chemical Dependency Unit, Hope Haven.  

The St. Jerome Guild offers annual scholarships to applicants who are currently employed at UMMC/RHH and are pursuing advanced degrees in health care fields.

These scholarships are funded through proceeds at the St. Jerome Center Gift Shop, located at 16 Bank St., Batavia.

Recently, the St. Jerome Center Gift Shop opened a satellite location at the UMMC Kiosk/Gift Shop located at 127 North St.

Press release:

Crossroads House volunteers are moving full steam ahead as they prepare for their annual Garage Sale at 11 Liberty St. in Batavia.

Donations of items are being accepted on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The sale will be on Thursday, July 29^th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, July 30^th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, July 31^st from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

There will be a presale on Wednesday, July 28^th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Admission for the presale is $5 per person aged 16 years or older.

We have a wide variety of new, next to new, and vintage treasures for your shopping enjoyment, and all items are priced to sell!

For more information on donations to our sale, please call Jackie at (585) 734-0125. (No early birds, please.)

A power outage affecting more than 4,600 National Grid customers is reported in the northeast section of Batavia into Byron, Stafford and East Bethany.

A crew has yet to be assigned. There is not yet an ETA for repairs.

A dispatcher informed Batavia PD that several traffic lights are not functioning in the area.

UPDATE 11:08 a.m.: Dispatch has received calls from people concerned about the light being out at Route 33 and Batavia Stafford Townline Road. The concern is that people "coming over the hill" will not see the lights are out. A trooper is advised but the dispatcher said callers have been advised multiple lights are out in the area and law enforcement may not be available for that specific intersection.

UPDATE 11:21 a.m.: Statement from Batavia PD: "There is currently a power outage affecting some areas of the City. Remember that if you approach a traffic signal that is not functioning to treat it as a 4-way stop."

UPDATE 11:30 a.m.: The estimated power restoration time for the Batavia-to-Byron outage is 1:15 p.m. For the outage to the east, the restoration time estimate is 12:45 p.m.

UPDATE Noon: Statement from National Grid -- "Earlier today a faulty piece of equipment at a substation resulted in the loss of electricity service for around 4,800 customers in the Batavia area. Our crews are making repairs and they should all be restored at around 1 p.m."

UPDATE 1:41 p.m.: It appears power has been restored to both areas.

A Batavia man who has been arrested multiple times since 2019 but has remained out of jail apparently because of the state's bail reform law was admonished by Judge Charle Zambito today that he is "walking a fine" line while his cases are pending.

Zambito was shown a photograph provided by Genesee Justice that apparently showed Devon Wright, 19, received a traffic ticket for alleged aggravated unauthorized operation. The ticket, Zambito said, indicated that Wright was outside of his residence at night in violation of his terms of release.

It was expected that Wright would enter a guilty plea today in relation to his multiple charges but his attorney, Nathan Pace, said he needed more time to explain the charges and plea to his client. After much haggling over a date -- finding a time that fits into both Pace's calendar and the court calendar -- the parties agree to be back in court at 11:45 a.m., July 19.

After the appearance date was set, District Attorney Lawrence Friedman raised the issue of the email from Genesee Justice with the attached photo.

Friedman noted that at Wright's last court appearance -- after Wright was arrested on a weapon's charge -- he asked that Wright's bail be revoked. He renewed that request today.

Zambito read to Friedman the language of the current bail statute. The law would require Zambito to conduct a bail hearing, at which time Wright could challenge the evidence against him and present his own evidence, and even after the hearing, if Zambito determined new bail requirements were required, Zambito could only set the minimum bail necessary to assure Wright's appearance at future hearings.

"The one thing Mr. Wright has done," Zambito said, "is appear in court when he's told to appear. He may be out committing crimes but he's been here when he needs to be here. I can't change the law. I don't like it myself."

At Wright's May 24 hearing, Zambito also expressed frustration with bail reform law.

"It's impossible under the current bail reform laws," Zambito said then. "It seems Wright is a clear and present danger to the community as long as he is out and he continues to get arrested." 

But, Zambito added, "the law doesn't allow a judge to consider community safety when setting bail. I'm frustrated. I think every judge in New York State is frustrated."

In the past 21 months, Batavia PD has reported the following arrests:

• In Nov. 2019, Wright was accused of violating an order of protection and charged with criminal contempt.
• Later that month, Wright was charged with larceny, harassment, and endangering the welfare of a child for allegedly stealing money from a person less than 17 years old while in City Centre.
• In March 2020, Wright allegedly caused a disturbance at the Sunoco Gas Station on West Main Street in Batavia and was charged with burglary, assault, and criminal mischief.
• The next month, Wright was accused of running down a person on Highland Park in Batavia while driving a silver sedan. He then allegedly fled the scene on foot. When taken into custody, he allegedly resisted arrest and damaged property at the police station. He was charged with attempted assault, 1st; resisting arrest; obstructing governmental administration, 2nd; criminal mischief, 4th; criminal nuisance, 2nd; and harassment, 2nd. Wright answered to the charges in City Court and bail was set at $10,000 cash, $20,000 bond, or $50,000 partially secured bond. It's unclear if he posted bond or bail but he was released from custody.
• In May 2020, Wright was accused of sexual conduct with a person less than 15 years old and charged with two counts of criminal sexual act in the second degree and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
• In July 2020, Wright was arrested on a pair of warrants, one for alleged failure to pay a fine, the other for an alleged failure to appear in court.
• Wright's most recent arrest came earlier this month. Wright was arrested on a Batavia City Court Warrant and charged with second-degree menacing, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, and second-degree harassment. He allegedly threatened several individuals in a vehicle with a weapon.

After reminding Friedman of the constraints of the law, Zambito asked if Friedman wanted a hearing on this latest apparent violation of the terms of Wright's release and Friedman said no. 

In speaking to Wright, Zambito noted that the picture couldn't be authenticated and that may be a factor in why Friedman wasn't requesting a hearing because "if he could confirm when the picture was taken he would not only be asking that your bail be pulled but he would be asking for new charges."

He then told Wright, "You're on curfew. You need to be home at 9 p.m., not 10 after nine and you can't be out driving. Your privilege has been revoked."

Press release:

On Thursday, July 1, the Genesee Country Farmers Market starts a new program called Double Up Food Bucks.

Spend up to $20 in SNAP -- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program -- and receive $20 matching funds. SNAP is accepted at the market. Redeem for tokens at the market kiosk.

The DUFB silver coins are good for fruits and vegetables. The wooden SNAP tokens are good for any SNAP-eligible item. 

Come get double your money's worth!

The Farmers Market at Bank Street and Alva Place downtown is open Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors will consider proposals for $18.2 million of new investment at its July 1 board meeting.

Gateway GS LLC (Gallina Development) is proposing to construct the third phase of its flex campus at the GCEDC’s Gateway II Corporate Park in the Town of Batavia.

The $2.36 million investment is a 27,000-square-foot facility that would be completed in 2022 for a single logistics-distribution tenant. The future tenant is estimated to create 21 new jobs at an average annual salary of $42,000.

The GCEDC Board of Directors will consider an initial resolution for the project. Gateway GS LLC is seeking approximately $386,891 in sales, mortgage and property tax exemptions.

The GCEDC Board of Directors will also consider a final resolution for Just Chez Realty LLC. The company is proposing a $450,000 building redevelopment project as part of the City of Batavia’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI).

The project would renovate approximately 6,000 square feet of a 13,324-square-foot building at 206 E. Main St. to create two market-rate apartments on the building’s second floor and follows improvements to the first floor of the building. Just Chez Realty is seeking approximately $21,000 in sales tax exemptions.

The GCEDC Board of Directors will also consider an initial resolution for two community solar projects on Ellicott Street Road in the Town of Batavia.

Trousdale Solar LLC is proposing projects that would generate 5 MW and 4 MW of electricity. The PILOTs -- Payments In Lieu Of Taxes -- would result in payments of approximately $930,000 to the Batavia City School District and Genesee County over 15 years.

Trousdale Solar LLC is seeking approximately $2.5 million in property and sales tax exemptions.

The board meeting will be held at 4 p.m. in the Innovative Zone at the MedTech Centre, located at 99 MedTech Drive in Batavia. The meeting will also be broadcast online at www.gcedc.com.

Photo by Virgil Cain.

Batavia Youth Baseball hosted a regional tournament at the ball fields at MacArthur Park this weekend, from Friday through this evening, with the finals taking place this evening.

Twelve teams participated.  

These photos are from a game Saturday between Akron and Perry.

City police are responding to the area of Oak Street and Park Road in Batavia for a report of two youths about age 6 or 7 riding electric motor scooters in and out of traffic. The intersection is one of the busiest there is here.

James Timon Saddler III, 39, of University Street, Rochester, is charged with: second-degree assault -- with intent to injure with a weapon; criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree; second-degree harassment; and trespass. Following a call for service at a motel on West Main Street Road in Batavia, Saddler was arrested at 5:19 p.m. June 24. It is alleged that he got into a physical altercation and struck a victim with a tire iron and another victim with his fists. He was arraigned in Alabama Town Court and put in jail without bail. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Sgt. Mathew Clor.

Ray Spencer-Lindquist Saile, 19, of Judge Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt; second-degree harassment; and second-degree assault -- causing injury to a victim age 65 or older. Following an incident in the early morning hours of June 26 in the Town of Alabama, Saile was arrested. It is alleged that he backhanded a person who had a stay away order of protection against him. Following arraignment in Alabama Town Court, Saile was released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is due back in Alabama Town Court on July 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack.

Jazmin Pellot, 38, is charged with second-degree harassment and obstructing governmental administration. She was arrested at 1:33 p.m. June 15 after an incident that occurred on North Spruce Street in the City of Batavia. It is alleged that she struck a victim in the face with a closed fist and that she interfered with officers and failed to comply with directives during an investigation. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court later that afternoon and then released on her own recognizance. She is due back in court July 22.

Thomas Tacito, 61, was arrested at 1:30 p.m. June 17 after he allegedly violated an order of protection issued to a victim on North Spruce Street in the City of Batavia. He is accused of going to the protected party's residence and knocking on their door. He was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court and is due there at a later date (unspecified).

Thomas Tacito, 61, was arrested at 11:15 a.m. June 23 after an investigation into a neighbor dispute that occurred at 10 p.m. April 24 on North Spruce Street. A victim had all four tires slashed and several windows smashed out on their vehicle. Tacito is charged with third-degree criminal mischief. It is alleged that he caused more than $250 in damage to the vehicle. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court July 6 and then released.

Liltesia Nefetiria Turner, 39, of Tracey Avenue, Batavia is charged with: fourth-degree grand larceny -- property with a value greater that $1,000; fourth-degree grand larceny -- credit card; and petit larceny. Turner was arrested June 22 for allegedly stealing a wallet belonging to another person at 11:15 p.m. June 21 at Batavia Downs Gaming, which contained several credit cards and more than $1,000 cash. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Mitchell Bates, 29, is charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated -- with a BAC of .18 percent or more DWI; and failure to keep right. Bates was arrested at 10:06 p.m. June 19 on Ellicott Street. The charges stem from a motor-vehicle accident in which Bates allegedly drove into oncoming traffic and struck another vehicle head on. He was processed at Batavia Police Headquarters and released on tickets returnable to Batavia City Court on Sept. 21.

Trevor M. Rich, 40, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; driving while intoxicated; aggravated DWI; and failure to keep right. Rich was arrested on June 18 after an investigation of a motor-vehicle accident that occurred at 6:10 p.m. Feb. 25 on East Main Street in Batavia. It is alleged that he was driving under the influence of alcohol and that he possessed cocaine at the time. He was issued an appearance ticket for June 29 in Batavia City Court.

Jamie Dutton, 28, was arrested June 26 and charged with criminal mischief and criminal trespass. It is alleged that at about 5:45 p.m. Feb. 27 that Dutton entered a residence on Harvester Avenue unlawfully and damaged windows in the the process. The defendant is due in Batavia City Court on July 6.

Bianca Tyson, 30, was arrested at 2:28 a.m. June 20 on Jefferson Avenue in Batavia after a traffic stop. It is alleged that she was operating her vehicle while intoxicated with a BAC or .08 percent or more. Tyson was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on July 20.

Jaylinn Oneil, 31, was arrested at 10:21 p.m. June 18 on Holland Avenue in Batavia and is charged with criminal mischief and resisting arrest following a disturbance. She was issued a ticket to appear in Batavia City Court on June 29.

Kaleb Bobzien, 23, was arrested on charges of: resisting arrest; obstruction of governmental administration, speed in zone; aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree; and suspended registration. He was arrested June 14 at 3:37 p.m. on Alexander Road after allegedly failing to comply with Batavia police officers' commands to exit his vehicle after being advised that he was under arrest on a warrant out of Warsaw PD. He was issued an appearance ticket for June 22 in Batavia City Court, and traffic tickets, then turned over to Warsaw PD on the warrant.

Ashley Elizabeth Quintern, 32, of Miller Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. At 5:57 p.m. June 23, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to Walmart on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia for a larceny complaint. It is alleged that Quintern stole merchandise belonging to Walmart. She was processed at GC Jail then released on an appearance ticket. She is due in Town of Batavia Court on July 26. The case was handled by Deputy Kyle Tower.

Mitchell Merrill, 35, was arrested on June 17 at 4:55 a.m. following an investigation of a larceny that occurred at 4:36 a.m. that day on East Avenue. It is alleged that Greene took property that did not belong to him without permission of the owner. He was released on an appearance ticket for court (date unspecified).

Marcella Greene, 36, was arrested June 22 for failure to appear in Batavia City Court on April 19; reason not specified. After being processed at Batavia Police Headquarters and arraigned in city court, she was released. Greene is due to return to court Aug. 5.

Nicole Casey, 33, of West Main Street, Batavia, turned herself into Batavia Police Headquarters at 10:45 a.m. June 21 after failing to appear in Batavia City Court as required by an appearance ticket. The original charge involved a shoplifting incident at a local business in Feburary of 2018. After arraignment in city court, Casey was directed to return to court on July 21.

Tim Kauffman, 52, was arrested on a warrant out of Batavia City Court on June 15. It was issued after he failed to appear in city court on May 13 as required. He was processed, arraigned and released on his own recognizance and is due to return to court at a later date (unspecified).

A deputy is responding to Walmart for a report of four children left unattended in a maroon vehicle near the Garden Center of the store.