batavia

Van Detta Stadium -- home for football, track and field, soccer and other sporting events -- has shared many memories in the last 90 years in Batavia.

The Batavia Blue Devils won their first game against Medina 31-0 on this day in 1928. Batavia faced Attica last night for its Homecoming game and won 49-6. The stadium, field, and track will get a complete makeover starting in the next couple weeks as construction will begin and be completed by August 2019. 

Batavia game highlights: Ray Leach scored four touchdowns on 13 carries for 280 yards. Ethan Biscaro was seven for eight, passing 137 yards.  Taiyo Iburi-Bethel had three catches for 79 yards. Josh Barber had 11 tackles.

Homecoming classes were announced at halftime. The 2019 Senior Class won Spirit Week with back-to-back consecutive Homecoming year wins. Senior Kristin Gloskowski was named Queen and Griffin Dellapenna was named King. Moments after being announced, Griffin then passed his crown hat to classmate Thomas Ognibene during the royalty announcements. 

The Batavia Varsity cheerleaders performed their routine followed by the pep band; then fans and alumni took to Woodward Field to honor its legacy. Carlyle M Johnson, 91, played football for Batavia High School and is pictured below with alumni.

Some history was read by announcer Paul Spiotta: “In 1927, the site of this field was given to Batavia City School District by Ernest L. Woodward and his wife, founder of Jell-O in Le Roy, through a friendship of Andrew J. McWaine, of Batavia. who was the publisher and owner of the Batavia Daily News.

"On Sept. 29 1928, the first Batavia football game was played and Batavia defeated Medina 31-1. In 1938, the current stadium was built. In 1974, the current stadium was named in honor of a special man, teacher, patriot, coach and friend, for the complete development of young people, a humanitarian who has left his mark on many men, Daniel A. Van Detta."

To view or purchase photos go here: https://steveognibenephotography.zenfolio.com/p403809773

A Job Fair that is free and open to the public is being held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 3, at the Genesee County Career Center.

It is located at 587 E. Main St. in Batavia.

Come and interview with these companies:

• Adecco
• Alpina
• Chapin International
• HP Hood
• Kelly Services
• Lapp Insulator
• Lifetime Assistance
• Oatka Milk
• Remedy Intelligent Staffing

Additional companies may be added.

Bring your resume and dress professionally.

This is an Equal Opportunity Employers/Program.

Christine M. Jones, 31, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with illegally disposing of items (unspecified) at 9:45 a.m. on Sept. 26 on State Street. She was arrested and given an appearance ticket for illegal dumping. She is due in City Court on Oct. 4. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kyle Krtanik, assisted by Officer Frank Klimjack.

Jeremy J. Alwardt, 29, of Church Street, Le Roy, is charged with second-degree criminal trespass and second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 7:50 p.m. on Sept. 26 after a disturbance during which he allegedly forced entrance into an individual's porch and struck the person. He  was arraigned and jailed in lieu of unspecified bail and was due in Batavia City Court on Thursday. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Adam A. Alwardt, 30, of Willow Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested at 7:06 p.m. on Sept. 24 on Willow Street in Batavia after a domestic incident wherein he allegedly damaged property belonging to another person. He was arraigned and jailed on $1,500 cash or bond and was due to return to City Court on Tuesday. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

A male who lives on Chick Road in Darien, no other information provided, was arrested at 8:20 p.m. on Sept. 26 on Chick Road following a domestic incident. The household member is charged with third-degree menacing and second-degree harassment. He is scheduled to appear in Darien Town Court on Oct. 23 to answer the charges. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Megan Elizabeth King, 24, of Fisher Road, Alabama, is charged with driving with a BAC of .08 percent or more and DWI -- first offense. She was arrrested at 9:39 p.m. on Sept. 26 on Main Road in Pembroke following an investigation into a motor-vehicle accident that occured on Route 5 in the Town of Pembroke on July 26. It is alleged that King was operating the vehicle with a BAC greater than .08 percent. She was issued an appearance ticket for Pembroke Town Court and is due there on Oct. 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Deputy Chad Minuto.

Kevin J. Fickel, 37, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 7:15 p.m. on Sept. 23 at Tops market after he allegedly exited the store without paying for several items. He is due in City Court on Oct. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

As a family-owned and operated Genesee county business for more than 50 years, we pride ourselves in quality care and attention to detail that our clients have come to know and expect.

As pet owners ourselves, we understand that your pet was a vital part of your family and we try to help you deal with this loss. We would like to offer you peace of mind through a dignified farewell to a dear friend.

We are committed to exceptional service and pride ourselves in providing a friendly, personal touch for your pets final needs. Call us today 585-343-5878.

Be among the first to taste the inaugural batch of ELI FISH OKTOBERFEST BEER. Brewer Jon is giving the classic Marzen Lager that Eli Fish touch.

Chef Sam and team are preparing a special OktoberFest menu. Savor tasty German cuisine served by Eli Fish and the FreshLab Eateries. And you'll want to do some practicing -- we're having a beer-hosting competition, among other fun activities.

Anthony A. Leone, 50, of Jackson Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony, and criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. On Monday evening, Sept. 24, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies Kyle Krzemien and Howard Wilson responded to the area of BJ's Wholesale Club on Lewiston Road in Batavia following a report of a suspicious male in the area of the store. Following an investigation, Leone was allegedly found to possess a quantity of crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia. He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and jailed without bail. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending. The deputies were assisted by members of the GC Local Drug Task Force.

Falicia Noel Tuczai, 27, of East Bethany -- Le Roy Road, Stafford, is charged with second-degree harassment -- physical contact. She was arrested at 9:24 a.m. on Sept. 24 on Ellicott Street Road in Bethany. It is alleged that following a verbal argument, Tuczai bit a male victim, causing physical injury. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Bethany Town Court on Oct. 23. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan, assisted by Deputy Christopher Erion.

An assault is reported at Tim Hortons at 20 Main St. in the city. Police are on scene. Mercy medics are called to respond in non-emergency mode.

An electrical fire in the wall is reported at 4020 S. Main Street Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding; a first responder on scene reports smoke is showing in the residence; the sole occupant is out of the building. The location is between Fairway Drive and the city limit. The Fast Team out of the city is called for mutual aid to the town for the possible house fire. South Main Street Road is to be shut down at Fairway Drive.

UPDATE 11:07 p.m.: South Main is shut down at Fairway. The city's third platoon is called to headquarters to stand by because firefighters are deployed on South Main Street Road for the possible house fire.

UPDATE 11:12 p.m.: National Grid has been notified, as per command's request.

UPDATE 11:22 p.m.: The fire is out. The city's Fast Team has been released. Town of Batavia fire remains on scene to do overhaul and investigate the blaze.

A 35-year-old parolee from Rochester was charged robbery in the second degree after allegedly carjacking a sedan this morning and leading police on a chase through city streets that reached 65 mph.

The suspect, identified as Constantine D. Murrell, reportedly threatened a 76-year-old woman at the Kwik Fill at Jackson and Ellicott streets and took her car from her. 

The woman was not hurt but did call emergency dispatch immediately.

Officers Frank Klimjack and Kyle Krtanik spotted a vehicle matching the description of the stolen car on Liberty Street and used their patrol cars' emergency lights to signal for it to stop. The driver is accused of not stopping and instead fleeing at a high rate of speed.

The chase came to an end when the stolen vehicle struck another car at Redfield Parkway and Richmond Avenue, which cause it to careen into a tree and the recently installed sign at the entrance of VA Medical Center.

The car then caught on fire.

Batavia Fire Department responded to extinguish the fire and Murrell was taken into custody without further incident. 

He is also charged with unlawful fleeing a police officer, 3rd, and several traffic violations.

Police report that besides the damage to the car, the sign at the VA Center was significantly damaged.

No injuries were reported.

Murrell was ordered held without bail.

Assisting Batavia PD were State Police, the Sheriff's Office, the District Attorney's Office, City fire, and Public Works.

(Initial Report)

The Batavia City Fire Department's third platoon is called to stand by in headquarters. City firefighters are working an unspecified chemical spill at UMMC.

Angela M. McIntyre, 46, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with: uninspected motor vehicle; driving while intoxicated -- impaired by drugs -- first offense; and criminal possession of a controlled substance (unspecified). McIntyre was arrested at 10:52 a.m. on Sept. 14 on East Main Street in Batavia following an investigation at Eastown Plaza. She was released to Genesee Justice and is due in City Court Sept. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice, assisted by Kyle Krtanik.

Aaron L. Klein, 47, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 1:12 p.m. on Sept. 19 for violating a stay-away order of protection. Klein was allegedly caught hiding in the protected party's house within hours of being served with the stay-away order. He was jailed on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison, assisted by Officer Frank Klimjack.

Jeremiah T. Jones, 45, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 1:40 p.m. on Sept. 17 on West Main Street, Batavia, after he violated a stay-away order of protection. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in city court on Oct. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

A 17-year-old who lives on Liberty Street in Batavia was arrested at 8:05 p.m. on Sept. 17 following a disturbance on Ross Street in the city wherein the youth is accused of punching another person in the face. The defendant was due in city court this afternoon to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Jeremy C. Goodell, 44, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, was arrested Sept. 21 on a bench warrant for failure to appear in city court. He had been charged with third-degree criminal mischief stemming from an incident that occurred at 444 W. Main St., Batavia. Following his arraignment, he was jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash or $5,000 bond. He is due in coty court on Thursday (Sept. 27). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kyle Krtanik, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

David L. Newton, 59, of Lewiston Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was apprehended by Tops market employees after allegedly being observed concealing several items on his person and exiting the store. He was arrested at 10:55 p.m. on Sept. 20 and released on an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on Oct. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Ronnie Joe Flinchum, 59, of Mill Street, Le Roy, was arrested on Sept. 21 on a Batavia City Court bench warrant for failure to appear. Flinchum was arraigned and jailed on $1,000 cash or bond. The defendant was due in city court this morning. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Julia L. Tombari, 24, of Roanoke Road, Pavilion, is charged with violation of probation. She was arrested on Sept. 24 on a bench warrant out of city court for violating probation. She was arraigned and jailed on $5,000 cash or bond and is due in city court on Thursday (Spet. 27). The case was handled by Batavia Police Sgt. Dan Coffey, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Isaiah J.A. Munroe, 28, of Buell Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. On Sept. 22 at 6:19 p.m. while on a traffic stop on Bank Street in Batavia, Munroe was arrested for allegedly possessing marijuana. He was issued a computer-generated appearance ticket and is due in city court on Oct. 2 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

(Photo of vehicle that was carjacked this morning in the city, courtesy of Alex Feig of WBTA.)

A white Chrysler Sebring with a black top occupied by just its driver crashed at the VA Medical Center after a wild chase through city streets. The driver is in custody. He may have a firearm. What prompted the chase is not clear.

A medic is responding. At least three Batavia PD patrols were pursuing the vehicle. VA police are being notified; property at the facility is damaged.

UPDATE 8:55 a.m.: City fire just arrived in non-emergency mode with speedy dry absorbent and a pad to cover a storm drain from leaking fluids; the vehicle is on fire. Asked if the suspect has any facial or hand tattoos, an officer's response is no, but there are on the arm(s).

Shortly after this incident began, there was a call of a possibly armed suspect driving the vehicle southbound on Liberty Street. A patrol was a Ellicott and Jackson, and Liberty and Main. Then the suspect vehicle headed northbound on Summit Street toward the hospital going 65 mph, then went westbound toward State Street, got on Oak and the Thruway Authority was notified as it was believed to be headed to I-90. Then it crashed at the VA.

UPDATE 9:06 a.m.: This was a carjacking. More T/K.

UPDATE 10:22 a.m.: Shortly after the incident ended, Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch held a press conference outside the VA Medical Center. Alex Feig, of WBTA, provided the audio from which the following details were taken:

Officers initially responded to the Kwik Fill at 99 Jackson St. in the city after a report of a vehicle theft. The use of a weapon -- a gun -- was threatened, but one was not displayed, nor recovered after the suspect was taken into custody. Police caught up with the vehicle, which sped off when they pursued it. Speeds reached around 65 mph on city streets and then the driver failed to navigate near the VA Medical Center and crashed. The vehicle caught fire and the fire department responded, but the car did not "burn up." The driver/suspect was able to get out of the vehicle on his own and did not appear to be injured. The victim, who remained behind at the Kwik Fill, was not physically injured. Authorities at the VA were assessing damage to property, which includes a sign knocked askew and off its foundation, a tree, and possibly some fencing. Asked if the incident was related to some other crime commited, the chief said no. The suspect was taken into custody by the VA without incident.

P.W. Minor this morning filed a notice with the NYS Department of Labor of possible layoffs and a possible plant closing but that doesn't necessarily mean anybody will lose their job, according to Brian Benedict, the company's VP of sales.

He said CEO Hundley Elliotte is in town this week working with management on a restructuring plan. Some of the options include both keeping the plant open and retaining all current employees, Benedict said. 

"As of today, there have been no layoffs," Benedict said. "By filing the warn (notice) we were just following the letter of the law."

All of the work crew today was sent home and they are not expected to return to 3 Treadeasy Ave., Batavia, tomorrow. Benedict said at this point he doesn't know when they will start working again.

"We will know a lot more by Wednesday afternoon," Benedict said.

In the Warn Notice, P.W. Minor informed the state potential layoffs could mean a loss of 42 jobs, or all 82 jobs at the plant and cited "economic reasons" for the potential layoffs.

Elliotte's investment firm Tidewater + Associates acquired the shoe company from Pete Zeliff in February. Zeliff and then partner Andrew Young saved the 151-year-old company from certain ruin in 2014.

The Pearl Street Road woman accused of failing to provide proper food and care for her 3-year-old Labrador retriever mixed breed named Maya was a no-show in Town of Batavia Court today, along with her attorney Michael Ranzenhofer.

The case of Becky L. Frens, who is about 56 years old, was on this morning's court docket for 10:30 and nearly two hours later Judge Michael Cleveland called her name and got no response from the gallery. The court clerk said earlier that the court had not heard from Frens or Ranzenhofer, nor had they appeared in court today.

Cleveland said Ranzenhofer had asked him for a second postponement in the case -- it had been delayed once on Aug. 27 until today -- but he denied the request, saying the reasoning for another postponement was not specific enough. Cleveland did not say when Ranzenhofer made the request, but he made it clear he had not heard from Ranzenhofer or Frens today and that they were due in court.

Next time, bench warrants

First Assistant District Attorney Melissa Cianfrini said she would not ask for a bench warrant to be issued for either the client or attorney in this case, although she could, because she is giving Ranzenhofer the benefit of the doubt. Since he was not present, perhaps there was a miscommunication, she said. But if it happens next time, a bench warrant(s) will be sought.

The people are ready for trial, Cianfrini said.

Cleveland set the matter on the docket for 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 22, for either adjudication or to set a trial date, one or the other.

Frens was arrested on July 10 by troopers from the Batavia Barracks of the State Police after she went to the Genesee County Animal Shelter to retrieve her dog.

The day or so before Maya had gotten out and somehow managed to walk many, many yards on sore paws -- with nails so overgrown they were chewing into the pads -- down the Frens' gravelled driveway to the edge of the Pearl Street Road pavement. It was there that neighbors across the street saw the dog and coaxed it into their yard, where they gave it cat food and balogna and whatever nutrition they could round up. Emaciated, Maya scarfed it all down along with three bottles of water.

Then the neighbors called the law.

Frens is charged with overdriving, torturing and injuring an animal; and failure to provide proper sustenance under the state Agriculture & Markets law, Article 26, Section 353, which is a Class A misdemeanor. If found guilty, a defendant faces jail time of more than 15 days but not greater than one year. In addition, a fine of up to $1,000 can be imposed.

Update on Maya

Meanwhile, Maya had a big day today.

According to Volunteers for Animals' Lynette Celedonia, who aided Maya from day one, she was to be spayed today and the last knots of scar tissue from infection due to demodectic mange was to be surgically removed from her back and shoulder area.

Since July, Maya has made amazing progress, Celedonia said. Gina Lippa, also with Volunteers for Animals, agreed. They came to court today to hear the Frens' case and afterward were happy to report how well Maya is doing.

"Her coat has grown in and thickened up and she's put on weight; her hip bones and ribs are no longer showing," Celedonia said. "Her infections have cleared up. And her muscles are stronger from playing and running -- which in her case is more like hopping -- and she's been adopted by the best family possible."

A public health nurse and her husband adopted Maya and share their home with her and two other doggie companions, plus avian and feline companions.

Celedonia has a recent picture on her phone of Maya, snoozing on big comfy sofa, taken after an afternoon of romping around in her new yard, plumb tuckered out and looking like a different, healthier dog.