batavia

Press release:

On Saturday, April 21, the City of Batavia Fire Department will hold a Child Safety Seat Check Event at fire headquarters (18 Evans St.) from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., rain or shine.

Nationally certified technicians will be on hand to answer questions, check recalls, and assist with making sure all seats are installed correctly. Parents should remember to bring both the car seat and the child so that proper instruction/installation can be done.

Did you know three out of four car seats aren’t used correctly? Surprised? Stop down this Saturday to our event and ensure your children are traveling safely.

For more information contact city fire headquarters at 345-6375.

Press release:

The always popular annual fashion show at Genesee Community College is just around the corner, and this year, students from the Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising and Tourism & Hospitality programs are serving up a feast for the eyes with "Soiree."

The 31st annual celebration of student creativity will highlight various clothing design themes, including party scenes featuring "Cocktail Hour," "Fairy Godmother's Masquerade," "Slumber Party" and "Bridal Party."

The traditional runway show is the largest of its kind in Western New York with more than 1,400 attendees over two shows. It provides guests with a glimpse of the glamorous and ever-changing world of fashion. Two shows are scheduled for April 28 -- at 3 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. in the Forum at the Batavia campus.

"The fashion show is the final exam for Fashion Business students who are enrolled in the special events marketing course, Fashion Show Production," said Rick Dudkowski, GCC professor of Business, Marketing and Fashion.

"The class members are responsible for producing a traditional runway show, which has clothing from local stores, but also original designs created by our fashion design students. More than 160 models will take part in scenes featuring women's, men's, plus-size and children's wear."

Professor Dudkowski says the show combines the interests and academic pursuits of several college departments working in collaboration. The college's Tourism and Hospitality Management students work under Genesee instructor Amy Slusser to coordinate extensive "front of the house" operations such as refreshments, décor, door prizes, music and light refreshments, and the overall festive ambience.

Genesee's Student Safety Patrol members work behind the scenes ensuring safety and security in the parking lots and throughout the shows.

In addition to student creations, guests will also preview clothing lines made in and sold around Western New York, and The Future Dance Center from Hamburg will provide pre-show entertainment.

Dress donations will be collected for Fairy Godmothers of Rochester with a donation earning free admission. Presale tickets are $5 but they will also be available at the door for $7. To order tickets or for additional information contact Fashion Show secretary Cheryl Young at (585) 345-6830.

The "Soiree" lineup includes:

•    Enkai – A party scene with international flair, featuring traditional clothing and hand-embroidered accessories from the Republic of Yakutia, designed by scene coordinator Zhanna Zakharova of Russia, as well as modern and Americanized Asian fashion that evokes the Orient through the use of textiles and details, styled by scene coordinator Jeonghyun Park of South Korea. Clothing provided by H&M, Fashion Bug, Maurices and student design by Sayaka Matsushita.

•    Swag Social – It's the biggest fashion party of the year for hipsters! Scene coordinator Akkera Dorsey of Rochester designed many of the pieces. Scene assistant: Sherard Brown (Ithaca). Menswear provided by The Black Tongue and accessories provided by Xsquisite Boutique.

•    The Urban Social – A presentation of uptown sophistication that exudes New York City energy. Scene coordinator: Mandy Ciccone (Rochester). Clothing and accessories from Francesca's Collection; hair styled by Robert Federico.

•    The Boat Party – Highlights of the hottest spring trends in menswear with a nautical theme paying homage to pure "Americana" -- the classic preppy look! Scene coordinator: Michael Burton (Buffalo). Clothing provided by H&M.

•    Plus One – Party attire for curvy ladies and their men with clothing to highlight the fuller figure provided by Ashley Stewart, CATO Fashions and Peebles. Scene coordinators: Chelsea Gravelle (Gansevoort) and Taylor Rock (Buffalo).

•    Cocktail Hour -- Drawing inspiration from design icon Coco Chanel, models will showcase timeless elegance with a sexy and chic update of the "little black dress." Scene coordinators: Shannon Kelly (Saranac Lake) and Nicole Mastrosimone (Rochester). Designs by student Ashley Arter. Accessories provided by Accessorize4u, Forever 21 and Maurices.

•    PlayDate -- The party never ends for these fashionable WNY children, as they model clothing that takes them through their energetic days! Scene coordinators: Hillary Pacos (Buffalo), Shauna Scott (Bronx) and Samantha Vogt (Buffalo). Fashions from 77kids and Kmart.

•    The Green Party – The epitome of creativity, scene coordinators and designers Chelsea Gravelle (Gansevoort) and Tricia Mekarski (Buffalo) prominently feature duct tape in their environmentally friendly clothing.

•    Fairy Godmother's Masquerade – Every girl dreams of the perfect dress for her prom and this garden-inspired masquerade party features dresses donated by students, M.A. Carr Bridal and community members that will be given to Fairy Godmothers of Rochester for those in need. Scene coordinators: Lorraine Briggs (Rochester) and Taryn Michalak (Brockport). Jewelry provided by Cookie Lee.

•    Paparazzi Party -- Celebrities such as pop superstar Lady Gaga and designers Tommy Hilfiger and Alexander McQueen influence the clothing embraced by today's fashion-conscious party-goer. Scene coordinators: Felicia Pfalzer (Pembroke), Marissa Giambrone (Attica) and Marian Smith (Brockport). Clothing provided by Charles Men's Shop and original student designs.

•    Accessorized Affair – "Puttin' on the Ritz" with a preview of the hairstyles, make-up and accessories that will put some pizzazz in any wardrobe. Scene coordinators: Julia Sallade (Belmont) and Alyssa Biancuzzo (Pavilion). Accessories provided by Rue21.

•    Riot – Edgy style fuses good girl with rocker chic! Scene coordinator: Hillary Pacos (Buffalo). Featuring clothing from Peebles, Maurices, Stan's Harley Davidson, Bruggies and Free People.

•    Slumber Party – Sultry looks inspired by the glamorous heyday of Hollywood's pin-up girls and vintage lingerie. Scene coordinator: Taylor Rock (Buffalo). Clothing provided by Embrasse-Moi and jewelry from Lambert's Design Jewelers.

•    Bridal Party – Love is in the air as models float down the runway in the latest trends for weddings. Scene coordinator: Ericah Rogers (Rochester). Assistant Kate Herbik. Clothing provided by David's Bridal and Hickey Freeman.

After each show concludes, guests are invited to a reception of refreshments and door prizes.

A Rochester man with no permanent address said he was just looking for gas money to get back to the city when he went along with a burglary at 10 Maple St., Batavia, on Dec. 11.

Frederick H. Robidoux Jr., 49, will spend six years in prison, Judge Robert C. Noonan ruled this morning.

Robidoux went along with Eric P. Doleman, 41, a former Thorpe Street resident, to the home of a Batavia man who had recently been locked up on drug charges.

An alert neighbor spotted the two men at 3 a.m. loading up a truck with items from the residence.

Doleman entered the apartment through a window while Robidoux waited outside.

For his part, Robidoux entered a guilty plea to attempted burglary Feb. 29. Two days earlier, Doleman admitted to burglary, 2nd, and aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, and has yet to be sentenced.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman told Noonan that Robidoux received all of the consideration he should through his plea deal, which reduced his possible maximum sentence down from 15 years to seven.

Defense Attorney Fred Rarick argued that much of Robidoux prior criminal record never led to convictions -- except one prior felony -- and a three or four year sentence would be more appropriate.

Rarick also took issue with a statement in the pre-sentence probation report that said Robidoux didn't accept responsibility for his actions.

"He does take full responsibility," Rarick said. "He's very remorseful."

Robidoux said, "I'm sorry I did it and I take full responsibility. I needed money to get back to Rochester or I wouldn't have been there."

The matter of restitution is still pending. Rarick contends that some of the items the victim claims were stolen were not on the property list of items recovered by police. And given the fact that the two men were captured within minutes of leaving 10 Maple St., it's not reasonable to conclude they took those items.

A hearing on restitution is scheduled for next month.

Samantha M. Williams, 31, of Warsaw Road, Le Roy, is charged with robbery, 3rd, grand larceny, 4th, criminal mischief, 4th, and petit larceny. Williams is accused of getting into an argument with her mother at about 9 a.m., Tuesday, while in a vehicle on Seven Springs Road. Williams allegedly took her mother's credit card. When her mother attempted to call 9-1-1, Williams allegedly took the phone and got out of the vehicle. Williams was located outside a business on East Main Street Road a short time later.

Raymond James Radley, 46, of Cook Road, Pavilion, is charged with forcible touching. Radley is accused of forcibly touching the intimate parts of a woman during an argument.

Seven drivers in the City of Batavia received tickets today for allegedly speeding in school zones as part of an increased enforcement effort aimed at improving safety for schoolchildren called "Operation Safe-Stop."

The extra enforcement was funded through a grant from the governor's Traffic Safety Committee.

The primary target was drivers who fail to stop for school buses that are dropping off or picking up children, but no such violations were observed today, according ot the Batavia PD.

Officers will continue unannounced enforcement efforts throughout remainder of the school year.

Sports history will be made Friday when for the first time ever, a Triple A baseball franchise will play ball in Batavia.

The Yankees farm club will call Dwyer Stadium home for four days, playing the Orioles franchise out of Norfolk.

There are still a few box seats available and some general admission tickets are still on sale. For tickets, call (585) 343-5454.

Opening pitch Friday is at 7 p.m.

Batavia is blessed with a number of great pizza shops, and they all deliver.

But what if you're hungry for souvlaki, some brisket, chow mein or a plate of tacos? Good luck getting anything not on a pizza shop menu brought to your home or business.

Will Barton and Jon Sce hope to change that.

The pair of Batavia natives have launched a food-delivery service called Easy-Eats. For a delivery fee of $3, they will bring a hot, fresh meal to your door from a local restaurant.

So far, only one local restaurant -- Sport of Kings -- has signed on to the service. But Barton, pictured above on the left, and Sce hope other restaurant owners will see the value of expanding their customer base to include people who don't necessarily want to go out  -- they would rather stay home but not cook.

"See a need, fill a need, right?" said Barton, quoting an oft-cited entrepreneurial credo. "They have these kinds of businesses all over the country, so we thought we would bring it to Batavia."

Typically, Sce said, there are restaurants in communities that are interested in home delivery, but breaking into that business opens a new level of complexity that most restaurant owners don't want to tackle.

Easy-Eats gives restaurant owners an option for expanding their customer base, Sce said, without taking on the logistics of managing a delivery business themselves.

Both Barton and Sce have several years experience in pizza delivery, and as lifelong residents, they know their way around town, which they think is an advantage.

"We know the town in and out," Barton said. "We're just trying to take that skill and, you know, bloom where you're planted."

Customers who want to order a meal can call the service at 815-1117 or go online to Easy-Eats.com, where ordering becomes even more convenient. The restaurant menu is online. You just select what you want, check out and pay. And before long, you have a meal in your home (We tried it last night).

Restaurant owners who wish to participate can contact Barton or Sce at 815-1117.

The Batavia Animal Hospital is going to be much bigger by the fall.

The plan by the clinic's owners, Perry Veterinary Clinic, is to tear down the existing building and build a new one just behind the current location at 3699 W. Main St. Road.

The hospital will expand from 3,000 square feet to more than 6,300 square feet.

Architect Steve Tanner, of Clark Patterson, described the new facility as "state of the art."

Among the high-tech features will be a radiology system that will allow vets in Perry's other facilities, or from home, to view x-rays and consult with the vets in Batavia, according to Bob Bausch, practice manager for Perry.

The new facility will also have what Bausch said is now standard practice in vet facilities -- a comfort room, which is a room where owners can be with their pets who are to be euthanized.

Bausch said the current facility has a hard time accommodating two doctors and the business has grown so much since it was opened in 1961 that there's "hardly room to move," he said.

The new facility will accommodate three to four doctors and Perry expects to add four to five new additional support staff.

The business will also include a new clinic to dispense pharmaceuticals for livestock.

The current hospital will remain open and in operation during the construction of the new facility behind it.

Town of Batavia Planning Board members gave initial approval to the site plan Tuesday.

Perry acquired Batavia Animal Hosptial from former owner Dr. Raymond Pray in October.

Steve Tanner

Bob Bausch

There are 14 people listed on the Batavia PD's warrant watch web page. Here are five people currently being sought by police.

The website warns people against trying to apprehend these suspects themselves. If you spot the individuals or know their whereabouts, police ask that you call 9-1-1 or (585) 345-6350 to speak to a dispatcher or call the anonymous tip line at (585) 345-6370.

Christina M. Maynard, 30, last known address is 134 State St., Batavia; bench warrant for alleged operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated, 1st.

Shane D. Vandenberg, 32, last known address is 20 S. Main St., Batavia; bench warrant for alleged menacing, 3rd, and violation of probation.

Larry K. Brewer, 46, last known address is 3 Maple St., lower; five warrants for aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, criminal contempt, 2nd, criminal contempt, 1st, and two counts of harassment, 2nd, and criminal contempt, 1st, and aggravated harassment.

James Haynes, 25, with a last known address on South Lyon St., Batavia; warrant for attempted assault, 3rd.

John W. Biaselli, 43, with a last known address of 218 State St., Apt. #8; bench warrant for alleged criminal sale of a controlled substance, 5th.

A 19-year-old Batavia man who was listed on Batavia PD's warrant watch web page for a few weeks was arrested Monday after being located at Kibbe Park.

Name Redacted was wanted on two outstanding warrants out of city court, one stemming from unlawful possession of marijuana charge and the other on an endangering the welfare of a child charge.

Following arraignment, xx was jailed on $1,100 bail.

The first charge against xx was filed May 28 when xx allegedly served alcohol to people under 21 years of age.

The unlawful possession of marijuana charge stemmed from a Sept. 19 visit by the probation department at his residence when xx was allegedly found in possession of a smoking pipe with marijuana residue.

There had been a warrant issued for xx out of Town of Batavia Court on March 26, but it was recalled yesterday and the court record was sealed.

Gregory Phillips, Brian Bordinaro -- two city firefighters accused of running an illegal bookmaking operation -- are still on the public payroll, according to City Manager Jason Molino.

Under New York's civil service law, employees accused of wrongdoing can't just be fired. There is a legal process for disciplinary action.

The city is working with the Sheriff's Office in obtaining evidence that might be used in a disciplinary process, Molino said, but no formal action has been taken yet.

The law requires that once a government agency suspends an employee without pay, the employee is allowed a disciplinary hearing -- where evidence is presented to support any disciplinary action -- and the employee can mount a defense within 30 days.

"We're still in the process of investigating things," Molino said.

Phillips and Bordinaro were arrested along with another public employee, Lance Engel, in February, and charged with criminal possession of gambling records.  Phillips was also charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, for allegedly possessing a small quantity of cocaine.

Yesterday, the three men were arraigned on new charges, accusing them essentially of racketeering under New York's "enterprise corruption" statute, and of promoting gambling. 

Enterprise corruption is a Class B felony with a maximum possible prison term of eight-and-a-third to 25 years.

The three men are accused of running a criminal enterprise that generated at least $1 million in bets and more than $70,000 in profits.

The District Attorney's Office presented the suspects' defense attorneys with a six-inch high stack of paper that is reportedly the evidence gathered against the three men so far.

Sgt. Steve Mullen, lead investigator on the case, said the investigation is ongoing. The Sheriff's Office is still waiting for data from the computers and mobile phones seized when officers with search warrants raided the homes of the three men in February. The lockers at the fire hall of Phillips and Bordinaro were also searched.

The evidence gathered thus far covers only a portion of the time the trio is believed to have been allegedly involved in bookmaking.

Mullen said yesterday that some of the people who allegedly placed bets through the operation were in debt to the three suspects for thousands of dollars.

Investigators have indicated -- though are still trying to determine for certain -- that Phillips and Bordinaro were allegedly receiving betting-related text messages and phone calls while on duty.

Here's a slice of this evening's sunset taken off Stegman Road, Batavia.

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries has been reported at Route 33 and Wortendyke Road.

It may be a rollover accident.

Power lines may be down.

UPDATE 4:08 p.m.: Dispatchers are receiving conflicting reports on injuries. Trooper on scene reports the pole is tilted but wires are not down.

UPDATE 4:16 p.m.: Minor injuries. East Pembroke Fire Department is on scene.

A motorcycle and car accident is reported on West Saile Drive in the Town of Batavia, which has its fire department responding along with Mercy medics and law enforcement.

UPDATE 2:03 p.m.: Town of Batavia is back in service. The motorcyclist/patient is inside Stan's Harley Davidson, located at 4425 W. Saile Drive.

UPDATE 2:07 p.m.: Must have been a sign-off. Mercy medics are back in service.

UPDATE 2:10 p.m.: The motorcyclist has a minor road rash.

Joshua L. Webster, 25, of 7882 York Road, Pavilion, is charged with burglary, 3rd, grand larceny and criminal mischief, 4th. Webster is accused of burglarizing a residence April 12 on Clinton Street Road, Bergen. Webster allegedly stole more than $1,000 in property. Bail on this case was set at $10,000 cash or $15,000 bond. Webster was previously arrested over the weekend and accused of fleeing from an accident on West Main Street, Batavia, and escaping through Batavia Downs.

Robert Charles Polcyn, 70, of Renouf Drive, Rochester, is charged with possession of untaxed cigarettes and failure to keep right. Polcyn was stopped at 3:57 p.m. on Byron-Elba Road, Byron, for an alleged traffic violation by Deputy Timothy Wescott. Polcyn was allegedly found in possession of 4,400 untaxed cigarettes.

Trisha Rose Santora, 29, of Seneca Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Santora is accused of violating an order of protection.

Thomas L. Hill Jr., is indicted on four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. Hill is accused of possessing cocaine with the intent to sell it Oct. 8 while at 335 Bank St., Batavia, and again on Jan. 7 at 174 Ross St.,  Batavia.

Albert A. Ackerman is indicted on a charge of felony DWI. Ackerman is accused of driving drunk Nov. 6 on Route 5 in the Town of Le Roy. Ackerman is accused of a prior DWI in 2009 in Florida.

Danielle Hendrickson is indicted on a charge of criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd. Hendrickson is accused of possessing, with the intent to defraud, a forged check in the amount of $50 drawn on the account of a local couple.

Shawn J. Scheg is indicted on a felony count of DWI and felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. Scheg is accused of driving drunk Jan. 8 while on West Sweden Road, Bergen. Scheg is accused of having a prior DWI conviction in the Town of Batavia in May 2002.

Fair warning: Don't pass a legally stopped school bus in the City of Batavia on Wednesday.

Of course, you should NEVER pass a school bus that is stopped to drop off or pick up schoolchildren, but on Wednesday, such negligence might make you more vulnerable to a ticket and hefty fine.

As part of a Governor's Traffic Safety Committee grant, Batavia PD will deploy marked and unmarked patrols in select areas looking for cars that decline, refuse or forget to stop for a school bus as required by law.

Officers on Wednesday will also be conducting speed enforcement in school zones.

Joshua L. Webster, 25, of 7882 York Road, Pavilion, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and failure to yield right of way; Jessica L. Engelhardt, 21, of 7882 York Road, Pavilion, is charged with falsely reporting an incident and offering a false instrument for filing, 2nd. Webster was allegedly involved in an accident at 4:15 p.m., April 9, on West Main Street near Tops Market. Webster allegedly fled the scene on foot. Webster was reportedly identified by readers of The Batavian after his picture at Batavia Downs was posted on the website. Engelhardt, who is reportedly married to Webster, is accused of falsely reporting the vehicle stolen in an effort to cover up her husband's involvement in the accident.

Eric M. Duda, 50, of 111 Liberty St., Batavia, and Summer Ogden, 36, of 123 Washington Ave., Batavia, are both charged with criminal contempt. Duda and Ogden are both accused of violating orders of protection that prohibit them from being in each other's company. They were allegedly found together during a residence check by the Probation Department. Both were jailed on $5,000 bail.

Evan Ryan Anderson, 30, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, driving with ability impaired by drugs and No/inadequate headlamps. Anderson was stopped at 11:50 p.m., Friday, on Route 5 in Pembroke by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Luke Anthony Bacon, 19, of East Avenue, Akron, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, unlawful possession of marijuana, speeding (82 in a 55 mph zone), and failure to keep right. Bacon was stopped at 12:18 a.m., Sunday, on Akron Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Mark Russell O'Gee, 58, of South Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. O'Gee is accused of violating an order of protection by entering a residence he was barred from entering.

Christopher Michael Ames, 40, of Maple Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and unlawful possession of marijuana. Ames was reportedly observed at 8:56 p.m., Friday, in a vehicle park behind an unoccupied building on Lewiston Road, Alabama, that is for sale. Upon further investigation by Deputy Chad Minuto, Ames was allegedly found to be in an intoxicated condition.

Kimberly A. Showler, 46, of 4 North Spruce St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Showler is accused of shoplifting from a store on East Main Street, Batavia.

Lesley Marie Brice, 33, of Miller Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Brice is accused of pushing and shoving another person during a verbal argument that allegedly turned physical at 6:24 p.m., Friday, at a location on Main Street, Pembroke. Also arrested in connection with the incident was Angel Victoria Ramos, 19, of Main Road, Pembroke, who is charged with harassment, 2nd. Ramos is accused of hitting another person during an argument.