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Icy conditions may have contributed to crash on Route 98 bridge

By Howard B. Owens

The NYS DOT has been dispatched to the Route 98 bridge over the Thruway after an apparently minor injury accident.

A deputy on scene reported black ice conditions after responding to the accident.

A flatbed tow truck has been requested to the scene to deal with the disabled vehicle.

Mercy EMS is on scene tending to at least one injured person.

Town of Batavia Fire Department also responded.

UPDATE 7:21 a.m.: A trooper informs dispatch that DOT should also be notified that the Route 63 over the Thruway is also "pretty slick."

UPDATE 7:35 a.m.: A patient was transported to UMMC with only minor complaints of pain. Town of Batavia fire is back in service.

Photos: Halloween party at 400 Towers

By Howard B. Owens

Residents of 400 Towers enjoyed a Halloween party on Thursday night that included a costume contest, karaoke and sweets.

Photo: Annual drug drop planned for three locations Saturday

By Howard B. Owens

Local law enforcement agencies will again participate in the DEA Prescription Drug Drop Program on Saturday.

The program allows local residents to drop off any sort of prescription drug for proper, safe and legal disposal -- no questions asked. 

The locations: 

  • Batavia PD, 10 W. Main St., Batavia
  • Pembroke Highway Garage, routes 5 and 77, Pembroke
  • Le Roy PD, 3 W. Main St., Le Roy

Pictured are Deputy Chris Parker, Genesee County Sheriff's Office; Det. John Condidorio, Le Roy PD; Det. Charles Dudek, Batavia PD.

Photo: 'I stole art from Glass Roots'

By Howard B. Owens

A young woman worked an agreement with Jeremy Almeter, owner of Glass Roots on Center Street, to avoid criminal charges after she was caught on video making an art heist from the shop. The woman walked out the front door with two paintings on the very first day Almeter was using a video surveilance system installed by Rich Clark of Computer and Phone Repair (CPR). Almeter and the woman made an agreement not to release her name. She walked in front of the store for two hours today carrying the sign reading "I stole art from Glass Roots."

Pedestrian struck by car on Richmond Avenue

By Billie Owens

A pedestrian has reportedly been struck by a car at the intersection of Prospect and Richmond avenues in the City of Batavia. Batavia Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding.

A 7-year-old child is being transported to UMMC for evaluation as a precaution. She was riding her bicycle, collided with the car, and she fell to the ground but there was no loss of consiousness and no complaint of pain, according to the medic.

Batavia firefighters are back in service.

Law and Order: Scottsville man charged following alleged domestic dispute on Central Avenue

By Howard B. Owens

Jeremiah T. Jones, 38, of 535 McGinnis Road, Scottsville, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and harassment, 2nd. Jones was allegedly involved in a domestic dispute at a residence on Central Avenue at 8:10 a.m., Tuesday.

Kara Jo Oliveri, 27, of Moller Street, Binghampton, was arrested on a bench warrant related to a petit larceny charge. Oliveri was arrested in Binghampton and arraigned in Darien Town Court. Oliveri posted $305 bail.

Photos: Rehearsal for the Rotary Club's annual show

By Howard B. Owens

The cast of "The Producers," this year's choice for the annual theater production of the Batavia Rotary Club (this year, in conjunction with Encore! Theatre Arts, is starting to nail their performances in rehearsals.

Director Lynda Hodgins invited me into the Batavia HS auditorium tonight to take some pictures during the non-dress rehearsal. She allowed me right on the stage during the performance. Thank you to the indulgence of the cast for carrying on as I moved around trying to get some interesting shots.

The show is high-energy and fun. It's not easy to take pictures when you're laughing out loud.

Starring are Steve Valvano and Cal Young as Max Bialystock and Leopold Bloom (pictured above).

The Mel Brooks-written musical is about a broadway producer whose career is in a downward trend when an accountant, Leopold Bloom, suggests that there's more money to be made in producing a real stinker of a show than in producing a hit.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3 to 5 and 2 p.m. Nov. 6 at Batavia High School.

Tickets are $12 for the Nov. 3 show, and $15 for all other shows. Tickets may be purchased online at bataviarotary.com and encoretheatrearts.com, and in person at Lawley Insurance or The Insurance Center.

Law and Order: Former Lowe's employee accused of grand larceny

By Howard B. Owens

Jason Michael Norton, 39, of Pekin Road, Oakfield, is charged with grand larceny and petit larceny. Norton is accused of stealing money and giving discounts on store merchandise under retail value while employed at Lowe's. The total value of the alleged thefts exceeds $1,800.

Joseph Charles Wind, 41, of Horseshoe Lake Road, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant. Wind was arrested by Rochester Police on a warrant out of Batavia City Court and turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. Wind was jailed on $100,000 bail. The nature of the underlying alleged crime was not released.

Youth football game scheduled as benefit for Back Pack Program

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

This Friday October 28th, 2011 Le Roy will Host Batavia at Hartwood Park for a Youth Football Game.  All proceeds will be split in half and will go to each commmunities Back Pack program.  The Back Pack Program provides food for families in need in our communities.  Everday, children in our communities do not have enough to eat.  Kids in this program are given canned goods at school to take home in their backpacks to help feed their families.  Please come to the game and show your support.  We will be accepting canned goods and cash donations.

 

The game schedule is as follows:
Flag football "moving up game" Le Roy players only 5:00pm
Juniors Le Roy v Batavia 6:00pm
Seniors Le Roy v Batavia 8:00pm

Please come out and show your support to our local athletes and our local families in need.

City releases list of property that could be auctioned off for non-payment of taxes

By Howard B. Owens

There are eight properties in the City of Batavia that could be put up for auction for non-payment of property taxes, other charges and fees. All eight properties have reportedly been delinquent for three consecutive years.

No date has been announced for the auction.

The properties are:

  • 24 Franklin St., a single family home, delinquent $17,244; assessed value $67,700
  • 12 Hall St., a single family home, delinquent $12,501; assessed value $29,000
  • 1 Pearl St., a single family home, delinquent $27,294; assessed value $48,000
  • 3 Walnut St., a single family home, delinquent $18,962; assessed value $54,900
  • 48 Walnut St., a single family home, delinquent $29,746; assessed value $54,900
  • 109 Walnut St., a single family home, delinquent $27,381; assesed value $52,000
  • 11 Watson St., a single family home, delinquent $11,598; assessed value $49,900
  • Oak Street, rear, vacant land, delinquent $341; assessed value $1,000

Photo: Council honors Veterans' Day with resolution

By Howard B. Owens

Amy Hlebik and Robert Walton accept a Batavia City Council resolution from Council President Marianne Clattenburg recognizing Nov. 11 as Veterans' Day. Walton is commander of VFW Post 1602, the Veness-Strollo post, and Hlebik is quartermaster.

Council gets presentation on convoluted tax cap law

By Howard B. Owens

It seems like a simple thing -- the New York State Legislature passed, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into law -- a bill capping local property tax increases at 2-percent annually.

Except it's not so simple.

If you think that one of these years, your taxes can't go up more than 2 percent over what you paid the previous year, think again.

The tax cap is actually on the tax levy. The tax levy is the amount of revenue a local jurisdiction needs to help pay its bills. A local jurisdiction determines what the levy needs to be and then calculates the tax rate for that budget year.

The tax cap doesn't touch the tax rate at all, nor does it control assessed value. 

The law caps the levy increase at 2 percent, or that's what you might think.

It really doesn't cap it at 2 percent at all. There are exceptions for changes in assessed value and exclusions for increases in pension costs.

For the City of Batavia, for example, the city council could -- perfectly within the tax-cap formula -- increase the tax levy for 2012-13 and raise the tax levy 4.3 percent.

City Council President Marianne Clattenburg's reaction after seeing a tax cap presentation at the council's Monday night meeting: "Unreal."

"This (the tax cap) is misleading to taxpayers," Clattenburg said. "They’re expecting a 2-percent tax cap when they can get a 4-percent tax cap."

Besides not being a straightforward cap on tax increases, the law also provides local jurisdictions with the ability to override the cap with a 60-percent vote of the governing body -- something New York's cities, villages, towns and school boards seem prepared to do across the board, according to The New York Times.

In fact, because there are penalties for failure to abide by the cap, and because the formulas for calculating it are complex, city staff  New York Conference of Mayors is recommending that the council enact a local law to override the cap every year, even if there isn't an increase in the levy at all. That way, the city is protected if a subsequent audit finds the tax levy increased more than allowed under the law.

For the city, once the calculation is done for the 2012-13 fiscal year, the city's levy could increase more than 4 percent, from $5.8 million to $5.9 million.

It hasn't been determine how that potential levy (there's no recommendation or budget decision in the calculation) will impact the tax rate paid by individual property owners.

In 2009, for example, the tax levy increased 4.2 percent, but the tax rate went up by only 1.62 percent.

In 2011, the levy went up 2.5 percent and the rate increased 1.26 percent.

City Manager Jason Molino was quick to point out at the start of Monday's meeting that in any of the financial presentations made, there were no budget recommendations. The presentations were merely to help the council understand current economic factors affecting the upcoming budget.

Part of the presentation, Molino (pictured) provided an overview of the recent "positive outlook" given the city by the bond-rating agency Moody's.

Though Moody's said the city has some financial challenges -- too small of a reserve fund and an unresolved contract with the police union, among them -- the city has made tremendous progress in going from a municipality having a hard time paying its bills to one planning for the future.

"It’s a good feather in the city’s cap that you’ve done the right budgeting, the right financing, over the past several years to get to this point," Molino told council members.

Also on Monday, the city approved an emergency expenditure of up to $35,000 to replace the roof on City Police Headquarters.  

A proposed donation for a veterans memorial was put off until it's time for the city to discuss the budget.

Salvation Army store evacuated, possible fire reported

By Billie Owens

The Salvation Army thrift store at 19 Jackson St. in Batavia reportedly smells like smoke and it is being evacuated. The city fire department is on scene and reports nothing showing, but it is investigating.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of growing marijuana

By Howard B. Owens

Joshua Ray Radley, 25, of Old Meadow Lane, Batavia, is charged with unlawfully growing cannabis, unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of fireworks. Radley was arrested following an investigation into a complaint filed on July 27.

Loralyn L. Bateman, 35, 874 Gabbey Road, Corfu, is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol. Bateman turned herself in at Batavia PD on a warrant out of Batavia City Court.

Michael A. Witkop, 19, 249 Ross St., Batavia, is charged with DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation and improper right turn. Witkop was stopped at 12:38 a.m., Sunday, on River Street, Batavia, by Officer Darryl Streeter.

Brian M. Raphael, 23, of 4 Noonan Drive, Batavia, is charged with aggravated DWI, moving from lane unsafely and improper turn. Raphael was stopped at 1:09 a.m., Saturday, on Liberty Street, Batavia, by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Peter J. Kaiser, 50, of Jackson Road, Middleport, is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol, failure to stop for stop sign and speed not reasonable and prudent. Kaiser was charged following an investigation into a traffic accident that occurred Sept. 16 on Lockport Road, Alabama.

Rusty Everett Vanson, 46, of Jefferson Street, Attica, is charged with felony DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and driving left of pavement markings in a no-passing zone. Vanson was stopped at 12:57 a.m., Sunday, on Attica Road in Alexander by Deputy Jason Saile.

Eric Michael Duda, 49, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Duda allegedly asked a third party to contact a person he is barred by court order from contacting. He has a previous conviction for criminal contempt, 2nd, within the last five years. Duda was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Six-point buck runs into door at Batavia Middle School

By Howard B. Owens

A six-point buck reportedly ran into the door of Batavia Middle School a short time ago.

Police were dispatched because classes are about to be let out.

A second report says the buck has also run into a car.

A police officer on scene reports that parents are complaining about blood on the door, asking that the school clean up the blood before children are released from classes.

Genesee Cardiology joins UMMC

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

United Memorial Medical Center is pleased to announce that Genesee Cardiology will join the United Memorial family of managed services beginning December 1, 2011 following the recently announced retirement of Cardiologist, Dr. Keun Oh.  Genesee Cardiology will remain in their current location of 229 Summit Street in the Summit Medical Office Building. Their name will change to “United Memorial Cardiology and Internal Medicine” to reflect the merger.

To maintain continuity of care, United Memorial has recruited Board Certified Cardiologist Syed A. Shah, MD. He will be joining Dr. Abdul Rathor and Nurse Practitioner Susan Riner in the practice as hospital employed healthcare providers.

“Dr. Oh has provided exceptional medical and cardiac care to patients in our region since 1979 and we wish him well in his retirement,” stated United Memorial CEO Mark C. Schoell. “As an organization, we have worked closely with Dr. Oh and Dr. Rathor to make sure patients will have continued access to cardiac care close to home.” 

Dr. Syed A. Shah has over 24 years of experience. He completed his residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), Atlantic City Medical Center and a fellowship at UMDNJ, Cooper Hospital in Camden, New Jersey. Dr. Shah has maintained offices in Olean and Brockport.

For an appointment with Dr. Rathor, Dr. Shah, or Ms. Riner please call (585) 343-4440.

USDA Rural Development provides funds for single-mom to buy home in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

SYRACUSE, N.Y., (October 22, 2011) – USDA Rural Development (RD) and Habitat for Humanity (HFH) celebrated with Angelina Pellegino, a single mom and her two daughters for the purchase of their new home.  USDA Rural Development provided a low interest direct loan to purchase a recently rehabilitated home from Habitat for Humanity for the Pellegrino family. Angelina Pellegrino, and her two daughters Mikalina and Carmelina spent the past 8 years renting an apartment in “Cardboard City,” aptly named because of the lack of insulation and sky high heating costs.

Leveraging funds and resources, USDA Rural Development provided a $63,500 loan; which, along with a $30,000 forgivable mortgage from HFH allowed her to purchase the rehabilitated home. The help of over 90 volunteers and 300+ hours of sweat equity by Ms. Pellegrino, drastically improved the house to include energy efficient features such as new thermal pane windows, high efficiency furnace and new siding.  Several community members assisted in the efforts including home improvement stores, local housing inspectors, and even the neighborhood donut shops that provided free coffee and doughnuts each day to the volunteers, making this a truly collaborative project.

“This project is illustrative of how Habitat for Humanity and USDA can work together to rehabilitate existing housing stock and build new homes, essential to increasing economic opportunities in New York’s rural communities,” Harvey added. “Jobs are created, communities come together, neighbors help neighbors and affordable homeownership is made possible for this family in Batavia.” 

The Pellegrino family was chosen for the HFH project from a pool of almost 40 applicants.  While Angelina admits the process took almost 2 1/2 years, she says it was worth every minute and has come to know many of the volunteers.  “Everything happens for a reason, this house was a labor of love.  With every single person who dedicated their precious time to help improve a stranger’s life, I call them Angels on Earth.”

The innovative financing is unique to this HFH chapter.  Rather than HFH holding the mortgage, Angelina was able to purchase the home with the assistance of a low interest loan from USDA Rural Development.  This enabled HFH to replenish its revolving loan fund.  “The success of our next house, which we've just started, hinges on the proceeds of this current houses' sale.” said Tammy Hyman, HFH, Genesee County President.  Remarkably, Ms. Pellegrino’s mortgage payment will be lower than her rent payment.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development, and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. For more information on USDA Rural Development programs, contact Rural Development’s state office at (315) 477-6400, or visit the Rural Development web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ny.

BDC announces fourth local business to receive assistance

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Development Corporation as administrator of the City of Batavia small business loan funds, has approved and closed the fourth loan this year to spur economic activity within the city. A total of $72,000 has been distributed for assistance in business start-up and acquisition, purchase of new equipment and working capital.

“Receiving this business loan has changed my life,” said Kate Gonzalez, longtime resident of Batavia and new owner of the Enchanted Florist on Main Street, Batavia. “I can not say enough good things about this program.”

Gonzalez received a $22,000 loan to use toward purchase of the successful flower shop that gives Gonzalez the opportunity to become her own boss after 25+ years of florist experience.

Last month, Sunny’s restaurant received a loan to purchase new kitchen equipment. In August, master-barber Brandon Armstrong of City Styles received start-up funds to open his shop on Ellicott Street providing hot-towel shaves and contemporary styles like unique fades and brush-cuts. And, Colin Dentino was able to add new equipment and hire additional employees to deliver professional and entertaining “fencing” classes through En Garde.

Overall, these businesses were able to hire three new full-time persons, five part-time employees and retain two jobs with these funds.

The City of Batavia now offers the only small business grant and loan program available in Genesee County allowing requests as low as $1,000 up to $50,000. Eligible applicants must be located within city limits and use funds for business activities within the City of Batavia. Contact the Batavia Development Corporation for more information by dialing 585-345-6380 or visit online at www.BataviaDevelopmentCorp.org. 

Photo, by Howard Owens: Kate Gonzalez, center, with her mother, Margaret Anna, left, and her daughter, Rachael Heatherman.

Photos: John Gardner reading at the Pok-A-Dot

By Howard B. Owens

The John Gardner Society gathered Saturday at the Pok-A-Dot for the annual reading of the author's works.

Readers were Lucine, Bill and Gretel Kauffman, Erica Caldwell, Terry McCormack, Tracy Ford, Maureen Maas-Feary, Brian Paris, Helen Maier, Terry Abrams and John Maier.

WNED's Jay Moran recorded the readings and will air a segment later in the week, possibly on Wednesday.

If you can't view the slide show, click here.

Two-car crash at East Main Street and Masse Place in the city

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported at East Main Street and Masse Place in the City of Batavia. It is blocking traffic. Unknown injuries. City firefighters are responding.

UPDATE 1:02 p.m.: City fire back in service.

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