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Talented? Showcase it at the Genesee County Fair Talent Show July 21, for ages 6 and up

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Searching for talented children and adults! The Genesee County Fair Talent show is July 21st and anyone age 6 and older is invited to participate. 

There will be cash prizes as well as prize bags containing passes to local attractions and toys for the first-, second- and third-place winners of both the Mini Division (ages 6-12) and the Maxi Division (ages 13 and older).

The link to register is: http://www.gcfair.com/participate-at-the-fair/talent-show/ 

Please email liftschoolofmusic@gmail.com if you have any questions!

Trio suspected of shoplifting apparently planned a surf and turf feast

By Howard B. Owens

Three people were taken into custody around noon at Park and Oak, Batavia, after being stopped as shoplifting suspects.

Charges are pending and their names have not yet been released but police said they recovered a cache of goods allegedly stolen from Tops Friendly Market and Walmart.

The groceries from Tops included, officers said, steaks, lobster, shrimp, a large roast, gluten-free pizza, and several household items, including toilet paper.

The items recovered that appeared to be stolen from Walmart included archery bows.

The suspects appear not to be local residents.

A caller had followed the red van from Tops until police initiated a traffic stop at Park and Oak. The caller reported observing the driver of the red van pounding the steering wheel in an apparent realization they had been caught.

Police are still investigating and will release more information later.

WNY Independent Living Inc. Family of Agencies, with an office in Batavia, names new COO

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The Western New York Independent Living Inc. Family of Agencies (WNYIL) is pleased to announce that Stephanie Orlando has joined their team as chief operations officer (COO), second only to Chief Executive Officer Douglas J. Usiak.

As COO, she is responsible for the overall supervision of over 2,500 employees at seven offices, serving 12 counties, that have an annual operating budget of more than $40 million. The Batavia office (Independent Living of Genesee Region) is located at 113 Main St.

She will help manage 61 contracts, including 18 management care and managed long-term care agreements, including federal grants, as well as state and local contracts. In addition, she helps manage 13 subcontracts with community-based organizations that provide services to 23 counties.

Some selected highlights of Orlando's accomplishments and honors:

  • In 2005, the Western New York native moved to Albany to work for Families Together in New York State where she developed the statewide network YOUTH POWER! (YP!). Through peer-to-peer mentoring YP! empowers young people to be leaders and advocates. Notable among the other programs she helped develop, was the 2015 New York State Office of Mental Health Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Youth Peer Advocate training curriculum, which she co-authored with Jutta Dotterweich of Cornell University. She transitioned out as YP! director in 2017.
  • Also, in 2005, Orlando connected to other advocates by joining the National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN). Attending their Leadership Institute resulted in her serving for years on the National Council on Disability’s (NCD) Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), holding the positions of Outreach Workgroup Leader, Chairperson, and Mentor. In 2012, President Barack Obama appointed her, (confirmed by the U.S. Senate), to serve a two-year term on the full NCD. In this period, Orlando served on the Executive Committee as the chairperson of the Governance and Planning Committee.
  • From 2001 to 2005, she was the executive assistant for the Children’s Mental Health Coalition of Western New York, organizing a variety of activities.
  • From 1999 to 2001 Orlando worked as the lead Youth Peer Advocate for Mid-Erie Counseling and Treatment Services. Also, in 1999, Stephanie was selected as an original member of the New York State Office of Mental Health Youth Advisory Council and elected Chairperson.
  • Having received her high-school-equivalency diploma, Orlando obtained her Bachelor of Arts and graduated magna cum laude from the University at Buffalo in 2005.
  • Among her honors are: the Erie County Executive Award for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (2004); Mental Health America’s mPower Award (2006); the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)'s Diana Viets Memorial Award (2008); and the Leila Salmon Advocacy Award from The New York State Mental Health Association (NYSMHA).

We of WNYIL look forward to working with Stephanie Orlando in this exciting new role.

WNYIL is Western New York's largest cross-disability, consumer-directed, non-residential organization for persons with disabilities. At WNYIL, individuals of all ages and all types of disabilities learn to exercise their freedom of choice to take control of their own lives, in order to live more productively in, and contribute to, the community.

Residents at Premier Genesee moved off of top floors yesterday after AC outage but repairs made, portable AC units ordered to supplement system

By Howard B. Owens

Premier Genesee Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, the former county nursing home on Bank Street, Batavia, was hit by two air conditioning outages this week, according to the facility's director, but the AC is working now and portable ACs are being delivered to help improve cooling on the third, fourth, and fifth floors.

The first outage was only for a couple of hours on Monday and it was repaired that day. Yesterday, the outage lasted longer and residents were moved from the upper floors to the first-floor mall during repairs and re-cooling the building, said Executive Director Christine Schaller.

"It took a few hours to cool down the upper floors due to extreme outdoor heat," Schaller said. "We will continue checking all room temps routinely today and taking other measures to keep everyone cool."

Lisa Sofia, CEO of Premier Healthcare Management, has informed staff that 20 portable air-conditioning units have been ordered for the Batavia facility. Five are expected to arrive today and 15 on Saturday.

The units, Schaller said, will be used to assist in keeping the upper floors cool during the current heat wave.

Schaller shared an internal memo from Director of Nursing Tina Ferrando about the situation yesterday. She said state officials arrived at 1:45 p.m. to survey the situation.

"They took temperatures, interviewed residents and staff, as well as myself," Ferrando wrote. "(They) saw our plan in action -- all residents from upper units (3, 4, and 5) being comfortably cared for on the first floor -- using the mall walk, main dining room, and rehab dining rooms. It went well. We were doing everything we said we would and they seemed pleased with that."

The Batavian contacted the state's spokesman for the Department of Health. He didn't immediately have information available but said he would look into it and get back to us.

Ferrando said upper floor temps were checked about 7 p.m. and had fallen to below 81 degrees, so staff began moving residents back to those units. They were back in their units by 8:15 p.m.

"All residents were kept comfortable, enjoyed ice water, lemonade, juice, popsicles, ice cream, and other refreshments all day," Ferrando wrote, "with movies and music."

She promised supervisors will stay on top of the situation, regularly checking temperatures and immediately report any temperature increases.

UPDATE 2:30 p.m.: Statement from the State Department of Health:

“Ensuring the well-being of all nursing home residents is of the utmost importance of the state health department.  We are investigating concerns related to the Premier Genesee Rehabilitation and Nursing’s air conditioning system.  The Department will continue to closely monitor the situation.”   

UPDATED: Cat had it made in the shade but was left in the lurch on Prune Street in the city

By Billie Owens
 
The cat in the two submitted photos posted here thought it had it made. It had a home and family with children to love it, a collar with a tiny bell on it, and of course, food, water and shelter.
 
In the spring, a pair of little girls came over and told a couple on Prune Street in the city that their cat was stuck in the couple's tree. The brindle-colored tiger shorthair cat was retrieved and that was that.
 
But weeks ago everything changed. Suddenly, the cat became "unaffordable" and it was no longer welcome in the place it once called home. The collar disappeared.
 
And Jim and Peggy Benedict, that couple on Prune Street, found the cat spending more and more time in their yard, up their tree, on their back porch.
 
"We didn't want it to starve to death, so we put food out for it," Peggy says, adding that the cat appears to have gotten skinnier since spring.
 
Jim approached a neighboring family about the animal, but the head of the household denied ownership.
 
The couple has two stray cats already and adopted a Plott hound, the state dog of North Carolina, last fall. They can't keep this foundling and are hoping a reader of The Batavian will step up and take this cat to a forever home. There's zero room at the Genesee County Animal Shelter; Peggy knows -- she calls every day.
 
Peggy says she's not sure if the feline is a female or a neutered male. She says she will pay for a voucher to get a low-cost spay, if it turns out to be an unspayed female.
 
Peggy guesses the cat is a year or 2 old at most. For now, it lives outside in the Benedicts' yard.
 
Very friendly, is how she describes the cat. Likes cats, dogs, children, adults. Easy going, sweet disposition; affectionate; likes to be rubbed and petted.

If you would like to meet this unnamed mystery cat, or can help with a home, please call Peggy at 813-5949.
 
UPDATE 7:20 p.m.: Larry Delre, of Delre's Greenhouse & Garden Center at 4062 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, saw the post and went to visit the cat this afternoon at the Benedicts' house. He was smitten with the feline and will come to fetch it tomorrow. Jim and Peggy Benedict, the temporary caretakers who live on Prune Street in Batavia, are thrilled that everything has worked out for the good of this poor abandoned creature. Yippee!

Donations coming in to help Peace Garden after theft of urns

By Howard B. Owens

News of the theft of urns from the Batavia Peace Garden has prompted community members to come forward and help both with the replacement of the urns as well improving security at the park.

Carol Grasso told WBTA this morning that Michael Tomaszewski, owner of Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, has offered to replace the urns.

Another anonymous donor has offered to help pay for security cameras and improved lighting.

"Michael Tomaszewski, he's such a great guy; he goes so much for our community," Grasso said. "He called Paula (Savage) up and he said, 'I'm going to replace those for you.' We were just the ecstatic. He was kind enough to do this for us. He's just always been such a good supporter of the Peace Garden."

As for security, the Peace Garden board had already decided to purchase a video camera and lighting but still needed to raise more money for it. The anonymous donation helps.

"It's not cheap, you know, and then you have to have them installed," Grasso said. "We don't have any money coming into the Peace Garden. Everything we do is through donations and fundraisers. We're very fortunate to have a community that is supportive of us."

Grasso thinks it took more than one person to steal the urns.

"They were two huge, large -- they probably come up to your waist, that's how big they are," Grasso said. "They are heavy and solid granite. They're just beautiful, black. They are just gorgeous ... whoever took them, it had to be a couple of people because you can't just move them."

WBTA is news partners with The Batavian.

Caller upset after hitting raccoon

By Howard B. Owens

A caller is apparently distraught after hitting a raccoon with her car in the City of Batavia.

A dispatcher has asked an officer to stop and speak with her to calm her down and "let her know it's OK."

No location was given for the accident.

UPDATE 1:40 p.m.: About 10 minutes ago, the caller decided "she's moving on" after determining that she suffered no injuries and her vehicle is not damaged.

Muckdogs beat division leaders behind strong outing by RJ Peace

By Andy Helwig

The Muckdogs topped Pinckney Division-leaders Mahoning Valley 4-3 on Independence Day for their third win in four games. RJ Peace had another strong start, and as a result, he secured his second win of the season. He was able to keep the league’s top offense to just one run through five innings.

The only run Peace gave up was in the first inning. A leadoff triple by Gabriel Mejia set the Scrappers in motion to start the game. Jose Fermin followed it up immediately with a single to make the game 1-0 after just two batters. In the second inning though, Peace found his groove. He retired seven straight batters and put Batavia in a position to take the lead.

The Muckdogs did just that in the top of the fourth inning. Three straight batters for Batavia would come around to score. Michael Donadio hit a single to start things off for a ninth game in the last 13 where he would get at least one hit. Sean Reynolds reached on an error to put runners on first and second. Albert Guaimaro ripped another RBI single, following up a performance where he had three last night. Demetrius Sims then extended his hit streak to six games with another RBI single. His hit also made it four straight multi-hit games for Sims.

Luke Jarvis continued the fun by knocking in his first professional RBI to make it 3-1.

The game would come across two consecutive scoreless innings until the seventh inning. Igor Baez then launched a home run over the left field wall to make it a 4-1 ballgame.

Bryce Howe would work his second inning of relief after the seventh inning stretch. He allowed two baserunners to start the inning. They would both come to score, but only one was earned as a result of a throwing error.

While it was a 4-3 game, Elkin Alcala came on to shut the door in the eighth and struck out the side. In the ninth, he would allow a leadoff walk. However, he was able to get a strikeout because of a foul bunt with two strikes. Then, a tailor-made double play ended the game and gave the Muckdogs the win.

Game two of the series is Thursday night, with a 7:05 first pitch from Eastwood Field. The Scrappers haven’t lost a series all season, and Batavia has a chance to deal them their first tomorrow.

Photos: GO ART!'S 40th annual Picnic in the Park 2018

By Steve Ognibene

The Original Red Osier Landmark Restaurant in Stafford presented GO ART!'s 40th annual Picnic in the Park today in Centennial Park. There were many local nonprofit sponsored booths along with food, arts and crafts vendors.  

A variety of bands were showcased on the main stage and Buffalo Aerial Dance performed next to the stage. A kiddie parade kicked things off and children's activities continued throughout the day.

Kelly's Old Timers band

Photos: Annual Kiwanis 5K

By Howard B. Owens

Bill Buckenmeyer crossed the finish line first in the annual Fourth of July Kiwanis 5K at Centennial Park in Batavia.

More than 280 runners and walkers participated this year.

Nine local students named to Buffalo State College Spring 2018 dean's list

By Billie Owens

Buffalo State College is pleased to recognize the following students who have been named to the Spring 2018 dean's list. To qualify, students must earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours.

  • Kaylee Cassidy, of Batavia (Anthropology)
  • Hannah Dunlap, of Batavia (Business Administration)
  • Matthew Stroka, of Corfu (Communication Design)
  • Joelle Fugle, of Corfu (English)
  • Megan Schmieder, of Alexander (English)
  • Katie Manges, of Oakfield (Family and Consumer Science Education)
  • Alissa Rodriguez, of Corfu (Health/Wellness)
  • Raelynn Moskal, of Alexander (Hospitality Administration)
  • John Przybysz, of Corfu (Psychology)

Buffalo State is a State University of New York (SUNY) college located in Buffalo, New York. The college offers 79 undergraduate majors as well as many minors and certificate programs. Every year, thousands of students benefit from Buffalo State's community engagement, hands-on learning opportunities, and affordable SUNY tuition.

Thirty-four acts on tap for 2018 Batavia Ramble this Saturday

By Howard B. Owens

Photo: Paul Draper and Stephen Kowalcyk, co-directors of the 2018 Batavia Ramble Music and Arts Festival.

Press release:

The 2018 Batavia Ramble Music & Arts Festival will be held on Saturday, July 7th, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. This year we will have two main stages that will feature live performances from 34 local bands & artists.

The "Eli Fish" stage will be located in Jackson Square and the "Center Street" stage will be located in the parking lot across from Center Street Smoke House.

Along with musical performances, we will also have local artists, craft vendors and food trucks lined up all along Center Street.

As always, The Batavia Ramble is free to the public so bring a chair and a few friends and come and check out the biggest show in Batavia! For additional information, please email Paul Draper III at TheBataviaRamble@gmail.com

The 2018 music lineup:

 Eli Fish Stage:

  • Ghost Riders
  • Me & Red
  • Koko & The Moon Crickets
  • Justin Williams Band
  • Shotgun Pauly
  • Trolls 2.0
  • Genesee Ted
  • Driven
  • Zero
  • Old Hippies
  • Sierra
  • Noahs Reign
  • Bluesway Band
  • Warren Skye & Friends
  • Eagle Creek
  • Justin Crossett Band
  • Audibull

Center Street Stage:

  • J. Hopkins
  • Grizzwoode
  • PD3
  • Dave Holnbeck
  • Steve Kruppner
  • Kruppner Brothers
  • Jenny & Michelle
  • Beethovan's Dream Group Again
  • The Live Bait Band
  • The Pedestrians
  • Lonesome Road
  • Rock Soulgers
  • Gretchen & The Girls
  • Blues Daddios
  • Mercury Express
  • Conspiracy Theory
  • We are Groot

Muckdogs supply fireworks on and off the field for Independence celebration

By Andy Helwig

The Muckdogs got their third walk-off win of the season on Tuesday night against the West Virginia Black Bears. Batavia clinched the series win as the team topped West Virginia for the bottom of the ninth for the second time in three nights.

The game had an eerily similar start to the game that was played on Monday night: Muckdogs score one in the top of the first, give up multiple runs a few innings later, and then have to come back late in the game. Brayan Hernandez came around to score in the top of the first on the first of three RBI singles from Albert Guaimaro.

Martin Anderson, who made his first Muckdogs start in the game, was excellent through the first 2.2 IP. However, getting that third out of the third inning would prove to be difficult, and would result in four runs crossing the plate in the inning. Dylan Cyphert would come on in relief to get Batavia out of the inning.

The Muckdogs found multiple chances to score again in the game. They loaded the bases in the sixth and Guaimaro would drive in another run to make it 4-2, but Pablo Garcia bounced into an inning-ending 3-2-3 double play. Garcia made up for it on the defensive side, where he picked off two runners from behind the plate.

The seventh inning had some fireworks of its own before the Independence Eve show even started. Batavia loaded up the bases for the second straight inning. After a pair of infield singles from Gerardo Nunez and Matt Brooks, Hernandez would look to make it three in a row. He squared to bunt, and the throw from the pitcher to first base was too far away to catch, which allowed one run to score, and put runners on second and third base after the error. Michael Donadio got hit by a pitch after to load the bases.

Guaimaro roped a line drive into left field with one out. A diving catch was made by Edison Lantigua and by the time he got up to throw, Brooks had supposedly tagged up and nearly scored to tie the game at four. Shortly after the celebration, the Black Bears appealed to third to see if Brooks had left early, and home plate umpire Tyler Witte called Brooks out.

That was then the third out and reversed the score to 4-3. Mike Jacobs was ejected after arguing the call, leaving the Muckdogs with one less run and a manager than they thought they would have after the seventh inning.           

In the eighth and ninth innings, Batavia’s bullpen was able to shut the door on the Black Bear bats, leaving things up to the bottom of the ninth. Hernandez smacked a leadoff double to start the frame.

Sean Reynolds would draw a one-out walk two batters later to set up Guaimaro to hit his third RBI single of the game. Hernandez scored to make it a tie game and both Reynolds and Guaimaro moved into scoring position on the throw.

Since the Muckdogs had the winning run 90 feet away, the Black Bears decided to walk Denis Karas to load the bases for a third straight inning. Hoping to get the out at the plate, West Virginia was going to take their chances with Demetrius Sims, who is on a five-game hit streak. He collected a total seven hits in the series, with the last one coming in the game’s final at-bat.

Sims hit s short ground ball to the first baseman Luke Mangieri, who couldn’t make a play before Reynolds scored from third to win the game 5-4. That was the third walk-off win of the season for Batavia and the second of the series against the Black Bears.

The Muckdogs head out on the road for a three-game series against the Pinckney Division leaders: the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Afterward, they will return home for another three-game set against the State College Spikes.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Top Photo and second photo: Muckdogs Manager Mike Jacobs getting tossed from the game by a seemingly smiling home plate umpire Tyler Witte in the seventh inning. After getting tossed, Jacobs walked over to home plate and methodically and meticulously covered it with dirt. Jacobs disputed a call by Witte that Matt Brooks left third base too soon when he tagged up on a fly out to left field. Instead of scoring the tying run, Brooks became the third out of the inning as a result of the call.

Dylan Cyphert pitched two-and-one-third innings, giving up two hits and no runs. He walked one.

Center fielder Brayan Hernandez had three hits in five at bats and scored twice. One of his hits was a double.

Albert Guaimaro had three hits in five at bats.

Brayan Hernandez

Upton Monument to get new, modern lighting in advance of its 100th anniversary

By Howard B. Owens

It's not exactly a facelift Gen. Emery Upton will get on the Soldier's Monument at the corner of Ellicott and Main streets in the City of Batavia, but when his bronze sculpture turns 100 next year, you should be able to see it better at night.

Lighting Design Innovations, a Batavia-based company, is planning to install new lighting on the monument next month thanks to $1,500 in donations the company has received for the project.

The county's Ways and Means Committee is recommending the Legislature accept the donation.

Assistant County Manager Matt Landers said company officials describe the current lighting as "flood lights" and their designers will come up with a plan to appropriately light the monument with more modern fixtures to make it more attractive when viewed at night.

LDI, which donated the rotating color lighting for the cupola of the Old Courthouse last year, is also trying to secure $6,500 in donations to pay for colored lighting on two of the pillars of the Old Courthouse.

"They are obviously very passionate about lighting," Landers said.

The offer was well received by the members of the Legislature.

"I think it’s very generous of them," said Marianne Clattenburg, who is chair of Ways and Means.

The Soldier's Monument was first conceived by local citizens in 1882 as a way to pay tribute to those from the area who died in the Civil War. A committee was formed to champion the idea but fundraising, apparently, didn't start until 1903. The first donation came from Albert Knapp.

By the end of the year, the fund reached $1,713.66.

In 1904, voters approved a $10,000 expenditure for the monument. The city agreed to pay another $15,000.

In 1907, there was a move to put Lincoln's bust atop the monument.

The next year, there was an effort to locate the monument in what is now Centennial Park (then called State Park) instead of its present -- and originally proposed -- location.

In 1911, the Genesee County Soldier's Monument Association was formed.

In 1917, the Board of Supervisors viewed a wooden model of the proposed monument and appropriated $10,000 for the project.

The city, at that point, was willing to chip in $5,000.

The granite structure was constructed in Barre, Vt., in 1918. C.A. Worden, a New Yorker, was the designer.

The base was placed in August 1918.

By October 1918, crews were ready to affix the eagle at the top, with a 3-foot, 10-inch tail, and an eight-foot wingspan. The bronze figure of Gen. Emory Upton was paid for by his sister, Sarah Edwards. Another sister, Sara Upton Evans, also made a contribution.

Supervisors accepted monument in January 1919.

As of February 1919, the City had not yet paid for its share of the monument. The county threatened to sue the city and after the county paid the $5,000 due from its contingency fund, the City Council approved paying its $5,000 share In April 1919.

The monument was dedicated Aug. 6, 1919. 

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens.

Sponsored Post: Motivated sellers at 147 Pearl Street

By Lisa Ace


Superbly maintained 3 bedroom bath and a half home with not one ounce of anything to do! This home is no flip...completely gutted and remodeled within the last 5 years, beautifully done and tastefully decorated.

Roof full tear off 4 yrs. ago, furnace 5 yrs. Beautiful cherry cabinetry with granite countertops, all stainless appliances to stay. plus washer/dryer! Nice formal dining with extra large living room area with cozy gas fireplace–great for entertaining.

Upstairs bath fully gutted with super convenient upstairs laundry area and three large bedrooms. All new carpeting throughout as well!

Outside features an extra wide drive and double lot and nice back deck...Inexpensive utilities and no flood insurance, what more do you want?

Check it out -- click here for more details on this listing or call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today 585-344-HOME!

Law and Order: Driver accused of pointing shotgun at another person during road rage incident

By Howard B. Owens

Jacob John Sponaugle, 19, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with menacing, 2nd, and criminal possession of a weapon,4th. Sponaugle allegedly pointed a shotgun at another person during a road rage incident reported at 2:52 p.m. Friday at Main and Bank streets in Downtown Batavia.

Jeremiah Lamar Gregory Burt, 23, of Victoria Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Burt was stopped at 6:45 p.m. Saturday on Main Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Jacob Lee Jasinski, 20, of Akron Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI, moving from lane unsafely, and unsafe tires. Jasinski was reportedly involved in a one-car accident at 3:55 a.m. Sunday on Main Road, Pembroke. A utility pole was broken in the accident. The accident was investigated by Deputy Ryan Young.

Stephen Michael Milroy, 23, of Junction Road, Pavilion, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Milroy was arrested on a warrant and jailed on $500 bail or $2,000 bond.

Matthew Richard Jackson, 27, of Vernon Avenue, of Batavia, is charged with: DWI; driving with a BAC of .08 or greater; leaving the scene of a property damage accident; driving left of pavement markings; and moving from lane unsafely. Jackson was stopped at 3:14 p.m. Sunday on Main Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Mathew Clor.

John Kelly, 27, of Parkway, Rochester, is charged with criminal trespass, obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, and harassment, 2nd. Kelly was charged following an investigation into an incident reported at 10 p.m. June 17 at a residence on Bethany Le Roy Road, Stafford, by Deputy Rachel Diehl.

Cherie M. Oddo, 57, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Oddo is accused of stealing $7.69 worth of merchandise from Tops Friendly Market.

Joseph Thomas Burr, 24, of North Lyon Street, Batavia, is charged with robbery, 3rd, two counts of grand larceny, 4th, and endangering the welfare of a child. Burr is accused of stealing another person's wallet during an argument reported at 3:30 p.m., Friday.

Danny D. Williams, 29, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal mischief, 4th. Williams was allegedly involved in an incident on Central Avenue reported at 8:45 p.m. June 11. Williams was also charged with petit larceny for allegedly shoplifting at Tops Friendly Market on June 17. He was also arrested on a warrant out of City Court.

John A. Snook, 30, of Oak Orchard Road, Albion, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to comply with a court-ordered program. 

Joseph W. Freeman, 34, of Platten Road, Lyndonville, was arrested on a warrant and ordered held on $1,000 bail. No further details about the charges released.

Christine Marie Wagner, 37, of East Main Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Wagner was charged following an investigation into possible employee theft at a local business. Also charged with petit larceny, Irisa M. Hill, 22, of Wood Street, Batavia. 

John D. Radley, 57, of Route 20A, Warsaw, is charged with DWI and driving while impaired by alcohol. At 4:37 p.m. on June 22, police were alerted to a person reportedly drinking alcohol in a running motor vehicle in the parking lot of Tops Friendly Market. Upon arrival, police allegedly found Radley slumped over the wheel, asleep.

A 16-year-old resident of Batavia is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle and criminal possession of stolen property. 

Joshua P. Fields, 21, of Batavia Bethany Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and unsafe backing. Fields was arrested on a warrant. He posted bail and was released.

Thomas Andrew Woldford, 42, of Ringquist Street, Las Vegas, is charged with DWI and failure to dim headlights. Woldford was stopped at 1:19 a.m. Monday on Route 33, Stafford, by Deputy Jeremy McClellan after Woldford allegedly failed to dim his headlights for oncoming traffic.

Brittany A. Young, 23, of Buffalo, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, unlawful possession of marijuana, unlicensed operation, 3rd, and speeding. Young was stopped by State Police on Route 77 in Darien at 3:45 p.m. on June 25. While interviewing the driver, troopers detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Young was allegedly found to be driving on a suspended license and was also found to be in possession of marijuana and a controlled substance. Young posted $500 bail and was released from jail pending her next court appearance in Darien Town Court.

Vikki L. Sullivan, 32, of Norfolk, Va., is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. State Police came into contact with Sullivan at 2:39 a.m. Sunday at an undisclosed location in the Town of Darien.

Shawn R. Bowick, 32, of Leicester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and a license plate violation. Bowick was stopped by State Police at 6:15 p.m. Friday on Route 63, Batavia.

Rahiim J. Collazo, 40, of Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, speeding, obstructed vision, license plate violation, and no license. Tiffany M. Santos, 35, of Rochester, is charged with permitting unlicensed operation and facilitating aggravated unlicensed operation. Callazo was stopped by State Police at 7:40 p.m. Friday on Batavia Elba Townline Road, Batavia.

A 17-year-old resident of Attica was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana by State Police during a traffic stop on Route 98 in Alexander at 1:54 a.m. on Sunday.

Urns stolen from Batavia Peace Garden

By Virginia Kropf

Paula Savage looks forward to her regular visits to Batavia’s Peace Garden, a concept she founded in 2012 for the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.

Her visit on Monday morning, however, was met with shock, when she discovered someone had stolen two large urns and a ceramic snail lawn ornament from the Garden on Main Street.

“I come about every other day to water the urns and pull weeds,” Savage said Tuesday morning, as she waited for police to arrive. “This is terrible. I know people in our community respect this garden.”

The large footed urns were purchased by Savage and placed on either side of a marble bench near the flags.

She was alerted to the theft by a man who said he frequently walks his dog in the area. He noticed loose dirt on the footbridge over Tonawanda Creek, which leads Savage to believe the thieves came from the other side of the creek.

“Possibly the urns got too heavy and they dumped some of the dirt out on the bridge,” she said. “There had to have been a group of people to carry those two big urns and the ceramic lawn ornament.”

Savage said this garden is revered by the community and is promoted by New York state. It was the first Peace Garden on the New York State Bicentennial Peace Garden Trail.

“There is such an emphasis on keeping this garden beautiful, and a lot of effort goes into maintaining it,” Savage said. “I came to water the urns because I wanted the garden to look pristine for the Fourth of July.”

Batavia Patrolman C.J. Lindsay said they will be checking security cameras at businesses across the street.

Savage said the Peace Garden Committee will be investigating the possibility of security cameras and/or motion lights in the area.

“We don’t want this to happen again,” she said.

The urns stolen were dark colored and made of a resin, and the lawn ornament was a ceramic snail. Savage said if anyone sees anything resembling them, they should contact the Batavia Police Department.

Top photo: Paula Savage, founder of the International Peace Garden, shows Batavia Police Officer C.J. Lindsay where someone stole two large urns from the Peace Garden on Main Street during the weekend.

Paula Savage holds a handful of flowers which were pulled from two large urns before vandals stole them out of Batavia’s Peace Garden, presumably during Sunday night. Photos by Virginia Kropf.

SUNY GCC Spring President's List announced

By Billie Owens

BATAVIA, NY (06/20/2018)-- A total of 280 students from Genesee Community College are named to the President's List for the Spring 2018 semester. Students honored on the President's List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

Miranda Schiller of Alexander, NY

Alexis Hackmer of Alexander, NY

Haley Wasikowski of Alexander, NY

Nathan Henry of Alexander, NY

Mary Guarino of Alexander, NY

Trey Nadolinski of Basom, NY

Cassidy Miller of Batavia, NY

Quinten Weis of Batavia, NY

Marissa Jacques of Batavia, NY

Gregory Mruczek of Batavia, NY

Joshua Barton of Batavia, NY

Tessa Lynn of Batavia, NY

Alexander Rigerman of Batavia, NY

Abby Stendts of Batavia, NY

Cory Feary of Batavia, NY

Samuel Lang of Batavia, NY

Daisy Cervantes of Batavia, NY

Sabrina Walton of Batavia, NY

Neve Georgia of Batavia, NY

Jessica Caryl of Batavia, NY

Angelina Miconi of Batavia, NY

Alexis DeLong of Batavia, NY

Danielle Shaffer of Batavia, NY

Nicholas Callisher-Pucillo of Batavia, NY

Lisa Heath of Batavia, NY

Matthew Fouquet of Batavia, NY

William Rippel of Batavia, NY

Lydia Aquina of Batavia, NY

Ashlee Ohlson of Batavia, NY

Jessica Accardi of Batavia, NY

Shelby Hill of Batavia, NY

Audra Davis of Batavia, NY

Emily Lontkowski of Batavia, NY

Leighann Howland of Batavia, NY

Samantha Hyback of Batavia, NY

Megan West of Batavia, NY

Katelyn Brown of Corfu, NY

Shaunna Conti of Corfu, NY

Alex Bookmiller of Corfu, NY

Kaylee Schaber of Corfu, NY

Lynne Blake of Corfu, NY

Morgan Miller of Corfu, NY

Spencer Graff of Corfu, NY

Rachel Miller of Corfu, NY

Katharine Smallwood of Corfu, NY

Kiara Santiago of Corfu, NY

Melinda Neal of Corfu, NY

Alexander Breissinger of Darien Center, NY

Zachary Paris of East Bethany, NY

Brian Wlazlak of East Bethany, NY

Jenna Huntington of Elba, NY

Susan Boula of Elba, NY

Henry Stratton of Elba, NY

Laura Lundmark of Oakfield, NY

Jessica Waite of Oakfield, NY

Stephanie Halat of Oakfield, NY

Kasey Edgerton of Oakfield, NY

Lauren Graney of Stafford, NY

James Berggren of Bergen, NY

Thomas Berggren of Bergen, NY

Kristen Hale of Bergen, NY

David Mackey of Bergen, NY

Paul Elliott of Bergen, NY

Taylor McPherson of Bergen, NY

Alexandria Loewke of Bergen, NY

Amber Salway of Bergen, NY

Taylor Dimmig of Bergen, NY

Margaret-Mary Gabalski of Byron, NY

Colin Noeth of Byron, NY

Grace Campbell of Byron, NY

Kitana Maher of Byron, NY

Marissa Conte of Le Roy, NY

Haley Steen of Le Roy, NY

Dominic Filio of Le Roy, NY

Riley DeBellis of Le Roy, NY

Mary Ross of Le Roy, NY

Lauren Hull of Le Roy, NY

Valaurie Zweigle of Le Roy, NY

Megan Furr of Le Roy, NY

Ceciely Palmer of Le Roy, NY

Jamie Englerth of Le Roy, NY

Nicholas Chamoun of Le Roy, NY

Rebekah Spicer of Pavilion, NY

Maelee Sanford of Pavilion, NY

Benjamin Werner of Pavilion, NY

Genesee Community College serves more than 6,000 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics. 

GCC's new Student Success Center makes admissions, financial aid and enrollment a simple and efficient process. The college has earned three national sports titles; most recently, the Men's Soccer team brought home the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association D-III title. The athletics program, housed in the brand new, state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena hosts more than a dozen intercollegiate men's and women's teams.

Highly convenient, GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as a significant online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high tech" and "high touch."

Four local students named to Spring dean's list at Morrisville State College

By Billie Owens

MORRISVILLE, NY (06/25/2018)-- Morrisville State College recently announced the students who were named to the dean's list for the Spring 2018 semester. To be named to the dean's list, a student must achieve an average of 3.0 to 3.99 for the semester and complete 12 credit hours.

Jenna Doktor, of Corfu, majoring in Equine Science -- Bachelor of Technology

Emily Mikel, of Stafford, majoring in Animal Science -- Dairy

Jesse Pflaumer, of Elba, majoring in Technology Management -- Bachelor of Technology

Andrew Wolfe, of Batavia, majoring in Natural Resources Conservation

SUNY Morrisville's curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology and has been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs.

The college was ranked among the Best Regional Colleges in the North by U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges 2018 issue and was also recognized in the Top Public Schools, Regional Colleges North in the 2018 Best Colleges rankings.

Volunteers needed for GLOW Corporate Cup race on Thursday, Aug. 2

By Billie Owens

Volunteers are wanted to help with setup, traffic control, food and cleanup at the upcoming GLOW Corporate Cup on Thursday, Aug. 2.

If interested, register at the front desk at GLOW YMCA Inc., located at 209 E. Main St. in Batavia.

Volunteers are needed for various times between 4:30 and 8 p.m. on race day Aug. 2. You must be at least 18 years old.

For questions, contact Rachel Hale, Community Development coordinator, at 344-1664 or email her at  Rhale@glowymca.org

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