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Batavia police warn of 'Bondsman scam'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department has received multiple complaints of a possible “Bondsman” scam.

Each incident reports that a “Bondsman” has called to inform them that a family member has been injured in an accident out of state and subsequently arrested. The “Bondsman” has requested a large amount of money sent via Western Union to bail out their family member.

The Batavia Police Department wants to remind everyone, that if they receive this or similar calls they should contact family members to confirm if their family member was involved in an accident. Do not send money via Western Union and check with your family members.

If you feel you have been part of this scam, please contact the Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350 to report the incident.

Anyone with questions may contact the Batavia Police Department at 585-345-6350, the confidential tip line at 585-345-6370 or online here

Photos: Arc's Chowder Fest

By Howard B. Owens

John Brown shows off his LED-lit Christmas sweater during today's chowder fest, a fundraiser for Arc of Genesee Orleans, at the Arc's community center on Woodrow Road, Batavia.

Photos: Santa visits Oliver's Candies in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Kamrey Reigle, 4, gives Santa a hug today at Oliver's Candies. The store brought Santa to town today along with ponies for the children to ride.

Aubri Dart, 2, wasn't as sure about Santa, even crying rather than get on his lap, as some of the other children did.

Eithan Worden, 3, with his mother, Jamie Worden, enjoyed his pony ride.

Photos: Wonderland of Trees gala at Holland Land Office Museum

By Howard B. Owens

The theme of one Christmas tree on display at the Holland Land Office Museum Wonderland of Trees is decorated with pictures of Jim Owen, who is frequently in local media pictures.

Above, he poses with an autographed picture he received today from the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The picture was taken while Cuomo was in town to announce Batavia's $10 million award in the Downtown Revitalization Initiative contest.

Owen was among the guests at HLOM last night for the annual Wonderland of Trees gala, which included a performance by a bell choir and an ugly Christmas sweater contest.

The winners of the contest below: Laura Banister, Kris Banister, Robin Ettinger and Ellen Bachorski.

Genesee Tourism: Candy-Coated Delight Found Only at Oliver’s Candies

By Genesee County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center

Walking into Oliver’s Candies is a treat for the senses – the smell of chocolate and other sweets-in-the-making, the shelves of bright, colorful candies, and the excitement of choosing that delectable treat to indulge in on your way out the door. This sweet little shop in Batavia, NY is all about the homemade touch – and it shows in the delicious goodies they craft right in house.

On a trip to Batavia, you can’t miss Oliver’s. And you probably won’t – it’s the only Swiss-style chalet in the town, simply beckoning visitors to swing by and check it out. In fact, the original building was once part of Joseph Oliver’s house. Open since 1932, Oliver’s is currently on its fourth generation of family owners, and it continues to use those proven family recipes that make up the Oliver’s difference – real ingredients, butter, cream, and other natural products. Cocoa beans are hand-selected to produce the best and sweetest chocolate in the area – a level of melty-goodness and care that is not found elsewhere.

No matter what time of year you visit, Oliver’s has the right treats to fit the season. Homemade ice cream and custard (with fresh whipped cream!) are a hit in the summer months, while the winter brings on ribbon candy and homemade candy canes. Sponge candy is a famous favorite that can be found year-round, dipped in milk, white or dark chocolate, or found “naked” if you so desire it. The famous WNY delicacy has a sugary, melt-in-your-mouth toffee inside, arranged in a light, honeycomb center, with a chocolate coating that is irresistible for anyone who takes a bite.

Oliver’s goes all out for the holidays. This winter season, the shelves are filled with peppermint bark, snowballs, gummi snowflakes, foiled Santas and bells, Christmas fudge, red and green malt balls, and more – offering a tasty treat for parties, gifts, or stocking stuffers for the kids. Seasonal gift baskets and boxes are also available as the perfect gift for the choco-holic in your life. And on select days, Santa and Mrs. Claus make an appearance at the store (even they agree that Oliver’s has the best candy selection for miles around).

Note: Order online and Oliver’s provides free shipping on orders of $50 or more. It’s all too easy to hit that $50 mark when you see the selection they have to offer! Or find Oliver’s Candies on Amazon – new this year!

Want to see how it’s all done? Oliver’s offers private tours of their candy-coated operations by appointment, so you can see the progression from cocoa bean to casing. It’s a fun peek into the process (think Lucy and Ethel in the candy factory, but with more precision and less chaos!).

In short, you’ve got to visit this small-town candy shop with BIG flavor. The love and care they put into their products are as tangible as the chocolate scent that fills the air.

Check out the Oliver’s website for photos, orders, recipes, trivia questions, and video. And don’t forget to check their social channels on Facebook or Twitter for coupons, special offers, giveaways, and early warnings about approaching “candy holidays.”  

To learn more visit www.VisitGeneseeNY.com

Suspects in shoplifting at Kohl's, high-speed chase, apprehended and jailed

By Howard B. Owens

     Shabre Young      Jeremy Siplin      Davion Jackson

 

Three residents of Rochester are in custody tonight, charged with felony larceny and misdemeanor conspiracy after allegedly stealing $2,200 in merchandise from Kohl's Department Store in Batavia today before leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase into Orleans County.

Charged are Davion Z. Jackson, 23, of Curlew Street, Jeremy L. Siplin, 40, of Lakeview Street, and Shabre A. Young, 25, of Fulton Avenue.

Young is also charged with reckless endangerment in the first degree, unlawfully fleeing police, reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, speeding, speeding in zone, speeding in a school zone, speeding in a work zone, moving from lane unsafely, no turn signal, failure to keep right, and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.

The thefts were reported at 1:31 p.m. Deputies were informed the suspects had fled in a tan Ford van. A short time later, the vehicle was spotted on Route 98 by Deputy Andrew Hale and Trooper Mitch Hamilton.

The peace officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but Young allegedly hit the gas rather than stop and headed north on Route 98.

Reports today indicated that the van reached 120 mph as Young allegedly attempted to elude capture.

During the pursuit, suspects reportedly discarded stolen items from the windows of the vehicle.

At Route 98 and Lime Kiln Road in Albion, Young reportedly attempted to negotiate a turn at a high speed. The van struck a utility pole, shearing it off. Two occupants allegedly fled on foot but were apprehended quickly in close proximity to the vehicle. 

Young was transported to UMMC and subsequently released.

The suspects were arraigned in Town of Batavia Court.

Jackson was jailed on $20,000 cash bail, $30,000 bond; Young on $10,000 bail, $15,000 bond; and Siplin was ordered held without bail.

Additional charges may be pending in Orleans County.

The incident was investigated by deputies Andrew Hale and Joseph Loftus with assistance from other members of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, including investigator Chris Parker and Investigator James Diehl. The State Police, Batavia PD, Albion PD, and the Orleans County Sheriff's Office also assisted. 

Previously: High-speed chase on northbound Route 98 as officers pursue suspected Kohl's shoplifters

Top photo by Tom Rivers, Orleans Hub.

Kiwanis Club of Batavia invites everyone to annual Thanksgiving Morning free skate at Falleti Ice Arena

By Billie Owens

(Pictured above from left are Batavia Kiwanis Club members Jocelyn Sikorski, Matt Landers, Peter Guppenberger and Mark Lewis.)

Submitted photo and press release:

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia would like to invite the community to our Annual Thanksgiving Morning Community Skate at Falleti Ice Arena. It is located at 22 Evans St. in the City of Batavia.

The event runs Thanksgiving morning (Nov. 23) from 9 to 11 a.m. and admission is free, rentals are free (while supplies last) and the hot chocolate is free. Skaters of all skills are welcome!

Come start a new Thanksgiving tradition or continue a tradition that many area families have been participating in for years. A bonus of participating is getting a little exercise in before eating all of that delicious turkey later in the day!

We look forward to seeing all of the smiling faces and Kiwanis is so happy to be able to provide this family friendly entertainment for the community!

"The Kiwanis Club of Batavia would like to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!"

Downtown Redevelopment Initiative committee sets dates for project proposals

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Local Planning Committee has set dates for release of the "Request for Information" project forms that applicants must complete to be considered for funding.

On Monday Nov. 20th Request for Information (RFI) project forms will be available on the City of Batavia's website here, and in hard copy at the City Manager's office located at One Batavia City Centre, Batavia.

The RFI is a short form directing participants to provide basic information about potential projects including project scope, description, budget, and financing. The Local Planning Committee encourages all project ideas that could promote the revitalization of downtown.

"The DRI Local Planning Committee wants to see projects in all stages of the development lifecycle. Some projects will be funded through the DRI program, and others could be completed by deploying other resources, grant programs or held for long-term planning initiatives. We are grateful to New York State for this opportunity to engage all citizens in helping to shape the future of Batavia," say Co-chairs Eugene Jankowski and Steve Hyde.

The Batavia DRI Local Planning Committee will consider local public improvement projects, private development projects, revolving grant and loan projects, as well as branding and marketing projects. The project location must be within the Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) and will be evaluated by the Local Planning Committee.

Here is a link to the BID boundary here.

Batavia DRI RFI Dates and Deadlines

1. Monday Nov. 20th -- RFI project forms available www.batavianewyork.com;

2. Tuesday Nov. 28th -- Informational meeting regarding the RFI project forms -- 2 p.m., in Batavia City Hall, City Council Chambers, One Batavia City Centre, Batavia;

3. Monday Dec. 18th -- RFI project forms due by 4:30 p.m. Please submit via email to eflynn@labellapc.com or deliver hard copy to the City Manager's office located at One Batavia City Centre, Batavia.

No application will be accepted after the 4:30 p.m., Dec. 18, deadline.

Questions regarding the RFI submission can be directed to the DRI consultant, Labella Associates, Ed Flynn, eflynn@labellapc.com or (585) 295-6285.

High-speed chase on northbound Route 98 as officers pursue suspected Kohl's shoplifters

By Billie Owens

(Photo courtesy of Tom Rivers, Orleans Hub. Location is Route 98 and Lime Kiln Road.)

A high-speed pursuit is underway between law enforcement and a tan Ford van occupied by three suspected shoplifters from Kohl's department store.

They are northbound on Route 98, at the Orleans County line and heading into Barre. Speeds exceeding 120 mph. The suspects are throwing merchandise outside the van along the way.

Orleans County officers have been notified.

UPDATE 1:43 p.m.: The vehicle has crashed; it struck a tree or a pole and rolled over and is smoking. The roadway at the county line and Route 98 is going to be shut down. Wires are across the road. Fire police from Albion are called to handle traffic. Deputies are collecting the items discarded from the van.

UPDATE 1:48 p.m.: Mercy medics and Barre Fire Department are responding. Route 98 in Orleans County will be closed between Maple Street and Lime Kiln Road, north of Barre Center.

UPDATE 1:51 p.m.: A pole was struck in the accident; although no power lines are involved, several phone and cable lines are down. Two people will need evaluation by medics, who are told to proceed in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 1:54 p.m.: The incident began around 1:30 p.m. when law enforcement was alerted to a shoplifting incident at Kohl's and three suspects were said to have left in a tan Ford van. A couple of officers responded, including one who was on Park Road. Almost immediately, an officer was following a tan van on Lewiston Road matching the license plates provided to dispatchers by Kohl's security. When the officer attempted to pull the vehicle over, the chase was on. At one point, the driver attempted to make a left turn onto westbound Route 262 and nearly lost control of the van. The chase continued and soon thereafter, the accident occurred.

Batavia woman killed in crash in Chili

By Howard B. Owens

A 70-year-old Batavia woman died yesterday in a two-car accident at the intersection of Chestnut Ridge Road and Paul Road in Chili.

The crash was reported at 2:30 p.m.

It took firefighters 30 minutes to extricate Diane Rebmann from her vehicle. She was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital where she later died.

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office reports that Rebmann was westbound on Paul Road and made a left turn onto Chestnut Ridge Road. They say her vehicle entered the path of a vehicle driven by Joseph Curtis, 18, of North Chili. His vehicle was T-boned and pushed into a telephone pole.

Curtis was not hurt.

Via our news partner 13WHAM

Suspects sought in Plaza Spirits larceny

By Howard B. Owens

Investigators are seeking the public's assistance in identifying two older black males whom they suspect of making off with a cash box from Plaza Spirits at about 1 p.m. today.

According to police, the two individuals worked in tandem, with one subject distracting a store employee while the other one grabbed the cash box.

They then left in separate vehicles.

There were no threats and no weapons were displayed. No one was injured.

One suspect is described at 50 years of age, 5'10" to 5'11", wearing blue jeans, a black hoodie, black and white sneakers, a black and white winter hat and sunglasses.

The other is about 40 years old, 5"10", wearing a blue hat with a white line around it, gray/blue zip-up hoodie, blue/white striped sweatpants, and work boots.

One vehicle was a maroon Chevrolet sedan. The other vehicle was a gray or light blue SUV.

Tips: Det. Thad Mart, (585) 345-6372, or Batavia PD (585) 345-6350, or the Confidential Tip Line (585) 345-6370.

 

Grand Jury: Former Walmart employee indicted for allegedly entering bogus returns into computer system

By Billie Owens

Carlene V. Santiago is indicted for the crime of first-degree falsifying a business record, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on April 30, in the Town of Batavia, that Santiago acted with intent to defraud by making a false entry in the business records of an enterprise. She is accused of entering fraudulent merchandise return information into the Walmart computer system; it is alleged that her intent to defraud included the commission of another crime or to aid or conceal its commission. In counts two through five, Santiago is accused of the same felony on May 13, 27, 31 and June 4, respectively. In count six, the defendant is accused of the crime of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly stealing cash or property worth $622.67 between April 30 and June 4.

Marquis R. Brown is indicted for the crime of third-degree burglary, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 3, Brown knowingly entered or remained unlawfully inside a building on South Lake Road in the Town of Bergen with intent to commit a crime. In count two, he is accused of the unauthorized use of a vehicle in the third degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two, that the defendant, knowing he did not have the owner's consent, took a 2006 BMW motor vehicle. In count three, Brown is accused of the crime of fourth-degree criminal mischief. It is alleged in count three, that without having the right to do so, he intentionally damaged property belonging to another person.

Stephen J. Turkasz is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class C felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 30 in the Village of Corfu, that Turkasz drove a 2010 Chevrolet on Route 33 while holding a conditional license and while under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count two, he is accused of driving while intoxicated as a misdemeanor. In count three, the defendant is accused of failure to keep right, a violation of vehicle and traffic law. In count four, Turkasz is accused of consuming or possessing an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle on a public highway. In count five, he is accused of the offense of refusal to submit to a breath test, another vehicle and traffic law violation.

Chris K. Mukendi and Darazian W.P. Williams are indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony. It is alleged on on May 25, the defendants knowingly and unlawfully possessed a stimulant which weighed one gram or more -- about 1.8 grams of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine capsules.

Larcenies from vehicles reported in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Residents in the City of Batavia are reporting a spate of larcenies from unlocked vehicles, according to police.

There have been reports of cars being entered from various parts of the city for at least each of the past two nights.

Police remind residents to lock their vehicles at night.

Jankowski finishes second in semi-pro practical division at national gun competition in Virginia

By Billie Owens
 
Submited photo and press release:
 
Eugene Jankowski Jr. finished Second Place Semi-Pro in the Practical Division at the 2017 3 Gun Nation Nationals held Nov. 10-12 at Virginia International Raceway, Alton Va. He is president of the Batavia City Council and a retired City of Batavia police lieutenant.
 
3 Gun Nation Competitors qualify to compete in the national match based on performance in regional and club series matches held throughout the year. Competitors use three different firearms — a modern sporting rifle (MSR), that is, a rifle built on an AR-platform; a pistol; and a shotgun.
 
The national match consisted of eight different stages, fired over three days, and competitors were required to engage multiple targets in a variety of different shooting positions. A total of 144 competitors from all over the United States attended this year's event.
 
Video of Jankowski shooting stage 4 of the match can be found here, and stage 7 here.

Larceny reported at Plaza Spirits in Eastown Plaza, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

robbery larceny is reported at Plaza Spirits, 563 E. Main St., Batavia.

Police are responding.

The suspects are described as two black males. One is wearing a black jacket, black hat and glasses. The other is in a double-lined gray hoodie and glasses.

One suspect reportedly left the scene in a maroon 2004/2005 Chevy, possibly a Malibu, westbound on East Main Street. The other was last seen walking toward McDonald's.

UPDATE (By Billie) 2:14 p.m.: After police investigators spoke with personnel at the liquor store, it was determined that this was a larceny, not a robbery. No weapon or force was used. The suspects simply grabbed a cash box and ran from the store. The two black male suspects remain at large. Both are said to be between 40 and 50 years old.

(Editor's note: The initial dispatch indicated a bank robbery.)

Residents on Tracy Avenue report unknown type explosion in basement

By Howard B. Owens

Residents at 43 Tracy Ave. report an unknown type explosion in their basement.

They've been advised to evacuate.

City fire responding.

UPDATE 11:56 a.m.: Possible furnace malfunction. No smoke or flames at this time. Investigating.

Police receive complaint of two men beating small dog

By Howard B. Owens

Two men have reportedly been seen beating a small dog, possibly a terrier, in the area of Liberty Street.

The two men, both wearing dark clothing, are reported to now be in the area of the Pok-A-Dot.

Police are responding.

UPDATE 2:21 p.m.: Police said they arrived within two minutes of the initial call and no one was around, neither was a dog.

UPDATE 4:45 p.m.: Nicole Johnson witnessed this event and says, “Saw the whole thing at the Pok-A-Dot. Dog got away and weaving in and out of traffic on Ellicott Street. The two were chasing the dog, not beating it. Rest assured. They were hugging and kissing it when they finally got it. The young boy was in his socks running down the street to get the dog. The dog was safe! And happy to be caught by the two. No abuse was seen.”

UPDATED: Photo: Bank Street closed

By Howard B. Owens

Bank Street is closed today for water line repairs.

The work will result in service disruption for some water customers in the area.

UPDATE 1:46 p.m.: Bank Street is reopened.

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