batavia

Press release:

The Justice for Children Advocacy Center in Batavia has been awarded re-accreditation by National Children’s Alliance following an extensive application and site review process.

As the accrediting agency for Children’s Advocacy Centers (CAC) across the country, National Children’s Alliance awards various levels of accreditation and membership to centers responding to allegations of child abuse in ways that are effective and efficient, and put the needs of child victims of abuse first. Accreditation is the highest level of membership with National Children’s Alliance and denotes excellence in service provision.

Accredited CACs must undergo a re-accreditation process every five years to ensure that best practices are continually being applied. With accreditation standards being updated in 2017, re-accreditation this year reflects the Justice for Children Advocacy Center’s commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based services to children and families impacted by violence.

Long, successful history

The Justice for Children Advocacy Center has a long and successful history of providing services to children and families in the GLOW region. In 1992, Genesee Justice, a department of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, helped establish a multidisciplinary team to serve the unique needs of children in Genesee and Wyoming counties alleged to have been physically or sexually abused.

In 1998, with the support of many dedicated members of the community and the multidisciplinary team, the Justice for Children Advocacy Center opened its doors at 108 Bank St. in Batavia. The goal of the Justice for Children Advocacy Center is to provide a child-friendly location to offer forensic interviews, medical examinations, mental health counseling, and advocacy services to children from birth to age 18 and their non-offending family members regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, religion, or financial status.

Since 1998, approximately 2,500 local children have received services at the Justice for Children Advocacy Center, and in 2016, a total of 239 local children benefitted from the services available.

Comprehensive, coordinated, compassionate services

As an Accredited Member of National Children’s Alliance, the Justice for Children Advocacy Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive, coordinated and compassionate services to victims of child abuse.

National Children’s Alliance awards Accredited Membership based on a CAC’s compliance with 10 national standards of accreditation to ensure effective, efficient and consistent delivery of services to child abuse victims.

Accredited Members must use a functioning and effective multidisciplinary team approach to work collaboratively in child abuse investigation, prosecution, and treatment. National Children’s Alliance also considers standards regarding a center’s cultural competency and diversity, forensic interviews, victim support and advocacy, medical evaluation, therapeutic intervention, and child-focused setting.

Proven dedication

“Because the Justice for Children Advocacy Center and members of our multidisciplinary team are so dedicated to responding to child abuse, we recognize the importance of maintaining accredited status from the National Children’s Alliance," said Theresa Asmus-Roth, Justice for Children program coordinator.

"Re-accreditation not only validates our organization’s dedication to proven effective approaches of child abuse intervention and prevention, but also contributes to consistency across the child advocacy center movement as a whole. A team response to child abuse is what we stand for, and it is our entire team that allows us to provide the highest level of care and service to children and families in our community.”

Teresa Huizar, executive director of National Children’s Alliance, said: “The Justice for Children Advocacy Center is to be commended for its continued commitment to effectively serve victims of child abuse. As the national association and accrediting body for Children’s Advocacy Centers across the country, our goal is to ensure that every victim of child abuse has access to high quality services that result from professional collaboration.

"By requiring Accredited Centers to undergo re-accreditation every five years, we ensure that evidence-based practices are being implemented and the highest quality of service is being provided."

What the mission is about

The mission of the Justice for Children Advocacy Center and Justice for Children multidisciplinary team is to seek to reduce the incidence of child sexual and physical abuse, to minimize trauma to alleged child victims, and to promote healing for victims and their families by collaborating with a variety of professionals to provide services at a single child-friendly facility.

The Justice for Children Advocacy Center and Justice for Children multidisciplinary team work to improve the response to child abuse by eliminating multiple interviews and examinations of children, providing quick access to medical and mental health, victim advocacy, and support services for children and families, and enhancing multidisciplinary communication and coordination with a singular focus on the best interest of the child.

Arsenio Youngs, 27, of Medina, is charged with criminal sex act, 2nd. Youngs is accused of a sex act with a disabled person in the City of Batavia. The complaint was made to State Police at 4:31 p.m., Nov. 1. Youngs was also charged with the same crime in the Town of Perry based on a complaint to State Police at 10:01 a.m., Nov. 1. Youngs was released on his own recognizance. No further details released.

Erika L. Gilson, 37, of West Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with felony DWI, three counts of felony aggravated DWI, and felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. Gilson was stopped at 3:05 p.m. Wednesday on West Main Street, Village of Le Roy, by Le Roy PD. Gilson was accused of driving while intoxicated with three children in the car under age 16. She was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Shane M. Nugent, 32, of West Middlebury Road, Wyoming, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and failure to keep right. Nugent was stopped at 2:19 a.m. Saturday on Warsaw Road, by Le Roy PD.

Daun Elizabeth Monachino, 58, Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, improper left turn, improper right turn, and no left side mirror. Manachino was stopped at 4:34 p.m. Sunday on Richmond Avenue, Batavia, by Deputy Richard Schildwaster, following a citizen traffic offense complaint.

Tyler Lee Walls, 21, of Viking Way, Brockport, is charged with menacing. Walls allegedly threatened another motorist during a road rage incident reported at 1:36 p.m. Sunday on Warboys Road, Bergen.

Anson Torpe Arenas, 43, of Lexington Parkway, Rochester, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, driving left of pavement, driving a vehicle without a valid inspection, insufficient tail lamps, and driving with alcohol in a motor vehicle. Arenas was stopped at 6:16 p.m. Saturday on Townline Road, Bergen, by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Shawn William Cross, 46, of Craigie Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Cross was arrested following a report of a car vs. deer accident at 9:18 p.m. Friday on Perry Road, Pavilion, by Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Jenna Leann Hernandez, 21, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding, driving left of pavement marking, and driver's view obstructed. Hernandez was stopped at 2:16 a.m. Saturday on Wortendyke Road, by Deputy Howard Wilson.

Jeremy Sheehan, 35, of West Bergen Road, Le Roy, is charged with menacing, 2nd. Sheehan allegedly displayed a handgun to a resident in a nearby apartment at 1:18 a.m. Thursday at a location on West Bergen Road, Le Roy. He was jailed on $1,000 bail or $3,000 bond. 

David Michael Bratt, 38, of Carolina Avenue, Lockport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, moving from lane unsafely, and driving left of pavement markings. Bratt was stopped at 12:54 a.m. Wednesday on Lewiston Road, Alabama, by Deputy Ryan Young. 

Kari Ann Marble, 26, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Marble is accused of shoplifting from Kohl's Department Store on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia at 11:58 a.m. on Nov. 9.

Sarah A. Cheek, 33, of Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Arrested as part of the same incident was a 16-year-old on an execution of a bench warrant. The incident was reported at 10:48 a.m. Sunday on Route 237, Byron, by State Police. No other details released.

Christina M. Sarratori, of North Chili, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd. Sarratori is accused of entering an enclosed area at 8315 Park Road, Batavia. The incident was reported to State Police at 12:52 a.m. Saturday.

Amanda M. Volkman, 32, of Byron, is charged with assault, 3rd, obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. Volkman is accused of attacking a person with intent to cause serious physical injury. The complaint was reported to State Police at 11:45 p.m. Thursday at a location on Caswell Road, Byron. Volkman was held in jail. No further details released.

Mary B. Thompson, 34, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Thompson was charged by State Police based on an incident reported at 4:31 p.m. Nov. 15 on Pearl Street Road, Batavia.

Erica O'Donnell and Mike Plitt, with the Genesee County Democratic Party, were outside of Richmond Memorial Library this morning collecting food for a Thanksgiving Food Drive sponsored by the party.

The food will be donated to the Workers Justice Center for distribution to the center's clients, all residents of the GLOW region.

While the Democrats aren't planning another pickup location, donors may contact the party through its website and arrange a pickup of donations.

"It’s the season for giving," O'Donnell said. "We’re trying to get out the word that as Democrats we’re here and we’re helping out in the community."

This afternoon Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehab hosted a Community Game Day, giving residents a chance to play games with vistors, staff, and each other.

Above, Winnie Cook plays Trouble with staff member Rachel Flint, and below Randy and Mary play checkers.

More than 500 music students from the eight-county region were at Batavia High School today for the NYSSMA Zone 2 Area All-State Music Festival.

NYSSMA is the New York State School Music Association.

There were performances by the orchestra, concert band, treble choir, and mixed choir.

Participating local students were:

Alexander: Nicholas Allen, Cayna Bliss, Carson Daley, Kathleen Nolan, Eric Stroud.

Batavia: Margaret Andersen, Cameron Bontrager, Eryn Dunn, Lydia Geiger, Elise Hoerbelt, Madison Hoerbelt, Karissa Kesler, Mary Murphy, Adeena Riedel.

Byron-Bergen: Stephanie Buell.

Le Roy: Margaux Carmel, Katie Dessert, Caleb McGee, Megan Privatera, Alex Wynn.

Notre Dame: Sam Bowman.

Oakfield-Alabama: Jules Hoepting, Justina Pruski, Lauren Reding.

Pembroke: Eli Fox.

 

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.

Until today, I had not seen this Little Free Library that has sprouted at 5 Redfield Parkway.  I'm not sure how long it's been there.

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.

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.

     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.

(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!"

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.

(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.

Click here for more information about the Christmas Garage Sale.
Click here for more information about the Vintage Doll Show.

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

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.

 

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.