batavia

For six months a committee of Batavia citizens took apart and reconstructed recommendations for the city by consultants czb and Tuesday committee member Brian Kemp presented the group's findings to city council.

Conclusion: What czb proposed can probably be done for less money and with a part-time staff member, but the committee didn't work up a formal proposal.

Instead, the committee wanted feedback from the council on whether to proceed with its work before putting together a budget.

While there was no formal vote Tuesday, the council seem largely supportive of the committee's efforts so far.

"You have my support," Councilman Brooks Hawley said. "You should go and come back and tell us what you want."

The committee, known as Vibrant Batavia, recommends a marketing effort to re-brand Batavia, ongoing economic development, neighborhood spirit building and neighborhood restoration.

Some of these functions are already part of the mission of existing agencies, which is why a full-time person to oversee the efforts is probably not necessary.

The recommendation from czb was for the city to kick in $50,000 for the effort with the community raising $42,000. While there's no budget, the committee doesn't see the need for that kind of expenditure, Kemp said.

Vibrant Batavia hopes to come back to the city with a proposal over the winter and get the project going in the spring.

Besides Kemp, the committee includes Mary Valle, Steve Maxwell, Jill Babinski, Felipe Oltramari, Kelly Kiebala, Don Burkel, Dave Snyder, Marty McDonald, Lynne Bezon, John Cascell, Julie Pacatte, Rachael Tabelski along with city council members Patti Pacino, Kris Doeringer and Pier Cipollone.

Jacquetta B. Simmons, the 27-year-old Batavia woman convicted Aug. 24 of assaulting a 70-year-old Walmart employee on Christmas Eve will find out tomorrow whether she will be going to prison for any amount of time.

Simmons is scheduled to appear in Judge Robert C. Noonan's courtroom at 9:15 a.m.

Following her conviction in a jury trial, Noonan ordered -- as standard procedure -- a pre-sentence report, which will help form his opinion on what he believes is appropriate punishment for Simmons.

The sentencing options for Noonan on the Class D felony are probation on up to eight seven years in prison.

Simmons will stand before Noonan with no prior criminal record, which will also be a factor in her sentencing.

Another factor will be the letters from community members and family members for both Simmons and the victim, Grace Suozzi, Noonan likely received prior to today.

Suozzi is expected to make a victim impact statement, which could also factor into Noonan's decision.

Court proceedings are open to the public and much of the local and regional media will likely be at the courthouse in the morning.

For previous coverage by The Batavian of this case, click here.

There are children in our community who need winter jackets and the Justice for Children Advocacy Center, along with the Sheriff's Office and Olympia Sports are teaming up to request donations from people in the community for new or slightly used coats and jackets.

The group is seeking donations from Nov. 14 through 30 for coats and jackets for children of all sizes.

Donations can be dropped off during normal business hours at the Sheriff's Office, 165 Park Road, Batavia. Donors will receive a 10-percent-off coupon from Olympia Sports.

Photo: Stacey Bauer, left, district sales manager for Olympia Sports, Undersheriff Bill Sheron, Grace Flannery, CAC, Shannon Ford, Genesee Justice and Anne Bezon, CAC.

If you've wondered what Muller Quaker Dairy is all about, or want to find out about employment opportunities, today was the day to meet executives, try out some yogurt or put in a job application at GCC.

Hundreds of people turned out in the afternoon and the event continues until 8 p.m. in the forum.

"We're excited to be a part of the local community, so we wanted to open our doors and let people know a little more about us," said Scott Gilmore, director communications for PepsiCo, one of the partners in the new yogurt plant at Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park.

There were executives on hand to explain plant design and operations, the booming yogurt industry and the nature of the partnership between PepsiCo and the Germany-based Theo Muller Group.

The yogurt plant is expected to employ nearly 240 people in its first round of hiring, and some local residents have already landed jobs with the company.

Muller Quaker HR personnel were on hand today accepting applications, meeting with job candidates and explaining more about employment options at the new plant.

At one point today, the job applicant line was more than a couple dozen people long.

Gilmore said people in blue jeans and people in suits showed up today, demonstrating the diversity of jobs that will be available at the plant.

If you're not able to make it to GCC by 8 p.m., Gilmore said the company plans more such community events, or job applicants can e-mail their resumes to employment@mullerquaker.com.

The public is invited to attend the 11th annual Wonderland of Trees Gala at the Holland Land Office Museum from 7 to 10 p.m. this Friday, Nov. 16.

The theme is "Home for the Holidays." There will be entertainment by Jeff Fischer and Don Bouchard, a silent auction, and hors d'oeuvres prepared by D & R Depot.

Cost is $15 per person or $25 per couple/family. Proceeds benefit the museum, which is located at 131 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

The event presented by the president, directors and staff of the Holland Purchase Historical Society and HLOM.

Press release:

Genesee County residents are invited to join Hillside Family of Agencies affiliate, Hillside Children’s Center for an adoption and foster care celebration on Thursday, Nov. 15. The free event is open to the community and those looking to learn about foster care and adoption and how the Adoption Resource Network at Hillside Children’s Center can aid in the process.

The goal of the event is to help promote adoption and foster care in the Batavia community and to celebrate those who have grown their families through adoption and foster care.

It will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, located at 300 E. Main St., in the City of Batavia. To RSVP, contact Cecelia Spinelli at 350-2501 or cspinelli@hillside.com

The family-focused event will also feature:

• Guidance on getting started with the adoption/foster care process
• Spaghetti Dinner
• Panel presentation
• Arts & Crafts
• Music by Lisa Barrett
• Meet adoptive/foster parents and others considering their options
• Experts to provide information and personal answers to questions on adoption/foster care.

Hillside Children’s Center is a Hague Convention Adoption Service provider. It is an affiliate of Hillside Family of Agencies, is a provider of care for youth and families with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, or life circumstance challenges.

Hillside Children's Center offers therapeutic foster care, adoption, mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice, special education, safety net, and developmental disabilities services to children and families throughout Western and Central New York.

Celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2012, Hillside Family of Agencies is one of the oldest family and youth non-profit human services organizations in the United States. The organization provides child welfare, mental health, youth development, juvenile justice, special education, and developmental disabilities services across central and western New York <http://www.hillside.com/Services/map.htm>  and in Prince George’s County, M.D. Last year, Hillside Family of Agencies provided services to 12,636 youth and families in need.
 
Hillside Family of Agencies is comprised of affiliates Crestwood Children's Center <http://www.hillside.com/Who/ccc.htm> , Hillside Children's Center <http://www.hillside.com/Who/hcc.htm> , Hillside Children's Foundation <http://www.hillside.com/Who/hcf.htm> , Hillside Shared Services, Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection <http://www.hillside.com/Who/hwsc.htm> , and Snell Farm Children's Center <http://www.hillside.com/Who/sfcc.htm> . For more information, visit www.hillside.com <http://www.hillside.com/> .

One of the two men injured in an accident on West Main Street, Batavia, on Sunday, was discharged from ECMC today while the other man remains hospitalized in stable condition.

Released was Ryan N. Bartholomew, 18, who was a passenger in a blue Chevy Aveo, that was struck after its driver, Nathan E. Hinze, 19, of Ellicott Avenue, Batavia, allegedly turned in front of an oncoming Chevy Avalanche.

Both Bartholomew and Hinze were flown by Mercy Flight to ECMC, where Hinze remains.

Jennifer L. Petry, 31, of Brooklyn Avenue, Batavia, was the driver of the Avalanche. She was transported to ECMC by Mercy EMS where she was treated and released.

Charges may be pending in the accident.

At 2:32 p.m., Hinze was heading westbound on West Main Street, according to the report by Deputy Tim Wescott, when he attempted to make a left-hand turn into the parking lot of Valu Plaza.

Petry was eastbound.

Both vehicles reportedly had green lights.

Town of Batavia fire and city fire assisted at the scene.

(Initial Report)

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia are collecting donations today for the people downstate effected by Superstorm Sandy.

The drop-off location is on Veterans Memorial Drive, between Michael's and the former Lowe's location.

Canned goods, bottled water, and other non-perishable items along with blankets are welcome donations.

Donations will be collected until 2 p.m., when a truck that is making the rounds throughout New York will stop and pick up all of today's donations.

Photo: Andre Dunlap, left, Mike Rich and Paul White. Below, Harold Kilthau, of Batavia, drops off a donation.

Crystal L. Kiebzak (inset photo), 30, of Darien, is charged with identify theft, 1st, criminal possession of stolen property, 5th, and unlawful possession of personal identification information, 3rd. Kiebzak was arrested after a three-month investigation by State Police into the suspected unlawful use of personal information to obtain merchandise at the Walmart in Batavia. Kiebzak is accused of using the identification of a relative to obtain more than $3,000 in merchandise.

Michael P. Murphy, 27, of 38 Columbia Ave., Batavia, is charged with assault, 3rd, endangering the welfare of a child and criminal mischief. Murphy is accused of punching and pushing another person during a domestic incident at 7:32 p.m., Monday. A child was allegedly in the vicinity of the incident. Murphy was jailed on $3,000 bail or $6,000 bond.

Linda L. Henry, 49, of 6 Maple St., Batavia, Michael J. Henry, 45, of 6 Maple St., Batavia, and Katrina L. Thigpen, 30, of 18 Maple St., Batavia, are charged with harassment, 2nd, and disorderly conduct. The trio were arrested following a police response by officers Jason Ivison and Eric Dibble to a report of a fight on Maple Street at 1:25 p.m., Monday. Thigpen is accused of punching another person in the face. Michael Henry is accused of pushing another person and causing that person to fall through a porch railing. Thigpen and Michael Henry were charged with harassment, 2nd. Linda Henry is accused of repeatedly yelling obscenities at police officers. She was charged with disorderly conduct.

Kevin J. O'Connell Jr., 32, and Samantha L. Johnson, 25, both of 466 Ellicott St., Batavia, are charged with criminal nuisance, 2nd, falsely reporting an incident, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and moving from lane unsafely (O'Connell on the vehicle charges). Batavia PD officers Thad Mart and Darryle Streeter responded to a report of a car hitting a house at 3:35 a.m., Saturday, at 499 Ellicott St., Batavia. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene before officers arrived. The investigation revealed that a vehicle was northbound on Ellicott Street when the driver lost control of the car and it left the roadway on the northeast side of the road. The vehicle drove through a lawn at 451 Ellicott St. before striking and becoming stuck underneath the front porch at 449 Ellicott St. Following interviews with witnesses, officers identified O'Connell as the suspected driver. During the investigation, officers determined that O'Connell and Johnson allegedly hosted an underage drinking party at their residence. Johnson is accused of initially telling officers that her car had been stolen by an unknown person.

UPDATE, to add arrest out of Wyoming County.

Andre Roberts, 20, of Perry Road, Pavilion, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and uninspected vehicle. Roberts was stopped by a Wyoming County Sheriff's deputy at 4:50 p.m., Nov. 8, on Keeney Road, Warsaw. He was jailed on $2,000 bail.

A reader sent in this photo of game players waiting outisde of Game Stop in Batavia tonight for the release -- three hours from now -- of Call of Duty - Black Ops II.  A friend of mine posted on Facebook a similar picture of fans outside a Game Stop location in Los Angeles.

A fight, now broken up, was reported on Maple Street near Jackson Street. Police are on scene.

UPDATE 1:35 p.m.: An ambulance is called to the scene for a person with a laceration.

Jason Micheal Kone, 31, of Townline Road, Byron, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, violation of probation, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, operating with a suspended registration and operating without insurance. Kone was stopped at 1:51 p.m., Sunday, on Townline Road, Byron, by Deputy Chris Parker. At the time of the stop Kone was allegedly found in possession of a pipe containing marijuana. Kone was also arrested on a warrant out of Monroe County for alleged violation of probation and turned over to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

Christina J. Larsen, 37, of 6024 Fisher Road, Oakfield, is charged with felony DWI, felony aggravated DWI, improper left turn, uninspected motor vehicle and unregistered motor vehicle. Larson was stopped at 7:21 p.m. Sunday on West Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Jamie Givens.

Nicholas C. Klippel, 28, of 80 Walden Creek Drive, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Klippel is accused of threatening to "murder" another person.

Steven A. Earl, 27, of 8017 Bank Street Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to yield right of way. Earl was stopped at 2:02 a.m. Sunday on South Swan Street, Batavia, by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Richard L Coughlin, 59, of 17 Fisher Park, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, and menacing, 3rd. Coughlin is accused of putting another person in fear of physical injury by yelling and screaming while in close proximity to that person and raising clenched fists. Coughlin is accused of violating an order of protection issued by Family Court.

Michael L. Valle, 31, of 146 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with attempted burglary, 2nd, criminal contempt, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 4th. Valle is accused of attempting to break into the residence of a person protected by a court order causing damage to a window screen and exterior light. Valle was jailed on $20,000 bail or $40,000 bond.

Brian D. Stotts, 35, of East Main Road, Le Roy, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, unlawful possession of marijuana and running a red light. Stotts was stopped Saturday in Le Roy by a Le Roy police officer.

Bobbie Jo Hudson, 28, of Banks Road, Churchville, is charged with DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, driving on a suspected registration, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, failure to keep right, and uninspected motor vehicle. Hudson was stopped at 2:25 a.m. Friday on Route 19, Bergen, by Deputy Eric Seppala.

Lucas G. Yauchzee, 23, of West Bergen Road, Bergen, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Yauchzee's arrest stems from the investigation of an alleged domestic incident Oct. 20. He was allegedly found in possession of LSD and marijuana. The case was investigated by Deputy Brian Thompson and Trooper J.J. Pitz.

Richard G. Medwid, 27, of Alexander Road, Alexander, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and unreasonable speed. Medwid was reportedly involved in a one-vehicle accident on Route 98, Town of Batavia, at 12:55 a.m., Sept. 15.

While I was out with my film cameras today, I came across Mark Dougherty and Wayne Newton on my street with their old Ford trucks. That seemed like a suitable subject for film photography, and these are both beautiful old trucks.

Two people were taken to regional hospitals by Mercy Flight after an accident at 2:40 p.m. on West Main Street at the turn-in for Valu Plaza.

Both people, the driver of one car and his passenger, had non-life-threatening injuries. The driver was taken ECMC and the passenger to Strong Memorial Hospital.

A third person, the driver of a red Chevy Avalanche involved in the crash, was taken to Strong by Mercy EMS.

Reportedly, the driver of a blue Chevy Aveo was making a left-hand turn from the westbound lane into Valu Plaza. He allegedly pulled in front of the red Avalanche.

City and Town of Batavia fire departments responded and Sheriff's deputies are investigating the accident.

Information and photos provided by Alecia Kaus.

Students from Penn State are on Batavia's street corners today and tomorrow morning collecting spare change from passing cars as part of there charity drive on the behalf of pediatric cancer.

The students are part of a group called THON, which was first organized at Penn State in 1977. The group has raised more than than $89 million for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. Last year alone, students raised $10 million.

The students came to Batavia this weekend because one of the members, James Leisenring, is from Genesee County.

They will be collecting change until 4 p.m. today and tomorrow morning before heading back to State College, Pa.

Each year, THON culminates its fundraising efforts with a 46-hour dance marathon. For more information, visit THON.org.

Pictured is James Metz, of Butler, Pa., and below, Rick Mancuso, who happened to stop at the Hess Station and then found out about the fundraiser and kicked in a donation.

Bottom photo of participating students submitted by Lisa Rapone.

Members of Adventure Crew 69, Scout Pack 69 and Boy Scout Troop 69 were on the Southside this morning collecting donations for the food pantry at St. James Episcopal Church.

Photo submitted by Jason Smith.

A few minutes ago, a law enforcement officer was asked to return to the jail to help a guy who'd locked himself out of his vehicle. The officer said brightly "Sure, I'd be glad to." It's the same person he'd just taken to jail for prints and photos, who was then subsequently released on his own recognizance.

So far, according to Mike Adams, everything about moving Kreative Design Kitchen and Bath to a new location at 5582 E. Main Road, Batavia, has been a success.

Mike and Debbie Adams founded their business in 1993. A big reason for the move was so they could enjoy the financial benefits own owning their own building. In doing so, they also expanded their showroom space by 800 square feet. The expansion has allowed them to expand their business to include more flooring and closet systems.

In the kitchen and bathroom departments they still offer Omega and Diamond cabinets.

With more than 100 people showing up for the grand opening weekend last Saturday and Sunday, Adams said he's pleased the new location is attracting some attention.

Photo, Debbie and Mike Adams, left, and designer Aubrey Kingston.

A 27-year-old Batavia man stopped for alleged traffic violations is in jail today, being held on a warrant out of Clark County, Nevada, for alleged sexual assault of a child under age 14.

Kevin Jerome Bacon II, of Bank Street, was stopped by Deputy Joseph Graff for allegedly operating a vehicle in the City of Batavia without headlights or taillights.

Subsequently, Bacon was identified as a warrant suspect.

Bacon is being held in the Genesee County Jail without bail as a suspected fugitive from justice.