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Rochester pair arrested by Local Drug Task Force, including man charged with possessing crack cocaine

By Billie Owens

    Jerry Riley III

Press release:

The Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, comprised of police officers from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Batavia Police NET officers, and the Le Roy Village Police Department, concluded an investigation into the illegal possession and sales of narcotics from a Bank Street residence in the City of Batavia with the arrest of a man and woman from Rochester on Thursday afternoon.

Jerry Riley III, 38, of Jay Street, is charged with: two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, a Class B felony; criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd, a Class A misdemeanor; and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Brianna L. Meacham, 26, of Dewey Avenue, is charged with criminally using drug paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

The defendants were arrested Thursday afternoon following the execution of a search warrant at a Bank Street residence. Members of the Batavia PD Emergency Response Team and the Genesee County Drug Task Force executed the warrant and allegedly uncovered a quantity of "crack" cocaine, cocaine hydrochloride, heroin, marijuana and U.S. currency.

Riley was jailed without bail. Meacham was issued appearance tickets and turned over to the Cheektowaga Police Department on an outstanding warrant.

The investigation is continuing and further charges are pending.

Task Force members were also assisted in the investigation by the Genesee County DA's Office and uniform members of Batavia PD.

Heavy smoke in utility room at Park Site Manor Apartments

By Howard B. Owens

City fire has responded to an automatic fire alarm in the basement of Building E at Park Site Manor Apartments, 541 E. Main St., Batavia.

On scene, a chief reports heavy smoke in a utility room.

Engine 11 and Ladder 15 have responded. No other units have been dispatched.

UPDATE 5:23 a.m.: The issue has been dealt with and the assignment is back in service.

City water service on Oak Street north of Union Street shut down due to repair work

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Due to a private problem with the water service at the Monsignor Kirby apartments off of Oak Street, the City Water Department had to shut down water service on Oak Street north of Union Street at approximately 3 p.m. today. Water service will be restored as quickly as possible once the repair is complete.

UPDATE 4:38 p.m.: Water service has been restored.

Law and Order: Alabama man charged with grand larceny, possessing stolen property and petty theft

By Billie Owens

Damien Allen Boyd, 32, of Meadville Road, Alabama, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, five counts of criminal possession of stolen property, 5th, and five counts of petit larceny. Boyd allegedly stole a debit card on Feb. 6, which he used to withdraw money from an ATM. In another case, he is charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing electronic devices while at a residence on Council House Road, Alabama, on March 22. He was put in GC Jail on Thursday in lieu of $15,000 bail. Both cases were handled by Sheriff's Deputy Bradley Mazur..

Jessica Lynn Garofalo, 28, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with speed exceeding 55 mph, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and uninspected motor vehicle on March 25. She was arrested at 5:15 p.m. on April 6 on a bench warrant out of the Town of Bethany Court and released under supervision. She is due in Bethany Town Court on May 17. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl.

A 39-year-old female who lives on Leicester Street in Perry is charged with falsifying business records, 1st. She was arrested after it was alleged that she made false entries on a financial aid application on Jan. 21, 2015, which allowed her to receive $7,96.50 in student aid while attending Genesee Community College. She was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to be in Batavia Town Court on April 25. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Minuto.

Photos: Families of Marine recruits get glimpse of military life

By Howard B. Owens

It was family night Thursday at the Clarion Hotel in Batavia for a meal, a training demo and a Q&A for the loved ones of incoming recruits.

The NCOs were dressed to the nines in their Class As loaded with ribbons and gold stripes, and the new recruits were polite and professional in their slacks and blue Marine-issued T-shirts, already well schooled in "yes, sir" and "no, sir."

It's all part of a process local Marine recruiters take their future Marines through so they will be better prepared for the rigors of basic training and life in the corps.

For most of the event, the room was quiet and calm, with Marines and family members enjoying a meal together and discussing life in military service.

Then Marine Staff Sgt. Jose F. Garcia, a drill instructor from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, entered the room with a group of five young men who have recently completed basic training. In a flurry of jumps and spins and arm waving, Garcia led the men through a fast-paced demonstration of a training drill.

Marine Master Gunnery Sgt. Terry B. Hall, a recruiter instructor for Marine Corps Recruiting Station Buffalo, explained during the Q&A that the purpose of basic training is not only to teach recruits military skills and improve their physical fitness, it's also to rebuild their character and turn them into Marines.

Marine Master Gunnery Sgt. Terry B. Hall. 

Marine Staff Sgt. Daniel Hendrickson, pool program specialist for Marine Corps Recruiting Station Buffalo.

Marine Capt. Michael A. Kelly, executive officer for Marine Corps Recruiting Station Buffalo. 

SSgt. Stephen Porter, a decorated Iraq combat veteran, runs the Batavia recruit station.

Below, photo and caption provided by the Marine Corps.

Parents of Marine Pfc. Maria A. Inzinca, pin on chevrons during her promotion ceremony at the conclusion of Marine Corps Recruiting Sub Station Batavia’s annual Family Night at the Clarion Hotel in Batavia. Inzinca is a native of Bergen and will serve the Marine Corps as an embarkation specialist. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher O’Quin.) 

Afternoon reading by two illustrious authors planned April 18 at Roz Steiner Gallery

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The GCC Literary Club will host an afternoon reading by Lytton Smith, Ph.D., and Jess Fenn, Ph.D., from 12:20 to 1:15 p.m. on Monday, April 18, in the Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery at the main campus in Batavia. All are welcome and the event is free.

Smith is the author of two books of poetry from Nightboat Books, "While You Were Approaching the Spectacle But Before You Were Transformed by It" (2013) and "The All-Purpose Magical Tent" (2009). He is also the translator of several contemporary Icelandic novels by Jón Gnarr, Bragi Ólafsson and Kristín Ómarsdóttir. He is an assistant professor of English and Creative Writing at SUNY Geneseo.

Fenn, a lecturer of English at the State University of New York at Geneseo, specialized in the literature of late medieval England while obtaining M.A., M.Phil and Ph.D. degrees from Columbia University. She has published scholarly work on Geoffrey Chaucer in Studies in Philology (2013) and her short fiction has appeared in such places as Versal, PANK Magazine, and Flash: The International Short-Story Magazine. Fenn was awarded the Gulf Coast Prize in Nonfiction in 2013 for her work, "Where We Went and What We Did There."

As friends of Toriseva, JoNelle wanted to bring them to campus to give students and the community the opportunity to hear these wonderful writers and translators.

"Hearing writers read their work and talk about their process inspires and broadens the perspective of students, as well as fellow faculty and colleagues," Toriseva said. "We hope students, staff, faculty and the general public will join us." 

This event is presented by The Literary Club and sponsored by GCC's Student Activities. The Literary Club has been active on campus for many years, hosting a monthly Open Mic in the Student Union, National Novel Writing Month activities in November, a Poetry Contest, and the Little Library in College Village, among other events and opportunities.

Victorian Home Tour is May 15 to benefit the Historic Batavia Cemetery

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Cemetery Association will hold a Victorian Home Tour from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 15th. The interior home tour will feature some of Batavia's finest examples of Victorian architecture.

The tour starts at the Historic Batavia Cemetery on Harvester Avenue at 12:30 p.m.

Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online at bataviacemetery.com, in person (after April 16th) at Pollyanna & Dot at the Hidden Door, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, or by calling (585) 343-0248. Any remaining tickets may be purchased at the cemetery the day of the tour, however advance purchase is recommended as a limited number will be sold.

No children under the age of 12, please.

All proceeds benefit the upkeep and restoration of the Historic Batavia Cemetery, which was founded in 1823 and was listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places in 2002.

Animal Crackers at Cornell Extension: 'Kids are Udderly Moomentous!'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Cornell University Department of Animal Science is pleased to announce Animal Crackers 2016 "Animal Crackers: Kids are Udderly Moomentous!" on Saturday, May 7, at Cornell University. Registration deadline is April 29.

The upcoming program will incorporate both goat and dairy cattle topics for youth ages 9-12 or those with a beginners/intermediate knowledge of the species. All youth, 4-H and non-4-H, are invited to participate. Adult chaperones are also invited to attend to make Udderly Moomentous a family event!

Interesting, educational, hands-on activities are planned to make Animal Crackers a memorable teaching event. Participants will have the opportunity to learn goat or dairy care, biology, or management while having fun in two different learning tracts (goat or dairy cattle). There will also be sessions on making ice cream, animal demonstrations, and much, much more!

Cost of the program will be $15 per youth (adult chaperones are free!) and everyone is asked to bring their own lunch. Genesee County residents can register by contacting the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee Co. 585-343-3040, ext. 101 or e-mail genesee4h@cornell.edu no later than April 29. All groups must have at least one chaperone per species tract.

More information can be found on the Animal Crackers Web site: http://4h.ansci.cornell.edu/events-2/animal-crackers/topics/

Law and Order: Lewis Place man arrested on multiple domestic charges, Holland Avenue woman arrested after neighbors complain about yelling

By Billie Owens

Leslie R. Parris III, 33, of Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt in the second degree, criminal contempt in the first degree with physical contact, and an arrest warrant and probation warrant were executed. At 10:12 a.m. on April 1, Parris was arrested on multiple charges following a probation check at 9 Lewis Place in the City of Batavia. He was located hiding in an upstairs bedroom closet contrary to a complete stay away order of protection barring him from the residence. For this he was charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He also had a bench warrant issued by Batavia City Court for failing to appear in court after being charged with first-degree criminal contempt, second-degree criminal contempt, and second-degree harassment stemming from a reported physical domestic incident at the same residence on Aug. 2. Parris was also arrested on a Batavia City Court arrest warrant charging criminal contempt, 1st, stemming from a reported physical domestic incident at the same residence on Oct. 21. Finally, Parris was arrested on a probation warrant for allegedly violating the terms of his probation. He is in Genesee County Jail without bail and is to be in City Court at 11 a.m. on Thursday. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Emily D. Schramm, 29, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. She was arrested April 4 at 8 a.m. after several neighbors complained to Batavia PD. She was allegedly yelling obscenities for an extended period of time, which disturbed the neighborhood. She was issued an appearance ticket to appear in Batavia City Court on April 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

William B. McCarrick, 86, of Gateway Drive, Batavia, was arrested for harassment in the second degree following a domestic distrubance on Gateway Drive at 11:30 p.m. on April 1. He was released on his own recognizance and ordered to be in Batavia City Court on April 4. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Jammie L. Brown, 24, of East Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested on April 5 after allegedly making threats of bodily harm to a female who was watching his child while at the GC Courts Facility at 9:40 a.m. on March 31. He was to appear in City Court on April 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Matthew Lutey.

Nathaniel D. Wilson Jr., 28, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd. He was arrested on a warrant issued out of Batavia City Court for criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, on Oct. 11. He was jailed without bail and was to be in City Court this morning. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Cory N. Smeltzer, 24, of Oak Orchard Estates, Albion, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon -- metal knuckles. He was allegedly found to be in possession of metal knuckles at 12:32 a.m. on March 26 when police investigated a distrubance on Liberty Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in City Court on April 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Christopher M. Smith, 21, of School Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 12:36 a.m. on March 31 as the result of an investigation into an incident which occurred on Masse Place a short time earlier. He was issued an appearance ticket and is to be in City Court on April 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Daniel S. Gangi, 34, of Alexander Road, Batavia, was arrested on March 31 after turning himself in at Batavia PD Headquarters on a bench warrant stemming from an incident on July 24. He posted $100 bail, was released, and is to return to City Court Thursday. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Passiona C. Culver, 38, of Willow Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant issued out of Batavia City Court following her alleged failure to appear to answer traffic tickets that she had been issued on March 1 following a traffic stop. She was released after posting bail and is to appear in City Copurt on April 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Kenneth Michael Gray, 24, of Lake Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property. He was arrested on April 5 following a traffic stop in the City of Batavia. He had a warrant for his arrest out of the Town of Batavia Court. He was put in jail on $1,000 bail and is to be in Town of Batavia Court on May 10. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl.

Open House Thursday afternoon for city-owned house to be auctioned on Walnut Street

By Billie Owens

Press release:

There will be an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 7th at 109 Walnut St. in anticipation of the upcoming property auction at the same location at 10  9 a.m. on Saturday, April 16th. Come out and view this renovated city-owned property!

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact:

Heidi Parker

Office of the City Clerk

One Batavia City Centre

Batavia, New York 14020

Phone:   (585) 345-6305, option 5, option 1

Fax:     (585) 343-9221

E-mail:   hparker@batavianewyork.com

WANTED: Local businesses interested in hiring or interning BHS students

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Anita Strollo, the coordinator for Batavia High School’s College and Career Center, is “casting a wide net” to find more local businesses that may be interested in being part of the school’s first Hiring Fair on Thursday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at BHS, 260 State St.

“We have about a dozen so far and we’re thrilled with those businesses, but of course we’d like more,” says Strollo.

She anticipates at least 100 students will take advantage of the opportunity to meet with potential employers, providing those business representatives with the chance to meet face-to-face with a large pool of possible employees under one roof. To facilitate the process, there will be computers/laptops and Wi-Fi access for online applications, as well as quiet zones for on-the-spot interviews.

For more information, contact Anita Strollo at amstrollo@bataviacsd.org, or 343-2480, ext. 2012.

Truck tying up traffic on Walnut Street in the city

By Howard B. Owens

Police are out with a tractor trailer that has broken down on Walnut Street in the right turn lane onto Law Street.

The rear ties are locked up.

No ETA when the obstruction will be clear.

Sponsored Post: Location, location, location. A must see at 3565 Rose Road in Batavia!

By Lisa Ace



Location, location, location! This country ranch home is in the Batavia City School District but offers all the benefits of country living-quiet, scenic, limited neighbors, PLUS the perks of public water and quick commutes to all the good stuff! This is a super cute and super spacious 2 bedroom, 2 full bath home with awesome open concept, making it both roomy and cozy! Most everything is five years young, leaving you little to do but move in and enjoy the great views! Yard is landscaped and in a few years you will enjoy the 96 planted trees! Definitely one to check out! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today - 585-344-4663. Click here to view listing.

Tickets on sale now: Fourth annual Casablanca Casino Night Fundraiser to benefit CASA for Children is April 29

By Billie Owens

Tickets are on sale now for the fourth annual Casablanca Casino Night Fundraiser on Friday, April 29, to benefit abused and neglected children served by Genesee County CASA for Children.

The fun starts are 6:30 p.m. at the Terry Hills Banquet Facility, located at 5122 Clinton Street Road, Batavia.

Tickets are $75 per person or $125 per couple and can be purchased at the door or at the CASA for Children office. It is located in the Genesee County Courts Facility Bldg., 1 W. Main St., Batavia. Hours there are Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Price includes $500 in casino chips, foodm beer, wine and $10 free play at Batavia Downs Casino. Cash in your "winnings" for tickets in the Chinese auction and a chance to win valuable prizes.

The event is sponsored by Main St. Pizza Company, Batavia Downs Gaming, Terry Hills and CASA for Children.

Deadline to RSVP extended to Wednesday: HLOM hosts 'Immigration and the Southside of Batavia' at Ascension hall with live music & ethnic food

By Billie Owens

"Immigration and the Southside of Batavia" is an event being sponsored by the Holland Land Office Museum featuring a genuine ethnic food buffet and traditional music from Poland and Italy.

It will be held starting at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 10, at Ascension Parish Hall, 15 Sumner St., Batavia. Cost is $20 per person. Tickets on sale now at HLOM. Reservation deadline is NOON Wednesday April 6. Call 343-4727.

Come celebrate immigration from Europe to Western New York. Guest speaker is local historian and teacher Gregory Kinal.

The buffet will include: golumpki, polish sausage, spaghetti, Italian sausage and more!

Live music will include traditional polkas, tarantellas, and other ethnic music!

Richmond Library hosts annual photo club exhibit

By Steve Ognibene

Batavia Photography Club member Don Fryling talking to Club President Scott Neumann about his photo display.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

Don’t be afraid to show some photographs 'cause you never know, you might have some good ones, said Batavia Photography Club President Scott Neumann on the opening gala night for its month-long exhibit at the Richmond Memorial Library.

The club holds this annual event so local photographers can showcase various prints of people, landscapes, animals and more, for the public to view and enjoy.

This year, three studio nights were offered instead of two, Neumann said. Some club members show off their expertise by teaching things like fantastic photography, neutral density filters along with guests from various clubs in the vicinity, too.

The Batavia club meets the first and third Monday of each month -- September through May -- starting at 7 p.m. at the Northgate Free Methodist Church, located at 8160 Bank Street Road in Batavia. Come as a guest and to learn more go to http://batavia.photoclubservices.com/

Sponsored Post: New artist at High Voltage Tattoo!

By Lisa Ace

HIgh Voltage is proud to introduce our new tattoo artist, Dan “The Man” Manhardt. Dan is originally from Pembroke, New York and currently resides in Corfu, New York. Dan always figured he would be good at tattooing since he had loved taking art classes, sketching and taking things apart. He started getting into tattooing after high school when he was 18 years old. He began researching tattooing and experimented on himself and few close friends at home for about a year. In January 2014 Dan moved to Jersey City, New Jersey to apprentice at Body and Soul Tattoo under Oksana Weber and Guy Prandstatter. He finished his apprenticeship in September of 2015 and started working at The Ultimate in Rochester, New York in October 2015­­­. Dan started working at High Voltage Tattoo & Piercing this March. Help us welcome Dan, call the shop today to book your appointment - 585-201-1127. High Voltage Tattoo & Piercing is located at 110 W. Main St. in Batavia. Stay up-to-date & check out new designs, like us on Facebook.

Two-car collision with injuries reported on Batavia-Stafford TL Road

By Howard B. Owens

A two-car accident with injuries, including a possible head injury, is reported at 8244 Batavia-Stafford Town Line Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. The location is near R. Stephen Hawley Drive.

UPDATE 8:59 a.m.: A second Mercy ambulance is called in, non-emergency mode.

Photos: A Saturday afternoon at the Home Show

By Howard B. Owens

Exhibitors said there was a steady stream of people coming through the Chamber of Commerce's Home Show today at Falleti Ice Arena in Batavia, and that had them in pretty good spirits.

Here's a quick photo tour of some of the activity today.

Doors are open tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

More pictures after the jump:

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