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Grand Jury: Man accused of violating orders of protection involving two different people on same day, plus trio of DWIs

By Billie Owens

Adam D. Smart is indicted for the crime of first-degree criminal contempt, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 6 in the City of Batavia, the defendant violated an Order of Protection which required him to stay away from the person on whose behalf the order was issued. In count two, he is accused of first-degree criminal contempt for allegedly violating an Order of Protection on Nov. 6, which required him to stay away from another person in the City of Batavia who also had a protective order against him.

Gayno S. Standsblack is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class D felony. Standsblack is accused of driving a 2000 Dodge on Meadville Road in the Town of Alabama on Jan. 16 while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony, for driving on that date allegedly under the influence of alcohol or a drug while knowing, or having reason to know, that his driver's license was suspended or revoked. In count three, he is accused of the crime of using a vehicle that did not have an ignition interlock device, a Class A misdemeanor.

John R. Benton is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. On Oct. 1, in the Town of Darien, it is alleged that he drove a 2006 Toyota on Tinkham Road while intoxicated. In count two, Benton is accused of aggravated DWI, per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .18 percent or more at the time.

Alfonso G. Mayfield is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. On Nov. 8, in the Town of Pembroke, it is alleged that he drove a 2007 Jeep on I-90 while intoxicated.

Batavia student awarded scholarship from NYS Sheriff's Association Institute

By Billie Owens

(Submitted photo. From left, unidentified, scholarship recipient Justine Reed, of Batavia, Genesee County Sheriff Gary Maha, GC Undersheriff William Sheron.)

Annually, the New York State Sheriff's Association Institute awards a $250 scholarship to deserving students enrolled in Criminal Justice, Police Science, or similar program in each of the state's community colleges and at SUNY Canton.

For the year 2015, three students enrolled in Criminal Justice at Genesee Community College received such a scholarship. Students from three GCC campus centers (Batavia, Lima and Dansville) were presented with the New York State Sheriff's Association Institute scholarship by Genesee County Sheriff Gary Maha and Livingston County Sheriff Thomas Dougherty.

The recipients were nominated by the college's Criminal Justice Faculty and they are:

Batavia Campus -- Justine M. Reed, of Batavia

Lima Campus -- Carrington E. Wells, of Caledonia

Dansville Campus --  Stuart A. Sousa, of Caledonia

Each students was presented with a $250 check to be used to further their Criminal Justice education, along with a scholarship certificate from the New York State Sheriff's Association Institute.

Kiwanis Annual Easter Egg Hunt

By James Burns

This morning at 9 o'clock sharp a couple hundred children set off to find 4,000 Easter eggs in Batavia's Centennial Park.

The Easter Bunny took time out from his busiest time of year to attend.

Mixed in with the thousands of eggs where three special Golden Prize eggs for each age group. Those get the winner a chocolate bunny from Oliver's Candies.

Crash with injuries on West Main Street in Batavia by McDonald's

By Billie Owens

(Photos by Jim Burns.)

An accident with injuries was reported near McDonald's restaurant about 10 minutes ago. The address is 4129 W. Main Street Road. Town of Batavia fire and Mercy medics responded and now a third ambulance is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 12:27 p.m.: Two patients are being transported to UMMC. They had no loss of consciousness and both got out of the vehicle(s) on their own.

Audit declares Genesee Gateway Local Development Corp. in 'full accordance' with U.S. accounting principles

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Mostert, Manzanero & Scott, LLP, presented a summary of the audit process undertaken, the scope of their engagement and audit results to the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation (GGLDC) Board at the March 24 meeting.    

The GGLDC Board engaged the certified public accounting firm to perform an independent audit of 2015 financial statements. The independent audit was designed to issue an opinion on the financial statements of the GGLDC for the year ending Dec. 31; a management letter to the Board of Directors management; and, a report about internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Government Auditing Standards.  

Included in the management letter is a statement from Mostert, Manzanero & Scott, LLP, affirming that no material deficiencies in internal controls were identified during the audit. The firm also affirmed that, in their opinion, the audited financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the GGLDC as of Dec. 31,  in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

“I am pleased with the continued positive audit results, and it speaks to the professionalism and transparency of the organization,” said Thomas Felton, president and chairman of the GGLDC.  

In 2015, the GGLDC, including Genesee Agri-Business, LLC (GABLLC) activity, received $1.2 million in grant revenues.

These grants included a NYS Homes and Community Renewal grant that supported infrastructure development at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park (GVAB) and the LeRoy/ Bergen America’s Best Communities grant, as well as an Empire State Development grant to support the development and marketing of the Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP).  

The GGLDC also recognized grant revenue from National Grid, which supported Buffalo East Technology Park (BTEP) infrastructure, an annual Community Benefit Agreement payment with CNL Income (Darien Lake) to support infrastructure in Western Genesee County, and an annual PILOT Increment Financing payment from Genesee County that supports a bond payment for infrastructure at the GVAB Park.

Currently, there is $6.9 million of land held for sale and development under the agencies control including 57 acres at the Gateway II Corporate Park, 67 acres at the BETP, 250 acres at the GVAB Park, 34 acres at Med Tech Park, and the Upstate MedTech Centre Building including an Innovation Zone for entrepreneurial businesses.

GO ART! Creative Arts Camp during Spring Break is a big hit, more planned

By Steve Ognibene

(Photos by Steve Ognibene.) (Above, 6-year-old Lilian Gary paints a clay mushroom.)

During the school Spring Break, some families go out of town and some stay local to enjoy with friends and family from out of town. Parents are still working during the day and looking for an opportunity for learning something new.

This week GO ART! offered its first Creative Arts Camp in the Seymour Place buildingin Downtown Batavia and hopes many others will follow.

The camp sold out. All this week, 28 students in grades two to six participated in many different activities like: drumming, Colombian dance, steel drums, photography class, drawing and theater.

Director Jennifer Gray said they wanted to give kids a small snippet of a little bit of everything in the creative world and include different tastes of performing arts, music, dance and visual arts as part of it. If parents are not aware coming from an arts background, this camp offers what they might not get in school and pique some future interests for the students.

(Above, Director Jennifer Gray giving a drawing lesson to 11-year-old Hunter Kelsey on a graphic abstract.)

GO ART! also plans to offer one-day drop-in camps during the summer and they are looking to offer a younger camp for toddler, pre-K to second-grade kids, and perhaps one for middle school students.

They want to thank generous sponsors for this event: Applied Business Systems -- ABS, T-Shirts Etc., Art Ah La Carte, Design by the Hour, and Glass Roots.

For more details on this event go to: http://www.goart.org/

Also Facebook page: GO ART!

Above, 10-year-old John Riley participating in a Performance Theater segment taught by Assisant Director Gregory Hallock.

Above, Director Gray teaching painting on model clay to elementary students.

Sponsored Post: Don't let this one slip by, call Lynn Bezon today!

By Lisa Ace

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Law and Order: Corfu man charged with criminal possession of controlled substance, Bergen woman charged with petit larceny

By Billie Owens

Christopher Brian King, 24, of Pearl Street Road, Corfu, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested March 23 on an outstanding bench warrant issued by Town of Batavia Court on March 8. He was jailed in lieu of $500 bail. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Robin Lynn Holman, 53, of Buffalo Road, Bergen, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested on March 11 after allegedly stealing property on Buffalo Road in the Town of Bergen. She was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in Town of Bergen Court on April 6. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Erion.

Glendon Stephen Alexander, 19, of East 95th Street, Brooklyn, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested at 8:23 p.m. on March 23 following an investigation of a complaint at College Village that the defendant allegedly unlawfully possessed marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket for April 21 in Town of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl.CorfCorfu

Sponsored post: Super cute - 32 Buell Street is a must see. Call Lynn Bezon today!

By Lisa Ace


32 Buell Street, Batavia, NY. Super cute and solid city home in move in condition! This home has a ton of updates! All windows within last 10 years, roof and gutters in 2003, huge deck in 2005, all new flooring throughout, a fully gutted and remodeled bath in 2003 and remodeled kitchen with lots of pretty cabinetry! The outside has nice curb appeal and backyard is fully fenced and backs up to great park!  BUT especially nice for extra storage or a place to escape is the man cave in the garage! A lot of bang for the buck especially great for a starter! Easy to see anytime! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today - 585-344-4663!

Law and Order: Bank Street woman charged with harassment after allegedly striking person during argument

By Billie Owens

Ashley A. Goodenow, 25, of Bank St., Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 4:30 p.m. on March 22 after it was alleged that she struck another person during an argument on Bank Street. She is to be in city court on March 29. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Michael J. Antonucci, 33, of Alexander Road, Attica, is charged with two counts of second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 12:15 a.m. on March 3 for two separate counts of second-degree criminal contempt after it was alleged that he violated a stay-away order of protection when he communicated with a protected person by text messages on two different occasions. He was issued an appearance ticket and is to be in Batavia City Court on April 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Robert Dean Cook, 36, of Walden Creek Drive, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. It is alleged that on March 22 Cook called a party who has a complete a stay away order of protection and Cook is prohibited from contacting. He was issued an appearance ticket and is to be in city court on March 29. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards.

Kenyon H. Barnes, 31, no permanent residence, was arrested on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court at 5:35 p.m. on March 22. Barnes was jailed in lieu of $1,000 bail and is to be in city court today. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

A 17-year-old Batavia resident was arrested on a bench warrant at 4:01 p.m.on March 21, which was issued because the youth allegedly failed to complete community service as part of a sentence for a conviction on a trespass charge. The trespass incident occurred on Sept. 19. The youth was released and is due back in Batavia City Court on May 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Law and Order: State Police arrest man on warrant for domestic violence incident last October, bail is $50K

By Billie Owens

Chauncy J. Anderson, 34, of Joseph Avenue, Rochester, is charged with first-degree attempted assault, second-degree reckless endangerment, and second-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested on a Genesee County Superior Court Arrest Warrant, which stemmed from a domestic incident in Batavia on Oct. 3. He was located by State Police after a traffic stop at 1:47 p.m. on March 18 in the Town of Stafford. He was jailed on $50,000 bail and is to appear in GC Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.

Christina A. Cotter, 23, of McKinley Avenue, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree harassment. At 7:44 p.m. on March 15, Cotter allegedly had a verbal argument which turned physical with another adult, while in front of a 3-year-old child. She was issued an appearance ticket and is to return to Batavia City Court Tuesday afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Jennifer A. Pansy, 39, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree menacing. She was arrested at 10:35 a.m. after an incident in which she allegedly threatened someone with a knife for looking into her kitchen from the roadway. She is to appear in Batavia City Court on March 29. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Gabrielle Marie Silva, 18, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with second degree burglary -- illegal entry into a dwelling, and fourth-degree criminal mischief. Silva was arrested in the 200 block of Bank Street in Batavia at 11:33 p.m. on March 16. The arrest was made after an incident on Bank Street wherein a window was smashed. State Police located Silva at her residence and she was taken to Batavia PD headquarters, then arraigned in court and released on her own recognizance. She was to appear later in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Darryle Streeter, aasisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Nicholas C. Blatt, 23, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental justice. He was arrested at 12:56 a.m. on March 20 as the result of an investigation into an incident that occurred at a residence on East Main Street, Batavia, throughout the day. He was jailed on $1,500 bail and was to appear in Batavia City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanigan, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

Anthony S. Morse, 35, of West Main Street Road, Arkport, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested at 3:59 p.m. on March 15 following an incident in the 100 block of Bank Street in the City of Batavia. It is alleged that he threw a chair and broke antoher. He was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in Batavia City Court on March 29. The case was handled by Patavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Joseph M. Marsceill Jr., 30, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with unlicensed operator and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operator. The charges stem from a traffic-related matter on Swan Street in the City of Batavia in which Marsceill was allegedly observed driving a vehicle and it was known that he did not possess a valid lisence and that his driving privilege had been revoked. He was jailed in lieu of $1,000 bail and was to appear later in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards.

Shayla L. Sharrock, 30, of Stowell Drive, Rochester, is charged with speeding and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation -- alcohol related. Sherrock was arrested at 10:31 p.m. on March 18 on Clinton Street in Batavia after a traffic stop. Sharrock was released on her own recognizance and was scheduled to appear this afternoon in Town of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Darryle Streeter, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Joan L. Johnson, 30, is charged with speeding and first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. Johnson was arrested at 4:59 p.m. on March 16 after being stopped on Oak Street in Batavia for allegedly speeding. Johnson was allegedly found to be operating in a revoked NYS driver's license and subsequently jailed without bail. She was to appear later in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Gerald Zachary Watts, 31, of North Lyon Street, Batavia, is charged with running a red light, DWI -- first offense, operatinga motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more -- first offense, and refusing to take a breath test. Watts was arrested at 4:13 p.m. on Richmond Avenue in the City of Batavia, released, and is to be in city court on March 30. The case waa handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Joey Robert Tatro III, 21, of Main Street, Attica, is charged with failure to pay a fine imposed by court. The defendant was arrested March 19 on Alexander Road in Batavia on a bench warrant out of Town of Batavia Court alleging failure to pay a fine. Tatro was jailed on $100 bail and is to appear in Town of Batavia Court on March 28. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Howard Carlson.

A 16-year-old who lives on Washington Avenue in Batavia was arrested on a bench warrant for allegedly failing to appear in court on the scheduled date after being charged with second-degree harassment. The charge stems from an incident on West Main Street in Batavia at 1 p.m. on Feb. 9. The teen was jailed on $500 bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Ward E. Royse, 40, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. He was arrested on March 19 after allegedly failing to appear in court concerning an incident which occured Jan. 7. He was jailed in lieu of $1,000 bail and was to appear in court today. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Rashaad M. Jones, 25, of Milton Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Jones was arrested at 4 p.m. on March 18 after a traffic complaint on Ellicott Street, Batavia, wherein Jones was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana inside his vehicle. He is to be in city court on March 29. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Elizabeth Lindner, 29, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She is accused of stealing the Batavia Daily News from Marchese Computer Products, located at 220 Ellicott St., at 6:56 a.m. on March 12. She was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear at 1 p.m. on Tuesday in Batavia City Court. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Ready! Set! Go! Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt in Centennial Park is Saturday

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo. Information from Matt Landers.

These K-Kids -- little Kiwanis -- recently helped stuff more than 4,000 plastic eggs for the big Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Batavia Kiwanis Club.

It will be held this Saturday, March 26, at Centennial Park in the City of Batavia and starts at 9 a.m. sharp.

There will be three age groups -- 0-3, 4-7, and 8-10 -- with three Golden Prize eggs in each age group. The Golden Prize eggs get the winner a chocolate bunny from Oliver's Candies.

Standing in the back row, from left, is Mrs. Case, the St. Joe's teacher who is the K-Kids coordinator, Matt Landers and Jeanne Walton. That fuzzy critter with the big whiskers and floppy ears is none other than the Easter Bunny, who was very enthusiastic about the preparation project.

Law and Order: Pembroke resident allegedly violated order of protection, Batavia man allegedly possessed marijuana

By Billie Owens

Morgan Lee Cox, 48, of Scribner Road, Pembroke, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt. On March 19, Cox was arrested following an investigation of a domestic incident at 11 p.m. on March 18. It is alleged that Cox violated a court order of protection. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Chad Cummings, assisted by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Kenneth James Henning, 24, of Main Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and failure to stop at a stop sign. He was arrested as the result of a traffic stop at 8:20 p.m. on March 18 on West Main Street Road, Batavia. He was released on an appearance tickets for Town of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

11th Annual Batavia Antique Show & Sale to benefit HLOM

By James Burns

Running until 8 tonight and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. is the Batavia Antique Sale and Show in the Paddock Room at Batavia Downs. Admission is $5 dollars per person with proceeds going to the HLOM Museum. Free entry Saturday with proof of Friday admission.

Two masked teenaged males run through Richmond library, screaming threat of robbery

By Billie Owens

Two white teenaged males reportedly just ran through Richmond Memorial Library wearing masks and screaming they were going to rob the place.

They then left and were seen runnning westbound on East Main Street. One is wearing blue jeans and a white T-shirt, the other is wearing blue jeans, black T-shirt and a red bandanna.

City police are responding. "The names are in the job," a dispatcher told officers.

The library is located at 19 Ross St.

Law and Order: Man picked up on warrant for criminal impersonation, released, then jailed for alleged forgery

By Billie Owens

Joshua David Macdonald, 24, of West Bank Road, Albion, is charged with criminal impersonation in the second degree. He was arrested March 17 on a warrant out of Town of Batavia Court. He allegedly committed the offense of criminal impersonation during an alleged larceny at Target on Feb. 11. He was released on his own recognizance at 2:15 p.m. and is to be in Town of Batavia Court for this case on April 5. In addition, Macdonald is charged with second-degree forgery. At 3:30 p.m., March 17, he was arrested on the forgery charge after allegedly signing a false name on a public record in the City of Batavia and offering the document to a public servant. He was jailed in lieu of $10,000 bail and is to appear on this charge March 18 in City of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

Robert Dean Cook, 36, of Walden Creek Drive, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Today, Cook was arrested for allegedly contacting a protected third party via e-mail on March 17. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and jailed on $500 bail. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Chad Cummings.

St. Patrick's Day in Batavia

By James Burns

As you may well know, today is the day when everyone is Irish; it is St. Patrick's Day. Few better places to be than your favorite pub for a celebration. O'Lacy's Irish Pub is first to come to mind on this day for many. As the size of the crowd at the pub proved, this is the place to be in Genesee County. (Divine Reuben sandwiches, if we may say so.)

Plenty of good times to be had at Center Street Smoke House right around the corner, too. Dancers from McMahon School of Irish Dance will be doing some jigs at 6 p.m. and then there's an encore performance at 7. There will be live Irish music provided by The Heenan Brothers, corned beef & cabbage dinners, special on Miller Lite -- 20 ozs. for 5 bucks.

Enjoy St. Pat's Day, but don't drink and drive!

Law and Order: Two Medina men put in Genesee County Jail

By Billie Owens

Orlando McDonald, 32, of Eagle Street, Medina, is charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. McDonald was stopped on Alleghany Road in Pembroke at 6:33 p.m. on March 16 for allegedly having inadequate headlamps. After an investigation, it was determined that he was driving with a revoked license. He was jailed in lieu of $2,500 bail.

Jessie L. Tabor, 20, of Catherine Street, Medina, turned himself in at Medina Police Department on an outstanding warrant issued by Town of Batavia Court. He is charged with petit larceny stemming from an incident on West Main Street Road in Batavia on Feb. 29. He was jailed in lieu of $200 bail.

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