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Molly Huber of Batavia and Lauren Burke of Bergen initiated into Phi Kappa Phi at RIT

By Billie Owens

The following people recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines:

  • Molly Huber, of Batavia, at Rochester Institute of Technology
  • Lauren Burke, of Bergen, at Rochester Institute of Technology

They are among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter.

Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines.

Today, the Society has chapters on more than 325 campuses in the United States and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

More About Phi Kappa Phi

Since its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated into Phi Kappa Phi. Some of the organization's notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham and YouTube cofounder Chad Hurley.

Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards more than $1 million to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives.

For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit www.phikappaphi.org.

Oneida County man arrested in more Genesee County stolen vehicle cases

By Billie Owens

Edward G. Ruckdeschel, 58, of Marcy, Oneida County, is charged with: third-degree burglary and four counts of third-degree grand larceny, all Class D felonies; and three counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony.

His arrest was announced today after an investigation that began last July into stolen vehicles in Genesee County.

Ruckdeschel is currently incarcerated in a NYS prison, following his conviction in previous stolen vehicle cases in Genesee County and his sentencing for the crimes on Aug. 10.

Following his conviction last summer, Ruckdeschel was arrested on suspicion of stealing two more vehicles on Aug. 10 and Aug. 11 and those two grand larceny charges remain pending in Genesee County Court.

Altogether there are ongoing investigations concerning seven stolen vehicles. Ruckduschel was arraigned in town courts in Batavia, Pembroke, Stafford, Le Roy and Bergen. He is due to appear in county court on all charges May 4.

The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Office investigators Joseph D. Loftus and Kevin P. Forsyth.

Law and Order: Alden man accused of DWI, Batavia woman accused of possessing controlled substances

By Billie Owens

Paul K. Kellner Jr., 53, of Wescott Avenue, Alden, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more; moving from lane unsafely; speed not reasonable and prudent; and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Kellner was arrested after a motor-vehicle collision at 9:59 p.m. April 21 on Genesee Street in Darien. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Darien Court on June 1. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Tower, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Rosemary Renee Waters, 35, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. Waters was arrested at 1:39 a.m. today, April 23, following a traffic stop for an alleged traffic violation on Vine Street in Batavia. During the investigation it was allegedly found that Waters was operating the vehicle while her driver's license was suspended. She is accused of having four different types of controlled substances in her possession at the time. She was issued appearance tickets, then released from custody. She is due in Batavia City Court on May 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Gauthier, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.

Planned Parenthood seeks volunteers to serve as patient escorts at its Batavia location

By Press Release

Press release:

Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York is recruiting volunteers to serve as escorts at our Batavia health center.

It is located at 222 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

Volunteers will greet and provide comfort to patients upon their arrival to the health center and upon their departure.

Candidates must be calm, friendly and comfortable ignoring protestor activity.

A commitment of two hours per week, primarily during daytime hours is required.

Thorough interview and screening required and training will be provided. For more information call (585) 546-2771, ext. 338., or email volunteer@ppcwny.org.

Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York provides high quality, nonjudgmental reproductive health care; promotes responsible and healthy sexuality; advocates for access to comprehensive health care; and supports those affected by sexual violence. Each year, PPCWNY serves more than 31,000 adults and teens throughout Central and Western New York.

County celebrates Earth Day with Friday night hike at GC Park & Forest, Saturday events at DeWitt

By Press Release

Press release:

Earth Day is your chance to give back to your community and take care of our planet! Here are two fun events this weekend.

1) Earth Day Night Hike at the Genesee County Park & Forest

Celebrate Earth Day with a night hike through the forest! Explore the forest at twilight and be part of the magic of spring with our Earth Day Night Hike at the Genesee County Park & Forest in East Bethany from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday April 23rd!

Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center and head out to the forest as we visit animal habitats, hear nature folklore and more.

Cost is $5/person, $10/family. Preregistration is required, call (585) 344-1122 to register.

Participants must wear a mask when unable to maintain 6 feet of social distance and are encouraged to wash hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.

2) Earth Day Park Cleanup at DeWitt Recreation Area

Join us at DeWitt Recreation Area in Batavia for the 20th annual Earth Day Park Cleanup on Saturday, April 24th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Celebrate Earth Day and help keep the park beautiful and the habitat safe and healthy for wildlife!

Learn to make cool things from recycled materials and enjoy a naturalist-guided hike to discover natural wonders in the park. Enjoy wild games and find out what you can do each day to help the Earth!

Service groups, students, 4H and scouts can earn community service hours and badge requirements.

Celebration and all activities for the DeWitt event are FREE and open to the public. Please preregister for activities by calling (585) 344-1122.

Participants must wear a mask when unable to maintain 6 feet of social distance and are encouraged to wash hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.

Schedule of Activities: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- Park Cleanup Projects -- Make the park beautiful and healthy for wildlife!

  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- Recycled Crafts
  • 12 to 1 p.m. -- Field Games for Kids
  • 1 to 2 p.m. -- Guided Nature Hike

For more information visit our website, or contact Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122

Video: Ellicott Station developer updates Batavia Development Corp. board

By Howard B. Owens

Buffalo developer Sam Savarino, who has been working for years to close financing on Ellicott Station (former Soccio & Della Penna and Santy's Tire properties), met via Zoom this morning with the Batavia Development Corp. Board of Directors and gave the members an update on the progress of the project, which should start with site cleanup soon.

Kiwanis donates 'Karę Packages' to local veterans

By Howard B. Owens

With the help of Kiwanis members in the region, the Kiwanis Club of Batavia has put together 40 care packages for veterans in our community. 

Members of the Kiwanis Club dropped off the "Kare Packages" at the Veterans Services Office yesterday.

Key contributions came from Kiwanis members Joe Van Cura, owner of Mission Coffee in Rochester, and Dave DiFranco, director of VPAC (Veterans-Plus Assistance Corp.).

Photo: Heather Henders, Lt. Gov. of the Genesee Division of Kiwanis, Bill Joyce, veterans services officer, Stefano Napolitano, VP of Batavia Kiwanis, and Peter Guppenberger, Kiwanis past president.

Hip Hop dance master Maceo 'Mace' Harrison to teach three sessions in GC this weekend

By Billie Owens

LAW Dance Studio in Batavia is offering master classes with Maceo "Mace" Harrison this Friday, Saturday and Sunday only -- April 23-25.

Harrison specializes in hip hop, acro, and break-dancing.

Options* are:

  • Friday: $20 -- Open Gym class. All ages, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at MCA Gymnastics Studio, 7820 Caswell Road, Byron.
  • Saturday: $50 -- Open Hip Hop Workshop. From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at LAW Dance Studio, 218 W. Main St., Batavia.
  • Sunday: $50 -- Recital Choreographed Opening Number -- for LAW dance students only, required, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 to 2:30 p.m.

*LAW Dance students -- Come to all three classes for $100.

Call to register (585) 297-2559.

About Maceo "Mace" Harrison

He is a hip hop dancer and choreographer born in Maryland, D.C. At age 7, he started pursuing hip-hop dance. At age 15, he began attending hip hop battles, performing at talent shows and even auditioned for "America’s Got Talent." At the age of 17, he joined his first dance studio, where he learned ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern and tap.

Spending four years on a dance competition team, he won multiple scholarships and overall awards for his hip hop solos. He also made it to the third round of auditions during season 11 of, “So You Think You Can Dance.”

In 2016, he received a full scholarship to the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City for their hip hop program and was featured dancing for Missy Elliot in her music video, “Snatch Your Weave.”

He's also the First Base Dancing coach for the Savannah Banana's Baseball team in Savannah, Ga. Here is a video interview of him that covers the history of Harrison as the dancing first base coach.

You can check out some of his content on his social media channels: 

Twitter: @harrison_maceo / Instagram: @danceiz_lif3 / Tik tok: @danceiz_m3

Two-car accident at Oak and Prospect in the city

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with minor injuries is reported at Oak Street and Prospect Avenue in the city. City fire is responding along with Mercy medics and medics from Le Roy.

UPDATE 1:15 p.m.: The people involved are signs-offs. Le Roy medics are returning from the scene, in service.

Batavia PD releases photo of suspect in unlocked car larcenies

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia PD is seeking the public's assistance in identifying the person in this photo. He is suspected of entering unlocked cars and stealing items from the vehicles. He may have an accomplice.

If you have any information you are asked to contact the Batavia Police at (585) 345-6350.

Grand Jury: Man accused of first-degree rape and three other sex crimes in Town of Batavia

By Billie Owens

Juan M. Mendez is indicted for the crime of first-degree rape, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 4 at or around Genesee Community Colllege in the Town or Batavia that Mendez engaged in sexual intercourse with another person who was incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless. In count two, Mendez is indicted for third-degree rape, a Class E felony, for engaging in sexual intercourse that day with another person without such person's consent -- by reason of some other factor than incapacity to consent. In count three, Mendez is indicted for the crime of first-degree sexual abuse, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged in count three that while at or around GCC Sept. 4 he subjected a person to sexual contact when the other person was incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless. In count four, Mendez is indicted for the crime of third-degree sexual abuse, a Class B misdemeanor. In count four, he is accused of subjecting a person to sexual contact at or around GCC that day without the person's consent.

Rachelle N. Laney is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 10 in the Town of Le Roy that Laney knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug -- fentanyl -- with intent to sell it. In count two, she is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony. It is alleged that on that day Laney knowingly and unlawfully possessed one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures or substances containing a narcotic drug - fentanyl -- with an aggregate weight of one-eighth of an ounce or more. In counts three and four, Laney is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged that on that day in Le Roy, she knowingly and unlawfully possessed controlled substances -- methadone and hydrocodone, respectively. In counts five, six and seven Laney is accused of criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in counts five, six and seven that the defendant knowingly possessed glassine envelopes, vials, capsule or other material suitable for the packaging of individual quantities of any narcotic drugs or stimulants. In count seven specifically, this drug was Mannitol.

Eric J. Reyes Jr. is indicted for the crime of stolen property in the third degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 28 in the Town of Le Roy that Reyes knowingly possessed stolen property that had a value of more than $3,000. In count two, Reyes is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree, a misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that on Sept. 28 in Le Roy Reyes drove a 2020 Dodge on Interstate 90 while his privilege to drive was suspended by the NYS DMV Commissioner.

St. Joe's Mammoth Sale a weekly affair to keep things socially distanced

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

St. Joe’s Regional School recently experienced a successful Mini Mammoth Sale at their new location in the school’s Annex building across from the school. The new location has five rooms loaded with items of all types, from furniture to a shop of collectibles and vintage articles.

The sale has expanded to include Fridays, 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon for the months of April and May, and sales throughout the year.

Donations of jewelry, furniture, household items and collectibles are greatly appreciated and can either be dropped off on the Annex porch or picked up by calling Randa Williams at (585) 356-5333.

A huge thank you to all who have supported our school through donations or purchases since we are no longer connected to a parish.  Also, thank you to Carmen Campbell from the PennySaver as our promotional partner, Rick and Tom Mancuso for our storage facilities, and Dave at Tim Hortons for keeping our volunteers in Timbits and coffee.  Also, Anibal Soler, city schools superintendent, and his executive secretary Brittany Witkop for advertising support.

John Bowen, Randa Williams, and Norm Argulsky and the school could not be successful without the support of the community.    

Photos by Howard Owens. Top photo, sale cochairs Randa Williams and John Bowen.

Law and Order: School Street man accused of leaving a bar in the city without paying his bill

By Billie Owens

Andre Roberts, 28, of School Street, Batavia, is charged with theft of services. He was arrested at 8:13 p.m. April 13 after he patronized a bar in the City of Batavia, then allegedly left without paying his tab. Roberts was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court April 20.

Johnny Earl Anthony, 30, of Knapp Road, Akron, is charged with driving while intoxicated -- first offense; operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more -- first offense; moving from lane unsafely; and unlicensed operator. Anthony was arrested at 8:53 p.m. April 17 on West Main Street Road in Batavia after being involved in a collision. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on May 24. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Kyle Tower.

Sundae Jade Whitney Grambeck, 27, of Junction Road, Pavilion, is charged with driving while intoxicated -- first offense, and DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or more. At 3:15 a.m. April 19, Grambeck was arrested on Ellicott Street Road in Bethany following a motor-vehicle accident. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in Bethany Town Road on May 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Deputy David Moore.

Caleb Richard Swendsen, 26, of Akron Road, Pembroke, is charged with second-degree criminal trespass. Following a report of a domestic incident at 6:36 p.m. April 13 on Maple Avenue in Oakfield, Swendsen was arrested. He was arraigned on the charge virtually in Oakfield Town Court, then released on an appearance ticket. He is due back in court June11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Kyle Krzemien.

Lisa Fox, 49, of East Avenue, Batavia, was arrested after a traffic stop on East Avenue at 12:08 p.m. April 14 during which she was identified as the operator, and there was a bench warrant for her arrest out of Batavia City Court. Following her arraignment in city court, she was released under supervision. Fox is due to return to court May 25.

Trial date set in June for man accused of starting fire in 2018 on Maple Street, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A trial date has been set for a Batavia man accused in 2018 of arson and attempted murder following a structure fire at 35 Maple St.

Plush Dozier appeared in court for a short hearing where Genesee County Court Judge Charles Zambito scheduled the trial to start on June 7.

Zambito noted the court system will likely still be under COVID-19 protocols in June and said the jury will need to be socially distanced and the trial will require the use of two courtrooms. He scheduled a meeting for July 3 with the attorneys to go over trial arrangements and protocols.

Dozier was originally being held without bail and being housed in Attica after alleged disturbances at the Genesee County Jail (which led to additional criminal charges) but after bail reform at the start of 2020, Dozier was given the opportunity at cash bail of $100,000 or $100,000 bond.

He is currently out of custody.

Photo: Maintenance of Ladder 15

By Howard B. Owens

City fire crews were with Ladder 15 out behind the Batavia Ice Rink on Evans Street this morning giving it a good scrub before re-greasing it to help the equipment operate more smoothly. The task is part of the ladder truck's regular maintenance.

Muckdogs to host Challenger Baseball at Dwyer in June

By Press Release

Press release:

In their continued effort to make an impact in the community, the Batavia Muckdogs have teamed up with the Challenger Division Baseball League to host a game at Dwyer Stadium on Saturday, June 19th at 1 p.m.

Challenger Baseball is a community program sponsored by the YMCA and Arc of Genesee Orleans that provides children in the area with disabilities the opportunity to play organized baseball. With the generous support of volunteers trained in disability awareness and sensitivity, these athletes who range from ages 5-21 can have the unique opportunity to play the sports they love.

Players, coaches, and other Muckdog personnel will be on the field assisting the game that will be free to season ticket holders and other fans in attendance. Later in the afternoon, the Jamestown Tarp Skunks will come into town to play the Muckdogs, with the start time of the PGCBL show-down still to be determined.

The rest of the Challenger Divison Baseball League games will be played at nearby MacArthur Park and hosted by Batavia Youth Baseball. They are very excited to have such a special event held at Dwyer Stadium and hope to see the community out to support them.

Woman reportedly armed with Taser after crashing car in rolling domestic on Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

Emergency responders have been dispatched to the eastbound lane of the Thruway near mile marker 393.

A male reportedly suffered minor injuries after the female driver crashed the car. She has exited the vehicle and is in "the weeds" and on her phone and armed with a Taser, according to dispatchers. 

Law enforcement has arrived on the scene.

Town of Batavia fire dispatched. Mercy EMS also dispatched.

UPDATE 2:29 p.m.: The female says the male has the Taser. It is in the glovebox, she said.

UPDATE 2:40 p.m.: Town assignment back in service.

It appears someone stole her lawn ornaments

By Billie Owens

A woman in the 100-200 block of Pearl Street in the city reports a possible larceny -- her lawn ornaments are missing. Police are responding.

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