batavia

In 30 years as an emergency dispatcher, Steve Robinson has probably handled every imaginable kind of call, first with the City of Batavia and later with the Sheriff's Office -- lost cats, petit larcenies, fires, train derailments, overdoses, homicides, and everything in between.

It's a tough job but on the night of his final shift, he said he is glad he chose the job he did as a young man.

"It's been an amazing career," Robinson said. "I've made a lot of friends -- with other dispatchers, judges, DAs, police officers, EMS, fire -- everybody involved in the whole process. I couldn't have asked for a better career for 30 years. It's not pretty sometimes. We deal with a lot of unpleasant stuff, but we get through it and I appreciate everybody I've worked with, and I've gotten a lot of help over the years."

To be a good dispatcher, Robinson said, you have to be able to multitask. You can find yourself dealing with a police officer on the radio about one call while taking an emergency call from an unrelated incident on 9-1-1. 

"There is a lot of activity in the room and you can't rely on somebody else to answer your phone for you," Robinson said.

And because you're sometimes dealing with people in duress, at the worse time of their lives, or who are angry, you have to have good people skills to be a good dispatcher. You have to be able to stay calm, talk people through their situations and ensure first responders are kept safe.

"The people I work with, not just the dispatchers, but the first responders, we have a bond because nobody else understands what we do," Robinson said. "In this job, unless you do it, you can't understand what we deal with and that is what bonds us."

In retirement, Robinson will still be around, and not far from the career he's loved. He will continue to work part time for Batavia PD as a desk clerk.

"I'll keep a hand in the business," Robinson said. "I'm not totally walking away."

Even though Pittsford-Sutherland had a size advantage down low, the Blue Devils kept their home game Wednesday night close until the third quarter.

Then Pittsford-Sutherland's guards started dropping threes like gumdrops in a five-and-dime. 

Drew Kull, Jalyn Moorehead and Owen Flisnik combined for seven makes beyond the arc and sealed the deal of a 58-42 win for the Knights.

For Batavia, the only player in double digits scoring was Alex Hale with 11 points. Zach Gilebarto scored nine, Caeden White, eight, and Camden White scored seven.

The Blue Devils are now 7-6 on the season.

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Jennifer L. Stack, 33, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested on Jan. 25. At 10:35 a.m. on Jan. 11 an incident occurred at GCASA, 430 E. Main St., Batavia, and Stack is accused of striking a person multiple times while on the property. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 4. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Connor Borchert, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Ashley E. Quintern, 30, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. She was arrested after an incident at 8:20 a.m. Jan. 24 where children were allegedly left without supervision for about an hour and a half at a location in the 100 block of Ross Street in the city. Quintern was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court and is due there Feb. 4. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Phillip D. Byford Jr., 29, of South Platt Street, Albion, is charged with two counts of petit larceny on the same day at the same store. He was first arrested at 8:01 a.m. on Jan. 24 after being accused of stealing beer and food from the Speedway convenience store at 204 W. Main St. in Batavia. The arrest was made by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Officer Jordan McGinnis. Later, at 10:35 p.m., a witness allegedly saw him stealing beer at the Speedway and reported it. He was arrested again at 11:05 p.m. The evening arrest was made by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Wesley Rissinger. In each incident he was released with an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on Feb. 4.

Robert C. Strollo, 59, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 9:55 a.m. on Jan. 26 following the investigation of a larceny that occurred at the Family Dollar Store at 577 E. Main St. in Batavia. He is accused of stuffing merchandise in his pockets while there at 11:37 a.m. on Jan. 22. He allegedly walked out of the store without paying for the items. Strollo was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court and is due there on Feb. 4. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Connor Borchert, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Nateeka M. Gibson, 30, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Gibson was arrested after a larceny was reported at the Kwik Fill at 99 Jackson St. in Batavia. This allegedly occurred at 7:40 p.m. on Dec. 20. Gibson is accused of taking property from the convenience store without paying for it. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan.

A vehicle slid off the roadway at Batavia Elba Townline Road and Pekin Road. Unknown injuries. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics.

Press release:

Are there things in my life that I do that hurt others? Is there something I wish I could live without?

Is it time to crack my denial and admit that I am not in control of my life? Do I have a painful habit or hang-up from which I need to be freed?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions then Celebrate Recovery may be a place for you.

A wide variety of hurts, hang-ups and habits are represented at Celebrate Recovery. Examples include dependency on alcohol or drugs, pornography, low self-esteem, need to control, depression, anger, co-dependency, fear of rejection, fear of abandonment, perfectionism, broken relationships, and abuse.

Anyone (inside or outside the church) who struggles can benefit from this group. 

Celebrate Recovery is a ministry outreach for anyone who is interested in a Christ-centered recovery program that will enable them to recover from life’s hurts, hang-ups and harmful habits.

This group meets every Thursday throughout the calendar year, even holidays, at Northgate Free Methodist Church (8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia). They meet from 6:30 to 9 p,m. There is no cost to attend Celebrate Recovery and you may join at any time. 

For more information, visit the church website or email office@northgatefmc.com

Submitted photo and press release:

The JCPenney department store in Batavia is dedicated to helping our local youth. It has proudly donated $1,200 to the Liberty Center for Youth located at 114 Liberty St.

They have made this donation to help close the opportunity gap for the youth of our community. The opportunity gap refers to youth who have unequal access to programs, resources and necessities that enable them to be academically successful.

Many factors such as age, race, gender, household income and community wealth can put the underserved youth at greater risk of not graduating high school or getting the formal training they need to secure a good-paying job. That is where the Liberty Center for Youth Comes in. 

The Liberty Center for Youth offers free programing to all youth ages 9-16 in the community. The center is equipped with a technology lab fit with 10 new computers, 10 tablets and a smart board.

The facility is also has a gymnasium, indoor foursquare court and gaming room complete with air hockey, pool and foosball tables. Youth are offered a free snack every day in the cafeteria and tutoring services are also provided free of charge. 

The City of Batavia Youth Bureau and the Genesee County YMCA have entered into a collaborative partnership to deliver Liberty Center for Youth for youth programing. Both organizations have prided themselves on offering free, safe and fun activities to our youth.

JCPenney proudly supports this community and its success. JCPenney would like to thank Lydia Schauf, who is the program coordinator for the City of Batavia Youth Bureau, for making us aware of this need in our community and taking the time to coordinate this donation.

Photo: Back row, from left -- Sue Dart (JCPenney), Charitie Bruning (Glow YMCA), Elise Lee (JCPenney), Lydia Schauf (City of Batavia Youth Bureau), Rachel Hale (Glow YMCA), and Jeff Townsend (Glow YMCA). Four local youths are in the front row, from left: Kamela Lockhart, Jonelis Martinez-Williams, Gabrielle Lawlis and Gianna Williams.

As part of Catholic Schools Week on Sunday, St. Joe's held it's third annual "Slime Off."

Robert William Devos, 31, of South Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with falsely reporting an incident in the second degree. On Jan. 26, Devos turned himself in at the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on the pending charge. It stems from an incident that occurred at the Citgo Gas Station on Park Road in the Town of Batavia at 6:10 p.m. on Jan. 17. Devos allegedly reported to patrons and store staff that there was "an impending occurrence of an explosion in the store." Devos was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released with a ticket to appear in Town of Batavia Court on Feb. 6. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen, assisted by Deputy Jared Swimline.

Nanette Louise Kappus, 63, of Angling Road, Corfu, is charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated -- a BAC of .18 or higher; DWI; and driving left of pavement markings. Following a traffic complaint, Kappus was arrested at 6:59 p.m. Jan. 26 on Angling Road in Corfu. She was issued traffic tickets and is due in Town of Pembroke Court on Feb. 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by David Moore.

Aaron W. Smith, 32, who resides in Oakfield, was arrested by Wyoming County Sheriff's Deputy Austin Harding on Route 39 in the Town of Castile on Jan. 25. He is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree. While on patrol, Harding allegedly witnessed a passenger in Smith's vehicle, which was in front of the deputy's car, throw an item out of the moving vehicle. A traffic stop was initiated near Swyers Road. Smith was found to have two active suspensions on his driver's license out of Town of Alabama Court, where he is due at a later date. Smith's passenger was issued a citation for littering on a highway.

Octavio M. Tardy, 54, of Woodside Drive, Bergen, is charged with petit larceny. On Jan. 21 at 4:30 p.m. Tardy was arrested for allegedly stealing items from the Dollar General Store at 412 E. Main St. in Batavia. Tardy was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Tuesday (Jan. 28). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Tonya M. Weber-Jackson, 35, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. On Jan. 20 at 7:35 p.m. Weber-Jackson was arrested for allegedly stealing items from the Dollar General Store at 412 E. Main St. in Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 4. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is investigating a robbery that occurred in the parking lot of Pizza Hut on Jan. 24 at approximately 7:38 p.m. The victims had gone to the lot to meet with a potential buyer of items the victims were selling online when the robbery occurred. It is believed the potential buyer is the suspect in this case.

The suspect was armed with a blunt object at the time. The victims were not injured during the incident. Further information can not be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.

The Batavia Police would like to remind citizens the Batavia Police Headquarters rear vestibule, located at 10 W. Main St., is a certified SafeTrade Station. This means members of the public wishing to buy or sell online items, can conduct the sale with the other party in a safer spot than a parking lot or house.

The vestibule area is monitored by surveillance cameras/police personnel and a direct phone connection to the Genesee County Dispatch Center is available. More information about the SafeTrade Program can be found here.

Anyone with information in reference to the case may contact: Detective Sergeant Matt Lutey at 585-345-6311, or the Batavia Police Department at 585-345-6350, the confidential tip line at 585-345-6370, or online here.

A white male who stole a Spectrum Cable pickup truck from a location in the Town of Batavia on Saturday night and then evaded capture during a pursuit on Oak Street is still at large, according to the Batavia Police Department.

The police are asking the public's assistance in identifying the suspect.

The incident began about 11:30 p.m. when the Sheriff's Office received a report of a stolen work truck.

An officer in the City of Batavia observed a white Ford F-150 with the Spectrum logo on its doors traveling on Washington Avenue.

The officer followed the vehicle onto West Main Street while confirming with dispatchers that the vehicle in question was the stolen vehicle.

The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the stolen vehicle at the intersection of Olyn Avenue and Holland Avenue. The suspect fled northbound on Holland, continuing northbound on to Oak Street before making an abrupt right turn at Charles Street.

The subject then drove through all the backyards of the houses located on the north side of Charles Street, damaging fences, vehicles and the yards.

The work truck then emerged through the driveway of 70/72 Oak St. damaging vehicles and a house. The vehicle traveled westbound across Oak striking and significantly damaging three vehicles in the driveway of 69 Oak St.

At that point, the operator then fled the area on foot.

Deputy Chris Erion and K-9 "Frankie" responded for a search of the area while state Troopers helped establish a perimeter.

Despite an extensive search, the suspect was not located.

The suspect was described by witnesses to be a white male, with long hair, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and a black backpack.

There were no reported injuries as a result of the incident. 

The Batavia PD press release suggests investigators have a possible name for the suspect but are looking for additional information to confirm the identity. Anybody with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Det. Jason Ivison. Ivison can be reached at (585) 345-6370.

A light amount of heavy, wet snow is falling in Batavia and the roads are getting slick.

At about 8:35 p.m., a vehicle failed to negotiate a curve in Ganson Avenue and slid into a tree. City fire and Mercy EMS were called to the scene to evaluate a pregnant woman who was riding in the backseat.

Officer Mark Lawrence said City DPW has been notified of road conditions and are expected to start treating roadways.

Here at The Batavian, we go out at night to find out what's going on so you don't have to. Help us do more to inform you about what's going on in your community by becoming a supporter.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Water Department is on location of a water main break in front of 185 Pearl St. The water will be turned off on Pearl Street from 100 Pearl to the western City line.

We appreciate your understanding while this repair is being made. City crews will make every attempt to restore water as soon as possible.

UPDATE 6:30 p.m.: Water service has been restored.

Daniel Jon Lewis, 23, of Genesee Street, Lima, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny. Lewis was arrested Jan. 23. He is accused of stealing a vehicle from the 5000 block of Clinton Street Road in Batavia at 8:39 a.m. on Jan. 3. He was issued an appearance ticket for Feb. 6 in Town of Batavia Court, at which time he will be arraigned. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator Chad Minuto.

Jennifer Ann Clarke, 22, of Beckwith Drive, Pembroke, is charged with stalking in the fourth degree and second-degree aggravated harassment. She was arrested Jan. 23. She is accused of sending several text messages and making several phone calls to an individual after being told to stop contacting that person. Clarke was arraigned in Pembroke Town Court on Jan. 23 and then was released under supervision of Genesee Justice. Clarke is due in Pembroke Town Court again on Feb. 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

You name it it was done -- roof, windows, furnace etc... Many nice features including entry hall with laundry area off garage, love a place to kick off your shoes and storage, leading into large and cozy kitchen with dining area next to gas fireplace. Look out slider door to peaceful backyard or curl up next to fireplace while you eat and entertain!

Also has large front living room and three good sized bedrooms. Don’t forget, two car garage and very large and dry basement for all your extra storage or hobbies. Come see!

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