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Law and Order: Two people accused of shoplifting from Tops Market in Batavia

By Billie Owens

Heidi L. Harder, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested following a shoplifting investigation into an incident at 2:19 a.m. on Feb. 6 at Tops Friendly Market in Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on Feb. 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan.

Paul Kittisack, 53, of South Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 6 after he allegedly shoplifted from Tops Friendly Market on West Main Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on Feb. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

St. Paul Lutheran School holds annual auction Saturday to benefit tuition fund

By Billie Owens

Above is just a sampling of the nice things available for auction at St. Paul Lutheran School on Saturday. Photo courtesy of St. Paul's.

St. Paul Lutheran School is holding their annual auction on Saturday, Feb. 9th. The doors open at 3:30 p.m. and bidding begins at 4 o'clock.

The auction is to be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School located at 31 Washington Ave., Batavia.

Items to be auctioned are theme baskets, handmade items, craft items and certificates. There is also a bake sale. The Snack Shack will be open!

The proceeds will benefit the school's tuition fund.

National Grid ramping up staffing for wind storm, postpones planned outage for Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

As part of National Grid's preparations, the company is postponing a planned power outage in a portion of Batavia on Friday night and early Saturday morning, said spokesman David Bertola. Assuming the forecast holds, the outage, which will affect about 600 customers along the West Main Street corridor, will take place Feb. 15 and 16. Bertola said based on the forecast, National Grid's personnel will be deployed to storm coverage.

Press release:

With strong winds carrying gusts of up to 60 mph in the forecast for Western New York, National Grid is increasing its evening and overnight staffing and will have line crews report for duty earlier than normal tomorrow morning. The company is prepared for the upcoming weather and provides the following safety tips so customers can be prepared as well.

Electricity & Generator Safety

  • If a power outage occurs, customers can notify National Grid online to expedite restoration.
  • Never touch downed power lines; always assume they are carrying live electricity.
  • Downed lines should be immediately reported to National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 or to your local emergency response organization.
  • Generators used to supply power during an outage must be operated outdoors to prevent the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide. Before operating a generator, be sure to disconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker, located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could endanger our crews and your neighbors.
  • Customers who depend on electrically powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should register as a life support customer by calling National Grid at 1-800-642- 4272. (In a medical emergency, always dial 9-1-1.)
  • Keep a number of working flashlights and an extra supply of batteries in your home and be sure to charge all electronic devices.
  • Please drive carefully and use caution when driving near any crews working to restore power.
  • Be sure to check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage.
  • Click here for a video of National Grid’s storm preparation and restoration process. 

Power line fire reported on Otis Street, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A power line is reportedly on fire on Otis Street in the City of Batavia.

City fire responding. 

UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: City fire on location. Smoke showing. It's a high-tension line against a tree, arcing and burning.

Genesee Tourism: Ten Dining Experiences for a Romantic Evening Out

By Genesee County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center

Ladies, slip into that fancy dress you’ve been looking for an excuse to wear. Gents, put on a nice button-down and tie. Take a night to enjoy each other and linger over a delectable meal. We have ten dining suggestions to help you make the most of your romantic evening out. 

Alex’s Place | Park Road, Batavia
Step into the refined and intimate dining room at Alex’s and your romantic dinner awaits. Elegant meets barbecue goodness with starters like Clams Casino and Bacon Wrapped Scallops. The theme continues with dinner entrees like Rosemary Ribeye, Surf and Turf options, Teriyaki Salmon and more. Alex’s Place is known for their award-winning barbecue but you’ll find there is much more than their delicious ‘cue. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

Capish! Pizza Ristorante | Main Street (Rt. 5), Le Roy
Walk into welcoming aromas of Italian goodness. Share an appetizer and order a bottle of wine to get your romantic evening started. Choose your main course from any number of traditional Italian dishes from pizza to pasta and everything in between. Stay a little longer and linger over a delectable dessert, perfectly paired with a wine or beverage of choice. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

D & R Depot Restaurant | Lake Street (Rt. 19), Le Roy
Dine in this adorable and cozy former B & O train depot for a date night out. Indulge in conversation and enjoy friendly service to accompany your home-cooked meal. Start off with their Shortline Sampler including Stuffed Mushrooms, Artichokes French, Clams Casino and Bruschetta. For the main course, you can’t go wrong with the Grilled Norwegian Salmon or Twin Filet Mignon. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

D & R Depot Restaurant ©Popmenu
 

Farmer’s Creekside Tavern & Inn | Main Street (Rt. 5), Le Roy
Nothing says romance like a table overlooking the scenic Oatka Creek from the warmth of a historic building in downtown Le Roy. Delight yourselves in beautifully created cuisine, carefully chosen wines and hand-crafted tavern cocktails. Farmer’s Tavern Fare and Dinner menus are unlike anything else you’ll find in Genesee County. Each dish is as aesthetically pleasing as it is delicious. Want to extend your romantic night out? Book an overnight in one of their beautiful suites for the perfect end to a perfect evening. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

Fortune’s Restaurant at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel | Park Road, Batavia
Beyond the shining lights and exciting noises of the gaming floor is a cozy and quiet restaurant to retreat to and enjoy the evening. The menu hosts an abundance of local and international wines, choices of appetizers to share and upscale pasta, steak and seafood dishes to complete your meal. Cozy up in a booth, enjoy your company and before you go hit the gaming floor to try your luck. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

LB Grand Steak & Spaghetti House | Main Street (Rt. 5), Le Roy
Tried and true but now better than ever, LB Grand Steak and Spaghetti House is ready to welcome you and your sweetie to a wonderful dinner in their newly renovated space! Care is taken when creating every dish at LB and if you haven’t visited in a while, you’re in for a treat. Their menu hosts a variety of beloved Italian classics, any of which will add to the magic of your romantic night. Some unique and tasty dishes to consider (other than their steak and spaghetti) are the Steamed Mussels, Grilled Salmon and Braised Pork Shank. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

LB Grand Steak & Spaghetti House ©Popmenu
 

Main Street Pizza Company | Main Street (Rt.5), Batavia
There’s more to Main Street than pizza. Dine in their upscale Italian dining room, the perfect setting for a night out all dressed up. Classic Italian cuisine paired with playful presentation, and a good glass of red, will delight all of your senses. The meatballs are the size of softballs and their Pasta Puttanesca is an award winning dish. Some additional Main Street favorites include their Arancini, Cape Cod Salad, Main St. Butchers Block and Seafood Fra Daivlo. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

River Spring Lodge | Church Road, Darien Center
Feel a world away at River Spring Lodge for one of the most romantic nights out. From arrival to departure, your experience will feel nothing short of magical. Grab an overnight room and sit down to a five course dinner that will blow you away. Chef Dave and Carolyn welcome you to sit back and relax while they serve you only their best. Enjoy generous portions of beautifully crafted cuisine at each course with no rush because the table is yours for the night. Be impressed and delight in your company; these memories will last a lifetime. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

The Original Red Osier Landmark Restaurant | East Main Road (Rt. 5), Stafford
Famous for their Prime Rib carved tableside, Red Osier is destination dining at its finest. With newly renovated dining rooms and an inviting farmhouse feel, your romantic night out may reach a new level at The Original Red Osier. Indulge in the classic and beloved Prime Rib dressed how you like with toppings à la carte. For an extra special occasion, add some surf to your turf. Besides Prime Rib, Red Osier offers other delectable Steak, Lamb, Chicken, Pork and Seafood options. Try to save room for dessert; a night out at Red Osier isn’t complete without a Bananas Foster Flambé for two. Gluten-free options are available.

Yume Asian Bistro | Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia
Sushi is the specialty at Yume Asian Bistro and their presentation is what sets them apart; whatever you order looks like a masterpiece when it arrives at your table. Yume treats each ingredient with utmost respect as to deliver you a delicate sushi plate more beautiful than anything you’ve ever seen before- besides your date sitting across from you, of course. Find truly unique and interesting fish on the menu and be adventurous together - try something new! Enjoy the evening, each other and the food. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available.

Sushi © Yume Asian Bistro
 

Brought to you by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center. To view a full list of our restaurants in Genesee County, click here! Bon Appétit!

CANCELLED: Moments That Survive: Remembering Those Impacted by Gun Violence Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 6:30pm

By Beth Stich

CANCELLED: As the first anniversary of the shooting in Parkland FL approaches and in support of survivors of gun violence close to home and around the country, the Genesee County Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America group will be hosting a vigil at Batavia First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., on Wednesday, February 13th at 6:30pm. The purpose of this event is to offer compassionate support to survivors of gun violence in our community.  It will include a curious inquiry into the question: Who is a survivor?  A Survivor Speaker will share her personal story of how a family tragedy impacted her life and the lives of so many others. Guest survivors will be blessed and fortified by the Spirit of Love that unites us all. This event to open to all. Even if you have not been personally impacted by gun violence, your presence will provide a visible expression of the support and compassion of the larger community.      Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence. 

Dick's donates $1K to Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball (BGFS) recently received a very generous grant from the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation for $1,000. BGFS is actively fundraising to be able to purchase and install a new scoreboard at Lions Park, home field of the Batavia Stingers, and this grant will definitely help in the effort.

BGFS fields teams, known as the Batavia Stingers, at the 10u, 12u and 15u level in a Genesee Region Fastpitch Softball League.  While only in our third year of existence, BGFS has seen continued growth and has big plans for improving the field at Lions Park over the next couple of years. 

BGFS is very grateful to the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation for not only this generous grant but for the partnership that the Batavia Dick’s Sporting Goods Store has formed with the Stingers the past two seasons. The Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation and Batavia Dick’s Sporting Goods Store see the important role BGFS plays in providing young ladies a healthy and fun outlet in the community and has pledged to help BGFS reach its full potential.

There will be an in-person registration at the Batavia Dick’s Sporting Goods Store on Saturday, Feb. 9th, from 10 a.m..- 2 p.m.  Parents interested in signing up their daughters and learning about our program are encouraged to attend. More information about BGFS can be found by checking out our Facebook page, Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball, which has a link to our online registration site. 

Thank you to the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation and our Batavia Dick’s Sporting Goods Store not only for the generous grant but for promoting and supporting youth sports in our community.

Photo: Icy branches at Upton Monument

By Howard B. Owens

Icy covered trees throughout the region today, including behind the Upton Monument at Main and Ellicott in Batavia.

There's a weather advisory for tonight. Expect more ice through the morning.

Today's frozen rain creates icicles and ice, slippery surfaces and some frozen trees

By Billie Owens

Our very own marketing expert and graphic artist Lisa Ace, who lives in Batavia, sent us this photo of her backyard table this afternoon, festooned with a skirt of icicles.

With today's freezing rain, emergency responders were busy countywide with reports of frozen trees and wires down, and vehicles off the roadway. Fortunately, no serious injuries reported thus far.

Driver westbound on North Street unharmed after frozen tree falls on windshield

By Billie Owens

A driver who was westbound on North Street in the city was unscathed after a frozen tree fell onto his Pontiac Grand Am windshield.

Police at the scene said he was lucky because if he had been headed eastbound at the same location when the tree fell, the heaviest part of the trunk and its branches would probably have been more dangerous. The tree fell on North Street east of Vine shortly after 5:30 p.m., blocking the roadway.

A total of 303 GCC students named to President's List for fall 2018 semester

By Billie Owens

BATAVIA -- A total of 303 students from Genesee Community College named to President's List for the fall 2018 semester. Students honored on the President's List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality-point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

Alexis Hackmer of Alexander, NY

Carli Marino of Alexander, NY

Madison Cummings of Alexander, NY

Katlyn Adamczak of Basom, NY

Rebecca Myers of Batavia, NY

Marissa Jacques of Batavia, NY

Tessa Lynn of Batavia, NY

Julia Streeter of Batavia, NY

Madison Schady of Batavia, NY

Alexander Rigerman of Batavia, NY

Cameron Sanzo of Batavia, NY

Abby Stendts of Batavia, NY

Kimberly Brodsky of Batavia, NY

Andrew Pickard of Batavia, NY

Neve Georgia of Batavia, NY

Bethany Ruffino of Batavia, NY

Jessica Caryl of Batavia, NY

Casey Beaver of Batavia, NY

Amber Snyder of Batavia, NY

Genna Rumble of Batavia, NY

Danielle Joyce of Batavia, NY

Chloe Rapone of Batavia, NY

Jennifer Bartz of Batavia, NY

Hunter Mazur of Batavia, NY

Rachel Wommack of Batavia, NY

Amnesty Ball of Batavia, NY

Jessica Accardi of Batavia, NY

Kennedy Mullen of Batavia, NY

Megan West of Batavia, NY

Nicholas Allen of Corfu, NY

Alysia Magoffin of Corfu, NY

Olivia Kohorst of Corfu, NY

Morgan Miller of Corfu, NY

Jenna Salim of Corfu, NY

Spencer Graff of Corfu, NY

Rachel Tebor of Corfu, NY

Katharine Smallwood of Corfu, NY

Samantha Tatarski of Corfu, NY

Elizabeth Richardson of Darien Center, NY

Alannah Gross of East Bethany, NY

Brian Wlazlak of East Bethany, NY

Jenna Huntington of Elba, NY

Samantha Nickerson of Elba, NY

Henry Stratton of Elba, NY

Laura Lundmark of Oakfield, NY

Stephanie Halat of Oakfield, NY

Roy Brudz of Stafford, NY

Alan Johannes of Stafford, NY

Melinda Rodriguez of Bergen, NY

Kristen Hale of Bergen, NY

Alexandria Loewke of Bergen, NY

Dillon Brew of Bergen, NY

Carli Piazza of Le Roy, NY

Stefanie Callari of Le Roy, NY

Brenda Turner of Le Roy, NY

Lauren Hull of Le Roy, NY

Valaurie Zweigle of Le Roy, NY

Ceciely Palmer of Le Roy, NY

Jacob Bolton of Le Roy, NY

Jenna Dersham of Pavilion, NY

Genesee Community College serves more than 5,700 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics. 

GCC's new Student Success Center makes admissions, financial aid and enrollment a simple and efficient process. The college has earned three national sports titles; most recently, the Men's Soccer team brought home the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association D-III title. The athletics program, housed in the brand new, state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena hosts more than a dozen intercollegiate men's and women's teams.

Highly convenient, GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as a significant online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three-minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high tech" and "high touch."

A total of 264 GCC students named to dean's list for fall 2018 semester

By Billie Owens

BATAVIA -- A total of 264 students from Genesee Community College were named to the dean's list for the fall 2018 semester. Students honored on the Dean's List have maintained full or part-time enrollment and earned a quality-point index of 3.50 to 3.74.

Ryli Crego of Alexander, NY

Benjamin Vacanti of Alexander, NY

Grace Marzolf of Darien Center, NY

Cassidy Miller of Batavia, NY

Joshua Barton of Batavia, NY

Kesa Janes of Batavia, NY

Mason Turner of Batavia, NY

Taylor Stefaniak of Batavia, NY

Rikki Ettinger of Batavia, NY

Ashlee Ohlson of Batavia, NY

Matthew DiFilippo of Batavia, NY

Shannon Cervone of Batavia, NY

Andrew Frank of Batavia, NY

Samantha Hyback of Batavia, NY

Chase Monachino of Batavia, NY

Matthew Fouquet of Batavia, NY

Chandah Sundown of Batavia, NY

Taylor Dimmig of Bergen, NY

Melissa Haacke of Oakfield, NY

Nicole Mickey of Batavia, NY

Tamara DePalmo of Batavia, NY

Christopher Morris of Pavilion, NY

Merrisa Bohn of Batavia, NY

Kitana Maher of Bergen, NY

Marlaina Fee of Bergen, NY

Nathan Knickerbocker of Byron, NY

Elizabeth Penkszyk of South Byron, NY

Kathryn Long of Stafford, NY

Riley Dyson of Batavia, NY

Julia Starczewski of Corfu, NY

Brandon Kowalski of Corfu, NY

Lynne Blake of Corfu, NY

Bethany Pfennig of Corfu, NY

Zachary Von Kramer of Corfu, NY

Ashlee Gilchrist of Corfu, NY

Haley Steen of Le Roy, NY

Megan Webb of Le Roy, NY

Kaden Vangalio of Le Roy, NY

Amy Kabel of Batavia, NY

Jessica Newton of Batavia, NY

Ivan Pangrazio of Oakfield, NY

Jessica Barclay of Oakfield, NY

Sabrina Walton of Batavia, NY

Katrina Mogavero of Batavia, NY

Mackenzie Simpson of Le Roy, NY

Jeremiah Keaton of Pavilion, NY

Jaden Dumbleton of Pavilion, NY

Kelsey Ehrhart of Stafford, NY

Melissa Ladin of Batavia, NY

Reilly Clark of Bergen, NY

Kaelin Proefrock of Batavia, NY

Shelby Hill of Batavia, NY

Dustin Wheeler of Darien Center, NY

Celestia Chandler of Elba, NY

Genesee Community College serves more than 5,700 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics. 

GCC's new Student Success Center makes admissions, financial aid and enrollment a simple and efficient process. The college has earned three national sports titles; most recently, the Men's Soccer team brought home the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association D-III title. The athletics program, housed in the brand new, state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena hosts more than a dozen intercollegiate men's and women's teams.

Highly convenient, GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as a significant online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three-minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high tech" and "high touch."

Total of 212 GCC students named to Provost's List for fall 2018 semester

By Billie Owens

BATAVIA -- A total of 212 students from Genesee Community College were named to Provost's List. Students honored on the Provost's List have maintained part-time enrollment and earned a quality-point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

William Rippel of Batavia, NY

Joseph Jeanotte of Le Roy, NY

Elizabeth Grosskopf of Batavia, NY

Nadine Jeffery of Batavia, NY

Katelyn Connors of Batavia, NY

Sarah Herman of Alexander, NY

Cassandra Koepp of Alexander, NY

Naomi LaDuke of Alexander, NY

Nicole Alvord of Darien Center, NY

Thomas Kedzierski of Darien Center, NY

Lauren Carli of East Bethany, NY

Alexander Breissinger of Darien Center, NY

Lauren Bertalan of Darien Center, NY

Edward Foeller of Darien Center, NY

Patrick Puccio of Stafford, NY

Christina Weston of Alexander, NY

Erin Deja of Batavia, NY

Crystal Pierce of Batavia, NY

Shannon Guiste of Batavia, NY

Robert Tripp of Batavia, NY

Shane Causyn of Byron, NY

Cassandra Gowanlock of East Bethany, NY

Kyle Schoff of Corfu, NY

Kodian Becker of Darien Center, NY

Allison Steavens of Batavia, NY

Emily Reynolds of Elba, NY

Jennifer Cardinali of Oakfield, NY

Melissa Vinyard of Batavia, NY

Katelyn Barnes of Pavilion, NY

Ryan Wolfe of Batavia, NY

Bryan German of Batavia, NY

Mary Ross of Le Roy, NY

Magnum Kibler of Le Roy, NY

Maura Rogers of Le Roy, NY

Kyle Mott of Batavia, NY

Angelique Newton of East Bethany, NY

Colin Graham of Oakfield, NY

Alan Riggi of Alexander, NY

John Boyle of Le Roy, NY

David Hoffman of Bergen, NY

Jessica Lennon of Alexander, NY

David Mackey of Bergen, NY

Grace Morrill of Bergen, NY

Sandra Fanton of Pavilion, NY

Genesee Community College serves more than 5,700 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics. 

GCC's new Student Success Center makes admissions, financial aid and enrollment a simple and efficient process. The college has earned three national sports titles; most recently, the Men's Soccer team brought home the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association D-III title. The athletics program, housed in the brand new, state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena hosts more than a dozen intercollegiate men's and women's teams.

Highly convenient, GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as a significant online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high tech" and "high touch."

Law and Order: Albion man accused of grand larceny on Hartwell Road, Pavilion

By Billie Owens

Edward Ryan Loper, 30, of West Bank Street, Albion, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and misapplication of property. Loper was arrested on Feb. 5 and arraigned at 3:41 p.m. in Pavilion Town Court. His arrest follows an investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office into an incident that took place on Hartwell Road in Pavilion on Sept. 23. Loper allegedly stole property from an individual with a value in excess of $1,000. Loper also is accused of misapplication of property that belonged to the same individual. He was brought in from Orleans County Jail, where he was incarcerated on an unrelated charge, for the arraignment. Loper was subsequently put back in Orleans County Jail and bail was set for Genesee County Jail for $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond. He is to reappear in Town of Pavilion Court on March 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

James Albert Chase, 39, of Oak Street, Batavia, is registered Level 3 sex offender who is on parole. He is charged with failure to report a change within 10 days -- with a previous conviction for the same offense. Under NYS Penal Law COR 168-F subdivision 4: An offender has 10 calender days to register "...any change of address, Internet accounts with Internet access providers belonging to such offender, Internet identifiers that such offender uses, or his or her status of enrollment, attendance, employment or residence at any institution of higher education." Chase was being held on a parole violation in Genesee County Jail at the time of his arrest on Feb. 4. He was arraigned then jailed without bail. He is due in Batavia City Court tomorrow (Feb. 7). The case was handled by Batavia Police Det. Eric Hill.

Bryan Michael Beach, 35, of Dolbeer Street, Perry, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt, second-degree harassment and aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree. He was arrested on Feb. 5 for allegedly shoving a person at 5:20 p.m. on Feb. 3 on Lewiston Road in Batavia, in violation of an active order of protection. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack.

Hayley N. Giles, 21, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Giles was arrested at 12:58 p.,m. on Feb. 3 following an investigation of a domestic incident involving siblings. Giles are released on an appearance ticket. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Jonathan A. Bell, 34, of Evans Street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- common law; failure to stop at stop sign; refusal to take a breath test; unlicensed operation; and aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree. Bell was arrested at 11:12 p.m. Feb. 4 on Washington Avenue in Batavia after being involved in a one-vehicle crash. He was processed and released with traffic tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Eric K. Ricks, 40, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 1 on Thomas Avenue in Batavia after Batavia police were called to a residence for an altercation. At that time, he was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana. Ricks was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court Feb. 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Chad Richards.

City PD assists in delivering Meals on Wheels

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Police Department assisted the Genesee County Office for the Aging with delivering meals to seniors who participate in the Meals on Wheels Program in the City of Batavia yesterday.

Officer Jason Davis, along with his wife, Office for the Aging employee Wendy Davis, delivered several meals to City residents.

The following info is from the Genesee County Office for the Aging website;

“Home Delivered Meals are available to any Genesee County resident 60 years of age or older who is incapacitated due to illness, surgery, physical handicap or advancing age, AND is unable to prepare their own meals, AND is without support of family, friends or neighbors for meal preparation. Services are available based on need without regard to income.

Meals are delivered Monday through Friday between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. There is no delivery on holidays. Services may be discontinued at any time, or can be interrupted if needed for vacations or hospitalizations.

To see the monthly menu, go the County Office for the Aging website here and click on Menus on left side of the home page. To see the February menu, for example, click here.

Everyone that receives a meal has the opportunity to contribute. The suggested contribution is $3 per single meal and $4.50 for a double meal. No one is refused service for inability to contribute.

Referrals may be made to the Home Delivered Meals Intake worker by calling (585) 343-1611.

National Grid planning power outage for about 500 Batavia customers to replace damaged equipment

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

As part of an upgrade that will improve reliability and resiliency for our western New York customers, National Grid is planning a brief power interruption in the City of Batavia, beginning at approximately 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 8 and lasting until around 2 a.m. on Feb. 9.

The planned, temporary interruption will take place as the company replaces damaged equipment on a utility pole. This level of work cannot be completed while the electric system is energized. The interruption will impact approximately 500 commercial, industrial and residential customers in the City of Batavia on streets that intersect with Main Street. Customers who will be impacted include those in neighborhoods that stretch from Redfield Parkway to Ellicott Avenue throughout much of the city’s 3rd and 4th Wards.

National Grid is contacting all impacted customers via automated phone messages to ensure that they are aware of this planned, temporary power interruption.

In the event of inclement weather, National Grid will conduct additional outreach to customers, and alert them that the work will be rescheduled for Feb. 15 to Feb. 16. 

UPDATE, Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.: National Grid will be making calls to residents at about 4 p.m. today.

Children in Batavia chosen for this year's UB School of Dental Medicine's free dental care day on Saturday

By Virginia Kropf

Every year, the University at Buffalo’s Dental School participates in a national event called “Give Kids a Smile Day,” in which children ages 1 to 18 who do not have access to dental care can receive free dental services.

This year, the Dental School has chosen Batavia city schools to participate in the event on Saturday, Feb. 9. These include Batavia City School District, Notre Dame High School and St. Joseph’s Regional School.

Coordinating the event is Paula Fischer, Rural Dentistry Program project coordinator at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, and a Batavia resident. Also a resident of Batavia is Dr. Joseph Zambon, dean of the Dental School.

It is not too late to sign up for the free program, Fischer said.

A bus will leave the parking lot at JCPenney at 9 a.m. to take children to Buffalo. Fidelis, a major event sponsor, has made the bus available, Fischer said.

To sign up, call Paula Fischer at (716) 829-6240.

UB Dental’s Give Kids a Smile event offers free dental care, including exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions and orthodontic consultations (braces).

In addition, other services offered are hearing and vision screenings and healthy eating demos. Every child and parent will receive oral health supplies and lunch bag.

Both Zambon and Fischer grew up in Batavia and are thrilled to be able to offer this free service to their community.

“Every year the dental schools GKAS event grows, and this year we were discussing expanding its reach, and I immediately thought of Batavia,” Fischer said. “I reside in Batavia with my family and I currently serve on the City of Batavia Youth Board.

"My children attended John Kennedy Elementary, St. Joseph Regional School and Notre Dame High School. I reached out to Wade Bianco, Karen Green and Julia Rogers to assist with getting the word out. They were excited to offer this opportunity to their students and families.”

The first Give Kids a Smile Day started in 2002 in St. Louis, Mo., where free dental care was delivered to nearly 400 children. The American Dental Association recognized that this grassroots effort had great potential to raise awareness nationally about the importance of oral health to overall health, and about the staggering need that exists among millions of children who go without care, Fischer said. 

So, in 2003, Give Kids a Smile evolved into a nationwide program with the collaboration of the American Dental Association, Henry Schein, Proctor & Gamble and DEXIS. UB Dental School has been participating since 2003. Thousands of dentists and volunteers give their time to provide free oral health education, screenings and treatment to underserved children, Fischer said.

Since 2003, more than 5.5 million children have been cared for by more than half a million volunteers.

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