batavia

It's one of the most serious traffic infractions in New York -- passing a school bus that has stopped to drop off or pick up children.

A first offense will add five points to your driving record (speeding is only four), and it could lead to a $250 to $400 or 30 days in jail, or both. Possible penalties for second and third offenses in a three-year period increase dramatically, up to a $1,000 fine, 180 days in jail and license revocation.

As part of a statewide effort to crack down on drivers passing stopped school buses, the Batavia Police Department is participating in "Operation Safe-Stop Day" on April 15.

City police officers will be observing school buses on their routes and will operate radar and laser speed enforcement in school zones.

Frankie McQueen, 19; Nickol Burnett, 19; Erick Horning, 20; David Klecker, 18; Joseph Striegil, 19; Christopher King, 18; Andrew Wright, 19, are charged with possession of alcohol under 21 years of age. Batavia Police reportedly responded to a complaint of a loud party with possible underage drinking at Woodstock Gardens Apartments. Allegedly, McQueen was hosting a party where people under 21 were consuming alcohol. McQueen was also charged with criminal nuisance.

Crystal L. Goodrich, 26, of 1090 Water St., Apt 1, Perry, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to stop at stop sign, operating while registration suspended, operating without insurance and unlicensed operator. Goodrich was stopped at 1:56 a.m., Saturday, on Perry Road in Pavilion by Deputy Howard Carlson.

Jared Christopher Dawe, 22, of 6469 Swamp Road, Lot #39, Byron, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Dawe was allegedly involved in a domestic dispute at 1:54 a.m., Saturday, with his girlfriend. During the investigation by Deputy Frank Bordonaro, Dawe was allegedly found to possess marijuana.

Amy Lou Platten, 40, of 337 Main Road, Pembroke, is charged criminal contempt, 2nd. Platten is accused of contacting a person she was ordered not to contact.

Leon James Pocock, 36, of 83 S. Lake Ave., Studio 1, Bergen, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Pocock is accused of violating an order of protection by texting a person he was ordered not to contact.

Bryan P. Umlauf, 24, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Umlauf was issued a ticket by State Police in Le Roy at 2:10 p.m., Saturday.

Timothy J. Tryjankowski, 31, of Alabama, is charged with DWI and aggravated unlicensed operation. Tryjankowski was stopped by State Police at 5:30 a.m., Sunday. He was jailed on cash bail.

Jeremy D. Lyons, 25, of Oakfield, is charged with trespass and aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd; and, Robert J. Spenton, 24, unknown address, is charged with trespass. Lyons and Spenton were charged by State Police for an alleged incident March 31 at Park Avenue and Route 63. No further details were released.

Patrick J. Puccio, 36, of Oakfield, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Puccio was charged by State Police follow a one-vehicle accident 3:20 a.m., Saturday, on Reuben Road, Alabama.

Amy L. Brown, 37, of Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd. Brown was arrested by State Police on Thursday in connection with an alleged incident on Jan. 13. No further details are available.

Accidents from the State Police Blotter:

2:17 p.m., April 9, Thruway, mile marker 375.5, two vehicles; Driver 1: Jennifer P. Gebbie, 42, of Rochester Hills, Mi.; Judith E. Corbin, 55, of Springwater. No injuries reported.

The Youth of Byron Presbyterian Church along with their members held their first ever Missions Extravaganza on this beautiful spring day.

This event was two fold. First and foremost was a benefit day for Kaytee Ivision. Kaytee is a 14 year old Byron resident recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia. She is currently undergoing treatment with plans for Bone Marrow Transplant in the near future. Kutz for Kaytee was organized by Jolie Yauchzee, Director of Continental School of Beauty and Jillian Cole, Stylist at JC Penney Salon of Batavia. Many area stylists and businesses donated time and raffle door prizes.

The second part of the day was to bring awareness to the Local links of other missons in their church and other missions in the area.  It was interesting to learn today that this church does the Backpack Program for kids, where backpacks are packed full of food every Friday and sent home wtih children who's families are in need of food.

It was an wonderful event organized by Pam Kenward, Missons Moderator.

Valerie Lyles with Upper Case Living raises funds for BPC Fellowship Hall

Elizabeth Weber raises funds for Crossroads by donating profits for the sales of Rada Cutlery

Audrey Blount, member of the church helping giving samples of homemade jelly away.. yum!

Luan Riner helps the church out with taking care of the homemade goodies and free spaghetti servers

Jolie Yauchzee, of Continental and hr helper little Gianni Ferrara do nail art

Jillian Cole of JC Penney  on right was co organizer of Kutz for Katee

Gary Draper is really happy to have a bicycle again. It will allow him to get back out on the road raising thousands of dollars for the American Diabetes Association.

Despite being the victim of a hit-and-run driver ran on Center Street in Batavia on Thanksgiving Eve, Draper is ready to hit the road, doing what he's done since 1995 with great success -- soliciting donations for his favorite charity.

The hit-and-run driver, who has never been identified, put Draper in the hospital for eight days with bleeding around his brain, fractured check bones, a broken hip and back. He says he's fully recovered now and will hit the road, riding from Albion to Warsaw and Akron to Scottsville in his quest to garner more donations.

"I've been doing it for 15 years and I've raised $110,000 so far," Draper said this morning after taking a ride for the first time on his new bike.

The new bike itself is a story of community charity. It was donated by a Batavia police officer (who asked not to be identified). John Roche, owner of Adam Miller Toy and Bicycles, said the officer bought the bike years ago for his mother-in-law but she had stopped riding it. 

P.W. Minor, Brach Machines and Tri-County Welding all donated funds, time and material to not only repair some broken items on the bike, but improve and enhance it.

"We know there were quite a few repairs that we didn't pay for that John (Roche) did," said Nancy Brach.

The repairs included re-enforcing the frame, adding more lights, a computer to track Draper's miles and a new paint job.

The one piece of salvageable hardware on the old bike was a seven-speed hub. It didn't quite fit the new bike, Roche said, so Dan Mattice "made it fit."

"As many miles as he rides, he needs those gears," Roche said. "Just a regular one speed or three speed wouldn't be enough. He'd be killing himself out there."

Draper said he estimates he puts on 2,400 miles a year on his bike.

Roche said Adam Miller repaired his old bike many times just to keep it going.

It's important for Draper to get back on the road, he said, because so many people will only donate if he comes around.

"A few people say they won't give to anybody else," Draper said. "When the Diabetes Association dials, they say, 'No, thanks. I'll wait for Gary Draper to come around.'"

Well, he'll becoming around soon, on a new black bicycle, a gift from his friends in the community. He said he plans to start his charity rides by the end of April.

Photo above from left: Nancy and Bill Brach, John Roche behind Gary Draper, and Joyce and Dan Mattice.

Photo below: Gary Draper asked for a picture of himself on the bike in profile.

A driver whose car was hit on the driver's side at the intersection of Route 98 an Batavia-Elba Townline Road was treated and released for her injuries at Erie County Medical Center yesterday.

Jennifer M. Olsen, 24, of 8042 Allegheny Road, Corfu, was taken by Mercy Flight to ECMC following the 4:32 p.m. accident.

The other driver, Rachel J. Lombard, 39, of 237 S. Main St., Albion, was also injured. She was taken to UMMC by Mercy EMS.

Deputy Matt Butler investigated the accident and concluded that Olsen, who was eastbound on Batavia-Elba Townline Road, stopped at the stop sign, but then proceeded into the intersection. Her 2007 Ford sedan was struck by a 1997 Buick sedan driven by Lombard.

Olsen was cited for alleged failure to yield right of way at a stop sign.

When I drove past Batavia High today, I saw the JV baseball team getting ready for a game. Coach Buddy Brasky told me the varsity team was getting ready for a game at Dwyer, so I went over there and snapped a couple of photos, too.

More pictures after the jump:

A big crowd and lots of great bargains this morning at St. Joe's annual Mammoth Sale.

The sale covered three floors, for the first time, this year.

More photo after the jump:

The Genesee Valley PennySaver's Batavia office has moved from Ellicott Street to a corner location and Liberty and East Main, Downtown Batavia. The staff was in the office this morning getting the new location set up.  Pictured are Brittany Walker, left, Drew Muehlig, Leanna DiRisio, Becky Michalak, Ethan Biscaro, Chris Harrison (back) and owner Steve Harrison.

Pavilion's H.O.R.S.E Rescue group hosted an event at Tractor Supply, Batavia, today to help raise money for the organization. There were live horses and demonstrations along with horse rides, face painting and a prize drawing.

Pictured are Victoria Gooch and Deb Nanni with their horses. 

Gooch said the group currently has 25 horses up for adoption.

With the recent economic downturn, Gooch said, a lot of people have been giving up their horses because they can't afford to feed them and keep them in good health.

"You can go onto Craigslist and horses are very cheap or free," Gooch said.

Recently, a ranch in Rochester had 75 horses taken away from it and all of those horses now need homes, Gooch said.

Here are some questions for parents of children with special needs: How often do you feel alone or overwhelmed? Do you ever wish you could connect with other parents and find the resources you need to give your kids what they need?

Firsthand experience and awareness of these anxieties are what motivate Lyndy Branton and Melody McMaster in heading up EaGeR -- "Extra Grace Required" -- a parent support group at the North Campus of Batavia's Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road.

Both are mothers of children on the autism spectrum and each week they -- along with McMaster's husband, Sean -- share their experiences and invite other parents to do likewise.

The last meeting was Friday evening in Room A-3 of the Adult Wing. It was an open discussion involving parents whose experiences ranged from that of the mother of a 2-year-old whose diagnosis is still in the works to that of the mother of an autistic teen getting ready for college.

Topics of discussion included:

• Different approaches to telling kids about their own disabilities

• The frustrations and fears of raising autistic children

• Attention to what sorts of things set their children off and what to watch out for

• Prevalent misunderstandings about autism

• Limitations encountered in getting their children the assistance they need

• The experience of dealing with teachers, relatives and even strangers who make them second guess themselves, thinking that they know the children's needs better than the parents do

• When and how to use discipline

• How to encourage kids to use positive ways of getting attention -- by focusing on their talents, etc. -- instead of socially inappropriate behavior

Many EaGeR attendees are the parents of autistic children -- and their children range widely across the autism spectrum -- but the group welcomes and addresses topics that are important to the families of all special-needs children. Many of their meetings are devoted to specific topics, such as IEP (Individualized Education Program) plans, CSE (Committee on Special Education) meetings, family, behavior modification, social skills, diet and treatment.

"It seems like we get a different group every time," McMaster said, "but it always seems to hit the spot. To connect with someone in the same boat and to know you're not alone...that in itself means a lot."

"These meetings seem to have been especially helpful for families who are noticing things in their young children and are trying to get them diagnosed," Sean commented. "It's very helpful to speak with people who have been through the experience and had to overcome a lot of the same obstacles, and just to know that help is available."

Because EaGeR is sponsored by the church, faith is an integral part of its meetings and mission. McMaster, who leads the group in prayer at the end of every meeting, stated that "our Christian faith has had a positive impact on our journey...

"One of our goals is to help prepare the church to work with special-needs kids, who need Jesus Christ as much as anyone else. As Christians, we always have to be ready to deal with them in a merciful way. If they experience rejection at a young age in church, that could make or break their faith."

At the same time, EaGeR is not limited to Christians. All families who struggle with raising special-needs children are invited to attend and to take advantage of the encouragement and support offered by other parents going through similar experiences. McMaster and Branton hold a Christmas party every December as well as a picnic for families in June in order to make people feel comfortable "regardless of where they are in their faith journey" (McMaster's words).

EaGeR meetings take place on the first Friday of every month from 7 until 9 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

For more information, please contact:

Melody McMaster -- 343-4707, or e-mail <samcmaster@juno.com>

Lyndy Branton -- 409-8079, or e-mail <lbranton@mtb.com>

Too many times, says Tim Walton, people would call him about a possible T-shirt order, ask about bringing something by his place of business, and when they found out he was working out of his garage, he'd never hear from them again.

"People thought, 'oh, he's just a teenager, so it's just a hobby for him," Walton said.

That's why Tim decided to open a shop on Main Street -- he figures it will help potential customers take Topline Shirt Company more seriously. In just a week since opening, Walton said, his walk-in traffic has increased.

The front of the retail shop -- in the former space of Millenium Computers (214 E. Main St.) -- will be a retail retro clothing shop operated by Rob Credi. The shop will be called Retro Reserve. Credi and Walton hope that by combining efforts now, it will help both of their businesses grow.

Tomorrow, Saturday, Walton and Credi will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for their two businesses.

Coming back from the accident this afternoon, I spotted this old twisted tree on State Street Road near Batavia-Elba Townline Road and thought with the overcast sky it would make an interesting picture.

A patron picks up her baked goods from the bake sale table of the Genesee Christian Academy in the foyer of Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union and Lawley Genesee Insurance. From left are Anthony Conlin, Kenny Cheeseman, Amy Colopy, Allissa Bischoff, holding son Taylor, and Stephen Conlin. The customer left before we got her name.

There are now pots of yellow tulips surrounding the statue of the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus in front of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church on Ellicott Street, Batavia.

BATAVIA, NY -- Congress is behind the times, according to Rep. Chris Lee (NY-26). While society is moving to an increasingly paperless existence, the congressional printing office still delivers five printed copies of every bill to the staff of each bill's co-sponsors.

Those can be pretty hefty tomes -- hundreds of pages long -- to dozens of congressional offices.

And they are bills that usually just get tossed in the garbage or recycling bin, because most legislators and their staff members read and track bills on computers.

At the Genesee ARC recycling center today, Lee announced legislation he hopes will pass to end the practice of printing these copies of bills. He called on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has talked before about the "greening of DC" to support the bill, which already has nine Democratic co-sponsors.

"We don't practice what we preach," Lee said.

If passed, Lee said he estimates that the bill would save taxpayers $2.5 million per year.

"This is a win-win," Lee said. "It takes care of our environment and it shows that we’re looking after every penny that comes into our treasury."

As an example, Lee held up all five copies of a recent bill that was 153 pages long and was delivered to the offices of 80 co-sponsors. 

The freshman congressman is concerned that the bill won't be taken seriously in the House, because in an environment were most legislation is dealing with billions or trillions of dollars, $2.5 million is practically "spare change."

"To me, $2.5 million is a lot of money," Lee said. "Unfortunately, there’s this premise that unless it has a “B” or a “T” after it, in Washington, most of the people don’t care."

Joshua K. Williams, 18, of 4 Laura St., Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Williams was reportedly a passenger in a car stopped for alleged traffic violations at 12:50 a.m., Thursday, by Officers Daniel Coffey and Frank Klimjack on Clinton Street. During the stop, it was discovered that Williams allegedly had three outstanding arrest warrants. During a search, officers say they found crack cocaine and marijuana. Possession of controlled substance in the third degree carries the allegation that there was an intent to sell the substance.

Michael Lynn Bropst, 39, 3 1/2 Tracy Ave., upper, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Bropst was stopped by Deputy Brian Thompson at 12:45 p.m. on March 26 on Route 33 for alleged tailgating. Bropst was allegedly found in possession of marijuana during the traffic stop.

Thomas F. Rudolph, 18, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession marijuana. Rudolph was arrested at 4:36 p.m., Wednesday, by State Police in the Town of Batavia. No further details were released.

Billy J. Johnson, 32, of Oakfield, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Johnson was arrested at 8:37 p.m., Wednesday, in the Village of Oakfield by State Police. No further details available.

NOTE: This is an updated version of the story that corrects the implication from the Albany Times-Union story that the Batavia Kmart was involved, and the error in the TU story that warning letters were sent to the stores.

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Six grocery stores in New York -- including one in Batavia -- were notified by the state that some fish products the were selling were apparently overpriced.

The allegation is that the stores were selling seafood packed in ice, and the ice was being weighed so that consumers were paying not just for filets and shrimp, but ice as well.

The Batavia Tops was one of the six stores asked to remove products from its selves and either re-label the packaging or return it to the distributor, a company out of New Jersey, according to Jessica Ziehm, spokeswoman for the state Department of Agriculture and Markets.

Tops reportedly sold fish fillets packed in ice that was counted as part of the weight.

Press release available here.

The City of Batavia and the union representing many its workers have apparently reached a tentative contract agreement.

Details of the agreement with the Civil Service Employees Association have not been released.

The new five-year contract, which will run from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2015, will give union workers graduated raises (no raise in the first year, but a $1,000 bonus and compensation instead), and 2-percent raises in the fourth and fifth year.

The total impact of the raises over the next five years will be $79,000 in additional expense.

New hires will not be able to accrue sick leave to use to purchase health care upon retirement. They will not be able to purchase health care from the city when they retire.

Health care contributions for current workers will increase, with the first-year contribution being 10 percent, then 12.5, then 15, then 17.5, then 20 percent. There are cash incentives, up to $1,000 per employee and spouse, for participation in wellness programs.

New hires will contribute 30 percent to health care, an amount that can be reduced if they participate in wellness programs. If both spouse and employee participate, the total health care contribution by the employee would be reduced by 25 percent.

Information on the settlement is contained in the Batavia City Council's agenda for Monday night. The council will be asked to approve the agreement.

The council meets Monday at 7 p.m.

The Batavian apologizes for the incorrect information in the original version of the story.

The cherry blossoms (or I assume they are cherry blossoms) are in bloom behind the Upton Monument outside the Old Court House at Main and Ellicott streets.

BTW: We still might get thundershowers today and tonight, and there's still a chance of snow on Friday night.