batavia

The Annual Crossroads House Garage Sale will take place July 28th, 29th and 30th. This year’s sale will be the biggest yet and includes something for everyone. We having everything from housewares to collectibles, furniture to kitchenware, tools to toys. You’ll find recliners, desks, dressers, dining sets, rockers, couches, end tables, antique furniture, area rugs, glassware, books, lamps, tableware, small appliances, washers, dryers and more. New items will be out each day of the sale.

New this year is our Preview Day for early bird and hardcore garage sale hunters on Wednesday the 27th from 12:30 – 3:30. On Preview Day, there will be a $10 preview fee and prices will be marked and firm. Regular Sale hours are Thursday and Friday 9‐4 and Saturday 9‐noon. Hot dogs and drinks will be available for purchase courtesy of The First Baptist Church on Thursday and Friday.

Our featured item is the pictured 1987 Yamaha Virago 535 with less than 14,000 original miles! The motorcycle will not be sold before the sale and will be available to inspect during the sale. For more information on the motorcycle visit: http://crossroadshouse.com/yamaha‐virago‐535/ 

Danielle S. Cervone, 20, of Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, is charged with third-degree grand larceny. She was arrested at 1 p.m. on July 21 at 40 Batavia City Centre, Batavia, for allegedly stealing about $5,000 from her employer, JCPenney,  over a period of time. She was arraigned and released on her own recognizance and is due in City Court at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Madalyn R. Muntz, 30, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree; criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree; operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration; operating without stop lamps; and having suspended registration -- failure to turn in plates to DMV. At 9:35 a.m. on July 20, Muntz was stopped on Ross Street in Batavia for a traffic infraction. The registration to her vehicle was also found to be suspended. Further investigation allegedly revealed that Muntz possessed drug paraphernalia and a wallet that belonged to a coworker, which had been reported stolen to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on June 3. Followin arraignment, she was jailed in lieu of $1,000 cash bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police OfficerFrank Klimjack, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Breanna M. Smith, 22, of Lake Street Road, Batavia, is charged with: making a punishable false written statement; conspiracy in the sixth degree; falsely reporting an incident in the third degree; insurance fraud in the third degree; and third-degree grand larceny. She was arrested following an investigation into a report at 12:45 p.m. on July 1 that her vehicle had been stolen on East Main Street in Batavia. She was arraigned, then released under supervision of Genesee Justice. She is due in City Court on Aug. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Thad Mart.

Lewis C. Rhodes, 37, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment and first-degree criminal contempt. At 7:02 a.m. on July 24, Rhodes was arrested as the result of an investigation into a domestic incident which occurred on Summit Street a short time earlier. He was processed at Batavia Police headquarters, arraigned in Batavia Town Court and then ordered jailed without bail. He was due in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Sgt. Matthew Lutey.

Adam D. Smart, of Raymond Avenue, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at about 8 p.m. on July 23 after an investigation into a domestic incident which occurred on Raymond Avenue a short time earlier. He was processed at Batavia Police headquarters, arraigned in Batavia Town Court and then ordered jailed without bail. He was due in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Darien L. Rhodes, 23, of 1/2 Dellinger Ave., Batavia, is charged with second-degree unlawful imprisonment, second-degree harassment, and first-degree criminal contempt -- physical contact. At 11:32 p.m. on July 19, Rhodes was arrested as the result of an investigation into a domestic incident which occurred on Dellinger Avenue a short time earlier. He was processed at Batavia Police headquarters, arraigned in Batavia Town Court and then released on his own recognizance. He was due in City Court July 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Erics Foels.

Glenn H. Quintern, 57, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 6:23 a.m. on July 23 after an investigation into the alleged violation of a court order. He was processed at Batavia Police headquarters, arraigned in Batavia Town Court and then ordered jailed without bail. He was due in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Michael J. Elmore, 25, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with disobeying a mandate at 9 p.m. on July 20 on Summit Street in Batavia. He was arrested and arraigned in Batavia Town Court on July 23 and jailed on $500 cash or $2,000 bond. He was due this afternoon in City Court to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Sgt. Matthew Lutey.

Holly H. Miller, 32, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny -- using a credit card, and unlawful possession of personal identification in the third degree -- for the commission of a crime. Miller was arrested for allegedly stealing a DSS case worker's credit card information and it the purchase food and personal items at 9:30 p.m. on May 25. She was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is due in City Court on Sept. 1. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.

Jason M. Hirtreiter, 29, of Catherine Street, Medina, is charged with criminal tampering and petit larceny. He was arrested at 4:15 a.m. on July 19 on North Street in Batavia, arraigned at 8:31 a.m. and then jailed on $2,500 bail. He was due back in court that day at 1:30 p.m. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Darryle Streeter.

Jolynn M. Gorski, 36, of Chandler Avenue, Batavia, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs. She was arrested at 9:40 p.m. on July 21 on Washington Avenue in Batavia. Gorski was allegedly found behind the wheel of a vehicle in the drive-thru of M&T Bank, apparently asleep. She was issued an appearnce ticket and in due in City Court on Aug. 17 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Police Sgt. Chris Camp.

Marcus L. Viverette, 28, of Elk Street, Rochester, was arrested on July 23 by the Le Roy Police Department. Viverette was charged with aggravated harassment in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Viverette was arrested after allegedly threatening the life of the victim during a phone call earlier this month. Viverette was arraigned in front of the Honorable Judge Sehm and is being held at the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,500 cash bail and $3,000 bond. Viverette is to return to the Le Roy Town Court on Aug. 18 to answer to the charge. 

Danny D. Williams Sr., 27, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 8:49 p.m. on July 20 on Maple Street in Batavia following an incident wherein he allegedly spit on a person. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court for Aug. 2 and released. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Nathan M. Payne, 21, of Corfu, was arrested at 10:51 p.m. on July 24 for unlawful possession of marijuana after a traffic stop for speeding (47 mph in a 35-mph zone) on State Route 33. Corfu Police Officer Michael Petritz allegedly detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana emanating from Payne's vehicle. Payne was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 1 in Darien Town Court to answer the charges.

Tyler A. Stoddard, 21, of Meiser Road, Corfu, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 8:05 p.m. on July 16 on Ellicott Street in Batavia for allegedly stealing $1.49 worth of merchandise from a local business. Stoddard was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on Aug. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Sgt. Matthew Lutey.

Melissa R. Piazza, 27, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. She was arrested at 12:15 a.m. on July 14 on Jefferson Avenue, Batavia, after allegedly failing to appear for a City Court date on July 19. She was jailed, posted bail, and is set to return to City Court on Aug. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Jeri M. Diaz, 36, of Bank Street, Batavia, was arrested on an active bench warrant out of Batavia City Court. It is alleged that Diaz failed to appear for a court date in March. She was arraigned, released, and was due in City Court on July 21. The case was handled by Batava Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Tyanna D. Green, 21, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant for allegedly failing to pay a fine. She is due in City Court on Aug. 2. The case was handled by Batava Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Press release:

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County will be offering Master Gardener Training on from 6 to 9 on Wednesday evenings, starting Sept. 7 and running through Nov. 16. There will also be a full day on Saturday, Nov. 5. Classes will be held at the CCE office at 420 E. Main St., Batavia.

Each class will focus on a different horticulture topic throughout the training. By attending the Master Gardener training, you will become a more knowledgeable gardener.  Participants will learn about the following horticulture topics: botany, diagnosing plant diseases, entomology, soils & fertilizers, lawn care, herbs, vegetable gardening, weed identification, woody ornamentals, pruning, tree and small fruits, perennials and annuals, nuisance wildlife and organic gardening.

Anyone interested in learning more about gardening may attend the course. Pre-registration by Aug. 26 is required. Class size will be limited. No walk-ins will be accepted. The fee for this horticulture training is $225 per person, which includes all class sessions and materials, as well as the Cornell University Master Gardener Manual on CD.

If you have a passion for volunteering and gardening, this training is the first requirement to becoming a Genesee County Master Gardener. Graduates of the program (Genesee county residents) are then eligible to apply to become a Genesee County Master Gardener volunteer. (Other county residents should contact their local Master Gardener program.) A Master Gardener volunteer should have a willingness to give back to the community and help put into practice what they learned at training. Enthusiasm for sharing their skills and knowledge is a must.

For an informational brochure or to register contact Brandie Schultz at 585-343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by the Extension office located at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.

Deborah Ruth Walker, 19, of Belmanor Drive, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, false personation, trespass, and unlawful possession of marijuana. She was arrested at 11:22 p.m. on July 23 following a suspicious incident in the Town of Le Roy. She allegedly was in possession of a stolen motor vehicle, gave a false name, was trespassing and had an amount of marijuana in her possession at the time. She was arraigned in Town of Le Roy Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond. She is due in Le Roy Town Court on Aug. 18. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

Georgeta Marioara Coleman, 18, of Mount Hope Avenue, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 4th, and trespass. She was arrested at 11:22 p.m. on July 23 following a suspicious incident in the Town of Le Roy. She allegedly was in possession of a stolen motor vehicle and was trespassing at a residence. She was arraigned in Town of Le Roy Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond. She is due in Le Roy Town Court on Aug. 18. The case was  handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

Larry Alvin Hubler, 67, Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with driving while intoxicated and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more. Hubler was arrested at 1:38 p.m. July 20 on Main Road in Stafford after allegedly driving his vehicle into a business, namely Dupont TV. He was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 30 in Town of Stafford Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Loftus, assisted by Deputy John Dehm.

Rachel A. Palmer, 47, of Britt Road, Le Roy, was arrested on July 22 by the Le Roy Police Department and charged with two counts of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, two counts of third-degree identity theft, also Class A misdemeanors, and criminal possession of stolen property in thr fourth degree, a Class E felony. Palmer was arrested following the investigation into the use of a stolen credit card which was used in the Village of Le Roy. Palmer allegedly used the stolen credit card to purchase merchandise at Dunkin Donuts as well as the Yellow Goose in the amount of $16.07. Palmer was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. Palmer is to return to the Le Roy Town Court on Aug. 18 to answer to the charges.

Tonya Marie Ficarella, 29, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested on a bench warrant out of the Town of Batavia Court for allegedly failing to appear in court regarding an alleged harassment at midnight on June 27 on West Main Street Road, Batavia. She was released and is set to appear in Batavia Town Court on Aug. 22. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

Those ugly stains and discoloration on your roof are more than just an eyesore. They are actually a form of airborne algae called gloeocapsa magma, and it is actually eating your roof. This algae usually grows on the north facing roof, or under trees, it is alive and feeding off the limestone in your shingles. You may think it's caused by road dirt, bird droppings or your neighbor’s tree. It’s not, but it is ruining your roof. 

We are in our seventh year of using our low-pressure process to gently melt away this ugly algae, moss and mold. We use the process recommended by the shingle manufacturers association. We apply the cleaning solution with low pressure, equal to a garden hose from a ladder or bucket truck. This can be done in a morning with no disruption to your day. The results are immediate and stunning and your satisfaction is guaranteed.

Please visit us online at roofcleaningbatavia.com for more information or like us on Facebook. Eric Von Kramer and his wife, Donn, have been in business in the area for more than 40 years. Call 585-762-9075 or 716-474-0938 for more information and a no obligation price. References gladly given. There is a good chance we have worked for someone you know.

A neighbor reports smoke coming from a mobile home in a park at 3322 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

East Pembroke fire with one engine from Town of Batavia dispatched.

UPDATE 8:21 a.m.: A chief on scene reports a burn barrel next to the trailer. All equipment can stay in quarters.

While at the GOP convention in Cleveland, Assemblyman Steve Hawley said he decided to organize an effort to honor the men and women of law enforcement, so he called on people in New York on Friday to wear blue.

Yesterday afternoon, Hawley, along with County Legislator Ray Cianfrini and City Councilman Adam Tabelski met at the Sheriff's Office on Park Road, Batavia, to tell representatives of the Sheriff's Office, State Police and Batavia PD that they appreciate their service to the community.

"I couldn't be prouder of what you do every single day, whether you're in the City of Batavia, whether you're in the County of Genesee or in Monroe County or the State of New York," Hawley said. "It's not an easy job. It never has been. When you put on that badge and uniform today more than ever you never know what's going to happen."

Hawley's call for support of local law enforcement comes in the wake of tragedies in Dallas and Baton Rouge, La.

"I can't imagine what you go through every time you put on the badge," Hawley said.

Tabelski said he appreciating the dedication police officers bring to their jobs.

"When you're hired as a police officer, it's more than just a job," Tabelski said. "It's a calling. It's something you are passionate about. We know about the difficulties you have to deal with and all the inconveniences you have to deal with, a lot more than just having to wear long sleeves on a hot day, so on behalf of the city, I just want to say, 'thank you.' "

Below, Hawley with members of the California Highway Patrol in Cleveland (photo submitted by Steve Hawley).

The staff at Tompkins Financial also expressed their support Friday by wearing blue.

Staff of Rosicki, Rosicki & Associates, P.C., Law Offices on Harvester Avenue.

A caller from Washington Towers reports seeing three youths on bicycles, two black and one white, steal cones that were around an excavator on Jefferson Avenue. 

Jefferson near Washington is closed this week for repair work.  

The youths were last seen heading south on Jefferson.

A two-car accident is reportedly tying up traffic a bit at Jackson and Ellicott streets. No injuries. City fire, police and Mercy medics responded.

A bicyclist was injured in a hit-and-run accident on West Main Street, Road, Batavia.

The injuries are reportedly minor.

There is only a limited description of the vehicle. It is reportedly black and will be missing a side mirror.

The location is in front of Delre's Greenhouse.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS were dispatched, but a Mercy medic who arrived on scene said fire would not be required, so Town of Batavia is standing down.

A Batavia man whose apparent domestic dispute ended after he allegedly threatened a police officer with a knife has chosen to take his case to trial rather than accept a plea agreement.

The agreement would have limited his prison term to three and a half years in exchange to a guilty plea to menacing a police officer.

Bill Thomas, 56, of State Street, was arrested in March after an early morning stand-off with the Emergency Response Team.

He was also charged with criminal possession of a weapon.

Thomas turned down the plea offer last week, but was back in Genesee County Court this afternoon because a police officer witness won't be available at the time of the original trial date. The new date for jury selection to start the trial is Oct. 11.

Press release:

The City of Batavia received notification this week from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) that it will be recognized for its performance management efforts with a Certificate of Achievement from the ICMA Center for Performance AnalyticsTM.

Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. said “Providing the public with access to information we use to make decisions as well as monitoring our progress is a critical part of ensuring we are transparent in how we operate the City.”

The City regularly updates its Strategic Plan outcomes and performance management system on the City’s website at http://www.batavianewyork.com/office-of-the-city- manager/pages/strategic-plan.

City Manager Jason Molino added, “Over the past six years the City’s Strategic Plan and performance measurement system has been a great tool to demonstrate a use of the City’s resources, meeting service demands and improving our service levels.”

“The certificate program recognizes communities that have demonstrated leadership in continuous improvement and community engagement using performance analysis,” said ICMA Executive Director Robert J. O’Neill Jr.

“Performance analysis is an integral component of professional local government management, and jurisdictions meeting the certificate qualifications serve as examples for other governments to follow.”

ICMA assesses a local government’s performance management program and encourages analysis of results by comparing to peers and gauging performance over time. Performance management aids in cost reduction, program prioritization, and quality improvement. It also encourages accountability and transparency. Certificates are awarded at the levels of Achievement, Distinction, and the highest level, Excellence.

Batavia is one of 53 local governments being recognized across the nation, and only the second in the State of New York to receive this type of recognition. 

About ICMA

IMCA, the International City/County Management Association, advances professional local government worldwide. The organization’s mission is to create excellence in local governance by developing and fostering professional management to build better communities. ICMA identifies leading practices to address the needs of local governments and professionals serving communities globally providing services, research, publications, data and information, peer and results-oriented assistance, and training and professional development to thousands of city, town, and county leaders and other individuals and organizations throughout the world. The management decisions made by ICMA's members affect millions of people living in thousands of communities, ranging in size from small towns to large metropolitan areas.

About the Center for Performance Analytics

Center for Performance Analytics is dedicated to helping local governments use performance information to better the lives of the people they serve. The Center encourages the use and public reporting of comparative performance data in a positive, continuous-learning environment in order to foster organizational cultures that deliver results that matter. For more information on the center, please visit: www.icma.org/performanceinsights

Erin Marie Van Dorn, 28, of Alexander Road, Alexander, is charged with two counts of harassment. She was arrested following a harassment complaint in the Town of Batavia. She allegedly repeatedly called and messaged two people, harassing them about an incident that occurred at 11 a.m. on West Main Street Road over the Fourth of July weekend. She was released with an appearance ticket to be in Town of Batavia Court on Aug. 4. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Shane H. Houseknecht, 24, of Churchville, was arrested by State Troopers on July 19 and charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, controlled substance in a non-original container, both misdemeanors, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, and speeding. Houseknecht was allegedly observed speeding on Route 33 in the Town of Bergen. Investigation revealed Houseknecht had a suspended driver’s license. Troopers allege they located three Adderall pills and a suboxone strip. Houseknecht was transported to SP Batavia for processing. He was issued an appearance ticket and uniform traffic tickets returnable to the Town of Bergen Court on Aug. 3.

A bail hearing in City Court today was continued to Aug. 4 for a man accused of having sexual contact with a mentality disabled family member because the suspect declined a bail evaluation interview with Genesee Justice.

Assistant Public Defender Lisa Kroemer explained to Judge Robert Balbick that her client, Eric Watson, declined the interview because he didn't understand the purpose or know anything about Genesee Justice.

Genesee Justice is a county agency that provides supervisory services on behalf of the court as well as assistance to crime victims.  One of the tasks of staff at Genesee Justice is complete a bail evaluation, which a judge can use to set an appropriate amount of bail for each defendant. The scoring system is intended to help judges determine the likelihood a defendant will make it to future court appearances.

Rather than set bail today for Watson, without that information, Balbick continued the case to the next available court date.

Watson is in custody and entered the courtroom dress in an orange jail uniform, moving slowing and balancing with a walker. As he approached the bench, Kroemer told him, "take your time, Mr. Watson."

Watson is accused of having sexual contact with a family member who was unable to consent due to mental incapacity to provide consent.

He is charged with second-degree rape, second-degree criminal sexual act, and second-degree incest.

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Water service has been shut off by the City of Batavia Water Department to businesses on Industrial Boulevard, Apollo Drive and Treadeasy Way.

Crews are repairing a water leak.

There is no ETA for when service will be restored.

A pair of kitchen personnel and a corrections officer at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia have been placed on leave after they were accused of feeding chicken picked from the garbage to Muslim detainees for their Ramadan meals.

The three workers are facing possible termination and the case has been referred to the Inspector General of Homeland Security.

In a statement, a spokesman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement said, “The agency takes all allegations of employee misconduct very seriously and will respond appropriately based on the investigative findings.”

The investigation is ongoing and no conclusive findings have been released. The names of the employees have not been released.

Via our news partner WBTA.

Today, the YMCA replaced all of its treadmills as part of a plan that rotates in new machines every year.

Since the treadmills tend to wear faster, its more cost effective to lease, rather than own, the treadmills, explained CEO Rob Walker.  

The Y will make approximately $100,000 in lease payments on the machines over the next three years.

The Holland Land Office Museum's annual summer program, History Heroes, is in its second day of the eight-day schedule and today the children participating walked from the museum to Ken's Charcoal Pits for lunch and then to the Batavia Cemetery.

According to Anne Marie Starowitz, the students learned about some of the famous people buried at the cemetery, including members of the Richmond family, Joesph Ellicott and Philemon Tracy, and also visited the William Morgan monument.