batavia

Friends, family, and admirers gathered at the Batavia VA on Wednesday to join Sydney Cole, a World War II hero and former German POW, in celebration of his 107th birthday.

Cole served in the U.S. Army Air Corps among his honors for his military service he received the Air Medal, a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, and a POW Medal.

Cole was a forward aerial observer for the 776th Field Artillery Battalion when his aircraft was hit by enemy fire and disabled. In an attempt to bail out from the plane, his co-pilot became entangled with his headset.  Cole helped his co-pilot parachute to safety but by the time Cole could then jump from the plane himself, he was already behind enemy lines. He was fired on by German troops and sustained multiple gunshot wounds.  

When Cole landed he remembered that his dog tags indicated his religion on them. Knowing that he would be sent to a concentration camp and likely killed if the Germans found out he was Jewish he threw his tags as far into the woods as possible.  

As a prisoner, Capt. Cole commanded 150 enlisted prisoners.  Despite his ill-treated wounds and diminished body weight of only 95 pounds, Cole was instrumental in maintaining high levels of discipline and morale among the enlisted men and served as an inspiration and an example of American military conduct while in enemy custody. 

He was assigned to a POW camp run by the Hitler Youth where many of the prisoners were killed.  He was interrogated, beaten, and locked in a cellar of rotten potatoes.  He was fed soup made of grass and potatoes and wasn’t allowed to shower or shave. 

For more on Cole's story, click here.

Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service

A 36-year-old Batavia woman is facing federal wire fraud charges after she was allegedly found with six state unemployment benefit cards during a traffic stop and subsequent vehicle search for drugs in Bergen on Nov. 24.

The U.S. Attorney's Office announced the arrest today of Danielle Tooley.  She faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in jail and a $1 million fine.

Tooley is accused of knowingly using the personal identifying information of other people to apply for and collect unemployment benefits connected with the federal COVID-19 relief programs.

The scheme came to the attention of law enforcement on Nov. 24 when Tooley was arrested by the New York State Police on charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance during a vehicle traffic stop in Bergen.

During the interaction with the defendant, troopers observed a crack pipe with white residue inside of Tooley’s vehicle.

After the arrest, the defendant’s vehicle was searched, and six New York State unemployment benefit cards were recovered.

The benefit cards were issued to individuals other than Tooley. The benefit cards were turned over to the Buffalo Field Office of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, for further investigation.  A subsequent examination of bank records for the benefit cards revealed several indicators of fraud and video footage from ATMs where the cards were used confirmed that the defendant had consistently withdrawn money from the cards. Tooley routinely used the personal identifying information of others in order to apply for and collect unemployment benefits in their names. In total, the scheme resulted in a loss of at least $99,141.39 to the United States.  

The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was released on conditions.

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations – Labor Racketeering and Fraud, New York Region, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone; the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Todd Allen; the U.S. Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jeffrey Burr; the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John F. Grasso; and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase.  

Press release:

The B.I.D. Wine Walk Committee announces this year’s event which will be held on Saturday, October 2nd. 

Only 600 tickets are available for this year’s event. Tickets may be purchased online at DowntownBataviaNY.com or at Adam Miller Toy & Bicycle and The Yngodess Shop. General Admission tickets are $25, VIP $35 and DD tickets for $5. All VIP ticket holders get into event 1 hour early at 4 PM, a special gift, raffle tickets, and more! All ticket holders will enjoy a tasting of several NYS wines and some ciders at over 20 local businesses throughout our Downtown. 

This year’s theme is Prom. Participants are encouraged to dress for any prom genre they wish. Prizes will be given for the best-dressed individuals and couples.

Thank you to our generous 2021 Wine Walk Sponsors: Freed Maxick, Adam Miller Toy & Bicycle, Dan’s Tire & Auto, and Family First Federal Credit Union.

Press release:

The Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter is excitedly planning to stage the annual Genesee-Wyoming counties Walk to End Alzheimer’s® in a new location—Dwyer Stadium at 252B State Street in Batavia. All in-person events will implement safety protocols including physical distancing, contactless registration, hand sanitizing stations and more. Masks are welcome and will be available on-site. We will continue to closely monitor Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local guidelines to ensure Walk events adhere to recommendations and are safe for attendees. For those who prefer to participate by walking from home, around their neighbors or on a favorite trail, they can still engage in many Walk-day experiences through the Walk website and mobile app. Information about the app is available in the Walk Participation Center when participants register at alz.org/WNYwalk.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is critical to the Chapter’s efforts to provide care and support for all impacted by dementia across Genesee and Wyoming counties, as well as Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara and Orleans counties. Money raised by Walk participants ensures the Chapter can continue to provide free education programs, support groups, respite training services, a 24/7 Helpline, research and more.

Among those who will be participating in the Dwyer Stadium walk on Saturday, September 25, 2021 is Catherine Johnston. The Stafford resident leads the Sweet Memories walk team. “I began walking for Alzheimer's the second or third year that the walk was held in Batavia. It was right around the time my step-father was having symptoms of dementia, “said Catherine. “I needed help and I found other people who had loved one's they were trying to take care of while holding down a job, a home and their parent’s home, too. I knew I was in the right place.” Catherine found the free education programs offered by the WNY Chapter very helpful when she was providing care for her loved ones and today, she walks in memory of her stepfather Valentine and her Uncle Donald, both of whom lost their battle with dementia. So far, Catherine has raised $2,250 toward her goal of $3,000.

A key feature of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the Promise Garden ceremony, a mission-focused experience that symbolizes the fight against the disease with colorful pinwheel flowers. The flowers come in four colors, which represent a connection to the disease: blue is for those living with dementia, yellow signifies a care partner, purple honors those lost to the disease and orange illustrates support for our fight to end Alzheimer’s. 

There are no fees to attend, but as this event is the major means of support for the non-profit Alzheimer’s Association, fundraising is strongly encouraged and incentives are offered for meeting specific goals, including the 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer’s purple t-shirt. Free registration is quick and easy at alz.org/WNY. Once registered, participants have access to the online participant center from which they can share their efforts and progress on social media, create personal fundraising emails, share photos or videos of the reasons they are walking and more.

For additional information and to inquire about corporate sponsorship, please call Lynn Westcott during traditional business hours at 716.440.4251 or send an email to LWestcott@alz.org.

Jomaine D. Johnson, 38, of Lozier Street, Rochester, is charged with grand larceny 4th. Johnson is accused of finding and keeping a Samsun Galaxy S20 smartphone at Batavia Downs on July 8.  He allegedly pawned the phone the next day in Gates. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Delton Barrington Paul, 29, of Alleghany Road, Darien, is charged with petit larceny.  Paul is accused of stealing merchandise from Walmart in Batavia at 10:19 p.m, Tuesday.  He was released on an appearance ticket.

Lamar Torrain Gaynor, 23, of Alleghany Road, Darien, is charged with petit larceny.  Gaynor is accused of stealing merchandise from Walmart in Batavia at 10:19 p.m, Tuesday.  He was released on an appearance ticket.

"Butterscotch," a cow passed around among members of the Batavia Rotary Club, has gone missing and is presumed stolen.

Typically, the cow moves to-and-from the residence or business of Rotary members as a joke but this time "Butterscotch" just disappeared from a yard in Elba.

The Sheriff's Office is asking for anybody with information on the whereabouts of "Butterscotch" to call  (585) 343-5000.

Steve Barnett, owner of Steve's Styles in Eastown Plaza, Batavia, has announced his retirement after 37 years in the salon business.  

Tomorrow, Karen Tauscher, a stylist, and manager of the shop, takes over as owner.

She's been with Steve's Styles for 30 years.

"Batavia and the surrounding communities have always been very supportive of our Salon since we opened our doors Sept. 1, 1984 -- first as Fantastic Sam’s then May 24, 2004, as Steve’s Styles, Barnett said. "When we opened our doors I was a young 28 years old and today as I retire a young 65."

He said Tauscher is a talented and experienced leader who will oversee a staff of 13 stylists with many years of experience among them.

"I want to thank the staff for all their hard work and friendship thru many years," Barnett said. "In addition, I am very grateful to all our guests who throughout the years kept Steve’s Styles a caring and community-based salon."

Submitted photo.

Statement from County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens:

Due to a recent bridge inspection, the South Lyon Street bridge over the Tonawanda Creek in the City of Batavia will be closed to all traffic effective 8/31/2021 until further notice.  The bridge is located between Main St (Rt 5) and South Main Street.

The bridge had been load posted for 5 ton loads for some time, but a very recent inspection has determined that the bridge can no longer handle the minimum allowable loads of 3 tons.  A bridge replacement is under design and it is scheduled to be replaced completely with a new 2-lane structure.  It is expected that the design will be completed in November and that advertising of construction bids can be completed at that time. The new bridge should be open to the public by the end of September 2022.

The County and City of Batavia will be coordinating the posting of a detour once the bridge is closed. Any questions regarding the closure may be directed to Deputy Hwy Supt David Wozniak or Asst County Engineer Laura Wadhams at (585) 344-8508.

A memorial to the 13 service members killed by terrorists in Afghanistan has been erected outside Dwyer Stadium in Batavia.

UPDATE: "Appollo" is home safe.

"Appollo" isn't lost in space but he is lost somewhere in Batavia.

His family would every much like him to return the the mothership on Hawley Drive.  He's been adrift since 8:30 a.m.

He's a skittish chap but will answer to his nickname, "Po." 

"Appollo" has made only one-and-a-half rotations around the sun, so still just a pup.  He is a husky and black and sliver and weighs about 50 pounds.

If found could they contact the Genesee County Animal Shelter, BPD, or leave a message at (585) 343-6865.

Wesley N. Thigpen, 40, of Batavia, is charged with two counts of predatory sexual assault against a child following a sex abuse investigation by Det. Jason Ivinson. Thigpen is accused of a continuous course of conduct where he sexually abused two children while they were under age 13 in the City of Batavia between 2007 and 2016. Thigpen was arraigned in City Court and ordered held without bail. (Thigpen is currently in state prison serving a sentence on prior sexual abuse charges. Mugshot is from 2019.)

Nathan W. Stringer, 46, of West Linden Avenue, East Rochester, is charged with DWI, DWI with children in the vehicle (Leandra's Law), breath test refusal, moved from lane unsafely, and unlicensed operator.   At 9:28 p.m., Aug. 28, deputies responded to 8483 Alleghany Raod, Pembroke, for a report of a vehicle accident and a vehicle in a ditch.  Stringer was reportedly operating the vehicle and allegedly found to be intoxicated. There were four children in the car, all under age 15. Stringer was issued an appearance ticket.

Norman James Humel, 62, of Sumner Road, Darien, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, unreasonable speed, moved from lane unsafely, failure to keep right, and refusal to take breath test. Humel was arrested following an investigation into a motor vehicle accident at 5:22 p.m., July 19, on Read Road in Pembroke by Deputy Kyle Krzemien. Humel was released on an appearance ticket.

Zachary S. Natale, 28, of Beacon, is charged with grand larceny 4th and burglary 2nd. Natale was charged with a burglary on Elm Street in May 2017.  He is currently in prison at Fishkill Correctional Facility on unrelated charges. He was ordered held without bail.

Joseph D. Turner, 39, of Albion, is charged with harassment. Turner was arrested on a warrant. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.

Eric P. Doleman, 51, of Pembroke, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a forged instrument 1st. Doleman is accused of knowingly using a counterfeit $100 bill at a local business. Doleman was arraigned in City Court and ordered held without bail.

Rhonda L. Reisman, 49, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Reisman allegedly failed to comply with a court order. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Brian P. Griffin, 36, of Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, attempted assault 3rd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Griffin is accused of getting into a physical dispute with a juvenile on Ellicott Place at 4 p.m., Aug. 18. Several other children were allegedly in close proximity to the incident. Griffin was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $2,500 bail, $5,000 bond, or $10,000 partially secured bond.

Alyssa J. McKenzie, 23, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. McKenzie is accused of punching another person in the face on Aug. 23. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Andre L. Bryan, 42, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Bryan is accused of striking a Batavia police officer in the face during an incident on Aug. 24 on East Avenue. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Michael J. Robbins, 61, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Robbins was allegedly found in possession of stolen property after an investigation into a larceny on East Main Street, Batavia.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Danielle R. Tooley, 36, of Batavia, is charged with bail jumping 2nd. She was arrested by State Police and released on her own recognizance. 

Abigail E. Button, 26, of Charlotte, N.C., is charged with assault 3rd and criminal mischief 4th. Button was arrested by State Police at 10:51 p.m., Aug. 28 in the Town of Batavia. No details of the incident were released. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Tzepheniah R. Maccabees, 21, of Buffalo, is charged with DWI.  Maccabees was stopped by State Police at 5:20 a.m., Aug. 22, in the Town of Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Shawnika D. Spears, 34, of Buffalo, is charged with identity theft 3rd. Spears was arrested by State Police at 2:21 p.m., Aug. 13, in the Town of Alabama. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Press release:

The Batavia Cemetery Association is excited to announce that the annual Halloween Candlelight Ghostwalk is back! Join us to meet the famous and infamous movers and shakers who shaped and influenced the City of Batavia on Saturday, October 23rd, 2021, on a ghost walk through the Historic Batavia Cemetery on Harvester Avenue in Batavia, NY. 

The guided tour on candlelit paths will bring guests to meet men and women of Batavia, who, for various reasons, held great power and exerted great influence in their day, were victims of tragic events, or both. Philemon Tracy, one of the few Confederate officers buried in the north, Ruth the unknown victim of a horrendous murder, Joseph Ellicott, a man of great power and great flaws, and William Morgan, the man who disappeared and was allegedly murdered before he could reveal the secrets of the Masons, are some of the ghosts who will tell their stories on the tour.

Also visiting will be Civil War veteran General John H. Martindale, who was Military Governor of the District of Columbia in 1865 and James Holden, a sergeant in the American Revolution. Dean and Mary Richmond, who greatly influenced business and civic life in Batavia in the 1800s, will meet with guests in their beautiful mausoleum on the last stop of the tour. Mr. Richmond made a great fortune in Great Lakes shipping and was the second president of the New York Central Railroad. Mrs. Richmond vastly expanded her husband’s fortune after his death and sat on the boards of many businesses and civic organizations. 

Tours begin at 7:00 p.m. and run every fifteen minutes until 8:30 p.m. Admission is $10 and includes refreshments. Reservations are required. Proceeds benefit the upkeep and restoration of the cemetery. For more information, or to make reservations, contact (585) 943-5662.
 

An ambulance fire is reported 5056 East Main Street, Batavia the Genesee County Fairgrounds.

A chief on scene says the ambulance is fully involved.

Town of Batavia Fire responding.