A one-vehicle rollover accident, believed to be with no injuries, is reported at 8068 Lewiston Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics. The location is between the Interstate 90 bridge and Galloway Road.
UPDATE 1:55 p.m.: The driver and sole occupant is out of the vehicle.
A perpetrator is still at large following a late-night break-in at Dave's Ice Cream, 3872 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.
Local law enforcement is looking for an individual who made forced entry into the ice cream shop at about 10:50 p.m. and was wearing black pants, a black coat, a gray hoodie, white gloves, and a black mask.
The subject attempted to gain entry to the cash register before fleeing in what appeared to be a small, white SUV.
Owner Debra Webster became aware of the burglary in progress because of a security camera in the store that alerted her on her phone to activity inside the closed and locked shop. She called 9-1-1 and Sheriff's deputies, with back up from Batavia PD and State troopers, responded but the perpetrator had left before police arrived.
Webster said the burglar did not seem familiar with the store and that no money was left in the store so no money was taken.
She is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the criminal.
The Sheriff's Office is continuing the investigation. Anyone with information pertinent to the case is asked to call Investigator Chris Parker or Deputy Jordan Alejandro at (585) 343-5000.
UPDATE: Photo of the intruder's face submitted by Debra Webster.
VIDEO: Courtesy Debra Webster. Note: The submitted video was 2:30 long. We've trimmed it to include only the portions that show the intruder and the SUV.
A burglary in progress was reported at Dave's Ice Cream, 3872 W. Main Street Road, Town of Batavia, about 25 minutes ago. Several Sheriff's deputies responded initially and found the front door secure, but noted there was forced entry through the back door.
Dispatchers were told the cash register drawer was on the floor, and a light was on in a portion of the building.
No one was located inside; the building was deemed secure.
A security camera at one point, briefly, showed an individual on the premises.
The suspect is described as wearing all black, including a hoodie and gloves.
A search for the suspect by law enforcement is underway and includes Batavia police and NYS Troopers. They are establishing a perimeter for the search area.
The four local men who organized the March for Justice in Batavia on June 7 have joined together with eight more local residents to form Just Kings Social Club to help promote racial equality in the city. Friday, they hosted their first event at the YWCA: Day one of a two-day Juneteenth celebration.
Today (Saturday), the event starts at noon and runs until 7 p.m. There will be food and beverages, live entertainment, as well as vendor booths.
The YWCA is located at 301 North St., Batavia.
The end of slavery in the United States is not marked by one single date.
Juneteenth evolved out of the cooperation of June 19 in Texas, the day slaves were freed in the former rebellious state in 1865, two years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves in territory still held by Confederates.
It wouldn't be until December 1865 that the 13th Amendment was ratified banning slavery in the United States. Many believe the struggle for equality and liberty for black Americans has yet to be fully realized.
Kathy Poole and Patty Poole were sitting in their yard at Bank and Washington in Batavia late this afternoon with signs around them supporting Black Lives Matter, giving every car that passed their way a big, smiling, friendly wave.
Patty said they wanted to support the movement.
"I feel like something in the system is pretty screwed up and there has to be a change and that starts at your home, you know," Patty said. "Spread the word."
As for Juneteenth, Patty said the holiday isn't just about black power. It's about power for all people.
"The color of my skin does not define me but a special day like this, I’m going to support it, of course," she said.
Photo: Kathy Poole, Jeneve (last name declined), Jaya, and Patty Poole.
Press release:
In collaboration with St. Joseph Regional School and in the spirit of maintaining and ultimately enhancing the vibrancy of Catholic Education in the GLOW Region, the St. Joe's seventh- and eighth-grade classes will be transitioned to Notre Dame High School beginning this September.
Both schools are very excited about engaging in a unified approach to maximize continuous improvements and long-term vibrancy.
Submitted photo and press release:
Nicole Hopkins has been awarded the 2020 St. Jerome Guild Health Professional Scholarship.
Hopkins is a registered nurse who has worked at UMMC, dedicating six years to patients in the UMMC Pain Center.
She is striving for her BSN advanced degree in Leadership Management, carrying a 4.0 average at Roberts Wesleyan College. The recipient received a $500 scholarship in memory of Dorothy Baker, a dedicated Honorary Guild volunteer.
The St. Jerome Guild Inc., offers the annual scholarship to applicants who are currently employed at UMMC/Rochester Regional Health and are pursuing advanced degrees in healthcare fields.
The Guild’s Gift Shop operates entirely by volunteers, and is coined “The County’s Best Kept Secret” located in the Jerome Center and hopes to reopen in the near future. Proceeds from the Gift Shop continues to purchase equipment for UMMC.
In the photo, Hopkins holds a plaque representing the Guild’s current initiative, “Home Town Heroes, 2020 Wall of Warriors.”
The GLOW community is welcome to support this initiative by donating $10 per star representing one of the 1,000 UMMC employees located at the North Street and Bank Street campuses.
All proceeds from this initiative will be donated to UMMC to purchase vital equipment.
Checks can be made payable to: St. Jerome Guild Inc., 16 Bank St., Batavia, NY 14020.
Press release:
ESL Federal Credit Union, which has a branch in Towne Center at Batavia, today announced it has distributed $20 million to members in an early Owners’ Dividend payout for 2020.
“The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has created a great deal of financial stress for many in our community,” said Faheem Masood, president and CEO, ESL Federal Credit Union. “This $20 million is much more helpful to our members now instead of waiting until our traditional timeframe of January 2021.
"We believe this is a tangible way in which we can support our membership through these challenging times, as the combined impact of $20 million into our community can help make a difference.”
With this latest distribution, ESL has now shared more than $170 million with its members over the program’s 25 payouts.
The individual Owners’ Dividend payout amounts ESL members receive are based on an established Owners’ Dividend criteria. For more information about the criteria, please visit esl.org/ownersdividend.
Qualification for the Owners’ Dividend is subject to eligibility requirements, and payment of the Owners’ Dividend is not guaranteed.
About ESL Federal Credit Union
With 100 years of locally-owned history, ESL Federal Credit Union serves as a full-service financial institution to more than 370,000 members. Founded in 1920, the company provides personal banking, business banking, mortgage services and wealth management services through its locally-based 22 branch network, telephone, mobile, online and live chat center.
The Rochester-based financial institution employs approximately 850 people in in the Greater Rochester area and holds more than $6.9 billion in assets. Since 1996, ESL has paid out 25 consecutive Owners’ Dividends to its members totaling more than $170 million. The company has appeared on the Great Place to Work® Best Small & Medium Workplaces list for nine years since 2010. ESL Federal Credit Union is headquartered at 225 Chestnut Street, in Rochester, and can be found online at www.esl.org
A dog locked inside a red pickup truck with Florida license plates at Walmart is reported to dispatch by a caller concerned about its welfare. The truck is parked in the reserved section in front of the grocery entrance. An animal control officer is responding.
The temperature outside is currently 77 degrees.
Photo of sunset at Genesee Community College submitted by Amanda Wells. She said, "This beautiful sunset breaks up the craziness that has been the present of our daily lives. Just something nice to enjoy for a change."
Ithaca College congratulates the following students named to the dean's list for the spring 2020 semester:
Elise Hoerbelt, a Music Education major, of Batavia.
Lauren Leone, a Journalism / Politics major, of Batavia.
About Ithaca College
Founded in 1892, Ithaca College is a residential college dedicated to building knowledge and confidence through a continuous cycle of theory, practice and performance. Home to some 6,200 students, the college offers more than 100 degree programs in its schools of Business, Communications, Humanities and Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Performance, and Music.
Students, faculty and staff at Ithaca College create an active, inclusive community anchored in a keen desire to make a difference in the local community and the broader world. The college is consistently ranked as one of the nation's top producers of Fulbright scholars, one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly schools in the country, and one of the top 10 colleges in the Northeast.
Press release:
On Wednesday, June 17, at or about 6:10 p.m., Batavia police officers responded to the area of Clinton Street for a juvenile that had flagged down a neighbor, requesting help.
Patrols arrived on scene and located two local residents sitting with a juvenile and James McNally standing near them. Patrols separated McNally from the juvenile and residents.
The residents indicated that the juvenile told them, that he needed help getting away from McNally.
Patrols interviewed the juvenile briefly and concluded that the juvenile had accepted a ride from McNally from DeWitt Recreation Area, with the intentions of McNally driving the juvenile to his residence.
While transporting the juvenile, McNally allegedly attempted to grope the juvenile. The juvenile feigned sickness so McNally would pull off to the side of the road. The juvenile then exited the vehicle and ascertained help at the nearest residence.
Upon discovering the alleged incident, Batavia police officers promptly took McNally into custody and transported him away from the juvenile.
McNally was arrested for endangering the welfare of a child (a misdemeanor) and forcible touching (a misdemeanor) via Skype in Batavia City Court by Judge Durin Rogers.
McNally was released under the supervision of Genesee Justice, and an order of protection was issued. McNally is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court at a later time.
The Batavia Police Department would like to take a quick moment to update the community and parents on new abduction prevention ideas.
Instead of “Stranger Danger,” try using the following language when talking to your child about abduction prevention:
- Don’t say: Never talk to strangers.
- Say: You should not approach just anyone. If you need help, look for a uniformed police officer, a store clerk with a nametag, or a parent with children.
- Don’t say: Stay away from people you don’t know.
- Say: It’s important for you to get my permission before going anywhere with anyone.
- Don't say: You can tell someone is bad just by looking at them.
- Say: Pay attention to what people do. Tell me right away if anyone asks you to keep a secret, makes you feel uncomfortable, or tries to get you to go with them.
Press release:
On Wednesday, June 17, at or about 6:10 p.m., Batavia police officers responded to the area of Clinton Street for a juvenile that had flagged down a neighbor, requesting help.
Patrols arrived on scene and located two local residents sitting with a juvenile and James McNally standing near them. Patrols separated McNally from the juvenile and residents.
The residents indicated that the juvenile told them, that he needed help getting away from McNally.
Patrols interviewed the juvenile briefly and concluded that the juvenile had accepted a ride from McNally from DeWitt Recreation Area, with the intentions of McNally driving the juvenile to his residence.
While transporting the juvenile, McNally allegedly attempted to grope the juvenile. The juvenile feigned sickness so McNally would pull off to the side of the road. The juvenile then exited the vehicle and ascertained help at the nearest residence.
Upon discovering the alleged incident, Batavia police officers promptly took McNally into custody and transported him away from the juvenile.
McNally was arrested for endangering the welfare of a child (a misdemeanor) and forcible touching (a misdemeanor) via Skype in Batavia City Court by Judge Durin Rogers.
McNally was released under the supervision of Genesee Justice, and an order of protection was issued. McNally is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court at a later time.
The Batavia Police Department would like to take a quick moment to update the community and parents on new abduction prevention ideas.
Instead of “Stranger Danger,” try using the following language when talking to your child about abduction prevention:
- Don’t say: Never talk to strangers.
- Say: You should not approach just anyone. If you need help, look for a uniformed police officer, a store clerk with a nametag, or a parent with children.
- Don’t say: Stay away from people you don’t know.
- Say: It’s important for you to get my permission before going anywhere with anyone.
- Don't say: You can tell someone is bad just by looking at them.
- Say: Pay attention to what people do. Tell me right away if anyone asks you to keep a secret, makes you feel uncomfortable, or tries to get you to go with them.
Music class students, current and former, came together yesterday afternoon under direction of teacher Jane Haggett to honor their fellow music students who are graduating this year.
The musicians visited students at their home or work and played "Pomp and Circumstance" for them.
This video is of Erick Chugg receiving the surprise visit at McDonald's, where he works.
Also honored: Lydia Geiger, Maggie Andersen, Macayla Burke, Gloria Adams, Sarah Adams, Maddie Taggart, and Derrick Fedus.
Not available for a visit: Garrick Havens, Courtnee Yasses, and Charissa Waldmiller.
With the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation's annual dinner canceled, the organizations annual scholarship winners were honored with check presentations at the Paulo Busti monument next to the Holland Land Office Museum yesterday.
Honored were: Rhorri Fix, Kiaya Condidorio, Chris Gualtieri, Jake Torcello, Isabella Riner, and Megan Smith.
Each student received $800 from the foundation, $100 from the Vincent Gautieri Scholarship Fund, and also gift certificates from Capish! Brick Oven Pizza Ristorante, L.B. Grand, and Main St. Pizza Company.
Photo and info submitted by Annette LaBarbera.
Canisius College in Buffalo congratulates more than 1,300 students who were named to the spring 2020 dean's list and Merit List.
Dean's list recognitions are awarded to those students who have attained a grade-point average of at least 3.50 for the semester and have completed at least four courses of three credits or equivalent.
Merit List recognitions are awarded to students who have attained a grade-point average of at least 3.25 for the semester and have completed two courses of three credit hours or the equivalent.
In Genesee County, those named to the dean's list and Merit List are:
Hannah Schaber, of Corfu -- Schaber is a member of the Canisius College Class of 2020 and pursuing a degree in Animal Behavior Ecology Conser.
Spencer Misiti, of Batavia -- Misiti is a member of the Canisius College Class of 2023 and pursuing a degree in Finance.
Bella March, of Batavia -- March is a member of the Canisius College Class of 2023 and pursuing a degree in Animal Behavior Ecology Conser.
Griffin Della Penna, of Batavia -- Della Penna is a member of the Canisius College Class of 2023 and pursuing a degree in Journalism.
Ava Horgan, of Le Roy -- Horgan is a member of the Canisius College Class of 2023 and pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice.
David Doan, of Batavia -- Doan is a member of the Canisius College Class of 2023 and pursuing a degree in Finance.
Alexander Kunes, of Batavia -- Kunes is a member of the Canisius College Class of 2021 and pursuing a degree in Business Economics.
Jared Browne, of Darien Center -- Browne is a member of the Canisius College Class of 2020 and pursuing a degree in Political Science.
Harrison Dodson, of Bergen -- Dodson is a member of the Canisius College Class of 2023 and pursuing a degree in Pathfinders.
Christina Barraco, of Batavia -- Barraco is a member of the Canisius College Class of 2022 and pursuing a degree in Digital Media Arts.
Thomas Kubiniec, of Batavia -- Kubiniec is a member of the Canisius College Class of 2020 and pursuing a degree in Biology.
Mary Warner, of Le Roy -- Warner is a member of the Canisius College Class of 2023 and pursuing a degree in Mathematics.
Luca Zambito, of Elba -- Zambito is a member of the Canisius College Class of 2020 and pursuing a degree in Finance.
Zachary Brown, of Linwood -- Brown is a member of the Canisius College Class of 2023 and pursuing a degree in Pathfinders.
Jenna Whitmore, of Batavia -- Whitmore is a member of the Canisius College Class of 2022 and pursuing a degree in Clinical Laboratory Science.
Matthew Genaway, of Darien Center -- Genaway is a member of the Canisius College Class of 2021 and pursuing a degree in Accounting.
Alexis Hoerner, of Batavia -- Hoerner is a member of the Canisius College Class of 2021 and pursuing a degree in Communication Studies.
Calvin Herrick, of Le Roy -- Herrick is a member of the Canisius College Class of 2023 and pursuing a degree in Biology.
Press release:
The Holland Land Office Museum will be administering a change in its admission policy for visitors to the museum upon its opening in the coming weeks.
The museum’s new admission policy will be as follows:
This policy is a change from previously when admission was based on a suggested donation.
The Board and the Executive Director did not take this decision lightly, but it was deemed as a necessity for the museum to continue serving the people of Genesee County and Western New York.
The museum will remain committed to carrying out its mission of preserving the living history of Genesee County for the future, in an educational, entertaining, and inclusive way.
Everyone at the museum would like to thank those who have supported us in the past, through this difficult time, and into the future. We look forward to seeing both old and new faces walking through the door again very soon.
If you have any questions, please contact Director Ryan Duffy at (585) 343-4727 or email: hollandlandoffice@gmail.com
Information can also be found at the museum’s website.
By Samantha Stryker, Adult and Community Services librarian
“Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy-tales again.” ― C.S. Lewis
Summer Reading Programs will begin July 1 at Richmond Memorial Library. This year’s theme is “Imagine Your Story,” a celebration of fairy tales, folklore, mythology, and sharing your own unique story and voice.
While this year’s program may look different in light of current restrictions, the library is excited to offer a program and reading challenge for children as well as a Summer Reading BINGO program for adults.
This year, registration for both programs may be completed online or in person at the library, located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.
Children’s Program
The Children's Room at the Richmond Memorial Library is excited to continue its annual Summer Reading Program this summer from July 1 to Sept. 1.
Per tradition, the Summer Reading Challenge will continue to challenge children to read at least 15 minutes a day. Prizes will be awarded to those registered for the challenge at the end of the program in September.
Unfortunately, the library is unable to host any in-person programming. However, the Children's Room is working to provide children with alternative activities online, virtual storytimes, take & make craft kits, and more.
Registration is now open for the children’s program. Please visit the library website to register and continue to check for upcoming activities as they are available. Or phone (585) 343-9550, ext. 4.
Adult Program
Registration to begin June 26: Summer Reading BINGO for Adults returns! This year’s program will run from July 1 – Sept. 1 for patrons aged 17 and older with a valid library card.
Register online or visit the reference desk to sign up beginning June 26. Complete your BINGO board, which has challenges like “read a book with ‘magic,’ ‘story’ or ‘book’ in the title,” “read outside,” or “attend a virtual program.”
You can pick up a BINGO board at the library, located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia, or print one online with registration.
Participants can win up to five grand prize entry forms for a chance to win one of three grand prizes: a Kindle Paperwhite eReader, a Book Lover’s Basket, or a gift certificate to a local book store!
In addition, all who submit a BINGO form at the end of the program will get a participation prize, and everyone who registers will be entered for a chance to win one of five copies of our 2020 Richmond Reads selection (to be announced in July!).
Check out our website for reading suggestions or visit the library to see the display!
The library is now open regular hours for limited services, including browsing and checking out materials, limited computer use, photocopying, faxing and placing holds on materials.
Only local items may be placed on hold at this time by calling (585) 343-9550, ext. 3.
Please observe all signage and policies when you enter the library!
Information about virtual programs can be found on our website at batavialibrary.org
Richmond Memorial Library continually provides access to physical and virtual resources and services that meet the educational, informational and recreational needs of its diverse community in a safe and comfortable environment.
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