batavia

Trooper James O’Callaghan, left, public information officer, New York State Police – Troop A Headquarters, Batavia, receiving the AT&T "It Can Wait" virtual reality simulator from Kevin Hanna, director, External Affairs, AT&T, to be used for distracted driving education community outreach program across Western New York.

Submitted photo and press release:

As part of AT&T’s ongoing dedication to support first responders across New York State and to assist the New York State Troopers in its mission in the education of drivers on the dangers of distracted driving, the Company contributed an "It Can Wait" 3D virtual reality simulator to the New York State Police Troop A in Batavia.

It will be used across Western New York for public safety education and programing. Troop A covers and protects Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans & Wyoming counties.

This new technological educational tool will allow Troop A, as part of its robust distracted driving education community outreach program across Western New York, to provide drivers with firsthand experience of the dangers of taking their eyes off the road.

The virtual reality simulator includes a virtual reality goggle and device kit, distracted driving signage and pledge boards to be used at events to help curb distracted driving and smartphone use behind the wheel.

The contribution to the Troop A is also part of AT&T’s longstanding commitment to support first responders and public safety efforts in New York and across the country. To date, AT&T has collaborated with law enforcement in more than 80 It Can Wait education programs at schools, Department of Motor Vehicles events and public education safety events over the past three years.

When you’re behind the wheel, everything can change in the blink of an eye. A post, a selfie, a text, a scroll, an email — one look is all it takes. This simulation highlights the consequences of glancing at a phone while driving in a 3D fully-immersive experience. AT&T* research shows that 9 in 10 people engage in smartphone activities while driving.** It’s no longer safe to assume that people are just texting from behind the wheel. They’re checking email, posting to social media, snapping selfies and even engaging in video chatting and online games.

The VR simulators are an excellent tool to drive home the message: “It Can (All) Wait.”

“This donation grows out of AT&T’s legacy of supporting first responders in New York and across the country and our longstanding collaboration with law enforcement to educate drivers of all ages on the dangers of using their phones behind the wheel through our It Can Wait program,” said Marissa Shorenstein, president, Northeast Region, AT&T.

“At AT&T we stress that no message is worth your life or another person’s life and to always keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone. We applaud the brave men and women of the New York State Police for all they do to keep our roads safe and for their public education programs related to distracted driving. We are proud to be able to provide these virtual reality simulators to help save drivers’ lives.”

“The New York State Police Troop A is pleased to work in partnership with AT&T to educate communities regarding distracted driving," said Trooper James O’Callaghan, public information officer, New York State Police – Troop A Headquarters. "The hands on tools that AT&T has provided will be put to great use across Western New York, allowing both youth and experienced drivers to witness and experience the seriousness of distracted driving,”

“The New York Police Troop A extends our gratitude to AT&T in ensuring our roads are safer through the virtual simulators donated. Working together, we will hopefully drop the very high distracted driving statics statewide.”

AT&T’s It Can Wait campaign is a national movement urging drivers to keep their eyes on the road rather than on their phones, and that distracted driving is never OK. The campaign began with a focus on not texting and driving and has expanded to the broader dangers of smartphone use behind the wheel.

The virtual reality simulators show the consequences of glancing at a phone while driving in a 3D fully immersive experience. People can also use their own smartphone to view the 360° experience at home. 

Since its launch in 2010, the It Can Wait campaign has:

●      Helped grow awareness of the dangers of smartphone distracted driving to nearly 90 percent of audiences surveyed;

●      Inspired more than 25 million pledges to not drive while distracted;

●      Worked with departments of transportation in various states on research that suggests a correlation between It Can Wait campaign activities and a reduction in automobile crashes;

●      Collaborated with AT&T data scientists on research that shows how statewide anti-texting laws impact the rate of texting while driving.

To learn more, visit ItCanWait.com/VR.

In addition, AT&T was recently awarded the opportunity to deploy the nation’s first mobile broadband network dedicated to America's police officers, firefighters and emergency medical services to ensure that all first responders have the tools to better serve and protect the public and to protect themselves while in harm’s way.

FirstNet was established by Congress at the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission to help police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel communicate in the event of a terrorist attack or other emergency involving multiple agencies.

AT&T is dedicated to giving first responders and the public safety community additional tools to support them in helping to save lives.

A physical altercation is reported in the area of Central Avenue and Jackson Street in the city. A black male and four females were said to be outside fighting and arguing and the male allegedly struck a female with a chair. City PD is on scene.

A motor-vehicle accident is reported at Clinton Street Road and Seven Springs Road, Batavia.

One person may have a minor head injury.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 4:03 p.m.: Town of Batavia back in service. The accident is in Stafford's district. Stafford fire dispatched. The location is updated to 5301 Clinton Street Road.

UPDATE 4:26 p.m.: Patient transported to UMMC.

Jayson M. Connolly, 43, of Le Roy, has been charged with grand larceny, 4th, identity theft, 2nd, unlawful possession of personal identification, 3rd, and a parole violation. Connolly was arrested by State Police in Warsaw following an investigation into the theft and use of a stolen credit card. He allegedly completed three transactions at three different locations with a total value of $987. He was ordered held in the Wyoming County Jail and is scheduled for a felony hearing in Wyoming County tomorrow.

Jeffery Thomas Dutton, 27, of Buell Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Dutton is accused of trespassing on property on Macomber Road, Oakfield.

Mindy Lee Stanley, 39, of Lewiston Road, Batavia, is charged with: DWI; driving with a BAC of .08 or greater; aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd; DWAI combined influence of drugs and alcohol; and driving while ability impaired by drugs. Stanley was stopped at 7:23 p.m. Saturday on Lewiston Road, Batavia, by Deputy Mathew Clor.

Steven Michael Carpino, 56, of Thompson Trail Drive, Dexter, is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, 3rd, and criminal mischief, 3rd. Carpino is accused of smashing another person's phone with a hammer during an argument at 9 p.m. Saturday on Conlon Road, Le Roy, and then taking that person's vehicle without permission.

Brett J. Beverly, 35, of Bergen, is charged with petit larceny. Beverly was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 2:20 p.m. June 12 in the Town of Batavia. No further details released.

Tajman A. Ball, 19, of Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Ball was stopped at 8:29 p.m. Wednesday at Route 33 and Route 237 by State Police.

Darik R. Orbaker, 26, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Orbaker was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 7:55 p.m. Wednesday in the Town of Batavia. He was ordered held in jail. No further details released.

Press release:

The Batavia Lions Club recently presented its annual scholarships and awards for the 2017-2018 school year. 

This spring, more than 20 graduating seniors at Batavia High School and Notre Dame High School applied for scholarships, were interviewed by a committee of Lions Club members, with two chosen from each high school to receive $1,000 each toward their college education.

In addition, selected students from both Notre Dame and Batavia High School were awarded the Art Roth Fine Arts Award and the Bill Cook Scholar-Athlete Award. 

The final award is the Batavia Lions Club Award in Communications, which is presented to a Genesee Community College student in memory of two former Batavia Lions and local media legends – Paul Bostwick, the former managing editor of the Batavia Daily News and James H. Gerrity, the former news director of WBTA.

During the high school football soccer seasons each fall, members of the Lions Club man the food stand at Notre Dame Stadium to sell snacks during home games.

The proceeds are used exclusively for the scholarship and awards program at Notre Dame. The BHS Scholarships, Bill Cook, and Art Roth Awards as well as the Bostwick/Gerrity Award are funded with monies earned through various activities of the Batavia Lions Club.

This year’s winners are (from left):

Marty Czekala – Paul Bostwick/James Gerrity Award and is currently attending Genesee Community College; Madisyn Tomaszewski – Batavia High School Scholarship; Nico Zambito – Notre Dame Scholarship and Notre Dame Bill Cook Scholar-Athlete Award; Jessica Cmor – Notre Dame Art Roth Fine Arts Award; Mckenna Payton – Notre Dame Scholarship; Madeline Keenan – Batavia High School Art Roth Fine Arts Award; Madison Hoerbelt – Batavia High School Scholarship; and Claire Zickl, Batavia High School Bill Cook Scholar-Athlete Award.

The Lions Club congratulates all of this year’s winners and wishes them success in all of their future endeavors.

A one-vehicle rollover accident with possibly one person ejected and unconscious is reported in the eastbound lane of the Thruway in the area of mile marker 387.9.

Serious injuries are reported.

Mercy Flight is on a ground standby.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

The location is next to the Genesee Community College Batavia Campus.

UPDATE(S) 3:31 (By Billie): A vehicle is on its roof, off the roadway. A second and third ambulance are dispatched.

UPDATE 3:34 p.m.: "Be advised traffic is backed up to west of Bank Street."

UPDATE 4:06 p.m.: Mercy Flight was cancelled. At least two of the ambulances transported patients to Strong Memorial Hospital. The accident site is about a quarter mile west of GCC.

A person is burning garbage behind the residence at 40 Tracy Ave., Batavia. City fire and police dispatched.

UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: Fire is out; Engine 11 back in service.

A reader named Felicia contacted us this morning about this foundling, she writes:

"Found a kitten brown, white, gray in Batavia. Seems to be about 6-months old, very friendly, vocal, trusting of humans. Found near River Street in Batavia. Took it in for the night -- looking for the owner and are checking for a microchip tomorrow."

Can contact Felicia at 716-524-5819.

City police are patrolling Jackson Street and vicinity after callers reported a loud sound -- a gunshot or possibly fireworks -- a few minutes ago. 

Press release:

On Friday, June 15, at or about 12:42 a.m., the Batavia Police Department and City of Batavia Fire Department responded to the report of an active house fire at 35 Maple St.

A female located on scene believed her children were still in the residence. Officers from the Batavia Police Department and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office attempted to make entry into the residence but were unsuccessful. City of Batavia Fire Fighters made entry and attempted to locate the children.

By approximately 12:56 a.m. all children from the residence were located safely and accounted for at a neighbor’s residence. The Genesee County Department of Social Services was contacted to aid with the children.

During the fire investigation it was learned that the fire stemmed from a domestic incident between the female that lived in the lower apartment and her boyfriend. The male, identified as Plush Dozier (DOB: 11/21/1995), had become upset with his girlfriend and an argument ensued.

Dozier set her and the apartment on fire. During the initial stages of the incident all of the children were able to leave the apartment. The female was transported to an area hospital, where she is listed in stable condition. We will not be releasing the female’s name or location for the safety of her and her family.

Dozier was located at the scene and taken into custody without incident. Dozier was arrested for two Class A felonies: arson in the first degree (PL 150.20-01), and attempted murder in the second degree (PL 125.25-01).

Dozier was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in Genesee County Jail without bail. Dozier is scheduled to appear in Genesee County Court at a later date.

During the course of the active house fire, and subsequent investigation a City of Batavia police officer, and a City of Batavia firefighter were both injured. The officer and the firefighter were treated and released from UMMC with non-life-threatening injuries.

Previously:

• Arrest made in midnight fire on Maple Street
• House fire reported on Maple Street in City of Batavia

City of Batavia firefighters, IAFF Local 896, are downtown this morning with fire boots they're hoping passing motorists will help fill with cash.

The donations benefit MDA.This is their annual "Fill the Boot" fundraiser. They will be in the area of Ellicott, Court, and Main until 1 p.m.

An arrest has been made in connection with a fire reported at about 12:30 a.m. at 35 Maple St. that endangered the life of a woman sleeping in an apartment on the first floor, The Batavian has learned.

Batavia PD will put out a press release with more details shortly.

In the initial call for the fire, it was reported that two children were inside the residence while the frantic mother was outside when police arrived. The children were later located at a neighbor's house.

In all, four children lived in the apartment and all four were accounted for by 1 a.m.

The woman was transported to UMMC for a medical evaluation. There's no further word at this time on her condition.

The suspect was reportedly arraigned in City Court this morning and ordered held without bail.

DEVELOPING ... 

Press release:

The New York State Senate passed Senate bill S7397-A, establishing a more equitable tax rate for Batavia Downs Gaming.  Senator Michael Ranzenhofer, the sponsor of the legislation, issued the following statement:

“Today the Senate passed legislation to help level the playing field for Batavia Downs. Lowering the tax rate not only protects the future viability of Batavia Downs but returns more revenue to taxpayers across Western New York. I am hopeful that the Assembly will take action on this important legislation.”

Batavia Downs Gaming, operated by Western Region OTB (WROTB), is a standardbred racetrack and gaming facility. WROTB is a public benefit corporation – owned by 15 Western New York counties, including Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Wyoming, as well as the cities of Rochester and Buffalo.

Since its inception, WROTB has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in operating and surcharge revenues to the residents of those participating municipalities.

A working structure fire is reported on Maple Street in the City of Batavia. Two children are reportedly inside. It's gone to a second alarm. City fire is responding and Darien fire is called as mutual aid.

UPDATE 12:52 a.m.: The fire is at 35 Maple St. It's "knocked down." The children thought to be inside were actually at a neighbor's house and they are safe. Town of Batavia fire, Alexander's Fast Team, and Darien's rescue are also responding. 

UPDATE 1:27 a.m.: Overhaul in progress. Alexander is back in service. An adult resident was transported to UMMC for evaluation. There were four children who resided in the apartment. All four are accounted for and safe.

UPDATE 1:45 a.m. (By Howard): Officer Arick Perkins and Sgt. Eric Bolles where the first responders on scene. Bolles said Perkins tried to enter the residence but the smoke was too thick. Bolles said it was only about an inch off the floor at that point.  

Captain Robert Fix said when the first firefighters arrived on scene there was heavy black smoke and flames visible through the front window.

"The engine crew did a great job on getting in the front door and getting a good knockdown on the fire," Fix said. "They took care of it pretty quick. We had some fire on the outside we hit with a second line and were able to keep it in check."

There were some tense moments where the children were unaccounted for, with firefighters inside looking for them and officers from the City, County and State looking in windows with flashlights trying to see what they could see. Then a neighbor came out of her house with two of the children. Officers immediately converged on her front porch and confirmed all children were safe.

"Whenever you get the call that there are people trapped inside, especially kids, that elevates everything significantly," Fix said. 

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.