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The Gerace family is returning to their locally owned roots in real estate in Genesee County.

Two years ago, Joe and Lois Gerace sold Bob Harris Realty to Realty USA, a Buffalo-based company, but in July, the CEO of Realty USA sold his company to Pennsylvania-based Howard Hanna Company and when John and Robert Gerace got word that new owners wanted to consolidate offices, that just didn't make sense to them.

"It doesn't make sense to say you're local and then have a business card with Lancaster or Depew on it," John said. "Are you local or aren't you? I think it was confusing."

The new company will be Gerace Realty. The new website is geracerealty.com. Like Bob Harris, and RealtyUSA, the new logo is red, white and black.

Lois, who has 40 years experience in real estate, will be part of the new company along with John and Robert. Much of the staff will be the same as it was for years when the company was Bob Harris.

The new signs, on the same converted house on Ellicott Avenue that was home to Bob Harris Realty when Joe and Lois bought the company in 1986, went up yesterday while the transition is still underway.

John Gerace said managers at Realty USA were supportive of their decision to go back to being a locally owned office and the relationship with staff there remains good and Gerace Realty will be able to tap into the larger company's network of bankers and attorneys as needed.

Howard Hanna also acquired Nothnagle, and both John and Robert see an advantage being outside of Rochester and Buffalo as a smaller, locally focused company.

"You're dealing with experienced agents," Robert said. "This is something we do full time. You're not dealing with somebody who is part time. This is what we do." 

John thinks more and more people value that local connection. He compared it to smaller hardware store surviving in the face of competition from Home Depot and Lowe's.

"There's great service when you walk in," John said. "They know you by name. I think people want that back."

Ronald Francis Ratulowski Jr., 43, of Eleanor Place, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 12:49 a.m. on Dec. 28 on Eleanor Place following a domestic dispute. He was issued an appearance ticket for Jan. 17 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Eric Bolles.

Melanie M. Matesz, 51, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 8:50 p.m. on Dec. 26 on Dellinger Avenue following an investigation into an incident wherein she allegedly struck another person. She was issued at appearance ticket for Jan. 3 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Richard C. Clark, 46, of Main Street, Corfu, is charged with second-degree harassment. Clark was arrested at 9 p.m. on Dec. 29 on Tracy Avenue in Batavia following a domestic dispute wherein he allegedly grabbed and pushed another person. He was arrainged then released on his own recognizance. He is due in City Court today (Jan. 4). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Robert R. Gerety, 43, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, resisting arrest and criminal mischief. At 12:58 a.m. on Dec. 28, Gerety was arrested after a domestic incident in which the defendant is alleged to have damaged property at the residence, possessed marijuana, and resisted arrest. He was put in Genesee County Jail and in due in City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Darryle Streeter, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Jessica Lynn Polk, 40, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal tampering. Polk was arrested at 10:10 a.m. on Dec. 23 after she allegedly tampered with property belonging to another person. She was released with appearance ticket for Jan. 3 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

A 16-year-old who lives on State Street in Batavia is charged with criminal contempt in the second degree. The youth was picked up on an active warrant out of City Court for this alleged offense, a violation of a Family Court order, which occurred at 8 a.m. on Oct. 20 on State Street. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket for Jan. 10 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards.

Robert M. Schryver, 53, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. At 9:45 a.m. on Dec. 29, Shryver was allegedly found to possess a quantity of marijuana and was arrested. He is due in City Court on Jan. 10 to answer the charges. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole Salamone, assisted by Frank Klimjack.

Kyle James Whitcombe, 19, of Westchester Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and driving left of pavement markings. Following a one-car accident at 6:26 a.m. on Jan. 3 on Route 77 in the Town of Pembroke, Whitcomb was allegedly found in possession of marjiuana. He was issued an appearance ticket for Jan. 24 in Town of Pembroke Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

The way Laura Kauppi sees it, every child, regardless of income, should have a chance to learn piano.

The Corfu native who teaches piano to a lot of higher income kids in Amherst, decided recently that she wants to give back to her local community and has partnered with Roxy's Music to offer piano lessons to low-income children.

"Every child should be able to learn piano," she said.

She's calling the program, "Every Child Music School."

For qualifying students, classes are three times a month for 20 minutes at $3 per lesson. To qualify, parents need to show a benefits card, such as a WIC card, at the first lesson.  The lessons are available to children 18 months and older.

She's looking for donations of touch-sensitive keyboard (press hard for a louder note, soft for a softer note) to help ensure students have an instrument to practice on.

Kauppi studies piano performance at Geneseo while pursuing an undergraduate degree in another field, but put herself through college teaching piano.

"When I started teaching, I realized I absolutely loved teaching piano and I wanted to keep doing it, so I’ve been teaching for 12 years now," Kauppi said.

To donate or register, call Kauppi at 585-861-0153.

A motor-vehicle accident, unknown injuries, is reported in the westbound lane of the Thruway near mile marker 386.1.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 6:28 p.m.: Patient has possible knee injury.

Press release from the Le Roy Police Department:

On Dec. 7^th, Village of Le Roy Police arrested 31-year-old Danielle L. Barager, of 9 Summit St., Le Roy, and charged her with endangering the welfare of a child. The arrest stems from an investigation by Village Police into an incident that occurred in the Village of Le Roy on Dec. 4. It is alleged that during an argument Barager threw a claw hammer which ricocheted off the floor and struck a 3-year-old child in the shoulder causing injury. Barager was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Le Roy Court at a later date.

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On Dec. 24, at about 6:30 p.m., officers of the Village of Le Roy Police Department arrested Matthew McCracken, 33, of 10 Clay St., upper apt., Le Roy, for attempted criminal mischief, 4th degree, and harassment, 2nd degree. This arrest occurred after Le Roy Police Officer’s responded to a report of a male threatening to kill the neighboring residents of an upper apartment on Clay Street in the Village of Le Roy. The investigation alleged that during a dispute, McCracken had threatened to kill and injure his neighbor and burned the door and door frame of his neighbor’s apartment with a blow torch. At the time, McCracken was refusing to answer both his phone and the door to his apartment to communicate with officers and McCracken was believed to be in his apartment with a blow torch and a 2-year-old child. Out of concern for the child, Officer’s forced entry into the apartment and McCracken was taken into custody without incident. The child was found unharmed and was turned over to the mother. McCracken was arraigned in the Town of Le Roy Court and was put in Genesee County jail in lieu of $500 cash bail. Further investigation is pending. Le Roy Police were assisted at the scene by members of the New York State Police.

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On Dec. 27^th, officers of the Village of Le Roy Police Department arrested Gregory P.  Bernard, 22, of East Bethany, for aggravated DWI, DWI and moving from lane unsafely. His arrest was the result of an auto accident in which it is alleged that Bernard, while on West Main Street in Le Roy left his lane unsafely, jumped a curb and struck a sign and tree causing damage. Bernard was processed and issued appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Le Roy Court on Jan.  23. The aggravated DWI charge stems from an allegation that Bernard had a BAC at or above 0.18 percent.

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On Dec. 28^th, Village of Le Roy Police stopped a vehicle on State Route 19 in the Village of Le Roy alleging an inadequate exhaust. The operator, Michael A. Ellis, 27, of Batavia, was allegedly found to have a suspended New York State driver’s license. The vehicle was turned over to a relative at the scene. Ellis was issued uniform traffic tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd degree, uninspected motor vehicle, and inadequate exhaust returnable to the Town of Le Roy Court on a later date.

Photo and info from our news partner 13WHAM.

Batavia Police are asking for help in locating an individual in connection with a burglary that took place last month at the Glass Roots store, located at 12 Center St. downtown.

According to police, the incident happened during the overnight hours between Dec. 11 and 12.

Elwood Miller and Jill Keleher are the proud parents of Olivia, who earned the honor of being the first baby born at United Memorial on January 1, 2017. 

Submitted photo and press release:

Proud parents Jill Keleher and Elwood Miller welcomed Olivia, United Memorial’s first baby of the New Year, at 5:11 a.m. Sunday, January 1, 2017. She weighed 8 pounds and 6 ounces. Big brothers Jason and Gavin anxiously await her arrival at home. The family was presented with a gift basket that included bath items, baby monitor, car seat accessory, toiletries, rocker and $100 Visa Gift Card.

Olivia’s birth comes on the heels of United Memorial Medical Center’s recognition by the Cribs for Kids® National Infant Safe Sleep Initiative as a Silver Certified Safe Sleep Leader. This program recognizes hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to reducing infant sleep-related deaths by promoting best safe sleep practices and educating on infant sleep safety.

“We need the knowledge of safe sleep to be shared, the designation of this award highlights United Memorial’s continued commitment to ensuring that parents are receiving the vital information they need about safe sleep practices for their newborns,” said Emily Callari, RN.

Each year in the United States, more than 3,500 babies die in their sleep suddenly and unexpectedly from accidental suffocation, strangulation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). According to Cribs for Kids, in 90 percent of these deaths, the infant is found in an unsafe sleep environment. Cribs for Kids partners with healthcare providers, parents and others across the country to promote sleeping practices that keep infants safe. 

To learn more about childbirth and maternity at United Memorial Medical Center, visit RochesterRegional.org.

Rock star Joey Belladonna returns to Batavia Jan. 14 for a show at T.F. Brown's with his cover band, Big Chief Way.

Belladonna is best known as lead singer for the popular thrash metal band Anthrax. Anthrax, with frontman Belladonna, has released 10 albums that have sold 8 million copies worldwide. The band was nominated for three Grammy awards.

From Western New York, Belladonna occasionally plays shows in the area with Big Chief Way.

There are a limited number of VIP tickets available that includes a chance to meet Belladonna between 8 and 9 p.m. for $10. Tickets must be purchased at T.F.'s by Jan. 13. The show starts at 10 p.m. and tickets are $5 pre-sale or at the door. Tickets may be purchased at T.F. Brown's.

Angela Joan Bombard, 55, of Main Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and driving left of pavement markings. Bombard was stopped at 6:49 p.m. Sunday on Route 19, Le Roy, by Deputy Jeremy McClellan.

Justin Allen Siegmyer, 20, of Baxter Street, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, uninspected motor vehicle and possession of an open container in a motor vehicle. Siegmyer was arrested following a check of a vehicle parked roadside on Prole Road, Stafford, at 1:24 a.m. Sunday by Deputy Mathew Clor.

YMCA Waives Join Fee to Jump Start your January! Are you ready to shed those extra holiday pounds? Looking for a fresh start in 2017? Has cabin fever already started setting in? Join the Y during our membership campaign and save! Between 12/26/16 and 1/15/17 we will waive the full joining fee on any membership category.

New to the Y and not sure if you are ready to commit? Try the Y 5 times between 12/26 and 1/15/17 for just $15. If you decide to join during that same time frame we will take the $15 you paid off of your first month’s membership dues.

YMCA Membership entitles you and your loved ones the chance to become part of an organization that believes in and promotes active and healthy lifestyles, progressive skill development, fair play, family, and character development. The YMCA is not just another gym. When you join the Y, you join a family and what’s more you join a place where people are looking for changes to their overall health. The Genesee County YMCA offers a wide array of programs and services to meet the interests and needs of the entire family from memberships for youth, college students, families and seniors. From swimming lessons and sports, to childcare and summer camping, there is truly something for everyone at the Genesee County YMCA.

If you feel like you cannot afford a YMCA membership, it is the policy of the YMCA that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. Financial assistance for membership and programs is available through the annual Strong Communities Campaign. The application process is easy and confidential. Please call or visit our member service desk to obtain an application.

For more information on membership or programs offered at the Genesee County YMCA, please call (585)344­-1664 or log on to our website at www.glowymca.org.

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at Ellicott Street and Hutchins Street.

City fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 11:23 a.m. Patient transported to UMMC with minor injuries.

In a game that was never really close, the Batavia Blue Devils won the annual Lions Tournament at GCC, beating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 60-29.

Tee Sean Ayala scored 19, despite a cold hand in the first half. He hit four three-pointers over the course of the game.

Antwan Odom, the tournament MVP, scored 14. He hit three threes. 

It was another big game for Notre Dame's Ryan Moffat, who hit three threes on his way to 15 points.

A two-car accident with a person complaining of neck pain is reported at 21 Chestnut St., Batavia.

City fire and Mercy EMS responding.

The p.w. minor factory was open last night for a "friends and family night" with tours, refreshments and a chance to buy a new pair of p.w. minor shoes.

The event was part of p.w. minor's rollout of new product lines, the Abram Boots and Batavia Boots and Shoes.

Above, CEO Pete Zeliff shows off a pair of Patriot boots to Brian Kemp. And below, Ron DiSalvo, the former owner of DiSalvo's Shoes, a retail outlet he operated in Downtown Batavia from 1967 to 2007.

Retail shoe sales are returning to Downtown Batavia through a partnership between p.w. minor and Charles Men's Shop.

Antoine T. Clark (AKA "Mike") is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on June 29 in the Town of Batavia that Clark knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug, cocaine, with intent to sell it. In count two, Clark is accused of the crime of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, also a Class B felony. It is alleged that on June 29 in the Town of Batavia that the defendant knowingly and unlawfully sold a narcotic drug, cocaine.

Russ Marchese took this cat to the Animal Shelter after finding it near the railroad tracks on Wortendyke Road, Batavia.

Investigators have been attempting to locate Armstrong since the shooting, which sent a man to the hospital reportedly with a chest and shoulder wound.  

Det. Todd Crossett said this morning that Armstrong's whereabouts are still unknown and there is no new information available in the case.

Armstrong is described as a light-skinned male black about 5’10”- 6’ with a thin build. He has a deformity to his right ear and also to one of his hands.

Police say, if seen, do not confront Armstrong, but call 9-1-1 immediately. Information can also be supplied to Batavia PD through the confidential tip line at 345-6370, or Det. Sgt. Crossett at 345-6353.

Also, regarding the Key Bank robbery two days ago, Crossett said police have received hundreds of tips and are currently working through the leads.

Batavia and Notre Dame will meeting in the Lions Tournament final on Thursday at Genesee Community College after the Fighting Irish knocked of Roy-Hart 47-41 and the Blue Devils topped Albion 60-43.

For the Irish, Nico Zambito scored 14, including a pair of threes, Ryan Moffat had 13 points, including three triples, and Anthony Gugino hit a pair of threes for six total points.

In the nightcap, Tee Sean Ayala dropped seven three-point shots for 21 points on the night and Antwan Odom added 16 points.  

For Albion, Lamar Chambers had 19 points.