batavia

A motor-vehicle accident with entrapment is reported at River Street and West Main Street, Batavia.

City fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 9:14 a.m.: Possible transformer on fire in the area.

UPDATE(S) (By Billie) (9:34 a.m.): A vehicle is on its side in front of 389 W. Main St. A utility pole is sheared off that has three transformers on it. The city's second and fourth platoons are called to stand by in quarters. A woman named Lynn Mucica says she was in her vehicle eastbound on West Main Street at the stop light at River Street and there was another car next to her's, when a car approached at a high rate of speed. She feared it would hit the vehicle next to hers. But it swerved instead and struck the pole, then came to rest on its side.

UPDATE 9:44 a.m.: There is a lot of debris in the roadway on West Main Street and some spilled fluids; it appears the accident at West Main and River may have started at the light in front of Top's Market as the car now on its side turned left from the parking lot onto West Main Street.

UPDATE 9:54 a.m.: City command calls for clean up of the spilled fluids, some of which is said to be oil from a transformer.

UPDATE 10:16 a.m.: A rep from National Grid is on scene and awaiting a bucket truck. Command requests that Five Star Bank personnel be contacted and informed that power is partially out to the bank building.

UPDATE 12:21 p.m. The following closures and detours remain in effect, per City Fire.

CLOSED: River Street between West Main Street and South Main Street
CLOSED: Five Star Bank - No power, No ATM
NO LEFT TURN: From Redfield Parkway to West Main Street
NO LEFT TURN: From West Main Street to Redfield Parkway
OPEN: West Main Street 1 lane both east and west bound.
OPEN: Dunkin’ Donuts!
EXPECT RESTRICTIONS & POWER OUTAGES FOR APPROXIMATELY THE NEXT 8 HOURS

A motor-vehicle accident with people trapped in a vehicle reported in the area of 2905 Galloway Road, Batavia.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Mercy Flight being placed on ground standyby.

UPDATE 9:11 a.m.: One person trapped, a lengthy extrication expected, Mercy Flight requested to the scene.

UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 9:30 a.m.: Galloway Road is being shut down at Downey Road. Mercy Flight is en route and will land in a church parking lot.

UPDATE 9:37 a.m.: The entrapped person has been extricated.

UPDATE 9:52 a.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne with one patient, en route to ECMC.

UPDATE 10:11 a.m.: The accident involved a white GMC SUV and a black sedan. The white GMC crossed the center line and struck the sedan head on. A second patient was also taken to ECMC, via ground ambulance.

UPDATE 10:15 a.m.: The Town of Batavia fire assignment is back in service.

UPDATE 10:21 a.m.: A press release will be issued later and photos from the scene will be posted at that time.

The three-season room overlooks the deep lot and carriage house. Call Michelle Dills at Howard Hanna (585) 314-7269 or click here to view this listing.

Chance Luke Flanagan, 19, of West Main Street, Corfu, is charged with: third-degree burglary; third-degree grand larceny; second-degree criminal mischief; fourth-degree grand larceny; and fifth-degree conspiracy. Flanagan was arrested after an investigation into a burglary that occurred on East Main Street in the Village of Corfu between June 1 and June 2. He was arraigned virtually March 11 in Batavia City Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due in Corfu Village Court May 12. The investigation was conducted by Corfu Village Police Officer David Krzemien and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, including investigators Kevin Forsyth and Howard Carlson.

Thomas Franklin Hofmeier, 19, of Harlem Road, West Seneca, is charged with: third-degree burglary; third-degree grand larceny; second-degree criminal mischief; fourth-degree grand larceny; and fourth-degree conspiracy. Flanagan was arrested after an investigation into a burglary that occurred on East Main Street in the Village of Corfu between June 1 and June 2. He was arraigned virtually March 10 in Batavia City Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due in Corfu Village Court April 5. The investigation was conducted by Corfu Village Police Officer David Krzemien and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, including investigators Kevin Forsyth and Howard Carlson.

Michael A. Sweet, 35, of Varysburg, and Rachel A. Baehr, 34, of Batavia (no addresses provided), were arrested March 11 after a traffic stop on Route 98 in the Town of Sheldon. Sweet was pulled over after being observed driving a 2004 Subaru Forrester, and was known by law enforcement to have a suspended driver's license. A metal cylinder with 2.19 grams of methamphetamine was allegedly found in the front seat of the vehicle. Multiple pieces of meth paraphernalia were also allegedly seized. An investigation allegedly found the passenger, Baehr, had another bag and glass vial containing 1.97 grams of meth, both concealed on her person. She turned the items over to deputies at the scene. Both suspects were taken to Wyoming County Sheriff's Office for processing. Sweet is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree; unlicensed operation; and visibility distorted by broken glass. Baehr is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree and criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree. They were issued appearance tickets to answer the charges in the Town of Sheldon Court March 29, then processed and released from custody. The case was handled by Wyoming Coiunty Sheriff Sgt. Colin Reagan and Deputy Justin Bliss.

Christina Maria Sanchez-Anderson, 32, of Park Road, Batavia, was arrested after turning herself in at the Genesee County Jail March 9. Her arrest stems from an incident Feb. 24 on Union Street in Batavia during which she was allegedly found to be in possession of a quantity of cocaine. She was the passenger in a vehicle stopped for a vehicle and traffic violation. The odor of marijuana was allegedly emanating from inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle and its occupants allegedly yielded the evidence in this case, which was subsequently examined and tested. Sanchez-Anderson was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on March 25. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Ronnie J. Sumeriski II, 38, of Batavia (no address provided) was arrested March 10 on a warrant out of Town of Java Court following a traffic stop in Genesee County. On Feb. 9, Wyoming County Sheriff's deputies received a report of a possible violation of an order of protection in the Town of Java. After an investigation, it was allegedly determined that Sumeriski violated a complete stay away order of proection issued Dec. 3 in Wyoming County Court by attempting to hack into the protected party's social media account and communicate via text message. He was previously arrested Dec. 3 for third-degree menacing and aggravated harassment in the second degree after a domestic incident. An arrest warrant was issued. After being taken into custody in Genesee County, the defendant was turned over to Wyoming County Sheriff's deputies and charged with second-degree criminal contempt. After his arraignment, he was released on his own recognizance and is due in Java Town Court at a later date. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Deputy Austin Harding.

Bruce D. Smith is indicted for the crime of second-degree larceny. It is alleged that between about April 2018 through March 2019 in the Town of Bergen that Smith stole property having a value of more than $50,000. In count two, he is accused of falsifying business records in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count two that in October 2018 that he acted with intent to defraud and falsified an entry into a business's financial records for the period of July 2018 through January 2019.

Christopher C. Good is indicted for the crime of first-degree burglary, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 20 on Liberty Street in Batavia that Good knowingly entered and remained unlawfully in a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime and caused physical injury to a victim inside. In count two, he is accused of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony, for intentionally causing serious physical injury to the victim. In count three, Good is accused of third-degree menacing, a Class B misdemeanor, for intentionally placing or attempting to place the victim in fear of death, imminent serious physical injury, or physical injury. In count four, Good is accused of second-degree aggravated harassment, a Class A misdemeanor, for communicating with a person with the intent to harass, annoy, threaten or alarm that person by making a threat to cause physical harm, thereby causing the victim to reasonably fear harm for their safety or their property, or that of their family or household.

Daniel E. King is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 9 in the Village of Corfu that King drove a 2006 Suzuki on Route 33 while his driver's license was suspended or revoked by authorities and while he was under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count two, he is accused of DWI, also as a Class E felony, for allegedly driving while intoxicated that day. In count three, King is accused of refusing to submit to a breath test. In count four, he is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, another Class E felony, for allegedly driving on Phelps Road in the Town of Pembroke on Nov. 12 while under the influence of alcohol or a drug while his license was suspended or revoked by authorities. In count five, King is accused of DWI for allegedly driving on Phelps Road in the Town of Pembroke while intoxicated on Nov. 12. In count six, he is accused of refusing to submit to a breath test Nov. 12 on Phelps Road in the Town of Pembroke. In Special Information filed by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, he is accused of having been convicted of DWI as a misdemeanor on Aug. 6, 2012, in Greene County Court, and that conviction forms the basis for the suspension or revocation referred to in counts one and four of the current indictment.

Lisa A. Way is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 5 in the City of Batavia that Way drove a 2011 Chevolet on Ellicott Street (Route 63) and on the driveway/parking lot at an address on that street while intoxicated. In count two, Way is accused of refusing to submit to a breath test. In Special Information filed by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, she is accused of having been conviction of DWI as a misdemeanor on Nov. 8 in Town of Newstead Court in Erie County and that conviction was within 10 years of the crime alleged in count one of the current indictment.

The Genesee County Highway Department has created a website to help the public informed during the reconstruction of the South Lyon Street Bridge.

To visit the website, click here. 

This is a $3 million project with 80 percent covered by federal grants.

Construction is expected to begin in spring 2022.

Considering the importance of this bridge to the traveling public in our community, a website was created to keep residents and businesses apprised of the project's progress," said Laura Wadhams, assistant county engineer. "Please check the website for updates as the design process continues, and through construction for progress photos."

A grass fire has reportedly spread to a porch at the back of 30 Vine St., Batavia.

The upstairs apartment may be occupied.

City fire responding.

UPDATE 2:15 p.m.: A quick response by City fire appears to have gotten the fire knocked down before there was any serious structural damage. All occupants exited the apartments safely and no pets were hurt or lost. The fire is under investigation and more information will be released later.

UPDATE 3 p.m.: City fire is back in service.

Firefighters with the City Fire Department are taking advantage of the ice still floating atop DeWitt Pond in Batavia for cold-water rescue training.

The auction will include many accordions from Rose's personal collection, as well as stock from the store: instruments, accessories, audio equipment, sheet music, store hardware, and more.

The online auction is underway and ends March 16th. It can be found at bontragerauction.com. Successful bidders will be picking up their purchases on March 18th and 19th.

Louis M. Coleman, 48, of Bethany (no address provided), was arrested on March 7 after a traffic stop on Route 63, in the Town of Covington. He was the driver of a vehicle stopped for erratic operation and was allegedly found to be operating with a non-driver ID, with a total of seven suspensions/revocations dating back to 2001. According to the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office incident report, a bag containing more than two ounces of marijuana was "in plain view on the passenger floor, and a suqsequent vehicle search led to the seizure of a vial containing over a gram of cocaine." Coleman, a three-time convicted felon -- including one violent felony -- was taken into custody and processed at the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office. He is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, a Class D felony; criminal possession of marijuana in the fourth degree; aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree; unlicensed operation; and following too closely. He was arraigned virtually for Warsaw Town Court, then held without bail in Wyoming County Jail. He is due in Wyoming County Court on March 19. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Sgt. Colin Reagan.

Nateeka Marie Gibson, 31, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: third-degree criminal trespass; obstruction of governmental administration; and resisting arrest. At 2:22 p.m. on March 6, deputies responded to Walmart in Batavia for a reported trespassing complaint. Following an investigation, Gibson was arrested. It is alleged that she trespassed in Walmart after being previously banned from the store and that she resisted arrest when deputies took her into custody. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in Town of Batavia Court on April 29. The case was handled by Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young and Deputy Howard Wilson.

Patsy A. Rapone, 53, of Ellicott Street Road, Bethany, is charged with: endangering the welfare of a child; criminal mischief; and criminal contempt in the second degree. Rapone was arrested after he responded to Batavia Police Department headquarters to turn himself in. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail in lieu of bail (unspecified). He is scheduled to reappear in city court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider.

Reginald Charles Sampson Sr., 55, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- with a BAC of .08 percent or more; DWI -- first offense; aggravated unlicensed operator in the third degree; and moving from lane unsafely. At 5:50 a.m. March 5, Sampson was arrested on Ellicott Street in Batavia following a motor-vehicle accident that occurred in Bergen. It is alleged that Sampson exited the roadway and struck the Lyman Road sign in the area of 7268 Route 33 in the Town of Bergen. He was issued traffic tickets and is due in Bergen Town Court on March 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Deputy Jordan Alejandro.

Steven I. Decker, 71, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. On March 2, Batavia Police Officer Peter Post arrested Decker for trespass after a disturbance at a business on Jackson Street in the city. It is alleged Decker refused to leave the premises. He was given an appearance ticket and released with a return date of May 4 to be in Batavia City Court. Officer Mitchell Cowen assisted in the case.

A caller to dispatch reports a "50 to 60 pound coyote is walking behind the Blind School," on Richmond Avenue in the city. An officer is going to phone the caller for more details.

If so, that's hefty, by coyote standards. The average adult weight is 25-35 pounds, with some reaching 42 pounds. The largest on record in the United States is 75 pounds.

UPDATE: Photo of coyote by Gary and Tina Smith.

City police are dispatched to Ellicott Avenue for a reported suspicious condition. A female caller states a "wig was shoved into the tailpipe of her vehicle overnight."

Press release:

On Saturday, March 6 at 11:45 a.m. the City of Batavia Fire Department was dispatched to a garage fire at 344 W. Main St., Batavia. City Engine 11 and Ladder 15 arrived at 11:48 a.m. to find a 20’ x 20’ detached wood-frame garage engulfed in flames.

Two hose lines were deployed bringing the fire under control within 10 minutes.  

Destroyed along with the building was a 2014 Toyota Camry and several tools. Two nearby structures received minor damage from radiant heat. No firefighters or civilians were injured.

City of Batavia Fire Department investigators determined the cause of the fire to be accidental due to an unattended portable propane heater.  

The City of Batavia Police Department and Genesee County Emergency Dispatch assisted with the incident.

Captain Marty Hinz

Photo by Howard Owens.

Brian Greer, manager of Label Shopper, the newest discount retail store in Genesee County, cuts the ribbon Saturday during the store's official grand opening.

Label Shopper in a multi-store chain with outlets throughout the Northeast that specializes in clothing.

The store is located in the B.J.'s Plaza on Lewiston Road in Batavia.

Press release:

The City Water Department is planning to make repairs to a water line in the area of 53 River St. on Monday, March 8. Repairs will begin at 8 a.m. and should be completed by 3 p.m. The water may have to be shut off from #73 River to South Main Street.

This will result in low to no water pressure condition for some residents. Other residents in the area may experience discolored water, which should return to normal once repairs are complete. Residents should check to make sure water clarity has returned before resuming activities such as laundry, which may be impacted.  

We appreciate your patience while these repairs are being made.

A garage fire is reported at 344 W. Main St., Batavia.

City fire is on scene.

The second and third platoons are being recalled.

A two-car accident that is blocking traffic is reported at West Main Street and Porter Avenue in the city. City fire is on scene along with Mercy medics and police. Minor, if any, injuries.

UPDATE 1:41 p.m.: City fire assignment is back in service.

If he could open Batavia city schools up to in-class learning five days a week any time soon, he would, Superintendent Anibal Soler told the Board of Education at its regular meeting on Monday.

He said he knows some neighboring districts are going to daily in-person instruction, but he said the district won't violate any state or CDC guidelines to make it happen in Batavia.

"From our standpoint, if we can put more kids on the bus, we already would have done it," Soler said. "If we could get more kids in a class, we already would have done it."

He said he is staying abreast of guidelines and if changes are announced, the district will be able to work quickly and diligently to adjust.

Also during his superintendent's report on Monday, he said guidelines on masking have changed. Under the new policy, if you have your mask on and the other person has his or her mask and you're not within six feet of each other, you're not going to be subject to quarantine if the other person tests positive for COVID-19. Under the previous policy, anybody in the same enclosed space, such as a classroom, even if 20 feet apart, would be subject to quarantine. 

"This is meant to limit the number of kids and limit the number of teachers who get quarantined," Soler said. 

Soler also updated the trustees on testing.  

The U.S. Department of Education denied the state's request to waive all required state testing for students in grades 3-8 and the Regents test for grades 9-12. As a result, the district will be required to test all in-person learning students, third grade and up, in Math, ELA, and the Regents exams. The state has said these tests will only be used for diagnostic purposes and will not harm school accountability reports. The state is considering not using Regents exams as a requirement for graduation. 

Soler said the district expects to receive more information on testing and graduation and when that information is released, principals will be communicating directly with students, families and staff.

Finally, photo below, Officer Jason Davis, who has served recently as the district's resource officer, was honored by the district as approaches retirement for his service to the community and the district.

Photo courtesy of Anibal Soler.

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