batavia

A shed fire is reported at 219 S. Swan St., Batavia.

City fire responding.

UPDATE 10:44 a.m.: Fire is out. 

Douglas James Tallent, 36, of Walworth-Marion Road, Marion, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, driving on a suspended registration, and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Tallent was stopped at 9:40 p.m., June 24, on Buffalo Parkway, Bergen, by Deputy Rachel Diehl and jailed without bail.

Cathleen Ann Bishop, 51, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Bishop is accused of stealing $145.99 in merchandise from Kohl's Department Store on June 30.

A large tree limb fell onto a power line, breaking it, and landed on a garage at 45 Woodrow Road in Batavia; no arcing or sparking. City Fire Department is responding and National Grid is notified.

UPDATE 7:35 p.m.: City fire cleared the scene and National Grid was in route.

Try the Y in July! Stop in at the Genesee County YMCA and try the Y in the month of July! Starting July 1st when an individual mentions this promotion they will receive a Class Pass to try any of our group exercise classes five times for free! If an individual uses all 5 punches on their pass card and decides to join the YMCA we will waive their Joining Fee as well (a savings up to $75).

The YMCA also offers scholarships to help subsidize membership dues for individuals and families who qualify. If you have any questions, contact Josh Bender at 585-344-1664 or jbender@glowymca.org.

Funeral services were held today for Master Sgt. Charles L. Higgins, a former Batavia resident who died June 19 at age 36.

Higgins served in the Army and Army National Guard from 1999 to 2017. 

For his full obituary, click here.

The trio Something Else played Jackson Square yesterday evening as part of the summer concert series downtown. There's live music in Jackson Square each Friday at 7 p.m. through August.

Somebody is missing a license plate from their vehicle after driving on Slusser Road in Batavia.

A dispatcher says the residents at 8299 Slusser Road "heard a loud bang about 4:30 this morning. They have the license plate and there is damage to their property." The responding deputy says "I would consider that a clue."

He just arrived there and reports that a couple of road hazard signs are down, too.

Try the Y in July! Stop in at the Genesee County YMCA and try the Y in the month of July! Starting July 1st when an individual mentions this promotion they will receive a Class Pass to try any of our group exercise classes five times for free! If an individual uses all 5 punches on their pass card and decides to join the YMCA we will waive their Joining Fee as well (a savings up to $75).

The YMCA also offers scholarships to help subsidize membership dues for individuals and families who qualify. If you have any questions, contact Josh Bender at 585-344-1664 or jbender@glowymca.org. 

"Zeva" will soon need a new home.

The friendly pooch was reportedly left at an apartment at 17 Elm St., Batavia, after the owner moved out.

Somebody called police yesterday evening and reported the apparently abandoned dog and a police officer picked it up and took it to the shelter.

The address is the same apartment where another dog, on April 30, got itself stuck on the eve of a second-floor deck and then fell off when the owner was brought back to the residence by a police officer.

Today, the owner -- whom we're not identifying by name at this point because she hasn't been charged with a crime, and it's not certain she will be -- went to the animal shelter and signed the necessary paperwork to surrender ownership of Zeva.

She reportedly told staff she had left the dog rather than take it to the shelter because of a requirement that the owner acknowledges that the animal could potentially be euthanized. Animal Control Officer Agie Jaroszewski said the form is standard procedure for most shelters but doesn't mean the animal will be put down.

Alecia Kaus with Video News Service posted a report about the dog on Facebook yesterday and a women said the dog had been hers, but that the dog was being taken care of and that she retained access to the apartment until the end of the month.

"I was the owner," the woman wrote. "And to be clear again have posted all week about finding her a home and was just with her at 7 pm last night to walk her feed and water her."

There is not information available on the status of the other dog that was at the apartment April 30. Police have yet to determine what will happen with the case.

Below, photos from April 30.

A Special Weather Statement was issued a few minutes ago by the National Weather Service stating: "An area of strong thunderstorms will bring torrential rains to Northern Wyoming and Southern Genesee counties. 

"Strong thunderstorms were clustered near Attica, or eight miles south of Batavia, moving east at 15 mph.

"These storms will bring very heavy rainfall to Attica and nearby locations with more than an inch of rain possible in an hour or less. Locations impacted include... Darien Lakes State Park, Le Roy, Bennington, Attica, Pavilion, Stafford, Covington, Alexander, Wyoming and East Bethany. This includes Interstate 90 near exit 47. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways."

These conditions are expected until 2 p.m.

The Batavia Housing Authority will receive a $227,424 federal grant as part of a $397 million package for New York's public housing programs.

The authority provides subsidized housing to low-income residents in four complexes in Batavia, including 400 Towers, The Pines at 4 MacArthur Drive, Edward Court at 15 Edward St., and The Terraces at 193 S. Main St.

Press release:

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand today announced $397,628,820 for housing authorities across New York State. The funds were allocated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Public Housing Capital Fund. Schumer and Gillibrand said the funding will help housing authorities develop, finance and modernize their public housing facilities.

“Having a roof over your head is one of life’s basic necessities, so we must do everything we can to help provide those truly in need with a decent and affordable place to live. This federal funding will help support affordable housing initiatives throughout New York that assist needy families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities to find an affordable place to live,” Senator Schumer said.

“We need to invest more federal funds to help more low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in New York with access to affordable and safe housing,” Senator Gillibrand said. “These resources are vital for vulnerable communities and I will continue to do everything I can in the Senate to make sure that all New Yorkers have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

HUD’s Office of Capital Improvement administers the Capital Fund program, which provides financial assistance in the form of grants to public housing agencies (PHAs) to carry out capital and management activities; acting as the primary tool to preserve New York's affordable housing stock. These federal dollars are used to increase a PHA's ability to maintain the physical infrastructure of developments and improve the safety and security of its residents. 

Super solid classic Batavia home in superb condition! This home has been lovingly taken care of for many years and recently went through major upgrades within last five years, which include siding, windows, tear-off roof, electrical and insulation, and hardwired smoke detectors! Literally all the major components!

Spacious room sizes which include nice kitchen with cute breakfast nook and formal dining room and large enclosed front porch -- plenty of entertaining space. The woodwork in this home is untouched and beautiful and bonus hardwood floors under carpeting thru out home! This is a lot of bang for the buck and should be seen -- call for easy viewing!

Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today or click here to view the complete listing. Look for an OPEN HOUSE next week!

The Batavia Ramble and Arts Fest is tomorrow in Downtown Batavia.

In the case of rain, performances will take place inside Center Street Smoke House.

Here's the lineups for both stages:

• 11 – 11:15 a.m. -- **Opening Ceremony**
• 11:15 – 11:45 a.m. --  Steve Kruppner
• 11:50 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. -- Kruppner Brothers
• 12:25 – 12:55 p.m. -- Mark Grover
• 1  – 1:30 p.m.  -- Ryan Consiglio
• 1:35 – 2:05 p.m. -- Dave Holnbeck
• 2:10 – 2:40 p.m. -- Kevin Moyles
• 2:45 – 3:15 p.m. -- Paul Almeter
• 3:20 – 3:50 p.m. -- Jim Luttrell
• 3:50 – 4:05 p.m.  --  * * * Memorial * * *
• 4:05 – 4:35 p.m. -- Red Creek
• 4:40 – 5:10 p.m.  -- Mitty & The followers
• 5:15 – 5:45 p.m. -- Rock Soulgers
• 5:50 – 6:20 p.m.  -- Bad Luck
• 6:25 – 6:55 p.m.  -- Audibull
• 7 – 7:30 p.m. -- Rhythm Collision
• 7:35 – 8:05 p.m.  -- Eagle Creek
• 8:10 – 8:40 p.m. -- Nichols Brothers Band
• 8:45 – 9:15 p.m. -- Open Jam

The All-Greater Rochester spring sports standouts were announced today and five Genesee County athletes made first team in their respective sports:

• Anthony Ray Jr., Batavia, Track and Field
• Brandon Burke, Byron-Bergen, Track and Field
• Kilian Lewis, Pembroke, Track and Field
• Kiaya Franklin, Batavia, Track and Field
• Casey Radka, Batavia, Baseball

For more information on the athletes and a list of honorable mentions in each league, visit the Democrat and Chronicle's website.

A two-vehicle accident is reported at 105 W. Main St., Batavia.

Traffic is blocked, but no injuries are reported.

City fire and Mercy EMS responded. Batavia PD on scene.

Reader Don Norton shared this picture from a fender-bender accident this morning about 11 o'clock on Clinton Street near Aldi's.

Duane A. Mather, 44, of Raymond Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: third-degree burglary -- illegal entry with intent to commit a crime; petit larceny; fifth-degree conspiracy; providing a false written statement; and possession of burglar tools. Mather was arrested at 1:38 a.m. on June 26 on West Main Street in Batavia after police responded to a report of people breaking into a storage cooler at Arby's. He was jailed without bail and was due in Batavia City Court this morning (June 29). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Charles D. Macey, 37, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: third-degree burglary; fifth-degree conspiracy; petit larceny; fourth-degree criminal mischief; and possession of burglar tools. Macey was arrested at 1:38 a.m. on June 26 on West Main Street in Batavia after police responded to a report of people breaking into a storage cooler at Arby's. He was jailed without bail and was due in Batavia City Court this morning (June 29). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Grayson Bud Ground, 18, of Skye Road, Alabama, is charged with second-degree assault. He was arrested at 5 a.m. June 24 on Shanks Road in Alabama after he allegedly struck a male in the face, causing the male to suffer a broken jaw. He was arraigned on June 27 in Alabama Town Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. An order of protection was also issued in this matter. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Minuto, assisted by Deputy James Diehl.

Leaddice J. Daniels, 41, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny. Daniels was arrested on June 26 after allegedly stealing a wallet containing several credit and debit cards at 10:03 p.m. on June 22 on Ellicott Street in Batavia. The defendant was jailed without bail and was due in City Court on June 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Stephanie Wentworth, 31, of Augusta Street, Rochester, is charged with third-degree menacing and endangering the welfare of a child less than 17 years of age. Wentworth turned herself in June 26 on a warrant issued after a domestic incident that occurred at 9 a.m. on June 18 at the Bob Evans restaurant on Oak Street in Batavia. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Robert R. Gerety, 44, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with: moving from lane unsafely; aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree; and DWI -- first offense. Officers were called to the scene of a rollover accident involving a single vehicle at 10:09 p.m. on June 20 at 204 Richmond Ave., Batavia. After investigation, charges were pressed against Gerety. He was due in City Court June 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Stephen J. Turkasz, 26, of Claudette Court, Cheektowaga, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt. He allegedly threatened to harm a person protected under an orpder of protection during a phone call on the night of June 8. He was arraigned and released and is due back in court on July 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Michael Richard Ostrander, 52, of Middle Road, Collins, is charged with first-degree possession of dangerous contraband in prison and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Ostrander was charged with the crimes for allegedly possessing an unprescribed controlled substance while being an inmate in Genesee County Jail in December. He appeared in City of Batavia Court on June 27 to answer the charges. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Diehl.

Nathan E. Hinze, 24, of Clifton Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larency. He was arrested following an investigation of a shoplifting incident at the Kwik Fill on Jackson Street in Batavia in which he allegedly took a bottle of water without paying for it. He was issued an appearance ticket for July 11 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Aria D. Rodriguez, 21, of Hudson Avenue, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. It is alleged that at 11:15 a.m. on June 27 on West Main Street in Batavia that she had an amount of marijuana on her at the time of her arrest for a separate incident. She was issued an appearance ticket for June 28 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Aria D. Rodriguez, 21, of Hudson Avenue, Rochester, is charged with: speeding; being an unlicensed operator; and aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree. She was arrested on June 27 on an arrest warrant for failing to appear in court for traffic tickets. She was jailed in lieu of $500 bail and was due back in court on June 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

A 17-year-old who resides on Washington Avenue in Batavia is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The defendant was arrested this morning at 1:11 (June 29) during a traffic stop on West Main Street, Batavia, after an officer allegedly located an amount of marijuana in a vehicle that the youth was operating. The youth was issued a computer-generated appearance ticket and is due in City Court on July 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Try the Y in July! Stop in at the Genesee County YMCA and try the Y in the month of July!

Starting July 1st when an individual mentions this promotion they will receive a Class Pass to try any of our group exercise classes five times for free! If an individual uses all five punches on their pass card and decides to join the YMCA, we will waive their Joining Fee as well (a savings up to $75).

The YMCA also offers scholarships to help subsidize membership dues for individuals and families who qualify. If you have any questions, contact Josh Bender at 585-344-1664 or jbender@glowymca.org.