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Sponsored Post: New Listing Alert: 7 Willow Street, Batavia

By Lisa Ace


New Listing Alert: 7 Willow St., Batavia! Here is the perfect budget pleaser -- because you’re getting a lot of positives for the money! First of which is four good-size bedrooms with one being on the first floor, if needed! Then all the updates, which include siding, roof and electric as well as numerous upgrades to kitchen and bath -- and then top it off with Seller offering a $5,000 PAINTING AND CARPETING ALLOWANCE!

Definitely worth coming and letting your imagination run with all that you could do with this home-great way and time to jump into home ownership! Click here for more information or call Lynn Bezon today at Reliant Real Estate today, call (585) 344-HOME (4663).

1595 Bank Street Road, Middlebury -- Calling all hunters, wildlife lovers, or anyone looking for solitude and nature! This property has a little bit of something for everyone -- two-bedroom fully remodeled 1985 mobile home, move in ready and situated on over 7 acres with a 36x40 barn, two ponds and some great woods! Home has all new windows, 3 yr old metal roof, newly remodeled kitchen and bath, super cozy wood burning stove and appliances included! 200 amp electric and 4 yr new septic an added plus.

Sliding-glass doors leads to covered back patio area and great views:) Great woods and could be logged for extra ready income! The barn is ready for all your toys or shop needs -- water ready, plumbed for bath, cement floors and 100 amp electrical service. Also for all those with technology needs there is high speed cable available as well! Definitely come ready to take a walk and discover everything this property has to offer! Click here for more information or call Lynn Bezon today at Reliant Real Estate today, call (585) 344-HOME (4663).

Plea settlement in Tomaszewski case delayed until April

By Howard B. Owens

An anticipated plea from Michael S. Tomaszewski in his funeral home fraud case has been delayed until April 13 for reasons not revealed during a brief County Court hearing today.

During the virtual hearing, Judge Charles Zambito and both attorneys -- Thomas Burns for the defense and Assistant District Attorney Kaitlynn Schmit -- mentioned a prior off-the-record discussion about the case without indicating what was discussed, but it seemed to have some bearing on Tomaszewski's decision not to enter a plea today.

For the record, Schmit said she thought there should be no delay in the plea.

"I don’t think our discussion today is going to have any effect on the plea offer," Schmit said. "I would like to have closure for the victims in these cases. I would ask that we proceed with the defendant’s plea if that’s how he intends on proceeding."

There is no indication that Tomaszewski won't accept the plea deal that's been offered by the District Attorney's Office.  

At a hearing in early February, the pending plea offer was discussed. Under the terms, Tomaszewski would admit to a Class D felony, a Class E felony, and a misdemeanor public health law offense. There is no cap on Tomaszewski's possible sentence but his time would run concurrently on all three counts. 

The plea couldn't be accepted at that hearing because Tomaszewski had not yet been arraigned in Town of Batavia Court on pending charges in that jurisdiction.

Today, Zambito appointed himself acting town justice and accepted Tomaszewski's not guilty plea to those charges during an arraignment.

Those charges will be satisfied with a guilty plea if Tomaszewski accepts the pending plea offer.

Tomaszewski, who operated the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral Home and Cremation Chapel in Batavia for more than a decade, faces more than 200 charges stemming from accusations that he took money from customers who intended to prepay for funerals and, instead of depositing the money in appropriate accounts, he allegedly used the money for other purposes.

The criminal complaint indicates the majority of customers lost from more than $2,000 up to $15,500 each.

The charges include 67 counts of third-degree grand larceny, 28 counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, four counts of falsifying business records, 93 counts of failure to deposit, seven counts of petit larceny, and counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree, and scheme to defraud.

He's also accused of improperly handling the remains of a deceased veteran. 

While his criminal case is pending, so his bankruptcy case. He filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2020. There was a hearing on the case yesterday, but the results of that hearing are not yet publicly available.

Odor of natural gas at VA center prompts building evacuation, city fire responds

By Billie Owens

The odor of natural gas in Building #5 at the VA Medical Center in Batavia has prompted the evacuation of the building. City fire is responding to the site at 222 Richmond Ave. The leak was called in by VA police.

UPDATE 2:49 p.m.: Command confirms the odor of natural gas in the building, says it will be there awhile, investigating. National Fuel is called to the scene.

UPDATE 3:05 p.m.: National Fuel said they'll get a crew there ASAP.

UPDATE 3:08 p.m.: National Fuel is on scene.

Registration is open for local electronics recycling event in May

By Press Release

Press release:

Registration is now open for free local electronics recycling events, in the spirit of Earth Day, which is Thursday, April 22. This year's Earth Day theme is "Restore Our Earth."

Last year, the Brockport-based electronics recycling company Sunnking saw record-breaking attendance, with eight events fully booked up for all drop-off time slots.

Due to coronavirus health and safety protocols, residents will be REQUIRED to register online for a drop-off time slot, or reserve a spot by calling (585) 637-8365.

Register online at sunnking.com/events and find a complete list of recyclable devices.

Sunnking collects an average of 100 tons of electronics per event.

Due to the rising costs of recycling and the coronavirus pandemic, Sunnking also asks supporters for an optional monetary donation to continue providing the environmentally responsible service.

Here is information about the first round of Upstate/Western NY events:

WHO: Sunnking Electronics Recycling

WHAT: Local electronics recycler, Sunnking, is opening registration for its initial round of FREE e-recycling events for 2021. 

WHEN:

  • Batavia -- May 15 / 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • North Syracuse – April 17 / 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Williamsville – May 1 / 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

WHERE:

HOW:

Register online. Health and safety procedures will be in place to ensure a safe environment, including timed appointments, no-contact device removal, and dedicated drive-through lanes.

WHY:

Good stewardship of the Earth and its resources, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

********************************************************

"We're really excited to see how many people will carry over that excitement for recycling that we witnessed last year," said Robert Burns, director of Marketing for Sunnking. "Throughout the winter we've had New Yorkers from all corners call us asking when the next event would be and now, we can give them the first few dates to look forward to."

Sunnking, New York State’s first R2 certified recycler, has offered no-cost collections in Western and Central New York since 2010.

"Thousands of people have clearly used the last couple of cold months at home to take inventory of their devices or upgrade over the holidays and now is their chance to take back their space the responsible way," Burns said.

Today's announcement comes as Sunnking celebrates its 21st anniversary, offering clients throughout New York state electronics recycling, ITAD (IT Asset Disposition), and data destruction services.

More local events will be announced in the coming weeks.

Cornell extension board meets via Zoom next Tuesday

By Press Release

The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County Board of Directors meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23.  

Meetings are currently being held via Zoom and in keeping with Open Meeting Laws, Genesee County residents may attend. Please contact Yvonne Peck at ydp3@cornell.edu to register and receive link.

Any questions should be directed to Yvonne Peck at (585) 343-3040, ext. 123.

Carryout for a cause: online Applebee's orders tomorrow will aid Little Free Pantry

By James Burns

Batavia’s Little Free Pantry on Washington Avenue is teaming up with Applebee’s on Wednesday, March 17th to help support those in need. 

T.L. Cannon Applebee’s will donate 15 percent of your online order tomorrow to The Little Free Pantry when you order from www.applebees.com. You must register or have an account and enter the code DOINGOOD. This donation/promo code is for “carside to go” or “pick-up orders” only.

The mini pantry movement is a grassroots, crowdsourced solution to provide immediate and local aid to those with food insecurity. Whether you have a need for food or a need to give, mini pantries help neighbors feed neighbors and nourish the community as a whole. 

The pantry and fridge are located at 180 Washington Ave. in the City of Batavia and it is open 24 hours a day all year. Daily updates about food and other items that are available are updated to the Facebook page daily.

If you would like to donate, please leave donations on the porch at 124 State St., or in the donation bin next to the food pantry in front of the dentist’s office on Washington.

Photo by Jim Burns.

Driver cited in Sunday morning crash on West Main Street

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department has completed its investigation into the two-vehicle collision on West Main Street, that occurred on March 14th at 9:09 a.m. Constance Lamilia, 81, of Batavia, was operating a 2006 Saturn leaving Tops Market, preparing to turn left onto West Main Street.

Town of Batavia Fire Department Fire Chief, Daniel Coffey, 41, of Batavia, was traveling west on West Main Street, responding to an emergency call with lights and sirens activated, in a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe owned by the Town of Batavia Fire Department. Lamilia failed to yield the right of way to Coffey while attempting her turn, causing her car to collide with the front right corner of the Chevrolet Tahoe.

Lamilia then continued east until her vehicle jumped the curb, struck a utility pole, and overturned, coming to a rest in the front yard of 389 West Main St. Lamilia was extricated by the City of Batavia Fire Department, and transported to ECMC (in Buffalo) for minor injuries.

Lamilia has since been released from the hospital. Coffey was not injured. No other vehicles were involved in the accident. West Main Street traffic was affected until approximately 7:30 p.m. The Batavia Police Department was assisted by the City of Batavia Fire Department, City of Batavia Public Works, National Grid, and Mercy EMS.

The Batavia Police Department would also like to thank all of the other motorists that assisted with the investigation by remaining in the area and speaking with officers. Constance Lamilia was issued a traffic ticket for failing to yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle. Lamilia is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on June 16th at 9 a.m. No further charges are pending.

Previously: Accident involving minivan, fire chief's car and utility pole under investigation

Law and Order: Man arrested on felony drug charges, accused of menacing with a knife

By Billie Owens

Shawn A. Peterkin, 43, no address provided (inset photo, right), was arrested at 4:45 p.m., March 2, and charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree -- a Class B felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree -- a Class D felony; unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree; second-degree menacing; and fourth-degree criminal mischief. It is alleged that Peterkin threatened another person with a knife at a residence on West Main Street in Batavia and damaged property inside. He is accused of leaving the scene. He was found in the backyard of a residence on Woodrow Road, where he allegedly damaged a fence. Peterkin was arrested and allegedly found to be in possession of a large amount of crack cocaine, fentanyl, prescription pills and marijuana. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail without bail. He is due back in Batavia City Court on April 7.

Nina Esterbrook-Kelso, 36, no address provided, is charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child in the second degree. She was arrested at 5:06 p.m., March 1, on Columbia Avenue in the City of Batavia. It is alleged that she left THC-laced edible candies in a place where they were accessible to children. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on May 12.

Aaron Zimblis, 57, no address provided, was arrested Feb. 27 on Vine Street in the City of Batavia after a physical altercation that occurred in an upper apartment at 3:40 that afternoon. He is charged with second-degree harassment and second-degree strangulation. After his arrest, he was issued appearance tickets to be in Batavia City Court on May 4.

Lisa Fox, 49, no address provided, is charged with: criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument; speeding; operating a vehicle while its registration is suspended; and operating a motor vehicle with no license plate displayed. She was arrested at 10:12 p.m. March 5 on Clinton Park in Batavia after allegedly being observed speeding on East Avenue. She was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on May 11.

Robert Gerety Jr., 47, no address provided, arrested at midnight on Jan. 26 and charged with first-degree criminal contempt. During an unrelated traffic stop on West Main Street in Batavia, he was found to have an active warrant for his arrest out of Batavia City Court. He was put in jail (bail status not provided) and is due back in court April 1.

Robert Gerety Jr., 47, no address provided, is charged with: second-degree criminal contempt; aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree; operating a vehicle in violation of an ignition interlock device restriction; unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle; and uninspected motor vehicle. He was arrested at 9:48 p.m. on Feb. 28  on West Main Street at Dellinger Avenue in the City of Batavia after a traffic stop. It was discovered that he was in violation of an order of protection because he allegedly had the protected party in his vehicle at the time of the traffic stop. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court, then jailed without bail. He is due in city court again on April 1.

David Michael Weaver, 45, of Torrey Road, Bethany, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 4:20  p.m. on March 13 on Torrey Road in the Town of Bethany. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Town of Bethany Court on April 27. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Deputy Kyle Tower.

Joseph Grant Blair III, 29, of West County House Road, Albion, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more; driving while intoxicated; moving from lane unsafely; and failure to dim head lamps. At 12:15 a.m. on March 13, Blair was arrested after a traffic stop on Akron Road in the Town of Pembroke. He was released with appearance tickets for Pembroke Town Court on April 14. The case was handled by Alejandro Jordan, assisted by Deputy David Moore.

Kristen Lazarony, 36, no address provided, was arrested after a traffic stop at 10:29 p.m. March 3 on West Main Street at Ellicott Street in the City of Batavia. She is charged with: driving while intoxicated; DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or more; failure to keep right; and failure to use designated lane. It is alleged she had a BAC of .16 percent at the time of her arrest. She was issued tickets then released from custody. Lazarony is due in Batavia City Court on June 8.

Julie Roesser, 31, no address provided, was arrested at 9:30 p.m. March 8 on West Main Street at Montclair Avenue in the City of Batavia after a traffic stop. She is charged with driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent or more, DWI, and having no head lamp or an inadequate head lamp. She was released with tickets to be in Batavia City Court on June 15.

Steven Gerard Conway, 60, of Circle Court, Williamsville, is charged with driving while intoxicated -- first offense; aggravated DWI; no seat belt; and impeding traffic. He was arrested at 7:20 p.m on Main Road in Pembroke and was released with an appearance ticket to be in Pembroke Town Court on April 29. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

Erica Lynn Lamkin, 31, of Warsaw Road, Pavilion, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more; and speeding in excess of 55 mph. At 11:25 p.m. March 14, Lamkin was arrested on Main Road in Stafford. She was released with an appearance ticket for Stafford Town Court on April 15. The  case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.

Shuvon Williams, 55, of East Avenue, Batavia, was arrested at 8:56 p.m. Jan. 30 after turning herself in on an arrest warrant out of Batavia City Court alleging custodial interference. She is accused of violating a custody agreement by not returning a child as specified in the agreement. Williams was issued an appearance ticket for June 8 in Batavia City Court.

Grace Crystal Murray, 21, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal trespass. At 6:39 p.m. March 7, Murray was arrested after entering Walmart in Batavia and remaining inside unalwfully after previously being banned from the property. She is due in Town of Batavia Court on April 8. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Zachary Hoy, assisted by Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Nateeka Gibson, 31, no address provided, was arrested March 8 on a warrant out of Batavia City Court stemming from an petit larceny incident Jan. 4. It is alleged that she stole $20 from a person on Bank Street while she was a guest at their residence. Gibson was arraigned virtually in Batavia City Court while she was in Monroe County Jail on unrelated charges. She was held on one dollar cash bail and is due in city court April 14.

Pizzelles anyone? St. Joe's cookbook available now with recipes from students' families

By Press Release

From Chad Zambito:

Supporters of St. Joseph (S.O.S.) are hoping their new cookbook hits the spot with local chefs. The St. Joseph Regional School Cookbook is now available and contains more than 170 recipes submitted by the families of students at the school.

According to S.O.S. member Jennifer Allen, who first presented the fund-raising idea, the book contains recipes that range from Vietnamese to Greek meals, and of course several Italian favorites like gnocchi, pizzelles, and Italian Wedding Soup.

"There are so many great recipes including soups, quick weeknight dinners, freezer-friendly meals, and desserts," Allen said. "There really is something for everyone and the book would make a great gift for Mother's Day, Father's Day, or Christmas." 

Families submitted their favorite recipes to the school and the book was prepared and illustrated by Stephanie Underhill Graphic Design, of Elba. The cover was designed by student Sofia Faletti.

Initially, 200 books were published but additional books can be ordered if necessary. The St. Joseph Regional School Cookbook is available for $25 each or two can be purchased for $40. Orders can be placed by: calling the school at (585) 343-6154; dropping a check off at the school office, located at 2 Summit St. in the City of Batavia; or via venmo@stjosephschoolbatavia.

St. Joseph Regional School currently serves 171 students from Pre-K to sixth grade from three counties. Enrollment for the 2021-2022 academic year is now open. Anyone interesting in attending next year is encouraged to contact the school for a tour by calling 343-6154 or by visiting www.sjsbatavia.org

Accident involving minivan, fire chief's car and utility pole under investigation

By Howard B. Owens

Police investigators have yet to determine what may have caused a driver of a minivan to accelerate -- if she did -- after the vehicle struck a Town of Batavia fire chief's car that was heading to a serious injury accident on Galloway Road.

The minivan appears to have been exiting the Tops Market parking lot shortly after 9 a.m. with the intention of turning left when it struck the emergency vehicle, which was in emergency mode, driven by Fire Chief Dan Coffey. Coffey's vehicle sustained damage on the passenger side front fender.

The older female driver, whose name is not being released at this time, then proceeded eastbound on West Main Street Road. The minivan appears to have accelerated after the initial collision, Sgt. Mitch Cowen confirmed, but what may have caused that apparent acceleration hasn't been determined.

The minivan headed toward the West Main intersection with River Street where both lanes were blocked by cars stopped at the red light. Lynn Mucica was driving one of those vehicles and said she saw a car coming up behind her fast and thought it was going to strike the car next to her and possibly involve her in an accident. The minivan then swerved and struck a utility pole with three transformers on it, snapping the pole off near the base. The minivan continued east and came to rest on its side in the yard of 389 W. Main St.  

City fire responded and extricated the driver from the vehicle.  

The driver is being treated at ECMC for minor injuries and has not yet been interviewed.  

A citation is possible, Cowen said.

Coffey was uninjured in the collision and did eventually make it to the accident scene on Galloway Road.

At this hour, West Main remains partially closed. National Grid crews are repairing the pole. At least one of the transformers leaked its oily liquid onto the roadway and National Grid has also dispatched an environmental cleanup team to deal with the spill. The work is expected to be completed shortly.

(Initial Report)

Driver in serious conidition after head-on collision on Galloway Road

By Howard B. Owens

A driver told an investigator he fell asleep prior to a head-on collision on Galloway Road at 9 a.m. that sent both that driver and another driver to ECMC.

Rylend L. Callicutt, 18, of Batavia, was driving a white 2011 GMC SUV eastbound when it crossed the center line. The vehicle struck a 2011 Hyundai sedan driven by Danielle C. Neuhaus, 31, of Batavia.

Neuhaus was trapped in the vehicle and sustained serious injuries. She was transported by Mercy Flight to ECMC, where she is currently in the trauma ICU.

Callicutt was transported by Mercy EMS.

He was issued a citation for failure to remain in the right-hand lane.

The accident report was prepared by Deputy Travis Demuth. The Crash Management Team also responded to the scene.

(Initial Report)

Students from Resurrection Parish toured St. Mary's church this morning

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and information from Jason Smith.

As part of the Faith Formation program at Resurrection Parish, grade 9 and 10 students were given a tour of St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church this morning. It is located at 18 Ellicott St. in the City of Batavia.

The tour included information about the stained-glass window panels, the altar and sacristy.

The students' teachers are Judy Clark and Ron Chrzanowski.

Newspaper clippings and old photos were displayed. One taken in the 1920s shows the altar in its original splendor with elaborate white steeples, which were later removed.

Another is of the church's once-trademark mural, an enormous painting done in four sections by Buffalo artist Alex O. Levy that was completed in 1940. It weighed 800 pounds and depicted incidents in the life of the Virgin Mary. The mural deteriorated and was subsequently covered with wallpaper.

Batavia PD launches new 'crimewatch' website

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Police Department announces the launch of CRIMEWATCH, a new website that gives people who use social networks and mobile devices an easier, more effective way to help fight crime and stay informed.

The new Batavia Police Department website was developed in partnership with CRIMEWATCH Technologies and is part of the CRIMEWATCH Network (crimewatch.net). The website is an online tool that gives the public direct access to crime and public safety-related information happening in their community. 

“This new website is the perfect entry point for establishing better police and public relationships. CRIMEWATCH gives us the opportunity to communicate with the public and gives residents the anonymity to report neighborhood issues. Several police departments throughout the Northeast region are having great success using this technology”, said Chief Heubusch, City of Batavia Police chief.  

The City of Batavia Police Department is the first New York-based police department to go live on the CRIMEWATCH Network; a communications platform developed specifically for law enforcement agencies that allow for geographically targeted information sharing and intelligence gathering.

This resource allows residents to do the following:

  • Sign up for a free account to receive e-mail alerts;, 
  • Submit a tip to the Batavia Police Department; 
  • View recent arrests and “most wanted” lists;
  • Get info on local sex offenders; 
  • Share information with others through social media; and 
  • Get connected with resources and services.

Accident with entrapment reported at River Street and West Main Street, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

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

Motor vehicle accident with entrapment reported on Galloway Road

By Howard B. Owens

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.

Sponsored Post: Open House - Sunday 11am - 1pm! 55 Ellicott Street, Batavia

By Lisa Ace


Open House Alert - 55 Ellicott St., Batavia. Sunday 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Welcome to this charming home on one of Batavia's most loved streets! Vinyl siding, new roof 2019, large kitchen, formal dining room, family room, very large living room with built in bookcase.

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.

Six GC students recognized for academic achievement at SUNY Oswego

By Billie Owens

SUNY Oswego recently recognized Genesee County residents as high academic achievers on its President’s List and dean's list for the fall 2020 semester.

President's List students are those attaining semester grade-point averages of 3.8 or higher while carrying required academic credits. Students on the President’s List include:

  • Alexis N. Begin, Corfu, Communication

  • Collin J. Knapp, Byron, Journalism, History

  • Chase N. Monachino, Batavia, History

Deans' List students are those attaining semester grade-point averages between 3.3 and 3.79 while carrying required academic credits. Students on the Deans’ List include:

  • Charles T. Burton, Batavia, Creative Writing 

  • Kelsey Kasmarek, Stafford, Criminal Justice 

  • Tyler Wakula, Batavia, Public Relations 

SUNY Oswego enrolls nearly 8,000 students in more than 110 academic majors across its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Communication, Media and the Arts; and School of Education. For more information, visit oswego.edu.

Law and Order: Pair of teens charged in Corfu burglary last June

By Billie Owens

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.

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