batavia

Law and Order: Batavia man jailed on criminal charges, alleged drug court violation

By Howard B. Owens
Dec 24, 2012, 9:03am

Timothy L. Taylor, 38, of 219 N. Spruce St., #124, Batavia, is charged with assault, 3rd, criminal obstruction of breathing and reckless endangerment, 2nd. Taylor was picked up by the State Police at a location on West Main Street Road on an unrelated matter Saturday and turned over to the Batavia PD on a warrant for the listed charges. Taylor is also accused of violating the terms of Drug Treatment Court. Taylor was jailed on $5,000 bail for the alleged criminal offenses and $100,000 for the alleged violation of drug court terms. He is schedule to reappear in city court on Dec. 26.

Scott N. Cameron, 30, of 25 Vine St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd and endangering the welfare of a child. Cameron is accused of hitting a family member who is under age 17.

Benjamin L. Brade, 30, of 12 Denio St., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Brade is accused of violating an order of protection by being under the influence of alcohol while with the protected party.

Carl I. Sherman, 33, of 68 Dix St., Rochester, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Sherman was picked up by Rochester PD and turned over to Batavia PD on a warrant related to the listed charges. Sherman posted $500 bail.

Emily V. Salvatore, 30, of Bergen, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Salvatore was stopped by State Police at 11:27 p.m., Friday, on Route 31, Albion.

John Lee Smith, 38, of Rose Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, avoiding intersection, failure to keep right, moving from lane unsafely. Smith was stopped at 9:49 p.m., Saturday, on West Main Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Frank Bordonaro. Smith was allegedly observed avoiding the intersection at River Street and Main Street and not maintaining his lane.

Jeffrey J. Cervone, 44, of Skye Road, Basom, is charged with petit larceny. Cervone was taken into custody by the State Police out of Clarence and turned over to the Sheriff's Office on a bench warrant.

Gary Howard Waters, 35, of East Avenue, Gasport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18, speed not reasonable and prudent, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and failure to keep right. Waters was arrested following an investigation by Deputy Jason Saile and Deputy Eric Seppala into a motor vehicle accident at 3:03 a.m., Saturday, on Lewiston Road, Oakfield.

Robert A. Barnhart Jr., of Le Roy, was arrested on a warrant by the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office. Barnhart is accused of owing several thousands of dollars in restitution from a prior case.

PHOTOS: DJ Macy Paradise, Ya Boy and Buffalo Bills players at City Slickers

By Timothy Walton
Dec 23, 2012, 8:20pm

City Slickers was the place to be Friday night as DJ Macy Paradise, national recording artist Ya Boy (YB the Rockstar) and Bills players Stevie Johnson, Kelvin Sheppard and Aaron Williams made an appearance and put on a show.

The event was organized by local entrepreneur and promoter Tim Walton and was sponsored by DirecTV/ IR Systems, PantSaggin.com,TheBatavian, and Next Level Fitness.

Above: Dj Macy Paradise with Buffalo hip-hop artist GiG5.

Above: National recording artist Ya Boy performs "Stevie Johnson (Bills Anthem)."

Above: Stevie Johnson poses for a photo with Bills fan James Stading.

Photos by Micheline V.

Hit-and-run accident reported on Lewiston Road, vehicle northbound

By Howard B. Owens
Dec 23, 2012, 12:33pm

A hit-and-run accident is reported in the area of Galloway and Lewiston roads.

Law enforcement is looking for a gold Chevy Silverado 1500. The truck is heading north into Oakfield.

The victim vehicle sustained only minor damage.

State Police looking for driver who struck pedestrian outside Batavia Downs

By Howard B. Owens
Dec 22, 2012, 4:14pm

State Police are asking the public assistance to help locate the driver and car involved in a hit-and-run car vs. pedestrian accident Friday night in front of Batavia Downs Casino.

The car is described as a red four-door sedan, possibly a Chevrolet Malibu.

The car may have front grill, hood and windshield damage.

The victim was hit by the car, according to Sgt. Ron Lobur, rolled up onto the hood, hit the windshield and then rolled off the front the car and was nearly struck a second time.

"The victim is very, very fortunate to come away with only minor injuries," Lobur said.

Information about the victim is not being released yet, Lobur said, pending following up on leads that have come in, or may come in, as a result of the request for more information.

Anybody with information that may assist in the investigation are asked to call the State Police at 343-2200.

Community Invited to Participate in Surprise Christmas Flash Mob Saturday, December 22 7:00 PM

By Robin Walters
Dec 22, 2012, 8:46am

There is a surprise Christmas Flash Mob being held at 7:00 PM tonight Saturday, December 22 at 7:00 PM at Birchwood village. Friends and community will be meeting outside the home of Don Carroll to sing Christmas Carols. Everyone is invited!

If you would like to bring a ornament or a note for the Christmas tree outside Don's home that would be great. Care-A-Van Ministries will have their bus their and will be serving hot chocolate.

Nic Pelton a friend of Don Carrol had been thinking of a way to minister to Don who is battling cancer. Don has given so much of his heart and soul to this community that Nic thought what better way to bring joy than to have friends gather outside Don's home and sing Christmas carols.

This will be a fun way to get the family out on a snowy evening. Let's all gather to give thanks and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas- loving others.

Person struck by vehicle in front of Batavia Downs, minor injuries

By Billie Owens
Dec 21, 2012, 6:38pm

A pedestrian has minor injuries after being struck by a vehicle on Park Road in front of the Batavia Downs Casino. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 6:41 p.m.: The suspect vehicle left the scene. It's a red Malibu, last seen heading south on Park Road. It's possibly in the Tops Market parking lot or an adjacent parking lot. The kind of damage it may have sustained is not known, nor is the gender of the driver. Deputies are scouring the area.

UPDATE 6:44 p.m.: The town fire assignment is back in service.

UPDATE 6:49 p.m.: A 42-year-old female is being transported to UMMC with unspecified injuries. She is back-boarded and collared. Meanwhile, the driver of a red Chevy Impala parked in the Auto Zone store's parking lot is being questioned by deputies, although it's unknown if this car is the one involved in the Batavia Downs incident.

Batavia PD investigating burglaries on Pearl, Madison and South Main

By Howard B. Owens
Dec 21, 2012, 1:58pm

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is investigating three reported residential burglaries which occurred during the day to early evening hours on Thursday, Dec. 20.

The burglaries occurred on Pearl Street, Madison Avenue and on South Main Street.

Entry to the residences was gained through unsecured doors.

Taken from the residences was a laptop computer, a Kindle tablet, a telephone, an XBOX game system, jewelry, cash and medication.

Anyone having observed or observing any suspicious activity or having information is asked to contact the Batavia Police Department at 345-6350, or to access the Batavia Police Confidential Tip Line at 345-6370.

BID says 'Taste of the Holidays' another big success

By Howard B. Owens
Dec 21, 2012, 10:07am

Press release:

This past weekend (Dec 7-8), the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District (BID), hosted the 2nd Annual Taste of the Holidays. Friday evening’s event included the official lighting of the Christmas tree, caroling, music by Rich Conroy, tastings from local restaurants, horse & wagon rides, and a scavenger hunt to lead people to the downtown businesses.

Eleven local restaurants handed out samples under a tent located on historic Jackson Street. Over 500 people attended the Friday event with great success. Saturday’s afternoon event also included the scavenger hunt, but was geared toward families & children with music by Bart & Kevin. Area businesses and local organizations had holiday activities for children under the tent including crafts, face painting, free hot cocoa by Coffee Culture, and much more.

The always popular McMahon School of Irish Dance kicked up their heels for the event as well as Jason the Juggler. The YWCA sponsored a gingerbread house contest. Approximately 300 families turned out for the Saturday event. The major sponsors for the Taste of the Holidays were Müller Quaker and Alpina Foods, Batavia’s new yogurt companies. Alpina Foods even handed out free yogurt samples during the weekend event.

The Batavia Business Improvement District also took the opportunity to find out the wish lists of area residents. Their table’s activity not only included a station to write to Santa Claus, but also a station to send a letter to the BID saying, “I wish Batavia…”

The letters included straight-forward answers such as “a bakery, lower taxes, or less congested traffic on Main Street.” But the children’s comments were far more imaginative including, “fireworks, no more snowstorms, a play place, and a popcorn place.”

The winner of this year’s Downtown Batavia Scavenger Hunt is Peyton Woeller, age 6, of Batavia. Peyton attended the Saturday children’s day activities for Taste of the Holidays and completed the scavenger hunt with his mother and twin sister. Peyton won a $100 gift BID certificate after visiting participating businesses and determining what day of Christmas each business represented.

Peyton’s reaction to winning “definitely rang with Christmas spirit,” said BID Director Don Burkel. “Peyton shared his gift certificate with his twin sister without hesitation. He knew immediately he wanted to go to Adam Miller Toy & Bike.”

The owner of Floral Fantasies, Sherry Balvo, also agreed the event was great for the community. She went above and beyond as a scavenger hunt participant by giving out gift bags with ornaments.

The Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) will be planning their yearly events after the New Year’s. Anyone who would like to volunteer for events or be part of the planning process are encouraged to contact the BID office at 585-344-0900 or email dburkel@downtownbataviany.com. Be sure to like the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District on Facebook so you can keep in touch with future events.

IR Systems, locally owned DirecTV rep, receives top dealership award

By Howard B. Owens
Dec 21, 2012, 9:52am

Press release:

IR Systems INC (DIRECTV) in Batavia, NY was notified on 12/12/2012 from DIRECTV Corp. that out of over 5000 dealerships across the nation we

are ranked in the top 20 in the nation. We also received a free all expenses paid trip to New Orleans for the Super Bowl . This award was given off the Matrices of the business, a overall

performance from customer service, technical service, sales representation, customer retention and much more.

Memorial set up for Newtown victims at Peace Garden

By Howard B. Owens
Dec 21, 2012, 9:50am

Press release:

As a nation, grieves the Batavia Peace Garden provides a place of solace where Batavia citizens can visit to lament their feelings of sadness for the fallen angels of Newtown, Conn., a community very similar in size to that of Batavia.

Barb Toal, project manager for the Batavia Peace Garden, commented that “with so many people in our community touched by this terrible sadness it just seemed like the right thing for us to do. When events like this happen you just feel so helpless and you need a place to go to express those feelings”.

Over the next few days, Friends of the Batavia Peace Garden will be hanging pink ribbons through the trees at the Peace Garden in honor of the 20 slain children and six teachers who perished last Friday.

Residents and visitors are invited to drop by the Peace Garden. The temporary memorial will be on display in the glass covered kiosk at the Peace Garden in Paolo Busti Park adjacent to the Holland Land Office for the next several weeks.

Law and Order: Man accused of pushing family member during argument

By Howard B. Owens
Dec 21, 2012, 9:42am

Mikel Anthony Anderson, 21, of Eagle Street, Medina, is charged with harassment 2nd. Anderson is accused of pushing a family member several times during a dispute. Anderson was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Alicia Maria Stankwick, 21, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for allegedly falsely reporting an incident to law enforcement. The alleged false report was filed at 5:18 a.m., Oct. 21. Stankwick was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Tanya Lee Thyret, 34, of Clinton Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for allegedly issuing bad checks in June. She faces two counts.

Photos: Christmas lights in Batavia, Dec. 20

By Howard B. Owens
Dec 21, 2012, 1:01am

Tonight, I took another drive around Batavia taking pictures of homes with Christmas light displays. Again, I tried to concentrate on homes that possibly I hadn't photographed before, though I believe their are a few duplicates. While I haven't been down every street in the city this year, I have, at this point, been through all the neighborhoods. Sorry if you have a great light display this year and I didn't get to it. To purchase prints of these photos click the "visit gallery" link in the slide show.

Car crash at West Main Street and Redfield Parkway in the city

By Billie Owens
Dec 20, 2012, 3:11pm

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at West Main Street and Redfield Parkway in the City of Batavia. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

Snow and blowing snow advisory in effect Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon

By Billie Owens
Dec 20, 2012, 3:00pm

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a winter weather advisory for snow and blowing snow in Batavia and Northern Genesee County, and other nearby areas, effective at 4 p.m. Friday through 4 p.m. Saturday.

Accumulations of two to three inches snow are expected Friday night, and again on Saturday, leading to storm totals of four to six inches, with the greatest amounts expected inland from the lakeshores.

Winds will blow westerly at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph producing blowing and drifting snow late Friday night through Saturday. Visibility will get down to a half mile at times. This will result in difficult travel at times. Expect snow-covered roads and reduced visability.

A winter weather advisory is normally issued for a variety of winter weather conditions such as light snow and blowing snow. While the weather will be significant, the word advisory implies that severe winter weather is not anticipated.

Law and Order: Woman accused of not returning car to its owner

By Howard B. Owens
Dec 20, 2012, 8:55am

Holly L. Gambino, 47, of 7273 Morrow Road, Covington, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Gambino was located and arrested on a warrant. She is accused of refusing to return a car to its proper owner, who is an acquaintance of Gambino's. Gambino was held pending a court appearance today.

Leonard Charles Millard, 55, of Highland Park, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant for an alleged failure to pay a court-imposed fine. Millard turned himself into the Sheriff's Office. He was arraigned in Genesee County Court and released pending further court proceedings.

Jon Hoyt Bush, 29, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. Bush turned himself in on a warrant out of Batavia City Court.

David Allen Draper, 32, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding (84 in a 55 mph zone) and uninspected motor vehicle. Draper was stopped at 10:04 p.m. Monday on Route 5 in Batavia by Deputy Tim Wescott.

Buffalo Spine and Sports Medicine opens new Batavia location

By Billie Owens
Dec 19, 2012, 3:49pm

Buffalo Spine and Sports Medicine has opened its fourth location in Batavia at 39 Batavia City Centre. Leonard Kaplan, D.O., a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, is a nerve, muscle and bone expert who treats injury and illness non-surgically to decrease pain and restore function.

Conditions that he treats in partnership with the Genesee County primary care physicians and specialists range from sprains to chronic pains anywhere from head to toe.

Treatment will be provided for:

Spine injuries
Occupational injuries
Degenerative and painful joint/muscle conditions
Spasticity/dystonia conditions Chronic migraine headaches

Diagnostic testing will include:

Electromyogram (EMG)
Ultrasound

Interventional Pain Alleviating Injections will also be offered:

Fluoroscopic-guided spinal injections
Ultrasound-guided join injections
Botox injections for pain

Dr. Kaplan and his team look forward to helping people “take back their lifestyles.”

Buffalo Spine and Sports Medicine is a nonsurgical physical medicine and rehabilitation practice. For more information, visit www.buffspine.com or call (716) 626-0093.

Six local students graduate from RIT

By Billie Owens
Dec 19, 2012, 3:29pm

Press release sent 12/18/12:

The following local residents graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology in the Summer 2012 quarter:

•   Kader Aboubacar Diori, of Batavia, earned a Master of Science degree in Professional Studies from the Center for Multidisciplinary Studies.

•   Heather Kervin, of Byron, earned a Master of Business Administration degree in business administration from the E. Philip Saunders College of Business.

•   Kirby Moore, of Byron, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition Management from the College of Health Sciences and Technology.

•   Megan Rogers, of Bergen, earned a Master of Science degree in School Psychology from the College of Liberal Arts.

•   Jason Scott, of Byron, earned a Master of Science degree in Environmental Health and Safety Management from the College of Applied Science and Technology.

•   Katie Stack, of Batavia, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the College of Liberal Arts.

Rochester Institute of Technology is internationally recognized for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. In addition, the university offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. RIT enrolls nearly 18,000 full- and part-time students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, and its cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation.

Two local men promoted in the NY Army National Guard

By Billie Owens
Dec 19, 2012, 3:21pm

The Adjutant General for the State of New York -- Major General Patrick A. Murphy -- announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capabilities for additional responsibility and leadership.

Kenneth Butler, of Le Roy, serving with the 105th Military Police Company is promoted to the rank of Specialist.

Pablo Perez, of Batavia, serving with the Company D (Forward Support Company Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition), 427th Brigade Support Battalion is promoted to the rank of Private.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential. These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com.

HOLM hosts book signing for local authors - just in time for Christmas

By Billie Owens
Dec 19, 2012, 3:11pm

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum Gift Shop presents a local author book signing just in time for Christmas from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 22. HOLM is located at 131 W. Main St. Batavia.

The following authors will be present to sell and sign their books:

William F. Brown Jr. (of Batavia) – “ The Stafford Story – A golf Club at Ninety.” This is a story of the 90th anniversary of the Stafford Country Club. Pictures and story of the founding and history of the club. Bill has written many interesting history books over the years. A must have for golfers.

Bridgette ni Brian (of Bethany) -- “Azure Maris." What does it mean to be a fish out of water... or a mermaid out of water? Azure Maris, princess of Deep Waters is grounded in the Chesapeake Bay Region and tries to learn how to navigate life above the waves while striving to return home.

Pam Covert (of Elba) – “And so this is Christmas” is her first published book, which takes place in Colton, NY – in the Adirondacks -- where she grew up. Everything is fiction except the town names. She says “ A blank page looks completely different depending on where you are in life and that page appears in front of you. For Jillian Francis, who prefers to quietly and privately mourn the loss of the father of her unborn child, her blank page becomes filled with “everything baby” and “everything Christmas.” Believing herself to be in one of those spaces between life, when life isn’t really happening, she soon discovers that there is no such space, that life is always happening. With the help of friends and family and her own tendency toward wit and sarcasm, Jillian finds her way back to a life she never expected to live, and never expected to love.

Rob Thompson (of Attica) -- “Attica: Gateway to the West” and “Attica: Gateway to the Civil War.” He will be signing the books already published and will be talking about his new book “Linden Murders Solved,” which will be available in June 2013.

These books will make great Christmas presents or purchase one for yourself to keep!

Do your special shopping at the Holland Land Office Museum Gift Shop, which will be offering 10 percent and more off holiday items. We have unique items, antiques, large variety of history books and others – new and used. You will be able to find that perfect gift for special people.

The Wonderland of Trees exhibit continues through Jan. 5. A great family event for the holidays.

RIT announces Dean's List honorees for Fall 2012

By Billie Owens
Dec 19, 2012, 2:47pm

The following local residents made the Dean's List for Fall 2012 quarter at Rochester Institute of Technology:

ALEXANDER

Brittani Scharlau, a second-year student in the College of Health Sciences and Technology.

BASOM

Daniel Mancuso, a fourth-year student in the E. Philip Saunders College of Business.

Dean Kubik, a second-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Daniel Crossen, a fifth-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Erin Crossen, a fourth-year student in the College of Science.

BATAVIA

David Renzo, a fifth-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

Matthew Zaso, a fourth-year student in the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Joy Snyder, a fourth-year student in the College of Science.

Amanda Krol, a third-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

Matthew Jackson, a fifth-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Maura Chmielowiec, a second-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Sophia Del Plato, a second-year student in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

BERGEN

Matthew Starowitz, a fifth-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering

Trevor Thunell, a fifth-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

Nicholas Quilliam, a fourth-year student in the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Charles Slack, a fourth-year student in the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Michael Slack, a second-year student in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Eric Hunt, a first-year student in the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Matthew Haywood, a fifth-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Robert Ellsworth, a fifth-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Philip Berggren, a fourth-year student in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Joshua Barnard, a third-year student in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

CORFU

Michael Zaikis, a fifth-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

Karl Pajak, a second-year student in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Nicholas Flumerfeldt, a third-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

DARIEN CENTER

Robert Osborn, a first-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Christopher Snyder, a first-year student in the College of Science.

Jason Inman, a fifth-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

LE ROY

Russell Schultz, a fourth-year student in the College of Health Sciences and Technology.

Kristen Stacy, a third-year student in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Benjamin Nicodemus, a first-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

Jonathon Locke, a fifth-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Ryan Hochreiter, a first-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Kari Branton, a third-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

Alex Graham, a fourth-year student in the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

OAKFIELD

Hannah Belliveau, a second-year student in the Center for Multidisciplinary Studies.

John Koenig, a third-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

PAVILION

Evyn Morgan, a fourth-year student in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Rochester Institute of Technology is internationally recognized for academic leadership in computing, engineering, imaging science, sustainability, and fine and applied arts, in addition to unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. RIT enrolls 17,500 full- and part-time students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, and its cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation.

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