batavia

It's illegal to pass a stopped school bus with its stop signs flipped out and lights flashing, but apparently, some people still do it.

On Wednesday, the Batavia Police Department will engage in dedicated patrols aimed at enforcing the no-passing law.

It's part of a statewide effort called "Operation Safe Stop" funded by a grant.

"The objective of the traffic detail is to make drivers aware of the dangers of passing stopped school buses, to keep students safe while entering or exiting school buses," reads a department press release.

Police officers will be out in marked and unmarked cars on selected city school bus routes looking for violators where there have been complaints of vehicles passing stopped school buses. 

Police officers will also be conducting speed enforcement details in school zones.

The press release concludes, "Operation Safe-Stop is a statewide cooperative effort supported by the NYS Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, NYS Association of Public Transportation, NYS School Bus Contractors Association, First Student Bus Company and all law enforcement agencies."

Officer Ed Mileham, who joined the Batavia Police Department in 1979, cruised his last patrol today.

Mileham, an Air Force veteran, retires after 32 years of wearing a badge, a career that goes back to 1976 when he joined the Choteau Police Department in Montana. He later returned to New York and joined the Warsaw department before transferring to Batavia.

In his career, Mileham has won several awards, including Office of the Year in 2001 and 2008 from Kiwanis and GCASA's Law Enforcement Award in 2010.

Mileham served as the police department's Drug Court representative and was certified recently to serve in Veterans Court. He's also been a K-9 officer and a member of the Neighborhood Enforcement Team.

Mileham is currently chief of the Indian Falls Fire Department and plans to continue in that role.

Chief Randy Baker said, "His dedication and service to the City of Batavia will certainly be missed."

At the end of his shift today, a Genesee County Dispatcher went on air and said, "Batavia to 126, on behalf of the Genesee County dispatchers, congratulations on your retirement. It's been a pleasure working with you. Good luck in all your future endeavors."

Mileham responded, "Thank you for your 32 years of support."

"Thanks, Fast Eddy," said the dispatcher.

Another added, "Thanks 126, we'll miss you."

Batavia Police responded to an incident at Batavia High School on Thursday involving a student allegedly hitting a teacher.

The student -- who, because of his age, the police cannot release his name -- got into a confrontation with a teacher and hit her in her body. Other adults on staff got involved in restraining the student, according to Det. Todd Crossett.

The case will likely be referred to the County Attorney's office and will wind up in Family Court.

In connection with the incident a drawing by the student was found that depicted something that Crossett characterized as "an unrealistic scenario."

"It wasn't a picture that showed him using guns, or something that could be possible," Crossett said. "It showed unrealistic things. I'm not necessarily going to take it as, 'I'm going to do these things.' It wasn't a threat to anybody in the school or the school (facility)."

Because of the age of the youth, Crossett said there will be no releases from the police department on the disposition of the case. Family Court cases are closed to the public.

Pembroke and Batavia came out of the quarter finals of the regional mock trial competition and are among five teams moving on to semi-finals.

Both Pembroke and Batavia's teams finished the quarter finals with a record of 2-0. Pembroke had 110 points and Batavia, 107.

The semi-finals will be held March 28 in Geneseo.

Because Avon and Byron-Bergen tied for fourth, right down to the tiebreakers, both teams will move on to the semi-finals. Typically, only four teams compete in the semi finals.

Both teams were 1-1 with 106 points.

Warsaw came in third with a record of 1-1 and 107 points.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, who organizes and champions the mock trials locally, said schedules have been arranged so all five teams can compete.

In round one, it will be Pembroke vs. Avon, Batavia vs. Warsaw and Byron-Bergen vs. Batavia. Round two will pit Byron-Bergen against Avon, and Warsaw against Pembroke.

The final rounds will be in Warsaw on March 30.

Photo: Maura Chmielowiec, Evan Sutherland and Patrick Flynn of the Batavia team.

Previously:

• Students compete in mock trials at Genesee County Court House
• Photos: Mock trial, Notre Dame vs. Batavia

Timothy J. Wood, 22, of 4 N. Spruce St., Batavia, is charged with two counts harassment, 2nd. Wood is accused of grabbing one person and attempting to strike another following a verbal argument at 12:30 a.m.

Wendy L. Mucher, 41, of 27 Valle Drive, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Mucher is accused of stealing merchandise valued at $86.03 from an unspecified location.

A pair of Rochester men were allegedly found in possession of $3,000 in cocaine in Batavia yesterday and charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance.

The Local Drug Task Force identified the men as possible cocaine dealers and investigators received a search warrant for their car.

Taken into custody were Marcial S. Borgos, 61, of Bonesteel Street, and Jose A. Torres, 52, of Ernst Street.

Task force members as well as uniformed deputies participated in the search of the car.

Investigators allegedly found more than an ounce of cocaine.

K-9 "Pharaoh" participated in the search.

Borgos and Torres were jailed without bail.

Philip M. Niccloy, 24, of 75 Summit St., Le Roy, is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, 3rd. Niccloy allegedly took a GMC truck belonging to another person without permission. That night, Niccloy was allegedly involved in a single-vehicle accident on North Street Road. He was previously charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Niccloy was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

William Gordon Schultz, 37, of Evans Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to pay a fine.

David Richard Beedham, 43, of Randall Road, Le Roy, is charged with sexual abuse, 1st. Beedham is accused of touching the private area of a girl under age 11.

Mark Bryon Livingston, 53, of Wake Robin Terrace, West Henrietta, was arrested in Genesee County on a bench warrant for allegedly operating a car with a suspended registration.

Eric T. Weis, 28, of 9 N. Lyon St., Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Weis allegedly grabbed another person around the throat in front of three children while on MacArthur Drive. The alleged incident happened on Tuesday, Weis turned himself in on Wednesday.

Benjamin G. Evans, age unknown, of 8204 Park Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. Evans was arrested on a  bench warrant issued out of city court for alleged failure to comply with conditions set by the court. Evans was jailed on $50,000 bail.

So tonight I drove out to the Wortendyke Road to the Bontrager Auction house -- not to take pictures (but you know, I always have my camera with me) but to bid on a set of 10 Don Carmichael prints.

If you've ever been in a local business and seen a pen-and-ink drawing of a local historic building, chances are, it's a Don Carmichael print. (Lorie Longhany has also done some wonderful drawings of local buildings).

I had my heart set on winning these at auction tonight, but it turns out it wasn't meant to be.

Still, the auction was great fun and I always enjoy taking pictures.

More pictures after the jump:

A minor-injury accident has been reported on West Main Street in front of Burger King.

Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

Lamar T. Anderson, 27, was sentenced in Genesee County Court this afternoon to four years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervision, for raping a Batavia woman last year.

Anderson pled guilty in October.

"At that time, I advised you to cooperate with probation and abide by all other warnings and components," Judge Robert Noonan said to Anderson.

"At a previous meeting for your sentencing, it was evident that Anderson did not get it and refused to get a sexual-offender evaluation and a substance-abuse evaluation as well."

Noonan said that the case has been adjourned several times to obtain those evaluations.

Anderson has since been evaluated and District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said today that the report is unlike most other reports he has come across.

"With all due respect... this is not (the kind of) an evaluation I'm used to seeing," he said. "It is woefully inadequate and really doesn't address what is necessary and is of no benefit to this court as far as making a determination."

Anderson's attorney, William Tedford, disagreed.

"To address Mr. Friedman's opinions about (the report) I would respectfully disagree," he said as he flipped through and read a few short excerpts out loud.

Reading from the evaluation, Tedford said, "He (Anderson) makes several impressions that he was cooperative and readily provided information that there is high hope that he can live an offense-free life in the future...he is not a predator-type offender...he acknowledges responsibility for his offenses."

Tedford admitted to Judge Noonan that Anderson has become a client that he is "...the closest with during my year in this office. He is an intelligent and well-mannered individual and he has opened his eyes since you incarcerated him. I hope that you will see that today."

Tedford asked that the year Anderson has already spent behind bars be considered sufficient and if Anderson could be given the opportunity to prove himself through probation only.

When Judge Noonan asked if Anderson had anything to say, Anderson said quietly, "I just know I made a big mistake. I'm doing everything and am trying to get better."

After Anderson spoke, Judge Noonan gave his sentence, saying that he disagreed that Anderson's actions can simply be considered a mistake.

"A mistake is something that is much more transitory and requires much less time and much less absence of judgement," he said.

"You committed a very violent sexual offense for which you do not take responsibility and minimize your involvement...Your attitude at every point during these times tells me that you need to be segregated from society for some period of time."

Noonan imposed a four-year sentence to be followed by a 10-year post-release supervision period. Anderson was also ordered to pay a number of fees. He has the right to appeal the judgement within 30 days.

Yes, it is March 23 and yes, we have snow.

Traditional printmaking is on display at the Senior Center on Bank Street through April 29.

The prints were created by high-school students from Batavia and Le Roy.

These aren't digital, computer-generated prints, but handcrafted original images using silkscreen, linoleum, wood block, collography and stencils to create new works of art.

Well, it looks like the fake angry owls and streamers aren't doing much to keep the gulls from the roof of the former Latina's building.

Batavia and Notre Dame students went head-to-head this evening at the Genesee County Court House in a mock trial competition that brought in teams from throughout the region.

This mock trial was presided over by Judge Robert C. Noonan.

No word on results yet.

Previously: Students compete in mock trials at Genesee County Court House

These photos are available for purchase by clicking here.

Above, Jake Krajawski, BHS, is questioned by a defense attorney. Second photo, Matt Sausner and Eric Lomonoco of Notre Dame.

From left, Sausner, Lomonoco and Megan Zickl.

More pictures after the jump:

Maura Chmielowiec, BHS

Megan Zickl

Rosie Mortellaro

Evan Sutherland

Judge Robert C. Noonan

Matt Sausner

Maura Chmielowiec, Evan Sutherland and Patrick Flynn

Brittany Perzia

Eric Lomonoco

Maura Chmielowiec

Jake Krajawski

Era Reda-Kendrick

Robert Thigpen, 35, of Patriots Landing, Rochester, is charged with two counts of tampering with a witness, 3rd, and criminal contempt, 1st. Thigpen was picked up by Batavia Police on a bench warrant and turned over to the Sheriff's Office. Thigpen was jailed pending a court appearance today. (For previous coverage of Thigpen, click here.)

Taylor Robert Benjamin, 18, of 139 Christina Drive, North Chili, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 5th, a misdemeanor. Benjamin was arrested by Le Roy police following a complaint of youths gathering under the pedestrian footbridge between Church and Mill streets. As an officer approached, he reportedly observed Benjamin lighting a glass pipe and inhaling the smoke from it.

Ryan T. Daley, 28, of 57 Elizabeth Ave., Hamburg, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, refusal to take breath test and inadequate lights.  Daley was stopped at 8:05 p.m. Thursday on East Main Street by Officer Thad Mart.

A 17-year-old resident of Mechanic Street, Elba, is charged with petit larceny. The youth is accused of stealing $42.81 in merchandise from Kmart on Saturday.

Justin Zane Baker, 22, of Webber Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Baker allegedly pushed a woman several times during a domestic dispute at 6:25 a.m., Sunday.

A 16-year-old resident of Angling Road, East Pembroke, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of alcohol while under 21 with intention to consume. The youth was arrested following a traffic stop at 7:48 p.m. Saturday on Angling Road by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Eric Thomas Wolford, 18, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, possession of alcohol in a motor vehicle, endangering the welfare of a child and failure to yield right of way. Wolford was stopped 7:46 p.m., Saturday, on Angling Road, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Craig Edward Blake, 59, of Sliker Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI, failure to keep right, unauthorized display of amber lights, refusal to take breath test. Blake was stopped at 12:23 a.m. Sunday on Park Road by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Douglas Westley Green, 54, of Woodlands Way, Brockport, is charged with petit larceny. An investigation by Deputy Joseph Graff into thefts over a period of time at Stan's Harley Davidson led to the identification of Green as a suspect.

Melissa M. Lesage, 31, of 31 Buffalo St., Bergen, is charged with failure to appear in court as directed. Lesage was taken into custody by Rochester Police and turned over to Batavia Police on a warrant from 2007 for failure to appear as directed on an alleged traffic violation. Bail was set at $300.

Lamar Randall, 25, of 266 E. Park St., Albion, is charged with failure to appear in court. Randall was arrested on a bench warrant. Bail was set at $350.

Justin E. Cratsley, 22, of 115 State St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and criminal contempt, 2nd. Cratsley is accused of harassing a person he is barred from contacting at the YMCA on Saturday.

Sabrina Zinni, 36, of 219 North Spruce St., Batavia, is accused of showing up for a court ordered work detail under the influence of alcohol. She was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Andrew Z. Perdock, 24, unknown address, is charged with petit larceny. Perdock is charged with petit larceny. Perdock was arrested by State Police at 12:53 p.m. Saturday and held on cash bail. No further details released.

Yolanda M. Skeet, 32, of 24 Allegheny Road, Corfu, is charged with felony DWI under Leandra's Law. Skeet was stopped for allegedly speeding on the Thruway by State Police. She allegedly had a 9-year-old child in her car and a BAC of .08 or greater. Skeet was jailed in Ontario County on $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond.

Connecticut got a chip shot 40 seconds into the championship game in Portland, Maine, this afternoon and the Batavia Ramparts spent nearly all of three periods chasing the lead.

The Ramparts lost 3-0.

Goal two for Connecticut was a rebound off the goalie, said coach John Zola.

Goal three came on an empty net play at the end of the game.

"Everyone played their heart out," Zola said. "Both teams played very, very hard."

The coach said he doesn't believe a Batavia team has ever advanced as far as the Ramparts did this season. At the age level of the Ramparts, the northeast regional championship would have been as far as they could have advanced.

Shawn Beachy and Ken Beachy led the Beachy Cabinet Maker Wild to a 3-1 championship win over Genesee Orthopedic Blues on Sunday morning.

Both Beachys scored goals, with Shawn picking up two assists and his father Ken getting one.

Ryan DiFilippo also scored for the wild.

The Wild's third goal came with less than a minute into the game when the Blues emptied their goal to put an extra offensive player on the ice.

Dave Holtz, with no assist, scored the Blues only goal.

Blues goalie Jason Molino faced 27 shots and Wild goalie Scott Fauth faced 32.

Molino was named the game's 3rd star, Fauth, 2nd star and Ken Beachy was named MVP.

In the consolation game, Batavia Legal Printing Sharks beat the
Kelly's Holland Inn Stars 7-5.

For the Sharks, Jeff Reuter and Dan Hudson each scored three goals  
and Andy Pfalzer had one.

For the Stars, Nick Bush, Dave Bogue, T.J. Peca, Nick Martell and Cal Rice scored one goal each.

Top photo, Ken Beachy hoists the championship trophy. Third photo, Wild goalie Scott Fauth snags a shot. Bottom photo, Ken and Shawn Beachy.

There are 21 photos with this post and an additional 40 or so available for purchase on our photo purchase page. BUY PHOTOS

More pictures after the jump:

A Batavia resident is in custody tonight after agents of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force allegedly found him in possession of numerous packages of heroin, some marijuana, packaging for narcotics, a gravity knife and $4,000 in cash.

A search warrant was executed Saturday afternoon on the residence and the car of Jarrett James Locicero, 21, of West Main Street.

The warrant was a culmination of an investigation into the sale and distribution of heroin in the Batavia area.

Locicero was located in his car on Clinton Street, Batavia, and stopped by members of the task force and uniformed deputies.

Investigators then searched his residence.

Locicero is charged with possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and misdemeanor counts of criminally possessing drug paraphernalia and criminal possession of a weapon as well as a violation of unlawful possession of marijuana.

Following arraignment in city court, Locicero was jailed without bail.