batavia

A two-vehicle accident with minor injuries is reported in front of 401 W. Main St., Batavia.

City fire and Mercy EMS responding.

At the Arc of Genesee Orleans site on Walnut Street, Batavia, today, the Down Syndrome Parent Support Group of Genesee County Inc. presented a check for $10,000 to help fund the estimated $100,000 cost of remodeling a portion of the ARC's former production facility.

The remodeled facility will become the "GO TO Hub," a place for community prevocational and day habilitation services.

The change in the use of the building become because of changes to service delivery for ARC-type programs throughout the state.

The vision of the Arc’s GO TO Hub is to offer career development and lifelong learning, in a welcoming and inspiring space. When completed, stations will include a teaching kitchen, art and ceramics area, technology center, exercise area, simulated office and meeting rooms with mobile partitions.

Previously, ARC received a $25,000 donation from the Golisano Foundation and $10,000 from Howard Ouriel.

Donations are still being accepted. To find out more, contact Shelley Falitco at (585) 343-4203.

Top photo: Kelly Anstey; Donna Saskowski; front row -- Corinne Phelps, Colleen Fisher, Missy Cook, Lisa Losdon; back row – Gracia Leavy, Sharon White, Wanda Gilbert, Vinnie Tjhumg, Tammi Burbules, Kim Travale, Dawn Fisher, president of Down Syndrome Parent Support Group of Genesee.

Press release:

The Original Red Osier Landmark Restaurant in Stafford presents GO ART!'s 41^st Annual Picnic in the Park on Thursday, July 4^th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Centennial Park in Batavia.

Event kicks off with a Kiddie Parade. Decorating bikes begins at 10:30 a.m. The parade takes off down Ellicott Avenue hill at 11 o'clock.

Food vendors include Red Osier Landmark Restaurant, Abbott's Ice Cream, Kernel Cravin’ Kettle Corn, Lonsberry Concessions, and Over the Border! Mack Truck, and Ali's Concessions.

Musical performances by Batavia Concert Band at noon, Byrne Brothers Irish Band from 12-2 p.m., Grizzwoode at 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. and again from 4-5 p.m.

Don't miss Old Time family activities between acts, such as sack races, tug of war and a kids’ hula hoop contest.

Explore Arts Tent with kids’ art activities, face painting, bounce house. Mad Hatter performances at 12, 1:30 and 3 in Artisan Alley. Six Senses Escape Room will hold a scavenger hunt starting in Artisan Alley. 

More than 30 arts and crafts vendors on North Street and nonprofits in the lower park.

Uncle Sam wants you at GO ART!'s 41st Annual Picnic in the Park!

George T. Sarkis, 58, of Chili Avenue, Rochester, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree harassment. He was arrested on June 26. It is alleged that at 6:16 p.m. on June 20 at Batavia Middle School on Ross Street that Sarkis grabbed a juvenile by the neck and pushed him and threatened physical harm to another juvenile. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court at 1 p.m. on July 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Victoria Anne Smith, 43, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with petit larceny. Following a larceny investigation, Smith was arrested on June 23 for allegedly stealing money from the mother's purse at 8 p.m. June 20 while on Main Road in Stafford. Following her arrest, she was released on an appearance ticket and she is due in Stafford Town Court at 9 a.m. on July 15 to answer the charge. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack.

Clint Jeffery Towne, 38, of Alleghany Road, Alabama, is charged with: third-degree reckless assault; fourth-degree criminal mischief; and second-degree harassment. He was arrested on Phelps Road in Pembroke following a domestic incident at 7:46 p.m. on June 28. Towne allegedly broke a glass door, causing the glass to shatter and injure the victim. He also allegedly choked the victim. He was arraigned in Pembroke Town Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is to return to the court on July 9. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Johnathan Nathaniel Taylor, 34, of Edgewood Drive, Medina, is charged with six counts of endangering the welfare of a child and one count of second-degree harassment. At 7:47 p.m. on June 26, Taylor was arrested on Pratt Road in Batavia after allegedly striking an adult female in the face, causing her to fall to the ground, while in the presence of six children under age 17. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due in the court again on July 22. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore, assisted by Deputy Mathew Clor.

Brandi Lynn Reuben, 23, of Sand Hill Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with second-degree harassment. Reuben was arrested following a domestic incident at 5:45 p.m. June 26 on Ledge Road in the reservation. She allegedly punched a person in the face multiple time. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Alabama Town Court on July 10. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor.

Bobby L. Mobley Jr., 34, no permanent address, Batavia, is charged with: disorderly conduct -- violent behavior; disorderly conduct -- obscene language; and disorderly conduct -- obstructing pedestrian traffic. Mobley was arrested following a domestic incident at 12:45 p.m. on June 19 on Maple Street in Batavia. He allegedly repeatedly used obscene language, blocked the freedom of movement of a pedestrian on the sidewalk and continued his threatening behavior after being repeatedly warned to stop his actions by police. He was due in Batavia City Court June 25 to answer the charges. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Maria I. Santiago, 34, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested after a physical altercation with another woman at 3:49 p.m. June 18 in a parking lot on North Spruce Street. She is due in Batavia City Court on July 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Kathryn A. Phillips, 41, of North Street, Batavia, is charged with two Batavia Municipal Code violations -- having a dog running at large and having an unlicensed dog. It is alleged that at 5:15 p.m. on May 6 on North Street that Phillips' unlicensed, unleashed dog left her property and attacked another dog. She was issued at appearance ticket for June 18 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Josephine G. Erhardt, 80, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with a Batavia Municipal Code violation -- having a dog running at large. She was arrested at 4:30 p.m. on June 17 after an incident in which her dog allegedly ran loose after a person and around the grounds of an apartment complex. She was issued at appearance ticket for June 25 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Michael J. Mead Sr., 32, of State Route 19A, Portageville, is charged with falsely reporting an incident. Following an investigation, Mead was arrested for allegedly calling Child Protective Services and filing two false reports at 9 a.m. on June 12. He was arrested at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket. He is due in Batavia Town Court on July 15. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Christopher Ridgeway

Christine M. Jones, 32, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with a Batavia Municipal Code violation -- having a dog running at large. At 4 p.m. on June 19 on Hutchins Place, Jones's dog allegedly ran into the street and at the complainant. Jones was arrested and issued an appearance ticket. She is due in Batavia City Court on July 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Steven M. Lindner, 46, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: unlawful possession of marijuana; criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the second degree; criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument; and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree. Lindner was arrested following an investigation into a noise complaint at 10:25 p.m. June 18 on West Main Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket for July 9 in Batavia City Court, then released. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

    Shonje Jefferson

Christopher A. Ridgeway Jr., 27, of Bridgewood Road, Midlothian, Va., is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree; criminal possession of a narcotic with intent to sell; unlawful possession of marijuana; aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree; and having an obstructed view. Ridgeway was arrested after a traffic stop at 3:41 p.m. on June 27 on Hyde Park in Batavia. He was the driver. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail. He is due back in city court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Sgt. Christopher Camp.

Shonje K. Jefferson, 20, of Empire Boulevard, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a narcotic drug with intent to sell, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Jefferson was arrested at 3:41 p.m. on June 27 after a quantity of drugs was allegedly located in a vehicle involved in a traffic stop where Jefferson was a passenger. He was jailed without bail and was due in Batavia City Court on June 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Sgt. Christopher Camp.

     Joseph Ruiz

Joseph Lee Ruiz, 35, of North Clinton Street, Rochester, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree; and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree. He was arrested during an investigation at a residence on Bank Street in Batavia at 10:48 p.m. on June 21. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail. He was due back in city court June 24. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Jose Fuentes, 39, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. On June 7, Fuentes was arrested following an investigation into a complaint alleging that at 10:01 that night he rammed his wheelchair into another resident on Bank Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket for June 11 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Ricardo Sampel, Sr., 50, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested for allegedly having contact with a protected party at 1 p.m. on June 25 at UMMC. He was jailed without bail and was due in Genesee County Court on June 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Laura J. Reed, 27, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with violating an order of protection. She was arrested following an investigation into a disturbance at 11:55 p.m. on June 21 on Bank Street, Batavia. It was determined that Reed was in violation of a court order barring her from the residence. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under supervision. She was due to return to court June 24. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Sgt. Matthew Lutey.

Thomas M. Rossiter, 34, of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; aggravated DWI -- a BAC of .18 percent or more; aggravated unlicensed operator in the third degree; and failure to keep right. He was arrested at 3:20 p.m. June 15 on Otis Street in Batavia after he was involved in a motor vehicle accident. He was issued several appearance tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on July 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Kay E. Dilcher, 28, of Sunset Drive, Holley, is charged with two counts of false personation. It is alleged that at 10 a.m. on June 25 on Lewiston Road in Batavia that Dilcher claimed to be another person while she was in town for methadone treatment. She was identified not to be the person she claimed to be and she had several warrants for her arrest in two other counties. She was released on appearance tickets and was transferred to Orleans County Sheriff's Office to answer charges there. The case has handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis,, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens. At 9:14 a.m. on June 27 Dilcher was arrested and charged with false personation after being detained by Batavia PD for an unrelated incident and providing a false name to officers. She is due in Batavia City Court on July 9 for both cases. The second case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Michelle L. Misiak, 53, of South Main Street, Batavia, was arrested after an investigation. It is alleged that she contacted the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center at 9:07 a.m. on June 20 and reported a disturbance involving weapons on South Main Street resulting in a police response to the address. It was subsequently determined that Misiak's report was unfounded. He was issued a computer-generated appearance ticket and released. She was due in Batavia City Court on June 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Jessica M. Horton, 28, of Telephone Road, Pavilion, is charged with theft of services. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court on June 7 on an arrest warrant and put in jail on $500 bail. It is alleged that on May 17 on Oak Street in Batavia that Horton failed to pay for a local hotel room that she stayed in. The case was handled by Batavia Police Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Malik I. Ayala, 27, Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 8:52 p.m. on June 7 for allegedly stealing property from a store on East Main Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket and was due in Batavia City Court June 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider.

Jesse D. Bowman, 26, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. It is alleged at at 9:20 p.m. on June 20 on East Main Street in Batavia that Bowman stole items from a local business. He was processed, issued an appearance ticket and was due in Batavia City Court on June 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Sgt. Matthew Lutey.

Daniel S. Kuczka, 75, of Walden Creek Drive, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. He was due in court after being issued an appearance ticket for trespass at 11:09 a.m. on June 25 on Walden Creek Drive. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is due in city court again on July 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

A 16-year-old resident of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear in court May 14 after being issued an appearance ticket. The youth was arrested on June 8 on a warrant out of Batavia City Court. He was released on his own recognizance and was due back in city court June 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Jacob John Sponaugle, 20, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. At 3:55 p.m. on June 24, Sponaugle allegedly brought a bag of marijuana into the Genesee County Probation Office. He was released on an appearance ticket in is due in Batavia City Court on July 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Michael Ilasi produced this video about the GO Out! Gay Pride Parade in Batavia on Friday.

While Jim Bouton may be retiring from his job with the county as a fire coordinator, his nearly 50 years of service to Genesee County will continue.

Bouton said he will remain with the Town of Batavia Fire Department as a volunteer deputy fire chief.

Bouton, a retired corrections officer, started as a volunteer firefighter in 1972 in Alexander. He was chief by 1983. He took his first job as a fire inspector with the county in 1996. In 2004, he was hired in the Office of Emergency Management as a fire coordinator and training technician.

The thing he will miss the most, he said, is being with the people who became his friends over the course of his career.

"I liked working with a mass group of great folks out there," Bouton said. "I made a lot of friends, a lot of new friends. It was a wonderful experience. I wouldn’t give it up for anything."

After 47 years in the fire service, Bouton said volunteering with a local fire company is definitely a career path he would recommend for young people.

"It might open doors you didn’t think might be there for a career down the road, whether it’s maybe becoming a paid firefighter or a lot of other opportunities that happen because of the association of friends and group of friends you’re going to meet, some door may open," Bouton said.

Top photo: Tim Yaeger, emergency management coordinator, presents Bouton with his helmet and a commemorative helmet stand. Gary Patnode and Diane Bouton are on each side.

Coordinators with the Office of Emergency Management: Gary Patnode, Chuck Dodson, Bill Schutt, Jim Bouton, Tim Yaeger, Don Roblee (retired), and Sean Downing.

City firefighters presented Jim Bouton with a plaque to congratulate him on his retirement. Pictured: Dwane Weathell, Marty Hinz, Jim Bouton, Christine Marinaccio, and Mark Holly.

Mr. Wine & Liquor, long located in the Top's Plaza, has moved to a bigger location just a few doors down, and on Friday, the Rathod family celebrated the grand reopening with a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting. The ribbon was cut by the Rashod family mother/grandmother, Mukta Gulab Rathod.

A four-wheeler accident is reported at the Genesee County Fairgrounds, at the race track, in Batavia.

The patient reportedly hit her head and is pregnant. 

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS responding.

Here's video from yesterday evening's GO Out!, gay pride parade, in Batavia.

This is a complete photo gallery from my attendance of events and ceremonies in Washington, D.C., this week for David Bellavia receiving the Medal of Honor. Some of these photos come from events that no other photojournalist attended.

A car and motorcycle accident is reported at Route 98 and West Saile Drive.

No word on injuries.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 9:07 a.m.: Town of Batavia units can hold in quarters.

OPEN HOUSE: 7773 Macomber Road, Oakfield. Super solid country home in the middle of fields – beautiful location! Outside landscaping is beautiful in spring, summer and fall with endless perennial flowers and pretty patio to sit and enjoy.

Inside is super homey and waiting for the next owners updates! Extra large room sizes and storage galore. Oversized back sum room with pretty tongue and groove woodwork and lots of sliding doors to welcome the breezes and also includes propane stove to carry it into the colder months.

Inside features country kitchen with laundry nook, spacious dining area and cozy Livingroom with beautiful stone wall propane fireplace. There is a large newer first floor master bedroom and oversized first-floor bath as well as two bedrooms upstairs. Easy to see! Click here for more information or call Lynn Bezon today to see this listing.

3233 Pratt Road - Town of Batavia: 1991 Fairmont 14x76 with a permanent 25x19 side addition that gives this home extra roominess that you don't get with the others! Spacious and homey and well kept is what you will find with this three bedroom, two full bath home.

The floor plan is great and the kitchen is wonderfully big with a ton of cupboards! Pretty landscaped yard with covered open porch and nice shed for all your extras! Click here for more information or call Lynn Bezon today to see this listing.

59 North Pearl Street, Oakfield. More than what meets the eye this solid commercial building with a space for everyone! Attractive large office space that has large private conference room main office space and front office.

There are two huge bay garages with oversized overhead doors-one heated. Separate storage or equipment rooms if needed. Upstairs features large nicely finished three rooms and small kitchenette could be extra office space or living quarters!

This place will surprise you with how nicely done and the endless possibilities that it has to offer! Easy to see! Click here for more information or call Lynn Bezon today to see this listing.

Press release:

Batavia Ramble Music & Arts Festival, in partnership with Eli Fish Brewing Co., will be held from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 6th.

The Batavia Ramble

In short: One day, two outdoor main stages, 30+ bands, food trucks, craft vendors, artist displays and much more!

Where: This will be held on Center Street and Jackson Square in Downtown Batavia.

Important Things to Note

This event is FREE to the public thanks to the generous donations from our sponsors.

Seating is festival style and B.Y.O.C. (bring your own chair)

Attractions

Music: Two outdoor main stages with more than 30 musical acts throughout the day! With a variety of music ranging from classic and modern rock to country to blues and everything in between!

Vendors: Lots of unique craft and art vendors to peruse while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Batavia Ramble.

Food: This year we are adding FOUR amazing food trucks to the event!

• Red Osier Landmark Restaurant -- We can do anything that is on our Red Osier menu, from prime rib sandwiches or prime rib dinners to lobsters!
• Over The Border -- Fresh, quality Mexican food sure to fill your stomach! From tacos, to burritos to taco bowls and churros!
• Buckaroos -- Specializing in Poutine! From original to varieties including Philly cheese steak, pulled pork and country-fried steak! They will also have some of your standard carnival favorites including fried dough!
• Center Street Smokehouse -- Real Southern BBQ, pulled pork,Texas BBQ beef brisket, and bacon mac & cheese!

Sponsors:

Eli Fish Brewing Co.

Cedar Street Rentals

L & L Transmission

R.A. Haitz Roofing & Siding

Bourbon & Burger Co.

T-shirts ETC

Center Street Smokehouse

Glenna's CBD

For additional information: contact us at TheBataviaRamble@gmail.com or leave us a message right on our facebook page at Facebook.com/TheBataviaRamble

 

Above, Doris Tootell, seated, and her daughter, Joan Stevens, at the YMCA Thursday morning.

Submitted photo and information from the YMCA in Batavia.

Doris Tootell is a local resident who attends the Silver Sneaker exercise class twice a week at the YMCA in Batavia.

That's been her routine for 11 years now and she has no plans to change it. Just because she turns 98 tomorrow (DOB: June 29, 1921) is certainly not reason enough.

"Doris never complains and just keeps going,” says Bonnie Versage.

As for Tootell, she credits YMCA group instructor Becky Swanson for her stick-to-itiveness and says the workouts help with her aches and pains. 

Her friends at the Y are so inspired by her liveliness and get-up-and-go spirit that they held a little celebration for her at yesterday's class.

“(She's the) most caring woman I have ever met,” said friend Nancy Speed.

You know she really cares for you when she bakes you a pie, and her gal pal Brenda Cackett says she bakes pies for all her friends."

We should all be so lucky!

The executive director of GO ART! spoke plainly to Batavia Development Corporation board members this morning -- it needs funding ASAP in order to make badly needed improvements to its headquarters -- the historic Seymour Building at 201 E. Main St.

GO ARTS!'s Gregory Hallock asked board members to provide financial backing for a $50,000 loan, which would make the nonprofit eligible for funding from the NY Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Arts and Cultural Facilities Improvement Program Mid-Size Capital Project.

The NYSCA grant is available through the Empire State Development Regional Council Capital Fund (REDC) initiative. GO ART! must prove its ability to finance restoration projects in order to qualify for $150,000 in state funding. 

Hallock’s request comes after the New York Preservation League conducted an assessment of the GO ART! property and identified areas for improvement totaling $500,000. Hallock determined that at least $176,000 is required for immediate changes to the building. 

High-priority needs include the installation of both an air-conditioning unit and elevator. Hallock said he wants second-floor offices and meeting spaces to be available for rent within the next few months in order for the building to remain accessible and easy to use.

Hallock said time is of the essence. The REDC grant application is due July 27, but GO ART! will not know if it received that state funding until December. He's also waiting to hear back about grant applications to organizations in Buffalo and Rochester, but those responses will not arrive until August. 

“$500,000 is what [the improvement cost] is marked at now,” Hallock said. “They said this number is going to grow substantially. So, that’s why there is a priority on my list of things to get done to get this grant money. Also, the REDC doesn’t guarantee this money is going to be there from year to year.”

In response, Rachael Tabelski, BDC director of economic development, proposed that the BDC could back the $50,000 loan, so NYSCA could see GO ART! has access to funds for this capital project.

“We would be issuing a long-term, conditional offer to match these state funds,” Tabelski said.

Tabelski offered that BDC could set aside $50,000 of its Revolving Loan Fund for GO ART! and issue a conditional loan approval with an expiration date. Then, Hallock could return periodically with updates on the project scope and costs. 

According to this proposed plan, the board could keep extending its conditional loan approval until the grant is potentially awarded to GO ART! Hallock noted that GO ART! may never have to tap into the loan if it qualifies for the grant. 

“We get repaid with the funds down the road. One way or another, this will go through. So, this is a fairly safe loan,” said Pierluigi "Pier" Cipollone, BDC board president.

The board did not vote on the conditional loan today, but Hallock is slated to update board members on GO ART!’s progress toward grants and renovations. He will return at the board’s meeting at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 22 in Batavia City Centre.