batavia

A Batavia man is a suspect in the theft of guns from a firing range in Bergen and may face federal charges.

Morgan R. Coles, 20, of Jackson Street, was arrested Wednesday at his residence following the execution of a search warrant and he was charged with criminal possesion of a weapon in the first degree for allegedly possessing 10 or more firearms.

Last week, 14 guns were stolen from The Firing Pin. Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster said all of the guns reported stolen were recovered at Coles' residence.

While additional state charges may be pending, particularly those related to the break in at The Firing Pin, Brewster said investigators at ATF, who assisted in the investigation, are also considering federal charges against Coles.

Brewster believes Coles intended to sell the guns rather than stockpile them for himself.

Whether Coles has the contacts to move such merchandise is unclear. Brewster said he had a minimal criminal record.

Asked how investigators came to make an arrest so quickly, Brewster said, "Good police work."

"The right people," Brewster said. "The right individuals.

"I'd be the first to tell you," he added, "we were lucky, but you can't solve anything if you're not out there doing your job, asking questions; but there was a little bit of luck involved, and, yeah, it was good, concentrated police work."

Investigator Brad Mazur led the investigation. Members of the Local Drug Task Force, which is involved in most major investigations, also assisted.

Coles was jailed without bail.

More than 200 local high school students, including students from Elba High School at Graham Manufacturing, toured local businesses yesterday for National Manufacturing Day, sponsored locally by the Genesee County Business/Education Alliance.

At Graham, Elba students learned about what the company does and how it does it during a presentation in the company's cafeteria. The students then toured some of the production buildings.

Other companies participating were U.S. Gypsum, Amanda Tool, Oxbo, Orcon, Liberty Pumps, and Chassix.

The sky lit up this morning and readers sent us pictures.

Melanie Case submitted the rainbow over Bank Street in the top photo.

Submitted by Guy Clark.

Submitted by Frank Capuano.

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported on East Main Street Road at Red Oak Lane, Batavia.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 9:28 p.m.: A driver has a complaint of being dazed. The vehicles have minor damage and are off the road. One of the Town of Batavia units can go back in service.

Bontrager’s Fall Harvest Dinner Dance that benefits Crossroads House will be held Saturday, Oct. 13^th.

Doors open at 5 p.m. at Bontrager's, located at 8975 Wortendyke Road, Batavia.

Dinner by Roviso Catering will be from 5:15 – 7 p.m.

Music by Dark Horse Run Band, inset photo left, is from 7 – 11 p.m.

There will be 50/50 raffle, raffles and auction and their famous Pie Auction.

Tickets are $20 cash and are for pre-sale only.

They can be purchased tonight at Bontrager’s Auction Barn or at Crossroads House, or contact Bob at (585) 762-8585 or Penny at (585) 356-3413.

As part its workforce development mission, the Genesee Economic Development Center has been participating in Tuesday evening activities at St. Anthony's, run by City Church, by bringing in recruiters to help connect members of the community with job opportunities.

Last night, Remedy Staffing was on hand to let community members know they can help get job seekers interviews with local companies.

Chris Suozzi, VP of business development for GCEDC (top photo and playing basketball below), told the people gathered in the gym during a break in the basketball games that there are more than 1,000 jobs available in Genesee County, including jobs that pay $15 an hour or more and jobs that provide a career path for advancement.

"Whether you're looking for full-time or part-time work there are jobs you can get started on tomorrow," Suozzi said.

Ryan Macdonald, who supervises Tuesday night activities at St. Anthony's, reminded the crowd they asked for help with finding jobs which is why GCEDC and Remedy staffing were on hand.

Kathryn Kempisty, client partnership supervisor for Remedy, said it would only take 30 seconds of a person's time on Tuesday night and a 30-minute meeting sometime in the next week in order for Remedy to line up job interviews with local employers.

"If you don’t know what you’re looking for, we can let you know about the options," Kempisty said. "There is so much out there that we can’t wait to have you come into our office."

Kathryn Kempisty and Brittany Nadrowski, Remedy Staffing.

Press release:

Capture a piece of the historical Daniel A. Van Detta Stadium at Woodward Field while supporting the Batavia City School District Foundation Inc. on Oct. 13.

From 9 a.m. to noon that Saturday, the Batavia community is invited to own a piece of the historic ground of Daniel A. Van Detta Stadium at Woodward Field by making a monetary donation to the Batavia City School District Foundation Inc. Any monetary donation to the foundation will be accepted.

All present and former staff, students, athletes, spectators, and members of the Batavia community (including Notre Dame alumni), are encouraged to participate in this event!

It will take place just prior to the groundbreaking for renovations included in the Batavia City School District’s 2020 Vision Capital Improvement Project (https://www.bataviacsd.org/Domain/437).

Members of the BCSD Foundation Inc. will be on hand at the Union Street entrance to collect donations from those entering the stadium, located at 120 Richmond Ave. This event gives people the opportunity to not only support the foundation, but to have a part of the City of Batavia’s athletic history.

We encourage your participation and look forward to you stopping by the Daniel A. Van Detta Stadium at Woodward Field on Saturday, Oct. 13. Shovels will be available for your use.

For more information about the event, please contact Julia Rogers at foundation@bataviacsd.org. For further information on the BCSD Foundation Inc. please check out www.bataviacsd.org/Page/7364.

City fire is dispatched to Center Street, just north of Ellicott Street, for a report of wires sparking.

The 1460 Legion Riders, from Machias, stopped by the PTSD clinic at the VA Hospital in Batavia today with a $2,600 check for the clinic.

The members raised the money this year with a dice run and a 9/11 memorial service.

"We have members in the club who have PTSD and we know what they go through and we know what the other veterans go through so when we first became a club we wanted to make PTSD what our money would go to," said Director Tom Ploetz.

Danielle Bergman, assistant director at the VA in Batavia, said the money will be used for recreation therapy, such as the purchase of bikes and kayaks.

Photo: Danielle Bergman, assistant director at the VA in Batavia, Tom Ploetz, director 1460 Legion Riders, Amy Ploetz, secretary, Bob Ponton, member, David Ramsey, nurse manager for the PTSD program, Jim Perkins, treasurer, Joan Perkins, member.

Press release:

The City of Batavia is advancing the Downtown Revitalization (DRI) Initiative to create a vibrant sustainable city that is inclusive of all ages and socioeconomic situations. The $10 million DRI funding investment will be concentrated in the downtown area and eight priority projects are moving forward. The $10 million DRI will have a direct return of $60 million of private investment into the community.

"City Council has ramped up engagement of our community and businesses over the last few years with the Batavia Opportunity Area planning, the Comprehensive Plan and the DRI," said Eugene Jankowski, City of Batavia Council president. "We're now ready to move into the implementation stage with the DRI projects and onward with our vision for a better Batavia."

The Governor’s DRI competition is in the third year. The program fosters transformative projects in downtown neighborhoods. Here in Batavia eight projects were selected for funding including: the YMCA Healthy Living Campus; The Mall; Jackson Square; Ellicott Station; Carr’s; Harvester 56 Theater; a Building Improvement Fund; and Ellicott Place (Save-A-Lot building).

“Each of these projects is critical to the success of Batavia as a place that encourages arts, culture and entertainment, healthy living, and prosperity for all,” said Matt Worth, interim city manager. “The city will be working hard to execute on the Mall and Jackson Square projects and assisting the other winners in the process."

There are parts of Batavia that are designated as highly distressed with higher than average unemployment and poverty. However, the DRI, combined with the Batavia Pathway to Prosperity (BP2), a program to reinvest PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) payments from all taxing jurisdictions directly into highly distressed areas, will help to combat poverty and revitalize brownfield sites. These programs offer a long-term solution to reduce blight, build the economy, and provide prosperity for all.

The DRI project investments will bring immediate change that you will be able to see and feel within the next year to five years. Grant winners will be working with state agencies soon to enter into formal grant agreements. The Batavia Development Corporation is hopeful that the $600,000 Building Improvement Fund "applications to property owners" will be ready in the late fall.

The grant will reimburse up to 60 percent of a project, and awards will range from $10,000 to $200,000, with eligible activities including facades, window/ door repair and replacement, painting, masonry repair, awnings, building signs, exterior lighting, storefront upgrades, roofs, and interior upgrades (heating, plumbing, electrical, walls, floors).

Rachael Tabelski, director of Economic Development of the BDC said, “The BDC is excited to get moving with Building Improvement Fund grant program. As soon as the state contracts are signed we will be able to communicate the terms and application process with property owners in the BID. We will be reaching out with direct mail, email, and public meetings.”

Beth Kemp, director of the Downtown Batavia Improvement District said, “As director of the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) and having three of the City’s five brownfield sites within our downtown, we are committed to vision and strategy of making Batavia a more vibrant downtown."

Bob Bausch, chairman of the Genesee County Legislature said, “The DRI funding, combined with the other initiatives of the City and the County’s economic development agencies will continue to have long-lasting positive results for our community. The County continues to support economic development and private sector investment.”

Patrick Burk, Batavia City School Board president said, “At the school we are working hard to link kids with careers including STEM, trades, agriculture and other industries that are growing in the Finger Lakes, but we still have a dire number of students living in poverty and walking by brownfield sites every day. We understand and support the value of getting our downtown aligned as a safe friendly place for students to live and play.”

Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center, said “The Governor’s DRI competition gives Batavia an amazing opportunity to grow quickly and meet the needs and the demands that the development community will soon be putting on the city as the Western New York Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (WNY STAMP) starts its build-out. As a City of Batavia resident, I could not be more thrilled to be a part of the resurgence in Batavia and across our community. The creative class that will be attracted to WNY STAMP will demand city living with arts, culture and entertainment.”

New York State Police based out of Troop A, Zone I, conducted a Sobriety Checkpoint in the Town of Darien as well as a dedicated DWI patrol in Genesee County, Friday night Sept. 28, into Saturday morning, Sept. 29. Two people were arrested for DWI during the detail and are to appear in the Town of Darien court at a later date: Sarah E. Convis, 32, of New Woodstock; and Pamela S. Bradshaw, 46, of Pennsylvania. In addition, Daryl L. Ford, 31, of Niagara Falls, was arrested for fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana after being stopped for traffic infraction. He was also charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. He was issued an appearance ticket to return at a later date. Also, Jerard L. Cramer, 31, of Buffalo, was arrested for: felony first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation; unlawful possession of marijuana; driving without required ignition interlock device, and numerous other vehicle and traffic infractions. He was arraigned and released to appear in court at another date.

Melody J. McMaster, 47, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with trespass. At 10:15 a.m. on Sept. 23, McMaster was arrested on Harvester Avenue in the City of Batavia. She had previously been advised not to be on the property by police prior to this incident. She is due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Darryle Streeter.

Rachel Britanny Soloman, 26, of North Lake Road, Pembroke, is charged with: criminal contempt in the second degree; endangering the welfare of a child; obstruction of governmental administration in the second degree; and resisting arrest. Solomon was arrested as a result of an investigation into a reported violation of a court order. It is alleged that she violated an order of protection by being at the residence of the protected party on Meadville Road on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation at 11:15 a.m. on Sept. 29. She allegedly became uncooperative during the investigation and her actions place a child in danger. She was arrested, arraigned in Town of Alabama Court and jailed in lieu of $10,000 cash bail. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster, assisted by Deputy Jeremy McClellan.

Michael L. Jennings, 54, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with owning an unlicensed dog. He was arrested at 6:41 p.m. on Sept. 21 and issued an appearance ticket. He is due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha.

Marc C. Cook, 28, of Church Street, Basom, is charged with failure to appear. He was arrested and arraigned on Sept. 29 in Batavia City Court on two arrest warrants for failure to appear in city court. He was jailed in lieu of $1,000 cash bail or bond. He was due in city court today (Oct. 1). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Jaequele M. Tomlin, 23, of Main Street, Le Roy, and Darazian W. Williams, 25, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, are both charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Tomlin and Williams were arrested for allegedly possessing marijuana during an investigation following a traffic stop. This occurred at 6:18 p.m. on Sept. 28 on Ellicott Street in Batavia. The defendants are due in city court on Oct. 9 to answer the charge. The cases were handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

The Salvation Army is gearing up to host its 37th annual Harvest Festival Auction on Oct. 6, one of the biggest fundraisers for the Batavia branch.

All proceeds will go to support ongoing programs for youth in Batavia and Genesee County, said Captain Rachel Moore.

“When we brought the Harvest Festival back last year, we weren’t sure what to expect, but we were overwhelmed by the generosity of the Genesee County community,” said Capt. Moore, who revived the event with the help of her husband Lt. Brad Moore, volunteers and staff. “Because of the generosity of the community, businesses, individuals and donors, we were able to raise nearly $3,000 to support our ongoing programming to reach individuals and families in need.”

Several donations have already come in from local businesses for all kinds of services to be auctioned off during a live auction, including spas, auto shops, car dealerships and veterinarian offices.

“We have also received a number of gift certificates and items from businesses for our silent and live auctions,” Capt. Moore said. “The items will be a great fit if you’re looking for a gift for anyone of any age.”The event will include dinner from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. for a cost of $5, followed by the auction. All ages are welcome to attend and enjoy this family-friendly event.

Cash, charge card or check will be accepted for items bid on during the auction.

“We are so grateful for the support we have already received,” Capt. Moore said. “Participation and partnership in this festival and auction will be a wonderful opportunity to support the work of The Salvation Army and help us continue to do the most good here in Genesee County.”

Capt. Rachel and Lt. Brad Moore are hoping for a wonderful turnout of visitors to the Harvest Festival Auction and are looking for sponsorships, which range from $25 to $100. Anyone wishing to support The Salvation Army by becoming a sponsor or donating items for the auction may call 343-6284 or e-mail rachel.moore@use.salvationarmy.org.

Press release:

On Sunday, Sept. 30, at about 4 p.m., a shop lifting took place at Tops supermarket. The suspect attempted to steal 12 cases of Tide Pods. The suspect was confronted by staff, and then fled the scene on foot.

It was believed the suspect may have fled to the Tonawanda Creek bank. Genesee County Sheriff Deputy Erion and K9 Destro were requested to assist in the search. The search was unsuccessful. Attached is the best picture available at this time.

The City of Batavia is asking for the community’s help in identifying the suspect. If anyone has information please contact Officer Lawrence at (585) 345-6350.

(Initial Post)

A manhunt is underway in the city for a would-be shoplifter who fled Tops Friendly Market within the last half hour, abandoning a cart with items he allegedly intended to steal.

Customers followed him and city police joined the pursuit, which had been by South Lyons Street and wound up in the vicinity of the old sewer plant off South Main Street. 

State troopers and Sheriff's Deputy Chris Erion and canine Destro (in photo above) are also searching the area. 

The only description of the suspect at this point is that he's a white male wearing a black plaid shirt and possibly eyeglasses.

UPDATE 4:52 p.m.: The suspect is described as being in his mid-40s, balding, and also wearing jeans and white sneakers.

UPDATE 5:20 p.m.: The manhunt continues with Destro and his handler, Deputy Erion, focusing on the north side of the Tonawanda Creek.

UPDATE 6:06 p.m.: The manhunts continues, with a BOLO that's updated to say the suspect has on a red hoodie over a long-sleeved shirt, dark pants, and "bright shoes."