batavia

The  First Presbyterian Church hosted its 14th Annual Worldwide Christmas Fair today, featuring artisans and vendors selling locally made items.

The Zonta clubs of Batavia and Genesee County sponsored Holiday Festival today featuring artisans and vendors at Batavia Downs.

An accident with entrapment is reported at Downey Road and Galloway Road, Batavia.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 2:40 p.m.: Two people transported to the hospital.

Helene Biandudi, a host on WXXI's "Need to Know" program and producer of an upcoming documentary on clothing, "The Empty Hanger," visited Genesee Community College's fashion program yesterday.

Her visit including filming for her documentary.

From the film's description: 

The Empty Hanger is a human interest news project revealing the stories, the people, and the history behind the clothes we wear. The series explores how dress not only impacts culture and everyday life, but can also be used as a tool for social change.

We didn't catch the location, but this is interesting: A Batavia police officer was dispatched to deal with a loose dog and he now reports that the dog is not letting him out of his patrol vehicle.

A backup unit is dispatched to help deal with the shepherd-white pit bull mix, which is deaf.

Today, we stopped by the Batavia VA Center and the Jerome Center for Veterans Day observances.

Officers Marc Lawrence and James Defreze prepare coffee during a Coffee with Cops event hosted by Batavia PD this morning at Tim Hortons.

Micheal S. Lytle, 27, and Sarah P. Lytle, 33, both of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, are charged with charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 4th. The couple is accused of using a stolen debit card to make several purchases totaling $790 on Oct. 11 and then making another $74 in purchases on Oct. 12.

Jordan Deskins, 19, of County House Road, Albion, is charged with petit larceny. Deskins is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Ajia Rae Hasenauer, 23, of Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and falsifying business records, 1st. Hasenauer is accused of taking cash from a friend to register that friend at a hotel, then not registering that friend's name and placing the cash in the till.

Alexander Edwin Dills, 26, of Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, no front plate and uninspected motor vehicle. Dills was stopped at 11:41 a.m. Wednesday on Route 77, Corfu, by Deputy Chris Parker. During the traffic stop, Dills was allegedly found to possess two smoking pipes with marijuana, a marijuana grinder, a marijuana cigar and paper containing approximately four ounces of marijuana.

Kari W. Adams II, 32, of Covington Road, Leicester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding. Adams was stopped at 5:12 a.m. Wednesday on Route 63, Pavilion, by Deputy Jeremy McClellan.

Leonard E. Aguayo, 29, of Affinity Lane, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and speeding. Aguayo was stopped at 3 p.m. Tuesday on Route 33, Byron, by Deputy Kevin Forsyth. Upon investigation, Aguayo was allegedly found to have 12 failures to appear on traffic citations from seven different dates. Based on the alleged detection of the odor of marijuana, Aguayo consented to a search of his vehicle and was allegedly found in possession of marijuana. Aguayo was jailed on $500 bail.

Craig L. Fien Jr., 44, of Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny and resisting arrest. Fien is accused of stealing a microwave oven and vacuum cleaner from Target. When confronted by Target security, Fien allegedly push passed security personnel and attempted to flee the premises. Fien was apprehended by an off-duty police officer who detained him until troopers arrived. He was jailed on $300 bail.

A structure fire is reported in the second-story apartment at 226 Ellicott St. Fire could be seen from the window. City fire command reports bulk of fire is knocked down, checking for extensions. Elba's rescue unit was called to respond as was Alexander's Fast Team but both services were canceled. Town of Batavia is asked to stand by in quarters.

UPDATE 12:15 a.m.: Fire is out. Town of Batavia released from standby.

UPDATE 6:28 a.m.: Press release:

On Friday, Nov. 10, at 11:49 p.m., the City of Batavia Fire Department was called for a report of smoke and fire coming from a second-story window at 226 Ellicott St., City of Batavia. Upon arrival at 11:52 p.m., firefighters found fire coming from a second-story window of a two-story, wood frame structure. The first story houses a hair salon and the second story is a single-family apartment. Firefighters forced the second-story door and made a quick interior attack of the fire with a handline. The fire was contained to the room of origin and called under control a 12:15 a.m. There was no one home at the time of the fire. The two residents that reside there are being assisted by the Red Cross. The City of Batavia Fire Department was assisted by the Alexander Fire Department, Elba Fire Department, Town of Batavia Fire Department, Genesee County Emergency Management Office, and the City of Batavia Police Department. The fire remains under investigation by the City of Batavia Fire Department. 

Press release:

On Tuesday, Nov. 22, the Genesee County STOP-DWI Advisory Board will sponsor its inaugural STOP-DWI Awards Luncheon at Terry Hills Restaurant & Banquet Facility. Seven young people from districts in the county will be honored for their commitment to the community for entering the Board’s STOP-DWI Poster Contest. There are First-, Second- and Third-place winners in two grade categories, six through eighth and nine through 12, as well as a Grand Prize Winner. Additionally, the luncheon will recognize two Top Cop Awards and a Coordinator’s Award.

The Following Young people will be recognized for their STOP DWI poster submissions: sixth- through eighth-grade winners; Jessica Andrade, Isabella Biviano, Taylor Hutton and Grace Shepard. The ninth- through 12th-grade winners are Isabella Riner and Morgan Harrington. The Grand Prize Winner whose artwork will appear on two billboards in Genesee County in November is Kallie Totten, an eighth-grader from Elba Central School.

Batavia Police Officer Matthew J. Wojtaszczyk and Genesee County Sheriff Deputy Rich Schildwaster are receiving the Top Cop Award for going above and beyond with DWI arrests during a 12-month time period. They are also being honored for their dedication to keeping our community safe. Genesee County Sheriff Gary Maha is receiving the Coordinator’s Award for his outstanding commitment to our community for the last 49 years.

Registration and refreshments will begin at 11:30 a.m. The program and luncheon will begin at noon. Seating is limited. If you are interested in attending the luncheon, contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau at (585) 344-3960 no later than Nov. 15th.

Students from all of the high schools in Genesee County were provided a 20x32-inch canvas by Batavia's Original with an invitation to paint their school's mascot. The winning team -- the art class from Oakfield-Alabama -- received a pizza party.

The artwork will be displayed inside of the restaurant. 

Pictured above are: Haily Davis, Olivia Carroll, Hope Kollarik, Mrs. Leah Peca, Emily Staniszewski, Makayla Hichey and Lakin Woodward.

Photos and information provided by General Manager Kathy Ferrara.

Two people are in custody and two more men are at large as the result of a reported home-invasion attack on residents at their Central Avenue home in the City of Batavia.

The alleged attack occurred at about 11 p.m., Oct. 28. and involved several people and resulted in at least two people being treated and released at the hospital.

According to witness statements obtained by The Batavian, several family members and a friend were at the residence on Central Avenue when they heard a knock on the door. 

When one of the residents answered the door, four men rushed in and started hitting one of the men in the home.

All four men were later identified to police by the victims. One claimed to have been stabbed several years ago by one of the suspects.

The suspects scattered when one of the victims grabbed a bat from the kitchen and began striking the back of one of the suspects.

According to Det. Eric Hill, the suspects were armed. He did not say what the weapons were, except to say the suspects did not have guns.

Taken into custody were Daniel J. Gilbert, 25, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, and Marquis K. Saddler, 26, of West Bergen Road, Le Roy. Both are charged with first-degree burglary and second-degree assault.

Still at large are Oliver Thomas (second photo) and Adante Davis (top photo). The police are seeking the public's assistance in locating Thomas and Davis. Investigators have obtained warrants for their arrests.

When the suspects fled, at least two family members jumped into a vehicle and began to drive. The witness statements are a little unclear about the intention of the family members or they offer contradicting statements about what happened next.

The car struck either a moving vehicle or a vehicle parked in the middle of Central Avenue. 

After the collision, one of the suspects, who may have been talking with somebody in the vehicle, was hit by the family member's car. He was treated and released for injuries sustained in the collision.

Hill also confirmed that Batavia PD is investigating another home invasion crime reported Nov. 3 on Vernon Avenue. Hill said there is no evidence at this time that the two incidents are related. He said that investigation is still pending and he couldn't provide further information.

Police are asking that anyone with information on the whereabouts of Thomas and/or Davis to contact Batavia PD at (585) 345-6350.

Dawn M. Piasta, 61, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. Piasta was arrested on a sealed indictment. She is accused of selling crack cocaine to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force while in the City of Batavia. She was held on the warrant pending arraignment in Genesee County Court.

Jessica R. Reddy, 24, of McVean Road, Darien, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. Reddy is accused of selling hydrocodone to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force while in the Town of Pembroke and in the Town of Alexander. Reddy was held pending arraignment in Genesee County Court.

Michael A. Saeli, 47, of Scribner Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 3rd, and unlawful growing of cannabis. Saeli is accused of having 87 marijuana plants growing on his property with an aggregate weight of more than eight ounces. He was issued an appearance ticket.

The Memphis Belle, a New York State Police rescue helicopter, was in Batavia today for a short training session with City of Batavia firefighters in the parking lot next to Falleti Ice Arena. The training, which did not include any flying, covered the apparatus on the helicopter and how it worked and how the helicopter was used in various rescue scenarios.  

The helicopter crew is Trooper Jamie Schweiger and Trooper Adam Marciniak (top photo, left and center). Dan Cordell, a Department of Environmental Conservation forest ranger, is a trained crew chief, and he was also on hand to talk about his role in rescues. A crew chief directs much of the operations during a rescue.

A possible fire on a school bus is reported at the gas station at 8204 Park Road, Batavia.

The passengers, if any, are off the bus.

Town of Batavia fire responding.

There were four people in line at the polling station on Evans Street, inside the Fire Hall, before the polls even opened at 6 a.m., this morning.

Within minutes of the polls opening, another five or six voters showed up.

Local officials are expecting a record-level turnout for this election, driven mainly by a highly contentious presidential election fronted by major-party candidates who are polarizing on both sides -- Hillary Clinton, the first woman who is a major party nominee, and Donald Trump, a celebrity and real estate mogul.

There are other contested offices on the ballot, including U.S. Senator, State Senator and Batavia City Council.

Laurie Thomas was the first voter at the Fire Hall this morning and we asked her why this election was important to her.

"I think it’s probably the most important election in my lifetime," Thomas said. "You know, people look at the economy and say it’s good and they have to be blind. That’s one reason I’m voting for somebody who has taken a business and built it up and knows a thing or two about the economy."

It's been a long, bruising campaign and some people have been saying they're happy that it's over, but Thomas said she doesn't necessarily feel that way.

"I’m excited about this election," Thomas said. "I voted for Trump. I think there’s going to be a sweep for him. There are people out there who are really mad with the government we have and when you look at Hillary and see the corruption and the lying. I would much rather have somebody who is a little crude, OK. My dad was crude, but he was a great guy. I would much rather have that than somebody who just puts everything in the dark and you never see anything until somebody digs it up."

UPDATE 9:17 a.m.: Turnout has been strong and steady throughout the county this morning, according to an elections official. There was one glitch. A vote scanning machine in Bethany malfunctioned. It was quickly replaced.

Press release:

On Tuesday, Nov. 8th beginning at approximately 10 a.m. the City of Batavia Fire Department and the New York State Police Aviation Unit will be conducting training in the area of Evans Street. During this training residents can expect to see and hear a low-flying helicopter in the area.

Press release:

Our 2017 Season will kick off with our Annual Gala on Jan. 7th and include many tremendous performances and interesting works by a varied list of playwrights and musicians. Plays and musicals will include classic literature, Shakespeare and timeless upbeat performances, thus the seasonal theme of “Astonishment, Disbelief & Disclosure.”

This year’s productions range from traditional to avant-garde looks at familiar and not so familiar performances, throwing in a dash of the bizarre and horror and ending with a holiday tradition. Sure to please our theater audiences and provide a comprehensive theatrical experience for all. 

Annual Gala - Une Nuit Blanch A’ Paris (A White Night in Paris) -- Saturday, Jan.  7^th @ 7:30 p.m.

This French-themed evening will pay homage to a traditional Parisian event. White dress, white lights, white decorations and all underlined by flowing champagne, basket raffles and our Annual Harvester 56 Theater Performance Awards and our most memorable performances. A sure not to miss event as we kick off the 2017 Season and celebrate the amazing 2016 Season! 

On Broadway 8 – The Magic Kingdom on Broadway – Feb. 10^th, 11^th, 17^th & 18^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – Feb. 12^th @ 2 p.m. – Directed by Amanda Melissa Taylor & Kathy White.

Sure to be a huge hit and a tremendous family event, as special performances loved by all come from that Magical Kingdom to our stage. The combination of new songs and longtime favorites are brought alive with colorful costumes, dance and song. Expertly directed by Amanda Melissa Taylor & musically directed by Kathy White, this is sure to be a great spirited start to our 2017 Season.

This Ain’t Your Mamma’s Shakespeare  – March 10^th & 11^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – March 13^th @ 2 p.m. – Produced by E. Jane Burk and directed by Susan Buckley, Joan Cirillo & Michele Stamp.

An irreverent look at the English Bard and his works by contemporary authors which include William Shakespeare having inspiring dreams, a community theater’s disaster with the play Hamlet and a college themed farce the night before a very special exam. Full of fun, fantasy and colorful characters, this is a great way to enjoy the themes and of Shakespeare while getting quite a few laughs.

William Shakespeare’s Hamlet – April 21^st, 22^nd, 28^th & 29^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – April 23^rd @ 2 p.m. – directed by E. Jane Burk & assisted by Michele Stamp – Shakespeare in Springtime Production.

The perils, clashes and revenge of the young Danish Prince Hamlet as he tries to avenge his father’s murder and subsequent marriage of his mother to his uncle, the play explodes on stage with all the drama of Shakespearean tragedy.  Acutely directed and conceived by E. Jane Burk, this study into love, tragedy, revenge, madness and terror is sure to be incredible.

The Last Five Years  – May 12^th & 13^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – May 14^th @ 2 p.m.  -- Produced by Kathy White & directed and starring Amy Martin and Joe Kusmierczak in this very special performance.

You are sure to enjoy Jason Robert Brown’s musical experience in the life of a five-year relationship from the beginning to the end. This compelling award-winning musical is told in the unique aspect of an aspiring young actress and a novelist meet, fall in and out of love. The actress’ story is told in reverse narrative from the end of the relationship to the beginning and the novelist’s story from the beginning to the end.  Only once do the characters interact in a poignant wedding scene. This is a truly amazing musical offering.

Grey Gardens – June 9^th, 10^th, 16^th & 17^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – June 11^th @ 2 p.m. – Produced, designed and directed by Patrick D. Burk with musical direction by Kathy White. 

Based on the Documentary of the same name, this is a compelling look at the lives of Edith Ewing Bovier Beale and her daughter Edith Bouvier Beale, aunt and first cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.  Once the bright lights of East Hampton, Long Island society, this musical delves into the complicated dynamics of this unique and tragic mother/daughter relationship as they diminish from the rich and polished society lovelies to their isolated and demented lives. Written by Doug Wright with Music written by Scott Frankel and Lyrics by Michael Korie this production is set at their palatial estate Grey Gardens as it too declines into disarray.

Kids Camp Presents -- A Midsummer’s Night Eve – July 21^st & 22^nd @ 7:30 p.m. – Kids Camp runs from July 10^th -  22^nd with this musical rendition of Shakespeare’s classic as the culmination of a fantastic program.

Led by trained and knowledgeable staff, our theater opens its doors to the 12 and under crowd to experience all aspects of theater work from conception to design.  This year’s program is a fun curriculum that will expand the experiences of the young actor and musician.  Included will be voice, dance, movement, design and acting.  Auditions will be held for the roles in the performance and campers will work to perfect their final performance for the public.  Lauded as “one of the best summer experiences around,” this summer staple of the Harvester 56 Theater will once again be supervised by Wendy Williams, Education Director & Musical Director, Kathy White. Camp spots are limited so watch for auditions and signs ups on our website.

21^st Summer Youth Theater - FAME – The Musical – August 11^th, 12^th, 18^th & 19^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – Aug. 13^th @ 2 p.m.  Directed by Patrick D. Burk and musical direction by Kathy White. 

This high-energy musical based on the 1980’s television show was conceived and developed by David De Silva.  Book by Jose’ Fernandez, Lyrics by Jacques Levi and Music by Steve Margoshes.  Set in the famed School of the Performing Arts in New York City, this production looks at the highs and lows of the education and training aspect of a career in the arts.  Packed with memorable songs and amazing dance numbers, Fame will become a theatrical highlight for all to see.  Directed by Patrick D. Burk and Musically Directed by Kathy White along with a solid number of professionals, this will make our 21^st Summer Youth Theater, a huge success.  A must see for the entire family this show is jam-packed with great characters and tremendous performances.  

The Laramie Project – Sept. 15^th & 16^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance Sept. 17^th @ 2 p.m.
Directed by Norm Argulski as a special 2017 Tribute Performance of this moving American masterpiece.

The Laramie Project is a true American masterpiece that abruptly and pointedly takes on the horrors of prejudice and the tribute of love and resolution. Written by Moises Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project, this play explores the aftermath of the torture and murder of a gay University of Wyoming student, Matthew Shepard, in 1998.  This memorable and moving piece of American theater is sure to be a sober and reflective piece in our theater season. Expertly directed by Norm Argulski, who appeared in the first Laramie Project performance in Batavia, this indeed is a Tribute Performance and a very special offering this year.

Frankenstein the Musical – Nov. 3^rd, 4^th, 10^th & 11^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance Nov. 5^th @ 2 p.m. Produced, directed  & designed by Patrick D. Burk and musically directed by Kathy White.

Mary Shelley’s classic story comes to life at the Harvester 56 Theater stage with a tremendous score and soaring musical numbers. Set in Europe and the Arctic in the late 1790s this spectacle of the stage, with music by Mark Baron and book and lyrics by Jeffrey Jackson was originally adapted by Gary P. Cohen. Painstakingly performed and adapted for our stage, the audience will be immersed in the horror, madness and tragedy that Shelley put on the pages of her most famous novel. Enter the world of Frankenstein as he creates his creature and realizes the impact this has on his family and all mankind. 

Whispers in the Snow – Dec. 15^th & 16^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance Dec. 17^th @ 2 p.m.
Written, designed and directed by Patrick D. Burk and musically directed by Kathy White.

Our magical year ends with an astonishing look at the Christmas Season. This production, written by Patrick D. Burk includes this area’s brightest and best performers, our younger artists as well as dance and song to tell a poignant tale of Christmas, community and love. It is a companion piece to last year’s The Christmas Gift. Full of the awe and wonder of the Holiday Season, Whispers in the Snow will be the performance that will put you in the spirit of joy and giving. It is indeed a wonderful and colorful way to end our 2017 Season, perfect for the entire family and kids of all ages.