batavia

Marlarie Joanne Smart, 37, of Pembroke, and Melani Lynn Maloney, 43, of Pembroke, are both charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. Smart and Maloney, sisters, are accused of working together to steal $112.90 in merchandise from Walmart by "skip scanning" while checking out.  Both were issued appearance tickets.

Joni Marie Johnson, 49, of Millicent Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with resisting arrest and petit larceny. Johnson is accused of stealing merchandise from Dick's Sporting Goods at 6:20 p.m. on Oct. 4. She was held pending arraignment.

Timothy Dennis Clark, 54, of Charwood Circle, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. Clark is accused of working with another person to steal merchandise from Dollar General on Townline Road, Byron at 9:26 p.m. on Sept. 30. Also charged, Ryan Michael Bobzin, 35, of West Bergen Road, Bergen.

Oliver Thomas, 33, of Elba, is charged with DWI, driving on a restricted license, following too close, and consumption of alcohol in motor vehicle. Thomas was stopped at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 2 on Route 63 in Batavia by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell. 

Edward Micahel Gorski, 42, of Genesee Street, Pembroke, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Gorski is accused of violating a stay-away order by going to the protected party's residence in Pembroke at 6:21 p.m. on Oct. 3.

John Robert Kormos, 55, of Parma, Ohio, is charged with DWI, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, and moving from lane unsafely.  Kormos was stopped at 9:24 p.m. on Oct. 5 on Oak Orchard Road, Elba, by Deputy Zachary Hoy.

Morris Marquis Taylor, 34, West Barre Road, Albion, is charged with felony DWI, speeding, and drinking alcohol or using cannabis in a motor vehicle. Taylor was topped at 2:34 a.m. on Oct. 6 on West Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Jacob Kipler. He was held pending arraignment.

Press release:

The Batavia Boys Varsity Soccer team triumphed over Midlakes/Red Jacket with a decisive 7-1 victory on Saturday evening at Van Detta Stadium. 

This match was part of Batavia's Super Soccer Saturday event, which featured boys and girls JV and Varsity games, an alumni match, and senior recognition. 

The standout performance was particularly meaningful as all five senior players—Jeremiah Childs (#15), Will Fulton (#6), Trevor Tryon (#8), Gavynn Trippany (#3), and Matt Wittmeyer (#7)—each scored. Additionally, Troy Hawley (#5) contributed a goal and assists came from Devin Hughes (#20), Trey Tryon (#16), and Troy Hawley (#5).

Press Release:

Every year the City of Batavia Fire Department spreads the word in town, and throughout our schools and community about fire prevention.

Fire Prevention week is observed each year during the week of October 9 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871. This horrific fire killed more than 250 people and destroyed more than 17,400 structures leaving more than 100,000 people homeless.

This year the City of Batavia Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — The official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 100 years — to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Smoke alarms: make them work for you”. 

This year’s focus on working smoke alarms comes in response to NFPA data, which shows that the majority of U.S. home fire deaths continue to occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, but they have to be working in order to deliver the needed protection. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign reinforces the critical importance of smoke alarms and what’s needed to install, test, and maintain them properly.

Having working smoke alarms in the home reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent). 

However, roughly three out of five fire deaths occur in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. More than one-third (38 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present. 

People tend to remove smoke alarm batteries or dismantle them altogether when they don’t know how to fix the issue. These actions put them at serious risk in the event of a home fire. 

The City of Batavia Fire Department encourages all residents to embrace the 2023 Fire Prevention Week theme. “Smoke alarms: make them work for you”.

The City of Batavia Fire Department wants to share the following safety messages that support this year’s theme:

1. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
2. Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
3. Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
4. Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or don’t respond when tested.

For City residents: to setup an appointment to install a free smoke detector or battery please contact Fire Headquarters at 585-345-6375.

To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” visit fpw.org. Additional Fire Prevention Week resources for children, caregivers, and educators can be found at sparky.org and sparkyschoolhouse.org.

The City of Batavia Fire Department is hosting a series of events in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week; including stops at Batavia schools, housing units, and the library. 

Press Release:

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce its next History Story Time. Since our last History Storytime last month, Anne Marie Starowitz will be back on October 26!

Starowitz will be doing the theme Halloween and Fall Treats from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to sign your kids or grandchildren up! It is sure to be spooktacular! Admission is $5 for non-members and $3 for members!

On Saturday, the Business Improvement District hosted its annual Fall Wine Walk in Downtown Batavia.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Harvester Center’s east side business incubator was bustling at one point about a year ago -- with three new food places, a children's entertainment venue and a community workout place -- marked now by vacancies.

Vianiliz “Vee” Echevarria Rivera and her mother, Elizabeth, had brought authentic Puerto Rican food to Batavia with Linda Borinqueña, which meant “a beautiful Puerto Rico,” a takeout restaurant, alongside entrepreneur Rob Credi’s Xavmen Ramen takeout place and adjacent to Windy Brew, a second location for the craft brewer based in Strykersville.

Linda Borinqueña and Xavmen Ramen were housed under the umbrella of The Crapshoot Kitchen & Commissary, a culinary space available for rent owned by Credi. Although all three places were as ideally situated as can be in that monstrous building — street level — one by one they each have closed, or are soon to be closing. 

Credi owns the popular Pub Coffee Hub down on the north end of the street, and The Crapshoot Commissary, a space for rent by small food business owners looking to open a takeout restaurant and/or a food truck delivery or catering business, toward the south. He is also business manager for the future Shush Wine Bar LLC on Jackson Street in downtown Batavia. 

Rivera took the opportunity to follow her dream for awhile with the Puerto Rican takeout place, and received rave reviews upon opening, she said, but eventually opted to close it down. Anyone who has ever owned and operated a food business will tell you that it becomes a 24/7 grind that requires staff, time and energy to maintain.

Although Windy Brew opened its doors in August 2023 with “pride and excitement about the future,” a more recent decision was made, the owners said on their social media site.

“While feedback and reviews from the community were strong from the start, it was a challenge to gain a foothold and draw in the volume of patronage that is necessary to sustain a business. That is why we have made the difficult decision to close Windy Brew Batavia. Our last day of operation will be October 13th,” the post stated.

Those three businesses, plus House of Bounce and The Brick, which each moved (The Brick is now Flex Space) to downtown locations this year, have left gaps at Harvester Center.

A Harvester tenant said that the site at 56 Harvester Ave. is also missing a property manager, since he is no longer serving in that position. 

Press Release:

The YWCA of Genesee County is thrilled to announce the addition of four outstanding women to its Board of Directors, marking a full board of 13 members. Each of these new members brings a wealth of experience in empowering individuals and serving the community. 

Georganne Elia, Board Chair, emphasized the significance of the new members’ backgrounds, "Each of these women brings a unique skill set rooted in empowering others and raising up those in need. From advocacy and justice to supporting vulnerable populations, their collective experience aligns perfectly with the YWCA’s mission. We are excited to have them join us as we continue making an impact in the community." 

Diana Prinzi, Program Coordinator for Genesee Justice, has an extensive background in law enforcement, victim advocacy, and working with diverse populations. 

Prinzi expressed her enthusiasm for joining the board, stating, “With my background in law enforcement, victim advocacy, and diverse populations, I feel I can be a valuable asset to being a part of the solution. In my daily work, I strive to empower and strengthen women through obtaining justice. I welcome the opportunity to join this group and continue making a difference.”

Anneliese Aliasso (Anni), who joined DelPlato Casey Law Firm in June, focuses on transactional real estate and estate planning. She is passionate about diversity certification applications, including the Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise Program, and is eager to contribute to the YWCA of Genesee County.

"I am deeply committed to giving back to the community and helping women in need. Joining the YWCA Board gives me the chance to extend my efforts to uplift and support women facing challenges. I look forward to making a meaningful impact," Aliasso said.

Marianne Lampart (Mare), Vice President of Residential Services for Lifetime Assistance, Inc., has dedicated 27 years to supporting individuals through her work. 

Lampart says, “The most rewarding part of my career is the amazing people we support daily. Supporting, encouraging, assisting, and loving these exceptional people is the reason why I started in this field. I will never forget why I am still here — it’s all about them.” 

Mare’s dedication to supporting vulnerable populations emulates the YWCA’s vision and purpose, and her passion for advocacy will be an asset in advancing the organization's goals.

Sandy Wojtaszczyk, recently retired after 25 years in social services, spent the last 15 years as the supervisor of Child Protective Services. She brings extensive experience in child welfare and family advocacy to the YWCA board. 

"Throughout my career, I've seen the impact that community support can have on individuals and families. I am deeply passionate about helping others and am committed to giving back to the community that has given so much to me. Joining the YWCA Board is an incredible opportunity to continue making a difference in people's lives," Wojtaszczyk said.

These four women complete a full board of directors for the YWCA of Genesee County, joining a dynamic leadership team that includes:

• Georganne Elia, Board Chair, Community Integration Specialist for Lifetime Assistance, Inc.
• Emily Marling, Vice President, Certified Financial Planner for Merrill Lynch
• Lauren Casey, Treasurer, Financial Assistant for the Genesee County Economic Development Center
• Dr. Emily Fraser-Branche, Pediatrician and Practice Owner for Three Little Birds Pediatrics
• Cassandre DiPiazza, Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Veterans Health Administration
• Laurie Pfaff, Senior Manager of Marketing Support for Liberty Pumps 
• Lisa Smith, Senior Employment and Training Counselor for Genesee County Job Development Bureau
• Ashlee Reigle, Human Resources Manager for Liberty Pumps
• Anita Strollo, Coordinator for Genesee County Business Education Alliance

"We are honored to welcome these talented women to our board," said Jamie Rada, Executive Director of YWCA of Genesee County. "Their dedication to empowering individuals and advocating for justice echoes our agencies purpose and mission. Their collective experience will help drive our organization forward in creating a stronger and more inclusive community."

For more information about the YWCA of Genesee County and its services, please visit www.ywcagenesee.org or contact us at 585-343-5808 or ywca@ywcagenesee.org.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Genesee County will hold its Annual Meeting and Recognition Dinner on Tuesday, October 29, at 5 p.m. at Terry Hills Restaurant, 5122 Clinton Street Rd., Batavia.

CCE of Genesee County cordially invites you to join us for dinner and help us recognize our Volunteer of the Year recipients.

Cornell Cooperative Extension friends, volunteers, and members of the community are welcome to attend.

Please register by October 21st by visiting our website or contacting Yvonne Peck at dp3@cornell.edu or 585-343-3040 Ext. 123.

Matthew R. Taylor, 41, of Batavia, is charged with assault 1st, robbery 1st, and menacing 3rd. Taylor is accused of engaging in violence with another person on East Main Street on Sept. 22. He is accused of demanding money and causing serious injury to the other person. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed.

Jeffrey A. Tyler, no age provided, of Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, criminal possession of stolen property, and multiple traffic offenses. Tyler was stopped at 12:17 p.m. on Sept. 6 by Officer T.J. Mummery of Le Roy PD. During an investigation, Mummery determined Tyler was a convicted felon and was allegedly in possession of an unregistered handgun, which was also loaded. Tyler was reportedly towing a trailer that contained a stolen ATV. Tyler was held pending arraignment.

Sugeiry Vazquez, 35, of Otis Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful fleeing from a police officer in a motor vehicle 3rd, reckless endangerment 1st, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, unlicensed drive, and speeding. Deputy Alexander Hadsall initiated a pursuit of a vehicle on Route 20 in Darien at 10:40 a.m. on Sept. 24 after learning that a vehicle had fled a T.J. Maxx in Erie County after the theft of clothing items. Hadsall attempted to stop the vehicle but the vehicle did not yield to emergency lights. The pursuit continued into the town of Byron, where it crashed into the front lawn of a residence. The occupants fled on foot and were later located in a cornfield by the Sheriff's Office K-9. The driver of the vehicle was arrested. Vazquez was arraigned and released under supervision.

Christina L. Riley, 36, of Batavia, is charged with attempted robbery 3rd, grand larceny 4th, endangering the welfare of a child, and harassment 2nd. Riley is accused of fighting with another person on Sept. 21 at an unreleased location and of attempting to steal that person's child while several children were present. Raily was arraigned and released.

Jennifer A. Schellerer, 38, of Batavia, and Dennis J. Williamson, 42, of Rome, are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. Schellerer and Williamson were arrested on Sept. 20 after police received a report of two people passed out in a car at the Mobile gas station on East Main Street, Batavia. They were allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine. Williamson was also charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th for allegedly possessing a stolen license plate. They were issued appearance tickets.

Michael J. Holler, 38, of Rochester, was arrested on a warrant on Sept. 22. Holler was initially arrested on a charge of petit larceny on Sept. 18. He allegedly failed to appear in court as ordered. He was arraigned and released. 

Gracien R. Ibambasi, 30, of Batavia, is charged with menacing 3rd and endangering the welfare of a child. Ibambasi is accused of threatening another person in the presence of two children. He was arrested on Sept. 22, arraigned in City Court and released.

Phillip P. Heale, 41, of Batavia, and Jessica D. Delcour, 41, of Batavia, are charged with petit larceny. Heale and Delcour are accused of shoplifting at Aldi in Batavia on Sept. 14. Based on an investigation, they were charged with a second count of petit larceny. They are accused of shoplifting on Aug. 8 at the same store. They were issued an appearance ticket.

Patrick O. Spikes, 43, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Spikes is accused of hitting another person during an argument on Central Avenue on Sept. 17. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jennifer L. Stack, 38, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. She was arrested on an arrest warrant on Sept. 13. She was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine during a traffic stop on Jan. 18. She was arraigned and released.

Cylie Rose Gebo, 27, of Macedon Center Road, Palmyra, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th.  Gebo was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine and a pipe by Deputy Robert Henning at 8:25 a.m. on Sept. 26 on West Bergen Road, Bergen. She was issued an appearance ticket.

David Allen Leach, 30, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with assault 3rd. Leach is accused of attacking two people during an argument at 10:19 p.m. on Sept. 25, at a location on Main Road, Pembroke. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and held pending arraignment.

Joseph Allen Hogan, 56, of Prairie Trail, West Henrietta, is charged with petit larceny. Hogan was arrested on Sept. 25, accused of stealing $494 from another person at Batavia Downs at 1:04 a.m. on Sept. 17. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Zachary James Pernick, 26, of Paradise Lane, Tonawanda, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Pernick is accused of damaging a wall inside Batavia Downs at 2:31 a.m. on Sept. 28. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Shaunda Lee Hill, 35, of South Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. Hill is accused of shoplifting at Walmart at 4:41 on Sept. 27. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Devin Ralph Zortman, 25, of Highland Avenue, McKees Rocks, Pa., is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or more, failure to signal, and drinking alcohol or consuming cannabis in a motor vehicle. Zortman was stopped at 12:29 on Sept. 29 on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, by Deputy Mason Schultz. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Christopher James Johnston, 48, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th.  The details of the alleged incident where not released other than it was reported 12:54 p.m. on Oct. 1. Johnston was held pending arraignment.

Press Release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department released a new technology to assist in emergencies back in 2022. In honor of Fire Prevention, which starts in October, we are working to add more participants in our free Community Connect application. This application is focused on protecting residents and their property in the most effective way possible during an incident or major disaster. 

Community Connect is a secure, easy to use platform that allows residents to share critical information about their household in order to aid first responders and emergency service personnel to respond more efficiently and effectively; ultimately resulting in better incident outcomes.  

In addition to the residential portal, Community Connect also helps business owners and managers keep people at their commercial properties safe by giving First Responders access to critical documents such as evacuation procedures, occupant rosters, hazardous material lists and more. 

Additionally, designated contacts at properties that joined the program will receive immediate alerts via text message when First Responders are dispatched to the building address or home. 

Community Connect is completely voluntary and residents are individually able to decide which information they are comfortable sharing. Residents simply create a profile and enter critical property and occupant information which is then made available to public safety agencies at the time of dispatch.

Data provided by residents within Community Connect is 100% secure and is used only for the purpose of better serving the resident during emergency situations. 

To learn more about the program and to create your profile, please visit City of Batavia Community Connect.

About First Due:

First Due is on a mission to end first responder and citizen injuries due to a lack of information. First Due is focused on providing solutions for fire and EMS agencies and the communities they serve, all with the goal of ensuring optimal preparedness for disaster situations.

About City of Batavia Fire Department:

The City of Batavia's Fire Department is ready to respond to emergency calls 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. In addition to fire suppression and emergency medical services, the Department also provides first responder EMT-Defibrillator training services, hazardous materials response and several technical rescue services. At any hour of the day, City of Batavia firefighters can be found at the City's fire station cleaning and maintaining the City's investment in emergency apparatus, conducting training exercises, assisting citizens and/or visitors, performing preplans, conducting public education classes, commercial fire safety inspections and multi-dwelling inspections, or a number of other activities that enhance the public’s safety. 

For any questions related to the Community Connect program, please reach out to Jeff Whitcombe, Lieutenant at 585-345-6375 or jwhitcombe@batavianewyork.com

Press Release:

The Genesee County Board of Elections is offering residents a local registration opportunity to ensure they are prepared for the upcoming election. On Saturday, October 5, from 2 - 9 p.m., the Board of Elections office in County Building 1 at 15 Main St., Batavia, will be open for residents to register to vote or apply for an absentee ballot.

This extended weekend schedule provides a convenient time for residents to take care of their election-related needs. Please note that only the West Entrance of County Building 1 will be accessible. This entrance is off the central courtyard between County Building One and the Old Courthouse. Look for the “1999” next to the door.

In addition, the Board of Elections would like to inform voters in the Town of Bergen of a change to their polling location. On Election Day, November 5, voters who previously voted at Bergen Town Hall will now cast their ballots at the Gillam Grant Community Center, located at 6966 W. Bergen Rd., Bergen, directly across from the school.

For more information or questions about registration, absentee ballots, or polling locations, please contact the Genesee County Board of Elections at (585) 815-7804.

Press Release:

Richmond Reads presents programs in advance of author visit The Richmond Memorial Library is excited to announce a slate of events in advance of the 2024 Richmond Reads author visit on Thursday, October 24.

Richmond Reads is a community one-book program designed specifically for the Richmond Memorial Library community. The goal of the program is for the community to join together in reading the chosen title, and then to participate in subsequent discussions and programs.

This year’s Richmond Reads selection is The Last Ranger by Peter Heller. Published in July of 2023, The Last Ranger is described as “a lush and vivid mystery set in Yellowstone National Park where a skirmish between a local hunter and a wolf biologist turns violent, and a park ranger, facing his own personal demons, sets out to determine what really happened.” (publisher description)

Heller is the best-selling author of The Guide, The River, Celine, The Painter, and The Dog Stars, which has been published in twenty-two languages. Heller is also the author of four nonfiction books, including Kook: What Surfing Taught Me About Love, Life, and Catching the Perfect Wave, which was awarded the National Outdoor Book Award. He holds an MFA in poetry and fiction from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and lives in Denver, Colorado. 

Peter Heller will visit the Richmond Memorial Library at 7 pm on Thursday, October 24. He will give a talk, reading, and sign books. There is no registration for this event, but space is limited and will be first come, first served.

Copies of The Last Ranger are available for sale at the front desk at RML for $20 (hardcover) and $15 (paperback). Several of Heller’s other books are also available for sale for $15. Books will be for sale the night of the author visit.

The Richmond Reads committee is pleased to offer several other programs leading up to the author visit:

Wednesday, October 2 at 7 p.m.: Join the International Wolf Center for their “Wolves at Our Door” program on Zoom. Register at batavialibrary.org/calendar 

Monday, October 7 at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday, October 9 at 9:30 a.m.: Community Book Discussions. Join us to discuss The Last Ranger. Copies are available to borrow or purchase at the library. The only requirement to attend is to read the book!

Thursday, October 10 at 6 pm: Movie Screenings at RML: Richmond Reads Edition- Join us to watch the first episode of Ken Burns’ documentary The National Parks: America’s Best Idea as we learn about the advent and history of America’s National Parks. Refreshments served. 120 minutes, rated TV-G.

Richmond Reads Review Contest: Write a review of The Last Ranger for a chance to win dinner with Peter Heller and the Richmond Reads committee on Thursday, October 24, courtesy of the Friends of the Library! Contest closes on October 16 at 5 pm. All information, contest rules and entry form are available at the library or at batavialibrary.org/richmond-reads.

For more information, visit batavialibrary.org/richmond-reads.

Richmond Reads is sponsored by the Richmond Memorial Library and The Friends of Richmond Memorial Library with special sponsorship from the Alfred C. O’Connell Library at GCC.

After the dust settled — or seemingly so — since articles had been published about alleged sexual abuse by well-known Batavia pastor Marty Macdonald, his attorney sent letters of cease and desist to at least three people and/or websites involved in disseminating information related to the allegations.

Dee Parsons, editor for The Wartburg Watch, published an article on her website on Sept. 13 about Melissa Hobson’s allegations that Macdonald had groomed and sexually abused her from the age of 12 to 18. Todd Wilhelm has frequently commented on the Wartburg site and on X, formerly known as Twitter. Each of them received a letter.

Paul Doyle, pastor of Cornerstone Church in Batavia, also received one, regarding “Defamation Claim of Pastor Martin Macdonald and The City Church.” His letter demanded that he “immediately retract statements” that he made via posted videos on the Cornerstone Church website from the pulpit on Sept. 15, and on Rumble.com.

The letter further demands that Doyle cease and desist from further publishing of any disparaging or defamatory statements about Macdonald or City Church. 

“Please be aware that failure to immediately comply with this demand will result (in) legal action against you,” states Attorney Anjan Ganguly.

Not only has that not stopped Doyle, but it fueled him to record a 15-minute video — something he said he was  “compelled” to do to address the subject of his statements and emulate the Apostle Paul, who spoke up when he saw wrongdoing (per 1 Corinthians:5), he said.

“If you know me at all when I know I’m speaking the truth and people tell me to be silent, I double down,” Doyle said. “I don’t fear that letter. I have nothing to hide, but I do have things to expose. Marty, you were the one from the pulpit who said you never had the opportunity to defend yourself, so if you want to make this a legal case, it will allow you to defend yourself."

He “officially” called for Marty and his son Ryan Macdonald to step down as pastors of City Church and be replaced with someone else by the church leadership. Doyle specifically speaks to Marty, Ryan and Marty’s wife, Patti. He makes his claims again that the senior Macdonald sexually abused Hobson and chides Ryan for, while on the pulpit, speaking as if “this is a nuisance of a story … that this little pest of a story is raising its head again.”

“You have inherited your father’s deception,” he said. “I consider all of you complicit. How do you preach a gospel of repentance when you don’t repent?”

He went on to offer his definition of sexual abuse while describing the details given by Hobson about her encounters with Macdonald. He doesn’t want her to go through any more turmoil, he said, and since Macdonald has not come forward with any admission, “you have left me no other choice but to take the lead on this,” Doyle said.

“When I see leaders not doing the right thing, I am compelled to speak up,” he said, naming other prominent pastors. “I am going to call out the apostles in this region. Let the light shed on this darkness. I’m going to shine the light on it.”

Doyle’s message apparently isn’t about forgiveness — he and Hobson’s family have already forgiven Macdonald, he said — it’s about protocol in the church.

“There’s a process,” he said. “I don’t see anything that says the end justifies the means.”

Doyle gave the Macdonalds 48 hours to respond to his video or he was going to release it to the public, which he did on Friday, Sept. 27. He ends it with a plea.

“I implore you, please do the right thing so that forgiveness, restoration and healing can come,” he said.

The Batavian asked Ryan Macdonald for comment about the video, and he referred to attorney Anjan Ganguly, who has been representing Marty Macdonald and The City Church. 

Ganguly sent a statement that reiterates Marty Macdonald’s denial of having sexually abused Melissa Hobson, emphasizing that he is “dumbfounded by Pastor Paul’s most recent accusations,” especially given that Doyle and his wife have had social outings with Macdonald and his wife in recent years when no such conversation came up.

The statement also includes a video of when Ryan Macdonald was installed as a senior pastor at City Church two years ago, and Doyle was part of the ceremony, even participating in the blessing.

“If Pastor Paul knew about this alleged problem for decades, why would he support Pastor Ryan’s installation as senior pastor?” it states. “Why is he now calling for his resignation?”

As to the underlying allegations, "history simply does not bear them out," according to the statement. "Pastor Paul suggests that he was aware of the alleged acts at the time they were happening. But, Pastor Marty would point to the fact that years later Ms. Hobson invited him to officiate her wedding, which he did. This simply does not square with the allegations Pastor Doyle is putting forth."

The Batavian was not able to substantiate the claim that Macdonald officiated Hobson's wedding; however, she was married in 1992, at least eight years before revealing the alleged abuse to her parents and attempting to deal with the aftermath of her emotional turmoil.

“Pastor Marty, Pastor Ryan, and the entire leadership of The City Church stand with survivors of sexual abuse. They unequivocally condemn the abuse of children, and consider such acts to be an abominable sin,” it states. “The City Church never has and never will willfully disregard such reprehensible acts by its pastors, staff, volunteers, or members.”

For a full copy of the statement and to view the video of Ryan Macdonald's installation as senior pastor, click here.

Previously: Batavia pastor denies allegations of sexual abuse as his name disappears from church website

Press Release:

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its Guest Speaker Series on Wednesday, October 9 at 7 p.m. Thomas Reigstad will be presenting his new book, "The Illustrated Mark Twain and the Buffalo Express," which was just published in February. 

The book collects ten entertaining feature stories published by Mark Twain in the Buffalo Express of 1869 and 1870, accompanied by illustrations drawn by six artists over nearly 115 years alongside my commentary. There are drawings by Twain himself, by his contemporaries John Harrison Mills and True Williams, by Calvin and Hobbes cartoonist Bill Watterson, and by Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonists Tom Toles and Adam Zyglis. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend. 

"This project is made possible with funds from the statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!"

Join the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Trivia Night @ the Museum on Thursday, October 10 at 7 p.m. This month's trivia will be at GO Art! located at 201 E. Main St. Batavia. You can enjoy a drink there at Tavern 2.o.1. Looking back at Black Tuesday in 1929, our topic will be the Roaring Twenties. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its Guest Speaker Series on Tuesday, October 29 at 7 p.m. Museum Director Ryan Duffy will be sharing the details of the most momentous day in the history of the Holland Land Office Museum, "Land Office Day: October 13, 1894." 

On that day, thousands flocked to Batavia, including members of the Presidential Cabinet, to witness the dedication of the Holland Land Office as a museum under the ownership of the Holland Purchase Historical Society. Our history has now stretched 130 years this year and still going strong. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

"This project is made possible with funds from the statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!"

On October 19, at the Holland Land Office Museum at 11 a.m. our Curator Tyler Angora will present on Victorian Mourning practices. Learn how, during the 19th century, death and mourning practices became huge traditions and practiced by many! Admission is $5 for non-members and $3 for members, contact the museum if you are interested in attending!

The Holland Land Office is proud to announce the next edition of our Java with Joe E. series on Thursday, October 24 at 9 a.m. This month we welcome James Morasco and Bart Dentino as they perform, "Vincenzo's Dream: The True Story of One Family’s Journey From Italy to America Through the Generations." Admission is free with coffee and cookies. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

“By the time of Vincenzo’s death in 1983 he had seen and experienced, among other things, the use of the automobile as it replaced the horse and buggy. Modern medicine. WWI, The Great Depression, WWII, and the Vietnam conflict. And although he did not believe it to be real, he watched TV as Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon." 

Using poetry, song, and storytelling Jim and Bart share an intimate and profound tale that to this day, continues to unfold. Listen as Vincenzo’s story is weaved, connecting the threads of time to produce the fabric for each generation that follows. Thank you to Pub Hub Coffee for their sponsorship of Java with Joe E. for 2024.