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'Sharrows' -- new lane markings, signs in Batavia to increase awareness of bicyclists

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release from the City of Batavia:

National and Local efforts to incorporate bicyclists in any new road project are finding their way into the City of Batavia.

“Complete Streets” is the term that is used for any street or highway, or any reconstruction of an existing highway, to consider the effect on bicyclists and pedestrians. Where possible, accommodation of these two groups should be incorporated into the project.

This has happened in the City of Batavia, where the most recent update to the City’s Comprehensive Plan encourages a “Complete Streets” approach. East Avenue and Liberty Street now have “sharrows,” or shared lane markings (SLM), meaning that the streets, which have only one travel lane in each direction, are shared with bicycles in a wide (14 feet or more) lane (see road photo).

Shared lane markings are high-visibility pavement markings that help position bicyclists within the travel lane. These markings are often used on streets where dedicated bike lanes are desirable but are not possible due to physical or other constraints.

Shared lane markings are placed in the travel lane to alert motorists of bicycle traffic, while also encouraging cyclists to ride at an appropriate distance from the “door zone” of adjacent parked cars.

If there is enough room, a separate bike lane should be marked. Dedicated bike lanes do impact the ability to accommodate on street parking and often there just isn’t enough room to accommodate them.

Further complicating the issue for bicyclists are streets where parking is allowed, as drivers often open their doors without looking for bicycles approaching from the rear. Bicyclists have been seriously injured by riding into a car door opened by a driver or rear-seat passenger without regard for bicycles.

The “sharrow” pavement markings should be supplemented with a Bicycle Warning Sign (see sign photo).

Federal and state criteria designate where the sharrows and the warning signs should and should not be used.

For bicyclists, where the sharrows are painted on the pavement, it only means that both bicycles and vehicles must use the same lane, and caution should be used by both. Vehicles should give bicyclists plenty of room when overtaking bicycles and bicyclists should realize that vehicles will be passing them.

Providing marked facilities such as shared lane markings is one way of helping to persuade residents to give bicycling a try and remind motorists that the roadway is to be shared with bicycles.

Law and Order: Oakfield teen accused of leaving accident, reporting car as stolen, giving false information

By Billie Owens

Kayla Michelle Yglesias, 19, of Fisher Road, Oakfield, is charged with: falsifying business records in the first degree; falsely reporting an incident to law enforcement in the third degree; operator leaving the scene of a property damage accident; moving from lane unsafely; unlicensed operator; and failure to report a property damage accident. At 8:50 p.m. on July 7, Yglesias was arrested after an investigation of an incident that occurred at 3:45 a.m. June 22 on Fisher Road in Oakfield. She was allegedly involved in a motor-vehicle accident in the Town of Oakfield and left the scene. She then reported the vehicle she was driving as stolen to Sheriff's deputies and falsified information on a supporting deposition. On July 3, deputies recovered the vehicle submerged in a body of water in the Town of Byron. Yglesias was issued appearance tickets and is due in Oakfield Town Court on July 29. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Investigator Christopher Parker.

Adam Michael Kreutz, 30, of Franklin Street, Batavia, is charged with falsifying business records in the first degree. He was arrested at 9:50 p.m. on July 7 after an investigation of an incident that occurred at 3:45 a.m. on June 22 on Fisher Road in Oakfield. Kreutz allegedly falsified information on a supporting deposition taken by the GC Sheriff's Office to conceal another crime that was committed. He was arraigned in Oakfield Town Court and jailed without bail. He was due to return to Oakfield court on July 8. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by  Investigator Christopher Parker.

Parker E. Payton, 20, of Pavilion, was arrested by the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office following a traffic stop on York Road in the Town of Pavilion. He is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; reckless driving; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; unlawful possession of marijuana; unlawful possession of alcohol by person under 21; possession of a fictitious driver’s license; and multiple other traffic infractions. Payton was observed driving on State Route 63 in the Town of Covington several feet into the oncoming lane while traffic was flowing in the opposite direction past his vehicle. Payton drove his vehicle onto Perry Road then turned on to York Road where deputies were able to conduct a traffic stop. Payton was found to be in underage and allegedly in possession of alcohol in plain view within his vehicle. A subsequent vehicle search found Payton to be in possession of marijuana inside a grinder, concentrated cannabis, and a forged NYS driver’s license. Payton also allegedly failed field sobriety testing and was taken into custody for DWAI Drugs. Payton was taken to the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office where a Drug Recognition Expert performed a drug influence evaluation with Payton. Payton was found to be impaired by cannabis and unable to operate a vehicle safely. Payton was released to a sober third party and scheduled to answer the charges in the Town of Covington Court on July 29.

Crash in front of Tops in Batavia

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with possibly minor injuries occurred a few minutes ago in front of Tops Market in Batavia, at Lewiston Road and West Main Street.

Town of Batavia Fire Department, law enforcement and Mercy medics responded.

City Council hears of new shared approach to reduce crime in Batavia

By Lauren Leone

Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch presented City Council with a proposed resolution Monday night for a Memorandum of Understanding among Genesee County law enforcement agencies and the Monroe Crime Analysis Center in Rochester to share information. It received strong support.

Heubusch explained to Council members that over the past few months local law enforcement has coordinated with the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services and MCAC to develop the agreement.

He said becoming a member of MCAC is the best approach to access information databases and facilitate crime response and investigation.

“What this memorandum does is it allows us to share information with Monroe Crime Analysis Center and also reap the benefits of them sharing information with us,” Heubusch said.

This new crime analysis system also comes at no cost to city taxpayers.

“Being a member of the crime analysis center in Rochester costs the city zero," Heubusch said. "It’s really about gaining that information and being able to analyze that information in a way that we can’t now."

The chief said that most of the criminal element in Batavia is connected to individuals from the City of Rochester and the Monroe County region. The MCAC memorandum will allow local police to share records with Monroe County law enforcement in real time.

The memorandum includes resources like crime monitoring and background checking information to alert law enforcement of identifying factors when pursuing suspects.

City Council members reacted favorably to the proposed resolution.

“It seems like, according to this, between the state police, the [Genesee County] Sheriff, Monroe County Sheriff and District Attorney, our District Attorney, DCJS — they’re all signed on to this," Council President Eugene Jankowski said. "It’s good to be sharing information.”

Other agencies participating in the memorandum are the Le Roy and City of Rochester police departments and the Genesee County and Monroe County probation departments.

City Manager Martin Moore wants to reduce crime and restore a sense of safety in Batavia. In June, the first Batavia Crime Task Force meeting was held so law enforcement and city leaders could talk about ways to combat crime.

“I want to thank the police department working together with the other police departments," Moore said. "This is one of the things that was brought up in our initial Crime Task Force meeting, and it’s one of the first actions that our police is working on."

The MCAC memorandum is expected to aid in identifying sources of crime, mapping incidents and arrests and following crime trends. MCAC is one of the task force’s first strides toward securing resources to prevent and deal with crime.

The proposed resolution for the memorandum will be forwarded for consideration by Council. The next City Council Conference and Business meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 12 at the City Hall Board Room, 2nd Floor, City Centre.

Information sought on person who threw kitten from car on Route 98

By Howard B. Owens

Saturday night this kitten was thrown from a red car on Route 98 near West Saile Drive.

According to the Sheriff's Office, the kitten suffered severe injuries. 

No further description of the vehicle is available but the incident was witnessed at 8:45 p.m., Saturday.

People with information that can assist the investigation are asked to call the Sheriff's Office at (585) 343-5000.

UPDATE: According to Volunteers for Animals, "Due to the severity of the injuries, the kitten was euthanized per the veterinarian's recommendations."

Batavia resident accused of selling crack cocaine

By Howard B. Owens
     William Schultz

A 45-year-old Batavia resident has been arrested and accused of selling crack cocaine on two occasions to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force.

William G. Schultz Sr., 45, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. 

Schultz was arrested on a sealed indictment warrant after appearing at the Batavia PD headquarters on an unrelated matter. 

Following his arraignment today in Genesee County Court, he was jailed without bail.

His arrest is the culmination of a six-month investigation by the task force, assisted by Batavia PD, the Sheriff's Office, and the District Attorney's Office.

GCEDC to consider incentives to assist company's $1.2 million expansion

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) will consider accepting an application for incentives from Provident Batavia LLC at the board’s July 11th meeting.

The company wants to construct a 13,000-square-foot addition to an existing 25,000-square-foot office, warehouse and distribution facility leased by SCP Pools. Provident Batavia is proposing to invest approximately $1.194 million and is seeking $156,000 in mortgage, property and sales tax exemptions. The project will retain 15 jobs.

Since the company is seeking incentives of more than $100,000, the GCEDC would schedule a public hearing if the application is accepted.

The GCEDC Board meeting will take place at its offices on 99 MedTech Drive in Batavia at 4 p.m.on Thursday, July 11th. The meeting is open to the public.

Law and Order: North Street man accused of hitting person on head with blunt object, causing injury

By Billie Owens

Brian Keith Dyer, 52, of North Street, Batavia, (inset photo, right) is charged with second-degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. Dyer was arrested on July 5 after he allegedly hit another person over the head with a blunt object, causing an injury, during an altercation at 6:07 p.m. on North Street. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail. He was due back in court today (July 8). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

O.V. Murphy, 60, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Murphy was arrested after allegedly striking another person on the front porch of his residence at 14 Highland Parkway at 5:51 p.m. on July 3. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket for July 16 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

Linda A. Snyder, 36, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Snyder was arrested after a physical altercation at 14 Highland Parkway. She allegedly struck another person while on the front porch at 5:51 p.m. on July 3. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket for July 16 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Damien Cole Clark, 18, of Lemoyne Avenue, Syracuse, is charged with second-degree harassment. On July 6, Clark was arrested at Six Flags Darien Lake Theme Park after he allegedly slapped an employee in the head. He was issued an appearance ticket for Darien Town Court and is due there on July 23. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor.

William T. Hughes, 62, no permanent address, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Hughes was arrested at 4 p.m. on July 5 on Spruce Street, Batavia, after being allegedly found in violation of an order of protection. He was located in the residence of the protected party. Hughes was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and jailed without bail. He is due in Batavia City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp.

Wesley Thigpen, 38, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 4:30 p.m. on July 7 on Vine Street in Batavia after he allegedly had unwanted contact with an individual in violation of an order of protection. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash or bond. He was due back in court this afternoon (July 8). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

Samuel N. Sciascia, 47, of Dewey Avenue, Rochester, is charged with four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, one count of criminal possession of burglar tools, and one count of criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument. He was arrested following a complaint of suspicious activity at the Tops Friendly Market parking lot on West Main Street in Le Roy. Upon arrival by a Le Roy patrol, Sciascia was allegedly found in possession of multiple different types of controlled substances along with a crack pipe and hypodermic needles and a vehicle access tool used to enter locked vehicles. He was arraigned and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of unspecified bail.

Scott D. Higgins, 38, of Ganson Avenue, Batavia is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- with a previous conviction; operting a vehicle without an ignition interlock device; DWI with a BAC of .08 or more; leaving the scene of a property damage accident; and aggravated inlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree. At 2:36 a.m. on July 6, Batavia Police responded to the area of 5 Maple St. for a truck into a utility pole that left the scene. Subsequent investigation located the vehicle and operator on Ganson Avenue and Higgins was arrested. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail. He was due back in court this afternoon (July 8). The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Jonathan Henry Cordeiro, 32, of McIntyre Road, Le Roy, is charged with: driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent or more; DWI -- first offense; expired inspection; aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree. Cordeiro was arrested at 1:33 a.m. after a traffic stop on West Main Street in Batavia. He was issued several tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on July 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Ross Miller, 59, of Rochester Street, Bergen, is charged with driving while intoxicated, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more, failure to keep right, failure to use designated lane, and illegal signal -- less than 100 feet from turn. Le Roy Police arrested Miller on July 3 after being observed allegedly operating his vehicle erratically and failing to maintain his lane of travel. A subsequent investigation allegedly found Miller to be intoxicated and he was ticketed and released.

Gregory James Savino, 36, of Oak Lane, Lockport, is charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated; DWI; moving from lane unsafely; failure to keep right; and driving left of pavement markings. At 8:58 p.m. on July 4, Savino was arrested on Alleghany Road, Alabama. He allegedly crossed the center line into oncoming traffic while traveling southbound on Route 77 in the Town of Alabama. Further investigation allegedly determined he was driving with a BAC of .18 percent or more. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Alabama Court on July 24. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.

Christine M. Wagner, 38, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with having an unlicensed dog and having an unvaccinated dog. Wagner was arrested at 6:11 p.m. on July 1 following an investigation into a dog bite complaint on Jackson Street. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on July 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Jodee M. Henderson, 34, of Broadway Road, Darien, was arrested and arraigned in Batavia City Court at 1:45 p.m. July 5 on an outstanding bench warrant. She was released on her own recognizance and is due back in court on July 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Reception this Friday for 'Declarations from the Heart' with poetry and graphic art from artists with disabilities

By Billie Owens

ARTiculations Ability Exhibition® -- a forum for artists with disabilities in Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans counties to display their work publicly -- will open at Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) in Batavia on July 12.

Titled "Declarations from the Heart," it features the poerty of Jacqueline Fields. Her poetry is being displayed with graphic art provided by the UHAA.

A product of a partnership between ILGR and the University Heights Arts Association (UHAA), the Exhibit will be on display through Sept. 30th. The Opening Reception is Friday, July 12th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at ILGR’s office 319 W. Main St. in Batavia, at the Crickler Executive Business Center (former Pepsi distribution building).

Fields will be present to share information about her work at the reception.

From the artist: "I have been writing poetry for about 41 years which started from simple rhymes I included in letters and cards to friends and family. The gift of expression, especially in the form of poetry, is one of the greatest gifts from God, because I feel that it’s the doorway to the heart and mind."

Other artists with disabilities residing in the area of Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties are encouraged to submit their work to this juried competition, as there will be additional ARTiculations® planned quarterly exhibits in the future.

Independent Living has been “art partnering” for people with disabilities with the UHAA, a group of artists in North Buffalo with a commitment to community that places art in businesses and nonprofits through an established ARTpartnering program.

The organizers are pleased to note that the ARTiculations Ability Exhibitions® have “mapped” into UHAA’s system by placing a plaque with a Quick Response (QR) code scatter bar graph that can bring up information about it when scanned by your smart phone.

For questions on the event, please call Cathy DeMare at (585) 815-8501, ext. 400.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Man jumps off River Street bridge following domestic incident

By Billie Owens

A man jumped off the bridge on River Street in the city after a domestic incident. He threatened to do so and was walking there when law enforcement was called to respond. City fire is also en route along with Mercy medics.

He was said to be wearing gray shorts.

UPDATE 6:09 p.m.: The man was just brought out of the water off the creek bank and put on a stretcher; he appears to be conscious and moving.

UPDATE 6:15 p.m.: The man didn't actually jump into the water; he jumped from the River Street bridge and landed on the creek bank -- not a far drop. He is being taken to the hospital for evaluation.

Video: The 2019 Ramble & Arts Festival

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
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The rain could only delay the 2019 Ramble & Arts Festival. It couldn't keep it from rockin'.

Bonus track: DriVen performs The Who's Baba O'Riley.

Photo: Upton Monument lit by LED

By Howard B. Owens

I stopped by the Upton Monument earlier this evening to get a picture of the 100-year-old landmark lit by the new LED system.

Ninth annual Madisonation Golf Tournament is Aug. 25, all proceeds will go to Michael Napoleone Foundation

By Billie Owens

Press release:

My name is Kevin Muckle and in 2011 I started an annual golf tournament on behalf of my daughter Madison Marie Muckle. Madison was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia cancer just after her 3rd birthday in 2010.  She fought through two and a half years of constant treatment until April of 2013 when she received her last chemotherapy treatment.

In 2018 Madison celebrated her five-year anniversary and is now considered a survivor. Madison is now a healthy, cancer free, 11 year old who wants to help others suffering from this horrible disease.

WE CALL IT MADISONATION!

Madisonation was created to raise awareness and funds for other children and families fighting their battle against cancer. Madisonation has raised more $42,000 over the last eight years for families and organizations.

This year we will be donating ALL proceeds to the Michael Napoleone Foundation. The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation was established in 2007 in memory of Michael C. Napoleone who died from Burkitts lymphoma/leukemia at the age of 6. This not-for-profit foundation was created to give back to those who are in need due to their battle against childhood cancer.

They also support research efforts in finding a cure for childhood cancer. The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation is 100 percent staffed by volunteers with NO paid positions. I know of several families that they have helped throughout the years and now Madisonation wants to help them this year, so they can continue to do all the great things in fighting childhood cancer.

Please come and join us in our fight against childhood cancer and help raise funds for such a worthy cause. Please help us on Aug. 25 for our ninth annual Madisonation "Never Give Up" Golf Tournament. The event will be held at Hickory Ridge Golf course in Holley.

It will be a four-man best ball tournament for $380 per team, which includes, 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, dinner, raffles, silent auction, hole contests and lots of fun, not to mention supporting a great cause.

Please contact Kevin Muckle at 585-300-7499 or Jen Moore at 585-300-8440 for more information or to register. Any donations can be mailed to Madisonation, P.O. Box 1810, Batavia, NY 14021.

Ramble delayed by rain, schedule remains the same

By Howard B. Owens

The annual Ramble Music and Arts Festival is delayed by rain but the show will go on, said organizer Paul Draper.

As the weather clears, bands will perform at their previously scheduled slots.  

The current storm passing through the region is expected to last two hours with rain in the forecast off and on throughout the day until 6 p.m. The Ramble will continue until 10 p.m. 

Batavia native and artist unveils 30-foot-tall mural in Buffalo this weekend

By Lauren Leone

BUFFALO -- eRic (sic) Luplow, a Batavia native and surrealist-folk “sur-folk” watercolorist, will unveil his eye-catching Yellow Dog Mural at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Elmwood Village, Buffalo.

Luplow recently completed a mural painting of a 20' x 30' angular, cube-like yellow dog on the side of the Visualeyes City optical shop building at 735 Elmwood Ave. The vibrant mural will be dedicated by Joel Feroleto, City of Buffalo common council member.

An art reception inside Visualeyes City will follow the unveiling.

To design his two-story-high image, Luplow referenced his sur-folk yellow dog painting from several years ago and worked with the dimensions of the building to recreate his piece. Over the course of four days, Luplow used a lift to outline his sketch with chalk and marker and add color to the project with wall paint.

The Yellow Dog Mural in Buffalo is his largest painting to date; his last mural is in the Valley International Airport in Harlingen, Texas.

“I’m a watercolor painter, so a mural is pretty far out there for me," Luplow said. "My biggest piece of work is usually 20 inches by 30 inches."

Luplow has had a passion for drawing and painting from a young age. He graduated from Batavia High School in 1975 and began as an electrician before pursuing his love for art.

Luplow currently resides with his wife, Peggy, in Truchas, NM, where he displays art in his gallery and paints in his trademark sur-folk style. Luplow describes sur-folk as a fusion of surrealism and folk art.

Sur-folk features vivid colors that mimic the hues and shapes found in the culture and landscapes of New Mexico. Luplow uses watercolor paints to capture his memorable experiences and personal struggles.

The watercolorist said family, friends and nationwide art collectors are traveling to Buffalo to view the mural, so he is excited to show off his artwork in the area of his upbringing for the first time.

“Everybody, whatever they do, is proud of it," Luplow said. "I’m proud of being an artist."

More of eRic Luplow’s work can be viewed at his website: www.ericluplow.com.

Photos courtesy of eRic Luplow.

Habitat for Humanity Women Build seeks community sponsors for August project

By Lauren Leone

Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County is seeking sponsorship for its next Women Build Day construction project in August.

For the first time in seven years of Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build, crucial funding for the build has been pulled since Lowe’s, the major sponsor of the build, shifted its funding to larger areas.

This loss, however, won't silence the sounds of nail pounding and wood cutting. Rather, it presents a new opportunity for community businesses and organizations to sponsor the work of the Women Build volunteers.

The upcoming build next month is an offshoot of Habitat for Humanity’s National Women Build Week in May. The weeklong event recognizes women in construction trades and encourages women to hone their construction skills while helping deserving families. 

All volunteer teams will build under the supervision of a construction leader who will assist their group throughout the workday. No prior experience is needed to volunteer for the Women Build, and equipment will be provided.

The build will occur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 3 at Northgate Free Methodist Church's South Campus, located at 350 Bank St., Batavia.

Women will work in teams to assemble walls, which will be transported to Habitat’s new construction home at 45 Clifton Ave., Batavia, at a later date. Past Women Build houses include locations on Oak Street, East Main Street and Harvester Avenue in Batavia.

The site at 45 Clifton Ave. will become home to a hard-working mother of three who is excited about the opportunity of homeownership through Habitat for Humanity’s program. Habitat hopes to raise $5,000 from now to Sept. 3 for this build. 

“As a community, we are going to raise $5,000 to make affordable homeownership a reality for [the homeowner] and her children," said Lauren Casey, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County. "And even more, on Aug. 3, nearly 60 volunteers will work to physically advance the construction of her home.” 

Businesses are encouraged to visit Habitat’s website here to donate to Women Build 2019 and support its mission to provide safe, decent and affordable housing for families in the community. Sponsors can also make gift-in-kind donations, including labor and building materials.

Habitat extends its gratitude to local businesses that support Habitat’s goals through these generous donations. Interested sponsors can contact Habitat’s office at (585) 345-1656 or email info@geneseehabitat.com to learn more about Women Build 2019.

Registration now open for HLOM History Heroes Summer Program

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Registration for the 2019 Holland Land Office Museum History Heroes Summer Program is now open.

This year our History Heroes will be “Time Traveling through History,” discovering different periods in history and their local connections.

The program will run from July 16th through July 19th, and July 23rd through July 26th from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. each day.

Activities include: historic crafts and art projects, guest presenters and reenactors, a field trip, penny carnival, and end of program performance.

The program is open to children 7 to 12 years old. The cost per day is $25 per child, and $20 for museum members, with discounts available for families with multiple participants.

For more information, please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or visit our website at www.hollandlandoffice.com.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of stealing then inhaling can of compressed air from Walmart

By Billie Owens

Carlton Lynn Beardsley, 24, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with third-degree burglary and petit larceny. On June 27, Beardsley was arrested following an investigation into an incident that occurred on June 14 at the Walmart in Batavia. He allegedly stole and inhaled an aerosol compressed air can used for cleaning electronics from Walmart, after already being banned from the store due to a previous incident. Following his arraignment in Batavia Town Court, he was jailed in lieu of $1,000 cash or $2,000 bond. He is due to return to Batavia Town Court on July 27. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Sgt. Michael Lute.

John E. Daley, 63, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of second-degree harassment -- physical contact. Daley was arrested after an altercation at 1:48 p.m. on June 29 on Bank Street. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on July 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Stacey C. McCaffery, 36, of North Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol and aggravated DWI. At 6:43 p.m. on June 30 McCaffery was arrested on the charges after allegedly operating her vehicle at a high rate of speed while being unable to maintain her lane on Route 5. She is due in Batavia City Court on July 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

Colleen M. Hutchinson, 44, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminally using drug paraphernalia and possession of a hypodermic instrument. On July 2 and 6:19 a.m., Batavia PD was dispatched to the area of Hutchins Street for a female who was reportedly "shooting up." Patrols located Hutchinson and she allegedly possessed a hypodermic instrument and two glass "crack" pipes. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on July 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

James J. Preedom, 34, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with having a controlled substance not in its original container and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Preedom was arrested after an investigation into a disturbance complaint at 11:22 p.m. on July 1 on State Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket for July 23 in Batavia City Court then released. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

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