batavia

Press release:

Tompkins Insurance Agencies has been named among the Top 100 largest independent property/casualty agency in the nation by Insurance Journal.This is Tompkins Insurance Agencies’ seventh consecutive appearance on Insurance Journal’s top 100 list, with a 2021 ranking of 87thlargest.

Agencies included on Insurance Journal’s Top 100 list are ranked by total property/casualty agency revenue for 2020 and comprises only those agencies whose business is primarily retail, not wholesale.  This year’s report was published in the August 5 issue.

Tompkins Insurance operates 18 offices in western New York, six offices in central New York, and seven offices in southeastern Pennsylvania. A part of Tompkins Financial Corporation, (trading as TMP on the NYSE - MKT), the agency is affiliated with Tompkins Bank of Castile, Tompkins Trust Company, Tompkins VIST Bank and Tompkins Financial Advisors. It is an independent insurance agency offering personal and business insurance and employee benefits services through more than 50 different companies.

Press release:

Save the date! Saturday, September 18, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, the Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Fall Garden Gala at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main Street in Batavia.

This plant sale features hardy garden perennials, most grown by Master Gardeners.  Fall is a good time to plant many perennials as there is still time for them to grow a strong root system before winter.  An interesting selection of house plants will also be available for sale.

Don’t forget to stop inside for the Chance Basket Auction.  You never know what treasures may appear, including unique garden art.  The Chance Basket Auction drawing will begin at 12:30 pm.

Learn how to artfully arrange flowers fresh from the garden as talented Master Gardeners create arrangements and bouquets right before your eyes!  These beautiful flower arrangements will be available for sale.

The Master Gardener Helpline will also be open to answer your gardening questions. Not sure what your garden pH is? Bring in a soil sample for FREE pH testing.

Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants at great prices. Arrive at 10 am for the best plant selection.  No early birds please.

Proceeds from the sale benefit the educational outreach of the Genesee County Master Gardener Program.

We will be following CDC guidance that is available at the time of the event.  Thank you for your cooperation and support!

For more information contact Jan Beglinger at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 132, or stop by the Extension office at 420 East Main Street in Batavia.  Visit our website at: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/eventsfor more information.  Like us on our Facebook page for Gala and other Master Gardener program updates: https://www.facebook.com/CCEofGenesee.

Press release:

ESL Federal Credit Union announces the launch of the ESL First-Time Homebuyer Grant, a 10-to-1 dollar-for-dollar match, up to $10,500 toward down payment and closing costs, for eligible Black and Latino residents in Greater Rochester.

According to U.S. Census data in the Hard Facts Update released in 2020 by ACT Rochester, homeownership rates among Black and Latino residents are 32 percent and 35 percent, respectively, in the Greater Rochester nine-county region. This is compared to 73 percent among white residents in the region.

“The creation of the ESL First-Time Homebuyer Grant helps in addressing the inequitable homeownership opportunities that exist in our community,” said Faheem Masood, president and CEO, ESL Federal Credit Union. “These inequitable opportunities experienced by the Black and Latino communities have existed for generations, and have stood in the way of providing these residents with access to and attainability of homeownership, the most common of wealth-building tools. Our community cannot be prosperous so long as these inequitable opportunities exist, and ESL is committed to doing our part to embedding greater equity in our community so all who call Greater Rochester home can thrive.”

The ESL First-Time Homebuyer Grant offers eligible first-time homebuyers the ability to earn $10 in grant dollars for every $1 saved over a minimum six-month savings period. The grant provides home buying educational support, a dedicated ESL Savings Account, and funds towards down payment/closing costs.

“Our goal is to make the home buying process more accessible for Black and Latino residents in our community,” said Caytie Bowser, Vice President/Director, Product Development and Management, ESL Federal Credit Union. “Closing costs and down payments are two of the biggest impediments when it comes to the homebuying process. Through this grant, we are not only able to lessen the upfront cost burden of buying a home, but ultimately set up grant participants for long-term success through first-time homebuyer education sessions and access to post-homeownership guidance.”

Grants are available annually on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible Black and Latino buyers. ESL is committed to providing 300 grants on an annual basis.

The grant funds will be made available to owner-occupied purchased properties that are located within Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties in the State of New York.

For complete details and eligibility requirements about the ESL First-Time Homebuyer Grant, visit the ESL First-Time Homebuyer Grant page on esl.org.

Richard Andrew Auguliaro, 53, of Mumford, is charged with grand larceny 4th.  On Aug. 15, the Sheriff's Office received a report of a wallet, containing a debit card, stolen from a location in Le Roy. Auguliaro was arrested and charged following an investigation by Deputy Robert Henning and Investigator Ryan DeLong.  He was released on an appearance ticket.

Michael Wesley Flint, 22, of Spring Street, Mount Morris, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Flint was allegedly found in possession of heroin at the time of his arrest on a violation of probation warrant.  Flint was issued an appearance ticket and then turned over to the Livingston County Sheriff's Office on the warrant.

Corey Amber Knapp, 19, of North Street, Medina, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Following a traffic stop at 7;23 p.m., Jan. 1, by Deputy Jacob Gauthier, Knapp, who was a back seat passenger, was allegedly found in possession of fentanyl and cocaine.

Press release:

Fresh vegetables and beautiful flowers abound right now at the City of Batavia Community Garden. In its ninth year of operation, the garden started small and has expanded each year and now has almost 50 beds available for lease.

If you’d like to learn more about it and see it first hand, the Garden Advisory Board and current gardeners are hosting an open house to take you on a tour.

Join us on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, any time between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. 

There are currently plans to expand the garden next year. There will likely be plenty of ready-to-plant raised beds available for lease at a reasonable cost. 

Master Gardeners are on hand to assist with gardening tips and tricks and pest management. Gardeners are expected to help maintain common areas if they can.

Join our Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BataviaCommunityGarden/ page or visit the City of Batavia website for further information. https://www.batavianewyork.com/community-garden

Charles M. Jackson is indicted on counts of menacing a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, four counts of reckless endangerment in the first degree, three counts of obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, two counts unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree, two counts of reckless driving, and criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree.  Jackson is accused of attempting to place, or place, a police officer in reasonable fear of physical injury or death by displaying a deadly weapon on March 21. He is accused of placing others in grave danger with depraved indifference to human life. He is accused of struggling with a police officer over a firearm placing others in danger. He is accused of placing others in danger by fleeing from a police officer in a motor vehicle and by ramming into two Genesee County patrol cars. He is accused of obstructing police officers from performing their official duties by fleeing. He is accused of possessing a forged Ohio State Driver's License.

James J. Santiago, Jr. is indicted on counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, attempted assault in the third degree, menacing in the second degree, and trespass. On May 3, Santiago allegedly possessed a knife while on Washington Avenue, Batavia, with the intent to use it against another person and that he intended to cause physical injury to another person. He is accused of threatening a person with the knife. He is also accused of entering the dwelling of another person without permission and remaining there.

Daniel J. Wolfe is indicted on counts of burglary in the second degree and two counts of criminal contempt in the second degree. Wolfe is accused of entering a dwelling with the intent of committing a crime and of violating an order of protection in the process.

Edwin L. Stancliff is indicted on counts of felony driving while intoxicated, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and criminal mischief in the third degree. Stancliff is accused of driving a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer while intoxicated on Feb. 14 in the Town of Batavia.   He is accused of intentionally damaging a glass door at State Police Troop A headquarters.

Wayne D. Potter is indicted on counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, menacing in the second degree, and assault in the second degree. On Jan. 11, at 111 Liberty St. Batavia, Potter allegedly held a knife with the intent to use it against another person. He is also accused of placing or attempting to place another person in fear of physical injury or death. On Feb. 16, Potter allegedly assaulted a person while in the Genesee County Jail.

James T. Saddler, III, is indicted on counts of assault in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon third, and two counts of harassment in the second degree. On June 24, in the Town of Batavia, Saddler allegedly used a tire iron to injury another person.  He is also accused of shoving and kicking another person.

Press release:

Richmond Memorial Library is excited to announce the return of a hallmark program, Books Sandwiched In, on Wednesdays in September. Books Sandwiched In is a book review program; each week, a speaker will review a book, followed by discussion and Q&A. 

The Books Sandwiched In committee has planned the Fall 2021 series in memory of Bob Knipe, who served on the committee for many years, presenting several times as a reviewer. Bob, a community advocate and friend to many, passed after a brief illness in February 2021. 

“One of our committee members had the idea to develop a series in Bob’s memory and we couldn’t think of a more fitting tribute,” shares Samantha Basile, Community & Adult services librarian and program coordinator. “Bob was an avid reader and a friend to the library and this community in so many ways. We feel humbled to honor him through this program that he dedicated his time and talent to over the years.”

Each session will feature a book about a topic that Bob was passionate about, presented by someone who knew him well. Selections range from a book about puns to highlight Bob’s delight in the English language, to a book about music and the brain, which encompasses his talent as a musician and love of learning.

The programs take place from 12:10 pm – 1 pm every Wednesday in September in the Gallery Room at Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St, Batavia. Refreshments will be served. You do not need to read the books in order to attend- all are welcome!

This series will include a 50/50 cash raffle at each session, with proceeds going to Bob’s family to donate to causes of their choosing in his memory.  Enter for a chance to win a door prize at each session- a copy of the 2021 Richmond Reads book, The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin! 

The line-up: 

Wednesday, September 1: Dr. Greg Van Dussen will review The Pun Also Rises: How the Humble Pun Revolutionized Language, Changed History and Made Wordplay More Than Some Antics by John Pollack. 

Wednesday, September 8: Tammy Hathaway will review Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant. 

Wednesday, September 15: David Blake will review Death is but a Dream: Finding Hope and Meaning at Life’s Endby Dr. Christopher Kerr.

Wednesday, September 22: Barbara Meyer will review Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain by Oliver Sacks.

Wednesday, September 29: Jay Gsell will review Saving America: 7 Steps to Make Government Deliver Great Results by Mark Aesch.

Books Sandwiched In is generously sponsored by the Friends of Richmond Memorial Library.

Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross St in the City of Batavia. Find us online at batavialibrary.org. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Office Kevin Defelice at (585) 345-6350.

Two people from Rochester were arrested in the City of Batavia on suspicion of selling crack cocaine, powder cocaine, fentanyl, suboxone, and amphetamines.

Germayne D."Case" Session, 27, of Carl Street, is charged with six counts criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, three counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 5th, and two counts of criminally using drug paraphernalia 2nd.

Sylvia Perez, 60, of Carl Street, is charged with four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 5th, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, and two counts of criminally using drug paraphernalia 2nd.

Members of the Local Drug Task Force made controlled purchases of suspected narcotics from Session and Perez. As a result, a search warrant was obtained and executed yesterday at a location not disclosed by the Sheriff's Office.  

Besides the drugs, investigators also reportedly found a digital scale and packaging material.  Perez was also allegedly found in possession of a stun gun.

The defendants were arraigned in City Court on the charges.  Bail was set for Session of $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond.  Session was also held in the Genesee County Jail on a parole warrant.  Perez was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

The Task Force was assisted by Batavia PD, Sheriff's deputies, NYS Parole, and the District Attorney's Office.

Click here to view our open positions!

Bryan Lewis Fitts, 32, of Chestnut Ridge, Gasport, is charged with criminal possession of narcotics with intent to sell and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. Fitts was allegedly found in possession of a sufficient amount of narcotics and controlled substances to suggest he intended to sell the illicit drugs after being ejected from the Luke Bryan concert at Darien Lake at 9:23 p.m., Saturday.  Deputy Jeremy McClellan reportedly spotted baggies of drugs hanging out of his socks.  He was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court and released.

Aaron J. McFollins, 42, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd. At 1:18 a.m., June 4, McFollins is accused of throwing a chair at a woman causing an injury.  He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.

Aaron J. McFollins, 42, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny 4th, identity left 3rd, and petit larceny. McFollins is accused of taking and using another person's credit card.  McFollins was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Larry Kennedy, 43, of Eastbrooke Lane, Greece, is charged with felony DWI, unlicensed operation, driving outside restrictions, driving without an ignition interlock device, and aggravated unlicensed operation. Kennedy was arrested by Batavia PD following an investigation into a suspicious condition at an undisclosed location on Aug. 8. He was released on his own recognizance.

Matthew Oppel, 34, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, driving while using a portable electronic device, running a red light, and failure to keep right. Oppel on July 31 for an alleged incident at 7:37 p.m., March 20. Oppel was reportedly involved in a property damage accident on Main Street, Batavia. Following an investigation, Oppel was accused of driving while under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Laura R. Mroz, 32, of Chandler Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Mroz is accused of pushing another person on Aug. 7 at an undisclosed location.  Morz was issued an appearance ticket.

John K. Hobbs, 33, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with menacing 3rd.  Hobbs allegedly threatened a woman and put her in fear of physical injury during an incident reported at 6 a.m., Aug. 13.  Hobbs was released on his own recognizance.

William G. Horner, 70, of Batavia, is charged with assault with intent to cause physical injury with a weapon, and Wendy L. Henry, 36, of Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd/injuring victim 65 or older.  Horner and Henry were arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 8:39 a.m., Aug. 11, in the Town of Batavia. No further information was released. Horner was ordered held in jail and Henry was released on her own recognizance.

Jessica R. Parker-Sharkey, 28, of Rochester, is charged with criminal impersonation, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, and driving with a suspended registration. Parker-Sharkey was arrested by a trooper in connection with an incident at 3:20 p.m., Aug. 12.  No further information was released.  She was released on an appearance ticket.

Tyler J. Gasiorek, 27, of Cheektowaga, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Gasiorek was stopped at 3:47 p.m., Saturday, in Bergen by a state trooper. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Patrick J. Reiner, 49, of Corfu, is charged with felony DWI and felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Reiner was stopped by a trooper at 12:01, Sunday, in the Town of Pembroke. He was released on an appearance ticket.

David B. Kenjockety, 44, of Lockport, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Kenjockety was stopped by a trooper at 8:50 p.m., Aug. 13, in the Town of Darien. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Deborah M. Kreienberg, 62, of Pittsford, is charged with felony DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Kreienberg was stopped by a trooper at 2:19 p.m., Aug. 13, in the Town of Bergen. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Sue Chiddy was honored Saturday as the 2020 Friend of the Year by the Friends of the Richmond Memorial Library and Jerianne Barnes was honored for 2021 in a COVID-delayed celebration at the library.

Chiddy moved to Batavia in 1982 and learned about the Richmond Library by taking her five children there. A retired teacher, she has worked at GCC and has been involved in the planning and organizing of "The Tale of Three Counties," is on the Books Sandwiched in committee, helping bring in speakers, and she is part of the library reading group. She is also a member of the Richmond reads program. She enjoys gardening and has helped in the upkeep of the Library garden.

"I have enjoyed all of the opportunities the library has afforded us. It's been my pleasure to bring books and exciting new programs to the community of Batavia."

Barnes got her first paid library job at Prendergast Public Library in Jamestown, NY in 1956.  Jerianne and her husband Larry along with their young daughter arrived in Batavia in 1968.   In 1975, she received a Masters in Library Science from the University at Buffalo. She served as a school librarian and media specialist. Her volunteer work at Richmond has focused on reference, local history, and genealogy.  She also delivers books for the Library Visits program.

"Working here is a labor of love," Barnes says. "This is the icing on the cake, it's sweet and I am grateful."

Photos and information by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

Group photo: Jessica Ecock Rotundo/VP Board of Directors, Bob Conrad/Library Director, Sue Chiddy, Jerianne Barnes, and Kathy Zipkin/Pres. Friends of the Richmond Library

Genesee County ABATE members held a fundraising drive today to benefit the fallen officers memorial at the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on Park Road in Batavia.

The group's goal is to raise money for a more substantial memorial rather than the metal signs currently commemorating officers who died in the line of duty.

About fifty riders participated in the run.

Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

Top photo: Frank Gallo VP/ABATE, Tim Johnson.Pres./ABATE, John Peck, and Sheriff William Sheron.

Anyone 60  years or older and income-eligible can receive a Famers Market coupon booklet from the Office for the Aging.

The booklets are available at 2 BAnk St., Batavia, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Income guidelines:

• One person in the household, $1,986 monthly
• Two people, $2,686 monthly
• Three people, $3,386 monthly

The Niagara County Sheriff's Office said this morning that John Kindig, 63, of Batavia, has succumbed to injuries he sustained in a single-vehicle accident at 11:47 p.m. on Chestnut Ridge Road in Lockport.

Kindig's car struck at the residence with three people inside the home.  None of the residents were injured but a deputy did need to extricate one person from a bedroom.

Previously: Batavia man seriously injured in accident in Lockport