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Grand jury indicts man on four felony counts for allegedly selling cocaine

By Billie Owens

Adam M. Brodie is indicted by the Genesee County Grand Jury for the criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, which is a Class B felony. He is accused of knowingly and unlawfully selling cocaine on Oct. 18 at 67 Main St. in Le Roy.

In count two of the indictment, Brodie is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, for allegedly possessing cocaine with the intent to sell it.

In count three of the indictment, he is accused of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, for allegedly selling cocaine on Oct. 23 at 67 Main St. in Le Roy.

In count four of the indictment, he is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, for allegedly possessing cocaine with the intent to sell it on Oct. 23.

UPDATE: Since this post, the Sheriff's Office has put out a press release on Brodie's arrest. Brodie, 29, of West Bergen Road, Le Roy, was arrested as the result of an investigation by the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force. Following arraignment in County Court, he was jailed on $7,500 bail.

Distraught man and law enforcement in standoff on Bank Street Road

By Billie Owens

A distraught man inside a house on Bank Street Road is threatening to harm himself and he reportedly has a pistol. Law enforcement is on scene and traffic is being stopped at East Saile and Bank, and at R. Stephen Hawley Drive and Bank. He was on the phone with a counselor, but now is not answering the phone.

UPDATE 4:40 p.m.: An adjacent house is ordered to be evacuated.

UPDATE 4:42 p.m.: The occupants of the adjacent house have left. A state investigator is talking with the original caller to dispatch about this incident to try and glean more information. A nearby church is going to be checked and if anyone is there, they will be told to leave.

UPDATE 4:46 p.m.: Mercy medics are told to go to Bank Street Road and Hawley Drive in case they are needed.

UPDATE 4:48 p.m.: A responder who checked out the church says it appears to be sealed up and no one is there.

UPDATE 4:52 p.m.: At the scene: "We've got him coming to the front door. ... we made contact briefly. He went back inside the front door."

UPDATE 4:54 p.m.: Parents of children in a nearby daycare center are informed that when picking up their kids, they must travel via the city northward to the daycare facility.

UPDATE 4:56 p.m.: The man is in custody. The Emergency Response Team is cancelled.

UPDATE 4:59 p.m.: The adjacent residents are being called and told they can return home. The road is reopened. "The daycare knows what's going on and they're all set."

UPDATE 5:05 p.m.: Responders are back in service.

Batavia woman arrested today for alleged welfare fraud

By Billie Owens

Sarah Elmore, 31, of 8146 Bank Street Road, Batavia, was arrested today and charged with six felony counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree and one count of petit larceny following an investigation by the Genesee County Department of Social Services.

The charges were filed after an investigation revealed that Elmore submitted various forms to the Genesee County Department of Social Services on which she allegedly concealed the fact that she was working as a self-employed personal care aide and earning income from her business.

Elmore is accused of receiving Food Stamp benefits totaling $686 and Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits totaling $75 between January and December 2011 to which she was not entitled. Elmore was arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department and issued an appearance ticket to appear in Batavia Town Court on April 11 to answer to the charges.

Anyone wishing to report suspected cases of welfare fraud in Genesee County can contact the Genesee County Department of Social Services at (585) 344-2580, ext. 6417 or ext. 6416. All calls are confidential.

Big rig and car collide on eastbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A semi-truck and car collision is reported on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 386. Possible serious injuries. Mercy Flight is on ground standby. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 10:47 a.m.: The car is well off the roadway. Traffic is not blocked. State Police on scene requesting the fire department to cancel its response. A dispatcher notes "that's interesting." Fire command orders all units to continue to the scene.

UPDATE 10:50 p.m.: The car is in the center median.

UPDATE 10:56 a.m.: The truck driver is OK and so is his truck, except for some damage to the tires.

UPDATE 11:05 a.m.: The driver of the car is a 41-year-old female who did not sustain serious injuries. She is being transported to UMMC with chest pain.

Driver backs into closed garage, can't get out of the car

By Billie Owens

A driver backed into a closed garage at 39 Clinton St. and is not injured, but is unable to get out of the car. City firefighters are responding along with Mercy medics as a precaution.

UPDATE 10:44 a.m.: There is serious structural damage. A code enforcement officer is en route. A second vehicle, which was already parked in the garage, is also damaged.

UPDATE 10:53 a.m.: Code enforcement is on scene.

UPDATE 10:54 a.m.: Mercy medics are back in service. The patient was a sign-off.

Missing Batavia teen found safe and brought home

By Billie Owens

From Batavia Police Det. Richard Schauf:

Missing 13-year-old Chelsea Darnley Emondt-Fauel was located in the City of Niagara Falls. She has been returned to her guardian safely. Thank you to all agencies that assisted in her location and safe return.

Muckdogs announce new birthday perk for fans

By Billie Owens

Seeking to reward their fans, the Batavia Muckdogs have announced that they will be partnering with HULEDET in order to give local fans a free ticket for their birthday.

HULEDET (http://www.huledet.com/), a one-year old company based in New York City, partners with local and national companies to enable them to reward their loyal customers on their birthdays, and to bring in new customers with the incentive of a birthday perk.

As fans enter Muckdogs home games this season, they will be given the opportunity to register to receive the birthday gift by simply providing their name, e-mail address, birth month and day, and zip code. When the first day of their birthday month comes, they’ll receive an email from HULEDET giving them a free ticket to use during their birthday month.

Fans with birthdays during the off season need not worry – they’ll get their gift from the team on their half birthday.

Says Muckdogs’ General Manager Travis Sick, “We are thrilled to introduce this new birthday perk for our fans. We believe everyone should get a gift for their birthday and this is our way of helping our fans celebrate their special day with the Muckdogs. In our mind, there is no better place to spend your birthday then at a baseball game on a beautiful summer day.”

The Muckdogs are one of 21 minor league baseball teams who will be working with HULEDET during the 2013 Season. Says HULEDET founder Michael Frankel, “We have seen great success with HULEDET at local restaurants and businesses, and we are excited to work with the Muckdogs as we bring HULEDET gifts to sports fans around the country this spring.”

Fans may join the Batavia Muckdogs birthday list online as well at http://www.HULEDET.com/BataviaMuckdogs

For more information from HULEDET, contact Michael Frankel at mfrankel@HULEDET.com or by calling 866.612.0719. Contact for the Muckdogs is General Manager Travis Sick at tsick@muckdogs.com or by calling 343.5454.

Batavia native graduates from Valencia College Criminal Justice Institute

By Billie Owens

Batavia native Nathaniel Mullen graduated on Feb. 25, 2013 from the Valencia College Criminal Justice Institute located at Orlando, Fla. Nathaniel is employed as a Deputy Sheriff for the Orange County, Fla., Sheriff's Department.

Nathaniel is the son of  Eugene and Leanne Jankowski, of Batavia, and Ronald and Rene Mullen, of Oakfield. As a second-generation member of law enforcement, Lt. Eugene Jankowski of the Batavia Police Department pinned on Nathaniel's badge during the graduation ceremony.

Nathaniel is a 2007 graduate of Notre Dame High School; 2011 graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University; 2013 graduate of Valencia College Criminal Justice Institute; and he also serves as 1st lieutenant in the Army.

Local historical agencies present History Open House at CGG on Saturday

By Billie Owens

Genesee County Federation of Historical Agencies

History Open House -   April 6th at GCC  10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Every half hour there will be a live presentation which includes music and fashion show (War of 1812 and Civil War uniforms). These are free, family friendly presentations. Following the presentations, representatives will be present to answer questions and show artifacts. Tables will be set up in the forum with displays and artifacts.

Door prizes will be awarded every 15 minutes!

Historical presentations and information as follows:

Presentations

10 a.m.          GCC Glee Club “Here Comes Treble”  (Welcoming)

10:30 a.m.      GCC – Civil War Initiative by Derek Maxfield

11 a.m.           Tonawanda Reservation Mini History by Terry Abrams        

11:30 a.m.       Ely Parker by Holland Purchase Historical Society

 NOON            Peace Garden

1 p.m.              Military Historical Outfit review – War of 1812 & Civil War

1:30 p.m.         Kellogg Company, Genesee County Militia – Militia in 1812

2 p.m.             Genesee Area Genealogists – Tracing Your Family History     

2:30 p.m.        Stafford Historical Society – Red Ware

CTE students inducted into National Tech Honor Society

By Billie Owens

Press release:

In March, the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) Chapters inducted 119 Career and Technical students from the Charles G. May Center and Batavia Campus. Evening candlelight ceremonies took place at the May Center and Elba High School.

These students met a rigorous criteria set forth by this national organization. The minimum grade-point average for acceptance is a 3.0. Students are also selected based upon credit hours completed, attendance, volunteer service, and membership in other student organizations.

Honorary memberships were presented to Michael Glover, Ph.D., district superintendent of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, and David O’Geen, Precision Machining instructor at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center.

Batavia Career and Technical Education Center

Alexander

William Burke                         Metal Trades

Miriah Gaudy                          Metal Trades

Christina Haniszewski            Health Careers Academy

Donald Ohlson                       Electronics & Comp Tech

Fleur Remington                    Legal Careers Academy

Matthew Szymanski               Metal Trades

Brittany Taylor                        Legal Careers Academy

 

Attica

Ashley Brotherton                  Health Careers Academy

Aleiah Brunner                       Animal Science

Nathan Burry                         Building Trades

Mitchell Cayea                       Metal Trades

Amber Holley                         Criminal Justice

Kellee Kibler                          Health Careers Academy

Angela LePrell                       Health Careers Academy

Nicole Strauchen                   Health Careers Academy

Batavia

Tyler Kuhn                             Conservation

Rebecca Meloon                   Cosmetology

Miranda Reed                       Animal Science

Louis Scafetta                       Building Trades

Ashley Stachowski                Animal Science

McKenzie Stevens                Legal Careers Academy

Byron Bergen

Nicole Fore                            Health Careers Academy

Kara Hall                                Health Careers Academy

Andrew McKenrick                 Conservation

Blake Snyder                         Conservation

Alexandra Walker                   Health Careers Academy

Caledonia Mumford

Devan Ayers                          Metal Trades

Andrew Carpino                     Auto Technology NATEF

Nichole Essig                         Health Careers Academy

Brittany Kerr                           Animal Science

Cody McGinnis                       Metal Trades

Ryan Sickles                          Metal Trades

Elba

Viviana Gaytan                      Human Services

Le Roy

Alexandra Beswick                Computer Information Academy

Christopher DeFelice             Legal Careers Academy

Emily Morrill                           Health Dimensions

Verneda Peete                       Legal Careers Academy

Brittany Shultz                       Culinary Arts

Oakfield Alabama

Brian Borkholder                    Electronics & Comp Tech

Paige Chatt                            Legal Careers Academy

Chelsea Cleveland                 Health Careers Academy

Brittany Denton                      Health Careers Academy

Jenifer Igoe                            Health Careers Academy

Casey McVay                         Computer Information Academy

Brennan Neidrauer                 Metal Trades

Sadie Schultz                         Legal Careers Academy

Haley Woodrich                      Human Services

Pavilion

Nicole Forti                             Health Careers Academy

Heather Yuhnke                     Cosmetology

Pembroke

Mitchell Allen                          Auto Technology NATEF

Kari Ammon                           Health Careers Academy

Nick Blackwell                        Graphic Arts

Austin Blaszak                       Graphic Arts

Brooke Keller                         Cosmetology

Tyler Lang                              Conservation

RSVP by April 5 for YWCA fashion show and luncheon - 'In Tune with Fashion'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The opportunity to enjoy it all at The YES! Cafe with Genesee Community College Fashion students, ARC Culinary Arts folks, upbeat tunes and your own coworkers, friends and family!

So spread the word -- "In Tune With Fashion" is happening from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9 at YWCA, 301 North St., Batavia.

Meal includes veggie or meat panini, salad, sweet and russett potato wedges, lemon cake, beverage. Cost is $10.

For more information or to reserve your seat by April 5th call (585) 343-5808.

Four local students made the dean's list at Rensselaer Polytechnic University

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Students have been named to the dean's list at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for the Fall 2012 semester. The dean's list recognizes full-time students who maintain grade-point averages of a minimum of 3.0 out of a possible 4.0 and have no grades below "C."

The following four students were granted an achievement for earning a spot on the dean's list at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute:

Austin Kubiniec, of Batavia

Robert Hoy, of Batavia

Tyler Murtha, of East Bethany

Rosalie Mortellaro, of Elba

Rensselaer is America's oldest technological research university, offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in architecture, engineering, information technology and Web science, management, the sciences, and the humanities, arts, and social sciences. Rensselaer offers more than 145 programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.

Students are encouraged to work in interdisciplinary programs that allow them to combine scholarly work from several departments or schools. The university provides rigorous, engaging, interactive learning environments and campus-wide opportunities for leadership, collaboration and creativity.

Car strikes pole to avoid oncoming vehicle on Reuben Road

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident is reported in the area of 7556 Reuben Road. There are no injuries. It's at a sharp curve, west of the Totem Pole store. Reportedly, a female driver was forced off the road and her car struck a pole to avoid another vehicle that was driving directly in her path. The road is going to be closed by the Totem Pole and at Bloomingdale Road. There are vehicles on both sides of the roadway and traffic is blocked. Alabama Fire Department, with a medic on board, is responding along with law enforcement.

UPDATE 2:13 p.m.: Both vehicles are being towed. Alabama is back in service. The roadway is being reopened.

Car crash with injuries on Maltby Road, Oakfield

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported in the area of 3396 Maltby Road. Oakfield Fire Department and Mercy Medic #2 are responding. The location is between Fox and North Pearl roads. Fire police are also en route.

UPDATE 9:03 p.m.: There is one vehicle, which is at the side of the road, and one victim. The location is just west of Fox Road.

UPDATE 9:21 p.m.: The female driver is conscious and alert. Her vehicle struck a power pole but did not cause serious damage to it. National Grid is notified. A flatbed tow truck is called to the scene.

UPDATE 9:25 p.m.: The patient is being taken by ambulance to Erie County Medical Center.

UPDATE 9:30 p.m.: The Oakfield assignment is back in service.

Muckdogs announce new reading program for youth

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs announced Thursday a new reading program, designed to promote reading amongst the youth of local communities.

Along with the help of Smoke Free NOW, 2013 will mark the first year of the “HIT THE BOOKS with the Batavia Muckdogs” reading program.

As part of this program, the Muckdogs have provided various schools and libraries across local counties with customized bookmarks. On the back of these bookmarks, children can have a parent, guardian, teacher, or librarian initial each time they complete a book.

When a child completes 10 books, they can redeem the bookmark at the Dwyer Stadium box office for a FREE TICKET to any Sunday-Thursday (excluding July 3rd) Batavia Muckdogs’ game!

If a child reads 20 books, they will be entered into a drawing to win autographed memorabilia, opportunities to throw out a first pitch at a Muckdogs game and other great prizes.

Bookmarks will be made available to children at the following local libraries:

  • Richmond Library (Batavia)
  • Lee-Whedon Memorial Library (Medina)
  • Byron-Bergen Public Library
  • Stevens Memorial Community Library (Attica)
  • Haxton Memorial Library (Oakfield)
  • Perry Public Library
  • Holley Community Free Library
  • Hoag Library (Albion)
  • Pavilion Public Library
  • Warsaw Public Library
  • Woodward Memorial Library (Le Roy)
  • Wyoming Free Library

Any questions about the reading program, bookmarks, or redeeming for tickets can be answered by Mike Ewing, at 585-343-5454, ext. 1005.

Sheriff announces K-9 Pharoah's year-end retirement, seeks donations for new dog

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County Sheriff’s Office K-9, Pharoah, will be retiring at the end of the year and Sheriff Gary T. Maha has announced a fundraising campaign to replace the dog.

Pharoah is 11 years old and has been working with Deputy Brian Thompson since November 2010. Deputy Thompson will be relinquishing his K-9 duties at the end of the year as well. Deputy Thompson has been the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 officer for the past 13 years.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office has been able to maintain a K-9 team for the past 13 years with support and donations from the public along with county funding. Public support and donations are vital to the continuation of this worthwhile program and are used to pay for food, veterinary services, training, equipment, and other K-9 related expenses.

The K-9 team is used for search and suspect apprehension, locating missing persons including missing children and Alzheimer patients, contraband and drug searches, tactical tracking, evidence recovery, building searches, patrol, and public presentations.

The Sheriff’s Office will be selecting a new K-9 officer and will be searching for a new K-9. The cost for a police dog ranges from between $5,000 - $8,000 and a 15-week K-9 training course costs approximately $5,000.

The Sheriff’s Office is initiating a public fundraiser for a sustainable K-9 fund for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Maha says: We need your support to continue with our K-9 program and are asking businesses, community organizations and individuals to make a tax-deductible donation to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Fund, 165 Park Road, Batavia, NY 14020.

Inquiries may be made to Confidential Secretary Carolyn Della Penna at (585) 345-3000, Ext. 3510.

Edward Jones' Batavia office celebrates a year of doing business here

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The financial investment firm Edward Jones, headquartered in St. Louis, celebrates is first year of doing business in Batavia.

The company provides financial services for individual investors in the United States and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm's business -- from the types of investment options offered to the location of branch offices -- is designed to cater to individual investors.

"I've enjoyed doing business the old-fashioned way -- in person," said Michael Marsh, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Batavia. "And I am looking forward to many more years of serving the investment needs of my friends, neighbors and business associates."

The fact that Marsh works in the same community in which he lives is unique among financial services firms, most of which do their business by phone. By establishing one-broker offices in rural and suburban communities, however, Edward Jones enables its financial advisors to establish one-on-one business relationships with its investors.

The firm's 12,000-plus financial advisors work directly with nearly 7 million clients to understand their personal goals -- from college savings to retirement -- and create long-term investment solutions that emphasize a well-balanced portfolio and a buy-and-hold strategy. Edward Jones embraces the importance of building long-term, face-to-face relationships with clients, helping them to understand and make sense of the investment options available today.

In January, for the 14th year, Edward Jones was named one of the best companies to work for by FORTUNE Magazine in its annual listing. The firm ranked No. 8 overall.

Ninth annual Super Mammoth Sale at St. Joe's will be original organizer's last

By Billie Owens

Press release:

This year’s Super Mammoth Sale at St. Joe's is expected to be the largest event to date and will also be the last sale organized by longtime volunteer Kathy Stefani. The event, dubbed WNY’s largest indoor garage sale, is in its 9th year and has raised more than $100,000 for Catholic education. Earlier this year, a tearful Stefani told officials at St. Joseph School that she will retire at the conclusion of this year’s sale saying she had been “Called to spend more time with her family.”

In John 6:12, disciples were told to “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost,” and in that fashion, Stefani has turned others’ junk into treasure for the school. Her yearly work includes collecting, storing, cleaning and selling hundreds of thousands of donated items that are stored at seven different sites. Nearly 150 volunteers are utilized, including two dozen cashiers for the one-day sale.

The event has grown from humble roots when Stefani held a community garage sale to benefit St. Anthony’s Church in Batavia in 2005. It has grown every year since and last year raised more than $29,000, with all proceeds benefiting St. Joe’s.

This year’s event will, of course, include stalwart items like antiques, books, artwork, furniture and household goods but in addition, there will be over 250 die-cast cars and trucks for sale, many of them still in their original boxes. The donation that came from a parishioner who had lost her husband and wanted to the see the collection sold for a good cause.

“Kathy does a remarkable job and is irreplaceable,” said Karen Green, the school’s principal. “She has poured her heart and soul into this event and writes personal thank you notes to everyone that donates an item. She has made Mammoth one of our top fund-raisers and we will be hard-pressed to find a successor.”

The Super Mammoth will be held from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 6th at the school located at the corner of Main and Summit streets in Batavia. The doors will be closed from 12:30-12:45 p.m. and the shelves will be restocked. There will also be a chicken BBQ or BBQ ribs available for purchase. For more information call 585.343.6154.

Hawley says budget changes to property tax law will not revoke all STAR benefits

By Billie Owens

Press release:

In response to widespread correspondence from his constituents, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) recently shed light on changes to the Basic STAR program in this year’s state budget.

Many property owners have expressed concern that their benefits will be revoked due to changes to the program in this year’s budget. However, the alterations merely call for those currently enrolled to register with the Commissioner of Tax and Finance through a yet-to-be-created form by April 1, 2014.

The purpose of the registration program is to verify a recipient’s eligibility and to determine if a homeowner is receiving more than one Basic STAR exemption.

“As the economy continues to struggle and property taxes become more of a burden for our families and businesses, it is critical that we ensure those who need and deserve relief are receiving it,” Hawley said.

“The changes to the Basic STAR program are meant to enforce the current requirements for eligibility and will not affect any property owner who currently qualifies. This measure will help protect funding for those who truly need it and deliver sorely needed relief to our families and businesses.”

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