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Law and Order: South Swan Street man accused of wielding baseball bat to injure a person and property

By Billie Owens
     Shane Zimblis

Shane Zimblis, 48, of South Swan Street, Batavia, turned himself into the Batavia Police Department on March 9 on a warrant out of Batavia City Court. He is accused of damaging property belonging to another person and causing injury to another person by use of a baseball bat at 12:15 p.m. Feb. 19 on South Swan Street, Batavia. He is in GC Jail charged with: second-degree harassment; fourth-degree criminal mischief; second-degree assault -- injury with a weapon; and criminal possession of a weapon with intent to use. The case was handled by Batavia Police OfficerJason Ivison.

A 17-year-old male who lives on Ellicott Avenue in Batavia is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. He was arrested on March 9 for allegedly hitting an 11-year-old male with a piece of wood, causing physical injury. The incident occurred on Maltby Road in Oakfield at 3:20 p.m. on Feb. 28. He is due in Oakfield Town Court at 6 o'clock this evening (March 11). The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor.

Monica Jane White, 20, of Sunset Park, Oakfield, is charged with issuing a bad check. On March 8, following the investigation of a bad check, White was arrested, issued an appearance ticket, and is due in Town of Oakfield Court at 6 p.m. on March 25. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Sgt. John Baiocco.

Douglas Antwon Spencer IV, 37, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent or more; DWI; open container; and unlicensed operation. Spencer was arrested on Park Road after being found sitting in his vehicle in the middle of the GC Sheriff's Office parking lot entrance with an open container, allegedly driving while intoxicated. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack, assisted by Sgt. John Baiocco.

Woodrow C. Horseman, 42, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. On March 8, Batavia police responded to Tops Market in Batavia for a reported larceny. Responding patrols located the suspect on West Main Street and Woodrow Road. He allegedly stole three alcoholic drinks. Horseman was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on March 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Benjamin Jacob Skubis, 24, of Colby Road, Darien, is charged with third-degree bail jumping. Skubis voluntarily turned himself into Alabama Town Court on March 7. He was due there for an unspecified incident on June 7. He was released on his own recognizance and is to reappear in Alabama Town Court at a later date. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Thomas Sanfratello.

Joseph W. Freeman, 34, no address noted, is charged with failure to appear. He was arrested Feb. 27 on a bench warrant issued Jan. 31 for an unspecified incident. Freeman was released on his own recognizance was due to return to Batavia City Court on March 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Frank Klimjack.

Accident with injuries reported at Route 20 and County Line Road

By Billie Owens

A two-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at Route 20 and County Line Road, Darien.

At least one person was trapped inside, but a first responder was able to pop open a rear door and extricate the person. Darien Fire Department and its ambulance are on scene.

The accident is not blocking the roadway, but traffic control is needed. Genesee County Sheriff's deputies are also on scene.

UPDATE 9:28 a.m.: Darien medics are en route to UMMC with one patient.

Registration deadline is June 24 for Environmental Science Camp in July at GC Park & Forest

By Billie Owens

Summertime Environmental Science Camp for Seventh- through 10th-graders

Registration is open for Environmental Science Camp at the Genesee County Park & Forest.

This hands-on outdoor camp is for students entering seventh through 10th grades. Camp meets from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 8th – 12th at the Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park & Forest.

This weeklong adventure includes wildlife surveys, field and stream studies, outdoor recreation, a field trip and more.

Event Date and Time
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Nighttime Amphibian Adventure at GC Park & Forest, preregister

By Billie Owens

Amphibian Adventure

Listen to the chorus of spring and get to know your small, slimy singing neighbors with Amphibian Adventure at the Genesee County Park & Forest from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday April 13th.

Meet us at the Interpretive Nature Center to learn how to identify our pest-eating pals. Then we will venture into the wetlands and forest at night to search for amphibians in their habitat! Hear their many calls as they welcome spring and find out what you can do to help your tiny big-eyed friends.

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Preregister for upcoming programs at GC Park & Forest

By Billie Owens

Here are three upcoming programs offered at Genesee County Park & Forest:

Bluebird Nest Box Monitoring

How can you help baby birds? Join us at Genesee County Park & Forest for Bluebird Nest Box Monitoring from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday March 23rd.

Come discover NestWatch -- a nationwide nest monitoring program that helps scientists track wild bird populations. Help bluebirds at the park and learn how to keep them healthy in your own backyard!

Dress for the weather and meet at the Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park & Forest. Learn about the secret life of the Eastern Bluebird, then head outside to prepare next boxes for nesting season 2019. This event will go on, rain or shine.

This program is FREE. Please preregister by calling 585-344-1122.

Call (585) 344-1122 to register. For more information visit our website here, or contact Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Amphibian Adventure

Listen to the chorus of spring and get to know your small, slimy singing neighbors with Amphibian Adventure at the Genesee County Park & Forest from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday April 13th.

Meet us at the Interpretive Nature Center to learn how to identify our pest-eating pals. Then we will venture into the wetlands and forest at night to search for amphibians in their habitat! Hear their many calls as they welcome spring and find out what you can do to help your tiny big-eyed friends.

Dress for the weather, amphibians love rainy nights and this program will go rain or shine! Cost is $5/person, $10/family. Preregistration is required, call 585-344-1122 to reserve your spot.

Summertime Environmental Science Camp for Seventh- through 10th-graders

Registration is open for Environmental Science Camp at the Genesee County Park & Forest.

This hands-on outdoor camp is for students entering seventh through 10th grades. Camp meets from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 8th – 12th at the Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park & Forest.

This weeklong adventure includes wildlife surveys, field and stream studies, outdoor recreation, a field trip and more.

Cost is $95/camper for the entire week. All materials, lunch and snacks are provided each day along with a camp T-shirt.

Maximum 25 campers, registration deadline is Monday, June 24th.

To register, download the registration form from our website here.

Return completed forms with payment to:

Main Office
Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center 153 Cedar St.
Batavia, NY 14020

For more information visit our website here, or contact Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Update on Action Trackchair fundraiser: 15 raffle tickets for $15 available, each prize valued at $100+

By Billie Owens

The mother of Ashley McCormack, the 18-year-old wheelchair-bound Darien resident whose dream is to have an Action Trackchair to increase her mobility, says they now have 15 raffle tickets for $15 (for the bunch) on sale.

Drawings will be held at the Sunday March 31 fundraiser for Ashley at Darien Fire Hall. All prizes in the raffle each have a value of more than $100, Susan Pfalzer said.

You do not have to be present to win.

"We also have (presale) admission tickets for sale, too, $10 gets you in for food, entertainment and Chinese auction," Pfalzer said.

Admission tickets at the door are $15. Time is 1 to 6 p.m.

The fire hall is located at 10537 Alleghany Road, Darien Center.

The Action Trackchair -- an all-terrain wheelchair -- is highly customizable. Insurance won't cover the cost of it and it retails for more than $11,000.

Organizers, friends and family are seeking cash donations, checks, gift certificates, gift baskets and auction items.

Cash donations and checks can be made out to:   Ashley's Action Trackchair. Send them to:  Susan Pfalzer, 1792 Sumner Road, Darien, NY 14040.

Group donations are encouraged.

For corporations and organizations, there is an EIN number available for your donations.

For presale tickets, donations or other information about this benefit, call: Cheryl Medina at (716) 863-0388; or (Nana) Annette Pfalzer at 547-9342; or (Mom) Sue Pfalzer at (585) 300-9508.

There is also a GoFundMe account set up. Visit here.

For previous coverage, click here.

Man stuck in woods with possible broken leg in Bethany

By Billie Owens

A 35-year-old male with a possible broken leg is in a wooded area off Transit Road in Bethany that is not accessible to regular vehicles. The address is 10650 Transit Road just north of Spark Road. It was called in by a neighbor.

Bethany Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics. Alexander's UTV is called in along with Le Roy's UTV "in case we need to carry some people in there." The location "pretty far behind the residence."

UPDATE 11:58 a.m.: A first responder at the scene asks that incoming help follow his footsteps into the woods and puts Mercy Flight #5 out of Batavia on a ground standby.

UPDATE 12:14 p.m.: The patient is being collared and boarded and will be brought out of the woods shortly. Mercy Flight remains on ground standby for now.

Final performance of musical parody 'Monty Python's Spamalot' at Pembroke HS

By Billie Owens
Pembroke High School Theatre Arts Department presents the comedy musical spoof "Monty Python's Spamalot" final performance tonight at 7:30.
 
Come watch Monty Python's musical adapted from the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." It is a highly irreverent parody of the Arthurian legend.
 
The setting: England 932 A.D. -- A Kingdom divided.
 
The plot: To the West the Anglo-Saxons, to the East the French. Above nothing but Celts and some people from Scotland.
Event Date and Time

Musical parody 'Monty Python's Spamalot' matinee at Pembroke HS

By Billie Owens
Pembroke High School Theatre Arts Department presents the comedy musical spoof "Monty Python's Spamalot" with two performances on Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
 
Come watch Monty Python's musical adapted from the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." It is a highly irreverent parody of the Arthurian legend.
 
The setting: England 932 A.D. -- A Kingdom divided.
 
The plot: To the West the Anglo-Saxons, to the East the French. Above nothing but Celts and some people from Scotland.
Event Date and Time

Musical parody 'Monty Python's Spamalot' opens tonight at Pembroke HS

By Billie Owens
Pembroke High School Theatre Arts Department presents the comedy musical spoof "Monty Python's Spamalot" tonight at 7:30, with two performances on Saturday as well, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
 
Come watch Monty Python's musical adapted from the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." It is a highly irreverent parody of the Arthurian legend.
 
The setting: England 932 A.D. -- A Kingdom divided.
 
The plot: To the West the Anglo-Saxons, to the East the French.
Event Date and Time

Musical parody 'Monty Python's Spamalot' opens tonight at Pembroke HS

By Billie Owens
 
Submitted photos and information.
 
Pembroke High School Theatre Arts Department presents the comedy musical spoof "Monty Python's Spamalot" tonight at 7:30, with two performances on Saturday as well, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
 
Come watch Monty Python's musical adapted from the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." It is a highly irreverent parody of the Arthurian legend.
 
The setting: England 932 A.D. -- A Kingdom divided. To the West the Anglo-Saxons, to the East the French. Above -- nothing but Celts and some people from Scotland. In Gwynned, Powys, and Dyfed -- the Plague. In the kingdoms of Wessex, Sussex, Essex and Kent -- you guessed it, more Plague. In Mercia and the two Anglias -- alas, Plague.
 
The plot: With a 50-percent chance of pestilence and famine coming out of the Northeast at 12 mph. Legend tells us of an extraordinary leader, who arose from the chaos, to unite a troubled kingdom. A man with a vision who gathered Knights together in a Holy Quest. This man was Arthur, King of the Britons. For this was England!
 
"Monty Python's Spamalot" (This show has a suggested rating of PG-13.) in the auditorium, 8750 Alleghany Road, Corfu:
  • Friday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 9 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are available at www.pembrokemusicals.com 
 
Presale tickets are $7 and $9.
Tickets at the door are $8 and $10.
 

High wind warning issued for Sunday in Genesee County, gusts up to 60 mph expected

By Billie Owens

A high wind warning will be in effect in Genesee County on Sunday, March 10, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

Winds are expected from the southwest at 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.

High winds of 58 mph or greater will make driving difficult and could result in property damage, including downed trees and power lines. Scattered power outages are expected. Homeowners should secure loose objects.

Law and Order: Lockport man charged with damaging ex-girlfriend's vehicle in Pembroke

By Billie Owens

Axel E. Antongiorgi-Colon, 32, of Prospect Street, Lockport, is charged with second-degree criminal mischief. On Dec. 8 at 10 p.m. on Main Road in Pembroke, the defendant allegedly damaged a vehicle in the parking lot of his ex-girlfriend's residence. He is due in Pembroke Town Court on March 21 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator Christopher Parker, assisted by Deputy David Moore.

Cynthia H. Owens, 43, of Rochester Street, Bergen, was arrested on March 4 on three separate outstanding bench warrants out of Batavia City Court. She was also charged with three separate counts of third-degree bail jumping. Owens was arraigned in city court then jailed with bail set at $5,000 cash or bond on each warrant. She was due back in city court on March 7. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Nicole M. Albrecht, 35, Pleasant Street, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested for allegedly stealing a television from Target at 1:27 p.m. on Feb. 8. She is due in Batavia Town Court at 1 p.m. on March 14 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator Christopher Parker.

Douglas Mitchell Smith, 39, of Tara Drive, High Point, N.C., is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree. Smith was arrested on a bench warrant out of Town of Alabama Court after he failed to answer a summons to appear in court Jan. 31 for allegedly operating a motor vehicle while his privilege was suspended in New York. He was arraigned on March 7 and sentenced to time served. He is to reappear in Alabama Town Court on Oct. 3 to pay his fines and surcharges. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

Zachary G. Garigen-Johnstone, 22, or Birch Circle, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, running a red light, unregistered motor vehicle and uninspected motor vehicle. Garigen-Johnstone was stopped at 12:44 a.m. on East Main Street in Batavia for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation, he was allegedly found to have a grinder containing marijuana and a marijuana pipe. He was processed roadside and issued three traffic tickets. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court to answer the unlawful marijuana charge on March 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Jason Davis.

Joshua Patrick Johnson, 21, of Redfield Parkway, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and a window tint violation. He was arrested following a traffic stop at 9:42 p.m. March 2 on Lewiston Road in Batavia. He was released on an appearance ticket and in due in Town of Batavia Court on March 18. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer, assisted by Deputy Michael Lute.

Portion of Ellicott Avenue to close Monday from 4 to 10 p.m. for National Grid work

By Billie Owens

Press release from the city's Bureau of Maintenance:

On Monday, March 11, between the hours of 4 and 10 p.m. Ellicott Avenue (between West Main Street and Mix Place) will be closed. National Grid will be replacing infrastructure so the road will be closed to all through traffic.

Residents of Ellicott Avenue are asked to access Ellicott Avenue during this work from either Mix Place, Washington Avenue, Park Avenue or Richmond Avenue. Residents of Ellicott Avenue south of Mix Place will be permitted to access their property by entering/ exiting from the north side of Ellicott Avenue.

National Grid anticipates three properties to experience an outage and they have already been notified. This work is weather dependent.

Thank you for your cooperation in advance.

Three Le Roy families will get pool scholarships thanks to Women of the Moose 'Cake Walk'

By Billie Owens

The Le Roy Women of the Moose held their annual “Cake Walk” on Feb. 16. This fun and decidely carefree event consisted of dessert donations by Le Roy Moose members.

Participants entered for a chance to choose one of the toothsome desserts, enjoy the DJ and other raffles. A real fun time was had by all. The money -- $240 -- raised will give three Le Roy families a pool scholarship at the Town of Le Roy Recreation Center this summer.

Pictured from left are: Jennifer Swartz; Jackie Whiting with the Town of Le Roy Recreation Program; Martha Bailey, chairperson; Sharyll Hume, senior regent; and Cathy Campbell, club recorder.

If you would like to become a part of this vibrant and giving organization, ask any Le Roy Moose member for details.

(Submitted photo and press release.)

Mark Your Calendar: American Warrior Festival Rock 'n' Roll Bowling Party is May 18

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
Strength In Numbers Entertainment announces the American Warrior Festival Rock 'n' Roll Bowling Party will be held Saturday, May 18th, at the Botts Fiorito American Legion Post 576 at 53 W. Main St. in the Village of Le Roy. It is free to attend and is for all ages.
 
It will benefit the Botts Fiorito post, which is celebrating its centennial this year. In addition to live music and bowling, there will be a military vehicle/aircraft display (vehicles being provided by the Rochester National Guard and private owners) and a Cornhole tournament and more. 

The event is brought to you by the premiere sponsor: The Original Red Osier Landmark Restaurant.
 
The 2018 event was a success and everyone is looking forward to making it bigger and better in 2019! The American Warrior Festival is known for serving as a tribute to honor our military's active and retired personnel. 
 
This event also donates to a nonprofit veterans' organization of its choice. This year's event beneficiary will be Le Roy's American Legion Post 576.
 
The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness.
 
It is the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.
 
American Warrior Festival Rock 'n' Roll Bowling Party will feature live music, a military aircraft and vehicle display, bowling, cornhole tournament, prizes, food, drinks, etc. 
 
American Warrior Festival Owner/Founder Dan Clor, who served in Iraq with the Marine Corps sums up the event: "A celebration of our troops, veterans, and American way of life." 
 
Additional local American Warrior Festival 2019 sponsors are: Oliver's Candies, JoshEDesigns.com, Le Roy Hardware, Batavia Legal Printing, Ken Barrett Chevrolet-Cadillac, Watson Guitars, Welding's Most Wanted, I Need Oils.
 
If you are a local business that would like to be involved with our American Warrior Festival as a sponsor or contributor please contact Dan Clor at:
(714) 742-0204 or email  DanClor@strengthinnumbersent.com
 
For more information visit www.StrengthInNumbersEnt.com 
 
To "Honor A Vet" on our Honor Wall please click here.

Genesee Chorale presents 'Voices of the Earth' at Pavilion HS

By Billie Owens

Genesee Chorale sings a celebration of the planet with a concert called “Voices of the Earth” at 7 p.m., April 5, at Pavilion High School, 7014 Big Tree Road, Pavilion, and at 4 p.m., April 7, at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia.

The April 7 concert will also feature a display of area students’ art work with a recycling theme.

Come hear “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” “For the Beauty of the Earth” and other selections by the 70-member Chorale under direction of Ric Jones.

Event Date and Time

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