A two-car accident with possible minor injuries is blocking traffic at Woodrow Road and West Main Street in the city. City fire and Alexander ambulance are responding (no Mercy rig is currently available).
Corfu -- Scott “Chuck” Thomas McCoy, 50, of Corfu, passed suddenly at home on Saturday, December 29, 2018 from natural causes.Scott was born October 19, 1968 in Batavia, the son of the late William R. McCoy Sr. and Maureen D. Brockway.Survived by his only son, Brandon C. McCoy; siblings, William R. (Barbara Newman) McCoy Jr., Timothy M. (Michelle) McCoy, Tammy McCoy, Melissa (Douglas Jr.) Strang and many nieces and nephews.Scott was a kind-hearted soul who loved his dogs and being outdoors. He was a lifelong employee at McCoy & Sons Painting.
Family and friends may call on January 2, 2019 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary Inc., 4 E. Main St., Corfu. Funeral services will be held at the mortuary on January 3, 2019 at 11 a.m. with burial to follow in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu.Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary Inc., Corfu.
A truck struck the Thruway overpass at 797 Main Road, Pembroke. No injuries. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding.
Photo taken about five minutes ago by Howard Owens.
In photo from left, Diesel Mechanics students Michael Pfenninger, Holden Brinkman, Scott Thurley, Johnny Murray, and Jake Long with Diesel Mechanics instructor Walter Holmes and fire truck owner Kevin Sikorski.
Submitted photo and press release:
What weighs 15,000 pounds, is 32 feet long, bright red and 25 years old? The 1993 Spartan pumper fire truck that was recently overhauled by students in the Diesel Mechanics Program at the Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center.
The Diesel Mechanics Program at the Batavia CTE Center began in September. This fire truck's engine was completely overhauled for the first project completed by the students and instructor in the new program.
Kevin Sikorski owns the fire truck, which he purchased from the Sheldon Fire Department more than two years ago. Sikorski lives in Alexander and considers himself a collector.
“I’m not a firefighter but I like fire trucks," Sikorski said. "Some people buy classic cars, I buy fire trucks. This is my hobby. But this is the only firetruck that I own for now."
He contacted Walter Holmes, the instructor of the Diesel Mechanics Program, when he learned that the program would be starting this school year.
“The engine needed a total overhaul and I thought this would be a great project for the students," Sikorski said. "It’s a win-win, I get the truck repaired and the students learn lessons."
The truck needed extensive engine repair that included routine and preventive maintenance. But despite this long list of much-needed work, Holmes and his students were not intimidated.
“This was a three-month project,” Holmes said. “We adjusted the air brakes, and lights, changed the oil, engine fluids, and air hoses, all the filters and adjusted the valves.
"The students rebuilt the carburetor, replaced the battery terminals, checked the suspension and drive train. We made sure the truck was ready for a New York State inspection. I could go on and on; the list is very long that describes this work.”
(Diesel engines do not have carburetors, but fire trucks have a gas generator, which does have a carburetor, on top of the tanker unit, Holmes explained. The truck uses the generator to power up the floodlights and other accessories for the truck.)
Michael Pfenninger, a junior from Pembroke Central Schools, is a student in the Diesel Mechanics Program and he worked on the fire truck.
“My Dad and I work on a farm and we service the trucks and farm equipment," Michael said. "This program is a great help to me because I’m learning things that I can use in my work.
"I really like coming to school here. This truck project really helped me to understand diesel engines, I worked on adjusting the engine valves and also worked on the air brakes.”
Holmes noted how a project like this provides real-world experience for students.
“In class, I taught the theory of how a diesel engine works and why and how all the parts work together," Holmes said. "In the shop, we put that theory to work. But the main thing that I teach my students is the importance of good customer relations.
"If a customer is happy with your work and how they were treated, then they will come back to you. Being honest and reliable is just as important as the work.”
The Diesel Mechanics Program is offered at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center. For more information about this or any other career and technical education program, please call (585) 344-7711 or visit the website at gvboces.org.
About CTE
The Batavia Career and Technical Education Center is a program of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) and serves 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and parts of Steuben counties in New York State.
Submitted photo and press release:
The Genesee Regional Advisory Council (GRAC) for people with disabilities at the Independent Living of Genesee Region Center with assistance from the NY School for the Blind have brailled the Original Red Osier Landmark Restaurant menu.
The Red Osier, located in the Town of Stafford, has made a significant commitment to being an accessible restaurant to all members of the community regardless of abilities.
Pictured from left: Executive Chef William Burch, Chef Mike Mattern, David Dodge from the Independent Living of Genesee Region Center and The Original Red Osier Landmark Restaurant Owner Steve Foster.
"This is one for the books," a dispatcher told an officer before sending him to Target for a complaint about "an individual consuming beer while driving around in a motorized shopping cart in the store."
Press release:
On Monday, Dec. 24, at approximately 11 p.m. a pedestrian was bitten by a free-roaming dog in the City of Batavia.
The incident occurred along the west sidewalk of Summit Street that is located between Washington Avenue and East Main Street.
The dog is described as possibly being an American Pit Bull Terrier or a breed resembling that, or a mix that has short black fur. The dog is of a medium build and is about knee high in height.
The dog approached from an unknown direction and after the bite occurred it ran off in an unknown direction.
“The purpose in locating the owner of the dog is to make sure the dog is up-to-date on its anti-rabies vaccine,” said Sarah Balduf, Environmental Health director of Genesee and Orleans counties. “If the owner cannot be located, the individual will have to go through unnecessary treatment.”
Anyone with information on the dog and/or dog owner is asked to contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580, ext. 5555.
ROCHESTER -- Nazareth College students named to the Fall 2018 dean's list are as follows:
Nazareth College's academic strengths cross an unusually broad spectrum of 60 majors, including education, health and human services, management, the fine arts, music, theater, math and science, foreign languages, and the liberal arts.
The coeducational, religiously independent, classic campus in a charming suburb of Rochester challenges and supports 2,000 undergrads and 800 graduate students. Nazareth is recognized nationally for its Fulbright global student scholars and commitment to civic engagement. Rigorous programs, an uncommon core, experiential learning, career skills, and a global focus prepare graduates for not just one job, but for their life's work.
From the Genesee and Orleans health departments:
With the year closing out, both the Genesee County and Orleans County health departments would like to wish you and yours a healthy and Happy New Year!
The collaboration between the two counties has provided several opportunities to meet our joint mission to work collaboratively ensuring conditions that promote optimal health for individuals and the communities we serve.
In 2018, we have had a successful joint Point of Distribution (POD) exercise to test our Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program. Staff have had the opportunity to work across the county borders to assist in department functions during times of limited staff.
We have added the Weights & Measures program in both counties to provide a consumer connection with vendors of food, fuel and other providers to test and verify the accuracy of weighing and measuring devices.
Our children’s programs work diligently to provide education, case management, support and referrals to help the children of our counties succeed and enjoy a good quality of life.
The Community Health Services of both departments work hard to limit the spread of communicable diseases by providing immunizations, lead poisoning prevention direction, as well as provide guidance for pregnant moms and families with new babies.
The nursing staff has provided migrant health outreach to assist the farm workers in both counties along with investigating disease / foodborne illness outbreaks.
The Environmental Team provides quality inspections to assure we are safe from foodborne illness, have working septic systems, and help keep our pets safe from rabies.
The Public Health Education Team has welcomed Marlowe Thompson to work in both counties assisting with the upcoming Community Health Assessment (CHA), Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), and the Public Health Accreditation Board process. The team along with one of our nurses is able to provide Narcan training to local businesses and organizations to help battle the opioid crisis.
Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Workshops will be starting up in early 2019 in both counties in partnership with our hospitals. Our support team is always working to make sure the department is run within budget, keep our forms straight and provide guidance with insurance reimbursement.
In 2019, we are looking to shift from organizational thinking to community-focused thinking by taking the role of Community Chief Health Strategists. Our departments have always worked collaboratively with other agencies within our borders and are looking to focus community resources on improving specific health outcomes as we develop our tri-county CHA/CHIP and in partnership with the local hospital systems, Community Services Plan.
We will be looking to community members to assist in this process by participating in community conversations and taking a community health assessment survey.
Both departments look forward to having a joint website where you can access forms and information from both county health departments. We continue to provide timely posts on our GO Health NY Facebook and Twitter pages along with increasing interviews on our GO Health NY YouTube site.
“It is our pleasure to serve the residents and visitors of Genesee and Orleans counties,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health director of Genesee and Orleans county health departments. “On behalf of the staff in both counties thank you for the opportunity to serve you and we look forward to a great 2019!”
Press release:
Team New Era will hold tryouts for its 8U and 9U Rookie Program Jan. 12th and 19th at 1 p.m. at its Depew Facility. For more information or to register see www.teamnewerabaseball.com or contact Rich Wozniak at 716-681-3001.
Daniel E. King, 42, of Pembroke, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 5:08 p.m. on Dec. 24 by troopers out of SP Batavia. Troopers were dispatched to Ye Olde Willow Bend Inn in the Town of Batavia for a larceny complaint. Upon arrival, the complainant advised troopers on scene that a green pickup truck pulled up next to the restaurant and tavern, then the front passenger exited the pickup and allegedly proceeded to steal a sign to the business. The registration and suspect description were provided to troopers and the information quickly led to the arrest of King. He was given an appearance ticket returnable to Batavia Town Court in January.
Emily D. Smith, 33, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child. Smith was arrested at 10 a.m. on Nov. 22 on Liberty Street on the charges and was issued an appearance ticket for Jan. 8 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.
Zachary Vernon Donald Seeley, 22, of Central Avenue, Batavia, and Krista Swan, no age or address provided, are both charged with petit larceny. They were arrested at 8:56 p.m. on Dec. 18 on West Main Street in Batavia after Tops Friendly Market reported a larceny in progress to Batavia Police Department. Police responded and located the suspects, who matched descriptions provided by Tops employees. Numerous items totaling $306.81 in value were recovered. The defendants were released on appearance tickets and are due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.
Iszon C. Richardson, 18, of Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with trespass. He was arrested on Dec. 21 after he allegedly entered and remained on the property of another person on Jackson Street in the City of Batavia without permission at 9:20 p.m. Dec. 20. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.
Kiha S. McNear, 21, no permanent address, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree criminal contempt -- disobeying a mandate (arrest warrant); harassment in the second degree -- physical contact resulting in arrest warrant; and execution of a bench warrant. McNear was arrested on Dec. 19. All three charges stem from separate cases, all with warrants. The defendant was issued three appearance tickets and then released. McNear is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Eric Bolles.
Patrick M. Viscuso, 54, Evans Street, is charged with second-degree harassment and unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested at 4:33 p.m. Dec. 18 on Evans Street in Batavia following an incident wherein it's alleged that Viscuso struck another subject on the side of the face during an argument. Viscuso was allegedly also found to possess a small amount of marijuana at the time of his arrest. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.
Guillermo Jose Torres-Acevedo, 22, of Collegeview Drive, Batavia, is charged with third-degree grand larceny and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. He was arrested on a warrant Dec. 21 following an investigation into an incident that occurred Nov. 29 at about 7 a.m. in the Town of Batavia. Torres-Acevedo allegedly stole a motor vehicle from a residence. He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and jailed without bail.
Triton Adam Drock, 24, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree and failure to use headlights while operating windshield wipers. He was arrested on an outstanding Batavia City Court warrant issued for failure to appear on charges made Nov. 18. He was arraigned on Dec. 20 and is due in city court Jan. 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice.
Submitted photos and press release:
St. Paul's Lutheran School in Batavia held its annual school Christmas program on Dec. 20.
The mission of St. Paul Lutheran School is to enable the families of the community to know Jesus as their Savior by providing a Christian educational environment which fosters academic excellence.
At St. Paul's, school is a family!
All teachers, staff, students and families work together to create a loving, inspiring and encouraging environment in which children can thrive to their greatest potential -- a great way to begin your child's education experience.
At St. Paul's they like to say "We don't raise little Lutherans, we develop Disciples of Christ."
A structure fire is reported at 10 Maple St. in the city. Smoke is pouring from the second floor. An alarm is sounding; unknown if the structure is occupied. City fire is responding and it's gone to a second alarm.
UPDATE 6:21 p.m.: Firefighters searched inside and no one was there.
UPDATE 6:37 p.m.: The dog in the photo below was rescued from the structure and given air as a precaution for the effects of smoke inhalation.
UPDATE 10 p.m. (By Howard): The dog's name is Sadie. She is fine. The fire appears to have started with a space heater. There was no apparent structural damage, no extension to the walls or ceiling. There are three apartments in the building and only one was occupied at the time of the fire. That occupant was sleeping and was awoken by Capt. Marty Hinz when he arrived on scene. Nobody was hurt in the fire. Video at top of the story replaced original breaking news video.
Richardson is suspected of holding the protected party at their residence on Jackson Street and refusing to allow them to leave.
A short time later, the Batavia PD received information that Richardson had returned to the protected party's residence and police responded. Police did not release the date of the incident, but put out this report on Friday (Dec. 21).
They located Richardson hiding and he was taken into custody and charged with: four counts of first-degree criminal contempt -- Class E felonies; three counts of second-degree burglary -- Class C felonies; and one count of unlawful imprisonment in the first degree -- also a Class E felony.
Richardson was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $30,000 bail. He is to reappear in city court at a later date.
This case was investigated by Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Sgt. Christopher Camp, Officer Mitchell Cowen, Officer Chad Richards and Officer Jamie Givens.
Steven William Barnhardt, 27, of River Road, Pavilion, is charged with second-degree aggravated harassment and fourth-degree stalking. At 12:15 p.m. on Dec. 21, Barnhardt was arrested on the charges. After meeting a female a week prior, he allegedly continued to send text and Facebook messages and call the female, who lives on Barrville Road in Elba, after being advised to have to further contact. Barnhardt was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. An order of protection was issued by the court. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator Joseph Loftus.
Gary David Doctor, 36, of Pembroke, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; unlawful possession of marijuana; driving left of pavement markings; having an unregistered motor vehicle; unauthorized sticker on rear window; and obstructed driver's view. On Dec. 20, Doctor was arrested on the charges, which stem from a motor-vehicle accident that occurred at 9:48 p.m. on Nov. 5 on Knapp Road in Pembroke. Doctor was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Pembroke Town Court on Jan. 22. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.
Damien M. Schoonmaker, 20, of Smith Street, Rochester, is charged with trespass. The defendant was arrested after allegedly driving around the property and racetrack of the Genesee County Fairgrounds at 1:43 p.m. on Nov. 30 without permission and causing ruts in the mud and grass. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Ronald Meides.
Genesee County Sheriff's Office.
Submitted photos and press release:
Genesee County employees and unions donated lots of cash, nonperishable food items, and games and toys to this year’s Kiwanis Holiday Tote Project. It’s a great project and the workers have really been incredibly generous.
The Kiwanis Holiday Tote Project provides local families with a tote full of ingredients to make a holiday meal and turkeys are donated by Batavia Downs Gaming Western Regional Off-track Betting. The Richmond Memorial Library provides a book to each child; gloves and hats are given away and the children get a visit from Santa.
This year Genesee County employees and their Unions (AFSCME, CSEA, DSA and SEA) provided large cash donations, more than 400 additional food items and more than 70 games for needy families.
Genesee County Highway Department.
Genesee County Probation Department, Treasurer's Office and Human Resources Department.
Genesee County Civil Service Employees Association General Unit Local #819 -- Bryan Pike, CSEA Union president, and Jeremy Barber, CSEA Union vice president (identification in photo unspecifiied).
Genesee County Clerk's Office.
The theft of a video game from under a Christmas tree at a lower apartment on Tracy Avenue is reported in the city. There was no sign of forced entry. Batavia police are responding.
Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:
“My family and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! This is a special time of year that brings together many families, friends and loved ones in celebration. Everyone has their own unique holiday traditions.
"Whether it’s baking cookies for Santa, watching a classic Christmas movie on TV or something else, these traditions make the season special. Enjoy this time with loved ones, and again, have a very Merry Christmas!”
A fully working garage fire is reported at 10240 Pavilion Center Road. The structure is full of mechanical equipment, according to the caller to dispatch. The location is south of Junction Road. Pavilion, Stafford and Le Roy are called to the scene.
It's gone to a second alarm -- the city's Fast Team is now called along with Bethany, Alexander and York. A first responder says heavy black smoke is showing.
UPDATE 11:08 a.m.: The city's first platoon is requested to stand by in its fire headquarters.
UPDATE 11:10 a.m.: "This is a two-story garage, fully involved," says a chief. Two additional tankers from Caledonia are called to the scene.
UPDATE 11:13 a.m.: Equipment from Perry Center and Wyoming are also going to respond. The tankers are to come in off Route 20. The railroad will be notified of the incident and its close proximity to the tracks; trains will not need to be stopped, but will need to slow down.
UPDATE 11:17 a.m.: Churchville is called to fill in at Le Roy's fire hall. Town of Batavia is called to fill in at Stafford Fire Hall.
UPDATE 11:21 a.m.: The power company is called to respond to the scene.
UPDATE 11:33 a.m.: Perry is filling in at Pavilion's fire hall. Churchville was unable to secure a crew to fill in for Le Roy.
UPDATE 11:37 p.m.: "Town of Batavia all additional available manpower to stand by in your quarters."
UPDATE 12:24 p.m.: Heavy smoke is still pouring from the site.
UPDATE 1:17 p.m.: All tankers have been released except Pavilion's.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is pleased to announce he will be the new Deputy Minority Leader for the 2019 Legislative Session. In addition to this position, Hawley will serve on the Agriculture, Insurance, Rules, Veterans’ Affairs and Ways & Means committees.
“With the approaching New Year comes the chance for a better and new New York,” Hawley said. “I am excited and honored to move up into the Deputy Minority Leader position this upcoming session, having previously served as Assistant Minority Leader.
"I look forward to continuing to make a difference and am anxious to get back to Albany and back to work.”
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