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Press release:

Northgate Free Methodist Church in Batavia is continually opening its doors to the community and inviting everyone to their events throughout 2019. In addition to worship services, Northgate offers dozens of volunteer-led small groups, many of which are open to the public. Several groups relaunch in January, including:

• Grief Share, a 13-week group designed to help and encourage those grieving the loss of a loved one due to death. The format is a weekly video presentation and discussion time that offers hope and comfort. Find more information at http://www.griefshare.org/about. Meetings will take place on Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m., starting Jan. 22nd, at Northgate’s North Campus, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia. There is a $15 cost for workbooks, scholarships available.
• Divorce Care, a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. Divorce Care seminars and support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help. You will learn how to heal from the deep hurt of divorce and discover hope for your future. A new 13-week session begins on Saturday, Jan. 19th, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Northgate’s North Campus. There is a $15 cost for workbooks, scholarships available.
• Mothers of Preschoolers or “MOPS” are women who gather together twice a month to share and support each other in the remarkable journey that is motherhood. Meetings consist of relevant speakers, fun crafts, supportive conversations and fellowship. There is always hot coffee and childcare provided at MOPS meetings. Moms can choose a 9 a.m. group or a 6:30 p.m. group. MOPS is open to all moms with children from birth to their youngest child finishes kindergarten. MOMSNext is also available for moms of school-aged children, they meet every second and fourth Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Visit Northgatefmc.com/mops for more information. Each group has a separate membership fee, scholarships are available.
• Celebrate Recovery meets every Thursday evening at 6:30 (including any and all holidays that fall on a Thursday, unless there is a serious snowstorm). Our CR leaders guide and assist those of us who are gaining joy and freedom in Christ as we apply the 12-Steps of Celebrate Recovery to the hurts, habits and hang-ups we all struggle with. All are welcome! We believe anyone and everyone would benefit by attending this group, where we take off our masks and allow God to transform our lives. We are able to share openly and honestly about our struggles with people we come to trust, who will maintain confidentiality, and who will not judge us. For more info, go to: https://northgatecr.weebly.com/
• Financial Peace University will be held on Wednesday nights, starting on Feb. 13th, from 7-8:30 at the North Campus (8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia). For more than 25 years, Financial Peace University, created by Dave Ramsey, has helped thousands of people take control of their money. Through this nine-week course, Ramsey’s proven money class will show you step-by-step how to create a budget, pay off your debt, make wise spending decisions, and save for the future. Preregistration is required, so please visit https://fpu.com/1079986 to sign up. The cost for the class is $129, scholarships are available. If you have questions please email john@northgatefmc.com.

For more information about any of these groups or other events, please contact the Northgate office at (585) 343-4011 or email office@northgatefmc.com

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

The 67-night session of harness racing at Batavia Downs for 2018 wrapped up on Saturday (Dec. 15) with both highs and lows being noted. 

Whereas many competitive races were witnessed over the oldest lighted harness track in America, fewer races overall affected the Downs handle for the meet. The main reason for fewer races was a lack of available horses to race. 

In 2018 only 672 races were filled compared to 806 in 2017 and due to 134 less races (a 16-percent reduction) the handle also finished down 11.2 percent. 

“The reduction of races was due to the decreased amount of horses in the area," said Todd Haight, director/manager of Live Racing at Batavia Downs.  "And we had a number of short fields trying to fill out race cards besides. Both of these factors played havoc with our numbers.” 

“However I also feel the numbers are a bit skewed since we were coming off a record season last year. That said, we are excited about the 2019 meet.”

There were three cards cancelled during the meet: two for lack of entries and one for weather-related issues. 

Although fewer races were held, the ones that went on provided excellent competition on the track and wagering opportunities for Downs' customers. 

Eight visits by the New York Sires Stakes (NYSS) during the summer months and a visit by the great Foiled Again were highlights of the meet and drew large crowds trackside. 

On the track Drew Monti took the driving title, garnering 122 wins for the meet and earning $724,847 in purses. This was Monti’s second driving title in the last three years at Batavia. 

Kevin Cummings finished second with 102 wins and Billy Davis Jr. was third with 99.

JD Perrin grabbed his fourth training trophy as a result of sending out 61 winners who earned $333,348. Perrin finished ahead of James Clouser Jr. who had 43 wins and Shawn McDonough who registered 29. 

Five track records were broken over the six-month run. 

Standards for 2-year-old pacing colt (Melodies Major, 1:54.1), 3-year-old trotting gelding and all-aged trotting (Winning Shadow, 1:53.4), aged trotting mare (Chelsea’s Chance, 1:56.1) and trotting under saddle (No Recess, 2:02.1) were all rewritten at the Genesee County oval. 

And possibly the biggest news of the meet was the announcement that Batavia Downs was named the host track for the NYSS Night of Champions that will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14. That night also marks the return of the Downs' signature race, the $50,000 Kane Memorial Pace, making it the richest night of harness racing ever offered in Western New York. 

The 65-card meet will kick off on Wednesday (July 24) pending state approval of the dates.

Justin Daniel Petrovic, 38, of Oak Ridge Drive, Victor, is charged with aggravated DWI, per se, with a BAC of .18 percent or more and no prior convictions; DWI -- first offense; and having an unsafe tire. At 8:14 p.m. on Dec. 16 on Main Road in Stafford, Petrovic was arrested after deputies checked on his vehicle, which was roadside. It is alleged that the defendant drove his vehicle on Route 5 when it became inoperable due to a flat tire. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Stafford Court on Jan. 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan, assisted by Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Adam Richard Stone, 47, of Read Road, Pembroke, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more; moving from lane unsafely; and operating a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate. At 6:54 p.m. on Dec. 16, deputies responded to Slusser Road in the Town of Pembroke for a one-vehicle accident. Following an investigation, Stone was arrested. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Pembroke Town Court on Jan. 22. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Kayne W. Probst, 24, of Lynn, Mass., is charged with one count of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor. Probst was arrested by the Le Roy Police Department on Dec. 13 after they received a complaint of a larcent that had just occurred at a local store. It is alleged that the defendant took merchandise from the store without paying for it. Probst was taken into custody without incident and was arraigned in the Le Roy Town Court. Probst was jailed in lieu of $500 bail and is due in Le Roy Town Court today (Dec. 20).

James O. Boughton, 18, of Chili Riga Center Road, Churchville, was arrested on Dec. 10 by the Le Roy Police Department and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and disobeying a traffic control device, both violation-level offenses. While on patrol, Le Roy police allegedly observed the vehicle operated by Boughton pass through a red signal. Patrols executed a lawful traffic stop on Boughton’s vehicle, identified Boughton as the operator, and after a brief investigation allegedly found Boughton to be in possession of marijuana. Boughton was issued tickets and is to appear in the Le Roy Town Court on Jan. 17 to answer to the charges.

Press release:

Christmas is right around the corner and our Annual Red Kettle Campaign will be coming to an end. With only five days left of ringing our bells, we are still in need of raising $30,000.

That’s $6,000 a day we will need.

Genesee County has been very generous in the support of The Salvation Army. For those who have given through Angel Tree, Adopt a Family, and donations in our Red Kettles, we would like to express our gratitude for helping us to make Christmas brighter for those who are less fortunate here in our community.

Very soon the Christmas lights will fade, the trees will all be put away, gifts will be unwrapped and there will still be families in need. The funds we raise through our Red Kettle Campaign will carry us throughout the next year.

Families in need of food, first responders in need of meals and drinks, young people in need of a safe place to grow, and our senior lunch program in providing a hot meal every Tuesday. All of these are possible through our Red Kettle Campaign.

So in the hustle and bustle of these final days before Christmas, when you pass the Red Kettle, would you consider donating or stopping by The Salvation Army at 529 E. Main St. and dropping off your donation.

90 For 90 Challenge is still going on, we have had 14 businesses and individual donors who have graciously taken on the challenge and donated $1,000. We are still looking for 76 individuals or businesses to take on the challenge.

Press release:

Tammy Willis, acting state conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in New York State, has announced funding to help protect the Great Lakes as part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI).

NRCS will provide financial and technical assistance to help improve surface water quality in waters flowing into Lake Ontario.

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding is provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow NRCS to target threats to the Great Lakes. In New York, the GLRI area includes portions of Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga, Oswego, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Wyoming, Steuben, and Allegany Counties, which drain into Lake Ontario.

NRCS in New York receives funding to provide financial and technical assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to eligible landowners and farmers for conservation work. GLRI focuses on practices that have the highest benefit for reducing water quality degradation due to agricultural runoff, including animal waste storage facilities, residue management, no-till, and nutrient management.

Applicants applying to implement practices to address farmstead resource concerns associated with livestock operations must provide a copy of their Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan to NRCS by Jan. 18.

For fiscal year 2019, NRCS will accept applications for funding through Jan. 18. Applications accepted after Jan. 18 will be considered for funding in the next signup period. To apply for funding through the GLRI program interested farmers and landowners should contact their local USDA office by the above listed signup date.

For more information on GLRI visit this website.

If you are interested in applying for a conservation program please visit this website for information on applying.

You may apply by visiting your local NRCS field office, which can be located using this website.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in New York State announces Jan. 18 as the application cutoff date for the general signup for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019.

Through the EQIP program, NRCS offers financial and technical assistance to participants to implement practices which address priority resource concerns, including soil erosion, water quality and habitat degradation.

Focus areas within the EQIP program include the farmstead, soil management, habitat, forestry and grazing. Examples of practices implemented through EQIP include: strip cropping, grassed waterways, forest stand improvement and manure storage facilities. 

Applicants applying to implement practices to address farmstead resource concerns associated with livestock operations must provide a copy of their Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan to NRCS by Jan. 18. Applicants applying to implement forest management practices must provide their Forest Management Plan by Jan. 18.

NRCS will work with applicants to review potential resource concerns on the land included in the application and to develop a conservation plan to address the identified resource concerns. 

Applications accepted after Jan. 18 will be considered in the next signup. All applications are competitive and ranked based on national, state and locally identified resource priorities and the overall benefit to the environment.

If you are interested in applying for an NRCS conservation program, please visit this website for information on applying.

You may apply by visiting your local NRCS field office, which can be located using this website.

The Get Fit Challenge effort began in 2011 to motivate third-, fourth- and fifth-graders in the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties) region to get more active.

Every year, the program illustrates how many minutes young people spend engaged in physical activity outside of school in a manner the children can see and understand. Throughout the five-week program, participating students record their active minutes on a calendar log specially designed for the "Play to Get Fit" challenge.

Walking, biking, running, skating, swimming, playing a sport, playing tag, playing on a swing set and other active, creative games are all eligible for active "credit" minutes. However, video fitness games utilizing Wii, Xbox Kinect or other similar gaming systems are not eligible.

This year, Le Roy Central School recorded an impressive 2,673 average active minutes based on the number of students enrolled in third, fourth and fifth grades. The school was awarded the 2018 winning plaque and each student received a certificate recognizing their participation and effort.

The three most active participants (based on the total number of minutes recorded) in the GLOW region this year were:

• Reagan Moroz, of Perry, with 9,400 minutes
• Benito Bautista, of Le Roy, with 8,045 minutes
• Cameron Riggi, of Le Roy, with 7,650 minutes

In addition, the program recognizes the three most active students from each participating school district:

• Le Roy -- 1st Benito Bautista; 2nd Cameron Riggi; 3rd Connor Corcimiglia
• Batavia -- 1st Cade Shamp, 2nd Aiden Kopper; 3rd Ella Shamp
• Warsaw -- 1st Parker Cartwright; 2nd Jason Holmes; 3rd Jack Fraser
• York -- 1st Connor Boyd; 2nd Bailey Orman; 3rd Ethan Berger
• Pavilion -- 1st Peyton Gay; 2nd Emily Conway; 3rd Tessa Hall
• Perry- - 1st Reagan Moroz; 2nd Tysen Deaton; 3rd Aja Harvey
• Elba -- 1st Chase Zuber; 2nd Jireth Arias Diaz; 3rd Bing Zuber
• Medina -- 1st Dylan Johnston; 2nd Sawyer Lilleby; 3rd Robert Clute

"The Play to Get Fit program encourages kids to lead an active lifestyle in a way they can measure and see," said Becky Dziekan, GCC's director of Health and Physical Education.

"Each year, the participating school districts see proof that the program works! Congratulations to LeRoy and all of the students who worked hard to be active and enjoy the program."

The Health and Physical Education program at Genesee Community College offers several areas of study. The Sports Management Studies transfer degree programs or Associate of Science (A.S.) program includes foundations in accounting, marketing, sports facility management and more.

The Fitness and Recreation Management Applied Associate of Science degree (A.A.S.) program offers a Personal Trainer concentration and the opportunity to earn the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accredited credentials through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) as a certified personal trainer. In addition, GCC offers an A.A.S in Physical Education Studies in which students have the opportunity to earn a coaching certificate for NYS non-Certified Physical Education Teachers.

The spring semester is a great time for individuals seeking higher education or even some training to enroll. GCC has more than 80 introductory courses available, including Beginning Personal Fitness (PED259) which teaches basic fitness training and conditioning techniques and much more.

The full spring semester course schedule is available here.

Photo, clockwise from left: Le Roy Central School Physical Education (PE) teachers Michelle Sherman and Brian Herdlein, GCC Director of Health and PE Rebecca Dziekan, and Le Roy Central School student Benito Bautista (2nd Place).

Jesse F. Markowski, 23, of East Road, Batavia, is charged with driving while intoxicated -- common law, and DWI with a BAC of .08 or more. Markowski was arrested at 1:44 a.m. Dec. 8 on Lehigh Ave. in Batavia after being involved in a single-vehicle accident on Lehigh Avenue. He was processed at the jail and was due in Batavia City Court this morning, Dec. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Justin P. Avino, 25, of Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with speeding, driving while intoxicated -- common law, and DWI with a BAC of .08 or more. Avino was arrested at 1:18 a.m. Dec. 9 on West Main Street in Batavia. He was processed at the jail and was due in Batavia City Court this morning (Dec. 19). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

A two-vehicle collision, unknown injuries, is blocking traffic in front of Home Depot, 4181 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

Press release:

What do Gettysburg and Charles Dickens have in common? In 1868, both were "cleaning up." One from the devastation of the famous battle, while the other was raking in cash doing a tour of America in which he read and performed his famous work, "A Christmas Carol."

This Friday night, Dec. 21, the GCC History Club will call on Buffalo Meteorologist Mike Randall to summon the spirits of Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future as he performs "A Christmas Carol" in the guise of Charles Dickens.

Randall's critically acclaimed performance represents the major fundraiser of the year for the GCC History Club, which hopes to raise enough to go on its annual trip to Gettysburg, Pa.

This educational trip takes students to the famous battlefield, where they walk the field and learn the lesser-known details of the battle. In past years, students have also made day trips to places like Washington, D.C., and Monticello, Va. This year they hope to make a trip into Philadelphia.

For many students, the History Club trip is a life-changing experience. For Bobby Washington, a GCC alumnus, former president of the Club and now Social Studies Education major at the SUNY College at Brockport, the trip was a high point of his time at GCC. A native of New York City, Washington had seen little outside the city before coming to Western New York.

The Club and the trips "helped me progress as a person and armed me with new knowledge," Washington said. "You don't know what you don't know until you have an opportunity to see these important places. And one of the things the history club taught me was if opportunity knocks, let it in."

Tickets are still available for the Friday 7 p.m. performance at the Stuart Steiner Theater. To reserve or purchase tickets in advance call (585) 343-0055, ext. 6270, and ask for Marie Kochmanski or Michelle Forster at ext. 6312. Tickets are $15 each presale or $20 at the door. All tickets are general admission, so arrive early for the best seats.

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced the lineup for their late winter and spring indoor tribute shows, with one concert each month featuring music from great artists.

The Paddock Room will play host to ZBTB, based out of Rochester. ZBTB is the nation’s premier Zac Brown Tribute Band. The band captures the true Zac Brown experience. They will play on Saturday, Jan. 19^th.

Friday, Feb. 8^th is the date for the Soul Brothers – a Blues Brothers Tribute from London, Ontario, Canada. Real-life brothers Chris and Geoff Dahl have been performing as the iconic duo for 25 years. The show features songs from the Blues Brothers, James Brown, Ray Charles, the Righteous Brothers, Sam and Dave and more!

Next up, on Saturday, March 23^rd, Batavia Downs welcomes Music of the Stars – A  Tribute to Eight Internationally Famous Artists Such as Neil Diamond, Tom Jones, Elton John, Paul McCartney, The Bee Gees, Roy Orbison, Gary Puckett and Elvis. Music of the Stars has achieved a reputation of excellence, owing to its committed and talented team members and mentors.

21 Gun Salute –  AC/DC Tribute takes the stage on Saturday, April 6^th. 21 GUN SALUTE is undoubtedly one of the premiere AC/DC reviews ever assembled. The band plays true homage to AC/DC’s high voltage rock 'n' roll. Every detail has been painstakingly reproduced, from the Hell’s Bell stage props to Angus Young’s schoolboy outfit and signature live antics and lead singer’s dead-on vocal rendition of both Bon Scott and Brian Johnson.

$10 General Admission tickets went on sale at www.BataviaConcerts.com for each show today, Dec. 18^th. Each ticket is redeemable on the gaming floor the day of the concert or the next day for $10 in Free Play. Tickets can also be purchased in person at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel at their “Lucky Treasures” Gift Shop located in the lobby. Seating availability varies for each concert, full details are available on the website.

“Following the success of our fall tribute shows, including several sellouts, we are excited to continue booking these events to entertain our guests,” said Henry Wojtaszek, CEO/president at Batavia Downs Gaming.

“With ticket prices again set at a reasonable $10, getting $10 back in Free Play, we’re trying to make sure everyone can enjoy these great tribute shows and visit our newly renovated facility.”

About Batavia Downs/WROTB

Owned and operated by 15 Western New York counties and the cities of Rochester and Buffalo, Western Region Off-Track Betting Corporation is a public benefit corporation with headquarters in Batavia. WROTB owns and operates 29 branches, as well as Batavia Downs Gaming, a standard bred racetrack and gaming facility. Since its inception, Western Region OTB has generated more than $215 million in operating and surcharge revenues to the taxpayers of those participating municipalities.

Under the state Agriculture & Markets law, Article 26, Section 353, the charge is a Class A misdemeanor. If found guilty, a defendant faces jail time of more than 15 days but not greater than one year. In addition, a fine of up to $1,000 can be imposed.

Frens was in court this morning wearing eyeglasses, a bright purple jacket, black cargo pants, black boots, and when her name was called, she stood unsmiling before Batavia Town Court Judge Michael Cleveland. An associate from the law firm of Friedman & Ranzenhofer, attorney Samuel Alba, accompanied her to the bench.

The prosecution requested and was granted a postponement in the dog neglect case so they could interview an animal control officer. Thus, it's now on the Batavia Town Court calendar for 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 28.

Previously, on Oct. 22, the matter was held over so Frens could provide more documentation, ostensibly of her efforts to aid the 3-year-old Labrador retriever mixed breed prior to her arrest by State Police on July 10.

Maya was found by Frens' neighbors across the street from her Pearl Street Road home on July 9. They called the law after discovering the canine standing feebly by the roadside. The neighbors said the dog was extremely dehydrated and malnourished; it drank four bottles of water and ate multiple bowls of food right away. They said the dog's paws were in such bad shape it could barely walk.

Frens, who is in her mid-50s, went to retrieve the animal from the shelter the following day but was arrested instead (mugshot, inset photo). 

Maya was subsequently diagnosed with multiple skin infections, mange, double ear infections that left her only able to hear a dog whistle, and uncut nails so long they were cutting into the pads of her paws.

Maya's very poor physical condition was caused by neglect, according to Volunteers for Animals, citing veterinary reports.

Maya was adopted a couple of months ago after vets and the volunteers got her health back on track.

Antwan L. Odom is indicted for the crime of first-degree assault, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 4 in the area of Ross Street in the City of Batavia that Odom -- with intent to cause serious physical injury to another person -- caused such injury by means of a dangerous instrument -- a knife. In count two, Odom is accused of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly possessing a "dagger, dangerous knife, dirk, razor, stiletto, imitation pistol or other dangerous instrument with intent to use the same unlawfully against another."

Michael D. Kopyscianski is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on June 19 in the Town of Darien that Kopyscianski possessed lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD -- a hallucinogenic drug) with intent to sell it. In counts two and three, respectively, he is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly possessing alprazolam (the generic of Xanax) and suboxone (treats opioid addiction). In Special Information filed by the District Attorney's Office, Kopyscianski is accused of having been convicted of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, on Jan. 3, 2013, in the City of Saratoga Springs Court and also on May 6, 2005, in City of Newburgh Court.

Jeffrey A. Youngs is indicted for driving while in intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 27 Youngs drove a 2003 Toyota on Route 98/Oak Street in the Town and City of Batavia while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of DWI, per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly driving at that time while having a BAC of .08 or more. In count three, he is accused of the offense of driving across official markings -- a vehicle and traffic violation. In count four, Youngs is accused of consumption or possession of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle on Oct. 27. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney's Office, Youngs is accused of having been convicted by DWI as a misdemeanor on June 12, 2017, in City of Batavia Court and that conviction was within 10 years of the crimes alleged in the current indictment.

Josh J. Peterman is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on June 28 in the Town of Darien that Peterman drove a 1998 Honda on Park Road while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of DWI, per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly driving at that time while having a BAC of .08 or more. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney's Office, Peterman is accused of having been convicted of DWI, per se, as a misdemeanor on June 28, 2012, in City of Binghampton Court and that convicted was within 10 years of the crimes alleged in the current indictment.

Debra Lynn Mattoon, 39, of Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road, Oakfield, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, petit larceny and third-degree identity theft. On Dec. 15, following the investigation into a larceny that occured in the City of Batavia at 2:15 p.m. on Dec. 3, Mattoon was arrested on the charges. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. She is due back in city court on Dec. 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin Forsyth.

Jacob Joseph Camerera, 27, of North Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 4th, after he was allegedly found in possession of a firearm at 8:45 a.m. on Nov. 19 which had previously been reported stolen. 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 Minuto.

Joseph A. Ciociola Jr., 20, of Pembroke, was arrested at 9:56 a.m. on Dec. 5 by troopers out of SP Batavia and charged with: criminal possession of a weapon, 4th; unlawful possession of marijuana; and possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle; he was also cited with vehicle and traffic violations. Troopers stopped Ciociola on Akron Road in the Town of Pembroke for speeding. While interviewing Ciociola the odor of marijuana was allegedly present. During a probable-cause search of his vehicle, Ciociola was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana, brass/metal knuckles, and two loaded and chambered firearms. Ciociola was issued appearance tickets and he is scheduled to appear before the Town of Pembroke Court later this month. 

Sath Paul Dhanda, 38, of Clapsaddle Road, Bethany, is charged with two counts of criminal contempt in the first degree. He was arrested on Ellicott Street in Batavia at 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 12 for allegedly violating an order of protection on two different occasions. He was arraigned and jailed without bail and was due in Batavia City Court on Dec. 13. The case was handled by Batavia PoliceOfficer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Sgt. Eric Bolles.

John Albert Snook, 30, of Oak Orchard Road, Albion, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt and unlawful possession of marijuana. At 2:20 a.m. on Dec. 15, Batavia police responded to a Jackson Street apartment for a 9-1-1 hangup call. While on scene, patrols discovered that Snook was on location in violation of a stay-away order of protection; he was also allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana. Snook was arraigned and jailed without bail and is due in Batavia City Court this afternoon (Dec. 17). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.