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Sheriff's Office announces arrests at Fall Out Boy concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested during the Fall Out Boy concert on Thursday at Darien Lakes Performing Arts Center.

Katie N. Cook, 18, of University Avenue, Atlanta, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Michael T. Smith, 18, of Maple Avenue, Cohocton, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Jennitsia I Rodriguezis, 18, of Jude Road, Cohocton, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Keisean R. Canery, 18, of West Genesee Road, Camillus, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

The following were issued appearance tickets for alleged unlawful possession of marijuana:

Benjamin R. Green, 21, of Cornwall Road, Palmyra
Austin J. Gieseke, 20, of Richmond Mills Livonia
Eric R. Curtis, 18, of Fuller Road, Corfu
Amanda M. Carroll, 20, of East Sciota Road, Scio
Name redacted, under age 18, of Old Route 99 McKean, Pa.
Name redacted, under age 18, of Hill Road, Waterford, Pa.
Kevin W. Cornelia, 25, of Longridge Avenue, Rochester
Austin S. Muscato, 18, of Falconer Road, North Tonawanda
Name redacted, under age 18, of Debra Lane, Niagara Falls
Dylan P. Boes, 18, of Hyde Park, Lockport
Dominic E. Williams, 18, of Carolina Avenue, Lockport
(name redacted upon request), 18, of First Road, Solvay
Cole J. Gloss, 19, of Diller Road, Orchard Park
Alexander W. Domkowski, 18, of Rochelle Drive, Churchville
Dominic J. Prisi, 19, of Hillside Parkway, Lancaster
Stephen A. Weimer, 18, of Holmcrest Drive, Amherst
Jack R. Cooper, 18, of Cree-Ton Drive, Amherst

The following people were issued citations for alleged possession of fraudulent, altered or use of another person's driver's license or ID by DMV investigators:

Ryan J. Wood, 19, of Merric Road, Buffalo (fake RI DL)
Richard D. Hillman Jr., 20, of Sharon Drive, Lockport (fake PA DL)
Timothy M. Kane, 19, of Winding Woods Hamburg (another’s DL)
(name redacted upon request), 18, of Cliffside Drive, East Clarence (altered , 2 fake CT’s, 1 fake MI ID)
Katherine A. Niedzielski, 20, of Claudette Ct.Depew (another’s FL DL)
Jacob B. Kopacz, 20, of Parkhaven Drive, Amherst (fake MI ID)
Peter F. Walsh, 19, of Woodcrest Drive, West Seneca (fake )
Joseph R. Higgins, 19, of Girard Blvd.Kenmore (another’s DL)
Lea M. Praller , 19, of Sder Road,Varysburg (fake OH DL)
(name redacted upon request), 18, of Blackberry Lane, Piseco (fake BC ID)
Adam D. Hodge, 19, of Del Verde Road,Rochester (fake MI ID)
Mark A. Passantino, 19, of Timothy Lane, E. Aurora (fake OH DL)
Name redacted, under age 18,, of Argyle Park, Buffalo (fake CT DL)
Richard J. Gicewicz, 19, of Wildwood Lane, Orchard Park (fake OH DL)
Alicia J. Wagner, 19, of Tampa Drive, Buffalo (fake PA DL)
Justin T. Gray, 18, of Overlook Avenue, Tonawanda (fake PA DL)
Nicholas Trajcevski, 19, of Sailboat Drive, Corsicana, TX (fake OH DL)
Michael J. Mauro, 19, of Pearl Road, Hornell (fake DE DL)
Matthew J. Eisenhauer, 19, of Coldwater Road, Rochester (fake NJ DL – x2)
Lavonte D. Lee, 19, of Rumson Road, Amherst (another’s DL)
Hunter D. Vangorder, 19, of Shortsville Road, Shortsville (fraud CT DL)
Aaron S. Scheff, 20, of E. Apache Blvd. Tempe, AZ. (fake AZ DL)
Nathan E. Mutka, 19, of Pinelake Drive, Williamsville (fake ME DL)
Andrew M. Kausch, 19, of Holmes Road, Rochester (fake OH DL)
Austin D. Pieniaszek, 19, of Raspberry Patch Rochester (fake CT DL)
Domenic A. Zendano, 18, of Lancelot Drive, Niagara Falls (fake MN DL)
Name redacted, under age 18, of Victor (fake MD DL)
Trevor J. Baum, 19, of Whittier Road, Spencerport (fake CT DL)
William A. Borema, 18, of Toll Drive, Tioga, Pa. (fake PA DL)
Odessa L. Werchowski, 20, of Oklahoma Avenue, Oriska (fake PA DL)
Mariah L. Bona, 19, of Meadowbrook Drive, Williamsville (fake RI DL)
James P. Rehak, 18, of The CMN, Williamsville (fake VA DL)
Benjamin A. Cambria, 18, of Saint Johns Avenue, Buffalo (fake PA DL)
Cal C. Goheen, 18, of Chablis Drive, Fairport (fake OH DL)
Jacob P. Alessi, 19, of Erie Road, Lancaster (fake OH DL)
Kayla I Bicknell, 18, of Ashford Place, Depew (fake OH DL)
Alexnader P. Gyles, 19, of Chillon Court, Fairport (fake CT DL)
Ryan C. Smith, 18, of Boston State Road, Boston (fake CT DL)
Long J.T. Voung, 20, of Naples Circle Amherst (fake OH DL)
Name redacted, under age 18, of Summit Road, Lancaster (fake OH DL)
Michael C. Elie, 18, of Pannell Circle Fairport (fake PA DL)

The following people were cited for alleged possession of more than one unexpired driver's license by DMV investigators:

Dylan M. Mosher, 19, of Chicken Coup Heights, Trumansburg
Austin J. Gieseke, 20, of Richmond Mills, Livonia
Name redacted, under age 18, of Third Road, Allega, 
Alexander W. Domkowski, 18, of Rochelle Drive, Churchville
Jack R. Cooper, 18, of Cree-Ton Drive, Amherst

Get free stuff when you join The Batavian Club

By Howard B. Owens

Members of The Batavian Club receive more than $300 in gift certificates. These are gift certificates that be used in the same local businesses we all patronize every day.

An annual membership is a mere $60. So think about it, use your first $60 in gift certificates and the rest of your membership package is like getting free money. Who doesn't like free stuff?

Sign up with an annual recurring payment instead of a one-time payment, and save another $10 off your membership fee. More free stuff!

You're helping to support The Batavian's mission to bring you the best local coverage and supporting local businesses at the same time. Everybody wins.

Here's what you get:

  • Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle, $3
  • Alex's Place, $5
  • Alli's Cones & Dogs, $3
  • Batavia Country Club, $5
  • Batavia Muckdogs, Two free GA tickets
  • Beds-N-Bones Pet Lodge, $5
  • Blue Pearl Yoga, $10
  • Center Street Smoke House,$5
  • City Slickers, $4
  • Dan's Tire & Auto, $5
  • The Detail Shop, $2
  • En Garde, $5
  • Floral Fantasies, $3
  • Great Kutz, $3 on haircuts
  • Hardcor Audio, $20
  • Jagged Edges Salon, $5
  • The Mane Attraction, $5
  • Main St. Pizza Company, $3
  • Max Pies Furniture, $100 on $500 or more retail value
  • Millennium Computer, $20 on $100 or more purchase
  • R&D Outlet Center, $5
  • R.W. Vapors, $5
  • Santino's Pizza , $5
  • Settler's Restaurant, $5
  • Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew, $5
  • Sweet Pea's Cupcakery Cafe, $2
  • Valle Jewelers, $25 on $100 or more retail value
  • Vinyl Sticks
  • West Main Wine and Spirits, $3

There are three ways to join: Use Paypal (buttons below) call us with your credit card information, or mail us a check.

Call us at (585) 250-4118 during regular business hours.

Download this form and mail it to us with a check.

Single member non-recurring payment: $60 Single membership annual recurring automatic payment of $50

Legislature passes zombie house bill for Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that a bill he introduced to provide tax incentives to renovate "zombie" properties in the City of Batavia, A.7570-A/S.5196A, was passed by the Assembly and Senate on Thursday.

The legislation establishes a program giving property-tax assessment incentives to residents of Batavia who purchase and renovate dilapidated single-family properties. The program, if successful, could be allowed in other cities statewide.

“I was pleased to have had the opportunity to work with Senator Ranzenhofer to ensure that this legislation passed both houses before the end of session,” Hawley said. “Zombie properties have plagued Batavia for years and this is a monumental step toward addressing the issue. Residents who purchase these dilapidated properties will be given a property-tax exemption to help alleviate the financial burden of repairs made to the home.

"This will ensure that home renovation costs do not exceed property value. Also, the legislation protects against large real estate companies buying many properties and subdividing them into apartments or multiple-family dwellings. The bill will now be sent to the governor for his signature. If it receives his approval the program will take effect immediately.”

Senator Michael Ranzenhofer carried the bill in the Senate and Hawley applauded his efforts and said he is pleased to have worked with him.

“By spurring redevelopment of vacant homes, this innovative program will help to benefit all taxpayers," Ranzenhofer said. "For prospective home buyers, it will provide a real incentive to make costly repairs to a distressed home. For neighbors, it will make their street a better place to live and prevent their home values from being depressed.

"For all taxpayers, it will help to dilute the burden of property taxes by adding more properties with higher valuations to the tax rolls,” Ranzenhofer said. “I am hopeful that the Governor will sign it into law.”

Photo: Stafford Carnival

By Howard B. Owens

Don Dessert submitted this photo from the Stafford Carnival.

Photo: Fireworks at Dwyer Stadium

By Howard B. Owens

Melanie Case submitted this photo of fireworks after the Muckdogs' opening night game at Dwyer Stadium. I don't think I've ever seen a better photo of fireworks at Dwyer.

Driver hospitalized after truck strikes tollbooth in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

From our news partner, WBTA:

State Police suspect a driver may have suffered some type of medical problem causing him to crash into a concrete barrier of the Thruway at the Le Roy exit.

Troopers said the unidentified driver was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital with head injuries and chest pain.

The accident happened at 2:30 Thursday afternoon. Entrance and exit lanes were closed for more than an hour.

According to State Police, a Ford 350 pickup truck crashed into the concrete barrier that protects the toll booth. The impact bent one of the steel supports that supports the roof of the booth.

The pickup truck proceeded through the exit lane and flipped over on its roof.

(Photos submitted by Greg Luetticke-Archbell.)

Genesee County sees no job growth in May

By Howard B. Owens

Year-over-year job growth for Genesee County was stagnant in May, according to data released by the Department of Labor.

In May of 2014 and 2015, there were 23,900 jobs locally, according to the department's count.

The unchanged non-farm jobs number comes in a month that New York State as a whole added more than 142,000 jobs, jumping from 9.133 million jobs to 9.276 million jobs.

The Rochester area added 7,100 jobs and the Buffalo region added 13,000.

Wyoming County was also flat in jobs growth for May, holding steady at 13,500 jobs. The data for Livingston and Orleans counties are included in the Monroe County data.

Drug task force announces arrest of three alleged dealers

By Howard B. Owens
Terrence Butler

Terrence D. "Spaz" Butler, 33, of Swan Street, Batavia, has been arrested on a sealed indictment warrant for allegedly selling crack cocaine on two occasions.

Butler was taken into custody when located as a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Le Roy PD at midnight Saturday in the Village of Le Roy.

Butler is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd.

Butler was jailed on $25,000 bail or $50,000 bond.

Mark McWethy

Mark W. McWethy, 47, of Pearl Street Road, Batavia, was arrested on warrants stemming from the alleged sale of oxycodone to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force and for allegedly possessing drugs with the intent to sell during a traffic stop on Law Street, Batavia, in August 2014.

At the time of the stop, McWethy allegedly possessed heroin, with the intent to sell, and cocaine.

He was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th.

McWethy was jailed on $25,000 bail.

Michael Hahn

Michael A. Hahn, 36, of Lincoln Avenue, Attica, was arrested on a warrant out of Town of Darien Court for allegedly selling methamphetamine to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force.

He is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 5th, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th, and criminal sale of a controlled substanc, 7th.

Hahn was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Flying to California

By Howard B. Owens

Billie and I will catch a plane for San Diego in a couple of hours. We're going to visit family.

We've made arrangements to ensure there is ongoing local coverage on The Batavian while we're away. Traci Turner, our intern, will be on the job, of course, and we're working with several of our freelancers on event coverage and other stories as well as ensure we have systems in place to handle breaking news.

We return in a week. We'll try to bring some extra sunshine back.

O-A grad on the Muckdog's beat this season

By Howard B. Owens

Kurtis Dunlap, a 2012 graduate of Oakfield-Alabama High School and a journalism student at the University of Missouri's Reynolds School of Journalism, will cover the Batavia Muckdogs for The Batavian this season.

He'll cover home games and write occasional features about the team and its players.

Dunlap is studying sports journalism at Missouri.

He's the oldest of three siblings and in high school played football, basketball and baseball. For three seasons, he was a batboy for the Muckdogs. 

"Someday I hope to have my own column in a newspaper where I can share all the crazy things that pop into my head," Dunlap said.

The 2015 season opens Friday.

County Democrats announce endorsement

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Executive Committee of the Genesee County Democratic Committee met to endorse candidates last night. They accepted the recommendations of the towns and city committees and unanimously endorsed candidates in the City of Batavia, Town of Darien, Town of Byron and the Town of Alabama. It is expected that there will be active races in the towns which ballot by Democratic Caucus.

Recommended by the City of Batavia for County Legislature was incumbent Ed DeJaneiro Jr. who was unanimously endorsed by the Executive Committee.

Are you a Democrat who is civic minded? It is not too late to run for political office in any of the Legislative districts in Genesee County or for local town positions. The Democratic Party is still actively seeking candidates in all county offices.

Please send a letter of intent as soon as possible as petitioning deadlines are approaching. Send letters to Jennifer Keys, 43 E. Main St., Le Roy, NY 14482 or e-mail Jennifer.keys@rochester.rr.com

Assembly passes bill for rifle hunting in Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that the Assembly has passed a bill to authorize big game rifle hunting in Genesee County. Assembly Bill 4367-A passed the house Monday and passed the Senate earlier this year. Hawley, a longtime proponent of sportsmen and an opponent of the SAFE-Act, introduced the legislation in January.

“As an unwavering supporter of sportsmen and the Second Amendment, I am proud to announce that my legislation has overwhelmingly passed the Assembly and will be sent to the governor for his signature,” Hawley said. “Deer hunting is a mainstay here in Western New York and many families rely on venison as a viable substitute as grocery store meat prices continue to rise. The exhilaration of a young hunter getting his or her first buck cannot be replicated and I am proud to have made that possible.”

Softball equipment stolen from Le Roy HS

By Howard B. Owens

More than $2,000 in softball equipment and other items were stolen from a locked closet in the home dugout of a ball field at Le Roy High School sometime between Thursday and Monday, according to Investigator Roger Stone, Sheriff's Office.

Stone released a report indicating thieves made forced entry into the closet.

Stolen were:

  • DeMarini CF6 softball bat 33/23
  • Demarini CF6 softball bat 32/33
  • DeMarini CF8 softball bat 33/23
  • DeMarini CF7 softball bat
  • DiMarini Vendetta softball bat
  • Easton CXN softball bat
  • Three Rawlings Coolflo softball batting helmets
  • One Wilson softball helmet
  • Two dozen Easton Incrediball softballs
  • 3/35 packs of Wegmans bottled water
  • 2/12 packs of Gatorade
  • Box of assorted Nestle candy
  • Three Frito-Lay assorted snack boxes

If caught, the thieves face possible charges of burglary, 3rd, criminal mischief, 3rd, and grand larceny, 4th.

Assisting in the investigation are Deputy Chad Minuto and Le Roy PD's school resource officer, Officer Eric Miller.

Tips can be phoned in to (585) 343-5000.

Photos: Centennial Art Show in Jackson Square

By Howard B. Owens

It turned out to be a beautiful evening for some really fine art in Jackson Square. The Centennial Celebration art and artisan show runs until 8 p.m.

Law and Order: Woman at BJ's accused of obscenity

By Howard B. Owens

Amanda Rose Hagedorn, 25, of West Hazeltine Avenue, Kenmore, is charged with acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17 and disorderly conduct. Hagedorn allegedly voiced numerous obscenities while in a public place, BJ's Wholesale Club, at 6:22 p.m. Saturday. She was jailed on $1,000 bail. Additional charges are possible.

Kirk Arnold Thomas Jr., 30, of Woodstock Gardens, Batavia, is charged with three counts of grand larceny, 4th. Thomas is accused of stealing more than $1,000 in merchandise from Target on three separate occasions.

Duty Everett Caswell, 23, of North Main Street, Oakfield, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Caswell's vehicle was stopped in response to a complaint of an intoxicated driver on Angling Road, Pembroke, at 12:13 p.m. Monday. The traffic stop was made by Deputy Joseph Graff.

Pembroke ballplayer honored by NCCAA

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

On Thursday, the NCCAA announced the end of the year awards for Baseball with Caleb Lang taking three awards and Joey Nieves-Markee earning Honorable Mention. Lang was awarded with First-Team All-American, Player of the Year, as well as the Burbridge Award for Christian Leadership.

The awards come after Lang was named NCCAA East Region Player of the Year and Nieves-Markee made the All-East Region Team. Lang finished the 2015 campaign with a .444 batting average, 60 hits, 55 RBI, nine homeruns, 115 putouts, and only two errors from the outfield. Nieves-Markee ended his best year with a .427 batting average, 53 hits, 34 runs scored, and 16 stolen bases

Lang was also named a First Team All-American his previous two years with the Highlanders but this year was able to grab the Player of the Year award. Possibly even more impressive than that was his receiving of the Hank Burbridge Unlimited Potential Outstanding Christian Leadership Award

"To be thrown into the same conversation as Mr. Burbridge, who is highly regarded for not only baseball but for being a great man of God is amazing," said Lang after being notified of the award. "I am honored to receive this award and am very thankful that I am seen as someone who represents Christ in his actions on and off the field."

The purpose of the award is to honor the NCCAA's Outstanding Christian Baseball Player of the Year with potential Christian service through baseball. In order to be eligible for this award, a student-athlete must be at least a junior; possess and demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities; possess and demonstrates outstanding athletic ability; and possess and demonstrate a vibrant and clear Christian testimony on and off the field.

"This is one of the greatest awards that I have received thus far because it represents more than baseball; it represents the ability to change human lives," Lang continued. "I am grateful to all the people who have shown me the importance of service and I can only hope to impact for Christ the amount of people that Mr. Burbridge was able too."

You can find the release from the NCCAA here. Below is a full list of the honorees.
 
NCCAA 1st Team All-American
 
Pitcher-Kyle Vail, Southwestern Christian University
Pitcher-Andrew Bergmann, Judson University
Pitcher-Dustin Lawson, Lee University
Pitcher-Wilson Ashford, Fresno Pacific University
Catcher-Brandon Cummings, Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Catcher-Zack Jones, Trinity Christian College
1st Base-David Espinoza, Oklahoma Wesleyan University
2nd Base-Luke Rojas, Judson University
Shortstop-Allen Staton, North Greenville College
3rd Base-Florentino Moreno, Arlington Baptist College
Extra Infielder-Ziar Koeiman, Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Outfield-Caleb Lang, Cairn University
Outfield-Preston Scott, Fresno Pacific University
Outfield-Carlos Torres, Campbellsville University
Outfield-Tyler Osborn, University of Northwestern

Gsell: Funds transferred to the state create high property taxes

By Howard B. Owens

Press release from County Manager Jay Gsell:

As New York State prepares to renew or make permanent the cap on local government property tax levies, a new report by the Pew Charitable Trusts highlights why local property taxes in New York State are so high.  The problem has little to do with local governments and won’t be solved by a tax cap.

The Pew Trust data show that an average state receives about 2 percent of its revenue as transfers from local governments. In New York State, the number isn’t 2 percent. It is 15. Over one-seventh of the State’s revenue comes from local governments.

As the Pew report notes “New York got more of its revenue from local funds (15 percent) than any other state. Among those states that require local governments to pay for part of the health care costs incurred by Medicaid patients within their jurisdictions, New York’s local governments make a particularly large contribution.”

Simply put, New York State has shifted over one-seventh of its costs to local governments, which must then raise property taxes to pay those bills. Rarely has the disparity between New York and other states been so clearly presented, and the mystery of high local property taxes so effectively explained.

Clearly, the problem of high property taxes in New York State will not be solved by a permanent tax cap, or rebate checks, or by Albany conjuring up false images of wasteful local governments.

A real solution depends on the State acknowledging and addressing what is shown with such elegant simplicity by the Pew Charitable Trust's analysis – that the State has shifted 15 percent of its own costs to local governments. When that local property tax subsidy of the State budget ends, so will the era of high local property taxes in New York State. Albany, the next move is up to you!            

Nothing suspicious in death of person at 400 Towers whose body wasn't discovered until much later

By Howard B. Owens

Investigators found nothing suspicious in the death of a resident of 400 Towers whose body was discovered Friday morning and had apparently been dead for a long period of time.

Batavia PD spokesman Det. Eric Hill said there is no exact time of death for the male resident, but that he had been dead for an extended period of time before his body was found.

WBTA, our news partner, attempted to contact leadership at the Batavia Housing Authority, which runs 400 Towers, for comment on the situation, but the calls were not returned.

In response to our question about whether this sort of circumstance is rare or common, Hill said, "It’s not unusual for a person to be deceased for a while before they are found. It’s also not something that we keep records on so I couldn’t say if it happens more often at one place than another."

Hill said the name of the deceased is being withheld out of respect for the family. He did say the deceased had a number of medical conditions. 

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