Stories from

Billie and I are back in Batavia.

Thank you to WBTA and especially Geoff Redick for helping with the news coverage while we were gone.

It was great to see friends and family -- and the first place Padres at Petco (picture above of Heath Bell signing autographs before the game) -- but we're glad to be home.

I didn't take as many pictures as I imagined I would, but I did take a few. The Bell picture above is one of my favorites, as is the cactus picture below. These silver dollar cactus plants are growing in my dad's back yard. They started with cuttings from the silver dollar cactus we had in our yard in Bakersfield when we lived there. 

The following is a statement from Marilyn Warner (Drilling) regarding her resignation from the director's position at the Holland Land Office Museum:

Several of you, my friends, have called to ask why I so abruptly submitted my resignation to the board of the Holland Land Office museum. There are many reasons, but two I would like to make public.

I was married on July 31st , moved to Wyoming County and am now raising my two college-bound daughters along with my husband’s three young children. John and my girls are my primary responsibility and I am truly looking forward to focusing on our expanded family and less time on outside work duties. As you know, the job as director of the Holland Land Office Museum included many nights and weekend engagements.

Equally as important is my dedication to the creation of the honorary International Peace Garden in Batavia and the many opportunities it brings for the financial future of the Museum and the tourism industry in Genesee County. Due to the support of the County Legislature and the Chamber of Commerce, a small core of volunteers has now developed a nonprofit group known as the Friends of the Peace Garden Legacy Genesee, which will allow us to fundraise and write grants for the project.

We are working with the International Peace Garden Foundation and the BiNational Tourism Alliance to be included in regional and cross-border marketing plans for the anniversary of the War of 1812. The current leadership of the Museum recently requested that my energies on this project be spent as a private citizen. My resignation will allow my continued involvement in this exciting venture.

I have also been offered several development consulting opportunities that I have not been able to pursue due to my work obligations and time constraints operating the Museum.

I am very proud of the many accomplishments I orchestrated during my year as the Museum Director. Working with then-assistant director Emily Conable, we took to the task of reorganizing the Museum collection and repositioning the marketing program to focus on the land Purchase and its significance to the development of New York State. This winter’s temporary exhibit highlighting rare surveying equipment and the spring women’s exhibit featuring Genesee County females “ahead of their time” attracted many new visitors from throughout the eight-county region.

The Museum interior took on a new appearance as pieces of the collection are now regularly rotated from storage to displays. New marketing pieces were created and unique low-cost marketing techniques were implemented. Most important are the many collaborative community relationships that have been built during these months, especially with Genesee Community College, the county historians and key partnerships with the Chamber, Richmond Library and GoArt.

The Holland Land Office Museum is a vibrant, exciting treasure in Genesee County and it has been my honor to serve as its director.

Michael L. Jackson (pictured), 29, of Seneca Avenue, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd. Jackson is accused of selling prescription medication to an agent of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force. Jackson was arrested Saturday and jailed without bail.

Jonathan Chad Sisk, 37, Chili-Riga Center Road, Riga, was arrested for alleged failure to appear on a petit larceny charge. Sisk was taken into custody by Monroe County Sheriff's deputies and turned over to Genesee County. Sisk was jailed on $500 bail.

Mitchell Edward Bryan, 18, of East Bethany-Le Roy Townline Road, Stafford, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child. Mitchell is accused of hosting an underage drinking party.

Craig Alan Tiberio-Shephard, 21, of Lathrop Avenue, Le Roy, is charged with DWI and speeding. Tiberio-Shephard was stopped 7:39 p.m., Saturday, on Route 33 near Colby Road in Darien by Sgt. Greg Walker. Walker responded to Route 33 following a complaint of an erratic driver. Tiberio-Shephard allegedly refused to submit to a breath test.

Kevin R. Eustice, 41, of 18 Church St., Le Roy, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Eustice is accused of pushing his ex-girlfriend. The alleged incident occurred at 11:50 p.m., Sunday.

Forrest F. Ansel III, 20, of 572 E. Main St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and criminal contempt. Ansel is accused of punching a family member at 2:35 p.m., Sunday. There is reportedly an order of protection in place involving Ansel and the family member. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Donald A. Stirk, 30, of 639 E. Main St., Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Stirk was charged after a Genesee County probation officer visited Stirk's residence and allegedly found crack cocaine residue on a pipe.

Candice J. Wells, 25, of 5280 Old Telephone Road, Bethany, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and running a red light. Wells was stopped at 2:20 a.m., Saturday, on West Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Marc Lawrence.

(name redacted upon request) 18, of Hidden Meadow Drive, Marcy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. xxxx was stopped in a car at 11:31 p.m., Aug. 5, on Route 5, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

name redacted upon request, 18, of Walker Road, Deerfield, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. xxxx was reportedly located in a car parked on Route 5, Pembroke, at 11:31 p.m., Aug. 5, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Reeves reported smelling the odor of marijuana. After checking the car, Reeves allegedly found marijuana and paraphernalia.

Eric J. Shultz, 30, of Main Street, Akron, is charged with DWAI (alcohol and drugs), and failure to comply with the lawful order of a flag person. Shultz reportedly exited the Tom Petty concert 11:58 p.m., Saturday, and nearly struck a flag person directing traffic.

Samuel Leonard Thomas, 51, of Lyell Avenue, Rochester, is charged with attempt to evade cigarette tax. Thomas was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 2:08 p.m., Sunday, on Route 63 in Oakfield, by Deputy Loni Nati and allegedly found in possession of 32 cartons of untaxed cigarettes.

Rebecca Lee McCoy, 19, of Simonds Road, Darien, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child. McCoy is accused of hosting an underage drinking party Sunday morning.

Trevor Bent McGuckin, 19, of Johnson Road, Churchville, is charged with criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of fireworks. McGuckin was stopped at 1:04 a.m., Sunday, on West Main Street, Batavia, for an alleged traffic violation by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Michael Anthony Amadori, 53, of West Tillen Road, Boston, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding and failure to keep right. Amadori was stopped at 11:23 p.m., Saturday, on North Main Street in Corfu by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Mark E. Beatty Jr., 31, of 46 Church St., Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. Beatty allegedly tried to leave Tops Market with a shopping cart full of merchandise without paying for the items.

Aaron R. Bosse, 19, of 6971 Knowlesville Road, Alabama, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child. Bosse is accused of hosting an underage drinking party Friday night.

Kyle John Helak, 18, of Meadow Lane, Attica, is charged criminal possession of a controlled substance. Helak allegedly did not have a prescription for medication he possessed while at Darien Lake.

Carlson's Studio, 39 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Weddings, new babies, family portraits, pet portraits and group events -- preserve those memories with professional photographs. We have a $120 gift card for $60 (+$2 PayPal Service fee).

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, NY: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kraving's offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

Oliver's Candies, 211 W. Main St., Batavia, NY. Oliver's, a Batavia landmark, offers the finest chocolate and confections in the area. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Present Tense Books and Gifts, 101 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY: Whether your taste runs to local authors, the finest in fiction or nonfiction or you're looking for a unique and special gift, this charming store in a cozy Victorian house on the edge of downtown is a great place to stop and shop. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Main St. Pizza Company, 206 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Pizza, wings, subs and even hamburgers and hot dogs, Main St. Pizza makes everything deliciously. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

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Matthew D. Gregorius, 47, of Hessler Court, Dansville, is charged with disorderly conduct. Gregorious is accused of fighting with medical personnel at Darien Lake. He was jailed on $250 bail.

Eric T. Grundstrom, 23, of Thayer Street, Jamestown, is charged with trespass. He is accused of running past security in a restricted area after being ejected from the concert venue. He was jailed on $250 bail.

Douglas Brinkman (AKA John Doe), of Eden, is charged with trespass. Brinkman is accused of running past security in a restricted area. Brinkman reportedly refused to give his name or any information about himself. He was jailed on $200 bail. Paul A. Gibson, 25, of Linwood Avenue, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada, is charged with trespass for allegedly failing to leave the venue after being told several times to leave. He was jailed on $200 bail.

Drew T. Oyler, 20, of Bucktooth Run, Little Valley, is charged with trespass for allegedly returning to campgrounds after being ejected. He was jailed on $200 bail.

Donna M. Lawyer, 50, of Warren Street, Tully, is charged with petit larceny and trespass. Lawyer is accused of shoplifting candy from the gift shop and then returning to the park after being ejected.

Jesse D. Sills, 26 of Windridge Lane, Hamburg, is charged with disorderly conduct and harassment, 2nd. Sills is accused of engaging in violent and threatening behavior outside the concert venue and then threatening another person. He was jailed on $200 bail.

Curtis J. Mooney, 21, of Hermitage Road, Rochester, is charged with trespass. He is accused of returning to the concert venue after being ejected.

Kaitlin C. Kolb, 24, of Main Street, York, is charged with petit larceny. She is accused of stealing two cups of beer from a food stand inside the concert venue.

Jacob J. Turley, 21, of Eggert Road, Amherst, is charged with trespass for allegedly returning to the concert venue after being told to leave.

Christopher D. Wolf, 21, of Thornwoods Drive, Niagara Falls, is charged with petit larceny and resisting arrest. He is accused of stealing a cup of beer from a concession stand inside the concert venue and the refusing to be taken into custody and struggling with deputies.

Justin K. Washburn, 18, of Fulton Street, Hornell, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of alcohol under 21.

Twenty-two people were issued citations for allegedly drinking alcohol under age 21. The full list after the jump:

A 16-year-old of College View Drive, Batavia
Tiffany M. Sheffer, 19, of Bennett Avenue, Bloomfield
Kevin J. Stevens, 18, of Ashley Drive, West Seneca
Boban Popara, 18, of Cherokee Drive, West Seneca
David G. Gurney, 19, of Woodside Avenue, East Aurora
Abby R. Pingitore, 19, of Sunset Blvd., Angola
James T. Pero, 18, of Ross Street, Batavia
A 17-year-old of Park Avenue, Batavia
John S. Horvatits, 20, of Hemlock Road, Eden
Andrew J. Usyk, 19, of Conger Road, Collins
Jason E. Ring, 20, of Dutch Hill Road, West Valley
Jordan E. Pringle, 20, of Great Northern Avenue, Mizzoula, Minn.
Katherine A. Scalia, 20, of Penhurst Street, Rochester
Michael S. Onuffer, 20, of Skelly Road, Caledonia
Spencer D. Feenstra, 19, of North Street, Caledonia
Kyle B. Early, 20, of Mason Road, Fairport
Michael P. Matroniani, 19, of Kilkenny Court, Fairport
Thomas E. Munzert, 19 of Mason Road, Fairport
Andrew J. Stack, 20, of Lambeth Loop, Fairport
Tyler S. Norris, 19, of Valley Brook Drive, Fairport
Malia M. Velez, 18, of Hart Street, Hornell
Andrew J. Karlsons, 19, of Graney Road, Caledonia

Batavia Police are looking for a tan Jeep Cherokee that probably has extensive front-end damage.

The SUV was reportedly involved in a hit-and-run accident on Richmond Avenue near VanDetta Stadium at 2:15 a.m.

One person was injured in the accident. The 41-year-old victim has not been identified by police. The woman was sleeping in the vehicle, which was legally parked. She had attended an earlier event at the stadium sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

Anyone with information is asked to call BPD at 585-345-6350.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office at the KISS concert at the Darien Lakes Performing Arts Center.

Joseph A. Bishop Jr., 35, of West State Road, Olean, is charged with criminal trespass. He is accused of allegedly entering the backstage area of the concert venue without permission. He was jailed on $300 bail.

Steven P. Hare, 36, of S. Main Street, Warsaw is charged with petit larceny. He is accused of stealing a Red Bull table at the concert venue.

A 16-year-old of Erb Street, Buffalo is charged with petit larceny after stealing ice cream Dip ‘n' Dots from a food stand inside the amusement park.

Katie L. Kieliszek, 22, of Quaker Lake Terrace, Orchard Park, is charged with harassment, 2nd. She is accused of striking another person in the face.

There were no citations issued for underage drinking.

A 33-year-old Batavia man pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to a felony charge of receiving child pornography.

Samuel W. Nigro faces a prison sentence of five to 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

The case was prosecuted in a Buffalo federal court by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango. Mango said Nigro received images and videos of child pornography using various internet sites on or about Dec. 9, 2008.

A search warrant was executed on Nigro's Batavia residence on Dec. 9, 2009. Mango said a forensic analysis of Nigro's computer revealed a total of 5,239 images and 113 videos of child pornography.

Sentencing is scheduled for 1 p.m., Nov. 16 in Buffalo.

UPDATED 11:59 a.m.

With recent reports that the Rochester Red Wings are not likely to operate the Batavia Muckdogs for a fourth, reportedly money-losing season, the local owners of the storied franchise announced today they are seeking a buyer for the ball club.

Presumably, the owners, Genesee County Baseball Club, will seek an owner willing to keep the team in Batavia, though that's not yet confirmed.

Club President Brian Paris said ideally, the Genesee County Baseball Club will be able to find a buyer willing to keep the team in Batavia.

"Obviously, that's our first preference," Paris said.

But he's also hopeful that just like the miracle of the Red Wings rescuing the team at the last minute three years ago, perhaps another miracle will keep the team in GCBC hands.  What the club needs, he said, is three or four deep-pocket Western New York companies to step forward with sponsorships of $25,000 to $50,000 each.

It happens in other small markets, he said.

"That's a very realistic thought because other teams have those kinds of sponsorships," he said.

Paris said he doesn't blame the community.

"The tragic portion of this, is that we are on brink of losing the team and I think I’ve tried to be very frank with people and the media that this is what could happen if we don’t have a greater amount of support in ticket sales and sponsorship," Paris said. "I love Batavia and this is something we're just going to have to work through one way or another."

One of the team's most valuable assets is its name, Batavia Muckdogs. Little League teams across the nation have licensed the logo and name. It the team moves, it will no longer be the Batavia Muckdogs.

Paris said it's too soon to talk about scenarios involving no buyer being found, or a buyer being found and the team being moved to another city.

"I hate to be Pollyanna, a small town tree hugger, but something good is going to come of this," Paris said. "It’s going to work out. We just don’t know what it is yet."

Full press release after the jump:

BATAVIA, NY—The Genesee County Baseball Club, the not-for-profit organization that owns the Batavia Muckdogs of the New York-Pennsylvania Baseball League, announced today that it is soliciting offers from potential buyers of the team.

For the past three years, Rochester Community Baseball, owner of the Rochester Red Wings, has operated the Muckdogs under an agreement with the GCBC. The Red Wings have informed the GCBC that it is unlikely that the relationship will continue for a fourth year.

“We thank the Red Wings for these last three years, which included the memorable 2008 championship season,” Paris said. “They have indicated that they are probably going to move on, and we respect their decision.”

Paris said that the GCBC will give “strong preference” to potential buyers who pledge to keep the team in Batavia.

“Batavia has had a team in this league since 1939,” said Paris, “and we are very hopeful that we can find a buyer who appreciates the rich history, family atmosphere, great ballpark, and wonderful community spirit of Batavia.”

The NYP League, then called the PONY League, was founded in 1939 at a meeting at the Hotel Richmond in downtown Batavia. Batavia and Jamestown are the only two original PONY League cities that are still in the league.

Willie J. Woods Jr., 36, of Casper Street, Rochester, is charged with one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle. Woods was stopped at the entrance to the New York State Thruway by members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force and uniformed deputies. Woods was nabbed after a month-long investigation into the trafficking of crack cocaine in Batavia. Woods was allegedly found in possession of 22 bags of crack and a quantity of suboxon as well as $2,000 in cash. Woods was jailed without bail.

Jerry T. Saddler, 34, of 112 State St., Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct and harassment, 2nd. Saddler was reportedly involved in an altercation in a front yard on State Street on Wednesday. Saddler reportedly aggressively approached neighbors and used profane language, leading to a disorderly conduct charge. On Wednesday, the woman he reportedly hit in the face declined to press charges. She changed her mind on Thursday and Saddler was charged with harassment, 2nd.

Ra Aaron, 39, of 111 Liberty St., Apt. C, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, disorderly conduct, attempted assault, 3rd. Aaron reportedly aggressively approached a person on Lewis Place and grabbed her by her wrists. When police responded, Aaron was located a short distance away. When approached by Officer Thad Mart, Aaron allegedly threatened the officer and then attempted to punch him. Aaron was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Martin L. Flickner, 48, of 4503 York Road, Leicaster, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd, and falsifying business records, 1st. Flickner was taken into custody on an arrest warrant upon his release from the Livingston County Jail. He is accused of falsifying the business records of his employer and stealing more than $3,000 between July 2008 and January 2009.

One Batavia man was arrested and a warrant issued for another last week by Monroe County Sheriff's deputies for an alleged scheme to shoplift a basketful of items from the Home Depot in Henrietta.

Chad M. Johnston, 24, of Batavia, was taken into custody Aug. 5 and a warrant was issued for Mark W. McWerthy, 43, also of Batavia.

The duo is accused of filling up two shopping carts full of identical merchandise, running one through a check-out stand while leaving one unattended, then returning for the second cart and trying to exit the store using the first receipt as a proof of purchase.

The cart reportedly contained more than $1,000 in merchandise.

Johnston, already on parole, was jailed without bail. McWerthy reportedly fled the scene before deputies arrived.

Both are being charged with grand larceny, 4th.

In February, Johnston admitted in Genesee County Court to a burglary on Fairway Drive, where he attempted to steal more than $1,000 in household items, including a washer and lawn mower. Johnston was reportedly on parole at the time.

Main St. Pizza Company, 206 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Pizza, wings, subs and even hamburgers and hot dogs, Main St. Pizza makes everything deliciously. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts,lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Stafford Trading Post, 6173 Main Road, Stafford, NY: Lunch or dinner, Stafford Trading Post offers a variety of fresh, homemade meals, as well as snacks and drinks. Now in a new, expanded location. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's is another Batavia favorite for pizza and wings. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Larry's Steakhouse, 60 Main St., Batavia, NY: The name says it all -- Larry's is a great place for steak. Larry's has a fine dining atmosphere with a great menu and outstanding service. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Margarita's Mexican Restaurant, 15 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When you're looking for an authentic Mexican meal, Margarita's is the place to go. The food and atmosphere are perfect and the service is always outstanding. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

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