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When Chris Crocker first took over a liquor store location at 73 Main St., Batavia, she had a vision.

She didn't see the nearly bare shelves. She envisioned shelves stocked with some of the best wine and spirits available in the community.

Ten years later, she feels she's achieved that dream, she said, thanks to a great staff and the support of the community.

Crocker and her staff will celebrate The YNGodess Shop's 10th anniversary tomorrow (Saturday) from 5 to 7 p.m. tomorrow and the public is invited.

"It's been a lot of work a lot, a lot of passion," Crocker said. "I have a great staff. And I've been doing it all for my son, my life. It's not always been easy. We've overcome a lot of challenges and we just keep going. Let's all put our best foot forward and we'll keep being the best that we can be."

Crocker is grateful for the community support and it's always been her goal to give back to the community.  

When the pandemic hit, in those first initial weeks, home delivery of wine and spirits became a big part of the liquor business but rather than pocket those extra profits from home delivery, Crocker set the money aside to give back to the community.

"We just gave $250 to a young lady that lost her daughter," Crocker said. "We've done the lunch thing with different (police and fire) departments around. I donated 911 flags back on 911 with the victims' names on them to the various departments around. We helped buy a motorized wheelchair for a woman in Le Roy.  We figure it has come close to $20,000 that we've raised and put back into the community."

Top photo: Chris Crocker, middle, and staff members Valeria Antonetty and Jodi Fisher.

The YNGodess Shop is expressing its support for the people of Ukraine with a window display.

Two Batavia men have been arrested in Wyoming County on burglary charges, accused of stealing firearms and other property.

Antwan L. Odom, 21, and Christopher V. McClinic face four counts of burglary 2nd, a Class C violent felony.

Odom was arraigned and jailed in Wyoming County on $100,000 bail. McClinic was released under supervision.

The investigation began on Feb. 17 after a reported burglary in the Town of Covington. 

Based on tips, search warrants were executed in Batavia and firearms, other property, and related evidence were recovered.

Wyoming County Sheriff Gregory J. Rudolf said witnesses reported seeing a suspicious vehicle on the day of the burglaries and that Batavia PD also received anonymous that and that citizen assistance was vital to the investigation.

He issued the following statement:

“I want to thank the community and those individuals for their assistance in this investigation.  It proves public safety is truly a public venture.  The professionals of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the Batavia Police Department likewise provided essential support as this investigation trekked out of Wyoming County.  Our own Criminal Investigations Division has labored continuously since February 17^th running down leads, applying for search warrants, gathering evidence, conducting interviews and assembling an extensive case file to bring this case to this point and that work has been commendable.  Those Investigators will continue to work this case as information develops and through its prosecution by the Wyoming County District Attorney’s Office.  Anyone with information is still asked to call the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office at:  585-786-8989 or our Confidential Tip Line at:  585-786-8965.”

There are six Genesee County basketball teams competing for a coveted Section V trophy in five boys and girls basketball games this Friday and Saturday.

Here is the schedule:

Friday:

• Notre Dame (#2) vs. Filmore (#1), 8 p.m., at Letchworth, Girls Class D1
• Oakfield-Alabama (#2) vs. Lyons (#1), 7 p.m., at Victor, Boys Class C2

Saturday:

• Alexander (#7) vs. East Rochester (#1), 3 p.m., at Rush Henrietta, Girls Class C1
• Pavilion (#1) vs. Gananda (#6), 1 pm., at Rush-Henrietta, Girls Class C2
• Notre Dame (#1) vs. Elba (#2), 11 a.m., at Letchworth, Boys Class D2

Section V officials are expected sellouts at the boys games and tickets for the boys games must be bought in advance online.

Announcement from Section V:

 “Based on input from our membership, Section V will be utilizing digital ticketing exclusively for our boys’ basketball FINALS and the games played to determine who will represent Section V at regionals in Section VI.  Our championship games will be held at high school facilities which have limited seating capacity. There will be NO on-site tickets to purchase, and all digital tickets will be pre-sale only.  Section V will ensure that each program involved in the championship games have first priority for pre-sale tickets. About 24 hours prior to any championship game, any unsold tickets will be made available to the general public to purchase digital tickets. We look forward to providing our student athletes the opportunity to play for a championship in the presence of all their friends, families, and communities. All championship games will be live streamed and available to all for viewing at no cost.”

To purchase tickets, follow this link: https://gofan.co/app/school/NYSPHSAAV

Pavilion's girls basketball team will get a third straight shot at a Section V title on Saturday after a come-from-behind win against Kendall on Wednesday.

Kendall made it tough on the Golden Gophers in the first half of the Class C2 semifinal at Honeoye Falls/Lima. 

Pavilion jumped out to an early 6-0 lead but Kendall's aggressive defense along with Pavilion's cold shooting held the team down to only five points scored over more than a 10-minute span, giving Kendall a 19-9 lead at the half.

But the Gophers came out of the locker room ready to take charge in the second half.

In the end, Pavilion came out on top 44-40.

Karlee Zinkievich scored 21 points for Pavilion. Lauren Kingsley, 14, and four blocked shots. Shea Amberger, three points along with six assists and seven rebounds. Paige Landers, five points and six rebounds.

Elizabeth Snyder led Kendall in scoring with 17 points. She also had 12 rebounds.

The Oatkan Knights season came to a disappointing end on Wednesday with a 52-48 loss to Myderse Academy in the Class B2 sectional semifinal in boys basketball.

Merritt Holly, Jr., scored 22 points for Le Roy, and Fin Shelby scored 15.

Le Roy came into the game as the #2 seed and Myderse is the #3 seed.

Photos by Ed Henry.

The Batavia Blue Devils' post-season surge came to an end Wednesday night with a 55-46 loss to Palmyra-Macedon.

Batavia (9-14) entered sectionals an underdog as the #8 seed in Class B1 but kept their season alive with wins over Livonia (the #9 seed) and #1 seeded Northstar.

On Wednesday, Javin McFollins, Mikey McKenzie, and Tanner Mountain each scored nine points, and Cam McClinic scored eight.

Photos by Erin Staley.

AFL Batavia has announced its April flag football tournament to be held at a location in Batavia yet to be determined starting at 10 p.m., April 16.

There will be an awards ceremony following the championship game at Ri-Dans with food, music, and open bar for an hour.

The league says all teams from the last tournament are returning, including the defending champions, the Dream Killers.  Organizers would like to had three to five more teams. If there are 10 teams the prize pool will grow.

The entry fee is $500 per team. All teams but be local teams but out-of-town players can be on the rosters of local teams.

There is a $2,500 cash prize for the champion.

All players receive a jersey and a team photo.

Fees must be paid by March 31.

The league is also looking for sponsorships from local businesses.

For more information, email Darazian Williams at darazianw@gmail.com.

Photo: Submitted photo.

There will be a 5K walk and run to support GLOW Arc and Notre Dame's athletic department on March 12.

To register for the "Running with the Irish 5k Walk/ Run and Kids Fun Run," click here.

The Fun Run starts at 9 a.m. and is for kids ages 3-12 and will be held at Vandetta Stadium.  The Fun Run is 1/2 mile run (two laps around the track) and registration is $10 with an option to purchase a T-shirt for an additional $10.

The 5K/Walk will start at 10 am across the street at Notre Dame, 73 Union St, in the driveway.  

Registration is $25 and comes with a free T-shirt if you register before March 5th.  After that registration costs $30 and supplies of T-shirts maybe be limited.  

A corned beef and cabbage meal is also available for preorder from T.F. Brown's and can be picked up at the race.  There will only be 100 meals available.

The front display windows of Charles Men's Shop in Downtown Batavia are now draped and dabbed in blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian flag.

Co-owner Don Brown said the display is about supporting freedom and backing the Ukrainian people. It's not necessarily about supporting the Ukrainian government, he said.

"We're on the side of those willing to fight for their freedom," Brown said.

Le Roy High School is presenting a production of the Disney musical Newsies on March 10, 11, 12, 18 and 19 in the school auditorium.

Newsies is the story of a homeless NYC newsboy, Jack "Cowboy" Kelly, who befriends two newcomers to the trade.  Newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer sets new rules that make it harder for newspaper hawkers -- newsies -- to make a buck so the boys go on strike. A journalist sympathetic to the boys' cause gives them some tips on public relations and the newsies battle grips the city.

The story is based on an actual labor dispute between newspaper salesboys and Pulitzer in the summer of 1899.  For more on the history behind the story, click here.

Performances in Le Roy are:

• March 10, 7 p.m.
• March 11, 7 p.m.
• March 12, 7 p.m.
• March 18, 7 p.m.
• March 19,7 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at leroycsd.org or at the auditorium, 9300 South Street Road.

For more photos or to purchase prints, click here.

Kaleb J. Bobzien is indicted on seven counts of rape in the third degree, seven counts of criminal sexual act in the third degree, three counts of criminal contempt in the second degree, two counts of aggravated family offense, and one count each of forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child. Bobzien is accused of forcibly touching on June 1 another person's sexual or other private parts for the purpose of degrading or abusing the person or for the purpose of gratifying his own sexual desire. He is accused of acting in a manner injurious to a child under 17 years old on June 1. He is accused of engaging with sexual intercourse with a person less than 17 years old while being at least 21 years old himself, on dates of between May 9 and May 15, May 16 and May 22, May 23 and May 29, May 30, and June 5, June 6 and June 12, June 13 and June 19, and June 20 and June 26. He is accused of three times violating a stay-away order of protection. He is accused of violating a Family Court order on three occasions.

Arthur J. Brown is indicted on counts of menacing a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, tampering with physical evidence, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, and driving while ability impaired by drugs. Brown is accused of placing a police officer in fear of his physical safety by displaying a deadly weapon on Sept. 19 at a location in the Town of Stafford. He is accused of possessing a loaded firearm. He is accused of possessing cocaine. He is accused of fleeing the scene of an incident. He is accused of driving a 2008 Pontiac on Route 237, Stafford, while impaired by drugs.

Jillian E. Antinore is indicated on counts of felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and aggravated unlicensed operation. Antinore is accused of driving drunk on Oct. 12 on Ellicott Street in the City of Batavia. She is accused of driving without a valid driver's license. 

Nathan W. Stringer is indicted on four counts of felony aggravated DWI and one count of felony DWI.  Stringer is accused of driving drunk on Aug. 28 on Route 77 in the Town of Pembroke with four children less than 15 years of age in the vehicle.

Paul A. Inostroza is indicted on counts of attempted assault in the second degree, criminal obstruction of breathing, reckless endangerment in the second degree, and harassment in the second degree.  Inosroza is accused of slamming a woman's head against a wall on Sept. 5 at a location on East Main Street, Batavia. He is also accused of applying pressure to that person's neck. 

It was a bit FeBRRRary and a lot FeBREWary in Downtown Batavia on Saturday as throngs of beer lovers descended on local businesses to sample a variety of beers from regional breweries.

The LED lights that illuminate the Old Courthouse at Main and Ellicott in Batavia are now rotating in the hues of Ukraine, yellow and blue.

Those are the colors of the country's flag in honor of its blue skies and flaxen fields of wheat.

The color scheme was unanimously approved by the Genesee County Legislature.

Somebody apparently thinks that would make a fine item to own for themselves.

Recently, somebody cut down and stole the sign.

Until about 2013, the sign is well known for its phrase, "POP: Just Right."  That was changed because it didn't seem welcoming to some people.

Mayor Norm Itjen asks that anyone with information contact the Genesee County Sheriff's office at (585) 345-3000 or the VIllage of Elba @ (585) 757-6889.

Photo by provided by Norm Itjen.

Oakfield-Alabama turned on the jets in their Class C2 sectional semifinal, running away from cross-county rival Pembroke for a 61-31 victory.

For the Hornets:

• Gaige Armbrewster, 18 points, five rebounds, eight assists
• Kam Cusmano, 12 points, four rebounds, three assists
• Kaden Cusmano, 11 points 10 rebounds, four assists, three blocks
• Kyle Porter, eight points
• Jordan Schlagenhauf, seven points

For the Dragons, Tyson Totten scored six points and Cayden Pfalzer scored five.

The Hornets are now 21-1 on the season.

"Getting to this point in the season is something special," said O-A Head Coach Ryan Stehlar. "You have to make the most of your opportunities and I felt we did that tonight against a very good team.  Coach (Matt) Shay is a great coach and prepares his teams so well.  We had to be locked in defensively from the start.  The boys made that their main priority.  I loved the energy they brought and the focus they had on both ends of the floor.  The crowd and support at GCC was fantastic and made for an exciting game.  I can't thank our fans and community enough for their constant support.  We are going to enjoy this game tonight but will need to get back to work tomorrow for the next step."

The next step is against Lyons (21-1) at 7 p.m., Friday, at Victor HS.

Photos by Karly Smith.  For more, click here.

A motor vehicle accident with entrapment is reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 384 is reported.

Le Roy Fire and Le Roy Ambulance responding.

Town of Batavia Fire requested mutual aid.

UPDATE 1:04 p.m.: One person trapped. Extrication has begun.

UPDATE 1:15 p.m.: Patient extricated.

UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: All units back in service.

Notre Dame forced 34 turnovers, often snatching the ball from opponent's hands mid-dribble and covering the steal into a score, leading to 72-39 win over Romulus in the Class D2 bracket.

The win sets up a dream match-up for local basketball fans with a rivalry match for the D2 boys' championship on Friday against the Elba Lancers.

"Our defense carried us tonight," said Head Coach Mike Rapone. "Offensively we missed a lot of the shots that we normally make and we didn't do well at the free-throw line either but our defense was excellent we carried us all night long got us a lot of easy shots in transition and the kids played hard and they've done it all year. They battled. They weren't having the best shooting night but they worked their way through it and I'm just proud of the approach that we had."

Colin McCulley, who recently returned to the lineup from an ACL injury, led the team with 23 points. Jimmy Fanara scored 16, Cody Henry, 10, and Jordan Welker, seven.

Saturday's championship match with Elba is at 11 a.m. at Letchworth.

Garlyn Maurice Gause, 42, of Brookhaven Terrace, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation, insufficient turn signal, and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Gause was stopped at 2:11 a.m., Feb. 12, on East Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Nicholas Charmoun. During the stop, K-9 "Rayzor" (handler Deputy James Stack) alerted on the possible presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. It's alleged that Gause was in possession of narcotics. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Jerry Tyrone Saddler, 45, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 4th, tampering with physical evidence, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and obstructing governmental administration 2nd. Saddler was arrested in connection with a traffic stop at 2:12 a.m., Feb. 12, by Deputy Nicholas Charmoun, on East Main Street, Batavia. Saddler was a passenger in the vehicle. During the stop, K-9 "Rayzor" (handler Deputy James Stack) alerted on the possible presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. Saddler was allegedly attempted to conceal his possession of narcotics while being booked into the Genesee County Jail. He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held without bail.

Victoria L. Jacques, 52, of Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and assault 3rd. Jacques was arrested in connection with an incident on Elm Street reported at 8:35 p.m., Feb. 20. Jacques was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision.

Jeremiah D. Williams, 30, of Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon 3rd. Williams is accused of possession of a fully automatic handgun on Aug. 17 at a location on Oak Street, Batavia, and of possessing a weapon with a prior felony conviction. He was jailed without bail.

Loretta L. Baer, 50, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Baer is accused of charging a person and placing her hands around that person's neck while at UMMC at 3:36 a.m., Feb. 18. Baer was issued an appearance ticket.

Jeremiah T. Jones, 48, of Batavia, is charged with tampering with a witness 4th. Jones is accused of threatening a person who was testifying in a court proceeding. The alleged threat was reported at 1:40 p.m., Feb. 6.  Jones was released on his own recognizance.

Janell M. Sauer, 46, of Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant. Sauer is accused of petit larceny on Jan. 16. Sauer was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision.

Melody J. McMaster, 51, of Batavia, is charged with criminal tampering 3rd. McMaster is accused of removing fire extinguishers from their designated locations at a business on State Street, Batavia, at 7:19 a.m., Feb. 17. McMaster was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance.

Lyndsay T. Young, 38, of Batavia, is charged with conspiracy 6th. Young was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 6:11 p.m., Nov. 10, in the Town of Batavia. She was released on an appearance ticket. No further details released.