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COVID cases reported in jail, visitation suspended

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Due to Covid cases within the Genesee County Jail, Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr. is suspending all inmate visitations effective immediately until further notice. This is a precautionary measure to prevent the risk of exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to inmates’ families and employees.  

Law and Order: Batavia man arrested on six warrants for failure to appear, released

By Howard B. Owens

Thomas Tacito, 61, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with six counts of failure to appear. Tacito was arrested on six bench warrants for allegedly failing to appear for court dates when previously arrested on appearance tickets.  He was arraigned and released on his own recognizance.

Cassandra Smith, 35, of Main Street, Piffard, is charged with cemetery desecration.  At 10:25 a.m., Aug. 17 police officers were dispatched for a report of a suspicious female in the St. Joseph Cemetery.  It appeared that she was taking items from gravesites. Police located Smith and her vehicle in the cemetery. She allegedly stole numerous items including statues, planters, and flags from gravesites in the cemetery. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Jeremiah Williams, 30, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with sex offender/failure to verify address. Batavia police officers responded to the Super 8 Motel in an attempt to locate Williams on multiple warrants, including a harassment 2nd warrant. Williams was located and taken into custody. Williams was arraigned in City Court.  His custody status was not reported.

Rosemary Waters, 35, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Waters was arrested on a warrant following a police investigation into a suspicious condition at a business on Oak Street.  Waters was arraigned in City Court. Her custody status was not reported.

Germayne Session, 27, of Gardiener Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal mischief 4th and three counts endangering the welfare of a child. On July 27, Gardiener allegedly punched the windshield of a van belonging to another person causing it to shatter.  There were three children in the van. Gardiener was issued an appearance ticket.

Tyler Gorski, 19, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, unlawful imprisonment, and harassment.  Gorski was allegedly involved in a disturbance on Bank Street at 8:18 p.m., Aug. 13.  He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.

Drew Fortes-Crimes, 23, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd and harassment 2nd. During an incident on Harvester Avenue on Aug. 14, Fortes-Crimes allegedly damaged property and subjected the victim to unwanted physical contact. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jordin Schultz, 23, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, criminal mischief 4th, and harassment 2nd. Schultz allegedly slapped another person, grabbed that person by the neck, and took that person's phone in an attempt to prevent the person from calling 9-1-1 during an incident reported at 10 p.m., Aug. 13.  Schultz was arraigned in City Court and released.

Tarah Mruczek, 34, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Mruczek allegedly struck another person during an argument on Aug. 15.  She was arraigned in City Court and released.

Mark Farley, 53, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. Farley is accused of violating an order of protection. He was jailed on $2,500 cash bail, $5,000 bond, or $10,000 partially secured bond.

Michael Quinn Keaney, 38, of Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Keaney was stopped at 12:03 a.m., Aug. 21, on Alexander Road, Alexander, by Deputy Trevor Sherwood.

Kyle Allen Hawley, 31, of Spring Street, Bergen, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Hawley allegedly overdosed on a narcotic analgesic while in a presence of a child less than 17 years old. Hawley was administered narcan by emergency responders and transported to an area hospital.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Accident with entrapment reported on Bloomingdale Road

By Howard B. Owens

An accident with entrapment is reported at Bloomingdale and Meadville roads, Alabama.

Alabama Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Dispatchers are checking the availability of Mercy Flight.

An off-duty Erie County police officer indicates more than one ambulance should respond to the scene.

UPDATE 9:36 a.m.: Mercy Flight out of Buffalo on in-air standby.

UPDATE 9:42 a.m.: Mercy Flight canceled. 

UPDATE 9:49 a.m.: One person reported with chest pain another with a possible broken collar bone.

Photos: Adult Field Days at Notre Dame

By Howard B. Owens

Notre Dame had a good turnout Saturday for its Adult Field Days on the school's football field.

The event featured Corn Hole, CAn Jam, Volleyball, Spike Ball along with food, drink, and live music.

Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

 

Four injured in rollover accident near GCC

By Howard B. Owens

Four people were transported to Strong Memorial Hospital early this morning after a one-car rollover accident on Assemblyman R Stephen Hawley Drive in the Town of Batavia.

Entrapment was reported in the initial call.

Mercy Flight transported one patient to Strong.

State Police are conducting the accident investigation.

Photos and info by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

Go kart accident reported at Genesee County Fairgrounds

By Howard B. Owens

A go kart has reportedly hit a pedestrian at the Genesee County Fairgrounds.

A head injury is reported. 

Mercy EMS responding

UPDATE 9:07 p.m.: Town of Batavia back in service. A patient is being transported to UMMC.

Law and Order: DWI arrest of Pembroke man reported

By Howard B. Owens

Gabriel Otis Houlihan, 19, of North Angling Road, Pembroke, is chargerd with DWI, driving with a BAC 0f .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely.  Johnston was arrested on Thursday in connection with an allegation that on July 18 at 5:35 a.m. he was driving drunk while on Peral Street Road, Batavia.  The arresting officer is Deputy Zachary Hoy.

Grand Jury Indictment: James J. Santiago, Jr., is indicated on counts of failure to register a change of adress as a sex offender and failure to sign verification form/confirm address. Santiago is accused of failing to register between October 2020 and February 2021.Grand Jury Indictment: James J. Santiago, Jr., is indicated on counts of failure to register a change of adress as a sex offender and failure to sign verification form/confirm address. Santiago is accused of failing to register between October 2020 and February 2021.

ESL announces first-time home buyer grant for Black and Latino residents

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

ESL Federal Credit Union announces the launch of the ESL First-Time Homebuyer Grant, a 10-to-1 dollar-for-dollar match, up to $10,500 toward down payment and closing costs, for eligible Black and Latino residents in Greater Rochester.

According to U.S. Census data in the Hard Facts Update released in 2020 by ACT Rochester, homeownership rates among Black and Latino residents are 32 percent and 35 percent, respectively, in the Greater Rochester nine-county region. This is compared to 73 percent among white residents in the region.

“The creation of the ESL First-Time Homebuyer Grant helps in addressing the inequitable homeownership opportunities that exist in our community,” said Faheem Masood, president and CEO, ESL Federal Credit Union. “These inequitable opportunities experienced by the Black and Latino communities have existed for generations, and have stood in the way of providing these residents with access to and attainability of homeownership, the most common of wealth-building tools. Our community cannot be prosperous so long as these inequitable opportunities exist, and ESL is committed to doing our part to embedding greater equity in our community so all who call Greater Rochester home can thrive.”

The ESL First-Time Homebuyer Grant offers eligible first-time homebuyers the ability to earn $10 in grant dollars for every $1 saved over a minimum six-month savings period. The grant provides home buying educational support, a dedicated ESL Savings Account, and funds towards down payment/closing costs.

“Our goal is to make the home buying process more accessible for Black and Latino residents in our community,” said Caytie Bowser, Vice President/Director, Product Development and Management, ESL Federal Credit Union. “Closing costs and down payments are two of the biggest impediments when it comes to the homebuying process. Through this grant, we are not only able to lessen the upfront cost burden of buying a home, but ultimately set up grant participants for long-term success through first-time homebuyer education sessions and access to post-homeownership guidance.”

Grants are available annually on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible Black and Latino buyers. ESL is committed to providing 300 grants on an annual basis.

The grant funds will be made available to owner-occupied purchased properties that are located within Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties in the State of New York.

For complete details and eligibility requirements about the ESL First-Time Homebuyer Grant, visit the ESL First-Time Homebuyer Grant page on esl.org.

Mumford man charged with grand larceny

By Howard B. Owens

Richard Andrew Auguliaro, 53, of Mumford, is charged with grand larceny 4th.  On Aug. 15, the Sheriff's Office received a report of a wallet, containing a debit card, stolen from a location in Le Roy. Auguliaro was arrested and charged following an investigation by Deputy Robert Henning and Investigator Ryan DeLong.  He was released on an appearance ticket.

Michael Wesley Flint, 22, of Spring Street, Mount Morris, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Flint was allegedly found in possession of heroin at the time of his arrest on a violation of probation warrant.  Flint was issued an appearance ticket and then turned over to the Livingston County Sheriff's Office on the warrant.

Corey Amber Knapp, 19, of North Street, Medina, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Following a traffic stop at 7;23 p.m., Jan. 1, by Deputy Jacob Gauthier, Knapp, who was a back seat passenger, was allegedly found in possession of fentanyl and cocaine.

Community Garden tours available Aug. 31

By Howard B. Owens

Fresh vegetables and beautiful flowers abound right now at the City of Batavia Community Garden. In its ninth year of operation, the garden started small and has expanded each year and now has almost 50 beds available for lease.

If you’d like to learn more about it and see it first hand, the Garden Advisory Board and current gardeners are hosting an open house to take you on a tour.

Join us on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, any time between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. 

Event Date and Time
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Reel Discussions at Richmond Memorial Library

By Howard B. Owens

Welcome Back!  Come view the movie and join us for a group discussion afterward.  Yes, you did read that correctly!  On Thursday, August 26th at 6:00 pm, we will be showing the movie is “This Beautiful Fantastic”.  When Bella Brown, a reclusive young woman is threatened with eviction unless she gives her garden a makeover, she sets to work watched by her scornful and curmudgeonly next-door neighbour, Alfie.  For more information, call the library at 343-9550 or log onto www.batavialibrary.org.

Event Date and Time
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Grand Jury Report: Man who reportedly fled police facing multiple felonies, including menacing a police officer

By Howard B. Owens

Charles M. Jackson is indicted on counts of menacing a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, four counts of reckless endangerment in the first degree, three counts of obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, two counts unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree, two counts of reckless driving, and criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree.  Jackson is accused of attempting to place, or place, a police officer in reasonable fear of physical injury or death by displaying a deadly weapon on March 21. He is accused of placing others in grave danger with depraved indifference to human life. He is accused of struggling with a police officer over a firearm placing others in danger. He is accused of placing others in danger by fleeing from a police officer in a motor vehicle and by ramming into two Genesee County patrol cars. He is accused of obstructing police officers from performing their official duties by fleeing. He is accused of possessing a forged Ohio State Driver's License.

James J. Santiago, Jr. is indicted on counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, attempted assault in the third degree, menacing in the second degree, and trespass. On May 3, Santiago allegedly possessed a knife while on Washington Avenue, Batavia, with the intent to use it against another person and that he intended to cause physical injury to another person. He is accused of threatening a person with the knife. He is also accused of entering the dwelling of another person without permission and remaining there.

Daniel J. Wolfe is indicted on counts of burglary in the second degree and two counts of criminal contempt in the second degree. Wolfe is accused of entering a dwelling with the intent of committing a crime and of violating an order of protection in the process.

Edwin L. Stancliff is indicted on counts of felony driving while intoxicated, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and criminal mischief in the third degree. Stancliff is accused of driving a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer while intoxicated on Feb. 14 in the Town of Batavia.   He is accused of intentionally damaging a glass door at State Police Troop A headquarters.

Wayne D. Potter is indicted on counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, menacing in the second degree, and assault in the second degree. On Jan. 11, at 111 Liberty St. Batavia, Potter allegedly held a knife with the intent to use it against another person. He is also accused of placing or attempting to place another person in fear of physical injury or death. On Feb. 16, Potter allegedly assaulted a person while in the Genesee County Jail.

James T. Saddler, III, is indicted on counts of assault in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon third, and two counts of harassment in the second degree. On June 24, in the Town of Batavia, Saddler allegedly used a tire iron to injury another person.  He is also accused of shoving and kicking another person.

Batavia PD looking to ID man in shoplifting investigation

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia PD is asking the public's assistance in identifying the man in the photo to the right in connection with a shoplifting investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Office Kevin Defelice at (585) 345-6350.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Batavia grad Griffin Della Penna earns SPJ scholarship

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Communications students from Canisius College, St. Bonaventure University, Syracuse University and the University at Albany have won awards for the upcoming academic year from the Greater Buffalo Society of Professional Journalists College Scholarship Fund.

Meghan Brink of Allegany, N.Y. attends the University at Albany where as editor-in-chief of the Albany Student Press, she played a key role in reviving the independent student newspaper. She has also been an intern with New York StateWatch. 

Griffin Della Penna of Batavia attends Canisius College where he has been focusing on sports journalism. He served as the team broadcaster and director of media relations for the Batavia Muckdogs this past summer and has accepted a position to be a ESPN 3 broadcaster at Canisius for its soccer programs. 

Meghan Hall of Amherst attends St. Bonaventure University and has contributed to TAPinto Greater Olean, an online newspaper. She has also worked part-time at the Olean Times Herald and served as a fellow at the Carnegie-Knight News21 Program at Arizona State University.

Jenna Wirth of Williamsville attends Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications where she has contributed more than 150 articles to print and digital publications. She was a fellow for Popsugar, a digital lifestyle publication, as well as Health magazine. 

“These four talented individuals have distinguished themselves as exceptional student journalists,” said Fund Chair Brian Meyer. “We believe they possess enormous potential and will achieve great things in their professions.”

This marks the 43rd year that the local organization has awarded annual scholarships to aspiring and professional journalists. Since the late 1970s, the group has awarded 155 scholarships totaling more than $135,000. Winners have attended about 30 different colleges and universities in the United States and Canada.

The program helps future and current journalists in Western New York, Northwest Pennsylvania and Southern Ontario. Five trustees, chosen for staggered five-year terms, serve without remuneration. Nearly 100 percent of all fund revenues are awarded as scholarships. 

Two suspected drug dealers arrested after Task Force investigation

By Howard B. Owens
Germayne Session Sylvia Perez

Two people from Rochester were arrested in the City of Batavia on suspicion of selling crack cocaine, powder cocaine, fentanyl, suboxone, and amphetamines.

Germayne D."Case" Session, 27, of Carl Street, is charged with six counts criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, three counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 5th, and two counts of criminally using drug paraphernalia 2nd.

Sylvia Perez, 60, of Carl Street, is charged with four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 5th, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, and two counts of criminally using drug paraphernalia 2nd.

Members of the Local Drug Task Force made controlled purchases of suspected narcotics from Session and Perez. As a result, a search warrant was obtained and executed yesterday at a location not disclosed by the Sheriff's Office.  

Besides the drugs, investigators also reportedly found a digital scale and packaging material.  Perez was also allegedly found in possession of a stun gun.

The defendants were arraigned in City Court on the charges.  Bail was set for Session of $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond.  Session was also held in the Genesee County Jail on a parole warrant.  Perez was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

The Task Force was assisted by Batavia PD, Sheriff's deputies, NYS Parole, and the District Attorney's Office.

Health officials warn of high transmission of COVID in Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Both Genesee and Orleans Counties have increased to a substantial and high levels of community transmission, respectively, according to the CDC COVID Data Tracker (https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view),” stated Paul Pettit, Director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).  “As noted last week, we are not surprised in this increase in transmission data.  We are saddened to report the COVID-related death of a Genesee County resident who was under the age of 65.  To protect the privacy of the family we will not release any further information about the individual.  Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of this person.”

We continue to encourage everyone to follow the public health prevention precautions as noted below.  It is important for those who are not currently vaccinated to talk with their primary care provider to determine whether getting vaccinated is right for them.  

There are currently no masking mandates that have been issued by either county, however, per the CDC recommendations for communities with substantial or high spread of COVID-19 we encourage everyone, vaccinated and unvaccinated, to wear masks when indoors in public and when at crowded outdoor settings.

Everyone should continue practicing the following public health prevention precautions: 

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. 
  • If water is not readily available, use hand sanitizer. 
  • Wash and sanitize frequently shared/touched items.
  • Stay 6 feet away from others and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
  • Wear a face mask indoors in public and crowded outdoor settings. 
  • Monitor your health daily and stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms.

Get tested if you are experiencing symptoms and self-isolate until you get your results back. If you test positive for COVID, you are to isolate for 10 days. 

“The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 or health complications from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated,” stated Pettit. “Now is the best time to take advantage of getting vaccinated for COVID-19 before the new school term starts and the weather changes and we start moving back indoors”.   

For up to date data, GO Health updates the Emerging Issues page of the website (https://gohealthny.org/emerging-issues/) on Mondays and Thursdays and posts the data on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages (GOHealthNY is the user name for each of these platforms) and the Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming County Health Departments COVID-19 Case and Vaccination Tracker are updated daily (https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/5f8401b0516247b490934303e3975e49/).

For those who are using home testing kits, please note that the Health Departments are unable to verify the results and will not be able to provide paperwork for your employer/insurance company.  Home tests that need verification will have to complete a follow-up test with an approved provider for documentation and state reporting purposes.  If you do either a home test or a test at approved provider, it is important to remember to self-isolate until you receive test results.  For home testing, you are to self-isolate for a minimum of 10 days from onset of symptoms or getting your test result.  Contact your primary care physician for further instructions.

 

Jacobs blames Biden for outcome in Afghanistan

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) released the following statement on the situation in Afghanistan.
 
“Five weeks ago, President Biden addressed the nation and vowed it was ‘unlikely’ we would see Afghanistan overrun by the Taliban and that we would not see Americans being evacuated from our embassy. His administration failed to plan for that exact scenario, despite the warning signs and has now handed Afghanistan over to the Taliban. This negligence has put Americans and our allies in harm's way, put Afghan women and children at the hands of a regime known for human rights atrocities and weakened our national security. 
 
“History will remember this as one of the most devastating foreign policy failures in our nation’s history.”

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