The Town of Batavia blocked out the hours of 5 to 7 p.m. to distribute free COVID-19 test kits at Town Hall.
All 110 kits were gone by 5:30 p.m., according to Clerk Teressa Morasco.
The kits were only available to Genesee County residents, proof of residence required, and there was a limit to two per household.
At about 5:40 p.m., City Fire received a report of an object next to a vehicle on fire with the fire spreading to the vehicle at 18 Elm St., Batavia.
Lt. David Green said the owner of the vehicle had tried hitting a latch in order to open using a propane heater.
It's been a week and Mark Fanara, owner of High Voltage Tattoo at 110 W. Main St., Batavia, is feeling increasingly frustrated that nobody can park in front of his business because of the massive pile of snow in the very limited space available for parking at his location.
He said he's called the city's maintenance department twice and that his landlord called as well and was told the snow would be removed today.
Snow removal in front of city businesses is a perennial complaint of local shop owners, especially downtown where businesses often rely on the ability of customers to park along Main and walk into stores.
Dave Howe, Charles Men's Shop, said it is frustrating to have snow piled up or piling up, because it does hurt business, especially when the snowstorm comes on a holiday, as it did a week ago on Martin Luther King, Jr., Day.
"It's important for retail because bank clerks and school teachers and city workers all have the day off and it can be really busy for us," Howe said. "It's unfortunate because here we are generating tax money for the county, the state, and the city. But I get it. It's money. It'd budget. It's overtime."
The Batavian spoke with City Manager Racheal Tabelski about the situation at High Voltage Tattoo before checking on the snowbanks downtown. As for High Voltage, she said, "It's on DPW's list and they will get to it as soon as they can."
She has yet to respond to a text message about the snowbanks along Main Street in the downtown area.
UPDATE 11:15 p.m.: Tabelski said tonight that, yes, snow removal on Main Street in downtown continues to be an issue with every big snow event. "I absolutely sympathize with businesses trying to survive with customer access in the snow. As you are aware, the crews have been doing the best they can. If it would stop dumping 4-5 inches on us each night, crews could get back to removal and these areas cleaned up sooner. I am hopeful they will get to public parking lanes quickly."
The snowbanks have been cleared from in front of City Hall.
Bubba's Landscaping cleared the snow from in front of the YNGodess Shop. Owner Chris Crocker said it took the crew about an hour using a snowblower and shovels.
Crocker said she understands the storm came on a federal holiday, and the city may even be short staff, "but then get on WBTA or The Batavian and explain it," Crocker said. "Tell the community what is going on and the community will come together."
She said her biggest concern is the safety of citizens who are forced to walk in the street to get to not just her business but Alberty's and the bank. Some of those people are elderly, she noted.
"I don't want anybody to get hurt," she said.
The snowbank in front of the Masonic Temple building, the location of several businesses, including Charles Men's Shop.
Matthew Zakrzewski, 42, of Batavia, is charged with arson 5th. It is alleged that at 9 p.m., Jan. 16, Zakrzewski entered the bank yard of a residence on Bank Street and set a canvass shed on fire causing damage to the shed and its contents. Zakrzewski who is being held on other charges was issued an appearance ticket.
Matthew Zakrzewski, 42, of Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd and petit larceny. Zakrzewski is accused of trespassing on private property at 9:06 p.m., Jan. 16, and stealing a bicycle. Zakrzewski was arraigned in City Court and ordered jailed on $100 bail.
Kenneth Marrocco, 29, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 3rd and criminal mischief 4th. Marocco was arrested on a warrant issued in relation to an incident reported at 5:43 p.m., Dec. 28, on Ross Street, Batavia. He was arraigned in City Court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.
Adam Bortle, 38, of Wayland, is charged with petit larceny. He is accused of shoplifting from a local business on Dec. 17. He was arrested at the Livingstone County Jail by Officer Kevin DeFelice on a City Court arrest warrant. He was jailed pending arraignment and following arraignment, released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.
Michael L. Jackson, 41, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He is accused of a theft on May 16. He was arrested on a warrant and released on an appearance ticket.
Kyle A. Hillyard, 29, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Hillyard was arrested by a Batavia PD patrol officer following an accident reported at 12:09 p.m., Jan. 16, on East Main Street. Hillyard allegedly fled the scene of the accident, He was issued an appearance ticket.
Alexandro Rodriguez, 25, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and criminal possession of a controlled substance. At 4:58 p.m., Jan. 17, Rodriguez allegedly pulled another person to the ground causing her to injure her hand. He was also allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance. He was arraigned in City Court and released.
Laquisha M. Bloom, 36, of Medina, is charged with assault 3rd. Bloom is a suspect in an incident reported at 11:15 p.m., Jan. 17, at a location on Bank Street. Bloom turned herself in at Batavia Police headquarters. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Jose A. Alvarado, 33, of Albion, is charged with sex offender failure to report a change of address within 10 days. Alvarado was reportedly living at the Days Inn but was allegedly located living at an address in Albion in an investigation conducted by Det. Jason Ivison. Alvarado is currently on federal probation.
Michael Ross Whiteman, 49, of South Federal Street, Perry, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, open alcohol containers, and inadequate exhaust system. Whiteman was stopped at 12:58 a.m., Nov. 4, on Cockram Road, Byron, by Deputy David Moore.
Nicholas M. Canty, 24, of Buffalo, is charged with fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle and reckless driving. Canty was arrested by State Police following an incident reported at 1:54 a.m., Jan. 22, in the Town of Batavia. Canty was issued an appearance ticket. No further details were released.
Joshua D. Quaintance, 33, of Byron, is charged with DWI. Quaintance was stopped at 4:10 p.m., Jan. 20, by State Police. He was issued an appearance ticket. No further details were released.
Press release from AAA:
Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.33, up two cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.40. The New York State average is $3.50, up two cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.49. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:
- Batavia - $3.43 (down one cent from last week)
- Buffalo - $3.45 (up one cent from last week)
- Ithaca - $3.49 (no change from last week)
- Rochester - $3.50 (up one cent from last week)
- Rome - $3.53 (up one cent from last week)
- Syracuse - $3.47 (up one cent from last week)
- Watertown - $3.52 (up two cents from last week)
According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand rose slightly. The small increase still puts gas demand in a typical range for the winter driving season. Typically, pump prices decline in January due to low gas demand and a rise in total stocks, but continued growth in the price of crude oil has helped to elevate pump prices. As crude prices continue to climb, pump prices will likely follow suit.
From Gas Buddy:
“With oil prices remaining elevated, average gas prices inched up in most states over the last week even as gasoline demand weakened, a testament to how concerned oil markets are with unrest in oil-producing nations. With all eyes on the Russia/Ukraine situation, oil will likely remain north of $80 per barrel, with additional volatility. Prices could rise even more significantly if there is any further deterioration in the situation," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "For now, I don't expect any immediate fireworks at the pump, but the trend of rising gas prices will likely persist as worries continue to overpower weak global consumption."
Batavia City Council president Eugene Jankowski and City Manager Rachael Tabelski faced off in GO ART!’s Celebrity Bartender Challenge at Seymour Place tonight. Tabelski and Jankowski both said they weren't really competing and that tips would be combined, though. All tips are donations to the arts council.
A rollover accident is reported in the area of 6909 Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion.
The vehicle is reportedly on the railroad tracks.
Two people were extricated, uninjured.
Pavilion Fire and Mercy EMS responded.
The Lady Lancers defeated the Lady Dragons on Thursday night 59-44.
Dakota Brinkman scored 17 points for Elba and Laci Sewar scored 15 points. Sewar had 11 rebounds and Brinkman 10.
For Pembroke, Ellie Peterson scored 15 points.
Also in girls basketball:
There were no local boys' basketball games on Thursday.
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 50th year of serving and promoting local business and on Thursday, the chamber hosted a golden ribbon cutting at hits offices on Park Road in Batavia.
There were 200 more private-sector jobs in Genesee County than in December than in the previous December according to data released by the NYS Department of Labor.
The county went from 15,800 private-sector jobs in the county a year ago to 16,000 in December 2021.
The county added goods-producing and professional and business service jobs, according to the data.
Meanwhile, the total number of government jobs dropped by 5,300 to 5,200.
The entire state added more than 45,000 new jobs in December.
Wesley N. Thigpen is indicted on four counts of predatory sexual assault against a child. Thigpen is accused of engaging in oral sexual conduct with a person less than 13 years old while he was at least 18 years old or older between the dates of June 1, 2014, and August 31, 2014. He is accused of engaging in two or more acts of sexual conduct with a child less than 13 years old over a period of time not less than three months. He is accused of engaging in sexual intercourse with a person less than 13 years old. Previously: Batavia man pleads guilty to sex abuse charge while calling statements against him a lie
Joshua D. Quaintance is indicated on counts of burglary in the second degree and sexual abuse in the third degree. Quaintance is accused of entering a dwelling in the Town of Alexander on July 11 with the intent to commit a crime in that dwelling. He is accused of subjecting a person to sexual contact without that person's consent.
Cody A. Bush is indicted on counts of burglary in the second degree, criminal contempt in the second degree, resisting arrest, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree. Bush is accused of entering a dwelling on Walnut Street, City of Batavia, on Oct. 11 with the intent to commit a crime in that dwelling. He is accused of violating an order of protection that day. He is accused of intentionally trying to prevent police officers from placing him in custody. He is accused of illegally possessing Clonazepam and Alprazolam.
Brandon C. Dodd is indicted on three counts of criminal contempt in the first degree, two counts of burglary in the second degree, criminal trespass in the third degree, criminal contempt in the second degree, and three counts of petit larceny. Dodd is accused of violating three orders of protection covering three different individuals on June 29 while in the City of Batavia. He is accused of entering a dwelling on Highland Park on that date with the intention of committing a crime in that dwelling. He is accused of being at that property without the permission of the property owner. He is accused of violating an order of protection on June 14. He is accused of shoplifting from Mr. Wine and Liquore on June 23. He is accused of stealing an air conditioner from a residence on Jackson Street on June 28. He is accused of entering a dwelling on Highland Park on June 23 with the intent of committing a crime in that dwelling. He is accused of stealing a bicycle from a residence on Highland Park.
Christopher J. Wiegman is indicted on counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Wiegman is accused of knowingly and illegally possessing cocaine, fentanyl, amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine on April 21 in the City of Batavia.
Kerwin R. Vega is indicted on counts of felony aggravated DWI, felony DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, circumvention of an interlock device, and endangering the welfare of a child. Vega is accused of driving a 2008 Toyota while drunk on Route 33 in the Town of Bergen on April 4 while a child less than 15 years old was in the vehicle. Due to a prior DWI conviction, Vega is required to use an interlock device on any vehicle he operates.
Two people are reportedly injured after a snowmobile accident in the area of 6920 Norton Road.
The accident occurred on the old railroad bed just west of Norton Road.
The callers are going to attempt to make it to the roadway.
Elba Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.
UPDATE 10:33 a.m.: Mercy Flight on standby. Norton Road is being shut down.
UPDATE 10:48 a.m.: Mercy Flight not required at the scene.
Tim McArdle, a popular principal at Le Roy Jr./Sr. high, well-known for his active participation and promotion of the Oatkan Knights on social media, has resigned his post in order to return to his home district, Caledonia-Mumford.
He will become the middle/high school assistant principal.
He said it was a difficult decision.
"This opportunity allows me to work in my home district and be all in with my family which is something that is very important to me," McArdle said.
He added, "Being the Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School Principal since July of 2013 has been an opportunity of a lifetime. I would like to thank our incredible district-wide staff, students, families, alumni, and our community for partnering with me over the years to create something really special here in Oatkan Knight Country."
Superintendent Merritt Holly informed district parents this evening and shared the timeline for replacing McArdle:
"I want to wish Mr. McArdle all the best in his new position at Caledonia-Mumford!" Holly said in the email. "Over the past 8.5 years, Mr. McArdle’s leadership has positively impacted our students and teachers both inside and outside of the classroom. We can't thank him enough for all the extra hours and time he has spent supporting each of our Knights!"
In an email to The Batavian, Holly said McArdle was an asset to the district.
"Mr. McArdle has been a tireless advocate for all his students," Holly said. "He has transformed our elective offerings, cultivated the creation of new clubs and activities, and promoted our students' work/accomplishments for others outside of Le Roy CSD to enjoy and see. I wish him all the best as his new opportunity allows him to work in his home district and be all in with his family!"
McArdle's last day at the school has yet to be determined.
Before becoming principal in Le Roy, McArdle was an assistant principal at Batavia Middle School, from 2010 to 2013. He has a B.S. from St. Bonaventure University in health and physical education, a CAS in education leadership from SUNY Brockport, and a master's in education from St. Bonaventure.
McArdle has become an accomplished photographer during his time in Le Roy and often feeds the school's social media accounts with sports photos and events at the school, as well as providing photos to local media, such as The Batavian.
Photo courtesy Tim McArdle.
The Blue Devils hung tough with Livonia through 32 minutes of basketball on Wednesday evening but came up a bit short in a 52-49 loss.
Batavia is now 3-8 on the season and Livonia is 5-7.
Carter McFollins scored 22 points for Batavia.
Also in boys basketball on Wednesday:
In girls basketball, Pavilion beat Le Roy 54-37.
Joey Robert Tatro, 27, of Exchange Street, Attica, is charged with criminal contempt and bail jumping 3rd. Tatro was arrested on warrants out of City Court by Deputy Andrew Mullen and Sgt. Andrew Hale. He was jailed on $1,000 bail, $2,000 bond, or $3,000 partially secured bond.
Jonathan Lee Holland, 38, of Bethany Center Road, Bethany, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right, aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd. Holland was stopped at 1:55 p.m., Jan. 19, on Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.
Press release:
The Batavia Police Department has partnered with Crime Stoppers Buffalo which is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest of Devon Wright. Wright is wanted for violating his release terms on a recent plea pertaining to the charges of PL 110.00 & 265.03-3 - Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd, PL 120.00-1 - Assault 3rd, PL 110.00 & 120.10-1 - Attempted Assault 1st, and PL 130.50-4 - Criminal Sexual Act 4th. Wright is also wanted for PL 145.14 - Criminal Tampering 3rd, and PL 240.26 - Harassment 2nd (2 counts) stemming from an incident that occurred on 11/27/2021 at a residence on Central Avenue.
Citizens are urged to come forward with information on where to locate Wright. If you have information leading to the arrest or indictment of Wright please contact Crime Stoppers WNY at 716-867-6161 or submit a tip by downloading the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App "Buffalo Tips" from the apple or android store.
For previous coverage of Devon Wright, click here.
A Volvo SUV was struck by a pickup truck with a front plow attached at about 5:30 as it turned onto Bank Street Road at Assemblyman R Stephen Hawley Drive in Batavia.
The truck driver allowed the driver of the Volvo to sit in his truck while awaiting emergency responders. She was uninjured, he said.
There is a stop sign on Hawley drive and Bank Street Road has no stop sign at that intersection.
Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS responded.
The Lady Trojans, entering the game at 6-6, did more than upset the 8-2 Lady Irish on Tuesday. Alexander dominated.
At no point in the four quarters of basketball played in Alexander did Notre Dame seriously threaten the Alexander lead.
The final score helps tell that story: 49-35.
For Alexander, Alyssa Kramer scored 19 points. Emma Kramer scored seven and Melanee Pohl scored six.
For Notre Dame, Lyndsay Weidman scored 14 and Emma Sisson scored 12.
Also in girls basketball on Tuesday:
In boys basketball, Le Roy beat Pavilion 57-32
A power outage affecting 1,548 National Grid customers is reported in the central part of the City of Batavia.
It was first reported at 11:43 p.m.
National Grid expects to restore power by 1:45 a.m.
The outage is approximately from Tops on the west side, along West Main to Ellicott Street at Swan Street, north nearly East Avenue, cutting diagonally toward the State School for the Blind to nearly the Thruway. It takes in both sides of Oak Street from Main to the Thruway.
UPDATE 12:36 p.m.: There are now fewer than 700 customers without power. Power appears to have been restored to customers south of Main Street.
Press release:
The City of Batavia Water Department is repairing a water main break at the intersection of Liberty Street and Ellicott Street. Expect the water to be shut off on Ellicott Street, from Liberty Street to Jackson Street. There is the potential that the water may need to be shut off on Liberty Street, from Ellicott Street heading north to Main Street.
The length of time the water will be off is unknown.
Traffic will not be able to pass through the Ellicott Street intersection coming off of Liberty Street in both directions while the repairs are being made.
As always, when the water is restored it may be discolored. Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.
The public’s patience is greatly appreciated.
UPDATE: Photo by Howard Owens. The problem is a busted valve. Crews were just about to get started at about 10:15 p.m.
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