If you have photos or videos to submit, email howard@thebatavian.com or text 585-260-6970
UPDATE: Thank you for all the submissions. I won't be available the rest of the day to post any additional photos that come in.
Power has been cut in the immediate area of the Howard Street fire for the safety of fire personnel on scene.
National Grid reports that 516 people along the north and south sides of Ellicott Street are without power.
Sheriff Bill Sheron, who retires at the end of the year, was honored at Terry Hills on Thursday evening as a man who has not only served the residents of Genesee County for 47 years but has also been an innovator who has developed new programs to fight crime and assist and protect the young people of the community.
Sheron helped create the Local Drug Task Force in 1989. As sheriff, he created the department's School Resource Officer program, instituted the teen academy to introduce high school students to careers in law enforcement, and oversaw the construction of a new state-of-the-art jail in the town of Batavia.
Sheron started his career with the Sheriff's Office just before his 19th birthday in 1977 as a dispatcher before moving to road patrol. He transferred to deputy sheriff in the jail, then road patrol, then sergeant, then investigator, and then chief deputy of road patrol in 1993, undersheriff in 1996, and sheriff in 2017.
Legislator Shelley Stein recognized Sheron's willingness to shoulder the burden for public safety in Genesee County.
"It's our privilege to be here to celebrate the years of service Bill Sheron has carried on behalf of Genesee County," Stein said. "At first, he took up a badge, and then he took the mantle, and he has carried that for us. And it's not an easy weight."
City Council President Eugene Jankowski, a retired Batavia PD lieutenant, said he understands that burden, noting that there are nearly 60,000 residents in Genesee County.
"He's responsible for every one of those people who live there," Jankowski said. "It's a lot of work. It's a lot of worry. It's a lot of dedication, and he truly deserves his retirement, and I wish him all the best."
It was tailgate time in Park Place at Batavia Downs for Thursday Night Football, with wings and beer, along with other traditional tailgate fare.
The first-time event was a fundraiser for Home Care and Hospice.
Photos by Howard Owens.
A Batavia High School legend, died Wednesday in Atlanta at age 88.
Bossler, a fullback, played seven seasons with the Washington Redskins, amassing 3,112 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. He was drafted by the Redskins in the ninth pick of the first round of the 1957 draft.
He was heavily recruited coming out of Batavia HS and was a four-year starter at the University of Miami. In his senior year, MIami finished 8-1-1 and the team was ranked sixth in the nation. He is a member Batavia High School Athletic Hall of Fame, the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, and the College Football Hall of Fame.
He rushed for 1,642 yards at Miami. He was a first team all-American in 1956 (Jim Brown and Johnny Majors were also in that backfield) and was named MVP of the Senior Bowl when he ran for 187 yards.
While at Miami, one sports writer referred to him as "The Batavia Bulldozer."
In Stafford v. Pontillo, a resolution appears to be at hand to ensure that the former Odd Fellows Hall, 6177 Main Road, meets the state code for vacant buildings.
Both parties were at the Genesee County Courthouse on Thursday to discuss the case, and David Roach, attorney for the town of Stafford, said they were in the process of negotiating a framework for bringing the building back to a state of code compliance, though not back to a condition that would allow occupancy.
"The code allows you to have a vacant building," Roach said. "But the code says if it is vacant, it still has, and this is the New York State property maintenance code, which says it still has to comply with certain conditions under varying sections of the code. So that's what we're working on right now, addressing what needs to be done under various sections of the New York property maintenance code."
James Pontillo said he still plans to restore the building, at least to the point of permitting businesses and residents to occupy it. To get there, he said he needs more cooperation from the town. In the meantime, he intends to meet the town's demands for basic code compliance.
"Some of it is aesthetics. That's part of it, the outside and stuff like that," Pontillo said. "The inside, everything was done for safety when we had tenants in that, so that hasn't changed."
There seems to be some discrepancy in understanding about whether building permits will be needed for the work Pontillo will be required to do. Pontillo told The Batavian that he won't need a building permit or architectural drawings for the work needed. Roach indicated that stamped architectural plans are required.
"Plans will still have to be submitted with a building permit application," Roach said.
The requirement for stamped architectural plans, it seems, have always been at the heart of the now decade-long conflict between Pontillo and the town over rehabilitation of the building.
In a FOIL request from The Batavian for all the documents in the town's files on the former Odd Fellow's Hall, the topic came up four times, with Pontillo being told he needed to submit stamped, engineered architectural plans to obtain a building permit. The trove of documents indicate he never submitted such plans and Roach made the same assertion.
A decade ago, Pontillo shared his ambitions for the building with The Batavian. Later, Pontillo invited The Batavian into the building to see all the kitchen equipment installed downstairs—high-end pizza ovens and other equipment—in anticipation of opening a pizza parlor.
On Thursday, Pontillo blamed the town and circumstances for the stalled restoration plans.
"There's been a lot of litigation. The town really comes across as being litigious," Pontillo said. "I think three days after I bought the building, I started having back and forth (with the town). I don't think it helps that we've had multiple clerks in that amount of time. We've got, I think, five inspectors, and (Gene) Sinclair's been in and out. That doesn't help. So when you also have attorneys, I think they've found that attorneys have changed since I've been in the community at least four times. So when you start adding all those, they have to keep on starting over. Many things get missed."
Pontillo said he did submit stamped plans for the roof replacement and that he submitted drawings for other work inside the building.
He also said he has no issue with Sinclair, who is now working with him as he remodels his personal residence at another location in the town, and he said town residents have been incredibly supportive. He said his issues seem to be with the town board.
Roach said blaming the town misses the point that Pontillo has never submitted stamped, engineered plans in order to get a building permit.
"You can look at one very objective thing. Did he ever submit architectural or stamped, engineered plans for the construction in conjunction with a building permit application?" Roach said, adding the answer is "No."
"Plans have never been stamped, engineered plans or architectural plans were never submitted," Roach said. "So to say, 'you never allowed me to do the work,' Well, you never did what you were supposed to in order for us to approve work."
Pontillo was hopeful outside the courtroom that, while he thinks the issues are with the town, they can reach an agreement so he eventually moves forward with more ambitious plans for the historic building.
"We're trying to get over these hurdles that the town has put in front of us that everybody's asking that (when he will finish), and until we know that the town's going to back off and allow us to finish and then maybe we can sit down and put that plan together," he said. "So that's why I stayed with it as a vacant building right now."
Members of the Anna Ingalsbe Lovell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution partnered with the Holland Land Office Museum on Wednesday to honor veterans from all eras, giving away pins, flags, challenge coins, stickers, and Constitution booklets.
"It's just our way of the DAR to help serve veterans and our mission to thank them for everything they've done for our country," said Robin Ettinger.
A life sentence. That is what victims of sexual abuse get, District Attorney Kevin Finnell said in County Court on Wednesday morning, a sentiment Judge Donald O'Geen agreed with before sending John Volpe to prison for what is likely the rest of his life.
The 71-year-old Alexander resident, who entered court and left court with the assistance of a walker, was sentenced, in accordance with his plea agreement, to 10 years to life in state prison.
His victim, now a young woman, will deal with the consequences of his sexual abuse and manipulation for the rest of her life, O'Geen said.
O'Geen described the young lady as strong and courageous.
"I have high hopes, based on her comments today, that she will live a good life, especially with the people around her to give her the strength to pull through," O'Geen said.
Finnell opened his statement to the court before sentencing by noting that Volpe would spend the rest of his life in prison, but the life sentence goes both ways.
"She will have to deal with this the rest of her life," he said.
He also noted that Volpe's record of good works -- Volpe was an environmental activist -- in the community also couldn't excuse his conduct.
The hearing opened with the victim reading a statement called an allocation, which gives victims an opportunity to tell the court of the true impact of the criminal's crime.
She said Volpe first sexually abused her when she was five years old. Based on his recommendation, she was removed from public school when she was 12. From age 13 to 17, when she finally told somebody about the abuse, she said she was terrified of him.
"I was brainwashed into thinking it was normal," she said. "That the fear and pain was normal. You convinced me that society was wrong and that you were the best for me. My entire life, I thought my role was to serve you any way you saw fit."
She hoped she would escape it when she turned 18, but Volpe told her that would never happen.
She hoped to escape him when she went to college, but again, he said that wouldn't happen.
"I prayed that I would get away from you when I was married," she said. "You told me that when my husband left for work, you would come over and use me any way you wanted. I said I wanted kids, and you tried to convince me I had to touch them. I told you I wanted to be a nurse and you told me I had to pleasure the old men I cared for. My whole life was decided for me when you met me."
She said when she went on vacations, she had to call him multiple times a day. She had to text him when she went to a friend's house. She had to call him from work, from her apartment when she got home. She said he isolated her from friends and family.
"I had no escape or excuse to get away from you. You used me in every possible way you could," she said. "I have been sexually, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually abused by you. You brainwashed my family and I into thinking the world was going to end. That we had to prepare for the end times. You used native culture as a way to manipulate others. You disgraced a culture for your own personal gain."
Now that she has come forward and Volpe is in custody, she is recovering, she said.
"I no longer have to wear a mask," she said. "I can choose what to do and who to see. I have friends and receive true real love. I learned that I was not damaged but that you were. I am now learning how to live, how to love, and how to laugh again. You took everything from me and I am taking it back. I didn't deserve what I received, but it brings me peace knowing that you will get what you deserve and more, that you will never hurt another child again, that you will never hurt another adult again, that you are going to a place that you are terrified of."
Defense attorney Jamie Walsh revealed that Volpe was also abused as a child and that he has been serving his own life sentence as a result of that sexual abuse. Still, O'Geen rejected that abuse as an excuse for Volpe's conduct.
He called such a concept "selfish," and asserting such a claim was a "slap in the face" to the victim.
"Because you were abused as a child is no excuse because your response should be the opposite of being an abuser," O'Geen said. "You know what it is to be abused."
Isabell Herdlein, a 1st grader at Jackson Primary School, rode to school today in City Fire's ladder truck as her prize for winning the department's annual coloring contest at her school. Joining her in the photo with the firefighters is her teacher, Lexi Wahr.
It's Election Day 2024 across the nation, and all polls are open in Genesee County.
As one voter noted this morning, with the good weather, there's no excuse not to vote (if you haven't already).
Polls close at 9 p.m.
Jon H. Bush, 41, of Batavia, is charged with menacing a peace officer, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, and obstructing governmental administration 2nd. Bush is accused of threatening two probation officers with a knife at an unspecified location and preventing them from arresting another person during a home visit on June 28. He was arrested on Oct. 18. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed. Cindy L. Bush, his mother, was also charged with obstructing governmental administration and issued an appearance ticket.
Shawn P. Wolcott, 42, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 3rd, criminal possession of stolen property 5th, and petit larceny. Wolcott broke into a building on Harvester Avenue and stole property on Oct. 12. He was arraigned and released.
Carolyn L. Kurek, 82, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful imprisonment 2nd and harassment 2nd. Kurek is accused of blocking another person from leaving a room at an apartment building on West Main Street, Batavia, on Oct. 16. She allegedly struck a person with her cane. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Kamau S. Freeman, 30, of Buffalo, was arrested on Oct. 15 on a warrant. Freeman was previously arrested on July 23 and charged with robbery 3rd, grand larceny 4th, criminal contempt 1st, and criminal mischief 3rd. The warrant was issued after he allegedly failed to appear in court. He was arraigned and released.
Morgan A. Schoonmaker, 28, of Perry, and Jaqulyn A. Dueppengiesser, 40, of Perry, are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Schoonmaker and Dueppengiesser are accused of possessing narcotics during a traffic stop on Pearl Street on Oct. 15. They were issued appearance tickets.
Emily D. Shea, 29, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Shea was stopped on Oct. 10 on East Main Street by a Batavia patrol officer for allegedly driving putout headlights. She was issued tickets and released.
Ryan A. Decillis, 32, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Decillis was allegedly caught speeding after Batavia PD received a traffic complaint on Oct. 5 (location not disclosed). He was issued tickets and released.
Kristen L. Kocent, 36, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Kocent allegedly passed narcotics during an investigation on Oct. 13 at an undisclosed location. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Douglas G. Goodwin, Jr., 33, of Alabama, is charged with petit larceny. Goodwin is accused of stealing a gold chain from another person on Sept. 19. He was arrested on Oct. 21. He was arraigned and released.
Alicia M. Lyons, 45, Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest. Lyons is accused of resisting police on Oct. 17 when they attempted to take her into custody on multiple warrants. She was arraigned in City Court and was released.
Tek B. Giri, 46, of Scottsville, is charged with DWI. Giri was stopped on Clinton Street on Oct. 17 after Batavia PD received complaints of an erratic driver. Giri was issued tickets and released.
Mark J. Schultz, 38, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Schultz was stopped on Oct. 20 on West Main Street by a Batavia patrol officer who reportedly observed him driving without tail lights. He was issued traffic tickets and released.
Francis A. Coombs, III, 57, of Batavia, was arrested on Oct. 16 on a warrant. Coombs was initially arrested on Aug. 25 and charged with criminal mischief 4th. He was issued an appearance ticket but allegedly failed to appear in court. Coombs was arraigned in City Court and released.
Carolyn L. Kurek, 82, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful imprisonment 2nd and harassment 2nd. Kurek is accused of blocking another person from leaving a room at an apartment building on West Main Street, Batavia, on Oct. 16. She allegedly struck a person with her cane. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Arnold B. Colopy, 67, of Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass. Colopy is accused of unlawfully entering an apartment on School Street on Oct. 19. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Kelly Marie Zwolinski, 45, of Broadway Road, Darien, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd. Zwolinski is accused of damaging the property of another person at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 29 at a location on Broadway Road, Darien. The value of the property is reportedly in excess of $250. He was held pending arraignment.
Harold Phillip Duell, 62, of Perry, is charged with felony DWI, open alcohol container, license restricted, driving on shoulder, and aggravated unlicensed operation. Duell was stopped at 1:24 a.m. on Oct. 28 on Richmond Avenue by Deputy Matthew Wesolowski. He was released on tickets.
Paul William Zeches, 36, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with sex offender failure to report a change of address. Zeches was arrested on Oct. 30. He was jailed on the charge.
Nathaniel Ashton Finta, 20, of North Main Street, Oakfield, is charged with assault 2nd and criminal mischief 4th. Finta is accused of burning another person's clothing and of striking that person in the face with an open hand causing an injury. Finta was held pending arraignment.
It's Legends and Stars Weekend at Batavia Downs, which includes a memorabilia show in the Parks Place Events Center and autograph sessions for several retired sports stars.
The show opened Friday evening and will continue on Saturday.
The new CEO and president of Western Regional Off-Track Betting, Byron Brown, was on hand Friday, mingling with guests and vendors. This visit was documented by a video crew, capturing footage for planned future TV commercials promoting Batavia Downs as an event center.
Here's Saturday's autograph session lineup:
For more information and tickets, click here.
Photos by Howard Owens.
Photos by Howard Owens
Photos by Howard Owens
It's become quite the tradition in Genesee County government departments -- staff members coordinate a theme for Halloween, with each department competing for the best costumes of the day.
We have no word on who won but here are pictures of a few of the departments that joined in this year.
Josephina Varland, a student at St. Paul Lutheran School, got a ride to school on Thursday morning in Batavia Fire's Engine 12.
The ride was Varland's reward for winning CIty Fire's safety coloring contest for her school.
Photos by Howard Owens.
The Harlem Wizards visited Oakfield-Alabama High School on Wednesday and put on a show, demonstrating their trick ball handling, shots, and high-level basketball skills while playing a game against a team comprised of OA teachers and staff.
The Oakfield-Alabama PTO hosted the fundraiser. During half-time, souvenirs were on sale, and players autographed items. Half-time was followed by a three-minute game between O-A elementary school students.
Photos by Howard Owens.
Byron-Bergen/Elba is moving onto the Section V Class C1 finals after beating Geneseo on Wednesday 2-1.
The Bees, the #2 seed, will face #1 seed East Rochester at noon on Saturday at Honeyeo Falls/Lima.
Colin Rea scored in the first half with an assist from Jack Farner, then with 8:50 left in the game, Craig DiQuattro scored, assisted by Jadiel Amaro.
Photos Jennifer DiQuattro.
Eight-year-old Amara Thomas got a ride in City Fire's Ladder Truck 15 to school at John Kennedy on Wednesday.
Amara was the John Kennedy winner in the department's annual fire safety poster contest, sponsored by IAFF Local 896.
Photos by Howard Owens.
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