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Pavilion wins first-round sectional at home

By Howard B. Owens

 

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Colby Tillotson scored 17 points to help lead Pavilion over Keshequa 59-46  in a first-round  Section V playoff game in Pavilion on Tuesday night.

The #6 seed in Class C3, the Golden Gophers have been without Zach Wiedrich, a top scorer on the team, since the 10th game but Tillotson, Ryley Elliott, Cameron Milligan and Luke Milligan have all stepped up to help fill the gap, said Coach Rob Milligan.

Weidrich, a junior, was diagnosed with a heart condition and may not be able to play competitive basketball again.

As an example of Weidrich scoring prowess, Milligan said he got hot one game last season and scored 36 points.

Tuesday, Elliott scored nine points, as did Cody Penders. Nate Swede scored six points. Tillotson hit three three-point shots.

For Keshequa, Cameron Chestnut scored 17 points. He also hit three three-point shots.

Pavilion student at CTE Center awarded scholarship by electricians' trade group

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Karl Steffenilla, a Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center student enrolled in the Building Trades Program, was recently awarded a $500 School-to-Work scholarship from the Electrical Association, a Rochester-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting the electrical trades. Karl is a senior from Pavilion Central schools.

Rich Monroe, Batavia CTE Center Building Trades instructor, described Karl as "an extremely dedicated and dependable student who is detail-orientated and eager to learn." 

After graduation, Karl's plans include applying to IBEW Local 86, the local Electricians' Union.

"I'm honored to receive this scholarship," Karl said. 

In photo, from left, are: Rich Monroe, Karl Steffenilla, Jon Sanfratello, executive principal, and Catherine Bennett, assistant principal.

About the CTE Center

The Batavia Morris Career and Technical Education Center, located in Batavia, is a program of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services offering shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York state.

Eleven local students named to SUNY Geneseo's 2018 dean's list

By Billie Owens

The State University of New York at Geneseo has announced its dean's list for the Fall 2018 semester. To be on the list, a student must have achieved at least a 3.5 grade-point average while taking a minimum of 12 credit hours.

Students on the dean's list from your area include:

Emily Carney, of Pavilion 

Madison Rodgers, of Pavilion 

Mika Swanson, of Le Roy  

Analiese Vasciannie, of Le Roy 

Ashley Montgomery, of Bergen 

Jaidyn Smith, of Stafford 

Emily McCracken, of Oakfield 

Thomas Grammatico, of Batavia 

Madison McCulley, of Batavia 

Mica Pitcher, of Batavia  

Quinn Schrader, of Batavia 

SUNY Geneseo is a premier public liberal arts college dedicated to developing socially responsible citizens with skills and values for a productive life.

Sign-ups now open for Pavilion Youth Baseball/Softball League, deadline is Feb. 22

By Billie Owens

From Sarah Kingdon:

Sign-ups are now open for the Pavilion Youth Baseball/Softball League.

Please sign up through this new online portal here.

Click on Registration, select 2019 Pavilion Baseball/Softball Registration.

Registrations are due by Feb. 22.

Babe Ruth -- $75

12U, 10U, 8U -- $60

T-Ball (5-6 years old) -- $40

Please note that you will pay for the cash raffle fundraiser up front for $50. Tickets will be handed out by your coaches to sell.

The Opening Day Parade is on Saturday, April 27.

Please contact Tim Kingdon with questions at (585) 322-2804.

A total of 303 GCC students named to President's List for fall 2018 semester

By Billie Owens

BATAVIA -- A total of 303 students from Genesee Community College named to President's List for the fall 2018 semester. Students honored on the President's List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality-point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

Alexis Hackmer of Alexander, NY

Carli Marino of Alexander, NY

Madison Cummings of Alexander, NY

Katlyn Adamczak of Basom, NY

Rebecca Myers of Batavia, NY

Marissa Jacques of Batavia, NY

Tessa Lynn of Batavia, NY

Julia Streeter of Batavia, NY

Madison Schady of Batavia, NY

Alexander Rigerman of Batavia, NY

Cameron Sanzo of Batavia, NY

Abby Stendts of Batavia, NY

Kimberly Brodsky of Batavia, NY

Andrew Pickard of Batavia, NY

Neve Georgia of Batavia, NY

Bethany Ruffino of Batavia, NY

Jessica Caryl of Batavia, NY

Casey Beaver of Batavia, NY

Amber Snyder of Batavia, NY

Genna Rumble of Batavia, NY

Danielle Joyce of Batavia, NY

Chloe Rapone of Batavia, NY

Jennifer Bartz of Batavia, NY

Hunter Mazur of Batavia, NY

Rachel Wommack of Batavia, NY

Amnesty Ball of Batavia, NY

Jessica Accardi of Batavia, NY

Kennedy Mullen of Batavia, NY

Megan West of Batavia, NY

Nicholas Allen of Corfu, NY

Alysia Magoffin of Corfu, NY

Olivia Kohorst of Corfu, NY

Morgan Miller of Corfu, NY

Jenna Salim of Corfu, NY

Spencer Graff of Corfu, NY

Rachel Tebor of Corfu, NY

Katharine Smallwood of Corfu, NY

Samantha Tatarski of Corfu, NY

Elizabeth Richardson of Darien Center, NY

Alannah Gross of East Bethany, NY

Brian Wlazlak of East Bethany, NY

Jenna Huntington of Elba, NY

Samantha Nickerson of Elba, NY

Henry Stratton of Elba, NY

Laura Lundmark of Oakfield, NY

Stephanie Halat of Oakfield, NY

Roy Brudz of Stafford, NY

Alan Johannes of Stafford, NY

Melinda Rodriguez of Bergen, NY

Kristen Hale of Bergen, NY

Alexandria Loewke of Bergen, NY

Dillon Brew of Bergen, NY

Carli Piazza of Le Roy, NY

Stefanie Callari of Le Roy, NY

Brenda Turner of Le Roy, NY

Lauren Hull of Le Roy, NY

Valaurie Zweigle of Le Roy, NY

Ceciely Palmer of Le Roy, NY

Jacob Bolton of Le Roy, NY

Jenna Dersham of Pavilion, NY

Genesee Community College serves more than 5,700 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics. 

GCC's new Student Success Center makes admissions, financial aid and enrollment a simple and efficient process. The college has earned three national sports titles; most recently, the Men's Soccer team brought home the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association D-III title. The athletics program, housed in the brand new, state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena hosts more than a dozen intercollegiate men's and women's teams.

Highly convenient, GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as a significant online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three-minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high tech" and "high touch."

A total of 264 GCC students named to dean's list for fall 2018 semester

By Billie Owens

BATAVIA -- A total of 264 students from Genesee Community College were named to the dean's list for the fall 2018 semester. Students honored on the Dean's List have maintained full or part-time enrollment and earned a quality-point index of 3.50 to 3.74.

Ryli Crego of Alexander, NY

Benjamin Vacanti of Alexander, NY

Grace Marzolf of Darien Center, NY

Cassidy Miller of Batavia, NY

Joshua Barton of Batavia, NY

Kesa Janes of Batavia, NY

Mason Turner of Batavia, NY

Taylor Stefaniak of Batavia, NY

Rikki Ettinger of Batavia, NY

Ashlee Ohlson of Batavia, NY

Matthew DiFilippo of Batavia, NY

Shannon Cervone of Batavia, NY

Andrew Frank of Batavia, NY

Samantha Hyback of Batavia, NY

Chase Monachino of Batavia, NY

Matthew Fouquet of Batavia, NY

Chandah Sundown of Batavia, NY

Taylor Dimmig of Bergen, NY

Melissa Haacke of Oakfield, NY

Nicole Mickey of Batavia, NY

Tamara DePalmo of Batavia, NY

Christopher Morris of Pavilion, NY

Merrisa Bohn of Batavia, NY

Kitana Maher of Bergen, NY

Marlaina Fee of Bergen, NY

Nathan Knickerbocker of Byron, NY

Elizabeth Penkszyk of South Byron, NY

Kathryn Long of Stafford, NY

Riley Dyson of Batavia, NY

Julia Starczewski of Corfu, NY

Brandon Kowalski of Corfu, NY

Lynne Blake of Corfu, NY

Bethany Pfennig of Corfu, NY

Zachary Von Kramer of Corfu, NY

Ashlee Gilchrist of Corfu, NY

Haley Steen of Le Roy, NY

Megan Webb of Le Roy, NY

Kaden Vangalio of Le Roy, NY

Amy Kabel of Batavia, NY

Jessica Newton of Batavia, NY

Ivan Pangrazio of Oakfield, NY

Jessica Barclay of Oakfield, NY

Sabrina Walton of Batavia, NY

Katrina Mogavero of Batavia, NY

Mackenzie Simpson of Le Roy, NY

Jeremiah Keaton of Pavilion, NY

Jaden Dumbleton of Pavilion, NY

Kelsey Ehrhart of Stafford, NY

Melissa Ladin of Batavia, NY

Reilly Clark of Bergen, NY

Kaelin Proefrock of Batavia, NY

Shelby Hill of Batavia, NY

Dustin Wheeler of Darien Center, NY

Celestia Chandler of Elba, NY

Genesee Community College serves more than 5,700 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics. 

GCC's new Student Success Center makes admissions, financial aid and enrollment a simple and efficient process. The college has earned three national sports titles; most recently, the Men's Soccer team brought home the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association D-III title. The athletics program, housed in the brand new, state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena hosts more than a dozen intercollegiate men's and women's teams.

Highly convenient, GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as a significant online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three-minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high tech" and "high touch."

Total of 212 GCC students named to Provost's List for fall 2018 semester

By Billie Owens

BATAVIA -- A total of 212 students from Genesee Community College were named to Provost's List. Students honored on the Provost's List have maintained part-time enrollment and earned a quality-point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

William Rippel of Batavia, NY

Joseph Jeanotte of Le Roy, NY

Elizabeth Grosskopf of Batavia, NY

Nadine Jeffery of Batavia, NY

Katelyn Connors of Batavia, NY

Sarah Herman of Alexander, NY

Cassandra Koepp of Alexander, NY

Naomi LaDuke of Alexander, NY

Nicole Alvord of Darien Center, NY

Thomas Kedzierski of Darien Center, NY

Lauren Carli of East Bethany, NY

Alexander Breissinger of Darien Center, NY

Lauren Bertalan of Darien Center, NY

Edward Foeller of Darien Center, NY

Patrick Puccio of Stafford, NY

Christina Weston of Alexander, NY

Erin Deja of Batavia, NY

Crystal Pierce of Batavia, NY

Shannon Guiste of Batavia, NY

Robert Tripp of Batavia, NY

Shane Causyn of Byron, NY

Cassandra Gowanlock of East Bethany, NY

Kyle Schoff of Corfu, NY

Kodian Becker of Darien Center, NY

Allison Steavens of Batavia, NY

Emily Reynolds of Elba, NY

Jennifer Cardinali of Oakfield, NY

Melissa Vinyard of Batavia, NY

Katelyn Barnes of Pavilion, NY

Ryan Wolfe of Batavia, NY

Bryan German of Batavia, NY

Mary Ross of Le Roy, NY

Magnum Kibler of Le Roy, NY

Maura Rogers of Le Roy, NY

Kyle Mott of Batavia, NY

Angelique Newton of East Bethany, NY

Colin Graham of Oakfield, NY

Alan Riggi of Alexander, NY

John Boyle of Le Roy, NY

David Hoffman of Bergen, NY

Jessica Lennon of Alexander, NY

David Mackey of Bergen, NY

Grace Morrill of Bergen, NY

Sandra Fanton of Pavilion, NY

Genesee Community College serves more than 5,700 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics. 

GCC's new Student Success Center makes admissions, financial aid and enrollment a simple and efficient process. The college has earned three national sports titles; most recently, the Men's Soccer team brought home the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association D-III title. The athletics program, housed in the brand new, state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena hosts more than a dozen intercollegiate men's and women's teams.

Highly convenient, GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as a significant online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high tech" and "high touch."

Law and Order: Albion man accused of grand larceny on Hartwell Road, Pavilion

By Billie Owens

Edward Ryan Loper, 30, of West Bank Street, Albion, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and misapplication of property. Loper was arrested on Feb. 5 and arraigned at 3:41 p.m. in Pavilion Town Court. His arrest follows an investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office into an incident that took place on Hartwell Road in Pavilion on Sept. 23. Loper allegedly stole property from an individual with a value in excess of $1,000. Loper also is accused of misapplication of property that belonged to the same individual. He was brought in from Orleans County Jail, where he was incarcerated on an unrelated charge, for the arraignment. Loper was subsequently put back in Orleans County Jail and bail was set for Genesee County Jail for $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond. He is to reappear in Town of Pavilion Court on March 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

James Albert Chase, 39, of Oak Street, Batavia, is registered Level 3 sex offender who is on parole. He is charged with failure to report a change within 10 days -- with a previous conviction for the same offense. Under NYS Penal Law COR 168-F subdivision 4: An offender has 10 calender days to register "...any change of address, Internet accounts with Internet access providers belonging to such offender, Internet identifiers that such offender uses, or his or her status of enrollment, attendance, employment or residence at any institution of higher education." Chase was being held on a parole violation in Genesee County Jail at the time of his arrest on Feb. 4. He was arraigned then jailed without bail. He is due in Batavia City Court tomorrow (Feb. 7). The case was handled by Batavia Police Det. Eric Hill.

Bryan Michael Beach, 35, of Dolbeer Street, Perry, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt, second-degree harassment and aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree. He was arrested on Feb. 5 for allegedly shoving a person at 5:20 p.m. on Feb. 3 on Lewiston Road in Batavia, in violation of an active order of protection. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack.

Hayley N. Giles, 21, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Giles was arrested at 12:58 p.,m. on Feb. 3 following an investigation of a domestic incident involving siblings. Giles are released on an appearance ticket. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Jonathan A. Bell, 34, of Evans Street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- common law; failure to stop at stop sign; refusal to take a breath test; unlicensed operation; and aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree. Bell was arrested at 11:12 p.m. Feb. 4 on Washington Avenue in Batavia after being involved in a one-vehicle crash. He was processed and released with traffic tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Eric K. Ricks, 40, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 1 on Thomas Avenue in Batavia after Batavia police were called to a residence for an altercation. At that time, he was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana. Ricks was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court Feb. 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Chad Richards.

Chimney fire, reportedly contained, reported on Keller Road, Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

A chimney fire that is said to be contained, though flames are showing, is reported at 6516 Keller Road, Pavilion.

The location is between Roanoke Road and Transit Road.

The family cannot evacuate because of an elderly resident.

Pavilion fire along with Le Roy and Stafford dispatched.

UPDATE 10:27 a.m.: The homeowner told a first responder he believes the fire burned itself out. Responders warned about road conditions.

UPDATE 10:28 a.m.: Working fire in stove pipe. It's contained to the pipe. The family being assisted with evacuation.

UPDATE 10:32 a.m.: No smoke in the residence.

Eight-year review for GC Ag District 3 now underway

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The state mandated 30-day public review period has begun for Agricultural District No. 3 in the towns of Le Roy, Pavilion, Stafford and Bergen.

The Genesee County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board announced that Agricultural District No. 3 would embark on its eight-year review with a 30-day public review period beginning on Jan. 26.

As with every eight-year review, landowners with lands in the district under review will be asked to complete a worksheet where they will be given the option to enroll or withdraw property from the district. Only entire parcels can be included or excluded.

Landowners will receive the worksheet, along with a letter, informational brochure, and map of the current district boundaries in the next couple of days. Each landowner will have until Monday, Feb. 26thof this year to mail the worksheets to the Department of Planning in the envelopes provided.

This deadline also coincides with the deadline for the Annual Enrollment Period which allows for inclusion of predominantly viable agricultural land to any of the County’s Agricultural Districts pending review by the Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board. In addition, nearby landowners that are receiving Agricultural Tax Assessments and are not part of the Agricultural Districts Program will be mailed a letter and form inviting them to join the program.

During this 30-day period, a map of the District will be on file and open to the public in the office of the Genesee County Clerk and at the Genesee County Department of Planning. Any municipality whose territory encompasses the above Agricultural District, any State Agency or any landowner within or adjacent to the District, may propose a modification of the District during this period.

The District and any proposed modification will be submitted to the Genesee County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board for review. Consequently, a public hearing on the District and any proposed modifications will be held on Wednesday, May 8, at 5:30 p.m. at the Genesee County Old Courthouse, 7 Main St., Batavia.

At the conclusion of this review, the Genesee County Legislature will vote on any modifications to the District and send the proper materials to the State Department of Agriculture and Markets for recertification. The public is encouraged to attend all open meetings.

By enrolling land in the Agricultural Districts Program, participating farmers can receive relief from nuisance claims and certain forms of local regulation. Enrollment is free and voluntary.

For a free informational brochure, please contact the Genesee County Department of Planning. Phone: (585) 815-7901; Fax: (585) 345-3062; Email: planning@co.genesee.ny.us. Visit on the web here

Elmira College student-athlete Lydia Milligan of Pavilion named to President's List

By Billie Owens

 Lydia Milligan, of Pavilion, was among 61 Elmira College Soaring Eagles on the Empire 8 Conference's semi-annual President's List, which recognizes student-athletes who earned a grade-point average of 3.75 or higher during the fall term.

Eligible student-athletes must be enrolled full-time at a conference institution, participate on a varsity team, and display positive conduct on and off campus. In total, the Empire 8's nine full-time members and 10 affiliates saw 817 student-athletes thrive in the classroom and receive President's List accolades during the fall.

"Our student-athletes continue to succeed at remarkable levels in the classroom, and I couldn't be more proud of their accomplishments," E8 Commissioner Chuck Mitrano said. "Our membership's commitment to academic success is unparalleled, and these numbers prove that once again."

The EC men's soccer team led the way with eight selections, followed by men's ice hockey with seven. Baseball, softball, women's volleyball, women's soccer and cheerleading each placed five student-athletes on the E8 President's List.

Founded in 1855, Elmira College is a private, residential, liberal arts college offering 30-plus majors, an honors program, 17 academic societies, and 20 Division III varsity teams. Located in the Southern Finger Lakes Region of New York, Elmira's undergraduate and graduate student population hails from more than 20 states and nine countries. Elmira is a Phi Beta Kappa College and has been ranked a top college, nationally, for student internships.

The College is also home to the Center for Mark Twain Studies, one of four historically significant Twain heritage sites in the United States, which attracts Twain scholars and educators from around the world for research on the famous literary icon. Proud of its history and tradition, the College is committed to the ideals of community service, and intellectual and individual growth.

GCEDC board approves incentives for Churchville Fire Equipment expansion in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) approved incentives for Churchville Fire Equipment Corp. at the agency’s Jan. 10th board meeting.

Churchville Fire Equipment Corp. will purchase the land and build a truck setup facility at 10246 Perry Road in the Town of Pavilion. The $900,000 investment by the company, which includes $700,000 to purchase the land, will create three new jobs.

Churchville Fire Equipment Corp. was approved for just over $50,000 in incentives, including sales and mortgage and property tax exemptions. For every one dollar in incentives, the company will be investing $78 into the local economy.

Churchville Fire Equipment Corp. has decades of experience in the fire and emergency services industry, and supplies area fire companies with life-saving equipment.

Expansion of Churchville Fire Equipment into Pavilion on GCEDC agenda

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) will consider accepting an application for incentives from Churchville Fire Equipment Corp. at the agency’s Jan. 10th board meeting. 

The company is seeking to purchase land and build a truck setup facility in an existing facility on 10246 Perry Road in the Town of Pavillion.  The $900,000 investment by the company would create three new jobs.

Churchville Fire Equipment Corp. is seeking just over $50,000 in incentives, including sales and mortgage and property tax exemptions.

Churchville Fire Equipment Corp. has decades of experience in the fire and emergency services industry, and supplies area fire companies with life-saving equipment.

Six Genesee County students named to Fall 2018 dean's list at Nazareth College

By Billie Owens

ROCHESTER -- Nazareth College students named to the Fall 2018 dean's list are as follows:

  • Kimberly Davis, of Pavilion
  • Danielle Foeller, of Bergen 
  • Bailey Groth, of East Pembroke 
  • Chelsea Jensen, of Batavia
  • Jessica Meyers, of East Bethany 
  • Lauren Reding, of Oakfield 

Nazareth College's academic strengths cross an unusually broad spectrum of 60 majors, including education, health and human services, management, the fine arts, music, theater, math and science, foreign languages, and the liberal arts.

The coeducational, religiously independent, classic campus in a charming suburb of Rochester challenges and supports 2,000 undergrads and 800 graduate students. Nazareth is recognized nationally for its Fulbright global student scholars and commitment to civic engagement. Rigorous programs, an uncommon core, experiential learning, career skills, and a global focus prepare graduates for not just one job, but for their life's work.

Contrary to appearances, Clark Griswold did not move to Pavilion in time for Christmas

By Howard B. Owens

A family in Pavilion had a very Griswold-Christmas this year, outfitting the family wagon with an uprooted Christmas tree, decorating with a greased-up sled, tangled lights on an old camper -- all staples of the 1989 classic comedy, "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," starring Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold.

“We watch the movie every year,” Jesse Coots told 13WHAM. “We love it.”

What started as a good laugh about imitating the movie became a reality for the Coots family.

“We got joking about how the movie goes, and how they uproot the Christmas tree and all that jazz,” he said. “We like to laugh around here, so I was sitting around one day, just screwing around and looking for station wagons, and we found this one, and it’s got 33,000 original miles.

“I kind of surprised the wife and the kids and made a deal in the middle of the night, and this guy brought it out,” he continued. “Bought it, and we uprooted a Christmas tree with a couple of friends of mine and tied her up, strapped it up, Chevy Chase-style.”

The Coots family had intended for theirs to be an inside joke – but they couldn’t contain their neighbors’ glee.

“Really, it was just going to be between us, then a couple people posted videos of us driving through town, and the community kind of laughed,” said Coots.

And that humor, says Coots, is what the display is all about.

“Every night, there’s cars pulling up, and I like it because they’re here to laugh, and that’s what we like to do, is laugh,” he said. “It’s good for your heart.

“I have gotten so many nice phone calls and emails and text messages about how it’s brightened people’s spirits and made them laugh,” he said, “and a lot of people have told me they get on Facebook every day to see what kind of nonsense we’re up to with this.”

Will it be a Christmas tradition? Coots isn’t sure – but he says, if it is, his kids will be on board.

“I build custom cars for a living,” he said. “You’d think, all the great cars I have, they would love some of the hot rods. They love this stock station wagon more than anything. They don’t want it to go!”

Story and photos courtesy our news partner, 13WHAM

Law and Order: Man faces eight felony charges for domestic incident on Jackson Street in the city

By Billie Owens

The victim of a domestic incident responded to the Batavia Police Department and an investigation determined that Iszon Richardson (right inset photo) allegedly violated a complete stay away order of protection.

Richardson is suspected of holding the protected party at their residence on Jackson Street and refusing to allow them to leave.

A short time later, the Batavia PD received information that Richardson had returned to the protected party's residence and police responded. Police did not release the date of the incident, but put out this report on Friday (Dec. 21).

They located Richardson hiding and he was taken into custody and charged with: four counts of first-degree criminal contempt -- Class E felonies; three counts of second-degree burglary -- Class C felonies; and one count of unlawful imprisonment in the first degree -- also a Class E felony.

Richardson was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $30,000 bail. He is to reappear in city court at a later date.

This case was investigated by Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Sgt. Christopher Camp, Officer Mitchell Cowen, Officer Chad Richards and Officer Jamie Givens.

Steven William Barnhardt, 27, of River Road, Pavilion, is charged with second-degree aggravated harassment and fourth-degree stalking. At 12:15 p.m. on Dec. 21, Barnhardt was arrested on the charges. After meeting a female a week prior, he allegedly continued to send text and Facebook messages and call the female, who lives on Barrville Road in Elba, after being advised to have to further contact. Barnhardt was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. An order of protection was issued by the court. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator Joseph Loftus.

Gary David Doctor, 36, of Pembroke, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; unlawful possession of marijuana; driving left of pavement markings; having an unregistered motor vehicle; unauthorized sticker on rear window; and obstructed driver's view. On Dec. 20, Doctor was arrested on the charges, which stem from a motor-vehicle accident that occurred at 9:48 p.m. on Nov. 5 on Knapp Road in Pembroke. Doctor was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Pembroke Town Court on Jan. 22. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Damien M. Schoonmaker, 20, of Smith Street, Rochester, is charged with trespass. The defendant was arrested after allegedly driving around the property and racetrack of the Genesee County Fairgrounds at 1:43 p.m. on Nov. 30 without permission and causing ruts in the mud and grass. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Ronald Meides.

Two-story garage on Pavilion Center Road destroyed in late-morning fire

By Howard B. Owens

A member of the Pavilion Fire Department who is assigned to fire police was driving near his residence on Pavilion Center Road this morning when he spotted a fire in a neighbor's garage at 10240 Pavilion Center Raod.

He immediately called in the fire but there were already huge plumes of black smoke pouring from the structure.

By the time the first fire units arrived, the garage was fully involved.

Chief Dewey Murdock said that despite it being a weekday on a holiday week, fire companies in Pavilion and mutual aid companies from Genesee, Livingston and Wyoming counties, were able to assemble crews quickly and arrive on scene shortly after the fire was reported.

That wasn't enough, however, to save the two-story garage built in the 1970s from total destruction.

The homeowner, Wayne Palmer, used the garage to restore old cars and a couple of cars were pulled out of the garage at some point.

No firefighters were injured fighting the blaze.

Multiple tankers were needed to provide water for the fire but there was never a water flow issue, Murdock said, because of sufficient crew members for the tankers, plenty of tankers on scene, and the proximity of Oatka Creek.

Murdock said the cause of the fire is under investigation but it may have started with a fuel oil burner.

Working garage fire reported on Pavilion Center Road

By Billie Owens

A fully working garage fire is reported at 10240 Pavilion Center Road. The structure is full of mechanical equipment, according to the caller to dispatch. The location is south of Junction Road. Pavilion, Stafford and Le Roy are called to the scene.

It's gone to a second alarm -- the city's Fast Team is now called along with Bethany, Alexander and York. A first responder says heavy black smoke is showing.

UPDATE 11:08 a.m.: The city's first platoon is requested to stand by in its fire headquarters.

UPDATE 11:10 a.m.: "This is a two-story garage, fully involved," says a chief. Two additional tankers from Caledonia are called to the scene.

UPDATE 11:13 a.m.: Equipment from Perry Center and Wyoming are also going to respond. The tankers are to come in off Route 20. The railroad will be notified of the incident and its close proximity to the tracks; trains will not need to be stopped, but will need to slow down.

UPDATE 11:17 a.m.: Churchville is called to fill in at Le Roy's fire hall. Town of Batavia is called to fill in at Stafford Fire Hall.

UPDATE 11:21 a.m.: The power company is called to respond to the scene.

UPDATE 11:33 a.m.: Perry is filling in at Pavilion's fire hall. Churchville was unable to secure a crew to fill in for Le Roy.

UPDATE 11:37 p.m.: "Town of Batavia all additional available manpower to stand by in your quarters."

UPDATE 12:24 p.m.: Heavy smoke is still pouring from the site.

UPDATE 1:17 p.m.: All tankers have been released except Pavilion's.

Law and Order: Le Roy woman with previous conviction accused of driving while impaired by drugs

By Billie Owens

Roberta Ann Goodman, 51, of East Main Road, Le Roy, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs -- with a previous conviction, a Class E felony. On Dec. 9 at 10:09 a.m., the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received multiple calls of a motor vehicle being driven erratically westbound through the Town and Village of Le Roy. Le Roy Police Detective John Condidorio was able to catch up to the vehicle and initiate a traffic stop stop with the suspect vehicle on Main Road in Stafford. Sheriff's deputies arrived on scene and administered standardized field sobriety tests and Goodman was subsequently arrested. After being given a Drug Influence Evaluation at the jail by Deputy Matt Butler, a certified Drug Recognition Expert, Goodman was arraigned in Stafford Town Court and jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash bail. Additional charges are pending. In addition to Condidorio and Butler, the investigation by Deputy Ryan DeLong was assisted by Deputy Erik Andre and Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Dustin L. Stump, 48, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with illegal disposal of items. He was arrested at 1:09 p.m. on Dec. 10 after allegedly illegally disposing of garbage in a privately owned dumpster. He was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court and is due there on Dec. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.

Mark S. Bradley, 58, of Pavilion, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; unlawful possession of marijuana; consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle; and unauthorized stickers on windshield. He was arrested on Dec. 9 following a traffic stop on Warsaw Boulevard in the Village of Silver Springs. During the stop, he was allegedly found to be in possession of crystal meth, marijuana, marijuana paraphernalia, and an open container of alcohol. His vehicle was towed from the scene. He was processed at the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office and released to relatives. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Village of Silver Springs Court on Jan. 7 to answer the charges. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Sgt. Colin Reagan, assisted by Deputy Bradley McGinnis.

Shannon M. LaPaglia, 37, of Le Roy, was arrested at 6:22 a.m. on Dec. 9 by troopers out of SP Batavia and charged with DWI, unlawful possession of marijuana and vehicle and traffic infractions. Her arrest came after troopers responded to a property damage accident on Byron Road in the Town of Stafford. She allegedly failed standardized field sobriety tests. Troopers also allegedly located marijuana in her vehicle. She was transported to SP Batavia for processing and allegedly found to have a BAC of .13 percent. LaPaglia was released on an appearance ticket returnable to Stafford Town Court later this month.

Jason Lawrence McKenzie, 40, of Covell Road, Pavilion, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 7:01 p.m. on Nov. 30 following a complaint at a retail store on Veterans Memorial Drive of shoplifting. He allegedly stole merchandise by passing all points of purchase without paying for the items. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on Jan. 7. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Matthew J. Reed, 34, of State Street, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court on Dec. 9. Police responded to an address on State Street for the initial report of a possible domestic incident. While there, he was taken into custody on the bench warrant. He was jailed on $500 cash or bond and was due in city court on Dec. 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Peter Flanagan.

J'zon A. Richardson, 20, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. He was arrested on Dec. 10 on a warrant out of Batavia City Court for an unspecified incident which occurred on Nov. 15 on Ellicott Street in Batavia. He was arraigned and jailed in lieu of $500 cash or $1,000 bond and is to return to city court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider.

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