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Several bowlers cracked the 700 mark at area bowling centers during the week of Dec. 19.

To see who was hot on the lanes, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

Christopher T. Walker Jr. is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the first degree, a Class C felony. It is alleged that on July 4 in the Town of Darien that Walker -- with knowledge that it was forged and with intent to defraud, deceive or injure another -- possessed a forged instrument, a counterfeit $20 dollar bill. In counts two through 10, Walker is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the first degree, a Class C felony. It is alleged that on the same date he possessed nine more counterfeit $20 dollar bills (a total of 10).

Chase J. Francis-Whipset is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on June 4 in the Town of Le Roy the defendant knowlingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug, cocaine, with intent to sell it. In count two, the defendant is accused of the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on the same date he knowingly and unlawfully possessed a controlled substance, cocaine, which weighed 500 milligrams or more. In count three, Francis-Whipset is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree, an unclassified misdemeanor, for allegedly operating a motor vehicle in the Town of Le Roy while knowing or having reason to know that his driver's license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities and at the time of operation he had in effect three or more suspension imposed on at least three separate dates for failure to answer, appear or pay a fine.

Police are looking for information on this man as a person of interest in the robbery this morning of the Key Bank branch in Batavia.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is investigation a robbery at the Key Bank Branch at 69 Main Street in the City of Batavia.  This suspect is a male white 5’5”-5’9”.  A note was passed to the teller demanding cash. No weapons were displayed or threatened. The suspect was last seen running west from the rear of the bank. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Sgt Crossett at 585-345-6353 or the City of Batavia confidential tip line at 585-345-6370.

Daniel John Kearney, 57, of Genesee Street, Pembroke, is charged with second-degree harassment and reckless driving. At 8:25 p.m. on Dec. 23, following an investigation of a road-rage incident, it is alleged that Kearney struck another driver in the face and cut off the other driver while on Pearl Street Road, Batavia. He was arrested and arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released on his own recognizance. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

Sergio Ivan Santana-Santana, 35, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle with a BAC over .08 -- a felony; driving while intoxicated, felony; first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation; and unlicensed driver. At 5:32 p.m. on Dec. 24, the Emergency Dispatch Center received a call about subjects fighting in the area of routes 33 and 237 in the Town of Stafford. Investigation at the scene allegedly revealed that the defendant was driving with a revoked license and while intoxicated. He was arraigned in Stafford Town Court and jailed on $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond, with a return court date of Jan. 12. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Cassidy Longhini, assisted by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Daniel J. Eastridge, 21, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with: passing a solid red light; failure to stop at stop sign (two counts); driving the wrong direction on a one-way street; DWI; and aggravated DWI -- BAC of .18 percent or higher. He was also cited for having insufficient tail lamps and failure to use a turn signal. The charges were issued following a traffic stop at 2:21 a.m. on Dec. 24 on Denio Street in Batavia after Eastridge was allegedly observed failing to yield for a steady red signal. He was determined to have been operating the vehicle while allegedly intoxicated. He is due in City Court on Jan. 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Judy A. Stiles, 58, of Sheppard Road, Pavilion, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle without headlights; following too closely; DWI; and aggravated DWI -- having a BAC of .18 percent or higher. The charges stem from a motor-vehicle accident that occured at 7:24 p.m. on Dec. 16 on West Main Street in Batavia. It is alleged that Stiles struck another vehicle that was stopped for a red light. During the investigation, it was allegedly determined that Stiles had been operating her vehicle while intoxicated. She was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on Jan. 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Nicole Salamone.

James A. Hough, 43, of Harvester Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: DWI -- with a previous conviction within the last 10 years; refusal to take a breath test; and moving from lane unsafely. At 9:47 p.m. on Dec. 17, Batavia PD was dispatched to Richmond Avenue for a motor-vehicle accident. After investigation, Hough was allegedly found to have been operating the vehicle while intoxicated and he was arrested. He was due back in City Court on Dec. 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole Salamone, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Joseph Tucker, no age provided, of Salem Road, Rochester, was involved in a one-vehicle accident on Route 33 in the Town of Byron at around 11:25 p.m. on Dec. 17. According to the Sheriff's Office statement, the vehicle drvien by Tucker was traveling at an unsafe speed for the icy weather conditions. Tucker lost control of the vehicle and drove off the southeast shoulder of the roadway and struck a tree. Three of the six occupants were transported to Rochester General Hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Jamie L. Broadbent, 33, of Thorpe Street, Batavia, is charged with: resisting arrest; petit larceny; fourth-degree criminal mischief; and third-degree criminal tampering. At 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 17, Batavia PD responded to the Dollar General store on East Main Street for the report of a female concealing items. Police confronted Broadbent after she passed the point of sale and at that time she allegedly resisted arrest. She was subsequently taken into custody, arraigned in City Court and jailed on $3,000 bail. She was due back in court on Dec. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Noel M. Wentworth, 47, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Wentworth was arrested at 10:01 a.m. on Dec. 5 at Batavia City Centre and issued an appearance ticket. A small quantity of crack cocaine was allegedly found inside Wentworth's wallet. Wentworth is due in City Court on Jan. 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

James J. Preedom, 32, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with unnecessary noise. He was arrested at 2:22 a.m. on Dec. 21 on Walnut Street following several noise complaints and warnings. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to City Court on Jan. 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

A robbery has been reported at the Key Bank location at 69 Main St., next to City Slickers Bar & Grill in Batavia.

UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 10:58 a.m.: The suspect is still at large and fled the bank on foot. The suspect is a white male, about 5' 5" tall and has no facial hair. He was wearing a gray hoodie and camouflage-print pants, and possibly a blue and white shirt. No weapon was displayed.

UPDATE 11:24 a.m.: Batavia Police Detective Sgt. Todd Crossett said the suspect is described is 5' 6" tall and that he wore camo pants, a blue coat over a gray hoodie and had on a black knit hat. Crossett said he approached the teller and demanded money and fled with an undetermined amount of cash. He left westbound toward the DMV, at that point "we don't know if he got into a car or continued on foot." If anyone in the area saw a man fitting the description who was running or "moving at a very fast pace," Crossett asks that you call him at 345-6353, the police confidential tip line at 345-6370, or 9-1-1. The robbery occurred at 10:18 a.m. and a few customers were inside the bank. Police will be contacting downtown businesses with security cameras and reviewing bank camera footage and they expect to release a photo or photos of the suspect later.

UPDATE 1:26 p.m.: Photo of suspect released.

A resident of Oakfield found these dogs in her yard this afternoon. She lives just outside of Oakfield near Z&M on Route 63. Both dogs have collars. One has tags. The phone number rings at the Town Hall. Both are white/cream color.

Both dogs are being picked up by animal control and will be available at the shelter.

Today, we look back on 2016 to celebrate the accomplishments of the young people in our community in three of the most important aspects of life: Academics, the Arts and Athletics.

To purchase prints of any of these photos, click here.

Tom Scott, background, didn't have to go into work yesterday, but he did. A manager at Batavia's Original, he made pizza and then he and Marc Tillery, foreground, delivered it for lunch to people whose community health-and-safety jobs required them to work on Christmas Day. They stopped by the hospital, Troopers' barracks, and Batavia PD and FD.

"We tried to help and thank who we could in uniform," Tillery said.

 Submitted photos and info.

A second alarm is called for a possible dryer fire at Le Roy Manor, located at 8678 Lake Street Road. Le Roy Fire Department is responding and mutual aid is requested from the city's Fast Team, Bergen and Stafford.

Here are the services for tonight we were notified about:

• The barn service originally scheduled for tonight at the Partridge Farm has been moved to the United Methodist Church at 8221 Lewiston Road. 
• There is a candlelight service with carols and the Christmas Story at 7 p.m. at the East Bethany Presbyterian Chruch, 5735 Ellicott Street Road, East Bethany.
• The Yunker family continues a 36-year tradition hosting a barn service for the Presbyterian Church in Elba. The service begins at 7 p.m. on the Yunker Farm on Transit Road, Elba. Lighted candles will lead cars along the road to the barn. Rev. Barbara Tipton will renew the Christmas message. Traditional Christmas hymns will be sung, accompanied by Fran Woodworth on flute. Barn STAIRS will lead to the service benches. Members and visitors are welcome.
• City Church holds two services this evening, at 6 p.m. at the City Church on East Main Street, Batavia, and at 8 p.m. at St. Anthony's on Liberty Street.

Steve Foster and Tim Adams, owners of the Red Osier restaurant, dedicated the month of November to charity for the local community.

The restaurant has always been closed on Thanksgiving, but this year, they opened for business, with many staff members donating their time to work; all the proceeds from meals served that day were donated to local charities.

During the month, the restaurant also raised $7,965 for Genesee Cancer Assistance. Foster and Adams added their own money to the pot and today turned over a $10,000 check.

Red Osier also donated two truckloads of food to the Le Roy Food Pantry.

Above, Red Osier staff members with some of the clothing items, including socks and underwear, collected for local donation.

Submitted photo.

Students, along with teachers and staff, from Batavia Middle School, made their annual field trip today, visiting some of the local organizations and businesses that supported the school over the past year.

The students handed out gift bags with presents that they made.

The photo above is from their visit to Batavia PD, and below, at WBTA with Jerry Warner.

Thomas Eugene Nudo Jr., 37, of Edgemont Circle, Panama, Fla., is charged with petit larceny and criminal mischief, 4th. Nudo allegedly stole cologne from Kohl's Department Store. He also is accused of damaging the packaging. He was jailed on $500 bail.

Brian David Draper, 27, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with sex offender failure to register Internet account. 

Jamall George Mikel O'Neil, 19, of Trumbull Parkway, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. O'Neil was stopped for an alleged traffic violation in the City of Batavia by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Randall Arthur Bennett, 70, of Bennett Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Bennett was arrested following a report of a driving complaint in the Village of Oakfield at 9:02 p.m., Monday. He was stopped on Bennett Avenue by Deputy Matthew Clor.

Peter Robert Brounscheidei, 23, of Henskee Road, Alden, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding, failure to stop and moving from lane unsafely. Brounscheidei was stopped at 3:18 a.m. Monday on Route 77, Alabama, by Deputy Ryan Young.

An Alexander man is facing numerous drug dealing charges after being arrested on a sealed indictment, obtained following an investigation by the Local Drug Task Force.

Michael C. Schulz, 34, of Buffalo Street, allegedly sold cocaine to an agent working for the task force.

He was arrested after being observed driving on North Lyon Street by members of the task force and Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Schulz allegedly committed several traffic violations and was found driving on a suspended driver's license.

He is charged with six counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and four counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd.

At the time of his arrest, he was allegedly found in possession of cocaine.

The discovery led to two more counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd.

Schulz was jailed pending arraignment in County Court.

The Orleans County Major Felony Unit assisted in the investigation along with the Genesee County District Attorney's Office.

Dozens of families turned out to the YWCA on Thursday evening to receive a Christmas tote bag filled with everything they need, along with a turkey, to create a full holiday meal. The children also got a visit with Santa.

The participating families were identified with the help of Batavia City Schools.

The event was organized by the Kiwanis Club of Batavia.

Also, participating was the Richmond Memorial Library with its GRO program, which takes donated children's books and distributes through 17 partner locations.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, a member of Kiwanis and past president of the Batavia Club, carries out a tote for a family.

Batavia City School District’s Jackson Primary School teacher, Melissa Mattice, was presented with an Outstanding Employee Award by Board of Education President Patrick Burk at the Dec. 20 Board meeting.

She was nominated by Jackson Principal Diane Bonarigo, who wrote, “Mrs. Mattice is a kindergarten teacher at Jackson School. She is a teacher leader and serves Jackson Primary School in many different ways year after year. She has volunteered her time on the School Improvement Team, PARP (Parents as Reading Partners) Committee, Parent Home School events and works closely with administration and staff to promote a positive and collaborative culture in the building as well as on the APPR District committee.

"Mrs. Mattice sets high academic standards and builds strong relationships with her students. She has earned a great deal of respect in the community as evidenced by the number of parent requests we receive each year, asking for Mrs. Mattice to be their child’s teacher.”

Batavia City School District’s Jackson Primary School teacher, Marie Bigsby, was presented with an Outstanding Employee Award by Board of Education President Patrick Burk at the Dec. 20 Board meeting.

She was nominated by Jackson Principal Diane Bonarigo, who wrote, “Mrs. Bigsby continues to serve the students and families of Jackson Primary with great enthusiasm and dedication. Mrs. Bigsby is a standing volunteer member on many Jackson committees. Over the past several years, however, she has also dedicated a great deal of her time as a Jackson Teacher Representative and meets monthly with our parent group volunteers and the Parent Co-Presidents to support the school with evening and weekend events.

"You can always find Mrs. Bigsby volunteering to get the school ready for Fall Carnival, Breakfast with Santa, and Family Learning Nights. She works closely with staff to create a strong partnership with our families and is able to initiate great school support throughout the year. We appreciate her hard work and am thankful for her continued contribution to Jackson School.”

Photos and info submitted by Kathy Scott, Batavia City Schools.

Press release:

Genesee County Deputy Sheriff Andrew B. Hale was honored by the Western New York Chapter of American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) International at its Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon held on Dec. 1 at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens.   

Sheriff Gary Maha nominated Deputy Hale for his heroism, dedication, valor, and for performing “above and beyond” the call of duty. Deputy Hale was hired on June 17, 2013, and has since been involved in two very notable incidents where he demonstrated great courage and leadership. He utilized exceptional self-restraint and judgment in order to resolve the situations without harm to himself, fellow officers or the public.

“Deputy Hale is an outstanding police officer and is most deserving of this recognition,” Sheriff Maha said.

Standing with Deputy Hale, from left, are Sheriff-elect William A. Sheron Jr. and Sheriff Maha.

A dog fell through the ice and is in the freezing water of the creek at Indian Falls. East Pembroke Fire Departmen's water rescue unit is called to the scene and all of its available manpower is called to the fire hall. The address is 1663 Indian Falls Road.

UPDATE 1:59 p.m.: The dog was successfully rescued.

UPDATE: Reader-submitted photos added. A bystander praised the caring and professionalism and efficiency of the volunteers in their response and actions.

A car fire has become a garage fire at 2093 Lewiston Road, Alabama.

Alabama fire and an engine from Oakfield fire, along with Mercy EMS, requested to the scene.

UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 1:37 p.m.: This is a two-car garage. A person has third-degree burns on the right hand.

UPDATE 10:10 p.m.: Alabama Fire dispatched for a rekindle. 

UPDATE 10:14 p.m.: Chief on scene, nothing showing. Engine can respond non-emergency. 

Press release:

On Wednesday afternoon of this week, Josh and Justin Smith from H.E. Turner & Co, Bohm-Calarco-Smith, Burdett & Sanford Funeral Homes along with their kids -- Gabriella, Brendan, Noah, Nicolas and Caleb -- stopped by the Sheriff’s Office to deliver platters of submarine sandwiches for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office to say thank you for all the service provided to the community throughout the year. Pictured with the kids are Deputy Howard Wilson, Investigator James Diehl and Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

This morning, students from Batavia Middle School stopped by the Sheriff’s Office with gifts of hot chocolate for the deputies to say thank you for all they do.

The Sheriff’s Office employees would like to express their sincere appreciation for these thoughtful gestures.