news

Press release:

The City in conjunction with National Grid will be removing trees between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Mondays thru Fridays for the time period of February 29 through March 31.

This work involves the removal of 18 trees that have become unbalanced due to years of required trimming for utilities, thus becoming a liability and unsightly.

The area of work is Oak Street between the NYS Thruway Exit 48/ Park Road to NYS Rt 5/ West Main Street. Work shall begin north of Richmond Avenue and proceed south.

This work will require lane shifts, lane reductions and temporary stoppages. All efforts will be made to minimize impacts to traffic but there will be delays so please plan accordingly and avoid the area if possible. Work will occur as weather and other work assignments permit.

Future work plans will be the replanting of more appropriate underwire street trees and replacement rate of 2:1. This work is anticipated in the Fall of this year.

Press release:

Today, Democrat Diana Kastenbaum announced her candidacy for New York’s 27th Congressional District.  \Kastenbaum is the CEO of Pinnacle Manufacturing Company, Inc., in Batavia, N.Y.

“As a small business owner from Batavia, I am well aware of the realities that face middle-class families. Using my years of experience as a businesswoman, I will bring new ideas and solutions to the problems we face in Western NY,” said Kastenbaum. “We need a member of Congress who will fight for Western NY on the issues that matter most; good paying jobs, ending income inequality, making college more affordable, and providing access to affordable healthcare. Where Congress has failed us, I will lead.”

Kastenbaum’s family has owned and operated Pinnacle, a zinc and aluminum dye casting manufacturing company, since 1972. She is a graduate of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Kastenbaum is heavily involved in many community organizations in Western NY.

Diana is married to actor and comedian Hiram Kasten. Their daughter, Millicent, is a senior Government major at Cornell University.

New York’s 27th Congressional District includes all of Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, and Livingston counties and parts of Erie, Monroe, Niagara, and Ontario counties.

Le Roy High School is presenting "The Addams Family: A Musical Comedy" on March 3, 4 and 5.

Director Jacqueline McLean said:

The story is inspired as a continuation of the Addams Family from the original comic strip and TV series. In the show, Wednesday Addams has gone off to college and fallen in love with a "normal" boy. When the "normal" family comes to meet the Addams, things get out of hand. This show is full of wonderful, dark comedy and will feature all of the characters that you remember in addition to some new ones. We hope you will join us at one of three performances and get ready to be "Pulled in a New Direction!" with this quirky story.

Books are by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, based on characters created by Charles Addams.

All show times are at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at leroycsd.org, in the HS main office or at the door. Tickets are $10 pre-sale and $12 at the door.

Press release:

Calling for an “end to business as usual” in Washington, Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced that he is endorsing Donald Trump to become America’s next President.

“Donald Trump has clearly demonstrated that he has both the guts and the fortitude to return our nation’s jobs stolen by China, take on our enemies like ISIS, Iran, North Korea and Russia, and most importantly, reestablish the opportunity for our children and grandchildren to attain the American Dream,” Congressman Collins said. “That is why I am proud to endorse him as the next President of the United States.”

“The results of Barack Obama’s failed presidency have been devastating. America is no longer seen as the world’s leader. Our jobs are gone. Our middle class is struggling. And, the federal government has grown too large and wastes too much of our hard earned money,” added Collins. “The last thing we need is a third Obama term, which we would get with either Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders.”

“We need a president willing to make the tough decisions necessary to restore our country to greatness. I believe Donald Trump is the man for the job, and I am proud to provide him with my support.”

Both Trump and Collins share a strong private-sector background. Before entering public service, Congressman Collins was in the private sector for over 35 years where he built a successful career as a businessman and entrepreneur.

Both as an Erie Country Executive (New York) and a Member of Congress, Collins has advocated running government like a business.

“If we want to get our nation’s economy growing again and deal with the daunting fiscal issues threatening America’s future, it’s time to say no to professional politicians and yes to someone who has created jobs and grown a business,” Collins said.

“America has the potential to once again become the land of opportunity. Donald Trump understands the importance of American exceptionalism, and has the unique qualifications to make America great again,” concluded Collins.

Two more people involved in a racketeering case that also involved a pair of Genesee County residents have entered guilty pleas in U.S. District Court.

The pleas are the latest in a string of convictions in the case for federal authorities.

Robert W. Moran Jr., 63, of Rochester, entered a guilty plea to a count of conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering. Gina Tata, 52, also of Rochester, entered a guilty plea to being an accessory after the fact.

Both defendants face possible federal prison terms and potential six-figure fines.

Authorities say Moran was an officer with the Hells Angels in Rochester and was involved in an assault at Spenders Bar on Lyell Avenue, Rochester, that involved an attack on a victim with a baseball bat. Authorities say Moran was the attacker and beat the victim on the head and body after the person made disparaging remarks about motorcycle clubs, including the Hells Angels.

"The defendant committed the assault order to maintain his position in the Rochester Hells Angels," said federal prosecutors.

Tata was the bartender that night and tried to help Moran evade arrest and prosecution. It was Tata who informed Moran of the remarks by the patron, prosecutors said. She then lied to police about the identity of the attacker and counseled other eyewitnesses not to speak to provide identifying information to police. She helped another member of the Hells Angels retrieve a hard drive containing recordings of the interior of the bar at the time of the attack.

"In May 2007, a year after the assault, Tata lied to the FBI about the perpetrators of the assault, describing them as tall, young Hispanic males, and falsely told the FBI that she used the phone at Spenders Bar only to call 9-1-1 and the owner of the bar," prosecutors said.

These pleas are part of a larger investigation that resulted in the indictment and arrest of members and associates of the Rochester and Monterey (California) Hells Angels for drug trafficking and racketeering-related offenses in February 2012. Hells Angels President Richard W. Mar, and Jeffrey A. Tyler, were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Five other defendants – Henry McCauley, Donna Boon, Paul Griffin, Richard E. Riedman, and Gordon L. Montgomery – were convicted for their roles in the methamphetamine conspiracy. Judge Siragusa sentenced Griffin to probation and Riedman to 37 months in prison. McCauley, Boon and Montomgery are awaiting sentencing. Another defendant, Timothy M. Stone, was convicted and of being an accessory after the fact to the assault and conspiracy, and was sentenced to 12 months in prison.

McAuley and Boon are residents of Oakfield.

Sentencing is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. and 11 a.m., respectively, May 25.

Some of the prior related stories:

• Alleged heist of scrap metal thwarted by Sheriff's deputies
• Five suspected meth dealers busted in early morning raids
• FBI agent's affidavit reveals some details of alleged meth ring investigation
• Le Roy meth dealer given time in federal prison
• Batavia woman proclaims her innocence after meth dealing case dropped by feds
• Three Genesee County residents accused of being part of Hells Angels meth distribution ring
• Men caught stealing tons of scrap metal convicted in federal court
• Batavia man admits to meth distribution charge in federal court
• Man with Genesee County ties given year in federal prison on racketeering charge
• Batavia man admits to meth distribution charge in federal court

Grace’s Kitchen celebrated its fourth anniversary on Tuesday — just a week late, but in “fabulous” style.

A total of 154 guests enjoyed prime rib dinner prepared under the direction of chef and founder Selby Davis.

“We were given a large donation by a former LeRoyan who wanted us to use some of it for a fabulous meal,” Davis said.

The menu also included “Grace’s Great Green Salad,” baked potatoes and chocolate souffle cake with whipped cream and raspberries.

Grace’s Kitchen serves a free “community dinner” from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Masonic Community Center, 12 Bank St. It is sponsored by the Le Roy Christian Community Project, and supported by donations and volunteers.

There is no charge for dinner, but free-will offerings are welcomed.

Tuesday’s special prime rib dinner had been planned for Feb. 16, but was postponed because of a snowstorm.

Grace’s Kitchen was launched on Valentine’s Day 2012 — and it’s been a “work in progress” ever since, Davis said.

Clientele shrank after Grace’s Kitchen moved from its original location at Le Roy United Methodist Church to the Masonic Community Center. But eight months later, attendance is picking up again.

“We’ve served varying numbers, predominantly seniors,” Davis said. “We do a consistent number of deliveries within the village, and continue to be blessed with a stellar group of loyal volunteers.”

Davis stressed that Grace’s Kitchen welcomes the entire community — “no matter what need we may be addressing.”

“Some guests are financially grateful we are here, and others are happy for the company and friendships they have made,” she said.

Davis said there seems to be a common perception that Grace’s Kitchen exists to feed a “destitute” population. That’s not at all true, she said: Showing up for dinner, does not mean you’re taking food away from someone else.

“I assure you that we always have enough, if not an overflow,” Davis said.

Tuesday’s dinner was made a little extra special, with help from third-graders from Wolcott Street School. Betsy Overacker’s students visited earlier in the day to help set tables, drop off cards they made to accompany deliveries, and to share placemats decorated by the entire grade level. Other classes will visit on one Tuesday of each month remaining in the school year.

Top photo: Volunteers Debbie Lathan and Sue Lints serve up a meal at Grace's Kitchen.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Press release:

In an extremely rare, once-in-a lifetime opportunity, Buffalo public elementary school students from PS 97 Harvey Austin will make contact with astronauts on the International Space Station via Amateur Radio. PS 97 was one of only 20 schools worldwide selected for this event, which is scheduled for the first week in March.

The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) event will be managed by an international consortium of amateur radio organizations and space agencies including National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium at SUNY Buffalo State, and the Lancaster Amateur Radio Club (LARC).

Pam Ware, Corfu resident and member of LARC, holds an Amateur Extra license AB3PW, and is the liaison for the team of radio operators in providing hands-on experience and training for the students.

“This is a very challenging and very exciting opportunity for these students to learn about space travel and exploration, how the astronauts live and work in space, and how the students can, even at a young age, become radio amateurs and learn cutting-edge technologies for the emerging field of interplanetary communications,” Ware said.

LARC was founded in 1987 by Western New York ham radio operators to advance the amateur radio hobby in the area. Since the founding, LARC has grown from just a few members to the largest amateur radio club in Western New York.

Registration is officially open for all divisions of Batavia Minor League Youth Baseball for girls and boys ages 4 to 10. You are welcome to come to Dick's Sporting Goods on Veterans Memorial Drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 27, to register.

Also, online registration is now available. Log onto the league's Web site via the LeagueLineup.com portal at: 

http://www.leaguelineup.com/bataviaminorleague

Click on 2016 registration on the right side and proceed.

Any questions feel free to contact local league President Dan Utter via Facebook or e-mail to: bataviaminorleague@gmail.com

A former Hells Angels vice president whom authorities say is an Oakfield resident entered a guilty plea in U.S. District Court today to a methamphetamine distribution charge.

James Henry McAuley faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a potential $4 million fine.

The Democrat and Chronicle reported this morning that McAuley intended to plead guilty to help spare his wife, Donna Boon, 50, of Oakfield, a potential prison term.

Boon also entered a guilty plea today, to a count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, methamphetamine.

Federal prosecutors accused McAuley of leading a methamphetamine ring from 2002 through July 9, 2010. At the time, McAuley was reportedly a vice president with the Hells Angels.

McAuley was reportedly obtaining the meth from a source in Monterey, Calif.

According to authorities:

The defendant and other members of the conspiracy traveled to California on numerous occasions to obtain pound-size quantities of methamphetamine from the supplier they then transported or shipped from California to the Rochester area where another member of the conspiracy would sell it to their customers.

On July 9, 2010, federal and local authorities, working together, concluded a lengthy investigation that included drug buys, wiretaps and video surveillance, and arrested five people on meth distribution charges.

The five arrested did not include McAuley, but did include Boon, along with Donald G. Vanelli II, who was eventually sentenced to 17 1/2 years in prison.

The charges against Boon from that arrest were eventually dropped and Boon contacted The Batavian to proclaim her innocence.

McAuley was arrested in April 2008 on racketeering charges and authorities contend that McAuley continued to maintain control over the meth ring.

According to prosecutors:

McAuley’s wife, Donna Boon, distributed quantities of methamphetamine to others, including an individual in Genesee County, who further distributed the drugs to customers in the Genesee County area. Boon admitted to trafficking up to 30 grams of methamphetamine.

From the press release:

These pleas are part of a larger investigation that resulted in the indictment and arrest of members and associates of the Rochester and Monterey (California) Hell's Angels for drug trafficking and racketeering-related offenses in February 2012. Along with McAuley and Boon, Monterey (California) Hell's Angels President Richard W. Mar, and Jeffrey A. Tyler, were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Three other defendants -- Paul Griffin, Richard E. Riedman, and Gordon L. Montgomery – were convicted for their roles in the methamphetamine conspiracy. Judge Siragusa sentenced Griffin to probation and Riedman to 37 months in prison; Montgomery is awaiting sentencing.

Rochester Hell's Angels member Robert W. Moran Jr., along with Gina Tata, are charged in the same indictment with assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering activity, and Moran and Tata are charged with conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering activity. In addition, Tata is charged with being an accessory after the fact to the assault and conspiracy.  Another defendant, Timothy M. Stone, was convicted of being an accessory after the fact to the assault and conspiracy, and was sentenced to 12 months in prison.

McAuley and Boon are scheduled to appear for sentencing at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., respectively, May 24.

Some of the prior related stories:

• Alleged heist of scrap metal thwarted by Sheriff's deputies
• Five suspected meth dealers busted in early morning raids
• FBI agent's affidavit reveals some details of alleged meth ring investigation
• Le Roy meth dealer given time in federal prison
• Batavia woman proclaims her innocence after meth dealing case dropped by feds
• Three Genesee County residents accused of being part of Hells Angels meth distribution ring
• Men caught stealing tons of scrap metal convicted in federal court

The Warming Center in Batavia will be open tonight due to wind chill temperatures below 15 degrees.
Women and children in need of a warm place to stay can call 585-993-6371 by 8 p.m. for transportation to the Warming Center from either McDonald's in Batavia.

Have you ever wondered about your ancestors? Who they were, where they came from, or what you have in common with them? Now is the time to start your search at Richmond Memorial Library.

A series of five free classes on exploring your family history will be offered at the library this spring.

They will be held on Tuesdays, March 29 through April 26, beginning at 6 p.m.

Please contact the library at 343-9550 to register for the geneology class series.

The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

Press release:

To meet the evolving transit needs of customers in Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Wyoming counties, RTS has launched a Regional Service Efficiency Study.

The purpose of the study is to identify service improvements and connections across the seven counties, and a key component of that study involves input from customers in those areas. RTS invites customers to share their thoughts by participating in an online survey and attending public workshops in February and March.

The online survey can be accessed through March 4 by using the following URL: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/rtsservices.

In Genesee County, an information session will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at County Building #2, 3837 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

More information about the study can be found at https://www.myrts.com/Planning-Projects/Regional-Service-Efficiency-Study. 

For all other information, visit www.myRTS.com.

About RTS

Regional Transit Service (RTS) is a regional transit authority established by New York State with more than 900 employees who proudly serve customers and business partners in Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne and Wyoming counties. Recognized as one of the best-run transit systems in the nation, RTS provides safe, reliable and convenient public bus transportation to more than 18 million people each year. We carry out our mission by connecting our customers to jobs, school, healthcare, shopping and recreational activities every day. For more information, visit www.myRTS.com.

Jonathan D. Knauss is indicted for the crime of third-degree burglary. It is alleged that between August 2014 and June 2015 Knauss knowingly entered or unlawfully remained inside a building in the Town of Pembroke with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, the defendant is accused of third-degree grand larceny, a Class D felony, for allegedly stealing property, in this case brass, valued in excess of $3,000. In count three, Knauss is accused of criminal possession of stolen property, 3rd, a Class D felony, for allegedly knowingly possessing stolen property with the intent to benefit himself or someone other than the owner, or to impede the recovery by an owner of the property, when the value of that property was more than $3,000.

Press release:

A workshop geared specifically for those suffering with multiple sclerosis will focus on physical therapy, exercise, and yoga as tools to manage symptoms, gain strength and balance, and improve quality of life. MS, Yoga & You will be held from 1 - 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, at Summit Physical Therapy in Batavia.

Gretchen Hawley, DPT has additional certification in treating patients with multiple sclerosis. She lives and works in Boston and is one of only two MS cerfitied physical therapists in Boston. Patricia Hawley is a registered yoga teacher at Blue Pearl Yoga in Batavia. Together they will present information on how exercise and physical therapy can benefit MS as well as give instruction in simple yoga poses that may alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, spasticity, and incontinence.

“My MS patients who follow an exercise regimen and are consistent with their physical therapy program have a marked improvement over those who rely on medication alone,” says Gretchen Hawley. “And neurologists agree that those dealing with MS can improve their quality of life with the addition of exercise.”

“Many people think that you have to be very flexible to begin a yoga practice,” according to Patricia Hawley “but often the people who benefit the most from yoga are those who have limited mobility. It’s all about going slow and choosing the right class for your needs.”

Participants are encouraged to bring their own yoga mat but it is not necessary; mats will be available at the workshop.

The event will be held at Summit Physical Therapy, 99 Med Tech Drive, #104, Batavia. Cost for the workshop is $35 and seating is limited to 25 people. Anyone interested may register at www.bp-yoga.com or by calling 585.813.8623

Press release:

A panel featuring William J. Hochul Jr., United States Attorney for the Western District of New York, who oversees the prosecution of federal criminal cases in our region, and Deanna Axe, the mother of a heroin overdose victim who founded Addicted to Hope, will be held from 1:30 to approximately 3 p.m. at Batavia High School on Monday, Feb. 29.

They will be joined by representatives from local law enforcement, the medical profession, and treatment/prevention education to address the significant and dire consequences of prescription drug abuse and heroin addiction that is impacting our community.

Sponsored by Act Genesee, a growing coalition  of community volunteers whose mission is to promote healthy and safe choices through education and action, the forum is titled, “Pay Attention: Addressing Prescription Drug Abuse and Heroin Addiction in our Community.”

In addition to presentations by Hochul and Axe, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of the panel members, fill out a brief survey to help the Coalition determine the best course of action for following up on this presentation, and meet other like-minded individuals who share a concern about promoting a healthy and substance-free lifestyle for individuals and families in our community.

Coalition President Anita Strollo urges all to attend and says, “We really want to raise awareness. This is a problem that is happening. It’s here. And it is serious and devastating.” She encourages involvement from all ages, noting that, with abuse and addiction crossing all age and socio-economic groupings, so should be the awareness of and attack on these growing problems.