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Byron firefighters are responding to a reported controlled burn at 7068 Swamp Road. The location is between Hessenthaler and Pocock roads.

Today, firefighters from the City of Batavia Fire Department hosted a luncheon for the winners of this year's Fire Prevention Coloring Contest and their families at the fire headquarters on Evans Street.

The contest theme for 2019's Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 6-12) was: “Not every hero wears a cape. Plan and Practice your Escape.”

The seventh annual coloring competition was open to Batavia schoolchildren in kindergarten through fifth grade.

At a date to be determined, the first-place winners will get a ride to school in a city fire engine.

The winners, announced and posted on The Batavian Wednesday, are:

Honorable Mention: Harmony Warner – John Kennedy School, Miss Carpenter, Fourth Grade

Honorable Mention: Azaria Burnett – Batavia Middle School, Mrs. Korzelius, Fifth Grade

(Photos courtesy of the City of Batavia Fire Department.)

A one-vehicle rollover with entrapment and injuries is reported in Alabama on Bloomingdale Road. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

The Recovery WOW program at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse held a "Monster Mash" Halloween bash this evening at the Northgate Free Methodist Church south campus on Bank Street in Batavia. Posing in front of the "master of ceremonies" for the event are Trisha Allen, Maliyah Santos and Maliyah's mom, Madeline Rodriguez. Allen and Rodriguez are employed as Peer Recovery Advocates (Peers), assisting those in recovery.

This couple added some mystery to the festivities, which included food, refreshments (non-alcoholic, of course), games, costumes and wholesome fun.

No party is complete without the tunes. DJ Tymovez (Tyler Thomas) provided the sound.

Peers Amy Kabel, left; Nicole Anderson and Charlene Grimm provided service with a smile.

"Commando" Nick Volpe, another GCASA Peer, has the cauldron brewing in his bit of skulduggery.

Disclosure: Photos by Mike Pettinella, GCASA publicist.

From the Genesee County Sheriff's Office:

On Thursday afternoon (Oct. 24) two Rochester men were arrested following an investigation by the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force into the transportation and possession of crack cocaine in and around the City of Batavia.

• Walter H. Bennett (AKA "Black"), 29, of Van Auker Street, Rochester, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony; and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor.
• Rayqaun K. Balkum, 19, of Atkinson Street, Rochester, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor; promoting prison contraband, a Class E felony; tampering with physical evidence, a Class E felony; and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. James Diehl conducted a traffic stop of the car that Bennett and Balkum were traveling in on Ellicott Avenue in the city Thursday afternoon. An investigation ensued.

It is alleged that Bennett and Balkum were found to possess 64 bags of crack cocaine. Both were arraigned in city court this morning (Oct. 25) and put in Genesee County Jail.

Bennett's bail was set at $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond; Balkum's bail was set at $2,500 cash or $5,000 bond.

The task force is comprised of police officers from the county Sheriff's Office, Batavia PD and Le Roy Village police.

Task force members in this case were assisted by BPD, county Sheriff's deputies and the District Attorney's Office.

Notice of Public Hearing

Notice is hereby given that the Genesee County Legislature will meet at the Genesee County Old Courthouse, 7 Main St., Batavia, on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m. for the purpose of holding a Public Hearing on the Tentative Genesee County Budget for 2020.

A copy of the Tentative Budget will be available in the Office of the Clerk of the Legislature, 7 Main St., Batavia, where it may be inspected by any interested person.

Pursuant to Section 359 of the County Law, the maximum salaries that may be fixed and payable during said fiscal year to members of the Genesee County Legislature and to the Chair thereof are as follows:

• Members of the Legislature -- $12,606 each
• Chair of the Legislature -- $16,587

Press release: 

The City of Batavia is looking for residents of the City of Batavia to fill seats on various boards and committees. There are several openings on boards and committees within the City of Batavia, and the city manager is seeking interested candidates to join these decision-making and advisory bodies.

“If you are interested in our community and want to be a part of the future of Batavia, we encourage you to sign up and volunteer for a committee or board,” said Martin Moore, Ph.D., City of Batavia manager. “The work our committees and boards perform help our City to be a better place to live, work and play.”

Signing up for boards and committees is a great way to help the community and to develop your personal leadership skills. Volunteering will also build your personal self-confidence and skill set in team building.

“City Council is asking for help shaping the future of our City,” said Eugene Jankowski, City of Batavia Council president. “A way to do that is to volunteer to serve on one of our committees. We know your time is valuable and your input is always appreciated.”

Current openings include:

Board of Assessment Review

Positions with the BAR are available for volunteers. These members will preside over grievance day and hear formal grievance complaints from businesses and residents of the city regarding their assessments.

Community Garden

Members of the Community Garden meet to plan activities related to the upkeep and maintenance of the community garden.

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission is responsible for the protection, enhancement and perpetuation of landmarks and historic districts.

Youth Board

The Youth Board provides leadership development programs for youth, increases youth outcomes by providing a variety of programs, services and activities.

Zoning Board of Appeals

Hear appeals when a person believes a variance should be made for their property.

Applicants must be residents of the City of Batavia. Applications are available at the City Clerk’s Office or online here.

Last night at Terry Hills Restaurant, the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation held its Fall Dinner celebrating National Italian-American Heritage Month.

Each year, proceeds from this event fund scholarships, which are given every spring to graduating high school students of Italian heritage.

“Outstanding Italian-American of 2019” plaques were presented to Bruno DeFazio, a resident of Le Roy, and Anita Dziekan, of Batavia, both pictured above. Proud of their Italian heritage with a history of volunteerism, these honorees have made a difference in their communities.

The idea for an Italian-American organization in Genesee County was conceived in 1977. The first scholarship was awarded in 1985 and since then more than 200 scholarships have been given to graduating high school seniors.

Patrick Mancuso was emcee for the evening, entertainment was provided by Mike Noce, and Clara Wood was vocalist for the National Anthem.

Michele Fuller, president of the Board of Directors, chaired the event.

Story by Terry Fritts, photos by Steve Ognibene.

Mike Noce singing an Italian song with Anita Dziekan.

Clara Wood sings the national anthem.

Michele Fuller, president of the board of the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation.

Bruno DeFazio

Anita Dziekan

Pictured from left, three board members Annette LaBarbera, Michele Fuller and Terry Fritts with award recipients (holding plaques).

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce the return of "FAFSA and Fries" -- the popular Free Application for Federal Student Aid workshops. They are designed to assist current or potential new students from Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties planning to attend any college.

The first session is from 12 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4.

"FAFSA and Fries" sessions will be held on the first Monday of every month from 12 - 7 p.m. at the McDonald's restaurant, located at 573 E. Main St. in Batavia. Participants will also enjoy French fries, complements of McDonald's!

Sessions are scheduled through January; the calendar of Adult Educational Opportunity Center support workshops and financial aid events, and more, is available at www.genesee.edu/aeoc/.

At these sessions, the AEOC from the college will help students and their families complete the FAFSA and TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) and GED (General Education Development (or some call it diploma)) enrollment forms, conduct scholarship searches, college or trade school searches and so much more.

Participants are encouraged to contact AEOC@genesee.edu to reserve a seat in any session and to learn what information and materials should be brought to the session. Walk-ins are also welcome. 

The AEOC serves students of all ages and provides its services free of charge for college and trade school students, veterans, GED students, those seeking career counseling and more. All of the AEOC services are available to anyone, not just students of Genesee Community College.

Parents, guardians and students are also encouraged to check out the totally free FAFSA and NYS TAP grant workshops being held at the Richmond Memorial Library, located at 19 Ross St. in Batavia, on:

• Thursday, Nov. 14 from 4 - 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 16 from 12 - 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 15 from 4 - 8 p.m.

Individuals interested in any of these opportunities are encouraged to contact the AEOC office at 1-888-394-2362 or via email at AEOC@genesee.edu.

Press release:

On Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Genesee County law enforcement agencies and the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. 

Accepted this year will be pills; other solids such as patches; needles or other sharps; and vape pens and cartridges (no lithium batteries). If lithium batteries cannot be removed, the DEA advises people to find places that recycle lithium ion batteries. Liquids are also not accepted.

These can all be brought to the collection sites below for disposal:  

• Pembroke Town Hall, routes 5 at 77, Pembroke -- items to be received by Genesee County Sheriff’s deputies;
• Batavia Police Department Headquarters, 10 W. Main St. (rear parking lot), Batavia -- items to be received by Batavia police officers
• Le Roy Police Department Headquarters, 3 W. Main St., Le Roy -- items to be received by Village of Le Roy police officers

The service is free and anonymous; no questions asked.

(The Batavia Police Department would also like to remind citizens of the drug and sharps drop boxes that are available 24/7 in the rear vestibule at BPD HQ.)

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows year after year that the majority of misused and abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including someone else’s medication being stolen from the home medicine cabinet.

In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety, health and environmental hazards.

After some users took to social media to criticize Lloyd Taco Truck, a Buffalo-based company, for serving lunch on Tuesday at the Buffalo Detention Facility, which is in Batavia, the company today issued an apology and called the decision to bring a truck to the facility a "lapse in judgment."

The Buffalo Detention Facility is a federal holding facility used primarily to detain people suspected of violating immigration laws or facing possible deportation because of other criminal acts.

As a goodwill gesture to those upset by the business decision, the company said it was donating proceeds from sales to an advocacy coalition called Justice for Migrant Families WNY, which is based in Buffalo.

The decision drew criticism from Sen. Rob Ortt, who doesn't represent Genesee County, but is a candidate for the NY-27 congressional seat.

“In what world does a company feel the need to apologize for serving food to federal law enforcement officers who work in dangerous conditions? Pathetic pandering. The men and women who work to enforce our immigration laws and protect us deserve better.”

Previously: The Batavian tours the Buffalo Detention Facility

As of 4 o'clock this afternoon (Oct 24^th) The “Play Me a Tune Music Garden” is officially open at GO ART!, located outside the Seymour building at 201 E. Main St., Batavia.

The grand opening celebration continues until 8 o'clock this evening. There are free donuts and cider for the kids and Los Compadres and Center Street Smoke House food trucks are there, too. 

Everyone is welcome. 

The music garden will be open for all to enjoy anytime GO ART! is open. Also make sure when you are there to check out the new murals in the music garden and on a wall on Bank Street by Jill Pettigrew and the Batavia Senior Center.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Wednesday signed into law Bill S4247 that allows Genesee County and the City of Batavia to enter into a sales tax allocation agreement not to exceed 40 years.

Genesee County Manager Jay Gsell said that justification for the bill focuses on the need for the county “to fund its new jail capital project and for long-term debt payments over the next 30 to 40 years to become sustainable.”

Sen. Michael R. Ranzenhofer and Assemblyman Steven Hawley supported this legislation in their respective bodies, and it arrived on the governor’s desk last Friday after being passed earlier in the year by both the Senate and Assembly.

As part of the process, bonds will be issued to fund construction with a term of up to 40 years. This means that both the County and City will have assurances that, for the duration of the bonds, they can count on a distinct sales tax revenue stream.

Historically, the state Comptroller’s Office does not approve contracts of this nature that are longer than 10 years in duration; normally, the length is five years. But lawmakers were able to remove the “duration” roadblock to get the bill passed into law.

A little more than a year ago, the City and Genesee County reached a deal giving Batavia 16 percent of the county’s 50 percent share of the 8 percent sales tax – with provisions for that amount to grow in future years by a maximum of 2 percent per year.

In future years, the City’s share will depend upon sales tax revenue growth, eventually being no less than 14 percent.

The City and County extended its agreement to the end of this year in anticipation of passage of the special legislation (S4247).

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), which works to improve the quality of life of people with any disabilities in the Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming County (GOW) area, has support from the Homeless Alliance of Western New York (HAWNY), the lead Continuum of Care (CoC) agency for most of Western New York, via a grant to The Housing Council at PathStone in Rochester, to offer the federal Rapid Rehousing Program (RRP).

This is an exciting new resource for individuals and families which have faced long-term homelessness, particularly that due to disabilities.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has designed Rapid Rehousing as a "best-practice model" for alleviating homelessness by helping families and individuals quickly exit homelessness with both housing identification and financial assistance, and to help them achieve long-term housing stability.

In addition to housing identification, other core components of RRP are move-in and rental assistance, and case management and services. In particular, the program is focused on assisting the homeless who are currently staying at shelters.

Its intent is to secure permanent, stable housing as the foundation for addressing other challenges they face. RRP can serve families, individuals, or be used as a bridge for the chronically homeless while they are waiting for Permanent Supportive Housing.

Rae Frank, the director of ILGR, notes that program eligibility will be determined based on a number of criteria, including the results of a housing assessment and the need to accommodate participants' disabilities.

More information is available from Dominique Johnson at djohnson@wnyil.org and (585) 815-8501, ext. 405.

The program for GOW builds on the lessons learned in the initial 2014 demonstration project, the Buffalo Rapid Rehousing Program (BRAP), which resulted in the Rapid Rehousing Performance Benchmarks and Program Standards.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Andrew J. Rock, 33, of Judge Road, Oakfield, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt -- with prior convictions, and second-degree aggravated harassment. Rock was arrested at 6:45 a.m. on Oct. 22 on North Spruce Street in Batavia. He is accused of violating a complete stay away order of protection by entering the protected party's residence. He has previously been convicted of violating orders of protection. Rock is in Genesee County Jail without bail and was due in Batavia City Court this morning (Oct. 24). The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Joshua Girvin, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison. 

Andrew J. Rock, 33, of Judge Road, Oakfield, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by alcohol; reckless driving; failure to stop at stop sign; leaving the scene of a property damage accident; and speed not reasonable and prudent. Rock was arrested at 8:01 a.m. Oct. 22 on Evergreen Drive in Batavia. He allegedly left the scene of an unrelated incident and was subsequently involved in a single-vehicle accident at the intersection of Evergreen Drive and Vine Street in the City of Batavia. He was allegedly found to be operating his vehicle while impaired by alcohol. Rock was processed, arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail. He was due back in city court this morning (Oct. 24). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Wesley Rissinger.

Janet M. Parris, 38, address not provided, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. She was arrested at 6:15 p.m. on Oct. 19 at an apartment on MacArthur Drive, Batavia, after a disturbance complaint. It is alleged that Parris encouraged two juveniles to engage in a physical fight. Parris was released on an appearance ticket for Oct. 29 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Wesley Rissinger.

Kevin T. Kaminski, 31, of Shanks Road, Basom, is charged with third-degree bail jumping. He was arrested after turning himself in at Batavia City Court on an arrest warrant issued April 16. Kaminski was processed at Batavia Police Headquarters and arraigned in city court on Oct. 21. He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in city court on Nov. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

(Photo courtesy of St. John Fisher College, which displayed the exhibit earlier this year.)

Press release:

On Thursday, Nov. 7, Genesee Community College will host a special event on the Batavia Campus featuring a powerful sexual assault survivor art installation called "What Were They Wearing?"

The installation in the William W. Stuart Forum will showcase multiple outfits recreated from the stories of actual assault survivors to challenge the myth that rape or any act of sexual assault has a correlation to what someone was, or was not, wearing.

The free event will be open to the public from 12 - 2 p.m. and 5 - 7 p.m.

Guests will also get to meet with members from a variety of campus clubs, resources and community agencies, enjoy games and activities, and enter for a chance to win a raffle prize.

The Batavia Campus is located at 1 College Road, Batavia.

(Administrator Patricia McAllister and candidate Durin Rogers.)

Submitted photo and press release:

Stressing his experience and proven “track record” Independent Living of the Genesee Region administrator and past YWCA Interim Executive Director Patricia McAllister has endorsed part-time City Court Judge Durin Rogers in his effort to become Batavia’s next full-time judge this November.  

In noting her lengthy experience observing Rogers' work with clients of the YWCA’s domestic violence program, McAllister said: “In my 21 years at the YWCA…I got to know the passion and drive behind [Judge Rogers] whom I have come to greatly respect and admire…

"[W]hen situations involved domestic violence victims, Judge Rogers was a champion for our clients and demonstrated not only a responsive, ethical and knowledgeable character, but one of compassion and understanding of the practical issues facing domestic violence issues”

She also praised Judge Rogers’ unique judicial experience as an important factor supporting her endorsement.

“There is no substitute for [Rogers’] four years of judicial experience as a (part-time) Batavia City Court judge," McAllister said. "Judge Rogers has a proven track record holding offenders accountable while considering all aspects of each case with excellent judicial temperament.

"The newly elected City Court judge will need to hit the ground running; no other candidate can do this as Judge Rogers can… I highly recommend Judge Durin Rogers as the next full time Batavia City Court judge. He is the most qualified candidate…”

Following McAllister’s endorsement, Rogers responded, “I am honored by Ms. McAllister’s support and kind words. Her endorsement, along with the many others I have received, range from law enforcement to service agencies, to individuals who work in our community. I am very proud and humbled to have received such a wide array of endorsements from so many in our community.”

From Assemblyman Steve Hawley's office:

In conjunction with October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is urging action on a number of measures to protect victims, help those who are in danger achieve safety and security and punish those who commit this terrible crime. 

During 2017, Hawley hosted one of many statewide forums in Batavia that brought together law enforcement, victims and their family members and advocates to share their stories and discuss ways to end the epidemic of domestic violence. As a result the Assembly Minority Conference issued a full report that takes an in-depth look at the issue and legislative solutions. 

 “Domestic violence is an atrocity that leaves a trail of heartache and devastation for friends, family members and the community long after abuse has taken place,” Hawley said. “It is our responsibility this month to bring awareness to this public health crisis and help victims find safety and security.”  

Some of the recommendations outlined in the report include:

• Providing financial assistance and relief to victims seeking alternative housing or living in a shelter to escape their abuse;
• Declaring domestic violence a statewide public health crisis;
• Creation of a new “Domestic Violence in the Presence of a Child” crime with harsher penalties for abusers;
• Allowing domestic violence victims to obtain emergency panic buttons through local law enforcement or social services; and
• Freeing up law enforcement to arrest more abusers and keep victims safe.

Furthermore, Hawley is renewing calls to pass Brittany’s Law – legislation supported by both Democrats and Republicans that would create a public registry for violent felony offenders.

“It is truly a disgrace that legislation like this, aimed at saving lives and preventing domestic violence, sits idly in Albany despite having bipartisan support,” Hawley continued. “Individuals sometimes become romantically involved with a partner who has a troubled past but chose to hide it.

"This bill would make violent felons known to the public so as to prevent tragedy of those close to them. I will continue to push for a vote on Brittany’s Law as we prepare for session this winter.”