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Audio and visual fire alarms at Batavia Downs have been set off.

The building has been evacuated.

City fire is on scene, investigating.

Town of Batavia fire responding.

A possible pull station was activated. Investigating.

UPDATE: I thought I updated this earlier: False alarm. 

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) continues to pursue a $1.2 million phase one shovel-ready project to build a business park on a 75-acre parcel in the Town of Le Roy. Similar efforts in the towns of Batavia, Pembroke and Bergen have yielded major corporate investment. The plan for the GCEDC is to replicate this business attraction model in Le Roy.

The GCEDC has purchased the land for the project, requested a rezoning of the property from the Town of Le Roy and has received an award through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) process administered by the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council for $420,000 to begin site engineering and infrastructure construction.

The GCEDC estimates that at full build out, the Le Roy Food & Tech Park will have approximately 600,000 square feet for office, advanced manufacturing and distribution/warehousing space that could employ as many as 1,000 people.

“The GCEDC has a proven track record in making sites shovel ready through smart investments and market these sites to businesses locally, regionally, nationally and internationally and we are confident that this can be accomplished in Le Roy,” said Genesee County Legislator Shelley Stein (Le Roy). 

“Collaboration is critical to this type of effort and it’s good to see how our local government leaders and economic development and education professionals are working together to make this project a reality,” said Genesee County Legislator Robert J. Basuch (Elba, Byron and Bergen).

“We continue to move forward with the GCEDC to make this site shovel ready,” said Le Roy Town Supervisor Stephen R. Barbeau. “We have the real potential to create new jobs, secure new investment and grow the tax base in our community.”

“We think our strategy of building a shovel-ready site in Le Roy will enhance market opportunities for existing buildings and infrastructure in the vicinity of the park,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC. “This is similar to the development strategy deployed around the county where shovel-ready parks are located at the edge of population centers.”

The Le Roy Food & Tech Park is located on a 75-acre parcel on Route 19 and West Bergen Road in the Town of Le Roy bordering the Village of LebRoy. The GCEDC estimates that when developed it will be able to attract companies and investment to the site that will enable additional commercial infill into the Village.

To prepare the local workforce for these new jobs, the towns are partnering with Le Roy Central School and Byron-Bergen Central School through a Professional Skills Training program.  The program is being funded through a grant from America’s Best Communities award that the towns of Le Roy and Bergen won in 2015. 

Professional skills include various interpersonal skills such as how to interact with people, emotional intelligence, verbal communications skills and other skills to help people perform in the workplace. The lack of professional skills has been identified by employers as one of the biggest challenges for the next generation of workers. 

“We need to work together to not only bring new jobs to our community but also to provide the next generation of our workforce the tools to be successful once they graduate from school,” said Donald S. Cunningham, Town of Bergen supervisor.

“There are a number of exciting initiatives taking place in Bergen and Le Roy and this project has the potential to really have a positive impact on both communities,” said Anna Marie Barclay, Village of Bergen mayor.

Nicholas Anthony Esposito, 31, of North Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd, menacing and harassment, 2nd. Esposito was reportedly involved in an incident at 2:55 p.m. Friday in the parking lot of Walmart where he allegedly damaged the property of another person, struck the owner of that vehicle with a closed fist and placed a woman in the vehicle in fear of physical injury.

Tomy Lee Velasquez, 24, of Fisher Road, Warsaw, is charged with obstructing governmental administration, 2nd, false personation, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and rental vehicle without an ignition interlock device, and loud muffler. Velasquez was stopped Feb. 20 for an alleged traffic violation by Le Roy PD.

Cassy Drury, 23, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, is charged with two counts of rape, 3rd. Drury, being a person over 21, allegedly had sexual intercourse with a person under 17 years old between Jan. 16 and Feb. 20. She was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Douglas Edward Artman, 26, of Alleghany Road, Darien, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding. Artman was stopped at 7:44 p.m. Thursday on Route 77, Darien, by Deputy Eric Meyer. He was allegedly found in possession of a marijuana smoking pipe containing marijuana.

Alexander's wrestlers went to the state meet this weekend, came home today with two state titles and a fifth-place finish and got a hero's welcome. Friends, fans, and family turned out at the school following a siren-blasting escort through the village from the Alexander Fire Department and Sheriff's patrols.

Pictured are Dane Heberlein, Nick Young and Matt Gaiser

Gaiser collected his first state title; Young came in fifth; and for Heberlein, a senior, it was his third consecutive state title.

"It means a lot for the coaches, for the parents, even for the school," Heberlein said of the three-peat.

Asked what it means for him more personally and what he will reflect on in the future about it, Heberlein said, 'It's not so much the state titles, but what it took to win those state titles. I think that’s what is going to remembered the most. I mean all the hard work, practices, drill partners, and coaches, grinding through and in the end, a state championship is what we got."

Alexander has a long history of success in wrestling, and Heberlein said that's because a culture of dedication is built into the program.

"We set a good standard and I think that’s something to stand by," Heberlein said. "Every time you go in for a practice, you go in that room you know what you’ve got to bring. There are no easy days or days you slack. You’re going into work and that’s something we take pride in, working every day."

There are always young wrestlers coming up behind Alexander's current crop of champions and Heberlein has advice for them.

"Stay strong mentally," he said. "It easy to be mentally weakened and that’s when bad things will happen, so stay strong mentally and keep it together and things are fine."

Batavia Downs hosted a bridal show today.

The inventors of MöbileSchlägen hosted a party at Ken's Charcoal Pits & Bar-B-Q to kick off their Kickstarter campaign, aimed at raising $150,000 so they can begin production of their hammer, nail and log game based on a popular game with a German ancestry. 

Photos: Co-owner Marc Johnson demonstrates how to play the game.

Firefighters from Pembroke, Indian Falls and Corfu have been dispatched for a second time this morning to 8854 S. Lake Road, Pembroke, for a fire.

The first call was at 1:54 a.m. for the report of a controlled burn.

A person on social media posted about the fire. He said, "What I learned tonight 12 gallons of gas on a big bonfire will get the whole fire department to come and put it out." He later added, "thank you to Pembroke Fire Department, you guys rock."

Reader-submitted photos and info.

UPDATE: Pembroke firefighters returned later in the day for overhaul of the scene (reader submitted photos):

Returning from an appointment in Le Roy today, I stopped to snap a few scenic shots on a beautiful afternoon.

Top, along Hebbard Road.

Along North Road.

And the two shots below, along Route 19.

Deputy Cassidy Longhini, Deputy Jenna Ferrando, Chief Deputy-Road Patrol Gordon L. Dibble, Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr., Undersheriff Gregory H. Walker, Deputy Travis DeMuth and Deputy Howard O. Wilson.

The Sheriff's Office announced the following personnel changes:

The following four Deputy Sheriff's graduated from the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy at Niagara University on Jan. 11:

Deputy Sheriff Cassidy Longhini was presented with the Physical Fitness Award in his graduating class from the academy. He is a 2010 high school graduate from Byron-Bergen High School and received an associate degree in Physical Education from Genesee Community College in 2013. Deputy Longhini was previously employed as a Correction Officer with the Genesee County Jail before being appointed a Deputy Sheriff.

Deputy Sheriff Jenna Ferrando is a 2007 high school Regents graduate from Le Roy High School. In 2009, she graduated with an associate degree in Criminal Justice & Liberal Arts from Genesee Community College; and in 2011, Deputy Ferrando graduated from Buffalo State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Spanish. 

Deputy Sheriff Travis M. DeMuth graduated with a Regents Diploma in 2011 from Alden High School. In 2016, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the State University of New York College at Buffalo. Deputy DeMuth was previously employed as a Security Guard.

Deputy Sheriff Howard O. Wilson V is a 2004 Regents high school graduate from Batavia High School. Deputy Wilson was previously employed as a Correction Officer with the Genesee County Jail until 2014. During that time, he received a Commendation Award for his actions off duty that involved attempts to calm a patron making verbal threats to other surrounding customers and assisted with taking the subject into custody.

Appointment:

Deputy Sheriff Kyle D. Krzemien has been appointed Deputy Sheriff, and is a 2013 Regents Diploma graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Lancaster.  He enlisted in the Army National Guard in August 2012 and continues to remain enlisted. Deputy Krzemien attended college at Buffalo State and then enrolled in classes at the Erie Community College Police Academy, graduating in December 2015 from Pre-Employment Basic Training. He graduated from Phase 2 of the academy on May 12, 2016.  

Pastor Allen Werk, Road Patrol Chief Deputy Gordon L. Dibble, Deputy Sheriff Jeremy M. McClellan, Deputy Mathew J. Clor, Undersheriff Gregory H. Walker, Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr.

The following two Deputy Sheriffs graduated from the Monroe Community College Law Enforcement Academy on Jan. 27:

Deputy Sheriff Jeremy M. McClellan graduated in 2000 from Alexander High School. After high school, Deputy McClellan enlisted in the Navy where he achieved a rank of Petty Officer First Class and served until 2011. While in the Navy, Deputy McClellan received the following medals: Joint Service Achievement, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Good Conduct three times, National Defense Service, Global War of Terrorism Expeditionary, W/FMF, Navy “E” Ribbon, Humanitarian Service, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon five times, Expert Pistol Shot, and Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist. He was previously employed as a Detention Officer at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia. 

Deputy Sheriff Mathew J. Clor is a 2011 graduate from Batavia High School. Since graduation, Deputy Clor has been an active member of the Army National Guard and has earned the rank of E-4 Specialist. He received an award for volunteering his duties during Operation Blackhawk, providing security following Hurricane Sandy in New York City.  Deputy Clor is also a summer coach for the Batavia Junior Baseball League.

Promotions:

Deputy Sheriff Jason E. Saile has been promoted to Sergeant. He is a 12-year veteran who started his law enforcement career as a Deputy Sheriff on July 8, 2005.  

Investigator Bradley D. Mazur was promoted on Jan. 1, 2017, to the position of Sergeant. He is an 18-year veteran who began his career with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 31, 1999.

Deputy Sheriff Christopher A. Parker was promoted on Jan. 1, 2017, to the position of Investigator. He is a 19-year veteran who began his career with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 29, 1997.

Part-time appointment:

Justine M. Reed was appointed a part-time Emergency Services Dispatcher on Jan 1.

Jail appointments:

Part-time Correction Officer Jason M. Buck has been appointed full time.

Part-time Correction Officer Corey J. Cieszki has been appointed full time.

Correction Officer Matthew J. Bailey was appointed on Aug. 27 and graduated from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Basic Corrections Academy on Dec. 2. C.O. Bailey is a 2001 Regents diploma graduate from Batavia High School. Following high school, he attended Genesee Community College and received an associate degree in Criminal Justice in 2014. In May 2014, Bailey enlisted in the Army National Guard where he is an E-4 Specialist assigned to the 105^th Military Police Company based out of Buffalo. C.O. Bailey was previously employed as a Buffalo Federal Detention Officer.

Eric T. Wagner was appointed to a part-time Correction Officer on Nov. 8.

National retailer JCPenney reported today a continued decline in sales and as a result the intention to close from 130 to 140 stores nationwide.

The list of stores that will be closed has not been released, so we don't know yet if the Batavia location will be on the chopping block.

The Batavia store has survived a previous round of JCPenney's cost-cutting.

According to Reuters, JCPenney continues to struggle in an era of dying shopping malls and increased competition from online retailers.

The store in Batavia is the lone anchor tenant of the long-struggling City Centre Mall in Downtown.

City Manager Jason Molino told WBTA, “We just spoke with JCPenney as early as last week. They did not relay that message to us and they did not tell us that was going to be the case, so as far as we know that is new news or it's nothing that I can confirm.”

Winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected to blow through Genesee County on Saturday.

A wind advisory has been issued from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Gusts up to 50 mph are possible.

The National Weather Service warns that winds of this speed could result in downed tree limbs and isolated power outages. Travel in high profile vehicles could be difficult.

A person is reportedly pinned under shelving that tipped over at Graham Manufacturing, 20 Florence Ave., Batavia.

City fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 9:01 a.m.: The patient was freed and City fire is back on service. No word on injuries, if any.

Edward Jordan White, 21, of Michigan Street, Lockport, is charged with criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd, unlawful possession of marijuana and aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. White, who is currently on parole, was stopped by Batavia police officers after being observed driving in the city. During the traffic stop he was allegedly found to have a suspended license and in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was jailed on $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond. The Local Drug Task Force assisted in the investigation.

Billy Joe Johnson, 39, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with forcible touching. Johnson allegedly forcibly touched the intimate parts of another person while in a store on Veterans Memorial Drive at 9:15 p.m., Feb. 14.

Sergio Antonio Forte, 51, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, was arrested on a warrant stemming from a charge of unauthorized of a use of a vehicle, 2nd. Forte turned himself in at the Sheriff's Office on the warrant. He was jailed without bail.

Sometime in 2017, there may be beer on tap in the former JJ Newberry building on Main Street, Downtown Batavia.

Matt Gray (top photo, pointing toward the back of the room to his partner in the Batavia Brewing Co. venture, Jon Mager) made the announcement during a Start Up Genesee event at the location yesterday, and said that the Fresh Labs concept for the Newberry building is ready to go forward.

The blueprints are in place, permits pulled and a contractor selected and Gray believes all of the work -- a brewery, a restaurant and two additional full kitchens for start-up restaurants along with seven apartments on the second and third floors -- will be completed by the end of the year.

The Fresh Labs concept was taken on by Gray and Mager in cooperation with the Batavia Development Corp. to help achieve several local goals, he said -- bring more people downtown, provide a way for aspiring restaurateurs to start their businesses and help the city retain some of the $28 million being spent by local residents on food and entertainment in Rochester and Buffalo. 

Gray said Fresh Lab will give people looking to break into the restaurant business a supportive environment throughout the process of developing a concept, getting it launched and helping it grow.

"We want to take the person who has the drive and the skill and work them through the point where they're ready to launch," Gray said. "We will give them direction and resources but then we don't walk way."

Julie Pacatte, economic development coordinator for BDC, said the BDC is working on a competition, sort of a taste challenge, as part of selecting the first two businesses that will be given space in Fresh Lab.

The building, which was a mortuary before it was Newberry's (it was Newberry's for 70 years), is three stories high with a large basement. Each level is 10,000 square feet. There will be seven studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments on the second and third floors. Those floors were once office space for doctors, lawyers and at one time, Batavia Area Jaycees, according to the sign on one door.

Start Up Genesee is organized by Genesee County Economic Development Center and this was the initiative's third event. Bob Capurso was at the first, where he spoke with Chris Suozzi about the business idea he had: producing Boy Scout grave marker medallions. Suozzi, a VP with GCEDC, helped connect Capurso with advisors who were able to assist him in getting his business launched. He's gone from a concept six months ago, to a design to a prototype and now he's had the first 50 medallions produced and ready for sale. 

“My main goal on this is not to make a ton of money on this, but to get the commemoration out there to the people who earned it through their dedication to scouting,” he said.

Another local start-up at the event was Eichenfeld LLC, makers of the game MöbileSchlägen. The company will hold a Kickstarter fundraising campaign this Saturday at City Slickers starting at 7 p.m.

After a ceremony honoring the wound care team at UMMC, a patient who had sat quietly at the back of the room spoke up and said, “I want to thank everyone here because if it wasn’t for you, I would have lost my leg. I’m just grateful.”

That was the message of the award, according to Stacey Bancker, a representative of Healogics, the nation’s largest wound care management company, which presented the award.

Of nearly 400 patients treated by the team, 94 percent had their wounds healed, Bancker said. There was a 92 percent patient satisfaction rate and the median number of days to heal was 21.

"We can talk about the numbers, but this really is a patient care ward," Bancker said.

That was a point stressed by Dan Ireland, the hospital's CEO when he spoke to congratulate the team members.

"This isn’t about the metrics," Ireland said. "It isn’t about the numbers. It’s about the real people and the patients. Our mission statement at Rochester Regional Health, United Memorial, starts with preserving health and enhancing the life of patients. There isn’t a better example of where we can do that than in the heal rate we see here and in the care the patients receive."

Bancker said there were 800 wound centers in the nation eligible for the award and only 334 were recognized for outstanding patient care results.

Dr. Mohamed M Ibrahim, a general surgeon before joining the wound care team nearly two and a half years ago, said he was really proud to be part of the team. As a surgeon he had been on the other end of the wound care process, he said, and then he didn't realize how much more there was to know about wound care. 

“I have to say, I’ve learned a lot from our nurses," he said. "Our nurses are very knowledgeable, so I would like to thank everybody on our great team.”

Program Director Lisa Albanese also emphasized the team aspect of the effort and how the numbers are merely a reflection of the team's focus on taking care of patients.

"Even though the numbers are driven by KPIs (key performance indicators), the bottom line is every day we make a difference in the lives or our patients," said. "You guys are dedicated to making that difference and every day we have stories that we share with our administration."

Ireland said he hears those stories.

"I get countless emails, phone calls and letters from patients telling me real stories, stories about how they've been to five or 10 other centers or doctors and they've not been healed," Ireland said. "Then they come here and they are healed."

The patients also always note the compassion of the team, Ireland said. 

"They talk about the personal care they get, that the team cares about them as a person, not just as a person with a wound on their skin," Ireland said.

Photo: Dr. Mohamed M Ibrahim, Michelle Rector, Emily Casacelik Alicia Prusinowski, Holly Siverling, Alissa Gorman, John Wickett, Joseph Canzoneri, and Lisa Albanese.

Jerald Alfred Shuler III, 23, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, unlicensed operator, aggravated unlicensed operator in the third degree, and having a suspended registration. The charges stem from a traffic stop at 6:05 p.m. on Feb. 8 on West Main Street, Batavia, during which it was allegedly determined that the vehicle Shuler was driving had a suspended registration and that his driver's license was also suspended. During the investigation, he was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana, located inside his vehicle. He was issued appearance tickets for Batavia City Court on Feb. 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Maurillo C. Osorio, 32, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: DWI; aggravated DWI -- per se with a BAC of .18 percent; unlicensed operator; open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle; and failure to keep right. Osorio was arrested at 1:56 a.m. Feb. 19 on West Main Street in Main Street in Batavia. He was jailed on $2,500 cash bail or bond. He was due in court on Feb. 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Eric Bolles.

Summer Lynn Haskins, 23, of Old Creek Road, Alexander, is charged with DWI, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or higher, and having no or inadequate headlamps. She was arrested at 12:57 a.m. on Feb. 20 on Ellicott Street in Batavia following a traffic stop for an equipment violation. She was issued appearance tickets for March 1 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczk.

Keith J. McKenzie, 50, of Lewis Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, making an improper right turn, and refusal to take breath test. He was arrested at 6:35 p.m. on West Main Street in Batavia following an investigation into an erratic operation complaint and subsequent traffic stop. He was arraigned then released on his own recognizance. He was due in City Court today (Feb. 22). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Tatiana C. Lugo, 22, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree menacing. Lugo was arrested at 8:53 a.m. on Feb. 15 after a domestic incident in which she allegedly threatened to cut the victim's hair off and do bodily harm. She was arraigned then released under supervision of Genesee Justice. She is due in City Court on March 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

William A. Andrews, 37, of Brooklyn Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. He was arrested at midnight on Feb. 18 following an incident on Brooklyn Avenue. He allegedly violated two orders of protection by being present at the residence. Andrews was jailed without bail and was due in City Court on Feb. 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

Emily A. Andrews, 38, of Brooklyn Avenue, Batavia, is charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. She was arrested at 2:33 a.m. on Feb. 18 as the result of an unspecified incident that allegedly occurred at a residence on Brooklyn Avenue earlier in the evening. She was jailed on $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 bond and was due in City Court Feb. 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Tyler D. Price, 24, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree criminal contempt. On Feb. 18 at 3:45 p.m., Batavia police responded to a Liberty Street address for a distrubance call. An investigation found that Price allegedly came to the residence, attempted to enter it and in the process damaged a rear-door window, violating a stay away order of protection. On Feb. 19, he was located on Liberty Street and taken into custody. He is due in City Court on Feb. 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Brenden Michael Mullen, 31, of Batavia Elba Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Mullen was arrested at 9:18 p.m. on Feb. 17 following an investigation into a domestic incident wherein it is alleged that he sent numerous unwanted and threatening text messages and phone calls. He was arraigned and released and was due in City Court Feb. 21. Mullen was also arraigned on a City Court arrest warrant for failing to appear for two traffic tickets, operating with a suspended vehicle registration and having an uninspected motor vehicle. He was also due in court Feb. 21 to answer those charges. The case was handled by Batavia Police Sgt. Dan Coffey, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Vincent A. Sanfratello, 51, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 8:10 p.m. on Feb. 10 for allegedly stealing a magazine from Southside Deli on Ellicott Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket for Feb. 21 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Timothy R. Johnson, 35, of Monroe Street, Silver Creek, was arrested on a bench warrant out of City Court on Feb. 18. It was issued after he failed to appear for sentencing on a conviction for fourth-degree criminal mischief, an incident which occurred on March 3, 2011. Johnson was jailed on $1,000 cash or $2,000 bond and was due in court on Feb. 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Eric MacKenzie Smith, 31, of Iroquois Road, Caledonia, was arrested on a Batavia PD bench warrant for failing to comply with court-ordered treatment and turned over to Officer Jamie Givens at 10:29 a.m. on Feb. 21. He was jailed in lieu of $500 bail and was due in court this afternoon (Feb. 22).

Paris J. MacCrimmon, 24, of Whitney Avenue, Niagara Falls, was arrested on Feb. 20 on a bench warrant issued by Batavia City Court. It was issued after the defendant failed to appear at a scheduled court appearance. MacCrimmon was jailed on $100,000 cash bail or bond and was due in court on Feb. 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Tyrone L. Richardson, 41, of Brooklyn Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant at 7:15 p.m. on Feb. 13. It was issued after he failed to appear for a scheduled court appearance stemming from an incident on Nov. 5, 2015. He was jailed on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond and was due in City Court on Feb. 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Henry L. Banks, 46, of Ross Street, Batavia, was arrested on Feb. 18 on Ross Street on a bench warrant out of City Court for failure to appear on unspecified charges. He was released on his own recognizance and was due in court today (Feb. 22). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole Salamone, assisted by Mitchell Cowen.

NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs Special Prosecutor Patricia E. Gunning announced an employee of the NYS School for the Blind in Batavia was arrested Feb. 21 for harassing and endangering three children in his care.

Kenneth L. Darch, 57, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor, and two counts of harassment in the second degree -- with physical contact, a violation.

The charges stem from an investigation into an incident on July 28 in which the defendant allegedly struck two of the children on an outing to Blondie's Sip-n-Dip, an ice cream/yogurt stand on East Main Street in Batavia, and used abusive language against them. The defendant additionally is alleged to have taunted all three by directing their bus driver to take them to the local jail, with the threat of incarceration.

The NYS School for the Blind is operated by the State Education Department. Darch, a recreation therapist, was arraigned before Judge Robert Balbick of Batavia City Court and is scheduled to reappear in court March 7. Darch has been placed on administrative leave.

“People with special needs should never be intimidated, frightened or harassed by the very people who are responsible for caring for them,” said Special Prosecutor Gunning. “This case came to light because a conscientious employee witnessed the alleged abuse and reported it. We are grateful to those who step up and call out workers who choose to taunt and threaten children instead of doing their jobs, like this defendant is alleged to have done.”

Supervising Assistant Special Prosecutor Jennifer A. Whitman is prosecuting the case. Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence handled the case, with assistance from the Justice Center.

Press release:

The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership recently celebrated the graduation of 28 students from its School of Nursing program.

This class graduated 22 students with high honors – a 90-percent or above average.  Students took part in this 12-month, 1,200-clock hour Licensed Practical Nursing program that is certified by the New York State Education Department.

The program is designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-PN Examination for licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse. It is offered at three different site locations: Batavia, Greece and Leicester. 

For more information about this program, contact the Adult Education/School of Practical Nursing at (585) 344-7788.​

A Bergen resident is reportedly in guarded condition at Strong Memorial Hospital after a hunting accident yesterday in the Town of Sweden.

Robert Williams, 32, of Peachy Road, Bergen, was reportedly in a field on Lake Road, Sweden, when he was shot in the abdomen by a coyote hunter.

Brett Blackburn, 46, of Sweden, has been charged with assault, 2nd.

According to authorities, Blackburn and his son were hunting at about 6:30 p.m. Monday when they observed movement in the field. Blackburn used a light to illuminate the area of movement. He said he observed light and thought the reflection to be the eyes of a coyote. Blackburn reportedly fired his rifle and then heard someone yell. 

Blackburn assisted Williams while his son ran to a nearby residence to call 9-1-1.

When Monroe County deputies arrived at the location on foot, they observed Williams on the ground and Blackburn rendering aid. Town of Sweden fire arrived on scene along with EMS personnel and evacuated Williams to a waiting ambulance.

Blackburn, of Covell Road, was arraigned in Sweden Town Court and bail was set at $1,500 cash or $5,000 bond. He is no longer in custody.

Our news partner 13WHAM assisted with this story.

Ascension Parish in Batavia will host its annual Saint Joseph Day Table beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 19.

This year the event is open to the general public and the funds raised will be used for the ministry and outreach done by Ascension Parish on behalf of the community. According to its pastor, Fr. David R. Glassmire, the parish seeks to "give back to the community for the goodness the Lord has shown to us by caring for the poor in our midst."

The traditional Italian feast will be held in the parish's Slomba Hall, 15 Sumner St. Bing’s Catering of Amherst is in charge of the food. A seven-course meal will be served family style to include: antipasti, bread, fish, greens and beans, smelt, pasta con sarde, along with a cash bar and wine available for your table. A children's menu will include mac and cheese, pizza and finger foods.

Music and Entertainment by Steve Balestreri. 

COST: $25 per adult, $12.50 per child.

Seating is limited!

HOW TO OBTAIN TICKETS: Call the Parish Office at 585-343-1796 to reserve your table; families and businesses welcome.

You may also pre-pay and buy your tickets online at: www.ascensionrcc.weshareonline.com. Please note: There is a service fee for this option!

Tickets are pre-sale only. There will be NO SALES the day of the event or AT THE DOOR! Cash or Check ONLY. Make Checks Payable to: Ascension Parish.