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Photo: New residents join staff at UMMC

By Howard B. Owens

UMMC welcomed a group of new residents to their team today. All six are training as doctors of osteopathic medicine. They are, from left, Tobin Carson, Adia Taylor, Cedric McKinney, Imeh Sampson Jr., J. Francis Asuquo and Mithun Daniel.

3-3 Basketball Tournament, Williams Park

By Howard B. Owens

Rise to the Occasion -- the 2nd annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at Williams Park. $100 per team to enter, guaranted 4 games per team. Brackets for ages six and up. Also a skills competion, three point contest and slam dunk contest.

Event Date and Time
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Bulldawgs announce annual football and cheer camps

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Bulldawgs Youth Football & Cheer program will hold its 4th Annual Extreme Youth Football and Cheer Camp. This year’s camp, sponsored by Extreme Streetwear, will be held at Kibbe Park on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday July 11th – 13th. Cheer Camp will be Friday and Saturday July 13th and 14th.

Registration for the camp will be Friday June 28th from 6 to 8 p.m. and again on Saturday June 29th from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Batavia City Centre. Cost is $30 for football and $25 for cheer camp.

Camp on Thursday and Friday will run from 4 to 6 p.m. with check-in at 3:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 to Noon with check-in at 8:30 a.m.

The camp is open to ALL athletes no matter what league affiliation between the ages of 6 to 13 years old by Dec. 1st. Birth certificate is required.

Camp is a stationed-based training where campers are divided by age and experience level so each athlete receives the right level of instruction and support. The Bulldawgs staff and volunteers will teach techniques, skills, and appreciation for all football positions and cheerleading in a fun, positive way!

All campers will receive quality instruction from certified coaches, a camp T-shirt, and lunch at the end of camp on Saturday July 14th.

Pedestrian hit by car on Ellicott and Swan streets, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A car, pedestrian accident is reported at Ellicott and Swan streets.

Batavia Fire Department and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 11:42 a.m.: The accident involves an adult male complaining of leg and knee pain.

Reviews starting to come in for Bill Kauffman's 'Copperhead'

By Howard B. Owens

"Copperhead," the movie with the screenplay by local author Bill Kauffman, opens in theaters around the United States today and the film has received mostly positive reviews so far.

A screening in Gettysburg, billed as the world premiere, earned director Ron Maxwell a standing ovation.

Writer James Simpson, in a piece of PJ Media, takes a detailed look at the historical and political context of the movie and concludes,

This is a movie well worth seeing; both for its accurate depiction of the times, its rich narrative, and the unique, rarely discussed subject matter, which was in fact a major component of the days’ controversies. It is also completely family friendly – a rarity in Hollywood these days.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the L.A. Times critic comes off as a bit of a snob and calls the film "lugubrious."

Another Hollywood-based critic says the film is purely for history buffs (while too narrowly constricting the scope of the audience, may be a bit of a left-handed compliment -- this isn't "Fast & Furious 6").

That writer, John DeFore, seems to believe only "Tea Party" types care about the Constitution, writing, "Beech is a dairy farmer who's opposed to slavery but, in language that will resonate with Tea Party-affiliated viewers, argues that Lincoln's war is unconstitutional."

Apparently, one must not color outside of the lines in Mr. DeFore's world.

Though, one of the more favorable reviews has come from Katie Kieffer, writing for the conservative Web site Town Hall.

Copperhead is worth seeing because it re-tells American history with an intimate, engaging and non-textbook approach.

It will be interesting to watch the different reactions to the film from America's various political factions -- especially the simple-minded red state/blue state divide -- to a film that challenges pat answers to questions about the Civil War.

Kauffman has said the movie isn't intended to be preachy or a message movie, except maybe to reinvigorate the lost notion in America of the value of dissent.

In his own lengthy piece about the film for Front Porch Republic, Kauffman writes about the constricting nature of political debate in the country these days.

We live in a time and in a country which finds principled dissent of the sort exercised by Eugene V. Debs and Abner Beech almost incomprehensible. In one sense, freedom of expression knows no bounds: Internet pornography, snuff-game videos, libelous tweets – laissez faire, man. But with respect to politics, art, culture…seldom in American history have the limits of permissible speech been so narrow, so constricting. True, our Eugene Debses aren’t usually thrown into gaols, but nor do they become cause célèbres, like Debs. Their prison is the red state-blue state idiocy under which the limits of acceptable opinion are demarcated by Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, and writers live in the fear (which, I can tell you as one who has long worked with members of the DC punditocracy, absolutely paralyzes careerists) of saying the wrong thing and running afoul of the hall monitors and tattletales who police American discourse.

In media coverage closer to home, Jay Moran interviews Kauffman for WBFO.

"Copperhead" is playing in Pittsford and Williamsville.

Previously:

Missing teen found safe in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Missing 13-year-old Chelsea Darnley Emondt-Fauel has been located in the City of Batavia and is safe, according to Det. Rich Schauf.

Schauf said it's confirmed that she was a "willful runaway."

She was turned over to the care of Social Services, Schauf said.

Three teens from Medina face charges related to high speed chase in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Three teenagers from Medina are facing criminal charges following last night's high speed chase through the City of Batavia.

Angel T. Calderon, 16, of 23 S. Main St., #2, Treyvon K. Johnson, 17, of 816 S. Main St., and Syed A. Baity, 18, of 221 Commercial St., were all jailed without bail pending a court appearance tomorrow.

They are charged criminal possession of stolen property, 4th, and obstruction of governmental administration, 2nd.

The incident began around 9 p.m. when dispatchers were informed that a red pickup truck had been stolen in Medina and the truck was last seen southbound on Route 98 heading into Genesee County.

Immediately, an Elba resident reported seeing the truck pass through the village.

Soon after, Deputy Matt Fleming spotted the vehicle southbound on Route 98 and began a pursuit that reportedly reached speeds of 70 mph heading into the city.

Once on Oak Street, the truck drove over a curb by the Hess Mart and struck a pole.

Witnesses said the light pole crumbled and the truck missed by inches two young women at the gas station. The falling pole narrowly missed a Batavia resident's brand new Porsche sitting next to a gas pump. 

The truck also struck another vehicle in the area and then continued eastbound on Main Street.

After racing through city streets, the truck crashed into a fence in a residential yard at 9 Buxton Ave. and the three occupants tried to flee the scene on foot.

The occupants are allegedly Calderon, Johnson and Baity.

Two of the teens were taken into custody almost immediately. A third was captured on the track at Woodward Field/Van Detta Stadium. 

The suspect who ran toward Van Detta reportedly ran through a yard were a family was gathered and nearly ran into a pregnant woman holding another mother's baby, according to witness statements on Facebook.

A police officer suffered a minor injury during the foot pursuit.

Police believe Calderon was the driver and he is charged with reckless endangerment, 1st, unlawful fleeing a police officer, 3rd, and 33 vehicle and seven traffic law violations.

Baity was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

The defendants are scheduled to appear in City Court at 11 a.m. tomorrow for a bail review.

Grand jury indicts man for alleged oral sexual conduct with person under 17

By Billie Owens

Here are the latest indictments issued by the Genesee County Grand Jury:

Kyle H. Morse is indicted on four counts, all stemming from alleged actions on Sept. 21, 2012 in the Town of Elba.

He is accused of criminal sexual act in the first degree, a class-B felony, for allegedly engaging in oral sexual conduct with another person by forcible compulsion.

In count two of the indictment, Morse is accused of sexual abuse in the first degree, a class-D violent felony, for allegedly subjecting another person to sexual contact by forcible compulsion.

In count three, Morse is accused of criminal sexual act in the third degree, a class-E felony, for allegedly engaging in oral sexual conduct with another person without that person's consent. This alleged lack of consent was by reason of some factor other than incapacity to consent.

In count four, Morse is accused of sexual misconduct, a class-A misdemeanor, for allegedly engaging in oral sexual conduct with another person without that person's consent, and the person was deemed incapable of consent by vurtue of being less than 17 years old.

John J. Slack and Penny S. Sprague are both indicted on two counts each stemming from alleged actions June 16-17, 2012 on Knowlesville Road in the Town of Alabama.

In count one, they are accused of second-degree burglary, a class-C violent felony, for allegedly  entering and remaining unlawfully in a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, they are accused of grand larceny in the third degree, a class-D felony, for allegedly stealing property having a value in excess of $3,000 -- in this case, jewelry, money, electonic devices and other property valued at about $11,000.

Franchesca A. Barrome is accused of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, a class-E felony. It is alleged that during Feb. 5-17, 2013, in the Town of Batavia she knowingly possessed stolen property with intent to benefit herself or a person other than the owner, or to impede recovery of the property by the owner. The property was a college ID card.

In count two of the indictment, Barrome is accused of petit larceny, a class-A misdemeanor, for allegedly stealing property by using the ID card to make unauthorized purchases. In count three, she is accused of criminal trespass in the second degree, a class-A misdemeanor, for allegedly entering and remaining unlawfully in a dwelling.

Gary W. Woronowski is accused of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony, for allegedly operating a 2000 Subaru while intoxicated. This allegedly occurred Feb.1, 2013 on Main Road in the Town of Pembroke. In count two, he is accused of driving while intoxicated, per se, as a class-E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 or more at the time.

Woronowski is also accused of having been convicted of DWI, as a misdemeanor, in 2007 which is within 10 years of the crimes alleged in this indictment.

Chad M. Dart is accused of driving while intoxicated, a class-E felony, for driving a 2013 Chevy pickup on Route 33 in the Town of Stafford on March 10, 2013 while intoxicated. He is also accused of having been convicted of DWI, as a misdemeanor, in 2004, which is within 10 years of the crime alleged in the indicment.

Lastly, the Grand Jury returned a No Bill on DWI charges against Ronald J. Tombari III stemming from alleged incidents which occurred Dec. 12, 2012 in the Town of Pavilion.

Photo: Group of high-end luxury cars make a pit stop in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

More than $1 million in automobile was parked at the Northside Deli this afternoon, according to owner Dave Stupp. Dave said the cars stopped while on a route from Toronto to the Hamptons as part of a California to East Coast Tour. The drivers told Stupp they worked for Aston Martin.

Photo submitted by Dave Stupp.

High speed chase of suspected stolen truck ends with three men in custody

By Howard B. Owens

Less than 10 minutes elapsed from the time local law enforcement was informed of a suspected stolen pickup truck heading into Elba from Orleans County to the time three men were taken into custody by Batavia PD.

The report hit the scanner and an Elba resident apparently heard the APB and contacted dispatchers when the truck passed through the village.

Within two minutes, a Sheriff's deputy was behind the truck heading south on Route 98.

The truck was reportedly traveling at 70 mph. It headed into the city and struck a pole near the Hess station at Oak and Main. It then turned left onto Main and reportedly struck another vehicle.

The truck was next reported making a left onto Prospect, was reported on Richmond, then New York Place and then Genesee Street.

Sgt. Jason Davis drove north on Buxton and blocked southbound Buxton. The truck couldn't make the turn from Genesee to northbound Buxton and crashed into the fence of a front yard on Buxton.

Three men jumped from the vehicle and ran. During the foot pursuit an officer suffered a possible knee injury. 

Two suspects were taken into custody almost immediately. A third suspect ran west and was apprehended on the track of Woodward Field/Van Detta Stadium.

Sgt. Dan Coffey said it's too soon to determine what charges might be filed against the men, but they're facing possible multiple charges in Orleans and Genesee counties and the City of Batavia.

We'll provide more information about the arrests once it is available.

(Initial Report)

Possibly stolen pickup truck from Orleans County results in high-speed chase in the city

By Billie Owens

A possibly stolen red Dodge pickup truck from Orleans County was driving at a high rate of speed from Elba south on Route 98 into the city, reaching speeds of 70 mph. One of the male occupants is now in custody at Buxton Avenue and Genesee Street. The vehicle came to rest at 9 Buxton and an officer is down with a knee injury in the back yard there. Mercy medics are responding.

Another occupant was located in the bleachers at Van Detta Stadium and after officers gave him directives, he was subsequently arrested at 9 Pickthorn Drive.

There are three suspects altogether. Another address involved is 21 Vernon Verona Ave.

UPDATE 9:31 p.m.: A police officer was taken to UMMC for treatment of an injury.

Alpina Foods expands line of popular Greek yogurts

By Billie Owens

Press release:

In direct response to exploding consumer demand for Greek yogurt as well as the company’s continued commitment to expansion in the U.S. market, Alpina Foods is introducing a brand new Greek yogurt, and will be changing the name of its entire portfolio of Greek products to create a more cohesive brand identity.

Alpina Foods’ Alpina Greek, an all-natural, authentically strained Greek yogurt, is made entirely from natural ingredients and uses no artificial thickeners or flavoring. Alpina Greek will be introduced later this month available in six flavors: blueberry, strawberry, vanilla bean, mango, peach, and black cherry.

In addition to introducing its new yogurt, Alpina will rename its Alpina Revive Greek yogurt as Alpina Greek with Artisan Granolas which comes packaged with certified gluten-free granola mix-ins that were created by a health and wellness chef and are prepared by Udi’s Gluten Free. 

Both products are created using an authentic straining process, and are the combination of the simplest ingredients: milk, active bacteria cultures, and fruit.

Alpina Greek with Artisan Granolas will be available in seven flavors: blueberry with almond berry granola, strawberry with almond berry granola, vanilla bean with chai spices granola, honey with chai spices granola, mango with tropical chia granola, peach with tropical chia granola, and plain with superfoods granola.

“We made the decision to change the brand architecture of Alpina yogurts to increase the presence of our products on store shelves and simplify our portfolio,” said Gustavo Badino, Alpina Foods’ general manager. “We believe this expansion will be received well in the marketplace as consumers are continually searching for unique and exciting Greek yogurt options that are delicious and healthy.”

Alpina brand yogurts are currently available in a wide variety of retailers throughout the U.S., including Wegmans Food Markets; Ahold USA brand stores: Stop & Shop, Giant Landover and Giant Carlisle; Delhaize Group stores Hannaford and Sweetbay; Tops Friendly Markets; Duane Reade; and other national and regional food retailers. For a full list of retailers, visit www.alpinaus.com.

Alpina Greek yogurts will be available in late June with Alpina Greek with Artisan Granolas following in late July. Retailers interested in carrying Alpina yogurts can contact Alpina Foods at sales@alpina.com.

About Alpina Foods

Alpina Foods is the U.S. arm of Alpina, which was established in 1945 by two Swiss entrepreneurs and visionaries who brought their families’ traditions and cultural expertise to South America. The company markets a wide range of artisan dairy products to the American Hispanic market, as well as mainstream brands Alpina Greek and Alpina Greek with Artisan Granola yogurts, Alpina Bon Yurt low-fat yogurt, and Juan Valdez Café Latte.

Alpina is proud to be a consumer-centric and environmentally friendly company that embraces the philosophy of collective prosperity, or encouraging success within the company, in its neighboring communities, and in the world.

Incident on Highland Park leads to the arrest of brothers

By Howard B. Owens
Jason Sherman Carl Sherman

An investigation into what was initially reported as a possible hostage sitation on Highland Park, Batavia, yesterday has led to the arrest of two men on criminal charges.

Carl I. Sherman, 34, of Rochester is charged with menacing, 2nd, a misdemeanor, and Jason P. Sherman, 35, of Batavia, is charged with strangulation, 2nd, and assault, 2nd, both felonies.

Carl was jailed on $5,000 bail and Jason was ordered held without bail.

The incident that brought police to Highland Park was reported around 1 p.m.

When Sgt. Dan Coffey arrived on scene, he was informed that a woman was possibly being held against her will by a person with a weapon inside a residence at 12 Highland Park.

Witnesses reported seeing a person with a handgun and that another male was carrying a baseball bat to use as a possible weapon.

A woman inside the residence was reportedly providing this information to a third party outside the residence.

Coffey called for backup and reported the possible hostage situation. Uniformed and plain clothes members of the Batavia PD and Sheriff's Office, along with State Police responded.

Nearby residents were asked to either shelter in place or congregate in the St. Anthony's parking lot for their own safety.

After nearly an hour, four people came out of the residence without incident and surrendered to police.

All four people were interviewed by investigators.

It's alleged that Jason was involved in a domestic incident Sunday with a woman at the residence and she sustained a fractured wrist and broken bone in her neck.

Yesterday, Jason's brother, Carl, allegedly went to the residence and threatened the woman with a baseball bat during an argument.

Police have not released details on whether a firearm was used or if one was found at the location. No firearm was located following an extensive search of the house.

No arrest had been made in Sunday's alleged incident because it was still under investigation at the time of yesterday's events, said Chief Shawn Heubusch.

After the four people were taken from the scene, a State Police robot was deployed to search the residence and then the residence was cleared by the Emergency Response Team to ensure no other people were hiding inside.

The Batavia Fire Department also assisted at the scene, and Mercy EMS was on standby.

Previously:

Trio suspected of dealing cocaine in Genesee and Orleans counties

By Howard B. Owens
Edgardo Aponte Sonia E. Aponte Jeremy Yantz

Three people are being accused of selling cocaine in Genesee and Orleans counties following a lengthy joint investigation by law enforcement in both jurisdictions.

A search warrant was executed yesterday at a location on Hundredmark Road, Elba, and investigators said they found cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

The suspects are suspected of selling cocaine at the residence.

Arrested where:

  • Edgardo Aponte, 41, of Hundredmark Road, Elba, charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th, criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd, criminal nuisance, 1st, and tampering with physical evidence.
  • Sonia E. Aponte, 32, of Hundredmark Road, Elba, charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, criminal possesion of a controlled substance, 4th, criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd, and criminal nuisance, 1st.
  • Jeremy S. Yantz, 32, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with four counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd.

Edgardo Aponte was arraigned in Elba Town Court and jailed on $50,000 bail. Sonia Aponte was released under supervision of Genesee Justice. Yantz was arraigned in Town of Albion Court and jailed in Orleans County on $25,000 bail.

The five-month investigation was a joint operation by the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Orleans County Major Felony Crimes Task Force.

The Batavia PD Emergency Response Team assisted in the execution of the search warrant along with uniformed deputies, officers with Homeland Security and Rochester PD's K-9 unit.

The District Attorney's Office also assisted in the investigation.

Former deputy finding success as funeral home owner in Le Roy

By Bonnie Marrocco

From being a middle school teacher, to being a County Coroner for Genesee County, to being a Sheriff’s deputy, Vern Falcone, a native of Le Roy, has had a long and diverse career.

“While I was training to become a Sheriff’s deputy, I met a fellow deputy who was also a funeral director. That got me interested in it, so I went to school, got my license and worked part-time in a funeral home in Le Roy, while also working as a full-time Sheriff’s deputy," Falcone said. “I like working with people and I’m good at dealing with people, as well as helping families in difficult situations.”

When Vern retired in 2007, after 22 years with the Sheriff's Office, he became a full-time funeral director in Le Roy. In April of this year, Falcone opened Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc., at 8700 Lake Road, Le Roy.

Falcone is a tall, soft-spoken man with a calm demeanor, quite suitable for a career in the funeral business.

He had the brand-new facility built to resemble a home. He and his wife, Debra, did the painting, decorating and landscaping.

“If we knew anything about construction, we would have built it ourselves”, Falcone said with a laugh. “We wanted a new and up-to-date building, with a relaxing family atmosphere."

There is a fireplace to greet you when you enter, along with a cozy living room.

“I tried to create a relaxing atmosphere, like being in your own home," Falcone said.

There are soft colors and low lights, with music playing in background.

“I wanted to get away from the traditional funeral home look and make the facility feel more comfortable,” Falcone said. “I want people to walk in and feel at home in a difficult situation. I want their experience here to be as easy and comfortable as possible."

“We built a children’s room for children to play in while adults are focusing on grieving. They don’t need to worry about children being underfoot," Falcone said.

There are large screens to display video memorials in the grieving room. The room seats 125 people comfortably, with room for overflow. The room can also be divided in half to accommodate more intimate gatherings.

“I am very accommodating to people and I am happy to meet them at different hours, or even go to their home for a meeting," he said. "This is a service-oriented business and I am here to provide service to our guests. I don’t like answering services, so I always answer the phone myself and it will either be myself, or Debra, who greets visitors at the door."

The couple’s two daughters also help with the business and his oldest daughter is currently going to school to become a funeral director herself.

“I anticipate that this will be a self-supporting family business and we appreciate the support we’ve gotten from the community," Falcone said.

If you have questions or would like a personal tour of the facility, call Vern Falcone at 585-768-2400.

Rail company planning fire suppression system test on Thursday

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The City Water Department has been notified by the Genesee Valley Railroad that it will be conducting a test of its fire suppression system for the transfer station located on Mill Street on Thursday June 27th at approximately 10 a.m. Residents should be aware that this test may cause a temporary discoloration of the water in the general vicinity of Evans and Walnut streets. Residents should avoid doing laundry until the water clarity has returned to normal.

 

Paving scheduled for South Swan and Vernon

By Howard B. Owens

Work crews are scheduled to pave South Swan Street and Vernon Avenue between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Thursday.

Residents are asked not to park on the road.

Residents will have limited access to their properties during paving operations.

Paving will begin on South Swan and then move to Vernon.

All other traffic is asked to avoid these streets Thursday.

Police asking for help in locating missing 13-year-old

By Howard B. Owens

Chelsea Darnley Emondt-Fauel is missing.

The young teenager from Batavia has gone missing before and is believed to be a runaway, but authorities are concerned about her safety and ask that anybody with information contact local law enforcement.

Chelsea was last seen on Dewey Avenue, Batavia, yesterday. She could still be in the area. She could have travelled to the Riverside area of Buffalo or to Niagara Falls.

The 13-year-old has brown hair and eyes, is 5'6" and 145 lbs.

If you have information that could assist Batavia PD in locating Chelsea, please call (585) 345-6350.

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