batavia

An accident with injuries is reported at the intersection of Main and Bank streets downtown. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 1:11 p.m.: Mercy EMS left the scene without transporting any patients.

Laquasia M. Orr, 19, of Bronx, is charged with two counts of identity theft, 3rd, and one count of attempted identity theft, 3rd. Orr's arrest stems from a fraud complaint filed Feb. 23 and investigated by state troopers. Orr is accused of memorizing the debit card number of a former roommate and linking it to her own e-mail address and using it to order Chinese food delivery on two occasions and one attempt to order pizza.The total value of the alleged theft is $60. Video surveillance was used to help identify the person who signed for the food delivery orders.The investigation is ongoing.

Zivko Kacurovski, 56, of Linden Tree Lane, Rochester, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes. Kacurovski was stopped at 11:06 a.m. Thursday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Kacurovski was allegedly in possession of 3,200 untaxed cigarettes.

Joshua Lenair Webster, 28, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of attempted criminal contempt, 2nd. While incarcerated at the Genesee County Jail, Webster allegedly made two attempts to contact a person he is barred from contacting by court order.

Ryan Michael Bobzin, 26, of West Bergen Road, Bergen, is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle. Bobzin allegedly took a vehicle without permission. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Press release:

The Summit Street Entrance at United Memorial Medical Center will close on Monday, April 6, as construction begins for the new comprehensive cancer center. Fencing will be placed around the wedge-shaped parking area and there will no longer be an entrance to the facility off of Summit Street.

Visitors and patients should use the Main Entrance of the Hospital off of North Street or the Emergency Department Entrance at the rear of the building. Required employee parking at the Bank Street Campus was recently expanded to increase the number of available parking spaces for patients and visitors to the Hospital.

Previously closed on weekends, the Main Entrance will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. United Memorial will assess the need for transport services, additional wheelchairs and alternate weekend hours to best serve patients.

A sidewalk will be installed on the east side of Summit Street leading to the Main Entrance, along the side of the Hospital so that pedestrians can more easily access the front entrance.

Beginning on April 6th, visitors and patients should expect to see greater activity at the North Street facility as the construction begins. Cranes, earth-moving equipment and other construction vehicles will be brought on site. Every effort has been made to create and maintain a safe environment for our neighbors, employees, patients and visitors.

The new cancer center is a $6.5-million project, which will bring comprehensive cancer services to the Genesee County region and provide a new high-tech, fully integrated and comfortable home for life-saving oncology services.

These include: a state-of-the-art linear accelerator to deliver radiation therapy; the ability to use the hospital’s existing technology to plan customized radiation therapy treatment plans; chemotherapy infusion services; medical oncology for diagnosis, treatment planning and monitoring; navigator services to guide patients through their individualized treatment process; and surgical oncology.

Architectural services are provided by Clark Patterson Lee and construction management is being provided by Manning Squires Hennig.

The main gates are still locked, but on a day like today, after a winter like we had, a lot of people couldn't wait to spend some time in DeWitt Recreation Area.

Meanwhile, the warmer temperature is melting snow; some rain is expected this evening, so a flood watch is in effect from tonight through Saturday afternoon.

Also, after today, expect more freezing weather for a few days.

Ray Cianfrini, chairman of the Genesee County Legislature, and himself an attorney, wishes Durin Rogers all the best as the new Batavia City Court Judge, but also expressed disappointment that Rogers sought the job in the first place

Speaking during a Ways and Means Committee meeting Wednesday, Cianfrini said it was his impression that when Rogers took an assistant county attorney position, he was setting himself up to eventually become the county attorney.

Now he's no so sure.

"It seems to me he's using the county to advance his own position," Cianfrini said. "I'm not going to stand in his way, but I think being a city court judge hurts him when it comes time to consider a new county attorney."

Granted, the current county attorney, Charles Zambito, has no apparent immediate plans to step down, but Cianfrini said he was under the impression Rogers was given duties and responsibilities commensurate with gaining the experience necessary to eventually replace Zambito.

Zambito said Rogers has certainly filled an important role, one that should continue in his department, of being prepared to step in as county attorney if Zambito was unavailable.

Rogers was appointed City Court judge last week by the Batavia City Council to replace Michael Del Plato, a Cianfrini law partner, who retired from the judge position at the end of his term.

Rogers is on vacation and an assistant said there was no way to reach him to get his comment on the sudden controversy over his new appointment.

The discussion came up while Zambito introduced a resolution to adjust Rogers' position from full-time to part-time.

As a City Court judge, Rogers will be required to be in court at least one day a week, which means he won't be available to the county on those does.

His hours are being reduced from 37.5 hours per week to 30 hours per week. That means he will now be paid $66,494 a year by the county, instead of $83,118, a payroll savings for the county of $18,624.

State law also prohibits judges from acting as prosecutors in criminal matters. As part of Rogers county ties, Rogers has handled cases in family court involving under-age offenders and PINS (persons in need of supervision) cases, which while technically civil cases, are also considered criminal prosecutions.

Assistant County Attorney Paula Campbell will assume that case load and Rogers will take over her duties handling abuse and neglect cases and termination of parental rights.

Press release:

The City of Batavia is hosting one of 10 "walkability audits" happening across the Finger Lakes Region. The project is funded by the Genesee Transportation Council through its Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). The purpose of the audit is to get local perspectives on the problems and opportunities faced by pedestrians, and develop solutions for improving pedestrian safety, accessibility, convenience and comfort.

The intent of the audit is to help increase foot traffic and encourage alternatives to automobiles as a means of transportation. As a result, it hopes to increase the vibrancy and appeal of the City as a place to shop, socialize and recreate. The walkability audit will succeed best if it includes a range of community stakeholders from all perspectives working together to understand the issues and opportunities, and make sure the plan is responsive to locally identified needs.

The City of Batavia’s audit is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 22, 2015. Please join us for lunch and a presentation in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Following lunch the group will walk the City approximately one to two miles (90-minute walk) returning to the Council Chambers for discussion in small focus groups. The focus groups are to review problems and concerns identified on the walk and throughout the day and discuss solutions for future improvements. The day will conclude at 4 p.m.

For participation in the walkability tour, please contact Lisa Casey at the City Manager’s Office at (585) 345-6333 or e-mail at Lcasey@batavianewyork.com no later than April 10th to be placed in attendance.

Additional information will be mailed to you after your acknowledgement of attendance. We are looking for at least 30 people. Please bring your walking shoes, galoshes, or do I dare say snow boots? We will be walking in rain, snow or shine!

Brian Keith Laird, 20, of Wallace Street, Batavia, and Christopher Michael Smith, 20, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Laird and Smith were observed inside a blue play tube attached to a swing set at Austin Park. Upon investigation, there were found to allegedly possess marijuana and were smoking marijuana inside the tube.

April M. Palmer, 28, no permanent address, is charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument. Palmer was allegedly found with a hypodermic instrument at 2:33 p.m. Tuesday at 29 Summit St., Batavia, by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Chevaughn D. Hanson, 21, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Hanson was allegedly found with marijuana inside his residence after police responded to a complaint of a disturbance.

Charles H. Wroten, 54, of Buell Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant stemming from a third-degree assault charge and showing up at the jail for weekend incarceration with alcohol in his system. Wroten turned himself in. Wroten was jailed on $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond.

Brandon C. Dodd, 28, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Dodd allegedly intentionally damaged the window of his apartment.

Frank Mickey, 70, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Mickey allegedly threatened to punch another person in the face.

Tonya M. Weber, 31, of Baily Drive, Cowlesville, is charged with DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, driving without interlock device, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle and refusal to take breath test. Weber was arrested by Officer Eric Foels following a property damage accident reported at 12:21 a.m., Saturday, at 113 S. Swan St., Batavia.

Ryan James Wetsell, 21, of Trumbull Parkway, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Wetsell was arrested following a traffic stop at 10:45 p.m. Sunday on Trumbull Parkway by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Nicholas Joseph Elmore, 26, of Grandview Terrace, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Elmore is accused of stealing $546.76 in merchandise from Walmart. 

Barbara Jean DeNinno, 57, of West Main Street, Little Falls, is charged with possession of untaxed cigarettes, speeding and obstructed plate. DeNinno was stopped at 11:18 a.m. Wednesday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. DeNinno was allegedly found in possession of 21,000 untaxed cigarettes. Also charged, passenger Laura Christina Fenty, 46, of East Jefferson Street, Little Falls.

Dillon Austin Peacock, 20, of Whelehan Drive, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, unlawful possession of marijuana and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Peacock was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Deputy Joseph Corona at 5:22 p.m. Tuesday, Route 77, Pembroke. He was allegedly found to be drinking in the vehicle and in possession of brass knuckles and marijuana.

Ashley Rose Grip, 20, of Whitehall Drive, Rochester, is charged with possession of unstamped cigarettes. Grip was stopped at 5:22 p.m. Wednesday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Joseph Corona and allegedly found in possession of 4,954 untaxed cigarettes.

Children outside playing under bright blue skies, surely this is a sign of spring?

Ah, alas, a cruel April 1 joke, as the weatherman says there's still some freezing temps in our near future.

But today is nice enough for children from the YMCA's preschool program to practice a little chalk art. Above, Teegan, 5, draws a house.

Genesee County AmeriCorps member Steven Kleckler and RSVP of Genesee County Program Director Courtney Iburi presented vocabulary booklets created by volunteers to students at the Agri-Business Child Development Center in commemoration of the Cesar Chavez Day of Service. 

Photo and info submitted by Kathy Frank.

A minor-injury car accident is reported in the area of 8392 Lewiston Road. Town of Batavia fire and Mercy medics are responding.

The City of Batavia has posted a job opening on at least one Web site for a new director of public works, a position currently held by Williamsville resident Sally Kuzon.

The city did not make any announcement about Kuzon's future, but WBTA reports Kuzon is retiring.

The job pays $73,134 to $88,705 for somebody with a minimum of a four-year degree and three to five years experience.

The job opening is not posted on the city's own Web site, which currently states there are no open positions with the city.

The director of public works oversees all operational and maintenance aspects of the community’s streets and roadways, water, wastewater, parks and grounds, engineering, public facilities and code enforcement.

The position also requires supervision of winter snow plowing and clean up, a job the city was repeatedly criticized for by local residents over this past winter.

People driving their cars like a smooth ride, and right now they're not getting it on River Street.

The intersection of South Main and River was damaged when a water line broke there over the winter and crews dug deep holes to find the leak and make repairs.

The holes were patched, but the surface remains lumpy and uneven.

So people have been complaining -- The Batavian has received e-mails. People want to know why, six weeks later, the street is still in the condition it's in.

"We're well aware of the problem and we're evaluating the condition all the streets are in," said City Manager Jason Molino.

River and Main won't be the only streets that need some resurfacing and the city will prioritize  road work for the spring and summer, but right now, it's too soon to even start. The ground is still unthawing and roadways are still settling.

"The weather is still subfreezing and we're not going to be able to do anything until the weather warms up," Molino said.

Even if they were ready, there's no asphalt to be had for such a project.

"The City cannot do road improvements until the asphalt plants are open and the weather is warmer," Molino said. "Once asphalt becomes available and we have warmer temperatures, we will be making road improvements. Asphalt plants usually open around mid-April."

A two-car accident with minor injuries is reported at 1 Holland Ave. City firefighters and Mercy medics responding.

An accident with unknown injuries is reported at Ellicott Street and Jackson Street, Batavia.

Traffic is blocked.

City fire responding.

Press release:

Alpina Foods announced today they are launching the first-ever line of yogurt infused with real coffee called Alpina Café Selections. The new lineup includes Mocha, Caramel Macchiato, Vanilla Latte, and Coffee. The combination of smooth creamy Greek yogurt and the robust bold taste of real coffee makes Alpina Café Selection a perfect addition to anyone's morning or afternoon routine.

The line of Alpina Café Selections – different than anything that can be found on the market today -- uses real Colombian coffee and not "coffee flavoring" found in the dairy aisle. An excellent source of calcium, Café Selections also includes protein and caffeine and, at only 120 calories per cup, they provide a great option for breakfast or afternoon snack break.

"Thirty-four percent of Americans drinks coffee, higher than soda consumption. Specialty coffee makes up a large percentage of this growth, which is why we decided to launch Alpina Café Selections," said Gustavo Badino, Alpina Foods' general manager. "We are always looking to innovate in the dairy aisle. Once we found a recipe that tasted just like the consumer's favorite flavor and were able to include actual Colombian coffee, we knew we had a unique product the consumer would want and enjoy."

An alternative to sugary snacks and drinks, Alpina Café Selections are high in protein (12 grams) and calcium (20 percent), have 0 grams of fat, and provide 30-50 mg of caffeine (the equivalent to about half a cup of coffee) – perfect choice to help power anyone through their day.

Alpina Café Selections is sold in select regional and independent retailers including, ShopRite, Shaw's, Fairway Markets and Lowe's Markets, with plans to expand its distribution this summer; follow @alpinaUSA for updates.

Alpina Foods manufactures a variety of dairy products available in retailers throughout the United States, including Wal-Mart, Shaw's, Wegmans Food Markets, ShopRite, Duane Reade, Western Beef, and other national, regional, and independent food retailers. For a full list of retailers, visit www.alpinaus.com.

A driver involved in a four-car accident on Route 5 on Friday was cited for allegedly following too closely.

The accident was reported at 3:18 p.m. near Stegman Road, Batavia.

Marla Mugler, 26, was issued a traffic citation.

Mugler along with her passengers, Madison Chatley, 7, Colby Tyoe, 4, and Bryon Tyoe II, 7, were taken by Mercy EMS to UMMC for evaluation.

No other injuries were reported. 

The other drivers were David R. Foley, 55, of Jackson Street, Batavia, Rebecca M. Henning, 32, of South Main Street, Batavia, and Ann C. Moquin, 79, of Pratt Road, Batavia.

According to the report by Deputy Kevin McCarthy, Moquin was stopped on eastbound Route 5 to initiate a left turn onto Stegman Road. Henning was also eastbound and was coming to a stop behind Moquin's vehicle when it was struck by Mugler's vehicle. It was pushed to the left of the lead vehicle and sideswiped that vehicle. Foley's vehicle was also eastbound and was unable to stop in time to avoid the accident.

Accident diagram from McCarthy's report:

Sarah Regina Orsini, 59, of Exchange Street, Rochester, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, possession of untaxed cigarettes, unlawful possession of marijuana and driving with a broken windshield. Orsini was stopped at 11:40 a.m. Sunday on Route 77, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Michelle M. Michael, 42, of West Seneca, is charged with petit larceny. Michael is accused of switching a price tag from a shirt to a more expensive jacket at Stan's Harley-Davidson and then paying for the mispriced jacket and leaving the store. The alleged switch was caught on surveillance video.

Gary Aton Williams, 54, of Lang Street, Rochester, was arrested on a warrant out of Gates related to a petit larceny charge. Williams was identified as a warrant suspect during a traffic stop at 7:38 p.m. Sunday on Route 262, Byron, by Deputy Joseph Graff. Williams as a passenger in the vehicle that was stopped for an alleged traffic violation.

Nelson Henry Nowicki Jr., 40, of Broadway Road, Darien, is charged with forcible touching. Nowicki allegedly forcibly touched another person.

Nicholas Ryan Donahue, 21, of Caraway Lane, Spencerport, is charged with possession of unstamped cigarettes, unlawful possession of marijuana and no front plate. Donahue was stopped at 8:08 p.m. Saturday on Judge Road, Alabama, by Deputy Joseph Corona. Donahue was allegedly in possession of 1,400 untaxed cigarettes.

Joseph R. Volasquez, 18, of Byron, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. The alleged incident was reported at 11:57 p.m. Sunday in Byron. Volasquez was arrested by State Police. He was ordered held on bond. No further details released.

Information and photos submitted by Nate Fix.

The Town of Batavia Fire Department had their Annual Installation of Officers Saturday night.

The 2015 lineup of officers are Chief Paul Barrett, Deputy Chief Dan Coffey, 1st Asst. Chief Nathan Fix, 2nd Asst. Chief Bob Tripp, Captain Dave Tran, and Lt. Andrew Mullen.

The Board of Directors are Bob Mullen, Chad Higgins, Dan Jacques, James Bouton, and Frank Riccobono, and President John Fitzsimmons and Vice President Gary Diegelman, Treasurer Don Koziol.

There were multiple awards given out, including the 100 Call Club. These are members who responded to more than 100 calls for the calendar year of 2014.

They are:

Stephen Diegelman, 102 calls; Frank Riccobono, 107 calls; Paul Dibble, 119 calls; Dave Tran, 118 calls; John Mullen, 119 calls; Bob Mullen, 124 calls; Cody Towner, 128 calls; Tom Garlock, 135 calls; Jason Holman, 138 calls; Gary Diegelman, 152 calls; Scott Maloy, 172 calls; Bob Tripp, 178 calls; Paul Barrett with 182 calls; Nathan Fix, 184 calls; Andrew Mullen, 191 calls; and the top responder was Stephen Kowalcyk, 222 calls.

Years of Service Awards went to:

Adam Mullen, 5 years; Dave Tran, 5 years; Ben Fisher, 5 years; James Bouton, 10 years with the Town of Batavia fire Department and 33 prior years with Alexander fire. Bouton has 43 years of volunteer fire service. Nathan Fix, 10 years and he also has six years prior with Corfu fire for a total of 16 years of volunteer fire service. Dave Morrill, 15 years of service; Steve Kegler, 20 years; John Fitzsimmons, 20 years; Paul Barrett and Dan Jacques with 30 years of service. Both were recognized with plaques and letters from Assembly Steve Hawley and Senator Mike Ranzenhofer. Bob Mullen was recognized for 50 years as a Volunteer Fire Service member and he received special recognition.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Democratic Committee is looking for registered Democratic voters who live in the City of Batavia and would be interested in being endorsed for the November 2015 election. 

The positions for election will include County Legislative representatives, City Council Ward positions, and County Coroner.

If Batavia city residents are interested in any of the positions, they must be a registered Democrat, and send a letter of interest to the City Committee, and be available for an interview. The letter should be addressed to the City of Batavia Democratic Committee, Attn: Chairman, 41 Verona Ave., Batavia, NY 14020 by April 25.

In addition, the City Committee is seeking to fill six positions on the City Democratic Committee. If interested in working with the City Committee, Batavia city residents must be a registered Democrat, be able to attend committee meetings, be able to carry petitions for endorsed candidates, and participate in committee activities. Please send a letter to the Committee, using the same address as above stating interest. 

The City Democratic Committee is the grassroots of the political process and citizen participation is a patriotic duty that is a tenet of our constitutional rights. Participate and protect our freedom and let your voice be heard -- your VOTE COUNTS in the election process!