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Law and Order: Complaint about dirt bike racing on Route 237, Byron, leads to DWI arrest

By Billie Owens

Robert James Moulthrop, 48, Mechanic Street, Byron, is charged with: driving with a BAC of .08 percent or higher; DWI; aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd; and unlawful operation of an ATV on a public highway. At 8:18 p.m. on Aug. 27, the defendant was arrested on Byron Holley Road in Byron for allegedly driving while intoxicated. The arrest came after an investigation into a traffic offenses complaint of a dirt bike racing up and down Route 237 in the Town of Byron. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Deputy Chad Cummings.

Corey D. Wilson, 20, of Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. At 2 a.m. on Aug. 28, Batavia police conducted a traffic stop on Oak Street for a speed violation. A vehicle search was conducted and patrols found two male occupants allegedly in possession of two bags of marijuana. Wilson was issued an appearance ticket and he was also cited for the speed violation. Wilson is due in City Court on Sept. 13. The case was investigated by Batavia PoliceOfficer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Maliq N. Douglas, 19, of New Jersey Avenue, Brooklyn, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Douglas was arrested at 2 a.m. on Aug. 28 on Oak Street in Batavia following a traffic stop. A vehicle search was conducted and patrols found two male occupants allegedly in possession of two bags of marijuana. Douglas was processed and released with an appearance ticket to City Court on Sept. 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

p.w. minor donates 27 pallets of shoes to Louisiana flood victims

By Howard B. Owens

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About 3,900 pairs of shoes are rolling down a highway tonight in the back of a semi-trailer bound for Louisiana.

The shoes are being donated to flood victims in the Baton Rouge area by p.w. minor.

CEO Pete Zeliff said he decided to make the donation just as a way to give back.

"Nothing more than that," he said.

"We partnered with a program called Soles for Souls through the National Shoe Retailers Association," Zeliff said. "They paid to send the truck and pay the freight and we specified that they go to Louisiana."

Most of the shoes on the 27 pallets loaded onto the truck this afternoon were manufactured in China and were being sold as closeouts, but Zeliff said he decided it would be better to donate them to flood victims.

Over the past several months, p.w. minor has moved production out of China with the goal of making all of the company's shoes in Batavia.

"We'll be making 500 pair a day by the end of this year and 1,000 pair a day by next August," Zeliff said.

Much of the ramp-up in production is made possible by a bevy of new machines that automate much of the shoe production process.

Zeliff said with a robot and another automated machine in place, the plant is already 20-percent automated. Nine more machines arrived within the past week and are being put into service.

The jobs of one of the machines in production can perform is to rough up the leather on the shoe so the glue binds better when the sole is attached.

"We went from five minutes to rough a pair of shoes to last week to Denise did a six-pair rack in 40 seconds," Zeliff said.

It's been his goal to move all of the company's shoe production back to Batavia since he and a partner rescued the business just before it was shut down, but the process has taken longer than expected.

"It will take three years from the time we invested in the assets of this company," Zeliff said. "It’s not as quick as I would have liked it to have been, but it’s still a pretty good accomplishment, I feel."

Below, photo provided by Pete Zeliff of his granddaughter, Nicole, with a country star Keith Urban and his band new pair of p.w. minor shoes. Zeliff took his family to see Urban at his show in Camden, N.J.

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Sharon Knaudt, of Batavia, and Michaela Hale, of Oakfield, earn merit awards from SUNY Oswego

By Billie Owens

SUNY Oswego has made merit awards to a select group of area students among the more than 675 transfer students who are starting at the college this fall.

SUNY Oswego's merit awards recognize students' past academic achievements and potential for success. A select group among the more than 675 transfer students received the awards. The Transfer Merit Award is $1,000 and the Transfer Achievement Award is $2,000; for deserving non-New York state students, the total award can be as much as $36,000 or $37,000, respectively, in combination with a Destination Oswego scholarship.

  • Sharon Knaudt, of Summit Street in Batavia, majoring in broadcasting and mass communication, last attended Genesee Community College
  • Michaela J. Hale, of South Pearl Road in Oakfield, majoring in Spanish, last attended Genesee Community College

The awards are part of about $5 million in merit scholarship money offered at SUNY Oswego. These funds are in addition to the more than $80 million in need-based grants, loans, work-study and scholarship awards that SUNY Oswego students receive annually.

A 155-year-old comprehensive college in the State University of New York system, Oswego enrolls about 8,000 students in its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Communication, Media and the Arts; and School of Education.

Visit oswego.edu for more information.

Law and Order: Gilbert Street, Le Roy, man arrested after domestic incident, Batavia woman allegedly struck court-protected person

By Billie Owens

Robert T. Hoffman, 37, of Gilbert Street, Le Roy, was arrested on Aug. 27 by the Le Roy Police Department and charged with: one count of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, a Class A misdemeanor; unlawful imprisonment in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor; endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor; and criminal mischief in the fourth degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Hoffman was arrested following a complaint of a domestic incident that occurred in the early hours of the morning. During the altercation Hoffman allegedly held the victim against their will refusing to let them leave, at one point the victim was held by their throat obstructing their ability to breath. Hoffman also prevented the victim from calling 9-1-1, preventing them from requesting emergency assistance. All this took place in front of a child under the age of 17. Hoffman was arraigned and jail in lieu of $10,000 bail. Hoffman is to return to the Le Roy Town Court on Sept. 6.

Katelyn M. Hall, 22, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, was arrested at 2:20 a.m. on Aug. 28 and charged with first-degree criminal contempt -- violation of an order of protection, physical contact. Hall allegedly pushed and struck another individual who was the protected party of an active order of protection. She was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and held on no bail. Hall was due in Batavia City Court earlier this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Alex Isaac, 27, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief -- damage to another's property exceeding $250. Isaac was arrested at 3:15 a.m. on Aug. 28 following an incident wherein he allegedly damaged headlights and taillights of a car belonging to another person on Hutchins Street. Isaac was located at an acquaintance's residence on Thorpe Street. Isaac was taken into custody without incident, issued an appearance ticket and released. Isaac is due in City Court on Aug. 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Timothy J. Wood Sr., 27, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 5th. He was arrested at 4:14 p.m. on Aug. 25 on South Main Street in Batavia after being located allegedly riding a bicycle that had been reported stolen earlier in the day. He was processed, released on an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on Sept. 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Gina L. Avino, 41, of Haven Lane, Batavia, was arrested at 11:50 p.m. on Aug. 26 on Walnut Street, Batavia, after allegedly refusing to leave a residence despite being told to do so several times. Avino was issued a computer-generated appearance ticket and release. Avino is due in City Court on Sept. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Pater Flanagan, assisted by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Russell Scott Neureuther, 18, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. He was arrested at 7:39 p.m. on Aug. 26 following the investigation of a disorderly conduct complaint on Colby Road in the Town of Darien. Neureuther was allegedly found to be highly intoxicated by alcohol and walking in the road, obstructing traffic. He was arraigned and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $200 cash bail. He is due in Darien court on Sept. 6. The case was handled by Sheriff's deputy Sgt. Jason Saile, assisted by Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble.

David A. Stanton, 32, of Union Church Road, Franklin, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd; operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration; and operating a motor vehicle without insurance. At about 6:18 p.m. on Aug. 27, a Genesee County Sheriff's Office patrol reported that a vehicle with a suspended registration was traveling north on Ellicott Street Road toward the City of Batavia. Batavia police located the vehicle on Oak Street and confirmed the suspended registration and initiated a traffic stop. Stanton was found to be operating the vehicle with suspended registration and with no insurance in effect. He was arrested and paid $200 police bail and was issued traffic tickets. Stanton is scheduled to be in City Court on Sept. 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Orientations scheduled for BHS freshmen and transfer students & parents

By Billie Owens

Batavia High School will host a brief parent orientation for parents of incoming freshmen and transfer students new to the High School at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 31.

Parents will have the opportunity of meeting available staff and administration who will introduce parents to BHS policies, programs and expectations. All first-time BHS parents will find this informational session helpful in transitioning their child to the High School. This is also an opportunity for parents who once again have a student at BHS to learn about any new changes.

Link Crew Day 1 for Freshmen Students Only

Thursday, Sept. 1, @ 8 - 11:30 a.m.

Batavia High School will host a Link Crew Day 1 for freshmen students only on Thursday, Sept. 1st from 8 - 11:30 a.m. Incoming freshmen and pre-approved Link Leaders will be the only students attending school on this day.  Upperclassmen need not attend school on Sept. 1st as incoming freshmen will be participating in freshmen transition activities. Link Crew is based upon a simple concept: linking freshmen with successful upperclassmen. While creating a sense of comfort for incoming students, the Link Crew concept also addresses the attitudes of upperclassmen toward freshmen and respect for freshmen becomes the norm.  

Schools today are different than ever before, as are students, families and communities. The transition from middle school to high school is one of the most difficult ones young people face, expectations are greater and schools are larger. Research has shown that if a student makes it successfully through his/her first year of high school, he or she will have “made it,” and he/she can be expected to graduate. With this in mind, Link Crew has been developed as a program to help students make the transition with specific intervention and support from older peers. 

Link Crew Day 2 for Freshmen & Transfer Students Only

Wednesday, Sept. 7, @ 8 - 11:30 a.m.

Batavia High School will host a Link Crew Day 2 for freshmen and any transfer students new to Batavia High School on Wednesday, Sept. 7th from 8 - 11:30 a.m. These students will once again participate in various activities using the Link Crew transition program. Upperclassmen should not attend as freshmen and transfer students will get to do a walk-through of their schedule, meet their teachers, and will get acclimated to their lockers and lunch routines.   

There is no school for faculty and students on Monday, Sept. 5th in observance of Labor Day. Tuesday, Sept. 6th is a Superintendent’s Conference Day for all district faculty and staff. The morning of Wednesday, Sept. 7th is Link Crew Day 2 for freshmen and transfer students only.

The first day of classes for ALL BHS students is Thursday, Sept 8th.

Anyone with questions is asked to contact the BHS Counseling Center at 343-2480, ext. 2002.

ARC Transfer Station renovations to begin Monday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Area residents will be noticing some changes at the Arc of Genesee Orleans Transfer Station & Recycling Center over the next several weeks. Beginning Monday, Aug. 29, the facility, located at 3785 W. Main Street Road will be undergoing renovations to expand and improve service to the community.

Renovations will include a new building enclosure with service lane upgrades for the recycling, bottle redemption and secure document destruction service. During renovations, the Transfer Station is OPEN and will provide the same services but at a different location on the property for the next several weeks.

Customers are asked to follow the signs once turning into the property. The Transfer Station’s service and receiving area will be located near the back of the building.  Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with extended hours on Wednesdays until 8 p.m.

Any questions feel free to contact Paul Saskowski, director of Operations, at 585-343-4203. 

City conducting household survey to support grant application for home repairs

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia is considering applying for Federal grant assistance to help income-eligible, owner-occupied, single-family homeowners with essential home improvements.

If you own a single-family home in need of repairs, please download the survey from the City’s “Useful Links” tab on the City’s homepage at www.batavianewyork.com. Click on Residential Rehabilitation Survey. Or you may pick up a survey in the City Manager’s office at City Hall.

Grant money would enable homeowners to make home repairs with grant and low-interest loan funding.

The City of Batavia is requesting your full cooperation to help us obtain housing rehabilitation grant funding. Please complete and mail in or drop off the surveys to the City Manager’s Office, One Batavia City Centre, Batavia, New York, 14020.

If you have any questions please contact the City Manager’s office at 585-345-6330. 

In 28 years with the Sheriff's Office, Kris Kautz feels good about making a difference in people's lives

By Howard B. Owens

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Over his 28 years in law enforcement, Kris Kautz has helped a lot of people and that's the best part of the job.

Mostly, it's about helping the victims of crime, mainly by finding the people who stole from them or harmed them or a member of their families.

But sometimes it's helping those same criminals get their lives turned around.

Now he's moving on to a job he thinks will be just as gratifying -- a security aide for Batavia City Schools.

"It’s a more laid-back position, obviously, but I’m looking forward to it, working with the kids and the school seems awesome," said Kautz, whose last day with the Sheriff's Office was Friday.

Kautz started with the department in 1988, three years after earning an associate degree in criminal justice at GCC.

"After I graduated, I realized to get those jobs, I would need to take exams," Kautz said. "That’s a good theory, I think. Do well on the exam and you should be a good candidate. Unfortunately, I wasn’t a very good test taker. I took many exams before I actually got a phone call. It was almost three full years before I got a job offer, and then, of course, I got three decent job offers within a month-and-a-half. Luckily, this job was one of them and it was really the job I was hoping for, so I accepted the position as a deputy."

Kautz was on road patrol for five years when he was promoted to investigator, the job he wanted all along.

He said he's been fortunate to stay in that position for 23 years, but now it's time to move on.

"You do reach a burnout factor," Kautz said. "I've probably reached the end of my shelf life. I'm not embarrassed to say that. I like to think I’ve done my part and it’s time to move on."

Leaving now isn't without its drawbacks. There are unsolved cases Kautz wishes were closed during his time in the investigator's office

"Those are kind of a sore spot," Kautz said. "Sometimes you know who you think did it, and you’re really close to solving it, but you just don’t have that extra piece."

Among the unsolved cases, Kautz worked are on is the Fickel murder.

"We worked long and hard on that for many, many months after that happened and unfortunately, the leads kind of started drying out and obvious we had another case load we needed to attend to," Kautz said. "It doesn’t get the attention we wish it would. We don’t have the luxury of having a quote-unquote 'homicide division' or 'burglary task force' or a 'sex crimes team.' "

Kautz leaves with cases pending, but there is a person of interest and some solid evidence that might one day hold up in court, but it will be up to other investigators to uncover the piece of evidence that wraps things up.

"We have been actively pursuing it and we’re just kind of crossing our fingers that maybe that one little piece of the puzzle we don’t have yet might show up one of these days," Kautz said.

(If you have information that might assist in the case, contact the Genesee County Sheriff's Office at (585) 343-5000.)

Much has changed over 23 years in how investigators do their jobs. There is new technology and new techniques, but the basics remain the same -- gather evidence, safeguard it, ask questions, test answers and build a case.

"I'm not saying it (new technology) has made it easier to solve cases, but it's really solidified convictions," Kautz said. "When there is a fingerprint or DNA evidence at a crime scene, you can't dispute it. You have a hard time explaining that away when you're a defendant."

Too many cases, just by the nature of things, go unsolved, but when they are solved, it's a great feeling, he said, especially when you see the satisfaction on the faces of the victims.

"It’s all about the victims because when you come home after working a hard day, working an honest job, and come home and your door is kicked in and your TV and your family heirlooms are gone, you’re furious and it's devastating," Kautz said. "That’s where the cops come in and do their best to solve it and it’s very, very, very gratifying when you do solve it for them."

And sometimes, solving a crime helps another person improve their own lives, and that's a good feeling, too, Kautz said.

"People always say this is the best job in the world and I really think that," Kautz said. "You really have a chance to make a difference for people, in people’s lives, not only making it right for the victims but also maybe contributing to the improvement of some of the defendants' lives. Maybe getting arrested can often be a positive thing in the long run for somebody. They know they screwed up. They know they’ve got problems. They know they’ve got things they need to address. Sometimes getting arrested will be that last little push they need to really get their lives straightened out."

Photo: Kris Kautz with his family, wife Susan, and daughters Kelsey, Adeline and Ella.

Accident with possible injury on West Main Street, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A two-car accident is reported in the area of 112 W. Main St., Batavia.

One person suffered a possible neck injury.

City fre and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 10:52 a.m.: One patient transported to UMMC for evaluation.

Former local farmer, former local Assemblyman, R. Stephen Hawley, dies at age 94

By Howard B. Owens

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Photo and story via our news partner, WBTA.

R. Stephen Hawley, who was 94 years old, died early this morning in Arizona.

Before his retirement, he had been elected to 10 terms in the New York State Assembly, serving 20 years beginning in 1973.

Hawley, a World War II Veteran, was a 1939 graduate of Batavia High School and at the beginning of his political career owned a family farm in Batavia.

Since 2006, Hawley’s son Steven M. Hawley has taken up his mantle of local representation in the State Assembly.

Law and Order: Batavia man arrested after domestic incident, State Street woman charged with harassment

By Billie Owens

Jacob M. Twardowski, 22, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment, endangering the welfare of a child and third-degree menacing. He was arrested at midnight on Aug. 24 following a domestic incident at his residence. He was transported to City Court, arraigned and released. He is due in City Court on Sept. 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Cassandra L. Brunea, 43, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 12:56 p.m. on State Street following a disturbance. It is alleged that during the incident Brunea subjected another person to unwanted physical contact by spitting on the person. She was issued an appearance ticket and released. She is due in City Court on Sept. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Michael S. Klotzbach, 29, of Boyce Road, Pembroke, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 23 after a physical altercation with an acquaintance. He was issued a computer-generated appearance ticket for City Court on Aug. 29. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan.

BMS to hold orientation Tuesday for fifth-grade students/parents and transfer students

By Billie Owens

Fifth-grade Student & Parent Orientation

Batavia Middle School, located at 96 Ross St. in the City of Batavia, will have a brief orientation program at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30, in the Batavia Middle School Auditorium for fifth-grade students and parents.

Students will have the opportunity to purchase their locks. This will give fifth-graders an opportunity to practice, at home, before school starts. Please bring $4.50 for your child's lock. Exact change is always appreciated. If you choose to write a check, please make it payable to: Batavia City School District.

We will review the schedule for Connect Day (on Sept. 7th) and parents and students will receive some helpful materials.

It is not necessary to bring any school supplies with you at this time. Do, however, complete and bring with you the Emergency Go Home Plan, which will be mailed home with your child's teacher/homeroom assignment.

Come and get acquainted ~ We look forward to working with you as your child transitions to Middle School. If you have any questions, please call Julia Rogers, House Administrator at (585) 343-2480, ext. 3001, or at (585) 201-3389.

Transfer Student Orientation

All students in grades 6-8 who are transferring to Batavia Middle School are invited to attend an orientation program at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30, in the Middle School Auditorium. The program will include an overview of our Middle School and will be followed by a building tour. School counselors will be available for students and parents.

Photos: Blue Devils vs. Bulldawgs

By Howard B. Owens

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The Batavia Blue Devils hosted the Batavia Bulldawgs (Minis, ages 8-9) at Van Detta Stadium on Wednesday night for the annual scrimmage between the two teams.

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Batavia's Great Tabernacle, a three-day festival of music and worship

By Howard B. Owens

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Jericka, lead singer for the local Christian band Salt of Earth, sings during the opening of Batavia's Great Tabernacle, a three-day event of music and worship at the Genesee County Fairgrounds.

The event continues tonight with free performances by Jim Drew and Jason Upton, and with speakers each night, tonight is Pastor Kevin Traux.

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Last night's guest speaker was Tim Bennett, and Robin Mark performed.

Collins and staff brief local farms on federal ag issues

By Howard B. Owens

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Rep. Chris Collins hosted members of his Agriculture Advisory Committee -- local farmers and people involved in the local ag industry -- at Genesee Community College yesterday for a briefing on issues at the federal level affecting agriculture.

Collins noted that while he's not on the Ag Committee in Congress, he is on a committee with key oversight of a number of issues that affect agriculture.

"I am on Energy and Commerce, a more powerful committee, with oversight over the EPA and FDA," Collins said. "It’s certainly a good place to be."

Collins also addressed the issue of immigration, an important issue to farmers who, in recent years, have struggled to fill their farm labor force.

The NY-27th's representative is one of the few members of Congress to endorse Donald Trump for president and until this past week, Trump was calling for the deportation of 11 million immigrants who may have entered the country illegally. In the past week, Trump modified his position and is no longer promising to deport migrant workers living in the United States peacefully. 

Collins said the shift reflects Trump growing into the job of presidential candidate and one who is open to discussion.

"We will secure the borders and make sure the workforce that many of you have do have legal work papers and can figure out visas and other things that might ensure you’re not short of help," Collins said. "I think that’s a positive."

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Mark Zittel, from Erie County, who brought samples of some of the produce he grows.

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Collins staff member Jeff Freeland.

Partners open barbershop on Ellicott Street with a vision for being a positive influence

By Howard B. Owens

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Joey Williams and Marcell Taylor, friends from Albion, started talking about opening a business together six years ago, when Williams was still in high school.

A few weeks ago, it all finally came together when they opened Clean Cut Barbershop at 466 Ellicott St., Batavia.

"The most ironic part is he's actually the one who got me into barbering," Williams said. "I used to do it as a hobby and he told me, 'dude, I think you can get pretty serious about this. Let's go check out a school.'

"Once you start cutting a couple of people in the neighborhood, the kids started talking and the word gets around," Williams added. "I didn’t really take it serious at first and then I graduated high school and that’s when he was like, let’s get a move on things."

Williams started barbering school and Taylor, who had completed his training in cosmetology at Continental School of Beauty in Batavia, honed his craft working in the basement of his mother's house.

After a couple of years, Taylor was ready to open a shop, but Williams wasn't quite there yet, so Taylor went ahead and opened up on his own in Albion. The process was on-the-job training for starting and running a business, so after Williams apprenticed in Brockport for a couple of years, he told Williams it was time to get going on their plans. 

It was up to Williams to find the location.

"I told him as long as you can do some quality cuts and get some good barbers in here, I can take care of the paperwork and everything," said Taylor, who describes himself as as "an entrepreneur by day and by night," and he's also a partner in Taylor and Taylor Consulting, an accounting firm.

They picked Batavia because it's a big enough city that is centrally located and they think there is open space for a barbershop that offers modern haircuts.

They also want to grow a business that has an impact on the local community. Their shop is more than a barbershop. They have a pool table and are planning to bring in TVs with video games where they can host Madden tournaments and perhaps erect a basketball hoop in the parking lot.

"It’s all just a way to bring kids together and kind of get away from all the negativity that is out there," Williams said. "We want to offer different activities that help kids stay out of trouble. We both come from a background where it was a struggle to find programs for youth and we see a need out there."

Taylor said they hope they can be a positive influence that shows kids they can accomplish things in life.

"We want to help the youth out there know that there is a future out there beyond what maybe they know right now," Taylor said.

Wilkes University Welcomes Samantha Cecere, of Batavia, into the Class of 2020

By Billie Owens

WILKES-BARRE, PA (08/23/2016)-- Wilkes University welcomes Samantha Cecere, of Batavia, into the Class of 2020. Cecere is one of more than 700 students who make up the University's newest undergraduate class. Cecere's major is Pre-pharmacy GS.

About Wilkes University:

Wilkes University is an independent institution of higher education dedicated to academic and intellectual excellence through mentoring in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional programs. Founded in 1933, the university is on a mission to create one of the great small universities, offering all of the programs, activities, and opportunities of a large, research university in the intimate, caring, and mentoring environment of a small, liberal arts college, at a cost that is increasingly competitive with public universities.

Learn more at www.wilkes.edu

Tonight is Blue Devil Experience night at Van Detta Stadium as Mini Division Bulldawgs battle varsity team

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
Tonight is the annual BLUE DEVIL EXPERIENCE night. The Mini Division Bulldawgs (8-9 year olds) will play against the Blue Devils varsity team under the lights.

 

Prior to the game, the kids will be allowed to go into the varsity locker room to hear Coach Brennan Briggs' pre-game speech and come out onto the field alongside the Devils.

Game time is at 7:15 p.m. at Van Detta Stadium in Batavia (Mini players are to arrive by 7 p.m.).

This will be the battle of champions ... as the defending 2015 NOFA Mini Division Champion Bulldawgs look to defend its 2-0 record vs. the TWO-time defending Section V Blue Devils.

Come out for an exciting game! GO BULLDAWGS!

Law and Order: Man who lives on Pleasant Street in Le Roy arrested after allegedly striking tot in the ribs

By Billie Owens

Joshua D. Murphy, 30, of Pleasant Street, Le Roy, was arrested on Aug. 23 by the Le Roy Police Department. Murphy was charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor. Murphy was arrested following the investigation of a child who had been struck in the ribs. Murphy allegedly struck a 20-month-old child in the ribs on Aug. 13. Murphy was issued an appearance ticket on the charge and is due in the Le Roy Town Court on Sept. 26 to answer to the charge.

Kenisha A. Thomas, 18, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on Aug. 14 by the Le Roy Police Department. Thomas was charged with: two counts of criminal mischief in the 4th degree, a Class A misdemeanor; one count of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor; and second-degree harassment, a violation. Thomas was arrested following a larceny complaint at the Beautiful Kitchen Chinese restaurant on West Main Street. Thomas allegedly stole a tip jar from the counter of the establishment, which had approximately $60 inside. While fleeing the scene, Thomas allegedly damaged the exit door and struck an employee in the face. Thomas was arraigned and is being held at the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $200 cash bail or $400 bond. Thomas is to return to the Le Roy Town Court on Sept. 6 to answer to the charges.

Jon Roblee, 40, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment, resisting arrest and unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested on the charges following an incident on Aug. 16 that originally occurred at 10 p.m. on Oak Street in Batavia. He allegedly pushed a subject at that location but left prior to arrival of police. Patrols later located Roblee on Bank Street and attempted to take him into custody. He allegedly resisted but was eventually subdued and arrested. He was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana. He was arraigned and jailed on $2,500 cash/bond. Roblee was due back in City Court on Aug. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

Nicole R. Elmore, 28, of Erie Street, Le Roy, was arrested on Aug. 22 by the Le Roy Police Department. Elmore was charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor. Elmore was arrested after she allegedly allowed a child to be in the area of numerous items of drug paraphernalia in her residence. Elmore was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. Elmore is to return to the Le Roy Town Court on Sept. 6 to answer to the charge.

Jason A. McFollins, 39, of Union Street, Batavia, is charged with: DWI; open container of alcohol; obstructed vision; aggravated unlicensed operation -- previous conviction; and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more -- first offense. McFollins was arrested at 2:05 a.m. on Aug. 14 on Olyn Avenue in Batavia for allegedly operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

Jonathan H. Wincott, 22, Gilbert Lane, Plainview, is charged with: refusal to take a breath test; speeding; unlawful possession of marijuana; and driving while ability impaired by drugs. He was arrested at 12:18 a.m. on Aug. 16 following an investigation into a traffic violation that occurred on East Main Street in Batavia a short time earlier. Wincott was processed at BPD headquarters and given several traffic tickets and an appearance ticket for City Court on Aug. 31. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Dianna Leon, 18, of Richmond Avenue, Batavia, turned herself in at city police headquarters on a bench warrant. It was issued because she failed to appear in court on a driving-while-ability-impaired charge stemming from a hit-and-run accident on Ellicott Street in Batavia on Halloween 2014. She posted $250 cash bail and was issued a computer-generated appearance ticket. She was due in City Court on Tuesday (Aug. 23). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze.

Patrick Neaverth, 35, no permanent address, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt and second-degree burglary. On Aug. 13, Batavia PD was dispatched to a Kingsbury Avenue address for a report of a male lying on the floor of an enclosed porch. Police found Neaverth in the enclosed porch. The female resident has a valid order of protection against the defendant out of City Court. He was arrested and jailed without bail. He was due in City Court on Aug. 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Matthew Joseph Engert, 25, of Geddes Street, Holley, was arrested Aug. 8 on a bench warrant out of City Court for allegedly failing to appear on a charge of aggravated harassment. He was jailed in lieu of $2,000 cash or $4,000 bond and was due in City Court Aug. 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Sgt. Jason Davis.

Darryl Simone Robinson, 52, of East Main Street, Batavia, turned himself in on a City Court bench warrant on Aug. 16. Robinson allegedly failed to pay a fine on Aug. 3 on an unnecessary noise conviction. Robinson was arraigned on the warrant then released on his own recognizance. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Tyanna D. Green, 21, of Walnut Street, Batavia, was arrested on Aug. 16 on two bench warrants -- one for failure to appear in court, the other for failing to pay a fine from two separate incidents. Green was arraigned and the judge also signed and executed a warrant for violation of Probation. Green was jailed in lieu of $5,000 bail and was due back in City Court on Aug. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Gina L. Avino, 41, of Haven Lane, Batavia, was turned over to BPD by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on Aug. 19 on a bench warrant out of City Court. Avino was arraigned and jailed on $250 cash bail or bond and is due in City Court today. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Cody Moore, 27, no permanent address, was arrested on a bench warrant Aug. 22. He allegedly failed to appear in Batavia City Court to answer charges of traffic violations. Moore was arraigned and put in GC County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash bail. He is due in City Court on Aug. 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Sgt. Jason Davis, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Jordan G. Merica, 24, of Main Road, Stafford, was arrested at 9:46 p.m. on Aug. 20 after being located in Kibbe Park in Batavia after hours and allegedly in possession of marijuana. Merica is due in City Court on Aug. 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

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