Stories from

Davon St. John is indicted for the crime of second-degree burglary, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged that between Sept. 27 and 28, the defendant knowingly entered or remained unlawfully inside a dwelling on Ellicott Avenue in the City of Batavia with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, he is accused of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly stealing $180 in U.S. currency and other items. In count three, St. John is again accused of second-degree burglary for allegedly unlawfully entering the same dwelling on Ellicott Avenue between Nov. 18 and 19 with intent to commit a crime. In count four, he is accused of petit larceny for allegedly stealing an HP laptop, book bag, calculator, butcher knife and Samsung Electonic Tablet in the second break-in. In count five, the defendant is accused of a third instance of second-degree burglary at the same address between Nov. 20 and 21. In count six, he is accused of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony, for allegedly stealing a 2004 Jeep valued at more than one hundred dollars. In count seven, St. John is accused of petit larceny for allegedly stealing a 40-inch Vizio television in the City of Batavia between Nov. 20 and 21. In counts eight and nine, he is indicted for second-degree burglary for allegedly unlawfully entering a dwelling on Montclair Avenue in the city on Nov. 21 with the intent to commit a crime. In count 10, he is accused of third-degree grand larceny, a Class D felony, for allegedly stealing property on Nov. 21 in the city that had a value of more than $3,000 -- in this case a MAC Book Air, Harman Kardon Wireless speakers, MAC Magic mouse, Apple Series 2 watch, Alexa Echo Show, $400 in U.S. currency, silver coins, Halloween candy, four gold chains, a gold dome ring and four blank (bank) checks. In counts 11 and 12, St. John is accused of fourth-degree criminal mischief, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in counts 11 and 12 that he intentionally damaged the property of another person. In this case, a door and glasses, respectively. In count 13, he is accused of a sixth count of second-degree burglary for allegedly unlawfully breaking into a dwelling on Union Avenue with the intent to commit a crime. In counts 14 and 15, he is accused of criminal possession of a firearm, a Class E felony. In counts 14 and 15, it is alleged that on Nov. 21 in the City of Batavia that St. John illegally possessed, respectively, a .357-caliber Smith & Wesson revolver and a Glock firearm. In count 16, the defendant is accused of stealing property (unspecified) on Nov. 21 in the city and is therefore indicted on another count of petit larceny. In count 17, he is indicted on a third charge of fourth-degree criminal mischief for allegedly intentionally damaging another person's property (unspecified).

Jeremy L Siplin is indicted for the crime of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 17 in the Town of Batavia that Siplin stole property having a value in excess of $1,000 -- in this case, $2,292.84 worth of goods from Kohl's Department Store. In count two, he is accused of fifth-degree conspiracy, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that the defendant agreed with one or more persons to intentionally engage in, or cause the performance of, conduct that constituted a felony.

Joseph H. Merkley Sr. is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on July 3 in the Town of Le Roy that Merkley drove a 1996 Ford on Perry Road and/or Route 19 while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony, for knowing, or having reason to know, that at the time his dirver's licensed in New York was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities. It is further alleged in count two that he was driving under the influence of alcohol or a drug at the time. Also, in Special Information filed by the District Attorney, the defendant is accused of having been convicted of DWI Per Se on June 18, 2014 in the Town of Murray in Orleans County. It is further alleged in the Special Information that Merkley knew that his driving privilege was revoked as a result and that revocation was still in effect when the crimes alleged in this indictment occurred.

Joshua M. Bradley is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 4 in the Town of Darien that Bradley drove a 2005 GMC on Colby Road and/or Route 20 while intoxicated. In count two, Bradley is accused of DWI, Per Se, as a Class E felony. It is alleged in count two that he had a BAC of .08 or more at the time. Also, in Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Bradley is accused of having been convicted by DWI as a misdemeanor on Jan. 15, 2015 in the Town of Clarence, Erie County, and that conviction was within 10 years of the crimes alleged in this indictment.

Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“This is a tremendous victory and crucial first step toward reforming our gaming laws for the tens of thousands of non-profits, fire departments, churches, Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs and charitable organizations throughout the state," Hawley said.

“After a long uphill climb, and with much help from my colleagues in the Assembly and Senate, we have made important changes to New York’s gaming laws that open the conversation and serve as a catapult to tackle more changes this year.

“I would like to personally thank Assemblyman Robin Schimminger (D-Buffalo) for carrying this bill in our house and Senators Patrick Gallivan (R-Elma), Michael Ranzenhofer (R-Amherst) and Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) for championing this cause in the Senate. I would also like to thank all the constituents and local groups who contacted my office and the governor’s office expressing their support for this bill.

“The law will take effect in 180 days and the New York State Gaming Commission will make any necessary tweaks. I am so proud of the work we have done and I am hopeful that moving forward we continue to advocate for our charitable and nonprofit organizations and make more changes to the state’s gaming laws.”

(Sheriff's Office)

Submitted photos and press release:

Genesee County Employees from the Sheriff’s Office, Jail Division, Highway Department, Probation Department, Department of Motor Vehicles and County Clerk’s Office were among the many departments that donated food and cash for the Holiday Tote Project sponsored by the Batavia Kiwanis Club working in conjunction with the local Salvation Army and United Way.

The CSEA General Employees Unit donated $200 and the County Clerk’s Office held a “Dress Down for Charity” event to raise funds for the Tote Project. With these efforts and several generous personal donations County Employees collected more than $700 in cash and several hundred food items.

Batavia Kiwanis Club President, Matt Landers, was thrilled by the generosity exhibited by the Genesee County workforce.

“I’m amazed every year at the ability of the Genesee County employees to give more than the previous year!" Landers said. "The kindness of Genesee County employees is going to help make Christmas brighter for dozens of local families.”  

Highway Department

County Jail Division

Probation, Treasurer, DMV, Clerk's Office

Food donated at the County Building.

Submitted photo and press release:

During the last six seasons, the Pembroke High School Girls’ Basketball Team has focused on winning—not just league games, but the battle against breast cancer. It’s a cause that is personal to the team and their school district because of the number of faculty and community members who have been affected by the disease.

Yet according to Senior Captain, Olivia Kohorst, this year’s fundraiser -- 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 25, Pembroke vs. Oakfield-Alabama (at Pembroke) -- is particularly important as it marks the final season she will be able to play in the event.

“I was only in sixth grade when the first varsity team came up with the idea to host the first Shooting For A Cure! game in support of Toni Funke’s battle with breast cancer,” said senior Olivia Kohorst.

The team spent that inaugural season seeking support from the community and local businesses in hopes of funding research efforts at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) in honor of Mrs. Funke.

“I remember being on the PYA team at the time with my friends. A lot of us went to that first game and I remember wearing pink and that the gym was really crowded! As a young kid, to see our community come together the way they did in support of Mrs. Funke made a lasting impression on me. I knew then that I wanted to be a part of that, part of something bigger than just me playing basketball with my friends,” Kohorst said.

“This fundraiser means more to our team every season.  It gives us an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and it gives us greater purpose not only as student-athletes but as people. Cancer affects us all, my family included, and to be a part of a team that supports those fighting means more to me than I can express in words..

"Being a part of Shooting For A Cure! has affected me in such a positive way. Playing in this game was the highlight of each season I played basketball at Pembroke and I look forward to still being involved after I graduate.”

The 2017-2018 Shooting For A Cure! donors list numbers more than 70 merchants and individuals including ADPRO Sports, AdWorks, Batavia Country Club, Batavia’s Original Pizzeria, the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, Buffalo Bisons, Courage of Carly Foundation, Chef’s, Dave & Adam’s Card World, DuPont, Insty-Prints, M&T Bank, Original Pizza Logs, Pembroke Youth Association, Terry Hills, Yancey’s Fancy and the YMCA to name a few.

Many of the product donations will become game night auction baskets and raffle prizes. Monies will also be raised from apparel sales and food sales with the generous support of local pizzerias and vending companies. Additionally, the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation has revamped their online platform and developed a Team Roswell site.

Direct online donations are now being accepted in support of Shooting For A Cure! at: http://give.roswellpark.org/goto/ShootingForACurePGBB.

The team hopes Shooting For A Cure! will continue its tradition of topping the previous years’ fundraising total.

“All of the money raised that evening goes directly to support cancer research at Roswell Park,” sophomore Mackenna Johnson said. “Playing basketball for Pembroke is not just about trying to win games, it’s about giving back to the community and showing our support for those in need.

"My oldest sister Breanna and her teammates started Shooting For A Cure! back in 2011 in support of Mrs. Funke, and what they started has become one of the largest Team Roswell fundraising events. Last season, we raised over $20,000 in one night, it was amazing! Our community is so supportive and we truly can’t thank all of the volunteers and donors enough for all that they do to support this game."

Roswell Park has officially sanctioned Shooting For A Cure! as a Team Cure fundraiser and as a valuable example of the way that young people can make a difference. “We continue to be impressed by the Pembroke Girls’ Basketball Team each and every season. They push themselves, not only on the court, but off the court as well, going above and beyond for the benefit of others.

It’s inspirational to have a group of teens who are so passionate about raising funds for cancer research at Roswell Park.These girls continue to demonstrate an incredible amount of compassion,” said Alex Hoaglund, Team Roswell special events coordinator. “This team is special and their community is remarkable.

"Although the players may change each season, Shooting For A Cure! has remained constant, with the girls leading the charge for six consecutive seasons. To think that they’ve has raised over $60,000 in six seasons with this game is a testament to the benevolence of the entire Pembroke community as well as this special team.”

For more information go to:  Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/PemGBBPinkGame/

                                              Twitter, https://twitter.com/pemgbb_pinkgame

                                              Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/shooting4acure/

                                              Team Roswell, http://give.roswellpark.org/goto/ShootingForACurePGBB

ABOUT PEMBROKE HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS’ VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM: The Pembroke High School Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team is comprised of nine outstanding girls, ages 14 to 17. Their 2017-2018 captains are Olivia Kohorst, Sam Ianni, Mackenna Johnson, Mackenzie Jurek and Casey Wurtz. They are coached by Ron Funke. Team colors are green and black and their nickname is Dragons. The team began Shooting For A Cure! as an annual event in 2011, and they are committed to the hard work and dedication it will take to win the battle against breast cancer.

ABOUT ROSWELL PARK CANCER INSTITUTE: RPCI is among the first and only upstate New York facility to hold the National Cancer Institute designation of "comprehensive cancer center" and to serve as a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Many RPCI faculty serve on the NCCN panels that create the Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology™ — the internationally recognized standards for clinical policy in oncology, and the most comprehensive, most frequently updated clinical practice guidelines available in any area of medicine.

The RCPI campus spans 25 acres in downtown Buffalo and consists of 15 buildings with about 1.6 million square feet of space. A new hospital building, completed in 1998, houses a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment center. In addition, the Institute built a new medical research complex and renovated existing education and research space to support its future growth and expansion. www.roswellpark.org.

(Photo: Dublin Castle in Ireland.)

Submitted photos and press release:

Genesee Community College is excited to announce the addition of a new study abroad opportunity to the 2018 10-week summer session course list. This program will consist of online course material and lecture and culminates in a 12-day trip to both Iceland and Ireland.

The faculty-led trip will integrate Digital Photography (PHO118) and Sociology (SOC102) into an educational and inspiring exploration to compare European and American cultures and social observations and capturing them through the lens of the camera. Exposure to the daily European life and the images they will document are invaluable learning tools for understanding cultural differences and creating a better future for themselves and others.

GCC faculty members Josephine Kearney, assistant professor of Sociology and Human Services and Heather Jones, associate professor of Fine Arts will guide the students during their excursion from June 19 through June 30 (exact travel dates may change). While traveling, they will visit many historic landmarks including The Book of Kells, Trinity College, Dublin Castle and Blue Lagoon. They will also get to witness the breathtaking volcanic landscapes and geo-thermal pools of the region.

"We look forward to another excellent summer traveling and exploring the Icelandic and Irish cultures on our journey," Jones said.

The trip costs $4,790 per participant and includes all flights and public transportation, hotel stays, breakfast and dinner each day and scheduled guided events. Tuition for the six college credits is not included and is to be paid separately. Financial Aid is available for eligible students for course tuition.

The trip is limited to 20 participants, so interested students or community members are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. Additional information on the study abroad program is available at https://www.genesee.edu/home/academics/study-abroad/icelandireland/

"A study abroad experience transforms the lives of the students forever," Kearney added.

Applications are being accepted until March 31, 2018. To participate in the study abroad program, contact Associate Professor of Fine Arts Heather Jones at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6448, or via email: hjones@genesee.edu or Assistant Professor of Sociology & Human Services Josephine Kearney at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6344, or via email: jkearney@genesee.edu.

(Photo below: Blue Lagoon in Iceland.)

(Photo: Volunteers packed more than 100 food baskets and delivered them throughout the community during the weekend of Dec. 16.)

Submitted photos and press release:

Members of the Byron-Bergen Central School District’s learning community can always be counted on to provide assistance to neighbors in need during the holidays. For many years, district students, teachers, staff, and administrators have worked together with local partners to make the season happier for everyone in the Byron-Bergen area.

This year’s Holiday Community Service program collected toys and games, clothing items, rolls of wrapping paper, boxes for wrapping gifts, and more than 1,200 non-perishable food items.

In addition, close to $4,000 was donated by the faculty, staff, and others in our learning community to purchase gifts for district families in need. Many area businesses also helped out by “adopting” local families and individuals, providing special holiday gifts.

The district partnered with the local Hesperus Lodge No. 837 Free & Accepted Masons, where donated items were taken for sorting and packing. Organized by Dick Sands, the Masons, and employees from both the Byron-Bergen Elementary and Jr./Sr. High schools, Board of Education members, and community volunteers pitched in to help. More school volunteers help deliver over 100 food baskets and gifts before the holidays.

“The magic of this special season is the community spirit it inspires in so many of us,” said District Superintendent Mickey Edwards. “I am so proud of the generosity shown by all of our students and by everyone in our schools.”=

A big part of the program’s success this year was the contribution made by the Varsity Club Holiday Food Drive. Student athletes from the high school pulled together to collect more than 850 food items—a record amount.

The drive was organized by student officers Leah Thompson, president; MaKenzie Muoio, vice-president; Morgan Fuller, secretary and Lucas Stucchio, treasurer, and the hard work was provided by the girls and boys basketball and swim teams, and the cheerleading team. Team members pooled their competitive spirit to make the challenge more fun: it became a contest, won by the Cheer Team who collected more than 300 items.

Varsity team members from all three seasons of sport at Byron-Bergen perform community service throughout the school year, with projects like the annual Lift-a-thon, the Retro Apparel Sale, and the spring Blood Drive.

(Photo below: Varsity Club members with a few of the hundreds of donated items collected for the Holiday Food Drive.)

Submitted photo and press release:

Jason Molino, currently City Manager of the City of Batavia, has accepted Tompkins County’s offer of employment to become that County’s next County Administrator.

Molino’s selection is subject to formal appointment by the Tompkins County Legislature—that action scheduled for the Legislature’s Dec. 19^th meeting. The new administrator’s start date will be determined, once the appointment becomes official.

A credentialed local government management professional by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), with diversified experience in public administration, Molino has served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Fiscal Officer of the City of Batavia (Genesee County) since 2006, leading a city workforce of 130 (departments of Police, Fire, Public Works, Community/Economic Development, and Youth Bureau) and administering an annual operating budget of $25 million and a $25 million capital plan. From 2004 to 2006, he served as Assistant to the Village Manager for the Village of Port Chester, New York, where he assisted in projects and issues related to operations, personnel, labor negotiations, and public engagement.

Molino is also a veteran, having served in the United States Coast Guard Reserve for seven years, achieving the rank of Petty Officer Second Class.

“We are very pleased to have Jason coming to join our team,” said Michael Lane, chair of the Tompkins County Legislature. “He brings with him a strong background in budgeting, labor relations, and management oversight; and has compiled a strong record of supervising a multi-department workforce, inter-municipal cooperation, and securing important grant funding for his community.

"Jason’s credentials are a great fit for county government and I know our residents and businesses will welcome him and work with him to keep our county moving forward on its course for success.”  

"I am truly honored to be given this opportunity to work for such a progressive community,” Molino said. “Tompkins County is recognized across the State of New York as a leader in government, and I’m looking forward to being part of this team. My family and I are eager to become members of the community and enjoy all that Tompkins County has to offer."

Molino holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, University of Albany, State University of New York and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Norwich University, Northfield, Vt. Molino is married with four children (ages 3, 5, 7, and 18) and currently resides in Batavia.

Tompkins County began a national search for a new County Administrator in July 2017, after former administrator Joe Mareane announced his intent to retire. A diverse search committee comprised of county legislators, department heads, labor representatives, and community members narrowed a field of more than 20 applicants and conducted interviews. Three were recommended to the full County Legislature and were interviewed by all 14 members; new Legislators-elect observed and asked questions.

The County Administrator is the chief executive officer of Tompkins County. The Administrator serves at the pleasure of the Legislature and is responsible for conveying the will of the Legislature to departments and representing the concerns of departments to the Legislature.

The Administrator is routinely charged with highly complex projects and challenging responsibilities, among them  development of the annual recommended County budget, appointment and supervision of non-elected department heads, ensuring that policies of the Legislature are followed, managing special projects of the Legislature, and representing the County Legislature at the state and local level.

Deputy County Administrator Paula Younger has served as Interim County Administrator since mid-November.

The Holland Land Office Museum will host a presentation and book signing by David Fitzpatrick, Ph.D., author of "Emory Upton Misunderstood Reformer," at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12. The museum is located at 131 W. Main St., Batavia.

Admission is $5 per person, which helps support the HLOM Speaker Series. RSVP by Jan. 10^th due to limited seating.

Fitzpatrick is facility resident and professor of History at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Mich. He attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point where he was also a history instructor.

He has authored several military journal articles and published essays. His current work is one of the definitive texts on the life of Upton and his post-war contributions to reforming the Army.

In addition, a panel discussion with Fitzpatrick and local historians, will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13th, at the new Student Success Center, Room G200, Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia.

Discussion will focus on the various aspects of General Upton’s character and life. Free to the public. Hosted by the Holland Land Office Museum and GGC History Club.

For more information about the programs or purchasing his book contact:

Holland Land Office Museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com

Submitted photo and press release:

Anthony Angotti, president and owner of Beers of the World in Batavia (a business of Angotti Beverage Corp.) was honored Dec. 2 with the Star District Award by the Knights of Columbus.

Angotti is the only member in New York State to receive this recognition and one of only 18 members worldwide to achieve this designation.

The Star District Award goes to district deputies attaining 100 percent or more of their district’s membership and insurance quotas, and, in addition, at least one of their active councils must attain one of the levels of Star Council.

Anthony Angotti joined the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of the Genesee Council #4812 in April 1993. It was shortly thereafter he became Deputy Grand Knight and then Grand Knight for the same council. During his elected position as Grand Knight, fundraising for those in need were among many of Tony’s responsibilities.

In 1995, he took his 4^th degree and then became Navigator at the Bishop Kearney Assembly. He was assigned to guide the 4^th degree assembly for two years including fundraising for the Canandaigua VA Hospital. At that time, he also became a Knight of Columbus Color Guard and then went on to become Assistant Commander. The Color Guard’s presence is mainly known at the Greater Rochester International Airport during the arrivals of the Honor Flights. They also perform the Memorial Day and Veterans Day Missing Man Ceremony in Canandaigua.

Tony was elected to the position of Trustee, and then shortly thereafter was appointed the position of District Deputy which he has held since 2014. He oversees five councils within Monroe County including, Our Lady of the Genesee Council #4812 in Henrietta, St. Louis Council #15833 in Pittsford, Ascension Council at St. James #15638 in Irondequoit, St. Stanislaus Council #9326 in the City of Rochester, and St. John of Rochester Council #15917 in Fairport.

His duties include ensuring that all of the Councils have the proper paperwork for the Knights of Columbus State Office, fundraising for the VA hospitals and collecting money and goods for Coats for Kids. Tony also is a member of a group of Knights that purchases or refurbishes chalices to be given as gifts to newly ordained priests.

“After immigrating to the United States 62 years ago, we left our native land with nothing but what we could carry by hand on the boat and no money in our pockets," Angotti said. "I will never forget those that helped us when we arrived and because of that I will forever be grateful. I have a great appreciation for this land and the Veterans that have fought for our freedom.

"It has been such a pleasure being a part of an organization as the Knights of Columbus. My membership has afforded me the opportunity to repay my appreciation by helping those in need especially the veterans of the United States."

About the Knights of Columbus

With more than 1.8 million members, is the world’s largest lay Catholic fraternal service organization. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, its’ pastors and their community. The guiding principles of the order are: Charity; Unity; Fraternity; and, Patriotism.