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Press release:

The Genesee County Baseball Club will hold its annual Batavia Muckdogs Hot Stove Dinner and Auction on Saturday, Feb. 25^th from 4:30 - 8 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Church Hall at 17 Sumner St. in Batavia. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour followed by a buffet dinner at 5:30.

The Hot Stove Dinner is a time for good food, new and renewed friendships, and baseball talk. The night also features both a live and Chinese auction of baseball-related memorabilia (including signed bats and balls), work by local artists, and gift certificates from a variety of local businesses. 

Tickets may be purchased in Batavia at Dwyer Stadium, the Williams Law Firm, and the office of Dr. Alan Barcomb.

A "subject possibly fell through the ice" on Oatka Creek in Le Roy and all available manpower from the Le Roy Fire Department is asked to assemble for a response in a "rescue or recovery" effort being staged near Wolcott Street Elementary School.

UPDATE 1:33 p.m.: The city's water rescue team is called to the scene. Wolcott Street is shut down at Route 5 (Main Street) and Lincoln Avenue.

UPDATE 2:05 p.m.: Two people were reportedly fishing on an ice shelf along the bank of the Oatka Creek when witnesses say they fell in the icy water, but managed to pull themselves out. Because the anglers left most of their equipment behind, rescuers responded to ensure no one was still in the water. A man just called to report that his fishing buddy fell into the creek and he picked him up and drove him home. 

Press release:

Even though summer is long gone, residents with a craving for chicken BBQ are in luck. A delicious chicken with sides will be available at the upcoming Corfu-Pembroke Winterfest thanks to volunteers from the Corfu Free Library. 

Winterfest takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 at Pembroke Intermediate School, 58 Alleghany Road in Corfu. The Corfu Free Library will be selling a chicken BBQ dinner at Winterfest that includes barbequed chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, and a roll and butter. The chicken will be cooked by volunteers from the Corfu Fire Department. 

The boxed chicken BBQ dinners can be picked up from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at this annual family-friendly event. Pre-sale tickets are available at the library for $9 and will also be sold at the door for $10. 

“We sold out last year, so we recommend purchasing your tickets in advance to be sure to get your dinner,” says Diana Reding, Library director. 

Winterfest offers residents a time to enjoy music, entertainment, food, prizes, raffles in addition to the chicken BBQ. Admission is free and everyone is invited to attend.

The Corfu Free Library offers a variety of special programs and services and residents are encouraged to check the library’s website at www.CorfuFreeLibrary.org or stop by 7 Maple Ave. in Corfu for program information, or they can call the library at (585) 599-3321.

Press release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend the opening of their new offices and tourism visitor center with a public ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19. 

An open house of the new Chamber facilities will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. The new office, located at 8276 Park Road in Batavia, houses a new tourism visitor center and office spaces for both the Chamber of Commerce and Genesee County Tourism staff. 

The two-level, 3,400-square-foot space was a former physical therapist's office. Funds from the Chamber of Commerce and county bed tax surplus paid for the building and renovations.

The upstairs level houses the chamber’s offices and board room. The new board room offers flexible seating arrangements which will help in hosting meetings and seminars. 

In addition to larger office, meeting, administrative and parking space, the Chamber sought out the Park Road location due to its proximity to Batavia’s hotel district and New York State Thruway.

The new visitor center will have 24- hour accessibility for travelers. During normal business hours, a staffed visitor center will be open to greet and assist guests. During off-hours, the front vestibule with visitor information will be available. Large maps, brochure displays and staff at the service desk will assist guests during their stay in Genesee County. 

Volunteer forms are now available for community members who are interested in greeting visitors and assisting them at the new center. Forms can be picked up at the Park Road location or can be requested by email at visit@geneseeny.com. 

A vehicle struck a building at 4 West Ave. in Le Roy, the site of Copart Inc., and there is minor damage to the structure. Law enforcement is on scene and Le Roy fire is responding in non-emergency mode. A code enforcement officer is requested to check the utilities. 

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at Route 33 and West Bergen Road, Bergen. A person was briefly trapped inside and is now out. The engine was on fire. Bergen fire and Mercy medics are on scene. 

Nearby, a fender-bender is reported at Old State Road and Route 33 in Bergen.

UPDATE 3:25 p.m.: This was a T-bone collision between a station wagon and a sedan, both newer models. Both sustained heavy damage. Each driver, one male and one female, was taken by ground ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital, according to Bergen Fire Chief Garrett Dean. The State Police crash reconstruction unit is being brought in. A vehicle owned by Genesee Lumber happened by at the time of the accident and its occupants helped out by using its forklift to maneuver the station wagon, tilting it, thereby allowing the Genesee Lumber workers to help extricate the female driver before firefighters arrived. The woman was slightly disoriented and told first responders she had a passenger, which turned out not to be true, but the forklift was used to raise the station wagon off the ground to make sure no one was trapped underneath. The male driver of the sedan also required extrication.

UPDATE: The accident involved an 18-year-old woman from Rochester and a 74-year-old man from Batavia. Both suffered significant injuries and though not believed life-threatening, State Police are not yet releasing their names. The female driver is suspected of failing to yield the right of way when entering Route 33. 

Someone stole a chair and "a wet floor sign" from a business on West Main Street about 15 minutes ago. They have video. Batavia police are responding to the reported larceny.

David K. Atkinson is indicted for the crime of criminal sexual act in the first degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 18 in the Town of Pembroke that Atkinson engaged in oral conduct with another person by forcible compulsion.

Matthew A. McCracken is indicted for the crime of attempted arson in the second degree, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 24 McCracken intended to damage a building -- an upstairs apartment on Clay Street in the Village of Le Roy -- by starting a fire when another person who was not a participant in the crime was present in the building. Furthermore, it is alleged that the defendant knew -- either factually or circumstantially -- that the presence of the other person inside was a reasonable possibility and yet he allegedly attempted the arson. In count two, he is accused of the crime of endangering the welfare of a child. It is alleged in count two, that on Dec. 24 the defendant, at an upstairs apartment on Lake Street in the Village of Le Roy, knowlingly acted in a manner likely to injure the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child less that 17 years old by conduct that included the crime alleged in count one, and by being impaired by alcohol and going to sleep while a 1-year-old child was present.

Thomas A. Park is indicted for the crime of burglary in the second degree, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged that on April 24, Park knowingly entered or remained unlawfully in a dwelling on West Main Street in the Town of Le Roy with intent to commit a crime. In count two, he is accused of the crime of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly stealing $550. In count three, the defendant is accused of another act of second-degree burglary sometime between late winter in 2016 and June 15. In that incident, it is alleged that Park knowingly entered or remained unlawfully in another dwelling on West Main Street in the Town of Le Roy with intent to commit a crime. In count four, he is accused of another act of petit larceny during the same time period for allegedly stealing jewelry, a small safe and "a container used for religious purposes." In count five, Park is accused of a third crime of second-degree burglary. In count five, it is alleged that on May 11 or 12, he knowingly entered or unlawfully remained in a dwelling, one he allegedly previously burglarized, with intent to commit a crime. In count six, he is accused of a third incident of petit larceny -- allegedly he stole $100. In count seven, the defendant is accused of a fourth act of second-degree burglary, for the third time at the same location on West Main Street in Le Roy, which occurred on June 16. In count eight, he is accused of petit larceny for allegedly stealing money and greeting cards. In count 10, the man is accused for the fifth time of second-degree burglary at the same residence previously burlgarized several times, this time on June 17. In the last incident, Park allegedly took a Barnett Raptor Crossbow and frozen food items.

A possible residential structure fire is reported in Alexander. "A pellet stove is smoking and won't shut off," says a dispatcher. The location is lot #6 at the West Bank Mobile Home Park at 3189 Broadway Road. Alexander and Town of Batavia fire departments are called to respond.

Press release:

City Bureau of Maintenance crews have started picking up Christmas trees, and will continue to pick up trees through Jan. 31.

City residents are asked to place their trees in the parkway without bags, stands, or decorations as these can damage equipment. Please keep trees free of snow and ice so they are visible.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is looking to question Joel Zsebehazy, in reference to the Key Bank robbery which occurred on Dec. 27 at approximately 10:10 a.m. Zsebehazy is approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 165 pounds with brown eyes. His last known address was 1570 Buffalo Ave. in Niagara Falls.

Zsebehazy is also wanted by NYS Parole for a violation of his parole. Crimestoppers Buffalo is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

Zsebehazy has a violent, assaultive history, and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Zsebehazy should contact Detective Czora at 585-345-6311, the Batavia Police Confidential Tip Line at 585-345-6370 or Buffalo Crimestoppers at 716-867-6161. The Batavia Police Department is currently being assisted by NYS Parole, FBI Buffalo and Buffalo Crimestoppers.

Earlier today: Local police looking for man on possible parole violation with bank robbery history

A fully involved house fire is reported in the Town of Batavia at 4719 East Road. Firefighters from the city and Town of Batavia are responding.

UPDATE 9:54 p.m.: No one was home when the fire broke out. It's unknown at this time whether any pets were inside the residence. The structure is fully ablaze.

UPDATE 10:36 p.m.: When the first firefighters arrived on scene there were flames out of the front left side of the structure from the second story, according to Town of Batavia Fire Department Deputy Chief Chad Higgins. They scaled a ladder and knocked them down before deploying hand lines. "Heavy wind conditions helped fuel the fire," Higgins said. "...Definately it's a battle. It's never easy with these winds." Yet they were able to contain the blaze to the front portion of the structure. Higgins said bystanders told firefighters they had contacted the homeowner, who was not there. No pets were on the premises. It's possible that an unattended wood stove caused the fire, but the incident is under investigation. Le Roy and Alexander fire crews also were on scene and Oakfield and Stafford crews stood by in quarters.

Ronald Francis Ratulowski Jr., 43, of Eleanor Place, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 12:49 a.m. on Dec. 28 on Eleanor Place following a domestic dispute. He was issued an appearance ticket for Jan. 17 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Eric Bolles.

Melanie M. Matesz, 51, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 8:50 p.m. on Dec. 26 on Dellinger Avenue following an investigation into an incident wherein she allegedly struck another person. She was issued at appearance ticket for Jan. 3 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Richard C. Clark, 46, of Main Street, Corfu, is charged with second-degree harassment. Clark was arrested at 9 p.m. on Dec. 29 on Tracy Avenue in Batavia following a domestic dispute wherein he allegedly grabbed and pushed another person. He was arrainged then released on his own recognizance. He is due in City Court today (Jan. 4). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Robert R. Gerety, 43, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, resisting arrest and criminal mischief. At 12:58 a.m. on Dec. 28, Gerety was arrested after a domestic incident in which the defendant is alleged to have damaged property at the residence, possessed marijuana, and resisted arrest. He was put in Genesee County Jail and in due in City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Darryle Streeter, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Jessica Lynn Polk, 40, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal tampering. Polk was arrested at 10:10 a.m. on Dec. 23 after she allegedly tampered with property belonging to another person. She was released with appearance ticket for Jan. 3 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

A 16-year-old who lives on State Street in Batavia is charged with criminal contempt in the second degree. The youth was picked up on an active warrant out of City Court for this alleged offense, a violation of a Family Court order, which occurred at 8 a.m. on Oct. 20 on State Street. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket for Jan. 10 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards.

Robert M. Schryver, 53, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. At 9:45 a.m. on Dec. 29, Shryver was allegedly found to possess a quantity of marijuana and was arrested. He is due in City Court on Jan. 10 to answer the charges. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole Salamone, assisted by Frank Klimjack.

Kyle James Whitcombe, 19, of Westchester Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and driving left of pavement markings. Following a one-car accident at 6:26 a.m. on Jan. 3 on Route 77 in the Town of Pembroke, Whitcomb was allegedly found in possession of marjiuana. He was issued an appearance ticket for Jan. 24 in Town of Pembroke Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

The Le Roy Police Department rearrested Matthew McCracken on Dec. 29, adding two additional charges: attempted arson in the second degree, a Class C violent felony, and endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor.

It is now alleged that McCracken attempted to damage the building at 10/12 Clay St. in Le Roy by the use of fire, specifically a torch-type item while knowing or having cause to believe persons were inside the building at the time, specifically the neighbors and a young child that McCracken was babysitting.

McCracken’s actions did in fact cause blackened burn marks on the neighbors door and door frame. The endangering the welfare of a child charge alleges that McCracken endangered the physical or moral welfare of the same child during the incident due to the attempted arson, second degree, but furthermore, it alleges he was impaired by alcoholic beverage during the incident to the point he passed out or fell asleep, therefore was unable to care for the child.

McCracken was rearraigned before the Le Roy Town Court and further put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond.

See post about previous arrest here.

Press release: 

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that he has been reappointed Assistant Minority Leader of the Assembly and will sit on the Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, Insurance, Ways and Means and Rules committees.

“After a relaxing holiday season, I am excited to get back to work on behalf of the citizens in my district and continue to make strides rebuilding our infrastructure, securing crucial education funding, protecting our vets and fighting Albany corruption,” Hawley said. “I am overjoyed to have the great opportunity to serve on such important committees in the Assembly, and look forward to offering my expertise as a small-business owner when it comes to insurance and agriculture issues.”

This is the first term that Hawley will serve on the Rules Committee, which is the final stop for many bills before they reach the floor for a vote. It is also the group that controls many important operations of the House.

“The Assembly Rules Committee is one of the most important governing bodies in Albany, and I couldn’t be more honored to serve as one of its members,” Hawley said. “This committee is usually the final stop for legislation before it either comes to the floor for a vote or dies in committee. This is an excellent opportunity to safeguard upstate against radical and misguided legislation supported by downstate special interests, and I plan to do just that.”