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Grand Jury indicts convicted sexual predator for failing to register new address on Gibson Street in Oakfield

By Billie Owens

Marlek E. Holmes, a convicted sex offender, is indicted for the crime of failure to register a change of address, a Class D felony. Holmes is accused of moving to 9 Gibson St. in the Town of Oakfield in March and failing to register his change of address with the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services within 10 days as required by law. In Special Information filed in the indictment by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, Holmes is accused of previously having been convicted of: (1) failing to report a change of address, a Class E felony, and (2) as a Level 3/Sexual Predator, failing to verify his address every 90 days, also a Class E felony, as required by law. The convictions were handed down on Dec. 5, 2011, in Genesee County Court.

Law and Order: Pair of teens arrested for allegedly stealing from department store

By Billie Owens

Craig None McKenzie Jr., 19, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 9:15 p.m. on Sept. 27 after he was allegedly caught stealing from a department store on Veterans Memorial Drive. He was released on an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Batavia Court on Oct. 27. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

Rahmel Hakeem Thompson, 18, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 9:15 p.m. on Sept. 27 after he was allegedly caught stealing from a department store on Veterans Memorial Drive. He was released on an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Batavia Court on Oct. 27. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

County GOP headquarters grand opening is Saturday with bevy of special guests

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
A “soft” opening of the Genesee County Republican Political Headquarters will occur at noon on Thursday, Sept. 29th, followed by an official “Grand Opening” at 10 a.m. on Saturday Oct. 1st. The headquarters is located at 440 Ellicott St. in Batavia, formerly FoxProwl comics and collectibles store at the corner of Ellicott and Otis streets.
 
Genesee County Republican Chairman Dick Siebert and the following invited guests are scheduled to be at the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Saturday:
 
Mary Slisz -- State Supreme Court Justice 
Chris Collins -- U.S. Congressman
Michael Ranzenhofer -- New York State Senator
Steve Hawley -- New York Assemblyman
Scott German -- Genesee County Treasurer
William Sheron -- Genesee County Undersheriff
Charles Zambito -- Genesee County Court Judge
Don Coleman -- Genesee County Coroner
Karen Lang -- Genesee County Coroner
 
For more information, or to sign up to volunteer please contact Rachael Tabelski, president of the Genesee County Women’s Republican Club, 585-409-4008; email: Rachael.tabelski@yahoo.com

Fifth annual Harvest Festival is Oct. 20 at GCC -- 'cornucopia of delicious delights'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

As high school students from the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming) region converge on GCC on Thursday, Oct. 20, for the fifth annual Harvest Festival and Farmer's Market, the general public is also welcome to the yearly event for a cornucopia of delicious delights.

Students explore the many local career opportunities available in agribusiness in the Conable Technology Building, while locally produced products from maple syrup to freshly grown fruits and vegetables will once again be available to purchase from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.in the William W. Stuart Forum. The Harvest Festival is free and open to the public at the GCC Batavia campus.

Agribusiness professionals from the GLOW area begin the day with 20-minute, mini presentations running concurrently from 9 – 11 a.m. and 12 – 12:45 p.m. The presentations focus on food processing, technology and the many career opportunities from the following presenters:

• Gina Lee, Finger Lakes Community College Wine Technology Program

• Todd Hofheins, Maple Moon, Attica

• Jeremy Liles, Oliver's Chocolates, Batavia

• Holly Partridge, Farm to Table, Genesee Valley Education Partnership, Batavia Campus

• Peter Metzler, Porter Farms CSA, Elba

Finger Lakes Community College, Cornell University and SUNY Alfred State will also be on hand to offer guidance for completing a degree in an agribusiness-related field.

Children and animal enthusiasts will once again be delighted by a small petting zoo, hosted by the GCC Veterinary Technology Club and located on the east lawn of the campus from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

All attendees are also invited to participate in a collective Campus "Crunch" at 12:45 p.m. in the Forum. Across the state, a number of private and public colleges and universities participate in the "New York Campus Crunch." Together, they will bite into an apple simultaneously to affirm their commitment to food that is healthy for people and the planet and celebrating New York's being the second-largest apple-producing state in the United States. GCC will conduct its "crunch" at the Harvest Festival and a free delicious apple will be provided for those that wish to take part.

"With so much going on, Harvest Fest has something for everyone," said Festival co-coordinator and GCC Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Programs assistant Lindsay Carney.

"In addition to local artisan food, drink and products, visitors can learn about careers in agribusiness, which include marketing, social media, accounting and technology. Much more than traditional farming field positions. Of course, at this time of year, we again excited to welcome another great group of vendors who will offer some of the very best local products," Carney said.

Vendors who plan to attend include:

• Harrington's, Batavia – vegetables and fruits

• Harper Hill Farms, Darien – goat milk soaps

• Hill 'n' Hollow, Pavilion – chutneys and vinegars

• Maple Moon Farms, Attica – maple syrup

• Once Again Nut Butter, Nunda – butters and honey

• Mama Bucks, Dansville – brittles

New to the Harvest Fest this year will be exhibits by Genesee County Park, BCA Ag Technologies, CY Farms, Provitello and USDA-NRCS. They will join a host of other local businesses that will have displays students can explore in the Forum, including Cornell Cooperative Extension, Genesee County Soil and Water, Oxbo International, Perry's Ice Cream and Upstate Niagara Milk Cooperative.

National Grid donates $500 to United Way of Genesee County to help fight hunger

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

To help in the fight against hunger this Hunger Action Month, National Grid announced $12,500 in donations to 10 food banks and hunger relief organizations throughout the eight counties of Western New York.

Recipient organizations included: Food Bank of Western New York, Friends of the Night People (Buffalo), Buffalo City Mission, St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy (Buffalo), Heart Love and Soul Food Pantry (Niagara Falls), North Tonawanda Inter-Church Food Pantry, Rural Ministries “Friendly Kitchen” (Dunkirk), Community Action (Salamanca), United Way of Orleans/Albion Christ Community Kitchen (Albion) and United Way of Genesee County.

“There are too many in our local community who worry where their next meal will come from,” said Kenneth Kujawa, regional manager for National Grid. “While the fight against hunger is year round, September’s Hunger Action Month provides an opportunity to bring the issue top of mind and encourage donations and assistance to help food banks and pantries prior to the holiday season. Every little bit helps and National Grid is proud to play a role in local hunger relief efforts.”

Last year, National Grid launched a companywide campaign to support Hunger Action Month. Regionally, a total of 343 pounds of food, enough to feed 285 families, was collected and donated to the Food Bank of Western New York.

Genesee County Democratic Committee opens new headquarters in Village of Le Roy

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Democratic Committee has opened its new headquarters at 43 Main St. in the Village of Le Roy.

On Saturday, Oct.1, the headquarters will be open for the Fall for Le Roy event and an official open house will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4.

The public is invited to stop by and learn about local candidates, register to vote and enjoy light refreshments.

The office will be operated entirely by volunteers and will operate phone banking and canvassing events. Literature and yard signs for various campaigns will be available as well.

They welcome anyone who is interested in helping or learning about their local government to contact them through their website at GeneseeDemocrats.net

GC Libertarian Party to host fundraiser for its Senate candidate, Alex Merced

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
From 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9th, the Genesee County Libertarian Party is pleased to host a meet-and-greet fundraiser. Have hors d'oeuvres and a light meal with your next Senator from New York.
 
Meet Libertarian U.S. Senate Candidate Alex Merced at a relaxing afternoon of food, drinks, and only a couple speeches at Carter’s Restaurant, 60 Main St., Batavia. Alex's team will be doing the cooking, the bartending, and the serving so that you can sit back, relax, and get to know Alex.
 
Food included in price of admission. Cash bar available. Tickets are $30 each
 
 
All proceeds go to the Alex Merced for U.S. Senate campaign.

Volunteer firefighters converged on Baskin Farms in Bethany Monday for training

By Billie Owens

 

Photos and information submitted by Glenn Adams, a member of the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department.
 
On Monday evening, Sept. 26, the Bethany, Alexander, and Wyoming Volunteer Fire departments held a joint training exercise.
 
They met at Baskins Farm on Creek Road in Bethany to practice tanker drills, bringing water from distant locations to a fire. The water source may be a pond, such as the one at Baskins, or a creek, a lake, or a fire hydrant. These sort of constant drills are a part of the preparedness volunteer fire departments bring to our local communities.
 
They are always looking for new members.

Girls' volleyball Dig Pink Game is Oct. 6 at O-A Elementary School gym

By Billie Owens

Mark your calendars for the Dig Pink Game on Oct. 6 when Oakfield-Alabama and Elba high school volleyball players compete again Wheatland-Chili to benefit The Side-Out Foundation.

The JV matchup starts at 5 p.m. and the varsity game begins at 6:30. They will take place inside the Oakfield-Alabama Elementary School Gymnasium, located at 7001 Lewiston Road in Oakfield.

There will be 50/50 raffles, refreshments, raffles items and a serving contest.

This is the sixth year of the Dig Pink Game and to date more than $7,000 has been raised locally for the nonprofit foundation, whose mission is to enhance breast cancer research and awareness.

Motorcyclist who died in Thruway accident last week identified

By Billie Owens

The identity of the victim in a Sept. 22 motorcycle accident on the westbound Thruway during rush hour was just released by State Police.

Judith A. Drook, 76, of Marion, Ind., succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident after she was transported by Mercy Flight to Erie County Medical Center.

The driver of the motorcycle is identified as Lance C. Warner, 74, of Sandusky, Ohio. He was transported to ECMC by Mercy Medics in an ambulance.

The investigator said this morning the accident is still under investigation. He said Warner applied the brakes, then lost control of the motorcycle for unknown reasons.

The accident occurred around 5 p.m. Thursday in the area of mile marker 394.9 and traffic on the Thruway was shut down to land the helicopter. East Pembroke Fire Department responded along with Mercy EMS. Town of Batavia Fire Department set up the landing zone.

Alexander Volleyball teams will serve it up Oct. 6 to aid Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo: Several Alexander JV and varsity volleyball players and parents attended the recent Great Strides Walk at Letchworth State Park in Wyoming County to show their support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and promote the Alexander Volleyball Booster Club’s upcoming fundraiser.

Press release:

The Alexander Volleyball Booster Club will be hosting its 5th annual fundraiser volleyball game Oct. 6 in a match against the Pembroke Dragons. This year’s event at Alexander Central School, located at 3314 Buffalo St. in Alexander, benefits the local chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

According to event co-chairs Laura Marzolf and Colette Yax, choosing to support CFF hits close to home.

“One of the varsity volleyball players and her family recently lost a loved one to this disorder,” Yax said.

“There is no cure for Cystic Fibrosis – yet,” Marzolf said. “We hope our fundraiser helps make a difference and creates a greater awareness surrounding Cystic Fibrosis and the lifelong struggles that people with CF and their families endure."

The fundraiser includes a basket auction, 50/50 drawing, bake sale and a serving contest with a chance to win prizes from local merchants. The fun begins at 5 p.m. with the JV game, followed by the varsity game at 6:30.

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects mostly the lungs, but also the pancreas, liver, kidneys and intestine. Long-term issues include difficulty breathing and frequent lung infections.CF affects about one out of every 3,000 newborns.

The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to cure Cystic Fibrosis and to provide all people with the disease the opportunity to lead full, productive lives by funding research and drug development, promoting individualized treatment and ensuring access to high-quality, specialized care.

Community members wishing to donate to the Alexander Volleyball Booster Club event may contact Laura Marzolf at 585-322-3748 or Colette Yax at 716-400-3628.

Law and Order: Attica teen arrested after investigation into fight on Trumbull Parkway

By Billie Owens

Dylan L. Snyder, 18, of Exchange Street, Attica, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested on Sept. 26 following an investigation into a physical altercation which occurred at 5:20 p.m. Aug. 28 on Trumbull Parkway, Batavia. Snyder allegedly punched another individual. He was issued an appearance ticket for Oct. 4 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Cheryl M. Lyons, 50, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second degree harassment -- physical contact. At 4:45 a.m. on Sept. 24 she was arrested after allegedly shoving another family member during a domestic incident. She was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance and was due in court on Sept. 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

Jorge Rodriquez Martinez, 33, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and trespass. He was arrested at 1:32 a.m. on Sept. 20 after allegedly stealing a 30-pack of beer from a convenience store on East Main Street, Batavia. This allegedly occurred after he had been told he was not allowed on the property. Martinez was issued an appearance ticket this afternoon in City Court. He was subsequently transported and turned over to Gates PD on an outstanding warrant in their jurisdiction. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Darryle Streeter, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

Stephen John Turkasz, 26, of Brookhaven Lane, Lancaster, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested at 8 p.m. on Sept. 23 after a domestic incident in which he allegedly kicked and damaged a small fence. He was taken to jail for prints and photographs and then issued a computer-generated appearance ticket for City Court on Oct. 4. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze, assisted by Officer Frank Klimjack.

Patrick T. Vanbortle, 22, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear after an appearance ticket was issued. He was found hiding in his basement and arrested at 12:35 a.m. on Sept. 24 on a Batavia City Court arrest warrant for failure to appear after an appearance ticket was served upon him for a separate charge on Sept. 11. He was released on an appearance ticket per Judge Balbick via a phone call at 1:25 a.m. on Sept. 24. Vanbortle is scheduled to be in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels.

Richard E. Stafford, 75, of Orange Grove Drive, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. He was arrested at 1:29 p.m. on Sept 23 on a bench warrant for failure to appear in court on a charge of third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. He was released on his own recognizance and is due in City Court on Oct. 22. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Former bank in Village of Le Roy to be auctioned off to highest bidder

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Located at 20 Main St., in the Village of Le Roy, this two story former bank building at the corner of Main and Bacon streets, will be auctioned online only, bidding closes on Thursday, Oct. 6th at 2 p.m.  ET.

The brick and masonry building is 5,352+/- square feet with two drive-through lanes and basement. The building was built in 1929 with additions in 1969 and occupies .4 +/- acres and is zoned C-2 Commercial.

There will be a property inspection at noon on Monday, Oct. 3. This is an absolute auction, the property will sell to the highest bidder, regardless of price.

Auction Management Corp. conducts this auction in conjunction and cooperation with local affiliate William David Kent, NY Broker Lic. #31KE0298344.

'Year-end Tax Planning Tips' topic of small business seminar Oct. 12 sponsored by GC chamber

By Billie Owens

"Year-end Tax Planning Tips -- Smart Investments in Your Business to Help You Grow!" is the topic of a workshop sponsored by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce on Wedensday, Oct. 12.

Networking begins at 7:30 a.m. and the seminar runs from 8 to 9 a.m. at the chamber office, 210 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia. 

It is to be presented by Denise Neamon, CPA/Partner, The Bonadio Group. A questions-and-answer session will follow.

Small business owners need to plan and pay special attention to planning for each year's taxes. Putting a plan in place it invest wisely in your company is critical. Reducing your taxable income can help you keep more monet to grow your business.

The seminar is free to chamber members; cost is $10 for non-members.

Contact Kelly B. at 343-7440, ext. 26.

Scott Rocks rolls to victory at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

In the featured $10,000 Open pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 24), the only race was for second as the heavily favored invader, Scott Rocks led at all stations en route to registering the fastest pacing mile of the year at the Genesee County oval.

John Cummings Jr. left with Scott Rocks and after easing him through a brutally sunlit first turn, got his horse in gear on the back straight and took the lead by the quarter in :27.4. As soon as he crossed over to the pylons, Cummings popped the plugs and took a reclined posture in the bike as he became a passenger for the rest of his ride.

Scott Rocks was up by one and one-half lengths at the half in :56.2 and by two at three-quarters in 1:23.4. With the rest of the field scrambling to keep up at that point, the leader opened up three lengths under mild urging from Cummings and won wrapped-up in 1:52.

China Dream (Shawn Gray) closed strong to catch second and Heaven Rocks (Kevin Cummings), who followed the winner the entire mile, hung on for third.

It was the ninth win of the year, including three straight most recently for Scott Rocks ($2.50) and the purse increased his 2016 bank to $133,374 for owners Susan Oakes and Chuck Pompey. The 6-year-old gelded son of Rocknroll Hanover is trained by Chris Oakes.

John Cummings Jr. had a driving grand slam on Saturday winning with Scott Rocks ($2.50, 1:52), Keystone Dalton ($3.10, 1:55), Foreign Officer ($4.30, 1:54.1) and Untouchable One ($3.40, 1:56).

Drew Monti had a driving triple while Ray Fisher Jr. doubled up. 

Trainer JD Perrin conditioned three winning horses on the night.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Sept. 28) with the first post at 6:15.

Pickup trucks doing donuts on school grounds

By Billie Owens

A caller complains to dispatch that two pickup trucks -- a white one and a red one -- are doing donuts in the parking lot and ball fields at Batavia High School and, subsequently, at a nearby elementary school. City Police are responding.

Snapshot Springs convincing in Batavia Downs Open trot

By Billie Owens

(Photo of Snapshot Springs with driver Drew Monti.)

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Fresh off a solid win in Open II company last week, Snapshot Springs moved to the top class for resident trotters and took a new lifetime mark in winning the $10,500 Open at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 23).

With three horses leaving off the gate, it took until the quarter for the favored Kahoku (Kevin Cummings) to clear in :28.1. He then proceeded to lead the pack in single-file order to the half in :57.4. At that station, Snapshot Springs (Drew Monti) pulled first-over from fourth and motored up on the outside.

Up the backside, Snapshot Springs pulled even with Kahoku and at that point, Monti popped the plugs before they hit the three-quarters in 1:27.1. From there he cleared and opened up a two-length lead around the last turn. Then with mild urging from Monti down the lane, Snapshot Springs coasted home to a fairly easy two-length win in 1:57.

It was the seventh win of the year for Snapshot Springs ($8.40) and it enriched his 2016 earnings to $41,085 for owner/trainer Allan McCarty.

Bob Davis won both $5,000 divisions of the C.K.G. Billings races. In the trotting leg he scored a wire to wire win with V I P ($15.80) and in the pacing division he went from worst to first with Helena’s Hope ($7).

John Cummings Jr. had a driving triple while Drew Monti and Shawn Gray scored doubles. Trainers Edgar Clarke and Jeff Amann both sent two horses to the winner’s enclosure.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 24) with a 6:15 post time.

GC Republican Election Headquarters opens Thursday in former comics /collectibles store

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
The Genesee County Republican Committee will open the 2016 Genesee County Republican Election Headquarters on Thursday Sept. 29th at noon. The headquarters will be located at 440 Ellicott St. in Batavia, formerly FoxProwl comics and collectibles store, located at the corner of Ellicott and Otis streets.*
 
“Our goal is to get more people interested, registered, and “out-to-vote” on Election Day -- Tuesday November 8th,” said Richard Siebert, chairman of the Genesee County Republican Committee. “This is the most exciting presidential race I have been a part of in the past 20 years, and voter turnout will show the enthusiasm and anticipation as we elect a new President.”
 
Signs, literature, and voter registration material will be available at the Republican Headquarters. It will remain open every Tuesday and Thursday from noon until 6 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Citizens interested in local, state, and national races are encouraged to stop in, discuss political and policy issues, as well as sign up to campaign on local races.
 
Every Genesee County registered voter has the ability to vote in this election for a number of different candidates, representing different levels of government. Below is the list of Republican candidates that all Genesee County residents will have the opportunity to vote for:
 
Donald Trump -- United States President
Wendy Long -- United States Senator
Chris Collins -- United States Congressman
Michael Ranzenhofer -- New York Senate 
Steve Hawley -- New York Assembly
Scott German -- Genesee County Treasurer
William Sheron -- Genesee County Sheriff
Charles Zambito -- Genesee County Court Judge
Don Coleman -- Genesee County Corner
Karen Lang -- Genesee County Corner
 
“With other local Republican candidates in the City of Batavia and towns across the County there will be several more important local races to monitor,” Siebert said. “Each Republican we put into office advances policies that include increased economic development, a fiscally conservative government, safety for residents, along with individual freedoms such at the right to bear arms.”
 
(Foxprowl has relocated to 97 Main St. in Downtown Batavia, the corner of Jackson and Main.)

Kathleen D. Martin

By Billie Owens

BATAVIA – Kathleen D. “Kate” Martin, 64, of West Batavia, passed away peacefully at home on Friday (Sept. 23, 2016) with her family by her side after a short battle with cancer.

She was born March 26, 1952 in Batavia, the daughter of the late Clayton J. and Dorothy Riter Martin.

Surviving are her brothers Richard C. and Donald A. Martin, of West Batavia, an Aunt, Eleanor Bartz of Joplin, Mo., and many cousins.

Kate, as she was known to her many friends, was a 1970 graduate of Pembroke Central School and Genesee Community College. She worked in an office at the college and also at the Salvation Army in the early 1970s and even volunteered as a bell ringer at Christmas. She then found her life’s work at the Batavia VA Medical Center working in several offices and lastly as a voluntary service specialist, retiring in 2010.

She belonged to the Museum Quilt Guild, was treasurer for the local DAR chapter and was a graduate of Leadership Genesee. She enjoyed country music and went to many concerts. She also enjoyed line dancing and square dancing and could be found at many local square dances. Another passion of hers was sewing and playing golf at many local courses. Kate also was secretary for the East Pembroke Cemetery Association, was an election inspector and belonged to the East Pembroke Fire Department Auxiliary. She was an excellent cook and baked many wedding cakes. Kate could be found at many fundraisers for veterans organizations and would help pass out gifts to patients at the VA on Christmas morning and also helped get toys ready to pass out at Christmas for the Salvation Army.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the C. B. Beach and Son Mortuary, 4-6 Main St., Corfu. Funeral services will be on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 31 Washington Ave., Batavia.

Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, East Pembroke.

Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, Genesee Cancer Assistance or Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, N.Y. 14021.

The family wishes to thank all of her friends who helped out during her illness.

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