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Press release:

Following a string of deadly shootings against law enforcement in Dallas and Baton Rouge, La., in recent weeks, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has reiterated his full support of law enforcement and is encouraging New Yorkers to wear blue on Friday in a massive wave of support for police officers.

Hawley emphasized the need for unity in these frightening times and inspired constituents to stand behind those who put their lives on the line to protect us each day.

“The recent attacks against police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge have been nothing short of tragic and a painful reflection of the evil that still exists in society,” Hawley said. “In these tumultuous times, the best solution is to come together and show our support for the men and women who put on their uniform every day not knowing what dangers they will inevitably face.

"They are the frontline protectors of justice and order in our community and deserve nothing short of our utmost gratitude and respect. Please join me in recognizing the heroism of our police officers and participate in ‘Our Blue Day’ on Friday by wearing blue in support of our friends fighting crime. They need our encouragement and backing now more than ever.”

Ronald D. Stives, 34, of 61 Myrtle St. in Le Roy, was arrested by the Le Roy Police Department and charged with one count each of sexual abuse in the first degree, a Class D felony, and endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor.

It is alleged that during the morning hours of July 18, Stives subjected the victim to sexual contact when the victim was incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless. Further it is alleged that when he did so, Stives knowingly acted in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child less than 17 years of age.

Stives was arraigned before the Judge Daryl Sehm of the Le Roy Town Court and put in Genesee County jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

​Batavia PD announced today that a 40-year-old Batavia man was arrested for allegedly having sexual contact with a family member. Eric Watson is in Genesee County Jail with bail set at $20,000.

He is accused of engaging in sexual conduct with a mentally disabled family member who is incapable of consenting to such activity. The allegations date back three years, but were just reported this year.

Watson is charged with second-degree rape, second-degree criminal sexual act, and second-degree incest.

He is due to appear in Genesee County Court at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 21.

Det. Sgt. Todd Crossett and Det. Kevin Czora are the city Police Department investigating officers.

From Jim Ficarella, city superintendent of water and wastewater:

The City of Batavia Water Department will be repairing the fire hydrant on the corner of Tracy Avenue and North Street on Wednesday, July 20.

The water will be turned off on Tracy Avenue From Washington Avenue to North Street around 9 a.m. on Wednesday morning. And the water should be back on around 3 p.m.

Homes in the Tracy Avenue area may have discolored water from the repair. The Water Department will make every effort to have the water back on as soon as possible.

Press release:

Genesee Community College announced today that Laura J. Bohm was elected chair of the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees for 2016-2017. Her appointment as chair begins at the first meeting of the 2016 -2017 year at the August board meeting.

The other Board of Trustees appointments at the monthly meeting July 11 included Donna M. Ferry as vice chair, and Peter R. Call as secretary.

Bohm has most recently served two one-year terms as vice chair and succeeds two-term chair, Diane D. Torcello.

Bohm was originally appointed to the College's Board of Trustees by Gov. Mario M. Cuomo serving a nine-year term from 1986 until 1995. During that time she served as board chair from 1992 to 1995. Her more recent gubernatorial appointment was made by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in 2008 for a seven-year term, and she was reappointed for a second seven-year term running from 2015 until 2022.

Bohm demonstrates a history of leadership, having recently begun a two-year term as chair of the New York Community College Trustees (NYCCT). As a voluntary nonprofit consortium of community college trustees, NYCCT was established to strengthen the effectiveness of New York community college trustees and helps shape public policy impacting community colleges. The organization represents the appointed board members who govern the 30 community colleges in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Bohm was recognized in 1999 with an award for Distinguished Service from the Association of Boards of Community Colleges, the predecessor to the current NYCCT.

Her service goes well beyond community colleges as she has supported the local community through extensive volunteer work and leadership by serving as chair or a member of the United Way Board of Directors, the Batavia City Youth Bureau, Habitat for Humanity, The Paolo Busti Italian Cultural Foundation, the Franciscan Sisters of the Divine Child, the Board of Directors of Birchwood Village in Batavia and the Batavia City School Board. Bohm also was a commissioner for the Batavia Housing Authority.

As a Genesee Community College trustee, she is currently a member of the College's Buildings and Grounds and Finance committees, and is a representative to the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), a national organization representing community college trustees.

A silver sedan struck a pole on Bank Street near the Northgate Free Methodist Church in Batavia. There is heavy front-end damage but the driver is not injured. Mercy medics and firefighters responded.

Press release:

On Thursday, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) released the results of his legislative survey mailer that was distributed to households during the winter.

The survey covered topics across a plethora of platforms and state issues, including: ethics reform, infrastructure, jobs, education, paid-family leave and taxes.

“I am proud to announce the results of my 2016 Legislative Survey and I plan to use the feedback I received to formulate policy proposals and my legislative platform if I am reelected to the Assembly next term,” Hawley said.

“It is one of the highest honors of my life to represent my constituents and address their questions and concerns. The overall results of my survey indicate that my constituents believe the state is not headed in the right direction and we are falling short on a number of issues.

"I will continue to fight to see that we do right by the people of our state and stop catering to downstate special interests and New York City politicians.”

ASSEMBLYMAN STEVE HAWLEY: 2016 LEGISLATIVE SURVEY

     1.) How do you feel about the direction in which New York State is headed?

• Right Direction            16.2%
• Wrong Direction            75.3%

      2.) What issue should be the top priority of New York State government in 2016?

• Education                                                            11.2%
• Economic Development/Job Creation            23.2%
• Cutting Taxes                                                            44.8%
• Improving NY’s Business Environment             23.2%
• Ethics Reform in Government                        30.9%

     3.) The state’s minimum wage increased to $9/hour on Dec. 31, 2015. Many have called for an increase to $15/hour over the next few years. Economists predict an increase to $15/hour will result in the loss of between 200,000 and 500,000 jobs in New York State. What is your opinion about the state’s minimum wage?

• The increase to $9/hour is fine                                                                        61.4%
• Minimum wage should be raised slightly (less than $12.50/hour)                        25.1%
• Minimum wage should be increased to $15/hour                                                6.9%
• Minimum wage should be higher than $15/hour                                                0.4%

    4.) New York has made recent downstate commitments to a new Tappan Zee Bridge ($4 billion), renovating LaGuardia Airport ($4 billion), and funding the Metropolitan Transportation Authority ($8 billion). In 2016, how should available money be distributed to repair New York’s aging roads, bridges & infrastructure?

• Spend available infrastructure money equally across New York State            29.3%
• Spend a greater portion of infrastructure money on upstate projects to balance  previous downstate spending                                                                                     44.8%
• Spend all available money on upstate projects, downstate has already received its fair share                                                                                                            22.8%

    5.) Census data shows that more people leave New York each year than any other state. In your opinion, what is the biggest factor causing people to leave New York for another state?

• High cost of living                                                38.2%
• Lack of jobs or business opportunities            31.3%
• Property taxes                                                            49.0%
• Weather                                                            5.4%

   6.)  What is the best way to create more jobs in New York State?

• Lower taxes on businesses                                                24.7%
• Eliminate regulations and red tape                                    39.8%
• Lower taxes across the board                                                48.3%
• Open casinos                                                                        1.5%                                               
• Rely on state grant programs like START-UP NY            1.2%

    7.)  Standardized tests in our schools – part of the Common Core Curriculum – have been a controversial topic among parents, teachers and education professionals. More than 200,000 students in New York State opted out of taking the exams last year. In your opinion, what should be done to address Common Core?

• Nothing, children should take the tests and adapt to the program            2.3%
• Stop giving the tests until the Common Core program is fixed            29.0%
• Continue the tests while working to address flaws in the program            21.6%
• Stop standardized tests in schools, they take away from the learning environment 37.1%

    8.)  Community colleges offer students a valuable bridge toward careers and future education. Some officials have proposed the idea of providing free community college to students in New York State. What are your thoughts on this proposal?

• Free community college is an important measure that should be pursued            7.7%
• Students attending community colleges deserve more assistance from the state, but not their entire tuition                                                                                    35.1%
• Taxpayers cannot afford to provide this financial commitment at this time            56.0%

    9.)  While students and families across New York face increasing tuition costs and college debt, some legislators have proposed the DREAM Act – a taxpayer-funded tuition assistance program for illegal immigrants. How do you feel about the DREAM Act?

• Support            5.8%
• Oppose            91.5%
• N/A                        2.7%

    10.)  Some state leaders have proposed 12 weeks of paid family leave to become law as part of this year’s state budget. Do you support this proposal, and if so, how do think this should be funded?

• Yes, I support this proposal but it should be paid by the employee through a deduction                                                                                                 36.3%
• Yes, I support this proposal but the employer should pay for it                      6.9%
• Yes, I support this proposal but the state should pay for this program            5.4%
• I do not support this proposal                                                                   50.2%

    11.)  Do you support the elimination of pension and retirement benefits for elected public officials who are convicted of felony corruption charges?

• Support            90.0%
• Oppose            3.1%

                        N/A                        6.9%

     12.)  Governor Cuomo has pledged to limit outside income for legislators to 15% of the base salary for Assembly members ($11,925). Do you support the limiting of outside income for elected state officials?

• Yes, I support limiting outside income to $11,925 per year                        18.9%
• No, the idea of a citizen-legislator is important and we shouldn’t limit outside income                                                                                                            58.7%
• Yes, we should ban all outside income and state legislators should work year round and full-time                                                                                    16.2%

     13.)  Do you support term limits for legislative leaders (i.e. Speaker of the Assembly, Majority and Minority Leader of both the Assembly and Senate)?

• Support            90.3%
• Oppose            5.8%

Press release:

Western New York Independent Living, Inc., (WNYIL), which has an office in Batavia, will be holding its third Biannual Summit on Aging and Independence: “Shaping Health and Wellness for the Future” on Sept. 29-30 at the Buffalo Convention Center, and they need knowledgeable people to share their expertise.

WNYIL is recruiting individuals who work with seniors, OR who are part of an organization, business or service providing support to individuals who are over 55 years old, OR are doing research specifically focused on the senior population, to participate as presenters, as plenary speakers, or in panels or interactive workshops. There is no charge to make a presentation, which is limited to 75-minutes long, and those accepted will be given breakfast or lunch.

The purpose of the Summit is to identify and reveal critical efforts, ideas, research and issues related to aging, independence, wellness and change, but it also affords participants a great opportunity to represent and exchange knowledge regarding concepts, programs, services, trends, etc., which can impact individuals who are in the 55+ group.

To be considered, would-be presenters should prepare a proposal that fits one of these categories: Practical and scholarly work on issues important to aging populations; Lecture-style presentations; Hands-on workshops or simulations; Presentations on or by community groups that interact with aging populations; Presentations by students on aging-related course assignments or volunteer work; Panel Discussions; and Interactive Workshops.

While proposals can involve any appropriate topic, some potential areas are: Health Care Provision; Managed Long-Term Care; Assistive Technology Advances; Gerontology; Care-giving; Research; Independent Living; Public Policy or Systems Advocacy; Healthy Lifestyles; Cultural Diversity; New Trends; or Outcomes. The Summit is divided into five tracks to appeal to the perspectives of different attendees: Service providers or advocates; healthcare professionals; consumers; caregivers; or researchers/educators.

The intended audience should be identified in the proposals, which will be scored by the Steering Committee based on how well they address the content area, plus clarity, objectives, method of presentation, likely interest to participants, and overall program balance.

For more information, and to request Proposal Guidelines and application forms, please call Heather at (716) 836-0822, ext. 146, or Katie at ext.166, and we will be happy to assist you! Applications are due by Aug. 15 to WNY Independent Living, Inc. – Summit on Aging, 3108 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14214, or to hmattiuzzo@wnyil.org. Those accepted will be notified by Sept. 1.

The Western New York Independent Living, Inc., family of agencies offer an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Submitted photo. First row, from left: Gianni Ferrara, Kenny Saunders, Zac Vanderhoof, Colin McCulley, Maveric McKenzie, Shawn Morabito, Adam Risewick, Cole Rauscher, John Panepento, Jim Burns, Tyler Strollo, Brady Fix. Back row, from left: Coaches Rob Panepento, Ken Saunders and Manager Erik Fix.

Press release:

The Le Roy Little League U12 All-Stars captured the District 3 Championships with a 5-3 victory over Batavia Tuesday evening in Le Roy. 

The game was a hard-fought battle by both teams. Batavia struck first in the bottom of the second when Dominic Taylor would reach on an error and score on a fielder’s choice by Sawyer Siverling. 

It didn’t take long for Le Roy to answer as Maveric McKenzie would lead off the top of the third with a double to right and reach third on a passed ball. He would score on a sacrifice fly by Colin McCulley to make it 1-1. Le Roy would add three more in the top of the fourth when Kenny Saunders hit a two-run homerun scoring Zac Vanderhoof.

Catcher Cole Rauscher would make it back-to-back homers just two pitches later and Le Roy would take a 4-1 lead.

Luke Rogers and Jameson Richardson would both score in the bottom of the fourth to pull Batavia to within 1, 4-3.

Le Roy got an insurance run in the top of the sixth when Brady Fix would score on a sacrifice fly by Saunders to take a 5-3 lead. Saunders would get the win on the mound, thanks to some strong defense including two double plays, and a great catch by Fix on the last out of the game. 

Le Roy advances to Sectional play in Fredonia, July 17-21^st.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Toby Keith Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on July 15:

Brendan E. Hart, 19, of Winding Woods, Hamburg, was arrested on two counts of trespass after allegedly attempting to entering the concert venue after being ejected twice and told not to return. Hart was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $250.

Justin M. Metzger, 18, of Stone Briar Drive, Clarence Center, was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket for July 28 in Darien Town Court.

Submitted photo. Seated, from left: Mekhi Fortes, Ryan Fitzpatrick. Kneeling, from left: Trenton Woods, Jay Antinore. Players (from left): Alex Johnson, Jimmy Fanara, Dane Dombrowski, Cal Koukides, Bronx Buchholz, Cole Grazioplene, Jameson Motyka, Jaden Firmstone. Back Row: Coaches Jeff Grazioplene, Leon Koukides, Ben Buchholz, Manager Sam Antinore, Coach Tim Antinore.

Press release from Mark Fitzpatrick, Batavia Little League board member:

Batavia's 9-10 All-Stars won the New York District 3 Championship on Monday, July 11, defeating Le Roy 15-0 in four innings.

Through their five games en route to the tournament title, Batavia outscored its opponents 65-5, led by pitchers Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jaden Firmstone, Dane Dombrowski and Bronx Buchholz.

In the title game after a scoreless opening inning, Mekhi Fortes and Dombrowski led off the second with back-to-back doubles, followed by singles by Buchholz, Firmstone, and Trent Woods, scoring four in the inning.

Batavia broke the game open in the third when offense was able to send 17 batters to the plate while scoring 11 runs. On defense, Batavia was led by the pitching performance of Fitzpatrick, who threw a no-hitter over his four innings of work, striking out six.

Batavia plays Section 2 Champion Olean/Portville in Penfield today in the first round of the Section 1 West double elimination tournament. Game time is 1 p.m. at Bachman Field, 3100 Atlantic Ave., Penfield.

Photo, from left: Sheriff Gary T. Maha, Deputy Robert C. Henning, Chief Deputy-Road Patrol -- Gordon L. Dibble, and Chaplain Allen A. Werk.
 

Submitted photo and press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office has filled a vacant Deputy Sheriff position with the hiring of Robert C. Henning. Deputy Henning recently graduated from the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy at Niagara University on July 1 and was awarded "Top Gun" in his class. The keynote speaker at the graduation was New York State Senator Robert G. Ortt.

Deputy Henning is a 2010 graduate of Batavia High School. Following high school, he attended Buffalo State College where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice in 2015. Deputy Henning was previously employed by the Batavia Downs Gaming Facility as a security guard and is a third-generation law enforcement officer. His father is a retired City of Batavia Police Officer, and his grandfather is a retired Orchard Park Police Officer.

Sheriff Gary Maha stated, “Deputy Henning is currently participating in our 14-week field training program and is a great addition to our road patrol.”

Jeffrey Mario McCormick Jr., 26, of Weiss Street, Buffalo, is charged with driving with a BAC of more than .08 percent, DWI, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, and following too closely. On July 16, following the investigation of a motor-vehicle accident that happened almost at midnight in the parking lot of Darien Lake amusement park on Alleghany Road in Darien, McCormick was arrested for DWI and the other charges. He was issued traffic tickets and is to be in Darien Town Court on Aug. 16. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Michael Best Jr., 21, of Ward Street, Dunmore, Pa., was arrested after being stopped on Sumner Road in the Town of Darien and allegedly found to be intoxicated. He was initially observed at 11:37 p.m. on Colby Road. He was issued traffic summons and is due in Darien Town Court on July 28. Best is charged with driving while intoxicated, driving with a BAC of .08 percent or more, failure to keep right, and following too closely. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Anthony Charles Bradbury, 36, of Ralph Broadrick Road, Normandy, Tenn., is charged with DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or greater, DWI, and unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested at 9:14 p.m. on July 14 at 9993 Alleghany Road in Darien, the location of the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center. After an investigation into a suspicious condition, it was determined that Bradbury was allegedly operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol. He was allegedly found to possess a quantity of marijuana at the time of his arrest. He was jailed in lieu of $1,000 bail. The case was handled by Sheriff's deputy Richard Schildwaster, assisted by Deputy Dana Richardson.

Roberto F. Fuentes Jr., of Lackawana, was arrested at 8:28 p.m. on July 14 in the Village of Corfu and charged with felony DWI following a minor traffic accident at Crosby's convenience store on Alleghany Road. Fuentes was previously convicted of DWI in 2014. He is due in Pavilion Town Court on Aug. 1. The case was handled by Village of Corfu  Police Officer Michael Petritz.

City police are responding to 5 Spruce St. for a complaint of a white male walking around in just his underwear -- publicly.

A person who participated in the Demolition Derby tonight at the Genesee County Fairgrounds on East Main Street Road in Batavia reportedly suffered a neck injury. Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 8:59 p.m.: The driver is conscious and alert and does not appear to be seriously injured. He is being transported to UMMC for evaluation.

Suzanne Corona was sentenced to one and a half years in state prison this afternoon and one year post-release supervision by Genesee County Court Acting Judge Michael F. Pietruszka.

The determinant sentence was given for her guilty plea last year to one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fifth degree.

She admitted selling one suboxone pill for $60 to an undercover drug agent.

Although Corona has a record of petty, albeit some sensational, crimes dating back to 2010, the suboxone sale was her first felony offense.

She could have avoided prison entirely had she been able to successfully complete probation, given in lieu of incarceration, in that case.

But in April she admitted lacing her coffee with the liqueur Amaretto. In exchange for her admission of the probation violation, Judge Pietruszka allowed her to continue probation without any additional penalty.

A week later, she tested postive for alcohol again and was sent to jail for the weekend. On April 25, she was back in court and the judge released her to the custody of an inpatient rehab facility for a month after signing a court order for the medical care. Upon release, she was in court for a bail review hearing and the judge determined that despite the stay in rehab, she was in violation of her probation and she was ordered back to jail.

Today, she smiled wanly at her husband in the gallery when she was led into the courtroom by a bailiff. Wearing navy blue scrubs and canvas slip-on shoes, chained at the waist and handcuffed, she stood with regal posture next to her attorney, Brian Degnan.

"Miss Corona has a lengthy criminal history -- both in this court and in local courts," said Assistant District Attorney Kevin Finnell (standing in for ADA William Zickl). "She has shown a lack of ability to comply with the conditions of her probation."

Attorney Degnan said his client successfully completed the month-long rehab program and that authorities recommend she be placed in a halfway house, a sober living facility, but she and her spouse cannot afford the $900-per-month cost of that option. He acknowleged her failure to comply with probation and said she intends to take classes to improve her mental health and well being.

"She has issues she needs to work on," Degnan said.

Degnan disputed Zickl's characterization of his client's criminal past, specifically the claim that she "has a lengthy criminal history in this court."

The judge asked Corona if she had anything to say on her own behalf. She did.

"I would like to apologize to you for not being able to complete my probation," she said clearly and sincerely, adding that she intends to take as many classes as she can to improve herself.

Then, choking back tears, she said "I apologize to my family for being so selfish and not realizing how much hurt I have caused them. My family has suffered and now they'll suffer because I won't be here."

With that, the matter was concluded. Her husband told her that he loved her; she waved awkwardly to him with one of her manacled hands and was led away.