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Warming Center in Batavia open tonight

By Billie Owens

The Warming Center in Batavia will be open tonight due to wind chill temperatures below 15 degrees.
Women and children in need of a warm place to stay can call 585-993-6371 by 8 p.m. for transportation to the Warming Center from either McDonald's in Batavia.

Series of classes on exploring your family tree offered at Richmond library

By Billie Owens

Have you ever wondered about your ancestors? Who they were, where they came from, or what you have in common with them? Now is the time to start your search at Richmond Memorial Library.

A series of five free classes on exploring your family history will be offered at the library this spring.

They will be held on Tuesdays, March 29 through April 26, beginning at 6 p.m.

Please contact the library at 343-9550 to register for the geneology class series.

The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

Regional Transit Service aims to identify improvements and connections, holds info session Tuesday at County Bldg. #2

By Billie Owens

Press release:

To meet the evolving transit needs of customers in Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Wyoming counties, RTS has launched a Regional Service Efficiency Study.

The purpose of the study is to identify service improvements and connections across the seven counties, and a key component of that study involves input from customers in those areas. RTS invites customers to share their thoughts by participating in an online survey and attending public workshops in February and March.

The online survey can be accessed through March 4 by using the following URL: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/rtsservices.

In Genesee County, an information session will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at County Building #2, 3837 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

More information about the study can be found at https://www.myrts.com/Planning-Projects/Regional-Service-Efficiency-Study

For all other information, visit www.myRTS.com.


About RTS

Regional Transit Service (RTS) is a regional transit authority established by New York State with more than 900 employees who proudly serve customers and business partners in Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne and Wyoming counties. Recognized as one of the best-run transit systems in the nation, RTS provides safe, reliable and convenient public bus transportation to more than 18 million people each year. We carry out our mission by connecting our customers to jobs, school, healthcare, shopping and recreational activities every day. For more information, visit www.myRTS.com.

Grand Jury: Man indicted for allegedly stealing more than $3,000 worth of brass in Pembroke

By Billie Owens

Jonathan D. Knauss is indicted for the crime of third-degree burglary. It is alleged that between August 2014 and June 2015 Knauss knowingly entered or unlawfully remained inside a building in the Town of Pembroke with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, the defendant is accused of third-degree grand larceny, a Class D felony, for allegedly stealing property, in this case brass, valued in excess of $3,000. In count three, Knauss is accused of criminal possession of stolen property, 3rd, a Class D felony, for allegedly knowingly possessing stolen property with the intent to benefit himself or someone other than the owner, or to impede the recovery by an owner of the property, when the value of that property was more than $3,000.

Workshop on physical therapy, exercise and yoga offered for people with multiple sclerosis

By Billie Owens

Press release:

A workshop geared specifically for those suffering with multiple sclerosis will focus on physical therapy, exercise, and yoga as tools to manage symptoms, gain strength and balance, and improve quality of life. MS, Yoga & You will be held from 1 - 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, at Summit Physical Therapy in Batavia.

Gretchen Hawley, DPT has additional certification in treating patients with multiple sclerosis. She lives and works in Boston and is one of only two MS cerfitied physical therapists in Boston. Patricia Hawley is a registered yoga teacher at Blue Pearl Yoga in Batavia. Together they will present information on how exercise and physical therapy can benefit MS as well as give instruction in simple yoga poses that may alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, spasticity, and incontinence.

“My MS patients who follow an exercise regimen and are consistent with their physical therapy program have a marked improvement over those who rely on medication alone,” says Gretchen Hawley. “And neurologists agree that those dealing with MS can improve their quality of life with the addition of exercise.”

“Many people think that you have to be very flexible to begin a yoga practice,” according to Patricia Hawley “but often the people who benefit the most from yoga are those who have limited mobility. It’s all about going slow and choosing the right class for your needs.”

Participants are encouraged to bring their own yoga mat but it is not necessary; mats will be available at the workshop.

The event will be held at Summit Physical Therapy, 99 Med Tech Drive, #104, Batavia. Cost for the workshop is $35 and seating is limited to 25 people. Anyone interested may register at www.bp-yoga.com or by calling 585.813.8623

Big forum next Monday at BHS on the impact of prescription drug abuse and heroin addiction in Genesee County

By Billie Owens

Press release:

A panel featuring William J. Hochul Jr., United States Attorney for the Western District of New York, who oversees the prosecution of federal criminal cases in our region, and Deanna Axe, the mother of a heroin overdose victim who founded Addicted to Hope, will be held from 1:30 to approximately 3 p.m. at Batavia High School on Monday, Feb. 29.

They will be joined by representatives from local law enforcement, the medical profession, and treatment/prevention education to address the significant and dire consequences of prescription drug abuse and heroin addiction that is impacting our community.

Sponsored by Act Genesee, a growing coalition  of community volunteers whose mission is to promote healthy and safe choices through education and action, the forum is titled, “Pay Attention: Addressing Prescription Drug Abuse and Heroin Addiction in our Community.”

In addition to presentations by Hochul and Axe, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of the panel members, fill out a brief survey to help the Coalition determine the best course of action for following up on this presentation, and meet other like-minded individuals who share a concern about promoting a healthy and substance-free lifestyle for individuals and families in our community.

Coalition President Anita Strollo urges all to attend and says, “We really want to raise awareness. This is a problem that is happening. It’s here. And it is serious and devastating.” She encourages involvement from all ages, noting that, with abuse and addiction crossing all age and socio-economic groupings, so should be the awareness of and attack on these growing problems.

Law and Order: Driver charged with DWI after car found stopped on Route 98

By Howard B. Owens

John Vincent Winecki, 23, of Buffalo Street, Alexander, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and stopping/parking on highway. Winecki was arrested by Deputy Chad Cummings following an investigation into what was reported as a motor-vehicle accident at 3:37 a.m., Sunday, on Route 98 near the American Legion Hall. (Initial Report)

Ashley Michaela Stewart, 19, of E. 227 St., Bronx, is charged with second-degree assault. Stewart allegedly struck a female in the head with an iron while in a dorm room at College Village. The victim was injured. Stewart was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Benjamin G. Evans IV, 27, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Evans allegedly entered the Dollar General Store after previously being banned from the premises.

Ryo Hiroshige, 21, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Hiroshige was allegedly involved in a domestic incident. He was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Carissa J. Visalli, 26, of North Lyon Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant related to a charge of improper parking at night. Visalli turned herself in, posted $100 bail and was released.

William P. Langdon Jr., 34, of Keever Avenue, Lackwanna, is charged with DWI, moving from lane unsafely, failure to use designated lane and following too closely. Officer Arick Perkins was dispatched to Walnut Street, Batavia, at 8:37 p.m. Feb. 15 for the report of an erratic driver. A 2002 Pontiac Montana was located and stopped. Langdon was taken into custody and allegedly refused a breath test. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Joseph M. Durzewski, 22, of North Street, Batavia, is charged with driving while impaired by alcohol. Durzewski was stopped at 3:22 a.m. Feb. 12 on Law Street, by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

A 17-year-old resident of Batavia is charged with criminal mischief and unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth allegedly punched through a glass window at 1 City Centre, Batavia. He was jailed on $1,000 bail (name withheld by Batavia PD).

Anthony Devon Alexander, 42, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated family offense (more than one offense within five years), criminal contempt, 2nd, criminal trespass, 2nd. Alexander allegedly went to the home of a person he was barred from contacting by court order and stayed and refused to leave the residence at 2:05 p.m. Sunday. Alexander was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Jacob Robert Kingdollar, 20, of West Leet Road, Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Kingdollar was allegedly found in possession of marijuana by Deputy Kevin Forsyth while at Bunnel Park, Town of Le Roy, at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Sectional Hockey: Notre Dame sweeps Batavia 6-0

By Steve Ognibene

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In a hometown rival matchup the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2nd seed) played the Batavia Blue Devils (7th seed) for the Section V quarter finals Saturday at the Faletti Ice Arena.

Batavia came out strong the first period to attack Notre Dame's Ethan Conrad but he held strong on Batavia's attempts. 

Late in the first period at 4:21, Notre Dame went on a scoring streak scoring three quick goals in three minutes. Brad Misiak scored the first goal from Cameron Clark, pictured below. Hayden Chamberland and Michael Keeler scored the second Irish goal 50 seconds later. Ryan Webster from ND, pictured above, scored the third goal with a minute left in the first period. Shots on goal were 15-6 after one period of play.

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The referees called no penalties in the first period when Notre Dame lead 3-0. During the second period, Batavia got physical with some interference and roughing calls that led to a power play goal by Ryan Webster just shortly after Peter Madafferi added one and the irish led by 5-0 midway through the second period.  

Both teams drew multiple penalties in this period as the game got more intense. Exchange student Henrik Toivianinen tallied the sixth goal with a minute left in the period, which became the final, 6-0. Batavia added seven shots to Notre Dame's nine.

The third period was very scrappy on both sides as frustrations mounted for Batavia. More penalties were added on both sides and the shots were 15-6 for a game ending 39-19 led by Notre Dame.

The Irish will move on to the semifinals this Thursday night at 7:30 versus Aquinas at the Gene Polisseni Center at RIT.

For more pictures go to: Steve Ognibene Photography

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Group of youths reportedly fighting at Tim Horton's

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia PD is dispatched to Tim Horton's for a group of youths fighting.

There may be 10 individuals involved.

No weapons reported.

A first officer on scene reports "another group fled prior to our arrival."

Another officer reports they may be headed toward Dellinger Avenue.

Girls basketball sectionals roundup

By Howard B. Owens
  • Alexander fell to Letchworth 30-56 in Class C1. Marissa Scharlau scorted six points and Stephany McBride and Marcie Riggs had four each. (For game coverage, visit the Wyoming County Free Press.)
  • Cal-Mum beat Notre Dame, 44-35, in Class C1. Rebecca Krenzer had a monster game with 21 points and seven rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome Cal-Mum, led by Gillian Flint with 16 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
  • Oakfield-Alabama beat Lyons, 40-29. Lauren Reding scored 12 and Kylie Schlagenhauf had 10.
  • Le Roy advanced with a win over Attica, 36-24. Paige Biggins scored 14. Abby Dambra had six points and seven rebounds.

The playoff schedule for Genesee County girls teams advancing:

  • Batavia plays Honeoye Falls-Lima at 7:45 p.m., Monday, at Penfield HS;
  • Le Roy plays Wellsville at 6 p.m., Wednesday, at Honeoye Falls-Lima HS;
  • Oakfield-Alabama plays Perry at 7:45 p.m., Wednesday, at Bloomfield HS;
  • Elba plays Prattsburgh at 7:45 p.m., Monday, at Wayland-Cohocton HS.

Elba dominates in 4th quarter for sectional playoff win

By Howard B. Owens

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Webster Christian held close to the Elba Lancers through three quarters, but in the fourth, the #1 seed in Class D2 demonstrated how dominating they can be, pulling away for a 60-36 win.

Next up, the #5 seed, Lima-Christian, in a semifinal game, 7 p.m., at Le Roy HS.

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To purchase prints, click here.

Batavia boys advance in sectionals with win over Monroe

By Howard B. Owens

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Batavia's stifling defense allowed the Blue Devils to open an 18-point first-half lead that Monroe couldn't overcome in the second half, even as Rayshawn Boswell hit a streak of three-point jumpers on his way to a 24-point game.

Batavia had four players score in double digits to advance the Blue Devils in the Class A2 sectional playoffs with a 60-52 win.

The Blue Devils still held a 10-point lead with two minutes left in the game, but Monroe continued to battle and twice pulled within three points in the final minute.

Malachi Chenault and Jake Schrider both scored 14 points, Tee Sean Ayala added 13 and Ryan Hogan scored 12.

Top photo: Steve Stefaniak with a layup in the second quarter.

The #2 seeded Blue Devils face the #3 seed in A2 U-Prep at 8 p.m., Tuesday, at Rush-Henrietta.

The Lady Devils play Honeoye Falls in Penfield at 7:45 p.m., tomorrow.

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To purchase prints, click here.

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Accident on Alexander Road, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle is reported at  8960 Alexander Road, Batavia, with unknown injuries, though a person may be having a seizure.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS in route.

The location is in front of the American Legion Hall.

UPDATE 4:02 a.m.: The vehicle is blocking. There's no medical issue. Mercy EMS is going back in service.

UPDATE 4:03 a.m.: A deputy is conducting a field test.

Photos: Basic training for Marine recruits about to enter basic training

By Howard B. Owens

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A group of Marine recruits about to enter boot camp were given some tips and pointers that will help them survive the grueling weeks at Parris Island, S.C.. The NCOs from the Batavia recruitment office conduct the basic training course the third Saturday of each month for new recruits. Potential recruits are invited to attend and observe and can participate in some drills, but can't fully participate until they pass their military physical. The training covers such basics as standing at attention, parade rest and turning, as well as classes and lectures on Marine life and history.

The local staff includes SSgt. Stephen Porter, Sgt. Joseph Dazey, Sgt. Derek Yevtich and Sgt. Matthew Page. 

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Photos: 4-H presentations at Byron-Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

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Above, Sydney Reilly gives a cookie baking demonstration during Genesee County 4-H Club's annual public presentation day at Byron-Bergen High School. 

At the event, students ages 5 to 18  give presentations in front of their peers and a panel of volunteer judges.

Presentations include everything from illustrated talks using posters, PowerPoint slideshows, to live demonstrations and even impromptu topics.

The event is designed to help students improve their public speaking skills while developing self-confidence, poise, self-esteem, stage presence and knowledge.

Sydney's judges were Bob and Ester Leadley.

Below, Clare Mathes during her presentation and then talking with judges Denise Chatt and Karleigh Chatt. Also presenting, Teegan Mathes.

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Crash, unknown injuries, in front of Home Depot

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident, unknown injuries, is reported on front of the Home Depot at 4181 Veterans Memorial Drive. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:38 a.m.: The town's assignment is back in service.

Lady Blue devils advance in Section V tournament

By Howard B. Owens

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Tiara Filbert led the way with 23 points for the Lady Blue Devils on Friday night, helping to propel Batavia to a 59-22 win over Eastridge in their Section V playoff game.

Ryann Stefaniak and Taylor Stefaniak each scored 14 points.

Also, Friday, Elba girls beat Belfast 63-49.

In boys basketball, Oakfield-Alabama fell to Geneseo, 37-59.

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Congressman Collins announces U.S. Naval Academy’s Summer programs

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins today released the following statement announcing the United States Naval Academy’s Summer Programs and encouraging all eligible high school students in New York’s 27thCongressional District to apply.

“One of my most rewarding responsibilities as a Member of Congress is making nominations to our Military Academies,” Congressman Collins said. “The summer programs provided by the Naval Academy will be a valuable resource to students who are interested in pursuing an appointment to any of the U.S. service academies. The summer programs will challenge students to develop problem-solving techniques and team-building mentalities, and I encourage all interested students to apply.”

The United States Naval Academy offers two summer programs, the Naval Academy Summer Seminar and the Summer Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) seminar. Both of the programs offered will provide students with valuable insight as they continue to pursue their academic enrollment in one of the United States service academies. 

The Naval Academy Summer Seminar is a fast-paced, six-day experience that aims to educate participants about life at the Academy. This program also demonstrates how academic study, athletics, and professional training continues to be a crucial factor in developing our nation’s leaders. The STEM program is a hands-on, design-based program that aims to enhance the participants’ interest in science and technology. By implementing team-building exercises, this program is a valuable opportunity for students who are interested in pursuing a STEM-based career within one of the service academies.

For more information about the USNA’s Summer Programs, please visit http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/index.php.

4-H Youth Development program to offer four Spring Break Workshops for ALL youths ages 5 to 19

By Billie Owens

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County 4-H Youth Development Program will be offering Spring Break Workshops open to all youth ages 5-19. Youth do not need to be 4-H members to participate! Come learn while having fun in the featured workshops:

Kids in the Kitchen! -- Monday, March 21, at 1 p.m. -- Come learn basic kitchen skills while making easy recipes that will have you a kitchen champion in no time! The cost is $5.00 per youth.

Livestock Skillathon -- Tuesday, March 22, at 10 a.m. -- Have fun exploring the breeds of beef, goat, sheep, swine, feedstuffs, equipment and more!  Free.

Knit an Infinity Scarf -- Wednesday, March 23, at 1 p.m. -- Boy, girl, left- or right-handed, come learn how to knit an infinity scarf! The cost is $5 per youth.

Ribbon-Woven Headband -- Thursday, March 24, 10:30 a.m. -- Learn how to make a ribbon-woven headband! This workshop is designed for youth ages 8 to 12. The cost is $5 per youth.

Class sizes are limited and pre-registration is required as all materials will be provided. The workshops will be held at the Cornell Cooperative Extension building located at 420 E. Main St., Batavia with payment taken at the door. For more information or to register, contact Brandie Schultz at the Genesee County 4-H Office, 585-343-3040, ext. 101.

Top Items on Batavia's List

Gas stove, dryer, queen bed and boxspring, books, bikes, legos, mens and womens clothing and much more. Cash and Venmo accepted. May 24-26 8am-? 5050 Batavia Elba Townline rd Batavia 14020
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