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Kentucky Derby sets new records at Batavia Downs

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Representatives from Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation (WROTB) announced that total wagering at WROTB on Saturday’s Kentucky Derby topped out at $1,930,585.30 with payouts of 2,067,622.80. Wagering handle was the second highest in WROTB’s history, and its payout to winning bettors was $800,000 more than last year and higher than it took in wagers, a first. 

“It’s the first time we’ve ever seen more payouts than money taken in," said WROTB Handicapper and Live Racing GM Todd Haight.

The complimentary Derby programs given out at WROTB Branches, EZ Bets and at Batavia Downs on Saturday touted Haight’s Hot Picks on the cover, which correctly selected the top four Derby finishers in exact order. The bettors of Western New York certainly benefitted as WROTB paid out $600,000 in winning Trifecta bets and over $630,000 in winning Superfecta wagers, both records.

Wagers placed at Batavia Downs Gaming totaled $62,248.50, an increase of nearly 5 percent over last year. Wagering using BataviaBets.com, WROTB’s online Web site, on the Derby was $53,821, a 26.6-percent increase over last year. Nationally the handle on the Kentucky Derby was up 4 percent and was its highest ever at $197 Million.

“It’s so exciting to see that interest in the Kentucky Derby is alive and well in Western New York," said Ryan Hasenauer, director of Marketing of Batavia Downs and WROTB. “We’re all pulling for a Triple Crown contender in American Pharoah. All our Branches will be open at 10 a.m. on May 16th, the morning of the Preakness, and we’ll be having another party with live tellers at Batavia Downs. Our Trifecta special includes food, Free Play and a complimentary Preakness wager like we had for the Derby.”

Owned and operated by 15 Western New York counties and the cities of Rochester and Buffalo, Western Regional OTB is a public benefit corporation with headquarters in Batavia. WROTB owns and operates 28 branches, as well as Batavia Downs Gaming, a standardbred racetrack and gaming facility.

Voters approve library budget with increase in spending

By Howard B. Owens

A total of 285 votes turned out for Tuesday's Richmond Memorial Library budget vote, passing the spending plan by a wide margin.

In all, 246 yes votes were recorded.

The budget increases spending by $25,870.

The lone candidate for a trustee's position, Michael Rivers, was elected with 266 votes.

Residents in the Batavia City School District are eligible to vote. There are 10,532 registered voters in the district.

Photos: Bagpipe performance at Richmond Memorial Library

By Howard B. Owens

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Alec R. Sass, a sophomore at Clarence High School, performed a 45-minute bagpipe show at the Richmond Memorial Library last night. In all, 50 people attended the performance, which included the songs "Scots Wha Hae and "Amazing Grace."

Photos submitted by Craig Gillard.

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Hawley: Minimum wage hike kills jobs, burdens business

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today commented on last night’s passage of legislation to increase the minimum wage. Hawley said the legislation is misguided and does not improve the already suffocating business climate that New York has perpetuated in past years. The 2015-16 State Budget provides no tax or regulatory relief for small businesses or the middle class.  

“As the owner of small businesses for over four decades, I know the struggles of operating in New York’s tax and fine environment,” Hawley said. “I voted against a minimum wage increase because when businesses are legally obligated to pay their employees more, they are therefore able to hire less employees and therefore create less jobs. A more viable option to help taxpayers would be a widespread middle class tax cut, something the Assembly Majority again failed to include in this year’s budget. My district is heavily agriculturally based and a minimum wage hike would jeopardize the ability of farming operations to hire additional employees, especially on an hourly basis. I will continue to support my district’s business interests and alternatives exist that would address the root problem of high taxes and regulations that is hindering our middle class and business community.   

“Furthermore, this bill raises the minimum wage to a much higher rate in New York, Westchester, Suffolk and Nassau counties than the rest of New York State. This is another piece of evidence highlighting the growing disparity between Upstate and Downstate and why we should allow the public to decide if they would support a division of New York into two separate states by passing my legislation, Assembly Bill 4167. New Yorkers deserve this choice now more than ever considering Downstate interests dominate our legislature while the social and economic concerns of millions of Upstate New Yorkers are ignored.”

Hawley is the owner of an insurance agency based in Batavia and the former owner/operator of Hawley Farms. He is a current member of the Farm Bureau’s Circle of Friends and has voted with pro-business groups such as the Business Council and Unshackle Upstate the vast majority of his time in the legislature.

City receives award from New York Conference of Mayors

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

On Sunday May 3rd, the New York Conference of Mayor’s (NYCOM) recognized the City of Batavia with a Local Government Achievement Award for its Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Renewal and Rate Plan that was developed and adopted by City Council this past March. Batavia was one of four cities and three villages within New York State to receive awards from NYCOM that demonstrate a significant and innovative project that has improved the quality of life within a community or demonstrates shared services and increasing government efficiency.

Cities and villages across New York are confronted by assets that are deteriorating due to environmental conditions and normal wear and tear. Without proper maintenance and ongoing capital reinvestment, increased failure rates and declining levels of service (e.g., wastewater backups, water service interruptions) will inevitably result. Many communities, particularly in Western and Central New York, have also seen a considerable reduction in water consumption during recent years. Unfortunately, this trend results in diminished revenues and puts pressure on water and wastewater rates.

The City of Batavia developed an Infrastructure Renewal and Rate Plan that identifies the City’s water and wastewater capital needs and associated revenue requirements going forward. Moreover, the Plan responsibly addresses the capital reinvestment requirements of both systems in a manageable and affordable manner.

“Having NYCOM recognize Batavia for our proactive capital planning is an honor and a privilege. We have worked hard to ensure we provide quality services to our residents through cost effective means,” said Brooks Hawley, City Council president. “Having our peers from across the State recognize us for our effort is reassuring that what we are doing in Batavia is right.”

The City Council adopted the proposed Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Renewal and Rate Plan with this year’s budget. The Plan calls for $22 million of capital improvements to the City’s water and wastewater plants and systems while projecting an additional per-user cost of $1 a month.

Train vs. truck wreck reported at crossing at Herkimer and Route 77

By Billie Owens

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A train vs. truck accident is reported in the railroad right-of-way at Herkimer Road and Alleghany Road (Route 77). Unknown injuries. "The call came from the railroad company and they said they can see mile post 399." Darien fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 2:57 a.m.: The dispatcher says "The vehicle is unoccupied." A responder at the scene replies "That's confirmed. The vehicle is not occupied."

UPDATE  3:22 a.m.: The actual location is west of Route 77 where Warner Road meets the dead end of Herkimer, according to Howard at the scene.

UPDATE 3:32 a.m. (From Howard at the scene): The fairly new Ford pickup truck, registered to someone in the neighborhood where the accident occurred, was struck after being parked on the train tracks facing eastward. It looks as if some was trying to drive on the tracks. The truck was rear-ended by the train and the back end is mangled, but the cab intact. No one is anywhere around it, although firefighters are scouring the vicinity. The train was hauling 94 railroad cars, unknown cargo, and chugging uphill when it struck the truck, so it wasn't going very fast.

UPDATE 3:40 a.m.: Train officials, firefighters, and Sheriff's deputies remain on scene. The railroad track is still blocked. Deputies are being sent to the registered (truck) owner's home.

UPDATE 3:56 a.m.: Law enforcement asks Darien fire command to stay on scene and "requests that you do not enter the vehicle."

Teams ready for Rotary Tournament this Saturday

By Howard B. Owens

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The 17th Annual Rotary Baseball Tournament is this Saturday at Dwyer Stadium.

Notre Dame meets Attica at 11 a.m., Batavia and Oakfield-Alabama square off at 1:30 p.m. The consolation game is at 4 p.m. and the championship game is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m.

Coaches and select members of the participating teams attended a luncheon today at the YMCA hosted by the Rotary Club of Batavia.

Pictured are: Jimmy Zittle, Attica, Colden George, Attica, Michael Falitico, Notre Dame, Cal Tygart, Notre Dame, Nick Bauer, Batavia, Ryan Mullen, Batavia, Mitchell Hale, Oakfield, Allen Chatt, Oakfield, Dan Dinsmore, Oakfield.

Emily Mikel crowned as 2015 Dairy Queen

By Howard B. Owens

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Emily Mikel, of Pavilion, was crowned 2015 Genesee County Dairy Queen in a ceremony at Genesee Community College on Monday evening.

Tristan Zuber presented Mikel with her crown and sash.

Pictured below in a photo taken by Laura Luft, are Mikel and her court, from left, Rebecca Slattery, Mary Sweeny, Carolyn Sybertz, Georgia Luft and Amelia Brewer.

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Batavia, Stafford and Oakfield hit by vehicle thefts and larcenies from vehicles in April

By Howard B. Owens

A series larcenies from vehicles, along with four vehicle thefts, in Genesee County are under investigation and there is a suspect in at least one stolen vehicle case, according to Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster. 

The first report of a stolen vehicle came in on April 19. A vehicle was stolen from the Park Road area of Batavia. The vehicle was involved in a crash in Rochester and the driver and possible occupants fled the scene. Rochester PD is investigating.

On April 22, two vehicles were reported stolen.

A vehicle was stolen from within the Village of Oakfield. It was involved in a crash in the Town of Hamlin. The suspect or suspects fled the scene. Monroe County Sheriff's Office is investigating.

The most recent reports of thefts were April 29 on Bank Street Road. Along with the larcenies from vehicles, a 2008 Ford Focus, color blue, was reported stolen. There is a suspect in this case. The Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation.

Fair organizers promising more attractions and more fun for 2015

By Howard B. Owens

The Genesee County Fair has gotten better each of the last two years and attendance figures bear that out, Norm Pimm told the County Legislature's Human Services Committee.

Last year, attendance was up 30 percent and fair organizers are taking aim at even more growth in 2015.

"Attendance is up double figures two years in a row," Pimm said. "That doesn't happen if you're not putting on a good product."

This year, there will be new local bands, bigger tractor pulls and a significantly expanded Midway.

The board is planning on nearly doubling the budget for rides, going up to $40,000 this year.

The midway isn't a big money maker for the fair, but a good midway is essential to overall fair attendance. Not everyone is interested in livestock and stock cars.

"When we looking for vendors, we said we had $25,000 to spend and we couldn't even get vendors to call us back," Pimm said. "The ones that did sort of laughed and said 'that's 20 years ago money.' So we realized we had to invest more money into the midway so we had something where people want to come and bring their kids."

The fair runs July 21 through 25.

The county will contribute $11,000 to the 4-H program.

Pimm said the fair's success can also be judged by the number of local businesses supporting the fair, either through donations, sponsorships or taking a booth as a vendor. In all three categories, the fair did better last year than previous years and will at least match that level of participation this year, based on indications so far, Pimm said.

"This is the most active board we've had in years, and it's making a difference," Pimm said.

Pimm is confident that people who haven't been to the fair in recent years, if they come this year, they will have a good time.

"It's just $5 a car load to attend," Pimm said. "Come on, spend your $5 and you won't be disappointed. If you are, come and find a member of the board of directors and we'll give you your $5 back."

Car vs. school bus accident with a minor injury reported in Darien

By Billie Owens

A school bus versus car accident is reported at Route 20 and County Line Road, Darien. At least one minor injury is reported involving a child on the bus. Darien fire and Mercy medics are responding. Wyoming County is also notified.

UPDATE 7:08 a.m.: Law Enforcement is on scene and requests a Darien ambulance to the scene and for westbound Route 20 traffic to be shut down at Harlow Road.

UPDATE 7:39 a.m.: Darien ambulance is transporting a patient to Erie County Medical Center.

Grass fire reported on Cole Road, Byron

By Billie Owens

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A grass fire is reported at 6369 Cole Road. South Byron Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 7:49 p.m.: South Byron #86 is on scene.

UPDATE 8:44 p.m.: Byron Fire Department also responded. The fire is out and the responders are back in service.

UPDATE: Byron Chief Durkee sent in these pictures. Durkee said Byron arrived on scene first. He said, "These pictures were of the mop up. We had about a 100-yard stretch of fire that was barrelling into the marshes of the swamplands. The DEC officer ticketed the owner. There is still a no-burn law and people just don't seem to care. If this took off we would have been in a real battle."

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Law and Order: Accused child sexual abuser hauled in from Florida, jailed without bail

By Billie Owens

Brandon Marshall Weig, 27, of Glen Meadow Drive, Lakeland, Fla., is charged with two counts of second-degree aggravated sexual abuse, assault -- injury to a person less than 7 years old, and sex abuse -- involving a person less than 11 years old. Weig fled Genesee County and was subsequently located at a family member's residence in Florida. He was extradicted and arraigned this morning on the charges in front of Genesee County Court Judge Robert C. Noonan. Weig is jailed without bail. He also has a bench warrant out against him from Genesee County Integrated Domestic Violence Court for failure to appear for sentencing. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy John Baiocco, assisted by Deputy Thomas Sanfratello.

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Brian Allen Erbach, 32, of Attica Gulf Road, Attica, is charged with three felonies: aggravated DWI (driving with a BAC of .18 percent or higher), aggravated DWI with a child age 17 or younger inside the vehicle (Leandra's Law), and DWI; plus endangering the welfare of a child (a misdemeanor), and two traffic infractions -- speed not reasonable or prudent for a curve in the roadway and moving from lane unsafely. After allegedly crashing the vehicle he was driving on Buckman Road, Bethany, on Saturday afternoon, Erbach reportedly fled the scene with his children -- ages 1 and 2 -- to an address on Dublin Road. He left his children with a family friend there and went into a wooded area behind the residence. He was subsequently found by the investigating officer in the woods near a chicken coop. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Parker, assisted by Wyoming County Sheriff's Deputy Brad McGinnis, members of the NY State Police stationed in Wyoming and Genesee counties, and several other members of the GC Sheriff's Office. (Photo above from scene on Saturday.)

Julie L. Dutton, 20, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt and criminal obstruction of breathing. She was arrested after allegedly violating a complete stay away order of protection issued by Batavia City Court by staying in the same residence as the protected party. Dutton allegedly choked the protected party during this time. She was jailed without bail. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Jamie Givens.

Travis M. Blue, 31, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing. Blue allegedly choked a person during an argument on April 22. He was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in City Court on Tuesday. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Jamie Givens, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp.

Sarah M. Wilson, 31, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment -- physical contact, and failure to obey a court order. She was arrested following a call about a physical domestic incident and it is alleged that she slapped a victim in the face. She was jailed and bail set at $1,000. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Devon Pahuta, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Terrance M. Schramm, 24, of Columbia Avenue, Batavia, is charged with third-degree assault following an incident which occurred at 8:40 p.m. on April 29 on Holland Avenue, Batavia. He was arrested after a fight that allegedly involved himself and four other people. One of the people Schramm allegedly assaulted received minor injuries. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Jason Ivison, assisted by Officer Devon Pahuta.

Terrance D. Johnson, 20, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with third-degree assault following an investigation into a disturbance on Holland Avenue. He is to appear in Batavia City Court on May 27. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Samantha L. Gibbs, 25, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. She was arrested after an investigation on April 26 into an incident where Gibbs, the sole caregiver to her children, was found to be intoxicated beyond the point where she could reasonably care for her children. She was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in Batavia City Court at a later date. The case was investigated by Batavia PD Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Scott Charles Rauth, 28, of Prole Road, Stafford, is charged with felony DWI, felony DWI with a BAC of .08 or higher, aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, unlawful possession of marijuana, and motor vehicle equipment violation for no/inadequate plate lamp. The charges stem from a traffic stop in the City of Batavia on East Main Street on April 22. Rauth is to appear in City Court on Tuesday. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Nedim Catovic.

Michael F. O'Neill, 44, of Englewood Avenue, Tonawanda, is charged with DWI with a prior conviction within the preceding 10 years, DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or more with a prior conviction within the preceding 10 years, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, unlawful possession of marijuana, and speeding -- 60 mph in a 30-mph zone. O'Neill was arrested April 19 as the result of a traffic stop on Oak Street in the City of Batavia. He was arraigned and jailed without bail and is to appear in City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Carrie L. Blaszak, 44, of West Barre Road, Albion, was arrested April 26 and charged with DWI, refusing chemical testing, open container of alcoholic beverage, obstructed view, and failure to keep right. Blaszak was arrested following a traffic stop at 12:06 a.m. prompted by patrols observing a driver with "multiple signs of intoxication." She was jailed in lieu of $500 bail. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Nedim Catovic, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

James Ryan Marino, 21, of Ogden Center Road, Spencerport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, failure to obey a traffic device, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle while on a a public highway, and operation of an unregistered motor vehicle on a public highway. He was stopped by law enforcement on Clinton Street Road in Stafford on April 30. He was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in Stafford Town Court at a later date. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Corona.

Monte J. Zurlo, 40, of Bloomingdale Road, Akron, is charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated driving while intoxicated for allegedly having a BAC of .18 percent or more. The arrest followed a traffic stop on April 27. Zurlo is to appear in Batavia City Court on May 20. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Karen D. Bannister, 74, of 172 S. Main St., Apt. #207, Batavia, was arrested April 23 and charged with harassment. Her arrest was prompted by an ongoing issue between Bannister and her neighbors. It is alleged that Bannister has had repeated unwanted contact with her neighbors and had been advised by law enforcement to cease contact with them. She was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court. The case was investigated by Batavia PD Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Sarah M. Wilson, 31, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Wilson is accused of disobeying a court order to stay away from a protected party in an order of protection issued by Batavia City Court. She was arrested April 29 and released on an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court on May 19. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Nedim Catovic.

Max Lyman Metcalf Jr., 34, Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road, Oakfield, was arrested April 24 at 9:21 p.m. on South Pearl Street in Oakfield following a traffic stop. Metcalf is charged with misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, failure to use turn signal, operating an ATV without headlights, unlawful operation of an ATV on a public highway, and operating an unregistered ATV. He was involved in a short pursuit with law enforcement after being observed by deputies allegedly riding his ATV down Route 63 before turning onto South Pearl Street in the Village of Oakfield. Metcalf allegedly fled east down the abandoned railroad bed into Alabama before being apprehended. He was issued an appearance ticket and is to return to Town of Oakfield Court on May 25. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute, assisted by Deputy James Diehl.

Jeremy P. Almeter, 31, of Center Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. On the morning of April 20, following a dispute with a friend, Almeter allegedly shoved a person and threw the person's coffee outside. He was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court. The case was investigated by Batavia PD Officer James DeFreze, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Willie J. Thomas, 39, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. He was arrested after allegedly punching a person while inside a public location on West Main Street. He is to be in Batavia City Court May 5. The case was handled by Stephen Cronmiller.

Shane Zimblis, 44, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass and petit larceny. Zimblis was arrested April 28 on West Main Street Road, Batavia, following a complaint from Mill Street where Zimblis allegedly stole some scrap metal. Zimblis is set to appear in Batavia City Court on May 12. The case was investigated by Batavia PD Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Kyle J. Burdick, 26, of North Lyon Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal trespass -- remaining in a dwelling. He was arrested after being found allegedly hiding in the back room of a divided basement which belonged to another tenant. The basement is separated by a wall and the door is secured door with a latch and padlock, which had been removed. He is to appear in Batavia City Court on May 19. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Jamie Givens.

Desmond L. Majors, 22, of Dewey Avenue, Rochester, was arrested April 24 on a bench warrant for failure to appear on two counts of second-degree harassment and one count of disorderly conduct. Majors was located by Rochester PD on an unrelated traffic stop and turned over the BPD. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Ricard F. Sarro, 20, of Jackson Street, Batavia, and Shawna L. Adams (no age provided), Mia Velletta (no age provided), and Cherub E. Madafferi (no age provided) are charged with unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under age 21. They were arrested after midnight April 26 following an investigation into an under-age drinking party at 108 Jackson St. where residents had previously been warned by law enforcement about providing alcohol to persons under age 21. The case was investigated by Batavia PD Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Taein Yoon, 22, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawfully dealing with a child. Yoon, a Republic of Korea native here on a student VISA playing for GCC's Men's Soccer Team, was arrested April 26 following the report of Yoon hosting an under-age drinking party at his apartment. He was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in Batavic City Court at a later date. The case was investigated by Batavia PD Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Sean E. Allen, 21, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawfully dealing with a minor. Allen, a native of Ireland here on a student VISA playing for GCC's Men's Soccer Team was arrested April 26 following the report of Allen hosting an under-age drinking party at his apartment. He was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court at a later date and released. The case was investigated by Batavia PD Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Chiyannon James Deforest Bundy, 27, of Gilbert Street, Le Roy, is charged with failure to pay fine. He was being held in Genesee County Jail on an unrelated matter and was arrested on a bench warrant from GC Court for failure to pay his fine. He was arraigned this morning and bail set at $1,000. He was then returned to jail. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy John Baiocco.

Jorge Sosa, 47, of Masseth Street, Rochester, is charged with a violation of probation. Sosa was located in Rochester by the Henrietta PD and found to have an active warrant out of Genesee County Court. He was brought to Batavia and jailed in lieu of $3,000 cash bail. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Frank Klimjack.

Susan Foley, 47, of Woodsfield Drive, Lakeview, is charged with issuing a bad check. She turned herself in on the charge after an arrest warrant was issued by Batavia City Court. On Dec. 3, 2013, she allegedly wrote a check to a business in the City of Batavia that was returned for insufficient funds. Foley posted cash bail and is to return to City Court on May 12. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Jamie Givens.

Sabaheta Jukic, 50, of Bamm Hollow Road, Clay, is charged with possession of more than 4,000 untaxed cigarettes, speeding -- 52 in a 40-mph zone, and following too closely. Jukic was stopped April 30 on Route 77, Town of Pembroke, and subsequently allegedly found in possession of 4,000 untaxed cigarettes. Jukic was issued a traffic summons and an appearance ticket and is to be in Town of Pembroke Court on May 26. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster, assisted by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Andrea L. Hendrickson, 34, of Chesterton Road, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, obstructed plate, and obstructed driver's view. Hendrickson was stopped on April 30 on Route 77, Town of Pembroke, for vehicle and traffic charges and subsequently allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana. She was issued a traffic summons and an appearance ticket for Town of Pembroke Court for May 26. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster, assisted by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Roxanne Lynn Battaglia, 49, of Belknap Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. She was a passenger in a vehicle stopped on Route 77, Town of Pembroke, on April 30. She was subsequently allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana. She was arrested, issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in Town of Pembroke Court on May 26. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster, assisted by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Christian J. Finkney, 27, of North Pembroke Road, Batavia is charged with violating a condition of sentence. He was arrested on April 18 and released with an appearance ticket for City Court May 5. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

Joseph M. Marsceill, 48, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, was arrested April 8 on an outstanding bench warrant from Batavia City Court. The arrest came after a traffic stop on Liberty Street. Marsceill pled guilty to a previous charge of operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration and he allegedly failed to pay the resulting fine. He was released after posting bail. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Nedim Catovic.

Corina M. Distefano, 24, of Mount Read Boulevard, Rochester, was arrested for failure to appear in court after being issued a traffic ticket. She was taken into custody upon her release from Monroe County Jail on an unrelated matter. She was put in Genesee County jail in lieu of $250 bail. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Devon Pahuta.

Michael S. Gumberts, 23, of Stony Point Road, Rochester, was arrested by Town of Gates PD following a traffic stop on April 20 and turned over to Batavia PD. He had a bench warrant for failure to appear in Batavia City Court. He was jailed in lieu of $300 bail. The case was handled by Batavia PD Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Structure fire reported on Gulf Road in Attica, Alexander is responding

By Billie Owens

A structure fire is reported at 942 Gulf Road, Attica. It's a two-story, wood-frame house. Attica fire is responding along with mutual aid from Alexander.

UPDATE 3:39 p.m.: The city's Fast Team is requested to the scene. The location is near McGrath Road.

UPDATE 3:44 p.m.: The city's First Platoon is called to headquarters. Alexander requests a crew from Darien to stand by in Darien's own fire hall.

UPDATE 3:56 p.m.: Town of Batavia fire is requested to stand by in Alexander's fire hall. East Pembroke is asked to fill in at Darien's fire hall.

UPDATE 4:22 p.m.: Darien is now requested to the scene.

UPDATE 4:55 p.m.: Bethany Fire Department is asked to fill in at Attica's fire hall.

Sponsored Post: Charting a Course to Prosperity!

By Lisa Ace

Charting a Course to Prosperity! GCC’s The BEST Center and City of Batavia Offering Small Business Ownership Series.
 
Calling all aspiring entrepreneurs. Here’s your chance to find out if you have what it takes to achieve small business success. The BEST Center at Genesee Community College is partnering with the City of Batavia and the Batavia Development Corporation (BDC) to offer a three-part “Owning Your Own Business” program designed to inspire creativity, fine­ tune skills, and chart a true course to prosperity. Those interested will be able to explore, experience, and connect with resources that can help turn a dream into a reality. 
 
The program, “Get Underway: Small Business Ownership Series, begins with a series of one hour workshops where participants will explore business opportunities, assessing their personal readiness to own and operate a new business. Each session will run from noon ­1 p.m. in the second floor community room at Batavia City Hall. The following four sessions are planned and participants are encouraged to attend each one: 
  • April 22 -- Do I have what it takes to own a small business?

  • April 29 -- Can I earn a living through my passion? Maybe I should buy a business?
  • 
May 6 -- Why didn’t I think of THAT business?
  • 
May 13 -- The Sniff Test, assessing your business idea!
The sessions are $5 each for those who pre­-register online at http://www.genesee.edu/best/, or $10 each at the door.
 
The second part of the program goes beyond the basics to help participants fully develop a business concept and transition into becoming a business manager. These five weekly Wednesday evening sessions are mandatory if participants want to access grant resources available through the City of Batavia Microenterprise Grant Program. The sessions run from 6 to 9 p.m. in Room T121 of the Conable Technology Building on GCC’s Batavia campus. They include: 
  • May 27 -
- Trials, tribulations & skills of a successful business leader
  • June 3 -
-  Marketing strategies to increase sales

  • June 10 -
- Using financial information to guide my business
  • June 17 --  Learning to “manage” a business
  • June 24 -- Business plan presentation and networking 
The five­-week course costs $125 and students will receive a certificate upon successful completion. Registration for this course is also available online at http://www.genesee.edu/best/
 
The Small Business Ownership series is funded in part by the New York State Office of Community Renewal Community Development Block Grant. 
 
For more information, contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343­-0055, ext. 6616, or via e-mail: dsutherland@genesee.edu

Photos: Spring trees Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

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Upton Monument

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Redfield Parkway

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Washington Avenue

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Washington Avenue

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Centennial Park

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State Street

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VA Center

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Holland Land Office Museum

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Part-Time Children's Library Clerk Haxton Memorial Public Library is seeking a Part-Time Children's Clerk 19 Hours a week $15.00/hr. Interested applicants please go to www.co.genesee.ny.us for an application or come to the library at 3 North Pearl Street, Oakfield. Any questions, please call at (585) 948-9900
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