Skip to main content

Can you cash my check?

By Billie Owens

A caller complains to dispatch that a white male, 50ish, about 6 feet tall, is going door to door asking for cash in exchange for a check in the area of Route 5 and Keeney Road, Le Roy.

A deputy asks "Is this the same guy from earlier?" No, the dispatcher replies "That was an older male who looked like Marilyn Manson," and a deputy went looking for him and couldn't find him -- in the vicinity of Route 5 and York Road, Le Roy.

Grass fire off eastbound Thruway by State Street overpass

By Billie Owens

A grass fire off the eastbound Thruway is reported in the area by the State Street overpass. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 11:52 a.m.: A fireman at the scene says it's a controlled burn that's being tended to. It's "a bit smoky" but is not an impediment to traffic.

Car hits tree on Jefferson Avenue

By Billie Owens

Somebody's vehicle hit a tree on Jefferson Avenue in the city by Wendy's and Tim Horton's and the tree is said to be hanging at a 45-degree angle over the roadway.

UPDATE 11:31 a.m.: It is believed that a large commercial truck that was parked in the area damaged the tree when it left and a police officer is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 11:27 a.m. (by Howard): The tree would have been planted about 2004. It would have been about two inches in diameter at the time. It's now four or five inches and would cost from $400 to $500 to replace with a tree of the same size, according to the county Department of Public Works.

Rollover accident on westbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A rollover accident is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 386.4. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:09 a.m.: There's one patient, the driver, who is out of the vehicle and walking around, according to a medic on scene. Only one vehicle is involved and it is partially blocking a lane of traffic. It was towing a trailer and landed on its side.

UPDATE 11:12 a.m.: The male driver will be a sign-off. Responders are directing traffic around the accident.

UPDATE 11:16 a.m.: The vehicle is a pickup truck that is "drip, drip, dripping" diesel fuel and asorbant materials will be used to clean it up.

Law and Order: Truck driver involved in accident accused of DWI

By Howard B. Owens

David E. Muffley, 63, of Druck Valley Road, York, Pa., is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Muffley was reportedly involved in an accident at 6:20 p.m., Thursday, at the intersection of Route 63 and Route 20. Muffley was allegedly operating a loaded tractor-trailer while intoxicated and attempted to turn right onto Route 63 and struck a vehicle stopped on Route 63. The accident was investigated by Deputy Cory Mower.

Clifford Leo Regimbal, 34, of Granite Street, Webster, Mass., is charged with criminal possession of stolen property with a value of more than $3,000. Regimbal was arrested in Webster, Ma., on unrelated charges and held as an alleged fugitive from justice on the Genesee County charge. He was returned to New York and jailed on $20,000 bail. Regimbal also has warrants issued by the courts in Corfu, Alexander and Rochester.

Francis E. Ikokide, 42, of 3330 Weston Road, Apt. 316, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. Ikokide was stopped at 6:22 a.m. on Oak Street by Officer Felicia DeGroot for alleged defective brake light. Ikokide was allegedly found to have a suspended license. Ikokide posted $100 police bail and was released.

Nicholas Christian Doell, 22, of Lippold Road, Darien, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and possession of a controlled substance not in original container. Doell was allegedly found by his probation officer in possession of controlled substances concealed in a cigarette pack at 5 p.m., Friday. He was jailed on $500 bail. (Doell was allegedly involved in a high-speed chase with deputies and tasered Saturday night.)

Amanda Rose McDonald, 31, of Cherry Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. McDonald is accused of shoplifting from Walmart.

Terry Lynne Butler, 54, of Genesee Street, Le Roy, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, recless driving, moving from lane unsafely and improper signal. Butler was allegedly observed driving at 11:54 p.m., Friday, on Lewiston Road when her vehicle nearly collided with oncoming traffic. She was arrested by Deputy John Weis.

Dylan Jacob Keem, 19, of Folsomdale Road, Cowlesville, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Keem was allegedly found in possession of marijuana concealed in a vehicle during an investigation on Route 77, Darien, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Also arrested was Benjamin Edward Burek, 19, of Burrough Road, Cowlesville. Burek was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and consumption of alcohol under 21 years of age.

Terry Robert Konfederath, 51, of Meadowbrook Terrace, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .01 or greater, failure to keep right and moving from lane unsafely. Konfederath was stopped at 12:47 a.m., Saturday, on Genesee Street, Pembroke, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Daniel Lynn Diguardi, 31, of Upper Holley Road, Holley, is charged with falsifying business records, 2nd. Diguardi is accused of claiming ownership of property owned by Rent-a-Center that he allegedly pawned at Pawn King. Diguardi turned himself in on an arrest warrant to Deputy John Baiocco.

Benjamin Gove Evans, 24, of Maple Street, Batavia, was taken into custody on arrest warrants for alleged failure to pay fine on an attempted petit larceny charge. Evans appeared before Justice Tom Williams and promised to return the next day and make a fine payment and to make his payments every week until paid off.

Mary Jean Daniel, 26, of Morrow Road, Pavilion, is charged with petit larceny. Daniel allegedly stole an unassembled TV stand from Kmart.

Derrick R. Kio, 22, of Wyoming, is charged with criminal mischief (preventing emergency call), harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Kio was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident reported at 10:24 a.m., Saturday, in the Town of Pavilion. No further details were released.

Melee with park patrons and ATVers at Trestle Park

By Billie Owens

The riders on three or four ATVs are arguing with other park patrons at Trestle Park in Byron and otherwise giving them a hard time. There is reportedly an assault going on, too. "A group of Hispanics" approached and joined in the goings on. Law enforcement is on scene. A responder there says "Sounds like it's starting to heat up again."

UPDATE 8:53 p.m.: Some responders indicate having difficulty finding the location. It's "by the fishing park, down the trail, over the steel bridge, 1/4 mile to the pond where there's a mowed field and picnic area." Subsequently, responders told dispatchers things had "settled down some" and that one suspect is still on scene and another one left the area.

Photos: Dandelions at Centennial Park

By Howard B. Owens

When I drove past Centennial Park today it was quite a sight with all the dandelions in bloom.

If you look closely, you can see a tiny little bug climbing up the stem.

GCC graduates what may be a record-sized class

By Howard B. Owens

There were 998 students in today's graduating class at Genesee Community College. Pending completion of course work, that could be the largest graduating class in the history of GCC.

Sen. Catherine Young, whose district includes Livingtson County, was the commencement speaker (pictured above). Young spoke about growing up on a farm, facing challenges and she encouraged the students to remember that they can always overcome setbacks.

Tased motorcyclist racks up slew of misdemeanor charges following Saturday night's high-speed chase

By Billie Owens

The 22-year-old man who got Tased by a deputy Saturday after a high-speed chase in the Darien area is identified as Nicholas Christian Doell , according to a press release today from the Sheriff's Office.

Doell, who lives on Lippold Road, Darien, was riding a 2003 Harley Davidson at a quarter to nine last night when he allegedly failed to stop for an officer attempting to stop him for allegedly violating traffic law and for having vehicle violations.

After zooming 90 mph through Darien, Alexander and Town of Batavia, the defendant allegedly fled on foot and "was tased to effect arrest" in front of My Saloon on Route 20 in Darien Center.

The motorcyclist racked up a slew of misdemeanor charges, including unlawful fleeing a police officer, resisting arrest and reckless driving.

Other charges are: failure to yield right of way to an emergency vehicle; uninspected motor vehicle; operating without insurance; having modified exhaust on a motorcycle; two counts of improper left turn on a two-way road; three counts of improper / no turn signal; two counts for failure to stop at stop sign; speed in zone (90 mph in a 30-mph zone); speed over 55 mph (90 / 55); and failure to keep right.

Doell was arraigned in Town of Darien Court then jailed with bail set at $5,000 cash. He is scheduled to reappear in town court on June 4.

He was also issued tickets in the Town of Batavia and will appear in court there June 3 on charges of: unregistered motor vehicle; failure to stop at stop sign; speed in zone (90 / 45); improper / no turn signal; and speed over 55 (90 / 55).

In addition, he was issued a ticket for Town of Alexander Court and will appear in that court June 4 for alleged failure to stop at stop sign.

The incident was investigated by deputies J.M. Diehl and K.R. McCarthy.

Taser deployed on suspect following high-speed chase of motorcycle

By Howard B. Owens

A deputy was involved with a high-speed chase of a motorcycle in the Darien area and then a deputy reported some sort of confrontation on Route 20.

Seconds later he reported Taser deployed in front of My Saloon on Route 20 in Darien Center.

A Mercy EMS ambulance is requested to the scene.

Other law enforcement units are responding.

Possible house fire on West Main Street Road

By Billie Owens

A possible house fire is reported at 3728 W. Main St. Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding along with Alexander's Fast Team.

UPDATE 8:28 p.m. Alexander is cancelled, along with East Pembroke fire.

Car wreck with injuries on eastbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injury is reported on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 386. Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 8:30 p.m.: A male is being taken to UMMC for evaluation, with no complaints of pain. This was a car / deer accident.

BBQ grill fire in backyard on Bank Street in the city

By Billie Owens

A BBQ grill fire is reported at 118 Bank St. in the backyard. City fire is responding.

UPDATE 5:26 p.m.: Firefighters on scene report nothing showing.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: Fire is out. Firefighters are returning to quarters.

UPDATE 5:30 p.m.: It was a grease fire. The assignment is in service.

Three-car accident reported on Thruway in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident has been reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 386.7 in the eastbound lane.

As many as three cars may be involved and there are possible injuries.

Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 4:52 p.m.: Fire crews on scene. There are no reports of any serious injuries.

LCCP celebrates 15 years of service to Le Roy Community with picnic in Trigon Park

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy Christian Community Project celebrated its 15th anniversary today with a picnic in Trigon Park, which featured chicken BBQ, live music, games, booths and beautiful spring sunshine.

LCCP is a coalition of Le Roy churches that provides a variety of outreach and community services to the people of Le Roy, including after school programs, free weekly meals and a caregivers support group.

Genesee ARC holds annual banquet and awards ceremony

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Genesee ARC’s Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate and say thank you to those who have made a difference to Genesee ARC over the past year.

In addressing guests at Friday’s event at the Clarion Hotel, Executive Director Donna Saskowski described the last 12 months as challenging.

“We have faced the loss of a major contract (trash and recycling) as well as state budget reductions that may change how we do business in the future,” Saskowski said. "However, through all of that I continue to see a very dedicated group of staff and supportive families working to help guide our way."

Looking to the future, Saskowski said, “We are not going anywhere; we are here for the long haul. I can say this with conviction because our mission is to provide supports and services to individuals with disabilities and their families.”

The 2013 Spirit of ARC Award was presented to the Genesee County Office for the Aging and Director Pamela Whitmore. This award was established eight years ago to recognize an organization, business, family or individual that exemplifies the mission of ARC. Genesee ARC’s relationship with the Office for the Aging began more than three years ago when they reached out to ARC’s vocational department to request assistance in setting up tables for various activities at the Senior Center on Bank Street. This has resulted in part-time employment for three or four people several times per week ever since.

Earlier this year, Genesee ARC’s Culinary Arts Program was awarded the contract to provide meals for Genesee County’s Meals on Wheels program.

“This was the beginning of four new jobs for people we support,” Saskowski said. “Ten months later we are producing more than 100 meals daily and this contract maintains employment for those four people who are also doing something they love.”

Additionally, the Genesee County Office of the Aging provides support to some ARC seniors and assistance with tax preparation each year for many people served by ARC.

Volunteer of the Year honors were presented to Dawn Fisher, a Human Services teacher at Genesee Valley Educational Partnership.

Saskowski said, “Dawn embraces the values of integrity, honesty, and independence and is always looking for integration opportunities for people with disabilities.”

Fisher coordinates many activities involving her human services students and individuals from ARC. The Volunteer of the Year is also active in the Challenger Sports program, is a key volunteer for the Challenger Winter Fun Day and is a longtime member of the Down Syndrome Parent Support Group of Genesee County that has been supportive of Genesee ARC’s mission.

In the youth category, the spotlight was on Ashley McCormack, 12, of Darien as she was presented Youth Spotlight Award. ARC Director of Development Shelley Falitico presented the award and shared that when Ashley has a goal in mind, she does everything she can to accomplish it!

“Last fall Ashley raised $875.00 for Genesee ARC through the Challenger Sports Bowling Party. In 2010, she raised $610,” Falitico said.

Ashley has been involved in Challenger Sports since ARC’s collaboration with the YMCA began seven years ago.

“Whether soccer, dance, bowling or baseball, Ashley always gives 110 percent,” Falitico said.  

Friend of ARC Awards were presented to:

Laverne Bates, for helping develop a golf program for individuals with disabilities served by Genesee ARC and for enlisting the enthusiastic volunteer support of his family;

Ben Bonarigo, in recognition of his longtime support and commitment of Genesee ARC programs and services;

Deirdre Pehrson, a special education teacher at Genesee Valley Educational Partnership for going above and beyond to help her students excel and succeed;

Mosman Paint & Wallpaper for the difference they make in the lives of individuals with disabilities at the Genesee ARC Day Habilitation Center by donating items used for arts and crafts;

Brandon Armstrong, owner of City Styles Barber Shop, was recognized for his welcoming ways with individuals from one of ARC’s residences, who are customers of the shop;

and Cory Weber, a volunteer who has helped out with Special Olympics Track & Field, Softball and Snowshoeing competitions.

The following received Genesee ARC Achievement awards: Tyler Kreutter,
Stacy Gill, Deborah Lehman, Sarah Dieck, Jennifer Pawlak, Betsy Hamilton, Valerie Penepent, Terry Warters and Samuel Russell.

Genesee Staff Shining Star honorees for 2013 are: Vanessa Dempsey, Medicaid Service coordinator; Theresa O’Hearn, Day Habilitation specialist; Catherine Pangrazio, bus aide; Rebecca Podlasek, Culinary Arts specialist and Karen Roesch, residential assistant.

Longevity awards went to the following individuals: Dan O’Grady, Joe Barone and George Hughes -- 40 years;  Madaline Cleveland, Jeff Glazier, Liana Harding -- 35 years; Julieanne George, Sherry Markle -- 30 years; Judy Chapell, Ben Conwell, Paul Alexander -- 25 years; William, Joseph Mergler, Paul Miller, Alan Nygard, Cheryl Squires, Dolores Wanser, Rebecca Ritz and Marguerite Rodriguez -- 20 years.

Staff longevity award recipients were: Sandy Konfederath -- 20 years; Joseph Hoak, Teresa Hodge, Nicole Mudrzynski and Traci Manes -- 15 years;  Andrea Anderson, Leoti Cudney, Jennifer Elmore, Sandra Moskal, Catherine Schultz and April Zeilman -- 10 years.

The Master of Ceremonies was Assemblyman Steve Hawley. There were more than 325 guests in attendance at the banquet, which also serves as Genesee ARC’s official annual meeting.

Board Officers for the upcoming year are: Candie Pocock, president; Debrah Fischer, vice president; Jane Scott, treasurer and Deborah Riggi, secretary.

Photo from Genesee ARC. Pictured are, Pam Whitmore, representing the Genesee County Office for the Aging -- Spirit of ARC Award; Dawn Fisher -- Volunteer of the Year; Assemblyman Steve Hawley -- Master of Ceremonies; Donna Saskowski -- ARC Executive Director, and (seated), Ashley McCormack -- Youth Spotlight Award.

Catch of the day: A Great Dane on Horseshoe Lake Road

By Howard B. Owens

A couple is roadside in the area of Prole Road and Horseshoe Lake Road with a Great Dane who is "very friendly" that they found wandering in the area.

The animal control officer is on another call and about to go off shift, so a dispatcher raised a deputy on air and informed him, "I guess you're the Great Dane catcher today."

"It's what I live for," responds the deputy drolly.

UPDATE: The owner has been located and the deputy can stand down.

Car crash at Akron and Alleghany roads, Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported at Akron and Alleghany roads. It is blocking traffic. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and medics are responding. Fire Police are at the scene handling traffic. One person has a minor chest injury.

Dwyer Stadium's box office opens Monday, Muckdog tickets on sale for "Magic" 2013 Season

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Dwyer Stadium Box Office opens for the 2013 season at 9 a.m. Monday, May 20. Tickets for Opening Day and ALL regular season games for the 2013 season will be on sale. The box office will be open until 5 p.m.

Normal box office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Fans interested in season tickets can also stop by the stadium and pick out their seat for the 2013 season.

The Muckdogs open their 2013 home schedule on Tuesday, June 18th vs. the Auburn Doubledays at 7:05 p.m.

The Batavia Muckdogs, Genesee County’s only professional sports franchise, have also released their 2013 slogan of "Muckdogs Magic." Part of this magic is the new and improved promotional schedule featuring fireworks, giveaways, special events, and daily promotions.

The Muckdogs will again offer fans a daily menu of money-saving promotions available throughout the season.

Each week the magic begins with Muckdog Mondays sponsored by The Daily News. Every Monday home game, fans can magically get a free ticket to the game. All they need to do is purchase one General Admission ticket, grab a coupon out of the Saturday edition of The Daily News; and viola! A FREE TICKET!

The magic only gets better when Tuesday’s roll around with Kids’ Tuesday Night Tickets courtesy of New York’s 529 College Savings Program. Every Tuesday home game, the first 50 kids accompanied by an adult will receive a free General Admission ticket.

On Wednesday, the magic expands to the entire family with our Family Four Packs presented by MVP Healthcare. Fans can purchase four general admission tickets, four hot dogs, four 12 oz. sodas and a 2013 program for only $30, a savings of $14.

On Thursday nights, Bob Evans Restaurant helps spread the magic when they will sponsor our Kids Eat Free promotion. At every Thursday home game, the first 100 kids 12 & under will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soda and snack item.

Friday nights will once again bring magic to the stadium as fireworks will again light up the sky after every Friday night game at Dwyer Stadium, as well as on the annual Independence Day celebration on July 3rd.

Every Saturday will feature some magical pre-game concerts in the concourse. These “Rock the Ballpark” events are presented by Tim Horton’s of Batavia and New Buffalo Impact with Papa and Mama Root, an oldies rock and roll tribute band, and original music recording artists. All performances begin at 6 p.m. and are weather permitting.

A new addition to the lineup this year is Sudsy Saturday presented by Eastown Beverage and Redemption Center. Every Saturday home game, 12-oz. Genny Light drafts will be just $1 from 6 to 7 p.m.

At Sunday home games, kids can run the bases with Homer after the game, courtesy of Bob Evans Restaurant, helping to create some magical memories. Also on Sundays, the first 100 seniors will magically receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soda/coffee, and a bag of pretzels courtesy of The Williams Law Firm.

Other games of note on the Muckdog Magic schedule include:

Opening Day/Magnet Schedule Giveaway                            Tuesday, June 18th 
Irish Night                                                                               Thursday, June 20th
Muckdogs Car Decal Giveaway                                             Saturday, June 22nd
Personal First Aid Kit Giveaway                                            Friday, June 28th       
Independence Day Celebration Fireworks                            Wednesday, July 3rd  
Prostate Cancer Awareness Day                                           Sunday, July 14th
1960 Cy Young Winner Vern Law Autograph Appearance     Monday, July 15th
1970 Cy Young Winner Jim Perry Autograph Appearance     Tuesday, July 23rd

Bark in the Park                                                                     Sunday, July 28th       
Team Photo Giveaway                                                           Saturday, Aug. 10th   
Post-Game Candy Drop from a Helicopter                              Sunday, Aug. 11th  
'80s & '90s Rack Pack Card Giveaway                                    Saturday, Aug. 17th
Genesee Valley Penny Saver Giveaway                                Wednesday, Aug. 21st                                                                                
Fireworks Nights will be as follows: June 21st, June 28th, July 3rd, July 12th, Aug. 9th, and Aug. 16th.

Location: Dwyer Stadium, 299 Bank St., Batavia

Phone: 585-343-5454 / Fax: 585-343-5620

Web site: www.muckdogs.com <http://www.muckdogs.com

The Batavia Muckdogs are the short-season, Class A affiliate of the Miami Marlins and are the last remaining founding member of the New York-Penn League, dating back to 1939. The Batavia Muckdogs are operated by the neighboring Rochester Red Wings.

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
Tags: garage sales

Authentically Local