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Photos: Alexander tractor pull

By Howard B. Owens

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It was a rockin' good time at the Alexander Tractor Pull on Saturday night, including a performance by the band Red Creek. The show marked the 40th anniversary of Fran Norton, a drummer and Alexander resident, playing with the band, perhaps the longest run by a musician with a single band in Genesee County. 

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Motorcyle accident reported on Transit Road, Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

A motorcycle is reportedly in a ditch on Transit Road near Sweetland Road, Stafford.

Unknown injuries.

Stafford fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 8:14 p.m.: A first responder reports no motorcycle in a ditch. The dispatcher says the caller was not familiar with the area and was guesstimating the location. The first responder is asked to check the area.

UPDATE 8:16 p.m.: The caller plotted to a location north of Route 5, so a responder is asked to check that area.

UPDATE 8:21 p.m.: Several responders in multiple locations. No accident located so far.

UPDATE 8:29 p.m.: Stafford assignment back in service. 

Large rubbish fire reported on Galloway Road, west of Macomber

By Billie Owens

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A large rubbish fire which got out of control is reported by law enforcement on scene at Galloway Road, just west of Macomber Road. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Alabama, Oakfield and the Town of Batavia.

UPDATE 3:06 p.m.: Elba, Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding in non-emergency mode.

One-car rollover on Maltby Road, Oakfield

By Billie Owens

A one-car rollover accident is reported at 3238 Maltby Road. Oakfield Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. One patient is complaining of a head injury.

Muckdogs drop series finale to Doubledays

By Kurtis Dunlap

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The Muckdogs (6-12) came into Friday’s game riding a bit of a resurgence, with four wins in five games, and were looking to continue their hot stretch against the Auburn Doubledays (7-11).

Coming off his first win of the season, 19-year-old Jordan Holloway got the start for Batavia and struggled to find the strike zone all night.

The California native would walk four of the first six batters he faced and before he knew it, he was down 2-0.

“It’s a typical 19-year-old pitcher,” Manager Angel Espada said. “He’s trying to work his way through things and figure out the game of baseball.”

Just like in first inning, walks were Holloway’s downfall in the second.

Edwin Lora walked to lead off the inning. He would then steal second and after the throw sailed into centerfield, Lora would end up at third. An Andrew Stevenson groundout to shortstop scored Lora from third making it 3-0.

Holloway’s night would be over after the fourth inning. While he did strike out six and only allowed two hits, he walked six batters and hit another.

“He’s young and his trying to learn how to pitch and these are learning experiences for him,” Espada said.

Nick White came in relief of Holloway in the fifth and allowed seven hits, two walks and three runs over his three innings of work.

Ryan Hafner and Ayron Adames would pitch the final two innings of the game for the Muckdogs. Both pitchers would combine for five hits, three runs and two walks.

When the dust had settled, Batavia pitchers had combined to walk 10 Auburn batters and hit two.

“It’s just one bad game. We have been playing good baseball for the past nine or 10 games and this is just one game,” Espada said.

The only offense of the day for the Muckdogs came in the sixth inning when Giovanny Alfonzo singled with two outs and then moved to second on a passed ball.

Alfonzo then scored Batavia’s lone run on a high hit ball to center by Stone Garrett that was lost in the lights by the Doubledays' centerfielder.

Auburn was able to score three more runs in the top of the ninth in route to a 13-1 victory.

Batavia dropped to 6-13 while Auburn improved to 8-11.

“You just put it behind you and start from zero tomorrow,” Espada said. 

Photos by Howard Owens.

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Centennial Committee dresses up City Hall sign with vibrant bow

By Traci Turner

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The big flashy bow is sure to catch the eyes of anyone who drives past City Hall.

To spruce up City Hall and evoke some community spirit for the celebration of the city's 100th anniversary, the Centennial Committee decorated the sign with a banner and bow this week.

The committee originally planned on buying a bow to complement the 100-years banner but the cost was more than $200. Lisa Casey, secretary at City Hall, came up with the idea to make the bow by hand and did it for a fraction of the cost.

At first, Casey didn't know how to make a bow large enough so she asked design experts at Michael's Arts and Crafts Store for some advice. They helped her come up with a solution to make several bows and attach them to a hula hoop. From there, Casey put her creative skills to work and finished the project in a half hour.

The ribbon for the bow is made out of poly-deco mesh. The color gold was chosen to match the color scheme on the other banners hanging throughout the city. The banner on the sign was purchased from John's Studio.

The committee hopes to keep the banner and bow up for as long as possible.

Local area Girl Scouts prepare for Charity Golf Tournament

By Steve Ognibene

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(Photo above from left, back row (adults): Elba Troop 42222 leader Darcy Sewar, Oakfield Troop 42141 leader Jeanine Corbett, Laurie Shepland  -- VP of Human Resources, Ian Wetherbee -- volunteer coordinator, and Norm Hubbard, Golf Tournament Committee chair. Girl Scouts, front row, from left: Ariana Wolff, Laci Sewar, Rylee Wissinger, Abby Gardner and Ava Flores.)

Chapin International, Inc., is hosting its upcoming 8th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, Aug. 8, at Terry Hills Golf Course, 5122 Clinton Street Road, in Batavia. Each year employees raise funds to support local organizations.

“In past years we have chosen the Domestic Violence group of the YMCA, Crossroads and last year the Boy Scouts,” said Norm Hubbard, Golf Tournament Committee chair.

This year’s selected charitable organization is Girl Scouts of Western New York.

The charity fundraiser started out raising $2,000 and last year we raised over $6,000 for the Boy Scouts. Each year it has steadily increased. There are 27 hole sponsors, along with many other local contributors. The more sponsors we get will equally be divided up and recognized throughout the tournament.

Below, Girl Scouts from Elba and Oakfield troops stuff 200 golf appreciation bags provided by Chapin.

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With more than 750 mailings locally, we have three local car dealerships sponsoring a hole-in-one and chance to WIN a car as one of the special events: Castilone Chrysler Dodge and Jeep, Ken Barrett Chevrolet Cadillac, and Toyota of Batavia.

“There is no large prize for winning because we want to keep the charity in mind,” Norm said. "We recognize teams that are mixed, men, and women including Chapin’s employees. Other special events include closest-to-the-pin, longest drive, closest-to-the-line and a chance to win a set of golf clubs on the day of the event only."

The registration starts at 11 a.m. with a putting contest for a chance to sink a put and win a recliner from Max Pies Furniture as a Grand Prize. Multiple puts that sink go into a draw pool to decide the winner. There supplemental prizes, too, and lunch for everyone at noon so nobody is left out and everyone will walk away with a prize.

The golf shotgun starts at 1 p.m. and wraps up at 6, with dinner and awards following.   

To register, sponsor or donate visit the tournament Web site at:  http://www.chapincharitygolf.com/

Crash, unknown injuries on Clinton Street Road

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported in front of Select Collision, 5273 Clinton Street Road. Unknown injuries. It is not blocking traffic. Stafford Fire Department is responding, along with Mercy medics.

Law and Order: Attica woman accused of attempting to bite and punch nurse

By Traci Turner

Kerri L. Forsberg, 43, of Alexander Road, Attica, is charged with attempted assault, 2nd, and obstructing emergency medical services following an incident at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. Forsberg, who was admitted as a patient, allegedly attempted to bite a nurse and punched the nurse in the stomach several times. She was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Jeffrey M. Currier, 33, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt of court, 1st, criminal trespassing, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Currier allegedly violated an order of protection in place from the Town of Alabama Court. He is accused of calling and physically confronting the protected female. He was held on $50,000 bail.

Jamie L. Soto, 40, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, was arrested for a parole violation. Soto allegedly was in violation of terms regarding a supervised release by New York State Parole. The Genesee County Sheriff's Office assisted with the arrest. She was jailed.

Jacqueline A. Thompson, 46, of Naramore Drive, Batavia, is charged with allowing her dogs to habitually bark. According to Thompson's neighbor, she allegedly let her pair of German shepherds bark continually and habitually for 45 minutes. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Harry T. Gibson, 51, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, was arrested on an outstanding warrant issued by Batavia City Court for violation of probation while at the court for another matter. Gibson was held on $5,000 bail.

James E. Wroten, 48, and Eugene L. Sumeriski, 35, both of Olyn Avenue, Batavia, are charged with petit larceny and conspiracy, 6th. Wroten and Sumeriski allegedly stole an 18-pack of Keystone Ice from Hess Express in Batavia.

James C. Hardy, 41, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, and menacing, 3rd, following an incident at his resident. Hardy allegedly damaged property and raised his hand in an attempt to strike the victim.

Kurt. W. Hersee, 47, of Prospect Avenue, Batavia, is charged with assault, 3rd, following an incident at City Slickers Bar & Grill. Hersee allegedly punched another patron at the location. 

Michael J. Lathan, 29, of Briarwood Terrace, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd, following a complaint that happened in the Town of Batavia on June 24. Lathan allegedly smashed the exterior door to a residence with a hammer, causing more than $400 in damage.

Charles L. Smith, 41, of Richmond Avenue, Batavia, is charged with bail jumping. Smith is accused of failing to reappear in court after a case in the Fall of 2014.

Courtney M. Digennaro, 21, of Lewiston Road, Basom, turned herself into Batavia Police for two arrest warrants for parking tickets from 2013. Digennaro was released after posting $100 bail.

Friday frivolity: if animals could talk

By JIM NIGRO

Murph and Charlie were on their way to dig tunnels in the flower bed when Murph spotted trouble approaching from the rough growth at the edge of the yard. "Uh-oh -- look who's back," he said. "Do ya think two of us can handle 'im?" asked Charlie. "No way -- he didn't get that big eatin' just bugs," Murph said.

Slinking through the rough that bordered the lawn was a slithering nemesis who had time and again menaced the local chipmunks. Having spotted his potential quarry, the sinister creature mused to himself, "Isthmus be my lucky day! Little fur balls! Boy oh boy! This should be a piece of cake!"

"Listen," whispered Murph to Charlie, "we're gonna need help. Go fetch the Muldoon brothers -- they always enjoy a good scrap -- and be quick about it."

"Hey Seamus, Rory, we need your help -- the snake is back!" As expected, the Muldoon bros pledged their support, no questions asked.

"Count us in" chorused the Frawley clan, sensing the excitement and eager to join the fray.

With reinforcements on the way, Murph is temporarily on his own when he comes face to face with the adversary.......

"Hello there, my little furry and tasty friend.......why don't you come a little closer, hmmm?" No sooner had the sinister menace lisped those words when he heard approaching movement in the grass.

Raising his head to better scope out the situation, the slithering reptilian suddenly sees the potential for a one-sided melee, and the odds are no longer in his favor.

Subtle, stealthful, and none too foolish, the serpent retreats to the rough from whence he came. As for the chipmunks, they went happily about their business of once again making holes in the lawn and flower bed.

Batavia brothers bring the noise

By Jess Wheeler

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Scott DiMartino played in local bands as a teenager. He had all the sound equipment needed for his big idea. In December, he approached his brother, Danny DiMartino, with the idea to set up a portable night club in Batavia. They bought a light setup and are now staging events at T.F. Brown’s and Billy Goats with their business, Esdee Entertainment.

“Batavia has a lot of culture for bars,” Scott said. “There is Center Street, Bourbon & Burger and other places. As far as dancing goes, there isn’t really much to offer. It’s the same bars, the same bands, the same nights.”

The brothers never thought that Batavia was big enough to support a nightclub for more than six months. Scott is hoping that monthly events will get people out and give them exposure to a different scene they may not have necessarily seen before.

“We want to bring something different to this town,” he said. “People in Batavia may not have seen real mixing on turntables and that’s what we want to bring.”

The idea came to Scott after his friend, Macy Paradise, came back from Colorado for a visit. He asked Scott to play a show with him at T.F. Brown’s. At the event, Paradise spun records and DiMartino played the drums. The response was overwhelming.

“Tons of people showed up,” DiMartino said. “We received so much support from the people of Batavia that night.”

DiMartino praises Paradise and his brother for their help with bringing his idea to life, but he really does it out of his love for music. He works 55-hour weeks at his full-time job. Yet, he somehow finds the time to plan events to share his passion with the rest of Batavia.

“We are just two brothers who love music and bought a bunch of stuff with a ton of support from the community,” he said.

The duo is hosting their next event on July 24 at Billy Goats. The $5 throwback dance party is for the 21-and-over crowd. Music will be exclusively from the '80s, '90s and early 2000s. The brothers hope to turn the occasion into a giant karaoke party.

“I want to see the looks on people’s faces when they say, ‘Oh my god, I forgot this song existed!’ ” DiMartino teased. “People are going to have a really good time. I couldn’t be more excited to share this with my hometown.” 

Check out their Facebook page for updates on their future events. 

Photos by Steve Ognibene

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Federal agents disclose ongoing investigations into the sale of synthetic drug 'Flakka'

By Howard B. Owens

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While incidents involving apparent synthetic-drug use in Genesee County have dropped dramatically since the closure of the 420 Emporium, on Ellicott Street, in July 2012, the use of drugs created in clandestine overseas labs to mimic more common street narcotics is still an issue locally, according to officials.

A federal agent revealed in a press briefing in Buffalo today that there are "a couple" of ongoing investigations in Genesee County into the sale and distribution of Flakka (aka Alpha-PVP).

"The investigations involve Genesee County people," said Special Agent Brad Brechler, with Homland Security, but he offered no further details.

Brechler and Special Agent Frank Zabawa conducted a briefing for a few members of WNY media in Buffalo today to discuss what they're seeing in the region regarding synthetic drugs and how federal authorities are responding.

The issue is much bigger in Buffalo and Niagara County than it is in Batavia, a point seemingly underscored by Brechler when pointing out that the first arrest in WNY for the sale and transportation of Alpha-PVP was in Genesee County in January 2013, but in that case the two suspects were from the Steuben and Niagara counties, not Batavia, and there was no suspicion in that case of the drugs being sold locally. Batavia was just a convenient meeting place for dealer and distributor, Brechler said.

Greg Walker, head of the Local Drug Task Force, said in a separate interview today that the task force has not been involved in the current federal investigation into the local sale of Alpha PVP, but he said there have been recent indications of synthetic drugs in and around Batavia, such as deputies coming across subjects with medical conditions that suggested chemical injection of some type or subjects behaving strangely.

It's not been common or widespread by any means, Walker said.

Flakka is described in media reports as a potent hallucinogen that officials consider addictive and dangerous.

The primary country of origin appears to be China, the agents said, and that's a trade the Chinese government is doing little to stem.

"The Chinese say one of their main industries is researching chemicals for the world," Brechler said. "Until a drug is illegal in their country, they're not interested in doing anything about it."

The drug is easily obtainable over the Internet. Often, the Chinese drug manufacturers will provide U.S. dealers with Web sites, and when federal authorities seize a drug-trade Web site, the Chinese companies will have a new Web site with a new domain name set up for the same dealer in a matter of days.

Online ordering, however, does not necessarily translate into widespread sales to users.

Most online sales go to distributors.  

Users tend to be cautious about getting purchases traced back to them and most distributors require a minimum order of 25 grams, Brechler said. 

That would cost from $300 to $350, a steep price for an addict.

Those 25 grams have tremendous street value, however. A gram typically sells for $80 to $120, making 25 grams worth at least $2,000.

"The drug is so addictive, you will see people hosting house parties and just giving it away," Brechler said.

Dealers also convince their buyers that it takes a special connection in China to get the drugs.

"Some users don't realize how easy it is to get," Brechler said.

Flakka is now a controlled substance, but that doesn't make it any easier to detect when it's coming into the country. The favored port of entry is the JFK Airport because JFK deals with the highest volume of overseas mail. It's easier to slip a package through just because of the massive amount of mail officials must sort through.

Drug-sniffing dogs won't detect it and the package sizes tend to be small.

As part of an investigation, agents purchased a supply of synthetic drugs from a Chinese company and it arrived with four large pills inside. Three pills were benign chemicals and one contained the drugs, but agents e-mailed the distributor to ask which pill was their order.

"Your drugs are in the blue pill," was the reply.

"The Chinese are open about it in their e-mails," Brechler said. "Some of the more sophisticated dealers in the U.S. use coded communications, but they don't always use code and talk about it openly because of the gray area legally of drug analogs."

Synthetic drugs are illegal either because they've been identified as controlled substances, or their chemical make up is clearly intended to mimic a controlled substance. Those are known as analogs and are governed by another set of laws.

Because synthetic drugs are changing constantly and are easy to distribute and hard to detect, one of the most important responses to the drug isn't enforcement, the agents said, it's education.

Homeland Security provides bar owners, schools and concert venues information on how to recognize a possible overdose on a synthetic drug and how to provide immediate treatment until medical professionals arrive.

There was no indication from the agents when and if arrests will be made in connection with the local investigations.

Top Photo: the agents hold recently seized drugs. Bottom photo, an agent demonstrates a device that can detect synthetic drugs. It uses a laser that can detect the chemical makeup of a substance inside a bag so the agents do not need to open the bag and risk their health and safety. The device can only identify a substance already in the federal database of chemical compounds that are controlled substances or analogs, otherwise, the device reports an "inconclusive" test.

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Expect traffic delays later this month on North Street due to city road work

By Billie Owens

Press release from the city's Bureau of Maintenance:

On Monday, July 20, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. North Street from Ross Street to Naramore Drive will experience traffic delays. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane for cold milling operations. Then on Wednesday, July 22, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., the same area can expect traffic delays because of paving operations.

The following streets that intersect with North Street will see temporary traffic closures preventing access to North Street while cold milling and paving operations are ongoing:

  • Manhatten Avenue
  • Columbia Avenue
  • Vine Street
  • Trumbull Parkway
  • North Spruce Street
  • Allenview Drive
  • Naramore Drive

Residents and businesses are not to park on the roadway during cold milling and paving operations.

Residents and businesses of North Street, from Ross Street to Naramore Drive, will have access to their properties, but should expect delays when cold milling and paving operations are in front of their properties. If work is postponed by weather, work will be rescheduled for the next calendar day.

All other traffic is asked to avoid this area and seek alternate routes. Thank you for your cooperation.

Task force recommends Swan Street site for new police station

By Traci Turner

The Police Facility Task Force recommends the 35 Swan St. site as the most viable location for the new police station.

The task force voted 6 to 1 in favor of the site at its final meeting Tuesday night. The next step is to bring the recommendation to City Council.

"Really what we felt in terms of the Swan Street location is we think financially it was the second-cheapest option," Chariman Marc Staley said. "The location is excellent and the property has already been demolished."

The industrial site is located near Main Street and Ellicott Street and the cost of the project is estimated at $12 million. The large site opens up the opportunity for expansion of the police station if it is needed in the future. 

Some environmental cleanup was done by the owner of the site. If City Council moves forward with the recommendation, environmental studies will be conducted before any purchase.

The majority of the task force has been favoring the location for a couple months now.

Member Peter Garlock's vote against the location came as a shock to the task force. Garlock sent a two-page letter outlining his opposition to build a new police station a few hours before the final meeting -- opposition he never mentioned before in prior meetings, Staley said. In the letter, Garlock stated the current police station should be renovated and shared services with the Genesee County Sheriff's Office should be considered.

The task force has been meeting since December analyzing approximately a dozen sites. After walking all the sites, conducting studies and having numerous architectural drawings done, Staley feels comfortable with the recommendation. The task force has also been working closely with Chief Shawn Heubusch who supports the site.

"Now the decision is whether to invest in the community or not," Staley said. "If we go ahead and build the new police station, I think it's a spot that will hold our police here in the city for the next 75 to 100 years."

On Aug. 10, the task force will present its recommendation in a written final report to the City Council. 

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of possession of controlled substance

By Traci Turner

Tyler J. Long, 20, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and one count of unlawful possession of marijuana following an underage drinking investigation in the Town of Sheldon. Long allegedly was drinking alcohol in a concert parking lot when deputies found him to be in possession of Ecstasy, Adderall and marijuana.

Matthew D. Schwartz, 23, and Victoria L. Brown, 19, of Bergen, are charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, a class A misdemeanor. State troopers responded to a residence within a trailer park on Clinton Street Road, Bergen, for a report of criminal mischief. After an investigation, troopers found there were orders of protection in place prohibiting contact between the two. Schwartz and Brown were put in the Genesee County Jail on $1,000 bail.

Katherine J. Vail, of Fitch Street, Churchville, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, failure to stop  at a stop sign, speeding and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Following a traffic stop on Parkview Drive in Bergen, Deputy Joseph Corona allegedly found Vail in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

A 17-year-old male from Rochester was found to be in possession of a small quantity of marijuana following a traffic stop. Officer Michael Petritz pulled over the male for speeding and no right on red on Route 77 in Corfu. The male was issued tickets and an appearance ticket.

The Wyoming County Sheriff's Department responded to a two-car accident with entrapment on Route 238 in Attica on July 5. All the occupants were removed from the vehicles and treated before deputies arrived. Following an investigation, Russell Irwin, of Batavia, was allegedly found to be following too closely behind David Snyder. Sndyer was making a right turn into a driveway when Irwin struck him. Irwin was issued a citation.

Gas leak at Richmond and Oak in the city

By Billie Owens

A gasoline leak is reported at Richmond Avenue and Oak Street. Law enforcement is on scene. City fire is responding, non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 2:46 p.m.: Fuel spill clean up. Engine 11 returning to service.

Possible rollover accident near Judge and Cedar roads, Alabama

By Billie Owens

A possible rollover accident is reported in the area of Judge and Cedar roads. Alabama fire and Mercy medics are responding. The call was an automated one from the vehicle's OnStar security system and there was no voice upon a call back from a dispatcher.

UPDATE 11:28 a.m.: Alabama's Engine 1 is back in quarters. Law enforcement is on scene with the vehicle and driver.

Top Items on Batavia's List

Tourism Marketing Assistant Position The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, serving as the official tourism promotion agency for Genesee County, NY is seeking an experienced marketing professional to assist in the overall Chamber tourism and marketing initiatives for Genesee County. https://visitgeneseeny.com/about/join-our-team
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Town of Batavia Court Department is seeking a part time as needed Court Officer. Court Officers are responsible for maintaining order in the court room and court facility during proceedings. Please send resume to Town of Batavia, Attention Hiedi Librock, 3833 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. Complete job description is available on the Town web site or at the Town Hall Application deadline is April 15, 2024.
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