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April 24 is third annual Casino Night Fundraiser for GC Casa for Children

By Billie Owens

The third annual Casino Night Fundraiser to benefit abused and neglected children served by Genesee County Casa for Children will be held at Terry Hills Banquet Facility on Friday, April 24.

It starts at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $50 per person, and that includes $500 in Casino chips, food, beer, wine and $10 in free play at Batavia Downs Casino. Cash in "winnings" for tickets to Chinese auctions and a chance to win valuable prizes.

To purchase tickets or to sponsor this event visit:

CASAblanca.geneseecountycasa.org

In addition to Terry Hills and Batavia Downs Casino, sponsors include Ameriprise Financial Woodward & Associates, and National Fuel.

Batavia Concert Band announces annual Concerts in the Park

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Concert Band’s 91st season of music-making will run again this year with free public concerts in Batavia’s Centennial Park on July 1, 8, 15, 22, and July 29, as well as the ever-popular July 4 "Picnic in the Park" sponsored by GO-ART!

The Batavia Concert Band’s repertoire is wide-ranging in origin, period and style: marches, Big Band and swing numbers, popular songs from musicals and movies, jazz and rock favorites arranged for band, classical adaptations, fun songs for kids of all ages, and everything in between.

The Band consists of 45-50 brass, woodwind and percussion players ranging from talented local high school students to 60-year veterans. Many have professional experience; the rest are advanced amateur musicians. All love to play.

This year’s conductor will be John Bailey, instrumental music director at Lyndonville Central School. The July 1 and July 4 Picnic in the Park concerts will be conducted by David Keller.

Founded in the early 1920s, the Batavia Concert Band has brought musical pleasure to the region every year except during World War II. The Band currently enjoys financial support from the NY State Council on the Arts via GO-ART!, concert sponsors, program advertisers, and individual patrons. The City of Batavia supplies chairs for musicians. The Band also sponsors 50-50 raffles at every concert and a season-long 50-50 raffle. Individuals interesting in supporting the Band should contact a Board member at any concert.

Downbeat for regular season concerts is 7 p.m., Wednesday evenings, in Centennial Park, Batavia. (* In the event of rain, concerts will move to Genesee Community College. Notices will be posted at the NW corner of Centennial Park and announced on WBTA radio AM1490, posted on http://TheBatavian.com, and the Batavia Daily News Web site, http://www.thedailynewsonline.com)

All concerts are free to the public of all ages. Light refreshments are available. Bring the family, some friends, lawn chairs or a blanket… and enjoy!

For more information on the Band, how to sponsor, etc., see http://bataviaconcertband.net. We’re also on Facebook!

Flood insurance premiums going up for about 300 local property owners

By Howard B. Owens

After a decade of disastrous hurricanes and floods along the eastern and southern coasts of the United States, FEMA is flooded in debt, and that's going to lead to higher insurance costs for Batavia residents.

Assistant City Manager Gretchen DiFante said that as many as 300 local property owners are being hit with flood insurance premium increases of up to 18 percent, plus a new fee designed to circumvent a Congress-imposed cap on rate increases.

The good news is, the city can help, DiFante said.

Properties in the city's designated floodplains that were developed prior to 1982 may be eligible for a reevaluation of their flood status by going through a process that will yield flood elevation certificates.

In some cases, the properties may be taken out of the 100-year floodplain, significantly reducing insurance costs for those property owners.

The city is also working with FEMA on getting a community rating, which could reduce local premium rates across the board.

The number of points -- more points, lower rates -- that will be awarded to the city won't be know until mid-June, a month after a scheduled FEMA audit of the city's flood preparation efforts.

FEMA is $24 billion in debt after paying out on insurance policies in flood-ravaged areas of the U.S.

Many of the policies were subsidized by FEMA, which just meant reserve funds for payouts were even lower than if not subsidized, and the subsidies have just encouraged development in flood-prone areas.

In response, Congress authorized rate increases, and then pulled back after fielding constituent complaints, capping the rate increase to 18 percent.

FEMA subsequently came up with the $25 annual surcharge, but that surcharge is $250 for multi-dwelling properties and properties that are not owner-occupied.

The most immediate form of insurance relief for local property owners is getting an elevation certificate.

The engineering study costs money, but there are grants available through the city for low- and moderate-income propery owners.

While subsidized policies -- which property owners without the certificates are usually receive -- cost less in theory, the certificate can still mean lower rates.

If the certification process doesn't lower rates, insurance companies are legally bound to offer the lower rate -- subsidized or tied to the certificate, whichever is lower.

"The only risk is the cost of having it done because it may not move you at all, but it's not going to go up," DiFante said.

If you have questions about your flood insurance, call Gretchen DiFante at (585) 345-6330.

Our news partner WBTA contributed to this report.

Law and Order: Elba woman arrested second time on five counts of criminal contempt

By Howard B. Owens

Cindy Lou Bush, 53, of Route 98, of Elba, is charged with five counts of criminal contempt, 2nd. Bush was allegedly at a residence with five people under an order of protection forbidding her not to contact the individuals. She was jailed on $2,500 bail, $5,000 bond. Bush was also wanted for alleged failure to appear on five prior counts of criminal contempt stemming from a single incident.

Barbara Jean Salmon, 44, of Coal Hill Road, Taberg, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes, tinted windows and plate obstruction. Salmon was stopped at 11:38 a.m. Tuesday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Amanda Christine Paige, 24, of Park Street, Pavilion, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Paige is accused of stealing from a business.

Chris Dailey staying with Batavia City Schools

By Howard B. Owens

From The Batavian's news partner, WBTA:

Batavia School Superintendent Chris Dailey has not been selected as the next superindent of the East Rochester Union Free School District. WBTA News has learned that East Rochester will announce its new superintendent later today and it is not Dailey.

Dailey confirmed earlier this month that he was one of three finalists for the East Rochester job.

Dailey has been superintendent of the Batavia City School District for the past two years. Prior to becoming superintendent Dailey was principal of Batavia High School.

Police have suspect in alleged grave robbing case at St. Joseph Cemetery

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia PD investigators and the District Attorney's Office are sorting through legal statutes to figure out exactly what crime to charge a local 18-year-old man with after he allegedly dug up a relative's urn at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Batavia.

The 18-year-old apparently decided he wanted to keep some of ashes of a many-years-deceased relative, so he dug up the urn and took it home, according to Det. Todd Crossett.  

The hole in the ground at the cemetery was discovered yesterday and police quickly identified a suspect.

"In 18 years, this is a first," Crossett, referring to the first grave robbing investigation of his career.

Since it is an unusual case, and the fact that what was stolen is ashes, which creates a small legal wrinkle that investigators want to straighten out, they are looking for some legal clarifications before actually filing charges, Crossett said.

Crossett said an arrest could come as soon as today and police will release more details once the suspect is booked and processed.

Ken's Charcoal Pits now serving meals hot, fast, fresh and made to order

By Howard B. Owens

It was a booming first day of business for Ken Mistler's newest business venture, a downtown grill designed to give patrons quick, hot, homemade meals that they can eat-on-the-go.

Ken's Charcoal Pits features hot dogs and hamburgers, but also offers sausages and a garbage-plate style dish Ken is calling a Pit Plate. For those who want lighter fair, there is a salad bar, and grilled chicken is an option.

Everything is made to order right in front of you with the best and freshest ingredients.

The doors to the new shop are on Main Street, but patrons can also enter through City Slickers.

"We got a lot of requests for a quick lunch," Mistler said. "People would say they really liked City Slickers, but they wished they could get in and out a little quicker, but as a full-size restaurant with a full menu, it was hard to do that."

You can dine in, get your meal to go or carry it into City Slickers, where, of course, there is beer on tap.

Mistler, who owns not just City Slickers, but also Next Level Fitness, has long avoided putting his own name on his business ventures, but was persuaded to call it Ken's after his marketing consultant, Marc Tillery, presented the concept to him. The locale features drawings of Ken's two pit bulls, which are charcoal in color. Ken's Charcoal Pits. Get it?

A lot of people are getting that the food is good. Social media lit up a bit today with early rave reviews and the word spread fast with a line out the door past the normal lunch hour.

The hours are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and those hours will be extended as the weather warms up.

Sponsored Post: Dan's Tire - Unbeatable Tire Sale!

By Lisa Ace

 

Dan’s Tire & Auto is making your tire buying experience plain and simple. We won’t be undersold. We will BEAT anybody’s price on comparable tires, plain and simple.

  • No Charge to Mount
  • No Charge to Balance
  • No Charge for Valve Stems, excludes TPMS
  • No Charge to Reset Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System
  • No Charge 4-WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Not Alignment Check)
  • FREE Rotations for Life of the Tires

We want your tire business, plain and simple. After 35 years there’s one thing we’ve learned, keep it plain and simple and everybody wins. Stop in, call or e-mail to get a quote and set up your appointment.

Dan’s Tire & Auto Service Center, 48 Batavia City Centre, Batavia, NY 14020 • (585) 343-7210Saturday hours are available by appointment only.

Visit us online at: www.danstire.com or e-mail: dan@danstire.com

Must mention posting on the The Batavian at time of service. Offer applies to four new tire purchase. For aspect ratios below 50 and rim diameters 19” and higher additional mounting and balancing charges apply. Alignment includes toe-in adjustments only. Most vehicles. Cannot be combined with any other promotional offers, discounts or coupons.

GSO prepares for Sunday's concert with Dave Mancini, farewell to Raffaele Ponti

By Howard B. Owens

Nationally renowned drummer and composer Dave Mancini joins the Genesee Symphony Orchestra on Sunday afternoon in a performance that will include popular pieces such as "Caravan" and the world premier of Mancini's own "Symphony of Peace."

The 4 p.m. performance at Batavia High School will be the last GSO concert under the direction of Conductor Raffaele Ponti.

Ponti's daughter, Sofia Ponti, will also be featured on violin.

Mancini composed "Symphony of Peace" and dedicated it to his father, a World War II veteran.

The Rochester resident is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and has performed with Chuck Mangione, Rosemary Clooney, Maureen McGovern, Joe Williams, Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis and Bop Hope, as well as Doc Severinsen, the Boston Pops, Chicago Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Toronto Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, New York Pops, Vancouver Symphony, Dallas Symphony, and the Milwaukee Symphony.

Other pieces in the concert include Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man," Vivaldi's "La Primavera," Fiesta Latina, Concerto Grosso by Antonio Vivaldi, the "1812 Overture."

There will also be a performance by participants in this year's string workshop.

Tickets are available at GO ART!, Roxy's Music, Batavia Senior Center and the Bank of Castile branch in Le Roy, and are $15 for adults, $7 for students, $10 for seniors and $35 for a family with children 12 and under.

Photos are from Monday's rehearsal.

Cuomo announces $1.4 million for ag in Genesee Valley

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced $1.4 million in funding for projects related to the research, promotion and development of New York’s flourishing agricultural economy. Approved by the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority, this funding includes support for a second year of malting barley research at Cornell's New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, equipment and operating expenses at the New York Wine & Culinary Center, and funding to help Western New York maple syrup producers better market their products.

“The agricultural industry is vital to the success of Upstate New York, and by making targeted investments like this we are planting the seeds for long-term growth for New York’s farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs,” Governor Cuomo said. “This funding will support both new opportunities and existing success stories, and ultimately give farmers and vendors the tools they need to thrive in today’s competitive economy.”

Every year, the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority, in cooperation with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, solicits applications to assist in the development of agriculture and agriculture-related businesses in a nine-county region, which includes Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates counties. On Friday, March 27, the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority Board of Directors voted to fund the following projects in 2015:
· NY Wine and Culinary Center - $300,000 – equipment replacement, facility repairs and expansion, and operational costs;
· New York Wine and Grape Foundation - $216,664 – Phase Five of the NY Drinks NY campaign;
· Western NY Maple Producers - $33,336 – Mobile maple exhibit;
· Cornell Cooperative Extension of Wayne County - $60,231 – To provide support and training to farmers through a farmers’ market specialist program;
· Cornell Cooperative Extension of Wyoming County - $43,416 – To provide specialty cut flower, vegetable and mushroom production for the county’s Bhutanese market;
· New York State Agricultural Experiment Station – $74,518 – To support research to improve the profitability and productivity of lima beans in New York State;
· New York State Agricultural Experiment Station - $159,893 – To support maintenance and equipment, including a temperature controlled ploy house and summer scholar support.
· New York State Agricultural Experiment Station - $241,716 – To accelerate production of organic grains, corn and soybeans in Western NY;
· New York State Agricultural Experiment Station - $133,242 – To support the second year of a multi-year research plan for malting barley production in New York State;
· Foodlink - $100,000 – To purchase equipment necessary to maximize efficiencies and create product diversity in value-added product lines.

In addition to these projects, Governor Cuomo announced $250,000 in funding to support soil and sediment control projects in counties located in the Genesee River Watershed, including portions of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Steuben and Wyoming counties. Provided by the State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee, soil and water conservation districts can apply for grants of up to $10,000 for projects that reduce erosion or control sediment in the Genesee River Watershed. These projects can include reduced tillage practices, cover cropping, critical area seeding, riparian buffer, grassed waterways, filter areas, water and sediment control basins.

Districts can apply for the grant through the Grants Gateway program at https://grantsgateway.ny.gov/intelligrants_NYSGG/login2.aspx.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The Genesee Valley and its surrounding areas are extremely critical to the health and diversity of New York agriculture. This funding will support that diversity by making strategic investments in emerging industries that have a great future here in New York State, while protecting the region’s natural resources.”

Dennis Piedimonte, Chairman of the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority, said, “We’re happy that we can be of assistance of the agriculture community in New York State through the money we are able to raise at our market. We believe that this funding is going to be put to good use through research that will in turn help New York’s agricultural economy move forward.”

Jack Moore, board member of Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority, said, “It’s very good to see some of the GVRMA profits put to good use in the region for production agriculture. I encourage more entities to apply for such grants in the future.”

Assembly Majority Leader Joseph D. Morelle said, “For the past several years, our region has benefited from the innovative funding opportunity provided by the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority and the Department of Agriculture. I applaud the State and GVRMA for investing in important organizations like the Wine & Culinary Center and Foodlink, which are using our region’s agriculture to provide a public benefit. This year’s awards reflects the legislature’s intent when we created this mechanism, which continues to provide vital funding to promote and advance our area’s agribusiness.”

Senator Mike Nozzolio said, “This funding is extremely important to the continued success of the growing food and beverage industry in New York State and it enhances the world class agricultural research conducted at the Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva. Agriculture is our state and region’s number one industry, and continued support such as this furthers the growth of the industry by providing jobs, increased crop value and product promotion.”

Car crashes into road sign on East Main Street

By Billie Owens

A car crashed into a road sign across from Miss Batavia Diner on East Main Street. Injuries, if any, are believed to be minor. City police, fire and Mercy medics on scene.

Law and Order: Former Le Roy resident accused of cruelty to ducks and chickens

By Howard B. Owens
Howard Schultz

Howard Clarence Schultz, 56, of Chili Avenue, Rochester, is charged with five counts of cruelty to animals. Schultz was reportedly a resident of 8798 Keeney Road, Le Roy, where he kept duck and chickens as pets. He allegedly moved from the property in late January and left the ducks and chickens behind without making arrangements for their care or relocation.

Christopher John Naugle, 45, of Apple Tree Avenue, Bergen, is charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. During an argument reported at 9:06 p.m., Saturday, Naugle allegedly flipped over a table, slapped and poured beer on a person in the presence of two children.

Michael Leonard Farrell, 45, of Clio Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, possession of a controlled substance not in its original container, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and obstructed plate. Farrell was stopped at 10:55 p.m. Monday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

James Raymond Corp, 35, of Brewerton Road, Syracuse, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes and obstructed plate. Corp was stopped at 10:12 p.m. Monday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Corp was allegedly found in possession of 11,000 untaxed cigarettes.

Kathy BethAnne Woodbeck, 39, of Montgomery Street, Canjoharie, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes and obstructed plate. Woodbeck was stopped at 11:08 p.m. Friday by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Woodbeck was allegedly found in possession of 23,000 untaxed cigarettes.

Elbert L. Flint, 39, of Morse Place, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. Flint was allegedly found in possession of a cane sword.

Batavia Photography Club exhibit opens at Richmond

By James Burns

The Batavia Photography Club is holding its annual exhibit at the Richmond Memorial Library. All photos in the exhibit are from local photographers. Many of the photos on display feature local scenery and wildlife. All are invited to come see the photographs and find out more about the Batavia Photography Club. The exhibit is open through the end of the month.

P.W. Minor bringing home 100 jobs from China with aid from NYS

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that PW Minor, a manufacturer and international distributor of leather footwear and orthopedic products, will bring previously outsourced production work from China back to New York State. The move will create 100 additional jobs at the company’s Batavia facility. This news comes on the heels of the Governor’s announcement in August 2014 that PW Minor, which was scheduled to close on July 31, 2014, will remain open under new local ownership and management, retaining more than 50 manufacturing jobs.

“I am pleased that these jobs are being brought back to New York State, where they belong,” Governor Cuomo said. “Our priority is not only to attract new businesses to New York, but also to ensure that the ones already here continue to grow. PW Minor’s decision to bring jobs back to Western New York will add to the region’s growing reputation as a great place for businesses to thrive and I look forward to their continued success.”

The owner of PW Minor, which was founded by two brothers in 1867 shortly after they returned from fighting in the Civil War, is Batavia Shoes LLC, headed by Andrew Young and Peter H. Zeliff. PW Minor is one of a few remaining shoe manufacturers in the United States and the oldest company in Genesee County.

Andrew Young said, “What an awesome opportunity for us to positively impact our community. The people of PW Minor have stepped it up and my money is on them that they will again. We look forward to growing production in Batavia and adding to the PW Minor family.”

Peter H. Zeliff said, “Bringing our production back to New York is our priority. There will come a day when again we can proudly stamp “Made in America” on each and every pair of shoes with the PW Minor brand name.” We are excited to be a part of the resurrection of this American icon.

PW Minor’s $7.35 million project will automate its processes, allowing the company to close the gap between Batavia and China and thereby granting the company the ability to shutdown overseas operations and bring 100 new jobs to Batavia. Empire State Development (ESD) will provide up to $1.75 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits in return for job creation commitments. This is in addition to the previously awarded $449,505 in 2014. If ESD did not incentivize this project, the company would not be able to close production in China and continue to grow in Batavia.

Howard Zemsky, President, CEO & Commissioner of Empire State Development, said, “PW Minor’s decision to bring jobs back from overseas is a testament to the quality of the region’s workforce and New York State’s welcoming environment for growing a business. It’s great news that more than one hundred employees of this iconic and valued business will continue to make hand-crafted quality shoes in Batavia for years to come.”

President and Chief Executive Officer of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Steve Hyde said, “The Governor and his economic development team at Empire State Development have once again made a significant commitment to Genesee County to bring new jobs and investment to our region. It’s also a belief in the vision and business acumen of Pete Zeliff and Andrew Young in their efforts to restore the rich tradition of PW Minor in our community.”

Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer said, “PW Minor’s decision to continue doing business in the City of Batavia and bring jobs back from China is proof positive that Genesee County is a good place to operate a business. With the partnership between Governor Cuomo, Empire State Development and this historic business, the opportunities for Genesee County residents continue to grow.”

Assemblyman Stephen Hawley said “As a small-business owner, I know the struggles and successes that New York’s small-business owners face on a daily basis. Locally-owned businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and I am proud to see my business advocacy in Albany materialize. I am thankful to Pete Zeliff and Andrew Young for re-energizing the new PW Minor as an historic mainstay of our Western New York economy.”

Genesee County Chairman Raymond F. Cianfrini said, “Today is a great day for PW Minor and its employees and a great day for Genesee County. Our thanks go out to Peter Zeliff and Andrew Young for saving this historic business when it was on the brink of closure and now, with New York State’s assistance, bringing additional jobs back from overseas. We in Genesee County are fortunate to have these two individuals, as well as the support of Empire State Development, who are committed to economic development and keeping our county vibrant.”

City of Batavia Council President Brooks Hawley said, “P.W. Minor has been a company deep routed in Batavia for well over 100 years and I am thrilled to see their continued growth in our community. Thanks to Empire State Development for the State’s incentives and to the commitment of new, local owners, Andrew Young and Peter Zeliff, PW Minor has a bright future in Batavia.”

Photo: Barn on Upper Holley Road, Byron

By Howard B. Owens

Out and about late this afternoon, I found myself in a situation that hasn't come up for a long time -- I was driving on a road in Genesee County that I've never been on. In this case, Upper Holley Road, Byron. And I saw this barn I've never seen before. I also found both batteries in my Nikon were dead, so this was actually shot with my iPhone.

Alexander GOP seeks candidates for offices

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

The Alexander Republican Committee is seeking registered party members interested in being selected as the Endorsed Republican Candidates for the following offices in the November 3rd, 2015 general election:  Town Supervisor, Town Council Member (2 Seats), Town Clerk, Town Highway Superintendent, County Legislator, District #6 (Pavilion, Bethany, Alexander).

Interested persons are requested to send a letter of interest and resume to:  Barbara J. Eddy, Alexander Republican Chairperson, 11054 Alexander Rd., Attica, NY  14011.  Letters must be postmarked no later than Monday, April 13, 2015.  Endorsement meeting will take place April 23, 2015 at the Alexander Town Hall at 7:00 p.m.

Batavia resident wins Non-Commission Officer of the Year from NY National Guard

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Staff Sgt. Christian Hager, a Batavia resident and medical technology student, has been named Non-Commission Officer of the Year for the New York Army National Guard following a five-day competition at Camp Smith Training Site near Peekskill.

Hager, a member of Company A, 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry, competed with five other non-commissioned officers, during the event.

Hager, age 26, has served in the Army National Guard since 2008. He deployed to Kuwait in 2012 with other members of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He serves as an infantry squad leader in his Guard unit, which is based at the New York State Armory in Geneseo.

He will now go on to compete with top NCO's from the other northeast states in a competition held at Vermont's Camp Ethan Allen. The winner of that competition goes onto compete against Army National Guard Soldiers from around the country.

The Best Warrior competition tests participant's physical fitness, military knowledge, Soldier skills, and marksmanship ability. Competitors fire the M-4 rifle on both a convention range and in a stress shoot which combines marksmanship with physical demands like running, towing a casualty stretcher, and carrying a heavy load.

This year the event also incorporated a swimming test, M-9 pistol marksmanship exercise and a 12 kilometer timed march with full pack.

Scoring well in these events enabled the participants to qualify for the German Military Proficiency Badge. The New York Army National Guard has an agreement with the German military representative at the United States Military Academy which allows instructors at Camp Smith to award the badge.

Hager was one of five of the 11 participants in the Best Warrior enlisted Soldier and Non-Commissioned Officer competitions to complete the requirements for this award.

Law and Order: Man arrested on weapon charge after report of shots fired in Basom

By Howard B. Owens

Jonathan Chris Shirley, 33, of Council House Road, Basom, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, failure to comply with lawful order, unlicensed operation, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and no use of signal lamps. Shirley was stopped at 8:24 a.m. Sunday by Deputy Chad Cummings following a complaint of shots fired in the neighborhood on Council House Road, Basom. Shirley's vehicle was stopped and he was found to allegedly be a felon in possession of a weapon. He was jailed without bail. Deputies Christopher Parker, Brad Mazur and Cory Mower, along with State Police assisted in the response and investigation. 

Alexander D. Sweeney, 23, of Redfern Drive, Churchville, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Sweeney was stopped at 1:20 a.m. Sunday on Lake Street, Village of Le Roy, by Le Roy PD.

Timothy L. Freeman, 46, of Pavilion, is charged with menacing, 3rd. Freeman allegedly threatened a woman during an argument at a residence in Covington. State Police responded. He was jailed on $2,500 bail. An order of protection was issued.

William S. Smith, 47, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Smith was allegedly found in possession of marijuana during a traffic stop at 10:57 p.m. Saturday on Main Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Kenneth Russell Hernandez, 49, of Adams Street, Rochester, was arrested on a warrant stemming from a petit larceny charge. Hernandez was arrested upon his release from the Monroe County Jail, arraigned in Bergen Town Court, and jailed on $1,000 bail.

Kristine Elizabeth Harmon, 37, of Lincoln Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, speeding and driving a vehicle without an inspection certificate. Harmon was stopped at 12:36 a.m. Friday on Pearl Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Allyn Jay George, 49, of Council House Road, Basom, is charged with menacing, 2nd. George allegedly threatened another person with a firearm during an argument, which was reported at 5:53 a.m., Friday. He was jailed on $500 bail.

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
Tags: Jobs offered
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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