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Family hopes to find driver of red SUV involved in hit-and-run accident in Elba

By Howard B. Owens

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Somebody knows who was driving this vehicle at 10:40 a.m., Saturday, when it T-boned a car with two small children in it at the intersection of North Byron Road and Transit Road, Elba.

The driver fled the scene and the vehicle was found in a wooded area the next day off of Spoil Bank Road, in the mucklands.

The car had Ohio plates that didn't match the VIN number. There were receipts for Verizon calling plans in the vehicle.

Peggy Zambito, the grandmother of the two children, said her family is offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver.

It's a miracle and only through the grace of God, she said, that she, her daughter, Mercy Caparco, and her two grandchildren, Maggie, 5, and Molly, 2, were uninjured in the accident.

The Ford Explorer Caparco was driving rolled over multiple times and narrowly missed hitting a fire hydrant and a tree.

The other driver, Zambito said, was speeding and though they saw him coming, couldn't avoid getting hit.

"I knew he was going so fast he wouldn’t have been able to stop if he tried," Zambito said.

Zambito said the safety features of the vehicle -- strong seatbelts and side airbags -- helped keep them all safe.

"I will always be haunted by the face of my daughter looking, craning her neck as we're rolling over to look (at her children)," Zambito said. "She said, 'Mom, I don't see blood. I don't see blood.' That will haunt me to my dying day."

She was able to find her mobile phone and call 9-1-1 as soon as the car stopped rolling over.

"I'm a retired nurse," she said. "I tend to stay calm in an emergency and then fall apart later."

The rear axle with a tire attached snapped off and landed 30 feet from the vehicle.

"It's a miracle we were able to just get out of that vehicle," she said.

Incredibly, the insurance company originally said it wouldn't total the car, but only pay for repairs, but then later today, Zambito said, she got word the decision was being reconsidered by another department.

Zambito realizes the red SUV that struck them may have been driven by a migrant worker, perhaps undocumented, which is why he fled, but she also realizes, she said, most migrant workers are decent, hard-working and family oriented. Perhaps if this story makes the rounds or a worker sees the posters the family plans to post at the Yellow Goose in Elba, somebody will come forward and identify the driver.

Apparently, one person did tell a deputy who he thinks usually drives the vehicle, but that person has witnesses who say he was at work at the time of the accident, Zambito said.

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Vehicle found in Elba may be linked to Saturday morning's hit-and-run accident on Transit Road

By Billie Owens

A caller to dispatch believes he may have discovered the vehicle involved in a hit-and-run accident shortly after 10:30 Saturday morning on Transit Road in Byron.

Law enforcement units are responding to Spoil Bank Road in Elba, in the mucklands, where the caller found a vehicle well off the roadway with heavy front-end damage. 

There were no serious injuries in the accident, which resulted in one vehicle rolling over multiple times and landing on its side.

For initial report click here.

Law and Order: Pratt Road resident charged with three counts of burglary, already in jail on unrelated charges

By Billie Owens

Clifford Adam Keene, 38, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with three counts of second-degree burglary. Keene was arrested following an investigation into two residential burglaries. It is alleged that Keene is responsible for a burglary in the Town of Batavia which occurred at noon on March 8 on West Main Street Road. He is accused of entering a residence and stealing a television. It is also alleged that he entered a residence on Marble Road in the Town of Pembroke on two separate occasions on March 4, stealing a crossbow and long guns. Keene was arrested and arraigned Sept. 8 and is due to return to Batavia Town Court Sept. 27 and to Pembroke Town Court Oct. 6. He is presently incarcerated in Genesee County Jail on unrelated charges. The case was handled by Sheriff's deputy Joseph Graff, assisted by Deputy Brad Mazur.

Francis W. Derenzo, 60, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with depositing trash and having an open container of alcohol. At 9:11 a.m. on Sept. 8, Derenzo was arrested on Ellicott Street for allegedly consuming an open container of Coors Light beer while walking on the sidewalk. Derenzo allegedly also threw the beer can, causing litter. Derenzo was issued two appearance tickets for City Court on Sept. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis.

Jaime B. Janiga, 55, of Bank Street Road, Elba, is charged with failure to appear in connection with an incident which occurred at 1:28 a.m. on July 10 on Vine Street in the City of Batavia. Janiga was arrested following an accident investigation into an unrelated matter. Janiga was taken to BPD headquarters, processed, arraigned in City Court, and is due to return to court on Oct. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Sponsored Post: Register today for the Genesee ARC Friends & Family 5K!

By Lisa Ace

Register today for the 12th annual Genesee ARC Friends & Family 5K on Sept. 17! This event is a memorial to Mary Anne Graney -- parent, educator, advocate and friend of the ARC. Her dedication to the people with development disabilities and their families have enriched countless lives. The Graney family is pleased that funds raised in this event will help benefit education through the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship. For more information, visit us online at www.genenseearc.org. For questions, please contact Sandy Konfederath at 585-343-4203, ext. 223, or by email: skonfederath@geneseearc.org.

Second annual Elba Hall of Fame Banquet set for Sept. 24 at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos.

Press release:

The 2nd annual Elba Hall of Fame Banquet will be held on Sept. 24th at Batavia Downs. Social hour starts at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7.

The 2016 Hall of Fame class inductees are Stan Sherwood, Donald Ames and Robert Norton.

Stan Sherwood:

Sherwood was a Physical Education and Health teacher as well as a coach at Elba Central School for 35 years. He was a great teacher, coach and supporter of all Elba students. He taught young people not only the skills necessary for a particular sport, but more importantly the values required in life to be successful. Sherwood, also an Elba resident, passed away six years after his retirement leading the students of Elba to sign a petition to name the gym after Sherwood, honoring all that he did for the community and student body.  

Donald Ames:

Ames is an alumnus of Elba Central School. He was involved in many school activities while attending Elba such as class officer, student council, athletics and FFA. Ames was Salutatorian of his class and continued on to Alfred State College. He was also a staff sergeant in the National Guard. Ames has helped with Little League, Boy Scouts and sat for numerous years on the Elba Central School Board of Education, as well as serving as president.  

Robert Norton:

Norton is a 1955 graduate of Elba. He has both his master in Education and Ph.D in Agricultural Education from Cornell University. He has been influential in thousands of students’ lives through his additional teaching and curriculum at Ohio State University, where he has served as the curriculum director. Norton has taught seminars all over the world and has trained other teachers as well. He has contributed to the education of Agriculture for thousands.

Last year’s inductees were Dorothy Couglin, Roosevelt Muhammad Brown, Suzi Egeli House, Thomas Nowack and Chester Gabriel.

Tickets are available now through Sept. 21st in the Elba Central School District Office or may be reserved by calling 757-9967. Ticket prices are $30 and include a $10 free play pass to the Batavia Downs Gaming Center.

Oakfield-Alabama/Elba working things out in first year as combined football team

By Howard B. Owens

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Long a staple of the Genesee Region league, Elba and Byron-Bergen have parted ways, creating an opportunity for Elba and Oakfield-Alabama to create a new alliance.

It makes sense. The two communities share a youth football program, so the players grow up together and now they can continue that learning process together through the games that really count in high school.

Now comes the hard part of bringing two programs together on short notice. Elba's Head Coach Mike Cintorino and O-A Head Coach Brian Palone will share that role this year in the combined program. Home games will be split between the two schools and the team will wear the home uniform of whichever school is hosting that home game. On the road, they'll switch up the uniforms.

Next year, Cintorino said, no pun intended, the uniforms will become more uniform. There will be new colors and a new mascot.

This year, everybody's just got to get through the transition.

And the players are getting through it just fine, both coaches said. They're coming together, working hard and learning, even though it's a young team with lots of decisions to be made about who to play where.

One key decision is already made. Strong-armed freshman Colton Dylan will be behind center, taking snaps and running the offense.

"If we didn’t have the confidence in him we would probably find somebody else," Cintorino said. "He came out this summer and showed us right away — there were a few kids we were thinking about at the quarterback position, but the first time we came out for 7-on-7s and we watched him throw and watched him do what he can do, we just kind of looked at each other and said, ‘yup, that’s our guy.’ "

He's a freshman. He's got a lot to learn. He'll make mistakes and have his ups and downs, but Palone said he's shown he has the maturity to handle the process.

"He has a good cast around him, in coaches and players, to support him and help him become a better player," Palone said.

The offensive line is made up mostly of O-A players returning from last year and the receiving corps is anchored by experienced players from Elba, which will help put a good offense around Dylan, Palone said.

"Being a ninth-grader and being a leader to seniors is not an easy task," Cintorino said. "It’s not an easy task for an 11th-grader, so he’ll have to grow into that, but physically, he can do everything that we ask of him."

Palone and Cintorino are also growing into working with each other, they said. They both came into the GR the same year, so they know each other well, but they are molding together different styles and different strategies, but so far it's working well, they said.

"We're able to work together and help each other out," Palone said. "It's only going to make us better coaches, learning from each other and what we do. We’re both excited and looking forward to the challenge of working with each other and helping the kids out and becoming one program."

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Law and Order: Chili teen charged with DWI and failure to yield after Elba accident on Friday

By Billie Owens

Salvatore Sam Sciarpa, 19, Chili Avenue, Chili, is charged with driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent or more, DWI, and failure to yield the right-of-way of approaching an intersection. At 10:26 p.m. on Aug. 19, a two-car accident was reported at the intersection of Route 98 and Lockport Road. Upon investigation, Sciarpa was arrested on these charges. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Elba Town Court on Sept. 26. The case was handled by Sheriff's deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Joseph Matthew Barnaby, 20, of Main Street, Alexander, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. At 10:10 p.m. on Aug. 19, upon responding to Barnaby's residence for a noise complaint, Barnaby was allegedly found to be in unlawful possession of marijuana. He was released on an appearance ticket to Alexander Town Court on Sept. 13. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Khem Bahadr Adhikari, 25, of Parkway, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The subject was allegedly in possession of a marijuana cigarette during a traffic stop in which he was a passenger in the vehicle. The traffic stop was made at 3:22 p.m. on Aug. 20 on Alleghany Road in Pembroke. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Chris Parker.

Law and Order: Swan Street teen charged with first-degree sex abuse, Varysburg man arrested for public lewdness

By Billie Owens

Shawn Thomas Rushok, 17, of Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with first-degree sex abuse. He is accused of having "inappropriate sexual contact with another person" on May 24 in the Town of Le Roy. He was arraigned on Aug. 15 in Le Roy Town Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy John Dehm.

Gannon David McNall, 20, of Centerline Road, Varysburg, is charged with public lewdness. He was arrested on Aug. 15 after allegedly being observed masturbating in the parking lot of a Batavia department store on Veterans Memorial Drive at 5:39 p.m. He was released on an appearance ticket returnable to Town of Batavia Court at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

John Kauffman Stone, 49, of Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. The defendant was arrested for allegedly pushing and slapping another person on West Main Street Road, Batavia, at 8:52 p.m. on Aug. 14. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and jailed on $500 bail. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Robert Henning, assisted by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Michael John Jarmuz II, 26, of Idlewood Drive, Tonawanda, is charged with second-degree criminal impersonation and second degree aggravated unlicensed operation. The subject allegedly gave the arresting officer his brother's information during a DWAI/drug arrest at 3:06 a.m. on Aug. 13 on Oak Orchard Road, Elba. The subject's "common law" stepmother reported to the arresting officer two days later with the subject's correct information. The subject allegedly gave his brother's information because he had a suspended driver's license and a warrant from another county. He is due in Elba Town Court on Sept. 7. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Chris Parker, assisted by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Bradley Edward Moore, 18, of Manning Road, Holley, is charged with petit larceny. The subject allegedly stole two cartons of cigarettes from a smoke shop on the Tonawanda Indian reservation at 2 p.m. on June 6. He is due in Alabama Town Court on Aug. 30. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Chris Parker.

Gina Lynn Avino, 41, of Haven Lane, Batavia, was arrested Aug. 19 on a bench warrant out of the City of Batavia PD following the investigation into a motor-vehicle accident in the Town of Batavia on that date at 3:25 p.m. on West Main Street Road. The case was handled by Sheriff's Dpeuty Michael Lute, assisted by Dpeuty Rachel Diehl.

Accident with possible injuries in Elba

By Howard B. Owens

An accident with possible injuries is reported on Lockport Road at Quaker Hill Road, Elba.

Elba fire and Mercy EMS responding.

Hawley announces more than $2m for Elba drinking water improvement project

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that the Village of Elba has been awarded more than $2 million to fund a drinking water improvement project that will help bolster the area’s clean water supply, fix and replace old pipes, sewer lines, treatment plants and assist with design and construction costs.

The grants are being distributed to various municipalities throughout the state as part of New York’s Water Infrastructure Improvement Act.

“Ensuring a clean and bountiful water supply for our citizens is one of the fundamental responsibilities of our state and local governments,” Hawley said. “Unfortunately, many pipes, sewer lines and treatment facilities were installed decades ago and were not made with the same durable materials we use today.

"As a result, New York’s infrastructure is failing, which places an extraordinary financial burden on local governments that are already handcuffed due to state mandates. I am pleased to see that the state has stepped up and is providing over two-thirds of the estimated cost of this project, which is vital for the health and well-being of our residents.”

Law and Order: Destro finds burglary suspect in Bethany home

By Howard B. Owens

Pedro Vazquez Diaz, 31, of Bethany Center Road, Bethany, is charged with burglary, 2nd. At 10:21 a.m., Saturday, the Sheriff's Office received a report of a burglary in progress at a residence on Bethany Center Road, Bethany. Deputies and troopers responded, along with Deputy Chris Erion and K-9 Destro. Destro located the suspect in the residence and he was taken into custody. He was jailed without bail.

Tyler D. Price, 23, no permanent address, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Price was allegedly involved in a domestic incident at 12:04 p.m. Sunday on Liberty Street, in violation of a protective order. Price was also arrested on a warrant on an alleged failure to appear for a court appearance on an unrelated charge.

Michael J. Difalco, 28, no permanent address, is charged with harassment, 2nd, criminal mischief, obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. Difalco was arrested following an investigation into a domestic incident. He allegedly became combative while in custody and as his case was being processed. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Cory J. Trybushyn, 28, of Vine Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to pay a fine on an attempted petit larceny charge. He turned himself in on the warrant and posted $150 bail.

Michael P. McDonald, 32, of East Avenue, is charged with unlawful imprisonment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. McDonald was allegedly involved in a domestic dispute. He was jailed on $1,000 bail or $2,000 bond.

Nikki L. Stonebraker, 27, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd. Stonebraker allegedly struck the head of a minor against a wall while in the presence of another minor.

Wayny G. Colon, 24, of Amherst Manor Drive, Buffalo, was arrested on a warrant. Colon posted $500 bail and was released. No further details released.

Isaiah J. Munroe, 26, no permanent address, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd. Munroe was allegedly involved in a fight with a person on Liberty Street while in the presence of a minor.

Devin P. Hofert, 20, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, disorderly conduct/unreasonable noise, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal use of drug paraphernalia. Hofert was arrested following a police investigation into a disturbance at 6:09 a.m., Aug. 8, at 33 Dellinger Ave., Batavia. Hofert was allegedly found in possession of 16 hypodermic needles, drug paraphernalia and a switchblade knife.

Matthew Joseph Engert, 25, of Geddes Street, Holley, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on an aggravated harassment charge. He was jailed on $2,000 bail.

Jason M. Saeli, 34, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with suspended registration and unregistered motor vehicle. Saeli was arrested on a warrant. 

Matthew B. Starowitz, 27, of Whitney Mill Road, Elba, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Starowitz was arrested during an investigation into a report of a suspicious vehicle occupied by two males at 624 E. Main St., Batavia at 9:10 p.m. on Aug. 8.

A 17-year-old resident of State Street, Batavia, is charged with public lewdness. The youth allegedly displayed an intimate part of his body while in a vehicle parked in a parking lot at 1:15 p.m. Sunday at a location on Veterans Memorial Drive.

Catherine Rose Bater, 36, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with a violation of a Family Court act. Bater turned herself in on a warrant.

Cody Edward Jarmuz, 24, of 7th Street, Buffalo, is charged with driving while ability impaired by a combination of drugs and alcohol, moved from lane unsafely, unlicensed operation, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Jarmuz was stopped at 3:06 a.m. Saturday on Route 98, Elba, by Deputy Chris Parker after allegedly being observed unable to maintain his lane of traffic.

Edwin Javier Ortiz, 38, of Cobb Street, Tonawanda, is charged with assault, 3rd. Ortiz allegedly struck another person in the face, breaking that person's nose. The alleged disagreement was over a pool chair and was reported at 5:54 p.m. Aug. 6 at Darien Lake.

Sponsored Post: 2 Open houses this weekend! Visit Lynn Bezon from Reliant Real Estate!

By Lisa Ace

Saturday August 13 - 11am-1pm • 12 Church Street in Elba - A lot of house for the money and priced below assessment these owners are serious and priced it to sell!! A must see inside to appreciate. Updated roof, siding and windows. Extra family room, gas stove in living room. Galley style kitchen with laminate floors plus some with carpeting. Nice back yard, with recently landscaped front yard with new porch-just a great Village home!! Click here to view the complete listing for 12 Church Street in Elba.

Sunday August 14 - 11am-1pm • 14 Maple Avenue in Corfu​ - Beautiful home in heart of the Village! Super solid and updated thru out-windows, furnace and C/A, H2O tank, kitchen, baths, flooring, carpeting and painted thru out! This home is awesomely laid out starting with the super-sized back entranceway for the million shoes that clutter...to the huge walk in pantry/laundry area-two of the best rooms in the house!! Home also features large bright airy rooms that are so pretty. Outside has 1 full acre in the Village with great 2 car garage patio area also home has back wrap around porch area overlooking back patio-perfect entertaining spot! Must see!
Click here to view the complete listing for 14 Maple Avenue in Corfu. Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today at 585-344-4663!

Sponsored Post: Open House this Saturday 11am-1pm! Visit 21 Church Street in Elba!

By Lisa Ace

A lot of house for the money and priced below assessment. These owners are serious and priced it to sell! Must see inside to appreciate. Updated roof, siding and windows. Extra family room, gas stove in living room. Galley style kitchen. Laminate floors plus some with carpeting. Nice back yard, recently landscaped front yard with new porch-just a great Village home! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today at 585-344-4663 or click here to view the full listing.

Annual Stefani-Costa Family Reunion fun for all

By Billie Owens

(Submitted photos and information.)

The families of the late Baptist and Christina (Costa) Stefani, and Dominic and Johanna (Rigoni) Costa gathered for their 36th consecutive annual family reunion at  Mumford’s Freeman Park on Sunday, July 24, 2016. Both founding families made their homes in Lime Rock.

Christopher and Ann (Tracy) Publow, of Rochester, were this year’s event chairs.

After a cookout topped off with a buffet of cookies and ice cream novelties, there was a short business meeting. A review of family news since last year included:

  • Andrea Stefani, the daughter of Richard and Melanie Stefani, of Batavia, married Jacob Klos of Watertown on July 18, 2015;
  • Samantha Blake gave birth to our newest family member, Ryder Christopher Barclay, of Byron, on May 16, 2016;
  • Twenty-month-old Kate Aradine was the youngest in attendance. She is the daughter of Jeffrey and Bethany (Pocock) Aradine, of Bergen;
  • Bethany’s parents, Merlin and Marilyn (Costa) Pocock, of Bergen, were the longest married couple in attendance, at 41 years of wedded bliss;
  • Dorothy (Stefani) Bater, of Le Roy, was the oldest person in attendance, followed closely by Dolores (Stefani) Lathan, of Caledonia, who is one day younger.

Following the meeting, the family took photos, made spin-art paintings, pelted each other in a water-balloon toss, and tossed Cheetos onto the shaving-cream-covered heads of partners in a messy game of laughter and endurance (followed by cleaning each other off!).

Next year’s event chairs are Linda (Orlando) Totten, of Elba, Carol (Orlando) Panepento, of Pavilion, Gloria (Orlando) Oliver, of Le Roy, and Amy Panepento, of Le Roy.

Law and Order: West Main Street Road resident allegedly drove drunk with two kids in the car

By Billie Owens

OV Murphy, 57, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with: DWI -- previous conviction; aggravated DWI -- previous conviction; DWI -- with a child passenger under age 16; back seat child passenger with inappropriate restraint; and endangering the welfare of a child. Murphy was arrested at 9:36 p.m. on July 31 on Ross Street in Batavia. Police were called to Northwside Meadows apartments for the report of people arguing in a vehicle. Police located the vehicle traveling on Ross Street. An investigation allegedly revealed that Murphy was intoxicated and had two children under age 15 in the vehicle with him. He was jailed without bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Alisha Adara Soule, 20, of Route 237, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. At about 9:30 p.m. on July 26, Batavia Police were dispatched to a residence on Tracy Avenue in the city for a reported family distrubance which became physical. A subsequent investigation determined that Soule had allegedly struck a family member during a verbal altercation prior to leaving the residence. She turned herself in and was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 9 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia PoliceOfficer Arick Perkins, assisted by Sgt. Matthew Lutey.

Jacob L. Hernandez, 21, of Warren Acres Lane, Taylorsville, NC, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested at 3:09 a.m., July 23, on Jackson Street, Batavia, following an investigation into a damaged window. He was processed, issued an appearance ticket, and ordered to appear in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Sgt. Matthew Lutey, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

Gregory S. Yark, 52, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree burglary, second-degree criminal contempt, and possession of a hypodermic instrument. On the morning of July 29, while on patrol, Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis noticed Yark riding his bicycle into a driveway of a residence on Roosevelt Avenue. The residence in question was that of a person who had a full stay-away order of protection from Yark, barring him from being on the property. Yark allegedly entered the garage, sat down to enjoy a smoke, making himself right at home. He was arrested at 8:45 a.m. and allegedly found to be in possession of two hypodermic needles. He was jailed in lieu of $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bound and was due in City Court Aug. 1. Officer Davis was assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Elizabeth Michelle Grattan, 26, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with: unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, 3rd; leaving the scene of a property damage accident; and unsafe backing. Following an investigation in the Town of Alabama, Grattan was arrested for allegedly operating a motor vehicle with the owner's consent. On Aug. 1, between 12:30 and 2 a.m., she allegedly took the vehicle from a residence on Judge Road in Alabama without permission. While doing so, she allegedly damaged the person's mailbox. She was released on an appearance ticket for Aug. 23 in Alabama Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Lee A. Baxter, 32, no address provided, was arrested at 1:38 a.m. on July 26 on Central Avenue in Batavia for allegedly violating an order of protection in place for a person on Central Avenue. He is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was jailed on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond. Baxter is due in City Court on Wednesday (Aug. 3). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Matthew C. Olcott, 37, of Woodstock Gardens, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia, and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. At 9:30 a.m. on July 27, during a Probation home search conducted by Probation officers Williams, Buchholz and Heale, the defendant was allegedly found to be in possession of a crack pipe with residue. Probation Officer Williams contacted Batavia PD for further investigation. Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis assisted Probation in the arrest of Olcott, who was jailed in lieu of $15,000 cash bail. During this investigation, Olcott's girlfriend, 30-year-old Sara Elliott, was arrested for allegedly being in possession of marijuana. She was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 9 in City Court. Officer Davis was assisted in both cases by Officer Frank Klimjack.

Thomas T. Bennett, 51, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree contempt. At 4:35 p.m., July 28, on Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia, Bennett allegedly had contact with, and went on the property of, a party protected by a stay-away order of protection. He was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 4 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Tierance J. Davis, 29, of Hundremark Road, Elba, is charged with failure to appear. Davis was arrested July 28 on an arrest warrant for allegedly failing to pay a parking ticket after is was issued on Jan. 6, 2013. Davis posted the unpaid fine and was released from custody. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Joseph W. Freeman, 32, Platten Road, Lyndonville, was taken into custody from Orleans County Jail on July 26 on a bench warrant issued out of Batavia City Court. He posted bail and was issued an appearance ticket for this afternoon in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Mathew P. Parker, 26, of West Avenue, Medina, was arrested on a bench warrant for allegedly failing to pay a fine issued because of an incident on May 24, 2015. He was released and is due to return of City Court on Wednesday (Aug. 3). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

John Anthony Hertz, 32, of Mechanic Street, Elba, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. At 11:02 p.m. on Aug. 1, following the investigation of a cehck-the-welfare complaint, Hertz was arrested for allegedly unlawfully possessing marijuana. He allegedly hid a small amount of marijuana and a glass smoking pipe in his yard prior to police arriving. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Elba Court on Aug. 31. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer.

Sponsored Post: 21 Church Street - A great home in the Village of Elba! Call Reliant Real Estate today!

By Lisa Ace

A lot of house for the money and priced below assessment. These owners are serious and priced it to sell! Must see inside to appreciate. Updated roof, siding and windows. Extra family room, gas stove in living room. Galley style kitchen. Laminate floors plus some with carpeting. Nice back yard, recently landscaped front yard with new porch-just a great Village home! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today at 585-344-4663 or click here to view the full listing.

RIT graduated 19 local students in May

By Billie Owens

Rochester Institute of Technology celebrated its 131st Academic Convocation in May. Diplomas were distributed to graduates following the event at separate ceremonies held by each of RIT's nine colleges and two academic centers. Local residents who graduated include:

David Belcher of Le Roy (14482), who received an MBA in business administration from RIT's Saunders College of Business.

Geoffrey Berl of Le Roy (14482), who received a BS in software engineering from RIT's B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Benjamin Bliss of Pavilion (14525), who received a BFA in illustration from RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Maura Chmielowiec of Batavia (14020), who received a BS in mechanical engineering from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Edward Cigno of Le Roy (14482), who received an MS in mechanical engineering from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

James Erb of Darien Center (14040), who received a BS in mechanical engineering from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Shane Hale of Corfu (14036), who received a BS in computer science from RIT's B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Taylor Harkness of Batavia (14020), who received a BS in biotechnology and molecular bioscience from RIT's College of Science.

Eric Hunt of Bergen (14416), who received a BS in new media interactive development from RIT's B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Dean Kubik of Basom (14013), who received a BS in chemical engineering from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Shannon Lajuett of Le Roy (14482), who received a BS in biomedical sciences from RIT's College of Health Sciences and Technology.

Michelle Lane of Batavia (14020), who received a BS in applied arts and sciences from RIT's School of Individualized Study.

Michael Norway of Elba (14058), who received a BS in chemistry from RIT's College of Science.

Joseph Oddo of Batavia (14020), who received a BS in electrical engineering from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Karl Pajak of Corfu (14036), who received a BFA in film and animation from RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Trevor Powers of Batavia (14020), who received a BS in mechanical engineering from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Jared Raphael of Batavia (14020), who received a BS in industrial engineering from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Michael Slack of Bergen (14416), who received a BFA in film and animation from RIT's College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Michael Wilmoth of Le Roy (14482), who received a BS in computing security from RIT's B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls 18,600 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the United States.

Law and Order: Akron man arrested after investigators allege bullet from his firearm struck occupied city house

By Billie Owens

Keith A. Wilkinson Jr., 61, of Quarry Hill Estates, Akron, is charged with: second-degree reckless endangerment; fourth-degree criminal mischief; and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling. He was arrested after a joint investigation was completed concerning an incident which occurred at 7:35 p.m. on Nov. 21 at 315 Bank St., Batavia. Investigators from the Batavia Police Department and the NYS Environmental Conservation Police determined that Wilkinson did discharge a firearm within 500 feet of an occupied dwelling at that time. They determined the bullet did strike a home located within the City of Batavia. Wilkinson was due in City Court July 19 to answer the charges. PO Ivison and ECO Wilson were the primary investigating officers in the case, according to the report of Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack.

Ronnie W. Engelhardt, 27, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal facilitation, sixth-degree conspiracy, and third-degree false report of an incident. Engelhardt was arrested at 7 p.m. on June 1 and charged due to his alleged part in the false report of a motor-vehicle theft on East Main Street in Batavia in 2014. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on July 12 and then released. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Thad Mart.

David T. Neuhaus, 29, of Willow Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal facilitation, sixth-degree conspiracy, and third-degree false report of an incident. Engelhardt was arrested at 7 p.m. on June 1 and charged due to his alleged part in the false report of a motor-vehicle theft on East Main Street in Batavia in 2014. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on July 12 and then released. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Thad Mart.

Justin R. Shaffer, 29, of Gardeau Road, Perry, is charged with fourth-degree criminal facilitation, sixth-degree conspiracy, and third-degree false report of an incident. Engelhardt was arrested at 7 p.m. on June 1 and charged due to his alleged part in the false report of a motor-vehicle theft on East Main Street in Batavia in 2014. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on July 12 and then released. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Thad Mart.

Paul M. Wieclaw II, 27, of Norton Road, Elba, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt and second-degree burglary. He was arrested on a Batavia City Court Arrest Warrant and jailed without bail. The case stems from an incident which occurred at 1 a.m. July 8 on Ellicott Street, Batavia. He is was due in court today. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Jon N. Roblee, 40, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested after he allegedly had an argument with a coworker at Bob Evans Restaurant on Oak Street in Batavia and threw an item at her. The incident was reported at 7:30 p.m. on July 7. He is due in City Court on July 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

John R. Sherman Sr., 38, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment -- physical contact. He was arrested at 5:45 a.m. on July 11 on Elm Street after allegedly pushing another person during a domestic incident. He was jailed on $750 bail. He was due back in court later that afternoon (July 11). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Matthew Lutey.

Gina Lynn Avino, 41, of Haven Lane, Batavia, is charged with second-degree obstructing governmental adminstration and second-degree harassment. At 2:09 a.m. on July 19 Avion was arrested on Haven Lane on these charges. It is alleged that during the investigation of a domestic incident, she pushed a City Police Officer who was assisting a Sheriff's Deputy on the call. She was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. She is due in Batavia Town Court on Aug. 22. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Cummings.

Rachellyn G. Burek, 34, of Main Street, Attica, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. She was arrested due to an incident at 9:30 a.m. on June 9 on Summit Street in Batavia wherein she allegedly had contact with a party protected by an order of protection. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court Aug. 2 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Nicole A. Mickey, 26, of Colonial Boulevard, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI and speeding. At about 12:47 a.m. on July 10, Mickey was arrested on Richmond Avenue in Batavia as the result of a traffic stop. She was processed at BPD headquarters, fingerprinted and photographed at the jail and then issued itckets. She was due in City Court this morning. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Matthew Lutey.

Benjamin G. Evans IV, 27, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree. He was arrested on July 11. It is alleged that Evans possessed a bicycle that he knew to be stolen. It was reported stolen at 9 p.m. July 6 on School Street in the city. Evans was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on July 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Sgt. Christopher Camp, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Jeremy M. Fairbanks, 38, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and inadequate headlamps. He was arrested at 11:28 p.m. on July 4 on East Main Street in Batavia following a traffic stop. It is alleged that Fairbanks, who was the driver, possessed a quantity of marijuana and another controlled substance in the vehicle. He was due in City Court on July 19. The case has handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Jonathan C. Hoges, 34, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. He was arrested at 11:29 p.m. on July 4 on East Main Street in Batavia following a traffic stop. It is alleged that Hoges, who was a passenger, possessed a controlled substance while in the vehicle. He was due in City Court on July 19. The case has handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Lonnie J. Ford III, 45, homeless, Batavia, is charged with public lewdness. He was arrested following an incident in Centennial Park at 6:06 p.m. on July 12 wherein he allegedly exposed himself and "urinated approximately on a tree." He was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 2 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Melissa R. Piazza, 27, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with being in a public park after hours. She was arrested at 12:10 a.m. on July 14 for allegedly entering and remaining in Austin Park after the park was closed. Piazza allegedly remained in the park after being afford the opportunity to leave with only a warning. She was released on an appearance ticket for City Court on July 19. The case has handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Priscilla M. Donahue, 38, of East Avenue, Albion, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested after allegedly stealing property from Dollar General on East Main Street in Batavia at 4:09 p.m. on July 11. She was issued a computer-generated appearance ticket for City Court on Aug. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Benjamin Gove Evans IV, 27, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested following the investigation into a bicycle that was stolen from outside the Richmond Memorial Library and was reported at 12:30 p.m. on July 9. He was due in City Court on July 19. The bicycle was recovered and returned to the rightful owner. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison. 

Michelle L. Misiak, 51, of Union Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia. She was arrested at 9:21 p.m. on June 14 following a NYS Parole home visit wherein she allegedly possessed drug paraphernalia. She was due in City Court on July 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

A 17-year-old resident of Batavia was arrested on July 18 for allegedly stealing food and liquor out of a freezer on the front porch of a residence on Manhatten Avenue in the city at 5:40 p.m. on July 16. The youth is due in City Court on Aug. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

A 17-year-old resident of Batavia was arrested at 1 p.m. on July 11 after allegedly found to be in possession of a marijuana pipe. The youth is due in City Court on Aug. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze.

Robert L. Carney, 24, of Walter Street, Buffalo, was arrested on July 15 after being located by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office at Darien Lake. He was found to have a bench warrant for failure to pay a fine out of City of Batavia and turned over to Batavia Police.. At the direction of City Court Judge Balbick, Carney was released and was due back in court on July 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Onion industry leaders tour Elba Mucklands

By Howard B. Owens

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Representatives from onion companies from all over the world were in Genesee County today to see the world famous Elba Mucklands.

The tour is part of a convention of onion industry leaders hosted by the National Onion Association in Niagara County this week. The attendees had breakfast in Batavia and then toured the mucklands.

The visit included a presentation by Christy Hoepting, a researcher with the Cornell Cooperative Extension, who is studying the impact of weeds on onion growth and how best to control them in the field.

There was also a presentation on experimental onion varieties being grown in the muck.

There were people in the tour group from not only the United States, but also Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Canada and Mexico.

"This is a beautiful and productive place," said Kim Reddin, director of public and industry relations for NOA. "Absolutely, it's unique and one of the main growing areas in the eastern part of the United States."

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