S. Shade Zajac, conductor and musical director for the Genesee Symphony Orchestra, reading "Power" by Jim Morrison for National Poetry Month.
Press release:
The Muckdogs are proud to announce the signing of outfielders Sterling Turmon, Christian Robinson and Spencer Marcus to the 2021 roster.
Sterling Turmon currently is in his redshirt junior season at Memphis University and is listed at 6’4” 220 lbs. He is a Greenville, S.C., native and graduated from Eastside High School, where he earned All-State honors after batting .462 with 17 extra-base hits, 27 RBI and 26 runs his senior year. Turmon started his collegiate career playing at Spartanburg Methodist Junior College in 2017 and 2018vbefore transferring to Furman University and starting 41 of 45 games for the Paladins.
Turmon led Furman with 10 home runs and 26 RBIs while also finishing top five in batting average (.270), slugging percentage (.520), walks (27), and runs scored (29). In his first season with the Memphis Tigers, Turmon has played in nine games, starting three of them. In his first start of the season on Feb. 26 against Grambling State, Sterling recorded his first hit and RBI while also tallying a walk.
Christian Robinson is a sophomore from Clark State. Originally, Robinson played his first year at Mississippi Valley State University before transferring to Clark. He is a Cincinnati, Ohio, native who played his high school ball at Colerain High School before entering school. At Colerain, Robinson earned second team all-state honors as well as first team All-GMC. Through 18 games at Clark, he has a .255 batting average, including a stolen base, and has driven in seven and came around to score nine times himself.
Spencer Marcus is in his junior year at Niagara University and will join Purple Eagle teammate Tyler Prospero in Batavia this summer. Marcus is from Chatam-Kent, Ontario, Canada, where he played club baseball for the Great Lakes Canadians of the Canadian Premier Baseball League. In his freshman season, Marcus played at Dodge City Community College in Dodge City, Kan., batting .326, 38 runs, 56 hits, 40 RBI, 11 doubles, and nine home runs. Marcus started 12 games in his first year at Niagara, getting 10 hits, including three doubles. In 2021, he has five hits in seven games, including a .444 average against Saint Peter’s scoring three runs and an RBI.
Turmon, Robinson, and Marcus will join local players Prospero, Jerry Reinhart and Colin Noeth that were announced in mid-February. The Muckdogs are coming home to Dwyer Stadium on June 4th for their home opener after opening the season on the road in Elmira on June 3rd, which you can catch on Youtube Live on the Muckdogs Youtube page!
Make sure to call (607) 734-7825 and get your season tickets now before the 2021 season kicks off on June 4th. Go Dogs!
A winter weather advisory has been issued for midnight tonight until 2 p.m. on Wednesday with from 3 to 6 inches of snow predicted from a storm passing through the area.
Travelers should plan on slippery road conditions.
"This will be a heavy, wet snow, and may result in isolated power outages and downed tree limbs," according to the National Weather Service.
What was advertised as a public hearing on incentives being offered by the Genesee County Economic Development Center to the developer of the Excelsior Solar Project in the Town of Byron turned out to be an opportunity for parties on both sides of the issue to re-emphasize their positions.
During the 25-minute videoconference, Mark Masse, GCEDC’s senior vice president of operations, read written statements from representatives of three farms who are leasing land for the 280-megawatt, 1,600-acre system -- Star Growers Land LLC; L-Brooke Farms and Colby Homestead Farms.
Their comments supporting the project – a huge financial windfall for the Town of Byron, Byron-Bergen Central School District and Genesee County, plus the creation of 290 full-time equivalent jobs – were followed by an oral statement from Eric Zuber, Byron town councilman and community farmer, who has opposed the plan since it was introduced more than two years ago.
Excelsior Energy, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources LLC of Vero Beach, Fla., has plowed ahead under the authority of Article 10 of the New York State Public Service Law, while committing to pay the aforementioned taxing jurisdictions upwards of $44 million over the next 20 years.
The solar company is proposing to invest $345.55 million in a utility-scale solar project on multiple properties (46 parcels to be exact). It also has negotiated 20-year tax and community host agreements, including payments of $6,500 per megawatt, with a 2-percent annual escalator, to the county, Town of Byron and the Byron-Bergen school district.
$1.82 Million to Entities in Year One
What that means during year one, according to figures provided by the GCEDC, is that Genesee County would receive $281,775, the Town of Byron $862,522 and BBCS $675,703. That initial $1.82 million outlay would increase by 2 percent for each year after that for 20 years.
In return, the solar company has requested that the GCEDC approve property tax abatements estimated at $21,498,313 over that period and sales tax abatements (for construction materials) estimated at $11,288,287.
For its role as facilitator, the GCEDC receives a 1.25-percent fee – in this case, $4,319,458, which it will collect at the time of the financial closing.
Furthermore, farmers will stand to profit significantly through the leasing contracts they signed with Excelsior Energy.
Participants include Legacy Lands, LLC; Brooke-Lea, LLC; Call Lands; Lea-View Farms, LLC; Richard Colby; L-Brooke Farms, LLC; John Starowitz; Leo Starowitz Jr.; Star Growers Land LLC; John Starowitz and Andrew Starowitz; John Sackett Jr. and Charles Sackett; CY Properties LLC; and Call Lands Partnership.
Farm Reps Applaud Solar Project
In their written statements to the GCEDC board, Barbie Starowitz of Star Growers Land LLC; Jim Vincent of L-Brooke Farms, and Richard Colby of Colby Homestead Farms touted the project’s benefits for the Byron community and positive impact on the future of farming.
“The Excelsior Energy Center not only will support our farm for generations to come but also will provide new local revenue and new local jobs for our community,” Starowitz wrote, adding that the EEC has committed to hiring 90 percent of the employees (except for construction project management) from the local labor force.
Starowitz said diversification is crucial to today’s farmers.
“Farmers are trying to diversify so they can continue to stay in business in the future. Each crop year, we rely heavily on the weather. But for too many years it was either too wet or too dry. Crops have been suffering, low yields, bad quality and so on. But the farmer must still come up with the money to pay the expenses,” she wrote.
Her statement indicated that clean solar energy will help the farms to survive by reducing “economic pressures faced by farmers and encourage an approach that does not permanently remove land from agricultural production.”
She concluded by recognizing Excelsior’s “commitment to community input” by hosting monthly meetings at the Byron Hotel and reaching out to residents through other means.
“The Byron community of over 2,300 can all benefit from the solar project, working together as a positive thing for the community and future generations,” she wrote.
'Vehicle for Long-term Reinvestment'
Vincent said he and his affiliates “are advocates of green energy, innovative technology and the many advantages the Excelsior Solar Project represents, and not just because of having some of our lands involved in these solar leases … but what this means to our farm business model, providing a vehicle for long-term reinvestment, succession planning and diversification.”
He wrote that commodity prices, global trade policy, diminishing labor pool, government regulation and an unfair tax burden are making life difficult for farmers, and added that “alternative sources of income are absolutely essential if our farm businesses and the associated land base are to be sustained and provide for future generations.”
Colby wrote that while his farm is “still going strong,” technology has brought about changes to land use and the “viewscape” in the Town of Byron.
“Today, every home I know of in Byron has electricity. One hundred years or so ago, no one had electricity in their home. The Excelsior Energy Center is a good and necessary change in revenue and new local jobs for our community,” he submitted.
He acknowledged that property values could decrease, but the funding provided to the town, county and school district will be a game-changer.
“This will enable many public enhancements to the community, which, I believe, will drive up the values and make it not only that people want to live but also stay in Byron,” he wrote. “It may be a short-term inconvenience but a significant boon to local businesses – restaurants, et cetera. I see it as adding a bit of excitement to the town.”
He contends that the solar panels will cover less than half of the project’s fenced area, and much of his land will be “highly accessible along existing roads.”
In closing, he wrote that he is researching other uses for the land, including U-pick fruits and nursery stock, and even installing a hops yard to have a locally sourced input for beer brewing.
Zuber: It's Bad for the Environment
Zuber, a member of Byron Association Against Solar, then joined the meeting – expressing his dissatisfaction with GCEDC and Excelsior’s handling of the public hearing. He said he was unaware up to a half hour before the videoconference that he had until last Friday to submit written comments about the project.
“It seems like, and it isn’t quite right, that the people that are pro-solar had the opportunity to write in comments and now the comment period is over, and we were unaware of it,” he said. “I guess I knew this was going to take place, but I didn’t know the format (of how) it would work … and that has been quite typical since this whole thing started with the COVID. The transparency to communicate Excelsior’s plans is at best poor.”
Communication problems aside, Zuber said the solar project will harm the environment and will take away prime land needed to handle an increasing amount of manure.
“We’ve done an ag impact study, which the county apparently is not interested in. I am very concerned about the environmental situation,” he said. “Especially with the Cider project now coming out of the west (a similar project in the towns of Elba and Oakfield) … if the dairy industry is going to survive – I don’t see how it survives with these two big solar projects.”
Zuber said he also is concerned about waste generated by the food plants in Batavia.
“Right now, we’re spending $7 million at O-At-Ka (Milk Products) to handle the waste,” he said. “The city and the town are overwhelmed. We’re going to have the sludge come out of those plants (with) no place to go. The best place for it to go is where you’re putting these solar panels on the ideal ground … but I think the environmental (problems) are a very, very negative situation.”
'A Negative Carbon Effect on the County'
He also cited a university study that indicated that this project would have “a negative carbon effect on Genesee County.”
“This will make the carbon situation worse, does not accomplish anything that the global warming people want, and I think it is very poorly structured … I think it’s bad for the environment for the county, the town and probably the state.”
Starowitz then got on the call, rebutting Zuber’s remarks about the manure situation.
“… the gas from the manure is being pipelined directly into being sold on his property, which is located on Chapel Street Extension,” Starowitz said about Zuber’s operation. “Also, if there is concern for spreading manure on land that is now being put into solar ... I have addressed to him many times that we have farmland that would use his manure. To this day, he has not taken advantage of that. So, there are other options and other farmland for his concern of spreading manure.”
Looking ahead, the state Department of Public Service has scheduled a public statement hearing – a key step toward the end of the Article 10 process – for June 1 via teleconference from New York City with Administrative Law Judge Gregg Sayre presiding.
Previously: Byron 'mega' solar project moves forward despite opposition; virtual open houses scheduled for Aug. 31
The local chapter of the YWCA celebrated 110 years of service to the community by honoring three people and another organization that have helped make Genesee County's recent history a bit better on Saturday evening.
Receiving Frances G. Francis Empowerment awards were Dorothy "Cricket" Avery, Nancy C. Brach, Jill Kratz, and the Rotary Club of Batavia.
Francis was the founder of the YWCA in Batavia.
The event was held at the Genesee Country Village and Museum in Caledonia.
Photo: Jill Smith with award winner Dorothy Avery.
Dorothy (Cricket) Avery
Dorothy Avery has been employed for 21 years as the Exhibits Manager for Guilford Press, based in New York City.
Before Guilford, Avery worked for the St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services, Planned Parenthood of Northern New York, Tennessee Protection & Advocacy, and the New York State Child Care Coordinating Council.
She graduated from SUNY Cobleskill with an AA degree in Social Science, and from the University at Albany with a BA degree in Political Science.
Avery is a founding member and president of GLOW Women Rise, which is an all-volunteer organization committed to elevating and empowering women in the GLOW region. GLOW Women Rise (GWR) started in August of 2018 and since that time has become an incorporated 501c3 not-for-profit organization.
GLOW Women Rise’s goal is to raise our collective voices supporting all women while recognizing the need to center our work on Black, Asian, Indigenous, Latinx, Trans, and other groups of women who have been ignored and perpetually left out of conversations.
GWR has assisted women from the YWCA Domestic Violence Program, has provided court support for women and their families, cosponsored anti-racism community discussions, and facilitates an annual Empowerment Forum.
During COVID-19, GLOW Women conducted numerous food drives and collected personal care items for women and families in need. After being on the sidelines for much of 2020, GWR looks forward to a robust calendar this year.
Photo: Millie Tomidy-Pepper with award-winner Nancy Brach.
Nancy E. Brach
Brach is vice president and co-owner of Brach Machine Inc., a worldwide supplier to the high-pressure die-casting industry. The business was started in 1985 and incorporated in 1993. It currently employs 19 people.
Her background includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Buffalo School of Management, several years of retail banking experience, and more than a decade of tax preparation.
In addition to her career, Brach served as treasurer for the Batavia First Presbyterian church for 14 years and is currently on their personnel and finance committees. She also sang in the choir for the last 20 years!
Brach volunteered at the YWCA from 1997-2007, serving both on the board of directors and as a member of both the finance and personnel committees during that time.
She is currently a member of the North American Die Casting Association, the Genesee Area Personnel Association and she serves on the Perkins Advisory Committee at Genesee Community College.
When you don’t find Brach at work or busy with one of her volunteer pursuits, you may find her riding her bike somewhere within a 30-mile radius of her home.
Photo: Lucille DiSanto with award winner Jill Kratz.
Jill Kratz
Husband: John
Children: Colin, Kaylie, Kaitlin
College: Fredonia State and Buffalo State College Business: Owner and Operator Commit to Well (local meal-prep company)
Commit to Well was founded three years ago to fill a need in our community for easy access to fresh, nutritious, prepared meals. Being a family living with various autoimmune diseases, we wanted our meals to fill a void in our area for people who wanted to keep up with their nutritional needs in their busy lives.
Our mission quickly became clear: reach out to as many people in our community and give them access to overall better health and wellness with our prepared meals. We have clients both young and old. Some have special dietary restrictions and some just want to maintain better overall health and wellness.
Since its founding, Commit to Well has been out in the community donating to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, United Memorial Medical Center, the YWCA and its Safehouse.
Commit to Well has also reached out to our youth with after school programs empowering children with the knowledge and importance of your health through nutrition as well as movement and positive behavior.
Programs such as Commit to Well kids where children made healthy meals and snacks, and Like a Girl where young girls did small workouts and enjoyed a heathy snack.
We hope to continue to help our community achieve superior health and wellness!
Photo: Lucille DiSanto and Ed Leising, representing the Rotary Club of Batavia.
Rotary Club of Batavia
Batavia Rotary is a community service organization whose stated purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the community and world.
Rotary is a secular organization open to all persons regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, or political preference. There are 34,282 clubs and over 1.2 million members worldwide. Rotary’s primary motto is “Service above Self” and we abide by the 4 Way Test.
The Gala Committee: Millie Tomidy-Pepper (executive director of the YWCA in Batavia), Jill Smith, Sue Chiddy, Cindy Zarcone, Lucille DiSanto, Eva Graham, Lindsey Reed, Justina Garner. Lindsey Reed is holding a portrait of Frances G. Francis. Not pictured, Rosalie Maguire-Simon.
Photos by Howard Owens. Write-ups of award winners submitted by the YWCA.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley is railing against the Assembly Majority after they tabled a bill he sponsored during a Ways and Means Committee meeting that would have exempted veterans over the age of 85 from paying state income taxes (A.5033).
Notably, this bill was rejected even after the Majority passed a budget that gives more than $2 billion in assistance to illegal immigrants in the form of direct payments.
The cost to the state in lost revenue from excluding veterans over 85 years old from state income taxes is estimated to be about $6 million, just over 1/4th of 1 percent (.0000283) of the state’s record high $212 billion budget.
“The decision by the Majority to refuse to take this small step to show appreciation for our most elderly veterans even after giving billions to people who broke the law to come to this country is shameful, and representative of our state’s misguided priorities as a whole,” Hawley said.
“We are failing those who have risked their lives for our freedoms, and helping those who have disrespected our nation’s rule of law. It seems, year after year, the Majority places the well-being of lawbreakers above that of working people, and apparently even our veterans, even when they need our help more than ever during these unprecedented times.”
Press release:
Press release:
The proper way to dispose of medications will be the focus of Thursday’s quarterly meeting of the GOW (Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming) Opioid Task Force.
The meeting will be livestreamed via Zoom, starting at 9:30 a.m. It is expected to last for an hour.
Scott Wilson, superintendent of the Orleans County Jail, has agreed to make a presentation on National Drug Take Back Day, which is scheduled for this Saturday, with locations in the three counties.
Wilson has worked closely with this event for the past few years. In his presentation, he will discuss the organization of these events, collection of medications and their proper disposal, and the impact this day has on our community.
This meeting is open to the public and the community is invited to join and share any questions they may have.
“With National Drug Take Back Day coming up on April 24th, we felt this would be a great topic to cover with the members of the Task Force and our community,” said Christen Ferraro, GOW Opioid Task Force coordinator.
Ferraro noted that prescription opioid misuse is an ongoing and escalating epidemic as 70 percent of opioid dependence, overdoses and deaths begin with leftover drugs in the medicine cabinet.
“It is important to help remove the risks that leftover medications pose to you, as well as your families and friends. With this meeting, we hope to increase awareness of safe disposal methods, as environmental studies have shown that flushed medications flow into our water supply and negatively impact the fish we eat and water we drink,” she added.
To access the meeting link, go to www.gowopioidtaskforce.org. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email with Zoom information and a link to join.
From Teresa Tamfer:
The Batavia Society of Artists is having a virtual hands-on watercolor art demonstration by artist Shauna Blake at 7 p.m. on Tuesday May 11th.
Members will get an email with sign-in info.
There is a $5 fee for nonmembers and they need to go to our Facebook page to sign up.
To participate in this hands-on demo on painting with watercolors you will need:
About Shauna Blake, Artist
She paints in a wide variety of mediums including, watercolors, acrylics, pen and ink, and silk dyes.
In 1994 she graduated from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh with a major in Graphic Design and Illustration.
She worked in the Graphic Design field for seven years before joining her husband, Brendan, in his glass art business in 2001. Here she expanded her art by studying and creating lampwork glass beads.
Shauna currently sells her hand painted silk scarves, silk ribbons and art prints worldwide on her website -- www.QuintessenceSilk.com -- and on the popular online Etsy handmade crafts site.
Top image, submitted by artist Shauna Blake, is her whimsical rendering of the early spring fuzzy catkins of the genus Salix, aka pussy willows.
Batavia PD is seeking the public's assistance in identifying the person in this photo. He is suspected of entering unlocked cars and stealing items from the vehicles. He may have an accomplice.
If you have any information you are asked to contact the Batavia Police at (585) 345-6350.
Press release:
The healthcare community across the Finger Lakes Region has a new tool in its fight against the global pandemic: access to COVID-19 vaccination data for the growing number of people receiving injections.
This vital information is available through Rochester RHIO, the community health information exchange, which supports healthcare delivery for 1.5 million area residents in 14 counties.
Prior to this development, community public health officials and clinicians lacked the data needed to ensure that all the residents of our region have access to COVID-19 vaccination. With the change, RHIO authorized users such as doctors, nurses, long-term care providers and other clinical professionals can improve day-to-day care, being able to determine if their patients have been fully vaccinated or not.
The data will also allow a patient’s caregiver to view vaccine brand, timing and other dosing details to improve administration of second injections, which are required for certain approved protocols.
With the availability of this vaccination data, in addition to COVID-19 test results, county public health departments can now access COVID-19 vaccination records to analyze community progress toward herd immunity. Public health researchers can also analyze vaccine reach into specific populations (e.g., by county), equitable distribution and the impact of education efforts, among other initiatives.
“We began efforts last summer to prepare our systems for vaccination data, with the hope that breakthroughs were on the horizon,” said Jill Eisenstein, CEO and president, Rochester RHIO.
“By putting this information in the hands of the healthcare community, there’s even more reason to believe that we can collectively change the course of COVID-19’s effects across the Greater Finger Lakes Region.”
Rochester RHIO is also a data resource for the Finger Lakes COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force.
Juan M. Mendez is indicted for the crime of first-degree rape, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 4 at or around Genesee Community Colllege in the Town or Batavia that Mendez engaged in sexual intercourse with another person who was incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless. In count two, Mendez is indicted for third-degree rape, a Class E felony, for engaging in sexual intercourse that day with another person without such person's consent -- by reason of some other factor than incapacity to consent. In count three, Mendez is indicted for the crime of first-degree sexual abuse, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged in count three that while at or around GCC Sept. 4 he subjected a person to sexual contact when the other person was incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless. In count four, Mendez is indicted for the crime of third-degree sexual abuse, a Class B misdemeanor. In count four, he is accused of subjecting a person to sexual contact at or around GCC that day without the person's consent.
Rachelle N. Laney is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 10 in the Town of Le Roy that Laney knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug -- fentanyl -- with intent to sell it. In count two, she is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony. It is alleged that on that day Laney knowingly and unlawfully possessed one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures or substances containing a narcotic drug - fentanyl -- with an aggregate weight of one-eighth of an ounce or more. In counts three and four, Laney is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged that on that day in Le Roy, she knowingly and unlawfully possessed controlled substances -- methadone and hydrocodone, respectively. In counts five, six and seven Laney is accused of criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in counts five, six and seven that the defendant knowingly possessed glassine envelopes, vials, capsule or other material suitable for the packaging of individual quantities of any narcotic drugs or stimulants. In count seven specifically, this drug was Mannitol.
Eric J. Reyes Jr. is indicted for the crime of stolen property in the third degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 28 in the Town of Le Roy that Reyes knowingly possessed stolen property that had a value of more than $3,000. In count two, Reyes is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree, a misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that on Sept. 28 in Le Roy Reyes drove a 2020 Dodge on Interstate 90 while his privilege to drive was suspended by the NYS DMV Commissioner.
Press release:
St. Joe’s Regional School recently experienced a successful Mini Mammoth Sale at their new location in the school’s Annex building across from the school. The new location has five rooms loaded with items of all types, from furniture to a shop of collectibles and vintage articles.
The sale has expanded to include Fridays, 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon for the months of April and May, and sales throughout the year.
Donations of jewelry, furniture, household items and collectibles are greatly appreciated and can either be dropped off on the Annex porch or picked up by calling Randa Williams at (585) 356-5333.
A huge thank you to all who have supported our school through donations or purchases since we are no longer connected to a parish. Also, thank you to Carmen Campbell from the PennySaver as our promotional partner, Rick and Tom Mancuso for our storage facilities, and Dave at Tim Hortons for keeping our volunteers in Timbits and coffee. Also, Anibal Soler, city schools superintendent, and his executive secretary Brittany Witkop for advertising support.
John Bowen, Randa Williams, and Norm Argulsky and the school could not be successful without the support of the community.
Photos by Howard Owens. Top photo, sale cochairs Randa Williams and John Bowen.
Public Notice
The annual meeting of the Mount Pleasant Cemetery Association, of Alexander, will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday May 11th at 10276 Gillate Road, Alexander.
All cemetery plot owners and family members as well as any interested community members are welcome to attend.
Andre Roberts, 28, of School Street, Batavia, is charged with theft of services. He was arrested at 8:13 p.m. April 13 after he patronized a bar in the City of Batavia, then allegedly left without paying his tab. Roberts was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court April 20.
Johnny Earl Anthony, 30, of Knapp Road, Akron, is charged with driving while intoxicated -- first offense; operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more -- first offense; moving from lane unsafely; and unlicensed operator. Anthony was arrested at 8:53 p.m. April 17 on West Main Street Road in Batavia after being involved in a collision. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on May 24. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Kyle Tower.
Sundae Jade Whitney Grambeck, 27, of Junction Road, Pavilion, is charged with driving while intoxicated -- first offense, and DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or more. At 3:15 a.m. April 19, Grambeck was arrested on Ellicott Street Road in Bethany following a motor-vehicle accident. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in Bethany Town Road on May 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Deputy David Moore.
Caleb Richard Swendsen, 26, of Akron Road, Pembroke, is charged with second-degree criminal trespass. Following a report of a domestic incident at 6:36 p.m. April 13 on Maple Avenue in Oakfield, Swendsen was arrested. He was arraigned on the charge virtually in Oakfield Town Court, then released on an appearance ticket. He is due back in court June11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Kyle Krzemien.
Lisa Fox, 49, of East Avenue, Batavia, was arrested after a traffic stop on East Avenue at 12:08 p.m. April 14 during which she was identified as the operator, and there was a bench warrant for her arrest out of Batavia City Court. Following her arraignment in city court, she was released under supervision. Fox is due to return to court May 25.
A trial date has been set for a Batavia man accused in 2018 of arson and attempted murder following a structure fire at 35 Maple St.
Plush Dozier appeared in court for a short hearing where Genesee County Court Judge Charles Zambito scheduled the trial to start on June 7.
Zambito noted the court system will likely still be under COVID-19 protocols in June and said the jury will need to be socially distanced and the trial will require the use of two courtrooms. He scheduled a meeting for July 3 with the attorneys to go over trial arrangements and protocols.
Dozier was originally being held without bail and being housed in Attica after alleged disturbances at the Genesee County Jail (which led to additional criminal charges) but after bail reform at the start of 2020, Dozier was given the opportunity at cash bail of $100,000 or $100,000 bond.
He is currently out of custody.
A brush fire is reported on Buffalo Road in Bergen.
Bergen fire responding.
A chief requests Department of Environmental Conservation to the scene.
There is a burn ban in place through May 14. (Click here for more information.).
City fire crews were with Ladder 15 out behind the Batavia Ice Rink on Evans Street this morning giving it a good scrub before re-greasing it to help the equipment operate more smoothly. The task is part of the ladder truck's regular maintenance.
JoAnne Meiser submitted this photo of last night's sunset in Indian Falls.
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