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Hawley announces key changes to charitable gaming laws, introduces bill to further help local groups

By Billie Owens

Press release:

In his ongoing fight to update the state’s charitable gaming laws which have prohibited events such as the Stafford Fire Department’s annual car raffle, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has introduced legislation to allow charitable organizations to accept credits cards as a form of payment for Internet sales of games of chance.

Hawley was successful in working with Gov. Cuomo to update several facets of the state’s gaming laws in this year’s budget, including expanding the definition of an “authorized organization” to include volunteer ambulance workers and organizations that have been in existence for one year, allowing television and Internet advertising of raffles and allowing personal checks to be acceptable payments for games of chance.

“While many of the state’s archaic gaming laws were updated in this year’s budget, there is still much more work to be done to protect the livelihood of our thousands of charitable organizations, churches, fire departments and non-profits across the state,” Hawley said.

“This bill would allow these groups to accept credit cards as a form of payment for raffles, resulting in higher revenues raised for these great organizations and the ability for them to sell tickets outside of the region in which the raffle is taking place. I am hopeful that we can get this passed by the end of session and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Assembly to make that a reality moving forward.”

City crews to begin replacing water lines and sewer mains in area around Vine and Elm

By Billie Owens

Press release from the city's Department of Public Works:

Construction is scheduled to begin this week for replacement of water lines and sewer mains in the Vine Street, Chase Park, Elm Street and East Avenue area of the City.

Be advised that the construction will result in travel restrictions and disruptions in this area, and it is recommended that unnecessary travel down these streets be avoided. 

Grand Jury: Woman indicted for alleged third-degree rape of minor and stalking

By Billie Owens

Cassy L. Drury is indicted for the crime of third-degree rape, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Jan. 23 in the Town of Le Roy that Drury, who is a female over the age of 21, engaged in sexual intercourse with another person less than 17 years old. In counts two and three, she is accused of committing the same crime on Jan. 30 and  31, respectively, also in the Town of Le Roy. In count four, Drury is accused of third-degree stalking, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count four, that Drury -- with intent to harass, annoy or alarm a specific person -- intentionally engaged in a course of conduct directed at that person. This alleged course of conduct was likely to cause such person to reasonably fear physical injury, serious physical injury, the commission of a sex offense against, or the kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment or death of this person or a member the person's immediate family.

Defendent requests new attorney, change of venue, recordings and transcripts and gets none of it

By Howard B. Owens

Charles Schilling, who has already had to change attorneys once, had several requests for County Court Judge Charles Zambito today: he wants a new attorney; he wants a change of venue; he wants a copy of the Grand Jury transcripts; he wants a copy of any of the discovery gathered in his case; he wants tapes or transcripts of calls he believes were recorded. 

He was very polite to Zambito while reading the statement he prepared and in responding to Zambito's questions or statements, but much of what he asked for, he isn't getting.

Schilling, a resident of Akron, but currently being held in the Livingston County Jail, was indicted on counts of second-degree burglary and second-degree criminal trespass a year ago. The charges stem from an apparent dispute with a woman in Pembroke. On Thanksgiving Day, Schilling was reportedly shot in the leg by the woman's father after he allegedly broke into their home.

Public Defender Jerry Ader became Schilling's attorney suddenly a couple of weeks ago after the private attorney who had been handling the case quit. Apparently, there were phone conversations between Schilling and the attorney that prompted the attorney to quit the case.

Schilling said he was just trying to ensure he was getting good representation because his parents laid out $15,000 for his defense. He wanted tapes of the conversations he had with his attorney because he believes the recordings, which he believes exist, would exonerate him of the accusation of speaking inappropriately to the attorney.

Zambito told him he has a new attorney, he's keeping his new attorney because he failed to show adequate cause for new appointed counsel, and any issue with his prior attorney was settled, as far as the court is concerned, once the attorney was removed from the case.

Schilling said he doesn't believe he can get a fair trial in Genesee County because he believes his troubles in the Genesee County Jail -- the reason he's being held in Livingston County -- will spill over into his trial.

Zambito denied his request for a change of venue.

Assistant Public Defender Robert Zickl said Schilling isn't entitled to copies of the Grand Jury transcripts, by statute, until his case goes to trial, and he shouldn't have them until then, and Zambito agreed.

Schilling also claimed that a person involved in the case was involved in making a pornographic video that can be found online and he wanted information on the investigation into the video.

Zickl said there is no such video; there is no investigation and there won't be an investigation.

As for other discovery, Ader is in the process of obtaining those documents and statements and asked for another 30 days to obtain and review the material.

Head-on collision, Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, unknown injuries

By Howard B. Owens

A head-on collision has been reported in the area of 409 Bloomingdale Road, Basom.

Unknown injuries at this time.

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 4:55 p.m.: Chief on scene reports one possible minor injury, one possible sign off. One ambulance responding is fine.

UPDATE 5 p.m.: A second ambulance requested to the scene.

West Main Wine & Spirits gets new, interactive app to browse selection, get drink recipes, and more

By Maria Pericozzi

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Customers who shop at West Main Wine & Spirits on 341 W. Main St. in Batavia will have the opportunity to shop with an app, thanks to a company called More On Tap.

More On Tap is a company based out of Massachusetts with an interactive application for liquor stores and their customers. Their application can be viewed on a store kiosk, computer, tablet, mobile phone and the store’s website.

Chris Blossom, the owner (pictured), said he was contacted by Robert Pais, from More On Tap, with the idea of using a mobile app for West Main Wine & Spirits.

“When we first got coordinated with them, we were the third store in New York State to [have an app],” Blossom said.

Through the app, users can browse products, view drink recipes, food and wine pairings, current specials and staff picks. If the user is in the store, items can also be scanned to view product information.

Originally, there was going to be a kiosk put in the store, but Blossom liked the mobile app instead.

“More people are tech-savvy now,” Blossom said. “A lot of people are on their (smart) phones.”

Customers can sign up on the email club and Blossom will send special promotions through the app every few weeks.

“Before you come to the store, you can look up the wine you want,” Blossom said. “If you’re drinking a liquor and you want to make a drink, you can look up everything before you get to the store.”

Blossom said a challenged he faced was not having all of the New York State wines on the app.

“The biggest thing was trying to get our inventory coordinated,” Blossom said. “As far as the liquor and spirits, it’s the same mainly everywhere.”

The app is compatible with all smartphones. If customers don’t want to download the app, Blossom said there will be an iPad in the store to join the email club.

Through the app, customers can sign up for an email newsletter.

“I wanted something where people can figure out what they want before they get here,” Blossom said. “People are busy in life.”

On the web: westmainwineandspirits.com

Mural being painted on Byron-Bergen Library

By Maria Pericozzi

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Nancy Bailey, the manager of the Byron-Bergen Public Library, said when she walked in the building every morning, the parking lot was boring and uninviting.

The parking lot was remodeled about a year ago and there was a big empty space on the wall. She said it was the perfect space for a mural. 

She applied for a Decentralization Grant from New York State through the Council on the Arts. Once the grant was approved, local artist Dave Burke got to work designing a mural that would reflect the community.

“The board members said we definitely needed a train because it was a big part of Bergen,” Burke said. “It also has farmland, birds and a swamp, and will have a part of the trail.”

Burke has been an artist all his life, but this is the first mural he has done. He usually paints on canvas or boards using watercolor or acrylics.

“The last couple years, I just started painting all the time,” Burke said. “Work and other things just got in the way. I wish I had done this 30 years ago and totally concentrated on painting.”

Burke mixes his own colors with acrylic paint and will seal the mural with clear varnish when it is completed.

The mural is dedicated to Eileen Almquist, the director of the Byron-Bergen Public Library, before she retired in 1983. Her picture is also painted on the mural, surrounded by children and books.

“Somebody suggested to put her up there,” Bailey said. “It looks really neat with her up there.”

Bailey said once the mural is completed, she would like to put park benches and chairs behind the library.

“It seems like a pleasant place to sit,” Bailey said. “It gets enough shade here in the late afternoon and some early morning sunshine.”

Bailey said there will be an unveiling when the mural is completed. 

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Sexual predator sentenced to 15 years in prison

By Howard B. Owens

Serial sexual predator Marlek Holmes will be locked away in state prison for 15 years, with more local charges pending, after his sentencing in Genesee County Court today.

The 43-year-old Holmes, who has already spent 14 years of his adult life in prison and is a registered Level 3 sex offender, read a lengthy statement to Judge Charles Zambito before his sentencing in which he declaimed all responsibility for the sexual assault on his underage victim except that he should have been the one protecting her from another, unnamed, assailant. 

"If I had not been in prison, I would have been there to protect her from the person who sexually abused her," he said.

His victim also spoke in court -- a slight girl, barely in her teens, whose pink pants fit loosely on her thin frame -- and cried throughout most of her statement, which both described the horror she knows she will always live with and the pain of the physical assaults.

"I'm scared to even look at you," she said.

She said she can forgive but never forget.

"I wish you the best," she said. "I know you're not going to make it, but God bless."

Holmes, wiry and muscular, sat casually at the defense table, dressed in an orange jail jumpsuit, with his hands cuffed to his waist, and never looking at the girl.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said Holmes caught quite a break in getting a plea agreement the day his trial was supposed to start May 4. Holmes was originally charged, in this case, with Class A felonies of predatory sexual assault and predatory sexual assault against a child. A conviction in a jury trial may have meant a life sentence.

Friedman said he believes a life sentence would be appropriate, but the deal -- saving the girl, who said she also favored Holmes getting life in prison, the necessity of testifying -- allowed Holmes to plead guilty to a Class C violent felony, attempted criminal sexual act in the first degree.

After going through Holmes' lengthy criminal record, which includes prior sexual assaults, two prison terms, two periods on parole, and still 27 counts of other criminal charges, Friedman said Holmes deserved no more consideration in his sentence than what he's already received.

"He is a sexual predator," Friedman said. "He has always been a sexual predator. He will always be a sexual predator."

Zambito noted the contradiction between the statement provided by Holmes and the clear, emotional statement by his victim naming him as the abuser. Holmes, he said, did get a substantial break with the plea deal.

"I can't conceive of any legitimate reason to give anything other than the maximum sentence this plea allows," Zambito said.

A trial date for the other charges against Holmes was set for Aug. 28, but both Fred Rarick, representing Holmes, and Friedman, said they would discuss a possible plea deal to settle those charges as well.

Ellicott Station redevelopment advances with official application for anticipated financial assistance

By Howard B. Owens

As anticipated, Buffalo-based Savarino Companies has applied for financial assistance from the Genesee County Economic Development Center to help offset the costs of environmental cleanup and redevelopment of the long-vacant Della Penna property on Ellicott Street in the City of Batavia.

The GCEDC board will consider the application for the $17.6 million rehabilitation project at its meeting tomorrow.

Savarino is planning to replace most of the structures on the property and replace them with a 64,000-square-foot development that will include apartments, office space and a brewery and restaurant.

Once completed, there will be 47 market-rate apartments on the border of Downtown Batavia and businesses employing at least 60 full-time workers.

The terms of the application were negotiated by the city and GCEDC during the process of attracting a developer for the brownfield project and include $897,293 in sales tax abatement on materials during construction, relief on $128,232 in mortgage taxes and $537,398 in property taxes.

Savarino has already announced an anchor tenant for the Ellicott Station project, Resurgence Brewing Company of Buffalo, which plans to use the facility to increase production of a new product, a sour beer, as well as serve on tap its full line of beers that have proven popular in Buffalo.

The project is part of the Batavia Pathway to Prosperity (BP2) initiative, which is a cooperative endeavor between the city, GCEDC, Batavia Development Corp., City Schools and Genesee County.

BP2 was created to offer a tax abatement known as a PIF (PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes incremental financing), which is the first of its kind in New York. Half of the PIF payments will be used to help fund future brownfield redevelopment in Batavia, with the other half being returned to the original taxing jurisdictions.

The Batavia Opportunity Area (the brownfield redevelopment area) covers 366 acres in the city's core and contains five strategic redevelopment sites.

Sales tax share agreement slated for extension while new agreement finalized

By Howard B. Owens

City and county officials are largely in agreement on how sales tax should be distributed among the various local governments that have been part of a sharing agreement for nearly two decades, City Manager Jason Molino said last night.

The current agreement is about to expire and there are still details to be worked out, however, plus time is needed to draft new legal agreements before elected officials can approve a new plan, so the City Council is being asked to approve a temporary extension to the current agreement.

The County Legislature will also need to approve a temporary extension.

There is a working group of top managers with city and county working on the details, not only of the sales tax sharing agreement but also agreements dealing with water distribution and use of the city's wastewater treatment facility. The deals have previously been interconnected because of the mutual interest of all parties cooperating on these initiatives, Molino said.

"It is in everybody’s self-interest to have an agreed upon agreement in place for sales tax distribution," Molino said. "No one benefits from these agreements going away. There is a form and fashion they have to take with new terms and conditions, but it’s in everyone’s best interest to work out a distribution that is equal and fair to everyone."

Currently, there is an 8 percent sales tax in Genesee County. Of that, 4 percent is mandated by the state and so the money goes to the state. The county keeps 2 percent; of the remaining 2 percent, the city gets about 1/3 of it and the other 2/3 is divided among the county's town and village governments.

The city's share comes to about $6 million annually.

Work on a new agreement started in the fall. The temporary extension, once approved by both City and County, will keep it in place through December 2018.

Loose dog reportedly killing chickens in Alexander

By Billie Owens

"There's a loose dog killing his neighbor's chickens -- occuring now," says a dispatcher about a call just received. The incident is at 2414 Walker Road, Alexander. Sheriff's deputies are responding.

UPDATE 12:05 p.m.: An officer at the scene reports the dog has tags, but he can't get close to the dog (to read them). An animal control officer is responding.

UPDATE 12:08 p.m.: The officer is able to read the phone number of the dog's owner on a tag and provides it to the dispatcher.

Council members raise concerns about abandoned properties dotting the city

By Howard B. Owens

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The city continues to be dogged by vacant, abandoned and unkempt residential properties, prompting a City Council conversation Tuesday night about the city's progress on a few specific nuisance properties.

City Manager Jason Molino said the city's effort to deal with so-called zombie houses is making progress, but it's a "slow-moving train."

"Some of the vacant homes that were vacant are no longer vacant," Molino said. "They’ve been picked up and worked on, so we're seeing some progress."

Three properties, in particular, were singled out by council members -- 129 Hutchins St., 404 S. Jackson St., and a house on Ellicott Avenue.

The house on Hutchins fits the description for what officials usually mean by a "zombie property." It's long been vacant and there's little indication that anybody is taking responsibility for it.

There's junk piled on the front porch and scattered around the back yard, and the grass hasn't been cut all season. Inspectors have posted a notice on the front door.

Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian has determined the USDA, which apparently financed the purchase the property, has possibly foreclosed on the house and she's been in contact with USDA officials about cleaning up the property.

At 404 South Jackson, across from Jackson School, is the burned out hulk of a former multifamily complex. The building was destroyed in a fire March 8 and has sat untouched since, except for a safety fence the city erected around it.

Molino said the owners, Barton H. Bowman and Thomas W. Hallock, have been cited and were ordered to appear in court earlier this month, but neither showed up in City Court, so a warrant has been issued for both men.

Through the normal court process, it could take 30 to 90 days to get the structure torn down, Molino said. If the city wants razed sooner, like immediately, the city could do that, but would have to foot the bill.

As for the property on Ellicott Avenue, Councilman Bob Bialkowski raised it as a possible zombie property. A check of the residence led to the discovery of an open door with possible forced entry. When police responded, there was nobody inside and dispatchers were able to contact the property owner, who indicated she is in the process of moving out. There was no forced entry, a police officer said. The broken glass near the door was from damage the property owner knew about.

The city has a tax exemption available for owner-occupants who buy a zombie property and rehabilitate it. While there have been several inquiries about the exemption, and several former zombie houses are now owned and occupied, no exemptions have been granted yet, Molino said. That could soon change.

Molino said a young couple recently purchased a house that had been vacant for at least seven years, getting it on a short sale, and the couple plans to invest a significant amount of money rehabilitating it. Molino said he is meeting with the couple next week to discuss the exemption.

"This definitely qualifies," Molino said. "This might be our first actual case."

The city is also working with potential community partners on a loan program to help people finance the purchase of owner-occupied former zombie homes. He said an announcement about that program could come within 30 to 60 days.

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Sponsored Post: Having something to cheer about

By Lisa Ace

The former Buffalo Jills have something to cheer about this week. A judge ruled in a 2014 lawsuit filed by the Jills against the Buffalo Bills, that the cheerleaders were in fact employees, not independent contractors.

This ruling is important because as employees they are legally entitled to workers’ rights and regulations which they wouldn’t be if they were independent contractors. Under workers’ rights laws, the Jills will have to be paid at least minimum wage for their work.

Dolce Panepinto partner Sean Cooney is one of the attorneys representing the Jills, and is dedicated to protecting the rights of workers. You can find more information on the lawsuit here and here. For further questions contact Dolce Panepinto: click here.

City firefighters hope to raise a lot of money for MDA during this Friday's Fill the Boot drive

By Billie Owens

File photo from 2016.

Press release:

Members of the Batavia City firefighters from IAFF Local 896 will fan out across the streets of Downtown Batavia with boots in hand for this year's donation drive on Friday, June 2nd.

Batavia’s Fill the Boot drive is organized by firefighter Chris Morasco. Proceeds benefit the Muscular Dystophy Association.

“In 2016, we set out to break the $10,000 mark," Morasco said. "Our members, with the help of our generous community were successful and able to raise $10,574.74 for the MDA! Look for us Friday!”

From 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., city firefighters will be at the intersection of Main Street (Route 5) and Court Street, and also at Ellicott Street (Route 63) and Court Street collecting donations for MDA.

Hawley announces Haxton Memorial Library in Oakfield to get grant for security cameras

By Billie Owens

This information is from a press release provided by Assemblyman Steve Hawley's office:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today proudly announced that the Haxton Memorial Library in Oakfield will be receiving a state grant to install security cameras.

Hawley fought vigorously during this year’s budget negotiations to restore proposed cuts to library aid made by Gov. Cuomo and secure $95.6 million in total aid, including a $5 million increase for capital projects. 

“Libraries like these are a staple of our community and offer myriad services to local residents, such as free books and movie rentals, high-speed Internet and research services,” Hawley said. “My colleagues and I worked diligently to fight Gov. Cuomo’s proposed cuts to library aid and I am proud to announce that we actually secured an increase in funding for public libraries to undertake capital projects and improvements.

"Libraries are a gateway to a world of knowledge and enlightenment through reading and research and they will always have my unwavering support.”

Hawley also noted that Le Roy's Woodward Memorial Library received a state grant to renovate its Children's Room. For previous coverage on that project, click here.

GC Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Hale recognized by Badge of Honor Association

By Billie Owens

Pictured are Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Hale, left, and Undersheriff Greg Walker.

Submitted photos and press release:

Members of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office attended the 2017 Badge of Honor Association (BOHA) Policeman's Ball held May 20 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Deputy Andrew B. Hale was recognized for a critical incident that occurred in March of 2016 (one of 27 incidents recognized at the Ball).

Deputy Hale was seated in his patrol car during a traffic stop when an assailant shot at him with a rifle from a second-story window of an apartment, striking the patrol car and narrowly missing Deputy Hale. After a brief investigation, the assailant was arrested and charged.

The Badge of Honor Association was established in 2007 and is a not-for-profit organization that recognizes law enforcement officers in Central and Western New York (25 counties) who have been involved in critical incidents. BOHA dedicates signs in honor of fallen officers that mark their “End of Watch” date, holds several other events that honor the fallen officers and, most importantly, assists the fallen officers’ families. Since its inception, there have been 11 officers killed in the line of duty within its geographical area.

Below are those from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office who attended this year's Policeman's Ball, from left: Deputy Ryan W. Young, Investigator James M. Diehl, Undersheriff Gregory H. Walker, and Deputy Andrew B. Hale. Deputy Matthew R. Butler attended, too, but is not in the photo.

Color Me Rad 5K returns for fifth year at Darien Lake on June 10, benefits Special Olympics

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Darien Lake will turn into a wave of color beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, as more than a thousand runners participate in the Color Me Rad 5K, a colorful, family fun run. Returning to Darien Lake for its fifth year, the race benefits Special Olympics of New York.

The nationally recognized event is loosely based on the Hindu Festival of Colors, otherwise known as Holi; colors used are a sign of winter’s end and spring’s new beginnings. During the race through Darien Lake’s campgrounds, runners dressed in all white are showered with a rainbow of colored cornstarch, transforming their clothing, faces and hair into a colorful work of art.

Partial proceeds from the event will benefit Special Olympics of New York.

“Color Me Rad is a great family fun run that really brightens up our campground,” said Chris Thorpe, Darien Lake general manager. “More importantly, it gives us an opportunity to give back to such an important organization in our community, Special Olympics of New York.”

In addition to Color Me Rad-themed swag, participants also receive free admission and coupons to the theme park and spectators receive discount tickets.

“Special Olympics New York is very excited to be teaming up with Color Me Rad and Darien Lake again,” said Erica Raepple, Director of Development for Special Olympics – Western Region. “We have partnered for the past 5 years and through the generosity of Color Me Rad and the local community coming out to volunteer, this event has been able to help sponsor nearly 30 Special Olympic Athletes.”

Registration for Color Me Rad is $55 and free for children under 7.

To register for the event or for more information about season passes or accommodations, visit www.DarienLake.com.

About Darien Lake 

Darien Lake’s wide variety of entertainment has made it “destination fun” since 1964. Located 45 minutes from Niagara Falls between Buffalo and Rochester, today the park boasts more than 50 rides, including six world-class roller coasters; dozens of family friendly rides and entertainment; the region’s largest water park complete with wave pool; and a 20,000-seat state-of-the-art performing arts center, operated by Live Nation. The park is open May 6 to Oct. 1 and welcomes overnight guests in a wide range of accommodations – from a full-service hotel and modern cabins to rental RVs and campsites. For more information or to order season passes, visit www.DarienLake.com.

Law and Order: Le Roy police arrest Rochester man for allegedly selling cocaine in the village

By Billie Owens

Robert Joseph Stevenson, pictured left, 25, of Park Avenue, Rochester, was arrested on Saturday, May 27, by the Le Roy Police Department and charged with one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, a Class B felony, and one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, also a Class B felony. Juan Luis Rivera, 31, of West Main Street, Le Roy, was also arrested that day and charged with one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, a Class A misdemeanor. At about midnight, patrols observed what appeared to be a verbal altercation occurring between two males, one of the males being Juan Rivera and the other a bouncer from a local bar, on Main Street in the Village of Le Roy. While patrols were speaking with both parties, they learned that Geneva Police Department had an active warrant for Rivera, who was taken in custody as a result of the warrant. At that time, Rivera was allegedly found to be in possession of a quantity of cocaine. Police then received information that the cocaine had been purchased in the village earlier in the evening on Friday, May 26 and they were able to identify a possible suspect. After a brief investigation, it is believed that late Friday evening Stevenson allegedly possessed a quantity of cocaine with the intent to sell and did sell said cocaine to Rivera. Rivera was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in the Le Roy Town Court on June 12 to answer to the charge. Rivera was then turned over to the Geneva Police Department. Stevenson was arraigned then put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $15,000 bail. Stevenson is to return to the Le Roy Town Court on June 5.

Kiha Samuel McNear, 19, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct, obstruction of governmental administration, and resisting arrest.On May 27, Batavia PD responded to an address on Jackson Street for a reported disturbance. While on location, police allegedly observed McNear acting in a "violent and tumultuous way." McNear was taken into custody after a brief physical altercation. The defendant was arraigned and jailed on $1,000 cash or bond. McNear is due back in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

Michael Bryan German, 34, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI with a BAC of .18 percent or higher, and moving from lane unsafely. At about 1 a.m. on May 27, Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Young was traveling east on Route 5 in the City of Batavia when a Ford pickup truck allegedly moved from its lane unsafely, almost striking Deputy Young's vehicle. Deputy Young initiated a traffic stop on the pickup truck. After a brief investigation of the driver, German was taken into custody and charged as noted. German was issued appearance tickets and released. The defendant is due in City Court on June 21 to answer the charges.

Darazian "Willie Paul" Williams, 23, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree and failure to keep right. At 7:29 p.m. on May 25 on Alexander Road, Alexander, Williams was arrested following a property damage accident. He allegedly possessed amphetamine pills at the time. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Alexander Court on June 27. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute, assisted by Sgt. Jason Saile.

Chris Kaboingo Mukendi, 28, of Mill Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Mukendi was arrested at 7:29 p.m. on May 25 on Alexander Road in Alexander followinf a property damage accident. Mukendi allegedly possessed amphetamine pills at the time. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Alexander Court on June 27. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute, assisted by Sgt. Jason Saile.

Alan P. Ellis, 36, of Woodstock Gardens, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt in the second degree -- violating a valid order of protection. Ellis allegedly sent text messages to a protected party on Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia, in violation of a duly served order of protection out of Batavia City Court. He was subsequently arrested and jailed in lieu of $1,000 bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Philip S. Pompey, 28, of Lark Street, Buffalo, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, 3rd. He was arrested May 27 on a warrant out of City Court and is due in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Darryle Street.

Katrina L. Thigpen, 34, of Thrope Street, Batavia, is charged with offering to file a false instrument in the first degree and issuring a false financial statement with intent to defraud. Thigpen was arrested at her residence after she allegedly provided GC Probation Department with false NYS and Federal tax return information on May 15. She was issued an apearance ticket and released. She is due in Batavia City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.

Paul E. Tenney, 71, of East Morganville Road, Stafford, responded to Batavia Police Department Headquarters on his own accord after a bench warrant was issued. He was subsequently arrested for NYS Fire Code violations, which allegedly occured at 198 Ellicott St. at 1:30 p.m. on May 19. He is due in City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.

A 17-year-old who lives on Slocum Road, Perry, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Following a complaint on May 28 at 9:54 p.m. on Veterans Menmorial Drive, the defendant was arrested for allegedly possessing a small quantity of marijuana and issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court on June 26. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Woman saves son before car strikes her and two dogs

By Howard B. Owens

A mother managed to push her child out of the way of an oncoming car that struck her and killed the family's two dogs Saturday afternoon on Allen Street, Batavia.

The name of the 32-year-old woman hasn't been released, nor has the name of the juvenile driver.

The accident was reported at 3:16 p.m., Saturday.

A gold Ford Taurus was eastbound on Allen Street when it left the roadway, went over a curb and not the sidewalk, according to police. 

The woman pushed her son out of the way as the car approached.

The driver reportedly fled the scene but returned later.

He was allegedly driving the vehicle without the owner's permission. 

Police said the medical status of the woman is not known at this time. 

The investigation is ongoing and police said no further information will be released.

Potential witnesses are asked to contact Det. Rich Schauf at (585) 345-6312 or the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370.

Smoke from burning tree stumps reported on East Main Street Road, Batavia

By Billie Owens

Black smoke is reportedly pouring from the back of a house at 5155 E. Main Street Road. A first responder on scene is investigating and says it's a controlled burn, of tree stumps. Town of Batavia Fire Department is called and a firefighter is continuing to the scene to investigate.

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The Batavia Housing Authority is seeking a positive, hardworking teammate to perform a variety of outdoor landscaping tasks, primarily mowing, with some trimming and cleanup work. The Groundskeeper is independently responsible for outdoor landscaping tasks on a weekly basis with some flexibility. This job may require some weekend hours when necessary. Part-time position Pay Range: $19.00/hr - $22.00/hr Anticipated start date: May 2024 Application deadline: April 29, 2024 See full job description at: https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/Groundskeeper.pdf Complete Civil Service Application at: https://cms1files.revize.com/geneseecountynew/CivilServiceApplication2022Revision-09.22.22.pdf Contact Information Nathan Varland Executive Director Batavia Housing Authority 400 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 (585) 344-1888 nvarland@bataviahousing.org Location: Batavia
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