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Fifteen arrests repprted G-Eazy concert at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the G-Eazy concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday:

Colt D. Agnew, 19 of Potter Hill Road, Cattaraugus, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd and criminal possession of a forged Instrument, 2nd. Agnew allegedly entered Darien Lake after being told to leave and was found in possession of a fraudulent Maryland license. Agnew was arraigned in Darien Court and put in jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Jamie J. Burczynski, 20, of Old Goodrich Road, Clarence, is charged with second-degree harassment and resisting arrest. Burczynski allegedly swung his fist at a deputy and then resisted arrest. Burcyzynski was arraigned in Darien Court and put in jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.

A 17-year-old of Thorn Berry Way, Conyers, Ga., is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly urinating on a vehicle.

Bryce R. Tarbox, 20, of Route 417, Alleghany, is charged with third-degree criminal trespass and criminal possession of stolen property, 5th, after allegedly possessing a stolen Live Nation cleaning shirt and entering the concert venue without a ticket.

A 16-year-old of Ridge Meadows Drive, Spencerport, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly entering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Evan J. Vershay, 21, is charged with forcible touching after allegedly grabbing a female's private parts.

The following subjects were charged with unlawful possession of marijuana:

A 17-year-old of Main Street, Williamsville

Joshua P. Butry, 24, of 81st Street, Niagara Falls

Shane N. Barrett, 25, of Hickory Street, Whitney
Casey R. George, 19, of Hagen Avenue, North Tonawanda
Alexis N. Malta, 18, of Tinker Tavern Road, Webster
Luke G. Simons, 18, of Country Meadow, Hilton
Melanie M. O’Malley, 20, of Foxwood Lane, Williamsville
Andrew J. Stone, 21, of Evans Street, Lockport
Zachary T. Fronckowiak, 18, of Westover Street, Yorkshire

Serious injury accident this morning in Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

Two people were seriously hurt early this morning in an accident on Route 5 in Stafford.

Steven N. Cook, 33, was taken by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital with extensive injuries, according the Sheriff's Office. 

Shannon M. McGill, 28, was taken to Strong by Mercy EMS with upper body injuries.

The accident was reported at 2:07 a.m.

The cause or circumstances of the accident were not released. Only one vehicle was reportedly involved.

Assisting at the scene were volunteers from the Stafford and Town of Batavia fire departments.

Charges are pending. 

The investigation is being conducted by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Sponsored Post: Open House this Sunday 1pm-4pm!

By Lisa Ace

Home for Sale - 8 Union Street, Batavia! Don't miss our open house this Sunday from 1pm-4pm! 

Colonial Style 3 bedroom, 1 bath with 1,300 square feet! This home features a new driveway, electric panel/breakers, front porch. New patio doors leading to a new backyard deck. New energy efficient windows & light fixtures. New kitchen cabinetry, counter tops, flooring, along with microwave and dishwasher. Newly remodeled bathroom and finally new laminate flooring and carpeting throughout. This house has been completely repainted inside and out with updated landscaping. Easy maintenance, charming and move-in ready! $104,900

Offered by owners: Call 585-344-1286

Man taken to ECMC via Mercy Flight after accident on Angling Road, Pembroke

By Billie Owens

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A man was taken by Mercy Flight to ECMC following a serious-injury accident this afternoon on Angling Road in Pembroke.

A small car and a truck carrying black-top material for road paving collided shortly after 4:30 p.m.

There was heavy debris all over the roadway and East Pembroke Fire Chief Don Newton said it was apparent as soon as he arrived on scene that this was a severe-injury accident.

He called for assistance from Corfu Fire Department, which provided heavy extrication at the scene.

"The dash of the small vehicle was literally laying in the chest of the patient," Newton said.

The male driver of the car was unconscious when Mercy medics arrived, but they were able to stabilize him and he regained consciousness before being taken to the hospital, Newton said.

The driver of the truck claimed no injuries.

Angling Road was closed at Route 33 and at West Avenue.

State Police are investigating the accident.

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Sponsored Post: Register Today for the 4th annual Glow Corporate Cup!

By Lisa Ace

Register today for our 4th annual Glow Corporate Cup!

At 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 4, Merrill Lynch in Batavia will sponsor the fourth annual GLOW Corporate Cup. Each year local businesses form teams to compete in a 5K race wherein the company with the lowest combined time takes home the GLOW cup.

Following the race is the region’s largest office party. Businesses are encouraged to set up tents in Centennial Park, bring refreshments and prepare to have a great time as they mingle with other local companies. Live music is provided as runners and supporters enjoy the post-race “AfterGLOW.” 

Last year, the race included 700 runners and more than 1,000 people participated in the post-race celebration. In the first two years more than $30,000 was raised for the GLOW YMCA and this year event is expected to exceed last year's total in participants and funds raised.

“Our purpose is to bring the businesses of the GLOW region together for a common cause,” said Joshua Dent, one of the race organizers. “The after-party was intended to celebrate the outstanding companies we have in the region that are giving back to their community.” 

The GLOW YMCA serves the communities of Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.

“This year we would like to see even more participants from beyond Genesee County,” Dent said.

Registration is $25 per person and individuals must be 18 or older to participate. The route has been certified as a USA Track and Field Course.

All funds raised go toward programs for the GLOW YMCA. Register today! Click here for more information. Questions concerning the event may be sent to: info@glowcorporatecup.org

Car hits pole in Le Roy, wires down

By Howard B. Owens

There's a report of a car hitting a pole on West Main Street, Le Roy, in front of Scooter's Restuarant.

Wires are down and there's a report of power out in the area.

The occupants are out of the vehicle, but there are wires on the vehicle.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance responding.

Local dog behaviorist offers discounts for owners who turn in punishment collars

By Howard B. Owens

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Because choke, pinch and prong dog collars really don't help improve a dog's behavior, and can actually make bad behavior worse, Tori Ganino, owner of Calling All Dogs, 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia, is offering a discount on training to owners who leave those collars with her so they can be destroyed.

Leave one of those types of collars and get $12 off a group class or $12 off an in-home training visit, or leave an electric collar and get $15 off.

"These collars create all kinds of negative associations and don't help build a relationship with your dog," Ganino said. "They create bad associations, so if a person is walking by and a dog is already a little bit nervous and then they see the person and they get pinched or they get choked, that just validated the feelings that the person is bad because they got hurt when they saw the person. It can make behaviors worse."

If a dog learns that pain will be associated with pre-bite warnings, such as barking or lunging, the dogs will learn to suppress those warnings and instead just bite, Ganino said, which makes them very hard to work with later when tryng to unlearn that behavior. 

And even in a good-natured dog, the pain hurts the dog's relationship with its owner, she said, because they see the owner as the one inflicting the pain. 

Ganino wants owner to bring punishment collars in and learn the kind of behavioral techniques, build around rewards and learning alternative behaviors, for the sake of the dogs, the owners and anyone they might encounter.

"I want to be able to show people is that they can change their dog's emotional response so things are not nearly so scary," Ganino said.

The phone number for Calling All Dogs is (585) 455-5387.

NOTE: Rocky update: Tori helped us a lot with Rocky and we continue to work with him.  His behavior has improved; he's lost a lot of his fear and demonstrates a lot more happy and loving behavior. 

Group of Alexander children perform their own version of Wizard of Oz

By Howard B. Owens

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Last night, a homegrown youth theater troupe in Alexander performed a special production of the "Wizard of Oz" before dozens of invited guests.

This 25-page adaptation of the famous story was based on a script by 13-year-old Naomi LaDuke, who based her version on a musical performed at Shea's, on silent films, the movie and the book.

These pictures are from the rehearsal Wednesday at the treehouse on Church Street where the actual performance took place.

Naomi also cast the players, designed and sewed Dorothy's costume and created the scenery and props. The musical accompaniment was played by David Lange, the organist at St. James Episcopal Church, which Naomi recorded using Apple's software, Garage Band.

This is the fourth annual production by the kids, under the name of their theater, Open Door Productions.  

There was no admission fee for guests last night, but they were asked to make a donation at the door benefiting Brittany's Hope, a nonprofit in Pennsylvania that assists in international adoptions. The evening's theme was "There's no place like home."

"The kids are hoping to raise money and awareness to bring another child home to their forever family," said Naomi's mother, Karen Laduke. "Two of the actresses are internationally adopted themselves, so this is a theme that hits close to home."

Leigh LeFevre, pictured above, played Dorothy.

Naomi, besides being the writer, director, set and costume designer, also played the Wizard.

The rest of the cast: Lillian McClellan, Sally LaDuke, Jennmarie Schiller, Mya Hardie, Margarite LaDuke, Samual LaFevre, Kylee McClellan, Kathryn McClellan, Katelyn Hardie and Lucy LeFevre.

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Crews install new manhole today at State and Washington

By Howard B. Owens

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Crews with Blue Heron Construction set a manhole today at Washington Avenue and State Street, park of the sewer reconstruction project this summer along Washington Avenue.

The area around Jefferson Avenue, Washington and State has been closed for a few weeks, but the project is getting closer to the finish line, said Matt Worth, director of Public Works.

Here's what Worth told us in an email:

They expect to be through the intersection tomorrow (State/Washington will open back up) and then the bypass pumping should no longer be required. Next week an additional crew is expected and it is anticipated that the new water and sewer services to the houses between Jefferson and State Street will be connected along with the unexpected water main work that is required on Jefferson Avenue.

If all goes well, everything west of State Street would then be back open (or very close) to traffic by the end of next week. This would leave construction between State and Bank and the storm sewer crossing on State Street to up near Park Avenue and final milling and paving (Ellicott Avenue to Ross Street) left to complete, with completion of the project before school is back in session.

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Batavia Downs cancels Sunday's meet

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Officials at Batavia Downs Gaming were forced to cancel live racing on Sunday July 31 due to the lack of entries.

The Old Fashion Day celebration scheduled for July 31 has been rescheduled to Sunday Aug. 7.

Live racing at America’s oldest lighted harness track will continue as scheduled this Friday and Saturday night with a 6:15  first race post time.

“We regret to have to cancel Sunday’s program,” Todd Haight, director/GM of Live Racing, said, “but there is currently a horse shortage in Western New York and while every effort was made by our racing department to fill Sunday’s program, those efforts proved unsuccessful."

Local landlord uncovers a bit of local history in South Swan Street front yard

By Howard B. Owens

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James Pontillo is doing some restoration work on one of properties, in this case, on Swan Street, and he dug up this slab of stamped concrete inscribed for J. McBride.

Pontillo thinks this was a marker for John McBride, a contractor or engineer in the area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and that the house on South Swan was once his residence.

The house was built in the 1880s or 1890s, Pontillo thinks.

There was a John McBride from Batavia born in 1862 who died in 1937. Online records indicate, though not conclusively, his sons were John McBride, born in 1892, and a Robert McBride, born in 1882. This McBride family does not appear to be related to the family that ran McBride Steel Plate Construction Company in Batavia for many decades, and whose patriarch was an immigrant from Ireland.

Pontillo also uncovered the remains of a granite hitching post.

He isn't quite sure what to do with this piece.He isn't sure if one of the historical agencies would be interested in it.

Walk to End Alzheimer's returns to Batavia Sept. 24

By Billie Owens

(Submitted photo of Jake Oberg.)

Press release:

The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research, will be heading to Warsaw this October. 

The Batavia walk will take place at the Genesee County Nursing Home, located at 278 Bank St., Batavia, on Satruday, Sept. 24. On-line registration is available now at alz.org/WNY. On-site registration and check-in, basket and 50/50 raffles, and refreshments will be available from 9 to 10 a.m. with a brief opening ceremony to launch the Walk at 10.

The walks are organized by the local Alzheimer’s Association and are a vital source of funding for local services and resources. The walks also provide funding for research into a disease that “kills more people than breast and prostate cancers combined,” and touches almost 250,000 people across the greater Buffalo Niagara region.

“My grandpa died of Alzheimer’s...and I walk with my mom because I don’t think anyone else should lose their grandpa to this disease,” said Jake Oberg. 

The 11-year-old has been taking part in the event since before he could walk. Additionally, he has raised more than $7,000 with a lemonade stand and baked goods sale to support his Walk team, which has also earned him some special incentives.

In addition to fundraising participants, the Walks rely on hundreds of volunteers and the support of corporate sponsors like Elderwood. Eighty-five percent of residents in skilled care facilities exhibit at least some form of dementia including Alzheimer’s.

“Understanding firsthand the personal and health care ramifications of dementia, Elderwood has a long-standing history of supporting the Alzheimer’s Association through its Walk to end this disease,” said Elderwood Director of Business Development Anna Bojarczuk-Foy. “Finding a cure is one of the single most important goals in extending and improving the lives of the elderly in our communities.”

“Northtown Automotive is very proud to continue to support the mission set forth by the Alzheimer’s Association WNY Chapter. We understand the importance of supporting our community and have done so for over 45 years,” said Northtown Auto Group Chief Marketing Officer Mike Ahern. “Doing our part to support the Walk is a way for our organization to make a difference to thousands and thousands of WNY families who know the impact of this disease. We are confident these efforts will one day find a cure."

Additional corporate sponsors include the law firm of Cellino and Barnes, WDCX Radio and Tim Hortons. 

For more information or to register call 1-800-272-3900 or visit alz.org/WNY.

Sponsored Post: Open House this Sunday 1pm-4pm!

By Lisa Ace


Home for Sale - 8 Union Street, Batavia! Don't miss our open house this Sunday from 1pm-4pm! 

Colonial Style 3 bedroom, 1 bath with 1,300 square feet! This home features a new driveway, electric panel/breakers, front porch. New patio doors leading to a new backyard deck. New energy efficient windows & light fixtures. New kitchen cabinetry, counter tops, flooring, along with microwave and dishwasher. Newly remodeled bathroom and finally new laminate flooring and carpeting throughout. This house has been completely repainted inside and out with updated landscaping. Easy maintenance, charming and move-in ready! $104,900

Offered by owners: Call 585-344-1286

Eugene Jankowski Jr. takes 8th Place in Tactical Division, 20th overall, in national shooting competition

By Billie Owens

(Submitted photos.)

Press release:

Eugene Jankowski Jr. of Batavia finished in 8th place in the Tactical Division and 20th place overall at the 2016 Precision Rifle Series (PRS) Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) Challenge on July 23-24 at Peacemaker National Training Center in Gerrardstown, W. Va.

Jankowski is a retired Batavia City police officer and current president of the Batavia City Council.

Competitors used semiautomatic rifles with magnified optics in various shooting positions to complete 14 tough courses of fire over two days. Each course of fire required shooting multiple steel targets of different sizes at distances of 165 to 600 yards with a 90-second-maximum time limit. Shooters were tested on marksmanship as well as their ability to overcome physical and mental stress.

The Precision Rifle Series is a rifle sports competition series utilizing the most recognized and reputable long range rifle matches in the nation based on individual effort. To learn more about PRS http://www.precisionrifleseries.com/

Law and Order: Teen arrested after allegedly allowing unlicensed 15-year-old to drive

By Billie Owens

Brian John Flynn, 18, of North Road, Freedom, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and permitting unlicensed operator. Flynn was arrested at 11:58 p.m. on July 26 on Alleghany Road in Pembroke following a traffic stop near Vision Parkway. An investigation revealed that Flynn allegedly allowed an unlicensed 15-year-old to operate the vehicle. There were three people inside the vehicle under the age of 17 at the time of the stop and the vehicle was apparently taken without the registered owner's knowledge. An investigation is continuing and more charges are possible. Flynn is due in Town of Pembroke Court on Aug. 23 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Brandon J. Henley, 23, of Buffalo, was arrested at 1:32 p.m. on July 28 following a traffic stop for speeding on Route 77 in Corfu. Corfu Village Police Officer Michael Petritz initiated a traffic stop for speeding (48 mph in a 35-mph zone) and upon interviewing the driver and passenger, Officer Petritz allegedly detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana emanating from the vehicle. The passenger admitted to possessing the marijuana cigarettes found in the vehicle. Henley was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 1 for the Village of Corfu Court.

One person arrested at Heart concert for allegedly grabbing security guard by the throat

By Billie Owens

The following person was arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Heart concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on July 27:

Rahquan D. Daughtry, 24, of Clinton Avenue, Rochester, was arrested for second-degree harassment after allegedly grabbing a security guard by the throat. Daughtry is set to appear in Darien Town Court at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 9. 

This information was provided by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello.

Latest N.E.T. detail in the city results in four arrests for pot

By Billie Owens

Press release:

On July 20, uniformed members of the City of Batavia Police Department along with members from the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force (comprised of members from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Le Roy Police Department and City of Batavia Police Department), the Genesee County Probation Department and uniformed members of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office conducted a N.E.T. -- Neighborhood Enforcement Team -- detail in the City of Batavia.

The detail focused on quality-of-life issues, drug enforcement, warrant checks and probation checks in targeted neighborhoods.

The following arrests were made:

  • A 17-year-old male of Batavia was charged with one count of unlawful possession of marijuana (a violation) and criminally using drug paraphernalia (a Class A misdemeanor) following a traffic stop
  • A 17-year-old male of Batavia was charged with one count of unlawful possession of marijuana (a violation) following a traffic stop;
  • John Burns, 26, of Erie, Pa., was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana (a violation) following a traffic stop;
  • David Draper, 36, of Batavia, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana (a violation) and driving while ability impaired by drugs (a misdemeanor) following a traffic stop;
  • Officers conducted 21 parole checks where Probation officers located: one Probation violation; conducted 37 traffic stops; and issued 20 traffic tickets for various violations.

Top Items on Batavia's List

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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For Rent - Lower 1 Bedroom Apartment Private country setting, lower one bedroom apartment with all appliances and parking. Sunroom with gas fireplace and patio. Includes water and heat. NEW LOWER PRICE! $1000/Month plus electric. No pets, no smoking. References and security deposit required. Available June 1st, 2024. Call 585-344-3141.
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