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REMINDER: BHS to hold premiere cheer camp at Vandetta Stadium in July, deadline is July 8

By Billie Owens

Children ages 5 to 12 years old are invited to join the Batavia High School cheerleaders at their premiere cheer camp Friday and Saturday, July 29-30, at Vandetta Stadium. The stadium is located at 120 Richmond Ave. in Batavia.

Both days are mandatory. Cost is $40 and will include a camp T-shirt and pizza on Saturday.

Camp on Friday is from 1 to 5 p.m. On Satruday, it's from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a performance for parents at noon.

There will be a cheer merchandise booth for the participants to purchase extra apparel and bows.

Registration is due by July 8.

Questions? Call Melissa Swinehart at 202-6504 or Sherri Wahr at 356-0639.

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Mail registration fee, payable to Batavia Cheer Boosters, along with a piece of paper with the cheerleader's name, age, name of parent or guardian, phone number, and shirt size to:

Batavia High School

Attn: Cheer Booster

260 State St.

Batavia, NY 14020

Law and Order: Teen trysters arrested after allegedly coupling in Kibbe Park

By Billie Owens

A 17-year-old female and a 17-year-old male were arrested at 5:26 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15, at Kibbe Park in Batavia and charged with public lewdness. They were allegedly engaged in a sexual act with each other while in a vehicle in a public park. They were each issued appearance tickets and are due in City Court at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Michael J. Difalco, 28, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment and criminal obstruction of breathing. It is alleged that at 12:10 a.m. on June 18, Difalco was involved in a domestic incident with a female in the City of Batavia and that he harassed the victim physically and obstructed her breathing by applying pressure to her neck. He is scheduled to be in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

James D. Liotta, 33, of 551 Brooktondale Road, Brooktondale, is charged with felony unlicensed operation, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, and driving with a BAC of .08 percent or more, also a misdemeanor. He was arrested at 8:18 a.m. on June 18 on Route 77 in the Village of Corfu. He was stopped for driving a motor vehicle while using a cell phone without free hands. He was allegedly found to be intoxicated with a BAC of .16 percent and it was found that his operating privileges were revoked for two prior DWI arrests. Liotta was also found to be wanted out of Orleans County. He was jailed without bail and a detainer from Orleans County was forwarded to the GC Jail for the suspect. The case has handled by Village of Corfu Police Officer Gene Nati, assisted by GC Sheriff's Deputy Lonnie Nati.

David T. Latterell, 27, of Norris Drive, Rochester, is charged with passing a red light, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and operating a motor vehicle without an interlock device. At 8:21 p.m. on June 14, Latterell was arrested on these charges on West Main Street after he allegedly ran a red light while traveling eastbound on Main Street at Ellicott Street. He allegedly knew his NY driver's license was revoked and that he was supposed to have an interlock ignition device on any vehicle he operated, which he did not have. He is due in court on June 29. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Bryan H. Fetterly, 30, of Route 350, Macedon, was taken into custody by Batavia BD on June 14 after he was picked up by Ontario County Sheriff's deputies on a bench warrant issued by Batavia City Court for failure to comply. He was jailed on $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 bond and is due in City Court on Wednesday. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Timothy M. Ridgway, 34, of Elm Street, North Valley, is charged with violation of probation. He was arrested by GC Probation and turned over to Batavia PD. He was jailed on $5,000 bail and was due in court June 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Malachi M. Chenault, 19, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of alcohol, with intent to consume, by a person under age 21. Chenault was arrested at 1:49 a.m. on June 11 and is to be in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Brandon P. Armstrong Sr., 27, of Harvester Avenue, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Armstrong turned himself in on a bench warrant on June 9, which was issued after he failed to appear in City Court on traffic violations. He was released and is due in court on July 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis.

No serious injury in truck accident in Darien on Sunday

By Howard B. Owens

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Lots of twisted metal, but only a minor injury in an accident on Route 77 in Darien on Father's Day.

The driver of an empty milk truck was cited for allegedly following too closely.

That driver, Harold T. Scheg, 51, of Clarence, had a complaint of pain in his hand and arm, but was not taken to a hospital.

The other driver, James Tischendorf, was not injured.

According to an accident report prepared by Deputy Chris Parker, Scheg was northbound on Route 77 near O'Connor Road, following a truck and trailer driven by Tischendorf. Scheg initiated a passing maneuver because, according to the report, Tischendorf's vehicle was "moving slow." At that point, Tishendorf started a left turn into a driveway.

Scheg said he didn't see a turn signal. Tishendorf said he signaled. 

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

Submitted photos.

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Hip-hop dancer and choreographer has worked with big stars, and some of Batavia's young talent

By Howard B. Owens

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Dancer and choreographer Shoulin Young has traveled the world, working and performing with the likes of Brittany Spears, Chris Brown, Jason Darulo and Justin Beiber. Monday, he was in Batavia, conducting classes with students at Kristen's Performing Arts Center on East Main Street.

"I love what she (Kristen) has going on here, especially for a small town like Batavia," said Young, who is originally from Rochester, but now lives in Tampa, Fla. "Any chance I get to come here and work with these kids, I love to do it. The kids always have great energy. I love every second of it."

Owner Kristen Drilling opened the studio 10 months ago and offers a wide range of classes in performing arts, including all styles of dance, theater, music and pageant training. Each summer, she tries to bring in an accomplished and well-known instructor to conduct classes for a day.

Students from the studio have won competitions in Niagara Falls and Rochester, which has drawn attention from choreographers such as Young, she said.

"They see a lot of talent through our girls," Drilling said. "They see we're from a small town, so when we have really talented girls go out and win first place over all these big cities, we get a lot of choreographers in our studio to see what our girls have."

Young said he sees the talent, but more importantly, he sees an enthusiasm for hip-hop that a lot of people might not expect from a small town.

"When you think of Batavia or smaller towns in Upstate New York, you don’t really think hip-hop, but the hip-hop talent specifically here is very, very impressive," Young said. "There are lots of kids who are very hungry for it and dance in general is something that younger kids really want and the style of hip-hop is just a music that they all love.  I’m very impressed with the dancers I see here."

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Weekend jamboree fills in for Stafford Carnival

By Howard B. Owens

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Photos and info provided by Rob Radley.

To help offset the cancellation of the Stafford Carnival, an annual fundraiser for the Stafford Fire Department, local musician Bill Pitcher, organized a jamboree Sunday at the Stafford Fire Hall. Several bands played, the firefighters prepared a chicken BBQ, while the exempts prepared hamburgers and hot dogs.

Pictured are members of The Sky Cats. 

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Rollover accident reported on Route 77, Alabama

By Howard B. Owens

A rollover accident, unknown injuries, is reported in the area of 6684 Alleghany Road, Alabama.

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 8:50 a.m.: A first responder reports, "this is not an ongoing rollover. They're already out of the vehicle and home."

UPDATE 8:53 a.m.: One minor injury reported.

Severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 10:15 p.m.

By Howard B. Owens

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for parts of Genesee County, including Batavia.

It is in effect until 10:15 p.m.

A large storm is heading toward the Southwestern portion of the county and is expected to come as far north as Batavia.

The storm is moving at 55 mph. 

Wind gusts of 60 mph are expected with possible quarter-size hail.

House burglar given chance to complete drug treatment program, avoid prison

By Howard B. Owens
      Kyle Ratulowski

A 20-year-old Batavia resident will get a second chance as the result of a plea deal stemming for a pair of alleged burglaries of a family member's home if he can successfully complete substance abuse treatment.

Kyle Robert Ratulowski entered guilty pleas today to burglary, 2nd, and grand larceny, 4th, with the understanding that if he successfully completes the program, he will be given a chance to withdraw his guilty plea on the burglary charge and receive a probationary sentence on the grand larceny charge.

Ratulowski is currently in county custody, held without bail, while awaiting a "bed-to-bed" transfer to a drug treatment facility.

A bed at the facility should open within a week.

Interim Judge Michael Pietruszka told Ratulowski that if he washed out of the program, he would be looking of a possible maximum prison sentence of 15 years.

Ratulowski was arrested in April and accused of breaking into a home on Clinton Street, Batavia. He allegedly took a wallet containing a debit card. He told the court that he did not use the debit card. If there is a claim for restitution, Ratulowski will be required to pay it.

Sentencing is set for 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 16.

Milling operations to take place Thursday and Friday on Cherry, Pringle and Central in the city

By Billie Owens

Press release from the City of Batavia Bureau of Maintenance:

Cherry Street, Pringle Avenue and Central Avenue will be closed between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, June 23 and 24, for milling operations. The work will begin on Cherry Street first.

Residents and businesses are not to park on the roadway during milling operations.

These streets will be closed to through traffic. Residents and businesses of these streets will have limited access to their properties and should expect delays when paving operations are ongoing. All other traffic is asked to avoid this area and seek alternative routes.

If work is postponed by weather, work will be rescheduled for the next calendar day.

Genesee Promise Plus Summer Scholarship Program continues to grow, application deadline is June 24

By Billie Owens

Press release:

When Genesee Community College Board of Trustees initiated the Genesee Promise Plus (GPP) summer scholarship program in 2008 its goal was to remove financial barriers that often prohibit high school graduates in the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties from attending college. Trustees also felt the scholarship program would help families of the graduates recognize that a college degree is perhaps the most valuable investment for their future. 

The GPP report provided by Virginia (Ginny) Taylor, Ph.D., GCC's vice president for Student and Enrollment Services at last week's Board of Trustees meeting, illustrated the importance of the summer scholarship program and how its growth continues to positively impact families in the GLOW region. 

Through the past eight years, college officials have expanded GPP beyond its original scope of providing a scholarship for one or two summer GCC classes to just graduating high school seniors. Today, high school juniors, GED recipients, homeschooled students, as well adults who have never attended college before can also apply and receive a GPP scholarship for one or two classes. 

Interestingly, it is high school juniors that have shown the most substantial growth between 2015 and 2016. As of last Monday, there was an 82-percent increase over last year in the number of juniors who had applied for GPP scholarships. Batavia High, Elba and Pembroke Central were the schools showing the most growth, and homeschooled students jumped from 19 to 37 students. High school seniors increased by 17 percent. The number of adult students applying for GPP is small but also growing. Last year five adults applied, while this year the College welcomed 14 adult applicants. 

"Summer enrollment in Genesee Promise Plus continues to be a powerful opportunity for residents in our GLOW community, and we are excited to have another strong summer session this year, which starts July 5th," Taylor said. "It's not too late register."

There are more than 60 courses offered by GCC in Summer Session II with classes at all seven campus locations and online. From ceramics to chemistry, algebra to accounting, history to hip hop culture-GCC courses all offer SUNY transferable credit.

One more week to register! GPP application deadline is Friday, June 24.

To apply online go to: http://www.genesee.edu/home/academics/genesee-promise-plus/

You can also stop in at any of GCC's seven campus locations:

• GCC at Albion – 456 West Avenue (Rte. 31), Albion, NY 14411- (585) 589-4936

• GCC at Arcade – 25 Edward Street, Arcade, NY 14009 - (585) 492-5265

• GCC at Batavia – 1 College Road, Batavia, NY 14202 – (585) 345-6800

• GCC at Dansville – 31 Clara Barton Street (as of July 2, 2012), Dansville, NY 14437 – (585) 335-7820

• GCC at Lima – 7285 Gale Road, Lima, NY 14485 – (585) 582-1226

• GCC at Medina – 11470 Maple Ridge Road (Rte. 31A), Medina, NY 14103 – (585) 798-1688

• GCC at Warsaw – 115 Linwood Avenue, Warsaw, NY 14569 – (585) 786-301

Farm Bureau files motion to fight labor lawsuit that Cuomo isn't fighting

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

New York Farm Bureau seeks to intervene in the farm labor lawsuit filed against the State of New York and Governor Cuomo. The grassroots farm organization will file a motion today in State Supreme Court of Albany County to gain intervenor status in a lawsuit filed by the New York Civil Liberties Union Foundation. The NYCLUF seeks to create a constitutional right for farmworkers to collectively bargain. The ultimate goal of NYFB with today’s motion is for the court to dismiss the lawsuit.

NYFB is taking this major step to defend farmers, who feel they have been abandoned by the Governor and the New York Attorney General. Both leaders have made public statements supporting the lawsuit and refusing to defend state law, despite its importance to agriculture in New York State.

NYFB believes it has the right to intervene because the interest of its members will not be represented by the defendants – the Governor and Attorney General - and the ability of the organization’s members to continue to produce food for New York residents would be harmed in the event the plaintiffs prevail in this action.

The motion reads, “Farm Bureau is uniquely situated to represent the varied perspectives of its member farms and to zealously defend the constitutionality of the challenged farm labor exemption.”

Farm Bureau believes that the exemption of farmworkers from collective bargaining rights is constitutional, and that the exclusion of farmworkers from the State Labor Relations Act law is based on decades of rational public policy and legal precedent that will be outlined in NYFB’s motions to intervene and to dismiss.

New York Farm Bureau believes that the legal precedent is clear. This is not a question for the courts, and the NYCLUF is attempting to make an end-run around the legislature, which has not approved collective bargaining for farmworkers despite numerous opportunities.

“New York Farm Bureau has a century-long record of defending the state’s family farms, and today’s action is one of the most important in our long history. If we can’t count on our state leaders to do the right thing in this case, we are prepared to stand up for our members in court to protect their rights,” said Dean Norton, New York Farm Bureau president.

Police investigate larcenies from vehicles in northeastern part of the city

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is currently investigating larcenies from vehicles in the northeast section of the city, including but not limited to: Vine Street, Farwell Drive, Ross Street and Manhatten Avenue.

An arrest has been made with regard to this incident and property has been recovered.

If you discover that a larceny has occurred from your vehicle or other location, please contact Officer Matt Wojtaszczyk at Batavia PD. Phone 345-6350.

David Stringham is guest conductor of season opening concert of Corfu-Pembroke Community Band

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:
 
Corfu-Pembroke Community Band welcomes David Stringham back to the podium as guest conductor for its 30th season concert at Darien Lakes State Park, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28th. It's free!
 
Skip Taylor, retired Pembroke Music teacher, started this group in 1985 as a Moms and Pops Band and it has grown to approximately 40 members. Phil Briatico will also be guest conducting.
 
Come hear the wonderful sounds of this group!
 
The concert will take place at Shelter #2. There are picnic tables, but people are welcome to bring their own chairs or blankets to sit on. 

Law and Order: Corfu man jailed on $10,000 bail each for two separate domestic incidents

By Billie Owens

Joshua Michael Pierce, 21, of Meadowbrook Terrace, Corfu, is charged with reckless endangerment and criminal obstruction of breathing/blood circulation. Pierce was arrested on June 18 following the investigation into a domestic incident at 3 a.m. on June 14 on Route 5 in the Town of Pembroke. He was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court and jailed in lieu of $10,000 cash bail and is due in Pembroke Town Court on June 30. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Joshua Michael Pierce, 21, of Meadowbrook Terrace, Corfu, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and criminal mischief in the fourth degree. He was arrested on June 18 following the investigation into a domestic incident that happened on Route 20 in the Village of Alexander at 1:05 p.m. on June 11. He was arraigned in Alexander Town Court and jailed in lieu of $10,000 bail and is due in Alexander Court on July 12. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Deputy Jason Saile.

Rodney John Prichard, 28, of North Main Street, Delevan, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, operating a motor vehicle while registration suspended, and having an open container of alcohol. At 3:08 p.m. on June 19, Prichard was stopped on Alleghany Road in the Town of Darien for allegedly driving with a suspended registration. He was also allegedly found to possess an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Darien Town Court on July 12. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Brittney Lynn Caldwell, 26, of North Main Street, Delevan, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle. At 3:28 p.m. on June 19, following a traffic stop on Alleghany Road in the Town of Darien, Caldwell was allegedly found to possess marijuana and have an open container of alcohol inside a vehicle. She was released on appearance tickets for Town of Darien Court on July 12. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Rondell Jermaine Watson Sr., 34, of Raeburn Avenue, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny, conspiracy and disorderly conduct. On June 18, Watson was turned over to Genesee County Sheriff's deputies by the Rochester PD on a bench warrant out of the Town of Batavia Court. He was put in jail and is due in Town of Batavia Court on June 27. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl.

A 16-year-old who lives on Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. At 2:45 p.m. on June 15, the youth was allegedly found to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana on the school grounds of Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. high school. The youth was issued an appearance ticket for Bergen Town Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Matthew Butler.

Law enforcement NET details results in two drug-related arrests

By Billie Owens

Press release from the City of Batavia Police Department:

On June 15, uniformed members of the City of Batavia Police Department along with members from the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force (comprised of members from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Le Roy Police Department, and City of Batavia Police Department), New York State Parole and uniformed members of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office conducted a 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:

Eddie L. Miles Jr., 44, of Central Avenue, Batavia, was charged with one count of unlawful possession of marijuana (a violation) and several traffic offenses following a traffic stop.

Michael Lazik, 62, of Creek Road, Batavia, was arrested on an indictment warrant charging him with one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 5th, a Class D felony, and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th, also a Class D felony.

Officers conducted 12 parole checks, 16 traffic stops and issued 10 traffic tickets for various violations.

Man serving time on assault charge pleads guilty to drug-dealing charge

By Howard B. Owens

A young man already serving a three-year prison sentence on a gang assault conviction admitted in Genesee County Court this morning that he attempted to sell cocaine to an undercover agent Oct. 14 in the Town of Batavia.

Leonard A. Johnson III was dressed in a green prison jumpsuit and accompanied by two state corrections officers and had family members in the courtroom as he appeared before Interim Judge MIchael Pietruszka to plead guilty to the Class C felony of attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd.

The plea satisfies five pending charges, none of which had yet been referred to the grand jury, stemming from an investigation by the Local Drug Task Force into the sale of narcotics in the city and Town of Batavia.

The plea deal includes the stipulation that any sentence imposed by the County Court in September be served concurrently with Johnson's current prison term. The conviction carries a maximum possible sentence of five years.

Johnson entered the guilty plea to the gang assault charge, along with two accomplices, in January. The three young men were accused of beating and kicking a victim on Holland Avenue.

Because of the timing of that conviction and these additional charges, this new conviction will not count on Johnson's record as a second felony offense, which is an issue only if Johnson is ever charged with another felony. (Two prior felony convictions for sentencing purposes could lead to a longer prison term.)

Under questioning from Pietruszka, Johnson said he is currently undergoing substance use counseling while incarcerated.

Ribbon cut for new terminal, pancakes plentiful at Rotary Club Fly-in Breakfast

By Zachary Lee

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Ribbon-cutting ceremony Sunday at new county airport terminal. From left, County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens, and members of the Genesee County Legislature, from left, Rochelle Stein, Marianne Clattenburg, Chairman Ray Cianfrini, John Deleo, Gregg Torrey and Andrew Young. Photo by Zachary Lee.

Local Legislature Chairman Ray Cianfrini had the honor of cutting the ribbon at the grand opening Sunday of the new Genesee County Batavia Airport terminal. It was open for the public to tour during the Batavia Rotary Club's annual Fly-In Breakfast on Father's Day.

Construction on the nearly $6 million terminal began May 2015. It's 14,400 square feet, compared to its previous footprint of the 12,800 square feet, and taller, too.

"This is a major upgrade from the old terminal, this is really beautiful," said Batavia resident Jim Owen.

The weather was hot and sunny and the airport was packed with families.

Some pilots left their planes open so people look inside and get a glimpse of the controls. Mercy Flight of Western New York brought one of its helicopters to the event and people got to see it up close.

"It has to be one of the biggest fundraisers we do here in Batavia," said County Highway Superintendent Timothy Hens.

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(Photo of Mercy Flight of Western New York.)

Car vs. bicycle accident reported in the city at North and Tracy

By Billie Owens

A car vs. bicycle accident is reported at North Street and Tracy Avenue. The bicyclist was reportedly unconscious in the roadway but now is conscious. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 10:12 a.m.: The bicyclist was transported to UMMC. City fire and police have cleared the scene.

Top Items on Batavia's List

Tourism Marketing Assistant Position The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, serving as the official tourism promotion agency for Genesee County, NY is seeking an experienced marketing professional to assist in the overall Chamber tourism and marketing initiatives for Genesee County. https://visitgeneseeny.com/about/join-our-team
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Town of Batavia Court Department is seeking a part time as needed Court Officer. Court Officers are responsible for maintaining order in the court room and court facility during proceedings. Please send resume to Town of Batavia, Attention Hiedi Librock, 3833 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. Complete job description is available on the Town web site or at the Town Hall Application deadline is April 15, 2024.
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