Marisol Leon, left, who owns El Rincon Colombiano with her husband, Guillermo, is pictured at the Batavia restaurant with waitresses Melinda Amaro, center, and Elena Vega.

Marisol Leon grew up in Colombia, and is happy to share its flavors with Batavia diners.

She and her husband Guillermo opened El Rincon Colombiano Restaurant on Nov. 1 in Valu Plaza.

It’s a second Batavia restaurant for the Leons, who opened their Mexican restaurant, Rancho Viejo, four years ago on Ellicott Street.

Marisol Leon promises “a new experience” for local diners who are not familiar with the South American nation’s food.

“They can try different flavors and learn a little more about another country,” she said.

Marisol and Guillermo — who is from Mexico — originally opened the Valu Plaza location earlier this year as El Burrito Loco. 

The switch from “El Burrito” to “El Rincon,” proves necessity is the mother of invention. After a good start, Marisol said, they had trouble finding a talented Mexican cook.

The solution? “Try Colombian,” Marisol said.

And hire Alberto Rincon, who brings both his name and talents as chef to El Rincon.

Rincon, like Marisol Leon, is a native of Bucaramanga, a city in Colombia’s northeast. He has moved to Batavia with his wife, Anamilde, who is responsible for El Rincon’s homemade baked goods. 

The menu will seem familiar to anyone who enjoys Mexican food. But Mexican and Colombian cooking developed from different regions and traditions — like cousins who have a family resemblance, but very different personalities.

While far from being bland, Colombian food is not as spicy as Mexican, Marisol explained. You also won’t find tortillas or much salsa, and beans are not as prominently featured.

“A lot of steak and seafood,” is how Marisol describes El Rincon’s menu.

Colombian cuisine also features a lot of soups. (“Every day for lunch,” Marisol said.) In addition to a soup of the day, El Rincon serves cazuela de langosta (lobster) and cazuela de mariscos (seafood), creamy soups served with rice, salad and fried plantain slices.

Bandeja paisa, is one of Colombia’s most popular — and most generous — dishes. It includes rice, red beans and ground beef “cooked Colombian style,” along with egg, chorizo (pork sausage), avocado, plantain, arepa (flatbread) and chicharon (fried pork).

“It’s a lot of food,” Marisol said.

El Rincon has a children’s menu, and an “American” menu that includes cheeseburgers and roast beef sandwiches. Take-out is also available.

Marisol said they hope to have a liquor license in place within a month or so, after which the restaurant will serve aguardiente, a sugar cane liqueur; Ron Caldas, a Colombian rum; and Club Colombia beer.

The “flavors” of Colombia, extend also to El Rincon’s ambiance. That includes both the decor and the wait staff, which is outfitted in yellow Colombia National Soccer Team jerseys.

One wall has been painted white, and decorated with bright green and orange shutters and doors. It’s a reflection of the stucco walls and tile roofs of the “Pueblito Paisa,” a popular tourist attraction in Medellin, Colombia.

Marisol said it’s an opportunity to take a trip, without having to travel.

“People don’t need to go to Columbia,” she said. “They can find it here.”

El Rincon Colombiano is located at 4125 W. Main St. (Valu Plaza), Batavia. Winter hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays.

During summer, it will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Fridays.

El Rincon is closed Saturdays. For information call (585) 201-7602.

Batavia's El Rincon Colombiano Restaurant features Colombian decor, including a hammock and espadrilles -- a kind of slipper. The restaurant opened Nov. 1 in Valu Plaza.

Press release:

Come to the 13^th annual Worldwide Christmas Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 14th, at the First Presbyterian Church, located at 300 E. Main St., Batavia. Admission is free.

Join the hundreds of people in the community who have attended our fairs over the past 12 years and see why supporting fair trade businesses and local and regional not-for-profit organizations has such a positive influence in our community and the world!

Our fair is unique in that all of our vendors have one thing in common -- they help other people in need here in Batavia, in Western NY and around the world through their sales.

We have three types of vendors at our fair:

1. Local and regional not-for-profit organizations raising money for their programs or projects.

• The Artisans at North Street (www.ywcagenesee.org ), located at the YWCA in Batavia, will have hand crafted items from more than 30 local artisans. Your purchases support both the artisans and the work of the YWCA.
• Deborah Wilson Pottery will be available and supports Project Life in Waterport (www.projectlife-wli.org ). Project Life brings orphans, ages 9-12, from war-torn countries and areas such Chechnya, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Southeast Asia to Western New York for three months during the summer to provide peace, support, rest and recuperation for the children, to improve their physical and mental health, and to give them the opportunity to just be kids.
• Healthy Sisters Soup and Bean Works (www.healthysisters.org ) from Catholic Family Services in Rochester. This organization provides women in Rochester the opportunity to learn about running a business and enables them to obtain the experience needed to be successful in the work force. Their product is everything you need to make a pot of bean soup – the beans and spices, all neatly packaged with the recipe attached. They also have dip mixes for sale.
• Guatemala Missions – Members of the First Presbyterian Church will have handmade items for sale that support The Garden’s Edge (www.gardensedge.org), an organization that works to revitalize local culture and economy in Guatemala through projects in sustainable agriculture and environmental education.
• NEW!  Coffee Connection (http://ourcoffeeconnection.org/) is a Rochester-based company that provides employment training and job creation for women in recovery from addiction and sells fair trade, organic coffee to retail and wholesale customers. In partnership with Project Empower, they provide comprehensive, continuous support for women on their journey toward sustainable recovery. 

      2. Home businesses. We have representatives from Kitcheneez and Avon. These women donate all proceeds from sales made at the fair to a local charity of their choice.

      3. Vendors who promote and follow fair trade practices.

What are Fair Trade Practices?

Let’s look at one of our vendors to illustrate the concepts of fair trade: One World Projects (www.oneworldprojects.com ) is a fair trade company located on Harvester Avenue in Batavia. One World Projects was started in 1992 by Phil Smith. The mission of the company is to provide people in developing countries with the opportunity for economic sustainability and self-determination.

• They do this by building open and respectful relationships with the people they work with around the world;
• One World Projects purchases high-quality products that have positive social impacts and environmental benefits;
• They pay artisans fair wages for their work allowing them to provide for their basic needs such as: food, shelter, clothing, education, and health-care for their families;
• They provide financial and technical support to artisans by working with the artisans, suggesting product designs, improving artistic and technical skills, educating group leaders about the demands of the market;
• The support a safe and healthy work environment;
• They ensure the rights of children by not supporting exploitive child labor;
• They cultivate environmentally sustainable practices;
• And they reinvest in artisan groups and communities through economic programs and/or donations.

This is what it means to practice fair trade. One World Projects works with more than 80 artisan groups in more than 20 countries throughout Latin America, Africa and Asia. They sell hundreds of products and each item tells the story of the people who make them.

Other vendors who practice fair trade:

One World Goods (www.owgoods.org) from Rochester will have items from all over the world – jewelry, scarfs, handbags, mittens, toys, Christmas ornaments, decorative items, candles, and much more.

• Equal Exchange Coffee (www.equalexchange.coop) is a co-op from Massachusetts that sells coffee, tea and chocolate from around the globe.  
• Dounya Kele, which means One World in the language of Burkina Faso in Africa – will have jewelry made of recycled glass by women in Ghana and Burkina Faso.
• In the Basket will have hand woven grass baskets in beautiful vibrant colors available. The baskets are woven by women in Swaziland and other countries in Africa. They are imported by a former Peace Corps Volunteer who continues to work to help alleviate poverty in Africa and improve the quality of life in the community she served.

Our fair provides the opportunity to purchase quality gifts and support all of these worthwhile causes.

This is not a fund-raising event for the church. We do not charge admission and we do not charge our vendors to participate.

Enjoy a delicious lunch of soups and sandwiches provided by our Presbyterian Women’s group and purchase wonderful baked goods provided by our youth and congregation. Again, all proceeds from food purchases are donated to charity.

Get your Christmas shopping started early and purchase gifts that make a difference!

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum's 14th Annual Wonderland of Trees is just over one week away!

The Opening Gala will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20th. General admission is $25 per person or $20 for Museum members.

There will be live Christmas music, a 50/50 raffle, silent aucition, basket raffle, catering by D&R Depot, and nearly 40 Christmas trees and displays thanks to the generosity of you, our community. Tickets can be purchased in advance in our Gift Shop or the night of the Gala.

It is not too late to participate in the Wonderland of Trees as a sponsor! If you or your business are interested in decorating a tree or donating items for our basket raffle, please call the Museum at 585-343-4727.

Each year the Wonderland of Trees is viewed by hundreds of visitors at the Holland Land Office Museum and all proceeds from the event help fund the educational and historical programs and exhibits at the museum.

We look forward to seeing you on for our Opening Gala! If you are unable to attend, the Wonderland of Trees will be on display at the Holland Land Office Museum until Saturday, Jan. 2nd. Stay tuned for more Christmas events at the Holland Land Office!

Ryan K. Darch, 23, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree assault. He was arrested after turning himself in on an arrest warrant issued by Batavia City Court. He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is to appear in City Court on Nov. 24. The case was handled by Officer Jason Davis.

Matthew S. Shaffer, 25, of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child, second-degree harassment -- physical contact, and criminal mischief -- intent to damage property. On Nov. 5 at 11:30 p.m., Shaffer was arrested after he allegedly broke a vehicle window while a child was sitting inside the vehicle, following a domestic incident. He was jailed on $1,000 bail. The case was investigated by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

Kevin R. Larsen, 38, of Hall Street, Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. On Nov. 5, on East Main Street, the defendant was arrested after it was reported by residents on Swan Street that he was yelling obscenities and disrupting the neighborhood. The defendant then stood in the roadway in front of 400 E. Main St. allegedly obstructing vehicular traffic, then physically struggled with a police officer while being placed under arrest. The case was investigated by Officer Darryle Streeter, assisted by Officer Eric Bolles.

Daniel J. Wolfe, 41, of 209 Liberty St. upper, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. On Nov. 5 at 6:18 p.m., Wolfe was involved in a disturbance on Hutchins Street wherein he allegedly struck another person in the face. He was subsequently arrested. The case was investigated by Officer Frank Klimjack, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Morgan S. Fallon, 18, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. On Nov. 8 at 7:25 p.m., Fallon was arrested after allegedly threatening another person during a verbal altercation in the 300 block of Ellicott Street. Fallon was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to be in City Court on Dec. 1. The case was investigated by Officer Jason Ivison, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

A 16-year-old female resident of Batavia is charged with second-degree harassment. On Nov. 8 at 6:25 p.m., the youth was arrested after she allegedly threatened another person during a verbal altercation in the 300 block of Ellicott Street. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on Dec. 1. The case was investigated by Officer Jason Ivison, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Brenda Y. Coloncruz, 42, of Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, refusal to take breath test, and driving on or across a sidewalk. On Nov. 6, Coloncruz was arrested on Swan Street during the course of an investigation into an unknown type of disturbance. She was put in jail in lieu of $1,500 bail. The case was investigated by Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Daniel Coffey.

Adam D. Smart, 32, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, was arrested on Nov. 6 after he was found at a residence in violation of a complete stay away order of protection. He was jailed without bail. The case was investigated by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Jamie M. Ficarella, 39, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. On Nov. 6 at 10:36 a.m., Batavia police responded to the Kwik Fill on Jackson Street for the report of a customer stealing items. After reviewing the convenience store's surveillance system and further investigation, Ficarella was arrested for allegedly stealing two Cheez-It snack bags. Ficarella was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on Nov. 17. The case was investigated by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

The police investigation into a reported assault two weeks ago that left one man with serious injuries has been stymied by a lack of cooperation from one of the victims and the failure of potential witnesses to come forward, said Det. Todd Crossett.

The Batavian reported on the assault Oct. 28, which reportedly involved a group of people attacking a young man returning from 7-Eleven to a Halloween party on Swan Street with pizzas and a friend who went out apparently looking for the attackers. That second man was hospitalized after he was attacked by a group of people.

The victim who was seriously hurt has cooperated with investigators, but the first reported victim, who was the person who contacted The Batavian about the case, has declined all interview requests with police and police have found it repeatedly difficult to get in touch with him.

Several people posted comments online indicating they know who the attackers are, but police attempts to contact those potential witnesses have been unsuccessful and none has voluntarily contacted police.

Crossett is asking that those potential witnesses please come forward and answer questions.

"I'd like to talk to you and find out how you might know who these people might be," Crossett said.

Crossett's direct line is (585) 345-6353.

The information contained in the original story on The Batavian about the attack is consistent with what the police have been able to learn so far, but without further cooperation from victims and witnesses, it will be difficult to successfully close the case, Crossett said.

Veterans were a baffled by this setup when they arrived at the Upton Monument this morning. They aren't sure if this was meant as some sort of message or it's just somebody's litter. The boxes were all empty.

Submitted photo.

Press release from Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments:

Have you and your loved ones been vaccinated against pertussis, more commonly known as, whooping cough? If so, are you still up-to-date or need a booster? If you’re unsure or need a booster it’s time to call your primary care provider.

Whooping cough is a serious and very contagious respiratory disease that can cause long, severe coughing spells and the characteristic “whooping” sound that follows when a person gasps for air. (Click whooping cough sound to hear for yourself or visit http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/materials/everyone.html). It can present like a common cold at first, but after one or two weeks a person is overcome with coughing spells so violent it likely interferes with eating, drinking and even breathing.

The bacterium is found in the mouth, nose and throat and is spread from person to person by direct contact with mucus or droplets from the infected individual(s). These episodes may occur for one to two months and are more frequent at night.

Currently, Public Health nurses in Genesee and Wyoming counties are investigating confirmed cases of pertussis (whooping cough).

Preventing this highly contagious disease is everyone’s responsibility and the best protection is getting vaccinated! Whooping cough can take a toll on anyone, but it can be deadly for babies as they are especially fragile and are unable to receive the first dose of the vaccine until 2 months old. Severe complications from having whooping cough are more common among infants and young children and may include pneumonia, middle ear infection, loss of appetite, sleep disturbance, syncope (temporary loss of consciousness), dehydration, seizures, encephalopathy (a disorder of the brain), apneic episodes (brief stop in breathing) and death. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms seek medical attention.

There are two versions of the vaccine depending on age:

• DTap vaccine is given to children 2 months - 6 years old and protects against not only whooping cough but Tetanus and Diphtheria too.  Children should get 5 doses of the DTap vaccine, one dose at each of the following ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, between 15 - 18 months, between 4 - 6 years. 
• Tdap vaccine is a booster shot that helps protect pre-teens and adults from the same diseases. The first, one-dose, Tdap booster should be given between 11 - 12 years old and every 10 years after that for greatest immunity. During pregnancy, women should get the Tdap vaccine as the antibodies will be passed to the baby, providing protection until they are old enough to receive their first DTap vaccine, and the mother will be protected against spreading whooping cough to her newborn.

According to the Immunization Action Coalition (www.immunize.org), after receiving the properly spaced primary series of DTap or Tdap, approximately 95 percent of people will have protective levels against Diphtheria and 100 percent will have protective levels against tetanus in their blood. Protection levels against pertussis (whooping cough) have an estimated range of 80 – 85 percent.

“Although DTap and Tdap are the best way to protect against whooping cough and potential complications the level of protection decreases over time just the same as Diphtheria and Tetanus ,” said Brenden Bedard, director of Community Health Services for Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments.

“It is also important to use germ prevention practices, too. Regular hand washing with soap is the best but hand sanitizer is a good option when on-the-go. Coughing and sneezing into a tissue or in the inside of your elbow, not sharing personal items, as well as disinfecting shared surfaces are good habits also.”

The single most effective control measure to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases is to maintain the highest possible level of immunization in the community. Babies, teens, adults, and pregnant women need to be vaccinated according to the CDC Recommended Immunization Schedules. Local Health departments and most pharmacies can also assist in providing vaccines although qualifications vary, please call for details.

For more information on DTap/Tdap or Health Department services contact:

• Genesee County Health Department at: 344-2580, ext. 5555, or visit the Web site at www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/health/index.html. Visit Facebook at Genesee County Health Department and Twitter at GeneseeCoHealthDept.
• Orleans County Health Department at: 589-3278 or check out the Web site at:  www.orleansny.com/publichealth. Visit Facebook and Twitter: the user name for both is OrleansCoHealth.
• Wyoming County Health Department at: 786-8890 or visit the Web site at www.wyomingco.net/health/main.html.

Press release:

Why in the world is there a business sitting next to two private homes in the City? Why do the City’s code enforcement officers allow one property owner to build onto a structure and yet deny another? If these are the kind of questions you find yourself asking as you drive through the City of Batavia, you may be the perfect person to fill an opening on the City’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).

The ZBA needs City residents who are curious about and interested in zoning regulations as it relates to buildings and structures.

The ZBA is responsible for hearing and determining appeals of refusals of building permits or certificates of occupancy when the denial is based on zoning requirements. The ZBA has the authority to change the application of the zoning regulations relating to buildings and structures and helps to address practical difficulties and unnecessary hardships to ensure proper zoning in the City.

The board meets once a month and requires a time commitment of approximately 12 hours per year of its volunteers. Residents interested in applying can obtain an application from the City Clerk’s Office or can visit our website at www.batavianewyork.com and download a Committee/Board Volunteer Application under Documents.

Applications are due to the City Clerk’s Office by Nov. 30.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (585) 345-6305 or:

Office of the City Manager

One Batavia City Centre

Batavia, New York 14020

Phone:   (585) 345-6330

Fax:     (585) 343-8182

E-mail:   jmolino@batavianewyork.com

The Le Roy Village Board will meet at 7 p.m. on Nov. 18 and Dec. 16.

The board usually meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, but traditionally reschedules its November and December meetings to avoid conflicts with the holidays.

It’s almost time to make the doughnuts.

Dunkin’ Donuts will open its newest restaurant at 125 W. Main St. at 5 a.m. Monday, said Joe Bochiechio, multi-unit manager for franchisee Cafua Management Company, LLC.

The restaurant is located at the site of the former Grove Motel, across from the Oatka Podmall. Town planners approved the project in October 2014, and construction has been under way since spring.

Bochiechio said his company has been pleased by the reception.

“It’s been great,” Bochiechio said. “People have been very anxious to have us.”

Twenty-five people have been hired so far — “pretty much all from the Le Roy area,” Bochiechio said — and the location will eventually employ 30.

Hours will be from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Dunkin’ Donuts has more than 11,300 restaurants worldwide. Methuen, Mass.-based Cafua Management Company is its largest privately owned franchisee, with more than 300 restaurants across the United States.

The company has ambitious plans for the Rochester region. Bochiechio said he has helped open seven or eight new restaurants since 2013, and new locations are planned for Warsaw and next year in Mount Morris.

“We’re continuing to grow,” Bochiechio said.

Members of Le Roy’s Botts Fiorito American Legion Post 576 gathered at 11 a.m. Wednesday to commemorate Veterans Day.

Commander Don Schafer led the annual ceremony at the Soldiers’ Monument in Trigon Park.

A prayer by Post Chaplain Gary Bassett, and readings by Schafer and Auxiliary President Roberta Graney were followed by a three-volley salute.

Graney and Regina Diskin, auxiliary past president, laid a wreath at the monument.

“Taps” was performed by bugler Sammy Austin, 13.

The timing of the Veterans Day service recalls the end of World War I. The Armistice with Germany took effect at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.

Le Roy American Legion Auxiliary President Roberta Graney, right, and past president Regina Diskin placed a wreath at the Soldiers' Monument on Trigon Park during a Veterans Day service Wednesday.

A two-car accident with injuries is reported on Lewiston Road, Oakfield. Oakfield Fire Department and Mercy medic #1 are responding.

Karen Crittenden, owner of Karen's Yarn, Paper and Scissors, was the guest instructor tonight at the regular meeting of the Batavia Society of Artists at GO Art!. Crittenden's class tonight was a new art form known as Zentangle. Zentangle is described as an easy to learn method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns that is fun and relaxing. It was invented by Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts.

Kimberly Yasses Argenta has moved Art Ah La Carte from Harvester Avenue to Downtown Batavia, into a storefront on Jackson Street.

She moved the art studio and classroom space because she needed more space, she said, and she thought the location would give her better exposure.

"Already, people have come in off the street, so that's a good thing," Argenta said.

She also thought it would be beneficial to be part of the Business Improvement District and enjoy those promotional opportunities.

This Friday and Saturday she is hosting "Brush Out Cancer," an event to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

Friday is an art show, vendors' auctions and a 50/50 raffle. On Saturday, from noon to 1:30 p.m., there is Kids Paint. The cost is $30 and pre-registration is required (call (585) 245-1655). And in the evening, starting at 6, Monet and Merlot, which costs $45 and includes refreshments, though if you want wine, you need to bring your own bottle. There will be a wine tasting. Saturday evening's event also includes auctions and a 50/50 raffle.

The fundraisers are in memory of Argenta's mother, Mickey Yasses, who passed away in December, 2013.

Jason Andrew Barnhart, 28, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. Barnhart is accused of damaging the structure and contents of a mobile home owned by another person. He was jailed on $15,000 bail.

David J. Gaetan, 43 and Chrissy A. Gaetan, 40, of Ontario, Canada, are charged with trespass. The couple is accused of bypassing no trespassing signs at Rolling Hills Asylum and entering the property without permission. Following arraignment in Town of Bethany Court, each paid a fine of $250 and were released.

Jeffrey Marrero, 21, of Norwood Avenue, Rochester, is charged with trespass. Marrero is accused of being on private property on Kelsey Road, Batavia, at 6:35 p.m. Oct. 28. Also charged was Mitchell J. Louis, 22, of Lincoln Road, Ontario, Canada.

Erica Michelle Raphael, 30, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Raphael is accused of stealing merchandise valued at $44.98 from the Shoe Dept.

Jerry Lee Wagner, 64, of Route 31 Holley, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Wagner was stopped at 6:09 p.m. Sunday on Route 77, Darien, by Deputy Bradley Mazur.

Michael Paul Fitzpatrick Sr., 40, of Howlan Street, Fonda, is charged with possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes, unlawful possession of marijuana and dark/tinted side windows. Fitzpatrick was stopped at 11:43 a.m. Nov. 5 on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Lorie Oliver and the Women of the Moose Chapter 370, Le Roy, presented Tammy Arneth, director of All Babies Cherished with a check for $475.00 this weekend. The chapter also presented Jeanne Walton, director of Genesee County YWCA with a check  for $475. The money was raised at their annual Harvest Dinner held in October.  

(Submitted photo and info.)

A Genesee County Sheriff's deputy and his dog helped law enforcement in Monroe County nab four burglary suspects yesterday morning who were thought to have broken into a house in Churchville and stolen two long guns and $5,000. 

Deputy Chris Erion and K-9 "Destro" were patrolling in Bergen along the county line after the report of the burglary in case the suspects came into Genesee County when a caller reported suspicious persons near the 7th hole of a golf course in Churchville.  

Destro pursued the suspects into the woods, Erion said, and tracked them until they exited the woods and surrendered to Monroe County deputies.

According to The Batavian's news partner 13WHAM, a homeowner called 9-1-1 about 11:30 a.m. to report four subjects in a house.

The suspects ransacked the entire home, ripping a U.S. Flag from its case and throwing it to the ground, 13WHAM reported.

Charged with second-degree burglary, third-degree grand larceny and fourth-degree grand larceny were 17-year-old Jordan McLin, 19-year-old Tyler Menke, 19-year-old Carman Stio, and 19-year-old Sean Seaman.

UPDATE: Statement released by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office:

On Monday, Nov. 9, around 11:30 a.m., deputies responded to a house on West Buffalo Street in Churchville for a burglary that had just occurred. The homeowner was returning home when he saw four suspects exit his house and run in a westerly direction.

One of the suspects was observed carrying a red backpack. The suspects ransacked the entire residence, removing a U.S. Flag from its case and throwing it to the ground. The homeowner is a U.S military veteran. Approximately $5,000 in valuable coins and money were stolen along with two long guns. Deputies immediately established a perimeter and Sheriff's K-9 arrived on scene. The suspects were tracked in a westerly direction.

A NY State Police helicopter assisted with the search. Because the search area was in close proximity to Churchville Elementary School, the school was temporarily placed in "locked out" status. After a final sweep of the area, the search was terminated.

Around 1:30 in the afternoon a citizen observed several suspicious individuals hiding in a wooded area near the #7 hole at Churchville Golf Course. Sheriff's deputies established a perimeter with the assistance of the New York State Police. Golf course employees offered golf carts to law enforcement to aid in the search.

The Genesee County Sheriff's K-9 responded to assist.

With a perimeter in place, the three suspects were pushed toward awaiting deputies and troopers and taken into custody. Jordan McLin, 17, Tyler Menke, 19, and 19-year-old Carman Stio, all of Greece, were arrested.

The suspects implicated a fourth individual, 19-year-old Sean Seaman, also of Greece. Seaman was arrested a short time later.

The four suspects were arraigned on charges of second-degree burglary, third-degree grand larceny and fourth-degree grand larceny. All four suspects were put in Monroe County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond. Two back packs, one of them red, containing assorted coins and property were located near a trail by a barn.

The following morning deputies recovered the two long guns that were stolen from the residence. Two pellet pistols were also recovered along the K9 track.

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“We owe the men and women of the armed forces our sincere gratitude. Their courage and bravery have ensured that we remain a free nation and safe from threats, both foreign and domestic. As a veteran of the Ohio Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves, as well as the son of a veteran, I know the sacrifices and determination it takes to serve in our country’s military.

"The U.S. is the greatest military power the world has ever seen, and that honor is owed in large part to the brave servicemen and women who have sustained our freedom over the past 239 years.

“As Ranking Minority Member of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee, I have strived to give our veterans and active duty military members a voice in Albany. I beseech all my constituents and New Yorkers across the state to join me in celebrating Veterans Day on Wednesday by thanking a veteran and taking a moment to reflect on those who have perished while defending our freedoms.”