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Zajac to conduct GSO's season opening concert Sunday

By Howard B. Owens

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The Genesee Symphony Orchestra will be conducted in the season-opening performance on Sunday by S. Shade Zajac.

Zajac is one of four conductor candidates auditioning for the position for next season.

The graduate of Nazareth College in Rochester is a cellist and composer who currently works as a freelance conductor. His awards include the John Phillip Sousa Award and he's twice won the Nazareth College Symphony Orchestra Concerto/Aria Competition.

Of Sunday's show, he promises a "showcase of sound," with pieces from Korsakoff, Copland, Grieg and Borodin.

The concert will also feature Raymond Feng, of Rochester, on piano. Feng was winner of the Young Artist Competition.

To purchase tickets, visit the GSO Web site.

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Photos: Landscapes along Route 237

By Howard B. Owens

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Photos from a drive down Route 237 through Stafford and Byron while I was out trying to chase down a story (which hasn't, yet, turned into a story, but at least I came away with a couple of pictures).

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Man makes off with cash from liquor store

By Howard B. Owens

Sometime around 5 p.m., a person walked into Plaza Spirits and started talking with the clerk. Somehow, the man distracted the clerk and when the clerk wasn't looking, the man reached into the cash drawer and grabbed money.

He then ran out of the store, located at 563 E. Main St. in Eastown Plaza.

It's not known how much cash was taken.

The suspect is described as a heavy-set black male. 

A detective responded and processed the crime scene.

No further information is available at this time.

Man accused of sexually assaulting child

By Howard B. Owens
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Kenneth Tidd

A 33-year-old Holland Avenue resident has been arrested, accused of oral sexual contact with a female less than 11 years old.

Kenneth J. Tidd II is charged with two counts of predatory sexual assault against a child, two counts of first-degree criminal sexual act and second-degree course of sexual conduct against a child.

He was jailed without bail following arraignment in City Court.

The investigation opened over the weekend following a complaint to police. The child was seen by personnel at the Child Advocacy Center.

Tidd is accused of sexual contact with the child at times between 2013 and present.

Tidd is scheduled to next appear in court Thursday.

Man pulled from storm drain told authorities he used heroin prior to arrest

By Howard B. Owens
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Wayne Rinker Michael Delvalle

The man pulled from a storm drain in the parking lot in front of Kohl's Department Store on Friday told a deputy while at the hospital later the he had shot up all of the $100 in heroin he purchased that morning in Rochester, according to a court document.

Wayne L. Rinker, 30, of Webster, was barely breathing -- in fact, at one point when he was first discovered a deputy had a hard time detecting a pulse -- when he was found by deputies lying in inches-deep water and mud in the storm drain.

When first located, deputies said it just looked like a hump in the middle of the pipe. They didn't confirm it was a person until they reached him.

The heroin may have contributed to his medical condition, according to sources. He was transported to UMMC some five hours after a deputy saw him enter the storm-drain system through a drainage ditch behind Office Max on Veterans Memorial Drive.

While deputies felt confident Rinker was in the storm drain, there was no certainty until he was actually located.

At least one deputy expressed concern during the search that if they walked away without confirming his location, he could be trapped underground, so the search pressed on with lights, binoculars and sewer pipe cameras.

He was located once deputies Michael Lute and Chad Cummings agreed to enter the drain and crawl from end to end if they had to to reach him or confirm the drain was vacant.

Rinker was suffering from mild hypothermia when he was pulled from the drain.

Sheriff Gary Maha said Rinker would have died in that storm drain if deputies hadn't located him.

He's now in jail on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond, charged with petit larceny and conspiracy. Other charges may be pending.

His alleged partner in crime, Michael Delvalle, 21, of Rochester, was also charged.

According to a court document, Rinker told a deputy that he bought $100 in heroin and Delvalle purchased $40 in cocaine. Statements in Devalle's court file indicate deputies found a quantity of cocaine in Delvalle's vehicle, which he admitted was his.

The two men allegedly loaded up a shopping cart with Legos and dog food, using the dog food to cover the Legos.  

"I didn't intend on stealing anything, but was with someone who was," Rinker reportedly said.

Delvalle reportedly told a deputy that Rinker acted as a lookout while he gathered the toys.

"I don't have any money," Delvalle reportedly said. "I lost my job recently at Autozone in Greece," and, "My kids gave me a list of toys they wanted," and "I came into Kmart to steal toys for my kids," and "I wanted to watch my kids enjoy the Legos."

Rinker was an active conspirator in the thefts, Delvalle reportedly told the deputy.

For Rinker's part, he didn't admit to much more than, "I was walking around the store with him. He was pushing the cart."

A loss prevention officer gave a statement to authorities saying she saw Rinker place the dog food on top of the toys.

When Rinker and Delvalle were stopped by security, the two briefly spoke with the store employee before Rinker fled.

"I took off from him so I wouldn't get in trouble," Rinker reportedly told a deputy; and, "I'll be honest with you, I gave the security guy an ID that wasn't me and then took off so I wouldn't get caught."

Previously: Police looking for fleeing subject near Office Max, Batavia Downs

Video by Dan Fischer, WBTA:

Second autopsy ordered in infant's death inquiry

By Howard B. Owens

A second autopsy to try and determine when and how a baby died has been ordered for the infant found in the Liberty Street apartment of 28-year-old Christina Colontino.

Colontino was arrested in late August on a charge of second-degree murder.

The first autopsy was unable to establish with scientific certainty whether the baby was born alive, so Colontino, who had been held without bail, was released from jail. 

Judge Robert C. Noonan signed the order.

The next scheduled court appearance for Colontino, who is still facing a murder charge, is Thursday.

(via The Batavian's news partner, WBTA)

Previously:

Law and Order: Warrant suspect's call to 9-1-1 results in arrest

By Howard B. Owens

Kerri Lynn Forsberg, 43, of Fargo Road, Stafford, is charged with assault, 2nd. Forsberg was arrested on a warrant after she called 9-1-1 to report a disturbance. She was jailed on $100,000 bail.

Kristen M. Reilly, 18, of Bethany, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs. Reilly is accused of driving under the influence of marijuana. Reilly was arrested by State Police following a report of a one-vehicle accident on Mengs Road, Attica. Reilly allegedly suffered a knee injury and was transported to Wyoming County Community Hospital where a drug enforcement officer conducted an interview. She was also charged with failure to keep right and speed not reasonable and prudent.

Xavier Melendez, 28, of Reading, Pa., was arrested as a fugitive after being stopped by State Police on Route 63, Pavilion, for allegedly speeding. Melendez was allegedly wanted in Reading for escape after allegedly fleeing from police officers during a traffic stop. He was jailed in Genesee County on $1,000 bail and extradition will be arranged.

A 17-year-old of Batavia is charged with criminal possession of stolen property. The youth was observed on surveillance video leaving a room at Batavia High School with an allegedly stolen laptop and power cable and was arrested by State Police. The laptop was returned to the school. The youth was also arrested by Batavia PD and charged with petit larceny.

Luis Alberto Sauceda, 35, of South Wayne Street, Phelps, is charged with confinement of companion animal in a vehicle. Sauceda allegedly left a Chihuahua puppy in a vehicle on Labor Day while his family was inside Darien Lake Theme Park. Deputies were alerted by Darien Lake security staff. Deputies Chris Parker and Andrew Hale responded, provided the puppy with appropriate care and the dog was then transported to the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

Beau Thomas Bressler, 28, of Big Treet Road, Pavilion, is charged with felony DWI (two prior convictions in previous 10 years), felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding, failure to keep right, unlicensed operation. Bressler was stopped on Route 20, Bethany, at 10:37 p.m. Saturday by Deputy Matthew Fleming. Bressler was jailed on $5,000 bail.

William H. Swader, 66, of Cedar Street, Akron, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Swader was allegedly involved in a road rage incident at 3:45 p.m. Friday on West Main Street, Batavia.

A 17-year-old resident of Walnut Street, Batavia, (name redacted by Batavia PD) is charged with trespass. The youth allegedly went onto a property posted with no trespressing signs and went onto the front and back porches and looked through the windows at the side of the residence.

Ashley A. Goodenow, 24, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Goodenow allegedly stole $50 from her employer.

Lori A. Brightenfield, 55, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd. Brightenfield allegedly entered the residence of her ex-boyfriend on Thorpe Street without permission and remained after being advised to leave. Brightenfield was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Eugene L. Sumeriski, 36, of Olyn Avenue, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, and disobeying traffic control device. Sumeriski was stopped at 1:34 a.m. Saturday on West Main Street, Batavia, by Office Darryle Streeter after allegedly being observed driving at a high rate of speed.

Tiffany Ann Reed, 21, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Reed allegedly violated a stay away order of protection She was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Tammy L. Plesczynski, 38, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Plesczynski was arrested on a warrant by parole officers and turned over to Batavia PD. He was jailed without bail.

Joshua S. Martaus, 32, no permanent address, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and resisting arrest. Martaus is accused of shoplifting from Tops and trying to steal $64.29 in merchandise. Martaus was located by Deputy Chris Parker and Officer Frank Klimjack at a local restaurant and allegedly resisted arrest. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Austin C. Durham, 20, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and conspiracy, 6th. Durham is accused of assisting another person in stealing 30 packs of beer from Tops.

Elijah J. Richardson, 18, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with owning an unlicensed dog. Richardson was allegedly found walking an unlicensed dog on MacArthur Drive.

Misty Dawn Brabon, 35, of Marshall Road, Lyndonville, is charged with petit larceny. Barbon allegedly stole $168.28 in merchandise from Walmart.

Amanda Rose McDonald, 33, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. McDonald is accused of stealing $88.44 in merchandise from Walmart.

A 16-year-old resident of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. The youth allegedly threatened a woman.

Veronica Mabel Blackwood, 26, of Sterling Place, Brooklyn, is charged with petit larceny. Blackwood allegedly stole $25.09 in merchandise from Walmart.

Lauren S. Murphy, 19, of West Buffalo Street, Warsaw, is charged with unlawful possession of alcohol under age 21. Murphy was charged following an investigation into a motor-vehicle accident at 4:25 a.m. Sept. 13 on Vernon Avenue, Batavia.

A 17-year-old resident of Batavia (name redacted by Batavia PD) was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear in City Court. He was jailed on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond.

Nathaniel L. Beglinger, 24, of Peaviner Road, Alexander, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Beglinger was allegedly involved in a one-car property damage accident at 2:20 a.m. Sept. 13 on Vernon Avenue, Batavia. The accident was investigated by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Jennifer Lyn Stack, 29, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Stack is accused of stealing the beverage Red Bull from a local store.

Rocky report

By Howard B. Owens

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It's been just over a week since Rocky joined our family and during the week I've been asked several times how he's doing.

He's doing great. He's fit in well.

He and Pachuco are getting along fine. As for the cats, they've gotten used to him. If they challenge him, he backs down. If they run, he gives chase, and a sharp "no" usually ends the chase.

He's a ball of energy at times. He's loving and loves to be a companion. 

When we got him, his only apparent discipline training was "sit." I almost have him doing "down" pretty well now. He's walking on leash 100-percent better, at my side with no tugging.

In other words, he's displayed no apparent behavioral problems.  

One thing I forgot to mention in our post about adopting Rocky is a big thank you to the volunteers with Volunteers for Animals and the staff at the Animal Shelter. They obviously did a great job caring for Rocky and they were so, so helpful during our adoption process, full of information and useful advice.  

Previously:

Accident with injuries reported on Lewiston Road, just north of Galloway Road, Batavia

By Billie Owens

An accident with injuries is reported on Lewiston Road, just north of Galloway Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:59 p.m.: The driver of a pickup truck clipped a driveway sealing truck, causing the pickup truck to lose a side mirror. The driver of the pickup truck, after stopping, may have suffered a fainting spell and he is being evaluated by Mercy medics. He was not injured in the accident, however.

Photos: Bidding on a Brighter Future, fundraiser for the Child Advocacy Center

By Howard B. Owens

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The Kiwanis Club of Batavia hosted its fifth annual Bidding on a Brighter Future Gala last night at the Genesee Community College Forum, with David Bellavia (top photo) serving as emcee.

Information is not yet available on how much was raised and whether that amount helped the club achieve its five-year goal of raising $150,000 for the Child Advocacy Center/Justice for Children.

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The organizing committee, Jocelyn Sikorski, Anne Bezon, Jeanne Walton, Susan Maha, Gary Maha and Shannon Ford. Not pictured, Lawrence Friedman.

Notre Dame defeats Elba/Byron Bergen

By James Burns

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Genesee Region Division Notre Dame traveled to Elba Saturday afternoon to battle division rivals the Elba/Byron Bergen Lancers. The rain held off for a warm and windy conference game in which both teams ran 43 plays. The difference in the final score of 29 to 8 was in the rushing. Notre Dame rushed for all of their TDs for a total of 273 yards vs. a game total of 33 rushing yards for the Lancers. After a closely contended, scoreless first quarter Notre Dame was in position to score at the very beginning of the second quarter.

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Above, #32 Jack Sutherland’s final effort of a six-yard run is ruled a touchdown by the officials.

The Lancers battled back with an impressive drive ending in a #12 Hochmuth pass to #5 Flores for a 36-yard gain and TD. Followed up by a two-point conversion run by #42 Stevens.

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The Lancers led the game for only a few minutes because Notre Dames answered with another TD run by Sutherland and two-point conversion pass from #10 Connor to Sutherland. And so the game progressed with Notre Dame in control through a scoreless third quarter. Notre Dame added 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. Sutherland would see the end zone one more time as would #42 Peter Daversa with an 11-yard run.

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A couple of late turnovers kept the game interesting and the Lancers always seemed poised to come back but failed to capitalize on a few key plays.

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More picture of the players and game are here: http://jimburns.org/p254710282#h587e117d

Caller says her dryer exploded inside her house on Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion

By Billie Owens

A possible electrical fire is reported inside a house at 6890 Ellicott Street Road. The caller told a dispatcher "her dryer blew up." Pavilion Fire Department is reponding along with mutual aid from Le Roy. The location is between River Road and Woodrow Drive.

UPDATE 8:30 p.m.: Pavilion command reports a code enforcement officer is on scene and that the occupants are going to remain on the premises until help arrives from the American Red Cross.

Somewhere over the rainbow in Batavia

By Billie Owens

Reader Kyle Couchman sent us this "composite" photo he took of a rainbow in Batavia this morning between 8 and 8:30. He says it's unusual because it preceded the rain instead of vice-versa.

Le Roy dominates Wayland-Cohocton for third win

By Howard B. Owens

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Le Roy improved its season to 3-0 with a 40-6 win over Wayland-Cohocton.

Josh Laurie led the offense with nine carries for 100 yards and three TDs, plus he was seven for 11 passing for 120 yards and two TDs.

Nick Egeling had 58 yards on 13 carries and he scored a touchdown. Reed Kacur and Jason Doemling each had TD receptions.

On defense, Kacur, seven tackles, Laurie, seven, Egeling, five, Nate Montoya, five, and Gaven Cassidy, five.

Also on Friday night, Attica beat Alexander 20-13 and there's no score available for York/Pavilion against Bolivar-Richburg.

Photos by David Boyce.

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Blue Devils 3-0 after win over Wilson at Sahlen's

By Howard B. Owens

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The game wasn't pretty, the play wasn't perfect, but Batavia High School showed a good Class A team what it's made of, what Batavia football has always been about, Head Coach Brennan Briggs told his players after the game. 

Grit. Determination. Never surrender. 

The Blue Devils played their hearts out, never giving in even after the Wilson Wildcats overcame a two-TD deficit in the first half to tie the game and threaten to take it over.

The final score was 34-28, and the game was just that close.

"It's a big win for them," Briggs said after the game. "I preached all week we were going to play a good Class A team. It was going to be a close football game and we're going to see what we're made of, and I think we showed, we're a pretty good football team, but we still have a lot to work on."

Coming into the season, with Blue Devils, returning Section V champs for Class B, were ranked #1 in a Section V coaches poll, but Briggs downplays the chatter about his team as a lot of hype.  He doesn't buy into it and he doesn't want his players getting caught up in it either.

"I absolutely hate the hype," Briggs said. "I just like us worrying about Batavia football, getting better every single week. If we put together a great football game, and we play our A game, I think we can definitely make a run, but with that said, any given moment, there's injuries and bad breaks and bad bounces and if we don't play a perfect game anybody can knock us out on any night."

A lot of the credit for Friday's win goes to the defense.  Face with a lot of short field challenges, the defense usually held together.  Briggs said the team has instituted a special red zone unit and that's been a key to Batavia getting tougher when their backs are against the goal line

"A lot of teams think, ah, they're within the five-yard line, the other team is going to score," Briggs said. "Our guys take pride in that unit. It's a special unit. They take pride in not letting the opponent get in the endzone."

Wilson benefitted from some turnovers and some questionable penalties, but the Blue Devils never gave in even as the favorable breaks helped Wilson keep the score tight.

"I was confident all night, the way our defense was playing that we could get the stops as long as we were ahead of them," Briggs said.

Senior QB Greg Mruczek was 14 of 27 for 228 yards and five TDs.  Ryan Hogan had four receiptions for 102 yards and two TDs. Trevor Sherwood caught six passes for 64 yards and a TD.  Anthony Gallo, four receptions, 70 yards and two TDs. Dom Mogavero, 12 tackles. Danny Williams, 11 tackles and a forced fumble, Ray Leach, seven tackles. Adonis Davis six tackles and an interception. Clayton Gorski, six tackles, including a sack.

Batavia is now 3-0 to start the season. Wilson falls to 2-1.  Next up for Batavia, Edison Tech at home. Game time, 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

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To purchase prints of photos, click here.

O-A Hornets top Pembroke

By Rick D. Franclemont

Oakfield-Alabama came out quickly scoring 14 points in the first quarter of their big 42-27 win over Pembroke. There was a lot of back and forth scoring in the second half, but Pembroke couldn't catch the strong OA team.

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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