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Green Day, Chicago, Cheap Trick announced for Darien Lake this summer

By Howard B. Owens

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It will be the 25th season of concerts at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center this summer and Live Nation has started to release the names of some of the bands scheduled to perform, including Green Day.

As part of the band's Revolution Radio Tour, Green Day will take the stage Aug. 26, a Saturday. Also on the bill, Catfish and the Bottlemen. Showtime is 7 p.m.

Some classic rock bands have also been booked.

Chicago and the Doobie Brothers will be in town July 18. 

Foreigner and Cheap Trick will share top billing July 21, with special guest Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience.

Ranzenhofer issues statement on Cuomo's speech in Buffalo

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R-C-I, Amherst) has issued the following statement in response to Governor Cuomo’s state of the state address delivered in Buffalo earlier this afternoon:

“I am disappointed that Governor Cuomo made the decision to schedule the Western New York version of his state of the state presentation at a time when I am required, by my duties as a State Senator, to be in the Capitol for session. I am hopeful that we can finally bring ride-sharing services to Upstate, create more jobs by enacting real tax relief and repealing costly, burdensome regulations for small businesses, and providing mandate relief to local governments. I look forward to working towards these legislative goals in the days and weeks ahead.”
 

Woman working as house cleaner accused of stealing more than $5K

By Howard B. Owens

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A woman from Mocanaqua, Pa., working at a home in Bethany as a house cleaner, has been arrested by State Police for allegedly stealing more than $5,000 from the family who employed her.

Sheri A. Eddy, 33, is charged with third-degree grand larceny and first degree identity theft.

Eddy allegedly stole a check from the residence and used the information on the check to pilfer funds. 

She was arraigned in Bethany Town Court and jailed on $2,500 bail.

Batavia Players recognize outstanding performers for 2016

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia Players held its annual gala and awards ceremony at the Harvester 56 Theater on Saturday night.

Here are the award winners:

  • Outstanding Performance of the Year, Evan Bellavia as Harry the Horse, "Guys & Dolls"
  • Outstanding Actor in a Play, Norm Argulski as Lionel Percy, "Bakersfield Mist"
  • Outstanding Actress in a Play, Michele Stamp as Martha, "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf"
  • Outstanding Dramatic Performance of the Year, Kevin Partridge as George, "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf"
  • Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Play, Alex Farley as Nick, "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf"
  • Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Play, Wendy Williams as Sissy, "Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean"
  • Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play, Jesse Conklin as Corin, "As You Like It"
  • Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play, Kathy Johns as Joanne, "Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean"
  • Outstanding Actor in a Musical, William Grimble as Nicely Nicely Johnson, "Guys & Dolls"
  • Outstanding Solo Vocal Performance, Amy-Catherine Cunningham as Charity Hope Valentine, "Sweet Charity"
  • Outstanding Actress in a Musical, "Sweet Charity," "Little Women"
  • Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical, Nash Johns as Laurie Lawrence, "Little Women"
  • Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical, Emily Crawford as Marmee March, "Little Women"
  • Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical, Patrick Burk as Daddy Brubeck, "Sweet Charity"
  • Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical, Wendy Williams as Aunt March, "Little Women"
  • Outstanding Musical Ensemble, Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat, "Guys & Dolls"
  • Outstanding Youth Performance, Evan Bellavia as Harry the Horse, "Guys & Dolls"
  • Outstanding Youth Performance -- Female, Celia Flyn as Adelaide, "Guys & Dolls"
  • Outstanding Child Performance, Paige Sikorski as the Snowflake, "A Christmas Gift"

Law and Order: Batavia man arrested following report of road rage incident

By Howard B. Owens

Robert Lee Williams Jr., 26, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with assault, 3rd. Williams was allegedly involved in a road rage incident at 6 p.m., Dec. 21, on East Main Street, Batavia. There was reportedly a physical altercation resulting in injury to another person. Williams turned himself in on a warrant.

Christopher Charles Say, 26, of Goddard Street, Webster, Mass., is charged with bail jumping, criminal contempt, 2nd, and obstructing governmental administration, 2nd. Say was arrested on a warrant and turned over to Batavia PD. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed on $2,500 bail.

Jill M. Turner, 24, of Burke Drive, Batavia, is charged with dog running at large. Turner is accused of allowing her dog to run loose on a neighbor's property.

Robert E. Wood, 26, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd. Wood allegedly entered the secured residence of a person he knew without permission at 2:26 a.m., Wednesday.

Branden L. Daymon, 32, of Norwich Drive, Rochester, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a vehicle and traffic violation.

Lexus M. Brown, 20, of Raines Park, Rochester, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Brown posted $300 police bail and was released.

Aaron Michael Gardner, 35, of Britt Road, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, no seat belt, unreasonable speed and failure to keep right. Gardner was arrested following the completion of an investigation into a motor-vehicle accident reported at 3:59 p.m., Nov. 11, on Oatka Trail Road, Le Roy. The investigation was conducted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Alexander FD installs new officers, recognizes member accomplishments

By Howard B. Owens

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The Alexander Volunteer Fire Department held its annual installation dinner and awards presentation at its rec hall on Saturday night.

Above, Ryan Hinz, ambulance captain, and Matt Pietrzykowski, firefighter. Hinz received the Chief's Award for his efforts on behalf of the ambulance service, and Pietrzykowski was recognized for his heroics at a house fire April 30 when he pulled another firefighter from a room in a house fire who had been hit on the head by a falling beam. The firefighter was not seriously hurt, but at the moment couldn't retreat from the burning building on his own. Pietrykowski was a member of the Alexander Fast Team that day.

Alexander's Firematic Officers for 2017:

  • Marshal Merle, chief
  • Paul Hirsch, deputy chief
  • Jim Burkhardt, 2nd assistant
  • Dean Hendershott, 3rd assistant
  • Tom Green, 4th assistant
  • Ryan Hinz, ambulance captain
  • Darlene Merle, ambulance lieutenant
  • Aaron Hirsch, truck captain
  • Carl Homer, truck lieutenant
  • Lance Scharlau, training captain
  • Sean McPhee, training lieutenant
  • Nate Fix, safety officer

Administrative Officers:

  • Dean Hendershott, president
  • Tom Green, vice president
  • Amanda Donnelly, recording secretary
  • Laura Scharlau, financial secretary
  • Jackie Lowe, treasurer
  • Trustees: Sean McPhee, Tom Lowe, Darlene Merle, Amanda Donnelly, Deb Green, Matt Pietrzykowski, Ryan Hinz.

Ladies Auxiliary: 

  • Donna Rhodes, president
  • Ann Buckenmeyer, vice president
  • Kate Goodman, secretary
  • Colette Guarino, treasurer
  • Marge Kelsey, flag bearer
  • Donna Rhodes, chaplain
  • Directors: Sandy Homer, Marge Kelsey, Linda Higley

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Jennifer McPhee and Debbie Green received the Presidential Award of Service from President Dean Hendershott. McPhee and Green often volunteer to babysit the children of firefighters responding to emergencies.

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Joseph Schmider and Carl Homer were recognized for their 25 years of service by Dean Hendershott and Laura Scharlau.

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At the end of the evening, the department hands out a series of gag awards poking fun at some of the miscues of members during the course of the year. Apparently, at the time of the tractor pull, Paul Hirsch accidently knocked over a utility pole with a vehicle. He received a hat for his "new business," the Hirsch Pole Removal Service.

Post recommendations on Shop Local for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate for R&D

By Howard B. Owens

VIsit ShopLocal.TheBatavian.com and post a recommendation for any local business listed on the site for a chance to win a $100 from R&D Factory Outlet

To qualify, recommendations must be posted by Jan. 15.

Multiple recommendations posted count as multiple chances to win. Post as many recommendations as you want.

You must register to post a recommendation. If you've already registered or have registered for Deal of the Day, just use the "sign in" link on the site.

Our previous drawing was for two $50 gift certificates for Alex's Place. The winners were Christopher Gersitz, of Darien Center, and Jean Appis, of Byron.

Cal-Mum dominates in 2017 Rotary Tournament final to take title

By Howard B. Owens

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Cal-Mum won the annual Rotary Basketball Tournament at Genesee Community College on Friday night with a 51-34 win over Notre Dame.

Gillian Flint of Cal-Mum was the tournament MVP. She scored 20 points in the final.

For Notre Dame, Callie McCulley scored 14 points and Natalie Thornton scored 11 points.

In the consolation game, Batavia beat Attica 61-55 in overtime. For the second game in a row, Ryann Stefaniak scored a season-best point total, after getting 26 on Wednesday; she scored 31 last night.

Stefaniak, along with Notre Dame's McCulley and Margaret Sutherland, were named to the All-Tournament Team.

To purchase prints, click here.

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Ranzenhofer says outpouring of support for ride sharing bill has renewed his enthusiasm as he starts new term

By Howard B. Owens

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Press release:

As the State Legislature reconvenes for the 2017-18 Session, Michael H. Ranzenhofer has started a new term representing constituents across the 61st District as New York State Senator.

“It is truly a privilege and an honor to serve our community in the New York State Senate. I continue to be focused on helping small businesses, by repealing burdensome regulations and reducing taxes, in an effort to strengthen our economy and create more jobs,” Ranzenhofer said.

Bringing ridesharing to Western New York is another one of Ranzenhofer’s top legislative priorities this year.

“I have renewed enthusiasm after receiving an outpouring of support from thousands of residents in favor of allowing Uber and Lyft to operate in Upstate New York,” Ranzenhofer said. “I am hopeful that this legislation will move through the committee system quickly and ultimately be approved, and I am determined to make it happen sooner rather than later.”

PHOTO: The Honorable Janet DiFiore, Chief Judge of the State of New York, administers the oath of office to Ranzenhofer on the floor of the State Senate. 

Local police looking for man on possible parole violation with bank robbery history

By Howard B. Owens

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A Niagara County man with an attempted bank robbery conviction is wanted on a warrant for an alleged parole violation and a police source confirmed this morning that local authorities have been asked to look for him as well since he could be in, or pass through, Genesee County.

Joel Zsebehazy, 33, 5’10” 165 lbs, has blond hair and brown eyes.

Authorities say he has a violent history and could be armed. If seen, call 9-1-1. If you have information on his whereabouts, you can call (585) 343-5000 or the Batavia PD confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370.

WIVB reported that authorities want to question Zsebehazy about a recent bank robbery, but we couldn't confirm that with local law enforcement.

After he was convicted on a drug dealing charge in 2015, the Buffalo News reported that Zsebehazy was an Afghan War vet looking at his last chance for rehabilitation after previous difficulties at drug treatment facilities. The Buffalo News reported that Zsebehazy suffers from PTSD.

Accidents reported on Thruway in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A car has hit a guard rail on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 388.2 in the westbound lane.

Unknown injuries.

About 30 minutes ago, there was a motor-vehicle accident with apparently minor, if any, injuries in the area of 392.3 in the westbound lane.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS dispatched to both calls.

UPDATE 7:38 a.m.: No injuries on the accident at mile marker 388.2. Ambulance response is canceled. There is a fuel leak.

Attempted robbery charge added to couple in custody after incident, accident and search in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens
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   Giancarlo Miranda      Haleigh Ogden

Two people arrested in December following an accident and pursuit through the woods off Keeney Road in Le Roy are now being accused of attempting to rob a nearby gas station that same night.

Giancarolo A. Miranda, 18, of Clipnock Road, Stafford, and Haleigh I. Ogden, 19, of East Avenue, Batavia, were charged today with attempted robbery, 2nd.

The arrest stems for a series of incidents the night of Dec. 12 that started the Kwik Fill in Le Roy when the pair allegedly showed up there about 10 p.m. with the intention to steal property. 

Ogden allegedly displayed a handgun.

The sole employee of the gas station had already locked the front door and there was apparently nothing stolen.

Miranda and Ogden then left the station and were involved in a motor-vehicle accident on Keeney Road.

They fled into the woods and after a search that involved deputies, Le Roy PD, troopers, a helicopter, and a K-9, the duo was located and taken into custody.

Once located, they were identified as suspects in a burglary a few days earlier. They were found in possession of a pit bull allegedly stolen from the animal shelter.

They were charged with burglary, 3rd.

They remain in custody with bail set at $15,000 each.

Law and Order: Webster, Mass., man arrested on local warrants

By Howard B. Owens

Christopher Charles Say, 26, of Goddard Street, Webster, Mass., is charged with: criminal mischief, 4th; criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation; endangering the welfare of a child; harassment, 2nd; and criminal contempt. Say was arrested by the Orleans County Sheriff's Office on a warrant out of Genesee County Court. He is also wanted on City of Batavia warrants. 

Dennis Allan Norris, 53, of Overbook Road, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Norris was stopped at 9:55 a.m. Dec. 23 on South Lake Road, Bergen, by Deputy Rachel Diehl.

Joseph Mark Dickinson, 26, of East Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08, speeding and driver's view obstructed. Dickinson was stopped at 5:32 p.m. Wednesday on Pearl Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Jenna Ferrando.

Fourth quarter rally not enough for Batavia in first game of Rotary Tournament

By Howard B. Owens

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Ryann Stefaniak scored 26 points and Taylor Stefaniak added 15, but it wasn't enough to overcome an experienced an athletic Cal-Mum team in the opening round of the annual Rotary Tournament at GCC.

Cal-Mum moved to 8-1 with the 59-53 win.

Batavia drops to 2-8.

The Lady Devils rallied in the 4th quarter, closing a double-digit deficit and at one point pulling within three points of the Red Raiders. In that quarter, Ryann hit three three-pointers along with a pair of two-point goals and two free throws.

Taylor also hit a pair of threes in the 4th quarter. Melissa Mountain scored six and Bri Janes 6, including adding a three in that 24-point fourth quarter.

For Cal-Mum, Gillian Flint scored 19 points and Isabella Slocum had 13.

For coverage of the Notre Dame - Attica game, click here.

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Gerace family returns to being local owners of a real estate company

By Howard B. Owens

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The Gerace family is returning to their locally owned roots in real estate in Genesee County.

Two years ago, Joe and Lois Gerace sold Bob Harris Realty to Realty USA, a Buffalo-based company, but in July, the CEO of Realty USA sold his company to Pennsylvania-based Howard Hanna Company and when John and Robert Gerace got word that new owners wanted to consolidate offices, that just didn't make sense to them.

"It doesn't make sense to say you're local and then have a business card with Lancaster or Depew on it," John said. "Are you local or aren't you? I think it was confusing."

The new company will be Gerace Realty. The new website is geracerealty.com. Like Bob Harris, and RealtyUSA, the new logo is red, white and black.

Lois, who has 40 years experience in real estate, will be part of the new company along with John and Robert. Much of the staff will be the same as it was for years when the company was Bob Harris.

The new signs, on the same converted house on Ellicott Avenue that was home to Bob Harris Realty when Joe and Lois bought the company in 1986, went up yesterday while the transition is still underway.

John Gerace said managers at Realty USA were supportive of their decision to go back to being a locally owned office and the relationship with staff there remains good and Gerace Realty will be able to tap into the larger company's network of bankers and attorneys as needed.

Howard Hanna also acquired Nothnagle, and both John and Robert see an advantage being outside of Rochester and Buffalo as a smaller, locally focused company.

"You're dealing with experienced agents," Robert said. "This is something we do full time. You're not dealing with somebody who is part time. This is what we do." 

John thinks more and more people value that local connection. He compared it to smaller hardware store surviving in the face of competition from Home Depot and Lowe's.

"There's great service when you walk in," John said. "They know you by name. I think people want that back."

Woman involved in armed robbery attempt, citing mental health history, asks for leniency, given prison

By Howard B. Owens

A 26-year-old St. Johnsville woman cried and begged for a chance to avoid prison for her part in a strong-armed robbery attempt at a smoke shop in May in Basom, but the judge hearing her case told her she hadn't earned a chance to be released on probation.

"In light of the violent nature of the crime and the apparent lack of any effort on your part to address your addictions and mental health issues until the day you were to be sentenced, it is alarming," said Interim County Court Judge Emilio Colaiacovo.

Misty Dawn Souza was sent to prison for three and a half years.  

Her attorney, Fred Rarick, tried to argue for probation, given her history of mental issues, but District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said that nature of the crime and her criminal history warranted the maximum sentence available under the plea agreement.

"The reasons for a probationary sentence you have presented have been an unconvincing explanation for why the court should show (mercy)," Colaiacovo said.

Souza said she was a drug-addicted baby at birth, that she had been diagnosed with mental health issues at age 11, but instead of giving her the medicine prescribed by a doctor, her mother introduced her to marijuana. A short time later, she said, her father introduced her to crack cocaine.

Dressed in a dress of wide black-and-white horizontal stripes, Souza cried through most of her statement to the court.

"I believe I need help with my mental health issues," Souza said. "I don't want to go to prison. I'm scared. I know what I did was wrong. If I could take it all back, I would."

Souza and Jeremy J. Reynolds, 34, of Johnstown, entered the Smoke Rings Smoke Shop the night of May 20 carrying what looked like guns. Things quickly got out of hand and it was a dangerous and scary situation, Friedman said.

"They pointed what appeared to be real guns at the clerk behind the counter and the clerk obviously became fearful for his life," Friedman said.

Rarick said his client was a person who could be easily mislead and that's exactly what Reynolds did. He also said that Reynolds had slipped Souza a gummy bear laced with acid (LSD), which she didn't know, prior to the robbery.

It wasn't long after the robbery attempt began that Souza fled into the dark woods near the smoke shop where she wandered haphazardly for some time. When she was picked up later, she said, according to Rarick, that she had a bear on her back.

Souza said she has a 10-year-old daughter who is a straight-A student and wants to be a police officer someday.

Colaiacovo told Souza that there will be plenty of opportunities in prison for Souza to get the mental health care and drug treatment she needs, if she takes advantage of those programs.

"It's never too late to become a good example to your child," Colaiacovo said. "I hope avail yourself of the opportunities you will have in prison and start heading in the right direction in life."

Local music teacher starts program to give every child a chance to play piano

By Howard B. Owens

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The way Laura Kauppi sees it, every child, regardless of income, should have a chance to learn piano.

The Corfu native who teaches piano to a lot of higher income kids in Amherst, decided recently that she wants to give back to her local community and has partnered with Roxy's Music to offer piano lessons to low-income children.

"Every child should be able to learn piano," she said.

She's calling the program, "Every Child Music School."

For qualifying students, classes are three times a month for 20 minutes at $3 per lesson. To qualify, parents need to show a benefits card, such as a WIC card, at the first lesson.  The lessons are available to children 18 months and older.

She's looking for donations of touch-sensitive keyboard (press hard for a louder note, soft for a softer note) to help ensure students have an instrument to practice on.

Kauppi studies piano performance at Geneseo while pursuing an undergraduate degree in another field, but put herself through college teaching piano.

"When I started teaching, I realized I absolutely loved teaching piano and I wanted to keep doing it, so I’ve been teaching for 12 years now," Kauppi said.

To donate or register, call Kauppi at 585-861-0153.

Rotary Tournament starts tonight at GCC

By Howard B. Owens

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Notre Dame's Hannah Bowen, Gillian Flint, Cal-Mum, Emily Weber, Attica, and Melissa Mountain, Batavia, are all ready for the annual Rotary Basketball Tournament, which tips off tonight at Genesee Community College at 6 p.m.

Notre Dame's Head Coach Tom McCulley, pictured below, said the annual tournament is a great showcase for girls' basketball.

"It's a great atmosphere," he said.

Marty Hein, Batavia's head coach, said he and his players always look forward to the tournament. 

"It’s just nice to do it right here at GCC," Hein said. "Big gym, big floor, big crowd. It’s just a good time."

Batavia enters the tournament at 2-7, Notre Dame is 4-2, Attica is 4-4 and Cal-Mum is 7-1.

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Accident reported on Thruway in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident, unknown injuries, is reported in the westbound lane of the Thruway near mile marker 386.1.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 6:28 p.m.: Patient has possible knee injury.

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