A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported near the onramp on the westbound I-490 in Bergen.
Unknown injuries
Bergen fire and ambulance and Mercy EMS responding.
A first responder reports slippery road conditions.
UPDATE 9:18 p.m.: A vehicle is in a ditch. There is apparently a second vehicle. A caller reports minor injuries.
Genesee Community College has appointed its next dean of Student Services, a familiar face with years of experience working with students, faculty and staff, and service to the College. Patricia "Patty" Chaya emerged as the top choice from a lengthy search of many qualified candidates, and will assume the responsibilities of dean of students, transitioning from her previous role of associate dean of the GCC Warsaw and Lima campus centers.
Chaya joined the College in 2002 as associate dean of the Warsaw campus, and inherited the same role with the Lima campus in 2012. Handling multiple duties, she was charged with leading, directing, team building and administrative oversight for all operations at both campus centers. In 2013, Chaya was awarded the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service, an award given to recognize consistent superior professional achievement.
"Her familiarity with the GCC community and experience working with our students will make her an invaluable asset to our team," said Virginia "Ginny" Taylor, Ph.D., vice president for Student and Enrollment Services. "We are excited for the students, faculty and staff at the Batavia campus to begin working with Patty, whose passion for helping others has always been evident."
Chaya holds a bachelor's in Sociology from SUNY Fredonia and a master's in Student Personnel Administration from the University at Buffalo. She was a resident assistant while attending SUNY Fredonia and became residence hall director after earning her bachelor's degree.
"I am thrilled for the opportunity to take on a new professional challenge," Chaya said. "There is great potential with the dean of Student Services position, and new initiatives are important for moving forward. Not only do I hope to cultivate new programs such as those relating to wellness, but I plan on expanding the delivery and availability of these programs using our current technology, making them more accessible for our students."
Prior to working at GCC, Patty was the associate director at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, and also worked for the Genesee County YWCA as the director of the Domestic Violence Program. She is heavily involved in the GLOW community, serving as the vice president of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Business Education Alliance (BEA) Board of Directors in Livingston County.
"I live in the community and am familiar with local issues," Chaya explained. "I have a strong commitment to GCC and am confident I can be a strong ambassador for the College."
As the dean of student services, Chaya will work closely with College administration to enhance its current leadership program and expanding innovative student development programs. Among numerous other areas, she will focus on student retention and degree completion, as well as handling student conduct and discipline.
Chaya officially began her new role on Jan. 3rd. Patty and husband, Ray, a former GCC BEST Center staff member, currently reside in Batavia.
Investigators continue to work leads in the case of a series of battery thefts from trucks and farm equipment in Genesee County, and as a result previously arrested suspects face new charges.
Bart Towne, 48, of Alleghany Road, Alabama, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. He was first arrested Sept. 27 and has been charged in the jurisdictions of Byron, Oakfield, Alabama, Elba, Pembroke and Alexander.
He allegedly stole batteries in each of those towns.
He is being held without bail.
Amber L. Heveron, 28, of Rice Road, Albion, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. She was first arrested Dec. 6. She was previously charged in Alabama, Pembroke, Oakfield and Elba.
She is out of jail under supervision of Genesee Justice.
The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are possible.
While on surveillance yesterday, members of the Local Drug Task Force observed occupants of a vehicle toss garbage from the car so they initiated a traffic stop.
Upon further investigation, the occupants were allegedly found in possession of Suboxone and drug paraphernalia.
During the course of the surveillance, both occupants were allegedly seen operating the vehicle and both were later found to have suspended driver's licenses.
Isaac C. King, 30, of Hoyt Street, Buffalo, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and littering.
Daniel H. Mooney, 30, of Cone Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd, and aggravated unlicensed operation.
Following arraignment in City Court, King was jailed without bail. He has a detainer from NY State Parole.
Mooney was ordered held on $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the Farash Foundation, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and Rochester Area Community Foundation sponsored a contest for high school students and last night Byron-Bergen learned the videos it produced for the contest grabbed Second Place and Third Place.
The contest challenged students to make public service announcements for in-demand jobs of the future.
Students in Byron-Bergen's tech academy made two videos about food processing.
The full press release about the contest is here.
All of the videos that won and placed are here.
Sentencing was delayed today for a Joel Bert Shorts, a 55-year-old Canisteo man who admitted in October to engaging in oral sex with a teenage boy at a religious gathering last summer because the probation department in Steuben County didn't complete a necessary evaluation.
Officials in Steuben apparently overlooked a request for the evaluation and didn't start on it in time for today's hearing.
Shorts was scheduled to be sentenced today and there was also going to be a hearing to determine what level he would be registered as a sex offender.
When Shorts agreed to plead guilty to the Class E felony of criminal sex act in the third degree, the agreement would give him a chance to avoid a four-year prison term and instead be placed on probation in Steuben County for 10 years.
Shorts was arrested July 20 at Darien Lake Theme Park Resort, where he was attending Kingdom Bound with a church group.
The new hearing date is 11 a.m., Feb. 21.
He remains out of jail on his own recognizance.
The hearing is one of the first court appearances as the new County Court Judge Charles Zambito. Prior to the hearing, Zambito disclosed to Short's attorney the fact that the assistant district attorney handling the case, Robert Zickl, is the brother of Will Zickl, who is now Zambito's staff attorney. Zambito said that on this case, because Robert Zickl is the ADA, Will Zickl would have no involvement and would not be consulted. Short's attorney acknowledged the disclosure and waived any claim to a conflict of interest and said he wasn't concerned about the relationship.
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.
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.”
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 held its annual gala and awards ceremony at the Harvester 56 Theater on Saturday night.
Here are the award winners:
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.
A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported on Route 98 near Ford Road in Elba.
People are reportedly still in the vehicle.
Unknown injuries.
Elba fire and Mercy EMS responding.
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:
Administrative Officers:
Ladies Auxiliary:
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.
Joseph Schmider and Carl Homer were recognized for their 25 years of service by Dean Hendershott and Laura Scharlau.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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