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Pedestrian hit by car at West Main and North Lyon, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A pedestrian has reportedly been struck by a car and there is a reported injury at West Main Street and North Lyon Street, in the City of Batavia.

City fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 9:31 a.m.: Minor, if any, injury. Patient transported to UMMC for evaluation. Adult male. No damage to vehicle. 

Psychiatric exams confirm Kyle Johnson has mental disorder, a danger to society

By Howard B. Owens
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      Kyle Johnson

After completing mental health evaluations, two doctors have found that Kyle G. Johson, who killed a neighbor and then set his own house afire on Selden Road in Le Roy on Dec. 1, 2015, is a present danger to himself or others because of a psychological disease or disorder.

Based on the medical reports, Interim Judge Micheal Pietruszka this morning confirmed the finding and ruled that Johnson has a dangerous disturbance of his behavior, thinking, feeling or judgment.

In August, Johnson was confined to the mental hospital in Rochester and ordered to undergo care, counseling and rehabilitation. This morning, Pietruszka confirmed the sentence and ordered him held until he is found to no longer be a danger or mentally disturbed, if indeed he is ever deemed mentally healthy again.

The morning of Dec. 1, 2015, Johnson walked to a neighbor's house, entered through an unlocked door and went into the bedroom of Norman Ball and shot him in the head while he slept.

Johnson then returned to his residence and set it on fire. 

When firefighters and a police officer arrived at the fire, Johnson tried to shoot them.

After a several-hour stand-off that involved emergency response teams from Genesee and Monroe counties as well as law enforcement officers from the Sheriff's Office, Batavia PD, Le Roy PD and Monroe County, Johnson was taken into custody without any further violence.

For prior coverage about Kyle Johnson, click here.

Black lab 'Baloo' is missing

By Howard B. Owens

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Baloo (bah-loo) is missing.

This 2-year-old black lab is not fixed, had no tags at the time he went missing, and had on a camo collar.

He ran from his home in Stafford on Sunday morning and hasn't been seen since.

UPDATE Noon: Baloo has been located and is safe.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of menacing a police officer

By Howard B. Owens

Kevin G. Viehdeffer, 56, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with menacing a police officer. Viehdeffer allegedly brandished a knife toward a police officer during an investigation into an incident involving Viehdeffer at 11:23 p.m., Friday. He was ordered held without bail.

Victor D. Guy, 30, Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, obstructing governmental administration, DWAI drugs, failure to yield right of way on left turn and aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. Guy was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 12:59 a.m. Saturday on Liberty Street, Batavia, by Officer Christopher Lindsay. Guy was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine and heroin. He was turned over to the Sheriff's Office on a warrant.

James Robert Pursel, 51, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with assault, 3rd. Pursel allegedly struck another person with a framing nailer during a verbal argument. The incident was reported at 2:04 p.m., Thursday, at 4140 Veterans Memorial Drive, the location of Peebles Department Store. Pursel was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on his own recognizance.

Rosemary Waters, 30, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Waters allegedly stole four packages of eyeliner from a West Main Street business.

Melissa J. Stratheam, 32, of Dellinger Avenue, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Stratheam posted $300 cash police bail and was released.

Joey A. Evans, 26, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument and unlawful possession of marijuana. Evans was arrested following an investigation into a reported disturbance on Ellicott Street at 1:58 p.m., Wednesday. Evans was held on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond.

Gregory F. Frieday, 32, of Osterhout Avenue, Batavia, is accused of criminal mischief, 3rd. Frieday was ordered held without bail.

Danny D. Williams, 28, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Williams was arrested following an investigation into a report of a stolen vehicle on Washington Avenue at 11 p.m., March 18. He was jailed on $7,500 bail.

Holden W. Byer, 25, of West Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Byer was arrested by Warsaw PD and turned over to Batavia PD on two bench warrants for alleged failure to comply with terms of his release under supervision of Genesee Justice. He was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Andrei P. Sliker, 25, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument. Sliker was charged when allegedly found in possession of a needle during an investigation into an unrelated incident at 9:15 p.m., Dec. 13.

James Marion Spangler, 40, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, is charged with strangulation, 2nd, assault, 3rd, criminal mischief, 4th, and criminal mischief, 3rd. Spangler was allegedly involved in a physical domestic at 11:55 p.m., Dec. 15, at a location on Pringle Avenue, Batavia.

First-graders at St. Joe's donate their own money to buy presents for patients at Golisano

By Howard B. Owens

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Press release:

Miss Zambito’s first-grade class at St. Joe’s Catholic School spent the first few weeks of December raising their own money for a very special cause. These first-graders generously collected $160 of their chore, birthday and tooth-fairy money to purchase gifts for the girls and boys at Golisano Children’s Hospital.  

It's the last day to post a recommendation on Shop Local for a chance to win Valle's gift certificate

By Howard B. Owens

We've received dozens of recommendations on Shop Local for local businesses in the past five days and there is only one day left in our drawing to win a $100 gift certificate to Valle Jewelers.

Every recommendation posted on ShopLocal.TheBatavian.com before Tuesday earns a chance to win the gift certificate. To post a recommendation, go to ShopLocal.TheBatavian.com and click on the links for your favorite local businesses and find the area on the page for recommendations. (You need to be registered and signed in to post a recommendation, but if you've already signed up for Deal of the Day, you have an account already.)

Here are the 10 local businesses with the most recommendations so far:

  1. Valle Jewelers
  2. Red Osier Landmark Restaurant
  3. Bourbon & Burger Co.
  4. Genesee Dental
  5. Southside Deli
  6. Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle
  7. West Main Wine & Spirits
  8. R & D Factory Outlet
  9. Fab Fajita & Pita
  10. T.F. Brown's

If your local business isn't listed on ShopLocal.theBatavian.com, call Dawn Puleo at (585) 250-4118 for assistance.

Wire down, power reported out around Chaddock Road and Silver Road, Bethany

By Howard B. Owens

A wire is reported down and on fire in the area of Chaddock Road and Silver Road, Bethany.

Power is reportedly out in the area.

Bethany fire responding.

UPDATE 7:26 p.m.: Bethany assignment back in service. National Grid has not reported on a power outage in the area, so we have no further information in that regard.

Pembroke Service Center being evacuated for unknown reason

By Howard B. Owens

A fire alarm has been triggered at the Pembroke Service Center on the Thruway, with a street address of 1835 Indian Falls Road, Pembroke, and a second call from the alarm company indicates the building is being evacuated.

The reason for the evacuation is not known.

East Pembroke fire responding.

Minor injury accident reported on Route 33 in area of Old State Road

By Howard B. Owens

Four people are reportedly involved in a single-car, minor injury accident on Route 33 near Old State Road.

Byron and South Byron fire departments dispatched along with Mercy EMS.

UPDATE 11:37 p.m.: Responding units advised to use caution. Roads are very icy and hazardous. 

Batavia's first MMA event draws capacity crowd

By Howard B. Owens

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It's only been a few months since it became legal to hold mixed martial arts events in New York, and one of the first such events in the state drew a sellout crowd in Batavia tonight at the Quality Inn and Suites.

Le Roy resident Richard Mitchell, owner of Ground Force Fights and himself a former professional MMA fighter, was the event's promoter.

First three photos, Mark Murry vs. John Gearhart. Murray won at 1:30 in the first round due to strikes.

In the dual main events, Morgan Cavanaugh vs, Eddie Ortiz Junior. Ortiz won at 1:55 in round 1.  Tom Shelby beat Nick Phelps at 1:55 in round 1.

Previously: Local promoter bringing one of the state's first MMA events to Batavia

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Two photos above, Sean Keough vs. Yuri Panferov. Panferov won at 1:15 in round 1 after a verbal tapout by Keough. 

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Former Batavia Blue Devils turn out for annual alumni basketball game

By Howard B. Owens

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The Evens beat the Odds 98-92 today in the annual Batavia High School boys basketball alumni game. 

Batavia's head coach, Buddy Brasky, said the oldest player on the floor today was from the Class of 1998 and there were players who graduated as recently as last year participating.

Brasky said it's just a good time for the players and coaches and fans. Afterward, they all go out for beer and pizza.  

The game was played at John Kennedy School.

The after-game photo at the bottom was posted by Brasky on Twitter.

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Photos: A tour of St. Mark's in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

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St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Le Roy held an open house today. 

Photographers were invited to take pictures for a photo contest being sponsored by the church in anticipation of its 200th anniversary as a congregation in 2017.

The church building itself was constructed in 1869.

Two families get make-up day at Walmart for Shop with a Cop

By Howard B. Owens

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At last week's Shop with a Cop event at Walmart, two local families who were invited were unable to participate. Today, deputies from the Sheriff's Office went to Walmart to shop with those families and then help them wrap Christmas presents after the shopping was done.

Above, Deputy Patrick Reeves.

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Deputy Cassidy Longhani, one of the newest members of the department.

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Above, Deputy James Diehl.

UPDATE: Store manager Diane Waters shared this end-of-the-shopping-day photo,

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State ballet company performing The Nutcracker at BHS

By Howard B. Owens

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The New York State Ballet performs "The Nutcracker" in the auditorium of Batavia High School today and tomorrow at 2 p.m.

The online ticket site says ticket sales have ended for today's performance, but I'm not sure if there will be tickets at the door.

There are definitely tickets available for tomorrow's performance.

The company was rehearsing when I went to the school last night for Batavia's basketball game.

Blue Devils pick up second win in home opener

By Howard B. Owens

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Antwan Odom had 17 points and TeeSean Ayala scored 13, including three three-pointers, to help the Batavia Blue Devils beat Honeoye Falls-Lima 55- 39 in Batavia's home opener.

Batavia is now 2-1 on the season.

Mason McFollins added eight points.

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Deputy Patrick Reeves honored as Officer of the Year for Sheriff's Office

By Howard B. Owens

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Deputy Patrick Reeves, in his 20th year with the Sheriff's Office, was named for the second time in his career "Officer of the Year" today at the department's annual awards luncheon.

Here's the statement from the Sheriff's Office in support of his award:

Deputy Patrick J. Reeves has distinguished himself as a dedicated officer whose work over this past year has been exceptional. He has assumed the responsibility for service of virtually all civil processes while managing to actively work traffic enforcement, issuing a significant number of traffic summonses and initiating several felony arrests. He is an active Drug Recognition Expert and a Firearms Instructor who, this year, was instrumental in initiating and coordinating the upgrade to our patrol rifles. He is never too busy to help out or fill in wherever needed and to mentor our many younger deputies. He routinely donates his own time for the good of this Office. As he approaches his 20th year as a Deputy Sheriff, he shows no sign of slowing down. 

Deputy Patrick J. Reeves has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and most deserves to be named Officer of the Year.

This year marks the final year that Sheriff Gary Maha will present the Officer of the Year award, but it was also a day in which he was honored. He received the Distinguished Service Award:

Sheriff Gary T. Maha has distinguished himself as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Forty-nine years ago, Sheriff Maha was hired as a Deputy Sheriff and has worked his way up through the ranks to Investigator, Senior Investigator, Chief Deputy and has been the Sheriff of Genesee County for over 29 years. He has served on numerous councils, committees, and associations at the county, state and national level. Sheriff Maha has dedicated his career to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the residents of Genesee County. As recognition of his contribution to public safety, he was awarded the Sheriff Grover Cleveland Award by the New York State Sheriffs’ Association in 2016; only the fifth Sheriff in New York to earn this award.    

Sheriff Gary T. Maha’s service over four decades reflects great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

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Other awards:

Longevity awards:

  • Emergency Services Dispatcher Nathan L. Fix, 10 years
  • Part-Time Jail Cook Lynn Jakubowski, 10
  • Emergency Services Dispatcher John W. Spencer, 10
  • Deputy Sheriff Howard J. Carlson, 10
  • Systems Specialist R. William Oliver, 10
  • Community Services/Victims Counselor Rosanne M. Smart, 10
  • Sr. Correction Officer Kevin D. Wolff, 15
  • Correction Officer Philip A. Mangefrida, 15
  • Correction Officer Anthony J. Ridder, 15
  • Deputy Sheriff Cory W. Mower, 20
  • Sergeant Eric K. Seppala, 20
  • Sergeant Brian M. Frieday, 20
  • Deputy Sheriff Patrick J. Reeves, 20
  • Deputy Sheriff Brian A. Thompson, 25
  • Sergeant John L. Baiocco, 25
  • Sergeant Ronald E. Meides, 25
  • Communications Coordinator Russell L. Lang, 30
  • Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Barbara J. Eddy, 35

Certificates of Appreciation:

  • Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Michael T. Sheflin
  • Emergency Services Dispatcher Lynn B. Riccobono
  • Emergency Services Dispatcher Steven L. Robinson
  • Emergency Services Dispatcher Peggy D. Richardson
  • Michael Merritt
  • Genesee Justice Financial Management Assistant Tammy M. Schmidt
  • New York State Trooper Thomas C. Shamp
  • IT Systems Specialist R. William Oliver
  • Alvi Castro

Commendations:

  • Correction Officer Kelly P. Creegan
  • Deputy Sheriff Robert C. Henning
  • Deputy Sheriff Ryan M. DeLong
  • Emergency Services Dispatcher Beth A. Hynes
  • Senior Correction Officer Darrell J. Klein
  • Senior Correction Officer Kevin D. Wolff
  • Deputy Sheriff Christopher A. Parker
  • Investigator James M. Diehl
  • Deputy Sheriff Howard J. Carlson
  • Senior Correction Officer Robert W. Mattice
  • Communications Coordinator Russell L. Lang
  • Sergeant Eric K. Seppala
  • Sergeant Jason E. Saile

Meritorious Service:  

  • Senior Correction Officer Matthew R. Burgett
  • Emergency Services Dispatcher Andrew K. Merkel
  • Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Michael T. Sheflin
  • Deputy Sheriff Kevin R. McCarthy
  • Deputy Sheriff Andrew B. Hale
  • Senior Correction Officer Peter M. Hoy
  • Investigator Joseph M. Graff

Alexander fire responding to three-car accident in Attica

By Howard B. Owens

A three-car accident is reported at Route 98 and Prospect Road, Attica.

Unknown injuries.

Alexander fire and ambulance and Attica fire responding. Bennington fire is on standby for its ambulance.

UPDATE 5:41 p.m.: Traffic is being blocked at Route 98 and Buffalo Road. No extrication will be required.

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