Lynn Bezon said she was driving on Center Street yesterday when she spotted the reflection of the mural at Glass Roots reflected in the window of Center Street Smoke House and had to stop and snap a picture.
Press release:
The administrative phone line, 585-345-3000, at the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is currently experiencing an outage. For any non-emergency calls, please dial
585-343-5000, and your call will be transferred to an internal extension. Another option available is to utilize e-mail. This issue is not affecting 9-1-1 calls.
We apologize for any inconvenience and hope that this issue is resolved shortly.
Peace Garden committee members spent numerous hours over two months painting and decorating 100 stones and seashells as an art project for the garden only to have it destroy in one night vandals.
Paula Savage, the founder and director of the Peace Garden, said the final installation of the stones and shells was completed on July 20. That was a Tuesday. By Wednesday evening, every single painted stone and shell was missing, she said.
"Needless to say, we are saddened and disappointed that someone would vandalize the garden in this manner not to mention the time, effort, and expense that was put forth to acquire all of the materials and design this lovely artwork," Savage said.
Savage did not report the crime to Batavia PD.
"The reason I did not file with the police is that I assumed with the stones all being missing there would be none remaining for them to guard and we were not planning to replace them," she said. "Now I realize I was wrong to assume that."
Photos submitted by Paula Savage.
The Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate a single-vehicle rollover accident that occurred at 7:15 p.m., Sunday, in the area of 9822 Alexander Road, Alexander.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Timothy D. Johnson, 27, of Attica, was driving a 2014 black Jeep Cherokee southbound on Route 98 when the vehicle crossed the fog line and continued off the west shoulder of the roadway and hit a drainage ditch and a culvert causing it to become airborne. The airborne Jeep struck a utility pole, breaking the pole in half. Once the Jeep landed, it rolled over several times.
The cause of the crash has not been determined.
Johnson was transported by Mercy Flight to ECMC with non-life-threatening injuries.
Assisting and the scene was the Alexander Fire and Mercy EMS.
Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.
Previously: Rollover accident reported on Alexander Road, Alexander
Kristin Renee Forte, 33, Alandale Avenue, Rochester, is charged with grand larceny 3rd, eight counts of offering a false instrument for filing 1st, and five counts of forgery 2nd. Forte is accused of omitting wages she earned while working when filing for SNAP benefits. She allegedly received $3,767 in SNAP benefits she was no eligible to receive. The case was investigated by Social Services Officer Robert Riggi. Forte was arraigned and released on her own recognizance.
Jay Daniel Lucas Schutt, 33, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with harassment 2nd. At 11:30 p.m., Saturday, Schutt allegedly tackled and wrestled with another person on the ground at a location on South Pearl Street, Oakfield. Schutt was issued an appearance ticket.
(name redacted upon request), 24, of Cayuga Creek Road, Alden, is charged with evidence tampering, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a controlled substance, driving while impaired by drugs, and speed not reasonable and prudent. xxxx was arrested following an investigation into a single-vehicle accident at 5:36 a.m., March 1, on County Line Road, Darien. xxxx was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance and a semi-automatic handgun. xxxx was released on an appearance ticket.
Andrea Elizabeth Tucker, 23, of Payne Avenue, Tonawanda, is charged with harassment 2nd. Tucker is accused of making threats and hitting another person while at Darien Lake at 4:11 p.m., July 27. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Dandre Bud Browning, 27, of Stevens Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .80 or greater, and speeding. Browning was stopped at 12:03 a.m., July 25, by Deputy Zachary Hoy on Pearl Street Road, Batavia.
Angela Flowers, 50, no residence provided, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd for allegedly disobeying a subpoena by failing to appear in court. Flowers was issued an appearance ticket.
Kim Mobley, 58, no residence provided, is charged with petit larceny. Mobley allegedly stole multiple items from Save-A-Lot. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Antonio Goodson, no age provided, no residence provided, is charged with petit larceny. Goodson allegedly stole items from a local business on East Main Street, Batavia. Goodson was issued an appearance ticket.
Jacqueline Hale, 33, no residence provided, is charged with assault 3rd. Hale allegedly punched another person multiple times in the facing causing injury. Hale was issued an appearance ticket.
Russell Blummer, 48, no residence provided, is charged with harassment 2nd. Blummer was arrested following a disturbance complaint on Thorpe Street at 9:58 p.m., Sunday. Blummer allegedly punched a victim. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Patrick Waite, 53, no residence provided, is charged with DWI and refusal to take a breath test. Waite was stopped at 6:05 p.m. at an undisclosed location in the City of Batavia by a police officer. Prior to the stop, police received a traffic offense complaint. Waite was released following his arrest.
Nathan Royse, 29, no residence provided, is charged with menacing 2nd and criminal possession of a weapon. On Saturday, while on Willow Street, Batavia, Royce allegedly menaced another person with a real or imitation pistol. Batavia PD was assisted by NYS Parole in the investigation. Royce was also charged with speed not reasonable, reckless driving, failure to stop at a stop sign, not wearing a helmet, and an uninspected motor vehicle. Only 23, Royce was arraigned in Batavia City Court following an investigation into events that occurred July 19. Royce allegedly fled from police in that incident.
Ronnie Allen, 34, no residence provided, is charged with criminal mischief 4th and endangering the welfare of a child. Allen was allegedly involved in a neighbor dispute at a location on South Main Street, Batavia. Allen is accused of breaking the door of a neighbor's residence. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Matthew Olcott, 42, no residence provided, was arrested on a City Court warrant and held in County Jail on an unrelated warrant from the Sheriff's Office.
Francisco Martinez, 48, no residence provided, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Martinez was arraigned and released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear on July 28 for sentencing.
Tommy Crawford, 32, no residence provided, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd and criminal impersonation. Crawford is accused of entering and remaining unlawfully in a residence on Jackson St., Batavia, at 1:26 p.m., July 3, and he then provided police with a false name during the investigation. Crawford was issued an appearance ticket.
Rosemary Waters, 35, no residence provided, is charged with criminal trespass and criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument. Waters is accused of remaining unlawfully in a condemned residence on Jackson Street on July 3. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Press release:
GO Health Departments will be on the road with Back-to-School Pop-up Clinics the week of August 9th across Genesee and Orleans Counties. The Pfizer vaccine will be offered at the clinics, which is approved for everyone 12 years of age and older. COVID-19 vaccines are both safe and effective.
“The Back-to-School Pop-up Vaccine Clinics are a great way for our youth and young adults 12 years of age and older to conveniently get the vaccine before school starts,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health.
Each clinic is open to the public and walk-ins will be accepted. Appointments are strongly encouraged and can be made via the links listed below. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian with them to receive the vaccine. The second dose of the vaccine will be offered three weeks after the first shot at the same school during the same time.
“It is important for all that are currently eligible to get their vaccine now to ensure we have the best protection and are successful in having in-person learning this school year,” stated Pettit. “Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the most effective way to protect yourself and others. Vaccinated individuals continue to represent a very small amount of the total cases and current transmission rates so we need to continue to get as many people vaccinated as possible.”
Click here for a PDF of the press release with the clinic schedule.
If the number of sponsors is any indication, next Tuesday’s Batavia Police Community Night Out should be quite an event.
Thirty-seven business, organizations and individuals have signed on to support the outreach, which is scheduled for 5:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 10 at the City Church St. Anthony’s campus at 114 Liberty St.
“We’re excited over the response to this initiative, which is aimed to bring the community and police together to build positive relationships, and to highlight the various services available,” said Detective Matthew Wojtaszczyk, event coordinator.
Wojtaszczyk mentioned that a “secondary goal” is to raise money for the City of Batavia Police K-9 program, specifically K-9 Officer Stephen Quider and his dog, Batu. The duo and Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputy Andrew Mullen and K-9 Frankie are expected to demonstrate their abilities at the gathering next week.
Batavia Downs Gaming and Western New York Heroes, Inc. (which provides services to veterans) are diamond sponsors of the event that offers entertainment in the forms of a bounce house, balloon artist, games at vendor booths, and pony rides through A Horse’s Friend Trail Riding & Youth Programs based in Rush.
Additionally, Police Chief Shawn Heubusch and Assistant Chief Chris Camp have offered their services at the dunk tank, which will raise money for the K-9 fund.
The Batavia Fire Department will conduct car seat safety checks in the public parking lot next to Wortzman Furniture.
Vendor agencies include Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Genesee County Youth Bureau, Genesee County STOP-DWI, Genesee County Probation, Tobacco Free WNY and Batavia Community Schools.
Wojtaszczyk said a designated bus drop area will be set up at Central and Pringle avenues that night, with handicap parking available in the lot located at 236 Ellicott St. (just south of Borrell’s Gym).
Other sponsors are as follows:
Gold -- City of Batavia, Western New York Association of Chiefs of Police, New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, City of Batavia Fire, Graham Corporation, Chapin International, Extended Sound, Genesee County Sign Shop, Batavia City Church, Target, The Daily News. Eli Fish Brewing Company, Ken Barrett Chevrolet, WBTA, McGinnis Family, Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union, Genesee Family YMCA.
Silver -- Batavia Police Benevolent Association, A Horse’s Friend, Tompkins Bank of Castile/ Insurance, Batavia Family Dental, Northside Deli, Ficarella’s Pizzeria, Southside Deli, V.J. Gautieri Constructors, Inc., Genesee County Economic Development Center, Pathstone Corporation, Canisteo Police Club, Cedar Street Sales & Rental.
Bronze -- Tom Benedict and family, Bob Bialkowski, Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County, Notre Dame High School, O’Lacy’s Irish Pub, The Radley Family.
Photos from 2019 Community Night Out -- dunk tank and officers on horseback.
Press release from AAA:
Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.18, up two cents in the past week. One year ago, the price was $2.18. The New York State average is $3.21 – up two cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.26. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:
- Batavia - $3.19 (up two cents since last week)
- Buffalo - $3.15 (up two cents since last week)
- Ithaca - $3.20 (up three cents since last week)
- Rochester - $3.19 (up three cents since last week)
- Rome - $3.25 (up one cent since last week)
- Syracuse - $3.18 (up two cents since last week)
- Watertown - $3.22 (up one cent since last week)
July was a busy month for travel and road trips - families are making the most of summer travel opportunities while many hotels are putting out the ‘no vacancy’ sign in popular beach destinations. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that gas demand is up while total domestic gas stocks remain down. Oil prices are over $73 per barrel this morning while gas prices are up slightly across the board. There’s another month of summer travel ahead through Labor Day, and college students will begin their return to campuses in the meantime, so gas demand will likely remain high. AAA expects the national average to remain above $3 per gallon throughout the summer.
From Gas Buddy:
"The downward move in the national average last week was short-lived with the national average rebounding last week on continued strong gasoline demand in the U.S. which has pushed oil prices back up after a brief lull," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "According to GasBuddy data, demand last week set another 2021 high, eclipsing the previous week's record as we head into the prime of the summer driving season. For the next week or two, we may continue to see gas prices inch higher, but once schools begin re-opening and vacation season ends, we'll likely see demand trail off, allowing for gas prices to decline gently heading into Labor Day."
A rollover accident -- the vehicle reportedly rolled over multiple times -- is reported in the area of 9288 Alexander Road, Alexander.
Unknown injuries.
Dispatchers are checking on the availability of Mercy Flight.
Alexander Fire, ambulance, and Mercy EMS responding.
UPDATE 7:22 p.m.: Route 98 is being shut down. Mercy Flight is responding.
UPDATE 7:23 p.m.: National Grid requested to the scene for a pole and wires down.
UPDATE 7:24 p.m.: Extrication required. Patient conscious and alert.
UPDATE 7:38 p.m.: Single occupant. Complaint of bodywide pain.
UPDATE 9:25 p.m. (by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service):
According to Sgt. Andrew Hale with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department, the vehicle was headed south on Rt.98 when it went off the road and struck a culvert on the west side of the road, the vehicle then went airborne, striking a utility pole while airborne and severing the pole. It then rolled over several times coming to rest in an upright position on the west side of the roadway in a cornfield. The sole occupant and driver in his late 20s was transported by Mercy Flight to ECMC with non-life-threatening injuries. He was conscious and alert. The Sheriff’s Department is investigating the cause of the accident.
UPDATE 9:27 p.m.: The roadway is expected to be closed for at least another hour.
Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.
Yesterday was the last day of the Genesee County Fair. Here are some final shots by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.
Press release:
On August 1, 2021, at approximately 5:00 a.m. officers from the City of Batavia Police Department were dispatched to RRH-UMMC’s emergency department for a report of a gunshot wound. Officers interviewed the victim, a male, who arrived at the hospital seeking treatment. The victim is in his early 40’s and officers believe that the victim was the target of the crime, and this was not a random act. The location of the incident is unknown. The victim was transported to Strong Hospital in Rochester where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Matt Lutey at 585-345-6311.
Photos by Debra Reilly
By Philip Casper:
It was standing room only at the Demolition Derby put on by Scofield’s Transfer and Recycling last night at the Genesee County Fair. Thousands watched as dozens of cars crashed and smashed into each other through the night, and even experienced a chocolate milk drinking competition - “Gooch” won by drinking 5 pints of milk in under 5 minutes. Mercy Flight landed on the infield to deliver Assemblyman Steve Hawley, and Jack Houseknecht, who says he owes his life to Mercy Flight after his car accident in April 2021, to address the crowd and give thanks for all they do for the community. Red Creek finished off the night in the music tent rocking the night away.
Photos by Philip Casper.
Top Photo: Scott Roblee starting the event with the National Anthem
Today is the last day of the fair. It's also Family Day and Drive Your Tractor to the Fair Day.
Today's schedule:
8:30 AM – NIOGA Dairy Show (Main Show Ring) 9 AM – 4-H Horse Show (Horse Arena)
10 AM – Exhibition Halls & Buildings Open
1 PM – Midway Opens, Wristband Special from 1pm to 5pm
3:30 PM- Small Fry Tractor Pull (Exhibition Building) Sponsored by Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Genesee County Pamona Grange, and Duane Schmigel
6 PM – Racing at Genesee Speedway
6:30 PM—Staggered release of 4-H animals
7 to 11:00 PM – Band – M.A.C. (Entertainment Tent)
10 PM – Exhibit Halls & Buildings Close
Photos by Debra Reilly
Today, the eighth day of the Genesee County, patrons could enjoy English classes in horse riding today along with master showmanship in livestock and a costume livestock class.
Still to go today, Dairy Showmanship at 6 p.m., Demolition Derby at 7, the band Red Creek performs from 7 to 11.
Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.
Photos by Debra Reilly
Press release:
A decorative arbor has been constructed at the site of the Batavia Peace Garden located behind the new Court House adjacent to Tonawanda Creek. The arbor is part of continuation plans to extend the Peace Garden along Main Street. It marks the entrance to the Batavia Peace Garden Memory Walk. Barb Toal, a co-founder of the Peace Garden, first had the vision to expand the Peace Garden several years ago. The Peace Garden Memory Walk was created in 2016 and is dotted with flowering trees and benches paying homage to deceased loved ones who have touched the lives of Peace Garden volunteers. Visitors can walk along the path and read their individual stories at each site.
Toal “Our community is very supportive of this beautiful garden. I reached out to several local businesses for their support and the response was overwhelming. Tri-County Welding built the structure and donated the steel. Select Collision painted the structure. The labor for the arbor was financed by Chapin Manufacturing. The concrete base was donated by Western New York Concrete and the installation was completed by The Bridge Addiction Recovery Group, Ron Burroughs, and Toal Plumbing. This garden is truly blessed by the generosity of our community and we are so grateful for that because it takes a village to keep this garden going and maintained. Volunteers are always welcome and appreciated to help with all our activities. Discussions are underway to connect the Peace Garden Memory Walk to the existing Ellicott Trail Toe Path. If and when that happens it will complete our vision.”
Press release:
We are very grateful to the David M. McCarthy Memorial Foundation for their decent donation of a new AED Defibrillator and Medical Emergency bag for our Bulldawgs organization. The David M McCarthy Memorial Foundation has done so much for so many youth organizations in our community. On behalf of our Board of Directors, coaches, athletes, and families we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Photo: Mr. Mike McCarthy, Brian McCarthy & Pete Stevens from the foundation's board along with our Mini football division team and Bulldawgs board members.
With the merger of six United Way chapters in the Finger Lakes area into a single regional organization, the United Way will not lose its focus on the local communities, it serves, said Acting CEO Jaime Saunders at an open house to discuss the merger with the community yesterday morning at GO Art!
"The six United Ways are coming together in a position of strength," Saunders said. "This is about more. This is about more investment, providing more opportunities for connection, more volunteer opportunities, more support for those of you running workplace campaigns, more support for those we set out to serve and change their lives. This is what it is about."
Tammy Hathaway, the now-former director of the United Way in Genesee County, did not speak at the gathering. She is becoming a regional development manager with the new organization.
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