An apartment building at 17 Wood St. in the city was just evacuated due to the smell of natural gas. When city fire crews arrived they reportedly found a person on the front porch smoking a cigarette.

Press release:

“President Obama’s Executive Action to increase background checks and toughen licensing requirements for firearms sales is misguided, ignores the democratic process and is the wrong approach for many areas of the country, including Western New York. While I agree that gun safety is a salient concern, rushing through new requirements and stipulations is contrary to our country’s principles of democracy and populous support.

“It is a poor reflection on our state’s leadership that Gov. Cuomo has praised Obama for abusing Presidential Powers. Gov. Cuomo has a lackluster record on properly vetting important issues as we saw with the SAFE-Act and minimum wage. No executive should be abusing his authority as a way to sidestep a legislature that, in large part, does not support these initiatives.

“President Obama’s actions place a heavy financial and social burden on law-abiding firearm owners in exchange for pursuit of his ideological agenda. Western New York is filled with legal firearm owners who love to hunt, target shoot and buy, sell and trade firearms. Furthermore, rural citizens use firearms for home protection, especially in places where police are many miles away. The founding of our nation and the 2nd Amendment are inextricably linked and should never be suppressed in exchange for one man’s political pursuits.”

The Sheriff's Office announced the following arrests as a result of investigations conducted by the Local Drug Task Force.

Joseph M. Platten, 32, of Warren Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 5th, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th. Platten allegedly sold a quantity of a controlled substance to an agent of the Drug Task Force while in the City of Batavia. Platten was jailed without bail.

James R. Soccio, 34, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 4th, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th. Soccio allegedly sold a quantity of methadone to an agent of the Drug Task force while in the City of Batavia. He was jailed without bail.

Joseph C. Gaudio, 35, of Telephone Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd and criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. Gaudio allegedly sold a quantity of cocaine to an agent of the Drug Task Force. He was jailed without bail.

Jennifer S. Maychoss, 41, of Snipery Road, Corfu, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, criminal sale of a controlled substance, 5th, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th.  Maychoss allegedly sold cocaine and pills containing a controlled substance to agents of the Drug Task Force in the Town of Batavia and in Pembroke. She was arraigned in Pembroke Town Court and released on her own recognizance and arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and jailed on $5,000 bail.

Nicholas E. Patterson, 21, of Kilian Road, Pembroke, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 5th, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th. Patterson allegedly sold a quantity of pills containing a controlled substance to agents of the Drug Task Force in the Town of Batavia and in Pembroke. He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Edward Jordan White, 20, of Michigan Street, Lockport, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. White's vehicle was stopped Dec. 30 by members of the Local Drug Task Force for allegedly operating on a suspended license. White was accused of possessing crack cocaine and marijuana. He is also accused of aggravated unlicensed operation. He was also arrested on a warrant out of Genesee County Court for alleged violation of probation. White is alleged to have sold a quantity of heroin and crack cocaine to an agent of the Drug Task Force on another date while in the City of Batavia. White was jailed without bail.

Batavia High School will face some tough challengers for its Rotary Tournament crown when the annual event tips off tomorrow at 6 p.m. at Genesee Community College.

Always tough Notre Dame, defending Class C champs Cal-Mum and a rapidly improving Attica team will all vie for the crown.

Both Cal-Mum and Attica haven't participated in more than a decade.

Notre Dame's Dave Pero said he anticipates a fun and competitive tournament.

"This tournament brings together some very, very good teams," Pero said. "I’ve seen Cal-Mum and Attica. The competition doesn’t stop. It’s really a great tournament for the middle of the season where it’s almost like a sectional atmosphere. To me, the team to beat is Batavia. This is still their trophy until somebody can beat them. They’re playing very, very well right now. I’m looking for some strong competition and hopefully someone else can walk off with it this year. We’ll see what happens. I know Batavia will be ready."

Game times are 6 and 7:30 p.m. tomorrow and 6 and 7:30 p.m. on Friday for the consolation game and the championship game.

Pictured are team captains Kierra Perl, Attica, Madison McCulley, Batavia, Rebecca Krenzer, Notre Dame, Adrianna Molisani, Cal-Mum. Back row is Corinne Jones, head coach of the SUNY Brockport women's basketball team, who delivered a few remarks about basketball and life during this afternoon's Rotary luncheon.

YMCA Waives Join Fee to Jump Start your January! Are you ready to shed those extra holiday pounds? Looking for a fresh start in 2016? Has cabin fever already started setting in? Join the Y during our membership campaign and save! Between 12/26/15 and 1/9/16 we will waive the full joining fee on any membership category.

New to the Y and not sure if you are ready to commit? Try the Y 5 times between 12/26 and 1/9/16 for just $15. If you decide to join during that same time frame we will take the $15 you paid off of your first month’s membership dues.

YMCA Membership entitles you and your loved ones the chance to become part of an organization that believes in and promotes active and healthy lifestyles, progressive skill development, fair play, family, and character development. The YMCA is not just another gym. When you join the Y, you join a family and what’s more you join a place where people are looking for changes to their overall health. The Genesee County YMCA offers a wide array of programs and services to meet the interests and needs of the entire family from memberships for youth, college students, families and seniors. From swimming lessons and sports, to childcare and summer camping, there is truly something for everyone at the Genesee County YMCA.

If you feel like you cannot afford a YMCA membership, it is the policy of the YMCA that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. Financial assistance for membership and programs is available through the annual Strong Communities Campaign. The application process is easy and confidential. Please call or visit our member service desk to obtain an application.

For more information on membership or programs offered at the Genesee County YMCA, please call (585)344­-1664 or log on to our Web site at www.glowymca.org.

The suspect is described as a black male, 50 to 60 years old, 5'10" or 5'11" and 250 to 300 lbs.

Police believe the man created a distraction and then while the store clerk wasn't looking, removed cash from the register. He then left in the red SUV shown in the picture below.

The suspect may be involved in similar larcenies outside of Genesee County. 

Anybody with information that may assist in the investigation are asked to call Det. Eric Hill at (585) 345-6373.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today released the following statement after President Obama issued executive actions which circumvent the Constitution and deny Western New Yorkers their Second Amendment rights.

“A new year and the same dictatorial actions from President Obama,” Congressman Collins said. “President Obama has made it clear that he will not let legal documents like the Constitution stand in his way. Only this president would circumvent the Constitution to punish tens of thousands of law-abiding gun owners across Western New York and millions more throughout the country.

"The president needs to be reminded that it is Congress’s job to write laws. His proposed executive actions will significantly increase burdensome government regulations and infringe on the Second Amendment rights Americans have fought to protect. I have strongly signaled my opposition to these measures and have signed onto legislation to stop these actions in their tracks.”

Newly appointed City Council Member Adam Tabliski said a vote Monday night to change council leadership was something no other council member warned him was coming, and even Eugene Jankowski, who replaced Brooks Hawley as council president on a 5-4 vote, said he wasn't sure he would even be nominated for the position until it happened.

Jankowski said he doesn't believe the unexpected move signals a power shift toward a new council coalition with its own agenda.

Four of the five votes for Jankowski -- Jankowski, with new council members Paul Viele and Al McGinnis, and incumbent Kathy Briggs -- came from members observers have said want to replace Jason Molino as city manager.

Rose Mary Christian also supported Jankowski for council president.

After the meeting, Jankowski, Viele and McGinnis all denied they were part of any such movement and said they support Molino continuing as the city's top administrator.

"I can only speak for myself and I don't feel that way," Jankowski said. "I don't see that as an issue. I plan to carry on with the regular weekly meetings just like Councilman Hawley did and disseminate that information to council like it was done in the past and keep things public."

Ask if he anticipated a movement to change city managers, Viele said he didn't see that happening.

McGinnis said, "Not from me, there won't be." 

Viele said his priorities are the mall issue, the deer issue and what to do with the police department.

McGinnis put the police issue at the top of his agenda, followed by the mall.

"I'm pro having a police department," McGinnis said. "I want to have a police department."

As one of the task force members who recommended the Swan Street location for the new police headquarters, he said he still favors constructing a new facility on that vacant lot.

Tabelski, selected by the City GOP to replace John Deleo, who was elected to the County Legislature, was confirmed as the new appointed by the City Council in a unanimous vote at the start of Monday's meeting. 

There are a number of big issues facing the city, Tabelski noted.  The council must dive right into a new budget; there's the law enforcement issue, the mall, the comprehensive plan and brownfield redevelopment.

"I'm eager to be part of the discussion," Tabelski said.

Given the sudden change in leadership, and despite the denials from other council members, Tabelski acknowledged some concern that there might be an effort among some on the council to change city managers.

"I have a concern that that might be a direction some would want to go in. That's not my direction," said Tabelski, whose experience includes a term as mayor in Medina. "I have a lot of confidence in the current manager and the very professional team he has assembled."

It would take five votes to replace the city manager.

Tabelski, like other council members, said he does believe that the 5-4 vote does not signal a potential inability for council members to work together. Jankowski said the council has a history of not always agreeing on their votes, but continuing to work together in a congenial manner.

"This is not a split on the council," Jankowski said. "There are new people on the council and they want to take it in a different direction and I think we're all going to work together, so I don't think it's a problem either way."

The City Council: Brooks Hawley, front row, left, Eugene Jankowski, Paul Viele; Kathy Briggs, back left, Patti Pacino, Al McGinnis, John Canale, Adam Tabelski and Rose Mary Christian.

Batavia Lady Devils had been rolling on a streak, winning their last six straight games. But coming on the court in the first half Monday night, they were very flat-footed and missing opportunities.

Pittsford Sutherland came out hitting five 3-point baskets, and they held the lead by six points after the first quarter 20-14.

Batavia's senior Madison McCulley needed 12 points to reach a 1,000th-point milestone and her hopes were not good after the first half. Hitting one of one from the 3-point line, rimming a couple from underneath, the ball just would not drop for #42. Seniors Tiara Filbert led the first half with 15 points and Sam Cecere had nine.

Pittsford Sutherlands' Mary Bayer had seven points and Lena Kaufmans was three for three, ending with 11 points at the half, and Batavia was down by five, 36-31.

Coach Marty Hein and assistant John McCulley had to get their team back in the game and they did.  

Tiara Filbert came out strong with eight of the 16 points. Batavia scored in the third quarter to lead 47-43. Pittsford Sutherland started making some key errors, was missing baskets, and Batavia took advantage. 

Taylor and Ryann Stefaniak started the charge combining 12 points in the fourth quarter. McCulley sank two buckets to bring her within one point of making her milestone. At the 5:54 mark in the fourth quarter, McCulley made her third straight 3-pointer to get her 1,000th high school career point -- actually 1,002. 

McCulley went to her bench and was embraced by her players (top photo) above, her dad John, and Coach Hein.  

Final score was 71-51 Batavia who is now 8-1 and Pittsford Sutherland drops to 5-5. Next game for Batavia is tomorrow at Genesee Community College where they are hosting a tournament and playing Calmum at 7:45 p.m. in the first round. 

Pictured below is Madison McCulley along with her teammates holding signs of her 1,000th career point tonight. Last year Tiara Filbert made her 1,000th career point on Batavia's home court.

For more photos of last night's game go to: Steve Ognibene Photography

Two people are injured and trapped inside a vehicle that rolled over at Fargo and Sumner roads. Darien Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medic #3.

UPDATE 8:13 a.m.: Patients are out and not injured. Medics back in service. There was a family of four involved, mom and dad, and two toddlers. Two dogs were also in the vehicle and one of them took off following the accident. There was a second vehicle, too.

Press release:

Leadership Genesee will launch a new program in April called “Passport to Retirement.” The program is focused on retired or soon-to-retire community members who live, work or previously worked in Genesee County before retirement.

“This program is designed to help transition and enrich the lives of community retirees through continued lifelong learning, social networking and meaningful involvement,” said Leadership Genesee Director Peggy Marone.

Topics will include: Economic Realities, Healthy Retirement, Leisure Options and Lifelong Learning. A series of 6 sessions beginning April 7 will be offered one day every other week from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Program participants will meet in various locations around Genesee County.

Cost is $300 per person, which includes all costs associated with the program.

“The Passport to Retirement Program offers an effective vehicle for building the resiliency of our retiree population," Marone said. "The wealth of experience and knowledge they possess is needed in our society, we need to learn from the best."

An informational meeting will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 11 at Terry Hills. Register by Feb. 5  by contacting Samantha Stryker at 585-343-3040, ext. 123, or sls428@cornell.edu.

Additional information and an application form may be found on the Leadership Genesee Web site: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/leadership-genesee

Press release:

City Bureau of Maintenance crews have started picking up Christmas trees. They will continue to do so through Jan. 29.

City residents are asked to place their trees in the parkway without bags, stands, or decorations, as these can damage equipment. Please keep trees free of snow and ice so they are visible.

Dale Breitwieser, who served with the Darien Volunteer Fire Department for 42 years and is a past chief, has passed away.

There will be calling hours Thursday and Friday at the Darien Center Fire Hall, 5 to 9 p.m., and a funeral service at 10 a.m. Saturday at the fire hall.

A possible rekindle of last night's house fire at 1137 Molasses Hill Road is reported. That's at the corner of Chaddock Road in Bethany. Bethany Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 4:10 p.m.: A responder to the scene determined there was no rekindle. The assignment is back in service.

Press release:

Tompkins Financial Corporation has announced the acquisition of Shepard, Maxwell & Hale Insurance by Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Inc., an affiliate of the financial corporation. The acquisition was effective Jan. 1.

“We are happy to continue to grow our business in Batavia and serve our neighbors through this expansion,” said David S. Boyce, president and CEO of Tompkins Insurance. 

The change is a win-win for customers, Boyce said.

“In addition to continuing to receive personal attention from local insurance professionals who place a high value on customer service, customers will have 'one-stop shopping' access to the comprehensive array of financial solutions offered by our affiliation with Tompkins Bank of Castile and Tompkins Financial Advisors,” Boyce said.

According to Boyce, Daniel G. Hale and Stephen S. Maxwell, will remain with the agency. Most current employees will be retained in the merger and will continue to service accounts. The Batavia location of Shepard, Maxwell & Hale will close and move operations to the Tompkins Financial Center at 90 Main St. on or about Feb. 1. The Hamlin office will continue to operate at its current location for the time being.

Effective Feb. 1, clients of Shepard, Maxell & Hale may receive service at any of the 28 locations throughout New York and Pennsylvania, including the 16 locations in Western New York. 

Tompkins Insurance serves 30,000 personal insurance customers and 7,600 commercial insurance customers, making it the third largest commercial insurance firm in the Rochester area and the 82nd largest agency in the country. The acquisition will add the approximately 4,000 Shepard, Maxwell and Hale accounts to its customer base. 

Established in 1957, Shepard, Maxwell & Hale has a long history of serving western New York through its two offices in Batavia and Hamlin. The merger with Tompkins Insurance makes sense for customers, according to Hale.

“Along with continuing to receive top-notch service, our customers will see additional benefits like access to 24/7 claims service 365 days a year, and more price and product options offered through Tompkins’ relationship with 50+ leading insurance companies,“ Hale said. 

Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Inc., operates 16 offices in Western New York, six offices in Central New York and six offices in Southeast Pennsylvania. A part of Tompkins Financial Corporation, (trading as TMP on the NYSE - MKT), the agency is affiliated with Tompkins Bank of Castile, Tompkins Trust Company, Tompkins VIST Bank and Tompkins Financial Advisors. It is an independent insurance agency offering personal and business insurance and employee benefits services through more than 50 different companies. Further information is available at www.tompkinsins.com. 

Edward Jordan White, 20, of Michigan Street, Lockport, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, unlawful possession of marijuana and aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. White was stopped by members of the Local Drug Task Force on Dec. 30 for allegedly driving on a suspended driver's license. White was allegedly found in possession of a quantity of marijuana and cocaine. White was also allegedly in violation of probation.

William Guadalupe Potter, 62, of North Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Potter allegedly pushed a woman into a wall causing her to fall over.

Brian Eric Dagger, 30, of Batavia Street, Holley, is charged with petit larceny. Dagger allegedly stole a bottle of Robitussin tablets from Kmart. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Seth Ryan Doster, 24, of Alleghany Road, Darien, is charged with petit larceny. Doster allegedly stole $102.20 in merchandise from Walmart. Also charged, Sarah Dianne Lazarus, 24, of Alleghany Road, Darien.

Kim Marie Spencer, 56, of Chick Road, Darien, is charged with DWI. Spencer was arrested by Deputy Michael Lute in connection into an investigation into an incident reported at 6:49 p.m. Thursday on Chick Road, Darien. The investigation is continuing and additional charges are pending.

Jeffrey Lynn Shultz, 21, of Walkers Corner Road, Byron, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Shultz allegedly engaged in an unsupervised visit in violation of a court order.

Kenneth Fred McGiveron, 25, of Route 78, South Wales, is charged with no stop lights, open container, DWAI drugs and alcohol combined and DWAI drugs. McGiveron was stopped at 12:58 p.m. Saturday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Leonard Alfred Johnson, 23, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd. Johnson was a passenger in a car stopped by Officer Chad Richards at 5:23 p.m. in the parking lot of Horizon Health Services, 31 Ellicott St., Batavia. Johnson allegedly fled on foot following the traffic stop, but returned on his own a short time later. Police allegedly found a bag containing a dozen smaller bags of cocaine, which Johnson indicated belonged to him. Johnson was jailed without bail.

Coretta M. Pitts, 47, of Williams Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Pitts allegedly scratched the face of another person during an argument reported at 4:50 a.m., Saturday. Pitts was jailed on $400 bail.

Jason A. Armstrong Sr., 43, of Main Road, East Pembroke, is charged with first-degree criminal sexual act and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. Armstrong allegedly choked and had unwanted sexual contact with another person during an alleged domestic incident reported at 10 p.m. Nov. 6 on South Main Street, Batavia. Armstrong was jailed without bail. Armstrong was also charged with strangulation, 2nd, and assault, 2nd, for an alleged incident reported at 6 a.m. Dec. 22 at a location on South Main Street, Batavia.

Robert W. Blankenberg, 31, of Union Street, Le Roy, was arrested on a warrant. Blankenberg was stopped for an alleged traffic violation and arrested on the warrant.

Robert D. Kendall, 55, of Jamaica Lane, Cheektowaga, is charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident, moving from lane unsafely, driving a motor vehicle on sidewalk, driving through safety zone and unlawful possession of marijuana. Kendall was charged after an investigation into an accident reported at 12:03 p.m. Dec. 29 on Oak Street, Batavia. Kendall was located by police in the parking lot of a business on West Main Street following a tip from a witness.

Michael J. Henry, 48, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Henry is accused of continuously using obscene language outside his home on State Street while police officers were there investigating a complaint.

Michael J. Antonucci, 33, of Alexander Road, Attica, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Antonucci allegedly violated a complete stay away order by sending a text to the protected party.

Jason W. Wolf, 39, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and driving without interlock device. Wolf was stopped at 5:04 p.m. Dec. 29 on Brooklyn Avenue, Batavia, by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Kenneth J. Wolter, 45, of Watson Street, Batavia, is charged with unreasonable noise. Wolter was allegedly playing music an unreasonable level at 10:37 p.m. Dec. 30 and he refused repeated requests to turn it down.

Robert Ernest Saari, 34, of Meiser Road, Corfu, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Saari allegedly failed to appear in City Court on a traffic violation. Saari posted cash bail and was released.

Melvin J. Swanson, 60, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, failure to obey traffic control device and open container. Swanson was stopped at 1:58 a.m. Friday on South Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Press release:

United Memorial Medical Center is pleased to congratulate Gregory and Odilia Rebeca Coffta on the birth of their daughter, Emilia Noemi, the first baby to be born in Genesee County in 2016. Emilia was born at 8:03 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 1. She weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces and was 19 ¾ inches in length. Emilia is the couple’s first child. She was delivered by certified midwife, Kim Danser, CNM, of the Women’s Care Center at United Memorial.

Emilia’s parents recently purchased a new family home in the City of Batavia where they are residing. Mr. Coffta is a teacher of English as a New Language (ESL) in the Williamsville Central School District. Mrs. Coffta is the statewide data coordinator for Migrant Education.

Emilia is the first grandchild for Jim and Christine Coffta. of Oakfield, and the first granddaughter for Hector and Lety Recinos, of Guatemala City, Guatemala.

The happy parents stated that their birth experience at United Memorial was, “Just fantastic. We want to thank the nurses Bonnie, Natalie, Janet, -- really everyone. We received so much support throughout everything, especially with breastfeeding.”

“As a new mother, it’s nice to know we can trust our care providers,” continued Mrs. Coffta.

As the New Year’s baby, Emilia and her parents received a $200 gift card from United Memorial.

A one-car accident is reported in the area of 2224 Lewiston Road, Alabama.

A person reportedly suffered a back injury.

Alabama Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 11:03 a.m.: Alabama is back in service.

A fire is reported at an unoccupied house (People live there, but they aren't home.) at 1137 Molasses Hill Road at the corner of Chaddock Road. Flames are showing. It has gone to a second alarm. Alexander Fire Department is responding, along with mutual aid from the Town of Batavia, Town of Batavia's FAST Team, Bethany, Darien and Pavilion. Darien is also asked to fill in at Alexander's fire hall.

UPDATE 6:23 p.m.: A first responder on scene reports the location is probably in Bethany's fire district.

UPDATE 6:26 p.m.: Attica is also called to respond. A propane tank is exposed to the fire.

UPDATE 6:37 p.m.: Stafford is asked to fill in at Bethany's fire hall. Command says the flames have gone through the second floor of the structure.

UPDATE 6:40 p.m.: All tankers responding are told to come to the scene via Silver Road. That's Silver Road to Chaddock.

UPDATE 7:33 p.m.: Fire is out. Overhauling. Wyoming Correctional Facility requested to provide inmates for assistance. Mercy medics on scene in case needed.

UPDATE 7:43 p.m.: The cause of the fire is under investigation.

To purchase prints, click here.

UPDATE: Two additional photos submitted by Glenn Adams.

Up until recently it has not felt at all like winter. It has just seemed like an extended fall season. But as you know, shortly after Christmas the cold and snow returned.

Well it is now officially winter, by the calendar, by the feel of the ice and snow and by the return of the snowy owls to the Genesee County Airport. The owls have not been seen here this season until the last couple days. Their arrival is two months later than last year's visit. One can assume that they also did not feel winter was upon us until recently either.

Pictured below, a female snowy owl.