This Saturday, a new group of volunteer firefighters graduates from a tri-county fire training program conducted at the Genesee County Fire Training Center.  

This morning, they completed their second morning of live fire training under the teaching of Chuck Dodson.

Here's the graduating class:

• Leah Thompson, Alabama
• Zachariah Conlin, Attica
• Gunner Schedel, Brockport
• Jay Pallister, Elba
• A.J. Wright, Holley
• Chris DeFelice, Le Roy
• Mason Hinsken, Perry
• Zach Petry, Shelby
• Caleb Bailey, Silver Springs
• Nathan Wesche, Silver Springs
• Chris Penkszyk, South Byron
• David Moore, Town of Batavia

Press release:

Stafford Country Club hosted Genesee ARC’s 39th annual Lullo Memorial Tournament Monday, the longest-running charity event at the local private club. The tournament features golf, tennis and bocce and raises funds for disability services ARC provides to more than 450 children and adults and their families throughout Genesee County. 

The event chair is Ed Carney; Peggy Lamb and Deb Fischer are the tennis and bocce chairs. 

Coming out on top in the golf was Rod Hamilton who shot a 72, followed by Steve Harrison, 73. Low gross honors for women went to Tina Lambert with an 86.

In the low net category, Paul Barton came in with a 62, and Travis West was a close second with a 63. Maria Woodward had a low net score of 71 for women. Joan DeCarlo is also being recognized with low net honors.  

In the blind bogey competition, Mark Yost matched the blind bogey number drawn of 74.

There were several contests on the course. In the longest drive on 7, John Houseknecht was the winner and winning closest to the line on 15 was Sheila Laird. Rod Hamilton won a Coor’s Lite golf bag, courtesy of C.H. Wright, in closest to the pin on 8 (9’11”). Hamilton also won a Schwinn bicycle, donated by Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle, in the same contest on 14 (4’ 11”). The top winners in the closest to the pin on 12 were Greg Strauss, Chip Braaten, Joe Lestorti and Craig Rinefierd.  

The hole-in-one contest on 8 was sponsored by Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Unfortunately, no one shot an ace to drive away with a 2015 Jeep Renegade.

In bocce, the first place team was Donna Hummel, Bryan Falitico, Joe Teresi and JoAnne McInerney. 

Top score in tennis went to Steve Rumery. First-place team honors went to Steve Rumery and Phil McNulty and second-place team went to Steve Clemm and Len Jasinski.

Gold sponsors of the event were: Turnbull Heating & Air-Conditioning, The Bank of Castile/Tompkins Insurance Agencies, The Bonadio Group, Graham Corporation, and Tom & Lynn and John Houseknecht. Silver sponsors were: The Batavia Daily News, Oakfield Family Medical Care, Alpina Foods, Erie Niagara Insurance Association, Ralph & Agnes Houseknecht, Ed Arnold Scrap Processors, Inc., Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Tops Friendly Markets, Bessey Tools, Parkview Health Services, Genesee Valley PennySaver, United Memorial Medical Center and The Insurance Center.

Also supporting the event were 19 golf sponsors, four tennis sponsors, six bocce sponsors and nine Friend of ARC Tournament Sponsors. Door Prizes, silent and Chinese auction items were donated by dozens of area businesses. The 2015 cart sponsor was Manning Napier.

A total of 110 golfers, 14 tennis players and 36 bocce players participated in the annual event that raises money to benefit programs and service for people with disabilities served by Genesee ARC. The winner of the $1,000 cash drawing was Susan Spiotta, of Batavia, with ticket number 19210. Florence Lullo picked the winning ticket.

The tournament is named in memory of Florence’s late husband Danny Lullo. Mr. Lullo was a local businessman who came up with the idea to hold a tournament to benefit Genesee ARC programs and services for people with disabilities in our community.

When you play with fire, you will get burned and that is exactly what the Muckdogs (7-15) did Wednesday night against the league-leading Williamsport Crosscutters (17-6).

Brad Haynal got the Muckdogs on the board in the second when he doubled, moved to third on a bloop single by Eric Fisher and then scored on a Roy Morales RBI single.

The Crosscutters, an affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, responded in the third with two runs of their own.

Austin Bossart, who came into the game hitting .310, punched a single off Batavia starter Justin Jacome. Grenny Cumana then doubled down the left-field line, setting up second and third for lead-off man Zach Coppola.

Coppola would double, scoring both Bossart and Cumana, making it 2-1.

Batavia added two runs of their own in the bottom half of the inning when Anfernee Seymour singled and then moved to third on a beautifully called and executed hit-and-run with Travis Brewster.

Seymour would score on a Stone Garrett groundout and Brewster would later score on a Haynal double.

The lead was short lived for the Muckdogs when in the fourth, Josh Tobias connected on an infield single; Jesus Posso walked followed by a Bossart two-out single scoring Tobias, and tying the game at 3-3.

Jacome walked the next batter to load the bases, ending his night. Nestor Bautsita came in and got Coppola to groundout into a fielder’s choice to end the threat.

The sixth inning is where it all fell apart for the Muckdogs.

William Cuicas tripled to lead off the inning and then scored on a Cumana pop-up just past first base that should have been caught. Cumana was able to move to second on the throw from the outfield to home trying to get Cuicas. 

Coppola then executed a perfect bunt that had the pitcher, second baseman and first baseman for the Muckdogs all converging on it. The ball went under Alfonzo’s glove and Cumana was able to score making it 5-3.

“It’s part of this level and it hurts you,” Manager Angel Espada said. “You can’t hurt yourself defensively, not at anytime and not against the best team in the league right now.”

Although Batavia shot themselves in the foot in the sixth inning, they were still able to tie the game up in seventh, giving themselves a chance to win the game.

A Blake Anderson singled that just got over the outstretched hands of Crosscutter second baseman, Cuicas started off the inning.

Ryan Cranmer then doubled, putting runners in scoring position with no outs. Seymour then got hit by a pitch to load the bases.

Galvi Moscat, who replaced Brewster in sixth, hit a ground ball to third. The third baseman easily got Anderson out at home but in an attempt to double off Moscat at first, the catcher hit Moscat in the leg, allowing Cranmer to score.

Garrett then doubled home Seymour and the game was tied at 5-5.

“The way we have been playing is pretty well, we had that one bad inning there and it cost us the game,” Espada said. “You give a team like this opportunities and they are going to hurt you.”

The Crosscutters would get the deciding run in the top of the ninth inning by way of a solo home run by Jan Hernandez off of Batavia reliever Jordan Hillyer. Hernandez, who had previously struck out in all three of his previous at-bats, launched the 2-1 pitch over the left field fence.

“He threw a slider that caught too much of the plate and you have to give it to Hernandez who put up a good swing with two strikes,” Espada said.

The Muckdogs were set down in order in the bottom of the ninth.

Haynal finished the game 2-for-4 with two doubles and a RBI. Seymour went 2-for-4 with two runs scored. Garrett also contributed with two RBIs.

“It’s a little bit hard when you have your best guys going out there and probably one of the best chances to win ball games and you don’t come out on top,” Espada said.

The Muckdogs will have a chance to regroup quickly as they have a unique starting time of 11:05 a.m. on Thursday.

“I think they are young enough that they will bounce back,” Espada said. “Even if you win or lose you have to forget about it, there is nothing you can do about past games.”

Batavia remains in last place with a record of 7-16 while the Crosscutters continue their league dominance with an overall 18-6 record.

Assemblyman Michael DenDekker was in Batavia today as part of a tour of Steve Hawley's district, with stops at the state's Veterans' Hospital and the VA Center as well as Lamb Farms. DenDekker, a Democrat, is chairman of the Assembly's Veterans' Affairs Committee. Hawley is the ranking minority member of the committee. The tour was aimed at helping DenDekker increase his knowledge of veterans issues across the state as well as introduce him to rural Western New York.  

One of the stops was the A Ward in the VA hospital that is being remodeled into private and semi-private rooms. Conducting the tour were contractor Martin Brothers, left, and Royce Calhoun, assistant director of the Batavia VA Center.

Press release:

Booklets for a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Batavia are now available. The tour identifies 16 sites of historic interest between the Holland Land Office Museum on the west and the site of the former Cary Mansion on the east.

The tour was developed by City Historian Larry Barnes in conjunction with the Centennial Committee of Vibrant Batavia. Rob Dumo provided caricatures, and most of the photographs were obtained from the Genesee County History Department.

The booklets include pictures of the 16 sites and text providing historic background of each location. For individuals with smartphones, QR codes provide access to additional audio descriptions and pictures that complement the information in the printed copies of the booklets. Most people will be able to complete the tour in an hour to 90 minutes or less.

Booklets are available free of charge at the following locations: the tourist information booth on West Main Street, the Holland Land Office Museum, City Hall, the Office for the Aging, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, and the Richmond Memorial Library.

The Centennial Committee is a part of Vibrant Batavia, a community network organized to celebrate the past, build on the present and to create a more vibrant future. The volunteers work side-by-side with the City of Batavia, NeighborWorks® Rochester, and the business community to strategically improve the City's neighborhoods and to promote a livable community of choice.

Press release:

Jason R. Molino, city manager of the City of Batavia, has been appointed to a one-year term on the 16-member Executive Committee of the New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials.

Mayor Richard Milne of the Village of Honeoye Falls, president of the Conference of Mayors, made the selection. Molino will represent NYCOM's affiliate organizations and is the only member of the Committee who is not a mayor.

In announcing the appointment, Mayor Milne said "Jason Molino is a recognized leader and innovator in the field of local government administration, and NYCOM will clearly benefit from his energy and ideas."

Molino was the recipient of the 2014 Local Government Excellence Award for Strategic Leadership and Governance from the International City and County Management Association. Prior to coming to Batavia, he served as the assistant to the village manager for the Village of Port Chester. He also spent seven years in the Coast Guard Reserve where he earned the rank of Boatswain's Mate Second Class.

Molino has his bacherlor's degree in Political Science from Norwich University and went on to earn his master's degree in Public Administration from Rockefeller College of Public Affairs.

The Conference of Mayors is the statewide association representing New York's cities and villages. Since 1910, NYCOM has united local government officials in an active network of legislative advocacy, technical assistance and municipal training.

Six-year-old Jaedyn listens to instructions from Officer Kevin DeFelice during a bike safety course this morning at Williams Park.

The course is the second of five conducted by the city at Batavia's five municipal parks as part of the summer rec programs.

The children participating learn the rules of the road, proper hand signals and the importance of wearing bike safety helmets.

At the end of the course, they receive a certificate that makes them eligible for a free helmet, courtesy of the Batavia Lions Club, which they can pick up at Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle.

The course today was conducted by DeFelice, Det. Rich Schauf and Toni Funke, program coordinator for the Youth Bureau.

Say it loud: Batavia Proud.​

Order your shirt today and wear it to Summer in the City on Aug. 15 for a chance to win prizes.

Shirts are $9.95 each, plus tax and shipping and handling. 

Or join The Batavian Club by July 20 and get a free T-shirt plus more than $300 in gift certificates to local businesses. Obviously, a great way to support your community.

Use the PayPal buttons below, or click here for an order form (pdf).

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A group of Hutchins Street residents raised the issue of increased criminal activity in their neighborhood during a City Council meeting Monday.

Ken Darch, a resident on Hutchins Street who represented the group, expressed his concern for the continuous fighting and drug activity in his neighborhood.

Darch told of a fight involving 15 to 20 people that broke out Friday night and started up again Saturday morning. 

“There is constant drug activity of all kinds," Darch said. "There are cars going up and down the streets and transactions going on constantly,” Darch said. “Hutchins Street has also become a sanctuary for sexual offenders.”

Darch stated the two major problems that need to be addressed are the unaccountable landlords and the lack of law enforcement. Darch said the city needs to take action and hold offenders responsible for the crimes they commit.

Sixth Ward Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian agreed with Darch about the increasing amount of criminal activity not just in his neighborhood but in all areas of the city.

“We used to have minor problems," Christian said. “Right now we have major problems. There is no respect for police officers and a lot of drugs out there."

Christian said she believes the resolution to the problem involves increasing police patrols and neighbors following through with signing a complaint if they witness a crime being committed.

Second Ward Councilwoman Patti Pacino and Fifth Ward Councilwoman Kathy Briggs want to hold a meeting with residents to address neighborhood crime.

“We have a lot of problems and we need to take action,” Briggs said. “I’m willing to meet with all of our wards to do something.”

Councilman John Deleo stressed the need to invest in street cameras. According to Deleo, the camera placed on State Street has significantly reduced crime in the area.

Other business at Monday's City Council meeting included approving a pay raise for the city manager and a presentation by the Batavia Development Corporation.

The council voted 6 to 3 in favor of giving City Manager Jason Molino a 2-percent wage increase. Molino’s annual salary will be $91,272.

The Batavia Development Corporation is requesting proposals from individuals or organizations that would like to invest in the former Della Penna and Santy’s properties. Julie Pacatte, economic development coordinator, hopes to attract private investors with tax incentives to clean up the rundown properties. According to Pacatte, investors can received up to 50 percent of cleanup costs with tax credits through the Brownfield Cleanup Program. The deadline for proposals is Aug. 12.

Oakfield resident Preston S. Daigler, 17, was sentenced by Judge Robert C. Noonan to two years in state prison and three years of post-release supervision in Genesee County Court today.

Judge Noonan denied Daigler youthful offender status for his guilty plea to first-degree robbery. As a result, Daigler received prison time instead of probation.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, argued in court that Daigler had stated in phone calls with his mother while he was incarcerated that he wouldn’t complete probation and would run away when he got out of jail.

Emily Fusco, representing Daigler, said that he didn’t mean what he had stated in the phone calls. Daigler made a statement addressing the phone calls as well.

“I said some things I didn’t mean, your honor,” Daigler said. “I was scared and freaking out.”

Based on the seriousness of the case, Judge Noonan didn’t consider the crime to be a youthful offense.

Daigler and Tyshon L. Taylor, 18, hit the victim in the head with a gun, punched the victim and stole property. The incident happened in March at a residence on Central Avenue, Batavia.

Taylor was sentenced last week to three years in prison and three years of post-release supervision.

Lamar A. McCain, 44, and Horatio Coleman, 61, both of Oak Street, Batavia, are charged with petit larceny and criminal impersonation, 2nd. McCain and Coleman allegedly stole $65 worth of merchandise from Kmart in Batavia. Following an investigation, Deputy Chad Cummings found they allegedly gave false identification to law enforcement while being questioned. McCain and Coleman were jailed on $2,000 bail.

Tanisha N. Gibson, 30, of Brooksville, Florida, was arrested on a grand larceny warrant for an incident that allegedly occurred while Gibson was employed at Walmart in Batavia in January 2014. Gibson was arrested in Florida and extradited to New York jailed on $10,000 bail. No further details released.

Richard M. Schiersing, 39, of Sandhill Road, Caledonia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, DWI drugs, moving from a lane unsafely and operating a motor vehicle with an obstructed view. The charges result from a traffic stop on Main Street in Batavia by Officer Kevin DeFelice. Schiersing was jailed without bail.

Robert L. Carney, 23, of Maurice Street, Buffalo, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Carney is accused of damaging a door in the emergency room at United Memorial Medical Center. He jailed on $1,000 bail.

A 16-year-old male from Batavia is charged with petit larceny, identity theft, 2nd, and unlawful possession of personal identification information, 3rd. The youth allegedly possessed debit card information belonging to another person and used that information to purchase several items.

Tyler D. Price, 22, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Price allegedly violated the terms of a Genesee County Family Court order of protection by being at the residence of the protected party. The incident happened on Liberty Street in Batavia.

Scott R. Kantra, 47, of Cheektowaga, is charged with aggravated DWI and DWI following an erratic operation complaint at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center. Kantra allegedly was in operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

Jason Stout, 28, and Bailey J. Heinzerling, 25, both of Rochester, are charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing video game accessories at Target in Batavia. Stout allegedly stole approximately $165 and Heinzerling stole approximately $230 worth of merchandise. Stout  was jailed on$500 bail. Heinzerling was released on her own recognizances.

Rondell J. Watson, 33, and Joy S. Robinson, 23, both from Rochester are charged with petit larceny and conspiracy, 6th, following an incident at Kohls in Batavia. Watson and Robinson are accused of conspiring together to steal two pairs of khaki pants from the store. Upon arrest, Watson allegedly became verbally abusive and was yelling obscenities in the parking lot. Robinson was also arrested for petit larceny for allegedly stealing several shirts from Marshalls in Batavia prior to the other larceny. They posted bail of $250 each.

Harry T. Gibson, 50, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Gibson is accused of stealing an exhaust manifold from a business in Batavia and then scrapping it for money.

Joseph H. Schenk, 23, with no permanent address, is charged with petit larceny. Schenk is accused of stealing coins from an acquaintance. The incident happened on Mill Street in Le Roy. He jailed on $250 bail.

Timothy J. Wood, 26, City of Batavia, and Christopher D. Bisig 29, Town of Batavia, were charged with petit larceny. Wood and Bisig allegedly were allegedly caught stealing earrings from Kmart by placing them in their pockets and passing all points of sale.

Crystal A. Mounts, 38, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and trespass. Mounts allegedly stole a pair of sandals and a plastic container of earthworms at Walmart in Batavia. After an investigation, state troopers determined she had been banned from the store due to a previous incident.

City Manager Jason Molino today announced his appointment of Matthew Worth as the director of Public Works for the City of Batavia. Matt has worked for the City for more than 28 years, his most recent post as the superintendent of Water and Wastewater.

As a lifelong Pembroke and Indian Falls Road resident, Matt has held several roles throughout his tenure with the City of Batavia. He started with the City in 1987 as an engineering technician where he was then promoted to deputy superintendent of Water and Wastewater in 1999. Matt took over the superintendent of Water and Wastewater role in 2002.

During his time with the City, Matt has been an intricate part of the public works team, participating in almost every aspect of the public works operations from street reconstruction, water and sewer plant upgrades, to capital infrastructure planning.

Pier Cipollone, 4th Ward councilmember who participated in the interview process, said, “I think it’s great to have someone from within the department move up and take on the responsibilities of running the department. Matt brings a wealth of knowledge to the job and I know I speak for Council in saying we applaud his appointment to the position of director of DPW and we look forward to our continued relationship.”

City Manager Jason Molino added, “Over the years Matt has proven himself as a steadfast leader. He has served this community for over 28 years and comes into his new role with a depth of knowledge. Having worked side by side with Matt over the past decade, his passion to serve the community and residents has never been stronger. I’m looking forward to what the future brings.”

Matt lives with his wife Joan, and they have two grown children: Adam (25) and Kathryn (22).

Matt holds a Grade-D Distribution System Operator License issued by the NY State Department of Health.

Matt’s first day as the director of Public Works is July 14. His annual salary is $88,705.

City Manager Jason Molino encourages all Batavia residents to celebrate this appointment and welcome Matt to his new position. 

Press release:

Executives from Frontier Communications and IBM recently joined local officials and members of the business community at the D&R Depot Restaurant in Le Roy to celebrate being named a quarter finalist in America’s Best Communities (ABC) prize competition.

The team of Le Roy and Bergen is one of 50 communities in the competition, which is a $10 million initiative to stimulate economic revitalization in small towns and cities across the United States. The Le Roy and Bergen team has been awarded $50,000 to date to develop a comprehensive strategy to start the process of developing a plan to accelerate the revival of the local economies and improve the quality of life in their communities.

Sponsored by Frontier Communications, the ABC prize competition could net a Grand Prize of $3 million for the communities to advance their strategic economic development revitalization plan.

“The collaborative efforts of the community and business leaders of Le Roy and Bergen give reason to celebrate the recognition as one of America’s Best Communities,” said Robert Smith, Frontier Area general manager -- Rochester West. “The team has a great vision on economic development and nurturing the cultural identity of their towns, two key outcomes desired of this contest.”

Le Roy and Bergen have been awarded $35,000 from the ABC prize competition to date and $15,000 from American Express and IBM, which are serving as financial sponsor and active mentor, respectively, as the team pursues the next round of funding.

The Town of Le Roy, under the leadership of Supervisor Stephen R. Barbeau, has committed up to $15,000 to ensure the communities can compete in the semifinal round. Other sponsors and potential funding partners include local governments and businesses. A consultant also will be hired in July to finalize the community revitalization plan.

"This is a perfect example of communities working together for collective betterment. Our Upstate communities serve as a positive example for the rest of the state: coordination, cooperation, ingenuity and efficiencies of scale,” said New York State Assemblyman Stephen Hawley.

Only 15 communities will be selected to advance to the semifinal round. Each community will present to a panel of judges about why they deserve $100,000 to advance their plan. Three Grand Prize winners will receive up to $3 million.

 “Our communities demonstrate resiliency and survival,” said Rochelle Stein, Genesee County legislator. “Constant change and adaptation are hallmarks of our ability to survive and thrive. We have the benefit of youth investing in our family generational businesses, entrepreneurs advancing, and a passion to work towards a brighter future for our entire community. This contest will bring about positive energy for Le Roy and Bergen.  I am pleased to work with such high-caliber partners.”

The Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation (GGLDC), an affiliate of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC), is the entity administering the grant dollars and overseeing the selection of the consultant.

Janet Knauss, 50, pled guilty to falsifying business records while working at Target in Batavia.

Knauss is subject to five years probation and up to six months in Genesee County Jail. She was represented by Attorney Jerry Ader in Genesee County Court today.

She allegedly entered false discounts, voided transactions and bagged items that were not scanned so they could be stolen while working as a cashier at the store.

An order of protection was also filed. Her sentencing date is Oct. 13.

Benjamin Lindke, 41, and his wife, Molly Lindke, 41, pled guilty to offering a false instrument for filing. 

Each faces up to five years probation and six months in the Genesee County Jail.

In March 2013, the couple knowingly provided Social Services with a written statement containing false information. Benjamin failed to report his income on several forms. They are accused of receiving approximately $6,000 in food stamps they weren't ineligible to receive.

They will be sentenced Sept. 10.

A Bethany resident who allegedly caused a brain injury to a toddler appeared in Genesee County Court for his plea cutoff today.

Anthony P. Dibble, 25, did not enter a guilty plea to reckless assault of a child, a Class D felony. According to Assistant District Attorney Will Zickl, the plea could have reduced his prison sentence from seven years to four-and-a-half years.

The pending plea deal expired today at 9:30 a.m. and there will no longer be the opportunity for a deal. The case now goes to trial. 

Dibble is accused of causing serious brain injury to a child less than 5 years old by shaking or slamming the child's head on a hard surface or object during an overnight visit in August 2014. He drove the child to United Memorial Medical Center and then the child was flown by Mercy Flight to Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo to undergo surgery. Dibble is the child's biological father but the child doesn't live with him.

The trial date is scheduled for Sept. 28.

Storm U. Lang, 18, entered a guilty plea to two counts of first-degree child sex abuse, and one count of second-degree child sex abuse in Genesee County Court today.

Lang faces up to four years in prison and 10 years of released supervision. He is currently being supervised by Genesee Justice.

Lang allegedly was sexually involved with three different victims on separate occasions when he was 17 years old. He is accused of subjecting a 7-year-old to sexual contact in the Town of Alabama in October. In November, he also allegedly subjected a 12-year-old child to sexual contact in the Town of Alabama and a 5-year-old child to sexual contact in the Town of Bethany.

Orders of protection for the victims were filed today. His sentencing date is Sept. 9.

A person is stuck inside the elevator at Le Roy Urgent Care Clinic, 8745 Lake Street Road. Le Roy Fire Department is responding in non-emergency mode.