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Crosby's to host grand reopening festivities at two convenience stores

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Crosby’s is celebrating the grand reopening of two convenience stores in Batavia and Elba this week.

Grand reopening festivities will take place at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, at the store in Elba, located at 64 S. Main St., and will be attended by: Keith Palmer, Elba Central School District superintendent; Assemblyman Stephen Hawley; Jay Grasso, a field representative from Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer’s office; and Patrick McKinney, a representative from Congressman Chris Collins’ office.

At 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 9, the Batavia location at 5267 Clinton Street Road will celebrate its grand reopening with Mickey Edwards, Byron-Bergen Central School District superintendent; Assemblyman Hawley; and Congressman Chris Collins.

In addition to the festivities at each location, Crosby’s will donate $500 each to the Byron-Bergen Central School District and the Elba Central School District.

Both of these locations were existing structures acquired by Crosby’s in early 2017 that underwent remodels that included major cosmetic upgrades and a variety of customer-friendly amenities including fuel, a sub shop and multiple hot and cold beverage options.

“Updating these two stores allows us to better serve our customers with an expanded offering,” said Doug Galli, vice president and general manager of Reid Stores. “Crosby’s thrives in communities like these because we become an active participant within the community – beyond simply offering products and service.”

At each location, customers can get a cup of Crosby’s signature 100-percent Arabica bean premium roast coffee for only 99 cents for a regular size. The Elba location will also feature f’real milkshakes; smoothies; and Crosby’s Arctic Express, which offers frozen carbonated beverages (Arctic Chill and Arctic Freeze) or frozen fountain sodas in more than 12,000 flavor combinations.

Each location also features an extensive take-out menu that includes fresh-baked pizza, made with Crosby’s own 100-percent whole-milk mozzarella, served whole or by-the-slice; fresh, made-to-order hot and cold subs prepared in an in-house Sub Shoppe; and fresh-baked cookies prepared on site. The Elba location will also have fried foods, including chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, pizza logs and more.

The stores will also offer a newly expanded selection of cold beverages, dairy and frozen foods, fresh fruit, competitively priced grocery items, tobacco products and other amenities including an ATM, prepaid wireless phone cards, gift cards, propane exchange and a variety of New York State Lottery games. Both locations will accept SNAP benefits.

The Batavia location recently upgraded the fuel facility and now offers Mobil fuel. The Elba location offers Mobil gas and diesel fuel. Both locations are also on the Plenti rewards program. See the store for further details.

Crosby’s, a division of the Reid Group, is headquartered in Lockport, NY. The company operates 87 Crosby’s convenience stores throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania and Upstate New York.

The Reid Group, founded in 1922, is a full-service independent motor fuel marketer providing a comprehensive range of products and services for retail motor fuel outlets and convenience stores. The Lockport-based company serves retail and commercial customers.

For more information, visit www.CrosbysStores.com.

Law and Order: Akron man accused of hitting another person with baseball bat, causing serious injuries

By Howard B. Owens
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      Ismael Laffosse

Ismael L. Laffosse, 31, Fisk Road, Akron, is charged with second-degree attempted assault, second-degree menacing, third-degree criminal mischief, and criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. Laffosse is accused of striking another person with a baseball bat and damaging that person's personal property. The incident was reported at 6:54 p.m., Jan. 29, at a location on Apollo Drive, Batavia. The victim suffered serious injuries but has been released from the hospital.

Armando L. Carrion-Rojas, 23, of McCall Road, Greece, is charged with criminal mischief. Carrion-Rojas is accused of breaking the driver's side mirror of his girlfriend's car at 1:50 p.m. Monday at a location in Le Roy, and of damaging a residence door after his girlfriend locked him outside the residence. He was jailed on $500 bail or $4,000 bond.

Derek James Wert, 36, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Wert allegedly contacted by electronic means a person he was ordered by a judge not to contact. Wert was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Ronald F. Ratulowski, 44, of Eleanor Place, Batavia, is charged with third-degree assault. Ratulowski was arrested on a warrant. The original incident was reported at 11 p.m. Sept. 10 at a location on Eleanor Place. No further details released.

Bonnie L. Cortright, 30, West Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on two City Court warrants. The reason for the warrants was not released. She was released on her own recognizance.

Kevin Andrew Rivera, 23, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief. Rivera allegedly broke the window of a College Village dorm room at 10:56 p.m. Monday.

Nicholas Gerald Schafer, 19, of Broadway Road, Darien, is charged with DWI, driving while impaired by drugs, driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of drugs and alcohol, and parking violation on a highway. Deputy Kyle Krzemien was dispatched at 4:17 p.m. June 30 to Batavia Elba Townline Road, Elba, to investigate a complaint of a subject passed out in a vehicle. Following an investigation, Schafer was charged.

Jeremiah D. Williams, 26, of Batavia, was arrested by State Police following a revocation of parole. He was ordered held in jail.

An 18-year-old resident of Batavia is charged with petit larceny. The defendant was arrested on Goade Park. The incident was reported at 6:17 p.m. Monday in Kendall. The arrest was made by State Police at 6:10 a.m. Tuesday. No further details released.

Katrina P. Giummo, 29, of Corfu, is charged with petit larceny. Giummo is accused of a theft reported in Corfu at 1:18 p.m. Monday. She was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

Photo: Environmental contamination investigation at former Santy Tire property

By Howard B. Owens

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Yesterday afternoon, consultants and an investigator from the Department of Environmental Conservation were at the former Santy Tire property, an anticipated part of the Ellicott Station project, digging test pits to further define the severity and scope of environmental contamination on the property.

There is a pending application for the property for a brownfield tax credit -- one has already been granted for the Della Penna property -- for the parcel. The DEC asked for more evidence of environmental contamination.

Car accident reported on Thruway near Kelsey Road

By Howard B. Owens

A car has reportedly gone of the roadway and into the woods in the area of mile marker 393.0 in the eastbound lane of the Thruway. 

Unknown injuries. 

The location is in the area of Kelsey Road. 

Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched. 

UPDATE 9:07 a.m.: No injuries. No damage to vehicle. Town assignment back in service. 

Caller claims dog was taken from home on Griswold Road

By Billie Owens

A larceny of a canine just occurred on Griswold Road. The caller told a dispatcher that a gray vehicle pulled into the driveway and took the dog through a door and drove off.

The driver headed down Clinton Street Road and turned northbound onto Batavia Stafford Town Line Road.

The caller followed the suspect's vehicle and state troopers caught up with it on Bank Street south of West Saile Drive, where they now have it stopped.

UPDATE 1:44 p.m.: We are working to clarify some additional information. The dog's owner says the dog was outside when it was taken.

Save the Date: April 28 for GCC's 37th annual Fashion Show, 2018 theme is 'Ascendant'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Fashion Program students at Genesee Community College are proud to announce the 37th Annual Fashion Show to take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, and everyone is invited to save this date now!

The theme this year is "Ascendant" which carries two separate but equally important definitions. First, "Ascendant" speaks to the rising power GCC has in communicating fashion. This show is the culmination of student learning and it truly delivers the message that fashion is not only thoughtful, but impactful.

Secondly, the term ascendant represents the very first moment of a new day when the sun's path crests the eastern horizon. It typically describes a person's rising sign -- the exact moment of one's birth, dictating by calendar, the astrological sign under which a person is born. Astrological signs have been used to describe character traits of those born under each sign; just one way in which groups of people differ from one another.

The "Ascendant" theme moves beyond recognizing these differences and to use fashion to make statements about moving to appreciate those differences as potential contributions to creative teamwork.

"Ascendant" promises to be a bigger production than ever! It will take place on the 24,000-square-foot indoor field house in the brand new Richard C. Call Arena, which will be transformed into a dreamlike area by the Fashion Program students. With plenty of space and accommodations for 2,000 guests, the students will be putting on one huge production.

The only show will be on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 7 p.m. so make sure to get your seats today!

Tickets to attend the show are available in advance for $5 per person until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25. After that, tickets will be available at the door for $8 per person. To purchase tickets in advance, email fashionshow@genesee.edu today.

Interested in an opportunity to show your support for the Fashion Show? GCC's fashion program students are currently soliciting and accepting production sponsors. Business donation opportunities of $10 and personal donation opportunities of $5 are still available.

Sponsors will be included in the Fashion Show Program as well as on the Fashion Show website. Contact Debbie Mancuso at (585) 345-6830 or via email at fashionshow@genesee.edu to schedule a donation pick up or to make special arrangements for your donation. Checks should be made payable to GCCA and can be mailed to: Genesee Community College, Fashion Show, One College Road, Batavia NY 14020-9704.

To get an inside look at the 37th Annual Fashion Show, Ascendant, follow @trendygcc_ on Instagram and @trendygcc on Twitter. Students will be sharing details about the show and more!

The Fashion Program at GCC has always been a flagship program for the college. The knowledge and experience of the program faculty and the dedication to their students has produced quality and professional workplace candidates and well-prepared transfer students since the program's inception 40 years ago.

Recently, GCC resigned its articulation agreement with LIM for students in the Fashion Business: Merchandising A.A.S. program. Students who complete the track and degree can seamlessly transfer to LIM to complete their B.B.A. in Fashion Merchandising, Visual Merchandising, Marketing or Management.

In addition, GCC is very excited to announce a new articulation agreement with Cazenovia College. This agreement provides a seamless transfer opportunity for GCC's Fashion Business: Merchandising A.A.S. students to Cazenovia's Fashion Merchandising B.P.S. and for GCC's Fashion Business: Fashion Design A.A.S. students to Cazenovia's Fashion Design B.F.A. degree program.

Anyone interested in taking advantage of these transfer opportunities through GCC is encouraged to contact GCC's Student Success Center at (585) 345-6805 or via email at SSC@genesee.edu.

Mark Your Calendar: Genesee Chorale Ensemble performs at St. Joe's on March 4

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 

Take a stroll down Memory Lane with a fun winter concert by the Genesee Chorale on Sunday, March 4 at St. Joseph's Catholic School.

The performance begins at 4 p.m. The school is located at 2 Summit St. in the City of Batavia.

The nonprofit ensemble of 75 members from Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming, Livingston and Erie counties will perform: "In My Life," "Blackbird," "Blowin' in the Wind," "As TIme Goes By," "Someone to Watch Over Me," and Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody."

These and other choral renditions of favorites have been prepared under the direction of Ric Jones. Soloists and small groups will round out the program, which draws from pop, rock, Broadway, film, and even a television series.

Tickets are available through the box office online here for $8 or they may be purchased at the door for $10.

Arc Art Show & Sprout Film Festival is March 17 at GCC

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Arc of Genesee Orleans will again be presenting an Art Show & Film Festival in celebration of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

It will be held Saturday, March 17 at the GCC Stuart Steiner Theatre located on 1 College Drive, Batavia.

There will be a collection of artwork created by individuals served at the Arc of Genesee Orleans on display in the foyer at Stuart Steiner Theatre. You will have an opportunity to meet and talk with the artists from 12:30 to 1 p.m. and the Sprout film screening will begin at 1 o'clock.

You can enter to win a beautiful framed work of art courtesy of an artist served by the Arc of Genesee Orleans. Admission is free.

For more informatiom, contact Shelley Falitico at 343-4203 or visit arcgo.org

Warrior House of WNY Gun Raffle/Chinese Auction & Spaghetti Dinner is April 7 at Ascension Parish Hall

By Billie Owens

The Warrior House of Western NY Gun Raffle/Chinese Auction and Spaghetti Dinner will be held starting at 1 p.m. on Satruday, April 7, at Ascension Parish Hall. It is located at 17 Sumner St., Batavia (formerly the Sacred Heart Social Center).

Must be 18 to win prizes and must be able to pass NICS check. Warrior House is not responsible for NICS outcome.

For more information, contact Edward Spence at (716) 560-0697.

The event will last until all prizes are awarded.

They are:

1) Stevens 301 20 ga. shotgun

2) $75 cash

3) Savage A22, 22 long rifle

4) Mossberg 500 20 ga.

5) $100 cash

6) Savage 93-22 mag

7) $125 cash

8) Thompson Center Triumph 50 cal.

9) Winchester 94 Trooper 100 anniversary 30/30

10) $150 cash

11) Springfield Armory M1A 308 Winchester

12) Windjm AR-15 .223/5.56

13) Chiappa M19 9 mm carbine

14) $200 cash

15) Savage Axis II 30.06

WNY Arthritis Network gathering at Richmond library

By Billie Owens

WESTERN NY ARTHRITIS SUPPORT NETWORK GATHERING

You are invited to attend the gathering of people looking for answers and sharing their journey with others who can understand your unique situation.

Come join us as we support each other and plan future activities. We are a small group of people from all walks of life that have one thing in common – we live daily with an autoimmune disease. Our group is open to anyone with any kind of autoimmune disease, their family and friends.

Saturday, MARCH 24TH, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Event Date and Time
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GC Health Department offers FREE anti-rabies vaccination clinic at fairgrounds

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health, will hold an anti-rabies immunization clinic from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 16, at the Genesee County Fairgrounds.

The location is 5031 E. Main St., Batavia.

Each dog, cat and ferret brought to the clinic must be leashed or crated and accompanied by someone who can control the animal.

Dog, cat and ferret vaccinations are FREE. Voluntary donations are accepted.

Event Date and Time
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Photo Tour: Owners of Eli Fish Brewing pushing for March 1 opening

By Howard B. Owens

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Eli Fish Brewing Company, in the Newberry's building downtown, might be less than a month away from opening.

Co-owner Matt Gray said construction is done. Now it's just a matter of waiting for the delivery of the rest of the furniture and kitchen wares.

Starting today, four managers are working full-time at the restaurant and brewery. Next week, there will be an open interview period for potential staff members.

Gray said his partner, Jon Mager, should be able to start brewing beer next week, which is one of the big decisions because it will take four weeks for the first batch to be ready to serve.

"Which puts us in a real bind," Gray said. "Do we open on March 1 or do we wait another three weeks so we have our own beer on tap?"

The target date for the FreshLab winners to open their food booths is April 1. The winners have not yet been announced.

There are four apartments on the second floor just about ready for occupants. The rental rates will be from $850 to $950 for the one-bedrooms and $1,250 for the two-bedroom apartment (which features a large living room and dining area and a large master suite with a dual-head shower).

There's space on the third floor for three apartments. One will be either two or three bedrooms and possibly a balcony/deck in the back of the building. The Newberry building is one of the projects under consideration for a Downtown Revitalization Initiative prize and if selected, the money will be used to finish these apartments as well as a patio/seating area at the back of the restaurant in Jackson Square.

"I'm excited," Gray said. "Jon is excited. I've just got to get it open. Not only has it been a long time and a big project, we're pushing it. Our staff is ready to go. We're ready to go. We need to start changing the flow of cash."

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Law and Order: Batavia man accused of ignoring Grand Jury summons

By Howard B. Owens

Triton A. Drock, 23, of Buell Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Drock is accused of failing to be a witness in a Grand Jury hearing after being legally summoned. Drock was jailed on $2,500 bail.

A 17-year-old resident of Batavia was arrested on a warrant. The reason for the warrant was not released. The 17-year-old was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Shannon L. Klinkbeil-Heyday, 41, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and falsifying business records. Klinkbeil-Heyday is accused of making fraudulent returns and keeping the refund money.

Christopher S. Bump, 23, of Briarwood Drive, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. The reason for the warrant was not released. Bump was ordered held in the Genesee County Jail.

Torrence C. Greene, 27, of Wearing Road, Rochester, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. Greene was arrested at 1:09 p.m. Friday following a police response by officers James Prusak and Frank Klimjack to a report of a disturbance on Walnut Street. Greene is accused of possession of a narcotic with the intent to sell. He was jailed without bail.

Joseph Thomas Misiak Jr., 62, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Misiak is accused of threatening a member of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office in a voicemail.

Jacob John Bukowski, 30, of East Park Street, Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Bukowski was allegedly found in possession of marijuana in the Town of Alabama at 3:30 p.m. Saturday by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Stephen Michael Milroy, 23, of Creek Road, Pavilion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to keep right, and failure to notify DMV of change of address. Milroy was stopped at 12:48 a.m. Saturday on Route 20, Alexander, by Deputy Erik Andre.

Michelle Amber Condidorio, 36, of South Street, Le Roy, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Condidorio was stopped at 2:01 a.m. Saturday on Telephone Road, Alexander, by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Richard JM Button, 27, of Heritage Estates Street, Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Button was allegedly found in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia during a traffic stop at 4:48 p.m. Thursday on Judge Road, Alabama, by Deputy Austin Heberlein.

Jennifer Sue Davis, 38, of Webber Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, speed not reasonable and prudent, and uninspected motor vehicle. Davis was charged following an investigation into an accident reported at 8:52 p.m. Thursday on Downey Road, Batavia, by Deputy Austin Heberlein.

Gabriel A. Tapia, 19, of Woodhaven, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Tapia was charged by State Police after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana at College Village at 11:16 a.m. Saturday.

Jacqueline M. Kobee, 28, of Buffalo, is charged with possession of controlled substance not in original container, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, unlawful possession of marijuana, and aggravated unlicensed operation. Kobee was stopped at 1:54 p.m. Saturday on Route 77 in Pembroke by State Police.

An 18-year-old resident of Batavia is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was allegedly found in possession of marijuana at 9:58 p.m., Saturday, at College Village, by State Police.

Michael T. Morasco, of Batavia, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs and moving from lane unsafely. Morasco was stopped at 11:52 a.m. Friday on Route 63 in Pavilion by State Police.

Sponsored Post: Register today! Strike Out for Crossroads House Bowling Tournament

By Lisa Ace


Hurry and get your team together for the 22nd Annual Betty Ellison Memorial Strike Out for Crossroad House Bowling Tournament.

The Friday night shift is sold out but a few lanes remain on Saturday and Sunday.

This is a fun event for a great cause -- and 100 percent of your support stays right here in the community. Come on out and pay it forward. “We are a gift to the community made possible by the community.” 

Town of Batavia fire celebrates 70th anniversary at annual dinner

By Howard B. Owens

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Town of Batavia Volunteer Fire Department's annual awards and installation dinner marked its 70th anniversary and Earl Dorman, an original 1948 member of the department, was honored with a Service Award.

Also receiving a Service Award was Renee Long.

Joshua Boyle was named Firefighter of the Year and Top Responder.

Gary Diegelman received the President's Award.

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Boyle receiving Top Responder award from Chief Dan Coffey and Corporate VP Nate Fix.

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Coffey and Boyle, Firefighter of the Year and Top Responder.

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Gary Diegelman received the President's Award, with Coffey, Fix, and Corporate President Scott Garlock.

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Joyce Diegelman was recognized for her 65 years of serving the department.

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