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Sponsored Post: Happy New Year from The YNGodess Shop

By Press Release

Christine Crocker and the staff of YNGodess would like to wish everybody a Happy New Year and thank the more than 12,000 customers who came into the store during its first 10 months in business.

In 2013, Christine plans to continue to expand, adding more wines and spirits, and she invites customers to bring their requests of favorites to her. Many of the wines YNGodess carries now are not readily available in other stores.

Come to the YNGodess to check out the large selection of wines and for daily tastings. The friendly staff is always ready to help you find the perfect pairing for any occasion.

The YNGodess will be open New Year's Eve to help you with your party supply of wines and spirits. Toast in the New Year with YNGodess!

The store is located at 73 Main St. in the City of Batavia. Phone is 343-3170. Normal business hours are:

  • Monday and Tuesday -- 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday through Saturday -- 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Sunday -- Noon to 5 p.m.

Police investigating burglaries into unlocked houses in west area of the city

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is investigating several residential burglaries in the southwest area of the city. Entries to all residences were made in similar fashion via unsecured doors. Taken from the residences were items such as laptop computers, small electronics, gift cards and jewelry.

All incidents are similar in nature and are occurring during daylight hours.

Police will be increasing patrol activities in this area. The police department is also asking residents to be observant for, and to report, any strange activity or unknown persons in their neighborhood. Police ask that residents not attempt to intervene, but rather obtain a description of the person or persons involved, any vehicles involved as well as any direction of travel. Residents are encouraged to call 9-1-1 immediately and report the incident.

All residents are reminded of the importance of locking the doors to their homes even during the daytime hours. Residents are also reminded of the importance of documenting serial numbers or other identifying numbers of valuable items in the event they become lost or stolen. This documentation will assist the police in tracking the items if necessary.

Anyone with information regarding these burglaries, or any unsolved crime, is encouraged to contact the Batavia Police Department at 345-6350. Residents may also contact the Batavia Police Department’s Confidential Tip Line at 345-6370.

Photos: First day of sledding in Centennial Park

By Howard B. Owens

I don't remember seeing anybody sledding last winter in Centennial Park. Today, a small crowd gathered to take in some fresh powder.

To purchase prints, click the link in the upper right of the slide show below.

Photos: Batavia digging out from overnight snowstorm

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia demonstrated this morning that it knows how to dig out pretty quickly after getting in the neighborhood of a foot of snow overnight. By midmorning, most residents had their driveways and sidewalks cleared and a few others were just finishing up.

Above, Jack Chmielowiec, Otis Street.

Eric Haile, Summit Street.

Rick Porter, Prospect Avenue. Porter also had a request for his fellow Batavians: Please shovel your sidewalks and around your hydrants.

Leon Koukides, South Jackson Street.

Gabe Abdella, South Jackson Street.

Karen Zerbe and Bill Barton, Jackson Avenue.

City residents asked to help keep fire hydrants clear of snow

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The city fire department would like to ask residents and business owners to assist in making fire hydrants accessible. During the recent snowfall some hydrants have become blocked by snow, especially in parking areas. The city fire department would like to request your help to remove the snow from around hydrants so they are visible and accessible. If you have a hydrant in your front yard, clean a 3-foot circle around it.

City fire crews will be out throughout the winter clearing snow from hydrants, but with your assistance by adopting a fire hydrant, the 500+ hydrants in the city will be clear and ready for an emergency.

Also, please be sure to keep your house numbers readily visible, and for business owners the accumulation of snow may block exit doors. All doors should be checked to make sure they can open and are not blocked by snow.

The city fire department appreciates your help in keeping the community safe. Any questions, please call Chief Jim Maxwell at 585-345-6375.

Batavia Country Club now has live entertainment on Friday nights

By Billie Owens

Batavia Country Club now has live entertainment on Friday nights from 8 p.m. to midnight. There's a small cover charge, with drink specials and food available. The full winter lineup can be seen at <http://bataviacc.com>

Here's the upcoming schedule for the live bands at Batavia CC:

Dec. 28 -- Widowmaker

Jan. 4 -- Amanda's Rage

Jan. 11 -- Unruly Band

Jan. 18 -- Haymaker

Jan. 25 -- Monster Johnson

Feb. 1 -- Red Creek

Feb. 8 -- Amanda's Revenge

Feb. 15 -- Haymaker

Feb. 22 -- Monster Johnson

Brownies donate cookies to the Child Advocacy Center

By Howard B. Owens

Members of Brownie Troop 42001 dropped by the Child Advocacy Center on Christmas Eve with a cookie donation. Pictured are Claire Taylor. Arianna Armstrong, Grace Flannary and Portia Rannalli.

Law and Order: 74-year-old Rochester man accused of driving with 31 suspensions on his record

By Howard B. Owens

Alberto Laboy-Bertran, 74, of North Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation and unlicensed operator. Laboy-Bertran is accused of driving at 11:40 a.m., Sunday, with 31 active driver's license suspensions and revocations dating back to 2000. Laboy-Bertran was jailed on $25,000 bail.

Aaron David Prusak, 25, of Park Street, Warsaw, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument and aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. Prusak was located in a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado at 10:31 p.m., Friday, parked in the roadway of Route 19 in Bergen. Upon investigation by Sgt. Greg Walker and Deputy Joseph Graff, Prusak was allegedly found in possession of a needle and a controlled substance.

Ryan Nicholas DeSantis, 19, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. DeSantis is accused of shoplifting while working at Kmart.

Kyle David Ferguson, 20, of Maltby Road, Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. Ferguson is accused of shoplifting while working at Kmart.

Searching for Biblical truth

By Lucy Kehoe-Holnbeck

I am in search of true Biblical guidance, from Pastors, Priests, Reverends or any knowledgable, believer in Jesus. I have recently been diagnosed, with severe situational social anxiety disorder and really worried about taking the perscribed medicine. Im struggling to not loose my job, from the stress. Iv reached out for help, but after 3 or 4 days of trying. I guess Iv learned where not to go again. Coping with my loss & isolation through, holidays has turned out to be more then I can bare. I am a devout believer, that Christ died for our sins so that we may have the choice to, be forgiven. Im far from iliterate, but my reading level, comprehension & retension, is a real problem for me. This makes it hard to gain acurate knowledge, in a timely way. To recognize the truth, from a lie. Im not computer savy, but I Googled my biblical concerns & the information below, is what I found. Ill try to include a link, to the site, if that may be of help. What Id need to know, is this Biblical truth. Or just one more of the many, distorted views. Im afraid this will be too large, to post on the Batavian. So if you have the time, @ the web address below, you can read the rest. Please, help…

http://www.luke173ministries.org/466804

THE 3 RS OF ACCOUNTABILITY: REPENTANCE, RESTITUTION, AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY By Rev. Renee Pittelli Being accountable for one’s behavior is part of growing up and being a mature adult. It is a fallacy that God is all forgiving, and when unrepentant offenders claim that "God forgives me", they are wrong. God does not forgive us until and unless we confess our sins and repent (change our ways). The Lord holds us accountable for our behavior, and he instructs us to hold each other accountable as well. Accountability consists of three parts, Repentance, Restitution, and Personal Responsibility: Repentance: REPENTANCE: Remorse, contrition, or self-reproach for what one has done or failed to do; making a change for the better as a result of remorse; a turning from one’s sinful ways; feeling of such regret for past conduct as to change one’s mind regarding it, atonement; forsaking of sin; the feeling or act in which one tries to right a wrong, it always includes the admission of guilt, and also at least one of: a solemn promise or resolve not to repeat the offense, or an attempt to make restitution for the wrong, or in some way to reverse the harmful effects of the wrong where possible. When we rebuke, set limits on, or break off our relationship with an unrepentant offender, she may shrug and tell us, "I know God forgives me", the implication being that the Lord forgives her even if we don’t. But guess what? She is WRONG. & The Lord NEVER forgives unrepentant evildoers. He REQUIRES that sinners humble themselves and come to him for forgiveness, and that they show remorse and change their ways.

Stove fire reported on Vine Street, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A stove fire is reported at 239 Vine St., Batavia.

The residents were told to evacuate.

City fire responding.

UPDATE 9:43 a.m.: Fire is out. House will be ventilated.

UPDATE 9:55 a.m.: City assignment is back in service.


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Law and Order: Batavia man jailed on criminal charges, alleged drug court violation

By Howard B. Owens

Timothy L. Taylor, 38, of 219 N. Spruce St., #124, Batavia, is charged with assault, 3rd, criminal obstruction of breathing and reckless endangerment, 2nd. Taylor was picked up by the State Police at a location on West Main Street Road on an unrelated matter Saturday and turned over to the Batavia PD on a warrant for the listed charges. Taylor is also accused of violating the terms of Drug Treatment Court. Taylor was jailed on $5,000 bail for the alleged criminal offenses and $100,000 for the alleged violation of drug court terms. He is schedule to reappear in city court on Dec. 26.

Scott N. Cameron, 30, of 25 Vine St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd and endangering the welfare of a child. Cameron is accused of hitting a family member who is under age 17.

Benjamin L. Brade, 30, of 12 Denio St., Batavia, is  charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Brade is accused of violating an order of protection by being under the influence of alcohol while with the protected party.

Carl I. Sherman, 33, of 68 Dix St., Rochester, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Sherman was picked up by Rochester PD and turned over to Batavia PD on a warrant related to the listed charges. Sherman posted $500 bail.

Emily V. Salvatore, 30, of Bergen, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Salvatore was stopped by State Police at 11:27 p.m., Friday, on Route 31, Albion.

John Lee Smith, 38, of Rose Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, avoiding intersection, failure to keep right, moving from lane unsafely. Smith was stopped at 9:49 p.m., Saturday, on West Main Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Frank Bordonaro. Smith was allegedly observed avoiding the intersection at River Street and Main Street and not maintaining his lane.

Jeffrey J. Cervone, 44, of Skye Road, Basom, is charged with petit larceny. Cervone was taken into custody by the State Police out of Clarence and turned over to the Sheriff's Office on a bench warrant.

Gary Howard Waters, 35, of East Avenue, Gasport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18, speed not reasonable and prudent, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and failure to keep right. Waters was arrested following an investigation by Deputy Jason Saile and Deputy Eric Seppala into a motor vehicle accident at 3:03 a.m., Saturday, on Lewiston Road, Oakfield.

Robert A. Barnhart Jr., of Le Roy, was arrested on a warrant by the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office. Barnhart is accused of owing several thousands of dollars in restitution from a prior case.

PHOTOS: DJ Macy Paradise, Ya Boy and Buffalo Bills players at City Slickers

By Timothy Walton

City Slickers was the place to be Friday night as DJ Macy Paradise, national recording artist Ya Boy (YB the Rockstar) and Bills players Stevie Johnson, Kelvin Sheppard and Aaron Williams made an appearance and put on a show.

The event was organized by local entrepreneur and promoter Tim Walton and was sponsored by DirecTV/ IR Systems, PantSaggin.com,TheBatavian, and Next Level Fitness. 

Above: Dj Macy Paradise with Buffalo hip-hop artist GiG5.

Above: National recording artist Ya Boy performs "Stevie Johnson (Bills Anthem)."

Above: Stevie Johnson poses for a photo with Bills fan James Stading.

Photos by Micheline V. 

Hit-and-run accident reported on Lewiston Road, vehicle northbound

By Howard B. Owens

A hit-and-run accident is reported in the area of Galloway and Lewiston roads.

Law enforcement is looking for a gold Chevy Silverado 1500. The truck is heading north into Oakfield.

The victim vehicle sustained only minor damage.

State Police looking for driver who struck pedestrian outside Batavia Downs

By Howard B. Owens

State Police are asking the public assistance to help locate the driver and car involved in a hit-and-run car vs. pedestrian accident Friday night in front of Batavia Downs Casino.

The car is described as a red four-door sedan, possibly a Chevrolet Malibu.

The car may have front grill, hood and windshield damage.

The victim was hit by the car, according to Sgt. Ron Lobur, rolled up onto the hood, hit the windshield and then rolled off the front the car and was nearly struck a second time.

"The victim is very, very fortunate to come away with only minor injuries," Lobur said.

Information about the victim is not being released yet, Lobur said, pending following up on leads that have come in, or may come in, as a result of the request for more information.

Anybody with information that may assist in the investigation are asked to call the State Police at 343-2200.

Community Invited to Participate in Surprise Christmas Flash Mob Saturday, December 22 7:00 PM

By Robin Walters

There is a surprise  Christmas Flash Mob being held at 7:00 PM tonight Saturday, December 22 at 7:00 PM at Birchwood village. Friends and community will be meeting outside the home of Don Carroll to sing Christmas Carols. Everyone is  invited!

If you would like to bring a ornament or a note for the Christmas tree outside Don's home that would be great.  Care-A-Van Ministries will have their bus their and will be serving hot chocolate.

Nic Pelton a friend of Don Carrol had been thinking of a way to minister to Don who is battling cancer. Don has given so much of his heart and soul to this community that Nic thought what better way to bring joy than to have friends gather outside Don's home and sing Christmas carols.

This will be a fun way to get the family out on a snowy evening. Let's all gather to give thanks and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas- loving others.

 

 

 

 

 

Person struck by vehicle in front of Batavia Downs, minor injuries

By Billie Owens

A pedestrian has minor injuries after being struck by a vehicle on Park Road in front of the Batavia Downs Casino. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 6:41 p.m.: The suspect vehicle left the scene. It's a red Malibu, last seen heading south on Park Road. It's possibly in the Tops Market parking lot or an adjacent parking lot. The kind of damage it may have sustained is not known, nor is the gender of the driver. Deputies are scouring the area.

UPDATE 6:44 p.m.: The town fire assignment is back in service.

UPDATE 6:49 p.m.: A 42-year-old female is being transported to UMMC with unspecified injuries. She is back-boarded and collared. Meanwhile, the driver of a red Chevy Impala parked in the Auto Zone store's parking lot is being questioned by deputies, although it's unknown if this car is the one involved in the Batavia Downs incident.

Batavia PD investigating burglaries on Pearl, Madison and South Main

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is investigating three reported residential burglaries which occurred during the day to early evening hours on Thursday, Dec. 20.

The burglaries occurred on Pearl Street, Madison Avenue and on South Main Street.

Entry to the residences was gained through unsecured doors.

Taken from the residences was a laptop computer, a Kindle tablet, a telephone, an XBOX game system, jewelry, cash and medication.

Anyone having observed or observing any suspicious activity or having information is asked to contact the Batavia Police Department at 345-6350, or to access the Batavia Police Confidential Tip Line at 345-6370.

BID says 'Taste of the Holidays' another big success

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

This past weekend (Dec 7-8), the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District (BID), hosted the 2nd Annual Taste of the Holidays. Friday evening’s event included the official lighting of the Christmas tree, caroling, music by Rich Conroy, tastings from local restaurants, horse & wagon rides, and a scavenger hunt to lead people to the downtown businesses.

Eleven local restaurants handed out samples under a tent located on historic Jackson Street. Over 500 people attended the Friday event with great success. Saturday’s afternoon event also included the scavenger hunt, but was geared toward families & children with music by Bart & Kevin. Area businesses and local organizations had holiday activities for children under the tent including crafts, face painting, free hot cocoa by Coffee Culture, and much more.

The always popular McMahon School of Irish Dance kicked up their heels for the event as well as Jason the Juggler. The YWCA sponsored a gingerbread house contest. Approximately 300 families turned out for the Saturday event. The major sponsors for the Taste of the Holidays were Müller Quaker and Alpina Foods, Batavia’s new yogurt companies. Alpina Foods even handed out free yogurt samples during the weekend event.

The Batavia Business Improvement District also took the opportunity to find out the wish lists of area residents. Their table’s activity not only included a station to write to Santa Claus, but also a station to send a letter to the BID saying, “I wish Batavia…”

The letters included straight-forward answers such as “a bakery, lower taxes, or less congested traffic on Main Street.” But the children’s comments were far more imaginative including, “fireworks, no more snowstorms, a play place, and a popcorn place.”

The winner of this year’s Downtown Batavia Scavenger Hunt is Peyton Woeller, age 6, of Batavia. Peyton attended the Saturday children’s day activities for Taste of the Holidays and completed the scavenger hunt with his mother and twin sister. Peyton won a $100 gift BID certificate after visiting participating businesses and determining what day of Christmas each business represented.

Peyton’s reaction to winning “definitely rang with Christmas spirit,” said BID Director Don Burkel. “Peyton shared his gift certificate with his twin sister without hesitation. He knew immediately he wanted to go to Adam Miller Toy & Bike.”

The owner of Floral Fantasies, Sherry Balvo, also agreed the event was great for the community. She went above and beyond as a scavenger hunt participant by giving out gift bags with ornaments.

The Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) will be planning their yearly events after the New Year’s. Anyone who would like to volunteer for events or be part of the planning process are encouraged to contact the BID office at 585-344-0900 or email dburkel@downtownbataviany.com. Be sure to like the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District on Facebook so you can keep in touch with future events.

IR Systems, locally owned DirecTV rep, receives top dealership award

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

IR Systems INC (DIRECTV)  in Batavia, NY was notified on 12/12/2012 from DIRECTV Corp. that out of over 5000 dealerships across the nation we

are ranked in the top 20 in the nation. We also received a free all expenses paid trip to New Orleans for the Super Bowl . This award was given off the Matrices of the business, a overall

performance from customer service, technical service, sales representation, customer retention and much more.  

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