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Trio of Pearl Street residents face marijuana charges following Task Force raid

By Howard B. Owens

One person is accused of illegally growing marijuana following a Local Drug Enforcement Task Force raid of a Pearl Street residence on Thursday.

Alex Dumbleton, 19, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with unlicensed growing of cannabis, a Class A misdemeanor, and a violation of unlawful possession of marijuana.

Also cited for alleged unlawful possession of marijuana were Sonya M. Bale, 28, and Sterlyng J. Wilcox, 26 , both of Pearl Street.

The task force executed a search warrant on the residence.

Dumbleton, Bale and Wilcox were allegedly found in possession of marijuana.

Investigators report also finding drug paraphernalia.

Dumbleton was allegedly found to be growing marijuana plants.

All three were arrested and issued appearance tickets.

Assisting in the investigation were the District Attorney's Office, Batavia PD and Sheriff's deputies.

Law and Order: Thorpe Street resident charged with trespass, order violation

By Howard B. Owens

Brodes J. Gibson, 52, of 13 Thorpe St., Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd (unlawfully entering a dwelling), and criminal contempt, 2nd. Gibson is accused of entering a dwelling on Thorpe Street at 12:24 a.m., Tuesday, and allegedly violating a complete stay away order.

Alicia Ann Burgess, 22, of Sharrick Road, Darien, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, unlawful possession of marijuana, failure to keep right, moving from lane unsafely. Burgess was stopped at 1:14 a.m. on Buffalo Street, Alexander, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Landlords object to idea of fining property owners for nuisance tenants

By Howard B. Owens

About a dozen local landlords showed up at City Hall on Monday night for a City Council discussion about a possible local law that could mean fines for frequent police calls to local rentals.

Four of the landlords spoke during public comments against the idea, including Richard Siebert, James Pontillo and Thomas Mazerbo (pictured above).

Siebert said Batavia has gained a reputation for being a city that's very unfriendly to landlords, which drives down the value of rental properties and hurts the ability of the city to raise assessments.

He also said the subsidized housing complexes run by the city attracts all the good tenants, making it harder for landlords to attract the better tenants.

He also complained about police inaction when complaints are lodged about some residents.

"Let's talk about Lewis Place," Siebert said. "I have an apartment building down there and I've called city police when tenants have told me about drug deals and fights going on and they tell me, 'if you didn't see it personally, we can't do anything about it.' The city can clean it up. Put some undercover agents down there. Go in and clean it up."

Mazerbo said that it's very hard to get bad tenants evicted and if you succeed, they often trash the place and then city code officers give a landlord only 48 hours to clean things up. He said landlords should be given 10 to 30 days in those circumstances.

One version of the law under discussion was passed in the Town of Niagara and Mazerbo said, "I don't care about the Town of Niagara. That's over there. Something has got to be done here."

James Pontillo said the city is once again trying to turn the landlord into the bad guy.

"We're the ones investing in Batavia," Pontillo said. "We're the ones taking down a run down property and investing in it. I don't like being called a slumlord. I find it offensive. What we're doing with our money is -- rather than investing in gold or silver, we're investing in Batavia."

One of Pontillo's frustrations is that the police won't arrest former tenants for criminal mischief when they purposefully cause $5,000 in damage to a property once they know they're evicted.

Councilman Kris Doeringer took issue with the notion that landlords aren't responsible for the conduct of their tenants.

"You're the ones who rent to them," Doeringer said. "This is your business. You rent to them. Nobody made you. Today, nobody holds you accountable. That's not to say I'm unsympathetic to the investment you make in the community ... but there is a responsibility you have there somewhere and to put it all back on the city is not correct."

During his remarks, local residential property owners Jeremy Yasses and Terry Platt left the room, though Platt returned.

Brooks Hawley (inset photo) said his concern about this issue began while he was campaigning, walking precincts. The number one issue brought up by residents, Hawley said, was misbehaving tenants.

City Manager Jason Molino, Hawley said, asked that addressing the issue be held off until after the budget was approved. Once it was, Hawley, Molino and Pier Cipollone met to discuss options.

In researching options, Molino found laws in Cheektowaga and Niagara that hold landlords accountable for excessive complaints about the conduct of tenants.

According to Hawley, the laws in those other jurisdictions are meant as discussion starters about how to address the problem in Batavia. He said he's looking for something that holds tenants accountable and puts some responsibility on landlords for how their properties effect their neighborhoods.

There was no action taken by the council Monday, and though Cipollone suggested forming a committee that would include council members and landlords to study the issue, no firm plan was put in place.

Molino said it's a very complex issue and no single law is going to necessarily bring about neighborhood revitalization.

"It comes back to the root of the issue," Molino said. "If the tenants don't care about the neighborhood, you can't make them care. If the neighbors want to have their community back, they will have to take their neighborhoods back. You can't use code enforcement and you can't use police enforcement to force people to take back their neighborhoods."

Councilman John Canale called the idea of fining landlords for tenant behavior "absurd."

"I'll never support any talk like that," Canale said. "We talking about asking landlords to become the police and we already have a police department."

Council to consider law to license landlords, institute fines for nuisance tenants

By Howard B. Owens

To help cut down on problems with some of the residential renters in the City of Batavia, two council members are asking the council to consider a law that would license landlords and fine property owners who rent to nuisance tenants.

The proposal is on tonight's City Council agenda. The meeting begins at 7.

The proposal grew out of conversations between council members Brooks Hawley and Pier Cipollone and City Manager Jason Molino regarding problems in the Holland Avenue neighborhood.

Molino did some research and found that the Town of Niagara and the Town of Cheektowaga recently created a licensing scheme for landlords.

There are also fines for landlords if the police are called to a residence frequently.

Molino's memo on the law states, "It appears that this legislation attempts to hold landlords accountable for tenant behavior as well as provide easier methods for landlords to evict uncooperative tenants that are compromising the character of neighborhoods."

In Niagara, officials concluded that renting out residential rental property is a business and should be licensed like many other types of business.

Once licensed, officials will have a better paper trail on who the landlord of record is and then notify the landlord of potential problems.

Officials will track police calls to rental properties and three nuisance or criminal complaint calls in a year will result in a $50 fine; a fourth, $100; a fifth, $500 and each additional incident thereafter, $1,000 each.

The legislation in Niagara states that "residential rental properties may become a haven for various criminal or disruptive actives that can result in disorder in our community and affect the quality of life of others in the Town of Niagara."

Law and Order: Two Le Roy men accused of stealing scrap in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Jason A. Klinkbeil, 24, of 80 South St., Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny and criminal traspass, 3rd (entering an enclosed property). Klinkbeil is accused of stealing scrap metal from a location at 653 Ellicott St., Batavia. Also charged, Nathan S. Snyder, 27, of 7185 W. Main St., Le Roy.

Tracy L. Hume, 41, of 3351 Iroquois Road, Caledonia, is charged with DWI, failure to use a turn signal, failure to keep right and failure to submit to breath screening device. Hume was stopped by Le Roy PD at 12:28 a.m., Saturday, on Clay Street for an alleged traffic infraction.

Tiana N. Terry, 31, of 30 Buell St., Batavia, is charged with menacing, 2nd. Terry allegedly threatened another person with a knife during a domestic incident reported at 10:21 p.m., Saturday.

Jason D. Alessi, 20, of 9741 Simonds Road, Corfu, is charged with making graffiti. Alessi was allegedly caught spraying painting some equipment at the Skate Park off Evans Street, Batavia.

Kevin O. Simmons, 53, of 20 Central Ave., Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and unlicensed driver. Simmons was arrested by Sgt. Jason Davis following an investigation into a property damage accident reported at 2:30 a.m., May 18, at 210 State St., Batavia.

Steven Matthew Seyler, 22, of Bridgeman Road, Sanborn, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding (44 in a 35 mph zone) and failure to keep right. Seyler was stopped at 12:39 a.m., Monday, on Route 33, Corfu, by Deputy Frank Bordonaro.

Batavia's varsity coach hosting free football camp for sixth- and seventh-graders

By Howard B. Owens

Brennan Briggs, head football coach for the Batavia Blue Devils, is invivitng all sixth- and seventh-graders to a free football camp from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Sunday, at Van Detta Stadium.

The team's coach staff and varsity players will assist in putting the aspiring high school football players through their paces in individual skills and drills on offense and defense.

Briggs will provided information on the modified football program and there will be flag football games following the two-hour camp.

Participants will also receive Blue Devils apparel and a tour of Van Detta Stadium.

All participants must bring cleats, sneakers, outdoor clothes and a water bottle.

Photo: Boy lands another prize pike

By Howard B. Owens

Kyle Kendall's favorite sport is baseball, but he seems to have a knack for catching trophy pike.

Last summer, he caught a big one at the sand wash, which his parents had mounted. This weekend, he landed a 35.5-inch, 10-pound pike.

Photo and info submitted by Dave Kendall.

Photo: The rescue of 'Lola' on Pringle Avenue

By Howard B. Owens

"Lola" thought about trying to make her escape today, but once on the roof above the porch of her home on Pringle Avenue, she wasn't quite sure of her next move.

A neighbor tried getting to her with a ladder, but she was too big and hard to carry on his own.

Police were called, who called the fire department.

The owner wasn't home, but firefighters were able to gain access to the house and went to the second floor. Firefighter Bob Fix opened a window and called to her.

At that point, "Lola" gave serious consideration to jumping from the roof. Onlookers yelled, "no," and Fix called her again. She turned and walked into the house through the window.

When Fix came out, he said "Lola" was standing on the kitchen table.

About this time, the owner returned from a bike ride with her children.

It's not the first time "Lola" has done something like this, she said. At their previous residence -- the family recently moved to Pringle -- "Lola" jumped from a second-floor window.

"She's crazy," she said.

Then her children got tours of the fire truck and the police car.

(Initial Post)

Photo: A tiger swallowtail butterfly

By Howard B. Owens

My big project this weekend was to plant eight new rose bushes and some other flowering plants in the front yard.

This afternoon, as I worked on Memorial Day pictures, I heard a boy's voice outside. He was summoning his sister.

"Come see," he said. "I found a tiger swallowtail butterfly. Come see it."

He kept repeating, "It's a tiger swallowtail."

So, I went out side to see it. 

The butterfly was just sitting next to a newly planted rose.

The boy told me, "I've seen a picture of one in a book before, but never in person."

I asked him if he knew a lot about butterflies and he told me he was fascinated by butterflies and that his dream, once he's grown up, is to breed the first "American swallowtail," which he said would be a red, white and blue butterfly.

Photos: Memorial Day events for 2013 in Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

There were about 20 Memorial Day events in Genesee County today. Here are photos from four of them: Services at the NYS Vets Home, the Upton Monument and parades in Batavia and Corfu.

And Ken Mistler's giant flag on the Carr's building.

To purchase prints of photos, click here.

Barn fire reported on State Street Road, Batavia

By Billie Owens

A barn fire is reported at 8244 State Street Road, just north of the BOCES complex. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding. "That would be the old Stan's Harley-Davidson."

UPDATE 7:39 p.m.: Oakfield is asked to stand by in Town of Batavia's Station #1.

UPDATE 7:43 p.m.: State Street Road is shut down just north of BOCES to accommodate a 5-inch water line across the road to fight the fire.

UPDATE 7:48 p.m.: Town of Batavia fire and Mercy medics are on scene.

UPDATE 7:58 p.m.: The electrical breakers for the barn have been shut off.

UPDATE 8 p.m.: The barn is being vented.

UPDATE 8:09 p.m.: The fire is under control and firefighters are now doing overhaul.

Irish setter said to be on a roof on Pringle Avenue in the city

By Billie Owens

A resident reports there is an Irish setter on the roof at 30 Pringle Ave. in the city. The fire department is responding.

UPDATE 6:40 p.m.: Truck #15 is responding with its ladder. The home was recently purchased and the owners are not there. The dog busted through a screen on the second floor and is just hanging out, perhaps enjoying the scenery.

UPDATE 6:54 p.m.: "Lola" the dog was put safely back in the home, coaxed by firefighters. The owner, who was out for a bike ride, subsequently returned.

UPDATE 6:56 p.m.: Truck #15 is back in quarters.

Law and Order: Pavilion man accused of possessing stolen vehicle, tools

By Howard B. Owens

Bryan McWayne Hargrave, 26, of Morrow Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 3rd. Hargrave was reportedly found in possession of a vehicle and tools that had been reported stolen in Le Roy on Saturday. Hargrave was jailed on $20,000 bail.

Woodrow Clarence Horseman, 37, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Horseman was allegedly caught shoplifting at Kmart.

Beth M. Overacker, 34, of North Chili, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, aggravated DWI (child in car), endangering the welfare of a child, controlled substance not in original container and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Overacker was stopped at 11:53 a.m., Saturday, on R. Stephen Hawley Drive, Batavia, by State Police. Overacker was held on bail. No further details released.

Jason W. Lebar, 27, of Stafford, is charged with illegal discharge of a firearm and criminal possession of a weapon, 4th (prior criminal conviction). Lebar was arrested by State Police in connection with an alleged incident reported at 7:08 p.m., Saturday. No further details released.

Photo: Tim McGraw stops in at Next Level Fitness for workout

By Howard B. Owens

A reader sent in this picture of country music superstar Tim McGraw from earlier today when he stopped in at Next Level Fitness to work out. McGraw is playing at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center tonight.

Line up set for Batavia's 2013 Memorial Day Parade

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia's Memorial Day Parade begins in the Eastown Plaza at 10 a.m.

Here's the order of parade participants and what you can expect to see:

First Division:

  • Batavia Police Chief
  • VVA Chapter 193 Color Guard
  • WWII Don Lewis
  • Batavia NG 102nd Gun Bn. AAA
  • Ralph Parise Korea
  • Bob Stack Mustang Conv. Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan
  • Humvee New York Army Guard
  • Daughters of the American Revolution
  • Paul Ohlson and Laura Friend 1946 Plymouth
  • Dick McClurg Roadster Grand Marshall Mary Pat Hancock  
  • The Ghost Riders
  • Eugene Jankowski driving a 1942 Batavia PD motorcycle, wearing a period Batavia PD Police uniform

Second Division:

  • Genesee County Sheriff Dept. Color Guard
  • Genesee County Sheriff’s Dept.
  • New York State Police
  • City of Batavia Fire Department
  • Mercy Ambulance
  • Town of Batavia Fire Department

Third Division:

  • Batavia Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol
  • Sal Licata Remember our Troops
  • Elected Officials
  • Knights of Columbus

Fourth Division:

  • Batavia High School Color Guard and Marching Band
  • Holland Land Office Museum
  • The Peace Garden
  • ARC
  • The Muck Dogs  /  Amy’s Fluffy Friends
  • The Jaycees
  • Rotary Antique Cars

Fifth Division:

  • Batavia Concert Band
  • St. Joseph Kiwanis K Kids
  • Cub Scouts
  • Girl Scouts
  • Boy Scouts
  • 6 Scouts

Sixth Division:

  • The Patriot Guard

Seventh Division:

  • Care a Van Ministries
  • First Student Bus

Horse in the roadway on Pratt Road

By Howard B. Owens

A horse is reportedly loose on Pratt Road.

The owner was reportedly riding the horse and the horse stopped cooperating. She's concerned it may run toward the Thruway.

A deputy is responding.

UPDATE 9:07 a.m.: Deputy on scene. Horse nowhere in sight. Caller being re-contacted.

UPDATE 9:08 a.m.: The owner and the horse are reportedly in a field behind Ridge Road Village Park.

UPDATE 9:29 a.m.: A deputy to another, "She's got that rope over it, but he's not a real willing participant."

UPDATE 9:32 a.m.: Horse re-harnessed. No further law enforcement assistance needed.

GCC officials eager to learn more about Cuomo's 'tax-free zone' proposal

By Howard B. Owens

A proposal to create tax-free zones around SUNY campuses is intriguing to officials at Genesee Community College, according Rick Ensman, director of development and external affairs, even though it's unclear how it will all work.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the proposal a few days ago. The plan would allow any business on a SUNY campus, or in some cases, in a zone around the campus, to operate completely tax free -- including no state income tax for employees -- for 10 years.

The justification, according to Cuomo, is to spur business growth and innovation in New York.

"This is an exciting and innovative proposal," Ensman said. "It has great potential for job creation and new academic-business partnerships. We’re eager to learn about the details, and about how we can participate."

The proposal has not yet been through the legislative process. It seems to have Republican and Democratic support so far, but in the process some details could change or refined.

"As I understand the proposal, businesses would be eligible for the tax-free zone if their products or operations are related to programs of study on the campus," Ensman said. "So it’s possible that businesses related to any of our programs (e.g. technology, health care, office tech, etc.) could locate in the area."

Issues such as where businesses would be located and how they would fit into the campus, or just off campus, won't be explored until and if the proposal becomes law.

"We’re anxious to learn more about the program," Ensman said.

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