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Water main break reported on Woodcrest Drive, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A water main break is reported at 9 Woodcrest Drive that is affecting customers on Woodcrest Drive between Hillside Drive and Naramore Drive, Batavia.

Residents may find water pressure is low and the water may be discolored.

Crews are on-site making repairs.

UPDATE: As of 7:30 p.m., the break was repaired and service restored.

Law and Order: Rochester resident arrested on charges in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Dominique L. Clyburn, 22, of 142 Saxton St., Rochester, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, criminal mischief, 4th, and harassment, 2nd. Clyburn was taken into custody by Rochester PD on an arrest warrant out of Batavia City Court and turned over to Batavia PD. Clyburn was jailed on $1,500 bail.

Elizabeth Ann Bucci, 58, of Prestige Crossing, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Bucci is accused of placing a phone call to a person she was ordered not to contact.

Casey Thomas Sutherland, 22, of Westside Drive, Churchville, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Sutherland was allegedly found in possession of a small amount of marijuana during a traffic stop by Deputy Jason Saile at 9:20 p.m. Friday on Route 262, Byron.

Jonathan Christopher Pestillo, 18, of Seven Springs Road, Batavia, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. Pestillo is accused of shoplifting from Target on Dec. 16 and Dec. 19.

Jessie Marie Miles, 49, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Miles is accused of shoplifting at Kmart.

Jason L. Perry, 18, of Pavilion, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and driving without a license. Perry was arrested by State Police on an alleged incident reported at 2:32 p.m. Thursday in Pavilion.

Deputy treks into woods to rescue stranded snowmobiler

By Alecia Kaus

Deputy Brian Thompson was battling flu and fever today. That didn't stop him from helping a snowmobiler who was stranded in water and ice on a trail off Wilkinson Road in East Pembroke.

Genesee County dispatchers got the 9-1-1 call about 2:30 this afternoon of a snowmobiler swamped in water near a creek and Deputy Thompson was the first on scene. 

Using the GPS signal from the snowmobiler's phone, Thompson was able to position himself 575 feet south of the scene. After about 10 minutes of plowing through waist-deep snow, and a half mile later, Thompson spotted the 30 year old male rider standing on a small island next to a tree. His snowmobile was up to its windshield in water.

Deputy Thompson was able to guide him back to the trail and onto the road where an ambulance was waiting. Hypothermia was a concern after being in the cold creek water and frigid temperatures for 45 minutes. Mercy Medic ambulance crews checked the rider over and he was released at the scene.

The snowmobile had to be removed before nightfall to keep the trail safe for other riders.

Rising creek waters made the ice thin and the area swamp-like near the trail. Riders need to be aware of trail conditions each day.

Thompson says this rider was lucky. He says it's important to remember some basic snowmobiling rules that could save your life. Never drink and ride, travel in pairs, never alone, slow down, and always be aware that trails change from day to day. 

Thompson says, "This young man had just been on the trail yesterday, and again this just shows how fast conditions can change. He was confident the trail would be OK today, and it wasn't."

Fight at laundromat over washing machine

By Billie Owens

Two patrons of Tenney Coin Laundry at 198 Ellicott St. reportedly got into a fight over a washing machine and one of them slammed the machine's lid on the other's fingers. Police are responding.

Man goes bonkers in Sunny's Restaurant, police called in

By Billie Owens

A male patron of Sunny's Restaurant in the city mall reportedly got out of control and police have been called to respond. He is said to have started "swinging at people" once outside the eatery and was trying to regain entry through a side door.

UPDATE 3:04 p.m.: "Subject was gone upon arrival. We'll be checking the area," said an officer, but now another officer says the suspect may have been located at Tim Horton's.

Vehicle reportedly rolls over on East Main in the city and drives away

By Howard B. Owens

A caller reports seeing an SUV roll over at East Main and Vine streets and then leave the area.

Another caller reports seeing a Trailblazer-type vehicle, doing 60 or 65 mph on East Main in the same area, hit a snow bank and drive off.

The first caller was headed in the opposite direction, but turned around after seeing the rollover, he said, and when he did, the SUV was gone.

A police officer on scene says there is no debris in the roadway, but there has been a lot of snow knocked into the roadway. He then reported being waved down by some people standing on the sidewalk nearby.

UPDATE 10:45 p.m.: An officer has located a tan Blazer or Jimmy. When a dispatcher asked if EMS was necessary, the officer said the driver is uncooperative at this point.

UPDATE 11:09 p.m.: Police are  interviewing witnesses and suspect(s).

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.

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