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Photos: Popsicles with the Principal

By Howard B. Owens

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Yesterday, students at Jackson Elementary enjoyed Popsicles with the Principal (Maureen Notaro).

Photos submitted by Maureen Notaro.

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Batavia PD officers donate $1,500 to Challenger Sports

By Press Release

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Press release:

City of Batavia Police Department members raised an impressive $1,500.00 among their ranks to support the Challenger Sports program run by the Batavia Y and supported by the Arc of Genesee Orleans.  

It was Police Sergeant Lawrence’s idea to target their fundraising proceeds to Challenger Baseball.  “I have a law enforcement colleague in another state that’s involved in Challenger,” the Sergeant said.  “We have a lot of new hires on the force.  This is a great cause to encourage them get involved in the community,” he stated.

Challenger sports benefits children with intellectual, developmental or physical disabilities and has offered them the opportunity to swim, bowl, dance, play baseball, soccer, basketball and tennis. 

Batavia Police department members that contributed to the Challenger fundraiser were: Officers Borchert, Cronmiller, Defelice, Flanagan, Freeman, Girvin, Gombos, Perkins, Rissinger, Chief Heubusch, Detective Hill, Sergeant Lawrence and Parking Enforcement Officer Sheflin. 

Y representatives shared the funds will be used for supplies such as adaptive equipment for future programs.

Law and Order: Batavia man arrested on six warrants for failure to appear, released

By Howard B. Owens

Thomas Tacito, 61, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with six counts of failure to appear. Tacito was arrested on six bench warrants for allegedly failing to appear for court dates when previously arrested on appearance tickets.  He was arraigned and released on his own recognizance.

Cassandra Smith, 35, of Main Street, Piffard, is charged with cemetery desecration.  At 10:25 a.m., Aug. 17 police officers were dispatched for a report of a suspicious female in the St. Joseph Cemetery.  It appeared that she was taking items from gravesites. Police located Smith and her vehicle in the cemetery. She allegedly stole numerous items including statues, planters, and flags from gravesites in the cemetery. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Jeremiah Williams, 30, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with sex offender/failure to verify address. Batavia police officers responded to the Super 8 Motel in an attempt to locate Williams on multiple warrants, including a harassment 2nd warrant. Williams was located and taken into custody. Williams was arraigned in City Court.  His custody status was not reported.

Rosemary Waters, 35, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Waters was arrested on a warrant following a police investigation into a suspicious condition at a business on Oak Street.  Waters was arraigned in City Court. Her custody status was not reported.

Germayne Session, 27, of Gardiener Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal mischief 4th and three counts endangering the welfare of a child. On July 27, Gardiener allegedly punched the windshield of a van belonging to another person causing it to shatter.  There were three children in the van. Gardiener was issued an appearance ticket.

Tyler Gorski, 19, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, unlawful imprisonment, and harassment.  Gorski was allegedly involved in a disturbance on Bank Street at 8:18 p.m., Aug. 13.  He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.

Drew Fortes-Crimes, 23, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd and harassment 2nd. During an incident on Harvester Avenue on Aug. 14, Fortes-Crimes allegedly damaged property and subjected the victim to unwanted physical contact. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jordin Schultz, 23, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, criminal mischief 4th, and harassment 2nd. Schultz allegedly slapped another person, grabbed that person by the neck, and took that person's phone in an attempt to prevent the person from calling 9-1-1 during an incident reported at 10 p.m., Aug. 13.  Schultz was arraigned in City Court and released.

Tarah Mruczek, 34, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Mruczek allegedly struck another person during an argument on Aug. 15.  She was arraigned in City Court and released.

Mark Farley, 53, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. Farley is accused of violating an order of protection. He was jailed on $2,500 cash bail, $5,000 bond, or $10,000 partially secured bond.

Michael Quinn Keaney, 38, of Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Keaney was stopped at 12:03 a.m., Aug. 21, on Alexander Road, Alexander, by Deputy Trevor Sherwood.

Kyle Allen Hawley, 31, of Spring Street, Bergen, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Hawley allegedly overdosed on a narcotic analgesic while in a presence of a child less than 17 years old. Hawley was administered narcan by emergency responders and transported to an area hospital.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Photos: Adult Field Days at Notre Dame

By Howard B. Owens

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Notre Dame had a good turnout Saturday for its Adult Field Days on the school's football field.

The event featured Corn Hole, CAn Jam, Volleyball, Spike Ball along with food, drink, and live music.

Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

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Four injured in rollover accident near GCC

By Howard B. Owens

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Four people were transported to Strong Memorial Hospital early this morning after a one-car rollover accident on Assemblyman R Stephen Hawley Drive in the Town of Batavia.

Entrapment was reported in the initial call.

Mercy Flight transported one patient to Strong.

State Police are conducting the accident investigation.

Photos and info by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

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Go kart accident reported at Genesee County Fairgrounds

By Howard B. Owens

A go kart has reportedly hit a pedestrian at the Genesee County Fairgrounds.

A head injury is reported. 

Mercy EMS responding

UPDATE 9:07 p.m.: Town of Batavia back in service. A patient is being transported to UMMC.

Tompkins named one of nation's Top 100 insurance agencies

By Press Release

Press release:

Tompkins Insurance Agencies has been named among the Top 100 largest independent property/casualty agency in the nation by Insurance Journal.This is Tompkins Insurance Agencies’ seventh consecutive appearance on Insurance Journal’s top 100 list, with a 2021 ranking of 87thlargest.

Agencies included on Insurance Journal’s Top 100 list are ranked by total property/casualty agency revenue for 2020 and comprises only those agencies whose business is primarily retail, not wholesale.  This year’s report was published in the August 5 issue.

Tompkins Insurance operates 18 offices in western New York, six offices in central New York, and seven offices in southeastern Pennsylvania. A part of Tompkins Financial Corporation, (trading as TMP on the NYSE - MKT), the agency is affiliated with Tompkins Bank of Castile, Tompkins Trust Company, Tompkins VIST Bank and Tompkins Financial Advisors. It is an independent insurance agency offering personal and business insurance and employee benefits services through more than 50 different companies.

Master Gardeners announce annual Fall Garden Gala

By Press Release

Press release:

Save the date! Saturday, September 18, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, the Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Fall Garden Gala at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main Street in Batavia.

This plant sale features hardy garden perennials, most grown by Master Gardeners.  Fall is a good time to plant many perennials as there is still time for them to grow a strong root system before winter.  An interesting selection of house plants will also be available for sale.

Don’t forget to stop inside for the Chance Basket Auction.  You never know what treasures may appear, including unique garden art.  The Chance Basket Auction drawing will begin at 12:30 pm.

Learn how to artfully arrange flowers fresh from the garden as talented Master Gardeners create arrangements and bouquets right before your eyes!  These beautiful flower arrangements will be available for sale.

The Master Gardener Helpline will also be open to answer your gardening questions. Not sure what your garden pH is? Bring in a soil sample for FREE pH testing.

Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants at great prices. Arrive at 10 am for the best plant selection.  No early birds please.

Proceeds from the sale benefit the educational outreach of the Genesee County Master Gardener Program.

We will be following CDC guidance that is available at the time of the event.  Thank you for your cooperation and support!

For more information contact Jan Beglinger at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 132, or stop by the Extension office at 420 East Main Street in Batavia.  Visit our website at: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/eventsfor more information.  Like us on our Facebook page for Gala and other Master Gardener program updates: https://www.facebook.com/CCEofGenesee.

ESL announces first-time home buyer grant for Black and Latino residents

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

ESL Federal Credit Union announces the launch of the ESL First-Time Homebuyer Grant, a 10-to-1 dollar-for-dollar match, up to $10,500 toward down payment and closing costs, for eligible Black and Latino residents in Greater Rochester.

According to U.S. Census data in the Hard Facts Update released in 2020 by ACT Rochester, homeownership rates among Black and Latino residents are 32 percent and 35 percent, respectively, in the Greater Rochester nine-county region. This is compared to 73 percent among white residents in the region.

“The creation of the ESL First-Time Homebuyer Grant helps in addressing the inequitable homeownership opportunities that exist in our community,” said Faheem Masood, president and CEO, ESL Federal Credit Union. “These inequitable opportunities experienced by the Black and Latino communities have existed for generations, and have stood in the way of providing these residents with access to and attainability of homeownership, the most common of wealth-building tools. Our community cannot be prosperous so long as these inequitable opportunities exist, and ESL is committed to doing our part to embedding greater equity in our community so all who call Greater Rochester home can thrive.”

The ESL First-Time Homebuyer Grant offers eligible first-time homebuyers the ability to earn $10 in grant dollars for every $1 saved over a minimum six-month savings period. The grant provides home buying educational support, a dedicated ESL Savings Account, and funds towards down payment/closing costs.

“Our goal is to make the home buying process more accessible for Black and Latino residents in our community,” said Caytie Bowser, Vice President/Director, Product Development and Management, ESL Federal Credit Union. “Closing costs and down payments are two of the biggest impediments when it comes to the homebuying process. Through this grant, we are not only able to lessen the upfront cost burden of buying a home, but ultimately set up grant participants for long-term success through first-time homebuyer education sessions and access to post-homeownership guidance.”

Grants are available annually on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible Black and Latino buyers. ESL is committed to providing 300 grants on an annual basis.

The grant funds will be made available to owner-occupied purchased properties that are located within Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties in the State of New York.

For complete details and eligibility requirements about the ESL First-Time Homebuyer Grant, visit the ESL First-Time Homebuyer Grant page on esl.org.

Mumford man charged with grand larceny

By Howard B. Owens

Richard Andrew Auguliaro, 53, of Mumford, is charged with grand larceny 4th.  On Aug. 15, the Sheriff's Office received a report of a wallet, containing a debit card, stolen from a location in Le Roy. Auguliaro was arrested and charged following an investigation by Deputy Robert Henning and Investigator Ryan DeLong.  He was released on an appearance ticket.

Michael Wesley Flint, 22, of Spring Street, Mount Morris, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Flint was allegedly found in possession of heroin at the time of his arrest on a violation of probation warrant.  Flint was issued an appearance ticket and then turned over to the Livingston County Sheriff's Office on the warrant.

Corey Amber Knapp, 19, of North Street, Medina, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Following a traffic stop at 7;23 p.m., Jan. 1, by Deputy Jacob Gauthier, Knapp, who was a back seat passenger, was allegedly found in possession of fentanyl and cocaine.

Community Garden tours available Aug. 31

By Howard B. Owens

Fresh vegetables and beautiful flowers abound right now at the City of Batavia Community Garden. In its ninth year of operation, the garden started small and has expanded each year and now has almost 50 beds available for lease.

If you’d like to learn more about it and see it first hand, the Garden Advisory Board and current gardeners are hosting an open house to take you on a tour.

Join us on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, any time between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. 

Event Date and Time
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Community Garden tours available Aug. 31

By Press Release

Press release:

Fresh vegetables and beautiful flowers abound right now at the City of Batavia Community Garden. In its ninth year of operation, the garden started small and has expanded each year and now has almost 50 beds available for lease.

If you’d like to learn more about it and see it first hand, the Garden Advisory Board and current gardeners are hosting an open house to take you on a tour.

Join us on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, any time between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. 

There are currently plans to expand the garden next year. There will likely be plenty of ready-to-plant raised beds available for lease at a reasonable cost. 

Master Gardeners are on hand to assist with gardening tips and tricks and pest management. Gardeners are expected to help maintain common areas if they can.

Join our Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BataviaCommunityGarden/ page or visit the City of Batavia website for further information. https://www.batavianewyork.com/community-garden

Reel Discussions at Richmond Memorial Library

By Howard B. Owens

Welcome Back!  Come view the movie and join us for a group discussion afterward.  Yes, you did read that correctly!  On Thursday, August 26th at 6:00 pm, we will be showing the movie is “This Beautiful Fantastic”.  When Bella Brown, a reclusive young woman is threatened with eviction unless she gives her garden a makeover, she sets to work watched by her scornful and curmudgeonly next-door neighbour, Alfie.  For more information, call the library at 343-9550 or log onto www.batavialibrary.org.

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Grand Jury Report: Man who reportedly fled police facing multiple felonies, including menacing a police officer

By Howard B. Owens

Charles M. Jackson is indicted on counts of menacing a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, four counts of reckless endangerment in the first degree, three counts of obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, two counts unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree, two counts of reckless driving, and criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree.  Jackson is accused of attempting to place, or place, a police officer in reasonable fear of physical injury or death by displaying a deadly weapon on March 21. He is accused of placing others in grave danger with depraved indifference to human life. He is accused of struggling with a police officer over a firearm placing others in danger. He is accused of placing others in danger by fleeing from a police officer in a motor vehicle and by ramming into two Genesee County patrol cars. He is accused of obstructing police officers from performing their official duties by fleeing. He is accused of possessing a forged Ohio State Driver's License.

James J. Santiago, Jr. is indicted on counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, attempted assault in the third degree, menacing in the second degree, and trespass. On May 3, Santiago allegedly possessed a knife while on Washington Avenue, Batavia, with the intent to use it against another person and that he intended to cause physical injury to another person. He is accused of threatening a person with the knife. He is also accused of entering the dwelling of another person without permission and remaining there.

Daniel J. Wolfe is indicted on counts of burglary in the second degree and two counts of criminal contempt in the second degree. Wolfe is accused of entering a dwelling with the intent of committing a crime and of violating an order of protection in the process.

Edwin L. Stancliff is indicted on counts of felony driving while intoxicated, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and criminal mischief in the third degree. Stancliff is accused of driving a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer while intoxicated on Feb. 14 in the Town of Batavia.   He is accused of intentionally damaging a glass door at State Police Troop A headquarters.

Wayne D. Potter is indicted on counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, menacing in the second degree, and assault in the second degree. On Jan. 11, at 111 Liberty St. Batavia, Potter allegedly held a knife with the intent to use it against another person. He is also accused of placing or attempting to place another person in fear of physical injury or death. On Feb. 16, Potter allegedly assaulted a person while in the Genesee County Jail.

James T. Saddler, III, is indicted on counts of assault in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon third, and two counts of harassment in the second degree. On June 24, in the Town of Batavia, Saddler allegedly used a tire iron to injury another person.  He is also accused of shoving and kicking another person.

Richmond announces return of Books Sandwiched In

By Press Release

Press release:

Richmond Memorial Library is excited to announce the return of a hallmark program, Books Sandwiched In, on Wednesdays in September. Books Sandwiched In is a book review program; each week, a speaker will review a book, followed by discussion and Q&A. 

The Books Sandwiched In committee has planned the Fall 2021 series in memory of Bob Knipe, who served on the committee for many years, presenting several times as a reviewer. Bob, a community advocate and friend to many, passed after a brief illness in February 2021. 

“One of our committee members had the idea to develop a series in Bob’s memory and we couldn’t think of a more fitting tribute,” shares Samantha Basile, Community & Adult services librarian and program coordinator. “Bob was an avid reader and a friend to the library and this community in so many ways. We feel humbled to honor him through this program that he dedicated his time and talent to over the years.”

Each session will feature a book about a topic that Bob was passionate about, presented by someone who knew him well. Selections range from a book about puns to highlight Bob’s delight in the English language, to a book about music and the brain, which encompasses his talent as a musician and love of learning.

The programs take place from 12:10 pm – 1 pm every Wednesday in September in the Gallery Room at Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St, Batavia. Refreshments will be served. You do not need to read the books in order to attend- all are welcome!

This series will include a 50/50 cash raffle at each session, with proceeds going to Bob’s family to donate to causes of their choosing in his memory.  Enter for a chance to win a door prize at each session- a copy of the 2021 Richmond Reads book, The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin! 

The line-up: 

Wednesday, September 1: Dr. Greg Van Dussen will review The Pun Also Rises: How the Humble Pun Revolutionized Language, Changed History and Made Wordplay More Than Some Antics by John Pollack. 

Wednesday, September 8: Tammy Hathaway will review Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant. 

Wednesday, September 15: David Blake will review Death is but a Dream: Finding Hope and Meaning at Life’s Endby Dr. Christopher Kerr.

Wednesday, September 22: Barbara Meyer will review Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain by Oliver Sacks.

Wednesday, September 29: Jay Gsell will review Saving America: 7 Steps to Make Government Deliver Great Results by Mark Aesch.

Books Sandwiched In is generously sponsored by the Friends of Richmond Memorial Library.

Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross St in the City of Batavia. Find us online at batavialibrary.org. 

Batavia PD looking to ID man in shoplifting investigation

By Howard B. Owens

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Batavia PD is asking the public's assistance in identifying the man in the photo to the right in connection with a shoplifting investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Office Kevin Defelice at (585) 345-6350.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Batavia grad Griffin Della Penna earns SPJ scholarship

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Communications students from Canisius College, St. Bonaventure University, Syracuse University and the University at Albany have won awards for the upcoming academic year from the Greater Buffalo Society of Professional Journalists College Scholarship Fund.

Meghan Brink of Allegany, N.Y. attends the University at Albany where as editor-in-chief of the Albany Student Press, she played a key role in reviving the independent student newspaper. She has also been an intern with New York StateWatch. 

Griffin Della Penna of Batavia attends Canisius College where he has been focusing on sports journalism. He served as the team broadcaster and director of media relations for the Batavia Muckdogs this past summer and has accepted a position to be a ESPN 3 broadcaster at Canisius for its soccer programs. 

Meghan Hall of Amherst attends St. Bonaventure University and has contributed to TAPinto Greater Olean, an online newspaper. She has also worked part-time at the Olean Times Herald and served as a fellow at the Carnegie-Knight News21 Program at Arizona State University.

Jenna Wirth of Williamsville attends Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications where she has contributed more than 150 articles to print and digital publications. She was a fellow for Popsugar, a digital lifestyle publication, as well as Health magazine. 

“These four talented individuals have distinguished themselves as exceptional student journalists,” said Fund Chair Brian Meyer. “We believe they possess enormous potential and will achieve great things in their professions.”

This marks the 43rd year that the local organization has awarded annual scholarships to aspiring and professional journalists. Since the late 1970s, the group has awarded 155 scholarships totaling more than $135,000. Winners have attended about 30 different colleges and universities in the United States and Canada.

The program helps future and current journalists in Western New York, Northwest Pennsylvania and Southern Ontario. Five trustees, chosen for staggered five-year terms, serve without remuneration. Nearly 100 percent of all fund revenues are awarded as scholarships. 

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