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Three local players named to Section V Football Hall of Fame

By Howard B. Owens

Three former football players for Batavia and Le Roy have been named to Section V Football Hall of Fame, according to an item on the D&C's Web site.

William Bosseler (Batavia): All-America in 1965. Played at then University of Buffalo. Later coached at McQuaid and Cardinal Mooney.

Brandon Shaughnessy (Le Roy): All-star on the 1995 Le Roy state champion team and a 1996 AGR team member. All-conference second team tight end and captain at State University of New York at Buffalo.

David Shaughnessy (Le Roy): First-team all-state lineman in 1995. Two-time AGR selection. The former Section V Championship MVP played went on to Ithaca College.

Lee Johnson wins first-ever 'Mr. Batavia' contest

By Howard B. Owens

Congratulations to Lee Johnson, who won the first-ever Mr. Batavia contest held at Batavia High School last night.

Nine young men participated in the competition with any proceeds from the event going to the winner's charity of choice.

Johnson's charity was Genesee Cancer Assistance.

The other participants were Trey Abdella, Dennis Alton, Ryan Warner, Mike DiBacco, Matt Gabriele, Casey Grice, Tim Martin and Adam Weaver.

The group competed in dance, lip syncing, talent, swimsuit, tux walk and Q&A.

NOTE: None of the organizers ever contacted us about this event, otherwise we might have had more coverage. Thanks to Tammi Ferringer for telling us about Lee's win and sending in the picture.

Injuries reported following two-car accident at Oak and Park

By Howard B. Owens

Police are still trying to determine what caused two cars to collide head on at the intersection of Route 98 and Oak Street at 12:35 p.m.

At the point of impact, a white Lincoln Navigator driven by Ouana Caldwell was westbound on Park Road and Marianne Cupler was eastbound in a late model pickup truck, preparing to turn north onto Oak Street.

Cupler was transported to UMMC by Mercy EMS with minor injuries.

Caldwell initially refused medical attention. About two hours later, Mercy EMS was dispatched to the guest waiting area of the Federal Detention Center to examine a patient complaining of pain related to the accident.

(Initial Report)

Photos: Godfrey's prepares for fishing season by stocking pond

By Howard B. Owens

Volunteers with Godfrey's Pond stocked the conservation group's spring-fed pond today with 10- to 14-inch rainbow and golden trout.

Fishing season opens Saturday and members and guests will be able to angle for these beauties throughout the summer.

The pond is stocked twice a year -- in the spring and in the fall -- from fish that are hatched and raised at Godfrey's own facility in a DEC-approved program.

Ron Wickings, above, will help conduct a fly-fishing seminar starting at 9 a.m., Saturday, March 30, that is open to the public. The course is free.

Godfrey's Pond will hold open houses on May 19 and June 16.

Car crash at Oak and Park in the city

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at Oak Street and Park Road in the city. It is blocking traffic. Police and Mercy medics are responding along with city fire.

UPDATE 12:41 p.m.: A second ambulance is called, emergency mode.

UPDATE 12:51 p.m.: A 53-year-old female is being transported to UMMC. She is said to have a cut on her nose, a swollen left eye and knee pain.

UPDATE 1:02 p.m.: Another female involved in the accident declined medical treatment.

UPDATE 2:04 p.m.: The woman who declined treatment at the scene is now calling for an ambulance.

UPDATE 2:06 p.m.: The response is non-emergency. The patient is 35 years old and complaining of chest pain.

Person reportedly suffers leg injury in accident on Bank Street Road

By Howard B. Owens

A person has reportedly suffered a minor leg injury in a two-car motor-vehicle accident on Bank Street Road near West Saile Drive.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS responding.

A deputy responding reports that wind has blowing snow over the roadway and "it's just a sheet of ice."

UPDATE 5:59 p.m.: Northbound Bank Street Road being shut down.

Local and national companies lining up to compete for Batavia's residential trash business

By Howard B. Owens

The Batavia City Council is scheduled to vote on a revised solid waste law that will "get the city out of the trash business" starting June 1, and if that happens, there are private haulers ready to try and woo new customers in the city.

Genesee ARC, of course, has said the agency will continue to offer trash collection service in Batavia, and also plans to expand into other parts of the county.

In a survey of other regional trash haulers, two companies said they plan to compete for customers, a third is considering it, a fourth has no comment and two others couldn't be reached for comment.

Ready to jump into the market are Waste Management, one of the largest trash haulers in the nation, and Town of Alabama-based PSI. Both said they plan to offer residential trash service in Batavia.

Erik Grimm, owner of Suburban Disposal, based in Monroe County, hadn't been aware of the proposed change for garbage pick-up in Batavia, but once he learned about it said it was something his company would research and consider.

"There are economies of scale in the collection industry and without proper route density, there isn't a viable service delivery strategy," Grimm said, adding that his company would have to quantify the risk of opening up routes in Batavia and determine if enough business could be generated to begin operations in the city.

The 28 years of experience Genesee ARC has collecting trash in the city and the obvious loyalty many local residents have for ARC would be one of the risk factors in any business calculation, Grimm said.

"Some level of loyalty is something we would have to think about, absolutely," Grimm said.

Lori Caso, WNY spokeswoman for Waste Management issued the following statement when asked about her company's plans:

Yes, it’s our understanding that Batavia is in the process of creating an open market area. Yes, Waste Management is interested in providing service to the area. In fact, we are in the process of creating a special dedicated phone number to give them priority service.

Both Waste Management and Suburban would offer the kind of automated tote pick up the city tried to institute with a proposed trash ordinance that was shot down by the council three weeks ago.

Allied Republic would have won that contract had the new law passed. John McGoran, manager of municipal services for Allied, did not respond to phone messages asking about his company's plans for Batavia.

Depending on Monday's vote, PSI is ready to offer trash service in Batavia, said owner Pete Stanley.

PSI works out of facilities in Alabama and is currently the contracted disposal service for the Village of Le Roy and Town of Alabama and has customers in Erie County and Attica.

Stanley said his company has always been supportive of ARC and delivers to ARC a lot of recycling material that it picks up.

He said he made his plans to offer trash service to residents of Batavia without knowing that ARC planned to continue to offer trash service, but he said it will be up to residents to decide who they want to do business with.

What PSI offers isn't much different from ARC's service -- using trash cans, bags and bins.

"I'm not going to low ball a number to get the work if (ARC is) going to be out there," Stanley said. "I'm going to offer a number that's reasonable because it costs money to run those trucks. I'm going to put my number out there and if people want to come to us that’s fine."

Dave Boon, of Boon and Sons, which partnered with ARC on a bid for the contracted tote system that was rejected by the City Council, did not return phone messages.

Tom Moran, of Youngblood Disposal, based in Rochester, said he had no comment at this time.

The other option for city residents will be for them to deliver their own bags of garbage to transfer stations.

Bruce Scofield, of Scofield Roll-Off Service, has already started advertising his transfer station in Stafford as a possible garbage drop-off point.

He said for a couple bucks a bag, residents who don't generate a lot of trash -- such as older residents without children -- could save a good deal of money by using a transfer station such as his rather than contract with a refuse collection company.

Donna Saskowski, executive director of Genesee ARC, said she can't discuss details of the ARC's new business operation will be until it's approved by the board next week, but she did say ARC was definitely planning to compete for customers in Batavia.

"I have no doubt we'll be competitive," Saskowski said, citing the hometown location and solid reputation as a trustworthy company as probable competitive advantages.

Of course, many people have said they will stick with ARC because they support what ARC does for local residents, even if it costs a little more. Saskowski indicated though that she realizes it will take more than loyalty to build a business.

"We've gotten a lot of very excellent support from many people in the city," Saskowski said. "For most people, if they're not particularly moved by our mission, it's going to come down to price."

UPDATE: Dave Boon called back and said he's been out of town. At this time, Boon and Son has no intention of going into the trash business in Batavia. Boon said he respects what ARC does and it would feel like "backdooring" them to come into Batavia after working on a partnership agreement for the previous bid.  "I'm not looking to come out and step on their toes," he said.

Trailer for Bill Kauffman's 'Copperhead' released, film opens June 28

By Howard B. Owens

A screenplay by local author Bill Kauffman has been turned into a major motion picture and today the official trailer was released by the studio.

"Copperhead," set in Civil War-era Upstate New York, deals with the wars effects on people far removed from the battlefields.

The film opens nationally in theaters June 28.

The subject matter of the film -- a seldom portrayed aspect of Civil War America -- may be well-timed following the box office and critical success of the movie "Lincoln."

Copperhead stars Billy Campbell, Peter Fonda, Augustus Prew and Angus Macfadyen and is directed by Ronald F. Maxwell. The screenplay is an adaptation of a novel by Harold Frederic. Frederic, of Utica, wrote "The Copperhead" in 1893.

Kauffman, born in Batavia and a resident of Elba, is the author of "Dispatches from the Muckdog Gazette" and eight other books.

Photos: Firefighters train on Ladder 15 in the cold and snow

By Howard B. Owens

A bit of cold and snow didn't stop City firefighters from doing a little ladder truck training today outside the fire hall on Evans Street.

We can expect another inch or two of snow today, the third day of spring, but don't expect this period of cold and snow to end anytime soon. Forecasters with the National Weather Service expect snow and cold to last until April, with a short break for a little sunshine over the weekend.

The good news might be: Warmer than average temperatures in April, if that forecast holds.

Law and Order: Jackson Street couple accused of filing false robbery report

By Howard B. Owens

Tiffany M. Sprague, 31, and Kevin J. Fickel, 31, of 102 Jackson St., Batavia, are charged with falsely reporting an incident 3rd. Sprague and Fickel are accused of reporting a robbery where the assailant displayed a knife March 16. A police investigation concluded the incident did not occur. 

Jerome S. Dennis II, 26, of 541 LaSalle Ave., Buffalo, is charged with criminal contempt, endangering the welfare of a child and aggravated harassment 2nd. Dennis is accused of violating a stay away order of protection by repeatedly texting the protected party and then showing up at the residence of the person. Dennis is also accused of grabbing a child by the arm and then setting the barefoot one-year-old on the sidewalk in 27 degree weather.

Photos: Batavia Kiwanis receive donation for CAC home and welcomes six new members

By Howard B. Owens

It was a banner day at the weekly meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia, with a donation in support of the club's long-term project and six new members joining the club on a single day.

Charlene Schoenenberger, representing the Le Roy, Pavilion, Stafford club presented the Batavia club with a $1,365 check. The donation assists the Batavia club toward raising $150,000 for the Child Advocacy Center to build a new facility. The Batavia club is raising $100,000 and the other area Kiwanis clubs are being asked to chip in $50,000.

So far, $80,000 has been raised.

President Ed Minardo (above with Schoenenberger) said six members joining on the same day was probably a record for the club.

New members with their sponsors: From left, Gary Maha and new member (and returning member) Susan Maha; Past President David Chua and Rick Dunn; Jay Nickerson and new member Mike Rimer; Myra Schroeder with sponsor Jeanne Walton; Shannon Ford and Joycelyn Sikorski with sponsor President Ed Minardo.

Photo: Chihuahua 'Belle' still missing in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Heather Klein is still looking for help in locating her missing chihuahua, Belle, who ran from her kennel March 17.

Belle split without her collar on and was last seen at Main and River streets, with sightings at Birchwood, Dewey and Woodrow. She is the color of a deer with white on her neck. She weighs five pounds and is 5 years old and is skittish.

Klein is offering a reward for her safe return.

Heather can be reached at (585) 993-1050.

Law and Order: Four DWI charges

By Howard B. Owens

Richard T. Gross, 49, of Wyoming, is charged with DWI, open container and driving with no brake light. Gross was stopped by Le Roy PD.

Scott M. Dickson Jr., 27, of Le Roy, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. Dickson was stopped by Le Roy PD for questioning related to a suspicious condition.

Timothy J. Sattora, 48, of Avon, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. Sattora was stopped by Le Roy PD for allegedly speeding. He allegedly possessed a small amount of marijuana.

Jason Rex Forkey, 32, of Trumbull Parkway, Batavia, is charged with DWI, speeding and using a mobile phone while driving. Forkey was stopped at 6:35 a.m. Wednesday on Route 33, Stafford, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Thomas Scott Spencer, 45, of West Bethany Road, Alexander, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing. Spencer was arrested in connection with an event reported at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 23.

Christopher Lynn Allison, 18, of Hickox Road, Alexander, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of alcohol under age 21. Allison was charged following a check by Deputy Joseph Corona of a disabled vehicle at 1:17 a.m. Tuesday on Main Street, Pembroke.

Willie J. Miles Jr., 49, of 45 Washington Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Miles allegedly violated an order of protection by sending numerous text messages to the protected party.

Ashley J. Ziminski, 23, of 25 Franklin St., Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Ziminski was stopped by Sgt. Dan Coffey at 4:20 a.m., after Batavia PD received a report of an erratic driver.

Task Force searches residence on Maple Street, allegedly finds crack cocaine

By Howard B. Owens

A search of a residence at 16 Maple St., Batavia, allegedly uncovered a quantity of crack cocaine and marijuana leading to the arrest of two people, including on a drug dealing charge.

Taken into custody were Jonathan C. "Jay" Hoges, 30, of Bank Street, Batavia, and Ellen M. Martinez, 25, of Maple Street, Batavia.

The Local Drug Enforcement Task Force executed the search warrant on Wednesday evening.

Hoges was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, a Class B felony, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th, a Class C felony, unlawful possession of marijuana, and criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd, a misdemeanor.

The top count is based on an allegation that Hoges possessed drugs with the intent to sell the drugs.

He was ordered held without bail.

Martinez was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Martinez was issued an appearance ticket.

Batavia PD and uniformed deputies assisted in the search.

City Schools accepting application for pre-k program

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The City School District of Batavia is accepting applications for the 2013–2014 Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program.  The Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program provides an opportunity for 4 year-old children to be involved in developmentally appropriate pre-kindergarten education classes.

Children who are residents of the City School District and are 4 years of age on or before December 1, 2013 and who are not enrolled in a BOCES Special Education Program are eligible to apply.   

The district will offer the Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program pending New York State funding.

Letters will be mailed to residents within the District. 

Families with 4-year old children that do not receive an application are asked to contact Julie Tybor at 343-2480, ext. 7516.  A lottery will be used to select children for the Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program.  Selections will be made as soon as possible. 

Application deadline is April 5, 2013.

BHS Alumni announce formation of gridiron club to support Batavia's football program

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

A group of Batavia High School alumni are creating a BHS football alumni club. The Blue Devils Gridiron Club is an organization of current and former players, parents, families, coaches, and friends who provide financial support and volunteer services for a wide variety of functions in coordination with the Batavia High School football program.

This year’s Gridiron Club events will be held on Saturday, Aug. 3 and Sunday, Aug. 4. The events will include a golf tournament, an open house and a family day at VanDetta Stadium. There will be several levels of membership available. The primary goals of the club are to foster a positive atmosphere for current players, provide financial support to the football program, provide networking opportunities for alumni, and create connections to keep the Blue Devil spirit alive. 

For more information or to obtain a membership application please contact the Head Varsity Coach Brennan Briggs at Bataviafootballalumni@yahoo.com or Class of 1982 Alumni Pat Salvador at (315) 317-6365. You can also visit us on face book by searching Batavia Blue Devils.

Batavia and Pembroke come out on top in semi-finals of Mock Trial tournament

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia High School beat Alexander on Wednesday evening in a Mock Trial competition held in the Livingston County Courthouse and will move on to the area final competition Monday in Warsaw.

Batavia will face Pembroke, who beat Byron-Bergen.

The four teams squared off in two-round competitions, with each side trying a case once as the plaintiff and once as the defense.

Batavia won both rounds against Alexander, scoring 114 points to Alexander's 105.

Pembroke also won both sides, with a score of 90 points against 82 for Byron-Bergen.

The case this year is a civil suit between a computer student who feels a private college offering programing degrees misled him about the quality of education he/she would receive and the prospects for employment post-graduation.

The cases were presided over by Livingston County Court judges Robert Wiggins and Thomas Moran.

The photos are from the first round between Batavia and Alexander, with Batavia in the plaintiff role and Alexander on defense.

Batavia's plaintiff team: Kaitlin Logsdon, Matt Gabriele and Beth Bennon as attorneys and Brandon Smart, Dylan Beckman and Chelsea Jensen as witnesses. Alexander's defense attorneys were Kaeleigh Bean, Felicia Rynkowski and Deven Blowers, with witnesses Audrey Browne, Evelyn Aubrey, Katie Wolfley and Karl Kunze (on both sides).

On defense for Batavia were Trey Abdella, McKenzie Stevens and Danielle Quinn, with witnesses Eric Dilaura, Katie Keiser and Cara Randall. Alexander's plaintiff attorneys were Russell Brinkman, Justin Zito and Samantha James.

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