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Photos: Forget Cyber Monday, shop local for the holidays

By Howard B. Owens

As we pointed out Friday, local shop owners are standing by, ready to help you with the perfect holiday gift.

And as we said, when you shop local, more of your hard-earned dollars stay in our local community where they can do the most good.

Above, Jim and Tina Lambert, Lambert's Design Jewelers.

Ross Walker, RW Vapors.

Bill Hume, Foxprowl.

Batavia PD, Salvation Army collecting toys, clothing for holidays

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Police, in partnership with Salvation Army, are collecting items to help those in need this holiday season.

Police officers as part of their normal duties meet families in unique situations and see firsthand the need for basic clothing needs such as socks, pajamas and other items. The Batavia Police Department is asking the citizens of Batavia to join us as we help supply these items for the Salvation Army to distribute.

There will be a collection container at the City of Batavia Police headquarters located at 10 W. Main St. We will be accepting new clothing items and of course new toys for those children of our community in need. Items will be collected through Dec. 14. Feel free to stop by and drop off.

Thank you, to the citizens of Batavia, for your support and have a safe and happy holiday season.

Photo: Officer Eric Dibble and Chief Shawn Heubusch, by Det. Rich Schauf.

Knitters' class on Celtic cable stitch at Richmond library

By Billie Owens

Celtic Cable Scarf Class at Richmond Memorial Library

Learn an easy technique to master knitting the Celtic cable stitch. This class for intermediate knitters is taught by Linda Daviau. It takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27, and registration is required.

Knitters must know how to work a basic cable. Registration is required to attend. Please call the library at 343-9550 to register.

Event Date and Time
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Historic marker to be dedicated at site of former Trumbull Cary mansion

By Billie Owens

On Thursday, Nov. 29, at 1 p.m., members of the public are invited to a dedication of an historic marker for the Trumbull Cary Mansion, formerly at 211 E. Main St.

Ceremonies will begin at Go-Art, 201 E. Main St.

Nicole Walter of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, the organization that funded the marker, will speak briefly. Her remarks will be followed by those of Larry D. Barnes, Batavia city historian. Barnes will present a biographical sketch of Trumbull Cary and outline the history of the mansion.

Afterward, the event will move to 211 E. Main St. where Sallie Fogarty, a great-great-great granddaughter of Trumbull Cary will unveil the marker. The mansion was built in 1817 and torn down in 1964.

Car crash at Main and Bank streets in the city

By Billie Owens

A car accident is reported at East Main and Bank streets in Batavia. One person has chest pain as a result. Law enforcement is on scene and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 10:27 a.m.: Two cars were involved, and one of them traveled to Center Street afterward where medics took the patient to UMMC. City fire also responded and is now back in quarters. A flatbed tow is called for the disabled vehicle at the initial crash site.

Law and Order: Alleged loud parties, underage drinking land Batavia man in jail on $10K bail

By Howard B. Owens

Dashawn A. Butler, 33, of 101 Summit St., right, Batavia, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child, 1st, criminal nuisance, 2nd, and unreasonable noise. Batavia PD responded to 101 Summit at 11:43 p.m., Saturday, on a complaint of a loud party. The police department reports having received numerous prior complaints for noise and underage parties. Butler was previously charged on similar allegations Oct. 20. On Saturday, officers report finding several underage people in the residence and the odor of marijuana. Butler was charged with unreasonable noise and maintaining a premise where unlawful conduct occurs for allegedly allowing persons under age 21 to consume alcohol. Following arraignment in city court, Butler was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Kasean L. Shannon, 20, of 119 State St., #4, Batavia, is charged with menacing, 2nd, criminal obstruction of breathing and harassment, 2nd. Shannon is accused of choking and menacing a woman with a knife during an argument at 9:30 a.m., Sunday.

Willie Miles Jr., 48, of 45 Washington Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, disorderly conduct and harassment, 2nd. Miles is accused of damaging two windows at a residence.

Curtis J. Doward, 18, of 26 Ganson Ave., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful possession of marijuana. Doward is accused of pushing another person and grabbing that person by the neck during a domestic incident. The alleged incident occurred in the presence of a young child. At the time of his arrest, Doward was allegedly found in possession of marijuana.

Joseph M. Dispenza Jr., 18, of 38 Church St., Le Roy, is charged with felony DWI, driving in violation of a conditional use permit, failure to keep right, moving from lane unsafely, inadequate headlights and refusal to take breath test. Dispenza was stopped at 2:40 a.m. Thursday on Pearl Street, Batavia, by Officer Darryle Streeter. Dispenza was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Bradley M. Crandall, 45, of 66 Lake St., Le Roy, is was arrested on a warrant out of drug court related to a DWI charge. Crandall was jailed on $100,000 bail.

Jason E. Carpenter, 34, of 33 S. Pearl St., Oakfield, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Carpenter was located on State Street and arrested on a warrant out of city court.

Kayla L. Rapone, no age or residence provided, was arrested on two bench warrants for alleged failure to appear in court.

Melissa L. Coufal, 42, of Bergen, is charged with possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Coufal was arrested by State Police in connection with an alleged incident from Nov. 19. Coufal was released on an appearance ticket. No further details were provided.

Taste of the Holidays downtown is Dec. 7-8

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Join in the holiday spirit at the second annual “Taste of the Holidays” on Friday, Dec. 7, and Saturday, Dec. 8, in the Holiday Tent in Jackson Street parking lot in festive Downtown Batavia.

New this year will be The Scavenger Hunt: The Twelve Days of Christmas. This should encourage more people to go into the stores, identify the day, and then look around for holiday gifts. Another reason for coming downtown will be to see all the festive window displays.

The B.I.D. Taste of the Holidays Committee has put a lot of effort into this event and wants you to join in the celebration.

Friday, Dec. 7 (5-9 p.m.):

  • Lighting of the community Christmas tree and singing of carols. (Tree next to Bank of America on Main Street.)
  • Holiday Tent: several area restaurants will provide samples from their menu. Admission: $1/person.
  • Holiday Scavenger Hunt: Twelve Days of Christmas – in downtown stores with a grand prize of a $100 gift certificate.
  • Horse and carriage rides (6-9 p.m. -- Center Street parking lot across from Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles) Rides: $1 -- proceeds donated to: Don Carroll “Toys For Kids."

Saturday, Dec. 8 (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.):

  • Holiday Tent: Free children’s holiday activities (decorating ornaments, coloring, making Christmas cards and puppets, etc.)
  • Holiday Scavenger Hunt: Twelve Days of Christmas – downtown stores.
  • Entertainment: Bart Dentino & Kevin Huber (12-3 p.m.) and the McMahon Irish School of Dance.
  • Horse & Wagon Rides (12-3 p.m. - Center Street): Rides $1 (for “Toys for Kids”)

Hosted by: Batavia Business Improvement District
For more information visit:  www.downtownbataviany.com

(Don't confuse this event with Christmas in the City, which is inside City Centre on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.)

Both lanes of westbound Thruway blocked by accident

By Howard B. Owens

An accident blocking both westbound lanes of the Thruway has been reported in the area of mile marker 390.2.

No word on injuries.

Town of Batavia Fire Department dispatched.

UPDATE 2:44 p.m.: The location is right by the toll booth overpass, just east of Route 98. Three cars are involved. It may be that only one lane is blocked.

UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: Mercy medics on scene report no injuries. Town of Batavia fire will help troopers with traffic control.

Three-car accident, minor to no injuries, on the Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

A three-car accident with minor to no injuries is reported on the Thruway near mile marker 396 and in the westbound lane.

East Pembroke fire dispatched. It's the second call in the district for East Pembroke.

Mercy EMS dispatched as a precaution.

UPDATE 1:58 p.m.: The "car that caused it all took off" reports a chief on scene. Two cars involved on scene. No injuries. Town of Batavia Fire Department requested to the Thruway to check the west bound lane. Dispatch is receiving reports of several accidents in the westbound lanes of the Thruway. An East Pembroke chief has been told of another three-car accident "back there" in the median. All available manpower requested to the Thruway.

UPDATED 2:02 p.m.: Confirmed two-car accident at mile marker 294.8.

UPDATE 2:04 p.m.: No injuries in the accident at 294.8. Town of Batavia fire is going back in service.

UPDATE 2:13 p.m.: East Pembroke assignment to the Thruway back in service.

Transformer down after pole hit by trailer from truck on North Pembroke Road

By Howard B. Owens

A trailer reportedly came off a truck in the area of North Pembroke Road and Beckwith Road, Batavia, taking down a utility pole and transformer.

East Pembroke fire responding.

No injuries reported at this time.

National Grid has been notified. No ETA at this time.

UPDATE 1:32 p.m.: Road being shut down at Beckwith and Phelps.

UPDATE 1:37 p.m.: Chief asks dispatch to notify National Grid, "we can't get near that trailer." 

UPDATE 1:53 p.m.: National Grid has a 20-minute ETA.

UPDATE 1:56 p.m.: National Grid reports 60 customers without power.

UPDATE 2:08 p.m.: National Grid is on scene.

UPDATE 2:37 p.m.: East Pembroke back in service.

UPDATE: Photo submitted by a reader.

Photos: Light snow at Austin Park

By Howard B. Owens

A bit of snow started mid-morning giving Batavia a little dusting over grass, on tree limbs and the hoods of cars. The light snow fall is expected to continue through the afternoon with an accumulation by 5:30 p.m. of about an inch. The forecast for tomorrow is partly cloudy with a high of 39 degrees.

Two people arrested in dispute that involved a gunshot at home in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

The Sheriff's Office has announced two arrests in connection with an incident Nov. 10 that led deputies and troopers responding to a house on Asbury Road, Le Roy, with lights and sirens after dispatchers were told a shot had been fired.

Steven A. Myers, 46, of Asbury Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd, for allegedly shooting the phone of 17-year-old Brandon N. Benz, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia.

Myers reportedly came home and discovered Benz at the Asbury Road residence. He is accused of shooting a phone belonging to Benz.

Benz has been charged with sexual abuse, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child, both misdemeanors.

Nobody was injured in the incident.

The case was investigated by Deputy Bradley Mazur, Deputy Brian Thompson, Trooper Paula Caton and Investigator Roger Stone.

Batavia police searching for four teens after criminal mischief complaint

By Alecia Kaus

A business owner at 13 Mill St. called Batavia police after spotting four teens tipping over barrels on his property at 11 Mill St. Some property may have been stolen. The four white males are wearing blue coats and took off running toward the bridge on Walnut Street. Patrols are now searching the Walnut Street area.

Shopping local for the holidays helps support your community

By Howard B. Owens

When you do your holiday shopping at a locally owned store, not only will you find unique and special gifts, more of your dollars will stay in the local community and do the most good.

Local shop owners are the people who do the most to support your community, from volunteering for local organizations to donating to local charities. Strong communities have strong local business communities, and the more we support our local businesses, the more our local economy will grow.

I stopped in on three local businesses today just to get three pictures of local people in local shops as a reminder to shop locally this holiday season.

Above are Mary Valle and Carrie Lawrence of Valle Jewelers.

John Roche, Adam Miller Toy and Bicycles

Don Brown of Charles Men's Shop

Civilian employees of State Police in Batavia raise funds for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

By Howard B. Owens

Photo and info submitted by Rachel Chudoba:

Civilians of the NYS Police Headquarters in Batavia raised money in awareness of October as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month." They worked all year raising money from Dress Down Day, selling purple ribbons, drawings and luncheons.

They raised $500 to donate to Path Stone Corporation's Domestic Violence Services program. A brunch was served and check was presented to Path Stone.

Pictured from left are: Tina Zack, Teresa Ferris, Kelly Peruzzini, Margie from Path Stone, Dianna Bogue and Rachel Chudoba.

Law and Order: Darien woman accused of using stolen, forged check

By Howard B. Owens

Leaha Rae Anne Wimmer, 20, of an undisclosed address in Darien, is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd. Wimmer is accused of using a forged/stolen check. She was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Brandon Nicholas Benz, 17, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Benz is accused of pushing and shoving another person.

Joseph Anthony Mogavero, 19, of State Street Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and possession/consumption of alcohol under age 21. Mogavero was arrested Saturday after Deputy Patrick Reeves was dispatched to Route 238 in Alexander for investigation of a suspicious vehicle off the roadway. Also charged with possession/consumption of alcohol under age 21 were Sean Patrick Francis Bodkin, 20, of Affinity Lane, Cheektowaga, Matthew Robert Blevins, 20, of Vernon Avenue, Batavia, and Nathan Alexander Demare, 19, of Brigham Road, Ferdonia.

Lucas George Yauchzee, 23, of West Bergen Road, Bergen, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminal possession of marijuana. Yauchzee's arrest comes after an investigation that began Dec. 26 when law enforcement responded to a report of a domestic incident at his apartment. Yauchzee is accused of possessing marijuana and hydrocodone.

Black Cat Friday Special at the animal shelter

By Billie Owens

Attention holiday shoppers, tomorrow from 1 to 3 p.m. there's a Black Cat Friday Special offered at the Genesee County Animal Shelter. You get 50-percent off of the cost of adoption, which is regularly $30.

The cat or kitten must be at least 50-percent black to qualify.

The black cat, le chat noir, the elegant Bombay, the parlor panther -- these are symbols of good luck in Great Britain, Ireland and Japan. The Egyptian goddess Bast (or Bastet) was known at the Cat Goddess. Sailors often put a black cat on board ship for luck on the treacherous high seas.

In Western and European cultures, the black cat gets a bad rap and it's the slowest to be adopted. Pshaw! Have a heart, forget that poppycock, and come on down! The shelter is located at 3841 W. Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia.

A $35 deposit will still be required for any animal not spayed or neutered, and this is reimbursable with proof of sterilization. All the felines are current with their vaccines, tested for FeLV/FIV and many are already spayed and neutered.

Bring a carrier for your new friend to go home in.

Popular local restaurant closes for good after most recent cook quits without notice

By Howard B. Owens

Sunday morning Bill Cultrara, owner with his wife, Patti, of Delavan's Restaurant at 107 Evans St., Batavia, received a phone call from his cook. He quit. No notice. No reason. No explanation. Nothing. He was done.

The last time that happened about six months ago, Cultrara vowed that if happened again, he would close the restaurant, so Sunday, that's what he did.

By Tuesday afternoon, Tony Mancuso was hanging a "For Rent" sign on the building.

"He (the cook) left us high and dry," Cultrara said.

Patti said another cook quitting was just too much.

"We've been through 16 cooks in five years," Patti said. "That's all we could remember. There's others. We could remember their tattoos but not their names."

The last cook was a good employee, Bill said. He didn't smoke. He didn't gab on his mobile phone. He showed up for work. If he had a problem, he never let Bill know about it, he never offered to discuss it.

Bill said finding good professional cooks who are willing to work is just getting harder and harder.

"The restaurant business is very stressful," Bill said. "You don’t know if you’ve got a cook everyday and people are calling in sick all of the time. I’ve had enough. The stress is off of my shoulders."

Bill has a full-time job with the Sheriff's Office as manager of food services for the jail. Patti already has two new job offers lined up, including working as the Tuesday and Thursday afternoon bartender at the city's newest restaurant, Daphne's. 

He said closing the popular restaurant where he and Patti made so many friends over the years was bittersweet. He hates closing. He's glad to be rid of the stress.

Bill and Patti met at 107 Evans St. when the location was a bar and grill in 1971. Eventually, they owned the business and the building. At one time they thought they would take over Alex's Place, but when that didn't work out, so they reopened Delavan's.

With the restaurant closed for good, Bill said he will still take orders for his popular sausage and they're still selling his famous wing sauce.

So long as Bill keeps the books open on the business, which he plans to do, the variance to run such a business in its residential location will remain valid.

Bill hopes somebody will come along who wants to run a restaurant and bar in the building. Whomever it is, he says, needs to have restaurant experience. He's not going to turn the location over to somebody who he doesn't think can make a go of it.

The person who gets it and is willing to maintain the same "Cheers"-like neighborhood tavern and restaurant ambiance might find a built-in customer base. Delavan's remained very popular with a large group of loyal customers right up until its final day of business, which was Friday.

"It would be good for somebody who came in here and had a lot of energy," Bill said.

NOTE: If you purchased a gift certificate from Delavan's, or received one as a gift, you have until Dec. 31 to redeem it. Mail it to Delavan's at 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY 14020.

But if you purchased a gift certificate from The Batavian in the past 30 days, mail it to our office at 200 E. Main St., Room 5, Batavia, NY 14020. We will refund your purchase price through PayPal.

City crews spend most of the day dealing with water main break on Evans Street

By Howard B. Owens

City crews are just about wrapping up repair work on a water main break on Evans Street that has left only a few area residents without water since about 11:30 a.m.

The break occurred, according to Matt Worth, superintendent of water and sewer, while Batavia firefighters were doing some training involving a nearby fire hydrant.

The water outage was from Evans up to a portion of Maple Street.

Worth said the broken line is about 80 years old.

UPDATE As of about 6:30 p.m., the break was fixed and residents in the area should have normal water pressure restored, according to Worth.

Grand Jury Report: Release of sealed indictments on drug charges

By Howard B. Owens

Note: When the grand jury indicts individuals who have not been arrested, the indictments are sealed until the suspects are arrested and arraigned in county court. There have been a spate of recent arrests on sealed indictments. At the request of The Batavian, the District Attorney's Office today released all of the recent sealed indictments that have led to arrests. Some of these arrests have already been reported, but the indictments may contain additional relevant information.

Shawn Lardner is indicted on two counts of of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd. Lardner is accused of selling oxycodone on Dec. 14 at the intersection of Peviner Road and Route 98, Alexander. On Dec. 15, Lardner allegedly sold oxycodone at the same location.

Robert Andreasen is indicted on counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. Andreasen is accused of possessing and selling cocaine in the parking lot of Pizza Hut/Dollar General in Batavia on Feb. 4.

Randy Wilmet is indicted on a count of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 4th. Wilmet is accused of selling hydrocodone at a location on Ross Street on May 23.

Tracey Cook is indicted on two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd. Cook is accused of selling hydrocodone at 52 Columbia Ave., Batavia, on April 4 and April 18.

Cody Bush is indicted on a count of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd and two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 4th. Bush is accused of selling oxycontin at a location on North Street, Batavia, on April 19. He is accused of selling hydrocodone at 162 Bank St., Batavia, on May 4, and of selling suboxone at 412 E. Main St., Batavia, on May 17.

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