Stories from

Submitted photo: Park Avenue Bike Shop owner, Andy August (left), and Inventory manager Alex Oliveri (right), delivered 20 bicycles to the Genesee ARC Community Center.

Press release:

For a second year in a row, the Park Ave Bike Shop of Rochester made a Christmastime visit to Genesee ARC -- last year, with 20 bicycles, this year with 20 more!

Bike Shop owner Andy August said he enjoys playing “Santa’s helper” and that these types of deliveries are the best!

“The kids are going to love these bikes,” August said.

The bicycles are courtesy of two Rochester area donors who have befriended Genesee ARC and support its mission of serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

As a friend of the donors, August said, a donation of such magnitude matches their giving spirit.

“They are generous, unassuming individuals with big hearts, that just want to give back to the community,” he said.

“We are thankful the donors believe in Genesee ARC and are helping to make some Christmas wishes come true,” said Genesee ARC Director of Development Shelley Falitico. "Thanks to Andy August and Park Ave for working with us to match bicycles to recipients and for delivering this amazing donation in time for Christmas."

Three of the bicycles have been earmarked for Rainbow Preschool operated by Genesee ARC’s sister Chapter, The Arc of Orleans County. The two chapters share Donna Saskowski as executive director and are undergoing steps to eventually unify. 

”This is such a special gift to our agency and the children and adults we serve,” Falitico said. “Our donors, who prefer to be unnamed, have helped us in so many ways already, supporting agency events and funding equipment and program items from our wish list. It will be a very special Christmas for so many children, thanks to their generosity!”

Press release:

The Le Roy Police Department is attempting to determine who stole a full-size Frontier Phone Company bucket truck from the Myrtle Street area of Le Roy.  The theft was reported at 4:40 p.m. Monday evening after a lineman parked the truck in the area of 34 Myrtle St. and was conducting work on a nearby pole.

While the lineman was on a ladder at the telephone pole, an unknown suspect entered the truck and stole it.  The truck was last seen Eastbound on Myrtle Street. The truck was located at 7:03 p.m. in the City of Rochester near the Glendale and Maryland Street intersection.

The Le Roy Police are interested in locating and speaking with a person of interest described as a mid-20s, white male seen in the area of both locations wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, white shirt and jeans and carrying a high chair.

If you have any information pertaining to this theft or this person of interest, please contact the Le Roy Police Department at 345-6350.

The Batavia Zonta Club will be sponsoring a toy drive for the Batavia YWCA on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Members of the Z club will be collecting your new, unwrapped toys curbside at the student drop-off loop at Batavia High School from 7:30 to 8 a.m. 

Joshua M. Gaudioso, of Galloway Road, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment and second-degree strangulation. He was arrested following a domestic incident at 7:46 p.m. on Dec. 6 wherein he allegedly strangled the victim and threatened to kill the victim along with several members of the victim's family. He was jailed without bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

James E. Wroten Jr., 49, of Central Avenue, Batavia, was arrested at 10 p.m. on Dec. 7 on Olyn Avenue following a verbal and physical argument between himself and a person who had a stay away order of protection from Wroten. It is alleged that the defendant called the protected party names and pushed a plate into her face during an argument. He was jailed without bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Kenneth C. Roma, 28, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, operating with a BAC of .08 percent or more, uninspected motor vehicle, cracked/broken windshield, and driving to the left of pavement markings (a no-passing zone). The Sheriff's Office received two calls from other motorists about the poor driving habits of the driver of a pickup truck eastbound on Route 5 in the Town of Batavia at around 10:20 p.m. on Dec. 11. The callers continued to follow the pickup and provide dispatchers with the current locations and details of when the pickup allegedly interfered with other vehicles on the roadway. Sheriff's Sgt. Ron Meides located the pickup on West Avenue in the Village of Attica with a caller's assistance. The driver indicated he was lost and did not know where he was. Meides was assisted by other members of the Sheriff's Office and two officers from the Attica Police Department. Roma was released on an appearance ticket and is to be in Alexander Town Court on Jan. 12. Sgt. Meides was assisted in the investigation and report by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Heather R. Frizol, 35, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated, DWI, speeding, failure to maintain lane, and passing through a red light. She was arrested following a traffic stop at 1:28 a.m. on Dec. 6 on Main Street, Batavia. Frizol was also charged as an unlicensed driver and for allegedly having an open container of alcohol in the vehicle. She is to appear in City Court on  Dec. 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Richard Dean McKague Jr., 25, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to yield right-of-way to an emergency vehicle, failure to stop at a stop sign, and being an unlicensed operator. His arrest at 6:06 a.m. on Dec. 10 came after a vehicular pursuit that started in the Town of Stafford and ended in the Town of Byron. It is alleged that McKague was observed violating sections of state vehicle and traffic law and then when a traffic stop was initiated, be failed to comply. The pursuit through two townships concluded on Beaver Meadows Road and he was taken into custody without incident. A search of his person allegedly produced a small quantity of marijuana. He was jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond and will respond to both Stafford and Byron courts to answer the charges. The investigation was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Corona, with the assistance of Deputy Christopher Erion, Sgt. Eric Seppala, and State Police.

Jeffrey Lynn Shultz II, 21, of Walkers Corners Road, Byron, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs -- first offense, driving left of pavement markings, and operating a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate. He was arrested at 1:51 p.m. on Dec. 12 on Byron Road in Byron. He is to appear in Byron Town Court on Dec. 15. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Corona, assisted by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Roger James Farney, 33, of Clayton Street, Buffalo, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 1 p.m. on Dec. 9 on West Main Street in Batavia after allegedly making derogatory statements toward a person who has an order or protection. He turned himself into Batavia PD headquarters and is to appear in City Court on Dec. 29. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan.

Jeannine Nicole Armbrewster, 38, of Ridge Road, Medina, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. She was arrested at 7:42 p.m. on Dec. 12 on Alexander Road, Alexander. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Dana Richardson, assisted by Deputy Christopher Parker.

Ryan Joseph Bellinger, 25, of Route 209, Varysburg, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree -- brass knuckles, unlawful possession of marijuana, and operating a motor vehicle with obstructed vision. Bellinger was arrested following a traffic stop at 10:21 p.m. on Dec. 13 on Alleghany Road, Pembroke. He was issued an appearance ticket for Pembroke Court on Jan. 21. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Daniel C. Brinkman Sr., 55, of Mill Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal trespass. It is alleged that at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 9, Brinkman trespassed onto CSX Railroad property (located at 100 Evans St., Batavia) after having been warned to stay off the property. He is due in City Court on Dec. 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Jason L. McKenzie, 37, and Pamela L. McKenzie, 39, husband and wife from Pavilion, were arrested by state Troopers on Dec. 6 and charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing items from Kohl's earlier in the week.

Kelli E. Wallace, 53, of Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested at 7:20 p.m. on Dec. 7 after allegedly stealing property from Dollar General. She was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in City Court on Dec. 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Michael F. Geer, 24, of Trumbull Parkway, Batavia, was arrested at 3:56 a.m. on Dec. 11 as the result of an investigation into an incident that occurred on East Main Street on Nov. 13. Geer, who is currently in county jail, was issued an appearance ticket charging him with petit larceny. He is to be in City Court on Dec. 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels.

Robert Ernest Saari, 33, of Alleghany Road, Attica, was arrested on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court for failing to appear at a scheduled court date. He posted bail and was released on an appearance ticket. He is to be in City Court on Dec. 22. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards. 

Robert Ernest Saari, 33, of Alleghany Road, Attica, was arrested at 6:04 p.m. on Dec. 11 and charged with having insufficient tail lamps and first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. After being pulled over for allegedly having insufficient tail lamps, it was found that the defendant's license was suspended more than 10 times on 10 dates. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer, assisted by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Martin James Rodgers, 31, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with parole violation. As the result of a search of his residence at 10:45 p.m. on Dec. 10, is alleged that he violated parole. A court date for him has not yet been scheduled. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Deputy Howard Carlson.

Daniel Colin Healy, 24, of North Street, Le Roy, is charged with failure to appear on a traffic summons. He turned himself into Batavia PD headquarters after being notified by mail that he had a warrant out for his arrest. He is to be in City Court on Dec. 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis.

Zachary B. Reeves, 19, of Maine, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. On Dec. 12 at Route 33 and Prospect Street, Corfu, Reeves was pulled over for allegedly driving 54 in a 35-mph zone and for having a loud muffler. The patrol officer allegedly smelled marijuana in the vehicle and allegedly found marijuana residue on the passenger seat. Subsequently, the officer allegedly found a jar containing about 1 gram of marijuana as well as two glass smoking pipes and "1 false cigarette containing marijuana residue." The case was handled by Corfu PD Officer Michael Petritz, assisted by Sheriff's Deputy Lonnie Nati and Deputy Chris Erion and K-9 "Destro."

Press release:

Batavia High School is one of 425 school districts in the United States and Canada named to the College Board’s Sixth Annual AP^® District Honor Roll.

To be included on this short list (there are more than 14,000 public school districts in the United States alone, according to the Census Bureau), school districts must have, since 2013, increased student access to AP (Advanced Placement) course work as well as maintained or increased the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP exams.

Reaching these goals indicates that a district is successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are ready for the opportunity of AP. While the recognition is welcomed, it is not news to Batavia administrators and staff. They have been working to increase student participation and success in AP courses as one more way for high-achieving students to have access to more rigorous challenges as well as to get a low-cost jump on their college career before leaving high school.

They have noted with pleasure that increasing numbers of our high school students are seeing the value of doing this. From 2010-2011 to 2014-2015, the number of BHS students taking AP courses increased from 62 to 76, and, because one student can take more than one AP course, the number of exams taken has increased from 116 to 137.

In addition to more students being willing to take the more challenging courses, more of them are achieving higher grades on the exams. With success on an AP exam being defined as a score of 3 or higher (which is also the point at which most colleges will accept the course as a transfer credit), College Board records show the percentage of our students reaching that success level  increased from 74.2 percent in 2011 to 82.9 percent in 2015. Plus, our students’ scores are better than the average AP scores in New York State and around the world. NYS had a 66-percent success rate in 2011 and 65.6 percent in 2015, while global figures were 60.2 percent in 2011 and 60.7 percent in 2015.

Currently, there are 10 AP courses offered at the High School: English Literature and Composition, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, U.S. Government and Politics, U.S. History, Studio Art/2D Design Portfolio, and Studio Art/Drawing Portfolio.

One of the goals BHS Principal Scott Wilson has set for the High School is an increase in student participation and success in AP courses. Physics, taught by Burt Howell, is one of the AP courses offered at the High School. Success rate for BHS students on the AP Physics exam for the 2011-2015 timeframe was close to 65 percent, compared to 37 percent for New York State.

A car vs. pedestrian accident is reported at the entance to Kmart on Lewiston Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding and Mercy medics are on scene. A male reportedly has a minor head laceration.

Press release:

The Village of Le Roy Police Department has been receiving increased complaints about a fox or foxes, which have been seen in multiple locations inside the Village. The Police have responded but have yet to find a fox acting sick, injured or aggressive this year.

The Le Roy Police have consulted the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation which advises that the foxes are present in the area due to three specific reasons: 1) they have located a food source nearby, possibly garbage or available dog/cat dishes, 2) they feel safe due to a lack of predators, and 3) they may have located a safe place to den or hide.

The DEC further stated that if a fox is not posing a danger to society such as acting sick/injured/aggressive or chasing a domestic animal, it is illegal to kill or trap them without the proper trapping permit. If a homeowner would like a fox trapped, there are several trappers who can be hired for a fee to the homeowner and a list can be found on the DEC Web site listed under NWCO.

Further more information can be obtained from the Internet including “www.wildlifehelp.org”

Le Roy Police ask that if a citizen sees a fox acting dangerous, sick or injured, please call 9-1-1, so that a police officer can respond and check on the fox.

UPDATE: Jeremiah Russell submitted this picture of a fox on North Street, Le Roy.

Press release from Raymond Tourt, city superintendent of maintenance:

Due to fair weather, the city will be reopening the yard waste station for the week of Dec. 14-19.

Any resident with leaves can bring them and other vegetative yard waste matter to the yard waste station. No stumps, construction debris, fill or other refuse.

Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday Dec. 14 through Saturday Dec. 19. Entry from Law Street only.

Citywide leaf collection ended Nov. 25. Any resident with leaves are encouraged to take this opportunity to bring their leaves to the yard waste station. 

Press release: 

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) commented on the apparent closing of the Mueller Quaker Dairy Plant in Batavia as well as economic development opportunities ahead as a result of the Finger Lakes Region winning the Upstate Revitalization Initiative.

“I am disheartened to learn of the closing of the Mueller Quaker Dairy Plant as a result of the company’s sale to Dairy Farmers of America (DFOA). The news comes as a shock but my hope is that DFOA will open a new facility in Western New York very soon and rehire many of the same employees that will be laid off due to Mueller Quaker’s closing. I look forward to working with DFOA in the future and wish the company the best of luck.”

A total of $120.1 million was awarded for 134 projects in the Finger Lakes Region. They include: $750,000 was awarded to Genesee Biogas to purchase new equipment in the Genesee Industrial Agricultural Park, LLC; $420,000 to the Genesee County Economic Development Center; $500,000 to the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation to expand infrastructure; $1.5 million to install new water lines at the STAMP Park in Alabama; $600,000 for the Orleans County Economic Development Center; and $70,000 to fund the Orleans Renaissance Group.

“Although I am discouraged by the closing of the Mueller Quaker plant in Batavia, I am inspired by the opportunities that await us in execution of the dozens of projects in my district funded through the Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC) and Upstate Revitalization Initiative. These six project only scratch the surface of what we have in store for Western New York and I look forward to assisting with the dozens of projects throughout my district in any way possible.”

Press release:

The Town of Darien is looking for interested candidates to fill open positions on the Zoning Board of Appeals and Board of Assessment Review. Please contact
the Town Clerk's office by e-mailing: townclerk@townofdarienny.com or calling 585-547-2274, ext. 26 for more information on these boards.

Letters of intent kindly requested by Dec. 28.

Alice Calmes
Darien Town Clerk
Ph:  585-547-2274, ext. 26
Fax:  585-547-3331
e-mail:  ToDClerk@rochester.rr.com

Press release:

Notre Dame High School congratulates varsity hockey Coach Marc Staley on setting a new all-time wins record of 73 with a win over Rush Henrietta on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2015.

Notre Dame High School varsity hockey team hosts Batavia High School today (Dec. 12) at Faletti Ice Arena. Puck drops at 3 p.m. and there will be a quick presentation prior to present Coach Staley with a plaque commemorating his achievement.

After the ’14 – ’15 season, Coach Staley had 69 overall wins since starting his coaching career at Notre Dame in 2008. The previous record of 72 was held by legendary Coach Jack Porter. So far this season the hockey team has won all three games, which gave Staley the record.

Marc attended Batavia High School and played varsity hockey there from 1988 – 1991 and was named captain in 1991. He went on to play college hockey at RIT in ’92 – ’93 and then played professionally overseas for two seasons in Italy and Switzerland. He began his coaching career at his alma mater RIT Tigers in 1999. He coached at SUNY Geneseo from 1999 to 2003 when he became an Assistant Coach at Notre Dame High School until 2006.

Marc started on this journey to the all time wins record for hockey at Notre Dame when he became the head coach in 2008 and has accomplished that record now in his eighth season. Marc lives in Batavia with his wife, Erin, daughter Helaina and son Luke.

“It has been a lot of years getting up very early and it has paid off. I love coaching at Notre Dame and it has truly enriched my life,” Staley said. “I also coach the Junior A Roc City Royals in Rochester and the Beginner Program here in Batavia and I have coached in the Genesee Amateur Hockey Association for over 15 years now!”

“We look forward to many more years of having Marc coach our varsity hockey program,” said Athletic Director Mike Rapone. “Marc has done an outstanding job of not only teaching our students how to play hockey, he has also guided them on how to be successful at the game of life. He had been an outstanding representative of both our school and its hockey program."

Notre Dame Principal Wade Bianco added “Coach Staley brings to life the Notre Dame mission statement in his work with our student athletes. Their families come first. They are expected to work to their potential in the classroom and conduct themselves in a dignified and respectful manner. As a result his players are strongly positioned for long term success in all phases of their lives."

A one-vehicle rollover accident with injuries is reported on South Holley Road, near North Bergen Road. The car struck a tree, too, and landed well off the roadway. Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics.

Submitted photo of Ken Ball.

By Tim Bojarski, president, UNY-USHWA

Scores of horsemen and women have come and gone over the years at Batavia Downs, but the ever changing look of the local driving colony has had a single, steady constant in its midst that still sends horses postward after 49 years in the business. His name is Ken Ball.

Ball got started in harness racing in 1966 as a second trainer for Eldon Harner. But it wasn’t long before he departed to start his own stable.

The first and probably best owners he ever had were Morris and Betty Miller. They bred and raced a string of horses that bore the “Whiz” name. These horses were stalwarts of his stable for thirty years.

During his time in the business, his most successful horse was Missile T (1:57.2 $313,644). The Master of Style colt was one of the best 2- and 3-year-old male trotters in New York State in 2006 and 2007. The largest purse Ball ever won was the $100,000 Elitist Cup at the Syracuse Mile with Brass Target Sam ($1:56.2 $74,793) in 1990. And the fastest race he ever drove was a 1:56.2 mile with his good Open trotter, Derby Tex Whiz (1:56.2 $125,941), also at the Syracuse Mile.

But the hits didn’t stop there. Ball was also responsible for the careers of Major T Collins (1:59.2 $221,804), PJ Whiz (2:00.2 $161,696), Super Whiz (1:59.4 $142,879), Crescent T Collins (2:02.2 $94,178), Gantry T (1:57.2 $69,923), Tempest Lobell (2:03.2 $63,411), BJ Grattan (2:02.4 $60,035), Chip Rebel (2:02.3 $58,474) and of course, the local legend Mr. Tizwhiz (1:59.3 $48,633).

For his career, Ken Ball drove 1,143 winners that accounted for $3.1 million in purses. On the training side, Ball started 2,337 horses posting 263 wins, 311 seconds and 324 thirds (40 percent in the money) and earned another $1.1 million for those starts.

Ball is still actively training today, but limits his driving to county fairs and an occasional qualifying race. He defers the pari-mutuel lines to his son, Keith, who is continuing the family tradition. Keith Ball is also a Monroe County Sheriff.

Ken Ball still lives in Batavia with his longtime companion Patricia Arnold. But he’s more likely to be found shipping his horses to the track or a fair than at his house. But that’s the only way one could ever put together such an impressive body of work.

Ken Ball will receive his award in the Purple Haze Winner’s Circle at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 12) during UNY-USHWA’s Night of Distinction.

A power line is reported to be across the roadway at 7604 Coward Road, Byron. There is also a power outage in the vicinity and a utility pole is broken. Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Republican Committee is seeking City Republicans who are interested in being considered for the Committee’s recommendation for Council At-Large.

This position is for the seat soon to be vacated by John Deleo, who was elected as Legislator District #7 in November. The City of Batavia Republican Committee will make a recommendation to City Council with the appointment being made by City Council after Jan. 1.

Letters of interest can be e-mailed to City Republican Chairman Melissa Gaebler at mgaebler83@gmail.com by Dec. 14.