Stories from

    Dawn Piasta     Jessica Reddy     Michael Saeli

Dawn M. Piasta, 61, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. Piasta was arrested on a sealed indictment. She is accused of selling crack cocaine to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force while in the City of Batavia. She was held on the warrant pending arraignment in Genesee County Court.

Jessica R. Reddy, 24, of McVean Road, Darien, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. Reddy is accused of selling hydrocodone to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force while in the Town of Pembroke and in the Town of Alexander. Reddy was held pending arraignment in Genesee County Court.

Michael A. Saeli, 47, of Scribner Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 3rd, and unlawful growing of cannabis. Saeli is accused of having 87 marijuana plants growing on his property with an aggregate weight of more than eight ounces. He was issued an appearance ticket.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 1969, the Notre Dame High School Boys Basketball Team won its one-and-only Manhatten Cup in basketball and that team will be honored along with other Hall of Fame inductees Saturday.

There will be a tour of the newly renovated school at 4:30 p.m., followed by a picture of the 1969 team members in front of a replica trophy.

The actual Hall of Fame event begins at 5:30 p.m.

Press release:

1969 Boys Basketball Manhattan Cup Championship Team: First and only Manhattan Cup championship team. Also were the Smith League Champions for the first time. Many believe this to be the greatest championship in school history due to the format of this tournament, which involved schools of all sizes much like the Hickory championship in the movie “Hoosiers."

Tony Cinquino ’69: Outstanding wrestler during our era of dominance in Smith League Wrestling. Three-time All-Catholic who ended his wrestling career on a 61-match win streak. Three-sport athlete who also ran X-C & track. X-C senior season went 7-1 and the wrestling squads he was on won three Smith League titles and two All-Catholic Championships with one second-place finish.

Dan O’Connor ’69: 1969 Athlete of the Year who earned All-Catholic recognition in football, wrestling & track. Led Smith League in rushing his senior season and the wrestling squads he was on won three Smith League titles and two All-Catholic Championships with one second-place finish.

Tom McGrath ’76: 1976 Athlete of the Year. Tom was an exceptional all-around athlete who excelled at four sports: football, basketball, baseball and golf. He led the Varsity Football team in receptions, was the boys Varsity Basketball team’s leading scorer and the MVP of the Varsity Baseball team his senior year.

Phil Pangrazio ’79: 1979 Athlete of the Year. Phil was a GR All-Star in football who also was a top track performer earning All-Catholic in the discus. Played basketball & wrestled.

Mark Wadams ’96: Three-sport standout (Football/Basketball/Baseball) was Notre Dame’s Athlete of the Year in both 1995 & 1996. Mark was a three-time Section V All-Star in basketball playing IN THREE Sectional Finals winning in 1995 and earned GR All-Star recognition in baseball, basketball & football. He was named First Team All-State in Basketball in 1996 and is the only player in school history to accumulate both 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.

Dave Pero ’69: Longtime basketball coach who was on the bench for more state championships than any other coach (three). Dave served 12 years as a very successful JV boys basketball coach where he had an outstanding win/loss record developing players for future varsity success and was an assistant coach for two state championship teams (1992 & 2001). Took over as Girls coach in 2003 where he won a state title as a head coach in 2013. He also won two Western Regionals, four sectional titles, six GR championships and is ND’s winningest Girls Basketball coach.

To see a graphic representation of how Genesee County voted yesterday, at least based on preliminary results, you can visit the county's GIS map and drill down by precinct on any race of interest.

For the presidential election, one precinct in the center of the city was an island of blue in a sea of red.

To get started, you need to enter a street address in the search box on the right of the map.

At a time in the evening when the outcome of the national election was still in doubt, both local Democrats and Republicans expressed hope that regardless of the final results, the country would come together and support whoever won the presidential election.

The Democrats were gathered at the Dibble Family Center to watch both national and local election results coming in and the Republicans were at Terry Hills.

"The country has to, number one, accept the democratic process that we just went through and realize that things are never as good as they seem nor as bad as they seem," said Rachael Tabelski, the chair of the Genesee County Republican Women and wife of Adam Tabelski , who won his race for City Council (both, pictured above). "In the words of my friend, Rome survived for 500 years, so we’re going to be just fine. Everybody needs to just relax and move on and hope it’s better for all of us no matter who the victor is."

For Democrats, especially, there was a sense that this was a historic election, a chance to elect our first woman president.

Diana Kastenbaum, herself running for Congress against incumbent Chris Collins (who won), said as the campaign wrapped up today, she and her daughter were in Rochester and decided to stop by the grave of Susan B. Anthony, whose activism helped secure women's right to vote.

"It was just amazing," Kastenbaum said. "It was like everyone converged on this one spot, putting stickers on her gravestone. It was just so phenomenal and I was so glad to be there with my daughter. It reminded me, when we were at the Democratic National Convention together, to see the first woman nominated for president of the United States. It was just so emotional for me."

Michael Plitt, chair of the Genesee County Democratic Committee, said he was primarily focused on local races, from supporting Kastenbaum, the first local candidate for congress in many years, to City Council race and other various town and village elections.

He said he's concerned the rancor of the 2016 campaign will make it harder to attract local candidates.

"It’s great to see people voting," Plitt said. "I hope it encourages more people to get involved locally. I think the mudslinging and all that at the national level kind of turns off local participation, which is not good. There are lots and lots of races. There are village councils. They are town boards. They are always coming up and it’s hard to get people to run for these seats due to the negativity at the presidential level."

Kastenbaum's husband, Hiram Kasten, an entertainer who performs all over the nation and is host of a weekly radio show on WBTA, said he thought a lot of the negativity might be the fault of the media, who always seem to want to cast an election as a horse race and obsess over tiny margins of votes.

"I think they exaggerated things," Kasten said, and then complained about the early night coverage concentrating on swing states before even the first vote was counted. 

Few at the Republic gathering spoke in terms of "a historic election," even as network election coverage was starting to show Donald Trump was on a path to victory.

It was an election, many said, including William Zipfel, where many voters saw it as a chance to throw off the shackles of Washington politics and change the direction of the country.

Zipfel said he disagreed with pundits who characterized this as the most important election in our lifetimes.

"I don’t think that’s the case," Zipfel said. "I’m not sure we’ve seen the most important election of our lifetimes. Things always change. If you look historically, some of our forefathers, some of them went through what we would probably consider the most important of a lifetime. Reagan-Carter was perhaps one of the most important elections, so it remains to be seen."

John Duyssen, a Town of Le Roy board member, farmer, and former deputy sheriff, said he was all-in for Trump in this election, even as he acknowledged the campaign was, at times, less than civil.

"I'm sick of negative campaigning, sick of all the mudslinging," Duyssen said. "There's been a lot of he-said, she-said bickering BS and not enough of what are we doing to do with this country and how to lead this country, and what are we going to do for trade, what are we going to do for our military, what are we going to do for our retired people, and what are we going to do really with this health insurance. Don’t tell me you’re going to fix it. I’m sick of hearing fix it for the last 20 years. Our rates just keep going up. I wasn’t impressed with any of the campaigning to be honest with you, but I think Trump’s the guy."

With the election still in the balance at 10 p.m., Duyssen said he hoped the country would come together despite the brutal campaign no matter who won.

"No matter what those two do, every day we’re going to awake and go to work," Duyssen said. "We’re going to continue to feed our families and we’re going to continue to pay our bills. A good leader steps up and leads our country. I hope Clinton and Trump, whichever one pulls it off, that’s really what they do and lead this country the way they’re supposed to lead and not their special interest and everything else. Represent the people."

Eugene Jankowski, president of the Batavia City Council and a retired police officer, also hopes for unity.

He supported Trump and opposed Clinton.

"I think either way, we wake up tomorrow, either way, we need to go forward," Jankowski said. "Nobody is going to be happy. One side is going to be upset that their candidate didn’t win. It’s a whole process, not just one person that runs our country. We have a legislative process. It’s up to them to listen to the will of the people and make the best choices on each issue that comes up.

"I don’t see where that process is going to be stopped in anyway shape or form by one person getting in the White House. Our country is great because we have checks and balances to prevent person from becoming a dictator. So no matter who gets in, both sides should be able to air their grievances and go through the process and they should be aired out in Congress through the House of Representatives like we’ve done for 200 years."

Diana Kastenbaum, center, and Hiram Kasten at the Democratic gathering.

David Saleh announces election results for the GOP.

Adam Tabelski speaks to fellow Republicans after it was clear he was going to win the City Council election.

The GOP's local winners, William Sheron, sheriff, Charles Zambito, county judge, Steve Hawley, Assembly, Scott German, treasurer, and Adam Tabelski, City Council.

The next Sheriff, Bill Sheron, second from left, and his family.

Notre Dame may be looking at a 2016-17 ice hockey season without a player or players who Section V officials deemed was inappropriately recruited or influenced to attend the school.

Kathy Hoyt, executive director of Section V, confirmed Section V officials held a hearing on the eligibility of the player or players. She declined to discuss details. She said the school has appealed the decision and New York Public High School Athletic Association will consider the appeal next week.

A source said two players were affected. Another Section V official who is not authorized to speak on behalf of the section said he was aware that players had been deemed unduly recruited or influenced, but he didn't know how many players were affected.

Hoyt said regardless of the outcome of the process, Notre Dame will retain its 2015-16 Section V Class B crown. 

The only question is whether the players will be eligible for the 2016-17 season.

The Batavian received no response to our request for comment made via email yesterday and today from either Notre Dame Athletic Directory Mike Rapone nor Head Coach Marc Staley.

A source says the complaint that led to Section V holding its hearing came from a team outside of Genesee County.

The names of the players involved have not been released.

The Memphis Belle, a New York State Police rescue helicopter, was in Batavia today for a short training session with City of Batavia firefighters in the parking lot next to Falleti Ice Arena. The training, which did not include any flying, covered the apparatus on the helicopter and how it worked and how the helicopter was used in various rescue scenarios.  

The helicopter crew is Trooper Jamie Schweiger and Trooper Adam Marciniak (top photo, left and center). Dan Cordell, a Department of Environmental Conservation forest ranger, is a trained crew chief, and he was also on hand to talk about his role in rescues. A crew chief directs much of the operations during a rescue.

Alabama Volunteer Fire Department held its annual awards banquet and installation of officers.

Sid Eick achieved the rare distinction of winning both the Service Award, selected by the chief, and the Fireman of the Year Award, selected by the previous three winners of the award.

Eick has been active for 44 years and is currently a captain.

Several members were also honored for their years in service, including Gloria Abrams and Barbara Lee Hendershott for 15 years, Robert Eick for 20 years, Todd Thompson and Jeffrey Sage, for 30 years, and at 50 years -- Henry Brunea.

Brunea received a watch and a citation from Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

The installed fire officers are: Chief -- Gary Patnode; 1st Assistant Chief -- Nikkolas Bruner; 2nd Assistant Chief -- William Schutt; Captains -- Patrick Buczek &  Sidney Eick; Lieutenants -- Aron Kehlenbeck & Ashley Covel; EMS Captain -- Richard Brunea; EMS Lieutenant -- Terry Thompson; Fire Police Captain -- Ryan Thompson; Health & Safety Officer -- David Kinney.

Service officers: President --Robert Crossen; Vice President -- Patrick Buczek; Treasurer -- Anthony Mudrzynski; Secretary -- Michelle Patnode; Financial Secretary --Rebecca Borkholder; Board of Directors -- Henry Mudrzynski, Rick Brunea, Edwin Schoenthal, Donald Sage, & Gary Patnode Sr.; Chaplain -- Ralph Bauer; Bell Jar Secretary -- Clayton Fry.

The theme of the event was "Prom," so of course, there were Prom King and Queen and their Court. Prom King -- Tony Mudrzynski; Prom Queen -- Jo Anna Benaquist; Prince -- Ryan Thompson; Princess -- Jenna Wozniak; Jester -- Chad Pratt.

Photos and info provided by Alison Thompson.

A possible fire on a school bus is reported at the gas station at 8204 Park Road, Batavia.

The passengers, if any, are off the bus.

Town of Batavia fire responding.

There were four people in line at the polling station on Evans Street, inside the Fire Hall, before the polls even opened at 6 a.m., this morning.

Within minutes of the polls opening, another five or six voters showed up.

Local officials are expecting a record-level turnout for this election, driven mainly by a highly contentious presidential election fronted by major-party candidates who are polarizing on both sides -- Hillary Clinton, the first woman who is a major party nominee, and Donald Trump, a celebrity and real estate mogul.

There are other contested offices on the ballot, including U.S. Senator, State Senator and Batavia City Council.

Laurie Thomas was the first voter at the Fire Hall this morning and we asked her why this election was important to her.

"I think it’s probably the most important election in my lifetime," Thomas said. "You know, people look at the economy and say it’s good and they have to be blind. That’s one reason I’m voting for somebody who has taken a business and built it up and knows a thing or two about the economy."

It's been a long, bruising campaign and some people have been saying they're happy that it's over, but Thomas said she doesn't necessarily feel that way.

"I’m excited about this election," Thomas said. "I voted for Trump. I think there’s going to be a sweep for him. There are people out there who are really mad with the government we have and when you look at Hillary and see the corruption and the lying. I would much rather have somebody who is a little crude, OK. My dad was crude, but he was a great guy. I would much rather have that than somebody who just puts everything in the dark and you never see anything until somebody digs it up."

UPDATE 9:17 a.m.: Turnout has been strong and steady throughout the county this morning, according to an elections official. There was one glitch. A vote scanning machine in Bethany malfunctioned. It was quickly replaced.

Press release:

On Tuesday, Nov. 8th beginning at approximately 10 a.m. the City of Batavia Fire Department and the New York State Police Aviation Unit will be conducting training in the area of Evans Street. During this training residents can expect to see and hear a low-flying helicopter in the area.

Press release:

Our 2017 Season will kick off with our Annual Gala on Jan. 7th and include many tremendous performances and interesting works by a varied list of playwrights and musicians. Plays and musicals will include classic literature, Shakespeare and timeless upbeat performances, thus the seasonal theme of “Astonishment, Disbelief & Disclosure.”

This year’s productions range from traditional to avant-garde looks at familiar and not so familiar performances, throwing in a dash of the bizarre and horror and ending with a holiday tradition. Sure to please our theater audiences and provide a comprehensive theatrical experience for all. 

Annual Gala - Une Nuit Blanch A’ Paris (A White Night in Paris) -- Saturday, Jan.  7^th @ 7:30 p.m.

This French-themed evening will pay homage to a traditional Parisian event. White dress, white lights, white decorations and all underlined by flowing champagne, basket raffles and our Annual Harvester 56 Theater Performance Awards and our most memorable performances. A sure not to miss event as we kick off the 2017 Season and celebrate the amazing 2016 Season! 

On Broadway 8 – The Magic Kingdom on Broadway – Feb. 10^th, 11^th, 17^th & 18^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – Feb. 12^th @ 2 p.m. – Directed by Amanda Melissa Taylor & Kathy White.

Sure to be a huge hit and a tremendous family event, as special performances loved by all come from that Magical Kingdom to our stage. The combination of new songs and longtime favorites are brought alive with colorful costumes, dance and song. Expertly directed by Amanda Melissa Taylor & musically directed by Kathy White, this is sure to be a great spirited start to our 2017 Season.

This Ain’t Your Mamma’s Shakespeare  – March 10^th & 11^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – March 13^th @ 2 p.m. – Produced by E. Jane Burk and directed by Susan Buckley, Joan Cirillo & Michele Stamp.

An irreverent look at the English Bard and his works by contemporary authors which include William Shakespeare having inspiring dreams, a community theater’s disaster with the play Hamlet and a college themed farce the night before a very special exam. Full of fun, fantasy and colorful characters, this is a great way to enjoy the themes and of Shakespeare while getting quite a few laughs.

William Shakespeare’s Hamlet – April 21^st, 22^nd, 28^th & 29^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – April 23^rd @ 2 p.m. – directed by E. Jane Burk & assisted by Michele Stamp – Shakespeare in Springtime Production.

The perils, clashes and revenge of the young Danish Prince Hamlet as he tries to avenge his father’s murder and subsequent marriage of his mother to his uncle, the play explodes on stage with all the drama of Shakespearean tragedy.  Acutely directed and conceived by E. Jane Burk, this study into love, tragedy, revenge, madness and terror is sure to be incredible.

The Last Five Years  – May 12^th & 13^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – May 14^th @ 2 p.m.  -- Produced by Kathy White & directed and starring Amy Martin and Joe Kusmierczak in this very special performance.

You are sure to enjoy Jason Robert Brown’s musical experience in the life of a five-year relationship from the beginning to the end. This compelling award-winning musical is told in the unique aspect of an aspiring young actress and a novelist meet, fall in and out of love. The actress’ story is told in reverse narrative from the end of the relationship to the beginning and the novelist’s story from the beginning to the end.  Only once do the characters interact in a poignant wedding scene. This is a truly amazing musical offering.

Grey Gardens – June 9^th, 10^th, 16^th & 17^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – June 11^th @ 2 p.m. – Produced, designed and directed by Patrick D. Burk with musical direction by Kathy White. 

Based on the Documentary of the same name, this is a compelling look at the lives of Edith Ewing Bovier Beale and her daughter Edith Bouvier Beale, aunt and first cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.  Once the bright lights of East Hampton, Long Island society, this musical delves into the complicated dynamics of this unique and tragic mother/daughter relationship as they diminish from the rich and polished society lovelies to their isolated and demented lives. Written by Doug Wright with Music written by Scott Frankel and Lyrics by Michael Korie this production is set at their palatial estate Grey Gardens as it too declines into disarray.

Kids Camp Presents -- A Midsummer’s Night Eve – July 21^st & 22^nd @ 7:30 p.m. – Kids Camp runs from July 10^th -  22^nd with this musical rendition of Shakespeare’s classic as the culmination of a fantastic program.

Led by trained and knowledgeable staff, our theater opens its doors to the 12 and under crowd to experience all aspects of theater work from conception to design.  This year’s program is a fun curriculum that will expand the experiences of the young actor and musician.  Included will be voice, dance, movement, design and acting.  Auditions will be held for the roles in the performance and campers will work to perfect their final performance for the public.  Lauded as “one of the best summer experiences around,” this summer staple of the Harvester 56 Theater will once again be supervised by Wendy Williams, Education Director & Musical Director, Kathy White. Camp spots are limited so watch for auditions and signs ups on our website.

21^st Summer Youth Theater - FAME – The Musical – August 11^th, 12^th, 18^th & 19^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – Aug. 13^th @ 2 p.m.  Directed by Patrick D. Burk and musical direction by Kathy White. 

This high-energy musical based on the 1980’s television show was conceived and developed by David De Silva.  Book by Jose’ Fernandez, Lyrics by Jacques Levi and Music by Steve Margoshes.  Set in the famed School of the Performing Arts in New York City, this production looks at the highs and lows of the education and training aspect of a career in the arts.  Packed with memorable songs and amazing dance numbers, Fame will become a theatrical highlight for all to see.  Directed by Patrick D. Burk and Musically Directed by Kathy White along with a solid number of professionals, this will make our 21^st Summer Youth Theater, a huge success.  A must see for the entire family this show is jam-packed with great characters and tremendous performances.  

The Laramie Project – Sept. 15^th & 16^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance Sept. 17^th @ 2 p.m.
Directed by Norm Argulski as a special 2017 Tribute Performance of this moving American masterpiece.

The Laramie Project is a true American masterpiece that abruptly and pointedly takes on the horrors of prejudice and the tribute of love and resolution. Written by Moises Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project, this play explores the aftermath of the torture and murder of a gay University of Wyoming student, Matthew Shepard, in 1998.  This memorable and moving piece of American theater is sure to be a sober and reflective piece in our theater season. Expertly directed by Norm Argulski, who appeared in the first Laramie Project performance in Batavia, this indeed is a Tribute Performance and a very special offering this year.

Frankenstein the Musical – Nov. 3^rd, 4^th, 10^th & 11^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance Nov. 5^th @ 2 p.m. Produced, directed  & designed by Patrick D. Burk and musically directed by Kathy White.

Mary Shelley’s classic story comes to life at the Harvester 56 Theater stage with a tremendous score and soaring musical numbers. Set in Europe and the Arctic in the late 1790s this spectacle of the stage, with music by Mark Baron and book and lyrics by Jeffrey Jackson was originally adapted by Gary P. Cohen. Painstakingly performed and adapted for our stage, the audience will be immersed in the horror, madness and tragedy that Shelley put on the pages of her most famous novel. Enter the world of Frankenstein as he creates his creature and realizes the impact this has on his family and all mankind. 

Whispers in the Snow – Dec. 15^th & 16^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance Dec. 17^th @ 2 p.m.
Written, designed and directed by Patrick D. Burk and musically directed by Kathy White.

Our magical year ends with an astonishing look at the Christmas Season. This production, written by Patrick D. Burk includes this area’s brightest and best performers, our younger artists as well as dance and song to tell a poignant tale of Christmas, community and love. It is a companion piece to last year’s The Christmas Gift. Full of the awe and wonder of the Holiday Season, Whispers in the Snow will be the performance that will put you in the spirit of joy and giving. It is indeed a wonderful and colorful way to end our 2017 Season, perfect for the entire family and kids of all ages.  

Eric Jon Merritt, 27, of Rose Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding and operating out of class. Merritt was allegedly exceeding the posted speed limit of 55 mph on Route 5 in Batavia at 2:40 a.m. Sunday while operating a motorcycle on a learner's permit when he was stopped by Deputy Ryan Young.

Dashawn Devan Hazel, 22, of Saint Mary Street, Bronx, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Hazel was arrested on a warrant during a traffic stop.

Treshaun David Perry, 21, of Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs and speeding. Perry was stopped on Prole Road, Stafford, at 3:29 p.m. Saturday by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Le Roy beat Bath-Haverling on Saturday to become Section V champions in Class C1 in volleyball.

The team next plays Cal-Mum in a Far-West Regional playoff. Game time is time is 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, in Avon.

Photos by Tim McArdle.

Now I can reveal a little more about what's been going on the past few days and why Billie and I haven't been around.  I had to be a little cagey in my previous post about our absence a few days ago in the chance that my dad might look at the site.

I just returned from a trip to Bakersfield, Calif., for my dad's surprise 80th birthday party.  He may have had some inkling there was a party, but he had no idea I was coming.

That trip was planned for some time, but what was unexpected was that Billie had to have a medical procedure done the day before I left.  It's nothing serious but needed to be done and she will be fine, but it will be a little while yet before she returns to work.

The main point is, news coverage should largely return to its normal flow.  

As always, thank you for your support.

(Photo by Roberta Jeanne White.) 

A man was struck by a train in Byron.

The train is stopped at Caswell Road.

Byron and South Byron fire responded to the scene.

Mercy Flight was dispatched but then canceled.

UPDATE: David Swinton, 60, was killed after being struck by a train that was traveling southwest on CSX trains near Route 237 at about 10:30 a.m. He had been hunting but may have been photographing deer at the time of the accident, according to State Police.

UPDATE: Additional photos from our news partner, 13WHAM. For 13WHAM's coverage, click here. 

UPDATE: Press release from NYSP, Troop A:

On Nov. 6 at 10:30 a.m., a CSX train was traveling westbound between State Route 237 and Caswell Road in the Town of Byron struck David T. Swinton, 60 of Byron. Investigation shows Swinton was possibly taking pictures of the area when the train struck him. Foul play is not a factor in this investigation.

UPDATE: Statement from BOCES:

On Nov. 6, the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership was made aware of the tragic death of David Swinton, a Crisis Intervention specialist at the Batavia Academy. The Trauma, Illness and Grief team (TIG) team has met and counselors will be available to support students and staff members on Monday, Nov. 7 and throughout the week. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Swinton family at this difficult time.

Press release:

 CNL Lifestyle Properties has entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Kansas City-based EPR Properties for the sale of its portfolio of water parks and amusement parks. 

Kieran Burke, CEO of Premier Parks, LLC, which manages the day to day operations of Darien Lake for CNL, and would continue to do so under a long-term lease agreement with EPR if the sale closes, stated “Even though the park may be sold, it’s really business as usual at the park. There will be no changes in park staff or operations.” commented Burke.

Premier Parks, which operates 8 parks for CNL throughout the US, took over management of Darien Lake after the 2014 season. During Premier Parks’ management of the 2015 and 2016 seasons, Darien Lake added several new rides to the park including the addition of Rolling Thunder, Brain Drain, and RipCurl Racer, as well as more concerts and increased value for season pass holders. In that time, the park has experienced meaningful increases in attendance and revenue.

“As the park operator, we are extremely excited about this sale and the positive impact we believe it will have on Darien Lake and our entire company in the future,” Burke commented.

EPR Properties is a New York Stock Exchange publicly traded REIT with substantial resources, more than $5 billion in investments, and a proven track record in the entertainment industry.

“We look forward to supporting the efforts of both CNL Lifestyle Properties and EPR Properties as they advance the sale process, and we remain focused on continuing to grow Darien Lake’s position as a place families love to visit and vacation,” added Chris Thorpe, Darien Lake General Manager.

Robert Michael Markek, 39, of Clapsaddle Road, East Bethany, is charged with grand larceny 4th. Markek allegedly stole items from his employer on East Main Street , Batavia, and sold the items as scrap.

Jacklyn M. Ganzhorn, 29, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th.  Ganzhorn was located at 17 Centural Avenue during an investigation into reports of items stolen from unlocked vehicles.

Rodney A. Barber, 41, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, unlawful imprisonmeant 2nd, tampering with physical evidence, assault 2nd, menacing 2nd. Barber was arrested on a warrant.

Brian J. Dorman, 32, of Oak Orcharged Road, Albion, was arrested for alleged failure to answer a summons, Dorman is accused of failure to appear on a charged of haborboring an unlicensed dog in the city.

Joey A. Evans, 26, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen preopty 5th. Evans was allegedly found in possession of a metal detector that had been reported stolen.

Roberts M. Freeman, 24, no permanent address, is charged with failure to appear. Freeman allegedly failed to appear on a an appearance ticket.

Benjamin G. Evans, IV, 28, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Evans was arrested on four separate warrants.

Pamela M. Tiberio, 56, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with dog running at large. Tiberio responded to Batavia PD headquarters and was arrested on multiple complaints of her dog running at large.

Chelsea M. Mutter, 23, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Mutter was arrested on a warrant.

An unidentified 16-year-old is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The tenn was allegedly found in possession of marijuana on the campus of Batavia HS.

Mark Edward Snyder, 54, of School Road, Stafford, is charged with stalking 4th .Snyder alleged displayed odd and threatening behavior toward another person in Stafford over a period of time.

Joey Lee Wells, Jr., 27, of Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, failed to stop at stop sign and no turn signal. Wells was stopped at 5:32 a.m., Thursday, on Apple Tree Avenue, Bergen, by Deputy Jermey McClellan.

Jacqueline Bettina Jacobs, 33, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, introducing contraband into jail 1st, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Jacobs was charged with DWI and allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance while being booked into jail. Further charges possible pending completion of an investigation.

A fire is reported in a smokestack at Baskin Livestock on Creek Road, Bethany.

Bethany fire, Town of Batavia and Stafford requested to the scene.

UPDATE 8:39 a.m.: The fire is in the cyclone.

UPDATE 8:51 a.m.: Le Roy to stand by in quarters with ladder truck. 

UPDATE 10:30 a.m.: Batavia firefighters, with their hook-and-ladder truck, were able to get up to the top of the cyclone while others worked below. The fire was brought under control at 10:30 a.m.

Photos by Glenn Adams, Bethany FD.

Over the next few days, Billie and I have some personal matters that will disrupt our normal routines. We'll be in and out of town. Nothing serious, just things that will pull us away from 100 percent focus on The Batavian.

We've planned for this and have arranged with Mike Pettinella, Jim Burns, Steve Ognibene, Rob Henry, Rick Franclemont and our news partners at WBTA and 13WHAM to help with coverage.