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Unreasonable speed on wet road blamed for accident in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A Pavilion resident suffered non-life threatening injuries Monday morning when a car he was driving slid off the road in Le Roy and struck a tree.

Charles A. Sisnett, 22, of Creek Road, Pavilion, was cited for allegedly driving too fast for conditions.

Sisnett was in the area of 9845 Roanoke Road, Le Roy, at 9:45 a.m., when he apparently lost control of the 1998 Chevy sedan he was driving.

He reportedly told Deputy Chris Parker that he swerved to avoid an "unknown animal."

(Initial Report)

Police looking for suspect on routes 5, 237, Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

Sheriff's deputies have converged on the area of Route 5 and Route 237, Stafford, to look for a suspect.

It's not clear what the initial complaint was about, but the caller has stated the suspect threatened to shoot him.

The suspect may be on ATV.

UPDATE 9:10 a.m.: I've not heard much more on this. There was a consultation with DEC for some reason. It sounds like, though not clear, that law enforcement is still on scene.

Man who tried to steal oxycodone given prison term

By Howard B. Owens

A Batavia man who admitted to attempted robbery for trying to steal oxycodone from the Oakfield Pharmacy will spend one-and-a-half to three years in prison.

He must also receive substance-abuse counseling.

Cain Catino, 39, was sentenced in Genesee County Court today for the Sept. 20 attempted robbery, which was thwarted when the store owners wrestled Catino to the ground. It was revealed in court later that Catino had a knife on him at the time.

Last month, his mother, Kathleen Catino, 60, admitted she tried to smuggle oxycodone into her son at the Genesee County Jail. She is scheduled to be sentenced in January.

Elba students provided with information on cyberbullying

By Howard B. Owens

Deputy Tim Wescott and Youth Officer John Dehm were at Elba School this morning to talk with students about cyberbulling and Facebook and mobile phone safety. They explained how to avoid cyberbullying and the legal implications.

Photo and information submitted by Jason Smith.

Two-to-four car MVA reported on Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

Two and possibly four cars were involved in an accident on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 396.

A semi-truck reportedly is jackknifed.

Unknown injuries.

East Pembroke Fire and Mercy EMs dispatched.

UPDATE 1:32 p.m.: Two cars are smashed against a guardrail and the truck is off the side of the road. Traffic is not blocked.

UPDATE 1:40 p.m.: No injuries.

Police Beat: Driver accused of hit-and-run in the city arrested

By Howard B. Owens

Justin J. Wheeler, 37, of Attica, is charged with driving with ability impaired by drugs and failure to keep right. Wheeler is accused of being involved in an alleged hit-and-run accident on South Main Street, Batavia, and was subsequently stopped on Route 98, Town of Alexander, for allegedly operating erratically. (initial report)

Thomas Anthony Sobczak, 45, of West Main Street, Corfu, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana. Sobczak was stopped on an unidentified road in Batavia at 2:45 p.m., Nov. 15, for allegedly following too closely behind a semi-trailer by Deputy Brian Thompson. Thompson reported allegedly finding marijuana and codeine in Sobczak's possession.

Jeffrey M. Kohorst, 22, of 6105 Main Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Kohorst was stopped at 9:51 p.m., Saturday, in the City of Batavia by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Michael Todd Dibble, 19, of Indian Falls Road, Corfu, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Dibble was stopped at 11:35 p.m., Saturday, on Route 5, Town of Batavia, for an alleged traffic violation by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

A 16-year-old of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was charged following a traffic stop on Angling Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Brian Thompson. A 16-year-old passenger in the car was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The 17-year-old driver was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, reckless driving and speeding (90 mph in a 55 mph zone). The reckless driving drive stems from an alleged attempt to elude law enforcement with four passengers in the car.

Gary David Doctor, 28, of East Main Street, Corfu, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unsafe tires. Doctor was stopped on Route 33, Pembroke by Deputy Brian Thompson.

Dylan James Hawkins, 18, of Hilltop Acres, Morrow Road, Pavilion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Hawkins was reportedly a passenger in a vehicle stopped on East Avenue by Deputy Brian Thompson. The 17-year-old driver, of Bryant Street, Batavia, was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Teriance M. Schramm, 20, of Edwards Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon and unlawful possession of marijuana. Schramm was allegedly seen on Nov. 15 walking down Ross Street with nunchaku ("nunchucks") in his pocket. He was questioned by Deputy Matt Butler and also found to allegedly possess marijuana.

Summer Ogden, 34, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt and disobeying a court order. Ogden was arrested by State Police at 8:32 a.m., Saturday. No further details released.

Accident on Route 33, Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

A two-car accident has been reported in the area of Old State Road and Route 33, Bergen.

There are no injuries reported, but one car is blocking Route 33.


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Today's Deals: Returning today, Batavia Downs Grandstand Bar & Grille

By Howard B. Owens

Returning Today: Batavia Downs Grandstand Bar & Grille, 8315 Park Road, Batavia, NY: A full menu, salad bar and drinks in one of the region's most popular entertainment venues. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50.

Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center, 3646 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Fall decorations are in as well as a big selection of spring bulbs. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

The Daily Grind, 85 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: For Batavia's finest coffee, smoothies, as well as fast and convenient breakfasts and lunches, stop into The Daily Grind. We have a $10 gift card for $5.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Handcrafted items, gifts with a regional flair, candles, teas and spices -- South Main has a wide selection to please most any interest. Decorate your home or office for Fall or start your Christmas shopping. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: What better way to brighten your home or office for the holidays than with flowers? We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.50.

Present Tense Books and Gifts, 101 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY: Whether your taste runs to local authors, the finest in fiction or nonfiction or you're looking for a unique and special gift, this charming store in a cozy Victorian house on the edge of downtown is a great place to shop. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Carlson's Studio, 39 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Holiday portrait time is now, or save for a spring wedding or other special event. We have a $150 gift card for $75 (+$2 PayPal service fee).

Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center, 3646 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Christmas trees will be available soon. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, NY: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

The Mane Attraction

Carlson's Studio

Oakfield man dies in late night fire

By Howard B. Owens

A 48-year-old Oakfield resident died overnight as a result of a fire at 7154 Pine St., Oakfield.

Jeffery D. Repass, a resident at the address, was pronounced dead at the scene following the 12:39 a.m. blaze, which started in a bedroom.

Four other occupants escaped safely.

The house was heavily damaged and the cause of the blaze is under investigation by the Oakfield Fire Department, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and Genesee County Emergency Management.

Assisting at the scene were the Elba Fire Department, Alabama Fire Department, East Pembroke Fire Department, Mercy EMS and the Genesee County Coroner's Office.

(Initial Report)

Police looking for red pickup allegedly involved in hit-and-run on South Main, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Attica PD has been notified of a suspected hit-and-run driver heading South on Route 98 after allegedly hitting a parked car at 7 South Main St., Batavia.

The suspect truck is a red 2004 Ford F-150.

A Batavia Police officer said the same vehicle was suspected of erratic operation yesterday.

UPDATE 5:42 p.m.: Attica PD has the vehicle stopped in Attica.

UPDATE 5:46 p.m.: A Sheriff's Deputy is on his way to Attica to get the suspect.


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Photos: Santa makes annual visit to Oliver's Candies

By Howard B. Owens

Santa Claus passed through Batavia today, making a stop at Oliver's Candies (I've also heard that he stopped at Present Tense Books, but I didn't find that out until later).

While Santa was in the sweetshop, the Batavia Area Jaycees were outside selling hot dogs and running a petting zoo.

Besides the three pictures on this post, a couple of additional photos are available for purchase by clicking here.

Photos: School bus auction

By Howard B. Owens

First Student, Inc., a bus company on Oak Street, held an auction today. I didn't find out about it until after it was all over, but I'm told 250 old school buses were sold.

Buyers came from Kansas, Mexico and Guatemala, among other places.

Town of Le Roy employee accused of taking money from public and keeping it

By Howard B. Owens

A Town of Le Roy employee working at the transfer station on Circular Hill Road is being accused of taking money from people bringing in garbage and keeping the cash for herself.

Arrested was 52-year-old Dawn Joy Mancuso, of York Road, Le Roy. She is charged with petit larceny and official misconduct.

After receiving numerous complaints about Mancuso taking money, Deputy Ron Meides, dressed in civilian clothes, began a process of dumping garbage at the transfer facility and getting his dump card punched. On the last week, when Meides was low on available punches on his dump card, Meides said Mancuso allegedly took $10 from him and never turned the cash over to the Town of Le Roy.

Meides alleges in his report that Mancuso has been regularly taking cash from transfer station patrons who did not have enough punches on their cards to drop off garbage.

Mancuso allegedly never turned any of this money over to the town.

Council will discuss what to do with eight properties foreclosed on by Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

The City of Batavia has foreclosed on eight properties for failure to pay taxes.

In a report to city council, City Manager Jason Molino is recommending that six of the residential units be auctioned off, one be turned over to Habitat for Humanity and a commercial property be offered through a request-for-proposal.

The eight properties are:

  • 507 Ellicott St., assessed value of $52,000 and back taxes of $19,225
  • 20 Franklin St., assessed value of $65,000 and back taxes of $17,131
  • 3 Manhatten Ave., assessed value of $71,000 and back taxes of $25,903
  • 48 Riverview Parkway, assessed value of $1,500 and back taxes of $572
  • 21 South Lyon St., assessed value of $53,400 and back taxes of $26,359
  • 308 Washington Ave., assessed value of $12,400 and back taxes of $5,448
  • 11-13 Raymond Ave., assessed value of $52,000 and back taxes of $20,803
  • 13-15 Jackson St., assessed value of $15,000 and back taxes of $3,411

The Riverview Parkway and Washington Avenue properties are vacant land and are zoned residential.

The property recommended for Habitat is 11-13 Raymond Ave. The property has been vacant for more than a year and has water and mold damage. Habitat identified the property as suitable for revitalization and turning over to a low-income family. The local chapter would be asked to pay the $20,803 in back taxes for the property.

As for the commercial property on Jackson Street, it is a warehouse in the alley. Molino is recommending that the city put out a request-for-proposal asking potential buyers provide a plan for the property before it is sold.

Grants used to build ice arena restrict city's options to sell it now

By Howard B. Owens

It's not that the Falleti Ice Arena can't be sold, but restrictions from the grant money used to build it create one more barrier for the city to overcome before it can jettison the facility, according to a report released by the City Manager's office.

After some preliminary discussions with state and federal officials, it appears that if the city were to sell the ice rink, any proceeds would need to be used only on other parks and recreation facilities, or to benefit low- and moderate-income residents.

And how the money is used would also need to be approved by either the federal agency or the state agency that now administers Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).

The proceeds could not be used to pay down any current debt on the facility.

The city manager's report was released to city council members on Thursday and the findings will be discussed at Monday's council conference meeting.

The report notes that before these findings are confirmed, more talks need to take place with the federal Housing and Urban Development Department and the state's Office of Community Renewal.

The arena was originally built with CDBG funds in 1978, and it came with strings attached, including specifying what the city can do with the arena.

The existing debt on the rink is $400,000 and it is being paid by the current operator.

In 2006, the city received $1.2 million in low-interest loans from the state to improve energy efficiency at city facilities, including the ice arena. The operator will pay about $25,000 this year as reimbursement for the arena's share of those improvements.

Photos: Wonderland of Trees at the Holland Land Office Museum

By Howard B. Owens

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The Holland Land Office Museum's ninth annual Wonderland of Trees opened Friday evening with a gala that included food (even a chocolate fountain), a silent auction, a chance to vote on your favorite tree and an opportunity to mingle with friends and neighbors.

About 40 local businesses and organizations participated in sponsoring trees this year, and the themes are quite creative.

The Christmas trees will be on display at HLOM through Jan. 8.

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