Assemblyman Michael DenDekker was in Batavia today as part of a tour of Steve Hawley's district, with stops at the state's Veterans' Hospital and the VA Center as well as Lamb Farms. DenDekker, a Democrat, is chairman of the Assembly's Veterans' Affairs Committee. Hawley is the ranking minority member of the committee. The tour was aimed at helping DenDekker increase his knowledge of veterans issues across the state as well as introduce him to rural Western New York.  

One of the stops was the A Ward in the VA hospital that is being remodeled into private and semi-private rooms. Conducting the tour were contractor Martin Brothers, left, and Royce Calhoun, assistant director of the Batavia VA Center.

Press release:

Booklets for a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Batavia are now available. The tour identifies 16 sites of historic interest between the Holland Land Office Museum on the west and the site of the former Cary Mansion on the east.

The tour was developed by City Historian Larry Barnes in conjunction with the Centennial Committee of Vibrant Batavia. Rob Dumo provided caricatures, and most of the photographs were obtained from the Genesee County History Department.

The booklets include pictures of the 16 sites and text providing historic background of each location. For individuals with smartphones, QR codes provide access to additional audio descriptions and pictures that complement the information in the printed copies of the booklets. Most people will be able to complete the tour in an hour to 90 minutes or less.

Booklets are available free of charge at the following locations: the tourist information booth on West Main Street, the Holland Land Office Museum, City Hall, the Office for the Aging, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, and the Richmond Memorial Library.

The Centennial Committee is a part of Vibrant Batavia, a community network organized to celebrate the past, build on the present and to create a more vibrant future. The volunteers work side-by-side with the City of Batavia, NeighborWorks® Rochester, and the business community to strategically improve the City's neighborhoods and to promote a livable community of choice.

Press release:

Jason R. Molino, city manager of the City of Batavia, has been appointed to a one-year term on the 16-member Executive Committee of the New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials.

Mayor Richard Milne of the Village of Honeoye Falls, president of the Conference of Mayors, made the selection. Molino will represent NYCOM's affiliate organizations and is the only member of the Committee who is not a mayor.

In announcing the appointment, Mayor Milne said "Jason Molino is a recognized leader and innovator in the field of local government administration, and NYCOM will clearly benefit from his energy and ideas."

Molino was the recipient of the 2014 Local Government Excellence Award for Strategic Leadership and Governance from the International City and County Management Association. Prior to coming to Batavia, he served as the assistant to the village manager for the Village of Port Chester. He also spent seven years in the Coast Guard Reserve where he earned the rank of Boatswain's Mate Second Class.

Molino has his bacherlor's degree in Political Science from Norwich University and went on to earn his master's degree in Public Administration from Rockefeller College of Public Affairs.

The Conference of Mayors is the statewide association representing New York's cities and villages. Since 1910, NYCOM has united local government officials in an active network of legislative advocacy, technical assistance and municipal training.

Six-year-old Jaedyn listens to instructions from Officer Kevin DeFelice during a bike safety course this morning at Williams Park.

The course is the second of five conducted by the city at Batavia's five municipal parks as part of the summer rec programs.

The children participating learn the rules of the road, proper hand signals and the importance of wearing bike safety helmets.

At the end of the course, they receive a certificate that makes them eligible for a free helmet, courtesy of the Batavia Lions Club, which they can pick up at Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle.

The course today was conducted by DeFelice, Det. Rich Schauf and Toni Funke, program coordinator for the Youth Bureau.

Say it loud: Batavia Proud.​

Order your shirt today and wear it to Summer in the City on Aug. 15 for a chance to win prizes.

Shirts are $9.95 each, plus tax and shipping and handling. 

Or join The Batavian Club by July 20 and get a free T-shirt plus more than $300 in gift certificates to local businesses. Obviously, a great way to support your community.

Use the PayPal buttons below, or click here for an order form (pdf).

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A group of Hutchins Street residents raised the issue of increased criminal activity in their neighborhood during a City Council meeting Monday.

Ken Darch, a resident on Hutchins Street who represented the group, expressed his concern for the continuous fighting and drug activity in his neighborhood.

Darch told of a fight involving 15 to 20 people that broke out Friday night and started up again Saturday morning. 

“There is constant drug activity of all kinds," Darch said. "There are cars going up and down the streets and transactions going on constantly,” Darch said. “Hutchins Street has also become a sanctuary for sexual offenders.”

Darch stated the two major problems that need to be addressed are the unaccountable landlords and the lack of law enforcement. Darch said the city needs to take action and hold offenders responsible for the crimes they commit.

Sixth Ward Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian agreed with Darch about the increasing amount of criminal activity not just in his neighborhood but in all areas of the city.

“We used to have minor problems," Christian said. “Right now we have major problems. There is no respect for police officers and a lot of drugs out there."

Christian said she believes the resolution to the problem involves increasing police patrols and neighbors following through with signing a complaint if they witness a crime being committed.

Second Ward Councilwoman Patti Pacino and Fifth Ward Councilwoman Kathy Briggs want to hold a meeting with residents to address neighborhood crime.

“We have a lot of problems and we need to take action,” Briggs said. “I’m willing to meet with all of our wards to do something.”

Councilman John Deleo stressed the need to invest in street cameras. According to Deleo, the camera placed on State Street has significantly reduced crime in the area.

Other business at Monday's City Council meeting included approving a pay raise for the city manager and a presentation by the Batavia Development Corporation.

The council voted 6 to 3 in favor of giving City Manager Jason Molino a 2-percent wage increase. Molino’s annual salary will be $91,272.

The Batavia Development Corporation is requesting proposals from individuals or organizations that would like to invest in the former Della Penna and Santy’s properties. Julie Pacatte, economic development coordinator, hopes to attract private investors with tax incentives to clean up the rundown properties. According to Pacatte, investors can received up to 50 percent of cleanup costs with tax credits through the Brownfield Cleanup Program. The deadline for proposals is Aug. 12.

Oakfield resident Preston S. Daigler, 17, was sentenced by Judge Robert C. Noonan to two years in state prison and three years of post-release supervision in Genesee County Court today.

Judge Noonan denied Daigler youthful offender status for his guilty plea to first-degree robbery. As a result, Daigler received prison time instead of probation.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, argued in court that Daigler had stated in phone calls with his mother while he was incarcerated that he wouldn’t complete probation and would run away when he got out of jail.

Emily Fusco, representing Daigler, said that he didn’t mean what he had stated in the phone calls. Daigler made a statement addressing the phone calls as well.

“I said some things I didn’t mean, your honor,” Daigler said. “I was scared and freaking out.”

Based on the seriousness of the case, Judge Noonan didn’t consider the crime to be a youthful offense.

Daigler and Tyshon L. Taylor, 18, hit the victim in the head with a gun, punched the victim and stole property. The incident happened in March at a residence on Central Avenue, Batavia.

Taylor was sentenced last week to three years in prison and three years of post-release supervision.

Lamar A. McCain, 44, and Horatio Coleman, 61, both of Oak Street, Batavia, are charged with petit larceny and criminal impersonation, 2nd. McCain and Coleman allegedly stole $65 worth of merchandise from Kmart in Batavia. Following an investigation, Deputy Chad Cummings found they allegedly gave false identification to law enforcement while being questioned. McCain and Coleman were jailed on $2,000 bail.

Tanisha N. Gibson, 30, of Brooksville, Florida, was arrested on a grand larceny warrant for an incident that allegedly occurred while Gibson was employed at Walmart in Batavia in January 2014. Gibson was arrested in Florida and extradited to New York jailed on $10,000 bail. No further details released.

Richard M. Schiersing, 39, of Sandhill Road, Caledonia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, DWI drugs, moving from a lane unsafely and operating a motor vehicle with an obstructed view. The charges result from a traffic stop on Main Street in Batavia by Officer Kevin DeFelice. Schiersing was jailed without bail.

Robert L. Carney, 23, of Maurice Street, Buffalo, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Carney is accused of damaging a door in the emergency room at United Memorial Medical Center. He jailed on $1,000 bail.

A 16-year-old male from Batavia is charged with petit larceny, identity theft, 2nd, and unlawful possession of personal identification information, 3rd. The youth allegedly possessed debit card information belonging to another person and used that information to purchase several items.

Tyler D. Price, 22, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Price allegedly violated the terms of a Genesee County Family Court order of protection by being at the residence of the protected party. The incident happened on Liberty Street in Batavia.

Scott R. Kantra, 47, of Cheektowaga, is charged with aggravated DWI and DWI following an erratic operation complaint at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center. Kantra allegedly was in operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

Jason Stout, 28, and Bailey J. Heinzerling, 25, both of Rochester, are charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing video game accessories at Target in Batavia. Stout allegedly stole approximately $165 and Heinzerling stole approximately $230 worth of merchandise. Stout  was jailed on$500 bail. Heinzerling was released on her own recognizances.

Rondell J. Watson, 33, and Joy S. Robinson, 23, both from Rochester are charged with petit larceny and conspiracy, 6th, following an incident at Kohls in Batavia. Watson and Robinson are accused of conspiring together to steal two pairs of khaki pants from the store. Upon arrest, Watson allegedly became verbally abusive and was yelling obscenities in the parking lot. Robinson was also arrested for petit larceny for allegedly stealing several shirts from Marshalls in Batavia prior to the other larceny. They posted bail of $250 each.

Harry T. Gibson, 50, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Gibson is accused of stealing an exhaust manifold from a business in Batavia and then scrapping it for money.

Joseph H. Schenk, 23, with no permanent address, is charged with petit larceny. Schenk is accused of stealing coins from an acquaintance. The incident happened on Mill Street in Le Roy. He jailed on $250 bail.

Timothy J. Wood, 26, City of Batavia, and Christopher D. Bisig 29, Town of Batavia, were charged with petit larceny. Wood and Bisig allegedly were allegedly caught stealing earrings from Kmart by placing them in their pockets and passing all points of sale.

Crystal A. Mounts, 38, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and trespass. Mounts allegedly stole a pair of sandals and a plastic container of earthworms at Walmart in Batavia. After an investigation, state troopers determined she had been banned from the store due to a previous incident.

City Manager Jason Molino today announced his appointment of Matthew Worth as the director of Public Works for the City of Batavia. Matt has worked for the City for more than 28 years, his most recent post as the superintendent of Water and Wastewater.

As a lifelong Pembroke and Indian Falls Road resident, Matt has held several roles throughout his tenure with the City of Batavia. He started with the City in 1987 as an engineering technician where he was then promoted to deputy superintendent of Water and Wastewater in 1999. Matt took over the superintendent of Water and Wastewater role in 2002.

During his time with the City, Matt has been an intricate part of the public works team, participating in almost every aspect of the public works operations from street reconstruction, water and sewer plant upgrades, to capital infrastructure planning.

Pier Cipollone, 4th Ward councilmember who participated in the interview process, said, “I think it’s great to have someone from within the department move up and take on the responsibilities of running the department. Matt brings a wealth of knowledge to the job and I know I speak for Council in saying we applaud his appointment to the position of director of DPW and we look forward to our continued relationship.”

City Manager Jason Molino added, “Over the years Matt has proven himself as a steadfast leader. He has served this community for over 28 years and comes into his new role with a depth of knowledge. Having worked side by side with Matt over the past decade, his passion to serve the community and residents has never been stronger. I’m looking forward to what the future brings.”

Matt lives with his wife Joan, and they have two grown children: Adam (25) and Kathryn (22).

Matt holds a Grade-D Distribution System Operator License issued by the NY State Department of Health.

Matt’s first day as the director of Public Works is July 14. His annual salary is $88,705.

City Manager Jason Molino encourages all Batavia residents to celebrate this appointment and welcome Matt to his new position. 

Press release:

Executives from Frontier Communications and IBM recently joined local officials and members of the business community at the D&R Depot Restaurant in Le Roy to celebrate being named a quarter finalist in America’s Best Communities (ABC) prize competition.

The team of Le Roy and Bergen is one of 50 communities in the competition, which is a $10 million initiative to stimulate economic revitalization in small towns and cities across the United States. The Le Roy and Bergen team has been awarded $50,000 to date to develop a comprehensive strategy to start the process of developing a plan to accelerate the revival of the local economies and improve the quality of life in their communities.

Sponsored by Frontier Communications, the ABC prize competition could net a Grand Prize of $3 million for the communities to advance their strategic economic development revitalization plan.

“The collaborative efforts of the community and business leaders of Le Roy and Bergen give reason to celebrate the recognition as one of America’s Best Communities,” said Robert Smith, Frontier Area general manager -- Rochester West. “The team has a great vision on economic development and nurturing the cultural identity of their towns, two key outcomes desired of this contest.”

Le Roy and Bergen have been awarded $35,000 from the ABC prize competition to date and $15,000 from American Express and IBM, which are serving as financial sponsor and active mentor, respectively, as the team pursues the next round of funding.

The Town of Le Roy, under the leadership of Supervisor Stephen R. Barbeau, has committed up to $15,000 to ensure the communities can compete in the semifinal round. Other sponsors and potential funding partners include local governments and businesses. A consultant also will be hired in July to finalize the community revitalization plan.

"This is a perfect example of communities working together for collective betterment. Our Upstate communities serve as a positive example for the rest of the state: coordination, cooperation, ingenuity and efficiencies of scale,” said New York State Assemblyman Stephen Hawley.

Only 15 communities will be selected to advance to the semifinal round. Each community will present to a panel of judges about why they deserve $100,000 to advance their plan. Three Grand Prize winners will receive up to $3 million.

 “Our communities demonstrate resiliency and survival,” said Rochelle Stein, Genesee County legislator. “Constant change and adaptation are hallmarks of our ability to survive and thrive. We have the benefit of youth investing in our family generational businesses, entrepreneurs advancing, and a passion to work towards a brighter future for our entire community. This contest will bring about positive energy for Le Roy and Bergen.  I am pleased to work with such high-caliber partners.”

The Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation (GGLDC), an affiliate of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC), is the entity administering the grant dollars and overseeing the selection of the consultant.

Janet Knauss, 50, pled guilty to falsifying business records while working at Target in Batavia.

Knauss is subject to five years probation and up to six months in Genesee County Jail. She was represented by Attorney Jerry Ader in Genesee County Court today.

She allegedly entered false discounts, voided transactions and bagged items that were not scanned so they could be stolen while working as a cashier at the store.

An order of protection was also filed. Her sentencing date is Oct. 13.

Benjamin Lindke, 41, and his wife, Molly Lindke, 41, pled guilty to offering a false instrument for filing. 

Each faces up to five years probation and six months in the Genesee County Jail.

In March 2013, the couple knowingly provided Social Services with a written statement containing false information. Benjamin failed to report his income on several forms. They are accused of receiving approximately $6,000 in food stamps they weren't ineligible to receive.

They will be sentenced Sept. 10.

A Bethany resident who allegedly caused a brain injury to a toddler appeared in Genesee County Court for his plea cutoff today.

Anthony P. Dibble, 25, did not enter a guilty plea to reckless assault of a child, a Class D felony. According to Assistant District Attorney Will Zickl, the plea could have reduced his prison sentence from seven years to four-and-a-half years.

The pending plea deal expired today at 9:30 a.m. and there will no longer be the opportunity for a deal. The case now goes to trial. 

Dibble is accused of causing serious brain injury to a child less than 5 years old by shaking or slamming the child's head on a hard surface or object during an overnight visit in August 2014. He drove the child to United Memorial Medical Center and then the child was flown by Mercy Flight to Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo to undergo surgery. Dibble is the child's biological father but the child doesn't live with him.

The trial date is scheduled for Sept. 28.

Storm U. Lang, 18, entered a guilty plea to two counts of first-degree child sex abuse, and one count of second-degree child sex abuse in Genesee County Court today.

Lang faces up to four years in prison and 10 years of released supervision. He is currently being supervised by Genesee Justice.

Lang allegedly was sexually involved with three different victims on separate occasions when he was 17 years old. He is accused of subjecting a 7-year-old to sexual contact in the Town of Alabama in October. In November, he also allegedly subjected a 12-year-old child to sexual contact in the Town of Alabama and a 5-year-old child to sexual contact in the Town of Bethany.

Orders of protection for the victims were filed today. His sentencing date is Sept. 9.

A person is stuck inside the elevator at Le Roy Urgent Care Clinic, 8745 Lake Street Road. Le Roy Fire Department is responding in non-emergency mode.

Tyler J. Goodenough, 21, of West Filbert Street, East Rochester, is charged with aggravated DWI following a two-car accident in the parking lot of Darien Lake Theme Park.

Robert C. Hayes, 25, of Warsaw Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, and unlawful possession of marijuana, plus he is cited for having an obstructed driver's view. Hayes was pulled over on Clay Street in Le Roy for allegedly having his driver view obstructed when police found him to be in possession of marijuana and an edged weapon.

Gena M. Naugle, 41, of South Lake Avenue, Bergen, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd. Naugle allegedly threw a dinner plate at a juvenile causing glass shards to strike the juvenile. 

A 17-year-old male from Medina is charged with harassment, 2nd. The youth allegedly punched a male acquaintance several times at a residence in Bethany.

A 30-year-old Buffalo resident was hospitalized Sunday night after an assault following the Toby Keith concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center. Police have not released the victim's name.

According to Genesee County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble, there was a confrontation between the victim and another individual in the parking lot prior to concert. Later, inside the venue, a physical altercation occurred between the two parties. Then around 10:30 p.m., a third confrontation took place in the parking lot and the victim reported being beaten by several individuals.

This resulted in the victim being flown by Mercy Flight to Erie County Medical Center, primarily because of possible head injuries. The victim was released today.

Law enforcement sources said the assault was initially reported as a person injured due to falling from a pickup truck. But investigation revealed the person allegedly punched someone in the concert venue and later that person and the person's friends found the Buffalo resident and allegedly assaulted him.

Investigators are working to identify the suspects and gather evidence. No names or additional details are being released at this time. 

Press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Fair will take place July 21-25 at the Genesee County Fairgrounds on East Main Street in Batavia. This year’s 4-H fair theme is “#iam4h” and local 4-Hers have been working hard all year to show the community what 4-H means to them!

4-H is a year-long educational program and most clubs meet once a month. Each club focuses on different projects throughout the year, and many 4-H members are able to display the results of their hard work at fair. This ranges from raising animals to sewing and gardening and even projects about alternative energy!

Genesee County 4-H youth are offered a wide range of educational experiences through a dedicated group of volunteer leaders. Through these experiences, 4-H encourages strong character traits like a sense of community, hard work and confidence.

We encourage you to stop out at this year’s 4-H Fair to support our youth and have some fun!
 
Tentative 2015 Genesee County Fair 4-H Schedule of Events:

(Dates and times are subject to change)
 
Tuesday, July 21
8 a.m.-- 12 p.m. ---      Final Setup of Merton & Kennedy Buildings:
                                    4-H Club Exhibits in place (Kennedy Bldg.)
                                    4-H Community Service, Promotional & Project Displays (Merton Bldg.)
9 a.m.  -------------        4-H Market Swine Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)
12 p.m.  ------------       4-H Market Goat Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)
2:30 p.m.  ----------       4-H Market Sheep Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)
                                    4-H Dairy & Meat (non-market) Goat Show & Showmanship (Open Dairy Barn)
4 p.m.  -------------        4-H Non Market Beef Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)
                                   GPS & Solar Fun Fest (Merton Bldg.)
5:30 p.m.  ---------       Parade Line up- Pit Area of Raceway 5 (on Fairgrounds)
6 p.m.  ------------        4-H Market Beef Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)
6:30 p.m.  --------        Parade- Theme: “#iam4h”
7:30 p.m. ---------       GPS & Solar Fun Fest (Merton Bldg.)
 
Wednesday, July 22                 
11:30 a.m.   ---------    GPS & Solar Fun Fest (Merton Bldg.)
1:30 p.m.  ------------   4-H Sheep Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)

Followed by:  --------   4-H Sheep Leadline Classes (Show Ring)
                                   4-H Sheep Costume Class (Show Ring)
6 p.m.     -----------       4-H Swine Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)
6:30 p.m. ----------       4-H Rabbit Show & Showmanship (Merton Bldg.)
 
Thursday, July 23
8:30 a.m. ----------      Horse Show ring closed for Show set up
9 a.m. -------------        4-H Dairy Show & Showmanship (Show Ring)
                                  4-H Horses in place
10 a.m.  ----------        4-H Horse Show Fitting, Showmanship, and English Classes (Horse Ring)
1 p.m.  -----------         4-H Goat Knowledge Olympics Contest (Livestock Bldg.)
2 p.m. -----------          4-H Horse Show Dressage Classes (Horse Ring)
5:30 -- 7 p.m. ---        4-H Market Animal Auction Buyers Dinner (Kennedy Bldg.)                       
7 p.m.  ----------          4-H Market Animal Auction (Show Ring)
 
Friday, July 24
9:25 a.m.  -------         Wrangler Equine Showmanship Clinic (Horse Ring)
10 a.m.  ---------         4-H Horse Show Fitting, Showmanship & Western Classes (Horse Ring)
3 p.m.  ----------          4-H Goat Obstacle Course Contest (Livestock Bldg.)
                                  4-H Sheep Trimming and Blocking Contest (4-H Sheep Barn)
5:30 p.m.  -------         4-H Tractor Driving Contest-via Pre Registration (Kennedy Bldg.)
                                  4-H Goat Costume Contest (near Goat & Livestock Bldgs.)
7 p.m. -----------          4-H Fur & Feather Knowledge Contests (Merton Bldg.)
 
Saturday, July 25
10 a.m.  ----------       4-H Horse Gymkhana & Games Classes (Horse Ring)
2 p.m.  -----------        4-H Sheep Bowl (Merton Bldg.)
2 -- 4 p.m.  -----         4-H Vegetable Art Fun Fair Activity (Kennedy Bldg.)
4 p.m.  ----------         4-H Master Showman Contest (Show Ring)
6:30 p.m.  -------        4-H Scavenger Hunt (Kennedy Bldg.)
8 p.m.  ---------           4-H Movie Night (Kennedy or Merton Bldg.)
8 p.m.  ---------           4-H Dairy Animals released
8:30 p.m.  -----           4-H Horse Animals released
9 p.m.  ----------          4-H Fur & Feather Club Animals released
                                  4-H Non-Market Animals- Beef, Goat, Sheep, Swine released
10 – 11 p.m. ----        Kennedy, Merton, and Exhibition Buildings Open for pick up of entries