The owner of a local medical office has been arrested a fourth time for allegedly issuing bad checks, though the latest charge stems from checks written before he owned the business, according to Det. Eric Hill, Batavia PD.

Mark T. Zdrojewski, 61, of Meyer Road, Pendleton, was charged today with grand larceny, 3rd, for allegedly writing a bad check to Haun Welding Supply.

He was charged with theft this time, police say, because the check enabled him to allegedly steal refrigerated helium liquid.

Hill said the incident was a business transaction.

In November, Zdrojewski was charged with three counts of issuing a bad check.

The checks were written to Turnbull Heating and Air Conditioning in June and August.

Turnbull has filed for a mechanic's lien against Zdrojewski totaling $13,242.

Earlier that month, Zdrojewski was arrested on another charge of issuing a bad check for allegedly writing a bad check to another local business.

He was also reportedly arrested in September on four counts of issuing a bad check for allegedly writing checks to local businesses that wouldn't clear.

According to Hill and other sources, Zdrojewski is currently the owner of Advanced Imaging in City Centre, however he wasn't the owner at the time the alleged bad checks were written on the business account. 

His LinkedIn profile states he was previously practice manager at Advanced Imaging.

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at South Street Road and Telephone Road. Pavilion fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 4:23 p.m.: A second ambulance is called to the scene.

Press release:

The HomeCare & Hospice Guild is looking for some extra hands to help with its annual Spring Bouquet Sale.

Guild members have held spring flower sales each of the last 20 years and once again plan on distributing bouquets throughout Genesee County in early March. Proceeds will benefit the HomeCare & Hospice Foundation.

To make the event a success, volunteers are needed to sort flowers on March 1 or deliver flowers on March 2 and 3 to businesses that have made pre-sale orders. Volunteers can also assist with on-site sales beginning March 4.

Drivers for flower delivery are the greatest need. Those wishing to volunteer are asked to please call toll-free at 1-800-719-7129 or e-mail Kathleen Neeson at kneeson@homecare-hospice.org

To pre-order a Spring Bouquet or learn more about HomeCare & Hospice services, visit <http://www.homecare-hospice.org> or call 1-800-719-7129.

HomeCare & Hospice, a nonprofit United Way agency, provides specialized medical care and social/emotional support for patients and families coping with life-limiting illness in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee and Wyoming counties. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

At a very young age, Matthew Kota, of Byron, knew exactly what he wanted to be when he grew up — a doctor. But sadly, his dreams were cut short. In memory of Matthew and his 24th birthday, the Batavia community and surrounding areas are encouraged to give the gift of life and donate blood at a special American Red Cross blood drive on Saturday, Feb. 7, at Notre Dame High School in Batavia.

The recent winter weather and widespread flu have impacted the ability of some eligible, healthy donors to give blood. Dozens of blood drives have been cancelled and thousands of donations have gone uncollected because of the storms. Despite the weather, hospital patients still need blood.

“Matthew never waited for anything to happen, he made things happen,” said Jason Kota, Matthew’s father. “He was truly one of a kind and I’ve yet to meet anyone else on this earth like him.”

Matthew enjoyed the outdoors and had a smile that would light up a room, but it was his humanitarian spirit that friends and family say was contagious. Matthew had a desire to help people, and that’s one of the reasons why he became a blood donor and also volunteered with the Red Cross. He had hoped to join the Gallon Donor Club and even though he did not achieve that goal, his family and friends are now carrying out his wishes by holding blood drives in his memory.

“Matthew was our son, a friend, leader and now our Angel,” Jason Kota said.
 
Matthew, the eldest of four children, was just 17 years old when he passed away in 2008 from complications of brain surgery. Matthew had a large arterio-venous malformation or AVM. A vein in his head was significantly larger than it should have been. Doctors believe AVM is congenital and dates to birth.

Matthew’s family and friends say hosting this blood drive is a unique way to memorialize what Matthew stood for — helping others. They are now giving back by turning their heartbreak into hope for other families in need. Matthew’s younger brother, Sean, graduated from Notre Dame High School.

Donate Blood in Memory of Matthew Kota
Saturday, Feb. 7
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Notre Dame High School
73 Union St.
Batavia

To make an appointment to donate, download the Blood Donor App, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org

All presenting donors will receive a $5 Dunkin' Donuts card as part of the “Dunkin’ Donors Make a Difference” campaign.
The Red Cross urges healthy, eligible donors to make an appointment to give blood or platelets to help hospital patients and maintain a stable blood supply. Blood donors of all types are needed, particularly O negative, A negative and B negative and platelet donors. One blood donation can help save up to three lives.
 
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org <http://www.redcrossblood.org> or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
 
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

For more information, please visit redcross.org <http://www.redcross.org> or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross <http://www.twitter.com/redcross>.

Press release:

Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District is excited to announce the annual Tree and Shrub Sale! Folks are strongly encouraged to order as soon as possible, as the deadline for tree and shrub orders is April 1, and apple tree orders (new this year!) are due by March 15.

George Squires, district manager at Soil & Water, says, “People should get their orders in as soon as possible, we don’t want to disappoint people, so if you order early, there is still a good chance that your favorite varieties will be available.”

Contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District to learn more and place your order: Genesee County -- (585) 343-2362.

The story below was written by Katherine Bailey, AmeriCorps intern at Genesee County SWCD

Why should you consider planting native tree and shrub species? Meet Joe Magee, resident of Stafford, Ph.D in Chemistry from UB, and avid native tree lover. Starting in 1996, Magee has purchased native tree seedlings from both Monroe and Genesee County Soil & Water tree and shrub programs. When asked why he wanted to plant so many trees on his 83 acres, he simply replied, “I wanted to live in the woods.”

Magee has come a long way in making his dream happen: 20,000 trees have been planted, many of them black cherry, white oak, red oak, black walnut, Austrian pine, Norway spruce, and white pine. For Magee, planting trees doesn’t stop the moment you plant them in the ground; they need to be taken care of, and he has made sure that all of his hardwood seedlings have ample protection from rodent and deer damage.

He hand-planted all of his trees, and he estimated that he could plant 10 trees per hour (including digging the hole, planting the seedling, and fitting the tree shelter on each one). In addition to seedlings on his property, Magee has a nursery where he grows 1000 seedlings that will eventually be ready for the outside. But it doesn’t end there; he also grows seedlings in paper orange juice and milk cartons outside his house, and since the paper is biodegradable, he can just put the whole container into the ground once the roots are developed.

Sounds like a lot of hard work, doesn’t it? But don’t let that deter you from conservation planting!

Joe said the most rewarding aspect of his long-term tree planting has been “the visual change from year to year.” The wildlife he sees from his house- bobolinks, orioles, owls, goldfinches, turkey, to name a few, reaffirms that his efforts are not only for his benefit, but for enhancing habitat. Planting a living thing into the ground and seeing it survive and grow is instant gratification.

Joe offered up some helpful tips from his work. First, if you want to try growing native trees on your property, take advantage of the expertise of your local Soil & Water District; the technicians will walk the land with you and look at soils and give recommendations. Secondly, there are a few good “starter” trees for beginners: white spruce and Norway spruce. These species grow fast and are relatively easy to maintain. Also red oak and red maple grow fairly fast. Even if you can only grow one tree or a small shrub, you will be doing your part to help enhance the native plant community right in your own backyard.

There may be other local victims of a 22-year-old rape suspect who was arraigned yesterday in county and city courts, according to Batavia PD.

Kesean Shannon, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with three counts of sexual abuse 1st, two counts of sexual abuse 3rd and one count of sexual misconduct.

The charges are the result of two separate investigations into allegations that Shannon engaged in sex crimes against two girls, age 15 and 16 and with a victim who is 30 years old.

The alleged abuse occurred in 2012 and 2013.

Investigators believe there may be other victims.

Anyone with information that may assist in the investigation are asked to call Det. Kevin Czora, Batavia PD, at (585) 345-6350.

Within the past couple of days there have been two hit-and-run accidents with suspect vehicles still at large.

The Sheriff's Office is looking for a black pickup truck with front-end damage that hit another vehicle on East Main Road, Le Roy.

They are also looking for a silver or gray Mazda that hit a utility pole and fire hydrant on Swamp Road, Bergen. That vehicle sustained driver side front-end damage and passenger side damage.

No further details available at this time.

Tips can be phoned into the Sheriff's Office at (585) 343-5000.

Press release:

A warrant has been issued for a Level 3 sex offender, James A Chase, who failed to report for his 90-day verification.  

The Batavia Police Department is looking for help from the community in locating him. 

James A. Chase is about 6’2” and weighs 240 pounds. He is listed as homeless on the City of Batavia Sex Offender page. 

He  is usually wearing camouflage and sometimes wears a face mask when he is walking. 

If anyone has information call the City of Batavia Police at 345-6350 or Officer James Defreeze at 345-6365.

UPDATE 2 p.m.: James Chase turned himself in. He is being arraigned in City Court this afternoon. Police say more information will be released later.

Answer this poll question later today on our new mobile app, Reacht, for a chance to win a $5 gift certificate from Southside Deli.

Click here for the iOS version.

Click here for the Android version.

Press release:

A public meeting will be held from 6 to 7:30 tonight at the Bethany Town Hall, located at 10510 Bethany Center Road, to inform county residents about the proposed Archery Hunting program as a method for deer management at the Genesee County Park & Forest. All are encouraged to attend, listen, and make comments regarding the proposal.

The primary goal is to reduce the herd and lessen the impacts of browsing on newly regenerated forest. An "Earn a Buck" program is proposed through archery and/or crossbow hunting methods.

Genesee County Park & Forest (431 acres) is owned by Genesee County and managed by the Genesee County Department of Parks, Recreation & Forestry. In 1915, New York State recognized the Genesee County Forest as the oldest County forest in NYS.

Forest management has been ongoing throughout the past 90+ years through plantings, tree stand (plantation) thinning (tending) and harvesting of timber. One of the primary management goals is the production and harvest of high-quality, high-value sawtimber.

But an increase in the deer herd has begun to impact the forest with over-browsing of the tree seedlings growing as a result of practices laid out in the most recent Forest Management Plan, adopted in 2003.

Deer management was a consideration during the plan's creation. Back then, the impact of over-browsing by deer was not dramatically seen because the management practices were not as prudent prior to the plan's adoption.

But like many forested areas across the state, the Genesee County Park & Forest has seen an increase in deer population and it has become a safe haven. Deer find the park to be a location that can be visited throughout the day during hunting seasons with no pressures to leave.

In fact, the park has become a heavy feeding ground throughout the year and as a result forest regeneration has been slowed and in some places has there's been none at all. This is why "Earn a Buck" program is being proposed.

For information or to make comments, please contact Paul Osborn, Genesee County Parks Supervisor at 344-8508, ext. 3904, or via e-mail at coparks@co.genesee.ny.us.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today issued the following statement after FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler released plans to vote on net neutrality rules Feb. 26th.

“Plans to reclassify the Internet under Title II pose a direct threat to Internet freedom,” Congressman Collins said. “The FCC’s actions threaten the innovative culture that makes the Internet one of the world’s greatest technologies. Additionally, these actions will add further uncertainty to the net neutrality debate.

"Here in Congress, under chairmen Thune and Walden, we have proposed draft legislation that would achieve the goal of protecting Internet consumers through the bright-line rules that net neutrality proponents are calling for in a way that limits burdensome regulations from crushing innovation.”

A 22-year-old resident of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is facing a group of sex crime charges after being arraigned this afternoon in both City Court and County Court.

Judge Robert C. Noonan unsealed a two-count indictment against Kasean L. Shannon. He is charged with sexual abuse in the first degree and sexual misconduct.

Shannon is accused of subjecting another person to sexual contact while the victim was unable to give consent by reason of being physically helpless.

He is also accused of engaging in sexual intercourse without the other person's consent.

In City Court, before Judge Micheal Del Plato, Shannon was arraigned on two charges of sexual abuse.

"I believe there may be further charges coming based on my conversation with law enforcement and District Attorney Friedman," his attorney Jamie Welch told Del Plato.

Also pending for Shannon are a criminal contempt charge and an unlawful possession of marijuana charge.

At the time of both arraignments, Shannon was in custody and came dressed in the Genesee County Jail orange jumpsuit.

Welch didn't ask for a bail review in either court and Noonan ordered Shannon held without bail.

The attorney also said he isn't ready to bind the case over to the Grand Jury and said he doesn't plan on seeking a preliminary hearing.

Other Grand Jury indictments released today:

Crystal L. Marsceill is indicted on a count of bail jumping, 2nd. It's alleged that Marsceill failed to appear on a criminal court case nor voluntarily within 30 days of her scheduled court appearance.

Kassidy R. Watson is indicted on one count of tampering with physical evidence. Watson is accused of tampering with physical evidence she believed was about to be produced or used in an official proceeding with the intent to prevent the evidence from being produced.

A rollover accident, unknown injuries, is reported at 7420 Lewiston Road. Oakfield fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 4:31 p.m.: A responder on scene reports "minor, if any, injuries" and says medics can "back it down."

UPDATE 4:39 p.m.: Oakfield is back in service.

A 21-year-old Batavia resident who entered a guilty plea last month to a pair rape charges received a near maximum prison term from Judge Robert C. Noonan today in County Court.

Maleak H. Green, most recently a resident of Ellicott Street, admitted Jan. 7 raping two girls, age 16 and age 15.  He pled guilty to two counts of rape 3rd in a deal that capped his sentence on both counts to four years in prison, to be served concurrently.

He also entered a guilty plea to criminal contempt 1st with a sentence cap of 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison.

That sentence could have been given to Green consecutive to his rape sentencing, making a maximum possible sentence of 5 1/2 to 8 years.

Noonan gave Green concurrent terms on all three counts.

Green was charged with rape in the third degree because of the age of the victims, but District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said if the case had been presented to a grand jury, he would have sought an indictment on rape in the first degree, alleging force, along with other criminal charges.

Friedman made the statement while asking for the maximum prison time available in the plea deal.

"It is our position that this defendant received substantial consideration in being able to enter this plea," Friedman said.

Green made no statement to Noonan.

Press release:

The Batavia City Council and City Manager are seeking residents who are interested in volunteering as a member of the following committees/boards:

• Batavia Business Improvement District
• Cable TV Advisory
• Planning and Development
• Plumbing
• Youth
• Zoning Appeals

Residents interested in applying can obtain an application from the City Clerk's Office or can visit the Web site at  www.batavianewyork.com/Files  and download a Committee/Board Volunteer Application under Documents.

Applications are due to the City Clerk's Office as soon as possible.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the City Clerk's Office at 345-6305 or the City Manager's Office at 345-6330 or e-mail  jmolino@batavianewyork.com

Smoke is reportedly coming from the chimney of an unoccupied house at 12 Pleasant St., Le Roy. A smoke alarm is also sounding. Le Roy fire is responding and a ladder truck from Bergen is also called in.

Press release:

Del Plato Casey Law Firm, LLP and Raymond F. Cianfrini, Esq., of Cianfrini Law Firm, LLP, are proud to announce that Mr. Cianfrini has joined Del Plato Casey Law Firm as an “Of Counsel” attorney as of January 1, 2015. 

Mr. Cianfrini’s office will continue in its long-standing location of 31 Main Street, Oakfield, New York, where legal assistant and office manager Rhonda Natalizia will also continue to serve clients. 

Michael A. Del Plato and Peter M. Casey will also offer a wide range of legal services at the Oakfield office, in addition to their current location at 73 Main Street, Batavia, New York. 

Mr. Cianfrini, a 1972 Graduate of UB Law School, has been continuously engaged in legal practice in Genesee County and the surrounding area for 42 years.  He will continue to provide quality, client-focused legal services as part of Del Plato Casey Law Firm.  Mr. Cianfrini, Mr. Del Plato, and Mr. Casey may be contacted at either the Batavia office (585-344-1050) or the Oakfield office (585-948-5201).

Del Plato Casey Law Firm, LLP is a general practice law firm handling Commercial and Residential Real Estate matters, Wills and Trusts, Estates and Probate, Business Formations, Family Law matters, Divorces and Legal Separations, Criminal Defense, DWI matters, Traffic Offenses and Personal Injury.

Additional Note: Ray Cinanfrini is chairman of the Genesee County Legislature. Michael Del Plato is recently retired as a City Court judge.

Justin Michael Cahoon, 23, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with identity theft, 3rd. Cahoon is accused of making unauthorized charges to another person's checking account.

Ronald Jason Scroger, 34, of Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd. Scroger is accused of entering Walmart after being previously banned.

Sarah Mae Wilson, 30, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with violation of order of protection. Wilson allegedly contacted the protected party via telephone at the Genesee County Jail.

Melissa C. Verton, 35, of South Main Street, Batavia, was arrest on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a registration suspended/revoked charge. Wilson was arrested at her residence.

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“Now that we have elected new leadership, the first order of business should be enacting much-needed ethics reforms. If the events of the past few weeks prove anything, it is that we have a unique opportunity to start fresh and for Speaker Heastie to prove that he is tough on ethics reform.

"For years, the Assembly Minority Conference and I have been calling for passage of measures such as the Public Officers Accountability Act and forfeiture of pension and retirement benefits for those convicted of certain felonies while serving as public officers.  Today is the dawn of a new day in New York State government, and I hope Speaker Heastie takes the initiative to put us back on the right track.”

A tin can, a pink basketball, and a lady dragon… it sounds like some sort of fairy tale. But it is far from that as these Lady Dragons use the cans to collect donations and that ball to shoot for a cure for breast cancer. To date, these young women have raised more than $22,000 for this cause.

When Rylee Moser was a freshman and playing on the Pembroke Junior Varsity Basketball Team, she recalls being asked to participate in the “Shooting For a Cure” event to help raise funds for breast cancer research. She said “our gym teacher’s wife was diagnosed with breast cancer and we wanted to do something to help.” Now a varsity player and a senior at Pembroke High School, Rylee remains highly involved and she and her teammates are passing the torch that will continue this tradition of the Shooting For a Cure event.

The Pembroke Dragons Girls Basketball Team started this fund-raising effort in 2012, carrying around coffee cans and asking for donations; they raised approximately $4,100. The following year, they continued finding sponsors and raised more than $7,100. And last year they set their goal at $10,000 and raised over $11,000. This year, these players hope to make it bigger and better than ever. With corporate sponsors and 70-plus merchants involved, they hope to exceed their goal again this year.

Mike Wilson, Pembroke math teacher who has been involved with this event since the start, says “all the girls cannot wait for this game… they are a civic-minded group and they use basketball to make a difference in their community.” The underclassmen will continue to carry the torch as he sees this as “the game the girls look forward to the most, where they have a chance to serve the community and others.” 

Shooting for a Cure will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, when the Lady Dragons host the Holley Hawks at the Pembroke High School Gymnasium. Besides proceeds from ticket sales, the Lady Dragons will have food, auctions and raffles. Perry’s Ice Cream is sponsoring an ice cream sundae bar at the game as well.

Donations are still being accepted and anyone wishing to donate can contact Mike Wilson at 585-599-4525, ext. 1210, or go to www.crowdrise.com/shooting4acure. All money raised from this event go directly to Roswell Park Cancer Institute to support breast cancer research.

When Rylee and the other seniors exit the court tommorrow night, they will carry with them the pride that they have made a difference in their school, their community and all those battling breast cancer.