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Council to consider law to license landlords, institute fines for nuisance tenants

By Howard B. Owens

To help cut down on problems with some of the residential renters in the City of Batavia, two council members are asking the council to consider a law that would license landlords and fine property owners who rent to nuisance tenants.

The proposal is on tonight's City Council agenda. The meeting begins at 7.

The proposal grew out of conversations between council members Brooks Hawley and Pier Cipollone and City Manager Jason Molino regarding problems in the Holland Avenue neighborhood.

Molino did some research and found that the Town of Niagara and the Town of Cheektowaga recently created a licensing scheme for landlords.

There are also fines for landlords if the police are called to a residence frequently.

Molino's memo on the law states, "It appears that this legislation attempts to hold landlords accountable for tenant behavior as well as provide easier methods for landlords to evict uncooperative tenants that are compromising the character of neighborhoods."

In Niagara, officials concluded that renting out residential rental property is a business and should be licensed like many other types of business.

Once licensed, officials will have a better paper trail on who the landlord of record is and then notify the landlord of potential problems.

Officials will track police calls to rental properties and three nuisance or criminal complaint calls in a year will result in a $50 fine; a fourth, $100; a fifth, $500 and each additional incident thereafter, $1,000 each.

The legislation in Niagara states that "residential rental properties may become a haven for various criminal or disruptive actives that can result in disorder in our community and affect the quality of life of others in the Town of Niagara."

Car crash with injuries at Route 5 and Lake Road, Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at Route 5 and Lake Road in the Town of Pembroke. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments, Mercy medics and law enforcement is responding.

UPDATE 11:57 a.m.: A male driver complains of a chest injury and there was air bag deployment on one of the two vehicles involved. Mercy medics are told to "back it down."

UPDATE 12:20 p.m.: The Pembroke and Indian Falls assignment is back in service.

Law and Order: Two Le Roy men accused of stealing scrap in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Jason A. Klinkbeil, 24, of 80 South St., Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny and criminal traspass, 3rd (entering an enclosed property). Klinkbeil is accused of stealing scrap metal from a location at 653 Ellicott St., Batavia. Also charged, Nathan S. Snyder, 27, of 7185 W. Main St., Le Roy.

Tracy L. Hume, 41, of 3351 Iroquois Road, Caledonia, is charged with DWI, failure to use a turn signal, failure to keep right and failure to submit to breath screening device. Hume was stopped by Le Roy PD at 12:28 a.m., Saturday, on Clay Street for an alleged traffic infraction.

Tiana N. Terry, 31, of 30 Buell St., Batavia, is charged with menacing, 2nd. Terry allegedly threatened another person with a knife during a domestic incident reported at 10:21 p.m., Saturday.

Jason D. Alessi, 20, of 9741 Simonds Road, Corfu, is charged with making graffiti. Alessi was allegedly caught spraying painting some equipment at the Skate Park off Evans Street, Batavia.

Kevin O. Simmons, 53, of 20 Central Ave., Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and unlicensed driver. Simmons was arrested by Sgt. Jason Davis following an investigation into a property damage accident reported at 2:30 a.m., May 18, at 210 State St., Batavia.

Steven Matthew Seyler, 22, of Bridgeman Road, Sanborn, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding (44 in a 35 mph zone) and failure to keep right. Seyler was stopped at 12:39 a.m., Monday, on Route 33, Corfu, by Deputy Frank Bordonaro.

Batavia's varsity coach hosting free football camp for sixth- and seventh-graders

By Howard B. Owens

Brennan Briggs, head football coach for the Batavia Blue Devils, is invivitng all sixth- and seventh-graders to a free football camp from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Sunday, at Van Detta Stadium.

The team's coach staff and varsity players will assist in putting the aspiring high school football players through their paces in individual skills and drills on offense and defense.

Briggs will provided information on the modified football program and there will be flag football games following the two-hour camp.

Participants will also receive Blue Devils apparel and a tour of Van Detta Stadium.

All participants must bring cleats, sneakers, outdoor clothes and a water bottle.

Photo: Boy lands another prize pike

By Howard B. Owens

Kyle Kendall's favorite sport is baseball, but he seems to have a knack for catching trophy pike.

Last summer, he caught a big one at the sand wash, which his parents had mounted. This weekend, he landed a 35.5-inch, 10-pound pike.

Photo and info submitted by Dave Kendall.

Photo: The rescue of 'Lola' on Pringle Avenue

By Howard B. Owens

"Lola" thought about trying to make her escape today, but once on the roof above the porch of her home on Pringle Avenue, she wasn't quite sure of her next move.

A neighbor tried getting to her with a ladder, but she was too big and hard to carry on his own.

Police were called, who called the fire department.

The owner wasn't home, but firefighters were able to gain access to the house and went to the second floor. Firefighter Bob Fix opened a window and called to her.

At that point, "Lola" gave serious consideration to jumping from the roof. Onlookers yelled, "no," and Fix called her again. She turned and walked into the house through the window.

When Fix came out, he said "Lola" was standing on the kitchen table.

About this time, the owner returned from a bike ride with her children.

It's not the first time "Lola" has done something like this, she said. At their previous residence -- the family recently moved to Pringle -- "Lola" jumped from a second-floor window.

"She's crazy," she said.

Then her children got tours of the fire truck and the police car.

(Initial Post)

Photo: A tiger swallowtail butterfly

By Howard B. Owens

My big project this weekend was to plant eight new rose bushes and some other flowering plants in the front yard.

This afternoon, as I worked on Memorial Day pictures, I heard a boy's voice outside. He was summoning his sister.

"Come see," he said. "I found a tiger swallowtail butterfly. Come see it."

He kept repeating, "It's a tiger swallowtail."

So, I went out side to see it. 

The butterfly was just sitting next to a newly planted rose.

The boy told me, "I've seen a picture of one in a book before, but never in person."

I asked him if he knew a lot about butterflies and he told me he was fascinated by butterflies and that his dream, once he's grown up, is to breed the first "American swallowtail," which he said would be a red, white and blue butterfly.

Photos: Memorial Day events for 2013 in Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

There were about 20 Memorial Day events in Genesee County today. Here are photos from four of them: Services at the NYS Vets Home, the Upton Monument and parades in Batavia and Corfu.

And Ken Mistler's giant flag on the Carr's building.

To purchase prints of photos, click here.

Barn fire reported on State Street Road, Batavia

By Billie Owens

A barn fire is reported at 8244 State Street Road, just north of the BOCES complex. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding. "That would be the old Stan's Harley-Davidson."

UPDATE 7:39 p.m.: Oakfield is asked to stand by in Town of Batavia's Station #1.

UPDATE 7:43 p.m.: State Street Road is shut down just north of BOCES to accommodate a 5-inch water line across the road to fight the fire.

UPDATE 7:48 p.m.: Town of Batavia fire and Mercy medics are on scene.

UPDATE 7:58 p.m.: The electrical breakers for the barn have been shut off.

UPDATE 8 p.m.: The barn is being vented.

UPDATE 8:09 p.m.: The fire is under control and firefighters are now doing overhaul.

Irish setter said to be on a roof on Pringle Avenue in the city

By Billie Owens

A resident reports there is an Irish setter on the roof at 30 Pringle Ave. in the city. The fire department is responding.

UPDATE 6:40 p.m.: Truck #15 is responding with its ladder. The home was recently purchased and the owners are not there. The dog busted through a screen on the second floor and is just hanging out, perhaps enjoying the scenery.

UPDATE 6:54 p.m.: "Lola" the dog was put safely back in the home, coaxed by firefighters. The owner, who was out for a bike ride, subsequently returned.

UPDATE 6:56 p.m.: Truck #15 is back in quarters.

Vehicle strikes gas meter on Reynolds Road in Darien

By Billie Owens

A vehicle struck a natural gas meter in front of a residence at 1129 Reynolds Road in Darien. There are no injuries. The gas meter is leaking. The residents have evacuated and National Fuel has about a 20-minute ETA. Darien Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 4:56 p.m.: A responder on scene says "It's a pretty good hit -- a line they took off." He's told winds are northeast at 5 mph.

UPDATE 5:35 p.m.: National Fuel is on scene. Darien is back in service.

Motorcycle wreck in Stafford

By Billie Owens

A motorcycle accident is reported in the 6000 block of East Bethany - Le Roy Road. The driver is conscious and alert, but lying on the ground complaining of shoulder pain. Stafford Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 4:42 p.m.: Mercy Flight is called to the scene.

UPDATE 4:55 p.m.: Westbound traffic is shut down.

UPDATE 5:08 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne and headed to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 5:11 p.m.: The road is reopened. The Stafford assignment is back in service.

Memorial Day observances being held throughout Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

Photo: Submitted by Jason Smith; Matthew Smith places a flag at the grave of his great-grandfather, Harold Smith, who served in World War II in the Navy.

There are eight Memorial Day parades in Genesee County today:

  • 9 a.m., Bergen
  • 10 a.m., Batavia
  • 10 a.m., Pavilion
  • 10:30 a.m., Alexander
  • 10:30 a.m., Le Roy
  • 11 a.m., Bryon
  • 11 a.m., Oakfield
  • Noon, Corfu

Elba is holding a ceremony at Maple Lawn Cemetery at 10 a.m.

The county's veterans groups started a series of services that will be ongoing throughout the morning beginning at 7 a.m. at the Genesee County Park. At 8 a.m., there will be a service at Williams Park at the World War I Memorial; at 8:30 a.m. at the Batavia VA Center; at 8:45 a.m. at the NYS Veterans Home; at 9:30 a.m., at the Upton Monument; at 10 a.m. at the Harvester Avenue Plot; at 10:30 a.m. at the UMMC Jerome Center; at 11:30 a.m., the Glenn S. Loomis Grave at Elmwood Cemetery; and at noon at the Hansen Brothers Grave, Grandview Cemetary.

Law and Order: Pavilion man accused of possessing stolen vehicle, tools

By Howard B. Owens

Bryan McWayne Hargrave, 26, of Morrow Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 3rd. Hargrave was reportedly found in possession of a vehicle and tools that had been reported stolen in Le Roy on Saturday. Hargrave was jailed on $20,000 bail.

Woodrow Clarence Horseman, 37, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Horseman was allegedly caught shoplifting at Kmart.

Beth M. Overacker, 34, of North Chili, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, aggravated DWI (child in car), endangering the welfare of a child, controlled substance not in original container and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Overacker was stopped at 11:53 a.m., Saturday, on R. Stephen Hawley Drive, Batavia, by State Police. Overacker was held on bail. No further details released.

Jason W. Lebar, 27, of Stafford, is charged with illegal discharge of a firearm and criminal possession of a weapon, 4th (prior criminal conviction). Lebar was arrested by State Police in connection with an alleged incident reported at 7:08 p.m., Saturday. No further details released.

Sheriff's Office reports seven arrests, 29 citations at Tim McGraw concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by members of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office during the Tim McGraw concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sunday.

Michaelk P. Sobolewski, 19, of Edward Street, Lancaster, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and alcohol after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana and alcohol being under age 21.

(name redacted upon request), 23, of Covell Road, Brockport, is charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue.

Mitchell G. Wilkinson, 20, of Willow Woods, Alden, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Devin M. Karnath, 17, of Seneca Street, West Seneca, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching another concert patron.

William R. Briggs, 20, of South Main Street, Wayland, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Kyle G. McCarthy, 21 of Gordon Avenue, Lancaster, is charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return several times and then resisting arrest.

Lacey M. Soro, 16, of Tuscarora Road, Niagara Falls, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly striking a security guard several times.

The following people were issued citations for allegedly possessing alcohol under age 21.

Leanne M. Webb, 16, of Bartlett Road, East Aurora
Kennedy M. Weltjen, 16, of Waverly Street, Springville
Jordan M. Napierala, 20, of Nob Hill, Rochester
Danielle P. Dolegowski, 19, of Stolle Road, East Aurora
Daniel J. Harrington, 19, of South Transit Road, Lockport
Alexa M. Mina, 19, of Park View Drive, Pittsford
Taylor L. Clark, 17, of Langer Place, Webster
Kala M. Wilkins, 19, of Simsbury Lane, Pittsford
Tyler D. Piscitello, 19, of Liebler Road, Boston
James S. Tam, 20, of Wood Run Rochester
Kyle J. Callea, 18 of Quail-Run Lane, Lancaster
Karlie J. Johnson, 19 of South Portage, West Field
Kelly N. Crouch, 17, of Lancer Court Depew
Matthew J. Dunne, 20, of Carmen Street, Amherst
Alexander G. Moore, 19, of Comstock Road, Lockport
Ridge A. Hawk, 20, of Whitetail Drive, Marilla
Adam D. Ostrowski, 18, of Canwell Street, Lancaster
Jacob D. Radka, 16, of Kibbe Avenue, Batavia
Allison L. Stock, 17, of Bennett Road, Angola
Megan M. Crowley, 19, of Abbey Road, Whitesboro
Marisa C. Coleman, 20, of Obrien Road, Rome
Marisa N. Scozzaro, 18, of Willow Ridge Lane, Lancaster
Jacqueline L. Porreca, 18, of Southpoint Drive, Lancaster
Eric R. Schlegel, 20, of Southpoint Drive, Lancaster
Jennifer M. Jankowski, 20, of Fruitwood Terrace, Williamsville
Laura A. Dilts, 19, of Route 96A, Romulus
Jeremiah W. Tomion, 19, of Ferguson Corners Road, Penn Yan
Samantha E. Demmerley, 19, of Lakeshore Road, Derby
Nicole L. Littlejohn, 18, of Texas Street, Angola

Top Items on Batavia's List

Gas stove, dryer, queen bed and boxspring, books, bikes, legos, mens and womens clothing and much more. Cash and Venmo accepted. May 24-26 8am-? 5050 Batavia Elba Townline rd Batavia 14020
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