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Three-car accident reported in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

A three-vehicle accident has been reported in Texaco Town, the intersection of Route 63 and Route 20, Pavilion.

Unknown injuries at this time.

Pavilion Fire and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 1:03 p.m.:  An assistant chief on scene reports no injuries.


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Two meetings focus on county Smart Growth Plan revisions

By Billie Owens

There are two public meetings scheduled to discuss possible revisions to the Genesee County Smart Growth Plan.

One is at 7 p.m., Monday, June 7, in the large meeting room in County Building No. 2, located at 3837 W. Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia.

The other is at 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 8, inside the Le Roy Town Hall, 48 Main St.

The Smart Growth Plan, first adopted by the county legislature in 2001, is required to be reviewed every three years and any recommendations for revision must be made at that time.

The preliminary draft of the proposed revisions can be viewed on the county's website, specifically at:

<http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/dpt/planning/SmartGrowthPlan%202010Prelim.pdf>

The overall plan is intended to mitigate potentially significant environmental impacts of the Genesee County Water Supply Project on agriculture.

To this end, Smart Growth Development Areas were designated based on access to transportation, minimal conflict with county agricultural districts as well as state regulated wetlands.

The plan assesses the feasibility of extending public water service and the potential for extending public infrastructure to support community development.

Batavia store reports electrical outlet fire

By Billie Owens

A possible electrical fire is reported at 419 W. Main St. in the Batavia Commons. The store has been evacuated. Didn't catch the name of the store.

"It's an electrical outlet fire at the register up front," reports a firefighter.

City of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy EMS is responding.

Photos: Festival of Hope

By Howard B. Owens

There was a large turn out Friday evening at Batavia Downs for the annual Festival of Hope to benefit Genesee Cancer Assistance.

GCA raised $30,000 this year.

The event featured a 5K walk/run, games for children, music, a Chinese Auction and haircuts and beauty treatments.

On left below, Paul C. Stomper poses with Dr. Kevin Mudd. Stomper was the keynote speaker Friday. The Batavia native has travelled the U.S. working with cancer patients and has authored a book, "Come Sunday, Inspiration for Living with Heart."  Mudd is president of GCA. You can find out more about Stomper and his book at ComeSunday.net.

More pictures after the jump:

Photo: Hay Harvest

By Howard B. Owens

At the intersection of Putnam and East roads, crews were harvesting hay this afternoon.

Couple allegedly caught having sex on picnic table in Farrall Park

By Howard B. Owens

A 41-year-old Batavia woman has been charged with adultery after being caught engaged in sexual intercourse on a picnic table in Farrall Park.

The woman was arrested along with a 29-year-old Oakfield man and both were charged with public lewdness.

The man was identified by Batavia Police as Justin M. Amend.

Because the woman is married with children, The Batavian has chosen to withhold her name.

UPDATE: After more thought (see our post explaining the reversal of the decision here), we've decided to publish the female suspect's name. It is Suzanne M. Corona.

Sgt. John Peck said that Officer Matt Baldwin was dispatched to Farrall Park about 5:15 p.m. after parents in the park called police. Baldwin witnessed the couple still engaged in sex when he arrived.

"There was a little alcohol involved," Peck said. "They initially didn't seem too embarrassed."

Peck acknowledge that adultery charges are rare these days.

"Many people probably don't realize it's still a crime," Peck said.

He said Amend was not charged with adultery because he was apparently not aware the woman was married.

Both suspects were issued appearance tickets for City Court on June 8 and released.

Give a Muckdog a home this season

By Billie Owens

Here's a media release from the Muckdogs:

How would you like to live with the next Ryan Howard or Chase Utley this summer?

The Muckdogs are in need of your help in locating host families. The team comes to Batavia the weekend of June 12th and 13th. There are host families signed up for the season, but there is still a need to house at least 15 more players.
 
This is where you can help. Being a host family to a player has benefits:

  1. You have a future St. Louis Cardinal staying in your home.
  2. You become acquainted with young men from all around the country who love “America’s Favorite Pastime,” baseball.
  3. You also get paid by the player for an amount you both agree upon.

So why wait? If you are interested or know someone in the Batavia area (within just a few miles of Dwyer Stadium) who might be interested in hosting a player or coach, please contact the Muckdogs office at 343-5454.

Thank you for your support!

Downtown Batavia Public Market opens June 17

By Billie Owens

On Thursday, June 17,  the fourth annual Downtown Batavia Public Market opens at the corner of Ellicott (Route 63) and Center streets. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This year there are some new vendors, including two wineries which will sell wine and offer tastings. There's also a vendor selling homemade Italian cookies and treats.

Plus, the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County will offer free nutritional programs and information. The City of Batavia Police Department will provide free child car seat inspections. And other special events are planned.

Shoppers can expect to find a wealth of locally grown produce and foods. These include baked goods, fresh sweet corn, tomatoes, onions, berries, peaches, apples, cheese, honey, maple syrup, cut flowers, herbs, garden accessories and lots more.

Stop by and have lunch, served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jackson Street Grill/Belladessa's will offer hot dogs, hamburgers and pizza for sale along with beverages.

"Support the downtown that supports our community," says the sponsor, the Batavia Business Improvement District's Public Market Committee.

For more information, call 344-0900 or visit this website <www.downtownbataviany.com>.

Photo: William Morgan in the Sun

By Howard B. Owens

As long as I was at the Batavia Cemetery, I played around with taking a picture of the William Morgan monument.

Photo: Heritage Day at Batavia Cemetery

By Howard B. Owens

Jon McManis talks with a group of fourth-graders from John Kennedy School about William Morgan at the Batavia Cemetery. In the fourth grade, students are taught local history, and the annual Heritage Day tour helps students learn at the gravesites of Batavia's famous people.

Photo: Fill the Boot today

By Howard B. Owens

Firefighters Mike Morris and Jeff Whitcombe were on Main Street at Court Street this morning collecting donations from drivers passing by as part of the City of Batavia Fire Department Local 896's annual campaign. The funds benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Firefighters will be at Main and Court and Ellicott and Court until 5 p.m.

Today's Deals: Welcome back, Larry's Steakhouse

By Howard B. Owens

Larry's Steakhouse, 60 Main St., Batavia, NY: The name says it all -- Larry's is a great place for steak. Larry's has a fine dining atmosphere with a great menu and outstanding service. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Margarita's Mexican Restaurant, 15 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When you're looking for an authentic Mexican meal, Margarita's is the place to go. The food and atmosphere are perfect and the service is always outstanding. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F.Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts,lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kraving's offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's is another Batavia favorite for pizza and wings. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

SOLD OUT

 

Golf cart rollover accident with injuries

By Billie Owens

A golf-cart rollover accident with shoulder injuries is reported at Davis Countryside Meadow golf course in Pavilion, Hole 13.

The golf course is located at 11070 Perry Road, between York and Dillon roads. Pavilion Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding.

At least 67 arrests and citations at Dave Matthews concert in Darien

By Howard B. Owens

Thomas R. Allen, 28, of Elmsford Drive, West Seneca, was charged with assault, 3rd, after allegedly striking another patron in the face causing a split lip and bruising. He was jailed; $750 bail.

Dustin T. Forkell, 19, Linda Lane, Spencerport, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, for allegedly unlawfully possessing prescription medication. He was also held on an outstanding warrant out of Gates. He was jailed; $750 bail.

Ryan J. Gill, 25, of Harvey Avenue, Lockport, for criminal possession of marijuana, 5th, for allegedly smoking marijuana in public view.

Stacy J. Gerber, 27, of Drum Road, Middleport, for unlawful possession of marijuana.

Richard M. Marchewka, 27, Drum Road, Middleport, for trespass after allegedly jumping a fence to enter the concert venue.

Sherry A. Morse, 48, of Britannia Drive, East Amherst, for trespass after allegedly jumping a fence to enter the concert venue.

Luci A. Wind, 39, of Stonecliff court, Clarence, for trespass after allegedly jumping a fence to enter the concert venue.

Gregory R. Flynn, 20, of Winbert Drive, North Townawanda, for trespass after allegedly jumping a fence to enter the concert venue.

Chad J. Schillinger, 24, of Raleigh Street, Rochester, for harassment, 2nd, for allegedly striking a security guard.

Kevin R. Ogiba, 20, of David Drive, Niagara Falls, NY, for trespass after allegedly jumping a fence to enter the concert venue.

Preston W. Washburn, 21, of Pre Emption Road, Dundee, for assault, 3rd, after allegedly punching a patron in the face causing severe bleeding.

Ben H. Swan, 19, Orange Tree Circle, Rochester, for trespass after he allegedly returned to the concert venue after being told several times to leave.

Michael A. Marciano, 26, Marsdale Court, Webster, for trespass after allegedly jumping a fence to enter the concert venue.

Jeremy J. Flansburg, 33, Heritage Circle, Farmington, for public lewdness and harassment, 2nd, after allegedly urinating in a mop bucket inside a beer stand and also punching a security guard in the face.

Patrick M. Hourihan, 19, Bramhill Court, Williamsville, for unlawful possession of marijuana.

A youth, 16, of Pin Oak Drive, Williamsville, for unlawful possession of marijuana.

The following people were charged with possession of alcohol with intent to consume under the age of 21. They were issued appearance tickets to be in Darien Town Court at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 29.

Tyler L. Hagan, 18, of San Fernando Lane, East Amherst

Monica  J. Leising, 18 of Niagara Falls Blvd., Buffalo

A youth, 17, of Lilly Ridge Drive, East Amherst

A youth, 16, of Pin Oak Drive, Williamsville

Patrick M. Hourihan,19, of Bram Hill Court, Williamsville

Chelsea E. Sands, 18, of Briercliff Drive, Hamburg

Taylor K. Cotter, 18, of Falconcrest Lane, Orchard Park

Stephanie A. Pembleton, 18, of South Benzing Road, Orchard Park

Hollie A. Kishel, 18, of Lawrence Place, Orchard Park

A 17-year-old of Reserve Road, West Seneca

Marissa M. Craspi, 18, of Scherff Road, Orchard Park

A 17-year-old of Edgewater Lane, Rochester

Kyle J. Steckley, 20, of House Road, Ridgeway, Ontario, Canada

Ian W. Fairgrieve, 20, of Manning Court, Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada

Thomas M. Centore, 19, of West High Terrace, Syracuse

Tyler J. Bogardus, 19, of Fern Road, Syracuse

Leah R. Kramer, 19, of South Lima Road, Lima

Tessa R. Connell, 19, of Frances Way, Livonia

Bobbi E. Mason, 19, of Pamda Drive, Rochester

Andrea M. Spena, 19, of Pinecrest Drive, Rochester

Luzgabriella Collazo, 19, of Edgebrook Lane, Rochester

Curtis L. Scott, 19, of Pin Oak Lane, Rochester

Sean C. Walgrove, 20, of Edgecreek Trail, Rochester

Brittany E. Boehm, 19, of Laurelton Road, Rochester

James R. Morana, 19, of Northfield Road, Clarence Center

Jesse D. Alt, 20, of Woodland Drive, Tonawanda

Alex T. Tubbs, 18, of Bram Hill Court, East Amherst

(name redacted upon request), 18, of Beach Ridge Drive, East Amherst

Meredith K. Petit, 20, of Hunters Glen, Getzville

Michele Y. Bauman, 20, of East Carriage Hill, Williamsville

JennyLynne K. Rizzo, 20, of Shore Drive, West Henrietta

Kyle A. Goldsmith, 18, of Hollybrook Road, Rochester

Nikalaus E. Milazzo, 18, of Staglen Drive, Henrietta

David W. Young, 20, of Springfield Drive, Tonawanda

Justin C. Galante, 20 of Ruie Road, North Tonawanda

Edward A. Spiesz, 20, of Brookfield Lane, Hamburg

Robert M. Bieber, 19, of Rogers Road, Hamburg

Eric M. Wilson II, 19, of Brookfield Road, Hamburg

A 17-year-old  of Coachmans Lane, Hamburg

Shannon N. Prozeller, 20, of Bradford Hill, Fairport

Stephanie S. Snyder, 19, of Northington Drive, East Amherst

A youth, 17, of West Chapel Woods, Williamsville

Colleen A. Mallick, 19, of Highland Ave., Williamsville

A 17-year-old of Firethorn Court, East Amherst

A 16-year-old of Lakeshore Road, Hamburg

Adam R. Coons, 18, of Westwood Drive, Brockport

Danield R. Castanera, 18, of Colby Street, Spencerport

Sara A. Runo, 19, of Autumwood Drive, Rochester

Rachel L. VanAernum, 19 of Barnell Drive, Churchville

Emily G. Capotasto, 18, of Savage Road, Churchville

Kevin T. Mahoney, 19, of Widger Road, Rochester

Pavilion woman hurt in Wyoming County crash

By Howard B. Owens

A 19-year-old Pavilion woman was injured in a crash Sunday in Wyoming County after a driver from Perry allegedly failed to yield the right of way.

Kristi L. Fox suffered a concussion and facial injuries, according to State Police. Investigators blamed her injuries on the lack of a safety belt. She was issued a citation.

The other driver, Stacey R. Lamm, 45, of Perry, reportedly stopped at a stop sign at VanAllen and LaGrange roads, but then proceeded through the intersection.

She was issued a citation for alleged failure to yield right-of-way.

Lamm was not injured.

Fox was transported to Wyoming County Community Hospital where she was treated and released. 

Wyoming Fire and EMS responded to the scene.

Police Beat: Three DWIs, a larceny and one resisting arrest

By Howard B. Owens

Sean Christopher McGuire, 25, of South Drive, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of pavement markings. McGuire was stopped at 12:31 a.m. today by Deputy Patrick Reeves on Route 77 in Pembroke.

Kevin E. Kern, 22, of South Main Street, Manfield, Pa., is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of. 08 or greater, and speeding. Kern was stopped at 12:12 a.m., today, on Route 33, Town of Batavia, by Deputy James Diehl.

Joseph Beszczynski, 24, of Darien, is charged with petit larceny. Beszczynski was arrested by State Police in the area of 11000 Darien-Alexander Townline Road at 9:13 a.m., Monday. No further details were released.

John E. Swabb, 54, of Oakfield, is charged with DWI and aggravated DWI with no priors. Swabb was stopped by State Police on Wortendyke Road, Batavia, at 3:18 p.m., Sunday.

LaToya D. Jackson, 24, of Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and violation of probation. Jackson was arrested by State Police at 4036 W. Main St., Road, Batavia, at 12:05 a.m., Monday. No further details available.

Driver on Walker Road said he didn't see the curve coming

By Howard B. Owens

A driver on Walker Road said he didn't see a sign for an upcoming curve, leading to a single-vehicle rollover accident at 2:45 a.m. today in Darien.

The driver, 18-year-old Conor F. McNealus suffered "complaint of pain" injuries, according to the report prepared by Deputy Eric Seppella, but was not transported to a hospital.

McNealus, a resident of 19 Hubbell St., Canandaigua, was cited for alleged DWI, driving an uninspected vehicle and speeding.

His passengers, Taylor M. Selkirk, 19, Corbyn B. Manning, 18, and Joel Stitt, 19, were not injured.

The group was traveling in a 1996 Honda sedan.

Longtime newsman recalls his biggest stories, his books and more

By Diane M. Dole

William Brown, a native Batavian, is and always will be a newshound. He has spent a long lifetime writing stories from the sensational to the mundane, the odd and the expected, and everything in between.

He’s a regular at the Batavia City Council meetings, notepad and pen at the ready.

“They pray before every meeting,’ Brown said.

His latest series of articles for the Buffalo News is about Leandra’s Law, the new DWI law, which makes it a felony if a child is in the car of an inebriated driver.

Besides newspaper writing, Brown spent many years in radio broadcasting, something he was drawn to since taking a high school course about it.

But initially, he set his sights on becoming a principal or school superintendent. He even earned a master’s degree Educational Administration.

Then he joined the Army, touring Japan during World War II, and served in its radio service program. He was in charge of communications between the camp and the troop he belonged to.

After returning from the war, Brown took a job at WBTA. From there on out, he was in the news business.

“This is usually a good starting point for people and after a few years they move onto a larger market or get out of the business, although some people stay,” Brown said.

When Brown first started at the station, he was an announcer and he covered the police and city hall beats. He did the 12:30 p.m. newscast.

“The funniest moments I remember were the announcers and their bloopers. Such as: ‘The woman is under the physician’s car’ when the announcer meant to say ‘The woman is under the physician’s care.’”

The biggest stories of his career were both exciting and terrifying -- The flood of Tonawanda Creek in 1942 and the 1971 Attica Prison riot.

At the time of the flood, WBTA was only a year old. It had a rocky start because people in Batavia believed they could get all of their news from either Buffalo or Rochester and didn’t need a local station.

That changed when the Tonawanda Creek flooded the entire south side of West Main including the railroad tracks. There was no communication from outside of the town.  Everyone was cut off.

People had to rely on WBTA. When communications were finally restored, Batavians found that they enjoyed their local station and began to value its importance in the local community.

Nearly 30 years later, WBTA was on the frontlines of the Attica Prison uprising.

“We had a reporter there all the time giving us updates on what was happening.”

WBTA provided coverage for more than 50 radio stations – stories of inhumane conditions and shoddy treatment, the overcrowding, racism and beatings which boiled over into a four-day riot that left 39 people dead.

New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller’s orders to use tear gas and open fire on the inmates were heavily criticized. The prisoners got some concessions and things improved.

Years after the Attica uprising, Brown bought one-third ownership in WBTA. But he eventually sold his share and retired from radio – but not the news business.

Brown is particularly proud of his editorials.

“The editorials used to be about baking pies and stories of Mom. I believed editorials are made to be thought provoking, involved and controversial.”

So he set about changing the way the local editorials were done. He wanted to spur people into action. In each of the 16 years he worked on editorials, he won an award from the Associated Press.

Of the 12 books he has written, he cites two favorites: “The Linden Murders” and “Genesee’s Rich and Famous.”

The former is about four unsolved murders in Wyoming County. These cases were labeled “perfect” because no clues were left behind.

His other favorite book includes some colorful personalities, such as railroad baron Dean Richmond, director for the Utica and Buffalo Railroad Company.

Then there’s the story of Edward Newton Rowell who murdered his wife’s lover in their home.

“Rowell shot the man in the back as he was fleeing down the stairs.”

He went to the police and confessed to the crime. The jury later found him not guilty of the crime, on the grounds he killed an intruder in his home.

A 100 years ago, murder was apparently more forgivable than adultery.

The book also features Orator Francis Woodward, who bought the Jell-O formula from his neighbor Pearle Wait for only $450. He named his company Genesee Pure Foods Company and so effectively marketed Jell-O that it became a household name.

Photo: File Photo from a December 2009 Batavia Rotary Club meeting where Brown received gifts from the club.

Top Items on Batavia's List

The Batavia Housing Authority is seeking a positive, hardworking teammate to perform a variety of outdoor landscaping tasks, primarily mowing, with some trimming and cleanup work. The Groundskeeper is independently responsible for outdoor landscaping tasks on a weekly basis with some flexibility. This job may require some weekend hours when necessary. Part-time position Pay Range: $19.00/hr - $22.00/hr Anticipated start date: May 2024 Application deadline: April 29, 2024 See full job description at: https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/Groundskeeper.pdf Complete Civil Service Application at: https://cms1files.revize.com/geneseecountynew/CivilServiceApplication2022Revision-09.22.22.pdf Contact Information Nathan Varland Executive Director Batavia Housing Authority 400 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 (585) 344-1888 nvarland@bataviahousing.org Location: Batavia
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