The Batavian - Local Matters

Judge in Bethany accused of sexual harassment resigns from office

Jun 17, 2024, 11:41am

A Town of Bethany justice has resigned following a complaint and investigation into alleged sexual harassment of a court clerk.

Judge Joseph Nowakowski was accused of sending unwanted text messages that were unrelated to the clerk's duties, according to a statement issued by the NYS Commission on Judicial Conduct.

The commission statement did not provide details on the content of the messages.

After the clerk reportedly asked Nowakowski to stop sending messages, he allegedly retaliated by seeking her termination as a court employee.

The judge resigned on June 1 as part of an agreement with the commission. Under the agreement, Nowakowski is barred from ever again serving in any judicial capacity.

Nowakowski, who is not an attorney, became a judge in 2022, and his term was set to expire in 2025.

The commission received a complaint about Nowakowski in February.

Commission Administrator Robert H. Tembeckjian made the following statement: “There is no place for sexual harassment in the courts, particularly among the judiciary, who must set and exemplify the highest standards of conduct for all to emulate. The Commission considers such matters seriously and takes action as appropriate and necessary.”

Today's local deals: Pastore's Pizzeria, Alabama Hotel, T.F. Brown's, and more

Jun 17, 2024, 11:36am

Today's Deals:

Pastore's Pizzeria
Alabama Hotel
T.F. Brown's
Santino's Pizza
Eden Cafe and Bakeshop
Livia Beauty and Spa

Three vehicle collision reported on Ellicott Street Road, Bethany

Jun 17, 2024, 11:28am

A three-car motor vehicle accident is reported in the area of 5870 Ellicott Street Road, Bethany.

No word on injuries.

Bethany Fire and Stafford Fire dispatched. Mercy EMS dispatched.

Batavia Downs hosts 2nd annual Jackpot 5K on Sunday

Jun 17, 2024, 11:03am

Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO of Batavia Downs, and his wife Caroline Wojtaszek crossing the finish line at Sunday's race.
Photo by Kara Richenberg

On a clear, sunny Sunday morning, 158 people turned out to participate in the Batavia Downs Jackpot 5K, an event that benefited WNY Heroes, Inc.

Batavia resident Justin Vrooman, 24, had the best overall time at 15:09. Second, Matt Oberst, 43, of Farmington, at 15:31.

The top female runner was Miranda Gatto, 19, of Niagara Falls, at 15:22.

This was the second year of the event at Batavia Downs.

Henry Wojtaszek speaking before the race on Sunday.
Photo by Kara Richenberg

Runners at the starting line.
Photo by Mike Richenberg

Kimberly Mills (#35) finished 1st in her age group with a time of 17:16.
Photo by Mike Richenberg

Runners starting the race.
Photo by Mike Richenberg

Photo by Mike Richenberg

FOUND: Golden Doodle puppy missing from home on South Swan since Saturday night

Jun 17, 2024, 8:12am

UPDATE: After this was posted, the family received a call, and Lyken is back home.

Lyken, a Golden Doodle puppy (less than a year old), is missing from her home at 233 South Swan St., Batavia.

She's been missing for more than 36 hours.

Lyken broke out of the yard on Saturday during fireworks.

Contacts:

Jon, 585-483-1091
Kaylynn, 585-813-3205
Katie, 585-250-2721

Photos: BHS seniors turn out like stars on prom night

Jun 16, 2024, 4:24pm

The 2024 senior class of Batavia High School held its prom on Saturday at WoodSmith Estates on Creek Road in Batavia.

For more photos or to purchase prints, click here.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Genesee County's oldest manufacturing company celebrates 140 years in business

Jun 16, 2024, 3:49pm

Tim Onello, on TV screen, delivers opening remarks on Saturday during a 140th Anniversary Celebration for Chapin International at the company's headquarters at 400 Ellicott Street, Batavia.
Photo by Howard Owens.

One hundred and forty years ago, homes didn't have electricity, and there were no amateur photographers.

That's right. In 1884, neither General Electric nor Eastman Kodak's founders had launched their history-making companies, nor had Nabisco or Coca-Cola product their game-changing products to market yet.

But a pair of young businessmen in Oakfield, Ralph E. Chapin and brother-in-law Frank Harris, had devised an idea for a better container to store kerosene for lamps and Chapin Manufacturing was born.

Photos: Community gathers to celebrate freedom in recognition of Juneteenth

Jun 16, 2024, 2:33pm

A Juneteenth Celebration was held in Williams Park on Saturday afternoon.

The event included food, live music, and vendor booths.

It was organized by Just Kings, a Batavia-based community group.

Juneteenth falls on Wednesday this year. On June 19, 1865, the last slaves still being held in bondage in Texas were freed, bringing to an end an ugly chapter of United States history.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Jhensy Etienme displays a guitar-inspired purse on sale on Saturday in her vendor booth at the Juneteenth celebration in Williams Park. Etienme started her business, Unique Haitian Vybez, about a month ago. Born in Haiti, Etienme was raised in Batavia. She sells, like the business name suggests, unique items made in Haiti, such as jewelry and accessories. She is also planning on a booth at the Genesee County Fair in July.

Batavia PD officers were on hand for the event with a patrol car on display, which 2-year-old King James thoroughly enjoyed.

Terry Smith

NYS Attorney General Letitia James speaks with a group of local Democrats.

UK Tra