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Crash with injuries on West Main Street in Batavia by McDonald's

By Billie Owens

(Photos by Jim Burns.)

An accident with injuries was reported near McDonald's restaurant about 10 minutes ago. The address is 4129 W. Main Street Road. Town of Batavia fire and Mercy medics responded and now a third ambulance is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 12:27 p.m.: Two patients are being transported to UMMC. They had no loss of consciousness and both got out of the vehicle(s) on their own.

Audit declares Genesee Gateway Local Development Corp. in 'full accordance' with U.S. accounting principles

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Mostert, Manzanero & Scott, LLP, presented a summary of the audit process undertaken, the scope of their engagement and audit results to the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation (GGLDC) Board at the March 24 meeting.    

The GGLDC Board engaged the certified public accounting firm to perform an independent audit of 2015 financial statements. The independent audit was designed to issue an opinion on the financial statements of the GGLDC for the year ending Dec. 31; a management letter to the Board of Directors management; and, a report about internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Government Auditing Standards.  

Included in the management letter is a statement from Mostert, Manzanero & Scott, LLP, affirming that no material deficiencies in internal controls were identified during the audit. The firm also affirmed that, in their opinion, the audited financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the GGLDC as of Dec. 31,  in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

“I am pleased with the continued positive audit results, and it speaks to the professionalism and transparency of the organization,” said Thomas Felton, president and chairman of the GGLDC.  

In 2015, the GGLDC, including Genesee Agri-Business, LLC (GABLLC) activity, received $1.2 million in grant revenues.

These grants included a NYS Homes and Community Renewal grant that supported infrastructure development at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park (GVAB) and the LeRoy/ Bergen America’s Best Communities grant, as well as an Empire State Development grant to support the development and marketing of the Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP).  

The GGLDC also recognized grant revenue from National Grid, which supported Buffalo East Technology Park (BTEP) infrastructure, an annual Community Benefit Agreement payment with CNL Income (Darien Lake) to support infrastructure in Western Genesee County, and an annual PILOT Increment Financing payment from Genesee County that supports a bond payment for infrastructure at the GVAB Park.

Currently, there is $6.9 million of land held for sale and development under the agencies control including 57 acres at the Gateway II Corporate Park, 67 acres at the BETP, 250 acres at the GVAB Park, 34 acres at Med Tech Park, and the Upstate MedTech Centre Building including an Innovation Zone for entrepreneurial businesses.

Chapin's Charity Golf Tournament will help local veterans chapter in Batavia

By Steve Ognibene

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Pictured above from left are Norm Hubbard, Golf Tournament Committee chair, Chapter 166 Commander Paul Gaylord, and Doug Titus, hospital service coordinator.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

Disabled American Veterans Chapter 166 of Batavia is the charitable organization chosen by Chapin International, Inc., host of the upcoming ninth annual Chapin Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday Aug. 13th, at Terry Hills Golf Course, 5122 Clinton Street Road in Batavia.

This particular group was chosen because they have no outside sources for funding, said Norm Hubbard, golf tournament chair. They only get contributions from the local American Legion, and VFW, to name a couple.

"If we let other people know about this organization and the services they provide, maybe this can provide a foundation for them for the future and get more people to contribute to them," Hubbard said. "Last year we raised $8,500 for the Girl Scouts of Western New York. This year our goal is $10,000. My personal goal is $12,000.

The organization of the Disabled American Veterans DAV organization is raising funds for this tournament specifically for the Van Fund to order to transport all the vets to their appointments.

"We have six vans -- two of which have over 100,000 miles that are in need of replacing," Hubbard said. 

"Currently 13 drivers carry 183 veterans and 79 others not on their roster to appointments daily, which is quite the juggle," said coordinator Doug Titus. "We are trying to raise more awareness for the need in Genesee County at our local chapter needs assistance to provide help for our veterans."

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Commander Paul Gaylord said "We get the donations to the chapter, in turn Doug buys the van, gets registered and the government takes over to make repairs, (pay) costs for fuel, but vehicles need to be purchased and to do this we need help from outside sources.

"Some vans have to be modified to make it handicapped accessible for carrying veterans. The modification costs can be as much as $18,000 or more to do this, which brings the total up to $35,000 to $40,000."

Right now only the wheelchair-bound veterans have a van that does this.

The local chapter has no Web site or funding for one online.

The office location is at: VA Western NY Healthcare System, 222 Richmond Ave., Batavia NY 14020. The contact there is Doug Titus, hospital service coordinator, 585-297-1170.

The tournament starts at 1 p.m. shotgun start at Terry Hills Golf Course. Cost is $70 per person, which includes dinner, lunch starting at 11 a.m., with registration starting at that time also. Everyone will walk away with prizes in this tournament, Hubbard said. When you register online, you get a year subscription to "Golf Digest" magazine for free, too.

For last year's golf tournament benefitting Girl Scouts of Western New York, there were 168 participants.

"This year we anticipate a 90-percent return ration and getting 200-plus participants," Hubbard said.

This year’s special events are:

  • Hole-in-One, Win a car! Each set of nine holes have a par three at #7, #12, #25 hole, where you have a chance to win, courtesy of our three hole-in-one sponsors: Castilone Chrysler Dodge and Jeep, Ken Barrett Chevrolet Cadillac and Toyota of Batavia.
  • Closest to the Pin
  • Longest Drive
  • Closest to the Line

(A male and female winner will be named for each designated hole.)

  • Putting Contest starting after registering anyone who sinks a put will have a chance to win a chair from Max Pies Furniture store.
  • Mulligans and Skins -- $20 per team

Questions regarding the registration contact Norm Hubbard at nhubbard@chapinmfg.com or 585-343-3140, ext. 3018, by cell phone 585-409-7575

To register your team, sponsor or donate go to: www.chapincharitygolf.com

GCC's Class of 2016 Hall of Fame trio honored Wednesday

By Billie Owens

(Photos by Jim Burns.)

Press release:

The Genesee Community College Alumni Hall of Fame welcomed three new members Wednesday when its 2016 class became enshrined as the ninth group to receive the special honor.

The new honorees -- Robert "Bob" P. McJury, Barry G. Miller (posthumously), and Uletha M. Jones -- were recognized at an induction ceremony in the Conable Technology Building on the Batavia campus and a reception followed.

Robert P. McJury (above, center) was a member of the GCC Class of 1978 and graduated with an associate degree in Business Administration. Shortly after graduating from the College, “Bob” was hired by Moore Business Forms, where he worked for the next 18 years, ascending the ranks from an account executive to national account sales manager and earning multiple President’s Club and Sales Achievement honors.

Highly successful at his profession, McJury was pursued for some time by TLF Graphics in Rochester, a company he eventually joined. Shortly after starting with TLF, Bob and two business partners took a risk and purchased the company, putting everything they had on the line. Since the acquisition, TLF has seen a constant trajectory of growth, both in sales and job creation in the Rochester region. TLF Graphics is now a multimillion dollar company with more than 100 highly satisfied employees and has been named to the Rochester “Top 100” Company list on multiple occasions.

Aside from his great success in the business world, what sets Bob apart is his quiet and humble support of his community. Generous donations, fundraiser and business support are just some of the ways that he gives back to the Fairport area, where he now resides. A property owner of two sizeable barns, McJury regularly provides storage space at no cost for various community organizations, including the local Boy Scouts. He also works with The Advent House, a local hospice center, to store donations for its annual garage sale which generates more than $30,000.

The local community has come to rely on the generosity of McJury, especially during tough times. Recent tragedies including the deaths of local students have been aided by Bob, who provided donations of ribbons to help raise money for scholarship funds in memory of those that were lost. Bob is also a tremendous supporter of the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR), providing services and support to those who have been diagnosed and are battling and recovering from the disease.

Starting with his humble beginnings, Bob has become an invaluable asset to hundreds, if not thousands of others.

(Above, Barry Miller's sister, Pam (Miller) McCarthy, center, accepts her late brother's award.)

Barry G. Miller was recognized posthumously and remembered as a community-minded individual who dedicated his life to helping others. A lifelong resident of Bergen, Miller lived to give back to his hometown, tragically dying while on duty with the Bergen Fire Department last year.

Barry graduated from Byron-Bergen High School in 1983 and attended GCC thereafter, earning an associate degree in Computer Repair Technology in 1986. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Roberts Wesleyan College in Organizational Management.

Miller served his community through the Bergen Fire Department and as a member of the town board. He joined the fire department shortly after his high school graduation and remained a member, eventually becoming chief of Emergency Medical Services, until his line-of-duty death in 2015. Barry started the BFD Explorer Program where he mentored members and provided the needed training for becoming an emergency medical technician (EMT).

He also served on the town council for several years and was appointed the deputy supervisor under Don Cunningham. Miller is remembered as an integral part of the Bergen community by organizing and participating in numerous Genesee County events.

After working as a computer repair technician and advancing his career to vice president of Business Methods, Inc., in the 1990s, Barry started Miller Millworks, Inc.; his own company that provided cabinet and finish carpentry in Bergen since 1996. As owner and CEO, Barry was a contractor and cabinet maker of lecterns, podiums, decks and media centers. He also owned the Beaver River Lodge in the Adirondacks, a 125-year-old hotel located in the Hamlet of Beaver River Station.

Barry will always be remembered as a highly supportive resident of the Bergen community and someone who was proud to help. Revered as an extremely generous man, one of his favorite ways to demonstrate his love and support of others was by supporting battered women and serving the people of Bergen and Genesee County. Beginning years before his death, Miller served as one of the Genesee County coroners. He was killed on Sept. 23, 2015 while responding to an emergency call when the ambulance he was riding in was involved in a motor-vehicle accident.

Uletha M. Jones (above, center) began her highly successful career in nursing by obtaining an associate degree in Business Administration from GCC in 1989. She continued on to earn a B.S.N from the University of Rochester School of Nursing, a M.S.H from the University of Phoenix and a D.N.P from Duquesne University School of Nursing.

Currently serving as a lieutenant commander in the Navy Reserve, Jones performed two tours of active duty including deployment to Afghanistan in 2011 where she served as a trauma and intensive care nurse. While performing and fulfilling her military duties, Uletha has also taught nursing at Pensacola State College (Florida) and worked per diem at several hospitals including Strong Memorial Hospital, the National Naval Medical Center (Maryland) and the Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton in California. She currently works at Finger Lakes Community College as an assistant professor of Nursing, in addition to working as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit at Highland Hospital in Rochester and as member of the nursing faculty at Kaplan Test Prep, Inc., in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Jones is a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, Sigma Theta Tau and the National League of Nursing. She continues to help others through her work and proudly serves her country. Uletha currently resides in Batavia.

The GCC Hall of Fame is located in the Conable Technology Building of the Batavia campus on the second floor corridor, and features photos of alumni who have distinguished themselves through business and personal achievement, as well as service to the community.

GO ART! Creative Arts Camp during Spring Break is a big hit, more planned

By Steve Ognibene

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(Photos by Steve Ognibene.) (Above, 6-year-old Lilian Gary paints a clay mushroom.)

During the school Spring Break, some families go out of town and some stay local to enjoy with friends and family from out of town. Parents are still working during the day and looking for an opportunity for learning something new.

This week GO ART! offered its first Creative Arts Camp in the Seymour Place buildingin Downtown Batavia and hopes many others will follow.

The camp sold out. All this week, 28 students in grades two to six participated in many different activities like: drumming, Colombian dance, steel drums, photography class, drawing and theater.

Director Jennifer Gray said they wanted to give kids a small snippet of a little bit of everything in the creative world and include different tastes of performing arts, music, dance and visual arts as part of it. If parents are not aware coming from an arts background, this camp offers what they might not get in school and pique some future interests for the students.

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(Above, Director Jennifer Gray giving a drawing lesson to 11-year-old Hunter Kelsey on a graphic abstract.)

GO ART! also plans to offer one-day drop-in camps during the summer and they are looking to offer a younger camp for toddler, pre-K to second-grade kids, and perhaps one for middle school students.

They want to thank generous sponsors for this event: Applied Business Systems -- ABS, T-Shirts Etc., Art Ah La Carte, Design by the Hour, and Glass Roots.

For more details on this event go to: http://www.goart.org/

Also Facebook page: GO ART!

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Above, 10-year-old John Riley participating in a Performance Theater segment taught by Assisant Director Gregory Hallock.

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Above, Director Gray teaching painting on model clay to elementary students.

Possible barn fire reported on Alexander Road, Alexander

By Billie Owens

A possible barn fire is reported at 9313 Alexander Road, Alexander. The location is between Pike and Dodgeson roads. A passerby reported seeing smoke coming from the roof. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 3:49 p.m.: It's just steam from processing maple sap into maple syrup. No fire. Responders are back in service.

UPDATED: Fundraiser chicken BBQ & Chinese auction planned April 3 for owner of Stafford Trading Post

By Billie Owens

Press release:

On Saturday, March 19, the longtime owner of the Stafford Trading Post, and beloved nurse Shell Mouery, had a very serious heart attack, and she is fighting for her life after a very difficult surgery and subsequent challenges.

For nearly 20 years she has given every ounce of herself to the community and treated all of her patrons and coworkers as family. There's a good chance that almost everyone who reads The Batavian has had their life touched in some way by Shell.

In addition to the wonderful prayers of hundreds of people, the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department and SCOPE have generously decided to assist with a fundraiser on Sunday, April 3. Details are below. The money raised will help defray some of the costs of her medical treatments.

We thank you all for your prayers, thoughts, continued patronage at the Trading Post, and everything you, as the community continue to do.

If you have any questions ro would like to donate, please contact Bill Fox at 356-4992 or Stephanie Call at 356-1660.

WHAT:  Chicken BBQ & Chinese Auction Fundraiser

WHEN:  Sunday, April 3 -- Doors open at 10 a.m., chicken ready at 11:30 a.m., first come, fire served.

WHERE:   Stafford Fire Hall, 6153 Main Road, Stafford

COST:   $10

(Submitted photo of Shell Mouery.)

UPDATED March 26: Shell Mouery passed away yesterday afternoon (March 25, 2016). There will be a candlelight vigil in her memory tonight at 8 o'clock at the Stafford Fire Hall, 6153 Main Road, Stafford.

Law and Order: Corfu man charged with criminal possession of controlled substance, Bergen woman charged with petit larceny

By Billie Owens

Christopher Brian King, 24, of Pearl Street Road, Corfu, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested March 23 on an outstanding bench warrant issued by Town of Batavia Court on March 8. He was jailed in lieu of $500 bail. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Robin Lynn Holman, 53, of Buffalo Road, Bergen, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested on March 11 after allegedly stealing property on Buffalo Road in the Town of Bergen. She was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in Town of Bergen Court on April 6. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Erion.

Glendon Stephen Alexander, 19, of East 95th Street, Brooklyn, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested at 8:23 p.m. on March 23 following an investigation of a complaint at College Village that the defendant allegedly unlawfully possessed marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket for April 21 in Town of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl.CorfCorfu

Photo: Chilly spring morning

By Billie Owens

Here's a photo taken in Genesee County this chilly spring morning and submitted by reader Jason Smith

NYS Sheriffs' Association Institute to begin annual membership drive, helps send poor kids to camp

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute will begin its annual Honorary Membership drive in Genesee County within the next few days, according to Sheriff Gary Maha.

The New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute was established in 1979. It is a not-for-profit corporation, tax exempt organization, and contributions to the Institute are tax deductible.

While the Sheriff’s Office is a unit of county government, many of the concerns of Sheriffs and other law enforcement agencies are best addressed on a statewide level. The Sheriffs’ Institute provides centralized training programs and services for all Sheriffs’ Offices, where those programs and services would be unavailable or impractical on a single county basis.

The flagship program of the Sheriffs’ Institute is the Sheriffs’ Summer Camp for economically challenged children. The Sheriffs’ Camp, in its 40th year of operation, is located on Keuka Lake and 840 children from across New York State attend each summer. The Sheriffs’ Institute pays the entire cost of the camp stay and transportation. Most children attending wouldn’t otherwise have an opportunity for vacation travel or a summer camp experience.

The Sheriffs’ Camp program combines summer recreation with activities designed to teach an understanding of, and respect for, our laws and the men and women who enforce them. The strong camper to counselor ratio allows for individual attention with an emphasis on the development of self esteem.

“In these difficult economic times we cannot forget our youth who will not have the opportunity for a summer camp experience or a summer vacation,” Sheriff Gary Maha said. “By becoming an honorary member you are supporting the Sheriffs’ Summer Camp for economically disadvantaged children.”

In addition, the Sheriffs’ Institute operates a scholarship program that provides one scholarship to each of New York State’s Community College’s Criminal Justice Programs. This program is designed to help attract the best and the brightest to the criminal justice vocation.

For more information about the Sheriffs’ Summer Camp and other Sheriffs’ Institute Programs, visit our Web site, www.sheriffsinstitute.org or simply google “Sheriffs’ Institute kids” and it will be your first option.

Financial support for many of the Sheriffs’ Institute programs comes from Honorary Membership dues. Invitations for Honorary Membership are extended on a non-partisan basis, and the invitees are selected at random. Any persons interested in supporting the efforts of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute by becoming an Honorary Member should contact the Sheriff if they do not receive an invitation in the mail, or visit our Web site at: www.sheriffsinstitute.org to download an application.

All donations made to the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute are tax deductible. In addition, Sheriffs’ Institute is registered with the New York State Attorney General’s Charities Bureau.

High-speed police chase starts in Village of Le Roy, ends in Scottsville, but driver remains at large

By Billie Owens

Le Roy police officers chased a speeding vehicle northbound, then eastbound, winding up off Route 383 at an apartment complex on Robert Quigley Drive in Scottsville, Monroe County. 

The scofflaw driver drove through the complex and exited at a driveway off North Road. After talking with Monroe County Sheriff's deputies, Le Roy officers are turning to the Village of Le Roy.

The driver remains at large. "Monroe County is going to fish around" for the suspect. Authorities have the license plate number of the four-door silver Saturn SUV sedan and the name of the registered owner, a white male who lives in Batavia.

The officer told a dispatcher the car windows are tinted and it was difficult to see the operator, but it was possibly a black male.

Speeds reached nearly 90 mph at one point. Traffic was reportedly light on the pursuit route. The driver was said to have ran at least one red light during the pursuit.

UPDATE 5:25 p.m.: They thought the suspect vehicle was located at the registered owner's residence on Bank Street. But an officer says: "There's no way they had time to get back to Batavia. I'm wondering if they took a plate off?" Reply: "Both plates (on vehicle); cold to the touch." They are running plates in the system on a couple of vehicles. Investigation continues.

UPDATE 5:33 p.m.: A registered owner they had been seeking to question just pulled up at the residence. No mention made of the vehicle he is in.

Spring Job Fair at GCC will feature more than 35 employers

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce another exciting Job Fair with more than 35 companies expected on Thursday, April 7, from 12  to 2 p.m. at the College's centrally located William Stuart Forum.

Genesee's Career Services Center continues to solicit businesses from all types of industries to join the popular, two-hour event that introduces potential new employees to employers, and also provides businesses an opportunity to present their trade and services to the local community.

The event is free to employers and attendees. Employers must register; job seekers are not required to register prior to the event but must sign in upon arrival. As of March 16th, the following employers are scheduled to be in attendance:

Participating employers include:

Aflac New York

City of Batavia Youth Bureau

Coastal Staffing

Darien Lake Theme Park & Resort 

Genesee ARC

Genesee County AmeriCorps, Genesee County Youth Bureau

Genesee County Human Resources

ESL Federal Credit Union

Fidelis Care 

Hidden Valley Animal Adventure

Home Depot (The) 

Independent Living of the Genesee Region 

KR Communications

Living Opportunities of DePaul

Masis Staffing Solutions, LLC

NY Air National Guard

Paychex 

Pembroke Travel Plaza

People's, Inc.

Pioneer Credit Recovery, Inc. / Sallie Mae

Premier Designs, Inc.

Remedy Staffing 

Palermo, Ricky

Rochester AmeriCorps 

Rochester City Police Department / City of Rochester 

Subway

United States Army

UNISYS

U.S. Army National Guard

U.S. Department of Agriculture

United Memorial Medical Center

Velocitii

Verizon Wireless

WBTA FM & AM

YWCA's My Sister's Closet

For more information, visit:  http://www.genesee.edu/career/events/. For a detailed listing of job opportunities by employer, please email a request for the list to career@genesee.edu

New pricing approved for public transit

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The RGRTA Board of Commissioners approved a new value pass structure at the March 3rd Board meeting to make it easier for RTS customers to enjoy the ride in and between Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne and Wyoming counties. The pass changes will go into effect on April 1 and are as follows:

Previous Value Pass

   New Value Pass

$9 Cost – $10 Value

 $10 Cost – $11 Value

$17 Cost – $20 Value

 $20 Cost – $23 Value

Because RTS operators are not able to make change on the bus (per RTS policy), buying value passes require the customer to have the exact dollar amount. At $10 and $20 dollar increments, the new value passes offer the same added value while requiring our customers to have a standard dollar amount. Also making it more convenient for our customers is that the same value pass is good in all seven of our Regional counties.

In Wyoming County, the 10-Ride Loop, Dial-a-Ride Half Fare and Dial-a-Ride passes will be replaced with value pass options that can be used in neighboring counties.

Prior to being approved by the RGRTA Board of Commissioners, RTS held public information sessions and public hearings in each county where the public had the opportunity to submit their comments and questions. RTS also welcomed comments and questions from the public online and through the mail.

For all other information, visit www.myRTS.com.

Law and Order: Bank Street woman charged with harassment after allegedly striking person during argument

By Billie Owens

Ashley A. Goodenow, 25, of Bank St., Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 4:30 p.m. on March 22 after it was alleged that she struck another person during an argument on Bank Street. She is to be in city court on March 29. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Michael J. Antonucci, 33, of Alexander Road, Attica, is charged with two counts of second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 12:15 a.m. on March 3 for two separate counts of second-degree criminal contempt after it was alleged that he violated a stay-away order of protection when he communicated with a protected person by text messages on two different occasions. He was issued an appearance ticket and is to be in Batavia City Court on April 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Robert Dean Cook, 36, of Walden Creek Drive, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. It is alleged that on March 22 Cook called a party who has a complete a stay away order of protection and Cook is prohibited from contacting. He was issued an appearance ticket and is to be in city court on March 29. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards.

Kenyon H. Barnes, 31, no permanent residence, was arrested on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court at 5:35 p.m. on March 22. Barnes was jailed in lieu of $1,000 bail and is to be in city court today. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

A 17-year-old Batavia resident was arrested on a bench warrant at 4:01 p.m.on March 21, which was issued because the youth allegedly failed to complete community service as part of a sentence for a conviction on a trespass charge. The trespass incident occurred on Sept. 19. The youth was released and is due back in Batavia City Court on May 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

New Village Post Office now open in Bethany Town Hall

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Postal Service welcomes its newest Village Post Office (VPO) to the Bethany community. Through the Postal Service’s VPO partnership with the Bethany municipality, local residents and businesses now can enjoy access to some postal products and services at Bethany Town Hall, 10510 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany.

“When the East Bethany Post Office suspended operations in September, we decided we could offer basic postal services as a convenience to our residents through the VPO option,” said Bethany Town Clerk Debbie Douglas.

“Customers with more complex postal needs will have to drive to one of the nearby Post Offices, but if someone needs stamps or wants to drop off mail, we can help with that.”

The Bethany VPO provides a specific range of services that include the sale of First-Class postage booklets and rolls, Priority Mail Flat-Rate postage and acceptance of mail. It operates in conjunction with normal business hours:

                        9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday

                        10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Wednesday

VPOs are designed for non-Postal Service establishments, such as an existing community business, town hall, library or government center. Business establishments interested in applying for a contract with the Postal Service to start a Village Post Office in their local community should contact: vpo.inquiry@usps.gov.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Byron resident jailed on weapons, marijuana and hunting charges after search of Cook Road residence

By Billie Owens

(Photo of Gregory J. Vogt.)

Press release from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office:

On Tuesday, March 22, the Genesee County Probation Department conducted a search at 5919 Cook Road, Byron, the residence of Gregory J. Vogt, presently under supervision of the Probation Department.

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation also assisted at the scene.

Various items were seized during the search and as a result of the investigation, Vogt is charged with:

  • Six counts of criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, Class D felonies, for alleged possession of two switchblade knives, a metal knuckle knife, a gravity knife and a blackjack while having previously been convicted of a crime;
  • Five counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, Class A misdemeanors, for alleged possession of five rifles and one shotgun, which he is not allowed to possess due to having been convicted of a felony;
  • Unlawful possession of marijuana regarding Vogt's alleged possession of a quantity of marijuana;
  • The DEC filed charges for allegedly illegally taking a deer, trapping without a license, and taking wildlife in "contravention of the Environemntal Conservation Law."

Vogt was jailed on $25,000 bail and is to reappear in Byron Town Court at 5 p.m. on March 28.

The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Young, the county Probation Department and the DEC.

House fire reported on Clay Street in Le Roy, smoke and flames showing

By Billie Owens

(Photos by Jim Burns.)

A house fire with flames and smoke showing is reported at 30 Clay St., Village of Le Roy. Le Roy fire and ambulance repsonding along with a ladder, mutual aid, from Bergen.

UPDATE 5:50 p.m.: The city's FAST team is called to the scene along with aid from Pavilion and Stafford. Fire police are asked to shut down traffic at Clay and Wolcott streets.

UPDATE 5:58 p.m.: Le Roy commands advises caution by responders upon approach because live power lines are down in the roadway near the scene. National Grid is notified and has a 30-minute ETA.

UPDATE 6:45 p.m.: The fire is knocked down. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Lots of personnel changes in county Sheriff's Office

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Due to numerous retirements, promotions, and vacancies over the past year, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office has seen several personnel changes within all its divisions during fiscal 2015-16.

“These individuals are excellent additions to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and will reflect the professionalism of this agency," Sheriff Gary Maha said. "Those promoted are well qualified and will enhance our public safety services."

Here is a personnel update:

Road Patrol Division

  • Promotion -- Deputy Sheriff John L. Baiocco was recently promoted to Sergeant on Jan. 23. He is a 24-year veteran who started his law enforcement career as a Correction Officer on Aug.19, 1991, and on April 13, 1993, he was hired as a Deputy Sheriff.

Appointments

  • Deputy Sheriff Michael J. Lute is a 2000 high school graduate from Starpoint Central School in Lockport. Following high school, he received an associate degree in Applied Science Degree in Retail Business Management from Niagara County Community College in 2003. Deputy Lute graduated from the Rural Police Training Academy at Genesee Community College in 2012, and was previously employed as a part-time police officer by the villages of Akron and Corfu police departments. Deputy Lute has also been a Seasonal Deputy Sheriff with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for the past three years.
  • Deputy Sheriff Ryan W. Young is a 2006 high school graduate from Clarence Central School and a 2008 graduate from Erie Community College with an associate degree in Applied Science in Business Administration. Deputy Young graduated from the Erie Community College Law Enforcement Training Academy in 2012. He was previously employed as a part-time police officer with the villages of Eden, Attica, Le Roy and Corfu. Deputy Young also has been a seasonal Deputy Sheriff with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for the past three years.
  • Deputy Sheriff Eric J. Meyer is a 2006 Regents high school graduate from Alexander Central School. He attended Genesee Community College for studies in Criminal Justice and transferred to SUNY Brockport where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice in 2011, graduating magna cum laude. Deputy Meyer graduated from the Erie Community College Law Enforcement Training Academy in 2015 and was previously employed as a police officer with the SUNY College at Buffalo Campus Police.

(Photo above of Michael J. Lute, Ryan W. Young, Eric J. Meyer.)

The following three Deputy Sheriffs graduated from the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy at Niagara University on Dec. 18 and have recently completed their 14-week Field Training Officer Program.

  • Deputy Sheriff Rachel M. Diehl was the class president of her graduating class at the Academy. She is a 2009 high school Regents graduate of Pavilion Central School and continued her education at the University of Pittsburgh receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science in 2013. Deputy Diehl was previously employed as a Criminal Justice teacher’s aide at Genesee Valley Educational Partnership and was a sergeant with Darien lake Theme Park and Camping Resort’s security.
  • Deputy Sheriff Ryan M. DeLong received the "Sergeant Jeff Juron Defensive Tactics Award" at the Academy graduation. He is a 2004 high school graduate of Batavia Central School. Deputy DeLong continued his education at Genesee Community College where he earned an associate degree in Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice in 2008. He was previously employed as a Detention Officer by the Valley Metro Barbosa Group, which was the company who supervised detainees at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia.
  • Deputy Sheriff Kevin P. Forsyth received the "Joseph E. Steblein Memorial Award" and the "Top Gun Award" at the Academy graduation. He is a 1998 Regents graduate of Notre Dame High School in Batavia. After high school, Deputy Forsyth enlisted in the Army for four years where he earned numerous medals and badges such as an Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal (twice), the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Lapel Button, the Army Service Ribbon, the Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar and the Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver–W Bar. Forsyth then continued his education at Niagara University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology/Criminal Justice with a minor in History. Deputy Forsyth was previously employed as a Genesee County probation officer.

(Photo above of Rachel M. Diehl, Ryan M. DeLong, and Kevin M. Forsyth.)

Criminal Investigation Division

Investigator Promotions

  • Deputy Sheriff Joseph M. Graff was promoted on Aug. 31, 2015. He is a 12-year veteran who began his career with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office on Feb. 28, 2004.
  • Deputy Sheriff Chad J. Minuto was promoted on Sept. 26, 2015. He is an 11-year veteran who began his career with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office on March 30, 2005.
  • Deputy Sheriff Bradley D. Mazur was promoted on Feb. 1, 2016. He is an 17-year veteran who began his career with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office on January 31, 1999.

Communications Division

Promotion

  • Emergency Services Dispatcher Michael T. Sheflin was appointed to Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher on Jan. 9. He is an eight-year veteran who began his career with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office on March 1, 2008.

Full-time Appointment

  • Emergency Services Dispatcher Zachary W. Czudak was appointed from part-time to full-time status on Jan. 9.

Part-time Appointments

  • Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher James E. Tripp retired on Dec. 26 after 22 years of service, and was appointed part time on Dec. 31.
  • Emergency Services Dispatcher Andrew Z. Mullen was appointed on Feb. 7.

Jail Division

Promotion

  • Correction Officer Darrell J. Klein was appointed to Senior Correction Officer on Jan. 14. He is a 22-year veteran who began his career on May 24, 1993.

Part-time Appointments

  • Correction Officer Corey J. Cieszki was appointed on Feb. 13.
  • Correction Officer Jason M. Buck was appointed on Jan. 23.
  • Jail Cook Debra M. Horton was appointed Feb. 6.

New Graduates

Correction Officers that graduated from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Basic Corrections Academy at Erie Community College City Campus on Nov. 20 include:

  • Correction Officer Howard O. Wilson is a 2004 Regents diploma graduate from Batavia High School.
  • Correction Officer Jenna R. Barber is a 1998 graduate of Batavia High School. She was hired part time and was appointed to full-time status on March 15.
  • Correction Officer Cody D. NiCastro is a 2012 Regents diploma graduate from Pavilion High School. He continued his education at Genesee Community College and earned an associate degree in Applied Science in Criminal Justice in 2014. He was hired part time and was appointed full time on May 2. He was previously employed as a security guard by the Darien lake Theme Park and Camping Resort. NiCastro was the salutatorian of his Academy Class.
  • Correction Officer Cassidy N. Longhini is a 2010 graduate from Byron-Bergen High School and a 2013 graduate from Genesee Community College.  Longhini received an associate degree in Applied Science Degree in Physical Education Studies.
  • Correction Officer Nicholas J. Bender is a 1998 graduate of Lancaster High School. He was hired part time initially and was appointed full time on Jan. 14.

(Photo above of Howard O. Wilson, Jenna R. Barber, Cody D. NiCastro, Cassidy N. Longhini, and Nicholas J. Bender, and Jail Superintendent William A. Zipfel.)

New graduates of Niagara County Basic Corrections (a five-week Academy held at the Niagara County Jail on Tuesday, March 8)

  • Correction Officer Dani M. Stone is a Pembroke native and was appointed full time on July 11. She was previously employed for more than 20 years with Hess Corporation.
  • Correction Officer Dawn M. Fooks is a 1987 high school graduate of Albion Central School and then joined the Air Force where she served for 10 years. In 2007, she graduated from Genesee Community College with two associate degrees in Science: Criminal Justice and Business Administration. In 2009, Fooks earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Keuka College; and in 2011, she earned a Master of Arts Degree in Forensic Psychology from Argosy University. Fooks was appointed from part time to full-time status on Sept. 5.

(Photo above of Jail Superintendent William A. Zipfel, Undersheriff William A. Sheron Jr., Dani M. Stone, Dawn M. Fooks, and Sheriff Gary Maha.)

Genesee Justice / Justice for Children Advocacy Center

  • Genesee Justice Program Coordinator Theresa Asmus-Roth was appointed on Nov. 5. She is a 1995 high school graduate from Akron Central School. Asmus-Roth earned an associate degree in Applied Science in Human Services from Genesee Community College in 2000, and continued her education at SUNY Empire State, graduating in 2005, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community and Human Services. She was previously employed part time with Catholic Charities of Batavia as a Domestic Violence Offenders Program Class Facilitator for four years and was also employed by Planned Parenthood of Central & WNY as a Rape Crisis Service Area supervisor for Restore. She is a past president and has been a Kiwanis Club member since 2011.

(Photo above of Theresa Asmus-Roth.)

Appointments

  • Nicole Ficarella was appointed from a Community Services/victim advocate position to a case manager on Feb. 1. 
  • Erin Martin was appointed part-time Community Services/victim advocate on Nov. 30.

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