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The County's STOP-DWI program today honored the law enforcement officers with the most DWI arrests for the 12 months between June 2018 and July 2019 and the two officers who were the top cops last year were honored again this year.

Officer Mitchell Cowen, Batavia PD, is pictured above on left with Assistant Police Chief Todd Crossett.

Deputy Mathew Clor, center, is pictured with Chief Deputy (Road Patrol) Brian Frieday, left, and Undersheriff Brad Mazur.

The challenge coin each officer receives.

Poster contest winners: Jackson Lundfelt, Ciara Trigilio, Jade Wolff, Grace Shepard, Brooke Jarkiewicz, Zoey Shepard. Shannon Campbell. Oscar Staba, and Taylor Hutton.

Batavia High School's Production Club this weekend presents "Shrek: The Musical."

Tickets are $10 at the door and $8 for students and seniors. They're available in advance for $9 through showtix4u.com.

Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

The 2020 Presidential Election is already being covered on every radio station, every social media outlet and soon it will take over local television as well. This is predicted to be one of the most contentious and tumultuous elections in recent history.

Campaign commercials, debates, stump speeches, candidates' history, statistics, surveys and predictions will bombard every media outlet in the months to come.

To make sense of it all, Genesee Community College has opened registration for a very special course that is available only during Presidential Election years.

The quadrennial course (i.e., only offered every four years) American Presidency (POS210) is taught by Derek Maxfield, GCC's associate professor of History.

Maxfield has a long and nearly intimate history with past presidents, both through his lengthy teaching tenure, but also through his historical presentation of Ulysses S. Grant, the famous Civil War General and our 18th U.S. president.

The American Presidency covers the historical foundations, theoretical aspects and powers of the presidency. In addition, the learning outcomes of POS210 include:

• How media and popular culture have influenced the presidency over time;
• Various models of presidential power and the major issues scholars are investigating;
• How different presidents have interpreted and exercised political power;
• The constitutional relationship between the executive and other branches of the government.

Anyone can enroll in this course with no pre-requisites are required. It does not have to be taken as part of a degree program and is an excellent elective for any degree. If seats are available, the course can be audited for free by seniors over the age of 60.

The onsite course begins on Tuesday, Jan. 14, and will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. 'til 12:20 p.m. at GCC's Batavia Campus.

Anyone interested in this course who is not a current GCC student, is encouraged to contact the College's Admissions team at (585) 345-6800, or via email at admissions@genesee.edu, or apply online at https://www.genesee.edu/courses/nonmatriculated/ to get started.

Daniel Wolfe, the man accused of hitting his girlfriend before barricading himself in his apartment on Liberty Street, made a routine follow-up appearance in Batavia City Court this morning.

Wolfe had previously pled not guilty at his initial appearance to charges of first-degree criminal contempt, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, menacing, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd.

Today he was represented by public defender Jerry Ader.

Ader preserved his client's right to a felony hearing at a later date, and said his office is still investigating the case so he has no motions to make at this time. He asked that the case be continued in City Court until Dec. 12.

Judge Robert Balbick granted all of Ader's requests.

Wolfe, shackled and in an orange jail jumpsuit, said nothing while standing before Balbick.

About a dozen people turned out Wednesday night for a local observance of Transgender Day of Remembrance.

The event is observed nationally every Nov. 20 but this is the first time a candlelight vigil has been held in Batavia.

Lauren Berger, who organized the event on behalf of Restore Sexual Assault Services, said the holding an event in Batavia was intended to raise awareness, remember transgender people who have been victims of violence, and support GLOW Out and the pride parade held in Batavia this past summer.

"We just wanted to bring that here so that folks come out, see what was going on, possibly get them connected with local efforts and let them know that even when we're out here and that we might be small, we're aware of what's going on," Berger said. "We support folks in our lives who we care about who might be at risk."

A caller reports that two females are fighting in the parking lot of the 7-Eleven in Oakfield.

The caller reports they appear to be intoxicated.

One is slinging a jar of pickles at the other.

"Copy, pickles," the responding deputy tells dispatch.

Press release:

On Monday, Nov. 18 at approximately 1:18 p.m., the Genesee County Dispatch Center received a domestic call at 209 Liberty St.

The caller reported that an intoxicated male struck a female and the male was in possession of a sword. It was also reported that the female was able to escape the residence.

Officers from the Batavia Police Department arrived on scene and encountered the male, who had barricaded himself inside the residence. The female was located and found safe at a neighbor’s home.

The suspect, who remained inside the house, began shooting at officers with a BB rifle.

Immediately, the Batavia Police Department set up a perimeter around the residence and neighbors were told to shelter in place. The Batavia City School District was informed of the incident so appropriate measures could be taken to ensure the safety of the students, including students attending the Jackson Primary School, located a few blocks away.

Batavia Police negotiators were called to the scene along with the Batavia Police Emergency Response Team (ERT), the New York State Police, and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office / K-9 Unit and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation K-9 Unit.

Negotiators were able to make verbal contact with the suspect who was identified as Daniel Wolfe, 45, who resided at 209 Liberty St. in the upstairs apartment. Wolfe repeatedly told negotiators that he wanted officers to kill him. He refused officers' commands to come out of the house.  

The Genesee County Sheriff’s K-9 handler attempted to send "Frankie" inside to safely take Wolfe into custody. Wolfe then attempted to slash Frankie with a knife, and the handler pulled Frankie back to safety.

Wolfe continued to tell officers throughout the incident that he wanted officers to kill him, and he threatened to shoot officers.

Several options were tried to get Wolfe to surrender that included the launching of chemical agents into the residence and the use of robots/drones to determine where he was in the residence. Other negotiating and swat teams were called in to assist.

After approximately 20 hours, Wolfe exited the residence and surrendered to Detective Sargent Kevin Czora of the Batavia Police Department.

Wolfe was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for injuries he sustained during the incident. These injuries were self-inflicted. All officers on the scene and civilians in the neighborhood were unharmed during this incident.

Wolfe was later released from Strong hospital, at which time he was arrested by Batavia Police Department on charges of first-degree criminal contempt, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, menacing, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd.

Wolfe was arraigned in Batavia City Court on Nov. 19 and is being held without bail at the Genesee County Jail.  He will reappear in Batavia City Court at 11 a.m. tomorrow (Nov. 21). Additional charges are pending.

The Batavia Police Department would like to thank: the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office; Orleans County SWAT; New York State Police troopers; negotiators; drone unit; K-9 unit; and SORT teams; the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation K-9 Unit; Monroe County Crisis Negotiating Team; Genesee County Emergency Management; Genesee County Dispatch Center; City of Batavia Fire Department; Mercy EMS; and the numerous citizens who supported the efforts, both on the scene and in the days following this incident.

Photos: Top photo: still from the video shot yesterday of Wolfe and Det. Kevin Czora and an unidentified plainclothes State Trooper slowly walking Wolfe from the apartment where he had been barricaded to a waiting ambulance. Bottom photo, still from a previously unreleased portion of the video where Wolfe turned to look down the street, and pulled back slightly, as Czora and the trooper tried to coax him into the ambulance.

The search for someone to fill the open position of part-time Batavia City Court Judge is under way.

City Council President Eugene Jankowski said that City Manager Martin Moore is soliciting applications for the opening. After that, Council will conduct interviews and fill the position.

The vacancy occurred when Durin Rogers, the current part-time justice, won the election for the full-time post earlier this month in a race against Ben Bonarigo.

Rogers said that he expects to be sworn in in mid-December.

Photo: 4-H Clover Drovers Club members with their pillow projects.

Submitted photo and press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Program is seeking new volunteers and 4-H clubs! Volunteers are essential to our program and allow you to share your hobbies with interested youth.

Projects can be as varied as sewing, arts and crafts, cooking, animal science and more.   

You can start a 4-H Club in these five easy steps!

1.)  Complete the New 4-H Volunteer Enrollment Form (available at the 4-H office).

2.)  Attend an orientation meeting with 4-H staff.

3.)  Enroll five youths in your club (ages 5 to 18).

4.)  Have members choose a club name.

5.) Plan monthly club meetings and projects with club parents and members.

New members and volunteers are always welcome to join the 4-H program.

For more information on how to join or start a 4-H club, please contact the 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040, ext. 131.

The 4-H office is located at Cornell Cooperative Extension, Genesee County, 420 E. Main St., Batavia.

Fire is reported at 415 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia. It is reported that the building is evacuated. City Fire Department is on scene. A Mercy ambulance is requested for a person suffering from possible smoke inhalation.

The location is between Bank and Wiard Ross and Vine streets.

UPDATE 11:15 p.m.: Medics are back in service with a patient sign-off.

"The 12 Plates of Christmas" will be presented at GO ART! by Jeanne's Table on Thursday, Dec. 12.

This Culinary Arts collaboration promises to be a great -- and delectable -- way to celebrate the holiday season.

Twelve courses of fine cuisine will be served at this small plates dinner.

Only 20 tickets will be sold.

Cost is $75 per person. Beverages not included. The venue's craft beer and wine bar will be open.

It starts at 6 p.m.

To reserve your seat or get additional information, call or text 585-409-9019.

GO ART! is located in the historic Seymour Place building at 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia.

A car-into-tree accident with injuries is reported at 1862 Ledge Road in Alabama. There are two elderly occupants; one with a head injury and the other feeling light-headed.

Alabama Fire Department, Mercy medics and a deputy are responding.

The location is between Wight and Gorton roads.

A first responder reports there is no entrapment and there's one vehicle off the roadway.

UPDATE 2:17 p.m.: One occupant is being transported to UMMC with a complaint of pain on the right side of the chest. Other responders are back in service.

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia is sponsoring Thanksgiving morning ice skating at the Falleti Ice Arena.

It will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 28, at the arena at 22 Evans St. in the City of Batavia.

Free admission! Free skate rentals -- while supplies last! And free hot chocolate, too!

Press release:

Are you currently unemployed and subsisting on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) but are considering seeking employment and could use some assistance? This may be just the opportunity that you're looking for!

Batavia’s premier consumer-run human service and advocacy agency for people with disabilities, Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is holding a FREE Ticket To Work Program and Benefits Advisement Information Session at the ILGR office in the Crickler Executive Business Center, at 319 W. Main St., (the former Pepsi Distribution Building) Batavia.

It will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday Dec. 10; light refreshments will be provided.

Offered through the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), the Ticket to Work (TTW) program is a free and voluntary program that can help Social Security beneficiaries go to work, get a good job that may lead to a career, and become financially independent, all while they keep their Medicare or Medicaid.

Individuals who receive Social Security benefits because of a disability and are age 18 through 64 probably already qualify for the program. TTW offers participants with disabilities access to meaningful employment with the assistance of Ticket to Work employment service providers called Employment Networks (EN). It may be a good fit for you if you want to improve your earning potential and are committed to preparing for long-term success in the workplace.

For more information or to register, please contact: Donna Becker at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411, or email her at dbecker@wnyil.org.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

This is video from the standoff on Liberty Street with footage from yesterday afternoon through early this morning.

We will post a second video later that shows the end of the standoff, including exclusive shots of the suspect being led away by Det. Kevin Czora.

The photos below are by Jim Burns.

PHOTO (9:32 a.m.): Det. Kevin Czora worked into the evening to establish a relationship with the man who had barricaded himself in an apartment on Liberty Street and came back this morning and resumed the conversation. He spent at least 90 minutes talking to the man before the subject slowly came out and Czora then coaxed him around the corner of the house and then walked him down the street, with the assistance of only one other officer, and into a waiting ambulance. The man was clearly fearful of both the other people around and the environment (he looked up at the sky and all around him at least once).

UPDATE 9:21 a.m. (By Billie): City fire units on Liberty Street are clearing the scene; back in service.

BREAKING -- 8:50 a.m., Nov. 19

Howard Owens has just reported that the suspect is out of the house and is being placed into an ambulance by law enforcement and EMT personnel.

Also, Jackson Primary School is in session; school official reports "business as usual."

Prior to the end of the standoff, the school district sent a telephone message to parents informing them of the situation, noting that bus service would be at St. Anthony's for those living on Liberty Street.

Watch for more updates and photos. The Batavian will have exclusive video of the subject being coaxed by Det. Kevin Czora from the house and walked to an ambulance.

----------------

Previously:

Nov. 18, 4:18 p.m.

Batavia City Police Chief Shawn Heubusch reported that the man barricaded inside of a house at 209 Liberty St. has fired several shots at police with a pellet gun and is refusing to come out peacefully.

"Our patrols responded to an address (about two hours ago) on Liberty Street for a domestic disturbance situation," Heubusch said. "Upon arrival, there's this male subject in the upstairs apartment that has barricaded himself in and is refusing to come out. He has a pellet rifle or pellet gun that he is shooting at us, if you will.

"Right now we're working through the process of trying to get him to come out and talk to us."

Heubusch said that the victim of the alleged dispute (the man's girlfriend) is no longer inside the house and the downstairs neighbor also has been evacuated.

He added that police are "working with the (Batavia City) school district, busing the children from Jackson (School) and making sure the kids stay safe and there's no traffic in the area."

"We're keeping the kids away from the area and keeping the neighbors indoors at this point until we can get the subject in custody."

According to David Zanghi, the downstairs tenant, the incident started when the upstairs tenant (name being withheld at this time) punched his girlfriend in the right eye and took some of her prescription drugs. Zanghi said the suspect also is in an intoxicated state.

"He's got a sword and a BB gun, and he's already shot out a couple windows," Zanghi said. "They (police) won't go in there until they get a warrant; that's what the police told me."

Previously (3:12 p.m.) (by Billie):

A man who was reported to dispatch for allegedly carrying a sword while walking down Liberty Street in the City of Batavia is barricaded in one of three houses cordoned off by police.

The incident began about an hour ago and police immediately established a perimeter around the Liberty Street trio of homes.

Jackson Primary School at 411 S. Jackson St. was put on lockout -- meaning no one is allowed to enter or exit until the scene is secure.

UPDATE 3:26 p.m.: The students have been dismissed and have boarded buses.

UPDATE 9:30 p.m. (by Howard): The standoff continues. Chief Shawn Heubusch said a little while ago that law enforcement is prepared at this point to wait as long as they must for the man in the house to exit on his own safely. The Orleans County SWAT team responded to the incident about 7:30 p.m. and at about 8 p.m., once in position around the house, fired a volley of CS gas canisters into the house. The suspect did not exit the house and there was no communication between law enforcement and the subject for at least 45 minutes, at which point negotiations began again. Heubusch said he's reluctant to send in officers to try and apprehend the suspect because that could lead to serious consequences for either the suspect or an officer and the goal is to ensure there are no serious injuries or fatalities. Trying to make entry could force a confrontation that would require an officer to take decisive action. (We'll post a video and photos later.)

UPDATE 10:53 p.m. (by Howard): Heubusch just confirmed that about three hours ago the suspect tried to stab "Frankie," the K-9 of Deputy Chris Erion. The attempt was unsuccessful. Frankie was not injured.

UPDATE 6:09 a.m. Nov. 19 (by Howard): The individual is still barricaded in the apartment. Law enforcement is still waiting him out. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office has provided additional manpower to provide relief for officers who had been on scene for hours. The contingent from MCSO includes a negotiator who has been trying to talk with the subject. From about 2:20 a.m. to 3 a.m., he did not respond to repeated requests to speak and shortly after 3 a.m. he responded to the officer. The Batavian is continuing to withhold publication of photos and video until the situation is resolved.

A man who was reported to dispatch for allegedly carrying a sword while walking down Liberty Street in the City of Batavia is barricaded in one of three houses cordoned off by police.

The incident began about an hour ago and police immediately established a parameter around the Liberty Street trio of homes.

Jackson Primary School at 411 S. Jackson St. was put on lockout -- meaning no one is allowed to enter or exit until the scene is secure.

UPDATE 3:26 p.m.: The students have been dismissed and have boarded buses.

Stephen Anthony Marazita, 37, of North Lake Avenue, Bergen, is charged with criminal tampering in the second degree. Marazita was arrested at 8:49 p.m. on Nov. 14. It is alleged that he tampered with his electric meter to turn power back on at his residence after it was shut off. He was arraigned in Bergen Town Court and released on an appearance ticket. He is due to return to court on Nov. 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.

Phillip Sanders Brunson, 32, of an unspecified address in Gowanda, is charged with two counts of second-degree harassment. Brunson was arrested on  Nov. 14 in regard to an incident that occurred on Nov. 24, 2016. He allegedly slapped and spit in a female's face and shoved another female during a domestic incident on Maple Street in the City of Batavia. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court. (His disposition afterward was not provided.) The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Joshua Girvin, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

A 17-year-old female who lives in Batavia was arrested on Nov. 7 after an incident that occurred the day before outside a residence on Hutchins Place in Batavia. The girl allegedly threatened to harm people while holding a baseball bat. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jordan McGinnis, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Kaleb James Bobzien, 21, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Following an investigation of phone calls made from recorded jail phones, Bobzien was arrested on Nov. 18. It is alleged that he violated a stay away order of protection issued by Batavia City Court. He is due back in court on Nov. 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James Stack, assisted by Officer Dennis Bartholomew.

Jahmaal Lee Barnes, 19, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with third-degree burglary and fourth-degree grand larceny. Barnes was arrested at about 8 p.m. on Nov. 16 and arraigned in Batavia Town Court. It is alleged that at 11 a.m. on Nov. 14 that Barnes entered an apartment on Batavia Stafford Townline Road and stole the resident's debit card. Barnes was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is due back in Batavia Town Court on Dec. 16. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.

Press release:

With the majority of the weighted vote, county chairs across NY-27 have expressed their readiness to secure Nate McMurray as the candidate to run on the Democratic line when the Governor calls the special election to replace Chris Collins. He has earned support from the Democratic chairs of Niagara, Wyoming, Monroe, Genesee, Orleans, Ontario and Livingston counties. These committees carry a combined total of 51 percent of the weighted vote for the nomination.
 
Committees across the district have gained members in record numbers after McMurray’s run in 2018 - with committees more than doubling their membership in majority-Republican counties.
 
“I am tremendously proud to earn the support of these Democratic leaders across Western New York," McMurray said. "The strength of our Democratic Party is the power in all its communities, urban, suburban and rural. As I've traveled the backroads and small towns of these counties for the past two years, I know that families are struggling and looking for new leadership on the issues they care about most – ending corruption, expanding healthcare, lowering taxes for middle-class families, and bringing back good jobs. Together, we can bring true representation for this region to Congress and I am ready to be the fighter our families, farmers and small businesses need."
 
“Nate did well in Niagara County last year against a strong political machine and has a lot of grassroots support throughout much of the county," said Niagara County Democratic Committee Chair Jason Zona. " As county chair, I support him in a special election run, and I anticipate the members of our county committee will do so as well when we convene in the near future."
 
"When Nate McMurray ran in NY-27 in 2018, he came within less than a percentage point of victory," said Wyoming County Democratic Committee Chair Cynthia Appleton. "But along with this, he did something else, something magical. He energized the rural counties. He created a movement on the ground that hasn't gone away. Nate asked them all to ‘Fight Like Hell’, they did, and will again. I'm proud to endorse him for a special election in NY-27."
 
“The Monroe County Democratic Committee is proud to join Nate to finish the fight he began in 2018 for the 27th Congressional District," said Monroe County Democratic Committee Chair Brittaney Wells. "We are confident he will fight for the hard-working people of the district who have long been without a voice. Nate will restore integrity to the office and ensure his constituents are heard."
 
Genesee Democratic County Committee Chair Michael Plitt said, “Genesee County Democrats are excited to help Nate McMurray finish the job he started last year. Our volunteers worked tirelessly and will do so again because they believe in Nate and his message. Voters in Batavia crossed party lines for him and the city went blue for the first time in years. We believe our government should work for all people, not just the elite; and we are confident Nate will be the representative we all deserve.”
 
“I am so pleased to support Nate in the upcoming special election," said Orleans County Democratic County Committee Chair Jeanne Crane. "He has visited Orleans County many times and is very aware of what our small county faces every day...few jobs, lack of affordable housing, and high taxes. We need NATE!”
 
“We need a fighter like Nate McMurray in Congress,” said Ontario Democratic Chair John Hurley. “He had record turnout here in 2018, and we are ready to build on it in 2020. Nate has traveled across our county, meeting with people and hearing their stories. From combatting the opioid crisis to creating jobs, Nate is the leader we can count on to deliver for us.”
 
“Given how close Nate came in 2018, we are thrilled to have him running for us this cycle," said Livingston Democratic County Committee Chair Judith Hunter. "It’s been too long since the people of NY-27 have had a representative that puts service over self, and people over politics. We are delighted to support him again."

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.60, down 2 cents since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.63. The New York State average is $2.69 – down 1 cent from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.87. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.65 (no change since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.62 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.66 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.66 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Rome -- $2.63 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.58 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.66 (up 1 cent since last week)

After decreasing for several weeks, stock levels are bouncing back. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) now says that total domestic stocks of gasoline grew by 1.9 million barrels – that’s lower than last year at this time, but enough to bring gas prices down slightly over the weekend.

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, oil prices increased by 95 cents to settle at $57.72, up slightly (48 cents) from the previous week.

Crude prices have slowly been on the rise due to increased optimism that China and the United States – the world’s two largest crude consumers – are continuing to resolve ongoing trade tensions that sparked market fears that global crude demand would suffer as a result of increased tariffs between both countries. Crude inventories are up alleviating pressure on pump prices.