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Law and Order: Motorcyclist accused of fleeing deputy, driving 120 mph

By Howard B. Owens

Chad Graham Desmit, 20, of Gillette Road, Albion, is charged with unlawful fleeing a police in a motor vehicle, 3rd, reckless driving, speeding (120 in 55 mph), failure to stop at stop sign and unsafe turn. Desmit allegedly failed to stop for an alleged traffic violation and instead fled from police. Deputy Joseph Corona attempted to stop Desmit at 9:24 p.m. Monday on Lockport Road, Oakfield. Desmit was allegedly pursued through the towns of Oakfield, Elba and Byron and into Orleans County, where he eventually stopped. Desmit was jailed on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond.

Richard Gerald Harfford Jr., 36, of Central Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant related to an unlawful possession of marijuana charge. Harfford was located by Batavia PD during an unrelated investigation and turned over to the Sheriff's Office. He was jailed on $340 bail.

Lance M. Mercado Sr., 24, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Mercado allegedly tried to fight another person while in the presence of a police officer.

Loma J. Burshtynsky, 55, of Otis Street, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI and felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Burshtynsky was arrested following a complaint at 7:33 p.m. Sunday of a driver entering Wendy's and becoming belligerent. Burshtynsky was jailed without bail.

A 17-year-old resident of Haven Lane, Batavia, is charged with forcible touching. The youth is accused of forcibly touching the intimate parts of another person.

Photos: A big cloud and some deer off Bank Street Road

By Howard B. Owens

From Downtown Batavia this evening, I spotted this towering cloud to the north, so I decided to drive out toward East Saile Drive to get a better look at it. On the way back down Bank Street Road, there were three deer reasonably near the road (they're often in that farmfield, but usually too far away for any lens I own), so I managed to get a couple of shots.

City fire hires experienced firefighter from Lockport

By Howard B. Owens

An experienced firefighter joined the City Fire Department today. Zach Gowanloch spent two-and-half years with Lockport before falling victim to a budget ax. Recently married and a new father, Gowanloch is also EMT trained.

"I came down, met with the chief, liked what I saw, was very impressed, met with a couple of the guys," Gowanloch said when asked about why he applied for the job. "It just seemed like a nice place to work."

Gowanloch and his wife are looking for a new home in Batavia.

Kids seek cool of Spray Park on day of first heat advisory of the summer

By Howard B. Owens

Kasandra Sturgeon plays with her sister Hannah at the Spray Park in Austin Park today. It was Hannah's first trip there.

Dozens of kids were out this afternoon on what may be the hottest day of the year so far. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, warning of an increased possibility of heat-related illness on a day with temperatures into the 90s and high humidity.

Stay cool and stay hydrated.

Today's Deals: Alex's Place, Bourbon & Burger Co., Sweetland Pines Golf, Bohn's, and more!

By Billie Owens

Dave's Ice Cream, 3872 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, NY: Dave's offers only locally purchased products, including Perry's hard ice cream in a wide variety of yummy flavors, with a wonderful assortment of toppings and homemade waffle cones. Different soft-serve flavors are offered weekly. We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

$$$  Casa Del Taco, 234 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY: Mexican food lovers will delight in this new eatery that makes tacos and burritos "the way you want 'em" plus it offers other items like taco salads, burrito bowls, loaded nachos, and churros. Choose from a variety of toppings, including jalapenos, black beans, cilantro and guacamole. There are also several varieties of salsa to select from, such as corn, mango, verde, and sweet Thai ranch. Hours are: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday thru Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday thru Saturday; closed Sunday. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

T.F. Brown's, 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." Stop in and check out our Jumbo Chicken Wings, Roast Beef on Weck and Friday night fish fry. The original family spaghetti sauce still adorns all of our Italian specialties. The other popular selections from our menu range from Super Salads, butcher cut Strip Loin and South of the Border items. We offer daily lunch and dinner specials as well as a full adult and children’s menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

$$$  Scooter's Restaurant in Le Roy, 140 W. Main Street Road (Route 5), Le Roy, NY: Come see us at Scooter's family restaurant with our friendly atmosphere and homestyle cooking! We offer classic American food with breakfast, lunch and dinner served all day. We also offer a full take-out menu anytime. We have a $10 gift certificate for $4.

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, NY: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Stretch your body and soul with yoga. This offer is a $20 gift certificate off instruction. For new students only. Not good with any other discounts or offers. Use before October 2014.

Sweetland Pines Golf Course, 5795 Sweetland Road, Stafford, NY: Sweetland Pines is a par 3 golf course, great for beginners and experienced golfers working on the short game. Relaxed golf game, average play is about 1 hour and 20 minutes, leaving the golfer time to enjoy rest of the day. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Bohn's Restaurant, 5256 Clinton St., Batavia, NY: Fine dining in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Lunch and dinner, steak, prime rib and seafood. Ask about Bohn's catering services and banquet facility. We have a $25 gift certificate for $15.

Sweet Ecstasy Bakery & Bistro, 201 E. Main St., Batavia, NY. A retail and special-order bakery and cafe located in Downtown Batavia inside Seymour Place. Offering a wide variety of items such as cookies, filled cupcakes, quick breads, pies, breakfast pastries, daily. On Fridays, it offers fresh artisan bread like baguettes, sourdough and rye starting at noon. The custom cakes are out of this world with 3D characters or gorgeous wedding cakes to suit any budget. For all your sweet treats, we have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

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 $20 gift certificate for $12.

Settler's, 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 $12.

Bourbon & Burger Co., 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Batavia's newest burger joint offers more than two dozen different types of tasty hamburgers. Our menu also includes a variety of sandwiches, appetizers and an extensive beer list, plus a full bar. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Sammy Hill's, 7 Mill St., Le Roy, NY: This new restaurant has good, fresh food, including hand-pressed burgers, and a friendly atmosphere. Choose a house specialty burger or make your own with a variety of toppings, cheeses and sauces to select from. The menu also includes flatbread sliders, garbage plates, shredded beef or marinated chicken tacos, sandwiches like the Cuban, bruschetta chicken, or deep-fried pork loin. Friday fish fry -- battered, broiled or blackened. Dine in or take out. "Come Get Some!" Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed Monday. We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

Daphne's Restaurant & Lounge, 241 Swan St., (Off Rt. 63/Ellicott St.) Batavia, NY. Daphne's is destined to become a favorite for any who enjoy something special in a dining experience. Formerly the old St. Nick's Social Club, now unrecognizable to those who used to frequent the club, Daphne's provides you with a warm, inviting atmosphere and decor, which complements the array of wonderful dishes. We offer homemade seafood and pasta dishes, meatballs that are addicting as well as large salads, hot sandwiches & homemade potato chips. Fresh desserts are prepared in our own kitchen (tiramisu has been the top seller so far). We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Santino's Pizza, 2 Main St., Oakfield, NY: We're pizza and a whole lot more! Voted #1 pizza in Genesee County in blind taste test! Santino's features pizza, wings, subs, wraps, ice cream, and more! We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

$$$  Spirits, 78 Lake St., Le Roy, NY. Le Roy's favorite sports bar, where fun and good food are always on tap. Come try one of our many delicious burgers that we have to offer, as well as our HUGE Bomber Sandwich, homemade chicken fingers made to order, and the all-time favorite Dumpster Plate with many choices. We deliver. We have a $20 gift certificate for $8.

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 $12.

Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew, 9 Main St., Le Roy, NY. The kind of downhome, laid-back and comfortable place that just feels right. Open daily for lunch, dinner and drinks, this eatery and bar features a variety of eats and drinks that are outstanding. Specializing in smoked meats -- each meat is dry rubbed with a proprietary mix of seasonings, then smoked slowly in their on-site smoker for maximum flavor and tenderness. With a variety of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, combo platters and entrées, there's always plenty of choice for even picky eaters. Great food, frosty brews and some of the best folk around call the Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew their favorite -- make it your favorite today! Don't forget to ask about our catering! We have a $20 gift card for $12.

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 $15.

Alli's Cones & Dogs, 7063 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY: Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; all-you-can-eat salad bar; ice cream served year-round; eat-in or take-out. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Ficarella's Pizzeria, 21 Liberty St., Batavia, NY: Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery. Featuring fresh, hearth-baked pizza since 1985, plus wings, pasta and more. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12. (Good only at the Batavia location.)

Jagged Edges Salon, 4140 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, NY: Jagged Edges Salon is a walk-in and appointment salon for men, women and children. It is a fun, welcoming salon that offers all hair care services including cuts, color, highlights, lowlights, perms, styling/updos, treatments, and facial waxing. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

SOLD OUT

Sponsored Post: New this fall - Universal Pre-Kindergarten at Lucky Ducky Daycare!

By Lisa Ace

We're pleased to announce our Universal Pre-Kindergarten Pre-school
Program (UPK)
 
Lucky Ducky Daycare UPK Vision Statement:
At Lucky Ducky we believe children learn when they play and are able to freely explore, discover and problem solve in creative ways. Children naturally learn by doing, and as a teacher's role, we are obligated to promote this by allowing the children to use tools and materials in a creative environment that invites children to observe, be active to make
choices and to experiment. The environment as well as the teacher, is to foster a place for concrete opportunities, interactions with people, ideas, and materials in order to promote the child's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.
 
What is Universal Pre-Kindergarten? Universal Pre-kindergarten is a pre-school program for children turning four (4) on or before December 1. Activities are appropriate to the age and developmental level of the child.
 
Is it a half or full day? It is a half-day program in the morning for three hours, 9:00am - 12pm.
 
How many days a week? UPK meets five (5) days a week. Our program will operate the same as the Jackson Primary School calendar. Proof of residency is required.
 
How much does it cost? There is no charge or fee for your four (4) year old child to attend (For Batavia City School District).
 
How can I enroll my child? Enrollment is through the Batavia City
School District. Also, your child must meet all NYS immunizations and physical exam requirements. Requirements will be contained in the registration packet. Be sure to request your UPK site choice as Lucky Ducky Daycare.
 
How can I learn more about UPK? You may visit us at Lucky Ducky Daycare by making a visitation appointment and by picking up a registration packet at Batavia City School District Office, located at 260 State Street.
 
Lucky Ducky Daycare, dba • Divine Family Living, Inc. is located at 4007 Pearl Street Road in the town of Batavia. For more information on programs contact the Director, Kathy Seweryniak at 585-343-2465 or visit us online at: www.myluckduckydaycare.com

Collins hails Hobby Lobby ruling

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. (formerly Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.).

“The Supreme Court’s ruling today is a victory for our First Amendment rights and the free exercise of religious beliefs,” Congressman Collins said. “Obamacare’s contraceptive mandate is an intrusion on the religious freedoms of private employers, and was decided to be what many of us expected: unconstitutional. The Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., case is another example of this Administration’s hubris and extreme overreach into every corner of our lives.”

Photos: Troop 6006 Eagle Ceremony

By Steve Ognibene

Boy Scout Troop 6006 had its first Eagle Ceremony of 2014 Sunday afternoon at the First United Methodist Church on Route 63, Batavia. Dennis Alton received the highest Boy Scout award he could achieve. Pictured above from left are Brian Mcallister who received the "Mentor Pin," Troop Scoutmaster Ron Bernard, Dennis and his parents.

Dennis held off his special day so brother Ken who just returned from the service in Afghanistan could be there. Pictured below are Dennis and Ken. The last photo is with his family who celebrated the event. Many scouts and assistant leaders came today to show support for Dennis.

Law and Order: Canadian accused of causing a ruckus at Darien Lake hotel

By Howard B. Owens

Ronald Aaron Arrindell, 29, of Austen Court, Ashawa, Ontario, Canada, is charged with obstructing governmental administration, 2nd, and disorderly conduct. Arrindell is accused of causing a disturbance at the Darien Lake Hotel and Resort. He allegedly refused to comply with being arrested and physically removed from the vehicle he was in. Arrindell was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Alexander Colon-Colon, 20, of Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, no/insufficient tail lamp and failure to dim headlights. Colon-Colon was stopped at 2:47 a.m. Thursday on East Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Joshua M. Laureano, 23, of Lackawanna, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th, unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding. Laureano was stopped at 2:25 p.m. Saturday by State Police in the Town of Alabama. No further details released.

Photos: Block party on Morton Avenue, sponsored by Vibrant Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Residents of Morton Avenue came together today for a block party sponsored by Vibrant Batavia.

While Vibrant Batavia has sponsored other community events, this was the first block party, said Leanna DiRisio, director of Vibrant Batavia.

The event was largely organized by residents Bill and Lisa Scott with help from Rick and Dawn Calkins.

Food and drink was provided by Vibrant Batavia and cooked by Bill and Rick. Neighbors brought beer, desserts and side dishes and pitched in with recreational activities from Ping-Pong to sprinklers to basketball.

Members of the Batavia Fire Department stopped by with Ladder 15 and Officer Nedim Catovic represented Batavia PD (in the Ping-Pong battle between Police and Fire, Fire won 21-19, and then fire went on to trounce Local Media 21-6).

Councilmembers Eugene Jankowski and Patti Pacino also stopped by.

Photos: Pavilion Days 2014

By Howard B. Owens

Tom Stringham, cub master for Pack 6016 in Pavilion, makes fire during the Pavilion Days celebration on West Park Street. The street was filled with vendors and community groups for the annual event.

Library Trustee Debbie Davis points to the floor plans for a new library, which is being funded largely by a donation of $200,000 by Edgar and Mary Louise Hollwendel.

Kaidryn, 4, gets her hair braided by Alyssa Park.

Elijah, 10, weaves while Sue Conklin provides instruction.

Photos: Lions Club fishing tournament at Dewitt

By Howard B. Owens

Joshua von Kramer is all business as he casts his line into the pond at DeWitt Recreation Area today during a youth fishing tournament sponsored by the Batavia Oakfield Lions Club. Fishing with him are Nicole and Eric von Kramer.

Reice Woodward reels in a catch.

Reice Woodward

Ed Staniszewski with the boys and girls derby grand prizes.Other prizes on the table.

Joey Staniszewski

Blake Bradt gets her catch measured by Joe Bradt.

The tournament was dedicated to the memory of Kendra Haacke, who died this Spring at age 31. Above, members of the Haacke family, Melissa, Chris, Ken, Emma, Mary Ann and Lily.

Vibrant Batavia sponsors Morton Avenue block party

By Billie Owens

Bill and Lisa Scott, who live on Morton Avenue in the City of Batavia, hosted its premiere block party this afternoon, sponsored by Vibrant Batavia. It was a nice get-together. The sponsor provided hot dogs, hamburgers, condiments and cold pop and water. Those with odd-numbered addresses brought sides dishes and those with even numbers brought desserts.

The street was closed off. No music but lots of conversation and kids running around, playing in the sprinklers. Water balloons were tossed and exploded accordingly and there was also Ping-Pong, AKA table tennis, and basketball and a couple of other games. A police officer showed up to greet the neighbors, as did a bunch of city firefighters with their ladder truck.

Above is Howard Owens, who was surreptitiously yet eagerly photographed by Bill Scott. Howard is giving his giant dog Pachuco prompts to do tricks and the rewards are pieces of a hot dog. Bill cooked them and noted they were available "burned, half-burned, or not burned." Not sure which one Pachuco got, but he's not choosy.

More T/K

Grand Jury indictments: DWAI incident that seriously injured five people, plus couple of alleged dope dealers

By Billie Owens

Michael L. Sanders is indicted for the crime of driving while ability impaired by drugs, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 29 in the City of Batavia, he caused serious physical injury to another person while operating a 2013 Acura on Oak Street with his abilities impaired by drugs. In count two, he is accused of vehicular assault, 1st, a Class D felony, for allegedly causing serious injury to another person while driving the same vehicle with his ability to do so impaired by drug use, thereby seriously injuring more than one person. In counts three, four, five, six and seven, respectively, Sanders is accused of the same thing, specifically seriously injuring five different named individuals.

Kevin J. O'Connell Jr. and Samantha L. Hicks are indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Feb. 24 at 62 S. Main St., Batavia, they knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug, cocaine, with the intent to sell it. In count two, the defendants are accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, a Class B felony, for allegedly knowingly and unlawfully possessing a narcotic drug, heroin, with the intent to sell it. In count three, they are accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th, a Class C felony, for allegedly knowingly and unlawfully possessing one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures, or substances containing a narcotic drug, cocaine, with an aggregate weight of one-eighth ounce or more.

Pembroke youngsters selling 'Kool-Aid for Cancer' this summer

By Howard B. Owens

A group of young go-getters in Pembroke are doing what a lot of children do in the summer -- setting up a lemonade stand, but these kids aren't aiming to build a fortune. They're trying to raise funds to support cancer research.

Making the pitch for your donations by selling Kool-Aid, iced tea, lemonade and bottled water are Abigail Wasielewski, Alyssa Klecker (bother of Austin Heinemean who has been in the news before because of his fight to beat cancer), Zachary Wasielewski (also Austin's brother) and Alexandria Wasielewski.

The youths will be set up periodically throughout the summer at 2337 Main Road, Pembroke.

All proceeds will be donated to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Photo and information submitted by Steven Wasielewski.

Photos: Ireland well represented on first night of 2014 Jackson Square concert series

By Howard B. Owens

The annual Jackson Square concert series kicked off Friday night with a return engagement by Stone Row, who first played the series nine years ago.

The electrified Irish band entertained the crowd with traditional and contemporary numbers.

Opening the show was a string quartet from the Genesee Symphony Orchestra playing traditional Irish tunes.

For a line-up of this summer's shows, click here.

Top Items on Batavia's List

Marketing Assistant — The Batavian Wage: $17 to $18 per hour Status: Part-time (potential to expand to full-time) Location: Work from home (local candidates preferred) The Batavian is seeking a qualified individual to create banner ads and assist with advertising duties to support our customers. Qualifications: High competency with Photoshop, especially for graphic design Training and knowledge in effective ad design Excellent interpersonal skills for client interaction Additional skills with other graphic tools are a plus Key Tasks: Collaborate with the ad sales representative to design ads for our website according to customer specifications Make corrections and adjustments based on customer feedback Upload and traffic ads to our ad server, ensuring correct placement Experience: Applicants must demonstrate a proven ability to perform the required tasks. Additional Information: This position starts as part-time and may expand to full-time. You will work from home; The Batavian will provide a Mac computer for the job. While remote work is possible, we prefer candidates who are local, familiar with our community, and have a strong understanding of our customers. To Apply: Submit your resume and a portfolio demonstrating your graphic design and ad creation skills with a cover letter to Publisher Howard Owens, howard@thebatavian.com.  
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