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Bergen woman wins $5 million on lottery scratcher

By Howard B. Owens

A Bergen resident, Jasvir Kaur, bought a $20 scratch-off ticket Nov. 13 at the Country Deli in Alexander and won $5 million, lottery officials announced in Rochester today.

After taxes, Kaur pockets $3.3 million.

Former Le Roy resident pleads guilty, but doesn't admit threatening deputy with knife

By Howard B. Owens

A former Le Roy resident who was involved in a scuffle with police June 17 when a deputy tried to arrest her son entered a guilty plea today to one charge against her but would not admit to using a knife against the deputy.

Elaina J. Mead, 43, formerly of 21 Maple Ave., Le Roy, now a resident of Varysburg, entered a guilty plea to attempted menacing a police officer under what's known as an "Alford Plea." It means Mead believes a jury would convict her at trial, but she's not admitting to the actual events alleged against her.

Mead did admit that she tried to interfere with Deputy Matthew Butler's attempt to arrest her son, 25-year-old Michael Mead Sr., on a warrant (see correction below), but when Judge Robert C. Noonan asked her if it was true that she placed a knife to Butler's chest and placed Butler in fear of his life or serious injury, she said she did not.

The plea satisfies all counts against Mead, which included assault, 2nd, criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, and obstructing governmental administration, 2nd. The maximum sentence under the terms of the agreement are up to 15 days in jail and four months intermittent jail time and a $5,000 fine.

Assistant District Attorney Kevin Finnell said that if the case went to trial, Officer Emily Clark, Le Roy PD, would testify that Michael Mead was resisting arrest and she and Butler were wrestling with him when people from inside 21 Maple Ave. started throwing small household objects at the officers.

Clark would say, Finnell said, that she saw Elaina Mead exit the house with a knife in her hand and approach Butler and place the knife against Butler's chest.  According to Clark's version of events, Clark yelled, "knife, knife," and then let go of Michael Mead's legs and knocked the knife from Elaina Mead's hand, sustaining a small cut in the process.

Last month Sheriff Gary Maha presented Clark with a Certificate of Appreciation and Butler a Commendation for their conduct during the confrontation.

UPDATE and CORRECTION: We should have included that Mead could also get five years probation. Also, the information that Butler was at the residence to execute a warrant is a mistake from the initial report that I forgot (while writing this) was later corrected. Butler and Clark went to the residence to question Michael Mead on an alleged violation of a court order investigation. When Butler attempted to arrest Mead, that's when he allegedly resisted arrest.

Today's Deals: NEW TODAY - Sweet Ecstasy Bakery! Bohn's, Palm Island Indoor Water Park, Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew, and more!

By Lisa Ace

NEW TODAY - Sweet Ecstasy Bakery, 6173 Main Road, Stafford, NY. A retail and special order bakery located in Stafford. Offering a wide variety of items such as cookies, filled cupcakes, quick breads, pies, breakfast pastries, daily. On Fridays, Sweet Ecstasy Bakery 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 $5.

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

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 $10.

Batavia Downs Grandstands Bar & Grille, 8315 Park Road, Batavia, NY: A full menu, salad bar and drinks in one of the region's most popular entertainment venues. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50. (Must be new or current Players Club member to redeem.)

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 $12.50.

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

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 $10. (Good only at the Batavia location.)

Greg'ry's Bakery, 13 N. Lake Road, Bergen, NY: The bakery offers a variety of the finest cakes, cookies, pies, cupcakes, breads, breakfast and lunch sandwiches and so much more. Each treat is made the same as it has been for decades and baked right here. Come in and sample some for yourself! We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Palm Island Indoor Water Park, 8250 Park Road, Batavia, NY: The newest family fun center in Genesee County, featuring a hot tub, monsoon lagoon pool and play area, tipping buckets, water slides, arcade with 15 games and birthday party rooms. We have a pair of gift certificates worth $40 in merchandise or services for $20.

Salsa & Curry, 13 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: An authentic Mexican restaurant, offering all of your favorite dishes from enchiladas and burritos to tacos and fajitas, as well as daily Indian food specials. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

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 $10.

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 $10.

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 $10.

Viking Valhalla Restaurant & Rose Garden Bowl21 Buffalo Road, Bergen, NY: Open for lunch Monday through Sunday, and dinner Friday and Saturday evenings. Dinner favorites are our succulent prime rib and Friday fish fries! We are always happy to help plan your special occasion -- wedding, shower, rehearsal dinner, stag party, graduation, company function, banquet, family or class reunion. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

SOLD OUT

Note: If you've never purchased Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

Minor injury accident reported Route 63 and Little Canada Road, Bethany

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident is reported on Ellicott Street Road at Little Canada Road, Bethany, with minor injuries.

A person reports not feeling well and having back pain.

Bethany Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 8:48 a.m.: A dispatcher informs a deputy responding that "the situation is deteriorating quickly." A Bethany chief requests mutual aid from Stafford and the deputy requests a trooper to respond to assist with traffic control.

UPDATE 10:02 a.m.: Roadway is reopened. It sounds like there were two accidents at this location.

Law and Order: Inmate accused of burglary in Le Roy in August

By Howard B. Owens

Jamie S. Schlonski, 40, an inmate in the correctional facility in Collins, is charged with burglary, 2nd, and criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, and petit larceny. Schlonski was charged following an investigation by Le Roy PD into burglaries in August in the village. The victim reported numerous checks stolen and cashed in the village. Schlonski was living in Le Roy at the time and was later identified as a suspect.

Rebeca Lynn Rose, 26, of North Street, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. Rose is accused of shoplifting clothing from Target on Thursday. Also charged with petit larceny was Megan Lynn Furr, 26, of North Street, Le Roy.

Alicia M. Stankwick, 21, of 2955 Angling Road, Corfu, is charged with harassment, 2nd.  Stankwick is accused of sending unwanted text messages to a male whom she was advised by a Batavia PD officer the day before not to contact.

Ryan C. Cook, 34, of 7 Mill St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Cook is accused of having unwanted physical contact with a woman.

Kristen L. Brightenfield, 19, of Stafford, is charged with criminal mischief 4th/prevention of emergency call. Brightenfield was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident reported at 2:17 p.m. on Wednesday. No further details were released.

Wind advisory issued for today throughout WNY

By Howard B. Owens

There is a wind advisory in effect today for all of Western New York.

Winds of 20 to 35 mph are predicted with gusts up to 50 mph.

The advisory is in effect until 6 p.m.

Wind could bring down tree branches, damage power lines and it may be difficult to handle high-profile vehicles on roadways.

Car on its roof, driver trapped inside on West Main Street Road, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover with entrapment is reported at 6833 W. Main St. Road in Le Roy. There is also a telephone pole down. The driver is alert and talking but is upside down and held in place by her seat belt. The car is on its roof. Le Roy fire and ambulance are responding. The location is west of the two car dealerships on that stretch of roadway.

UPDATE 6:50 a.m.: Fire police are shutting down the road in the vicinity of the accident scene.

UPDATE 6:55 a.m.: Route 5 at Bater Road is shut down. The address of the accident is determined to be 6919 W. Main St. Road.

UPDATE 7:04 a.m.: Fire police are told to open up the road.

UPDATE 7:05 : The Le Roy assignment is back in service. A tow truck is expected there in about 10 minutes. Law enforcement is on scene.

UPDATE 7:16 a.m.: The driver is being transported to UMMC.

UPDATE 7:27 a.m.: The patient is a 36-year-old woman complaining of neck pain.

The Batavian Club: Membership has its privileges

By Howard B. Owens

Some of you may have already noticed that certain people now, when they leave a comment on a story, have a little "club member" icon below their names.

This means these people have elected to help support The Batavian by becoming club members and we want to recognize their support.

The other change we've made is people who are not yet members will get a reminder to join every time they log into the site (our software, in a pattern I've never been able to figure out, occasionally asked people to reenter their usernames and passwords). After people enter their usernames and passwords, they will hit a screen that offers them the opportunity to continue with their login or join The Batavian Club. There is still no obligation to join the club to read news or comment on stories, but we want to remind people how important it is that they support our local news efforts.

Plus, members get benefits such as discounts at local businesses -- a monetary value that exceeds the cost of membership.

Join The Batavian Club and SAVE: Currently, members will receive $220 in gift certificates to local businesses -- far more value than the cost of the membership! (more info below)

TO JOIN: Use PayPal buttons below, or to pay by check (annual only) or credit card, click here to download form. Or call (585) 250-4118 to pay by credit card.

Monthly Single Membership - $5 per month
Includes membership card and bumper sticker.

 

Monthly Household Membership - $10 per month
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers.

 

Annual Single Membership - $50 per year
Includes membership card, bumper sticker.

 

Annual Household Membership - $100 per year
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers.

 

 

Grand Jury Report: Registered sex offender accused of failure to report change of address

By Howard B. Owens

Richard Stevens is indicted on two counts of failure to register change of address, a class E felony, and two counts of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, a class A misdemeanor. Stevens, a convicted sex offender, is accused of moving in April to 22 Tracy Ave., Batavia, without registering a change of address within 10 days. He's also accused of moving back to 22 Tracy Ave. from the Genesee County Jail in October and failing to register a change of address within 10 days. Stevens is also accused of trying to choke another person on two occasions, once in October and again in November.

Clenton J. Reese is indicted on a count of criminal contempt,1st, a class E felony. Reese is accused of violating a court issued stay-away order.

Chris Collins takes oath as new representative of the NY-27

By Howard B. Owens

Statement from Rep. Chris Collins:

“Today, as I took the official oath of office, I thought of the faith and trust the hardworking residents of New York's 27th Congressional District have placed in me. I am humbled by the opportunity to be their representative and their voice in the United States House of Representatives.

As a new member of Congress, I look forward to serving on both the Agriculture and Small Business committees. These committee assignments are a natural fit for both my experience as a small business owner and the incredibly important role agriculture plays in NY-27. In addition to fighting every day for what is best for the families of NY-27, I pledge to be a strong advocate and champion for farmers and small business owners, and their employees, not only in our own community, but all across this country.

I begin my time in Congress at a very critical moment in our country. It is my hope that the new Congress can come together to seriously address the issues facing our nation. I look forward to being a part of the discussion, and most importantly, a part of the solutions that are necessary to curb our nation's unsustainable spending and reduce our crushing national debt. Members of Congress must start making decisions based not on political expediency, but on commonsense fiscal policy focused on ensuring prosperity of our children, grandchildren and future generations.”

Collins will take a ceremonial oath of office at 1 p.m., Saturday, at the Genesee County Courthouse.

Town of Batavia Fire Department holding fundraiser for Webster firefighters

By Howard B. Owens

Town of Batavia firefighters are holding a boot drive Saturday to benefit the West Webster Fire Department and the families and victims of the Christmas Eve ambush of first responders in Webster.

Firefighters Mike Chiapperini and Tomasz Kaczowka were killed in the attack and Joseph Hofsetter and Theodore Scardino were injured.

The boot drive is being organized by Josh Finn with the help of other Batavia volunteers. Residents are asked to drive by the fire hall on Lewiston Road (across from Kmart/Tops Plaza) on Saturday and drop donations into a firefighter's boot.

The drive is from 10 a.m to 2 p.m.

Law and Order: Batavia resident accused of assault in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Jakob Kosiorek, 20, of 24 Tracey Ave., Batavia, is charged with assault, 2nd. Kosiorek was arrested by Le Roy PD and accused of punching another person several times, causing a broken nose, cheek bones and several lacerations. Kosiorek was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Danielle M. Sundown, 30, of 4846 Livingston Street, Warsaw, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, uninspected motor vehicle and aggravated unlicensed operation. Sundown is accused of being involved in a motor-vehicle accident on East Main Street at 10:33 p.m., Friday. Sundown allegedly fled the scene and was located a short time later at a local business. Additional charges are pending.

Thomas Edward McFadden, 19, of North Main Street, Warsaw, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. McFadden was allegedly observed possessing and smoking marijuana by Deputy Patrick Reeves at 4:36 p.m., Monday, in the area of 127 North St., Batavia. Also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana were Brandon Michael Aquino, 17, of Linwood Road, Warsaw, and Chelsea Lynn Laley, 23, of North Main Street, Warsaw.

Charlee Nicole Tanner, 21, of West Avenue, Lyndonville, is charged with petit larceny. Tanner is accused of shoplifting $168.29 in merchandise from Kmart. Also charged with Tamera Antonia Dowdall, 26, of Beach Drive, Medina.

Robert Michael Freeman, 21, of East Avenue, Batavia, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. Freeman is accused of stealing from Target on Dec. 16 and Dec. 19.

Students prepare to 'pay it forward' by volunteering for Challenger soccer games

By Howard B. Owens

High school students from throughout Genesee County were at the Genesee ARC building on Woodrow Road, Batavia, this evening learning about being volunteers for the upcoming Challenge Soccer season.

The Challenger program gives youngsters with developmental disabilities an opportunity to participate in sporting events.

Organizer Shelley Falitico explained the history of the program, what volunteers do and taught the students a little bit about what it's like to deal with a disability.

As a demonstration, she placed a student in a wheelchair and told him he could use only one arm. She then required a normally talkative student to wear a mask and told him he couldn't talk and had several students wear eye covers so they couldn't see. The student in the wheelchair then had to try to distribute a brochure about Genesee ARC.

Falitico pointed out all the ways in which the students' natural reactions to having their abilities limited in this manner is much like what it is for some of the youngsters they will deal with as part of Challenger.

The students participating include a group from the Pembroke soccer team, who were there to "pay it forward."

Two seasons ago, the team was reinstated, but players were required to raise their own funds to pay for their participation. As players and parents were working on fundraising, two Pembroke borthers, Howard and Michael Oriole, came forward and for the 2011 and 2012 seasons paid all of the team's costs.

"We obviously felt blessed and honored," said one of the mothers of the players, Lynette McGiveron. "We didn't know what to say."

Since the brothers both have disabilities, reaching out to Genesee ARC for a volunteer opportunity seemed like an appropriate way for the soccer players to give back to the community.

"We were obviously very grateful and we just felt the need to pay it forward," McGiveron said.

No autopsy 'at this point' on injured deer

By Billie Owens

A deputy is asked to respond to a report of an injured deer on Tinkham Road in Darien Center. "Did it trip and fall?" asked the deputy. "I guess," said the dispatcher. "No autopsy has been performed at this point."

"In route," responds the deputy, without further questions.

City announces plan for Christmas tree pick up

By Howard B. Owens

City crews will start picking up discarded Christmas trees Jan. 7 with the pick up continuing through Jan. 18.

Residents in Batavia are asked to place their trees in the parkway without bags, stands or decorations, which can damage equipment.

Trees should be kept free of snow and ice so they are visible.

The pick up will begin on Grandview Terrace and crews will work east and west, north of Main Street and west to east, south of Main Street.

Two Le Roy residents accused of selling fake NFL merchandise at Ralph Wilson Stadium

By Howard B. Owens

A pair of Le Roy residents were reportedly arrested in Erie County on Sunday for allegedly selling counterfeit NFL merchandise at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Charged with trademark counterfeiting were Kenneth Smith, 49, and Joshua Wyskiel, 31. Both men were taken into custody as part of a sweep of arrests of suspected fake NFL merchandise sellers.

From the Buffalo News:

Once the garments were identified as fake, Payne said he and fellow officers began making arrests throughout the Bills’ football season, with a “final sweep” of arrests Sunday.

“We started to see a lot of these unlicensed vendors walking around the stadium parking lots selling trademark counterfeit T-shirts and jerseys out of their backpacks,” Payne said. “The T-shirts were selling for $5 and the jerseys for $30. When somebody is purchasing a jersey, which normally sells for $100, that should be a clue it’s counterfeit.”

Batavia PD nabs suspected thief during alleged burglary in progress on Washington Avenue

By Howard B. Owens

An alert neighbor spotted a potential burglary in progress on Washington Avenue on Tuesday leading to the arrest of a man police suspect may have been involved in other break-ins in the city.

Francis S. Smith, 19, of 20 S. Main St., Batavia, has been charged with burglary in the second degree and investigators are working to determine whether he may have been involved in other larcenies.

Smith is being held on bail in the Genesee County Jail.

His arrest followed a report of a burglary in progress about noon on Tuesday. Police responded, surrounded the residence and officers entered the residence and found Smith allegedly involved in a larceny of property from the residence.

A reader who was in the area at the time of the incident told The Batavian this is what he saw:

"The cops were yelling to someone inside to come out with their hands up. The man inside the house came out a second-story window on top of the porch roof. At that time the police drew their guns and ordered him to freeze and put his hands up. They brought the man back into the house and out the front door before putting him into the police car."

Law and Order: Batavia resident arrested on forgery charge

By Howard B. Owens

Brandon M. Maldonado, 24, of 24 Tracy Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, criminal possession of stolen property, 5th, and two bench warrants for alleged failure to appear as directed. Maldonado was taken into custody by Batavia PD at his residence on a felony arrest warrant as well as the bench warrants on unrelated charges. Maldonado was jailed without bail.

Daniel L. Zelazny, 50, of 6469 Swamp Road, Byron, is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol. Zelazny was taken into custody by the Sheriff's Office and turned over to Batavia PD following an investigation by Officer Matt Lutey of a motor-vehicle accident on East Main Street on Aug. 12.

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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