batavia

Dear Batavia,

Bourbon and Burger here, this Saturday, May 22nd is our 10-year anniversary. We wanted to take this time to thank some people. 

Thank you to our parents, who without them, this would never have been possible; thank you for believing in us. Thank you to our staff members over the past ten years and especially this most recent year, without you there is no Bourbon & Burger. Your hard work and dedication never goes unnoticed.

Thank you to our friends who came in everyday for a year to make sure we made it. Thank you to all of you, the community of Batavia and surrounding neighbors. Thank you for all of the support you’ve given us over the years. Thank you for making us a part of your lives, from first dates to engagements, from births to losses. You’ve come here to celebrate and to commiserate.

Thank you for allowing us to be there for you just as much as you’ve been there for us. At some point it becomes more than a restaurant, it’s a safe place, a livelihood, a hangout, a home. Thank you for helping us turn hamburgers into something so much more. BourbonAndBurger.com

A motorcycle accident is reported in the area of 8937 Creek Road, Batavia.

A first responder reported a victim down in the road.

Dispatchers checked on the availability of Mercy Flight but a subsequent update said there would be no need for Mercy Flight.

Town of Batavia and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 9:36 p.m.: Appears to be minor injury.

New York State Police Troop A held their annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service today at the Troop A Barracks in Batavia.

This was Troop's first service since 2019 after last year's service was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The service honors troopers who have died in the line of duty.

New York State Police Acting Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen attended the event.

A Batavia Police officer is tasked with trying to corral a brood of ducklings found by the jail at 14 W. Main St. 

Information provided by GLOW OUT! and GO ART!

A long "weekend" of events celebrating LGTBQ+ Pride Month is planned for Batavia June 10 - 13, hosted by GLOW OUT! and GO ART!

"We are the only large-scale festival happening (here) this year and we want to make sure that as many people know about it as possible," wrote GLOW OUT Board Member Jacqueline McLean in an email to The Batavian.

Kicking things off at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 10 is a Pride Color Run 5K that starts and ends at Centennial Park. Rainbow colors will be thrown at the end of the 5K and there will be a DJ in the park.

Volunteers are needed to: put up 1K, 2K, 3K and 4K markers/signs; hand out swag bags and check people in; cheer along the route/redirect traffic; hand out water at the halfway point; and put out and take down traffic blockers/sawhorses; as well as time the race.

On Friday, June 11 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Batavia First Presbyterian Church (300 E. Main St.), there will be a Game Night and Royal Court Competition, for all ages. There will be food (individually wrapped), outdoor games and board games. The Royal Court Competition begins at 7:30 p.m. and is open to all genders and ages. It is judged on best costume and dance moves. The theme is DISCO. All are invited to attend. Masks are required. Regulations are subject to change.

Also on June 11 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at GO ART! (201 E. Main St., Batavia) there will be a Disco Open Mic and Piano Bar hosted by the incomparable Drag Queen -- Ms. Figgy Pudding. This event will be for ages 21+.

GO ART! is opening Tavern 2.o.1, for the first time since the coronavirus shutdown in March of 2020, for the LGBTQ+ community. Come read your favorite poem, try your skills at stand-up and disco, or sing your favorite Broadway tune (bring your own music our look through our extensive collection). GO ART!'s own Theresa Kehl will be at the piano.

There is no door fee, but tipping your entertainers is encouraged. Masks are required at this event. Regulations are subject to change.

On Saturday, June 12 we will have our annual Pride Parade, starting at 10 a.m. at GO ART! If marching, lineup will be at 9 a.m. We proceed from GO ART's historic Seymour Place building to Dwyer Stadium (at Denio and Bank) where the Pride Festival will be held.

This will feature a cornhole tournament hosted by Pride Sports USA (volunteers needed to assist), and be full of amazing Drag Queen performances, including our headliner, Mrs. Kasha Davis from "RuPaul’s Drag Race"! Also entertaining will be the Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus, the Fortunatones, and more! Vivian Darling & DeeDee Dubois will be emceeing.

The festival at the stadium runs from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and is the only event city requiring a ticket. Food and alcohol concessions will be offered for purchase by Dwyer Stadium.

On June 12 there will also be a concert at Jam at the Ridge in Le Roy starting at 4 p.m. The headline performer will be Ddendyl Hoyt, of Western New York, who is best known for her appearance on Season 6 of NBC’s “The Voice.” Tickets are $10 for lawn seats; $20 for VIP seating.

On Sunday, June 13 we will be offering a Drag Queen Story Hour at GO-ART! at 10 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. hosted by Ms. Figgy Pudding. In addition, there will also be Drag Queen Bingo at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Two years ago, Batavia Pride had its inaugural year* that was so well received in the community! After a year off, we are excited to come back bigger than ever with more events and opportunities for our community to show their PRIDE!

You can sign up for all events here.

Disclaimer

Due to COVID-19 regulations, masks will be required and different events will have different policies and rules. Please check out our website for COVID-19 regulations for each individual event!

*Video below is from the first Pride Parade in 2019.

An accident, believed to be with minor injuries, is reported at Lewiston Road and Galloway Road, Town of Batavia.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS responding.

Submitted photo and press release:

An independant “Field of Thanks” team of Genesee County volunteers is dedicating the week of June 6 through 13 to people and organizations -- both civilian and military -- that have served their community and country this past year during the coronavirus pandemic.

The "Field of Thanks" is made possible through the organizational efforts of Phyllis Draycott, the planning team, and the patronage of area businesses, service organizations, and individuals through purchase of $50 flag packages in support of designated civilian and military "heroes."

The result will be a no-cost, self-guided tour of 67 U.S. flags on display daily from 1 to 6 p.m. that week on the grounds of St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia.

Each flag will be accompanied by a plaque depicting the story of an essential worker, law enforcement officer, other first responders, and armed forces' members.

Visitors during those hours will also be able to stop by a staffed information table where a map will help them find familiar names of locals from World War I through present. 

There will be two ceremonies. The Opening Ceremony is Sunday, June 6th at 1 p.m. and will feature a flag dedication and remarks by Assemblyman Steve Hawley and William Joyce, director of the county's Veterans Service Organization. The Closing Ceremony is Sunday, June 13th at 5 p.m. and will honor heroes in attendance and feature patron flag presentations and a flag retreat assisted by members of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Updated COVID-19 restrictions will be observed.

Net proceeds will be divided between two nonprofits: WNY Heroes and Meals on Wheels.

Photo: Maureen Scoville, Rose Rumery, organizer Phyllis Draycott, Joanne Fleming, Donna Kauffman and Joan Ellison examine a sample plaque and flag setup for the "Field of Thanks."

A two-vehicle accident with injuries is reported on the westbound Thruway in the area of mile marker 390.3.

Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 9:21 a.m.: A first responder is on scene with "a semi-truck and a vehicle, not blocking."

A fully involved garage fire is reported at 202 Liberty St., Batavia.

City fire on scene.

UPDATE May 19, 1:45 p.m.:  Press release from City Fire.

At 8:11 pm on May 18, 2021 the City of Batavia Fire Department was dispatched to a reported garage on fire located at 202 Liberty Street. First arriving units were on-scene at 8:15 pm.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a fully involved garage fire with direct flame impingement upon the adjacent home. Responding crews made an aggressive exterior attack on the garage and a concurrent interior attack containing and extinguishing the fire to a single room on the second floor. The situation was call under control by on-scene fire command at 8:39 pm.

The home was occupied with three residents and one pet that were able to self-escape prior to the fire department’s arrival. Due to the intensity of the fire, the home received significant smoke, heat and water damage. 

At this time the City of Batavia’s Fire Investigation Team are investigating the fire to determine the origin and cause. 

City Fire was assisted at the scene by the City of Batavia Police Department, Bureau of Inspection along with Elba and Alexander Fire Departments. Additional assistance was provided by the Town of Batavia Fire Department, Mercy EMS and Genesee County Emergency Dispatch.

All City Fire Department units were back in service at 10:58 pm.

Joseph David Ayer, 39, of Smith Street, Buffalo, and Maris Lynn Lenk, 32, of Nancy Place, Cheektowaga, are charged with second-degree burglary -- illegal entry into a dwelling; and fourth-degree grand larceny -- of property with a value greater that $1,000. Both defendants were arrested at 4:23 p.m. on River Road in Pavilion. It is alleged that Ayer and Lenk unlawfully entered a house by forcing the door open and then they stole items with a total value estimated at more than $1,000. They were virtually arraigned in Pavilion Town Court. Lenk was released on her own recognizance and is to appear in Genesee County Court June 3. Ayer was put in jail without bail and is due in county court June 9. Both cases were handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Jacob Gauthier.

Jessica Thomas-Heizyk, 33, was arrested at 3:28 p.m. May 10 on Davis Avenue in the City of Batavia. It is alleged that she threatened the victim with a screwdriver while in the presence of several juveniles. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court then released on her own recognizance. The defendant is due to reappear in city court June 17.

Kyle Samuel Barnhart, 30, of North Road, Le Roy, is a registered Level 2 sex offender charged with failure to register internet accounts as part of his conditions from a prior charge. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Le Roy Town Court on June 15. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jenna Ferrando.

Adam Altobelli, 40, was arrested on West Main Street in the city on a Batavia City Court bench warrant at 11:25 a.m. May 6, arraigned in city court, then released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is charged with: criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree; endangering the welfare of a child; and second-degree menacing. Altobelli is due back in city court on June 17.

Thomas Tacito, 61, was arrested at 2:04 p.m. May 7 on a warrant for aggravated harassment and fourth-degree stalking. It is alleged that Tacito repeatedly called a person without having a legitimate purpose to do so and despite being advised to stop multiple times. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court via Skype and released on his own recognizance. Tacito is due to return to city court June 17.

Jonathan Golden, 34, was arrested at 10:35 a.m., May 10, on West Main Street in the city after turning himself in on an active arrest warrant out of Batavia City Court. It is alleged that while employed at a local car dealership, Golden took a vehicle and kept it for an extended period of time without the vehicle owners' knowledge or consent. He was arraigned in city court, then released on his own recognizance.

Graffiti at Lambert Park, located at 100 Verona Ave. on the north end of the city, was reported this morning.

Besides this and one confirmed at Farrall Park on Otis Street on the Southside, we are not aware of other instances of graffiti being reported recently.

UPDATE 11:25 a.m. (By Howard): Batavia City Council President and retired City of Batavia Police Lt. Eugene Jankowski Jr. reacts to the discoveries -- "I'm very disappointed that someone took it upon themselves to destroy our beautiful parks with that graffiti. It's very, very terrible to see that happen. ... It's going to take public input. Hopefully somebody saw something and then maybe can provide some information to police and help them resolve it. I haven't talked to anyone on city staff about it yet -- hopefully there's a way to clean that up and get it back to the condition it was prior to the damage done to it."

Photo by Howard Owens.

Playground equipment at Farrall Park (101-111 Otis St.) has been vandalized and Batavia PD has opened an investigation into the criminal activity after being contacted about it by The Batavian.

Last night, a reader emailed these photos to The Batavian to alert us to the vandalism. We contacted Sgt. Marc Lawrence and he said he wasn't aware of the incident.

After looking into it today, he he confirmed playground equipment was spray-painted but there had been no prior complaint or notification to Batavia PD of the vandalism. 

He said it appeared that the paint was relatively fresh, probably spray within the past couple of days.

He indicated there is no further information available on the case at this time.

Anybody with information that might assist in the investigation can contact Batavia PD at (585) 345-6350, the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370

Reader-submitted photos.

(Photos by Howard Owens.)

A motorcycle crash is reported on the westbound I-90 in the area of mile marker 388.4.

One motorcycle is on fire but a total of three motorcycles may be involved, along with a passenger vehicle. CPR is in progress.

Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics and NYS Police.

UPDATE 1:11 p.m.: The westbound Thruway is shut down; eastbound traffic is moving slowly. The passsenger vehicle that is involved is on fire. Mercy Flight is called to the scene.

UPDATE 1:13 p.m.: Fires are knocked down.

UPDATE 1:35 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne and headed to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 1:42 p.m.: Town of Batavia fire assignment is back in service.

For the second time in seven months, a fire has been extinquished at the site of an apparently unoccupied construction trailer on Liberty Street in the City of Batavia.

This time, City firefighters saw the smoke filling the sky east of their fire hall and were en route before the call was dispatched.

The trailer was fully involved when firefighters arrived on scene.

Because the fire is suspicious in nature, Sgt. Marc Lawrence said there will be an investigation to see if any criminal activity is associated with the fire.

Previously: Brush fire on Liberty Street under investigation

Photo submitted by Tristine Vanice.

Photo submitted by Frank Capuano.

Photo submitted by Frank Capuano.

Photo submitted by Chris Crocker.

A pickup truck vs. motorcycle accident is reported at 136 W. Main St. in front of Dunkin' Donuts. It is blocking one lane of westbound traffic. Unknown injuries. City police are on scene.

City fire was called in. "We have no ambulances available in the city," the dispatcher said.

UPDATE 4:10 p.m.: Those involved will be sign-offs.

A possible oil spill is reported in a parking lot on Liberty Street in the city. The quantity was not relayed by the dispatcher. The caller was not sure when the spill occured.

City fire is on scene.

UPDATE 2:38 p.m.: Command ask for someone from the Department of Public Works to respond to advise how best to clean up the spill, which is also on the sidewalk. Command says a few bystanders at the scene report the spill occurred three or four days ago.

Press release:

East Bethany -- Silverline Comics* has launched "STEAM PATRIOTS," a comic book series that bills itself as "An American Steampunk Revolution," cocreated by East Bethany native and Coast Guard veteran Scott Wakefield.

The Alexander High School graduate and his co-author, fellow veteran and Cleveland, Ohio native Rory Boyle, imagined their story-world years ago and are now seeing it come to life. Their creative team is rounded out with editing, coloring and lettering by Batavia artist Dan Hosek.

The three join the Silverline team of accomplished artists, adding their title to a long list of exciting stories. 

"The storytelling's very strong and the dialogue shines," said world-renowned creator for Marvel and DC Comics, Chuck Dixon.

Fellow comics artist powerhouse Gary Kwapisz added “STEAM PATRIOTS" gives us a colorful and unique look at the original Revolutionary War!”

“This is the first title we’ve done with any sort of historical connection,” said Silverline Editor Roland Mann. “But it’s part of who Silverline is when we make our ‘genre-spanning’ claim. I’m excited to be able to add it to the lineup. I think people are really going to like it.”

In fact, prerelease reviews for "STEAM PATRIOTS" are fantastic.

Accomplished actor, voice-actor, and creator of "The World of Steam," Matt Yang King, says, "Intrigue! Rebellion! Ben Franklin as a steampunk engineer?! Sign me up!"

And Image Comics author of "Moriarty" and "Red City" writes “ 'STEAM PATRIOTS' is like a sci-fi 'Johnny Tremain' -- giving us a likeable hero who teams up with real figures from history to fight impossible odds. It's a very exciting narrative, and I look forward to seeing where it takes us!”

"STEAM PATRIOTS" is set in a steampunk world where steam technology is in its infancy, and America is at war for independence from Great Britain. The story's young hero, Felix Ward (top image), has a mind like no other, and he must help Ben Franklin, George Washington, and other heroes defeat the British juggernaut.

Keeping with the Silverline Comics crowdfunding model, "STEAM PATRIOTS" is finished and ready to print. The debut comic book contains 24 pages of story and art.

Here's the link to the website for "STEAM PATRIOTS."

Here's Silverline's Facebook page; subscribe to their email list to keep abreast of all news Silverline!

The Kickstarter campaign for "STEAM PATRIOTS" started yesterday, May 13, and runs through May 30. 

#steampunk #revwar #comics

"STEAM PATRIOTS" is trademarked and copyright ©Scott Wakefield & Rory Boyle. All rights reserved.

*Silverline Comics a genre-spanning independent comic book and graphic novel publisher.

Below, the completed Page 1 of the first "STEAM PATRIOTS" comic book.