In the area of Prospect Avenue and Oak Street in the city, a controlled burn is reported -- a violation of the municipal code. City fire is responding. The Department of Environmental Conservation will be notified.
137 Vine St., Batavia. Open House - Sunday 12 - 2 p.m. Completely renovated and brought back to life! This city gem has the modern finishes and space you've been craving. 4 to 5 bedrooms and 2 full baths await.
Fully fenced backyard with sliding-glass doors to rear deck are perfect for owners with four-legged friends! Potential 1st floor bedroom, office, or Zoom Room.
Newer roof, updated electric, great floor plan, don't miss it! Negotiations to begin on Wednesday April 28th @ 6 p.m.
Call Chuck Flynn at Howard Hanna today or click here to view the listing.
Press release:
The Batavia Police Department is investigating a similar bail scam as referenced by the Sheriff's Office in their press release issued earlier today. The scam involves at least four people and is initiated with a phone call to the victim from a private number.
When the victim answers the phone, a distraught female begins the conversation by yelling “Grandma” or “Grandpa” and begins talking about how she was in a car accident, arrested, and needs bail. The female says that her phone broke during the accident and that’s why she’s calling on a private number.
The female tells the victim she’s going to have her attorney call to arrange bail. A short time later a male scammer calls the victim saying he is the attorney and provides details about the case. The male says that he needs $10,000+ to get the granddaughter out of jail and that it must be cash only. The scammer instructs the victim to leave the cash on the porch for a courier to pick up.
The courier arrives and takes the money from the porch. Once the scammers receive the money, they continue calling the victim attempting to get more money for various legal reasons.
The team of scammers is known to operate a white sedan, possibly a Kia, and a black sedan or SUV. The involved scammers in the Batavia incident include a female, a smaller build young-looking black male, a heavy-set white male, and a younger average-sized white male with dark hair.
The Batavia Police Department is seeking any leads which can be provided by the public.
Anyone that was in the area of Ellicott Street and Williams Street on April 20 at approximately 12 p.m., and April 21 at approximately 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and observed the above individuals or their vehicles are asked to contact Detective Jason Ivison at (585) 345-6312 or the Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350, the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370.
Previously: Sheriff's Office warns of local bail scam targeting older residents
A two-car accident with minor injuries is reported at Dellinger Avenue and West Main Street, Batavia.
One person has a complaint of back pain.
City fire and Mercy EMS dispatched. Law enforcement on scene.
The following people recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines:
They are among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter.
Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.
Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines.
Today, the Society has chapters on more than 325 campuses in the United States and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."
More About Phi Kappa Phi
Since its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated into Phi Kappa Phi. Some of the organization's notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham and YouTube cofounder Chad Hurley.
Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards more than $1 million to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives.
For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit www.phikappaphi.org.
Edward G. Ruckdeschel, 58, of Marcy, Oneida County, is charged with: third-degree burglary and four counts of third-degree grand larceny, all Class D felonies; and three counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony.
His arrest was announced today after an investigation that began last July into stolen vehicles in Genesee County.
Ruckdeschel is currently incarcerated in a NYS prison, following his conviction in previous stolen vehicle cases in Genesee County and his sentencing for the crimes on Aug. 10.
Following his conviction last summer, Ruckdeschel was arrested on suspicion of stealing two more vehicles on Aug. 10 and Aug. 11 and those two grand larceny charges remain pending in Genesee County Court.
Altogether there are ongoing investigations concerning seven stolen vehicles. Ruckduschel was arraigned in town courts in Batavia, Pembroke, Stafford, Le Roy and Bergen. He is due to appear in county court on all charges May 4.
The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Office investigators Joseph D. Loftus and Kevin P. Forsyth.
Paul K. Kellner Jr., 53, of Wescott Avenue, Alden, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more; moving from lane unsafely; speed not reasonable and prudent; and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Kellner was arrested after a motor-vehicle collision at 9:59 p.m. April 21 on Genesee Street in Darien. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Darien Court on June 1. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Tower, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.
Rosemary Renee Waters, 35, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. Waters was arrested at 1:39 a.m. today, April 23, following a traffic stop for an alleged traffic violation on Vine Street in Batavia. During the investigation it was allegedly found that Waters was operating the vehicle while her driver's license was suspended. She is accused of having four different types of controlled substances in her possession at the time. She was issued appearance tickets, then released from custody. She is due in Batavia City Court on May 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Gauthier, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.
Press release:
Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York is recruiting volunteers to serve as escorts at our Batavia health center.
It is located at 222 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia.
Volunteers will greet and provide comfort to patients upon their arrival to the health center and upon their departure.
Candidates must be calm, friendly and comfortable ignoring protestor activity.
A commitment of two hours per week, primarily during daytime hours is required.
Thorough interview and screening required and training will be provided. For more information call (585) 546-2771, ext. 338., or email volunteer@ppcwny.org.
Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York provides high quality, nonjudgmental reproductive health care; promotes responsible and healthy sexuality; advocates for access to comprehensive health care; and supports those affected by sexual violence. Each year, PPCWNY serves more than 31,000 adults and teens throughout Central and Western New York.
Press release:
Earth Day is your chance to give back to your community and take care of our planet! Here are two fun events this weekend.
1) Earth Day Night Hike at the Genesee County Park & Forest
Celebrate Earth Day with a night hike through the forest! Explore the forest at twilight and be part of the magic of spring with our Earth Day Night Hike at the Genesee County Park & Forest in East Bethany from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday April 23rd!
Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center and head out to the forest as we visit animal habitats, hear nature folklore and more.
Cost is $5/person, $10/family. Preregistration is required, call (585) 344-1122 to register.
Participants must wear a mask when unable to maintain 6 feet of social distance and are encouraged to wash hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
2) Earth Day Park Cleanup at DeWitt Recreation Area
Join us at DeWitt Recreation Area in Batavia for the 20th annual Earth Day Park Cleanup on Saturday, April 24th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day and help keep the park beautiful and the habitat safe and healthy for wildlife!
Learn to make cool things from recycled materials and enjoy a naturalist-guided hike to discover natural wonders in the park. Enjoy wild games and find out what you can do each day to help the Earth!
Service groups, students, 4H and scouts can earn community service hours and badge requirements.
Celebration and all activities for the DeWitt event are FREE and open to the public. Please preregister for activities by calling (585) 344-1122.
Participants must wear a mask when unable to maintain 6 feet of social distance and are encouraged to wash hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
Schedule of Activities: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- Park Cleanup Projects -- Make the park beautiful and healthy for wildlife!
For more information visit our website, or contact Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122
Buffalo developer Sam Savarino, who has been working for years to close financing on Ellicott Station (former Soccio & Della Penna and Santy's Tire properties), met via Zoom this morning with the Batavia Development Corp. Board of Directors and gave the members an update on the progress of the project, which should start with site cleanup soon.
For more infomation on these listings, please click the links below. To see all listings, click here.
For more info on 8699 Haven Lane Le Roy, click here.
For more info on 210 Ross St., Batavia, click here.
For more info on 7235 Telephone Road, Pavilion, click here.
With the help of Kiwanis members in the region, the Kiwanis Club of Batavia has put together 40 care packages for veterans in our community.
Members of the Kiwanis Club dropped off the "Kare Packages" at the Veterans Services Office yesterday.
Key contributions came from Kiwanis members Joe Van Cura, owner of Mission Coffee in Rochester, and Dave DiFranco, director of VPAC (Veterans-Plus Assistance Corp.).
Photo: Heather Henders, Lt. Gov. of the Genesee Division of Kiwanis, Bill Joyce, veterans services officer, Stefano Napolitano, VP of Batavia Kiwanis, and Peter Guppenberger, Kiwanis past president.
LAW Dance Studio in Batavia is offering master classes with Maceo "Mace" Harrison this Friday, Saturday and Sunday only -- April 23-25.
Harrison specializes in hip hop, acro, and break-dancing.
Options* are:
*LAW Dance students -- Come to all three classes for $100.
Call to register (585) 297-2559.
About Maceo "Mace" Harrison
He is a hip hop dancer and choreographer born in Maryland, D.C. At age 7, he started pursuing hip-hop dance. At age 15, he began attending hip hop battles, performing at talent shows and even auditioned for "America’s Got Talent." At the age of 17, he joined his first dance studio, where he learned ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern and tap.
Spending four years on a dance competition team, he won multiple scholarships and overall awards for his hip hop solos. He also made it to the third round of auditions during season 11 of, “So You Think You Can Dance.”
In 2016, he received a full scholarship to the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City for their hip hop program and was featured dancing for Missy Elliot in her music video, “Snatch Your Weave.”
He's also the First Base Dancing coach for the Savannah Banana's Baseball team in Savannah, Ga. Here is a video interview of him that covers the history of Harrison as the dancing first base coach.
You can check out some of his content on his social media channels:
Twitter: @harrison_maceo / Instagram: @danceiz_lif3 / Tik tok: @danceiz_m3
A two-car accident with minor injuries is reported at Oak Street and Prospect Avenue in the city. City fire is responding along with Mercy medics and medics from Le Roy.
UPDATE 1:15 p.m.: The people involved are signs-offs. Le Roy medics are returning from the scene, in service.
Batavia PD is seeking the public's assistance in identifying the person in this photo. He is suspected of entering unlocked cars and stealing items from the vehicles. He may have an accomplice.
If you have any information you are asked to contact the Batavia Police at (585) 345-6350.
Juan M. Mendez is indicted for the crime of first-degree rape, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 4 at or around Genesee Community Colllege in the Town or Batavia that Mendez engaged in sexual intercourse with another person who was incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless. In count two, Mendez is indicted for third-degree rape, a Class E felony, for engaging in sexual intercourse that day with another person without such person's consent -- by reason of some other factor than incapacity to consent. In count three, Mendez is indicted for the crime of first-degree sexual abuse, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged in count three that while at or around GCC Sept. 4 he subjected a person to sexual contact when the other person was incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless. In count four, Mendez is indicted for the crime of third-degree sexual abuse, a Class B misdemeanor. In count four, he is accused of subjecting a person to sexual contact at or around GCC that day without the person's consent.
Rachelle N. Laney is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 10 in the Town of Le Roy that Laney knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug -- fentanyl -- with intent to sell it. In count two, she is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony. It is alleged that on that day Laney knowingly and unlawfully possessed one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures or substances containing a narcotic drug - fentanyl -- with an aggregate weight of one-eighth of an ounce or more. In counts three and four, Laney is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged that on that day in Le Roy, she knowingly and unlawfully possessed controlled substances -- methadone and hydrocodone, respectively. In counts five, six and seven Laney is accused of criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in counts five, six and seven that the defendant knowingly possessed glassine envelopes, vials, capsule or other material suitable for the packaging of individual quantities of any narcotic drugs or stimulants. In count seven specifically, this drug was Mannitol.
Eric J. Reyes Jr. is indicted for the crime of stolen property in the third degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 28 in the Town of Le Roy that Reyes knowingly possessed stolen property that had a value of more than $3,000. In count two, Reyes is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree, a misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that on Sept. 28 in Le Roy Reyes drove a 2020 Dodge on Interstate 90 while his privilege to drive was suspended by the NYS DMV Commissioner.
Press release:
St. Joe’s Regional School recently experienced a successful Mini Mammoth Sale at their new location in the school’s Annex building across from the school. The new location has five rooms loaded with items of all types, from furniture to a shop of collectibles and vintage articles.
The sale has expanded to include Fridays, 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon for the months of April and May, and sales throughout the year.
Donations of jewelry, furniture, household items and collectibles are greatly appreciated and can either be dropped off on the Annex porch or picked up by calling Randa Williams at (585) 356-5333.
A huge thank you to all who have supported our school through donations or purchases since we are no longer connected to a parish. Also, thank you to Carmen Campbell from the PennySaver as our promotional partner, Rick and Tom Mancuso for our storage facilities, and Dave at Tim Hortons for keeping our volunteers in Timbits and coffee. Also, Anibal Soler, city schools superintendent, and his executive secretary Brittany Witkop for advertising support.
John Bowen, Randa Williams, and Norm Argulsky and the school could not be successful without the support of the community.
Photos by Howard Owens. Top photo, sale cochairs Randa Williams and John Bowen.
Andre Roberts, 28, of School Street, Batavia, is charged with theft of services. He was arrested at 8:13 p.m. April 13 after he patronized a bar in the City of Batavia, then allegedly left without paying his tab. Roberts was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court April 20.
Johnny Earl Anthony, 30, of Knapp Road, Akron, is charged with driving while intoxicated -- first offense; operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more -- first offense; moving from lane unsafely; and unlicensed operator. Anthony was arrested at 8:53 p.m. April 17 on West Main Street Road in Batavia after being involved in a collision. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on May 24. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Kyle Tower.
Sundae Jade Whitney Grambeck, 27, of Junction Road, Pavilion, is charged with driving while intoxicated -- first offense, and DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or more. At 3:15 a.m. April 19, Grambeck was arrested on Ellicott Street Road in Bethany following a motor-vehicle accident. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in Bethany Town Road on May 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Deputy David Moore.
Caleb Richard Swendsen, 26, of Akron Road, Pembroke, is charged with second-degree criminal trespass. Following a report of a domestic incident at 6:36 p.m. April 13 on Maple Avenue in Oakfield, Swendsen was arrested. He was arraigned on the charge virtually in Oakfield Town Court, then released on an appearance ticket. He is due back in court June11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Kyle Krzemien.
Lisa Fox, 49, of East Avenue, Batavia, was arrested after a traffic stop on East Avenue at 12:08 p.m. April 14 during which she was identified as the operator, and there was a bench warrant for her arrest out of Batavia City Court. Following her arraignment in city court, she was released under supervision. Fox is due to return to court May 25.
A trial date has been set for a Batavia man accused in 2018 of arson and attempted murder following a structure fire at 35 Maple St.
Plush Dozier appeared in court for a short hearing where Genesee County Court Judge Charles Zambito scheduled the trial to start on June 7.
Zambito noted the court system will likely still be under COVID-19 protocols in June and said the jury will need to be socially distanced and the trial will require the use of two courtrooms. He scheduled a meeting for July 3 with the attorneys to go over trial arrangements and protocols.
Dozier was originally being held without bail and being housed in Attica after alleged disturbances at the Genesee County Jail (which led to additional criminal charges) but after bail reform at the start of 2020, Dozier was given the opportunity at cash bail of $100,000 or $100,000 bond.
He is currently out of custody.
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