batavia

Johnathan Falk, 22, of Batavia (no address provided) (inset photo right), was arrested Feb. 17 by Wyoming County Sheriff's deputies on two warrants stemming from previous arrests. In January 2020 he was arrested for petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, in the Town of Warsaw then released as the charge did not qualify for bail reform. He was arrested later that month for criminal possession of a controlled subject in the fifth degree, a Class D felony, and criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony. Again he was released since the offenses did not qualify for bail. In June, Falk was arrested for two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the second degree and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree, both Class A-II felonies. He was released from custody again. The defendant was indicted on the felony charges in August; he never appeared in court and warrants were issued out of Wyoming County Court and Town of Warsaw Court. When he was arrested earlier this month, he was additionally charged with third-degree bail jumping, a Class A misdemeanor. Falk was arraigned in Warsaw Town Court and put in Wyoming County Jail in lieu of bail (unspecified). Falk is due back in Wyoming County Court at a later date. Genesee County Sheriff's Office assisted with locating and arresting Falk. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Deputy Bradley McGinnis, assisted by Deputy Aaron Chase.

Steven Luigi Maltese, 51, of Clinton Street Road, Bergen, is charged with third-degree menacing and endangering the welfare of a child. At 4:05 p.m. on Feb. 19, deputies responded to the 4000 block of South Main Street in the Town of Batavia for a reported domestic incident. After an investigation, Maltese was arrested for allegedly threatening a female victim in the presence of a juvenile during a domestic dispute. He was arraigned in Genesee County Court and is due back there on April 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre.

Benjamin J. Lathan, 20, and Brandon C. Lewis, 20, both of Bergen (no addresses provided) were arrested Feb. 21 by State Police out of the Amity Barracks and charged with petit larceny and trespass. Troopers investigating the January theft of three trail cameras from a property on Streeter Brook Road in the Town of Genesee allegedly determined both men were involved in the theft of the cameras. Both were arrested and released with appearance tickets for Genesee Town Court, where they are due to appear in March.

Will R. Thompson, 21, of Byron (no address provided), was arrested on Feb. 14 by a Wyoming County Sheriff's deputy and charged with having an uninspected motor vehicle and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree. At 3:22 p.m. that day Deputy Austin Harding was patrolling northbound on South Main Street in the Village of Perry, when he observed a gray pickup truck southbound with a 2020 inspection sticker on the front windshield. Harding conducted a traffic stop near Camp Road and a DMV data check found the inspection sticker expired Nov. 30 and that Thompson's license was suspended twice for failure to answer a summons in the Town of Hastings Court on Feb. 8. Thompson was proceseed roadside, then released with an appearance ticket to appear in Village of Perry Court at a later date.

Antonio Diego Dames, 45, of Farnsworth Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon marijuana in the fourth degree. At 2:29 p.m. on Feb. 22, Genesee County Sheriffs deputies responded to a residence on Farnsworth Avenue in the Village of Oakfield to assist the county Probatation Department. After an investigation, Dames was arrested for allegedly possessing more than two ounces of marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Oakfield Town Court on April 5. The case was handled by Deputy Erik Andre. CORRECTION: This item initially, and mistakenly, used the word "weapon" instead of "marijuana" in the criminal charge. The Batavian regrets the error.

 Interview with City Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs are proud to announce that there will be in-stadium entertainment this year as Le Beau Salon presents the Diamond Dance Team!

The Diamond Dance Team will be featured during the breaks in the ball game showing off their dance routines and keeping the crowd entertained with their abilities. The dance team has been a part of CAN-USA Sports baseball in Elmira and it is a tradition that has been passed down year after year. 

CAN-USA Sports owners Robbie and Nellie Nichols are quick to tell the story: “We want young people to be engaged at the ball park and giving them an opportunity to be a part of this historic franchise will be a great way to do that. The Diamond Dance Team will not only be an avenue for dancers to showcase their talent, but it will also allow parents and family members to see their loved ones perform in front of people in a unique environment.”

The Muckdogs first took the field in 1998 and captured three division titles in 2008, 2010, and in what would be their final season of 2019. Batavia also brought a League title back to Dwyer Stadium in 2008. 

The Diamond Dance Team will be managed by KMS Dance Studio and tryout information will be available through KMS. 

Season Tickets are on sale now! You can call (607) 734-7825 or email mwitt.canusa@gmail.com and reserve your spot at Dwyer Stadium for the first pitch and everyone that follows!

Press release:

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation is hosting its first “Virtual Meat Raffle” on Saturday, March 13, and is seeking assistance from friends and the community to support this fundraising event.

In 2020, the foundation had to cancel all major fundraising events due to the coronavirus pandemic and is now holding its first ever virtual event.

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation is a nonprofit (501)(c)3 organization whose mission is threefold:

1. It assists families undergoing the challenges of a pediatric cancer diagnosis.
2. Provides funding to youth organizations through our grant program.
3. Supports ongoing research efforts in pediatric blood cancers.

Your help is needed to continue to assist those in need and carry on this mission.

The Virtual Meat Raffle ticket packages are as follows:

Package #1 -- $50

• 15 Rounds plus “Meat and Seafood Finale” (Three winners per round will win all items in round.)

Package #2 -- $90

• 15 Rounds plus “Meat and Seafood Finale” (Three winners per round will win all items in round.) 

PLUS A CHANCE TO WIN 1 of 4 FABULOUS PRIZES:

1. Coleman 3-burner “Wherever You Go” Grill with Utensils
2. $100 worth of lottery tickets in a frame
3. Yeti cooler filled with beverages
4. Buffalo Bills Tailgate Chairs/ Cooler and Tumblers

Tickets can be purchased by mail to P.O. Box 267, Batavia, NY 14021-0267, Venmo@MNMF8, or through the website at www.michaelshope.org.

Thank you for “Lending a Hand for Hope” and supporting the mission of the Foundation.

Please contact any of the following contacts with questions, or ticket information. 

Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation, (585) 861-0550

Laurie Napoleone, (585) 409-3275

Michelle Krantz, (716) 572-2955

Press release:

CAN-USA Sports is proud to announce that a unique event is set for Sunday May 16th at Dwyer Stadium as KMS Dance Academy will present their Annual Dance and Cheer Showcase outdoors at Dwyer Stadium this year! 

KMS Dance Academy has been a staple in the community offering a wide range of dance classes from ages 2 through adult, including tot hip hop, baby ballerinas, and competitive level classes, by owner/director Erica Grazioplene, a local to Batavia with more than 25 years experience.

Grazioplene is very appreciative of the Muckdogs and CAN-USA Sports.

“I would like to thank Nellie and Robbie for helping me fulfill my promise to our dancers and families at KMS Dance Academy that we can have a show this year," she said. "I am so grateful and excited to work with them and the Muckdogs organization." 

This will be the first time the event will be held outside for the first time in the history of the showcase and also the first time the stadium will host another event outside of baseball as well. 

Robbie Nichols, owner of CAN-USA Sports, told media members “When we decided to come to Batavia we knew that there was a lot of possibilities to bring entertainment to this venue outside of just hosting baseball games. Bringing in a competition like this is just the first step of the process and we are excited to see more and more events come to Batavia and utilize this beautiful stadium as much as possible.”

Tickets are on sale now! You can call Erica Grazioplene at KMS Dance Academy at (585) 409-6875 and reserve your spot at Dwyer Stadium for this historic event Sunday May 16th!

    Jacob Sponaugle

A Batavia resident accused of attempted murder could be the first defendant to face an in-person trial in Genesee County since the start of the pandemic a year ago.

Jacob Sponaugle, 22, being held in the Genesee County Jail, made a virtual appearance today while the attorneys in the case informed Judge Charles Zambito they had no oral arguments to make in motions they've filed in the case.

Zambito will read their motion papers -- standard pretrial motions -- and issue a ruling in a few weeks.

He scheduled an in-person appearance for Sponaugle at 9:30 a.m., April 12. The judge noted that it is likely -- since Sponaugle is being held in custody -- that of all the pending potential trial cases, his could be the first in County Court since the coronavirus outbreak.

April 12 will be the plea cut-off date for Sponaugle, though District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said after today's hearing that he has yet to make a plea offer in the case. He didn't indicate whether he would or not.

Sponaugle is accused of shooting a person entering the lobby of the Days Inn in Batavia in July.

He is also charged with: assault, 1st; criminal use of a firearm; aggravated criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd; criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd; and criminal sale of a firearm, 3rd.

Video below, coverage of the July 22 incident.

       Justin Gladney

A Batavia man is going to serve at least a year in prison for a violation of probation but his fate on rape charges remains pending.

While held in the Genesee County Jail, Justin T. Gladney, 30, appeared virtually in County Court today on his violation of probation conviction.

His appearance on his rape charges was continued until March 23, when all parties are expected to appear in person.

Nearly a year ago, Gladney admitted to a violation of probation and according to District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, he's subsequently been arrested on other charges. Those arrests, Friedman argued, meant Gladney had violated his sentencing cap offered to him for his guilty plea.

Instead of one to three years, Friedman said, he should get one and a third to four years.

Gladney was arrested locally in June 2020 and later in Monroe County.

His attorney, Marty Anderson, argued that Gladney is facing allegations from those arrests and hasn't been convicted. He asked for a one-year local sentence on the felony violation of probation conviction.

Gladney blamed his prior bad behavior on drug use and said he has been through treatment and is a changed man.

Judge Charles Zambito agreed with Friedman and sentenced Gladney to one and a third to four years in state prison.

Gladney is facing a criminal indictment on counts of first-degree rape, a Class B violent felony, third-degree rape, a Class D felony, and possession of a sexual performance by a child, a Class E felony.

A Class B violent felony carries a possible sentence of five to 25 years.

He is accused of a violent rape in early June on Lehigh Avenue, Batavia, of sexual intercourse while being older than 18 with a child 15 or less. 

Gladney remains in custody locally while his rape charges are pending.

Submitted photo and press release:

Chiropractor Noah Hoy, pictured above left, has been named as the Team Chiropractor of the Batavia Muckdogs for the 2021-2023 seasons.

Hoy says he's “excited to work for the 'dogs and help them perform at the highest level on the field."

The Batavia Muckdogs, owned by Robbie Nichols (above, right) are now part of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, which hosts D1 MLB prospects from across the country.

"I’ve been going to games since I was a little guy and it’s cool to know I’ll be working with a team I grew up with,” Hoy said. 

Games for the upcoming season are expected to begin at the end of May.

To keep track of all things Muckdogs, visit their new Facebook page.

Hoy is currently accepting patient appointments at Mazurkiewicz Family Chiropractic, located at 184 Washington Ave. in the City of Batavia.

Press release:

The Crossroads House Book Club is a new initiative in our mission as a comprehensive end-of-life resource in our community.

It is open to anyone and we look forward to serving you!

We will be discussing the first 15 short stories in the book “Dandelions Blooming in the Cracks of Sidewalks,” by Amita Lhamo.

In it, the author describes lessons she learned in difficult situations as a hospice chaplain. Her mix of poetry and storytelling makes this a captivating read!

Our event will take place on Monday, March 22 via Zoom from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Please RSVP by March 10^th to kathypanepento@crossroadshouse.com and the Zoom meeting instructions will be sent to you as we get closer to the date.

You can pick up a copy of the book on Amazon or from your retailer of choice.

Pull up a cozy chair, snuggle in with the dog or cat, and pour yourself a cup of whatever suits your fancy. We hope you’ll join the Crossroads House family and friends for this event!

Photo submitted by Jason Smith.

In 1928 a little boy was born in the family homestead on 6 Chestnut St. in Batavia.

LaVerne C. Cooley Jr. graduated from Batavia High School and furthered his education at Fredonia School of Music. He worked most of his career as an organist for St. Paul Lutheran Church on Washington Avenue for 42 years.

One of his favorite hobbies was his love for small-scale trains.  

These are some of LaVerne's obituary facts. He died Feb. 5 at age 92.

What was not mentioned was the character of this man.

He was his church's musical heart as the children's choir director, senior choir director, and organist. He would always buy the members of his choir gifts for their participation and hosted catered parties. He loved every aspect of music and was quite an accomplished musician.  

The people I interviewed, Lynn Eick, and Ron and Diane Burroughs, described him as the most loving, kind, talented man who was in turn loved and respected by his congregation.

He was giving, too. Over the years, he generously donated to many charities.  

I didn't know LaVerne from St. Paul's; I knew LaVerne as our neighbor. He wasn't just our neighbor on Chestnut Street. He was everyone's neighbor on the Southside of Batavia.

You see, LaVerne had a big heart and took care of the neighborhood -- and he did this every day, weather permitting.

You might not see LaVerne coming down the street, but you could hear the clicking of his cane hitting the sidewalk. He carried a plastic bag and would pick up trash he found along his walks.

He would always stop at our home, offer some kind words, and wish us a good day. He would share memories of my grandparents when they lived near him. I treasured his words.

The retired organist never retired from keeping the Southside tidy. As years progressed, he might have walked a little slower, but his drive and benevolence kept him going. 

He never liked to wear a belt, and as he got older and thinner, we were always a little worried he might lose his pants, but he hung on to them with one hand and picked up trash with the other.

While patrolling, he had an eagle eye for rubbish, no matter how small -- a cigarette butt, a scrap of paper, a bit of plastic. His keen attention to this humble detail added to our quality of life.

He leaves a legacy as a beloved member of his church and a guardian angel of the streets. He touched so many lives; I am sure there are more memories about this diminutive giant, so please share them to honor his kindness and generosity.

Rest in peace, our friend, LaVerne.

"It is not about how much you do, but how much love you put into what you do that counts." -- Mother Teresa

Photos courtesy of Ron and Diane Burroughs.

For more information on any of these listings, click the links below. Call Reliant Real Estate today. Call (585) 344-HOME (4663).
5216 E. Main St., Batavia
7235 Telephone Road, Pavilion
1 Lewis Ave., Batavia
42 Redfield Parkway, Batavia

Wayne Daniel Potter, 37, of Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree assault. At 3:13 p.m. on Feb. 16, members of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation into an assault on an inmate that occurred in the Genesee County Jail in the City of Batavia. It is alleged that Potter punched another inmate in the face, causing physical injury, while incarcerated at the jail. Potter was arraigned in city court and is due back there on Feb. 25. The case was handled by Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

Norman E. Bastedo, 46, of Batavia (no address provided), was arrested at 10:45 p.m. Feb. 18 by Troopers out of NYSP Warsaw Barracks. He is charged with driving while intoxicated, aggravated DWI, and moving from lane unsafely. Bastedo was located on East Bethany Road in the Town of Middlebury after he drove off the roadway into a snow embankment. After allegedly failing multiple field sobriety tests, he was arrrested and taken to the Warsaw Barracks for processing. His BAC was allegedly .21 percent. He was issued traffic tickets and is due in Town of Middlebury Court next month.

Justine Danae Wood, 34, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. On Feb. 15 at 9:52 p.m. Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to Walmart in Batavia for a larceny complaint. Following an investigation, Wood was arrested. It is alleged that the defendant stole $130.13 worth of merchandise from the store, passing all points of purchase. Wood is due in Town of Batavia Court on April 15. The case was handled by Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

Two members of the Ice Devils, the hockey team that represents Batavia, Le Roy, Alexander, Elba, and Oakfield-Alabama, tested positive for COVID-19, meaning all players and coaches must quarantine at home until Feb. 24.

Three regular-season games have been canceled and won't be rescheduled.

Batavia Athletic Director Michael Bromley said one person tested positive last week and after consulting with the health department and the school's medical director, they would quarantine the team if a second person tested positive. That positive test came in on Tuesday.

This is only the second time a Batavia-affiliated team has been required to quarantine during the regular season. It happened previously with the Alpine Ski team.

Bromley said he can't emphasize enough how important it is for a parent to keep a child home from practice and games if a player is showing any symptoms because it can affect the whole team.

The Ice Devils were 0-4 on the season. The three missed games will be counted as "no contest." There will be five games left in the regular season once the team returns to the ice. Bromley said it will take multiple wins in those final five games for the team to reach the playoffs.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Water Department is investigating a water break in front of 2-4 Bogue Ave.

Residents on Bogue Avenue should expect the possibility of the water being turned off. We will do our best to keep this to a minimum.

There is a possibility of discolored water; laundry should be avoided if possible.

We thank the residents for their patience and understanding.

UPDATE 1:45 p.m.: Water service has been restored.

Jackson Square DRI Public Input Meeting

A big rig just rear-ended another big rig at Jackson and Ellicott streets in the city and law enforcement is responding. One person is complaining of chest pain. Batavia fire Ladder #15 is on scene. Mercy medics are also responding.

UPDATE 2:16 p.m.: Fluids are leaking and Speedy Dry is called for; Engine #11 is en route with it.

UPDATE 2:46 p.m.: The city assignment is back in service.

Photo: Trucker Anthony Haught, from Texas, talks with someone from his company after being involved in the accident.