Skip to main content

batavia

Rollover accident on westbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A rollover accident is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 386.4. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:09 a.m.: There's one patient, the driver, who is out of the vehicle and walking around, according to a medic on scene. Only one vehicle is involved and it is partially blocking a lane of traffic. It was towing a trailer and landed on its side.

UPDATE 11:12 a.m.: The male driver will be a sign-off. Responders are directing traffic around the accident.

UPDATE 11:16 a.m.: The vehicle is a pickup truck that is "drip, drip, dripping" diesel fuel and asorbant materials will be used to clean it up.

Law and Order: Truck driver involved in accident accused of DWI

By Howard B. Owens

David E. Muffley, 63, of Druck Valley Road, York, Pa., is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Muffley was reportedly involved in an accident at 6:20 p.m., Thursday, at the intersection of Route 63 and Route 20. Muffley was allegedly operating a loaded tractor-trailer while intoxicated and attempted to turn right onto Route 63 and struck a vehicle stopped on Route 63. The accident was investigated by Deputy Cory Mower.

Clifford Leo Regimbal, 34, of Granite Street, Webster, Mass., is charged with criminal possession of stolen property with a value of more than $3,000. Regimbal was arrested in Webster, Ma., on unrelated charges and held as an alleged fugitive from justice on the Genesee County charge. He was returned to New York and jailed on $20,000 bail. Regimbal also has warrants issued by the courts in Corfu, Alexander and Rochester.

Francis E. Ikokide, 42, of 3330 Weston Road, Apt. 316, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. Ikokide was stopped at 6:22 a.m. on Oak Street by Officer Felicia DeGroot for alleged defective brake light. Ikokide was allegedly found to have a suspended license. Ikokide posted $100 police bail and was released.

Nicholas Christian Doell, 22, of Lippold Road, Darien, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and possession of a controlled substance not in original container. Doell was allegedly found by his probation officer in possession of controlled substances concealed in a cigarette pack at 5 p.m., Friday. He was jailed on $500 bail. (Doell was allegedly involved in a high-speed chase with deputies and tasered Saturday night.)

Amanda Rose McDonald, 31, of Cherry Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. McDonald is accused of shoplifting from Walmart.

Terry Lynne Butler, 54, of Genesee Street, Le Roy, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, recless driving, moving from lane unsafely and improper signal. Butler was allegedly observed driving at 11:54 p.m., Friday, on Lewiston Road when her vehicle nearly collided with oncoming traffic. She was arrested by Deputy John Weis.

Dylan Jacob Keem, 19, of Folsomdale Road, Cowlesville, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Keem was allegedly found in possession of marijuana concealed in a vehicle during an investigation on Route 77, Darien, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Also arrested was Benjamin Edward Burek, 19, of Burrough Road, Cowlesville. Burek was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and consumption of alcohol under 21 years of age.

Terry Robert Konfederath, 51, of Meadowbrook Terrace, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .01 or greater, failure to keep right and moving from lane unsafely. Konfederath was stopped at 12:47 a.m., Saturday, on Genesee Street, Pembroke, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Daniel Lynn Diguardi, 31, of Upper Holley Road, Holley, is charged with falsifying business records, 2nd. Diguardi is accused of claiming ownership of property owned by Rent-a-Center that he allegedly pawned at Pawn King. Diguardi turned himself in on an arrest warrant to Deputy John Baiocco.

Benjamin Gove Evans, 24, of Maple Street, Batavia, was taken into custody on arrest warrants for alleged failure to pay fine on an attempted petit larceny charge. Evans appeared before Justice Tom Williams and promised to return the next day and make a fine payment and to make his payments every week until paid off.

Mary Jean Daniel, 26, of Morrow Road, Pavilion, is charged with petit larceny. Daniel allegedly stole an unassembled TV stand from Kmart.

Derrick R. Kio, 22, of Wyoming, is charged with criminal mischief (preventing emergency call), harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Kio was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident reported at 10:24 a.m., Saturday, in the Town of Pavilion. No further details were released.

Photos: Dandelions at Centennial Park

By Howard B. Owens

When I drove past Centennial Park today it was quite a sight with all the dandelions in bloom.

If you look closely, you can see a tiny little bug climbing up the stem.

Tased motorcyclist racks up slew of misdemeanor charges following Saturday night's high-speed chase

By Billie Owens

The 22-year-old man who got Tased by a deputy Saturday after a high-speed chase in the Darien area is identified as Nicholas Christian Doell , according to a press release today from the Sheriff's Office.

Doell, who lives on Lippold Road, Darien, was riding a 2003 Harley Davidson at a quarter to nine last night when he allegedly failed to stop for an officer attempting to stop him for allegedly violating traffic law and for having vehicle violations.

After zooming 90 mph through Darien, Alexander and Town of Batavia, the defendant allegedly fled on foot and "was tased to effect arrest" in front of My Saloon on Route 20 in Darien Center.

The motorcyclist racked up a slew of misdemeanor charges, including unlawful fleeing a police officer, resisting arrest and reckless driving.

Other charges are: failure to yield right of way to an emergency vehicle; uninspected motor vehicle; operating without insurance; having modified exhaust on a motorcycle; two counts of improper left turn on a two-way road; three counts of improper / no turn signal; two counts for failure to stop at stop sign; speed in zone (90 mph in a 30-mph zone); speed over 55 mph (90 / 55); and failure to keep right.

Doell was arraigned in Town of Darien Court then jailed with bail set at $5,000 cash. He is scheduled to reappear in town court on June 4.

He was also issued tickets in the Town of Batavia and will appear in court there June 3 on charges of: unregistered motor vehicle; failure to stop at stop sign; speed in zone (90 / 45); improper / no turn signal; and speed over 55 (90 / 55).

In addition, he was issued a ticket for Town of Alexander Court and will appear in that court June 4 for alleged failure to stop at stop sign.

The incident was investigated by deputies J.M. Diehl and K.R. McCarthy.

Possible house fire on West Main Street Road

By Billie Owens

A possible house fire is reported at 3728 W. Main St. Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding along with Alexander's Fast Team.

UPDATE 8:28 p.m. Alexander is cancelled, along with East Pembroke fire.

BBQ grill fire in backyard on Bank Street in the city

By Billie Owens

A BBQ grill fire is reported at 118 Bank St. in the backyard. City fire is responding.

UPDATE 5:26 p.m.: Firefighters on scene report nothing showing.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: Fire is out. Firefighters are returning to quarters.

UPDATE 5:30 p.m.: It was a grease fire. The assignment is in service.

Three-car accident reported on Thruway in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident has been reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 386.7 in the eastbound lane.

As many as three cars may be involved and there are possible injuries.

Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 4:52 p.m.: Fire crews on scene. There are no reports of any serious injuries.

Batavia student earns master's degree in accounting from Byrant University in Rhode Island

By Billie Owens

Bryant University held its Graduate School Commencement on Thursday, May 17. Among the graduates is Sarah-Elizabeth Rindo, of Batavia, who earned a Master of Professional Accountancy degree.

Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I., is a leading private university offering an innovative and uniquely integrated business and liberal arts education. Founded in 1863 and recognizing its 150th anniversary in 2013.

On the Web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Sarah-Elizabeth-Rindo-Graduates-from-Bryant-University/6153789.

Hawley defends GCEDC's tax breaks for COR Development

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) recently voiced his support for the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) and its successful efforts to attract a Dick’s Sporting Goods store to Towne Centre Mall in Batavia. The group was able to secure the store’s move through pro-business tax incentives, which will create local employment opportunities and increase sales tax revenue to support local programs and services. Hawley defended GCEDC against attacks from Buffalo-area Assemblyman Sean Ryan, who has publicly criticized the local economic development effort.

“Here in Batavia and across Genesee County, we deserve access to both consumer choice and employment opportunities. By attracting Dick’s to Towne Centre Mall, GCEDC has helped bolster both,” Hawley said. “Assemblyman Ryan’s attacks on our local economy are completely uncalled for. While he purports to be concerned with the use of state tax dollars, surely he would agree that one of the highest-taxed states in the nation has bigger fish to fry than Genesee County’s legal ability to strengthen its own economy. I believe it is in the best interests of all involved that assembly members focus on their own constituents and that he focuses on revitalizing Buffalo’s economy.”

“The GCEDC was created to help increase the tax base, create new jobs as well as bring new investment and revenues into our community. This project fulfills all of these criteria and without our assistance, these benefits would not be realized,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC. “The project will create jobs, increase sales tax revenue, bring new goods and services into the community, and reinvigorate what is currently a large, vacant space located at the gateway of our community off of I-90.”

Hawley noted the crucial role the GCEDC has played in attracting job creators to Genesee County and keeping them here long-term.

“Between the Genesee Valley Agri-business Park, Oakta Hills and countless other projects, GCEDC has long been at the forefront of job creation and economic development in our community,” Hawley said. “Throughout my time in the Assembly, we have worked diligently to revitalize our local economy, and GCEDC has my full support in its effort to bring jobs to our community.”

Batavia PD looking for hit-and-run driver from yesterday morning

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia PD is looking for the public's assistance in identifying a hit-and-run driver who struck a parked car in front of 19 Vine St., Batavia, at 8:24 a.m., Thursday.

Both vehicles were damaged in the accident.

The suspect vehicle is described as a dark colored compact. It is missing its right side view mirror. It was last seen heading southbound on Vine Street.

Anybody with information to share can reach out to Officer Thad Mart, (585) 345-6450.

Single-car rollover reported on Ellicott Street Road

By Howard B. Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident with injuries is reported on Ellicott Street Road, near Shepard Road, Town of Batavia.

Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

A chief on scene reports the vehicle is on the shoulder and on its wheels.

UPDATE 7:08 a.m.: Town of Batavia back in service.

Car wreck on Richmond Avenue in the city

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident is reported at 21 Richmond Ave. City fire, police and Mercy medics are responding. There are believed to be only minor injuries.

Portion of Trumbull Parkway to be closed tomorrow for pipeline repair

By Howard B. Owens

Residents on Trumbull Parkway between Farwell Street and North Street are asked not to park on the street at any point on Friday before 7 p.m.

City crews will spend the day repairing a pipeline.

Residents and businesses in the area may experience limited and delayed access to their property during the hours of operations, which start at 8 a.m.

Motorists are asked to seek alternative routes.

Photos: A nature walk in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Sarah Della Penna takes walks with her Great Danes out on a piece of property off Creek Road, Batavia, and always takes her camera. She sent in some of her recent pictures.


 

Photo: New sign outside County Building #1

By Howard B. Owens

When I showed up at the park between County Building #1 and the Old Courthouse, I spotted a new directional sign near the main county administration building.

Structure fire reported on Oak Street in the city

By Billie Owens

A structure fire is reported at 109 Oak Street, Batavia. Fire and smoke are reportedly coming from an electrical power outlet. City fire is en route.

UPDATE 3:53 p.m.: City Engine 11 and Ladder 15 are there and the chief reports no smoke or fire. Investigating further.

UPDATE 4:13 p.m.: City assignment is back in service.

Photo: BID pushing for 'More Feet Downtown' starting this spring and summer

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia's Business Improvement District kicked off its promotional campaign, "More Feet Downtown," today.

Banners were hung at light poles downtown to help spread the word.

Pictured are Amy Worthington, left, Jeff Gillard, Don Burkel, Paul Marchese, Mary Valle, Beth Kemp and Lusanne Simard.

Strong winds disrupt power for some in the county

By Howard B. Owens

More than 600 National Grid customers in Genesee County are with out power this afternoon, including 590 in Batavia, as high winds play havoc with trees and power lines.

A tree came down on Clinton Street, which is what knocked out power around East Main and Clinton, including the intersection lights.

About 90 customers in Pembroke are also without power and there are a couple of small outages elsewhere in the county.

Power should be restored in Batavia by 4:45 p.m. and in Pembroke by 3:45 p.m.

There is a hazardous weather outlook in place because of strong winds into tonight. Winds are hitting 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

Clinton at East Main Street to close to traffic due to wires down

By Billie Owens

Law enforcement will be closing Clinton Street at East Main Street to traffic until wires and tree branches in the roadway by Grandview Cemetery can be safely removed.

UPDATE 2:21 p.m.: The traffic lights are out at that intersection, too.

Authentically Local