batavia

Press Release:

Genesee County has received 2,580 free COVID-19 test kits from New York State to distribute to Genesee County residents. Starting the week of January 24, 2022, test kits will be available at town, village, and city municipal buildings during their regular business hours, while supplies last. Residents should contact their local municipality for details of when the municipal building is open and the availability of test kits. A maximum of 2 kits (4 tests) per family will be distributed and attendees will be required to show proof of Genesee County residency in order to receive kits. The following locations will have a limited supply of COVID-19 test kits:

• Town of Alabama
• Town of Alexander
• Town of Batavia
• Town of Bergen
• Town of Bethany
• Town of Byron
• Town of Darien
• Town of Elba
• Town of LeRoy
• Town of Oakfield
• Town of Pavilion
• Town of Pembroke
• Town of Stafford
• Village of Alexander
• Village of Bergen
• Village of Corfu
• Village of Elba
• Village of LeRoy
• Village of Oakfield
• Batavia City Hall, Clerks Office

“Residents should use at-home COVID-19 tests after a possible exposure to someone with COVID-19 or when they exhibit symptoms of COVID-19,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Testing is one mitigation strategy that can help reduce the community spread of COVID-19.” For Free PCR and rapid testing, you can go to the NYS COVID-19 Testing site located at GCC Albion Campus Center at 456 West Avenue, Albion. Walk-ins and registration allowed Monday- Saturday. To register: https://appointments.bioreference.com/nystatecovidtesting.

To report a Positive At-home Test:
Individuals can visit the GO Health website COVID-19 Testing page under Emerging Issues (GOHealthNY.org) and choose the appropriate Home Test button for their respective county. Individuals should complete the at-home tests according to the directions provided. When the test is completed, individuals should take a picture with the individual’s name, the date and the time they took the test legibly written in permanent marker within 15 minutes of reading the test. Towards the end of the online form, the individual will be required to upload the picture on the website and attest to the authenticity and truth of the form. If there are any missing sections that
are required, the form is invalid. At this time, individuals do not need to report negative at-home test results. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is to self-isolate immediately. You may not be contacted regarding your contacts, so it is important to notify your close contacts (those who you spent 15 minutes or more in a 24 hour period 2 days prior to symptoms or 2 days prior to a positive test result). It is important to continue with self-isolation from household members as much as you are able. Isolate for 5 days and if you are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, your symptoms are getting better, and you can tolerate a tight-fitting mask you can return to work/school but you are still required to wear a tight-fitting mask for 5 more days. If you must share space, make sure all in contact with you are wearing masks covering their nose and mouth and frequently shared items/surfaces are sanitized often. To access isolation orders and isolation release paperwork visit our website at GOHealthNY.org (COVID-19 Isolation & Quarantine Documents & Information) and complete and print out or print and hand write the forms from the county you reside in and provide to your employer or school.

Residents can sign up for an upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinic to receive their first dose, booster shot, or pediatric dose at the GO Health website at https://bit.ly/GOHealthCOVID.

Press Release:

On Wednesday January 19, 2022, Batavia resident Chief Warrant Officer-4 Bob Bialkowski US Army (Ret) had the honor and privilege to attend and participate at a funeral in Arlington National Cemetery. I and five other members of a Pilot’s Fraternity from Buffalo attended the funeral of Edward A. Kozlowski, Jr. originally from Buffalo, NY. Ed was a fellow member of our fraternity.

Ed was a highly decorated Army helicopter pilot that had been shot down in Vietnam three times during 1969, once behind enemy lines which required an assault helicopter to provide aerial cover to drive back the enemy so that Ed and his crew could be rescued. In 1971 Ed became a member of the N.Y. Army Guard in Niagara Falls that I was a member of. After about a year Ed was chosen to transfer to the Air Force where he attended fixed wing flight school and went on to serve his country flying Aerial Refueling Tankers at SAC in Rome N.Y. Ed’s next tour he was assigned to flying the Top Secret AWAC aircraft at Tinker A.F. base for ten years where he was an Instructor and Aircraft Commander. Ed retired as a Major and went on to fly commercial aircraft for several years.

His funeral at Arlington was with full Military Honors. We were honored to walk to the ceremony site behind a Caisson with Ed’s remains, pulled by six horses with a full contingent of an Air Force Marching Band, Color Guard, Armed Unit and Squad of Armed Rifle men for the salute. Ed’s service was held near the burial site where the band played several times; an Air Force Chaplain read psalms and the presentation of the flag to the family was made.

Representatives of the Secretary of Defense were also in attendance to offer their condolences. There were approximately thirty members of the Air Force that participated. We then walked to Ed’s grave site with his family to say our final farewells. Walking on the grounds of Arlington where over fifty thousand veterans, many of whom paid
the ultimate price are buried was one of the most humbling experiences in my life. Participating in the funeral service was a great honor that I will always remember. We will be forever grateful to the Kozlowski family.

      

Press Release:

The Town of Batavia will be distributing free COVID test kits on Monday, January 24, 2022. The distribution will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Batavia Town Hall DRIVE-UP WINDOW. There are 110 available test kits, with two tests per kit. Those attending must be a Genesee County resident and may take up to two kits per household, while supplies last. Must provide proof of residency.

Wesley Thigpen
(2019 photo)

Wesley N. Thigpen is indicted on four counts of predatory sexual assault against a child. Thigpen is accused of engaging in oral sexual conduct with a person less than 13 years old while he was at least 18 years old or older between the dates of June 1, 2014, and August 31, 2014.  He is accused of engaging in two or more acts of sexual conduct with a child less than 13 years old over a period of time not less than three months.  He is accused of engaging in sexual intercourse with a person less than 13 years old. Previously: Batavia man pleads guilty to sex abuse charge while calling statements against him a lie

Joshua D. Quaintance is indicated on counts of burglary in the second degree and sexual abuse in the third degree.  Quaintance is accused of entering a dwelling in the Town of Alexander on July 11 with the intent to commit a crime in that dwelling.  He is accused of subjecting a person to sexual contact without that person's consent.

Cody A. Bush is indicted on counts of burglary in the second degree, criminal contempt in the second degree, resisting arrest, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree. Bush is accused of entering a dwelling on Walnut Street, City of Batavia, on Oct. 11 with the intent to commit a crime in that dwelling. He is accused of violating an order of protection that day. He is accused of intentionally trying to prevent police officers from placing him in custody. He is accused of illegally possessing Clonazepam and Alprazolam.

Brandon C. Dodd is indicted on three counts of criminal contempt in the first degree, two counts of burglary in the second degree, criminal trespass in the third degree, criminal contempt in the second degree, and three counts of petit larceny. Dodd is accused of violating three orders of protection covering three different individuals on June 29 while in the City of Batavia. He is accused of entering a dwelling on Highland Park on that date with the intention of committing a crime in that dwelling. He is accused of being at that property without the permission of the property owner. He is accused of violating an order of protection on June 14. He is accused of shoplifting from Mr. Wine and Liquore on June 23. He is accused of stealing an air conditioner from a residence on Jackson Street on June 28. He is accused of entering a dwelling on Highland Park on June 23 with the intent of committing a crime in that dwelling. He is accused of stealing a bicycle from a residence on Highland Park.

Christopher J. Wiegman is indicted on counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Wiegman is accused of knowingly and illegally possessing cocaine, fentanyl, amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine on April 21 in the City of Batavia.

Kerwin R. Vega is indicted on counts of felony aggravated DWI, felony DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, circumvention of an interlock device, and endangering the welfare of a child. Vega is accused of driving a 2008 Toyota while drunk on Route 33 in the Town of Bergen on April 4 while a child less than 15 years old was in the vehicle. Due to a prior DWI conviction, Vega is required to use an interlock device on any vehicle he operates.

By Head Coach Nicholas Burk:

So far the Batavia indoor track team has had a very competitive season in the Monroe County league this winter.  Both the boy's and girl's teams have had solid performances across the board and are gearing up for the Championship meets in the final month of our season.

On the boys' side, the Blue Devil throwers have once again asserted themselves as a force to be reckoned with.  Currently Batavia has four of the top ten performances in the Shot Put with Senior Austyn Fernandez currently seeded 2nd (43'-7"), Senior Dan Saeva seeded 3rd (42'-0"), Junior Parker Kleinbach seeded 5th (41'-6"), and Senior Abel Hammer seeded 7th (40'-5") in our A2 Sectional classification.  In the Weight Throw Batavia has six athletes with current top ten performances listed.  Senior Luke Geiger is seeded 2nd (49'-9"), Austyn Fernandez is seeded 3rd (49'-2"), Abel Hammer is seeded 4th (48'-8"),  Dan Saeva is seeded 6th (45'-11"), Junior Matthew McWethy is seeded 8th (44'-1"), and Parker Kleinbach is seeded 9th (43'-3") in class A2.  The top 16 in each event will qualify for the Sectional meet later this winter, so the Blue Devils will be well represented in these events.

The Batavia boys are off to a great start in the distance events as well with five athletes currently having Class A2 top ten performances.  Junior Cody Harloff is ranked 5th in the 1600m (4:49.26), 6th in the 600m (1:30.58), and 5th in the 1000m (2:47.05). Junior Nate Canale is ranked 4th in the 1000m (2:46.89), 6th in the 1600m (4:49.26),  and 6th in the 3200m (10:50).  Sophomore Donavin Solis is ranked 5th in the 600m (1:30.34), while Senior Carter Havens is ranked 10th in the 600m (1:32.81) and Junior Dom Grillo is ranked 10th in the 3200m (11:01.65).  Junior Noah Pickard is currently ranked in the top 16 in the 1000m and the 1600m and will contribute in our team's relays this season.  All of our distance athletes have been putting in the work and are committed to success in the final weeks of our season.  They are a tough and competitive bunch and I'm excited for their progress.

The Sprint crew is very young but has had some tremendous performances so far this season.  Junior Fabian Vazquez is having an incredible season to date with the current fastest time in Class A2 in the 55 Hurdles (8.21).  He is also currently seeded 4th in Long Jump (20'-5"), and 8th in the 300m (37.56).  Junior Ifran Armstrong is seeded 4th in the 55 Hurdles (8.77) and Senior Jesse Reinhart is seed 10th in the 55 Hurdles (9.59).  Jesse is having a tremendous season in the High Jump as well, currently seeded first (6'-0") as the defending champion.  Carter Havens is seeded 6th in the Triple Jump (38"-11") and 10th in the Long Jump (18'-11"), and Junior Lucas Crater is currently seeded 8th in the High Jump (5'-8").  In the Pole Vault , Batavia has five athletes currently seeded in top 10 led by Senior Noah Burke in 2nd (10'-6"), Junior Tyler Umlauf in 3rd (10'-6"), Sophomore Owen Halpin in 6th (9'-0"),  Freshman Cooper Konieczny in 8th (8'-6"), and Freshman Trevor Tryon in 10th (8'-0").  Other Sprinters that are contributing and will be vital for our team in relays at our championship meets are Juniors Aidan Anderson and Mekhi Pask-Richardson, and Sophomores Parris Price and Cole Grazioplene.

The Girls Indoor Track team is also having much Success this winter... Our top individuals are spread amongst the different events and we have exhibited significant improvement through the first half of the season.  Freshman Campbell Riley is having a great season and is currently ranked 2nd in the 1000m (3:13.24), 3rd in the 600m (1:43.12), 4th in the 3000m (11:37.73), and 3rd in the 1500m (5:15.67).  These are tremendous results so far and she will be vital to our team's success at the end of the season.

Our Throwers are led by Senior Emma Radka who is currently seeded 1st in the Shot Put (31'-0") and 6th in the Weight Throw (27'-9").  Not to be outdone, Freshman Zenallah Simmons is ranked 2nd in the Weight Throw (31'-3") and 6th in the Shot Put (27'-3").  The Girls and Boys Blue Devils throwers are amongst Section V's best every season under Coach Dan Geiger.  They will have ample opportunities to score in our big meets!

Other Girl runners who have top results are Freshman Nicole Doeringer who's seeded 7th in the 600m (1:48.85), and 6th in the 1000m (3:20.17).  Junior Abby Moore is seeded 7th in the 55 Hurdles and Izzy Scott is seeded 6th in the 3000m (11:51.17).  Also, Kayleigh Mayeu is currently seeded 5th in the 1500m Racewalk (8:55.30).

In the field events, Sophomore Isabella Walsh is ranked 4th in High Jump (4'-11") and 8th in Triple Jump (29'-1").  8th Grader Ella Shamp is ranked 9th in the High Jump (4'-7").  Senior, Gavin Konieczny is the defending Sectional Champion in the pole vault and is looking to repeat this season while currently ranked 2nd in our class for Sectionals (8'-6") and is also ranked 10th in Triple Jump (28'-4"). Junior, Sydney Konieczny is ranked 6th in Triple Jump (29'-7").

Additional girls who will contribute this season in our relays are Seniors Makayla Andalora, Noelia Ventura,  Olivia Hussar, and Doreace Higgins, Sophomore Jadyn Boyce, Freshman Leigh LeFevre, and 7th grader Mallory Boyce.  Our girls team has shown quality effort each day in practice and has been improving all season long.  They will be very competitive in our championship meets to close out this winter season.

The 2021/22 Blue Devil Indoor Track team is a very strong and balanced group and have shown the ability to compete with any team in the Section.  Coming up on the schedule in the next few weeks are the Monroe County Championships on January 29th and The Sectional Championships on February 19th.  All updated results can be found at: http://www.yentiming.com/

To view or purchase prints, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Click here – 4 Lewis Avenue, Batavia.
Click here – 7516 South Pearl Street Road, Oakfield.

The Blue Devils hung tough with Livonia through 32 minutes of basketball on Wednesday evening but came up a bit short in a 52-49 loss.

Batavia is now 3-8 on the season and Livonia is 5-7.

Carter McFollins scored 22 points for Batavia.

Also in boys basketball on Wednesday: 

• Elba beat Kendall, 62-51
• Pembroke lost to Wheatland-Chili, 51-48
• Oakfield beat Lyndonville, 79-50

In girls basketball, Pavilion beat Le Roy 54-37.

A reward of $250 has been doubled for the safe return of Bentley, a friendly 7-year-old Brittany Spaniel who broke free from his electric fence Sunday night in Batavia.

The cream and brown freckled dog escaped from his Vine Street-area home around 6 p.m. Sunday. He was wearing a red e-collar. There have been sightings at Meadowcrest Drive, Bank Street, Richmond Avenue, and State Street. 

His worried parents, Roy and Tammy Watson have been desperately searching for the pup, and they hope that a monetary reward might entice someone who may have information or the dog to come forward.

Bentley is friendly, though he has been skittish when people have tried to catch him, Mrs. Watson said. It is best to call her immediately if the dog is spotted, she said. The reward of $500 will be given for the safe return of Bentley. 

To report any sightings or related information, call 585-861-0013.

 

Photos of Bentley submitted by Tammy Watson.

Press release:

Mercy has received reports of an individual going door-to-door in the Batavia, NY area soliciting monetary donations on behalf of the organization. Mercy Flight does not solicit donations door-to-door.

If you receive this type of solicitation from anyone claiming to represent Mercy Flight, please notify the City of Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350.

Joey Robert Tatro, 27, of Exchange Street, Attica, is charged with criminal contempt and bail jumping 3rd. Tatro was arrested on warrants out of City Court by Deputy Andrew Mullen and Sgt. Andrew Hale. He was jailed on $1,000 bail, $2,000 bond, or $3,000 partially secured bond.

Jonathan Lee Holland, 38, of Bethany Center Road, Bethany, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right, aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd. Holland was stopped at 1:55 p.m., Jan. 19, on Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

Press release: 

The Batavia Police Department has partnered with Crime Stoppers Buffalo which is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest of Devon Wright. Wright is wanted for violating his release terms on a recent plea pertaining to the charges of PL 110.00 & 265.03-3 - Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd, PL 120.00-1 - Assault 3rd, PL 110.00 & 120.10-1 - Attempted Assault 1st, and PL 130.50-4 - Criminal Sexual Act 4th. Wright is also wanted for PL 145.14 - Criminal Tampering 3rd, and PL 240.26 - Harassment 2nd (2 counts) stemming from an incident that occurred on 11/27/2021 at a residence on Central Avenue.

Citizens are urged to come forward with information on where to locate Wright. If you have information leading to the arrest or indictment of Wright please contact Crime Stoppers WNY at 716-867-6161 or submit a tip by downloading the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App "Buffalo Tips" from the apple or android store.

For previous coverage of Devon Wright, click here.

After a lack of heat closed Richmond Memorial Library for the first part of this week, it looks like the Ross Street facility will have a warm re-opening on Thursday, Director Robert Conrad says.

“I was just in the office to pick up some things and the furnace seems to be repaired. Everything was toasty warm 70-degrees,” he said to The Batavian Wednesday evening. Although I’m told that they're waiting on some parts for a permanent fix, I’d consider it patched.”

Conrad oversees direct library operations, whereas the actual building and grounds at 19 Ross St., Batavia, are owned and maintained by the city school district. The library has been closed this week due to an aging heating/ventilation/air conditioning system not working properly. A repair that began on Tuesday required additional parts to make the furnace fully functional, Conrad said from what he’d been told by a senior custodian. 

The Batavian emailed questions to City Schools Director of Facilities Jason DeGraff and left a message for comment at the office of the Building and Grounds superintendent Wednesday. This article will be updated with any reply from the school district.

To Conrad’s understanding, city facilities staff was working with contractors and suppliers earlier Wednesday to obtain the necessary parts to fix the problem, he said. 

“I would have to defer any further questions to them, simply because the building/heating are beyond the scope of my training and duties,” he said Wednesday. “I doubt whether there will be an unexpected cost for the school district, as I understand that they budget to replace building infrastructure at the end of its useful life, which our heat system — as I understand — already was.”

Chilly temperatures aside, Conrad has other things on his mind besides a lack of heat. An upcoming Local Authors Fair will be happening in April, he said, with authors from Genesee, Erie and Monroe counties. Other exciting news is the debut of new library cards and a logo, plus a reading therapy dog. Details of both events are to be released in March and April, he said.  A library budget vote and trustee election in May, followed by the Summer Reading Program in June, round out the next five months of activities, he said. 

The library is expected to resume its normal hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 
 

Top photo: Robert Conrad, director of Richmond Memorial Library, is seen in a file photo taken by Howard Owens at the Ross Street library.

A Volvo SUV was struck by a pickup truck with a front plow attached at about 5:30 as it turned onto Bank Street Road at Assemblyman R Stephen Hawley Drive in Batavia.

The truck driver allowed the driver of the Volvo to sit in his truck while awaiting emergency responders.  She was uninjured, he said. 

There is a stop sign on Hawley drive and Bank Street Road has no stop sign at that intersection.

Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS responded.

Press Release:

Is your child interested in playing one of the most popular sports in the world?  Are they looking to get out of the house this summer and spend time with their friends?  Are they looking to meet new friends and improve their physical fitness?  If so, soccer may be the perfect summer sport for them!

Batavia Soccer Club has served Genesee County for over 40 years.  We have soccer programs available for every age – from 3+.  No prior soccer experience is necessary. All practices are held on our beautiful fields at the Batavia Sports Park on Bank Street Road in Batavia. Parking, concessions, and bathroom facilities are available at the fields. 

 

Please visit our website at www.bataviasoccerclub.com for details on our programs for each age group. 

2003 – 2013 birth years:  1/28/22 registration deadline

2014 – 2019 birth years:  3/20/22 registration deadline

 

Sign up now to reserve your spot and get ready for your best summer ever!

The TableTop ArtShow is a one-of-a-kind art show that runs yearly in the month of March. The show was conjured up during a brainstorming session involving Melissa Flint and Brian Kemp. The duo was talking it up about how to bring art to the people during the height of COVID when no shows were taking place.  With Galleries being closed due to the pandemic, the duo came up with the idea of placing the show right in front of an audience. Restaurants had just re-opened with guidelines that were prohibitive to a traditional gallery show of any kind. "Put it on placemats," Melissa says. And, Boom!!! The TableTop ArtShow was conceived.

The show now consists of area artists submission of up to 3 pieces of art. All artwork submitted is featured in the virtual portion of the show that can be viewed on the worldwide web. 15 of the submitted pieces are selected by the TableTop ArtShow crew to be featured in a gallery show located on the walls of Eli Fish Brewing in Downtown Batavia. Cash Prizes will be awarded to the 1st ($200), 2nd ($100), and 3rd ($50) place winners from the TableTop ArtShow pieces. There will also be a Cash Prize for the Peoples Choice Award selected from all entries: online voting will take place from March 1st - March 31st.

This March, we invite you to take part in this unique event. Visit our site to view the virtual show, visit a participating restaurant to check out the TableTop ArtShow, and/or swing by Elif Fish Brewing to view the 15 actual pieces of art.

If you're an artist or know any, please submit to the show and/or spread the word about this opportunity. Visit our Facebook (@TableTopArtShow) page or our website @ https://tabletopartshow.secure-decoration.com/contact  

We also have sponsorship opportunities available.  Please email Brian at sales@myTshirtsEtc.com if you’re interested in sponsoring this unique event.  Sponsors will have an ad on the TableTop ArtShow, a linked logo on our website, and a logo on any swag that can be purchased through the site as well.  

If you own a restaurant and would like to take part, please send a message to Brian at sales@myTshirtsEtc.com and we can add you to the list of over 20 participating restaurants. Restaurant participation is at no cost.  We just ask that you display the TableTop ArtShow on your tabletops for the month of March.  

We would love your support as events like this do not happen without the support of our community. Thank you and Enjoy the Show! 
https://tabletopartshow.secure-decoration.com/

Press release:

Due to a mechanical failure of the library's heating system, we will remain closed through today, Wednesday, January 19.

A power outage affecting 1,548 National Grid customers is reported in the central part of the City of Batavia.

It was first reported at 11:43 p.m.

National Grid expects to restore power by 1:45 a.m.

The outage is approximately from Tops on the west side, along West Main to Ellicott Street at Swan Street, north nearly East Avenue, cutting diagonally toward the State School for the Blind to nearly the Thruway.  It takes in both sides of Oak Street from Main to the Thruway.

UPDATE 12:36 p.m.: There are now fewer than 700 customers without power.  Power appears to have been restored to customers south of Main Street.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Water Department is repairing a water main break at the intersection of Liberty Street and Ellicott Street.  Expect the water to be shut off on Ellicott Street, from Liberty Street to Jackson Street.  There is the potential that the water may need to be shut off on Liberty Street, from Ellicott Street heading north to Main Street.

The length of time the water will be off is unknown.

Traffic will not be able to pass through the Ellicott Street intersection coming off of Liberty Street in both directions while the repairs are being made.

As always, when the water is restored it may be discolored.  Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.

The public’s patience is greatly appreciated.

UPDATE: Photo by Howard Owens. The problem is a busted valve.  Crews were just about to get started at about 10:15 p.m.

Press Release:

A letter from Superintendent Water and Wastewater, Michael Ficarella:

The City of Batavia Water Department is repairing a water main break at the intersection of Liberty Street and Ellicott Street. Expect the water to be shut off on Ellicott Street, from Liberty Street to Jackson Street. There is the potential that the water may need to be shut off on Liberty Street, from Ellicott Street heading north to Main Street.

The length of time the water will be off is unknown.

Traffic will not be able to pass through the Ellicott Street intersection coming off of Liberty Street in both directions while the repairs are being made.

As always, when the water is restored it may be discolored. Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.

The public’s patience is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Michael Ficarella
Superintendent Water and Wastewater