general

Construction has begun on a nearly $1.2 million Pedestrian Way project that will result in some wider walkways for walkers on State Street and an improved pedestrian crossing at State and Richmond Avenue.

The project includes new sidewalks on Washington Avenue and Bank Street.

Along State Street (photo), the new wider sidewalk will connect Washington Avenue with Batavia High School.

The new crossing system at State and Richmond will include audible signals for the visually impaired.

The gravel path along Richmond Avenue in Centennial Park will also be rehabilitated.

The original project budget was $1.25 million, with a Federal grant covering 75 percent of the cost but bids came in $217,000 over budget. The city will dip in further to its sidewalk reserve fund and available state aid to make the local share 35 percent instead of 25 percent.

Public Works Director Matt Worth previously advised the City Council to accept the higher bid rather than rebid the project because this summer construction costs for such projects have been increasing so a new round of bidding would have likely resulted in even higher costs.

Saturday night this kitten was thrown from a red car on Route 98 near West Saile Drive.

According to the Sheriff's Office, the kitten suffered severe injuries. 

No further description of the vehicle is available but the incident was witnessed at 8:45 p.m., Saturday.

People with information that can assist the investigation are asked to call the Sheriff's Office at (585) 343-5000.

UPDATE: According to Volunteers for Animals, "Due to the severity of the injuries, the kitten was euthanized per the veterinarian's recommendations."

A 45-year-old Batavia resident has been arrested and accused of selling crack cocaine on two occasions to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force.

William G. Schultz Sr., 45, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. 

Schultz was arrested on a sealed indictment warrant after appearing at the Batavia PD headquarters on an unrelated matter. 

Following his arraignment today in Genesee County Court, he was jailed without bail.

His arrest is the culmination of a six-month investigation by the task force, assisted by Batavia PD, the Sheriff's Office, and the District Attorney's Office.