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Sheriff's Office announces slate of personnel changes

By Howard B. Owens

Deputy Cassidy Longhini, Deputy Jenna Ferrando, Chief Deputy-Road Patrol Gordon L. Dibble, Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr., Undersheriff Gregory H. Walker, Deputy Travis DeMuth and Deputy Howard O. Wilson.

The Sheriff's Office announced the following personnel changes:

The following four Deputy Sheriff's graduated from the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy at Niagara University on Jan. 11:

Deputy Sheriff Cassidy Longhini was presented with the Physical Fitness Award in his graduating class from the academy. He is a 2010 high school graduate from Byron-Bergen High School and received an associate degree in Physical Education from Genesee Community College in 2013. Deputy Longhini was previously employed as a Correction Officer with the Genesee County Jail before being appointed a Deputy Sheriff.

Deputy Sheriff Jenna Ferrando is a 2007 high school Regents graduate from Le Roy High School. In 2009, she graduated with an associate degree in Criminal Justice & Liberal Arts from Genesee Community College; and in 2011, Deputy Ferrando graduated from Buffalo State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Spanish. 

  Kyle Krzemien

Deputy Sheriff Travis M. DeMuth graduated with a Regents Diploma in 2011 from Alden High School. In 2016, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the State University of New York College at Buffalo. Deputy DeMuth was previously employed as a Security Guard.

Deputy Sheriff Howard O. Wilson V is a 2004 Regents high school graduate from Batavia High School. Deputy Wilson was previously employed as a Correction Officer with the Genesee County Jail until 2014. During that time, he received a Commendation Award for his actions off duty that involved attempts to calm a patron making verbal threats to other surrounding customers and assisted with taking the subject into custody.

Appointment:

Deputy Sheriff Kyle D. Krzemien has been appointed Deputy Sheriff, and is a 2013 Regents Diploma graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Lancaster.  He enlisted in the Army National Guard in August 2012 and continues to remain enlisted. Deputy Krzemien attended college at Buffalo State and then enrolled in classes at the Erie Community College Police Academy, graduating in December 2015 from Pre-Employment Basic Training. He graduated from Phase 2 of the academy on May 12, 2016.  

Pastor Allen Werk, Road Patrol Chief Deputy Gordon L. Dibble, Deputy Sheriff Jeremy M. McClellan, Deputy Mathew J. Clor, Undersheriff Gregory H. Walker, Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr.

The following two Deputy Sheriffs graduated from the Monroe Community College Law Enforcement Academy on Jan. 27:

Deputy Sheriff Jeremy M. McClellan graduated in 2000 from Alexander High School. After high school, Deputy McClellan enlisted in the Navy where he achieved a rank of Petty Officer First Class and served until 2011. While in the Navy, Deputy McClellan received the following medals: Joint Service Achievement, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Good Conduct three times, National Defense Service, Global War of Terrorism Expeditionary, W/FMF, Navy “E” Ribbon, Humanitarian Service, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon five times, Expert Pistol Shot, and Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist. He was previously employed as a Detention Officer at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia. 

Deputy Sheriff Mathew J. Clor is a 2011 graduate from Batavia High School. Since graduation, Deputy Clor has been an active member of the Army National Guard and has earned the rank of E-4 Specialist. He received an award for volunteering his duties during Operation Blackhawk, providing security following Hurricane Sandy in New York City.  Deputy Clor is also a summer coach for the Batavia Junior Baseball League.

Promotions:

Deputy Sheriff Jason E. Saile has been promoted to Sergeant. He is a 12-year veteran who started his law enforcement career as a Deputy Sheriff on July 8, 2005.  

Investigator Bradley D. Mazur was promoted on Jan. 1, 2017, to the position of Sergeant. He is an 18-year veteran who began his career with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 31, 1999.

Deputy Sheriff Christopher A. Parker was promoted on Jan. 1, 2017, to the position of Investigator. He is a 19-year veteran who began his career with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 29, 1997.

Part-time appointment:

Justine M. Reed was appointed a part-time Emergency Services Dispatcher on Jan 1.

Jail appointments:

Matthew Bailey with Sheriff Sheron

Part-time Correction Officer Jason M. Buck has been appointed full time.

Part-time Correction Officer Corey J. Cieszki has been appointed full time.

Correction Officer Matthew J. Bailey was appointed on Aug. 27 and graduated from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Basic Corrections Academy on Dec. 2. C.O. Bailey is a 2001 Regents diploma graduate from Batavia High School. Following high school, he attended Genesee Community College and received an associate degree in Criminal Justice in 2014. In May 2014, Bailey enlisted in the Army National Guard where he is an E-4 Specialist assigned to the 105th Military Police Company based out of Buffalo. C.O. Bailey was previously employed as a Buffalo Federal Detention Officer.

Eric T. Wagner was appointed to a part-time Correction Officer on Nov. 8.

Future of JCPenney in Batavia in doubt after chain announces plans to close up to 140 stores

By Howard B. Owens

National retailer JCPenney reported today a continued decline in sales and as a result the intention to close from 130 to 140 stores nationwide.

The list of stores that will be closed has not been released, so we don't know yet if the Batavia location will be on the chopping block.

The Batavia store has survived a previous round of JCPenney's cost-cutting.

According to Reuters, JCPenney continues to struggle in an era of dying shopping malls and increased competition from online retailers.

The store in Batavia is the lone anchor tenant of the long-struggling City Centre Mall in Downtown.

City Manager Jason Molino told WBTA, “We just spoke with JCPenney as early as last week. They did not relay that message to us and they did not tell us that was going to be the case, so as far as we know that is new news or it's nothing that I can confirm.”

Wind advisory issued for Saturday

By Howard B. Owens

Winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected to blow through Genesee County on Saturday.

A wind advisory has been issued from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Gusts up to 50 mph are possible.

The National Weather Service warns that winds of this speed could result in downed tree limbs and isolated power outages. Travel in high profile vehicles could be difficult.

Person reportedly pinned under shelving at factory

By Howard B. Owens

A person is reportedly pinned under shelving that tipped over at Graham Manufacturing, 20 Florence Ave., Batavia.

City fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 9:01 a.m.: The patient was freed and City fire is back on service. No word on injuries, if any.

Law and Order: Parolee from Lockport arrested on drug charges after traffic stop

By Howard B. Owens

Edward Jordan White, 21, of Michigan Street, Lockport, is charged with criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd, unlawful possession of marijuana and aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. White, who is currently on parole, was stopped by Batavia police officers after being observed driving in the city. During the traffic stop he was allegedly found to have a suspended license and in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was jailed on $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond. The Local Drug Task Force assisted in the investigation.

Billy Joe Johnson, 39, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with forcible touching. Johnson allegedly forcibly touched the intimate parts of another person while in a store on Veterans Memorial Drive at 9:15 p.m., Feb. 14.

Sergio Antonio Forte, 51, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, was arrested on a warrant stemming from a charge of unauthorized of a use of a vehicle, 2nd. Forte turned himself in at the Sheriff's Office on the warrant. He was jailed without bail.

Construction to begin soon on remaking of Newberry building into a brewery, restaurants and apartments

By Howard B. Owens

Sometime in 2017, there may be beer on tap in the former JJ Newberry building on Main Street, Downtown Batavia.

Matt Gray (top photo, pointing toward the back of the room to his partner in the Batavia Brewing Co. venture, Jon Mager) made the announcement during a Start Up Genesee event at the location yesterday, and said that the Fresh Labs concept for the Newberry building is ready to go forward.

The blueprints are in place, permits pulled and a contractor selected and Gray believes all of the work -- a brewery, a restaurant and two additional full kitchens for start-up restaurants along with seven apartments on the second and third floors -- will be completed by the end of the year.

The Fresh Labs concept was taken on by Gray and Mager in cooperation with the Batavia Development Corp. to help achieve several local goals, he said -- bring more people downtown, provide a way for aspiring restaurateurs to start their businesses and help the city retain some of the $28 million being spent by local residents on food and entertainment in Rochester and Buffalo. 

Gray said Fresh Lab will give people looking to break into the restaurant business a supportive environment throughout the process of developing a concept, getting it launched and helping it grow.

"We want to take the person who has the drive and the skill and work them through the point where they're ready to launch," Gray said. "We will give them direction and resources but then we don't walk way."

Julie Pacatte, economic development coordinator for BDC, said the BDC is working on a competition, sort of a taste challenge, as part of selecting the first two businesses that will be given space in Fresh Lab.

The building, which was a mortuary before it was Newberry's (it was Newberry's for 70 years), is three stories high with a large basement. Each level is 10,000 square feet. There will be seven studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments on the second and third floors. Those floors were once office space for doctors, lawyers and at one time, Batavia Area Jaycees, according to the sign on one door.

Start Up Genesee is organized by Genesee County Economic Development Center and this was the initiative's third event. Bob Capurso was at the first, where he spoke with Chris Suozzi about the business idea he had: producing Boy Scout grave marker medallions. Suozzi, a VP with GCEDC, helped connect Capurso with advisors who were able to assist him in getting his business launched. He's gone from a concept six months ago, to a design to a prototype and now he's had the first 50 medallions produced and ready for sale. 

“My main goal on this is not to make a ton of money on this, but to get the commemoration out there to the people who earned it through their dedication to scouting,” he said.

Another local start-up at the event was Eichenfeld LLC, makers of the game MöbileSchlägen. The company will hold a Kickstarter fundraising campaign this Saturday at City Slickers starting at 7 p.m.

UMMC wound care team honored for outstanding patient care

By Howard B. Owens

After a ceremony honoring the wound care team at UMMC, a patient who had sat quietly at the back of the room spoke up and said, “I want to thank everyone here because if it wasn’t for you, I would have lost my leg. I’m just grateful.”

That was the message of the award, according to Stacey Bancker, a representative of Healogics, the nation’s largest wound care management company, which presented the award.

Of nearly 400 patients treated by the team, 94 percent had their wounds healed, Bancker said. There was a 92 percent patient satisfaction rate and the median number of days to heal was 21.

"We can talk about the numbers, but this really is a patient care ward," Bancker said.

That was a point stressed by Dan Ireland, the hospital's CEO when he spoke to congratulate the team members.

"This isn’t about the metrics," Ireland said. "It isn’t about the numbers. It’s about the real people and the patients. Our mission statement at Rochester Regional Health, United Memorial, starts with preserving health and enhancing the life of patients. There isn’t a better example of where we can do that than in the heal rate we see here and in the care the patients receive."

Bancker said there were 800 wound centers in the nation eligible for the award and only 334 were recognized for outstanding patient care results.

Dr. Mohamed M Ibrahim, a general surgeon before joining the wound care team nearly two and a half years ago, said he was really proud to be part of the team. As a surgeon he had been on the other end of the wound care process, he said, and then he didn't realize how much more there was to know about wound care. 

“I have to say, I’ve learned a lot from our nurses," he said. "Our nurses are very knowledgeable, so I would like to thank everybody on our great team.”

Program Director Lisa Albanese also emphasized the team aspect of the effort and how the numbers are merely a reflection of the team's focus on taking care of patients.

"Even though the numbers are driven by KPIs (key performance indicators), the bottom line is every day we make a difference in the lives or our patients," said. "You guys are dedicated to making that difference and every day we have stories that we share with our administration."

Ireland said he hears those stories.

"I get countless emails, phone calls and letters from patients telling me real stories, stories about how they've been to five or 10 other centers or doctors and they've not been healed," Ireland said. "Then they come here and they are healed."

The patients also always note the compassion of the team, Ireland said. 

"They talk about the personal care they get, that the team cares about them as a person, not just as a person with a wound on their skin," Ireland said.

Photo: Dr. Mohamed M Ibrahim, Michelle Rector, Emily Casacelik Alicia Prusinowski, Holly Siverling, Alissa Gorman, John Wickett, Joseph Canzoneri, and Lisa Albanese.

Law and Order: Batavia PD reports total of 15 most recent arrests

By Billie Owens

Jerald Alfred Shuler III, 23, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, unlicensed operator, aggravated unlicensed operator in the third degree, and having a suspended registration. The charges stem from a traffic stop at 6:05 p.m. on Feb. 8 on West Main Street, Batavia, during which it was allegedly determined that the vehicle Shuler was driving had a suspended registration and that his driver's license was also suspended. During the investigation, he was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana, located inside his vehicle. He was issued appearance tickets for Batavia City Court on Feb. 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Maurillo C. Osorio, 32, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: DWI; aggravated DWI -- per se with a BAC of .18 percent; unlicensed operator; open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle; and failure to keep right. Osorio was arrested at 1:56 a.m. Feb. 19 on West Main Street in Main Street in Batavia. He was jailed on $2,500 cash bail or bond. He was due in court on Feb. 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Eric Bolles.

Summer Lynn Haskins, 23, of Old Creek Road, Alexander, is charged with DWI, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or higher, and having no or inadequate headlamps. She was arrested at 12:57 a.m. on Feb. 20 on Ellicott Street in Batavia following a traffic stop for an equipment violation. She was issued appearance tickets for March 1 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczk.

Keith J. McKenzie, 50, of Lewis Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, making an improper right turn, and refusal to take breath test. He was arrested at 6:35 p.m. on West Main Street in Batavia following an investigation into an erratic operation complaint and subsequent traffic stop. He was arraigned then released on his own recognizance. He was due in City Court today (Feb. 22). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Tatiana C. Lugo, 22, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree menacing. Lugo was arrested at 8:53 a.m. on Feb. 15 after a domestic incident in which she allegedly threatened to cut the victim's hair off and do bodily harm. She was arraigned then released under supervision of Genesee Justice. She is due in City Court on March 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

William A. Andrews, 37, of Brooklyn Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. He was arrested at midnight on Feb. 18 following an incident on Brooklyn Avenue. He allegedly violated two orders of protection by being present at the residence. Andrews was jailed without bail and was due in City Court on Feb. 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

Emily A. Andrews, 38, of Brooklyn Avenue, Batavia, is charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. She was arrested at 2:33 a.m. on Feb. 18 as the result of an unspecified incident that allegedly occurred at a residence on Brooklyn Avenue earlier in the evening. She was jailed on $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 bond and was due in City Court Feb. 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Tyler D. Price, 24, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree criminal contempt. On Feb. 18 at 3:45 p.m., Batavia police responded to a Liberty Street address for a distrubance call. An investigation found that Price allegedly came to the residence, attempted to enter it and in the process damaged a rear-door window, violating a stay away order of protection. On Feb. 19, he was located on Liberty Street and taken into custody. He is due in City Court on Feb. 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Brenden Michael Mullen, 31, of Batavia Elba Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Mullen was arrested at 9:18 p.m. on Feb. 17 following an investigation into a domestic incident wherein it is alleged that he sent numerous unwanted and threatening text messages and phone calls. He was arraigned and released and was due in City Court Feb. 21. Mullen was also arraigned on a City Court arrest warrant for failing to appear for two traffic tickets, operating with a suspended vehicle registration and having an uninspected motor vehicle. He was also due in court Feb. 21 to answer those charges. The case was handled by Batavia Police Sgt. Dan Coffey, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Vincent A. Sanfratello, 51, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 8:10 p.m. on Feb. 10 for allegedly stealing a magazine from Southside Deli on Ellicott Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket for Feb. 21 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Timothy R. Johnson, 35, of Monroe Street, Silver Creek, was arrested on a bench warrant out of City Court on Feb. 18. It was issued after he failed to appear for sentencing on a conviction for fourth-degree criminal mischief, an incident which occurred on March 3, 2011. Johnson was jailed on $1,000 cash or $2,000 bond and was due in court on Feb. 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Eric MacKenzie Smith, 31, of Iroquois Road, Caledonia, was arrested on a Batavia PD bench warrant for failing to comply with court-ordered treatment and turned over to Officer Jamie Givens at 10:29 a.m. on Feb. 21. He was jailed in lieu of $500 bail and was due in court this afternoon (Feb. 22).

Paris J. MacCrimmon, 24, of Whitney Avenue, Niagara Falls, was arrested on Feb. 20 on a bench warrant issued by Batavia City Court. It was issued after the defendant failed to appear at a scheduled court appearance. MacCrimmon was jailed on $100,000 cash bail or bond and was due in court on Feb. 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Tyrone L. Richardson, 41, of Brooklyn Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant at 7:15 p.m. on Feb. 13. It was issued after he failed to appear for a scheduled court appearance stemming from an incident on Nov. 5, 2015. He was jailed on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond and was due in City Court on Feb. 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Henry L. Banks, 46, of Ross Street, Batavia, was arrested on Feb. 18 on Ross Street on a bench warrant out of City Court for failure to appear on unspecified charges. He was released on his own recognizance and was due in court today (Feb. 22). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole Salamone, assisted by Mitchell Cowen.

Blind School employee charged with endangering the welfare of children

By Billie Owens

NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs Special Prosecutor Patricia E. Gunning announced an employee of the NYS School for the Blind in Batavia was arrested Feb. 21 for harassing and endangering three children in his care.

Kenneth L. Darch, 57, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor, and two counts of harassment in the second degree -- with physical contact, a violation.

The charges stem from an investigation into an incident on July 28 in which the defendant allegedly struck two of the children on an outing to Blondie's Sip-n-Dip, an ice cream/yogurt stand on East Main Street in Batavia, and used abusive language against them. The defendant additionally is alleged to have taunted all three by directing their bus driver to take them to the local jail, with the threat of incarceration.

The NYS School for the Blind is operated by the State Education Department. Darch, a recreation therapist, was arraigned before Judge Robert Balbick of Batavia City Court and is scheduled to reappear in court March 7. Darch has been placed on administrative leave.

“People with special needs should never be intimidated, frightened or harassed by the very people who are responsible for caring for them,” said Special Prosecutor Gunning. “This case came to light because a conscientious employee witnessed the alleged abuse and reported it. We are grateful to those who step up and call out workers who choose to taunt and threaten children instead of doing their jobs, like this defendant is alleged to have done.”

Supervising Assistant Special Prosecutor Jennifer A. Whitman is prosecuting the case. Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence handled the case, with assistance from the Justice Center.

BOCES announces 28 graduates from School of Nursing

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership recently celebrated the graduation of 28 students from its School of Nursing program.

This class graduated 22 students with high honors – a 90-percent or above average.  Students took part in this 12-month, 1,200-clock hour Licensed Practical Nursing program that is certified by the New York State Education Department.

The program is designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-PN Examination for licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse. It is offered at three different site locations: Batavia, Greece and Leicester. 

For more information about this program, contact the Adult Education/School of Practical Nursing at (585) 344-7788.​

Bergen man injured in hunting accident in Sweden

By Howard B. Owens

A Bergen resident is reportedly in guarded condition at Strong Memorial Hospital after a hunting accident yesterday in the Town of Sweden.

Robert Williams, 32, of Peachy Road, Bergen, was reportedly in a field on Lake Road, Sweden, when he was shot in the abdomen by a coyote hunter.

Brett Blackburn, 46, of Sweden, has been charged with assault, 2nd.

According to authorities, Blackburn and his son were hunting at about 6:30 p.m. Monday when they observed movement in the field. Blackburn used a light to illuminate the area of movement. He said he observed light and thought the reflection to be the eyes of a coyote. Blackburn reportedly fired his rifle and then heard someone yell. 

Blackburn assisted Williams while his son ran to a nearby residence to call 9-1-1.

When Monroe County deputies arrived at the location on foot, they observed Williams on the ground and Blackburn rendering aid. Town of Sweden fire arrived on scene along with EMS personnel and evacuated Williams to a waiting ambulance.

Blackburn, of Covell Road, was arraigned in Sweden Town Court and bail was set at $1,500 cash or $5,000 bond. He is no longer in custody.

Our news partner 13WHAM assisted with this story.

St. Joseph Day Table to be held March 19 at Ascension Parish in Batavia

By Billie Owens

Ascension Parish in Batavia will host its annual Saint Joseph Day Table beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 19.

This year the event is open to the general public and the funds raised will be used for the ministry and outreach done by Ascension Parish on behalf of the community. According to its pastor, Fr. David R. Glassmire, the parish seeks to "give back to the community for the goodness the Lord has shown to us by caring for the poor in our midst."

The traditional Italian feast will be held in the parish's Slomba Hall, 15 Sumner St. Bing’s Catering of Amherst is in charge of the food. A seven-course meal will be served family style to include: antipasti, bread, fish, greens and beans, smelt, pasta con sarde, along with a cash bar and wine available for your table. A children's menu will include mac and cheese, pizza and finger foods.

Music and Entertainment by Steve Balestreri. 

COST: $25 per adult, $12.50 per child.

Seating is limited!

HOW TO OBTAIN TICKETS: Call the Parish Office at 585-343-1796 to reserve your table; families and businesses welcome.

You may also pre-pay and buy your tickets online at: www.ascensionrcc.weshareonline.com. Please note: There is a service fee for this option!

Tickets are pre-sale only. There will be NO SALES the day of the event or AT THE DOOR! Cash or Check ONLY. Make Checks Payable to: Ascension Parish.

Alexander Central School District announces completion of $6.8 million capital improvement project

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

Picone Construction has completed Alexander Central School District’s $6.8 million capital improvement project, which addressed energy efficiency upgrades, health and safety improvements, and site work at both the elementary and middle/high schools.

Alexander Elementary School improvements involved the reconstruction and/or replacement of: flooring, exterior masonry, mechanical systems, electrical components, hazardous materials, playground equipment and associated site work, pavement, drainage, and miscellaneous other repairs.

Alexander Middle/High School work included the reconstruction and/or replacement of: roofing systems, pool area and system components, interior and exterior masonry, egress pathways, mechanical systems, electrical components, hazardous materials, running track and associated site work, pavement, drainage, and miscellaneous other repairs.

The Architect of Record is SEI Design Group.

Picone Construction Corp. has been providing Professional Construction Services to the Western New York area since 1931. The firm specializes in general contracting, construction management, design / build, and facility services.

Tickets still available for 15th annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Tickets are still available for the 15th Annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner which will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, at the Alexander Fire Hall.

This annual event is a celebration of Genesee County’s number one industry – Agriculture. The highlight of the night is a delicious meal using locally produced foods prepared by Penna’s Catering. The dinner is open to the public.

Tickets can be purchased at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, 8276 Park Road, Batavia. Tickets are $30 each or a table of 10 can be purchased for $275. Sponsorships are also available which help support agriculture educational events in Genesee County. Only 400 tickets will be sold. Tickets will not be available at the door.

The Celebrate Ag Dinner is coordinated by the following partners: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District and Genesee County Farm Bureau.

For ticket information contact the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce at 585-343-7440, ext. 1027, or chamber@geneseeny.com.

Pembroke and Akron volunteer firefighters trained together Monday night

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

Pembroke Fire District and Akron Fire Company joined forces Feb. 20th to train on each other's equipment.

Chief Jamie Waff, of Pembroke, and Chief Todd Pfeiffer, of Akron, stressed the importance of teamwork between neighboring departments, especially during calls where mutual aid is required, such as with structure fires and MCIs.

Both departments look forward to continued training in the future. Volunteer fire departments statewide are in urgent need of members. Please consider volunteering today!

Batavia resident helped dedicate International Peace Garden in Mexico

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Batavia resident and International Peace Garden Foundation President Paula Savage, recently returned from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where she participated in the dedication of the 2017 International Peace Garden located at the Vallarta Botanical Garden.

Mexico was nominated for the honor because of its substantial contributions to the UN in areas such as peaceful settlement of disputes, struggle against apartheid, promotion of disarmament and halting of climate change. Puerto Vallarta is known to be a leader in Mexico for respecting diversity of cultures and human rights.

Savage said “It was a unanimous decision to select the Vallarta Botanical Garden to convey the message of world peace believing the Botanical Garden of Vallarta is a place of calm, comfort and healing of body, mind and spirit."

Inclusion and unification was the message of the day. During the dedication ceremonies on Feb. 16th several representatives from the interfaith community addressed the audience with wide praise for the mission of the International Peace Garden Foundation.

The new International Peace Garden adorns the slope that rises toward the entrance of the recently constructed Chapel of multiple doctrines. The Chapel is a replica of the well-known Franciscan mission in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. The plants, together with Mexican wildflowers, represent the Mediterranean region of the Holy Land, a geographical region that gave birth to some of the most prolific religions in the world. Bob Price, curator of the Vallarta Botanical Garden “the intention is to cultivate them harmoniously, to create a sanctuary for prayer and meditation without disturbance.”

The International Peace Garden Foundation is a charitable organization established to advance global friendship through the creation of worldwide Peace Gardens. Since 1990 these Peace Gardens span five continents. Residents and visitors to our community have enjoyed the Batavia Peace Garden since it opened in 2011 to celebrate 200 years of friendship with Canada.

The Batavia Peace Garden flies the flags of all the recipient countries and is registered as an Honorary International Peace Garden. There are nine Honorary International Peace Gardens in New York State along the Bicentennial Peace Garden Trail. More information about the Foundation can be obtained by visiting www.ipgf.org.

Batavia PD names new Assistant Chief -- Todd Crossett

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Effective Feb. 19, Todd Crossett was promoted to Assistant Chief of Police for the City of Batavia Police Department.

Assistant Chief Crossett most recently held the position of Detective Sergeant having been promoted to that position in 2014. Prior to being promoted to Detective Sergeant he held the ranks of Detective, temporary Road Patrol Sergeant and Police Officer.

Assistant Chief Crossett started his law enforcement career with the City of Rochester Police Department before being hired in 1998 as a Police Officer for the City of Batavia.

He is a veteran of the Army, having been deployed to Somalia during the Battle of Mogadishu; he achieved the rank of E-4 Specialist.

Todd lives with his wife of 23 years, Cheryl, in the Town of Batavia; they have two children, Alex, age 19, and Megan, age 17.

Assistant Chief Crossett replaces Robb Yaeger who retired after 28 and a half years of service with the Police Department.

Elba Drama Club to perform 'Hello, Dolly!' this weekend

By Howard B. Owens

The Elba Central School Drama Club is presenting the musical "Hello, Dolly!" this weekend.

The show opens at 7 p.m., Friday. Additional performances are at 2 and 7 p.m., Saturday, in the school auditorium.

Tickets are $6 for students and seniors and $8 for adults. Tickets available at DailyNewsTickets.com, Roxy's Music Store, and at the door before the show.

Law and Order: 78-year-old Bloomingdale Road resident accused of forcible touching

By Billie Owens

Billy Joe Trantham, 78, of Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, is charged with forcible touching. On Feb. 18, following the investigation of a sex offense that allegedly occurred in the Town of Alabama, Trantham was arrested. He allegedly touched the intimate parts of another person without the person's consent. He was released on an appearance ticket and is to be in Alabama Town Court at 2 p.m. on March 2. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

A complaint that a vehicle allegedly ran another vehicle off the road almost causing an accident, on Route 19 in Le Roy, led to a traffic stop of 32-year-old Brandon S. Beil, of 6370 Hawks Road, Pavilion by the Le Roy Police Department. The complaint was received on Saturday Feb. 18 about 7 p.m., at which time the Le Roy Police Department started looking for Beil’s vehicle and located it on Clay Street where the vehicle stop was initiated. During the stop, it was determined that Beil was allegedly intoxicated; he was uncooperative during the arrest process and allegedly struggled with the officers at the scene. Beil allegedly refused all field testing and the chemical test. Beil was charged with one count each of inadequate head lights, felony driving while intoxicated (with previous conviction within 10 Years), refusal to take the breath test, failure to keep right and resisting arrest. Beil was arraigned before the Le Roy Town Court and committed to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail.     

On Feb. 15, the Village of Le Roy Police Department arrested 48-year-old Joseph A. Hogan, of 78 Lake St., Le Roy, charging him with one count of criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree, a Class D felony. An investigation started on Feb. 2nd, when the Le Roy Police received a call about an abandoned vehicle on Genesee Street in the Village. It was learned this vehicle, a 2005 ford F-250 pickup truck valued at more than $3,000, was reported stolen the previous Saturday from the Town of Sweden, Monroe County. During the investigation it was alleged that Hogan unlawfully possessed the stolen vehicle as he was driving it in the Village then abandoned it at the Genesee Street location. Hogan was arraigned in the Town of Le Roy Court and put in Genesee County Jail without bail pending a future court appearance.

A 16-year-old who lives on Main Road in Corfu is charged with second-degree aggravated harassment following a harassment investigation at Pembroke High School at noon on Feb. 7. The defendant was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court and is to appear in court March 2. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Man charged with menacing a police officer withdraws guilty plea, will take case to trial

By Howard B. Owens

Next month, nearly a year after he was arrested and accused of menacing a police officer, Bill Thomas will find out when his jury trial on the two felony charges against him begins.

Thomas withdrew his prior guilty plea to a count of criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, today. He was also charged with menacing a police officer, a Class D violent felony.

He was arrested March 16. He will next appear in court on March 13.

In the intervening months, he's been through three attorneys, was about to start a jury trial but then entered a guilty plea on the day the trial was supposed to start, then at his first sentencing date, tried to withdraw his plea. That wasn't allowed and then again, last week, appeared for sentencing only to learn from Judge Michael Mohun that there was a procedural error by the court when his guilty plea was accepted.

Thomas was given time to confer with his attorney, his family and think over his options, which included withdrawing his plea and taking his case to a jury or sticking with his guilty plea and accepting whatever sentence Mohun might impose.

This afternoon, Mohun granted Thomas his request to withdraw his prior guilty plea.

Attorney Jamie Welch said he doesn't discuss ongoing cases and declined to say why Thomas decided to withdraw his plea.

One salient fact that came out last week at the sentencing hearing, before Mohun put a stop to it, was that even though Officer Peter Flanigan said he was threatened by Thomas while Thomas was holding a knife, there was no knife recovered on or near Thomas after he was arrested.

Four hours after the confrontation, Thomas was found to have a BAC of .22 and said he had few memories of events that early morning on State Street, but maintained he wouldn't have threatened a police officer, according to statements Welch made in court last week.

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