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A 26-year-old woman who lives on Garibaldi Avenue in Oakfield is charged with petit theft after allegedly stealing a bicycle so she could ride it and get around faster to play Pokemon Go.

Pokemon Go is the new mobile app game that has exploded in popularity in the past week that calls on players -- called trainers -- to travel around, usually by walking, and capturing, fictional creatures called "Pokemon" that appear on your smartphone screen at various physical locations.

Brandi-Lyn Heidenreich allegedly stole the bike from a 13-year-old after he parked it momentarily behind a business on Main Street in Oakfield to visit his mother who was at work.

The suspect was located because the bike was later found at her house and she was found walking in the area.

The bike was returned to the 13-year-old and his mother. 

Heidenreich is due in Oakfield Town Court on Aug. 8 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Robert Henning, assisted by Deputy Christopher Parker.

City police are responding to 5 Spruce St. for a complaint of a white male walking around in just his underwear -- publicly.

A person who participated in the Demolition Derby tonight at the Genesee County Fairgrounds on East Main Street Road in Batavia reportedly suffered a neck injury. Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 8:59 p.m.: The driver is conscious and alert and does not appear to be seriously injured. He is being transported to UMMC for evaluation.

A Livingston County woman has been accused of possessing more than $50,000 in stolen medical equipment that disappeared from UMMC last year.

Kim Diamond, 47, was allegedly trying to sell the equipment on eBay after stealing the equipment.

She was arrested by the Livingston County Sheriff's Office on a charge of possession of stolen property. She has also reportedly been charged locally with grand larceny.

The property was reportedly found in her home in March and investigators have been positively identifying and valuing the equipment since.

Our news partner, WBTA, which broke the story of the thefts in March, reports that Diamond was employed by UMMC at the time of the thefts.

Following arraignment in Livingston County, she was released on her own recognizance. 

Wallets heavy, hands at the ready; enthusiastic buyers weren't holding much back Thursday night. Buyers showed up in numbers for the 4-H livestock auction ready to see the best lambs, goats, hogs, and steer available at the Genesee County Fair.

Bill Hayes, owner/president of Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning, won the Market Steer Overall Project Champion and Jr. Showmanship Champion for $2.20 a pound or an estimated $2,800. He then donated the steer right back to the 4-H; the champion steer weighed in at 1,390 pounds and was raised by Oakfield resident Tyler Jirovec. 

"I come to the auction every year to support these good kids, parents and staff," Hayes said.  

This is the first year the 4-H has allowed you to donate your winnings back to the program.

"I can see myself donating the animal back to 4-H, the program is so great," said Genesee County resident Bill Baskin. "I come every year, haven't missed one in a long time."

The 4-H champions are determined by a point system; points are added up based on your participation in 4-H meetings, community service, your overall placement, and showmanship. The individual with the most points by the Genesee County Fair date is Project Champion; the winner gets a large ribbon to show off.

"If you win Grand or Reserved Project Champion when you step into that ring, everyone wants to bid on you," said Tim Adams, 4-H swine club leader.

The 4-H Swine Club raises show hogs. The club has around 20 members ranging in age 8 to 19 years old. At initial weigh-in, a student's hog cannot weigh more than 80 pounds and must weigh between 210 and 285 pounds by the time of the fair. Adams says he donates roughly four hours of his time to the 4-H daily, and during fair week even more.

This year was special for the Swine Club, members were able to get rid of their wood pens and install metal ones, which are more sanitary for the animals and people.

"4-H is so much more than just marketing animals; it's a small family," Adams said.

The 4-H takes devotion and a lot of effort on the students' part. Some kids spend two or three hours a day grooming, walking and feeding their show animals. The learning experience doesn't stop at the children either; parents learn a lot about what it takes to raise a hog, cattle, goat or lamb.

"It's nice to have kids and friends to learn and grow with you," said Kevin Bezon, parent of Tucker and uncle of Leah and Ashton Bezon -- all 4-H participants.

"I easily spend three or four hours a day to the animals," said Tucker Bezon, proud owner of an impressive 1,208-pound steer.

Fourth-year 4-H participant Shianne Foss from Corfu placed fourth overall with a 1,300-pound steer. Much like other 4-H'ers, Shianne doesn't just go to the Genesee County Fair, she travels all over Western New York to show off her livestock and hard work. 

Overall Project Champion, Rate of Gain Champion, and Reserve Project Champion Miasy Ross was ecstatic after her lambs sold for top dollar. Placing one and two overall, Miasy is a very dedicated 4-H member and has been in the program for years.

"I actually gained so many friends, I wish more people did this," Miasy said.

4-H Livestock Auction is a great place for local farmers and livestock owners to display the results of their toil. You can feel the good spirits and pride of showmanship that abound while walking the auction grounds.

(Micheal Ermantrout had the Grand Champion goat.)

(Shianne Foss completes some final grooming before the auction.)

(Peggy Shuknecht, of Elba, holds Helena Kotarski, 2, so she can pet a cow.)

(Cole Phelps relaxes before the auction.)

(Photos by Howard Owens.)

To purchase prints, click here.

I don't know much about cranes, but I know a really big one when I see it, and this monster was working today on the new bridge over the Tonawanda Creek on West Main Street Road in Bushville.

Representatives from onion companies from all over the world were in Genesee County today to see the world famous Elba Mucklands.

The tour is part of a convention of onion industry leaders hosted by the National Onion Association in Niagara County this week. The attendees had breakfast in Batavia and then toured the mucklands.

The visit included a presentation by Christy Hoepting, a researcher with the Cornell Cooperative Extension, who is studying the impact of weeds on onion growth and how best to control them in the field.

There was also a presentation on experimental onion varieties being grown in the muck.

There were people in the tour group from not only the United States, but also Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Canada and Mexico.

"This is a beautiful and productive place," said Kim Reddin, director of public and industry relations for NOA. "Absolutely, it's unique and one of the main growing areas in the eastern part of the United States."

The Bethany Fire Department was among area departments, including Wyoming, Attica and Pavilion, to respond to a report of a field fire at 10:11 a.m. in the Town of Covington. Traffic was closed on West Middlebury Road while firefighters battled the blaze cutting through a field of grass and hay.

Photos and information provided by Glenn Adams.

Visiting teams are bringing more top prospects to Batavia over the next couple of nights, with a first-rounder starting for Aberdeen tonight, and the son of a former major leaguer who missed last season because of an injury tomorrow night.

This evening, Cody Sedlock, the 27th overall pick for the Baltimore Orioles, takes the mound against the Muckdogs in his second professional start. Hailing from Rock Island, Ill., Sedlock set a new school record in strikeouts this season for the University of Illinois. 

On Saturday, Hunter Harvey (photo) continues his comeback effort. The son of former major league pitcher Bryan Harvey was a first-round pick for the Orioles in 2013.

Last night, Aberdeen also put a prospect from Rochester on the mound. Steven Klimek, a graduate of Greece Arcadia before attending St. Bonaventure, pitched two and a third innings, fanning six and not allowing a hit against eight batters.

Photo of Hunter Havery courtesy Mike Janes/Four Seam Images.

Thursday evening was the 12th Annual Taste of Stafford. It brought out members of the community for a good time, and they got to enjoy some of Stafford's tastiest food in honor of local veterans.

The Stafford Historical Society, which hosts the fund-raising event, opted to move it from Ilette park to Stafford Fire Hall because of the heat.

"The committee felt that due to the anticipated high temperatures, it was best to move to our rain location which has air conditioning," organizers said in a statement.

"I think it's very important to get the community out here and to meet each other," said Jon Dayton, master of ceremonies.

This is Dayton's first year being in charge of ceremonies; previously, he was "the sound guy" for many years.

"This is a great community event, even though we're inside on a day like today, everyones' spirits are high," said Stafford Historical Society Member Jim Owen.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Vans Warped Tour at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Thursday:

Jacob P. Hildreth, 18, of Bristol Street, Canandaigua, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a controlled substance and a quantity of marijuana.

Caleb T. Jenderseck, 19, of Lapham Road, East Aurora, charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Aaron Michael Reid, 20, of Seneca Street, Buffalo, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Richard L.J. Reynolds, 19 of Village II Drive, Hilton, charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Here are a few photos from Thursday at the Genesee County Fair. We'll have more photos and a story about the 4-H Livestock Auction sometime Friday afternoon.

The Genesee County Economic Development Center's proposal to create access roads to alleviate traffic on Town of Alabama roads in preparation for the arrival of 1366 Technologies was met with approval Thursday night by the Genesee County Planning Board.

County planners, at their monthly meeting at County Building 2, voted in favor of the construction of two access roads on the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park in a single recommendation, ruling that the roads -- one running from Route 77 to Crosby Road and the other running from Crosby Road to the 1366 Technologies solar wafer manufacturing facility's property line -- pose no significant countywide or inter-community impact.

The board was concerned, however, about the possibility of traffic having to stop and lining up on Route 77, a major highway that runs to the NYS Thruway interchange in Pembroke.

Mark Masse, GCEDC's senior vice president of operations, said the plan to divert major construction traffic down these access roads, with turning lanes at the main entrance, is subject to approval by the state Department of Transportation. Masse noted that the DOT currently is reviewing a permit application from the GCEDC.

"We are looking to put in the two roads and reinforce and widen a section of Crosby Road," Masse said. "We're also proposing a left-hand turn off of Route 77 onto the STAMP site, but nothing can be done until DOT approves it."

The GCEDC proposal also must go before the Town of Alabama Planning Board.

The Massachusetts-based 1366 Technologies will be the first tenant at STAMP, taking up about 105 of the 1,250 acres available for development.

The county Planning Board welcomed a request from the entire Village of Oakfield to implement comprehensive plan updates, zoning text and map amendments in line with recommendations of the Green Genesee Smart Genesee project, and to write form-based codes for a portion of the village.

The board's approval came with wording that the village's plan represents "a large step forward for land use policy and regulations" and its form-based code governing future development will "respect the traditional character of the downtown and that of the surrounding residences."

County Planning Director Felipe Oltramari went even further, stating that Oakfield's strategy is on the "cutting edge" and he wished that "everybody in Genesee County adopt something like this." He said Oakfield's model is not quite complete as officials "are tweaking it" to meet the village's specific needs.

In other action, the board:

-- Approved, with modifications, a request from Oakfield Hospitality, LLC, (the Patel family from Erie, Pa.) for variances for a freestanding sign area, number of signs and building height for a proposed Fairfield Inn & Suites to be built on Federal Drive in the Gateway I Corporate Park off Route 98 near the Thruway interchange.

The board voted to allow two signs on the four-story, 62-room hotel, not four as requested. After discussion, Sean Hopkins, a Williamsville attorney representing the Patels, revised the request to three signs, but the board opted to allow signs on the east and south sides only.

Planners did not object to a freestanding sign area of 147 square feet, which is more than the 100-square-foot maximum allowed, or to the 51-foot proposed height of the building, which is 11 feet higher than allowed. Since county planners can only recommend, the final decision on the number of signs is in the hands of the Town of Batavia Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals.

-- Approved an update to the Town of Bethany's comprehensive plan, which also is deemed to be "in harmony" with the County Smart Growth Plan and Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan. The board wrote that Bethany's plan addresses timely issues, including renewable energy.

-- Approved exterior changes, specifically a patio, at City Slickers Bar & Grill at 59 Main St., Batavia; two wall signs at Restore, 230 Ellicott St., and a 3,000-square-foot additon to the Genesee ARC recycling center at 3785 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

-- Approved, with modifications, a sign permit fot a 126-square-foot window sign requested by Victor Marchese, owner of Main Street Pizza, 206 E. Main St., Batavia, stating that the window size is significantly more than the City's 25-percent maximum standard, which, in this case, would be 31.5 square feet.

Suzanne Corona was sentenced to one and a half years in state prison this afternoon and one year post-release supervision by Genesee County Court Acting Judge Michael F. Pietruszka.

The determinant sentence was given for her guilty plea last year to one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fifth degree.

She admitted selling one suboxone pill for $60 to an undercover drug agent.

Although Corona has a record of petty, albeit some sensational, crimes dating back to 2010, the suboxone sale was her first felony offense.

She could have avoided prison entirely had she been able to successfully complete probation, given in lieu of incarceration, in that case.

But in April she admitted lacing her coffee with the liqueur Amaretto. In exchange for her admission of the probation violation, Judge Pietruszka allowed her to continue probation without any additional penalty.

A week later, she tested postive for alcohol again and was sent to jail for the weekend. On April 25, she was back in court and the judge released her to the custody of an inpatient rehab facility for a month after signing a court order for the medical care. Upon release, she was in court for a bail review hearing and the judge determined that despite the stay in rehab, she was in violation of her probation and she was ordered back to jail.

Today, she smiled wanly at her husband in the gallery when she was led into the courtroom by a bailiff. Wearing navy blue scrubs and canvas slip-on shoes, chained at the waist and handcuffed, she stood with regal posture next to her attorney, Brian Degnan.

"Miss Corona has a lengthy criminal history -- both in this court and in local courts," said Assistant District Attorney Kevin Finnell (standing in for ADA William Zickl). "She has shown a lack of ability to comply with the conditions of her probation."

Attorney Degnan said his client successfully completed the month-long rehab program and that authorities recommend she be placed in a halfway house, a sober living facility, but she and her spouse cannot afford the $900-per-month cost of that option. He acknowleged her failure to comply with probation and said she intends to take classes to improve her mental health and well being.

"She has issues she needs to work on," Degnan said.

Degnan disputed Zickl's characterization of his client's criminal past, specifically the claim that she "has a lengthy criminal history in this court."

The judge asked Corona if she had anything to say on her own behalf. She did.

"I would like to apologize to you for not being able to complete my probation," she said clearly and sincerely, adding that she intends to take as many classes as she can to improve herself.

Then, choking back tears, she said "I apologize to my family for being so selfish and not realizing how much hurt I have caused them. My family has suffered and now they'll suffer because I won't be here."

With that, the matter was concluded. Her husband told her that he loved her; she waved awkwardly to him with one of her manacled hands and was led away.

The folks who arranged the creation of the Batavia Peace Garden have a request of Pokemon trainers congregating there in droves -- please do them one simple favor: Pick up after yourselves.

Carol Grasso called WBTA today to pass that message along.

She stopped by the garden and spoke to three people who had biked there from Hilton, and she thought it was great and hopes people who come to the garden are having a good time, but she wants everyone to enjoy it.

"I guess there are some rare Pokemon there," she told WBTA.

She said she was told there will be a "rally" there Saturday and she hopes people will respect the garden and keep it clean.

“We work very hard on the Peace Garden and it is a beautiful spot and we’re just trying to encourage anybody who is looking for these Pokemon to at least put their trash in the trash can," She said. "We do have trash cans in the garden and we will clean them out every day and try to make them empty so there shouldn’t be any trashing going on.” 

She concluded her interview by noting that she was driving by right at that moment and there were about 15 people there playing the game.

"I hope they enjoy the garden, but take your trash with you or put it in the garbage cans," she said. "Thanks everybody. Have fun with the Pokemon."

Previously: Even in Batavia, Pokemon are everywhere

Submitted photo and press release:

The City of Batavia Police along with the City of Batavia Fire Deptartment conducted a Bicycle Safety Program at Lambert Park on Wednesday. It is located at 100 Verona Ave.

Several children had their bikes inspected and licensed. Children were also instructed in the proper use of bikes on the roadway. Free helmets were supplied courtesy of the Batavia Lions Club and a New York State Grant supplied via the City of Batavia Fire Department.

Pictured at the ribbon-cutting ceremony are, back from left: Mark Niederpruem, Warehouse manager; Dan Wolf, chairman of Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc.; Dave Nutting, VIP Structures; Front from left: Paul Battaglia, chairman of Genesee County Economic Development Center; Bill Schreiber, CEO; Michael Patterson, CFO; Larry Webster, CEO Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc.; and John Gould, chairman of O-AT-KA.

Submitted photos and press release:

O-AT-KA Milk Products is pleased to announce that it held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newly expanded warehousing storage and material handling facility in Batavia on July 11.

In attendance were O-AT-KA’s and Upstate Niagara Cooperative’s Board of Directors; key vendors and contractors for the project; banking representatives; local business leaders and invited guests.

“Project Rubicon affords O-AT-KA the opportunity to address three key focus points of our business; namely, employee safety, product quality and operational efficiencies," said Michael Patterson, O-AT-KA’s chief financial officer. "The viability of the project was supported via our strong relationships with the community, the municipalities and our key vendors and stakeholders."

O-AT-KA’s commitment to innovation is demonstrated within the expansion which added over 235,000 square feet to its Batavia plant. A second phase of the project has been initiated to capture efficiencies and optimize material handling equipment and processes. The new facility and equipment phase of the project allows the company to meet increasing customer demand, improve global competitiveness and allow for future growth of production capabilities. The project will significantly improve upon O-AT-KA’s already high standards of safety and quality.

“The implementation of Rubicon will advance our ability to serve customers, significantly improve our competitive position and is testimony to the vision and commitment of our farmer owners,” said Chief Executive Officer Bill Schreiber.

Founded in 1959, O-AT-KA is a manufacturer and co-packer of dairy-based products and ready-to-drink shelf stable beverages and is one of Genesee County’s largest employers. It is located at the corner of Cedar and Ellicott streets.

Press release from the city Department of Public Works:

The City of Batavia Water Department will be repairing a broken water main on Washington Avenue today. There will be a water service interruption for residents on Washington Avenue from Lewis Avenue to State Street and Willow Street. Other residents in the area may experience low water pressure or discolored water, which should return to normal once repairs are complete.

Floyd William Howell, 45, of Transit Road, Bethany, is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle. At 7:04 a.m. on July 12, Howell was arrested on Sparks Road in Pavilion for allegedly taking a vehicle and using it without the owner's consent. He was arraigned in Pavilion Town Court and released on his own recognizance. He is to appear in Pavilion Town Court again on Sept. 6. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Eric Seppala.

Ward Edward Royse, 41, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. At 6 p.m. on July 12, Royse was arrested following the investigation into a pair of larcenies at Kmart. It is alleged that Royse stole several items from the store on June 26 and then again on July 4. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court on July 18. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Hale.

Jakob Matthew Bishop, 18, of West Oak Orchard Street, Medina, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Bishop was arrested on the charge following an investigation into a suspicious activity call at 8:45 p.m. on July 13. Bishop was in the midway of the Genesee County Fairgrounds at the time of his arrest. He was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 4 in Town of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy James Diehl.

Townsend Energy in Le Roy is in the process of burning off fuel in some propane tanks and will continue to do so for the next two days, reports an emergency dispatcher. Flames are visible from Main Street in the village and the dispatch center has received calls about it. There is no problem or cause for alarm as this is routine maintenance at the facility.