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Photos: Spring Gala for Master Gardeners

By Howard B. Owens

Jane Grehlinger gives a talk on container gardening this afternoon at Cornell Cooperative Extension during the Genesee County Master Gardeners' Spring Gala.

The event included a plant sale and chance auction.

Trustees name new GCC event center the 'Richard C. Call Arena' after longtime supporter

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College's Board of Trustees on Monday formally dedicated the new Event Center, to be located on the College's Batavia Campus, in honor of longtime College supporter Richard C. Call, who passed away in August 2014.

President James M. Sunser had announced at the April 28 groundbreaking ceremony for the Event Center and the Student Success Center the trustees' intention to name the 45,000 square foot structure the Richard C. Call Arena. 

Trustee Maureen J. Marshall introduced the resolution to name the building in honor of Mr. Call, which trustees quickly approved to resounding applause.

Call was an advocate of the new Event Center and Creating Our Future Together, the fund-raising campaign sponsored by the Genesee Community College Foundation in support of the Event Center and the new Student Success Center. Call was a member of the GCC Foundation Board from 2001 until his death in 2014. He was a strong proponent of volunteerism and philanthropy, and was one of the earliest supporters of the Conable Technology Building in the late 1990s. 

Over many decades, Richard Call and his brother, Robert, built Call Farms into a highly innovative and nationally-known agricultural enterprise. Richard Call's brother and the children of the two families continue to operate the farm. Not surprisingly, Call encouraged other agricultural leaders across the region to get behind the Creating Our Future Together campaign and make the Event Center possible. 

Richard Call was also a strong supporter of many community causes, and had a special interest in youth. In addition to his local volunteer commitments, he was well-known across the United States for his leadership in agricultural organizations. He was also a former member of the Board of Trustees of Cornell University. 

Call usually worked quietly, and never sought recognition for his efforts, said Brian M. Daviau, president of the Genesee Community College Foundation.

"Dick listened much more than he spoke during Board meetings and Finance Committee meetings, but I learned over the years that he worked very hard on GCC Foundation business behind the scenes before and after every meeting," Daviau said. "He was so deeply committed to the mission of Genesee Community College, and he did everything possible to build our programs and facilities, and provide for the needs of generations to come."

Sunser said that Call epitomized the ideals of generosity and citizenship.

"Dick believed that individuals could always make a difference, and should make a difference," Sunser said. "He was an outstanding leader in his industry, and an outstanding community leader. He believed that service to others helps make our communities and our nation great. He was and is a role model for every one of us."

The Richard C. Call Arena will be completed in early summer 2017. It will house a variety of athletic, business and regional events, and contain the largest expanse of open, flexible floor space in the GLOW region. The Richard C. Call Arena and the Student Success Center are being funded through a combination of New York State and Genesee County appropriations, as well as contributions from more than 500 local residents and business organizations. 

In other business Monday evening, the Board of Trustees:

Approved the promotion of 15 faculty members, upon the recommendation of the Board's Personnel Committee: Maureen (Moi) E. Dugan, from associate professor of Ceramics and 3-D Design to professor; Nichola J. Lerczak, from instructional services librarian/associate professor to professor; Lauren K. Paisley, from associate professor of Business to professor; Valerie C. Bello, from assistant professor of Communication and Media Arts to associate professor; Deborah A. Carrasquillo, from assistant professor of Nursing to associate professor; Christopher L. Kemp, from director of Mathematics and Engineering Science/assistant professor to associate professor; Kathleen M. Klaiber, from assistant professor of English/ESL to associate professor; Amy J. Schnettler-Zak, from assistant professor of Nursing to associate professor; Marshann Y. Thomas, from director, Polysomnographic Technology/assistant professor to associate professor; Karen K. Wicka, from assistant professor of Criminal Justice to associate professor; Cynthia S. Hagelberger, from reference services librarian/instructor to assistant professor; Dr. Bruce D. Ingersoll, from instructor of Veterinary Technology to assistant professor; Ronald V. Schumacher, from instructor of Engineering, Mathematics and Science to assistant professor; Paul A. Schwartz, from instructor of Chemistry to assistant professor; and Joseph L. Ziolkowski, from instructor of Photography and Art to assistant professor. 

Approved the granting of 629 academic degrees and certificates to Genesee Community College students completing their studies during the Spring 2016 semester, subject to students' satisfactorily completed course requirements. The College anticipates awarding 12 Associate in Arts (A.A.) degrees; 283 Associate in Science (A.S.) degrees; 266 Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees; and 68 certificates.

Appointed 489 business and professional leaders to 27 GCC community advisory committees. These committees provide guidance to college administrators and faculty members about curriculum, internship opportunities, and workforce needs and trends. Advisory committees include: Accelerated College Enrollment; Albion and Medina Campus Centers; Business; Computerized Drafting and Design; Criminal Justice; Dansville Campus Center; Digital Art; Distributed Learning; Fashion Business; Food Processing Technology; Health and Physical Education; Human Services; Information Technology; Lima Campus Center; Nursing; Office Technology; Paralegal; Perkins Grant; Physical Therapist Assistant; Polysomnographic Technology; Precision Agriculture; Respiratory Care; Teaching Assistant; Theatre Technology; Tourism and Hospitality Management; Veterinary Technology; and Wyoming County Campus Centers.

Heard Trustee Laura J. Bohm report that the New York Community College Trustees Association annual conference will be held in October. 

Heard Board Chair Diane D. Torcello appoint Donna M. Ferry, Laurie J. Miller, and Robert L. Boyce as members of the Board's 2016 Nominating Committee. Ferry will serve as chair. The Committee will recommend board officers for the 2016-2017 year. Officer elections will be held at the Board's annual meeting July 11.

Heard President Sunser report that two individuals are joining the GCC staff. Karyn S. Bryson, of Mt. Morris, will become director of the Paralegal program for a temporary (Fall 2016 semester) period. Bryson holds a B.S. degree from SUNY College at Brockport and a J.D. (law) degree from Southwestern University School of Law in California. Bryson has been a member of both the California and New York State Bar. She has served as a member of GCC's adjunct faculty since 2006, and has taught almost every course in the College's paralegal program during that time. She also assisted in the preparation of the recent application to renew the program's American Bar Association approval of the program. Timothy S. Lawton, of Warsaw, recently joined the staff as online communications specialist. He holds a B.A. degree from the University at Buffalo. Lawton formerly served as a marketing business analyst at Five Star Bank and also has operated his own Web site design company. 

Welcomed eight faculty and staff members who were appointed to GCC positions in recent months: Bethany A. Aradine, assistant director, Human Resources; Karen S. Bryson, interim director of the Paralegal Program; C. Justin Berg, disability support services coordinator; Felicia Gross, secretary, Distance Learning; Kristen Hargrave, academic advisor; Kari Heidemann, instructor of Human Services; Timothy S. Lawton, online communications specialist; Laura L. Peck, senior library clerk. 

Applauded Student Trustee Mary-Magdalen (Maggie) T. Gabalski for her service as the student representative on the Board of Trustees during the 2015-2016 academic year. Gabalski will complete her studies at Genesee Community College this month, and plans to attend Buffalo State College in the fall, where she will pursue a bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising.

College board boosts tuition $25 per semester, sets new budget -- up 1.53 percent

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Full-time Genesee Community College students will pay $1,975 tuition per semester during the 2016-2017 year, under the budget approved by the GCC Board of Trustees Monday evening, up $25 from the current $1,950 tuition rate.

Trustees also approved the 2016-2017 operating budget totaling $40.537 million, up 1.53 percent from the current year's $39.927 million budget. The net increase in the budget, however, is much less. Nearly half of the increase simply reflects an accounting change that creates $275,000 in non-cash revenue and non-cash expense.

The 2016-2017 budget is a maintenance-of-effort budget, according to President James M. Sunser.

Staffing levels for 2016-2017 are nearly identical to current year staffing. The budget, however, provides for a student success position responsible for the organization and leadership of success coaching initiatives in the Student Success Center opening in the Fall 2017 semester. Key non-classroom student services will be consolidated in the new Center, and "success coaches" based in the Center will guide students through their academic careers. College leaders believe that the success coaching initiative will help boost students' academic success and career potential.

On the revenue side of the budget, the College will receive $100 more in partially-restored New York State aid per full-time equivalent student. The increase is welcome, Sunser said, but state aid still lags behind historical levels.

The College's new Nanotechnology program, offered in collaboration with Erie Community College, will be in full swing next year. The College also hopes to launch more educational programs geared toward the needs of the local agriculture industry.

The 2016-2017 academic year will see the construction of two new buildings on the Batavia Campus. The 18,748 square foot Student Success Center will be located adjacent to the Conable Technology Building. The 56,614 square foot Richard C. Call Arena will be located at the northwest end of the parking lot. The Arena will house the largest expanse of flexible, open floor space in the Genesee-Livingston-Orleans-Wyoming County region.

The College anticipates that both buildings will be completed in early summer 2017.

As in recent years, the budget process was challenging, Sunser told trustees. But the College's history of conservative spending, healthy enrollment, and relatively low inflation helped make a balanced budget possible for 2016-2017.

The budget now goes to the Genesee County Legislature's Ways and Means Committee, which will review the spending plan before presenting it to the full Legislature.

Sunser noted that declining numbers of high school graduates have led to enrollment declines among younger students at many colleges, while a robust economy has led many older students to remain in the workforce rather than seek retraining.

"Many community colleges across New York State and across the nation have experienced significant enrollment declines," Sunser said. "At Genesee, we have experienced a slight dip in the number of students, but our enrollment remains very strong, and our financial position very stable."

Sunser called the early part of the 21st Century "the era of the community college." He reminded trustees that business, political and educational leaders are all praising community colleges.

"Business leaders know that we provide a very rigorous education and prepare students quite well for the local workforce," he said. "On the national level, the last three presidents of the United States have spoken very positively and forcefully about the value and importance of a community college education.

"But most significantly, our own GCC students spread the word about the education we provide, and our 24,000 alumni are living examples of the value that GCC brings to our local communities."

Hawley announces ninth annual Patriot Trip to honor local veterans

By Billie Owens

(Submitted photo: Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) joined veterans and their family members in Washington, D.C., during last year’s Patriot Trip.) 

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced his ninth annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., will take place Sept. 15 – 18. More than 100 veterans and their family members participated in the 2015 trip, which included stories of valiant service members and valuable time spent together reflecting on the courage and dedication exhibited by our nation’s veterans.

Hawley is a longtime supporter of veterans and currently serves as the Ranking Minority Member of the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. The trip can accommodate about 100 veterans and family members so those looking to sign up should do so as soon as possible.

 “I look forward to this trip each year as a way to give back to those who have served our country and remember those who have perished in combat,” Hawley said. “I came up with this idea following a similar trip I took with my father, a World War II veteran.

"Through the experiences of my father and my own service in the Ohio Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves, I have gained a tremendous understanding and respect for the sacrifices endured by our veterans. It is for this reason that I continue the Patriot Trip each year and encourage my constituents who are veterans to sign up as soon as possible.”

Attractions Hawley plans to visit this year on the trip include:

  • WWII Memorial
  • Korean War Memorial
  • Vietnam War Memorial
  • Iwo Jima – The Marine Corps Memorial
  • American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial
  • Air Force Memorial
  • 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon
  • Arlington National Cemetery, including the Changing of the Guard
  • Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns – Vietnam Veterans

Space is limited and signups are first come, first served, with priority given to the oldest veterans and first-time attendees. Immediate family members may accompany a veteran. If you or a veteran want more information about this year’s Patriot Trip IX, please call 585-589-5780 or e-mail carneyj@assembly.state.ny.us. To view photos from previous years, use the following link: http://vetsdctrip2008.shutterfly.com/.

Congressman Collins helps combat opioid epidemic

By Billie Owens

Press release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed 18 pieces of legislation this week to combat the nation’s opioid epidemic.

“The opioid epidemic continues to devastate communities here in Western New York,” Congressman Collins said. “There is no silver bullet to fix this issue, but the bipartisan legislative items passed this week will help communities across America educate individuals about the dangers of opioid abuse and work to eradicate this severe epidemic. What is clear is that all levels of government need to be doing everything they can to help tackle this issue before more lives are lost.”

Here is a complete list of the bills that passed the House of Representatives this week. Among the bills are pieces of legislation that establish new grant programs to help local communities, increase opportunities for veterans to become emergency medical technicians, and expand efforts to reduce the overprescribing of opioids. 

Eleven of these bills were passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which Congressman Collins is a member.

Highland Park and Wood Street in the city to close Tuesday and Wednesday for repairs

By Billie Owens

Press release:

There will be road closure on Highland Park and Wood Street between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 17th and 18th, for cold milling operations.

Residents and businesses are not to park on the roadway during cold milling operations.

Residents and businesses of these streets will have limited access to their properties and should expect delays when milling operations are ongoing. If work is postponed by weather work will be rescheduled for the next calendar day.

Washington Avenue sewer project begins Monday in the city

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Preparations for the Washington Avenue Sewer Project are under way and the work will start Monday, May 16th.

It is expected that Washington Avenue will be limited to "local traffic only" in the specific section between Bank Street and Summit Street. During this time, thru traffic will not be allowed, only access for residents/deliveries/emergency services.

It is expected that sidewalks will always be open and passable, but caution should be observed as it is a construction zone.

City of Batavia Community Garden to hold Open House June 4

By Billie Owens

Press release:

An open house is being held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 4th, to showcase the City of Batavia Community Garden.

Make your way to 12 MacArther Drive, just behind the Youth Center and see how the old wading pool has been transformed. The garden is a collaborative effort between Leadership Genesee's Class of 2011, the City Youth Bureau and Cooperative Extension's Master Gardeners.

It is a perfect option if you lack space, or just want a plot ready for planting that comes with expert support. There are plenty of beds still available at $15 for a 4 by 4 or $25 for a 4 by 8 foot plot for the 2016 growing season.

Join us on June 4 or contact the Youth Bureau at 345-6420 for more information, or visit our Facebook page for more information.

Fourth annual 'Color Me Rad' is Saturday morning at Darien Lake Theme Park

By Billie Owens

From information provided by Darien Lake Theme Park:

The fourth annual "Color Me Rad" 5K -- a nationally recognized human tie-dye spectacle and run/walk -- returns to Darien Lake Saturday, May 14, rain or shine.

A total of 2,500 color-plastered participants are expected. This year, proceeds will benefit the Erie County Council for the Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Abuse.

All participating runners/walkers receive free access to Darien Lake Theme Park the day of the race. To top it off participants will also get a free T-shirt, temporary tattoo, and a Goo Guard phone case.

The course is the same 3.1-mile fun run with twice as many color stations. That means every half a mile our volunteer Color Bomb Squads will cover people from head to toe in pink, yellow, green, blue and violet.

New this year are Gel Color Stations. Participants will be colored rad all over with a cooling sensation and full coverage of spectacular colors.

The fun begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m. at the theme park, located at 9993 Alleghany Road in Darien Center.

Cost is $50 per person today, $55 on Saturday. Kids' pack -- for ages under 7 -- is $15 each.

Batavia PD seeks public's help in identifying suspected attackers near old Jackson Street Bridge

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is investigating an assault that occurred near the railroad tracks at the old Jackson Street Bridge at 9:04 p.m. on Thursday, May 12.

The victim was attacked by multiple individuals who may have been known to the victim. The victim was treated and released from UMMC. Above are photos of persons of interest.

Anyone with information pertinent to the investigation can contact Det. Mart at (585) 345-6372. There will be no further detail released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.

Muddy, wet fun planned for waders of Black Creek and pond adventurers

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Explore a new world as you meet the residents of streams and ponds this spring at Genesee County Park and Forest.

Wade into the waters of Black Creek and meet the tiny, overlooked and underappreciated animals of the stream during Stream Safari, from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. on Saturday May 14th. Learn about how they live, what they eat, and what eats them!

Find out what they can tell us about the waters of the stream as we catch them, identify them and count them. Meet us at the Interpretive Nature Center at Genesee County Park & Forest. Wear waterproof boots! Equipment provided.

Dive into some wild creature encounters with Pond Discovery from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 11th. Be prepared to get muddy and wet!

You will be using a net and sharing a bucket of water to catch animals, and then identify and learn about them from a Naturalist Guide. Meet us at the Interpretive Nature Center at Genesee County Park & Forest. Equipment provided.

Preregistration is required for all programs. Cost is $5/person, $10/family.

To register call (585) 344-1122. For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Dementia caregiver support groups meets the third Wednesday each month at 7 p.m. in Richmond library

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Providing care for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be stressful and isolating, but support groups can provide coping tools and a welcome embrace from others in the same position.

The Alzheimer's Association Western New York chapter sponsors a number of caregiver support groups across the eight-county region it serves.

In Batavia, the chapter organizes a caregiver support group meeting starting at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month at Richmond Memorial Library, located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

This group and others like it are designed to help participants deveklop methods and skills to solve problems. The groups encourage caregivers to maintain their own personal, physical and emotional health, as well as optimally care for the person with dementia.

Visit WHY chapter's Web site at  alz.org/WNY or call 1-800-272-3900.

Also, on summer solstice, the longest day of the year, Alzheimer's Association supporters and groups take part in a day-long fundraising effort called The Longest Day. It's June 20.

Law and Order: Big brawl on Liberty Street in the city results in four arrests

By Billie Owens

Chevaughn D. Hanson, 22, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration. Hanson was arrested at 7:30 p.m. on May 8 following a large altercation on Liberty Street in the city wherein Hanson allegedly pushed a Batavia Police officer, who was attempting to separate those involved. Hanson was issued an appearance ticket for City Court for May 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Sarah L. Marcello, 24, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. She was arrested after city police responded to Liberty Street at 7:30 p.m. on May 8 for a report of several people fighting in the street. She was issued an appearance ticket for May 17 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Corina M. Gallo, 25, of Edward Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. She was arrested at 7:30 p.m. on May 8 after she allegedly was involved in a physical altercation in a public area. She was issued an appearance ticket for City Court for May 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Jessica L. Shannon, 19, of Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment. She was arrested at 7:30 p.m. on May 8 following an altercation of Liberty Street in the city. She allegedly had unwanted physical contact with another female. She was issued an appearance ticket for City Court for May 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Paul M. Wieclaw ll, 27, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and third-degree assault -- recklessly causing physical injury. He was arrested at 4 a.m. on May 8 following an incident wherein he allegedly pulled a female to the ground by her hair, which resulted in a laceration to her left ring finger. He was jailed on $1,000 bail and was to appear in City Court on May 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.  Also, it was determined on May 8 that Wieclaw had an arrest warrant out of City Court from January 2013 for a parking ticket for parking on a city street between the hours of 2 and 6 a.m. when it is unlawful to do so. That case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer James DeFreze.

Anthony Sanders, 34, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree strangulation, endangering the welfare of a child, and obstruction of government administration, 2nd. He was arrested at 6:30 p.m. on May 7 on charges stemming from an incident at 3 a.m. on May 3 wherein he allegedly strangled a female on South Main Street. He was jailed and due back in City Court May 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Julie L. Dutton, 21, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny. The charge stems from an incident at 8:57 p.m. on April 21 wherein it is alleged that Dutton took about $2,700 in cash from another person on Washington Avenue without having the right to do so. She was to be in City Court on May 10 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Kyle Robert Ratulowski, 20, of Route 5, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arraigned in City Court on May 11 on a petit larceny charge for allegedly stealing property at 1:30 a.m. on April 13 from a vehicle while it was parked on Veterans Administration property. He was returned to jail, where he is incarcerated on a variety of other theft charges. He is to answer this charge in Genesee County Court on May 24. The investigation was conducted by Sheriff's deputies Ryan Young and Andrew Hale and Investigator Bradley Mazur. The Genesee County Sheriff's Office was assisted by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis.

Donovan A. Forbes, 26, of Maple Street, Rochester, is charged with operating without lights, first-degree aggravated unlicensed operator, and unlicensed operator. He was arrested at 2:28 a.m. on May 8 on Harvester Avenue in the City of Batavia. During a traffic stop for operating a vehicle without headlights, it was found that Forbes was allegedly driving on a suspended, non-driver ID, with 20 suspensions on 10 dates. He was jailed without bail and ordered to return to City Counrt on May 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Michael J. Witkowski, 29, of Cherry Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested May 10 after allegedly punching a car window at 10 p.m. on April 30 on Cherry Street, causing it to shatter. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Andrew A. Crimes, 44, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt, with a prior conviction for criminal contempt. Crime was arrested at 6:19 a.m. on May 10 for an unspecified incident which occurred at 10:09 p.m. on May 9 on Bank Street. He was jailed without bail and was due in City Court later in the day on May 10 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

Rajea S. Thomas, of Concord Street, Rochester, is charged with speeding and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. Thomas was arrested following a traffic stop at 5:59 p.m. on May 8 on East Main Street in Batavia. Thomas was allegedly speeding and found to be driving on a suspended NYS driver's license. Thomas was to appear in City Court on May 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Edvin M. Hernandez, 40, of Reprise Terrace, Rockville, Md., is charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operator. He was arrested following a traffic stop at 9:01 p.m. on May 7 on East Main Street, Batavia. At that time, he was allegedly driving with suspended NYS driving privileges. He was released from custody after posting bail and to to be in City Court on May 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Steven J. Snyder, 26, of Northview Park, Attica, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and inadequate/defective headlamp. Synder was arrested at 8:49 p.m. on May 6 on South Swan Street in the City of Batavia following a traffic stop after it was observed that the passenger side headlamp was not working. Subsequently, it is alleged that Snyder was found to be in possession of marijuana. He was issued at appearance ticket for May 17 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Patrick M. Viscuso, 52, of Vernon Avenue, Batavia, is charged with two counts of uninspected motor vehicle, and illegal parking. He turned himself in on May 9. He had three active warrants for his arrest, all from parking infractions. He was released from custody after paying his fines, which dated from September 2004, October 2004 and February 2005, respectively. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Nicholas D. Martino, 35, of Main Street, Alexander, was arrested at 9:57 a.m. on May 6 on a bench warrant out of City Court following his failure to appear on a traffic summons issued in November 2014 on West Main Street, Batavia. He was to appear in City Court May 9.  The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Jordan M. Love, 25, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Love was arrested on a City Court warrant after failing to answer a traffic summons for allegedly operating a vehicle with a suspended registration on March 18. Love was released after posting bail and is to be in City Court on May 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Law and Order: Man who lives on Wolcott Street, Le Roy, arrested again on domestic violence charge

By Billie Owens
       Darik Orbaker

Darik R. Orbaker, 23, of 71 Wolcott St., Le Roy, (pictured right) was arrested April 20 by the Le Roy Police Department and charged with one count of aggravated family offense, a Class E felony, based on a domestic complaint. It is alleged that during the domestic disturbance, Orbaker damaged property and obstructed the breathing or blood circulation of a family member and has been previously convicted of one or more “specified offenses” against this or other family members within the previous five years. Orbaker was arraigned in the Town of Le Roy Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of bail. 

Trevor S. Rarick, 21, was arrested on May 8 by Troopers and charged with: unlawful possession of marijuana; driving while intoxicated; refusal of breath screening test; failure to comply with a lawful order of a police officer; and failure to stop at a stop sign. Rarick failed to stop at a stop sign in front of the Trooper at the intersection of Clinton Street and Clinton Park in the City of Batavia. He was stopped on Wade Street and Troopers immediately detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage. Rarick consented to the field sobriety tests, which he subsequently failed. He refused to consent to a breath sample. A scale covered with marijuana residue, a smoking pipe with marijuana residue and approximately seven grams of marihuana were allegedly located inside his vehicle. Rarick was transported to SP Batavia barracks for processing and was arraigned in the Town of Batavia Court and released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in the City of Batavia Court at a later date.

Meghan L. Daniels, 28, of York, was arrested by Troopers on May 11 and charged with shoplifting and unlawful possession of marijuana. Daniels allegedly took a candy bar worth $1.45, passing all points of sale and attempted to exit the Walmart Store. Troopers detected the odor of marijuana emanating from Daniels. A baggie containing approximately 10 grams of marijuana and a marijhuana grinder containing marijuana residue was allegedly located. Daniels was transported to SP Batavia barracks for processing. She was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Batavia Court on May 19.

Jenna A. Kavanagh, 23, of Rochester, was arrested by Troopers on May 8 and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Troopers detected a strong smell of marijuana emitting from the vehicle when Kavanagh was stopped for speeding on State Route 262. More than three grams of marijuana in multiple plastic vials was allegedly found inside a glass container. Kavanagh was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Byron Court on May 16 and a uniform traffic ticket was issued for speeding.

Josiah D. Kirby, 22, of Kenmore, was arrested by Corfu Village Police Officer Michael Petritz for unlawful possession of marijuana after a traffic stop for speeding on Route 77. Officer Petritz detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Kirby was allegedly found to be in possession of four marijuana cigarettes and a blue glass smoking pipe containing marijuana residue. Kirby was issued tickets and an appearance ticket returnable to the Village of Corfu on June 6.

Julio A. Bautista, 20, was arrested by Troopers on May 11 for trespass after he was warned on two separate occasions not to return to College Village by Security. Bautista was located in the parking lot of the property and was placed under arrest. He is scheduled to appear in the Town of Batavia Court on May 23.

Top Notre Dame seniors recognized for achievements

By Howard B. Owens

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia today honored a dozen students from Notre Dame High School today for academic and artistic achievement.

Receiving awards were: Ethan Osborne, Vocal Performance; James Farmer, Instrumental Performance; and Bryan Moscicki, who received the Citizenship Award.

The top academics in the senior class are Luca Charles Zambito, John William Sutherland, Emily J. Sherman, Jessica Lynn Bukowski, Nichol Marie Salvador, Emily Elizabeth Fischer, Joseph Thomas Bergman, Stephanie Lynn Pingrey, Cindy Sophia Skalny and Bryan Alexander Moscicki.

Several parents of the students also attended today's lunch.

Students from Batavia High School will be honored next Thursday.

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