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(Submitted photo of Ashley John Grillo.)

Press release:

After an extensive search that attracted nearly 40 qualified candidates, the Batavia City School District is pleased to announce that Mr. Ashley John Grillo has accepted the position as principal for Batavia Middle School, and will replace current principal Sandy Griffin who is retiring. Grillo will begin on July 1.

“When I saw the posting, and saw that the job was in Batavia, where I had enjoyed living for a few years, and for a position at the Middle School, which is a student population that I love working with, I knew I had to look at this opportunity,” he explained to staff, students, and parents who attended one of the two Meet & Greet sessions held at the Middle School for the final pair of job candidates.

A Holley native, Grillo earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the Rochester Institute of Technology, a Master of Science in Education from Nazareth College of Rochester, and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from SUNY Brockport.

He began his career in his hometown, teaching middle school science for seven years, then working as a “teacher on special assignment” for two years at Holley’s Middle School/High School. For the past four years, he has been the assistant principal at their elementary school.

Describing his core values, Grillo said he is dedicated to: collaboration and teamwork for building a dynamic learning environment; using data to inform and evaluate decisions; maintaining high standards for staff and students in setting expectations and achieving goals; and to equality as it applies to respecting diversity and providing opportunities for all learners to reach their potential.

During the meeting, in addition to emphasizing that he particularly enjoys working with the middle school age group, Grillo noted that the student demographics in Holley and Batavia are similar. He believes his extensive work and commitment to PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), his familiarity with, as well as his commitment to collaboration and excellence combine to make a very good fit with the needs and vision for Batavia Middle School.

We believe the Emergency Response Team has been dispatched to the area of State Street at Douglas Street after a report of a barricaded male subject. Law enforcement has established a perimeter.

We think the call may have started when two people were involved in what was described as a domestic situation on State Street, and subsequently one of the subjects barricaded himself inside a residence. Mercy medics and city fire are staging at State and Douglas.

Now emergency dispatch has switched to a secure law enforcement channel.

UPDATE 5:22 a.m.: A man who lives on State Street north of Douglas Street barricaded himself with a knife on the second floor of his residence. A tactical officer outfitted in full camoflage, armed with an assault rifle was stationed at the scene outside the house. A male neighbor family member was contacted to try and talk the subject into surrendering, which he did. The suspect was taken into custody a short time ago and officers are clearing the scene and opening the streets near the house, which had been shut down. Mercy medics and city fire are back in service.

UPDATE 6:15 a.m. (from news partner WBTA): Det. Sgt. Todd Crossett said law enforcement responded to a domestic incident at 252 State St. An officer was let in the front door by one of two brothers who had been arguing. The second brother approached the officer wielding a large kitchen knife and the officer said he felt very threatened. The brother who let the officer inside stepped between the knife-wielding brother and the officer; the officer and the brother had no other recourse but to retreat. "This could have ended very badly," Crossett said. "The officer showed great restraint." The knife-wielding brother went upstairs and refused to communicate with officers. The ERT was activated. Family members arrived at the scene. The subject was talked into coming downstairs, which he did but then retreated. He was coaxed down a second time and walked toward the front door and was then tased and taken into custody. Statements are being taken and an investigation is under way. It has not been determined if charges will be filed.

Photos courtesy of Jim Burns.

A man was reportedly lying in the middle of the road at State and Willow streets, then picked up and taken into a nearby residence. It's not known which residence. Law enforcement, Mercy medics and city fire are on scene. Authorities are trying to locate the man and determine his status.

Registration is currently under way for Youth Recreation programs with the Gillam Grant Community Center in Bergen.

The Spring and Summer programs open for registration include youth softball, baseball and soccer. These program are open to any youth regardless of school district or town.

To register or to learn more please visit www.gillamgrant.org/register.aspx. For additional assistance contact their offices at (585) 494-1621.

Kevin G. Viehdeffer, 55, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested March 7 at 6:30 p.m. following a complaint that he punched a staff member in the chest while being treated at the emergency room at UMMC. He is to appear in Batavia City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Brandon Michael-Eckerd Valdes, 27, of Burr Avenue, Binghampton, is charged with exposure of a person, second-degree harassment, obstruction and resisting arrest. He was arrested at 1:42 a.m. on March 12 after an incident that occurred a short time earlier on West Main Street, Batavia. He was jailed on $1,000 cash bail, or bond. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Patrick D. Neaverth, 35, no permanent address, was arrested on March 13 at 6:54 p.m. and charged with first-degree criminal contempt, third-degree criminal mischief, and second-degree burglary. He allegedly damaged a glass door and entered a residence. He was jailed without bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Brian Phillip Smith, 56, of Ellicott Street Road, Bethany, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. He was arrested on March 14 following an investigation into an alleged domestic disturbance that occurred on Feb. 28. Smith was allegedly found in possession of a stun gun. He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is to appear in Town of Bethany Court at a later date. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Chayse R. Brownlie, 19, of Maxon Road, Attica, is charged with DWI with a BAC of .08 or more, DWI, and no having no headlights. At about 3:05 a.m. on March 13, Brownlie was stopped on West Main Street in Batavia for driving without headlights. After further investigation, the driver was arrested for allegedly operating the vehicle while intoxicated. Brownlie is scheduled to appear in City Court at 9 a.m. on March 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Michael John Palvino, 25, of Stillmoon Crescent, Rochester, is charged with DWI with a BAC of .08 or greater, DWI, and speeding. He was stopped for allegedly speeding on Lewiston Road in Batavia at 1:01 p.m. on March 13. An investigation allegedly revealed he was intoxicated. He is to be in Batavia Town Court on April 7. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Thomas Sanfratello.

Brad L. Ohlson, 39, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. He was arrested March 12 at 5:15 p.m. following a verbal dispute wherein Ohlson allegedly used obscene language in the presence of several people, including multiple juveniles. He was jailed and bail set at $250. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Demetri C. Stewart, 23, of Lewis Place, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant and released after posting $100 bail. He is to appear in City Curt this afternoon on an unspecified charge stemming from an incident on Feb. 24 on West Main Street, Batavia. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

(Name redacted), 18, of Violet Lane, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The suspect was arrested on Donahue Road in Batavia following a traffic stop of a disabled vehicle. The suspect was allegedly found to possess a small amount of marijuana stored in the vehicle. The suspect was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court on March 28. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer.

There was a fire alarm at John Kenedy School around 10 a.m. this morning. Batavia Fire Department responded and shortly after their arrival the students were given the all clear to return to the building. 

News release:

The region’s largest seasonal employer is looking to fill 2,000 open positions across its operations, including amusement park, water park, lodging, entertainment, food, and retail departments. 

Darien Lake has already begun accepting applications for the upcoming season with some positions starting as early as April. The park will open for the 2016 season on May 7 with full, daily operations beginning June 20.

Darien Lake will be hosting an open job fair at the Park’s Lodge on the Lake Hotel on Saturday, March 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information about the job fair visit www.darienlake.com/jobs.  

Interviews for the following positions will be held during the job fair: food service, park services, games, admissions, ride operations, lifeguards, rentals, warehouse, retail, hotel/campground, attractions, and security officers. 

“With another thrilling new ride and continued expansion at the park this season, we’re in need of even more energetic and fun-loving employees than ever before,” said Darien Lake General Manager Chris Thorpe. “We’re seeking friendly, ambitious applicants of all backgrounds who are interested in helping us create memorable experiences for our guests.” 

Over the objections of three Batavia City Council members, a dozen city hall management employees will get a pay raise on April 1.

The objections came in the form of “no” votes on the 2016-2017 city budget and a separate resolution authorizing the 2.75-percent pay increase.

Voting against the budget and the pay raise for the managers, not covered by a union contract, were council members: Paul Viele, Ward 1; Kathy Briggs, Ward 5, and Rose Mary Christian, Ward 6.

Ward 4 Councilman Al McGinnis was absent from the meeting.

“I just couldn’t support the pay raise right now,” Viele said, “not that they don’t deserve it, but taxpayers deserve a raise, too. We’ll see what happens next year.”

Another resolution to increase the hourly rate of part-time and seasonal employees from $9 per hour to $9.31 was passed with Viele, Briggs and Christian voting no. Christian and Viele also voted no to a 3-percent increase in water rates.

The $16.3-million budget called for a tax levy of $5.1 million, which translate into a tax rate increase of .8 percent. The budget becomes effective on April 1.

Thomas Alan Alexander, 53, of Lake Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested on March 13 following the investigation of a harassment complaint on Lake Street Road in the Town of Le Roy. He allegedly slammed a female into a wall causing physical injury. He is to appear in Le Roy Town Court on March 28.

Nolan Robert Powless, 18, of East Center Street, Medina, is charged with: second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation; being an unlicensed operator; and having a plate lamp violation. He was arrested on a bench warrant out of Town of Batavia Court for allegedly failing to appear for court. The charges stem from a traffic stop on Jan. 12. He is scheduled to be in Town of Batavia Court on April 6.

For at least two weeks, I'm going to be unable to do much work.

Friday morning I was diagnosed with a detached retina in my right eye. I'm having surgery this morning. I get to spend the next week in a constant facedown position. It will be at least two, possibly three, weeks before I can return to work.

Billie is going to step up and provide more news coverage. Our corps of freelance contributors are also ready to pitch in, as is our news partner WBTA.

You can help, too: If you there is something going on you think others in the community will be interested in knowing about, email photos and information to billie@thebatavian.com.

Anything related to advertising support, contact Lisa Ace at lisa@thebatavian.com.

I'll have access to e-mail. I'll forward anything work related to Billie or Lisa.

As for me, I'll be fine. It's not going to be fun, but I get to catch up on all the movies and documentaries on Netflix that I never have time to watch. There's also the NCAA tournament starting, which I usually can only watch portions of here and there.

Robbery this morning in the Village of Oakfield.
Genesee County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a robbery of the 7-11 Store in on Main Street in Oakfield.
Deputies say two masked men entered the store about 2:30 this morning.
They forced the store clerk into a back room and demanded the code for the cash register.
The two then scooped up cash and fled the building.
The clerk was not injured.
Deputies said the thugs displayed some type of object during the heist but did not describe it as a weapon.

Even the Easter Bunny needs helpers.

About two dozen of them gathered at the Le Roy Moose Family Center on Saturday morning, to prepare for the upcoming community Easter Egg Hunt.

The free event draws hundreds of children every year. But before the hunting, comes the stuffing.

And so about 6,600 multicolored plastic eggs were filled with candy on Saturday.

The roster of helpers once again included Marlene McMahon — who has participated every Easter season for 20 years — as well as representatives of the Moose, Le Roy Business Council, Knights of Columbus, American Legion and Rotary Club of Le Roy; and students from Le Roy and Notre Dame high schools.

Oatka Fish and Game Club and Northwoods Sportsman Club helped pay for candy. Nearly 20,000 pieces were placed in the eggs.

The Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for 1 p.m. March 26 and will include an appearance by the Easter Bunny, hot dogs, prizes and more. The event is for children 12 and under, who are divided by age group.

There is no charge. Everything — from eggs and candy, to food and labor — is provided by volunteers.

“They make it happen,” said Bob Bennett, president of the Business Council, which coordinates the event.

Marlene McMahon has helped prepare for Le Roy's Easter Egg Hunt ever year for 20 years.

Patrick Spear received the Firefighter of the Year award from Deputy Chief Dan Coffey on Saturday night during the Town of Batavia Fire Department's annual banquet at the Clarion Hotel.

The department responded to 317 calls in 2015. An average of 10.8 volunteers responded to each call and total man hours spent on calls exceeded 25,000. The volunteers also attended 76 training sessions.

"I think those are some pretty impressive numbers when you think about how we all have jobs, we all have families, we all have other obligations to attend to," Coffey said. "I truly want to give you guys a round of applause. We wouldn't be successful without that dedication."

Gary Diegelman​ was recognized for his 40 years of service to the department.

William Zipfel was recognized for his 45 years of service to the department.

Doug Yeomans took this picture. It's of the metal dragon sculpture on Transit Road in Bethany, Pavilion sunrise, yesterday morning.

CORRECTION: A reader, admittedly being nitpicky, wrote to say this dragon actually sits on the Pavilion side of Transit Road, not the Bethany side.

A person is reportedly lost in the woods and may be suffering from hypothermia in the area of 3094 W. Main Street Road (Route 5), Town of Batavia. East Pembroke Fire Department (it's in their fire district) is on scene, along with Sheriff's deputies, and Alexander fire's Gator is called to respond along with Mercy medics. The person is on the south side of a creek. Mercy Flight is on standby.

UPDATE 938 p.m.: Two men were in a raft on the creek when one fell in the water and became submerged. The other man tried to help him out of the water using an oar/paddle, but this proved difficult and he called for help. The guy who fell in the water was transported to the hospital for evaluation. The other was a sign off.

Le Roy Police officers have detained two white males estimated to be about 18 years old in connection with a criminal mischief complaint about a half hour ago. A caller reported that two teenaged boys on BMX-style bikes rode by a business on Myrtle Main Street and threw rocks, which broke a window. The suspects were apprehended on Main Street within minutes and are said to be well known to local law enforcement. Authorities have contacted a representative of Municipal Solutions, a management consulting service in the Village, to make the person aware of damages. One of the youths is wanted by Attica PD, which has been contacted and a meeting is being arranged for them to pick up that person.

UPDATE AND CLARIFICATION: The two teens were juveniles and will not be charged criminally.  The incident occurred on Main Street, not Myrtle. There was no warrant and there was no meet up with Attica PD.

Press release:

With the continued increase in the number of influenza cases at United Memorial Medical Center and in the community, the Hospital will be strictly following established visitor guidelines and implementing restrictions in order to safeguard the health of our patients.

Effective March 10, patients at United Memorial will be allowed only two (2) visitors at one time. No visitors under the age of 14 years will be allowed. Individuals with a sore throat, runny nose, fever, or other influenza type symptoms should not visit patients.

As an organization we understand the importance of loved ones and friends in the healing process. Exceptions to the visitor policy must be approved by the unit manager or nursing supervisor prior to the visitor’s arrival at the hospital. These restrictions have been put into place to protect those with weakened or fragile immune systems and those who care for them, from harm during the influenza outbreak.

Everyone should remember to use appropriate hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette to prevent the spread of influenza. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, sore throat, cough or nasal congestion. Individuals with fever over 100.5˚F and any of the symptoms listed are urged to stay home, seek medical advice as necessary and limit the number of people exposed. Individuals with influenza are contagious for 24 hours prior to exhibiting symptoms.

The hospital is located at 127 North St. in the City of Batavia.

Press release:

When the Tech Wars come to Genesee Community College next week, more than 600 students from 18 regional middle and high schools will literally "commandeer" the campus. From the Regatta held in the swimming pool to the SUMO Bots, Catapults and Bridge Designs in the Forum; the Robotic Tractor Pull in the gym; the Rube Goldberg competition in the Cafeteria; and the Sculpture event in the Student Union-GCC loves hosting the Tech Wars!

The event so dominates the College's Batavia Campus that it must be scheduled during GCC's academic Spring Break to allow Tech Wars ample space for the all the hands-on learning competitions that are both fun and fascinating.

The exciting Tech Wars is happening Thursday, March 17, and is hosted by the College's ACE (Accelerated College Enrollment) Program for students in the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties) region. This will be the ninth year that the event brings area middle and high school students to GCC's Batavia campus where teams of students work collaboratively to demonstrate their technical expertise through innovative, mind-expanding competitions.

The students arrive on GCC's Batavia Campus at 8:30 a.m., with the competitions scheduled to run from 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony luncheon from 12:30 to 1 p.m.

Students participate in a variety of challenges, generally in groups of two or more. Some of the competitions involve bringing projects they've been working on to campus. New this year is VEX Robotics Company providing a demonstration in tandem VRC Tournament (www.RobotEvents.com), a global competition involving students from colleges and universities around the world, which future students may want to participate in.

"Each year, organizers try to introduce new technology and new problem solving challenges, and this year is no different," Debbie Dunlevy, GCC Career Pathways director, said. "We are definitely covering some new ground by giving students the broadest perspective for their interests and efforts. Tech Wars help students understand what it takes to collaborate successfully and also sheds light on the types of careers paths they might pursue in the not too distant future."

With 30 different events, students will be challenged in an array of technologies. The 2016 Middle School events include: Bridge Design, Catapult Design, CO2 Car and Truck Race, the walk-in Design Challenge, Tech Wars Logo Design, Mousetrap Car, Mystery Project, Rube Goldberg and Sculpture Event designing an amusement ride. The 2016 High School events Bridge Design, Architectural Design in CAD, CO2 Car and Truck Challenge, DDP Manual Drafting, King of the Hill, Logo, Mystery Project, On Site CAD Project, Regatta, Reverse Engineered CAD Drawing, Robotic Tractor Pull, Sculpture Event, SUMO Bots and Trebuchet, which must launch a projectile at a given target 40 feet away.

For the rules and details on all these competitions, go to http://www.techwarsgcc.org/.

The event would not be possible without significant sponsorships. At the $500 (or more) level are Amada Machine Tools America, Inc., Graham Corporation, Liberty Pumps and Northeast Technologies, Inc. Other sponsors include DWB Enterprises, Inc., Lee Schuknecht & Sons, and the Varysburg Lions Club.

"The support of these businesses is essential to creating a successful event for all participants," Dunlevy said. "We thank them for their investment, and for supporting what could be their future employees."

The ACE Program's Career Pathways helps students explore career options and make a smooth transition from high school to college and ultimately to professional careers. Tech Wars is among several dynamic programs giving students the opportunity to learn hands-on, often in business settings and with industry professionals.

For more information, please contact Debbie Dunlevy, Genesee Community College Career Pathways program director at 585-343-0055, ext. 6316 or dkdunlevy@genesee.edu.

Press release:

Distance barriers and transportation issues are no longer obstacles for Genesee Community College students at the Batavia Campus Center seeking access to medical services. With its partnership through Genesee Urgent Care, the College’s Health Services is pleased to now offer telemedicine, technology that provides clinical health care at a distance.

Through the use of video exchange, telemedicine provides patients with access to a licensed medical professional in real time, regardless of where they are located. Developments in telemedicine technology have opened the doors of possibilities, adding tools such as a stethoscope and ophthalmoscope that integrate simply through a USB port. These tools allow patients to be seen for low level and primary care, as well as interface capabilities with specialists. Telemedicine can share X-ray images with orthopedics and electrocardiograms with cardiologists. These advancements not only improve access, but also reduce costs and improve quality.

“While access to the Telemedicine Network is currently only available to students at the Batavia campus, the intent is to grow this to GCC’s other campus centers as well,” said Genesee Urgent Care President Melissa Marsocci.

Students interested in being covered under the telemedicine technology through Genesee Urgent Care will need to purchase one of two available plans. A basic plan, costing $60 per semester, covers a student with unlimited telemedicine access to a licensed medical provider for illnesses including cold and cough, flu, sinus infection, sore throat, urinary tract infection, rash and poison ivy, pink eye, sexually transmitted diseases, mono and bee stings. The plan also includes diagnostic tests through lab work. Lab tests that are covered include pregnancy, mono spot, rapid strep, RSV and influenza. Any additional lab testing would have to be sent out, and the student would be billed for the cost.

An additional plan is available starting at $300 and includes the same coverage as the basic plan, in addition to injuries such as fractures, dislocations, minor eye problems, sprains and strains, cuts and lacerations and burns. The plan also includes additional diagnostic tests, providing lab work, X-ray and EKG.   

Covered students in need of medical services that utilize the telemedicine technology will need to check in with Health Services at the Batavia Campus in room B109. The technology, a Polycom device known as an HDX4500, is used to “call” the urgent care center where the patient and attending nurse can see and hear the urgent care staff. In instances where prescriptions are necessary, providers from the urgent care center can e-script the medication to the student’s pharmacy of choice. Some pharmacies include the option of delivery service, providing students a full medical experience without ever having to leave campus.

For additional information on Genesee Urgent Care, telemedicine and coverage plans available to GCC students, visit http://www.geneseeurgent.com/gcc-plans.html.