This animation from ECMWF shows the projection for ultra-cold air (the dark blue/green areas) associated with a polar vortex rotating into the United States.
This could lead to much colder temperatures over the next 10 to 15 days, forecasters say.
Potentially good news for us, the cold air is expected to moderate somewhat as it shifts eastward.
Community members, young and old, are eligible to participate in the Ellicott Trail project logo competition that has been set up by the bicycle/pedestrian path’s steering committee.
Three cash prizes -- $100 for first place, $75 for second and $25 for third -- are being offered to those who submit the logos that are judged the best to represent the 4.6-mile trail that will run from Seven Springs Road to Pearl Street Road (Route 33).
A story about Tuesday night’s public information meeting can be found below.
The new logo will be used in a variety of ways, including but not limited to, all-weather exterior signs, way-finding maps, stainless steel sidewalk emblems and, eventually, banners, stickers and fliers.
The contest calls for submissions to be simple, single-color designs that can be converted into stainless steel emblems. Every entry must include the trail’s official name or initials (or both), and include a graphic element or design. Entries should be approximately 8-inches by 8-inches.
“We’re looking for the logo to be fairly simplistic – not overly intricate,” said Thomas Lichtenthal Jr., project coordinator.
Submission guidelines are as follows:
-- Send hard copies to Lisa Casey, City of Batavia, One Batavia City Centre, Batavia, NY 14020;
-- Electronic submittals to lcasey@batavianewyork.com, emailed as JPG files, no smaller than 500KB and no larger than 3MB;
-- No limit to the number of entries one person or team can submit;
-- No entries will be returned, and winning entry becomes the exclusive property of the City and Town of Batavia for its unlimited use;
-- All entries must include the designer’s name, address, phone number, email and age;
-- Questions should be directed to Donna Rae Sutherland, at 585-343-0055, ext. 6616, or dsutherland@genesee.edu.
Deadline for all entries is Jan. 30.
Graphic above depicts possible logos -- example, the E and T on each side of railroad tracks.
It was story time with Santa at the Richmond Memorial Library last night.
Photo courtesy Adam Tabelski.
A 4.6-mile, east-west pedestrian and bicycle path known as the Ellicott Trail is at the halfway point to completion, according to the coordinator of the $1.7-million venture that will traverse through roads, parks, wetlands and abandoned railway beds in the Town and City of Batavia.
Speaking at a public information meeting on Tuesday night at the City Centre Council Chambers, Thomas Lichtenthal Jr., Town of Batavia highway superintendent and assistant engineer, said the project is on schedule.
“We hope to be on the path (pun intended) by late summer or early fall of next year,” Lichtenthal (in photo at top) said to about two dozen people in attendance. “And we’d like to see it finished before Christmas, hopefully by Thanksgiving.”
Lichtenthal’s presentation took the audience from one end of the trail to the other, pointing out specific tasks that need to be done at various points. The trail’s eastern entrance will be on Seven Springs Road, near the new Oakwood Hills subdivision, and its western entrance will be on Pearl Street Road, in the vicinity of River Street.
In between, it will pass over a refurbished existing bridge over the CSX railway off of East Main Street Road, wind its way through DeWitt Park off Cedar Street (where a “boardwalk” will move bikers and walkers over wetlands there), move on to Lions Park and Elmwood Cemetery, travel down Ellicott Street Road, behind the proposed Ellicott Station development, across a new trail bridge on Walnut Street over the Tonawanda Creek, and past Williams Park to Pearl Street Road.
But before all that can happen, construction crews have much dirt to move and concrete to pour as plans include the construction of a 10-foot wide stone dust trail on the off-road sections and a 10-foot wide sidewalk on the road sections.
Furthermore, right-of-way agreements (easements) with owners of about 16 private properties that are affected by the trail need to be signed, Lichtenthal noted.
“We are talking to property owners, and letting them know what needs to be done,” he said. “All right-of-way owners (and several of them were at the meeting) are on board with the project at this point.”
The Town of Batavia is acting as lead agency for the project, which is being funded for the most part – 80 percent -- by a New York State Department of Transportation grant. The Town of Batavia and City of Batavia are contributing 10 percent each.
A Municipal Facility Grant of $250,000 acquired through the efforts of Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer will pay for the new bridge on Walnut Street, Lichtenthal said, while a portion of funds from a Genesee County Parks Department capital project will pay for the boardwalk at DeWitt Park.
Lichtenthal said the trail will be populated by sidewalk way-finding signs and bicycle route signs, and will be open only during daylight hours – dawn to dusk.
He said providing clear directions and making sure those who use the trail are safe are priorities. He and Matthew Worth, director of public works for the City of Batavia, are working together on the signage details.
“With the on-road segments, the big thing with that is going to be way-finding – to let the people know that if you’re on the trail, you’re on the trail, and to be able to follow that trail all the way through the city so that you don’t get lost as you’re making your way from one end to the other,” he said.
City Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian said she was in favor of the project but was concerned about the safety of pedestrians and bikers, especially those who may be in need of help.
Lichtenthal and Worth responded by stating that fire, medical and police vehicles will be able to drive on the trail – except over the Walnut Street bridge – and that city police will employ their bicycle patrols during the spring and summer months. Otherwise, no motor vehicles will be allowed on the trail.
An Edward Street resident said parking and traffic in his neighborhood when Batavia Youth Football League games are being played at Lions Park would make it tough on those using the trail. Worth said city and football officials are talking about relocating the games to a “more suitable” location.
The trail’s main purpose, in Lichtenthal’s view, is to provide an alternative mode of transportation for those wanting to go shopping or enjoy time at city parks.
“Or you can use this as a physical exercise trail … you’ve got 4.6 miles,” he said. “If you go from one end to the other, you’ve got nine miles available for walking and physical fitness.”
He said the primary challenges deal with the off-road sections.
“They’re old, abandoned railroads that haven’t been maintained (and) there’s a lot of tree growth, culverts; there’s all kinds of stuff on those off-road sections that we need to improve those to make this … an off-road experience that’s pleasurable,” he noted.
For Jacob Bodway, a city resident affiliated with the WNY Mountain Biking Association, the Ellicott Trail project is a key tool in attracting Millennials to Batavia.
“If you want to draw young professionals to a community, this is a way to do it,” he said, adding that future plans to extend the trail to Le Roy and also further west will result in people from outside the area coming to use it.
With two of eight milestones on the project timetable in the books (stakeholder meeting and public meeting), the next steps are the submission of the trail’s reevaluation statement by Dec. 9 and advanced detail plans by Jan. 6. Final plans are scheduled to be submitted by February and right-of-way acquisitions completed by March. Bidding on construction is set to take place in April, with work starting in June.
Press release:
The City of Batavia Police Department is asking for help in locating a person of interest in the shooting that occurred on 12/02/2016 in front of 107 Jackson St. The Batavia Police Department is attempting to locate Jeremy Armstrong (A.K.A. "Boog") for questioning in this case. Jeremy is described as a light-skinned male black about 5’10”- 6’ with a thin build. He has a deformity to his right ear and also to one of his hands.
If seen, do not confront. Call 9-1-1 immediately. You may also contact the Batavia Police confidential tip line at 345-6370, or Det. Sgt. Crossett at 345-6353.
The South team, comprised mostly of Batavia-area bowlers, won the annual Karl Marth Cup bowling match on Saturday at Medina Lanes, ending the North squad's five-year winning streak.
From left are Brett Van Duser, Matt Slocum, Joe Trigilio, Dean Cadieux Jr., Geoff Harloff, Paul Spiotta, Ed Doody, Fred Gravanda, Rick Saunders, Jim Pursel, Gregg Wolff and Mike Pettinella.
Click on the Pin Points link at the top of this page for more details on the match, and for high scores from league play last week.
A hunter has reportedly fallen from his tree stand and is hanging by his safety harness at a location in Darien State Park.
The call came in through a third party.
Dispatchers are trying to determine his exact location.
Darien fire and ambulance are dispatched along with Mercy EMS.
UPDATE 12:49 p.m.: Corfu fire requested to the scene to assist with manpower for a search. Staging is at the Sumner Road entrance.
UPDATE 12:55 p.m.: Mutual aid requested from Alexander fire and Bennington fire and their utility vehicles.
UPDATE(S) 1:28 p.m. (By Billie): Another hunter has found the victim and told first responders.
UPDATE 1:32 p.m.: The patient is on the ground now.
UPDATE 2:03 p.m.: The hunter was helped to the ground by the hunter who found him. He has a possible ankle injury and is being transported to UMMC. East Pembroke Fire Department's new ATV, which went into service today, was deployed and transported the patient from the woods to the ambulance.
Press release:
Batavia cheerleading will be hosting its annual youth cheerleading camp Friday, Dec. 16, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 17, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Batavia Middle School gymnasium.
The cost is $25 and each participant will learn cheers, a dance, jumps and stunts. Each cheerleader will also receive a camp T-shirt. All participants are invited to perform at the Christmas tournament held at Genesee Community College on Tuesday, Dec. 27, for the halftime show.
Registrations will be taken at the door, but it is best to send registrations in ahead of time. Please submit name, age, T-shirt size, emergency contact name and phone number and email address. Please send cash or check (payable to Batavia Cheerleading Boosters) to Batavia City Schools Attention: Cheerleading 260 State St., Batavia, NY 14020
Please email Bataviacheerleading@gmail.com for any additional questions.
Visit our page on Facebook: Batavia Cheerleading
Stacey Dawn Mancuso, 46, of Jamison Road, Elma, is charged with two counts of felony DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and no right and no left turn signal. Mancuso was stopped at 2:22 p.m. Sunday on Pratt Road, Batavia, by Deputy Richard Schildwaster. A passenger in the vehicle was reportedly 5 years old, leading to a charge under Leandra's Law. She also allegedly had a prior DWI conviction within the past 10 years. She was jailed on $10,000 bail.
Daniel John Moore, 36, of Asbury Road, Pavilion, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 4th. Moore was arrested after deputies responded to a report of a domestic incident in Pavilion at 8:10 a.m., Nov. 30. Moore allegedly had physical contact during the argument with a person who had called 9-1-1 and Moore allegedly terminated the 9-1-1 call. He reportedly left the scene before deputies arrived and was later located that night and arrested.
Dylan Michael Cobernus, 20, of Maxon Street, Brockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speeding. Cobernus was stopped at 10:37 p.m. Wednesday on Route 98, Elba, by Deputy Ryan DeLong.
Devan Dashaun Hazel, 22, of Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with trespassing. Hazel is accused of trespassing on College Village property at 5:43 a.m. Sunday.
A 17-year-old resident of Harris Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd, criminal impersonation, 2nd, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument and unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was arrested following an investigation by Deputy Micheal Lute into an incident reported at 11:30 p.m. Dec. 5 on Route 77 in Pembroke. The youth was jailed on $2,500 bail or $5,000 bond.
Taheed Mical Moffett, 31, of Arnet Boulevard, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal use of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of marijuana. Moffett was arrested after deputies were dispatched at 12:11 a.m. to the Econo Lodge on Route 77, Pembroke, to check the welfare of an individual.
These pictures are a few days old. Glenn Adams just sent them in and they're too good not to share.
They are from Thursday. This is Mike Randall playing the part of Charles Dickens as he re-enacts a reading of "A Christmas Carol" at the Corfu Free Library.
Press release:
This past Sunday, St. Joseph students in grades 4, 5 and 6 participated in the Third Annual X-STREAM Games and Expo at St. Joseph Collegiate Institute in Buffalo. Their fifth-grade team participated in the Science Scrimmage Competition, which consisted of building bridges and catapults. Their sixth-grade teams participated in the Shark Tank Competition. Their inventions were The “Crutch Carrier 2000” and The “Crazy Cone.” Their fourth-grade team won the “Love is in the Baking” Kitchen Chemistry Cook-off Competition! Congratulations to all these students and their teachers for the time and hard work that was put into preparing for this day!
Press release:
The Genesee County 4-H Youth Development Program will be offering the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program to local youth ages 14 to 18. This course will qualify youth to be certified to operate farm equipment for hire. The course is scheduled to run Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, beginning in January and running through March.
The training program encompasses 32 hours of hands-on instruction. Upon the completion of the training, each student will be required to take a 50-question knowledge test with a minimum passing score of 70 percent. Students who successfully pass the knowledge test will be permitted to take the Skills and Driving tests. After passing both the written test and driving tests, students ages 14 and 15 will receive their formal certification from U.S. Department of Labor, all others will receive a certificate of completion.
The fee for the course is $25; youth are also required to be current enrolled 4-H members.
To request a registration packet or more information please call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County at 343-3040, ext. 101, or email: genesee4h@cornell.edu.
Dan’s Tire & Auto is making your tire buying experience plain and simple. We won’t be undersold. We will BEAT anybody’s price on comparable tires, plain and simple.
We want your tire business, plain and simple. After 35 years there’s one thing we’ve learned, keep it plain and simple and everybody wins. Stop in, call or email to get a quote and set up your appointment.
Dan’s Tire & Auto Service Center, 48 Batavia City Centre, Batavia, NY 14020 • (585) 343-7210. Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. & Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Visit us online at: www.danstire.com or email: dan@danstire.com
Must mention posting on the The Batavian at time of service. Offer applies to four new tire purchase. For aspect ratios below 50 and rim diameters 19” and higher additional mounting and balancing charges apply. Alignment includes toe-in adjustments only. Most vehicles. Cannot be combined with any other promotional offers, discounts or coupons.
Patricia Guy, 68, of Yonkers, is charged with five counts of offering a false instrument for filing, 1st, and one count of grand larceny. The former Batavia resident is accused of claiming more people living in her residence than were actually living there, allowing her to collect more in food stamps than she was eligible to receive. The alleged falsified forms were filed between July 2012 and January 2015. She is accused of receiving benefits she wasn't entitled to of $1,474.47. She was arrested by Deputy James Diehl following an investigation by Michael Kowalczyk, principal fraud investigator for DSS.
A 16-year-old resident of Ridge Road, Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and inadequate exhaust. The youth was stopped on Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, at 7:41 p.m. Friday by Deputy Eric Meyer.
A former JCPenney employee admitted in County Court today to stealing nearly $5,000 from the company's local department store earlier this year but can avoid prison time if she stays out of trouble for a year.
Danielle S. Cervone, 20, of Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, made full restitution to the store, $4,705, as a condition of accepting the plea offer from District Attorney Lawrence Friedman.
She entered a guilty plea to grand larceny, 3rd.
Cervone, out of jail on her own recognizance since her arrest, will be sentenced Jan. 31. According to the plea deal, she will be on interim supervision for one year. If she abides by the terms and conditions of probation, she will be able to withdraw her plea to the Class D felony and plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of petit larceny with no agreement on sentencing.
Batavia Downs hosted its first ever Winterfest on Sunday and more than 2,000 people turned out.
Attractions included pictures with Santa, mini-golf, a ride on a horse-drawn carriage and a holiday movie.
Press release:
Members of the Arc of Genesee Orleans Board of Directors, a nonprofit that is a resource of choice for people with disabilities and their families for both Genesee and Orleans counties, accept a $2,500 check as winner of Tompkins Bank of Castile’s second Community Minute Challenge.
Through the social media contest, the public voted for select not-for-profits in Genesee, Orleans, Livingston, Monroe and Wyoming counties.
From the left are: John McKenna, president & CEO of Tompkins Bank of Castile; Kevin Graham, CFO of Arc; Shelly Kordish, director of Education Services; Carolyn Dawson, director of Administrative Services; Jill Pegelow, director of Community Services; Patricia Kepner, director of Quality/Compliance; Donna Saskowski, executive director.
We would like to thank the organizations that participated in this round and who continue to do great work in our community: ARC of Genesee and Orleans County, Arts Council of Wyoming County, Big Springs Historical Society, Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing, GCASA, and Mercy Flight Central. A third round of this contest will launch in early 2017 with details posted to Tompkins Bank of Castile’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/TompkinsBankofCastile).
City firefighters are continuing to collect Toys for Tots at the Fire Hall on Evans Street, Batavia.
Photo: via City of Batavia Firefighters - IAFF Local 896
Copyright © 2008-2022 The Batavian. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
