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Three arrests reported at Beck concert

By Billie Owens

Three people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Beck concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, Aug. 13. They were issued appearance tickets for Aug. 27 in Darien Town Court.

Michael L. Bauer, age 33, of William Street, Cheektowaga, arrested for second-degree harassment and fourth-degree criminal mischief after allegedly punching another patron and breaking their eyeglasses in the parking lot.  

Wendy M. A. Woite, age 20, of Chateau Terrace, Snyder, arrested for false personation after allegedly providing a false driver's license.  

Luke D. Wilson, age 19, of West Miller Street, Newark, arrested for trespass after allegedly climbing on top of a vending building inside the concert venue.

UMMC earns 2019 Patient Safety Excellence Award, in top 10 percent of short-term acute care hospitals

By Billie Owens

Press release:

United Memorial Medical Center, of Rochester Regional Health, in Batavia announced today that it is a recipient of the Healthgrades 2019 Patient Safety Excellence AwardTM.

This distinction places United Memorial Medical Center among the top 10 percent of all short-term acute care hospitals reporting patient safety data as evaluated by Healthgrades, the leading online resource for information about physicians and hospitals.

“We’re bringing the same level of care you would expect in a big city hospital here to Batavia,” said United Memorial Medical Center President Dan Ireland. “Our patients deserve to have great care close to home.”

During the study period (2015 to 2017), Healthgrades 2019 Patient Safety Excellence Award recipient hospitals demonstrated excellent performance in safety provided for patients in the Medicare population, as measured by objective outcomes (risk-adjusted patient safety indicator rates) for 14 patient safety indicators defined by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

Healthgrades found that patients treated in hospitals receiving the Patient Safety Excellence Award were, as compared to patients at non-recipients hospitals, on average*:

  • 55.9 percent less likely to experience an accidental cut, puncture, perforation or hemorrhage during medical care.
  • 50.9 percent less likely to experience a collapsed lung due to a procedure or surgery in or around the chest.
  • 64.4 percent less likely to experience pressure sores or bed sores acquired in the hospital.
  • 57 percent less likely to experience catheter-related bloodstream infections acquired at the hospital.

In addition, if all hospitals in the country performed at the level of award recipients for each of the 14 Patient Safety Indicators, 127,667 patient safety events could have been avoided.*

“We are proud to recognize the recipients of the 2019 Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award, which shines a spotlight on the hospitals that are preventing the occurrence of serious, potentially avoidable complications, for patients during their hospital stay,” said Brad Bowman, MD, chief medical officer, Healthgrades. “We applaud these hospitals and their commitment to providing the best possible care for every patient.” 

Two UMMC service lines received the Healthgrades five-star rating for 2019.

  • Orthopaedics, for the total hip replacement program
  • Gastrointestinal, for treatment of gastrointestinal bleed

“Awards and accolades like these are meaningful because they are a reflection of United Memorial Medical Center’s and Rochester Regional Health’s commitment to constant improvement,” Ireland added.

“Throughout the entire region, our health system has an ongoing commitment to improving quality and safety. We share expertise and best practices with each other so all of our patients can benefit.”

View Healthgrades hospital quality methodologies.

*Statistics are calculated from Healthgrades Patient Safety Ratings and Excellence Award methodology which is based primarily on AHRQ technical specifications (Version 5e and 2018) to MedPAR data for years 2015 through 2017 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only.

Photo: There are lawns to mow

By Howard B. Owens

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Billy Truitt, who cuts a few lawns on the side, said he's been doing it this way for years -- dragging his lawnmower along local streets -- in the case Ellicott Avenue -- going from one lawn-cutting job to another.

Mark Your Calendar: Batavia Walk to End Alzheimer's is Sept. 21

By Billie Owens

From the Alzheimer's Association of WNY:

The Batavia Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21.

It is part of the global Walk to End Alzheimer’s -- the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to noon, approximately 750 individuals from the greater Genesee County area — family members, caregivers, employers, friends and persons living with dementia — will honor all those impacted by the disease and fight for a world without Alzheimer’s.

Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation at 278 Bank St. in Batavia is hosting the event, which begins and ends there.

Proceeds from the walk ensure the Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter can continue to provide supportive services and education at no cost, while raising awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and Association services all across the Genesee Valley.

While there is no fee to register or participate, we strongly encourage participants to fundraise to contribute to the cause and the Chapter offers a number of tools and materials to help with fundraising.

The Center’s outdoor park offers space to enjoy snacks and refreshments, visit with local vendors, and buy basket and 50/50 raffle tickets, while the roughly two-mile walk route offers a pleasant stroll through a lovely neighborhood.

Register today at alz.org/Walk and start fundraising to earn terrific incentives, including the 2019 purple Walk T-shirt.

Please call (716) 626-0600 or 800-272-3900 with any questions.

Concrete truck rollover reported on Alexander Road, Batavia

By Billie Owens

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A concrete truck rolled on its side and is in a ditch on the east side of 9015 Alexander Road, Batavia. It is believed that a tire on the truck blew out. The location is between Rose Road and Pike Road.

Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics.

UPDATE 2:33 p.m.: The sole occupant, the driver, is up and walking around. The accident is not blocking traffic.

UPDATE 3:12 p.m.: The truck was carrying 55,000 pounds of mixed concrete. After the truck blew a tire and the accident occurred, the mixing barrel holding the concrete became detached from the truck at the back end. This requires the tow service to cut the front housing of the barrel so it can be separated from the truck and the barrel and the truck can be hauled away separately.

UPDATE 4:46 p.m.: Town of Batavia Fire Department is requested back to the accident scene to assist with traffic control to facilitate the tow.

UPDATE 5:04 p.m.: Route 98 (Alexander Road) is shut down between Pike and Rose roads until the damaged cement truck can be hauled away.

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Kitten bonanza at Petco this Sunday

By Billie Owens

It will be raining kittens at Petco from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Sunday, Aug. 18.

Kittens of all colors, shapes, sizes, personalities, males and females will be visiting Petco from their foster homes. Foster parents will be on hand to answer any questions and help you find the purrrfect kitty friend!

Volunteers for Animals will be accepting adoption applications on kittens not yet old enough for adoption.

Kittens ready for forever homes will be $60, which includes vaccines, testing, and neutering or spaying.

Petco is located at 4226 Veterans Memorial Drive in Towne Center at Batavia.

End of summer, Labor Day weekend impaired driving crackdown starts today

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County STOP-DWI coordinator announced today that the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of Le Roy Police Department will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving during the end of summer and on Labor Day weekend.

While we spend the Labor Day holiday and the end of summer celebrating with our loved ones, law enforcement officers across New York State will take to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives.

The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start today, Aug. 14th, and will end on Sept. 2nd.

Research shows that high-visibility enforcement can reduce impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. Sobriety checkpoints play a key part in raising awareness about the problem. New York State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force.

The STOP-DWI Labor Day Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from our STOP-DWI Foundation and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

Throughout the remainder of the year the Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign will also target Halloween and the national Holiday Season in December.

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.  

You can help to make a difference by Having a Sober Plan!  Download our mobile app – “Have a Plan” and you will always be able to find a safe ride home www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp

Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning. Enjoy the rest of your summer and have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!

City fire to flush hydrants next week south of East Main and east of Jackson

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing / testing fire hydrants on Monday, Aug. 19th, Tuesday, Aug. 20th and Wednesday, Aug. 21st from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the general area of south of East Main Street and east of Jackson Street.

Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area.

As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about five minutes or until clear.

Le Roy PD asking residents to be on the look out for, and cautious about, a raccoon

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy PD has received two reports today of a "strange acting" raccoon in the Village.

The first incident was on North Street and a resident said the raccoon attacked somebody.

The second incident was on Erie Street and the caller tried to keep an eye on it but it disappeared into the weeds before a patrol arrived.

The police ask if you see the raccoon, keep your distance, call 9-1-1 and then try to keep an eye on it until a patrol arrives.

Waterfowl hunt lottery for Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is now online

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) announces changes to the waterfowl hunt lottery application process for the 2019/2020 season. The preseason lottery will be conducted to select hunters for the first two Saturdays of the hunt season.

In order to streamline the lottery process, applications are now done online here. Follow the prompts to apply. Please note there will be a $5 application fee to cover administrative costs.

Applications can be filled out online from Aug. 15 until Sept. 15.

Winners will be notified approximately one week after the close of the application period by email if selected.

A copy of the lottery win receipt must accompany the hunter to the check station the morning of their hunt.

Please see our Waterfowl Hunting Fact Sheet for full details on the 2019/2020 waterfowl hunting season, which can be found here.

All other aspects of the Iroquois NWR waterfowl hunt will be similar as in previous years, including hunter standby, blind drawings, and non-lottery hunt days.

Youth waterfowl hunters and hunters with disabilities will apply using the same methods as in previous years. Click here for full details.

For further information contact Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013, or call 585-948-5445.

Iroquois NWR is located midway between Buffalo and Rochester and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Motorcycle accident reported on Creek Road

By Howard B. Owens

A motorcycle accident -- no word on injuries -- is reported in the area of 9349 Creek Road, Batavia.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 9:35 p.m.: Town of Batavia hold equipment in quarters, per a chief on scene.

Video: GSO preparing for annual Summer Serenade in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
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The Genesee Symphony Orchestra prepares for the annual Summer Serenade, a joint fundraiser with United Way and held each year at the La Royan in Le Roy.

The 2019 concert is Aug. 25. Social hour begins at 4:30 p.m., with dinner at 5, the concert at 6:15, and dessert to follow.

Tickets are $75 a person. Garden party attire recommended.

Tickets available at Tompkins Bank of Castile in Le Roy and Roxy's Music Store or online at  www.uwrochester.org/summerserenade

Proceeds benefit the United Way Backpack Program and the GSO.

Sponsored Post: New Listing Alert: 6556 Miller Road, Elba

By Lisa Ace


New Listing Alert: 6556 Miller Road, Elba. Solid ranch on quiet pretty country road! This 3 bedroom, 1 and a half bath home has a lot to offer for someone looking for country living.

The yard is park-like with small outbuilding that has electric and water run to it, and what used to be four kennels and large fenced in area for all your animals:) Also small shed and a cute gazebo!

Inside features three good-size bedrooms, kitchen with slider leading to outside deck and an awesome extra living/den/man cave with wet bar! Downstairs could be finished and also has pellet stove for supplemental heating if wanted.

Great home and great location! Click here for information on this listing or call Lynn Bezon today for a viewing 585-344-HOME.

Railroad Avenue in Alexander closed for two weeks

By Billie Owens

Road Closure

The Genesee County Highway Department announces that Railroad Avenue between Route 98 and Sandpit Road in Alexander is closed starting today, Aug. 13, through Aug. 27th. Detour signs will be posted.

The public will be notified when it reopens.

Creek Road Bridge in Bethany open to both lanes of traffic again on Wednesday

By Billie Owens
Important Notice

 

Creek Road Bridge will be reopened on Wednesday, Aug. 14th to both lanes of traffic.

For the past two weeks, there was a single lane closure on Creek Road at the intersection of Cook Road in Bethany for painting the bridge over the Little Tonawanda Creek.

County Highway Department

Senator Ranzenhofer laments NY's expensiveness, calls for support of his 'Affordability Agenda'

By Billie Owens

From Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer, 61st Senate District:

A recent report confirmed what far too many Western New York families already know; New York State is one of the most expensive states for childcare in the nation. According to the report, childcare costs the average family in New York State over $14,000 annually for a single child.  

Unfortunately, childcare is only one example of New York’s affordability crisis. In addition to childcare, NY is one of the most expensive states to retire in and has some of the highest property taxes, income tax rates, and energy costs.

Equally troubling is that despite paying tremendous costs, our services and infrastructure regularly scores in the middle or bottom of the pack nationally.

Regrettably, the 2019 legislative session only made matters worse.

New and higher taxes, cuts to cost-saving programs and new mandates that will increase food and energy prices will not help Western New York families. If you own a home, have a child, are retired, use electricity, or eat, it will now be more expensive to live in New York.

Making New York State more affordable is one of my top priorities and now more than ever we need to embrace my Affordability Agenda.

The Affordability Agenda lowers taxes for the middle class, cuts energy taxes, and provides for real mandate and regulatory reforms to ensure that these measures are sustainable.

In addition, I am sponsoring legislation to make child care more affordable (S4458) and to cap property taxes for seniors (S4579). Seniors should not be forced out of the homes they own due to annual property tax increases. It is critical to accomplish this by reforming our government, not simply shifting the tax burden.

I will continue to do all I can to support policies that help hard working Western New Yorkers. We will never reach our full economic potential if we continue to have some of the highest taxes and most burdensome regulations in the nation.

City fire to flush hydrants this week south of Main and west of Jackson

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants In the areas south of Main Street and west of Jackson Street on Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 14 and 15, from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Friday, Aug. 16, from approximately 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Homes and businesses nearby will be affected.

This may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about five minutes or until clear.

Three people, apparently from same family, accused of tangling with Live Nation security guards

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Bryan Adams Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday:

Julie M. Adam, 48, of Abbott Road, Buffalo, was charged with second-degree harassment and trespass after allegedly punching a Live Nation security guard in the head and then attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. 

John L. Adam, 26 of Abbott Road, Buffalo, was charged with second-degree harassment after allegedly grabbing and shoving a Live Nation security guard. 

Joseph F. Adam, 22, of Abbott Road, Buffalo, was charged with second-degree harassment after allegedly striking a Live Nation security guard. 

Top Items on Batavia's List

Part-Time Children's Library Clerk Haxton Memorial Public Library is seeking a Part-Time Children's Clerk 19 Hours a week $15.00/hr. Interested applicants please go to www.co.genesee.ny.us for an application or come to the library at 3 North Pearl Street, Oakfield. Any questions, please call at (585) 948-9900
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