A two-car accident is reported at Ellicott Street and Court Street, Batavia.
Unknown injuries.
City fire and Mercy EMS responding.
Thank You to the Generous Sponsors of the 2016 Genesee County Fair: Arctic Refrigeration, Baskin Livestock, Batavia Starter, Big O Farms, Brad Vokes Trucking, B’s Pet Grooming, Carolina Eastern-Crocker, Carquest Genesee, Corfu-Darien Veterinary Clinic, Dave Reisdorf Inc., Dumbleton Used Auto Parts, EFF Church, First Choice Travel, Freed Maxick CPSs P.C., Genesee County Farm Bureau, Genesee Patrons, Cooperative Insurance, George Pursel Repair, Graham Corporation, Jackson Welding & Gas Products, Ken Barrett Chevrolet Cadillac, L&L Transmission, Lamb Farms, Inc., Lee Shuknecht & Sons Inc., Liberty Pumps, MacDuffie Sand & Gravel, M-B Farms Inc., Mckenzie Farm, MY-T Acres, O-AT-KA Milk, Orcon Industries, p.w. minor, Perry Veterinary Clinic, P.L.L.C Phillips Oil, Pumpkin Hill Veterinary Clinic, RB Adams Agency, Reliant Real Estate, Roblee Plumbing, Student Transportation of America, State Street Animal Hospital, Stephen M. Hawley & Assoc., Superior Plus Energy, Timberline Lake Park Inc., Tompkins Bank of Castile, Torrey Farms Inc., Toyota of Batavia, Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning, Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union, United Memorial Medical Center, United Wind, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, William Kent Inc., Wills Carpet One.
Thank You to those who donated time/material/equipment to help to make the Fair a success: Adams Welding & Fabrication, Ad-Stuff, Alexander Equipment, Batavia Legal Printing, Batavia Restaurant Supply, BC Transport, Bethany FD, Caledonia Diesel, Carol Topolski Lawn Care, Cedar Street Sales & Rentals, Churchville Fire Equipment, Cold Springs Construction, Cowgirl Couture, Dan Duyssen Farm, Deb's Bakery, Duyssen Family Farm, E.W. Hoffman Hay & Straw LLC, Empire Tractor, Genesee County Ag Society Mounted Patrol, Genesee County Sheriff’s Dept., Genesee Speedway, Genesee Valley Penny Saver, George & Swede, Godwin a Xylem brand - Batavia, Greg Post - General Contractor, Harrington’s Produce, Hazlet Services, Jakes Tree Service, J L Kingdon Mechanical, Joe’s Pro Shop, L.D. Stevens Golf Cart, LoRob Farms, Mercy EMS, Mercy Flight, Monroe Tractor, Norm Pimm Sr. Lawn Care, Paul Figlow Productions, Photography by Susan Meier, Posey Power Peddler, Pudgie’s Lawn & Garden, Red Osier, SB Farms LLC, Scofield Rolloff Service, Scott Adams Trucking, Smitty’s Amish Sheds, Solid Gold Productions, Sterling Tent & Awnings, Summer Kick Off Classic Horse Show, The Batavia Daily News, The Batavian, The Rope Guys, Town of Batavia FD, Tractor Supply, T-Shirts Etc., Valu Home Center, Walmart - Batavia, WBTA, WCJW, Wright Beverage Distributing, WYRK, Z&M Ag & Turf.
On behalf of the Genesee County Agricultural Society we would to thank our wonderful volunteers and the community for supporting the 2016 Genesee County Fair! **We Apologize For Anyone We May Have Missed.**
Press release:
Residents with questions about computers and other electronic devices can come to the Corfu Free Library for answers and assistance at this month’s Technology Tuesday help session from 7 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27.
This month the theme for Technology Tuesday is “Fun with Scanning,” and there will be hands on scanning with one of the latest scanners available. Residents with items they like to be scanned can drop in and learn how to scan their items, and they are encouraged to bring in a thumb drive or an SD card so they will be able have their scans on their own storage device. Scans can also be emailed to their email address if they have one.
Of course residents can ask questions about other technology topics, and they are encouraged to bring in their own devices such as an iPhone, Kindle, Nook, iPad, flash drive, or laptop computer (including charging cords) to be able to work with them that evening.
Attendees can also ask for help to learn how to download digital items from Hoopla as well as eBooks from Overdrive and eMagazines from Zinio right at the session so they will know how to use these services provided free to library patrons through the Nioga system.
The Corfu Free Library periodically offers sessions like Technology Tuesday and residents are encouraged to check the library’s website at www.CorfuFreeLibrary.org or stop by the library at 7 Maple Ave. in Corfu for program information, or they can call the library at (585) 599-3321.
Christopher James Borsella, 23, of Beaver Street, Thorold, Ontario, Canada, is charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated driving while intoxicated -- with a BAC of .18 percent or higher. On Sept. 23, Borsella was arrested following a driving complaint at 11:46 p.m. on Sept. 22 at Darien Lake Theme Park, 9993 Alleghany Road, Darien. Borsella allegedly was driving in the parking lot and almost struck several pedestrians. He was issued an appearance ticket for Darien Town Court on Oct. 18. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Saile.
Joseph R. Powell, 29, of Rochester, was arrested by State Troopers in Batavia for driving while intoxicated following a traffic stop on Route 33 in the Town of Batavia. He allegedy crossed the pavement markings into oncoming traffic. Powell was transported to the Batavia barracks where he allegedly submitted to a positive breath test resulting in a BAC of .10-percent. Powell was processed for DWI and released with traffic tickets returnable to the Town of Batavia Court on a later date.
Thomas Joseph Gravanda Jr., 23, of Holley Street, Brockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and speed in excess of 55 MPH. Following a traffic stop at 8 a.m. on Sept. 22 on Clinton Street Road, Stafford, Gravanda was found to allegedly be in possession of marijuana. He was arrested for that and also cited for speeding. He is due in Stafford Town Court on Oct. 20. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer.
Press release:
The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) is pleased to announced that the City of Batavia, New York has received the GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget.
The award represents a signficant achievement by the entity. It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of government budgeting. In order to receive the award, the entity had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as:
Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories, and the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.
When a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award is granted to an entity, a Certificate of Recognition for Budget Presentation is also presented to the individual or department designated as being primarily responsible for its having achieved the award. This has been presented to City Manager Jason Molino.
For budgets beginning in 2015, approximately 1,550 participants received the award. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.
The Government Finance Officers Association is a major professional association servicing the needs of approximately 18,700 appointed and elected local, state, and provencial-level government officials and other finance practitioners. It provides top-quality publications, training programs, services, and products designed to enhance the skills and performance of those responsible for government finance policy and management.
The association is headquartered in Chicago, with offices in Washington, D.C. The GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program is the only national awards program in governmental budgeting.
A minor-injury accident involving two vehicles is reported at the intersection of routes 33 and 237 in Stafford. Stafford Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.
UPDATE 11:05 a.m.: No injuries, says a medic on scene. Both vehicles off the roadway, one will need to be towed because "the back tires are pushed in," says another first responder.
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The following arrests were made by the Sheriff's Office during the Jason Aldean concert at Darien Lake on Thursday:
Ashley M. Riber, 23, of Walnut Street, Perry, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.
Sydney A. Wilson, 18, of Eastham Court, Webster, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.
Steven M. Campbell Jr., 29, of Walnut Street, Perry, is charged with trespass for allegedly entering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.
A single-car accident is reported on Clinton Street Road across from College View Drive, across from the entrance of Terry Hills.
One male occupant is injured.
Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.
A motorcyclist reportedly fell off of his bike in the westbound lane of the Thruway in the area of mile marker 394.9.
East Pembroke fire and Mercy EMS responding.
Mercy Flight out of Batavia on ground standby.
UPDATE 5:13 p.m.: Town of Batavia fire requested to the scene for a possible landing zone.
UPDATE 5:22 p.m.: Fire police are going to shut the westbound Thruway down to accommodate Mercy Flight #7, which is called to the scene. Mercy medics are called also.
UPDATE 6:02 p.m.: Town of Batavia is back in service. Two patients are being transported by Mercy EMS to UMMC.
Here's a statement released today by Assemblyman Steve Hawley:
“In recent months we have watched details surrounding the state’s dysfunctional economic development programs unfold. Today, two individuals with close ties to the governor and his administration have been charged with alleged bid-rigging and bribery. The time for change – dramatic change – is now.
“Every investigation surrounding public officials, now one including Joseph Percoco and Alain Kaloyeros, has highlighted a desperate need for reform. Entrusted with the public’s confidence to effect positive change, I am calling for a comprehensive and meaningful response to these issues.
“I will continue to fight for increased accountability and transparency; the status quo must be changed.”
Press release:
The taps at the Chestnut Hill Country Club will be taken over by the Hamburg Brewing Company from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 26th. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Crossroads House in Batavia. In addition to the various craft beers created by the Hamburg Brewing Company, there will be putting, long drive and closest-to-the-pin contests.
“We thought this was a great way to end our golf season and to thank our customers throughout the year for all of their support, plus we are partnering with a great brewery for a great cause,” said Michael Protos, owner of Chestnut Hill.
Among the craft beers that the Hamburg Brewing Company will serve on tap at the takeover event include:
“The rolling hills of Genesee County and the Chestnut Hill Country Club is a perfect setting to enjoy these great beers,” said John Russo, Jr. the president of Hamburg Brewing Company. “We also are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with Chestnut Hill and their efforts to support Crossroads House.”
Crossroads House is a comfort care home located on Liberty Street in the City of Batavia. It is a home to provide care for those who have a terminal illness and is an alternative to a hospital or nursing home when care can no longer be provided in the patient’s home. Crossroads House serves residents in Genesee, Wyoming and surrounding counties at no cost. For more information about Crossroads House please visit http://crossroadshouse.com/.
Chestnut Hill Country Club is an 18-hole championship golf course based in Darien Center. The Club is known for hosting a number of tournaments throughout the golf season because of its many amenities, including large covered patios overlooking the 9th and 18th holes and a dining capacity for up to 275 people. For more information please visit http://www.chestnuthillgolf.com/.
Daniel A. Carnes, 69, of Story Road, Dansville, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested at 3:32 p.m. on Aug. 8 after he allegedly damaged a car intentionally by scratching it in the Batavia Downs parking lot, causing in excess of $2,000 worth of damage. The alleged incident stems from a dispute over a parking spot. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court and is due there at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Erion.
Bonnie Louise Cortright, 29, of Summit Street, Batavia, was arrested on Sept. 20 on a bench warrant for failure to appear after she was located hiding in an attic under a rug. She was arraigned in City Court and jailed in lieu of $100,000. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.
Eric M. Smith, 30, of Iroquois Road, Caledonia, was turned over to Batavia PD by Gates PD and arrested on bench warrants from Batavia City Court. He was jailed in lieu of $20,000 bail or $40,000 bond. The warrants stem from an unspecified incident at 1:30 p.m. at 207 Ross St. in Batavia. Smith was due in City Court today (Sept. 22). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.
Daniel Harold Mooney Jr., 30, of Cone Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 3:37 p.m. on Sept. 21 on Veterans Memorial Drive following an incident wherein Mooney allegedly stole merchandise from a local retail store. He is due in Batavia Town Court on Sept. 27. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.
Nathen Edward Donald Brege, 24, of South Main Street, Batavia, was taken into custody while incarcerated at the Orleans County Jail on a bench warrant issued by Batavia City Court. After consulting with the judge, Brege was issued an appearance ticket and is due back in court Sept. 28. The warrant stems from an unspecified incident on April 5 on West Main Street in Batavia. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Arick Perkins.
The Landmark Society of Genesee County has announced the honorees for this year's annual Preservation Awards.
They will be feted at a dinner and awards ceremony starting a 6 p.m. on Oct. 15 at the First Presbyterian Church of Le Roy, located at the corner of routes 5 and 19.
The honorees are:
Cost for the dinner is $18 per person. Please RSVP by Oct. 7 to: Landmark.Genesee@gmail.com or by phoning 585-757-2455.
Press release:
After 16 plus years, Sue Gagne is leaving the Mental Health Association (MHA) of Genesee and Orleans Counties. The search process for the new executive director has begun. Michele Sformo, assistant executive director, will serve as interim executive director.
Gagne began her career at the MHA in a part-time support position. After several promotions over the years, she was named executive director in 2013. Gagne is only the third executive director to serve the organization since its founding in 1993.
“We’ve had three extraordinary executive directors over the course of our history,” said Russell Cornman, board president. “All have had a deep, shared commitment to our mission and, at the same time, each has brought their own unique skill set and passion to the position.”
Incorporated 23 years ago, the MHA was started by a dedicated group of volunteers, led by Constance E. Miller. Their vision was to provide support services for those suffering from mental illness in Genesee County and, after years of planning, the Social Club opened in a small space on Main Street in Batavia. Dorothy Wentland was the agency’s first executive director, and those who walked through the door in those early years were welcomed by both their peers and a small but caring staff.
In the intervening years, the MHA expanded both its space and its services to include transportation, outreach and community education, advocacy and services to individuals diagnosed as mentally ill and chemically addicted. And in 1995, under the leadership of its second executive director, Millie Tomidy-Pepper (herself a 20-year employee of the MHA), the MHA received funding to start a peer-to-peer Warm Line. The Warm Line is a model in New York State, and the MHA of Genesee and Orleans Counties remains one of only a few MHA’s statewide to provide this service.
Ever responsive to the growing and changing needs of its consumers and the community, in 2015 the MHA launched the Visions of Hope Recovery Center, a peer-directed program designed to help individuals with mental health challenges reach their full potential through support and encouragement. And, in the Fall of 2015, the Mental Health Association of Genesee County joined forces with Orleans County to become the Mental Health Association of Genesee and Orleans Counties. Office and program sites are now in both Batavia and Albion.
Go to www.mhago.org for information.
Lily has been granted clemency, at least for now.
Public Defender Jerry Ader, attorney David Fitch, representing the city, and City Court Judge Durin Rogers held meetings over the past two days and came to an agreement that will spare Lily her life, potentially, while the conviction of Duty Caswell for harboring a vicious dog will stand.
As part of the agreement, Ader withdraws his motion challenging Caswell's conviction and will file a new motion to vacate the sentence. That should happen in about two weeks.
In the meantime, Fitch must find a dog behavioral specialist who can certify that Lily is redeemable.
Rogers issued an order in May to have Lily put down as a vicious dog because of an incident on Hutchins Place on March 7 where she bit a 13-year-old boy.
She didn't help her case when she bit the Sheriff's K-9 deputy.
But folks at the Animal Shelter believe Lily is worth saving and rallied to her cause. They secured space for her with the Kramer Foundation, which specializes in rehabilitating dogs declared vicious and slated for euthanasia.
Previous: Lily's fate hangs in the balance as City Court judge set to hear appeal tomorrow
Austin Moody, billed as an up-and-coming country singer/songwriter from Nashville, so up-and-coming, his first CD won't be out until the end of the year, played GCC for a couple hundred appreciative country fans.
Moody said he's played Upstate before and likes coming up here. It reminds him of home. There are real country fans here, he said.
"And I mean, real country fans," he said. "Not bro-country fans. Not, 'I'm hot. You're hot. We're in a pickup truck,' country fans, but real country fans."
Saturday, Oct. 15 is looking more and more like the date for the grand opening of the Hotel at Batavia Downs on Park Road.
Henry Wojtaszek, president and chief executive officer of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp., today said that Downs officials and the Buffalo investors who own the hotel are gearing toward a grand opening ceremony on the 15th of next month.
"The fourth floor (of the 84-room hotel) is almost completed and we expect to be ready for booking" by the second week of October, Wojtaszek said, adding that the facility is a "step up" from most hotels and is run "by a top-notch staff."
The hotel has been painted a unique blue (Wojtaszek called it "Batavia Downs Hotel blue") and that color has been extended to the front of Batavia Downs Gaming. He added that the hotel's owners have the option to add another 42 rooms at some point in time.
WROTB has invested about $30 million into capital improvements in recent years, and continues to renovate the entrance area to the casino. Most recently, it added left-turn lanes into the parking lot for cars heading north on Park Road. Wojtaszek said the corporation is into the third year of paying back its long-term debt, which currently stands at around $20 million.
In other developments at today's WROTB Board of Directors meeting:
-- Directors approved putting an additional $20,000 into the Kane Memorial Race on Oct. 8, upping Batavia Downs' contribution from its usual $30,000 to $50,000. Wojtaszek said this is being done per an agreement with the Western New York Harness Horsemen's Association in light of the Downs' delaying the construction of a new paddock area until next year.
-- Wojtaszek said the New York State Gaming Commission is close to approving Batavia Downs Gaming's contract with FanDuel, a fantasy sports company which agreed to a four-year contract with WROTB to provide this type of competition at Batavia Downs Gaming and at some of its OTB branches.
While acknowledging that sign-ups for the program have been "slow" to this point, Wojtaszek said it's too early to tell how successful the venture will be. The contract does provide WROTB a specific amount of "guaranteed" money, it was reported.
-- Marketing Manager Ryan Hasenauer reported that a former Buffalo Bills running back Thurman Thomas, a Batavia Downs Gaming spokesman, will be at the casino on Nov. 20 for a FanDuel event, and he also will be on hand on Oct. 9 for a "meet and greet."
On Nov. 5-6, an autograph show will feature former professional sports stars Ron Darling and Cecil Fielder (baseball), Grant Fuhr (hockey), Jo Jo White and Nate "Tiny" Archibald (basketball), and Bob Lilly, Joe Cribbs and Kordell Stewart (football).
In photos at top, the view of Batavia Downs Gaming with the new Hotel at Batavia Downs in the background; the revamped parking lanes which enable drivers to make left turns from Park Road into the facility's parking lot and a front view of the hotel. Photos by Mike Pettinella.
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