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Arc Art Show & Sprout Film Festival is March 17 at GCC

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Arc of Genesee Orleans will again be presenting an Art Show & Film Festival in celebration of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

It will be held Saturday, March 17 at the GCC Stuart Steiner Theatre located on 1 College Drive, Batavia.

There will be a collection of artwork created by individuals served at the Arc of Genesee Orleans on display in the foyer at Stuart Steiner Theatre. You will have an opportunity to meet and talk with the artists from 12:30 to 1 p.m. and the Sprout film screening will begin at 1 o'clock.

You can enter to win a beautiful framed work of art courtesy of an artist served by the Arc of Genesee Orleans. Admission is free.

For more informatiom, contact Shelley Falitico at 343-4203 or visit arcgo.org

Universal Pre-K registration is now underway in O-A Central School District

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Children who reside in the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District and who will be 4 years old by Dec. 1, 2018 are eligible to be registered for our Universal Pre-Kindergarten program for the 2018-2019 school year.

The children attend five days per week, each day, for 180 days, at no cost to you.

Transportation is provided for students who are 4 years old. Students that start the program at 3 years old must be transported by the family until they turn 4 years old.

We will have full-day and half-day classes available. Full day hours are 8:35 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and half day hours are 8:35-11:30 a.m.

Registration packets have been mailed. If you do not receive a packet by Feb. 12, please call the elementary office at 585-948-5211, ext. 3211, or email kfisher@oahornets.org to request one. 

Registration paperwork needs to be returned by mail or in person to the Elementary Office by March 9. Space is limited so please return your paperwork as soon as possible in order to avoid being placed on a wait list.

Warrior House of WNY Gun Raffle/Chinese Auction & Spaghetti Dinner is April 7 at Ascension Parish Hall

By Billie Owens

The Warrior House of Western NY Gun Raffle/Chinese Auction and Spaghetti Dinner will be held starting at 1 p.m. on Satruday, April 7, at Ascension Parish Hall. It is located at 17 Sumner St., Batavia (formerly the Sacred Heart Social Center).

Must be 18 to win prizes and must be able to pass NICS check. Warrior House is not responsible for NICS outcome.

For more information, contact Edward Spence at (716) 560-0697.

The event will last until all prizes are awarded.

They are:

1) Stevens 301 20 ga. shotgun

2) $75 cash

3) Savage A22, 22 long rifle

4) Mossberg 500 20 ga.

5) $100 cash

6) Savage 93-22 mag

7) $125 cash

8) Thompson Center Triumph 50 cal.

9) Winchester 94 Trooper 100 anniversary 30/30

10) $150 cash

11) Springfield Armory M1A 308 Winchester

12) Windjm AR-15 .223/5.56

13) Chiappa M19 9 mm carbine

14) $200 cash

15) Savage Axis II 30.06

Photo Tour: Owners of Eli Fish Brewing pushing for March 1 opening

By Howard B. Owens

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Eli Fish Brewing Company, in the Newberry's building downtown, might be less than a month away from opening.

Co-owner Matt Gray said construction is done. Now it's just a matter of waiting for the delivery of the rest of the furniture and kitchen wares.

Starting today, four managers are working full-time at the restaurant and brewery. Next week, there will be an open interview period for potential staff members.

Gray said his partner, Jon Mager, should be able to start brewing beer next week, which is one of the big decisions because it will take four weeks for the first batch to be ready to serve.

"Which puts us in a real bind," Gray said. "Do we open on March 1 or do we wait another three weeks so we have our own beer on tap?"

The target date for the FreshLab winners to open their food booths is April 1. The winners have not yet been announced.

There are four apartments on the second floor just about ready for occupants. The rental rates will be from $850 to $950 for the one-bedrooms and $1,250 for the two-bedroom apartment (which features a large living room and dining area and a large master suite with a dual-head shower).

There's space on the third floor for three apartments. One will be either two or three bedrooms and possibly a balcony/deck in the back of the building. The Newberry building is one of the projects under consideration for a Downtown Revitalization Initiative prize and if selected, the money will be used to finish these apartments as well as a patio/seating area at the back of the restaurant in Jackson Square.

"I'm excited," Gray said. "Jon is excited. I've just got to get it open. Not only has it been a long time and a big project, we're pushing it. Our staff is ready to go. We're ready to go. We need to start changing the flow of cash."

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Possible serious injury accident reported on Route 98 in Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with possible serious injuries is reported in the area of 11128 Alexander Road, Alexander.

The location is near Stroh Road.

Mercy Flight out of Buffalo is being put on in-air standby.

Alexander fire and ambulance and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 12:03 p.m.: One patient, leg and back injury. The other driver out of vehicle and walking. Road is completely blocked.

UPDATE 12:10 p.m.: Injuries not believed to be serious. Mercy Flight can stand down.

UPDATE 12:31 p.m.: Alexander 10 is transporting one patient to UMMC.

UPDATE 1:15 p.m.: The patient is an 18-year-old female driver who was seat-belted and complained of left and right leg shin pain and back pain.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of ignoring Grand Jury summons

By Howard B. Owens

Triton A. Drock, 23, of Buell Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Drock is accused of failing to be a witness in a Grand Jury hearing after being legally summoned. Drock was jailed on $2,500 bail.

A 17-year-old resident of Batavia was arrested on a warrant. The reason for the warrant was not released. The 17-year-old was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Shannon L. Klinkbeil-Heyday, 41, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and falsifying business records. Klinkbeil-Heyday is accused of making fraudulent returns and keeping the refund money.

Christopher S. Bump, 23, of Briarwood Drive, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. The reason for the warrant was not released. Bump was ordered held in the Genesee County Jail.

Torrence C. Greene, 27, of Wearing Road, Rochester, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. Greene was arrested at 1:09 p.m. Friday following a police response by officers James Prusak and Frank Klimjack to a report of a disturbance on Walnut Street. Greene is accused of possession of a narcotic with the intent to sell. He was jailed without bail.

Joseph Thomas Misiak Jr., 62, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Misiak is accused of threatening a member of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office in a voicemail.

Jacob John Bukowski, 30, of East Park Street, Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Bukowski was allegedly found in possession of marijuana in the Town of Alabama at 3:30 p.m. Saturday by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Stephen Michael Milroy, 23, of Creek Road, Pavilion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to keep right, and failure to notify DMV of change of address. Milroy was stopped at 12:48 a.m. Saturday on Route 20, Alexander, by Deputy Erik Andre.

Michelle Amber Condidorio, 36, of South Street, Le Roy, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Condidorio was stopped at 2:01 a.m. Saturday on Telephone Road, Alexander, by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Richard JM Button, 27, of Heritage Estates Street, Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Button was allegedly found in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia during a traffic stop at 4:48 p.m. Thursday on Judge Road, Alabama, by Deputy Austin Heberlein.

Jennifer Sue Davis, 38, of Webber Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, speed not reasonable and prudent, and uninspected motor vehicle. Davis was charged following an investigation into an accident reported at 8:52 p.m. Thursday on Downey Road, Batavia, by Deputy Austin Heberlein.

Gabriel A. Tapia, 19, of Woodhaven, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Tapia was charged by State Police after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana at College Village at 11:16 a.m. Saturday.

Jacqueline M. Kobee, 28, of Buffalo, is charged with possession of controlled substance not in original container, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, unlawful possession of marijuana, and aggravated unlicensed operation. Kobee was stopped at 1:54 p.m. Saturday on Route 77 in Pembroke by State Police.

An 18-year-old resident of Batavia is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was allegedly found in possession of marijuana at 9:58 p.m., Saturday, at College Village, by State Police.

Michael T. Morasco, of Batavia, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs and moving from lane unsafely. Morasco was stopped at 11:52 a.m. Friday on Route 63 in Pavilion by State Police.

Sponsored Post: Register today! Strike Out for Crossroads House Bowling Tournament

By Lisa Ace


Hurry and get your team together for the 22nd Annual Betty Ellison Memorial Strike Out for Crossroad House Bowling Tournament.

The Friday night shift is sold out but a few lanes remain on Saturday and Sunday.

This is a fun event for a great cause -- and 100 percent of your support stays right here in the community. Come on out and pay it forward. “We are a gift to the community made possible by the community.” 

Town of Batavia fire celebrates 70th anniversary at annual dinner

By Howard B. Owens

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Town of Batavia Volunteer Fire Department's annual awards and installation dinner marked its 70th anniversary and Earl Dorman, an original 1948 member of the department, was honored with a Service Award.

Also receiving a Service Award was Renee Long.

Joshua Boyle was named Firefighter of the Year and Top Responder.

Gary Diegelman received the President's Award.

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Boyle receiving Top Responder award from Chief Dan Coffey and Corporate VP Nate Fix.

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Coffey and Boyle, Firefighter of the Year and Top Responder.

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Gary Diegelman received the President's Award, with Coffey, Fix, and Corporate President Scott Garlock.

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Joyce Diegelman was recognized for her 65 years of serving the department.

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Photos: 4-H makes Valentine cards for veterans

By Howard B. Owens

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Genesee County 4-H hosted a Valentine-making workshop today at JOANN Fabric and Craft Store in Batavia. Children who participated made Valentine cards to distribute to local veterans.

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Photos: Skating under the lights at DeWitt

By Howard B. Owens

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About a dozen kids showed up over the course of the evening for skating under the lights at DeWitt Recreation Area last night. The Batavia Kiwanis Club served free hot cocoa.

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Two-car accident reported at Main and Bank

By Howard B. Owens

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A motor-vehicle accident is reported at Main and Bank streets, Batavia, believed to be with injuries.

City fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 10:15 a.m.: No injuries. 

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Rollover accident after car strikes deer reported on Bloomingdale Road

By Howard B. Owens

A car has reportedly rolled over after striking a deer in the area of 653 Bloomingdale Road, Basom.

It's believed injuries are minor.

A chief reports on scene one vehicle on its side in a ditch.

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 9:21 p.m.: Alabama command reports no injuries at this time.

Hawley again calls for removal of 'I Love NY' signs after heavy fines levied on Cuomo project

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has once again called for the removal of the infamous blue and white ‘I Love NY' signs that have been erected along the New York State Thruway and highways all over the state at a cost of $8.1 million to taxpayers.

“We know the governor’s hubris has gotten our state into trouble, but now it has cost taxpayers another $14 million in federal fines – totaling $22 million,” Hawley said. “It is unconscionable to think Gov. Cuomo knew the signs were illegal since the Obama administration, then used $8.1 million in taxpayer money and an out of state company to design and build them anyway.

"Furthermore, after many were destroyed by harsh winds in Western New York last year, he used more public money to rebuild and replace them.

“Many of the signs were built Downstate by an Arkansas-based company with many manufactured out of state. The Cuomo administration has ignored federal warnings for years that the signs were illegal and must be taken down.

“I am calling for Gov. Cuomo to immediately take down all ‘I Love NY' signs and adhere to federal law before more of New York’s money is washed down the drain.”

Country Max owner says decision to close Batavia location a difficult one

By Howard B. Owens

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Country Max, the pet and garden supply store at 610 E. Main St., is closing with the last day of business planned for Valentine's Day, Feb. 14.

None of the regional chain's other 15 stores are closing.

Owner Don Payne said employees of the Batavia store are being offered jobs in either Geneseo or Brockport.

"We had entered that location more than seven years ago with a great deal of optimism but it has just not worked out," Payne said.
"We just have not been able to bring the stores business along far enough to make it even cover the costs."

The decision to close the store, he said, wasn't easy.

"We certainly leave the area with a heavy heart and wish to thank all of the people that have shopped at our store over the years," Payne said.

Top Items on Batavia's List

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Crossroads House is a comfort care home for the dying. We are a non-for-profit organization that provides its services free of charge. We run on a supportive community and selfless volunteers. With out both of those we would not be able to serve our community. If you have a caregiver's heart and 2 to 4 hours a week, we would love for you to become a part of our Crossroads House family! No experience required, we will train you and provide mentors and experienced volunteers to guide you. Please go to Crossroadshouse.com to apply, click on volunteer tab to complete application or email Ashleymanuel@crossroadshouse.com
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