Veterans lined the funeral route this morning for Senior Airman Kyle J. Schunk, 23, of Darien, who died in a motorcycle accident July 5 in Louisiana.
The funeral was in Attica.
Schunk was a Class of 2007 graduate of Alexander High School and a jet engine mechanic on B-52 bombers.
He was buried at Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica.
Photo submitted by a reader.
Upon a request from The Batavian, Congresswoman Kathy Hochul provided this statement on proposed legislation to increase federal oversign of rides at theme parks.
“The accident at Darien Lake was not only a tragedy because we lost a war hero, but because it reminded us that current loopholes in our laws can jeopardize the safety of patrons at fixed site amusement parks. Permanent theme parks should not be exempt from federal safety oversight, which is why I plan to work with Congressman Ed Markey (MA-7) to co-sponsor legislation that will ensure the Consumer Product Safety Commission has the ability to oversee amusement park rides.”
Rep. Edward Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts, who pushing such legislation prior to the accident, has revived his proposal following the death Friday of disabled Iraq War James Hackemer on a rollercoaster at Darien Lake Theme Park.
Mercy Flight has been requested to the scene of a motocross accident in the Town of Covington, Wyoming County.
The location is within the Pavilion Fire District, and Pavilion volunteers are on scene on Brownell Road.
The rider lost consciousness, then regained consciousness, but was not entirely alert initially. He is now reportedly alert and has an arm burn.
UPDATE 5:21 p.m.: Mercy Flight in route to Strong. Pavilion back in service.
It only took one vote to prevent the Batavia City Council on Monday from passing a ban on drinking in public parks. But stopping passage of the ordinance change is only temporary.
The city council will likely vote on the proposed ordinance at its next business meeting in August, and with only three dissenting views on council, it will likely pass.
Rosemary Christian, Kathy Briggs and Sam Barone all cast no votes.
Christian clashed with Council President Marianne Clattenburg over the proposed change in the law as well as a new policy making the parks tobacco-free zones.
Christian, a smoker, objects to the policy change on smoking in public parks without the creation of designated smoking areas.
Twice Clattenburg gavelled down Christian as she argued over the smoking policy.
The policy isn't a law. Legally people can still smoke in the parks, but police officers will be instructed to ask smokers not to smoke or to leave if they want to continue smoking.
Signs will be posted informing park patrons that the areas are tobacco-free areas.
As for drinking, Christian is concerned that the change in the ordinance will prohibit the seemingly innocent pastime of a couple enjoying a picnic with beer.
From WBTA:
"You mean to tell me you can't go with your friend or your husband, and have a little picnic...and then you have a beer and you're going to be arrested?" she asked.
"Do you really think that's going to happen?" Clattenburg asked. "I sure hope not, but what's the point of even passing it?" Christian fired back.
"We have an issue...people loitering and drinking in our parks. That's what we're trying to fix here," Clattenburg said. "It's got nothing to do with you and your honey having a beer on a picnic," she added.
The exchange opened a discussion about how police can't enforce the law against one group of people, or say you can have two beers but not four.
Because we're already in the middle of summer, the bill was being fast-tracked so enforcement could begin immediately, but under state regulations, a fast-track bill requires unanimous approval. Because of the three no votes, the bill is not yet law. The council will vote again -- when a simply majority is all that's needed for passage -- at its August business meeting.
For full coverage from The Batavian's news partner, WBTA, click here.
This information comes from Genesee County Young Life.
Genesee County Young Life is seeking sponsors for its annual Roy Hill Memorial Classic Golf Tournament on July 29 at Terry Hills.
Teams of four and hole sponsors are needed. Cost is $85 per golfer, and includes lunch and dinner with your golf. There are four levels of hole sponsorships: $100 -- Individual; $150 -- Bronze; $200 -- Silver; and $300 -- Gold.
There will be a McCormack riding mid-mower tractor with front loader for a hole-in-one give away. A 32” Vizio HDTV will be raffled as First Prize and an Asus Netbook for Second Prize. Tickets will also be sold to win themed baskets.
Anyone interested in participating in the golf tournament or sponsoring a hole may e-mail acali815@gmail.com or call Genesee County Young Life at (585) 409-9735 or send donation to Genesee County Young Life at: P.O. Box 614, Bergen, NY 14416.
Young Life is a worldwide, faith-based organization that is active in Genesee County. It is not affiliated with any one church but, through clubs that meet in homes and camp at Saranac Lake, tries to reach the youth and give them hope in a world where there is a lot of chaos.
Some of the young people today need a friend to build a relationship with, and that is when trained leaders go into the schools have lunch with the students and befriend these young people. These leaders even attend the student’s sports and music events to build on the relationship.
The goal is to help young people in middle and high school to be able to have a week of camp experience and attend clubs for fun and to learn about God and what He did by giving His Son Jesus to die for people's sins. They typically come back from the camp experience saying it was one of the best weeks of their lives. The clubs help them build relationships with each other and have fun together.
Genesee County Young Life has three major fundraisers throughout the year. In the Spring, we have an auction at the Byron Fire Hall that the Harris Wilcox family does gratis. In the Fall, there's a banquet at Bohn’s Restaurant and a speaker shares how Young Life has been a special part of that person’s life.
Summer's Roy Hill Memorial Classic Golf Tournament is named after the man responsible for starting of the golf tournament as a fundraiser. He had a real heart for the youth.
Genesee Community College will receive a $209,000 grant for its Nursing Workforce Diversity program. The board of trustees learned the good news Monday night when they met at the Batavia campus for the annual election of officers.
The grant is from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and will help licensed practical nurses successfully transition to the college's nursing program and eventually become registered nurses. The funding provides mentoring, tutoring, stipends, scholarships and technology support. This is the second Nursing Workforce Diversity grant the college has received.
Trustees reelected Charles R. Ruffino as board chair for the 2011-2012 year; as well as Maureen T. Marshall, vice chair; and Diane D. Torcello, secretary.
Ruffino is a resident of Batavia and a retired New York State Department of Education administrator. Marshall, of Elba, is owner and operator of Elba-based Torrey Farms. Torcello, of Pavilion, is a Bank of Castile branch manager.
The board also approved a resolution authorizing President Stuart Steiner to execute documents for the sale of the lease of the Verizon cell tower located on the Batavia campus. The resolution updates board action from June, and gives the college the opportunity to receive proposals from more than one company.
Sale of the lease would provide at least $176,000 to the college, as well as 50 percent of any revenues generated from the tower. The sale is subject to an environmental review and approval by the Genesee County Legislature, sponsor of the college.
Lastly, trustees approved a series of technical revisions to board policies, such as inclusion of gender-neutral language in policies.
Jon used to think of himself as a promising composer, but...
"Instead, I've been promising for so long I'm afraid I'm about to break my promise."
That's the paraphrased line of the main character in "Tick, Tick...Boom," a semi-autographical musical by Jonathan Larson, the writer of "Rent." It will be performed this weekend at Harvester 56 Theater in Batavia.
Directors Shellene Bailey and Thorin Vallentin are members of the newly formed local theater group, JNS Productions -- named after the founders: Joel, Shellene, and Nick. They look forward to bringing this lesser known work of Larson's to the local stage.
"The music is very similar (to the music in "Rent")," Vallentin said. "It has some of the same styles, with roots in rock music but including various other styles as well."
"Rent" fans may be interested to know that Larson worked on this play first. When listening to the music, according to Vallentin, they might notice the seeds of a style that will further develop in the tunes of "Rent."
While it is similar to "Rent" stylistically, it has what Vallentin calls a "lighter feel."
"It's not as heavy," he said. "It does deal with emotional issues, but it's not as in-your-face."
The show also doesn't have as much R-rated material as "Rent," although there is some bad language (including the f-word) and a somewhat provocative dance number.
Pictured are Amanda Taylor and Drew Williams, the actors in the roles of Susan (Jon's girlfriend) and Jon, an aspiring Broadway playwright
A little information on the story: Jon is approaching his 30th birthday, and he is having what Williams calls a "pre-midlife crisis."
"His career isn't where he thought it would be by the time he turned 30," Bailey said.
At this pivotal point in his life, Jon has to decide whether he wants to continue to pursue a career in musical theater, which is his true passion, or choose a safer and more realistic path in life, as Susan and Michael, Jon's friend since childhood and an executive in corporate America, advise.
"He doesn't want to give up his dream," Bailey said.
Williams said he sees a couple of similarities between himself and the character he's portraying.
Like Jon, Williams is also about to turn 30.
"Also, he has a real passion for music," he said, "like I do. So I can kind of relate."
"Tick, Tick...Boom!" will have four performances: this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and then a matinée at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
General admission tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at www.showtix4u.com (through the Batavia Players, Inc). People can also buy tickets at the door.
At this point, there are still tickets available for all four shows. The Harvester 56 theater seats about 110 people.
For more information, e-mail Nick Russo at nickrusso224@gmail.com
On Sunday, 12 homeowners -- nine from Batavia and three from Corfu -- opened their homes as part of the Landmark Society of Genesee County's "House & Garden Tour," the proceeds of which went toward the restoration of St. James Episcopal Church.
For $20, self-guided tourists travelled to all of these beautiful homegrown gardens and then enjoyed a reception and dessert at St. James in the evening.
Here are some pictures from a few of the gardens:
The following projects have been approved for tax abatements for job-creation and retention projects, according to the Genesee County Economic Development Center:
Press release:
The Maplelawn Cemetery Veterans’ Memorial Garden was created to honor the dedicated men and women who have served in the United States armed forces.
The Town of Elba will hold a dedication ceremony at 7 p.m. on Thursday July 14. Assemblyman Stephen Hawley and the color guard from the American Legion will participate in the ceremony.
This project would not have been possible without the generosity of the following donors:
• Sackett Merrill White American Legion Post 575
• Eugene and Susan Bezon
• Daniel and Penny Bridge
• CY Farms
• Dave and Sylvia Hebell
• Derrick Monument
• Genesee Veterans Club
• H.E. Turner and Co., Inc.
• Darryl Horzempa
• The Insurance Center
• Norton Farms
• Steve Davis
• VVA Chapter 193
• Gene Warren
• Home Depot
• Delre's Greenhouse and Garden Centre
• The American Legion, Batavia post
More than a year ago, Steve Davis, the Town of Elba cemetery caretaker, asked the town board for its support of the project. After securing the board’s approval, he obtained the plants and landscaped the garden.
“Steve came up with the idea and worked to make it happen," said Town Supervisor Lucinne Kauffman. "He’s really gone above and beyond with this project."
Steve also ordered and installed a granite bench with a bronze plaque dedicated to the veterans.
“Now the project is complete and we would like to publicly thank the men and women to whom the garden is dedicated,” Kauffman said.
The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony. Maplelawn Cemetery is located on Maple Avenue Extension between the Town Hall and the Historical Society Museum.
Submitted by Kim Koziol.
Batavia beat Le Roy twice to win the District 3 Championship.
In the first game, Nick Bezinque had the big hit knocking in three runs with a bases loaded triple. Cameron Ells, Griffin Moore, Casey Radka, A.J. Marcello, Michael Calderon, Taylor Stefaniak and Philip Koziol all had hits for Batavia. Radka went the distance on the mound striking out seven and only two walks. Le Roy’s Cole Biggins played a great game at short stop in the 6-4 loss.
In the second game, A.J. Marcello was the big hitter with two doubles and a monstrous home run. Cameron Ells, Jerry Reinhart, Nick Bezinque, Philip Koziol, Evan Bender, Michael Calderon and Taylor Stefaniak also had big hits for Batavia in the 11-3 win. Alex Jones and Jerry Reinhart pitched a great game holding Le Roy to three runs.
Front row: Taylor Stefaniak, Griffin Moore, Evan Bender, Cameron Ells, Phil Koziol. Second row: Michael Calderon, Casey Radka, Alex Jones, Jerry Reinhart, Nick Bezinque A.J. Marcello. Third row: Coach Todd Bender, Coach Jerry Reinhart, Manager James "Beef" Soggs, Coach Dave Hall, Coach Sean Radka.
Matt Mondoux, a resident of Grand Island and an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, is walking for Lou.
Mondoux, who passed through Genesee County yesterday, is walking the width of New York, all the way to Yankee Stadium, in order to raise money for research into Lou Gehrig's Disease.
"When you see a bunch of people who aren’t getting the kind of help you think they deserve, you realize they need somebody who isn’t directly effected by the disease to help out," Mondoux.
Lou Gehrig's Disease wasn't something Mondoux paid much attention to until a friend was diagnosed and he started doing a little research.
He said reading the blogs of victims raised his awareness and concern for people who have been afflicted.
"Reading up on it, I got kind of emotionally attached," he said. "It was kind of sad that even though I’m a New York Yankee fan, I didn’t know exactly what Lou Gehrig’s Disease was."
Mondoux served 10 years in the Army, but works now at a Seneca-Niagara casino. While he said his employer has been exceptionally supportive of his walk, the 14 days he's taking for the trek is an unpaid leave of absence.
People along the route have already been incredibily supportive, he said.
While he stopped in Bethany and spoke with a reporter, somebody drove up and handed him $2, apologizing that he didn't have more money with him.
A guy walking down the road in a Yankees uniform gets a lot of attention, Mondoux said.
Once he arrives at Yankee Stadium, Mondoux will attend a game using donated tickets. He hopes to be able to get all of the Yankee players to sign his jersey.
If he can raise $2 million, he said, he would like to donate the jersey to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown to help raise awareness of Lou Gehrig's Disease.
"I'll even give them my lucky hat," he said.
He bought the Yankees cap on Sept. 11, 2001, just outside of New York City -- he could see the towers burning that day from where he was, he said.
"It's been with me everywhere," he said. "It's been with me in Iraq and Afghanistan. I wore it the day my daughter was born. It's been everywhere, from Europe to Las Vegas."
Now it's going to Yankee Stadium.
To donate and to track Matt's progress, visit Walking4Lou.com.
Delavan's, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.
Settler's, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.
Bohn's Restaurant, 5256 Clinton St., Batavia, NY. Fine dining in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Lunch and dinner, steak, prime rib and seafood. Ask about Bohn's catering services and banquet facility. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50.
Kraving's, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kravings offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.
Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $10 gift card for $5.
Stafford Trading Post, 6173 Main Road, Stafford, NY: Lunch or dinner, Stafford Trading Post offers a variety of fresh, homemade meals, as well as snacks and drinks. Now in a new, expanded location. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.
Red Osier, Route 5, Stafford, NY: Truly, one of the landmark restaurants of the area. Red Osier features prime rib carved table side. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50.
Larry's Steakhouse, 60 Main St., Batavia, NY: The name says it all -- Larry's is a great place for steak. Larry's has a fine dining atmosphere with a great menu and outstanding service. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.
Ficarella's Pizzeria, 21 Liberty St., Batavia, NY. Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery. Featuring fresh, hearth-baked pizza since 1985. Pizza, wings, pasta and more. We have $20 gift certificates for $10. (Good only at the Batavia location.)
Oliver's Candies, 211 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Oliver's, a Batavia landmark, offers the finest chocolate and confections in the area. We have a $20 gift card for $10.
South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Handcrafted items, gifts with a regional flair, candles, teas and spices -- South Main has a wide selection to please most any interest. Decorate your home or office for spring or summer. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.
Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center, 3646 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: it's finally time for spring gardening. Pudgie’s has everything you need, from bird bathes and flowers of every variety to mulch and fertilizer. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.
SOLD OUT
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State regulators are expected to meet with investigators from the Sheriff's Office tomorrow and present their findings from their investigation into the death Friday of Iraq war hero James Hackemer, who was ejected from the Ride of Steel at Darien Lake Theme Park.
Until then, it's hard to say, according to Deputy Chief Jerome Brewster, if there will be any evidence to take to the District Attorney's Office for possible prosecution of any staff members at the theme park.
"At this point, we don't see any evidence of criminality," Brewster said. "But we'll have to see what the Department of Labor comes up with in their half of the investigation. If in their half, they find training records that show a supervisor or employees were trained not to let an amputee on the ride (for example), then maybe there is something to take to the District Attorney to review."
Brewster said, rather than a criminal complaint the findings might support a possible civil action by Hackemer's family, noting, however, that in any case where there is an injury or death on an amusement park ride, some sort of civil action is likely.
"Just off the top of my head I would think there’s some potential for civil liability, but criminal liability remains to be seen," Brewster said.
The Sheriff's Office has completed its investigation, Brewster said. The DOL investigators were at the scene of the accident today and are expected to return to Darien Lake in the morning before meeting with the Sheriff's Office in the afternoon.
Darien Lake officials are being exceptionally tight lipped about the accident.
Cassandra Okon, spokeswoman for the theme park, today repeated what she's told every news outlet that's called her: Officials at the park have no idea how long the investigation will take and until then park officials have no comment on the accident.
Asked if there would be a press conference after the investigation is completed, Okon said that hasn't been decided.
She took The Batavian's e-mail address and said if there are any further statements from Darien Lake, the statements will be e-mailed to all of the media outlets on her list.
The story of Hackemer's death has been reported throughout the world.
He lost both of his legs to a roadside bomb in Iraq and twice nearly died as a result of his wounds.
Hackemer's family told the Buffalo News that the 29-year-old father of two "died happy."
"I have no doubt in my mind that he died happy," his sister, Jody Hackemer, said Saturday as the family gathered at Hackemer's parents' farmhouse in Gowanda. "I know that's hard to comprehend. But really, he was doing what he wanted to do. And that's the important thing."
While there have been rumors since the accident that Hackemer insisted on getting on the ride over the objections of Darien Lake staff, the family contradicts those account in the Buffalo News article.
"We in no shape or form hold Darien Lake accountable," the sister said. "They weren't negligent. It's nobody's fault. It was an accident. James thought it wasn't an issue."
Brewster said that what he's seen from the investigation reports so far indicate that Hackemer wanted to get on the ride and family and staff assisted him. There was no attempt that Brewster is aware of to stop Hackemer from taking a seat on the Ride of Steel.
"Nobody has indicated that at this point," Brewster said.
Brewster confirmed accounts that Hackemer was ejected from the ride at the crest of a hill on the ride the runs parallel Route 77 where other rides have said the gravitational shift causes riders to lift out of their seats.
Hackemer had already been though bigger hills in the ride, so it's still not clear why he was ejected at this point in the ride.
The accident has revived an attempt by a Massachusetts congressman to take theme park regulation out of the hands of state officials and put regulation and investigation into federal officials' hands.
The local and state regulators who currently oversee amusement parks may lack the budget resources and technical experience to carry out effective safety checks and investigate accidents, Markey said.
"While the cause of the accident that claimed the life of Sgt. Hackemer is still unknown, one thing is crystal clear: Hypercoasters that hurtle riders at speeds exceeding 70 miles per hour along 200-foot drops should not be exempt from federal safety oversight," Markey said.
He plans to introduce legislation, which he has proposed multiple times before, to make fixed-site amusement parks subject to the regulatory authority of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, a federal consumer protection body. The move could prevent future injuries, he said.
The driver of a red SUV that crossed the center line causing a serious-injury accident on Indian Falls Road on Thursday, remains in serious condition at ECMC and hasn't been available for interviews, Undersheriff Bill Sheron said.
Sonya M. Charache, 30, of Gorton Road, suffered a head injury in the accident. It's unclear what caused her SUV to cross the center line, Sheron said.
"It's not unusual that in such accidents where there are head injuries that the victims don't remember much of the accident, or they can't recall what happened just prior to the accident," Sheron said.
It's possible prescription drugs could have been a factor, Sheron said, but toxicology reports have not been returned yet, so neither drugs nor alcohol as a contributing factor have been ruled out.
Three children in Charache's SUV and the driver of a blue pickup truck that was eastbound on Indian Falls Road were also injured.
The other driver, Donald Sage, 70, of Judge Road, Oakfield, remains hospitalized at Strong with multiple fractures and facial injuries.
The 6-year-old injured, Garrett M. Talbot, remains hospitalized. Sheron said he is making good progress toward recovery.
"None of the injuries are considered life threatening at this point," Sheron said.
The other two children, Jackson K. Gilbert, 2, and Kayda L. Charache, 1, both of Gorton Road, Alabama, are out of the hospital.
A former Bergen resident who was recently accused of stealing a mailbox from a neighbor is facing a grand larceny charge for allegedly stealing $14,650 from her former employer.
Michele Ann Case, 46, of 1037 Chili Center-Coldwater Road, Rochester, a registered nurse, is accused of submitting inflated mileage claims and fraudulent "call-in" claims that, in effect, diverted $14,650 from her employer.
Case worked for the company, which is not named in the press release, from late 2008 through January 2011. She is accused of filing the inflated claims from January 2009 through January 2011.
Following arraignment in Batavia City Court, Case was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.
The alleged larceny was investigated by Det. Charles F. Dudek, Batavia PD.
In June, Case, who was listed as a resident of North Bergen Road, Bergen, in previous arrest reports, was accused of stealing a mailbox. In comments on The Batavian, Case said she thought the mailbox was unused and was merely recycling it.
Previous stories about Case:
A vehicle struck a tree, then a house at 15 Holland Ave. in the City of Batavia. There are no injuries reported. City fire responded and is clearing. There is a small amount of structural damage to the porch and a little damage to the vehicle.
A large amount of smoke is reported in the area of 7427 Clinton St. Road. Bergen Fire Department is responding to investigate. It's coming from behind a truck parts business.
UPDATE 1:29 p.m.: The chief reports that the fire is visible from Dublin Road and Route 33. It is said to have started accidently. A grass truck from Le Roy and another one from Stafford are requested. The location is between Lyman Road and Maple Avenue, far back on the property at Demo's Truck Parts, Inc.
UPDATE 1:41 p.m.: Byron and South Byron fire departments are called to bring a tanker truck to the scene.
UPDATE 1:56 p.m.: The fire is out.
UPDATE 2:06 p.m.: Firefighters finishing up the work have asked for water and the ladies' auxiliary is going to bring it to them.
UPDATE 2:36 p.m.: Stafford was put back in service some time ago. Now Le Roy, Byron and South Byron fire departments are also back in service. The Department of Environmental Conservation is sending someone to investigate the situation.
A two-car accident with injuries is reported at Telephone and Cook roads in Pavilion. It's possibly a head-on collision. Pavilion Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding and the availability of Mercy Flight is being checked.
UPDATE: 1:10 p.m.: A responder on scene says there are minor injuries, including a chest injury and an arm injury. No need for Mercy Flight. Three vehicles are involved.
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