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More snow, low of 14 degrees expected tonight

By Billie Owens

Information from the National Weather Service:

Tonight there will be more snow showers and and areas of blowing snow until 11 p.m., followed by just more snow until midnight. Then there will be a chance of snow throughout the early morning hours, with a low of 14 degrees. A total of one to two inches of snow is possible.

Two-car accident at Route 5 and Roanoke Road, Stafford

By Billie Owens

A two-car, minor injury accident is reported at Route 5 and Roanoke Road in Stafford. Stafford fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 4:04 p.m.: All patients will be sign-offs. Medics are to continue in non-emergency mode.

Regional arts council calling for submissions for debut Members Exhibition

By Billie Owens

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council is calling for artists to submit work in all media for its debut Members Exhibition, which will run from March 5 through April 27 (from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment).

Works will be displayed in the GO ART! Bank of Castile Main Gallery, Seymore Place, 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia. (Note: the gallery is equipped with the "Walker Hanging System.")

The show will coincide with Arts Awareness Month in March, the GO ART! Salon kick-off, and the DEC Awards Ceremony.

All current members are eligible to enter three pieces of artwork, any media, in the exhibition. Artists may join or renew their memberships at the time of drop off, which is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Feb. 27, 28 and 29.

Two-dimensional work MUST be framed, wired and ready to hang. (No sawtooth hangers.)

There are some pedestals available for 3-D work. Check with the GO-ART! office.

GO ART! reserves the right to accept or refuse pieces. All questions should be directed to GO ART! 585-343-9313, or via email <info@GOart.org>

For publicity purposes, GO ART! says it would be helpful if artists could email or call with the size and number of pieces (max is three) by Feb. 17. If the work is to be created or is in progress, simply provide a general idea of size and medium. If you have an image available digitally, that would be helpful to have as well.

There is a registration form that should be completed and should accompany art when it is dropped off. All works should be labeled on the back with name, title, medium and price (if they are to be offered for sale. If sold, GO ART! will get a 10-percent commission). Insurance is the artist's responsibility.

The artist is responsible for providing round-trip shipping, packaging and postal insurance, if applicable.

The exhibiting artists' reception is from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 16.

Art work can be picked up between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. May 1 and 2. Art left after June 1 becomes the property of GO ART!

Tractor-trailer jackknifed on Route 63 in East Bethany

By Billie Owens

A tractor-trailer is jackknifed on Route 63 in the Hamlet of East Bethany. The location is between East Bethany and Le Roy roads. It is completely blocking the roadway and yet some vehicles are attempting to go around it. State police are called to the scene.

Big rig blocking Meadville Road in Alabama

By Billie Owens

A disabled tractor-trailer is blocking the roadway on Meadville Road in Alabama. The driver is not inside. Alabama fire is responding.

Jackknifed big rig in ditch leaking fuel on Route 237, Stafford

By Billie Owens

A tractor-trailer is reported to have jackknifed, landing in a ditch, and is now leaking diesel fuel on Route 237, south of Route 33. Stafford Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 1:04 p.m.: Dispatch reports that 100 gallons of diesel fuel have already spilt due to the rupture of the gas tank. The conditions on that stretch of roadway are very icy and responders are told to use caution.

UPDATE 1:22 p.m.: Stafford is on scene along with a heavy duty wrecker.

UPDATE 2:13 p.m.: The truck was carrying 23 head of young dairy cattle. The roadway is solid ice and winds are hitting at least 30 mph across the open fields. Below, WHAM13's Sean Carroll battles the conditions while giving an update from the scene. He's being filmed by cameraman Tom Maloney. Fire crews are just now clearing the scene.

Photos: A Friday the 13th winter storm in Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

Welcome to Friday the 13th. The weather remains frightful, travel hazardous and a winter weather advisory remains in place until 7 p.m.

There is a wind advisory in effect until 4 p.m.

The pictures in this post were taken as I returned to Batavia from the egg tanker accident.

Above, off Route 20, Alexander

Browns Mill Road, Alexander

Creek Road, Batavia

Creek Road, Batavia

Photo: Overturned tanker truck hauling liquid egg

By Howard B. Owens

A driver hauling liquid egg from Pennsylvania to a plant in Ontario, Canada, was allegedly driving too fast for conditions, according to Deputy Chris Parker, and he lost control of his rig. The truck slid off Route 20 in Alexander and rolled over in a farm field about a half mile east of Sandpit Road.

The truck was hauling more than 6,000 gallons of liquid egg, which was going to be dehydrated and used as an ingredient for dog food. Nearly the entire contents of the truck spilled into the field.

The driver was not injured, though it took volunteer firefighters about 20 minutes to safely get him out the cab of the truck.

The accident was reported at 8:30 a.m. Alexander fire responded, Bethany's fire police handled traffic control on the east side of the accident. Darien fire was put on standby in its hall while Alexander was tied up on the accident.

Man stuck on a ramp in his wheelchair on North Street

By Billie Owens

A man is reportedly stuck on a ramp in the snow in his electric wheelchair on North Street in Batavia near Narramore Drive. City fire is responding and told to proceed in non-emergency mode.

Winter weather keeping road crews and law enforcement busy

By Howard B. Owens

High winds and blowing snow have been keeping county salt crews busy so far Friday morning.

There are currently reports of an accident on Route 63 and a report of car off the road in East Pembroke.

A UPS truck can't get up a hill in Pavilion.

Currently, National Grid reports no power outages.

The forecast for Genesee County through noon is for more of the same.

The National Weather Service says "blizzard conditions" exist now, though the morning portion of the storm is expected to bring only about one to three inches of snow.

WBTA reports tha Pavilion Central School is closed today and Alexandar Central has a two-hour delay.

UPDATE 7:27 a.m.: Car off the road on the I-490. An electrical wire is reportedly on fire outside the residence at 10 Maple St., Batavia. The caller reports "hearing electrical problems" in the basement. City fire responding.

UPDATE 7:31 a.m.: Engine 12 on scene at 10 Maple, nothing showing. Mercy EMS dispatched to Route 63 and Ellicott for the accident at that location for a patient evaluation. At 10 Maple, firefighter reports "It's a little smoky" in the basement.

UPDATE 7:39 a.m.: National Grid requested to 10 Maple. Power is out. Water has gotten on the breaker box. The cause of the smoke in the basement is out.  Also, in Le Roy, a truck can't get up a hill in the area of Gilbert Street. Law enforcement responding.

UPDATE 7:45 a.m.: National Grid requested to the scene at 10 Maple ASAP. "We have a signficant electrical situation here," a firefighter reports. There is arcing in the basement.

UPDATE 7:48 a.m.; National Grid has a 15 minute ETA for 10 Maple.

UPDATE 7:49 a.m.: Car off the road on Perry Road, Pavilion.

UPDATE 8:08 a.m.: City code enforcement requested to 10 Maple.

UPDATE 8:13 a.m.: A vehicle has struck a mailbox on Route 63 near Bethany Center Road.

UPDATE 8:30 a.m.: A tractor-trailer has rolled over on Route 20 at Sandpit Road, Alexander. No word on injuries.

UPDATE 8:41 a.m.: Regarding the truck rollover -- no injuries.

UPDATE 8:43 a.m.: Car off the road on Route 77 just north of the Thruway.

UPDATE 8:50 a.m.: Heavy wrecker requested to the truck rollover. The tanker was transporting liquid egg, completely biodegradable, and the liquid egg is draining out of the tank, so it will be empty by the time the wrecker arrives. The driver is now out of the truck.

UPDATE 8:55 a.m.: Red Cross requested to 10 Maple to assist a displaced family.

Meeting for STAMP project in Alabama announced by GCEDC

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Information addressing the comments of the Western New York Science Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park (WNY STAMP) Draft Generic Impact Statement (DGEIS) will be discussed at 7 p.m. on Jan. 26 at the Town of Alabama Fire Hall. All property owners in the Town of Alabama will receive a postcard announcing the meeting and the public is welcomed to attend.

A general overview of the WNY STAMP project, the environmental review process and responses to common topics from the DGEIS will be presented. The major topics that were brought up in response to the DGEIS, and that will be covered at the informational meeting include: traffic, chemicals, water and wastewater.

The proposed action, examined by the DGEIS, is the construction and operation of approximately 6.1 million square feet of advanced technology manufacturing and ancillary facilities, along with on-site utility improvements, on 1,337.20 acres of land in the Town of Alabama.

The WNY STAMP site is located along New York State highways 77 and 63, approximately five miles north of the I-90 New York State Thruway. The proposed action will involve rezoning the property pursuant to the Town of Alabama Zoning Law.

According to the DGEIS, the buildable area of the WNY STAMP project is 46 percent of the entire site. The remainder of the land would remain as open space. The intent of the master plan design is to blend the manufacturing park into the existing fabric of the community. The Hamlet of Alabama is separated from the STAMP site by a subtle ridgeline and gracious landscape setbacks from existing uses.

As part of the open space system, only 9.5 acres of wetlands would be impacted by the current design, and the site will retain its rural nature. The park will be built to high-tech industry standards, in line with employee expectations, and will respect its surrounding context and environment.

The completed DGEIS, which was approved by the GCEDC board, can be found on the GCEDC’s website www.gcedc.com

Law and Order: Wood Street resident accused of making up stabbing claims

By Howard B. Owens

Dale A. Swiatowy Jr., 36, of 16 Wood St., Batavia, is charged with two counts of falsely reporting an incident, 3rd. Swiatowy allegedly claimed on Dec. 20 that a man attempted to rob him near Evans Street, cutting him with a knife. On Dec. 23, Swiatowy allegedly reported being stabbed while being robbed on Liberty Street. An investigation by Batavia PD and Investigator Chris Erion of the Sheriff's Office revealed that both reports were allegedly untrue and that the wounds were self-inflicted. (Dec. 20 report; Dec 23 report)

James Russell Hughes, 52, of Oatka Trail, Le Roy, is charged with assault, 3rd. Hughes is accused of head-butting a woman during a domestic incident Jan. 2. An order of protection was issued for the woman at Hughes's arraignment.

Donna L. Richardson, 59, of 43 Main St., Le Roy, is charged with DWI and driving on a suspended registration. Richardson was stopped Thursday evening in the Village of Le Roy by Le Roy Police.

Driver allegedly failed to yield right of way in Elba accident

By Howard B. Owens

A driver reportedly failed to yield the right of way leading to an accident in the Village of Elba on Wednesday morning that sent one man to the hospital via Mercy Flight.

Injured was Lester R. Gillard, 87, of Elba. He reportedly suffered a head and leg injury.

According to a Sheriff's Office release, Gillard was westbound on Chapel Street when his vehicle entered the intersection of Main Street.

Southbound on Main, with the right of way, was a Byrne Dairy milk truck operated by Marc T. Smith, 28, of Brockport.

Smith was not injured. Charges may be pending.

Elba Fire Department and Mercy EMS responded.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Dana Richardson.

(Initial report)

Grand Jury Report: Man accused of stealing $31K in material from Le Roy business

By Howard B. Owens

Tony R. Smith is indicted on a count of grand larceny, 3rd. Smith is accused of stealing property valued at about $31,000 from a business on Gilbert Street in Le Roy, including boxes containing brass draw lead nuts, copper draw lead terminals and aluminum blocks, between May and July 2011.

Roy K. Way is indicted on counts of felony DWI and and felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. Way is accused of driving while drunk on South Pearl Street and Brooklyn Avenue in Batavia on Sept. 12.

Sara K. McCabe is indicted on a count of felony DWI, three counts of aggravated DWI (driving drunk with a child 15 or under in the car) and one count of operating a motor vehicle without a required interlock device. McCabe is accused of driving drunk with children in the car in the parking lot of McDonald's in Le Roy on Aug. 25.

Snowstorm predicted for Western New York over night and tomorrow

By Howard B. Owens

Once again, they're telling us snow is coming.

A winter weather advisory has been issued for Genesee County and all of Western New York.

The predicted storm could dump an inch of snow over night and up to four inches Friday.

Heavy snowfall has been reported in parts of the Northeast that haven't seen much snow so far this season.

The advisory is in place until 7 p.m., Friday, though the National Weather Service predicts the heaviest snowfall for Friday morning.

Blowing snow will reduce visibility to near zero, according to the weather service.

Winds will blow at 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

Driving conditions are expected to be hazardous.

NYT article suggests Batavia headed toward "yogurt cluster" status

By Howard B. Owens

The possible "yogurt cluster" in Batavia is part of a statewide trend in the manufacture and distribution of Greek yogurt, according to a story just published by the The New York Times.

Alpina Foods, the United States arm of a major South American dairy company, is building a $20 million plant in Batavia to make Greek yogurt topped with granola. And state economic development officials are negotiating with another major food maker to set up a dairy products plant in the same area, creating the possibility for what one executive called a “yogurt cluster.”

Of course, readers of The Batavian (and no other local source in this case) know the "major food maker" is PepsiCo.

However, I spoke to some dairy product insiders recently who don't believe yogurt is what PepsiCo is planning. They said they expect Pepsi to announce a dairy-based nutrition drink.

More from the Times:

National retail sales of the thicker style of yogurt more than doubled last year, jumping to $821 million for a 52-week period ending in October ...

New York’s dairy farmers are among the biggest beneficiaries of the public’s love affair with Greek yogurt, since it typically takes three times as much milk to make a pound of Greek yogurt as it does for regular yogurt. “This is a ‘once every two or three generations’ situation,” said Bruce Krupke, executive vice president of the Northeast Dairy Foods Association. “All of the right forces have come together to make it very attractive to build in New York state.”

Data compiled by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets shows that the state produced 368 million pounds of yogurt in 2010, nearly 40 percent more than the previous year. Over five years, production rose almost 60 percent. Much of that increase is for Greek yogurt production. ...

The Greek yogurt boom has translated into jobs in rural areas of New York that badly need them. Chobani (a brand of Greek yogurt) said it currently employed about 900 people in New York and expected to add about 100 more. Fage said it had about 240 full-time employees and expected to add about 150. The new Alpina plant in Batavia will employ about 50 people.

We're still in a wait-and-see mode about Pepsi and how the rest of the ag park will fill out, but this was some interesting information from the NYT.

Read the whole article here.

'Convivium' opens at Roz Steiner Gallery at GCC

By Howard B. Owens

It would be tempting to look at Kala Stein's "Convivium" as just a table with a bunch of cups on it, but approach the sculpture and take a moment with it, and you discover it encourages a contemplative review of its subtle beauty.

Convivium is on display at the Roz Steiner Gallery on the Genesee Community College campus from Jan. 17 through 27.

The sculpture was installed over the past two days.

Stein has written this about it:

Convivium describes a coming together, a celebratory congregation, a banquet of minds. This type of gathering is a venue for exchange, a place to spark new relationships, and to cultivate what presently exists. It is about the constructive potentials of the collective.

The cup is a vernacular object; I use the goblet as a tool to symbolize human interaction within the convivium and the idea of convivium itself. Repetition and expansion, physical derivatives of time and space, distort the vessel beyond iconic function and shifts its singularity into a dizzying display of geometric patterns. The goblet is no longer a goblet; it is a unit within the whole. The area beyond the strict limits of the objects accommodates surprise and discovery. Function becomes irrational and form becomes pattern.

Ceramic, wood and glass are used for their aesthetic qualities and structural abilities. The materials are processed out of necessity – beyond raw but short of finished. An unpolished state is absolute structure and illustrates a depth of purity and the truth of the material.

Stein has a master's degree in fine arts from Alfred University, where she currently teaches and works as a studio artist.

Possible chimney fire reported on Pike Road, Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

A possible chimney fire is reported at 2991 Pike Road, Alexander.

Fire units dispatched from Alexander, Town of Batavia and East Pembroke.

UPDATE 6:07 p.m.: I wasn't able to follow the conclusion of this call, but units went back in service shortly after the alarm went out.


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AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC CITY OF BATAVIA SALARY $25.54-$30.08 DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Assignments in this Class require the exercise of specialized skills in tasks pertaining to the maintenance and repair of a wide variety of machinery and equipment used in public works activities, as well as to other vehicles owned or operated by the municipal employer. In smaller agencies, an Automotive Mechanic may exercise a degree of supervision over assistant mechanics or Equipment Operators performing minor maintenance and repair on equipment, with general supervision being received from a supervisor, superintendent, or other such official or designee. Does related work, as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: Repairs motorized and non-motorized equipment, such as trucks, tractors, mowers, graders, loaders, sweepers, rollers, compressors, and automobiles; Adjusts, repairs, and rebuilds gasoline and diesel engines; Repairs and replaces components of equipment, such as suspension systems, drive assemblies, brake systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, and cooling systems, and makes necessary adjustments to same; Carries out sanding, sandblasting, filling, painting, and related body-work tasks; Makes minor welding repairs; Operates drills, grinders, and other metal-working machines related to automotive repair functions; Performs preventative maintenance tasks which may include vehicle inspections; Attaches and removes snow plows, blades, and other attachments for motorized equipment; Maintains records of tasks performed, and other pertinent records; Requisitions parts and materials, to ensure adequate supply to maintain workflow; Acts as Equipment Operator, or wingman, as directed; May drive buses, cars, or trucks; May deliver fuel to job sites; Keeps shop area neat and clean. The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITY AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of standard automotive repair and maintenance methods; thorough knowledge of automotive repair terminology and tools; working knowledge of welding techniques; ability to make difficult repairs to heavy automotive and other mechanical equipment; ability to work from plans and specifications, and to follow rough draft sketches and oral instructions; good motor and hand eye coordination; manual dexterity. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee constantly is required to stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: One year of full-time paid experience as a skilled automotive repairman. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  Some jurisdictions may require appointees to receive and maintain certification as a NYS Motor Vehicle Inspector, within six months of appointment. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENT AND CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT: 1.     Possession and maintenance of appropriate valid license(s), as required. 2.     In school districts where incumbent may operate a school bus, possession of a valid appropriate level New York State Driver's License is required. 3.     Drivers must be at least 21 years of age. NOTE:  In addition, candidates must satisfy the requirements for School Bus Driver set forth in the Rules and Regulations of the New York State Commissioner of Education. Non-Competitive Class Civil Service Applications are due to Human Resources no later than October 18, 2024.
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