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New transportation options for the disabled

By Billie Owens

Press release

Beginning in mid-January, Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR) is pleased to announce that in cooperation with Western New York Independent Living, Inc. (WNYIL), transportation services will be offered for people that are eligible for services through the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities AND are living with a family member in Genesee or Orleans counties.

Qualified individuals will receive up to six round trips per month at no cost to a location of choice in the Buffalo / Rochester region.

A wheelchair-accessible van with a driver that meets Article 19A of the Vehicle and Traffic Law guidelines will be based at the ILGR main office on Main Street in Batavia. ILGR and WNYIL recognize that reliable, accessible and affordable transportation is a barrier for many families, especially in rural areas. This program will help eliminate that barrier.

Also in January, ILGR will offer transportation services on a fee-for-service basis for anyone with a disability. ILGR believes the availability of local accessible services will assist to serve the ever-increasing mobility needs of the local community.

If you would like to sign up for either program, you can call 815-8501, ext. 126.

Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR), part of the WNY Independent Living Inc., Family of Agencies, has primary offices at 113 Main St., Suite 5, Batavia. The agency provides individuals of the Genesee Region (Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming counties) with four Core Services: Information and Referral; Peer Counseling; Independent Living Skills Training; and Individual and Community Advocacy.

For more information about ILGR or to begin receiving services, please call 815-8501, ext. 400 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Photos: Batavia dusted with snow

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia, which has seen very little snowfall so far this winter, got a light dusting Saturday morning.

The forecast calls for a 30-percent chance of snow from 5 to 7 p.m. and the 10-day forecast predicts a couple more days of light snow in the next week and a chance of rain and snow on Dec. 25.

Careful driving this morning: Untreated roads are slick.

Above, St. Mary's. Below, Austin Park.

Homeless man charged with arson in small fire on State Street

By Howard B. Owens

A homeless man who was given permission to sleep on the back porch of a residence on State Street has been arrested and charged with arson in the fourth degree after a fire he started caused some damage to the house.

The fire was reported shortly after 8:30 p.m. Thursday and quickly extinguished by city firefighters, causing minimal damage to the porch and siding of the house at 107 State St., Batavia.

Reginald J. Hawker, 57, of no permanent address, was arrested Friday afternoon following an investigation by Det. Patrick Corona.

He was jailed without bail.

Hawker is accused of intentionally setting the fire. Corona said it's believed that Hawker started the fire on the porch in an attempt to cook and to have heat and light.

Previously: Fire at home on State Street possibly set by homeless person trying to keep warm

Motorhome blocking traffic on Bloomingdale Road in Alabama

By Billie Owens

A large motorhome has broken down and is blocking both lanes of traffic on Bloomingdale Road. The location is between the reservation and the Hawk's Nest Cafe. Alabama traffic police are requested to the scene to handle traffic until the vehicle can be towed.

Reader submitted photo.

Photo: T.F. Brown's readies for annual community Christmas Day meal

By Howard B. Owens

For the 23rd year, all are welcome at T.F. Brown's on Christmas Day for a free holiday dinner, and for the children, Christmas gifts.

Seating times at T.F. Brown's this year will be at noon and 1 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Maud at 343-2091.

T.F. Brown's is not officially open on Christmas and there will be no bar service that day.

The traditional Christmas Day fare will include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberries, salad and dessert.

Photo: Ben Mancuso, Rick Mancuso, Joe Teresi, John Murray, president of the Batavia Lions Club, and Chuck Brenner, also of the Lions Club.

Gilmartin displays Christmas tree remembering loved ones who have passed

By Howard B. Owens

For the fourth year, Gilmartin Funeral Home has put on display a memorial Christmas tree in remembrance of people who have passed during the year. The tree features a bow and tag for each person remembered and the family is sent a tree ornament with the name of their loved one on it.

"It's a tough time of year because it brings up a lot of memories," T.J. Woodward said. "We hope this eases those memories and brings happier thoughts. It's nice for a family that somebody remembers. It helps with the healing process."

The tree is on display in Gilmartin's newly remodeled entry way.

Photo: New deli planned for Ellicott Street location

By Howard B. Owens

This sign appeared in a shop window on Ellicott Street in the last day or so.  Nobody was around this morning, so no word on when the new deli might open.

It will be Ellicott Street's third deli. This summer, Molasses Hill moved from Alexander to a location near Harvester Ave., and, of course, on the corner of Liberty and Ellicott is Southside Deli. That location has been a deli or meat market for more than 100 years.

There's been a bit of a boomlet on Ellicott this past year, with four, now five, new shops opening for business.

Hess station closed for remodeling, should reopen tomorrow

By Howard B. Owens

A couple of readers have wanted to know this morning what's up with the Hess gas station at Oak and Main streets, Batavia, which has its driveways blocked. The station and convenience store are closed for remodeling. The manager said the station should reopen tomorrow.

Fire at home on State Street possibly set by homeless person trying to keep warm

By Howard B. Owens

Police are continuing an investigation this morning into a fire Thursday night at 107 State St. in Batavia.

Det. Pat Corona isn't calling it a criminal investigation, but police do want to know more about how and why the fire was set.

Corona said it appears a local homeless person had set up shelter -- with the home owner's permission -- on the back porch of a residence, then around 8:30 p.m., the man apparently tried to start a fire to keep himself warm.

"At least that's how it appears," Corona said. "We want to talk with him and find out more."

The man is known to police and was located last night by officers, but was uncooperative. Corona said detectives will try to interview him again.

The fire did minimal damage to the porch and the siding of the house, Corona said.

(Initial report)

Contest Winners: Hardcor Audio, VIP Salon, Shop Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Tonight we selected the winners in random drawings of three recent contests run on The Batavian.

The winner of the Hardcor Audio Facebook Like Contest is Diane Smith. Diane wins a $100 gift certificate from Hardcor Audio.

The winner of the VIP Salon Facebook Like Contest is Mary Cooley. Mary wins a gift basket from VIP Salon.

The winner of the Shop Batavia Facebook Like Contest is Terry Freeman. Terry wins a $200 gift certificate for Adam Miller Toy and Bicycles.

Santa visits Alexander School

By Rick Franclemont

Santa took a break from his busy schedule to visit Alexander school tonight.

After reading two stories, it was time for Santa to hear what everyone wanted for Christmas.

Then everyone gathered in the cafeteria to frost and decorate cookies!

Report of smoke in the basement of residence on State Street

By Howard B. Owens

City Fire Department is dispatched to 107 State St. for report of smoke in the basement.

Engine 12 and Ladder 15 on scene, "nothing showing."

UPDATE 8:39 p.m.: "Smoke in the house. Investigating."

UPDATE 8:43 p.m.: Police requested to the scene for a possible investigation of arson. Firefighters apparently found something at the back of the house prompting them to request police to the scene.


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Motor-vehicle accident on Fisher Road in Oakfield

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injury is reported at 7381 Fisher Road in Oakfield. One person is complaining of a shoulder injury.

The location is "just before the curve" between Lewiston Road and Drake Street.

Oakfield Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

Update 6:09 p.m.: An official on scene says responders can come to the scene in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 6:21 p.m.: This must be a pile-up since a Sheriff's Deputy is reporting to dispatch that there are six vehicles involved, but not all of them are damaged.

UPDATE 6:36 p.m.: Oakfield fire is back in service.

Batavia Nursing Home owner indicted on federal fraud charges

By Howard B. Owens

The owner of the Batavia Nursing Home was indicted today in federal court on charges of fraud and making false statements.

Five counts were filed against Marc Irwin Korn, 54, of East Amherst.

Korn is accused of engaging in two different schemes to obtain money.

He allegedly took more than $150,000 donated to the American Friends of Assaf Harofeh Medical Center while serving as an officer of the charity. 

He's also accused of causing more than $167,000 from leasing agreements for nursing home equipment to be deposited into a bank account of one of his businesses, Health Care Alliance, Inc.

The funds, according to the U.S. Attorney's office, were used for personal expenses, including salon visits, college tuition, clothing and antiques.

Korn is also accused of making false statements to investigating agents during a June 2010 interview. According to the indictment, Korn told agents the deposits into Health Care Alliance were commissions.  

The case is being prosecuted by Gretchen L. Wylegala, an assistant to U.S. Attorney for Western New York William Hochul.

Photo: Construction on Cedar Street

By Howard B. Owens

A reader contacted us this afternoon and said Cedar Street was closed due to construction. He said traffic was being rerouted. However, about a half-hour later, traffic was passing through the construction zone one lane at a time. A worker said construction will hopefully wrap up in a few more days.

GOP makes recommendations to fill council vacancies

By Howard B. Owens

The son of our State Assembly representative and a former city council member are the two people recommended by the city GOP committee to fill two vacancies on the Batavia City Council.

The city's charter provides that vacated seats be filled by appointees from the party of former seat holders.

Awaiting council approval are Brooks Hawley, son of Assemblyman Steve Hawley, and James Russell, a former council member.

They will replace, if approved, Frank Ferrando and Marianne Clattenburg, at-large members elected in November to seats on the Genesee County Legislature.

Alleged drug dealer asks for new attorney on plea cut-off day

By Howard B. Owens

An alleged drug dealer appeared in Genesee County Court on Thursday morning and told Judge Robert C. Noonan that he would like a new attorney to handle his case.

Carlos A. Torres, who first made the news locally after being involved in a mysterious shooting, was scheduled today to either accept a plea offer or have his case set for trial.

"I don't feel he's doing anything on my behalf," Torres said.

He is represented by Public Defender Gary Horton.  

Horton explained to Noonan what appears to be a communication problem.

"I spent 45 minutes to an hour with Mr. Torres yesterday," Horton said. "I've explained to him what I expect to occur at trial, what my perception of the people's proof is...we've had that discussion multiple times.

"I understand his concern," Horton added. "He's facing serious charges. I understand he's anxious about going to trial, but he's always wanted to go to trial. The problem as I see it is that we keep having the same conversation over and over. It's starting to interfere."

Torres is facing three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. The possible sentence he faces is 12 years in prison.  

Assistant District Attorney Will Zickl said Torres has been offered an attempted criminal possesion of a controlled substance charge with a sentence cap of six years.

Members of the Local Drug Task Force arrested Torres April 2 and allegedly found him in possession of cocaine, crack and heroin with an estimated street value of more than $7,000.

Noonan said he didn't hear anything from either Torres or Horton that convinced him it was worth the taxpayer expense to change attorneys.

He asked repeatedly if another attorney could work any better with Torres than Horton has, noting that Horton has 40 years experience and has taken hundreds of cases to trial.

"I’m not sure another attorney or another personality would have a problem or not," Horton said.

Torres is scheduled to reappear Dec. 23, giving Horton a chance to see if another attorney in his office can take the case and review new evidence against Torres that the DA's office produced recently.

Top Items on Batavia's List

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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