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Fire department plans more hydrant flushing in city

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday starting at approximately 5:30 p.m. in the general area of East Main Street, East Avenue, North Street, Bank Street, Summit Street, Ross Street, Vine Street, Elm Street, Trumbull Parkway, North Spruce Street, Naramore Drive and Clinton Street.

Homes and businesses nearby may be affected. These flows may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored.

Photo: Autumn tree on Ganson Avenue

By Howard B. Owens

A little fall color behind the Highway to Holiness Church. The church is on Maple Street, the tree is off Ganson Avenue.

Innovative Sheriff, longtime town Justice Doug Call honored at picnic in Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

Doug Call, 71, a former Genesee County Sheriff now finishing out his final term as a Town of Stafford justice, was honored with a picnic today in Stafford.

It was organized by local Democrats, and is one of their annual fundraisers, but Call was the guest of honor and several Republicans attended.

County Chairwoman Lorie Longhany said Call has been a good Democrat, but more importantly, he's been a good public servant.

"He's one of the best public servants Genesee County ever had," Longhany said.  "His service transcended politics. It was always about public service."

As Sheriff -- perhaps the only Democrat ever elected to Sheriff in Genesee County -- Call initiated the Stop DWI program, which included DWI checkpoints on roadways. The program would be challenged in court, but the county won appeals all the way up to the state's Court of Appeals. It's a program that is now widely used across the country.

Call was also instrumental in getting Genesee Justice started, a program Call estimates has saved the county millions and millions of dollars over the years.

For one thing, by putting criminals in intervention programs rather than locking them up, the county was spared the expense of a new, larger jail.

On hand to honor Call today were Congresswoman Kathy Hochul and Sheriff Gary Maha. Assemblyman Steven Hawley sent a letter and Darien Town Justice Gary Graber, who is incoming president of the state magistrates' association, spoke in praise of Call. Graber was first elected in 1980, when Call first became Sheriff.

A quiet man, Call doesn't put much of a spotlight on his own accomplishments.

"I’m humbled by (the honors today) because I just did things," Call said. "Apparently people think it’s important and they’re here."

He then added, "Other's could have done it."

Possible fire turned out to be 'homeowner using a fog machine'

By Howard B. Owens

Town of Batavia Fire Department was dispatched to the report of an unknown type fire at the end of Briarwood Terrace.

As Engine 21 was rolling on the call, an assistant chief arrived on scene and reported that Engine 21 could stand down.

"The homeowner is operating a fog machine," reported the chief.

"Copy," said a dispatcher, "homeowner operating a fog machine."

Second dispatcher: "That's got to be a first."

Town of Batavia fire, back in service.


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Three people busted for allegedly dealing drugs on Bank Street

By Howard B. Owens

Three people were arrested yesterday following an investigation by the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force into the transportation and sale of cocaine in Batavia.

All three face charges related to the sale of a controlled substance.

Members of the drug task force, along with Batavia police officers and Sheriff's Office deputies, executed a search warrant at 335 Bank St., Apt. B3, yesterday evening and allegedly found a quantity of cocaine with an estimated value of more than $1,500. 

Also seized was $750 in cash, drug paraphernalia and marijuana.

Arrested were:

Julia B. Wescott, 29, of Batavia. Wescott was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, criminal nuisance, 1st, and criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd.

Thomas L. Hill, 22, of Rochester. Hill was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, criminally using drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Jade Cierra Wims, 18, of Rocheter. Wims was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and criminally using drug paraphernalia.

Wescott is accused of allowing Hill and Wims to deal cocaine from her apartment on Bank Street, which is the basis of the "criminal nuisance" charge.

All three were arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail.

Photos: Top, Wescott, Hill and Wims.

Football round up: Elba/BB notches fifth win of season

By Howard B. Owens

Elba/Byron-Bergen shutout Oakfield-Alabama 49-0. Zack Dubois ran the ball 18 times for 146 yards and two TDs. Zac Gillard completed eight of nine passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns. Matt Ramsey had three receptions for 105 yards and two TDs. Cody Naylor had a three-yard TD run. Tommy Manzella completed 12 for 128 yards for the Hornets. Ben Langdon had five receptions for 44 yards.

Several players had big games for the Lancers (5-1), including Gabe Stempin who had a 48-yard return on an interception. Andy Boyce had seven tackles, half a sack and a fumble recovery. Brandon Naylor had six tackles and twice was involved in sacks. Alex Jasinski had five tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. Emiliano Acosta had five tackles, a sack, and half of another. O-A is 0-6 on the season.

Batavia HS lost to Wellsville on homecoming night 38-6. No stats are available for the game.

Le Roy fell to 3-3 with a loss to Letchworth, 42-7. Tommy McQuillen rushed for 123 yards on 19 carries, scoring the Oatkan Knights lone TD.

Genesee Region League leader Barker moved to 6-0 with a 36-14 win over Attica.

Alexander picked up its first win of the season over Holley by a score of 39-7. No stats are available for this game.

Notre Dame pulls away from Pembroke to secure fifth win

By Howard B. Owens

In a game in which Pembroke went into the second quarter with a lead and a chance to beat the always tough Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, the Dragons ended up 24 points off the mark.

The Irish dominated on offense and defense from midway through the second quarter, scoring three TDs in the second quarter and a TD and field goal in the third.

Brothers McCulley, Tim and Doane, led the Notre Dame (5-1) offense with Tim tossing four touchdowns and completing six passes for 187 yards. Doane had two TD receptions and gained a total of 101 yards.

Nate Woods also scored twice, once on a passing play and once on a running play. Woods had 75 total yards.

Andrew Mullen came up big on offense and defense. On offense, he scored on a 35-yard pass play, his only reception of the day, and on defense had 10 tackles. Nick Taylor, Nick Conklin and Doane McCulley each had eight tackles with Taylor adding a QB sack.

For Pembroke (2-4), QB Cody Bedard carried the weight of the offense after running back Wyatt Chittenden was injured early in the game.

Bedard ran the ball 33 times for 120 yards, including one TD run. He completed five passes for 51 yards and had one interception.

Luke Thomas and Steve Weaver had five tackes each for the Dragons and Zack Franclemont had the team's lone sack.

Pembroke's other TD was scored by Trevor Gray, who carried the ball twice for four yards.

Notre Dame had 309 yards total offense, to Pembroke's 227.

If you're unable to view the slide show, click here.

Photos: St. Padre Pio Parish Oktoberfest

By Howard B. Owens

The St. Padre Pio Parish in Oakfield held its fourth annual Oktoberfest on Saturday.

The daylong event featured BBQ pig, a beer tent, live music, a Halloween costume contest for the kids and a chance auction.

More than 750 people were expected to attend.

Photos: Miranda Fix book signing at Coffee Culture

By Howard B. Owens

Miranda Fix was at Coffee Culture on Saturday signing copies of her new novel -- her sixth -- "Calling all Angels."

Fix, a registered nurse with 30 years experience, describes her new book this way:  “It’s about my story and my experiences as a nurse surviving in a profession that is full of illusions, disenchantments and despair. But deep inside that sadness is a rainbow of color and these shades of blues, yellows greens and reds are the true colors of our angels. They are there for us, they guide us, empower us, pray for us and keep us safe. They are there when you call upon them…you just need to ask them for help. 

"Calling All Angels is a novel about true life and the amazing strength in the patients I have met along the way. Stories that will make you laugh and cry, but they are full of hope and wonder. I wish you love and happiness as in the ways of the angels…and remember to believe.”

The mother of two children, and grandmother to three, Fix lives in Corfu.

Complaint of dog shot with BB gun in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A caller reports to dispatch that his neighbor on Lake Street in Le Roy shot his dog with a BB gun. Le Roy police are responding. No information about injuries to the dog.

Photos: UMMC Foundation's annual Fall Auction

By Howard B. Owens

The UMMC Foundation is holding its annual Fall Auction at the Clarion Hotel tonight.

Director Lorie Stupp said the foundation expects to raise $30,000 from the event.  More than 260 tickets were sold.

The evening opened with snacks, drinks and a chance auction, followed by dinner and a live auction hosted by Bontrager's. 

There was also a sumptuous dessert table.

Photos: Anti-bullying seminar at Jackson School

By Howard B. Owens

Teachers, teachers' aides, administration, staff and community members gathered in each of the city shool districts schools this afternoon for further education on anti-bullying initiatives.

From 12:30 to 3 p.m., with students on a half-day schedule, each school hosted a seminar on how to recognize and deal with bullying in schools, from pre-K up through 12th grade.

Shawn Clark led the discussion at Jackson Elementary School and said the turnout was strong and participation high.

"It links community members, businesses and the schools," Clark said. "What we're looking at is a communitywide impact here."

He said the programs were a year in planning and the district intends to conduct annual seminars to stop bullying.

Rollover accident at Ford and Old Ford roads, Elba

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported in Elba at the intersection of Ford Road and Old Ford Road. One vehicle rolled over. Elba Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. Injuries are believed to be minor. One vehicle is blocking traffic. Two flatbed tow trucks are requested.

UPDATE 2:16: Mercy Flight is responding to the scene.

UPDATE 2:21 p.m.: Mercy Flight has landed.

UPDATE 2:28 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne with a patient and heading to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 2:35 p.m.: Mercy medics are transporting one patient via ambulance to Strong.

Elba man allegedly sold narcotics to undercover officer

By Billie Owens

According to a press release issued earlier this week by the Wyoming County Sheriff's Department, Elba resident Adam McGill, 33, was arrested and charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, both class B felonies.

McGill allegedly sold a narcotic drug to an undercover officer with the Wyoming County Drug Task Force on two occasions in the Village of Attica.

He was arrested Sept. 30 along with Shelby resident Diane Gallagher, 42, who was charged with one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance. Gallagher allegedly sold a narcotic drug to an undercover officer in the Town of Orangeville.

McGill is being held in Wyoming County Jail without bail and Gallagher is also being held there in lieu of $15,000 cash bail.

Members of the Attica Police Department assisted the other agencies in making the arrests.

To report possible illegal drug activity in Wyoming County, call 786-8965.

Photos: Salvation Army's 36th annual Harvest Festival

By Howard B. Owens

The 36th annual Salvation Army Fall Festival is under way now at the Salvation Army HQ, 529 E. Main St., Batavia.

Besides a rummage sale and bake sale, at 6 p.m. the Spud Fest begins -- baked potatoes with all the fixin's along with a drink and desserts for $10.

Crash on eastbound Thruway near Le Roy

By Billie Owens

An accident is reported on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 384.9. The driver of one vehicle was unconscious but is now alert. Mercy Flight is called. Le Roy Fire and Ambulance Service are responding.

UPDATE 11:55 p.m.: The mile marker is actually 384.8 on the eastbound Thruway. State Police are on scene. Mercy Flight is on location.

UPDATE 12:09 p.m.: Mercy Flight will not be used and the helicopter is heading back to its base in Batavia.

UPDATE 12:15 p.m.: Le Roy fire units are back in service.

UPDATE 12:39 p.m.: Le Roy medics transported a patient to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Byron-based Oxbo merging with Dutch firm

By Howard B. Owens

Byron-based Oxbo is merging with a Dutch company to help both companies better reach a burgeoning international market, but not much will change locally, according to a story in the Democrat & Chronicle.

Oxbo, which manufactures harvesting equipment, will continue to sell its own products under its own brand and employ at least the same number of people locally.

The Dutch firm, Netherlands-based Ploeger, also manufactures harvesting equipment.

The new firm will be headed by Oxbo President Gary Stich, VP of Sales Andy Talbott and two Ploeger executives.

Oxbo has facilities in Byron, Wisconsin and Washington, employing 500 people, and currently about 75 percent of its sales is in the United States.

Trio from Rochester accused of damaging pickup truck following Blink 182 concert in August

By Howard B. Owens

Three people were charged today in connection with an alleged altercation following the Blink 182 Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Aug. 11.

The three individuals are accused of getting into an altercation in the parking lot while guests were leaving the venue.

The three individuals allegedly damaged the pickup truck of a man from Lancaster.

Arrested and released on appearance tickets were Timothy Patrick Donnelly, 22, of Ridgecrest Road, Rochester, Marie Dana Smith, 18, and Lorraine Deanna Smith, 20, both of Crossroads Lane, Rochester.

Donnelly was charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. Marie Smith was charged with criminal mischief, 3rd, and harassment, 2nd. She allegedly had physical contact with the Lancaster man during the altercation.

Lorraine Smith was charged with criminal mischief, 3rd.

Investigator William Ferrando handled the case.

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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