Family members are very worried about the whereabouts of Brittany Hackett.

The 17-year-old Pavilion girl has been missing since Saturday.

She may be in the Batavia area.

Brittany is described at 5' 5" tall, 120 lbs., with brown hair with blonde highlights and brown eyes.

In an e-mail, a family member says, "Any information you have would be greatly appreciated as her siblings are mourning over her disappearance."

Anyone with any information at all is asked to call either State Police at 344-6200 or Tammy Hackett at 261-1816.

Heard on the scanner...someone "is out woodchuck hunting."

Really? Do they eat them? Do they use slingshots or shoot them with rifles or arrows?

CPR (Computer and Phone Repair) is now open for business and co-owner Rich Clark said he wants people to know the new shop will emphasize customer service.

"Our motto is 'pay for what's needed and nothing more,'" Clark said. "We focus on the customer and try to save them as much as we possibly can."

The store opened two weeks ago and Clark and partner Jim Vo hosted a grand opening over the weekend, but word is already spreading fast about the new shop, Clark said.

“We want people to feel like they're getting more than what they're paying for," Clark said. "We stand behind all of our work. Don’t forget we were once on the other side of the desk and understand how it is to be the consumer. We understand that our customers may not know as much as we do, so we want them to feel comfortable and not as if they're being belittled or taken advantage of.”

A Batavia native, Clark has years of experience in computer repair, including stints at other local repair shops.

As the name says, CPR does more than repair computers. These days, many phones are just miniature computers and they can be as expensive as some desktops.

“Most people don't know that the cell phone they received when starting their contract can run as much as $700 to replace," Clark said.

CPR is an authorized Dish Network retail outlet and has also partnered with a Rochester-based company to offer website design.

The new shop is located at 216 E. Main St., Batavia, and is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. The store number is 344-7085.

Photo: Rich Clark in his repair shop holding a laptop that has previously been mentioned in The Batavian. In December, 2008, Clark posted a free classified ad about the laptop being stolen. The ad may have led to the return of the computer.

The Obama Administration is stepping up pressure on Congress to pass new free trade agreements, but Rep. Kathy Hochul (NY-26), elected to represent WNY in a special election a month ago, says she will stand by her campaign promise to vote against the proposed treaties.

In response to a question from The Batavian, her congressional spokesman, Fabien Levy, sent the follow message:

She still remains very opposed to all of the free trade agreements. I remember that during the campaign she went beyond your question on one free trade deal and answered it on all the free trade deals.  

Here's the question and answer Levy mentions:

Q: The next representative of the NY-26 is likely going to be asked on vote on the South Korea – United States Free Trade Agreement. If elected, will you vote “Yes” or “No.” After offering a straight up or down answer, please explain your yes or no vote.

A: No, I do not support the U.S./South Korea Free Trade Agreement. I also do not support the U.S./Panama or the U.S./Colombia Free Trade Agreements.

Millions of hard-working Americans have lost their jobs due to unfair trade deals like NAFTA and CAFTA and entering into additional free trade agreements will only further harm our economy. Instead of expanding trade policies that have resulted in thousands of good paying Western New York jobs being sent overseas, we need to focus on creating an environment that gives smalls businesses the opportunity to innovate and grow, right here in the 26th District.

Hochul's opponent, Jane Corwin, took a far less solid stand on trade issues, but did say during a campaign appearance in Batavia that she supported "fair trade" and wasn't a "protectionist."

Trade arguably played an important role in Hochul winning the election. Polls seem to indicate that voters switched support for the outspoken anti-free trade candidate Jack Davis to Hochul, rather than Corwin, in the final week of the election.

Related to Hochul's position on free trade last week, the newly minted representative supported measures to crack down on currency manipulation by China.

(Photo: file photo)

A full press release from Hochul's office on that issue after the jump.

CONGRESSWOMAN HOCHUL URGES Action on TRADE
Fights to level the playing field for U.S. manufacturers

Washington, DC – This week, Congresswoman Kathy Hochul took action to force a vote on bipartisan job creating legislation that would crack down on China's unfair currency manipulation and force China to play by the rules on trade.  Hochul joined other House Members in signing a petition to bring up The Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act, a bipartisan measure from Reps. Sander Levin (D-MI), Tim Murphy (R-PA), and Tim Ryan (D-OH).

“The time for Washington to act is now,” Congresswoman Hochul said. “This move will force the House Leadership to allow a vote on the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act. This is about supporting American companies and American manufacturers and helping them create between half a million and two million jobs. Not only would it enhance our economic and national security, but it would do so at no cost to American taxpayers.” 

The Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act will help American businesses compete on a more level playing field by treating fundamentally undervalued currencies as a prohibited subsidy, allowing the U.S. to take action to counter this unfair trade practice. This legislation is an essential element in addressing currency manipulation by the Chinese government that has jeopardized efforts to create and preserve U.S. manufacturing jobs. 

“For far too long China has gotten away with manipulating its currency to decrease the price of its goods on the world market,” Hochul added.  “I believe American products can and will compete, and we’ll see a resurgence in exports here in America when we make our trading partners play on fair ground.”

The Chinese government continues to intervene in the markets to suppress the value of its currency – making American exports more expensive and Chinese products cheaper.  

The legislation overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives last year with a vote of 348-79.

Sheriff Gary Maha met briefly with a couple of members of local media and announced that the Sheriff's Office will conduct a press conference at 10 a.m., Wednesday, to discuss the investigation into the death of James Hackemer at Darien Lake Theme Park.

Maha declined to discuss findings from the investigation until tomorrow.

Officials from the Sheriff's Office reportedly met this afternoon with investigators from the Department of Labor.

Hackemer was ejected from the Ride of Steel at Darien Lake on Friday.

As of yesterday, the bridge on Route 20 over Oatka Creek, Pavilion, has been closed for repairs. 

The closure is apparently part of a $2.8 million NYS DOT project to repair several bridges in Western New York.

We called the DOT today to try and get more information, but have not received a call back.

No word on when it will reopen (though, yesterday at 6 p.m., traffic was still going over the bridge, even though there were "road closed" signs at Texaco Town.

Police requested to the scene of Austin Park where a male who is described as 6' 4" and 220 pound is accused of spitting in the face of a woman.

The two people reportedly had an argument, non-domestic, in the area of the spray park.

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:

• An $18,000 sales tax exemption has been approved by the GCEDC board for Ken Barrett Chevrolet, 229 W. Main St., Batavia, for expansion of its collision shop. The shop will expand from 7,833 square feet to 15,536 square feet and will cost $635,000. Three new jobs will be created and 10 jobs retained.
• Graham Manufacturing, 20 Florence Ave., is planning an expansion of its finishing (sandblasting and painting) operation. GCEDC has granted a sales tax exemption of $36,818 and a PILOT tax abatement of $89,088. The project will create an estimated 30 new jobs and help retain 278 existing jobs. The $1.8 million expansion will add 10,000 square feet of manufacturing space to the facility.
• Angelica Textile Services, Inc., 1-3 Apollo Drive, will receive a $15,125 mortgage tax exemption to help refinance its current $1.2 million mortgage. The project will help retain 78 jobs in Batavia.
• J&L Feed is planning on converting current greenhouses at 47 West Main St., Corfu, into a project called "The Market," which will create a floral shop, fresh meat and deli market and a general store. An approximately 3,400-square-foot building will be constructed and existing greenhouses will be demolished. J&L will receive a $22,000 property tax exemption, $4,800 sales tax exemption and a $1,250 mortgage tax exemption. An estimated three jobs will be created.

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.