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Sheriff's Office warns of thefts from vehicles

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Batavia Police Department wish to advise residents that they have received several complaints over the past week involving the theft of articles from vehicles parked in private driveways.

The larcenies have occurred during the overnight hours.

Residents are reminded to keep their vehicles locked and to report any suspicious activity that they observe to 9-1-1.

GCEDC board approves incentives for Amada Tool and Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) approved incentives for Amada Tool and Six Flags Darien Lake LLC, and accepted an application for an expanded PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) agreement to support the Ellicott Station development at the agency’s Oct. 4 board meeting.

Amada Tool in the City of Batavia was approved for incentives for an $8.8 million capital investment to increase the company’s manufacturing facility by approximately 19,000 square feet. The project will create 17 new jobs and retain 68 current jobs. The approved investment includes $2.3 million in construction costs and $6.5 million in new equipment. Amada Tool was approved for property and sales tax exemptions of approximately $266,000.

Six Flags Darien Lake LLC was approved for approximately $166,000 in sales tax exemption to build a new $2.15 million ride that is scheduled to open in 2019.  Six Flags Darien Lake LLC is one of the largest sales tax revenue generators in Genesee County.

The PILOT agreement expansion requested by Savarino Companies for the Ellicott Station development was based on increased capital costs, from approximately $17.6 million to $21.75 million, and the development’s footprint, which will expand from 73,100 square feet to 99,111 square feet. The expansion includes the addition of at-grade garages for residents as well as increasing the number of housing units from 51 units to 55 units. 

NOTE: The Batavian will have a follow-up story on Ellicott Station as soon as we have time to write it, which may not be today.

Residential fire reported on Warboys Road, Byron

By Howard B. Owens

A residential fire is reported at 6612 Warboys, Byron.

Byron fire and South Byron fire dispatched.

UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 8 p.m: This is a working house fire. It has gone to a second alarm. The city's Fast Team is called, along with Mercy medics. Flames are showing.

UPDATE 8:08 p.m.: Bethany's tanker is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 8:09 p.m.: A crew from Town of Batavia is asked to stand by in Town of Batavia's Fire Hall.

UPDATE 8:22 p.m.: A crew from Alexander is asked to stand by in Alexander Fire Hall in case needed as a backup for Bethany, which has its tanker deployed at the Warboys fire.

UPDATE 8:26 p.m.: The property is a total loss. The roof is gone; the house is gutted and the garage is completely destroyed.

UPDATE 8:37 p.m.: Elba Fire Police are requested to the intersection of North Byron Road and Route 237.

UPDATE 8:45 p.m.: No one was home when the fire broke out. It was called in by a passerby. No word yet if any pets lived there, and if so, their fate.

'Back to the Future': City Council Member Briggs switching her party affiliation

By Mike Pettinella

A pending affiliation switch from Democrat to Republican is a matter of “returning to my roots,” Batavia City Council Member Kathleen Briggs said today, using a phrase that was echoed by the City’s Democratic and Republican chairpersons.

Briggs, Council’s Fifth Ward representative, has served on the board since 2000.

When asked for the reasoning behind the move, Briggs, who has been a registered Democrat for the past 17 years, she said it was a matter of her “philosophy” reflecting a Republican-Conservative tone and had nothing to with any future endorsement.

City Democratic Party chair Erica O’Donnell supported that claim, stating that “up to this point, we haven’t discussed endorsements.”

O’Donnell said she is “sad to see Kathy go.”

“She has been a great councilwoman. She sent me an email over the summer stating that she previously was a Republican … was a registered Republican out of college … and is returning to her roots.”

When asked about future endorsements, O’Donnell said that “anyone who wants to run should be given a chance to run,” she said, mentioning that at least two people – including someone in the Fifth Ward – have indicated their willingness to run for City Council.

David Saleh, chair of the City Republican Party, agreed.

“Kathy is coming back home to her roots, and we’re very happy to see her come back,” Saleh said. “Her viewpoints are much more consistent with those of the Republican Party.”

According to a Genesee County elections’ office employee, any party change would take effect a week after this year’s November election. Briggs is not up for reelection until November 2019.

Currently, four of the six Ward council members are Republicans – Paul Viele (First Ward), Patti Pacino (Second Ward), John Canale (Third Ward) and Al McGinnis (Fourth Ward).

Briggs, for the time being, and Rose Mary Christian (Sixth Ward) are Democrats.

Saleh said he thinks that all of the Republican ward council members will run again.

“It’s a bit early,” he said. “I haven’t heard anything to the contrary.”

'Good police work' leads to quick arrest of gun theft suspect

By Howard B. Owens
       Morgan Coles

A Batavia man is a suspect in the theft of guns from a firing range in Bergen and may face federal charges.

Morgan R. Coles, 20, of Jackson Street, was arrested Wednesday at his residence following the execution of a search warrant and he was charged with criminal possesion of a weapon in the first degree for allegedly possessing 10 or more firearms.

Last week, 14 guns were stolen from The Firing Pin. Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster said all of the guns reported stolen were recovered at Coles' residence.

While additional state charges may be pending, particularly those related to the break in at The Firing Pin, Brewster said investigators at ATF, who assisted in the investigation, are also considering federal charges against Coles.

Brewster believes Coles intended to sell the guns rather than stockpile them for himself.

Whether Coles has the contacts to move such merchandise is unclear. Brewster said he had a minimal criminal record.

Asked how investigators came to make an arrest so quickly, Brewster said, "Good police work."

"The right people," Brewster said. "The right individuals.

"I'd be the first to tell you," he added, "we were lucky, but you can't solve anything if you're not out there doing your job, asking questions; but there was a little bit of luck involved, and, yeah, it was good, concentrated police work."

Investigator Brad Mazur led the investigation. Members of the Local Drug Task Force, which is involved in most major investigations, also assisted.

Coles was jailed without bail.

Mark Your Calendar: GSO 'Dare to Dream' concert is Oct. 28 at GCC

By Billie Owens

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra, with S. Shade Zajac music director/conductor, will perform at Genesee Community College on Sunday, Oct. 28.

The program for "Dare to Dream" is as follows:

  • "Electric Dream for Acoustic Orchestra" -- World Premiere, by S. Shade Zajac
  • "Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra" featuring Guest Artist Marza Wilks, cellist, by Samuel Barber
  • "Symphony No. 2 in B Minor" by Alexander Borodin.

Meet the orchestra at 3 p.m., followed by the concert at 4.

Tickets are $15 for adults; $7 for students; $10 for seniors; $35 for a family with parents and children age 12 and under.

Tickets are available at GO ART!, The YNGodess Shop, Vinyl Record Revival, Bank of Castile in Le Roy, and at geneseesymphony.com

This concert is sponsored by WBTA and is also made possible, in part, by the NYS Council on the Arts, with the support of Gov. Cuomo and the NYS Legislature.

The college is located at 1 College Road in the Town of Batavia.

Mosquito-born West Nile virus turned up in Genesee County last month, precautions to take

By Billie Owens

The following is a Health Guidance*  statement issued by the GC Department of Health about West Nile virus in Genesee (and Orleans) County:

Mosquitoes are usually considered a nuisance pest, but occasionally they can transmit viruses to people and some animals. In New York State, mosquitoes have been found to transmit Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE, "triple E") and West Nile virus (WNV).

Such viruses can cause serious illness and even death. While your chances of being infected with a disease through a mosquito bite are very small, there are measures you can take to reduce your risk of being bitten. This year WNV has been detected in both Genesee and Orleans counties.

Specifically, per the NYS Department of Health Statewide Mosquito-Borne Disease Activity Report, last month -- in September -- an equine (horse or related animal), bird and human case tested positive in Genesee County and an equine case in Orleans County.

West Nile Virus Disease is spread by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. The infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals, such as horses.

Vaccine is available to reduce the risk of horses contracting the virus. Unfortunately there is no vaccine for humans, taking the proper preventative actions to avoid getting bit are our best options.

In New York State, cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which begins in the summer and continues throughout fall. Most mosquitoes are active between dusk and dawn when the air is calm.

Sarah Balduf, Environmental Health Director of Genesee and Orleans counties states that not all mosquitoes are able to transmit the virus.

“While there are about 70 different species of mosquitoes in the State, only certain species have been associated with WNV,” Balduf said.

WNV is spread ONLY through a mosquito bite.

It is NOT spread through coughing, sneezing, touching live animals, or handling live or dead infected birds. But it is strongly advised to avoid bare-handed contact when handling any dead animal. If you are disposing of a dead bird, use gloves or double plastic bags to place the carcass (body) in a garbage can.

Symptoms of WNV vary from person to person. Brenden Bedard, director of Community Health Services of Genesee and Orleans counties, explains that only a small percentage of people infected with the disease will show symptoms.

“Most people infected, 70-80 percent, with WNV do not develop any symptoms," Bedard said.

It is estimated that 20 percent of the people who become infected will develop less severe symptoms including headache and body aches, nausea, fever, and occasionally a skin rash and swollen lymph glands.

Symptoms of severe infections include (West Nile encephalitis or meningitis) can include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, stupor, disorientation, tremors, seizures, paralysis, coma, and in some cases death.”

Symptoms of WNV usually appear within three to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Health care providers diagnose WNV based on the patient's clinical symptoms and laboratory diagnosis by testing blood or spinal fluids, which will show if the virus or antibodies against the virus are present in the person.

Although there is no specific treatment for WNV, health care providers will usually attempt to relieve the symptoms of the illness. In severe cases, patients may need to be hospitalized and closely monitored.

When infected adult mosquitoes are spreading a virus to people, acting quickly can stop further spread and prevent more people from getting sick. By using multiple mosquito control methods at the same time, people and communities can help stop the spread of disease.

The New York State Department of Health recommends the following:

  • Cover your skin as completely as possible. Wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods or       when mosquitoes are more active.
  • Use mosquito repellent, which should always be applied according to label directions. Do not let children apply mosquito repellent on himself or herself, and do not apply to the hands of small children.
  • Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (the label may say citriodiol or p-menthane 3,8 -diol). Oil of lemon eucalyptus products should not be used on children under 3 years of age. Products containing permethrin kill insects that come in contact with treated clothing, and are for use on clothing only, not skin.
  • Use as little repellent as you need, and avoid unnecessary repeat applications. Do not overspray. Apply repellent outdoors.
  • Do not apply near eyes, nose or mouth and use sparingly around ears. • After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
  • Cover baby carriers with mosquito netting when outside.
  • Close doors and make sure open windows have screens on them.
  • Limit use of perfumes and scents that would attract mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in or near water, and their offspring "grow up" in water before emerging as adults that fly and bite. Therefore, mosquitoes can be controlled by controlling water.

Many types of mosquitoes, including those that can transmit disease, lay their eggs in even small amounts of standing water around the home such as flowerpots, birdbaths and discarded tires. To reduce the mosquito population in and around your home, reduce or eliminate all standing water by following these steps:

  • Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.

  • Remove all discarded tires on your property. Check with your local landfill or public works authorities to find out how to dispose of them properly.

  • Remove all fallen leaves.

  • Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.

  • Clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall. Make sure roof gutters drain properly.

  • Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use. Make sure outside toys and play areas are clear of standing water.

  • Change the water in birdbaths at least two times a week. Clean plants and debris from the edge of ponds.

  • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Drain water from pool covers. Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.

For more information on the West Nile Virus, please click here.

For more information on Mosquitoes and Diseases, click here.

The Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) is now using five types of classifications to provide important information to medical and public health professionals, and to other interested persons:

  • Health Alerts convey information of the highest level of importance which warrants immediate action or attention from New York health providers, emergency responders, public health agencies, and/or the public.
  • Health Advisories provide important information for a specific incident or situation, including that impacting neighboring states; may not require immediate action.
  • * Health Guidances contain comprehensive information pertaining to a particular disease or condition, and include recommendations, guidelines, etc. endorsed by GCHD.
  • Health Updates provide new or updated information on an incident or situation; can also provide information to update a previously sent Health Alert, Health Advisory, or Health Guidance; unlikely to require immediate action.
  • Health Promotions provide information on a upcoming event, observance, or topic area.

Photos: Walk to School Day in Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

It was Walk to School Day in Oakfield with a group of students, supervised by teachers and administrators, starting out at Triangle Park in the Village of Oakfield, making the walk at 7 a.m. to the school, where they were treated to a free breakfast.

The event is meant to promote walking as a healthy activity for people.

Students tour local businesses for National Manufacturing Day

By Howard B. Owens

More than 200 local high school students, including students from Elba High School at Graham Manufacturing, toured local businesses yesterday for National Manufacturing Day, sponsored locally by the Genesee County Business/Education Alliance.

At Graham, Elba students learned about what the company does and how it does it during a presentation in the company's cafeteria. The students then toured some of the production buildings.

Other companies participating were U.S. Gypsum, Amanda Tool, Oxbo, Orcon, Liberty Pumps, and Chassix.

Photos: Batavia's morning sky

By Howard B. Owens

The sky lit up this morning and readers sent us pictures.

Melanie Case submitted the rainbow over Bank Street in the top photo.

Submitted by Guy Clark.

Submitted by Frank Capuano.

Accident with injuries reported on East Main Street Road, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported on East Main Street Road at Red Oak Lane, Batavia.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 9:28 p.m.: A driver has a complaint of being dazed. The vehicles have minor damage and are off the road. One of the Town of Batavia units can go back in service.

Women in Small Business to be celebrated Oct. 25 at Moon Java Cafe, come learn their secrets

By Billie Owens
Press release:   October is Women's Small Business Month.   Please join the Mancuso Business Development Group as we celebrate some of our Women in Small Business on Thursday, Oct. 25 at Moon Java Cafe.   The evening will feature: Renee Smart from Moon Java Cafe; Lori Trader from Le Roy’s No Finer Diner and No Better Bed & Breakfast; Judy Hysek from Eden Café and Bakeshop in Batavia; and Kimberly Argenta, who is celebrating her 10th anniversary with Art Ah La Carte in Batavia.   Come learn about the experience of these women as they each took their small business from concept to reality, and maybe find out how you, too, might become a successful woman in small business.   The event begins at 5:30 p.m.   Moon Java Café is located at 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia.   Please RSVP to bev@mancusogroup.com or 585-343-2800 by Oct. 23.   Thank you to all successful women entrepreneurs!

Notre Dame announces honorees for Nov. 3 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Notre Dame High School is proud to announce that its 2018 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction will be held on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Notre Dame High School.

This fall’s program will begin with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. followed by a dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the alumni student-athlete, contributor and coaching recognition portion of the program to follow at 7 p.m. induction program.

Inductees to be honored on Nov. 3, 2018 will include:

  • John Francis ‘66
  • Mike Callahan ’67
  • John Stisser ‘80
  • Sue [Burns] Keefe ‘81
  • Kathy Dwyer ‘90
  • Members of the fall 1973 ND Smith League Co-Champion Football Team
  • Rick Mancuso ’76 – Coach Inductee
  • Joe ’68 and Patty [Jurewicz] ’69 Flynn – Supporter Inductees

Tickets for this annual event will be $40/person and will be available through the Notre Dame Advancement Office. Phone is [585] 343-2783, ext. 106.

Please contact ND Advancement Coordinator Emily Patrick for more info by calling [585] 343-2783, ext. 106, or by e-mailing Emily.Patrick@ndhsbatavia.com

Car vs. tree accident reported off eastbound Route 490

By Billie Owens

A car crashed into a tree off eastbound Route 490 near mile marker 2.4. Injuries are reported.

Bergen fire and Le Roy fire are called to respond along with Le Roy Ambulance Service.

UPDATE 3:39 p.m.: Injuries were said to be minor; but one victim is said to be losing consciousness. Mercy medics are called.

UPDATE 3:52 p.m.: A patient has been extricated.

UPDATE 3:57 p.m.: A second patient has been extricated.

Bontrager's Fall Harvest Dinner Dance to benefit Crossroads House is Oct. 13

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

Bontrager’s Fall Harvest Dinner Dance that benefits Crossroads House will be held Saturday, Oct. 13th.

Doors open at 5 p.m. at Bontrager's, located at 8975 Wortendyke Road, Batavia.

Dinner by Roviso Catering will be from 5:15 – 7 p.m.

Music by Dark Horse Run Band, inset photo left, is from 7 – 11 p.m.

There will be 50/50 raffle, raffles and auction and their famous Pie Auction.

Tickets are $20 cash and are for pre-sale only.

They can be purchased tonight at Bontrager’s Auction Barn or at Crossroads House, or contact Bob at (585) 762-8585 or Penny at (585) 356-3413.

Top Items on Batavia's List

City of Batavia, NY Position: Full-time Building Maintenance Worker. Salary: $20.60 - $24.45/hour. The City of Batavia is accepting applications for one full-time Building Maintenance Worker. The work involves a variety of mechanical and other building maintenance tasks. Applicant must have a minimum of two years of full-time paid experience in general building construction or maintenance work, or an equivalent combination of training and experience indicating ability to perform the duties of the job. Civil Service applications may be obtained at City Hall in the Human Resource Department. Please send completed applications to Teri Dean, Employee Payroll/Insurance Clerk, One Batavia City Centre, Batavia, NY, or via email to tdean@batavianewyork.com by September 20, 2024. Background check, psychological assessment, and physical/drug testing required. Candidate must become a resident of the County of Genesee or any adjacent town to the County of Genesee within 6 months of the date of conclusion of the probationary period for the City of Batavia. EEO
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