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Two-car accident with injuries reported in Stafford

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries, in which one vehicle rolled over, is reported at 5380 Fotch Road, Stafford.

The location is between Byron Road and Byron -- Stafford Townline Road.

Stafford Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 8:18 p.m.: Town of Batavia Fire Department is called mutual aid to respond to the Stafford accident.

City School officials review procedures after John Kennedy student left school building

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

On Thursday, Sept. 27, at Jackson Primary School, a first-grade student left the building and started walking home. School officials immediately instituted their Emergency Procedures and contacted the police.

The child was located shortly thereafter and was returned safely to school.

The District immediately reviewed its procedures to determine how this incident occurred and have made the necessary changes. Student safety is the top priority in The Batavia City School District and will always take the appropriate measures to protect them.

McMurray praises House for naming insider trading bill after Louise Slaughter

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Nate McMurray, the Democratic and Working Families Party Candidate for New York’s 27th Congressional District, today applauded the House of Representatives for unanimously approving legislation that would rename the Stop Trading On Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act after the bill’s champion, the late Congresswoman Louise Slaughter. The bill outlawed insider trading in Congress.

“Here in New York’s 27th Congressional District, we know the consequences of a member of Congress who takes their constituents for granted and decides that enriching themselves is their top priority. It took the FBI arresting Mr. Collins for many to see what Congresswoman Slaughter had been saying for months.

“On the campaign trail, I often tell the story of the time I met Louise Slaughter. I tell them that when I decided to challenge Congressman Collins a lot of people told me to go home, a lot of people in Washington told me not to bother. But then I met Louise. In her legendary Kentucky accent, she told me ‘if you do it, fight like hell,’ and since then we’ve made that the motto of our campaign.

“Louise told me to fight like hell and she showed us what it looks like to fight for what’s right. I’m proud that the House of Representatives honored her once again by recognizing her integrity, tenacity and the simple idea that a representative’s duty is to the constituents they serve, not their own financial interests.”

This week, Real Clear Politics labeled Nate’s race a toss-up.

Bicyclist struck on Main Street, Le Roy, in front of Post Office

By Billie Owens

A bicyclist was struck and injured by a vehicle at 20 Main St. in Le Roy -- in front of the U.S. Post Office. The bicyclist and driver are now in the parking lot of the old Bank of America building nearby. Le Roy Ambulance Service is on scene. Le Roy Fire Department is called to respond.

UPDATE 3:03 p.m.: A 19-year-old male is being transported with minor injuries to UMMC. He is conscious and alert and has a small cut on his ear and shoulder abrasions.

P.W. Minor restructures operations to focus on core market, lays off 45 employees

By Mike Pettinella

Update: Contacted this afternoon, Brian Benedict, VP of Sales, said that while the plant has been open all week, the employees who were laid off did not work due to the shutting down of the Goodyear Welt line. He said that "normal operations" will resume on Monday with 40 employees on the job. He added that there were no other plans, at this time, for expanded production opportunities.

Press release:

P.W. Minor LLC, a Batavia footwear manufacturer, is undergoing a business operation restructuring and has idled their Goodyear Welt manufacturing line.

This decision resulted in the layoff of 45 full-time employees. The P.W. Minor plant in Batavia will stay open and will continue to manufacture orthopedic and diabetic footwear.

The decision to idle allows P.W. Minor to focus its attention to its existing American Made orthopedic and diabetic product line as the market for this type of footwear is growing in the United States and around the globe.

These products will continue to be manufactured in Batavia.

“Our focus through this entire process has been on our employee’s well-being. We want to thank them for their dedication, loyalty and hard work.” said P.W. Minor CEO Hundley Elliotte.

“We would also like to thank the NYS Department of Labor, the Genesee County Workforce Development Board and the local business community for their responsiveness and offers to help get our affected employees back to work as soon as possible. When the time is appropriate in our business cycle, we will re-engage our Goodyear Welt manufacturing capabilities.”

-------------

The move does not affect the Batavia Bootery retail store at 210 E.Main St., a multi-line store featuring quality brands including P.W. Minor footwear, said owner Dave Howe this morning.

"We have nothing to do with P.W. Minor as far as ownership is concerned," Howe said. "We're a completely separate entity ... and we are moving forward."

About P.W. Minor

P.W. Minor, founded in 1867 and located in Batavia, New York, is the second-oldest footwear manufacturer in the United States and the maker of orthopedic and diabetic athletic, dress and casual shoes.

Photos: BHS senior dedicates Eagle Project to Town of Batavia

By Steve Ognibene

Matt Grover from Troop 6006 of the First United Presbyterian Church presented his Eagle Project to Greg Post of the Town of Batavia this past Wednesday evening at Kiwanis Park in Batavia in front of friends, family and contributors to the project.

The project started last winter with a constructed sheet metal form from scrap to pour six concrete bench legs along with wood and other materials to make three benches. They were installed on Labor Day weekend by friends, family and with the help of his scout troop.

Various area businesses in Western New York include Marlin Salmon, DDS, from Salmon Orthodontists in Batavia was a huge contributor to this project. Other contributors were Brad Veley Masonry from Varysburg, Joe's Pro Shop and Trophy’s Batavia, Unidex machine shop from Warsaw, Paul from T R Goldsmith & Son Inc. in Tonawanda, and Don Anderson from the troop. 

"The project was an amazing learning experience and had endless challenges, problem solving involved but at points proved very difficult and I often had no clue how I was going to solve a specific issue, but with the help of my personal engineer and father it turned out better than I could ever imagine," Matt said, adding that "the skills I have learned in this will help me in endeavors in college, the military and the workforce."

Matt presents Batavia orthodonist Marlin Salmon with a plaque.

Town of Batavia Supervisor Greg Post congratulates Matt.

City fire hydrant flushing Monday: south of Main, east of Jackson

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants on Monday, Oct. 1, from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the areas south of Main Street and east of Jackson Street.

Homes and businesses will be affected. These tests may result in temporary discoloration of water in the area. Please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water is discolored. If you experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about five minutes or until clear.

Emmitt Smith, former and current Buffalo football players to appear at Downs' sports collectors' expo

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Batavia Downs has announced the lineup for the upcoming Legends and Stars collectors' expo to be held on Oct. 27th and 28th.

Former Dallas football player, three time Super Bowl champion, NFL Hall of Famer, and all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith will appear on Sunday. Also appearing Sunday will be former Buffalo football players including: Bruce Smith, Andre Reed, Marv Levy, Darryl Talley, Billy Shaw, Kurt Shultz, Antowain Smith, Mark Maddox and John Davis.

“We are extremely pleased to be welcoming back the Legends and Stars Collectors Expo,” said Henry Wojtaszek, CEO/president at Batavia Downs. “Bringing athletes of the past and present to Batavia Downs so that people can meet their sports heroes is something we and our customers look forward to each year.”

Current Buffalo football player Kelvin Benjamin will appear on Saturday as will former Buffalo hockey stars Matthew Barnaby and Pat Lafontaine.

“Legends and Stars are pleased to be returning to Batavia Downs for our Fall Sports Expo,” said Legends and Stars staff member Chris Sabatello. “With a robust lineup of autograph guests and sold-out Paddock Room filled with high quality sports memorabilia dealers, we expect this show to be a first-class experience for fans and collectors alike.”

Rounding out the show’s football stars include Ken Anderson, former Cincinnati Bengal, Mark Duper and Mark Clayton, former Miami Dolphin standouts and former Patriots teammates Irving Fryar and Steve Grogan -- all on Saturday.

Baseball fans may seek out Yankees great Ron Guidry, White Sox standout Jack McDowell and former Pirate Andy Van Slyke, all appearing on Saturday.

Appearing both days is actor Dwier Brown, who cinema fans may recognize as John Kinsella from the movie "Field of Dreams."

The show takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Cost is $8 for admission (Kids 12 and under are free) and all attendees 18 years of age or older receive $7 in Free Play. Each paid admission includes one free autograph to a designated guest.

Specific information on which athletes are appearing on what days, the times they will be appearing and cost of signatures can be found at legendsandstars.net

About Batavia Downs/WROTB

Owned and operated by 15 Western New York counties and the cities of Rochester and Buffalo, Western Region Off-Track Betting Corporation is a public benefit corporation with headquarters in Batavia, NY. WROTB owns and operates 29 branches, as well as Batavia Downs Gaming, a Standardbred racetrack and gaming facility. Since its inception, Western Region OTB has generated more than $215 million in operating and surcharge revenues to the taxpayers of those participating municipalities.

Job Fair to be held Wednesday at GC Career Center on East Main Street

By Billie Owens

A Job Fair that is free and open to the public is being held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 3, at the Genesee County Career Center.

It is located at 587 E. Main St. in Batavia.

Come and interview with these companies:

  • Adecco
  • Alpina
  • Chapin International
  • HP Hood
  • Kelly Services
  • Lapp Insulator
  • Lifetime Assistance
  • Oatka Milk
  • Remedy Intelligent Staffing

Additional companies may be added.

Bring your resume and dress professionally.

This is an Equal Opportunity Employers/Program.

Law and Order: Hutchins Place woman suspected of illegal dumping on State Street

By Billie Owens

Christine M. Jones, 31, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with illegally disposing of items (unspecified) at 9:45 a.m. on Sept. 26 on State Street. She was arrested and given an appearance ticket for illegal dumping. She is due in City Court on Oct. 4. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kyle Krtanik, assisted by Officer Frank Klimjack.

Jeremy J. Alwardt, 29, of Church Street, Le Roy, is charged with second-degree criminal trespass and second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 7:50 p.m. on Sept. 26 after a disturbance during which he allegedly forced entrance into an individual's porch and struck the person. He  was arraigned and jailed in lieu of unspecified bail and was due in Batavia City Court on Thursday. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Adam A. Alwardt, 30, of Willow Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested at 7:06 p.m. on Sept. 24 on Willow Street in Batavia after a domestic incident wherein he allegedly damaged property belonging to another person. He was arraigned and jailed on $1,500 cash or bond and was due to return to City Court on Tuesday. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

A male who lives on Chick Road in Darien, no other information provided, was arrested at 8:20 p.m. on Sept. 26 on Chick Road following a domestic incident. The household member is charged with third-degree menacing and second-degree harassment. He is scheduled to appear in Darien Town Court on Oct. 23 to answer the charges. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Megan Elizabeth King, 24, of Fisher Road, Alabama, is charged with driving with a BAC of .08 percent or more and DWI -- first offense. She was arrrested at 9:39 p.m. on Sept. 26 on Main Road in Pembroke following an investigation into a motor-vehicle accident that occured on Route 5 in the Town of Pembroke on July 26. It is alleged that King was operating the vehicle with a BAC greater than .08 percent. She was issued an appearance ticket for Pembroke Town Court and is due there on Oct. 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Deputy Chad Minuto.

Kevin J. Fickel, 37, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 7:15 p.m. on Sept. 23 at Tops market after he allegedly exited the store without paying for several items. He is due in City Court on Oct. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Schedule of events at Van Detta Stadium tonight

By Steve Ognibene

Press release:

Tonight at Van Detta Stadium, Batavia will play Attica in the last football game before construction starts next week on the new stadium. 

List of scheduled events:

  • 7 p.m. -- Football senior players will be recognized.
  • At halftime, Homecoming winners will be announced.
  • The Batavia High School Varsity cheerleaders will perform.
  • The pep band will play to lead alumni on the field.
  • Announcer Paul Spiotta will read a speech from the school district.

14 guns stolen from Firing Pin in Bergen Thursday night after break-in

By Billie Owens

A total of 14 firearms were taken from the Firing Pin shooting range in Bergen shortly before 11 o'clock last night, according to an incident report issued this morning by Deputy Ryan DeLong of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

The building at 8240 Buffalo Road was forcibly entered. All the stolen weapons -- including firearms, rifles and shotguns -- have been entered into the state and national databases, and local, state and federal law enforcement agenices have been notified.

The offenses commited at the Firing Pin include: third-degree burglary -- illegal entry with intent to commit a crime; grand larceny in the fourth degree; and grand larceny in the third degree -- property value exceeding $3,000.

There are no similar crimes reported in Genesee County.

Sheriff's Investigator James Diehl is designated to lead the case and anyone with information is asked to call him at (585) 345-3000, ext. 3571.

Sponsored Post: Genesee Valley Farm & Crematory is dedicated to serving the needs of pet owners and their beloved pets

By Lisa Ace


Genesee Valley Farm & Crematory is dedicated to serving the needs of pet owners and their beloved pets.

As a family-owned and operated Genesee county business for more than 50 years, we pride ourselves in quality care and attention to detail that our clients have come to know and expect.

As pet owners ourselves, we understand that your pet was a vital part of your family and we try to help you deal with this loss. We would like to offer you peace of mind through a dignified farewell to a dear friend.

We are committed to exceptional service and pride ourselves in providing a friendly, personal touch for your pets final needs. Call us today 585-343-5878.

CORRECTED: Colby Road will close for paving next week

By Billie Owens
Advisory from the GC Highway Department:

 

Please be advised that the Genesee County Highway Department will be paving Colby Road from Sumner Road to Route 5 33, in Darien and Pembroke, beginning Monday, Oct. 1st through Thursday, Oct. 4th.

The road will be closed for thru traffic. Local traffic, including school buses and emergency vehicles, will still have access to the roadway during paving.

There will be a notification when the road reopens.

The correction was provided today, Sept. 28, by the Highway Department.

PETA offering up to $5,000 reward in case of Le Roy cat left to suffocate in duct-taped bin

By Billie Owens

Press release from PETA:

At around 8:30 on Saturday morning, a passerby discovered a cat inside a plastic bin—which was taped shut with duct tape and had no holes or other means of ventilation—abandoned on the side of the road at the intersection of Munson and Gilbert streets in Le Roy.

Officers believe that the male long-haired cat had been left there for approximately 20 minutes, and surveillance footage shows a white pickup truck at the scene.

The cat, now named Munson, is currently at the Genesee County Animal Shelter, but police have yet to determine who's responsible for abandoning him and leaving him to suffocate.

That's why PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction on cruelty-to-animals charges of the person or persons responsible for this crime.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to abuse in any way"—is also asking residents in the area to help spread the word and put up free downloadable posters (available here) in businesses and schools, on bulletin boards, and anywhere else that they're allowed to display them.

Someone may recognize this cat, and it might be the only way to apprehend those responsible for this cruel act.

If someone hadn't found him in time, this frightened cat would almost certainly have died inside that plastic box," says PETA Vice President Colleen O'Brien.

"PETA is calling on anyone who recognizes this cat to come forward immediately so that whoever shut him in this container and left him to suffocate can be held accountable and stopped from hurting anyone else."

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the Le Roy Police Department at 585-345-6350.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Photos courtesy of the Le Roy Police Department.

Dignitaries gather for Batavia Downs' expansion groundbreaking

By Mike Pettinella

All who spoke at this morning’s groundbreaking ceremony for a $4 million expansion project at Batavia Downs Gaming agreed on one central point: It’s the residents of the municipalities supported by the facility who benefit the most.

“Funds (generated) from gaming go to local communities to keep the tax rate lower,” said state Sen. Michael D. Ranzenhofer (R-Amherst), whose comments were echoed by state Sen. Robert Ortt (R-North Tonawanda), state Assemblyman Stephen Hawley (R-Batavia) and Downs President/CEO Henry F. Wojtaszek.

Also on hand for the event were former Buffalo Bills great Thurman Thomas, who serves as an ambassador for Batavia Downs Gaming; directors of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp., and Batavia Downs employees.

Ranzenhofer said he remembers 15 to 20 years ago – “what this facility was like then and what it is today is a dream come true."

"We want to make sure that this is viable and exciting for people to visit. (Expansion) plus the simple things like paving the parking lot and adding the hotel, makes it a jewel among other racinos in New York.”

“This is a long time coming,” Wojtaszek said. “We hope to complete it by the end of December.”

Wojtaszek said that the new amenities – a new cigar bar, additions to Fortune's restaurant including a new banquet area and bar, and expanded kitchen space to serve 34 Rush customers – will “increase revenue and more contributions to our communities.”

He added that he looks forward to future expansion and being able to offer sports betting.

Ortt, who noted that he had a poster of the "Thurmanator" as a Buffalo Bills’ fan when he was a youth, said the topic of gaming is a frequent one in Albany.

“We’re always talking about it … ways to make it viable and competitive,” he said. “We can see that OTB is doing the things to make it viable and competitive and to stay ahead of the curve. And the money that goes to the communities directly offsets property tax increases.”

Hawley, who also said he was a “longtime admirer of Thurman Thomas, but was not a kid while he was playing,” spoke of Batavia Downs’ rich history.

“This is the oldest flat track in America, opening in 1940 under the Provenzano family, and it is great to see it is expanding and becoming part of a new century,” he said. “It is a vital part of our economy.”

Thomas didn’t speak during the brief presentation, but said he felt “honored” to have the opportunity to promote the operation.

“I’ve always given back to the community,” he said. “It used to be in Buffalo but now that I’ve been here six or seven years, I feel like I’m part of this community. The fact that tax money goes back to the counties – that’s the most important thing.”

Batavia Downs Gaming and WROTBA is a public benefits corporation owned and operated by 15 WNY counties and the cities of Buffalo and Rochester.

Photos below -- renderings of new entrance, Gatsby bar and cigar bar (lower left). Photos by Mike Pettinella.

Rollover accident reported on Creek Road, Bethany

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported at 9647 Creek  Road, between Putnam and Old Creek roads, Bethany. A first responder on scene says the 34-year-old male driver is out of the vehicle, which landed off the roadway in a cornfield.

He is standing up because he says "it hurts too much to lay down." He is complaining of right shoulder pain. Bethany Fire Department and fire police are responding; Mercy medics just arrived.

Top Items on Batavia's List

Town Court Clerk Below are two lists: one details the myriad responsibilities that fall within the purview of the court clerk; the other summarizes the knowledge and abilities that court clerks possess or acquire through training. These lists are provided so that a judge and municipality can intelligently discuss the benefits that a court clerk can provide. The items below can also form the basis for a list of job duties should a municipality need to fill a vacancy in a court clerk position. Primary Responsibilities A. Maintain confidentiality of records and information when required to do so B. Prepare court calendar C. Collect monies, reconcile daily receipts, deposit receipts, prepare reports for monthly disbursements, reconcile bank accounts, and prepare administrative reports D. Enter convictions on drivers' licenses and prepare conviction reports electronically transmitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles E. Enter criminal conviction on NCIC reports and electronically send same to Division of Criminal Justice Services F. Respond to inquiries-in person, by phone, by e-mail and by mail-and provide assistance to lawyers, litigants, media, and members of the public G. Prepare monthly reports that are electronically sent to the Office of the State Comptroller H. Prepare orders, summonses, warrants and other court forms i. Communicate with outside agencies in order to coordinate the Court's activities and provide services to litigants. Such agencies include: ii. Law enforcement agencies, such as local police departments, New York State Police, Sheriffs office, FBI and CIA, US Armed Forces, and the Office of the District Attorney; I. Other courts, including superior courts and other local town and village courts; and i. Miscellaneous county agencies, such as Community Service, Community Dispute Resolution Center, Pre-trial Release, Probation, Stop DWI program, Victim Impact Panel, and Youth Court. ii. State agencies that require periodic reporting, including the New York State Unified Court System, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Office of the State Comptroller, the Division of Criminal Justice Services, and the Office of Court Record Retention. J. Examine court documents to ensure their accuracy and completeness K. Receive and file summonses, traffic tickets and other documents for court proceedings i. Assist the Justice at the bench during all Court proceedings Knowledge of: 1. The functions and organization of the Unified Court System ii. Basic legal terminology, codes and abbreviations iii. Court forms, practices and procedures, including those set forth in the Uniform Justice Court Act and the Uniform Civil Rules for the Justice Courts (22 NYCRR Part 214) 2. Ability to: i. Prepare judicial orders and decisions ii. Effectively communicate information orally and in writing iii. File and retrieve materials, extract data from various sources for entry onto court form iv. Research and interpret laws outlined in court documents and litigants' motions and other papers v. Perform mathematical tasks in order to compile court activity reports, total receipts, accept payments, and verify bills vi. Refer to appropriate documents, statutes, citations or other sources in order to respond to specific questions from attorneys, litigants and members of the general public vii. Interpret policies, statutes, rules and regulations and apply them in specific contexts viii. Establish work priorities ix. Constructively manage conflict with court users Qualifications: Highschool diploma recognized by the NYS Dept of Education or appropriate equivalent. Along with 4 years of college, specialization in criminal justice, law, business administration or related field. -OR- 2 years college with specialization in Business Administration or related field. Please email your resume to abrownell@townofbatavia.com no later than 12/16/2024. Pay is based on experience.
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