Update: Oscar is home safe tonight! 
Lost kitty alert: Oscar got out of his Main Street, Le Roy, residence Sunday night. He’s a 3-year-old black male, curious and friendly.

If you find him, please call Trisha at (585) 297-0999‬.

During a visit to Batavia today, Rep. Chris Collins, when asked about debating his challenger for the NY-27 congressional seat called Nate McMurray a "carpetbagger."

McMurray has been using social media and press releases to dog Collins about the incumbent's refusal so far to schedule a candidates' debate.

"Desperate politicians do desperate things," Collins said. "Carpetbagger Nate McMurray, who’s never lived in the 27th Congressional District, who opened his district office in Brian Higgins' district — I’m still trying to figure out why he didn’t run a primary against Brian, since he’s never lived in this district and then had the audacity to open his campaign office not in this district. He lives and works in Higgins district. I don’t know why he’s running in the 27th."

The Batavian contacted Chris Grant, campaign manager for Collins, a couple of weeks ago and offered to host and moderate a debate but we had not received a response. Collins said he was unaware of the offer but that it's too soon to talk about debates anyway.

"That’s a decision to be made in late September into October, when we see where the campaign is, where our campaign is, where his campaign is," Collins said. "It’s certainly not a decision now for July."

In a phone interview this afternoon, McMurray called the "carpetbagger" charge by Collins "ridiculous," noting that Collins didn't live in the district when he first ran and that district lines change every 10 years.

"I'm from here," McMurray said. "I was born and raised in Western New York. He's from North Carolina. I've got a cousin who works at Moon Java. I've got family in Batavia. For him to use this name calling, it's stupid. I could call him a white collar criminal all day but then we could have a debate and have a more insightful conversation."

Collins was in town for a visit at Genesee Community College, where he met with students in the TRiO Upward Bound program, which is college-prep coursework partially funded by the federal government, and then received a tour of the campus by President Jim Sunser.

After lunch at the Pok-A-Dot and a couple of other stops, Collins dropped by Dwyer Stadium to learn from General Manager Dave Chase about the effort to keep minor league baseball alive in Batavia.

A silage fire is reported at 5020 Edgerton Road, Elba.

Elba fire along with Town of Batavia, Byron, and Bergen dispatched.

The fire is not near a residential structure.

UPDATE 5:36 p.m.: Fire units are about to clear.

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office reports that at 2:45 p.m. a black bear was spotted in the area of Putnam Road and Francis Road, Bethany.

Last week a bear was reported around the Village of Attica.

UPDATE 4:52 p.m.: Photo of the bear provided by the Sheriff's Office.

Press release:

The  48^th Annual Genesee County 4-H Market Animal Auction will be held Thursday, July 19, at the Genesee County Fair.

The auction begins at 7 p.m. in the main show ring.

New this year, 4-H members will be selling market chickens and dairy steers.

The auction will feature approximately 28 lots of market chickens, 10 goats, 19 lambs, 29 beef steers, two dairy steers and 44 hogs.

There will be a complementary buyers' dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds.

Auction supporters will receive buyer’s dinner meal tickets after registering for a buyer’s number.

Special thanks to William Kent and Family for providing 48 years of support of the 4-H Market Animal Auction Program.

For more information, contact the Genesee County 4-H Office at 585-343-3040, ext. 101.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) will consider approving incentives for two projects at the agency’s July 12^th board meeting. The combined projects would create 20 new jobs and approximately $7.6 million in capital investment.

The board also will consider accepting an application from Pearl Solar LLC for the construction of two 2MW community solar farms for a combined total of 4MW at 2901 Pearl Street Road.

Both projects have the same address but would have separate parcel tax map numbers. Pearl Solar LLC would make an approximate $6 million investment and is seeking approximately $288,000 in sales and property tax exemptions.

J. Rental is seeking sales, mortgage and property tax exemptions of approximately $723,000 to build a new 60,000-square-foot facility on 19.5 acres in the Apple Trees Acres business park in Bergen. The $6.3 million project would create 15 new jobs. 

Lancor Development Corp. is proposing to invest $1.3 million to build a 12,000-square-foot facility in the new Le Roy Food and Technology Park. The project would create five new jobs and retain seven jobs. Lancor is seeking sales and property tax exemptions of approximately $122,000.

Press release:

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, sponsored by Turnbull Heating and Air, is hosting its annual Angels in Action Golf Tournament on Sunday, Aug. 5^th, at Hickory Ridge Country Club in Fancher.

*Golfers and sponsors are needed!  

Price for golfing (including cart, lunch, buffet dinner) is only $70!  

Donations of products and/or services are also graciously accepted for our raffle.  

Please join us for a fun filled day with raffles, prizes, food and FUN!

Please call Lisa at 585-343-7798, ext. 116, or Michelle at 585-589-5605.

Proceeds benefit Emergency Services Programs in both Genesee and Orleans counties. Thank you for your support.

*P.S. -- Also Needed:

Press release:

Congressmen Chris Collins (NY-27) and Bill Pascrell Jr. (NJ-09) today celebrated President Trump signing H.R. 931, the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act, into law. The legislation they authored together will require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop and maintain a voluntary registry to collect data regarding the incidence of certain cancers in firefighters.

This registry will allow researchers to have a greater understanding of the impacts that smoke inhalation and other occupational hazards have on a firefighter’s health, and lead to better treatment options.

“The brave men and women who selflessly keep our communities safe while fighting fires deserve for us to do everything in our power to also keep them out of harm’s way while they are on duty,” Collins said. “We currently have a lack of information about how being exposed to certain fires will impact a firefighter’s health, and this is a common sense way to collect that data to improve protocols and equipment.

"I express my deepest gratitude for our nation’s firefighters and first responders, and take pride in knowing that this registry could lead to reforms that will save lives.”

“I’m proud that this legislation has been signed into law. The Firefighter Cancer Registry will bring together information on firefighters’ history to help doctors and researchers find any connections between firefighters’ work and increased risk for cancer,” said Pascrell, co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.

“This will improve the safety of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every single day. This legislation has long enjoyed bipartisan support because all of us want to protect those who protect the rest of us. Thank you representatives Chris Collins and Frank Pallone, and senators Bob Menendez and Lisa Murkowski for your efforts getting this bill through Congress and into law. I look forward to working closely with the CDC and members of the firefighting community to see that the new registry is implemented to its fullest use.”

“Day after day, firefighters all across the country are quick to answer the call of duty. Whether they do so in volunteer service or as a career, they put their communities first on a daily basis without question,” said Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) and Health Subcommittee Chairman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX).

“This commonsense bill will create a national registry to better document the physical toll these everyday heroes undertake and help lead to better treatment options. We look forward to seeing this registry come to fruition and applaud Rep. Chris Collins (R-NY) for his leadership on this issue.”

The Firefighter Cancer Registry Act authorizes $2 million in federal funds to the CDC from FY2018 to FY2022. Data gathered would include a number of potential risk factors, including but not limited to the status of the firefighter (volunteer, paid-on-call, or career), number of years on the job, the number of incidents attended, and the type of incidence.

The collection of this data would allow for improved equipment, enhanced safety protocols and preventative techniques for our firefighters.

The House of Representatives passed H.R. 931, the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act of 2017, by unanimous consent on June 22, 2018. H.R. 931 first passed the House in September 2017, by voice vote. The Senate passed the bill, with an amendment, in May by unanimous consent. H.R. 931 was signed into law today by President Donald Trump.

Press release:

After a 15-year hiatus pop rock group Seven Day Faith, featuring their original lineup of Rob Ferenc, John Rosini, Kevin Ernst and Rob Bilson, will reunite for a one-night-only concert experience.

Taking place on Saturday, Sept. 15th, the four original members will perform such hits as “Everything,” “Ready To Go” and “Forever and a Day” on stage together for the first time in more than 15 years.

“We are looking forward to hosting Seven Day Faith’s reunion show,” said Henry Wojtaszek, CEO/president at Batavia Downs Gaming. “These talented musicians have entertained thousands of Western New Yorkers and we’re excited to welcome their fans to experience what’s sure to be a great night of music.”

“The four of us John, Kevin, Rob Ferenc and Myself, we have not been on stage together for over 15 years. I am looking forward to performing our songs and reliving those years of making great music and traveling together. This is sure to be a magic evening," said Rob Bilson, lead singer of Seven Day Faith.

“The time is right, it has been this is the 15th Anniversary of our second release "Somebody Save Me." That record gave us arguably our biggest single in “Forever and A Day” which was a top 5 hit on the Kiss 98.5 charts. It will be an amazing night revisiting this record as well as the wonderful music from our debut release “Life Says We Think Too Much.”

Tickets go on sale tomorrow, July 10th, at 10 a.m. on bataviaconcerts.com. On concert day, doors open at 7 p.m., with live music starting at 8. Tickets are just $7. Each concert ticket is also redeemable at Player’s Club that night for $7 in Free Play to be used on one of Batavia Downs Gaming’s 800+ gaming machines.

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. WROTB owns and operates 17 branches, as well as Batavia Downs Gaming, a standard bred 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.

About Seven Day Faith

Founded in 1996 by Western New York musicians Rob Ferenc, John Rosini, Kevin Ernst and Rob Bilson, Seven Day Faith’s musical and lyrical talents helped them earn the distinction of the Top Original Rock Group at the 2002 Buffalo Music Awards, with Rob Bilson winning the Top Original Male Vocalist award at the 2003 Buffalo Music Awards.

They claimed the number one spot in Billboard magazine’s Independent music Charts in 2004 and have gone on to open for national acts such as John Entwhistle, Pat Benetar, Michele Branch, Simple Plan, Switchfoot, Gavin Degraw, Avril Lavigne, Shaggy, LLCool J, Vanessa Carlton, JC Chasez, Papa Roach, Fuel and Our Lady Peace.

The Muckdogs have split the first two-games of a three-game series with State College at Dwyer Stadium.

Saturday night the home team lost 7-4 despite a strong start by Alberto Guerrero, of Panama, who went six innings and gave up only one earned run on three hits, striking out seven.

This afternoon, the Muckdogs scorched the Spikes 8-3. First baseman Sean Reynolds hit his fourth home run of the season. He had two hits, two RBIs, and scored three times. The winning pitcher was Dylan Cyphert, who tossed two innings in relief and gave up two hits and no runs.

Photos are from Saturday's game, which would have been posted this morning with a game story but for the Stumblin' Inn fire.

The good guys will try to capture the three-game series tomorrow night. Game time is 7:05 at Dwyer Stadium.

Top photo: Reynolds slides into third, taking an extra base on a single to center by Denis Karas.

Once again, lots of music fans, lots of musicians, lots of music, and lots of fun at the Ramble Music and Arts Festival in Jackson Square and on Center Street, Batavia.

The bands performing during our visit to the festival yesterday were Lonesome Road, Sierra, Noah's Reign, Rock Soulgers, and The Bluesway Band.

A maroon Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck reportedly hit a mailbox and drove into a ditch in the area of 8055 Lake Street Road, Le Roy, and then continued on Route 19 toward Monroe County.

The license plate comes back to a Monroe County address.

Law enforcement is responding and Monroe County law enforcement being notified.

Video by Lucine Kauffman, with our news partner, WBTA.

Previously:

• Fully involved structure fire at Stumblin' Inn, Elba
• Fire destroys the storied Stumblin' Inn, a community landmark since the 19th century
• Excavator pulling apart Stumblin' Inn to help firefighters reach hot spots

An excavator is tearing down what remains of the Stumblin' Inn in Elba this afternoon while fire crews keep the smoldering wood wet and attack hot spots that flare up as they get air.

"The building was constructed in the late 19th century, balloon construction, and there was fire throughout the building," said Jim Bouton, deputy emergency management coordinator. "The only way to successful to get to the hot spots now is with heavy equipment to haul the building apart so they can get to these hot spots in the building, otherwise we’re going to leave here and there is a potential for this lighting back up and we don’t want that to occur."

Bouton explained that as the fire caused the roof to collapse, it created trapped hot spots that can't be reached without pulling the wood apart, and as that happens, air hits those pockets and feeds the fire.

Crews will keep working on the fire until there's no evidence of remaining hot spots.

Meanwhile, the Village of Elba remains closed to through traffic.

The cause of the fire is officially undetermined. Investigators suspect an electrical issue.

UPDATE 4:55 p.m.: In about a half hour, all equipment will be removed from the roadway, so it can be cleaned up, the chief says.

Previously:

• Fully involved structure fire at Stumblin' Inn, Elba
• Fire destroys the storied Stumblin' Inn, a community landmark since the 19th century

Over the decades, many local residents enjoyed their first beer at the Stumblin' Inn in the Village of Elba, and some also drank their last there, noted Chuck Hoover, who drank his first beer there when he turned 18 (the legal drinking age then).

Today, the bar, former hotel (built in 1875), live music venue, and community hub was destroyed by fire.

"At about 9 a.m. we were dispatched for fire on the outside of the building, a couple minutes later when we arrived there were flames coming from the north-northeast side, coming out of two bottom windows, and one window on top," said Elba Fire Chief Mike Heale, adding that they are investigating whether the blaze began inside or outside.

The fire quickly went to a second, third and possibly fourth alarm, Heale said.

Multiple power lines stretched in front of the building were a problem and the logistics of setting up the hydrants and tankers, and truck placements were difficult in the village setting, Heale said, but thanks, in part, to recently installed village fire hydrants, firefighters were able to put a lot of water on the fire quickly.

The balloon construction of the building allowed flames to quickly climb into the attic and then across the length of the structure, which is a total loss.

"We got a good jump on it," the chief said. "We were on point with our pre-plan. We caught a break with the (lack of) heat. ... We attempted to go in through the backside but we immediately pulled people out."

Building owner Steve Goff and his brother, Jim Goff, manager of the bar, both got out of the building safely before the first firefighters were on scene. Steve Goff acquired the building in 1979, when the bar became the Stumblin' Inn.

Rehab for firefighters was set up at the Elba Fire Station and there were enough responders from two counties so that firefighters were rotated through to keep them hydrated.

The fire was reported to be under control shortly before 1 p.m.

According to the 1985 History of Genesee County, published by the Holland Purchase Historical Society with assistance from the Genesee County Department of History, Elba's first hotel, the Pine Hill Hotel, opened in 1815 and was owned by Steve Harmon.

The hotel was destroyed by fire in September of 1874. A new hotel was built and was in operation by July 23, 1875. The Elba or Swartz Hotel (a reference to the Swartz family who took it over from W. B. Moreau in 1882 and operated it for more than 50 years) was passed down through the years and had several different owners before Goff bought it.

Other owners have included Charles and Frank Zambito, Tony and Alice Tartaglia, Tom and Marty Greer, Betty and Tom Hemmerick, and Peter C. Marowski.

"Hotels and taverns have also played an important role in the lives of Elbans since the early days when Wyllis Tavern provided, food, drink and lodging for travelers and a place for local people to meet for refreshments and to get the news," the history book notes.

"It's been here for a lifetime," said Doug Chappius, who along with his wife, Sandra, have owned and operated Chap's Elba Diner at 5 S. Main St., Elba, for the past seven years. "I can remember when I was a kid coming here. As soon as I turned drinking age, that's where I went. I'm from Albion. I remember riding snowmobiles, four-wheelers here.

"Everybody used to come here. It's a loss for party people."

Chappius said when the fire broke out, "a lady came into the restaurant and she said 'There's a fire over there. Can I get a bucket of water to put it out?' She didn't seem very excited but I told my dishwasher to bring a bucket of water over there.

"I guess there was a little fire on the floor -- inside right by the front door -- and by the time he got there, it blew the window out and he backed off and came back."

Chuck Hoover, a lifelong resident of Elba, says "It's a sad day in Elba" because the Stumblin' Inn holds a lot of memories; it was an Elba landmark.

"It was a place where people gathered to meet, they sponsored go-cart rides, held parties," Hoover said. "It was just a good place for people to gather and meet. Listen to some live music from time to time. We use to go there after the field day, after reunions. It was old-school."

He said the Stumblin' Inn has been a community gathering place for years and the Goffs hosted many community charity events.

Bob Given, who has lived in Elba for 55 years, said he remembers when the hotel was three stories and there was a dance floor on the third floor. There was a restaurant that served spaghetti and fish fries on Friday night.

"The older you get, the less you frequent those places," Given said. "I'm glad it went on a day like today -- not with the wind blowing or in 10-below weather."

The Stumblin' Inn was popular with local musicians and area residents who enjoy live music.

"The Stumblin Inn has been a staple in the local music community for so long, it's hard to imagine a world without it," said Paul Draper, a local musician and music promoter. "It's a place where a lot of us musicians cut our teeth and were able to grow and learn to be better entertainers.

"There are not too many places around that would give a new band with no name or following an opportunity to play. The Stumblin' provided that. This is truly a sad day for the local music community and we are already prepared to help Jim and 'Stork' in any way that we can."

Howard Owens contributed to the story. Photos by Howard Owens.

Jim Bouton, deputy emergency management coordinator, comforts Steve Goff, owner of the Stumblin' Inn. Goff is also pictured below talking with Deputy Austin Heberlein.

A fully involved structure fire is reported at 1 S. Main St., Elba, the Stumblin' Inn.

Elba fire dispatched. 

Batavia's Fast Team, Oakfield, Alabama, also dispatched.

UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 9:49 a.m.: Byron Fire Department is asked to stand by in its fire hall. Fire police are coordinating to shut down roads in the vicinity to accommodate fire equipment. National Grid and National Fuel contacted to shut down utilities. The upstairs apartment is in flames.

UPDATE 9:55 a.m.: Barre Fire Department is called to provide mutual aid.

UPDATE 9:57 a.m.: More Elba Fire Police are called to the scene. Firefighters are going to hook up a ladder in the back to attack the fire. "Can you get the owners off that back deck?!" one firefighter yells to another.

UPDATE 10:02 a.m.: "Smoke is changing. Smoke is changing -- gettin' darker!" a fireman says.

UPDATE 10:06 a.m.: "Presbyterian Church people are startin' to show up. They can get to the church but they can't get much farther," says a fire policeman. More fire police from Barre, Byron, Oakfield are to be called to the scene.

UPDATE 10:09 a.m.: All interior firefighters are ordered out of the structure.

UPDATE 10:10 a.m.: Mercy medics #2 and #3 are called to the Stumblin' Inn.

UPDATE 10:17 a.m.: Utility reps are on scene. All power is turned off. National Fuel rep is on scene. National Grid has a 30-minute ETA. Power needs to be shut off still. Byron is asked to send an engine to stand by in Elba's hall.

UPDATE 10:27 a.m.: Two Barre Fire Police have arrived. One will be deployed at Church Street, the other at Bridge. Tankers called to provide mutual aid from Bethany, Stafford and Alexander.

UPDATE 10:36 a.m.: A tanker from East Pembroke is called to the scene.

UPDATE 10:52 a.m.: More fire police are called in from Stafford, East Pembroke and Alexander. They are going to post someone at Drake Street Road and Weatherwax Road, and then at Pekin Road and "back out to Townline." National Grid is arriving on scene.

UPDATE 10:57 a.m.: All occupants are believed to be safely out of the building.

UPDATE 11:03 a.m.: The Elba chief said the first started on the northeast corner of the first floor and flames were shooting out of three windows when they arrived. Now there is heavy black smoke showing but no flames. More fire police out of Orleans County are called in. "People are sneakin' by" laments the Elba Fire Police commander.

UPDATE 11:38 a.m.: All eastbound traffic will be closed at Route 262 per fire command. Law enforcement is requested to the fire command center.

UPDATE 12:07 p.m.: Power to the village is shut off.

UPDATE 12:56 p.m. (By Howard): The chief reported the fire under control about 10 minutes ago. Extensive overhaul underway. Power will be restored to the village shortly.

UPDATE 1:11 p.m.: Red Cross requested to the scene to assist one adult.

UPDATE 2:04 p.m.: Firefighters are packing up. An excavator is arriving on scene to finish demolition of the building.

UPDATE 5:45 p.m.: Roadways are being reopened.

UPDATE 6:30 p.m.: Elba assignment to 1 South Main St. is back in service.

Submitted photo of Batavia resident and ardent local golfer Carolynn Taylor.

It's been hot lately and this past week was especially sweltering. Most octogenarians sensibly parked themselves near thrumming air conditioners and waited for things to cool down.

But not 81-year-old Carolynn Taylor. In fact, the Batavia resident played golf, her favorite sport, last Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Granted it was evening time when she did so, but it was still very uncomfortable for many people half her age.

Such is her athleticism and conditioning from regularly hitting the links for more than 60 years.

Taylor plays to win and the three other "girls" in her foursome do that a lot in local tournaments.

Her estimated handicap nowadays is 26.

She came to our attention a week ago when a couple of her friends told us about her recent hole-in-one. We called and confirmed this with her Friday afternoon.

"I was just shocked," she said. "You have to have a good shot, but the rest of it is just luck."

It was actually the third time she's been that lucky. In addition to the hole-in-one on #12 at Terry Hills two weeks ago, she got one on #22 two years ago, also at Terry Hills, and another in Wellsboro, Pa., several years ago at the Tyoga Country Club.

According to the U.S. Golf Association, the odds of the average golfer hitting a hole-in-one are 12,500 to 1.

Asked what she got for her latest feat, she said "Nothing. I got to buy everybody a drink!"

Terry Hills, the 27-hole, 72-par championship public golf course on former farmland on Clinton Street Road, is her favorite.

"It's spectacular," she said. "They take such good care of the landscaping and the greens. You never see any weeds."

Taylor plays in three women's leagues there. She also regularly participates in a trio of local tournaments for charity: Ricky Palermo's Golf Tournament to Cure Paralysis; Genesee Cancer Assistance Golf & Bocce Tournament; and the Leadership Genesee Golf & Bocce Tournament.

She says her foursome has won the women's division in the Ricky Palermo outing every year for several years.

If you are competing against them, that sinking feeling must sink in pretty quickly.

A motor-vehicle accident with unknown injuries is reported at Galloway and Lewiston Roads, Batavia.

The initial report was for multiple vehicles but law enforcement on scene reports only two vehicles involved. One is off into the woods with two occupants unable to exit.

Two ambulances requested to the scene, one non-emergency response.

Town of Batavia fire dispatched.