The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) will be holding their Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council (LEICC) Quarterly Meeting. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 17 from 3:30 - 5 p.m. at the Orleans County Health Department (14016 Route 31, West Albion) or by Zoom.
Refreshments will be provided.
The LEICC is a supportive group made up of county officials, Early Intervention providers, childcare providers, parents of children with disabilities, and other community members. The goal of the LEICC is to afford the opportunity for parents and other members to voice their thoughts and concerns on the strengths and weaknesses of the Genesee and Orleans County Early Intervention Program and to work together to improve the program.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are encouraging parents to attend and to offer input as to how we can best meet the needs of all infants and toddlers in our local communities.
For zoom connection information or for more information on the meeting, please contact Deborah Krenzer-Lewter, Director of Children with Special Needs, at 585-344-2580 ext. 5572 or 585-589-2777.
They are working out the timing details, but Nate Charvella and Stacey Schrader have found their new location for Batavia Restaurant Supply, Schrader says.
The longtime staple at the corner of South Lyon and West Main Street will be moving westward to Valu Plaza, Schrader confirmed on Monday. After receiving several phone calls and inquiries from customers about the fate of the Batavia business, Schrader wanted to let people know that it will be moving and where, she said, though further details are not yet nailed down.
“We are not quite ready yet,” she said about opening the doors of the new site at 4152 West Main St., Suite 18A. “We are waiting for the installation of our cooler and freezer.”
The owners of BRS learned in 2023 that the building’s landlord would be selling to Carrols Corp., which plans to build a Burger King at that corner.
Once everything is finalized, Schrader believes it will be "better in the long run for us," with easier access and plenty of parking at the new location.
How does a Clemson, S.C. native end up in Amherst, serving as the Western New York Area Manager for Beam Suntory?
Just ask Shane Moore.
Moore, 48, is that person, and he will be centerstage on Feb. 2 and Feb. 3 at Batavia Downs' annual BBQ & Bourbon Dinner.
Moore will be overseeing the event that showcases a variety of Marker's Mark and Knob Creek products - both of which are part of the Beam Suntory family of whiskeys and bourbons.
"All bourbons are whiskey, but not all whiskeys are bourbons," Moore said.
During the event, Moore will be providing insight into the Marker's Mark and Knob Creek products but also giving a history lesson about bourbon and whiskey. It is designed to be both entertaining and informative.
"Did you know that in the U.S., women are among the largest group of bourbon buyers?" Moore said.
During the 2023 BBQ & Bourbon Dinner at Batavia Downs, more than half of the people who attended were women, and many came in parties of four or more, Moore said.
An Air Force veteran, Moore first came to the Western New York region while working for Philip Morris International as part of its Buffalo/Rochester area cigarette distribution network. It helped that his wife, Michelle, was an Amherst native and wanted to be close to her family.
Moore became hooked on the region.
After a stint selling mortar products to the construction industry, Moore was recruited to work for Beam Sumtory 16 years ago. He never looked back.
To help promote various Beam products, including the signature Jim Beam line of bourbons, Moore decided to create a special event that would tie in the bourbon and whiskey products with food. Because of the diverse entertainment offerings and destination status of Batavia Downs, it was a natural fit to pair the two together.
"I really like the options that Batavia Downs has to offer," Moore said. "It fits right into what we are trying to do and who we are trying to reach."
Moore cited the live harness racing, the gaming floor, different dining destinations and the hotel as key amenities that work well for his company.
It also helps that Batavia Downs bridges both the Buffalo and Rochester upstate markets.
"It gives me the ability to reach so many people," Moore said. "You name the demographic and you will find it here."
So what can people expect during the event?
There will be a blind test of both Knob Creek and Maker's Mark products. People will only find out what they tasted in a post-test review. There will be a BBQ Dinner in between the 2 tastings as well.
"The mystery is part of the experience," Moore said. "This is about hearing the stories, enjoying some BBQ and being part of a fun experience."
Hotel and individual packages are available through Batavia Downs by visiting BataviaConcerts.com.
Attendees receive $50 Free Play, Hand Dipped Marker’s Mark Glass and bag, a BBQ Dinner and Bourbon Sampling. There will be a drawing for a Black Stone Griddle valued at over $400.
James Fink writes on behalf of Batavia Downs. Sponsored Post paid for by Batavia Downs.
“Anyone hoping that Governor Hochul’s State of the State message would chart a bold plan for turning around New York State’s affordability and public safety crises has been left disappointed in today’s address.
The worst-in-the-nation outmigration of our residents is a problem that threatens our future. It requires more than new affordable housing units, as the governor suggests. New York State’s combined state and local tax rates are the highest in the nation. Numerous polls have found that this crushing tax burden is the primary reason people are leaving New York. We heard no plans to tackle that issue.
New Yorkers also cite declining public safety as their other top concern. While the governor praised a recent decrease in gun violence, the truth is that crime rates are still significantly higher now than they were before the reckless bail changes took effect. In New York City alone, index crimes are a staggering 33 percent higher now than in 2019. Proposals to combat retail theft, domestic violence and hate crimes are a step forward, but the leftists in the legislature will fight these proposals. Tough talk won’t be enough. She will need to muster the political will to fight and win these battles.
New York’s business community was overlooked in this address. Rather than investing precious resources trying to market our state as an A.I. hub, we should be taking steps to support and boost our longstanding employers in the manufacturing and agriculture sectors who have been hurt by careless mandates and heavy taxes. Small businesses are still struggling under the weight of the unemployment insurance debt that the state unfairly placed on them. These New York State born-and-bred businesses were ignored.
The most glaring omission was any plan for dealing with Democrats’ self-created migrant crisis, which is draining billions of taxpayer dollars and shows no signs of slowing down. Simply throwing more money at this problem isn’t an answer.
The mental health priorities the governor outlined are initiatives that I support. Expanding both inpatient and outpatient treatment are sorely needed changes. However, again, she will need to be willing to go to the mat with the legislature for key items in this agenda, particularly stronger inpatient treatment.
I look forward to receiving more details on these proposals in the Executive Budget. Governor Hochul was right when she said ‘We all want our state to succeed.’ However, to get there will take more than talk, it will take political courage.”
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04) today announced that their provision, which would require that American flags purchased by the Department of Defense be made in America by American workers and use American-grown and manufactured materials, was included in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.
“American Flags flown over our military installations, carried into battle, and draped over the caskets of our servicemembers who have made the ultimate sacrifice should be made in the land they so valiantly defend,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The United States should never contribute to offshoring jobs, especially when it comes to purchasing American flags. I am thrilled our bipartisan amendment was included in the FY24 NDAA to ensure that only American flags made in the USA are purchased by the DOD. I will always fight to support American manufacturers and workers and the domestic production of critical goods, including American flags.”
“The American flag is the greatest symbol of freedom in the world, and it represents the hard-fought battles by American servicemembers who made tremendous sacrifices to protect our nation,” said Congressman Thompson. “Every American flag purchased by the Department of Defense should be made by American workers in the United States with American materials. I am proud to have gotten this requirement signed into law.”
A state $500,000 grant and public works reserve funds will be put toward a new inclusive playground as part of Phase One of a master plan for Austin Park in the city of Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens
City officials are considering a project that would — after a couple of phases — make Austin Park an entertainment hotspot in the center of Batavia, with a potential pickleball court, outdoor event shell, new picnic pavilion, updated splash pad, carved-out spaces for a Farmers Market and craft fair, an all-inclusive playground, and the thoughtful touches of an entrance archway sign to clearly mark the site from Jefferson Avenue.
An Austin Park master plan calls for all of that and more in what Assistant City Manager Erik Fix admittedly considers to be “quite expensive,” and is therefore recommending that it be broken down into more bite-size chunks, beginning with what is most needed first.
“It's going to be used to help replace the existing playground, which is desperately in need of replacement. Along the way, we hope to make it a universally inclusive playground as we go forward. We are at the point right now where the playground that's there is not only falling apart, but our Bureau of Maintenance staff cannot find a replacement piece parts for it, so it's definitely something we need to do,” he said during the Jan. 8 council meeting. “If we can also afford it and have any money left, there are some needed renovations to the splash pad (to help with drainage) and things like that that will help that run better. So we're calling this Phase One of the master plan. So as you look at this entire thing, this will be phase one with the hopes that we can secure additional grant money and resources down the line.”
The entire scope would include the demolition and replacement of the steel picnic shelter with a larger one, including the concrete pad, repurposing the concrete brick restroom/concession building and older stone building, possible splash pad updates, mechanics and control replacements, complete replacement of the existing playground with a universally inclusive and accessible system, a new drinking fountain, trash containers and benches, installation of modern, low-maintenance rubber cushion surfaces, and reconditioning or eliminating the stone dust cross-park trail.
City officials retained LaBella Associates to conduct the master plan and assist with a grant application to help with a park improvement project. Along with these revisions are suggestions for the larger covered picnic shelter, at 40 feet by 64 feet; a band shell for small musical groups, festivals, speeches, lectures and other events; a pickleball court to accommodate the “fast-growing sport;” carving out space for a fresh produce Farmers Market and craft fair; and entrance arch or gateway and clearly marked signage for Jefferson Avenue.
How to pay for it? The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has awarded the city an environmental protection fund grant of $500,000.
There is a 25 percent match, and, although 25 percent would be $125,000, “we’re budgeting $225,000” and “hoping that any unused amount gets returned back to us,” Fix said. The city intends to use public works reserves of $225,000 for that purpose. There is a total of $960,822 in the DPW reserves now, Fix, said, and he is therefore recommending using the $225,000 to supplement the cost of the project.
City Council was tentatively going to vote on a resolution to accept the grant and use those reserve funds during a business meeting on Jan. 22; however, the project is on a temporary hold because city officials need to talk to the state parks department, City Manager Rachael Tabelski said, about potential questions that may arise from the sale of Brisbane Mansion just across the parking lot from Austin Park.
“We have a meeting scheduled with New York State Parks and Recreation to understand the easement associated with Austin Park and the parking lot and the Brisbane Mansion, because currently they are situated as one parcel. So we want to make sure it doesn't hinder our ability to move to divest of the Brisbane Mansion in the future, Tabelski said. “So we don't want to move forward to a business meeting and have full approval of the resolution until we have that conversation with the parks department."
The city will be putting Brisbane Mansion, home of the current city police station, up for sale now that a new police facility will be built at the corner of Alva Place and Bank Street downtown. Prospective ideas for the West Main Street property include a boutique hotel, apartments or a mix of residential units. The city will still retain the rights to the adjacent parking lot, however, so city officials want to clarify the use of the parking lot in the future, including overnight parking for future occupants of residential units at the Brisbane property.
There are a series of items that must be met in order to qualify for the grant, according to state parks paperwork. The city must provide vendor ID numbers, file annual written reports, and provide proper documentation, including a boundary map that satisfies the state’s requirements, a copy of the contractor’s deed to the property, an opinion of municipal counsel, a state environmental quality review of the property, prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace and non-discrimination certifications, the Prohibiting State Agencies and Authorities from Contracting with Businesses Conducting Business in Russia disclaimer.
The Genesee County Sheriff's Office has lifted the travel advisory for Genesee County as of midnight Monday. The sheriff's office urges caution if motorists decide to travel.
The weather forecast calls for a sunny day on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with a high of 21-degrees and a four percent chance of snow, increasing to a 50 percent chance by Monday evening, with snow showers and accumulations of less than one inch.
Batavia city snowplow heading east on Washington Avenue. Photo by Steve Ognibene
There was plenty of snow around Batavia on Sunday afternoon that needed to be moved, so city crews and local residents dug in and did the hard work of digging out.
More than a foot of snow fell on Batavia in the previous 24 hours.
A travel advisory remains in effect until 7 a.m. on Monday.
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Digging out of the first storm of 2024. Photo by Steve Ognibene
A look to the east on Main Street, Batavia. Photo by Steve Ognibene
A local man shoveling heavy snow is challenging in single-digit temperatures. Photo by Steve Ognibene
A Buffalo Bills fan testing out his electric snowblower for the first time. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ellicott Street, Route 63 Batavia heading east. Photo by Steve Ognibene
A man clearing his sidewalk with his snowblower on East Avenue. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Road signs near the main intersection of Main and Route 98 facing west showing little travel due to the storm. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavian Jim Prucha enjoyed a "career night" earlier this week as he rolled a pair of 279 games in a 764 series in the Mancuso Real Estate Monday Doubles League at Mancuso Bowling Center.
The 60-year-old right-hander started with 279 and finished with 279 (posting 11 strikes in a row after an open) to record his highest three-game series ever. He went into the night with a 188 average.
Prolific left-hander Brian Cline of Middleport continued his assault on the pins with games of 236, 266 and 288 for a 790 series, raising his average to 236.
In other Genesee Region USBC league action:
--James Townsend of Batavia registered a 278 game in a 753 series in the Toyota of Batavia 4-Man League at Mancuso's.
-- Bill Neubert of Batavia finished with a 297 game -- leaving the 3-6-10 on the 12th ball -- for a 755 series in the Thursday Owls League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.
-- At Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, Reid Cole of Albion fired 279-279-247--805 in the Every-Other-Saturday League, and John Beadle of Brockport tallied 244-279-278--801 in the Thursday Men's Triples League.
For a list of high scores for the week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.
NOTE: Please email weather-related photos to news@thebatavian.com.
A black Kia is off the road at the Thruway interchange, just before Route 77. One occupant complaining of an arm injury. Pembroke and Indian Falls dispatched.
East Pembroke's chief is out with multiple vehicles off the road, all occupied, at 2855 Main Road.
In Pembroke, a driver was stuck in a ditch, was helped out, and then tried to leave on her own and got stuck again. Dadwells responded, and the driver refused to pay for the tow.
There is an accident in Pavilion on Route 63 near Cook Road. Pavilion Fire is on scene. Bethany Fire has shut down traffic at Texaco Town. No injuries.
UPDATE 11:41 a.m.: A black sedan is stuck in the roadway at Swan Street and Ellicott Street, Batavia.
UPDATE 11:47 a.m.: Bethany Fire requested to Wyoming to fill in. Wyoming is working a structure fire.
UPDATE 12:03 p.m.: A deputy is out with a box truck and another vehicle off the road on Route 77 south of the village of Corfu.
UPDATE 12:28 p.m.: A Chevy silver Trac is off the road on Route 77.
UPDATE 12:42 p.m.: A tanker is off the road on Broadway Road. A vehicle is off the road on Clinton Street Road.
UPDATE 12:45 p.m.: A tractor-trailer is stuck on Route 33 near Reed Road, Pembroke.
UPDATE 12:48 p.m.: A vehicle is off the road at Railroad and Broadway, Alexander. A Spectrum truck is off the road, muddled location.
UPDATE 1:03 p.m.: A deputy is asked to return to 9575 Alleghany Road to assist with traffic control at the request of a tow truck operator. The deputy reports he just found another vehicle off the road and would check status before responding.
UPDATE 1:06 p.m.: Traffic is blocked in both directions at some location on Route 77,
UPDATE 1:11 p.m.: A deputy reports they were able to get one lane open.
UPDATE 1:54 p.m.: Corfu fire police requested to shutdown southbound traffic at Route 33 for Route 77. A Rav 4 is stuck in the road at Alleghany and Broadway, Darien.
UPDATE 2:29 p.m.: A deputy is out with a vehicle at Route 33 and Ellinwood Road, Corfu.
UPDATE 3 p.m.: A U-Haul is off the road on Route 33.
UPDATE 3:04 p.m.: A snowmobile rollover accident is reported on Slusser Road. The patient is inside a residence with a leg injury. East Pembroke Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.
UPDATE 3:19 p.m.: An SUV vs. snowplow accident is reported at Ellicott Street Road and Bethany Le Roy Road. The SUV is on its side. Bethany Fire and Stafford Fire along with Mercy EMS dispatched.
UPDATE 4:02 p.m.: From the Bethany accident, three ambulances - Bethany and two Mercy EMS units -- transporting patients to Strong.
UPDATE 4:32 p.m.: Route 20 at Route 63 is closed eastbound because of vehicles in the road.
UPDATE 5:10 p.m.: There are tractor-trailers blocking Route 77 near Flying J. A deputy requested to help get them moved into the Flying J parking lot or the school parking lot.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Genesee County Highway Department, Emergency Management Services, and the County Manager, is continuing the travel advisory for all of Genesee County. The advisory is anticipated to remain throughout the day on Sunday due to heavy snowfall, strong winds, and zero visibility, resulting in unsafe travel conditions.An update will be provided once the weather conditions improve.
Sheriff Sheron and all emergency services first responders would like to thank residents for their cooperation in adhering to the travel advisory by staying off the roads and asking for continued cooperation today.
“Please remember, even if it is not snowing where you are, the destination you are traveling to may have poor visibility and heavy snow accumulation.The best and safest option for you and your loved ones is to stay home until the snowstorm passes,” stated Sheriff Sheron.
During a travel advisory roads are not closed, however, no unnecessary travel is advised.A trip that could wait should not be made until the advisory is lifted.The Genesee County Sheriff's Office does not determine the necessity for any individual to report to work.
Industry-leading self-defense center ‘The Firing Pin’ to host a first-of-its-kind safety class at The Kodak Center; Hundreds of students to learn newly required NY Handgun Safety information.
The Firing Pin, a retail firearms store, indoor shooting range, and defensive training center located in Bergen, has booked The Kodak Center in Rochester and is hosting a low-cost handgun safety class on Jan. 28. Topics will include basic safety information, NY state gun laws, situational awareness training, as well as interacting with law enforcement, as set forth under the new required curriculum.
With NY State’s focus on reducing violence involving firearms through legislative action, TFP’s mission has been educating the public on firearms safety and security. Thousands of students over the past decade have learned how to safely handle a firearm at The Firing Pin, utilizing the classroom and 25-yard indoor range to hone their skills and become better gun owners.
NY State now requires 18 hours of training before an applicant can be granted their NY Pistol Permit, a new change as of September 2022. This large-scale class will fulfill 8 hours of that training, and students interested in getting their permit can take the remaining 10 hours at a later date.
Submitted photo of John Huther, lead instructor.
The class on Jan. 28 at The Kodak Center, 200 W Ridge Rd, Rochester, hopes to reach as many people in the region as possible, the Center seats 1,900 total. The class runs from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., doors open at 8 a.m. Tickets are $15 and include a box lunch.
“We are extremely excited to bring our training to this many students, but we’re even more excited to be able to do so in such an amazing venue as The Kodak Center, we’re very thankful they were willing to work with us, as uncontroversial as a safety class should be, it took us a while to find a venue willing to work with us on this - it was very important to our mission that this class happen in the City - again, thanks to the great folks at The Kodak Center”, Brandon P. Lewis, Owner/Founder, The Firing Pin.
Here are the announcements submitted due to weather. Email your announcements to news@thebatavian.com.
Due to the winter storm warning, the Genesee County Animal Shelter will be closed to the public on Sunday, January 14, 2024. We hope to resume normal public hours on Monday, Jan. 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. We recommend calling the shelter at 585-343-6410 to confirm this prior to attending open hours.
All BCSD events and practices for Sunday are canceled, and all BCSD schools will be closed.
Due to the dangerous weather conditions, Batavia First Presbyterian Church’s in-person Sunday worship has been cancelled for Sunday morning.
Shelia Eigenbrod, education consultant for GCEDC, making a presentation to the GCEDC board of directors on Thursday. Photo by Howard Owens.
When you're charting a new path, you need a roadmap, and Shelia Eigenbrod, a year into her new job with the Genesee County Economic Development Center, has exactly that in mind.
The map would help inform high school students about career opportunities in Genesee County and what it might take to land the jobs that will put them on a path to a good salary with no college debt.
Eigenbrod, a retired Pavilion Middle School principal, is GCEDC's education consultant.
She told The Batavian after a GCEDC board of directors meeting on Thursday that her roadmap project is "very exciting."
"It's like a typical old-school map," Eigenbrod said. "It unfolds. It will contain all of the industries in Genesee County, especially those focused on advanced manufacturing. It'll designate the types of hires, whether it's engineers, skilled trades, technicians, or apprenticeship programs, and will have a lot of descriptions so that students and school counselors understand what mechatronics is, what CNC is, what advanced manufacturing is, and will also connect to workforce development."
The roadmap was the focus of her presentation on Thursday to the GCEDC board.
"This is something that is meant to be attractive to and understandable for all the guidance counselors and school officials," Eigenbrod said. "It's also something easier to hand out to students. I know we're going to compete with a lot of college materials, the mountain of stuff every graduating senior gets, but really, the message here is all the great careers we have in our community that are, no doubt, we have training programs already set up in our BOCES (and at Genesee Community College)."
She expects the map to be a nice handout at school open houses, parent meetings, and career fairs.
"We've identified a lot of the companies in Genesee County," Eigenbrod said. "We're going to have descriptors of what the company produces, their type of workforce, number of people if they're intending to hire, and if they are looking for apprenticeships, skilled trades, engineers, and technicians."
In response to board questions, she said she also expects to include information on local businesses in need of back-office help, such as accountants and other financial workers.
The map will point students to resources for training for the type of jobs available.
"I really want educators to understand what is going on, and these career pathways," she said.
Photo of 46 Swan St., Batavia, taken Nov. 2 by Chuck Bernard.
Fire investigators with Batavia City Fire have concluded that Friday's blaze at the former Backhoe Joe's, 46 Swan St., was the blaze "ignited under circumstances when a fire should not be ignited," according to a press release.
The press release notes, "a fire declared incendiary does not indicate the crime of arson."
The investigation is being turned over to Batavia PD to determine if the fire was intentionally set or caused by some human action.
The building was without electrical or gas service.
Earlier today, the building's owner, Ron Viele, told The Batavian that there has been an issue with transients going into the building, perhaps lodging there.
"Probably what happened was a transient was in there who was trying to keep warm, and something stupid happened," Viele said.
The City of Batavia Fire Department was dispatched to a reported working structure fire at 46 Swan St. in the City on Jan. 12, 2024, at approximately 12:11 p.m. Initial dispatch reported multiple calls of flames showing.
City Fire crews were clearing two separate EMS at the time of dispatch, and Squad 17 was the first initial unit on location. Squad 17 arrived at 12:14, reporting a 3-story wood frame structure fully involved. At that time, a second Alarm was called. Engine 12 arrived four minutes after initial dispatch and requested a third alarm.
Captain Robert Fix was the initial Incident Commander and declared defensive operations with total building collapse seven minutes after initial units arrived. City Fire Chief Joshua Graham arrived at 12:23 p.m. and assumed command of the incident.
Fire crews focused on protecting an exposed building to the south of the incident structure. Crews were initially hampered by a live power line that burnt through and fell onto a metal fence, preventing them from making entry to the rear on the incident structure.
Once the fire was knocked down, an excavator was called in from Yasses. Fire investigators worked with the excavator to slowly remove debris while working to determine a cause and origin.
City of Batavia Fire Investigators believe that the fire spread through ventilation holes. No utilities were operational to the structure in preparation of demolition. Fire Investigators have ruled the fire incendiary. Incendiary fires are defined as fires ignited under circumstances when a fire should not be ignited.
City Fire has completed its portion of the investigation. It is important to note that a fire declared incendiary does not indicate the crime of arson. City Police will continue to investigate.
There were no injuries as a result of this incident.
City Fire would like to thank City DPW, City Police, Genesee County Office of Emergency Management, Genesee County Dispatchers, the Town of Batavia, Elba, Stafford, Pavilion, and Oakfield Fire Departments, Mercy EMS, National Fuel, National Grid, and Salvation Army for their assistance and support.
Photo of 46 Swan St., Batavia, taken Nov. 2 by Chuck Bernard.
6:41 p.m.: A deputy looking for a vehicle off the road at 33 and Angling couldn't locate it, reporting whiteout conditions. The Corfu fire chief was also in the area and a short time later, he located the vehicle off the road. He reports no injuries. Another deputy on another call at another location (didn't catch the location) reports poor visibility.
UPDATE 6:48 p.m.: A vehicle is off the road and in a ditch off Bethany Center Road. Occupants are out of the vehicle. A school bus with 22 students on board is off the road and in a ditch at 9998 Day Road, Alexander. No injuries.
UPDATE 7:01 p.m.: A driver of the bus spoke to a supervisor who is en route. The bus isn't that far off the road. The supervisor will determine whether to send out another bus or call a wrecker to get it unstuck.
UPDATE 7:12 p.m.: There are multiple deputies assisting multiple motorists. We didn't hear all of the initial dispatches. One deputy is giving a courtesy lift to a truck driver to the Econo Lodge. On Day Road, the students are being transported by law enforcement vehicles to the fire station.
UPDATE 7:39 p.m.: A car vs. pole accident is reported on Cary in Oakfield. A Blue Jeep Compass, no injuries, is off the road on Oak Orchard Road near Batavia Elba Townline Road, Elba.
UPDATE 8:39 p.m.: The storm band seems to have moved to the south, the wind has died down, scanner traffic has slowed down.
UPDATE 8:50 p.m.: There is a tree down on wires partially blocking the roadway on Hickox Road, Alexander.
UPDATE 9:11 p.m.: An estimated 76 National Grid Customers are without power near Darien Center. Power has been out since 8:39 p.m. National Grid expects to restore power by 10:45 p.m. That is the only significant power outage in Genesee County.
Chuck Bernard took this photo on Dec. 17, which shows 46 Swan St., Batavia, as it was being prepared for demolition. Bernard noted that the orange object on the ground in the lower right is a sleeping bag. Owner Ron Viele said he was trying to keep transients out of the building.
It's been Ron Viele's intention for years to tear down the wood-framed structure at 46 Swan St., Batavia, once known as Backhoe Joe's, because it has been an eyesore on Swan that potentially devalues the rest of his property on the street.
Viele owns Viele Construction, which has an office at 61 Swan St.
"I want to make sure that street looks as good as possible," Viele told The Batavian.
He's aware of social media chatter that the fire was an "insurance fire," but it wasn't insured, he said.
"That building was not in good shape," Viele said. "It is adjacent to the railroad tracks. A former owner had taken everything out and people were coming in and taking wires and pipes, anything of value. I intended to take it down, and the building had no insurance on it."
Some years ago, he tried to buy the building, winning it at a tax lien auction for $8,000, but a former city manager felt his purchase of the building was a conflict of interest with Ron's son, Paul Viele, on City Council, so the property went to another buyer. Then in 2018, it came up for auction again, and he and Dick Borrell teamed up to buy it for $1,800, he said.
He bought the property with the intention of demolishing the building.
He said he owns about $800,000 worth of property on Swan Street. He wants to protect those investments.
The clean up -- after the fire -- will still cost him at least $40,000. That may be at least $4,000 cheaper than the demolition would have cost, he said, because there is now less material to haul away.
He noted that electrical and water service had been shut off to the property for some time.
"It was one of those buildings that could become a money pit," Viele said. "I could put six figures into it. The return (on investment) wouldn't have been good enough to fix it."
Viele said he needed multiple permits from the city in order to proceed with demolition. He recently got final approval and was ready to proceed, but the contractor he hired for the job was tied up, so demolition wouldn't have started for at least another two weeks.
That section of the street is zoned industrial, and the parcel is too narrow to build anything new on it because of setbacks required in the current zoning code, so once the building is cleared away, the lot will likely remain vacant.
While most people remember 46 Swan as Backhoe Joe's, it was a tavern for many decades under various names. Those were once thriving businesses when there was still heavy manufacturing at the Harvester Center and Wiard Plow, but as employees drifted away from those industrial hubs, the bar and restaurant business on Swan Street dried up.
More recently, the building has been attractive to transients, Viele noted. He said just a week ago, he called the police to chase transients out of it, and he had asked Batavia PD to provide extra patrols in the area to keep transients away. He put a fence around the entire property a few weeks ago to try and keep transients out of the building.
Viele said a fire chief told him initial indications are that the fire started in the basement.
"Probably what happened was a transient was in there who was trying to keep warm, and something stupid happened," Viele said.
Fire Chief Josh Graham said that is possible, but investigators, which include investigators with Batavia PD, have not yet made a final determination on the cause and origin of the fire.
"No matter what happened, it's not a happy event," Viele said.
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.
