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Artist Mary Jo Whitman to share grant-writing tips at Tuesday event

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Batavia Society of Artists is hosting artist Mary Jo Whitman on Tuesday, September 10 at Go-Art/Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia At 7 p.m. 

Mary Jo plans to give an overview of the grant process for artists, including where to find grant opportunities, tips on writing project narratives, formulating budgets, and providing quality support materials. 

This info will be bennificial to many artist who never thought they could get grant money for projects! This event is open to non-member for a $5 fee. Light refreshments will be served. The 2.o.1. Tavern will be open for cash purchases.

Genesee County Republicans celebrate grand opening of new headquarters Saturday

By Press Release

Press Release:

Genesee County Republican Committee Chairman Scott D. German is happy to announce the committee will be holding its Grand Opening of the Genesee County Republican Headquarters located at 244 West Main Street in Batavia (formerly Time Buyers Auto) across from CVS at noon on Saturday, September 14.

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, Senator George Borrello, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Sheriff Candidate Joe Graff and County Treasurer Candidate Kevin Andrews are all expected to be in attendance.

Anyone wishing to pick up free signs for Trump, Tenney, Borrello, Hawley, Graff or Andrews are more than welcome to stop by and pick them up on Saturday.

Tornado warning issued for portions of Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

A tornado warning has been issued for southwestern Genesee County.

At 8:33 p.m., a thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Pembroke, seven miles north of Darien Lake State Park.  It is moving southeast at 15 mph.

The warning is in effect until 9 p.m.

According to the National Weather Service, there is the potential for flying debris that is dangerous to those without shelter. Mobile homes could be damaged or destroyed. There could be damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles. Tree damage is likely. 
 

A Saturday in September signals time for annual Summer Serenade

By Joanne Beck
GSO summer serenade
Photo by Nick Serrata

Members of United Way and Genesee Symphony Orchestra got together this weekend for a joint fundraiser and to Kick things off for GSO's annual Summer Serenade at the top of its 78th season.

The event includes food and drink, music and mingling Saturday at Terry Hills in Batavia. 

The gathering didn't mean there were any secrets shared about the upcoming concert season, as those musical treats are never revealed until the day of performance, Maestro Shade Zajac says.

The season begins on Sept. 28 with How to Build an Orchestra, followed with Hope Amidst Sorrow on Nov. 16, Holiday Miracles on Dec. 8 and Encore 2024/Holiday Pops Concert on Dec. 14, all at Stuart Steiner Theater at Genesee Community College. 

For more information, go to www.geneseesymphony.com

Photos by Nick Serrata

GSO summer serenade 2
Shade Zajac
Maestro Shade Zajac
Photo by Nick Serrata
GSO summer serenade violin

ERT deployed to execute search warant on South Main Street, Batavia

By Press Release

Press release:

On Sept. 9 at approximately 11 a.m. the city of Batavia Emergency Response Team (ERT), comprised of members from the city of Batavia Police Department and Genesee County Sheriff's Office, assisted the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force with the execution of two search warrants at separate addresses on South Main Street in the City of Batavia. 

The search warrants were executed at apartments located at 11 South Main St. and 61 South Main St. Several people were taken into custody and are being processed by the Drug Task Force at this time.  

Further information on the identity of those arrested and charges will be released by the Drug Task Force at a later time. 

There were no reported injuries during either search warrant execution, and the immediate area was evacuated or advised to shelter in place during the operation as a precaution.  

"We wish to thank the community for their tips and information on both of these addresses as we work hard to hold those accountable that illegally distribute drugs in our City," said Chief Shawn Heubusch.

Pitbull, T-Pain brought a night of unstoppable energy to Darien

By Steve Ognibene
 Pitbull with his dancers on friday evening at Darien Lake.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Pitbull with his dancers on Friday evening at Darien Lake.
Photo by Steve Ognibene

On a cooler rainy September Friday night, it didn’t stop anyone from dancing and grooving to T-Pain, who opened for Pitbull at Darien Lake Amphitheater. 

A sold-out 22,000 plus crowd packed the venue to greatest hits by both performers including a few dressed up Pitbull outfits.

 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
T-Pain, opened for Pitbull.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
T-Pain opened for Pitbull.
Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene

OAE loses season operner 27-13

By Staff Writer
oakfield-alabama football

Oakfield-Alabama/Elba dropped its season opener on Saturday, losing to Letchworth/Warsaw/Perry 27-13.

OAE Stats:

  • QB Gavin Armbrewster - Six carries, 42 yards, one rushing TD while going  6-9 passing for 53 Yards
  • RB/LB Avery Watterson - Seven carries and two Receptions for 61 total yards; on defense,  16 tackles.
  • RB/LB Jack Cianfrini - 10 carries, 92 yards, TD, and nine tackles
  • SR LB Carson Warner - Eight tackles
  • SR DL Aedyn Groth - One sack and a forced fumble

"Kudos to a tough, physical, and well-coached LPW team," said OEC Coach Tyler Winters. "We knew we would have our hands full in week one taking on a Class C contender like them.  Today's game will serve as great feedback for our group on the areas we need to improve on to accomplish our goals.  The outcome was far from what we hoped for, but the narrative did not change for our team.  We will hit the film and begin to shift our sights to Week 2."

Photos by Debra Reilly

oakfield-alabama football
oakfield-alabama football
oakfield-alabama football
oakfield-alabama football

Lei-Ti rallies for generous donation to Mercy Flight

By Joanne Beck
Lei-Ti donation to Mercy Flight
Sheila Hollwedel, Joe Bellardo, Elizabeth Stokowski and Val Rosehart present a donation Saturday of $9,050 to Pam Cherry, who represents Mercy Flight, for what has become an annual fundraising event for Lei-Ti Campground.
Photo by Nick Serrata

Lei-Ti Campground came through big this year with a donation of $9,050 for Mercy Flight during its annual fundraiser for a nonprofit group. This year's event included 200 basket raffles, a tour of a Mercy Flight helicopter and sales of hotdogs and sausages. 

In rare appearance in Le Roy, Batavia takes on newly merged Le Roy/Cal-Mum Rivals

By Howard B. Owens
le roy v batavia football
Photo by Ed Henry

It was a historic night at Hartwood Park in Le Roy. The newly merged Le Roy and Cal-Mum football programs took the field as one team, the Rivals, to play against the Batavia Blue Devils.

It's been at least 15 years since Batavia played a regular season game in Le Roy.

In a game shorted by weather, the Blue Devils came out on top 32-0.

There were no stats released for the game.

Also on Friday, Alexander traveled to Bath-Haverling and returned home with a 13-12 win. 

le roy v batavia football
Photo by Ed Henry
le roy v batavia football
Holden Sullivan (left) and Dillon Alcott (right) tackle Batavia’s Carter Mullen.
Photo by Ed Henry
le roy v batavia football
Batavia speedster Zailen Griffin rushes for a large gain.
Photo by Ed Henry
le roy v batavia football
Rivals’ Jack Egeling continues to run hard after a face-mask penalty.
Photo by Ed Henry
le roy v batavia football
The Batavia defense swarms the Rivals’ running back.
Photo by Ed Henry
le roy v batavia football
Batavia’s Brock Bigsby lowers the boom!
Photo by Ed Henry
le roy v batavia football
Rivals’ QB Brady McClurg eyes his target receiver.
Photo by Ed Henry

 

 

Photo: Rainbow on Route 33

By Staff Writer
rainbow
A rainbow on  Saturday afternoon on Route 33 in Batavia.
Photo by Anne Marie Starowitz

 

OT cut short by lightning in Le Roy vs. Byron-Bergen soccer match

By Staff Writer
byron bergen soccer

In a season opener for Boys Soccer, Byron-Bergen/Elba battled to a 1-1 tie with Le Roy/Cal-Mum.

Jacob Wiley, for the Rivals, scored first with an assist from Jack Curran. 

Colin Rea scored for the Bees.

The game went into a brief OT period but lightning cut the game short.

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro

byron bergen soccer
byron bergen soccer
byron bergen soccer

Photos: Annual Dash in the Dark at O-A

By Staff Writer
dash in the dark

Since 2010, Oakfield-Alabama High School has been hosing the Dash in the Dark, a multi-school event for Cross Country teams.

It's the official kickoff to the Cross Country season.

There were 64 schools participating this year, with more than 1,200 runners.

This is O-A's biggest fundraiser to support cross country along with indoor and outdoor track and field.

Photos by Laura Luft

dash in the dary oakfield-alabama 2024
dash in the dary oakfield-alabama 2024
dash in the dary oakfield-alabama 2024
dash in the dary oakfield-alabama 2024
dash in the dary oakfield-alabama 2024
dash in the dary oakfield-alabama 2024
dash in the dary oakfield-alabama 2024
dash in the dary oakfield-alabama 2024

Back-to-school reminder: be mindful of e-cigarette packaging, prevalence as vaping rate increases

By Press Release

Press Release:

Back to school should mean new opportunities, not new addictions. As students return to the classroom this fall, educators and parents are not only preparing for a new academic year, but also the rising public health concern of vaping. E-cigarettes can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and in a school setting, these devices may blend in with other school supplies, as they may look like pens, USB drives, and even phone cases. This makes identifying these devices and protecting youth that much more difficult.

Studies show that vaping has become a rising concern in middle school-aged children, as 3 percent of seventh graders in both Genesee and Orleans Counties reported vaping with nicotine. 

“These years of a child’s life are very sensitive because their brains are still developing,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “As the rate of vaping rises among teens, we must equip families and kids with information and tools to stay healthy.”

There are several reasons why youth vape:

  • Tobacco advertisers use vibrant colors and fun marketing strategies to increase youth participation in vaping. These ads are shown on social media, television, and streaming services, and promote vaping as a cheaper alternative to other tobacco products.
  • Peer pressure and social influences during middle and high school are a main contributor to students trying an e-cigarette for the first time. Students report that they may be curious to try vaping from seeing a friend or family member use them.
  • Availability of flavored e-cigarette products including youth-friendly flavors such as candy, fruit, mint, and menthol are the most widely used types of e-cigarettes among youth. According to the CLYDE Survey conducted by UConnectCare (formally GCASA), about 20% of 11th graders in Genesee and Orleans Counties reported using E-cigarettes or vapes that contain nicotine in 2022.
  • Nicotine is in most e-cigarettes and is highly addictive. Those who use vapes containing nicotine may experience cravings and urges to smoke, difficulty sleeping, and the feeling of anxiety and sadness, which may make them believe they need nicotine to relieve these feelings. These behaviors, among others, are a part of nicotine addiction.

The good news is that studies show that most middle and high school students who vape want to quit. Becoming more aware of the risks of vaping will allow for educated conversations with youth and help ensure that all youth can live healthy, tobacco-free lives.

Here are a few ways you can protect your youth and promote rejection of vaping during back to school season:

  • Educate yourself on the subject, and become a credible source of information. Visit CDC.gov/Vaping for important information on youth vaping.
  • Create a safe space for discussion and start the conversation on vaping. Remember to be patient, listen, and avoid criticism. Keep the conversation open and be willing to be flexible.
  • Answer their questions and be prepared. Kids may have questions about vaping, visit CDC.gov/tobacco for ideas on how to give educated and meaningful answers 

Get Help Today

If you are interested in quitting, or someone you know needs help quitting, help is available:

  • Visit the New York State Smokers' Quitline for quit-smoking and quit-vaping programs, or call 866-NY-QUITS (866-697-8487), to apply for a free starter kit of nicotine medications and to talk to a quit coach.
  • Talk to your healthcare provider about medications and counseling to help you manage cravings. Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover services to help you quit.

For more information about GO Health Programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at:

  • Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 
  • Orleans County: 585-589-3278

Follow GO Health on Facebook, Instagram and X at GOHealthNY.

Entrepreneur looks to downtown Batavia for wine bar

By Joanne Beck
File Photo of Rob Credi

If appearances are anything, entrepreneur Rob Credi may be trading ramen for riesling, as he has applied for a liquor license in a new venture for Shush Wine Bar, LLC in downtown Batavia.

The business, listed as a wine bar/cocktail lounge at 41 Jackson St. on his application, would be in the Gilliana’s diner, which is “temporarily closed” according to its online social media site. 

Credi’s application is one of three up for review by City Council on Monday’s conference meeting agenda. The other two are for existing establishments of Kelly’s Holland Inn and La Oaxaquena Taqueria. 

Credi is no stranger to selling food and drinks, as a former owner of Main Street Coffee and current owner of Pub Coffee Hub on Harvester Avenue and of the Crapshoot Kitchen & Commissary, which housed his Xavmen Ramen take-out diner, which is now listed as being temporarily closed on the website.  

Credi was not available for comment Friday afternoon.

GCEDC board advances Le Roy project and request for more than $245K in tax breaks, hearing to be set

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors advanced an initial resolution for a project by 9 Lent Avenue, LLC in the village of LeRoy at their meeting on Thursday, September 5.

The proposed $3.8 million project would renovate an existing 32,500 square-foot structure at 9 Lent Avenue and create 4 new jobs.

9 Lent Avenue, LLC has requested assistance valued at $267,725 in property tax abatements and $77,600 in sales tax exemptions, with the project estimated to generate $3,382,738 in fiscal returns based on new employment and new municipal revenue.

A public hearing for the proposed project agreement will be scheduled in the village of Le Roy.

The GCEDC Board also approved final resolutions for two community solar farm projects in the town of Le Roy.

FFP NY Le Roy Project1, LLC and FFP NY Le Roy Project2, LLC represent a total $20 million investment and will generate up to 7 megawatts of power through the installation of ground-mounted solar panels.

Lady Blue Devils bring Eastridge to five sets but come up short

By Steve Ognibene
Senior Ava Anderson going for a kill versus Eastridge.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Senior Ava Anderson going for a kill versus Eastridge.
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Batavia Girls volleyball squad played Eastridge Thursday evening for a close back and forth matchup.  In the first set Batavia came back to edge a deficit 26-24.

Eastridge won the next two sets 25-22 and 25-19.

In the fourth Batavia didn’t give up hope and maintained a small lead to win 25-21.  In the fifth and deciding set Eastridge scored some points off the serve to keep the game flowing for them to win 15-8.

For Batavia, Sofia Branch had 5 kills and 16 digs, Julia Plath 10 digs, Ava Anderson 21 digs and 4 kills, 7 Aces. 

For Eastridge, Josslyn Siembor had 13 kills and Isabella Nelson 22 digs. 

Batavia's Record is 1-1.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Lily Gray setting the ball for a kill.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Lily Gray setting the ball for a kill.
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavia going for a block at the net.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavia going for a block at the net.
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Senior Sofia Branche going for a kill.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Senior Sofia Branch going for a kill.
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavias defense blocking at the net.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavias defense blocking at the net.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Celebration of a fourth set win by Batavia.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Celebration of a fourth set win by Batavia.
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Celebrate library card sign-up month at Richmond Memorial Library

By Press Release

Press Release:

September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month! Richmond Memorial Library is celebrating in two different ways:

  1. Replacement cards will be offered for FREE during the month of September. Have a missing or damaged card? Now is the time to replace it! The library is waiving the usual $1 replacement fee for the month.
  2. Anyone signing up for a brand-new library card account will be entered for a chance to win a prize! The Friends of the Library are sponsoring a prize tote, which will include library swag, a gift certificate to the Friends of the Library Book Sale, and $25 gift card to Batavia’s Original.

Your library card unlocks many benefits, including access to materials in the library and online! The Richmond Memorial Library proudly offer access to Libby and Hoopla for eBooks, Audiobooks, Movies, TV Shows and more. Access genealogy resources, Consumer Reports, legal resources and more through RML’s online databases. Need a dinosaur shaped cake pan or a board game? The library has you covered there as well. 

Resident library cards may be issued free-of-charge to residents of Genesee, Orleans and Niagara counties, and to those who work, own property or attend school within the borders of the Batavia City School District.

Photo ID with name and current street address must be presented to apply for a card, or to replace a lost card. When primary residence within Genesee, Orleans, or Niagara counties is not established, additional proof of working, attending school, or owning property within the borders of the Batavia City School District is required.

Children may be issued resident cards and their replacements when they can sign their own name, and after having established identity and residency in the manner described above, or in the presence and under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian who has.

The library is located at 19 Ross Street in the City of Batavia and is open Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more about the library, library programs and more, visit batavialibrary.org or stop in!

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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