Skip to main content

Tenney claims 'decisive victory' in NY-24 primary with Fratto

By Press Release

Press Release:

File photo of
Claudia Tenney.

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney once again decisively defeated perennial failed candidate Mario Fratto in tonight’s primary in NY-24.

“I am grateful and humbled by the outpouring of support from the voters of NY-24 tonight. This landslide victory proves that voters are united behind our aggressive advocacy on behalf of the hard working people of NY-24 and will not be fooled by desperate lies and baseless attacks from a perennial, failed candidate,” Tenney said. “Our strong work to secure both the northern and southern borders, our relentless fight to protect Second Amendment rights, and our leadership on key issues facing our constituents was heard resoundingly by the voters. Finally, we will now work tirelessly to deliver President Trump back to the White House to return the prosperity and strength to our region that is so badly needed to save our great nation from the disastrous Biden Administration," Tenney continued.

At the time of this release, Claudia Tenney held a commanding lead winning 2-1 with nearly 61% of the vote including winning 13 of 14 counties.

Across two primary elections, perennial failed candidate Mario Fratto spent well over $800,000 that we can account for, trying to divide the voters of NY-24, only have his chances for victory erased 18 minutes after the polls closed. Fratto even failed to win his home county. 

Route 63 in the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge will be closed as of July 1 for culvert replacement

By Press Release

Press Release:

The New York State Department of Transportation, in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration, today advised motorists that State Route 63 through the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in the Town of Alabama, Genesee County, will close to accommodate a federal culvert replacement project beginning July 1. The closure is anticipated to be in place until September 1.

Motorists are encouraged to follow the posted detour that utilizes State Route 77, Gasport Road, and State Route 31. Local traffic will be able to access Route 63 up to the immediate work zone. Access to the refuge will remain open for the duration of the closure.

Motorists should anticipate travel delays and build extra travel time into their schedule. Construction activities are weather-dependent and subject to change based on conditions.

Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.

Redband basketball camps return for summer 2024, early registration encouraged

By Press Release
2023-redband-youth-camp-photo.jpg
2023 Redband Youth Camp.
Submitted photo. 

Press Release:

Tom and Marci Redband invite young athletes to hone their basketball skills this summer at the annual Redband Basketball Camps. The camps, known for their focus on offensive skills development, will offer separate sessions for girls and youth at two Batavia locations.

The Redband Girls Basketball Camp welcomes incoming 7th to 12th grade girls to Batavia Middle School on July 9-11 and 16-18, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Participants will receive specialized training in guard and forward positions, shooting techniques, ball handling, and competitive gameplay.

For Redband Youth Basketball Camp, open to boys and girls entering 3rd to 8th grade (7th and 8th grade girls as an alternative to the older camp), sessions will be held at Batavia High School on July 9-11 and 16-18, from and will run from 1 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. The program emphasizes fundamental offensive skills, including dribbling, shooting, and passing drills, as well as structured gameplay scenarios.

Participants are encouraged to register early as space is limited.

To sign up for either camp, email player information to Tom Redband at tredband@gmail.com. For additional details, including a preview, visit Redband Basketball on YouTube and Facebook.

Hawley hosting 3 town hall events in Genesee County

By Press Release

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is hosting a string of town hall events in Genesee County on Saturday, June 29. Hawley will meet with constituents and discuss the issues that matter to them most. 

These events will give the community the opportunity to let their voices be heard and share their thoughts and concerns about where the state is headed.

“Speaking directly with my constituents is one of the most important parts of my job,” said Hawley. “I hope people show up to share their thoughts and opinions on how we can make New York a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

Saturday, June 29:

  • Town of Stafford - Stafford Town Hall, 3903 Route 237 Stafford from 10 - 10:45 a.m.
  • Town of Bethany - Bethany Town Hall, 10510 Bethany Center Rd. East Bethany from 11 - 11:45 a.m.
  • Village of Alexander/Town of Alexander - Alexander Town Hall, 3350 Church St. Alexander from 12 - 12:45 p.m.

Third Eye Blind's journey: 27 years of hits, harmony, and new horizons

By Alan Sculley
third-eye-blind-kylie-spinelli.jpg
Photo of Third Eye Blind courtesy of Kylie Spinelli.

Twenty-seven years ago, Third Eye Blind blasted onto the music scene with a self-titled album that went six times platinum and included the enduring alternative rock hits “Semi-Charmed Life,” “Graduate,” “How’s It Going To Be” and “Jumper.” A double-platinum second album, “Blue,” followed two years later.

Then the radio hits stopped coming, with 2000’s “Never Let You Go” marking the last top 10 single for the band. So it might seem surprising for Third Eye Blind to still be headlining amphitheaters this summer.

But Third Eye Blind’s popularity endures. And Stephen Jenkins, Third Eye Blind’s founding member, songwriter, and singer, noted that turnout for his band’s concerts is actually bigger than ever. 

So how does it feel to live in this kind of welcome reality 27 years after the blockbuster self-titled debut album was released?

“Implausible would be the word probably,” Jenkins said in an early May phone interview. “Really, it just feels like I'm just on this ride, and more than anything else it just reminds me about the basics. It reminds me of the things that I value, which is being musical, being authentic, being in a genuine exchange with the audience. All of those things are the things that remain the most important to me.”

The barrage of top-10 radio hits that launched the band’s career may have dried up after “Never Let You Go” (from “Blue”), but in other ways Third Eye Blind has actually been a resurgent band over the past decade. 

That span has seen Jenkins and drummer Brad Hargreaves -- the remaining members of the early Third Eye Blind lineup -- enjoying a period of stability, with guitarist Kryz Reid, bassist Alex LeCavalier each now in their second decade with the band and keyboardist/guitarist Colin Crev (a member since 2019) rounding out the current lineup. 

With this unit, the personalities and the priorities of the band members have aligned in a way that didn’t always happen with the original band.

“This band, just we love each other,” Jenkins said. “We like to be together and we're like a bunch of puppies. I think what makes this band jam is our sense of empathy, really, more than anything else with each other. We like to make space for each other on stage and that's what makes it jam.”

The current band members not only have the right chemistry, with Jenkins leading the way as songwriter, they’ve been quite prolific. After releasing only two albums over the 15 years that followed the release of “Blue” in 1999, Third Eye Blind has been releasing music at a steady clip, with three full-length studio albums -- 2015’s “Dopamine,” 2019’s “Screamer” and 2021’s “Our Band Aparte” -- and two EPs (2016’s
“We Are Drugs” and 2018’s “Thanks For Everything”), plus “Unplugged,” a 2022 album that featured acoustic versions of song from across the group’s catalog, joining the band’s catalog.

Jenkins feels that along the way, his attitude toward songwriting and recording loosened up, and that accounts for the increased musical output of Third Eye Blind. 

“I think it's really just a lack of judgment,” he said. “I think I was always being hard on myself in the past and I probably still am, but something has improved there. Something has gotten better in some ways and I'm less critical of myself and more able to just get into it, to make music. So I think that's the reason.”

Exactly what songs Third Eye Blind will play on tour this summer is an open question, as Jenkins said the band has plenty of options. 

“We have a lot of music and there's a lot of different stuff that fans want to hear. If you go on Reddit and ask what do you want to hear this summer, if you get 50 different responses, you'll get 50 different songs,” he said. “So we try to do things like almost like being DJs and we kind of try to mix ourselves as a live band and weave in different things back and forth is kind of the idea. So that's how I'm looking at making this set. There's also going to be an acoustic section where we get rid of all the amps and stuff and we play everything with acoustic guitars and (lighter) drums and reimage the songs like that.”

There may also be new tunes available to play, as Jenkins has been busy finishing lyrics and vocals for what could be an EP or album, depending on how things play out and whether Jenkins writes more songs for the project.

“For me it (inspiration) comes when it comes and I don't know how to do it differently than that,” Jenkins said. “I wish I did. But I do have a new album (happening). I’m about done. And so there’s pressure here at the end. It’s going to definitely help me finish it.”

Third Eye Blind will be performing at Darien Lake Amphitheater on Wednesday, July 3.

City Council to consider additional raise for nonunion workers

By Joanne Beck

A financial game of tag (you're it) between city union and nonunion employees now means another raise for the nonunion sector as a way to catch up, according to City Manager Rachael Tabelski.

This past year’s budget included 2.5 percent nonunion raises, up to $8,000 from initial salary figures in 2022-23 for positions including assistant manager, police and fire chief, public works and Human Resources directors.

Negotiations this year reaped a 3.5 percent raise for union employees, which prompted Tabelski to request another 1 percent raise for nonunion employees.

“As part of an ongoing dialogue with council we've talked about the wage compression we see at the top levels of the union, sergeants, detective sergeants, captains, and the non-union counterparts, which are your department heads, you're seeing here today,” Tabelski said during Monday’s conference meeting at City Hall. “We're trying to work on that issue. And as part of doing that council said they would entertain looking at ensuring that nonunion has the same monetary percentage raise every year as the highest non-union contract to keep that wage compression instead of going like this at a stable level. 

"The goal is that we do hope internally that we can attract candidates from inside our departments moving forward. So this year, the nonunion this year, fiscal year 24-25, was awarded a 2.5% rate,” she said. “However, after the contract settled on April 1, the highest raise was 3.5%. So I'm asking for the additional 1% for the nonunion staff, as well as a floating holiday which would bring their holidays to 13 and a half in the near future.”

City Council agreed to bring the request of an additional 1% raise and a floating holiday for nonunion employees to vote at a future business meeting. 
 

Photos: James Taylor at Darien Lake on Tuesday

By Howard B. Owens
james taylor darien lake

James Taylor, the maker of such hits as Fire and Rain, You've Got a Friend, and Sweet Baby James, performed on Tuesday at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.

Photos by Howard Owens.

james taylor darien lake
james taylor darien lake
james taylor darien lake
james taylor darien lake

A $32K-winning Take 5 lottery ticket sold in Elba

By Press Release

Press release:

The New York Lottery today announced one top-prize winning ticket was sold for the Jun 24 TAKE 5 EVENING drawing. 

The ticket was sold at: 

• CROSBY'S located at 64 SOUTH MAIN ST in ELBA, which sold one prize-winning ticket worth $32,520

TAKE 5 numbers are drawn from a field of one through 39. The drawing is televised twice daily at 2:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. A Lottery draw game prize of any amount may be claimed up to one year from the date of the drawing. 


 

June 25, 2024 - Auburn Doubledays @ Batavia Muckdogs

By Batavia Muckdogs

The Muckdogs are back in action following a victory against the Niagara Falls Americans. They take on the Auburn Doubledays here at Dwyer Stadium

 

West (AUB) v.s. Chandler (BAT)

 

#GoDogs

Remote video URL

Farmers market coupons for veterans will be available on Thursday

By Press Release

Press Release:

On Thursday, June 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Veterans Benefits Advisor will be at the Genesee Country Farmers Market. Distribution of the 2024 Farmers Market coupons will be available for Veterans.  

Genesee Office for the Aging will be at the Genesee Country Farmers Market each Friday in July (5, 12, 19 and 26) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. distributing 2024 Farmers Market Coupons. Qualified seniors must be at least 60 years old and earn no more than $2322 a month for 1 person or $3152 a month for 2 people.

The market is now located in the parking lot across from O'Lacys on School Street between Center and Jackson Streets.

Bergen business community honors Viking Valhalla and Rose Garden Bowl on 70 years of success

By Howard B. Owens
viking vahalla
Association President Trish Hammerl and Tom Sardou.
Photo by Howard Owens.

The Bergen Business Civic Association honored Tom and Chris Sardou to celebrate Viking Valhalla Restaurant's and the Rose Garden Bowl and Volleyball Center's 70th anniversary.

Tom's parents, Doc and Mary Sardou, purchased the restaurant in 1954 when it was already 30 years old. Tom was 1 at the time. In 1957, they added a bowling alley. 

It's been a mainstay of the Bergen community throughout its history.

In 2009, the Chamber of Commerce honored it as Business of the Year.

viking vahalla

Richmond Memorial Library phone lines temporarily out of order

By Press Release

Press release:

The phones at Richmond Memorial Library are currently down. The issue is being worked on, and we apologize for any inconvenience. We are open our normal hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Access your account and more at batavialibrary.org!  

Brisbane Mansion: put it up for sale or knock it down, one councilman wants taxpayers to decide

By Joanne Beck
File Photo of the Brisbane Mansion, home to the city of Batavia's police department at 10 W. Main St., Batavia.

As city management and the Batavia Development Corp. pursue ways to attract developers to take over Brisbane Mansion, which now houses the police department, at least one City Councilman sees another option.

And Councilman Al McGinnis made that known during Monday’s conference session. He referred to a prior time after taking a serious walk-through of the property.

Al McGinnis
City Councilman Al McGinnis

“We talked about back then the boutique hotel, a law firm, and apartments, and it simply wasn’t available. The Brisbane Mansion is old, that’s its only function. There was never any famous authors out of there, there was never any books written about it. No treaty was signed there. No famous or infamous people, no historical point at all,” McGinnis said at City Hall. “The one thing that we have to do in City Council is we’re stewards of the taxpayers’ money. At some point, we need to listen to the taxpayer, ask them: do you want to spend any money on the Brisbane? We could make a fortune on the land; the building itself is a wreck. We need to think about what are we going to do as City Council for the value of our citizens. Because guaranteed, they’re gonna say well, now we want a PILOT program, we want a tax break, we don’t want that.”

As a point of correction, there have been pieces of history written by the late City Historian Larry Barnes about the Brisbanes and the piece of property at 10 W. Main St. that was built in 1853, including a play scripted by Derek Maxfield and Barnes. 

The city landmark is listed by the Historic Preservation Commission and formerly served as City Hall from 1918 to 2004 after being the home of George and Sarah Brisbane. Their son Albert was a nationally known author in the 1800s, and his son, Arthur, who worked primarily for William Randolph Hearst, was one of the nation's leading newspaper editors in the later part of the 19th Century. He is buried in the Historic Batavia Cemetery.

City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. wanted to clarify that, no matter what the city opts to do with the building, “I would never vote to knock it down.”

“I’m sorry, I just can't. It's too historical. It was on some of our police letterhead at one point," he said. "So I think that a private entity could do whatever they want. I don't think at this point we were gonna fix it up. I think we're gonna do an RFP, is that right?”

City Manager Rachael Tabelski confirmed that, yes, she thought the council had given direction for the site to be put out for a request for a proposal once the police department had vacated the building. Jankowski agreed while McGinnis emphasized that “we need to find out from the public if they want to proceed with this or not.”

City Council President Eugene Jankowski

“The only feedback I had when we were talking about this was to let it go out to the private sector. Let it be refurbished into something. The engine house was in worse condition, and it’s still here. St. James rectory was basically falling in, and that’s still here. So with the right person and tender loving care, the building has a purpose,” Jankowski said. “And I think we should RFP it out and let someone else tell us what vision they have to preserve the building and go from there. 

"I mean, we're not even at that point that there might be somebody waiting in the wings for us to make that opening and jump on it (Tabelski added that multiple developers have expressed interest). So there you go," he said. "So I don't think we're going to spend any taxpayer money; we're just going to be opening up the opportunity for the person who gets that to maybe get an opportunity to get some historical grants and things.”

Director of Economic Development Tammy Hathaway said that she and city management are in progress with pursuing consolidated grant funding to prepare for when the police department vacates the premises to its new headquarters downtown. A new police facility is being built at the corner of Alva Place and Bank Street.

Director of Economic Development Tammy Hathaway

“The role of the BDC is really to support the city in its efforts to get it out to RFP and be prepared so that when the police department does vacate that building … we can shrink up the amount of time that the city retains ownership of that building afterward. That's absolutely what we want to do. So in our efforts to make sure that we're prepared to help and support the city and get it out of their ownership, that's definitely what our plans are,” Hathaway said Tuesday morning. “It’s not our intention to spend any money towards it. Rachael said 85 percent of the RFP is already complete, so it's ready. We've had conversations, cursory conversations with developers, as we always do, about what underutilized buildings and sites we have throughout the city so that we're always prepared. And after having exhausted a technical grant from HCR last year to have a reuse analysis completed — we did that with the idea of what is the best use for this —  how do we promote this to developers?”

In-site Architecture analyzed and recommended market rate housing and/or a boutique hotel as the best use for the property. The city’s prospective grants would be to prepare for the redevelopment and renovations to the mansion, with a required match to come from the project developer after submitting a successful request for proposal. 

“Ever since I got hired, it was the intent to support the city in making sure that they’re putting that building back on the tax rolls as quickly as possible,” Hathaway said. “After the police department exits, but then it comes down to a developer too, and when they go through it, there really should be no reason, honestly, that it wouldn’t qualify for historic tax credits.” 

The Regional Economic Development Council Initiative is offering capital improvement grants for pro-housing communities for 2024, and the city of Batavia is an eligible applicant. 

City Council supported the application, including investing grant funds into Main St. 56 Theater property roof repairs and mall fund reserves. 

Remote video URL
Brothers at Odds: The Brisbane Story, written by GCC history professor Derek Maxfield and based on Larry Barnes's book The Brisbanes of Batavia, tells the story of why the Brisbane Mansion as an important historical building not only in Batavia but also for the nation.  

Spartans turn back Watertown, 15-6; home this Saturday against Rochester

By Press Release
celebrating-the-victory-1.jpg
Jubilant Genesee County Spartans’ players celebrate after raising their record to 3-1 in the Northeastern Football Alliance. 
Photo by Lauren Donovan.

 

Press release:

The Genesee County Spartans improved its record to 3-1 on Saturday night with a 15-6 victory over the host Watertown Red & Black in Northeastern Football Alliance semipro action.

Quarterback Corey Turpin passed for 230 yards, halfback Jed Reese ran for 94 yards on 23 carries and a pair of touchdowns and wide receiver Deyonci Farley caught five passes for 143 yards to lead the Spartans.

“This is the biggest win in our organization’s history,” said Head Coach Harry Rascoe. “Our first-ever game was there (against Watertown), and we didn’t fare very well. The score of this game was not indicative of the way we controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.”

Genesee took a 6-0 on its opening drive, with Reese running it in from five yards out. On the extra point attempt, Keith Neureuter picked up a bad snap and burst over the goal line for two points to make it 8-0.

The Spartans upped their lead to 14-0 on their first drive after intermission, set up by a long pass to Farley from Turpin, who completed 14 of 25 attempts. Reese scored from a few yards out to set up the extra point kick by Julia Petry.

Rascoe credited injured QB Alex Rood for his effort filling in as offensive coordinator for Jermaine Henderson, who could not make the trip to Watertown.

The Red & Black, 2-2, scored with about three minutes left in the game.

Defensively, Jzhon Henderson and Tre Woods had interceptions, and Gunner Rapone, Max Rapone and Steve Kowalczyk recorded sacks. Kaden Marucci was in on 11 tackles.

Next up for the Spartans is a home contest against the Rochester Chargers at 5 p.m. this Saturday at Pembroke Town Park. Genesee defeated the Rochester squad, 19-12, on June 8 at Franklin High.

A 3-on-3 basketball tournament fundraiser to benefit the Spartans is set for July 6 at Ri-Dan’s Sports Park on West Main Street Road. To register for the event, which includes youth and adult divisions, go to bit.ly/SpartansBball

farley-reception-1.jpg
Wide receiver Deyonci Farley hauls in a pass from quarterback Corey Turpin over a pair of Watertown defenders during the Genesee County Spartans’ 15-6 victory last Saturday.
Photo by Lauren Donovan.

For a team of late night responders on June 11, the single focus was saving Daysee

By Howard B. Owens
saving daisy
Daniel, Daysee, and Makenzie Burr. On June 11, Daysee was vomiting blood and stopped breathing. Friends and emergency responders worked together to save her life.
Photo by Howard Owens.

As John Durand, safety officer for the Byron Fire Department, peeked in the window of a Mercy EMS ambulance in the early morning of June 11, he saw something that lifted his spirits.

"We can see her in the back of the ambulance, and I can see her little smile. Life got better real fast after that. It was the prettiest thing I've seen in a long time," Durand said.

Daysee Burr, who earlier hadn't been breathing and barely had a pulse, was alive and about to get a Mercy Flight ride to Strong Memorial Hospital, where she could get the emergency care she needed for complications from tonsil and adenoid surgery.

Anyone who heard the scanner call at 2 a.m. would have heard the concern and worry in the dispatcher's and responder's voices as the call escalated from "three-year-old child vomiting blood" to "child not breathing."

CPR instructions were being given, a dispatcher told first responders.

Byron Fire and Ambulance, along with State Police, responded.

Mercy Flight was called. Troopers set up a landing zone. Elba's fire chief also responded and acted as ground contact.

Daysee's father, Daniel Burr, tried breathing into his child's mouth but admitted during a gathering at Mercy EMS's Genesee County headquarters on Call Parkway in Batavia that he doesn't really know CPR.  Long-time family friends Micheal and Cheyenne have been staying with the Burr's for the past month or so. They have military experience and stepped in to assist.

"They started taking control because we were panicking," Burr said. "We were, you know, we don't know CPR or nothing like that. We were really panicking and they just took control, calm, collected, and got stuff done the way it had to be done at that point.

Ashley Gurgel was the dispatcher providing instructions.

"They were listening to dispatch," said Makenzie Burr, Daysee's mother, "listening to everything that she was telling us to do -- make sure her head is tilted back, you know. If she starts coughing, turn her on her side and make sure her airway is clear. If she does cough anything up, we've got to get as much of it out as possible before lying her on her back."

Durand added, "The anatomy of three-year-olds, their airway are very small. It doesn't take too much to block it."

It was Makenzie who immediately called 9-1-1 when she recognized the severity of the situation.

"The first thing that came to my mind was we can't go through another child's funeral," Makenzie said. "We have already lost our oldest daughter. There was no way we could go through another funeral for one of our children. We were just praying to God that, you know, help her, help her stay with us until she can get the proper help and care that she needs."

Daysee had her tonsils and adenoids removed on June 4. After getting back home, according to Mackenzie said, she looked pale and she wasn't eating or drinking much.  She coughed up blood the first time on June 10.

"Seeing your child cough up blood is absolutely terrifying," Makenzie said. "So we called, and the on-call doctor called us back, and said it's normal to last about two to three minutes. But if it happens again, something is wrong."

Makenzie said she and her husband monitored their little girl the rest of the day.

At about 2 a.m., she got up and asked for a popsicle. 

"As she got up and moving, we were standing in our kitchen, and she projectile vomited," Makenzie said. "I called 911, and that started the process of telling me what to do, and she got everyone there."

Senior Dispatcher Michael Sheflin said it was clear quickly that if there is any such thing as a routine emergency call, this call wasn't routine.  

Gurgel was giving instructions, but it was apparent something troubling and serious was going on.

"Ashley did a great job staying with mom and the people there," Sheflin said. "I just supported her by dispatching the fire departments and helicopter, and the State Police stepped up on their own and responded, which makes our life a little bit easier when people pitch in and do what they can."

Both troopers who responded have young children, said Trooper Mike Machniak.

"I've got a three-year-old, and he's got a six and a 10-year-old," Machniak said. "When you hear a call like that, it doesn't matter; you're going to get there, you know. At that time, speed and getting there (is important). We may all wear a different uniform but at that point, we care about the child, about the person. They're talking about being a big team. That's all it's about."

Durand was sleeping and happened to wake up just before the call came in.

"I looked at my clock and said, "It's been a long time since we've had a late night call, and my head hit the pillow," Durand said. "As I'm getting dressed and getting ready to go, it goes out with the breathing part, so we're trying to get there without hitting too many deer late at night."

Durand had forgotten, he said, that the State Police have their own helicopter, so troopers are trained to set up landing zones, and that is exactly what Machniak and his partner did for Mercy Flight.

They found a good spot and helped carry the litter back and forth," Durand said. "So it all worked, even though we were all different units. It worked very well together, the way it was designed to work."

Daysee is doing much better, Makenzie said.  She spent most of three days in the hospital (three different trips) being monitored, ensuring she stayed hydrated, and was getting the medication she needed.

Asked at what point in the process, she and her husband felt relieved that her child was out of the woods.

"We still don't," Makenzie said. "Right now, she's going through trying to get her iron back up. Once she is able to run around and play like she normally is, that's when we'll feel great."

saving daisy
Photo by Howard Owens.
saving daisy
Many of the first responders who helped save Daysee's life with the Burr family.  The Mercy Flight pilots, a state trooper, and others were unable to attend.
Photo by Howard Owens.
saving daisy
Ashley Gurgel presents Daysee with a plush daisy.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Signups for the 2nd annual Oakfield box car derby begin June 29

By Press Release
oakfield-box-car-derby-2023-5.jpg
Photo from 2023's inaugural Box Car Derby.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Press Release:

The Oakfield Box Car Derby Association presents the 2nd annual Oakfield Box Car Derby on Saturday, July 27 at noon on Bennett Avenue in Oakfield.

We are a local family and friends-based non-profit organization founded to hold this annual event for the children of Oakfield and surrounding communities and to promote STEM programs.

The event is in memory of Suzanne “Sue” D’Alba who was one of the founders of the Oakfield Betterment Committee and the Oakfield Labor Daze festival, as well as a volunteer and member of many other civic organizations. She always liked a good old-fashioned event, and we feel this fits that mold.

We hope to one day fund a small scholarship in her honor for a graduating student going to trade school.

Please join us as it will be a family friendly fun-filled event. To register please see the information below. Register now as we have 32 slots available, and they are filling fast.

Register in person on Saturday, June 29 from 1 - 3 p.m. and Monday, July 1 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Grandma Rosie’s Ice Cream, next to Santino’s in Oakfield.

YWCA of Genesee County receives grant to expand services

By Press Release

Press Release:

YWCA of Genesee County is excited to announce a $50,000 grant from the Garman Family Foundation, administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, to add Crisis Counseling Services for Genesee County.

For more than a century, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has enhanced and encouraged long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community. A 501 (c)(3) organization, the Community Foundation’s mission is: Connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. 

Established in 1919, the Community Foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to the Community Foundation’s care. Learn more at cfgb.org.

"Case Managers at the YWCA already offer intensive support, safe temporary shelter, 24 crisis hotline services, court advocacy, information and referral, support groups and safety and transitional planning for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, and stalking. This new, full-time crisis counselor position will provide more therapeutic services, complementing the services, complimenting the work we are already doing and adding a much needed piece of continued healing and support for the people we assist," says Jamie Rada, Executive Director. 

For more information on the YWCA of Genesee County Crisis Counselor Position please visit www.ywcagenesee.org or contact the YWCA at 585-343-5808 or info@ywcagenesee.org.

Fire hydrant flushing at Premier Genesee on Wednesday

By Press Release

Press Release:

Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation will be flushing fire hydrants on Wednesday, June 26 from approximately 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Please be advised that flushing may cause some discoloration of water. This does not represent a health hazard. However, citizens are cautioned to determine if the water is clear before washing clothes (or any other processing) as staining may occur. If you experience discolored water run the cold water in all your faucets for approximately 5-10 minutes.

Premier Genesee regrets any temporary inconvenience you may experience however, the flushing program is necessary to maintain a good water supply for our community.  We thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Multiple events to take place during the Salvation Army's celebration of Christmas in July

By Press Release

Press Release:

As part of The Salvation Army of Batavia’s Christmas in July celebration, several events are planned throughout the summer to highlight and benefit The Salvation Army’s programs and services in Genesee County.

These events include a Red Kettle Christmas in July fundraiser, Salvation Army night at a Batavia Muckdogs game on July 20, a chicken barbeque in August, back-to-school supply and hygiene product donation drives, and more.

“We have seen a steady increase in families and individuals coming to The Salvation Army for assistance as the cost of living continues to have the biggest impact on those already struggling,” said Captain Bradley Moore of The Salvation Army of Batavia. “With so many new community members coming to us for help, our dollars are being stretched thin.”

Throughout the year, The Salvation Army of Batavia helps more than 10,314 families and individuals through its food pantry, emergency assistance program, Christmas and toy assistance programs, and youth and senior programs.

“Donations from these summer events stay in our community and will help us to continue our vital programs and services throughout the year to help those most in need in Batavia and Genesee County,” Captain Moore added.

Donations to The Salvation Army of Batavia can be made at any of these upcoming events. Online donations can be made by texting TSABatavia to 31333 or by visiting https://give.salvationarmy.org/Batavia2024. Cash or checks can be dropped off, or mailed to, The Salvation Army of Batavia, 529 East Main Street, Batavia.

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.
Tags: Jobs Wanted

Authentically Local