A motorcycle has reportedly hit a dog at the intersection of Main Road and Alleghany Road in Pembroke.
Minor injuries reported.
No word on the condition of the dog.
Pembroke fire, Indian Falls fire, and Mercy EMS dispatched.
State Police are on location.
Today, Nate McMurray, who narrowly lost to Chris Collins in the NY-27 congressional race in 2018, formally announced he will seek the office in 2020.
One of the first things did after finalizing his decision to run was call The Batavian and ask for an interview, so we met this afternoon at The Coffee Press.
McMurray said that while other Republicans have said they are mounting a primary challenge to Collins, Collins is the front-runner and there is no reason to believe Collins won't be on the general election ballot in November. Collins, McMurray said, is the person he's running against.
"I think a lot of people always assume he's going to give up or go away, but he's proven that he doesn't go away easily," McMurray said. "I think that he needs to hold onto this seat to maintain his freedom. It's the best leverage point he has in his trial (on Federal insider trading charges). I think until he's gone you have to assume he's the candidate."
Collins has to go, McMurray said, because with Federal charges pending and a congressional ethics investigation that is still open, Collins is unable to effectively represent the people of the 27th District.
In 2018, McMurray opposed efforts to impeach Donald Trump. Since the release of the Mueller Report, he's changed his position. He said he realizes this stand may cost him votes in this district.
"Anyone who respects the rule of law and reads (the report), as I've read it, you'll come away very troubled," said McMurray, who is an attorney. "You'll come away thinking that Congress and the Senate have a duty to act. They really shouldn't be playing politics with this. It's too important.
"And I think that whether you support President Trump or not, if read that report, you're going to see a portrait of a man who tried to obstruct justice, who tried to manipulate the law, and who thought he was above the law."
A two-car accident with injuries is reported on the Citgo Gas Station property at 8204 Park Road. NYS Troopers are on scene. Mercy medics are called for reports of generalized pain. Town of Batavia Fire Department is also responding.
UPDATE 12:15 p.m.: One vehicle is blocking traffic.
UPDATE 12:16 p.m.: A first responder on scene says injuries are minor. There is a lot of debris in the roadway.
UPDATE 12:39 p.m.: The town assignment is back in service.
Photo and information submitted by Paul Judkins, of Bonita Springs, Fla., formerly from Alexander.
The Alexander Central School Class of 1955 celebrated its 64th reunion on Aug. 7th, in a luncheon held at the Terry Hills restaurant in Batavia.
In attendance were nine of the known 18 surviving members of the class, along with three spouses of deceased members of the class. These were Wayne Keller, husband of the late Sharon Werner Keller; Marcia Brown, wife of the late Harold Brown; and Peggy Kelsey, wife of the late Bob Kelsey.
Pictured, in front: Carol Hirsch Janes, Annette Roth Lund, Joanne Gerould Hyde and Joyce Pestlin Sciarrino. Back row: Jerry George, Carl (Golanski) Gerard, Dean Wright and Paul Judkins. Attended reunion but not pictured: Bernice Greiner Wight.
Press release:
Today I am officially declaring my candidacy in New York’s 27th Congressional District. In some ways, it seems like I never stopped. I continue to travel across Western New York meeting with good people; listening and learning.
But I was struggling to officially commit. I know how hard it is to run, how much time it takes away from my family, and the hateful attacks we will endure. I also considered other opportunities as a business professional and even other roles as a public servant. Certainly, there is a path of less resistance.
Instead, I am choosing the path of most resistance. This week marks the one-year anniversary of Chris Collins’ federal indictment charges for insider trading. Mr. Collins and the political machine behind him remain strong despite his many ethical and legal failures. Many party loyalists continue to view him favorably, even more than his Republican challengers. He retains this support in part due to the tactics he employs; the depths he and his hateful political forces will stoop to.
Despite the perceived insurmountable challenges in 2018, our race against Collins was one of the closest in the country (decided by less than 1 percent), achieving the largest partisan swing of any first time state/ federal candidate in the country—in a district designed for a Republican (any Republican) to win easily. This was despite our side being outspent, outnumbered, and attacked day after day by some of the most dishonest and detestable TV ads ever produced for a political race.
Why did we perform so well? Many are tired of being asked to vote blindly for their party. They are tired of nothing ever-improving, nothing ever-changing. And they are tired of the politics of hate and corruption. With your support, passion, and service to our community, we can finish what we started 2018 and finally reclaim this seat on behalf of the hardworking people of Western New York. People like you, who go to work on time every day, who help their neighbors, who never cheat their business associates, and who spread kindness and goodness throughout their lives.
The last time I ran I said that we needed to “Fight Like Hell.” And we did fight like hell. We always will. But this time I will rely more on the good hearts and values I saw in the people of my district. We will empower the kindness and goodness around us. We will, “Be Kind. Do Good.”
It sounds simple, maybe some will call it soft. But could any two words be more strong in this age of professional cruelty? Kindness and goodness in an era of violence and hate is more bold than any rally cry.
All of us fall short of these values. It is easier to match rage with rage, hate with hate. But with kindness and goodness as our standard, we can overcome this sad moment in American history — a moment where all good people regardless of party affiliation can all feel the America we love fading.
Do not let America fade. America must always be, as Ronald Reagan called it, the “City on the Hill.” A country of kindness and goodness, where capitalism does not build walls; it builds ladders allowing every American to climb from poverty to flourishing. Where we do not fear science and fact, but embrace and lead the world in research and education. Where we do not pay homage to millionaires and aristocrats but value those who provide humble, honest service to family, friends and community.
In 2020, we will go to Washington to fight for healthcare for every American (now!), infrastructure (now!), for common-sense gun control (and now!), for immigration reform to help our farmers (now!), and for technologies and policies that will confront the reality of climate change. I will also fight for a capitalist system that preserves the American Dream and provides opportunities to all, and not just hoards wealth for the most connected and elite.
“Given how close Nate came in 2018, we are thrilled to have him running for us this cycle. It’s been too long since the people of NY-27 have had a representative that cares about representing the voters rather than the party. It is the one-year anniversary of Chris Collins’ indictment and the Republicans are still stuck with him and don’t know what to do. We are delighted to have Nate running again” -- Judith Hunter (chair, Livingston County Democratic Committee)
"When Nate McMurray ran in NY-27 in 2018, he came within less than a percentage point of victory. But along with this, he did something else, something magical. He energized the rural counties. He created a movement on the ground that hasn't gone away. Nate asked them all to ‘Fight Like Hell’, they did, and will again." -- Cynthia Appleton (chair, Wyoming County Democratic Committee)
“I am so pleased to hear that Nate will be running again. He has visited Orleans County many times and is very aware of what our small county faces every day...few jobs, lack of affordable housing and high taxes. We need Nate!” -- Jeanne Crane (chair, Orleans County Democratic Committee)
“Chairwoman Brittaney Wells and the Monroe County Democratic Committee are proud to join Nate to finish the fight he began in 2018 for the 27th Congressional District. We are confident that he will be successful in his effort to unseat an absentee billionaire that has not represented the hard-working people of the 27th. Nate will restore integrity to the office and ensure his constituents are heard.” -- Brittaney Wells (chair, Monroe County Democratic Committee)
Thank you all for standing with me in the battles ahead. Together we will finish what we started; together we will bring real representation to the hard-working people of Western New York.
Bishop Gunn played The Ridge NY in Le Roy on Friday night. Here they are performing their song "Let the People Know."
Tonight, Black Stone Cherry takes the Frost Ridge stage.
Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman headlined Batavia Downs last evening in front of a jam-packed crowd to close out their 2019 summer concert series.
The national recording artists draw a mixture of music styles of country, post-grunge and hard rock.
In 2017 the band released a new album "Wake Up Call" that features the song "Rx (Medicate)." Other top hits performed last evening were "Bad Girlfriend," "Angel" and "Hate My Life."
New Listing; 10362 Tapp Road, Bethany: Solid country home -- very spacious and well laid out, in need of some love and decorating but when finished will be a real charmer!
This home has two large first floor bedrooms as well as first floor bath and laundry for those that don't do stairs real well! There is an oversized bedroom upstairs -- perfect for large bedroom or rec room.
Fully enclosed front porch area that adds a lot of additional space perfect for all your extras -- coats, shoes, pantry, etc. Home has attached garage and nice yard, off the beaten path definitely worth a look. Priced below assessment and priced to sell. Click here for more information on this listing.
New Listing; 3374 Church St., Alexander: Look no further, this home checks all the boxes! 3 Bedroom, bath and a half ranch on great village street. Updated, neutral and clean with awesome attic and basement space if you really want to expand your space!
This home is great and definitely should be seen. Easy to get into at anytime, just call! Click here for more information on this listing. Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today and list with us!
A power surge is reported in the area of 6974 Norton Road, Elba.
Elba fire is on scene and Town of Batavia fire and South Byron fire requested to assist.
National Grid reports five customers in the area without power with an estimated time of 8 p.m. for power restoration.
A driver of a 2007 Ford sedan on Maltby Road at 10:30 a.m. yesterday allegedly failed to yield to a piece of heavy farm equipment, causing a portion of the car to get crushed.
No injuries were reported in the accident.
Patricia A. Seguin, 71, of Maltby Road, Oakfield, was issued a citation.
The driver of the 2019 tractor was Kevin L. Witkop, 33, of Johnny Cake Lane, Albion.
The equipment owner is listed as Helena Agri Enterprises of Medina.
Seguin was reportedly westbound on Maltby Road when her car encountered the tractor at the intersection of Fisher Road, where she tried to make a left turn.
Witkop tried avoiding the collision by hitting his brakes and maneuvering to the north. The sedan collided with the tractor.
Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush investigated the accident and said that witness statements corroborated the accounts of both drivers.
Photo and press release from the Batavia Police and Genesee County Probation departments:
The Batavia Police and Genesee County Probation departments have teamed up to warn citizens of the potential dangers associated with the possession of BB and Airsoft guns.
The concern comes from how close BB and Airsoft guns appear to actual firearms, especially if they have been modified to appear more realistic.
Airsoft guns are generally shipped with an orange tip to help distinguish them from actual firearms, but both police and probation have encountered guns which have been painted to appear real.
For those who missed this year's National Night Out on Tuesday, Genesee County Probation had both a real firearm and a BB gun on display with the posed question, “Which one is the real gun?” Citizens found that even with a close inspection, let alone a split-second decision, it was difficult to tell which one was real.
Although Batavia has not had a lethal incident involving a citizen with a BB or Airsoft gun, other areas of the country have, which prompted the partnership and this warning.
If anyone with these items on them gets approached by an officer, they should keep their hands away from the firearm, keep their hands visible and follow the officer’s commands.
In a situation where firearms are involved, officers have a split-second decision to make, and if these BB guns and Airsoft guns are altered it can be difficult to distinguish them from a real firearm in that brief moment.
It doesn’t matter if the citizen knows they have a BB gun or a toy gun painted to look like a real firearm, because if the officer does not know and the citizen points it in the direction of an officer or another person, an officer could easily make the justified split-second decision to use deadly physical force.
Shake on the Lake, a Shakespearean troupe from Perry, is wrapping up its eighth season of touring Western New York with free and low-cost performances of William Shakespeare's "As You Like It."
Typically, the performances are at outdoor venues and Thursday the company was planning to perform in Centennial Park. But yesterday's rain drove them indoors, to the Steiner Theater at Genesee Community College.
The show opened with a series of song performances to warm up the audience.
Yesterday's performance was free thanks to a donation from Tompkins Bank of Castile.
Above, band Finance Director Bob Pastecki with 2019 scholarship winners Kyla Leno, left, and Katie Dessert.
Submitted photos and press release:
The Batavia Concert Band closed its 94th season on Aug. 7th, and presented some special awards.
Scholarship awards were presented to Katie Dessert and Kyla Leno. Dessert received the Batavia Concert Band Board of Directors Scholarship, and Leno received the Conductor’s Choice Scholarship.
Both Dessert and Leno are Music Education majors, have played with the Batavia Concert Band for several season, and aspire to become music teachers.
Board Member Ann Arent also presented the annual Pam Frisby Friend of the Band Award. Frisby was a former Board present and ardent supporter of the Band, and this award is given in her honor. The 2019 recipient was Charlie Gould. He is a regular presence at the Wednesday evening concerts, and often leads the crowd in singing the "Star Spangled Banner."
The Board of Directors and band officers would like to thank a dedicated and enthusiastic crowd, and season-long sponsors GO-ART! and WBTA. A full listing of gold, silver and bronze sponsors may be found at www.bataviaconcertband.net
Plans are already underway for the 2020 season!
Below, Board Member Ann Arent speaking about the annual Pam Frisby Friend of the Band Award.
Below, Charlie Gould, this year's recipient of the annual Pam Frisby Friend of the Band Award.
Press release:
On Saturday, Aug. 3, at approximately 7 a.m. a man was bitten by an unfamiliar dog that was with its assumed owner but not on a leash. The incident occurred at the corner of Brooklyn Avenue on Pearl Street in the City of Batavia.
The assumed owner of the dog is described as a slender white male in his late 20s; he also had a second dog with him on a leash.
The dog that bit the man is described as being white in color and possibly a pit bull or a similar, resembling breed or mix. It was reported that the white dog was a female and appeared to have recently given birth to puppies.
The man who was bitten did not obtain any information from the man with the dogs and has not seen him since the incident.
“The purpose in locating the owner of the dog is to make sure the dog is up-to-date on its anti-rabies vaccine,” said Sarah Balduf, Environmental Health director of Genesee and Orleans counties. “If the owner cannot be located, the individual will have to go through unnecessary treatment.”
Anyone with information on the dog and/or dog owner is asked to contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580, ext. 5555.
A caller reports a pet(s) left behind when the occupants moved out of a residence on Valley View Drive in Batavia. An animal control officer is responding.
UPDATE 5:42 p.m.: A reader with knowledge of the situation writes: "The owners were located and the pets are being taken care of by family members while the owners deal with some health issues."
A semi-truck hauling garbage and a passenger vehicle with a driver and 18-month-old child were involved in an accident on Route 33 near Ivison Road in Stafford at about 9:30 a.m.
The driver of the passenger vehicle was taken into custody on a warrant.
The 18-month-old was reportedly uninjured and transported to UMMC for evaluation. The child was reportedly properly strapped into a child safety seat.
We've been unable to obtain information about the accident from the Sheriff's Office.
Submitted photo and press release:
The Genesee County Libertarian Committee met on Tuesday, Aug. 6th to nominate candidates for local office.
Committee Chairman Mark Potwora announced the following Libertarian nominees, who will be on the ballot for the November election.
McAllister is focused on providing the best possible tax rates for all residents and businesses rather than have the county Economic Development Agency continue to pick economic winners and losers.
Kerr-Rosenbeck will make it her focus to visit every resident in her ward and listen to their individual thoughts and concerns. She plans to be an independent voice for ward residents.
Berkemeier is a lifelong resident of Bethany and is passionate about helping make his community a better place to live.
The Libertarian Party of New York earned ballot access as a result of gubernatorial candidate Larry Sharpe’s performance in the November 2018 election. Since that election the Libertarian Party has seen unprecedented growth in NYS both in party enrollment and the development of more than 20 county committees.
A local meet the candidates event has been scheduled for Sept. 21 from 2-4 p.m. at T.F. Brown's restaurant in Batavia and will include an address by Sharpe. The public is invited to attend.
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