Richmond Memorial Library's budget vote and trustee election takes place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 2nd.

Norm Argulsky and Jessica Ecock-Rotondo are candidates for the two trustee seats, each with five-year terms.

The library is seeking an increase in local public funds of $25,350 for fiscal year 2019-20.

Voting takes place in the Library's Gallery Room. The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia. Phone is 343-9550.

Any registered voter residing in the Batavia City School District is eligible to vote.

To learn about the 2019-20 budget, the trustee candidates and general information about the library and its plans, click here.

Library Director Robert Conrad explains the proposed budget:

"On the revenue side, we’re prepared for small drops in PILOT funds and income from library fines and fees. We expect them to be counterbalanced easily by increases to gifts, memorials, and withdrawals from our appropriated fund balance.

"Of course, the bulk of our revenues come from the local property tax levy. New York’s property tax cap formula allows us to ask for an increase of $60,557 without breaking the cap – but we’re asking for an increase of only $25,350. That increase, which would be under 2 percent for the sixth year in a row, would raise the tax rate per thousand of assessed value by 0.0288 – in other words, by less than $3 for a home assessed at $100,000.

"On the expense side, we're budgeting slight increases in local funding for library materials; we're adding capacity to the Imagination Library program (free books for kids to keep every month, from birth through age 5), which would allow up to double the enrollment we see today; and we’re doubling down on our very popular and well-attended library programs for adults, teens, and children of all ages.

"Long supported by additional funding from the Friends of the Richmond Memorial Library, our music, movie, book, and family gaming programs are popular with Batavians as well as with families from the surrounding communities who come here to share, learn, read, and play, helping to make Batavia the vibrant hub of the GLOW county region.

"Thank you to everyone for making the Richmond Memorial Library the extraordinary place that it strives to be!"

A house at 9536 Bernd Road, Le Roy, is reportedly "full of smoke." The location is south of Cole Road.

Le Roy fire, Bergen fire, Stafford fire, and City of Batavia fire dispatched.

Both occupants have evacuated.

UPDATE 6:05 a.m.: A chief on scene reports smoke coming from rear window.

UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 6:15 a.m.: The city's first platoon is called to headquarters. Pavilion is also called to respond. Le Roy ambulance is on scene and a Mercy medic unit is en route.

UPDATE 6:18 a.m.: "Knocked down pretty good; checking for extensions," says command.

UPDATE 6:33 a.m.: Code enforcement is called to the scene. The auxiliary is called to bring refreshments. National Grid is contacted.

UPDATE 6:37 a.m.: Caledonia Fire Department is asked to fill in at Le Roy's fire station.

UPDATE 6:50 a.m.: A female occupant suffered burns and was transported to UMMC for treatment. The fire appears to have started in the bedroom, according to the chief on scene. The fire is under investigation.

Police have been dispatched to the emergency room at UMMC to interview a man who says he was struck by a car on Washington Avenue.

"I guess he has pretty good injuries," the officer is told.

UPDATE 5:38 a.m.: The apparent hit-and-run occurred at Washington and Bank, a police officer informs dispatch. No time provided.

At the end of a high-speed chase of a three-wheeler down North Street, police are searching the wooded area off Naramore Drive, Batavia, for a subject who has apparently lost a shoe.

An officer told dispatchers, "it looks like we have a one-shoe bandit."

We don't know how, when, or why the chase started, but it began somewhere in the area of Richmond Avenue and Oak Street and the subject "blew through" a red light at Oak and Richmond. An officer chased the three-wheeler eastbound on Richmond onto North Street and shortly after reaching North and Manhatten the officer informed dispatchers speeds had reached 55 mph. He said he was terminating the pursuit but apparently was able to maintain eyesight on the fleeing subject and tracked him to the end of Naramore.

The subject apparently abandoned the three-wheeler in that area and fled on foot.

An officer requested a K-9 to track the subject but none are available in the area.

Police apparently have another subject in custody who described the driver of the ATV as a white male named Josh.

UPDATE 5:30 a.m.: The chase started after police responded to Union Avenue near Oak Street for two subjects riding ATVs in the street. One rider was stopped and the other fled. The ATV that made it to Naramore Drive (top photo) was impounded. Sgt. Dan Coffey told the tow-truck operator that if the owner shows up, he can't have it back yet. "He (the owner) can have it back but he needs to talk with us first," Coffey said. It was a deputy who responded to the chase from the east side of Batavia who located the ATV after the Batavia PD ended the pursuit.

The ATV stopped on Union Avenue.

Todd M. Englerth is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Nov. 20 in the Town of Le Roy that Englerth knowingly possessed a dangerous knife or instrument -- metal knuckles, and he had previously been convicted of a crime. In count two he is accused of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony, for allegedly intentionally trying to prevent a Le Roy police officer from performing a lawful duty and causing physical injury to the officer. In count three, he is accused of obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three that Englerth attempted to prevent a public servant from performing an official function by means of intimidation, physical force or interference. In count four, the defendant is accused of resisting arrest, a Class A misdemeanor. In count five, he is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony, for allegedly possessing cocaine weighing an 1/8th ounce or more.

Heyward Clark AKA Heywood Clark is indicted for the crime of third-degree burglary, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 27, 2016 that Clark knowingly entered into a building on School Street in the City of Batavia with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, he is accused of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly stealing personal property and U.S. currency that day. In count three, he is accused of third-degree criminal mischief for allegedly damaging property belonging to another person that had a value of more than $250 -- a window. In count four, Clark is accused of another count of third-degree burglary for allegedly unlawfully entering a garage on Porter Avenue in the City of Batavia sometime between Oct. 27 and Oct. 31, 2016. In count five, he is accused of another count of petit larceny for allegedly stealing a circular saw and battery from a person after entering the garage. In count six, he is accused of fourth-degree criminal mischief, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly intentionally damaging another person's property at the garage -- a window.

Felix Cabrera-Lopez AKA Felix Cabrera is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on March 6, 2018, on South Lake Street in the Town of Bergen that Cabrera-Lopez drove a 2001 Honda while his driver's license was suspended or revoked. He had in effect at the time 10 or more suspensions, imposed on at least 10 separate dates for failure to answer or pay a fine: Jan. 31, 2008; Dec. 31, 2011; Oct. 5, 2012; March 27, 2014; Oct. 16, 2014; Jan. 7, 2015; June 9, 2015; May 12, 2016; Sept. 10, 2016; July 25, 2017 -- all in Monroe County.

A Middleport couple welcomed a new child into their family at 11:15 p.m. Monday in an ambulance somewhere between Lewiston Road in Oakfield and North Street in Batavia. 

Betty Lee Bruning is doing well after the unusual arrival in the world of a baby weighing 8 pounds and 13 ounces, according to Stacey Pastuszynski for UMMC.

Emergency dispatchers received a call of a woman in labor in a car at the side of the road at 7616 Lewiston Road, Oakfield shortly after 11 p.m. A deputy and a trooper along with a Mercy EMS ambulance and Oakfield fire arrived within minutes. 

Jenna Roberts Bruning was placed in the ambulance while still in labor and gave birth a short time later.

Betty is the fourth child for Gabe and Jenna Roberts Bruning. 

Their newborn daughter will grow up on the family farm in Middleport.

(Initial Report)

Press release:

Memory loss is not a normal part of aging, and it could be an indication of something more serious such as disease that is causing dementia symptoms. The Alzheimer’s Association® Western New York Chapter offers a free education program that discusses the basics about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, which will be offered in Genesee County in May.

"Know the 10 Warning Signs" will be presented at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7. Genesee County Aging Services at 2 Bank St. is hosting the presentation. 

On Monday, May 13, Chapter dementia experts will be in Batavia to present "Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors." This program is aimed at helping caregivers decode behavioral messages, identify common behavior triggers and strategize to overcome these challenges. The free class is set for 1 p.m. in the NYS Veterans Home at 220 Richmond Ave. 

Registration is required for both programs by calling the Chapter office during traditional business hours at (716) 626-0600, ext. 313, or 24-hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-272-3900.

A special joint enrichment social program is set for Thursday, May 30 at the Jello-O Gallery Museum in Le Roy. This free activity is for people living with dementia and their care partner and highlights living well with a dementia diagnosis by offering the opportunity to socialize, learn and have fun with others facing similar circumstances. Registration is required by calling Lauren Ashburn or Shelby Edgerly at (716) 626-0600.

Additionally, the Chapter oversees several monthly caregiver support group meetings across the county, which allow caregivers to connect with others facing similar challenges and hear advice for overcoming them:

• 3^rd Wednesday (May 15) at 7 p.m. – Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St. in Batavia
• 3^rd Thursday (May 16) at 1 p.m. – Genesee County Office for the Aging, 12 Bank St. in Batavia
• 2^nd Monday (May 13) at 2 p.m. – The Greens of Le Roy, 1 West Ave. in Le Roy

Community social programs, or respites, are also available every month in Batavia and Corfu. This program provides relief to those who care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia and offers them some time to refresh and recharge, while their loved one is engaged in social activities in a safe environment.

First Presbyterian Church of Batavia offers this free service on the fourth Monday (May 27) from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For additional information, please call Mickey Rodak at (585) 455-5940.

Indian Falls United Methodist Church at 7908 Alleghany Road, Corfu, offers a respite program on the third Wednesday (May 15) from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, call Celinda McQuiston at (585) 762-9105. 

To learn more about other Alzheimer’s Association programs and services, contact the WNY Chapter office at 800-272-3900.

You can also access dementia care programs and resources by calling the Genesee County Office for the Aging at (585) 343-1611.

Press release:

Six Flags Darien Lake is proud to announce construction work on the park’s newest attraction, Six Flags SkyScreamer, is in its final stages. At a staggering 242-feet high Six Flags SkyScreamer will be the tallest thrill ride in New York State. This high-flying new addition solidifies the park as the “Thrill Capital of New York State."

“As a shining beacon of Six Flags Darien Lake, this monstrous tower will serve as an iconic new landmark, calling out to thrill-seekers everywhere,” said Park President Chris Thorpe. “Soaring high among the clouds with majestic views of the park and surrounding countryside far below, guests will take to new, record-setting heights in New York State this season.”

By night, Six Flags SkyScreamer’s bold, synchronized light package will light up the skies.

• A soaring 24-stories tall approximately 242-feet high;
• 32 riders, sitting two across in open-air swings; and
• Spinning round and round a 98-foot circle at 35 miles per hour. 

Six Flags SkyScreamer is scheduled to open by mid-May. For more information on Six Flags Darien Lake’s 2019 season visit www.darienlake.com

Six Flags 2019 Memberships and Season Passes are now available. Members can enjoy priority park entry, preferred parking and tremendous discounts of up to 50 percent on nearly all food and merchandise purchases all season long.

Gold Plus, Platinum, Diamond, and Diamond Elite levels are available featuring all the perks of a Season Pass plus other benefits including admission to all Six Flags-branded theme and waterparks, skip the line passes, unlimited soft drinks and much more!

For more information, visit the Membership Sales Center or go online to sixflags.com/darienlake and sign up.

The Genesee Chorale offers up a musical celebration not to be missed at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 19, at Northgate Free Methodist Church.

"Andrew Lloyd Webber: A Musical Celebration" will feature songs from the serious (“Pie Jesu” from "Requiem") to the silly (“Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats” from "Cats"). Add some "Phantom of the Opera," "Love Never Dies" and "Evita," and your entertainment is guaranteed.

The program also includes solo and small group performances of other Webber favorites.

The performance will be at Northgate's South Campus, 350 Bank St., Batavia.

Tickets are $10 through geneseechorale.com or at the door. Please note that seating for this popular concert is limited.

Further information is available at the Chorale website, or by calling (716) 531-8986.

For the third-straight year, the UMMC Wound Care Center has been recognized by Healogics with the Robert A. Warriner III, M.D., Center of Excellence Award.

UMMC's median heal time is 22 days, well below the 30-day standard set by Healogics, said Michelle Rector, the director of clinical operations. The Wound Care Center also achieved a patient satisfaction rate of 92 percent and a healing rate of 91 percent.

"At the end of the day, all the numbers set aside, it really is about people the who work here," Rector said. "Their dedication to the patients and the level of collaboration that they have with each other, whether it be providers, nurses, techs, as well as our vascular counterparts, radiology, and infectious diseases, so it's not just an individual's award. It really is a team effort."

The center offers highly specialized wound care and hyperbaric medicine to patients suffering from diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds that have not healed in a reasonable amount of time. Some of the leading-edge treatments offered at the Wound Care Center include negative pressure wound therapy, debridement, application of cellular-based tissue or skin substitutes to the wound, offloading or total contact casts and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

“It never gets old receiving this award, especially knowing how hard everyone on this team works to provide the best possible wound care in Western New York,” remarked Joseph Canzoneri, DPM, medical director for the Wound Care Center. “We continue to be the only wound care center in the state west of Syracuse, and one of only 30 percent of the facilities in the nation, to share this distinction.”

This year, patients Lowell Melvin and Ron Drock were on hand for the award to talk about their experience being treated by the staff at the center.

Both said they were impressed by the care and skill of the staff.

Melvin had serious, long-lasting wounds on his legs that other doctors had been unable to treat. He didn't have high hopes for a cure when he first arrived at the center, he said. He expected his legs would need to be amputated.

“Dr. Joe (Joseph Canzoneri, DPM) made the same promise probably twenty other doctors had made, but the big and different thing was, he kept it. When he said he could heal them, he did,” Melvin said.

Top photo: Dr. Samar Alami, Dr. Joseph Canzoneri, Stacey Banker, from Healogics, and Lisa Albanese, program director at the center.

Ron Drock, Lowell Melvin, and Melvin's significant other, Leigh Squiels.

The wound center staff with their three annual awards.

Dr. Samar Alami, Dr. Joseph Canzoneri, Sharon Grimes, and Dr. John Wickett.

Press release:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Monday the launch of a new Thruway Authority Skilled Trades Scholarship Program, aimed at recruiting qualified students pursuing a career in the trades and increasing workplace diversity.

The Thruway Authority will collaborate with New York State schools offering programs in various trades such as carpentry, electrical, HVAC and plumbing, and provide students the opportunity to jumpstart their career with the Thruway Authority while gaining valuable on-the-job skills training.

Ten students will be selected in the pilot program this year to work in each of the Thruway Authority's maintenance divisions across the state.

"Scholarship and mentor programs are critical to developing and retaining employees in highly skilled trades and establishing a future workforce for our state," Governor Cuomo said. "This program is a valuable workforce development tool that will open new doorways for young New Yorkers so they have the chance to thrive in today's economy."

"The new Thruway Authority Skilled Trades Scholarship is a great workforce development tool, providing on-the-job training for specialized trades jobs," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who made the announcement.

"Students will work with mentors to receive their education and training, and when they complete the program, have a career with the Thruway Authority along with opportunities for advancement. We want to make sure all New Yorkers have the access and resources they need to be trained in the trades and fill these high-skilled jobs across New York State."

Students enrolled in vocational/technical programs, or accepted for enrollment at a trade school or college-level program, can apply for the scholarship program. Applicants are required to submit an employment application and provide two letters of recommendation. Submissions will be reviewed by a committee, which will interview and select the qualified candidates this summer.

Selected applicants will be awarded $1,000 toward their education while joining the Thruway Authority workforce to apply their skills. As full-time Thruway Authority employees, the participants will be eligible for the Thruway Authority's tuition reimbursement program to further fund their education expenses.

During the program, participants will continue to attend classes and obtain the necessary qualifications for progressive levels of the program. With proper training and experience, the candidates will be appointed to a journey level trade position with the Thruway Authority once they meet the minimum qualifications.

Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said, "This pilot program is a unique opportunity to recruit a diverse workforce and jumpstart a student's career. We encourage qualified candidates to apply for this program and join the many men and women currently working in a skilled trade with the Thruway Authority."

Assemblymember John T. McDonald III said, "Supporting careers and education in the skilled trades is of tremendous value to our communities and to the economy. I applaud the Thruway Authority for seeing the value in providing scholarships in the skilled trades field and for investing in these students."

Assemblymember William B. Magnarelli, chair, Assembly Transportation Committee, said, "The Thruway Authority Skilled Trades Scholarship Program is a great opportunity for students to explore the vase field of trades that are needed in Upstate New York. The skills learned through the trades will serve these individuals as a wonderful foundation for their entire career."

The deadline for students to submit an application is May 31. Interested students can find out more information about the program and apply at thruway.ny.gov/scholarship.

Press release:

On Friday, May 31, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Northgate Free Methodist Church in Batavia will host the first Marriage Night simulcast event in partnership with RightNow Media.

Marriage Night offers husbands, wives, and engaged couples the opportunity to hear from Francis and Lisa Chan ("You and Me Forever"), Les and Leslie Parrott ("The Good Fight"), and Christian comedian "Michael Jr."

Registration is $15 per person, and includes dinner prior to the simulcast.

Healthy marriages don’t happen by accident. They require work and dedication, but with the busyness of life and the pressures of culture it’s easy to lose focus. What is marriage supposed to look like when those initial bursts of excitement give way to everyday troubles and routines?

This event provides expert teaching and principles for a lasting relationship while challenging the couples to see the greater purpose of marriage — to glorify God and advance his Gospel. Marriage is made for more than fairy tale ending. It’s a picture of God’s hope and redemption for a world in need of rescue.

Northgate Free Methodist Church is located at 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia.

To register and find out more information, visit here. If you have questions, you may call the office at (585) 343-4011 or email Pastor Gloria at gloria@northgatefmc.com

Invite your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors to attend this one-night event.

Press release from Senator Mike Ranzenhofer:

State Senator Mike Ranzenhofer and Assemblyman Steve Hawley have called on the Governor to restore funding for local Ag Academy, through a program of targeted education funding, referred to as “Bullet Aid.”

“I was very disappointed to see cuts to various agriculture programs," Ranzenhofer said. "The Genesee County Ag Academy provides a unique opportunity to students who are looking for a hands-on experience in agriculture education.

"I am hopeful that the Governor realizes how crucial these programs are and allocates the necessary funding. We are respectfully requesting $100,000 for the Genesee County Agriculture Academy, through the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership."

“New York’s agricultural industry is one of the strongest in the nation, having been realized through a robust and consistent investment in young aspiring farmers and producers in our state budget," said Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia). "To cut funding that empowers future generations of young people interested in farming would devastate the industry and hinder our labor pool. Genesee County is undoubtedly a production hub in our state and the Genesee County Agricultural Academy is the centerpiece of teaching and innovation.

"The $100,000 we are seeking for this institution is readily available through discretionary bullet aid and I implore Gov. Cuomo to make the right decision for New York agriculture.”

This agribusiness program began through funding that Senator Ranzenhofer secured in 2013. Since then, the program has received funding in the budget through local agriculture assistance. For the first time in recent history, the Governor has $5 million to be given out at his discretion, for local education programs.

The 2019-20 budget was passed on April 1st.

A woman is reportedly about to give birth in a car roadside in the area of 7616 Lewiston Road, Oakfield.

Oakfield Fire Department and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE: We're informed by the Sheriff's Office, the woman was in labor when a deputy and trooper arrived on the scene. She was in labor when she left in the ambulance. It's unknown at this time if she gave birth in the ambulance or at the hospital.

UPDATE: The baby was born in the ambulance on the way to the hospital, according to a source. The baby and mother are doing fine.

A serious injury accident about an hour ago prompted the closure of Fargo Road between Route 5 and Sweetland Road. The accident address is 9123 Fargo Road. Stafford Fire Department, Stafford Fire Police, Mercy medics and law enforcement are on scene.

UPDATE 8:53 p.m.: This was a fatal accident. More information T/K.

UPDATE 9:08 p.m.: From Alecia Kaus, Video News Service, at the scene:

"According to Genesee County Chief Sheriff's Deputy Brian Frieday, a passerby noticed the vehicle off the road and it is unknown how long it had been there.

"Frieday says the car was headed south on Fargo Road when it left the west shoulder of the road, then corrected, and left the east shoulder of the road and struck a tree on the driver's side and ended up spinning counterclockwise. The car then came to rest on the west shoulder, partially in the ditch.

"The Genesee County Sheriff's Crash Investigation Team was on scene looking into the cause of the accident."

UPDATE: The driver of the vehicle was Arthur D. Mase, 66, of East Bethany. Mase was driving a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu southbound on Fargo Road. According to the Sheriff's Office, it appears that Mase's vehicle crossed over the center line and went off the east shoulder of the road. The vehicle struck a tree on the driver's side before coming to rest in a ditch. Mase was pronounced dead at the scene.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation. The investigation is being conducted by Chief Deputy Brian Frieday, Sgt. Jason Saile, Sgt. Andrew Hale, Sgt. James Diehl, Deputy Kyle Krzemien, and Deputy David Moore. Assisting at the scene were Mercy EMS, Stafford fire, and Stella's Collision.

Photos courtesy of Alecia Kaus, Video News Service.

UPDATE: Reader-submitted photo.

Officials at Western Regional OTB released a statement this afternoon flatly denying a report that there is an FBI investigation into "lucrative contracts" for "politically wired" companies.

Buffalo-based Investigative Post reported that the FBI is looking into contracts granted to firms with ties to OTB Chairman Richard Bianchi, a member of the Monroe County Conservative Party’s executive committee, and CEO Henry Wojtaszek, former chairman of the Niagara County Republican Committee.

Reporter Jim Heaney wrote that the story is based on multiple unnamed sources. He wrote that an FBI spokesperson would neither confirm nor deny the existence of an investigation.

Batavia Downs and Western OTB spokesman Ryan Hasenauer released the following statement:

“The FBI has not confirmed that there is an investigation of the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation (WROTB) and WROTB has not received any inquiry from the FBI.

“Any inquiry or investigation would learn that our contracts are reviewed by an independent Board of Directors appointed by the County Legislatures of 15 counties and the Mayors of two cities. These contracts are audited, public documents and available for public inspection. Furthermore, WROTB has procurement policies that are strictly observed.

"We are proud of our record at WROTB, as the only municipally owned and operated gaming facility in New York State. We are not just a strong economic driver for Western New York, but we provide critical funding for community development which creates jobs, protects families and helps to offset tax increases for residents.”