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'Suspicious package' in Walmart parking lot results in traffic jam

By Billie Owens

Veterans Memorial Drive is closed to traffic and vehicles traveling on Lewiston Road are bottlenecked after a "suspicious package" was found more than an hour ago in the parking lot of Walmart.

Town of Batavia firefighters, Sheriff's deputies, and State Police responded to the scene as the attempt to remove the object got under way.

UPDATE 6:20 p.m.: "The package was safe," is what a State Police officer told dispatch a moment ago and responders are back in service. Veterans Memorial Drive is reopened. The package in question was a black backpack that was found at the fence at the north entrance to the parking lot, by the retention pond parallel to Veterans Memorial Drive. It seemed suspicious because it had a car antenna next to it with a wire running from it into the backpack. Videotape from Walmart is being reviewed to try and determine who put the backback by the fence.

The package was some distance from the store itself and the majority of shoppers. State Police used their robot to X-ray the package.

Sgt. Ron Meides said authorities needed to exercise every precaution, given the suspicious nature of the package.

UPDATE (by Howard): Turned out to be some sort of computer case, not a backpack. After retrieving an X-ray of the bag's contents and examining the results, State Police gave the all-clear. Authorities obtained pictures from store security cameras of the woman who may have left the package. It's unknown if there was any ill intent or just carelessness.

UPDATE 10:18 p.m.: Sgt. Meides said the woman who left the package was identified and contacted. Prior to going to Walmart, she had sold some items at Pawn King. Some of the items didn't interest the pawn broker, so before entering Walmart, she set the items by the fence. In the process of shopping, she spoke with some people and by the time she left, she had forgotten about the items and walked right past them. No charges are being filed and she was reminded, Meides said, to be more mindful in the future.

BHS student will be a National Youth Correspondent at media conference

By Billie Owens

Courtney Smith, a student at Batavia High School, has been selected to represent Batavia as a National Youth Correspondent to the 2013 Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University. It will be held July 7-12.

Courtney joins a select group of students from all over the country for an intensive study of journalism and media. Smith was chosen based on academic accomplishments and a demonstrated interest and excellence in journalism and media studies.

With distinguished faculty, guest speakers, and direct access to elite D.C. practitioners, the Washington Journalism and Media Conference offers aspiring journalists and student leaders an unparalleled experience. The weeklong program will encourage and inspire young leaders from across the country who desire a unique experience focused on successful careers in this dynamic industry.

 

Three GCC students receive SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce three students have been named 2013 recipients of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence. Samantha Callisher, Suzanne Smith, and Samantha Vogt were recognized at an awards ceremony in Albany. Each recipient received a framed certificate and a medallion, which is traditionally worn at commencement.

The Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence was created in 1997 to recognize students who have best demonstrated, and have been recognized for the integration of academic excellence with accomplishments in the areas of leadership, athletics, community service, creative and performing arts, campus involvement or career achievement.

Each year, campus presidents establish a selection committee, which reviews exemplary students. Nominees are then forwarded to the Chancellor's Office and are subject to a second round of review. Finalists are then recommended to the Chancellor to become recipients of the award.

Callisher, 20, is studying Fashion Merchandising Management with plans to further her education after GCC, eventually earning a master's degree in Business. The Batavia native chose GCC because of its fashion program. Her career goal is to become a fashion buyer for a successful retailer. At GCC, Samantha is involved in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America). While compiling an impressive academic record, her community volunteerism also helped earn her the Chancellor's recognition. She gives of her time at Jackson Elementary School in Batavia, the Batavia Nursing Home and GCASA (Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse).

Smith, a native of Geneva, is pursuing her second degree at GCC, this time in Communications and Media Arts. She earned an associates degree in Hospitality and Tourism in May 2009 while raising a family and working full time. Shortly after graduating, she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare form of cancer. She credits her GCC family with helping her as she went through treatment. She has been in remission for two years. Her journey through cancer led Suzanne to self-publish a book about the experience, and she has become active in organizing cancer awareness and fundraising events at GCC and the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, where she's also served as a cancer "coach" helping others deal with the diagnosis. Suzanne is an active member of radio club at GCC and serves as Vice President of Marketing for the Multicultural Communications Club (Toastmasters International).


Vogt, 20, is studying Fashion Merchandising Management at GCC. The West Seneca native earned the Chancellor's Award because she has excelled in all aspects of her work at GCC. A 4.0 student, she is project manager of the Fashion Program's annual Spring Fashion Show and contributes posts to the Fashion Program Blog. She served as a Resident Assistant in College Village, and is the student representative to GCC's Board of Trustees. Samantha is also president of the Business Forum Club, and active in SHAG (Student Health Awareness Group), Toastmaster's, Campus Activities Board and DECA. In addition, she works at M.A. Carr Bridal in Orchard Park and has produced five bridal fashion shows and a prom fashion show. Upon graduation, Samantha plans to continue her studies at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.

"The GCC Campus Community is so proud of these exemplary students," said Virginia Taylor, Vice President for Student and Enrollment Services said. "Not only are they preparing themselves for very bright and successful futures, but they're also setting a great example for other students. If you work hard, you really can achieve anything."

The three honorees were among 243 students from 63 SUNY campuses recognized for their remarkable achievements. Recipients of this year's award have an overall GPA of 3.8 and records of significant contributions to their campuses and communities.

Batavia Concert Band's first summer concert moved to Stuart Steiner Theatre due to possible rain

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Concert Band will present its first summer concert on Wednesday, June 26th at Centennial Park in the City of Batavia. Stuart Steiner Theatre at Genesee County Community College. It moved to the college campus due to the possibility of rain.

John Bailey will be the Principle Conductor for the 2013 Batavia Concert Band Summer Concert Series.

Downbeat for regular season concerts is 7 Wednesday evenings in Centennial Park.

Event Date and Time
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Batavia student honored as Class of 2015 prize winner in Phi Beta Kappa

By Billie Owens

Amy Schmidt, of Batavia, was recently honored as a Class of 2015 Prize Winner from the Pi of New York Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.

Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and most prestigious honor society, and is dedicated to fostering and recognizing excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Only 280 colleges and universities have been granted a charter for a Phi Beta Kappa chapter. Elmira College's chapter was established in 1940.

GCC announces 10 faculty promotions

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College's Board of Trustees recently promoted 10 members of the faculty in recognition of their teaching and scholarly accomplishments.

Promoted to the rank of Professor from Associate Professor:

•    Cindy Francis, of Batavia, Collection Development Librarian, Alfred C. O'Connell Library

After earning her General Studies degree from GCC, Cindy went on to receive a bachelor's degree in Business Marketing from Arizona State. She lived in many states before returning to Western New York and accepting a part-time position in the GCC Library in 1993. She earned her master's in Library Science at the University at Buffalo and joined the library staff full time in 2004. She received a SUNY Chancellor's Award for Librarianship in 2009.

•    Garth Swanson, of Stafford, History

Garth has been with GCC for 21 years, starting as an adjunct instructor in 1992. Swanson initiated the World History curriculum at GCC and has developed a number of new course offerings, including New York State History and History of Sport in America. He has received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2007 and serves as vice president of the Holland Purchase Historical Society Board of Directors.

Promoted to the rank of Associate Professor from Assistant Professor:

•    Julie Jackson-Coe, of Snyder, Reading

Julie came to GCC in 1989 as it began to help students with different learning needs. She was a learning specialist in the Center for Academic Progress (CAP) and held that position for 10 years. In 1999, she took a nine-month position at Niagara University's learning center, returning to GCC two years later to teach reading full time. She is a 2013 SUNY Chancellor's Award winner for Excellence in Teaching.

Promoted to the rank of Assistant Professor from Instructor:

•    Deborah Carrasquillo, of Warsaw, Nursing

Deborah joined GCC five years ago, bringing with her nearly 30 years of professional nursing experience in clinical, administrative, and academic settings. She received a master's degree in Executive Leadership in Nursing and a post-master's certificate in Nursing Education from Daemen College. Deborah teaches fourth semester nursing students at GCC. She is active in nursing organizations and also serves on the Village of Warsaw Planning Board.

•    Amy Conley, of Middleport, Business and Accounting

Amy is a certified public accountant who has been with GCC for four years. She holds a bachelor's degree in Accounting from St. John Fisher College and an MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology. Amy made the career shift into academics after 15 years of working in the public and private sector. At GCC, Amy is actively involved with students on campus as both the co-advisor of GCC's Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organization (CEO Club) and as a leader of the school's Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

•    Michelle Eichelberger, of Rochester, Library

Michelle came to GCC in August 2009. She previously was a librarian at Finger Lakes Community College and Penn State's Altoona Campus. A native of the Rochester area, she's pleased to be part of the GCC community.

•    Gary Glaser, of Wheatfield, Biology

Gary has been a full-time faculty member at GCC for four years. He teaches Anatomy and Physiology in traditional, hybrid, and online courses. Gary also works as a professional photographer and photographs GCC's annual Spring Fashion Show.

•    Jodi Harvey, of Geneseo, Teacher Education

Jodi has taught courses in the Teacher Education Transfer Program at GCC for the last four years. She also serves as an academic advisor for the program and co-advisor for the Teacher Education Club. Prior to GCC, she was a Fine Arts teacher. She also taught Special Education, in a self-contained classroom and as a consultant.

•    Eileen Mathis, of Williamsville, Psychology

Eileen joined the GCC faculty in 2008, first as an adjunct and a year later as a full-time instructor. Prior to GCC, she was a diversion counselor and addictions therapist in Rochester. She has bachelor's and master's degrees in Psychology and has worked as an elementary teacher and a prison psychologist.

•    Derek Maxfield, of Churchville, History

A native of Dundee, Derek just completed his fourth year at GCC. A graduate of SUNY Cortland, he received a master's degree in History from Villanova and has completed all but his dissertation toward a doctorate from the University at Buffalo. Derek has been the central coordinator of GCC's ongoing Civil War Initiatives, which has included numerous lectures, exhibits, and two separate weekend-long Civil War Encampments involving several thousand visitors. He is a 2013 SUNY Chancellor's Award winner for Scholarship and Creative Activities.

Three local students make the dean's list at Clarkson University

By Billie Owens

Three local students were named to Clarkson University dean's list for the Spring 2013 semester:

Patrick Flynn, of Batavia, a sophomore majoring in Aeronautical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

Jacob Muench, of Darien, a sophomore majoring in Aeronautical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

Casey Engle, of Byron, a senior majoring in Electrical Engineering.

Dean's list students must achieve a minimum 3.25 grade-point average and also carry at least 14 credit hours. Clarkson University is located in Potsdam.
 

Two local scholars earn distinction at Clarkson University

By Billie Owens

Two local students were named Presidential Scholars for the Spring 2013 semester at Clarkson University:

Andrew Lichtenthal, of Batavia, a sophomore majoring in Aeronautical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

Kaley Johnson, of Bergen, a senior majoring in Engineering and Management.

Presidential Scholars must achieve a minimum 3.80 grade-point average and carry at least 14 credit hours.

Clarkson University, in Potsdam, offers 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.

Paving project tomorrow on Buell Street and Ellicott Avenue

By Howard B. Owens

Crews will be paving Buell Street and Ellicott Avenue tomorrow and the streets will be closed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Residents of those streets will have access to their properties, but access will be limited at times.

Paving will begin on Buell Street and then move to Ellicott Avenue.

All traffic is asked to avoid these areas during paving.

Law and Order: Reader tips lead to arrest of alleged 400 Towers bike thief

By Howard B. Owens

Joey A. Evans, 22, of 202 State St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Evans allegedly admitted to a theft of a bicycle from 400 Towers following several anonymous tips to police from readers of The Batavian.

Darrell Smith, 46, of 26 Queens Drive, West Seneca, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing/blood circulation. Smith is accused of grabbing a woman he knew by the throat.

Bill A. Thomas, 53, of 252 State St., Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct (creating a hazardous or offensive condition), disorderly conduct (obscene language/gestures) and open container. Thomas was arrested at 140 W. Main St., Batavia, for an alleged incident reported at 6:15 p.m., June 3, at 15 Main St., Batavia. No further details were released.

Danny J. Torok Jr., 26, of 3177 Dodgeson Road, Alexander, is charged with burglary, 1st (use or threat of use of a dangerous instrument), criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, unlawful imprisonment, 1st, criminal contempt, 1st (violating an order of protection while using a weapon), and menacing, 2nd. Torok was taken into custody by Batavia PD on an arrest warrant. The alleged incident was reported at 1:30 a.m., May 16. He was jailed without bail. No further details were released.

Cherkiga Starks, 36, of 335 Bank St., Apt. A7, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. The alleged incident occurred at 11:57 p.m., May 31. No further details were released.

Steven E. Wells, 51, of Macomber Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, operating without an interlock ignition device, and driver's view obstructed. Mary E. Wells, 51, of Macomber Road, Oakfield, is charged with facilitating aggravated unlicensed operation, David Daniels, 56, of Macomber Road, Oakfield, is charged with consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Steven Wells was stopped at 2:11 p.m., Sunday, on Slusser Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Chris Parker for allegedly driving with driver's view obstructed. Upon investigation, he was found to be allegedly driving drunk. Mary Wells is reportedly the registered owner of the vehicle and is accused of knowing Steven Wells did not have a valid driver's license. David Daniels was a passenger in the vehicle and was allegedly consuming alcohol while in the back seat.

Jason Leo Antos, 21, of Independence Avenue, Niagara Falls, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and unlawful dealing with a child. Antos is accused of unlawfully entering the campgrounds at Darien Lake Theme Park and supplying alcohol to a minor.

Joshua M. Gaudioso, 24, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with possession and transportation of more than 400 untaxed citgarettes. Gaudioso was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 5:43 p.m., Saturday, on West Main Street, Le Roy, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. During the stop, Gaudioso was allegedly found in possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes and operating on a suspended registration.

Heather Jo Lehman, 20, of Oliver Street, North Tonawanda, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and unlawful possession of alcohol under age 21. Lehman was allegedly on Darien Lake Theme Park campgrounds property unlawfully and in possession of alcohol at 3:19 a.m., Sunday.

Jeffrey Scott Canale, 43, of Orchard Drive, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to reduce speed on curve, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and failure to keep right. Canale was allegedly driving a 1999 BMW on Oatka Trail, Le Roy, at 2:13 a.m., when he was involved in a single-car accident.

Elizabeth Anne Weiner, 22, of Conkey Avenue, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Weiner was a passenger in a vehicle stopped for an alleged traffic infraction June 2 by Deputy Patrick Reeves. She was allegedly found in possession of Ecstasy (MDMA) and marijuana.

Clifford Leo Regimbal, 34, of Granite Street, Webster, Mass., was arrested on bench warrants for alleged criminal possession of marijuana and unlawful growing of cannabis. Regimbal is being held on an unrelated matter after being returned to New York from Massachusetts, and was arrested on warrants out of Town of Alabama Court. He was also arrested on warrants out of Village of Corfu Court for alleged criminal use of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance, 7th.

Joel David Prouty, 27, of Fisher Road, Oakfield, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Prouty is accused of stalking and harassing a protected person in violation of a court order issued by Judge Robert C. Noonan.

Jesse S. Repass, 26, of Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. Repass is accused of stealing from a location on Lewiston Road, Batavia, and was arrested by a state trooper.

Basketball fans from Batavia might find a familiar face, or least a familiar voice, in Miami this week

By Howard B. Owens

If you happen to be in Miami for the NBA finals, and happen the Largo Bar & Grill, across the street from the American Airlines Arena, you'll hear a familiar voice -- WBTA's Jerry Warner.

Stephen Warner, manager of the Largo, streams WBTA every morning to keep up with the news from back home and listen to his father.

A graduate of Oakfield-Alabama High School, Genesee Community College and SUNY Brockport, Warner has been managing the bar and grill since it opened in 2010.

The place is popular with Miami Heat fans -- players might even stop in -- and it's been hopping with the Heat making the finals again this year, Warner said.

Western New Yorkers pass through the Largo regularly, Warner said. Notre Dame alum Paul Merrill (bottom photo) is the bar manager at the Largo.

Photo: Batavia teachers attend rally in Albany

By Howard B. Owens

Photo and information provided by Mark Warren, VP Batavia Teachers' Association:

Members of the Batavia Teachers' Association and their families attended the NYSUT One Voice United rally on Saturday June 8th in Albany.

Speakers representing parents, teachers, and various other groups highlighted the major issues that need to be addressed to help our students and our schools including over-reliance on expensive corporate developed tests, equitable funding of schools, and protecting the safety and privacy of students and staff.

Over 20,000 teachers, parents, and students attended the event.

Photos: 2013 St. Joe's Parade and Lawn Fete

By Howard B. Owens

Lots of people and lots of fun once again for St. Joe's Parade and Lawn Fete in Batavia.

Below is a slide show of the parade. To purchase prints from this slide show, click here.

Below is a slide show of the lawn fate. To purchase prints from this slide show, click here.

New donation record set for 'Fill the Boot' campaign to benefit MDA

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Firefighters took to the streets of Downtown Batavia to “Fill the Boot” for the Muscular Dystrophy Association on Friday, June 7, and raised $8,541 to help find treatments and cures for neuromuscular disease. 

Members of Local 896 of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) topped their annual fundraising pledge to support MDA’s vital research programs and the Associations 200 medical clinics nationwide.

“We deeply appreciate the work firefighters in the City of Batavia do for MDA,” said MDA Executive Director Sally Cramer. “It does make a difference to all the people and families here who are living with muscle disease. They see the firefighters going out to support them, and it tells them they have strong partners standing by their side.”

Firefighters continually put themselves at risk, whether it's battling a fire or rushing through traffic to help someone who has been injured. They have a sense of compassion for, and service to, the community that is demonstrated through their commitment to MDA.

“We like to help people, that’s who we are,” said Batavia Firefighters Local Union President Greg Ireland. “A huge thank you goes out to everyone who donated to the cause. Whether it was their spare change, a buck or a $10 dollar bill, it’s the generosity of those who helped Fill the Boot that really make a difference.”

IAFF became the first national sponsor for MDA in 1954, and over the years, firefighters have raised millions of dollars to help improve and enhance the lives of those living with neuromuscular disease. Funds from the Fill the Boot campaign also help send 3,500 kids to MDA summer camp for a free week of lighthearted fun with other kids who are just like them. Many firefighters become friends of the kids and their families, giving a week of their vacation time each year to go to camp and support their young friends.

Photo: By Howard Owens. Capt. Craig Williams collecting donations on Ellicott Street (photo taken this morning with the intention of posting this morning, but for some reason it didn't get published to the home page -- apologies to the firefighters).

Photo: A little Lincoln walking on Bank Street

By Howard B. Owens

Fifth-grader Jordon Armstrong was so thrilled to play Abraham Lincoln today that when his mom walked him home from Batavia Middle School he didn't want to take his costume off. I came across him on Bank Street.

Q: What did you like about being Lincoln?

A. "I liked everyone to talk to me and said nice things about me."

Q. What do you like about Lincoln?

A. "He stopped slavery."

Q. Why didn't you want to take your costume off?

A. "It's so cool to wear the costume."

GCEDC announces approval on four projects with a promise of 22 new jobs

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) approved four projects at its June board meeting. They total approximately $2 million in investments as well as the retention of 91 jobs and the creation of 22 new jobs.

“All of the projects being considered by the board are investments in infrastructure which means the companies seeking benefits intend to be here for the long term,” said Steve Hyde, GCEDC president and CEO. “Companies typically do not invest in facilities and infrastructure without long-term plans so it is great to see this commitment to our region.”

Mega Properties, Inc., (Koolatron) is a Canadian company that manufactures, markets and distributes various portable thermoelectric cooler parts and components. The company is proposing to invest $775,000 in its operations that would retain 11 jobs and create six new jobs. Because the company is seeking more than $100,000 in incentives – in this case $190,000 – a public hearing must be scheduled.

Imagination Industries is seeking to build a 7,015-square-foot facility at 8240 Buffalo Road in the Town of Bergen. The multiuse facility will house an indoor firing range, training center, gunsmith services and a laser engraving business. The company plans to invest nearly $400,000 that would create 10 new jobs.  The project is allowable under state retail restrictions as the purpose is to make available services which would not be, but for the project, “reasonably accessible” to residents of the municipality where the project is located.  

The company is seeking a sales tax exemption of $19,970, a mortgage tax exemption of $3,750 and a property tax abatement of $63,195. The Board found that the project meets the goods and services retail clause in order to approve the application.

Reinhart Enterprises operates a 25,720-square-foot multi-commercial tenant facility on Liberty Street in Batavia. Due to flooding this past year, 4500 square feet of space was vacated. The company is looking to improve its facility and is planning a $206,000 capital investment for drainage and parking lot improvements to enhance the property for current and prospective office and corporate tenants. The company is seeking a sales tax exemption of $9,888. The investment would create three new jobs and retain 80.

Jackson Square LLC, the former Cars Warehouse which was built around 1880 in the area of the city known as Jackson Square, is proposing to convert the former structure into a mixed-use commercial and residential site. The ground floor will have flex office/light industrial and four new market rate apartments on the second and third floors. 

The City of Batavia is the current owner of building and will transfer the title to the Batavia Development Corporation for sale to Jackson Square LLC. The company is seeking a sales tax exemption of $24,816 and a mortgage tax exemption of $2,994 contingent upon Jackson Square LLC purchasing the building.

Porch fire reported on Thomas Avenue

By Howard B. Owens

A caller reports that the porch of the residence across from his house on Thomas Avenue is on fire.

It's unknown if anybody is home in the house with the porch fire.

The location is across the street from 30 Thomas.

City fire responding.

UPDATE 10:41 a.m.: It's a BBQ grill, not a fire. City fire back in service.


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