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14 local students named to University at Buffalo's spring 2024 dean's list

By Press Release

Press Release:

The following local students were named to the University at Buffalo's spring 2024 dean's list:

  • Aaron Bacon of Basom
  • Cameron Carlson of Bergen
  • Jack Conti of Corfu
  • Bonnie Edwards of Batavia
  • Lydia Evans of Batavia
  • Katarina Luker of Alexander
  • Ryan Meides of Darien Center
  • John Panepento of Le Roy
  • Ryan Pfeiffer of Corfu
  • Evan Preston of Batavia
  • Adeena Riedel of Batavia
  • Tyler Sanders of Corfu
  • Annie Slenker of Alexander
  • Kailyn Tresco of Le Roy

UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.

"Our undergraduate dean's list students have dedicated themselves to exemplary work in and out of the classroom," Ann Bisantz, dean of undergraduate education, says. "It's an honor to acknowledge these students and celebrate their accomplishments with the entire university community."

UB named 4,000 students named to its spring 2024 dean's list.

To qualify for the dean's list, full-time undergraduate students must demonstrate academic excellence by earning a grade point average of at least 3.600 while completing a minimum of 15 or more UB credit hours, of which 12 are graded (A-F) credits. Students are named to the dean's list at the end of the fall and spring semesters.

UAlbany recognizes 4 local students for the Spring 2024 dean's list

By Press Release

Press Release:

The University at Albany is celebrating students for the Spring 2024 Dean's List.

The Dean's List at UAlbany recognizes the outstanding academic achievements of full-time undergraduate students.

To qualify for the Dean's List, students must earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher in their first semester of study and a GPA of 3.50 or higher in subsequent semesters.

The following students have been named to the Dean's List for Spring 2024 at UAlbany:

  • Danica Porter of Basom
  • Lauren Reimer of Batavia
  • Avelin Tomidy of Batavia
  • Tania Cortes Gutierrez of Pavilion

FOUND: Golden Doodle puppy missing from home on South Swan since Saturday night

By Howard B. Owens
missing dog

UPDATE: After this was posted, the family received a call, and Lyken is back home.

Lyken, a Golden Doodle puppy (less than a year old), is missing from her home at 233 South Swan St., Batavia.

She's been missing for more than 36 hours.

Lyken broke out of the yard on Saturday during fireworks.

Contacts:

  • Jon, 585-483-1091
  • Kaylynn, 585-813-3205
  • Katie, 585-250-2721

Genesee County's oldest manufacturing company celebrates 140 years in business

By Howard B. Owens
chapin 140th anniversary
Tim Onello, on TV screen, delivers opening remarks on Saturday during a 140th Anniversary Celebration for Chapin International at the company's headquarters at 400 Ellicott Street, Batavia.
Photo by Howard Owens.

One hundred and forty years ago, homes didn't have electricity, and there were no amateur photographers.

That's right. In 1884, neither General Electric nor Eastman Kodak's founders had launched their history-making companies, nor had Nabisco or Coca-Cola product their game-changing products to market yet.

But a pair of young businessmen in Oakfield, Ralph E. Chapin and brother-in-law Frank Harris, had devised an idea for a better container to store kerosene for lamps and Chapin Manufacturing was born.

On Saturday, Chapin International celebrated its 140th Anniversary under a massive tent at the company's headquarters at 400 Ellicott St., Batavia.

At 140, Chapin is Genesee County's oldest manufacturing company.

What makes Chapin special, and why has it not only lasted for 140 years under family ownership, said CEO Tim Onello, about to answer his own question: Dedication to excellence, quality and innovation, resilience, loyalty, and the people of Batavia.

"Chapin is a tough company that has survived World Wars, the Great Depression, the Great Recession, COVID, and other world events over the past 140 years," Onello said.

The company has always chosen long-term stability over short-term profit, Onello said. It has kept a sense of family and community through generations of employees.

"A company is a reflection of the people that are hard-working town with small town values that drive the culture," Onello said.

Onello then thanks top executives, introducing them individually, the board of directors, and a number of employees who have been with the company for decades.

Onello also recognized the accomplishments of his predecessor, Jim Campbell, who led the company for 20 years. 

Campbell, he said, worked tirelessly to lead the company and guide it to new heights. 

"He was a visionary, tough, loyal to the company and very loyal to the employees," Onello said. "Under his leadership, the company achieved record growth and is well-positioned to compete in the future."

The board's chairwoman, Andris Chapin, spoke of the company's history when her great-grandfather and Frank opened a hardware store in Oakfield and quickly noticed that customers struggled with keeping their home kerosene for their lamps stored safely. They decided they could build a better can and began manufacturing cans in the basement of their store. 

The line of cans was successful and Ralph and Frank were looking at branching out into author products, such as sprayers, when a fire broke out in the basement. The hardware store destroyed, they moved into an abandoned Methodist church in Oakfield. That location also caught on fire, though a lot of product and machinery were saved.

That's when the business partners decided to go their separate ways. Ralph bought out Frank's share of the manufacturing business in 1896 and moved it to a hay barn on Liberty Street in Batavia. At that location, the business grew and expanded quickly.

When the company moved into plastic around 1981, it needed to find a new location. It so happened that Sylvania closed its factory on Ellicott Street, and Chapin moved in.

Today, Chapin has seven manufacturing locations, including one in China and one in Indonesia. Chapin Internation employees more than 400 people in the U.S.

Chapin remains family-owned, with 13 descendants of Ralph Chapin holding shares. The youngest is 11, and the oldest is 100.

Andris said Chapin is successful because of its employees. She noted that about 92 percent of the people attending the celebration were current and former employees.

"I can't thank you enough for all that you've done for us, for my family, for yourself, for me," Chapin said. "We've been happy to employ you and to help you."

Previously: Jim Campbell passes Chapin's leadership role to WNY native Tim Onello

For more photos or to buy prints, click here.

chapin 140th anniversary
Andris Chapin
Photo by Howard Owens
chapin 140th anniversary
Ralph Chapin, right, a Chapin board member and co-owner, whose great-great-grandfather helped start the company in Oakfield, prepares to toast Chapin International's 140th anniversary.

CEO Tim Onello made the toast: "Andris,  I speak for everybody in the room and offer our sincere thanks to you and your family for your unwavering commitment to our employees, their growth and safety and keeping this company headquartered in the city of Batavia for all these years. Congratulations to you and your family. And congratulations to Chapin on its 140 years. Cheers."
Photo by Howard Owens.
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Guests entering the celebration.
Photo by Howard Owens.
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Photo by Howard Owens.
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CEO Tim Onello greets Assemblyman Steven Hawley and Rep. Claudia Tenney.
Photo by Howard Owens.
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Photo by Howard Owens.
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Photo by Howard Owens.
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Photo by Howard Owens.
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Bill Kegler, VP of operations for Chapin
Photo by Howard Owens.
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Foreground, Bill Campbell, VP of business development at Chapin
Photo by Howard Owens.
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Chris Ace, a three-decade employee of Chapin
Photo by Howard Owens.
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Photo by Howard Owens.
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Sen. George Boreelo and Assemblyman Steve Hawley present a Legislative Proclamation to Andris Chapin.
Photo by Howard Owens.
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Rep. Claudia Tenney, Andris Chapin, and Assemblayman Steve Hawley
Photo by Howard Owens.
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Fireworks video by Frank Capuano.

TV actor, comedian, and Batavia resident Hiram Kasten passes away at 71

By Howard B. Owens
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Hiram Kasten as Joey Bishop in the Las Vegas production of The Rat Pack.
Submitted photo.

Comedian, stage and TV actor, and Batavia resident for more than a decade, Hiram Kasten, passed away Sunday morning at Crossroads House. He was 71.

Kasten's TV roles included a recurring part of Seinfeld, the character Michael, a co-worker of Elaine Benes (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus). He had guest starring roles in “Mad About You,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Some of his other TV credits included “7th Heaven”, “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” “Saved by the Bell,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Cybill,” and “L.A. Law.” 

One of his proudest roles was playing Joey Bishop in the hit Las Vegas review The Rat Pack. 

While working in New York, Kasten met his future wife, a young lady from Batavia, Diana Kisiel.  They married on June 15, 1986.  They later relocated to Los Angeles, where they lived for 25 years before moving to Batavia.

Their daughter, Millicent Jade Kastenbaum, now lives in Manhattan and is an assistant district attorney.

Hiram is the son of Samuel Kastenbaum and Mildred Polansky Kastenbaum. He was born in the Bronx on Oct. 30, 1952.

For his full obituary, click here.

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File photo: Hiram Kasten after throwing out the first pitch at a Batavia Muckdogs game in 2013.
Photo by Howard Owens

Accident reported on Main near Oak in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A two-vehicle accident partially blocking is reported on Main Street, Batavia, in front of Dunn Tire.

Fluids leaking.

No word on injuries.

City Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

 

Paving underway for portion of new police station parking lot adjacent Washington Avenue businesses

By Howard B. Owens
police station parking
Photo by Howard Owens

Asphalt was laid today along the north side of the Alva Place parcel, where a new police station is under construction.

After learning in April that contractors planned to close off the entire parking lot during the construction of the police station, neighboring business owners, many of them with medical offices, complained about losing easy access to handicapped parking. The city worked with the project manager and devised a plan to reconstruct a portion of the parking lot quickly so it could be returned to service for those businesses and their clients.

City Manager Rachael Tabelski said she expects spaces to be striped next week, and the lot will open soon after that is completed.

Previously: City issues two-phase parking plan for new police station construction staging area

Phase II parking plan for downtown
Batavia-supplied illustration showing the area being repaved so it can reopen for use by local businesses.

BID's Second Annual Cider Walk slated for June 22

By Staff Writer
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File photo by Nick Serrata

The Business Improvement District's Cider Walk returns to Downtown Batavia on Saturday, June 22.

The second annual walk starts at 3:45 p.m. with registration at Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union on Jefferson Avenue. Registration ends at 5:45 p.m. and the walk continues until 8 p.m.

Paid participants can stop at 18 different downtown businesses to sample a variety of ciders as well as shop at local retailers.

Tickets are available at YNgodess Shop, TVFCU, and Eventbrite.

Ticket sales are limited to 300.

Participants must be 21 years of age or older. The BID asks "no children, please."

"Come Downtown, taste great ciders, meet new people, see old friends, and create memories while you shop small and support your local businesses," said BID Director Shannon Maute. 

City Schools celebrates Flag Day at Jackson Primary and John Kennedy Intermediate

By Staff Writer
Locals veterans unfold the flag during the morning ceremony at Jackson Primary school  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Local veterans fold the American flag during the Flag Day ceremony at Jackson Primary.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Students at John Kennedy Intermediate School, Jackson Primary School, and Batavia Middle School, on Friday were joined by the Joint Veterans Honor Guard of Genesee County to celebrate Flag Day.

Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the first national flag on June 14, 1777.  It was declared Flag Day by President Woodrow Wilson in 1926 and Congress made it a national holiday in 1949.

Principal Maureen Notaro noted teachers' role in teaching children about honoring the flag.

"We thank all of you teachers and all of the students here with us today to carry on the work of honoring our American flag," Notaro said during remarks to the students at Jackson.

She told the students about the way the nation is honored through displays of the flag.

"In many different ways and places, it waves its colors on government, state and public buildings all across the country, on our schools, churches and playgrounds,” Notaro said. "It's been placed on the moon by our astronauts. Did you know that? So there's a flag there on the moon. It's on so many uniforms of our law enforcement officers. If you turn around, you'll see our New York State Troopers back there with their dog. And they're here, and they have that on their work gear. You'll see it probably displayed by our veterans active and retired. Every cemetery that you drive by or visit is covered in American flags. And it's internationally recognized in every country and city around the world. But nothing touches one's heart and soul more than seeing the honoring of the flag." Local veterans unfolded the American flag during the Flag Day ceremony at Jackson Primary.

Jackson Primary students showing off Flag Day colors.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jackson Primary students standing for Flag day presentation.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Staff at Jackson Primary along with veterans talking to students about Flag day.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Principal Maureen Notaro along with staff and local vetarans talk to students about flag day.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jackson Primary student showing his smiles and colors for flag day.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Students from Jackson Primary waving flags.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
John Kennedy Intermediate principal Paul Kessler and assistant principal Heather McCarthy have morning announcements outside with students for Flag Day.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
John Kennedy Intermediate Principal Paul Kesler and assistant principal Heather McCarthy having morning announcements and the flag day ceremony outside the school.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
John Kennedy Intermediate principal Paul Kessler and assistant principal Heather McCarthy have morning announcements outside with students for Flag Day.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Pledge of allegiance outside John Kennedy Intermediate school  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Pledge of allegiance outside John Kennedy Intermediate School. 
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Students from John Kennedy Intermediate say the pledge of allegiancse for Flag Day.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Roof fire reported at 11 Mill St., Batavia

By Howard B. Owens
11 mill street batavia fire

A fire is reported on the roof of 11 Mill St., Batavia.

That is off Evans Street.

It's a business building and the building is being evacuated.

City Fire responding.

UPDATE 11:41 a.m.: Second alarm. Town of Batavia, Elba, and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE: 

The fire seems to have originated with a piece of machinery and molten metal. It was very hot, said Capt Dan Herberger. The machine got on fire.  The flames got into the installation in the ceiling. There was no real structural damage, Herberger said. "The concern was it was molten metal and that doesn't react very well with water," Herberger said. 

The building is the location of SCI Manufacturing, which manufactures die-cast aluminum.  

Until 1982, the building was home of the Genesee County Highway Department, before the department moved to its current location on Cedar Street.

Photos by Howard Owens

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11 mill street batavia fire
11 mill street batavia fire
11 mill street batavia fire

Genesee County Fair princess/queen pageant set for July 19 and 21

By Press Release

Press Release:

As the Genesee County Fair approaches, anticipation rises for the annual Princess/Queen Pageant, scheduled to take place on July 19 and 21 at the fairgrounds in Batavia.

The pageant, a highlight of the fair, offers participants a unique opportunity for personal growth and development while also opening doors to significant educational and career prospects. Moreover, it serves as a vital platform for agricultural representation, fostering a positive impact on both individuals and their communities.

Participants in the pageant receive complimentary entry to the fair, granting them access to a plethora of engaging activities and exhibits. The event itself comprises several components, including delivering a speech, showcasing a talent, and fielding questions from a panel of judges. Additionally, contestants have the honor of joining the fair's parade, further enriching their experience.

For those interested in participating, applications are available by emailing geneseecountyfair.pageat.ny@gmail.com.

Jamestown Tarp Skunks vs. Batavia Muckdogs

By Batavia Muckdogs

The Muckdogs are back at home, holding a 7-game winning streak, and first place in the PGCBL. On the other side, the Tarp Skunks look to end the streak tonight.

Hough (JTS) v.s. Brooks (BAT)

#GoDogs

Remote video URL

Le Roy senior planning to attend Syracuse to major in journalism receives William F. Brown scholarship

By Howard B. Owens
william brown scholarship
Susan Hartrick, board member and scholarship committee member; Rosalie Maguire-Simon, secretary and committee member; Ron Chrzanowski, VP and committee chair; Anna Long and Julie Long.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Anna Long, a senior at Le Roy High School, is the 2024 William F. Brown Jr. Memorial Scholarship winner.

The Jerome Foundation administers the scholarship, which is worth $1,000 a year for four years.  Genesee County seniors who are planning to major in journalism, communications, marketing, or public relations are eligible for the scholarship.

Long plans to attend Syracuse University, joining the Newhouse School of Journalism, majoring in magazine, news, and digital journalism.

The scholarship honors the late Brown, a local journalist and author, one-time owner of WBTA, as well as a community leader and volunteer.

In school, she's been named to the National Honor Society and participates in the music council, senior high chorus, school musicals, jazz, varsity basketball and varsity tennis.

Akron resident's healing illustrates reasons for UMMC Wound Care Center's 'hat trick' of awards

By Howard B. Owens
wound care center award ummc
Leonard Woltz, Jr., of Akron, treated at the UMMC Wound Care Center for a rare bacterial infection.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Akron resident Leonard Woltz, Jr. was likely just days from death in October when he encountered the UMMC wound care treatment team.

Now, he is nearly healed, and Dr. Joseph Canzoneri expressed confidence that he will walk again.

Woltz had a necrotizing fasciitis infection in his foot.  The infection is caused by a rare, flesh-eating bacteria.

"It just absolutely blew up over a matter of three or four days," Woltz said. "And that's it. I got a football on the end of my foot, and then that one day we came in, and I got right in, and you know, they started treatments and everything in the hospital. But the care here, and the folks here are just they are -- it's absolutely incredible."

On Tuesday, Woltz attended a ceremony honoring the Wound Care Center for its eight consecutive years of being honored by Healogics, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services. This year, the clinic received the President’s Circle Award along with the Center of Distinction and Robert A. Warriner III Clinical Excellence awards for 2023.

The trio of awards was dubbed the hat-trick, after the sports metaphor that originated in England among cricket players.

The awards recognize the center's quality care, consistent compassion for patients, and expertise.  The center, according to a Healogics representative, had an 86 percent heal rate in 2023 and a patient satisfaction rate of 94 percent.

Healolgics works with more than 600 hospitals nationwide and only 34 are receiving the 2023 Presidents Award, and only two in New York.

"These awards are achievements well deserved, well acknowledged," said Toni McCutcheon, director of operations for Healogics. "It really comes from the people-first patient-centered processes they have here. They're healing patients, they're taking care of their patients, they love their patients. If it wasn't for that, this wouldn't happen. So it's always about the patient and will always be about the patient."

That's precisely how Woltz feels about the center.

"From the time you walk through the door and you talk to Mary Beth, you know you're amongst friends and people who care about you," Woltz said.

Canzoneri said Woltz presented one of the most challenging cases the clinic has faced.

"This is one of the worst types of infection," Canzoneri said. "It travels up the foot and very quickly results in sepsis and can often result in death and high incidence of leg amputation."

Woltz was admitted on a regime of IV antibiotics and drainage of the wound.

"We then took him back to the operating room for limb salvage procedures to preserve as much of this foot as possible to avoid below-knee amputation," Canzoneri said. "It is crucial to prevent below-knee amputations because it results in high mortality rates within three to five years. And almost 80 percent of patients who sustain a below-knee amputation never walk again and are confined to wheelchairs or assisted living."

The infection was contained with a mid-foot amputation and aggressive treatment, including use of the center's hyperbaric oxygen chamber.

At the gathering, Canzoneri pronounced Woltz "almost healed" and that he would almost certainly be totally healed within weeks.

Woltz said he's gone from the psychological trauma in October of wondering what his future would be like, and if he even would have a future, to looking forward to resuming most of his prior activities.

"Now we're down to this part here where this thing is closing so rapidly now because of all the stuff we've done before and the brilliant move that Dr. Joe made with my foot," Woltz said. "It's all coming down to 'Wow, I'm going to be okay.' I'm gonna be able to do 97 percent of the things I used to do. You know, I'm not gonna be running marathons anytime soon, but yeah, it's all right."

wound care center award ummc
Lisa Albanese Klein, program director, Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine, at UMMC
Photo by Howard Owens
wound care center award ummc
Teresa Clark, click nurse manager, Dr. Joseph Canzoneri, Lisa Albanese Klein.
Photo by Howard Owens
wound care center award ummc
The UMMC Wound Care Center team.
Photo by Howard Owens.

BHS upperclassmen view mock DWI accident

By Press Release

Press release:

On Tuesday, members of the City of Batavia Police Department, alongside members of the City of Batavia Fire Department, Town of Batavia Fire Department, Mercy EMS, Mercy Flight, the Genesee County Coroner, H.E. Turner's Funeral Services and the Genesee County DA's Office conducted a mock DWI fatal accident simulation for juniors and seniors of the Batavia City School District to raise awareness regarding the consequences of impaired driving. 

Members of the BCSD drama club played the roles of victims, the "drunken driver," and the distraught parent in the scenario.

The demonstration showed the very real consequences of impaired driving, including the extraction and treatment of "victims" by the Fire Departments and Mercy EMS, and the landing of a Mercy Flight helicopter to transport a seriously injured patient. 

The simulation also showed the processing and "arrest" of the suspected drunken driver by City Police Officers along with documentation, collection of evidence and photographs of the scene by members of the Police Department's Detective Bureau. 

The Genesee County Coroner was on hand to demonstrate the role of the Coroner's Office, and H.E. Turner's Funeral Services was on hand to remove the "deceased." 

Students also heard from District Attorney Kevin Finnell on the legal consequences of the decision to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle while impaired.

The Department wishes to thank the Batavia City School District for hosting this event. We also want to recognize the work of Officer Connor Borchert, School Resource Officer for the Batavia High School, in coordinating the simulation and all departments involved.

Powered by Authenticity podcast sponsored networking event 'Plant Your Seeds' in Batavia

By Press Release
wit-presser.jpg
Submitted photo.

Press Release:

Powered by Authenticity, the influential podcast led by tech industry veteran and Batavia native, Emily Carlson, proudly sponsored a networking event on June 4, hosted by The WIT Network Buffalo Chapter.

This event, the first to be hosted in Batavia, aimed to bring together women in technology for an evening of connection, inspiration, and professional growth.

During the event, attendees had the opportunity to learn about The WIT Network Buffalo Chapter's mission to support women in STEM fields through mentorship, professional development, and community engagement.

Emily Carlson, host of the Powered by Authenticity podcast, was present to share insights from her extensive career in IT consulting and project management. Her podcast, which advocates for gender equity and inclusion in technology, was a central theme throughout the evening. Guests were inspired by conversations that highlighted the experiences and achievements of women who are breaking barriers in male-dominated industries.

"We were thrilled to sponsor this event and support The WIT Network Buffalo Chapter's efforts to empower women in technology," said Emily Carlson. "Networking events like these are crucial for building a community where women can share their experiences, support each other, and drive meaningful change in the industry." Carlson continued, “this is the first opportunity we’ve had to extend the reach of the Buffalo Chapter to Batavia and are excited about future events to promote what our community has to add and the value the WIT Network brings to our members.”

The WIT Network Buffalo Chapter event provided an excellent opportunity for women in technology to expand their professional networks, gain valuable insights, and find inspiration from their peers. These events can be especially beneficial for students, new graduates, and professionals seeking internships or new career opportunities.

Special thanks to Carlson Media, led by Ken Carlson, for their media support, and Roman's for hosting the event. Their contributions were invaluable in making this event a success. 

For more information and to learn about future events, please visit Local Communities - The WIT Network. Join us in fostering inclusivity, innovation, and growth within the tech community.

After possible gunfire, an 11-hour standoff on West Main Street Road ends safely

By Howard B. Owens
west-main-batavia-standoff

After receiving reports of gunfire in the area of 3310 West Main Street Road, Batavia, shortly after noon on Tuesday, Sheriff's deputies engaged in a standoff with a resident that lasted until after 11 p.m.

There were no injuries to the resident, neighbors, or responding personnel, said Chief Deputy Brian Frieday. 

Friday noted the area is a fairly residential neighborhood with houses close together and a trailer park nearby, so law enforcement carefully assessed the situation and moved slowly in trying to coax the man out of the small house on the property. 

"Just in dealing with anybody with a gun call these days, sometimes you have to take the time and the extra caution to make sure you're dealing with it properly and safely," Frieday said.

Based on multiple witness statements supporting the assertion that there was gunfire on the property, the Sheriff's Office was able to obtain a search warrant for the house.

Throughout the 11-hour standoff, deputies continued to try and talk the man out of the residence.  Every 15 minutes or so, deputies with guns drawn and using shields approached the house and spoke through a bullhorn, telling the man to come out of the house.

Frieday said the man responded once to deputies, but "that ended quickly."

The details of how the subject was taken into custody have not been released, but there were no injuries, Frieday said. He indicated there was no struggle.

Asked if he knew what shots were fired, Frieday said any answer he might give would be speculation.

"I wouldn't want to say anything that wouldn't be 100 percent accurate," Frieday said.

After investigators entered the residence, they were seen removing possible weapons and taking inventory of them at the scene.

While at the scene, with the investigation ongoing, Frieday didn't want to release the possible charges against the suspect.  At least one potential charge was needed to get the warrant, but Frieday said he didn't want to release that charge until a press release was issued with all possible charges.

Asked what possible charges might apply to the situation, Frieday said it's illegal to fire a gun within 500 feet of a residence, there is possibly reckless endangerment, and "a few different things," he said.

Route 5 west of Wortendyke was closed to traffic throughout the standoff.  That, too, Frieday said, was done out of an abundance of caution.

"If ever something were to break out and a passerby on the road was to have something bad happen to them, we certainly wouldn't want that," Frieday said. "We wouldn't want to second-guess that."

That's also why several homes in the immediate vicinity were evacuated, Frieday said. 

Frieday said if other witnesses would like to come forward, they can call the Sheriff's Office at 585-343-5000.

UPDATE: Ryan J. Goldman, 31, was charged with reckless endangerment 2nd and discharge of a firearm within 500 feet of a residence, an unclassified misdemeanor. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Photos by Howard Owens.

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Three local SUNY Potsdam students named to president's list

By Press Release

Press Release: 

The State University of New York at Potsdam recently named 727 students to the President's List, in recognition of their academic excellence in the Spring 2024 semester. The SUNY Potsdam students were honored for earning top marks by President Dr. Suzanne Smith.

To achieve the honor of being on the President's List, each student must have satisfactorily completed 12 numerically-graded semester hours, with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

The students included:

  • Wyatt Calcote of Le Roy, whose major is Music Performance
  • Lydia Geiger of Batavia, whose major is Music Education
  • Nate Yauchzee of Le Roy, whose major is Music Business

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