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HELP PEOPLE! Northgate church, Turnbull Heating and Air Conditioning to assist The Salvation Army with food

By Billie Owens

Press release:

There are many families within the greater Genesee region that, during normal circumstances, don’t know where their next meal may come from. During this time of uncertainty, it becomes clearer that as a community, it is our call to help those around us.

Have you felt that urge to help, but just can’t figure out where to plug yourself in?  

Northgate Free Methodist Church will be assisting The Salvation Army with food collection and distribution.

They are setting up a drop-off point on Monday, March 23, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at their North Campus, located at 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia.

The Salvation Army is in need of the following items:

  • Canned meats
  • Peanut butter
  • Jelly, soups or chili in cans
  • Pastas, rice, beans
  • Breakfast items
  • Snack items for kids
  • Shelf-stable milk

There will be volunteers available to unload items from your vehicle, and safety precautions will be made to maintain social distancing.

Turnbull Heating and Air Conditioning has offered their fleet of vehicles to transfer the goods to The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army in Batavia is looking for some (relatively) younger people who are willing to volunteer to help shop and hand out food as people come in. This would be on a daily basis for as long as they are able to have food available. They currently are in the office from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each day but as the need grows it will become likely that those hours will grow as well.

*If you can help out, call Todd at 343-6284.

In a time where we are being asked to remain apart, let’s do what we can to help those who are in need right now.

*Editor's Note: We were initially provided an incorrect contact number for Todd, the person to call if you want to volunteer for The Salvation Army. The phone number has been corrected.

LIVE: Interview with Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
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Shortly, we will be live in an interview with Shawn Heubusch, Batavia's chief of police.

UPDATED: Batavia's Classic Optical closed at least until Tuesday, March 24 due to COVID-19

By Billie Owens

Classic Optical is closed for the remainder of the week because of COVID-19. We are planning to reopen on Tuesday March 24th, but that is dependent on conditions at that time.

Classic Optical is located at 44 Batavia City Centre in the City of Batavia.

Phone is (585) 343-1920.

Visit online here.

UPDATE 12:39 p.m., March 19: Customers can contact the business owner and optometrist Robert "Bob" Chiarmontee via email, which he checks often: classicopticalis@juno.com

Starting tomorrow Tops markets will offer early morning shopping Tuesdays and Thursdays just for seniors 60+

By Billie Owens

Press release:

In these uncertain times we at Tops Friendly Markets feel the need to address the concerns of our most vulnerable population, our seniors 60 years of age and older.

We've heard you and therefore, effective Thursday, March 19, and until further notice, Tops will open its doors for this select audience only, allowing them to shop from 6 – 7:30 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.

Rest assured we will not be asking for identification as we trust the community will not abuse this privilege. Tops also has curbside and pickup delivery as an alternate shopping solution.

Please visit Topsmarkets.com to shop online.

Photos: St. Patrick's Day in the age of coronavirus

By Howard B. Owens

It was a very different atmosphere in O'Lacy's Irish Pub in Batavia tonight -- St. Patrick's Day, an evening when O'Lacy's should be brimming with life and overflowing with Guinness.

Instead, it was quiet, perhaps even a bit melancholy, as the community adjusts to social distancing in the era of coronavirus.  

The good news is, O'Lacy's sold out of corned beef and cabbage dinners.

It was also a good night for take-out at Eli Fish (including take-out brews --  yes, local bars and restaurants can serve you take-out alcohol during the present executive directive). Other restaurant owners we spoke with said they are cautiously optimistic about how things will work out now that there is a temporary prohibition about on-site dining and drinking in bars and restaurants.

Click here for a list of local establishments offering delivery and pickup.

"Onward"

Genesee Dental cancels all appointment until April 3 due to coronavirus

By Billie Owens

Press release:

At Genesee Dental, we are committed to doing our part in minimizing the spread of the coronavirus.

Due to guidance from the State and National dental society, and a desire to protect our staff and patients, we have decided to cancel all appointments until Friday, April 3rd at the earliest.

We understand that this may be difficult for many people. Our intent is to continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as things progress.

Please don't hesitate to contact our office if you are having a dental emergency or an urgent need. We will be available as much as possible to assist you.

Genesee Dental

37 Batavia City Centre

Batavia, NY 14020

(585) 343-1113

City Fire Department makes changes in operations and service in light of COVID-19

By Billie Owens

Press release:

In light of the current pandemic, the City of Batavia Fire Department has embraced the advice of the Genesee County Health Department and implemented a number of significant changes to our operational model and service delivery.

It is our intent and a concerted effort to assist in reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus).

Our service to the public remains our main mission. We are here to serve you and we must bring about these changes to ensure that we are able to continue to provide the highest levels of service during this most unsettling time. 

As a result, the City of Batavia Fire Department has put into action the following safeguards effective immediately:

  • First and foremost, if you have an emergency call 9-1-1 immediately and the fire department will be dispatched to you as normal.
  • Fire Headquarters located at 18 Evans Street will be locked and secured at all times. Anyone requesting assistance or information can utilize the phone located in the front vestibule of the station, which will contact a member of our staff who will be able to assist you.
  • All outside activities hosted at the firehouse have been cancelled, as well as many of our internal programs.
  • We have adopted a revised EMS response model in an effort to protect our staff and our community. We continue to respond to all medical emergencies, however, the appearance along with patient contact of our staffing will be modified.
  • Firefighters will be practicing “social distancing” techniques as instructed by the County’s Health Department. Please understand that this is for your protection as well as that of fire department staffing.
  • Our community risk reduction programs, including car seat inspection and installations, commercial building inspections, EMT and CPR classes along with fire prevention and education have been suspended until further notice. However, this does not include our smoke detector installation and inspection program. Please call 585-345-6375 to schedule an appointment for fire department staffing to inspect, install or change batteries as normal.
  • If you are in need of a copy of a fire report please call 585-345-6375 before responding to the Station, you will be given directions on how to proceed with your request at that time.
  • If you would like to speak with a fire officer or the fire chief, we ask that you call 585-345-6375. Fire department staff will forward your call to the appropriate person. In the event that they are unable to assist you immediately, staff will obtain your information and someone will be in contact with you as soon as possible.

You, the public can help by following the recommendations of maintaining social distancing of 6 feet or more between other people, frequently washing your hands, and self-monitoring for cold or flu like symptoms such as fever, cough or upper respiratory infections.

If you do have these symptoms, please tell your medical providers right away so they can assist you in the best ways possible. We ask that you consult the Genesee County Public Health Department website for additional information about the COVID-19 virus.

Lastly, these procedures have been implemented to ensure that we can adequately respond to emergencies and to help safeguard both the public and firefighters from accidental exposure to the virus. 

As we move forward over the next several days and weeks, we value your patience and understanding as we work through these difficult days together. The fire officers and firefighters of the City of Batavia Fire Department will continue to deliver aid and assistance in any way possible to ensure that our community remains safe at all times.

HLOM is staying open but canceling March events, plus the Spring Antique Show at GCC

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Dear Holland Land Office Museum Supporters:

We at the Holland Land Office Museum have been watching the current situation regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. The museum will be staying open during our regular business hours.

We are taking the proper precautionary measures within the museum and have instituted a vigorous cleaning schedule for our facilities and exhibit areas.

We have decided that although we will be staying open we are canceling our events through the rest of March and will be continually evaluating the situation as April approaches.

Furthermore, our Spring Antique Show at Genesee Community College on April 17th & 18th has been cancelled, though a search for a new date is underway.

Any other event that is cancelled the museum will be working to reschedule at a later date, so none of us miss out.

We have requested all of our volunteers refrain from coming to the museum until further notice as a precaution. We ask that all visitors adhere to our policy refraining touching the artifacts and display cases, and to use our sanitizing stations throughout the museum.

Any updates to our situation will be communicated through our website, Facebook page, and email.

Should you have any questions please feel free to contact the museum by phone at 585-343-4727 or by email at hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.

Thank you,
 
Ryan Duffy
Executive Director

Tops markets change hours again to keep pace with customers' needs during COVID-19 pandemic

By Billie Owens

Press release:

As we continue to do all we can to serve the needs of our customers, beginning Wednesday, March 18, Tops Friendly Markets -- with locations in Genesee County in Batavia and Le Roy -- will change hours of operation at most of our stores from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. to restock and continue to maintain the increased sanitation levels in our stores.

Stores that typically open later and close earlier will maintain their existing hours of operation. This also pertains to Tops Fuel sites. These revised hours will be in effect until further notice.

For more information on these and other details re: COVID-19 updates, please visit our website.

New court procedures ordered due to COVID-19, all nonessential functions postponed

By Billie Owens

Press release today, March 17, from the New York State Unified Court System, Hon. Paula L. Feroleto Administrative Judge:

Be advised that pursuant to Administrative Judicial Order of the New York State Unified Court System, the Courts of New York State have postponed all nonessential functions until further notice.

For all Court Outside of New York City, Court matters in each county will be condensed into one location where only ESSENTIAL cases will be heard. In Genesee County, the courthouse facilities where ESSENTIAL cases will be heard locally, as part of the Eighth Judicial District, are:

  • Genesee County Court, Genesee County Court Facility, Batavia
  • Batavia City Court, Genesee County Court Facility, Batavia

In the Eighth Judicial District, in the absence of approval by the Administrative Judge, Hon. Paula L. Feroleto, other than after hours arraignments, no court matters or court business will be conducted in any court facility other than the facilities listed above. Only ESSENTIAL court matters will be heard in these facilities.

After-hour criminal court arraignments and applications for emergency orders of protection will be conducted in the appropriate jurisdictional city, town or village justice court facility.

Effective immediately, in the absence of further Court Order, in all counties of the Eighth Judicial District:

1. All pending criminal court proceedings for defendants who have been arraigned and released on their own recognizance are administratively adjourned until a date on or April 30, 2020. For Defendants who have been arraigned and are in custody, all pending criminal court matters are adjourned until on or after April 15, 202. Defendants will receive new notices of their future scheduled court dates.

2. All criminal court matters scheduled to be heard for arraignments on criminal court appearance tickets in any city, town and village justice court are administratively adjourned until a date on or after April 30, 2020. Defendants will be notified of future court dates.

3. All post arraignment criminal court proceedings are administratively adjourned until a date on or after April 30, 2020. Defendants will be notified of future court dates through their attorneys. For pro se defendants, they will be advised of their future court date directly by the court.

4. Regular business day criminal court arraignments will be conducted in the courthouses listed above. After hour, weekend or holiday criminal court arraignments will be conducted in the appropriate jurisdictional city, town or village justice court facility.

5. All Orders of Protections and Temporary Order of Protection, issued by any Criminal, Family or Civil Court (including Supreme, County, Family, City, Town and Village Courts) are extended 90 days.

6. All nonessential pending civil actions and proceedings, in any Supreme, County, Surrogate’s City and Town and Village Court are administratively adjourned until a date on or after April 30, 2020. Parties in these actions and proceedings will be advised through their attorneys or pro parties will be advised directly by the Court.

7. All nonessential pending Family Court matters are administratively adjourned until a date on or after April 30, 2020. Parties in these actions and proceedings will be advised through their attorneys or pro parties will be advised directly by the Court.

8. For Criminal Court proceedings, essential court matters include, but are not limited to arraignments, new and extended orders of protection.

9. For Family Court proceedings, essential court matters include, but are not limited to, urgent juvenile delinquency proceedings, child protective proceedings where there is an imminent risk of harm to a child, urgent Family Offense matters, emergency support matters.

10. For Supreme Court Civil actions and proceedings, essential court matters include, but are not limited to, urgent Article 81 guardianship matters, Mental Hygiene Law applications (Retention Cases/Medication/Treatment Over Objection Proceedings), Orders to Show Cause, Extreme Risk Protection Orders, Applications for Orders of Protection, Isolation and Quarantine Proceedings.

11. For Surrogate’s Court proceedings, essential court matters include, but are not limited to, urgent guardianship, adoption and other essential cases as determined by the Court in consultation with the Administrative Judge.

  1. No evictions orders will be granted by any city, town or village justice court.

  2. No default judgments will be granted.

  3. No foreclosure auctions shall be held.

Due to coronavirus concerns, City Clerk's Office and ice rink closed to public until further notice

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia is taking all reasonable precautions to keep City employees and residents safe from contracting and spreading the flu and coronavirus.

To this end, the City of Batavia is announcing that the Clerk’s Office, located at One Batavia City Centre -- inside City Hall -- will be closed to the public beginning Monday, March 16th at 4:30 p.m. until further notice.

The City has multiple options to assist you, and is happy to speak to you via phone and/or email if you have any questions. To contact the City Clerk’s Office please call (585) 345-6305, opt 5, opt 1.

Residents who need to make a payment to the City can use the drobox outside of City Hall, pay through personal online banking, call with a credit card numbers, and have the option to mail checks.

Residents and customers looking to visit the City Manager’s Office and the Office of Public Works (building inspections and permits) are asked to call in advance before visiting the facility. Inspections can be reached at (585) 345-6345 and the City Manager’s Office can be reached at (585) 345-6330

The Falleti Ice Arena on Evans Street will also close until further notice -- effective Tuesday March 17th at 7 a.m.

Batavia Downs and all OTB branches to close tonight at 8 in keeping with state directives on COVID-19

By Billie Owens

Press release:

In accordance with a directive given by Governor Cuomo, Batavia Downs Gaming and all off-track betting branches will be closed for business as of 8 o'clock tonight, Monday, March 16th.

The health and wellness of our guests and staff is our top priority and has been throughout this entire process as we have continued to work alongside our State and local governments as well as the New York Gaming Commission.

We will provide an update when the gaming floor and branches will reopen, taking into account guidance from the State’s public health authorities as soon as it is received.

Guests can continue to monitor our website and Facebook for any questions they may have.

We ask that you please follow the directives given by the government to help prevent the spread of the virus. We wish you and your family our best at this time.

LIVE: Interview with Anibal Soler Jr., superintendent, Batavia City Schools

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
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Interview with Anibal Soler Jr., superintendent, Batavia City Schools.

If you can't view the video stream directly on our home page, click here.

The Salvation Army suspends all programs, including luncheons, evening youth activities, and Mobile Food Pantry

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Salvation Army has significantly increased its preparation for operations during this outbreak of the novel coronavirus as well as ramping up efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus.

The Salvation Army is taking unprecedented measures to make sure it keeps its doors open and continues to serve those in need.

Locally in order to do this we have made some temporary changes. We have suspended all programing including Monday evening Bible study, Tuesday luncheons, and Wednesday evening Youth activities.

Our Mobile Pantry food distribution scheduled for Wednesday, April 1st has been cancelled.

Our Emergency Food Pantry will be available by calling our office at (585)343-6284. Our Emergency Disaster Services team has made itself available to the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management if they are needed.

Major Ivan Rock, the commander of the Empire State Division, says The Salvation Army will continue to do everything possible to provide for those in need.

“People have turned to The Salvation Army in times of crisis for 155 years,” Rock said.

We emphasize that these changes are temporary and look forward to returning to a regular schedule.

Law and Order: Highland Park teen accused of burglary, criminal mischief and assault at Main Street gas station

By Billie Owens

Devon A. Wright, 18, (inset photo, right) of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with third-degree burglary; fourth-degree criminal mischief, and third-degree assault. Wright was arrested on March 12 as a result of an investigation into an incident which occurred at 12:50 p.m. on March 2 at the Sunoco Gas Station and convenience store at 100 W. Main St. in Batavia. It is alleged that he refused to leave the property, attempted to cause physical injury to an employee, then damaged property inside the business. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on his own recognizance and was due to return to court March 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Sean Wilson.

Kyle A. Scheuerlein, 27, of Overlook Drive, Batavia, is charged with: criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree; and second-degree attempted assault. At 8:48 p.m. on March 8, Scheuerlein was arrested after a domestic incident at an apartment in the 300 block of Washington Avenue in Batavia. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and is due back there on March 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.

Taylor L. Finnin, 27, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt and trespass. Finnin was arrested March 12 on a warrant out of Batavia City Court following an investigation into an alleged violation of an order of protection on Nov. 27 on South Main Street in Batavia. He was put in jail with (unspecified) bail. He was due to return to city court March 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Connor Borchert.

Taylor L. Finnin, 27, of East Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court while outside on Swan Street in Batavia on March 12. The warrant was issued after the defendant allegedly failed to comply with a court-ordered program on Nov. 20. Finnin was put in jail with (unspecified) bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Connor Borchert, assisted by Officer Wesley Rissinger.

Karisa L. McKeown, 25, of Pavilion, is charged with driving while intoxicated, aggravated DWI -- with a BAC of .08 percent or more, and moving from lane unsafely. At 4:56 p.m. on Feb. 29, Wyoming County Sheriff's deputies responded to a one-car accident with injuries on Silver Lake Road in the Town of Covington. When deputies arrived, they observed Pavilion Fire Department treating a patient with minor injuries. Upon further investigation, McKeown was identified as the driver. The vehicle was traveling southbound when it left the roadway, striking a mailbox and a tree, before coming to rest in the bushes in front of a residence. She was transported to the Wyoming County Sheriff's Officer where a Datamaster breath test was administered. She was released with appearance tickets and is due in Town of Covington Court at a later date (unspecified). The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Deputy Austin Harding, assisted by Deputy Chance Sampson.

Eric Francis Borowski, 30, of Fontaine Drive, Buffalo, is charged with two counts of second-degree harassment. He was arrested on March 15 following a complaint at 4 p.m. March 11 on Alleghany Road in Darien. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Darien Town Court on April 7. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Carrie L. Hensley, 42, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. On March 11, Hensley was arrested after a shoplifting complaint at the Dollar General store on East Main Street in Batavia. She was released with an appearance ticket for March 24 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Wesley Rissinger.

TVFCU closes lobby until further notice, transactions via drive-thru, phone, online

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Due to the Genesee County State of Emergency regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union has closed the lobby today, March 16, until further notice. Our drive thru remains OPEN for all teller transactions.

In addition, we are here to serve the rest of your needs by phone, including lending, 585- 343-5627 and website www.tvfcubatavia.com

COVID-19 Update, as of Monday, March 16:

ONLY DRIVE-UP OPEN, EFFECTIVE TODAY – LOBBY CLOSED

Beginning today, our lobby will be closed to member traffic. We welcome you to conduct your teller transactions in our four-lane drive-up in an effort to apply social distancing to protect both you and our staff. In addition, our ATM and our network of ATM’s are also available to you, to ensure you have adequate access to your cash.

Currently, our hours will remain unchanged. We will be ready to serve you Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon in our drive up or via phone. This schedule is subject to change.

Members looking for loans or for in-person appointments, are asked to call our office first, before stopping in. We will do our best to accommodate all requests. If you had an appointment previously set up with a loan officer, please call to confirm your appointment.

With our new home banking www.tvfcubatavia.com and our new mobile app, you will find it easy to perform for most banking transactions. Use either of these methods, to check balances, transfer funds, make loan payments, deposit checks, and pay your bills while remaining safely in your home.

If you have questions about setting up home banking, bill pay, or installing our mobile app, please call to speak to a member of our tech team, for assistance.

Our main concern is for your safety and for the safety of our staff. We appreciate your willingness to explore the many alternative ways we plan to serve you at this time. Thank you for being a loyal member of TVFCU and your patience to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

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