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GC Office for the Aging will be distributing Farmers' Market coupon booklets

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County Office for the Aging will be distributing Farmers’ Market Coupons to income-eligible seniors, 60 years of age and older.

The coupon booklets will be available at 2 Bank St., Batavia, on the following dates/times:

  • 10 a.m. -- 12 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10
  • 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Thursday, July 12 
  • 1 -- 4 p.m. on Monday, July 23
  • 10 a.m. -- 12 p.m. on Wednesday, July 25

**Before these dates, if you live in senior housing, a flier will be posted about when the Office for the Aging will be at your location.

Anyone 60 or older in your household can have a coupon booklet; you must still be income eligible and the booklet must be given to each person individually.

Coupons will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, until they are gone.

If you have any questions call please call 343-1611.

  • You must be age 60 or older. Please bring ID.
  • If you reside in public/subsidized housing, you qualify regardless of income, but please bring proof of address.

***  2018 Income Guidelines  ***

Household of 1 = $ 1,872/mo.

Household of 2 = $ 2,538/mo.

Household of 3 = $3,204/mo.

Property owner on Walnut Street doesn't want public using his land to access Tonawanda Creek

By Howard B. Owens

Erik Saluste is looking for some help from the city in keeping people off his property at 5 Walnut St., Batavia.

He said trespassers are a huge and consistent problem. 

His property backs up to the Tonawanda Creek and he doesn't want people on his land when they want to sightsee, fish, or kayak on the creek.

"People think that all the houses on Walnut Street, Route 98, that back against the creek allow public access," told the City Council last night during public comments. "There is no public access. My property line extends to where the creek ends. I’ve posted no trespassing signs on my property."

He said he's had to call police about trespassers four times already this year.

He said he brought the issue to the City Council four years ago and nothing happened. He said he applied for a building permit to install a fence on his property line and it was denied.

He took that as the city asserting easement rights but he said the city has no easement rights. The state has easement rights 50 feet in from the creek and that he was told he could build structures within the easement, but if the state needed the structures removed for flood control measures he would have to remove the structures.

Interim City Manager Matt Worth said he will need to research it but he believes the state might be concerned about a fence catching tree limbs and other debris that could contribute to a flooding issue.

Saluste thinks a fence from the footbridge to 1 Walnut might help alleviate the problem and said he would be willing to help pay for it. He said the problem is a huge privacy and liability issue for him.

"You do have to realize that until I have satisfaction in this area I’m going to continue to call Batavia Police Department every time I have somebody (trespassing)," Saluste said. "I’m not going to confront them anymore because they’ve almost become physical on certain occasions and I don’t want that to happen."

The council instructed Worth to look into the issue further.

UPDATE: Felipe Oltramari, county planning director, brought this to our attention:

Per DEC’s website (https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8371.html): “If a waterway is navigable in fact, the right to public navigation authorizes a boater to get out of the boat to pull it around obstacles or to get around obstacles by portaging over private property, so long as the portage is by the most direct and least intrusive safe route possible.”

This property is right at the dam so a kayaker or canoer could come ashore legally on Mr. Saluste’s land for the purposes of getting around the dam while navigating the creek.  

PHOTO: Screen grab from county's GIS map, shows, from the top, 1 Walnut, 3 Walnut, and 5 Walnut.

Grass fire reported at DeWitt park

By Howard B. Owens

A grass fire is reported at DeWitt Recreation Area on the north side of the pond.

Access would be behind WNY Concrete.

City fire responding.

UPDATE 1:04 p.m.: A dispatcher got WNY Concrete on the phone and confirmed it is behind their building but they don't know if the fire department can get to the location from behind their building.

UPDATE 1:06 p.m.: City crew on scene at WNY Concrete confirms there's no good access from that location.

UPDATE 1:07 p.m.: Best entrance, a crew member reports, probably behind Upson Maybach.

UPDATE 1:16 p.m.: There are several small fires. Firefighters are extinguishing with water cans now.

UPDATE (By Billie) 1:43 p.m.: They ended up using a tanker to put out the fire. The assignment is back in service. Parks personnel on at the scene.

Class for concealed carry holders covers response to mass shooting

By Howard B. Owens

The chaos, confusion and emotions of a mass causality situation had a serious impact on students who went through the simulation at M&S Tactical last night, said owner Jeff McIntire.

Participants in the simulation first sat through a class, "Active Assailant Awareness for the Concealed Carrier," before confronting a realistic scenario dealing with several shooting victims.

The goal was to give those with concealed carry licenses practical tips and the psychological experience on what to do both to deal with the threat of an active shooter and how to assist victims.

The class focused on the Observe, Orient, Decide, Act (OODA) loop. They also received instruction what to do once law enforcement arrives on scene.

After dinner, a New York State Certified Tactical Paramedic taught field expedient first aid using supplies in which they would have readily available to them, as not every average citizen carries with them a tourniquet, an occlusive dressing, or hemostatic gauze.

"One by one, class participants entered the company's Active Home Invasion System and were confronted with the aftermath of a mass casualty shooting," McIntire said. "Chaos ensued and they were tasked with finding and triaging patients to either attempt to save or give some sort of potential life-saving intervention to using the skills they were just taught."

In the training room, participants found about a dozen role players covered in blood. Some of the role players were injured while others were just covered in blood. M&S Tactical staff assigned each role player a specific character to portray. Some acted as severely wounded people with injuries to the femoral artery, sucking chest wounds, gunshot wounds to the head, and other injuries. Children ran around hysterically screaming for their mother, and requesting each student to help them.

"This class was able to reach into the souls of each participant," McIntire said. "The environment created was all too near reality."

Photos and information submitted by Jeff McIntire.

Law and Order: Man reportedly found lying in roadway at 3 a.m. charged with DWAI

By Howard B. Owens

Joshua David Sumeriski, 33, of Buffalo Street, Alexander, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, uninspected motor vehicle, driver's view obstructed, and disorderly conduct. Sumeriski was charged after Deputy Mathew Clor responded at 3:21 a.m. Thursday to Transit Road, Bethany, to investigate a complaint of a man lying in the roadway.

Carrie A. Poray, 40, of Oatka Trail, Le Roy, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Poray was located by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and taken into custody for failure to appear on two traffic tickets in City Court. Poray was ordered to pay a fine before her next court appearance and released.

Jordan S. Thomas, 19, of East Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Thomas is accused of failing to comply with conditions of supervised release. Thomas was arraigned and jailed.

Joseph D. Berry, 32, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with menacing, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Berry allegedly held a large rock and threatened to inflict bodily harm to a store clerk at 7-Eleven in Batavia at 8:15 p.m. on June 6. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Maya Samanta Wright, 23, of East Ridge Road, Rochester, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Wright allegedly struck a patron of a business on Park Road, Batavia.

Chelsea Lorraine McEwen, 19, of Fleetwood Drive, Brockport, is charged with harassment, 2nd. McEwen is accused of punching another person in the face during an argument reported at 8:53 p.m. Sunday at a location on Bloomingdale Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation.

Laura Jean Santiago, 55, of Hundredmark Road, Elba, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Santiago was stopped at 8:56 p.m. Friday on Main Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Mathew Clor.

William George Horner, 67, of Bank Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and harassment, 2nd. Horner is accused of grabbing another person by the throat and applying pressure and pushing that person during an incident reported at 10 p.m. Friday on Bank Street Road, Batavia.

Todd A. Rich, 47, of Webster, and Justin T. Rich, 24, of Webster, are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The two men were stopped by State Police at 1:15 a.m. this morning on Route 19 in Le Roy.

City firefighters want you to Fill the Boot for MDA this Friday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Members of the Batavia City Firefighters from IAFF Local 896 will fan out across the streets of Downtown Batavia with boots in hand on Friday.

This year's Fill the Boot drive for MDA is June 15th and it's organized by firefighter Chris Morasco.

“In 2017, we set out to break the $10,000 mark," he said. "Our members, with the help of our generous community were successful and able to raise $10,651 for the MDA! Look for us Friday!”

From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., city firefighters will be at the intersection of Main Street (Route 5) and Court Street AND at Ellicott Street (Route 63) and Court Street.

Photo: File Photo

Lehigh Avenue roadwork in the city rescheduled for Monday due to weather

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Roadwork originally planned for today on Lehigh Avenue in the city has been rescheduled for Monday, June 18th, due to weather conditions. 

It will be closed to all through traffic that day.

The closure will be between Ellicott Street (Route 63) and the City line (Creek Road). These closures are expected to be between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. in order to pave Lehigh Avenue.

All motorists who regularly use Lehigh Avenue are asked to seek alternative routes while the closures are in place.

Businesses and residents within the area of the closure should anticipate delays, but we will do our best to accommodate getting you to and from you residence or place of business.

This work is weather dependent and subject to rescheduling if it rains.

Contact the Bureau of Maintenance and ask to speak to the Streets Supervisor or Superintendent at 345-6400, opt. 1, if you have any questions.

Thank you for your cooperation in advance.

Pedestrian Way Improvement Project info meeting is Thursday night at City Hall

By Billie Owens

The City of Batavia will have an informational meeting to discuss the proposed construction of the City’s Pedestrian Way Improvements Project on Thursday, June 14th, from 5-7 p.m. at the Batavia City Hall in the Council Board Room (second floor).

The project consists of the replacement of the existing sidewalk along portions of State Street (from Washington Avenue to Richmond Avenue and from Hart Street to MacArthur Drive), Washington Avenue (from State Street to Bank Street), Richmond Avenue (Southside -- from Ellicott Avenue to State Street) and Bank Street (Eastside -- from Washington Avenue to North Street; and Westside -- from North Street to Denio Street).

This project is a Locally Administered Federal-Aid project that is scheduled for construction in 2019.

City staff and the consultant engineering firm, Erdman Anthony, will be available at this informal, open-house meeting to review plans, discuss the project, listen to concerns and answer any questions you may have.

S.H.E. Boutique pop-up consignment sale event at Dibble Center this Thursday and Friday

By Billie Owens
Attention women and teen girls! Get excited for the best sale of the summer! S.H.E. Boutique is coming back to Batavia again this season!
 
S.H.E. Boutique is an upscale women's consignment sale that will be held at the Dibble Family Center on June 14th and 15th. Admission is FREE! Dibble Family Center is located at 4120 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.
 
Shoppers can find the following types of items: new and like new clothing for juniors and women, shoes, jewelry, handbags, athletic wear, accessories, books and some home decor. All inventory is registered and scanned prior to being sold.
 
Dates and Times:
 
Thursday, June 14th: 4 - 7:30 p.m.
* Cash bar open and professional stylist, Jenna Matthews, on site to help you shop. The perfect girls night out!
 
Friday, June 15th: 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
*3:30-5:30 everything left is 50-percent off
*5:30pm-6:30 p.m. DOLLAR SALE for charity
 
Jessica Lahti of  Rodan & Fields and Megh Hoisington of  Sseko will be selling products. 
All unsold items will be donated to My Sister's Closet in Batavia and the Gateway Home Comfort Care Facility of Attica.
 
Visit www.mothertimemarketplace.com/she for more information.

Flag Day Celebration: 'The flag shows that America never gives up'

By Howard B. Owens

Veterans residing at the Batavia VA Medical Center were honored today as part of a Flag Day ceremony that included the reading of three essays about the flag by students of Batavia Middle School.

The winning essay was written by Harrison Southall (second photo):

What the American Flag means to me? Well, it stands for hope in my eyes. In America's history, when battles were fought there would be a flag bearer who would hold our flag with his life. If he got shot, he still held it. If he got killed, someone else would just drop their gun and pick up the flag because they knew they were fighting for our country. The flag shows that America never gives up and shows brave soldiers that hope is never lost even in the worst times, and that is what makes the flag special.

Organizing the event was spearheaded by Frank Panepento and ended with a medley of patriotic songs from a brass band.

Assistant Principal Maureen Notario with a binder full of all the essays submitted by students of Batavia Middle School. The book was presented to World War II veteran Leo Pelton, who is 99 years old (below).

Report: Thursday night softball at Kibbe Park

By Howard B. Owens

Submitted by Mike Jamil:

Thursday Night Men's League Week 5 scores, updating standings, and Week 6 upcoming schedule...
Fava Brothers Lawncare Bad Boyz defeat Vinyl Sticks 25-15...
Fava Brothers Good Boys defeat Beer View Mirrors 17-5...
Tompkins Insurance of Batavia defeat U.S.P.S. 23-19...
Beers N Bombs defeat Master Batters 23-22...
Skyworks defeat Upstate Blazers 16-0...
Updated Standings
1. Skyworks 5-0 with 86 runs scored and 31 runs against...
2. Tompkins Insurance of Batavia 4-1 with 94 runs scored and 55 runs against...
3. Fava Brothers Lawncare Good Boys 3-2 with 77 runs scored and 63 runs against...
3. TF Browns Beer View Mirrors 3-2 with 69 runs scored and 61 runs against...
3. U.S.P.S. 3-2 with 73 runs scored and 74 runs against...
3. Fava Brothers Lawncare Bad Boyz 3-2 with 87 runs scored and 90 runs against...
3. TF Browns Beers N Bombs 3-2 with 71 runs scored and 85 runs against...
8. TF Browns Master Batters 1-4 with 90 runs scored and 98 runs against...
9. Vinyl Sticks 0-5 with 43 runs scored and 86 runs against...
9. Upstate Blazers 0-5 with 50 runs scored and 97 runs against... 
Week 6 Upcoming Schedule
Williams Park at 630pm has Vinyl Sticks (home) vs Upstate Blazers...
Kibbe Park at 6pm has TF Browns Beer View Mirrors (home) vs Tompkins Insurance of Batavia...
Kibbe Park at 7pm has TF Browns Master Batters (home) vs Skyworks...
Kibbe Park at 8pm has U.S.P.S. (home) vs Fava Brothers Good Boys...
Kibbe Park at 9pm has TF Browns Beers N Bombs (home) vs Fava Brothers Lawncare Bad Boyz
 

Photo: Catty Shack hosting garage sale, soon to have kittens available for adoption

By Howard B. Owens

Jen Goss, found of Catty Shack, a cat and kitten rescue, and Kasey Thompson, with kittens that will soon be available for adoption during a garage sale at the corner of Batavia Elba Townline Road and Route 98 (Daws Corners) this afternoon.

The garage sale continues on Sunday as is a fundraiser for Catty Shack.

Catty Shack will have at least 15 kittens available for adoption in a few weeks. They will be vetted and spayed and neutered. 

Muckdogs unveil new baseball jerseys

By Howard B. Owens

Andy Helwig, who will be the voice of the Batavia Muckdogs on WBTA this season, holds up the new road and home jerseys for the 2018 Batavia Muckdogs.

The season is just around the corner, with players reporting in about a week. The first home game is June 18 at 7:05 p.m.

Photos: Batavia Public Market opens

By Howard B. Owens

It was a bright, beautiful day for the first day of the Batavia's Downtown Public Market at Bank and Alva.

In addition to many returning favorites for the Genesee County Farmer's Market, there were two new vendors at the market today, Market Manager Mike Bakos told WBTA. 

Pickle Annie's offers a variety of pickles as well as flavored cider vinegar, which Bakos said is supposed to be good for joint health.

Also new this year is Bad Ash BBQ (The Batavian's publisher and editor can recommend the pulled pork sandwich with baked beans and coleslaw).

"This is a really good spot for the market because we can attract vendors all season long and expand," Bakos said. "We can make the market bigger as needed and that’s really nice."

The market sells $5 Farmers Market Money gift certificates and if you buy $45 worth you get another $5 free.  

The market also accepts SNAP benefits and thanks to a grant, through July, customers who use their SNAP benefits card at the market will receive a $2 coupon for each $5 purchased from a food vendor.

Photos: PTSD Clinic honors veterans who have passed

By Howard B. Owens

Arnie Aldinger and Ronald Gonzalez place a wreath on the brick walkway outside the PTSD Clinic at the VA Medical Center in Batavia.

The walkway contains bricks with the names of veterans who have passed on. Below, Chuck Ross reads the names of some of those veterans, including for two veterans whose names have been added to the walkway: Christopher M. Berry, Army, and Jerome D. Chatmon Sr., Army.

Edwin Gadson, peer support specialist, sings the National Anthem (beautifully).

Frank Panepento, above, and Tom Cecere, played Echo Taps.

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