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Dick's donates $1K to Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball (BGFS) recently received a very generous grant from the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation for $1,000. BGFS is actively fundraising to be able to purchase and install a new scoreboard at Lions Park, home field of the Batavia Stingers, and this grant will definitely help in the effort.

BGFS fields teams, known as the Batavia Stingers, at the 10u, 12u and 15u level in a Genesee Region Fastpitch Softball League.  While only in our third year of existence, BGFS has seen continued growth and has big plans for improving the field at Lions Park over the next couple of years. 

BGFS is very grateful to the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation for not only this generous grant but for the partnership that the Batavia Dick’s Sporting Goods Store has formed with the Stingers the past two seasons. The Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation and Batavia Dick’s Sporting Goods Store see the important role BGFS plays in providing young ladies a healthy and fun outlet in the community and has pledged to help BGFS reach its full potential.

There will be an in-person registration at the Batavia Dick’s Sporting Goods Store on Saturday, Feb. 9th, from 10 a.m..- 2 p.m.  Parents interested in signing up their daughters and learning about our program are encouraged to attend. More information about BGFS can be found by checking out our Facebook page, Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball, which has a link to our online registration site. 

Thank you to the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation and our Batavia Dick’s Sporting Goods Store not only for the generous grant but for promoting and supporting youth sports in our community.

Photo: Icy branches at Upton Monument

By Howard B. Owens

Icy covered trees throughout the region today, including behind the Upton Monument at Main and Ellicott in Batavia.

There's a weather advisory for tonight. Expect more ice through the morning.

Today's frozen rain creates icicles and ice, slippery surfaces and some frozen trees

By Billie Owens

Our very own marketing expert and graphic artist Lisa Ace, who lives in Batavia, sent us this photo of her backyard table this afternoon, festooned with a skirt of icicles.

With today's freezing rain, emergency responders were busy countywide with reports of frozen trees and wires down, and vehicles off the roadway. Fortunately, no serious injuries reported thus far.

Driver westbound on North Street unharmed after frozen tree falls on windshield

By Billie Owens

A driver who was westbound on North Street in the city was unscathed after a frozen tree fell onto his Pontiac Grand Am windshield.

Police at the scene said he was lucky because if he had been headed eastbound at the same location when the tree fell, the heaviest part of the trunk and its branches would probably have been more dangerous. The tree fell on North Street east of Vine shortly after 5:30 p.m., blocking the roadway.

A total of 303 GCC students named to President's List for fall 2018 semester

By Billie Owens

BATAVIA -- A total of 303 students from Genesee Community College named to President's List for the fall 2018 semester. Students honored on the President's List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality-point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

Alexis Hackmer of Alexander, NY

Carli Marino of Alexander, NY

Madison Cummings of Alexander, NY

Katlyn Adamczak of Basom, NY

Rebecca Myers of Batavia, NY

Marissa Jacques of Batavia, NY

Tessa Lynn of Batavia, NY

Julia Streeter of Batavia, NY

Madison Schady of Batavia, NY

Alexander Rigerman of Batavia, NY

Cameron Sanzo of Batavia, NY

Abby Stendts of Batavia, NY

Kimberly Brodsky of Batavia, NY

Andrew Pickard of Batavia, NY

Neve Georgia of Batavia, NY

Bethany Ruffino of Batavia, NY

Jessica Caryl of Batavia, NY

Casey Beaver of Batavia, NY

Amber Snyder of Batavia, NY

Genna Rumble of Batavia, NY

Danielle Joyce of Batavia, NY

Chloe Rapone of Batavia, NY

Jennifer Bartz of Batavia, NY

Hunter Mazur of Batavia, NY

Rachel Wommack of Batavia, NY

Amnesty Ball of Batavia, NY

Jessica Accardi of Batavia, NY

Kennedy Mullen of Batavia, NY

Megan West of Batavia, NY

Nicholas Allen of Corfu, NY

Alysia Magoffin of Corfu, NY

Olivia Kohorst of Corfu, NY

Morgan Miller of Corfu, NY

Jenna Salim of Corfu, NY

Spencer Graff of Corfu, NY

Rachel Tebor of Corfu, NY

Katharine Smallwood of Corfu, NY

Samantha Tatarski of Corfu, NY

Elizabeth Richardson of Darien Center, NY

Alannah Gross of East Bethany, NY

Brian Wlazlak of East Bethany, NY

Jenna Huntington of Elba, NY

Samantha Nickerson of Elba, NY

Henry Stratton of Elba, NY

Laura Lundmark of Oakfield, NY

Stephanie Halat of Oakfield, NY

Roy Brudz of Stafford, NY

Alan Johannes of Stafford, NY

Melinda Rodriguez of Bergen, NY

Kristen Hale of Bergen, NY

Alexandria Loewke of Bergen, NY

Dillon Brew of Bergen, NY

Carli Piazza of Le Roy, NY

Stefanie Callari of Le Roy, NY

Brenda Turner of Le Roy, NY

Lauren Hull of Le Roy, NY

Valaurie Zweigle of Le Roy, NY

Ceciely Palmer of Le Roy, NY

Jacob Bolton of Le Roy, NY

Jenna Dersham of Pavilion, NY

Genesee Community College serves more than 5,700 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics. 

GCC's new Student Success Center makes admissions, financial aid and enrollment a simple and efficient process. The college has earned three national sports titles; most recently, the Men's Soccer team brought home the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association D-III title. The athletics program, housed in the brand new, state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena hosts more than a dozen intercollegiate men's and women's teams.

Highly convenient, GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as a significant online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three-minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high tech" and "high touch."

A total of 264 GCC students named to dean's list for fall 2018 semester

By Billie Owens

BATAVIA -- A total of 264 students from Genesee Community College were named to the dean's list for the fall 2018 semester. Students honored on the Dean's List have maintained full or part-time enrollment and earned a quality-point index of 3.50 to 3.74.

Ryli Crego of Alexander, NY

Benjamin Vacanti of Alexander, NY

Grace Marzolf of Darien Center, NY

Cassidy Miller of Batavia, NY

Joshua Barton of Batavia, NY

Kesa Janes of Batavia, NY

Mason Turner of Batavia, NY

Taylor Stefaniak of Batavia, NY

Rikki Ettinger of Batavia, NY

Ashlee Ohlson of Batavia, NY

Matthew DiFilippo of Batavia, NY

Shannon Cervone of Batavia, NY

Andrew Frank of Batavia, NY

Samantha Hyback of Batavia, NY

Chase Monachino of Batavia, NY

Matthew Fouquet of Batavia, NY

Chandah Sundown of Batavia, NY

Taylor Dimmig of Bergen, NY

Melissa Haacke of Oakfield, NY

Nicole Mickey of Batavia, NY

Tamara DePalmo of Batavia, NY

Christopher Morris of Pavilion, NY

Merrisa Bohn of Batavia, NY

Kitana Maher of Bergen, NY

Marlaina Fee of Bergen, NY

Nathan Knickerbocker of Byron, NY

Elizabeth Penkszyk of South Byron, NY

Kathryn Long of Stafford, NY

Riley Dyson of Batavia, NY

Julia Starczewski of Corfu, NY

Brandon Kowalski of Corfu, NY

Lynne Blake of Corfu, NY

Bethany Pfennig of Corfu, NY

Zachary Von Kramer of Corfu, NY

Ashlee Gilchrist of Corfu, NY

Haley Steen of Le Roy, NY

Megan Webb of Le Roy, NY

Kaden Vangalio of Le Roy, NY

Amy Kabel of Batavia, NY

Jessica Newton of Batavia, NY

Ivan Pangrazio of Oakfield, NY

Jessica Barclay of Oakfield, NY

Sabrina Walton of Batavia, NY

Katrina Mogavero of Batavia, NY

Mackenzie Simpson of Le Roy, NY

Jeremiah Keaton of Pavilion, NY

Jaden Dumbleton of Pavilion, NY

Kelsey Ehrhart of Stafford, NY

Melissa Ladin of Batavia, NY

Reilly Clark of Bergen, NY

Kaelin Proefrock of Batavia, NY

Shelby Hill of Batavia, NY

Dustin Wheeler of Darien Center, NY

Celestia Chandler of Elba, NY

Genesee Community College serves more than 5,700 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics. 

GCC's new Student Success Center makes admissions, financial aid and enrollment a simple and efficient process. The college has earned three national sports titles; most recently, the Men's Soccer team brought home the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association D-III title. The athletics program, housed in the brand new, state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena hosts more than a dozen intercollegiate men's and women's teams.

Highly convenient, GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as a significant online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three-minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high tech" and "high touch."

Total of 212 GCC students named to Provost's List for fall 2018 semester

By Billie Owens

BATAVIA -- A total of 212 students from Genesee Community College were named to Provost's List. Students honored on the Provost's List have maintained part-time enrollment and earned a quality-point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

William Rippel of Batavia, NY

Joseph Jeanotte of Le Roy, NY

Elizabeth Grosskopf of Batavia, NY

Nadine Jeffery of Batavia, NY

Katelyn Connors of Batavia, NY

Sarah Herman of Alexander, NY

Cassandra Koepp of Alexander, NY

Naomi LaDuke of Alexander, NY

Nicole Alvord of Darien Center, NY

Thomas Kedzierski of Darien Center, NY

Lauren Carli of East Bethany, NY

Alexander Breissinger of Darien Center, NY

Lauren Bertalan of Darien Center, NY

Edward Foeller of Darien Center, NY

Patrick Puccio of Stafford, NY

Christina Weston of Alexander, NY

Erin Deja of Batavia, NY

Crystal Pierce of Batavia, NY

Shannon Guiste of Batavia, NY

Robert Tripp of Batavia, NY

Shane Causyn of Byron, NY

Cassandra Gowanlock of East Bethany, NY

Kyle Schoff of Corfu, NY

Kodian Becker of Darien Center, NY

Allison Steavens of Batavia, NY

Emily Reynolds of Elba, NY

Jennifer Cardinali of Oakfield, NY

Melissa Vinyard of Batavia, NY

Katelyn Barnes of Pavilion, NY

Ryan Wolfe of Batavia, NY

Bryan German of Batavia, NY

Mary Ross of Le Roy, NY

Magnum Kibler of Le Roy, NY

Maura Rogers of Le Roy, NY

Kyle Mott of Batavia, NY

Angelique Newton of East Bethany, NY

Colin Graham of Oakfield, NY

Alan Riggi of Alexander, NY

John Boyle of Le Roy, NY

David Hoffman of Bergen, NY

Jessica Lennon of Alexander, NY

David Mackey of Bergen, NY

Grace Morrill of Bergen, NY

Sandra Fanton of Pavilion, NY

Genesee Community College serves more than 5,700 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics. 

GCC's new Student Success Center makes admissions, financial aid and enrollment a simple and efficient process. The college has earned three national sports titles; most recently, the Men's Soccer team brought home the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association D-III title. The athletics program, housed in the brand new, state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena hosts more than a dozen intercollegiate men's and women's teams.

Highly convenient, GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as a significant online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high tech" and "high touch."

Law and Order: Albion man accused of grand larceny on Hartwell Road, Pavilion

By Billie Owens

Edward Ryan Loper, 30, of West Bank Street, Albion, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and misapplication of property. Loper was arrested on Feb. 5 and arraigned at 3:41 p.m. in Pavilion Town Court. His arrest follows an investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office into an incident that took place on Hartwell Road in Pavilion on Sept. 23. Loper allegedly stole property from an individual with a value in excess of $1,000. Loper also is accused of misapplication of property that belonged to the same individual. He was brought in from Orleans County Jail, where he was incarcerated on an unrelated charge, for the arraignment. Loper was subsequently put back in Orleans County Jail and bail was set for Genesee County Jail for $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond. He is to reappear in Town of Pavilion Court on March 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

James Albert Chase, 39, of Oak Street, Batavia, is registered Level 3 sex offender who is on parole. He is charged with failure to report a change within 10 days -- with a previous conviction for the same offense. Under NYS Penal Law COR 168-F subdivision 4: An offender has 10 calender days to register "...any change of address, Internet accounts with Internet access providers belonging to such offender, Internet identifiers that such offender uses, or his or her status of enrollment, attendance, employment or residence at any institution of higher education." Chase was being held on a parole violation in Genesee County Jail at the time of his arrest on Feb. 4. He was arraigned then jailed without bail. He is due in Batavia City Court tomorrow (Feb. 7). The case was handled by Batavia Police Det. Eric Hill.

Bryan Michael Beach, 35, of Dolbeer Street, Perry, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt, second-degree harassment and aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree. He was arrested on Feb. 5 for allegedly shoving a person at 5:20 p.m. on Feb. 3 on Lewiston Road in Batavia, in violation of an active order of protection. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack.

Hayley N. Giles, 21, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Giles was arrested at 12:58 p.,m. on Feb. 3 following an investigation of a domestic incident involving siblings. Giles are released on an appearance ticket. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Jonathan A. Bell, 34, of Evans Street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- common law; failure to stop at stop sign; refusal to take a breath test; unlicensed operation; and aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree. Bell was arrested at 11:12 p.m. Feb. 4 on Washington Avenue in Batavia after being involved in a one-vehicle crash. He was processed and released with traffic tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Eric K. Ricks, 40, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 1 on Thomas Avenue in Batavia after Batavia police were called to a residence for an altercation. At that time, he was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana. Ricks was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court Feb. 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Chad Richards.

City PD assists in delivering Meals on Wheels

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Police Department assisted the Genesee County Office for the Aging with delivering meals to seniors who participate in the Meals on Wheels Program in the City of Batavia yesterday.

Officer Jason Davis, along with his wife, Office for the Aging employee Wendy Davis, delivered several meals to City residents.

The following info is from the Genesee County Office for the Aging website;

“Home Delivered Meals are available to any Genesee County resident 60 years of age or older who is incapacitated due to illness, surgery, physical handicap or advancing age, AND is unable to prepare their own meals, AND is without support of family, friends or neighbors for meal preparation. Services are available based on need without regard to income.

Meals are delivered Monday through Friday between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. There is no delivery on holidays. Services may be discontinued at any time, or can be interrupted if needed for vacations or hospitalizations.

To see the monthly menu, go the County Office for the Aging website here and click on Menus on left side of the home page. To see the February menu, for example, click here.

Everyone that receives a meal has the opportunity to contribute. The suggested contribution is $3 per single meal and $4.50 for a double meal. No one is refused service for inability to contribute.

Referrals may be made to the Home Delivered Meals Intake worker by calling (585) 343-1611.

National Grid planning power outage for about 500 Batavia customers to replace damaged equipment

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

As part of an upgrade that will improve reliability and resiliency for our western New York customers, National Grid is planning a brief power interruption in the City of Batavia, beginning at approximately 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 8 and lasting until around 2 a.m. on Feb. 9.

The planned, temporary interruption will take place as the company replaces damaged equipment on a utility pole. This level of work cannot be completed while the electric system is energized. The interruption will impact approximately 500 commercial, industrial and residential customers in the City of Batavia on streets that intersect with Main Street. Customers who will be impacted include those in neighborhoods that stretch from Redfield Parkway to Ellicott Avenue throughout much of the city’s 3rd and 4th Wards.

National Grid is contacting all impacted customers via automated phone messages to ensure that they are aware of this planned, temporary power interruption.

In the event of inclement weather, National Grid will conduct additional outreach to customers, and alert them that the work will be rescheduled for Feb. 15 to Feb. 16. 

UPDATE, Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.: National Grid will be making calls to residents at about 4 p.m. today.

Children in Batavia chosen for this year's UB School of Dental Medicine's free dental care day on Saturday

By Virginia Kropf

Every year, the University at Buffalo’s Dental School participates in a national event called “Give Kids a Smile Day,” in which children ages 1 to 18 who do not have access to dental care can receive free dental services.

This year, the Dental School has chosen Batavia city schools to participate in the event on Saturday, Feb. 9. These include Batavia City School District, Notre Dame High School and St. Joseph’s Regional School.

Coordinating the event is Paula Fischer, Rural Dentistry Program project coordinator at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, and a Batavia resident. Also a resident of Batavia is Dr. Joseph Zambon, dean of the Dental School.

It is not too late to sign up for the free program, Fischer said.

A bus will leave the parking lot at JCPenney at 9 a.m. to take children to Buffalo. Fidelis, a major event sponsor, has made the bus available, Fischer said.

To sign up, call Paula Fischer at (716) 829-6240.

UB Dental’s Give Kids a Smile event offers free dental care, including exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions and orthodontic consultations (braces).

In addition, other services offered are hearing and vision screenings and healthy eating demos. Every child and parent will receive oral health supplies and lunch bag.

Both Zambon and Fischer grew up in Batavia and are thrilled to be able to offer this free service to their community.

“Every year the dental schools GKAS event grows, and this year we were discussing expanding its reach, and I immediately thought of Batavia,” Fischer said. “I reside in Batavia with my family and I currently serve on the City of Batavia Youth Board.

"My children attended John Kennedy Elementary, St. Joseph Regional School and Notre Dame High School. I reached out to Wade Bianco, Karen Green and Julia Rogers to assist with getting the word out. They were excited to offer this opportunity to their students and families.”

The first Give Kids a Smile Day started in 2002 in St. Louis, Mo., where free dental care was delivered to nearly 400 children. The American Dental Association recognized that this grassroots effort had great potential to raise awareness nationally about the importance of oral health to overall health, and about the staggering need that exists among millions of children who go without care, Fischer said. 

So, in 2003, Give Kids a Smile evolved into a nationwide program with the collaboration of the American Dental Association, Henry Schein, Proctor & Gamble and DEXIS. UB Dental School has been participating since 2003. Thousands of dentists and volunteers give their time to provide free oral health education, screenings and treatment to underserved children, Fischer said.

Since 2003, more than 5.5 million children have been cared for by more than half a million volunteers.

Grand Jury: Man accused of violating order of protection and burglary on Jackson Street

By Billie Owens

John A. Snook is indicted for the crime of criminal contempt in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 15 in the City of Batavia Snook intentionally violated a duly served order of protection by being in the presence of the protected party. In count two, Snook is accused of second-degree burglary, a Class C violent felony, for allegedly entering a dwelling unlawfully on Jackson Street. In Special Information filed by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, Snook is accused of having been convicted of first-degree criminal contempt on Jan. 5, 2015 in Genesee County Court and that conviction was for violating a stay away family offense order of protection. It was also within five years previous to the crime alleged in the current indictment.

Matthew J. Arelline is indicted for the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 3 in the Town of Le Roy that Arelline drove a 2015 Mitsubishi on Route 19 while he was intoxicated and while a child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count two, he is accused of DWI, as a misdemeanor. In count three, he is accused of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly knowingly acting in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child less than 17.

Kelicia M. Storey is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated as a misdemeanor. It is alleged that on Sept. 26 in the Town of Le Roy that Storey drove a 2015 Kia on Route 19 while intoxicated. In count two, she is accused of DWI, per se, as a misdemeanor, for having a BAC of .08 percent or more at the time. In count three, Storey is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count three that she had three or more suspensions in effect at the time that were imposed on at least three separate dates: Sept. 27, 2015; Jan. 14, 2017; and Aug. 19, 2018.

Law and Order: Batavia man charged with punching someone in the face, two suspected DWIs and a trespass

By Billie Owens

Kevin Michael Waleski, 31, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. At 3:24 a.m. on Jan. 27, Batavia police responded to an address on South Main Street in Batavia for a report of a disturbance. Waleski was subsequently issued an appearance ticket for second-degree harassment after he allegedly punched another person in the face. He is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Brendan David Curry, 38, of Batavia-Elba Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated, with a previous conviction within the last 10 years; DWI; and refusal to take a breath test. Curry was arrested on Feb. 1 at 1:10 a.m. following an investigation of a vehicle off the roadway on State Street Road in Batavia. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released under supervision. He is due in Town of Batavia Court on Feb. 25. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Paul P. Parise, 49, of Kingsbury Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; leaving the scene of a property damage accident; and aggravated DWI -- with a BAC of .18 percent or higher. Parise was arrested at 8:33 p.m. on Jan. 22 on Kingsbury Avenue following an accident wherein he allegedly drove while intoxicated and struck an unoccupied vehicle parked roadside then left the scene. He is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Joey A. Evans, 28, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with trespassing. He was arrested at 5:35 p.m. on Jan. 29 at the JCPenney store in Batavia City Centre following an incident there. He had been told not to return following a previous incident. He is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

GCEDC board to consider application from Graham

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) will consider accepting applications for incentives from Graham Manufacturing and Gateway GS, LLC at the agency’s Feb. 7 board meeting. 

Graham Manufacturing is seeking incentives for a $1.075 million capital investment for various properties at its campus in the City of Batavia. The investment would renovate 8,000 square feet of existing space for expanded workforce training and add 5,000 square feet of new space for the construction of a warehouse. The project would help retain 291 jobs.

Gateway GS, LLC is proposing to invest $450,000 to build out the interior of a spec building the company constructed in 2018 at the Gateway II Corporate Park in Batavia. The project would create five new jobs.

Since each project would receive benefits of more than $100,000 public hearings would be scheduled if the applications for incentives are accepted by the GCEDC Board.

All GCEDC Board meetings are open to the public. Meetings are at 4 p.m. unless noted otherwise and take place at 99 MedTech Drive in Batavia across from Genesee Community College.

Town of Batavia Fire looks back on 2018, installs officers, names Clayton Gorski Firefighter of the Year

By Howard B. Owens
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In 2018, the volunteers of the Town of Batavia Fire Department answered 377 calls for service, Chief Dan Coffey said Saturday night at the department's annual awards and installation banquet at Terry Hills.

Thirteen of those calls were for structure fires and 28 were motor-vehicle accidents. The town also responded to 168 false alarms. 

The department responded 51 times as a mutual aid company and needed the assistance of mutual aid companies seven times.

The top responder for the year was Tyler Stewart, who showed up for 264 calls. James Bouton responded to 241 calls and Clayton Gorski responded to 202 calls.

Clayton Groski was named 2018 Firefighter of the Year. 

Paul Barrett received the President's Award.

The 2019 officers:

  • Chief Dan Coffey
  • Deputy Chief Jim Bouton
  • Assistant Chief Paul Dibble
  • Assistant Chief Tom Garlock
  • Captain Conor Wilkes
  • Lieutenant Dave Tran 

2019 Corporate Board:

  • President Scott Garlock
  • Vice President Nate Fix
  • Treasurer Don Koziol
  • Secretary Steve Coburn
  • Director Tim Yaeger
  • Director Gary Diegelman
  • Director Bob Mullen
  • Director Bob Tripp
  • Director Paul Barrett

To find out how you can serve your community and become a volunteer with your local department, visit ReadyGenesee.com.

Clayton Gorski, second from right, with the department's line officers, was named Firefighter of the Year.

Top responders for 2018, with President Scott Garlock: Clayton Gorski, Tyler Steward and Jim Bouton.

In years past, the department presented a gift to dinner attendees, such as a mug or a glass. This year, the department instead donated $1,000 to The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation. Dan Coffey, Laurie Napoleon, Mark Napoleone and Scott Garlock.

Installation of officers, conducted by Bill Schutt.

The Town of Batavia Fire Department.

Collision on Ellicott Street in front of Southside Deli

By Billie Owens

A semi and a burgundy coupe collided at the intersection of Ellicott Street and Summit/Liberty. City fire, police and Mercy medics are on scene. Traffic was backed up in both directions, but traffic lanes are being reopened now.

The female driver of the coupe may have minor injuries and is being transported by Mercy medics to UMMC for evaluation. The truck driver appears to be uninjured. He faces a citation for allegedly running a red light. 

Groundhog's Day Celebration

By James Burns

For most Groundhog Day is just a passing curiosity about weather or not the groundhog saw his shadow. But for the 10thyear a hearty group met on East Ave in Batavia for an outdoor party.  “February needed some type of festival” said founder Don Chmielowiec. So 10 years ago he invited over a few friends to celebrate outside. Over the last ten years the weather has ranged from 55 degrees to 10 degrees and -30 degree wind-chill. Of course there was a blizzard one year and rain twice but the party is always outside and fighting the weather seems to be part of the fun. The partygoers stay warm with hearty dished kept warm in crockpots and locally made ciders.  Punxsutawney PA may be the most famous Groundhog’ Day party but Batavia has it’s own too. 

Car crashes into pole barn in Stafford, city traffic slows on West Main Street

By Billie Owens

A car crashed into a pole barn at 8668 Route 237. Everyone is out of the vehicle; believed to be no injuries. The location is south of Prentice Road. Stafford Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 12:18 p.m.: Confirmed there are no injuries.

UPDATE 12:25 p.m.: "It looks like the barn may come down when we pull the vehicle out," says a firefighter at the scene.

Also, in the City of Batavia, westbound traffic is down to one lane and traffic is congested on West Main Street near Thomas Avenue following a collision.

Video: Jazz & Jam at GO ART!

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
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The Genesee Jazz Collective played at GO ART! on Thursday night as part of GO ART!'s Fifth Thursday night, this time with a theme of Jazz & Jam. The evening featured P&J sandwiches, live jazz and a jazz jam session.

Members of the Genesee Jazz Collective are: Dan Klinczar on Brass, Mike Grammatico on Sax and Clarinet, Andrew Lawton on Drums, Phil Briatico on Bass, And Brian Goeltz on Guitar.

Joining the Genesee Jazz Collective during the jam session on vocals, Stuart McLean.

 

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