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 standing for Flag day presentation. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Principal Maureen Notaro along with staff and local vetarans talk to students about flag day. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jackson Primary student showing his smiles and colors for flag day. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Students from Jackson Primary waving flags. 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
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Pledge of allegiance outside John Kennedy Intermediate School. Photo by Steve Ognibene
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
Lisa Albanese Klein, program director, Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine, at UMMC Photo by Howard Owens
Teresa Clark, click nurse manager, Dr. Joseph Canzoneri, Lisa Albanese Klein. Photo by Howard Owens
The UMMC Wound Care Center team. Photo by Howard Owens.
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, 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 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.
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
West Main Street Road at Wortendyke Road in Batavia remains closed at 5:30 p.m. since a police incident that was called into Genesee County Sheriff's dispatch at approximately 1 p.m. Tuesday.
No other details are confirmed at this time.
UPDATE 11:47 p.m.: Subject was taken safely into custody. Story and photos to come.
There are 710 SUNY Cortland students who earned President's List honors for the Spring 2024 semester. To qualify for the President's List, students must earn a grade of A- or better in each of their classes while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more.
Among those who excelled are:
Allie Schwerthoffer of Batavia - Major: Healthcare Management
Karlee Zinkievich of Pavilion - Major: Physical Education K-12
The Genesee County Office for the Aging (OFA) is pleased to announce the distribution schedule of Farmer's Market Coupons. These coupons allow eligible older adults to access fresh, locally-grown produce at participating farmers' markets.
To qualify, individuals must be 60 years or older and have an income at or below $2,322 per month for a one-person household, $3,152 per month for a two-person household, or $3,981 per month for a three-person household.
The OFA encourages all eligible seniors to take advantage of these opportunities. If you reside in senior housing, please look for a flyer at your location with specific details on when the Office for the Aging will visit.
The schedule for July 2024 is as follows:
Tuesday, July 2: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia
Friday, July 5: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Genesee Country Farmers’ Market, School St., Batavia
Saturday, July 6: 9 - 11 a.m. at Le Roy Farmers’ Market, Trigon Park, Le Roy
Thursday, July 11: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia
Friday, July 12: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Genesee Country Farmers’ Market, School St., Batavia
Monday, July 15: 4 - 6 p.m. at Corfu Farmers’ Market, Corfu Presbyterian Church Parking Lot
Friday, July 19: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Genesee Country Farmers’ Market, School St., Batavia
Saturday, July 20: 9 - 11 a.m. at Le Roy Farmers’ Market, Trigon Park, Le Roy
Thursday, July 25: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia
Friday, July 26: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Genesee Country Farmers’ Market, School St., Batavia
Wednesday, July 31: 2 - 4 p.m. at Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia
For any questions or further information, please contact the Genesee County Office for the Aging at 585- 343-1611.
All motorists please be aware Redfield Parkway will experience traffic delays on Thursday, June 13 and Friday, June 14 between the hours of 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. for paving operations.
Paving on River Street will occur on Monday, June 17 and Tuesday, June 18, followed by Jackson Street on June 19 and 20.
While work is being performed in this area, local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence/property but should plan accordingly for delays. This work is weather-dependent.
All residents/businesses within the work area are asked not to park on the roadway during the operation. All motorists that regularly use these streets are asked to seek alternate routes while the delays are in place.
Contact the Bureau of Maintenance at 585-345-6400 opt. 1 if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your cooperation.
Mason Randall of Batavia has graduated from American International College (AIC) with a Bachelor of Science in the Criminal Justice program.
On Saturday, May 11, the College conferred degrees to more than 600 graduates receiving bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degrees from its School of Health Sciences, School of Education, and School of Business, Arts, and Sciences.
In her remarks, the College's Interim President Nicolle Cestero told the class of 2024 that their time at AIC was formative. "Each of you has overcome challenges, pursued passions and you have grown in ways you might not have imagined when you first stepped foot on campus," she told the graduates. "As you stand ready to begin your next journey, know that life is full of possibilities just waiting for you."
Keynote speaker Michael D. Smith - the CEO of AmeriCorps - regaled graduates, their families, and AIC faculty and staff with stories from his youth, growing up in the McKnight neighborhood of Springfield. Smith spoke of how being part of a community at the Boys and Girls Club of Springfield planted the seeds for his future in which he leads the country's largest public volunteer force.
Smith, who received an honorary doctorate from AIC during the ceremony, told the graduates they were not unlike him. "My story might be yours, too. People see you but they don't always see your struggles. But AIC wanted you because they knew what some saw as hurdles, you are going to use as springboards."
The ceremony saw 216 bachelor's degrees, 279 master's, 72 certificates of graduate study, and thirty-six doctorates awarded.
Iburi Photography, 35 Jackson Street, hosts an open mic for area musicians the second Friday of each month. The open mics are typically in the study, such as one this coming Friday. The July 5 open mic will be in Jackson Square. Photo courtesy Iburi Photography.
Press Release:
Join us for an unforgettable evening of creativity and community in Jackson Square in Batavia on Friday, July 5, from 6 - 10 p.m. Presented by Jo David Arts and Iburi Photography, this special event promises a rich blend of live performances, visual arts, and an electrifying DJ set to close the night.
Kicking off the evening at 5:30 PM, performers can sign up for the Open Mic session, which runs from 6 - 9 p.m. Musicians and performers are encouraged to take the stage at Jackson Square and share their talents. Kevin Lewis-Iburi will host the open Mic, with Scotty DiMartino of Esdee Entertainment closing the night with an epic DJ set and light show.
GO ART! will be bringing their First Friday Open Art Session to the Square. Artists of all media are invited to bring their latest pieces or start new ones. While tables will be set up for convenience, artists are welcome to bring their easels and create in the open air.
"We're excited to bring this event to Jackson Square," said Mary Jo Whitman of Jo David Arts. "This is a great opportunity for local performers and artists to showcase their work and connect with the community in a fun and supportive environment."
Akari Lewis-Iburi of Iburi Photography added, "It's been humbling to witness the talent, musicianship, and comradery of Batavia light up our open mics at the studio this year. We are so thrilled to collaborate with Jo David Arts and GO ART!'s First Friday Open Art Session to bring our open mic performers on stage for a unique immersive art experience!"
This free event is open to the public, making it a perfect outing for anyone looking to experience the vibrant art scene in Batavia. Mark your calendars for Friday, July 5, and join us at Jackson Square for a night of artistic expression and entertainment you won't want to miss!
With a cheerful wave and greeting of "Happy Pride," participants in Batavia's annual Pride Parade celebrated LGBTQ identity and acceptance Saturday in a stroll that took them along a route from Batavia First Presbyterian Church down Summit Street, to Washington Avenue, Bank Street to Main Street.
The parade was part of an hours-long Pride Month celebration in Downtown Batavia, organized by GLOW Out, centered around a festival in Jackson Square and on Center Street.
A structural fire is reported at 2910 West Main Street Road, Batavia.
A second alarm has been called.
East Pembroke Fire dispatched with mutual aid from Town of Batavia, Darien, Alexander, and City Fire's FAST Team.
UPDATE 2:16 a.m.: A deputy spotted a wire connected to the house arcing and sparking, which caused some smoke damage to the exterior of the structure. East Pembroke Chief Don Newton said there was a small interior fire involving fan. He said they didn't know yet if there had been a power surge in the area but a neighboring residence did have brown-out conditions.
