Stump fire next to house reported on Rose Road in Batavia
A stump fire next to a residence is reported at 3975 Rose Road, Batavia. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.
The location is between Donahue Road and Route 98.
batavia
Pickup truck driver taken by Mercy Flight to Strong after rollover accident by the college
[Editor's Note: Due to technical diffculties, the site has been down for about an hour and we have been unable to post anything until now.]
Shortly after 1 p.m. a pickup truck rollover accident was reported on Assemblyman R. Stephen Hawley Drive near Batavia Stafford Town Line Road. The driver was pinned underneath the wreakage after being ejected.
Town of Batavia Fire Department responded to the scene along with mutual aid from Stafford Fire Department. State police and Sheriff's deputies were also on scene.
The male driver was reported extricated at 1:32 p.m. and it took medics 20 minutes to stablize him in an ambulance before he could be transported via Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.
It appears the gray pickup was northbound on Assemblyman R. Stephen Hawley Drive and when it came over the crest of a hill by the MedTech Center, the driver may have lost control of the vehicle. There are skid marks in the middle of the road in front of the MedTech Center.
The pickup skidded off the roadway, flipped over, ejecting the driver and landing in a cornfield.
State police are investigating the accident.
Photos from the scene will be posted later today.
UPDATE 6 p.m.: The State Police have declined to provide any further information about the accident.
UPDATE 7:15 p.m. : non-life threatening injuries, according to a source.
Five local students named to dean's list at SUNY Oswego
OSWEGO, NY (07/09/2018) -- Students earning a grade-point average of 3.3 to 3.79 appear on SUNY Oswego's spring 2018 dean's list, including several from Genesee County. They are:
- Dennis M. Alton,of Redfield Parkway in Batavia, a senior Technology Management major;
- Cameron Slaven, of Warsaw Road in Le Roy, a junior Broadcasting and Mass Communication major;
- Michaela J. Hale, of South Pearl Road in Oakfield, a senior Spanish major;
- Emily J. Gouger, of Pavilion Center Road in Pavilion, a junior Human Development major;
- Samuel J. Rodgers, of South Street Road in Pavilion, a senior Geology major.
Admission to SUNY Oswego is competitive. U.S. News Media Group counts SUNY Oswego among the top public regional universities in the North for 2018, and the Princeton Review includes Oswego in its 2018 college guidebook "The Best Northeastern Colleges" and in its national list of "Green Colleges."
A 157-year-old comprehensive college in the State University of New York system, Oswego enrolls about 8,000 students in its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Communication, Media and the Arts; and School of Education.
When asked about a debate with McMurray, Collins calls opponent a 'carpetbagger'
During a visit to Batavia today, Rep. Chris Collins, when asked about debating his challenger for the NY-27 congressional seat called Nate McMurray a "carpetbagger."
McMurray has been using social media and press releases to dog Collins about the incumbent's refusal so far to schedule a candidates' debate.
"Desperate politicians do desperate things," Collins said. "Carpetbagger Nate McMurray, who’s never lived in the 27th Congressional District, who opened his district office in Brian Higgins' district — I’m still trying to figure out why he didn’t run a primary against Brian, since he’s never lived in this district and then had the audacity to open his campaign office not in this district. He lives and works in Higgins district. I don’t know why he’s running in the 27th."
The Batavian contacted Chris Grant, campaign manager for Collins, a couple of weeks ago and offered to host and moderate a debate but we had not received a response. Collins said he was unaware of the offer but that it's too soon to talk about debates anyway.
"That’s a decision to be made in late September into October, when we see where the campaign is, where our campaign is, where his campaign is," Collins said. "It’s certainly not a decision now for July."
In a phone interview this afternoon, McMurray called the "carpetbagger" charge by Collins "ridiculous," noting that Collins didn't live in the district when he first ran and that district lines change every 10 years.
"I'm from here," McMurray said. "I was born and raised in Western New York. He's from North Carolina. I've got a cousin who works at Moon Java. I've got family in Batavia. For him to use this name calling, it's stupid. I could call him a white collar criminal all day but then we could have a debate and have a more insightful conversation."
Collins was in town for a visit at Genesee Community College, where he met with students in the TRiO Upward Bound program, which is college-prep coursework partially funded by the federal government, and then received a tour of the campus by President Jim Sunser.
After lunch at the Pok-A-Dot and a couple of other stops, Collins dropped by Dwyer Stadium to learn from General Manager Dave Chase about the effort to keep minor league baseball alive in Batavia.
Photos: 2018 Ramble Music and Arts Festival
Once again, lots of music fans, lots of musicians, lots of music, and lots of fun at the Ramble Music and Arts Festival in Jackson Square and on Center Street, Batavia.
The bands performing during our visit to the festival yesterday were Lonesome Road, Sierra, Noah's Reign, Rock Soulgers, and The Bluesway Band.
Octogenarian golfer gets a hole-in-one at Terry Hills, the third of her lifetime
Submitted photo of Batavia resident and ardent local golfer Carolynn Taylor.
It's been hot lately and this past week was especially sweltering. Most octogenarians sensibly parked themselves near thrumming air conditioners and waited for things to cool down.
But not 81-year-old Carolynn Taylor. In fact, the Batavia resident played golf, her favorite sport, last Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Granted it was evening time when she did so, but it was still very uncomfortable for many people half her age.
Such is her athleticism and conditioning from regularly hitting the links for more than 60 years.
Taylor plays to win and the three other "girls" in her foursome do that a lot in local tournaments.
Her estimated handicap nowadays is 26.
She came to our attention a week ago when a couple of her friends told us about her recent hole-in-one. We called and confirmed this with her Friday afternoon.
"I was just shocked," she said. "You have to have a good shot, but the rest of it is just luck."
It was actually the third time she's been that lucky. In addition to the hole-in-one on #12 at Terry Hills two weeks ago, she got one on #22 two years ago, also at Terry Hills, and another in Wellsboro, Pa., several years ago at the Tyoga Country Club.
According to the U.S. Golf Association, the odds of the average golfer hitting a hole-in-one are 12,500 to 1.
Asked what she got for her latest feat, she said "Nothing. I got to buy everybody a drink!"
Terry Hills, the 27-hole, 72-par championship public golf course on former farmland on Clinton Street Road, is her favorite.
"It's spectacular," she said. "They take such good care of the landscaping and the greens. You never see any weeds."
Taylor plays in three women's leagues there. She also regularly participates in a trio of local tournaments for charity: Ricky Palermo's Golf Tournament to Cure Paralysis; Genesee Cancer Assistance Golf & Bocce Tournament; and the Leadership Genesee Golf & Bocce Tournament.
She says her foursome has won the women's division in the Ricky Palermo outing every year for several years.
If you are competing against them, that sinking feeling must sink in pretty quickly.
Accident reported at Galloway and Lewiston, Batavia
A motor-vehicle accident with unknown injuries is reported at Galloway and Lewiston Roads, Batavia.
The initial report was for multiple vehicles but law enforcement on scene reports only two vehicles involved. One is off into the woods with two occupants unable to exit.
Two ambulances requested to the scene, one non-emergency response.
Town of Batavia fire dispatched.
Talented? Showcase it at the Genesee County Fair Talent Show July 21, for ages 6 and up
Press release:
Searching for talented children and adults! The Genesee County Fair Talent show is July 21st and anyone age 6 and older is invited to participate.
There will be cash prizes as well as prize bags containing passes to local attractions and toys for the first-, second- and third-place winners of both the Mini Division (ages 6-12) and the Maxi Division (ages 13 and older).
The link to register is: http://www.gcfair.com/participate-at-the-fair/talent-show/
Please email liftschoolofmusic@gmail.com if you have any questions!
Trio suspected of shoplifting apparently planned a surf and turf feast
Three people were taken into custody around noon at Park and Oak, Batavia, after being stopped as shoplifting suspects.
Charges are pending and their names have not yet been released but police said they recovered a cache of goods allegedly stolen from Tops Friendly Market and Walmart.
The groceries from Tops included, officers said, steaks, lobster, shrimp, a large roast, gluten-free pizza, and several household items, including toilet paper.
The items recovered that appeared to be stolen from Walmart included archery bows.
The suspects appear not to be local residents.
A caller had followed the red van from Tops until police initiated a traffic stop at Park and Oak. The caller reported observing the driver of the red van pounding the steering wheel in an apparent realization they had been caught.
Police are still investigating and will release more information later.
WNY Independent Living Inc. Family of Agencies, with an office in Batavia, names new COO
Submitted photo and press release:
The Western New York Independent Living Inc. Family of Agencies (WNYIL) is pleased to announce that Stephanie Orlando has joined their team as chief operations officer (COO), second only to Chief Executive Officer Douglas J. Usiak.
As COO, she is responsible for the overall supervision of over 2,500 employees at seven offices, serving 12 counties, that have an annual operating budget of more than $40 million. The Batavia office (Independent Living of Genesee Region) is located at 113 Main St.
She will help manage 61 contracts, including 18 management care and managed long-term care agreements, including federal grants, as well as state and local contracts. In addition, she helps manage 13 subcontracts with community-based organizations that provide services to 23 counties.
Some selected highlights of Orlando's accomplishments and honors:
- In 2005, the Western New York native moved to Albany to work for Families Together in New York State where she developed the statewide network YOUTH POWER! (YP!). Through peer-to-peer mentoring YP! empowers young people to be leaders and advocates. Notable among the other programs she helped develop, was the 2015 New York State Office of Mental Health Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Youth Peer Advocate training curriculum, which she co-authored with Jutta Dotterweich of Cornell University. She transitioned out as YP! director in 2017.
- Also, in 2005, Orlando connected to other advocates by joining the National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN). Attending their Leadership Institute resulted in her serving for years on the National Council on Disability’s (NCD) Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), holding the positions of Outreach Workgroup Leader, Chairperson, and Mentor. In 2012, President Barack Obama appointed her, (confirmed by the U.S. Senate), to serve a two-year term on the full NCD. In this period, Orlando served on the Executive Committee as the chairperson of the Governance and Planning Committee.
- From 2001 to 2005, she was the executive assistant for the Children’s Mental Health Coalition of Western New York, organizing a variety of activities.
- From 1999 to 2001 Orlando worked as the lead Youth Peer Advocate for Mid-Erie Counseling and Treatment Services. Also, in 1999, Stephanie was selected as an original member of the New York State Office of Mental Health Youth Advisory Council and elected Chairperson.
- Having received her high-school-equivalency diploma, Orlando obtained her Bachelor of Arts and graduated magna cum laude from the University at Buffalo in 2005.
- Among her honors are: the Erie County Executive Award for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (2004); Mental Health America’s mPower Award (2006); the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)'s Diana Viets Memorial Award (2008); and the Leila Salmon Advocacy Award from The New York State Mental Health Association (NYSMHA).
We of WNYIL look forward to working with Stephanie Orlando in this exciting new role.
WNYIL is Western New York's largest cross-disability, consumer-directed, non-residential organization for persons with disabilities. At WNYIL, individuals of all ages and all types of disabilities learn to exercise their freedom of choice to take control of their own lives, in order to live more productively in, and contribute to, the community.
Residents at Premier Genesee moved off of top floors yesterday after AC outage but repairs made, portable AC units ordered to supplement system
Premier Genesee Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, the former county nursing home on Bank Street, Batavia, was hit by two air conditioning outages this week, according to the facility's director, but the AC is working now and portable ACs are being delivered to help improve cooling on the third, fourth, and fifth floors.
The first outage was only for a couple of hours on Monday and it was repaired that day. Yesterday, the outage lasted longer and residents were moved from the upper floors to the first-floor mall during repairs and re-cooling the building, said Executive Director Christine Schaller.
"It took a few hours to cool down the upper floors due to extreme outdoor heat," Schaller said. "We will continue checking all room temps routinely today and taking other measures to keep everyone cool."
Lisa Sofia, CEO of Premier Healthcare Management, has informed staff that 20 portable air-conditioning units have been ordered for the Batavia facility. Five are expected to arrive today and 15 on Saturday.
The units, Schaller said, will be used to assist in keeping the upper floors cool during the current heat wave.
Schaller shared an internal memo from Director of Nursing Tina Ferrando about the situation yesterday. She said state officials arrived at 1:45 p.m. to survey the situation.
"They took temperatures, interviewed residents and staff, as well as myself," Ferrando wrote. "(They) saw our plan in action -- all residents from upper units (3, 4, and 5) being comfortably cared for on the first floor -- using the mall walk, main dining room, and rehab dining rooms. It went well. We were doing everything we said we would and they seemed pleased with that."
The Batavian contacted the state's spokesman for the Department of Health. He didn't immediately have information available but said he would look into it and get back to us.
Ferrando said upper floor temps were checked about 7 p.m. and had fallen to below 81 degrees, so staff began moving residents back to those units. They were back in their units by 8:15 p.m.
"All residents were kept comfortable, enjoyed ice water, lemonade, juice, popsicles, ice cream, and other refreshments all day," Ferrando wrote, "with movies and music."
She promised supervisors will stay on top of the situation, regularly checking temperatures and immediately report any temperature increases.
UPDATE 2:30 p.m.: Statement from the State Department of Health:
“Ensuring the well-being of all nursing home residents is of the utmost importance of the state health department. We are investigating concerns related to the Premier Genesee Rehabilitation and Nursing’s air conditioning system. The Department will continue to closely monitor the situation.”
UPDATED: Cat had it made in the shade but was left in the lurch on Prune Street in the city
The cat in the two submitted photos posted here thought it had it made. It had a home and family with children to love it, a collar with a tiny bell on it, and of course, food, water and shelter.
In the spring, a pair of little girls came over and told a couple on Prune Street in the city that their cat was stuck in the couple's tree. The brindle-colored tiger shorthair cat was retrieved and that was that.
But weeks ago everything changed. Suddenly, the cat became "unaffordable" and it was no longer welcome in the place it once called home. The collar disappeared.
And Jim and Peggy Benedict, that couple on Prune Street, found the cat spending more and more time in their yard, up their tree, on their back porch.
"We didn't want it to starve to death, so we put food out for it," Peggy says, adding that the cat appears to have gotten skinnier since spring.
Jim approached a neighboring family about the animal, but the head of the household denied ownership.
The couple has two stray cats already and adopted a Plott hound, the state dog of North Carolina, last fall. They can't keep this foundling and are hoping a reader of The Batavian will step up and take this cat to a forever home. There's zero room at the Genesee County Animal Shelter; Peggy knows -- she calls every day.
Peggy says she's not sure if the feline is a female or a neutered male. She says she will pay for a voucher to get a low-cost spay, if it turns out to be an unspayed female.
Peggy guesses the cat is a year or 2 old at most. For now, it lives outside in the Benedicts' yard.
Very friendly, is how she describes the cat. Likes cats, dogs, children, adults. Easy going, sweet disposition; affectionate; likes to be rubbed and petted.
If you would like to meet this unnamed mystery cat, or can help with a home, please call Peggy at 813-5949.
UPDATE 7:20 p.m.: Larry Delre, of Delre's Greenhouse & Garden Center at 4062 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, saw the post and went to visit the cat this afternoon at the Benedicts' house. He was smitten with the feline and will come to fetch it tomorrow. Jim and Peggy Benedict, the temporary caretakers who live on Prune Street in Batavia, are thrilled that everything has worked out for the good of this poor abandoned creature. Yippee!
Donations coming in to help Peace Garden after theft of urns
News of the theft of urns from the Batavia Peace Garden has prompted community members to come forward and help both with the replacement of the urns as well improving security at the park.
Carol Grasso told WBTA this morning that Michael Tomaszewski, owner of Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, has offered to replace the urns.
Another anonymous donor has offered to help pay for security cameras and improved lighting.
"Michael Tomaszewski, he's such a great guy; he goes so much for our community," Grasso said. "He called Paula (Savage) up and he said, 'I'm going to replace those for you.' We were just the ecstatic. He was kind enough to do this for us. He's just always been such a good supporter of the Peace Garden."
As for security, the Peace Garden board had already decided to purchase a video camera and lighting but still needed to raise more money for it. The anonymous donation helps.
"It's not cheap, you know, and then you have to have them installed," Grasso said. "We don't have any money coming into the Peace Garden. Everything we do is through donations and fundraisers. We're very fortunate to have a community that is supportive of us."
Grasso thinks it took more than one person to steal the urns.
"They were two huge, large -- they probably come up to your waist, that's how big they are," Grasso said. "They are heavy and solid granite. They're just beautiful, black. They are just gorgeous ... whoever took them, it had to be a couple of people because you can't just move them."
WBTA is news partners with The Batavian.
Caller upset after hitting raccoon
A caller is apparently distraught after hitting a raccoon with her car in the City of Batavia.
A dispatcher has asked an officer to stop and speak with her to calm her down and "let her know it's OK."
No location was given for the accident.
UPDATE 1:40 p.m.: About 10 minutes ago, the caller decided "she's moving on" after determining that she suffered no injuries and her vehicle is not damaged.
Muckdogs beat division leaders behind strong outing by RJ Peace
The Muckdogs topped Pinckney Division-leaders Mahoning Valley 4-3 on Independence Day for their third win in four games. RJ Peace had another strong start, and as a result, he secured his second win of the season. He was able to keep the league’s top offense to just one run through five innings.
The only run Peace gave up was in the first inning. A leadoff triple by Gabriel Mejia set the Scrappers in motion to start the game. Jose Fermin followed it up immediately with a single to make the game 1-0 after just two batters. In the second inning though, Peace found his groove. He retired seven straight batters and put Batavia in a position to take the lead.
The Muckdogs did just that in the top of the fourth inning. Three straight batters for Batavia would come around to score. Michael Donadio hit a single to start things off for a ninth game in the last 13 where he would get at least one hit. Sean Reynolds reached on an error to put runners on first and second. Albert Guaimaro ripped another RBI single, following up a performance where he had three last night. Demetrius Sims then extended his hit streak to six games with another RBI single. His hit also made it four straight multi-hit games for Sims.
Luke Jarvis continued the fun by knocking in his first professional RBI to make it 3-1.
The game would come across two consecutive scoreless innings until the seventh inning. Igor Baez then launched a home run over the left field wall to make it a 4-1 ballgame.
Bryce Howe would work his second inning of relief after the seventh inning stretch. He allowed two baserunners to start the inning. They would both come to score, but only one was earned as a result of a throwing error.
While it was a 4-3 game, Elkin Alcala came on to shut the door in the eighth and struck out the side. In the ninth, he would allow a leadoff walk. However, he was able to get a strikeout because of a foul bunt with two strikes. Then, a tailor-made double play ended the game and gave the Muckdogs the win.
Game two of the series is Thursday night, with a 7:05 first pitch from Eastwood Field. The Scrappers haven’t lost a series all season, and Batavia has a chance to deal them their first tomorrow.
Photos: GO ART!'S 40th annual Picnic in the Park 2018
The Original Red Osier Landmark Restaurant in Stafford presented GO ART!'s 40th annual Picnic in the Park today in Centennial Park. There were many local nonprofit sponsored booths along with food, arts and crafts vendors.
A variety of bands were showcased on the main stage and Buffalo Aerial Dance performed next to the stage. A kiddie parade kicked things off and children's activities continued throughout the day.
Kelly's Old Timers band
Photos: Annual Kiwanis 5K
Bill Buckenmeyer crossed the finish line first in the annual Fourth of July Kiwanis 5K at Centennial Park in Batavia.
More than 280 runners and walkers participated this year.
Nine local students named to Buffalo State College Spring 2018 dean's list
Buffalo State College is pleased to recognize the following students who have been named to the Spring 2018 dean's list. To qualify, students must earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours.
- Kaylee Cassidy, of Batavia (Anthropology)
- Hannah Dunlap, of Batavia (Business Administration)
- Matthew Stroka, of Corfu (Communication Design)
- Joelle Fugle, of Corfu (English)
- Megan Schmieder, of Alexander (English)
- Katie Manges, of Oakfield (Family and Consumer Science Education)
- Alissa Rodriguez, of Corfu (Health/Wellness)
- Raelynn Moskal, of Alexander (Hospitality Administration)
- John Przybysz, of Corfu (Psychology)
Buffalo State is a State University of New York (SUNY) college located in Buffalo, New York. The college offers 79 undergraduate majors as well as many minors and certificate programs. Every year, thousands of students benefit from Buffalo State's community engagement, hands-on learning opportunities, and affordable SUNY tuition.
Thirty-four acts on tap for 2018 Batavia Ramble this Saturday
Photo: Paul Draper and Stephen Kowalcyk, co-directors of the 2018 Batavia Ramble Music and Arts Festival.
Press release:
The 2018 Batavia Ramble Music & Arts Festival will be held on Saturday, July 7th, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. This year we will have two main stages that will feature live performances from 34 local bands & artists.
The "Eli Fish" stage will be located in Jackson Square and the "Center Street" stage will be located in the parking lot across from Center Street Smoke House.
Along with musical performances, we will also have local artists, craft vendors and food trucks lined up all along Center Street.
As always, The Batavia Ramble is free to the public so bring a chair and a few friends and come and check out the biggest show in Batavia! For additional information, please email Paul Draper III at TheBataviaRamble@gmail.com
The 2018 music lineup:
Eli Fish Stage:
- Ghost Riders
- Me & Red
- Koko & The Moon Crickets
- Justin Williams Band
- Shotgun Pauly
- Trolls 2.0
- Genesee Ted
- Driven
- Zero
- Old Hippies
- Sierra
- Noahs Reign
- Bluesway Band
- Warren Skye & Friends
- Eagle Creek
- Justin Crossett Band
- Audibull
Center Street Stage:
- J. Hopkins
- Grizzwoode
- PD3
- Dave Holnbeck
- Steve Kruppner
- Kruppner Brothers
- Jenny & Michelle
- Beethovan's Dream Group Again
- The Live Bait Band
- The Pedestrians
- Lonesome Road
- Rock Soulgers
- Gretchen & The Girls
- Blues Daddios
- Mercury Express
- Conspiracy Theory
- We are Groot
