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Southern Gospel concert by 'The Needhams' at Batavia Assembly of God Church

By Billie Owens

A Southern Gospel music concert will be performed Saturday, July 11, by "The Needhams," a family that started out in the Leroy/Pavilion area. It will start at 7 p.m. at the Batavia Assembly of God Church, located at 24 N. Spruce St. in Batavia. A freewill offering will be taken.

Event Date and Time
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Two-car accident in Oakfield, multiple injuries

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with multiple injuries is reported in Oakfield at Drake Street Road and Fisher Road. Oakfield Fire Department is responding, along with Elba fire and two Mercy medic units. Three people are involved but the extent of their injuries is not yet known. All are conscious. There is entrapment and extrication is needed.

UPDATE 7:17 a.m.: Fire police are asked to shut down traffic at Drake Street Road.

UPDATE 7:24 a.m.: An ambulance from Byron is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 7:43 a.m.: Two patients are being transported to UMMC. One is a 27-year-old male; the other is a 28-year-old male.

UPDATE 7:48 a.m.: One patient is being taken to Strong Memorial Hospital. None of the victims are seriously injured.

UPDATE 8:30 a.m. (by Howard): A deputy on scene it appears the Ford Explorer ran a stop sign and broadsided the other vehicle. No names released yet.

Two-car crash on Dodgeson Road, Alexander

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported at 3058 Dodgeson Road. Alexander Fire Department and an ambulance are responding, One person is complaining of a leg injury.

Student says walking back from Deli Express, she got lost in woods near GCC

By Billie Owens

A student at Genesee Community College says she's lost in some woods near the Batavia campus. Sheriff's deputies are en route to try and locate her. She walked to the 48 Express Deli (8204 Park Road) and ambled into some woods on her way back to campus and became disoriented. Her phone is said to be plotting in the area around Scalia's Landscape (8106 State Street Road).

UPDATE 1:59 p.m.: The student was located.

Hawley announces annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., this September

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) recently announced his eighth annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., will take place Sept. 17–20. More than 100 veterans and family members participated in the 2014 trip, which included stories of valiant service members and valuable time spent together reflecting on the courage and dedication exhibited by our nation’s veterans.

Hawley is a longtime supporter of veterans and currently serves as the Ranking Minority Member of the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

“I look forward to this trip each year as a way to give back to those who have served our country and remember those who have perished in combat,” Hawley said. “I came up with this idea following a similar trip I took with my father, a World War II veteran.

"Through experiences of my father and my own service in the Ohio Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves, I have gained a tremendous understanding and respect for the sacrifices endured by our veterans. It is for this reason that I continue the Patriot Trip each year and encourage as many of my constituents who are veterans to sign up as soon as possible.”

Attractions Hawley plans to visit this year on the trip include:

  • World War II Memorial
  • Korean War Memorial
  • Vietnam War Memorial
  • Iwo Jima -- The Marine Corps Memorial
  • American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial
  • Air Force Memorial
  • 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon
  • Arlington National Cemetery, including the Changing of the Guard
  • Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns -- Vietnam Veterans
  • Gettysburg Battlefields
  • Mt. Vernon

Space is limited and sign-ups are first come, first serve with priority given to the oldest veterans and first-time attendees. Immediate family members may accompany a veteran.

If you or a veteran want more information about this year's Patriot Trip VIII, please call 585-589-5780 or 585-813-1608; e-mail: carneyj@assembly.state.ny.us

To view photos from previous years use the following link: http://vetsdctrip2008.shutterfly.com/.

Grand Jury: Two men indicted for violating orders of protection in the city

By Billie Owens

Jacob J. Camerera is indicted for the crime of first-degree criminal contempt, a Class E felony, for allegedly violating an order of protection on Feb. 15 in the City of Batavia. It is alleged that Camerera struck, shoved, kicked or otherwise subjected the victim to physical contact or attempted or threatened to do so. In count two, he is accused of first-degree criminal contempt by violating an order of protection by physically menacing, intentionally placing or attempting to place a legally protected person in reasonable fear of death, imminent serious physical injury or physical injury by rapidly drving a motor vehicle in close proximity to that person. In count three, Camerera is accused of the crime of second-degree reckless endangerment, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly engaging in conduct which created a substantial risk of serious physical injury to the protected person by drving a motor vehicle in close proximity to that person.

Jerry T. Saddler Jr. is indicted for the crime of criminal contempt in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 16, 2014, in the City of Batavia, Saddler violated an order of protection. He is accused of striking, shoving, kicking or otherwise subjecting the victim to physical contact or threatening to do so.

Michael F. O'Neill is indicted for the crime of criving while intoxicated as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on April 19 in the City of Batavia he drove a 2003 Volkswagen on Oak Street while in an intoxicated condition. In count two, he is accused of driving while intoxicated, per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 or more at the time of the incident. In count three, he is accused of first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation for allegedly operating a motor vehicle that day when he knew or had reason to know his driver's license was suspended, revoked or otherwise lawfully withdrawn. In count four, he is accused of the crime of unlawful possession of marijuana, a Class A misdemeanor.

Shane P. Buyck is indicted for the crime of third-degree burglary, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on May 25 he knowingly entered or remained unlawfully in a building on North Bergen Road, Town of Bergen, with the intent to commit a crime therein.

Rollover accident on Pearl Street in the city

By Billie Owens

A rollover accident is reported at 138 Pearl St. The driver and a passenger are both out of the vehicle. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE: There was no passenger. The driver is apparently not injured. The accident is under investigation.

UPDATE 6:58 a.m.: City fire back in service.

Car crash with entrapment on Lovers Lane Road

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with entrapment is reported on Lovers Lane Road near Route 33. East Pembroke and Darien fire departments are responding.

UPDATE 6:45 p.m.: Mercy Flight is called to the scene and a landing zone is being established. Due to multiple incidents in progress, a second platoon from the City of Batavia is requested to headquarters.

UPDATE 6:48 p.m.: Town of Batavia Fire Department is called to the scene.

UPDATE 7:19 p.m.: Mercy Flight #7 is on the ground.

UPDATE: The blue sedan was southbound on Lovers Lane Road and came over the crest of a hill and an apparently high speed and the driver lost control of the vehicle. It crossed over the center line into the northbound lane of traffic where it struck a Ford pickup truck. The driver is believed to be approximately 18 years old. The driver and minor teen passenger were both transported by Mercy Flight, with the minor going to Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo and the driver being taken to ECMC. The pickup driver was taken by private vehicle to UMMC. Charges are pending. Alcohol is not considered a factor, said Deputy James Diehl, but distracted driving has not been ruled out.

UPDATE: The driver of the sedan is identified as Brandon Faucett, 17, of Rose Road, Batavia. His passenger was Bailey Faucett, 13. Charges are pending. The driver of the truck was Gloria A. Schafer, 52, of Pearl Street, Batavia.

Two local student graduate from SUNY Oswego

By Billie Owens

SUNY Oswego recently recognized those who completed baccalaureate studies in spring 2015, including several area residents.

A student who graduates with honors is indicated by the traditional Latin phrases summa cum laude, with highest honor (grade averages of 3.8 to 4.0); magna cum laude, with great honor (grade averages of 3.6 to 3.79); and cum laude, with honor (grade averages of 3.30 to 3.59).

Commencement to honor the more than 1,000 recipients of undergraduate degrees and more than 100 who earned graduate degrees and certificates took place May 16 at Marano Campus Center Convocation Hall.

Katherine Hilburger, of West Avenue in Elba, bachelor of science degree in biology, cum laude

Ryan Carley, of Bradnell Avenue in Le Roy, bachelor of arts degree in theater

About SUNY Oswego

Admission to SUNY Oswego is competitive. U.S. News Media Group counts SUNY Oswego among the top public regional universities in the North for 2015, and the Princeton Review includes Oswego in its 2015 college guidebook "The Best Northeastern Colleges," as well as its 2015 list of "best value" colleges and universities nationally. Kiplinger's also named SUNY Oswego a 2015 Best Value College.

A 154-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.

Visit oswego.edu for more information

Corfu student named to dean's list at Colby College in Maine

By Billie Owens

Shelby F. O'Neill, of Corfu, was named to the dean's list at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, for his outstanding academic achievement during the spring semester of the 2014-15 year. O'Neill, a member of the Class of 2015, is the son of Philip O'Neill and MaryAnn Wiater, of Corfu, and attended Pembroke Central School.

The dean's list at Colby is highly selective, this spring reserved for students with a semester grade point average of 3.76 or higher.

Founded in 1813, Colby is one of America's most selective colleges. Serving only undergraduates, Colby offers a rigorous academic program rooted in deep exploration of ideas and close interaction with world-class faculty scholars. Students pursue intellectual passions, choosing among 57 majors or developing their own. Independent and collaborative research, study abroad, and internships offer robust opportunities to prepare students for postgraduate success. Colby is home to a community of 1,825 dedicated and diverse students from around the globe. Its Waterville, Maine, location provides access to world-class research institutions and civic engagement experiences.

Bunny Bonanza at GC Fair open to ALL youth 8 to 19, deadline to register is July 8

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Learn how rabbits make ideal pets and 4-H projects for youth in rural and urban areas!  Bunny Bonanza presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee and Monroe Counties, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the Genesee County Fair, 5056 E. Main St. Road, Batavia.

This event is open to all Finger Lakes area youth ages 8 – 19. Youth do not need to be 4-H members to participate. Registration deadline is July 8.

The Bunny Bonanza will feature two levels of workshops: beginner and advanced.

The beginner workshop will cover basic housing, feeding, novice showmanship and more!  The advanced workshop will focus on housing design, nutrition, breeding and genetics, advanced showmanship and more!

Registration fee: $10 per youth and includes: parking passes for the Genesee Co. Fair, lunch, and a copy of the 4-H Rabbit Resource Handbook for Breeding, Market, and Pet Rabbit Projects courtesy of the New York State 4-H Foundation Willman Fund.  (One resource guide per family will be provided.)

For a complete event brochure and registration form please visit: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events or contact the Genesee County 4-H Office at 585-343-3040, ext. 101, or genesee4h@cornell.edu.

Reminder of post time change for GC Fair races at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Horsemen and racing fans are reminded that post time for the Genesee County Fair races to be held at Batavia Downs on July 16 have been moved to 5 p.m. to avoid any construction issues of the new hotel that will be located on the Batavia Downs property adjacent to the racing paddock.

The entry box closes at 10 a.m. on Monday (July 13). To enter please call Racing Secretary Donna Kerr at 716-338-5387.

Anyone with questions should contact Director/GM of Live Racing Todd Haight at 585-343-3750, ext. 322.

Tonight's Batavia Concert Band show moved to GCC's Stuart Steiner Theatre

By Billie Owens

This evening, Wednesday, July 1, the Batavia Concert Band's opening concert of the 2015 season will be at Genesee Community College's Stuart Steiner Theatre, rather than in Centennial Park. This change has been made due to uncertain weather conditions.

Tonight's concert features David Keller conducting a full contingent of musicians performing works from many periods and representing many styles. "Guaranteed to please an audience of all ages" says Dave, a veteran of 25 years performing around the world with U.S. military bands.

Event Date and Time
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Tonight's Batavia Concert Band show moved to GCC's Stuart Steiner Theatre

By Billie Owens

Press release:

This evening, Wednesday, July 1, the Batavia Concert Band's opening concert of the 2015 season will be at Genesee Community College's Stuart Steiner Theatre, rather than in Centennial Park. This change has been made due to uncertain weather conditions.

Tonight's concert features David Keller conducting a full contingent of musicians performing works from many periods and representing many styles. "Guaranteed to please an audience of all ages" says Dave, a veteran of 25 years performing around the world with U.S. military bands.

Come to GCC and enjoy in comfort! Downbeat is at 7 p.m.

The Band's next performance will be at noon on July 4th, as the lead-off group for GO-ART!'s popular Picnic in the Park.

For more information about the Batavia Concert Band, see http://www.bataviaconcertband.net/ and https://www.facebook.com/BataviaConcertBand.

3 vs. 3 Basketball Tournament in Pembroke for boys in grades four - nine; registration deadline is July 6

By Billie Owens

A 3 vs. 3 Basketball Tournament will be held for boys on Saturday, July 11, in the Pembroke High School Gym. Registration is due on Monday July 6. Cost is $40 per team; there's a two-game guarantee.

There will be three divisions:

  • Boys entering fourth-fifth grade;
  • Boys entering sixth-seventh grade;
  • Boys entering eighth-ninth grade.

First-place teams in each division will win a trophy. Teams will be placed in the division appropriate for the oldest member of the team.

If you have any questions call Matt Shay at (585) 610-3755. E-mail: mshay@pembroke.k12.ny.us

The registration form includes: the division; team name; e-mail for contact person; phone number for contact person; name of five players on team, grade they are entering and school.

Proceeds benefit Pembroke Boys Basketball. If paying by check, please make it out to "Pembroke Boys Basketball." MUST BE POSTMARKED BY JULY 6TH!

Mail to Matt Shay, 2385 Richley Road, Corfu, NY 14036.

Here are the tournament rules:

  1. Possession of the ball at the start of the game will be determined by coin flip.

  2. Field goals are worth 2 and 3 points.

  3. A free throw is worth 1 point.

  4. All games will be played with a 18 minute RUNNING clock.

  5. First team to 21 points or team leading after 18 minutes will be winner .

  6. If score is tied after 18 minutes 1 player from each team will shoot a free throw to determine winner, if both players make or miss, 2 more players will shoot and so on.

  7. Shooting fouls will result in 2 ft’s, if the player makes the basket on the shooting foul the basket will count and the player will shoot 1 ft. A shooting foul on a 3 pt field goal attempt will result in 3 fts.

  8. After a ft the ball always goes to defensive team.

  9. Non-shooting fouls will be recorded and will result in the ball being taken out at take-out line.

  10. On the 5th total foul the team will shoot 1 ft.

  11. When checking the ball or shooting a free throw the individual has 10 seconds to check or shoot the ball. Violation of this will result in a turnover.

  12. Unsportsmanlike conduct toward opponents, officials, fans, etc., will result in disqualification of player.

  13. Teams must have at least two egistered players to start game but can finish a game with one, if a player is hurt or disqualified.

  14. There are NO timeouts.Play can be stopped by official for injury but clock will continue to run.

  15. Substitutions can be made at any dead ball.

  16. Jump Balls go to the defense.

  17. On all dead balls the ball must be checked by a player standing behind the back line. The ball must be passed in.

GCC celebrates Math Science Scholars of the Year

By Billie Owens

Science projects took center stage for a select group of GLOW region middle school students who were honored by Genesee Community College's Accelerated Enrollment (ACE) Programs during an awards ceremony on June 4, 2015. This winter, ACE Partner school districts across the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming County region recommended more than 100 students for the fourth annual cohort of the Math Science Preparatory Program at GCC.

Embedded within the competitive application process was an opportunity for two students to earn a full scholarship to participate in their first year of the Math Science Preparatory (MSP) program. Two students were selected from among ten Scholar of the Year finalists to win the annual award, and all the finalists were recognized at the science fair competition and awards event on June 4 at GCC. The scholarship winners and 2015 Math Science Scholars of the Year are Ariana deSa-Frias, of St. Joseph's School, and Kellen Bell, of Perry Central School (See photo).

Ariana Frias earned the highest mark in the competition by performing exceptionally well on the competitive placement examination - scoring well above the entrance criteria for the program. Her score was combined with her exceptional science fair project demonstrating the use of electronics and software to measure and resolve a common problem in dance – precise timing! Outside of the classroom Ariana is a competitive dancer and avid musician, and sings with the Eastman Children's choir.

Kellen Bell's experiment in atmosphere creation astonished the judges. His creative application of biochemistry to generate CO2 inside of a biodome may likely be applied in the future as he pursues his plans to explore the universe. With a strong desire to become an agent of change, Kellen dreams of contributing to a world where knowledge is free to everyone, and he sees science as a means to achieve ambitious goals.

ACE program specialist Karlyn M. Finucane says she and other members of the GCC ACE team are looking forward to working with all of the students who were nominated for the Math Science Preparatory award throughout the next several years. "The application process this year required students to demonstrate their individual interest in learning math and performing science. The results were impressive and the entire Math Science Preparatory Team is looking forward to working with these exceptionally bright and ambitious students," reports Ms. Finucane.

In alphabetical order, students accepted to participate in the 2015 cohort of the MSP Program include:

Isabella Asmus    ~ Akron Central School

Amelia    Beckman ~ Batavia City Schools

Sophie    Beckman    ~ Batavia City Schools

Kellen    Bell *    §    ~ Perry Central School

Jason    Berry    ~ Batavia City Schools

Julianna Bizub    ~ Alden Central Schools

Caleb Carr    ~ Perry Central Schools

Alwyn Cayea ~    Medina Central Schools

Emily Chaback    ~ Byron-Bergen Central Schools

Anthony Cometto *    ~ Alden Central Schools

Ricky    Denson    ~ Byron-Bergen Central Schools

Zachary Dimick    ~ Attica Central Schools

Eden Dodge    ~ Alexander Central Schools

Ava Flores    ~ Oakfield Central Schools

Tate Fonda    ~ Batavia City Schools

Ariana    deSa - Frias *    §    St. Joseph's Schools Batavia

Katy Geiger *    ~ Akron Central Schools

Sara Goodman *    ~    Byron-Bergen Central Schools

Jared Graham    ~ Oakfield – Alabama Central Schools

Carter    Green    ~ Medina Central Schools

Zachary Hall    ~ Oakfield - Alabama Central Schools

Ashley    Harmon    ~ Attica Central Schools

Autumn Harris    ~ Letchworth Central Schools

Mikayla Hickey    ~    Alexander Central Schools

Paige Jegierski    ~ Alden Central Schools

Natalie    Karmazyn    ~ Akron Central Schools

Ian Kemp    ~ LeRoy Central Schools

Colby Leggo    ~ Byron-Bergen Central Schools

Pierce    McPherson    ~    Letchworth Central Schools

Connor Mooney*    ~ Caledonia Mumford Central Schools

Rowan Nothnagle    ~ Caledonia Mumford Central Schools

Danica    Porter *    ~ Oakfield – Alabama Central Schools

Derek    Pruski    ~ Oakfield – Alabama Central Schools

Abigail    Richter    ~ Caledonia Mumford Central Schools

Andrew Ricupito    ~ St. Joseph's School Batavia

Ethan    Riggs    ~ LeRoy Central Schools

Victoria Russell    ~ Warsaw Central Schools

Shawn    Searls *    ~ St. Joseph's School Batavia

Bernard Skalny    ~ Batavia City Schools

Ethan Tillotson    ~ Pavilion Central Schools

Elissa Uveino    ~ Perry Central Schools

FaithAnn Vanderwalker *    ~ Medina Central Schools

Zachary Wagner    ~ Batavia City Schools

Lucas    Wicks *    ~    Akron Central Schools

Key:

* Scholar of the Year Finalist

§ 2015 Math Science Scholar of the Year

ACE Programs offer area high school students a variety of opportunities to pursue college credit concurrently with their high school education. MSP is an enrichment opportunity leading to an accelerated degree completion opportunity through which participating students will be able to make significant progress toward an associate degree in Math and Science or Engineering, and a few very determined students can earn their high school diploma with an associate degree later the same year!

Two-car collision with injury reported in Pavilion

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with one person injured is reported at Telephone and Ellicott Street roads. Pavilion Fire Department is responding. A person has a four- to five-inch laceration of the left arm.

Free training series on form-based codes for urban planners

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Planning Department in conjunction with the Form-Based Codes Institute will present a training series from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, at County Building #2, 3837 W. Main St. Road, Batavia.

  • What are Form-Based Codes? (6:30 – 7 p.m.)

Genesee County Senior Planner Derik Kane will present a brief introduction to the topic. This slideshow explains how form-based codes help communities achieve development goals.

Event Date and Time
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