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Kendra Haacke Memorial Fishing Contest at Dewitt Pond is Saturday - free, no license required

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club is sponsoring a children's fishing contest this Saturday, June 28, at Dewitt Recreation Area on Cedar Street in the City of Batavia. The Kendra Haacke Memorial Fishing Contest is free and open to children up to age 16 in Genesee County.

This is NYS DEC Free Fishing Weekend and no fishing license is required. Time is 9 a.m. to noon and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Grand Prize -- Heaviest Fish -- 2 winners (1 girl/1 boy)

Second-chance prizes -- All anglers who catch fish will be given a chance at several prizes.

"Come join us for a morning full of fishing fun at one of Genesee County's beautiful parks! All participants should bring their own fishing gear. Only anglers of fish caught at Dewitt Pond will be eligible for prizes."

Severe thunderstorm warning issued

By Billie Owens

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for western Genesee County and it remains in effect until 9 p.m.

A few minutes ago, Doppler radar indicated a line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing quarter-size hail and damaging winds in excess of 60 mph.

These storms were moving 45 mph in a northeasterly direction.

Le Roy calls all manpower to fire hall due to flooding problems in the area

By Billie Owens

All available manpower is called to Le Roy's fire hall to with help local flooding issues. The underpass of Route 5 is completely unpassable. A flash flood watch is in effect throughout the county this evening.

UPDATE 6:52 p.m.: Fire Police are requested to Gilbert Street and Route 5.

UPDATE 7:08 p.m.: Power lines down from a residence on Church Street, Le Roy.  No arcing or sparking at this time.

UPDATE 7:11 p.m.: Bergen requested to stand by in its hall for flooding.

UPDATE 7:17 p.m.: Pavilion requested to stand by in Le Roy's hall.

Grand Jury indicts man for grand larceny of scrap metal, and woman on five DWI-related charges

By Billie Owens

John S. Dueppengiesser is indicted for grand larceny, 3rd, a Class D felony. It is alleged that in February on Big Tree Road in the Town of Pavilion he stole property with a value of more than $3,000. He is accused of stealing $5,229.55 in various parts and scrap metal.

Judith E. Peterson is indicted for driving while intoxicated, as a misdemeanor. It is alleged that on Feb. 1 in the Town of Le Roy Peterson drove a 2007 Toyota on East Bethany - Le Roy Road while in an intoxicated condition. In count two, she is further accused of aggravated driving while intoxicated, per se, as a misdemeanor, for having a BAC or .18 or more at the time of the incident. In count three, Peterson is accused of driving while intoxicated, as a misdemeanor, for allegedly driving on Bernd Road in the Town of Le Roy on March 23. In count four, She is accused of DWI, per se, as a misdemeanor, for having a BAC of .08 or more at the time of the March 23 incident. In count five, Peterson is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on March 23 she knew or had reason to know that her license or privilege of operating a motor vehicle in New York, or her privilege of obtaining a driver's license, was suspended pending prosecution on Feb. 24. Furthermore, she was allegedly intoxicated at the time.

Car crash with injuries at Route 237 and Cockram Road

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at Route 237 and Cockram Road. Byron Fire Department is on scene and South Byron Fire Department and Mercy medics are en route. The road is completely blocked and law enforcement is there.

UPDATE 5:34 p.m.: All available manpower out of Byron's hall is called in along with Fire Police. Mercy Flight out of Buffalo is available and a landing zone is going to be set up.

UPDATE 5:42 p.m.: Mercy Flight will be arriving momentarily.

UPDATE 6:15 p.m.: Mercy Flight arrived a while ago.

UPDATE 6:41 p.m.: Byron and South Byron are back in service and the road is reopened. According to Sheriff's deputy Kevin McCarthy, preliminary indications are that a box truck northbound on Route 237 was sideswiped when a southbound sedan crossed over the line. The female sedan driver required extrication and was taken to a hospital by Mercy Flight. The male driver of the box truck was not seriously injured. Identities of both parties involved are known but are not being released at this time. There were no passengers. Charges may be filed pending investigation.

UPDATE: The driver of the 1993 Chevy sedan is identified in the accident report as Renee G. Belknap, 44, of Bergen. The box truck driver is Grancisco M. Rosario, 55, of Medina. Belknap was cited for allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road.

UPDATE: Here are additional photos submitted by Jason Kota.

GCC announces Spring semester President's List honorees

By Billie Owens

 

Genesee Community College, including all seven campus locations in Batavia, Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw, proudly announces that the following students are among 484 students who were named to the President's List for the Spring 2014 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.

This year's Genesee Community College Spring 2014 President's List honorees, with their hometowns, are listed below:

Kathleen Kwasniewski of Alexander, NY (14005)

Karly Natalizia of Alexander, NY (14005)

Kyle Natalizia of Alexander, NY (14005)

Brittany Taylor of Alexander, NY (14005)

John Winiecki of Alexander, NY (14005)

Jenna Wozniak of Alexander, NY (14005)

Zachary Chiro of Basom, NY (14013)

Amanda Kent of Basom, NY (14013)

Kerry Mills of Basom, NY (14013)

Jessica Pfalzer of Basom, NY (14013)

Robert Barnard of Batavia, NY (14020)

John Bezon of Batavia, NY (14020)

Rachael Bish of Batavia, NY (14020)

Natalie Brown of Batavia, NY (14020)

Erika Bucci of Batavia, NY (14020)

Danielle Cannella of Batavia, NY (14020)

Lynette Celedonia of Batavia, NY (14020)

Ariel Corcoran of Batavia, NY (14020)

Richard DelPlato of Batavia, NY (14020)

Taylor Doty of Batavia, NY (14020)

Danielle Eddy of Batavia, NY (14020)

Cortney Edwards-Fenton of Batavia, NY (14020)

Sara Elliott of Batavia, NY (14020)

Ashley Elmore of Batavia, NY (14020)

Alec Engel of Batavia, NY (14020)

Daniel Fili of Batavia, NY (14020)

Maria Frieday of Batavia, NY (14020)

Chelsea Gerace of Batavia, NY (14020)

Bernadette Goodenbery of Batavia, NY (14020)

Kelly Goodheart of Batavia, NY (14020)

Joseph Hall of Batavia, NY (14020)

Virginia Henning of Batavia, NY (14020)

Sarah Hulburt-Emerson of Batavia, NY (14020)

Megan Jacques of Batavia, NY (14020)

Cathy Jacques of Batavia, NY (14020)

Lee Johnson of Batavia, NY (14020)

Michelle Kantz of Batavia, NY (14020)

Kimberly Kingsley of Batavia, NY (14020)

Nicole Kline of Batavia, NY (14020)

Sharon Knaudt of Batavia, NY (14020)

Michael Korczak of Batavia, NY (14020)

Janelle Marble of Batavia, NY (14020)

Tony Martyn of Batavia, NY (14020)

Koree McAllister of Batavia, NY (14020)

Macey McCulley of Batavia, NY (14020)

Rebecca Meloon of Batavia, NY (14020)

Jennifer Merle of Batavia, NY (14020)

Sydney Moag of Batavia, NY (14020)

Alexandra Mruczek of Batavia, NY (14020)

Brittney Okoniewski of Batavia, NY (14020)

Maryssa Peirick of Batavia, NY (14020)

Daniel Plath of Batavia, NY (14020)

Robynn Prichett of Batavia, NY (14020)

Andrea Pursel of Batavia, NY (14020)

Crystal Rindell of Batavia, NY (14020)

Kimberly Samuelson of Batavia, NY (14020)

Sarah Sanchez-Anderson of Batavia, NY (14020)

John Sherman of Batavia, NY (14020)

Brenda Smelski of Batavia, NY (14020)

Meghan Tiede of Batavia, NY (14020)

Michelle Williams of Batavia, NY (14020)

Rebecca Woodruff of Batavia, NY (14020)

Courtney Amesbury of Bergen, NY (14416)

Diana Bonilla of Bergen, NY (14416)

Gina Constable of Bergen, NY (14416)

Brandy Hare of Bergen, NY (14416)

Ellen Kirkpatrick of Bergen, NY (14416)

David Mackey of Bergen, NY (14416)

Brendan Murray of Bergen, NY (14416)

Kayla Curry of Byron, NY (14422)

Dawn Fooks of Byron, NY (14422)

Emily George of Byron, NY (14422)

Brandy Harmon of Byron, NY (14422)

Dakota Longhini of Byron, NY (14422)

Heather Balcerzak of Corfu, NY (14036)

Bryan Cox of Corfu, NY (14036)

Alexander Farley of Corfu, NY (14036)

Joelle Fugle of Corfu, NY (14036)

Ryan Graham of Corfu, NY (14036)

Jennie Lipinski of Corfu, NY (14036)

Sandra Buxton of Darien Center, NY (14040)

Christina Haniszewski of Darien Center, NY (14040)

Austin Heberlein of Darien Center, NY (14040)

Jillian Hutzler of Darien Center, NY (14040)

Jennifer McNutt of Darien Center, NY (14040)

Rachel Walker of Darien Center, NY (14040)

Nicole Draves of East Bethany, NY (14054)

Bianca Nolt of East Bethany, NY (14054)

Emily Pelton of East Bethany, NY (14054)

Travis Schmieder of East Bethany, NY (14054)

Alexander Uptegrove of East Bethany, NY (14054)

Jacqueline Joyce of East Pembroke, NY (14056)

Madison Dentino of Elba, NY (14058)

Melissa Engle of Elba, NY (14058)

Christopher Green of Elba, NY (14058)

Tabitha Moreland of Elba, NY (14058)

Ryan Vlack of Elba, NY (14058)

Jaime Arena of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Betsy Griffith of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Peter Hollands of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Kelsey LaVare of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Rebekah Miller of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Jessica Mortimer of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Shelbi O'Geen of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Erica Parker of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Samantha Platek of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Nicole Polisoto of LeRoy, NY (14482)

William Simmons of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Jordan Tillotson of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Hailey White of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Sarah Worley of LeRoy, NY (14482)

Jonathon Cassiano of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Jessica Cherry of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Trevor Dayka of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Stacy Martino of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Carrie Ohlson of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Cara Sceusa of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Kristie Scroger of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Alyse Shamp of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Katie Spence of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Arielle Thompson of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Mellisa Wells of Oakfield, NY (14125)

Richard Apley of Pavilion, NY (14525)

James Babcock of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Trevor Berkemeier of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Brian DeFisher of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Kaitlin Draper of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Charles Janes of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Marissa Kingsley of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Sean Love of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Cody NiCastro of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Johnathan Peritore of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Peter Sherman of Pavilion, NY (14525)

Jennifer Cone of Stafford, NY (14143)

Nicole Moody of Stafford, NY (14143)

Genesee Community College offers more than 60 academic programs and certificates including the new Associate in Applied Science degree in Food Processing Technology which helps meet the demands of the thriving food manufacturing industry in Western New York.

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

Volunteer members needed for City Housing Authority, Planning & Development Committee

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City Manager is seeking City residents who are interested in volunteering as a member of the following Committees/Boards:

- Batavia Housing Authority

- Planning and Development Committee

Residents interested in applying can obtain an application from the City Clerk’s Office or can visit our Web site at www.batavianewyork.com and download a Committee/Board Volunteer Application under Documents.

Applications are due to the City Clerk’s Office by Friday, July 18.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact:

Office of the City Manager

One Batavia City Centre

Batavia, New York 14020

Phone: (585) 345-6330

Fax: (585) 343-8182

E-mail:     jmolino@batavianewyork.com

Fire Helmet Raffle to benefit program that provides kids with warm winter coats

By Billie Owens

On July 10 the City of Batavia Firefighters Local 896 will hold its first Helmet Raffle benefiting "Firefighters for Operation Warm." The raffle will be at Tully's restaurant on East Main Street at about 9 p.m.

Local 896 is raffling off a brand-new N6A Sam Houston structural fire helmet (winner picks color, style and custom leather front).

The 2nd place prize is a $75 gift certificate to "The Fire Store" and 3rd-place prize is $50 to "The Fire Store."

Tickets are a $10 donation with all proceeds benefiting "Firefighters for Operation Warm," which provides brand-new 100-percent American-made winter coats to children in the City of Batavia. This is the second year City firefighters are partnering with Operation Warm to provide the gift of warmth to children in our community.

In addition to the raffle, Tully's is donating 10 percent of its receipts on July 10 to the coat charity (only at the Batavia location), provided that the customer presents a special coupon at the time of check out.

For raffle tickets and Tully's special coupons, contact Adam Palumbo at apalumbo@batavianewyork.com. Visit <http://www.operationwarm.org/Batavia> for more information and to donate.

10th annual Taste of Stafford in Ilette Park is July 10 from 5 to 8 p.m., theme is quilting

By Billie Owens

The Stafford Historical Society invites the public to the 10th annual Taste of Stafford event on Thursday, July 10 in Ilette Park, located at the corner of Route 5 and Route 237 in Stafford. The hours are from 5 to 8 p.m.

The Taste of Stafford allows the community an opportunity to meet with friends, family and neighbors while enjoying delicious local food, to listen to the music and watch the entertainment; also to try their luck with our 50/50 and basket auction.

The Stafford Museum of History will be open to the public to view our displays that include our newest acquisition, the "Call Communion Box." Since our theme this year is, "Stitches in Time -- Quilts Past and Present," quilts with local provenance will be on display in the museum.

Bring your most comfortable lawn chair and enjoy the afternoon. (Rain? We will meet at Stafford Fire Hall.)

10th annual Taste of Stafford in Ilette Park

By Billie Owens

The Stafford Historical Society invites the public to the 10th annual Taste of Stafford event on Thursday, July 10 in Ilette Park, located at the corner of Route 5 and Route 237 in Stafford. The hours are from 5 to 8 p.m.

The Taste of Stafford allows the community an opportunity to meet with friends, family and neighbors while enjoying delicious local food, to listen to the music and watch the entertainment; also to try their luck with our 50/50 and basket auction.

Event Date and Time
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Deadline is June 30 to register for History Heroes Summer Program at HLOM

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The 2014 History Heroes Summer Program at the Holland Land Office Museum is going to be our best year yet! For just $25 per day ($22 for Museum members), your child will be immersed in local and national history through group activities, arts, crafts, music, field trips, guest speakers, and more, culminating in a theatrical performance and picnic celebration!

The theme for the 2014 History Heroes Summer Program is “Railroads and Immigration.” The program runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for two weeks,Tuesday through Friday, from July 8-11 and from July 15-18.

To provide necessary attention and instruction to each child, and ensure that your child can experience our History Heroes Summer Program, please register by June 30. You may choose what days you would like to attend.

Our expert staff includes retired elementary teacher and program coordinator Anne Marie Starowitz along with Museum Director Jeffrey Donahue, Assistant Director Jeffrey Fischer, and art teacher Cathy Loria.

Highlights of this year’s program include:

  • Designing “passports” and experiencing life as an immigrant coming into Ellis Island;
  • A performance of the musical “We Come From Everywhere,” in which children will act, sing, wear costumes, and build and paint set;
  • A field trip to the Attica & Arcade Railroad to ride an authentic steam engine;
  • Healthy snacks and water are provided daily for participants. Full lunches will be provided on Tuesday July 9th, Thursday July 17th, and Friday July 18th.
  • A day of weaving and knitting;
  • Walking field trips;
  • Historical crafts, and more!

Any questions, please call the museum, 343-4727. They will help you with your questions and tell you how to register your child.

Car vs. pedestrian accident on West Main Street in the city

By Billie Owens

A car / pedestrian accident is reported at 214 W. Main St. and city firefighters and Mercy medics are on scene. The pedestrian has a minor injury.

UPDATE 10:40 a.m.: City fire is back in service and the pedestrian is being taken to UMMC.

Fire at building on North Spruce

By Billie Owens

A working fire is reportedly coming from building 'B' at  20 N. Spruce St. in the city. The city's fourth platoon is called to the scene and the first platoon is called to headquarters.

UPDATE 1:30 a.m. (by Howard): At least 13 people, including young children, living in six apartments, were displaced by the fire. The fire started in a second-floor apartment occupied by a grandfather and three grandchildren. All four were home at the time and escaped unharmed. That apartment was gutted. A third-floor apartment was heavily damaged. There is smoke and water damage throughout the Group B part of the complex. The cause of the fire has not been determined. A witness said he arrived on scene seconds after the first fire crew. He saw fire burst through a window and within 45 seconds, firefighters had the fire knocked down. At this hour, city fire crews are still on scene.

Fence on fire behind pizzeria on East Main Street

By Billie Owens

A fence is reportedly on fire behind Batavia's Original Pizzeria, located at 500 E. Main St.

City fire is en route.

UPDATE 6:06 p.m.: Fire is out. City fire returning to service.

Basom student graduates from Hartwick College

By Billie Owens

Hayley Lown, of Basom, graduated from Hartwick College on May 24, 2014. She is the daughter of David Lown and Jill Klotzbach.

At Hartwick, Lown participated in Honors Program, Circle K International, and Hooks and Needles. She majored in Anthropology and English.

Hartwick College is a private liberal arts and sciences college of 1,500 students, located in Oneonta, in the northern foothills of the Catskill Mountains. Hartwick's expansive curriculum emphasizes an experiential approach to the liberal arts.

Through personalized teaching, collaborative research, a distinctive January Term, a wide range of internships, and vast study-abroad opportunities, Hartwick ensures that students are prepared for not just their first jobs, but for the world ahead. A Three-Year Bachelor's Degree Program and strong financial aid and scholarship offerings keep a Hartwick education affordable.

BID says opening day of Downtown FARMACY at new location was big success

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Opening day, June 19th, at the Downtown Batavia Public Market’s (FARMACY) new location at the Bank Street & Alva Place Parking Lot was a huge success. Many of the vendors sold out of their produce, fruit and food.

The markets’ sponsor, Batavia Business Improvement District, was more than pleased, as it was biggest opening in its nine years. They choose this site because it is more central to the Jerome Center, Washington Towers, Genesee Country Mall, YMCA and the surrounding neighborhoods.  Bank Street is also a well- traveled street with local traffic.

The market will be open every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 pm, June 19th – Sept. 25th. Plenty of convenient parking at our new location.

The FARMACY offers: baked goods, tomatoes, berries, dog treats, herbs, peaches,  potatoes,  BBQ sauce, honey, maple syrup, olive oil, wine & handmade quilts & crafts and lots more.

There will be nutrition and gardening programs offered and give- a-ways that will be announced throughout the market season. Stay tuned.

“Shop Local, Shop Downtown."

Sponsored by: Batavia Business Improvement District. For more info contact the B.I.D. Office at 585-344-0900 / visit us at www.downtownbataviany.com. or like us on Facebook at downtownbataviabusinessimprovementdistrict.

Friday Night in the Square - Genesee Symphony Orchestra, followed by Celtic/folk group Stone Row

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) announced that its Summer 2014 lineup for the free “Friday Night in the Square” Jackson Square Concerts is June 27th – Aug. 29th. For more than 14 years, the BID has provided free concerts in the Downtown for the Western New York community.

This year Greg Docencko and members of Genesee Symphony Orchestra opening for three of the scheduled concerts in conjunction with the featured groups. This is most exciting and everyone should enjoy this new addition to our series.

Event Date and Time
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Tractor-trailer's cab ablaze on Alleghany Road by the Thruway toll booth

By Billie Owens

A fully involved cab fire is reported on a tractor-trailer at 8480 Alleghany Road, near or at the Thruway on/off ramp. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding along with mutual aid from Corfu and East Pembroke.

UPDATE 7:32 p.m.: Alabama's tanker is requested mutual aid to the scene.

UPDATE 7:57 p.m.: Pembroke command calls for a pallet of absorbent material.

UPDATE: Photo and video submitted by Amber Winters.

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