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Wires down on North Byron and Oak Orchard roads, Elba, traffic shut at Lockport and Route 98

By Billie Owens

Elba Fire Department and fire police will be shutting down Lockport Road at Route 98 because of wires, possibly high tension wires, down on the roadway at North Byron and Oak Orchard roads. National Grid has been contacted, unknown ETA.

UPDATE 4:08 p.m.: The roadway is clear. The roads are reopened. The Elba assignment is back in service.

Car wreck requiring extrication reported at Herkimer and Warner roads, Darien

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with is reported at Herkimer and Warner roads. Extrication is needed. Darien fire and rescue responding.

UPDATE 5:28 a.m.: Mercy medics are called to the scene.

UPDATE 5:32 a.m.: The victim has been "cut away" from entrapment but will remain in the vehicle until medics arrive.

UPDATE 5:36 a.m.: The chief tells medics, who are about 10 minutes away, that the victim's primary complaint is lower right leg pain. No cuts, abrasions or loss of consciousness. He is to stay in the vehicle "due to the weather."

UPDATE 5:40 a.m.: Command says to dispatch "Start me a tow for a full-size Chevy Suburban, thoroughly totaled and wedged between two trees about 30 feet off the road."

UPDATE 5:54 a.m.: The patient is now on a stretcher, being readied for hospital transport.

UPDATE 6:10 a.m.: Mercy medics are taking the patient to Erie County Medical Center.

Car wreck at Meadville and Salt Works roads, West Alabama

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at Meadville and Salt Works roads in West Alabama. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 5:22 p.m.: A responder on scene says all parties involved will be sign-offs. Two flatbed tow trucks are called.

UPDATE 5:43 p.m.: The Alabama assignment is back in service.

Stove fire at Alex's Place

By Billie Owens

Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding to a stove fire at Alex's Place restaurant, located at 8322 Park Road. Darien's rescue truck is requested to stand by in quarters.

UPDATE 10:45 a.m.: Fire is out. The assignment is back in service.

Car fire on Thruway, Le Roy responding

By Billie Owens

A car fire is reported on the eastbound Route 90 at mile marker 379. Le Roy fire and medics are responding. State Troopers are on scene. Several people were seen running away from the vehicle. Responders are told to stage at the toll booth.

GCC seeking entries for revamping the graphics of its Cougar mascot - deadline is Dec. 2

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Looking for a cash infusion just before the holidays? Have a flair for drawing, cartooning, visual design? Genesee Community College invites designers of all persuasions to submit ideas for updating and expanding the graphic look of the GCC Cougar mascot. The deadline for entries is Dec. 2. First-place winner receives $200 cash, with $50 going to the runner-up.

The Cougar, affectionately and unofficially known as G-Dub (for G Double C), is in need of a "facelift." The College introduced a new logo in 2010 and is ready to update the Cougar's look. The competition is open to GCC art and design students, alumni, cartoon artists and all friends of GCC's Cougar.

Entrants must:

  • Develop original and carefully executed design concepts that expand GCC's Cougar image beyond what exists currently;
  • Provide one expanded head shot graphic;
  • Provide full-body, full-color mascot poses expressing two of the following themes:

Cougar in athletic stance with aggressive, winning facial expression
Cougar standing in a welcoming and cheerful manner
Cougar professionally dressed and ready for the job market
Cougar wearing graduation cap and holding a diploma

Your original, creative idea

  • Incorporate all of or parts of the GCC College logo and the College's Blue (Pantone 2945) and Gold (Pantone 117) color palette;
  • Include samples of previous work or a link to an online portfolio.

Hand-drawn paper designs will be accepted but electronic submissions are preferred and can be e-mailed to Christie (Hale) Shirk, Recruitment Publications and Communications specialist at clhale@genesee.edu. Entrants must include full name, address, telephone number and e-mail address. Submissions will not be returned. All entries become the property of GCC. Those who wish to mail in submissions can send them to:

Christie Shirk
GCC Office of Enrollment Management, Room B201
Genesee Community College
One College Road
Batavia, NY 14020

"We have a great digital arts program here at the College," Shirk said. "So we expect to receive outstanding entries from students. But we know the Cougar has a lot of fans in the community as well, so we wanted to welcome entries from everyone."

The College may hire the winning artist to develop complete Cougar Mascot schematics.

"So the contest has immediate financial reward with the potential for additional economic benefits," said Donna Rae Sutherland, Associate Director of Marketing Communications.

The contest is being sponsored by GCC's Marketing Communications and Admissions/Enrollment Management/Recruitment Departments.

Gala at HLOM for 12th Annual Wonderland of Trees

By Billie Owens

The 12th Annual Wonderland of Trees Gala will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, at the Holland Land Office Museum.

This year's theme is "Visions of Gingerbread."

Cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Proceeds benefit the museum, located at 131 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia. For information call 343-4727.

Event Date and Time
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Tickets now on sale for annual Wonderland of Trees Gala on Nov. 22 at HLOM

By Billie Owens

The 12th Annual Wonderland of Trees Gala will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, at the Holland Land Office Museum.

This year's theme is "Visions of Gingerbread."

Cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Proceeds benefit the museum, located at 131 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia. For information call 343-4727.

Event Date and Time
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High Tunnel School offered to area farmers, techniques to meet growing Eat Local demand

By Billie Owens

Press release:

High Tunnel School Offered to Area Farmers  -- Pre-registration with payment is required by Dec. 1

School will emphasize warm-season management and production skills that lead to profitability and adoption of winter farming techniques to meet growing Eat Local demand.

Batavia, NY – Vegetable growers with or considering high tunnel production are invited to attend High Tunnel School on Dec. 4-5 in Batavia at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

The two-day High Tunnel School, organized by the Cornell Vegetable Program, will emphasize warm-season management and production skills that lead to profitability and adoption of winter farming techniques to meet the growing Eat Local demand. Focus will be placed on cool season production on Dec. 4 whereas Dec. 5 will focus on tunnel management basics and warm season production. Information presented on Dec. 5 may also be relevant to small fruit producers.

Growers can sign up for either day of the school, but are highly encouraged to attend both days.  DEC pesticide re-certification credits and CCA credits are available for each day.

A full agenda and more information can be found on the Cornell Vegetable Program Web site at cvp.cce.cornell.edu. Cost is $25 for one day only or a discounted rate of $40 to attend both days.  Lunch and any program materials are included in the registration fee.

Pre-registration with payment is required by Dec. 1 to reserve a seat. Seating is limited. Please register online at cvp.cce.cornell.edu or contact Vivian Flynn at 315-536-5123.

Dec. 4 – Winter Greens Production and Farm Tour
Consumer attitudes are changing, and there is an increasing demand for local greens throughout the winter. Crop plans and markets are critical to success, but holistic planning is the basis for a sustainable system. Topics covered include:

* Profitable Winter Greens Productions in High Tunnels for Farmers' Markets - Paul and Sandy Arnold
*  Cool climate pest management
*  How and why we are growing winter crops with tunnels - Ken Bowman
*  Winter greens production tour at Bowman and Hill Micro Farm, Kent, NY

Dec. 5 – Warm Season Production and High Tunnel Basics
This program is designed for commercial growers new to or considering high tunnels. NRCS cooperating farms are particularly encouraged to attend. All who are interested in improving their crop yield, quality and profitability by using high tunnels are welcome. Though focused on vegetable production, fruit producers will benefit from the site, structural, and irrigation information.

Topics include:
* What to look for when selecting a tunnel
* Site considerations
* Which crops work for tunnels?
* Our Warm Season Tunnels - Paul and Sandy Arnold
* Best Management Practices to improve your profits
* Growers' perspectives, lessons learned

Attention farmers -- Cornell and state Ag & Markets to present farm food safety training (GAPs)

By Billie Owens

Cornell Lake Ontario Fruit Team, Cornell Vegetable Team and Cornell Cooperative Extension, along with assistance from NYS Dept. Ag & Markets, will be presenting farm food safety training - GAPs (including Harmonized GAPs) this winter.

The first will be held in Batavia on Dec. 10 and 11 at the Fire Training Center, 7690 State St. Road, Batavia.

A new program, Harmonized GAPs, has been developed to combine several food safety certifications into one program. New York’s retail produce buyers, such as Wegmans, are asking growers to adopt Harmonized GAPs certification in many cases. In response, Cornell National GAPs Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension have developed a multi-day workshop.

The first day of training will focus on the details of what GAPs is, how it works and what it means for your farming operation. The second day will be devoted to helping you write a food safety plan as required for audit certification. A laptop computer is required for the second day. (If you need to borrow a computer, please let us know in advance.)

The registration fee of $60 per person includes educational materials, lunch and refreshments. Add $15 for each additional attendee from the same farm. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.; program runs 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. both days.

Pre-register for the Batavia class by Dec. 3. Register online at cvp.cce.cornell.edu <http://cvp.cce.cornell.edu>  or mail in your registration form and payment to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County, Attn: Angela Parr, 480 N. Main St., Canandaigua, NY 14424. Make checks payable to: “Cornell Cooperative Extension”.

For more information, contact Craig Kahlke at cjk37@cornell.edu or 585-735-5448.

To see a full listing of upcoming farm food safety trainings, go to www.gaps.cornell.edu <http://www.gaps.cornell.edu> . These workshops are partially funded through a grant from the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority.

GCC creates new award -- Entrepreneur of the Month -- and OA grad is named for November

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to recognize the entrepreneurial spirit of its students through a new Entrepreneur of the Month program. This month, 19-year old Arielle Thompson is being recognized. Arielle graduated with an Advanced Regents diploma from Oakfield-Alabama Central School in 2012 and started her business Photography by Arielle in October 2012. She is a Liberal Arts major at GCC.

Arielle has always had an interest in photography, but wasn't able to purchase the camera she needed until after high school.

"I took a basic course with a local photographer on how to use my camera and all of the settings, but other than that I am self-taught," she says. "I like to consider myself a portrait photographer because that is what I enjoy most. I enjoy being with people and being able to create something that makes them smile."

Arielle's business was born out of necessity. Her mother, Tonya Thompson, needed Arielle to take her brother Justin's senior pictures. Though she had limited experience and knowledge about taking a portrait, Arielle did it and found that everyone loved how they turned out.

"That is when I decided to try and turn that into something, because of how excited everyone seemed to have been when they saw them," she said.

While business was slow in the beginning months, Arielle saw a significant increase in interest when the weather warmed and has been surprised at the inquiries she's received.

"I never thought I would be having so many people call and ask me to take photos of their special moments," she says. "I was even given the opportunity this past June to take photos of a wedding."

Business professor Lauren Paisley is full of praise for her student.

"Arielle is an outstanding example of a student willing to do whatever it takes to succeed," Paisley said. "GCC's Entrepreneurship program, offering the option of an associate in applied science degree or certificate, is the perfect pathway for students of all ages to pursue their dream of owning their business or launching a new product or service. Arielle is a very focused student and we are supporting her efforts in every way possible."

A President's List full-time student, Arielle also has two part-time jobs in addition to her photography business.

"Many people do not understand how I am doing all of this, but photography is my stress reliever from work and school. Many people want to sit, relax and watch TV during their down time, but I would rather be taking photos," she says.

"Her commitment to success in all her endeavors is inspiring," Paisley said.

Arielle finds inspiration from the support of family and friends and the response she's received to her photographs.

"I have never received so much support for anything I have ever done like I do with my business," she says. "It is my driving force."

Arielle currently shoots on location only, but is looking for a space to set up a small indoor/outdoor studio. People interested in contacting her can find her on Facebook at Photography by Arielle.

High Voltage Tattoo & Piercing's third annual charity fundraiser

By Billie Owens

High Voltage Tattoo & Piercing will be holding its 3rd annual charity fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 14th from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. We will have three tattoo artists and a body piercer working all day. We will be offering $30 tattoos and $15 piercings.

One-hundred percent of the funds raised from tattoos, piercings, tips, donations and after-care products will go to charity. We will post pictures of designated tattoo designs and lettering styles that we will be offering on the 14th very soon.

Event Date and Time
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High Voltage Tattoo & Piercing to hold third annual charity fundraiser Dec. 14

By Billie Owens

Press release:

High Voltage Tattoo & Piercing will be holding its 3rd annual charity fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 14th from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

We will have three tattoo artists and a body piercer working all day. We will be offering $30 tattoos and $15 piercings.

One-hundred percent of the funds raised from tattoos, piercings, tips, donations and after-care products will go to charity.

We will post pictures of designated tattoo designs and lettering styles that we will be offering on the 14th very soon.

We have decided to split the funds this year between three organizations:

  • Don Carroll’s Toys for Kids (http://thebatavian.com/scobokamrochesterrrcom/don-carroll-leaves-legacy-generosity/39596  )
  • Golisano Children’s Hospital (http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/childrens-hospital/giving/Make-a-Gift.aspx  )
  • and Crossroads House in Batavia (http://www.crossroadshouse.com  )

With everyone’s generous support we were able to raise more than $3,000 last year and we are hoping to raise even more this year. We are also looking for a couple volunteers to help get people signed in and help around the shop.

Please message us on Facebook if you are interested in helping out. Thanks and we hope to see you all soon.

Male claims he was chased down Jackson Street by trio

By Billie Owens

A male claims he was chased by a trio of individuals on Jackson Street. He called police at the Kwik Fill gas station, at Jackson and Ellicott streets in Batavia, where officers met up with him to take him to his residence on Central Avenue. He described those who allegedly chased him as two black males and a black female.

Tractor-trailer in ditch is blocking Main Road in Pembroke, traffic being rerouted

By Billie Owens

A tractor-trailer is in the ditch and completely across the roadway on Route 5 near Route 90. Law Enforcement is on scene and Indian Falls and Pembroke fire departments are responding.

Fire police are told to reroute traffic at Main Road (Route 5) and Route 77, and Main Road and Lake Road.

UPDATE 5:31 p.m.: Pembroke command called for mutual aid from the Akron Fire Department, which dispatched fire police to reroute tractor-trailer traffic at Crittenden and Route 5.

UPDATE 5:41 p.m.: Pembroke command says the highway has been cleared. Roads are reopened and the Pembroke and Indian Falls assignment is back in service.

Accident with minor injury at Walnut and South Main streets in the city

By Billie Owens

A "cherry picker" truck, or portion of it, landed on a car causing a hand laceration at Walnut and South Main streets in the city. Mercy medics and city fire are responding.

UPDATE 12:07 p.m.: Responders tell medics they can proceed in non-emergency mode. Police are on scene.

UPDATE 12:32 p.m.: An adult male is being transported to UMMC with a minor hand laceration.

House in flames, man trapped upstairs, on Davis Avenue in the city

By Billie Owens

A house fire with a man trapped inside upstairs is reported on Davis Avenue in the City of Batavia. It was called in as a living room on fire. The house is filled with smoke and a responder on scene says flames are showing. A female was able to get out the back door, but her husband remains upstairs. Mercy medics are responding along with city fire and police. Smoke is now reported coming from the upstairs rear of the house.

UPDATE 2:16 a.m.: The second, third and fourth platoons are called in.

UPDATE 2:17 a.m.: The Alexander Fire Department's Fast Team is called.

UPDATE 2:20 a.m.: Darien fire's cascade equipment is called in and Town of Batavia is asked to stand by in its quarters. A second ambulance is requested.

UPDATE 2:22 a.m.: City command reports high temperatures inside the house, which is filled with smoke. Additional manpower is called to handle traffic.

UPDATE 2:24 a.m.: The traffic detail is for Alexander, to direct traffic at routes 20 and 98.

UPDATE 2:29 a.m.: Most of the fire is knocked down, but flames are still showing on one side of the house. The man has not been extricated. Flames are going through the roof in the center of the structure. Davis Avenue is between Williams Park and Franklin Street.

UPDATE 2:39 a.m.: Firefighters were able to gain access to the upstairs about five minutes ago.

UPDATE 2:43 a.m.: The fire is knocked down. They are starting to overhaul the structure.

UPDATE 2:46 a.m.: National Grid has arrived to cut power off, but can't access the scene yet because of the number of fire engines there.

UPDATE 4:15 a.m. (by Howard): George A. McConnell, 87, did not survive the fire. He was in bed on the second floor of the house in the rear where the structure sustained the heaviest damage. He was unable to get out and the area was heavily involved in fire and smoke by the time the first crews were on scene. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. McConnell's wife, Candace, 61, was not injured. A full story is coming.

UPDATE 4:21 a.m. (by Howard): Fire command is requesting six cat carriers to help contain multiple cats. Animal control is not yet on duty. Dispatchers will see what they can do.

UPDATE 4:24 a.m.: Darien fire is clearing the city's scene. The chief is returning to the Route 20 accident. The truck is returning to have its cascade system topped off.

UPDATE 4:53 a.m.: Photos below submitted by Frank Capuano.

UPDATE 5:15 a.m.: Town of Batavia going back in service.

Grand Jury indicts convicted child molester on 11 new counts

By Billie Owens

These are the latest indictments issued by the Genesee County Grand Jury.

Sean M. Vickers, a former Batavia resident and convicted child molester now living in Geneva, is indicted on 11 counts. The first accuses Vickers of a course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that in Genesee County, over a period of time between Nov. 2, 2001 and Feb. 23, 2004, this adult male engaged in two or more acts of sexual conduct, which included at least one act of deviate sexual intercourse, with a child under 13 years old. In count two, Vickers is accused of predatory sexual assault against a child, a Class A-II felony, for allegedly engaging in two or more sexual acts, including at least one act of deviate sexual intercourse, with a child under 13. This allegedly occurred between the summer of 2012 and Nov. 8, 2012 in Genesee County. In counts three and four, he's accused of criminal sexual acts, 1st, Class B violent felonies, for allegedly engaging in oral sexual conduct between Nov. 9, 2012 and the spring of 2013. In count five, he's accused of allegedly engaging in anal sexual conduct, a Class B violent felony, also within the aforementioned time frame. In count six, Vickers is accused of predatory sexual assault against a child, a Class A-II felony, for engaging in two or more sex acts, including at least one act of deviate sexual intercourse, with a child under 13. These acts allegedly occurred between the summer of 2012 and Nov. 8, 2012. In counts seven and eight, he is accused of criminal sexual acts, 1st, Class B violent felonies, for allegedly engaging in oral sexual conduct with a child under 13, sometime between Nov. 9 and the spring of 2013. In count 10, he's accused of first-degree sexual abuse, a Class D violent felony, for allegedly subjecting a person under age 11 to sexual contact. In count 11, Vickers is accused of a misdemeanor -- endangering the welfare of a child -- for allegedly knowingly acting in a manner likely to injure the physical, mental or moral welfare of child under 17. This allegedly happened between June 2012 and March 2013.

Michael J. Elmore, Nicholas J. Adkins and Rebecca G. Morse are indicted for burglary in the third degree, a Class D felony, for allegedly entering or unlawfully remaining in a paint store on Liberty Street in the City of Batavia on June 1 with the intent of committing a crime. In count two, they are charged with petit larceny -- stealing cash, a Class A misdemeanor, in the same alleged incident.

Karen L. Jones is accused of driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on June 30 in the Town of Batavia she drove a 2008 GMC on Route 63 while intoxicated. In count two of the indictment, Jones is accused of aggrevated DWI by allegedly having a BAC of .18 or more at the time.

Jonathan E. Fox is indicted for driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony, for allegedly driving a 2005 Chevrolet on Route 19 in the Town of LE Roy while intoxicated. This allegedly occurred on May 23.

Patrick O. Spikes is indicted for the crime of third-degree criminal mischief, a Class E felony, for allegedly damaging another person's property -- a 2001 Nissan -- in an amount more than $250. This allegedly occured on Aug. 10 in the City of Batavia.

Japanese students at GCC share insights about their homeland at Nov. 14 event

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The community is invited to hear firsthand about Japanese holidays, culture and landmarks from Japanese students who are attending Genesee Community College. The Experience Japan lecture begins at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, in Room T102 of the Conable Technology Building on the Batavia Campus.

It will also include a presentation by the college's Director of Video/Telecommunications Barry Chow.

The event is free and open to the public. It's sponsored by GCC's Global Education Committee and Student Government Association.

Five GCC students from Japan will share personal experiences from their country and culture.

They include:
Yuuki Sasao -- Strange Country, Japan
Ayaka Yamaguchi -- Famous Sightseeing Sites in Japan
Mizuki Maeda -- Coming of Age
Mai Wantanabe -- Famous Holidays Celebrated in Japan
Shiori Naya -- Let Me Introduce a Young Girl from Osaka

"Genesee Community College is blessed to have a number of international students who bring great diversity to our campus community," said Karin Kovach-Allen, Ph.D, dean of Human Communications and Behavior. "Learning about another country and culture through the experiences of a native enhances the experience immeasurably. We're grateful our Japanese students are willing to share their personal observations of their homeland."

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