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Two children injured in accident at Route 33, Warner Road

By Billie Owens

Two children are said to have minor injuries following a car-into-pole accident at Route 33 and Warner Road.

Byron and South Byron fire departments and Mercy BLS are responding.

UPDATE 2:49 p.m.: Firefighter on scene says a National Grid pole is busted. A few minutes later, it was determined that the pole was for phone and cable only, not power.

UPDATE 3:45 p.m.: Adults signed waivers for treatment of the children, since their injuries were not serious and transport to a hospital was not needed. All Byron and South Byron units are back in service.

Smoke Free NOW envies California's drop in smoking rates

By Billie Owens

At least when it comes to a decrease in smoking rates, California is well ahead of New York and that has grabbed the attention of Smoke Free NOW.

This organization in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties is eyeing the Golden State in an effort to match or exceed the results of a tobacco study recently released by California's Department of Public Health.

It shows Californians are smoking less than most other Americans -- and this is no doubt making a difference in their health and wallets. In 2010, 13.1 Californians reported smoking, trailing only Utah, compared to 20.6 percent nationally and 18 percent in New York.

“The key to their success is twofold,” says Kevin Keenan, local program coordinator for Smoke Free NOW. “California has adopted strong anti-smoking laws in public places and increased the tax on cigarettes; both have contributed to the drop in smoking.”

Health officials maintain that California’s sustained anti-smoking campaign has led not only to lower smoking rates, but also to public health benefits. They point out lung cancer rates are going down more than three times as fast in California than the rest of the country, and the state has saved an estimated $86 billion in health care costs.

New York has also witnessed declines in smoking; however, without adequate funding for tobacco-control programs, smoking levels won’t decline further but will more likely taper off at current levels; or worse, increase to levels seen 20 ago.

“It’s imperative that we continue the fight against the tobacco industry’s crafty marketing tactics,” says Angela Barbeau, coordinator for Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming Reality Check, the youth component of the state's Tobacco Control Program.

“The only way to see marked declines in New York’s smoking rate is to ensure that our programs are sufficiently funded so that we can continue with our media campaigns, community events and educational activities."

Public meeting on draft report about proposed tech park

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Economic Development Center officials will hold a public information meeting to discuss preliminary results of the draft environmental impact report concerning STAMP.

That stands for Science, Technology, Advanced Manufacturing Park -- a proposed large scale, high-tech/clean-tech, manufacturing park planned near the intersection of Judge Road and Route 77 in Alabama.

The meeting will take place beginning at 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 10 at the Alabama Fire Hall, located at 2230 Judge Road, in Basom.

Event Date and Time
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GCEDC to hold public meeting on draft report about proposed tech park

By Billie Owens

Next month, the Genesee County Economic Development Center officials will hold a public information meeting to discuss preliminary results of the draft environmental impact report concerning STAMP.

That stands for Science, Technology, Advanced Manufacturing Park -- a proposed large scale, high-tech/clean-tech, manufacturing park planned near the intersection of Judge Road and Route 77 in Alabama.

The meeting will take place beginning at 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 10 at the Alabama Fire Hall, located at 2230 Judge Road, in Basom.

The draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) includes an economic impact study, environmental study, master plan update, traffic impact study, the utility plan summary and provisions for farmland protection.

The proposed location for STAMP, according to its supporters, is considered ideal because of immediate access to transmission level electric power, reduced cost hydropower, a high capacity gas line, and the New York State Thruway.

STAMP is being developed as a campus-like setting to attract companies which produce computer chips, flat panel display units, semiconductors or similar products. Operations of this size could provide thousands of medium- to higher-income jobs to residents of Genesee and surrounding counties.

Alabama residents will receive an informational postcard in the mail encouraging attendance to February's public informational meeting. But everyone interested in this critical project is encouraged to attend.

City council holds budget work session Wednesday

By Billie Owens

The Batavia City Council will hold a budget work session beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 19. It will be held in the Council Board Room on the second floor of the Batavia City Centre.

Terry Hills debuts Bridal Show with local vendors

By Billie Owens

If you or someone you know is planning a wedding or even thinking about it, Terry Hills is showcasing all things bridal at a premiere extravaganza this Sunday.

Six months in the making, organizers have pulled together all local vendors to offer would-be brides, grooms, and their families, the opportunity to check out a wide array of products and services in one location.

From gorgeous gowns, modeled live, to sparkling jewelry, from scrumptious cakes made right here in Batavia to professionals who can make you look and feel your best -- they will be there.

There's no admission fee. It starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. in the banquet room. There will be lots of door prizes, too. Terry Hills is located at 5122 Clinton St. Road in Batavia.

Sample catering selections, get personal consultations from experts, see the many choices available for creating a wedding that is memorable and beautiful, regardless of its size or your budget.

There will be 28 vendors, mostly from Genesee County, but also from Orleans and Wyoming counties.

"You're not just going to be a number," said Terry Hills Marketing Director Lisa Fickel, who co-created the event along with Tonisha Price, who owns East Bethany-based Sweet Ecstasy Bakery.

Both women are particularly proud to offer this new event in Batavia, which they hope will grow annually.

"I'm so proud of the fact that it is all local businesses participating and I'm thrilled for Terry Hills," Fickel said.

The idea for a centralized bridal marketing show came about when Price contacted Fickel about having one at Terry Hills, a restaurant/banquet/golfing venue which has seen an increase in wedding bookings.

Last year, 33 wedding events were held there, Fickel said, noting that the banquet room can accommodate up to 200 people.

Preparing for Sunday took Fickel back to her days at AAA, doing trade shows built around a central theme, say like a trip to Mexico. And for the wedding show, she already had a stack of contacts, thanks in part to those who booked wedding parties at Terry Hills and asked about a needed service.

Do you know who can make a chocolate ganache wedding cake? Who would you go to for unique flower arrangements? We haven't chosen rings yet, any recommendations?

On Sunday, there's sure to be some matches made in heaven.

Find out more online at www.BataviaBridalShow.com

(As Price points out in a comment to this story, you can register online and thereby avoid waiting in line at the door.)

Gas truck on fire on Route 490

By Billie Owens

A Ferrellgas truck is reportedly on fire in the westbound lane of Route 490, possibly between exits 2 and 3.

The driver is out of the vehicle, which carries liquified petroleum. Bergen Fire Department is en route.

Monroe County has advised they have dispatched fire crews from Churchville and Chili in an effort to locate the truck.

UPDATE 1:27 p.m.: The Bergen tanker is returned to service. The incident is being handled by Churchville and Chili fire department crews.

Truck ablaze in driveway of Pembroke home

By Billie Owens

A truck is on fire in the driveway of a house at 8077 Marble Road in Pembroke. It is close to other vehicles, the garage and the residence.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding. Akron is asked to stand by in its fire hall. The location is between Gabbey and Akron roads, but closer to Akron Road, across from Larry's Greenhouses.

UPDATE 5:44 p.m.: The fire appears to be out. Akron is asked to stand down. The call is being limited to the tanker en route, non-emergency mode.

Seven local students make the Deans' List at SUNY Oswego

By Billie Owens

Seven Genesee County residents were named to the Deans' List for the fall semester at SUNY Oswego. Showing this academic achievement, with their major in parentheses, are:

Samantha L. Yager, of Richmond Avenue, Batavia, a junior (history);

Lindsey C. Glazier, of Caswell Road, Byron, a junior (elementary education);

Jennifer L. Aylsworth, of Scribner Road, Corfu, a senior (accounting);

Emily C. Mahaney, of Indian Falls Road, Corfu, a sophomore (journalism);

Nikki M. Parlato, of Seven Day Road, Darien Center, a sophomore (public justice);

Sarah E. Olear, of North Street, Le Roy, a senior (zoology);

Vincent S. Kovach, of Keeney Road, Le Roy, a freshman (wellness management).

To be included on the Deans' List, students must have a semester grade-point average of 3.30 to 3.79, on a 4.0 scale.

Admission to SUNY Oswego is competitive. U.S. News & World Report named the college among the Top Regional Universities in the North for 2011 and includes it in its annual guidebook "America's Best Colleges." The Princeton Review counts Oswego among "The Best Northeastern Colleges."

A 149-year-old comprehensive college in the State University of New York system, Oswego enrolls more than 8,300 students in its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Communication, Media and the Arts; and School of Education.

Senator Ranzenhofer announces his 2011 committee memberships

By Billie Owens

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer announced today that he will serve as chairman of the New York State Senate Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions.

Senator Ranzenhofer will also serve on the Banks, Judiciary, Agriculture, Education, Energy, and Racing, Gaming and Wagering committees.

He says he is eager to begin working to reduce state spending and restore trust in state government as chairman of the Corporations Committee.

"State government is so big that residents can no longer afford it and New York’s many authorities and commissions are part of the problem" Ranzenhofer said in a news release. "I plan to find ways to reduce and streamline the number of different authorities and commissions – so that New Yorkers may finally see savings in state government. Over the past few years, there have been too many examples of mismanagement among the state’s authorities and commissions.

"For too long, New Yorkers have become accustomed to a government which is dysfunctional and driven toward political patronage. As chairman, I will work to restore integrity and a higher level of professionalism to our State authorities and commissions.”

Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos said: “New York faces an enormous challenge as we work to reform state government, make it smaller and more efficient and, most importantly, cost less for taxpayers.

"Senator Mike Ranzenhofer is a very strong advocate for easing the burden on state taxpayers by making government cost less and work better. As chair of the Senate Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, he will have a leading role in how we achieve that goal."

Ranzenhofer said he's pleased to serve again as a member of the Agriculture Committee.

"During last year’s legislative session, I worked with local farms to defeat the farm labor 'death legislation,'" the senator said. "I look forward to continuing a partnership with the Farm Bureau and local family farms to preserve the next generation of agri-business in Genesee County."

The 61st District includes part of the City of Tonawanda, the towns of Amherst, Clarence, Newstead and Tonawanda in Erie County and all of Genesee County.

Two-car accident just outside Village of Alexander

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported on a hill just outside the Village of Alexander. It's on Route 98 in the area of Goodman Road. One man is reportedly feeling faint.

It is partially blocking the roadway. Law enforcement is called to help with traffic. Alexander Fire Department is responding along with an ambulance.

Traffic is being stopped on northbound Route 98 at the underpass. One lane of traffic is allowed southbound.

Le Roy man wins 10 Grand in NY Lottery

By Billie Owens

On Monday, the New York Lottery announced the name of a Leroy Mega Millions player who won $10,000 in the drawing held on Jan. 4. The winner, Roger Laird, purchased the winning ticket at the Hess Mart at 204-210 West Main St. in Batavia.

Lottery prizes up to $600 may be cashed at any of the Lottery's 16,000 licensed retailers statewide. Lottery prizes valued at $601 to $999,999 may be claimed at any of the Lottery's seven stand-alone Customer Service Centers, including locations in Buffalo and Rochester. They can also be cashed at any of the Lottery's eight gaming facilities including Batavia Downs Casino and Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack (in Farmington).

Prizes of $1,000,000 or more must be claimed at one of the stand-alone Customer Service Centers.

For more information on how to cash a winning Lottery ticket, click the "Ask New York Lottery" tab at <http://www.nylottery.org>.

Two local students win scholarships from Elmira College

By Billie Owens

Elmira College boasts of having the longest-running Honor Scholarship program in the nation and two of this year's winners are from Genesee County.

Amy Schmidt, of Batavia, has received the Presidential Scholarship.

Jessica Pcionek, of Oakfield, has been awarded the Salutatorian Scholarship.

Elmira College awards in excess of $14.5 million in Honor Scholarships each year. Scholarships are awarded regardless of financial need and are renewable based on full-time status and continuous enrollment for three additional years with the appropriate grade-point average.

All applicants for admission who are accepted are then automatically reviewed for Elmira College Honor Scholarships and are awarded the highest scholarship for which they qualify.

Money magazine has named Elmira College in the Top 10 Colleges in the Nation for Academic Scholarships. U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" edition has named the College a "Great College, Great Prices" institution.

Elmira College, located in the Finger Lakes Region of beautiful, historic upstate New York, is one of the great small colleges of the nation. To learn more about what Elmira College has to offer, navigate to www.elmira.edu or call 800-935-6472 to schedule your visit to Elmira College.

"Greening Your Business" free workshop

By Billie Owens

"Greening Your Business" is the focus of a free workshop on incentive programs for improving energy efficiency in your business. It will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 19 at the Generation Center, 15 Center St. in Downtown Batavia (across from the Smoke House restaurant).

It is sponsored by the Batavia Business Improvement District Management Association, Inc.

Event Date and Time
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State of the County speech at Old Courthouse

By Billie Owens

Genesee County’s annual “State of the County” is planned for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26 in the Chambers of the Old Court House.

The Chair of the County Legislature, Mary Pat Hancock, will deliver the brief address as part of the regularly scheduled Legislature meeting.

Event Date and Time
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State of the County speech: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26

By Billie Owens

Mark your calendars: Genesee County’s annual “State of the County” is planned for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26 in the Chambers of the Old Court House.

The Chair of the County Legislature, Mary Pat Hancock, will deliver the brief address as part of the regularly scheduled Legislature meeting.

Her remarks will include the accomplishments of individual departments during 2010, as submitted by those departments, and point out some of the unique challenges that face the county this year along with "strategies to maximize the impact of a proactive, positive county response during the coming year." The public is invited to attend.

Grand Jury Report: Woman indicted on three assault charges for shooting

By Billie Owens

Jolene J. Goodell is indicted on a charge of forgery, 2nd. She is accused of altering a prescription for Vicodin in the Town of Le Roy on Sept. 18.

Ryan J. Pittinaro is indicted on three charges relating to an incident in the Town of Alexander on Aug. 14. The first is a misdemeanor charge of DWI. He is accused of driving his 2001 Acura while intoxicated. The second charge is a misdemeanor for having a BAC of .08 or greater. The third charge is aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree.

Patricia Hardesty is indicted on three assault charges relating to a shooting incident in the Town of Darien on Aug. 1. The first is assault in the first degree for allegedly shooting Robert Hardesty Jr. in the leg with a .22 rifle. She is also indicted on two charges of assault in the second degree for allegedly "recklessly causing serious physical injury to another person by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument" and intending to do so.

Possible fire at West End Mobile Home Park

By Billie Owens

A possible fire is reported inside the West End Mobile Home Park, located at 4016 West Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia.

The mobile home is near Lot 19. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

The caller said there was smoke and/or steam coming from the trailer, which is unlocked and no one is home.

UPDATE 2:45 p.m.: Fire officials are requesting a code enforcement officer to go to the scene.

UPDATE 2:48 p.m.: Nothing found. The fire engine is returning to service. But a fireman is staying at the scene until the code enforcement officer arrives.

Spring schedule for new Roz Steiner Art Gallery

By Billie Owens

Here's the Spring 2011 new Roz Steiner Art Gallery schedule (subject to change):

The new Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery opens this spring with a GCC Fine Arts Student Show. It is scheduled for March 1 through April 5, with an opening reception from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 3. The exhibit highlights current student artwork in GCC courses on drawing, painting, photography, 2D, 3D, and ceramics.

Community members and art enthusiasts should save the date for the Roz Steiner Art Gallery Grand Opening Reception, from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 15. Complete details will be available soon!

The spring semester will round out with a GCC Digital Arts Student Show from May 11 through, with an opening reception from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 12.

 

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