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Fire reported on property on Main Road in Pembroke

By Billie Owens

An unknown type fire at the back of the property is reported at 797 Main Road, Pembroke. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire Departments are responding and East Pembroke is requested to stand by in quarters.

Museum Guild of Batavia cancels October Quilt Show in Alexander

By Billie Owens

From Lori Ivison of the Museum Quilt Guild:

It is with sadness that the Museum Quilt Guild of Batavia announces the cancellation of our biannual Quilt Show originally scheduled at Alexander Fire Hall the weekend of Oct. 16-18.

The health and safety of our members and our guests is our primary concern (COVID-19 pandemic). Currently, there are no plans to reschedule the quilt show.

Please watch for future meeting information for our members.

BCSD summer 'Grab and Go' meal program begins Monday, no cost, no enrollment needed

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Batavia City School District’s Summer Meals Program, or “Grab and Go” meal distribution for the summer months, will begin on Monday, June 29.

Distribution will be on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 9-11 a.m. at Jackson Primary and John Kennedy Intermediate Schools.

The Jackson distribution site will be at the school’s Hutchins Street entrance; JK's will be in the main loop on Vine Street as it has been this spring.

Each M-W-F distribution will include two days of breakfasts and two days of lunches for each child, age 18 and under.

No enrollment is necessary, and there is no-cost for families.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Meals Program is a federally funded, state-administered program that was established to ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session.

Le Roy's Taylor Kirby named to Provost List at Troy University

By Billie Owens

Troy, Ala. -- Taylor Kirby, of Le Roy, has been named to the Provost's List at Troy University for the Spring Semester/Term 4 of the 2019/2020 academic year.

The Provost's List honors full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and who have a grade-point average of at least 3.65.

About Troy University

Troy University is a public, historic, international university with 22,500 students and 154,000 alumni. Students choose TROY for its quality academic programs, reasonable costs and availability of financial aid, outstanding faculty, and flexible in-class and online class offerings. Students on the Troy, Ala. campus enjoy a traditional college experience, while adult students are the centers of attention at campuses in Dothan, Montgomery and Phenix City, Ala., as well as at locations around the world and online.

Batavia's James Zickl named to dean's list at Worcester Polytechnic University

By Billie Owens

Worcester, Mass. -- Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has announced that James Zickl, of Batavia, a member of the Class of 2021 majoring in mechanical engineering, was named to the university's dean's list for academic excellence for the spring 2020 semester.

A total of 1,749 undergraduate students achieved the criteria required for WPI's spring 2020 dean's list. The criteria for the WPI dean's list differs from that of most other universities as WPI does not compute a grade-point average (GPA). Instead, WPI defines the dean's list by the amount of work completed at the A level in courses and projects.

"WPI's academic programs are rigorous and require a level of independence beyond what is required in traditional courses," said Dean of Undergraduate Studies Arthur C. Heinricher. "WPI students work on open-ended problems for communities around the world. The problems are important and the impact is real.

"Some of this nation's best and brightest students come to WPI to study engineering and science and business and the humanities. Those named to the dean's list have excelled in all of their work, and we are exceptionally proud of these outstanding students." 

About Worcester Polytechnic Institute

WPI, the global leader in project-based learning, is a distinctive, top-tier technological university founded in 1865 on the principle that students learn most effectively by applying the theory learned in the classroom to the practice of solving real-world problems. Recognized by the National Academy of Engineering with the 2016 Bernard M. Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Technology Education, WPI's pioneering project-based curriculum engages undergraduates in solving important scientific, technological, and societal problems throughout their education and at more than 50 project centers around the world.

WPI offers more than 50 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs across 14 academic departments in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts. Its faculty and students pursue groundbreaking research to meet ongoing challenges in health and biotechnology; robotics and the internet of things; advanced materials and manufacturing; cyber, data, and security systems; learning science; and more. www.wpi.edu

UMMC to allow limited-capacity visiting starting Thursday, issues strict policy

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Visitors will be allowed in Rochester Regional Health hospitals (Rochester General Hospital, Unity Hospital, Newark-Wayne Community Hospital, Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic, and United Memorial Medical Center (Batavia)) in a limited capacity beginning Thursday, June 25.

The policy outlined below is the same for all five hospitals.

It is important to note, and we ask that you stress, there are still no visitors allowed in long-term care facilties (except for end-of-life situations).

Rochester Regional Health Visitor Policy -- This policy applies to hospitals (acute care) only:

  • Patients may designate two visitors throughout their stay;
  • Only ONE visitor is allowed at a time for no longer than four hours daily.
  • Visiting hours for all RRH hospitals are 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., and 4 – 7 p.m. daily.
  • No visitors will be permitted for*:

           --- Emergency Department patients

           --- COVID-19 positive patients

           --- Suspected COVID-19 positive patients

           --- Cancer infusion centers

           --- Inpatient behavioral health

*The four exceptions to the above list of prohibited visitors include

  1. Pediatric patients may have one designated guardian on-site at a time.
  2. End-of-life patients may have one on-site visitor at a time.
  3. Obstetrical patients may have one on-site visitor at a time.
  4. Patients with intellectual, developmental, or other cognitive disabilities.

There are no restrictions on the hours of visitation for this (exceptions) list of visitors.

Visitors must be older than 18 years of age.

Visitors must be screened upon entering the facility; they will be denied entry if they report significant COVID-19 exposure or symptoms during the prior 14 days or have a temperature over 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Visitors will be registered in an electronic system within the EMR (Care Connect) upon entry for each visit. The registration log will include the name and contact information of the visitor, the date(s) of their visits, and the name of the patient(s) visited.

Patients undergoing same-day procedures may be accompanied to the facility by a companion, but may not stay during the procedure.

A companion may drop them off and pick them up outside the facility.

They may not be with the patient inside the facility.

Visitors may not be present during procedures and in the recovery room except for pediatrics, childbirth, and patients with an intellectual, developmental, or other cognitive disability.

Visitors will be instructed to remain in the patient’s room throughout the visit except when directed by hospital staff to leave during aerosol-generating procedures or other procedures during which visitors are usually asked to leave.

Within areas of our facilities that do not allow us to accommodate social distancing, we reserve the right to refuse visitors for their safety and the safety of our patients and staff.

Visitors must be wearing their mask or cloth face-covering upon arrival to the facility. If the visitor does not arrive with a mask or cloth face-covering, the hospital will provide the visitor with a mask. The visitor will be instructed to keep their mask or cloth face-covering on at all times.

Visitors will be instructed to comply with strict hand hygiene and personal protective equipment practices.

Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60-percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Visitors will be provided written information regarding the potential risks and benefits of visiting a patient within the hospital as well the expectations regarding their visitation, which includes: the hours of visitation; remaining in the patient room during the entire visit unless otherwise instructed; wearing their mask or cloth face-covering during their entire visit; and instructions regarding meticulous hand hygiene.

Visitors who fail to comply with the outlined expectations will be asked to leave the facility.

Hawley postpones annual Patriot Trip because of COVID-19

By Billie Owens

Assemblyman Steve Hawley [kneeling on right] poses for a photo with Assemblyman Michael DenDekker [kneeling on left] and veterans in front of the Vietnam War Memorial during 2018’s Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C. 

Submitted photo and press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley announced today that his annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., will unfortunately be postponed this year in the wake of the COVID-19 virus’ presence in America.

The intent behind this postponement is to protect our veterans who were interested in traveling to Washington, D.C. With all that is known about COVID-19, it was decided that 52 men and women on a bus traveling across various state lines where health regulations could vary radically, and would not be in the best interest of veterans.

Hawley, who has served on the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee since 2006, was just as disappointed about the decision, but understands this temporary pause is in the best interest of the continued well-being of the veterans of our community. 

“The Patriot Trip is the highlight of every year,” Hawley said. “This trip was inspired by Mike Paduchak, a World War II veteran, who asked me to come together with local veterans and host a trip to Washington, D.C. Through the experiences of my father, veterans I have met during previous year’s trips, and my own service in the military, I have gained a tremendous understanding and admiration for the sacrifices endured by our veterans.

"I haven’t missed a trip for 12 years, and I wouldn’t miss it this year were it not for the risks. I am willing to postpone this year’s trip to ensure all of my friends I’ve made through the trip will be healthy to travel next year. And as for next year, I hope to see as many veterans as possible turn out for the tentative trip date of September 16-19, 2021.”

City PD arrests six people for Thursday night brawl at Hutchins and Lewis

By Billie Owens

From the City of Batavia Police Department:

On June 18 at approximately 11 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Hutchins Place and Lewis Place for a large disturbance.

Upon arrival, patrols found several individuals fighting, with numerous different fights taking place. Some of the suspects had weapons such as knives, tasers, and bats and were allegedly threatening individuals with those items. Other suspects were allegedly throwing rocks at people and vehicles in the area.

After several minutes, officers were able to get the situation under control. No injuries were reported but two vehicles were damaged.

A thorough investigation was conducted and concluded that the incident began over fireworks being thrown at one of the damaged vehicles and a residence. The parties involved have had previous issues with one another.

The Batavia Police Department arrested the following individuals:

  • Eric McGill, 37, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, one count (PL 265.02-1) – criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree (a Class D felony);
  • Delonta Curry, 19, of Warner Street, Rochester, one count (PL 265.01-2) – criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree (a Class A misdemeanor); one count (PL 240.05) – riot in the second degree (Class A misdemeanor);
  • Hezekiah Burch, 18, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, one count (PL 145.00-1) – criminal mischief in the fourth degree (Class A misdemeanor); one count (PL 240.05) -- riot in the second degree (Class A misdemeanor);
  • Louis Mercado, 32, Lewis Place, Batavia, one count (PL 145.05-2) – criminal mischief in the third degree (a Class E felony); one count (PL 240.05) – riot in the second degree (Class A misdemeanor);
  • Jasmine Ryder, 34, Lewis Place, Batavia, one count (PL 240.05) – riot in the second degree (Class A misdemeanor);
  • Lance Mercado Sr., 30, Lewis Place, Batavia, one count (PL 240.05) riot in the second degree (Class A misdemeanor).

Safe summer childcare for ages 4 to 12 in Oakfield-Alabama CSD starting Monday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Healthy Kids Programs is offering safe summer childcare for ages 4-12 at Oakfield Alabama Central School District starting Monday, June 29.

Cost is $125/week for 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Extra hours cost $5/hr per day. DSS is accepted. Hours are 8 a.m..- 6 p.m.

Parents can register online here under summer programs.

For more information email Hailey Couglar:   hailey@healthykidsprograms.com  or phone her (585) 673-1198.

GCC ranks 16 out of 23 in state offering online degrees or certificates, and tuition is under $5K annually

By Billie Owens

Press release:

New York is home to 23 community colleges that provide opportunities to earn an online associate degree or certificate.

Of the schools on this list, 16 cost less than $5,000 per year.

According to the June 9 edition of the Guide to Online Schools' "2020 Best Online Community Colleges in New York," Genesee Community College ranks #16 and its annual tuition is listed as $4,350;

Online Associate Degrees (nine)

  • Associate in Applied Science in Business Administration
  • Associate in Applied Science in Business Administration: Supply Chain Management
  • Associate in Applied Science in Computer Systems and Network Technologies
  • Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice
  • Associate in Applied Science in Individualized Studies
  • Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts and Science: Humanities and Social Science
  • Associate in Science in Business Administration
  • Associate in Science in Criminal Justice
  • Associate in Science in Liberal Arts and Science: General Studies
  • Certificate in Computer Repair
  • Certificate in Criminal Justice
  • Certificate in General Education
  • Certificate in Teaching Assistant

GCC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the regional accreditation agency. Credits will transfer more reliably from regionally accredited schools than any others. Accreditation agencies as reported by the Department of Education.

View the methodology for more details or learn more about Guide to Online Schools.

Tree and wires down in Le Roy, wires arcing and sparking also reported in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A tree and wires are down in the roadway at Warsaw and Cole roads in Le Roy. Also, wires are arcing and sparking across the street from 6810 East Bethany - Le Roy Road in Le Roy.

Le Roy Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 2:32 p.m.: A first responder at 6810 East Bethany - Le Roy Road reports the wires are no longer arcing and sparking. National Grid is contacted. The Le Roy fire assignment for this location is put back in service.

Meanwhile, at Warsaw (Route 19) and Cole roads, National Grid is called because a power line to a residence is across the roadway. Cable and phone lines are down as well and the service providers are contacted for repair. Southbound traffic is being shut down at Warsaw and Perry roads. Westbound traffic on Cole Road is shut down at Route 19.

Batavia's Emily Fischer named to dean's list at the University of Rhode Island

By Billie Owens

The University of Rhode Island is pleased to announce the Spring 2020 dean's list. The students represent nearly all of Rhode Island's cities and towns, all six New England states, New York and New Jersey, and many other states and countries.

To be included on the dean's list, full-time students must have completed 12 or more credits for letter grades during a semester and achieved at least a 3.30 quality-point average. Part-time students qualify with the accumulation of 12 or more credits for letter grades earning at least a 3.30 quality-point average.

Emily Fischer, of Batavia, was named to the dean's list.

Note: Students who qualified for the dean's list, but have restricted access to their information under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines, are not included on this public listing. Students may adjust these restrictions on eCampus.

The University of Rhode Island's pioneering research extends the University's influence well beyond its coastal borders, while its unique interdisciplinary courses provide its 16,852 undergraduate and graduate students with global opportunities in an intimate environment. In May 2020, more than 3,500 undergraduate and about 700 graduate degrees were awarded. The University now has more than 120,000 alumni worldwide.

Railroad underpasses flooded at Ellicott and at Cedar streets in the city

By Billie Owens

The railroad underpasses on Ellicott Street and on Cedar Street in the City of Batavia is impassable due to flooding from heavy rain. The county is under a Flood Warning until 5:45 p.m. the National Weather Service has Buffalo announced.

City police are on scene at both places.

From the National Weather Service:

At 1:49 p.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Up to one inch of rain has already fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other drainage and low lying areas.

Some locations that will experience flooding include -- Batavia, Stafford and East Bethany. 

Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area as additional thunderstorms move across the area. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. 

Please report flooding to your local law enforcement agency when you can do so safely.

UPDATE 2:15 p.m.: "Ellicott Street has already started to drain so I don't think (the road closure) it will be too long," says an officer on scene.

Law and Order: Maltby Road man arrested on warrant in grand larceny case

By Billie Owens

Judd Allen Farewell, 28, of Maltby Road, Oakfield, is charged with third-degree grand larceny. He was arrested June 16 on an arrest warrant out of Genesee County Court. He allegedly committed the crime he's charged with at 2:12 p.m. May 31 on Coe Avenue in Oakfield. He was arraigned and jailed without bail. He is due in county court on July 14. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Marshawn Jamal Singletery, 38, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; criminal use of drug paraphernalia; driving while ability impaired by alcohol; registration display violation; operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration. Singletery was arrested at 4:50 p.m. on June 19 on Swan Street, Batavia, after a motor-vehicle stop for having no license plates. He was allegedly found to be under the influence at the time and refused Data Master testing at Genesee County Jail. He was issued an appearance ticket for July 29 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen, assisted Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Hezekiah N. Burch, 18, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. At 10:20 p.m. on June 16, Batavia police responded to a report of a large fight in the area of State Street in Batavia. While investigating the incident, police arrested Burch after he allegedly "engaged in violent, tumultuous behavior towards another male." Burch was issued a computerized appearance ticket for Batavia City Court and he is due there on June 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Connor Borchert.

Andrew L. Kosiorek, 48, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. At 10:20 p.m. on June 16, Batavia police responded to a report of a large fight in the area of State Street in Batavia. While investigating the incident, police arrested Kosiorek after he allegedly "engaged in violent, tumultuous behavior towards another male." Burch was issued "a hand written appearance ticket (65007)" for Batavia City Court and he is due there on June 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Connor Borchert.

Mark Leroy Farley 51, of Harvester Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrest at 3 p.m. on June 14 following a domestic incident at an apartment on Harvester Avenue. He was issued an appearance ticket and released from custody. Farley is due in Batavia City Court on July 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Austin Hedges, assisted by Officer Joshua Girvin.

Jzon Anthony Richardson Sr., 21, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. At about 10:20 p.m. on June 16, Richardson was arrested at the intersection of Hutchins Place and Lewis Place, in Batavia, following a physical and verbal dispute. He was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court and is due there on July 21. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Connor Borchert, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Batavia's Eric Stroud named to dean's list at Cedarville University

By Billie Owens

Eric Stroud, of Batavia, was named to the Cedarville University dean's list for spring 2020.

This recognition requires the student to obtain a 3.5 GPA or higher for the semester and carry a minimum of 12 credit hours.

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 4,380 undergraduate, graduate and online students in more than 150 areas of study.

Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings and high student engagement ranking.

For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.

Hawley calls for vigilance as bogus letters about NYSDOL benefits hit mailboxes

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley is aware of the recent string of fraud cases that have developed in the wake of an overwhelmed New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) doing what it can to assist as many people as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused a significant number of people to lose their jobs.

The scam stems from evidence that individuals throughout Western New York have received letters concerning unemployment benefits from the NYSDOL, despite never having sought unemployment claims at all. Hawley is urging everyone to remain vigilant and responsible during this time.

“I have my reservations when it comes to government agencies operating efficiently,” Hawley said. “I am coordinating with the NYSDOL to ensure those who need legitimate support receive it, and those who are falling victim to these identity thieves know what steps to take to set things right.”

NYSDOL is still developing a comprehensive set of instructions that it will make public for those wondering what steps to take should they receive such a letter. Until that time, Hawley is encouraging all citizens to stay vigilant, monitor their mail, and should they notice anything suspicious coming from the NYSDOL in the mail (particularly when they have not claimed unemployment), they should report it to the Fraud Department by calling toll-free at (888) 598-2077, or visiting this website.

Citizens are also encouraged to email the FBI branch in Buffalo if they have received a letter or related debit card contact at: rochester.bf@fbi.gov or call the number of the New York State Police Troop A Headquarters at (585) 344-6200.

New pastor to lead first worship service at Indian Falls United Methodist Church on July 5

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Indian Falls United Methodist Church is excited to announce that Reverend Karen McCaffery has been appointed to serve as the newest Pastor in Indian Falls.

She will lead her first worship service on Sunday, July 5th in the outdoor pavilion.

Prior to this appointment, Reverend McCaffery has served at County Line UMC, Barker Faith UMC, Rotterdam UMC and most recently, First UMC North Tonawanda, totaling 19 years of service.

Reverend McCaffery graduated from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in Rochester in 2007.

She is married to Garry, also a UMC Pastor, and they have three adult children.

We are excited to serve our community alongside Pastor Karen and hope you will join us starting July 5th for our 10 a.m. worship service.

The church is located at 7908 Alleghany Road, Corfu.

Lake Plains Community Care Network is available to help people apply for health insurance

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced he is extending the open enrollment for health insurance for another month. The deadline for anyone who wants, or needs to apply for health insurance, the extension is now to July 15th.

Anyone who has questions, lost income, lost health insurance or needs help navigating the NYS of Health website can give Lake Plains Community Care Network a call at (585) 345-6110 and talk to a Navigator.

Applications are completed telephonically. Assistance with locating other resources are also available.

Charlotte Crawford RN, MSN, MBA

Chief Executive Officer

Lake Plains Community Care Network

575 E. Main St., Batavia

Rollover accident reported on Lewiston Road, Batavia

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident, believed to be with no injuries, is reported at 8068 Lewiston Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics. The location is between the Interstate 90 bridge and Galloway Road.

UPDATE 1:55 p.m.: The driver and sole occupant is out of the vehicle.

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