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Dog locked inside red Ford Escape in Batavia Downs' parking lot

By Billie Owens

A dog is reportedly locked inside a red Ford Escape in a handicapped parking space across from Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel on Park Road. An animal control officer is responding.

UPDATE 1:35 p.m.: The officer is in the parking lot with the vehicle; she's waiting for a security guard from the Downs and has called for a zone car -- patrol car -- to the scene.

UPDATE 2:23 p.m.: Didn't hear an update other than the officer is clearing the scene at the Downs and heading to a dog-bite call received earlier today.

Law and Order: Church Street Alabama man accused of bail jumping in drug paraphernalia case

By Billie Owens

Marc C.J. Cook Sr., 30, of Church Street, Alabama, is charged with third-degree bail jumping, a Class A misdemeanor. Cook was arrested on May 27. In 2019 Cook was arrested for criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree. At that time, he was instructed to appear in Batavia City Court Sept. 15, 2020. Not only did he not appear in court on that date, he did not voluntarily turn himself in within 30 days of the required court appearance, according to the report from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. Cook was arraigned virtually in city court and put in jail in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond. He is due back in city court on June 15. Members of the GC Drug Enforcement Task Force made the arrest with assistance from Sheriff's deputies. The GC DA's office also assisted in the case.

Brandon D. Forsyth, 29, of Corfu, was arrested at 8:01 p.m. May 21 by Troopers out of SP Warsaw and charged with driving while intoxicated and failure to stop at stop sign. Troopers arrested Forsyth after a motor-vehicle accident involving a ATV on Schoellkopf Road in the Town of Bennington. Forsyth was issued traffic tickets returnable to Town of Bennington Court in June.

Darrin Mitchell Brown, 31, of West State Street, Albion, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; driving while intoxicated -- first offense; and failure to signal within 100 feet. On May 25 at about 2:45 a.m. on Clinton Street in Batavia, Brown was arrested following a traffic stop. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and issued appearance tickets to be in Batavia City Court on June 6. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Chamoun, assisted by Deputy Mathew Clor.

Virtual Reel Discussion at Richmond library, watch 'Nomadland' prior to talk

By Billie Owens

Please be sure to watch the movie “Nomadland” PRIOR to the scheduled discussion date. We will NOT watch the movie as a group.

Title is available to watch through Hulu, Disney Plus or Amazon Prime.

Then on Thursday, June 10th at 7 p.m., join us on Zoom for a virtual Reel Discussion about the movie.

Event Date and Time

Callers complain about little beggars in Bergen

By Billie Owens

Two callers to dispatch report a pair of unsupervised little girls, about age 5, going door to door in Bergen asking people for money. One call was for Clinton Street and the other for Rochester Street.

Sheriff's deputies are responding.

UPDATE 2:43 p.m.: A sheriff's deputy asks where the girls were last seen and is told southbound in the first block on Clinton Street. He says he's delayed by a train momentarily.

UPDATE 3:12 p.m.: The deputy reports "checking the entirety of the village" and not finding the girls. He is going to speak with one of the callers who requested an interview.

UPDATE 6:41 p.m.: A reader shared the following:

The two little girls rang my doorbell after two o'clock. The older girl, about 7 years old, had a white, plastic grocery bag stretched out (trick or treat style), "Will you give us some money; we're homeless?" she asked. I looked her and her companion (she was about 5) over: they were in hoodie pajamas, barefoot. Both had brown hair and brown eyes. "You're barefoot. Aren't you cold?" I asked. "No, I'm okay," she replied. So I gave her some one-dollar bills I had handy and watched to see where they went. I called 911 and looked out my windows to see if there was an adult around or a car waiting on them. Neither was in sight. Last I saw them they were on my next-door neighbor's porch ringing his doorbell.

And:

Well, here's an update. The girls with their Mom just came to my door to apologize and return the money I gave them. "We're sorry. We were trying to help our Mom. We're not homeless." I replied, "It's always good to help your Mom, and it's always good to be honest." Mom waved at me, and they left. I guess that's a happy ending. I'll never know what "helping our Mom" meant. You can use the information however you choose. I'm glad that two little girls aren't wandering around without shoes or soliciting money.

Caller says pitbull mix tried to hitch a ride in Stafford

By Billie Owens

A caller to dispatch reports that a black and white pitbull mix tried to get into their vehicle when it stopped at a stop sign in Stafford. The dog was laying in a driveway in the area of Sweetland and Transit roads without shelter or food when the vehicle made the stop.

An officer is responding to check on the animal.

UPDATE 1:20 p.m.: An officer is out with the canine in the 6300 block of Sweetland Road.

UPDATE 1:26 p.m.: The animal control officer says the dog has shelter and a water dish. "Unable to make contact with anyone" at the residence. She's en route back to the shelter.

Accident in front of Arby's

By Billie Owens

A two-vehicle accident is reported in the median in front of Arby's at 212 W. Main St. in Batavia. One driver is complaining of whiplash. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

The location is between Holland Avenue and Oak Street.

Six local students named to dean's list this Spring at Nazareth College

By Billie Owens

ROCHESTER -- The following local students were named to the Nazareth College Spring 2021 dean's list:

  • Kaitlin Ange, of Batavia, is studying Public Health.
  • Kimberly Davis, of Pavilion, is studying Health Sciences.
  • Sarah Efing, of Le Roy, is studying Music Education.
  • Emily Overacker, of Le Roy, is studying Music Education.
  • Lauren Reding, of Oakfield, is studying Music Therapy.
  • Ryann Stefaniak, of Batavia, is studying Anthropology.

A student's grade-point average must be at least 3.5 or above, and they must complete 12 credit hours of graded work that semester in order to be included on the dean's list at Nazareth.

Nazareth College's academic strengths cross an unusually broad spectrum of 60 majors, including education, health and human services, management, the fine arts, music, theater, math and science, foreign languages, and the liberal arts. The coeducational, religiously independent, classic campus in a charming suburb of Rochester challenges and supports 2,000 undergrads and 800 graduate students. Nazareth is recognized nationally for its Fulbright global student scholars and commitment to civic engagement. Rigorous programs, an uncommon core, experiential learning, career skills, and a global focus prepare graduates for not just one job, but for their life's work.

East Bethany's Charles Urbanczyk anmed to dean's list at Edinboro University in Pennsylvania

By Billie Owens

EDINBORO, PA -- Charles Donald Urbanczyk, of East Bethany, was named to the dean's list at Edinboro University in Pennsylvania for the Spring 2021 semester.

In order to attain this highly regarded academic honor, students must maintain a quality point average of 3.4 or higher, complete a minimum of 12 semester hours of credit and receive no grade lower than a C in any course.

Urbanczyk, whose major is Speech and Hearing Sciences, was among nearly 1,200 students named to the Spring 2021 dean's list.

Edinboro University is committed to excellence in academics and in every aspect of campus life. A passion for student success, a comprehensive catalog of offerings and a supportive yet challenging academic environment define the Edinboro experience. For more information, visit www.edinboro.edu.

Duane Lee Squires

By Billie Owens

January 27, 1931 – May 24, 2021

Duane Lee Squires, 90, of Myrtle Beach, S.C., passed away on May 24, 2021.

Born in Buffalo, N.Y., he was the son of the late Paul L. Squires and Nellie Glidden Squires.

He was a graduate of Batavia High School, Class of 1949, and attended Edison Tech in Rochester, N.Y. He served a four-year apprenticeship in the Bricklayers, Masons, and Plasters International Union and worked in the trade until 1954 when he cofounded Manning and Squires Co., which later became Manning Squires Hennig Co. Inc., and where he presided as president until 1996.

He was a member of the New York State Chapter of the Associated General Contractors, Rochester Builders Exchange, past president of the Byron, N.Y., Kiwanis Club, a graduate assistant for Dale Carnegie, and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

He was known for his love of people, his integrity, his labored attention to detail and the neighborhood squirrels which he fed daily. He was an easy acquaintance to all and cared deeply for others. As a closet novelist, he filled numerous binders with hundreds of short stories of his life’s experiences. A modern day romantic, he serenaded the love of his life on a daily basis and showered her with love for 68 years.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Shultz); sisters, Jean Dudley of Batavia, N.Y. & Donna Krause of Bergen, N.Y.; four children, Douglas (Karen) of Charlotte, N.C., Gary (Catherine) of Churchville, N.Y., David (Judy) of Maricopa, Ariz., & Sandy (Stewart) of North Myrtle Beach, S.C.; grandchildren, Brad, Brenda (Nate) Nord, Jacob, Adam (Fia), Matt (Chelsea), Ashley (Colin) McCabe, Pat (Carly), Selena, Josh, & Skylar; & great-grandchildren, Ryann, Avery, Beckett, Finn, Damian, Hugh, Gus, Ruby, Savonne, & Shanice.

Visitation is planned for 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 30, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church in Myrtle Beach, immediately followed by a Memorial Service at 2 p.m.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that a donation be made to the Parkinson’s Association at www.parkinson.org.

Children at Agribusiness Child Development Center dismissed for the day after gas leak detected

By Billie Owens

A National Fuel crew is at the Agribusiness Child Development Center at 18 Brooklyn Ave. in the city to fix a slight leak in a natural gas pipeline in the kitchen.

There were no ill effects.

The children in the Migrant and Seasonal Head Start program were dismissed for the day about a half hour ago. 

The faint smell of natural gas was detected in the kitchen, where some work had recently been completed, but city fire's monitors could not get a reading. National Fuel did and it was decided to dismiss the children, rather than have them wait outside until repairs are complete, because of the possibility of rain.

The city fire assignment is back in service and the National Fuel is in charge of the scene.

Darien Center's Joshua Richard Fontaine earns bachelor's degree at Clarkson University

By Billie Owens

POTSDAM -- Joshua Richard Fontaine, of Darien Center, received a bachelor of science in Mechanical Engineering, from Clarkson University this month (May, 2021).

As a private, national research university, Clarkson is a leader in technological education and sustainable economic development through teaching, scholarship, research and innovation. We ignite personal connections across academic fields and industries to create the entrepreneurial mindset, knowledge and intellectual curiosity needed to innovate world-relevant solutions and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow.

With its main campus located in Potsdam, and additional graduate program and research facilities in the New York Capital Region, Beacon, and New York City, Clarkson educates 4,300 students across 95 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, the arts, education, sciences and health professions. Our alumni earn salaries that are among the top 2.5 percent in the nation and realize accelerated career growth. One in five already leads as a CEO, senior executive or owner of a company.

Batavia's Eric Stroud named to Spring Dean's Honor List at Cedarville University

By Billie Owens

CEDARVILLE, OHIO-- Cedarville Student Eric Stroud, of Batavia, majoring in Broadcast, Digital Media, Journalism, was named to the Dean's Honor List for Spring 2021. This recognition requires the student to obtain a 3.75 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 4,550 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study.

Founded in 1887, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, 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 Cedarville University, visit www.cedarville.edu.

Session Two: Call-To-Action for the Little Free Pantry to help finish planting community garden for Summer outreach projects

By Billie Owens

Call-To-Action: The Little Free Pantry is looking for people to lend a hand to finish planting the community garden at Ryan’s Rose Organic Farm, and to visit our by-donation Plant Sale to help fund our Spring outreach projects.

The harvest will be used to supply the Pantry with farm-to-pantry produce all summer long.

Special thanks to the volunteers who helped plant last week, a lot got accomplished. We still have some things that need to get into the soil at the Farm.

Event Date and Time
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Hazardous Weather Outlook issued

By Billie Owens

A Hazardous Weather Outlook was issued for today by the National Weather Service office in Buffalo.

It is for Western and North Central New York.

Today and tonight, a few storms will be possible along lake breeze boundaries. There is a marginal risk that these storms will become severe with the primary threat being damaging winds and hail.

Wednesday through Monday, a cold front will near and then cross the Eastern Great Lakes on Wednesday. There is a slight risk of severe storms with the primary threat damaging wind gusts and hail.

Officer called to Target parking lot for report of dog locked in vehicle

By Billie Owens

An officer is called to the Target parking lot for a report of a dog locked in a Chevy Sonic. "The windows are only down one inch," according to what the dispatcher was told.

The officer on scene reports the air-conditioner is running and the dog appears fine.

But the officer is going inside the store to try and locate the owner.

It's 83 degrees now and overcast, with 55-percent humidity, according to the National Weather Service.

Basom's Zachary Tyler Dusky earns bachelor of science degree with distinction from Clarkson University

By Billie Owens

Zachary Tyler Dusky, of Basom, received a bachelor of science with distinction in Mechanical Engineering, from Clarkson University on Dec. 31.

As a private, national research university, Clarkson is a leader in technological education and sustainable economic development through teaching, scholarship, research and innovation.

We ignite personal connections across academic fields and industries to create the entrepreneurial mindset, knowledge and intellectual curiosity needed to innovate world-relevant solutions and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. With its main campus located in Potsdam, and additional graduate program and research facilities in the New York Capital Region, Beacon, and New York City, Clarkson educates 4,300 students across 95 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, the arts, education, sciences and health professions.

Our alumni earn salaries that are among the top 2.5 percent in the nation and realize accelerated career growth. One in five already leads as a CEO, senior executive or owner of a company.

Old Hippies announce four free afternoon concerts in Genesee County this summer

By Billie Owens

On Monday, the Old Hippies -- Bill and Kay McDonald -- announced a series of four free afternoon concerts in Genesee County this summer.

The Old Hippies, a renowed local band specializing in Americana roots music, will perform the "Home to Home Concert Series: For the Common Good":

  • Saturday, July 3 at 1 p.m. in Jackson Square
  • Sunday, Aug. 8 at 1 p.m. in Jackson Square
  • Sunday, Aug. 22 at 3 p.m. in Elba Town Park
  • Sunday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. in Jackson Square

These dates are in addition to the 7 p.m. Friday concert July 2 in Downtown's Jackson Square.*

There will​ also be live performances by the Ghostriders, Deanna Spiotta and other talented musicians.

Food vendors will be available along with displays from local businesses.

All are welcome to:

  • Enjoy the music live and in person. Bring your own chair;
  • Listen in on FM radio as they broadcast near the concert venue;
  • Interact with livestream over the internet via Facebook from wherever you may be;
  • View the recorded concert on YouTube at a time and place you choose.

For updates and info, visit:

  • oldhippiesmusic.com
  • Facebook.com/oldhippiesmusic
  • or contact Bill McDonald at (585) 250-2269 or email billmcdonald50@gmail.com

​The performances are possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the NYS Council on the Arts, with support from Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Legislature, administered by GO ART! They are sponsored by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

*Previously:  Here's the lineup for the free concert series on Friday nights in Jackson Square starting June 25

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