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Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced $785,000 in federal funding for the Town of Bethany. This $785,000 was awarded through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Water and Waste Disposable Loans and Grants Program. The Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program provide funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary waste disposal, and stormwater drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas.

“The USDA’s Water and Waste Disposable Loan and Grant Program is a prudent use of federal funding that helps rural communities here in Western New York provide reliable access to clean water for its residents,” said Congressman Chris Collins. “Constructing Water District #2 has been a top priority for the Town, so this funding is certainly welcome news for Bethany residents.

"I was glad to work with Supervisor Hyde to secure this critical USDA funding that will undoubtedly improve the quality of life both in Bethany and in Genesee County.”

The Town of Bethany has been awarded a USDA Rural Development loan of $785,000, which will be used to address health code issues associated with a number of the Town’s water wells. In addition, the Town of Bethany intends to create Water District #2, a project that is estimated to cost $1,354,000, which will extend public water service to 40 residential and one other user in the Town who currently do not have access to safe potable water.

“First and foremost I want to thank Congressman Collins for his support of this critical USDA program,” said Carl Hyde, J.R., Bethany town supervisor. “Because of this funding, residents of Bethany will now have access to clean drinking water and I am glad to know Congressman Collins supports keeping the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program intact.”

To learn more about the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program, including eligibility requirements, please click here.

Piper is missing. She is a 2 1/2-year-old yellow lab. She took advantage of a door that was closed but not bolted and ran out and hasn't been seen since 1 p.m.

Her home is on Route 63 in East Bethany near the General Store and church.

She escaped without her collar or tags on. Her dark brown ears are her distinguishing feature. 

Her owner Jennifer Shaffer said she is is a little hyper but not aggressive. She will answer to "Piper" or "Piper Girl." She will come to anybody calling her and willing to give her a treat. 

UPDATE 8:05 p.m.: Piper was returned home safely this afternoon. 

Press release:

William Schutt graduated from FEMA’s National Emergency Management Advanced Academy (formerly the Leaders Academy) at the Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, Md., after he completed the full curriculum that provides the strategic level training and education in the essential skills and tools for emergency management professionals to lead dynamic and resilient programs.

Schutt completed the four resident courses with three short distance learning sessions in the Advanced Academy including: A Survey of Advanced Concepts in Emergency Management; Assessment and Application of Professional Style in Emergency Management; Advanced Concepts and Issues in the Emergency Management Organization; and Advanced Concepts and Issues in the Emergency Management Community and Profession.

FEMA’s National Emergency Management Advanced Academy reinforces the qualities needed to lead emergency management programs, provides relevant management theories and concepts, and utilizes appropriate case studies. By working within their series, Advanced Academy participants work within a collaborative environment on projects and establish a network of their peers.

The Academy is designed for emerging leaders and mid-level managers wanting to advance their skillset. Students learn skills critical to performing leadership responsibilities such as program management and oversight, effective communication at all levels, integrated collaboration, and strategic thinking. The Advanced Academy provides students the opportunity to demonstrate their critical thinking ability through a guided research project. Students apply the key learning concepts from the Advanced Academy curriculum relative to their own skillsets and abilities within their organizations, and their own performance environments.

FEMA’s Emergency Management Professional Program (EMPP) curriculum is designed to provide a lifetime of learning for emergency managers and includes three separate, but closely threaded, training programs including the National Emergency Management Basic Academy; a specialized and technical training program to develop specific, fundamental skill sets; the National Emergency Management Advanced Academy; and the National Emergency Management Executive Academy; a program designed to challenge and enhance the talents of the nation’s emergency management senior executives through critical thinking, visionary strategic planning, challenging conventional concepts, and negotiation and conflict resolution applied to complex real-world problems.

William Schutt completed his training on Sept. 15.

Photo: FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) graduated William Schutt who completed all requirements of the National Emergency Management Advanced Academy. Paul Butki, acting superintendent of EMI is shown congratulating William as he graduates. Shane Gibbon /FEMA

Press release:

Fourteen area firefighters successfully completed 32 hours of Rope Rescue Operations Level training held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center.  The program, instructed by NYS Fire Protection Specialists, concluded on Sept. 24.

This course provided information and developed student skills to adequately perform basic vertical rope rescue techniques in an urban/suburban environment. The overall objective of the Rope Rescue course is to improve rescuer awareness of the safety concerns at rope rescue situations and to develop basic skills in rappelling and high-angle rescue systems. 

Genesee County’s Rope Rescue team is one of the specialized rescue teams supported by the county.

Write up and photos submitted by Carolyn DellaPenna.

Last night the Batavia Varsity girls and boys senior recognition game was held at Van Detta Stadium against Greece-Odyssey.

After double overtime, the girls game ended in a 2-2 tie with goals made by #6 Ari Brown & #13 Bri Bromley. All players stepped up their game and goalkeeper Bri Janes made multiple saves to hold Greece-Odyssey to just two goals.

Seniors Recognized included:
   #2 Rachel DeNise
   #3 Claire Zickl
   #7 Alaina Bowman
   #9 Sophie Dinehart
  #11 Brigid McCormack
   #14 Bri Janes
   # 32 Kelsey Kasmarek

Last Varsity home games at Batavia High School are Monday, Oct. 2, against Wayland-Cohocton at 5 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 5, against Honeoye Falls-Lima at 4:30 p.m.

The boys won 1-0 with a goal made by Andrés Mateos in the 18th minute of the game. Nathan Hamilton had four shots on goal. Due to a strong defense by seniors Brandon Bradley, Stephen Gilebarto, Kyler Preston, and Jake Stokes, Greece-Odyssey was held to no goals. This is the second shutout for goalkeeper Jake Stokes.

Seniors recognized included:
  #1 Jake Stokes
  #4 Nathan Hamilton
  #7 Brandon Bradley
  #8 Cameron Hardy
  #9 Gordie Montgomery
  #11 Peter Fallon
  #12 Andrew Freeman
  #13 Julio Vazquez
  #14 Charlie Beaver
  #17 Kyler Preston
  #20 Stephen Gilebarto

Last Varsity home game at Batavia High School is Friday, Oct. 13, against Pembroke at 4:30 p.m.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo's visit to Batavia has been rescheduled and he will be at City Hall at 1:40 p.m., tomorrow.

It's possible -- though no official will confirm it -- that Cuomo is here to announce Batavia is the winner in the Finger Lakes region of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative prize.

Press release:

Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse is sad to say goodbye to Dr. Magdi Credi. Dr. Credi began working as the Medical Director at GCASA almost seven years ago. At that time, he was trained in addiction medicine by GCASA’s former Medical Director, Dr. Charles King.

Dr. Credi has been an integral part of GCASA’s medical team, providing healthcare services and medication-assisted treatment for many patients over the years. His kindness and compassion toward people suffering from substance use disorders have been greatly appreciated by patients and staff. 

Executive Director John Bennett recalls why he wanted to recruit Dr. Credi to be GCASA’s Medical Director.

“Our conversation centered on Dr. Credi being a healer and that people with an addiction need compassionate medical care," Bennett said. "We have been blessed to have him as our Medical Director for many years and more recently as part of the medical team.”

Dr. Credi stated, “Working with our patients has been very eye-opening. I am very thankful to John Bennett for having the vision to provide methadone treatment.”

Dr. Credi worked his last day at GCASA today, Sept. 28th. He plans to enjoy his retirement by spending time traveling and enjoying his grandchildren.

Press release:

The countdown is on for several exciting happenings that will help to launch Domestic Violence Awareness Month at YWCA of Genesee County.

A motorcycle ride, 5K, Harvest Supper and disco party are events that begin this weekend and move through October.

“We’re thrilled to be able to highlight the heavy topic of domestic violence with some upbeat, family-friendly events that help to pull the community together for a great cause,” YWCA Executive Director Jeanne Walton said.

“We never want to lose sight of those affected by domestic violence, and these events complement the programs and services that we offer year-round.”

There are only four days until bikers of all kinds take to the road for a 90-mile Kickstands Up for Domestic Violence Awareness trip through Genesee, Wyoming and Livingston counties.

Riders pay $20 for the map and a chicken barbecue, and passengers pay just $5 more, meal included. There will be a silent auction with everything from a basket of edible treats and salon gift certificates to motorcycle-related goods.

Kickstands are up at 1 p.m. Saturday at YWCA, 301 North St., Batavia, for the start of this event.

In seven days, runners and walkers will take to the streets for the second annual Stiletto & Sneaker 5K. The USA Track and Field certified race will be followed with awards by age category, a purple celebration with a powder toss, lantern release, cotton candy and snow cones, a balloon artist and a brief message in support of victims and survivors of domestic violence.

The 5K takes off at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, at YWCA. Registration is $30 for individuals and $40 for teams of up to 10 middle and high school students.

Meanwhile, for those looking for a hearty meal of local produce, the Harvest Supper will serve up an array of succulent dishes from 4 to 7 p.m. that same evening. Culled from local farms and agricultural producers, the menu includes bean and kale soup, beef stew, zucchini bread, roasted potatoes, sausage with peppers and onions, roast chicken, pumpkin bars, apple crisp with fresh whipped cream and hot mulled cider.

The United Way of Genesee County has set a fundraising goal for the next year of $388,000 to help support 25 programs run by 20 local agencies.

Director Eric Fix also announced this morning at the kickoff breakfast at the Dibble Family Center an ambitious plan to build "Teen City," a new center to provide activities for teens from throughout Genesee County.

Plans are still being developed, including finding a location for the center in the City of Batavia, but Fix said the goal is to open the doors by fall of 2018.

He's working with Jeff Townsend of the YMCA to develop the center.

"One of the things we've both been told throughout our careers is teen centers don't work," Fix said. "You can't do teens. It just won't work. I personally feel with funding from United Way and other sources, with our community support, and all the great people at the table at the same time coming up with this concept it definitely will work."

Fix also celebrated the events and accomplishments of the past year, which included raising $385,000 in last year's campaign, which was headed by Bill Fritts, who is directing the fundraising effort again this year.

The 10th Annual Day of Caring attracted more than 400 volunteers who worked at 35 sites.

"If you missed it, it's the highlight event Genesee County of all last year," Fix said. "Out of anything that happens in the whole entire county, it was hands down the best event. I think I've seen tie-dyed shirts in my sleep but it was the signature event of the year."

The backpack program starts back up next week and Fix said he's personally excited to get involved in that again, working with clients of ARC at the Salvation Army to fill backpacks with food to help children from needy families get through the weekends each week. There will be 180 to 200 backpacks packed each weekend.

There are two events left in the United Way's 5K series, the Acorn Run this weekend in the Genesee County Park & Forest, and the Stiletto & Sneaker 5K at the YWCA on Thursday.

Fix said all the agencies supported through the annual fundraising drive are making a big difference in our community.

"It's not easy," Fix said. "They can tell you that. I can tell you that from talking to them and working with them. And it's our United Way effort that helps support their organizations and helps them do the work that they do.

"I can't say that they wouldn't exist without it, but I know that their lives would be a heck of a lot harder if they didn't have that money. So we appreciate everybody who gives to the campaign."

A semi-truck has left the roadway and traveled into the trees on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 392 in the westbound lane.

The driver has been ejected and is unconscious.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 12:22 p.m.: Bergen requested to stand by in quarters with one engine.

UPDATE 12:29 p.m.: Bergen requested to fill in one engine at Le Roy Fire Hall.

UPDATE 1:48 p.m.: Statement from Troop T, State Police:

On Thursday, September 28, 2017, at approximately 12:14 p.m., State Police were dispatched to investigate a serious injury tractor-trailer accident on I-90, westbound near exits 47 & 48, in the Town of Stafford. The investigation is still ongoing, more information will be released as it becomes available. Expect traffic delays in the area.

The 16th annual Batavia Blue Devil Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner is this Saturday at Terry Hills.

Social hour begins at 5 p.m. Dinner is at 6 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person.

ROC archive has obtained film shot by Harold W. Trott, who lived in the Livonia area, that may contain images of Amelia Earhart at the opening of the airport in Le Roy. It's definitely Earhart in the film, but whether it was shot at Le Roy isn't for certain.

Earhart is seen to speak briefly at a mic that is flagged WFBL. WFBL is a Syracuse radio station, but our local radio expert and broadcast history buff Dan Fischer, co-owner of WBTA, said it is possible, back in the era of fewer radio stations, that WFBL was in Le Roy for such a historic event.

The video also contains pictures of Charles Lindbergh at Sikorsky Airport Bridgeport, CT where he kept his “Spirit of St. Louis.”

Above, we've cued the video to start at the point were Earhart enters the film.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) released the following statement in support of the U.S. House of Representatives Republican framework on tax reform that was released today:

“Updating our nation’s tax code will be one of the most important accomplishments we will see under President Trump. The House Republican framework is what will truly make America Great Again by making our country more competitive around the world and allowing families to keep more of what they earn.

"Lower corporate tax rates and repatriation of dollars that are overseas will directly stimulate investment and job growth in Western New York and around our country. It’s time for Congress to follow President Trump’s lead and fix the broken, outdated tax system that has burdened hard-working individuals and has crushed our economy."

For more information on the House Republican tax reform framework, click here.

Press release:

Students from Genesee County’s Reality Check program have noticed a big problem of littered cigarettes scattered all across county parks. So they’ve decided to do something about it.

This Saturday, Sept. 30, with plastic bags in hand, the students will go through DeWitt Recreation Area and pick up all the cigarette butts littering the park. The event will kick off at 10 a.m.

Reality Check is New York State’s youth-led movement aimed at exposing the deceptive marketing practices of the tobacco industry and supporting a tobacco-free generation for their peers.

Shelly Wolanske, youth engagement coordinator at Tobacco-Free GLOW, said the students got the idea when they were working out in the park this summer and noticed all the smokers and the butts they were leaving behind. The group wants their generation to be tobacco-free, and all citizens of Genesee County to breathe cleaner air when they are enjoying a picnic, bike ride or play time.

“I have trouble breathing when people around me are smoking,” said Ben Streeter, a freshman at Notre Dame High School. “Plus, we see so many cigarette butts near the playground where little kids play.”

To prevent children in the community from feeling those same effects due to secondhand smoke, Streeter and his fellow Reality Check advocates decided to rally for smoking bans in all the parks in Genesee County. Their Cigarette Butt Pickup on Saturday is the first event they are sponsoring to raise awareness for a smoking ban.

Wolanske said she and the students will take the plastic bags of cigarette butts collected with them to meetings with Genesee County elected officials to discuss a possible ban in the future. If Genesee County declares its parks tobacco-free, they would be following the lead of the City of Batavia, as well as other counties in New York State, including nearby Erie County.

Rep. Chris Collins is one of six new members of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives.

From a press release:

Co-chaired by Representatives Carlos Curbelo (FL-26) and Ted Deutch (FL-22), the Caucus is now comprised of 58 Members of Congress, split evenly between Democrats and Republicans, representing diverse districts from across the country.

“The real-world implications of sea level rise have been on display for all to see in Texas, Florida and the Caribbean following hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria,” Curbelo said. “I’m grateful these members are willing to step up and turn their concern into action by joining the Climate Solutions Caucus. This growing bipartisan coalition will be critical to ensuring Congress makes finding solutions to this issue a priority.”

“These new Members are joining the Caucus amid a devastating hurricane season, where major storms are gaining strength from the warmer waters in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico,” Deutch said. “We are witnessing the serious impacts of climate change right in front of our eyes. More and more members of Congress believe we need to respond to climate change right now, and I’m thrilled that they turn to the Climate Solutions Caucus as a forum for open and constructive dialogue.”

The release contains this statement by Collins:

“I am happy to join the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus with my fellow New Yorker Nydia Velazquez,” Collins said. “As an Eagle Scout, I believe in preserving our national parks and recreational sites for future generations. I look forward to discussing solutions that truly improve our environment while balancing the needs of our economic sector.”

The Landmark Society of Genesee County has selected seven properties and their owners for recognition for their preservation efforts.

The awards will be present Oct. 7 at the Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia. Dinner is at 6 p.m. with awards presented at approximately 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person. Reservations are due by Sept. 30 by calling (585) 757-2714.

Each year the awards committee tries to choose a group of structures that is varied in styles of architecture, geographic locations, building materials, and type of building such as churches, residences, commercial, and public facilities. 

"We are recognizing three historic churches all celebrating 200 year anniversaries this year," said Cleo Mullins. "The three homeowners owners being honored to have all put a lot of love and sweat into their homes. The business owners spent a decade working on their building to ensure that their results were the perfect blend of preservation with modern technology, comforts, and conveniences." 

The winners:

• Tender Loving Care --  East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Road, East Bethany 
• Tender Loving Care -- Corfu United Presbyterian Church, 63 Allegheny Road, Corfu
• Tender Loving Care -- St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 E. Main St., Le Roy
• Tender Loving Care -- Dean and Jennifer, Eck 64, E. Main St., Corfu
• Restoration -- Dave and Noreen Tillotson, 11129 River St., Pavilion 
• Renovation -- Dave and Ashley Bateman, 27 Summit St., Batavia 
• Renovation -- Farmer’s Creekside Tavern & Inn, 1 Main St., Le Roy