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Freezing rain advisory issued

By Howard B. Owens

The National Weather Service is expecting freezing rain to hit the area tomorrow morning.

An advisory has been issued for 7 a.m. through 1 p.m., Friday.

Untreated roadways are expected to be slick, especially on elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses. Travel conditions could be hazardous.

Both drivers and pedestrians should be on the lookout for slick spots on roads and sidewalks. Walking and driving could be difficult.

An experiment in local news publishing

By Howard B. Owens

You know us over here at The Batavian, we're always willing to experiment.

There's been a few publications recently, such as Wired Magazine, that are offering versions of their online editions without ads, or with fewer ads, to paid subscribers.

We thought we would give that idea a try.  

Here is a version of The Batavian without ads for you to try.

You can take this survey and let us know what you think.

If you have any questions, you can e-mail me at howard@thebatavian.com. Also, let me know if you run into any technical glitches.

Anticipating one question I know the will come up: The main site, The Batavian, will remain sponsor supported and free.  

Notre Dame notches first round win in boys basketball playoff

By Howard B. Owens

Sparked by a string of three-point buckets in the 2nd quarter, Notre Dame built an insurmountable lead over Fillmore in a first-round Class D Section V playoff game and ran away with the victory, 58-42.

Half of Fillmore's points came in the final quarter while Notre Dame rested some starters. Fillmore scored only eight, six and seven points in each of the respective first three quarters.

Tyler Prospero led the Irish with 19 points and Casey Midwick added 13.

In other local boys basketball playoff games Wednesday night:

  • Oakfield-Alabama beat Keshequa 65-51 to advance in Class C2. Ryan Douglas scored 18 points;
  • Pembroke, seeded #5, was upset by #12 seed Gananda, 38-37 in Class C.  Zach Von Kramer scored 11 and Reid Miano, 10.

In the girls games:

  • Alexander beat Red Creek 54-42. Stephany McBride scored 10 points;
  • Pembroke fell to Avon 17-26. Olivia Kohorst scored eight for Pembroke;
  • Notre Dame beat Addison 39-30. Rebecca Krenzer scored 12;
  • Cal-Mum beat Byron-Bergen 46-34. Dana Van Valkenberg scored eight points;
  • Oakfield-Alabama beat Cuba-Rushford 60-17. Brianna Smith scored 13.

Schedule:

  • Le Roy boys (12-8) vs. Wellsville (16-4), 7 p.m., Friday, at Wellsville;
  • Batavia boys (13-7) vs. Monroe (8-13), 4 p.m., Saturday, at Batavia;
  • Oakfield-Alabama boys (12-9) vs. Geneseo (16-5), Friday, time and place TBA;
  • Notre Dame boys (11-10) vs. York, Friday, time and place TBA;
  • Elba boys (18-2) vs. Webster-Christian (7-13), 7 p.m., Saturday, at Elba;
  • Batavia girls (17-2) vs. Eastridge (6-15), 7 p.m., Friday, at Batavia;
  • Elba girls vs. Belfast, 7 p.m., Friday, at Elba
  • Le Roy girls (8-12) vs. Attica (9-11), 2 p.m., Saturday, at Attica;
  • Notre Dame girls (14-7) vs. Cal-Mum (18-3), 2 p.m., Saturday, at Cal-Mum;
  • Alexander girls (15-6) vs. Letchworth (17-4), 5 p.m., Saturday, at Letchworth;
  • Oakfield-Alabama girls (15-6) vs. Lyons (12-8), 2 p.m., Saturday, at O-A;
  • Elba girls (12-8) vs. Belfast (13-7), 7 p.m., Friday, at Elba.

Elba drama club presents 'The Sound of Music' this weekend

By Howard B. Owens

The Elba Central School Drama Club is presenting performances of "The Sound of Music" this weekend. These photos are from yesterday's rehearsal.

Performances are at 7 p.m., Friday, and 2 & 7 p.m., Saturday in the ECS Auditorium. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. Tickets are available at the district office and at Roxy's Music Store.

Photo: Old WBTA building

By Howard B. Owens

Appropriate to the recent celebration of WBTA's 75th Anniversary, C.M. Barons sends us this photo of the old WBTA building off of Alva Place, Batavia.

County set to accept donation of ice skating rink for Dewitt

By Howard B. Owens

Next winter, you might be able to play outdoor hockey, or just ice skate, at the Dewitt Recreation Area on Cedar Street in Batavia.

The plan for the county park has always included the idea of installing an outdoor ice rink at the park, but the construction has never been funded.

At yesterday's Public Service Committee meeting of the County Legislature, Highway Superintended Tim Hens said the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District is ready to donate an outdoor ice rink to the county.

The district purchased the rink some years ago with grant money, and though it proved popular when put into use, hasn't been used in recent years and the district doesn't plan to put it to use in the future.

The rink comes with 50 pairs of ice skates.

The committee agreed by consensus to allow Hens to accept the donation on behalf of the county.

The rink will likely be installed in the depression area in the middle of the walking path at the front of the park, which is the area originally designed to eventually contain a rink.

Pipe bursts in County Building #2 during off hours, but damage reduced by timely discovery

By Howard B. Owens

County Building #2 got some water damage Monday, but the situation could have been worse if a member of the county's IT staff hadn't showed up for work that day -- President's Day -- to put in some overtime on a work project.

On a day of single-digit temperatures, a pipe froze and then burst, causing flooding throughout about 50 percent of the building.

If not for that employee, County Manager Jay Gsell said, the flooding wouldn't have been discovered until staff showed up for regular work hours on Tuesday morning.

The water spread through the building as just a thin layer, pooling in areas of floor depressions, and had to be squeegeed out. About 18 members of the Town of Batavia Fire Department turned out for the job.

Gsell said that volunteer effort was a big help in building cleanup.

However, there are storage shelves -- mostly belonging to history department -- with water still standing under them.

Highway Superintendent Tim Hens said contractors from ServePro will provide an estimate to finish the drying out process. He estimated the bid will be from $20,000 to $40,000 and he asked the Public Service Committee yesterday to authorize the contract on an emergency basis.

He expected the building's heaters to be running full force overnight to help dry out the building.

While no historical records or artifacts were damaged in the flooding, continued moisture is a threat to records and if it gets into the walls it could lead to mold and mildew problems.

There was flooding under the false floor in the county's server room, but all of the cables and connectors are encased in waterproof coverings so no equipment was damaged.

County will make vehicle purchases for highway and sheriff's departments

By Howard B. Owens

Genesee County is set to make new vehicle purchases for the Highway Department and Sheriff's Office after the Public Service Committee recommended approval Tuesday of the proposals.

At its next full meeting, the County Legislature is expected to approve purchase of:

  • An asphalt paver from Ilton CAT, 4610 E. Saile Drive, Batavia, for a total amount not to exceed $169,900;
  • A 2017 Model GU713 Mack cab and chassis, in conformance to Onondaga County bid specifications, from Beam Mack Sales, Rochester, in a amount not to exceed $156,743.37;
  • Five 2016 SUV law enforcement vehicles from Van Bortel Ford, for a total purchase price of $113,955, including trade-in on four 2013 Ford sedan interceptors and a 2009 Chevy Impala.

The committee also recommend approval of five vehicles being declared surplus and sold at auction. The vehicles are a 2009 Ford Focus, a 2008 Jeep and three 2009 Chevy Impalas.

Photos: And the snow has continued to fall

By Howard B. Owens

At least a foot of snow has fallen in parts of Genesee County, and in some places more, according to various weather reports. And it's still coming down. Slow and persistant.

Above, Steve Ognibene clears his driveway.

Kibbe Park.

The tracks along the side of the Harvester Center.

William Morgan, Batavia Cemetery.

Harvester Avenue.

Landon Coles and Rebecca Salvaterra clearing snow on East Avenue.

Photos: Heavy morning snow

By Howard B. Owens

As predicted, heavy wet snow hit Genesee County this morning, making for a tricky commute.

We've received notification of closings for GCASA and BOCES.

Above, the westbound Thruway from State Street Road.

UPDATE:

  • Grace's Kitchen in Le Roy tonight is cancelled.
  • The UMMC Urgent Care in Le Roy is closed.
  • Bergen Town Hall is closing at noon.
  • The Section V boys basketball playoff game in Pembroke tonight has been rescheduled. Pembroke will play Gananda tomorrow at 5 p.m. The Lady Dragons will play Avon tomorrow at  7 p.m., as originally scheduled. The cost is $4 per person per game.

Main and Oak.

Main and Court.

Looking east down Main Street, Downtown.

City Firefighter Christine Marinaccio shoveling in front of the Fire Station.

Community Action receives grant from Kelly for Kids

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback and Buffalo Bills legend Jim Kelly awarded more than $190,000 in grants to area charities at his foundation’s annual grant luncheon two weeks ago. Among the 34 organizations to receive funding from the Kelly for Kids Foundation were two Batavia-area charities: Genesee ARC and Community Action of Orleans/Genesee.

The Kelly for Kids Foundation is a not-for-profit organization which aims to distribute grant money to WNY charities to assist children in need. More than $5 million has been distributed to disadvantaged and disabled youth since the foundation began in 1987. Their largest fundraiser throughout the years has been the Jim Kelly Celebrity Golf Classic, held at Terry Hills Golf Course and Banquet Facility in Batavia. This celebrity tournament brings in thousands of charity dollars which are later distributed to deserving organizations.

Both Genesee ARC and Community Action of Orleans/Genesee were nominated by Terry Hills to receive grants at the Jan. 19th luncheon due to their important work with Genesee County youth. Genesee ARC assists children with special needs through various programs, including a therapeutic horseback riding service. Community Action provides educational, emotional and financial support to disadvantaged families.

The Jim Kelly Celebrity Golf Classic is scheduled to celebrate its 30th anniversary on Monday June 6th at Terry Hills Golf Course.

Law and Order: Driver accused of being on drugs

By Howard B. Owens

Megan C. Westbrook, 35, of Elmview Avenue, Lackawanna, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, passing a red light and moving from lane unsafely. Westbrook was stopped at 12:13 a.m. Feb. 4 on Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Eric Foels.

Bradley W. Howard, 25, of Academy Street, Mayville, is charged with violation of probation. Howard was placed on probation for a DWI conviction. He allegedly absconded from probation immediately and failed to notify probation of a change of address. He was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Joseph William Freeman, 31, of Platten Road, Lyndonville, is charged with petit larceny. Freeman allegedly stole two cases of beer from Tops.

Jason C. Lusk, 35, of Collegeview Drive, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Lusk turned himself in to Batavia PD.

Beaky S. Kamagy, 29, of Fowlerville Road, Piffard, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and moving from lane unsafely. Kamagy was stopped at 1:23 a.m. Feb. 6 on Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Davis Alexandre Prince, 20, of Ullswater Cresent, London, Ontario, Canada, is charged with trespass. Prince was allegedly trespassing on College Village property at 8:52 p.m. on Friday.

Jennifer Margaret Shaffer, 33, of Exchange Street, Attica, is charged with petit larceny. Shaffer was allegedly caught shoplifting from Walmart.

Sharon Denise Rawleigh, 45, of Benedict Street, Perry, is charged with petit larceny. Rawleigh was allegedly caught shoplifting from Walmart.

Caroline Marie Burgess, 47, of Benedict Street, Perry, is charged with petit larceny. Burgess was allegedly caught shoplifting from Walmart.

Heavy, wet snow expected tonight and tomorrow

By Howard B. Owens

The National Weather Service is predicting from 4 to 8 inches of snow tonight and has issued a winter storm warning for a 24-hour period starting at 7 p.m.

The storm total could hit 15 inches.

Heavy, wet snow is expected from this storm, which could make travel hazardous and lead to power outages.

The most difficult travel conditions could hit during Tuesday morning's commute hours.

Local baseball fans gearing up for annual Hot Stove Dinner

By Howard B. Owens

We're less than a week away from the annual Batavia Muckdogs Hot Stove Dinner hosted by the  Genesee County Baseball Club.

Above, Travis Sick, general manager, with Diane Hawn and Russ Salway, hold a few of the items that will be up for auction at the dinner.

The dinner is from 4:30 to 8 p.m., Saturday, at the Sacred Heart Church Hall, 17 Sumner St., Batavia.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour followed by a buffet dinner at 5:30. 

The night also features live and chance auctions of baseball-related memorabilia (including signed bats and balls), work by local artists, and gift certificates from a variety of local businesses.

Tickets may be purchased in Batavia at Dwyer Stadium, Gerace’s Hair Care, the Williams Law Firm and the office of Dr. Alan Barcomb.

Fight reported among group of people at traffic circle in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

It's minus 12 degrees outside and there are reportedly five or six people fighting, and three trying to break it up, in the traffic circle, South Main and Oak streets, Batavia.

Batavia PD is responding.

UPDATE 4:49 a.m.: A dispatcher tells a responding officer that the caller is not very cooperative, that she won't come outside and that "everything is calm now."

Driver stuck after driving into a shed on Halstead Road, Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

A car has reportedly driven into a shed at 9540 Halstead Road, Alexander.

The driver is said to be stuck in the vehicle, but not injured.

Alexander fire dispatched.

UPDATE 4:52 a.m.: A chief on scene reports that a family member there; the driver is out of the vehicle and in the family member's car, so Alexander's engine does not need to respond. However, the ambulance is requested to the scene for a sign-off.

Water pipe bursts at apartment complex in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A water pipe has reportedly burst at an apartment complex at 8542 W. Bergen Road, Le Roy.

A dispatcher was trying to talk a person through how to shut off the water while Le Roy fire was being dispatched. The person may have gotten it shut off.

Le Roy fire is responding.

UPDATE 4:34 a.m.: The water is shut off and Le Roy fire is back in service.

Notre Dame tops Batavia in hockey today

By Howard B. Owens

Notre Dame beat Batavia 6-3 in a regular-season hockey game today at Falleti Ice Arena.

The hometown rivals will face off again next weekend in a first-round sectional playoff game.

Young musicians join GSO for final rehearsal for Flutes and Flourishes concert

By Howard B. Owens

About 20 young musicians joined the Genesee Symphony Orchestra today to sit next to the members of the orchestra playing the instrument of their choice during a rehearsal for tomorrow's concert at Genesee Community College.

Tomorrow's concert is called "Flutes and Flourishes" and will be conducted by Nicholas DelBello, one of the four finalists for a permanent appointment as conductor.

Guest artist is Christine Baily Davis on flute, with performances by the Buffalo Brass Choir and Miranda DelBello.

Concertgoers are invited to arrive at GCC's Stuart Steiner Theatre at 3 p.m. for Meet the Orchestra. The concert begins at 4 p.m.

The show includes pieces by Mozart, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Franz Doppler and Ottorino Resphighi.

Tickets are available at the door, or purchase online. Click here.

To purchase prints, click here.

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