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Bethany town supervisor Carl Hyde plans trip to Albany to seek GOP support for gubernatorial campaign

By Howard B. Owens
2023 File Photo of Carl Hyde Jr.
File photo. Carl Hyde discussing water issues in the Town of Bethany.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Carl Hyde, the town supervisor for the past 12 years in Bethany, has spent a lot of time pouring over the state budget and he's tired of the wasteful spending.

He thinks he can fix it, and that means he needs to beat Gov. Kathy Hochul in the general election on Nov. 3, 2026.

Police Beat: Attica man accused of sending threatening messages on Facebook

By Howard B. Owens

Joshua John King, 21, of 42 Genesee St., Attica, is charged with harassment, 2nd. King is accused of using his account on Facebook to send threatening messages to another Facebook member.

William D. Hirsch III, 23, of 11025 Buckman Road, Bethany, is charged with burglary, 2nd, criminal contempt

187-year-old home in Stafford destroyed by fire

By Howard B. Owens

In 1823, James Monroe was president, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison were still alive, and it would be more than six decades before Thomas Edison would start the first electric company.

It was also the year a brick house was built at 9418 Roanoke Road.

Today, electricity sparked a fire

Two-story house fire on Route 20 in Alexander

By Billie Owens

A two-story house fire is reported in Alexander at 3971 Broadway Road -- Route 20.

The location is between Brown's Mill and Telephone roads.

Alexander Fire Department is responding, along with a ladder truck and tanker from the Town of Batavia.

East Pembroke and Darien will also be helping or

Catherine "Kay" Hull

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Mrs. Catherine "Kay" Hull, 89, of Batavia, died Thursday, (July 8, 2010)at the Eastside Nursing Home, in Warsaw. 

Mrs. Hull was born November 16, 1920 in Wethersfield, N.Y., a daughter of the late Ernest V. and Helen (Hackett) Squire.

She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph's Church and its Sodality and also worked at the former E.N. Rowell Box Factory in Batavia. Mrs. Hull enjoyed knitting, crocheting and spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include a daughter, Linda (Lynn) Tedford of Attica; three grandchildren, Robert (Stephanie) Tedford of East Bethany, William Tedford of Batavia and Katherine Tedford of Attica; two brothers, Vincent (Irma) Squire of Batavia and Lt. Colonel William (Mitzi) Squire, Retired of Fayetteville, N.C.; two sisters, Norrine Keem of Cowlesville and Florence DiMatteo of Oakfield; two sisters-in-law, Theresa Squires of Warsaw and Doris (Alan) Hansen of Stafford; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She is the wife of the late Elmer Hull and sister of the late Edwin Squires.

Calling hours are Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday at Resurrection Parish - St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. Burial will be in Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Attica Fire Department, 11 Water Street, Attica, New York 14011 or Grandview Cemetery, P.O. Box 581, Batavia, New York 14021.Condolences may be made at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

 

Unsolved, Part 2: Separate drowning cases continue to bedevil investigator

By Howard B. Owens

Annie Lee and Eddie Freson probably never met. One lived in Batavia, the other in Brockport. One died in 1997, the other in 2000.

But when media coverage turns to unsolved deaths in Genesee County, Lee and Freson are inseparably linked.

Both deaths are officially listed as accidental drownings, but

Bethany Volunteer Fire Department holds 2025 Installation of Officers Banquet

By Steve Ognibene
Bethany Fire Department held it's annual installation of officers banquet saturday evening.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Bethany Fire Department held it's annual installation of officers banquet saturday evening.  Photo by Steve Ognibene

On Saturday evening, Fire Chief Jeff Fluker of Bethany Fire Department led as the master of ceremonies at Bethany’s annual awards and installation of officer’s banquet. 

More than 80 people attended, including VIP guests from other area fire departments, including Alexander, Attica, Elba, Pavilion, Stafford, and Wyoming.

Assemblyman Steve

GO ART! hits fundraising hard: without funding, 'arts will not happen'

By Joanne Beck
Gregory Hallock gives annual report
File Photo of Gregory Hallock of GO ART!
Photo by Joanne Beck

Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council staff continues to get a good return for its efforts at extracting as much state funding as possible for local arts projects, Executive Director Gregory Hallock says.

And for nothing short of a fairly simple reason.

Veronica Kornowski Wojtas

By Ronald Konieczny

Veronica (nee, Marciniak) Kornowski Wojtas, formerly of Batavia, died Wednesday (July 21, 2010)  in Covington, LA.  She was born in Buffalo on June 20, 1912 a daughter of the late Francis and Mary Anna Majerowicz Marciniak.

She is the wife of the late Walter Kornowski and is survived by their children: Walter Kownowski Jr. (Nilly Levine) of Bethany, WV, Gail Kornowski (Ron) Case) of Covington, LA and Claudia Kornowski (William) Bearman of Eden Praire, MN.

She was also married to the late Wlater Wojtas who is survived by Dolores Wojtas (Al) Parkhurst of Batavia.   Nine grandchildren:  Lincoln (Heather Barranger) Case, Tyler (Joanna Brandt) Case, Adam Case, Nicole Bearman Parks, Jennifer Bearman Heiken, Bob (Wilamina) Parkhursst, Cheryl Parkhurst (Charles) Andre, Debra Kornowski (late Michael) Giblin and Dorine Kornowski (Peter) Laack.  Ten great grandchildren: Maggy, Lilly, Helen and Julia Case, Chuck, Christina and Matthew Andre, Skylar Giblin and Aidyn Laack. 

While living in Batavia, Veronica was an active member of Sacred Heart Church, the Altar and Rosary Society,  Polish Falconettes and the Polish National Alliance.  I

Visitation will be Thursday(July 29th) at Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart) from 9-10am where a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10am.  Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in the form of Mass Offerings or to a charity of the donors preference.

Expressions of condolence may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net or www.ejfieldingfh.com

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.  Ronald P. Konieczny, director & veteran

Trust fund set up for woman who lost her house in Bethany this morning

By Howard B. Owens

Friends of a BOCES teacher who lost her home in East Bethany to a fire this morning have set up a trust fund to help her. She lost all of her possessions and three pets.

Cassandra Carlsen, who works at East Bethany Presbyterian Church, notified us this afternoon that a

Landmark Society announces annual preservation awards

By Howard B. Owens

Five Genesee County homeowners and their architecturally significant homes will be honored Saturday by the Landmark Society with a dinner at St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia.

The awards range from praise for restoration work to just doing a good job of maintaining a beautiful, older house.

“Looking around Genesee

Police Beat: Traffic stop leads to drug and weapons charges

By Howard B. Owens

Douglas Grant Goodwin Jr., 19, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Goodwin was stopped at 1:30 p.m., Monday, on Sheppard Road, Batavia, for allegedly pulling a trailer without registration or

EDWARD BUCZEK SR.

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Mr. Edward Buczek Sr., 86, longtime resident of Elba and former machinist at Black & Decker in Brockport, died Monday, November 15, 2010 at the Genesee County Nursing Home.

Mr. Buczek was born October 25, 1924 in Perry, a son of the late Michael and Mary Ann Buczek.
 
Mr. Buczek was also a cash crop farmer for many years.
 
His wife, Betty L. Buczek died in 2006.
 
He is survived by five sons, Edward (Sharon) Buczek, Jr. of Elba, Anthony (Michelle) Buczek of East Bethany, Walter Buczek of Batavia, James (Donna) Buczek of Elba, and David Buczek of Elba; a brother, Stanley Buczek of Batavia; seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
 
There are no prior calling hours. Memorial services will be held on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Western New York Chapter, 2805 Wehrle Drive, Suite 6, Williamsville, New York 14221-7380.
 
Condolences may be made at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Donald A. Dundon

By T.J. Woodward

 

Donald A. Dundon, 79 of Batavia, NY, died September 19, 2010 at United Memorial Medical Center. Born February 14, 1931 in Buffalo, New York son of the late Walter (Jeanette Leney) Dundon. Mr. Dundon was retired from the Niagara Mohawk where he worked for 39 years. He served eight years in the Army National Guard, was a member of Terry Hills Golf Course. He was an avid bowler. Mr. Dundon is preceded in death by his wife Joyce (Aubert) Dundon on November 10, 2002 & a son, Robert Dundon, Sr. in 2003.
 
 He is survived by his sons Kevin Dundon of Lancaster, Donald Dundon of Alden, William Dundon of Texas, a daughter Lynette Dundon of Georgia and a step son Rick Flowers of Bethany, NY. One sister Joyce Brown of Cheektowaga and a brother Raymond Dundon of Maryland survive along with 7 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 
 
There will be no prior calling hours. Friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Thursday, September 23rd at 1:00 p.m. at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main St., Batavia. Interment will take place in Grand View Cemetery. 
 
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society – 101 John James Audubon Pkwy., Amherst, NY 14228.    For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call (343-8260). Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 W. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020.
 

Vincent H. Fay "Ted"

By Ronald Konieczny
Fay

Vincent H. Fay “Ted”, 91 of East Bethany, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (January 14, 2025) at Crossroads House.

He was born March 4, 1933 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Vincent and Ethel Hampton Fay.

Ted was a man of many lives, from a survivor of an airplane accident at the age of 16 to a motorcycle accident later in life. He enjoyed thrift shopping at Goodwill, Salvation Army and garage sales. After a purchase, his favorite saying was “It’s just like new”. Ted also enjoyed watching Bills games, playing horse shoes, washers, corn hole, euchre and spending time fishing with his son. He was a very well known finishing contractor in Genesee County and built not only his own home but several homes in the area. He started building with Gary McWethy and later started his own business, Ted Fay & Son. The stories of Ted will live on through his family, who will miss him very much.

Survivors include his children, Debra (Jack) Zajaczkowski of Batavia, Steven (Deborah) Fay of Batavia, Keith (Melissa) Fay of Florida and Tracy Tiede of Texas. Siblings, Donald (Betsy) Fay and Audrey Keady. Grandchildren, Christopher Zajaczkowski, Kimberly (JC) Kabel, Jennifer (Chad) Turner, Megan Fay, Zachary Fay, Alyssa Tiede, Emily Fay and Parker Fay. Great-grandchildren, Chris Zajaczkowski, Olivia Kabel, Kyleigh Kabel, Cooper Turner, Chase Turner, Camden Turner and Kayden McKenna. Great-Great-grandchildren, Hazley and Mazlyn Zajaczkowski.

He was the brother of the late Richard Fay and Kenneth Fay.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (January 18th) from 3-7pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY, where a service of remembrance will follow visitation at 7pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 or at www.crossroadshouse.com. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

Judy Lathan

By Joshua Smith
Lathan

Batavia - Judy Lathan, 79 of Batavia passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, after a brief illness, at United Memorial Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.

Judy was born Sunday, March 4th, 1945 in Corning, a daughter of the late Oliver and Shirley (Mosher) Bortle.

She enjoyed gardening flowers, putting together puzzles, and watching Law and Order. Judy loved cats, fishing at Godfrey Pond, and auctions. Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren.

Judy graduated from Alexander High school and later married the love of her life, Clarence Lathan, on May 28, 1971. She worked for the US Postal service in LeRoy for 20 years until her retirement.

Judy is survived by her children, Ron (Tammy) Lathan of Silver Lake, Kathy Lathan of Virginia, Stan (Lisa) Mosher of LeRoy, Colleen (Tim) Miller of Fillmore, Karen (Jim) Perry of Corfu, and Carolyn (Joe) Surani of Florida; 10 grandchildren and several great grandchildren; siblings, Oliver Wayne Bortle Jr of Rochester, Pamela (Bob) Evans of Florida, Cindy May (Late Todd) Rusten of Florida, Jerry (Hafdis) Bortle of Florida, Carol (Thomas Craft) Jimerson of Florida, and many nieces and nephews.

In death Judy is reunited with her husband, Clarence Lathan; son, Calvin Lathan; nephew, Jerome T. Hope and aunt, Joyce Sport

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday, January 19, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home, Batavia. Judy's funeral service will be held at 4:00 pm following calling hours at H.E. Turner & Co., Inc., Batavia. Burial will be in West Bethany Cemetery on Monday, January 20, 2025 at 10:00am. 

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Shirley's name, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com

Patricia A. Rice

By T.J. Woodward
p

Patricia A. Rice, passed away on Monday February 17, 2025.  She was born on December 30th, 1936, in Bergen, NY.

After leaving the family farm in Byron, Patricia became a stewardess for Capitol Airlines, predecessor to today's United, where she met the love of her life, Robert Rice. They married on September 28th, 63. She is survived by her husband Robert of 61 years where they shared love, golf and travel with their 2 boys, Kyle (Debi) Rice of East Bethany and Jody (Tracy) Rice of Batavia. 

Predeceased are her parents William and Gertrude Krause. They had 6 children, William (deceased), Robert (Deceased) and Delores (Deceased), Surviving, Marty (Donna) of Bergen and Joan of Batavia. Many nieces and nephews she cherished.

Pat was an accomplished musician singing Capella harmonies with the Sweet Adelines for many years.  Complimenting her singing skills, she also enjoyed playing trumpet, guitar, and the piano.  One of Pat's greatest joys was the game of golf. As a long-term member of the Batavia Country Club, she won multiple Ladies Championships and along with Bob's golf skills, many couples events.  At her prime, she could give many of the men a run.  She loved not only her golf but spending beautiful summer days outside with friends along with the challenges of the sport.

After 25 years of service as a school bus driver for Byron-Bergen, culminating as the district Director of Transportation, she retired and relocated to Florida with Robert to enjoy many more sunny days on the greens.

Services will be announced at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, Pat requests any donations to be sent to the St. Jude’s Children Hospitals and Good Shepherd Hospice, 2140 E. County Rd. 540 A Lakeland Fl. 33813. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020

DR. ALAN L. SIEGEL

By Michael Tomaszewski

Dr. Alan L. Siegel, a prominent local Ophthalmologist died Wednesday evening at his home surrounded by his loving family at the age of 57 while under the care of Hospice.

He was born January 3, 1953 in Brooklyn, NY son of the late Samuel Siegel & Phyllis (Dobry) Siegel of Florida. Dr. Siegel received his Bachelor's from Colgate University and his Medical Degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and served his Ophthalmology residency at Boston University Hospital.

Upon coming to Batavia Dr. Siegel along with his partners established University Eye Specialists in Batavia which was later expanded to many communities throughout Genesee, Livingston & Wyoming counties.

Active in the community he was a member of the Batavia Lions Club, Board Member of Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc., Batavia City School Board where he served two years as its President, Past President of the Medical Staff at UMMC, Board of Trustees for UMMC and its Chief of Ophthalmology. An avid Sabres and Yankees fan he was a wonderful son, husband and father. The last few years were dedicated to caring for his wife Rosemary who suffers from ALS and spending time with his children whom he was most proud of.

Surviving along with his mother is his beloved wife Rosemary (Sauter) Siegel of Bethany; loving son William Siegel and loving daughter & son-in-law Jacqueline (Stuart) McLean all at home. Mother-in-law Agnes McWilliams of the Bronx; brother Howard (Marcia) Siegel of Pittsburgh along with a niece Bryna (David) Finer of Vermont and nephew Scott (Megan) Siegel of Florida, 

The Siegel family will be present from 2-5 PM & 6-9 PM Saturday May 29, 2010 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC where a Celebration of Life for Dr. Siegel will take place at 1:00 PM Sunday May 30, 2010. In lieu of flowers in his honor the family requests contributions be made to HomeCare & Hospice, Volunteers for Animals or the UMMC Hospital Foundation. 

Arrangements were completed by the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 ~ for more information call  (585) 343-7500.

Cool Kids ECO-Fest commemorates 40th anniversary of Earth Day

By Billie Owens

The fifth annual Cool Kids ECO-Fest will take place at Genesee Community College from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 17 at the Batavia Campus.

The college's Earth Club, Student Activities Office and College Village are once again joining Cool Kids to collectively produce a fun-filled, yet educational event

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