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Bethany issues State of Emergency for water shortage

By Joanne Beck

The Town of Bethany has declared a State of Emergency for water services during a year-end meeting on Thursday due to the town’s inability to provide water services to the affected parcels of approximately 100 residences and two dairy farms in the town.

The town’s Water District 5 had previously

Santa visits Bethany Friday morning, in the form of a water donation, as officials wait for word on district funding

By Joanne Beck
Water donation in Bethany
A donation of four pallets of drinking water by Eric Santos, second from left, of Casella Waste Systems, arrives at Bethany Town Hall Friday morning for residents who have been struggling without water.
Submitted Photo

As town officials and residents work through a water shortage brought on by drought, all of them have said it has been the worst they have ever seen since living in Bethany, many of them for decades. Fill dates are being scheduled week by week from a tanker that was provided by the state Office of Emergency Management.

Santa came early again for a visit Friday morning in the form of a donation of four pallets of bottled water all ready to be distributed to residents, Supervisor Carl Hyde Jr. said. Operations Manager Eric Santos of Casella Waste Systems had heard about Bethany's plight and showed up with his crew and the much-welcomed donation of water at town hall, Hyde said.

In the midst of drought, Bethany gets a splash of good news with $5M grant

By Joanne Beck
bethany water tanker nov. 2023
2023 File Photo of Bethany Town Supervisor Carl Hyde Jr. reviewing the town's water districts, including the latest Water District 5, which will be a go, thanks to the $5 million WIIA grant awarded to the town. 
Photo by Howard Owens

Tuesday afternoon was unexpectedly busy and gleeful for Bethany Town Supervisor Carl Hyde Jr.

And while still being embroiled in town residents’ plight of dry wells and being in need of daily water supplies, he found something to smile about, he says.

“We’re on the list,” he said about the town’s placement on the state’s Water Infrastructure Improvement Award approvals. “My phone’s been ringing off the hook. I heard from Steve Hawley and J.W. Cook from the governor’s office. He called to say congratulations, you got your grant. I’m very happy.”

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.

Environmental professor weighs in on Genesee County's 'most intense' drought conditions

By Joanne Beck
Stephen Shaw
Associate Professor Stephen Shaw
Photo from SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry website

With so much talk about global warming and climate change, that would seem to be the likely culprit for drought so extreme it has dried up dozens of wells in pockets of Genesee County.

However, Stephen Shaw, associate professor for environmental resources engineering at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, says it might be much more random than that.

Shaw has just completed a 20-year analysis and a report about dry wells across the entire northeast. He found that a drought in 2016 was “pretty intense,” especially across Western New York and Buffalo in particular. That didn’t match what these towns — the volume of households — in Genesee County have experienced, he said.

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.

Clara R. Galliford

By Howard B. Owens
galliford obit

Clara R. Galliford, 98, of East Bethany, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2023, at Crossroads House in Batavia after a brief illness. Beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, her long life was devoted to supporting her family and her community. She was blessed by 75 years of marriage and celebrated the births of 36 direct descendants, all of whom survive her.

Clara was born May 1, 1925, in East Bethany. She was a 1942 graduate of Batavia High School. From 1951, she was a member of the East Bethany Presbyterian Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, trustee, and church elder. From 1956 to 1992, she served as Clerk and Postmaster for the United States Postal Service in East Bethany.  

Surviving are her four children: James D. Galliford Jr. of Batavia and Linda (Gerry) Fry, Jean George and Douglas (Judy) Galliford of East Bethany; ten grandchildren: J. Daniel (Kirsten) Galliford III, Laurie Fox, Julie Fry, Melissa (Allen) Iovannisci, Sarah (Tim) Lemley, Stacey (David Macdonald) George, Michael (Kristen) George, Debbie (Frank) Drazen, Brian (Becca) Galliford and Mary (Steve) Skoczylas; 22 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, J. Daniel Galliford Sr.; her brothers, Howard Raymond and Albert Raymond, and sister, Edith Nichols; and her parents, Arthur and Mabel (Cone) Raymond.

Clara’s family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Cindy Saeva at South Street Senior Care in LeRoy for the loving care she provided to Clara during her residence there.

Burial will be private with no prior calling hours. A memorial service for both Clara and her late husband Daniel will be held at a later date.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021, www.crossroadshouse.com/donate, or to the East Bethany Rural Cemetary Association, P.O. Box 117, LeRoy, NY 14482.

Arrangements for Clara were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

Sally Noreen Hayward Derrick

By LaVern Falcone

Sally Noreen Hayward Derrick, age 89, of LeRoy, passed into heaven on December 30, 2024 while at home with her family.

     Sally was born September 4, 1935 to Elizabeth J. Adams Hayward (Crane) and Charles B. Hayward Jr. She married Donald L. Derrick on August 20, 1960 and was married for 62 years.   

sally derrick

  Sally worked at ACME Markets in LeRoy and General Electric in Brockport for several years, then various other jobs including school lunch lady, crossing guard, and as a nursing assistant. She was a dedicated member of the community and leaves a long history of volunteer work, fostering children, and hosting Fresh Air children from New York City. Sally was a long standing member of the First Baptist Church of LeRoy.

     Sally was very talented in crafting, such as knitting, crocheting, and baking. She blessed others with her creations. She also had a fondness for animals and was never without them, creating her own little "farm" in the village. Above all, she loved her family and wanted to be involved in family life.  When she was able, Sally greatly enjoyed going to local restaurants and chatting with friends. Many came to know her this way in her later years.

     Sally leaves behind her brother, Manley Crane; four children, Robert Derrick, Laurie (Tom) Roth, Wendy (Rick) Weber and Tammy Blair; eight grandchildren, Jesse (Emily) Roth, Benjamin (Airin) Roth, Matthew Derrick, Joshua Derrick, Alexander (Nicole) Roth, Eric Weber, Bethany Roth, Kristopher Weber: special foster granddaughter, Bernadette Pickett; and six great-grandchildren. 

     Sally is predeceased by her parents; step-father, Delancey Crane; her husband, Donald; her brother, Charles B. Hayward lll; her son-in-law, James Blair; step-sisters and brothers, Marion (Harry) Crane Cross, Evelyn (Otto) Crane Zeches, Anna (Floyd) Crane Nelan, Howard (Emily) Crane, and Albert (Doris) Crane. 

     A memorial service will be held on January 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 5 East Main Street, LeRoy.

     Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels, 64 Walnut Street, Batavia, N.Y. 14020.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Sally’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.  

Law and Order: Woman charged with assault allegedly found in possession of narcotics

By Howard B. Owens
Lisa Fox
Lisa Fox

Lisa M. Fox, 53, of Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd and criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd. Fox allegedly caused an injury during a fight with another person on Feb. 6. While being processed at the Genesee County Jail, Fox was allegedly found in possession of narcotics. She was arraigned and held at the Genesee County Jail.

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