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Assemblyman Steve Hawley: 'Disastrous budget' for small businesses and farmers

By Billie Owens

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley's office: 

“Barring the extreme disregard for transparency, integrity and inclusiveness in this year’s budget process, the legislation we passed over the last two days in Albany will wreak havoc on our small businesses and agriculture industry," Hawley said.

The budget includes virtually no tax and regulatory reform for small businesses, and a minimum wage increase to $12.50 per hour Upstate with an escalation to $15 in the future, which will destroy New York’s already-ailing business community. Upstate cannot afford such a drastic increase, and the burden will fall on the middle-class in the form of higher prices and vanishing job opportunities.

Further damaging to our small business community will be the 12 week paid-family leave program, entirely funded by already over-burdened taxpayers. This is another example of New York City liberals expanding government and reaching into the pockets of our business owners and residents. While paid-family leave has good intentions, it will be ripe with abuse and cause labor costs to skyrocket. We cannot afford another expensive Albany mandate.

As the former owner and operator of our family-owned farm, I know what it takes to grow New York’s agriculture industry. Unfortunately, this budget cuts agriculture local assistance by over $160,000 and offers little relief for farms transitioning to a higher minimum wage. Agriculture is one of New York’s premiere industries, and I will do what I can to rectify these abhorrent policies.”

Minor injury accident on Ellicott Street, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A 23-year-old woman was transported to UMMC with a complaint of right knee pain after a two-car accident shortly after 6 p.m. at Jackson and Ellicott streets, Batavia.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Traffic was impeded for about 30 minutes.

The woman had a passenger in her van who was uninjured and the other driver was not injured.

Batavia PD, Batavia fire and Mercy EMS responded.

Winter weather advisory for snow and blowing snow: Saturday afternoon through 5 a.m. Sunday

By Billie Owens

From the National Weather Service in Buffalo:

A winter weather advisory is in effect here from 5 p.m. Saturday, April 2, through 5 a.m., Sunday, April 3.

The advisory is for snow and blowing snow, with accumulations three to six inches. The greatest snow totals will be across the hills south of Buffalo.

Winds -- northwest at 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Visibility under a half mile at times.

Snow will accumulate on roads and create slippery driving conditions.

A winter weather advisory is normally issued for a variety of winter weather conditions such as light snow, blowing snow, sleet, freezing rain and wind chills.

While the weather will be significant, the word advisory implies that severe weather is not anticipated.

Photo: Home show ready to open at Falleti Ice Arena

By Howard B. Owens

Late this afternoon, vendors were busy putting together the final touches on their booths for the annual home show at Falleti Ice Arena.

The home show, brought to you by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, opens at 5 p.m. today and continues tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday.

There are about 70 exhibitors with goods and services designed to help you make home life better, beautiful or more efficient. For more information, visit the Chamber's Web site.

Law and Order: Woman charged with grand larceny, accused of stealing $1K in coins and cash in Darien

By Billie Owens

Kendra Marie McGuire, 25, of Bryant Street, North Tonawanda, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny. She was arrested and issued an appearance ticket for April 26 in Darien Town Court. It is alleged that she stole cash and coins valued at more than $1,000 from a residence on Richley Road in Darien in November of 2012. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Chad Minuto.

Daniel Joseph Kish, 44, of Payne Avenue, of North Tonawanda, was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and unsafe turn/failure to signal at noon on March 17. He was arrested on the charges March 31 after turning himself in on an arrest warrant out of the City of Batavia. Kish allegedly missed city court for prior alleged traffic violations. Bail was set at $250 and he did bail himself out at city court. He was released and is to reappear in city court on May 18. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.

Lake Avenue, Bergen, man jailed without bail for allegedly selling marijuana

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, comprised of officers from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Batavia Police NET officers, and the Le Roy Village Police Department, concluded an investigation into the sale of marijuana in the towns of Bergen and Byron.

Cody D. Mayer, 23, of Lake Avenue, Bergen, was arrested and charged with two counts of criminal sale of marijuana, 3rd, a Class E felony, and one count of criminal sale of marijuana, 4th, a Class A misdemeanor.

On March 30, Mayer was arrested by a uniformed deputy of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office at the County Jail, while he was incarcerated for a separate charge, on a Genesee County Grand Jury indictment warrant. It is alleged that Mayer sold a quantity of marijuana to an agent of the Drug Task Force while in the towns of Bergen and Byron.

Mayer was jailed without bail.

The District Attorney's Office and uniform members of the Sheriff's Office assisted the Task Force members with the investigation.

Tracy Avenue woman charged with selling crack cocaine out of her city residence

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, comprised of officers from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Batavia Police NET officers, and the Le Roy Village Police, concluded an investigation into the sale of "crack" cocaine in the City of Batavia with the arrest of a City of Batavia woman Wedesnday afternoon.

Jennifer M. Moore, 30, of Tracy Avenue, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, a Class B felony, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, also a Class D felony.

The defendant was arrested on Wednesday afternoon on a Genesee County Grand Jury indictment warrant by the Drug Task Force and uniform officers from the City of Batavia PD. She was jailed without bail. The investigation is continuing into the sales of illicit drugs from the defendant's residence with further charges and arrests pending.

Task Force members were also assisted in the investigation by the District Attorney's Office.

Tree, wires and pole reported down on Beaver Road, Alexander

By Billie Owens

A tree fell, broke a utility pole and took down power lines at 9680 Beaver Road, Alexander. The location is between Dodgeson and Beaver roads. Alexander Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 3:18 p.m.: "We've got primary wires down," says a first responder on scene. "Be advised they are off the road. They're just laying across the driveway of a house." National Grid is being informed.

Town of Batavia Fire Department suspends this year's Harley raffle, aim is to ensure all fundraising is 'fully compliant'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

As a public safety, not for profit agency, the membership and Board of Directors of the Town of Batavia Fire Department, Inc., strive to conduct all of our activities above board and fully compliant with all Federal, State and local laws. 

With recent events, we have decided that it would be prudent to fully examine our fundraising activities to make sure that they are compliant with all applicable rules, regulations and laws.

A thorough examination will take time to complete. With our largest fundraiser scheduled for just a few months down the road, we have decided it would be best to suspend our very popular Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Raffle, until we are completely satisfied that we are in full compliance.

We would like to thank all our past supporters including our sponsors, our vendors, and the volunteer members and significant others who sell tickets and work the event.

Most importantly, we would like to thank those who have supported us financially by purchasing tickets and attending our raffles. You have made this event successful every year.

We will not be commenting further until the examination is completed and a decision has been made on future fundraising efforts. 

Muckdogs announce 'Hit the Books' reading program

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs today announced the start of their reading program, designed to promote reading amongst the youth of the local communities. Along with the help of New York’s 529 College Savings Program, 2016 will mark the fourth year of the “HIT THE BOOKS with the Batavia Muckdogs” reading program.   

As part of this program, the Muckdogs have provided various schools and libraries across local counties with customized bookmarks. On the back of these bookmarks, children can have a parent, guardian, teacher, or librarian initial each time they complete a book. When a child completes 10 books, they can redeem the bookmark at the Dwyer Stadium box office for a FREE TICKET to any Sunday-Thursday Batavia Muckdogs’ game!

In addition to the free ticket, the child will also receive a prize courtesy of New York’s 529 College Savings Program. If a child reads 20 books, they will be entered into a drawing to win a backpack with school supplies, provided by New York’s 529 College Savings Program; along with the opportunity to throw out a first pitch at a Muckdogs game. 

In addition to the many participating schools, bookmarks will be made available to children at the following local libraries:

  • Richmond Memorial Library (Batavia)
  • Lee-Whedon Memorial Library (Medina)
  • Byron-Bergen Public Library
  • Haxton Memorial Library (Oakfield)
  • Hoag Library (Albion)
  • Pavilion Public Library
  • Woodward Memorial Library (Le Roy)
  • Holley Community Free Library

Any questions about the reading program, bookmarks, or redeeming for tickets can be answered by Josh Swan, at 585-343-5454, ext. 1005.

Hawley's bill to prevent sex offenders from working in amusement parks is blocked by Assembly Majority

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today chastised entrenched Assembly leaders for blocking legislation he introduced that would establish several additional protections for our children from sex predators.

Hawley authored legislation to prevent Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders from obtaining employment in amusement parks, and another bill requiring certain sex offenders to report their employment addresses. Both were blocked from being voted on by the Assembly Majority.

“I am extremely disappointed that legislation to protect our children and improve public safety was met with such disregard by the Assembly Majority,” Hawley said. “There is absolutely no excuse for ignoring measures that would prevent sex offenders from striking again and provide safeguards for our children.

"This is yet another example of the futility of Albany politics. Ideas that would benefit us all often die because they aren’t top priorities of the speaker and his New York City cronies. Assembly Majority members should be ashamed of themselves.”

Celebrate Earth Day at DeWitt Recreation Area with special activities April 23

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Earth is a Wild Blue Planet! On Saturday, April 23, celebrate Earth Day (nationally recognized on Friday, April 22) by helping with habitat cleanup at DeWitt Recreation Area, making awesome crafts out of recycled materials, and taking home your own live tree seedling!

It is located off Cedar Street in the City of Batavia.

Sign up for the naturalist-guided Blue Planet Hike, Helping Hands for Wildlife, habitat checkup, and catching Clean Water Critters by calling 585-344-1122.

Learn about aquatic habitats, the wild animals that live there, and how you can help them! Grab a friend or sign up as a group!

Schedule of Activities at DeWitt Recreation Area, Saturday, April 23:

  • 9 – 11 a.m. -- Park Cleanup Projects: Helping Hands for Wildlife
  • 11 a.m. to noon -- Wildlife and Water: A Blue Planet Hike
  • Noon to 1 p.m. -- Habitat Checkup: Water Monitoring Activity
  • 1 – 2 p.m. -- Clean Water Critters

Ongoing -- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. --  Special Guests, “The Incredible Journey" game and Earth-Friendly Crafts!

Special guests include: Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District, Genesee County Youth Bureau/AmeriCorps, Batavia Youth Bureau, Department of Environmental Conservation Fisheries, GLOW Region Solid Waste, ACORNS and more!

Scouts may earn requirements for the following projects by signing up for Earth Day Activities: Webelos Naturalist 11 and 12, Daisies Between Earth and Sky, Brownies The Wonders of Water, Juniors Animal Habitats badge, Cadettes Breathe Journey, Boy Scouts Bird Study Merit Badge 1. Sign up for Helping Hands for Wildlife and leave the park better than you found it!

Celebration is FREE! Please pre-register for activities by calling 585-344-1122.

To register call (585) 344-1122. For more information visit the Web site at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122. 

Car vs. pole accident with minor injuries reported on Lewiston Road, Alabama

By Billie Owens

A car vs. pole accident with minor injuries is reported on Lewiston Road. Alabama fire and Mercy medics are responding. The driver is out complaining of knee pain.

UPDATE 11:30 p.m.: Occupants are out. Wires are down. National Grid will be notified of the damaged pole.

Le Roy Central School District named one of 2016's Best Communities for Music Education -- 10th time in 11 years

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation has designated Le Roy Central School District as one of the 2016 Best Communities for Music Education.

This designation is awarded to district and school music education programs "for outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education par of the core curriculum."

Le Roy has been awarded this honor 10 times in the last 11 years. The Le Roy music program supports over 360 students in chorus and over 210 students in band district-wide.

According to Mary Luehrsen, NAMM Foundation executive director, the Best Communities designation brings "hard-won visibility to music classes, programs and departments that are keeping music education alive in our schools.

The school district congratulates the Le Roy Music Department -- Lindsay Buckel, Jessa Dechant, Dan DeLuca, Jackie McLean, Brad Meholick, Matt Nordhausen -- students, parents and school community on their hard work and dedication to music in Le Roy!

Law and Order: Batavia man charged with second-degree harassment, another charged with DWI

By Billie Owens

Timothy J. Wood Sr., 27, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 3:34 a.m. on March 28 as the result of an incident that occured at a residence on West Main Street on March 26. He was released on an appearance ticket and had a court date on March 29. The case was handled by Bataiva Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Michael S. Garrett, 25, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, DWI with a BAC of .08 percent of higher, and having an unregistered motor vehicle. The charges stem from a traffic stop condiucted at 1:56 p.m. on March 20 in the area of West Main Street and Dellinger Avenue. His vehicle registration was found to be expired and after field tests, he was arrested for DWI. Garrett was issued an appearance ticket and released to a sober party. He is due in city court on April 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Sgt. Daniel Coffey.

Investigation ongoing in theft of nearly $300K in medical equipment from UMMC

By Billie Owens

From our news partner WBTA:

Surgical equipment with an estimated value of nearly $300,000 has been stolen from United Memorial Medical Center and offered for sale on the popular Internet auction site eBay, WBTA and The Batavian have learned.

Batavia Police detectives are conducting a criminal investigation, the results of which are expected to be presented to the Genesee County Grand Jury in April.

Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch declined  comment noting “it is an ongoing investigation.”

United Memorial Medical Center, now part of the Rochester Regional Health System, said through a spokeswoman, “UMMC is cooperating with the police.” The hospital declined further comment.

It has been learned that the prime suspect in the case is a former employee of UMMC.

Law enforcement and sources within the hospital say that the former employee, a woman, worked in the hospital's purchasing department. She resides in Livingston County.

A health care professional with knowledge of the surgical inventory, said one of the stolen items was a laparoscopic camera. A complete system consisting of the camera and related equipment, can sell for $20,000.

No arrest has been made. Law enforcement is waiting for the case to be presented to the grand jury.

A check of eBay reveals a huge market for surgical equipment. Under the category of medical and surgical equipment, there were 18,584 listings. A local doctor familiar with the market said, “you would be amazed to learn what kind of (surgical equipment) is available on eBay.”

The Web site also has a category for “used medical equipment” which contained 1,968 listings.

Fully involved barn fire reported on Old Creek Road, Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

A fully involved barn fire is reported in Alexander at 9633 Old Creek Road. The road will be shut down by Fire Police. Alexander Fire Department is responding along with Bethany, Town of Batavia, Darien and East Pembroke. Bethany is also requested to fill in at Alexander's fire hall.

UPDATE 3:25 a.m.: Bethany is unable to secure a second crew for the fill-in detail at Alexander Fire Hall so one from East Pembroke is requested.

UPDATE 3:28 a.m.: Command cancels the request for a fill-in crew at its hall from East Pembroke.

UPDATE 3:33 a.m.: A crew from East Pembroke is requested to stand by in their own hall for fill-in on behalf of Town of Batavia's fire district.

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