A car versus pedestrian accident with injuries is reported at 8157 State Street Road, Batavia. There are two occupants in the vehicle. Law enforcement is on scene. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics.
UPDATE 1:47 p.m.: The patient is being transported via ambulance to the Genesee County Airport hangar and will be flown to a hospital by Mercy Flight.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced his staunch opposition to rumors that the governor and legislative leaders plan to eliminate the Medicaid Expenditure Cap for counties in the 2016-17 Enacted State Budget. New York already spends more in Medicaid than any other state, more than $54 billion, and is the only state in the nation that forces a majority of the expenses onto counties.
“I am outraged at the thought of the governor ending the expenditure cap for counties,” Hawley said. “Over one-third of our entire state budget is spent on Medicaid, and now the governor and his New York City cronies want upstate to pay even more because they can’t get their finances in order. That is absolutely outlandish.
"Our counties cannot afford any more expensive Albany mandates. Eliminating the cap would cause expenses to be passed down to homeowners in the form of higher property taxes. Downstate’s tax and spend mentality is out of control and I plan to fight tooth and nail against this injustice.”
Local leaders have also expressed concerned regarding the proposed elimination of the Medicaid Expenditure Cap for counties.
“New York State is the only state in the nation that forces this kind of expense onto localities,” said Orleans County Chief Administrative Officer Chuck Nesbitt. “We sit here and relatively quietly eat the false narrative that evil local government is the cause of high property taxes in New York State and now we have to watch as the state prepares to open the flood gates again of unfunded mandates and let it fall right on the heads of local property taxpayers.”
UPDATE 3:55 p.m.: Within the last hour, a press release was issued by the New York State Association of Counties on the issue of the Medicaid proposal in the State budget.
The Genesee County Women’s Republican Club (GCWRC) is excited to announce the 2016 Spring Breakfast. It will take place on Saturday April 9th at the Dibble Family Center located at 4110 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. The breakfast begins at 9 a.m. and registration is requested by April 4.
“Supporting women and Republican candidates in politics and government is important and I encourage anyone that wants to be involved in our community decision making process to attend this event,” said Rachael Tabelski, president of the Women’s Republican Club.
“For too long members of our community have missed opportunities to participate in civic engagement, and the GCWRC is looking to change this."
Not only will participants enjoy a hearty breakfast, but will learn about new initiatives that the GCWRC is undertaking and have the opportunity to network with local, state and federal representatives and their staff.
Participants will also hear from Donna Saskowski, executive director of the Genesee ARC who is the guest speaker of this year’s event. The Genesee ARC is the Club’s Caring for America 2016 charity.
The cost of breakfast is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Checks can be made out to GCWRC, mailed to Treasurer Michele Smith at 20 Canterbury Lane, Bergen, NY 14416.
If you have a question or want to learn more about the GCWRC, contact Rachael Tabelski, 558-409-4008 or at rachael.tabelski@yahoo.com
Due to changing circumstances and the diminished availability of volunteers, the Genesee County Dances for Adults with Developmental Disabilities has decided to only hold one dance per year, according to dance coordinator Pat Iamon.
With the help of many, many dedicated volunteers, the dances have been sponsored by Byron Ladies Auxiliary and held at the Byron Fire Hall.
The dances, always well-attended with fun, timely themes, started back in 2002 as part of an internship project by Iamon, then a student at SUNY Brockport. This “one-time” event grew into monthly dances from September through May. Last year, the dances were cut back from nine to three.
They provided much-needed community-based fun for all of Genesee County’s adults with developmental disabilities living at home, in group homes or in facilities.
“Circumstances have changed for us and sadly it’s time that we cut back on the dances to one per year," Iamon said. "Our volunteers are mostly retired and some of us head South for most of the winter; so rather than stop the dances all together, we decided to cut back to one great dance per year."
She plans to make the announcement at the next dance -- the PJ Dance from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 12th at the Byron Fire Hall.
As always the dances are open to all individuals with developmental disabilities ages 13 and up living in Genesee County. Anyone wanting more information on the dances can call Pat Iamon 245-2918 or Laura Platt 548-2245.
These are photos submitted from previous dances and published on The Batavian.
Nicholas Robert Fairfield, 24, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with driving while intoxicated, driving with a BAC of over .18 percent, speed not reasonable and prudent, failure to keep right, failure to stop at the stop sign. In the early afternoon on March 26 on Warsaw Road in Le Roy, Fairfield was involved in a one-car accident, no injuries, at the Intersection of Warsaw Road (Route 19) and Perry Road. The vehicle came to rest in a ditch on the west shoulder of Route 19. Further investigation revealed that Fairfield was allegedly operating his vehicle while intoxicated. The incident was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Gregory Walker.
A two-car accident with minor injuries, blocking traffic, is reported in Oakfield at North Main Street and Farnsworth Avenue. Oakfield fire and Mercy medics are responding.
Press release:
Many free activities and giveaways are planned for the Mexican-themed spring Family Night for Batavia Middle School students and their families from 5 to 6:30 p.m. this Thursday, March 31.
With a focus on opportunities for parents to learn how to support their child’s learning, the evening will include a variety of FREE options-- a Rancho Viejo taco dinner, demonstrations by Nickel City Reptiles and Exotics, book giveaways, raffles featuring local businesses, yoga lessons, a piñata guessing game, sombrero making, and information from Richmond Memorial Library and the Civil Air Patrol.
"Which came first, Vibrant Batavia? Or the Summit Street Neighborhood Group?" asked Batavia City Councilman John Canale following a presentation about Vibrant Batavia at Monday night's meeting.
There was no action taken on anything concerning Vibrant Batavia. But the issue of whether to continue funding for the 2017-18 fiscal year will need to be addressed at some point. The next city council meeting is April 18.
Canale was asking Don and Pam Hiron, who have lived for 35 years at 137 Summit St. Don spoke in praise of the community-building initiative, heretofore coordinated by Leanne DiRisio, prior to the council meeting. DiRisio is leaving her part-time job to start a new business in the Masonic Temple Downtown next the Charles Men's Shop.
"The drug problem came first," replied Pam from the audience.
Plagued by shady goings-on and concerned about an upswing in crime in their neighborhood, the Hirons and other residents formed a concerned citizens group. Then in April 2014, they reached out to City Hall to find solutions. They were put in contact with Batavia PD and DiRisio and they worked in tandem to improve conditions.
"Leanne helped us formulate our goals and helped behind the scenes," Don said.
There were meet-and-greets, which were well attended, and included the presence of firefighters and police officers. Newcomers get gift baskets and those who live on the street get their very own specially designed keychain.
"We succeeded in shutting down several drug houses and improving the quality of life, restoring a sense of pride, regardless of age, nationality, race, religion," Don Hiron said, "and made new friends, rekindled old friendships. Was it worth the investment? Yes."
City Manager Jason Molino said Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) funds have paid for the 30-hour-per-week Community Coordinator position.
The total funding for Vibrant Batavia is about $45,000 annually, and in addition to the coordinator's salary, it covers the costs of community events and communications.
For the upcoming fiscal year, 2016-17, there's still $25,000 intact from the 2016 allocation, and Molino proposes bridging the gap by auctioning a city-owned foreclosed house at 109 Walnut St.
"It's not like a lot of foreclosed homes; it has value, it's not in bad shape," Molino said, of the three-bedroom, 1.5-bath abode, which he estimates might fetch $25,000 to $35,000.
The auction is in three weeks. If it sells for much less -- say $20,000 -- then plans for Vibrant Batavia would have to be scaled back accordingly.
But funding Vibrant Batavia in this fashion is not something to be done "year after year," Molino told the council.
"An auction is not going to produce revenue to fund this project every year," Molino said, adding that you also "can't grant fund your way through."
The job is a contractual one with Rochester-based NeighborWorks; it is not local municipal employment, but Batavia stills pays part of the contract.
Some residents have been vocal in their oppostion to public funding for Vibrant Batavia, launched in 2012 with the aim of eventually becoming self-funding.
"There was a very emotional discussion last year," Council President Eugene Jankowski said. "We need to remember the other 50 percent who aren't in favor of funding it."
He said groups like the Lions Club or Kiwanis Club do good works in the community with volunteers and private donations, without taxpayers' money.
Molino said Vibrant Batavia is not correctly characterized as "a service club initiative."
"It's a policy choice," Molino said, that some people would make because they believe over the course of time it strengthens neighborhoods and adds market value to properties.
"However you see fit to proceed as a group is up to you," Molino said, noting that the previous resolution authorizing funding is not binding to the current council.
"We will take ownership of whatever we decide to do," Jankowski assured Molino.
Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian questioned why, if Vibrant Batavia made $135,000 during 2015 as noted during DiRisio's presentation, that money can't be used to fund the coordinator's job.
Molino replied that it can't because the funds were specifically raised to pay for Centennial-related expenses -- the Time Capsule, the Sun Dial at City Hall, the Parade, commemorative coffee mugs, sweatshirts, Centennial party food and refreshments, etc.
Councilman Brooks Hawley praised DiRisio and called for a round of applause for her efforts. Likewise, Councilwoman Patti Pacino said she is so proud of what has been achieved to date, and just looking around on Bank Street, Tracy Avenue, Ross Street and State Street, for example, shows that changes for the better are being made.
"It is sparking out," Pacino said, people are painting, clipping bushes, growing flowers. "It is a growing thing that started in a small place."
Canale said he is a proponent of Vibrant Batavia and that the Summit Street model, known as a "targeted investment," is one that needs to be followed and more such groups need to be created.
Christian said she and others in the Sixth Ward tried three or four times, without success, in getting people together for events.
"This model won't work in every neighborhood," Molino said. "It's more likely to work in transitional neighborhoods that could go either way."
DiRisio said the point to remember about Summit Street is "The residents here have proven there's skin in the game. There's momentum. Why put up a wall?"
Jankowski asked staff to include the previous resolution for funding Vibrant Batavia in the next agenda packet so the council can refamiliarize themselves with it.
He said he wants constiuents to call or otherwise contact their representatives to let their wishes be known.
Press release:
Living Waters Church in Le Roy has more than 400 beautiful prom dresses (more than Kohl's, JC Penneys, and Macy's combined!) on hand for this Saturday's free prom dress giveaway called "Girls Helping Girls."
The dresses are either brand new or gently used, but all beautiful, with a terrific assortment of sizes.
Doors open at 10 a.m. and it runs until 1 p.m., at 30 Main St. in Downtown Le Roy (the former Movie Theater). Anyone with questions can call the church office at 768-7570 or check the Web site at www.livingwatersleroy.org
This idea was birthed out of compassion a number of years ago and suggested by Valerie Moore who thought about the families whose finances are tight and would rather not spend money on a dress that will be worn only once, and the event has grown each year. The first year there were about 75 dresses.
In the last few years, some families have insisted on making donations, so the church decided to keep "paying it forward" by sending any donations received to the House of Hope being built in Moshi, Tanzania, as a refuge for girls there who would be otherwise destined for a life of sex slavery or child marriage. We want to emphasize, however, that these dresses are available completely free -- no expectations attached!
Information provided by the VA Public Affairs Office:
Today at 2 p.m. at the VA Medical Center, 222 Richmond Ave., Batavia, there will be a Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration. It will take place in the auditorium of Building #4.
The guest speaker will be Mr. Vincent Schollard, who served two tours of duty in Vietnam (1966-68) as a Navy Corpsman. Vietnam Veterans and their families are encouraged to attend to share camaraderie. Refreshments will be served afterward.
VA Western New York Healthcare System is a Federal commemorative partner for The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. One of the main objectives of these events is to give a long overdue thanks to honor Vietnam Veterans and their families, including personnel who were held prisoners of war or listed as missing in action.
The Commemoration will pay tribute to their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States. Additionally, it will mark advances in technology, science and medicine related to the military research conducted during the Vietnam War. Lastly, the often overlooked contributions and sacrifices made by our allies will be recognized.
To fulfill President’s Lincoln’s mission to our Veterans and their families "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan,” after each commemoration several VA representatives will be on hand and ready to provide information and answers to questions about VA health care enrollment and other Veterans benefits to include disability claims, employment and educational opportunities, and National Cemetery internment. Many Veterans are still unaware of VA benefits they have earned or may be in need of updated information to qualify and use these benefits.
Here's the lineup of the event in Batavia:
Invocation -- Father Ivan Trujillo, VA Western NY Healtchcare System
Presentation of Colors -- Joint Veterans Honor Guard of Genesee County
"Star-spangled Banner" -- St. Joe's Brass Ensemble of Batavia
Pledge of Allegiance
Welcome -- Brian Stiller, Medical Director, VA Western NY Healtchcare System
Keynote Address -- Vincent Schollard, former Navy Corpsman
Musical Tribute -- St. Joe's Brass Ensemble of Batavia
Vietnam Veterans Pin Presentation
Echo Taps -- Frank Panepento & Tom Cecere
Benediction -- Father Ivan Trujillo
For additional information please contact the VA Public Affairs Office at (716) 862-8753/8754.
Press release:
The School Library System (SLS), a program of the Le Roy-based Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (the Partnership) was awarded a three-year, $150,000 New York State learning technologies grant. The first year of the grant will be implemented at Batavia Middle School.
The GAME Tech Project (Genesee Advancing Mathematics and English Language Arts with Technology) will increase student academic achievement as measured by New York State assessments in Mathematics and English Language Arts by providing opportunities for students to engage in learning content through technology in a way that is meaningful and authentic, enabling students to solve problems and be creative.
SLS staff will focus on the underlying skills of computational thinking to prepare students and teachers for success in computer programming and other STEM work. SLS staff will provide professional development opportunities to improve student performance through integration of learning technologies in classrooms and school library media centers. In subsequent years, the grant will be expanded to include all Partnership component school districts.
Over the next three years, the SLS staff will work with member librarians and teachers in elementary and middle schools to implement a program of technology professional development and classroom implementation built around analog play for digital success. These kits will include LightUp and Little Bits sets for circuit design and electronics problem solving; games and other resources for computer programming, LEGO WeDo and Mindstorms kits for robotics development; and audio and video kits for media production. By starting with analog resources like games and toys, SLS staff will help teachers build confidence and comfort within STEM fields.
“The Partnership is excited to be able to expand offerings to our component schools districts through the Game Tech Grant. The focus will be on preparing students to be creative and possess analytical, problem solving and communication skills. Game design, engineering, manufacturing, electronics and design tech are career fields aligned with the scope of the work,” said Julie Donlon, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and School Improvement.
The Partnership SLS is uniquely suited to implement the GAME Tech project given their long history of working with games as curriculum aligned instructional resources. The SLS Game Library, launched in 2007, is the largest K-12 aligned library of games in the country. Christopher Harris, director of the Partnership SLS, will be the principal investigator working alongside Library/Technology specialists Brian Mayer from the Game Library and Liesl Toates, who coordinates technology professional development and the Media Library.
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The School Library System and Distance Learning Service are programs of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services offering shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York State.
Press release:
Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, for a program on “Better Garden Photography."
Have you ever visited and photographed a gorgeous garden, but were later disappointed with your photos? In this presentation, Master Gardener Brenda Fox will cover many subjects including the impact of light, and elements of composition such as balance, contrast, perspective and color. Brenda will also discuss some useful techniques such as the rule of thirds, framing, and the effect of lines.
All topics will be beautifully illustrated with photos of garden scenes. These practical tips will improve your photos in (and out!) of the garden.
This class will be held at the Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension at 420 E. Main St., Batavia. Cost is $10 per person. Pre-registration has been extended to April 4.
Contact Brandie at 585-343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by our office to register. Visit our Web site at: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events for more information. Like us on our Facebook page for program updates: https://www.facebook.com/CCEofGenesee
Press release:
The City Of Batavia Water Department will be making a repair on a broken water service line on Vernon Avenue Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock.
Water service should not be interrupted to make this repair. Vernon Avenue will be closed from Main Street to Richmond Avenue so repairs can be made.
Below are the results of the March 12 city property auction, according to City Manager Jason Molino.
At tonight's 7 o'clock City Council Conference Meeting, the councilmembers will vote on a resolution to authorize the council president to sign agreements for the sale of property sold at the auction.
They are all parcels of vacant land.
Total proceeds were $3,050. Total back taxes were $853.67. Net proceeds: $2,196.33.
Rae C. Cook, 27, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with illegal disposal of items. Cook was arrested following an investigation into an illegal dumping complaint. At 1 p.m. on March 17, Cook was observed by a neighbor allegedly depositing refuse onto the neighbor's private property. Cook was issued an appearance ticket and is due in city court on Tuesday. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice.
Damien A. Boyd, 32, of Meadville Road, Batavia is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, possession of a hypodermic instrument and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd. The charges on March 23 stem from a warrant that was issued as a result of an incident on Aug. 25 wherein Boyd was allegedly found to be in possession of heroin, needles and several small plastic bags for packaging narcotics. He was jailed in lieu of $2,000 bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards.
J'shon K. Naegely, 19, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Naegely was arrested March 26 on a warrant out of Batavia City Court. It is alleged Naegely failed to appear in court on a charge on Jan. 15 of criminal possession of stolen property. Naegely was jailed on $1,000 bail and is due back in court on Tuesday. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.
Tina R. Ayala, 48, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested for allegedly shoplifting at Dollar General at 12:45 p.m. on March 24. Ayala received an appearance ticket and is to be in city court on Tuesday. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.
A little friendly competition among law enforcement officers for a good cause is planned starting April 1st at Batavia Cross Training, 34 Swan St., Batavia.
New owner Jessica Pratt is opening the doors to all Batavia City Police officers, Le Roy Police officers and Genesee County Sheriff's deputies. No need to sign up! This is for two months of unlimited classes. Donations are accepted and will benefit the family of late local hero Frank Bordonaro, a Sheriff's deputy who died in service to the citizens of Genesee County.
The competition workout will be the "Memorial Day Murph." It will be held at the end of May for everyone to compete against one another.
"Please take full advantage of this event!" says Pratt.
For more information, call Pratt at 813-2369.
Tre'Shaun Diamond Perry, 20, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. The subject was arrested today after an incident at 10:10 p.m. on March 24 at College Village. It is alleged Perry pushed a safety officer while in a building at College Village. Perry was released on an appearance ticket to appear in Town of Batavia Court at a later date. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Chad Cummings.
Brandon Thomas Beard, 21, of Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, driving while ability impaired by drugs and driver's view obstructed. On March 26, at 8:41 p.m., the defendant was stopped following the observation of a vehicle and traffic violation on Clinton Street Road, Town of Bergen. He was arrested after allegedly possessing marijuana and driving while his ability to do so was allegedly impaired by drugs. He was released on appearance tickets and is to return to Town of Bergen Court at a later date. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.
A male driver fled on foot following a two-car accident at 4746 Barrville Road, Elba. Sheriff's deputies are responding, along with Elba fire and Mercy medics. The fleeing suspect is described as "possibly Mexican," wearing a green and white polo shirt.
UPDATE 1:18 p.m.: There was only one vehicle involved. It is parked on the front lawn of the Barrville Road address. A relative of the caller is said to have seen the suspect enter into some nearby woods.
UPDATE 1:47 p.m.: A Chrysler mini-van with two Hispanic males inside was stopped in the area and a State Trooper was going to attempt to run the occupants' IDs when one of them fled the vehicle and ran off. Not known if the incident is related to the Barrville Road accident, but law enforcement had a perimeter around the accident scene and were looking for a suspect when this occurred.
UPDATE 2 p.m.: A passerby told officers a Hispanic male ran past his house in the 4700 block of North Byron Road, heading north toward Watson Road. Law enforcement is en route to search the area.
UPDATE 3:01 p.m.: Officers are still searching for the suspect, heading in a north-northeasterly direction.
UPDATE 3:26 p.m.: A canine unit reports finding fresh tracks.
UPDATE 5:33 p.m.: The suspect has been apprehended and officers are preparing paperwork for his arraignment in court.
Nearly 200 friends and family members gathered Saturday evening in front of the Stafford Fire Hall to remember their dear friend "Shell" Mouery, who passed away Friday afternoon after surgery following a heart attack. She was someone they cherished and she also helped a lot in this small community.
More than a dozen people spoke about Shell -- from making pizza at her business, the Stafford Trading Post, giving to others and being a role model to all.
"She was a great hugger and I am glad I got the chance to see her a couple weeks ago," said a local resident.
There was sadness for many, but also much laughter remembering great times and sharing stories during the 45-minute prayer vigil.
This Tuesday, March 29, will be a remembrance service will be at Stafford Fire Hall from 4-8 p.m.
Plans for a Chicken BBQ and Chinese Auction Fundraiser on Sunday, April 3, are still on. It will be hosted by the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department along with Genesee County S.C.O.P.E. Doors open at the fire hall on Main Road in Stafford at 10 a.m. and Chicken BBQ will start at 11:30 a.m.
There will be a Chinese auction featuring donations from numerous businesses in Le Roy, Stafford and Batavia. For more information contact S.C.O.P.E. Bill Fox at 585-356-4992, or to make a donation for the fundraiser contact Stephanie Call at the Stafford Fire Deptartment 585-356-1660.
Her obituary can be found here: Michelle M. "Shell" Mouery
Three white males in a white Jeep are reportedly on the railroad tracks, west of Wilkinson Road. The location is about a mile and a half west of Wilkinson in the Town of Batavia. Sheriff's deputies are responding.
UPDATE 10:16 a.m.: When the call came in, they were "stationary, possibly taking photos."
UPDATE 10:22 a.m.: Deputies have not found the men or the vehicle. The call came in from CSX. There's a private property crossing in that area.
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