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Hawley opposes bill taking away veterans' medical leave

By Billie Owens

Press release:

This week in Albany, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) voted against legislation that would reduce the number of days veterans would be able to take for medical leave related to their combat duties.

Gov. Cuomo signed the bill last year allowing eight days of leave in exchange for Assembly Democrats amending the law to reduce the number of days to five this year.

“These are the kinds of political games Albany politicians and the governor play with people’s livelihood,” Hawley said. “While Assembly leadership had a chance to stand strong for our veterans against the governor’s desires to cut paid leave, they capitulated per their pre-arranged backroom deal.”

The bill was introduced by Westchester County Democrat Amy Paulin, and would reduce the amount of medical leave days provided from eight down to five.

“This was a shameful day in Albany as Downstate politicians introduced a bill that reduced the number of medical leave days our veterans can take to receive treatment related to their combat duties,” Hawley said.

“We should be doing everything in our power to protect and care for our servicemen and servicewomen at home and abroad, and this is a terrible display of gratitude. I voted no on this bill and will continue to stand up for our armed forces to see they receive the time for treatment they greatly deserve.”

Hawley, a veteran of the Army Reserves and the Ohio Army National Guard, is a staunch proponent of protecting our state’s veterans and serves on the Assembly’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Hawley hosts the Patriot Trip each year, traveling to Washington, D.C., with local veterans and their families to visit our nation’s sites and memorials.                        

Assemblyman Hawley represents the 139th District, which consists of Genesee, Orleans and parts of Monroe County. For more information, please visit Assemblyman Hawley’s Official Website.

Show must go on -- 'Into the Woods' is all set to debut tonight at BHS

By Billie Owens

"Into the Woods" is an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make. Despite the snow conditions, school officials say it will be performed by the Batavia High School Production Club tonight at 7:30.

It will also be performed Saturday night at 7:30 and Sunday at 2 p.m.

This announcement, of course, is barring any mitigating weather advisory. Tickets available at Roxy's Music Store and at the door.

SHOW WILL GO ON: 'Into the Woods' at BHS, tonight and Saturday, plus matinee Sunday

By Billie Owens

Information from Music Theatre International and Batavia High School:

"Into the Woods" is an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make. It will be performed by the Batavia High School Production Club next month.

Book author James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim, who wrote the music and lyrics, take favorite storybook characters created by The Brothers Grimm and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece...and a rare modern classic. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching.

Event Date and Time

City notified: Citizens to get flood insurance discounts after FEMA rating recertification

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia has received notification from FEMA and the Insurance Services Office that it has met recertification requirements for its continued participation in the Community Rating System. The City will maintain its current Level 7 rating, according to Fire Chief and CRS Coordinator Stefano Napolitano.

This rating will enable those residents and business owners in the City's Special Flood Hazard Area to continue to receive 15-percent discounts on their flood insurance premiums, while those outside the SFHP will receive an additional 5-percent discount on top of already reduced rates.

In addition to the financial benefit, the CRS aids in improving community flood mitigation efforts. These include: better informed citizens; enhanced public safety, reducing potential damage to property and public infrastructure; avoidance of economic disruption; and protection of the environment.

Also, implementing some CRS activities such as floodplain management planning can assist a community in qualifying for certain Federal assistance programs.

This recertification maintains the ground work previously laid out by City management and continues to be an integral part of the City's comprehensive strategy to improve neighborhoods and the value of City properties.

Chief Napolitano acknowleged that there was a tremendous amount of work to recertify and maintain the Level 7 rating and wanted to acknowledge the efforts of all members of the CRS recertification team, which included himself along with: Fire Department Capt. Bob Fix; Floodplain Manager Ron Panek; Inspection Bureau Secretary Meg Chilano and Confidential Secretary Lisa Casey.

Napolitano also wanted to acknowledge Erin Pence from the GC Planning Department, who assisted with recertification process with mapping services.

Lastly, Napolitano points out that the annual CRS recertification process is ongoing and continual. Throughout the year, there will be activities which are vital to maintaining the City's current level, but also involves researching the readiness and ability to move beyon a Level 7.

You are invited to 'Catch the Gardening Bug' with four programs at Cornell Extension, must preregister

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners this spring as we “Catch the Gardening Bug.”

We will be offering four gardening programs through the season with our first one from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 28. Master Gardener Brenda Fox will present “Companion Plants for Bearded Iris.” Bearded iris are some of the most beautiful flowers, yet are surprisingly easy to grow.

The first half of the program will focus on how best to grow iris, and will discuss when to plant or divide, soil preparation and sun requirements.  The second half will explore colorful combinations with shrubs and perennials. These will be illustrated with lavish photos showing both contrasting and complementary color schemes.

On April 5 join us for “Dahlias 101.” Dahlias come in a rainbow of colors, shapes and sizes and produce beautiful blooms up until frost. Get your dahlia questions answered as Master Gardener Brandie Waite discusses how to plant, grow and over winter the tubers. Once you start growing dahlias you won’t be able to stop! Registration required by March 29.

Permaculture is based on natural systems. On April 18 learn more about this topic at “Permaculture 2.0.” Building on last year’s program when participants learned about zones, sectors, guilds and edges as they apply to permaculture, Master Gardener Dan Esler will present on the considerations for successful guild design and a reasonable timeline when developing a permaculture site. Registration required by April 13.

Get tips from Master Gardeners for “Dividing Perennials,” on April 25. Three good reasons for dividing perennials are to control the size of the plants, to maintain plant health and to increase their number.

Since many perennials respond well to being divided in early spring, we’ll demonstrate the steps for dividing a variety of perennials.  Weather permitting we’ll use plants right out of the garden. Registration required by April 20.

All classes will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension at 420 E. Main St., Batavia. Cost is $10 per person, per class. Preregistration is required as class size is limited. Contact Brandie at 585-343-3040, ext. 101 or stop by our office to register.

Visit our website at: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events for more information.

Sen. Ranzenhofer announces Earth Day poster contest for kids, deadline is April 13

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer today called for local student entries for the New York State Senate’s Earth Day Poster Contest, a statewide competition that raises awareness of environmental issues.
 
“Earth Day celebrates the great strides made in protecting our environment," Ranzenhofer said. "This poster contest is an opportunity for local school districts to share that commitment with our students. By educating our young minds about protecting our planet, they can be a part of the many New Yorkers who are already helping to improve the quality of air we breathe and the water we drink."
 
The Earth Day poster competition is for children in grades K–6. The theme of the contest is “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.” Students are encouraged to be creative and convey a real commitment to making the environment a better place.
 
The focus is to emphasize the importance and encourage the exchange of ideas about recycling and waste reduction, as well as stimulate creative thinking about solutions concerning these issues.
 
School districts and students wishing to participate in this year’s event must submit their entries by April 13 via Senator Ranzenhofer’s website, ranzenhofer.nysenate.gov. Entries should be photographed and submitted electronically, preferably in a jpeg format. 
 
Winning posters will be displayed at Senator Ranzenhofer’s website. All participants will receive a certificate acknowledging their participation.
 
Since the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, more than 20 million Americans have participated, helping to improve the quality of our air and water. In addition, Senator Ranzenhofer voted for a landmark $2.5 billion investment in statewide clean water projects last year, including:
 
Creation of the new Drinking Water Quality Council to bring together experts to review existing evidence, study contaminants of concern and make recommendations to the Department of Health regarding drinking water safety, including state specific thresholds and public notice procedures;
Establishment of the Emerging Contaminant Monitoring Act to require all public water systems to test for unregulated contaminants that are known, or anticipated to be present in drinking water; and
$275 million in continued funding for Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and $20 million from the Environmental Protection Fund to be used for clean water projects.

GC Fair welcomes student applications for $1,000 scholarships

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Fair announces today that up to seven $1,000 scholarships will be awarded across New York State to current New York State high school seniors and also students enrolled in college.

The New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs and the New York State Showpeople’s Association sponsor the scholarships.

Qualifying students must be active at the Genesee County Fair, or with the New York State Showpeople’s Association (NYSSA). All applicants from Genesee County must submit their applications through the Genesee County Fair, or the NYSSA, no later than Friday, April 13.

Information is available at the Genesee County Fair office (Genesee County Fairgrounds, 5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia) through the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County and from local high school offices. Applications must be printed and completed from the Web at www.nyfairs.org.

For more information, contact Alton MacDuffie at the Genesee County Fair at (585) 752-3600.

Congressman Collins holds veterans' services workshop tonight at County Building 2

By Billie Owens

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) will host a workshop for veterans to receive information about the many services our local, state and federal agencies have to offer tonight.

Congressman Collins is planning to be at the event around 5:45 p.m. to make welcoming remarks and greet those in attendance. It will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. at Genesee County Office Building Number 2, Large Conference Room, 3837 W. Main St. Road, Batavia.

Event Date and Time
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Congressman Collins to host veterans' services workshop tonight at County Building 2

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) will host a workshop for veterans to receive information about the many services our local, state and federal agencies have to offer tonight.

Congressman Collins is planning to be at the event around 5:45 p.m. to make welcoming remarks and greet those in attendance. It will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. at Genesee County Office Building Number 2, Large Conference Room, 3837 W. Main St. Road, Batavia.

State, county and local officials will also be there and everyone is welcome to attend, especially veterans and their families.

Batavia CTE Center auto tech students place in top five in WNY competition

By Billie Owens

Photo: Bob Yates, Batavia CTE Center Auto Technology instructor, with Ryan George and Cassidy Cater.

Submitted photo and press release:

Despite a tough contest, Cassidy Cater and Ryan George, Batavia Career and Technical Education Center Auto Technology students, placed fourth in the Ron Smith Auto Tech Competition, sponsored by the Niagara Frontier Automobile Dealers Association.

Cassidy and Ryan are seniors from Attica Central Schools.

Beforehand, Cassidy and Ryan worked every school day for two weeks at Basil Ford in Cheektowaga. There they practiced with a technician on a 2018 Ford Escape.

During the competition, Ryan and Cassidy worked through timed stations where they were required to complete tasks such as precision measurement, drop voltage, balancing a tire, splicing a wire, and soldering. In order to receive points, these assignments needed to be completed in less than 10 minutes.

“I was comfortable doing these tasks because I was familiar with this work,” Ryan said. 

“These are things that we learned in our class. Mr. Yates prepared us for what we might have to do during the competition,” Cassidy said.

A total of nine teams competed, all from schools and career and technical education centers across Western New York. Cassidy and Ryan were in the senior division. The daylong event was held at Erie Community College Vehicle Technology Training Center in Orchard Park. 

Competition was fierce said Bob Yates, Auto Technology Instructor at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center.

Ryan and Cassidy were required to diagnose and repair a 2018 Ford Escape that was bugged with many mechanical issues.

“There were very intricate and technical bugs that were set up in the car," Yates said. "Even a seasoned technician would have struggled with some of these problems. The rear hatch would not open and Ryan had to reprogram it and he got it to work. Very few teams got the car to operate and Ryan and Cassidy got the car to start and run."

“We also had to do a pinpoint test, which is a step-by-step procedure on how to fix the car. We got a perfect score on the alignment and the alignment test,” Cassidy added.

“The competition was scored on a total of 1,000 points," Yates said. "The difference between the first-place score and fourth-place was only 21 points." 

Ryan described the event as a great experience.

“It was fun, hands-on and taught me a lot about electrical systems in cars.” Cassidy said “It gave us a taste of what working in the real-world will be like.”

About Batavia CTE 

The Batavia Career and Technical Education Center is a program 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.

Annual Youth Recognition Dinner is March 22 at Terry Hills, RSVP by March 8

By Billie Owens

Press release:

On Thursday, March 22, the City of Batavia and Genesee County Youth Boards will sponsor their 22ndannual Youth Recognition Dinner at Terry Hills Restaurant & Banquet Facility.

Sixteen young people will be honored for their commitment to community service and/or their impressive role in their family. Additionally, the dinner will recognize one Adult Youth Worker and two Adult Youth Volunteers. 

The following young people will be recognized for their outstanding service in the community and/or family: Evan Amberger, Camryn Arthur, Madalynn Augello, Ryan Bowen, Lydia Daley, Summer Jeschke-Dean, Sheron Perez-Fuentes, Connlan Hotnich, Camden King, Nathan Knickerbocker, Jillian Menzie, Julia Menzie, Justina Pruski, Isabella Riner, Benjamin Slenker and Eric Stroud.

  • Arron Brown is receiving the Adult Youth Worker Award from his position as a fourth-grade teacher at Pembroke Intermediate School for going above and beyond his job requirements to do whatever he can do for his students and their families.
  • Stan Kaus is receiving the Adult Youth Volunteer Award for his extensive time spent forming and coaching independent girls 12 and under fast pitch softball team called the Batavia Stingers.
  • Laura Luft is also receiving the Adult Youth Volunteer Award for devoting countless hours to bettering the lives of young people in Elba and Genesee County.

Registration and refreshments will begin at 5 p.m. The program and dinner will commence at 6. Seating is limited.

If you are interested in attending the banquet, contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau at (585) 344-3960 no later than March 8th.

Artist Shauna Blake does demo of acrylic pouring at GO ART! on March 13

By Billie Owens

From the Batavia Society of Artists:

A hands-on demonstration of acrylic pouring on ceramic will be given by Shauna Blake for the Batavia Society of Artists from 7 to 9 p.m. on March 13 at GO ART!

It is located at 201 E. Main St. in the historic Seymour Building in Downtown Batavia.

The drop-in fee for nonmembers is $5. There is no fee for members. To join, you can pay the dues on the night of the demo or by contacting the society to make arrangements. Dues are $30 for one person; $50 per couple; and $10 for a student. The email address is bsa.BataviaSocietyofArtists@gmail.com

All are welcome.

Blake started painting in her early teens and has devoted her entire working life to her artwork. She has a love for nature and uses the energy it provides to inspire her art. In 1994, she graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh where she studied graphic design and illustration.

She worked in the graphic design field for seven years before starting a new glass art business with her husband in 2001. She expanded her artistic skill set to include creating a variety of lampwork glass beads. In 2009, Blake discovered the joy of painting on silk and formed a news business Quintessence Silk Art, which is dedicated to creating a variety of silk art products.

This artist found that painting on silk was a natural match to her watercolor painting background and she has enjoyed exploring the medium ever since.

Since 2017, Blake found the art of acrylic pouring and expanded her business to include acrylic abstacts, which she uses in several ways, creating a variety of products, including one-of-a-kind jewelry and paintings.

Her handpainted silk scarves, silk ribbons, art prints and acrylic abstracts worldwide on her website:  www.QuintessenceSilk.com and on the popular Etsy handmade crafts site online.

Shauna Blake demo of acrylic pouring at GO ART!

By Billie Owens

From the Batavia Society of Artists:

A hands-on demonstration of acrylic pouring on ceramic will be given by Shauna Blake for the Batavia Society of Artists from 7 to 9 p.m. on March 13 at GO ART!

It is located at 201 E. Main St. in the historic Seymour Building in Downtown Batavia.

Event Date and Time
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Sen. Ranzenhofer announces launch of free writing workshops in Batavia for survivors of breast and gynecologic cancer

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
This week Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer announced to breast and gynecological cancer survivors in Genesee County that the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR) is offering a free, five-week writing workshop beginning on Saturday, March 3.
 
“I commend the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester for sponsoring this important program, and I encourage breast and gynecologic cancer survivors in Genesee County to participate,” said Ranzenhofer.
 
The Voices & Visions workshop will run for five consecutive Saturdays through March 31st. Each class will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the First Presbyterian Church, located at 300 E. Main St. in Batavia.
 
Kathy Simpson, a retired licensed mental health counselor, will lead the classes, which are limited to 12 participants.
 
Advance registration is required.
 
For more information or to register, contact BCCR Regional Programs & Outreach Director Tracy Brown by phone at (585) 473-8177 or by email, tracy@bccr.org.
 
About BCCR’s Voices & Visions
Voices & Visions is an exciting program that gives those who have received a diagnosis of breast cancer or gynecologic cancer an opportunity to explore and express their feelings through writing. This warm and supportive group is led by a professional, sensitive instructor. Writing has proven to be very therapeutic for cancer survivors. No previous writing experience necessary!
 
Additional information is also available on BCCR’s website here.

Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School announces 2017-18 second quarter Honor Roll

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Bergen, NY ~ The Byron-Bergen Central School District is proud to recognize the following students who have been named to the Honor Roll for the second 10-week marking period of the 2017-18 school year:

GRADE 12

  • HIGH HONOR ROLL—Larissa Ashton, Cameron Brumsted, Lauren Burke, Benjamin Chaback, Brionna DeMichel, Jean Denson, Morgan Fuller, Margaret Graney, Ethan Green, Edgardo Guzman, Tyler Henry, Alyssa Hing, Brian Ireland, Daniel Jensen, Brendon Kendall, Nathan Knickerbocker, Melanie Kulikowski, Shaun LoVerdi, Peyton Mackey, Julia Menzie, Lily Mercovich, Dillon Montgomery, Makenzie Muoio, Joshua Phelps, Garrett Sando, Austin Sharpe, Dana VanValkenburg, Catherine Weaver, Riley White. 
  • HONOR ROLL—Jerra Amesbury, Megan Brown, Jacob Burlingame, Kylar Chambry, Quinn Chapell, Shayla Dearring, Justin Hannan, Brandon Kropf, Benjamin Lathan, Paul McDermott, Ryan Niemi, Riley Sadler, Cameron Shenk, Jonathan Stumpf, Nicole Welka, Esther Wilkins, Emma Wride. 
  • EFFORT ROLL—Larissa Ashton, Lauren Burke, Benjamin Chaback, Quinn Chapell, Brionna DeMichel, Jean Denson, Morgan Fuller, Margaret Graney, Ethan Green, Justin Hannan, Tyler Henry, Alyssa Hing, Brian Ireland, Daniel Jensen, Brendon Kendall, Nathan Knickerbocker, Melanie Kulikowski, Shaun LoVerdi, Peyton Mackey, Julia Menzie, Lily Mercovich, Makenzie Muoio, Joshua Phelps, Garrett Sando, Austin Sharpe, Leah Thompson, Chaderic Toal, Dana VanValkenburg.

GRADE 11

  • HIGH HONOR ROLL—Benjamin Bowman, Adam Drake, Jared Fregoe, Annaliese Hersom, William Johnson, Hunter Leach, Janae Meister, Erin Parnapy, MacKenzie Rosse, Wade Thompson, Kyong-ae Yun.
  • HONOR ROLL—Aaron Barnum, Sarah Bleiler, Nicholas Brown, Lydia Campbell, Cole Carlson, Alissa Countryman, Anthony DiQuattro, Tabitha Fuller, Leah Gale, Emma Goodman, Jason Hoehn, Isaac Ladley, Danielle Mason, Sabastian Pawlukewicz, James Roggow, Brianna Shade, Emma Smith, Lucas Stucchio, Colby Taylor.
  • EFFORT ROLL—Sarah Bleiler, Benjamin Bowman, Lydia Campbell, Anthony DiQuattro, Adam Drake, Jared Fregoe, Leah Gale, Emma Goodman, Annaliese Hersom, William Johnson, Hunter Leach, Janae Meister, Erin Parnapy, Sabastian Pawlukewicz, MacKenzie Rosse, Colby Taylor, Wade Thompson.

GRADE 10 

  • HIGH HONOR ROLL—Caitlin Ashton, Justine Bloom, Alexander Brumsted, Siomara Caballero, Alexander Dean, Madison Farnsworth, Sara Fraser, Emily Gonyea, Amaya Gunther, Zachary Hannan, Evan Harter, Rick Hubbard, Mikaela Hubler, Cambria Kinkelaar, Chad Kupfer, Jillian Menzie, Auburn Schwartzmeyer, Caleb Sharpe, Chloe Shuskey, Isabelle Stevens, Garrett Swinter, Annabella Vurraro, Grant Williams, Nathan Zwerka.
  • HONOR ROLL—Julianna Amesbury, Ariana Bobzien, Hannah Catalino, Jacey Donahue, Elizabeth Donnelly, Kelsey Fuller, Chad Green, Rose Hubbard, Travis Lambert, Samuel Pringle, Wyatt Sando, Kevin Smith, Brandon Stefanski, Cameron Sweet, Miriam Tardy, Hannah VanSkiver. 
  • EFFORT ROLL—Julianna Amesbury, Caitlin Ashton, Justine Bloom, Alexander Brumsted, Siomara Caballero, Alexander Dean, Jacey Donahue, Elizabeth Donnelly, Madison Farnsworth, Sara Fraser, Kelsey Fuller, Chad Green, Zachary Hannan, Rick Hubbard, Cambria Kinkelaar, Melissa MacCowan, Jillian Menzie, Auburn Schwartzmeyer, Caleb Sharpe, Chloe Shuskey, Isabelle Stevens, Miriam Tardy, Annabella Vurraro, Grant Williams, Nathan Zwerka.

GRADE 9 

  • HIGH HONOR ROLL—Nicholas Baubie, Bianca Brumsted, Emily Chaback, Richard Denson, Julietta Doyle, Veronica Duell, Joshua Fleming, Eden Goff, Sara Goodman, Hope Hersom, Kelly Ireland, Carli Kirkwood, Aiden Kulikowski, Colby Leggo, John Mercovich, Alaura Rehwaldt, Skylar Sharpe, Deacon Smith, Sarah Streeter, Xavier Thomas.
  • HONOR ROLL—Carleigh Buell, Hallie Calhoun, Zoey Chambry, Jonah Clare, Tylor Coats, Matthew Gonyea, Adriana Guzman, Logan Lewis, Andrew Parnapy, Bryanne Puma, Matthew Rada, Seth Sharp, Devon Zinter.
  • EFFORT ROLL—Mya-Lyn Albanese, Nicholas Baubie, Bianca Brumsted, Carleigh Buell, Emily Chaback, Richard Denson, Veronica Duell, Joshua Fleming, Sara Goodman, Hope Hersom, Kelly Ireland, Carli Kirkwood, Colby Leggo, Logan Lewis, John Mercovich, Bryanne Puma, Alaura Rehwaldt, Skylar Sharpe, Deacon Smith, Sarah Sue Streeter, Xavier Thomas.

GRADE 8 

  • HIGH HONOR ROLL—Corin Abdella, Rachel Best, Madison Burke, Caleb Calhoun, Caleb Carlson, Aidan Clark, Sadie Cook, Leanna Curts, Makenzie Eccleston, Angelique Heick, Grace Huhn, Brooke Jarkiewicz, Johnathon Klafehn, Madelynn Pimm, Elli Schelemanow, Grace Shepard, Alayna Streeter, Ella VanValkenburg, Alexandra Vurraro, Kaitlyn Windhauser, Emily Zastrow, Corden Zimmerman.
  • HONOR ROLL—Jared Barnum, Camryn Brookhart, Destiny Colon, Alexander Donnelly, Connor Gale, Christian Haller, Sarah Hanel, Meghan Kendall, Danyel Nowatchik, Aleigha Shallenberger, Kaden Sheard, Jorie Strzelecki, Ashley Weit, Emma Will, Claire Williams, Kaitlyn Zastrocky, Joshua Zittel. 
  • EFFORT ROLL—Corin Abdella, Rachel Best, Madison Burke, Payton Buzzell, Caleb Calhoun, Caleb Carlson, Aidan Clark, Sadie Cook, Leanna Curts, Angelique Heick, Grace Huhn, Brooke Jarkiewicz, Meghan Kendall, Johnathon Klafehn, Danyel Nowatchik, Madelynn Pimm, Elli Schelemanow, Aleigha Shallenberger, Grace Shepard, Alayna Streeter, Ella VanValkenburg, Alexandra Vurraro, Kaitlyn Windhauser, Emily Zastrow, Corden Zimmerman, Joshua Zittel.

GRADE 7

  • HIGH HONOR ROLL—Cassidy Ball, Olivia Best, Jason Bleiler, David Brumsted, Fiona Burke, Dayanara Caballero, Cameron Carlson, Caris Carlson, Evan Cuba, Emma Dormann, Kendan Dressler, Frank Hersom, Sage Johnson, Alec Kulikowski, Ryan Muscarella, Matthew Olander, Victoria-Pearl Parnell, Valerie Pastore, Kendall Phillips, Elizabeth Piper, Austin Salmonds, Brianna Salmonds, Emily Salmonds, Alexandria Schuck, MacKenzie Senf, Zoey Shepard, McKenna Shuskey, Matthew Tanner, Joshua Tardy, Ava Wagoner, Lillian Walker, Leyna Wheeler, Hannah Wies, Kaya Wildschutz, Nicholas Zwerka.
  • HONOR ROLL—Alyssa Ball, Molly Belknap, Hailey Canfield, Grace Capostagno, Elizabeth Cramer, Jonny Fooks, Kailee Gurtler, Sege Kalmbacher, Ethan Lewis, Autumn Mathisen, Andrew Rimmerman, Aidan Townsend, Julia Will, Emily Yun. 
  • EFFORT ROLL—Alyssa Ball, Cassidy Ball, David Brumsted, Fiona Burke, Dayanara Caballero, Cameron Carlson, Caris Carlson, Evan Cuba, Kendan Dressler, Frank Hersom, Alec Kulikowski, Ryan Muscarella, Matthew Olander, Victoria-Pearl Parnell, Valerie Pastore, Kendall Phillips, Elizabeth Piper, Austin Salmonds, Brianna Salmonds, Emily Salmonds, MacKenzie Senf, Zoey Shepard, McKenna Shuskey, Matthew Tanner, Joshua Tardy, Ava Wagoner, Lillian Walker, Leyna Wheeler, Hannah Wies, Kaya Wildschutz, Emily Yun, Nicholas Zwerka.

Fire reported at Hanson Aggregates off Cedar Street, Batavia

By Billie Owens

A working structure fire is reported at Hanson Aggregates off Cedar Street in the City of Batavia. City fire is responding.

There are workers who were working on the silo and some material fell onto the roof and started a fire, which they thought they extinguished, but it reignited, according to the initial caller to the dispatch center.

UPDATE 11:42 a.m.: City command calls the third platoon to headquarters to stand by in quarters.

UPDATE 11:43 a.m.: The fire is out; working now on overhaul and accessing the damaged area of the building. Command says city police can reopen Cedar Street.

UPDATE 11:52 a.m.: Workers were using a blowtorch to cut some metal and slag fell onto the roof, starting the conflagration.

House filling with smoke from wood-burning stove in Darien

By Billie Owens

Smoke from the piping of a wood-burning stove is filling the residence at 1740 Richley Road, Darien. The location is just east of Colby Road. Residents have been advised to evacuate. Darien Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 10:24 a.m.: A firefighter on scene reports there is a possible leak coming from the wood stove in the basement.

UPDATE 10:26 a.m.: Command says Darien can proceed in non-emergency mode.

Two dozen county fire personnel completed hazmat incident command training on Feb. 22

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Twenty-four Genesee County fire personnel completed the Hazardous Material Incident Command program on Feb. 22.

This 24-hour program, held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center, was presented by Fire Protection Specialist Lawrence E. Babcock. It provides the hazardous materials incident commander with the skills necessary to successfully and safely manage the incident.

The course focused on the need for an organized approach to managing hazardous materials incidents, the required elements for an employer’s emergency response plan and site-specific pre-incident emergency planning.

Incident analysis, development of site safety plans, strategic goals for hazardous materials incidents and development of a plan of action and its application and tactical objectives to accomplish the strategic goals were also addressed.

Participants included: 

Alabama

Aron Kehlenbeck

Alexander

Nathan L. Fix

Tom Green

Sean M. McPhee

Lance Scharlau

City of Batavia

Stefano Napolitano

Bethany

Kyle L. Rombaut

Corfu

Mitchell  Bates

Kristen M. Gaik

Gregory S. Lang

Lori Ann Santini

Brian D. Schollard

Daniel P. Smith

Benjamin P. Trepani

Elba

Michael J. Schad Jr.

George M. Underhill

Caitlin E. Zipfel

Pavilion

Kelly Kraft

Bryen Murrock

John P. Weis

Nick J. Wright

Stafford

Rodney B. Bobo

Stephanie E. Call

Timothy E. Eckdahl

Leadership, Accountabiity, Courage & Knowledge class attended by 37 local volunteer firefighters

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The second Leadership, Accountabiity, Courage & Knowledge (L.A.C.K.) class of 2018 was attended by 37 Genesee County volunteer firefighters.

The L.A.C.K. program held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center on Feb. 15 was a four-hour program providing  an opportunity for fire officers, training officers and chief offers to improve their personal and organizational skill set.

Ongoing eduction and training of our first responders is essention for awareness, prevention and safe and effective response.

Visit the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management FACEBOOK or department Web page for future training opportunities.

February L.A.C.K. participants in Genesee County included: 

ALABAMA FIRE DEPARTMENT 

Richard Brunea                 

Sidney N. Eick

Aron J. Kehlenbeck                 

Ryan Thompson                 

Todd M. Thompson                 

BATAVIA, TOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT

Scott T. Maloy                 

BERGEN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Scott R. Mayne                 

BETHANY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Jeff R. Fluker

Christopher M. Page

Jeff Pietrzykowski

BYRON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Justin T. Baxter                 

Robert A. Mruczek

CORFU VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Gregory S. Lang                    

Matthew R. Lenhard

Rob G. McNally

Daniel P. Smith

DARIEN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Joe T. Marino                 

David W. McGreevy                 

Timothy E. McGreevy                 

EAST PEMBROKE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Lloyd J. Casselbury                    

Destin G. Danser                 

James R. Gayton                    

Paul J. Kirsch                 

Donald E. Newton Jr.                    

Jocyelyn Perry                    

Julie Waldron                    

David A. Winters            

ELBA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Kevin W. Dart                    

Nicholas J. Esten                    

Leonard  Peterson                    

Caitlin E. Zipfel                  

INDIAN FALLS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Edwin F. Mileham Jr.                  

LE ROY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Timothy L. Hogle                          

PAVILION VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Dewey A. Murrock

Donald A. Roblee                          

SOUTH BYRON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Dean L. Bates                  

Scott A. Blossom

Sheriff's Office warns of scam involving personal medical information

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office would like to warn the public of a scam involving personal medical information.

Perpetrators of this scam contact local residents by telephone and attempt to elicit medical history / records. The information is then used to fill out prescriptions which are sent to medical offices for refill. Once signed, these prescriptions are being used to bill insurance companies.

The origins of this scam are unknown at this time but the scam is under investigation and it is, quite likely, a multiple-state crime.

The Sheriff's Office would like to remind local residents NOT to provide personal or medical information over the telephone.

Remember, thieves can appear to be very knowledgeable and convincing in nature. It is important to contact your local physician or pharmacy if you believe such information has been compromised.

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