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Batavia Lions Club seeks big losers for its 2017 Weight Loss Challenge

By Billie Owens

Wanna be a big loser? The Batavia Lions Club wants YOU to take its 2017 Weight Loss Challenge, either by yourself or as a two-person team. Weigh-in day is Saturday, April 15 (all day) at Next Level Fitness Center, located at 85 Main St. in Downtown Batavia.

This is the second annual 75-day challenge (through July 1) for adults only (minimum age 18) with cash prizes awarded for the most weight lost: First Prize -- $1,000; Second Prize -- $500; and Third Prize -- $250.

Also, the largest fund-raising individual or two-person team gets an additional prize (a $1,000 value) -- An overnight stay and dinner package with spending money for two people at Salvatore's Grand Hotel and Russell's Steaks Chops & More in Buffalo.

Your hard work will help the community, according to organizers. Here's how:

  • Each registrant must secure weight-loss sponsorship fees from friends, family or the workplace -- totaling a minimum of $2.50 per pound of weight loss;
  • This sponsor list must be completed and submitted with your registration form;
  • All dollars raised through your weight-loss efforts will go to the Batavia Lions Club to be used throughout the community on programs supported  by the Batavia Lions Club.

The registration fee is $40 per person (checks payable to Batavia Lions Club) and must be paid at weigh-in. To register and/or to get further details, call 455-7514, email ascaliajr@rochester.rr.com, or visit online here.

In addition to a T-shirt, participants get weekly support for their weight-loss efforts and can avail themselves to meal plans, fitness programs, planned group events, health and wellness programs, sponsor specials and more.

Open burn reported on Marble Road in Alabama

By Billie Owens

An open burn is in progress at 8122 Marble Road in Alabama. It is unlawful at this time of year. A first responder is on scene and a Sheriff's deputy is en route.

Gray sedan knocks over one of many motorcycles parked at Log Cabin Restaurant

By Billie Owens

A hit-and-run accident is reported at the Log Cabin Restaurant, located at 1227 Gilmore Road, Indian Falls. A gray sedan with a handicapped sticker reportedly knocked over a motorcycle and left the scene of the non-injury, property damage accident. "There's a lot of motorcycles there," says a deputy at the scene.

UPDATE 4:49 p.m.: A deputy: "The other party decided to show back up. Out doing a report at the Log Cabin."

Rollover accident reported on Route 77, Darien

By Billie Owens

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A rollover accident with entrapment is reported at 10391 Alleghany Road (Route 77). Darien Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. A Sheriff's deputy is on location. Mercy Flight in on ground standby.

UPDATE 3:31 p.m.: The male driver had a medical issue, and the van he was driving left the roadway and went into a culvert and hit a berm and it landed on its wheels on the other side of the culvert. The driver suffered minor facial injuries due to air-bag deployment and he was taken by ambulance to a hospital. The van does not appear to be seriously damaged.

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Rollover accident with minor injuries reported in Elba

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported at 7499 Oak Orchard Road, Elba. There are minor injuries, but the occupants are out of the vehicle. A utility pole is damaged and power lines are down on the vehicle. Elba Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. Fire police are called the shut down a portion of the roadway because of the tangle of power lines. National Grid is notified.

Registration open for second annual Cougar Classic Golf Tournament to fund GCC student scholarships

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The 2017 Cougar Classic Golf Tournament is just a few months away and registration is now open for the second annual event scheduled for Monday, July 24, which will once again take place at the prestigious Stafford Country Club, 8873 Morganville Road, (Route 237) Stafford. With 88 golfers, 22 teams, 60 sponsors and tons of fun the inaugural event in 2016 raised approximately $25,000 for student scholarships!

The registration deadline is June 16, so don't wait until the last minute!

"We're looking forward to building on last year's success," Jerry Reinhart, who is returning as chair of the Cougar Classic Golf Tournament. Reinhart is member of GCC's Class of 1971, founder of Access Rentals and president of Reinhart Enterprises Inc.

"Although we saw a few raindrops last year, we're anticipating another day of quality golfing among friends and colleagues, and all for a great cause," Reinhart said. "As an alumnus myself, I can attest to the value a GCC degree and the important contribution the College makes to our community overall."

Up to 36 foursomes will once again take part in the 18-hole event, which tees off in "shotgun" style at 12:30 p.m. New this year will be a bocce tournament, welcoming more than just golfers to join the fun. Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a light lunch available. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., participants are invited to attend dinner in the club house where a silent auction and prize drawings will conclude the event. Games including Skins, Beat the Pro, Longest Drive (Men's and Women's), Closest to the Pin and a Putting Contest add excitement to the day and gives everyone a chance to walk away with one of a number of prizes.

Sponsorships of all kinds are currently being sought to support the event and student scholarships. The sponsorship levels are: Platinum $3,000; Diamond/Dinner $2,000; Gold/Lunch $1,500; Silver/Beverage Cart Sponsor/$1,000; Titanium/Tee $500; and Bronze/Hole $100. In-kind support, golf games, and clever or creative sponsorships are also appreciated. The first gracious sponsor is the John W. Danforth Company, which pledged at the $1,000 Silver Level.

The cost per foursome is $500, or $125 per individual golfer. The cost to participate in the Bocce Tournament is $200 per team of four or $60 per individual player. For anyone interested in attending the event and supporting local students but cannot make the golf tournament, the dinner-only option is only $20 per person.

To receive a Cougar Classic printed invitation, participate as a golfer, bocce competitor, sponsor, volunteer or dinner guest, please contact Jennifer Zambito at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6265 or email the alumni office at alumni@genesee.edu. For further information, including golf and sponsorship registration and event updates, check out the Cougar Classic website at www.genesee.edu/home/offices/alumni/cougar-classic/.

Fortune magazine names Edward Jones company #4 on list of 'Best Workplaces in Financial Services and Insurance'

By Billie Owens

The financial services firm Edward Jones has been named one of the country's Best Workplaces in Financial Services and Insurance by "Fortune" magazine and consulting firm Great Place to Work®, ranking as the No. 4 large company. It was also the top-ranked full-service financial firm among all 40 companies on the list.

Edward Jones has a Batavia office at 7 Jackson St.

Rankings for the Best Workplaces in Financial Services and Insurance were based on feedback from more than more than 62,000 people working at leading financial firms. Employees at recognized organizations report high levels of trust in their management and greater loyalty as well as camaraderie and pride in what they do.

Edward Jones associates also rated the firm highly on issues of leadership strength and integrity, opportunities for professional growth and support for work-life balance. In 2016, Edward Jones ranked No. 6 on this list.

Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 company, provides financial services for individual investors in the United States and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm's business, from the types of investment options offered to the location of branch offices, is designed to cater to individual investors in the communities in which they live and work. The firm's 15,000-plus financial advisors work directly with more than 7 million clients. Edward Jones, which ranked No. 5 on "Fortune" magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2017, is headquartered in St. Louis, Mo.

The Edward Jones website is located at www.edwardjones.com, and its recruiting website is www.careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.

Financial services firm Edward Jones ranks #19 on People magazine's premier '50 Companies That Care' list

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Financial services firm Edward Jones placed among 50 exceptional organizations on "People" magazine's first  "50 Companies That Care" list, jointly chosen by the magazine and the consulting firm Great Place to Work. The company has an office in Batavia at 7 Jackson St.

The outstanding companies were recognized for going above and beyond to create a caring environment for employees and for supporting them throughout their professional and personal lives.

Edward Jones came in at No. 19 on the list, which was based on more than 368,000 surveys from individuals employed by U.S. businesses across a range of industries. The 2017 "50 Companies That Care" also were selected based on the generosity of their benefits and charitable work, as well as personal accounts of the incredible impact these organizations have made on the lives of their employees.

Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 company, provides financial services for individual investors in the United States and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm's business, from the types of investment options offered to the location of branch offices, is designed to cater to individual investors in the communities in which they live and work. The firm's 15,000-plus financial advisors work directly with more than 7 million clients. Edward Jones, which ranked No. 5 on "Fortune" magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2017, is headquartered in St. Louis, Mo.

The Edward Jones website is located at www.edwardjones.com, and its recruiting website is www.careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.

About People's "50 Companies That Care"

People's Companies That Care list highlights the top 50 U.S. companies with 1,000 or more employees that have succeeded in business while also demonstrating respect, compassion and concern for their employees, their communities and the environment.

To identify the "50 Companies That Care," People partnered with Great Place to Work® to produce the list using the research firm's extensive database and inside knowledge of outstanding workplaces around the globe. The list is based on nearly 370,000 employees' responses to survey questions asking them to rate how their companies treat them on a day-to-day basis. The list also takes into account employees' personal stories about the difference their workplaces have made in their lives and in their communities -- and the generosity of their organizations' benefits, financial donations and volunteerism. For more information, go to GreatPlaceToWork.com/People.

Possible structure fire reported on West Main Street Road

By Billie Owens

A possible structure fire is reported at 3309 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. Smoke is coming from heating vents. A Sheriff's deputy is on scene and says the house is evacuated and that there's a vehicle with people in it in the front yard, but a flashlight is seen inside the residence. "Will be checking," he says.

Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding, along with East Pembroke and Mercy medics. The location is west of Wortendyke Road.

Alzheimer's Association of WNY to hold free seminar on 'Effective Communication Strategies' April 11

By Billie Owens

The Alzheimer’s Association of WNY will hold a seminar titled “Effective Communication Strategies” from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11th, at the Batavia Health Care Center, located at 257 State St. in Batavia.

The seminar is designed to provide practical information and resources to help dementia caregivers learn to decode verbal and behavioral messages from people with dementia.

The goals of the program are for participants to better understand the changes in communication that occur with disease progression and how they manifest in the person with dementia, and to be able to identify ways to connect at each stage of the disease.

Grand Jury: Man indicted for allegedly selling crack in the city, another accused of high-speed joyride in railroad zone

By Billie Owens

Leonard E. "L.B." Aguayo is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree. It is alleged that on Feb. 11 in the City of Batavia that Aguayo knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug -- crack cocaine -- with the intent to sell it, a Class B felony. In count two, the defendant is accused of the crime of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, also a Class B felony, for allegedly knowingly and unlawfully selling crack cocaine in the City of Batavia on Feb. 11.

Brian F. Kent is indicted for the crime of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 5 in the Town of Le Roy that Kent, knowing he did not have the owner's consent, nonetheless took, operated and exercised control over a 2014 Toyota Highlander, with the intent to use the vehicle in the course of or commission of a felony or in the immediate flight from such action. In count two, Kent is accused of the crime of second-degree criminal mischief, a Class D felony, on North Street in the Town of Le Roy. In count two, he is accused of damaging another person's property in an amount exceeding $500 -- the front windshield wiper, passenger side rear and front doors, passenger side front quarter panel, hood, and the driver's door window of a 2007 Dodge Charger police four-door sedan, in the amount of about $3,183.68. In count three, the defendant is accused of another count of second-degree criminal mischief for allegedly damaging a 2014 Toyota Highlander, also on Sept. 5, in an amount exceeding $500. In count four, Kent is accused of the crime of third-degree criminal trespass, a Class B misdemeanor, for allegedly knowlingly entering or remaining unlawfully on real property, which consisted of a right-of-way or yard of a railroad or rapid transit railroad that is designated, and was conspicuously posted as a no-trespass railroad zone. In count four, the defendant is accused of entering onto and driving a vehicle at a high rate of speed on a posted railroad right-of-way in the Town of Le Roy. In count five, Kent is indicted for the crime of fourth-degree criminal mischief, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count five that Kent damaged a gate of a chain-link fence located at Hanson Aggregates in the Town of Le Roy on Sept. 5.

Stacey D. Mancuso is indicted for five Class E felonies, all stemming from driving a 2010 Dodge on Pratt Road in the Town of Batavia on Dec. 4. In count one, she is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree for driving while knowing, or having reason to know, that her driver's license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities, and doing so while under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count two, Mancuso is accused of the crime of DWI for allegedly driving while in an intoxicated condition. In count three, she is accused of the crime of aggravated DWI, per se, for allegedly having a BAC of .18 percent or more at the time. In count four, she is accused of aggravated DWI for allegedly driving while intoxicated with a child age 15 or less as a passenger in the vehicle. In count five, Mancuso is accused of the crime of aggravated DWI, per se, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 percent or more at the time with a child age 15 or less as a passenger in the vehicle.

Gayno S. Standsblack is indicted for the crime of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged that on Feb. 27, the defendant -- having been charged with or convicted of a crime and while confined in a correctional facility, in this case the Genesee County Jail, caused injury to a person and intended to do so.

Serious injury accident reported at Route 98 and Stroh Road, Alexander

By Billie Owens

A serious injury accident is reported at the intersection of Route 98 and Stroh Road. Alexander Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. The accident is blocking traffic. Mercy Flight is unable to fly south of the City of Batavia due to weather conditions. A door of a vehicle may need to be forced open to extricate a victim.

UPDATE 2:52 p.m.: This was not a serious injury accident. It was a rear-ender, and one of the vehicles has been removed. There is one person complaining of head pain who is being evaluated by medics at the scene. A determination about whether to transport the person is pending.

UPDATE 2:55 p.m.: The roadway remains closed but is expected to reopen momentarily.

Chimney fire reported on Albion Road, Oakfield

By Billie Owens

A chimney fire is reported at 6014 Albion Road, Oakfield. Oakfield Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Elba and Alabama; Town of Batavia is asked to fill in at Oakfield's fire hall.

UPDATE 10:08 p.m.: A first responder on scene says the fire appears to be out.

UPDATE 10:11 p.m.: Mutual aid companies can go back in service.

UPDATE 10:34 p.m.: Oakfield assignment back in service. 

Town of Oakfield celebrates 175th Anniversary with Open House on April 11

By Billie Owens

You are welcome to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the Town of Oakfield from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11, at the Community & Government Center, located at 3219 Drake Street Road in Oakfield.

The Town Board will be re-enacting the first board meeting of 1842, followed by its regular board meeting at 6:30.

RSVP, regrets only, at 948-5835, ext. 101.

Jason C. Murphy

By Billie Owens

In Loving Memory of Jason C. Murphy, age 49 of Lawrence, Kan. Jason passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on March 22, 2017. Jason battled esophageal cancer with inspirational determination for 8 months.

Jason was born on September 17, 1967 in Rochester, New York to the late George C. Murphy and Joy Cafaro Murphy. He was a graduate of the University of Buffalo.

Jason was a loving husband and devoted father to his daughters. He was employed by Hill’s Pet Nutrition. When not at work, Jason most enjoyed cooking. He was the quintessential host. He was popular among his daughters’ friends because he would drop everything to provide anything from warm muffins at 6 a.m. to full meals. Linguini and clam sauce was the house specialty.

Jason is survived by his wife Michelle Pask Murphy, daughters Madison Murphy and Catherine Murphy, of Lawrence, Kan. One sister, Nancy Kingsley, of Fairport, NY. Mother and father-in-law Barbara and Michael Strollo, of Florida. Brothers and sisters in law: Michael Pask, of Basom, Denise Pask, of Batavia, David (Karen) Strollo, of Virginia, Jason (Jessica) Lawrence, of Attica, Jamie (Jon) Hoca, of Batavia. Several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior visitation. Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories at an Open House style Celebration of Life Service on Monday, April 3 at The Rochester Club West @ Bohn’s 5256 Clinton Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. 6 – 9 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jason’s name to the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Oncology Center, 325 Maine St., Lawrence, KS 66044.

Marsha K. Jacobs

By Billie Owens

Marsha K. Jacobs, a school teacher and animal lover died on Thursday, March 23rd, 2017 at Gilchrist Hospice Care in Baltimore. She was 75.

She was a schoolteacher for 46 years, 38 of those years at the John Kennedy School in Batavia. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, going on family vacations and watching the ocean roll in for hours.

She is survived by: her sister Jain Trader, of Owings Mills, Md.; cousin and goddaughter Wendy Civiletto, her husband, George, and their children, Olivia and Kevin, of Fredonia NY; niece Marcy Trader and husband, Stuart Schwartz; nephew Travis Trader, his wife, Shawna, and their children, Harper and Sawyer; nephew Jason Trader, his wife, Cybill, and children Jimmy and Rebekah; her furry friends Greta, Eva and Ms. Kitty.

A celebration of life gathering will be held in Batavia in the near future, burial private.

In lieu of flowers, please remember Marsha with donations to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. box 1621 Batavia NY 14021 or vol4animals.org

UPDATED: Burglary alarm sounding in HLOM gift shop

By Billie Owens

Batavia police are responding to the Holland Land Office Museum on Main Street for a reported burglary alarm sounding in the gift shop. It is located at 131 W. Main St.

UPDATED March 28: Ryan Duffy, director at the Holland Land Office Museum, says "this was a false alarm and that everything at the museum is safe and that nothing is wrong."

Le Roy firefighters busy with car fire, Tops Market alarm

By Billie Owens

It's turning into a busy Sunday for Le Roy Fire Department. "An unknown-type fire" at Copart USA was reported around 2 a.m. by a resident of The Greens of Le Roy.

It turned out to be a car fire at the auto salvage business located at 4 West Ave. in the Village of Le Roy. A rep for Copart was contacted.

A little while later, a fire alarm sounded at Tops Market on Main Street, Le Roy, and they responded there as well. No sign of smoke or fire, however.

Mercy medics were called a few minutes ago to stand by at the West Avenue incident and Mercy medic #1 just arrived.

Mutual aid is being provided by another fire company, too. (Believe we heard Mumford.)

UPDATE 4:22 a.m.: Access to the Copart facility was delayed because a rep was not immediately available to unlock the gates, so a single car fire turned into a blaze involving 22 vehicles. The Tops Market alarm was triggered because firefighters tapped into the fire hydrant by the store, not because of anything involving the store itself. Mercy medic #1 was put back in service shortly after Le Roy Ambulance Service returned from taking a patient to UMMC and responded to the scene. 

UPDATE 5:26 a.m. (By Howard): Responding were Le Roy, Stafford, Caledonia and Mumford. Firefighters couldn't gain access to the facility without the assistance of a rep because it is surrounded by an electrified fence that can only be opened from inside the facility. The lot is filled with vehicles that have been in accidents and will be auctioned off either for parts or restoration. The fire was in the back of the facility reachable only by gaining access through the gate. The cause is under investigation.

UPDATE: Here's a satellite image of the facility. The fire was back toward the Wright Beverage warehouse, the third or fourth row up from the bottom.

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Two-car accident with injuries reported on Oak Street

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at 142 Oak St. One of the vehicles struck a house. City fire and Mercy medics are responding. A first responder on scene says an older male has a severe head laceration.

UPDATE 6:38 p.m.: A middle-aged male was driving a Chevy Trailblazer southbound on Oak Street and crossed the center line; he may have fallen asleep. The driver of a white sedan northbound on Oak Street was unable to avoid the collision and the sedan was struck; there was air-bag deployment. The Trailblazer narrowly missed a tree in the front yard where it ended up crashing into the concrete porch of a house; the house appears undamaged. The driver of the Trailblazer has a cut above his eye but is conscious and alert and being transported to a hospital. The driver of the white sedan declined medical attention.

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