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Submitted photo and press release:

Batavia resident and International Peace Garden Foundation President Paula Savage, recently returned from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where she participated in the dedication of the 2017 International Peace Garden located at the Vallarta Botanical Garden.

Mexico was nominated for the honor because of its substantial contributions to the UN in areas such as peaceful settlement of disputes, struggle against apartheid, promotion of disarmament and halting of climate change. Puerto Vallarta is known to be a leader in Mexico for respecting diversity of cultures and human rights.

Savage said “It was a unanimous decision to select the Vallarta Botanical Garden to convey the message of world peace believing the Botanical Garden of Vallarta is a place of calm, comfort and healing of body, mind and spirit."

Inclusion and unification was the message of the day. During the dedication ceremonies on Feb. 16th several representatives from the interfaith community addressed the audience with wide praise for the mission of the International Peace Garden Foundation.

The new International Peace Garden adorns the slope that rises toward the entrance of the recently constructed Chapel of multiple doctrines. The Chapel is a replica of the well-known Franciscan mission in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. The plants, together with Mexican wildflowers, represent the Mediterranean region of the Holy Land, a geographical region that gave birth to some of the most prolific religions in the world. Bob Price, curator of the Vallarta Botanical Garden “the intention is to cultivate them harmoniously, to create a sanctuary for prayer and meditation without disturbance.”

The International Peace Garden Foundation is a charitable organization established to advance global friendship through the creation of worldwide Peace Gardens. Since 1990 these Peace Gardens span five continents. Residents and visitors to our community have enjoyed the Batavia Peace Garden since it opened in 2011 to celebrate 200 years of friendship with Canada.

The Batavia Peace Garden flies the flags of all the recipient countries and is registered as an Honorary International Peace Garden. There are nine Honorary International Peace Gardens in New York State along the Bicentennial Peace Garden Trail. More information about the Foundation can be obtained by visiting www.ipgf.org.

Press release:

 Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that he has written a letter to the Speaker of the Assembly, Carl Heastie (D-Bronx), strongly encouraging the full funding of libraries in this year’s budget. Gov. Cuomo has proposed to cut $4 million from library aid in his Executive Budget proposal. Sixty legislators from around the state, including Hawley, have signed onto the letter.

“…According to libraries in my district, New York State Education Law requires Library Aid for FY 2017-18 to be $102.6 million…the current level, a reduction of $4 million, at $91.6 million, places library aid at 2000 funding levels,” Hawley wrote “...Our constituents, who range from toddlers to the elderly, depend significantly on the services provided by our libraries. We are sure you would agree that each and every New Yorker should be afforded equal access to the Internet, ESL courses, and literacy classes offered by our libraries.”

Hawley, a strong proponent of community libraries, argues that libraries are essential to providing students and adults, especially in rural areas, with access to broadband internet and other educational resources and strengthen the communities in which they are based.

“Libraries are one of those unique public resources that can be used by everyone and offer a plethora of educational and leisure opportunities that help to enrich our society and create a stronger, more educated New York State,” Hawley said.

“Local libraries often serve as public meeting spaces for various local groups, provide classes, videos, books, high-speed Internet access and research materials for students. One of the cornerstones of our advanced society is the ability to explore through education, and we mustn’t hinder that ability.”

Billy Joe Trantham, 78, of Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, is charged with forcible touching. On Feb. 18, following the investigation of a sex offense that allegedly occurred in the Town of Alabama, Trantham was arrested. He allegedly touched the intimate parts of another person without the person's consent. He was released on an appearance ticket and is to be in Alabama Town Court at 2 p.m. on March 2. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

A complaint that a vehicle allegedly ran another vehicle off the road almost causing an accident, on Route 19 in Le Roy, led to a traffic stop of 32-year-old Brandon S. Beil, of 6370 Hawks Road, Pavilion by the Le Roy Police Department. The complaint was received on Saturday Feb. 18 about 7 p.m., at which time the Le Roy Police Department started looking for Beil’s vehicle and located it on Clay Street where the vehicle stop was initiated. During the stop, it was determined that Beil was allegedly intoxicated; he was uncooperative during the arrest process and allegedly struggled with the officers at the scene. Beil allegedly refused all field testing and the chemical test. Beil was charged with one count each of inadequate head lights, felony driving while intoxicated (with previous conviction within 10 Years), refusal to take the breath test, failure to keep right and resisting arrest. Beil was arraigned before the Le Roy Town Court and committed to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail.     

About six people are said to be fighting outside the Batavia Meadows apartment complex at 4112 W. Main Street Road, near apartment B1. Law enforcement is responding.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are called to the scene of the house fire which broke out late Thursday afternoon at 8006 Alleghany Road, Indian Falls. Dispatch says a passerby reported seeing flames coming from the second story of what remains of the structure.

UPDATE 1:25 a.m.: Pembroke command requests a tanker from both East Pembroke and Corfu to the scene and reports about 25 percent of the remaining structure is ablaze.

UPDATE 1:36 a.m.: The call has gone to a second alarm. Tankers from Darien and Alabama are requested to the scene.

UPDATE: Rekindle photos submitted by a reader.

Amelia R. Witkowski is indicted on the crime of second-degree burglary, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged that on Jan. 29, 2016, that Witkowski knowingly entered or remained unlawfully in a dwelling on Main Road in the Town of Pembroke with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, she is accused of the crime of making a punishable false written statement, a Class A misdemeanor. In count two, it is alleged that Witkowski knowingly made a false statement on Jan. 30, 2016, in the Town of Pembroke, which she did not believe to be true, in a legally authorized written instrument, which noted that false statements made therein are punishable.

Scott T. McCoy is indicted on the crime of criminal possession of marijuana in the second degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on July 27 in the Town of Pembroke that McCoy knowingly and unlawfully possessed one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures or substances containing marijuana and these were of an aggregate weight of more than 16 ounces (1 pound).

From left, Eva Rhoads, Karly Smith and Bekki Allen.

From left: Teagan Mathes, Bella Verratti, Elizabeth Verratti and Clare Mathes.

In foreground, Eva Rhoads showing Riley Smith the riding pattern.

(Submitted photos) Press release:

On Saturday, Jan. 21^st, the Genesee County 4-H Rustic Riders Club hosted a 4-H Pony Party for Genesee County 4-H members. The party was planned by 4-H Rustic Riders Club members Eva Rhoads, Karly Smith and Bekki Allen as a way to promote the 4-H Horse Program to other 4-H members.  

The party had a great turnout and featured a series of horse themed educational activities and games, including horse bingo, face painting, horse breed cookie decorating and even the snacks and water bottles were labeled with fun horse facts. Experienced members also taught riding patterns to new members by playing a stick horse game. 4-H members from both Genesee County horse clubs came together and helped lead all of the stations and activities throughout the event.

Genesee County 4-H Horse Program members are now busy preparing for the upcoming Regional 4-H Horse Extravaganza, which features Horse Bowl and Hippology Contests.  Both contests test the 4-H members’ knowledge of equine related topics. The Horse Bowl Contest is a Jeopardy-style quiz competition, while hippology is a hands-on test of identifying equipment, feeds and other equine facts.

For more information about the Genesee County 4-H Program, contact the 4-H Office at 585-343-3040, ext. 101.

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“I am deeply concerned that the package of criminal justice bills that were brought to the floor the past two days by New York City special interests are soft on crime and endanger our families across the state.

"By raising the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 18 we are allowing violent felony offenders to be tried in our family court system and allowing them more lenient sentences. Individuals should be responsible for their own actions and we should never put the rights of criminals above the safety of law-abiding citizens.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that he has written a letter to the Speaker of the Assembly, Carl Heastie (D-Bronx), strongly encouraging the full funding of libraries in this year’s budget.

Gov. Cuomo has proposed to cut $4 million from library aid in his Executive Budget proposal. Sixty legislators from around the state, including Hawley, have signed onto the letter.

“…According to libraries in my district, New York State Education Law requires Library Aid for FY 2017-18 to be $102.6 million…the current level, a reduction of $4 million, at $91.6 million, places library aid at 2000 funding levels,” Hawley wrote.

“...Our constituents, who range from toddlers to the elderly, depend significantly on the services provided by our libraries. We are sure you would agree that each and every New Yorker should be afforded equal access to the internet, ESL courses, and literacy classes offered by our libraries.”

Hawley, a strong proponent of community libraries, argues that libraries are essential to providing students and adults, especially in rural areas, with access to broadband Internet and other educational resources and strengthen the communities in which they are based.

“Libraries are one of those unique public resources that can be used by everyone and offer a plethora of educational and leisure opportunities that help to enrich our society and create a stronger, more educated New York State,” Hawley said.

“Local libraries often serve as public meeting spaces for various local groups, provide classes, videos, books, high-speed Internet access and research materials for students. One of the cornerstones of our advanced society is the ability to explore through education, and we mustn’t hinder that ability.”

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel is proud to announce that Runaway June, singers of the country hit single “Lipstick,” will be performing at Batavia Downs Gaming’s Paddock Room Events Center on Friday, April 21^st. Tickets will go on sale at their website, BataviaDownsGaming.com, at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 17^th. 

“As the area’s premier entertainment destination we are committed to bringing exciting musical acts like Runaway June to entertain our loyal patrons,” said Ryan Hasenauer, director of Marketing at Batavia Downs Gaming. “We are looking forward to having Naomi, Hannah and Jennifer onsite for what is sure to be a fun and memorable experience for their fans and soon to be fans.”

All tickets are $10 General Admission plus facility and processing fees.

About Runaway June

Composed of the organic, three part harmonies of Naomi Cooke, Hannah Mulholland and Jennifer Wayne, Runaway June is Wheelhouse Records brand new vocal trio. With its debut single “Lipstick,” Runaway June is the first all-female trio to earn a Top 30 hit on the Billboard Mediabase Country charts in a decade.

About Batavia Downs/WROTB

Owned and operated by 15 Western New York counties and the cities of Rochester and Buffalo, Western Region Off-Track Betting Corporation is a public benefit corporation with headquarters in Batavia, NY. WROTB owns and operates 29 branches, as well as Batavia Downs Gaming, a standard bred racetrack and gaming facility. Since its inception, Western Region OTB has generated over $215 million in operating and surcharge revenues to the taxpayers of those participating municipalities. 

Press release:

To help reduce further transmission of influenza and/or other infectious diseases, Rochester Regional Health is instituting the following restrictions for hospital visitors at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

• Visitors will be limited to no more than two people per patient at a time;
• All visitors must be at least 14 years old;
• Please do not visit a patient if you feel you are ill, including sore throat, fever, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, or other flu-like symptoms -- even if you have been vaccinated against the flu

Current status as of Feb.15:

• Rochester General Hospital (Rochester) – Visitor restrictions in place
• Unity Hospital (Greece) –  Visitor restrictions in place
• United Memorial Medical Center (Batavia) – Visitor restrictions in place
• Newark-Wayne Community Hospital (Newark) – No visitor restrictions
• Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic (Clifton Springs) – No visitor restrictions

Press release:

The Genesee County & City of Batavia Youth boards are looking for nominations for their annual Youth Recognition Banquet. Nominations are due by Wednesday, Feb. 15.

There are three awards presented at the Youth Recognition Banquet:

·      Youth Recognition Award — This award recognizes young people who have performed exceptional service to the community and/or have assumed extraordinary roles in their families. Typically, the best candidates for this award are high school students, but we also know there are 12-, 13-, 14-year-olds who exemplify distinctive qualities of service.  Several youth will be recognized; however the Youth Boards reserve the right to limit the number of recipients.

·      Adult Volunteer — This award recognizes an adult who provides service as a volunteer to youth in Genesee County.

·      Adult Youth Worker — This award recognizes a youth service professional whose work surpasses normal expectations.

Recipients will be honored at the Youth Recognition Banquet on March 30.

For more information or to receive nomination forms, please call the Genesee County Youth Bureau at 344-3960 or youthbureau@co.genesee.ny.us. The forms are also on the Youth Bureau page of the Genesee County website, www.co.genesee.ny.us.

Press release:

Tonight’s Genesee County 4-H Cloverbud meeting (Monday, Feb. 13) has been cancelled. We apologize for the short notice and any inconvenience.
 

Brandie L. Schultz

Administrative Assistant

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County

420 E. Main St.

Batavia NY 14020

Phone: (585) 343-304, ext. 101

Fax: (585) 343-1275

http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/

A three-car accident with air-bag deployment and possible injuries is reported in front of Batavia Downs on Park Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:29 p.m.: No injuries. A car was stopped in front of the Downs' entrance to unload passengers and another vehicle rear-ended it, then another vehicle rear-ended the second vehicle -- a chain reaction.

A one-vehicle accident with injuries is reported in Alexander at Seward and Dodgeson roads. Alexander Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 9:34 p.m.: Darien is asked to stand by in its own fire hall because Alexander "is working a serious injury accident."

UPDATE 10:10 p.m.: This is a fatal accident. According to Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Saile, the vehicle appears to have drifted off the roadway for unknown reasons and struck a tree. The victim was not wearing a seat belt and had no pulse when first responders arrived. Speed does not appear to be a factor, Saile said. Identification is pending until notification of family.

UPDATE 11:46 p.m.: We're informed by the Sheriff's Office that family notifications have taken place but we have not yet received the name of the victim yet.

UPDATE 12:45 a.m.: The victim is Jayson W. Dersham of East Main Street Road, Batavia.  The cause of the accident has not yet been determined and it remains under investigation.  Dersham was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Jeff McIntire.