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FOUND: A neutured, declawed senior cat "in not that great shape" that is 99.5-percent black -- he sports a few white hairs on his belly. No collar or microchip.

"He's an old guy; his eyes are watery. He's in pretty rough shape," says Wendy, who is spreading the news of the "Old Tom" in hopes that maybe he somehow got out of his home and his owner is looking for him.

Old Tom was found at a stranger's residence on South Main Street near River Street in Batavia on Friday and was taken to the Genesee County Animal Shelter. A volunteer promises to send us a photo of him tomorrow to post with this announcement.

If his family is not found, maybe a senior would like another senior to bond with and will adopt him, n'est-ce pas? 

If you can help, please call 343-6410.

UPDATE Monday, Oct. 31, 9 p.m.: So, it turns out, this is "Fatty," and Fatty is 17 years old, has always been an indoor/outdoor cat, and belongs to Mark Fanara. Mark will go to the shelter tomorrow at 1 p.m. to reunite with Fatty.

Press release:

Kiwanis Club of Batavia is sponsoring an AMBA (Annual Multiphasic Blood Analysis) Wellness Program on Saturday, Nov. 5.

AMBA is a blood analysis program that screens for coronary disease, kidney disease, anemia, liver disease, and diabetes – all for $40.

The program will occur from 6 to 10 a.m. at the YWCA of Genesee County, 301 North St., Batavia.

Please call 1-800-234-8888 to schedule an appointment.

Personal physician authorization is required, so please have your physician’s name and address available when making your appointment.

For more information, please contact Mike Rimmer at:    mrimmer1@rochester.rr.com

The $2.5 million Summit Street reconstruction project that started this summer in the heart of the city is winding down and Matt Worth, the city's Department of Public Works superintendent, says he expects everything to be completed week's end.

By contract, the work has to be "substantially done" by the end of the month, that's Monday. 

Worth said putting down the black top will technically substantially complete the project. Though that task is "a little weather-dependant, the forecast looks like that will be happening Monday."

Next is the completing the landscaping.

Thirty trees were removed because they conflicted with installation of curbs and sidewalks, or they were in a deteriorated condition. Sixty-two new trees are being planted. Worth added that this is an ideal time to plant the trees, according to the nursery they are working with, and it's apparently good to wait for the trees to become dormant for the season before planting them.

Grass seeding has been completed on the east side, and the finishing touch to the landscaping-- grass seeding on the west side -- will be done by Friday.

Also, crosswalks and stop bars will need to be painted on the fresh asphalt.

"We're really looking to bundle this up, so by the end of next week, I believe those things will have occurred," Worth said.

The Rochester engineering firm of Erdman Anthony has been supervising independent contract companies on this locally administered federal-aid project.

Workers removed the old road, put in new storm, sewer and drainage systems, and paved the road. Federal and state funds covered all but about $100,000 of the cost, with the city responsible for the rest.

The city also funded a $350,000 project to install new water main on Summit Street.

Our news partner WBTA AM/FM contributed to this story.

For previous coverage about the city's infrastructure projects this year, click here.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is moving to its new location next week.

As of Nov. 1, the chamber's official new address will be 8276 Park Road, instead of 210 E. Main St., Batavia.

The phone lines will remain the same: (585) 343-7440, (fax) 585-343-7487.

Press release:

November is New York State History Month and to honor the occasion, the Genesee County Federation of Historical Agencies and the Genesee Community College History Club are sponsoring a Genesee County Heritage Fair in the William W. Stuart Forum at GCC from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5th.

With the 2016 presidential election just days later on Nov. 8th, the theme of the heritage fair will be "Presidential Elections." Museums and historical agencies from all over Genesee County will set up booths for visitors to explore. Many will feature presidential memorabilia. In addition, there will be local history books on sale, craft demonstrations, historical impressionists and much more.

In keeping with the presidential theme, local schools will participate through two special contests. Elementary school students will be asked to draw portraits of their favorite president. Junior and senior high students will be asked to write short essays. Winners of both contests will be announced at the event. Additionally, event organizers are asking the community at-large to vote on their top ten favorite presidents by completing the online survey available at this link: https://surveyplanet.com/57fe980f5820315e61af75c7. The results will be tallied up and shared at the end of the Heritage Fair.

“During the most contentious election process of modern times, the organizers of the Genesee County Heritage Fair are excited to fuse some of our nation’s presidential election history with the current and lately, contentious topic,” said Derek Maxfield, associate professor of History at GCC, advisor to the College’s History Club and a member of the planning committee. “Through the various displays and history initiatives, we hope to remind everyone how important voting is to preserving our democracy.”

New York State History Month was created by the New York State legislature in 1997 and represents an opportunity for historians to assert the vital importance of preserving and learning about our state’s history. It is also a time to engage with the public through programs and learning opportunities about the history of New York State and the ways in which we can help preserve our history.

Further information on New York State History Month can be found at http://files.ctctcdn.com/9499bee6001/9e234d9f-c057-4176-a9da-d7e98c2cc00c.pdf

For more information on the GCC History Club, visit https://gcchistoricalhorizons.wordpress.com/.

The critically acclaimed Irrera Brothers and soprano soloist Colleen Marcello will be featured in a holiday benefit concert Sunday, Nov. 13, for the Batavia Peace Garden.

"Peace on Earth" will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. in the auditorium of Batavia High School.

The concert is presented by the Friends of the Batavia Peace Garden & the International Peace Garden Foundation.

Tickets are $15; student admission is $10.

Advanced purchase of tickets is recommended. They can be purchased at Roxy's Music Store on West Main Street in Batavia, or at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, which is moving on Nov. 1 to its new location at 8276 Park Road, Batavia.

For information, call 343-2387 or 201-7100.

Linda L. Osowski, 49, of Lancaster, is charged with: felony DWI, refusal of prescreening device -- breath test, and consumption of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle. On Oct. 27, the defendant was found in the parking lot of Pembroke Imtermediate School after police officers responded to a complaint about a sick or intoxicated driver at the location. Upon interviewing the operator and having her exit the vehicle to perform field tests, she was subsequently arrested. Osowski was arraigned in Pembroke Town Court and jailed on $5,000 cash or bond. The case was handled by Village of Corfu Police Officer Peter Scanio, assisted by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Robert S. Sojda, 52, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. At 10:52 p.m. on Oct. 25 Batavia Police responded to the Speedway convenience store at 204 W. Main St. for the report of a larceny. While police were on scene, Sojda returned to the store and he was taken into custody. He allegedly stole a Mike's Harder Lemonade by placing the can inside his sweatshirt prior to leaving the Speedway. He was issued an appearance ticket for Nov. 1 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Erick Perkins.

Dakota O. Irvin, 25, of Ross Street, Batavia, turned himself into Batavia Police headquarters Oct. 24 on a bench warrant after he failed to appear in City Court for a traffic ticket issued Oct. 19 for third-degree aggravated unlicensed operator. He was jailed on $500 bail and was due in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Press release from City of Batavia Police Department:

SUBJECT: Halloween Trick or Treating

DATE / TIME OF OCCURENCE: Monday, Oct. 31 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

If you plan on going door to door make sure you are properly supervised by a parent or responsible adult.

Do not go to homes where the porch lights are off

Use a flashlight to let drivers see you, and see where you are going.

To avoid tripping or injury don't wear costumes that are loose fitting and too long.

Don't wear masks that obscure your vision, make up is a good alternative to masks.

Wear reflective, bright colors to be seen by drivers after dark.

Walk on the sidewalks, or as near to the curb as possible if there are no sidewalks.

Observe safety rules when crossing or walking on the streets, and stay clear of traffic.

Parents should inspect any treats before you eat them!

The Batavia Police HIGHLY RECOMMEND as an alternative to going door to door, attend one of the Halloween events sponsored by local businesses.

Choose costumes that are marked flame retardant.

Make props such as magic wands and swords out of cardboard, rather than metal or wood.

Give and accept wrapped or packaged candy only.

Go out in daylight and carry a flashlight in case of delay.

Have children stay within their neighborhood; only visit homes you know.

All “Trick or Treating” shall be completed by 9 p.m.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) said he opposes pay raises for lawmakers, as the core function of the Legislature is helping New Yorkers improve their quality of life through a responsible budget and effective legislation, not making more money. 

Hawley also believes a more efficient legislative schedule, for example starting session at 9 a.m. and working until 5 p.m., three days per week instead of 59 days spread over six months, would enable the people’s work to be wrapped up by the end of March. 

“We need to return to what our Founding Fathers envisioned when our country was conceived, citizen representatives whose motivation for taking office was to serve their neighbors,” said Hawley. “We don’t need more money; we need an emphasis on stewardship, governance and efficiency. I am honored to serve the residents of the 139^th district and all New Yorkers; I do not support a legislative pay raise at the expense of those I represent.”

Hawley also said he does not believe the Commission on Legislative, Judicial & Executive Compensation should be making a lawfully-binding pay raise recommendation to the Legislature. That decision, he said, should be up to those elected by the public.

“An embarrassing number of legislators have been found to be abusing the public trust. Until there are rock-solid reforms in place to ensure an end to corruption, bribery, fraud and pay-to-play politics, we should not even entertain the thought of a raise,” said Hawley.

Hawley believes that people should run in order to advocate for their neighbors and not because they are seeking a lucrative occupation. In order to recruit citizens who are in it for the right reasons and deter future corruption, he has fought for legislation that would do away with pensions for statewide elected officials convicted of a felony (A377). Hawley pledged to continue fighting for ethics reform during the upcoming session.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced the endorsement of the Federation of Republican Women represented in New York’s 27^th Congressional District. New York’s 27^th Congressional District includes 105 towns spread across Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario and Monroe counties.

“I am proud to be a strong advocate for women throughout Western New York and the country," Collins said. "The Federation of Republican Women is a model organization working to ensure our conservative principles are represented in government. I am honored to have their support and will continue to fight for the best interest of all women."

The NY-27 Chapters of the Federation of Republican Women lauded Congressman Collins for his continued support of legislation that upholds Conservative values and his strong advocacy on the issues impacting women throughout the country.

“Western New York needs dedicated leaders who work to make our community a better place to live, work and raise a family,” said Kim Bowers, president of the Erie County Federation of Republican Women and Director of the 8^th Judicial District.

“The five counties that represent a large portion of the 8^th judicial district (Erie, Niagara, Wyoming, Genesee and Orleans counties) are proud to endorse Congressman Collins who is committed to putting forth smart policies that continue to help Western New York grow and prosper for years to come.”

"We need strong leaders that are willing to take a stand on issues that impact the Upstate New York region," said Trisha Turner, president of the Ontario County Women's Republican Club and Ontario County Chairwoman.  “Congressman Collins is a tremendous advocate for the Finger Lakes region, and represents our values well in Washington."

The National Federation of Republican Women works to empower women of all backgrounds in the political process and seeks to promote the principles, objectives, and policies of the Republican Party. Since 1983, the National Federation of Republican Women has been one of the largest grassroots political organizations in the country.

In Congress, Congressman Collins has voted in support of a number of legislative items impacting women throughout the United States, including:

- Voted to Support S.47, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in the 113^th Congress (Signed into law on March 7, 2013)

Reauthorizes federal funds to be used in the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes against women.

- Cosponsored and voted to support H.R. 2722, the Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative Coin Act (Signed into law on April 29, 2016)

Directs the Department of the Treasury to mint special breast cancer coins, with proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

- Voted to support H.R. 5578, the Survivors’ Bill of Rights Act of 2016 (Signed into law on October 7, 2016).

Ensures sexual assault and rape victims have the following rights: (1) to have their rape kits and other evidence preserved for the length of the statute of limitations of the crime, (2) the right to request the rape kit be kept on file for a longer period of time, and (3) the right to be notified of any and all test results that may come from a rape kit.

- Cosponsor of H.R. 1197, the Accelerating the End of Breast Cancer Act of 2015

Directs the President to establish a commission to accelerate the end of breast cancer. This legislation would allow for the following: (1) the ability to identify opportunities and ideas within both the public and private sector that are key components in achieving the end of breast cancer, (2) recommends projects to leverage these opportunities, and (3) ensures that the federal governments’ various activities are coordinated and non-duplicative.

Both the Congressman and members of his staff have worked closely with patient-advocates from the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester to ensure this legislation is given the attention it deserves.

- Cosponsor of H.R. 2540, the Breast Cancer Education Act of 2015

Directs the Department of Health and Human Services to provide for both the planning and implementation of an education campaign to inform breast cancer patients anticipating surgery about the availability and coverage of breast reconstruction, prostheses, and other available options. This legislation primarily focuses on informing patients who are members of racial and ethnic minority groups of the resources listed above.

- Cosponsor of H.R. 3339, the Protecting Access to Lifesaving Screenings Act

Preserves Medicare coverage for mammography screening for women over the age of 40.

(In 2009, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force had changed its recommendation that women between the ages of 40-49 years old should not receive an annual mammogram.

- Cosponsor of H.R. 1340, the International Violence Against Women Act of 2015

Directs the Secretary of State to establish an Office of Global Women’s Issues to fight gender-based violence throughout the world.

- Voted to fund $1.1Billion to combat the Zika virus

Allocated priority funding for mothers due to the potential microcephaly risk.

- Requested that the Appropriations Committee requests funding for Breast and Ovarian Cancer research through the Department of Defense.

- Supported the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority’s application to receive grant funding that would fund programs to encourage access to prenatal care for low-income families.

Congressman Collins was elected in 2012 and reelected in 2014 to represent the 27th District of New York.

Press release:

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, western Vermont, and north central Massachusetts announced today that the company will offer military personnel and their immediate families an 11-percent discount off of their grocery bill this Veterans Day.

On Friday, Nov. 11, Tops Markets will honor an 11-percent discount off of a total order to all veterans and immediate family members in the same household, who shop at any Tops location.  Customers should present proof of service that they, or an immediate family member are a U.S. Veteran, active duty, reserve or retired military personnel to automatically receive an 11-percent discount off of their total purchase that day.

In Genesee County, there are two Tops locations: 390 W. Main St. in Batavia and 128 W. Main St., Le Roy.

“The respect and gratitude we have for the people who serve and have served in the military is immeasurable, and for that we are forever grateful,” said Frank Curci, Tops chairman and chief executive officer. “We wanted to support local military personnel by giving back to our associates and customers who have courageously defended our country and made many sacrifices through their military service.”

Tops is a longtime supporter of military associates and customers. The company’s actions include support of the American Veterans Tribute Traveling Wall, Honor Flight Missions, sending care packages for troops serving domestically and overseas, VA hospital visits, and participation in veteran job fairs, parades and expos.

City police are responding to Walnut Street for a property dispute. A caller reports a babysitter is "refusing to return diapers and blankets."

A two-vehicle accident, possibly a head-on collision, is reported at Richmond Avenue and Oak Street. Injuries are reported and it is blocking traffic. City police, Mercy medics and firefighters are on scene.

UPDATE 11:26 a.m.: Richmond Avenue is shut down "up to North Lyon Street from Oak Street."

UPDATE 11:35 a.m.: This was a T-bone accident. One driver is not injured; the other complained of head and neck pain and was transported to the hospital for evaluation.

UPDATE 11:40 a.m.: Two flatbed tow trucks are called to the scene.

UPDATE 11:49 a.m.: The road is reopened.