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Batavia PD seeking to fill police officer positions, deadline to apply is Oct. 6

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Batavia Police Recruitment Initiative – Civil Service Exam Notice

The Batavia Police Department is looking for qualified candidates to fill open police officer positions. An open competitive examination is being offered by the Genesee County Human Resources Department on Nov. 14.

Benefits include: Salary -- $41,147 to $60,462 per year (2015), Paid Time Off, Health Insurance and NYS Retirement.

Applications and fees must be turned in to the Genesee County Human Resources Department located in County Building 1, 15 Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 before Oct. 7.

Qualifications:

  • Candidates must be legal residents of Genesee County or of a county contiguous to Genesee County for at least two (2) months immediately preceding the date of examination and continue their residency through the period leading to their initial appointment. Candidates may be required to indicate, at the time of consideration for appointment, that they will become a resident of the locality in accordance with conditions authorized by local law or ordinance.
  • Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education and completion of a minimum of 60 college credit hours from an accredited college or university. Exceptions: 30 college credits may be waived, if the candidate has EITHER: received an Honorable Discharge from the United States military after two years of active military service, OR successfully completed a Certified Police Officer Training Course approved by, or equivalent to a course approved by, the New York State Municipal Police Training council. A certified Peace Officer Training course does not qualify. 60 college credits may be waived, if candidate has: received an Honorable Discharge from the United States military after 4 years of active military service, OR received an Honorable Discharge from the United States military after 2 years of active military service, AND; completed 4 years of Reserve Duty in the United States military.
  • At least 19 years of age on or before 11/14/15 but not over 35 years of age unless certain military provisions apply.
  • Ability to pass an appropriate medical and physical agility examination as set forth by the Municipal Police Training Council.
  • Valid NY State driver’s license.
  • U.S. Citizen

Conviction of felony will bar appointment, and conviction of a misdemeanor or other offense may bar appointment.

For further information, interested candidates should contact the Genesee County Human Resources Department at (585) 344-2550, ext. 2221, or go to http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/humanresources/departments/humanresources2/policeofficeroc67419.html

Darien Lake's all-new fall weekend attraction this month only: Harvest Fest

By Billie Owens

The summer season has come to a close but that doesn’t mean outdoor fun is at an end. In fact, Darien Lake will remain open through the end of September and is featuring an all-new fall attraction – Harvest Fest.

The park will be open for Harvest Fest the last two weekends in September including the 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th. Vacations guests will receive exclusive access to Harvest Festival on Friday, Sept. 18th and 25th.

Event Date and Time
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Darien Lake announces all-new fall weekend attraction this month only: Harvest Fest

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The summer season has come to a close but that doesn’t mean outdoor fun is at an end. In fact, Darien Lake will remain open through the end of September and is featuring an all-new fall attraction – Harvest Fest.

The park will be open for Harvest Fest the last two weekends in September including the 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th. Vacations guests will receive exclusive access to Harvest Festival on Friday, Sept. 18th and 25th.

Darien Lake will be featuring a variety of fall favorites including the following exciting new attractions all included with park admission:
·        Harvest Fest Express Hayride – a family hayride around the park starting at the general store;
·        Haymazing Adventure – a fun kids' maze and scavenger hunt;
·        Pumpkin painting;
·        Live local music including: 23 Swing Buffalo, Polish Heritage Dancers, African-American Cultural Dancers, 23 Skidoo Dixieland, and many more;
·        Food Trucks including: Sweet Melodys, Kona Ice, Brick-n-Motor, J&L Boulevard BBQ, and (716) Clubhouse;
·        Arts and crafts from local vendors.

Don’t forget – Darien Lake tickets are buy-one-get-one-free through the end of the season! For more information about participating artists and vendors, visit www.darienlake.com/harvest-fest/

HARVEST FEST -- WHEN: 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Sept. 19, 20, 26 & 27.

Darien Town Justice completes course on 'Drugs in America Today' at National Judicial College

By Billie Owens

(Photo provided by National Judicial College.)

Press release:
RENO, NV – The National Judicial College (NJC) is pleased to announce that the Hon. Gary A. Graber of the Town of Darien Justice Court in Darien, NY, has completed Drugs in America Today: What Every Judges Needs to Know, Aug. 25-27, 2015, at The National Judicial College in Reno, Nev.

This course provides a comprehensive review of intoxicating substances and the short- and long-term effects on litigants in and out of the courtroom, recent developments in the law, and options for sentencing and intervention.

“This newly developed course should be considered for attendance by all members of the judiciary handling these cases,” said Judge Graber, who is an alumnus of the NJC since 2003 and faculty member since 2008.

The National Judicial College was founded in 1963 and is the nation’s leading provider of judicial education. The NJC is housed in a state-of-the-art building on the historic 255-acre campus of the University of Nevada, Reno. For more than 50 years, the NJC has been offering courses to improve judicial productivity, challenge current perceptions of justice and inspire judges.

The NJC and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges assisted the University of Nevada, Reno, in developing one of the nations first master’s and Ph.D. in judicial studies programs. Both programs provide a formal academic setting in which trial judges can integrate technical and academic studies to attain an intellectual understanding of the American judiciary.

The NJC is also home to the National Tribal Judicial Center and an International Program. The College’s curricula include a Seminar Series, made up of courses that provide judges the opportunity to study diverse and interesting topics at historically and culturally rich locations across the United States. Web-based courses are also offered enabling participants to explore a variety of subject areas online.

The National Judicial College has an appointed 18-member Board of Trustees and became a Nevada not-for-profit (501)(c)(3) educational corporation on January 1, 1978. Please visit the NJC Web site at www.judges.org for NJC news, ways to donate, course information and more. Or, call (800) 25-JUDGE for more information.

Genesee County 4-H accepting new members until Oct. 30

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County 4-H is now accepting new 4-H members (ages 5 to 19) and volunteers through Oct. 30. 4-H is a year-long educational program which runs from Oct. 1st until Sept. 31st.

Clubs typically meet once a month and each club focuses on different projects throughout the year. Clubs and projects range from hands-on hobby-crafts, raising and showing livestock, gardening, robotics and much more! Genesee County 4-H youth are offered a wide range of educational experiences through a dedicated group of volunteer leaders. Through these experiences, 4-H encourages strong character traits like a sense of community, hard work and confidence.

Recent findings from Tufts University's 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development indicate that young people in 4-H are three times more likely to contribute to their communities than youth not participating in 4-H. Notably, the Tufts research discovered that the structured learning, encouragement and adult mentoring that 4-Hers receive play a vital role in helping them actively contribute to their communities. In Genesee County, more than 200 youth and 60 volunteers are involved in 4‑H.

The enrollment fee for Genesee County residents is $25 per youth or $50 per family (2 or more youth in 4-H program). If you would like more information about how to join 4-H in Genesee County or becoming a 4-H volunteer, please call the 4-H Office at 585-343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by the Genesee County 4-H Office located in the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County building at 420 E. Main St. Batavia. The office is open 8am- 5pm, Monday through Friday.

The 4-H Youth Development team can be reached by e-mail at genesee4h@cornell.edu and more information is also available on our Web site: genesee.cce.cornell.edu/genesee4h

Le Roy couple gets five years probation for welfare fraud, ordered to pay back more than $6K

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Benjamin Lindke, 41, and his wife, Molly Lindke, 42, both of Lake Street Road in Le Roy were sentenced  in Genesee County Court today (Sept. 10) as a result of their guilty pleas on July 13 to a single count of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree, a Class E felony.

Benjamin Lindke was sentenced to five years of probation and 100 hours of community service; and Molly Lindke was sentenced to five years of probation. They will also be disqualified from the SNAP (Food Stamp) program and they were ordered to pay $6,048 in restitution to the Genesee County Department of Social Services.

In November, Benjamin Lindke and Molly Lindke were both charged with five first-degree counts of offering a false instrument for filing and one count of third-degree grand larceny. The charges were filed after it was discovered that the couple had submitted various recertification forms to the Department of Social Services and failed to report Benjamin Lindke’s income from his employment and his receipt of Unemployment Insurance Benefits.

Anyone wishing to report suspected cases of Welfare Fraud in Genesee County can contact the Genesee County Department of Social Services Fraud Investigation Unit at (585) 344-2580, ext. 6417 or 6416. All calls are confidential.

Batavia Cemetery Association's Run for Your Life 5K Race & Kids Fun Run is Oct. 17

By Billie Owens

Press release:

On Saturday, Oct. 17th, the Batavia Cemetery Association will host the "Run for Your Life!" 5K Race and Kids Fun Run.

Race participants will gather at dusk deep within the Historic Batavia Cemetery and head out onto Harvester Avenue. The race continues down the street to a neighboring cemetery and then back to finish on the dark, candlelit path among the residents.

Kids, up to age 11, are invited to run a two-lap, quarter-mile race around the perimeter of the front lawn, circling the Richmond Mausoleum.

The Kids Fun Run begins at 6 p.m. and the 5K race begins at 6:30 p.m. Pre-registration is $15 and $12 per person for a group of three or more. Day of race is $20  per person and kids are $2 each. T-shirts are guaranteed for the first 100 participants. Proceeds benefit the upkeep and restoration of the Historic Batavia Cemetery.

For more information contact Ashley Bateman at (585) 507-6524, e-mail ashleyjbateman@gmail.com or visit the Web site at bataviacemetery.com

Candlelight tours and guided ghost walks of Historic Batavia Cemetery

By Billie Owens

On Saturday, Oct. 24th, the Batavia Cemetery Association will host a candlelight guided ghost walk through the Historic Batavia Cemetery on Harvester Avenue in Batavia. The tours will feature the famous and infamous movers and shakers who shaped and influenced the City of Batavia.

Event Date and Time
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Candlelight tours and guided ghost walks of Historic Batavia Cemetery are planned Oct. 24

By Billie Owens

Press release:

On Saturday, Oct. 24th, the Batavia Cemetery Association will host a candlelight guided ghost walk through the Historic Batavia Cemetery on Harvester Avenue in Batavia. The tours will feature the famous and infamous movers and shakers who shaped and influenced the City of Batavia.

The guided tour will bring guests to meet men and women of Batavia, who, for various reasons, held great power and exerted great influence in their day, were victims of tragic events, or both: Philemon Tracy, one of the few Confederate officers buried in the North; Ruth, the unknown victim of a horrendous murder; Joseph Ellicott, a man of great power and great flaws; and William Morgan, the man who disappeared and was allegedly murdered before he could reveal the secrets of the Masons, are some of the ghosts who will tell their stories on the tour.

Tours begin at 7 p.m. and run every fifteen minutes until 8:30 p.m. Admission is $10 and includes refreshments. Tickets are available at the gate the day of the event at Historic Batavia Cemetery, Harvester Avenue, Batavia. Reservations are suggested. Proceeds benefit the upkeep and restoration of the cemetery.

For more information, or to make reservations, contact 343-0248. Join us for some spooky fun!

Makes Her Mark does so in Mares Open at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

(Makes Her Mark and driver Kevin Cummings are out in front in this photo provided courtesy of Paul White.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

After making quite a jump in class, Makes Her Mark ($15.00) took full advantage of an assigned inside post to trip-out in the $8,500 mares Open I-II Handicap on Wednesday night (Sept. 9) at Batavia Downs.

It was a pretty simple race most of the way: All About Boyz (Dave McNeight III) left and went right to the front while the rest of the field remained in post position order behind her. Makes Her Mark (Kevin Cummings) who had post one, sat in the garden spot as the group went through fractions of :28.1, :57.4 and 1:27.1.

When the field was approaching the third station, Call Me Maybe (Drew Monti) was moving on the outside with Ugly Betty (Mike Caprio) in tow. Then Caprio swung that one three-deep as the field entered the turn.

Call Me Maybe’s bid failed along with Ugly Betty’s and their demise opened the door for Makes Her Mark to come off the pylons and go after the leader. Cummings pulled the mare and went to the stick to get the advantage at the wire in 1:56.4. Badlands Love (Jim McNeight) snuck up the rail for second and Country Delight (Jack Flanigen) picked up the pieces for third.

It was the sixth win in 15 starts for Makes Her Mark and the victory pushed her yearly earnings to $20,732 for Jim Dunn, who owns and trains the 6-year-old Codyscoltfortyfive mare.

The Downs leading driver, Kevin Cummings, scored a driving triple on the card while Drew Monti and Dave McNeight III both tallied driving doubles.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 11) with post time set for 6:35.

Minor injury accident reported on Batavia Oakfield TL Road

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with one minor injury is blocking traffic at 3565 Batavia Oakfield Townline Road, just east of Lewiston Road. Oakfield Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. A responder on scene said "Looks like a rear-end collision."

UPDATE 9:33 a.m.: A patient is being transported to the hospital in Lockport.

Possible electrical fire reported at Byron Arrowmart

By Billie Owens

Smoke is coming from an electrical outlet inside the Byron Arrowmart, 6890 Byron Holley Road. The convenience store has been evacuated. Byron Fire Department is on scene. South Byron, Bergen, Town of Batavia's Fast Team, and a fill-in crew from Elba were also initially dispatched. Once command was on scene the other responding units were put back in service.

UPDATE 5:48 a.m.: Responding units back in service.

Genesee County AmeriCorps looking for members

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Youth Bureau has begun planning for year 11 of our AmeriCorps program, which starts Oct. 1. Agencies in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties use AmeriCorps members for a variety of projects. Assignments vary by site but all fall under the general categories of healthy futures fitness and nutrition education for youth, environmental stewardship education for youth and adults and capacity building through volunteer recruitment and expanded use of technology.

Members serve at a variety of non-profit agencies. Organizations currently looking for members are the Le Roy Christian Community Project, Jackson Elementary School, Orleans County Cooperative Extension, Gillam-Grant Community Center, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council, Orleans County Soil & Water Conservation District, Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern and the Batavia Youth Center. Sites are still being recruited so other options may be available in the near future.

AmeriCorps members must be at least 17 years old and a U.S. citizen. There is no upper age limit. Members agree to complete a specific number of service hours over a fixed time frame, which cannot exceed 12 months. Three different levels of part-time participation are offered: 900 hours, 450 hours or 300 hours. Members earn a modest living allowance while serving. Living allowance amounts for 2015/16 are: $6,000 (900 hours); $3,000 (450 hours); and $2,000 (300 hours).

At the conclusion of the service term, members also qualify for an education award grant. The education award can be used to cover future college costs such as tuition and books or to repay any federally-backed student loan. Members have seven years after their service ends to spend the education award. Education award amounts for 2015/16 are: $2,865 (900 hours); $1,515 (450 hours); and $1,212 (300 hours). Members age 55 or older when they begin service can transfer the education award to a child or grandchild.

AmeriCorps is a great way to give something back to your community, earn some money, help pay for your college education and gain practical work experience. Please contact Kathy Frank at 585-344-3960 or Kathy.Frank@co.genesee.ny.us or further information or to request an application. The application can also be downloaded from the Youth Bureau page on the Genesee County Web site: www.co.genesee.ny.us.

Semi and two other vehicles collide at Lewiston and Knowlesville roads, injuries reported

By Billie Owens

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A three-vehicle collision with injuries is reported at Lewiston and Knowlesville roads. One of the vehicles is a semi-truck. This is possibly a head-on collision. Alabama fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 7:52 a.m.: Oakfield Fire Police are requested to shut down westbound Lockport Road at Lewiston Road.

UPDATE 9:08 a.m.: Sheriff's Deputy Lonnie Nati on scene said a red Suburu was northbound on Knowlesville while a gray car was eastbound on Lewiston. The red car blew through the intersection and T-boned the gray car, he said. The driver is a woman from Albion who told responders she didn't know there was a stop sign there. The gray car then ricocheted into a tractor-trailer which was westbound on Lewiston. The red car then careened into the trailer portion's rear axle. The impact ruptured its fuel tank, spilling fuel about a 10th of a mile down the road and into the creek. DEC is en route to the spill. The trailer was loaded with 60,000 pounds of concrete, stone and sand. The gray car had a passenger who was transported to UMMC. The driver of the red car went by private vehicle to a hospital. The driver of the semi was not injured.

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GCC seeks nominees for adjunct teaching award

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College welcomes nominations for SUNY recognition -- the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching.

Faculty, staff and students and members of the community may submit nominations for the award. Nominations can be made online at http://guides.genesee.edu/AdjunctChancellorAward. All nominations must be submitted by Sept. 18.

For many years, outstanding full-time college faculty and staff have been recognized with Chancellor's Awards for Excellence. These system-level honors acknowledge superior professional achievement and encourage the ongoing pursuit of continuous academic excellence. The program underscores SUNY's commitment to sustaining intellectual vibrancy, advancing the boundaries of knowledge, providing the highest quality of instruction and serving the public good.

SUNY seeks to provide such recognition to adjunct professors and instructors who, nationwide, make up more than half of all college faculty. Though they may not hold a permanent position at a particular academic institution, SUNY seeks to recognize these educators who perform superbly in the instructional environment, demonstrating mastery of teaching techniques and employing policies that adapt readily to student needs, interests and problems.

"This award marks an important expansion of the Chancellor's Award program to recognize excellence in teaching among adjuncts at the graduate, undergraduate and professional level," said Elizabeth Bringsjord, SUNY interim provost and executive vice chancellor. "With this new award category, we now have the opportunity to appropriately recognize dedicated adjunct faculty whose accomplishments rise to the level of the stated award criteria."

Honored in 2015 with the SUNY Adjunct Chancellor's Award were Timothy M. Palmer and Joyce A. Chizick. Palmer, an adjunct instructor of History, has been with the College since 1992 and Chizick, an adjunct instructor of Art and Business, began teaching at GCC in 2000.

Nominees must be teaching at Genesee Community College in the Fall 2015 semester. Nominations must include a statement explaining why the candidate is worthy of the Chancellor's Award, how that person meets the criteria listed above and the nominator's contact information in case of questions.

Questions should be directed to Prof. Derek Maxfield, selection committee chairperson at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6288, or via e-mail: ddmaxfield@genesee.edu.

Third annual Traditional Martial Arts Association Tournament is Sept. 19 at Le Roy HS gym

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The third annual Traditional Martial Arts Association Tournament will be held at the Le Roy High School Gym Saturday, Sept. 19th with eliminations starting at 10 a.m.

The Tournament will consist of Sparring (point fighting), Individual Kata (forms), Team Kata, Weapons Kata, Self Defense, and MMA Grappling.

Tournament organizers are Soke William Cavalier (Livonia Tatsu Do School), Hanshi Dick Borrell ( Borrell’s Karate Academy, Batavia), and Renshi Fred Merica (Le Roy Karate & Self Defense Center/ Main Street Fitness). All three have been close associates and tournament/ clinic organizers for the past 35 years.

John Ferrar from Bedroc MMA in Rochester will be sponsoring the MMA Grappling portion of the tournament. John also teaches classes at Main Street Fitness in Le Roy.

Ages of competitors will start as young as 4 years old with no age limit. We have had competitors in the past well into their 70s. Divisions are broken down by skill level and age.

Spectators are welcome at $5 each and students at $4 each. To see a flier go to www.fitness-martialarts.com and click the link at top of page “September 2015 TMAA Tournament - Download Flyer” or call 585-414-3181.

There will also be a breaking demonstration at noon.

Anyone interested to help be a scorekeeper please call 585-414-3181 for more information. Minimum age is 15; no experience needed.

Tournament sponsors are:

    Northwoods Sporting Club / Le Roy

    Chapin Manufacturers/ Batavia

    Ben’s Appliances/ Batavia

    Joe Spadaro/ S&S Limo/ Le Roy

    Sport of Kings Restaurant/ Batavia

    Cameron Construction/ Le Roy

    Scofield Rolloff Services/ Stafford

    LeRoy Karate & Self Defense Center/ Le Roy

    Borrell’s Karate Academy/ Batavia

    Livonia Tatsu Do Karate/ Livonia

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