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Resurrection Parish Lawn Fete is June 10-12

By Billie Owens

Information provided by the Lawn Fete committee Chair Debbie Mullen and Vice Chair Tom Wescott.

The 2016 Resurrection Parish Lawn Fete will be held June 10-12 and will be a sure-to-please fun-in-the-sun outdoor family event.

Hours are 6 to 11 p.m. Friday (June 10), 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday (June 11) and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday (June 12) at St. Joseph's Church on Main Street in Batavia.

It kicks off Friday evening with a musical spectacular. As in years past, Main Street in Downtown Batavia will be closed from Summit to Ross streets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. But instead of a parade, there will be an hour and a half "Concert in Brass" in front of St. Joe's church. Billed as "a unique musical procession that will electrify spectators."

The Concert in Brass will feature: St. Joe's Reunion Brass, Mighty St. Joe's Alumni Drum Corps, Batavia Middle School Band, and a WNY favorite, The Hit Men Brass Ensemble. Grounds will be open to 11 p.m. for fun and frolic.

A wide variety of tasty treats will be available to enjoy all weekend. They include: sausage with onions and peppers, hots, hamburgers, French fries, waffles, pizza, popcorn, nachos, ice crea,, beverages and more. On Friday and Saturday nights, the beverage tent will features some of the area's well-known musicians.

There will be Kiddie Rides galore, treats and a variety of games.

At about 5 o'clock on Sunday afternoon, there will be a drawing for $10,000 in cash prizes to be awarded. Tickets will be available at "The Cash Booth." Please note that due to NYS regulations, NO CHECKS can be accepted. CASH ONLY!

If you and your family are looking for summertime fun, a place to meet up with old friends and make new ones, enjoy some good eats and treats, and maybe become a cash winner, then plan on visiting the St. Joseph's Church parking lot June 10-12.

Economic development meeting at City Hall tomorrow open to the public

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Partners of the Batavia Pathway to Prosperity (BP2) Program, including the Batavia Development Corp., Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC), Genesee County, City of Batavia and Batavia School District, will host members of the business community for an economic development forum on the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council’s Upstate Revitalization Plan, Finger Lakes Forward.

The forum will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 2, at One City Centre in Batavia (Council Chamber, 2nd floor) and will feature remarks by Vincent Esposito, regional director of Empire State Development’s Finger Lakes regional office.

The event will discuss new initiatives specific to the Finger Lakes region, one of three regions awarded $500 million by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative — a competition designed to help transform local economies by providing $500 million over the next five years to support projects and strategies that create jobs, strengthen and diversify economies, and generate economic opportunity within the region — in 2015.

Attendees will hear about Finger Lakes Forward, a long-term strategic plan which will seek to address workforce development and poverty reduction; entrepreneurship and development; and higher education and research. Information about the NYS Consolidated Funding Application process will also be provided.

“It is important that we continue to educate and keep the business community apprised about the unique collaboration taking place among private and public sector stakeholders to stimulate new growth and development opportunities in our regional economy,” said Steve Hyde, GCEDC president and CEO.

The event is free and open to the public. A lunch sponsored by Clark Patterson Lee and Harris Beach, LLP, will be provided. For more information and to register, please contact Rachael Tabelski, director of Marketing & Communications at GCEDC, at 585-343-4866 or rtabelski@gcedc.com.

Hawley announces new summer hours for district office in Albion

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) on Tuesday announced new summer hours for his district office in Albion. The office will be open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday from June 1 to Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 5). Hawley’s office is located at 121 N. Main St., Suite 100, in Albion.

“With summer on its way I have made the decision to change my district office hours slightly,” Hawley said. “I will still remain very accessible as your representative and encourage my constituents to stop by my office or my bi-weekly office hours to discuss issues or questions they may have about state government.

"The summer is an important period for legislators to spend time in their home districts gathering input, talking with residents and bringing those experiences back to Albany when the legislative session reconvenes.” 

Filming set to start today on indie movie set in 1940s using Old Courthouse

By Howard B. Owens

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The cast and crew trailers are ready, but few are on location yet for the filming of the bio-pic about Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, which is using a couple of locations in Genesee County, including the Old Courthouse.

Filming was scheduled to start this morning, but has been pushed back to 1 p.m.

The trailers are located in the courthouse parking lot behind Falleti Ice Arena.

City Church expands ministry with purchase of St. Anthony's

By Billie Owens

City Church is expanding, but it's not moving. The popular Downtown evangelical church recently closed escrow on its purchase of the St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church on Liberty Street on the city's Southside, which was owned by the Diocese of Buffalo.

The purchase also includes St. Anthony’s School, with a full gymnasium, a full kitchen and adjoining dining area, the rectory and a house.

But it's keeping the old movie Mancuso Theater that is now City Church, as well as its meeting facility off Center Street called The Generation Center. 

"We're 100-percent owners -- signed, sealed and delivered. We're very thankful for the property," said City Church Pastor Marty Macdonald this afternoon. "We're excited about the future. We felt this was a God-honoring opportunity."

"We're very interested in the gymnasium, and in helping preserve the heritage of the building," Macdonald said.

There are repairs to be done and plans for things to come, but the pastor said those are not yet finalized. But the name will remain the same, he said.

Meanwhile, City Church is planning a blockbuster block party this summer.

"We love being Downtown, on Main Street in Batavia," he said. "That is our home and will always be our home. We want to continue to help and brighten the city."

St. Anthony's Church closed more than three years ago. The school closed in 2006.

UPDATED: Scrap metal drive to benefit shelter animals set for June 4-5

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Come out and support the animals of the Genesee County Animal Shelter by donating scrap metal.

Volunteers for Animals are collecting scrap metal to raise money for the animals from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 4th and Sunday, June 5th in the parking lot at the shelter, located at 3841 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

Metal of any kind will be accepted: railings, doors, garbage cans, file cabinets, bicycle frames, gutters, pipes, poles, fencing, window frames, lawn furniture, tools, shelving, washing machines, dryers, stoves, wheel barrows, wagons, etc.

We CANNOT take propane tanks, air-conditioning units, or refrigerators.

Scrap service provided by Ed Arnold EAS Scrap Processors of Corfu.

UPDATE 12:58 p.m., June 1: Due to the overwhelming response from donors wishing to have their scrap metal items picked up, the Volunteers for Animals are going to be extra busy doing just that between now and the weekend. So people are encouraged to find a way to bring their own scrap metal donations to the site, if arrangements have not already been made.

Second annual United Way 5K series expanded to include races in Le Roy, Bergen, East Bethany

By Billie Owens

The United Way is proud to announce the 2016 United Way Race Series and Genesee County Runner of the Year Award. This year's series will include eight races and for the first time will include 5K races (3.1 miles each) outside of the City of Batavia. 

The series begins this Saturday with the All Babies Cherished “Run Baby Run” 5K. Start time is 9 a.m. at the Northgate Free Methodist Church, 350 Bank St., Batavia. Cost to register is $25 and registration ends at 11:59 p.m. June 1. To sign up online go to: https://runsignup.com 

Other races in the series include:

July 4th                                       Kiwanis Independence Day 5K (Centennial Park, Batavia)                     

July 16th                                    The OATKA 5K (Le Roy)                                                      

Aug. 13th                                   Jenny Kuzma Memorial 5K (Bergen)                             

Aug. 20th                                   Don Carroll Toys for Kids 5K (Kibbe Park, Batavia)        

Sept. 5th                                    Jaycees Labor Day 5K (MacArthur Park, Batavia)                      

Sept. 17th                                  ARC Friends and Family 5K (Elba)                                               

Oct. 2                                         Run for the ACORNS 5K (GC Park & Forest, East Bethany)                            

United Way Director Erik Fix says “The United Way believes that one of the keys to a successful community is the health of its people. To this end, the UW has created this series with the goal of increasing the overall health and wellness of our community. The UW Race and Runner of the Year Award are designed to recognize the top runners in the Genesee County region, while promoting local races, and the sport of road racing in our community."

To be eligible for season ending awards participants must finish at least four events with results from a runners top five events scoring points. Overall and Age Group awards will be given. There is no need to register for the series. Participation in one of the events automatically qualifies you for the series. Results will be posted on the United Way website www.uwgeneseecounty.org. Additionally, a booth will be set up at each event with current standings.

Cash prizes will be presented to the top three overall finishers in Men’s and Women’s divisions. Prizes are as follows:

Overall Male:                        $300

Overall Female:                   $300

Runner-up Male:                  $150

Runner-up Female:             $150

Third-place Male:                 $50

Third-place Female:             $50

Men and Women Age Groups –  First- through Third- places will receive non-cash awards.

If you are intersted in being a sponsor for the race series, please contact UW Regional Director Erik Fix at erik.fix@uwrochester.org or call 585-356-2814.

Law and Order: Le Roy man jailed after refusing to leave Le Roy establishment, then allegedly causing a ruckus

By Billie Owens

Eric Swede, 27, of Main Street, Le Roy, was arrested by the Le Roy Police Department on May 28 and charged with one count of disorderly conduct, a violation. In the early morning hours of May 28, patrols received a complaint from a local establishment of a patron refusing to leave. Patrols located Swede behind the establishment where he allegedly refused to leave when told to do so and then proceeded to cause a disturbance by being loud and cursing. At that time he was taken into custody for his actions. Swede was arraigned and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $250 cash or $3,000 bond. Swede is to return to the Le Roy Town Court on June 16.

Richard Ortiz, 20, of Park Way, Rochester, was arrested by the Le Roy Police Department on May 27 and charged with: one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, a Class A misdemeanor; one count of aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, a misdemeanor; one count of uninspected motor vehicle, a violation; one count of unlicensed operator, a violation; one count of passing a red signal, a violation; and one count of inadequate muffler, a violation. It is alleged that Ortiz was observed by patrols passing through a red signal. Upon stopping Ortiz he was allegedly found to be in possession of oxycodone without a prescription as well as several other traffic infractions including not having a valid driver's license. Ortiz was issued several tickets and is to appear on June 20 in Le Roy Town Court to answer to the charges. 

Rebecca J. Fili, 38, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, was arrested on May 29 by the LeRoy Police Department and charged with: one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, a Class A misdemeanor; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, 3rd, a Class A misdemeanor; unlicensed operator, a violation; and inadequate exhaust, a violation. Fili was stopped by the LeRoy Police after allegedly operating a motor vehicle on Bacon Street with an inadequate exhaust. After a brief investigation, it was found that Fili had a suspended and expired driver's license. Further investigation revealed that Fili allegedly possessed a quantity of cocaine. Fili was issued an appearance ticket for the charges and will appear in the Le Roy Town Court on June 20.

Dog missing in Burns Road area after house fire

By Howard B. Owens

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A house fire struck the Mathew Pribek family residence Saturday, at 5581 Burns Road, Medina, and Pribek believes both of their dogs got out safely. One was found and one is still missing.

The residence is just over the county line, so the Pribeks are asking anyone in the North Oakfield area to on the look out for Pepper.

"She is friendly, but scared and lost," Pribek said. "Our family is desperate to have her back and are prepared to reward anyone who finds her."

If you are in the area of Burns Road, East Shelby Road or Albion Road, North Oakfield, watch for Pepper and if you find her, call Mathew Pribek at (585) 861-0211.

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Batavia residents cared for fawn until mom returned

By Howard B. Owens

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Ross Fanara and his wife found themselves the unexpected babysitters of a newborn fawn over the weekend.

Fanara said they fed the baby two containers of goat milk and waited for mom to return, which she did less than 24 hours after the fawn turned up on their doorstep.

Minor head injury reported in rollover accident on Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

A vehicle has rolled over and travelled into the trees off the westbound lanes of the Thruway in the area of mile marker 404.7.

A minor head injury is reported.

Pembroke and Indian Falls responding along with Mercy EMS.

Photos from Memorial Day events in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

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Rob Radley submitted these photos of today's Memorial Day events in Le Roy at Trigon Park and a parade on Main Street. The events were organized by the American Legion Botts-Fiorito Post #576 and the Auxiliary.

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Person falls on banks of Indian Falls

By Billie Owens

Alabama, Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding to Indian Falls to rescue a person who slipped and fell at Indian Falls. No rope rescue team required. Mercy Flight is on standby.

UPDATE 5:50 p.m.: Patient transported by ground ambulance to ECMC with head and neck injuries and a facial laceration.

Photos: Memorial Day, 2016

By Howard B. Owens

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Photos from Memorial Day observances at Williams Park, the VA Center, Upton Monument, Elmwood Cemetery, the Batavia Memorial Day Parade, and the service at the War Memorial at St. Jerome's.

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To purchase prints, click here.

Model charged with DWI after car slams into Two Eagles Smokeshop

By Howard B. Owens
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       Mariah Mosher

A professional model from Medina has been charged with DWI after reportedly driving her car completely inside of the Two Eagles Smokeshop & Gas Mart on Bloomingdale Road, Basom, yesterday morning.

Mariah L. Mosher, 20, is who represents herself as a professional model.

Mosher also goes by "Mia Mischievious," and promotes herself as an internationally published model and hairstylist.

Troopers responded to the store on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation at 9:30 a.m. after receiving a report of a car driving into the building.

The initial dispatch said the female driver was trapped in the vehicle, but by the time emergency responders arrived, the woman had gotten out and was walking.

Troopers report that Mosher was the driver and that she failed to negotiate a curve. She caused extensive damage to the building and its contents and an employee suffered minor injuries.

Mosher allegedly failed a field sobriety test at the scene and was transported to UMMC for evaluation, where blood was drawn. After treatment, she was released back the custody of State Police and transported to the Batavia Barracks, where she was booked and released.

She was also cited for alleged failure to yield right of way, failure to stop at a stop sign, possession of an open container of alcohol and failure to use designated lane.

She is scheduled to appear in Alabama Town Court on June 20.

Larceny thwarted on Linwood Avenue when landscaping crew returns to work truck

By Billie Owens

Law enforcement is searching for three subjects in a black vehicle after a report of attempted larceny on Linwood Avenue in the city. A crew employed by a landscape company returned to their work truck and found three people attempting to steal items from it. The subjects fled in a black car.

Top Items on Batavia's List

The Batavia Housing Authority is seeking a positive, hardworking teammate to perform a variety of outdoor landscaping tasks, primarily mowing, with some trimming and cleanup work. The Groundskeeper is independently responsible for outdoor landscaping tasks on a weekly basis with some flexibility. This job may require some weekend hours when necessary. Part-time position Pay Range: $19.00/hr - $22.00/hr Anticipated start date: May 2024 Application deadline: April 29, 2024 See full job description at: https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/Groundskeeper.pdf Complete Civil Service Application at: https://cms1files.revize.com/geneseecountynew/CivilServiceApplication2022Revision-09.22.22.pdf Contact Information Nathan Varland Executive Director Batavia Housing Authority 400 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 (585) 344-1888 nvarland@bataviahousing.org Location: Batavia
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