Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“I am pleased to announce that today Gov. Cuomo signed my bill (A.4367-A) into law to legalize big game rifle hunting in Genesee County. This is a win for sportsmen who treasure hunting as a right of passage they share with their children and for the families who use hunting to help put food on the table in an effort to combat the costs of living in New York State. I want to thank my colleagues who supported this bill in the Assembly and Senate so it could make its way to the governor’s desk.”

Heidi Kollarik is one of the many people PathStone has helped to accomplish her goal of owning a home for her two children.

Kollarik, a single mom and hairdresser, had just moved out of her parent's house and into an apartment in Oakfield when she decided to look into a homeownership program ran by PathStone, a not-for-profit community development organization. She wanted to purchase a house but didn't have the funds for a down payment. To find out more about buying a home, she signed up for PathStone's pre-purchase education classes in 2011. Some of the skills she learned included budgeting, managing credit and home financing.

After completing the classes, counselors met one-on-one with Kollarik to help her with the rest of the purchasing process. She was able to secure a $105,000 loan and buy a house in Oakfield in 2014. She also obtained a $21,000 grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development HOME Investment Partnerships program to assist with the down payment and closing costs. The entire process took three years but it was all worth it in the end Kollarik said.

"I'm so thankful they were able to help me obtain my dream of having a home for my children because it would not have been possible to buy a house being a single mom," Kollarik said.

During her annual agency review for the County Legislature, Sue Boss, executive director of the housing council at PathStone, met with the Human Services Committee meeting Monday said the homeownership program has assisted 1,550 people purchase their first home in the county since 2010. Boss said approximately 95 percent of those people were eligible to receive grant funding. 

To be eligible, applicants have to be approved for a mortgage, meet income criteria and provide some of their own money for the transaction. Many of the applicants who have received assistance had a household size of two to three people with a female head and an average income of $33,000. 

The program is funded through federal, state, county and private aid. Some funds people can receive money from include New York HOME funds and Revolving Loan funds.

The program will also be offering additional funding after it receives a home grant for $200,000 through the New York Division of Housing and Community Renewal and a $300,000 grant through the New York Affordable Housing Corporation.

To determine if grant money is available, all their applicants receive counseling and given the option to take classes on purchasing a house.

"Anybody that comes to our program receives individual counseling from our certified counselors," Boss said. "We also offer group education classes. In the classes we cover everything from credit and debt management, how to shop for a realtor, home inspections and what the house purchasing process is from start to finish."

In addition to the homeownership program, PathStone offers a handyman program, an owner occupied rehab program and foreclosure and default program for Genesee County residents.

The handyman program runs in conjunction with the Genesee County Office for the Aging to help people over the age of 62 repair minor issues with their homes. Applicants can be renters or homeowners. All services are free if their income is 80 percent or below HUD's median-income figure. According to Boss, the program serves 240 households a year. 

The owner-occupied program provides homeowners with funds for structural and mechanical repairs. This program is currently on a hiatus but will back up and running as soon as a grant is released. 

The foreclosure and default program is ran by PathStone's affiliate the Housing Council to assist residents that are in default on their mortgage. Grants are available through the New York Mortgage Assistance Program, a new program that launched this year.

With all these programs, the organization aims to fulfill its mission to encourage individuals, families and communities to obtain economic resources for building better lives. PathStone has been providing services in New York since 1969.

To honor foundations and members of the community that support its mission, the organization will be having a community luncheon on July 10 at the Clarion Hotel. They also will present the PathStone Visionary Award to Jay Gsell, county manager.

United Memorial Medical Center is partnering with Foodlink and New York Fresh Connect Farmers' Markets to offer fresh produce to Genesee County residents on wheels.

The produce truck will make two stops in the county every Monday. The first stop will be from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Gillam Grant Community Center in Bergen. The second stop will be from 11:15 a.m. to noon in the United Memorial Jerome Center parking lot in Batavia. The market will run through mid-September. 

The goal of the market is to make fresh fruits and vegetables easily accessible to the community at affordable prices. Cash, debit, EBT and WIC will be accepted as forms of payment. For every $5 SNAP purchase, people will receive a $2 bonus.

A 17-year-old female from Batavia is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd. She allegedly possessed a quantity of crack cocaine and numerous items associated with the use of the drug. The incident happened on Lake Street in Le Roy. During the investigation by Deputy Joseph Corona, it was found that she had two active warrants out of the City of Batavia and was turned over to Batavia Police.

David W. King Jr., 34, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and endangering the welfare of a child. King allegedly choked a female acquaintance in the presence of her three children inside an apartment on State Street. He was put in Genesee County Jail on $2,000 bail.

Dustin J. Wilmet, 25, of Batavia, was arrested on three separate warrants issued by the Batavia City Court. The first warrant is for a DWI charge from 2014 that Wilmet allegedly failed to appear for. The second warrant is for petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property charges after he was accused of possessing property that had been reported stolen from an apartment on Franklin Street, Batavia. The third warrant is for criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, and petit larceny charges after he allegedly stole and cashed forged checks. He was put in Genesee County Jail without bail.

Stephen M. Esposito, 25, of Folsomdale Road, Cowlesville, was arrested on a bench warrant issued by the Batavia City Court. Esposito allegedly failed to appear for a ticket for aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. He was put in Genesee County Jail on $1,000 bail.

Taylor L. Finnin, 22, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. Finnin allegedly stole a $100 cash from a coworker. The alleged incident happened on Commerce Drive in Batavia.

Rachel S. Brockenshire, 29, of Lear Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Brockenshire is accused of stealing property from Dollar General in Batavia. 

Karen L. Cooper, 49, of North Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd, and failure to dim high beams following an incident on Lake Street in Le Roy. Cooper is accused of possessing a quantity of crack cocaine and numerous items associated with the use of the drug.

Kevin J. Palmer, 34, of Canandaigua Road, Walworth, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The incident happened on Alleghany Road in Pembroke.

Jonathan M. Wulfert, 42, of Lake Road, Ontario, Canada, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and driver's view obstructed after Deputy Kevin McCarthy pulled him over on Route 77 in Pembroke for an equipment violation.

Press release:

The City of Batavia is celebrating its 100th anniversary! The Centennial Committee is planning to bury a time capsule in September; and we need the community’s help! 

Take part in the fun by writing a note to your family’s descendants or write a poem for people to read 100 years from now! Centennial notecards with envelopes will be available beginning July 1 at the Genesee Valley PennySaver, 222 E. Main St., Batavia. We encourage you to take part and contribute to the time capsule that will be opened in 2115.  

In addition to the above items, The Batavian will be conducting polls on Tuesdays beginning June 30 into the month of July, on which items will be placed in the Time Capsule. Be sure to visit The Batavian to vote on Time Capsule Tuesday!

 

The 90th season of the Batavia Concert Band got off to a soggy start Wednesday evening, forcing musicians and audience members to seek the warmth and comfort of the Stuart Steiner Theatre at GCC.

Here's the schedule for the remainder of the season:

• July 4th at noon, Guest Conductor David Keller. Picnic in the Park sponsored by GoArt!
• July 8 at 7 p.m., Conducted by John Bailey
• July 15 at 7 p.m., Conducted by John Bailey
• July 22 at 7 p.m., Conducted by John Bailey
• July 29 at 7 p.m., Conducted by John Bailey, Annual Chicken Barbecue

All concerts are at Centennial Park, unless weather forces a relocation to GCC.

The landscaping in front of Jackson School is being ripped out this week to make room for a new bus loop that City Schools Superintendent Chris Daily said will improve transportation safety for students.

The project means some grand old trees in front of the school are now gone, but Daily said new trees will be planted as part of the project.

Besides the trees, so far, the sidewalks have also been jackhammered and hauled away.

The project should be completed by Sept. 1.

In addition to the bus loop, new locks and classroom bathrooms will be installed at the school.

The construction is a part of the district’s $3.8 million capital project that was approved three years ago. 

A streak-winged red skimmer rests atop a Rose of Sharon leaf. A couple summers back my grandson Joshua and I came across a large spiderweb with three of these dragonflies wrapped up cocoon-style and set aside for a meal at a later date. Joshua wasn't real happy about that -- he likes dragonflies. Come to think of it, he likes all bugs, period!

This daddy long legs, aka "harvestman," also decided to scour the Rose of Sharon leaves for a meal.

It must have been good hunting -- this green stinkbug wasn't about to pass up a meal. 

A white tail dragonfly rests atop a riprap embankment.

The translucence of a dragonfly's gossamer-like wings is evident on this Twelve-spotted Skimmer.

The wood frog is actually not so much a creature of summer -- he just happened to show up while I was mowing the lawn. Along with the spring peeper, the wood frog is one of the first amphibians to make its presence known in the early spring when it makes its way to vernal pools to procreate.

The Muckdogs’ game tonight against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers was postponed due to rain.

The teams will play two, seven-inning games tomorrow, Thursday July 2. First pitch for game one will be at 5:05 p.m. with the second game to directly follow the conclusion of game one.

All tickets for tonight’s game (7/1) can be redeemed for any future home game. 

A 26-year-old Batavia resident is accused of driving drunk and speeding leading to an accident on East Saile Drive, according to State Police.

Police said Jeffrey M. Burdett also resisted arrest when troopers tried to place him in custody.

He is charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated, resisting arrest, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle and imprudent speed.

Burdett was reportedly driving a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu when it struck a sign while making a right turn from Route 98 onto East Saile Drive.

When troopers arrived on scene, they observed two males walking southbound on Route 98, away from a car with hazard lights on.  When the troopers attempted to interview the subjects, Burdett reportedly refused to cooperate and became belligerent.  The troopers observed the odor of alcohol, slurred speech and poor coordination, they said. 

Mercy EMS treated Burdett and Matthew J. Burdett, 23, for minor injuries at the scene. Both men signed off on any further treatment.

While being processed at the Batavia barracks, Jeffrey Burdett allegedly registered a .21 BAC.  

He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Press release:

This evening, Wednesday, July 1, the Batavia Concert Band's opening concert of the 2015 season will be at Genesee Community College's Stuart Steiner Theatre, rather than in Centennial Park. This change has been made due to uncertain weather conditions.

Tonight's concert features David Keller conducting a full contingent of musicians performing works from many periods and representing many styles. "Guaranteed to please an audience of all ages" says Dave, a veteran of 25 years performing around the world with U.S. military bands.

Come to GCC and enjoy in comfort! Downbeat is at 7 p.m.

The Band's next performance will be at noon on July 4th, as the lead-off group for GO-ART!'s popular Picnic in the Park.

For more information about the Batavia Concert Band, see http://www.bataviaconcertband.net/ and https://www.facebook.com/BataviaConcertBand.

Join us at Centennial Park this July 4 at 9:00am for the Independence Day 5K at 9:00am. To register, click here

A possible criminal case is still pending in the fatal crash in Bethany in February, according to District Attorney Lawrence Friedman.

Friedman said the Sheriff's Office is "diligent" in conducting its investigation, but there is one more aspect of the case that needs to be addressed before criminal proceedings can advance.

Once all the facts are in, Friedman said, a presentation will be made to a grand jury.

Alyson D. Krzanak, a Genesee Community College student, died in the Feb. 21 accident at the intersection of Route 20 and Molasses Hill Road, Bethany. A friend, Hannah Dibble, was the driver of a 1997 Geo with five passengers when the car crossed onto Route 20 and was struck by a tractor-trailer.

Sources have previously confirmed that the Sheriff's Office has received the results of a toxicology report on Dibble and that investigators have met with attorneys in the D.A.'s Office to discuss possible charges.

The estate of Krzanak has filed a civil suit against Dibble, Leonard L. Odums, the truck driver, Celadon Trucking Services, Celadon Group and Frank's Garage of Akron.

A bicyclist has been struck by a vehicle at 162 Walnut St., in front of city DPW. City fire and mercy medics are responding.

Shane E. Warriner, 27, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with animal cruelty. Warriner allegedly hit and kicked a beagle. The incident happened on Main Road in the Town of Stafford. The dog was taken to State Street Veterinary Clinic to be treated for its injuries. Warriner was fingerprinted and photographed at Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.

Kyle Schroeder, 18, of Pavilion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, trespass, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and endangering the welfare of a child. A 16-year-old male, of Akron, is also charged with obstruction of governmental administration, resisting arrest, unlawful possession of marijuana, trespass, underage possession of alcohol and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. The arrests were made following an investigation into an alleged underage drinking party on Bank Road in the Town of Middlebury. The Attica Police Department, New York State Police and Wyoming County Sheriff's Office dispersed the party but found three youths hiding in the woods. The three youths were Schroeder, the 16-year-old male and a 16-year-old female. Schroeder was put in the Wyoming County Jail on $500 bail. The 16-year-old male was put in Wyoming County Jail on $200 bail.

Erica M. Raphael, 30, of Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with burglary, 3rd, petit larceny and criminal mischief, 4th. Raphael is accused of entering Walmart in Batavia and stealing items. She also allegedly removed more than $200 worth of merchandise and destroyed the packaging before abandoning the property in the store. She has been previously banned from all Walmart stores due to other alleged shoplifting events. 

Randall S. Pashong, 56, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation and inadequate muffler after troopers responded to a trespass complaint on Hartshorn Road in the Town of Batavia.

The Viceroy, pictured above, is nearly identical to the Monarch butterfly. Because the Viceroy so closely resembles the Monarch, which contain a toxin that is poisonous to birds and certain other predators, birds will thus avoid Viceroys...but only if it has previously sampled a Monarch -- otherwise it will readily make a meal of the Viceroy. 

Donning her "summer reds," a doe casts a wary eye in my direction.

Early season larch cones.

This butterfly is called a Question Mark -- honest! Taking nature photos is something Claudia and I enjoy. Identifying a species is satisfying in itself even if it leaves you wondering. I have no idea how the Question Mark got its name.

An Indigo bunting perched in the pines.

The remains of last year's teasel.

A Go Fund Me page has been created to help the family of David Campbell, a Batavia father who drowned in a work-related accident.

So far, the page, "A Community to Help the Campbell's"  has raised more than $15,000 by 207 people in six days. The goal amount is $18,000. The page was created by Melissa Blaisdell.

According to the description on the page, the fundraiser was started to assist with the daily needs of his wife, Renee, and their three children, Harper, age 6, Camille, age 4, and Harlan, age 2. Members of the community wanted to do anything they could to help his wife and kids and make sure the family knew they are not alone.

If you would like to donate to the family, click here.

Campbell was a construction worker for The Pike Company and drowned while working in a boat under the Inner Loop bridge in Downtown Rochester on June 24 the Democrat & Chronicle reported. When Campbell was working, the boat tipped over in the Genesee River and his safety line trapped him under water. 

He was a 31-year-old Batavia resident and a 2001 graduate of Alexander Central School. According to information supplied by Michael Tomaszweski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, he enjoyed going on vacations to the mountains with his family, camping, snowmobiling and four-wheeling.

"He accomplished much in only 31 years, touching the lives and hearts of everyone he came in contact with; friends, neighbors or strangers," his obituary stated. "His infectious smile and selfless attitude will forever comfort those left behind."

The Batavia Youth Bureau will kick off its annual summer program to provide children with fun activities and a nutritious lunch next week.

The free summer recreational program runs weekly from July 6 to Aug. 16 at five locations in Batavia. The locations are Lions Park, Williams Park, Lambert Park, Farrall Park and John Kennedy School. Children ages 6-14 who live in the city or the town can participate in the program.

According to Toni Funke, program coordinator at Batavia Youth Bureau, approximately 500 children attend the program every year. Funke thinks the program is a great opportunity for children to engage in activities including crafts, games and field trips as well as receive a healthy meal at lunchtime. 

The meals are sponsored by the Niagara County Youth Bureau. The menu varies daily and each meal comes with fruit, milk and juice.

Although the recreational program is for children, youth ages 18 or younger can receive a free lunch at any of the five locations.

The Batavia Youth Bureau will be holding an open house at 5:30 p.m. on July 1 at Lions Park for parents who want to pre-register their child for the recreational program. However, parents can register their child at any time during the program.

Driving along Bank Street Road, you might notice "Blasting Zone Ahead" signs.  

Workers are removing bedrock to create a channel for the Town of Batavia's new water main being installed along Bank Street Road and Batavia Elba Townline Road.

You can find out more about the project on the Town of Batavia's Web site.

The town is installing 26 miles of water main this summer, according to Tom Lichtenthal, assistant engineer for the town.

Lichtenthal said there is bedrock along the pipeline's path that is from one foot to three or four feet below the surface. The channel for the pipe needs to be six feet deep and about three feet wide.

The blasts, Lichtenthal said, really aren't too severe. An observer wouldn't see much happening above ground and residents might feel a slight vibration.

Blasting is expected to take place along the two roadways for at least a month, perhaps longer.