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Flying to San Diego

By Howard B. Owens

I've boarded a plane in Buffalo. I'm heading to San Diego to attend to family matters. 

Billie will be running the site the next few days. As usual our news partner WBTA will help us with news coverage as will Alecia Kaus from Video News Service. 

I'm most disappointed that I'll miss Batavia and Le Roy play for Section V titles. The pursuit by both teams is a great story. I wish I could be there to tell it. But we have made arrangements for coverage. Good luck to both teams. 

Former Le Roy rescue truck fits like a glove at the Batavia Fire Department

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy Fire Department's ability to upgrade its rescue vehicle has given City fire the opportunity upgrade its own capabilities.

The Batavia department purchased Le Roy's retired rescue truck for $55,000, which is $12,000 below what the city had budgeted for a new pickup truck and trailer to handle the same duties.

New, the truck goes for about $200,000.

Now dubbed Truck 14 and assigned to special operations, the new vehicle will be used for hazmat, rope rescue, water rescue, swift water rescue, cold water rescue and confined space rescue.

"They're all operations that we don't do very often, but there is always potential for a large need in the city," said Lt. Bob Fix.

Truck 14 will also respond to fire scenes with crew and equipment and serve as a rehab vehicle. It has an awning to provide shelter in heat and will carry water and fans to assist firefighters who need a break during a fight.

Up until now, the city had no vehicle to meet the needs of these operations. Equipment was stored in the fire hall and pulled out as necessary.

Now, everything is ready to roll with little time wasted.

Besides cost savings -- though some of that $12,000 was used to refit the truck to some of the city's needs -- the advantage over a storage trailer is that the trailer would need to be heated in the winter to help maintain the equipment. The new truck fits inside the fire station behind the current ladder truck.

Lady Irish advance in regional volleyball tournament

By Howard B. Owens

Photos and story by Bare Antolos.

The Notre Dame Girls Volleyball Team, powered by the support of their fans, came out and proved to be too much for previously undefeated Hammondsport, 3-1 (25-15, 25-12, 18-25 and 25-13) to move onto play against Honeoye Falls-Lima on Thursday at Cal-Mum in the regional finals.

The Lady Irish are the Class DDD champions for Section V.

Throughout the match, the Hammondsport girls seemed to be overwhelmed by the Notre Dame attack and unnerved by the vocal Notre Dame student body cheering section.

Despite not having a strong service match, the Notre Dame girls used a balance attack to mix up their sets and win rather easily. Notre Dame Coach Rhonda DiCasolo said that her team "played really, really well and is very proud" of the effort and is "really excited about Thursday at Cal-Mum."

Shea Norton led the way for the Lady Irish with 19 kills. Lindsay Bender had a strong match, finishing with 30 assists and 10 service points, including finishing out the match on a run of five serves to send Hammondsport home.

The Lady Irish received strong contributions from Mary Bernadette Bochicchio who set the tone early in the first game, running out a string of five service points (nine total for the match) to open up a lead that Hammondsport could not recover from. Rebecca Krenzer lead the way with 15 service points with Olivia Marchese contributing 12 digs and Emma Francis, who seemed to be involved in all parts of the match, finished with 10 digs and 12 service points in the all around team effort.

Thursday's match against Honeoye Falls-Lima should be another difficult match for the Lady Irish and provide the Notre Dame students another opportunity to be help lift their team to victory!

More photos after the jump:

Statement from Chris Collins on winning re-election

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins tonight released the following statement announcing his successful reelection as New York’s 27th District Congressional Representative.

“I am honored and humbled to again be elected by the hardworking people of New York’s 27th District,” Congressman Collins said.

“Voters across America made a clear choice today about the direction in which they want our country to move. Here in the 27th District of New York, like many places across our country, people have chosen to be represented by individuals who believe that job creation and economic growth should be spurred by the private sector, that big government is not good government, and that elected leaders should stand behind the principles they campaign on.

“I look forward to building on this nationwide momentum. My focus will remain on the issues that my constituents care about such as ensuring our veterans have the resources they deserve, fighting to reduce burdensome government regulations that negatively impact our farmers and small business owners, protecting Medicare benefits for our seniors, and reducing taxes to keep more money in individual’s pockets.

“I want to thank our hundreds of volunteers, our donors and most of all the voters. I would not be here without their strong support. Additionally, I want to thank my opponent, Jim O’Donnell for his service to our community and wish him the best going forward.”

Big win in Genesee County for Astorino not enough to help him overcome Cuomo statewide

By Howard B. Owens

Incumbent Andrew Cuomo won the statewide race for governor, but was trounced in anti-SAFE-Act Genesee County by Rob Astorino, 11,016 to 4,040, according to unofficial election results.

The governor's win propels Kathy Hochul, once Genesee County's representative in Congress, into the lieutenant governor's office.

Howie Hawkins, from the Green Party, was the top vote getter among third party candidates both locally and statewide. With 55 percent of the precincts reporting, Hawkins has 107,000 votes. He had 369 votes locally.

Libertarian hopeful Michael McDermott, who needed 50,000 votes to improve ballot access for Libertarians, will fall well short of the mark. So far, only 8,800 ballots are marked for McDermott. He received 150 votes in Genesee County.

In the local Congressional race, Chris Collins had 11,722 votes to 3,324 for James D. O'Donnell. The districtwide results posted by 13WHAM indicate Collins will win the race easily. 

In the state Senate race, Micheal Ranzenhofer has 11,949 votes to 3,157 for Elaine B. Altman. Ranzenhofer is the projected winner of the race.

In the Assembly race, Steve Hawley had 13,580 votes to 532 for Mark E. Glogowski, running as a Libertarian.

A ballot measure to change redistricting procedures got 6,752 yes votes locally and 6,168 no votes. The measure appears to be passing statewide.

A proposal to allow e-filing of proposed legislation in Albany had 9,389 yes votes and 3,840 no votes locally. The measure appears to be passing statewide.

The Smart Schools Bond Act had 6,668 yes votes and 6,778 no votes locally. The measure appears to be passing statewide.

In the City of Batavia, a measure to realign wards to keep up with population shifts passed 1,818 to 885.

Muckdogs announce 2015 schedule

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs, Class A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, have announced their schedule for the 2015 season. Batavia will open the 2015 season at home on Friday, June 19th, when the Auburn Doubledays visit Dwyer Stadium.

The Muckdogs will host their annual Independence Day celebration on July 3rd this year, as they are not home on July 4th. The Muckdogs also have a home game scheduled for Father's Day (June 21) this season. In addition to their Pinckney Division rivals, the Muckdogs will welcome the Boston Red Sox (Lowell), Detroit Tigers (Connecticut), Houston Astros (Tri-City) and Oakland A’s (Vermont) farm teams to Dwyer Stadium in 2015.

Here is a month-by-month and day-by-day breakdown of Batavia’s 2015 home schedule:

Month    Home Games    Day         Home Games
June                6               Sunday            5
July                13              Monday           4
Aug.               17              Tuesday          5
Sept.                2              Wednesday    7
                                        Thursday         5
                                         Friday             7
                                         Saturday       5

Season tickets, coupon books and ticket packages for the 2015 season are all on sale now. They can be purchased by calling 585-343-5454 or in person at Dwyer Stadium, Monday thru Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For a complete schedule, visit www.muckdogs.com.

Fire hydrants get flushed Wednesday south of East Main and east of Jackson streets

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants on Wednesday, Nov. 5, from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the general area south of East Main Street and east of Jackson Street. Homes and businesses nearby will be affected.

These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored.

Person arrested following pair of disturbances in the city

By Howard B. Owens

A pair of disturbances in the city early this afternoon has resulted in at least one person in custody with police still trying to sort out events.

There was an initial disturbance call, a possible assault involving multiple people in the area of Tracy and Washington, but when police arrive there were no victims nor assailants in the area, said Sgt. Dan Coffey.

An officer then responded to a call on Holland Avenue and shortly after arriving, radioed that he needed backup because two car loads of people just arrived. That brought at least a half-dozen officers and deputies as well as city detectives.

There was a lot of screaming and yelling and pushing and shoving on Holland.

The two incidents appear to be related, Coffey said.

One person was taken into custody and Coffey said the man impeded the investigation when officers arrived. He will likely be charged with obstructing governmental administration, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, Coffey said.

His name has not yet been released.

Several people then went to police headquarters for interviews. Coffey said they were potential victims of the Tracy and Washington assault. Officers were still trying to put the pieces together.

The investigation is ongoing.

Sponsored Post: Dan's Tire - Unbeatable October Tire Sale - Extended Through November 15th!

By Lisa Ace

DUE TO AN OVERHELMING RESPONSE, WE'RE EXTENDING THE TIRE SALE THROUGH NOVEMBER 15TH! PLAIN AND SIMPLE TIRE SALE!

We won’t be undersold. We will BEAT anybody’s price on comparable tires, plain and simple.

  • No Charge to Mount
  • No Charge to Balance
  • No Charge for Valve Stems
  • No Charge to Reset Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System
  • No Charge 4-WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Not Alignment Check)
  • FREE Road Hazard/ Flat Repairs
  • FREE Rotations for Life of the Tires

We want your tire business, plain and simple. After 35 years there’s one thing we’ve learned, keep it plain and simple and everybody wins. Stop in, call or e-mail to get a quote and set up your appointment.

Dan’s Tire & Auto Service Center, 48 Batavia City Centre, Batavia, NY 14020 • (585) 343-7210. Saturday hours are available by appointment only.

Visit us online at: www.danstire.com or e-mail: dan@danstire.com

Offer expires November 15, 2014. Must mention posting on the The Batavian at time of service. Offer applies to four new tire purchase. For aspect ratios below 50 and rim diameters 19” and higher additional mounting and balancing charges apply. Alignment includes toe-in adjustments only. Most vehicles. Cannot be combined with any other promotional offers, discounts or coupons.

Leaf fire off Jerico Road, Bethany, is moving toward trees

By Billie Owens

A leaf fire that is moving toward a wooded area is reported at 5482 Jerico Road. Bethany Fire Department is responding. Light smoke is showing in the vicinity.

UPDATE 2:25 p.m.: Fire is under control and firefighters are working to douse hot spots.

UPDATE 3:01 p.m.: Fire is out. Bethany is back in service.

Law and Order: Police break up alleged Halloween underage drinking party on Jackson Street

By Howard B. Owens

Jerry J. Jordan Jr., 19, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration, harassment, 2nd, and unlawful possession of alcohol under age 21. Patrols responded to 156 Jackson St., Batavia, at 1 a.m., Saturday, on a complaint of an underage drinking party in progress. When police arrived, occupants of the house locked the door. Officers determined that the occupants were gathering behind the front door with a plan to rush the officers. Jordan was allegedly the first person through the door when it opened. He was carrying a large speaker that he allegedly used to pushed into the first officer he encountered. Several other individuals were arrested. Deputies and troopers assisted at the scene. Supplemental Information Not in the Press Release: The property is owned by James Pontillo. The property has been condemned. Pontillo said as many as 80 people were gathered in the living room at one time, causing a floor joist to break.

Also arrested:

  • Philbert Prince Williams, 20, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with providing alcohol to a minor, endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful possession of marijuana.  
  • Demetri C. Stewart, 21, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with giving/selling alcohol to a person under age 21 and acting in a manner injurious to a child.
  • Didier A. Antoine, 20, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with giving/selling alcohol to a person under age 21 and acting in a manner injurious to a child.
  • Terrence Brown, 20, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with giving/selling alcohol to a person under age 21, acting in a manner injurious to a child, and unlawful possession of alcohol under age 21.
  • Jason A. Perry-Murray, 20, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with providing alcohol to a minor and endangering the welfare of a child.
  • Tavid C. McIntosh, 19, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with giving/selling alcohol to a person under age 21, acting in a manner injurious to a child, and unlawful possession of alcohol under age 21.
  • Naquil T. Jones, 22, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with giving/selling alcohol to a person under age 21 and acting in a manner injurious to a child.

Maleak H. Green, 21, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with rape, 3rd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Green was arrested following an investigation into an alleged incident at 2:15 p.m., Aug. 7. No further details released. Green is being held in the Genesee County Jail on an unrelated charge.

Kimberly M. Douglas, 32, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Douglas is accused of violating an order of protection at 2:52 p.m., Friday, on Ross Street.

Jeffrey E. Williams, 30, of Westhigh Terrace, Rochester, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on an aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, charge. Williams was jailed, no bail specified.

Marlon M. Chess Jr., 33, of Bergen Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. Chess was arrested following an investigation by Batavia PD at 1:08 p.m., Thursday, into a suspicious vehicle parked near the Verizon Store on Lewiston Road, Batavia.

Mark T. Zdrojewski, 61, of Meyer Road, Pendleton, is charged with three counts of issuing a bad check. Zdrojewski was arrested on a warrant for allegedly issuing bad checks in August in Batavia.

Terrance H. Riley, 26, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and resisting arrest. Riley was arrested after allegedly trying to fight another person while officers were present. He then allegedly resisted arrest. The incident was reported at 2:20 p.m., Wednesday, on South Main Street, Batavia.

Jeremy Allen Weatherbee, 45, of Roosevelt Avenue, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI (alcohol or drugs), aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, driving on sidewalk, refusing to take breath test and failure to stop at stop sign. Weatherbee is accused of failing to stop for a stop sign at Pearl Street and Roosevelt Avenue at 1:14 a.m., Saturday. His car reportedly struck the south curb of Pearl Street, resulting in heavy damage to the front tires and rims of his vehicle. He then allegedly drove the vehicle with the damaged rims back to his residence on Roosevelt Avenue. Weatherbee was ordered held without bail.

Dustin J. Wilmet, 25, of Franklin Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or higher, driving with an open container and aggravated unlicensed operation. Wilmet was arrested following an investigation at 2:12 a.m., Friday, by Sgt. Eric Bolles into a reported fight at a location on West Main Street, Batavia.

Nicholas Joseph Breau, 22, of Glenwood Drive, Clarence, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation. Breau was stopped at 10:31 p.m., Friday, on Galloway Road, Batavia, by Deputy Joseph Corona for alleged traffic violations. Breau was also arrested on a warrant out of Amherst.

Chantalle Josephine Bessil, 19, of High Manor Drive, Henrietta, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Deputies responded to a report of a burglary in progress at a location on Main Road, Corfu, at 12:59 p.m., Thursday, and during the investigation found that Bessil, a passenger in a vehicle at the scene, was in possession of a small amount of marijuana in a grinder and a baggie. She also allegedly had a stun gun in her purse.

Thomas E. Hensel, 31, and Tonya D. Smith, 29, both of Overlook Drive, Batavia, are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and possession of a hypodermic instrument. Officer Micheal Lute, Corfu PD, responded to a complaint of a disturbance at 2 p.m., Wednesday, and upon arrival found a vehicle with a suspended registration. Upon further investigation, he found Hensel and Smith allegedly in possession of heroin and a needle. Hensel also charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, for allegedly breaking into a building in Corfu at 11 a.m., Oct. 5.

Barbara E. Ferrando, 43, of West Main Road, Corfu, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana. Ferrando was stopped for driving with an alleged suspended license at 9 p.m., Oct. 23, by Officer Michael Lute, Corfu PD. During an inventory of the vehicle's contents, a large bag of marijuana was allegedly found in the trunk.

William Gordon Schultz Sr., 40, of Evans Street, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to pay a fine. Schultz was arrested at his place of employment and arraigned in front of Judge Eric Adams. Schultz was released on his promise to pay the majority of the fine today and the balance on Nov. 12.

Lauren K. Pellegrino, 32, of Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Pellegrino was arrested by State Police for allegedly stealing a credit card. The blotter entry is labeled "purse snatching." She was jailed on a bail amount that is not listed. The alleged incident is reported at 1:36 a.m., Sunday, in Oakfield. No further details released.

Police investigate claim of attempted kidnapping at Dollar General and find it's unfounded

By Howard B. Owens

An 11-year-old girl dropped some money on the floor at Dollar General and a deaf man tried to use sign language to tell her she dropped money.

The girl became alarmed and told a clerk at the store that a man tried to grab her to kidnap her, and this is how the call went out to the responding Batavia PD officer.

The officer investigated and found the claim of a kidnapping in progress completely unfounded.

The man didn't even try to leave the scene. He waited in his car.

"It was all a big misunderstanding," the officer said.

Parents picking up students at Jackson School mostly like new traffic barrier on extension

By Howard B. Owens

A parent complained to The Batavian about the new barrier blocking off the little extension road by Jackson School on South Jackson Avenue, so we thought we would investigate.

Of the nine parents we spoke with, seven gave the barrier an unconditional thumbs up. At first, one said she thought it made the traffic situation worse, but after being asked, "in what way?" She said, "I guess it's OK. It's not really a problem."

The first mother we spoke with said the barrier was a big improvement. She said when parents could park on the extension, they would pull in and pull out "any old way, acting like idiots." She thought it was much more dangerous for children without the barrier.

"They're picking up their kids, but they act like they have to get out so quick to do neurosurgery or something," the woman said. "I don't get it. I guess that's just the way it is today. People are in a hurry."

A grandmother -- the ninth person we spoke to and one of the last to arrive -- called the situation since the barrier was put in a "cluster." She said there was more parking available before the barrier went up.

A father with a younger child in the back seat said he's never had a problem at the school, either before or after the barrier.

"I just get here early enough to get a parking spot," he said.

The barrier went up after the city discovered a problem with illegal garbage dumping at the end of the extension, but it's unclear whether the city or state erected the barrier. The no trespassing sign installed behind it says "New York State."

Attempts to reach City Manager Jason Molino this afternoon for clarification were unsuccessful.

UPDATE: We just heard back from Jason Molino. He confirmed the extension is state property and the state put up the barrier.

Elba School establishes Alumni Hall of Fame, seeks nominees, deadline is Jan. 1

By Billie Owens

Press release:

This year, members of the Elba Central School District’s Celebration Committee would like to establish an Alumni Hall of Fame.

The Alumni Hall of Fame program will recognize outstanding achievements by alumni who, after graduation, have greatly contributed to the well-being of our society through their hard work, talents and leadership.

There are three categories for nominees: a graduate of Elba High School, community member or an honorary selection (non-alum). The induction ceremony will be held later this school year.

If you would like to nominate someone for the inaugural Alumni Hall of Fame, please complete a 2014-15 Nomination Form. Nomination Forms are located on the school Web site and in the District Office. The deadline for nominations is Jan. 1.

“The purpose and tradition of Elba Central School District and its community is to empower and inspire our students to be continuous learners who are challenged to succeed.”

Police ask for assistance in locating missing man from Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens
Donald Legg

A 49-year-old Le Roy man is missing and Le Roy PD is asking for the public's assistance in locating him.

Donald R. Legg Jr., is missing due to unknown circumstances, according to police. He was last seen Friday afternoon on Clay Street.

He is 6'1" and about 170 pounds. He likes to wear glasses and a baseball-style hat. He may also be wearing a plaid jacket.

His vehicle is also missing. It's a 2011 Chevrolet Cruz, which is a 4-door vehicle and is light blue, with a license plate of APV-5276.

Police are asking if you've seen Legg since Friday or know his whereabouts, call Le Roy PD at (585) 345-6350.

UPDATE 5:12 p.m., Tuesday. Donal Legg has been located safe and in good health.

Tri-Town Varsity wins NOFA Championship

By Rick D. Franclemont

The Tri-Town Varsity Trojans football team defeated the Oakfield/Elba Titans yesterday 39-37 to claim the Niagara Orleans Football Association championship. This was the Trojans first championship team in 36 years.

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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Seasonal cook at Stafford Country Club. Immediate start, great work environment, competitive pay! Please send resumes to: HR@Staffordcc.com
Tags: Jobs offered
For Rent - Lower 1 Bedroom Apartment Private country setting, lower one bedroom apartment with all appliances and parking. Sunroom with gas fireplace and patio. Includes water and heat. NEW LOWER PRICE! $1000/Month plus electric. No pets, no smoking. References and security deposit required. Available June 1st, 2024. Call 585-344-3141.
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