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Sponsored Post: Saturday's Events at the Genesee County Fair!

By Lisa Ace

SATURDAY, JULY 19TH - GENESEE COUNTY FARM BUREAU DAY & BRING YOUR TRACTOR TO THE FAIR DAY
  • All Day - Magical John | Entertainment Tent
  • 8:30am - NIOGA Colored Breed Show
  • 9am - NIOGA Holstein/Open Class Dairy Show | Show Ring
  • 10am - 4-H Horse Gymkhana & Games Classes | Horse Ring
  • 11am - FARM STOCK TRACTOR – Bring your tractor! Enhanced Tractor & Garden Pullers | Grandstand
  • 11am - EXHIBIT HALLS & BUILDINGS OPEN
  • 1pm - MIDWAY OPENS | Amusement Area
  • 1-7pm - Mr. Scribbles | Exhibition Bldg.
  • 1pm - NCCC Tanzen Dance Team | Entertainment Tent
  • 2-4pm - 4-H Vegetable Art Fun Fair Activity | Kennedy Building
  • 3-6pm - Rain Date for GPS & Solar Fun Fest | Merton Building
  • 6:30 pm Empire State Pullers Tractor Pulls. Immediately following ESP are Semi Trucks & Stock Pick Up Trucks | GRANDSTAND
  • 8pm - Beer Tent Opens
  • 8pm - 12am - “Savage Cabbage” band | Beer Tent
  • 8pm - 4-H Dairy Animals released
  • 8:30pm - 4-H Horse released
  • 9pm - 4-H Non-market auction animals — Sheep, Beef released
  • 10pm - Kennedy, Merton & Exhibition Buildings open for pick up of entries
  • 11pm - MIDWAY CLOSES
  • 12am - Beer Tent CLOSES
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Please feel free to contact us directly by email or phone. Genesee County Fair, 5056 East Main St. Road, Batavia, NY 14020. Phone: 716-474-3656 or 585-344-2424, Email: geneseefair@yahoo.com
 
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
The Genesee County Fair is always looking for volunteers in many areas. Please email or call for more information on volunteering your time at the fair.

Horrifying campout experience is a thriller if you like things ghoulish, ghastly and gross

By Billie Owens

If a horrifying camping trip sounds like your idea of a good time, you're in luck. "Scream Campout Live!" will take place tonight and every Friday and Saturday through Aug. 23 at the PolarWave on Harloff Road, Batavia.

Cost is $50 per person to have the heebie-jeevies scared out of you all night long. Campers can arrive anytime after 7:45 p.m.. The organizers ask "Can you make it 'til morning?"

Forget sleeping peacefully under the summer stars. "Our scare environments, special effects, and interactive scare actors will place you in the nightmare of your life. We will break even the strongest will."

To do that, campers will navigate around a series of "outdoor environments" throughout the night. Stuff like walking through a slaughterhouse, a chainsaw maze, graveyard, etc.

"You will encounter total darkness, strobe lighting, latex, sudden loud noises, live scare actors, and "scent effects" -- all of which are intended to frighten you."

Just for fun, you can play zombie paintball as zombies attack you, watch horror movies, face daring challenges at every turn.

As if to make it more clear, the flier for the "campout" says "This is not your typical campout. You will become part of the live experience. You may be physically chained, hooded, caged, and...let's not go any further. Strong 'verbal content' by scare actors is part of the experience."

"The night is watching you...Don't close your eyes..."

Like we said, this thrill can be yours for 50 bucks. And if you use this promo code, you'll get $10 off:  FOAM716

You must be 18. To get tickets call 585-217-1263 or go to screamcampoutlive.com

Adult students encouraged to try GCC, new ad features Batavia mother of three

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Over the past 35 years, Ann Watts raised three sons as a single mother, worked as a waitress to pay the bills and thought about going back to college. When her youngest son reached adulthood, she did it. In December, Ann will earn her associates in science degree from Genesee Community College. Her experience at GCC is featured in a new television ad now being aired on cable and network stations. It can also be viewed on YouTube or GCC's new Adult Learner's Web page:

http://www.genesee.edu/home/adult-learners/

"Everyone I have encountered at GCC every step of the way has made me feel like my success matters to them," she says in the commercial. "GCC is so much more than I expected."

The new television commercial complements GCC's recently conducted survey focusing on the needs and interests of adult students.

"After the survey, we asked our faculty if they had any students in their classes who might be interested in helping with our new adult learners' TV ad. Ann was recommended by Dr. Thomas Priester, our professor of Transitional Studies," said Donna Rae Sutherland, associate director of Marketing and Communications said.

"Ann's story personifies the experience of so many of GCC's adult students. We hope she will inspire other adults who've long thought about returning to college and have hesitated for many reasons."

Ann last took a college class at age 17. At that time, she was a high school student in Junction City, Kan., and enrolled in a course through Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan.. Her father, retired Major General Ronald Watts, was the commanding officer at Fort Riley Army Base near Junction City.

After high school Ann, now 56, did not pursue further college classwork. She began working as a waitress and started a family. She has three sons, Zach Watts, 29, of Batavia; Taylor Tompkins, 25, of Macon, Ga; and Nicholas Gaudy, 22, of Batavia. She worked for 10 years at Alex's Place Restaurant and now works at Larry's Steakhouse, both in Batavia.

When she returned to school, Ann initially thought she'd pursue a degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management as she'd worked in that industry for so many years. A year into the program she changed her mind.

"I went back to school to get OUT of that business," she said.

She's now pursuing a General Studies degree with an emphasis on Human Services and hopes to work with soldiers suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

At GCC, Ann ended up in Career Education Planning (CEP) class with her son Zach.

"It was actually pretty fun," she said. "Once everyone knew I was his mom, all the kids in class starting calling me mom, which was a lot of fun for me and made it a lot easier."

Zach is pursuing a business degree and anticipates graduating in May 2015. Ann's dad, now 80, plans to be in the audience at Commencement. Coincidentally, Zach's fiancée, Sarah Sanchez-Anderson is also attending GCC and was in the same CEP class as well. Ironically, the couple's 2-year old son Carson, Ann's grandson, attends GCC's Daycare Center.

"Attending GCC is almost a family affair for Ann! When Dr. Priester welcomed us into his class for the TV photo shoot, it was truly a live, teaching-learning experience," Sutherland added. "But even without family members in the same class, we learned through our survey that the vast majority of our adult students -- 92 percent in fact, are satisfied with their college experience here."

Once she completes her degree, Ann hopes to land a job at Irwin Army Community Hospital at Fort Riley. That's not the only reason she wants to move back to Kansas. Three years ago she went to her Junction City High School reunion and reconnected with Hal Wilson, with whom she'd had a close friendship in high school. They've been seeing each other ever since.

"Ann's story proves it's never too late to go back to school and pursue your dreams," Sutherland said. "We're ready and waiting here at GCC to help adult students turn those dreams into a reality."

Sign-ups for weeny dog race under way at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Information from Batavia Downs:

Wiener dog races return to Batavia Downs on Aug. 24 and sign-ups for the big event started Friday.

If you are interested in racing your Dachshund, call event coordinator Arna Tygart at 585-343-3750, ext. 437. There is an 80-dog limit and an also-eligible list will be started should the need arise. The first 70 dogs entered will receive a canine gift bag courtesy of Genesee Feeds of Batavia.

Of all the promotions presented during the live harness racing meet at Batavia Downs each year, the Dachshund, or “wiener dog” races have become the most popular. Since 2005, thousands of fans have congregated at the fence in front of the grandstand to position themselves for the best view of the starters in each of the carded heats.

This year the wiener dog races will be held on Sunday, Aug. 24, during Family Fun Day at Batavia Downs. Sponsored by Genesee Feeds of Batavia, a total of 10 heats will be contested with eight wiener dogs in each race. The first race will begin after the last live harness race of the day, which will be approximately 4:20 p.m.

For the last three years, a fleet-footed flyer named Gordon (who is owned by Lindsay Ryan-Radzwill of Lancaster, NY) has won this annual event. But his status for defending the crown in 2014 has come into question. The soon-to-be 7-year-old has had a few health issues recently and Radzwill isn't sure if she's going race him this year.

"Gordon just came up lame a few weeks ago. We took him to the vet and he checked out okay and he has been fine ever since. But at this point we're not sure what we're going to do. We may give him a year off; we'll have to see," Ryan-Radzwill said.

Gordon's misfortune could be welcome news for the other doggies who will be storming down the home stretch. With the favorite potentially out of the race, the field becomes ripe for an upset.

The dogs won’t be the only winners here either; each owner will be eligible to receive some nice prizes too if their pet pups prove to be speedy.

The owners of each heat winner (10 in all) will receive $25 in gaming free-play. And the winning, second- and third-place owner in the championship final will receive $100, $75 and $50 in gaming free-play, respectively, along with two complimentary clubhouse buffets each as well.

A 12-race card of afternoon harness racing is scheduled on Family Fun Day with the first post slated for 1:15 p.m. Admission and parking, as always, are free.

Batavia Downs, the oldest lighted harness track in America, will kick off its 68th season of racing next week -- Wednesday, July 23 -- with a new post time of 6:35 p.m.

Fire in yard at scrap processing business in Corfu

By Billie Owens

 

A fire is reported in the yard at Ed Arnold Scrap Processors, 2210 Angling Road, Corfu. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding. Town of Batavia fire is called to stand by in East Pembroke's hall and a tanker from Indian Falls is requested.

UPDATE 4:37 a.m.: Equipment from Darien and Alexander are also requested to the scene.

UPDATE 4:46 a.m.: Oakfield Fire Police are to shut down traffic at Route 33 and Angling Road; Corfu Fire Police are to shut down traffic at Route 5 and Angling Road. Pembroke and Alabama fire departments are called in.

UPDATE 5:28 a.m.: An engine from Oakfield is requested to fill in at East Pembroke's fire hall. Mutual aid from Newstead is called to stand by in Indian Falls. Mercy medics are responding non-emergency mode to the scene.

UPDATE 5:58 p.m.: An engine from Elba is requested to fill in at East Pembroke's hall.

UPDATE: Reader submitted photo:

Tree-trimming by 77-year-old Oakfield resident leads to trespass charge

By Howard B. Owens

A 77-year-old resident of Sunny Brook Trailer Park in Oakfield never even left his property today to cut limbs from a tree in his neighbor's yard.

His tree trimming with a chainsaw on a pole resulted, however, in a trespassing charge.

James Herbert Manes, of Sunset Parkway, Oakfield, was arrested by Deputy Chris Parker.

Parker said Manes and his neighbors have a documented history -- at least two prior law enforcement contacts in 2011 and 2012 -- of disputes.

The trespassing charge, Parker said, is the result of that history and the assertion that the park manager told Manes he couldn't cut the tree limbs.

Manes allegedly stood on the roof of his storage shed to cut the limbs.

Parker was dispatched to the scene at 11:30 a.m.

"Obviously, you're allowed to cut tree branches on your side of the property, but he reached over and cut the limbs down to the base," Parker said.

Manes was issued an appearance ticket.

College board elects new officers, welcomes two new members

By Billie Owens

Press release:

This week, Genesee Community College's Board of Trustees elected Diane D. Torcello as chair for the 2014-2015 year. The Board also elected Laura J. Bohm as vice chair and Donna M. Ferry as secretary.

Torcello, of Pavilion, is a Bank of Castile executive. Bohm, of Batavia, is a retired housing administrator. Ferry, of Darien, is secretary/treasurer of S.J.F. Construction, Inc.

In other business, the Board of Trustees:

•    Approved a technical amendment to the College's 2014-2015 operating budget, reducing anticipated sponsor support by $250,000 and increasing fund balance support by the same amount.
•    Welcomed two new members of the Board of Trustees: Robert L. Boyce and Jacalyn F. Whiting, both of Le Roy. Boyce was appointed by the Genesee County Legislature and Whiting was appointed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. Both members will serve seven-year terms. The 10-member volunteer Board of Trustees is the governing body of Genesee Community College.

Photos: 4-H livestock auction at the Genesee County Fair

By Howard B. Owens

One of the great annual community events in Genesee County is the 4-H livestock auction at the fair. This year's auction was held last night. The event draws people from throughout Genesee County -- not just farmers and those involved in ag. The event is the culimination of a lot of hard work by 4-H members in raising their sheep, goats, swine and beef. 

Auctioneers from William Kent kept the bids flowing.

To purchase prints, click here.

Genesee County Fair celebrates 175 years: Race Day

By Julia Ferrini

A throng of fans filled the grandstands -- engines roared and the smell of victory hung heavy in the air. Thursday proved to be a fine day for racing and Raceway 5 was the stock car battleground.

The Genesee County Fair continues its 175 year history with agricultural displays, local talent and fine fair food. Children's small fingers, sticky with cotton candy and funnel cakes generously sprinkled with powdered sugar -- these fair food staples could all be washed down with a nice cold glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade. 

Once again, passersby were treated to mouthwatering smells and the frequent call of Midway hawkers.

The Fair runs through July 19 with a variety of events and displays scheduled throughout the day. For event information visit http://gcfair.com/Home/FairInformation/DailySchedule.aspx .

DOT announces repaving of Route 5 through Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) announced today that work on a project to resurface Route 5 from the west Le Roy Village line to the Livingston County line in the village and Town of Le Roy, Genesee County, is slated to begin on Monday, July 21, weather permitting.

The schedule calls for removal of pavement markings and site preparation along the five-mile corridor, the week of July 21. The paving work, which will consist of a micro-surfacing treatment, followed by replacement of permanent pavement markings, will begin the week of July 28. No changes will be made to the pavements markings. It is anticipated the project will take about three weeks.

In the area east of the village, traffic will be reduced to a single alternating travel pattern controlled by flaggers. In the village area, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Street parking in the business district will be prohibited during the paving operations.

Motorists should expect delays and allow plenty of extra travel time to safely travel through the highway work zone.

Access to all residential and commercial driveways will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.

The general contractor for this project is Suit Kote of Cortland, Cortland County.

City announces refinancing of City Centre loan

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

On Wednesday July 16th the City refunded (refinanced) the current City Centre debt service. This effort refinanced approximately $4,050,000 of general obligation bonds that financed the construction of the City Centre in 2004.

These bonds were issued by USDA Rural Development, and at the time were considered low interest at 4 percent. However, much like refinancing your own home mortgage, refinancing the City's outstanding bonds will reduce the interest paid over the life of the loan. The refunding was approved by City Council on April 8, 2013, and the City along with its financial advisors, Municipal Solutions, Inc., have been monitoring bond market rates for over the past year to find the time when market rates would be at their lowest level to maximize the savings to the City's taxpayers.

Interest rates on municipal bonds are very favorable at this time and the savings realized by refunding the outstanding bonds now resulted in more than $73,000 in increased budgetary savings compared to rates that were presented to City Council one year ago. In total, this refunding has saved the City approximately $303,000 in interest payments during the remaining 21-year life of the reissued bond, ending in 2036.

Sponsored Post: Friday's Events at the Genesee County Fair!

By Lisa Ace

FRIDAY, JULY 18TH - COMMUNITY DAY & THRILL NIGHT
  • All Day - Magical John | Entertainment Tent
  • 10am - 4-H Horse Show Fitting, Showmanship & Western | Horse Ring
  • 11am - EXHIBIT HALLS AND BUILDINGS OPEN
  • 1pm - MIDWAY OPENS | Amusement Area
  • 1-7pm - Mr. Scribbles | Exhibition Bldg.
  • 1pm - 4-H & Open Class Beef Show & Showmanship | Show Ring
  • 3-6pm - GPS & Solar Fun Fest | Merton Building
  • 3pm - 4-H Goat Obstacle Course Contest | Livestock Building
  • 5:30 pm - 4-H Tractor Driving Contest - Via Pre Registration | Kennedy Building
  • 6pm - NIOGA Jr. Showmanship
  • 6pm - 4-H Dog Show
  • 7pm - COUNTY FAIR GRAND DEMOLITION DERBY | Grandstand
  • 7pm - Beer Tent Opens
  • 8-11pm - Paul Cumming’s & Friends – Local Country Music Artist | Beer Tent
  • 10pm - EXHIBIT HALLS AND BUILDINGS CLOSE

Dont Forget about Saturday's ESP Tractor Pulls!

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Please feel free to contact us directly by email or phone. Genesee County Fair, 5056 East Main St. Road, Batavia, NY 14020. Phone: 716-474-3656 or 585-344-2424, Email: geneseefair@yahoo.com
 
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
The Genesee County Fair is always looking for volunteers in many areas. Please email or call for more information on volunteering your time at the fair.

Mysterious gas smell reported in East Pembroke area

By Howard B. Owens

There have been reports of some mysterious cloud of gas -- or a gas smell -- in the East Pembroke area, according to the dispatch center, but no origin for the smell has been found.

East Pembroke Fire Department was dispatched to locate the source and is back in service.

"They've exhausted all leads," according to a dispather.

GC STOP DWI hosts Saturday's Muckdogs game against Connecticut Tigers, plus patrol cars, Destro

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County STOP DWI is hosting STOP DWI Night at the Ballpark on Saturday, July 19, at Dwyer Stadium. This initiative is part of a season-long promotion at minor league ballparks throughout the State being sponsored by the New York State STOP DWI Foundation.

Before and during the game the Genesee County Probation Department and the Genesee and Orleans County youth bureaus will be on hand with interactive activities for the family as well as the Genesee County Sheriff’s canine, Destro. Patrol cars from the City of Batavia, Village of Corfu and the Genesee County Sheriff's Office will be on display.

Deputy Joseph Corona will throw out the first pitch. Deputy Corona is honored for having the most DWI arrests in Genesee County for 2013.

Please join Genesee County STOP DWI in promoting our “Don’t Drink and Drive” message and enjoy a night at the ballpark this Saturday. Gates open at 6 p.m. with a 7:05 p.m. game start time. The Muckdogs will be playing against the Connecticut Tigers.

Street closings for repairs rescheduled for Monday and Tuesday

By Billie Owens

Roadway paving on Otis Street in the city, which was scheduled for tomorrow, July 18, has been rescheduled. The work will be done between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, July 21-22. Residents should not park on the roadway and are asked to park on neighboring streets during the closure.

Likewise, there will be lane reductions and traffic delays on South Jackson Street from Chestnut / Jackson streets to Otis due to paving work also rescheduled for 7 a.m. to  5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

Lastly, work on Union Street from West Main to Richmond Avenue that was planned for July 17 has been changed to Monday. This work will close the roadway to all traffic from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Residents should not park on the roadway and are asked to park on neighboring streets during the closure.

In each case, all motorists need to seek alternate routes.

*Weather delay would be the next business day.

Questions? Call the Bureau of Maintenance at 345-6400, ext. #1.

Top Items on Batavia's List

Tourism Marketing Assistant Position The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, serving as the official tourism promotion agency for Genesee County, NY is seeking an experienced marketing professional to assist in the overall Chamber tourism and marketing initiatives for Genesee County. https://visitgeneseeny.com/about/join-our-team
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Town of Batavia Court Department is seeking a part time as needed Court Officer. Court Officers are responsible for maintaining order in the court room and court facility during proceedings. Please send resume to Town of Batavia, Attention Hiedi Librock, 3833 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. Complete job description is available on the Town web site or at the Town Hall Application deadline is April 15, 2024.
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