Skip to main content

Genesee County approved as Foreign-Trade Zone

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) announced today that Genesee County has been approved as a Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ), the first FTZ in the Finger Lakes Region since a similar zone was created in Monroe County in 1987. An FTZ is a site within the United States designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce where foreign and domestic merchandise is considered to be in international commerce.

“This is a historic day for economic development in Genesee County and a critical component of our broader efforts to sustain job creation and investment in our region,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of GCEDC. “The approval of this application for FTZ status will help spur economic growth and foreign investment by incentivizing businesses with customs duty savings and other tax advantages, as well as increased flexibility in the handling of domestic and imported merchandise.”

The application designates two Genesee County industrial parks – Apple Tree Acres and the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park – as magnet sites, which allows businesses looking to develop at these sites a fast-tracked application process. Other magnet sites can be added later.

Because an FTZ is considered to be “outside” the customs territory of the United States, foreign or domestic merchandise may enter without a formal customs entry, or the payment of customs duties or government excise taxes. When a final product is exported from an FTZ, no U.S. Customs duty or excise tax is levied. If the final product is imported from the FTZ into the United States, customs duty and excise taxes are due only at the time of formal entry into the United States. The duty paid is the lower of that applicable to the product itself or its component parts.

Genesee County’s application, submitted by the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation (GGLDC), establishes an FTZ under the program’s Alternative Site Framework (ASF). This framework provides Genesee County’s FTZ greater flexibility as a broad geographic area, as opposed to traditional FTZs, which were building/site-specific.

There are a total of only 14 FTZs currently approved in New York State, four of which are located in or near New York City.

Darien Lake Theme Park settles suit in roller coaster death of Iraq War veteran

By Howard B. Owens

Attorneys for the estate of James T. Hackemer and Darien Lake Theme Park have reached a settlement in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Hackemer's family, according to the Buffalo News.

The decorated and disabled Iraq War veteran died at the theme park in July 2011 when he was ejected from the Ride of Steel while on an outing with his family.

The Buffalo News reports that as part of the settlement, Darien Lake does not admit liability but will provide Hackemer's daughters, both under age 10, an annuity with a total value that exceeds $1 million.

“Darien Lake and its management are relieved to settle this case,” said Hugh M. Russ III, a lawyer for the amusement park. “And while they admit no liability, they did feel obligated to help care for Mr. Hackemer’s two children.”

The exact amount of the settlement is confidential under terms of the agreement.

Law and Order: Oakfield man accused of threatening, choking girlfriend

By Howard B. Owens

Thomas Harold Hofer, 51, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with coercion, 1st, two counts of criminal mischief, 4th, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and trespass. The charges against Hofer stem from an alleged domestic dispute with his girlfriend at 9:43 p.m., Sunday, in the Town of Batavia. Hofer was jailed on $5,000 bail.

John Everett Pfalzer, 48, of Sumner Road, Darien, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Pfalzer is accused of striking the hand of another person. The alleged incident was reported at 10:40 a.m., Monday.

Deborah A. Schramm, 32, of Lewis Place, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant for alleged failure to appear on an attempted petit larceny charge.

Join The Batavian Club and receive two free tickets to a Batavia Muckdogs game

By Howard B. Owens

I'm excited to announce this this morning: Join The Batavian Club and receive two free tickets to a Batavia Muckdogs home game in 2013.

That's right, each member of the club will receive a voucher redeemable for two general admission tickets to any home game (July 3, excluded).

Also, we're up to $270 in gift certificate value for members redeemable at 26 different local businesses.

Join The Batavian Club and SAVE: Currently, members will receive $270 in gift certificates to local businesses -- far more value than the cost of the membership! (more info below).

TO JOIN: Use PayPal buttons below, or to pay by check (annual only) or credit card, click here to download form. Or call (585) 250-4118 to pay by credit card.

Annual membership, one payment of $60
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual household membership, one payment of $120
Includes two membership cards, bumper sticker, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Monthly Single Membership - $5 per month
Includes membership card and bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Monthly Household Membership - $10 per month
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Annual Single Membership - $50 per year
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Annual Household Membership - $100 per year
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

 

Possible electrical fire reported in apartment on Lake Street, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy Fire Department is being dispatched to 78 Lake St. for a possible electrical fire in a second-floor apartment.

A Le Roy police officer is on scene with the building's owner who reports a circuit breaker has been tripped and there is an odor of burning plastic, but no smoke.

Bergen fire is requested to the scene non-emergency.

UPDATE 10:58 p.m.: Bergen can go back in service. Le Roy responding non-emergency.

UPDATE 11:05 p.m.: Negative results from thermal imaging cams. Some Le Roy units going back in service.


View Larger Map

Collins meets with ag leaders to get feedback on possible new farm bill

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

On his first full week on the job, Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) met with approximately 40 local farmers this afternoon to talk about what they want to see as part of a new farm bill. Congress is set to debate a new five-year farm bill over the coming months. As a member of the Agriculture Committee, Collins has made it a top priority to work with his colleagues to pass a new farm bill as soon as possible. The current legislation expired and Congress passed a short-term extension at the end of 2012.

“America’s farmers need their federal government to act and pass a comprehensive, long-term farm bill,” Collins said. “Congress must come together to give our agricultural community the support and long-term stability it needs.”

Held in Batavia, today’s meeting participants included dairy and crop farmers from the various counties that make-up New York’s 27th Congressional District. Dean Norton, president of the New York Farm Bureau, also participated. Today’s informal meeting gave Collins an opportunity to hear directly from local farmers in advance of his first Agriculture Committee meeting in Washington. In the near future, Collins’ office will establish a formal Agriculture Advisory Committee.

A new farm bill would establish farm commodity, conservation, trade and nutritional programs for the next five-year period.

“Hardworking farmers cannot be left in limbo while Washington partisans remain deadlocked on the major issues of the day,” Collins said. “A new farm bill is too important to agricultural interests not only in our own community, but all across this country. We all rely on the hard work of America’s farmers and now the federal government needs to do its job.”

Trailer park neighbors at odds over the sound of music

By Billie Owens

Trouble is brewing at the Batavia Mobile Home Park. One tenant has called emergency dispatchers with a complaint of loud music at one of the lots. The person playing the music called dispatchers to gripe that the irate neighbor is banging loudly against the side of his/her trailer (in an obvious attempt to quiet things down). Sheriff's deputies are responding.

Batavia Downs announces record year for 2012

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Batavia Downs Casino has closed the books on another record year, with a casino expansion starting in less than one month and the possibility of enhanced gaming on the horizon. The facility has enjoyed at least 4-percent growth every year since opening in 2005.

The 640 video lottery terminals at the track’s gaming parlor generated $45.1 million last year in net winnings, according to the NY Lottery. This figure is up 13.38 percent from 2011’s $39.78 million. Earnings in 2011 were 5.53 percent over what was earned in 2010.

“As one of the nine New York State Racetrack Casinos, we are giving back to the State of New York via our daily contributions to the New York State Lottery, and our distributions to our member municipalities,” said Michael Kane, CEO and president for Batavia Downs Casino.

Batavia Downs in owned and operated by Western Regional Off-Track Betting, a public benefit corporation. Municipalities that own Batavia Downs Casino include: the cities of Buffalo and Rochester, and the counties of Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Wyoming.

“As a public benefit corporation, all revenues net expenses are distributed to the fifteen counties and two cities of Western New York,” said Ryan Hasenauer, director of marketing for Batavia Downs Casino. “People know that when they come here for entertainment, their money is going to New York State, either via the lottery for education or to the counties that they live and work in. We’re happy to give back.”

Oxbo gets $40K grant from National Grid to improve manufacturing processes

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

In efforts to assist Oxbo International Corporation improve upon its quality manufacturing and productivity, National Grid has awarded its Byron plant a Manufacturing Productivity Program Grant.

The grant will be used by Oxbo to help offset the cost of an engineering study on its manufacturing problem solving methodology; development/ validation of appropriate measurements systems; implementation of tools to analyze low-volume variation problems; and, to enhance the Oxbo Product Development Cycle to include best quality practices within their welding department. Oxbo currently utilizes approximately 10,000 different weld configurations which presents high complexity to its problem solving measures and solutions.

“National Grid is committed to assisting and providing value to the manufacturing companies we service,” said Paul Kazmierczak, manager of community and customer management for National Grid in Western New York. “This grant will help ensure Oxbo International is manufacturing its products in the most resourceful method possible.”

“We are very appreciative to National Grid for this $40,000 grant -- it will assist with the development of our next generation corn harvester, which is one of our most important products,” said Gary Stich, president, Oxbo International Corporation. “In our competitive environment, this assistance in improving our efficiency helps to ensure the long term success of the product line.”

National Grid’s Manufacturing Productivity Program provides matching grants of up to $40,000 or 60 percent of the costs incurred by eligible applicants who commit time and resources to lean manufacturing and growth activities.

Oxbo International Corporation develops, manufactures and supplies specialized agricultural equipment for niche market agribusiness worldwide. Oxbo is a direct supplier of much of its equipment, and also utilizes dealers / distributors for certain products and territories. Over the years, Oxbo's product lines have grown to wide acceptance in their markets. Integrity, innovation and superb customer service are time-tested core values of the company’s business practices, and have helped to secure its continuity in an ever-changing agricultural environment. Oxbo currently supplies equipment worldwide to more than 20 countries, making exporting an important part of the business.

Law and Order: Man arrested by Batavia PD accused of using holding cell as bathroom

By Howard B. Owens

Maurice G. Leach, 36, of 212 State St., Batavia, is charged with menacing, 3rd, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration and criminal tampering, 3rd. Police officers Eric Hill, Thad Mart and Chris Camp responded to a report of a male subject hitting a woman outside 212 State St. at 8:39 a.m., Sunday. During the investigation, Leach allegedly became combative and when officers attempted to place him into custody, he allegedly resisted arrest. While at police headquarters, Leach allegedly urinated and defecated on the floor of the holding cell. Leach was jailed on $50,000 bail.

Edward R. Freida, 41, of 47 Tracy Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd. Freida was allegedly found in possession of a switchblade knife during a routine search of his residence by a probation officer. Because Frieda has a prior conviction for criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, the charge is elevated to third degree. Freida was jailed without bail.

Jessica L. Polk, 36, of 202 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Polk is accused of pushing and grabbing a child during a domestic incident.

Ann M. Schlegel, 35, Lawrence A. Atkins, 35, and Leon D. Atkins, 16, all from Medina, are charged with petit larceny. The trio is accused of attempting to steal $337.31 in merchandise from Kmart at 5:54 p.m., Sunday.

Scott Dwayne Kingdon, 46, of Sparks Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Kingdon is accused of sending e-mails to a person in violation of an order of protection.

Nathaniel L. Beglinger, 21, of Peaviner Road, Alexander, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Beglinger is accused of recklessly causing damage to a building in Darien, causing more than $250 damage, at 12:35 a.m., Dec. 1.

Dennis J. Saporito, 25, of Culver Road, Albion, turned himself in on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court for alleged driving while ability impaired. Saporito was arraigned and sentenced to 10 days in jail.

Robert Lee Ealey, 26, of Phelps Road, Rochester, Ealey was taken into custody by Rochester PD on a bench warrant issued by Genesee County Court and turned over to the Sheriff's Office. Ealey was held pending arraignment today.

Adam M. Miller, 20, of Oakfield, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Miller is accused of damaging property with a value greater than $250 at 4 a.m., Jan. 1, in the Town of Shelby. Miller was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

Driver said he didn't see pedestrian crossing West Main Street Road on Saturday

By Howard B. Owens

A driver making a left-hand turn out of Rite-Aid said he never saw a pedestrian in the middle of West Main Street Road at 12:55 p.m., Saturday, sending the victim to Strong Memorial Hospital aboard Mercy Flight.

The victim, Arthur L. Osborne, 46, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, has been discharged from Strong.

Craig D. Rich, 56, North Lyon Street, Batavia, was cited for allegedly driving without a license.

Rich was exiting the Rite-Aid parking lot with the intention of heading east when he struck Osborne, who was in the center of Route 5 at the time.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Joseph Corona.

(Initial Report)

Chimney fire reported on Maple Road, Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A chimney fire is reported at 357 Maple Road. Pembroke Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 8:17 p.m.: A firefighter on scene says "There's nothing coming out of the top. I'm going inside..."

UPDATE 8:26 p.m.: It is confirmed that the fire is confined to the chimney.

UPDATE 8:42 p.m.: Problem resolved. Pembroke fire back in service.

Cold and lonely - dog left outside on the porch all day on Jackson Street

By Billie Owens

Didn't catch the address, but somewhere on Jackson Street in the city there's a poor pooch shivering on a porch. And that's been the case for many hours, according to a caller to the Emergency Dispatch Center.

The caller alerted authorities about the dog some time this morning and then about a half hour ago called again to say nothing had changed. Efforts to contact the owner, who lives "in the right side apartment," to tell her to take care of the animal, have so far been unsuccessful.

It's been about 35 degrees today and could get down to 22 degrees tonight, according to the National Weather Service, plus there's an 80-percent chance of more snow.

Fleece donations wanted for PTSD patients

By Billie Owens

RSVP of Genesee County and Genesee County AmeriCorps are asking for donations for a service project they will be holding to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 21. They need donations of fleece (1.5 yards or more) or contributions to help purchase the fleece.

The fleece will be used to make blankets that will be given to the Batavia VA Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Center. Donations can be dropped off to the Genesee County Youth Bureau located at 2 Bank St. in Batavia by Jan. 14. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information please call 344-3960.

Benefit basketball game for Alexander's Austin Heineman

By Billie Owens

The Alexander High School Varsity Cheerleaders will host a benefit basketball game for Austin Heineman at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18.

Come to Alexander High School and watch the Alexander Trojans (varsity boys) take on Letchworth. The school is located at 3314 Buffalo St.

Donations are welcome at the door. Plus, there will be a 50/50 raffle, half-court shootout, bake sale, and gift certificates from local businesses to be raffled off.

All proceeds will be donated to Austin as he battles a rare childhood cancer. He is currently awaiting a bone marrow transplant.

City volunteers needed for committees and boards

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia City Council and city manager are seeking city residents who are interested in volunteering as a member of the following committees/boards:

  • Board of Assessment Review
  • Historic Preservation Commission
  • Youth Board
  • Planning Board – Alternate Member

Residents interested in applying can obtain an application from the City Clerk’s Office or can visit our Web site at www.batavianewyork.com and download a Committee/Board Application under Downloadable Forms.

Applications are due to the City Clerk’s Office by Friday, Jan. 25.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact:

Office of the City Manager

One Batavia City Centre

Batavia, New York 14020

Phone:  345-6330

Fax:  343-8182

E-mail:  jmolino@batavianewyork.com

Two-car accident reported in front of The Rez smoke shop, minor injury

By Howard B. Owens

A two-car accident has been reported at 986 Bloomingdale Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, in front of The Rez smoke shop.

One person has a facial injury.

Alabama Fire Department, Mercy EMS responding.

The roadway is blocked.

UPDATE 1:13 p.m.: All the patients are in the restaurant. There are at least two, maybe three.

UPDATE 1:44 p.m. (Billie): One person suffered a leg injury, possibly a fracture. One patient was transported to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. Not sure of the destination, if any, of others. Alabama went back into service at 1:37 p.m.

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
Tags: Jobs offered
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.
Tags: Jobs offered

Authentically Local