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Got overdue books from Woodward Memorial Library? Help is here

By Billie Owens
Information provided by Woodward Memorial Library:
 
This week Woodward Memorial Library in Le Roy is once again kicking off the new year by forgiving fines on overdue books; in other words, it's Amnesty Week.
 
Bring back your overdue materials checked out from Woodward Memorial Library and have your fines forgiven. Clean slate! Note that the library CANNOT waive fines on books and materials from other libraries or on items already returned which had accrued outstanding fines.
 
But you can whittle down or eliminate those outstanding fines next week, which is "Food for Fines Week" (Tuesday, Jan. 16 through Saturday, Jan. 20).
 
You can get $1 of your outstanding fines waived for every nonperishable food item -- up to $20 worth -- presented at the library for donation to the Le Roy Food Pantry. Donations must be brought to the circulation desk to be counted. Again, Woodward cannot waive or reduce fines via food donations for items overdue from other libraries.

Live Nation, Darien Lake, announce return of free passes with concert tickets

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Live Nation and Darien Lake Theme Park are thrilled to announce that due to overwhelming demand, concertgoers will once again get free same day Theme Park access with each paid Amphitheater concert ticket in 2018. The wildly popular promotion started in 2017 as part of Darien Lake Amphitheater’s 25thseason.

“This was truly the deal of the Summer last year and we couldn’t be happier to be partnering again with the theme park to bring the best value in entertainment in Western New York,” said Jim Koplik, Live Nation president of Upstate New York and Connecticut.

This year is already shaping up to be a great one for music fans and thrill seekers alike at Darien Lake. The amphitheater has announced two shows to date, including Kesha and Macklemore on July 22 and Niall Horan with Maren Morris on Sept. 7, with many more shows being announced in the coming months. Darien Lake Theme Park recently announced the amazing new 98-foot vertical coaster, Tantrum, opening this Summer that will be a ride not to miss.

“We’re excited to partner with Live Nation to offer free same day park admission for concertgoers again this season and know we will thrill them with our new Tantrum coaster, ensuring all guests can rock and ride all summer long,” said Chris Thorpe, general manager of Darien Lake Theme Park.

To redeem the offer, guests will show their concert tickets at the Theme Park’s main gate for same day validation and admission.

The offer is not valid in conjunction with any other Darien Lake Theme Park offer and is nontransferable. Free Theme Park access is only valid the same day as the concert ticket and is only valid on purchased tickets and not valid on complementary concert tickets. For concerts occurring on days the theme park is not operating, purchasers can present their concert ticket for free admission at the Theme Park’s main gate for any other operating day after the concert.

County Health Department promotes family fitness program

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

What is your new year’s resolution? The idea to eat healthier and become more physically active sounds appealing, but in reality, it’s much easier said than done.

Between work time and family commitments, there doesn’t seem to be much time left at the end of the day to think about preparing a healthy meal or visiting the local fitness facility. Life seems to get in the way of achieving that new year’s resolution.

“Life” (and other factors) has played a huge role in the obesity epidemic in our County. According to Department of Health’s Obesity Statistics for Genesee County, the percentage of adults who are overweight or obese is 63.5  percent and that for children is 15.2 percent. These rates are slightly higher compared to the New York State rates, which are 59.3 percent and 14.5 percent, respectively.

Being obese and overweight doesn’t just end there. It increases a person's risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, certain types of cancer, and other medical issues. Along with the risks for life-shortening chronic diseases, being overweight contributes to poor mental health associated with shame, self-blame, low self-esteem, and depression.

To battle this problem locally, the Healthy Children and Families Coalition in Genesee County offers an eight-week family-based program called "Get Fit!"

This program makes exercising and eating right fun and realistic. Throughout the program, families will bond together through exercising, making healthy food choices, discovering simple and time-saving recipes that taste great, as well as learning how to eat right on a budget. 

Begin the New Year on a positive note by enrolling your family today. A new eight-week session begins on Wednesday, Jan. 17th through March 7th. Classes are held every Wednesday at 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the YMCA on East Main Street in Batavia.

If your family attends six of the eight classes your family will be entered to win a family pass to the YMCA.

It is a great time to start taking the steps to live a healthier life and doing so will make a positive difference in your life.

The Genesee County YMCA, Rochester Regional Health United Memorial Medical Center, Rotary Club of Batavia, Batavia City School District, Genesee County Health Department, City of Batavia Youth Bureau, Oakfield Family Medical Care, Insight Grants Development, and Fidelis Care are challenging all families to show commitment in becoming healthy in 2018!

For details, and to enroll, contact The Healthy Children and Families Coalition at 585-344-5420 or register online here.

Executive assistant bids fond farewell to city manager: 'He's one of the best'

By Mike Pettinella

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Jason Molino and Lisa Casey at City Hall this morning.

Over a quarter century of work as an executive assistant, Lisa Casey has had the opportunity to evaluate the performance of organizational leaders.

In her opinion, Jason Molino, who is in his last week as Batavia’s city manager, has earned a high ranking.

“He’s a wonderful manager, through and through. I’ve worked for a lot of executives over the past 25 years and, by far, Jason is one of the best,” said Casey, the City’s confidential secretary and Molino’s assistant, following Monday night’s City Council meeting. “It is very hard to see him go, but I’m very happy for him.”

Molino begins his new job as Tompkins County administrator on Jan. 29. A farewell gathering (open to the public) is scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday at T.F. Brown’s in Batavia.

Casey credited Molino for being a hard worker, “having a great heart” and possessing a memory that his served him well during his tenure in Batavia.

“He doesn’t ever forget; he remembers everything,” she said. “Even like from 10 years ago, he will pull out of his head a resolution that he did 10 years ago.”

She said that she will miss him and believes the community will, too.

“I know I’m going to miss him. I would like to think that Batavia is going to miss him as well. It’s going to be hard. It’s definitely a loss for Batavia,” she said. “I did not grow up here, but I know enough people who have said that so much has changed for the positive in this city.”

Casey said she is encouraged by Molino’s assertion that the right person will come along to take his place.

“It’s going to hurt us for a little bit, but as Jason has told me, he is very confident that we will find someone that will be just as good as him, if not better … which I don’t believe.”

Council goes along with Molino's 'succession plan' recommendations; grants easement for JC Penney

By Mike Pettinella

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Update: Tuesday, Jan. 9

Concerning negotiations between the City of Batavia and the Mall Merchants Association, Dr. Marlin Salmon this morning said that he is concerned over the parking situation in proximity to his dental practice located at the City Centre Mall, calling it a "significant issue" that has prevented him from signing the proposed agreement.

"I have talked with Jason (Molino) in the past and expressed my concerns," said Salmon, who is seeking consideration for parking spaces near his business. "The initial agreement gives us a pedestrian easement, but really what does that do?"

Molino said that the City has offered to restripe a portion of the east lot to have two-hour parking instead of all-day parking for "quicker turnover," but added that "there are only so many parking spaces close to his storefront."

The matter is on the docket in Erie County Supreme Court at 10 a.m. Wednesday with Judge Catherine Nugent-Panepinto presiding.

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No one questioned his suggestions and no one shot down his recommendations. Jason Molino's final meeting as Batavia city manager was a smooth one.

At tonight's special conference meeting at City Centre Council Chambers, Batavia City Council members unanimously signed off on Molino’s advice to appoint Department of Public Works Director Matthew Worth as the interim city manager and to contract with a recruiting firm to find Molino’s long-term replacement.

The meeting culminated a nearly 12-year association with the City for Molino, whose last day on the job is this Friday. He starts his new position as Tompkins County administrator on Jan. 29.

Council members -- after re-electing Eugene Jankowski as president and Paul Viele as president pro tempore for 2018 -- thanked Molino for his service through an official proclamation, which pointed to his budgeting and strategic planning expertise and his “leadership and creativity,” while also acknowledging his “integral” role in Batavia receiving a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award from the state.

Molino accepted the proclamation from Jankowski, quipping that “I bet you would have never predicted 12 years ago that you’d be giving me this,” referring to a situation where Jankowski’s position on the police force was eliminated midway through Molino’s tenure.

“It has been a fun time … quite the roller-coaster ride, with a lot of ups and downs,” Molino said. “The staff has been remarkable to work with, and you’re in good hands as you look for your next leader.”

The reins, at least temporarily (it could take up to six months to hire a new manager), are being handed over to Worth, who along with Ray Tourt, maintenance superintendent; James Ficarella, water and wastewater superintendent; and Lisa Neary, deputy director of finance, will be taking on additional responsibilities.

Council approved these appointments, which will come with additional stipends of $1,000 per month for Worth, and $750 per month each for Tourt, Ficarella and Neary.

Worth said he's ready to do what's needed to keep the City running efficiently.

"It’s really just a matter of need," he said. "There’s a gap and they felt that I could help to move forward until they could get that permanent solution for the city manager. The City has been awful good to me over the years, and if I can help them get through this interim area, I was happy to do it."

Molino’s departure means that both key leadership positions in the City will be vacant as Batavia also has been without an assistant city manager for some time.

As reported previously on The Batavian, Molino suggested that due to several major infrastructure projects on the table, Council would be wise to postpone a water line replacement project and a sanitary sewer design project on several streets until 2019 and 2020, respectively.

“From a construction perspective, it would be best to postpone them to next year because you won’t have the manpower available,” Molino said.

Worth said there will be plenty of construction work in the months ahead.

"The priorities, of course, are first and foremost are to assist Council in getting the new city manager search started, and get that moving forward," he said. "After that, the big tickets items that are outstanding are the few capital projects that were discussed – the TIP project and TAP project, which are sidewalk and large resurfacing. Hopefully, (there will be) a resolution to the mall issues and the sales tax/water agreement with the county are the big items that need all of our attention."

When asked if he was onboard with putting off the water line replacements projects on Union Street, Brooklyn Avenue and South Main Street, Worth said a year delay won't make much of a difference.

"Well, I can say I dug more holes in Union Street that I care to think about over my career, so I very much am looking forward to replacing that water main, but then again, that water main’s close to 100 years old -- so one more year, it seems that it’s a reasonable step to take," he said. "We want to do it once, and do it right. Those projects are projects that will be in place for 100 years ... so let’s make sure we spend the time and do it right."

Molino said he was confident that Worth, Ficarella, Tourt and Neary would be able to navigate through the projects, which include an overhaul of the city’s entire software system, sidewalk construction, street resurfacing, facilities capital plan, City Centre concourse improvements and the Ellicott Trail bicycle and pedestrian pathway.

“The budget probably will be one of the easiest things to get through since the department heads are involved in this,” he said.

As far as the search for the new manager is concerned, Council agreed with Molino’s contention that hiring an executive search firm – which could cost up to $20,000 – would be the best way to “recruit the best talent with a fresh perspective and not placing a huge responsibility on the staff.”

He made a point of stating that candidates at this level “are interviewing you (City Council),” not the other way around.”

“The reality is that they are interviewing you to see what you have to offer,” he said.

After some discussion, Council formed a committee of Jankowski, Robert Bialkowski and Adam Tabelski, which will reach out to three or four recruiting firms and get proposals prior to its Jan. 22 meeting.

Jankowski said he liked the idea of “formulating a hybrid committee” of Council members, business people, citizens and department heads to conduct the initial screening, but Kathleen Briggs said she was in favor of department heads and council members.

“No business leaders at this point,” she said, adding that Council was responsible for the hire.

It was agreed that the committee of three would work with human resources specialist Dawn Fairbanks to contact search firms and report back as soon as possible.

“I’ll make sure everyone is informed every step of the way,” Jankowski said. “We want to act on this as quickly as possible.”

In other action, Council:

-- Voted in favor of two resolutions dealing with the JC Penney store at the City Centre Mall, continuing the practice of having unique agreements with the department store – the mall’s anchor tenant.

The resolutions granted an easement for JC Penney, formally known as 40 Batavia Centre LLC, for its use of the loading dock which actually sits on city property. Last week, Black Equities transferred ownership of the property to 40 Batavia Centre LLC.

This latest action is “one of the final pieces of the settlement documents in getting them passed by Penney’s and their new property owner.”

Molino said just one property owner – Dr. Marlin Salmon, DDS, Salmon Orthodontics  – has refused to sign the settlement agreement that calls for the city to retain ownership of the downtown facility's concourse, pay 100 percent of capital improvements, and take care of mall maintenance and operations.

Dr. Salmon’s business is located on the north side of the mall, next to Batavia Family Dental.

Molino said that Dr. Salmon’s case will be reviewed by a judge in court on Wednesday.

Molino said JC Penney owners have “given their affirmation of wanting to stay in this community, which is good for our dialogue with them. They confirmed they want to be here; having that good anchor tenant is always a good thing.”

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In photo at top, Jason Molino receives a farewell hug from Council member Rose Mary Christian. "You're the best manager we've ever had," Christian said, adding that she promised to "be good to these guys (his interim replacements) for the next six months."

Photos by Howard Owens.

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Sen. Gillibrand meets with constituents at Richmond Memorial Library

By Howard B. Owens

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Though there was no announcement to the media that she was coming, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand spent about an hour in Batavia this morning meeting with constituents at the Richmond Memorial Library.

A camera crew from CBS's 60 Minutes accompanied her.

After the meeting, she agreed to a two-minute interview with The Batavian.

The meeting, she said, was arranged by her staff, who reached out to local agencies that provide assistance to area residents and those agencies selected attendees to the discussion.

"I wanted to hear directly from my constituents about their lives and what's going on and what challenges they have because I often find that people in Washington are so disconnected from reality and the people we represent," Gillibrand said. "I think Washington is pretty much broken so I like to come into my communities and listen to their stories directly and hear exactly what their challenges are."

She said the conversation was productive.

"What we heard was really interesting," she said "There is a lot of strain on costs of child care, access to affordable quality daycare, lots of strain on just putting food on the table and having health care they can afford. There is a real need for higher wages or more job opportunities and then lowering costs for both child care and health care."

While this was not a campaign stop, we asked about the 2018 campaign when she's up for reelection.

"I just want to make sure I'm fighting for the right things, and what these listening opportunities do for me is let me hear directly from people about what really is troubling them," she said.

We asked her about the potential for an infrastructure bill in 2018 and what it might mean for Genesee County.

"I want to be optimistic about that because the one thing we all agree on is we really need to rebuild our state and rebuild our country," Gillibrand said. "There's such an eagerness for better roads, bridges, sewers, electric grid, high-speed rail, better rail. I mean it's an unlimited need in our state. We have, I think, the last number I heard was $70 billion of unmet sewer needs. We had over 2,000 bridges that needed some kind of structural repair. I'm hoping that this can be the one really good bipartisan things we can work on."

There is often speculation that Gillibrand is thinking about a run for president in 2020.

She said, "I'm focused entirely on 2018 and I really want to serve in the Senate. I feel privileged and honored to serve."

All the talk in political circles this morning was about Oprah Winfrey speech last night at the Golden Globes and whether she might be thinking of a run for president in 2020. 

With the mention of Oprah's name, Gillibrand said, "She did a great speech, inspiring and important." Asked if Oprah should run, Gillibrand said, "Whatever she wants to do. She's awesome."

Photos: Before Gillibrand entered the library this morning, she noticed a mother and her two children watching her enter, so she went over and greeted them and asked if they wanted to pose for a picture. They left before I could get their names.

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Local Democrats announce new local chairs

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

As required by NYS election law, Genesee County's local Democratic Committees recently held their reorganization meetings and elected their officers. The new Committee Chairs are as follows:
 
Batavia -- Erica O'Donnell
Bergen -- Anne Sapienza
Darien -- Michael Plitt
Le Roy -- Ninja Calhoun
Pembroke -- Aaron Blake
Stafford -- Jacqueline Cavanaugh 
 
You don't need to be a political junkie to get involved, you just need a desire to make a difference in your community. If you want to get involved locally or are interested in running for office contact us at geneseenydemocrats@gmail.com

First Health Career Day at GCC for local high school students is tomorrow

By Billie Owens

Press release:

More than 200 local high school students will be participating in the inaugural Health Career Day at Genesee Community College in Batavia on Tuesday, Jan. 9th.

The event is from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will provide Genesee County students the opportunity to learn about high-growth and high-demand health careers and meet with medical professionals from over 10 different fields, including laboratory technologists, first responders, nurses, physical therapists, sonographers, radiologists and more.

Students will also participate in the Health Care College and Career Fair in the William W. Stuart Forum from 12 to 1 p.m., where they will meet with representatives from more than 20 colleges and health care providers.

The BEA Health Career Day is a special collaboration between the Genesee County Business Education Alliance (BEA), Rochester Regional Health United Memorial Medical Center, Genesee Community College Accelerated College Enrollment Programs, and the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation.

Our mission is to promote employment opportunities with tomorrow’s workforce, as jobs in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 19 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. The BEA Health Career Day will help secure the health and wellness of Genesee County for generations to come.

For more information, contact Genesee County Business Education Alliance Director Karyn Winters at KWinters@GeneseeNY.com or 343-7440.

Man suspected of starting apartment fire yesterday charged with selling crack cocaine

By Howard B. Owens

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Legal troubles are mounting for Eddie Lee "Pops" Miles after he was arrested on a warrant for allegedly selling crack cocaine on two occasions to an agent of the Local Drug Task Force.

Yesterday morning the 46-year-old Miles was arrested following a domestic incident at 207 Washington Ave., Batavia, where he allegedly tried to barricade himself in an apartment with a couch and then set it on fire.

After a standoff, because Miles had allegedly threatened to shoot police officers, Miles exited the burning apartment through a back window and refused to come down from a roof, before agreeing to climb down a ladder.

The District Attorney's Office is reviewing the case and has yet to recommend charges against Miles.

Meanwhile, the Sheriff's Office announced that Miles is being charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. 

Cases against Miles are still open from 2017 when he was charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, torturing or injuring animals, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and criminal contempt.

Miles was arrested in August for allegedly putting his arm around the neck of another person and injecting a dog with an unknown purple liquid.

In July, he allegedly took a car belonging to another person without permission.

Following arraignment on the drug charges, Miles was returned to the Genesee County Jail without bail.

Law and Order: Chase Park resident accused of hitting a person, a police officer, and keying cars

By Howard B. Owens

Dalton Chadwick Kelley, 20, of Chase Park, Batavia, is charged with attempted assault, 3rd, and harassment, 2nd. Kelley is accused of hitting another person in the forehead and of hitting a police officer during an incident at 11:03 p.m. Jan. 3 on Chase Park, Batavia. Kelley was jailed on $2,500 bail. Kelley is also accused of keying two vehicles at 6:25 p.m. the same day and was charged with two counts of criminal mischief, 4th.

Austin L. Wester, 23, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with four counts of possession of a forged instrument, 2nd. Wester is accused of forging four checks belonging to another person in order to cash them.

Devon Devonanir Rodgers, 30, of Pearl Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant out of City Court for alleged violations of the terms of his conditional release.

Alicia Michelle Gomez, 42, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with violation of probation. Gomez was released on a warrant stemming from a complaint in February. Gomez was jailed on $2,500 or $5,000 bond.

Frankie J. McQueen, 26, of Snipery Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, illegal signal, and aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. Officer Chad Richards was dispatched at 6:51 p.m. Dec. 27 to the area of Thomas Avenue for a report of a red Chevrolet Cobalt being driven erratically and at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was located and stopped at McQueen was identified as the operator.

Samuel A. Torrelli, 24, of Stage Road, Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and inadequate headlights. Torrelli was stopped at 10:30 p.m. Dec. 28 on East Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Winston A. Lockhart, 22, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with two counts of harassment, 2nd. Lockhart was arrested on a City Court warrant after police were dispatched to 29 Holland Ave., Batavia, to investigate an unrelated disturbance. 

Zachary J. Marrow, 26, of Seven Springs Road, Batavia, was arrested on two warrants for alleged failure to appear in City Court after being served subpoenas. Marrow was located by Deputy Mathew Clor and turned over to Sgt. Eric Bolles and arraigned in City Court.

Levi Spikes Jr., 44, of Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, 3rd, speed not reasonable and prudent, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, unlicensed operator, driving without insurance. Spikes was allegedly involved in a motor-vehicle accident at 9 a.m. Jan. 1 at 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia.

 Jacob J. Sponaugle, 18, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with driving while impaired by a combination of alcohol and drugs, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, driving a vehicle without an inspection sticker, failure to keep right, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Sponaugle was stopped at 9:46 p.m. Dec. 29 on East Main Street, Batavia, by Officer James Prusak.

Joseph Michael. Smith, 41, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Smith is accused of stealing from his employer, a gas station and convenience store at 629 East Main Street, Batavia, in November. Smith was also charged with petit larceny for allegedly shoplifting from Dick's Sporting Goods.

Justin T. Gladney, 28, no permanent address, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and criminal trespassing, 3rd.

James Derek Wert, 36, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Wert was allegedly involved in an incident at T.F. Brown's on New Year's Eve where he violated an order of protection and struck another person in the face. 

Jonathan R. Hyman, 45, of Drake Street, Oakfield, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, driving a vehicle without an inspection sticker, and criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd. Hyman was stopped at 4:08 p.m. Saturday on Main Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Christopher Patino, 23, of Eagan Boulevard, Henrietta, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, unlawful possession of marijuana, and following too closely. Patino was stopped at 7:11 p.m. Friday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Micheal Lute.

Kenneth Joseph Rumble, 28, of Maple Road, Alabama, is charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument. Rumble was allegedly found in possession of a needle during a search by a probation officer.

Michael A. Shetler, 27, of Stafford, is charged with menacing, 2nd, unlawful imprisonment, criminal mischief, criminal mischief, 4th, acting in a manner injurious to a child. Shetler was arrested by State Police in relation to an incident reported at 9:29 p.m. Saturday in Stafford. No further details released.

Ricky O. Cooper, 40, of Le Roy, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Cooper was arrested by State Police in relation to an incident in Pavilion reported at 11:20 p.m., Nov. 21. No further details released.

James M. Caccamise, 29, of Byron, is charged with forgery of a deed or will. Caccamise was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

House in Le Roy reportedly flooding due to water main break

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy fire is out at 66 Clay St., Le Roy, for water in the basement and an odor of natural gas.

A chief on scene reports that there is a water main break right outside of the house, which is flooding the house.

UPDATE 2:05 p.m.: RG&E contacted. No ETA on when workers will respond.

Lima's Culp successfully defends GRUSBC Scratch Memorial title

By Mike Pettinella

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Scott Culp of Lima put on a dominating performance over the weekend to capture his second straight Genesee Region USBC Scratch Memorial Tournament title.

The high-revving 39-year-old right-hander posted a wire-to-wire victory – leading both the qualifying and semifinal rounds and capping it with a 215-180 win over Jerry Blair of Le Roy in the championship match of the stepladder finals on Sunday at Letchworth Pines in Portageville.

Using a Storm Crux, Culp, a 240-plus average bowler at Livingston Lanes in Geneseo, rolled 900 to place first in the four-game qualifying round and added 873 in the four-game semifinals to earn the top seed for the stepladder finals with a 1,773 total (221 average).

Both rounds were contested on “Sport” oil patterns (considerably more difficult than “house” shots) – with the qualifying round rolled on Kegel Middle Road (39 feet) and the semifinals and finals on Kegel Route 66 (45 feet).

The event drew 46 entries – down from the 69 that bowled when Culp won the title last year at Medina Lanes.

The victory was worth $600 for Culp, while Blair earned $350.

Blair moved up the ladder by defeating Brady Weber of Perry in a 10th frame roll-off, 20-9, after the bowlers had tied at 212-212; stopping Don Parrott of Warsaw, 215-176, and edging Kevin Gray Jr. of Warsaw, 220-214. In the semifinal match against Gray, Blair struck on the first ball in the 10th to secure the win.

Gray won $260 for his third-place finish, while Parrott earned $210 and Weber $160.

The five other finalists were Dana Freeman of Silver Springs ($150), Dean Cadieux Jr. of Oakfield ($140), Mike Pettinella of Batavia ($130), Ron Bacon of Warsaw ($120) and Brian Green of Batavia ($110).

Parrott had the tournament’s high game (279), followed by Culp (278).

The GRUSBC contributed $400 to the prize fund.

Photo -- Scott Culp, left, and Jerry Blair.

Snowy owls return to Genesee County

By James Burns

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Snowy owls have returned to the area. There are currently an estimated three to five in Genesee County. We did not have any consistent sightings last year like we did a few years ago.

This year’s snowy owl irruption (a sudden sharp increase in the relative numbers of a natural population usually associated with favorable alteration of the environment) was caused by a four-year cycle of lemming births that lead to an abundant food supply for the owls in the Arctic Circle this last spring and summer. This large food supply lead to a larger than normal birth rate of owls. Because there are more snowy owls, the young ones need to go further away in the winter to find uncrowded hunting grounds. This is why we currently have so many birds here in Western New York.

The 2014-2014 snow owl irruption was the largest on record (records have been kept on snowy owls since 1890) Given the number of snowy owls that are currently in NY State, this year may surpass even the 2013-2014 irruption.

If you go out to see this winter's snowy owls or any of the other area raptors, please be courteous and safe when doing so. Respect all rules of the road and private property. If you are observing the birds with binoculars try to stay in your car to use it as a blind. If you are trying to photograph the bird, a lens over 400mm is suggested. Do not approach the bird any closer than 100 yards. If the bird is closer than 100 yards to the road it is considered OK to observe from your car. 

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Skid loader fire reported at farm on Bridge Road, Elba

By Howard B. Owens

A skid loader fire is reported at 5263 Bridge Road, Elba.

The skid loader was in a barn but has been pushed out. The caller believes the barn is OK.

Elba fire responding.

UPDATE 12:54 a.m.: A chief on scene reports the skid loader is fully involved and confirms it is out of the barn.

UPDATE 12:57 a.m.:  Now there are no flames; a chief reports, “The fire looks to be pretty snuffed out at this time.” Responding units can come nonemergency and are aduvised to use caution on the snow-covered roads.

Photos: Ice skating and hockey return to Oatka Creek in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

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It's apparently been 40 years since anybody organized a community skate in the dead of winter on Oatka Creek in the Village of Le Roy, but that's exactly what Jay Beaumont and Jon Marcello, two of the owners of Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew, did today.

Beaumont said he remembered regularly skating on the creek when was growing up but thinks nobody wanted to organize anything after a child was hurt around 1980.  Still, there is still a light pole next to the creek and with the help of the highway superintendent, he found out it still works (second photo).

At around 11 a.m. they got a pick-up hockey game going.

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Photos: Bills fans in Oakfield were fired up for big game

By Howard B. Owens

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Things got a little wild today in Oakfield as local fans got ready for the first playoff appearance by the Buffalo Bills in 18 years.

Sadly, for the fans, the Bills lost to Jacksonville 10-3.

Above, Brad Hilchey, Peter Hilchey, Matthew Doran and Tom Porter.

Second photo, Tom Porter, Brad Hilchey and Matthew Doran.

Third photo, Tom Porter, Brad Hilchey and Matthew Doran.

Photos submitted by Samantha Hilchey.

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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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