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Law and Order: A pair of DWI arrests

By Howard B. Owens

Lee Uzarowski, 50, of Main Street, Akron, is charged with DWI, no tail lamps, driving left on crest of grade or curve, and driving left of pavement markings. Uzarowski was stopped at 1:28 a.m. today on Hopkins Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Matthew Clor.

Lamar Lee Mobley, 23, of Warren Street, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and speeding. Mobley was stopped at 10:17 a.m. Thursday on Lewiston Road, Batavia, by Deputy Howard Wilson.

WNY Gas and Steam receives massive compressor pump from 1912

By Howard B. Owens

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Press release:

A piece of history is being saved -- a 1912 compressor pump manufactured under the name Snow has been donated to the Western New York Gas & Steam Engine Assoc. Inc. in Alexander. The company was the predecessor of Worthington Pumps of Buffalo. It was installed in the Heath Pumping Station of National Fuel Gas located in Segil, Pa.

The total weight of the engine is 192,600 lbs. with a 13-foot flywheel. While this was a donation to the WNY Gas & Steam Assoc. Inc. they need to raise an estimate of $35,000 to cover the first step in getting it here. That will cover the cost of removal and transportation to the Alexander grounds. During the week of Oct. 9th they started dismantling the engine and working on moving it to 10294 Gillate Road in Alexander.

The local organization could use your help preserving this 1912 engine. Donations are gratefully accepted. Make check payable to WNYG & SEA, mail to: P.O. Box 75, Alexander, NY 14005. Attn: Pat Peterson, Sec.

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Smoke detectors save lives and get you free pizza, too

By James Burns

Two groups well known for their stellar response times, the Batavia Fire Department and Domino’s Pizza, have joined forces for Fire Prevention week Oct. 8th to the 14th.

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Some people ordering Domino’s pizza were surprised when Engine 12 showed up to deliver their pizza. Ryan and Mark form the Batavia FD asked the customers that ordered pizza if they could inspect their smoke alarms. If the alarms were in working order, Domino’s would give them their pizza for free. If the alarms were not in working order, the Batavia FD would replace the battery or provide the residence with a free smoke detector.

Either way it’s a win for the lucky Domino’s customers. Batavia FD fireman Ryan, who became a fireman because his house burnt down, said at the first house they arrived at he heard a chirping smoke detector as they approached the door. That house now has a working smoke detector.

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The Batavia FD also handed out fire hats and badges to the children they met when they delivered pizzas.

As they delivered pizza to our residence they were called away to a possible fire with smoke in a basement. After the call was cleared the firemen returned to make good on inspecting the smoke detectors and showing the children the fire truck.

This is a great example of business and local services working together for the good of the community they both serve. The only down side is your pizza may be cold by the time you are done explaining to your concerned neighbors why there was a fire truck in front of your house.

FERC finally OKs GC plan needed to fund new water line at STAMP, thanks to push from Senator Schumer

By Billie Owens

Press release:

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced, after his push, that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved the Empire Pipeline Inc.’s revised and extended PILOT agreement with Genesee County in order to keep an important water infrastructure project on track.

Schumer said that with the agreement now approved and renewed, funds can be cleared for new water infrastructure at Genesee County’s Science Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP), bringing good-paying jobs to the Western New York region and investing in New York State’s critical infrastructure.

“This is great news for Genesee County, with the PILOT agreement renewed and approved upgrades to water infrastructure at STAMP can begin and stay on schedule and put new jobs in the pipeline,” Senator Schumer said.

I am pleased FERC heeded my calls to act quickly and approve this petition to ensure that the timely construction of new water infrastructure is not held up by bureaucratic red-tape.This newly approved agreement is a win-win for job creation and the hard-working people of Genesee County, allowing the Genesee County Economic Development Center to proceed with vital upgrades to the STAMP business park.”

Schumer explained that the original PILOT agreement between Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) and Empire Pipeline was approved by FERC and implemented in 2007 as part of Empire Pipeline’s investment to construct a new gas compression station in the Town of Oakfield in Genesee County. The agreement was up for renewal and Schumer called for FERC to review and approve the application, the agreement will hold through 2032.

This request does not include any new construction, but is solely an amendment and extension of the original PILOT agreement. Funding provided to Genesee County by Empire Pipeline under this PILOT agreement is required by Genesee County Economic Development Corporation (GCEDC) to finance Phase 2 construction of new water lines to serve STAMP and with FERCs final sign off construction will no longer be delayed.

Sponsored Post: New Listing Alert: 173 Vine Street

By Lisa Ace


Such a great house -- don't let this one slip by without looking! Solid 3 bedroom 2 full bath ranch tons of mechanical updates and just a lot of value for the money!

Great yard, location and neighbors-attached garage that is meticulous and used for entertaining presently! Perfect hang out hobby area. Basement in this home is huge and completely finished and great for large gatherings and to add lots of extra space for living-there is more to this home than what meets the eye!

Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate at 585-344-4663 or click here to view the listing.

Multiple people possibly trapped in vehicle after accident on Ellicott Street Road, Bethany

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident, possibly with multiple people trapped inside a vehicle, is reported in the area of 5955 Ellicott Street Road, Bethany.

The vehicle may have rolled over.

Bethany Fire, Stafford Fire and two ambulances from Mercy EMS requested to the scene.

Mercy Flight being put on ground standby.

Pavilion Fire requested to standby in quarters in case needed.

UPDATE 11:40 a.m.: Everyone got out of the vehicle. Stafford went back in service. At least one person was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 11:45 a.m.: There were never "mulitple people" involved in this accident, only the driver, who was taken to Strong. It was a rollover accident and State Police are investigating.

Foodie Challenge donation made to Culinary Arts program at BOCES

By Howard B. Owens

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Press release:

Officials from the Batavia Development Corporation, the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce and the Batavia Business Improvement District, collaborators on the Foodie Challenge, recently presented the proceeds from the People’s Choice Tasting Event to Chef Burgio and Culinary Arts students. Chef Tracy Burgio noted how this $750 donation would support student activities.

“This contribution to the Culinary Arts Club will help to enrich our students’ culinary education by helping to fund field trips, projects and student competitions,” Chef Burgio said.

“We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with the Batavia Development Corporation and the freshLAB project. It is our hope that this partnership sparks more involvement with our community partners,” said Jon Sanfratello, executive principal of the Batavia CTE Center and Campus.

Photo: Barb Shine, front, left, and Pierluigi Cipollone from the Batavia Development Corporation; Mary Vandenbosch, student; Steve Pies, Batavia Development Corporation; Chef Tracy Burgio, Culinary Arts instructor, Batavia CTE Center; Danny Pernesky, Debra Moore, students. Back left: Austin Deck, student; Jon Sanfratello, executive principal, GVEP Batavia Campus; Julie Pacatte, Batavia Development Corporation; Tom Turnbull, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

More after the jump:

 

“I want to leave a legacy of Puerto Rican cooking to my family. I want to leave that legacy to my kids,” said Victor Figueroa, of Batavia.

Figueroa will get that opportunity after being named the People’s Choice winner and Selection Committee Top Contestant at the freshLAB’s Foodie Challenge, held at Batavia Career and Technical Education Center (CTE) on Sept. 23.

Figueroa was one of eight competitors who created a sweet or savory dish for the challenge. He found inspiration from his culture’s love of finger food by creating Puerto Rican Cheeseburger Empanada with passion fruit chili sauce – a secret family recipe.

As the winner, Figueroa will be offered free tuition to attend the freshLAB restaurant ownership Boot Camp and the opportunity to win $30,000 to open his own restaurant on Main Street, Batavia.

Local restaurant creativity advocates conceived the freshLAB restaurant incubator to strengthen the local food service industry and to capitalize on more that $20,000,000 that leaves Genesee County each year when residents eat, drink and pay for entertainment elsewhere. The project is funded, in part, by USDA Rural Development to intentionally link regional agriculture to the menu.

The proceeds from the Foodie Challenge, $750 in total, were donated to the Culinary Arts Club at the Batavia CTE Center.

Chef Tracy Burgio, the Culinary Arts instructor at the Batavia CTE Center, and four students guided the contestants through all-day cooking preparations.

“I hope this will open the door for my students in seeing the path from the classroom to an actual career,” Chef Burgio saida.

During the competition, the kitchen was open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for contestants to prepare their dishes. They were required to create at least 150 samples, with one ingredient being locally sourced.

Gina Bianco, of Middleport, created Eggplant Busiolo -- her mother’s recipe. She enjoys cooking homemade, authentic food that comes from the heart. In fact, Bianco’s confident she could open a restaurant using family recipes.

“I’ve always wanted to have my own restaurant. I have my own food truck. My mom was a cook and my dad was a cook, and I have good, traditional family recipes,” Bianco said.

At 5 p.m., the contestants had to stop cooking and plate their food. Ticket holders were then invited to sample the food and cast their votes for their favorite dish.

“I read an article about this competition and I thought it would be fun to support people who want to start their own business,” said Janice Spiotta, a counselor at Churchville-Chili Central Schools.

Her friend, Catherine Johnston, a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Pavilion Central Schools, also enjoyed the event.

“I’m a foodie and this is a great event,” Johnston said.

Friends Andrea Fetterly, from Batavia, and Wendy Bailey, from Churchville, have been on a weight-loss journey together. They chose to attend the Foodie Challenge because they wanted to get food ideas for their families and be able to sample food, instead of sitting down to eat a large meal.

Andrea enjoyed Figueroa’s dish, while Wendy raved about Bianco’s eggplant and a dish called “Bahama Mama” made by Daniel DelPlato, of Batavia.

Ronald Smith, of Rochester, is a roofer by trade but has always dreamed of opening his own restaurant. He wanted to bring diversity to the competition with his dish of Pollo de Miel.

“So many cultures have good food but people don’t travel far to eat,” Smith said. “People don’t get that exposure and I want to bring that to them.”

Additional contestants included Lisa Casey, Judy Hysek, Christopher Hysek and Rob Rudnicki, all of Batavia.

Officials from the Batavia Development Corporation, the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce and the Batavia Business Improvement District, collaborators on the event, recently presented the proceeds from the People’s Choice Tasting Event to Chef Burgio and Culinary Arts students.

Chef Burgio noted how this $750 donation would support student activities.

“This contribution to the Culinary Arts Club will help to enrich our students’ culinary education by helping to fund field trips, projects, and student competitions,” Chef Burgio said.

“We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with the Batavia Development Corporation and the freshLAB project. It is our hope that this partnership sparks more involvement with our community partners,” said Executive Principal Sanfratello.

Law and Order: Felony DWI arrest in Darien

By Howard B. Owens

Joseph Lee Henry, 31, of Chaddock Avenue, Hornell, is charged with felony DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation first, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, and moved from lane unsafely. Henry was stopped at 11:47 p.m., Tuesday, on Tinkham Road, Darien, by Deputy Eric Meyer. Henry was also cited for inadequate exhaust and illegal stickers. He was jailed without bail.

Thomas A. Culver Jr., 38, of Wood Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear for his intermittent jail sentence for several weekends. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Roseann Cooper, 48, of Pearl Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a charge of second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. Cooper posted $500 bail and was released.

Aisha I. Culver, 19, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Culver was arrested in Le Roy by State Police. No further details released.

Alumni donation funds digital microscopes for Le Roy High School

By Howard B. Owens

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From Science teachers Sherri Lovria and Mike Chiulli:

Science classes at Le Roy Jr. Sr. High School have current technology available to them. Digital microscopes provide students with an easier and more accurate way to view the microscopic world. Digital microscopes contain cameras for easy viewing through a software interface.

Images visible through the eyepiece are accurately viewed on a computer allowing for students to view specimen together so they can collaborate on identification and analysis. Images can be captured and saved as still photos or as videos. 

Thanks to an alumni technology donation, a classroom set of digital microscopes are being used by students in Sherri Lovria and Mike Chiulli’s Living Environment, AP Biology and Infectious Disease classes to explore and more easily observe the natural world. For example: the process of osmosis in onion cells; cell structure comparison; cyclosis in elodea; microscopic organisms in pond water; chromosome spreads from HeLa cancer cells to identify abnormal chromosomes; simple stains of bacterial smears and Gram stain results to identify bacteria; sickle-shaped red blood cells to detect the presence of malaria parasite; human cell comparison due to gene expression; and Daphnia as a model to design and perform experiments to detect environmental effects on organisms.

Students have found the microscopes to be much easier to manipulate. Mrs. Lovria’s Living Environment classes recently performed a lab investigation that introduced the microscopes to the students. Students were gathered around laptops and adjusted fields of view to follow the progress of several microscopic pond organisms as the organisms fed on algae and detritus.

The students were fully engaged in exploring the microscopic world with exclamations of “Whoa, look at that!”, “Oh, this one is different,” and “That one is really weird -- it’s a vorticella!” throughout the classroom.

For many years students were unenthused about using microscopes; it was an individual experience and not always one in which all students actively engaged. In addition, since only one person could view a specimen at a time, teachers were not sure of the students’ understanding of what they were observing.

Having this more up to date technology is a definite benefit. Because the students enjoy working with them they use the microscope for longer periods of time and Mrs. Lovria reports that they already have a better understanding of the microscope parts and functions. But, just as important, they are finding their curiosity to explore!

From Principal Tim McArdle:

"We are very fortunate to have a community that supports our endeavors in the classroom and beyond!"

"Our teachers are always ready and take great pride in implementing new and exciting opportunities for our students. I cannot thank them enough for their efforts and willingness to learn and grow professionally to better our students."  

Photos submitted by Tim McArdle.

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Accident with injuries reported at East Bethany -- Le Roy Road and Clipnock Road

By Billie Owens

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A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at the intersection of East Bethany -- Le Roy Road and Clipnock Road. One subject is said to be unresponsive. Stafford and Bethany fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics.

UPDATE 10:22 p.m.: Command at the scene says responders can continue in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 10:36 p.m.: The person who called the dispatch center about the accident probably called out to a presumed occupant inside; hearing no response, the caller said the occupant was unresponsive and a dispatcher noted that when the accident was initially toned out to emergency personnel. Actually, the driver -- and anyone else -- in the vehicle, fled as soon as the accident occurred. No one was on the scene when first responders arrived. There's no description of a driver. The vehicle involved is a dark blue Chevy Silverado Z71 extended cab pickup truck with custom wheels and chrome running boards.

UPDATE 10:49 p.m.: It's confirmed that a resident near the accident site approached the vehicle while his wife was inside the house calling 9-1-1 and he yelled out "Hello! Hello! Are you OK?" and he told his wife there was no response, so that's what she relayed to the dispatch center. A deputy on scene said it appears the driver failed to negotiate a right-hand turn at the T-intersection and the vehicle went down into a drainage ditch and collided with some rocks. The pickup truck is registered to a resident of Pavilion.

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John Mungillo scores 1,000th training win at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Photo, from left: Larry Willer, John Mungillo and Jennifer Papiernik

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Western New York veteran trainer John Mungillo reached a major milestone at Batavia Downs on Wednesday afternoon (Oct. 11) and he did it in a very convincing manner. Mungillo sent out his 3-year-old pacing filly Roll With Faith that he co-owns with Lawrence Willer and Finish Line Investors and watched her go wire to wire at 1-9 over a very sloppy race track in 1:57.3 to notch the 1,000th training victory of his career.

The grand achievement didn’t happen overnight, it was a culmination of a lifetime’s labor.

Mungillo started working as a groom for Pete Mondi at Batavia Downs in 1981 and eventually became second trainer for Don Rothfuss where he earned his driver’s license and started teaming regularly. When Mungillo went on his own in 1986 his objective was to have horses from his barn win, regardless of who did the driving and didn’t let ego stand in the way of success.

Although he did drive regularly from 1987-1989, he focused more on training his stock from that point on and really started accumulating wins as his stable grew.

Mungillo’s career best training year was in 2013 when he scored 155 wins with a .309 UTR and earnings of $683,812 as a result. For his entire training career Mungillo has 6,099 starts with 1,000 wins 860 seconds and 791 thirds with $4,466,409 in purses. That’s 43 percent in the money lifetime and that’s not too shabby.

Currently at the Downs Mungillo is racing 10 horses regularly and ranks eighth among all trainers with 13 wins, eight seconds and 14 thirds off 84 starts and has banked $66,782 in purses so far. For the entire year he has 32 wins and $202,945 in purses.

Fire reported inside Dollar General store in Oakfield

By Billie Owens

A fire is reported inside the Dollar General store in Oakfield. Flames are showing, coming from an electrical box. There is smoke in the building also. The store, at 111 N. Main St., has been evacuated. Oakfield Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Alabama Fire Department.

UPDATE 9:08 p.m.: Oakfield command on scene says responding units can come in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 9:09 p.m.: Command asks Alabama to go back in service.

Photos: STEAM Day at Batavia Middle School

By Howard B. Owens

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Photos and information submitted by Batavia City Schools:

As part of a school-wide STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) Day, all students in Batavia Middle School rotated through three grade-specific learning stations to participate in a variety of interactive STEAM-based activities.

Fifth-graders, at one station, used a Bloxel application and kit to design and build their own video game settings and characters, then upload them for virtual gaming adventures. At another, they created useful items -- such as wallets, bookmarks and lanyards -- using nothing but decorative duct tape and their imaginations. At the third, they tried different size wheels on a robotic car to determine how wheel size changed the amount of time it takes to travel a given distance.

Sixth-graders played challenging coding games at one station. At another, as part of learning about simple machines, they worked in groups to build a catapult and test its launching capabilities by hurling an eraser down a measured track. After each shot, they returned to their building table to make adjustments that would improve their machine’s performance. At their third learning station, the students made paper jack-o-lanterns lit by a small bulb that was powered by a circuit they had completed.

Seventh-graders also created circuits using copper tape and a battery laid out on a piece of paper and used the power to light a small bulb that completed a picture they had drawn on the reverse side of the paper. At another station, they simulated the popular Escape Experiences exercise and solved puzzles to discover the necessary information for unlocking a mystery box. At a third, they used several different apps to drive and design programs for driving robotic sphero balls. 

Eighth-grade students had the opportunity to program a robotic space-rover so it would move around to pick up and capture objects. At another station, the classroom became a live computer game with scenarios and situations being announced, then students determining what their next move should be. At their third station, students learned how to create a flip book out of index cards -- a book with a series of pictures that depict gradual changes from one page to the next, so that when the pages are flicked rapidly, it looks like a moving picture. 

The kits for these learning adventures were provided through the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership Library Services, which also helped to plan and facilitate the Middle School’s STEAM Day.

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Photos: St. Paul's walk-a-thon

By Howard B. Owens

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A bit of rain didn't hold back the K-5 students at St. Paul's Lutheran School today from their annual walk-a-thon to help raise money for the school's tuition assistance program. They just moved the money-raising trek inside.

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Photo: Long-awaited scoreboard repair at Dwyer Stadium

By Howard B. Owens

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It's been a few years since baseball fans at Dwyer Stadium could see the names of hitters at the plate and their batting averages, but when next spring's first "play ball" is called that will have changed.

Crews were at the stadium today making long-desired (by the fans) repairs of the outfield sign that will restore the lighting to the upper portion where players' names and averages appear.

The project is part of the city's maintenance budget for Dwyer.

Photos: Make a Difference Day for Batavia High School seniors

By Howard B. Owens

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Seniors at Batavia High School participated in Make a Difference Day by volunteering at various agencies throughout the county this morning.

Among the 20 agencies where students volunteered were the Arc of Genesee Orleans, Batavia Business Improvement District (BID), Batavia Housing Authority, Batavia Peace Garden, Crossroads House, Habitat for Humanity, the VA, YMCA and YWCA.

Rain changed the nature of many activities and cut short outdoor activities.

Above, students who volunteered at the VA, instead of doing grounds cleanup, helped around the maintenance shop, including assisting in the repair of a snowplow blade. Pictured are Ray Mlodozeniec, John Lidiaga, Tapanga Wheaton, Madison Schady and J.T. Turnbull.

Below, photos of students picking up litter on Liberty Street as part of their volunteer effort for the BID.

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Agritourism Symposium to be held Oct. 26 at GCC

By Billie Owens

A symposium on agritourism will be held at Genesee Community College on Thursday, Oct. 26.

It will take place inside Stuart Steiner Theatre and is free and open to all. It is hosted by GCC's Tourism & Hospitality Management Program.

Meet the entrepreneurial agritourism leaders in Genesee County. There will be vendor booths and samples.

Here's the day's schedule:

  • 11 a.m. to noon -- Student Session with Sophie Winter, Ph.D.
  • 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. -- Keynote Speaker: Sophie Winter, Ph.D.
  • 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. -- Panel Discussion and Question-and-Answer Session
  • 2:15 to 3:30 p.m. -- Meet, Greet & Eat Reception

The college is located at One College Road in the Town of Batavia.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Amy Slusser, professor, Tourism & Hospitality Management, at 343-0055, ext. 6332, or email   alslusser@genesee.edu

The symposium is sponsored in part by Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement.

Batavia Middle School's B-Square visits Batavia PD

By Howard B. Owens

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From Sarah Gahagan:

Yesterday's destination for B Squad was the Batavia Police Department. We ran 1.35 miles and met up with Detective Matt Wojaszczk and Assistant Police Chief Todd Crossett. Both men enjoy running and staying physically active. They spoke about how critically important it is to lead a healthy lifestyle, especially with their demanding jobs.

One of the highlights of this visit was discussing the importance of developing and maintaining a good reputation for yourself, one that you can be proud of. Remembering to surround yourself with positive individuals who are going to lift you up, rather than drag you down.

While job hunting and looking for college recommendations you want to stand out and shine. Outstanding qualities like honesty, punctuality and good decision making are all highly sought after. This starts with the choice of how you represent yourself in school, in public and even when you think no one else is watching.

Each of our B Squad boys practiced a firm handshake and graciously thanked our two local heros! It was a great opportunity!

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.
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