The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is moving to its new location next week.

As of Nov. 1, the chamber's official new address will be 8276 Park Road, instead of 210 E. Main St., Batavia.

The phone lines will remain the same: (585) 343-7440, (fax) 585-343-7487.

Press release:

November is New York State History Month and to honor the occasion, the Genesee County Federation of Historical Agencies and the Genesee Community College History Club are sponsoring a Genesee County Heritage Fair in the William W. Stuart Forum at GCC from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5th.

With the 2016 presidential election just days later on Nov. 8th, the theme of the heritage fair will be "Presidential Elections." Museums and historical agencies from all over Genesee County will set up booths for visitors to explore. Many will feature presidential memorabilia. In addition, there will be local history books on sale, craft demonstrations, historical impressionists and much more.

In keeping with the presidential theme, local schools will participate through two special contests. Elementary school students will be asked to draw portraits of their favorite president. Junior and senior high students will be asked to write short essays. Winners of both contests will be announced at the event. Additionally, event organizers are asking the community at-large to vote on their top ten favorite presidents by completing the online survey available at this link: https://surveyplanet.com/57fe980f5820315e61af75c7. The results will be tallied up and shared at the end of the Heritage Fair.

“During the most contentious election process of modern times, the organizers of the Genesee County Heritage Fair are excited to fuse some of our nation’s presidential election history with the current and lately, contentious topic,” said Derek Maxfield, associate professor of History at GCC, advisor to the College’s History Club and a member of the planning committee. “Through the various displays and history initiatives, we hope to remind everyone how important voting is to preserving our democracy.”

New York State History Month was created by the New York State legislature in 1997 and represents an opportunity for historians to assert the vital importance of preserving and learning about our state’s history. It is also a time to engage with the public through programs and learning opportunities about the history of New York State and the ways in which we can help preserve our history.

Further information on New York State History Month can be found at http://files.ctctcdn.com/9499bee6001/9e234d9f-c057-4176-a9da-d7e98c2cc00c.pdf

For more information on the GCC History Club, visit https://gcchistoricalhorizons.wordpress.com/.

The critically acclaimed Irrera Brothers and soprano soloist Colleen Marcello will be featured in a holiday benefit concert Sunday, Nov. 13, for the Batavia Peace Garden.

"Peace on Earth" will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. in the auditorium of Batavia High School.

The concert is presented by the Friends of the Batavia Peace Garden & the International Peace Garden Foundation.

Tickets are $15; student admission is $10.

Advanced purchase of tickets is recommended. They can be purchased at Roxy's Music Store on West Main Street in Batavia, or at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, which is moving on Nov. 1 to its new location at 8276 Park Road, Batavia.

For information, call 343-2387 or 201-7100.

Linda L. Osowski, 49, of Lancaster, is charged with: felony DWI, refusal of prescreening device -- breath test, and consumption of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle. On Oct. 27, the defendant was found in the parking lot of Pembroke Imtermediate School after police officers responded to a complaint about a sick or intoxicated driver at the location. Upon interviewing the operator and having her exit the vehicle to perform field tests, she was subsequently arrested. Osowski was arraigned in Pembroke Town Court and jailed on $5,000 cash or bond. The case was handled by Village of Corfu Police Officer Peter Scanio, assisted by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Jackson Primary held its Fall Carnival Friday evening. Students from the school went on a scavanger hunt, ate pizza and drank apple cider. Prizes and candy were given for playing games such as Launch the Frog, Tip a Troll and candy corn bowling. There were also other fun activities like "Tape the Principal to the Wall," pictured below. 

A pedestrian has been struck by a vehicle on North Bennett Heights Road, Town of Batavia. That's off State Street Road.

The patient is conscious and talking, according to the caller.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 7:51 a.m.: Town of Batavia fire back in service.

Via our news partner, 13WHAM. (Note: this is an edit from the broadcast version to replace video we can't use on The Batavian with our own photos.)

Press release:

The Board of Directors of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) voted to accept an application for assistance from T.J. Sheehan, a Massachusetts-based beverage wholesaler with various operations in New York State.

T.J. Sheehan is proposing to convert a former 37,500-square-foot Cargill facility in Alexander to a refrigerated beverage distribution center.  The company intends to invest approximately $1.6 million into the conversion and the project will create nine new jobs. Since the incentives total more than $100,000 a public hearing will be scheduled in the very near future.  

Press release:

The Board of Directors of the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation (GGLDC) passed a budget for Fiscal Year 2017 at its board meeting on Oct. 27 adopting a budget with anticipated cash outflows of $1.36 million.

“The mission of the GGLDC is to foster local economic development by making real estate development investments that prepare sites in Genesee County for new corporate tenants. The GGLDC also provides strategic investment funding to support the GCEDC’s ongoing economic development programming,” said Tom Felton, chairman of the GGLDC.

The anticipated 2017 expenditures of the GGLDC include operations and maintenance for the MedTech Centre building, site/corporate park maintenance, an economic development program support grant to the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC), and professional services. Major expenditures include debt service payments of $655,816 on bonds and loans that enabled MedTech Centre building construction and infrastructure development at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park (Ag-Park).

The budget includes a line item of $100,000 to conduct a study to determine the feasibility and cost of expanding the Village of Corfu’s wastewater treatment plant. The expansion would directly benefit the Buffalo East Tech Park and allow for future growth and development.

Major sources of revenue include rent of $454,647 from the MedTech Centre facility and common area maintenance fees from the Buffalo East Tech Park and Ag-Park. In addition, $205,780 will be received through the Empire Pipeline PILOT Increment Financing (PIF). Additional cash receipts will include $247,481 in principal and interest payments from several companies repaying loans made in previous years.

In 2016 the GGLDC completed several projects including the widening of Route 63 to support commerce in the Ag-Park as well as completing the secondary access road into the Ag-Park from Route 63. Also completed was the widening of Route 5 in the Town of Pembroke by the entrance of the Buffalo East Tech Park.

“The GGLDC will be working to close major deals at our shovel-ready parks in 2017. We have been investing and working to make these parks ready for the last decade and believe that 2017 will be a productive year with new company attractions and more job creation in our parks,” Felton said.

A resident in the Village of Bergen caught somebody trying to steal his Trump sign from his front yard this morning.

The South Main Street resident confronted the would-be sign thief and the thief returned the sign, then got in his vehicle and drove off.

The incident was reported to the Sheriff's Office at 9:30 a.,m., according to Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble.

The license plate number provided did not match a valid plate and the suspect was not caught.

Yesterday, the Sheriff's Office received a complaint of political sign thefts in Elba.

UPDATE: A reader reports that he confronted people stealing his Trump sign at his residence on South Lake Street, Bergen. "I ran in front of the car and forced it to stop," he said. He said two women were in the car and he said they had at least one other Trump sign in the car.  "I got my sign back and called the Sheriff, who came out and took info." The women were in a black Jeep. The reader said he's heard of several Trump signs being stolen in the area.

Pavilion Central School was on lockdown for a period of time this morning after a threatening post was spotted on social media.

Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble said the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation. We've reached out to the WCSO for more information.

"We understand they have addressed the threat and have things under control," Dibble said. " We only have patrols in the area of the school as a precaution."

We'll update this post if more information becomes available.

UPDATE 10:43 a.m.: Pavilion Superintendent Ken Ellison said the school was never on an official lockdown. There were deputies in the area as an extra precaution, but an actual lockdown was never initiated. Ellison said the district became aware of a threatening statement posted on social media last night and he worked most of the night with the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office and the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on the investigation. A spokesman for WCSO said that office will likely have a statement on the situation this afternoon, but the investigation is ongoing.

Pembroke beat Canisteo-Greenwood 46-19 to win the Conner and Ferris Bowl Thursday night.

Zach von Kramer had 32 carries for 316 yards and four touchdowns. He set the Pembroke season rushing record with 1,649 on the season.

Reid Miano was 3-4 for 41 yards and one TD pass. He also had a one yard TD run.

Dakota Dieter had two catches for 37 yards including a 19 yard TD catch.

Defensively, Damion Ramirez had seven tackles and one sack to lead the way. Pembroke finished 5-4.  

More pictures can be seen at:http://francletography.photoshelter.com/gallery/2016-10-27-Canisteo-Greenwood-10-vs-Pembroke-12/G00009TcSHZJ4VIM/C0000f1tHYlmnDIE

Robert S. Sojda, 52, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. At 10:52 p.m. on Oct. 25 Batavia Police responded to the Speedway convenience store at 204 W. Main St. for the report of a larceny. While police were on scene, Sojda returned to the store and he was taken into custody. He allegedly stole a Mike's Harder Lemonade by placing the can inside his sweatshirt prior to leaving the Speedway. He was issued an appearance ticket for Nov. 1 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Erick Perkins.

Dakota O. Irvin, 25, of Ross Street, Batavia, turned himself into Batavia Police headquarters Oct. 24 on a bench warrant after he failed to appear in City Court for a traffic ticket issued Oct. 19 for third-degree aggravated unlicensed operator. He was jailed on $500 bail and was due in City Court this afternoon. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Press release from City of Batavia Police Department:

SUBJECT: Halloween Trick or Treating

DATE / TIME OF OCCURENCE: Monday, Oct. 31 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

If you plan on going door to door make sure you are properly supervised by a parent or responsible adult.

Do not go to homes where the porch lights are off

Use a flashlight to let drivers see you, and see where you are going.

To avoid tripping or injury don't wear costumes that are loose fitting and too long.

Don't wear masks that obscure your vision, make up is a good alternative to masks.

Wear reflective, bright colors to be seen by drivers after dark.

Walk on the sidewalks, or as near to the curb as possible if there are no sidewalks.

Observe safety rules when crossing or walking on the streets, and stay clear of traffic.

Parents should inspect any treats before you eat them!

The Batavia Police HIGHLY RECOMMEND as an alternative to going door to door, attend one of the Halloween events sponsored by local businesses.

Choose costumes that are marked flame retardant.

Make props such as magic wands and swords out of cardboard, rather than metal or wood.

Give and accept wrapped or packaged candy only.

Go out in daylight and carry a flashlight in case of delay.

Have children stay within their neighborhood; only visit homes you know.

All “Trick or Treating” shall be completed by 9 p.m.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) said he opposes pay raises for lawmakers, as the core function of the Legislature is helping New Yorkers improve their quality of life through a responsible budget and effective legislation, not making more money. 

Hawley also believes a more efficient legislative schedule, for example starting session at 9 a.m. and working until 5 p.m., three days per week instead of 59 days spread over six months, would enable the people’s work to be wrapped up by the end of March. 

“We need to return to what our Founding Fathers envisioned when our country was conceived, citizen representatives whose motivation for taking office was to serve their neighbors,” said Hawley. “We don’t need more money; we need an emphasis on stewardship, governance and efficiency. I am honored to serve the residents of the 139^th district and all New Yorkers; I do not support a legislative pay raise at the expense of those I represent.”

Hawley also said he does not believe the Commission on Legislative, Judicial & Executive Compensation should be making a lawfully-binding pay raise recommendation to the Legislature. That decision, he said, should be up to those elected by the public.

“An embarrassing number of legislators have been found to be abusing the public trust. Until there are rock-solid reforms in place to ensure an end to corruption, bribery, fraud and pay-to-play politics, we should not even entertain the thought of a raise,” said Hawley.

Hawley believes that people should run in order to advocate for their neighbors and not because they are seeking a lucrative occupation. In order to recruit citizens who are in it for the right reasons and deter future corruption, he has fought for legislation that would do away with pensions for statewide elected officials convicted of a felony (A377). Hawley pledged to continue fighting for ethics reform during the upcoming session.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced the endorsement of the Federation of Republican Women represented in New York’s 27^th Congressional District. New York’s 27^th Congressional District includes 105 towns spread across Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario and Monroe counties.

“I am proud to be a strong advocate for women throughout Western New York and the country," Collins said. "The Federation of Republican Women is a model organization working to ensure our conservative principles are represented in government. I am honored to have their support and will continue to fight for the best interest of all women."

The NY-27 Chapters of the Federation of Republican Women lauded Congressman Collins for his continued support of legislation that upholds Conservative values and his strong advocacy on the issues impacting women throughout the country.

“Western New York needs dedicated leaders who work to make our community a better place to live, work and raise a family,” said Kim Bowers, president of the Erie County Federation of Republican Women and Director of the 8^th Judicial District.

“The five counties that represent a large portion of the 8^th judicial district (Erie, Niagara, Wyoming, Genesee and Orleans counties) are proud to endorse Congressman Collins who is committed to putting forth smart policies that continue to help Western New York grow and prosper for years to come.”

"We need strong leaders that are willing to take a stand on issues that impact the Upstate New York region," said Trisha Turner, president of the Ontario County Women's Republican Club and Ontario County Chairwoman.  “Congressman Collins is a tremendous advocate for the Finger Lakes region, and represents our values well in Washington."

The National Federation of Republican Women works to empower women of all backgrounds in the political process and seeks to promote the principles, objectives, and policies of the Republican Party. Since 1983, the National Federation of Republican Women has been one of the largest grassroots political organizations in the country.

In Congress, Congressman Collins has voted in support of a number of legislative items impacting women throughout the United States, including:

- Voted to Support S.47, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in the 113^th Congress (Signed into law on March 7, 2013)

Reauthorizes federal funds to be used in the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes against women.

- Cosponsored and voted to support H.R. 2722, the Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative Coin Act (Signed into law on April 29, 2016)

Directs the Department of the Treasury to mint special breast cancer coins, with proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

- Voted to support H.R. 5578, the Survivors’ Bill of Rights Act of 2016 (Signed into law on October 7, 2016).

Ensures sexual assault and rape victims have the following rights: (1) to have their rape kits and other evidence preserved for the length of the statute of limitations of the crime, (2) the right to request the rape kit be kept on file for a longer period of time, and (3) the right to be notified of any and all test results that may come from a rape kit.

- Cosponsor of H.R. 1197, the Accelerating the End of Breast Cancer Act of 2015

Directs the President to establish a commission to accelerate the end of breast cancer. This legislation would allow for the following: (1) the ability to identify opportunities and ideas within both the public and private sector that are key components in achieving the end of breast cancer, (2) recommends projects to leverage these opportunities, and (3) ensures that the federal governments’ various activities are coordinated and non-duplicative.

Both the Congressman and members of his staff have worked closely with patient-advocates from the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester to ensure this legislation is given the attention it deserves.

- Cosponsor of H.R. 2540, the Breast Cancer Education Act of 2015

Directs the Department of Health and Human Services to provide for both the planning and implementation of an education campaign to inform breast cancer patients anticipating surgery about the availability and coverage of breast reconstruction, prostheses, and other available options. This legislation primarily focuses on informing patients who are members of racial and ethnic minority groups of the resources listed above.

- Cosponsor of H.R. 3339, the Protecting Access to Lifesaving Screenings Act

Preserves Medicare coverage for mammography screening for women over the age of 40.

(In 2009, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force had changed its recommendation that women between the ages of 40-49 years old should not receive an annual mammogram.

- Cosponsor of H.R. 1340, the International Violence Against Women Act of 2015

Directs the Secretary of State to establish an Office of Global Women’s Issues to fight gender-based violence throughout the world.

- Voted to fund $1.1Billion to combat the Zika virus

Allocated priority funding for mothers due to the potential microcephaly risk.

- Requested that the Appropriations Committee requests funding for Breast and Ovarian Cancer research through the Department of Defense.

- Supported the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority’s application to receive grant funding that would fund programs to encourage access to prenatal care for low-income families.

Congressman Collins was elected in 2012 and reelected in 2014 to represent the 27th District of New York.

Press release:

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, western Vermont, and north central Massachusetts announced today that the company will offer military personnel and their immediate families an 11-percent discount off of their grocery bill this Veterans Day.

On Friday, Nov. 11, Tops Markets will honor an 11-percent discount off of a total order to all veterans and immediate family members in the same household, who shop at any Tops location.  Customers should present proof of service that they, or an immediate family member are a U.S. Veteran, active duty, reserve or retired military personnel to automatically receive an 11-percent discount off of their total purchase that day.

In Genesee County, there are two Tops locations: 390 W. Main St. in Batavia and 128 W. Main St., Le Roy.

“The respect and gratitude we have for the people who serve and have served in the military is immeasurable, and for that we are forever grateful,” said Frank Curci, Tops chairman and chief executive officer. “We wanted to support local military personnel by giving back to our associates and customers who have courageously defended our country and made many sacrifices through their military service.”

Tops is a longtime supporter of military associates and customers. The company’s actions include support of the American Veterans Tribute Traveling Wall, Honor Flight Missions, sending care packages for troops serving domestically and overseas, VA hospital visits, and participation in veteran job fairs, parades and expos.

Amazing tri-level home with amenities galore! 5 BD/3.5 BA, double lot, attached 2.5 car garage, deck, remodeled kitchen w/ granite, soft close, pull outs, and radiant heat under tile. Basement access from garage. Multizone heat, 2 a/c units, 2 water heaters, furnace and boiler. Whirlpool water filtration system, transferable home warranty through 2018, cedar closet, master suite, the list goes on and on. Schedule your showing today! Call Charles Flynn at 716-860-2222 or click here to view the full listing.

As County Manager Jay Gsell and the Legislature work on finalizing the 2017 budget, it's been a bit of a nail-biter for county officials wondering if they would be able to close on the sale of the Nursing Home before Dec. 31.

Without the close, the county would need to include nearly $16 million in expenses and offsetting revenue in the budget.

Back in May, the NYS Health Department approved the certificate of need ("CoN" -- a kind of license) 160-bed care facility, but officials had gotten no word on the other CoN for the 80-bed adult home.

All along, Gsell felt the sale would be finalized before the end of the year, but without final approval, there was no way to count on it.

Yesterday, an executive with the prospective Nursing Home buyer, Premier Health LLC, got a phone call from a state official saying the certificate of need was approved and an official letter should be dropped in the mail today.

"At least now we have a very good sense that this is actually going to happen in the calendar year 2016," Gsell said.

Once the letter is in hand, both sides can start working on the details of closing the sale, including transferring employees and contractors, completing paperwork, and finalizing how to handle accounts receivable, among other details.

That will be a three- or four-week process, Gsell said.

The county will get about $15 million for the nursing home, but after expenses, only about 25 percent of those proceeds will be available for either the general fund or the capital fund.

Gsell was able to share the good news with legislators yesterday during a budget work session.

There were no decisions that came out of yesterday's budget discussion. The legislators have a 292-page, $141 million budget to pore through as they grapple with their options for the tax rate, deficit spending or any big spending cuts that they might make.

Gsell's budget is balanced, but it requires pulling $1 million from reserve funds and reallocating sales tax revenue from future road and bridge repairs to the 2017 general fund.

A $15 million increase in assessed value, of which about $7 million is taxable, for properties in the county, makes the break-even tax rate for the 2016 vs. 2017 tax levy at $9.66 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.

Gsell's budget proposal increases the tax levy by $645,000, the maximum increase under the state's tax cap law.

That would set the 2017 property tax rate from the county at $9.76 per thousand of assessed value, or 10 cents lower than 2016.

The Legislature will consider whether to pass a resolution authorizing them to override the tax cap limit to raise taxes. Because of timing and budget deadline issues, the resolution will need to be passed before they even get to the point of deciding what the tax rate should be.

It's a policy decision for the legislature whether to accept Gsell's budget as proposed, raise taxes to reduce deficit spending, or make significant cuts in non-mandated services, such as parks and law enforcement.

Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. officers and directors agreed today that a focus on "employee appreciation" is key to moving the organization in the right direction.

Several directors commented on a "Meet & Greet" session that took place on Wednesday afternoon with rank-and-file workers at Batavia Downs Gaming, applauding management with their efforts to reach out to its employees.

"We got a chance to meet the employees, and we want them to know that we're trying to do the best job possible for the corporation," said Board Chairman Richard Bianchi (Monroe County).

WROTB President Henry F. Wojtaszek said the get-together, along with a new employees' Anniversary Rewards Program, are ways for management "to let employees know that we appreciate their hard work."

The "Meet & Greet" session was "all positive," according to Jim Starkweather, an eight-year employee in the skilled maintenance department.

"I guess it's the new regime -- Henry, Scott Kiedrowski and Mike Nolan -- trying to reach out," Starkweather said afterward in the Paddock Room that has been set up for a Pink Hatters cancer awareness fundraising event this afternoon. "I thought it was all positive and good; promoting a family atmosphere."

Starkweather said he hopes more of these type of communication sessions are scheduled in the future.

The Anniversary Rewards Program, coordinated by Sean Schiano, director of Branch Operations, and Ryan Hasenauer, director of Marketing, offers merchandise, clothing, gift cards, concert tickets and sporting events tickets to employees based on their length of service -- one year, five years, 10 years, 25 years, 30 years and 35 years,

"We're trying to improve morale, and feel that this is a good program with something nice for everybody," Schiano said.

In other developments:

-- Wojtaszek said an accord between WROTB and the Western New York Harness Horsemen's Association will result in the opening of a new six-race paddock prior to the 2018 racing season. The new paddock became necessary when Batavia Downs tore down part of the old paddock to make room for the new hotel.

"We agreed to pick up the cost for some of the things they had (normally) paid for, to hold a holiday party for them and to add a couple of nights of racing," said Wojtaszek, noting that the current season has been extended for at least another week, until Dec. 17 or beyond. 

He said construction on the new paddock will begin after the first of the year.

CLICK HERE for an announcement from the WNYHHA website.

-- The president also gave an update on the Downs' expansion plans, a nearly $4 million Capital Award venture that will add another room on the east side of the Paddock Room for horse bettors, a new banquet room next to Fortune's Restaurant, and enhancements to the 34 Rush club, facility entrance and parking lot. He said he expects approval from the New York State Gaming Commission sometime next month.

-- Directors voted to authorize management to look into the possibility of downsizing the number of OTB branches from the current 24, a move that directors Elliott Winter (Niagara County) and Richard Haberer (Cattaraugus County) voted against.

"There's been a lot of negative discussion about the state of horse racing, but I believe that we need to do what we can to keep it going," Winter said.

-- Comptroller Jacquelyne Leach reported third-quarter earnings of $282,000 and September surcharge distributions of $108,000. Leach said the numbers were down compared to the same time last year because that's when the sale of property to developers of the Hotel at Batavia Downs went through, but otherwise "they were right on target."

-- Bianchi reported that Fred Hamilton, director of food services, submitted his resignation, effective Dec. 31. Hamilton said he is retiring after 11 years to spend more time with his wife and grandchildren.

-- Announced that the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new hotel is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. next Wednesday (Nov. 2). State and local dignitaries are expected to attend the invitation-only event.