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Law and Order: Attica woman arrested for driving while impaired by drugs and going the wrong way on a one-way street

By Billie Owens

Susan A. Colton, 58, of Vernal Road, Attica, was arrested by the Le Roy Police Department on May 13 and charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs, a Class A misdemeanor, and driving the wrong way (on a one-way street), a violation.

Colton was arrested following an investigation of an erratic operator traveling northbound on Warsaw Road. The vehicle which Colton allegedly operated was located a short time later at the Five Star Bank at 124 W. Main St. After a brief investigation Colton was allegedly found to be impaired by drugs.

Colton was issued traffic tickets for the charges with a return date of June 20 at the Le Roy Town Court. Genesee County Sheriff's deputies assisted with the arrest and a driver evaluation.

25th Annual Youth Fishing Derby is June 4 at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Let’s go fishing! To celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is hosting its 25th Annual Youth Fishing Derby, on Saturday, June 4.

The event will be held at Ringneck Overlook, on Oak Orchard Ridge Road. On site registration begins at 7:30 a.m. There is no preregistration or reservations required. Fishing is from 8 to 11a.m.

The event is free and open to youths 17 years old and under, with no experience necessary. If this is your first time, some fishing gear will be available to borrow. Certificates will be awarded for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place participants in three age categories: 7 years and under, 8-12 and 13-17 years. Derby rules are available on our Web site: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/iroquois or by calling 585/948-5445. Participants and helpers must comply with New York State license requirements.

This event is one of the many ways the Refuge offers to connect people with nature. Connecting People with Nature: Ensuring the Future of Conservation is a national priority of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with the mission of “working to ensure that all Americans have enjoyable and meaningful experiences in the out-of-doors and develop strong life-long connections with the natural world.”

The Youth Fishing Derby is sponsored by the Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Inc., a nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to support the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

Iroquois NWR is located midway between Buffalo and Rochester and is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Individuals with disabilities and any other person who may need special assistance to participate in this program should contact the Refuge at 585/948-5445 or at the Federal Relay No. 1-800-877-8339.

Mercy Flight to land by Valle Drive

By Billie Owens

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Mercy Flight will be landing at Meadowbrook Golf Course, behind an address on Valle Drive, just outside the city limit, to answer a medical call. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding to establish a landing zone and Mercy medics will be assisting the patient. The ETA for Mercy Flight #9 is about 10 5 minutes.

UPDATE 9:07 a.m.: The landing zone is established. It's south of South Main Street and "wide open except a few trees to the west. A rise in the ground is marked by a cone on its side." "We have a visual," the helicopter pilot replies.

UPDATE 9:11 a.m.: Mercy Flight has landed.

UPDATE 9:25 a.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne.

GCC's lacrosse team wins national championship

By Howard B. Owens

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Press release:

For the first time in the program's history, the Genesee Community College Men's Lacrosse Team captured the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Championship after defeating Onondaga CC 13-12 in overtime on Sunday afternoon.

The fourth-seeded Cougars snapped a seven-year streak in which OCC won the title, becoming just the third different team to be crowned national champions since 2006.

Genesee trailed 1-0 early in the first but tied it at the 11:37 mark when Pat Van Bortle scored off of an assist from Alex Henry. Jacob Bomberry followed with his first of three goals in the game just 20 seconds later and gave GCC a 2-1 lead.

OCC, the No. 2 seed, ended the opening quarter with three straight goals and took a 6-2 lead five minutes into the second to build what would be its largest lead of the afternoon.

Genesee capitalized on a man-up opportunity and ended its scoreless stretch when Van Bortle recorded his second goal with 9:14 to play in the half. Davis Prince cut the deficit to two with an unassisted goal at 6:24 and just over a minute later the Cougars were within one after Jonah Mohawk found the back of the net to make it 6-5.

The Lazers went into the half scoring back-to-back goals, including one with just six seconds left, and led 8-5 at the break.

Another man-up goal for GCC started the scoring in the second half when Van Bortle set Up Sherman Williams for his first of the game halfway through the third to cut the OCC lead down to two. The Lazers responded less than a minute later to extend their lead back to three before Williams struck again on a man-up opportunity to make it a 9-7 game.

Both teams exchanged goals to end the third as Bomberry got his second of the game for GCC and he scored again early in the fourth to get the Cougars to within one at 10-9. Williams then scored back-to-back goals at 11:24 and 10:40 and GCC held its first lead since the first quarter at 11-10.

OCC got the equalizer even strength and then scored a man-up goal with just over six minutes to play to regain the lead at 12-11. But Van Bortle wasn't done and tied it at 12 with 3:43 left in regulation and after a scoreless duration of the fourth, the game went into overtime.

Both teams held a possession early in the extra session but could not cash in, until with just 1:14 left in overtime, Van Bortle found an opportunity in front of the OCC net and scored his fourth goal of the afternoon to send GCC to its first national title.

Van Bortle, named the tournament's offensive MVP, finished with six points in the game adding a pair of assists to his four goals. Williams also tallied four goals and Bomberry finished with six points, scoring three goals and assisting on three.

Darin Eakins was named the tournament' defensive MVP and made 14 saves in net. Reed Hnidy led the GCC defense with six ground balls and caused five turnovers and Kyle Dalrymple and Mike Caternolo each collected four ground balls. Caternolo was also 10 for 27 on face-offs.

Genesee's national championship season ends with a 15-4 overall record. It is the College's second national title in school history and first since 1971 (bowling).

Porch fire reported at residence on West Main, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A porch fire is reported at 62 W. Main St., Le Roy.

A chief reports smoke showing.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance dispatched, along with Bergen's ladder truck.

UPDATE 4:35 p.m.: This turned out to be a mulch fire.

Photos: Belly dancers at mental health and wellness event in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

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The Mental Health Association hosted a mental health and wellness fair at Blue Pearl Yoga in the former Masonic Temple on East Main Street, Batavia, today. Besides a seminar on bellying dancing, the event included a drumming circle, yoga, Reiki share, paper flower making, adult coloring and essential oils.

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Photos: Appraisal Fair at GO ART!

By Howard B. Owens

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Modeled after Antiques Roadshow, GO ART! hosted its second annual appraisal fair today at Seymour Place. Area residents were able to bring in the rare, the antique and the unique to have experts give their best estimate of the piece's value and quality.

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Photo: Event at Ferrellgas

By Howard B. Owens

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Ferrellgas hosted a $5 fill up today along with a chance auction on several items, including a BBQ grill, with proceeds benefiting the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation.

Photos: Spring Gala for Master Gardeners

By Howard B. Owens

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Jane Grehlinger gives a talk on container gardening this afternoon at Cornell Cooperative Extension during the Genesee County Master Gardeners' Spring Gala.

The event included a plant sale and chance auction.

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Sponsored Post: Crossroads House Basket Raffle is this Saturday at noon!

By Lisa Ace

The Annual Crossroads House Spring Basket Raffle will be held Saturday May, 14th at the ARC Community Center 38 Woodrow Road in Batavia. The event runs from noon to 4pm. We are already over 100 high quality baskets with more arriving. There will be Mega Raffles with a variety to suit everyone!

Additional sheets of 25 basket tickets & side MEGA raffle tickets are available for $5.

Beef on weck, chicken salad wraps, snacks and desserts will be available for purchase. You need not be present to win, so stop on out, drop your tickets and have some lunch. Crossroads House is the areas only free-of-charge Comfort Care Home for the dying, which is why we say, “We are a gift to the Community made possible by the Community."

For questions, please call Call Peg at 585-343-3892. 
All proceed to benefit Crossroads House, located at 11 Liberty St., Batavia, NY. “A comfort home for the dying” that serves residents of Genesee, Wyoming & surrounding counties.

Visit us online at www.crossroadshouse.com

Trustees name new GCC event center the 'Richard C. Call Arena' after longtime supporter

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College's Board of Trustees on Monday formally dedicated the new Event Center, to be located on the College's Batavia Campus, in honor of longtime College supporter Richard C. Call, who passed away in August 2014.

President James M. Sunser had announced at the April 28 groundbreaking ceremony for the Event Center and the Student Success Center the trustees' intention to name the 45,000 square foot structure the Richard C. Call Arena. 

Trustee Maureen J. Marshall introduced the resolution to name the building in honor of Mr. Call, which trustees quickly approved to resounding applause.

Call was an advocate of the new Event Center and Creating Our Future Together, the fund-raising campaign sponsored by the Genesee Community College Foundation in support of the Event Center and the new Student Success Center. Call was a member of the GCC Foundation Board from 2001 until his death in 2014. He was a strong proponent of volunteerism and philanthropy, and was one of the earliest supporters of the Conable Technology Building in the late 1990s. 

Over many decades, Richard Call and his brother, Robert, built Call Farms into a highly innovative and nationally-known agricultural enterprise. Richard Call's brother and the children of the two families continue to operate the farm. Not surprisingly, Call encouraged other agricultural leaders across the region to get behind the Creating Our Future Together campaign and make the Event Center possible. 

Richard Call was also a strong supporter of many community causes, and had a special interest in youth. In addition to his local volunteer commitments, he was well-known across the United States for his leadership in agricultural organizations. He was also a former member of the Board of Trustees of Cornell University. 

Call usually worked quietly, and never sought recognition for his efforts, said Brian M. Daviau, president of the Genesee Community College Foundation.

"Dick listened much more than he spoke during Board meetings and Finance Committee meetings, but I learned over the years that he worked very hard on GCC Foundation business behind the scenes before and after every meeting," Daviau said. "He was so deeply committed to the mission of Genesee Community College, and he did everything possible to build our programs and facilities, and provide for the needs of generations to come."

Sunser said that Call epitomized the ideals of generosity and citizenship.

"Dick believed that individuals could always make a difference, and should make a difference," Sunser said. "He was an outstanding leader in his industry, and an outstanding community leader. He believed that service to others helps make our communities and our nation great. He was and is a role model for every one of us."

The Richard C. Call Arena will be completed in early summer 2017. It will house a variety of athletic, business and regional events, and contain the largest expanse of open, flexible floor space in the GLOW region. The Richard C. Call Arena and the Student Success Center are being funded through a combination of New York State and Genesee County appropriations, as well as contributions from more than 500 local residents and business organizations. 

In other business Monday evening, the Board of Trustees:

Approved the promotion of 15 faculty members, upon the recommendation of the Board's Personnel Committee: Maureen (Moi) E. Dugan, from associate professor of Ceramics and 3-D Design to professor; Nichola J. Lerczak, from instructional services librarian/associate professor to professor; Lauren K. Paisley, from associate professor of Business to professor; Valerie C. Bello, from assistant professor of Communication and Media Arts to associate professor; Deborah A. Carrasquillo, from assistant professor of Nursing to associate professor; Christopher L. Kemp, from director of Mathematics and Engineering Science/assistant professor to associate professor; Kathleen M. Klaiber, from assistant professor of English/ESL to associate professor; Amy J. Schnettler-Zak, from assistant professor of Nursing to associate professor; Marshann Y. Thomas, from director, Polysomnographic Technology/assistant professor to associate professor; Karen K. Wicka, from assistant professor of Criminal Justice to associate professor; Cynthia S. Hagelberger, from reference services librarian/instructor to assistant professor; Dr. Bruce D. Ingersoll, from instructor of Veterinary Technology to assistant professor; Ronald V. Schumacher, from instructor of Engineering, Mathematics and Science to assistant professor; Paul A. Schwartz, from instructor of Chemistry to assistant professor; and Joseph L. Ziolkowski, from instructor of Photography and Art to assistant professor. 

Approved the granting of 629 academic degrees and certificates to Genesee Community College students completing their studies during the Spring 2016 semester, subject to students' satisfactorily completed course requirements. The College anticipates awarding 12 Associate in Arts (A.A.) degrees; 283 Associate in Science (A.S.) degrees; 266 Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees; and 68 certificates.

Appointed 489 business and professional leaders to 27 GCC community advisory committees. These committees provide guidance to college administrators and faculty members about curriculum, internship opportunities, and workforce needs and trends. Advisory committees include: Accelerated College Enrollment; Albion and Medina Campus Centers; Business; Computerized Drafting and Design; Criminal Justice; Dansville Campus Center; Digital Art; Distributed Learning; Fashion Business; Food Processing Technology; Health and Physical Education; Human Services; Information Technology; Lima Campus Center; Nursing; Office Technology; Paralegal; Perkins Grant; Physical Therapist Assistant; Polysomnographic Technology; Precision Agriculture; Respiratory Care; Teaching Assistant; Theatre Technology; Tourism and Hospitality Management; Veterinary Technology; and Wyoming County Campus Centers.

Heard Trustee Laura J. Bohm report that the New York Community College Trustees Association annual conference will be held in October. 

Heard Board Chair Diane D. Torcello appoint Donna M. Ferry, Laurie J. Miller, and Robert L. Boyce as members of the Board's 2016 Nominating Committee. Ferry will serve as chair. The Committee will recommend board officers for the 2016-2017 year. Officer elections will be held at the Board's annual meeting July 11.

Heard President Sunser report that two individuals are joining the GCC staff. Karyn S. Bryson, of Mt. Morris, will become director of the Paralegal program for a temporary (Fall 2016 semester) period. Bryson holds a B.S. degree from SUNY College at Brockport and a J.D. (law) degree from Southwestern University School of Law in California. Bryson has been a member of both the California and New York State Bar. She has served as a member of GCC's adjunct faculty since 2006, and has taught almost every course in the College's paralegal program during that time. She also assisted in the preparation of the recent application to renew the program's American Bar Association approval of the program. Timothy S. Lawton, of Warsaw, recently joined the staff as online communications specialist. He holds a B.A. degree from the University at Buffalo. Lawton formerly served as a marketing business analyst at Five Star Bank and also has operated his own Web site design company. 

Welcomed eight faculty and staff members who were appointed to GCC positions in recent months: Bethany A. Aradine, assistant director, Human Resources; Karen S. Bryson, interim director of the Paralegal Program; C. Justin Berg, disability support services coordinator; Felicia Gross, secretary, Distance Learning; Kristen Hargrave, academic advisor; Kari Heidemann, instructor of Human Services; Timothy S. Lawton, online communications specialist; Laura L. Peck, senior library clerk. 

Applauded Student Trustee Mary-Magdalen (Maggie) T. Gabalski for her service as the student representative on the Board of Trustees during the 2015-2016 academic year. Gabalski will complete her studies at Genesee Community College this month, and plans to attend Buffalo State College in the fall, where she will pursue a bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising.

College board boosts tuition $25 per semester, sets new budget -- up 1.53 percent

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Full-time Genesee Community College students will pay $1,975 tuition per semester during the 2016-2017 year, under the budget approved by the GCC Board of Trustees Monday evening, up $25 from the current $1,950 tuition rate.

Trustees also approved the 2016-2017 operating budget totaling $40.537 million, up 1.53 percent from the current year's $39.927 million budget. The net increase in the budget, however, is much less. Nearly half of the increase simply reflects an accounting change that creates $275,000 in non-cash revenue and non-cash expense.

The 2016-2017 budget is a maintenance-of-effort budget, according to President James M. Sunser.

Staffing levels for 2016-2017 are nearly identical to current year staffing. The budget, however, provides for a student success position responsible for the organization and leadership of success coaching initiatives in the Student Success Center opening in the Fall 2017 semester. Key non-classroom student services will be consolidated in the new Center, and "success coaches" based in the Center will guide students through their academic careers. College leaders believe that the success coaching initiative will help boost students' academic success and career potential.

On the revenue side of the budget, the College will receive $100 more in partially-restored New York State aid per full-time equivalent student. The increase is welcome, Sunser said, but state aid still lags behind historical levels.

The College's new Nanotechnology program, offered in collaboration with Erie Community College, will be in full swing next year. The College also hopes to launch more educational programs geared toward the needs of the local agriculture industry.

The 2016-2017 academic year will see the construction of two new buildings on the Batavia Campus. The 18,748 square foot Student Success Center will be located adjacent to the Conable Technology Building. The 56,614 square foot Richard C. Call Arena will be located at the northwest end of the parking lot. The Arena will house the largest expanse of flexible, open floor space in the Genesee-Livingston-Orleans-Wyoming County region.

The College anticipates that both buildings will be completed in early summer 2017.

As in recent years, the budget process was challenging, Sunser told trustees. But the College's history of conservative spending, healthy enrollment, and relatively low inflation helped make a balanced budget possible for 2016-2017.

The budget now goes to the Genesee County Legislature's Ways and Means Committee, which will review the spending plan before presenting it to the full Legislature.

Sunser noted that declining numbers of high school graduates have led to enrollment declines among younger students at many colleges, while a robust economy has led many older students to remain in the workforce rather than seek retraining.

"Many community colleges across New York State and across the nation have experienced significant enrollment declines," Sunser said. "At Genesee, we have experienced a slight dip in the number of students, but our enrollment remains very strong, and our financial position very stable."

Sunser called the early part of the 21st Century "the era of the community college." He reminded trustees that business, political and educational leaders are all praising community colleges.

"Business leaders know that we provide a very rigorous education and prepare students quite well for the local workforce," he said. "On the national level, the last three presidents of the United States have spoken very positively and forcefully about the value and importance of a community college education.

"But most significantly, our own GCC students spread the word about the education we provide, and our 24,000 alumni are living examples of the value that GCC brings to our local communities."

Hawley announces ninth annual Patriot Trip to honor local veterans

By Billie Owens

(Submitted photo: Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) joined veterans and their family members in Washington, D.C., during last year’s Patriot Trip.) 

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced his ninth annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., will take place Sept. 15 – 18. More than 100 veterans and their family members participated in the 2015 trip, which included stories of valiant service members and valuable time spent together reflecting on the courage and dedication exhibited by our nation’s veterans.

Hawley is a longtime supporter of veterans and currently serves as the Ranking Minority Member of the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. The trip can accommodate about 100 veterans and family members so those looking to sign up should do so as soon as possible.

 “I look forward to this trip each year as a way to give back to those who have served our country and remember those who have perished in combat,” Hawley said. “I came up with this idea following a similar trip I took with my father, a World War II veteran.

"Through the experiences of my father and my own service in the Ohio Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves, I have gained a tremendous understanding and respect for the sacrifices endured by our veterans. It is for this reason that I continue the Patriot Trip each year and encourage my constituents who are veterans to sign up as soon as possible.”

Attractions Hawley plans to visit this year on the trip include:

  • WWII Memorial
  • Korean War Memorial
  • Vietnam War Memorial
  • Iwo Jima – The Marine Corps Memorial
  • American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial
  • Air Force Memorial
  • 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon
  • Arlington National Cemetery, including the Changing of the Guard
  • Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns – Vietnam Veterans

Space is limited and signups are first come, first served, with priority given to the oldest veterans and first-time attendees. Immediate family members may accompany a veteran. If you or a veteran want more information about this year’s Patriot Trip IX, please call 585-589-5780 or e-mail carneyj@assembly.state.ny.us. To view photos from previous years, use the following link: http://vetsdctrip2008.shutterfly.com/.

Congressman Collins helps combat opioid epidemic

By Billie Owens

Press release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed 18 pieces of legislation this week to combat the nation’s opioid epidemic.

“The opioid epidemic continues to devastate communities here in Western New York,” Congressman Collins said. “There is no silver bullet to fix this issue, but the bipartisan legislative items passed this week will help communities across America educate individuals about the dangers of opioid abuse and work to eradicate this severe epidemic. What is clear is that all levels of government need to be doing everything they can to help tackle this issue before more lives are lost.”

Here is a complete list of the bills that passed the House of Representatives this week. Among the bills are pieces of legislation that establish new grant programs to help local communities, increase opportunities for veterans to become emergency medical technicians, and expand efforts to reduce the overprescribing of opioids. 

Eleven of these bills were passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which Congressman Collins is a member.

Highland Park and Wood Street in the city to close Tuesday and Wednesday for repairs

By Billie Owens

Press release:

There will be road closure on Highland Park and Wood Street between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 17th and 18th, for cold milling operations.

Residents and businesses are not to park on the roadway during cold milling operations.

Residents and businesses of these streets will have limited access to their properties and should expect delays when milling operations are ongoing. If work is postponed by weather work will be rescheduled for the next calendar day.

Top Items on Batavia's List

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