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Regional qualifier basketball: Batavia beats Pittsford Sutherland 57-53

By Steve Ognibene

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A1 Pittsford Sutherland hosted A2 Batavia at Gates Chili High School last night in the Far West Regional Qualifier playoff game.  

T Sean Alaya hit two three-point buckets and Malachi Chenault added field goals to lead the Devils 16-12 after the first period. Batavia's defensive play kept Pittsford Sutherland from scoring chances on the paint and the opponents had to change up their game.

Josh Mack scored six points and a steal with Jack Ward, both from Pittsford, to bring the game closer in the second period. However, Batavia's Ryan Hogan dropped a three-pointer and two buckets to keep the Devils lead to 25-22 at the half. Trevor Sherwood added a couple assists.

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The third period was led by Batavia as they held Pittsford Sutherland to four points. Holding them to four points was a key to our success, said Head Coach Buddy Brasky. Batavia's Greg Mruczek and Jake Schrider added some defensive play to allow Batavia to increase their lead to nine points 35-26 to end the quarter.  

In the fourth quarter Pittsford Sutherland fouled nine times to bring Batavia to score 14 points. Each time Pittsford Sutherland got the ball they were sinking threes left and right. Kevin Davis and Robbie Doggett combined for five three-point buckets; Jack Ward added four points but the Blue Devils held on and never gave up the lead to win 57-53.

Batavia's top scorers were Chenault 17 points, Hogan 12 and Alaya with 10.

Pittsford Sutherland's top contributors were Doggett 17, Mack 16 and Ward with 14.

Batavia's record increases to 17-7 and will play Section VI Williamsville South with a record of 21-3 this Saturday at Buffalo State College at 7 p.m.

For more photos go to: Steve Ognibene Photography

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Car crashes into house on Oak Orchard Road, residence evacuated

By Billie Owens

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A passerby reports a car crashed into a house at 7797 Oak Orchard Road, unknown injuries, but the male driver is said to be responsive. A natural gas line was struck and is leaking. A power line is also down across the roadway, which is not passable. Northbound traffic on Route 98 and Batavia-Elba Town Line Road (Daws Corners) will have to be shut down, according to first responders. Elba Fire Police are called for traffic control; Town of Batavia Fire Department personnel are on scene. Mercy medics are also responding. There's a strong smell of natural gas, but the gas line "has been secured." The residence has been evacuated. National Fuel and National Grid are contacted and are dispatching crews; no ETA. Responders are told to use caution upon approach because the road conditions are icy.

UPDATE 3:44 a.m.: The driver is allegedly intoxicated and will be transported to UMMC for evaluation. A code enforcement officer is called to the scene.

UPDATE 4:28 a.m.: Deputy on scene said the cause of the accident is under investigation. The vehicle was southbound and crossed the road, striking a pole on the residential property and then striking the porch of the house. There were reportedly icy conditions. The driver was in the vehicle when Town of Batavia fire arrived on scene, but self-extricated. State Police are assisting in the investigation.

UPDATE 4:53 a.m.: Route 98 is open in both directions. Town of Batavia fire and Elba Fire Police back in service.

UPDATE 9:16 a.m.: Joshua D. McGuire, 22, of Albion, is charged with DWI. Other charges are pending. The accident is being investigated by Deputy Joseph Loftus.

Two projects on GCEDC's agenda for tomorrow

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Board of Directors of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) will consider a final resolution for Darien Lake Theme Park Resort’s Tourism Destination Project as well as an initial resolution for Mega Properties, Inc.’s Koolatron project, at its March 3 board meeting.

Darien Lake Theme Park Resort is planning to add two new park attractions, including a six-flume water slide and new roller coaster train for its 2016 operating season. The projected capital investment for both park projects is approximately $2.8 million. The company is seeking a total of $189,200 in sales tax exemptions for the construction and installation of the new rides and enhancements.

The board will also consider an initial resolution for Mega Properties, Inc., which provides distribution services to the United States for Koolatron Corporation, a Canadian-based manufacturer of consumer goods. The company’s distribution center has operated in Batavia since 1979 and plans to add 25,000 square feet to its existing facility in order to increase production.

The GCEDC Board meeting will take place at 4 p.m. and is open to the public. Meetings are held at the Innovation Zone Conference Room at MedTech Centre, 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia, on the first floor, across from Genesee Community College.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of possessing modified flare gun

By Howard B. Owens

William E. Berge, 21, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. Berge was allegedly found in possession of a flare gun that was modified to fire a 12-gauge shotgun round.

Joseph M. Marceilli Jr., 30, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and obstructed view. Marceilli was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 4:52 p.m. Saturday on Liberty Street, Batavia, by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Tyler J. Henderson, 27, of Franklin Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Henderson was arrested on a City Court warrant and released on his own recognizance.

Woodrow C. Horseman, 39, no permanent address, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on criminal trespass and endangering the welfare of a child. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Jeffrey Robert Ammon, 48, of South Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with trespass. Ammon is accused of being on the premises of a location on Maple Avenue, Bergen, at 6:25 p.m. Tuesday after being told to leave. Also charged with trespass was Krista Renee Lewis, 46, of Church Street, Bergen.

Amanda Ann Allard, 35, of Cadwell Road, Bliss, is charged with possession or transport or offer for sale of unstamped cigarettes and speeding. Allard was stopped at 12:29 p.m. Tuesday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Tremain Valdez Gillbert, 26, of Wing Street, Bliss, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Wing was arrested following a traffic stop at 12:29 p.m. Tuesday on Route 77, Pembroke.

Nominations sought for Oakfield­-Alabama Alumni Hall of Fame

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Nominations are currently being accepted for this year’s induction class of the Oakfield-Alabama Alumni Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding OACS alumni who have achieved distinction in their lives and chosen field after high school through significant contributions to their career, community or through personal achievements.

If you know a person who meets the following criteria, please consider nominating him/her for this prestigious honor:

  1. Nominees must be graduates of OACS or one of its predecessors, or have been active in school classes and activities during their senior year. (Nominees who left school while in good standing to perform military service are also eligible. Deceased alumni are not eligible for induction until the fifth anniversary of the year of their death.)
  2. Nominees must have graduated prior to 2001.
  3. Selection is based on achievement after leaving OACS which includes a worthy record in more than one, and exemplary achievement in at least one of the following:
  • Job-related achievements
  • Professional honors and awards, professional affiliations, publications
  • Civic or community involvement
  • Personal achievements/accomplishments
  • Positive impact on the communities in the Oakfield-Alabama school district

Anyone may submit a nomination for any person meeting the criteria stated above. Nominations must be made during the nomination period only (March 1 – April 30) by using the Online Nomination Form or the PDF Nomination Form (see links below). Electronically submitted nominations are strongly preferred over mailed-in, hardcopy nominations.

  1. Online Nomination Form  http://www.oacsalumni.org/content/HallOfFame/NominationProcess/OnlineForm
  2. PDF Nomination Form http://www.oacsalumni.org/content_files/HallOfFame/NominationProcess/form.pdf

'Pay Attention': The opioid addiction epidemic is right here, right now

By Billie Owens

Photo by Steve Ognibene of resident DEA agent-in-charge John Flickinger. 

Morgan Brittany Axe came from a good family with friends and relatives who loved her. She played volleyball and became a cheerleader. She had relatives here who attended Batavia High School. She traveled the same streets we travel.

"She looked like you," her mother, Deanna Axe, told the crowd gathered Monday afternoon in the BHS auditorium. "She is you."

But Morgan died in December at age 24 from an overdose after losing a four-year battle to overcome heroin addiction. She was pregnant with Deanna Axe's grandson, Isaiah Douglas Lee Mathis, at the time of her death and the unborn baby died, too.

The heart-wrenching story was shared with students and about 100 community members at a forum called "Pay Attention: Addressing Prescription Drug Abuse and Heroin Addiction in Our Community."

Morgan's downward spiral was triggered when a young man she loved committed suicide while talking on the phone with her. She was devastated by the loss and a doctor prescribed Xanax. Later someone suggested "Try this, you'll feel better. And she did."

But in that one moment, everything changed. The pain was gone but only fleetingly. Then came the numbness, sadness, isolation, truancy, poor grades, joylessness, more drugs.

"The first time you choose, the second time the disease chooses you," Deanna said. "And the disease takes over. You can't get back no matter how hard you try."

Jail. Institutions. Death.

"Deal with life on life's terms. ... There's no situation in your life that can be overcome by taking drugs," Deanna said. "When you wake up tomorrow after the drugs have worn off, you have the same problems."

The Rachel Platten song "Stand By You" provided the soundtrack to a brief video showing highlights from Morgan's life. The cute little girl. The young adolescent cuddling the chocolate-colored puppy. The happy-go-lucky teen taking candid selfies with friends. The beautiful young woman with long dark hair and a winning smile. 

"(Addiction) will knock you to your knees. ... Please don't take this path," Deanna said. "It will lead to disaster."

In addition to the first-hand account about the Axe family, the forum featured an overview by William J. Hochul Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York (spanning 17 counties), and input from law enforcement personnel from Batavia PD, Le Roy PD, and the federal Drug Enforcement Agency. It was sponsored by a coalition of community volunteers known as Act Genesee, which promotes "healthy and safe choices through education and action." Representatives from the county, the Prevention Resource Center, State Police, GCASA, Batavia Urgent Care and others on the front lines of the opioid-addiction epidemic were also there.

Hochul said the United States has 4 percent of the world's population, but consumes 99.9 percent of the planet's hydrocodone. (A semi-synthetic opioid synthesized from codeine.)

"Either we have more people in pain here than the rest of the nations put together," Hochul said, "or something went wrong..."

Whether addiction starts with prescribed pain meds that become indispensable, pilfering pills a family member or friend's medicine cabinet, smoking marijuana laced with heroin, experimenting with synthetic opioids, or snorting or shooting heroin outright, the ultimate effect on the body and brain chemistry is the same, Hochul said. The road to addiction is typically sure and swift. It's also multifaceted and complex so a conversation about addiction to prescription painkillers needs to include the once-taboo topic of heroin.

The tragic irony is that once someone experiences that first high, they spend the rest of their days trying in vain to recapture the euphoria. If they can't get the prescription they want for pain meds or can't afford to pay $50 for a pill on the black market, they go for the cheaper stuff, and that's how heroin and synthetic opioids have come to grip so many.

(A PBS Frontline documentary which premiered Friday called "Chasing Heroin" artfully delves into the gritty reality of the national crisis. (Search Google and view online free.) Not to be confused with the 2010 documentary about an addict's world called "Chasing the Dragon," which was highly recommended by yesterday's panel.)

"This isn't the usual anti-drug message," resident DEA agent-in-charge John Flickinger said. "We're here because people are dying. This is different. It's mentally and physically addicting. After one hit, you are 'chasing the dragon.' People feel addicted for life. ... This truly is a drug that if you try it once, it may be the only thing you ever do. ... This is not something you want to experiment with -- it's too addictive."

Drug traffickers know this and they'll do anything to make a buck and get a customer for life, Flickinger said.

They often cut their product with "China white," a synthetic heroin called fentanyl, which comes from China and is very inexpensive but is 20 to 30 times more powerful than plant-based heroin. By cutting this into their product, they can stretch their resources and make more money. It just takes three or four grains (think as in grains of salt) in a dose or "fix" of heroin to amp up the high. But the traffickers plop it all in a household blender and mix it up, get the stuff packaged and out the door. They don't really know, or care, if there are three grains of fentanyl per dose or 23. It's all about the money, Flickinger said. 

This is NOT a just a teen problem. It's way too big. The number of people killed every year from heroin and prescription drug overdoses exceeds those killed from violent crime, including gang-related deaths, and car wrecks combined.

In Erie County in 2015, more than 250 deaths are attributed to opioid overdose, Hochul said, noting that during the same year there were 40 homicides.

In addition, 650 people in Buffalo were categorized as "Narcan saves," said Act Genesee President Anita Strollo, meaning they would likely have died if not for law enforcement or medical technicians dosing them with the anti-opioid nasal spray Narcan, thereby reversing the effect of drugs in the users' system and keeping them alive.

In other words, the grim statistics would be greatly multiplied. But even the use of Narcan has become problematic, according to Le Roy Det. John Condidorio, who said the dope out there is so powerful nowadays instead of the one or two doses of Narcan that used to work, now three or four doses are required to pull someone back from the brink of death. 

Sometimes the same people get a second chance more than once.

Condidorio said he's sick of being at the scene of a 14-year-old who overdosed, or a 16-year-old.

A women in the audience said during a Q&A session afterward that her child is struggling with heroin addiction. Her family is hurting, fearful, ashamed.

"It's the hardest thing I've ever had to do," she said about parenting an addict. 

But she praised the addiction-treatment drug Vivitrol (naltrexone), which costs $1,800 for a month's supply, for bringing hope their way. For the past two years, it has been working.

It was also working for Morgan Axe. She was doing great taking Vivitrol and getting a handle on her life. But after she became pregnant at some point she decided to stop taking her medication out of concern for her unborn child. Then came the second most fateful decision she would ever make: to use once more; to get high just one more time.

She found her connection on Facebook and didn't have to drive to some dark alley in a big city; the goods were delivered right to her door. She used again, and died.

"Don't let this be your story," Deanna said. "Choose life. Choose reality. Okay?"

Panelists urged parents to keep tabs on their children's use of technology.

"If you aren't on your kids' social media and monitoring their cell phone calls every day, you're missing out on where they spend 90 percent of their time," Hochul told the audience.

He gave an example of a teenage girl who, along with friends, found ways online to "reverse engineer" so-called tamper-proof pills so they could get high. Hochul said if they had scanned the teens' browser history, they would've seen what they were up to.

Parents were also encouraged to read:

  • "The Secret Life of Teens: Young People Speak Out About Their Lives" [Gayatri Patnaik, Michelle T. Shinseki]
  • "The Secret Lives of Teen Girls: What Your Mother Wouldn't Talk About But Your Daughter Needs to Know" [Evelyn Resh, MPH CNM]

For family members or friends struggling with an addict, a new adult Nar-Anon group meets on Monday nights at 6:30 at Horizon Health Care -- Batavia Recovery Center, 314 Ellicott St., Batavia. March 7 will be the third meeting.

Addicts are welcome to attend the Narcotics Anonymous meetings three times a week at The Salvation Army, 529 E. Main St., Batavia. They are at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays; 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays; and 7 p.m. on Fridays.

"You are not alone," Deanna told the audience. "If you want help, there is help for you."

GC Women's Republican Club picks ARC as annual charity to support, appoints new exec committee

By Billie Owens
Press release:

The Genesee County Women’s Republican Club (GCWRC) has selected the Genesee ARC as its charitable organization of the year. The GCWRC, created in the 1930s, will be raising funds and awareness for the tremendous work that the ARC does for the community.

“We are very excited to assist the Genesee ARC during 2016," said Rachael Tabelski, president of the GCWRC. "They are a fantastic organization and they have made it clear that in Genesee County it’s all about being enabled not disabled. Every member of our society deserves respect and the chance to live a fulfilling life. The Genesee County ARC makes this happen every day."

The Genesee ARC, founded in 1966, is celebrating 50 years of excellence with the mission to support people with disabilities in partnership with their families and the community. The ARC embraces individuals to nurture their social, spiritual, physical and emotional growth.

"In our 50th year of providing services to individuals with developmental and other disabilities, to receive the support and recognition of the GCRWC is an honor," said Donna Saskowski, executive director of the Genesee ARC. "Community education and support is vital to providing the most integrated services possible. Thank you.”

The GCWRC will kick off the fundraising efforts at their annual Spring Breakfast that will be held on April 9 at the Dibble Family Center, located at 4110 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. The breakfast also serves as a springboard to the political season and allows members, candidates and interested citizens an opportunity to gather and discuss current events.

The cost of breakfast is $20 per person and checks can be made out to GCWRC, mailed to Treasurer Michele Smith at 20 Canterbury Lane, Bergen, NY 14416.

In other news the GCWRC has seated a new executive committee consisting of the following individuals: President -- Rachael Tabelski; 1st Vice President -- Nicole Begin; 2nd Vice President -- Penny Kennett; Secretary -- Debbie Douglas; Corresponding Secretary -- Jayleen Carney; Treasurer -- Michele Smith; Parliamentarian -- Gertrude Penepent.

To learn more, or join the GCWRC contact Rachael Tabelski at Rachael.Tabelski@yahoo.com

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 6 out of 10 death deemed preventable

By Billie Owens

Press release:

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and the Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming County Health departments are urging everyone to talk to their doctor about screening and testing options for colorectal cancer (also called colon cancer).

Friday, March 4th is Dress in Blue DayTM to raise awareness and show support to loved ones or in memory of those who have died from colorectal cancer.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with recommended screening, the number of people who die from colorectal cancer could be reduced by at least 60 percent.1

“When colorectal cancer is found and treated early, it can often be cured,” said Dr. Gregory Collins, commissioner of the Wyoming County Health Department.

In some cases, screening can actually prevent the development of colorectal cancer by finding polyps (abnormal growths) so they can be removed before they become cancerous. Yet colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death in New York State. Each year, more than 10,000 New Yorkers develop colorectal cancer and more than 3,500 die as a result.

“Colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms, especially at first, which is why regular screening is needed to catch the disease in its earliest stages,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health director for Genesee and Orleans County Health departments.

“We want people to know there is more than one screening test for colorectal cancer and screening is easier than ever. The important thing to remember is to talk to your doctor, decide which screening test is right for you, and get screened. For anyone without a doctor or without insurance, the Cancer Services Program (CSP) of Genesee and Orleans and the Cancer Services Program of Livingston and Wyoming can help.”

All men and women age 50 and older should get screened for colorectal cancer. Although this disease can occur at any age, most people who develop colorectal cancer are over age 50. Anyone with a personal or family history of colorectal polyps (abnormal growths in the colon or rectum), colorectal cancer, or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, is at higher risk for developing colorectal cancer. These folks should talk to their doctors about when to begin screening and how often they should be tested.

The CSP of Genesee /Orleans County ( 585-344-5497 or 585-798-9542) and Livingston / Wyoming (800-588-8670 or 585-786-8890) are part of the New York State Department of Health’s Cancer Services Program, which offers colorectal, breast and cervical cancer screening to eligible uninsured individuals in every county in the state.

To find a local Cancer Services Program near you, visit http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/services/community_resources/ or call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262). For individuals insured through Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial health plans, including those participating in the New York State of Health, colorectal cancer screening is covered with no cost to the patient.

To learn more about screening options, visit http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/colorectal/screening.htm

For information about cancer screening or health department services contact,

1 http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/infographic.htm

Corfu Free Library's new logo to be unveiled March 11, public invited

By Billie Owens

Press release:

More than 400 people voted for the new logo for the Corfu Free Library. While the decision was a tight one as all three designs were very professional, only one logo was chosen as the winner by community members.

Residents can get the first look at the new logo at an unveiling ceremony that will take place on Friday, March 11 at 7 p.m. at the library, 7 Maple Ave. in Corfu.

Entrants in the contest were asked to design a logo around the library’s slogan, “Rooted in our past, growing our future,” and 19 entries were originally submitted. Of these, the Board of Directors selected three logos for the community vote. Voting was done online and on paper ballots that were available at the library during the month of February.

“The response to our logo vote was fantastic,” says Diana Reding, Library director. “We heard over and over how hard it was for people to choose just one as a favorite because all three of the logos were exceptional.”

The winning logo artist will be named during the unveiling ceremony, and they will receive a $50 gift card and many thanks for their hard work.

Light refreshments will also be served at the unveiling ceremony.

“We are so lucky to be able to feature a new logo that was created just for our library, and chosen by the community on our Web site, Facebook page, newsletter, and on all of our information materials,” says Kristie Miller, Board president. “We love our slogan and the new logo illustrates the deep ties that the community has to our library.”

To learn more about the Corfu Free Library, visit online at www.CorfuFreeLibary.org. The new logo will be featured on the Web site after the March 11 unveiling celebration.

Winter weather advisory takes effect at 4 p.m. and lasts through 10 Wednesday morning

By Billie Owens

A winter weather advisory for Genesee County has been issued by the National Weather Service in Buffalo and is in effect from 4 p.m. today through 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Hazards include a mix of snow, freezing rain and sleet. Ice accumulation of up to a third of an inch is expected, with the greatest accumulation from Buffalo to Batavia. Snow accumulation of one to three inches is also predicted.

Winds will be 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph.

Snow and ice accumulations will result in extremely slick road conditions, making travel difficult.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of sending inappropriate Facebook message to a child

By Howard B. Owens

Todd A. Berkemeier, 46, of 61 Walnut St., Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Berkemeier allegedly sent an inappropriate message through Facebook to a child less than 17 years old. The alleged victim is a Village of Le Roy resident and Berkemier was arrested by Le Roy PD.

Joshua J. Nilsen, 28, of Hilltop Drive, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and having an obstructed driver's view. Nilsen was stopped by Le Roy PD following a complaint of an erratic operator on South Street Road. The reported vehicle was located on Route 19 in the Village.

Independent Living to unveil self-serve art kiosk at Batavia location

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) has been selected to be a hub of inspiration and resources for those who wish to explore their artistic side, with an emphasis on disability-friendly activities. Following the official unveiling at 2 p.m. on Wednesday March 2nd, in the lobby of ILGR’s 113 Main St. office, Batavia, an ARTcovz self-serve kiosk will be available to all who want the packets of free art and literature supplies. The booth’s pockets, hooks and shelves will offer: colored pencils, watercolor pencils, drawing (graphite) pencils, watercolor/ drawing paper, craft paper, origami paper, polymer clay, and art-oriented audio books on CD. Eventually, artists with disabilities will come to ILGR to offer workshops and display examples of their work.

This opportunity is being made possible thanks to the North-Buffalo-based University Heights Arts Association (UHAA), a group of artists that serve as a driving creative force and educational resource to make a positive difference in people’s lives through the arts. Each ARTcovz booth caters to the demographic it serves; UHAA has partnered with ILGR to expand their outreach to people with disabilities.

Please contact Rae Frank at (585) 815-8501, ext. 406, or e-mail her at rfrank@wnyil.org with any questions.

ARTcovz is part of UHAA’s ARTboothz program, which offers sit-down art projects to passersby at community events. Each mini-art kit contains materials and a set of directions for completing a project, a link to further UHAA resources, including online databases of additional projects, and a schedule of upcoming programs. Designed/fabricated by sculptor/furniture maker Lawrence Kinney of UHAA, each ARTcovz includes a bin at the bottom of the booth to accept donations of art materials.

ARTboothz program served 2,427 people of all ages in 2015 at farmer's markets, festivals, community centers, and special events throughout Western New York. University Heights Arts Association plans to unveil a total of 10 ARTcovz in 2016. UHAA members offer donations, devise projects, put kits together at a series of "Potluck Packaging ARTraiser" events. These events are open to the public or anyone wishing to help or contribute supplies.

Collins joins in introduction of bill dealing with diabetic eye disease

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

U.S. Representatives Chris Collins (NY-27) and Jerry McNerney (CA-09) today released the following comments after introducing H.R. 4642, the Diabetic Eye Disease Prevention Act. The legislation works to prevent blindness and eye diseases associated with diabetes.

“Among the debilitating side effects associated with diabetes, early vision loss is particularly devastating,” Congressman Collins said. “To combat this significant health issue, I am proud to introduce the Diabetic Eye Disease Prevention Act. This commonsense and budget neutral legislation improves early detection for Medicare beneficiaries so those suffering can access the care they need to prevent long-term vision loss.”

“The millions of people who suffer from diabetes are at risk for early vision loss and impairment. These problems can be mitigated with early detection and proper treatment, and that’s why I’m proud to co-author the Diabetic Eye Disease Prevention Act,” Congressman McNerney said. “This bill would make it easier for Medicare beneficiaries who suffer from diabetes to get comprehensive eye exams from local doctors and diagnose any symptoms before they become significant visual complications. Early diagnosis will also promote savings in Medicare as costs often increase when treatment is delayed.”

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among adults. H.R. 4642 will help doctors catch eye diseases before they become debilitating to the patient. The legislation, which is endorsed by the American Optometric Association, establishes a five-year pilot program that incentivizes primary care providers to refer Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with diabetes to local eye doctors for comprehensive dilated eye exams. The cost of the pilot program is offset with funds from traditional diabetic eye care payments, keeping the legislation budget neutral.

“With the prevalence of diabetes among America’s seniors growing at an alarming rate and roughly one out of every three Medicare dollars currently being spent on treatments for those with diabetes, the bipartisan leadership of Reps. Collins and McNerney and their determination to reduce unnecessary Medicare costs and improve seniors’ lives through increased access to preventive eye health care is needed now more than ever,” said American Optometric Association President Steven A. Loomis, O.D.

“By encouraging better coordination and communication among key members of the diabetes care team – including America’s doctors of optometry -- and ensuring that a growing number of seniors with diabetes receive the comprehensive dilated eye exams that they need and deserve, together we can make even greater strides toward reducing seniors’ potential for significant vision loss and blindness while saving Medicare from avoidable costs associated with delayed diagnosis and treatment of a range of diabetes-related eye and vision conditions.”

Warming Center open tonight and Tuesday night

By Billie Owens

The Warming Center is open tonight and Tuesday from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. for women and children in need of shelter at the United Methodist Church, Lewiston Road, Batavia.

For assistance, call (585) 993-6371.

There will be pickups at both McDonald's locations in Batavia.

Light meals will be served.

A trip to NYC and a new survey

By Howard B. Owens

This morning I'm flying to New York City to attend a couple of days of a conference on local publishing that is focused on revenue ideas. It's kind of a big deal conference that the organizer tries to talk me into attending every year, so I thought I'd take a bite of the apple this year and see what I might learn.

As always, we've made arrangements to ensure there is still local news coverage while I'm away.

There's also this: One thing I've been focused on recently is how to improve the business of The Batavian, and one key to any improvement in anything is greater knowledge and insight. Last week we posted a link to a survey about digital subscriptions and the feedback prompted a new set of questions I wish I'd asked then. So, I've created a new survey to ask those questions.

Please help me get smarter by responding to the survey now. Click here.

For what it's worth, much of my curiosity on this topic is driven by trends and commentary I see going on in the news industry, so I wonder what I can learn from our own audience and how that might apply to the local news industry as a whole. So please take the survey.

Law and Order: Driver charged with fleeing police, drug possession and resisting arrest

By Howard B. Owens

Rochard Joseph Tomaino, 28, of Wheatfield Street, North Tonawanda, is charged with: unlawful fleeing a police officer; speeding; no/inadequate plate lamps; obscured plate; failure to yield the right of way to emergency vehicles; aggravated unlicensed operation; failure to stop at a stop sign; reckless driving; criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and resisting arrest. Tomaino was arrested following an alleged police pursuit that started in the Town of Batavia at 1:36 a.m. Saturday on Pearl Street Road, proceeded through the City of Batavia and continued back to the west, ending in the Town of Darien at the Erie County line. The Sheriff's Office was assisted by Batavia PD, State Police and the Erie County Sheriff's Office. Tomaino was jailed without bail pending his next court appearance. (Initial Report)

Cody Patrick MacNaughton, 25, of Weatherwood Lane, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and registration / plate display violation. MacNaughton was stopped after allegedly being observed speeding in the Village of Bergen at 8:06 a.m. Sunday by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Carl Daniel Blackmon, 43, of Stewart Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Blackmon was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 2 p.m. Friday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

A 16-year-old resident of Mill Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, menacing, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. The youth was charged following a domestic incident reported at 5:30 p.m. Thursday. The youth was jailed on $500 bail.

Paul Konieczny, 51, of Harvester Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Konieczny was arrested by Batavia PD following an investigation into a reported domestic incident at 12:21 a.m. Thursday. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Ryan James Wetsell, 22, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Wetsell was allegedly found in possession of marijuana during a police investigation into a reported burglary at his residence.

Michael T. MacCowan, 42, of Meadow Farm North, North Chili, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and passed red light (two counts). MacCowan was stopped at 2:20 a.m. Sunday on Clinton Street by Officer Eric Foels.

Frank L. Morrison, 34, of East Avenue, Medina, was arrested on a warrant. Morrison was arrested by a deputy and turned over to Batavia PD on a City Court warrant.

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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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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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