Local athletes competed in the state finals in track and field. Photos by Bare Antolos.
For complete results, click here.
Above, Batavia's Alec Egeli, 110m Hurdles.
Notre Dame's Meghan Duell, Discus.
Notre Dame's Jeffrey Antolos, 3200m.
Photos and article submitted by Alex Hansen.
Next month, 70 Boy Scouts from the local Iroquois Trail Council will be converging with over 50,000 other scouts and leaders from around the world at the National Boy Scout 2013 Jamboree. This will be the first Jamboree to be held at the Bechtel Summit Reserve, a new world-class facility in West Virginia.
Separated into two troops of about 35 boys each, the scouts and adult volunteers of the Iroquois Trail Council performed service projects on Saturday, June 8th. Troop A worked on projects at the Bergen Swamps, and Troop B worked at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in Basom. The goals of the day of service were to give back to the community with a focus on improving local outdoor facilities, and to help the boys get to know one another better.
In order to go to the Jamboree, the boys have been saving and earning funds to pay their own way for their trip of a lifetime. This day of service was the last opportunity to seek sponsors, with half going to pay for Jamboree expenses, and the other half going to benefit local veterans organizations.
Top photo: Dylan Scroger, 17, of Batavia retrieves a plastic bag from the swamp.
Below: Chris Neal, 12, of Batavia picks up a discarded soda can
Alex Hansen, Iroquois Jamboree Contingent correspondent, is a Life Scout in Troop 6069 in Batavia, and a student in the class of 2016 at Notre Dame High School.
Lots of people and lots of fun once again for St. Joe's Parade and Lawn Fete in Batavia.
Below is a slide show of the parade. To purchase prints from this slide show, click here.
Below is a slide show of the lawn fate. To purchase prints from this slide show, click here.
"Liberty is local" was a recurring theme of speakers today at the inaugural convention of the Genesee County Libertarian Party.
Some 60 people gathered Homestead Event Center in the Batavia City Centre to ratify the party's charter and nominate the party's first two candidates for office.
Jim Rosenbeck and Lisa Whitehead will be on the November ballot as candidates for at-large seats on the Batavia City Council.
"The Genesee County Libertarian Party is going to represent trust, transparency and truth," said Phil Ricci, party chairman. "We're not going to tell you what to think. If you disagree with our position, we will try to educate you on why we believe what we believe. The Republicans and Democrats will tell you that we're on the fringe, but we will show people we're on the local level, we're here to represent you."
Guest speakers included Drew Beeman, Greater Rochester Libertarian Party chairman, attorney Paul Wolf (first inset), and Mark Axinn (second inset), chairman of the New York Libertarian Party.
Beeman congratulated the Genesee County Libertarians for coming together with an energy and numbers that is unique to the region.
His group represents all of the counties surrounding Rochester and he said he would welcome more counties breaking way and forming their own parties. It will take that kind of energy, he said, to reverse the trend statewide and in the nation to constrain individual liberty.
"Gary Johnson got 1 percent of the vote," Beeman said. "Are you going to have a Libertarian Party president anytime soon? Probably not. But we could have a Batavia City Council member. We could have a school board member. Liberty is local."
Picking up on Ricci's comment about the propaganda of the major parties to portray Libertarians as on the political fringe, Beeman noted that when you sit down and talk with people about their views of individual liberty, they actually believe what the Libertarian Party believes.
"The Libertarian Party is for people who don't want to push around others nor be pushed around themselves," Beeman said.
Wolf is an expert on reinventing government. He's registered as a Democrat, but Ricci said after reading his Web site, he told him, "No, you're a Libertarian."
There are three themes local Libertarian candidates can run on, Wolf said: That there is too much government, that there is wasteful spending and there is a culture of secrecy.
Wolf was critical of New York's layers of local governments -- villages within towns, authorities and agencies covering overlapping jurisdictions.
Mentioning a consultant's report in the City of Batavia that faulted local residents for having negative attitudes, Wolfe said, "Isn't it funny that the study said it's the attitude of citizens that's the problem. I think it's the attitude of politicians that's the problem."
On wasteful spending, he was critical of the Genesee County Economic Development Center's tax subsidies to COR Development for Dick's Sporting Goods, mocking the perception that the GCEDC board declared Dick's a tourist destination (the board didn't do that). He also questioned the $240,000 Steve Hyde, CEO of GCEDC, earned in 2012.
"This spending is not sustainable and it doesn't make sense," Wolf said.
Government likes to operate with as little transparency as possible, Wolf said. He said he did a study on three years of meeting minutes for his local City Council and found that the council went into secret session at every meeting it held during the three years. Those private sessions lasted an average of 60 minutes, while public sessions lasted an average 54 minutes.
"They're not used to being held accountable, not used to being questioned," Wolf said. "So what you're doing is important."
The message of individual liberty and smaller government appeals to most people, Axinn said, if they're used to pulling levers for Ds or Rs.
"Most people have a live and let live attitude and they need to realize that it works at the government level, too, if they will vote it in," Axinn said.
What is happening in Genesee County for the cause of liberty is important for the whole state, Axinn said.
"We're a small voice in a symphony of bigger government, but the truth is, we're a necessary voice and an important voice and thank you all for being that voice in Genesee County."
In running for City Council, Whitehead said she will hold true to her libertarian values, which includes promoting a business-friendly city and lowering taxes.
"We should be creating an environment that is friendly to business, not crushing it," she said.
"Shouldn't all people be entitled to keep the fruits of their labor," Whitehead said.
Rosenbeck said Libertarians are already making a difference in local politics. The issues have ranged from garbage collection to licensing landlords.
"You will remember, we spoke out to remove the City of Batavia from the garbage tote and trash collection business and they did just that," Rosenbeck said. "Guess what? The sky didn't fall. Somehow everyone's garbage got picked up this week. Freedom and choice is a good thing, my friend."
The Libertarian message opposing retail tax breaks has also resonated with local voters, Rosenbeck said.
"As elections approach in the fall, political insiders will attempt to frame us as a fringe movement," Rosenbeck said. "They will try to marginalize us and dismiss our message. They will patronize us and treat us as if we are just petulant little children. They won't take us seriously because for way too long, it has been all about duopoly. It has been all about two parties defining the message and providing the candidates, but remember we are the voice of reason. Our message resonates in our neighborhoods. We are here, we are engaged and we are on point. It's time to reject the status quo."
Phil Ricci
Jim Rosenbeck and Lisa Whitehead
St. Joe's Lawn Fete is going all day today. The annual parade is at 6:30 p.m. on East Main Street in Batavia.
Bergen held its annual parade today. The parade ended at Hickory Park, where there is a community picnic. Bergen is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year.
Today is the 7th annual Dave McCarthy Memorial Golf Tournament at Batavia Country Club.
McCarthy was an avid athlete who died in a car accident in 2006.
A field of 144 golfers along with 60 sponsors are raising funds to support athletics in Batavia, including hockey scholarships, Little League, and helping economically disadvantaged families get their children into hockey.
Billy Sutherland, Dan Fix, Mike Sisson and Kevin Rogers.
Paul Spiotta, kneeling, Brett Decker, James DeFreze and Jim DuRei.
"Sydney," an older, slender German shephard owned by Andrew and Carrie Lathan, is missing.
She was wearing a pink collar when last seen yesterday heading southbound on Route 19 in Le Roy, just past Munson Street.
Anybody with information can call the Lathans at (585) 768-2278 or contact the Le Roy PD.
UPDATE 11:51 a.m.: Thanks to readers of The Batavian, according to the dog's owners, we are happy to report that Sydney has been located and returned home safely.
It smarted, Esther Leadley, when she didn't get the GOP's endorsement for the District 6 seat on the Genesee County Legislature.
The incumbent legislator vowed not to run a primary against the endorsed candidate, Greg Torrey, but that doesn't mean she will give up her seat without a fight.
Leadley announced today that she is running in November's general election.
"I am challenging the endorsed candidate for the District 6 seat on the Genesee County Legislature," Leadley said. "District 6 consists of the towns of Alexander (which includes the Village of Alexander), Bethany and Pavilion. I believe my experience on the Legislature and knowledge of the district and county are of considerable value to District 6 and all residents of the county."
It's been a challenge, Leadley said, to learn the ins-and-outs of running as an independent candidate.
"It smarted when I wasn't endorsed but I never lost my footing and my integrity is intact," Leadley said. "It took several weeks to decide what to do with what had been handed to me. The outcome of this challenge will be decided at the polls in November."
Leadley also said running primary elections add to county expense and so it's better to run in the general election if she wants to retain her seat.
The new voting machines create an enormous cost because they have to be moved from and back to the controlled storage space," Leadley said. "Staffing at the polls and paper ballots add to the costs. District 6 taxpayers should not have to pay for a political disagreement. The County Board of Elections also sustains large expenses for a primary. Indirectly, those costs come out of taxpayers' pockets at the County level as well. In effect, District 6 taxpayers would pay twice for a primary. I would be irresponsible if I were to force a primary."
A young woman from Le Roy said she believes she fell asleep before her car went off the road on Route 5 in Stafford at 11:22 p.m., Thursday.
The 2003 Dodge sedan became fully engulfed in flames after hitting a mailbox and then an earth embankment.
Marisa B. Fox, 20, of South Street Road, Le Roy, suffered minor injuries in the accident, which was investigated by Deputy Frank Bordonaro.
No citations were issued.
Stafford Fire Department responded to the fire call and Mercy EMS assisted at the scene.
Press release:
Firefighters took to the streets of Downtown Batavia to “Fill the Boot” for the Muscular Dystrophy Association on Friday, June 7, and raised $8,541 to help find treatments and cures for neuromuscular disease.
Members of Local 896 of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) topped their annual fundraising pledge to support MDA’s vital research programs and the Associations 200 medical clinics nationwide.
“We deeply appreciate the work firefighters in the City of Batavia do for MDA,” said MDA Executive Director Sally Cramer. “It does make a difference to all the people and families here who are living with muscle disease. They see the firefighters going out to support them, and it tells them they have strong partners standing by their side.”
Firefighters continually put themselves at risk, whether it's battling a fire or rushing through traffic to help someone who has been injured. They have a sense of compassion for, and service to, the community that is demonstrated through their commitment to MDA.
“We like to help people, that’s who we are,” said Batavia Firefighters Local Union President Greg Ireland. “A huge thank you goes out to everyone who donated to the cause. Whether it was their spare change, a buck or a $10 dollar bill, it’s the generosity of those who helped Fill the Boot that really make a difference.”
IAFF became the first national sponsor for MDA in 1954, and over the years, firefighters have raised millions of dollars to help improve and enhance the lives of those living with neuromuscular disease. Funds from the Fill the Boot campaign also help send 3,500 kids to MDA summer camp for a free week of lighthearted fun with other kids who are just like them. Many firefighters become friends of the kids and their families, giving a week of their vacation time each year to go to camp and support their young friends.
Photo: By Howard Owens. Capt. Craig Williams collecting donations on Ellicott Street (photo taken this morning with the intention of posting this morning, but for some reason it didn't get published to the home page -- apologies to the firefighters).
A tractor trailer traveling eastbound on the Thruway this afternoon lost its drive shaft, which hit one of its saddle tanks, opening a gash in the tank and leading to a fuel spill of up to 80 gallons diesel.
Nobody was hurt in the accident, though two cars on the Thruway hit the drive shaft and were damaged.
The truck was able to coast into the the Pembroke Service Area, leaving a trail of slick diesel from the point of the original mechanical failure to the parking lot.
Most of the fuel leaked in the service area parking lot and flowed toward a storm drain.
Diesel fuel was found a few hundred yards down stream flowing into the nearby creak, but firefighters were able to set up barriers and contain the spill at the creek entrance.
Crews were called in to spread absorbent material to clean up the spill in the parking lot.
Thruway crews spread salt on the roadway surface to provide traction and soak up the spilled fuel.
East Pembroke, Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments responded along with the county's Emergency Management team and the hazmat team. NYSP Troop T assisted at the scene.
House Republicans are staunchly opposed to one element of an immigration reform bill -- a path to citizenship -- that some supporters think is critical to its passage, Rep. Chris Collins said today during an event at Post Farms in Elba.
"As a country that was founded on the rule of law, the first action that these adults took in coming into this country was to break the law, so a pathway to citizenship will not come out the House Republicans," Collins said.
The immigration reform bill is the result of hundreds of hours of negotiations between farmers and the farm labor community, which wants to see people who have been working the the United States for years, although illegally, have a chance to become citizens.
While Collins doesn't support allowing such individuals to become citizens, he said he doesn't see a problem with allowing them to obtain permanent work status.
"Call it a blue card," Collins said. "We're fine with making it so that workers who are now here illegally are stay here legally. Make it so that they can go home and visit their families and come back and we know who they are and where they are and that they pay taxes."
Dean Norton (left in photo), said that if the House Republicans can't be brought into the fold, we could wind up with two versions of immigration bills that will go to conference committee. Losing the path to citizenship will be a disappointment to some members of the coalition who worked on the bill, but he thinks when it comes down to it, both sides need some sort of reform to pass.
"I've got to believe in my heart that once we get people sitting down at the table, they won't do anything to scuttle reform," Norton said. "It's too important to the country and to our food supply."
Collins did say he supports citizenship for the children of workers here illegally.
"This is the country they know and love," Collins said.
With an eye toward drawing more young people into farming, Rep. Chris Collins appeared at the Post Farm in Elba today to announce his support of a bill that would provide aid and support to aspiring young farmers.
The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2013 is aimed at providing loans, grants and assistance to new farmers.
“Farming and the agriculture industry play a critical role in the economy of our area, and in communities all around the country,” Collins said. “But the average age of our nation’s farmer is 57 years old. With a large segment of America’s farmers and ranchers at or nearing retirement age, we have to encourage young people to enter this challenging, hard and vitally important line of work so we can sustain this economic engine.”
Collins appeared with members of Future Farmers of America, New York Farm Bureau President Dean Norton and Genesee County Farm Bureau President Jeff Post.
"This will provide an opportunity for young people to get into farming," Norton said.
The bill would:
For more on the bill, click here.
Ivy Reynolds, secretary of the NYS FAA, said the bill will ensure that young people like herself with a passion for farming will stick with farming.
"The engagement of young people in agricutlure is key to ensuring that when current owners and operators of New Yorks farms, dairies, nurseries and vineyards are ready to retire, there's a new generation that's ready, educated and excited about their role as the providers of nutrition," Reynolds said.
Post, Collins and Norton.
Reynolds, and a barn cat who stopped by to check out all of the activity.
Dancing Derrick was on East Main Street today, in front of T-Shirts Etc.
Fifth-grader Jordon Armstrong was so thrilled to play Abraham Lincoln today that when his mom walked him home from Batavia Middle School he didn't want to take his costume off. I came across him on Bank Street.
Q: What did you like about being Lincoln?
A. "I liked everyone to talk to me and said nice things about me."
Q. What do you like about Lincoln?
A. "He stopped slavery."
Q. Why didn't you want to take your costume off?
A. "It's so cool to wear the costume."
Since the day Anthony Platek entered kindergarten, there have been 2,265 school days.
Platek never missed a single day. He graduates from Pembroke High School with a perfect attendance record.
"I just showed up," Platek said. "I came every day, sick or well. People ask me, 'how come you never got sick? How did you do it?' Well, I never said I wasn't sick."
Vice Principal Nathan Work said it's quite an accomplishment.
"We have students who get perfect attendance every year, but Anthony was the first student in a while who has received perfect attendance since kindergarten," Work said.
For the accomplishment, Platek was honored by the school and among his gifts was a Dragons football jersey with his name on it and the number "0" for zero days missed.
Platek said he never really set out to achieve a perfect attendance record.
"I guess you could say kind of happened," Platek said. "I just showed up. I did my thing. I was an average student, really."
Press release:
The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) approved four projects at its June board meeting. They total approximately $2 million in investments as well as the retention of 91 jobs and the creation of 22 new jobs.
“All of the projects being considered by the board are investments in infrastructure which means the companies seeking benefits intend to be here for the long term,” said Steve Hyde, GCEDC president and CEO. “Companies typically do not invest in facilities and infrastructure without long-term plans so it is great to see this commitment to our region.”
Mega Properties, Inc., (Koolatron) is a Canadian company that manufactures, markets and distributes various portable thermoelectric cooler parts and components. The company is proposing to invest $775,000 in its operations that would retain 11 jobs and create six new jobs. Because the company is seeking more than $100,000 in incentives – in this case $190,000 – a public hearing must be scheduled.
Imagination Industries is seeking to build a 7,015-square-foot facility at 8240 Buffalo Road in the Town of Bergen. The multiuse facility will house an indoor firing range, training center, gunsmith services and a laser engraving business. The company plans to invest nearly $400,000 that would create 10 new jobs. The project is allowable under state retail restrictions as the purpose is to make available services which would not be, but for the project, “reasonably accessible” to residents of the municipality where the project is located.
The company is seeking a sales tax exemption of $19,970, a mortgage tax exemption of $3,750 and a property tax abatement of $63,195. The Board found that the project meets the goods and services retail clause in order to approve the application.
Reinhart Enterprises operates a 25,720-square-foot multi-commercial tenant facility on Liberty Street in Batavia. Due to flooding this past year, 4500 square feet of space was vacated. The company is looking to improve its facility and is planning a $206,000 capital investment for drainage and parking lot improvements to enhance the property for current and prospective office and corporate tenants. The company is seeking a sales tax exemption of $9,888. The investment would create three new jobs and retain 80.
Jackson Square LLC, the former Cars Warehouse which was built around 1880 in the area of the city known as Jackson Square, is proposing to convert the former structure into a mixed-use commercial and residential site. The ground floor will have flex office/light industrial and four new market rate apartments on the second and third floors.
The City of Batavia is the current owner of building and will transfer the title to the Batavia Development Corporation for sale to Jackson Square LLC. The company is seeking a sales tax exemption of $24,816 and a mortgage tax exemption of $2,994 contingent upon Jackson Square LLC purchasing the building.
A vehicle is on fire on Main Road in Stafford and "going pretty good" according to a responder on scene.
The vehicle may have been involved in an MVA.
Stafford Fire Department is responding.
UPDATE 11:31 p.m.: It is an accident. The driver just requested an ambulance. Mercy EMS being dispatched.
UPDATE 11:36 p.m.: A deputy is on scene. A mailbox was destroyed at a residence. The accident site is west of Hanson.
UPDATE 11:43 p.m.: The fire was under power lines. The flames weren't high, but they were hot. Dispatch is notifying National Grid to check the lines in the morning.
UPDATE 11:44 p.m. A chief now believes the lines did burn a bit and National Grid is requested to the scene now.
UPDATE 11:49 p.m.: Fire is out.
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