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Press release:

There will be emergency roadwork between exit 48A (Pembroke – Medina – NY Route 77) and exit 48 (Batavia – NY Route 98) on I-90 eastbound the Thruway Authority announced today.

Work is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, continuing through Monday, March 23 at 6 a.m.

Isolated pavement repairs will be performed in both eastbound lanes. Motorists should expect single lane closures and a posted work zone speed limit of 45 mph.

In the event of inclement weather, work may be delayed or postponed.

Variable message boards (VMS) and Highway Advisory Radio (HAR – 1630 AM) will provide updates for motorists about possible delays in the area.

The Thruway Authority appreciates motorists’ patience during this emergency work following a winter of bitter cold temperatures and extreme winter weather.

There was a big turnout for the Mexican-themed Family Night at Batavia Middle School, which featured a Mexican food feast (until the tacos ran out), crafts around Mexican themes, along with a raffle (prizes donated by local businesses) and community group booths and activities.

How would you vote on a measure aimed at dividing New York into two states?

Answer this question later today on the smartphone app Reacht for a chance to win a $5 gift certificate from Southside Deli. To download Reacht on your smartphone, click here

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that he has become a co-sponsor on legislation, Assembly Bill 06256, that will ease the financial burden placed on farmers. The bill would forgo the requirement that farmers who employ aliens admitted to the United States to perform farm labor pay unemployment insurance for such workers. Under state law, alien laborers are not eligible for unemployment insurance, so there is no need for employers to pay into the unemployment insurance fund.

“I have introduced this legislation with Assemblyman Bill Magee (D-Madison County), current Chair of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, after meeting with Farm Bureau representatives from my district,” Hawley said. “As the former owner of Hawley Farms, I know firsthand how hard farmers work for their profits and that sustainability of their business is not guaranteed year to year. This is common-sense legislation that will correct a glaring deficiency in the labor law that mandates farmers pay unemployment insurance for workers who are ineligible. My district contains many farm operations and I will do everything I can to help them keep more of their profits.”

Bus shelters to protect children from the elements are common sites on rural roads in this part of the country, but how many have you seen that are converted school buses?

The Stringham family on Transit road in East Bethany has such a shelter.

Previously: Photos: Dragon appears on Transit Road

It's Ag Literacy Week and farmers from throughout Genesee County are participating by going to their local schools and sharing about their careers and reading from a book picked especially for the occasion.

The book is "Weaving the Rainbow," by George Ella Lyon and Stephanie Anderson. The picture book is the story of a young woman who raises sheep, shears them, cleans, cards, spins and dyes the wool, using it to create works of woven art. The story is aimed at helping students make the connection between agriculture and its many uses and influences.

Above, Sharon Fuerch reads to a group of second-graders at Byron-Bergen Elementary School this morning.  

Below, Colleen Primm and her daughter Madelynn introduce a pair of their lambs to Byron-Bergen students.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) issued the following statement after joining Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) and others in introducing the bipartisan Manufacturing Universities Act.

“As a small business owner who worked in manufacturing for over 35 years, I understand the difficulty in training and finding qualified manufacturing workers,” Congressman Collins said. “To expand manufacturing in Western New York, we need to have a workforce capable of filling these skilled jobs. I am proud to join Rep. Esty in introducing this bipartisan legislation that will provide partnering colleges and universities the resources necessary to equip their students with the skills needed to succeed in manufacturing.”

“I’m proud to join my friend and colleague Rep. Collins in introducing our bipartisan Manufacturing Universities Act,” Congresswoman Esty said. “Manufacturers provide good-paying jobs for our hard-working families, but manufacturers often struggle to find workers with the right skill sets. By providing additional support for manufacturing in engineering programs at colleges and universities, we can prepare the next generation of engineers for exciting — and in-demand — manufacturing jobs.”

“SUNY proudly supports the Manufacturing Universities Act of 2015 as it helps pave the way for the advancement of manufacturing efforts across the country,” SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said. “We thank Representative Collins and Representative Etsy for their leadership recognizing the valuable role public universities play in educating and training students for the 21st Century workforce.”

The bill would establish a Manufacturing Universities program within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology. Colleges and universities with existing engineering programs would be eligible to apply for the Manufacturing University designation, which would: include up to $5 million annually for four years to improve engineering programs with an emphasis on manufacturing; increase the number of joint projects with manufacturing firms; and support students who participate in cooperative education and apprenticeships with manufacturers.

The Manufacturing Universities Act has been referred to the U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. The bill is bipartisan and bicameral. The other House cosponsors are Reps. Patrick Meehan (R-PA), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Rodney Davis (R-IL), and Mike Thompson (D-CA). The companion bill in the Senate was introduced by Sens. Chris Coons (D-DE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH).

A total of 118 people cast ballots in yesterday's Village of Corfu election for mayor and two trustees.

The lone mayoral candidate, Dave Bielec received 93 votes.

The trustee winners were Jenny McMartin-Eck, with 101 votes, and Al Graham, with 62 votes. Joseph Biggs Johnson was third with 58 votes.

Joshua Allen Grosskopf, 24, of Porter Road, Medina, is charged with petit larceny. Grosskopf allegedly stole medication from a coworker at a business in Pembroke.

Robert L. Williams Jr., 24, of West Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Williams was turned over to Batavia PD by State Police. Williams posted bail.

James A. Hancock, 45, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, is charged with aggravated criminal contempt, 1st. Hancock is accused of violating a stay-away order of protection. He was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Charles GT Williams, 36, of Robinson Road, Lockport, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a charge of aggravated unlicensed operation. Williams posted $500 bail and was released.

Cristal Lee Miranda, 23, of Myrtle Street, Rochester, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on an aggravated unlicensed operation charge. Miranda turned herself in and posted $200 police bail.

Dustin T. Holman, 27, of Edgewood Drive, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Holman allegedly stuck another person while at a location on Lewiston Road, Batavia.

Are you or will be be a cord cutter?

New York Times: Suddenly, Plenty of Options for Cord Cutters

Answer this question later today on the smartphone app Reacht for a chance to win a $5 gift certificate from Southside Deli. To download Reacht on your smartphone, click here.

A multinational car parts company with a location in Batavia has filed for reorganization under federal bankruptcy laws, but a spokesman for the company said there are no plans to eliminate jobs.

Earlier this week, a bankruptcy court granted Chassix Holdings, Inc., a series of "first day" motions that the company says will set the stage for recapitalization and ensure the company is able to continue normal business operations.

Chassix locally is at 4320 Federal Drive, Batavia.

The restructuring deal transfer ownership to the company's bondholders.

The company has been given access by the court to $205 million of debtor-in-possession financing. The new financing, according to the company, combined with cash generated by ongoing sales, will be available to Chassix to maintain operations and meet restructuring needs.

Reuters reports:

Tom Gores' Platinum Equity Advisers, Chassix's current equity owner, signed onto the proposal to cut company debt by 68 percent, from $680 million to $217 million, the company said in papers filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Manhattan.

Chassix blamed a 2014 spike in demand for chassis components and powertrain products from customers like Ford, BMW and Nissan, saying its inability to keep up led to an "onslaught of quality issues and missed release dates" that increased manufacturing costs.

The Batavia plant produces assemblies, brackets, control arms, knuckles and tow hooks.

The number of people employed locally wasn't immediately available, but a company spokesman confirmed there are no anticipated layoffs in Batavia.

Press release:

The board of directors and coaching staff of the Batavia Bulldawgs Youth Football & Cheer program are excited to announce the open registration dates for their upcoming 5th season. We look forward to welcoming new and returning athletes to the Bulldawg family.

Registration will be held on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Batavia City Centre (east entrance, near Sunny’s Restaurant). Boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 14, attending Batavia area schools (that are not affiliated with another NOFA team) are eligible to participate, with no weight restrictions. All athletes will be placed in developmentally age appropriate divisions based on the following league age rules:

Football divisions (NO WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS):
Beginner (ages 6-7; must be 6 by 12/1, can’t turn 8 prior to 12/1)
Mini (ages 8-9; must be 8 by 12/1, can’t turn 10 prior to 12/1)
JV (ages 10-11; must be 10 by 12/1, can’t turn 12 prior to 12/1)
Varsity (ages 12-13; must be 12 by 12/1, can’t turn 14 prior to 12/1)

Cheer divisions:
Beginner (ages 6-7; must be 6 by 12/1)
Mini (ages 8-9; must be 8 by 12/1)
JV (ages 10-11; must be 10 by 12/1)
Varsity (ages 12-14; must be 12 by 12/1, can’t turn 15 prior to 12/1)

Football and cheer registration fees can be accepted via credit/debit card, check or cash and includes:

- high-quality, annually certified safety equipment
- full game day uniforms
- practice uniforms
- dri-fit T-shirt
- accident & liability insurance
- Cheerzone competition
- end of season banquet
- participation trophy
- possible playoffs for mini squad thru varsity based on record of wins/losses

**A multi-athlete family discount is available as well as payment plan options. Scholarships are also available for those who apply based on eligibility. A minimum of $50 is required at time of registration.

The Bulldawgs eagerly anticipate the summertime announcement of our 2015 game schedule with locally affiliated NOFA teams in the surrounding areas of Attica, Alexander, Pembroke, Oakfield/Elba, Akron, Alden, Albion, Medina, Roy-Hart & Newfane.

All contests will take place on Saturdays from late August through October. Every player will get the opportunity to participate in every game, where we never keep track of individual player statistics, only player participation and team records. USA Football certified coaches, using the Heads-Up Football philosophy to reduce the risk of injury, will coach our athletes. In addition, certified coaches will help to train our current cheer squads toward continued great success in the 2015 Cheerzone competition.

About Batavia Bulldawgs

Batavia Bulldawgs Football and Cheer is a family-oriented volunteer, nonprofit organization affiliated with the Niagara Orleans Football Association, established in 1999. Since our inception in 2011, we have been committed to providing a high-quality youth football program where we are dedicated to the instruction of football, the philosophy of teamwork, the development of sportsmanship and competition in a safe and respectful environment, while promoting personal responsibility and offering participants an opportunity to enjoy all that is best about youth sports.

Contact

An informational meeting will be held this Wednesday March 25th at 6:30 p.m. in the Batavia Middle School auditorium. Board members and coaches will be available to answer any questions and discuss the upcoming season.

A small number of volunteer football and cheer coaching positions are currently available to interested adults. To learn more about this opportunity, or to answer and questions, please contact

Barry Warner, League Commissioner
585-217-1213
bataviabulldawgsfootball@gmail.com

Farmers are facing ever escalating expenses, lower prices and now Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to raise the minimum wage on them.

That's just more than many New York farmers are going to be able to bear, said Dean Norton, a farmer in Elba and president of the New York State Farm Bureau.

"New York is already a tough state to do business in and a minimum wage increase is going to continue to make us disadvantageous," Norton said during a conference call this morning with media from throughout the state.

Joining Norton on the call were Sandi Prokop and Brian Reeves, owners of multi-generation farms in Middleburgh and Baldwinsville.

Each said a minimum wage increase would add significant costs to their operations, $44,000 annually for Prokop and $50,000 for Reeves.

And that doesn't include the pressure a minimum age increase would put on suppliers and service companies to raise their rates, driving operational costs up even further.

The average farm worker in New York earns $12.50 an hour already, Norton said. Even though the proposed increase from Cuomo is less than that -- to $10.50 an hour -- a minimum wage increase tends to drive up wages across the board.

When trainees and entry-level workers get more money, the people above them want to keep pace with the higher pay, so they demand higher wages.

Farmers who don't meet those demands, Norton said, risk losing skilled and experienced workers to other farmers willing to pay those wages, or the workers will look for work in other states where conditions are more favorable.

Workers who are dissatisfied with their current conditions will also change careers, going into related industries, Reeves said.

The upward pressure on wages just encourages farmers to abandon labor-intensive crops or move to greater mechanization, such as robotics at dairy farmers, which means fewer workers churning economic buying power in their local communities.

Both Prokop and Reeves noted that in their segments of agriculture -- dairy and vegetables -- they're not price makers, they're price takers."

The food processors and supermarket chains who purchase their crops set the prices, based on supply and demand and in competition with other states.

"We're already one of the higher cost states," Reeves said. "When I sell a box of zucchini, I'll have a buyer tell me he can get it cheaper in another state. He'll say, 'I can buy all I want for $11 a box, why do you want $13 or $14 a box?' "

Dairy prices have been falling for months, Prokop said, and haven't hit bottom yet. In February, she said, she received $24,000 less for milk than the month before, and her revenue was down $13,000 the month before that.

"It's only going to get worse this month," she said. "The price is now below the cost of production."

It would help, Reeves said, if Congress would step in and set a higher minimum wage across the board, because at least then farmers in all states would be paying the same price for labor.

"We need to be able to compete," he said, "with Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan."

Press release:

The more time I spend in the Assembly, the more I notice the distinction between New York City and Upstate New York. It is clear to me that the needs of Downstate continue to dominate New York State politics. Year after year, New York City drains our education fund dry and more attention is given to things like rent control and New York City’s mass transit system; issues for which Upstate New Yorkers have little concern. Two-thirds of representatives in the Assembly have districts south of the Tappan Zee Bridge and their interests continue to dominate the budget process while Upstate is left to fight for scraps.  

With recent news emerging about the Southern Tier toying with the idea of secession to Pennsylvania, Upstate New Yorkers deserve to have a choice about splitting from New York City now more than ever. In 2012, New York spent more on Medicaid than Florida and Texas combined, and this year’s budget will surely raise that to an even higher level. Why should Upstate be forced to take home less pay because of those who choose to remain on government assistance and abuse the system for benefits such as rent and energy assistance and funding for appliances and groceries?

Sen. Joseph Robach (R,C,I-Rochester) and I have recently introduced legislation (A.4167) to allow a referendum on the question, “Do you support the division of New York into two separate states?” In doing so, we could measure the citizen support for this initiative to determine if it is actually feasible. As liberals from New York City continue to move Upstate generation after generation, they will undoubtedly support increased services and more taxation.

New York has one of the highest exodus rates in the country. Younger generations are realizing that a life in New York is not sustainable due to the abusive tax structure and lack of employment opportunities. We owe it to our children and grandchildren to see if separation from New York City is actually feasible. Without the expensive Downstate burden, we could gain education funding, lower taxes, have full Second Amendment rights, and more opportunities to experience the “American Dream.” Join me in fighting for Upstate and passing my legislation so we can build a better “New New York.”

Are you watching any of the NCAA basketball tournaments?

Los Angeles Times: College basketball is in crisis and needs a change of pace

Answer this question later today on the smartphone app Reacht for a chance to win a $5 gift certificate from Southside Deli. To download Reacht on your smartphone, click here.

Route 5 is being closed at Wortendyke Road for a minor injury accident.

East Pembroke fire is handling the accident with Mercy EMS responding.

To purchase prints, click here.

Avon and Notre Dame won their matches in the mock trials quarterfinals held at the Genesee County Courthouse on Monday night.

In round 1, Avon beat Medina 47-40, and Notre Dame beat Perry 49-48. In round 2, Avon topped Media 52-48 and Notre Dame overcame Perry 51-45.

Avon is now 6-0 with 308 points and Notre Dame is 6-0 with 302 points.

The second set of quarterfinals will be held Wednesday at the Genesee County Courthouse.

The semi-finals will be March 23 at the Orleans County Courthouse; the finals are March 25 at the Genesee County Courthouse.

CORRECTION: Tonight's quarterfinals are in Wyoming County.

Bontrager's ran auctions Saturday for properties seized by the city and the county for failure to pay taxes and other fees.

County results:

Address Town Type Delinquency Value Sale Price 6287 Knowlesville Rd. Alabama Single family $3,037 $37,800 $9,000 Bowen Rd. Alexander Vacant land $3,493 $29,000 No sale Route 98 Alexander Vacant land $1,064 $3,400 $1,000 11098 Route 98 Alexander Single family $6,342 $61,500 $22,000 6859 Route 237 Byron Single family $10,247 $45,300 $22,000 6371 Freeman Rd. Byron Single family $10,439 $50,000 $29,000 6062 Oak Orchard Rd. Elba Mobile home $1,141 $4,000 $1,100 5054 Hundredmark Rd. Elba Seasonal residence $2,851 $7,000 $1,200 7150 Weatherwax Rd. Elba Single family $1,970 $5,000 $7,000 7011 W. Main Rd. LeRoy Commercial $128,512 $375,000 $240,000 9339 Warsaw Rd. LeRoy Mobile home $2,314 $19,500 $2,800 10875 South Lake Rd. Pavilion Mobile home $9,837 $86,000 $36,000 1448 Indian Falls Rd. Pembroke Single family $6,288 $83,200 $32,000 8576 N. Lake Rd. Pembroke Old church residence $3,977 $30,000 $17,000 Alleghany Rd. Pembroke Vacant land $3,227 $21,300 $74,000.00 Genesee St. Pembroke Vacant land $551 $500 $500.00 Clinton St. Rd. Stafford Vacant land $2,084 $2,700 $1,800.00 6224 Route 5 Stafford Vacant land $20,309 $6,200 $3,400.00 Spring St. Bergen Village Vacant land $1,424 $5,300 Combined below 29 LeRoy St. Bergen Village Vacant land $2,084 $8,900 $5,100.00 42 South St. LeRoy Village Single family $23,693 $77,000 $37,500.00 19 Munson St. LeRoy Village Single family $14,769 $76,700 $43,000.00 9266 Robbins Rd. LeRoy Village Single family $27,086 $28,000

$13,000.00

City Results

Address Type Delinquency Value Sale Price Buyer 214 Ellicott St. Commercial $13,396 $70,000

$47,000

Robert Hiscuit

Ellicott Street, rear Vacant land $2,923 $31,000

$300

Harry Silliman

Hall, City Centre Commercial $1,146 $10,000

$600

Peycol Properties 

30 Hutchins Place Vacant land $2,458 $3,600     26-28 Hutchins Place Vacant land $17,421 $35,000

$10,500

James Pontillo

South Main St. Vacant land $88 $100

$1,100

Mary K Longhini

159 Bank St. Single family $22,017 $72,000

$24,000

Jeffrey Freeman

33 Clinton St. Single family $37,630 $79,000

$39,000

Scott Mase

42 Lyon St. Single family $24,479 $69,000

$23,000

RGH Realty

54 Oak St. Single family $31,817 $60,000 $21,000 RGH Realty 210 Ross St. Single family $32,532 $68,000

$38,000

Jeffrey D Freeman

214 Swan St. Two family $32,532 $68,000

$28,000

Jeffrey D Freeman

141 Liberty St. Vacant land $9,325 $6,800

$700

Terance L Cranston

Marquis K. Saddler, 24, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, driving without an interlock device, criminal possession of a narcotic drug, criminal possession of a narcotic drug with intent to sell and unlawful possession of marijuana. Saddler was arrested in the driveway of a residence on State Street following a complaint of alleged traffic offenses. Saddler was jailed without bail.

Harry R. Silliman, 51, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Silliman allegedly violated an order of protection by contacting a family member he was ordered not to contact. Silliman allegedly made contact at the Corfu PD office. He was jailed on $250 bail or $1,000 bond.

Patti Ann Strange, 44, of Sumner Road, Darien, is charged with disorderly conduct. Strange allegedly became verbally and physically offensive while with Pembroke Intermediate School administrators. Strange was reportedly asked to leave the property and allegedly became verbally offensive and was physically removed from the property by a Corfu PD officer and a Sheriff's deputy. 

John James Hassler Jr., 34, of Ontario Center Road, Ontario, Canada, is charged with possession/transport of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes, aggravated unlicensed operation, speeding, driving without an interlock device, unlicensed operator. Hassler was stopped at 10:50 a.m., Monday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Woodrow C. Horseman, 39, no permanent address, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. He was jailed on $100,000 bail.

Minerva Garcia, 35, of Walnut Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a parking ticket. Garcia posted cash bail and was released.