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Batavia/Alexander at Pembroke Varsity Soccer

By Rick D. Franclemont

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In last night's contest Pembroke and Batavia/Alexander both scored early in the first half. The rest of the game was all Pembroke. They scored four more goals in the half, and in the second half, down a man, scored another. Batavia/Alexander managed two more quick goals near the end of the second half, but it was not enough. Final Pembroke, 6 -- Batavia/Alexander, 3.

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Stafford approves permit for spreading of septic waste on farm fields

By Howard B. Owens

A decades-long practice of spreading septic waste on farm fields in Stafford, which drew criticism from a local environmentalist earlier this year, will continue for at least another year with the approval Monday of a permit by the town board.

A.D. Call applied for a renewal of the permit for spreading of septic waste -- human waste -- on two fields north and south of Route 5.

In April, Attica resident John Volpe raised the issue with the Town of Stafford Board, claiming that the Calls were bringing in waste from surrounding communities and dumping amounts in excess of the permit's permitted limits.

Gerald Call said his farm has stayed within limits set by the town – 25,000 gallons per acre per year.

Only one resident raised any objections at Monday's meetings.

She raised concerns that the state Department of Environmental Conservation doesn't have the manpower to monitor the spreading of human waste and that if the Town of Stafford permits it, it becomes the responsibility of the town to inspect the practice. Supervisor Robert Clement said he's spoke with the DEC and the agency has been clear with him that it's not the town's responsibility. 

"Like I said, I have timely, up-to-date e-mails from the DEC and I would be happy to share them with you," Clement said.

Stafford concludes three-year effort to ban fracking with passage of local law

By Howard B. Owens

The Town of Stafford became the first local community to ban hydrofracking within its borders with a 4-0 vote of the board on Monday night following a public hearing where every speaker supported the ban.

Fracking involves using hydraulic force, with a mixture of water, chemicals and sand, to extract gas from shale. The technique is controversial. Opponents believe the process generates soil and water contamination.

"This is the wisest, the safest and the best thing to do for our community for many years to come," said resident Judy Manly.

Another speaker, who didn't provide her name, said it was up to Stafford to protect itself because the town can't count on the legislature or governor to ban it and current state Department of Environemtnal Conservation regulations could easily be overturned by another administration.

"Passing this law in our town is a safety measure that we absolutely need," she said.

Three years in the making, the law prohibits extraction, exploration, storage of wastes, and other activities in connection with underground injections for petroleum or gas production within the Town of Stafford limits.

Kwik Fill closed for resurfacing

By Howard B. Owens

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The Kwik Fill at Jackson and Ellicott streets is closed for a few days -- with work starting yesterday -- for the lot to be resurfaced. The cement and asphalt is being completely removed and replaced. A worker said they expect the store to reopen by Thursday, though work will continue for a few more days after that.

Winner of Batavia Downs drawing uses prize to drive off with a Buick LaCrosse

By Howard B. Owens

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Mary Frombgen, of Gasport, was the big winner in a drawing at Batavia Downs on Saturday, claiming a prize of $5,000 toward the purchase of a vehicle from Crazy Cheap Cars, in Oakfield. Frombgen went to the dealership yesterday, test drove several vehicles and settled on a 2012 Buick LaCrosse, which she said she just loved. Pictured with Frombgen is Crazy Cheap Cars owner Mike Ognibene.

City firefighters will flush hydrants Wednesday and Thursday around Main, Bank and State streets

By Billie Owens

Press release from Batavia Fire Capt. Robert L. Fix II:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.on Wednesday, Sept. 16th, and Thursday, Sept. 17th in the general area of Main Street, Bank Street and State Street. Homes and businesses nearby will be affected.

These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about five minutes or until clear.

The Arc of Orleans and Genesee ARC vote to unify

By Billie Owens

Press release:

With unanimous votes by The Arc of Orleans and Genesee ARC boards of directors, plans are moving ahead to unify the two agencies that are chapters of NYSARC, Inc., the largest disability service provider of its kind in the nation.

Donna Saskowski, longtime executive director of the Genesee Chapter, has also been overseeing the Orleans Chapter since April.

“For months we have been meeting to discuss how we can collaborate and share services,” Saskowski said. “This was the next logical step."

Orleans President John Huber calls this a progressive move noting unification will expand opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in both counties.

”Our new dream is to adapt to the changing horizon while providing expanded services to the people we serve,” Huber said.

Genesee Chapter President Candie Pocock echoed Huber’s comments, “What’s important for families, staff and individuals in both Chapters to understand, is that programs and services will continue in each county, and now have the opportunity to grow.”

Each board recognizes the similarities between their respective counties.

“We are rural, neighboring, agricultural communities, roughly the same size in area and among New York’s smallest in terms of population,” Saskowski said. “Looking ahead, we feel our similar cultures will allow for a smooth transition."

In a joint statement the chapters’ executive boards addressed finances as they had been asked if the unification was being pursued due to current financial needs. According to the statement, “We are choosing to unify in order to effectively address the financial challenges resulting from current NYS Medicaid transformational reform initiatives."

NYSARC, Inc., the nonprofit organization that oversees the Genesee and Orleans chapters, will monitor and guide the voluntary unification process, which should be completed in 2016.

Genesee ARC was founded in 1966 and will be marking its 50th Anniversary next year. The Arc of Orleans was founded in 1970 and is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. Combined, the agencies serve more than 1,200 individuals with developmental or other intellectual disabilities and their families.

Of the Boards’ decision to unify Saskowski said, “This is a strong statement in support of the people we serve and all of our staff. The Orleans and Genesee chapters have nearly 100 years of experience serving people with disabilities in our two counties; this vast experience will position us well going forward."

Questions? Please feel free to contact Sandy Konfederath, coordinator of Community Relations for Genesee ARC, at (585) 343-4203 or e-mail at skonfederath@geneseearc.org or Darlene Golson at DGolson@ArcOfOrleans.org.

Crossroads House now able to help Wyoming County residents with ambulance transfer costs to the Batavia comfort care facility

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Crossroads House has created a project to financially supplement Ambulance Transfer Services of Wyoming County residents who will be coming to Crossroads House for their end of life care.

This project is funded by a $1,000 grant from the Wyoming Foundation Council a division of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. 

Crossroads House is a two-bed comfort care home located at 11 Liberty St. in Batavia. It provides 24-hour, 7-days-a-week care FREE of charge for individuals over the age of 18 years old from Genesee and Wyoming counties who have been given a medical prognosis of three months or less to live. 

This project was established to ensure an individual from Wyoming County who would like to finish their earthly journey at Crossroads House would not be hindered from coming here due to lack of resources for ambulance transfer costs.

Any Wyoming County resident who is admitted to Crossroads House who incurs costs associated with ambulance transfer services can submit documentation of these costs and receive payment up to $300. 

This Ambulance Reimbursement project funded by the Community Foundation is another way Crossroads House can provide emotional support to a family facing an end of life situation. This project will ensure that a family’s financial limitations for ambulance transfer are not a determining factor in keeping them from comfort care at Crossroads House.

Crossroads House is an incorporated not-for-profit comfort care home that has been serving the residents of Genesee and Wyoming counties that have been medically determined to be in their last stages of life (three (3) months or less) free of charge since 1998.

Comfort care is founded upon the belief in the importance of honoring the well-being of every individual and respecting the sacred dignity of human life. The Crossroads House staff and volunteers are committed to provide personalized care attending to the physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs of our residents and their families while affirming a dignified quality of life in a caring home-like environment. Admission is based solely on need, regardless of religion, age, sex, race, creed, economic status, or other distinctions.

FYI...Settler's Restaurant, located at 353 W. Main St., Batavia, is having a benefit today Tuesday, Sept. 15, for Crossroads House. "Supper at Settler's" -- From 4 to 9 p.m., 20 percent of pre-tax receipts will be donated to Crossroads House.

Law and Order: Person allegedly found with 27K untaxed cigarettes

By Howard B. Owens

Roberta Susan Dwello, 55, of State Route 104, Williamson, is charged with possession/transportation of more than 10,000 untaxed cigarettes and criminal tax fraud. Dwello was stopped on Route 77, Pembroke, at 12:20 p.m. Sunday by Deputy Joseph Corona. Dwello was allegedly found with 27,000 in untaxed cigarettes and is accused of selling untaxed cigarettes for financial gain.

Bobbisue Butler, 32, of Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with petit larceny. Butler is accused of shoplifting from Walmart.

Matthew Christopher Moy, 22, of Glidden Road, Holley, is charged with promoting prison contraband, 1st. Moy was allegedly found with a pocketknife while inside the jail.

Kivon Alijah Orr, 18, of Kelly Street, Bronx, is charged with trespass. Orr was allegedly in a dorm at College Village without permission.

Mark David Jackett, 45, of Sunrise Parkway, Oakfield, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Jackett allegedly had unwanted contact with a protected party.

Ryan M. Bobzin, 26, of Byron, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Bobzin was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident reported at 1:20 p.m., Sept. 8. No further details released.

Game Report: Elba/Byron Bergen over Holley

By Howard B. Owens

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 Photo by Baily DeLelys

Richard Flores had 16 carries for 214 yards and three TDs plus a kickoff return of 82 yards for a touchdown. Tucker Bezon, two carries for 66 yards and two TDs. John Hochmuth was five for nine passing for 60 yards and a TD. he also had four carries for eight yards. Brendan Marsocci and Chase Toal each had rushing touchdowns.

On defense, Andrew Gotler had 15 tackels, Cody Kauffman, 14, David Castaneda, and Flores, eight.

Photos: Le Roy's win over Dansville

By Howard B. Owens

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Photos submitted by David Boyce of Le Roy's game against Dansville on Saturday, which the Knights won 28-0.

Nick Egeling scored on a 43-yard run and a six-yard run. Josh Laurie had a 65-yard punt return and Dom Filio had a three-yard run. Mary Purdy knocked in four point after attempts.

Egeling rushed for 108 yards on 18 carries, Laurie 19 on 4 and Filio 16 on five. Laurie was two for nine passing for 38 yards. Catches by Reed Kacur for 40 yards and Ryan Boyce for two yards.

On defense, Luke Hogle, 12 tackles, Kacur, eight, Anthony Natrigo, seven, Filio, seven, and Nate Flint, five.

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Photos: Red, white and blue and Darryl Worley at Frostridge

By Howard B. Owens

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Darryl Worley, a multi-hit country music artist who topped the charts in 2003 with a 9-11 song, "Have You Forgotten?", played Frostridge Saturday night and a few hundred hearty fans braved the rain and waved flags and cheered Worley's pro-USA, positive-living message.

The show closes out the 2015 season for The Ridge.

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Batavia Silver Stars to demo Western square dancing at Darien Lake Theme Park twice this month

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Silver Stars along with the Chili-based Cloverleaf Squares are Western square dance clubs and they will be performing at Darien Lake Theme Park twice this month.

They will have a demo dance from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, and from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. For more information about WNY square dance clubs visit squaredancingrochester.org

Did you know that square dancing is the national folk dance of the United States? It is a great form of exercise, too. You form lasting friendships and once you learn the basic steps you can dance anywhere in the world. Western square dancing involves taking lessons for eight to nine months. You do not need a partner to take lessons and square dancing attire is optional. All ages are welcome from 10 years and older.

The Batavia Silver Stars dance at the VA Medical Center (patio entrance, building #4) every Monday night. FREE Open Houses are Oct. 5 and 12 from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Classes begin on Oct. 19. Class fees are $4/dancer or $10/family.

For more information contact Jan Bencic @ 585-762-8591 -- or stop by and watch us twirl and promenade some Monday night.

Aldi's in Batavia closed for renovations

By Howard B. Owens

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The local outlet of the discount food chain Aldi's is closed for remodeling and will remain closed until Oct. 1, according to a handwritten sign outside the store's main entrance on East Main Street in Eastown Plaza.

There was no prior announcement of the closing and no details of the renovations in the store have been released.

Aldi's is based in Germany. The company has 1,400 U.S. stores and is planning on investing $3 billion in the states, and creating 10,000 more jobs. It plans to open 600 more locations in the U.S., making it 44 percent the size of Walmart. Walmart is reportedly Aldi's competitive target.

The U.S. division of Aldi's is based in Batavia, Ill.

Photos: Notre Dame beats Alexander 34-14

By Howard B. Owens

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In a key early season Genesee Region matchup, Notre Dame beat Alexander 34-14.

Alexander scored first on a 14-yard run by Jake Wozniak. Notre Dame scored twice in the second quarter, making it 12-8, on a two-yard run by Peter Daversa and a 44-yard run by Jack Sutherland.

Alexander tied the score early in the third quarter on a fumble recovery in the end zone by Josh Hylkema.

The rest of the game was all Notre Dame, as the Fighting Irish scored on a 51-yard run by Sutherland, a one-yard dive for a TD by Sutherland, and Deversa scored on a one-yard run.

Alexander finished with 172 yards of total offense to 307, all on the ground, for Notre Dame.

Sutherland gained 185 yards and Deversa had 104. For Alexander, Wozniak rushed for 120 yards on 20 carries.

C.J. Suozzi had nine tackles and Dane Meberlein, 12, and Hunter Marzolf had nine for Alexander.

Suozzi punted twice for 69 yards.

In other Genesee County football this weekend:

  • Attica beat Pembroke, 36-0
  • Geneseo beat York/Pavilion, 34-28
  • Elba/Byron-Bergen beat Holley, 60-14
  • Le Roy beat Dansville 28-0 (We should have photos from this game some time tomorrow.)
  • Previously: Photos: Batavia beats Cardinal O'Hara 32-8

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To purchase prints of photos, click here

Milk tanker and vehicle collide at Route 20 and Perry Road, Pavilion

By Billie Owens

A tanker and another vehicle collided at Route 20 and Perry Road, Pavilion. Unknown injuries. The tanker is on its side and heavily leaking fuel, according to the dispatcher. An emergency crew is called to handle the spill and Pavilion fire and Mercy medics are responding. Le Roy's rescue unit is also called to provide mutual aid.

UPDATE 5:25: The tanker is about 40 feet off the road. It was hauling 31,000 pounds of milk.

Photos: Funeral procession for William Hynes

By Howard B. Owens

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Fire companies from throughout Western New York were represented in Batavia today for the funeral of William M. Hynes.

From his obituary:

Bill dedicated his life to the fire service in Genesee County. He served with the Le Roy Volunteer Fire Department from 1961-1968. From there he served with the Town of Batavia Fire Department from 1968-1980, serving as chief in 1978 and 1979. He is a current member of the Town of Elba Fire Department, joining in 1980 and served as chief from 1990-2003. He served as president of the Board of Directors of the Elba Fire Department from 2004-2013. He was also a life member of the Western New York Fireman’s Association and the New York State Fire Chief’s Association. Bill served on the Genesee County Mutual Aid Advisory Board, where he served as chairman for two years.

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Top Items on Batavia's List

Part-Time Children's Library Clerk Haxton Memorial Public Library is seeking a Part-Time Children's Clerk 19 Hours a week $15.00/hr. Interested applicants please go to www.co.genesee.ny.us for an application or come to the library at 3 North Pearl Street, Oakfield. Any questions, please call at (585) 948-9900
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