Bethany fire responded to a Jeep vs. tractor-trailer accident at 2:50 p.m. on Ellicott Street Road.
Photos by Glenn Adams.
Calling it “a huge collaborative effort,” the executive director of the Batavia Downtown Business Improvement District said she is proud to announce that the agency has put up new banners on the light poles on Main Street and a couple of side streets.
Beth Kemp today said 111 banners were attached to the poles last week by City of Batavia Department of Public Works crews.
“Our design committee has been working probably over a year now on updating the banner designs that you’ll see throughout the Downtown,” she said. “So, this is the finalized design that we got approved at the board level. We had them printed locally, at Hodgins Printing, and just put up by DPW.”
Purchasing updated banners for the summer – and also banners and decorations for the holidays – was part of the BID’s plan to utilize some of its capital funds.
“It was a huge collaborative effort and I’m glad to see the design come to fruition and then the banners be up in the community,” Kemp added.
On another front, she said that the BID is negotiating with Empire Access on making Wi-Fi accessible Downtown.
“We changed companies from Spectrum to Empire Access, and we’re hoping by the end of the summer to have Wi-Fi Downtown,” she said. “After that is activated, we will be looking at a speaker system that best aligns with the network to provide music.”
As previously reported on The Batavian, other projects planned for this year include snowflakes to go on light poles that are showing their age, hanging baskets and flowers for baskets, and fall decorations, such as cornstalks, pumpkins and hay bales.
Photo: New banners that feature a picture of downtown Batavia with the wording EST. 1997 BATAVIA DOWNTOWN. Photo by Howard Owens.
Press release:
Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) released the following statement in response to the Canadian announcement the U.S. – Canadian Border would remain closed until June 21st.
“This indefinite closure of the U.S. – Canada border is unacceptable. To continue to do this for over a year without a plan for heartbroken families and anxious homeowners represents a failure of leadership. Vaccines are rolling out; the United States especially has done the work to tame the pandemic and reopen our nation.
"There is no excuse to willfully continue this uncertainty that has plagued citizens living on both sides of the border. We know how to reopen safely and have proven we are able to do so – the President, the Prime Minister, and respective federal officials need to develop and implement a metric-based, binational plan to reopen the U.S. – Canada Border as soon as possible.”
New York State Police Troop A held their annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service today at the Troop A Barracks in Batavia.
This was Troop's first service since 2019 after last year's service was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The service honors troopers who have died in the line of duty.
New York State Police Acting Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen attended the event.
Press release:
Two senior class members from Charles D’Amico High School in Albion and one from Pavilion Central School were honored with Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Foundation scholarships today during the organization’s annual meeting via Zoom videoconferencing.
Melissa Robinson and Madelin Tabor, of Albion, and Madison Maniace, of Pavilion, each will receive $1,000 toward their college education once they complete their fall semester at their chosen colleges.
The GCASA Foundation also honored an adult student, who wished to remain anonymous, with a $1,000 award.
The scholarship was established to provide financial support to individuals pursuing their education at an institution of higher learning in the fields of human services or social services for the purpose of contributing to improving community health. One goes to a Genesee County student, one to an Orleans County student, one to a technical student and one to an adult student.
Melissa Robinson, who will be attending Nazareth College in the fall to study Nursing, was involved in numerous school and community activities, including Future Farmers of America, basketball, tennis, cross-country, pit orchestra, 4-H, dance and horseback riding. In her application, she emphasized the importance of community service and being active in her church, adding that growing up on a farm helped her to learn the value of hard work and dedication.
Madelin Tabor, who plans to attend Niagara University in the fall to study Nursing, also will be graduating from Orleans Niagara BOCES, where she is a Health Occupations Technician student. She, too, has been involved in various activities, including horseback riding, 4-H, sailing, soccer, cheerleading and dance. In her application, she said her quiet demeanor and sharp sense of humor will serve her well in helping people with medical emergencies.
Madison Maniace, who is going on to Rochester Institute of Technology’s bachelor’s/master’s degree Physician Assistant Program in the fall, also will be graduating from Genesee Valley BOCES Health Careers Academy. Her extracurricular activities include competition dance, yearbook club, literary club, debate team, Spanish club, varsity soccer and varsity track, as well as community service. In her application, shared a very personal story that inspired her to pursue an occupation where she can support and comfort others in their time of need.
FRIENDS OF GCASA AWARDS
Various GCASA departments nominated individuals and organizations with Friends of GCASA Awards.
Recipients are as follows:
Jeremy Barber, Friend of GCASA Residential Services
Nicole Davis, director of Residential Services, presented the award to Barber, a Genesee County senior probation officer.
Davis recognized Barber for being “extremely patient and supportive during a particularly tough year” and continuing to meet with residents either by telephone or in the GCASA parking lot, adhering to social-distancing guidelines. She added that he made himself available to staff and residents and contributed significantly to the agency’s efforts in helping those in recovery.
Greater Rochester Health Foundation, Friend of GCASA Prevention
Christen Ferraro, coordinator of the GOW Opioid Task Force, presented the award to the GRHF, which was represented by Matthew Kuhlenbeck, president and chief executive officer.
Ferraro recognized the GRHF for providing grant funding for two Prevention Department employees to continue working following March 2020 when COVID-19 caused economic uncertainty. She said that the foundation kept the communication lines open throughout the year and provided stability to the Prevention Department during the pandemic.
Dennis Romero, Friend of GCASA Genesee Treatment
John Bennett, executive director, presented the award to Dennis Romero, Region 2 administrator for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Bennett said that Romero played a pivotal role in helping GCASA establish a drive-thru methadone clinic during the pandemic, allaying the agency’s fears that it wouldn’t be able to sufficiently serve the 180 or so people in recovery due to the social-distancing and room-capacity restrictions.
Romero, a high-level federal employee, responded to an email by Bennett seeking assistance in hosting a drive-thru setup using the agency’s mobile clinic and worked diligently to get approval for the alternate site. Bennett said Romero “was very humble, helpful and kind at every turn.”
Orleans County Emergency Management Services, Friend of GCASA Orleans Treatment
Allison Parry-Gurak, director of Treatment Services, Albion Clinic, presented the award to the Orleans County Emergency Management Office and its deputy director, Justin Niederhofer.
Parry-Gurak recognized Orleans County EMO for providing personal protective equipment – hand sanitizer, masks, gloves and no-touch thermometers – “at a time when this was very difficult to obtain and all at no cost to the agency.”
She said Orleans County EMO’s contributions were extremely vital to the operation in Orleans County as it strived to ensure the safety of staff and clients.
Recovery Coach University, Friend of GCASA Recovery Services
Rosalie Mangino-Crandall, director of Project Innovation and Expansion, presented the award to Recovery Coach University of Rochester, represented by founder Lori Drescher and social worker Keith Greer.
Mangino-Crandall recognized RCU for its work in training and coaching GCASA’s recovery peers, recovery coaches and peer supervisors, while also providing training for other staff members, individual supervision, group supervision and technical assistance.
She added that RCU has made a profound impact upon GCASA employees who work with those in recovery, giving them the tools they need to make a positive difference in others’ lives.
BOARD WELCOMES NEW VP, DIRECTORS
The board elected two new directors, Batavians Kattie Cotter and Tom Kinsey, to initial three-year terms.
Cotter is a former teacher and now serves as a family advocate for Head Start and is a member of the Council for Independent Living, while Kinsey has been involved with Community Action of Orleans/Genesee, and currently is a reporting analyst at Genesee Community College in the Office of Institutional Research.
Also, current director Tim Batzel, business administrator at Alexander Central School, was elected as the new vice president, replacing Victoria Elsenheimer, who along with Linda Knipe has stepped down after serving two three-year terms.
Fred Rarick, a Batavia attorney, was elected to a second three-year term on the board.
Officers for 2021-22 are incumbent Virginia Taylor, president; Batzel, vice president, and Rarick, secretary-treasurer.
Terry Eugene Gamble Jr., 25, of Onslow Drive, Columbus, Ohio, is charged with: criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree -- a vehicle (except a motorcycle); criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the second degree; operation of a motor vehicle by an unlicensed driver; criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree -- an ammunition feeding device. On May 18, Gamble was arrested on the charges. It is alleged that on South Main Street in Elba at 3:18 p.m. on May 12 that he operated a vehicle stolen out of Columbus, Ohio, and possessed a .556 magazine capable of holding more than 10 rounds. He was arraigned virtually in Elba Town Court and jailed with $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond. Gamble is due in Genesee County Court on June 9. A passenger in the vehicle, Abralee D. Maynard (no age or address provided) was also arrested for criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree -- a vehicle (except a motorcycle). Maynard was released with appearance tickets and is due in Elba Town Court on June 2.
Patrick Lyn Waite, 53, of Alexander Road, Alexander, is charged with disorderly conduct. At 11:51 p.m. on May 19, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to 9746 Alexander Road in Alexander for a complaint of loud music. Following an investigation, Waite was arrested. It is alleged that he intentionally caused public inconvenience and annoyance by playing loud music after several phone call complaints from nearby residents were made to the county dispatch center. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Alexander Town Court on June 8. Deputy Zachary Hoy handled by case, assisted by Deputy David Moore.
Kyle John Gugel, 35, of Genesee Street, Le Roy, is charged with driving while intoxicated and refusal to take a breath test. At 1:52 a.m. on May 18, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies conducted a traffic stop on Clinton Street Road in the Town of Stafford for a vehicle speeding over 55 mph. Gugel was subsequently arrested and issued appearance tickets to be in Town of Stafford Court June 1. Deputy Zachary Hoy handled by case, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.
Press release:
The Batavia Muckdogs of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League are gearing up for their first season in their new league and are gearing up to make it the place to be in Batavia this summer!
With the release of the promotional schedule today the Muckdogs are proud to bring back exciting events like: Meet the Team; Postgame Fireworks; Free Posters; Thirsty Thursdays; Sahlen’s Dollar Dog Nights; Free T-shirt Night; O’Lacy’s Irish Night; 716 Night; Free Face Masks; and many more!
All of the Muckdogs promotions and their regular season schedule can be found at canusamuckdogs.com.
Baseball returns to Batavia on Friday June 4th as the Muckdogs take on the Elmira Pioneers with fireworks presented by the Graham Corporation immediately following the action!
Single game tickets are on sale now by calling the box office at (585) 524-2260! Be sure to like our Facebook page and subscribe to our YouTube channel, “Batavia Muckdogs Baseball.” Go Dogs!
*********************************************************************
Here's the PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE for the 2021 season:
After years of high-level involvement in the fire and emergency services fields and months of overseeing testing and vaccination clinics to earn the unofficial title as Genesee County “COVID czar,” William Schutt has decided to take on a new challenge as the executive director of the Genesee County Youth Bureau.
And county legislators and management are supporting his decision by wholeheartedly endorsing him for the job at Wednesday’s Ways & Means Committee meeting at the Old County Courthouse.
The deputy coordinator of Genesee County Emergency Management Services since August 2015, Schutt has been selected by an interview committee to replace Jocelyn Sikorski at the youth bureau, effective June 20.
Sikorski resigned in January when she accepted the executive director position at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County.
Schutt said he’s looking forward to applying his experience and talents to programs and events geared toward boosting young people.
“I’m always looking for a challenge and I really enjoy being involved in the community – trying to make a difference and pay it forward – and doing something that will make the community better in the future,” Schutt said. “So, when the position came out -- I knew the previous director -- I took a look at it. It just kind of stuck out with how I was feeling about things at the current time.”
Schutt, a Basom resident, said he talked to Sikorski about the position and her comments piqued his interest in taking a closer look.
“It may seem like it’s quite a bit different but it still involves helping people, just in a different format than doing it as a first responder,” he said. “I am used to working on a variety of projects with a variety of things going on, and obviously, as a first responder, the spur of the moment stuff, and I think all of that transfers over very well.”
Before joining the county workforce on a full-time basis in August 2015, Schutt held a per diem position as deputy fire coordinator for about five years – assisting local fire and EMS agencies through the county’s Emergency Management office.
A longtime assistant fire chief for the Town of Alabama, Schutt was the general manager for Mercy Flight Inc. Mercy EMS, based in Batavia, from 2013-2015.
Genesee County Manager Matt Landers said that Schutt has distinguished himself throughout his career.
“He is a familiar face to everyone – our quote, unquote COVID czar, who has been instrumental in our testing and vaccination efforts,” Landers said. “The interview committee is pleased to be recommending Bill for this position. I think his passion and organizational skills are well-suited for the youth bureau and the direction we want to take that department going forward.”
The interview committee was comprised of Legislator John Deleo and several members of the Youth Advisory Board.
Deleo, speaking to Schutt who was at the meeting, said he could see from the interview that Schutt is up to the task at hand.
“You seem to be a person that takes something and develops it. So, I’m very pleased to have you on board to take on this challenge,” he said. “With your background and everything, I think we’re going to win this. It’s kind of bittersweet though because we lose (you) from the other (Emergency Management department).”
Legislature Chair Rochelle Stein commended Schutt for displaying leadership “under chaotic situations,” referring to the coronavirus testing and vaccine clinics.
“What you’ve demonstrated already on behalf of the community here in Genesee County, I just look forward for even more to come,” she said.
Schutt said he is confident that he will be able to make a smooth transition, especially considering that he has had interactions with current youth bureau employees -- Chelsea Elliott (Youth Court and Safe Harbour coordinator) and Chelsea Green (program assistant).
He said he was getting up to speed on the county’s involvement with Safe Harbour, a state-funded program that supports services to youth who have been trafficked, exploited or are at risk, and already was familiar with other programs, such as Genesee Youth Lead and Youth Court.
A native of West Seneca, he said he participated in local town youth recreation programs growing up.
“I also was a Boy Scout and my son was a Boy Scout, and were involved in sports with the kids,” he said.
Schutt and his wife, Shelly, have a grown son and daughter, and two grandchildren.
A formal vote on his appointment by the full legislature is expected to take place next Wednesday. The position carries a $61,000 annual salary.
Previously: County youth bureau's Safe Harbour program tackles problem of human trafficking
The Genesee County Legislature’s Ways & Means Committee this afternoon approved a $50,000 increase in the county’s sponsorship of Genesee Community College – raising the amount for 2021-22 to more than $2.6 million – and set a public hearing on the two-year college’s $37.4 million budget for 5:30 p.m. June 9 at the Old County Courthouse.
GCC President James Sunser reported that the budget, which takes effect on Sept. 1, is $700,000 less than the current year spending plan, attributing the decrease in cost savings due to a five-step plan that was put into place in March 2020.
Aid from New York State will decline as well based on the formula provided to the college, Sunser said.
“It goes down to $9,736,511 based on 98 percent of prior year actual,” he said. “The college is also asking the county to consider a $50,000 increase in their … contribution. That increase in sponsorship would bring the county to $2,686,374 or 7.2 percent of the total budget.”
Sunser said the budget calls for a $100 per semester tuition increase for full-time students, $5 per credit hour increase for part-time students and $1 per credit hour for Accelerated College Entrance students.
He also noted that the college’s charge-back rate to counties outside of Genesee would decrease.
“The increase in the county’s sponsorship helps us to minimize that reduction by a bit – so that does have an effect on charges to other counties as well,” he said, adding that the college makes about $500,000 in other income (prior year recoveries, investments, etc.) but will be using almost $1.9 million in reserves to balance its budget.
Concerning the use of available funds, Sunser said the objective “would be to get that down to zero usage throughout the year through a combination of things like salary savings, better than anticipated contract costs, utility bills – things of that nature.”
Legislature Chair Rochelle Stein asked if money from the American Rescue Plan was available for colleges.
Sunser replied that up to $2 million could be heading to GCC, but half of that would go directly to students and the other half would be for COVID-19-related expenses going forward.
If the college does get that federal funding, Sunser said it would be used for Zoom videoconferencing technology in all classrooms and maintenance projects at the campus.
“We would be outfitting all of our classrooms so that we can do Zoom technology to and from – not only to people’s homes but to the other six campus centers as well,” he said.
Sunser pointed out that GCC has reduced its budget by $4 million over the last two years and is down about 34 full-time positions “through a combination of voluntary retirements, natural turnover and then some folks that we had to retrench to make the budget work.”
In the end, Stein said she was on board with the additional $50,000.
“All of our costs are going up, regardless of what we do,” she said. “If we continue to short or say no, someday we’re going to have to pay the piper. And I know when we came on the legislature, it was a $250,000 jump in one year, and that was really difficult.
"So, understanding the costs going forward and the fact that they reduced their budget to the amount that they have, meeting in the middle is a good place for us to be here in Genesee.”
Upon approval by the full legislature following the public hearing, the sponsorship of $2,686,374 for the 2021-22 fiscal year would be included in the county tax levy for 2021.
Former Coroner Compensated
In other action, the committee supported “discretionary compensation” in the amount of $1,369 to former Genesee County Coroner Jeff McIntire for time spent on the job following the airplane crash in October 2020 in the Town of Pembroke that claimed the lives of attorneys Steven Barnes and Elizabeth Barnes.
Previously, the legislature passed a local law giving them authority to provide additional compensation in catastrophic events.
County Manager Matt Landers said that McIntire, who since has relocated to Florida, lost about 80 full-time employment hours while taking part in the long investigation of the crash,
Previously: Genesee Community College eliminates six, doesn't renew seven full-time positions
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley is joining his colleagues in the Assembly Minority calling for the passage of a bill (A.7107) that would prohibit statewide elected officials from profiting on published works while serving in their position.
This legislative push follows news that Gov. Andrew Cuomo will be earning more than $5 million on a book deal for a memoir he wrote during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when over 15,000 seniors passed away in nursing homes under his administration’s watch.
“To think that the governor and his staff would be concerned with writing a self-promotional memoir while working at the same time to hide information about the tragedy happening in our nursing homes is incredibly disconcerting,” Hawley said.
“It’s also an example of why we need laws like this to ensure our public officials are putting their service to the public before their own personal gain.”
Press release:
The City of Batavia wants to remind residents how to access the various City departments for service requests or questions. Below is a listing of departments and what different services they perform throughout the City.
“The City of Batavia employs 150 professionals, working different shifts and schedules, on behalf of the residents of the City to maintain public safety, provide fire protection, maintain streets, water, sewer, enforce local codes/ordinances, issue building permits, marriage certificates, hunting and fishing licenses, as well as many other services," said Rachael Tabelski, city manager.
"Access to these services are important and the guide below is a quick index of the main services each department performs, and how to contact the department."
If you are experiencing an emergency, always call 9-1-1.
Department/Office / Contact / Services Provided
Dispatch Police and Fire Services
Call 9-1-1
Response for Emergency Situations (Fire, Crimes in Progress, etc.)
***********
Police Department
Phone: (585) 345-6350
Contact form: https://www.batavianewyork.com/home/webforms/contact-form
Website: https://www.batavianewyork.com/police-department
Address: 10 W. Main St.
***********
Fire Department
Phone: (585) 345-6375
Contact form: https://www.batavianewyork.com/home/webforms/contact-form
Website: https://www.batavianewyork.com/fire-department
Address: 18 Evans St.
***********
Bureau of Inspection
Phone: (585) 345-6345
Contact form: https://www.batavianewyork.com/home/webforms/contact-form
Website: https://www.batavianewyork.com/bureau-of-inspection-0
Address: One Batavia City Centre
***********
Bureau of Maintenance
Phone: (585) 345-6400, option #1
Contact form: https://www.batavianewyork.com/home/webforms/contact-form
Website: https://www.batavianewyork.com/bureau-of-maintenance
Address: 147 Walnut St.
***********
DPW Administration
Bureau of Water and Wastewater
Phone: (585) 345-6325
Contact form: https://www.batavianewyork.com/home/webforms/contact-form
Website: https://www.batavianewyork.com/bureau-of-water-wastewater
Address: One Batavia City Centre
***********
City Clerk’s Office
Phone: (585) 345-6305
Contact form: https://www.batavianewyork.com/home/webforms/contact-form
Website: https://www.batavianewyork.com/bureau-of-clerk-treasurer
Address: One Batavia City Centre
***********
Assessor’s Office
Phone: (585) 345-6301
Contact form: https://www.batavianewyork.com/home/webforms/contact-form
Website: https://www.batavianewyork.com/bureau-of-assessment
Address: One Batavia City Centre
***********
City Manager’s Office
Phone: (585) 345-6330
Contact form: https://www.batavianewyork.com/office-of-the-city-manager
Website: https://www.batavianewyork.com/office-of-the-city-manager
Address: One Batavia City Centre
Submitted images and press release:
After public input and multiple stakeholder engagement sessions for the reconfiguration of Jackson Square, and with the preliminary design finished, the final design will now advance to full engineering, permitting and construction in the next few months. The project is expected to be completed next spring.
On Oct. 6, 2018, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced eight transformational projects for Downtown Batavia as part of $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). Enhancing Jackson Square was one of the eight projects chosen to receive a strategic investment grant of $750,000 to transform public space in a public plaza.
“The upgraded public plaza will become a lively hub and common space for community interaction, and provide connections to multiple businesses through its unique configuration," said Eugene Jankowski Jr., City of Batavia Council president and DRI cochair.
"As we continue to recover from the pandemic, I am happy to see the City complete this project and be able to offer citizens and visitors a unique experience in Downtown Batavia."
Jackson Square, a public gathering space bordered by historic buildings in the heart of Downtown, will be transformed with decorative pavement upgrades, a professional multipurpose stage, seating, lighting and decorative signage.
“Jackson Square is a hidden gem in the City of Batavia, currently hosting lively concerts and urban events," said Steve Hyde, CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center and cochair of the Batavia DRI. "After the project is complete the Square will bring in more opportunities for the community to gather creating a downtown neighborhood."
Architectural Resources is the architectural firm selected to design the reconfiguration project, which is on schedule will go out to bid this winter.
“We received feedback from the residents, the Batavia Business Improvement District (BID), Batavia Development Corporation (BDC), adjoining building owners, and users of the square," said City Manager Rachael Tabelski. "The pavement and lighting elements will give a square a historical feel in a unique urban setting."
The concept integrates many historical layers of Batavia including the Great Bend -- changing the trajectory of the Tonawanda Creek, the Ancient Seneca Footpaths, and the history of “old” downtown Batavia.
“The BID was engaged throughout the entire process including selecting the design firm, reviewing and refining the project," said Beth Kemp, executive director of the BID. "The adjacent building owners were consulted, as well as the multiple users of the square to advance the project. Jackson Square will continue to drive community events and business to Downtown Batavia."
Input received at each of the two public meeting informed the design of Jackson Square. The design of the stage and canopy was revised based on suggestions that were made during the second public meeting.
“I am excited to have been a part of the design committee to advance this project on behalf of the City," said Andrew Maguire, executive director of the BDC. "The BDC intends to seek additional funding for the project by applying for a National Grid Urban Corridor Grant. That funding could provide for furniture and more lighting elements in the Square."
Enhancements of Jackson Square will continue to advance the City of Batavia’s efforts to create a lively and prosperous Downtown. It will provide a gathering space and performance venue for the community and open up new opportunities.
In combination with other DRI projects advancing in the City, Batavia continues to find, new ways revitalize existing buildings and spaces.
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Rayzor and Frankie are back in action after undergoing surgery and encountering medical issues, respectively.
The stars of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit have suffered injury and illness in recent months, with Rayzor tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his back left leg last November and Frankie having a tooth removed after fracturing it last December.
Rayzor, who is handled by Deputy Jim Stack, was out of action for about four and a half months after undergoing surgery at the Hudson Highland Veterinary Specialty Group facility in the Dutchess County Village of Fishkill.
That was followed by eight weeks of confinement and sedation as Stack had to carry the dog outside so he could go to the bathroom.
“After that, Rayzor (a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd mix) had to go through intense physical therapy at Pine Woods Animal Hospital Rehabilitation Center in North Tonawanda,” said Stack, who has been working with the pup since March 2020.
Stack credited Paul McNamara, veterinary surgeon at Hudson Highlands, for opening his schedule to get the dog into surgery. He also thanked veterinarians Aubri Matroniano and Stephanie Ortel of Pine Woods and Lindsay Edwards, Rayzor’s regular vet, from the Corfu Veterinary Clinic.
Frankie, age 4½, is a Belgian Malinois that was assigned to Deputy Andrew Mullen in September 2020. After having the tooth removed, he got an infection and was sidelined for a couple weeks.
Undersheriff Brad Mazur said the department is fortunate to have the K-9 unit back on the job.
“It looks like we’ve gotten through it. It’s just one of the things that happen with a canine, with the medication and stuff.”
On Monday, Mazur spoke at the Genesee County Legislature’s Public Service Committee meeting and requested a $5,000 allocation from the K-9 Donation Reserve Account to cover Rayzor’s physical therapy and medications and Frankie’s veterinarian evaluations and medications.
The committee approved it and the resolution has been forwarded to today's Ways & Means Committee meeting and, upon further approval, to the full legislature for final voting.
“We have been very fortunate over the years with donations from the public which has enabled us to provide for our K-9s and maintain the program,” Mazur said.
In other action, the committee voted in favor of resolutions providing additional sheriff deputy services at Six Flags Darien Lake and Batavia Downs Gaming.
Mazur said Six Flags Darien Lake officials have requested weekend patrols during May and June and daily patrols during July and August. He also said he is anticipating deputies working concerts at the park this summer.
At Batavia Downs Gaming on Park Road, deputies would handle traffic control and offer other assistance during the summer concert series shows. He said the contract with Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp., parent company of the casino, calls for eight deputies per event.
The committee voted to renew the agreement with Darien Lake through May 31, 2022, which also is the ending date of a one-year pact with Batavia Downs Gaming. The resolutions reflecting Public Service Committee approval will be forwarded to the full legislature for final voting.
Genesee County has appropriated $191,112 for overtime/additional police services for these contracts to be offset by revenue billed back to Six Flags and Batavia Downs Gaming for these services.
Also, the committee approved:
Currently, the county’s parks department maintains these easements through an agreement with the town.
Highway Superintendent Tim Hens said Cold Spring’s bid was $100,000 less than engineers’ estimates.
The capital project is expected to be funded by federal aid (80 percent) and the county (20 percent), with the county’s share coming from its 1 percent sales tax revenue.
Hens said construction has been completed but this action was necessary before the project could be closed out.
Photo: Deputy Andrew Mullen and Frankie, left, and Deputy Jim Stack and Rayzor in front of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office this afternoon. Photo by Mike Pettinella.
A Batavia Police officer is tasked with trying to corral a brood of ducklings found by the jail at 14 W. Main St.
A vehicle fire in the driveway with several exposures is reported at 6485 Byron Holley Road, Byron. It is near a trailer.
The location is between North Byron Road and North Bergen Road.
Byron Fire Department is in command and South Bryon arrived for mutual aid. Elba is en route with fire police for traffic control.
Command calls for Route 237 and North Byron Road to be shut down.
UPDATE 3:38 p.m.: Byron command advises Elba that fire police are needed at Pumpkin Hill -- Route 237 at Byron Road, and also at Searles and North Bergen roads.
UPDATE 3:48 p.m.: Command also wants fire police stationed at Byron and Warboys roads. Bergen is standing by in Byron's fire hall.
UPDATE 3:49 p.m.: Mercy medics are called to the scene in nonemergency mode.
UPDATE May 20: The daughter-in-law of the vehicle owner sent us these photos of the burned-out vehicle and an email identifying it as a brand-new Buick Encore with only 300 miles on it.
She wrote: "Owner, Arnold Brakenbury, 81, of Cockram Road, Byron, had just turned off the vehicle and exited moments before it burst into flames. This is a 2021 model, which was not part of GM’s recent massive recall for a part causing transmission oil leaks and a number of vehicle fires. Perhaps GM did not resolve the problem, as it claimed, and should expand its recall?"
From the Volunteers For Animals:
Here's the scoop from "CATFAx" a service of the Volunteers for Animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter.
There are currently five pre-owned "special needs" cats available for adoption.
The standard fee of $60 has been slashed in half, 0-percent financing because only cash or personal checks are accepted!
All have had a multipoint vet inspection, been neutered or spayed, vaccinated and tested for FIV/FeLV.
Features and Specs:
Come see!
The GC Animal Shelter is located at 3841 W. Main Street Road in the Town of Batavia.
ALL BUSINESS (including animal adoptions and turn-ins) WILL BE CONDUCTED BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
(585) 343-6410
(585) 345-3075 (fax)
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