Skip to main content

Driver involved in accident on Angling Road this morning has died at hospital

By Howard B. Owens

Alan J. Hargrave, of Pavilion, died this morning about 20 minutes after arriving at UMMC following an accident reported at 9:47 a.m. on Angling Road, Corfu.

Hargrave and his brother, John S. Hargrave, had just dropped off a load of scrap at Ed Arnold Scrap Processors and were heading south when Alan suffered some sort of medical issue that caused him to lose control of the vehicle.

The truck, which was hauling an empty flatbed trailer, struck a tree.

Alan Hargrave was unconscious and not breathing when Deputy Lonnie Nati first arrived on scene.

Nati and Don Newton, chief of the East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department, extricated Hargrave from the vehicle and began CPR and deployed a defibrillator and Alan Hargrave began breathing.

He was placed in a Mercy EMS ambulance for further emergency treatment before being transported to UMMC.

Coroner Karen Lang was requested to respond to UMMC, where she pronounced that Alan Hargrave had died.

John Hargrave, who suffered cuts and abrasions in the accident, was transported to ECMC for evaluation.

The accident is being investigated by the Sheriff's Office. Corfu fire and East Pembroke fire and Indian Falls fire assisted at the scene.

Law and Order: Wood Street resident jailed after warrant issued on unauthorized use of vehicle

By Billie Owens

Elizabeth Michelle Grattan, 26, of Wood Street, Batavia, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in the third degree, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and unsafe backing. Grattan was arrested on a warrant after being located at a residence in the City of Batavia by Genesee County Probation. An arrest warrant was issued by the Town of Alabama Court to answer the charges stemming from an incident at 1 a.m. on Aug. 1 on Judge Road. She was arraigned  Sept. 14 in Town of Oakfield Court and put in jail on $500 bail. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Annual meeting of Cornell Cooperative Extension is Oct. 18, RSVP by Oct. 11

By Billie Owens

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County will host its annual meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 18. The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. at Terry Hills Restaurant, 5122 Clinton Street Road, Batavia.

The meeting is free and open to the public but venue space is limited. Those planning to attend should RSVP by Oct. 11 to Samantha Stryker at sls428@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040, ext. 123.

County Historian Michael Eula to speak on Civil War General Emory Upton

By Billie Owens

Michael J. Eula, Ph.D., Genesee County historian, will be giving a talk entitled "Emory Upton and the Formation of Modern America" at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21st.

It will take place at the Le Roy United Methodist Church, 10 Trigon Park, in Le Roy. It is sponsored by the Genesee Valley Civil War Roundtable.

Town of Oakfield showcases new community and government center with County Legislature meeting

By Howard B. Owens

The County Legislature took its show on the road on Wednesay, holding its regular full body meeting at the Oakfield Community and Government Center.

It was a chance for the Town of Oakfield to show off its expanded and remodeled Town Hall.

Barry Flansburg, town accessor, said town officials wanted the new facility to be more than just a town hall, instead one could host multiple agencies and services as well as community groups and serve as an emergency command center if needed.

That's why it's called, now, officially, the Community and Government Center.

"This is the ultimate shared facility," Flansburg said.

As an example for the planned flexibility, Flansburg noted, the panel seating area has 10 chairs, not just the five necessary for the town board. This gives the Legislature room to meet there, and it also allows all town officials a seat at the table, so to speak, for town meetings, which Flansburg said helps foster better communication and collaboration.

The new courts facility not only hosts the Town of Oakfield Town Court but the Town of Elba's, as well. The facility is certificated to a standard that it could host the County Court if ever required to do so.

The board just approved on Tuesday night a request by the court of the Town of Alabama to hold a jury trial in the courtroom next month, since Alabama's court isn't really well suited to jury trials.

There is also a small kitchen (and break room for staff) that will be available to community and civic groups that want to use the community/meeting room for events or meetings.

The highway department also has expanded space and motion-controlled LED lights have been installed in the bays.

Flansburg said that when visitors come into the town offices, they notice that all of the officials have offices and desk space no bigger than what they had before and are surprised.

"This wasn't about giving us bigger offices," Flansburg said. "This is a community space and we wanted it to be for the whole community."

The offices did receive new carpet, wallpaper, paint and fixtures. There's also improved security in the foyer.

The project cost $3.1 million. The town planned it for eight years, saved money to help fund it, and are able to pay the bonds through existing cash flow and the rent the Town of Elba pays for the courtroom. There is no new tax burden on Town residents to pay for the facility, Flansburg said.

Serious injury accident reported on Angling Road, Corfu

By Howard B. Owens

A serious injury accident is reported in the area of 2164 Angling Road, Corfu.

A victim is trapped in the vehicle.

Corfu fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

The accident is reported as car vs. tree.

UPDATE(S) 9:56 a.m. (By Billie): Mercy Flight is called to the scene and a landing zone is to be set up just east of the location, possibly in the roadway.

UPDATE 10 a.m.: Traffic is to be shut down at Route 33 and Angling Road.

UPDATE 10:01 a.m.: The helicopter will land on property next to a barn, off the roadway.

UPDATE 10:02 a.m.: Mercy Flight has an 8 minute ETA.

UPDATE 10:06 a.m.: The address given now is 2176 Angling Road. A second Mercy ambulance is called in non-emergency mode for a subject with lacerations.

UPDATE 10:21 a.m.: Mercy Flight was canceled. A 56-year-old male will be taken by ambulance to UMMC after suffering a heart attack. Another is being treated at the scene for cuts and abrasions. A source at the scene says two brothers had just finished taking a load of scrap metal to a processing company when the driver seemed to suffer some sort of medical condition and appeared to faint, which caused the truck to veer into a tree head on.

UPDATE 10:28 a.m.: The ambulance, in which medics have been treating the patient, is now leaving the scene for UMMC.

Photos: Cecere breaks school record, Lady Devils win 2-0 over HFL

By Steve Ognibene

In the photo above, senior Maggie Cecere is kicking in her second goal of the afternoon at Batavia High School, breaking a girls and boys soccer school record that was held since 1996 by Julie Redband Varland with 37 goals in a high school career.

Her 38th goal was recorded in the second half of the game with 14 minutes left and assisted by Junior Sophia Dinehart. Batavia won 2-0 over Honeoye Falls-Lima.

Maggie tied the school record scoring 20 minutes into the first half off a pass from senior Ali Moore. Shots on goal after the half were 9-1 Batavia.

Batavia came out a little sluggish in the second half but their defense held tough. Second-half shots were 7-5 Batavia.

Maggie's father, Assistant Coach Peter Cecere, embraced his daughter at the completion of the game along with teammates who celebrated their first home win; their record increases to 5-1. Batavia Head Coach Roger Hume is very proud of his team starting off strong and hope it continues into their next game -- away vs. Eastridge, Friday night at 7.

To view more photos and to purchase prints click here.

Mother of twin tots killed in State Street Road fire charged with endangering the welfare of a child

By Billie Owens

Heather M. Ace, 25, was arrested today and charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, according to a press release from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

The arrest comes after an investigation into a structure fire at 8157 State Street Road, Batavia, which occurred on May 20 and claimed the lives of twins Micah and Michael Gard.

The children were inside their bedroom at the residence at the time. The investigation determined that the fire originated either inside of, or in close proximity to, the children's bedroom. The cause of the fire remains undetermined.

Ace is accused of leaving her 2-year-olds home alone inside her residence for a period of time estimated to be about an hour and a half, without providing, nor arranging for, supervision for them.

The case was investigated by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Genesee County District Attorney's Office, Genesee County Emergency Management Office and the Town of Batavia Volunteer Fire Department.

Ace was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to be in Town of Batavia Court at 1 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 3.                                                                                                                                                                        

UPDATE: 8 P.M.

According to Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator Jerry Brewster, Ace cooperated with law enforcement personnel during the investigation.

"She met with us at the (Genesee County) Jail for processing," he said. "We know the places she went (to), what she did and with whom during that time period. Since charges have been lodged relative to all of this, I am not at liberty to say more at this time.

"I will say, however, that she remained in Batavia. Additionally, she did not go to a bar."

Joe Burke, owner of the home where Ace lived with her sister, and also of the home next door where her parents lived, said the boys deserved better.

"She should have been charged with more than that (endangering the welfare of a child)," he said. "Those little boys certainly had the right to live."

Her parents no longer live next door, having relocated to Stafford, Burke said.

Property owner Joe Burke stands next to the two trees planted as a memorial to Micah and Michael Gard at the State Street Road location. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Sponsored Post: Call Reliant Real Estate today to see this home in the heart of the village!

By Lisa Ace

A beautiful home in heart of the village! Super solid and updated throughout windows, furnace and C/A, H2O tank, kitchen, baths, flooring, carpeting and painted throughout! This home is awesomely laid out starting with the supersized back entranceway for the million shoes that clutter...to the huge walk-in pantry/laundry area, two of the best rooms in the house!  This home also features large bright airy rooms that are so pretty. Outside has 1 full acre in the village with great 2 car garage patio area also home has back wrap around porch area overlooking back patio-perfect entertaining spot! Must see! Click here to view the complete listing for 14 Maple Avenue in Corfu. Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today at 585-344-4663!

Lost kitty trying to barge in Fordham Drive house

By Billie Owens

(Submitted photo.)

A reader, whose mother lives on Fordham Drive in Batavia, wrote to say this orange and white kitten wandered into her mother's garage yesterday and is desperately trying to go in her house. The feline has a very sweet, albeit persistent, disposition.

Anyone with information -- maybe it's your cat or your friend's cat or you'd like to have this cat or a relative wants a cat-- please call 344-1034. 

Video highlights donation of shoes by p.w. minor to flood victims

By Howard B. Owens

A couple of weeks ago, we reported on the donation by p.w. minor of 27 pallets of shoes to the flood victims in Louisiana. The program that accepted the donation of the shoes, Sole2Souls, produced this video about the distribution. 

Photo-thon challenges GCC Vet Tech students to capture 5,000 pictures in 50 days

By Billie Owens

Press release:

For the next 50 days, students in the GCC Veterinary Technology Club will be challenged to take a total of 5,000 pictures in an effort to raise money for two spring experiential learning trips planned for March.

Beginning on Sunday, Sept.11, and continuing until Sunday, Oct. 30, Vet Tech students will take pictures that have both a veterinary technician and an animal in them, posting their candid's to the GCC Vet Tech Facebook page for the public to view and follow along. All pictures must be taken and posted to the Facebook page within the 50-day period in order to count toward the fundraising effort.

Students will solicit and collect pledges much like you would do for a walk-a-thon or bike-a-thon, but the pledge will be per picture with a maximum of 5,000 pictures. For example, a one cent per photo pledge would equal a $50 donation, or a half-cent per photo pledge, would equal a $25 donation. Those who pledge will support the GCC Vet Tech Club as a whole, and all of the posted pictures have the intrinsic value of showing GCC's Vet Tech students doing what they love -- working and being with animals.

"The fun idea benefits students in a multitude of ways," Carrie Caccamise, director of GCC's Veterinary Technology Program, said. "We will continue to accept pledges through the 50-day period, but are starting to solicit pledges now. All pledges will be collected at the end of the Photo-thon. We hope everyone enjoys following along on our Facebook page and will consider pledging!"

Funds raised through the photo-thon effort will support Vet Tech students in one of two trips currently in the planning stages for the College's spring break in March. Both trips will provide important experience in veterinary medicine in a different setting than is not currently available at the College or the surrounding field visits in Western New York.

The first possible destination is the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Fla., where seniors in the Vet Tech program visited this past spring for the first time. While at the Zoo, the students observed exams and treatments on many exotic animals including a penguin, a two-toed sloth, a spur fowl, white and black rhinos, a pig, tortoises, a screech owl and elephants, as well as armadillos, tortoises and pythons.

The exams involved anesthesia, radiographs, ultrasound exams and blood draws. Since these animals are not as friendly as most dogs and cats, the students were able to observe the different techniques for handling and administration of anesthesia during the examinations. The other Vet Tech student trip being explored for spring break is to an Indian reservation in Arizona that does not offer regular veterinary care.

Anyone wishing to pledge or follow along for the 50-day photo-thon can visit the GCC Vet Tech Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GCCVetTechGO/ for more information. Those wishing to pledge by check can make checks payable to GCC Vet Tech Club and send them to: GCC Vet Tech Program – D309, Genesee Community College, One College Road, Batavia, NY 14020.

HLOM to host presentation Sept. 30 about college's first 50 years

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum is hosting a presentation and review of Genesee Community College – The first 50 Years given by co-author Larry D. Barnes. 

This event will be held at the Holland Land Office Museum at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30. There will be a book signing after the program. There is no cost and everyone is welcome. The museum is located at 131 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

The book, written by Barnes and Ruth E. Andes, both faculty members 1968 – 2014, is a history story of a dynamic achievement through innovative programs, workforce development and community involvement. It follows the College from a converted department store with 367 students to more than 7,000 students studying in more than 60 different programs.

GCC launches 50th Anniversary website -- a 'visual and interactive review' of its first half century

By Billie Owens

Press release:

As Genesee Community College celebrates a monumental milestone in 2016-2017, the College invites visitors to explore the past and present, and look forward to the future using the recently launched 50th Anniversary website, http://sunygcc50.genesee.edu.

The Anniversary website is the central online meeting place for Anniversary news, calendar of events and a collection of memorabilia recognizing the College's True-Blue Past and Golden Future. Designed to highlight GCC's many accomplishments over the past 50 years, the new site gives users a visual and informative review of the College's first half century. 

Included within the website are "Points of Pride" -- 50 interactive, visual moments to illustrate events, faculty and staff, and key College achievements and distinctions. With the click of a button, visitors can learn many significant aspects of GCC from The BEST Center to online courses and degrees, campus growth to athletic achievements, and much more. The "Online Scrapbook" feature allows users to upload their own photos and recollections of the College to share their memories and join the celebration. 

"We wanted a website that was visually appealing, interactive and easy to navigate," Donna Rae Sutherland, associate director of Marketing Communications, and a member of the Anniversary Steering Committee said.

"The new website is a great way to look back at GCC's many achievements and see some of the amazing things our students and alumni have been doing for five decades. It's also a fun way to prepare for the exciting future. Keep an eye on the Calendar since we will be posting new opportunities throughout the coming year." 

The Timeline takes visitors back to the founding of Genesee Community College when the group of local Jaycees formed a Citizens Committee to help forge community support to pass the public referendum. It also recognizes important leaders such as past GCC presidents, Alfred O'Connell, Ph.D., Cornelius Robbins, Ph.D., and Stuart Steiner, Ph.D., as well as current president James Sunser, Ph.D.

With more than 80 photos featured on the overall site and the opportunity for all to contribute more memorabilia to the Online Scrapbook, the website reflects GCC's 50th Anniversary theme which is "Our True-Blue Past – Your Golden Future."

GCC's 50th Anniversary celebrations continue with the following upcoming events:

-- Futurist Jack Uldrich will give the keynote address at the Wolcott Jay Humphrey III Symposium for Leadership and Community Life at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22;

-- Fall-Fest Cougar Weekend schedule continues Friday and Saturday, Sept. 23 – 24, offers plenty of opportunities for the whole community including the second annual Cougar Crawl on Friday evening. All-day festivities on Saturday include: the Rods and Rock Car Cruise; several student and alumni athletic competitions; the Craft and Vendor Fair; and the Award Ceremony for the Men's Lacrosse Team who won the NJCAA National Championship this past spring, and the unveiling of "Genesee Community College – The First 50 Years" by co-authors and faculty emeriti Larry D. Barnes and Ruth E. Andes at 3 p.m. in T102 of the Conable Technology Building. 

The new website is easily accessible from the College's main homepage, www.genesee.edu, by clicking on the 50th Anniversary logo on the lower right portion of the page.

Five votes cast in two state senate primaries yesterday

By Howard B. Owens

The turnout was low, lower than expected, in a pair of primary elections held yesterday that if not for some prior planning from the county's election commissioners could have cost county taxpayers $17,000.

Four people voted in the Reform Party primary for the 61st State Senate District, and all four votes went to incumbent Michael Ranzenhofer, who apparently was facing a write-in challenger, but there were no write-in votes in Genesee County.

In the Working Families primary for the same race, the Democrat's nominee Tom Loughran defeated Andrea Liszka 1-0.

All of the voting was carried out at the Elections Office in County Building #1. If Commissioners Dick Siebert and Lorie Longhany hadn't devised a new policy for small elections, the balloting would have been held at locations in each of the county's towns. By setting up one polling location, the county was able to hold the primaries at essentially no cost.

In explaining the plan a week ago to county legislators, Siebert said the turnout was expected to be only 15 to 16 voters.

"That might be a high estimate," Longhany said.

Volunteers respond to back-to-back fires

By Howard B. Owens

Thomas Wood, 1st assistant chief for Le Roy Fire Department, a former chief and longtime volunteer with the company, can't remember a time when his department was called on to respond to back-to-back fires.

It didn't help that it was a fairly hot day and the second fire was fought from atop a metal roof.

His brother, Bill Wood, also a former chief, described the rooftop as "unbearably hot."

"That's why we called in Brockport and Avon and used the City's Fast Team as a regular fire unit," Wood said. "Most of our guys had already fought one fire. We were calling in extra units. Our guys were dropping from the heat."

The first fire was reported on Starr Road, Pavilion, at about 1:50 p.m. It involved a six-unit apartment complex and a quick response by Pavilion and Le Roy firefighters helped contain the fire to a single apartment.

The fire appears to have started in the kitchen area, according to Emergency Management Coordinator Tim Yaeger. The cause remains under investigation.

Nobody was home at the time the fire was reported and residents in two other units were evacuated, including one who was sleeping in an upstairs bedroom and awoken by Deputy Chris Parker.

A dog may have perished in the fire, though several other pets were rescued.

The second fire, at a plastics factory on Lent Avenue, Le Roy, was reported about 3:10 p.m.

Most of Le Roy's equipment hadn't even cleared the Pavilion scene yet.

The Lent Avenue fire was sparked by a welder making repairs to the roof of the factory.

The fire burned about 40 feet down, Wood said. It produced quite a bit of smoke, but little flame.

"It's just an odd to have two, like hit that quick, and have to use so many people," Wood said.

There's no damage estimate available yet for either fire.

Bergen, Stafford and Caledonia also responded to the Lent Avenue fire.

The response to Pavilion also included Stafford, Bethany and Alexander along with the Office of Emergency Management.

Town of Batavia was asked to stand in at Stafford's fire hall.

Previously: 

;

WNY Perinatal Bereavement Network to hold Ride to Remember & Basket Raffle Saturday

By Billie Owens

The third annual Ride to Remember and Basket Raffle, presented by the Western New York Perinatal Bereavement Network Inc., will take place Saturday, Sept. 17, starting at the Oakfield Alabama Baptist Church.

The church is located at 2210 Judge Road in Oakfield.

Ticket sales for the Basket Raffle will take place from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and the raffle starts at 12:30.

All proceeds will benefit the network and the "Remembering Love in a Heartbeat" Project.

Here is the story of Jennifer and Bruce Pritchett -- bereaved parents of Helen Lois (Jan. 4-13, 2012):

Five years ago, we were expecting our second child when we found out that our daughter, Helen, had a terminal condition. Through a series of counselors, we were given the Western New York Perinatal Bereavement Network’s (WNYPBN) contact information. This organization provided our family with much support. One of the most treasured items we have of our daughter is a recorded heartbeat from our sonogram appointment. The WNYPBN provided us with the recordable sound box that we took to our appointment & we were able to record her heartbeat. We then made a stuffed animal with the heartbeat device inside. 

The purpose of this ride is to support the programs of the WNYPBN, especially the new program, “Remembering Love in a Heartbeat.” This program will provide families facing a similar situation the opportunity to have their baby’s heartbeat recorded and placed in a bear or bunny so they will always be able to hear their precious baby’s heart beat...another beautiful memory.

The Western New York Perinatal Bereavement Network Inc. (WNYPBN) is an organization comprised of bereaved parents and healthcare professionals who promote standards of bereavement intervention through educational support, community programs and referral services for bereaved parents. The Network serves all eight counties of WNY and is run completely on donations and volunteers. The Mission is to assist the community in meeting the needs of people facing perinatal death:  the death of a baby due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, or early infant death.

For more information visit: www.wnypbn.org

Smoke coming from roof of Le Roy Plastics on Lent Avenue

By Billie Owens

Smoke is coming from the roof of a structure at 15 Lent Ave., the site of Le Roy Plastics, in Le Roy. Le Roy Fire Department is called along with Bergen and the city's Fast Team. The city's first platoon is called to fire headquarters. Sparks from welding are said to be the cause of the smoke, or possible fire.

UPDATE 3:36 p.m.: A Mercy ambulance is requested to the scene in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 3:54 p.m.: Firefighters say the metal roof is unbearably hot. The city's Fast Team has been on scene about 15 minutes and will now be deployed to relieve the volunteer firefighters for a respite.

Top Items on Batavia's List

City of Batavia, New York (Pop. 15,600) seeks an experienced professional to join the management team in the capacity of Assistant City Manager/ Director of Administrative Services. Salary: $98,642-$119,642 DOQ. Reporting to the City Manager, the Assistant City Manager/ (ACM) will oversee the functions of Assessment, City Clerk/Treasurer, and IT. This position assists in the implementation of the City’s strategic plan; annual operating budget and capital improvement program; will participate in labor negotiations; and present information to the public, advisory committees and commission, City Council, and outside agencies. In addition, as the ACM, this individual shall assist multiple committees as well as serve as a liaison to various major projects and neighborhood groups. Must have the ability to exercise considerable independent judgment in planning, implementing, overseeing, and reviewing major projects; and the ability to develop and recommend policies and projects. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the New York State Department of Education, AND EITHER: A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS Registered College with a Master's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field and two (2) years of full-time paid experience in a responsible governmental administrative position; OR: B. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS Registered College with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field and four (4) years of full-time paid experience in a responsible governmental administrative position; OR: C. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS Registered College with an Associate's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field and four (6) years of full-time paid experience in a responsible governmental administrative position; OR: D. Eight (8) years full-time paid experience in the private sector, non-profit, and/or government management sector with progressively more responsibility. OR: E. Satisfactory equivalent combination of the foregoing training and experience. To be considered, submit your cover letter, resume, and contact information, including email addresses for five work-related references to Gabrielle Kolo, Human Resources Director, One Batavia City Centre, Batavia, New York 14020 or gkolo@batavianewyork.com. First review of candidates to begin 7/3/25. Background check, personality assessment, and drug testing required. City residency is required within one year of appointment. EEO A full description and list of duties can be found at www.batavianewyork.com under the Human Resources tab.
Tags: Jobs offered

Authentically Local