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Partisanship in local media

By Howard B. Owens

Our friend Russ Stresing thinks the Batavia Daily News is pushing a Republican agenda, largely because the paper didn't publish a recent letter he wrote.

After more than two decades in journalism, I tend to take all such charges with a grain of salt. Every paper I've ever been associated with has been blasted by both sides for either its liberal agenda or its conservative agenda - at the same time.

People tend to think the local media is pushing whatever agenda they don't happen to agree with.  I think newspaper journalism has its inherent faults, and it no longer serves readers well, but overt partisan bias is rarely one of them.

The Batavian gets accused of pushing political agendas, too. To this day many local Republicans think this is a Democratic site, yet recently I've been hearing from Democrats who think we've shifted to the right.

Either charge is ludicrous. I've been open from the beginning about my own political positions -- I'm not registered with any political party and haven't been for at least a decade. I identify myself as libertarian, and I dispise partisanship in governing. 

Both Republicans and Democrats have an equal opportunity to use The Batavian to promote, if you will, their positions, policies and candidates.  If one side takes more advantage of that opportunity than the other, that is going to lead the other side to think The Batavian has taken up residence in the opposing camp. But for the partisan side holding that perception, it really has nobody to blame but itself. It simply failed to take the opportunity to be equally heard.

I believe in robust debate. All sides should be heard -- just don't get into personal attacks. On The Batavian, the rules are simple: Use your real name and don't get personal. Otherwise, you're free to pursue whatever agenda you wish. If community members don't think you're being truthful, accurate or are drawing illogical conclusions, expect disagreement (as they say, we should disagree without being disagreeable).

If Russ had submitted his letter as a blog post to The Batavian, it likely would have wound up on the home page -- not because I agree with his politics. (In fact, there are a couple of key points in his article that I disagree with.) But because it's a local opinion of local importance.

Republicans have the same opportunity to be heard, and there have been times recently where Republicans got a chance to be heard on The Batavian even though I disagreed with the particular positions taken.

In other words, the weight here isn't whether you're a Republican or Democrat, whether I agree or disagree with you a particular position, but rather is what you have to say relevant to our local audience and is your position is presented civilly.

I've been told numerous times that there is an unwritten rule among local Republicans: Don't participate in The Batavian. Why? "Because it's a Democratic site." It's a foolish mandate. The only people Republicans are hurting are Republicans. 

The perception that this is a Democratic site arose early because Democrats discovered it first. Why? Because at the time, Democrats where much more organized online and more wired, even at the local level.  When blogging first started, it was nearly exclusively a Republican/liberatarian activity, and then guys like Markos Moulitsas Zúniga  came along and recognized progressives needed to be heard in this new medium. He was aggressive about promoting a progressive agenda online and nearly all by himself created what is called the Netroots movement. You could make the case that Obama would not be president today without it.

It was the local Netroots community that found The Batavian first. Thus, their voices were more often heard than Republican voices, but it is a complete misconception to conclude that the outcome was intentional. And in those early days, we were quite happy, honestly, to have any audience.

Now, I'm told, there's this notion among some Democrats that The Batavian has become more of a Republican site, but mainly because we publish so many press releases from Chris Lee, Ranzenhofer and Hawley.

Folks, they're our elected representatives, and if they send out press releases that seem relevant to Genesee County, I'm going to publish them.

When the local Democrats send out local press releases, and I've received a couple, I'll publish those, too. 

Though in both cases, I wish more often people would just create a user profile and post under their own names. I recently rejected an op-ed piece from Steve Hawley's office because I thought it should be published under Hawley's name, not mine. It's one thing for me to write up a little summary of a press release under my name and link to the whole document verbatim, but it wouldn't be right to publish somebody else's entire opinion piece under my name.

Two days ago, Sen. Mike Ranzenhofer and Assemblyman Steve Hawley hosted a press conference about pending anti-gun legislation. I covered the press conference not because I favor Republicans, but because it was held in Genesee County.

Why was a press conference opposing possible anti-gun legislation being held in a basically pro-gun county? The perception might be that that's a bit like "preaching to the choir."

Without publicity beyond Genesee County, wouldn't the legislators' voices be muted, thereby limiting their ability to sway voters? But Ranzenhofer made the valid point that with digital media, their views can be known to voters statewide.

In other words, they picked Genesee County for the press conference because we have robust online media. If they had gone to Erie or Orleans, The Batavian wouldn't have covered it. We care most about what happens in Genesee County, without partisan considerations.

If we have any overt agenda, it's to promote localism, to promote the local community. We're all about Genesee County. We're parochial and proud of it.  

Kiwanis Club announces 2009 law enforcement awards

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia announces recipients of its 2009 Annual Law Enforcement Recognition Awards, plus the Unsung Hero Award and winners of the Charles  L. Mancuso Award

Nominations for the Law Enforcement Recognition Awards were evaluated based on the candidates’ actions and achievements in their personal and professional lives consistent with the values of Kiwanis. All sworn and civilian employees of local law enforcement agencies within Genesee County were eligible for nomination. Those honored have demonstrated principles and ideals consistent with the Kiwanis Club:

A commitment to human and spiritual qualities, rather than material values. Adoption and application of high social, business and professional standards. Citizenship and service to the community and their agency. A desire to create and maintain sound public opinion and high idealism, which promotes compassion, justice, patriotism and goodwill.

 

 

 

The 2009 Law Enforcement Award Recipients are:

  • Police Officer John J. Zola, City of Batavia Police Department

Zola has been a member of the department for 29 years and is currently assigned to uniformed patrol duties. In addition to his regular patrol duties, he is involved in community crime prevention programs and serves as a Public Information Officer. He is also a Child Safety Seat Technician and has worked in the Detective Bureau. Zola is committed to citizenship and is very involved with youth sports activities in the City of Batavia. He continually gives of himself to the City of Batavia Police Department and community, and has a sincere compassion for crime victims. Zola resides in the Town of Batavia with his wife, Pam. They have two children, Kevin and Tonya. Zola was nominated by his commanding officer, Chief Randy Baker. 

  • Youth Officer Christopher M. Erion, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office

Erion has been a member of the Sheriff’s Office for nine years. His current duties include handling juvenile cases, teaching D.A.R.E. and assisting young people. He's a member of the County’s Juvenile Justice Planning Committee and the Emergency Response Team. He also worked with the Genesee County Drug Task Force and is a member of the Sheriff’s Honor Guard. Erion also works closely with schools in regard to youth activities. He was Officer of the Year in 2003 and is the recipient of one Commendation Award. He is a dedicated husband and father and resides in the Town of Byron with his wife, Hanna, and their two children, Grayson, age 3 and Annabelle, age 2. They are expecting their third child in July. Erion was nominated for this award by his commanding officer, Sheriff Gary T. Maha.

  • Chief Christopher K. Hayward, Village of LeRoy Police Department

Hayward is a 25-year veteran of the Village of LeRoy Police Department. He currently manages and oversees the department on a daily basis and is the liaison for numerous agencies, such as schools, within Genesee County. He has shown an unending commitment to the community and he sets high social and professional standards for himself and his officers. He was instrumental in establishing the Youth Court in LeRoy, which was used as a model for the Genesee County Youth Court. He initiated a community bicycle safety program and a public awareness program related to alcohol use by underage youth. He serves his community as a coach for the girl’s soccer league and has been a coach for the LeRoy High School girls soccer program for the past four years. He is currently an assistant coach for the girl’s varsity track team. Hayward resides in the Village of LeRoy with his wife, Kelly, and their two daughters, Kara, age 20 and Rachel, age 17. Members of the Village of LeRoy Police Department nominated Hayward for this award.

  • Trooper Ryan A. Dulkiewicz, New York State Police

Dulkiewicz has been a member of the New York State Police for 6-and-a-half years. He is currently assigned to Troop A Batavia road-patrol duties. He represents law enforcement in a positive, professional and compassionate manner.  His desire to “leave no stone unturned” in criminal investigations proves outstanding and yields tremendous results for the public and community. Dulkiewicz resides in the Town of Lancaster with his wife, Jen, and their six-month old daughter, Camarin. He was nominated for this award by his commanding officer, Major Christopher Cummings.

Other awards given were the Charles L. Mancuso Award and the Unsung Hero Award.

The Genesee County Bar Association presented the third annual Charles L. Mancuso Award to Batavia High School. It was this year's winner of the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming) District Competition in the New York State Mock Trial Tournament. Mancuso was a lawyer in Batavia and coordinator of the local competition until his death three years ago.

The team, coached by social studies teacher Tim Stevens, has competed in, and won, the local tournament for each of the past seven years. They accomplished this by winning 44 out of 45 of the trials they have participated in. BHS will go on to compete in the Regional Tournament at the Genesee County Courts Facility in Batavia on Saturday, May 9.

The BHS team members honored with the Charles L. Mancuso Award include:

Jenna Bauer
Damainique Bruce
Maura Chmielowiec

Will Ely
Patrick Flynn
Sahil Jain
Kristen Klein
Chad Luce
Adi Marino
Tim Redband
CJ Shultz
Evan Sutherland


Unsung Hero Award

The Genesee County Bar Association presented its Unsung Hero Award to John Cebula, a local attorney who lives in Castile. Cebula is a graduate of Union College in Schenectady and Albany Law School. He began his career representing the indigent with Orleans Legal Aid Bureau in 1973 and became its executive director from 1975 through 1981. After a 4 year diversion to private and corporate practice, John returned to the position of executive director of Oak Orchard Legal Services. It replaced the Orleans County Legal Aid Bureau and his responsibilities expanded to serve the indigent in Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans counties. In 2004 Oak Orchard Legal Services merged with Erie County Neighborhood Legal Services and John continued as managing attorney for the Oak Orchard branch. Cebula retired from this position in 2008, but continues to represent indigent clients on a part-time basis. Throughout his career Cebula has been a vigorous advocate for the poor and has significantly “raised the bar”  in providing legal services for those in need.

Fight with 12 people involved reported at Campus Village

By Howard B. Owens

Sheriff deputies are responding to a reported fight in the parking lot of College Village.  The fight may involve as many as 12 people.

The alleged instigators are reportedly now fleeing in a Toyota, license plate DKV729.

Batavia Administrator reaches for student success

By Tasia Boland

The large corner desk was covered with at least 10 stacks of paper. But Pamela Buresch doesn't panic at the sight or the cluttered book shelves or the memo board tacked over with stuff.

As administrator of student assessment and data analysis for the Batavia City School District, she's responsible for oodles of projects linked to these paper trails. And she says she knows what's in each pile.

"I love my job," she said with a warm smile and a calm, focused attitude.

These days, the lifelong educator is busy coordinating district and state assessment programs for pre-K through 12th grade. The work involves analyzing test scores, student results, state reporting and testing protocols. She also looks at data to determine where students did well or need further instruction.

State assessments are conducted each year in grades 3 to 12 to measure how well students are learning. There was testing in January and there will be more this month as well as in June and August.

When it comes to testing, Buresch analyzes each question. If students do poorly on a test she looks at all angles. How was the question worded? How much of this was covered in class? The answers help educators improve the tests.

Superintendent Margaret Puzio said student achievement data plays an increasingly important role in educational reform.

“Our new Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is known for using academic performance data to innovate," said the superintendent. "He closed down poor-performing schools in Chicago based on data and reopened them with new staff. For example, a doctor consults blood test results before treating a patient. In education, we need to know what students already know before we try to teach them.”

Buresch agreed.

“For us, it’s all about the learning,” Buresch said. “It’s all about using the data to help the students improve.”

New York now has so-called Value-added Growth Reporting. It asks administrators to examine each student individually instead of grouping them by grade or class.

When assessing a child's progress over time, they can compare, say, his or her progress in fourth grade to what it was in third.

The school report cards are published twice a year and are now available online. They are one tool in gauging abilities and achievement gaps when considering ethnicity, economic status, English proficiency and disabilities.

Over the years, each of Batavia’s schools have been named among the high-achieving, gap-closing schools.

Getting out and visiting these classrooms is something Buresch does eagerly. She says it reminds of her of the days when she was the principal of Batavia High School.

“I miss it,” she said about the daily interaction with students. “(But) it’s nice to still have an impact (as an administrator). ... I really love it, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else."

Top posts for April and top posts for first year

By Howard B. Owens

Here are the top 10 posts in number of times viewed for the month of April.

Here are the 10 most viewed posts from the first year of The Batavian.

Late night fire in LeRoy destroys home, displaces family, sends firefighter to hospital

By Howard B. Owens

A firefighter suffered possible heat exhaustion and the family of a home at 70 Church St. in Le Roy has been displaced after a blaze that may have been caused by a discarded cigarette caused extensive damage to the residence.

We received an e-mail this morning from Chief Tom "Woody" Wood confirming the fire we first reported last night (thanks to notification of two alert readers).

The fire was reported at 11:15 p.m.

The firefighter, who is not identified, remains hospitalized this morning for observation.

Here's the full text of Wood's e-mail:

Last night's fire came in about 11:15pm.  First chief on location with a confirmed working bedroom fire.  An additional alarm was transmitted requesting one engine from Bergen and Pavilion to the scene along with Town of Batavia Fast team while Stafford did our fill-in.  At this time we are not releasing the names of the three occupants that were displaced and had to be relocated by the red cross.  Preliminary result indicate a POSSIBLE discarded cigarette.  One firefighter was transported to the hospital for possible heat exhaustion and currently remains there for observation.  The residence suffered extensive damage and the figured amount has yet to be determined. 

County health director says two suspected cases of 'swine flu' hit people who traveled to area of outbreaks

By Howard B. Owens

Randy Garney, interim public health director for Genesee County, said this morning he doesn't have many details on the two people in Genesee County who are suspected of having contracted "swine flu."

He's unaware if the two people are related, but both have travel histories that took them into areas of known "swine flu" outbreaks. He doesn't know if that travel was to Mexico or elsewhere.

His advice: "At this point, take precautions like you would in any flu season. Wash your hands. If you sneeze discard the tissue. Keep your hands away from your nose mouth and eyes. If you are sick, go into social isolation. Stay home. Say way from crowds and from people."

And of course, contact your doctor.

The Batavian is 1 year old today

By Howard B. Owens

The Batavian is a year old today.

We're having a small celebration at T.F. Brown's from 5 to 7 p.m.  Please come by and say hello.  Brian Hillabush will be there. Unfortunately, Philip is unable to make it.

I'm springing for $200 in food. 

Billie and I would love to meet you all.  Please stop by.

Deal of the Day: Larry's Steakhouse

By Howard B. Owens

Today's Deal of the Day: A $50 gift certificate from Larry's Steakhouse in Batavia. The Batavian's Good Deal Price: $25 -- HALF off!

Larry's, located at 60 Main St. in Batavia, is one of the newer and finer dining establishments in Batavia. The menu offers many great items, but of course the speciality is steak.  Larry's also features a full bar.

Rules: The gift certificate must be used by within 30 days of purchase. It is not valid with other offers and has no cash value.  It cannot be used, by state law, to purchase alcohol.

How to Win: Purchase using the PayPal "Buy Now" button below. After the first person to hit the "buy now" button completes the purchase, PayPal will let you know that the item has been sold. Ideally, the winner will arrange to stop by my office on Main Street before 5:00 p.m. to pick up gift certificate. Mail is an option, but it would be better to hand you the gift certificate. 

If you want to be notified via e-mail of future Deals of the Day, sign up for the Deals of the Day e-mail list by clicking here.

Merchants: If you would like your business featured in Deal of the Day, call Howard Owens at 260-6970.

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Police Beat: K-9 'Kin' credited with sniffing out marijuana at traffic stop

By Howard B. Owens

Roy A. Watson, Jr., 20, of Batavia, was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana with the assistance of K-9 "Fin" during a traffic stop yesterday at 4:30 p.m. He is charged with one count of unlawful possession of marijuana.

Michelle D. Clark, 20, of Brockport, and Celina D. Bryan, 19, of Batavia, are accused of hosting an underage drinking party for approximately 50 people Thursday night.  The party was reportedly held at 5157 Clinton Street Road. Sheriff's deputies responded to the address at 11:30 p.m. in response to a loud noise complaint. Both women are charged with one count of unlawfully dealing with a child.

House fire in Village of Le Roy has been mostly knocked down

By Howard B. Owens

A house fire at 70 Church St. in the Village of Le Roy has been mostly knocked down, according to a county dispatcher.

Firefighers from Le Roy, Stafford, Bergen and Byron responded to the blaze.

No other information available at this time.

Thank you to two alert readers who e-mailed The Batavian about the late night fire. If anybody has any pictures, please e-mail or post.


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Online Exclusive: Roxy's Music Store, Raptor Backstage II Guitar Kit

By Howard B. Owens

I find this exciting: In a special arrangement with Roxy's Music Store, 228 W. Main St., Batavia, we can offer exclusively to readers of The Batavian a Raptor Stage Backstage II Guitar Kit, from Peavey, at a substantial cost savings.

The recommended retail price is $450. We're offering it exclusively on The Batavian for $295.

I played this guitar a little bit in Roxy's the other day and I'm impressed. I wish guitars of this quality were available at this price when I was first learning to play. I might have practiced more. It's well balanced, stays in tune, is easy to finger and plays and looks pro.  This is a heck of a deal for a beginner or intermediate player, or even an experience player who is looking for an axe to just keep handy around the house.

The kit includes the guitar and travel amp as well as a guitar strap, digital tuner, strings, picks and the new Peavey/Rock House Method Total Musician Series DVD for helping the beginning player get started on the road to R-O-C-K in the U-S-A.

The guiar is solid body and features a dual single-coil plus one humbucker pickup configuration with five-way pickup selector and master volume and tone controls.

The Backstage amp features technology that emulates the tone, response and dynamics of tube amplifiers. The amp includes high and low EQ controls, a 6 1/2" speaker, switchable TransTube overdrive, a tape/CD input for jamming with a player's favorite songs and a headphone input quiet practice.

There is only one item available at this price and it is exclusive through The Batavian. The winning purchaser will need to arrange to stop by The Batavian office to pick up a purchase voucher. The kit must be picked up in the store. No delivery is available.  This item will be available until it sells and only one kit at this price is available.

To purchase this online exclusive from The Batavian and Roxy's Music Store, click the PayPal button below (this is the only way you can make this purchase -- this price is NOT available in the store).

The Batavian will have more online exclusive deals coming in the next week or two. If you would like to be notified when they're posted, sign up for our Deal of the Day e-mail list.

If you're a local business owner and would like to offer The Batavian readers great deals either as part of The Deal of the Day or as an Online Exclusive, call me at 585-260-6970.

Fire On Care-A-Van Bus

By Robin Walters

 

Happy Thursday from Care-A-Van! There truly has been a lot of “fire” on the bus lately!

We just got back from a four day road trip to Elizabeth, New Jersey and New York City.

Our trip to partner with NY City Relief Bus, the Hope Center and Street Light Mission truly was a blessed time! I could write all night! I will be sharing our stories with you throughout the next few weeks! I bet I could write a best seller of what God has done in his kingdom this past week.  We all came back burning with more passion to go forth and serve the lost and hurting here in Batavia.

On the way home coming down 86, Paul said he smelled something hot. I truly thought it was the souls burning up with how God put us on fire. But in all reality, there was smoke coming from the converter. Well of course, this PR director panicked and wanted off immediately! Thank goodness we had our mechanic PJ on the bus; he checked it all out, while I and some of the team members stood in the field and prayed that God would take care of it. Sure enough the smoke stopped and all was good to go! That darn devil, he thought he was going to win, but praises to God all was taken care of and we were able to roll on into Batavia.

We headed to the streets tonight in our hometown. The bus was filled with activity. God gave groceries to 10 families, fed homemade chicken casserole to many kids and parents, did some home visits to families in need and just blessed the whole neighborhood.

Thank you for your prayers for our safety and our protection while we were gone.

All of your prayers not only blessed us but thousands of souls in Elizabeth, New Jersey and New York City! Now how awesome is that! Stay tuned for more of God’s news from the streets of Batavia and the 700 plus mile road trip he took Care-A-Van ministries on!

Area political leaders call attention to new gun legislation making its way through Albany

By Howard B. Owens

Four prominent area elected officials -- all Republicans -- gathered on the steps of the old Genesee County courthouse today to call attention to legislation that shows every sign of being enacted that will curb the rights of law-abiding gun owners.

Sen. Mike Ranzenhofer led the press conference, which included Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Sheriff Gary Maha and County Clerk Don Read.

The four men underscored three key points: The legislation will do nothing to curb crime, it is out of step with the interests of upstate New York, and it will burden county governments with yet one more unfunded mandate.

While there are more than a dozen new gun restrictions being pushed by legislative Democrats, the key piece of legislation under fire by Ranzenhofer today would require the renewal of gun carry permits every five years.

Both Ranzenhofer and Hawley noted that such legislation will do nothing to deter criminals, who don't bother with gun permits anyway.

"Basically what you have legislators from New York City who feel it might be appropriate in their community trying  to impose their New York City will on Genesee County," Ranzenhofer said.

Here are five related documents (PDF):

I had a couple of video problems -- sound, misbehaving tripod, chiefly -- with covering the press conference today, but the worse problem is that I had to change tapes (it seem that long ago that I started a new tape) during the PC, and that tape somehow did not make it home with me tonight for editing.  Below is what little video I have available now, where in Ranzenhofer, at the very end, sums up some of the key points of opposition to the legislation.

UPDATE 5/4/09:  I got ahold of the other tape and pulled off what was recoverable, which was statements by Hawley, Maha and Read

One possible, one suspected case of 'Swine Flu' reported in Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

WHAM 13 is reporting that health officials have said there is one suspected case of 'Swine Flu' in Genesee County.

We can't confirm that at this time.

Earlier today when we contacted the Genesee County Health Dept. we were told that some sort of e-mail related to 'Swine Flu' would be released to local media in the afternoon. That e-mail was never received.

We will try to get an update on this suspected case first thing in the morning.

UPDATE: Dan Fischer at WBTA is actively working on this story. Channel 2 also reported a suspected case. We'll keep you posted.

UPDATE II: It occured to me that we hadn't checked Billie's e-mail account since we left the office. At 5:03 p.m., we received an e-mail from Karen Smykowski at the health department. It reads, "Genesee County has one suspect and one possible suspect case of Swine flu. It is currently en route to Wadsworth Laboratory for further testing." Dan Fischer also spoke with Randy Garney who also said there is one possible case and one suspected case in Genesee County.

Swine Flu cases rise but none known in Genesee County

By Billie Owens

UPDATE: After this was posted, we did receive an e-mail from the County indicating a possible and a suspected case of 'Swine Flu' had been found in Genesee County. More here.

People need to be on high alert for Swine Flu, but not panicky, according to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta.

No cases are known to exist in Genesee County. There's one suspected case in Monroe County and another Chautauqua.

We called the Genesee County Health Department for an update on any local information and were told that the department has been inundated with media inquires. A staff member said an e-mail would be sent to media outlets this afternoon with an update, but as of 5 p.m. none was received.

The status of the illness is Phase 5, meaning it spreads easily from person to person but a health crisis is not imminent. Phase 6 is the highest alert.

According to a spokesman for the New York State Department of Health today there are 89 cases of suspected H1N1 virus statewide not including New York City.

Suspected cases have flu-like symptoms but have not been tested. Probable cases are lab tested with results pending and actual cases have been confirmed by the lab.

Of these 89 suspected cases, eight specimens tested probable for the virus, but none thus far have been confirmed. Yesterday, there were only three probable cases in New York outside New York City -- those in Suffolk and Cortland counties. Today there are five new probable cases, consisting of one case in five different counties -- Monroe, Chautauqua, Orange, Suffolk and Nausau. Again, none confirmed as yet.

Commonsense precautions are being advised. Avoid confined spaces with lots of people. Wash your hands often. Avoid touching your face. Dispose of used tissues in a covered container. If you're sick, stay home. Follow doctors' orders.

Deal of the Day: Batavia Downs Grandstand Bar & Grille

By Howard B. Owens

Today's Deal of the Day: A $25 gift certificate from Batavia Downs Grandstand Bar & Grille in Batavia. The Batavian's Good Deal Price: $12.50 -- HALF off!

Enjoy a great meal in one of Genesee County's favorite entertainment venues.

Rules: The gift certificate must be used by within 30 days of purchase. It is not valid with other offers and has no cash value. By law, gift certificates cannot be used for purchase of alcohol.

How to win: Purchase using the PayPal "Buy Now" button below. After the first person to hit the "buy now" button completes the purchase, PayPal will let you know that the item has been sold. Ideally, the winner will arrange to stop by my office on Main Street before 5:00 p.m. to pick up the gift certificate. Mail is an option, but it would be better to hand you the gift certificate. 

If you want to be notified via e-mail of future Deals of the Day, sign up for the Deals of the Day e-mail list by clicking here.

Merchants: If you would like your business featured in Deal of the Day, call Howard Owens at 260-6970.

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Top Items on Batavia's List

Town Court Clerk Below are two lists: one details the myriad responsibilities that fall within the purview of the court clerk; the other summarizes the knowledge and abilities that court clerks possess or acquire through training. These lists are provided so that a judge and municipality can intelligently discuss the benefits that a court clerk can provide. The items below can also form the basis for a list of job duties should a municipality need to fill a vacancy in a court clerk position. Primary Responsibilities A. Maintain confidentiality of records and information when required to do so B. Prepare court calendar C. Collect monies, reconcile daily receipts, deposit receipts, prepare reports for monthly disbursements, reconcile bank accounts, and prepare administrative reports D. Enter convictions on drivers' licenses and prepare conviction reports electronically transmitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles E. Enter criminal conviction on NCIC reports and electronically send same to Division of Criminal Justice Services F. Respond to inquiries-in person, by phone, by e-mail and by mail-and provide assistance to lawyers, litigants, media, and members of the public G. Prepare monthly reports that are electronically sent to the Office of the State Comptroller H. Prepare orders, summonses, warrants and other court forms i. Communicate with outside agencies in order to coordinate the Court's activities and provide services to litigants. Such agencies include: ii. Law enforcement agencies, such as local police departments, New York State Police, Sheriffs office, FBI and CIA, US Armed Forces, and the Office of the District Attorney; I. Other courts, including superior courts and other local town and village courts; and i. Miscellaneous county agencies, such as Community Service, Community Dispute Resolution Center, Pre-trial Release, Probation, Stop DWI program, Victim Impact Panel, and Youth Court. ii. State agencies that require periodic reporting, including the New York State Unified Court System, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Office of the State Comptroller, the Division of Criminal Justice Services, and the Office of Court Record Retention. J. Examine court documents to ensure their accuracy and completeness K. Receive and file summonses, traffic tickets and other documents for court proceedings i. Assist the Justice at the bench during all Court proceedings Knowledge of: 1. The functions and organization of the Unified Court System ii. Basic legal terminology, codes and abbreviations iii. Court forms, practices and procedures, including those set forth in the Uniform Justice Court Act and the Uniform Civil Rules for the Justice Courts (22 NYCRR Part 214) 2. Ability to: i. Prepare judicial orders and decisions ii. Effectively communicate information orally and in writing iii. File and retrieve materials, extract data from various sources for entry onto court form iv. Research and interpret laws outlined in court documents and litigants' motions and other papers v. Perform mathematical tasks in order to compile court activity reports, total receipts, accept payments, and verify bills vi. Refer to appropriate documents, statutes, citations or other sources in order to respond to specific questions from attorneys, litigants and members of the general public vii. Interpret policies, statutes, rules and regulations and apply them in specific contexts viii. Establish work priorities ix. Constructively manage conflict with court users Qualifications: Highschool diploma recognized by the NYS Dept of Education or appropriate equivalent. Along with 4 years of college, specialization in criminal justice, law, business administration or related field. -OR- 2 years college with specialization in Business Administration or related field. Please email your resume to abrownell@townofbatavia.com no later than 12/16/2024. Pay is based on experience.
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