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Bail ordered for woman accused of violating release terms while awaiting trial stemming from accident on Fargo Road

By Howard B. Owens

There's no more benefit of the doubt for Nicole Kimberly Sullivan in Judge Charles Zambito's courtroom.

The 32-year-old Perry resident, already charged with assault, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person, was arrested on allegations this week that she and a partner concocted a scheme to steal more than $700 in phone cases from Walmart. She's also been accused of continuing to use drugs while in a residential treatment facility.

Zambito canceled her release under supervision contract Wednesday afternoon and ordered her held on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond. 

While Assistant District Attorney Shirley Gorman argued that Sullivan should be considered a flight risk, her attorney, David Silverberg, argued that she wasn't a flight risk but clearly is having difficulty complying with her release terms pending her trial. He asked for reasonable bail.

Sullivan is accused of fleeing the scene of an accident on Fargo Road in the Town of Stafford on June 10, 2016, and leaving behind a seriously injured person who also had a disability.

Sponsored Post: New listing alert: Call Reliant today to see 5774 Shelt Road

By Lisa Ace

Awesome country location for this affordable 3-bedroom, 2 full-bath home! Whether you are downsizing or just starting out this home fits the bill! Spacious and open concept with large rooms makes this home feel large but super cozy.

Located in the Elba School system, this home is perfect for the people who want their piece of country. Surrounded by fields on a quiet road -- definitely one to take a ride for! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today, 344-4663, to view this listing or click here for more information.

Scarecrow crafters take notice: the Town of Oakfield challenges you to enter its Scarecrow Contest

By Billie Owens

The Town of Oakfield is holding a Scarecrow Contest.

You can make a scarecrow at home at work or at school or at the Oakfield Community & Government Center, located at 3219 Drake Street Road, Oakfield. 

If you opt to make one at the Community & Government Center, the opportunity to do so is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30. You can bring your own supplies or purchase them from the "Scarecrow Boo-tique." (We did not make this up.)

Sept. 30 is also the date of the Oakfield Fall Vendor Blender (also 11 to 4) at the Community & Government Center. Invite your family and friends. If weather permits, vendors will be allowed outside, but there's plenty of room for them inside. For more information on both the Scarecrow Contest and the Oakfield Fall Vendor Blender, visit online at www.townofoakfieldny.com

These are the Scarecrow Contest rules:

  • Register your scarecrow by mail prior to Sept. 27, or in person at the Community & Government Center scarecrow-making opportunity on Sept. 30; once registered, you will receive a lamppost assignment where you will display your scarecrow;
  • As early as Sept. 30, hang your scarecrow on your assigned lamppost using zip ties, bungee cords or rope -- NO tape or wires, please (and absolutely "No more wire hangers!");
  • Scarecrows must face oncoming traffic and be easily visible;
  • Scarecrows must be made in good taste and constructed to withstand wind and rain. The committee (presumably, the "Scarecrow Contest Committee") has the complete and unequivocal right to remove any scarecrow that is inappropriate or in disrepair (tacky people take note);
  • The scarecrow must be maintained while on display between Sept. 30 and Nov. 1 (which happens to be All Saints Day);
  • To be eligible for contest awards, scarecrows must be secured to ASSIGNED posts no later than 3 p.m. on Sept. 30 (punctuality actually does matter here);
  • Scarecrows must be taken down by 7 p.m. on All Saints Day (see above). After that time, they will be "removed and recycled" for next year. (We like the notion of recycled scarecrows, so long as they are tastefully recycled, nothing dodgy.)

Prize categories are:

-- Most Original

-- Scariest

-- Funniest

-- Best Traditional Scarecrow

-- Grand Prize for Best Overall

-- Special kids categories

Winners will be announced at 7 p.m. on Oct. 27 at the Town of Oakfield Halloween Party at the Community & Government Center. (We think it would be especially pleasing and of entertainment value if adults dressed up for this party in a goofy costume or wore some audacious socks or a dumb hat or something.)

Any Genesee County resident who would like to participate can most certainly participate, says Town Clerk Melissa Haacke. (There, the gauntlet is thrown down.) And if a scarecrow contestant wants to register via mail, that person can send a check for $10, payable to Town of Oakfield, along with the following information:

  • Name/Organization
  • Phone number
  • Email address

Mail to:

Town of Oakfield

Atten: Melissa Haacke, Town Clerk

3219 Drake Street Road

Oakfield, NY 14125

You will subsequently be given a lamppost pole number, which is the location where you will put up your scarecrow.

May the best scarecrow win!

Accused drug dealer granted release under supervision while awaiting legal proceedings

By Howard B. Owens
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      Adner Davila

A 62-year-old man facing multiple drug-dealing charges is being released from jail while awaiting further legal proceedings after a bail review hearing before Judge Charles Zambito in County Court this afternoon.

Adner P. Davila, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, scored well enough on a bail evaluation worksheet that he was deemed not a flight risk and eligible for release under supervision of Genesee Justice.

The bail evaluation is based on numerous factors such as ties to the community, potential jail term if convicted, appearance record on prior charges and prior charges, if any.

In Davila's case, he does have six prior felonies, including three violent felonies, in his past, as well as a failure to appear, but those charges were years ago and were not really a factor in his bail evaluation.

Davila is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, five counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and one count of criminally using drug paraphernalia. 

During his release under supervision, Davila is confined to his residence at a trailer park on West Main Street Road, except for doctor's appointments. Upon request, Zambito also granted him permission to visit DSS to recertify his Medicaid eligibility, with notification of the trip to Genesee Justice.

Person pinned between tractor and tree in Pembroke, minor injuries

By Howard B. Owens

A person is reportedly pinned between a tractor and a tree at a residence on Cohocton Road, Pembroke.

He's believed to have suffered only minor injuries.

Pembroke fire, Indian Falls fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 3:27 p.m.: East Pembroke's utility vehicle requested to the scene. The location is well off the road, behind a barn. Also a chief asked for the availability of Mercy Flight as a precaution. Mercy Flight 4 out of Buffalo is on ground standby.

UPDATE 5:25 p.m.: We've received word that the person did not require medical treatment beyond being evaluated at the scene.

Chamber hosting 28th annual Decision-Makers Ag Tour

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

“Genesee County’s International Agriculture Connections” will be the theme of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce’s 28th Annual Decision-Maker’s Agricultural tour on Wednesday, Sept. 20.

The half-day tour will begin with a breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Kennedy Building at the Genesee County Fairgrounds, 5056 East Main Street Road, Batavia. Presentations by the Genesee County Economic Development Center and Bonduelle will take place at the fairgrounds before boarding the bus for stops at Love Beets, Oxbo International, and Vegetal. The bus will return to the fairgrounds by noon. 

“Most people know that the number one industry in Genesee County is agriculture,” said Tom Turnbull, president of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce. “What many are unaware of is the number of international connections there are to local agribusinesses. All of the stops on this year’s tour have an international affiliation.”

The Decision Maker’s Ag Tour is open to the public and is free of charge. Participants should register in advance by calling the Chamber office at 585-343-7440 or by emailing to chamber@geneseeny.com

Hawley teams up with Red Cross to ask locals to help hurricane victims in Texas and Southern Florida

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is asking fellow New Yorkers who are willing and able to consider making a donation or volunteering with the American Red Cross in its efforts to help victims and their families of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma recover.

Large portions of Texas and Southern Florida have been devastated by these two recent natural disasters, leaving thousands homeless and much of the states’ infrastructure in ruins.

“What has happened in Texas and Florida as a result of these hurricanes is nothing short of tragic,” Hawley said. “It is at times like these that we must truly band together as Americans and help our friends in the south, because that’s what New Yorkers do.

"Our friends at the American Red Cross do tremendous work in crises like these, and I can attest to their effectiveness because I partnered with them in 2005 to deliver two truckloads of supplies after Hurricane Katrina. I encourage all Western New Yorkers who are able to make a small donation to the Red Cross and help inject some hope back into these struggling communities.”

Mail a check to your local Red Cross chapter:

  • Western New York Chapter (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming.)

            786 Delaware Avenue

            Buffalo, NY 14209

  • Call 1-800 RED CROSS or text the word IRMA to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
  • Call your local Red Cross chapter. The Western New York chapter phone number is (716) 886-7500. The Greater Rochester chapter phone number is (585) 241-4400.

The Red Cross honors donor intent. Donors can designate their donation to Hurricane Harvey or Irma relief efforts by choosing that option when donating on redcross.org, or by designating it on the memo line of their check.

Assemblyman Hawley represents the 139th District, which consists of Genesee, Orleans and parts of Monroe counties. For more information, please visit Assemblyman Hawley’s Official Website.

Byron Fire Department holds Sportsman's Raffle at its fire hall on Saturday, Sept. 30

By Billie Owens

Byron Fire Department will hold a Sportsman’s Raffle on Saturday, Sept. 30th at Byron Fire Hall, 6357 Townline Road, Byron.

Doors open at noon, event is from 1 – 5 p.m., meal included with ticket.

Tickets ($20 each) for the event may be purchased from any member of our department.

Tickets may only be purchased by those 18 years of age and older.

Each ticket allows the holder entry on the day of the event, food (snacks & meal) and beverage, as well as a chance to win one of 15 prizes (refer to ticket itself).

Ticket holders do not need to be present to win; winners of firearms will be subject to federal background check. Event will also include a door prize, additional side raffles and pull tabs.

Proceeds benefit Byron Fire Department.

For more info contact Joe Wells 585-409-1270.

Pin Points bowling column returns on Thursday

By Mike Pettinella

Mike Pettinella's Pin Points bowling column returns for its second year on The Batavian, starting Thursday.

The column focuses on organized bowling at the local, state and national levels, highlighting outstanding individual performances and timely topics.

The Batavian thanks the following businesses who have signed on as sponsors this season:

Al Vlietstra Masonry

Genesee Region USBC

Letchworth Pines, Portageville

Medina Lanes

Mount Morris Lanes

Oak Orchard Bowl, Albion

Perry Bowling Center

Rose Garden Bowl, Bergen

Sheelar's Auto, Batavia

Sloat Tire, Batavia

Turnbull Heating & Air

Businesses interested in advertising on the Pin Points page can contact Mike at mikepett2002@yahoo.com.

17th Annual Van Hulburt Memorial Golf Tournament raised $7,300 for Crossroads House

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The 17th Annual Van Hulburt Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit Crossroads House took place on Thursday, Aug.17th at the Batavia Country Club.

The tournament is hosted by the Hesperus Lodge No. 837 in Bergen and the Hulburt family. Van Hulburt was an educator and leader in the Bergen community and his family dedicates the proceeds from the tournament each year through the Lodge of which Van was a member.

The tournament is the longest running outside fundraiser for Crossroads House and has raised over $80,000 since its inception.

A check in the amount of $7,300 was presented to Crossroads House on Sept. 7th at the Lodge.

Pictured from left are: Marty Krause, tournament chairman; Helen Hulburt, wife of Van Hulburt; and Jeff Allen, Crossroads House executive director.

Pole and wires down on Elm Street, Batavia

By Billie Owens

A pole is down and wires are in the roadway at 140 Elm St., Batavia. City firefighters and Mercy medics responding.

UPDATE 1:35 p.m.: A semi truck was traveling down Elm Street when it snagged a tree branch, which snapped off and took down a pole and wires. It lodged between the cab and the trailer of the semi. No one was injured. The ambulance was sent as a precaution; the driver was a sign-off.

Local artists learn about Alla Prima style painting

By Howard B. Owens

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The monthly meeting of the Batavia Society of Artists last night featured a demonstration by Patricia Tribastone in a style of painting known as Alla Prima.

The Alla Prima style of painting is a technique in which the artist completes a painting in one sitting. The painting is done “wet into wet” and the main characteristics are fresh color, minimized detail, and brush work. 

Tribastone, who is involved in numerous national art organizations and has won several awards for her pastel and oil paintings, set up a still life scene for the demonstration and explained how she arranged her subject and the materials she used to complete the painting.

Tribastone has a gallery and studio in Canandaigua at 32 S. Main St.

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Batavia Players stage 'The Laramie Project' this weekend

By Howard B. Owens

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This weekend the Batavia Players present at Harvester 56 a three-act play, "The Laramie Project," which is based on the murder of Matthew Shepard.

Shepard was a 22-year-old student at the University of Wyoming when he was beaten and robbed and left tied to a fence post in the fall of 1998. Two friends of Shepard's soon after claimed he was killed because he was gay and Shepard's death gained national attention and led to the creation of hate crime laws in most states. Whether Shepard was killed because he was gay has been called into question during the intervening years.

The play is written by Moises Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project in New York City.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $13 for adults, $10 for seniors and students.

The show contains content that may not be suitable for young children.

The cast: Dorothy Gerhart, Michele Stamp, Joe Kasmierczak, Anthony Giambrone, Micheal Flanagan, Wendy Williams, Kathy Johns, Lucine Kauffman, Peggy Marone, and Norm Argulsky. All cast members play multiple roles.

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Sponsored Post: Fall back to the '80s at this year's Wine Walk! Tickets on sale now

By Lisa Ace


This year’s 7th Annual Downtown Batavia Wine Walk will Fall Back to the '80s! Join us from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7th. Make your way throughout some of our Downtown businesses, tasting over 20 amazing New York State Wines in '80s style. This year’s event offers several Large Raffle Baskets, photo booth fun, prizes for Best Dressed, social media voting on “Best Place to Taste” as participants decide on their favorite stop, and more!
 
Only 600 tickets sold to this year’s event! Regular tickets $25, VIP Tickets $35 and DD Tickets at $5. VIP ticket holders this year get in an hour early to start, a free entry into the raffles and a Wine Walk Goodie Bag.

Tickets are available now online at www.downtownbataviany.com or for purchase at Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle, The Yngodess Shop and The Hidden Door/Pollyanna & Dot.

Photo: Ron Burroughs and his UPS bike

By Howard B. Owens

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Ron Burroughs was out on Ellicott Street yesterday evening in one of his custom-made bicycles. In this case, a two-seater made to look like a UPS delivery truck.

Law and Order: Man accused of driving vehicle without permission, ruining engine

By Howard B. Owens

Marquis Rashod Brown, 20, of Victor Lane, Hamlin, is charged with burglary, 3rd, criminal mischief, 2nd, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and petit larceny. Brown allegedly entered a building on South Lake Road, Bergen, at 6 p.m. Aug. 3 without the owner's permission, left and drove the owner's vehicle without permission, and then caused more than $1,500 damage to the vehicle by overheating and ruining the engine.

Garl Lyn Fields, 33, of LaGrange Avenue, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. Fields was stopped by Irondequoit PD. He posted bail and was released to Gates PD on a warrant. He was issued an appearance ticket and released to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on a warrant out of Town of Stafford Court. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released on an order to appear in Town of Stafford Court at 9 a.m., Oct. 3.

Kristi Marie Stoughton, 41, of Woodhill, Newark, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and driving left of pavement markings. Stoughton was stopped at 11:40 p.m. Monday on Genesee Street, Pembroke, by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Crystal Marie Bouter, 28, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, and Nicole Kimberly Sullivan, 31, of Covington Street, Perry, are charged with petit larceny and conspiracy, 6th. Bouter and Sullivan are accused of stealing several mobile phone cases valued at $785.77 from Walmart. It's alleged that they agreed to coordinate their efforts to steal the cases. Both were jailed on $1,000 bail each.

Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation announces 2017 honorees

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation will gather on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at Terry Hills Restaurant to honor two Outstanding Italian American Men of the Genesee County Region. The Honorary recipients are Thomas Cecere and Justin Calarco-Smith.  They are two of many Italian American volunteers, who have given their time to help others.

This event will please your palate with fabulous Italian cuisine and great entertainment from the St. Joe's Reunion Brass Ensemble. October is National Italian American Heritage Month. This is a great time to celebrate the Italian heritage and our outstanding recipients, Tom and Justin.

Tickets are available at Ben's Appliance and V.J. Gaultieri & Sons Construction and Paolo Busti Board members. All proceeds are directed to the Paolo Busti Scholarship Fund.  

Any questions and reserved seating please contact Michele Fuller (585) 768-7016.

Justin Calarco Smith

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Justin was born in Batavia, a son of James and Mary Calarco Smith, of Batavia. His paternal great-grandparents, the Calarco family, were born in Varapadio, Italy, which is in the province of Reggio Calabira. His maternal great-grandparents, the Tessitore family, were born in Naples, Italy. Both families immigrated to the United States.

A 1991 graduate of Batavia High School, Justin graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in Psychology from SUNY Geneseo in 1995. While at Geneseo, he was a member, founding brother, chaplain and president of Tau Kappa Epsilon International Fraternity. During his college career, he made the decision to enter in his family business, and work alongside his father in the funeral industry.

Upon his graduation from Geneseo, he entered Simmons Institute of Funeral Service, where he graduated with an associates degree in Funeral Service in 1996. He graduated from Simmons with high honors and received the Mu Sigma Alpha Award and a Certificate of Merit in Mortuary Sciences at graduation.

He has been a licensed funeral director since 1997; caring and guiding the families in Genesee County during some of their most difficult times. In 2012, along with his brother Joshua and Randy McIntire, he assumed ownership of H.E. Turner & Co. Inc., where their main focus continues to provide the family and friends they serve with exceptional and personalized service.

His spirit of volunteerism was instilled at a young age as he watched both his parents generously give their time and talent to their community. Upon his return home from college, Justin has been involved with the Batavia Area Jaycees, where he served as the treasurer in 1998 and was honored as the treasurer of the year in New York State in 1998. A member of the inaugural class of Leadership Genesee in 2001, he served on the Board of Directors for CASA, United Memorial Medical Center Foundation, Genesee Cancer Assistance and the YMCA. Justin served on the board of directors, foundation board, finance committee, development committee and chaired the annual awards dinner committee for GCASA.

Justin married Elizabeth Allen, of Elba, on Sept. 15, 2007 and they have three children, Noah, Nicolas and Lucia. Residents of Elba since 2009, Justin is a member of Padre Pio Parish where he is a member of the church’s parish council, The Men’s Group and serves as a lector of the church. Justin currently serves as a commissioner for the Elba Joint Fire District. A 3rd degree member of Monsignor Kirby Council, Knights of Columbus, he has been a member of the Batavia Rotary Club since 1998. He has served on their board of directors for six years, co-chaired the annual pancake breakfast for five years, worked on the stage crew during the annual Rotary Show and was stage manager during the production of Beauty and the Beast. Justin also served on The Rotary Club Memorial Foundation for three years. He has served on Board of Trustees for The Jerome Foundation since 1999, vice-president from 2005-2007 and has been the acting president since 2007.

He is grateful to his parents for providing him with a strong work ethic and responsibility to give back to your community. A strong devotion to his family and deep sense of pride for his Italian American heritage, Justin acknowledges that his accomplishments, whether personal or professional would not be possible without the love and support given to him by his wife, Elizabeth and his three children.

Thomas Cecere

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Thomas Anthony Cecere was born in Batavia, to Louis and Mary (Glannan) Cecere. He was the oldest of seven children. He has a son Thomas, a daughter-in-law Sandy and three grandchildren, Taylor, Thomas and Tori. He has been married to his wife Felicia for 22 years.

 His paternal grandparents both immigrated to the United States, his grandfather, Angelo Michael Cecere, at 5, in 1880 from Valva, Italy, and his grandmother in 1890 from Lithuania. They were married in 1900 and had 14 children. His parents met during World War II in England and after the war were married in Batavia. His mom was a “War Bride.”

Growing up as a member of one of Batavia’s largest families was very special. Every Sunday all his aunts and uncles and their families started out by going to church, then home for a real Italian meal.

Tommy says, “four things were very instrumental in molding me into what I am today. They are my family, my Catholic upbringing, the time that I spent in the Navy, and the many years that I spent in St. Joseph’s Drum and Bugle Corps. Being a member of “Mighty St. Joe’s of Batavia is an honor and a privilege.”

In 1966, he enlisted in the Navy. He served four years and spent two and a half years in Vietnam, all of which he is very proud of. He worked at Doehler Jarvis, Eastman Kodak Co., and Rochester Products. He retired in 2008.

When he retired he gave back to the community. He joined the “Genesee County Joint Veterans Honor Guard. They provide an Honor Guard, a Firing Squad and a live Bugler for Military Funerals and Memorial Services.”

“It is such an honor to play Taps for these Veterans that gave so much for all of us,” he said.

He’s played Taps for many years. In 196I playing for Batavia’s first Vietnam Casualty. He’s been the Bugler for the “Vietnam Traveling Wall” every time it’s come to Genesee County. He is a member of “Buglers Across America.” They accept assignments to cover funerals and memorial services covering a 100-mile radius. Since 2009, he’s averaged playing Taps 104 times per year and averaged driving 3,201 miles per year.

Currently, he belongs to “The St. Joe’s of Batavia Brass Ensemble.” Its sole purpose is to give back to the community. They do fund-raisers for “Crossroads House,” school band programs, concerts for veterans and for hospitals and nursing homes. They’ve even gone to private homes of individuals who were in the last weeks of their lives and played out on their lawns for them.

His accomplishments include: the 1965 New York Canadian Individual Soprano Bugle Player. While on board the USS Princeton, recovered the Apollo 10 Space Capsule, made all of the ships PA announcements and played the “Boatswain's Pipe," all of which were heard on worldwide television. In 1987 while competing in the “Unlimited A Class” against pistol shooters from all over the world, won first place in the “Metallic Silhouette International Pistol Championships.” In 1991 along with Robert “Sully” Sullivan co-founded the St. Joe’s Alumni Corps of Le Roy. Also in 1991 ran 26.2 miles in the Boston Marathon. In 2013 was part of the Ghost Riders Mini Drum and Bugle Corps from Batavia that won first place in the “World Mini Corps Championships” in Annapolis, Md. In 2014 was one of four people from all over the world who was inducted into the “Buglers Hall of Fame” in Bridgeport, Conn.

He thanks God for the opportunity of growing up in Batavia as part of such a wonderful Italian Family and for being born in the United States of America.

Plans for hydrant flushing in Batavia announced

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants on Thursday Sept. 14 from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the general area west of Bank Street and north of West Main Street. Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about five minutes or until clear.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants Monday –Wednesday, Sept. 18 – 20 from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the general area west of Jackson Street and south of West Main Street. Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about five minutes or until clear.

House passes firefighter cancer registry bill sponsored by Collins

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Today the House unanimously passed legislation introduced by Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) that would require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop and maintain a registry to collect data regarding the incidence of cancer in firefighters. H.R. 931, the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act, is the first step in addressing the detrimental health effects firefighters may experience when responding to fire emergencies.

“Sixteen years ago yesterday, on September 11th, 2001, we witnessed a horrible tragedy that will leave an impression on generations of Americans forever,” Congressman Collins said. “Through this tragedy, we witnessed the heroic actions of America’s brave first responders working and volunteering in the days and weeks to come. We lost many first responders during those attacks of 9/11 and we continue to lose more every year from ongoing health effects."

“Passage of the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act is a major step towards improving the health and safety of our brave firefighters across the nation who head into danger despite the risks and keep our communities safe," said Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ-09), who co-authored the bill. "The least we can do is seek to better understand the connections between the job firefighters do and risk of cancer, so we can then help mitigate those risks.”

A 2015 study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) determined that U.S. firefighters had a greater number of cancer diagnoses and related deaths than the general population. This study’s findings were determined by a small sample size, reflecting the enormous gap in research when it comes to the incidence of cancer in these men and women. Collins’ Firefighter Cancer Registry Act would ensure greater and more specific data was collected by establishing a comprehensive database.

“After NIOSH’s 2015 study, it was clear something needed to be done to ensure our nation’s firefighters had the best resources and equipment available to mitigate potential future health risks. This bill will help us study this deadly trend and the information we gather will determine what needs to be done to improve safety protocols for these brave men and women," added Collins.

If signed into law, the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act would authorize $2 million in federal funds to the CDC from FY2018 to FY2022. Data gathered would include a number of potential risk factors, including but not limited to the status of the firefighter (volunteer, paid-on-call, or career), number of years on the job, the number of incidents attended, and the type of incidence. The collection of this data would allow for improved equipment, enhanced safety protocols and preventative techniques for our firefighters.

Earlier today, Congressman Collins spoke to the importance of the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act on the House Floor

“This registry will go a long way towards improving quality of life for the men and women who devote themselves to saving lives,” said Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (OR-02). “Coming from a region of the country currently being ravaged by wildfires, I am constantly appreciative of the men and women who go into these dangerous situations of fire and smoke to protect others. This national registry is another way for us to do more to protect them.” 

"The IAFC thanks Representatives Collins and Pascrell for their leadership in securing passage of H.R. 931, the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act of 2017,” said Chief Thomas Jenkins, International Association of Fire Chiefs president and chairman of the board. “This legislation will help researchers to better understand the link between firefighting and cancer and help the nation’s fire service fight this significant health threat."

The Firefighter Cancer Registry Act was advanced out of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health on June 29, 2017 and was passed out of full committee on July 27, 2017. The next step in advancing this legislation is passage in the Senate.

For more information on H.R. 931, Firefighter Cancer Registry Act, click here.

Tracy Avenue closed today

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Tracy Avenue in the City of Batavia will be temporarily closed to traffic from Washington Avenue to North Street, Wednesday, Sept. 13th, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for sewer repair. Motorists are asked to seek alternate routes.

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