Tonight, the Batavia Concert Band kicked off its series of free concerts at Centennial Park with a show of a collection of British melodies, marches and concert favorites conducted by Brad Meholick.
When Kathy Kuss signed up to sponsor a Haitian child through the International Child Care Ministries five years ago, she had no way of anticipating the earthquake that would soon hit the island nation and its horrific consequences.
After the disaster struck, she received bad news: her sponsored child and the girl’s family were missing. The family was eventually discovered, safe and sound. However, the storm was not over yet — for the Haitians lucky enough to survive the earthquake and the subsequent hurricanes, the real horror had just begun.
Many had been rendered homeless by the natural disasters, and the lack of clean water was rapidly killing off people by the thousands, the majority of them children. It was upon hearing about these tragedies that Kuss, a Batavia hair salon owner, decided something had to be done—thus, “Haircuts for Haiti” was born.
“(The disaster) was all over the news and it was very frightening,” she says. “What I kept reading was that the water situation was so disgusting. There was no water there. I kept thinking, ‘What can I do to help?’ ”
The answer came to her in the form of an article about Sawyer Water Filters.
“There’s a lot of disease right now in Haiti that they have not seen for decades, like typhoid fever and dysentery, and the reason is because all this bacteria is in their water now,” she explains.
“That’s happening because people are not back into homes and there is no sanitation in place there yet, and disease bacteria is in the water again. This filter will actually take that bacteria out, and it will take out dirt and debris also. You get a clean glass of water.”
The filters that Kuss hopes to purchase will be sent to Haitian schools — or rather, what remains of them.
According to her research, “schools are particularly affected. ICCM sponsors children in Christian schools, and our sponsorships pay the fees for the children to go to the school and buy their lunches and books and education. When I was looking into this, they said that many of the schools had been demolished by the earthquakes. They were holding the schools in tents but there wasn’t any clean water for the kids.”
These lifesaving devises are, unfortunately, not free — each filter system costs $50. To raise enough money to send “many, many” filters to the children, Kuss has organized “Haircuts for Haiti,” an all-day fundraiser where people can get a haircut and make a donation.
This is Kuss’s first time organizing a “cut-a-thon,” but she has participated in one before and speaks highly of the experience:
“It’s really a lot of fun because obviously you have a large group of hairdressers and barbers. People love doing things like this because they really feel like they’re doing something to help.”
The 11 hairdressers and barbers will be at Northgate Free Methodist Church (located at 350 Bank St. Road in Batavia) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 23 in the south campus gymnasium. A Sawyer Water Filter will be on display at the event.
If you are unable to attend but wish to make a donation, you can make a check out to Northgate Free Methodist Church with the memo line of “Sawyer Water Filter Fund” and send it to:
Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank St. Road, Batavia, NY 14020.
A caller reported to dispatch that there is a vehicle parked at Wal-mart with two very young children inside and all the windows are rolled up. The vehicle is said to be in the first row of the grocery section nearest Veterans Memorial Drive. State Police are called to the scene.
UPDATE 6:27 p.m.: When they arrived promptly after receiving the call, officers could not locate the white Pontiac alleged to have the kids inside.
UPDATE 6:35 p.m.: Law enforcement is going to look for the vehicle at the address of the registered owner.
City firefighters are responding to a report of smoke coming from an electrical outlet at 21 Woodstock Gardens, Apt. 21.
UPDATE 6:05 p.m.: They are on scene, investigating. The location is the southernmost building in the back of the complex.
UPDATE 6:07 p.m.: City police are called in case traffic control is needed.
UPDATE 6:09 p.m.: A building inspector is called to the scene.
UPDATE 6:14 p.m.: The inspector's ETA is now roughly 15 minutes.
UPDATE 6:30 p.m.: The problem was determined to be an air-conditioner leaking water into an electrical outlet. To fix it, firefighters "eliminated the outlet." The city assignment is back in service.
Four subjects are reportedly swimming in the northeast corner of the pond at Dewitt Recreation Area off Cedar Street in the City of Batavia. Police are responding.
An already stretched-thin probation department will have a hard time meeting the demands of two laws currently being pushed in Albany, Julie Smith told the Genesee County Legislature on Tuesday.
Probation Director Smith said her department struggles now to keep up with its caseload, more often being reactive to problems with probationers rather than working with them to get their lives straightened out.
The department has lost six staff positions in the past few years.
The first proposed law would make misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies committed by 16-, 17- and 18-year-olds matters handled by a youth division of the court with supervision falling to probation.
The second law would put an alcohol monitoring "transdermal device" on the ankles of people convicted of DWI, with probation getting notified any time such a person drinks an adult beverage.
In 2010, Smith said, 74 young people were arrested for misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies.
To handle the caseload, probation would need to add two more staff members at a cost of $150,000.
Smith believes the actual caseload today would be bigger than the 2010 number.
"Our juvenile caseload numbers now are higher than I've seen in five years," Smith said.
As for monitoring people convicted of DWI, Smith said her department does a good job of random checks of people at home and work to ensure they're not drinking and to ensure they're not driving cars without interlock devices, as required by Leandra's Law.
But New York lawmakers are looking at the fact that, on a statewide basis, only 30 percent of the convicted drunken drivers are getting the interlock devices. The rest are claiming they've somehow gotten rid of their cars, so they don't have to get the interlock device.
The transdermal device would take the question of who owns a car out of the equation, supposedly, but Smith said it doesn't really address directly the issue of people drinking and driving.
It would, however, increase the workload for probation officers who would have to respond to every alert the department receives of a person covered under the law who had a drink.
Two cars as well as a tractor-trailer are involved in an accident at Broadway (Route 20) and Harlow roads. Darien Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding.
UPDATE 2:47 p.m.: A responder on scene says injuries, if any, are minor. Medics just need to check out those involved. There is a power pole down and National Grid has been notified.
UPDATE 3:42 p.m.: There were five patient sign-offs. The Darien assignment is back in service and so is Mercy EMS. State Police will remain at the scene as long as necessary. National Grid is there fixing the pole.
City firefighters will again volunteer their time this year to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the annual "Fill the Boot" fundraiser.
Last year, area residents donated more than $7,100 and firefighters this year hope to top $8,000 in donations, which is more than double the state average for fire departments that participate in the campaign.
The fundraiser begins at 9 a.m. and runs until about 1:30 p.m.
Off-duty firefighters will be positioned on Ellicott Street and Main Street in the area of Court Street holding boots to collect donations from passersby.
The campaign is organized by IAFF Local 896 and co-chaired by Local President Greg Ireland and firefighter Jeff Stevens.
Photo: Stevens, left, with firefighters Dan Herberger and Dave Adams.
Students, faculty, staff and friends at Pembroke Intermediate School raised more than $10,000 this morning in a "Bald for Bucks" program for cancer research.
The young son of one of Pembroke's fourth-grade teachers, Jill Bojarski, has been diagnosed with cancer.
Funds will be donated to the Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
Above, Joyce Saleman, the child's grandmother, has her head shaved by Darlene Curtis. Saleman became quite emotional when the amount of money raised was announced and she spoke to the children, thanking them for their generosity and caring.
Press release:
There will be something familiar to everyone in the new full-gallery art installation coming to the Roz Steiner Art Gallery at Genesee Community College. "Documente: The Italian American Family Album" by SUNY Geneseo art professor Thomas MacPherson is a recreation of the interior home of an American immigrant family that includes original portrait paintings, as well as furniture, artwork and domestic artifacts authentic to the period and modified by personal experience.
"Documente: The Italian American Family Album" opens with an artist's reception at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 14 and will remain in the gallery until Aug. 27.
"This exhibition is really a destination event," Gallery Director Shirley Verrico said. "MacPherson presents outstanding artwork to view, as well as multiple rooms to explore. Everyone will find something familiar within the installation, allowing them to connect with their own past, as well as with the experience of the artist."
The exhibit looks at life in an immigrant household during the 1940s, '50s and '60s through a series of rooms that capture the look and feel of "grandma's house," including:
Visitors are also encouraged to explore drawers and photo albums to absorb the experience and make it feel like a peek into their own heritage.
MacPherson says each installation is unique "because of the manner in which it conforms to the physical space in which it is presented, and the continued addition of new paintings and furnishings."
The exhibit includes original portrait paintings arranged like artwork on the wall of a house. It also features a variety of interactive components including music, a video telling the story about immigrant assimilation, Italian foods and favorite family recipes viewers can take home.
During the summer, the gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. For more information about hours, visit the gallery Web site: http://www.genesee.edu/gallery/.
MacPherson holds an MFA in printmaking and drawing from the University of South Carolina, and a bachelor's degree in studio art from SUNY Oswego. He has earned numerous awards for both his artwork and his teaching, including the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1999.
Local law enforcement officers believe they've ID'd the person in this photo, but he hasn't been taken into custody yet.
He is believed to be in the Batavia area right now, allegedly randomly hitting parking lots looking for unlocked vehicles. According to scanner chatter, he spends no more than five minutes in any one spot.
He is driving a dark blue Pontiac G5. It looks a lot like a Chevy Cobalt. The car has a small spoiler on the back.
The subject is wearing a knit ball cap with the cap curled. He is 6'2" and about 200 lbs.
The number for Sheriff's dispatch is 585-343-5000.
Press release:
Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation, owner of Batavia Downs Casino, has today announced a strategic partnership of services with Saratoga Casino and Raceway and ebet Technologies, LLC. Subject to approval of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, these two prominent New York State racing entities will be partnering in the launch of the new advance deposit internet wagering platform, www.BataviaBets.com.
“We felt very strongly that we should partner with a proven organization within New York State such as Saratoga,” said Michael Kane, CEO of Western OTB/ Batavia Downs. “This will work towards the betterment of wagering for our customers and be a great example on how we can work together within New York State to strengthen the horse-racing industry.”
Kane also added that support was acquired for SaratogaBets because of the platform’s proven success.
Western OTB’s unprecedented alliance with Saratoga Casino and Raceway is part of an effort amongst New York State racing entities to work together to create cost-effective revenue opportunities in today’s highly competitive pari-mutuel environment.
“We have experienced great success with www.SaratogaBets.com, our advance deposit wagering platform,” said Jamie Hartman, COO and executive vice president of Saratoga Casino and Raceway. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with eBet and Batavia Downs to institute this exciting wagering option in Western New York and to further promote increased support and interest in New York racing.”
BataviaBets is a free service allowing customers who sign up for an account to wager on pari-mutuel events via the internet in addition to wagering via the telephone. Focused on servicing local residents and guests who support Batavia Downs and the Western Regional OTB network, this convenient option gives access to customers who would like to place a wager, watch the races, or check results.
“We are excited to work with an organization like Batavia Downs to extend their brand while maintaining access and control of their customer base,” said Mark Gregory, chairman of eBet. "We’re focused on delivering new channels and incremental revenues for regional racetracks like Batavia.”
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) recently voted against an unproven, illogical mandate on firearms producers known as microstamping. The proposal would force manufacturers to develop technology leaving unique imprints on rounds of ammunition, a costly process that would force producers to take their jobs out of state even though the procedure has not been proven to benefit public safety.
“Western New Yorkers know that if there’s anything that out-of-touch downstate politicians love as much as attacking our business owners and job creators, it’s attacking law-abiding gun owners,” Hawley said. “Instead of confronting the fact that gun crimes are, by and large, committed using illegal, unlicensed firearms, the Assembly Majority continues to demonize those of us who rightfully exercise our Second Amendment right.
"To make matters worse, this legislation would price firearms producers out of the state and cost New Yorkers jobs that we cannot afford to lose. No matter how many times this legislation comes to the Assembly Floor, I will continue to stand up against this absurd and unproven proposal.”
Assemblyman Hawley has consistently voted against previous legislation seeking to impose microstamping mandates against firearms producers.
Darrel R. Scroger, 34, of 8 Swan St., Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd. Scroger is accused of renting more than $3,000 in property from a local rental store and then failing to abide by the rental agreement. When the store tried to recover the items, it was discovered that Scroger apparently no longer has the items. Scroger was jailed on $10,000 bail.
Brandon J. March, 27, of 15 James St., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 4th. March is accused of damaging property of a person who was protected under a "no offensive conduct" order of protection.
Cory James Hemmer, 28, of South Main Street, Elba, is charged with unlawful imprisonment, 2nd, coercion, 2nd, harassment, 2nd. Hemmer turned himself in on an arrest warrant for the listed charges, which stem from an incident reported May 30. Hemmer was jailed on $2,000 bail or $5,000 bond.
A woman who was bit by a dog Thursday on Snipery Road in Corfu was shopping at a yard sale, according to Trooper Steven Brady, who investigated the incident.
After selecting some items for purchase, Suzanne R. Balduf, of Alleghany Road, Corfu, went to the front door at 9352 Snipery Road, Corfu, and knocked.
The dog barked and bounded toward the door. Brady said it isn't clear how the door opened. The dog may have hit the latch or the door may have just popped open when he jumped against it.
Balduf sustained dog bites on her arm and leg.
After Brady took the initial report, the case was turned over to Animal Control.
As is routine, the dog is being quarantined for 10 days, but Deputy Chief Gordon Dibble said the dog, owned by Susan M. Waldmiller, is up-to-date on its shots and had all of its tags.
There were no citations issued.
Ninth- and 10th-graders from throughout the GLOW region are invited to the WNY Aviation Adventure Camp, July 7 through 13 at Genesee County Airport.
The cost of the camp is $345, which includes meals and overnight bunking in the camp's hangar at the airport.
The deadline for registration is JUNE 22.
The camp includes:
Participating students will be kept busy from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day with these activities and more, with each evening ending with an aviation-themed movie, such at "Top Gun," "The Memphis Belle," "Apollo 13" and "The Tuskegee Airmen."
For more information, visit the WNY Aviation Adventure Camp Web site.
Photo: Pete Zeliff, left, who is hosting the camp in his hangar with his fleet of aircraft, which includes a brand-new Bell helicopter, and Eve Hens, one of the organizers. Zeliff is holding his 4-year-old grandson, Owen, who won't be at the camp, but wanted to in the picture.
A subject out of control is reported at 82 Gilbert St., Building 14, in the Village of Le Roy. Multiple law enforcement units are responding.
UPDATE 2:29 p.m.: "It's calmed down now," says a police officer at the scene. Other responders headed to the location are told they can back it down.
UPDATE 2:55 p.m.: The subject is a 13-year-old male being transported to UMMC after suffering a seizure and becoming "very violent," according to a medic. Two police officers are asked to respond to the emergency room to make sure there are no problems.
If you tried driving on Route 5 in Batavia this morning, you might have found your commute took two or three times as long.
DOT work crews had one lane shut down for a re-striping project.
Batavia PD reported just before noon that cones had been removed and Route 5 was two lanes again.
Laurie Waite and daughter Ellie, 12, spotted a mama duck and her ducklings trying to cross Main Street near the post office and decided to try and do their best to ensure their safe passage. Traffic was snarled because of road work.
As the feathered family neared Ellicott Street, mama got scared and flew off. The ducklings tried to hide in the bushes. A county employee brought over a cardboard box. Dale Lewter and Butch Yasses joined the rescue effort.
After about six of the 10 had been gathered up and placed in the box, one ran into the storm drain. Two more darted out into traffic on Ellicott Street. Lewter captured one, but the second ran across the street. With Lewter and Yasses in the road motioning for southbound traffic to stop, a black hatchback, possibly a Kia or similar make, just kept on going and struck the duckling.
Lt. Eugene Jankowski said the storm drain grate was welded in place because of truck traffic on Ellicott Street, so the best that could be done was hope the duckling could find its way to the creek through the drain.
With eight of the ducklings now in the box and mother circling the area, Lewter carried the ducklings to the Tonawanda Creek and placed them in the water. Mama duck landed at the top of the falls, and after her eight babies were in the water, she flew down to join them, honking after she landed and the little guys quickly swam to be by her side.
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