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RIT announces Dean's List honorees for Fall 2012

By Billie Owens

The following local residents made the Dean's List for Fall 2012 quarter at Rochester Institute of Technology:

ALEXANDER

Brittani Scharlau, a second-year student in the College of Health Sciences and Technology.

BASOM

Daniel Mancuso, a fourth-year student in the E. Philip Saunders College of Business.

Dean Kubik, a second-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Daniel Crossen, a fifth-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Erin Crossen, a fourth-year student in the College of Science.

BATAVIA

David Renzo, a fifth-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

Matthew Zaso, a fourth-year student in the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Joy Snyder, a fourth-year student in the College of Science.

Amanda Krol, a third-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

Matthew Jackson, a fifth-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Maura Chmielowiec, a second-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Sophia Del Plato, a second-year student in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

BERGEN

Matthew Starowitz, a fifth-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering

Trevor Thunell, a fifth-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

Nicholas Quilliam, a fourth-year student in the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Charles Slack, a fourth-year student in the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Michael Slack, a second-year student in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Eric Hunt, a first-year student in the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

Matthew Haywood, a fifth-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Robert Ellsworth, a fifth-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Philip Berggren, a fourth-year student in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Joshua Barnard, a third-year student in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

CORFU

Michael Zaikis, a fifth-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

Karl Pajak, a second-year student in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Nicholas Flumerfeldt, a third-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

DARIEN CENTER

Robert Osborn, a first-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Christopher Snyder, a first-year student in the College of Science.

Jason Inman, a fifth-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

LE ROY

Russell Schultz, a fourth-year student in the College of Health Sciences and Technology.

Kristen Stacy, a third-year student in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Benjamin Nicodemus, a first-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

Jonathon Locke, a fifth-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Ryan Hochreiter, a first-year student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Kari Branton, a third-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

Alex Graham, a fourth-year student in the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.

OAKFIELD

Hannah Belliveau, a second-year student in the Center for Multidisciplinary Studies.

John Koenig, a third-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology.

PAVILION

Evyn Morgan, a fourth-year student in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

Rochester Institute of Technology is internationally recognized for academic leadership in computing, engineering, imaging science, sustainability, and fine and applied arts, in addition to unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. RIT enrolls 17,500 full- and part-time students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, and its cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation.

Batavia PD warns of phony collection agents seeking cash payments, personal info

By Billie Owens

Press release from Det. Sgt. Patrick J. Corona:

The Batavia Police Department has received, and is investigating, reports of fraudulent individuals posing as legitimate collection agencies, making telephone contact with persons and attempting to acquire cash payments.

Residents should be on guard for this activity and never give out personal information over the telephone.

The individuals involved in this activity are potentially committing offenses of larceny by fraud, identity theft, and criminal impersonation. Individuals involved in this activity could be subject to federal prosecution.

Anyone having questions in regards to the legitimacy of persons making such contact with them over the telephone should contact their local police

Safety Was Main Topic at Board of Education Meeting

By Kathie Scott

Highlights from the Batavia City School District (BCSD) Board of Education meeting on December 18, 2012, include the following:

• Security Procedures Reviewed

• Last BOE Meeting for Retiring Superintendent of Schools Margaret Puzio

Security Procedures Reviewed

Superintendent of Schools Margaret Puzio reported that she met with the District Management Team to review safety procedures that are currently in place, discuss ideas to improve safety, and make recommendations for items to be addressed by the Board’s Safety Committee. All principals have been reviewing safety protocol with staff to ensure that the policies that are already in place are understood and followed. In addition, the District Facebook page had several parents comment, asking questions and raising concerns about the safety of students. One concern mentioned by a few parents was the current practice of holding public votes at school buildings during school hours - because this grants the public unrestricted access to the school building. While this and other similar issues will need to be addressed by the Safety Committee, the District did release this statement earlier, posting it on its Facebook page, in order to correct misconceptions and update the Facebook participants as to what measures are being taken to address security:

“Security procedures at BHS are the same as all other district school buildings with the exception of times. Exact times vary depending on the start time for the school day. At BHS, three doors are open and supervised during student arrival time from 7:00 until 8:05. At 8:05, all doors automatically lock and remain locked throughout the school day. Visitors to the building can enter the vestibule at the main entrance, but must press the intercom to be seen by a staff member on a monitor and must state their business before being allowed entrance into the main office, where sign-in and temporary visitor badges are issued. At the end of the day, doors automatically open and remain open until a designated time in the evening. This allows athletic and other extracurricular participants to enter the building, along with pre-approved community users. We are in the process of reviewing all safety protocols at this time. Our district Safety Committee plans to meet Thursday 12/20.”

A second statement was prepared later and shared with the Board at the evening meeting:

“Our district staff and students have expressed their shock and sympathy in light of last week’s school shooting in Connecticut. Batavia Middle School students are writing cards to be delivered to the students in the Sandy Hook School District as a part of the middle school mindset – be connected.

Many parents have requested information about steps the district is taking to ensure the safety of our school buildings. As part of our last capital project, all buildings received a technology upgrade that included automatic locking outside doors that operate on timers, cameras on doors, and intercoms and monitors to control outsider access to the building. During the last two days:

• Principals have reviewed safety protocols with staff.

• We reviewed our safety procedures building by building at our Management Team meeting and highlighted several areas where we can make immediate changes to create safer environments.

• Some items were referred to a meeting of the District Safety Committee that will occur on Thursday 12/20 at 3 p.m.

• We have invited Batavia Chief of Police Shawn Heubusch to participate in this meeting. In our conversation early on Monday morning, he assured me that he and his team were meeting today to discuss the tragedy in Connecticut and steps that need to be taken here in Batavia to decrease the likelihood of a tragedy here in Batavia.

We all play a role in guarding the safety of our children. If parents or students see something out of the ordinary or if they have a suggestion, they are asked to please share it with either their school principal or Mr. Dailey, our incoming superintendent, or me. It is by working together that we will achieve the highest level of safety.”

~

Previously, the District had posted the following letter from Superintendent Puzio, then the update previously mentioned:

Dear Parents and Members of our School Community,

We extend our sympathy, thoughts, and prayers to our fellow educators, students, parents, and community members in Connecticut. Our children are our hope for a better future and protecting them from danger is our top priority.

As we try to make sense out of this unthinkable tragedy, please know that we take every possible precaution to ensure the safety of our school buildings and we will be especially vigilant during this week. School violence can happen anywhere, but it is still extremely rare. This will be a busy week with many classroom celebrations as our students share their excitement about the holidays and upcoming winter break. Staff members will be sensitive to students who may wish to talk about what they have seen and heard and our counselors are available for additional support. Don't hesitate to ask your principal for support or guidance if needed.

We will be reviewing all emergency procedures and safety protocols with our staff and confirming our procedures for controlling outsider entrance to the school. We will work with the Batavia Police Department as well. Ask your building principal if you have any questions about building procedures.

Thank you for your support and cooperation in keeping all of our students and staff safe.

Margaret Puzio

Superintendent

~~

Superintendent Puzio Retires

With this being her last official Board meeting, Superintendent Margaret Puzio thanked the Board, sharing the following:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board, staff, parents, students, and friends of the Batavia City School District. It has been my honor and pleasure to be an educational leader in this community. I can truly say that our students are the best kids I have ever worked with in my educational career. The staff is outstanding - professional, dedicated, knowledgeable, caring, and fun. The Board of Education has changed some of its members over the last eleven years, but one thing has stayed the same - the exceptional level of leadership and dedication to doing what is right for kids.

I am looking forward to retirement, but please know that you will always have a grateful and enthusiastic cheerleader for the Batavia City School District looking on from the sidelines.

Thank you and God bless.

~

Likewise, Board President Wally Guenther thanked Mrs. Puzio for her years of dedication and service, noting that he respected and appreciated her commitment to the District and to the students.

T.F. Brown's accepting reservations for free community dinner Christmas Day

By Howard B. Owens

With the help of dozens of volunteers and dozens more donations, T.F. Brown's and Batavia Lions will host their annual Christmas Day dinner with two seatings available, noon and 1 p.m.

Tonight, there were free drinks at T.F. Brown's for community members who came in with a new, unwrapped gift for Santa to give to the children who attend the dinners.

The dinners are open to anybody in the community who wishes to attend and are absolutely free. For reservations, call Maud at 345-1000. Maud will want to know which time you will attend along with the gender, age and names of any children in your company.

Please RSVP by the close of business Friday.

Pictured, Pete Arras, Mary Beth Teresi and Rick Mancuso.

Batavia Rotary holds tip-off lunch for 24th annual basketball tournament

By Howard B. Owens

The Rotary Club of Batavia hosted its annual lunch kicking off its basketball tournament.

The 24th annual tournament will be Jan. 8 and 10 at GCC, game times of 6 and 7 p.m.

Photo above: Riley Norton, Notre Dame, senior, forward; Kaleigh Cicero, Perry, senior, guard; Tatyana Wayne, Batavia, senior, guard; and, Sarah Loranty, Alexander, senior, guard.

Below, Santa asks attendees to applaud for the coach with the best "do-rag." From left, Brent Gillette, Perry, Marcia Hirsch, Alexander, Dave Pero, Notre Dame, and Bill Wade, Batavia.

Mystery Readers' Mondays Book Discussion

By Leslie DeLooze

The Mystery Readers’ Mondays Discussion Group will meet at Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross Street, Batavia on Monday, January 28 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss RED MEANS RUN by Brad Smith.  Books are available at the front desk.

For more information, call the library at 343-9550, ext. 8 or log onto www.batavialibrary.org.

Event Date and Time
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Car crash by Upton Monument, one minor injury

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with possibly one minor injury is reported at 100 W. Main St., Batavia, by the Upton Monument. City fire, police and a medic are responding.

UPDATE 5:59 p.m.: Three cars were involved in this accident. Two patients are being taken to UMMC, both complaining of back and neck pain. They were buckled in the rear passenger seats of the same vehicle. One is an 8 year-old boy, the other is a 10 year-old girl.

UPDATE 6:07 p.m.: A third patient is being taken to UMMC -- a male with complaints of head and back pain. He was wearing a seat belt.

Proposed city waste program would mean totes, encourage recycling, institute fee structure

By Howard B. Owens
Sample tote/cart for illustration purposes only. The product from the winning bidder could vary.

The city has ambitious plans to transform waste collection in Batavia into a service that bills all property owners, encourages recycling and reduces costs through automation.

The details of the city's goals are part of two requests for proposals (RFPs) posted earlier this week on the city's Web site. One RFP covers a supply of wheeled recycling and refuse totes (or carts) and the other seeks a contractor to provide refuse and recycling pick up.

The new program would move the city away from the current use of garbage bags, cans and small blue recycling buckets.

And if Genesee ARC doesn't win the contract -- or fails to bid on it -- it could mean the end of a 30-year relationship with the agency that serves the local developmentally disabled community.

Under terms of the RFPs, the city would purchase the totes and handle all billing, accounting and fee collections.

Property owners would pay the fees and be responsible for determining which size refuse and recycling carts they would use (outside of just accepting the default options).

The fee paid by each property owner would be based on the size of the refuse cart. A 95-gallon tote would cost more than a 65-gallon tote.

The actual amount of the fee will be determined based on the cost of the contracts awarded.

The variable fee program will end the practice of charging for waste collection through property taxes. City Manager Jason Molino said this should lead to a reduction in property taxes for city residents.

Customers would receive free recycling totes, regardless of number or size.

The default options for a single family home is a 95-gallon refuse container and a 65-gallon recycling tote.

Molino said the city hopes residents will put the emphasis on recycling, not waste disposal.

"The city wants you to request 95-gallon recycling tote and a 65-gallon refuse tote because it’s cheaper and you generate less refuse tonnage and you divert more to the recycling stream," Molino said.

Multiple dwelling units, up to four families, would each get a 95-gallon refuse cart per family and one 65-gallon recycling cart per property.

The property owner could request a different configuration, and requesting bigger recycling containers and smaller refuse containers would save the property owner money.

The wheeled totes would come in 35, 65 and 95 gallon sizes and meet certain specified quality standards. according to the RFP. They would be covered by a 10-year warranty.

The waste collection company would be expected to deploy two trucks each weekday (except specified holidays).

According to the RFPs, the city generates 4,487 tons of refuse annually, and though statistics have not been kept on recycling collection, the city estimates local residents and businesses generate 800 to 900 tons of recycling material annually.

As part of the waste program, large items left curbside for pick up will require a city-purchased sticker -- at $5 per sticker. Since 2008, an average of 3,070 bulk waste stickers sold annually.

The city anticipates a need for 5,300 garbage totes and 5,000 for recycling.

Refuse would be picked up every week and the recycling bin for each customer would be picked up every other week.

Molino said the city will also try to encourage composting by residents of organic matter to help reduce the amount of garbage going into the refuse stream.

"That’s more of an education effort," Molino said.

Bids will be opened in a public meeting at 1 p.m., Jan. 9.

The contract award will be based on meeting RFP specifications and costs.

Molino and a committee will review the bids, reject any that don't meet specifications and then recommend a bid winner to the city council.

The city council would have to approve the contracts -- at a Jan. 28 meeting -- and could potentially reject any recommended bid.

If a bid is accepted, the contractor would be expected to finish delivery of totes to customers by the end of May and the new collection service would start in June.

The request for bids comes near the end of a five-year contract between the city and Genesee ARC

Genesee ARC has provided the city's garbage service for nearly 30 years and at an annual cost, recently, of $810,000 a year. The agency, based in Batavia, employs 30 people in the service, including 20 with developmental disabilities.

In order to compete for the bid, ARC would likely need to consider buying at least two new garbage trucks, and possibly a third just to handle recycling, in order to meet the specifications of the new proposed contract.

Each truck costs a minimum of $100,000, with prices ranging up to $200,000 each.

Donna Saskowski, executive director of the ARC, said the agency continues to evaluate its options and hasn't made a decision about how it's going to proceed.

Currently, ARC employs two people per garbage truck and three people per truck for recycling pick up.

The automated trucks designed to pick up totes only need one employee per truck.

The potential impact on the agency's employment per truck isn't necessarily the agency's primary concern, Saskowski said.

"We’re tring to be as businesslike and as professional as we can and address the needs of citizen of Batavia," Saskowski said. "That really is our goal."

Law and Order: Oakfield teen accused of stealing three ATVs over the summer

By Howard B. Owens

Jamie R. Bachorski, 18, of Oakfield, is charged with two counts of burglary, 3rd. Bachorski is accused of stealing two ATVs from a storage shed on Batavia Oakfield Townline Road over the summer. He's also accused of entering a pole barn on Fisher Road and stealing an ATV. Bachorski was jailed on $10,000 bail for alleged violation of probation. The case was investigated by Deputy Tim Wescott, Youth Officer John Dehm and Investigator Roger Stone.

Joseph Thomas Bortie, 41, of Knowlesville Road, Alabama, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, moving from lane unsafely and driving across hazardous marking. Bortie was stopped at 4:28 p.m. Monday on Route 262, Byron, following a report of an erratic driver on westbound Route 262. Deputy Chad Minuto located Bortie's vehicle a short time later near Transit Road. Minuto said he saw Bortie's vehicle cross into the eastbound lane and almost collide with another vehicle. Bortie was taken into custody following field tests. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Jennifer Lynn Sprague, 29, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, is charged with falsely reporting an incident to law enforcement. Sprague was taken into custody on Central Avenue on a warrant for the charge out of Town of Bergen Court. She was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Peaceful Genesee holds first award ceremony

By Robin Walters

Peaceful Genesee held its first award ceremony on Monday afternoon at the YWCA.

Angeal Natalizia, a local student was recognized for her award-winning essay. Lisa Barrett received the first “Peaceful Genesean Award." The award acknowledges the contribution of a local citizen whose work has made the world a more compassionate, peaceful and sustainable place to live.

Care-A-Van Ministries was cited as an "exemplar of mission, philosophy and ideals in action," "taking its mission to the people, where the people live and play, and where people can hear and feel their drive of peace, love, support and hope. They make the world more peaceful by being the active example of peace and love, nourishing individuals and families within our community with food, clothing, encouragement, prayer and the assurance that their presence among the people is one of sincerity."

Peaceful Genesee is a partnership among government, schools, nonprofits, faith groups and individuals who envision a community without violence in any form, where all are treated with dignity and respect, and which develops the means to transform conflicts peacefully. Peaceful Genesee recently completed a "Community Commitment to Peaceful Living" and an action list which are available at its Web site: PeacefulGenesee.com.

Angela Natalizia

Lisa Barrett

Paul and Bridget Ohlson, founders of Care-A-Van Ministries

First Presbyterian Church in Batavia hosting service of remembrance and hope

By Howard B. Owens

First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia, is holding a special remembrance service at 6:30 p.m., Friday, to honor those who have passed in 2012 and also to pray for those touched by the recent tragedy in Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Pastor Roula Alkhouri holds a service annually for those who have lost loved ones during the year, but this year, there's greater sorrow for the nation following the massacre in Newtown, Conn.

"We are reminded once more that Christmas can be a painful time for some," Alkhouri said. "In the face of loss, we struggle to find joy in this season. For some this may be the first Christmas without a loved family member who has recently died."

Alkhouri said she is reaching out to pastors and congregations throughout the county to join in this year's service.

"This will be a quiet service of remembrance and hope," she said. "We will light candles for the loss of loved ones. We will also light special candles for the victims of violence of last Friday’s tragedy. We will hear through Scripture and music that God’s presence is (there) for those who struggle and mourn and how God’s Word offers us strength as a light shining into our brokenness."

Woman hurt in Dec. 8 accident that claimed life of Batavia teen still in hospital

By Howard B. Owens

Carmen Vega, the 40-year-old Le Roy resident who was seriously injured Dec. 8 when her car was hit head-on on Route 33 in Stafford remains in Strong Memorial Hospital, but is listed in satisfactory condition.

The accident claimed the life of Collin Crane, 17, a senior at Batavia High School.

The accident remains under investigation by the State Police and no cause has been released.

Sponsored Post: Batavia's biggest Christmas Happy Hour is Tuesday night at T.F. Brown's

By Billie Owens

The biggest Christmas Happy Hour in Batavia is set for 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday (Dec. 18) at T.F. Brown's downtown.

Bring a new, unwrapped toy and receive a complimentary cup of cheer! Toys will benefit the children who attend the annual T.F. Brown's/Batavia Lions Club Christmas Dinner.

There will be dinner and drink specials available all night and DJ Pat will be spinning the tunes!

Cheers!

Batavia man who admitted to meth distribution given two years probation

By Howard B. Owens

Another member of an alleged meth distribution ring in Genesee County that was broken up in 2009 has been sentenced in federal court, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced today.

Andrew Chapman, 42, of Batavia, will serve two years on probation for his part in the distribution of methamphetamine.

In June, Chapman admitted in federal court to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, methamphetamine.

Chapman received the meth he sold from Donald G. Vanelli II, 49, of Le Roy, who is serving more than 17 years for his role in the sale and distribution of meth locally.

Three other people were arrested in the raids in 2009.

All of the cases have been resolved, except that of Donna L. Boon (aka Donna McAuley), who lives at 3658 Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road. Her original charges were dropped but she remains under federal indictment for other alleged offenses.

Law and Order: Oakfield woman accused of trying to harm neighbor's dog

By Howard B. Owens

Roxanne G. Rowe, 25, of Maple Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with animal cruelty and unlawful possession of marijuana. Rowe is accused of trying to harm a neighbor's dog by placing pieces of metal in a meat product and making it available for the dog to eat. At the time of her arrest -- 10:15 a.m., Saturday, by Deputy Brian Thompson -- Rowe also allegedly possessed marijuana.

Lakiesha A. Gibson, 26, of 13 Williams St., Lockport, is charged with disorderly conduct and endangering the welfare of a child. Gibson is accused of shouting obscenities while outside on Thorpe Street at 10:20 p.m., Saturday. Gibson also allegedly refused to remove two children out of the roadway and away from a dispute.

Timothy J. Wenzel, 19, of 13 Harvester Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Wenzel was allegedly seen with a person who is protected by a "stay away" order of protection.

Makeen K. Ithna-Asheri, 52, of 111 State St., Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd. Ithna-Asheri allegedly entered a residence he had previously been advised not to enter.

Danielle M. Stevens, 36, of Ford Road, Elba, is charged with three counts of petit larceny. Stevens is accused of stealing $140 and a gold pendant from a relative's house within a six-week period. Stevens was jailed on $500 bail.

Brenden Kirstipher Steck, 23, of Broadway Road, Darien, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Steck was allegedly found to be the operator of a disabled motor vehicle on Route 20 in Darien at 1:15 a.m., Saturday, by Deputy James Diehl.

Joseph E. Marr, 34, of Attica, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Marr was reportedly involved in a motor vehicle accident at 10:13 p.m. Friday on Keeney Road, Le Roy. He was arrested by State Police.

Friends and family gather for prayer walk in remembrance of Collin Crane

By Howard B. Owens

There was an outpouring of remembrance, love and prayer in Batavia on Sunday evening as more than 70 people gathered to honor the life of Collin Crane.

The 17-year-old Batavia High School senior and avid hockey player died Dec. 8 in a head-on collision on Route 33 in Stafford.

"Help everyone here," Daniel King prayed when the gathering reached the Falleti Ice Arena. "Help everyone here get through life. Help them know they're not alone. Let them know they will see Collin again some day. Let them know that he is a beautiful angel, guiding them and watching over them."

King organized the prayer walk with Collin's friends and family members.

Collin was remembered as a loving and funny young man who was always good to the people in his life.

Jamie McClurg, Collin's sister, said she will always remember what a good brother and what a good friend he was to her.

"Anybody who goes on my Facebook will see I posted a picture of him every day or every other day," McClurg said. "We even worked together. He was always funny. I look around everywhere I go and there are so many memories. Even here, when we were 6 or 7, we would walk across that little barrier there (at Falleti) and he would hold my hand."

Even though Collin was younger, Jamie said, he would do a lot of hand-holding for his sister, offering to "take care" of anybody at school who gave her a hard time, and she ran to his room during late night thunderstorms.

"He was always the one who was there for me," she said.

King's friend Nicholas Argento told Collin's friends and family as they gathered around the city's Christmas tree on East Main Street that they will keep Collin's spirit alive in their hearts.

The support from the community has meant a lot to Collin's family, Jamie said. It's helped them through a very tough time.

Collin was a special friend, Daniel said. He was kind, funny and very loving.

He put together the walk, he said, for Collin and for his family.

"I care a lot about the family and just about Collin," Daniel said. "I wanted to show my respect for him and his family. I wanted to show that someone is there for them in this time of need."

In her prayer, Jamie asked God to remind people that Collin wasn't the kind of guy who would want people to be sad now that he's gone.

"Know that every time you're sad or upset, just know that Collin wouldn't want you to be sad over him," Jamie said. "He always brought smiles to everyone's face and he doesn't want anybody to be upset."

Daniel King

Jamie McClurg

Nicholas Argento

Bathroom fire reported at Wilson Farms Market at Cedar and Ellicott

By Billie Owens

A fire in the bathroom is reported at the Wilson Farms Market at the corner of Cedar and Ellicott streets. Upon arrival city fire reported "nothing showing." But once inside, they confirmed a small blaze and said they should be able to put it out with a water can.

UPDATE 1:41 p.m.: City command reports the fire is out. It was started by a bathroom vent fan and firefighters are breaking into the ceiling the make sure the problem is resolved.

UPDATE 1:48 p.m.: A rep from the county Health Department is called to respond.

UPDATE 2:39 p.m.: The city assignment is back in service. A rep from the Health Department is at the store.

Prayer walk of remembrance for Collin Crane planned for Sunday evening

By Howard B. Owens

A prayer walk in remembrance of Collin Crane will start at 6 p.m. Sunday at St. Joseph's Parish in Batavia. It's located at 303 E. Main St.

Crane, a 17-year-old senior at Batavia High School, died a week ago in a two-car accident on Route 33, Stafford.

Participants will walk down Main Street with a stop at each street for a prayer.  Organizers ask that people bring a picture of him or share something about him. They should also bring a candle or flashlight.

Photos: Santa makes his rounds in Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

Santa had a busy day in Genesee County today and I did my best to keep up with him. 

I first found him at the Holland Land Office Museum, where his appearance coincided with the annual Children's Gala. Children made cookies, watched Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, ate pizza and let Santa in on what presents they'll be dreaming about on Christmas Eve.

Next, I found Santa at Alli's Cones and Dogs in Oakfield. At Alli's, both children and adults whispered in Santa's ear.

Finally, Santa promised the Genesee Sno Packers at their annual open house that their Christmas wish for snow will be granted. He also added all the good children who came to visit him to his long list of boys and girls who will find their desired gifts on Christmas morning.

More photos in the slide show. Parents who wish to purchase prints should click on the "visit gallery" link in the slide show.

Photos: Crafts sale at Polish Falcons

By Howard B. Owens

It was a very crafty day at the Polish Falcons hall on Swan Street with more than a dozen vendors on hand to sell Christmas gifts.

A portion of the proceeds benefits the HORSE Rescue in Pavilion.

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