Skip to main content

Stories from

Big rig jackknifes and is blocking traffic at Fargo and Little Canada roads

By Billie Owens

A tractor-trailer is reportedly jackknifed in the roadway at Fargo and Little Canada roads. It is blocking traffic, but there are no injuries. Bethany Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 5:49 p.m.: A responder at the scene says the roads are open. The vehicle involved is a pickup that was towing a farm tractor.

UPDATE 5:51 p.m.: "They are just now getting the tractor up and out."

Spill clean-up will briefly close one lane of West Main Street Road, east of Hartshorn

By Billie Owens

Some non-hazardous material has spilled in the roadway at 2864 West Main Street Road, just east Hartshorn Road. Fire Police are called to shut down one lane of traffic so the material can cleaned washed from the asphalt.

UPDATE 5:56 p.m.: The East Pembroke Oakfield assignment is back in service and the lane is reopened.

Two-car crash on Lake Street in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported in front of the Mobile Gas Station at 13 Lake St., Le Roy. Le Roy Fire and Ambulance Service are responding.

UPDATE 3:06 p.m.: The fire chief is on scene.

UPDATE 3:07 p.m.: The chief tells the fire crew to stand down. Medics arrived.

UPDATE 3:10 p.m.: The patient was a sign-off. The assignment is back in service.

Mark the date: Fourth of July Picnic in Centennial Park sponsored by GO ART!

By Billie Owens

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council’s 35th annual family event “Picnic in the Park” takes place this Fourth of July.

The festivities run from Noon until 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 4th, in historic Centennial Park on Richmond and Ellicott avenues in Batavia.

As is tradition, the “Picnic in the Park” is kicked off by the Batavia Concert Band performing on the Main Stage at Noon. This year’s “Picnic in the Park” includes all-day musical entertainment, arts and crafts show, folk arts programs, food vendors, children’s activities, and much more. Admission is free.

Please call GO ART! at 585-343-9313 or e-mail info@goart.org or visit <http://www.goart.org> for more information.

Batavia Jr. Blue Devil Summer Basketball Camp for boys is June 24-28

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Junior Blue Devil Summer Basketball Camp will take place from 9 a.m. to noon June 24-28 at the Jackson School Gym.

(Enter and exit the building in the rear by the gym.)

The camp is for boys entering grades three through eight.

Cost is $65 and includes a Blue Devil Camp T-shirt. No child is turned down due to inability to pay.

Make checks payable to: Batavia Boys Basketball Boosters, and mail to Jim Fazio, 5190 Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, NY, 14020. Or just bring a check to camp.

The daily schedule includes offensive drills, contests, relays, half-court and full-court games.

Staff members are: JV Coach Jim Fazio, Coach Tim Stevens, Coach Matt Shay, current Batavia HS Blue Devil players, and youth coaches.

Please include the following information on a separate piece of paper:

NAME --

GRADE ENTERING IN SEPTEMBER --

ADDRESS --

PHONE --

PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE --

T-SHIRT SIZE (specify youth or adult) -- Youth S-XL or Adult S-XL

ALSO: PLEASE LIST ANY MEDICAL CONCERNS OR ALLERGIES

'Batavia Downs Live' TV broadcast returns July 24

By Billie Owens

Press release:

"Batavia Downs Live,” the popular three-and-a-half hour television broadcast of the harness races from Batavia Downs, returns on July 24, the second racing night of the 2013 season, at the historic track located in Genesee County.

A total of 20 race cards will be televised in the Time-Warner Rochester region on digital cable Channel 98. The coverage area includes Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming, Monroe, Livingston, Wayne, Ontario, and Seneca counties.

The broadcast beings at 6:30 p.m. and will conclude at 10 p.m.

Ashley Holliday, who currently serves as the Downs parade marshal, will now double as TV host and racing analyst on all Time Warner broadcasts, while continuing her duties as parade marshal on other race nights. She’ll co-host the broadcast with longtime track announcer Joe Zambito.

“Bringing Ashley aboard will add another dimension to our broadcast,” said Todd Haight, general manager of live racing. “Throughout the years she's gained a tremendous knowledge of harness racing and will do a great job of conveying that to our viewers.

"It only made sense to bring back the TV broadcast now that OTB offers online wagering at Bataviabets.com. I expect some real growth once the season begins.”

Western Regional Off-Track Betting, the owner of Batavia Downs, also provides telephone betting through its Dial-A-Bet service. Patrons may phone 1.800.724.4000 to establish an account or for more information on how to open a Batavia Bets account.

Man on Thruway bridge was allegedly urinating on vehicles

By Billie Owens

A caller reports that a man who was standing on the Thruway bridge allegedly urinating on cars got into a maroon Ford Taurus car and drove to Federal Drive. He's outside the gate of the Federal Detention Center and a Sheriff's deputy is now out with him.

UPDATE 12:44 p.m.: He's in custody.

UPDATE 12:48 p.m.: The suspect lives on Kohlman Street in Rochester and is being charged with public lewdness and urinating in public.

Pickup truck strikes house in Stafford, no injuries or significant damages reported

By Billie Owens

A pickup truck crashed into a house. No one is injured. We didn't catch the address, but think it occurred in Stafford. A Sheriff's deputy is on scene. The house is not badly damaged. They are going to check the inside to make sure it's safe.

UPDATE 11:40 a.m.: Stafford Rescue also responded and is now leaving the scene.

Big fight on Watson and Thorpe in the city

By Billie Owens

About 30 people are fighting on Watson Street, according to a caller to dispatch. City police are now on scene "sorting things out."

On another call, there are a number of black males and females creating a disturbance on the adjoining Thorpe Street. It's unknown if the two incidents are related.

The prime suspect is at 5 Thorpe "and just tried to jump out the window."

UPDATE 8:22 p.m.: A male suspect is running eastbound on the railroad tracks.

UPDATE 8:24 p.m.: "Two people just came out of the woods on the westside of the tracks," says an officer at the scene.

Search under way for missing 15-year-old boy last seen on neon green bike wearing 'Elmo' pants

By Billie Owens

Law enforcement is sending out an All Points Bulletin to be on the lookout for a missing 15-year-old boy from Stafford who has not been seen since late last night.

He is white with blond hair and was last seen on Main Street riding a neon green bicycle and wearing pants with a print of the cartoon character "Elmo" on them.

He's tall -- 6'6" -- and his weight is estimated to be around 190 pounds.

Officers are particularly checking in Batavia and Le Roy, where he has friends.

If you know of his whereabouts, contact the dispatch center at 343-5000 or the Sheriff's office.

UPDATE 2:54 p.m.: The teen has been found and is safe.

Naked man getting a tan next to SUV at manufacturing facility

By Billie Owens

A man is "sunning himself" in the buff next to an SUV in the parking lot of Traco Manufacturing Co. at 4300 Commerce Drive in the Town of Batavia. After receiving a call from a concerned citizen, Sheriff's deputies are responding.

UPDATE 2:25 p.m.: A deputy is out with him and says now "he is clothed."

Kayaker falls into Black Creek in Bergen, another one carried away by swift water

By Billie Owens

A woman who was kayaking by Black Creek Bridge in Bergen fell into the water but is now out safely and wrapped in a blanket. Medics were called, but later cancelled. The location is near 6377 North Lake Road, east of the bridge crossing.

A companion kayaker is said to be still traveling downstream in a swift current of high water. The Churchville Water Rescue Team is called to try and intercept the second kayaker.

Bergen Fire Department and Sheriff's deputies are on scene.

UPDATE 12:11 p.m.: The second kayaker has a cell phone and they are attempting to call that person.

UPDATE 12:15 p.m.: The second kayaker has been located and she's "all set," choosing to continue paddling in the creek toward Churchville. The Churchville response is cancelled.

UPDATE 12:19 p.m.: Bergen fire is back in service with one sign-off.

Town of Batavia Republican Committee's annual picnic in the park

By Billie Owens

The Town of Batavia Republican Committee’s annual picnic will be held on Friday, June 21st at the Kiwanis/Batavia Town Park on West Main St. Rd. from 5 p.m. till dark.

As in the past, we will have our grilled red and white hots, salads, baked beans, chips and delicious desserts all for $10 per person, children 5-12 $5, and under 5 are free. Lots of unique door prizes and fun for everyone.

You can get tickets from the Town Committee people, or call Kathy at 762-8239.

Event Date and Time
-

SUNY Geneseo announces Spring dean's list

By Billie Owens

The State University of New York at Geneseo has announced its dean's list for the Spring semester 2013. To be on the list, a student must have achieved at least a 3.5 grade-point average while taking a minimum of 12 credit hours.

Students on the list from this area are:

Batavia

Trevor Day
Olivia Engel
Steven Fisher
Christine Lauricella
Christina Mortellaro
Grey Musilli

Corfu

Clarisse Birkby
Alaina Chapman

Elba

Mitchell Gillard

Le Roy

Kyle Snyder

Oakfield

Alyssa Cole

Pavilion

Kasey Cole
Nicole Embt


SUNY Geneseo is a public liberal arts college recognized nationally for excellence in undergraduate education and for its professional and master's level programs. The college combines a rigorous curriculum and a rich co-curricular life to create a learning-centered environment.

Darien Lake hosts annual Father's Day Car Show this weekend

By Billie Owens

Darien Lake will host its annual Father’s Day Car Show this weekend, June 15-16.

Hundreds of car enthusiasts are expected to gather to share in this family tradition, and compete for the People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice awards.

Dad and the whole family will also have the opportunity to vote on the coolest cars from rods, sports, customs, convertibles, antiques, and tuners for the People’s Choice Awards, which will be given out during Saturday’s show. On Sunday, the Special Judge’s Choice awards will be announced at 2:30 p.m.

To register your vehicle in the show, visit the campground gate from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. each day. Registration is $25 and includes admittance to the amusement and water park for the driver and a guest.

The show runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

Darien Lake is located at 9993 Alleghany Road in Darien Center.

The amusement park boasts more than 45 rides including six thrilling roller coasters, dozens of family rides, a 10-acre, million-gallon water park, a full slate of in-park entertainment, and a 20,000-seat performing arts center (operated by Live Nation) that hosts some of the hottest music artists. The park is open May through October, and welcomes overnight guests in a wide range of on-site accommodations including the 160-room Lodge on the Lake Hotel, modern cabins, high-end “Glamping” sites, rental RVs, RV pull-through sites, and tent campsites.

Season passes and daily admission tickets are available at all Tops Friendly Markets, at the Darien Lake ticket office, and online at www.DarienLake.com.

Darien Lake hosts annual Father's Day Car Show this weekend

By Billie Owens

Darien Lake will host its annual Father’s Day Car Show this weekend, June 15-16.

Hundreds of car enthusiasts are expected to gather to share in this family tradition, and compete for the People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice awards.

Dad and the whole family will also have the opportunity to vote on the coolest cars from rods, sports, customs, convertibles, antiques, and tuners for the People’s Choice Awards, which will be given out during Saturday’s show. On Sunday, the Special Judge’s Choice awards will be announced at 2:30 p.m.

Event Date and Time
-

College board appoints 383 residents to its 27 community and advisory committees

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College's Board of Trustees appointed 383 community residents as members of the College's 27 community and program advisory committees on Monday evening. The Board met at the Batavia Campus for its regular monthly meeting.

Advisory committees provided guidance and assistance to College faculty members and deans on curriculum, student internship opportunities, emerging trends in business and industry, and business and community needs. Most career-oriented programs at the College have advisory committees, as well as the College's campus centers.

Advisory committees are important in maintaining a strong college-community connection, President James M. Sunser said. "These committees help our faculty and staff members understand the concerns of area employers, and the current and future needs of our communities. The committees help ensure that what happens in our classrooms directly prepares students for their futures."

Members are appointed to one-year terms, and meet periodically throughout the year at the Batavia Campus or one of the College's campus centers.

The Board of Trustees appointed advisory committees for the Albion and Medina campus centers; Arcade Campus Center; Dansville Campus Center; Lima Campus Center; Warsaw Campus Center; Advanced Studies and Tech Prep; Art Gallery; The BEST Center; Business Administration and Accounting programs; Communication/Media Arts; Computer Technology program; Criminal Justice program; Digital Art program; Fashion Merchandising Management program; Health and Physical Education; Hospitality and Tourism program; Human Services program; LIFE (Liberty Increases Future Experience) program; Nursing program; Office Technology program; Paralegal Studies program; Perkins III Grant program; Physical Therapist Assistant program; Polysomnographic (Study of Sleep Disorders) Technology program; Respiratory Care program; Theatre Technology program; and Veterinary Technology program.

The community advisory committees are another example of Genesee Community College's long tradition of community involvement, according to Dr. Sunser.

"This college was founded by community residents who had deep civic pride and a strong vision," he said. "That volunteer tradition continues to this day, and is certainly one of the reasons that our college maintains such strong ties to the communities we serve."

In other business Monday, the Board of Trustees:

•    Approved a Resolution of Appreciation for Dean of Learning Technologies Robert G. Knipe, who is retiring from Genesee later this month after 23 years of service to the College. Board members complimented Dean Knipe on the dramatic expansion of distance education (eLearning) courses at Genesee, his innovative work as a member of the multi-college Online Western New York (OWL) initiative, and his deep commitment to the College.

•    Heard Nominating Committee Member Donna M. Ferry report that the Nominating Committee has recommended the reelection of current board officers for the 2013-2014 year: Maureen T. Marshall, chair; Diane D. Torcello, vice-chair; and Laura J. Bohm, secretary.

•    Heard President Sunser report that Craig Lamb will join the College's administration in August as dean of Distributed Learning. He is coming from SUNY Empire State College, where he serves as director of Academic Support for ESC's Center for Distance Learning. Lamb is a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service. He holds a bachelor's degree from St. Lawrence University; a master's degree from SUNY Plattsburgh; and he is currently completing a Ph.D. from SUNY Albany. He currently resides in the Albany area.

•    Heard President Sunser report that Jennifer L. Sisbarro will join the faculty this fall as instructor of Music. Sisbarro currently teaches at Finger Lakes Community College and Empire State College. She holds a bachelor's degree from SUNY Geneseo and an M.M. degree from Ithaca College. She is a resident of Dundee.

•    Heard President Sunser report that Shana M. Flow will join the faculty as instructor of Nursing. She has served as a staff nurse at Highland Hospital and Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, and currently serves as clinical educator at Unity Health Systems in Rochester. She holds an associates degree from Genesee Community College, a bachelor's degree from the University of Rochester, and a M.N. degree from Roberts Wesleyan College. She is a resident of Holley.

•    Heard President Sunser report that Jaclyn Vetrano will join the staff as Web and Social Media specialist. She has served as an intern at SUNY Geneseo and Rootbuzz.com. She holds a bachelor's degree from SUNY Geneseo, and is a resident of Amherst.

•    Heard Board Chair Maureen T. Marshall compliment the College's faculty and staff for the "outstanding efforts" they made in preparation for Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's recent visit to Genesee.

GCC extends deadline for financial aid application for Summer Session 2

By Billie Owens

If you're still thinking about taking a class this summer through the Genesee Community College Promise Plus program, you have a little more time to submit an application. The College has extended the deadline two weeks to June 28. Summer Session 2 begins July 8.

GCC's Board of Trustees founded Genesee Promise Plus in 2008 to help remove financial barriers to higher education for the citizens of Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. Since then the program has expanded and now offers scholarships for summer classes to high school juniors (rising seniors), graduating seniors and for the first time -- adults who have never before taken a college course.

The three distinct Promise Plus scholarship opportunities include:

  • High school juniors (rising seniors) are eligible for scholarship funding to take one course during Summer Session 2 (July 8-Aug. 10). They may also enroll in the 1-credit College Success class for a maximum of four credit hours.
  • Graduating high school seniors are eligible for scholarship funding to take one or two courses in Summer Session 2 up to eight credit hours.
  • Adults are eligible for scholarship funding to take one course in Summer Session 2 (July 8-Aug. 10), and also the 1-credit College Success class for a maximum of four credit hours.

"Each summer since 2008, we have been delighted to offer this Promise Plus to residents in our community," said Tanya Lane-Martin, director of Admissions at GCC. "We've had great response, but we wanted to give people a little extra time to submit applications and be sure everyone has ample opportunity to participate."

Interested parties should discuss their unique situation and interests with the GCC academic advisor as soon as possible. Those interested must submit a Genesee Promise Plus application by Friday, June 28. In addition, they must complete a general GCC admission application, which is always FREE. Adults must submit a copy of their high school transcripts.

For complete details about who is eligible and what is necessary to apply, please visit:http://www.genesee.edu/gcc/promise.

Authentically Local