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Tykes locked in car with windows rolled up at Wal-mart

By Billie Owens

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.

Smoke from electrical outlet reported in Woodstock Gardens apartment, Batavia

By Billie Owens

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.

Stafford student makes the Deans' List at Gettyburg College

By Billie Owens

Erin O'Connor, of Stafford, has been placed on the Gettysburg College Deans' Honor list for outstanding academic achievement in Spring 2012.

Students with a quality point average of 3.60 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) for a semester's work are placed on the Deans' Honor List.

Founded in 1832, Gettysburg College is a highly selective four-year residential college of liberal arts and sciences with a strong academic tradition that includes Rhodes Scholars, a Nobel laureate and other distinguished scholars among its alumni. The college is located on a 200-acre campus adjacent to the Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania.

Jason D. Reese, of Batavia, makes the Deans' List at GCC

By Billie Owens

This was submitted by a private citizen.

Jason D. Reese, of 332 W. Main St., #4, Batavia, made the Dean' List at Genesee Community College for the Spring 2012 semester.

Reese is a Physical Education major and very proud of his accomplishment.

"I showed up on time, did all assignments, passed the exams, I earned this feat," said Reese, who will turn 50 on June 25.

He says being a minority in Batavia is tough business.

"There are all sorts of people who want me to be a criminal statistic -- sorry to bust your bubble -- they are not that good plus you're going to have to raise your game to keep up with me," Reese said.

He graduated from Pavilion Central in 1982 and received an associate degree from GCC in 1988.

"I was immature back then. I will make up for that time now. I am a late bloomer, but I am not stopping now, my best years are yet to come," says Reese.

Crash at Route 20 and Harlow Road, Darien

By Billie Owens

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.

GCC striving to make college financially feasible for more students

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Despite numerous stories and reports about the escalating cost of college tuition, a degree from Genesee Community College remains affordable to anyone seeking to establish a career. GCC is making the goal of earning a college degree ever more accessible with a number of new opportunities and options aimed at helping students pursue their dreams without forsaking financial health.

"We don't want any potential new student, regardless of age or interest, to be deterred by the many news reports that college tuition is skyrocketing and college students are graduating under an unbearable debt load," said Virginia (Ginny) Taylor, Ed.D, vice president of Student and Enrollment Services said.

"GCC is still very affordable. There are still many summer courses open and there is still time to register for the fall semester. And, we have numerous welcoming and insightful people at our seven campuses throughout GLOW waiting and wanting to help. Just walk in and come see us!"

While tough economic conditions in New York State recently forced GCC to raise its tuition by $75 per semester, this was the college's first tuition hike in four years, and college officials are doing everything possible to create new avenues for students to save money and help defray costs. These are among the options students can take advantage of in this current challenging fiscal climate:

•    No deposit application process– GCC offers FREE online registration at: http://www.genesee.edu/depts/admissions/apply/.

•    Financial Aid– GCC advisors are ready to help students explore and maximize the best financial options by applying for grants such as federal PELL and NYS TAP, which do not have to be re-paid: http://www.genesee.edu/depts/admissions/financial/grants.cfm.

•    College bookstore reduced shipping costs– In a special arrangement with Barnes and Noble, GCC is now offering a flat rate of $1.95 per package for all textbooks and all other items shipped from the campus store, such as flash drives, clothing and general supplies. Items are shipped directly to students' homes, usually within a day or two. The store is also the best source for discounted prices on rented textbooks (50 percent off the purchase price), used textbooks and new books.

•    STAP- Arts and Humanities Scholarship still have funds available for Fall 2012. The Special Talent Award Program Scholarship in the Fine and Performing Arts recognizes students who excel in the classroom, and on stage or in an art gallery. Talented students who graduated from high schools in the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming county region should contact Fine and Performing Arts Director Maryanne Arena immediately for information: mcarena@genesee.edu.

•    General Scholarships – GCC has numerous options for awards based on academic excellence and financial need in its scholarship program. Some funds are still open for fall 2012. Click here for more information: http://www.genesee.edu/depts/admissions/financial/scholarships.cfm.

•    Genesee Promise Plus- The college has extended the registration deadline to June 27 of this incredible opportunity for 2012 GLOW-area high school graduates to earn a full-tuition scholarship for two summer classes at any GCC location for Summer Session II starting July 2. This program is also available for GLOW area juniors who successfully pass GCC's placement test, homeschooled or other persons who have successfully passed their GED in 2012. For information go to http://www.genesee.edu/gcc/promise/.

The first step in meeting the goal of a better, brighter future is just walking into any of GCC's seven locations in Albion, Arcade, Batavia, Dansville, Lima, Medina or Warsaw, and meeting with a friendly GCC advisor. It's easier and more affordable than ever. There is an online FAQ Web page that answers many of the basic questions (http://www.genesee.edu/depts/admissions/faq/), but GCC staff is renowned for its friendly demeanor and willing to go beyond students' expectations to assist.

Local student athletes named to NJCAA Academic All-Region List

By Billie Owens

Several student-athletes from Genesee Community College were named to the NJCAA Academic All-Region List for the 2011-2012 athletic seasons. Students honored on the NJCAA Academic All-Region List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a grade point average of 3.5 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

Those who made the list include:

  • Summer Bliss, of Bethany, a member of the women's soccer team;
  • Lauren Hughes, of Elba, a member of the volleyball and swimming and diving teams;
  • Cody Niccloy, of Le Roy, a member of the men's soccer team;
  • Emily Mott, of Oakfield, a member of the swimming and diving team;
  • Lindsay Chatt, of Oakfield, a member of the softball team;
  • Amanda Brown, of Bergen, a member of the women's soccer team.

Genesee Community College Athletics Program endeavors to provide a quality and competitive intercollegiate athletics program consistent with the National Junior Collegiate Athletics Association (NJCAA) philosophy and the overall educational mission of Genesee Community College.

Participation in collegiate athletics should be an extension of the total educational experience for the student athlete. The inherent philosophy emphasizes the athletic setting as a classroom used to teach character, commitment, work ethic, respect for differences, and the importance of sacrifice, teamwork and cooperation.

For further information and pictures go to Genesee's Athletic Web page, which is updated regularly with game results, team rosters, photographs and information about Genesee's overall athletic program. http://www.genesee.edu/athletics

Clor's chicken BBQ to benefit last graduating class of Le Roy's Holy Family School

By Billie Owens

A chicken BBQ to benefit the last graduating class of eighth-graders from Holy Family School (Class of 2012) in Le Roy will be held at Clor's Meat Market in Batavia on Sunday, June 24.

The dinner costs $9 and includes: barbecued chickem, salt potatoes and cole slaw. It will be available from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. (or 'til sold out). Clor's is located at 4169 W. Main St. Road.

Holy Family School closes at the end of this academic year.

Event Date and Time
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New regional business growth program seeks applicants ready for the next level

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE) announces the launch of the GRE Regional Economic Gardening Program. The first of its kind in New York State, the program focuses on fostering business growth throughout the Greater Rochester Region by providing free assistance to companies in expansion mode.

In order to participate in the GRE Regional Economic Gardening Program, second-stage companies must:

  • be for-profit and privately held;
  • headquartered and operating in Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming or Yates counties;
  • generate between $700,000 and $50 million in annual revenue;
  • employ between five and 100 employees;
  • have maintained principal operations in the nine-county Greater Rochester Region for a minimum of two years;
  • demonstrate growth in employment and/or revenue for at least two of the past five years;
  • and provide products and/or services to markets outside of the Greater Rochester.

“In addition to attracting new businesses, the best way to grow a region’s economy is through business expansion,” said GRE President and CEO Mark S. Peterson. “The GRE Regional Economic Gardening Program will allow companies to expand in the Greater Rochester, N.Y. Region, leading to more job creation and economic growth.”

A group of 20 second-stage businesses will be selected to take part in the program. A team of national experts provided by the Edward Lowe Foundation will work with selected companies to develop a plan to further accelerate their business success.

Participating companies will have access to a free suite of high-end, high-speed technical assistance, including help identifying qualified sales leads; mapping to facilitate targeted marketing efforts; reviewing core strategies related to commodity and niche markets; analyzing employee temperament to build strong management teams and recruit talent; examining social media utilization; and search engine optimization guidance.

Applications must be submitted online at http://rochesterbiz.com/gardening.

Program partners include: the County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency;
County of Orleans Industrial Development Agency; Edward Lowe Foundation; Empire State Development; Finger Lakes Economic Development Center; Genesee County Economic Development Center; Livingston County Development Group; Ontario County Industrial Development Agency; Orleans Economic Development Agency; Seneca County Industrial Development Agency; Wayne County Industrial Development Agency; Wyoming County Business Center; and the Wyoming County Industrial Development Agency.

GRE received $200,000 for the economic gardening program from New York State through the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council.

Located in the heart of New York’s technology corridor, Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE) is a public-private partnership established to professionally market the Rochester metropolitan region as a competitive, high-profile place for business location and growth.

Its efforts support business attraction and expansion as well as entrepreneurship and innovation. GRE collaborates with businesses, universities, not-for-profit organizations and government leaders to ensure a unified approach to regional economic development.

For more information, please go to www.RochesterBiz.com <http://www.rochesterbiz.com/>.

GCC exhibit will transform art gallery into Italian American household circa 1940-60

By Billie Owens

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:

  • the kitchen with metal table and utensils;
  • the dining room with table and antique china;
  • a War Hero display off the dining room that has photos of the war experiences of two male relatives;
  • the living room where visitors can contribute to the exhibit via a bulletin board;
  • and grandma's bedroom with period furniture and a computer where visitors can see grandma talk about her life.

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.

Free fishing derby at Dewitt Recreation Area for children up to 16

By Billie Owens

The Fishers of Men Fishing Derby will be held at the Genesee County Park Dewitt Recreation Area on Cedar Street in Batavia on June 23.

Fishing will begin at 8 a.m. with lunch and prizes at noon. The event is free to the public and open to the youth up to age 16. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should bring their own fishing gear and bait.  Some bait will be available on a first-come-first-served basis.

This is the NYS Free Fishing Weekend. No fishing licenses are required for adults so come and join the fun! There will be prizes based on age categories with free hotdog, chips and drink for lunch.

The event is sponsored by local churches, businesses and the New York Conservation Officers Association.

Person out of control on Gilbert Street, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

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.

Accident at routes 5 and 77

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported at routes 5 and 77. One person reportedly has a minor injury from air-bag deployment. A vehicle is blocking the intersection. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics.

UPDATE 6:03 p.m.: Fire police are called to direct traffic. Mercy EMS is cancelled. The injured person has some bruising of the inner thighs due to air-bag deployment.

Possible electrical fire at building on Main Street

By Billie Owens

A fire alarm sounded at a building at 127 Main St. and when firefighters arrived they found smoke coming from an electrical panel.

UPDATE 10:33 a.m.: They have shut off power in the building and are investigating.

UPDATE 10:35 a.m.: City fire is back in service.

People reportedly ripping up newly planted flowers in the Batavia Peace Garden

By Billie Owens

Criminal mischief is reported at the newly established Peace Garden, adjacent to the Holland Land Office Museum on Main Street in the City of Batavia. They are reportedly ripping up the flowers. City police are responding.

UPDATE 8:36 p.m. (by Howard): After getting back from Le Roy, I swung by the Peace Garden and didn't see any plants pulled out of the ground.

Head-on collision at Route 20 and Roanoke Road, Pavilion

By Billie Owens

A two-car head-on collision with at least one injury, unknown severity, is reported at Route 20 and Roanoke Road. Pavilion Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding. They are checking the availability of Mercy Flight.

UPDATE 1:16 p.m.: Mercy Flight 5 out of Batavia is put on ground standby.

UPDATE 1:19 p.m.: A female is injured and will require extrication. She is alert. Le Roy fire is also called. Mercy Flight is launching.

UPDATE 1:21 p.m.: Mercy Flight is on in-air standby.

UPDATE 1:25 p.m.: The driver of the second vehicle is alert. No word on injuries. Mercy Flight is called to the scene and will land in a freshly cut hay field south of the incident.

UPDATE 1:29 p.m.: The accident is not blocking traffic, but the roadway is shut down to handle the emergency. A State Trooper is on scene. Two flatbed tows are called.

UPDATE 1:40 p.m.: The patient has been extricated.

UPDATE 1:44 p.m.: Le Roy is back in service.

UPDATE 1:55 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne, heading to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 1:58 p.m.: Pavilion and Mercy EMS are back in service.

Ducks in a drain in front of Holland Land Office Museum

By Billie Owens

Ducks are in a drain in front of the Holland Land Office Museum at 131 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia. City fire Engine 12 is responding to attempt to rescue the waterfowl.

UPDATE 7:23 p.m.: Engine 12 is back in service. Didn't hear whether they accomplished the mission.

UPDATE 9:26 p.m.: The ducklings were rescued and placed back into the Tonawanda Creek.

Jeep with blazing brakes on Boyce Road

By Billie Owens

A red Jeep with its brakes on fire is reported off Boyce Road, near Route 5. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 12:16 p.m.: The fire is out.

UPDATE 12:23 p.m.: East Pembroke is back in service. A tow truck is en route.

Little kid locks self in bathroom, city firefighters come to the rescue

By Billie Owens

A 4-year-old child has locked himself (or herself) in the bathroom of a residence at 9 Cherry St. in the City of Batavia and the mother has called for help to get her child out. Engine 12 is on location, which is between Jackson and Liberty streets.

UPDATE 8:04 p.m.: Presumably, the tyke has been sprung from the bathroom. Engine 12 is back in service.

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