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Barn fire on Roanoke Road, Stafford, rekindles

By Billie Owens

Stafford Fire Department is returning to the site of yesterday's barn fire at 9418 Roanoke Road. It has rekindled itself.

UPDATE 4:16 p.m.: The remains of the smoldering embers are extinguished. Stafford is back in service.

Chamber hosts meet-and-greet for its new president Tom Turnbull

By Billie Owens

The public is invited to meet Tom Turnbull, the new president of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber will host a meet-end-greet from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7, at Terry Hills Restaurant and Banquet Facility, located at 5122 Clinton Street, Batavia.

Meet Tom and enjoy a casual happy-hour atmosphere. Hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar will be provided

Please reply to Kelly Bermingham at:

kbermingham@geneseeny.com

or

343-7440, ext. 26.

 

Event Date and Time
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Woman in motorized wheelchair struck by car, minor injuries

By Billie Owens

A vehicle is believed to have struck a person in a wheelchair in the parking lot of Sport of Kings restaurant on West Main Street. A female is lying in the roadway and has minor injuries. Mercy medics, police and city fire are responding.

 

Fourth Annual Barn Dance at Torrey's to benefit Elba Historical Society

By Billie Owens

The Fourth Annual Barn Dance to benefit the Elba Historical Society will begin at 6 p.m. on Oct. 12 at Torrey's Barn. It is located on Route 98 in Elba.

The local country band M.A.C. will start things off and then Kelly's Oldtimers will play for your listening enjoyment and to accompany round and square dancing.

Adults $6, ages 18 and under $3.

There will be hay bales to sit on or you're welcome to bring your own chairs.

Delicious refreshments will be available and the coffee is free.

There will be door prizes, 50/50s, and a lottery basket!

Event Date and Time
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YWCA's Stiletto Walk to raise awareness, funds for victims of domestic violence set for Oct. 1

By Billie Owens

Press release:

State Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer, Assemblyman Steve Hawley and Congressman Chris Collins have pledged their support to participate in YWCA's Stiletto Walk: Making Strides Against Domestic Violence.

Hawley, Ranzenhofer and a representative from Collins' office plan to give a few remarks about the walk as they join others to raise awareness and funds for victims of domestic violence.

It's set to begin at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1 at John Kennedy Intermediate School, 166 Vine St. and end at YWCA, 301 North St., in the City of Batavia.

“Helping to protect women from domestic violence is something that should unite us all,” Collins said. “As a husband, father of two daughters and brother to five sisters, I am pleased Congress acted to reauthorize the historically bipartisan Violence Against Women Act earlier this year. Events like the Stiletto Walk and organizations like the YWCA of Genesee County help local communities come together to rallyaround this important cause.”

Everyone is encouraged (but not required) to put on a pair of women's footwear — whether it's a pair of pumps or sandals, slippers or pink sneakers — to simulate what it's like to "walk a mile in her shoes."

The number of victims walking into YWCA for services is unfortunately on the rise, but staff is grateful to have the opportunity to serve them, program Director Cindy Earl said.

This event will be a fun 1.3-mile walk meant to raise awareness that domestic violence still happens across the country and right here in Genesee County. It's the perfect kick-off for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, organizers said.

The walk is $20 with advance registration.

All proceeds will go to the YW's Domestic Violence Crisis & Prevention Services program, which serves approximately 700 new victims each year.

"We hope to get a big turnout from the community as a signal that domestic violence must end," Earl said.

The YW's second annual Community Harvest Supper will coincide with the walk, starting at 4:30 p.m. the same evening. This supper is a way to showcase local agricultural producers and highlight the importance of their work in this area.

Deadline to register for one or both events is Sept. 23. It's $20 for the walk and $8 for supper. Limited tickets will be available at the door. The cost goes up to $25 for the walk, $10 for supper or $30 for both the day of event.

For more information or to register, call (585) 343-5808, stop into the main office at 301 North St. or go to www.ywcagenesee.org.

For those who aren't able to participate, donations are gratefully accepted.

WHAT: YWCA's Stiletto Walk to Feature Steve Hawley, Michael Ranzenhofer and a rep for Chris Collins
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1
WHERE: John Kennedy Intermediate, 166 Vine St., Batavia
CALL: (585) 343-5808

Working barn fire reported on Roanoke Road, Stafford

By Billie Owens

A working barn fire is reported 9418 Roanoke Road, Stafford. There is heavy black smoke visible. Stafford Fire Department is responding, along with mutual aid from Bethany, Le Roy, Pavilion and Town of Batavia. The latter is to stand by in Stafford's hall.

UPDATE 7:28 p.m.: A secondary explosion is reported and there is livestock involved.

UPDATE 7:31 p.m.: A firefighter in the area says the barn "looks like it's fully involved."

UPDATE 7:33 p.m.: Command asks that National Grid be contacted.

UPDATE 7:42 p.m.: Stafford commands says all responding tankers can go back in service. The equipment on scene with suffice.

UPDATE 7:44 p.m.: South Byron is asked to stand by in Stafford's fire hall instead of Town of Batavia.

UPDATE 7:46 p.m.: An engine out of Caledonia is asked to stand by in Le Roy's fire hall.

UPDATE 8:03 p.m.: Bethany is back in service.

UPDATE 8:23 p.m.: Howard interviewed property owner Terry Smart at the scene and the man said he lost four pigs, 16 chickens and two dogs in the blaze. He said he had just completed work on his new pig pen today and doesn't know how the fire started. Three years ago, in the same location, his house burned down.

UPDATE 9:13 p.m. (by Howard): Photo at the top by Doug Yeomans. Doug also sent over video that I'll post as soon as it's uploaded to YouTube. We also have our own photos coming.

UPDATE: Video by Doug Yeomans. Copyright by Doug Yoemans. Used with permission.

UPDATE 9:24 p.m.: Le Roy fire back in service.

UPDATE 10:34 p.m.: Stafford units back in service.

Pink Hatters' Night Out benefits Cancer Services Partnership of Genesee and Orleans counties

By Billie Owens

The Cancer Services Partnership of Genesee and Orleans County will hold its annual cancer awareness program, Pink Hatters’ Night Out on Thursday, Oct. 10, at the Clarion Hotel, 8250 Park Road, Batavia. Guests are encouraged to wear a pink hat.

The evening is a colorful, celebratory event filled with laughter. However, when survivors stand up based on the number of years since they received their cancer diagnosis, an awe-inspiring hush fills the room. Women who are currently battling the illness are applauded with support. Women who have been cancer free for decades provide hope to everyone.

A Chinese Auction and “cash and carry” vendors will be available from 4 to 6 p.m. A light dinner and dessert will be served from 6 -7 p.m. Following dinner, cancer survivors will be recognized and prizes will be awarded for the best pink hats. Entertainment will be provided by the Genesee Community College theater group.

Tickets are $20 each and available by pre-sale only. Call the UMMC Healthy Living Department at (585) 344-5331 for registration information. Table reservations are only available for parties of 10. Payment and registrations must be received by Oct. 3. This event is funded in part by a grant from Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Western New York.

The Cancer Services Partnership is a grant funded program which provides access to free colorectal, breast and cervical cancer screenings for men and women, age 18 to 64, who are uninsured or underinsured. United Memorial manages the Partnership for Orleans and Genesee counties.

Car crashes into house at the corner of Brookville and Hunn roads, Alexander

By Billie Owens

A car reportedly crashed into a house at 10182 Brookville Road, at the corner of Hunn Road, in Alexander. There are injuries. Alexander fire and ambulance are responding, and as a precaution, a Mercy unit. A responder at the scene tells the others to come in non-emergency.

UPDATE 6:35 p.m.: The first responder says "The car is right here by the pole -- just go in and check the house to make sure it's alright."

UPDATE 8:04 p.m.: Alexander is back in service. At least one patient was taken to an area hospital.

Man at HLOM 'striking everything'

By Billie Owens

A black male reportedly was outside the Holland Land Office Museum on Main Street "striking everything" and he is now in the adjacent Batavia Peace Garden where a female is on her knees; unknown if she was struck. City police are responding.

UPDATE 5:37 p.m.: An officer at the scene told Howard that the situation is "purely medical" and that the passerby was mistaken in what she thinks she saw.

UPDATE 5:39 p.m.: Mercy medics are transporting a patient to UMMC. Police are back in service.

Calling artists for juried competition of holiday ornaments for tree in Albany

By Billie Owens

RoAnn M. Destito, the commissioner of the New York State Office of General Services (OGS), is asking for help with a special juried art competition: "Decorate the Empire State!" The goal is to decorate the holiday tree at the Capitol in December with original ornaments that represent all of New York State.

GO ART! is honored to be assisting as the designated ambassador for this project in Genesee and Orleans counties. We are issuing a call for talented artists to create ornaments which reflect the county in which they live. Artists can be professional, amateurs and students. Ornaments and required entry forms must be delivered to the GO ART! in Batavia by Oct. 15.

Through a local juried decision process, two ornaments that best represent each county will be selected. The four winning ornaments will be sent to OGS by Nov. 8. The winning ornaments from each county will be placed on the holiday tree in the New York State Capitol. They will send us and the artist digital images of the ornaments on display. They also extend an open invitation to everyone involved to come to the Capitol to view the tree and take a tour of this incredible building.

Ornaments not selected to be sent to OGS will remain at GO ART! to be placed on display in our Cultural Center in Batavia.

Entry forms are available from GO ART! and can be accessed online and e-mailed or faxed after completion. For more forms, information or questions, see below. "Please remember that art and culture enriches, inspires and educates, and strengthens our community identity."

Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!)
Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St.
Batavia, NY 14020
Open Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm and by appointment
Tel -- 585.343.9313
Fax -- 585.345.1608
www.GOart.org <http://www.GOart.org>
mailto:info@goart.org

Due to Patriot Trip, Hawley preempts Friday's office house at GCC until Sept. 27

By Billie Owens

Due to his sixth annual Patriot Trip to Washington D.C. for local veterans taking place this weekend, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has preempted his regular office hours on Sept. 20, for Genesee County residents at Genesee Community College.

The office hours resume as normal from 1 to 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27.

 

Assemblyman Hawley's staff holds office hours at GCC

By Billie Owens

Due to his sixth annual Patriot Trip to Washington D.C. for local veterans taking place this weekend, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) preempted his regular office hours on Sept. 20, for Genesee County residents at Genesee Community College.

The office hours resume as normal from 1 to 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27.

 

Event Date and Time
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Man pinned by bulldozer on Boyce Road, Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A man is reported to be stuck -- "not sure if he's inside or under" -- a bulldozer or some other type of machinery on Boyce Road. Mercy medics are responding along with East Pembroke Fire Department and mutual aid from Alexander. Mercy Flight is on ground standby in Batavia.

UPDATE 4:28 p.m.: "Patient is still trapped underneath a skidster," says a responder from Corfu Fire Deparment, adding that the patient is way back behind the house.

UPDATE 4:29 p.m.: The path back there is problematic because it's likely trucks would get stuck if they tried to drive on it.

UPDATE 4:31 p.m.: They need manpower to go back to the accident site with hand tools. They are to stage at their trucks for now. An investigator is called to the scene.

UPDATE 4:34 p.m.: Mercy Flight is cancelled.

UPDATE 4:35 p.m.: A rep for Case tractor / farm equipment is sought so responders can get information on how to work the machine's hydraulics.

UPDATE 4:41 p.m.: A man is at the scene who is either a rep for Case or who is knowlegable about the machinery in question, but he is told the State Police investigators must complete their work before he go back there.

UPDATE 5:09 p.m.: This is a fatal accident.

Police respond to woman's complaint of violence on Jackson Street

By Billie Owens

Batavia police responded to Jackson Street after receiving a complaint by a woman who says a man on the street threw things at her, knocked her down and threatened her with a knife. She said he then went and sat out on a nearby porch. Police are out with the suspect at 113 Jackson St. This was not a domestic violence call.

Propane tank ablaze near house on Dublin Road, Bergen

By Billie Owens

A large propane tank toppled over and is on fire near the house at 7615 Dublin Road, just west of Jerico Road. A state trooper at the scene says she's trying to get someone away from the fire and the person is refusing to leave. Bergen Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 4:06 p.m.: The officer reports the person is now away from the fire.

UPDATE 4:09 p.m.: Fire command reports a 100-gallon cyclinder is on its side, free burning, with no exposure to the house.

UPDATE 4:19 p.m.: Griffith Oil is called to help its customer at that address.

UPDATE 4:25 p.m.: A rep for the oil company asked if the tank was still free burning and fire command says it is but the fuel level is low at this point.

Airstream trailer fire on westbound Thruway, East Pembroke responding

By Billie Owens

An Airstream travel trailer is reportedly on fire on the westbound Thruway near mile marker 397.0. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 3 p.m.: The fire is "going pretty good." According to caller reports, the location is closer to 392.2, which is in Town of Batavia's district. All manpower from East Pembroke is called in along with units from Town of Batavia.

UPDATE 3:03 p.m.: Traffic is backed up to Kelsey Road. The trailer fire appears to be fully involved. The vehicle is disconnected from the trailer and both are roadside. There are still conflicting reports as to the location, now said to be by mile marker 396. It's determined to be in East Pembroke's district, which will therefore be in command.

UPDATE 3:08 p.m.: Firefighting equipment is not yet on scene. The trailer is probably going to be a total loss, according to fire command. Traffic is snarled.

UPDATE 4:16 p.m.: The East Pembroke / Town of Batavia assignment is back in service.

Driver wearing clown mask prompts 9-1-1 call

By Billie Owens

A person wearing a clown mask and driving a car downtown caught the eye of another driver, who called 9-1-1. Police are checking out the "suspicious condition" somewhere off Ellicott Street.

Woman walking with little kids on Pearl Street allegedly screaming obscenities

By Billie Owens

A caller to dispatch complains that a woman who appears to be in her 40s is pushing a baby in a stroller, and has two small children trailing behind her and she's allegedly screaming obscenities. The caller says she can "hear her all the way down the street," but she can't tell if she's allegedly screaming at the kids or something / somebody else. The caretaker was seen walking on Pearl Street in the city. Police are responding.

Bicyclist falls off bike, was briefly unconscious, at Griswold near Caswell road, Stafford

By Billie Owens

A bicyclist reportedly fell on off his bike and was lying unconscious in the roadway at Griswold, near Caswell Road. Law enforcement on scene says the man is a "little out of it" and cannot recall what happened. He is not intoxicated. He is conscious and alert. Mercy medics and Stafford fire were dispatched and Mercy Flight put on ground standby.

UPDATE 1:51 p.m.: Mercy Flight is cancelled and the other responders are told to proceed non-emergency.

UPDATE 2 p.m.: The Stafford assignment is back in service.

Large mulch pile smoldering on Park Road

By Billie Owens

A large mulch pile is smoldering on city property north of the Sheriff's Office, which is located at 165 Park Road. City fire is on scene.

UPDATE 6:23 p.m.: A firefighter aboard Engine 11 says "We're going to call it a steaming pile of mulch. We're returning to service."

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