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Car versus motorcycle accident on East Main Road, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A car versus motorcycle accident is reported at 7850 E. Main Road in Le Roy, unknown injuries. Le Roy fire and ambulance are responding along with mutual aid from Mercy medics. The location is between Circular Hill and Asbury roads.

UPDATE 2:05 p.m.: Two patients, both are up and walking around. An ambulance from Caledonia is started just in case it's needed.

UPDATE 2:14 p.m.: Byron Fire Police are requested for traffic control at Route 5 and Asbury Road.

UPDATE 2:24 p.m.: The patients are sign-offs.

UPDATE 2:34 p.m.: Le Roy command has requested Caledonia's rig back to the scene because the motorcyclist is now complaining of pain.

Two people arrested after overnight stabbing in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

Press release from Le Roy PD:

A stabbing in the Village of Le Roy today has led to the arrest of two persons by the Le Roy Police Department.

The incident started about 2 a.m. when 27-year-old Nicole M. DellaPenna and her relative 24-year-old Edward D. McDonald, both of 9 South St. in Le Roy, got into a verbal altercation with multiple others in the area.

During the course of the incident, McDonald allegedly struck the window of one person's vehicle breaking same. DellaPenna then allegedly pulled out a knife out and was threatening others. The incident continued and DellaPenna allegedly advanced towards one person and stabbed the victim in the back near the shoulder blade.

The victim of the stabbing was transported to the hospital for a potentially serious but not life-threatening stab wound.

McDonald was charged with one count of misdemeanor criminal mischief in the fourth degree and issued an appearance ticket to answer the charge at a later date. DellaPenna was charged with one count each of felony assault in the second degree and misdemeanor criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. DellaPenna was arraigned and committed to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $15,000 bail.

The Le Roy Police Department was assisted by the Genesee County Sheriff’s and the NYS Police.

Car vs. motorcycle accident on West Main Street, minor hand cut reported

By Billie Owens

A car versus motorcycle accident is reported in front of Scooter's restaurant on West Main Street in the Town of Batavia. An officer on scene reports everyone involved is "up and walking around." There is one minor hand injury on the motorcyclist. The officer says there's no need for Town of Batavia Fire Department. Mercy medics are responding non-emergency, to get a sign off.

"He dumped his motorcycle and there's some small laceration to his hand," says the officer on scene.

YWCA of Genesee County hosts Red Cross Blood Drive, at least 20 donors needed

By Billie Owens

YWCA of Genesee County will be hosting its second American Red Cross Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 at 301 North St., Batavia.

In order to continue being a host site, the nonprofit must get at least 20 donors during this time.

"Please help us to continue helping others in need by stopping by to donate," Operations Manager Myra Schroeder said.

No appointment necessary, or call (585) 343-5808 to set up a time.

Property tax assistance renewal under way

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is encouraging local homeowners using the Basic STAR Exemption for property tax assistance to register with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to continue their exemption for 2014 and beyond.

In compliance with new guidelines meant to prevent fraud and abuse of STAR benefits, participants must sign up by telephone or online by Dec. 31. The new guidelines do not affect homeowners age 65 or above enrolled in Enhanced STAR.

"Property taxes continue to be a primary source of financial stress for local homeowners, and the STAR exemption is a critical way to reduce the cost of living,” Hawley said. “It is essential that anyone who has relied on this program to combat the excessive cost of property taxes, signs up to ensure that they receive the help they deserve.”

To register, visit www.tax.ny.gov <http://www.tax.ny.gov/>  or call (518) 457-2036.

This is National Immunization Month

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming County health departments are encouraging residents to “Choose Health” -- taking small steps in our day-to-day living and making positive health choices will lead to healthier outcomes.  Learning something new every day is one of those small steps…

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. If you think you outgrew the need for vaccines when you graduated high school and/or moved out of your parents’ house -- think again. Every year, thousands of adults in the United States suffer serious health problems, are hospitalized, or even die from diseases that could have been prevented by vaccinations.

Most people do not realize that adults need immunizations, too. While many know that a flu vaccine is recommended every year, few adults are aware of the need for other vaccines to help protect their health.

Protection from some childhood immunizations wears off over time, leaving you at risk to disease. For example, there has been a rise in cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in the last few years with more than 41,000 cases being reported in 2012. We have learned that protection from DTaP whooping cough vaccine given to children doesn’t last into adulthood, so all adults are now recommended to get one dose of Tdap whooping cough vaccine.

Adults may be recommended for certain vaccines due to their age, job, hobbies, travel, or health condition. Other vaccines may be recommended if they didn’t get certain vaccines as children.

Check your immunization records to be sure you have had the HPV vaccine, measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, and varicella (chicken pox) vaccine and are up to date on them, as some vaccines are administered less often than others.

Vaccines not only help protect you from disease, but they also help prevent you from spreading diseases to those who are most at risk of complications -- infants, older adults and those that have chronic health conditions, including asthma and diabetes.

For example, because older age increases the chance of getting shingles, CDC recommends that adults get the shingles vaccine once they turn 60 years old. People with diabetes, heart disease, COPD or asthma, even if well managed, are more likely than those without these conditions to have complications from the flu. To prevent possible difficulties like pneumonia, people with these chronic conditions should get the pneumonia vaccine along with their yearly flu vaccine.

Check with your doctor, local pharmacy, school health center, workplace, community health center or local health department for more information about vaccines and what is best for you.

For information about health department services:

  • The Genesee County Health Department currently has FREE DTap and Tdap vaccine, simply call to learn if you are eligible! Contact us at 344-2580, ext. 5000, or visit our Web site at www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/health/index.html.  Find us on Facebook at Genesee County Health Department and Twitter @GeneseeCoHealthDept.
  • Orleans County Health Department call: 589-3278 or check out our Web site at:  www.orleansny.com/publichealth. Visit Facebook and Twitter: the user name for both is OrleansCoHealth. 
  • Wyoming County Health Department call: 786-8890 or visit their Web site at www.wyomingco.net/health/main.html.

Southern Gospel music will be performed by Crist family at Batavia Assembly of God

By Billie Owens

A Southern Gospel Group that has visited before, The Crist Family, will be back for a concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Batavia Assembly of God Church. A free will offering will be taken.

The church is located at 24 Spruce St. in the City of Batavia.

Check out the family's Web site at cristfamilymusic.com

Or for more information, call (585) 762-9151 or e-mail the nonprofit organizer who brings concerts like this to the area:  Ischoenthal@rochester.rr.com

Southern Gospel music performed by Crist Family at Batavia Assembly of God

By Billie Owens

A Southern Gospel Group that has visited before, The Crist Family, will be back for a concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Batavia Assembly of God Church. A free will offering will be taken.

The church is located at 24 Spruce St. in the City of Batavia.

Check out the family's Web site at cristfamilymusic.com

Or for more information, call (585) 762-9151 or e-mail the nonprofit organizer who brings concerts like this to the area:  Ischoenthal@rochester.rr.com

Event Date and Time
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Car versus motorcycle accident, serious injuries, on North Road, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A car versus motorcycle accident with serious injuries is reported in the area of 7959 North Road, near Conlon Road, in the Town of Le Roy. The motorcycle rider is unconscious in the middle of the roadway. Mercy Flight was heading to the scene and is now cancelled by Le Roy medics. Le Roy Fire Department is responding. Fire Police have shut down Route 19 at North Road. Law enforcement is on scene.

UPDATE 7:07 a.m.: Le Roy medics are leaving the scene; back in service.

UPDATE 7:10 a.m.: Pavilion fire is requested to fill in at Le Roy's fire hall.

UPDATE 7:57 a.m.: This is a fatal accident and the coroner is on scene.

UPDATE 8:54 a.m.: Here's a statement from Sheriff's Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble at the scene:

"Looks like the small blue car and the motorcycle were westbound on North Road. From what we understand, the driver of the small car wanted to turn around and go back the direction they were going. Looks like they slowed, maybe pulled off to the right some; motorcycle coming up behind them; looks like (the motorcyclist) saw (the car) slowing and pulling into the right; (the motorcycle was) slowing...to start to go around the vehicle.

"Small vehicle didn't see the motorcycle coming; did a U-turn and the collision took place somewhere in the center of the lane, maybe even some into the eastbound lane. Motorcycle driver, by the marks in road, looks like they started into their pass and then motorcycle layed down and motorcycle and driver slid into the side of the car -- to the left side of the car. That's about it."

The vehicle is described as possibly a tiny Smart car.

UPDATE 9:08 a.m.: Pavilion's standby is released and they are back in service.

UPDATE 9:22 a.m.: The Le Roy assignment is back in service.

UPDATE 9:57 a.m.: The family has been notified, but the name of the victim has not yet been released.

UPDATE Noon (by Howard): The motorcycle driver is identified as Joshua J. Lowery, 26, of Brockport. The Smart car was driven by Jeffrey J. Simek, 55, of New Smyrna, Fla. The preliminary investigation indicates that Simek slowed, moving to his right and then began to initiate a U-turn. Lowery's 1998 Suzuki struck the Smart car. Lowery was pronounced dead at the scene. Simek was not injured.

The accident was reported at 6:40 a.m. Le Roy Fire Department and Le Roy Ambulance Service responded. The investigation is being conduct by Deputy Brad Mazur, Investigator William Ferrando, Sgt. Jim Meier and Deputy Eric Seppala.

One additional comment Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble made at the scene was that when Simek made his turn, if he looked down North Road, he would have been looking east directly into the sun.

This weekend is 60th Reunion celebration for Batavia High School

By Billie Owens

Submitted by Jane Kauffman:

Ninety Batavia High School Class of '53 members and their spouses/guests -- some traveling from as far as California, Texas and Florida -- will come together in Batavia on Aug. 23rd, 24th and 25th to celebrate their 60th Class Reunion.

In 1953, on a typical weekday evening, teenagers would have their radios tuned to WBTA listening to "Dave's Disc Den"  and possibly calling in requests for a meaningful song to be dedicated to a favorite or prospective new friend.

Dave Jensen, a popular member of the Class of '53, will be recreating his radio show on Saturday evening during a Social Hour preceeding an Early Dinner at Bohn's. He reports from his home in North Carolina that he is looking forward to returning to his hometown with a supply of 50's music and chatter.

It is no doubt that Gene Sullivan, traveling to the reunion from Philadelphia, would have been a regular listener to Dave's show. "Sully's" son Mike, a noted California-based artist, has presented his dad's class with an original Reunion Logo which has already appeared on class correspondence. The  personal logo which will be prominently displayed during the evening will also, in another form, appear as part of a Class Gift for each attending classmate.

Major events planned for the weekend include:

  • Friday, Aug. 23 -- a Casual Gathering at T.F. Brown's
  • Saturday, Aug. 24 --  Social Hour and Early Dinner with Program at Bohn's
  • Sunday, Aug. 25 -- Brunch at Terry Hills

The following Class Reunion Planning Committee members have been meeting monthly for the past year to assure the success of this significant occasion:

Corky Ahl
Pierre Andre
Younga Corti Hennessey
Doris Donahue Richenberg
Joanne Flaherty Muller
Chuck Graney
Mary Hitchcock Alwardt
Charlie Houseknecht
Jane Kauffman
Delores Pascucci Lanzo
Bette Lubs Rung
Sue Maybach Marshall
Sharon Plowe Pestlin
Gene Sullivan

Is your wiener dog hot to trot? Sign 'em up for this Sunday's big race at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Attention weeny dog owners! There are 20 spots still open for the highly anticipated and prestigious wiener dog races this Sunday, Aug. 25, at Batavia Downs.

The goal is to have 80 dogs from all over Western New York vie for the championship.
If you want your dog to experience the thrill of competition and, possibly, the sublime joy of victory, then call Sara Tenney at Batavia Downs to secure a spot. Phone is (585) 343-3750, ext. 309.

Each heat winner gets $25 in Free Play. There are scheduled to be 10 heats and then a championship Final. The top three dog owners in Final receive free play.

The hot dog action is part of Batavia Downs' annual "Family Fun Day," which runs from 2 to 4 p.m. The Downs will also feature 11 horse races, free pony rides, Pringles The Clown, Mr. Scribbles and $1 hot dogs and sodas from noon to 4 p.m.

Bring the entire family for a special matinee racing time Sunday at 1:15 p.m. and enjoy a fun day around horses. Watch these local wiener dogs race down the track for prizes! This is fun for the whole family.

Parking and admission are totally free! Batavia Downs is located at 8315 Park Road Batavia.

Roland 'Bud' Bower Jr.

By Billie Owens

There will be a celebration of life for Buddy who recently passed away in Colorado.

Roland “Bud” Bower Jr., son of Roland and Vivian Bower of Leroy, is survived by his wife, Marietta Stevens-Bower and children Julie, Cheryl (Donnie), Heather (Johnny) and Kevin (Jennifer) Bower, and stepchildren Tim, Tom and Mike Stevens. He is also survived by his brothers, Barry (Suzanne), Brian (Kate), Robin (Mary), Craig (Pat) and sister Candace Bower, along with many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mr. Bower was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bruce, daughter Debra Lynn, mother-in-law Isabele and his stepson Danny.

Family and friends will gather on Saturday, August 24th, 2013 at the home of his sister Candace Bower, 10 Wilson St., Le Roy. Please join us between the hours of 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. and help honor this wonderful man.

Grass fire off westbound Thruway, East Pembroke responding

By Billie Owens

A grass fire is reported by a state trooper near mile marker 398.6 on the westbound Thruway. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 5:16 p.m.: Pembroke Fire Department is also responding. Firefighters are told to use caution upon approach because there's a disabled vehicle on the Thruway near the grass fire. Traffic is backed up in both lanes.

UPDATE 5:18 p.m.: Pembroke fire chief is on Indian Falls Road and can see the blaze. He says there's a road running next to a corn field and it's possible trucks could go down it to reach the fire. They are going to try that approach and other responders already on the Thruway will continue to the mile marker.

UPDATE 5:28 p.m.: Pembroke command reports the fire is out.

Transition Day at Batavia High School for freshmen and transfer students

By Billie Owens

Batavia High School will be hosting a Transition Day for freshmen and transfer students from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5.

Incoming freshmen, transfer students and pre-approved Link Leaders will be the only students attending school on this day. Upperclassmen should not attend school on this day.

The first day of classes for all BHS students is Friday, Sept. 6.

Event Date and Time
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Batavia HS hosts Transition Day on Sept. 5 for freshmen and transfer students

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Batavia High School will be hosting a Transition Day for freshmen and transfer students from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5.

Incoming freshmen, transfer students and pre-approved Link Leaders will be the only students attending school on this day. Upperclassmen should not attend school on this day.

The first day of classes for all BHS students is Friday, Sept. 6.

On Transition Day, incoming freshmen and transfer students will be participating in a freshmen transition program called “Link Crew." Link Crew is based upon a simple concept: linking freshmen with successful upperclassmen. While creating a sense of comfort for the incoming students, the Link Crew concept also addresses the attitudes of the upperclassmen toward the freshmen and respect for freshmen becomes the norm.

Schools today are different than ever before, as are students, families and communities. The transition from middle school to high school is one of the most difficult ones young people face, expectations are greater and schools are larger.

Research has shown that if a student makes it successfully through his/her first year of high school, he or she will have “made it,” and he/she can be expected to graduate. With this in mind, Link Crew has been developed as a program to help students make the transition with specific intervention and support from older peers.

Freshmen only will participate in an orientation training called “Link Crew Assembly” in the morning. Then transfer students, faculty and staff will join the BHS freshmen for lunch on campus. During the afternoon orientation program, all new students to BHS will meet their counselors, receive their schedules, locate their assigned lockers, walk through their schedules, visit their classes, and meet their teachers.

Anyone with questions is asked to contact the BHS Counseling Center at 343-2480, ext. 2002.

Cornell Cooperative Extension announces County 4-H Fair results for Division I

By Billie Owens

Press release from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County:

 

2013 Genesee County 4-H Fair – Division I Results

4-H Beef Show

Grand Champion – C. Huston, Res. Grand Champion – L. Bezon

Novice Showmanship:

Champion – S. Foss, Res. Champion – K. Cusmano

Junior Showmanship:

Champion – L. Bezon, Res. Champion – B. Kron

Boys Senior Showmanship:

Champion – C. Huston, Res. Champion – A. Ludwig

Girls Senior Showmanship:

Champion – J. Marshall, Res. Champion – C. Johnson

4-H Market Beef

Grand Champion – K. Cusmano, Res. Champion – C. Johnson

4-H Dairy Show

Master Showman – K. Patten, Res. Master Showman – C. Nesbitt

Novice Showmanship:

Champion – G. Luft, Res. Champion – C. Sybertz

Junior Showmanship:

Champion – C. Slattery, Res. Champion – E. Ehrmentraut

Intermediate Showmanship:

Champion – R. Slattery, Res. Champion – M. Sweeney

Senior Showmanship:

Champion – K. Patten, Res. Champion – C. Nesbitt

4-H Dairy Goat Show

Master Showman – E. Weber, Res. Master Showman – K. Milroy

Junior Showmanship:

Champion – B. Uhrinek, Res. Champion – J. Uhrinek

Senior Showmanship:

Champion – E. Weber, Res. Champion – K. Milroy

4-H Meat Goat Show

Master Showman – E. Weber, Res. Master Showman – K. Milroy

Junior Showmanship:

Champion – K. Ireland

Senior Showmanship:

Champion – K. Milroy, Res. Champion – K. Snyder

4-H Market Goat

Grand Champion – K. Milroy, Res. Champion – E. Weber

4-H English Horse Show

Junior Showmanship:

Champion – E. Rindell, Res. Champion – G. Rindell

Senior Showmanship:

Champion – J. Bovier, Res. Champion – E. Shuknecht

4-H Western Horse Show

Junior Showmanship:

Champion – E. Boldt, Res. Champion – C. Pelton

Senior Showmanship:

Champion – L. Hilburger, Res. Champion – J. Bovier

4-H Poultry Show

Champion Large Fowl – M. Anauo, Res. Champion – M. Anauo

Champion Bantam – C. Brownell, Res. Champion – C. Brownell

Champion Large Waterfowl – B. Uhrinek, Res. Champion – J. Uhrinek

1st Place Egg Production – C. Mathes, 2nd Place – A. Brewer

Poultry Showmanship:

Beginner Champion – M. Anauo

Junior Champion – B. Uhrinek

Senior Champion – C. Brownell

Best of Show – M. Anauo, Res. of Show – C. Brownell

Egg Champion – C. Mathes, Res. Champion – M. Keller

4-H Rabbit Show

Best of Show – M. Reeb, Res. of Show – M. Swendsen

Rabbit Showmanship:

Beginner Champion – M. Pfenniger, Res. Beginner Champion – B. Kolmetz, 3rd Blue Beginner Showman – B. Uhrinek

Junior Champion – J. Uhrinek, Res. Junior Champion – M. Reeb, 3rd Blue Beginner Showman – K. Starowitz

Senior Champion – A. Kelsey

Champion Pet Rabbit­ – S. Salim, Res. Pet Rabbit – C. Swartzenberg

Champion Cavy – K. Starowitz, Res. Champion – K. Starowitz

Champion Pet Cavy – K. Starowitz

4-H Sheep Show

Grand Champion – N. Kron, Res. Grand Champion – T. Ross

Novice Showmanship:

Champion – M. Pimm, Res. Champion – A. Dean

Junior Showmanship:

Champion – B. Kron, Res. Champion – E. Ehrmentraut

Senior Showmanship:

Champion – N. Kron, Res. Champion – T. Ross

4-H Market Lamb

Grand Champion – M. Ross, Res. Champion – M. Keller

4-H Swine Show

­­Grand Champion – N. Kron, Res. Grand Champion – M. Keller

Novice Showmanship:

Champion – H. Weber

Junior Showmanship:

Champion – C. Carlson, Res. Champion – B. Kron

Senior Showmanship:

Champion – N. Kron, Res. Champion – M. Keller

4-H Market Swine

Grand Champion – C. Carlson, Res. Grand Champion – D. Weber

Two-car crash on Main Road near Route 237, Stafford, minor injury

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with a minor injury is reported at 6283 Main Road in Stafford. Stafford Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. The location is near Route 237.

UPDATE 12:17 p.m.: Mercy medics are back in service with two sign-offs.

Small car fire in garage, now under control, reported on East Main, Corfu

By Billie Owens

A small car fire inside a garage is reported at 59 E. Main St. in Corfu. It has not spread to the structure and is under control. Corfu Fire Department is responding, along with mutual aid from Darien and Indian Falls.

The location is between Lawrence Avenue and Meadowbrook Terrace.

UPDATE 8:40 a.m.: Fire is out; vehicle is cooled down; smoke is gone. Mutual aid companies put back in service.

UPDATE 8:43 a.m.: Some Corfu responders are put back in service.

UPDATE 8:55 a.m.: Corfu command puts the assignment back in service.

 

Fight by the Porta Potties at Darien Lake

By Billie Owens

There was a fight reported at the Porta Potties, section P1, of the parking lot at Darien Lake. Where again? asks an officer. "P1 by the potties."

Alas, a subsequent search of the area found no problems, the alleged participants had gone upon arrival.

The performing arts center is hosting a concert tonight featuring Jason Aldean, Jake Owen, and Thomas Rhett.

UPDATE 11:10 p.m.: Here's the latest breaking news out of parking area P1: Somebody has put a couch on top of the roof of an RV.

Woman on Gilbert Street, Le Roy, says stranger with a badge asked to use her bathroom

By Billie Owens

A caller on Gilbert Street in Le Roy complains that a man wearing "some sort of badge" knocked on her door and asked to use her bathroom. "When she denied him entrance, he started asking about the neighbors." Police will be checking the area to try and locate the man.

UPDATE 7:05 p.m.: Police located the man and spoke with him. He's one of several people canvassing that area, presumably to sell something. The solicitor said they will be leaving soon.

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