Car vs. 'herd of deer' accident reported on Pike Road, Batavia
A car vs. "herd of deer" accident is reported on Pike Road in Batavia. The caller is roadside in a black Toyota Tundra. Law enforcement is responding. No word on injuries, if any.
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Two-car collision with injuries reported on eastbound Route 490
A two-car accident with injuries is reported at mile marker 0.10 on eastbound Route 490. Le Roy fire and ambulance is responding along with Bergen fire.
Boy struck by vehicle on Colony Run in Alexander
A 7-year-old boy is conscious and alert after being struck by a vehicle at 81-A Colony Run in Alexander. Alexander fire and ambulance responding along with law enforcement.
Also medic #80 from Wyoming County just arrived on scene and Mercy Flight #4 is on in-air standby. A first responder at the scene says the boy has lacerations to the front and back of his head. A Mercy Flight landing zone will be established.
UPDATE 5:04 p.m.: A first responder says the boy was struck by a vehicle going about 20 mph while riding his bicycle. Mercy Flight is airborne and will land at the Alexander fire rec hall.
UPDATE 5:11 p.m.: Medic #80 from Wyoming County is back in service.
Mark Your Calendar: Annual family-style turkey dinner at Byron Presbyterian Church is Oct. 15, take-outs available
The Annual Turkey Dinner at Byron Presbyterian Church will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15.
It is located at 6293 Main St. in Byron.
Food is served family style. Take-outs available.
Handicap accessible.
Cost is $10 for adults; $5 for children; kids 5 and under eat free.
Also, crafts and cookbooks will be for sale.
Basom's Alyssa Baumler interned at NY fitness company this summer through SUNY Oswego
Alyssa M. Baumler, of Basom, took part in an internship in summer 2017 through SUNY Oswego's Center for Experiential Learning. A senior majoring in Wellness Management, Baumler interned with Healthfirst -- Health Fitness Corporation in New York.
The Center for Experiential Learning at Oswego places students in internships and career awareness opportunities that allow them to earn college credits while garnering valuable life experience.
During the last year, more than a thousand Oswego students took part in experiential learning while working at hundreds of businesses, nonprofit agencies and government offices and on campus in dozens of departments and programs -- not counting the hundreds of student teachers working in area schools.
About SUNY Oswego
Admission to SUNY Oswego is competitive. U.S. News Media Group counts SUNY Oswego among the top public regional universities in the North for 2018, and the Princeton Review includes Oswego in its 2018 college guidebook "The Best Northeastern Colleges" and in its national list of "Green Colleges."
A 156-year-old comprehensive college in the State University of New York system, Oswego enrolls about 8,000 students in its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Communication, Media and the Arts; and School of Education.
For more information visit oswego.edu.
National Weather Service seeks volunteer observer in Pavilion to take daily measurements at 7-ish each morning
From the National Weather Service in Buffalo:
The National Weather Service office in Buffalo is looking for a volunteer weather observer, to take over the observing station in or within about four miles of Pavilion.
This observing station would be a part of the National Weather Service Cooperative Observer Network or Coop Network. The Coop Network comprises nearly 10,000 volunteer weather observers nationwide who report high/low temperatures, rainfall, snowfall and snow depth to the National Weather Service on a daily basis. The data from Coop Observers helps scientists to define the long-term climate of the United States.
Observers would take daily measurements of a 24-hour high/low temperatures, precipitation, snowfall and snow depth, each morning around 7 a.m. These measurements would be relayed daily to the National Weather Service, either via the Internet or a toll-free phone number. These weather observations will be archived and use by future climate and research studies.
The Observer will be provided with an electronic thermometer, a rain gauge and a snow measuring stick.
These observations will assist the National Weather Service in its forecast and warning efforts, is vital to climatologists who are defining the climate of the United States and will help to predict drought conditions, agricultural planning and assessment, and more.
If you are interested in helping us out, or have any questions about the duties of a Coop Observer, please contact us at the address below, or you may call us at 716-565-0204, or send an email to Dan.Kelly@noaa.gov.
National Weather Service
Buffalo Office
587 Aero Drive
Cheektowaga, NY 14225
Schumer pens letter to federal energy commission urging swift approval of GC agreement to keep STAMP on track
Press release:
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer on Monday urged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve the Empire Pipeline Inc.’s revised and extended PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) agreement with Genesee County in order to keep an important water infrastructure project on track.
Schumer said that with the agreement now up for renewal, it is essential that FERC approve the extended agreement to finance new water infrastructure at Genesee County’s Science Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Business Park (STAMP), bringing good paying jobs to the Rochester Finger Lakes region and investing in New York State’s critical infrastructure.
“Genesee County’s PILOT agreement is vital to keep water infrastructure construction at STAMP on schedule and put new jobs in the pipeline,” Senator Schumer said. “FERC must act quickly and approve this petition to ensure that the timely construction of new water infrastructure is not held up by bureaucratic red tape.
"This agreement is a win-win for job creation and the hard working people of Genesee County, allowing the Genesee County Economic Development Center to proceed with vital upgrades to the STAMP business park.”
Schumer explained that the original PILOT agreement between Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) and Empire Pipeline was approved by FERC and implemented in 2007 as part of Empire Pipeline’s investment to construct a new gas compression station in the Town of Oakfield in Genesee County. This agreement is now up for renewal through 2032.
This request does not include any new construction, but is solely an amendment and extension of the original PILOT agreement.
This renewal agreement was approved by Genesee County and Empire Pipeline in 2016 and is currently awaiting final approval by FERC. Funding provided to Genesee County by Empire Pipeline under this PILOT agreement is required by Genesee County Economic Development Corporation (GCEDC) to finance Phase 2 construction of new water lines to serve STAMP and timely action by FERC is needed to ensure the construction timeline is not delayed.
A copy of Schumer’s letter appears below:
Dear FERC Chairman Chatterjee:
I write to request that you take swift action on the Petition (Docket CP06-5, Sub Docket 013) filed by Empire Pipeline Inc. to approve its revised and extended PILOT (Payment in lieu of taxes) agreement with Genesee County, NY, which is necessary to finance new job-creating water infrastructure at Genesee County’s STAMP (Science Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Business Park) business park.
The original PILOT agreement between Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) and Empire Pipeline was approved by FERC and implemented in 2007 as part of Empire Pipeline’s investment to construct a new gas compression station in the Town of Oakfield in Genesee County. This agreement is now up for renewal through 2032. This request does not include any new construction, but is solely an amendment and extension of the original PILOT agreement. This renewal agreement was approved by Genesee County and Empire Pipeline in 2016 and is currently awaiting final approval by FERC.
Timely approval of this agreement is necessary to ensure that the construction of new water infrastructure, which is crucial to economic development in the region, can proceed on schedule. The $4 million in proceeds paid by Empire Pipeline to Genesee County under this renewal agreement are set to be used to finance new job-creating water line investment in Genesee County. Specifically this funding is required to complete the financing of the Phase 2 construction of new water lines to serve the forthcoming STAMP business park, a 1,250-acre site that Genesee County is transforming into a shovel-ready business park to attract new manufacturing business and jobs. As the Phase 1 water construction is now underway, I request FERC expeditiously schedule this Petition for action in order to enable the Genesee County Economic Development Center to proceed on its Phase 2 schedule without delay.
Thank you for your attention to this request.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Schumer
Batavia's Samantha Futter promoted to Specialist in the NY Army National Guard
Major General Anthony P. German, The Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.
Samantha Futter, from Batavia, serving with the Company A (Distribution), 427th Brigade Support Battalion is promoted to the rank of Specialist.
Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.
These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.
For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com.
Three local student graduate from University at Albany
The University at Albany congratulates the more than 3,300 students who graduated at its 173rd Commencement from May 19-21.
Anthony Misisco, of Pavilion, graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in Spring 2017.
James Pisaturo, of Bergen, graduated with a Master of Science in Curriculum Development & Instructional Technology in Spring 2017.
Jessica Dudek, of Batavia, graduated with a Master of Science in Professional Accountancy in Spring 2017.
Sabrina Wright of Bergen made the dean's list at SUNY New Paltz
SUNY New Paltz has released the dean's list for outstanding academic achievement during the spring 2017 semester.
Dean's list designation is reserved for students who excel academically and earn at least a 3.3 grade-point average in a semester with a full-time course load.
The College is proud to congratulate Sabrina Wright, of Bergen, for being named to the spring 2017 dean's list.
Local residents graduated from RIT
Some 3,500 students graduated during Rochester Institute of Technology's 132nd commencement celebration, held in May, including:
Michael Barnard of Bergen (14416), who graduated with a BS in criminal justice.
Juliana Blackburn-Baskin of Batavia (14020), who graduated with a BS in international business.
Michael Burns of Batavia (14020), who graduated with a BS in management information systems.
Cassandra Golda of Bergen (14416), who graduated with a BS in international business.
Erica Hickey of Byron (14422), who graduated with a BS in advertising and public relations.
Ryan Hochreiter of Le Roy (14482), who graduated with a BS in mechanical engineering.
Rachel Kobel of Bergen (14416), who graduated with a BS in environmental sustainability, health and safety.
Alexis La Boy of Le Roy (14482), who graduated with a BS in civil engineering technology.
Samantha Mitchell of Batavia (14020), who graduated with a BS in business administration-accounting.
Maryssa Peirick of Batavia (14020), who graduated with a BS in diagnostic medical sonography.
Russell Schultz of Le Roy (14482), who graduated with a BS in computer science.
Courtney Smith of Batavia (14020), who graduated with a BS in political science.
Christopher Snyder of Darien Center (14040), who graduated with a BS in bioinformatics.
Ryan Warner of Batavia (14020), who graduated with a BS in physics.
Rochester Institute of Technology is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 19,000 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the United States.
The university is internationally recognized and ranked for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. RIT also offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. Global partnershipsinclude campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai and Kosovo.
Old-fashioned barn dance and catered dinner at Bontrager's Oct. 21 will benefit Genesee Cancer Assistance
Press release:
Bontrager's Auction Center has hosted four old-fashioned barn dances in the past where the proceeds went to hospice, Mercy Flight and Genesee Cancer Assistance. This year, the Bontrager's fifth Fall Harvest Dinner Dance will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21 to benefit Genesee Cancer Assistance.
Tickets are $20 and it includes a great dinner by Roviso’s Catering from 5-7 p.m. and music by Dark Horse Run from 7-11 p.m. Tickets are pre-sale only and can be purchased by calling Bob at (585) 762-8585, Penny (585) 356-3413 or stopping at Genesee Cancer Assistance, which has an office at UMMC, 127 North St., Batavia. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Bontrager's address is 8975 Wortendyke Road, Batavia.
Please support Genesee Cancer Assistance and purchase a ticket -- it will be a great night of fun!
October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month and GCC will offer free webinar on it
Press release:
In recognition of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, Genesee Community College (GCC) and Delta College have collaborated to offer a free webinar focusing on the career opportunities in the ever-expanding cyber security industry from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of growth for jobs in information security analysts is projected at 18 percent through 2022 -- which is much faster than the average for all other occupations.
The webinar will feature a three-person panel discussing trends, opportunities and challenges facing those in cyber security careers. Panelist Joshua George is the instructor of Criminal Justice at Delta College. George has more than 12 years in federal law enforcement with focus on computer forensics and digital evidence. Panelist Mike Tarcan, currently serves as the information security manager at Ellucian. Tarcan focuses on security incident and threat management for a global cloud company. Panelist Kristopher Howery is an associate professor of Computer Science and Info Tech at Delta College. Howery founded the Cyber Defense Club that provides students with hands-on network defense experience. Howery also designed a multipurpose lab to teach security and network classes such as Cisco CCNA Security, Check Point, CCSA firewall, incident response and wireless security, to name a few. Additionally, he works in forensics under the networking track. Each panelist will share how they got started in the field, discuss what their security roles entail and answer questions from participants.
Both GCC students and community members are encouraged to attend the webinar which will be broadcast at the GCC Batavia campus in room T102 on Thursday, Oct. 12 in the Conable Technoloy Building. Delta College students and guests are invited to view the webinar at Delta College's Main Campus in N007, located near the Redbrix Area. Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 12:50 p.m. to ensure seating. Remote access to the webinar is available on a limited basis.
BHS annual Open House is Thursday night
Batavia High School’s annual Open House is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28th. Parents of BHS students are encouraged to attend this informative evening and can pick up their child’s schedule in the Main Lobby.
Our Open House will consist of an “open classroom drop-in” structure allowing for a more flexible personal connection between teachers and parents. In the Atrium, parents will have an opportunity to visit some outside organization stations that are important in the lives of our high school students. Senior parents are also encouraged to stop by the Counseling Center during the evening to discuss the college application process.
Please join us at Open House and be a part of your child’s high school experience. The school is located at 260 State St. in the City of Batavia.
Challenger sports offer adaptive program for young people in 'success-oriented atmosphere'
Submitted photo and press release:
The month-long Challenger Tennis Program is in its third week. This collaborative community program offers children with disabilities, ages 5-21, a fun adaptive tennis program in a success-oriented atmosphere.
The first session was held Sept. 10. It's held for four consecutive Sundays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Batavia High School tennis courts.
A "Tennis Carnival" is scheduled at the program's conclusion on Oct. 1.
Collaborative partners are the Batavia Youth Bureau, which is the lead facilitator of the program, Arc of Genesee Orleans, Genesee County YMCA and the U.S. Tennis Association Eastern/Western Region.
A total of 10 athletes are participating this year alongside volunteers from area high schools, Genesee Community College and the community. Volunteers attended training, facilitated by Shelley Falitico, director of Development at Arc Genesee Orleans, on disability awareness and sensitivity training.
The tennis players begin each session with a warm up and do some stretching exercises. They rotate through adapted tennis activity stations, addressing skills such as balance, hand-eye coordination, team work, speed and agility, accuracy and movements forward, backward and side-to-side.
The Oct. 1 "Tennis Carnival" will offer the participating athletes an opportunity to earn "Challenger Cash" at each station and buy prizes such as tennis racquets, tennis balls, board games, candy, kites, movie DVDs, books and more.
The next Challenger sport to be offered will be basketball, beginning in November. Community members interested in volunteering, including college and high school students looking for community service hours, are welcome to donate their time for a Challenger sport. It's a great experience for all involved!
For more information, to register or to volunteer, call the YMCA at 344-1664.
Inaugural South Byron Pig Roast will be held Oct. 21
The inaugural South Byron Fall Pig Roast will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21st, at the South Byron Fire Hall. It is located at 7389 Route 237. Doors open at 3 p.m., meal served at 4 p.m.
Tickets are $10, eat in or take out. Adult beverages available for purchase.
Featuring music by Savage Cabbage and a live DJ, too -- WoJo Sound; 50/50 raffle.
Event cosponsored by South Byron Fire Department and Byron Kiwanis.
Questions/tickets/info -- call Karen 314-4245, or call Beth Wilson at 409-5991.
Corfu Fire Department hosts Halloween Open House Oct. 31 with live DJ, games, goodies and door prizes
Corfu Fire Department is hosting a Halloween Open House from 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 31.
The fire hall is located at 116. E. Main St. in Corfu.
Tim Hortons is donating hot cocoa, coffee, donuts and cookies.
There will also be a live Dj, games and door prizes for the kids.
Stone Church Rural Cemetery Association to meet Nov. 7
Press release:
The annual business meeting of the Stone Church Rural Cemetery Association will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 7, at the Stone Church Presbyterian Church, 7549 S. Lake Road (Route 19), Bergen. The meeting is open to the public.
For questions or information, phone the association Secretary/Treasurer Gordon L. Seward at 494-1505.
Two-car collision, with minor injuries, reported at Suicide Corners, Bethany
A two-car accident with minor injuries is reported at Route 20 and East Road (Suicide Corners) in Bethany. A first responder on scene says it is not blocking traffic. Bethany Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.
UPDATE 5:51 p.m.: Fire police are directed to slow down traffic in the vicinity of the accident.
Focus Power in career best at Batavia Downs
Focus Power out front with driver Drew Monti.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
Focus Power left no doubt who the top pacer on the grounds was this week as he tripped out to a two-length victory in the $10,000 Open Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday evening (Sept. 23).
The Downs leading driver Drew Monti sent Focus Power off the gate and took a short-lived lead until he relinquished that spot to Fireyourguns (Mike Caprio) who rushed up and grabbed it by the quarter in :26.2. Fireyourguns then set stout fractions of :55.3 and 1:24.1 while Focus Power drafted in the garden spot.
With little challenge coming from the rest of the field to that point, the top two horses rounded the final turn in line before Monti popped Focus Power out of the pocket and let him do the rest. Focus Power's legs were a blur as he paced into overdrive and flew by Fireyourguns and away from the rest of the group to win in 1:52.4, which was a new lifetime mark.
It was the third win in the last four starts for Focus Power ($6.40), two of which were Open-I paces at Batavia Downs and has earned $81,470 so far this year. The 5-year-old altered son of Shadow Play is owned by James Caradori and trained by Darrin Monti.
In the $9,000 Open II pace, Santana Beach (John Cummings Jr.) went gate to wire in commanding style, winning by eight lengths in 1:53, which was a new seasonal mark.
Santana Beach ($13.80) is owned by Jason Newell and is trained by Richard Roth.
Funny Photo with jockey Sophie Engerran.
RUS New York had an exhibition non-betting event after the seventh race and the finish was as exciting as last year's race.
Funny Photo (Sophie Engerran) led the entire race cutting fractions of :30.4, 1:02.3 and 1:33.3. But just when it looked like he was home free, One True Friend (Hillary Harnett) came flying from behind and mounted a serious challenge at the top of the lane. But although One True Friend made up almost seven lengths, Funny Photo still hung on and won in 2:04.3, which was a seasonal mark for the winner.
Funny Photo is owned by his rider, Sophie Engerran and is trained by Kimberly Gilman-Daios.
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednsday (Sept. 27) with post time at 5 p.m.
