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Noble Legend on point in Batavia Downs feature

By Billie Owens

Noble Legend with driver Ray Fisher Jr. 

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Noble Legend looked very sharp on the front end while defeating six top-end trotters as well as an inquiry at the wire to win the $10,500 Open Handicap trot at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 22).

Noble Legend (Ray Fisher Jr.) left strong off the gate and established a loose two-length advantage on the front end. After passing the quarter in :28.3 the post time favorite Egosnattitudes (Larry Stalbaum) pulled from last and flushed Striker Ace (Kevin Cummings) after they tripped the timer at :58.3 for the half.

Moving up the backside Noble Legend was still strong on the lead as Striker Ace bowed out of the competition. As a result Egosnattitudes tipped three-wide at the three-quarters and advanced to second by the top of the lane. Stalbaum started urging his trotter as he drew closer to the leader, but before he could gain the advantage Egosnattitudes broke wildly halfway down the stretch and galloped across the wire a neck ahead of Noble Legend.

As a result of the obvious lapped-on break, Egosnattitudes was disqualified by the judges and placed last while 
Noble Legend was named the official winner, timed in 1:57.1.

It was the seventh win of the year for Noble Legend ($7) who has now earned $61,370 in 2017 for owners Vogel & Wags Nags Stable and Jack Rice. Maria Rice trains the winner.

In the $8,000 Open II trot, Barn winner (Ray Fisher Jr.) was third at the half, gapped seven-lengths and chasing a runaway Lutetium (John Cummings Jr.) who took the field to a 1:25.3 third quarter, before pulling in the far turn and trotting right by the fading leader to win in 1:56, which was a new lifetime mark for the winner.

Barn Winner ($20.20) now boasts nine wins on the year and $35,310 in the bank. The 3-year-old gelded son of Credit Winner was purchased privately on Aug. 29 by his current owners Tanah Merah Farms LLC and the Swift Racing Stable and is trained by Ryan Swift.

Kevin Cummings had a big night, winning four races on the card. He got across with Pilgrims All In ($5, 1:57.4), Shawnee Magic ($8.90), 1:58.1), Ona Dream ($6.40, 1:59.3) and Kings Treasure ($5, 1:55.3).

Ray Fisher Jr. had a driving triple himself while trainers David Russo, Rose Russo, JD Perrin and Angelo Nappo all had two stable members cross the wire first.

Pedestrian reportedly struck on westbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A pedestrian has been struck on the westbound Thruway near mile marker 402.5. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy medics are responding to the motor-vehicle accident with injuries. A first responder on scene said "there is damage on the onramp as well as fluids (leaking)."

UPDATE 8:10 p.m.: All responding units are to stage "at the interchange."

UPDATE 8:13 p.m.: One vehicle is said to be blocking the left shoulder of the roadway.

UPDATE 10 p.m.: This was a fatal accident. We will provide more information when it becomes available.

Car flips over in front of Five Star Bank on West Main Street, Batavia

By Billie Owens

A car flipped over in front of Five Star Bank, 401 W. Main St., Batavia. No word on injuries, if any. City fire and Mercy medics responding.

UPDATE 9:31 a.m.: The accident occurred on the opposite side of the street from the bank, near the corner of West Main and Redfield Parkway. A driver lost control of his vehicle somehow and struck the two pylons filled with gravel that protect a utility box at that location. It damaged the pylons and gravel spewed onto the ground. The car landed on its wheels and medics are evaluating the driver, who does not appear to be seriously injured. Redfield resident Jim Owen said it sounded like a truck dumping a load of gravel out and when he saw a cloud of dust, that's initially what he thought had happened.

Racing Under Saddle featured at Batavia Downs Saturday

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

The horses and riders of RUS New York will be at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 23) to compete for a $1,600 purse in a non-betting race that will take place after race seven on the regular live pari-mutuel card.

Racing Under Saddle (RUS), also known as Monte Racing, is a cross between harness racing and thoroughbred racing. The rider is atop the Standardbred (generally a trotter) in a saddle instead of behind it in a sulky. Internationally, Standardbred RUS is conducted daily at many European tracks and it garners large wagering pools on their regular betting programs.

The Fair Series is organized by RUS New York, an organization that helps coordinate and promote under saddle races across the Empire state. The main goal is to promote this unique sport, educate the public about the versatility of the Standardbred breed and to help Standardbreds find great homes after they finish their days on the track.

The 2017 RUS New York summer schedule included 10 fair dates as well as races at Tioga Downs, Vernon Downs and Saratoga Raceway. Batavia Downs is the fourth pari-mutuel track to host the series this year.

RUS racing debuted at the Downs in 2016 with one of the most exciting finishes the series had all year as Admirable Hanover out-dueled My Friend Charlie down the lane to win by a neck in 2:03.4. The time was a new career best under saddle time for Admirable Hanover and it also produced a new track record at Batavia Downs.

Saturday’s race includes the top point-earners in the series for both human and equine categories.

Michelle Miller is the leading rider with 258 points and she will be on the number one points horse, Railroad Lane. 

Railroad Lane has three wins in seven outings and is six out of seven in the money for the year. He has a mark of 2:09.3 at Monticello Raceway over a sloppy track, but was race-timed in 2:05 at Tioga Downs in a third place finish in July.

Last year’s winning rider at Batavia was Vanessa Karlewicz and she is currently the second leading point-getter in the series with 187 and she will be atop Boy Can She Fly who is sixth among all horses. 

Boy Can She Fly has only one win in five starts and a mark of 2:15 at the Bath Fairgrounds. But she was race-timed in 2:05.3 at Vernon Downs in a third place finish back on August 25.

Hillary Harnett who sits fourth in points will ride probably the hottest horse in the race as One True Friend has been competing outside of New York against some of the best RUS horses in competition. 

One True Friend has three wins in eight starts with a seasonal mark of 2:03.3 at Tioga Downs and has also been race timed at the Meadowlands in 2:01.2. Just last week One True Friend won by almost nine-lengths at Saratoga Raceway in 2:04.3.

Rounding out the field is Sophie Engerran and Funny Photo. Funny Photo qualified in 2:04 handily at Vernon Downs on Friday (Aug. 18) but has only one start this year. That was at the Meadowlands earlier this month where he finished fifth, placed fourth after being interfered with. He is the unknown value in this race as he did win under saddle at Vernon Downs in 1:59.1 in 2016 and 1:59 in 2015.

Post time for the RUS New York race will be approximately 8:10 p.m. Post time for the first race is 6 p.m.

Public Health Column: Lower your risk of lead exposure this fall

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Before you start your fall cleanup consider the age of your home and whether or not you may have a lead hazard.

“Lead poisoning can affect anyone, but is especially harmful to pregnant women, infants and small children who are growing rapidly,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health director for Genesee and Orleans Counties.

Lead poisoning can cause miscarriages and stillbirths, high blood pressure (hypertension), nerve disorders, memory and concentration problems and muscle and joint pain and in children it can lower IQ, cause growth problems, kidney damage, behavior problems, anemia and hearing loss.

If lead poisoning is not taken care of, it can also cause permanent damage to various organs in both children and adults. You may or may not experience any signs or symptoms of lead poisoning. State law requires all children be tested at age 1 and again at age 2. Contact your primary care doctor to be tested.

Federal law requires landlords and contractors who are hired for renovations, repair and painting in homes, childcare centers and schools built before 1978 that disturb painted surfaces, to be certified and follow specific practices to prevent lead contamination.

This law is the EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RPR) Rule. Lead-based paint is especially problematic on surfaces that children can chew on such as windowsills, doors and doorframes, stairs, railings, banisters, porches and fences. Lead can also be found in drinking water in homes that have plumbing with lead or lead solder.

“If you suspect that your house has lead hazards, here are some important things you can do to protect your family,” Pettit said.

  • Take advantage of the Free Lead Testing Pilot Program: A $1.5 million state program to test for lead in drinking water is available to New York State residents.  Provides residents who are served by either a private well or public water system with an opportunity to have their residential drinking water tested for free.  To sign-up visit, https://health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/lead/free_lead_testing_pilot_program.htm.
  • If you rent, call the landlord immediately to report peeling or chipping paint.
  • Damp mop and damp dust often. Clean up paint chips right away and clean all other surfaces with general all-purpose cleaner.
  • Let your cold water run for a minute before using it for making baby formula, drinking, brushing your teeth and cooking to flush lead picked up from pipes. Do NOT use warm tap water to make baby formula.
  • Wash children’s hands and toys often to wash off any lead dust. Keep them way from chipping paint and prevent destructive behaviors like chewing on painted surfaces.
  • Always hire certified contractors for work that will disrupt paint in housing or child occupied buildings before 1978 or get properly trained and certified yourself.  For a certified firm check this site: http://cfpub.epa.gov/flpp/searchrrp_firm.htm.  

For more information about the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP) visit the Environmental Protection Agency website at www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm or call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD.

To learn about additional sources of lead visit, https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/lead/sources.htm. 

For information about services that your local health department provides visit:

Robert H. Musall

By Billie Owens

Corfu -- Robert H. Musall, 88, of Corfu, NY, died peacefully on September 20th 2017 with his family by his side.

He was born January 4th, 1929 in North Tonawanda, NY. He is survived by his wife Susanalice of 41 years, four daughters: Kathryn Musall, Kara (Mike) Czechowicz, Emily (Justin) Fronckowiak and Sara (Eric Krasinski) Musall, brother Richard Musall and six grandchildren.

Robert had a love for his family and country. He was a proud Marine and Korean War Veteran. He was a Sargeant of the 1st Marine Division in Korea and 2nd Marine Division in the United States. He was also a lifetime member of the Marine Corps League Conrad F. Kania Detachment and actively involved in the local VFW, serving as commander of his post, Cathie-Wild Post 9000, for several years while in his early 80s.

He retired from the New York State Thruway after 30 years of service. He had many interesting occupations throughout his life including cowboy in Wyoming and driving a hearse. His great loves were spending time with his family and horses. He loved the mountains, visiting national parks and historical military sites. He was genuine, deeply caring and witty. His love and devotion for his family was only surpassed by theirs for him.  

Friends may call Tuesday, September 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary Inc., 4 E. Main St, Corfu, NY. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, September 27, at 11:30 a.m. at the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, 63 Allegheny St., Corfu, NY.

NASA engineer and alumnus of St. Joe's visits his little sister's fourth-grade classroom

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Mrs. Fischer’s fourth-grade class was visited by Mr. Penepent, an aeronautical engineer who has worked at NASA's launch site in Cape Canaveral, Fla., for 27 years.

His team works to launch Delta II and IV rockets for NASA. The students came up with some great interview questions and learned some awesome things about the design process, construction and launching of these rockets.

Mr. Penepent attended St. Joseph School from kindergarten through second grade and is Mrs. Fischer’s older brother.

He said he first became interested in his field of aeronautical engineering when he was in third grade while reading a book on airplanes. Who knows, there may be future aeronautical engineers right here at St. Joe’s. 

Ninth annual Musical Memories concert to benefit Crossroads House is at City Church on Saturday night

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo. Information from a press release:

The ninth annual Musical Memories concert to benefit Crossroads House will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at City Church in Downtown Batavia.

St. Joseph’s Reunion Brass Ensemble is honored and humbled to be part of our community and region. Service, and doing service, is the basic core value for its members.

Performing will be Mighty St. Joe’s Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps, Hamburg Kinsmen, St. Joe’s of Batavia Brass Ensemble, Parkside Brass, and the Rochester Hitmen.

Ticket are $5 & $10. Free will offering to be taken. City Church is located at 210 E. Main St.

The ensemble and its membership along with all the other musicians cordially invite and ask you for your support this Saturday evening.

To all the military men and women this is a show you are sure to enjoy. It is the musicians' way to thank all those who have sacrificed in the past and continue to sacrifice each and every day. Thank you in advance for this very special opportunity to share our music with you.

Come on out for a great evening of music!

Batavia Downs to host the C. K. G. Billings amateurs on Friday

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

The 36th season of C. K. G. Billings amateur racing rolls into Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 22) with two divisions (one trot and one pace) going for $5,000 each. Batavia is the 42nd stop of the combined 2017 season for the Billings, which has only 17 more to go before they convene for the finals at Yonkers Raceway on Sunday (Nov. 26) and vie for the Delvin Miller Gold and Silver Cup championships and $40,000 in purses.

The series that began in the early 1980’s is conducted by the Delvin Miller Harness Drivers Association and is considered the Grand Circuit of Amateur Racing. And as a result of their charitable efforts, tens of thousands of dollars are raised each year through amateur driving for the benefit of each club's charity. The C.K.G. Billings contributes its driver’s percentage to the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Goshen, NY.

Participating drivers support these charities by directing their 5 percent driver’s commissions for all Billings Races to either the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame or to the Delvin Miller Harness Drivers Association for further contribution to the Harness Racing Museum or to a local charity.

Drivers who will be appearing at the downs to compete on Friday include Joe Faraldo, Joe Lee and Bob Davis who will all drive in both events, along with Don Hoover, Robert Ciavardini, David Glasser, Anthony Ciuffetelli, Anthony Verruso, David Drew and Matt Zuccarello who will all have one drive apiece.

The two events are carded as race one and four and post time for the first race in at 6 p.m.

American Farmland Trust to offer free farmland protection forum in Batavia Nov. 6

By Billie Owens

Press release:

WHAT: WNY Region -- Farmland Protection Forums for Community Leaders
WHEN: 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 6
WHERE: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 E. Main St., Batavia

American Farmland Trust is hosting three farmland protection forums across New York in November.

Each forum will feature presentations from area experts about the resources available to protect farmland and strengthen farm viability in New York communities, as well as local issues identified by the Community Leaders Survey.

This is a great opportunity to network with other town and county leaders in your region.

Land-use training credits will be offered to local officials.

**Forums are free to attend, but space is limited!

Please RSVP at:
https://www.farmland.org/new-york-farmland-protection-forums

Americana and bluegrass musicians to hold charity concert for displaced women Sept. 30

By Billie Owens

In photo above are members of the band Higher Mountain.

Submitted photos and press release:

Press release:

The fall third annual Higher Mountain Festival for Charity will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30th at Bennington Lanes "The Grove," 1374 Clinton Street Road, Attica.

Funds raised will support Immaculata Home, a home for displaced women in the WNY region, particularly those who have been affected by incarceration and who are without dependents and family support.

The fundraiser headed by Americana and bluegrass bands features a regional favorite, Higher Mountain, and the return of a famous family bluegrass band from this area, The Bartholomew Family, plus two other Rochester bands -- High Mileage and Gone Fishing.

A basket raffle, 50/50, auction and open jamming (bring your instrument) are also planned.

Higher Mountain has played as far West as the state of Wyoming, and far South as Naples, Fla., and North as Plattsburgh. Formed by Charlie Kesterson, a past Tennessee resident, who has played internationally including being a member of the first band featuring the famous Gibson Brothers, called the North Country Ramblers, features fast driving bluegrass banjo and fiddle. Their CD recording "Mother’s Song," includes original tunes written by Christine Kesterson.

This year the festival will bring The Bartholomew Family back to WNY. The Bartholomew Family band was headed by recently deceased Dean Bartholomew, of Addison, who promoted bluegrass music throughout his life. His three sons, Dale, Scott and Terry will return to the stage at this year’s festival.

Immaculata Home Inc., opened in Lockport, in June. This 501c3 charity provides housing for women who lack family support and find themselves searching for a supportive environment. Residents of Immaculata Home volunteer to give back to their community.

Christine Kesterson, the guitar player in Higher Mountain, is a Master’s in Divinity graduate of Christ the King Seminary, East Aurora, and serves as the chaplain to Immaculata Home residents and board.

The committee has suggested a donation of $15 reserved seating through 716-870-6932 or $20 at the door (bring a lawn chair). Under age 16 are admitted free. Groups of eight can reserve a table at a discount for $100. Cash donations in support can be sent to Immaculata Home Inc., P.O. Box 103, Lockport, NY 14095.

For more information on Immaculata Home view www.immaculatahome.org.

In photo below are members of the band The Bartholomew Family.

Two officer posts to open on GC Women's Republican Club, deadline to apply is Oct. 16

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Interested in being an officer of the Genesee County Women's Republican Club?

Currently two members of the Genesee County Women's Republican Club will finish their terms this fall. We are looking for interested members of the club who would like to join the executive committee.

Open positions are:

  • President
  • 2nd Vice President

Interested candidates, please see positions' descriptions in the by-laws by clicking here.

Send resume and letter of interest via email to Melissa Gaebler, chairwoman of nominating committee, at:  mgaebler83@gmail.com

All materials due to nominating committee by Oct. 16th.

Artist Terry Weber will teach you how to needle felt a set of pumpkins or a black cat of your very own

By Billie Owens

(Photo courtesy of Terry Weber.)

Terry Weber, a member of the Batavia Society of Artists, is offering a beginning needle felting class on making decorative pumpkins at the art gallery and antique shop on Route 63 in East Bethany.

It will be held at the Old General Store from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (or so) on Thursday, Sept. 28. The location is five miles south of Batavia on Route 63.

Cost is $20 and includes supplies and material to make set of two pumpkins. Kits are also available to take home, too.

On the following Thursday, Oct. 5, at that time will be another beginning needle felting class, same price, where you can make a set of pumpkins OR a black cat.

To participate in either or both classes, email Weber at ebgs55@yahoo.com or phone 993-0509.

GCC's BEST Center to offer drone programs this fall

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Are you fascinated with the exploding growth of drones and their applications across many fields, from emergency medical services to agriculture? Genesee Community College will take to the skies this fall with demonstrations and courses in flying drones or sUAS (small Unmanned Aerial Systems).

Whether you are new to drones, planning on starting a business utilizing drones, want to earn your FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Remote Pilot Certification, or just interested in the technology-GCC has a drone program for you!

GCC's BEST (Business and Employee Skills Training) Center will offer a series of noncredit programs starting with two Informational Sessions on drone opportunities. These events will give anyone interested in flying drones, starting a career and/or becoming an FAA-certified remote pilot, an ideal opportunity to talk to a professional drone pilot or with The BEST Center staff. If you are interested in flying drones as a hobby or a career, these open houses are a great start. Reservations are required by calling 585-345-6868.

  • Saturday, Oct. 7, 10 - 11 a.m. / Room T-119, Batavia Campus
  • Thursday, Oct. 12, 6 - 7 p.m. / Room T-119, Batavia Campus

"Introduction to Drones" is a three-day, 18-hour, intensive course covering all of the fundamentals of flying, piloting skills, safety, regulations and preparing one to take the FAA Remote Pilot Certification test. As part of their class materials, each participant will receive a small drone with camera and remote control. The course runs the following three Saturdays:

  • Saturdays: Oct. 28, Nov. 4 and 11, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. / Batavia Campus

Anyone using drones for business or other ventures is required to have a certification or operate under the supervision of a certified pilot. For those with flying experience, the one-day, "Remote Pilot Knowledge Test Prep" course is offered:

  • Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. / Batavia Campus to help prepare for the FAA certification test.

Lastly, in October, the 10-week "Introduction to Precision Agriculture" course explores the advanced technology of farming today and will include drone applications such as collecting data and other uses. The course is held with the option of attending the program at the Batavia Campus or online through WebEx.

Girl’s night at Batavia led by All Charged Up

By Billie Owens

(Photo of All Charged Up with driver John Macdonald.)

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

The Wednesday night (Sept. 20) spotlight fell on the fillies and mares at Batavia Downs and All Charged Up took center stage after capturing the $10,000 distaff Open on a beautiful late-summer evening.

All Charged Up (John Macdonald) got away last from post six as Squeeze This (Ron Beback Jr.) inherited the front at the start with no one else deciding to go. Beback then took advantage of that situation, leading the girls to the half in a relatively tame :57.3, with the field still in single-file fashion.

As they swung into the third turn, Kruella (Shawn McDonough) pulled and started an outer flow. This allowed All Charged Up to scoot up along the pylons into fourth, right behind the still-leading Squeeze This. By the three-quarters Kruella sidled the leader and gained the advantage by the top of the stretch, which is where All Charged Up found the passing lane. Macdonald shot her through like a rocket under heavy urging to nip Kruella under the wire in 1:54.2. 

It was the third win of the year for the speedy All Charged Up ($6.90), all of which were recorded at Batavia Downs. The J P Stables owns the 6-year-old daughter of Ponder who is trained by her driver, John Macdonald.

In the $8,000 fillies and mares Open II, Exotic Beach (Larry Stalbaum) took full advantage of a drop in class to easily wire the field in 1:53.4, which tied her seasonal mark. The win pushed her 2017 bank to $41,016 for Stalbaum who also owns her, through the conditioning efforts of her trainer Kim Asher.

Stalbaum had a big night in the bike, winning three more races besides the co-feature. This pushed his total for the meet to 46 and moved him ahead of Jim Morrill Jr. (45) into a second place tie with Ray Fisher Jr. (46), 13 wins behind the meet leader, Drew Monti (59).

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 22) with post time set at 6 o'clock.

Two trucks collide at Lewiston and Meadville roads, Alabama, minor injuries

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with minor injuries is reported at Meadville and Lewiston Roads. Occupants are out and walking around. Two trucks are involved. One has liquid foam insulation cargo and it's "off in a ditch" and is leaking; the other is a refrigerated unit carrying ice cream, unknown if leaking fluids, and it's upside down.

The roadway is completely blocked. Fire police from Shelby are called to the scene at Salt Works Road for traffic control. Alabama Fire Department is on scene and Mercy medics are responding. 

Beth J. Aylsworth

By Billie Owens
Corfu - Beth J. Aylsworth, 58, of Corfu, passed away at her home Tuesday, September 19, 2017.
 
Beth was born April 21, 1959 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Arthur and Ruth Popp Brown. Beth was a 1977 graduate of Cheektowaga Central School. She received an associates degree from Bryant and Stratton College. Beth was a billing manager for Pembroke Family Medicine.
 
Beth’s favorite pastimes were spending time with her family, playing cards, reading, gardening and boating. She was an animal lover but had a soft spot for dogs. Over the years, Beth adopted many dogs through the ASPCA. 
 
Beth is survived by her beloved husband of 35 years, Michael Aylsworth; devoted children, Gretchen Aylsworth and Christopher Aylsworth; two brothers, David (Joyce) Brown, of Tennessee, and Paul (Nancy) Brown, of Depew, and several nieces and nephews. Beth also leaves behind many close friends who were really more like family. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
 
Family and friends may call on Thursday, September 21 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 E. Main St., Corfu. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 22 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 4809 S. Newstead Rd., Akron, NY. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu, NY.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The ASPCA Serving Erie County, 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca, NY 14224.

East Pembroke Fire District to hold public hearing on its 2018 budget Oct. 10

By Billie Owens

Press release:

A public hearing will be conducted by the East Pembroke Fire District in the East Pembroke Fire Hall, 2623 Main Road, East Pembroke, from 6 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 10.

It will be held to permit public review of the proposed budget for the East Pembroke Fire District for the calendar year of 2018, pursuant to Town Law 176.

A copy of the proposed budget has been filed with the town clerks in Alabama, Batavia, and Pembroke, and is available for review.

All persons residing within the area to be served, all persons, firms and corporations owning real property within the area to be served, and all persons, firms and corporations whose business interests or employment would either be benefited or adversely affected, whether or not a resident or owner of real property within the area to be served, shall have the right to be heard in person or by representative at the public hearing.

BY ORDER OF The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Pembroke Fire District, Towns of Alabama, Batavia, and Pembroke, Genesee County New York.

William R. Joyce, Secretary East Pembroke Fire District

ALL POINTS BULLETIN: 'Coco' is missing, skittish longhaired chihuahua last seen on Ross Street

By Billie Owens

ALL POINTS BULLETIN --

Kristen Fluet hopes readers of The Batavian can find her missing dog, "Coco."

She's a blond chihuahua mix with longer hair.

Coco is wearing a pink collar with white polka dots.

She was lost last night, but has been seen twice today on Ross Street (near Bank).

"She's very skittish, so don't chase her."

Call Jen at 585-781-0198.

The family "is just heartbroken," pining for their tiny doe-eyed minx.

UPDATE 4:25 p.m.: Coco is home safe.

 

 

Cuomo cancels announcement Thursday at Batavia City Hall, will be rescheduled

By Billie Owens

Gov. Andrew Cuomo's big announcement in person in Batavia set for City Hall on Thursday has been cancelled. No reason given by the governor's office and no word on when it might be rescheduled.

Local officials were invited to Batavia City Hall at 1:30 p.m. Thursday where Gov. Cuomo was expected to make an announcement.

What was going to be announced was not revealed in the invitation, but the City of Batavia did submit an application to Cuomo's office for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative contest, which carries a $10 million award for one municipality in each of the state's economic development regions.

While winners have been announced in other regions, the winner of the contest in the Finger Lakes region has not yet been announced.

Local officials said they couldn't discuss the reason for Cuomo's now-cancelled visit. The notice from Cuomo's office did say it will be rescheduled, however.

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