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Three local poets lauded at GCC

By Billie Owens

Poets representing a wide range of student interests and backgrounds submitted their best work in the 11th Annual Student Poetry Contest sponsored by the Alfred C. O'Connell Library at Genesee Community College. Among them, three Genesee County residents were rewarded this week for their inspiring works.

A total of 52 poems were submitted by 22 students, whose hometowns range from the local region, to as far as the Bronx, and who attend classes at GCC's Batavia, Arcade, Albion, Dansville and Warsaw campus centers.

First Place was earned by Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) student Autumn Piletz, of Bergen, for "Thomas Bixton, 1888-1921 A Man Who." Among authors she credits with inspiring her are J.R.R. Tolkien and F. Scott Fitzgerald, and she hopes to pursue a career as a writer and author.

Teacher Transfer major Melissa Fuchs, of Oakfield, garnered Second Place for "Runaway Train" and Corfu's Paul Lane was named Third Place winner for "If I Was a Flower."

Each poet received a certificate, a journal to continue their writing, a copy of "Poetry" and a prize donated by a local business or campus organization, including The Red Osier Landmark Restaurant, Genesee Country Village and Museum, Darien Lake Theme Park, GCC College Bookstore and AVI Foodsystems.

Participants wanted for Chronic Disease Self Management Program

By Billie Owens

Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR) is seeking interested participants for Chronic Disease Self Management Program.

Sessions will start on May 22 and run Tuesdays, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

They will take part in an instructive six-week series in Genesee County for individuals with chronic pain. Participants must be able to identify at least one chronic condition in relation to a disability that impacts their daily lives and emotions.

The facilitators will assist participants to understand how to manage symptoms, implement a self-management toolbox and construct an action plan.

If you have a desire to participate, please contact Susan at 815-8501, ext. 411.

Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR), part of the WNY Independent Living Inc., Family of Agencies, has primary offices at 113 Main St., Suite 5, Batavia.

The agency provides individuals of the Genesee Region (Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming counties) with four Core Services; Information & Referral, Peer Counseling, Independent Living Skills Training and Individual and Community Advocacy.

For more information about ILGR or to begin receiving services, please call 815-8501, ext. 400 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

College students' digital artwork to be displayed in Roz Steiner gallery

By Billie Owens

Press release:

A variety of digital artwork created by Genesee Community College students will be featured beginning Thursday at GCC's Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery. There will be an Artists' Reception at 1 p.m. which is open to the community and refreshments will be served.

The exhibit will run through June 28 and features a number of pieces created through the use of digital technology.

"Digital technology is changing the way we create, consume and analyze visual information," says gallery Director and GCC instructor Shirley Verrico. "The Digital Arts program prepares GCC students to actively engage in the digital medium and prepares them for the 21st Century workplace."

The exhibit will include drawing, computer graphics, typography, video, Web design and more. Assignments require students to effectively combine art, design and technology to communicate ideas and sell products in today's fast-paced world.

Genesee's Digital Art program emphasizes the role of computer technology in creative expression. The pieces demonstrate skills in animation, digital video, graphic design and web design, as well as more traditional techniques like photography and drawing.

Further "real world" experience is gained by the students through internships with local businesses and the student design group AppleCore. Program graduates can secure entry-level positions in agencies specializing in graphic design, multimedia, web development, and digital illustration.

The art gallery is located on the Batavia campus of Genesee Community College, 1 College Road.

For more information, please visit the Roz Steiner Gallery Web page at http://www.genesee.edu/gallery.

Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation's Kentucky Derby Party is May 5

By Billie Owens

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation’s Kentucky Derby Party is being held on from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at Terry Hills Restaurant and Banquet Facility in Batavia. 

This is a major fundraiser for the foundation, which supports research for curing childhood cancer and provides assistance to victms' families.

There will be a basket raffle, silent auction, live music, great food and beverages and lots more. Come and cheer for your favorite horse or jockey, wear your best hat and sip a Mint Julep and support the foundation's effort in raising money for their missions.

Tickets are $50 per person and include: entry to the event, hors d'oeuvres, carving station, desserts, beer/wine/soda, a randomly selected Kentucky Derby gaming ticket and access to the auctions.

For more information, contact Laurie at 409-3275 or Ann Marie at 721-0151.

Tickets can be purchased through any member of the board of directors or by calling 409-3276.

Terry Hills is located at 5122 Clinton St. Road.

Vendors sought for YWCA's first 'Wheels and Heels' to benefit young victims of domestic violence

By Billie Owens

The YWCA of Genesee County, Inc. will hold its first Wheels and Heels event from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 14 at the Genesee County Airport. This is a fundraiser to assist the YWCA in developing new programs that serve the innocent, forgotten victims of domestic violence -- the children.

The YWCA is still seeking food, beverage, and service vendors to provide samples and sell products; any individual or business that would like to display a unique or luxury vehicle on the airport grounds is also encouraged to register.

Additionally, clothing stores or individuals with special attire may lend or donate an outfit which will be casually modeled throughout the evening.

These new programs will serve as an opportunity for the YWCA to uphold its mission through service to the youngest members of our community. To participate in Wheels and Heels, please contact Anita Strollo at the YWCA at 343-5808.

YWCA's premiere Wheels and Heels event will benefit child victims of domestic violence

By Billie Owens

The YWCA of Genesee County, Inc. will hold its first Wheels and Heels event from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 14 at the Genesee County Airport. Cars and clothes will be showcased.

This is a fundraiser to assist the YWCA in developing new programs that serve the innocent, forgotten victims of domestic violence -- the children.

These new programs will serve as an opportunity for the YWCA to uphold its mission through service to the youngest members of our community. To participate in Wheels and Heels, please contact Anita Strollo at the YWCA at 343-5808.

Event Date and Time
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This afternoon is Healthy Kids Day at the YMCA

By Billie Owens

Press release:

To kick-start physical activity and learning throughout the summer -- a critical out-of-school time for kids -- the Genesee County YMCA is celebrating Healthy Kids Day with a free community event today for kids and families.

It takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. at 209 E. Main St., Batavia, and feature activities such as a bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, self-defense demonstration, food tasting, ZumbAtomic for kids, information on NuVal Lions SEE test, DWI Board and fatal vision goggles demonstration. Swimming will be offered until 3 p.m.

Also, the mascot for the Muckdogs will be threre from 2-3 p.m., and there will be giveaways, and more.

They will be collecting old unused eyeglasses for the Lions Club and gently used books and magazines for SAGE.

Summer is the ideal time for kids to get up, get out and grow but for some kids, exposure to activities that stimulate the body and mind ends with the school year. In fact, research shows that kids are more prone to gain weight and fall behind academically over the summer months.

For more information, contact Genesee County YMCA at 344-1664 or visit <http://www.glowymca.org/>.

Burglar of unoccupied Maple Street residence gets eight years in prison

By Billie Owens

A former Thorpe Street resident who was convicted of breaking into the unoccupied Maple Street apartment of a man jailed on drug charges was sentenced to eight years in prison today.

Eric P. Doleman, 41, pled guilty in February of second-degree burglary and first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle.

Doleman will serve one-and-a-third to four years concurrently on the aggravated unlicensed operation charge, and after his release from prison he will be under court supervision for five years.

The convictions stem from breaking into the home of Edward R. Freida on Dec. 29. Doleman entered the apartment through a window while his accomplice, Frederick H. Robidoux Jr., waited outside. A neighbor spotted the men loading up a truck with items from the residence and reported this to police. Robidoux was sentenced last week to six years in prison for attempted burglary.

Freida, who is still in jail, was allowed to speak at today's sentencing. Wearing an orange jail jumpsuit and in shackles, Freida asked Genesee County Court Judge Robert C. Noonan to impose the maximum sentence allowable -- eight years.

"I treated this guy like family," Freida said with a clear, emphatic voice. "I gave him food and a place to crash. I'm in jail and then he turns around and robs me."

Then a man in the gallery, who told an attorney he was Doleman's brother, yelled out to Freida "You did your own crime. Did the DA give you a plea deal?"

Noonan asked the man if he wanted to stay in the courtroom and be quiet or leave. The man said he wanted to stay. A deputy walked over to the man and stayed there for the remainder of the sentencing.

"I would not be in jail if not for the defendant," Freida continued.

The judge said he would not consider the statement in determining Doleman's sentence.

"I am not imposing sentence in any fashion because of Mr. Frieda's comment that he's incarcerated because of Mr. Doleman," Noonan said.

Defense attorney Terry Falk asked for the minimum prison time allowable in this case, five years. He said Doleman has never before been convicted of a Class E felony, only misdemeanors, and that the defendant has been cooperative with law enforcement agencies.

"His mother is 64 and she has COPD, and she has fluid around her heart," Falk said, adding the obvious -- that the chance that Doleman's mother will die while her son is in prison increases with a longer sentence.

The matter of restitution was debated and Falk said that although the DA's office requests around $4,000 only $292 can be documented as the material loss resulting from the crimes.

The judge told Falk that the approved plea agreement states that the restitution the DA asked for would be ordered or the DA could withdraw his consent for pleading guilty.

Thus, the defense consented to restitution of $3,810.31, for which Robidoux is jointly responsible.

When asked if he wanted to speak before sentencing, Doleman said "I apologize beforehand. I will be a good citizen upon my release."

The judge was disinclined to believe him, citing Doleman's lengthy history of run-ins with the law.

"You have a very consistent record of breaking the law -- for 20 years," Noonan said, adding that Doleman's lawyer "negotiated a good deal."

Oakfield child molester gets three to six years in prison on burglary conviction

By Billie Owens

An Oakfield child molester who pled guilty to third-degree burglary last month was given a three- to six-year prison sentence this afternoon by Genesee County Court Judge Robert C. Noonan.

In addition, Steven A. Mullen will concurrently serve a sentence of one-and-a-third to four years for failing to register as a sex offender after moving to a new address.

He was given the maximum sentence possible under a plea agreement with the District Attorney's Office. (Although he's a two-time felon, the first-degree sex offense could not be considered for sentencing purposes with regard to the burglary charge.) No restitution or fine was included in the deal.

"Mr. Mullen has a brief criminal history -- only the child molestation conviction before now," said Assistant Public Defender William Harper. "He had a terrible upbringing. He was the victim of sex abuse from multiple offenders."

Harper noted that his client "somewhat understands" how his family history has impacted his judgement.

"He makes poor choices, he acknowleges making poor decisions and knows that his actions affect others," Harper said before asking for the minimum sentence allowable.

When the judge asked Mullen if he had anything to say to the court, the slightly built 25-year-old spoke only of the failure-to-register conviction.

"I knew better, on failure to register, I knew I had 10 days," Mullen said. "I'm only asking the court to be lenient for my family, not myself."

Noonan was not swayed, saying multiple crimes have been committed because of one man's poor choices.

"I can't see that anything else should be afforded you," Noonan said before making his ruling.

Several supporters sat in the gallery behind the defendant and one woman wept softly as the sentence was handed down.

In 2004, Mullen was convicted of first-degree sexual abuse and served two-and-a-half years in prison.

Mullen was arrested earlier this year after an alert neighbor on Weatherwax Road in Oakfield reported a burglary in progress. He has been in Genesee County Jail since his arrest Feb. 16 and subsequent conviction on third-degree burglary.

Three people taken to hospital following natural gas leak on Ellicott Street

By Billie Owens

Three people are being taken to UMMC following the detection of unsafe levels of natural gas in their home on Ellicott Street in the City of Batavia.

One patient is a 25-year-old man who is complaining of a headache and nausea. An 18-year-old woman also complains of a headache and a 1-year-old girl seems fine and will be evaluated. They are all being given oxygen.

City firefighters and Mercy medics responded following a report of CO detector activation. Upon arrival, they found levels of 60 ppm inside the home (didn't catch the exact address) and over 400 ppm in the basement.

National Fuel has been notified. No ETA given. Meanwhile, the gas line in the home has been shut off.

UPDATE 2:33: The home has been ventilated. City firefighters are back in service.

National Drug Drop Off is Saturday - No questions asked

By Billie Owens

The public is encouraged to take part in the National Prescription Drug Drop Off from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, April 28. No questions asked. All medications -- both prescription and over-the-counter -- will be accepted from residents.

In Genesee County, the drop-off sites will be as follows:

  • Batavia Police Department -- 10 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia
  • Le Roy Police Department -- 3 W. Main St. in the Village of Le Roy
  • Pembroke Town Hall -- at the junction of routes 5 and 77 in Pembroke

According to the Center for Disease Control, prescription drug abuse is a national epidemic. In Western New York, prescription pill abuse is the No. 1 drug problem.

Law enforcement agencies, healthcare professionals and drug-abuse prevention groups want you to "Keep unneeded, unwanted medications out of your children's hands."

Altercation reported at Center and Main streets in the city

By Billie Owens

An altercation is reported in the city at Main and Center streets. Batavia PD is en route. Two vehicles are said to have "emptied their occupants" who then clashed. A car eastbound on Route 5 may have been involved. Cops on scene say nothing's showing.

UPDATE 4:11 p.m.: There have been several calls to dispatch about this. The cars may be on Swan Street now. One vehicle is purportedly white and the other is "dark."

UPDATE 4:17 p.m.: A witness told dispatch one of the vehicles has a partial license plate of FRA. It's a 1999 green Mercedes-Benz registered to someone in Rochester.

Wrong-way driver heading eastward on westbound I-490

By Billie Owens

A vehicle is reportedly barreling down the westbound I-490 traveling in the wrong direction -- that would be eastbound. Law enforcement is trying to track down the driver.

UPDATE 2:44 p.m.: Monroe County reports the driver was last spotted near the Bergen exit.

UPDATE 2:48 p.m.: Genesee County officers traveled to the Churchville exit without spotting the vehicle and then turned around. The ball's in Monroe County's court now, so to speak.

Possible fire reported on Tountas Avenue, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A possible strucutre fire is reported at 3 Tountas Ave. in Le Roy. There is said to be the odor of something electrical burning. Yet an emergency responder who was just at that address said he could smell nothing unusual there, only the smell of food cooking.

Le Roy and Bergen fire departments are responding. One unit on scene reports nothing showing. They are going to scan the building with a thermal camera.

UPDATE 1:10 p.m.: Bergen is told to return to service. No other Le Roy units will be needed. The location is the family care clinic. An interior crew is leaving the inside after finding nothing with the imaging camera.

UPDATE 1:14 p.m.: The firefighters are going to use ladders and look into the attic.

UPDATE 1:23 p.m.: Nothing hazardous found. Le Roy is back in service.

Today's ball game at Dwyer Stadium postponed, double-header on Sunday

By Billie Owens

Today's game between the Empire State Yankees and Norfolk Tides has been postponed due to rain.

This game will be made up as part of a double-header on Sunday, April 22. Two seven-inning games will be played, with the first game starting at 1:05 p.m. Gates open at noon.

Any person with tickets to today’s game can exchange their tickets for any other Yankees game or any Muckdogs regular season game, subject to availability.

East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department's annual 4-wheeler Mud Races

By Billie Owens

On Saturday, Aug. 18, the East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting its 5th annual 4-wheeler Mud Races. Registration begins at 10 a.m., and the racing starts at 1 p.m.

The cost is $15 per wheeler and $10 per spectator. Kids under 11 get in free. The event will be located directly behind the East Pembroke Fire Hall at 2623 W. Main St. Road, East Pembroke.

This is going to be a huge event, with racers coming from all over New York State. The day doesn't end when the races do either! So what else is going on?

Event Date and Time
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Natural gas tank mishap in Bergen

By Billie Owens

A cap blew off a propane tank at a residence at 7375 N. Bergen Road in Bergen. There's heavy natural gas smell and the house is being evacuated. Byron Fire Department is responding with mutual aid.

UPDATE 2:22 p.m.: Le Roy was called but then told to stand down.

UPDATE 2:29 p.m.: The 500-gallon tank was overfilled. The company which is responsible for the unit is called. Meanwhile, the firefighters are told to keep water on the tank to cool it down.

UPDATE 2:44 p.m.: The gas company crew is on location.

UPDATE 3:08 p.m.: Fire units are back in service. Burnwell Gas Co. is handling the equipment problem.

Accident at routes 19 and 33 in Bergen

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with air-bag deployment is reported at routes 19 and 33. Medics are responding along with the Bergen Fire Department.

UPDATE 2:27 p.m.: Fire police are called to handle traffic.

UPDATE 2:34: There's only one lane of traffic open.

UPDATE 2:49 p.m.: One patient is being transported to UMMC complaining of pain in both wrists after the patient's vehicle was allegedly struck by the other vehicle involved.

UPDATE 3:06 p.m.: Fire crews are back in service.

UPDATE 3:10 p.m.: The roadway is clear and reopened.

House fire on Maple Street in the city

By Billie Owens

A house fire is reported at 26 Maple St. in the City of Batavia. Evans Street is shut down at Watson Street. City firefighters are on scene.

UPDATE 1:36 p.m.: Two Mercy rigs are requested to the scene.

UPDATE 1:37 p.m.: Maple Street is shut down at Thorpe.

UPDATE 1:39 p.m.: A Fast Team from the Town of Batavia is called in as well as a town crew to fill in at the city's fire hall. A female with burned hands is waiting for treatment at the corner of Evans and Maple. The second floor of the structure is fully involved.

UPDATE 1:43 p.m.: Mutual aid from the Town of Elba is on scene. There's a vehicle at the scene that needs to be moved (the owner of vehicle's wife works at the warehouse/transfer facility on Ganson Avenue, but they don't have the owner's name. He was seen walking down Maple).

UPDATE 1:52 p.m.: The inside fire is knocked down. They are starting rehab of the fire scene. A rep. for National Grid is called and will be there shortly. Now they are calling for a fill-in at the city station from Oakfield. The city's third platoon is called to the scene. The house is the light brown (or dark tan) two-story at the corner of Evans and Maple, across the street from the church.

UPDATE 2:01: An adult female with first- and second-degree burns to her hands is being transported to UMMC. The National Grid rep. is on scene.

UPDATE 2:09 p.m.: There's fire in the ceiling above a first-floor bedroom and they are going to break into the ceiling to put it out. Oakfield is in the city's fire hall.

UPDATE 2:23 p.m.: Fire under control.

UPDATE 2:37 p.m.: A National Fuel rep. is called to the scene.

UPDATE 2:52 p.m.: The American Red Cross is called to come to the aid of a mother and her three children. There are other occupants who live in the home, but they have not yet determined other information about them.

UPDATE 2:59 p.m.: The other family who lives in the house is "all set" and will apparently not require Red Cross assistance.

UPDATE 3:21 p.m.: The building owner is on scene.

UPDATE 3:34 p.m.: Elba firefighters are back in service.

UPDATE 3:45 p.m.: Red Cross is on location. City fire crews are rolling up their hoses and preparing to leave the scene.

UPDATE 4:02 p.m.: Mutual aid responders from the Town of Batavia Fire Department are back in service.

UPDATE 4:42 p.m.: The structure will be demolished this evening.

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