Skip to main content

GCEDC board to consider projects at meeting on Wednesday

By Howard B. Owens

This is from the GCEDC:

The Board of Directors of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) will consider two projects at its July 10, 2014, board meeting. The GCEDC Board meeting will take place at 4 p.m. and is open to the public. Meetings are held at the Dr. Bruce A. Holm Upstate Med & Tech Park -- 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia, NY, on the 2nd floor, across from Genesee Community College. 

U.S. Gypsum Company is planning to upgrade its paper mill at 2750 Maple Ave. in Oakfield, NY. The project will include replacing and relocating equipment, stock cleaning and enhanced manila production to improve the safety, quality and efficiency of the facility. The projected capital investment is approximately $23 million and will ensure retention of 98 existing manufacturing jobs and the addition of 12 new production jobs. The board will consider a final resolution for this project.

Calamar Senior Housing is planning to construct a 117,000-square-foot, three-story building that will house 110 senior apartment units, a lobby and common rooms in the Town of Batavia. The facility they have proposed here in Batavia will be restricted to residents 55 years and older, and is scheduled to have many amenities that will create a holistic senior community including: a full-time director, events, educational seminars, meals, transportation, etc. The apartments will rent at market rate from around $805 to $1,050 per month with all major appliances and utilities included. The look, style, amenities offered at the proposed development to ensure effective “aging in place” models for our seniors.  Overall the company plans to invest $11 million, create two full-time positions, and estimates that 200 construction jobs will be needed to complete the facility. The facility will generate long-term tax base for the County without added demands for services on our school districts. The board will consider an initial resolution for this project as the incentives exceed $100,000.

Graham Corporation’s 2013 project with the GCEDC involved expansion of their operations on Harvester Avenue, Howard Street, and Florence Street in the City of Batavia. There has been a longer than anticipated construction time on these projects and Graham Corporation is requesting a PILOT amendment in order to delay the commencement of the PILOT by one year. This amendment will not result in any additional incentives and Graham will receive the total incentives that the board previously approved.

Nationally acclaimed balloon artist to appear at 175th Genesee County Fair

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Nationally award-winning balloon artist Janice Spagnola will be appearing this year at the Genesee County Fair, July 15th-19th. Janice transforms thousands of latex balloons into works of art. “I call what I do air sculpture” says Janice.

This year marks the Genesee County Fair’s 175th year, and in commemoration Janice will take her inspiration for this large art display straight from the Genesee County Fair logo. Featured will be a large Ferris wheel. This installation will take thousands of balloons to complete. Fairgoers are should stop by often to view the progress and take pictures.

In addition, Janice will be offering two demonstrations each day during the fair. The installation will be completed by the last day of the fair to ensure guests are able to view the finished piece.

Besides balloon fun, the fair offers a variety of agricultural experiences, exhibitors and interactive activities as well as traditional fair fun! People who have attended the fair recently are finding it a fun family place to spend time together. Where else can an entire family go to spend a day enjoying exhibitors, demonstrations, animal and agricultural exhibits for just $5 per carload? This fee includes parking, entry for everyone in the vehicle to the fair and a show program.

So what’s going on at the fair in 2014?

There will be a new midway for 2014. Midway Rides of Utica will be providing quality rides for fairgoers to enjoy. There will be several featured performances this year in the grandstands. Grandstand events include: a Monster Truck & Thrill Show on Tuesday night; Special Raceway 5 Stock Car Racing on Thursday night; The Grand Demolition Derby on Friday night; and ESP Tractor Pulls on Saturday night.

Other featured events include: The Grand Parade; Day one of our two-day Fair Queen and Princess Pageant; and karaoke on Tuesday night; an all day Draft horse show on Wednesday; Day two of our Fair Queen and Princess Pageant Wednesday night; and “Genesee’s Got Talent” Show on Thursday night. Don’t forget about the Livestock Exhibits and Kids Corner going on all day every day of the fair.

For a complete listing of events during fair week, visit gcfair.com
If you are interested in volunteering, or becoming an exhibitor of the fair, go to the fair’s Web site gcfair.com to download all of the forms and to obtain contact info. We would like to make the 175th fair special. In order for us to do this, we need your help!

Cause of Le Roy fire not yet determined as investigators continue to search for clues

By Howard B. Owens

Don't let the crime scene tape mislead you. Officials are not calling their search for the cause of Saturday morning's fire at 8005 North Road, Le Roy, a criminal investigation.

But arson hasn't been ruled out, either.

Nothing's been ruled out.  

Today, investigators from the Sheriff's Office, Emergency Services and the State of New York, were going over every inch of rubble looking for signs and clues. Le Roy FD's ladder truck was brought in at one point so investigators could obtain aerial photos of the site. The property's owners, Greg and David Luetticke-Archbell came to their house to explain to investigators what was where.

Jim Bouton, an emergency management coordinator and fire investigator with the county, said officials may be ready to discuss theories and findings soon.

Previously:

Greg, David and their children lost all of their personal belongings in the fire. A site for community donations has been set up. Click here to access the site.

This thermostat is on a shed about 100 feet from the west side of the house. Radiant heat turned it into a curly fry.

Severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 10 p.m.

By Billie Owens

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued by the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., and is in effect now through 10 p.m.

UPDATE 6:30 p.m.: The watch has been cancelled.

Law and Order: Buell Street resident accused of cashing forged checks

By Howard B. Owens

Jamie A. Dutton, 22, of Buell Street, Batavia, is charged with possession of a forged instrument, 3rd, and grand larceny, 3rd. Dutton is accused of cashing multiple forged checks. He was jailed on $50,000 bail.

Randy L. Haughton, 56, of Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation. Haughton was allegedly speeding in the Village of Le Roy when he was stopped by Le Roy PD. Haughton was jailed on $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 bond.

Dealmond T. Robinson, 28, of Le Roy, is charged with strangulation, 2nd, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Robinson was allegedly involved in a domestic disturbance. He was jailed on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.

Diane L. Powell, 42, of Main Road, Corfu, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs and failure to signal lane change. Powell was arrested following a traffic stop at 12:49 a.m., July 1, on West Main Street Road by Officer Matt Lutey.

Mark Walter Grabowski, 56, Chestnut Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass and harassment, 2nd. Grabowski was allegedly involved in an incident (no details provided) at Batavia Downs on June 27.

Peter A. Conway, 28, of North Maple Street, Warsaw, is charged with issuing a bad check. Conway was arrested on a warrant and jailed on $500 bail.

Robert J. Barnes, 24, of Watson Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Barnes was allegedly involved in a disturbance at a residence on Watson Street at 2:58 p.m. Friday.

William C Welch Jr., 25, of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 5th. Welch is accused of possessing a stolen BMX bike.

Tyrone N. Thigpen, 37, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Thigpen is accused of threatening another person with physical harm during an alleged incident on Maple Street at 4 p.m. July 1.

Amy L. Munnings, 37, of Le Roy, is charged with felony DWI and felony driving with a BAC of .08 or higher. Munnings was stopped at 10:08 p.m. Saturday on Wortendyke Road and Pearl Street Road, Batavia, by a State trooper.

Video: Vincent Di Risio's first grand slam

By Howard B. Owens

Vincent Di Risio hit his first grand slam home run Saturday in a 10-and-under Little League All-Star game against Le Roy. Batavia won 12-1.

I saw this on Facebook and asked Leanna Di Risio for a copy so we could post it on The Batavian as well.

Truck on its side on Route 63 at Little Canada Road

By Howard B. Owens

A 10-wheeler is on its side on Route 63 near Little Canada Road.

No word on injuries.

Bethany fire and Stafford fire dispatched.

UPDATE 9:45 a.m.: According to Deputy Cory Mower, it appears the weight of gravel in the bed of the truck shifted causing the driver to lose control rounding the curve just north of Fargo Road. The estimated speed of the truck was 40 to 45 mph. At 8:45 a.m., it was expected it would take at least another hour before Route 63 was reopened. At this time, it's still closed. There were no injuries.

Accident involving motorcycle in Darien with minor injuries

By Howard B. Owens

A car and motorcycle accident is reported at Broadway Road and Attica Road, Darien.

Minor injuries are reported.

Darien fire and ambulance responding.

UPDATE 7:02 a.m.: First responder: "Motorcyclist is up and conscious."

Batavia, Wisconson -- don't blink or you'll miss it

By Larry Barnes

This is the fifth in a series of articles about the other communities, located east of the Rocky Mountains, that are named “Batavia.” This one is about Batavia, Wisconsin, an unincorporated collection of houses and other buildings southwest of Sheboygan in Sheboygan County.

Local historians regard 1851 as the year in which Batavia, Wis., was founded, although there appear to have been settlers beginning in 1846. They claim that the name originated from the many early settlers who came from near Batavia, N.Y. However, unlike other communities, the process by which this naming came about is not recorded.

Batavia, Wis., grew into a fair-sized village. By 1900, there were two dry good stores, one furniture store, one hardware store, a carriage and wagon factory, a hotel, a dance hall, two blacksmith shops, a tin shop, a boot and shoe store, two churches, two schools, a sawmill, a grist mill, a cheese factory, an undertaker, a seamstress, a cigar factory, an egg flume (egg-shaped water conduit), an ice house, and a butcher shop.

Over time, this Batavia shrunk to the status of a hamlet. The one remaining school, an elementary school, had recently closed as of 2013. Most of the businesses and other enterprises listed above are gone. Nevertheless, the homes are generally well kept and the residents, who now generally find employment in other communities, appear to be reasonably prosperous.

However, for the most part, Batavia, Wis., is one of those places where, if you blink, you’ll miss it. Although there are two or three side streets, the community mainly consists of a single main street. One descends a grade to a small creek, Batavia Creek, and then ascends another grade while leaving town.

Car vs. motorcycle accident with injuries reported on Pearl Street Road

By Billie Owens

A car vs. motorcycle wreck with injuries is reported at 3904 Pearl Street Road. Town of Batavia fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 12:59 p.m.: Mercy Flight is on ground standby at the Batavia hangar. The location of the accident is between Donohue Road and Treadeasy Avenue.

UPDATE 1:09 p.m.: Mercy medics are transporting one patient to the hangar. A second ambulance is called to the scene.

UPDATE 1:12 p.m.: The second ambulance is cancelled and the first rig will transport two patients to ECMC. Mercy Flight was cancelled.

UPDATE 2:45 p.m. (by Howard): According to Deputy Joseph Graff, it appears at this point in the investigation, that a Harley-Davidson and a Mercury Sable were both westbound on Route 33. The car slowed and proceeded to make a left-hand turn into a driveway and the motorcycle appears to have attempted to pass the car on the left. The driver of the motorcycle reportedly told deputies that the car had pulled to the shoulder before turning left. The car was turning into the driver's in-laws' residence and a neighbor said the driver had been to the residence many times. The motorcycle struck the driver's side front fender and sheared off the front bumper. It proceeded westbound into a drainage ditch on the southside of the road, struck a culvert and dislodged a piece of rebar that became caught on the bike's handlebars. The bike came to rest just inches short of a fire hydrant. The female passenger reportedly suffered a serious leg injury. The male driver reportedly asked to be a sign-off, but was transported to ECMC with his passenger as a precaution. The names of those involved have not yet been released.

Holley man dies after car hits pea combine on Route 19 in Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

A man was killed early this morning after his car crossed the center line on Route 19 near Bissell Road in Bergen and struck a pea combine head on.

Carmelo Rivera, 22, of Holley, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The accident was reported at 2:32 a.m.

Rivera was driving a 2004 Mercury Sable northbound when it crossed the center line and ran into a OXBO 9500 XP Pea Harvester.

It's possible another vehicle was in the area at the time of the crash and if so, investigators would like to interview that car's occupants. Anybody with information should call the Sheriff's Office at (585) 345-3000.

The accident is being investigated by Deputy Frank Bordonaro, Deputy Howard Carlson, Sgt. Eric Seppala and Deputy John Duyssen of the Crash Management Team.

Responding to the scene were the Bergen Volunteer Fire Department, Mercy EMS and State troopers.

Rare coins found buried in front yard of home on Elm Street

By Howard B. Owens

Joseph Gottstine found four $1 coins in the front yard of his mother-in-law, Stacy Lynn Neureuther, Saturday afternoon. What makes them such a neat find, is three of them are silver dollars from the 1880s. One is a silver dollar from 1971.

Gottstine's metal detector tells him if the hunk of metal under the ground is likely a penny, nickel, dime, quarter or silver dollar. Neureuther's yard on Elm Street is apparently filled with coins, though Gottstine only dug out the dollars.

Neureuther is curious how the coins got there. The house was built in 1910. Could construction workers have lost them? Or did they just accumulate over time.

She looked up the value of the coins online and the 19th Century pieces may be worth about $65 apiece.  

Gottstine said he took up the hobby of metal detecting about a year ago and this is probably his most exciting find yet.

Hit-and-run accident reported on West Main Street

By Howard B. Owens

A hit-and-run accident was just reported on West Main Street, Batavia.

The suspect vehicle is a Red RAV4 last seen southbound on River Street.

Batavia PD is on scene.

UPDATE 1 a.m.: The vehicle is said to have a trailer hitch and handicap Florida plates.

UPDATE 1:02 a.m.: Correction on the RAV4. The vehicle does not have Florida plates

UPDATE 1:10 a.m.: A vehicle has been stopped at Route 33 and Dewey Avenue.

UPDATE 1:18 a.m.: Another potental matching vehicle was found at another location in the area, but there's no damage and the engine is cold. It doesn't sound like the first vehicle is considered a suspect vehicle at this time.

Top Items on Batavia's List

Authentically Local