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A structure fire is reported at 2993 Batavia Oakfield Townline Road, Oakfield.
Oakfield Fire dispatched.
UPDATE 4:44 p.m.: Second Alarm. Town of Batavia Fire and East Pembroke Fire dispatched. A person reportedly trapped in the structure. Alabama Fire to fill in at Oakfield Hall. Mercy EMS dispatched.
UPDATE 5:15 p.m. Joanne Beck: One occupant and two dogs were rescued from the structure safely. No other occupants are in the home. No flames and only light smoke are on scene at this time.
The fire is under control, and responding fire departments are starting the overhaul.
UPDATE 7:43 p.m.: The scene commander was Chad Williams, first assistant chief of Oakfield Fire. The first chief on scene confirmed that there was a structure fire and a person inside, along with two dogs. That chief and a state trooper coaxed the occupant out.
A neighbor had reported the fire and the occupant was apparently unaware of the fire.
Williams said the first engine on scene arrived quickly.
He said, "We made quick work into the house and ended extinguishing the fire, knocking down the base of it, and we made some headway to find where it was located." He said the fire appeared to have started with or near a wood stove.
The occupant was checked by medics and had no apparent injuries.
Asked about the quick work of the firefighters to knock down the fire, Williams said, "That's that's what we trained for. We don't get these very often. A lot of folks, when we do this training, they're like, 'oh boy, why do we got to keep doing this training?' But you know, once that training kicks in, it's like muscle memory. It just kicks in. It's second nature. They go in they do what they got to do, and then everybody comes out unscathed."
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if you smoke and live in a home with high radon levels, your risk of developing lung cancer increases.
Testing your home for radon is the only effective way to know if you and your loved ones are exposed to toxic levels of this poisonous gas.
Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) stated, “Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas. It has no smell, taste, or color. Radon forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and mixes into the air you breathe. When radon is formed under homes and buildings, it can enter through cracks in the foundation. This leads to high levels of radon, especially in enclosed areas. Any home can have high radon levels and the only way to know is to test your home.”
The Genesee County Health Department Radon Program has a limited supply of short-term radon test kits free of charge for residents in Genesee County. We also offer educational materials and presentations to those interested in learning more about radon and its risks.
Residents in other counties can get radon test kits at their local hardware store or through radon testing laboratories found at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radon/. For more information about radon and how to receive a free radon test kit in Genesee County, contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 x5555 or Health@co.genesee.ny.us.
The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County Board of Directors meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 28. The meeting will be held at the Association at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia and is open to the public.
For more information, please contact Yvonne Peck at ydp3@cornell.edu or 585-343-3040 x123.
Sen. Charles Schumer during a dairy farm press conference in Pavilion in June. File photo by Howard Owens.
Press Release:
After standing with Upstate NY dairy farmers in Central NY, the North Country, and the Finger Lakes, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today revealed that he has secured an extension for the vital Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program dairy farmers rely on, that was set to expire this year, and which could’ve left farmers facing a “dairy cliff,’ cutting off payments to farmers and harming consumers by raising the price of milk. Schumer secured the extension of the Farm Bill in the Continuing Resolution budget deal which President Biden signed today.
“Our dairy farmers are the beating heart of Upstate, and when they came to me worried that this year we could be going over the ‘dairy cliff,’ I immediately started ringing the cowbell and promised I would churn up support to ensure these payments wouldn’t lapse. I helped enact the Dairy Margin Coverage Program in the 2018 Farm Bill, and I am proud to have secured this vital year-long extension while we work to develop a bipartisan Farm Bill in the next year,” said Senator Schumer. “Today our dairy farmers can breathe a sigh of relief and raise a glass of Upstate NY-made milk and more thoroughly enjoy this Thanksgiving.”
Schumer explained the “dairy cliff” refers to the expiration of the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program, a risk management tool that offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed price (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. The dairy industry would be the first impacted, as dairy farmers would lose out on monthly payments through the DMC, whereas farmers participating in other support programs are paid just once per year around harvest time. If we went “over the dairy cliff” that would have meant an end to monthly price support payments to dairy farmers who participate in the Dairy Margin Coverage program, supply chain disruptions causing increased milk prices, and potentially billions in wasted government spending as the federal government would be forced to make milk purchases at a highly inflated price.
Schumer fought tooth and nail to include a one-year Farm Bill extension in the Continuing Resolution budget deal and ensure dairy farmers were protected from going over the cliff at the end of the year. The extension keeps the vital Dairy Margin Coverage Program intact for another year to protect NY’s critical dairy industry while also giving members of Congress extra time to continue to work through the negotiations for the full Farm Bill.
The dairy industry is one of New York's largest contributor to the agricultural economy. According to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Dairy statistics, there are approximately 3,200 dairy farms in New York that produce over 15 billion pounds of milk annually, making New York the nation’s fifth largest dairy state.
Sen. Charles Schumer during a dairy farm press conference in Pavilion in June. File photo by Howard Owens.
Join us for our 2nd annual "Small Business" Craft and Vendor fair on Saturday, Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, 31 Washington Ave. Batavia.
A variety of vendors and crafters will offer items such as Tastefully Simple and Norwex. There will also be hand-crafted items such as quilts, blankets, baby items, indoor signs, home decor, kitchen items, seasonal/holiday gifts and decorations, and much more!
Replacing the popularity of traditional cigarettes, the e-cigarette was introduced to the market around 2007. Typically branded as a safer alternative to traditional cigarette smoking, e-cigarettes work by using a battery to heat up liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other additives and chemicals. Various flavors and scents have been used as a marketing technique to increase the appeal of e-cigarette smoking to young people.
According to the 2021 CLYDE Survey administered to 7th, 9th, and 11th grade students in Genesee and Orleans Counties by UConnectCare (formally GCASA):
3% of 7th grade students reported vaping with nicotine in the past 30 days
19.7% of 11th grade students reported vaping with nicotine in the past 30 days
11.1% of 11th grade students reported vaping with marijuana in the past 30 days
There are many reasons that teens and young adults vape, including peer pressure and wanting to fit in with their friends. However, no tobacco product is safe, especially for adolescents. Many teens believe that vaping is less harmful than smoking and find the lack of smoke and smell, appealing. Young people who believe that e-cigarettes cause no harm are more likely to use them. It is important for parents and educators to work together to teach adolescents about the health risks associated with e-cigarettes.
How can you talk to youth about vaping? Here are some tips:
Make sure you are aware of the facts first, before you talk with youth about vaping. To learn more about vaping, visit the CDC Website or the Surgeon General Website
Consider what they are going through and put yourself in their shoes. Think about what pressures they face at school, at home, and with their friends. Encourage an open dialogue and have empathy throughout the conversation.
Set a positive example by staying tobacco-free. If you use tobacco, it is never too late to quit. For more help or information on quitting, contact your healthcare provider. You can also text, chat or call the New York State Smokers’ Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or visit the New York State Department of Health website.
Wait for the right moment to start the conversation and try to have a more natural conversation, rather than a lecture.
Avoid scare tactics and connect with what youth care about.
If you have questions or need support, talk with your healthcare provider.
After you talk, let them know that you appreciate them for taking the time to listen and for being honest with you.
Continue to follow-up and keep the lines of communication open. New vaping products such as vaping hoodies and vaping flash drives are introduced to youth on a regular basis. Continue to do your research and stay up to date on any new information related to vaping.
For more information on GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your respective health department at:
Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
Orleans County: 585-589-3278
Follow GO Health on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at GOHealthNY.
Photo of Kathleen Klaiber courtesy of genesee.edu.
It is with immense joy and pride that we announce GCC Professor of ESL and English Kathleen Klaiber as the recipient of this year's New York State TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) College ESOL Professor of the Year Award.
Kathleen Klaiber has been honored as the College ESOL Professor of the Year. She has had a distinguished career marked by excellence along the way. Professor Klaiber is a two-time recipient of the SUNY Chancellor Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities.
In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, Professor Klaiber exhibited exceptional resilience and innovation. Recognizing the diverse needs of students scattered across the globe in six different time zones, she devised the FLEXESOL Approach to Teaching in the High Flex Modality. This groundbreaking initiative showcased her dedication to ensuring a seamless educational experience for students worldwide.
Beyond her individual accomplishments, Professor Klaiber stands out as an active and motivating professional within the NYSTESOL and academic communities. Her unwavering support has significantly enhanced communication and interactions among NYSTESOL members and practitioners.
The New York State TESOL (NYSTESOL) organization proudly advocates, advances, and enriches TESOL education and professionalism throughout the state. Comprising professionals committed to the education of English language learners at all levels, NYSTESOL focuses on classroom practices, research, program and curriculum development, employment, funding, and legislation.
Kathleen Kleiber's recognition as the State TESOL College ESOL Professor of the Year reaffirms her commitment to excellence and innovation in TESOL education. Her impact extends beyond the classroom, shaping the future of language education in New York State and beyond.
For more information contact Vice President, Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
Last week’s phone issues at the Genesee County Jail have been resolved. The main phone number (585-343-0838) is now operational. Thank you for your patience.
2023 File Photo of Genesee County Manager Matt Landers during this year's budget hearing. The county Legislature adopted the final $183 million budget Monday, which included an increase of $20 million in expenses from 2023 and a property tax levy of $32.7 million and related $8.08 per $1,000 assessed tax rate. The Legislature also ratified a CSEA contract to be worth about $1.56 million in 2024.
Both Genesee County Manager Matt Landers and Legislature Chairwoman Shelley Stein were happy that a contract was approved with the Civil Service Employees Association Monday, both said during the Legislature’s meeting at the Old County Courthouse.
Negotiations ended with legislators approving increases of $1 plus 5 percent for 2024, 4 percent for 2025 and 3 percent for 2026 for the CSEA general unit, Local 819 Union.
“I’m really proud of not getting ourselves into a long, protracted, drawn-out battle,” Landers said.
The county legislators agreed to a three-year contract to begin Jan. 1, 2024, and run through Dec. 31, 2026. It will have an approximate cumulative budget impact of $1.23 million, with a FICA cost of $99,000, and retirement of $203,000, for a total of $1.56 million for 2024.
“We are grateful for the staff that provides the public service here,” Stein said.
Just in time for Thanksgiving, she was thankful to “put this contract to bed and move forward,” Stein said.
In other salary-related action, the Legislature set a hearing for a proposed local law regarding the salaries and increases of elected county officials, as listed below.
Landers said each salary has been increased based on a 2.5 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) and other varied reasons. The original salary and reason for the increase are listed next to the proposed new salary.
Commissioner of Elections - $52,966, combined with COLA, longevity pay of $800 and a step increase, would be - $55,741 ($2,775 more)
Human Resources Director - $101,565, combined with COLA, longevity pay of $1,000 and a grade adjustment, would be - $113,980 ($12,415 more)
Commissioner of Social Services - $94,325, also with COLA, an increase in longevity pay of $800, and a multiple-step increase, would be $108,624 ($14,299 more)
Treasurer - $110,639, combined with COLA, and an increase in longevity pay of $1,400, would be - $114,780 ($4,141 more)
Sheriff - $116,121, combined with COLA, and an increase in longevity pay of $1,400, would be - $120,399 ($4,278 more)
Highway Superintendent - $127,922, with COLA, an increase in longevity pay of $1,400, would be - $132,495 ($4,573 more).
The public hearing will be at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 13 at the Old County Courthouse, 7 Main St., Batavia.
Members of the Anna Ingalsbe Lovell DAR Chapter have continued their holiday tradition of honoring residents of the Batavia VA. Cindy M. Baker, Center for Development and Civic Engagement Specialist, met with Robin Laney Ettinger and Pam Ware to accept this year’s gifts of TOPS gift cards, flatware, and snacks.
Scoring more than 100 points in a game is one way to ensure you punch your ticket to a state championship game, and that's how the Pembroke Dragons did it on Saturday, beating Section III's Frankfort-Schuyler Maroon Knights 107-64.
"I started my coaching career as a modified assistant for Batavia Football in 2007 I can honestly say I have never seen anything like this game in my entire career at any level of football," said Pembroke's head coach, Brandon Ricci.
The Dragons did it all on the ground -- not even arching a punt across the field.
Tyson Totten ran for 626 yards and 10 touchdowns. Ricci called his performance, "one of the most spectacular displays of athleticism in Dragon history."
Fullback Caleb Felski gained 146 yards and scored three touchdowns. He converted five two-point conversions.
QB Vijay Dhanda also ran for a TD.
The score by quarter:
1st quarter 28-16
2nd quarter 51-42
3rd quarter 91-56
4th quarter 107-64
Defensively the Dragons were led by Felski with 14 tackles, while Totten and Sean Pustulka each had 11. Jayden Mast, Jayden Bridge, Octavius Martin, Caleb Kimmel, Vijay Dhanda, and Jacob Johnson all had five or more tackles. Tyson also added an interception, while Pustulka had two picks, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble on the day.
The Dragons take a 12-0 record in 8-man football when they play for the state championship in Cicero on Friday. They will meet another undefeated team, the Moravia Blue Devils, from Section IV.
Le Roy QB Tommy Condidorio sweeps around the left end. Photo by Ed Henry
A touchdown 16-yard pass from Payton Bradley to Isaac Maddox with six seconds left in the Far West Regional broke a 13-13 tie, giving Salamanca the win 21-13 and delivering Le Roy its first and final defeat of 2023.
Scoring up to that point had been tit-for-tat on Saturday. Le Roy scored in the first quarter on a one-yard run by Drew Strollo, and Jack Currin converted the point-after. In the second, Arlen Newark scored on a 45-yard pass for Salamanca. Newark also kicked the extra point.
Le Roy answered two minutes later on a 3-yard run by Strollo, but the PAT kick was blocked.
Midway through the third quarter, Salamanca knotted things up on a 33-yard Isaac Maddox run but also had its kick blocked.
For Le Roy, Strollo gained 68 yards, scored two touchdowns, gained 17 yards on three receptions, and on defense had five tackles.
Tonny Piazza gained 77 yards on 19 carries. Tommy Condidoria was 4-7 passing for 12 yards. Holden Sullivan and D.J. O'Geen had six tackles each on defense.
The Oatkan Knights finish 2023 with an 11-1 record. That 11th win was the program's record-setting 16th Section V title.
Drew Strollo (far right) puts the Knights on the scoreboard with a one-yard rush at the end of the first quarter. Photo by Ed Henry
The Le Roy defense swarms to the Salamanca's back. Photo by Ed Henry
Battles in the trenches were the order of the day. Photo by Ed Henry.
Le Roy’s Xavien Walker breaks up a potential score at the goal line. Photo by Ed Henry
Twelve families in Batavia will likely have a more filling and flavorful Thanksgiving than might otherwise have been possible, thanks to the students at John Kennedy Intermediate School, City Fire, and Batavia PD.
The students packed Thanksgiving dinner prep kits to be delivered by Batavia PD to the selected families.
Firefighters delivered turkeys and all the fixings for a complete holiday dinner.
Robbie Hanks added to his impressive record at his home bowling center this week when he registered an 802 series in the Thursday Men's Triples League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.
Hanks, who is employed at the center owned by his father, Randy, rolled games of 290-268-244 for his seventh 800 series at Oak Orchard. He came through with two strikes and nine pins in the final frame to secure the honor score.
It is the first 800 series in league play in the Genesee Region USBC this season.
Elsewhere around the GRUSBC:
-- Jeff Parton stayed hot at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, spinning a 280 game and 741 series in the Wednesday Men's Handicap League. Steve O'Dell was close behind with 736.
-- Lefties Tom Baker and Rich Wagner led the way in the Toyota of Batavia 4-Man League at Mancuso Bowling Center with 278--751 and 265--742, respectively.
-- Michele Larson started with 244 en route to a 669 series in the Meyer's RV Monday NFL League at Mancuso's.
In tournament action:
-- The team of Ron Ricker, Josh Bowman and Greg Daniels captured first place at the 9th annual PAWS Triples No-Tap Tournament at Oak Orchard Bowl on Nov. 12, taking home the top prize of $750. Eighty-five teams competed in the event that raised about $4,000 for the PAWS Animal Shelter in Albion.
-- On Sunday, four GRUSBC bowlers cashed in the Tommy Kress 60-and-Over Tour stop at Oak Orchard Bowl. Fred Gravanda (623 qualifying score) and Kevin Gray Sr. (658) each made it to the second round, earning $110 each, and Mike Pettinella (687) and Bob Hodgson (596) made it to the first round of the finals, winning $80.
Dan Eberl and Mike Domicolo tied for first place, posting 236 in the title match, to split the first place ($400) and second place ($300) money.
Batavia Downs Gaming President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek presented representatives from the Rochester Veterans Treatment Court with a check for $7,000 to help support their efforts of assisting Veterans within the court system.
On Oct. 21, a Vets night dinner was held at Batavia Downs in conjunction with a night of live racing. Proceeds from live and penny auctions were collected in support of the Rochester Veterans Treatment Court.
“We are appreciative to Sean Schiano from Batavia Downs for thinking of us, “said Ray Melens, Lead Mentor for the Monroe County Veterans Court. “The funds are so important for us to continue our work as we look to assist Veterans who find themselves within the court system. We strive to identify and treat the underlying issues facing many Veterans to help them get back on the right path.”
“Veterans have a special meaning for Batavia Downs, “said Wojtaszek. “So many of our own employees volunteered their time, as well as donated many of the baskets for our Penny Auction. One of our directors, Michael Horton, was the auctioneer for the live-action which helped raise additional funds.”
Following his personal meeting in China with President Xi Jinping last month, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today detailed how the new deal President Biden has struck with China to crack down on the scourge of fentanyl could be a major step forward to curb the opioid crisis in New York, but said now more than ever it is imperative to hold China accountable and ensure there is compliance with their commitments.
“The agreement President Biden has announced with China is a long overdue step which has the potential to help cut off the supply of fentanyl at its source and stop this drug before it ever enters our country and hits the streets of New York, but now it is more vital than ever to hold China accountable for the commitments they have made,” said Senator Schumer. “Fentanyl has wreaked havoc in New York and across America, with this crisis stemming in large part in China, where large chemical companies openly and illicitly sell precursor chemicals to buyers in places like Mexico, where it is manufactured and illegally shipped to our most vulnerable communities here in NY. During my visit to China last month, we were pointed and direct with President Xi, I told him the devastating impact I have seen the opioid crisis have on New York families. I am pleased to see China take what could be a major step forward to cut off the flow of fentanyl, and I am going to be watching like a hawk for progress.”
Specifically, Schumer explained China has said it will take new action to enforce its own regulations against the companies that make precursor drugs in a major step to potentially cut off the flow of this deadly drug. A similar notice to the industry in 2019 led to a drastic reduction in seizures of fentanyl shipments to the United States from China. Schumer said the U.S. also has information that that PRC police have taken law enforcement action against Chinese synthetic drug and chemical precursor suppliers. As a result, certain China-based pharmaceutical companies ceased operations and have had some international payment accounts blocked. This probably represents the first law enforcement action against synthetic drug-related chemical sellers by Chinese authorities since 2017.
In addition, China and the United States will be launching a counter-narcotics working group to bolster law enforcement and information sharing to cut off the flow or precursor drugs and illicit fentanyl. The U.S. and China have both said they will also start working on an ongoing basis at the senior level to directly address this crisis and start working closely together to carry this initiative forward. In conjunction, Schumer said these long overdue steps have real potential to reduce the flow of these drugs into the United States and places like New York, and ultimately save lives.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, C -Batavia) recently criticized the Clean Slate Act, a proposal that would seal the criminal records of recently released convicts. This week, the measure was signed into law by Gov. Hochul. Supporters of the bill argue this will help incarcerated individuals get jobs after they’ve served their time and combat racial bias in the state’s criminal justice system. Critics, however, have said this will make it virtually impossible for employers, landlords and other business owners to fully vet their incoming employees and tenants. Hawley is frustrated because reckless policies like the Clean Slate Act are giving criminals a free pass and making communities less safe.
“This is yet another example of the Majority in Albany imposing their radical ideology on everyday New Yorkers,” said Hawley. “We live in a country where criminals are treated like victims, and the people who are hurt by these crimes are put to the side. Public safety is not something we can afford to mess around with. We need to return to a system where we respect the rule of law and hold criminals accountable for their actions.”
Press release from Sen. George Borrello:
“Governor Hochul’s signing today of the Clean Slate Act is more confirmation that catering to criminals and the radical wing of her party is more important than the safety and concerns of New Yorkers who have repeatedly cited rising crime as the state’s number one problem.
This misguided law will allow criminals – even serial offenders -- to have their records automatically sealed after a specified time period. Serious crimes like manslaughter, armed robbery, domestic violence, and arson are among the crimes that will be hidden from employers and landlords, placing countless unsuspecting individuals in harm’s way.
There already exists a process for sealing criminal records that has reasonable safeguards to assure that the individuals in question don’t pose a public safety risk. Yet, like with all the criminal justice reforms passed in recent years by Albany Democrats, reasonable policies and reforms have been rejected and replaced with reckless versions.
This law is another slap in the face to New Yorkers who are watching their safety and quality of life rapidly erode.”
The Batavia Housing Authority is seeking a positive, hardworking teammate to perform a variety of outdoor landscaping tasks, primarily mowing, with some trimming and cleanup work. The Groundskeeper is independently responsible for outdoor landscaping tasks on a weekly basis with some flexibility. This job may require some weekend hours when necessary. Part-time position Pay Range: $19.00/hr - $22.00/hr Anticipated start date: May 2024 Application deadline: April 29, 2024 See full job description at: https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/Groundskeeper.pdf Complete Civil Service Application at: https://cms1files.revize.com/geneseecountynew/CivilServiceApplication2022Revision-09.22.22.pdf Contact Information Nathan Varland Executive Director Batavia Housing Authority 400 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 (585) 344-1888 nvarland@bataviahousing.org Location: Batavia
