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Batavia, Le Roy, Notre Dame, Pembroke ready to compete for Rotary championship

By Howard B. Owens

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The Rotary Club Tournament returns to GCC on Jan. 2 and Jan. 3 with Batavia, Le Roy, Notre Dame, and Pembroke competing for the crown.

Game times are at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., each night.

Photo: Kiaya Condidorio, Le Roy, MacKenzie Reigle, Batavia, Montana Weidman, Notre Dame, McKenna Johnson, Pembroke.

Submitted photo and information.

PathStone Corp. accepting applications for grants to repair and upgrade farm labor housing

By Billie Owens

Press release:

PathStone Corporation is currently accepting applications for their 2019-20 On-farm Housing Grant.

This program is a matching grant of up to $2,000 to repair and upgrade existing farm labor housing. Examples of eligible repairs include, but are not limited to: bathrooms, plumbing, laundry facilities, recreation rooms, upgrading kitchens, heating, floors, walls, windows, ceilings, doors and other major structural components.*

Special consideration will be given to projects that positively impact the quality of life for farmworkers during off work hours. Farm owners must agree to provide $1 for every $1 provided by PathStone Corporation. This grant has been very successful in Wayne and Orleans counties, but this year’s focus will be on farms in Genesee, Livingston, Wyoming and Ontario counties.

If interested, or if you have questions, please contact Susan Lerch at 585-546-3700, ext. 3020, for an application. The application deadline is currently March 1 and the work will need to be completed by May 15.

Please help us spread the word as we want to assist as many farms as possible!

*NOTE: Farms may still be eligible to receive grant funds even if repair work has already started.

Severe weather alert for lake affect snow and blowing snow on Wednesday

By Billie Owens

Earlier this morning the National Weather Service in Buffalo issued a severe weather alert for lake effect snow and blowing snow from 5 a.m. through 7 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 11).

Total snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches are expected in the most persistent lake snows across Northern Erie and Western Genesee counties. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will produce blowing snow and very poor visibility at times.

Lake effect snow will move north across the area Wednesday morning, then intensify and move back south Wednesday afternoon.

Travel could be very difficult for brief periods of time. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning and afternoon commute.

Lake effect snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If traveling, be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and
visibilities.

City police reminds residents to lock their vehicles -- holiday upswing in reports of larcenies

By Billie Owens

From the City of Batavia Police Department:

The Batavia Police Department has received multiple complaints of vehicle thefts, and larcenies from vehicles over the past couple weeks.

With the Holidays upon us, the Batavia Police Department would like to remind our citizens:

  • Lock your doors/vehicles;
  • Do not leave important items in your vehicle (wallets, presents, IDs, money, etc.);
  • Don’t leave your keys in your vehicle when you’re not using it;
  • Don’t “run in quick” and leave your keys in the ignition with the vehicle running -- It’s Illegal!
  • If you are taking your vehicle to the mechanic after hours, make sure they have a secure “Drop Box” for your keys;
  • Be aware of NYS VTL - 1210; Unattended motor vehicle: (a) No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key from the vehicle…”

The Batavia Police Department can be reached at 585-345-6350, the confidential tip line at 585-345- 6370 or online here.

Spring 2020 season at GCC's Roz Steiner Gallery to feature faculty and student work

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Genesee Community College is proud to announce a spring 2020 exhibition schedule of multimedia artwork comprised entirely by GCC faculty and students.

The Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery offers free admission and is open to the public Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. All are encouraged to stop in this season! The gallery is also open during special events as published at www.genesee.edu/campuslife/arts.

Kicking off the new year in GCC's beautiful art gallery from Jan. 14 through Feb. 13 will be "Messin' " by Joe Ziolkowski, associate professor of Photography and Art at GCC. "Messin' " is the result of 10 seasons spent aboard a 16-foot-long 1973 Starcraft boat (above photo).

Through pinhole photography, digital panoramas and digital video, this art installation depicts the passage of time, both conceptually and literally. Professor Ziolkowski will give a talk about his work at 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 23, and the artist's receptions will follow at 1 and again at 5 p.m. in the gallery.

The gallery doors will reopen to display GCC's Fine Arts Student Exhibit, which showcases the finest multimedia artwork recently produced by students enrolled in fine arts courses at Genesee Community College.

Painting, drawing, sculpture and ceramics will be among the work on display. The Fine Arts Student Exhibit will be open from March 3 through April 3. The student artists will be available at the public reception on March 19 at both 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. in the gallery.

The 2020 season will wrap up with the always impressive GCC Digital Art & Photography Juried Student Exhibit, displayed April 28 through May 17.

Once again, the student artists will be on-site at public receptions on April 30 at both 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. in the gallery. During the 5 p.m. reception, the award winners will be announced! Don't miss the excitement and honor as these students are recognized for their talents and hard work!

For more information, contact Gallery coordinator Mary Jo Whitman at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6490, or via email: mjwhitman@genesee.edu.

Photos: Community Winter Wonderland at Red Osier

By Philip Casper

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Red Osier Landmark Restaurant in Stafford hosted its third annual Community Days and Winter Wonderland of Lights on Monday night, which included visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus and a petting zoo with animals from Party Animals in North Tonawanda.

This year's Christmas light display includes 2.5 million lights. 

There were also free horse and carriage rides.

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Council appoints Saleh to part-time City Court judge position

By Mike Pettinella

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Longtime attorney David Saleh was appointed as part-time City of Batavia Court judge tonight, filling the vacancy created by former part-time justice Durin Rogers’ election to the full-time post in November.

City Council members, at the close of their Business Meeting at City Hall Council Chambers, unanimously voted in favor of Saleh’s hiring, which takes effect on Jan. 1, for a six-year term.

“First of all, I’m honored and very grateful to the City Council for having selected me to this position,” said Saleh, who noted that he will preside over the court primarily on Wednesdays and Fridays. “I am very excited to work with Judge (Durin) Rogers and to follow the direction this court has been going for many years under Judge (Robert) Balbick and Judge Rogers.”

Saleh, 66, has been a lawyer for more than 40 years and has experience in various disciplines, including being both a defense attorney and prosecutor as well as practicing corporate and municipal law.

He lived in Corfu for many years before relocating to the City in 2013.

Saleh, vice president/general counsel for Inlighten Inc., of Clarence, also has been involved in community and civic organizations, most notably as president of the Batavia Lions Club.

He has served as the City Republican Committee chairperson in recent years, a position that he will have to relinquish to avoid any conflict-of-interest issues. It is believed that Richard Richmond will assume the committee chair post.

Saleh said fairness and professionalism are the cornerstones of a successful judge.

“I think the main thing that has always been my focus -- and I’ve had a lot of experience in the courts – is to be very fair and professional with the people that come in front of me,” he said.

“I have a lot of experience and I hope to impart some of that to the attorneys who come to court with their clients to seek justice and deal with various problems that come up to people who are using the system.”

In other action, Council unanimously approved resolutions:

-- Authorizing an additional police officer position that will allow for the new hire to be trained in light of the January 2020 retirements of Assistant Chief Todd Crossett and Det. Sgt. Kevin Czora, and the City’s agreement with the Batavia City School District to provide a School Resource Officer beginning with the 2020-21 school year.

-- Appropriating $50,000 from the Facilities Reserve Fund to conduct a feasibility study – including predesign work – for a new police station at the northwest corner of Bank Street and Alva Place. Currently, the reserve fund has a balance of $298,000.

-- Acceptance of a $1 million Empire State Development Corporation Downtown Revitalization Initiative reimbursement grant to renovate the City Centre concourse, with improvements to be made to the roof, floor tiles and entrances.

City Manager Martin Moore said the state will reimburse the City at the end of the project, which means that short-term bonds may be needed to cover the ongoing costs.

“This is a major piece of the City’s efforts to upgrade the concourse and create positive economic opportunities for micro-business enterprises,” Moore wrote in a memo to City Council.

-- Ratifying the new 40-year sales tax allocation agreement with Genesee County, per requirements set by the state Comptroller’s office. The amended contract begins on Jan. 1.

-- Appointing citizens to the Youth Board (David Twichell, Paula Fischer and Kathryn Fitzpatrick) and Deer Management Committee (Russell Nephew Jr., Kent Klotzbach, Frederick Gundell, Samuel DiSalvo and Gus Galliford).

-- Contracting with Genesee County for prosecutorial services with the City paying $73,719 for 2020 and $76,219 for 2021.

Additionally, Public Works Director Matt Worth reported that crews are targeting this Thursday and Friday, depending upon the weather, to continue residential leaf pickup. Worth also said that the City yard waste station will remain open through Dec. 16.

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City Council President Eugene Jankowski, right, reads a proclamation commending local and regional law enforcement personnel for their cooperative efforts during a 20-hour standoff on Nov. 18-19 on Liberty Street in the City.

The proclamation thanked all agencies that assisted City Police and for resolving the situation in a safe manner.

From left are City Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano, Monroe County Sheriff's Capt. Jeff Wagner, NYS DEC Officer Fay Fuerch, DPW Director Matt Worth, Genesee County Dispatch Deputy Director Frank Riccobono, State Police Capt. David Forsythe, State Police Sgt. Ben Fasano, City Police Sgt. Chris Camp, City Police Chief Shawn Heubusch and Jankowski.

Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Ellicott Station update: Savarino Companies to file funding application with HCR on Friday

By Mike Pettinella

Savarino Companies of Buffalo, developer of the mixed-use Ellicott Station project that has been in the works for three and a half years, reportedly will be filing an application for residential funding with the New York State Homes and Community Renewal agency on Friday.

“The application deadline is Friday and we’ve been told that one will be filed for the 55 units,” Pier Cipollone, president of the Batavia Development Corporation, said at this morning’s BDC meeting. “They (apartments) are geared toward a mixed-use workforce with a $30,000 to $40,000 salary range for tenants.”

Cipollone said that a decision by HCR on the funding hopefully will come in April or May of next year.

The total cost of the residential part of the project is expected to be around $18 million, Cipollone said, but he noted that the BDC is "not privy to how much Savarino will be asking for in the HCR application."

Cost of the complete Ellicott Station project, which includes apartments, commercial office space and the Resurgence Brewing Company business, is estimated at $22.7 million.

“We’ve been waiting a long time to get a shovel in the ground,” Cipollone said. “We’ve asked Sam (Savarino) to knock down a garage on the (former Santy’s Tire Sales and Soccio & Della Penna property on Ellicott Street) to start the process.”

Cipollone said once the garage is down, officials can proceed with rezoning the property into three lots -- separating the residential from the commercial per HCR requirements.

He noted that Savarino bought the property from the BDC for $60,000, and still owes all but a $5,000 down payment.

Cipollone also announced that he will be stepping down as president at year’s end due to commitments as an IT consultant. He said he will be speaking with Vice President Wesley Bedford about the pending vacancy.

In other developments:

-- Batavia City Manager Martin Moore said that Theatre 56 has signed a lease with the City, setting the stage for the design phase of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative project and necessary construction.

-- BDC Executive Director Andrew Maguire reviewed the 2020-21 budget that shows revenues of $110,000 (from the City) and $5,721 (referral fee from Genesee County Economic Development Center) and primary expenses of $65,000 (salary), $35,000 (professional services contracts) and $4,000 (marketing and public relations).

-- The board approved the 2020 meeting schedule, which sets the meeting time and date at 8:30 a.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month at City Hall second floor.

Liberty Street man may file insurance claim against City; GoFundMe campaign at $1,250

By Mike Pettinella

The sister of the Liberty Street man who has been displaced as a result of a 20-hour police standoff on Nov. 18-19 said she is looking into filing an insurance claim against the City of Batavia for damages inflicted upon her brother’s apartment.

“We’re considering that (filing a form with the Supreme Court of the State of New York) against the City, but we’re waiting to see how much we get from the GoFundMe page,” Mary Ellen Wilber said this morning. “Hopefully, we won’t have to.”

Currently, the GoFundMe.com campaign set up for her brother, David Zanghi, has raised $1,250 toward its goal of $2,000, with the money to be used to replace the man’s personal belongings, including clothes, which were destroyed by tear gas used during the standoff between the suspect, Daniel Wolfe, 45, and police.

Police responded to 209 Liberty St. in the early afternoon of Nov. 18 after receiving a domestic disturbance call. Wolfe proceeded to barricade himself inside his upstairs apartment and reportedly shot at officers with a pellet gun.

The situation remained unchanged until the next morning when Wolfe finally surrendered. During the impasse, personnel from several county and state agencies assisted City Police.

Wolfe was put in Genesee County Jail where he awaits a court appearance set for this Thursday.

Meanwhile, Wilber said that Zanghi, 66, who lived downstairs, will be moving into another apartment later this week and is seeking the City’s assistance in removing his contaminated clothes.

“While I can’t say enough about the kindness of (City Manager) Marty Moore and (Assistant City Manager) Rachael Tabelski. I can’t say the same about the attitude of the police department,” said Wilber, who splits her time between Batavia and New Jersey.

She said that she asked if police could go in with their protective gloves and masks to put Zanghi’s clothes into garbage bags.

“They have the equipment to do this, but there are not willing to, which is disappointing,” she said.

Wilber said that Moore and another person will be meeting her at the Liberty Street home at 5 p.m. Tuesday to remove the clothes and other items.

“The city manager is willing to do this – to take his time after a full day’s work – because the city police won’t,” she said.

City Police Chief Shawn Heubusch, when contacted this morning, said he had no comment and referred the matter to the city manager’s office.

Moore, when asked for an update this morning, confirmed that he would be helping out on Tuesday "personally" (not in an official capacity) and said that talks with Wilber have been “cordial.”

He also noted that members of the police department have been reaching out individually to a number of causes during the holiday season.

As far as an insurance claim was concerned, Moore said Wilber “had not indicated which way she was going to go, but that the City deals with similar claims on a regular basis.”

Wilber said that her brother already has been helped by several organizations, including the Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern, Catholic Charities, Ascension Parish and St. Padre Pio churches, Genesee Justice and Community Action of Orleans and Genesee.

“We want to keep this as fiscally responsible as possible – it’s our tax dollars (that contribute to getting donations),” she said. “Marty and Rachael are doing such a great job and the people in our community have stepped up, and we realize that money needs to go to other people, too.”

Visiting with Google in Chicago

By Howard B. Owens

This morning, both Billie and I are flying to Chicago for a local news conference sponsored by Google.

Google is flying in local publishers from all over the country to talk about local news, both how technology is shaping the way news is covered and what tools are available to help with revenue.  

We return on Thursday.

Our evenings will be free and since I've been to Chicago a few times, I'm looking forward to taking Billie to some of my favorite restaurants and bars.

We have coverage lined up for while we're gone and of course, we'll have computers with us so you can still expect to find local news on the site while we're traveling.

Photos: Fifth-annual 'Shop with a Cop' at Walmart

By Howard B. Owens

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For the fifth year in a row, members of local law enforcement put on their uniforms during their time off and showed up on a Saturday morning at Walmart for "Shop with a Cop."

This year, 57 children -- selected with the help of school districts -- were able to use gift cards to buy Christmas presents for parents and siblings as well as themselves while shopping with a police officer.

The New York State Police received a grant for the program, which is divided evenly among troopers, deputies and Batavia PD officers. Additionally, Le Roy PD received a donation from Le Roy Rotary to fund shopping for five children. Walmart donates wrapping and assigns employees to the event.

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Photo: Wreath at St. Francis Cemetery honors veterans during holidays

By Howard B. Owens

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American Legion Unit 576 placed a wreath on the Monument at St Francis Cemetery in Le Roy this morning in honor of deceased veterans during the holiday season. Pictured are Regina Diskin, Cathy Christopher, Linda Horgan and Mary Ellen Joy.

Photo submitted by Regina Diskin. 

For Tom and Lynn Houseknecht, community volunteering has been a joint commitment of friends and family

By Howard B. Owens

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Though their volunteer efforts have spanned a range of activities over many decades, both Tom and Lynn Houseknecht said Friday as they were honored by the St. Jerome Foundation with the annual Health and Humanitarian Award, that the greatest reward has been the friendships they've made over the years.

"Today, I have to tell the truth," Lynn said standing before a sold-out luncheon at Terry Hills, "and the truth is we met most of (our friends) through volunteering. And the fact is, they were already there doing it first and being incredible role models and certainly people we admired.

"And that admiration grew into friendship. We're so very, very blessed to have had so many good, kind, compassionate people as role models and now as dear friends and family. That is definitely the most precious gift of being involved in our community."

Tom said, "Honestly, you should all be standing up here right along beside us."

Among the many charitable causes the Houseknechts have supported, both through donations and as volunteers, are the Arc of Genesee Orleans, UMMC (and previously Genesee Memorial Hospital), Notre Dame High School, St. Joseph School, YMCA, CASA, Batavia Rotary Club, and Resurrection Parish among others.

"Chris Fix asked us why we chose to volunteer where we did," Tom said. "Our longest commitments have been to the hospital, which is important to us for the physical health of our family and friends and the financial health of the community. The Arc, of course, holds a long family history and a special place in our hearts. Education, both public and Catholic, is the route of success of our kids and everyone else's."

Previously: Tom and Lynn Houseknecht to be honored with The Jerome Foundation's Health and Humanitarian Award

Sponsored Post: Dolce Panepinto: Frequently asked workers' compensation questions

By Lisa Ace


Commonly Asked Workers’ Compensation Questions:

Q. What is a Workers’ Compensation claim?
A. A Workers’ Compensation claim is a legal action that occurs when you get hurt during the course of your employment. In New York State you cannot sue your employer. When you get hurt at work, the Workers’ Compensation system provides for lost time financial payments and medical treatment required as a result of your work-related injury.

Q. How do I know if I have a Workers’ Compensation claim?
A. If you sustain an injury during the course of your employment, you should contact our office for a free case evaluation as soon as possible. We can help you determine if you have a Workers’ Compensation claim and assist you in filing the proper paperwork.

Q. How long do I have to file a Workers’ Compensation claim?
A. You are required to report your injury to your employer within 30 days. There is also a two-year time limit to file a claim with the Workers’ Compensation Board. Failure to adhere to these time limits can result in a denial of your claim.

Q. Is a Workers’ Compensation claim my only recourse if I am hurt at work?
A. In New York State, you cannot sue your employer. In some circumstances, a personal injury lawsuit can be filed in addition to a Workers’ Compensation claim. This includes, but is not limited to, injuries sustained in a work-related motor vehicle accident, constructions injuries, or injuries sustained at a location not owned by your employer. Our team of attorneys at Dolce Panepinto will assess your claim to ensure that every legal avenue available to you is pursued.

Q. How much does a Workers’ Compensation Attorney cost? 
A. Workers’ Compensation fees are generated on a contingent basis. This means that we only receive payment if we generate money in connection with your Workers’ Compensation claim. More information on contingent fees can be found here. Additionally, our attorneys can explain our attorney fees in greater detail.

Q. Do I need an attorney?
A. While an attorney is not required, it is strongly recommended that you retain an attorney. The Workers’ Compensation Law is complex, confusing, and often difficult to navigate. The insurance carrier will have an attorney fighting on their behalf, we recommend that you have an attorney fighting on your behalf. Having an attorney means ensuring your rights are protected, maximizing your benefits, and making sure your questions and concerns are addressed.

Dolce Panepinto works tirelessly to protect the rights of injured workers by making sure that those responsible are held accountable. If you or a family member are injured at work, or in your private life, contact us today for a free case evaluation at 585-815-9003. For further questions regarding Workers' Compensation Law or to contact Dolce Panepinto: click here.

Police release name of second suspect in assault on Highland Park in October

By Howard B. Owens
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        Terrance Falk

A 21-year-old Rochester man with ties to Batavia is charged with gang assault and harassment in connection with an incident on Highland Park on Oct. 4.

The Batavia Police Department released information on the arrest today.

A codefendant in the case, Riley Mayer, 21, of Batavia, pled guilty in Genesee County Court on Thursday to a charge of assault, 2nd

A third suspect has not yet been charged, according to District Attorney Lawrence Friedman. 

The victim in the attack allegedly suffered serious injuries.

Falk was arrested in October and arraigned Oct. 7 and ordered held on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond. There is no information immediately available on his current bail status.

Falk's current address is on Woodsmeadow Lane in Rochester.

He reportedly lived in Batavia in August 2018 when he was charged with disorderly conduct and harassment at a concert at Darien Lake. He reportedly lived in Brighton in September 2015 when he fought with a guard in the Genesee County Jail. In December 2014, he was accused of damaging property in Le Roy. There's no information immediately available on the disposition of those cases.

Photos: Santa in Le Roy for Winterfest

By Philip Casper

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Christmas was in the air in Le Roy on Saturday for the community's annual Winterfest, which included the traditional visit by Santa at the Moose Lodge.

Above, Willow is delighted to tell Santa what she wants for Christmas.  

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Tanner chillin' with Santa.

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Zayden with Santa.

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Donations from third annual 'Living Manger' in Pembroke Town Park will help local food pantry

By Virginia Kropf

Photo: James Childs, 9, left, and Charles Stringham, 9, are shepherds posing with sheep belonging to Ed and Julie Keller, of Corfu, during the Living Manger Saturday night in Pembroke Town Park.

CORFU – For the third year, several churches in the Corfu/Pembroke area have combined their efforts to enact a live nativity scene in the Pembroke Town Park.

From 5 to 7 Saturday night, members of the Indian Falls United Methodist Church, High Point Community Church and North Darien Bible Church donned Biblical attire and took up their roles as shepherds, angels, Wise Men and Mary and Joseph.

Corfu Presbyterian Church also provided assistance, said Meagan Stringham, who helped organize the event with Celinda McQuistion.

There was no charge to drive through the displays, but donations were accepted for the Corfu Presbyterian Church food pantry.

Bales of straw were piled high along the driveway and a variety of live animals, including sheep, goats and a donkey nibbled at the bales.

Dan Spoth, of Clarence, said the Phelps family brought in a goat and the donkey, while two sheep came from Ed and Julie Keller, of Corfu.

After driving past all the stations set up, drivers could stop at the last tent to enjoy a hot beverage and cookies.

Photos by Virginia Kropf.

Below, Christina Sosnowski, rear, Allie Stringham and Jessica Soskowski are three angels.

Bottom, Sisters Makena (kneeling), Brooke and Josie Reding watch two goats eat in one of the scenes of the nativity.

Top Items on Batavia's List

Tourism Marketing Assistant Position The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, serving as the official tourism promotion agency for Genesee County, NY is seeking an experienced marketing professional to assist in the overall Chamber tourism and marketing initiatives for Genesee County. https://visitgeneseeny.com/about/join-our-team
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Town of Batavia Court Department is seeking a part time as needed Court Officer. Court Officers are responsible for maintaining order in the court room and court facility during proceedings. Please send resume to Town of Batavia, Attention Hiedi Librock, 3833 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. Complete job description is available on the Town web site or at the Town Hall Application deadline is April 15, 2024.
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