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Stafford's proposed ban on fracking and oil drilling gets county planners' approval

By Howard B. Owens

The residents of Stafford are a step closer to banning all natural gas hydrofracking as well as other types of oil and gas exploration, drilling and processing.

The Genesee County Planning Board recommended approval Thursday night of a new local law for the Town of Stafford that would ban such

UMMC, Genesee County, team up again to provide park visitors with sunscreen

By Press Release
Video Sponsor
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Press release:

More than 4,000 New Yorkers are diagnosed with skin cancer a year.  United Memorial Medical Center and the Genesee County Parks Department are collaborating once again to

Presentation offers lessons, urges residents to test homes for radon

By Joanne Beck
Sherri Bensley and Allysa Pascoe
Sherri Bensley, left, and Allysa Pascoe, of Genesee and Orleans Health Department, give a presentation about radon during this week's City Council meeting at City Hall. Free test kits are available at the health department to find out your home's level for this odorless, tasteless radioactive gas.
Photo by Howard Owens.

If you were asked to name the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, it may surprise you that the answer is not second hand smoke, often portrayed as perhaps the most dangerous substance to lungs for those exposed to the fumes of others.

Genesee County releases efficiency plan to ensure rebate for residents

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County and a number of its municipal partners this week released their New York State mandated efficiency plan, demonstrating a projected local savings of approximately $14.3 million for the years covering 2017-2019. Joining in with the County on the shared services initiative is the City of Batavia

David W. Snyder

By T.J. Woodward

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David W. Snyder, 80, of Cowlesville passed away Monday May 25, 2015 at Wyoming County Community Hospital. He was born October 4, 1934 in Crittenden, New York to the late Casper (Josephine Hendricks) Snyder.

Dave was married to the former Catherine Fiebelkorn on November 16, 1963. After marriage they moved to their home in Cowlesville, New York where they raised 7 children. He was a veteran of the United States Army and retired as a High Lift Operator at Buffalo Crushed Stone, where he was known as “TEX” to many of his co-workers. He enjoyed raising a variety of animals, gardening, producing maple syrup, hunting, fishing and just plain tinkering. He was a founding member of the Niagara Frontier Dairy Goat Association and was involved with the Buffalo and Western New York Poultry Association. He enjoyed spending time with his family and looked forward to his Tuesday night gatherings at the We Blew Inn in Bennington.  He was the President of the Snyder Family Reunion where everyone enjoyed his lively auctioneering and frequent pig roasts. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Catherine (Fiebelkorn) Snyder of Cowlesville; children Peter Snyder of Cowlesville, Wayne (Amy) Snyder of Darien Center, Matthew Snyder of Attica, Andrew (Dawn) Snyder of Attica, Curt Snyder of Cowlesville, Edward Snyder of Varysburg, Elizabeth (Bradley) Johnson of Attica; siblings Edward (Linda) Snyder of Attica, Norman Snyder of Alexander, Joseph Snyder of Alexander, Dan (Rae) Snyder of East Bethany, Joanne Mazur of Attica, Kathy Hephner of Alexander; 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday May 28, 2015 from 3PM – 7PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday May 29, 2015 at the Sacred Heart Church 1230 Clinton Street Bennington, New York 14011. He will be laid to rest in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Attica Rescue Squad 11 Water Street Attica, New York 14011. For more information please call 585-591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com  Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

Neil J. Miller

By T.J. Woodward

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Neil J. Miller, 88, passed away peacefully on Friday (October 16, 2015) at his home in North Java. He was born January 16, 1927 in Buffalo, New York to the late Louis (Catherine Collier) Miller. He is preceded in death by his wife Marguerite (Marge) Eley; brothers Jerome, Gerald, Carl and Louis Miller and sisters Catherine and Rita Mary.

Neil served in the US Army during WWII in Italy. He retired after working for Ford Motor Co. for 35 years.  Neil also worked for Ortners International Dealership in North Java, Hogans Grocery and as a part time mail carrier.  After retirement Neil was a School Bus Driver for Becker’s Bus Service. He was an avid outdoorsman. Neil enjoyed hunting with his son’s, fishing and camping.  For many years he was the Boy Scout Master for the local troop.  Neil loved music, playing his guitar and singing for family and friends.  In his youth he played in several bands and called square dances. He was an active volunteer. Neil served on the Advisory board for the North Java Fire Department, St Nicholas Church Council and also served as the former North Java Water Commissioner.  He was also a member of the the VFW/American Legion and Pheasants Forever.

He is survived by his children, Neil (Peter) Miller (Debbie) of Corning, NY, Sharon Pierce of Attica, Daniel (Suzanne) Miller of Attica, Thomas (Sue Ann) Miller of North Java, Louis (Mary) Miller of East Bethany, Christopher (Karen) Miller of Strykersville, Patrick (Christie) Miller of Spencerport; brother Herman (Esther) Miller of North Java and sister Grace (Peter D’Amico)Tuller of Syracuse; 19 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren and special Friend Donna Fraser of Eden.

Friends and family are invited to call on Sunday October 25, 2015 from 2:00-600PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. An 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday October 26, 2015 at Church of St. Cecilia’s (St. John Neumann Parish)

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to North Java Rescue Squad 4274 Route 98 North Java, New York 14113, Church of St. Cecilia’s (St. John Neuman Parish) 991 Centerline Road  Sheldon, New York 14145 or Home Care & Hospice 450 North Main Street Warsaw, New York 14569. For more information please call 585-591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.
 

Longtime tradition of ag district review continues to ensure 'farm protections'

By Joanne Beck

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Only one person spoke during a public hearing about Genesee County’s Agricultural District 1 Wednesday, and it was the organizer of the hearing, Director of the county Planning Department Felipe Oltramari.

He explained the process and importance to conduct reviews and hearings for Ag Districts, which occur every eight years

Oliver's Candies hopes to ease rules for electronic signs

By Raymond Coniglio

Changing times demand changing signs, says Jeremy Liles, owner of Oliver’s Candies.

City code doesn’t agree — at least not for now.

And so the Genesee County Planning Board on Thursday recommended disapproval of a permit that would allow “periodical change” of the digital reader board on Oliver’s Candies’ new

Landmark Society presents documentary on early architectural styles in Genesee County

By Traci Turner

The Landmark Society of Genesee County showed a second screening last night of its documentary on Federal-style Architecture to highlight the importance of the historical style.

The event at GO ART! featured the live action documentary and insights from guest speaker Bernard Schmieder, producer of the film and past president of the Landmark

Treasurer: Gas prices fueling sales tax revenue increase

By Mike Pettinella

Genesee County sales tax revenue is trending in the right direction, County Treasurer Scott German said on Wednesday afternoon.

“Sales tax revenue is doing well,” said German, speaking at the Genesee County Legislature’s Ways & Means Committee meeting at the Old County Courthouse.

Supported by Excel spreadsheets showing fund balances

James R. "Jim" Smith

By Joshua Smith

East Bethany - James (Jim) Richard Smith, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, 87, of East Bethany, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, September 24, 2015 surrounded by his loving family after a long illness.    

He is survived by so many who love him: his beloved wife Agnes Ann Dillon Smith, his “Sweet Love” of 62 years, daughter Sharon (Larry) Smith of East Bethany and The Villages, Florida, and their children; Kristie (Chris) Toomath of Los Angeles, California (Kayla Ferreira, Braxton and Brodie Toomath), Katie (Glenn) Taylor of Pavilion (Jacob and Ayden), Ryan (Kristie Noelle) Smith of Victor (Riley and Gabriella), daughter Cynthia (Thomas) Schubmehl of East Pembroke, and their children; Erin (Steven) Jacobson of Princeton, New Jersey, Brian (Katelyn) Schubmehl of Boston, Massachusetts (Eleanor), and daughter Peggy (Douglas) Fuller of Delevan, and their children; Cassidy (fiance, Justin Schwab) of Chaffee, Dillon and Megan of Delevan, and Julienne Rice (Nick Benton) of Rochester.  

 Mr. Smith is also survived by a sister, Nancy (Charles) Rieks of Greeneville, Tennessee; two sisters-in-law, Elma Smith of LeRoy, and Mary Jane (Ronald) Heywood of East Bethany, two special sisters; Judy (Nicholas) Cecci of Corning, and Patti (Robert) Nephew of Warsaw, his extended family Amy Jo and Marty Griffith of Clarence Center and their children Taylor Leigh (Jacob Amankwaah) of Buffalo, Sammi Jo (Luke) Gill of Eden (Marleigh Jo and Henry),  a special daughter, Jane (Rick) Scott of Stafford, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  Mr. Smith was known to many outside of his “biological” family as “Grampa Jim.”

 Mr. Smith was born August 6, 1928 in Hornell, New York, a son of the late Daniel Patrick and Mary Jane Reese Smith. He attended school in Batavia, and later attending and graduating from Alexander Central.

 Mr. Smith had a long career at Niagara Mohawk Electric Company as a lineman, a rural representative, and a district operator, and lastly as a service man. He also took great pride in his very long tenure serving as Secretary Treasurer of the Rural Cemetery Association. He volunteered his time as an electrician generously to the East Bethany Presbyterian Church, the Bethany Firemen’s Carnival, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and many family friends. He was extremely hardworking, whether the work was volunteer or paid.

 James was predeceased by his parents, Daniel and Mary Jane Smith, his twin brother John R. Smith, and his sister Diane J. Smith Wheatley.

 Mr. Smith’s family would like to thank the many people and agencies who have made these last years of his life so much easier to manage; The Rev. Walter Wenhold for pastoral care, his Visiting Nurse Association nurse, Sue Nevinger, RN, Homecare & Hospice for their support, Connie and her staff at the Lake Plains Dialysis Center here in Batavia, Sue Riner, NP for her wonderful care throughout the years, and his nephrologist Dr. Rebecca Monk who became a friend. Additionally, the family would like to thank our family and friends who have been there for Jim and for them during this difficult time.

Friends may call on Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.  A Funeral Service officiated by The Rev. Walter Wenhold will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 27th at East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Road, East Bethany, New York. Burial will immediately follow the funeral service in the East Bethany Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations or memorials can be made to the East Bethany Presbyterian Church, the Bethany Fire Department, or Lake Plains Dialysis Center (Batavia Location).  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

 

Kim Maureen McGiveron

By Joshua Smith

Riga - Kim Maureen McGiveron, 60, of Riga, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday (May 11, 2022) at her home.

She was born June 23, 1961 in Batavia, a daughter of Ronald and Mary Jane (Dillon) Heywood of East Bethany.

Kim was a graduate of Pavilion Central School, GCC, and she earned her bachelor's degree at Brockport State College. She was a bookkeeper for several local businesses, and an employee of Lenape.

She was a member and dedicated Deacon and Elder of the East Bethany Presbyterian Church, and also attended the Congregational Church of Riga. Kim was a loving, kind, thoughtful, giving person who always put others first; she will be sadly missed. We have lost a very bright light in our family, but she'll shine brightly in Heaven.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her fiance, Jerry Clark of Riga; daughter Danielle (Timothy) Dosch of Florida; son, Shawn McGiveron of Warsaw; grandchildren, McKenzie and Savannah; brothers, Doug (Peg) Heywood of East Bethany, and Richard (Melissa) Heywood of Tennessee; sisters, Bonnie (Ken) Morgan of Tennessee, and Linda (Randy) Page of Batavia. Several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia. Kim's funeral service will be held on Monday (May 16) at 11 a.m. at the East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Road in East Bethany. Burial will be in East Bethany Cemetery at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to East Bethany Presbyterian Church.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Bethany man sentenced on child assault charge

By Howard B. Owens

A 25-year-old Bethany man who was charged in January with reckless assault of a child and later accepted a plea deal was sentenced in County Court on Tuesday to one-and-a-third to four years in prison.

Anthony Dibble entered his guilty plea six weeks ago to attempted assault on a child in

Ronald "Ron" D. Heywood

By Joshua Smith

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East Bethany- Ronald "Ron" D. Heywood passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at Strong Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

He was born November 7, 1934, in Batavia, NY, the son of Donald and Thelma Heywood.

Ron graduated from Pavilion Central School, class of 1953, and married his high school sweetheart. He served our country in the US ARMY, spending 2 years in Amberg, Germany He worked at Jello in Leroy and later retired from O-at-Ka milk products as a Distribution Manager, after 35 years.

Ron was a lifetime member and past trustee of East Bethany Presbyterian Church, served as Cub scout roundtable commissioner for pack 20 in East Bethany. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and trapper. His passion was passing his knowledge and talents to his children and grandchildren. He loved camping and traveling with his RV through all 50 states, half the providences of Canada, and spent the last 20 years in Texas for the winter.

Surviving is his wife, Mary Jane "Mike" Heywood, of 66 years; sons, Douglas (Peggy) Heywood of East Bethany and Richard Heywood of Tennessee; daughters, Bonnie (Kenneth) Morgan of Tennessee and Linda (Randy) Page of Batavia; grandchildren, Sharan (Ron) Demana, Brent (Valerie) Heywood, Joe (Jessica) Hewitt, Patrick O'Connor, Danielle (Tim) Dosch, Shawn McGiveron, Chris (Megan) Page, Amanda (Jason) Krohn, and Ashley (Tony) Fortney; sister, Roberta Carter; brothers, Daniel (Denise) Heywood of Florida and David (Mary Lee) Heywood of Illinois; many nieces, nephews, and 13 great grandkids.

In death Ron is reunited with his parents, Donald and Thelma Heywood; sister, Beverly Emerson, Brother in laws, Gerald Carter and Tom Emerson; Daughter, Kim McGiveron.

Friends may call on Monday, February 13, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 11 am at East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Rd, East Bethany, NY 14054. Burial, along with military honors, will follow in East Bethany Cemetery.

Memorials in his name may be made to East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Rd, East Bethany, NY 14054, or the New York State Bluebird Society c/o Murial Prianti, Treasurer 5157 Orangeport Road, Brewerton, NY 13029.

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Lewis Allen Rhinehart

By LaVern Falcone

East Bethany ~ Lewis Allen Rhinehart, age 78, passed away Wednesday morning (July 13, 2022) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

   

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  He was born November 29, 1943, in Rochester, NY to the late Homer and Marjorie Rhinehart.

     Lewis is survived by his daughter, Crystal; sister Ruth Parnell and special nephew, Scott Parnell.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews across the country.  Lewis was predeceased by his wife, Beverly; his brothers, William, Ronald, John, Homer Jr., Walter and sister, Doris.

     Lewis worked for many years as a carpenter for Harry Pimm, Jr., before moving on to work as a security guard for Sabin Metal until he retired in the early 2000’s.

     Lewis spent his retirement with his wife, Beverly until her passing in 2011; while also cuddling with his beloved dog, Peanut and collecting John Deere tractor models.

     Family and friends may call on Sunday, July 17 from 1 ~ 4 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Graveside prayers and military honors will be held on Monday, July 18 at 11:00 AM at the Pavilion Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Bethany Volunteer Fire Dept., 10510 Bethany Ctr. Rd., East Bethany, NY 14054

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Lewis’ family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Bethany Fire salutes volunteers, honors top members for 2022

By Howard B. Owens

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William Thurley and Lyle Boundy, pictured with Chief Jeff Fluker on the left, by a vote of the membership, were selected as co-Firefighters of the Year for the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department.

They received the award Saturday night at the Batavia Country Club during the department's annual installation and awards

Two people seriously injured in Bethany accident remain in ICU

By Howard B. Owens

Two of the people seriously injured in a weekend accident that took the life of a young Pembroke woman remain in guarded condition at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Details of the injuries to Brandon Danser, 21, of Batavia, and Jamie Scherer, 21, of Pembroke, are not available.

Strong lists all patients

John A. Pierce

By T.J. Woodward

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John A. Pierce, 94, a 55 year resident of Bethany Center, who most recently resided at The Manor House in Batavia, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home. He is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, and the love of his life, Millie (Kilby) Pierce who passed away in October 1999; two sisters Emma and Violet; and brothers Eugene, Richard, Robert and Victor Bisig.

Mr. Pierce proudly served in the Army Air Corp during World War II as a B-25 pilot. He worked for Franklin Mills Whole Wheat Flour which was demolished with the Batavia Urban Renewal Project. He later owned and operated FM Mills in Bergen with his partners George (Red) Vincent and Bruce Ireland. When they closed that business, Mr. Pierce, at age 50, was appointed by Genesee County to the position of Executive Secretary to the Civil Service Commission and subsequently was appointed as the first Genesee County Personnel Officer from which he retired in April 1983. He often said how much he loved his job.

He is survived by his son, James (Brenda) Pierce; daughter Cheryl (Lance) Glover; grandchildren Holly (James) Piljay, Troy Glover, Nicole Gaiser, Amy (Christopher) Stahl, Tracy Pierce, and Kelly Pierce. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren. He has one surviving brother, James (Katy) Bisig of Columbia, MO., and many surviving nieces and nephews.

To honor his wishes, there will be no calling hours. A Private Service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to the Maple Lawn Cemetery Association, C/O Lyle Embt, Treasurer, 10720 Bethany Center Road East Bethany, New York 14054 or to the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department 5253 Old Telephone Road East Bethany, New York 14054. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Mrs. Marguerite James Breckenridge

By Joshua Smith
Breckenridge

Marguerite James Breckenridge, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and neighbor passed from this life on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the age of 97.

She was born on December 7, 1925 to the late Thomas S. James and Lucille James of Batavia.

Marguerite was married to Robert J. Breckenridge of Bethany, NY, where they had a dairy farm. After retirement, the couple moved to Sarasota, FL and raised beef cattle. Later they located to Wylie, TX and then Keller, TX, then finally relocated back to Bethany.

She is predeceased by her husband, Robert J, Breckenridge, sons, Thomas R. Breckenridge and Robert W. Breckenridge and a granddaughter, Heather D. Smith.

As always, Marguerite was a loving companion and devoted wife through their marriage of 63 years. She was a caring, guiding and adoring mother to Lynda (Mauro) Gaetano of Austin, TX and Stephen (Joanne) Breckenridge of Bethany. She leaves four granddaughters, Jennifer (Shawn) Covert of LeRoy,NY, Bernadette (Larry) DeLaGarza of Austin, TX, Kristen (Joseph) Magyar of Newburgh,NY, Kimberly (Timothy) D'Amico of Batavia, NY, and a step-grandson, David (Katrinia) Gaetano of Atlanta, GA. She is survived by nine great grandchildren, Michael and Matthew Covert, Santiago and Gabriella DeLaGarza, Isabella, Lukas and Vivian Magyar, Macey D'Amico and Adriana Gaetano, who all made her proud.

In her younger years, she was employed by the First National Bank in Batavia, CL Carr's, Chapin Manufacturing and a Nurse's Aide at St. Jerome's Hospital following World War II as a Gray Lady, which was an extension of the American Red Cross. She was active in the Batavia Business & Professional Women's Club, and an active member for many years in the Cerebral Palsy of NYS organization as well as Home Bureau. She also was a member of the First Baptist Church of Batavia.

Marguerite was a strong, resilient and thoughtful person who was a talented homemaker, cook and baker. As the wife of a farmer, she would attend cattle auctions and purchase cows for the dairy herd, help with milking or delivering calves later in the day. During the Blizzard of '77 she opened her home providing meals and lodging to stranded motorists on Route 20.

Marguerite leaves a great void in the hearts of those close to her. She will be dearly missed though memories and the love she shared will live on among family, friends and those whose life she touched. Her family would like to extend a sincere thank you to her nurse, Patti Cunningham, and health care aides, Shirley Farley, Mary Merle, and Linda Jackett, as well as friends, Diane Hall, Darleen Peters, Linda Sanders, Kris Kujawski, and Sunshine.

At Marguerite's request, there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in West Bethany Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in her name to West Bethany Baptist Church, 10333 West Bethany Road, East Bethany, New York 14054 or Bethany Volunteer Fire Department, 5253 Old Telephone Road, East Bethany, New York 14054. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Mrs. Marguerie James Breckenridge

By Joshua Smith
Breckenridge

Marguerite James Breckenridge, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and neighbor passed from this life on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the age of 97.

She was born on December 7, 1925 to the late Thomas S. James and Lucille James of Batavia.

Marguerite was married to Robert J. Breckenridge

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