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Linda Jannain Hume

By Lisa Ace
Linda Jannain Hume

Linda Jannain Hume of Benson, Arizona went home to the Lord on December 31st, 2023, after a brief illness.
Linda was born on September 18th, 1951, in Batavia New York. She was the daughter of the late Lester Jannain and Florence Jannain. Linda was the oldest of 7 children.

She attended Pavilion Central School. After graduation she moved to Florida and managed an Albertson Department, as well as worked at the Boca West Resort. Linda returned home to Batavia New York to care for her widowed mother. She then managed a New York State Thruway Gift Shop and rapidly raised their sales, making them one of the top earning rest stop stores in the state.
Surviving is her loving husband William Hume of Benson, Arizona, Stepson William (Joy) Hume of East Bethany, and step-granddaughter Erica (Dallas) Logsdon of Batavia.

She was affectionately called “Wifey” and was married for over 25 years to William Hume.
Linda was a free thinker that enjoyed boating, riding motorcycles, and traveling. She loved to cook and tend to her flower gardens. She especially loved to watch the hummingbirds. She was an animal lover and is now reunited with her beloved pets Harley, Precious, and Rebel.
Linda will be remembered by her loved ones as being a glamorous and beautiful woman. She took pleasure in the finer things in life and took pride in her appearance. She had a love for life. Those that knew her well understood what kind of special person she was. Her loud and wonderful laugh will forever be heard in our hearts.  

“I only drink Champagne on two occasions, when I am in love and when I am not.”  -Coco Chanel

There will be no prior calling hours, there will be a celebration of life held for friends and family in Arizona, as well as in New York at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to a Veterans Service of your choice

Mrs. Jean G. Hume

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Jean G. Hume, 93, of Batavia, passed away Friday, March 20, 2020, at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Jean was born April 9, 1926, in Albion, daughter of the late Roy Derr Gillette and the late Beulah Achilles Gillette. A native of Albion, she was a graduate from Albion High School, class of 1942. She was active in the high school productions of Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas. In addition, she was a member of the Albion United Methodist Church, where she participated in church choirs and Sunday School activities. Jean always kept in touch with her family and friends from Albion.

Jean married James H. Hume in 1951 and moved to the Hume Farm on Creek Road. They celebrated 62 wonderful years of marriage before his passing on April 1, 2013. Jean is also predeceased by her son, Joel Hume on June 30, 2019 and her sister, Carol Seagar Hunt.

An active member of the Batavia community, she was an active member of the Batavia First United Methodist Church since 1952. Jean was a member of the McNabb Class, Ingraham Class, Women's Morning Worship Circles, served as the treasurer of the church and was responsible for the memorial fund of the church.

Jean was also an integral part of United Memorial Medical Center; the former Genesee Memorial Hospital. Jean was a member and past president of the Hospital League, volunteered in the snack shop and was later employed part-time as the hospital historian and public relations director where she worked until she was 80 years old.

Jean was known for her organizational skills which she acquired from the Rochester Business Institute. She also loved to take photographs which had to have names and dates on the back side. Her most important job was raising her five children with her husband, Jim.

Survivors include her children; Jeff (Theresa) Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; Judd Hume of Portland, Maine, Jack (Sarah) Hume of Silver Spring, Maryland and Jill (Kevin) Bailey of Canandaigua; five grandchildren; Meghann Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; Nicholas (Jessica) Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; Emily Hume of Meherrin, Virginia; Shaunna (John) Bailey Stith of Ventura, California and Merritt J. Bailey of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; two great-grandchildren; Nathan Reeves and MacKenzie Jean Hume of West Palm Beach, Florida; two nephews, John (Linda) Hume of Batavia and Roger (Mary) Hume of Batavia as well as five great-great-nieces.

There are no prior visiting hours. Her memorial service will be held at the Batavia First United Methodist Church at a later date. She will be laid to rest in West Bethany Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jean's memory may be made to First United Methodist Church of Batavia, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia, New York 14020 or UMMC Hospital League Foundation, 127 North Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Jean's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.

Cool Kids ECO-Fest commemorates 40th anniversary of Earth Day

By Billie Owens

The fifth annual Cool Kids ECO-Fest will take place at Genesee Community College from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 17 at the Batavia Campus.

The college's Earth Club, Student Activities Office and College Village are once again joining Cool Kids to collectively produce a fun-filled, yet educational event

Law and Order: Dellinger Avenue man accused of possessing burglary tools and tampering with evidence following trespass at Lehigh Avenue business

By Billie Owens

Joseph Michael Franchi-Platten, 33, of Dellinger Avenue, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th; criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd; possession of burglar tools; and tampering with physical evidence. He was arrested on July 19 following an investigation into a trespass at a local business at

James C. Murphy

By Lisa Ace


Massena: James C. Murphy, age 99 passed away peacefully on June 4, 2020 at the Massena Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. The family has entrusted funeral arrangements to the care and direction of the Phillips Memorial Home in Massena. Funeral services for James will be held at the convenience of the family with a graveside service held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, in Batavia, NY at a later date.

James was born on June 6, 1920, in Buffalo, NY. He is the first of two children born to the late James E. and Anna (Scheur) Murphy. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Viola (Neth, Wahls) Murphy formerly of Batavia, NY. James is also survived by his children: Sheilah Murphy of Seattle, WA; Kevin and Deborah Murphy, of Gloversville, NY; Arline Murphy, of Massena, NY; Nora and Bruce Murphy-Kotteman, of Princess Anne, MD; Deborah and Brian White-Sallee of Reno, NV; Arthur and Carla Wahls of Batavia, NY; and David and Robin Wahls, of Doswells, VA. James is also survived by seven grandchildren: Seana Murphy, of Salem, OR; Christopher and Noelle Murphy of Bennington, VT; Cassandra Murphy of Cromwell, CT; Kelly Conners of Massena, NY; Andrea and Robert Falkowski of East Bethany, NY; James and Tessali Wahls of Owego, NY; and Hillary Wahls, of Doswell, VA. He has 11 great-grandchildren: Dylan Murphy, Meghan Mills, William Murphy, James Murphy, Olivia Murray, Owynn Conners, Logan Wahls, Calayla Sacdalan, Wesley Falkowski, Emmaline Falkowski, and James J.A. Wahls. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Edward; and a grandson, Drew Wahls.

As a teenager he attended Fosdick-Masten Park High School in Buffalo until starting work for Western Union in 1936. Beginning in 1938 he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps, stationed in Nevada and Idaho, in part as a forest fire fighter. He often remarked that the years spent with the C.C.C. were among his most formative and even 80 years later was moved by the memory of those who were lost. Following his time with the C.C.C. he entered the United States Army in February 7, 1942 to serve his country proudly during World War II.

During the war, he served with the 88th Infantry Division in North Africa and Italy. In Italy he was transferred to 5th Army City Command Section, under the 5th Army Headquarters, where he served establishing provisional governments in liberated cities. He was honorably discharged from the service on December 12, 1945. 

In 1948 he began his career with General Motors at the gear and axle plant in Buffalo. He transferred to the engine plant in Tonawanda four years later. Then in 1959 he and his then-wife Joan, and their four children moved to Massena where he began work at the Chevrolet aluminum foundry. He worked continuously until his retirement in 1987. The following year he was brought on as a consultant in the creation of the Saturn Corporation in Detroit, MI. James later returned to consult for GM from 1993-1996, and 1998-2004.

James loved all sports, but had a particular affinity for horse racing, basketball, and football. He was an avid bowler, serving as Secretary and Treasurer of the Sunday night mixed doubles league at the Seaway Bowl for 15 years. He enjoyed bicycle racing and table tennis, and went on to compete in the New York State Senior Games in 1990 and 1991, where he won gold medals in the 5,000 and 10,000 meter races, and a bronze medal in table tennis. In 1992 he competed in the National Senior Games in Syracuse. Throughout his life James loved singing, story-telling, and jokes and he loved sharing these with his family and friends. Whether in the barracks, at the bowling alley, at the GM Retirees’ luncheons, on several cruises with his wife Viola, during Friday nights at the Village Inn, as a member of the Sacred Heart Choir, or when he was surrounded by family, James could always be relied on for laughter and song. It’s hard to imagine a finer bequest than that.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be acknowledged with St. Vincent de Paul; 128 Main St, Massena, NY 13662 or Hospice & Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley; 6805 US-11, Potsdam, NY 13676. Memories and online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.PhillipsMemorial.com

Barn fire reported in Elba

By Billie Owens

A barn fire is reported at 5520 N. Byron Road. Elba and Byron fire departments are responding. "It is believed to be 'The Big O', which is the onion growing company's name. Smoke is seen coming from the structure.

UPDATE 7:35 a.m.: This is a confirmed, working barn fire. Town of Batavia

Police Beat: Camping in a cornfield leads to trespassing and mischief charges

By Howard B. Owens

Lee Earl Galton, 31, of East Main Street, Angelica, is charged with criminal mischief and trespass. Galton is accused of allowing a vehicle to be driven onto a farmer's cornfield, then setting up camp on the field and burning a wood campfire while camping overnight on the recently planted

County planning board rejects plan for drive-thru in Village of Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

A zoning regulation in the Village of Alexander that requires all new commercial buildings to line up along the sidewalk is facing a first-time challenge from an existing business that wants to change locations.

The owners of Country in the Village, a cafe on Route 98, want to build a

Josephine Emily Mager

By Ronald Konieczny

Josephine Emily Mager, 96, of Batavia died Sunday (August 29, 2010) at Genesee County Nursing Home.

She was born in Bethany Center on April 10, 1914 a daughter of the late Anthony and Anna Dyrbala Waclawski.

Her husband Frank Mager died in 1986.

Joseph was a loving mother and grandmother and enjoyed family gatherings and holidays.  Crocheting and making afghans for her children and grandchildren were her favorite past times.  In past years she worked for the former E.N. Rowell Box Factory and Kisiel Die Casting Co.  For many years she worked bingo and lawn fetes at Sacred Heart Church.   She was a volunteer at the Senior Center and Genesee County Nursing Home for over 20 years.  She was a member of Sacred Heart Church, the Altar and Rosary Society and the Apostleship of Prayer.   For numerous years she was the treasurer of the Altar and Rosary Society and a member of the National Assoc. of Retired Federal Employees.

Surviving are three daughers and two sons in law, Mary Lou (late James)  Klein of Batavia, Barbara and Richard Satkowski of Medina and Suzanne and Joseph Koziol of Batavia.  A son and daughter in law, Frank and Margie Mager of Alexander.  Ten grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren,  2 step great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive.  Her sister and brother in law, Joan and Ralph Torcello of Batavia.  A sister in law, Alfreda Waclawski of Virginia and a brother in law, Joseph Polec of Buffalo. 

She was the grandmother of the late Kathleen Mager and sister of the late, Helen Hunt, Julia Slusar, John Waclawski, Lt. Col. Walter Waclawski, Joseph Waclawski, Mary Dombroski, Sophie Adolph, Stella Kawacz and Frances Polec.

Friends and family may call Wednesday from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 PM at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.  Prayers will be Thursday at 8:45 AM at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Chrsitian Burial at 9:30 AM at Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart Church).  Entombment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Those desiring may make  memorial contributions in the form of Mass Offerings or American Diabetes Assoc. 315 Alberta Dr., Amherst, NY 14226 or Genesee Cancer Assistance, 16 Bank St., Batavia, NY 14020.

The Altar and Rosary Society will recite the Rosary at 5:45 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Expressions of condolence may be made at; www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

Arrangements were entrusted to the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, 2 BOGUE AV.E, BATAVIA, NY  RONALD P. KONIECZNY, DIRECTOR & VETERAN.

Multiple injuries reported in crash in Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

A car has reportedly hit a utility pole in the area of 10612 Main Road, Alexander.

Multiple injuries reported. 

Extrication required.

Crash management requested to the scene.

Alexander fire and ambulance, along with Mercy EMS and a Bethany ambulance requested to the scene.

UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 4:50 p.m.: The vehicle

Ethyl I. Sojda

By T.J. Woodward

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Ethyl I. Sojda, age 84, of Creek Rd, Batavia, NY, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 8th, 2022. Ethyl was born in Batavia as the only daughter of the late Vincent N. and Ruth M. Kirch. She was a life-long resident of Alexander, NY.

After graduating from Alexander Central School, she held various jobs until she married her late husband, John F. Sojda, Jr. in 1961 and raised three children. As a dedicated mother she could be seen braving any weather to watch her children’s sporting events. She returned to work in 1977 and held a number of positions with local companies over the following thirty years. In her last role she was a Loose Ends hostess managing the GCC cafeteria where many folks came to enjoy her kind and pleasant personality and her dedicated work ethic.

Though a long-time crocheter, later in life she became a serious quilter and active in the Batavia Museum Quilt Guild. She produced a number of quilts for family and friends that are still enjoyed daily.

For a number of years, she was also a volunteer with All Babies Cherished. It was not uncommon to see her with her knitting material creating baby hats for the regional hospital system. For many years she was an assistant to John Sojda, Jr. in his role as Alexander Town Justice. Part of her charm and grace was how resiliently and quietly she met life’s challenges—both her own and those of others who knew her.

Ethyl is survived by her sons John and Steve (Barb), her daughter Ann, five grandchildren; Lily Whisman, Jacob (Paige), Stephanie (Patrick) Guarino, Michelle (Andrew) James , and Angela (Martin) Pohl, great-grandchildren; Ezekiel Guarino, Emily and Eli James, Alex, and Maria Pohl. She was preceded by her brother Merlin Kirch and has 4 surviving brothers (Ralph, Arnold, Harold, and Myron), and many nieces and nephews.

Mass at St. Mary's in Batavia at 9:30am Saturday June 25th followed by a graveside service at West Bethany Cemetery. Lunch to follow at her home at

9926 Creek Rd.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alexander Rescue Squad PO Box 336 Alexander, NY 14005 or Homecare & Hospice 29 Liberty St. Suite 6 Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011

Closures, cancellations and postponements intended to reduce novel coronavirus exposure risk

By Billie Owens

March13: Closures, cancellations and postponements announced March 13 as precautionary measures to prevent the risk of exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19):

  • East Bethany Presbyterian Church has been closely monitoring the potential impact of COVID-19 and is following current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and New York State Health Department. After

County planners OK STAMP access roads, Oakfield's 'smart' plan

By Mike Pettinella

The Genesee County Economic Development Center's proposal to create access roads to alleviate traffic on Town of Alabama roads in preparation for the arrival of 1366 Technologies was met with approval Thursday night by the Genesee County Planning Board.

County planners, at their monthly meeting at County Building 2, voted

John D. "Jack" McCarthy

By T.J. Woodward

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  John D. “Jack” McCarthy, 86, of Alexander passed away peacefully on Friday April 21, 2017 at the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. He was born in Dansville on January 29, 1931 to the late John M. and Ethel (Blausius) McCarthy. In addition to his parents, Jack is predeceased by his brother William Schaff and grandson David McCarthy.

Jack was a United States Army Veteran. He was employed with the New York State Department of corrections working at The Attica Correctional Facility for many years and then at Albion from where he retired. After retirement he moved with his wife to Orlando and worked with the Orange County Sheriff's Department for 10 more years. Jack loved to fish and hunt and spent many happy hours in those pursuits. More than these though he loved his family. He married the love of his life in September 1955 and they spent 62 years together. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren. Jack was a great storyteller and enjoyed when the family would gather together and he kept them laughing with his stories. In his later years he loved to hold his great-grandchildren and there were many people, both family and friends who called him “Grandpa Jack”.  Jack was a lifetime member of the Alexander Fire Department, a member of the VFW Joseph Collins post 6239 and the American Legion in Attica.

He is survived by his loving wife; Mary Ellen McCarthy; children Michael (Mary) McCarthy of Batavia, Marlene (Stefan) Worthington of Alexander, Lorrie (Jim) Gammack of Darien Center, Noreen (Mike) Gaiser of E. Bethany and Amy (Mike) Shaw of Alexander; 27 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.  

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday April 25, 2017 from 4:00-8:00PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. A 10:00AM Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday the 26th at the Alexander United Methodist Church 10540 Main St. Alexander, NY 14005. Jack will be laid to rest in Ossian Center Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the NYS Veterans Home @ Batavia Activities Fund 220 Richmond Ave. Batavia, NY 14020 or the Alexander Fire Dept. ambulance fund P.O. Box 336 Alexander NY 14005 or the Alexander United Methodist Church at the address listed above. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to sign a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.

Raffaele Ponti honored by GSO Board prior to final show with orchestra

By Howard B. Owens

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors hosted a farewell luncheon at GO ART! this afternoon for Raffaele Ponti, the musical director and conductor of the orchestra for 18 years who will conduct his final concert with the GSO tomorrow.

The luncheon was attended by board members and several longtime

Genesee County Park staff prepared for eclipse visitors on Monday

By Steve Ognibene
Left to Right pictured Ashley MCKeown, acorns friends group Claudia Nusstein program coordinator, Brad Nickerson acorns friends group preparing the public for many events at Genesee County Park
Left to Right pictured Ashley McKeown, Acorns Friends Group, Claudia Nusstein, program coordinator, Brad Nickerson, Acorns Friends Group preparing the public for many events at Genesee County Park

The first photo ever of the total solar eclipse was taken by Johann Julius Friedrich Berkowski in Russia on July 28, 1851.  Almost 200 years later, photographers throughout parts of the United States, including Western New York will have their own opportunity to capture their own picture of the

GCC names Fall 2014 dean's list honorees

By Billie Owens

The Dean's List at Genesee Community College recognizes students enrolled either part-time or full-time who have earned a grade point average of 3.50 to 3.74.

GCC proudly announces that students named below are among 366 who were earned recognition on the dean’s list for the Fall 2014 semester.

With the

THOMAS S. MITCHELL, SR.

By Michael Tomaszewski

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THOMAS S. MITCHELL, SR.

Age 89, of Elba, died Wednesday evening April 6, 2016 at home with his family by his side. He was born June 6, 1926 in Astoria, Queens. An only child, he was raised by his mother, the late Emma (Rhind), also preceded in death by dear cousins, Charlotte (Ray) Buckhaults. 

Mr. Mitchell served our country as a member of the U.S. Army in the 94th Infantry during World War II, and as a member of the Constabulary, which was a post-war security force in the U.S. Occupation Zone of West Germany and Austria. He had a lifelong passion for learning, and to that end he pursued numerous hobbies. In his thirties he learned to fly. He held both single engine land and glider ratings. He was a member of the Long Island Soaring Society. A lifelong member of the EAA and a founding member of Gaines Valley Aviation/Airport in Gaines, NY. In years past he spent most Sundays at the East Bethany Airport visiting and flying with other local pilots. He also played guitar and his family has fond memories of Mom serenading the family with old country standards by Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and Hank Williams while Dad played guitar. A passionate Buffalo Bills fan he followed the team closely and never missed a game. His other interests included being a licensed ham radio operator, call sign K2PUL and even taking piano lessons later in life. Professionally he installed and serviced printing presses for Heidelberg Eastern, Inc. for over 40 years as a member of IAM machinists union local #434. However, most importantly, he was the beloved patriarch of his family who will be remembered as a caring and generous husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. 

Surviving is his partner in marriage for 48 years, Grace (Furman) Mitchell of Elba; his children, Anna (David Lee) Fenton of Batavia, Thomas Mitchell, MD (Cynthia Mitchell, PA) of NC and Elaine (Scott) Say of Oakfield; grandchildren, Monique, Matthew, Tayler, Madison, Lukas, Isaac, Zachary and Jacob; great-grandchildren, Aidan and Alaska-Vela; sister-in-law, Lavina (Joseph) Elek.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The family will be present on Sunday April 10, 2016 from 2-4 & 7-9pm at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where Funeral Services will be held 1:00pm Monday April 11. Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery with full military honors and in lieu of flowers memorials in his memory are suggested to the Elba Volunteer Fire Department. 

Please share your thoughts and memories of Tom with his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com 

THE FAMILY OF THOMAS S. MITCHELL, SR. IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

Closures and cancellations for Wednesday, Nov 19

By Howard B. Owens

These are the closing and cancellations we've been notified about so far:

  • Leadership Genesee, We the People session
  • Alexander Central 
  • Batavia City Schools
  • Notre Dame and St. Joe's
  • Pembroke Central Schools
  • Pavilion Central Schools
  • Byron-Bergen Central Schools
  • DAV Transportation pickups From the Batavia VAMC
  • Oakfield-Alabama Central Schools
  • Le Roy Family

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