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Press release from City of Batavia Police Department:

SUBJECT: Halloween Trick or Treating

DATE / TIME OF OCCURENCE: Monday, Oct. 31 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

If you plan on going door to door make sure you are properly supervised by a parent or responsible adult.

Do not go to homes where the porch lights are off

Use a flashlight to let drivers see you, and see where you are going.

To avoid tripping or injury don't wear costumes that are loose fitting and too long.

Don't wear masks that obscure your vision, make up is a good alternative to masks.

Wear reflective, bright colors to be seen by drivers after dark.

Walk on the sidewalks, or as near to the curb as possible if there are no sidewalks.

Observe safety rules when crossing or walking on the streets, and stay clear of traffic.

Parents should inspect any treats before you eat them!

The Batavia Police HIGHLY RECOMMEND as an alternative to going door to door, attend one of the Halloween events sponsored by local businesses.

Choose costumes that are marked flame retardant.

Make props such as magic wands and swords out of cardboard, rather than metal or wood.

Give and accept wrapped or packaged candy only.

Go out in daylight and carry a flashlight in case of delay.

Have children stay within their neighborhood; only visit homes you know.

All “Trick or Treating” shall be completed by 9 p.m.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced the endorsement of the Federation of Republican Women represented in New York’s 27^th Congressional District. New York’s 27^th Congressional District includes 105 towns spread across Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario and Monroe counties.

“I am proud to be a strong advocate for women throughout Western New York and the country," Collins said. "The Federation of Republican Women is a model organization working to ensure our conservative principles are represented in government. I am honored to have their support and will continue to fight for the best interest of all women."

The NY-27 Chapters of the Federation of Republican Women lauded Congressman Collins for his continued support of legislation that upholds Conservative values and his strong advocacy on the issues impacting women throughout the country.

“Western New York needs dedicated leaders who work to make our community a better place to live, work and raise a family,” said Kim Bowers, president of the Erie County Federation of Republican Women and Director of the 8^th Judicial District.

“The five counties that represent a large portion of the 8^th judicial district (Erie, Niagara, Wyoming, Genesee and Orleans counties) are proud to endorse Congressman Collins who is committed to putting forth smart policies that continue to help Western New York grow and prosper for years to come.”

"We need strong leaders that are willing to take a stand on issues that impact the Upstate New York region," said Trisha Turner, president of the Ontario County Women's Republican Club and Ontario County Chairwoman.  “Congressman Collins is a tremendous advocate for the Finger Lakes region, and represents our values well in Washington."

The National Federation of Republican Women works to empower women of all backgrounds in the political process and seeks to promote the principles, objectives, and policies of the Republican Party. Since 1983, the National Federation of Republican Women has been one of the largest grassroots political organizations in the country.

In Congress, Congressman Collins has voted in support of a number of legislative items impacting women throughout the United States, including:

- Voted to Support S.47, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in the 113^th Congress (Signed into law on March 7, 2013)

Reauthorizes federal funds to be used in the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes against women.

- Cosponsored and voted to support H.R. 2722, the Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative Coin Act (Signed into law on April 29, 2016)

Directs the Department of the Treasury to mint special breast cancer coins, with proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

- Voted to support H.R. 5578, the Survivors’ Bill of Rights Act of 2016 (Signed into law on October 7, 2016).

Ensures sexual assault and rape victims have the following rights: (1) to have their rape kits and other evidence preserved for the length of the statute of limitations of the crime, (2) the right to request the rape kit be kept on file for a longer period of time, and (3) the right to be notified of any and all test results that may come from a rape kit.

- Cosponsor of H.R. 1197, the Accelerating the End of Breast Cancer Act of 2015

Directs the President to establish a commission to accelerate the end of breast cancer. This legislation would allow for the following: (1) the ability to identify opportunities and ideas within both the public and private sector that are key components in achieving the end of breast cancer, (2) recommends projects to leverage these opportunities, and (3) ensures that the federal governments’ various activities are coordinated and non-duplicative.

Both the Congressman and members of his staff have worked closely with patient-advocates from the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester to ensure this legislation is given the attention it deserves.

- Cosponsor of H.R. 2540, the Breast Cancer Education Act of 2015

Directs the Department of Health and Human Services to provide for both the planning and implementation of an education campaign to inform breast cancer patients anticipating surgery about the availability and coverage of breast reconstruction, prostheses, and other available options. This legislation primarily focuses on informing patients who are members of racial and ethnic minority groups of the resources listed above.

- Cosponsor of H.R. 3339, the Protecting Access to Lifesaving Screenings Act

Preserves Medicare coverage for mammography screening for women over the age of 40.

(In 2009, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force had changed its recommendation that women between the ages of 40-49 years old should not receive an annual mammogram.

- Cosponsor of H.R. 1340, the International Violence Against Women Act of 2015

Directs the Secretary of State to establish an Office of Global Women’s Issues to fight gender-based violence throughout the world.

- Voted to fund $1.1Billion to combat the Zika virus

Allocated priority funding for mothers due to the potential microcephaly risk.

- Requested that the Appropriations Committee requests funding for Breast and Ovarian Cancer research through the Department of Defense.

- Supported the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority’s application to receive grant funding that would fund programs to encourage access to prenatal care for low-income families.

Congressman Collins was elected in 2012 and reelected in 2014 to represent the 27th District of New York.

Press release:

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, western Vermont, and north central Massachusetts announced today that the company will offer military personnel and their immediate families an 11-percent discount off of their grocery bill this Veterans Day.

On Friday, Nov. 11, Tops Markets will honor an 11-percent discount off of a total order to all veterans and immediate family members in the same household, who shop at any Tops location.  Customers should present proof of service that they, or an immediate family member are a U.S. Veteran, active duty, reserve or retired military personnel to automatically receive an 11-percent discount off of their total purchase that day.

In Genesee County, there are two Tops locations: 390 W. Main St. in Batavia and 128 W. Main St., Le Roy.

“The respect and gratitude we have for the people who serve and have served in the military is immeasurable, and for that we are forever grateful,” said Frank Curci, Tops chairman and chief executive officer. “We wanted to support local military personnel by giving back to our associates and customers who have courageously defended our country and made many sacrifices through their military service.”

Tops is a longtime supporter of military associates and customers. The company’s actions include support of the American Veterans Tribute Traveling Wall, Honor Flight Missions, sending care packages for troops serving domestically and overseas, VA hospital visits, and participation in veteran job fairs, parades and expos.

As County Manager Jay Gsell and the Legislature work on finalizing the 2017 budget, it's been a bit of a nail-biter for county officials wondering if they would be able to close on the sale of the Nursing Home before Dec. 31.

Without the close, the county would need to include nearly $16 million in expenses and offsetting revenue in the budget.

Back in May, the NYS Health Department approved the certificate of need ("CoN" -- a kind of license) 160-bed care facility, but officials had gotten no word on the other CoN for the 80-bed adult home.

All along, Gsell felt the sale would be finalized before the end of the year, but without final approval, there was no way to count on it.

Yesterday, an executive with the prospective Nursing Home buyer, Premier Health LLC, got a phone call from a state official saying the certificate of need was approved and an official letter should be dropped in the mail today.

"At least now we have a very good sense that this is actually going to happen in the calendar year 2016," Gsell said.

Once the letter is in hand, both sides can start working on the details of closing the sale, including transferring employees and contractors, completing paperwork, and finalizing how to handle accounts receivable, among other details.

That will be a three- or four-week process, Gsell said.

The county will get about $15 million for the nursing home, but after expenses, only about 25 percent of those proceeds will be available for either the general fund or the capital fund.

Gsell was able to share the good news with legislators yesterday during a budget work session.

There were no decisions that came out of yesterday's budget discussion. The legislators have a 292-page, $141 million budget to pore through as they grapple with their options for the tax rate, deficit spending or any big spending cuts that they might make.

Gsell's budget is balanced, but it requires pulling $1 million from reserve funds and reallocating sales tax revenue from future road and bridge repairs to the 2017 general fund.

A $15 million increase in assessed value, of which about $7 million is taxable, for properties in the county, makes the break-even tax rate for the 2016 vs. 2017 tax levy at $9.66 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.

Gsell's budget proposal increases the tax levy by $645,000, the maximum increase under the state's tax cap law.

That would set the 2017 property tax rate from the county at $9.76 per thousand of assessed value, or 10 cents lower than 2016.

The Legislature will consider whether to pass a resolution authorizing them to override the tax cap limit to raise taxes. Because of timing and budget deadline issues, the resolution will need to be passed before they even get to the point of deciding what the tax rate should be.

It's a policy decision for the legislature whether to accept Gsell's budget as proposed, raise taxes to reduce deficit spending, or make significant cuts in non-mandated services, such as parks and law enforcement.

Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. officers and directors agreed today that a focus on "employee appreciation" is key to moving the organization in the right direction.

Several directors commented on a "Meet & Greet" session that took place on Wednesday afternoon with rank-and-file workers at Batavia Downs Gaming, applauding management with their efforts to reach out to its employees.

"We got a chance to meet the employees, and we want them to know that we're trying to do the best job possible for the corporation," said Board Chairman Richard Bianchi (Monroe County).

WROTB President Henry F. Wojtaszek said the get-together, along with a new employees' Anniversary Rewards Program, are ways for management "to let employees know that we appreciate their hard work."

The "Meet & Greet" session was "all positive," according to Jim Starkweather, an eight-year employee in the skilled maintenance department.

"I guess it's the new regime -- Henry, Scott Kiedrowski and Mike Nolan -- trying to reach out," Starkweather said afterward in the Paddock Room that has been set up for a Pink Hatters cancer awareness fundraising event this afternoon. "I thought it was all positive and good; promoting a family atmosphere."

Starkweather said he hopes more of these type of communication sessions are scheduled in the future.

The Anniversary Rewards Program, coordinated by Sean Schiano, director of Branch Operations, and Ryan Hasenauer, director of Marketing, offers merchandise, clothing, gift cards, concert tickets and sporting events tickets to employees based on their length of service -- one year, five years, 10 years, 25 years, 30 years and 35 years,

"We're trying to improve morale, and feel that this is a good program with something nice for everybody," Schiano said.

In other developments:

-- Wojtaszek said an accord between WROTB and the Western New York Harness Horsemen's Association will result in the opening of a new six-race paddock prior to the 2018 racing season. The new paddock became necessary when Batavia Downs tore down part of the old paddock to make room for the new hotel.

"We agreed to pick up the cost for some of the things they had (normally) paid for, to hold a holiday party for them and to add a couple of nights of racing," said Wojtaszek, noting that the current season has been extended for at least another week, until Dec. 17 or beyond. 

He said construction on the new paddock will begin after the first of the year.

CLICK HERE for an announcement from the WNYHHA website.

-- The president also gave an update on the Downs' expansion plans, a nearly $4 million Capital Award venture that will add another room on the east side of the Paddock Room for horse bettors, a new banquet room next to Fortune's Restaurant, and enhancements to the 34 Rush club, facility entrance and parking lot. He said he expects approval from the New York State Gaming Commission sometime next month.

-- Directors voted to authorize management to look into the possibility of downsizing the number of OTB branches from the current 24, a move that directors Elliott Winter (Niagara County) and Richard Haberer (Cattaraugus County) voted against.

"There's been a lot of negative discussion about the state of horse racing, but I believe that we need to do what we can to keep it going," Winter said.

-- Comptroller Jacquelyne Leach reported third-quarter earnings of $282,000 and September surcharge distributions of $108,000. Leach said the numbers were down compared to the same time last year because that's when the sale of property to developers of the Hotel at Batavia Downs went through, but otherwise "they were right on target."

-- Bianchi reported that Fred Hamilton, director of food services, submitted his resignation, effective Dec. 31. Hamilton said he is retiring after 11 years to spend more time with his wife and grandchildren.

-- Announced that the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new hotel is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. next Wednesday (Nov. 2). State and local dignitaries are expected to attend the invitation-only event.

City police are responding to Walnut Street for a property dispute. A caller reports a babysitter is "refusing to return diapers and blankets."

A two-vehicle accident, possibly a head-on collision, is reported at Richmond Avenue and Oak Street. Injuries are reported and it is blocking traffic. City police, Mercy medics and firefighters are on scene.

UPDATE 11:26 a.m.: Richmond Avenue is shut down "up to North Lyon Street from Oak Street."

UPDATE 11:35 a.m.: This was a T-bone accident. One driver is not injured; the other complained of head and neck pain and was transported to the hospital for evaluation.

UPDATE 11:40 a.m.: Two flatbed tow trucks are called to the scene.

UPDATE 11:49 a.m.: The road is reopened.

A convicted sexual predator has been arrested and accused of sexual contact with a child.

Marlek E. Holmes, 42, of Batavia, is being held without bail after being arraigned in County Court on an 11-count grand jury indictment.

The assaults allegedly occurred in the City of Batavia and Village of Le Roy from 2010 to 2015.

He is charged with two counts of predatory sexual assault, two counts of predatory sexual assault against a child, two counts of incest in the first degree, sexual abuse in the first degree, rape in the third degree, criminal sexual abuse in the third degree and two counts of incest in the third degree.

Holmes has previously been arrested locally on charges of failure to register a change of address as a Level 3 sexual offender and of sending indecent texts to a child.

A resident at 21 Main St. in the Village of Elba reports the larceny of political signs from his front lawn. Sheriff's deputies are responding to the complaint.

The smell of something electrical burning greeted an employee upon opening the Dollar General Store on East Main Street in Batavia a few minutes ago. The worker called dispatch and city firefighters just arrived and are investigating.

UPDATE 8:54 a.m.: Command reports no sign of smoke or fire; investigation is continuing.

Watch for slick roads and sidewalks early this morning because of a bit of snow that may fall over the area, according to the National Weather Service.

The surfaces of bridges and overpasses are more likely to acquire temperatures closer to freezing, so are more likely to be slick.

The snow will change to sleet and then rain over the course of the morning.

Heather Ace was hanging out at a friend's house drinking Four Loko* the night of May 20 when her mother tried to call her and tell her that her house on Bank Street Road was on fire, according to a statement Ace gave to investigators.

When Ace didn't answer the phone, her mother sent her a text message, according to a statement by Tracy Ace, that read, "Answer your f---ing phone."

Heather answered on the next ring.

According to Heather's friend, Ashki Zajaczkowski, Heather dropped the phone and started screaming.

Zajaczkowski drove Heather to 8157 State Street Road, Batavia, where she lived with her three boys, including two fraternal twins, Micah and Michael Gard, and before Zajaczkowski would even stop the car, Heather was running from the car hysterically. 

The evening wasn't supposed to go as it did, according to the statements. Heather Ace was planning to go to the movies with Zajaczkowski and other friends, but as afternoon turned to evening, nobody really felt like heading out of town.

Ace put her two children to bed sometime between 8 and 8:30 p.m. and then headed over to a friend's house. She smoked some weed and then went to the Speedway and bought a can of Four Loko and some water before heading over to Zajaczkowski's house.

The two boys were locked in their room, with a lock on the kitchen side of the door put in place after the boys wandered out of the house over to the neighboring house, the residence of their grandparents.

When firefighters arrived that night, they also found the door leading into the apartment kitchen locked. Heather Ace said in her statement, she didn't know how the door became locked. She said she didn't lock it before leaving the house. Tracy Ace said it wasn't Heather's practice to lock the door because her husband needed access to the basement, where he stored his tools.

The cause of the fire has never been determined.

Micah and Michael died in the fire and Heather Ace has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

She appeared in Town of Batavia Court yesterday and entered a not guilty plea.

She is represented by public defender Jerry Ader, who said yesterday he had not yet had a chance to discuss the case with his client.

Photo: Previously unpublished, officers dealing with distraught people at the scene of the fire.

*Four Loko is a flavored, malted alcoholic beverage.

Cassandra Blake was jailed today on $250 bail or $500 bond for her alleged role in taking a labradoodle from the kennel where she worked, posting an ad for it on Craigslist under the alias Amy Fairview and then selling the dog, which was actually a family pet belonging to somebody else.

Sources told our news partner 13WHAM that Blake has been known to sell pets on Craigslist recently.

In 2014, Blake was indicted in Genesee County on a grand larceny charge. Blake was accused of stealing 245 lottery tickets with a face value of $1,028, along with payouts from those tickets and other cash, from the Yellow Goose store in Pavilion.

That charge led to Blake being placed on probation, and that probation was later transferred to Monroe County.

Press release:

The Genesee County Office for the Aging is proud to partner with the Rochester Gay Alliance SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) program to bring an event to our County!

The Traveling LGBTQ Potluck & Program will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, located at 6188 Main Road in Stafford.

Meet! Greet! Eat!

All are welcome. Meet news friends.

Featured program is "Gay Pioneers."

Bring a dish to pass.

Also, Rochester Gay Alliance SAGE is looking to connect with LGBTQ veterans and people who served in the military regardless of discharge status.

Learn more about what SAGE Vets & ROC Vets can do for you!

Contact: Kimberly.Perl@co.genesee.ny.us

Press release from the city Department of Public Works:

The City of Batavia is pleased to announce that Ryan Toal, Anthony Cellino, Robert Marvin and Erich Postler have passed the necessary exam and successfully met the requirements to become licensed plumbers in the City of Batavia.

During today's annual meeting of the Chamber of Commerce at Rochester Club West @ Bohn's, Chamber President Tom Turnbull recapped what has been a successful and active year for the local business group.

Turnbull ran through a long list of the Chamber's activities and accomplishments.

The chamber hosted its annual awards, a home show and several business workshops, including ones on public speaking, drugs in the workplace and tax tips. The chamber, of course, attended many ribbon cuttings for new and expanding businesses. The chamber was active in pursuing public policy issues at the local and state level. It administered a small business loan program, hosted business after-hours events, and a trip to China. 

The hot and dry summer was good for tourism, but with the monetary exchange rate weakening with Canada, there were fewer Canadian visitors to the region this year, which looks like it will translate into a 4-percent decline in tourism revenue.

Still, hotels took in about $14.5 million, which translates into about $150 million in local economic impact.

The tourism agency fostered several group visits, including youth baseball tournaments, soccer events, car clubs and even a Winnebago rally at a local RV park.

There were 15,000 visitors to the county, and 1,500 room nights booked.

Turnbull said the chamber is excited to see the new hotel at Batavia Downs open, with a ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m., Nov. 2.

The chamber will have its own grand opening to look forward to in January at its new office building on Park Road, but staff will start moving into the new facility this week.

"We'll have a have a ribbon cutting, of course," Turnbull quipped. "We're a chamber."

The new board of directors was also introduced:

Chris Suozzi, chairman, from the Genesee County Economic Development Center
Immediate Past Chair: Hiedi Librock, Town of Batavia

The directors are:
Steven Beardsley – Tompkins Bank Of Castile 
Mary Blevins – ESL Federal Credit Union
Tim Call – Empire Tractor
Jeff Cook – Liberty Pumps
Keith Conway – Z&M, Ag and Turf
Jonathan Mager – Arctic Refrigeration Co. of Batavia
Michael Nolan – Batavia Downs Gaming
Chan Patel – Quality Inn & Suites 
Michael R Rivers – Rybak, Metzler & Grasso PLLC
Danielle Rontondo – Terry Hills Golf Course & Banquet Facility
Joseph Teresi – Tompkins Insurance Agencies Inc.
Chris Thorpe – Darien Lake Theme Park
Eric Wies – Clark Patterson Lee
Jennifer Zambito – Genesee Community College Foundation
Robert Bausch – Genesee County Legislative Liaison

This information is provided by the Genesee County Chapter of  ABATE -- American Bikers Aimed Toward Education

It's almost "Baggerween"! Instead of going house to house, get candy by going from motorcycle saddlebag to motorcycle saddlebag.

Bring your kids down to a safe well-lit place place to "trick-or-treat" from 6 to 8 p.m. on Satruday, Oct. 29, in the public parking lot behind Ken's Charcoal Pits, located at 59 Main St. in Downtown Batavia.

All motorcycles are welcome as long as the riders bring candy for the kids. Load up your ride and come on down!

Anyone who would like to serve as a Bagger to help create a fun night for local children is welcome help bag candy.

For info, please e-mail Jason:    roadcaptain110@gmail.com

Happy Halloween!

Cynthia May Mack, 49, of Pearl Street Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment and false personation. Following the investigation into a domestic incident at 10:07 a.m. on Oct. 21 on East Main Road, Le Roy, Mack was arrested after allegedly punching an individual in the face while in presence of law enforcment, and she allegedly provided them with a false name. She was put in jail and is due in Le Roy Town Court on Oct. 27. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl.

Danielle Marie Stewart, 18, of East Main Road, Stafford, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Following the investigation at 12:23 a.m. on Oct. 25 into a suspicious condition in a parking lot on Main Road in the Town of Stafford, Stewart was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Stafford Court on Nov. 15. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer.

Press release:

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee is accepting winter coats, hats, mittens and scarves for the upcoming winter season! Please donate only items that are clean and in good (gently used), or new condition.  

We are accepting ALL SIZES for men, women and children!

A tax deductible receipt is available upon request.

Please drop off donations at: 5073 Clinton Street Road, Batavia.

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee Inc. is a nonprofit human service agency committed to serving the needs of the financially disadvantaged. Our mission is to serve others with dignity and respect, that help people become self-sufficient. 

All donations are given away free of charge to those in need.