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Garage fire reported on Cone Street

By Billie Owens

A garage fire with flames showing is reported at 28 2A Cone St. in the city. The location is between Jackson Street and Garfield Avenue. City firefighters are at the scene.

UPDATE 3:40 p.m.: This is a shed fire. Heavy smoke is pouring from its roof. The third platoon is called to stand by in city headquarters.

UPDATE 3:41 p.m.: Command says the fire is under control and they are overhauling the site.

UPDATE: Fire officials say the blaze was started by hot coals, discarded from the house fire, being deposited too close to the shed.

Today's Deals: Rack Shack, Ficarella's, Rancho Viejo, Oliver's, Adam Miller, and more!

By Billie Owens

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $12.

Viking Valhalla Restaurant & Rose Garden Bowl21 Buffalo Road, Bergen, NY: Open for lunch Monday through Sunday, and dinner Friday and Saturday evenings. Dinner favorites are our succulent prime rib and Friday fish fries! We are always happy to help plan your special occasion -- wedding, shower, rehearsal dinner, stag party, graduation, company function, banquet, family or class reunion. We have a $20 gift certificate for $7.

Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew, 9 Main St., Le Roy, NY. The kind of downhome, laid-back and comfortable place that just feels right. Open daily for lunch, dinner and drinks, this eatery and bar features a variety of eats and drinks that are outstanding. Specializing in smoked meats -- each meat is dry rubbed with a proprietary mix of seasonings, then smoked slowly in their on-site smoker for maximum flavor and tenderness. With a variety of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, combo platters and entrées, there's always plenty of choice for even picky eaters. Great food, frosty brews and some of the best folk around call the Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew their favorite -- make it your favorite today! Don't forget to ask about our catering! We have a $20 gift card for $12.

Oliver's Candies, 211 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Oliver's, a Batavia landmark, offers the finest chocolate and confections in the area. We have a $20 gift card for $12.

Sweet Pea’s Cupcakery Café, 23 Jackson St., Batavia, NY. We are a full-service Cupcake Bakery and Café. Now serving fresh-baked artisan pizza for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday thru Friday! Treat yourself to a variety of baked goods, mainly varieties of specialty and traditional scratch-made cupcakes, as well as other bakery items like cookies and brownies. We also serve a variety of hot and cold beverages. Check out our location, or place an order for parties, gatherings or any other reasons you can think of to enjoy some cupcakes. We have a $10 gift card for $4.

Bohn's Restaurant, 5256 Clinton St., Batavia, NY: Fine dining in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Lunch and dinner, steak, prime rib and seafood. Ask about Bohn's catering services and banquet facility. We have a $25 gift certificate for $15.

Santino's Pizza, 2 Main St., Oakfield, NY: We're pizza and a whole lot more! Voted #1 pizza in Genesee County in blind taste test! Santino's features pizza, wings, subs, wraps, ice cream, and more! We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Fortuna's Restaurant inside Batavia Downs, 8315 Park Road, Batavia, NY: Italian-style menu, drinks in one of the region's most popular entertainment venues. We have a $25 gift certificate for $15. (Must be new or current Players Club member to redeem.)

Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle, 8 Center St., Batavia, NY: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Jagged Edges Salon, 4140 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, NY: Jagged Edges Salon is a walk-in and appointment salon for men, women and children. It is a fun, welcoming salon that offers all hair care services including cuts, color, highlights, lowlights, perms, styling/updos, treatments, and facial waxing. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

The Rack Shack, 4974 Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, NY: Genesee County's newest BBQ restaurant offers a varied menu that ranges from tender, tasty slow-cooked BBQ ribs and smoky beef brisket to Cajun catfish, ribeye steaks, burgers and wraps. Family owned and operated, the atmosphere is warm and comfortable, and the meats are smoked on-site. The homemade BBQ sauce is “sweet with a spicy kick.” Sides include authentic Southern-style collard greens, 5-bean chuck wagon beans with bacon and ground meat, mac ‘n’ cheese, tater tots and more. Catering available. Dine in, take out, phone in (585-201-7077). Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 to 7, closed Monday. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Scooter's Restaurant in Le Roy, 140 W. Main Street Road (Route 5), Le Roy, NY: Come see us at Scooter's family restaurant with our friendly atmosphere and homestyle cooking! We offer classic American food with breakfast, lunch and dinner served all day. We also offer a full take-out menu anytime. We have a $10 gift certificate for $4.

Mooney's Sports Bar & Grill, 65 Lake St., Le Roy, NY: "Not Your Average Sports Bar!" This place is Home of the Mac N' Cheese, an All-American favorite with nine kinds to choose from. Plus, monster 1/2-lb. burgers, huge tacos, pizza, wings, fingers, wraps, soups, salads, appetizers (including deep-fried pickles), a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches, seafood, and plenty more. Mooney's has a fun, welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy watching your favorite teams. Endless soda pop, great selection of ice-cold beer. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Catering available. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Alli's Cones & Dogs, 7063 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY: Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; all-you-can-eat salad bar; ice cream served year-round; eat-in or take-out. We have a $20 gift certificate for $8.

Ficarella's Pizzeria, 21 Liberty St., Batavia, NY: Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery. Featuring fresh, hearth-baked pizza since 1985, plus wings, pasta and more. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12. (Good only at the Batavia location.)

O'Lacy's Irish Pub, 5 School St., Batavia, NY: In Irish pubs, it doesn't get more authentic than O'Lacy's. Be sure to try the homemade chips. We have a $25 gift certificate for $15.

El Burrito Loco, 4125 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Located in Valu Plaza, this new eatery offers tasty, authentic Mexican fare. Tell us what you want on your burrito! We make it fresh just for you. Choose from steak, seasoned ground beef, chicken, pork, and/or beans -- black, refried or pinto. Other ingredients to choose from include lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, guacamole, Spanish or white rice, cilantro, salsa, and jalapeno peppers. The menu also offers tacos, quesadillas, burrito bowls, loaded nachos, Mexican soda pop, lemonade, and more! Relax and eat in, or take out. Call in your order if you like -- 219-4620. We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

John & Mary's Restaurant, 3711 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, NY: This popular restaurant offers a varied menu that people love. From subs, hoagies, hand-tossed pizza, and wings, to fish & chips, salads, Mexican food, gyros and other Greek fare, it's all here. Only the finest and freshest ingredients are used. Bread, using homemade dough, baked fresh daily. Amazing specialty pizzas and appetizers! "We never waver on quality!" Delivery available all day, every day. We offer catering. Hours 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

Rancho Viejo, 12 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY: Traditional Mexican cuisine, from tacos and burritos to pollo norteno, Rancho Viejo brings a bit of "South of the Border" to Batavia's restaurant scene. We have a $10 gift card for $6.

Settler's, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

The Mane Attraction Salon and Spa99 Main St., Batavia, NY: offers "Affordable Luxury" in downtown Batavia. We pride ourselves in the great customer service we give to the entirefamily. Men, women and children are all welcome either by appointment or walk-in. We offer all hair care services including cuts, color, highlights, lowlights, perms, styling/updos, facials, leg and back waxing, Shellac Polish System, manicures and pedicures. We are the only salon in Batavia that has an airplane chair for kids' cuts! Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. We have a $20 gift certificate for $7.

Bourbon & Burger Co., 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Batavia's newest burger joint offers more than two dozen different types of tasty hamburgers. Our menu also includes a variety of sandwiches, appetizers and an extensive beer list, plus a full bar. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Stretch your body and soul with yoga. This offer is for a $20 gift certificate for the price of $5. Not good with any other discounts or offers. Excludes workshops.

Larry's Steakhouse, 60 Main St., Batavia, NY: The name says it all -- Larry's is a great place for steak. Larry's has a fine dining atmosphere with a great menu and outstanding service. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12. Valid only for lunch, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

T.F. Brown's, 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's."  Stop in and check out our Jumbo Chicken Wings, Roast Beef on Weck and Friday night fish fry. The original family spaghetti sauce still adorns all of our Italian specialties. The other popular selections from our menu range from Super Salads, butcher cut Strip Loin and South of the Border items. We offer daily lunch and dinner specials as well as a full adult and children’s menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

[Last updated June 6, 2014. Subject to change without notice.]

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Rules: The gift certificate must be used by within 30 days of purchase, unless it states otherwise. It is not valid with other offers, has no cash value, and does not include gratuities. Only one gift certificate per-merchant, per-household every SIX months. Gift certificates cannot be combined with other offers without prior approval of the merchant. Gift certificates bought separately cannot be combined for a single purchase. Individuals buying gift certificates must use their own personal PayPal account for the purchase. For hair salons, good for services only, not products.

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SOLD OUT

Rollover accident, unknown injuries, on Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion

By Billie Owens

A one-car rollover accident with unknown injuries is reported at 6653 Ellicott Street Road. Pavilion fire and Mercy medics are responding. The location is between Cook and Sparks roads.

UPDATE 11:13 a.m.: Minor injuries. A second vehicle was also involved.

Law and Order: Driver accused of fleeing accident on Sandpit Road, Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

Randall Steven Spring, 29, of Spring Road, Alexander, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, speed not reasonable and prudent and moving from lane unsafely. Spring was reportedly involved in an accident on Sandpit Road, Alexander, at 12:36 a.m. on Saturday, which was investigated by Deputy Jason Saile.

Heather Daffney Stone, 19, of Ellwood Drive, Rochester, is charged with burglary, 3rd, and petit larceny. Stone was arrested on a warrant by RPD and turned over to the Sheriff's Office. She is being held until her next court appearance. No further details released.

Daniel D. Stalica, 70, of Crittenden Road, Alden, is charged with petit larceny and conspiracy, 6th. Stalica was arrested on a warrant out of City Court after being located by State Police in Erie County when troopers made contact on an unrelated matter. He was turned over to BPD and jailed on $750 bail.

Alton G. Williams, 38, of East Avenue, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Williams was allegedly involved in a physical domestic incident at about 4:15 p.m. Thursday in the presence of a 15-year-old child. Also arrested on the same charge, Tera M. Williams, 41, of East Avenue, Batavia.

Kayla D. Joiner, 22, of West Main Street, Le Roy, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Joiner was stopped by BPD for an alleged traffic violation, arrested, processed and released.

Crystal A. Mounts, 37, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Mounts is accused of shoplifting at Dollar General.

Edward W. Simcoe, 58, of Buffalo, is charged with petit larceny. Simcoe was arrested by State Police at 381 Bloomingdale Road, Basom, and held on an unspecified bail. No further details released.

Barn fire reported on Watson Road, Elba

By Howard B. Owens

A barn fire at 5327 Watson Road, Elba, is under control.

The fire was reported about 30 minutes ago.

Elba fire was dispatched along with Barre, Stafford, Bergen, Byron, South Byron and Oakfield.

The location is CY Heifer Farms.

UPDATE 7:49 a.m.: The particular barn with the fire is leased to Provitello Farms. All 58 calves were safely moved from the barn to another one. The fire was electrical and contained to a small room behind the calves' stalls. The preliminary cause is believed to be mice chewing on wires. An employee saw the smoke upon arriving for work and called 9-1-1. The fire was quickly knocked down. All units are packing up and returning to service.  

Video: Jim Sunser talks about expansion plans at GCC

By Howard B. Owens

With state funding announced and a county-backed bond approved, Genesee Community College is just $3 million away from funding sufficient to build a new student success center and a wellness and event center.

The $25 million expansion project is backed by more than $10 million from the state and a commitment by the county to back more than $9 million in bonds.

The Genesee Community College Foundation will host a fundraising kickoff from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the campus.

In the video, College President Jim Sunser talks about the twin building projects.

Below is a video produced by GCC.

Alexander wrestlers take third at Hilton tournament

By Howard B. Owens

Photo and article submitted by Andrea Aldinger.

After two days of solid wrestling, the Alexander Trojans took an impressive third-place finish with 196 points – while missing two of their better wrestlers – Dane Heberlein (113 lbs.) and Nick Gaiser (126 lbs.). Both competed in the prestigious Eastern States Tournament the weekend before, making the podium with a fourth-place and a sixth-place finish, respectively, at the Clayton Barnard Wrestling Tournament in Hilton over the weekend. Lyndonville grabbed second place with 233 points and the home team, Hilton, took first place easily with 330 points.

Genesee Region wrestlers really stepped it up with four Alexander Wrestlers in the finals – Nick Young (99 lbs.), Mitchell Gordon (120 lbs.), Dylan Raffell (138 lbs.) and Matty Gaiser (152 lbs.) -- and three from Byron-Bergen -- Alan White (126 lbs.), Hunter Taylor (145 lbs.), and Luke Thompson (195 lbs.). There were four Lyndonville wrestlers: Jeff Gress (106 lbs.), Garren Bayne (113 lbs.), Tom Follman (152 lbs.), and Dawson Joy (182 lbs.). Young, Raffell, Gaiser, White and Gress all took the Championship.

Leading up to the championship round there were some exciting matches. 

At 99 pounds, Nick Young (Alexander) upset Tyler Mitchell (Spencerport) with a 13 – 3 win. Tyler McCleod (Alexander) beat Steven Underhill (Byron Bergen) 8 – 5 for a fourth-place finish. Daylon Swearingen (126 lbs.) -- the lone Attica wrestler, beat Anthony Miraglia (Byron-Bergen) with a 7 – 4 decision for third place. Tristan Aldinger (132 lbs., Alexander) fought off Lyndonville’s Dustin Hinckley with a 3 – 1 decision to take third place. 

A few other notable matches were Chris McDonald (138 lbs., Lyndonville) pinned Jack Borelli (Greece) in :38 seconds to take third place. At 152 pounds, Alexander’s Alex Hadsall had a close win 11 – 9 vs. Will Thompson (Byron-Bergen). Danny Komitch (Byron-Bergen) had an impressive win over Devon Joy (Lyndonville) with a 4 – 3 decision getting a third-place finish. Derrick Busch (Alexander) won by decision over John Kil (Brighton) to take finish third.

Photos: Corfu installs 2015 officers, hands out awards

By Howard B. Owens

Steve Rodland, with the trophy, was named Firefighter of the Year for the Corfu Fire Department at the department's annual installation dinner on Saturday night. Pictured with Rodland, Greg Lang, Brian Schollard and Dean Eck.

This year's firematic officers are: Eck, chief; Schollard, 1st assistant; Lang, 2nd assistant; Brian McMartin, senior captain; Ben Trapani, Brad Lang and Mitch Bates, captains; Bernie Fix, fire police captain; Rachel Bozzer, Glenn Eck, Rob McNally, Rodland and Dan Smith, lieutenants. McMartin is the safety officer.

The oath of office.

Ed Fauth, who was honored for his 60th year with the department, received the fire service Person of the Year award.

Kristen Gaik was named Rookie of the Year.

Photo: Le Roy hangs anti-Yik Yak posters

By Howard B. Owens

School officials in Le Roy have put up these posters in the hallways of the high school.

On Thursday, Principal Tim McArdle sent a message to parents about Yik Yak and said administrators were talking with students about use of the social media network, which is designed for anonymous posts that can only be read by people in the immediate area.

While the apps developers say it was designed for college students, there have been issues nationwide with high school students getting on the app and using it for bullying.

Previously:

Photos: Area student musicians evaluated for solo performances at Le Roy HS

By Howard B. Owens

Young musicians from throughout Genesee County traveled to Le Roy High School throughout the day Saturday to show off their chops as soloists for area music instructors.

Some schools use the soloist evaluation as part of the students' grades, but the primary purpose is to help select the musicians who will play in the all-county music festival in March (performances at Attica and Batavia middle schools).

The event is organized by the Genesee-Wyoming Music Educators Association.

Above, Ashley Carli, from Pavilion, practices in the Le Roy gym prior to her solo session.

Katelyn Brown, from Pembroke, plays her solo in the gym prior to her audition.

Dylan Fisher warms up in the bleachers while waiting for his turn to play.

The Le Roy gym served as a rehearsal hall.

Taylor Schofield, from Pavilion, in one of the classrooms where students played their solo for a teacher who evaluated the performance.

Photo: Sunrise in Basom

By Howard B. Owens

Betsy Riexinger sent in this photo she took yesterday morning from her place near the Wayne Phelps Farm on Ledge Road, Basom.

Owner enjoying larger, more accommodating repair shop location

By Howard B. Owens

In some respects, Jim Johnson has come a long way. In another, he's moved no further than a block down the road.

Johnson opened his own auto repair shop on West Main Street Road, Batavia, in August 2000 with nothing more than a floor jack and a tool box.

This month, Johnson moved into a spacious new location with four bays.

The new location for Johnson Automotive Repair will be more appealing to customers, Johnson said. For one thing, it has a nice, real waiting room that is heated. 

That's a big step forward for Johnson's business.

"I knew as a customer, I don't want to send my wife into a shop where you really didn't have a waiting room, or they called it a waiting room, and you have to sit and freeze," Johnson said. "Now we have a nice waiting room."

In the old location, Johnson crammed three hoists into a space perhaps best suited for only two into a herringbone configuration. One couldn't even go up all of the way, so Johnson or his mechanics had to work on their knees if repairing a car from underneath it.

A customer who needed an oil change would be asked to make an appointment two or three days in advance.

Now Johnson has three hoists for repairs and a separate bay set up exclusively for oil changes and lubes, no appointment necessary.

The new shop is located at 4007 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

Crafter gets off of festival trail and opens store in Downtown Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

In the craft business since 1998, Andre Gliwski Jr. thinks it's time to settle down.

Rather than setting up a booth at a different community festival each weekend, Gilwski has opened a craft store in Downtown Batavia, at 220 E. Main St. and is hosting an open house this Friday and Saturday.

Working out of a single location isn't just a better lifestyle for a young father (Gilwski and his wife have children ages 1 and 2), it's better for building relationships with customers.

"You have a better following when they know where you're at rather than trying to chase you down," Gilwski said.

Currently his shop, A.J.'s Crafts, stocks only items that he has made, or his mother or wife have made.

Among the kind of things Gilwski enjoys making are jewelry, clothes, blankets, bean bags, hair stretchies, catnip toys, tooth-fairy pillows and scarves.

He said he can make or have made pretty much any custom item a buyer might want.

His mother has been slowed by arthritis, but there's a table in the store filled with her handmade needlework items.

Gilwski's wife also makes jewelry and helps with some of the product finishes on Gilwski's work.

"I like crafts because they're all handmade and not made in other countries," Gilwski said. "It's something I enjoy doing and I enjoy the look on a customer's face when they buy something I've made. It's something different than what you'll see at Walmart or Kmart or some other Big Box store."

Tiara Filbert crafts first millennial career for Lady Devils

By Howard B. Owens

With a free throw in the second quarter against Greece-Arcadia, junior guard Tiara Filbert became -- school officials believe -- the first person wearing Lady Devils' blue to score 1,000 career points.

After Filbert hit her shot, play was stopped briefly as fans held up placards stamped "1000" and Filbert's teammates rushed to congratulate her. Her mother then came down from the stands (top photo) and Filbert ran over to her and they embraced.  

Head Coach Marty Hein then presented Filbert with a commemorative plaque. 

Filbert is a special player, Hein said.

"For me, as a coach, to be a part of something like this, with somebody who works so hard at her game, at her craft, is just outstanding," Hein said.

As near as school officials can figure out from available records, Filbert is the first girls player to reach the millennial mark.

Filbert, Hein said, has the heart of a champion.

"The only person who can beat Tiara Filbert is Tiara Filbert," Hein said.

Filbert finished the night with 13 points and 16 rebounds. Batavia won 48-27.

Filbert came into the game needing five points to reach 1,000. Here she scores points three and four.

To purchase prints, click here.

Deputy Frank Bordonaro posthumously honored by Sheriff's Office

By Howard B. Owens

Deputy Frank Bordonaro, who died in July at age 44, in his 19th year of service to the Sheriff's Office, was honored today during a luncheon as Officer of the Year.

Accepting his award where his wife Robin and sons Bryce and Chase.

It was a solemn moment during an event otherwise often punctuated by laughter and hearty handshakes.

The Officer of the Year is nominated by Sheriff's Office staff members. The selection committee is comprised of members of the command staff and union representatives. 

Several members of the department, Sheriff Gary Maha said, nominated Bordonaro. A nomination letter written by Deputy Kevin McCarthy was read by Deputy Matthew Butler.

McCarthy recalled how Bordonaro encouraged him as a rookie deputy, gave him space to ask questions, to learn, to grow. He also said Bordonaro led by example, recalling an incident in Le Roy during one midnight shift when, as watch commander, Bordonaro could have ordered the younger deputies into an apartment where there was a possibly armed suspect holed up, but Bordonaro took the lead position himself.

As Butler read the letter, throughout the room, heads were bowed and a few tears were shed (two pictures below).

Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Robert H. Tripp received the Distinguished Service Award.

Longevity Awards went to:

  • Correction Officer Vincent S. Maurer, 10
  • Deputy Joseph M. Graff, 10
  • Dispatcher Stephen R. Smelski ,10
  • Deputy John P. Weis, 15
  • Deputy Brad D. Mazur, 15
  • Investigator R. Pete Welker, 20
  • Deputy Nathan W. Balduf, 20
  • Deputy Eric J. Koziarski, 25
  • Investigator Roger M. Stone, 40

Commendations were awarded to:

  • Correction Officer Howard O. Wilson
  • Dispatcher Michael T. Sheflin
  • Correction Officer Michael A. Cox
  • Sr. Dispatcher James W. Holman
  • Correction Officer Andrew D. Hurley
  • Deputy Joseph A. Corona
  • Deputy Andrew B. Hale
  • Deputy Kevin R. McCarthy
  • Sr. Dispatcher Barbara J. Eddy
  • Dispatcher Nathan L. Fix
  • Deputy Jason E. Saile
  • Deputy Lonnie A. Nati
  • Deputy Brian A. Thompson Sr.
  • Dispatcher Robert H. Tripp

Meritorious Service Awards went to:

  • Dispatcher Lynn B. Riccobono
  • Community Victim/Services Counselor, Correction
  • Officer Vincent S. Maurer
  • Deputy John R. Duyssen

More on the awards from the Sheriff's press release:

Officer of the Year: Deputy Frank Bordonaro
Deputy Frank G. Bordonaro distinguished himself as a professional, dedicated, hard-working officer who quietly and consistently provided a high level of service to the citizens of Genesee County and the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. Deputy Bordonaro was a Field Training Officer (FTO), a Child Safety Seat Technician and mentored several new officers during his tenure with the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. He served as Officer-in-Charge on several occasions and was highly respected as a leader. Deputy Bordonaro set an example for others to strive for and was always concerned for his fellow officers. Deputy Frank G. Bordonaro is being awarded this recognition posthumously and has brought great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and is most deserving to be named Officer of the Year.

Distinguished Service Award: Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Robert H. Tripp
Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Robert H. Tripp has distinguished himself as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Senior Dispatcher Tripp has been instrumental with the implementation of the new Harris Radio System along with the collection, cataloging and packaging of county-owned radio equipment to be returned to Sprint/Nextel as part of a multi-million dollar capital project. Senior Dispatcher Tripp has been a Communications Training Officer for several years and assisted with the training of five new, part-time dispatchers during 2014. He has also provided critical insight and assistance with upgrades, maintenance, and operational configurations of the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center computer-aided dispatch program and phone and radio consoles. Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Robert H. Tripp reflects great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

International Association of Chiefs of Police Tribute:
During the Awards Luncheon, Sheriff Maha and Undersheriff Sheron presented Robin Bordonaro, widow of deceased Deputy Frank Bordonaro, with a recognition award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police who pay tribute to active duty officers who die feloniously or accidentally during the course of performing their police functions while on or off duty. Deputy Bordonaro unexpectedly passed away after suffering a heart attack at his home shortly after completing his midnight shift on July 8, 2014.

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office also paid tribute to Deputy Bordonaro by placing a plaque in the patrol briefing room in memory of Deputy Bordonaro's service.

Dispatcher Tripp receiving his Distinguished Service Award from Sheriff Maha, right, and Undersheriff William Sheron.

Investigator Roger Stone being congratulated by Maha on 40 years of service to the department.

Dispatcher Nate Fix, with his son, receiving his award from Director of Emergency Communications Steven Sharp.

Group photo with Deputy Frank Bordonaro's family.

To purchase prints, click here.

Baby Chandler's 'grandma' arrested in 6-month-old's death

By Billie Owens

Batavia PD announced that Jacquelyn Deats, 63, was arrested today in connection with the death of infant Chandler Zuchs. The 6-month-old boy was found unresponsive when Mercy medics and Batavia city firefighters responded to a call for help at her address, 10 Olyn Ave., on Dec. 14. She is charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

Her son, Jeffery Deats, was arrested for manslaughter in the baby's death. Subsequently, it was revealed that he was not Chandler's biological father.

Jeffery Deats attempted suicide while in custody and later died at Erie County Medical Center.

Both Jacquelyn and Jeffery Deats were present in the Olyn Avenue home at the time Chandler was found unresponsive.

According to police, investigators learned with Jacquelyn did not contact emergency personnel for "a protracted amount of time after realizing there was something medically wrong with the infant."

The District Attorney's Office assisted with the case.

She is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Smoke coming from walls of mobile home on Alexander Road

By Billie Owens

Smoke is reportedly coming from the walls of a mobile home at 9132 Alexander Road. Town of Batavia fire is responding.

UPDATE 6:48 p.m.: A responder on scene confirms "structure fire in the walls." The location is between Pike and Rose roads.

UPDATE 6:57 p.m.: A code enforcement officer is called to the scene.

UPDATE 7 p.m.: Oakfield is called to fill in at Town of Batavia's fire station.

UPDATE 7:05 p.m.: Traffic is backed up. They are going to alternate the traffic flow. The homeowner is safe and inside a vehicle.

UPDATE 7:07 p.m.: The fire is out and they are beginning overhaul.

 

Hawley critical of Cuomo's property tax plan

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today criticized Gov. Cuomo’s proposed property-tax relief plan as having little concrete backing and not addressing the root cause of unfunded mandates. Hawley also said that the plan is simply a temporary fix and does not address the oppressive tax structure in New York State.  

“Gov. Cuomo’s proposal is a convenient way to avoid addressing the root cause of high property and school taxes: unfunded mandates,” Hawley said. “I agree that tax cuts should be a focus during this year’s budgetary process, but Gov. Cuomo’s proposal does not address the rigorous and oppressive tax structure in New York State. Furthermore, this proposal is based on a surplus that does not yet exist and apparently could only exist if the legislature made several billion in cuts over the next few years. A better solution for tax relief would be broad-based tax cuts for all New Yorkers and not just select groups, as Gov. Cuomo has done.”

Hawley’s comments come after Gov. Cuomo released a $1.7 billion property-tax credit proposal that will be included in his budget presentation next week. Hawley has fought for lower taxes and more fiscal responsibility in Albany during his tenure in the legislature.

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Marketing Assistant — The Batavian Wage: $17 to $18 per hour Status: Part-time (potential to expand to full-time) Location: Work from home (local candidates preferred) The Batavian is seeking a qualified individual to create banner ads and assist with advertising duties to support our customers. Qualifications: High competency with Photoshop, especially for graphic design Training and knowledge in effective ad design Excellent interpersonal skills for client interaction Additional skills with other graphic tools are a plus Key Tasks: Collaborate with the ad sales representative to design ads for our website according to customer specifications Make corrections and adjustments based on customer feedback Upload and traffic ads to our ad server, ensuring correct placement Experience: Applicants must demonstrate a proven ability to perform the required tasks. Additional Information: This position starts as part-time and may expand to full-time. You will work from home; The Batavian will provide a Mac computer for the job. While remote work is possible, we prefer candidates who are local, familiar with our community, and have a strong understanding of our customers. To Apply: Submit your resume and a portfolio demonstrating your graphic design and ad creation skills with a cover letter to Publisher Howard Owens, howard@thebatavian.com.  
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