Local News

Editors Note: The following statement was issued to WBTA by Millie Tomidy-Pepper, Executive Director of the YWCA of Genesee County

Dear Friends,
On behalf of the YWCA, I want to update you on the status of the agency. First and foremost, we are Open! As many of you know, in March of this year, the YWCA of Genesee County was without the means to meet its financial obligations. Quite simply, if it were not for the generous financial support of Nancy and Bill Brach of Brach Machine in Batavia, our doors would have closed and services to the community would have ceased immediately! While this was a daunting time, the Brach’s financial support afforded us an opportunity to assess the situation and define a path forward for the 108 year old organization.

A strategic planning process commenced and many heartfelt hours were spent determining the complexities of the situation. We evaluated if the organization could regain viability. Our goal: to make decisions that not only assured the survival of the organization but ensured the organization would thrive to meet the needs of this generation and many more to come.

While the strategic plan is an ongoing process, several critical decisions have been made that we would like to share with the community. With a focus on the organizations mission and the fiscal viability of each program, the decision was made to transition the School Daycare Program, Care and Crisis Line and Child and Adult Care Food Program to other providers. We approached the conversion of each program with care to assure a seamless transition for all involved. The reduction of these programs will allow the YWCA to rebuild its fiscal infrastructure while focusing its attention on our Domestic Violence Services and Courthouse Daycare Programs.

Additionally, after countless hours of deliberation the decision was made to sell (or fully lease) the building the YW has called home for over 50 years. This decision was bittersweet, but if we are to secure a place for the YWCA’s future, we need to shift our focus from building maintenance to our core mission — eliminating racism and empowering women. In short, our home for the last 50 years will make the next 50 years possible. We are excited for the opportunities this reorganization period will bring to help us use our resources more responsibly, eliminate all debt and allow us to invest in the future as our founding sisters once did. We will also take the lead to stand against racism, inequality, sexism and hate crimes as they continue to dominate the headlines in our nation today.

In closing, we are forever grateful for the outpouring of community support shown us. From community fundraisers to roof repairs, tech support, volunteerism, donations and pots of flowers left on our front porch… all are incredible acts of kindness…thank you!

YWCA will need to find a new home in Batavia to fund the future of the organization.
The YWCA has decided to sell the building it has called home for the past 50 years.
In a statement released to WBTA, Executive Director Millie Tomidy-Pepper said the YW has decided to either sell or fully lease its building on North Street as a means of addressing its financial problems.
Earlier this year the YW was forced to suspend some of its programming and find other providers for the services.
Among those programs were the YW’s School Daycare and Crisis Hot-Line.
The statement went on to say that the agency needs to shift its focus from building maintenance to its core mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

Boyfriend who admitted to burying a young mother off a farm in Sodus accused of repeatedly reentering the country illegally.
26 year old Everardo Donoteo-Reyes of Mexico has been charged with possession of a counterfeit social security card and alien registration card, and illegal re-entry after deportation.
Donoteo-Reyes was arrested by Immigration in September 2016 in Louisiana and again in March of last year by Border Patrol in Laredo Texas.
On both occasions he was deported to Mexico and advised that he could not re-enter the United States without permission.
During the course of investigation into a missing mother and son in Wayne County he was arrested on criminal charges.
Lawmen located fraudulent documents belonging Donoteo-Reyes, and his fingerprints were submitted to Immigration.
Donoteo-Reyes faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a quarter million dollar fine for each charge and is expected in federal court on June 4th.

Better communication between the police and the public may be the best way to stem simmering trouble in the Central Avenue neighborhood.
About three dozen residents met Thursday night with police and politicians to find a path to peace on the streets.
Ward 5 Councilwoman Kathy Briggs suggested bringing back an old idea

Police suggested that the public continue to report suspicious activity when they see it.

An Alden man accused of assaulting his baby is going to prison.
Joseph Jurek has pleaded guilty to reckless assault.
Prosecutors say he dropped or shook his infant son more than once in the past year. Jurek is expected to get to two to seven years in prison.

A ribbon cutting was held yesterday at Darien Lake unveiling its brand new, 5-million dollar roller-coaster called the Tantrum.  Park Manager Chris Thorpe says the Tantrum plummets riders into a 97-degree drop

The Tantrum reaches speeds of 52 miles an hour.

Students from the Byron-Bergen Builder’s Club presented a check for $500 to support the Rochester Regional Health Chemical Dependency Program.

The club raised the funds through coin collections and basket raffles over the course of the school year. As a group, the students decided to donate those funds to Rochester Regional Health’s Behavioral Health Treatment Center at Unity, part of the health system’s chemical dependency program.

The club also made inspirational cards for patients to read during their treatment at the center.

The Builder’s Club was founded three years ago and is sponsored by the Byron Kiwanis Club. Designed to build future community leaders, the club provides students in eighth through 10th grade with hands-on opportunities to build leadership skills and develop positive character traits through volunteering and fundraising.

PHOTO: The Byron-Bergen Builder’s Club with Advisor Andrea Feeney and two Byron Kiwanis Club representatives present a check to David Catalino, a recreation therapist and counselor for Rochester Regional Health’s Behavioral Health Treatment Center at Unity.

Councilwoman Kathy Briggs

Better communication between the police and the public may be the best way to stem simmering trouble in Batavia’s  Central Avenue neighborhood.
About three dozen residents met last night with police and politicians to find a path to peace on the streets.
Ward Councilwoman Kathy Briggs said trouble in the streets is not just a south side problem

Police suggested that the public continue to report suspicious activity when they see it.

A 26 year old man facing charges for taking a beef into his own hands in Byron.
Robert Arnold of Terry Street in Byron is charged with choking another person during a fight on Wednesday night.

An Alden man accused of assaulting his baby is going to prison.
Joseph Jurek has pleaded guilty to reckless assault.
Prosecutors say he dropped or shook his infant son more than once in the past year. Jurek is expected to get to two to seven years in prison.

New York is still considering passing a bill to allow sports betting this year. This legislative session closes in a few weeks and Governor Cuomo says there isn’t enough time this year to address this.
Some state lawmakers are dismissing that and continue pushing gaming bills. Western Region Off Track Betting, owner of Batavia Downs, says the local gaming facility is ready to proceed with legal book making when the state allows it.

Chris Thorpe

Darien Lake cut the ribbon today on its brand new, 5-million dollar roller-coaster called the Tantrum.

Park Manager Chris Thorpe says the Tantrum plummets riders into a 97-degree drop

The Tantrum reaches speeds of 52 miles an hour.

News Release

The Batavia Rotary Club’s popular annual Fly-in Breakfast is scheduled for Sunday, June 17, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Genesee County Airport, 4701 Saile Drive, Batavia.

As in years past, the event is expected to attract more than 1,500 guests from across Western New York, as well as numerous private aircraft pilots from across the state and beyond. Residents throughout Western New York are invited to enjoy breakfast, meet the pilots, and view their aircraft.

The Fly-in Breakfast menu will feature sausage, eggs and omelets, pancakes, and beverages. Adult tickets are $8. Tickets for children ages 4 through 12 are $5. Children under the age of 4 are admitted free.

Tickets for the event may be obtained from any member of the Batavia Rotary Club or at the door.

Saile Drive is located just north of the City of Batavia and the Batavia exit of the New York State Thruway, off Route 98.

Over the years, members of the Batavia Rotary Club have turned the event into a well-oiled machine. Co-chair Edmund Leising and a team of almost 50 Rotarians will check people in, cook and serve a delicious breakfast, and clean tables after guests leave, all quickly and efficiently.

The event attracts families celebrating Father’s Day, people coming from church, or area residents wanting to enjoy breakfast in an unusual location. The event also attracts many people curious about aircraft. Guests can see airplanes landing and taking off up close, and talk with the pilots.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Batavia Rotary Club’s youth programs. The Batavia Rotary Club, founded in 1919, provides financial and volunteer support to numerous community service organizations, with a special emphasis on service to young people.

Councilwoman Kathy Briggs

Ward 5 Councilwoman Kathy Briggs says she was pleased with city police and all the community engagement at her Ward meeting at St. Anthony’s Community Center in Batavia.

Police along with several city council members attended the meeting last night to address concerns over the spread of violence in the city’s south side.

The meeting was held in the City Church owned center on Liberty Street, and Briggs is hopeful it was not the last…

Briggs praised the efforts of police and their increased patrolling, and said members of both the community and local law enforcement need continued support to ensure her constituents are safe in their own neighborhood.

News Release

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) will host a luncheon honoring appointed candidates to our nation’s service academies. Family members of the appointees and Collins’ Service Academy Review Board will also be present to celebrate this honorable achievement.

WHAT:
Each year, Collins hosts a celebration for students who have been appointed to attend one of our nation’s five service academies this fall. As a Member of Congress, Collins has said this is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences for himself and his office. This year, seven students from Collins’ district were appointed to a service academy.

WHEN:
Saturday, June 2nd, 11:30 AM

WHERE:
Clarence Town Park Clubhouse
10405 Main Street
Clarence, NY 14031

WHO:

• Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27)
• Service Academy Appointed Candidates and their families
• Collins’ Service Academy Review Board

Brother of an overdose victim in Oakfield faces felony in her death.
A Niagara County man is being held responsible in the overdose death of his sister.
34 year old Christyna Wells of Oakfield died of a drug overdose from unnamed substances on November 10th of last year.
She was apparently in Niagara Falls with her brother, 29 year old Daniel Wells of Royalton when it occurred.
According to investigators, instead of requesting immediate medical assistance for his sister, Wells drove with her for nearly an hour to a Ridge Road address in Royalton before calling for help.
He has been charged with criminally negligent homicide and remains jailed without bail in Niagara County on unrelated charges.

The Muckdogs make their way back on the air.
WBTA will be the frequency for what’s on the ballfield in Batavia this season as the Muckdogs return to the radio waves.
The entire season of Muckdogs home games beginning with the home-opener on June 18th can be heard here on WBTA AM and FM.
The announcement was made official yesterday.
Andy Helwig the new “Voice of the Muckdogs,” will be commentating all 76 games scheduled for the Batavia ball-club this season.
Away game coverage for the Muckdogs can be found with the TuneIn radio app.

Altercation in Byron leads to charges for a Terry Street resident.
26 year old Nathan Arnold was accused of choking another individual during an altercation on Wednesday night.
Following investigation into an incident, Arnold was arrested and charged with Criminal Obstruction of Breathing.
He was released on his own recognizance with an appearance scheduled for June 4th in Byron Town Court.

New York is still considering passing a bill to allow sports betting this year.
The United States Supreme Court recently struck down a federal ban on sports gambling, leaving it to the states to decide.
This legislative session closes in a few weeks and Governor Cuomo says there isn’t enough time this year to address this.
Some state lawmakers are dismissing that and continue pushing gaming bills.
Batavia Downs has been in discussions with state legislators to secure their spot at the forefront of the new opportunity if and when sports betting is allowed in the state.

The Bills are letting veteran center Eric Wood go.
In January the lineman announced that he had suffered a career ending neck injury and planned on retiring.
Yesterday it was reported that the Bills had reached an injury settlement with Wood and were releasing him.
This would mean a roughly ten-million dollar hit to Buffalo’s salary cap this coming season.

The brother of a 34 year old Oakfield woman has been charged with criminally negligent homicide in his sister’s death.
29 year old Daniel Wells of Royalton is accused in the overdose death of his sister, 34 year old Christyna Wells of Oakfield.
Authorities say Wells was with his sister in Niagara Falls last November 10th when she suffered a drug overdose.
Investigators say Wells drove with his sister for nearly an hour before seeking medical attention for Christyna.
Wells is in the Niagara County Jail on unrelated charges.

The Batavia Muckdogs will be back on the radio this summer.
The Muckdogs and WBAT announced today that all Muckdogs home games will be broadcast on WBTA AM and FM all season long, beginning with the home-opener on June 18th.
The Muckdogs stream coverage of away games via the TuneIn radio app.

The consultant gathering applicants for the job of Batavia City Manager is ready to present them to city council.
Interim Manager Matt Worth speaking on WBTA’s Main and Center program today…

The applicants are told the job will pay between 110 and 135 thousand dollars a year.

A state lawmaker from Rotterdam is sponsoring a bill to allow doctors to prescribe marijuana in place of opioids.
State Senator George Amedore is pushing the bill to try to help move New Yorkers one step farther away from opioids. The bill to expand medical marijuana will be voted on by the Senate Health Committee today.

The Batavia Muckdogs today announced an agreement with WBTA to bring Muckdogs baseball back to the radio waves. Home games will air on 1490 WBTA after a one-year hiatus. Road games will be broadcast online, as well as the TuneIn Radio App.

“We have received a lot of feedback from fans wanting the games back on WBTA, are very excited to be able to deliver that to them.” Muckdogs General Manager Dave Chase said Thursday.

WBTA President and General Manager Dan Fischer added: “We are extremely excited for professional baseball to be back on our air, and to continue the tradition of Muckdogs baseball on WBTA.”

The new “Voice of the Muckdogs,” Andy Helwig will be on the call for all 76 Muckdogs games this season. Helwig comes to the Muckdogs from Canisius College, where he broadcasts volleyball, soccer, lacrosse and basketball on ESPN3 and the WatchESPN App.

The recently expanded Board of Directors for the Genesee County YWCA had to address some serious financial concerns at the beginning of the year, with a number of services needing to be cut including child care.

Executive Director for the YWCA Millie Tomidy-Pepper said other organizations have picked up what the Y had to drop…

She added that she was overwhelmed with the outpouring of donations and support from local businesses and community members.

The organization is finding their financial footing, however they still need to take steps to raise funds for continued operations.

Two fundraisers are scheduled for next month.

The first is slated for Sunday June 10th at T.F Browns and a second is on Saturday June 16th at the hotdog stand in the Peace Garden.

The new city manager candidates have been culled by the Novak Consulting Group and are ready for review by the city’s search subcommittee.

Interim City Manager Matt Worth provided the latest update this morning on WBTA’s Main and Center Program…

The timeline remains on-track with Novak’s initial schedule with the recruiting firm suggesting a salary offer between $110,000 and $135,000.

29 year old Daniel Wells of Royalton has been charged with criminally negligent homicide in the overdose death of his sister 34 year old Christyna Wells of Oakfield.

According to investigators Wells was with his sister in Niagara Falls on November 10th when she suffered from a drug overdose.

He allegedly drove with her for nearly an hour to a Ridge Road address in Royalton before seeking medical attention for his sister.

Wells is behind bars without bail in the Niagara County Jail on unrelated charges.

Assault and Robbery in Alabama lands three in lock up.
Two Albion women and a Batavia man have been jailed for a violent robbery that resulted in a victim being physically assaulted in Alabama.
Albion residents, 32 year old Holly Squires of West Bank Street and 22 year old Brianna Button of King Street were accused of forcibly stealing money and injuring an individual at a Church Street residence in Alabama Sunday afternoon.
30 year old Edward Loper of Pratt Road Batavia was also arrested in connection to the incident.
He was charged with second degree Robbery for allegedly stealing money while the two females physically attacked the victim and was jailed in lieu of $20,000 bail.
Both Squires and Button were charged with Robbery and Assault in the third degree and are being held in lieu of $10,000 bail in the Genesee County Jail.

Funding request for Batavia’s Development Corporation falls short, straining search for a new director.
In order to help secure a new executive director for the agency the Batavia Development Corporation has requested a five year funding commitment from city council.
Around a month ago former executive director Julie Pacatte resigned from her position at the economic development agency.
President of the BDC Pier Cipollone says potential hires will require some sort long term stability in the position which he sees as a five year funding agreement.

City Council was reluctant to make a long commitment but did agree to take up a non-binding letter of support for the BDC at council’s next business meeting.

A state lawmaker from Rotterdam is sponsoring a bill to allow doctors to prescribe marijuana in place of opioids.
WRGB reported yesterday that State Senator George Amedore is pushing the bill to try to help move New Yorkers one step farther away from opioids.
The bill to expand medical marijuana will be voted on by the Senate Health Committee today.

A grand jury has indicted a Rochester teen accused of killing his girlfriend. Earlier this month 17 year old Jermaine Brown was arrested for allegedly shooting 18 year old Ciara Grimes to death at a friend’s house. Prosecutors say he dragged her body outside and left it in the driveway. Yesterday Brown was indicted for manslaughter, possession of a weapon and criminal contempt.

A neighborhood meeting to address concerns over Batavia’s south side is being held tonight.
Council Woman Kathy Briggs and Police Chief Shawn Heubusch want to remind residents about the importance of reporting incidents and encourage them to take back their community.
The meeting will be held tonight at 6pm in the St. Anthony’s Community Center on Liberty Street.

The Batavia Development Corporation, the economic development arm of city hall, is without an executive director.
The agency is asking city council for a five year funding commitment.
BDC president Pier Cipollone any prospective exec-director will want to see long term stability in the position
City Council was reluctant to make a long commitment but did agree to take up a non-binding letter of support for the BDC at council’s next business meeting.

A second arrest has been made in a town of Alabama robbery.
30 year old Edward Loper of Pratt Road, Batavia, is suspected of taking part in the robbery with Holly Squires of Albion.
Deputies say the victim of the robbery was injured.
Both Loper and Squires were jailed in lieu of bail.

A former Stafford resident has been sentenced to five years’ probation for stealing and using a friend’s credit card.
56 year old Jonathan Seiger of Stafford was accused of withdrawing over 16-hundred dollars from an ATM using the stolen card.

A Batavia drug dealer cops a plea deal for a reduced prison sentence.
36 year old Jonathan Hoges pled guilty to a single count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Hoges was arrested last August for selling crack to a drug task force agent
It was Hoges second felony offense.
He’ll get up to four years in prison and two years’ probation.

56 year old Jonathan Seiger formerly of Stafford was indicted on 18 counts in February of last year for allegedly taking and using a female acquaintances’ debit card.

Seiger and his former roommate and co-defendant in the case Scott Spencer were accused of possessing and using the card at an ATM machine to withdraw over
$1,600 in August of 2016.

Seiger was sentenced in Genesee County Court yesterday to five years’ probation and ordered to pay restitution.

Blood spilt in Elba lands a Batavia man in lock up.
Reports of violence have reached into the usually peaceful Village of Elba following a stabbing on Church Street.
Deputies have arrested 42 year old Lamont Crimes of North Street in Batavia for First Degree Assault for allegedly stabbing another man with a knife on Memorial Day.
An altercation on Church Street in Elba led to the alleged stabbing according to authorities however Deputies wouldn’t say what started the fight.
Crimes was remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $15,000 bail.
The south side of Batavia is still reeling from the fatal stabbing two weeks ago with a ward meeting scheduled for tomorrow night at 6 in the St. Anthony’s Community Center on Liberty Street with Ward 5 Councilwoman Kathy Briggs and city police.

City Council offers support to BDC without a funding guarantee.
Former City Councilman Pier Cipollone and current president of the Batavia Development Corporation, was seeking a five-year funding commitment for the agency from council at last night’s council meeting.
Cipollone said without long term support by council, recruiting a new executive director will prove to be difficult.
The Batavia City Council is willing to lend moral support to the economic development agency so long as it is not obligated to continue funding it for another five years.
BDC President Pier Cipollone…

The executive director’s position has been vacant since the resignation a month ago of Julie Pacatte.
Cippolone cited the agency’s track record of attracting state and federal grants, stating that for every $1 invested in the BDC the city has over $30 returned in public and private investment.

Batavia drug dealer takes plea deal for reduced prison sentence.
36 year old Jonathan Hoges appeared in Genesee County Court yesterday morning where he pled guilty to a single count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Hoges was arrested last August after he was accused selling crack cocaine to a Drug Task Force Agent on two occasions.
He was previously convicted on a similar drug charge in 2015 and was deemed a second felony offender.
The plea deal resulted in a determinate four year prison sentence to be followed by two years post release supervision.

An AMBER Alert is canceled for an Upstate toddler who’s still missing.
Wayne County deputies say 14-month-old Owen Hidalgo-Calderon has been missing for two weeks.
His mother Selena Hidalgo-Calderon was found last week buried on a Sodus farm.
Deputies are searching a wooded area they think Owen’s body might be in.
They say the mother’s boyfriend admitted to burying her but said he didn’t kill her.

Violence with a knife moves into the normally quiet Village of Elba.
Deputies say a fight occurred yesterday on Church Street in Elba.
One man was stabbed by another.
Arrested for First Degree Assault was 42 year old Lamont Crimes of North Street in Batavia.
Crimes is in the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $15,000 abil.
Deputies did not say what the fight was about.
The south side of Batavia is still simmering from stabbing two weeks ago that killed one man and left another with a gunshot wound to the leg.

An Albion woman is jailed for assault and robbery.
32 year old Holly Squires is accused of forcibly taking money from another person and causing injury. She has been jailed in lieu of $5,000 bail.
The suspected robbery occurred Sunday in the Town of Alabama.

A Pavilion man has been arrested for allegedly vandalizing a sports car in the parking lot of a Stafford restaurant.
52 year old Michael Joanette has been charged by State Police with a felony count of Criminal Mischief.
Troopers say Joanette smashed the windshield of a white corvette parked in the Red Osier lot.
He’s being held in lieu of $20,000 bail.

A State Street woman held without bail for allegedly stealing rent money she was supposed to pay.
30 year old Jessica Deridder is charged with Grand Larceny for taking rent money from a neighbor and failing to pay the landlord.

State Police in Batavia arrested 23 year old Alexander Koch of Buffalo for DWI and failure to stop or yield at an intersection after he reportedly made a left turn from Snipery Road onto Route 33 in Pembroke.

Koch allegedly failed to yield and pulled out in front of a patrol car causing the Trooper to make evasive maneuvers to avoid a collision shortly after midnight on Sunday.

Koch was taken into custody after failing several field sobriety tests and was released with appearance tickets returnable to the town of Pembroke Court for June.

21 year old Nathan Arieno was taken into custody following report of an aggressive male at a business in Perry.

Arieno was allegedly found to be in possession of drugs and drug packaging materials and was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Criminal use of Drug Paraphernalia.

He was remanded to the Wyoming County Jail in lieu of $2,500 bail and is slated to appear in Perry Village Court on June 19th.

30 year old Jessica Deridder was arrested and charged with Grand Larceny for an alleged incident in April where she is accused of stealing another State Street tenant’s rent money when she was expected to pay it to the landlord.

Deridder was jailed without bail and is expected back in Batavia City Court this afternoon.

42 year old Lamont Crimes of North Street Batavia was arrested and charged with a felony count of first degree Assault following an altercation on Church Street in Elba.

Crimes was accused of stabbing another person with a knife yesterday afternoon.

He was arraigned in Elba Town Court and committed to the Genesee County Jail in Lieu of $15,000 bail.

Crimes is expected to reappear in Elba Town Court on May 31st.

Press Release:

On Monday, June 4th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Batavia Muckdogs will be hosting a job fair at Dwyer Stadium. Those that are looking to work in concessions, maintenance/janitors, grounds crew, box office/ticket takers, press box, promotions, in-game entertainment, the mascot, or bat boys for the duration of the 2018 season can arrive at the visitor’s clubhouse at 4 p.m. for check-in. Attendees are encouraged to dress business casual. The Muckdogs look to fill the positions right away, with the necessary training beginning the weekend of June 15th.

Forcible Robbery and Assault in Alabama lands an Albion woman in lock up.
32 year old Holly Squires of West Bank Street Albion was accused of forcibly stealing money and injuring someone during an attempted robbery.
She was arrested following the reported incident Sunday evening on Church Street in Alabama.
Apparently Squires didn’t act alone in the incident, and was aided by another unnamed individual.
She now faces charges of Robbery and Assault with intent to cause physical injury.
Squires was remanded in lieu of $5,000 bail to the Genesee County Jail.
She is expected to appear in Alabama Town Court on June 7th.

Search for a missing 14 month old continues today in Wayne County.
Law men located the body of 18 year old Selena Hidalgo-Calderon on a farm in Sodus last week after family members reported their concerns over Selena and her young sons’ whereabouts.
Selena’s fourteen-month-old child Owen Hidalgo-Calderon was never located following an amber alert issued last week and law enforcement believes the search will end in a recovery rather than a rescue.
Hidalgo-Calderon’s boyfriend Alberto Reyes has been arrested and apparently admitted to police to burying the 18 year old woman in a bag in the woods.
Over 170 people helped search the farm yesterday for any trace of little Owen.
The Wayne County Sheriff says they are committed to find him even though they don’t expect to find him alive.

Man arrested for vandalism at the Red Osier Restaurant.
Troopers out of Batavia arrested 52 year old Michael Joanette of Pavilion on a felony count of Criminal Mischief for allegedly smashing out the windshield of a car sitting in the parking lot of the Red Osier in Stafford.
Police released security photos from the incident that were posted by our news partner The Batavian.
Troopers say they received numerous tips identifying Joanette.
He was remanded to the Genesee County Jail on $20,000 bail pending an appearance in Stafford Court.

Genesee County Deputies have arrested 15 youngsters during the Darien Lake concert this past weekend.
The highly anticipated Post Malone show kicked off Saturday at the Performing Arts Center however law enforcement wasn’t there to enjoy the music.
Officers arrested 15 people ranging in age from 17 to 23.
They face various charges ranging from trespassing to disorderly conduct, one for having fake IDs and another for having brass knuckles.

Batavia man arrested for obstruction of breathing in Bethany.
54 year old James Young of Thomas Ave was arrested and charged with Criminal Obstruction of Breathing and Unauthorized use of a Motor Vehicle following investigation into a reported incident on Bethany Center Road Friday.
Young was allegedly using a female’s vehicle without her consent and after the woman confronted him about returning the vehicle he became physically violent obstructing her breathing.
Young was released under Genesee Justice Supervision.

Buffalo is hosting the NHL combine again.
This week promising young NHL hopefuls will be evaluated at the KeyBank Center and Harbor Center ahead of the draft.
This is the fourth consecutive year Buffalo has hosted hockey prospects ahead of the draft but this year the Sabres get first pick.
The physical tests will begin on Friday. Buffalo will host the event next year for the fifth year in a row.

Woodrow Horseman

More trouble on Batavia’s south side.
Three men have been arrested following a fracas on Central Ave. late Wednesday night.
42 year old Woodrow Horseman, who lists no permanent address, was charged with Attempted Assault and resisting arrest.
Horseman was ordered held without bail.
Two other men were arrested for disorderly conduct.

Authorities in Wayne County are continuing their search for a missing toddler today.
The 14-month-old child’s mother, 18 year old Selena Hidalgo-Calderon, was found dead on a farm in Sodus last week. Her boyfriend is behind bars charged with tampering with evidence.
An AMBER Alert was issued Friday for little Owen but deputies say they don’t expect to find the boy alive.

Today is Memorial Day, a federal holiday set aside to remember the
Nation’s war dead.
Ceremonies have been scheduled throughout Genesee County during the morning hours.
To view a list of ceremonies, click HERE

Batavia City Council is meeting tomorrow night.
On the agenda is a five year funding plan for the Batavia Development Corporation, which has been without a paid executive director for the past month.
Council is also expected to receive a report on repairing the pillars at the entrance to Redfield Parkway.
The early estimate places the cost of the job at between $57,000 and $67,000.

The search will continue today in Wayne County for a missing one year old boy whose mother was found dead last week.
Authorities say if their search for little Owen Hidalgo-Calderon comes up empty today, the formal search may be called off.
The body of the boy’s mother, 18 year old Selena Hidalgo-Calderon, was found last Wednesday near a farm in Sodus.
Her boyfriend, Alberto Reyes, is being held on a charge of tampering with evidence for allegedly moving the body.
Authorities has also revealed that Reyes, who is not Owen’s biological father, was in this country illegally and had been deported twice before.

A well-known local funeral director has died.
70 year old Ronald Konieczny passed away Friday at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
Mr. Konieczny operated the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home on Bogue Avenue for many years.
It is now operated by his son.
Calling hours for Ronald Konieczny will be held Tuesday at the funeral home’s Batavia location and on Wednesday at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home in Akron.

Tough local talent to take center stage at Throwdown at the Downs.
Mixed Martial Artists from around the area will be matching up for a number of bouts out on the center track Saturday, June 23rd.
Local fighters on the card for that night include Matt Norstrand, Le Roy, Quentin Marozzi, Caledonia, Tim Shelby Le Roy, Brandon Sarkis, Pavilion, Kenny Hale, Jake Hixenbaugh, and Grady Wall, all from Bergen, and Steven Kleckler, Batavia.
Throwdown at the Downs is scheduled for Saturday, June 23rd at 6pm and Tickets are on sale now at bataviaconcerts.com

On Monday, June 4th, from 4 to 6 p.m., the Batavia Muckdogs will be hosting a job fair at Dwyer Stadium.
Those who are looking to work in concessions, maintenance/janitors, grounds crew, box office/ticket takers, press box, promotions, in-game entertainment, the mascot, or bat boys for the duration of the 2018 season can arrive at the visitor’s clubhouse at 4 p.m. for check-in.
Attendees are encouraged to dress business casual. The Muckdogs look to fill the positions right away, with the necessary training beginning the weekend of June 15th.

Search in Sodus to resume this morning for a missing one-year old boy.
The search for a missing 14 month old boy from Sodus resumes this morning with investigators focusing on a 350 acre Joy Road Farm.
An Amber Alert was issued throughout Western New York yesterday for 14 month old Owen Hidalgo-Calderon whose mother was found dead earlier this week.
The body of 18 year old Selena, Hidalgo-Calderon was located Wednesday in some woods behind the farm in Sodus and Wayne County Sheriff Barry Virts believes the boy’s body will be recovered there as well.
State Police have arrested the woman’s boyfriend, Alberto Reyes, on a charge of tampering with evidence after he apparently admitted to moving the body and burying it.
Reyes refused to talk about the whereabouts of the child.
Sheriff Virts said following yesterday’s search there is no evidence that the boy was abducted and his experience in law enforcement leads him to believe the search will end in a body recovery.

Bad blood on Batavia’s south side has spurred a city councilwoman to call for a neighborhood meeting.
5th Ward Councilwoman Kathy Briggs…

The meeting is in response to last week’s fatal stabbing and shooting on Central Ave and will be held this coming Thursday night at 6 in the St. Anthony’s Community Center on Liberty Street.
Police Chief Shawn Heubusch will be in attendance with other fellow officers to remind residents about the importance of reporting incidents in order to back their community.

Tough local talent to take center stage at Throwdown at the Downs.
Mixed Martial Artists from around the area will be matching up for a number of bouts out on the center track Saturday, June 23rd.
Henry Wojtaszek, CEO/president at Batavia Downs held by a press conference in the lobby of Batavia Downs yesterday where Richard Mitchell, owner of Ground Force Fights ran down the list of local fighters.

Throwdown at the Downs is scheduled for Saturday, June 23rd at 6pm and Tickets are on sale now at bataviaconcerts.com
For more on the press conference check the article by our news partner The Batavian.

An assault in Pavilion pub leads to the arrest of a LeRoy Man.
36 year old David Howard of Wolcott Street LeRoy is accused of pushing another patron of the Clover Leaf pub on Telephone Road in Pavilion to the ground causing a head injury.
Howard was charged with Assault and issued a court appearance ticket.

An Amber Alert has been issued in Genesee County and throughout Western New York for a missing one-year old child whose mother was found dead earlier this week.
The child is identified as 14 month old Owen Hidalgo-Calderon.
The body of the child’s mother, 18 year old Selena, Hidalgo-Calderon, located Wednesday in some woods behind a farm on Joy Road in Sodus.
State Police have arrested the woman’s boyfriend, Alberto Reyes, on a charge of tampering with evidence for allegedly moving the body and burying it.
Reyes has not commented on the whereabouts of the child.
Troopers say given the circumstances the child is in imminent danger of serious physical harm or death.

Councilwoman Kathy Briggs

Simmering tension on Batavia’s south side has prompted police and a city councilwoman to call for a neighborhood meeting.
5th Ward Councilwoman Kathy Briggs:

The meeting will be held this coming Thursday night at 6 in the St. Anthony’s Community Center on Liberty Street.
Briggs and Police Chief Shawn Heubusch want to remind residents about the importance of reporting incidents as they see them as a means of taking back their community.
All of this is in response to last week’s fatal stabbing and shooting on Central Ave.

An assault in Pavilion pub leads to the arrest of a LeRoy Man.
36 year old David Howard of Wolcott Street LeRoy is accused of getting into a fracas with another man at the Clover Leaf pub on Telephone Road in Pavilion.
Howard was charged with Assault and issued a court appearance ticket.

Local Lawmen will be increasing enforcement on impaired drivers beginning today.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Batavia and LeRoy Police Departments will begin enforcement in the statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown effort today and will end on Tuesday May 29th.
Governor Cuomo is also suspending road and bridge construction projects on New York highways throughout the Memorial Day weekend to help ease congestion on one of the busiest travel holidays of the year.

Press Release:

A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)

Click Here to watch a special Memorial Day message from Assemblyman Steve Hawley

“This Monday is dedicated to the countless men and women who have given their lives to protect our freedom and way of life. The American dream is uniquely cherished and we owe our gratitude to the veterans who courageously defended it throughout our nation’s history.

“As a veteran, son of a World War Two veteran and member of the Assembly’s Veterans Affairs Committee for many years, our servicemen and servicewomen have always held a special place in my heart and are an inspiration for me to keep fighting in Albany.

“As you are enjoying this special day with family and friends, I ask that you take a moment to reflect on those who have given their lives so future generations can live free and thank a veteran in your life for their service. Lastly, always remember to be safe and responsible when driving but, most importantly, have a happy Memorial Day!”

…This is an ACTUAL AMBER ALERT…

Issued By: New York State Police
Affected Jurisdictions: Allegany, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Genesee, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates Counties

Headline: AMBER Alert: SODUS NEW YORK CHILD:1yrs 2mo Hispanic male 2′ 30lbs Hr:brown Eye:brown CALL(866)NYS-AMBER

NEW YORK STATE AMBER ALERT
Activation Date and Time: Friday, May 25, 2018 – 9:57 AM

The WAYNE COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT has activated the New York State AMBER Alert and is investigating a child abduction that occurred on JOY ROAD , in SODUS NEW YORK at about 9:48 AM on 5/16/2018.

The CHILD, OWEN HIDALGO-CALDERON is a Hispanic male, approximately 1 year 2 months old with short, brown hair and brown eyes. He is approximately 2 feet and weighs about 30 pounds. OWEN is known to need ASTHMA MEDICATION and was last seen wearing UNKNOWN.

THE CHILD WAS TAKEN UNDER CIRCUMSTANCES THAT LEAD POLICE TO BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE IN IMMINENT DANGER OF SERIOUS PHYSICAL HARM AND OR DEATH Anyone with any information on this abduction is asked to call the WAYNE COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT at (866)N Y S-AMBER or dial 911 to provide information on a report or sighting.

Visit http://amber.ny.gov for the most up to date information concerning this alert.

Press Release:

Ignite Buffalo is providing local small businesses a new opportunity for growth through a grant program that will award up to $100,000 to Western New York businesses.

Ignite Buffalo is a business grant and mentorship program that promotes sustainable growth, job creation, and ongoing education to local small business owners. Ignite Buffalo is presented by 43 North in partnership with national and local partners including Facebook, M&T Bank, Quickbooks, AWS, WordPress.com and Woo Commerce.

Finalists selected will be in the running to receive one of 27 grants awarded ranging from $25,000-$100,000 and free access to a curated mentorship program. Within this program, business owners will gain access to industry experts offering ongoing educational programming, access to resources and curated workshops.

All applicants need to do is tell their business story. Applications can be made online at www.ignitebuffalo.org and must be submitted by June 13 at 12 noon EDT.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce and 43 North will be hosting an informational meeting regarding the Ignite Buffalo grants on May 31 from 4-6 p.m. in the city council chambers at the Batavia City Centre, 105 Main St., Batavia. Food and refreshments will be served. The meeting is free and open to the public. You can register for the meeting on the Chamber’s website at www.geneseeny.com.

City Councilwoman calls for response to violence brewing in Batavia.
Batavia’s Ward 5 Councilwoman Kathy Briggs says her constituents have been continually calling her reporting of violence and suspicious drug activity in the City’s south side.
She has been in contact with police and following last week’s fatal stabbing on Central Ave, Briggs decided to organize a ward meeting with law enforcement to address the growing concern.
Police Chef Shawn Heubusch was apparently eager to hold a meeting himself and hopes to empower south side city residents to take back their community…

According to Police the tensions have been high in the Central Avenue neighborhood for a while with bad blood between two apparent groups.
Councilwoman Briggs and Batavia Police will hold a meeting next Thursday night at St. Anthony’s Community center on Liberty Street.
This week three people were indicted by a Grand Jury in connection with last week’s fatal stabbing and shooting.

LeRoy Man arrested for Assault in Pavilion.
Deputies arrested 36 year old David Howard of Wolcott Street LeRoy following investigation into an alleged assault at the Clover Leaf pub on Telephone Road in Pavilion.
Howard was accused of shoving another patron to the ground causing a head and elbow injury.
Wolcott was charged with Assault and issued an appearance ticket for June 5th in Pavilion Town Court.

Deputies make drugged driving arrest after crash in Elba.
23 year old James Edwards of Upper Holley Road Holley was arrested following a single car crash on Lockport Road in Elba Wednesday Afternoon.
The crash occurred after Edwards apparently lost control of his vehicle driving off of the roadway into a ditch.
Edwards had three other passengers one of which sustained a minor injury.
He was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle impaired by Drugs, Unlawful Pot Possession and vehicle and traffic infractions.
He was released with an appearance ticket for August 8th in Elba Town Court.

Increasing enforcement on impaired drivers begins today.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Batavia and LeRoy Police Departments will begin enforcement in the statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown effort today and will end on Tuesday May 29th.
Governor Cuomo is also suspending road and bridge construction projects on New York highways throughout the Memorial Day weekend to help ease congestion on one of the busiest travel holidays of the year.

For the first time, both major parties nominated African-American candidates to run for attorney general of New York.
Yesterday in New York City, Republicans nominated Manhattan attorney and Buffalo native Keith Wofford.
On Long Island, Democrats nominated New York City lawyer Letitia James.
They’re going to face off in November to try to replace Eric Schneiderman after he resigned amid abuse allegations by several women.

City Hall is responding to the simmering violence on Batavia’s south side.
Police say trouble in the Central Avenue neighborhood had been brewing for some time.
Now, a community meeting has been scheduled in the 5th ward.

Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch

Police Chef Shawn Heubusch says the meeting will be held next Thursday night at St. Anthony’s Community center

Councilwoman Kathy Briggs

Ward 5 Councilwoman Kathy Briggs organized the meeting.

A Grand Jury on Wednesday indicted three people in connection with last week’s fatal stabbing and shooting.

A Batavia man admits to arson and drug sales in plea agreement.
47 year old Eddie Lee Miles was arrested last January when he used a a piece of furniture to barricade himself in an apartment on Washington Ave., then set it on fire, and threatened to shoot police.
Miles pled guilty to felony counts of Arson, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.
He will remain in custody pending his first sentencing date scheduled for June 22nd.

State Democratic and Republican conventions continue today in New York.
Former Vice President Joe Biden is set to endorse Governor Andrew Cuomo at the Democratic convention underway at Hofstra University on Long Island.
Cuomo got 95 percent of the votes from Democratic delegates, securing a spot on the primary ballot.
Republicans gave the nod to Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro.

No one is injured after a Boston-bound flight had to make a sudden landing.
Officials say a JetBlue plane hit a bird early this morning in Buffalo, about ten minutes after takeoff.
The pilot circled the plane back safely to the airport and the passengers were shuffled onto a new flight.
The plane is undergoing maintenance.

News Release:

The Spring of 2018 Instructors and Students of the Semester for both the Albion and Medina Campus Centers of Genesee Community College have been named! Nominations from fellow teachers, students and colleagues were collected at each campus center during the semester. The selection committee, led by Associate Dean of Orleans County Campus Centers James Simon reviewed each nomination and selected the winning instructors and students.

ALBION CAMPUS CENTER

Peggy Feary-Pray has been selected as the Spring 2018 Instructor of the Semester at GCC’s Albion Campus Center. In a nomination, one of her students expressed appreciation that Ms. Feary-Pray took an interest in her and gave her opportunities to grow within her field of study stating, “She develops and creates hands-on activities that generate group discussions and realistic role-plays.”

In the course of her career she has been a clinical therapist, foster care caseworker and rape crisis coordinator. Reflecting on her varied career path, Peggy said, “I would change nothing…I am always amazed by the twists my career has taken.” Her sage advice for new instructors: “Be prepared with more than you need for class, and make your students use their brains. You might be surprised by what they say.” She added, “Rise to the challenge, you might surprise yourself!”

Peggy shared that her most rewarding experience has been seeing her students’ ability to write a great paragraph response at the end of the semester!

Peggy graduated from Alexander Central School and continued her education at SUNY College at Brockport and University at Albany. She holds Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Welfare degrees. She is teaching classes in Human Relations and Human Services in GCC’s Albion Campus Center this semester. She lives in Corfu with her husband, three children, dog and two cats. When she isn’t in the classroom, Peggy enjoys camping and playing her flute. She is active in her community, serving on the Missions and Ministry Committee at Alexander UMC.

Summer Moore was named Spring 2018 Student of the Semester at the Albion Campus Center. An Albion native, Summer attends classes at GCC part time in pursuit of her Criminal Justice AAS degree with a concentration in Corrections Counseling.

Summer says that what she loves most about college is meeting new people and learning new things. She believes that one of her strengths as a student is her dedication to working hard and making herself accountable for her own efforts. Agreeing, her instructor said “Summer has clearly worked hard, and as a result, her writing has consistently improved throughout the semester.”

Summer offered some words of wisdom to new college students, “things may seem scary and overwhelming at first, but it gets better as long as you try!” She cites her parents as the major influences in her life, saying that they’ve always pushed her to try her hardest, and they never gave up on her.

Upon graduation from GCC, Summer plans to look for a good job that will allow her to live near a beach in Virginia. When she isn’t studying, Summer enjoys drawing, listening to music and walking nature trails. Summer resides in Albion.

MEDINA CAMPUS CENTER

The selection committee has named Amy Crockford as the Spring 2018 Instructor of the Semester at the Medina Campus Center. Amy joined Genesee Community College as an adjunct instructor of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Culture in 2017. In addition to Medina, she currently teaches at GCC’s Batavia campus, The SUNY College at Brockport, Buffalo State College and Erie Community College.

Amy has her BS degree in Communications from Rochester Institute of Technology and her MS degree in Student Affairs Administration from the University at Buffalo.

Students who nominated Amy this semester collectively shared that she makes learning ASL enjoyable and relatable. One student stated that if it were not for Amy’s class, the student would have dropped out of school. Amy smiles and blushes as she recalls her most rewarding teaching experience – receiving a nomination for the Presidential Academic Excellence in Teaching Award. She added that GCC’s Medina Campus Center staff have been wonderful assets to her and the College by encouraging students.

When asked for one piece of advice to a new instructor, Amy said, “Be patient with your students and it will be reflected in their work, class participation and eagerness to learn.”

Married and raising two sons, Amy finds time to be an active Scout mom in Akron Cub Scouts Pack 531 and Boy Scout Troop 559. She also belongs to Deaf Access Services, The American Sign Language Teacher’s Association and the American Sign Language National Honor Society. The Crockford family resides in Lockport.

Dustin Wells has been named the Spring 2018 Student of the Semester at the Medina Campus Center. Dustin will earn his Liberal Arts & Science: General Studies AS degree and graduate from GCC in the Fall of 2018. He plans to transfer to a four-year institution to play collegiate baseball and to pursue a degree in architecture.

One of the nominations stated that “Dustin regularly demonstrates not only effort, but also insight and excellence. Dustin stands out. Many people are happy with doing what is required, but few challenge themselves to be the best that they can personally be, as he does.”

Dustin was quick to cite his mother and father as the major influences in his life and education. He said his mother always strives for success in college and life and his father works hard and stays focused – no matter what. Dustin wanted new students to know that, “College is much easier if you don’t procrastinate and actually study.” Dustin resides in Medina.

Councilwoman Kathy Briggs will be holding a 5th Ward meeting on Thursday, May 31st.

The meeting will be regarding the recent rash of violent events in the 5th ward area of Central Avenue and Jackson Street.

Ward 5 Councilwoman Kathy Briggs…

Briggs said she has encouraged her constituents to report disturbances to police and has reported a number of suspicious incidents herself, however after last week’s fatal stabbing she decided a community meeting was in order.

She contacted Police Chief Shawn Heubusch who was apparently thinking the same thing and agreed to attend the meeting.

Briggs believes that the community members need to be informed about reporting incidents and to encourage them to take back their community

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday May 31st at 6PM at the St. Anthony’s Community Center conference room on Liberty Street.

Press Release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today voted for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY19. This legislation is consistent with President Trump’s commitment to rebuild and reform our nation’s military.

“The men and women of the United States military and their families make honorable sacrifices for our nation and we must make sure they are supported,” said Collins. “Whether it is the need for appropriate equipment on the battlefield or a bigger paycheck to take care of ever increasing living expenses, I’m proud to support this year’s NDAA because our brave service members deserve more.”

The FY19 NDAA gives troops a pay raise of 2.6%, the largest in nine years. Additionally the legislation expands recruiting efforts and authorizes increases in the size of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Naval and Air Reserve, and Air Guard to address the increasing threats facing the United States.

The FY19 NDAA also includes funding for advanced education, experience, and training to help the military compete with the private sector in recruiting talent with specialized skills.

Collins added: “In a world of increasing threats and serious neglect in recent years, we have to continue to modernize the military and make critical investments for our nation’s defense. This important legislation passed today will lay the groundwork for the United States to continue to build and maintain the most powerful military on the planet.”

Press Release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced that Ground Force Fight’s “Throwdown at the Downs” event will take place on Saturday, June 23rd. A press conference in the Batavia Downs Lobby with local fighters from the event will start at 12 noon on Friday, May 25th.

“We are excited to host our first MMA event on the track,” said Henry Wojtaszek, CEO/President at Batavia Downs Gaming. “Ground Force Fights has a history of putting on exciting shows and we’re pleased to be providing a new space in which they can entertain the passionate MMA fans of Western New York.”

Bouts include Tom Shelby of Leroy vs Yuri Panferov of North Haven CT for Cruiser heavyweight Title, Grady Wall of Bergen vs Xi Lau of Toronto for the flyweight title & Quentin Marozzi of Caledonia vs Teshay Gouthro of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada for the bantamweight title.

“Partnering with Batavia Downs is something we’ve talked about for a long time,’ said Richard Mitchell, Owner of Ground Force Fights. “We’re looking forward to putting on our first outdoor show and invite the public to come root on the many local fighters who will be taking part in the event.”

Tickets are on sale now at bataviaconcerts.com. Doors open at 4:30pm, Event starts at 6pm. Tickets are $35 for General Admission and $55 for VIP seats closer to the cage. Lawn chairs (which are normally permitted for other Batavia Downs events) are NOT permitted for this event. There will be limited chairs and bleacher seating available. Each concert ticket is also redeemable once at Player’s Club in the three days following the event for $15 Free Play to be used on one of Batavia Downs Gaming’s 800+ gaming machines.

Three indicted for fatal stabbing and shooting on Central Ave.
Three suspects have been served felony indictments by the Genesee County Grand Jury following the rash of deadly violence on the city’s south side last week.
30 year old Nathaniel Wilson is facing a Class A-1 felony of Murder for stabbing 41 year old Terry Toote to death.
Wilson was allegedly shot in the leg by 17 year old Samuel Blackshear who was indicted for Attempted Assault and Criminal Possession of a Weapon.
48 year old Jennifer Urvizu–Hanlon who allegedly gave Blackshear the gun is also charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon.
District Attorney Lawrence Friedman says the tensions in the neighborhood were just waiting to boil over…

All three are being held without bail pending their next court appearance on June 4th.
According to reports from our news partner at The Batavian the violent disturbances that have plagued the Central Ave area continued yesterday.
There were at least three calls to the Jackson, Central Ave area yesterday with multiple altercations and possibly more people in custody according to reports.

Batavia man takes plea deal in police standoff and arson incident.
47 year old Eddie Lee Miles also known as “Pops” appeared in Genesee County Court yesterday afternoon where he pleaded guilty to three felonies.
Miles was arrested in August for criminal obstruction of breathing and torturing or injuring an animal after he allegedly injected his dog with an unknown purple liquid.
He was also arrested on a warrant for allegedly selling crack cocaine to Drug Task Force agent.
Miles most recent arrest came in January when he used a couch to barricade himself in an apartment on Washington Ave., then set it on fire and began threatening to shoot police.
In satisfaction of three Grand Jury indictments Miles pled guilty to felony counts of Arson, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to sell and Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle.
Miles will remain in custody pending his first sentencing date scheduled for June 22nd.

Today is day two of the New York State Democratic and Republican conventions.
Yesterday on Long Island, Governor Cuomo got 95-percent of delegate votes over his challenger, actress Cynthia Nixon.
She will still be on the primary ballot if she collects enough voter signatures.
In New York City, Republicans gave the nod to Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro.
Both parties will also nominate a candidate for attorney general following Eric Schneiderman’s recent resignation.

Former Bills guard Ritchie Incognito is being held in Florida on a mental exam.
It was reported yesterday that police were called about Incognito in an upscale gym after a man said he threw a dumbbell at him.
The man said the attack was unprovoked and Incognito was going on about the government and yelling for him to “get off his playground.”
He wasn’t arrested but was put under an involuntary psychiatric hold.

Nathaniel D. Wilson Jr.

Samuel Blackshear

Jennifer Urvizu-Hanlon

The Genesee County Grand Jury has handed up felony indictments against the three suspected actors in last week’s deadly violence on the south side.
30 year old Nathaniel Wilson has been indicted for the murder of 41 year old Terry Toote.
17 year old Samuel Blackshear is accused of attempted assault for allegedly shooting Wilson in the leg,
And 48 year old Jennifer Urvizu -Hanlon is facing a weapons charge for allegedly giving Blackshear the gun.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said this afternoon trouble had been simmering in the neighborhood

All three are being held in the county jail without bail.
Their arraignment on the indictments will be held June 4th.

Police are looking for a suspect who caused some mayhem at the Red Osier Restaurant in Stafford.
Surveillance video caught a guy, possibly armed, banging on doors and windows Monday afternoon.
The same guy is believed to have smashed the window of a little white corvette.
We have pictures of the suspect HERE along with how you can report information to the police.

Six Flags is going to operate the Darien Lake theme park resort.
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation has announced it has an agreement to acquire the lease rights to Darien Lake.
It owned and operated the theme park from 1999 to 2007. The agreement is expected to close in June.

Going to the hospital can be a scary experience for anyone, but especially so for children.
That’s way a large group of preschoolers up to first graders were treated to the annual Teddy Bear and Doll Clinic hosted by UMMC.
Healthy Living Coordinator Rachel Cosimeno says the event is intended to take some of the fear out of hospitals.
Over 200 children took part and visited displays simulating the various departments in the hospital.

Press Release:

As you are getting ready for the summer, get ready for your future! The first summer session of onsite and online courses at Genesee Community College begins next Tuesday, May 29, 2018 and there are more than 60 courses offered.

Among the full summer, 12-week course options are: Female Role in Film (CIN242); Intro to Meteorology (MET101), Beginning Personal Fitness (PED259); Intro to Digital Photography (PHO118); Social Problems (SOC102) or Human Diversity (SOC204), and many others. Both online and onsite courses still have seats available! To explore all the options go to: https://www.genesee.edu/courses/schedule/.

In addition to many course options, full-year Pell Grant funding from the federal government is available to eligible full-time students who are taking at least six credits hours over the summer semester. This is a great opportunity for students who want to maximize their academic schedule, retake a course for a better grade, or get ahead and potentially graduate early.

Lastly, high school seniors, juniors, or adults and GED earners who are brand new to college and residents of Genesee, Livingston, Orleans or Wyoming counties, should explore the Genesee Promise Plus program. GPP offers a scholarship covering the cost of tuition for up to two summer courses at GCC for high school seniors, and one course for high school juniors (rising seniors) or adults. For all the details go to: https://www.genesee.edu/home/academics/genesee-promise-plus/

To apply to GCC or to register for a summer session class, please visit https://www.genesee.edu/courses/schedule/ or contact one of GCC’s dedicated student success coaches at ssc@genesee.edu or call (585) 345-6805 today!

Press Release:

Cattle Handling Systems: Importance for BQA
Thursday, June 14th, 6:30-8:30 PM
Wilmar Farm, Bill & Marie Kuipers
3532 Mote Rd. Gainesville, NY 14066

Cattle Handling Facilities Workshop Scheduled

Providing handling facilities that allow safe, humane, and efficient movement and/or restraint of cattle is part of the Code of Cattle Care for Beef Quality Assurance. Facilities provide for disease prevention practices to protect herd health, including access to veterinary medical care. This workshop will cover some key concepts for animal health and handling and provide an opportunity to hear and share personal experiences.

Nancy Glazier, Small Farms Specialist, NWNY Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team & Lynn A. Bliven, Issue Leader Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County have organized a workshop June 14 from 6:30-8:30 pm at Wilmar Farm, the home of Bill & Marie Kuipers, 3532 Mote Rd. Gainesville, NY 14066.

Bill and Marie will lead a tour of facilities and provide an overview of farm. Jerry Bertoldo, DVM, Dairy Specialist, NWNY Team will cover the vet’s perspective chute side and provide a brief overview of the NYSCHAP program.

This is a BQA recertification workshop. If you are Level 2 BQA Certified you will need to provide an updated Veterinarian Client/Patient Relationship (VCPR) form, if needed please request a form when you pre-register.

This will also serve as chute side training for those that have taken online BQA course. Haven’t completed that yet? It can be found at www.bqa.org. You MUST pre-register so we know how many animals we will need. If you are seeking BQA Level 2 you will need to provide a Veterinarian Client/Patient Relationship (VCPR) form.

Fee is $10/person or $15/farm at the door to cover handouts for the program. For more information or to RSVP please contact Lynn Bliven lao3@cornell.edu or by phone: 585-268-7644 ext. 18 or Nancy Glazier nig3@cornell.edu or 585-315-7746.

News Release:

On 5/24/2018, during the hours of 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM, Castilone Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep will host a Chrysler Cars 4 Classrooms fundraiser for Alexander Elementary students.

During the Chrysler Cars 4 Classrooms event, parents and friends of the school, will have the opportunity to earn a $10 contribution, up to $2,000, for Alexander Elementary students, by taking a brief test drive in the all-new Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid – the only hybrid minivan available on the market. Any licensed driver, age 18 or older, may drive and earn $10 on the school’s behalf. Castilone Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep will provide vehicles and staff to assist drivers with fundraising test drives and any questions they may have.

The Chrysler brand will also offer Alexander Elementary a chance to earn an additional $1,000 and be entered into a grand prize sweepstakes for up to $7,000 in additional funding, by simply sharing photos from the event on a public Facebook account within one week of the fundraiser’s date, and incorporating the provided customized hashtag #AlexPacificaContest for Alexander Elementary and tagging @Chrysler. The contest ends 5/31/2018.

“For 25 years, The Chrysler brand has been helping to raise money for elementary schools like Alexander Elementary,” said Northeast Business Center Regional Director, Jeff Strickland. “The Chrysler Cars 4 Classrooms event will offer Alexander parents and families a chance to experience the capabilities of the all-new Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid minivan, conveniently while attending an event in support of a cause that is personal to them.”

Additionally, all test drive participants will be entered into the 2018 FCA US National Sweepstakes at registration, for a chance to win $45,000 towards an eligible vehicle from any one of the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram Truck and FIAT brands.

In 2017, the Chrysler brand celebrated 25 years of commitment to its local schools and families. Since 1993, the brand helped to raise over 7 million dollars through fundraising test drives. For more information, visit www.cars4classrooms.com.

State Police in Warsaw have arrested seven Inmates for recent criminal activity occurring within local correctional facilities.

All seven inmates were charged with Promoting Prison Contraband for allegedly being in possession of either drugs or weapons while incarcerated in either the Attica or Wyoming Correctional Facility.

Officers discovered edged ceramic and metal objects along with an altered toothbrush that were being used as weapons.

All of the inmates were arraigned in Wyoming County Court and were ordered to reappear in court on later dates.

Click here for a link to the NYS Police Press Release.

Kids from preschool through first grade were shuttled to UMMC’s Cary Hall on East Main in Batavia for a special event today, the Teddy Bear & Doll Clinic.

Health Living Coordinator for the Teddy Bear & Doll Clinic Rachel Cosimeno…

Cosimeno said that around 300 kids participate in the interactive event, being bused in from as far as Orleans and Wyoming Counties.

Dozens of health career academy students stood with white lab coats along with hospital staff, leading children and their stuffed animals through various procedures.

Mercy EMS was also on hand giving tours of an ambulance.

Mercy EMS Marketing Director Kate Glaser…

The annual tradition putting a friendly face on medicine is over 20 year old and wouldn’t be complete without a life-sized Doc McStuffins who is on call.

Press Release:

For the homeschooled families who might have missed the special Information Session at Genesee Community College’s Lima Campus Center, another opportunity awaits you. Homeschooled students and their parents are invited to the Dansville Campus Center on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 from 4 – 6 p.m. to learn about GCC’s exciting opportunities for students who are homeschooled. Key college staff members who work with this student population will be available to educate family members and answer questions.

Homeschooled students have extensive opportunities to advance their education through GCC. Classes are offered in many subject areas and students under age 18 may take approved ACE (Accelerated College Enrollment) courses at a reduced tuition rate. ACE Program Specialist Dan Snyder, who works with many homeschooled students currently enrolled at GCC, will be at the session to provide information. GCC Admissions Director Lindsay Gerhardt will also be present to educate and answer any admissions questions families may have.

The afternoon event will include information about how GCC coursework can help homeschooled students earn the New York State High School Equivalency Diploma. Scholarship and financial aid information will also be available. Participants will also enjoy the opportunity to have refreshments at the Dansville Campus Center.

“Homeschooled students appreciate the many different courses and subject areas, but where classes are small and there is consistently excellent instruction with a low student to teacher ratio,” Associate Dean Amy Churchfield, who oversees GCC Campus Centers in Lima and Dansville said. “GCC is a perfect pathway for homeschool families to transition from their at-home learning environment to college-level curriculum that is rigorous, but also friendly and offers plenty of hands-on learning.”

Families will also have the opportunity to learn about Genesee Promise Plus Summer Scholarship program, which provides ACE students with one or two classes tuition-free to any of GCC seven campus locations or online. More than 140 courses are being offered this summer. GCC has three Summer Sessions: The full Summer session runs for ten weeks starting May 29 – August 11; Session I runs May 29 – June 30; and Session II runs July 9 – August 11.

The Dansville Campus Center is located at 31 Clara Barton Street, Dansville, NY 14437. For more information contact the Dansville Campus Center at (585) 335-7820.

For more information, contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616, or via email: dsutherland@genesee.edu.

Violent Sex Offender status determined for Child Molester about to be released.
21 year old Storm Lang has spent the past three years in incarnation on convictions of first and second degree child sex abuse.
In 2014, when Lang was 17 years old he was sexually involved with three different victims ranging from 5 to 12 years old on multiple separate occasions in Alabama and Bethany.
He is now counting down the days until his release and was back in Genesee County Court on Monday for a Sex Offender Registration Act hearing to determine his threat level.
The determination must be decided within 30 days prior to his release.
Judge Charles Zambito gave Lang a level three designation under the legal definition of a sexually violent offender.
Lang will be under post-release supervision for a decade will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
For more on the story check the article by our news partner The Batavian.

New York Democrats and Republicans are starting their two-day conventions today.
Hillary Clinton, the 2016 presidential nominee, is delivering the keynote speech for the Democrats at Hofstra University, where she’ll endorse Governor Cuomo for a third term against former “Sex and the City” actress Cynthia Nixon.
Republicans are meeting in New York City and are expected to nominate Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro for governor.
Two Buffalo natives are working to get their respective party nominations to run for state attorney general.

Six Flags is going to operate the Darien Lake theme park resort.
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced yesterday it has an agreement to acquire the lease rights to Darien Lake.
It owned and operated the theme park from 1999 to 2007.
The agreement is expected to close in June.

Local lawmen to be on the lookout for impaired motorists over Memorial Day weekend.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Batavia and LeRoy Police Departments will participate in the statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown effort which starts Friday May 25th and will end on Tuesday May 29th.
Governor Cuomo is also suspending road and bridge construction projects on New York highways throughout the Memorial Day weekend to help ease congestion on one of the busiest travel holidays of the year.

Pre-sale tickets for individual games are now on sale for the Batavia Muckdogs upcoming season.
Season tickets sales are on hold until management can confirm what previous season ticket holders will be renewing and reclaiming their seats.
The home opener is scheduled for June 18th.

Law Enforcement is looking to question a man who was captured on surveillance cameras during an incident at Red Osier Landmark Restaurant in Stafford Monday afternoon at around 1:50 p.m.

Someone reportedly showed up at the restaurant who may have had a weapon and banged on doors and windows causing some damage.

That same person is also believed to have smashed out the windshield in a white Corvette sitting in the parking lot.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the State Police at (585) 344-6200.

Information provided by our news partner The Batavian.

New York Democrats and Republicans are holding two-day state conventions starting tomorrow. Former 2016 Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is delivering the keynote speech for the Democrats at Hofstra University where she’ll endorse Governor Cuomo for a third term in the face of a primary challenge by “Sex And The City” actress Cynthia Nixon. The Republicans are meeting in New York City where they’re expected to nominate Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro for Governor. Both parties will also nominate a candidate for Attorney General following Eric Schneiderman’s sudden resignation.

Batavia teenager gets state prison time for assaulting a 13 year old.
16 year old Lionel Anderson was sentenced for beating a 13 year old who had his face slammed into the ground. The victim was hospitalized
The incident happened last Nov 28 on Highland Park
Anderson was sentenced to one to three years in state prison and his record will be sealed as a youthful offender.
With time served the Oklahoma native could be released in 6 months.

Local lawmen to be on the lookout for impaired motorists over Memorial Day weekend.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Batavia and LeRoy Police Departments will participate in the statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown effort which starts Friday May 25th and will end on Tuesday May 29th.
Governor Cuomo is also suspending road and bridge construction projects on New York highways throughout the Memorial Day weekend to help ease congestion on one of the busiest travel holidays of the year.

The Peebles store on Veteran’s Memorial Drive is closing.
There has been no official announcement but “store closing signs” popped up over the weekend.
It is unknown when Peebles will shut the doors for good.

Pre-sale tickets for individual games are now on sale for the Batavia Muckdogs upcoming season.
Season tickets sales are on hold until management can confirm what previous season ticket holders will be renewing and reclaiming their seats.
The home opener is scheduled for June 18th.

2018 MEMORIAL DAY SCHEDULE OF CEREMONIES

7:00 AM Genesee County Park – Vietnam Veterans Memorial (VVA#193)

8:00 AM Williams Park W.W.I Memorial (wreath laying, rifle salute & Taps)

8:30 AM Batavia VA Medical Center

8:45 AM NYS Veterans Home

9:30 AM Harvester Ave. Plot (wreath laying, rifle salute & Taps)

10:00 AM Upton Monument (wreath laying, rifle salute & Taps)

10:00 AM Ceremony at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba. No parade. The Elba Historical Society Museum will be open for tours after the ceremony.

10:30 AM UMMC – Jerome Center – (Memorial Day ceremonies: Invocation;
National Anthem w/ Batavia Concert Band; G.A.R. Order of the Day;
Veterans Service Organizations Commemorations; Wreath laying w/
Gold Star Mothers; Honor Roll w/ drum roll; Rifle Salute; Taps;
Benediction; “God Bless AmericA”)

11:30 AM GLENN S. LOOMIS GRAVE – Elmwood Cemetery(legion #193)

12:00 PM Hansen Bros. Grave – Grandview Cemetery (MCL #951)

2018 MEMORIAL DAY PARADES

BATAVIA: Parade starting at 9:45 a.m. beginning at the East Town Plaza traveling west along Main Street to Bank Street and ending at the War Memorial Monument on the grounds of the Jerome Center.

BERGEN: Parade at 9:00 a.m. beginning at the Fire Hall (Rts. 19 & Hunter Street), traveling south on Rt. 19 to Hickory Park with ceremony to take place at the park immediately following the parade.

ALEXANDER: Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Alexander High School and travels to the cemetery on Railroad Avenue with a ceremony to take place at the cemetery following the parade..

LEROY: Parade at 10:30 a.m. from the American Legion to Trigon Park with a ceremony at Trigon Park at 11:00 a.m. following the parade.

BYRON: Parade at 11:00 a.m. from Terry Street to Swamp Road with a ceremony immediately following at Byron Cemetery.

OAKFIELD: Parade at 11:00 a.m. from the Oakfield Fire Dept. to Triangle Park with ceremony to be held at Triangle Park.

CORFU: Parade at 12:00 p.m. from Corfu Fire hall on Rt. 33 to the Intermediate School on Rt. 77. Ceremony immediately following the parade.

News Release

Empire Access, a leading telecommunications service provider based in the Finger Lakes region of New York, today announced the completion of its acquisition of Axcess Ontario. Through this acquisition, Empire Access adds over 200 miles of fiber optic network to its existing multi-county network infrastructure. Empire plans to accelerate its expansion of fiber optic service in Ontario County with this newly acquired network.

“We’re excited to announce that we have finalized the acquisition of the Axcess Ontario network,” said Jim Baase, COO of Empire Access. “This allows us to offer our industry-leading Fiber Optic Gigabit Internet, phone and security to homes and businesses throughout Ontario County.”

The Axcess Ontario fiber ring is a 200-plus-mile open-access fiber-optic network in Ontario County in Upstate New York. Since 2005, Axcess Ontario has built and maintained a robust open-access fiber-optic network infrastructure within Ontario County. The open-access network provides advanced connectivity for telecommunications. The Axcess Ontario fiber ring has been recognized as a national broadband model and is the epitome of 21st-century public infrastructure.

“Empire Access is a family-owned and operated company, and our goal is to continue Axcess Ontario’s original mission of providing cutting-edge communications services to the local communities,” said Jim Baase, COO of Empire Access.”

Empire Access currently offers residential and business fiber optic services in the Village of Naples, NY, along with a wide array of fiber optic business services in the Cities of Canandaigua and Geneva, the Village of Victor and Honeoye. The company will expand residential and business service to surrounding communities in the upcoming months and offer fiber optic high-speed Internet, phone and security solutions to residential and business customers within Ontario County.

New first class facility officially opens for first responders.
Mercy EMS ambulances have moved to a brand new headquarters just outside the city off of Route 98.
The move will mean fewer Mercy EMS ambulances racing through busy downtown Batavia responding to calls.
A ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the 2.1-million dollar facility was held yesterday afternoon.
Even with all the accolades heaped on the company yesterday, Mercy EMS cofounder Doug Baker says they can still do better…

Baker who had the vision of creating Mercy Flight back in 1981 was honored with a plaque that will be placed on the new building.
Mercy EMS had previously staged their ambulances at the former St. Jerome’s Hospital on Bank Street.

Batavia teen gets state prison time for assaulting a 13 year old.
16 year old Lionel Anderson appeared in Genesee county court yesterday for sentencing stemming from an incident of assault with a younger teen in Batavia.
Anderson was sentenced for beating a 13 year old who had his face slammed into the ground twice and had to be hospitalized.
Anderson was sentenced to one to three years in state prison and his record will be sealed as a youthful offender.
With time served the Oklahoma native could be released in 6 months.

New York State Democrats and Republicans are gathering at their respective conventions tomorrow ahead of primary races.
Both parties are looking for their best candidates to win the attorney general’s office vacated by Eric Schneiderman.
New York City Public Advocate Letita James is the favorite to win the Democratic nomination while John Cahill, who ran in 2014, is expected to be the GOP’s pick.

Local lawmen to join in DWI crack down over the Memorial Day weekend.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office along with the Batavia and LeRoy Police Departments will participate in a special enforcement effort to crack down on impaired driving.
The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start Friday May 25th and will end on Tuesday May 29th.
Memorial Day is one of the busiest travel holidays of the year and marks the official start of summer.

The Peebles Dept store has announced it will be closing after 10 years in the city Bataiva. No specific closure date has been given yet.

The Bills have released Ritchie Incognito from the reserve and retired list.
This will make Incognito a free agent able to sign with any team.
Last month he said he planned to retire for health reasons.
However, ESPN reports that he told the Bills he wants to keep playing.

We will probably see fewer Mercy EMS ambulances screaming through downtown Batavia.
The emergency medical service has moved to a brand new headquarters just outside the city off of Route 98.
The 2.1-million dollar facility officially went into service yesterday.

Jay Gsell, Genesee County Manager

Genesee County Manager Jay Gsell was among a host of dignitaries marking the occasion

Mercy EMS had staged their ambulances at the former St. Jerome’s Hospital on Bank Street.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro is expected to secure the Republican nomination for New York governor later this week.
GOP leaders will nominate their choice to challenge Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday, as their party convention kicks off in New York City.
Molinaro tapped former Rye Deputy Mayor Julie Killian as his running mate.
According to a recent Siena College poll, Molinaro has his work cut out for him, as he trails Cuomo, 57 to 31-percent, among New York voters.

A Sex Offender jailed without bail for failing to register.
42 year old Matthew Cratsley of Buell Street Batavia was charged with Failure to report change of address required by Sex Offenders in New York State.
He was ordered to be held in the Genesee County Jail without bail.

A pregnant inmate who escaped from Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester has been indicted by a grand jury on several charges.
19-year-old Aliyah Burden was being guarded by a Monroe County Sheriff’s deputy in the maternity ward when she created a diversion and escaped. Authorities searched for her for hours before finding her outside the parking garage entrance.

Genesee County STOP DWI Coordinator, Matt Landers announced today that the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of LeRoy Police Department will participate in a special enforcement effort to crack down on impaired driving.

The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on May 25th and will end on May 29th. Memorial Day is one of the busiest travel holidays of the year and marks the official start of summer. New York State Police, County Sheriffs and municipal law enforcement agencies will collaborate across the state and will be out in force in this coordinated effort to reduce the number of impaired driving-related injuries and deaths.

Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer season. Genesee County Sheriff’s Office D.W.I. enforcement patrols will be out in full force throughout the upcoming Memorial Day weekend in an effort to secure the safety of the community, said Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr.

“Memorial Day is a great time to spend with friends and family.” says Chief Shawn Heubusch, “All are encouraged to enjoy the Holiday responsibly. If you must travel be sure to not do so under the influence of alcohol or drugs. We all must do our part to keep our roadways safe during this holiday, law enforcement will be doing its part by arresting those impaired or intoxicated drivers.”

The STOP-DWI Memorial Day Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from the STOP-DWI Foundation courtesy of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. The Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign also targets the 4th of July, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Holiday Season, Super Bowl weekend a

New Mercy EMS Facility on Call Parkway

Mercy EMS, the ground based arm of Mercy Flight Medical Helicopter, has officially moved its headquarters.
Ambulances will now be staged in a new 2.1-million dollar facility on Call Parkway, just off of Route 98.
A host of local dignitaries were on hand at today’s ribbon cutting for the new facility.

Douglas Baker Founder, Mercy Flight

With all the accolades heaped on Mercy EMS today, founder Doug Baker says they can still do better

All of Mercy’s ground ambulances are now moved from the former St. Jerome’s on Bank Street to the new facility near the airport.

State Police arrested 19 year old David Castaneda Trejo of Byron yesterday afternoon following a trespassing complaint on Byron Holley Road.
Trejo was charged with Class-A Misdemeanor counts of Criminal Trespassing and providing a False Written Statement.
Trejo was released with an appearance ticket.

Press Release:

For over 20 years the Teddy Bear & Doll Clinic has provided an innovative, hands-on opportunity to educate young children about what it’s like to visit a heath care professional when they’re sick or hurt—and to serve as a healthy reminder that there is nothing to fear.

Over 200 children will transform their favorite doll or stuffed animal into a “patient”, and take them through various hospital stations, resembling areas such as: registration, stitching, x-ray, respiratory therapy, emergency, laboratory services, and nutrition. Children will also get the opportunity to meet a life-sized Doc McStuffins, and explore an ambulance.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Session 1: 9:00am – 11:00am
Session 2: Noon – 1:30pm

WHERE: United Memorial Medical Center
Cary Hall Auditorium
211 East Main Street, Batavia

WHO: The Teddy Bear and Doll Clinic is scheduled with pre-registered preschoolers, kindergarteners, and first graders and open to the public Noon-1:30pm.

MORE: The following are recognized for making this event possible: UMMC Healthy Living, Health Careers Academy, Mercy EMS, and UMMC volunteers.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)[center] poses with veterans of the U.S. Air Force at a memorial honoring Air Force veterans during last year’s Patriot Trip to Washington D.C.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that his 11th annual Patriot Trip to Washington D.C. will take place September 20 – September 23, 2018. Over 100 veterans and their family members participated in the 2017 trip, which included stories of valiant service members and valuable time spent together reflecting on the courage and dedication exhibited by our nation’s veterans. Hawley is a longtime supporter of veterans and has served on the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee since 2006.

Only veterans who have never been on the trip before may sign up now. After August 1, veterans who have been on the trip before and those living outside of the 139th Assembly District may apply. The approximate cost of the trip is $400, which includes meals, transportation and admission to the memorials.

“The Patriot Trip is one of my favorite events throughout the year,” Hawley said. “This trip was inspired by Mike Paduzak, a World War Two veteran, who asked me to come together with local veterans and host a trip to Washington D.C. Through the experiences of my father, veterans I have met during previous year’s trips, and my own service in the military, I have gained a tremendous understanding and admiration for the sacrifices endured by our veterans. It is for these reasons that I continue the Patriot Trip each year and have solidified it as one of the staples of my service to our community.”

Attractions Hawley plans to visit this year on the trip include:

White House
U.S. Capitol
WWII Memorial
Gettysburg
Korean War Memorial
Vietnam War Memorial
Iwo Jima – The Marine Corps Memorial
American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial
Air Force Memorial
911 Memorial at the Pentagon
Arlington National Cemetery, including the Changing of the Guard
Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns

If you or a veteran you know want more information about this year’s Patriot Trip XI, please call 585-589-5780 or email carneyj@nyassembly.gov. To view photos from previous years, use the following link: http://vetsdctrip2008.shutterfly.com/.

Press Release:

Byron-Bergen Elementary School celebrates STEAM in a spectacular event

Bergen, NY ~ STEAM: Science; Technology; Engineering; Art; Math. The five disciplines were on full display on May 15, 2018 at the Byron-Bergen Elementary School’s seventh-annual K-6 Science Fair and Art Show. Parents, families and community members were invited to walk hallways filled with more than 500 pieces of colorful art, and see over 40 student-designed science fair projects. New this year were “robot miniature golf,” where students programmed robot golf balls to negotiate a nine-hole course; interactive “selfie walls” for fun photos; and a special black light room that gave viewers a whole new perspective on artwork.

The Science Fair and Art Show was the culmination of a year’s worth of inspiration and hard work by students at all the elementary school grade levels. Organized by art teacher Melissa Coniglio and science teacher Craig Schroth, the show highlighted diverse creative talents and a wide range of student-driven, extracurricular science projects.

Projects ranged from the interaction of Mentos with soda, hurricanes, and why bees are dying, to what kind of rain occurs on other planets. “Many students have been working on their science projects all year,” said Schroth. “They chose their own topics and then completed experiments at home. The Fair is an opportunity for them to show off their work to fellow classmates, and then demonstrate to the public. They are proud to share their results with their families and scores of other science lovers.”

Coniglio enjoyed planning the interactive aspects of the show. “I love to see people get really involved with the artwork and the exhibits,” she said. “It becomes an experience they can take home with them. It was fun watching kids and parents take pictures under the black light and with the selfie walls.”

The Science Fair and Art Show is one of Principal Brian Meister’s favorite events. “I love seeing how open our students are to new ideas, scientifically and artistically, and how motivated they are to explore. As educators, we want to encourage this sense of endless possibility and wonder, and give students the opportunity to share their excitement with others.”

Byron-Bergen Elementary school students created a miniature golf course designed to be navigated by robot golf balls.

Student demonstrating how to program the robots to negotiate the golf course.

Fourth-grader Pearl Jolliff with her project on re-growing plants from kitchen scraps.

The walls of the black light room were covered with colorful artwork, like these paintings, inspired by artist George Rodrigue’s famous Blue Dog.

Selfie walls with hearts, butterflies and wings invited viewers to become part of the artwork.

Local man shares decade old knife attack by accused Central Ave Murderer.
One man is dead and three people are facing charges following a violent brawl on the city streets of Batavia.
41 year old Terry Toote of West Main Street died at UMMC after being stabbed in the chest after a brawl on Central Ave Thursday night.
30 year old Nathaniel Wilson of Chestnut Street has been accused of murdering Toote.
Wilson was shot in the leg following the scrap.
17 year old Samuel Blackshear was charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting Wilson and 48 year old Jennifer Urvizu-Hanlon is accused of supplying the weapon to the teenager.
Both have been jailed without bail.
It’s not the first time Wilson has been arrested for attacking someone with a knife.
Louis Kingsbury said Wilson nearly stabbed him in the back 12 years ago after a scuffle behind Biggie’s Sandwich Shop on East Main Street…

Wilson eventually accepted a plea deal in the matter and was ultimately sent to prison for several years.
He was also sentenced to state prison in 2016 for criminal possession of a weapon.
Police have said violence in the area of Central Ave has been an ongoing issue that has led to increased surveillance and street lighting.
Police are still investigating the violence to see what led to the bad blood.
For more on the story check the article by our news partner The Batavian.

Sex Offender behind bars for failing to register.
42 year old Matthew Cratsley of Buell Street Batavia was arrested and charged with Failure to report change of address and to complete a verification form required by Sex Offenders in New York State.
Cratsley allegedly moved without notifying the sex offender registry and failed to complete an annual verification form.
He was ordered to be held in the Genesee County Jail without bail.

A famous mustachioed man made his way through Medina over the weekend.
Famous TV personality Geraldo Rivera docked at the Medina port with his production crew on Friday as part of his canal journey from New York to Cleveland.
Members of the Medina Waterfront Committee lured in the FOX news star with a giant sign saying Hey Geraldo STOP HERE Historic Medina.
Local business owners then ushered him to the newly established Fitzgibbons Celtic Pub on Main Street where he apparently taped a segment for the Sean Hannity show that aired later that night.

Congressman Chris Collins is pushing for a solution for Dreamers.
Collins signed onto a petition with about 20 other Republicans to try to force a vote on immigration reform.
If five more House Republicans join with Democrats to sign what’s known as a discharge petition, it will force the issue to the floor despite the House leadership.
Collins is following up on a vow that he made to help undocumented immigrants brought here as children.

Memorial to victim of Central Ave. stabbing    PHOTO: The Batavian

Three people are facing charges, one is accused of murder, following Thursday night’s reign of terror on Central Avenue in Batavia.
41 year old Terry Toote of West Main Street was stabbed in the chest and later died at UMMC.
30 year old Nathaniel Wilson of Chestnut Street was charged with murder in the death of Toote.
Wilson was shot in the leg after allegedly stabbing Toote.
The shooter, 17 year old Samuel Blackshear, has been charged with attempted murder.
Police say Blackshear was given the gun by 48 year old Jennifer Urvizu-Hanlon, operator of La Mexicana in the Valu Plaza. She is facing for her part in the case.
Police say there’s been bad blood in the neighborhood for weeks. Thursday’s violence was triggered by a large fight, several were kicking and throwing punches. Police still asking for information from the public.

New York lawmakers are trying to make sports betting legal in the state. Earlier this week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that prohibiting sports betting is unconstitutional.
This overturned the 1992 sports betting ban.
The state Senate is working to put together a sports betting package in the next few weeks.
Western Region Off Track Betting, owner of Batavia Downs, has said they are ready to move quickly to establish a legal sports book.

Governor Cuomo is calling out President Trump and members of Congress, saying they’re not doing their part to prevent mass shootings like the one in Santa Fe, Texas, Friday. In a short, but terse statement, Cuomo listed high-profile shootings and demanded that it’s time to do something about the problem. He says as elected officials, their first responsibility is to the people of this country, and not to the N-R-A.

Two more persons are arrested in connection with a shooting and fatal stabbing incident in Batavia.
One man is dead, another is shot and two more individuals are now behind bars following a series of violent brawling, stabbing, and shooting in the city.
41 year old Terry J. Toote, of West Main Street, was found lying on Central Ave with a stab wound to the chest just after 11:30 Thursday night. He was taken to UMMC where he was pronounced dead.
30 year old Nathaniel Wilson of Chestnut Street was arrested and charged with murdering Toote, however he apparently sustained a gunshot wound to the leg from another culprit.
Police now have two more suspects in custody in connection with the shooting.
City of Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch…

Jennifer K. Urvizu-Hanlon

Samuel R. Blackshear

48 year old Jennifer K. Urvizu-Hanlon of the Town of Batavia was charged with Criminal Liability for Conduct of Another/Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd Degree (2 counts), as she is alleged to have provided the firearm used in the shooting.
17 year old Samuel R. Blackshear with no permanent address listed was charged with Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree, Attempted Assault in the 1st degree, Assault in the 2nd Degree, and two counts Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree for allegedly shooting Nathaniel D. Wilson Jr.
A second search warrant was served on La Mexicana Inc., on West Main Street, as this was property controlled and operated by Urvizu-Hanlon.
Both Blackshear and Urvizu-Hanlon were committed to Genesee County Jail without bail pending future court appearances.
According to City of Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch investigators are working to piece together what led to the events and said the area along Central and Pringle Ave has been plagued with disturbances recently…

Police have installed better lighting and video surveillance in the area which were instrumental in quickly identifying the assailants in the incident.
According to Police all the potential suspects in the case are now in custody.

New York lawmakers are trying to make sports betting legal in the state. Earlier this week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that prohibiting sports betting is unconstitutional.
This overturned the 1992 sports betting ban.
The state Senate is working to put together a sports betting package in the next few weeks.
Western Region Off Track Betting, owner of Batavia Downs, has said they are ready to move quickly to establish a legal sports book

Governor Cuomo is calling out President Trump and members of Congress, saying they’re not doing their part to prevent mass shootings like the one in Santa Fe, Texas, Friday.
In a short, but terse statement, Cuomo listed high-profile shootings and demanded that it’s time to do something about the problem.
He says as elected officials, their first responsibility is to the people of this country, and not to the N-R-A.
Cuomo signed the letter with a signature that included his “F”-rating from the N-R-A.

A Batavia man is stabbed to death while his suspected killer was shot during a violent scene on the city’s south side.
41 year old Terry J. Toote, whose last known address was West Main Street, was stabbed in the chest and left lying in Central Avenue just after 11:30 last night.
His suspected assailant, 30 year old Nathaniel Wilson of Chestnut Street, was shot in the leg. Wilson has been charged with murder in the death of Toote.
Late this afternoon, the person of interest in the shooting of Wilson, has been located in an apartment on West Main Street and detained by police. This “person of interest” has not been identified.
What triggered the violence, and what, if any relationship existed among the actors, has not been determined.
Police say they have surveillance video of the crime scene.
As family and friends of both Toole and Wilson gathered at UMMC a disturbance broke out in the waiting room and the hospital was placed on lockdown.

Asst. Batavia Police Chief Todd Crossett

The neighborhood around Central and Pringle Avenues has been the scene of recent trouble.
Batavia Assistant Police Chief Todd Crossett says officers have focused on the area

It is still not clear what triggered the disturbance last night.
Authorities said video from the surveillance was useful in the investigation.

New York lawmakers are trying to make sports betting legal in the state. Earlier this week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that prohibiting sports betting is unconstitutional.
This overturned the 1992 sports betting ban.
The state Senate is working to put together a sports betting package in the next few weeks.
Western Region Off Track Betting, owner of Batavia Downs, has said they are ready to move quickly to establish a legal sports book

News Release: Batavia Police Dept.

At approximately 11:24 PM last night (May 17) Genesee County 911 received a call from a citizen who stated there was a possible shooting in the area of Pringle Ave and Central Ave in the City of Batavia. The caller stated there was a male subject down in the area.

Officers arrived on scene moments later and found a male subject laying alongside Central Ave; EMS was summoned immediately. The male subject appeared to be have suffered a stab wound to the chest. He was transported by ambulance to UMMC where he was later pronounced deceased by Genesee County Coroner Coleman.

This subject is identified as:
Terry J. Toote, age 41, LKA West Main St., Batavia

Nathaniel D. Wilson Jr.

A second male subject arrived at the ER with a gunshot wound to the leg. He is identified as:
Nathaniel D. Wilson Jr., age 30, LKA Chestnut St, Batavia

While being treated at UMMC, investigators developed information that Nathaniel D. Wilson Jr. was the person responsible for stabbing Terry J. Toote. Wilson was treated for his injuries and when released, he was arrested and charged with one count of Murder in the 2nd degree for the stabbing death of Terry Toote.

During the investigation there was a disturbance at UMMC stemming from the family and friends of Wilson and Toote. The hospital initiated a lockdown as a precautionary measure. There were no weapons displayed or threatened. More officers were called to the hospital to deal with the situation, all parties were separated and no charges have been filed for that incident.

Investigators have developed a person of interest in the shooting of Nathaniel D. Wilson Jr. and are currently tracking down leads and interviewing witnesses in order to draw up charges. We are not releasing that person’s name at this time.

The Department has had multiple calls for service in the area in question over the past several weeks, there have been several multiple person fights reported and some involving weapons. It in unknown at this time of any of the incidents are connected to this stabbing and shooting.

Due to these issues the Department installed a video surveillance camera in the area and had the street lighting enhanced. The street surveillance camera was instrumental in this investigation. The Department has also received several other videos showing the incident from witnesses who will remain anonymous. These too were instrumental in aiding in this investigation.

The Department would like to thank the New York State Police, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (ENCON), City of Batavia Fire Department, Mercy Medics and Genesee County District’s Attorney’s Office.

Anyone with information in reference to the case may contact Detective Thad Mart at 585-345-6372 or the Batavia Police Department at 585-345-6350, the confidential tip line

at 585-345-6370 or online

Scene of shooting and stabbing on Central Ave. late Thursday night. PHOTO: The Batavian

One man is dead and another seriously injured in what police say is a shooting and stabbing on Central Avenue near Pringle.
We have confirmed that one of the two men taken to the hospital has died.
The incident happened just after 11:30 last night. Police have not said if the dead man was the victim of the stabbing or the shooting
Assistant Police Chief Todd Crossett led the investigation

If you have any information on the incident, call Batavia Police.

A Batavia woman has been indicted on 19 felony charges for allegedly bilking her employer out of more than 3-thousand dollars.
46 year old Darcia Golda of West Main Street is accused defrauding the Rite Aid Pharmacy in Batavia between October of 2016 and September of 2017.
Prosecutors say Golda falsified return slips on numerous occasions in order to steal from the store.

A Batavia man is jailed for allegedly making threats to kill somebody.
21 year old Tyshon Taylor is charged with menacing and locked up on 25-hundred dollars bail.

Legendary Bills quarterback Jim Kelly is going to have more surgery.
He just had a cancerous tumor removed from his jaw in March.
Jill Kelly posted on social media that doctors want to do two less serious surgeries.
Kelly’s expected to go under the knife again in June and September.

Batavia Police investigate shooting and stabbing on Central Ave.

One man is dead and another seriously injured in what police say is a shooting and stabbing on Central Avenue near Pringle.

We have confirmed that one of the two men taken to the hospital has died.

The incident happened just after 11:30 last night. Police have not said if the dead man was the victim of the stabbing or the shooting.

Both victims were taken to United Memorial Medical Center.

Witnesses said they heard what sounded like three shots, but that has not been confirmed by police.

Ast Batavia Police Chief Todd Crossett

Assistant Police Chief Todd Crossett acknowledges trouble has been on the increase in the neighborhood:

If you have any information on the incident, call Batavia Police.

Mt. Morris Police Chief Kenneth Magnemi

Terri Havens

A Mount Morris sex offender is accused of violating terms of his parole.

Terri Todd Havens served 13 years in prison for sexually abusing a five year girl. Police say Havens recently posted an ad on Craigslist looking for a personal aide. Accessing the internet is a parole violation.

A woman who answered the ad recognized Havens.
Mount Morris Police Chief Kenneth Mignemi says that’s not hard to do

A parole violation could send Havens back to state prison.

A Batavia woman has been indicted on 19 felony charges for allegedly bilking her employer out of more than 3-thousand dollars.
46 year old Darcia Golda of West Main Street is accused defrauding the Rite Aid Pharmacy in Batavia between October of 2016 and September of 2017.
Prosecutors say Golda falsified return slips on numerous occasions in order to steal from the store.

A Batavia man is jailed for allegedly making threats to kill somebody.
21 year old Tyshon Taylor is charged with menacing and locked up on $2,500 bail.

The Social Security administration today releases the most popular baby names in New York State for 2017:
The number one most popular name for boys: Liam (LEE-am)
Most popular girls name: Olivia
Other names on the most popular list for boys: Noah, Jacob, Lucas and Joseph; for girls, Emma, Sophia, Mia and Ava.

Terri Havens

A Mount Morris man, designated a level three sex offender, has been jailed for allegedly violating his parole.
Terri Havens served 13 years for sexually abusing a five-year-old.
He recently posted an ad on Craigslist looking for a personal aide.
A woman in town recognized Havens and turned him in.

Any internet use by a level three sex offender is considered a parole violation.
Mount Morris Police say Havens doesn’t exactly keep a low profile in town.
Chief Kenneth Mignemi says Havens dresses in a long black trench coat, wears a black wizard hat, a studded dog collar and Goth style make-up.
Havens faces the possibility of being sent back to prison.

LeRoy firemen rescue a man who fell over a cliff and into a gravel pit.
It happened shortly after midnight near Circular Hill Road in LeRoy.
The unidentified man suffered a foot injury.
He said he was walking along the edge of the gravel pit and slipped.
He called a friend for help, he called pole. Later both were charged with trespassing.

The city’s newest fire fighter comes to the job with seven years of volunteer experience…and he’s only 23.
He is Ryan Hinz, he’s been a volunteer with the Alexander Fire Department since he was 16 and twice named firefighter of the year.
Now, he’s joined the ranks of career firemen

If the name is familiar, maybe it’s because his Dad is city fire captain Marty Hinz.

An unemployed New York City man wants to keep his five-million-dollar lottery win a secret. The 24-year-old, who doesn’t even have a bank account, bought the winning scratch-off ticket last month at a Bronx liquor store. Lottery rules say he can’t collect unless he takes part in a news conference in which he’s handed a giant check. But he says he’s afraid people will start hitting him up for money or try to scam him if they know about the windfall, so he’s demanding that the lottery folks keep his identity hush-hush. If they don’t, he says he’ll sue.

A good day for school budget votes.
Budgets were passed by wide margins in all eight public school districts in Genesee County.
Batavia City School District voters approved a 52-million dollar budget for next year.
Three incumbent school board members, including Pat Burke, were re-elected.
All ran unopposed.

A Pembroke woman has been indicted for arson, accused of destroying her ex-boyfriends Harley.
52 year old Jacqueline Saeli charged with setting fire to shed last January. The fire destroy the 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycle stored inside.

A former Perry man gets another 10 years for the repeated rape of a 13 year old girl.
38 year old Lance Riley was sentenced in Livingston County Court yesterday in the same case he was sentenced for last week in Wyoming County court. He got 10 years there also.
Both terms will run consecutively putting Riley away for 20 years.

Governor Cuomo is asking Hudson Valley residents to have patience with utility companies. Tens of thousands are still without power in Putnam, Westchester, and Rockland counties from yesterday’s intense storm. However, Cuomo says given so many roads are closed because of downed trees it will take some time to get power back.

Lawmakers are busy in Albany interviewing 13 candidates for the position of interim state attorney general. Acting Attorney General Barbara Underwood took over for Eric Schneiderman, who resigned following abuse allegations from women. Underwood is one of the candidates being considered to temporarily fill the position but says she will not run for attorney general in the fall.

Over 300 volunteers are participating today in the 11th annual United Way Day of Caring in Genesee County.
38 businesses and organizations are working at 37 project sites throughout the county.

Day of Caring volunteers repair bicycles at Adam Miller Toy & Bike. Bicycles were donated from a variety of sources and given to charitable organizations.

Volunteers from the Arc of Genesee Orleans collect food at Tops

Voters in all eight Genesee County public school districts approve budgets for the coming school year.
In Batavia: a $52-million budget passed by 78 to 22 percent.
Three incumbent school board members were re-elected, they were running unopposed, including long time board member Pat Burke.
School budgets in the remaining districts were also approved by wide margins.

Votes Totals from All Districts:

Alexander:

Budget: Yes: 152, No: 32
Bus Purchases: Yes: 139, No: 46
Equipment Capital Reserve: Yes: 132, No: 53

Board of Education, Sara Fernaays: 151. Write-Ins: 8

Batavia:

Budget Yes: 371 (78.27%), No: 103 (21.73%)
Student Ex-Officio Board Member (non-voting): Yes: 422 (89.03%), No: 52 (10.97%)

Board of Education positions (3) (Top vote term is from May 15, 2018 to June 30, 2021, and the next two terms are from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021): Zachary Korzelius , 408, Shawna Murphy, 407, Patrick Burk, 387.

Byron-Bergen:
Budget: Yes: 448, No: 125, Passed
Proposition 2 (Bus Purchase) Yes: 439, No: 128, Passed

Board Member Elected – 3 Year Terms: William Forsyth: 480, Debi List: 429, Amy Mathisen, 165.

Elba:

Proposition #1 – 2018-2019 Budget – $9,720,931: Yes: 108, No: 40.
Proposition #2 – Capital Vehicle Reserve to purchase one (1) 65 passenger school bus: Yes: 116, No: 33

Board of Education, Candy Bezon (Incumbent): 133

Le Roy:

Budget: Yes: 319, No: 65
Library Budget: Yes: 345, No: 39

School Board Members (Vote for Three): William Mackenzie: 322, Lloyd Miller: 289, Lawrence Bonacquisti: 309. Write-ins (one vote each): Mickey Mouse, Stan Barringer, Phil Mangefrida.

Woodward Memorial Library Trustee (Vote for One): Philip Weise: 342. Write-ins (receiving one vote each): Rob Currin, Porpus Rogers, Brian Manley.

Oakfield-Alabama:

Proposition #1: Budget Yes: 255 No: 60 Passed
Proposition #2: Buses Yes: 278 No: 63 Passed

Board of Education
Timothy Edgerton: 254
Lorna Klotzbach: 217
Douglas Esten: 141

Pavilion:

Budget, Yes: 156, No: 32, Passed

Board of Education, 5-year term (vote for one): Christopher Jeffres: 93, John Bannister (Incumbent): 89.

Pembroke:

Budget Yes: 301 No: 73 Passed 80.5%
Authorization to Purchase School Buses, Yes: 301, No: 73. Passed 80.5 percent.
Authorization to Establish a Facilities Improvement Reserve Fund, Yes: 296, No: 75, Passed 79.8 percent

A former Perry man gets another 10 years for the repeated rape of a 13 year old girl.
38 year old Lance Riley was sentenced in Livingston County Court yesterday in the same case he was sentenced for last week in Wyoming County court. He got 10 years there also.
Both terms will run consecutively.

Big state money earmarked for Batavia and Genesee County roads and bridges.
Senator Michael Ranzenhofer announces today t a record level of state funding for local communities.
The city of Batavia is set to receive over 426-thousand dollars in funding and Genesee County is on tap for nearly 2.3 million.

Batavia Police searching for witnesses to a weekend slugfest.
The fracas occurred Sunday night near Central Ave and Jackson St.
Four people were injured in the melee, one seriously.
If you know anything, police ask you call the confidential tip line: 345-63-70.

An emergency demolition is set for a two-story building in Buffalo’s east side that caught fire early this morning. Flames broke out around 2:30 this morning in a convenience store on Walden Ave. and Gittere Street.
The fire caused nearly half-a-million-dollars in damages. No one was injured.

Polls are open until 9 tonight in all eight Genesee County public school systems.
The schools are holding their annual budget votes today and electing members to Boards of Education.
In Batavia, a 52-million dollar budget carries a tax levy increase of just under 2.4 percent.
Three incumbent school board members are seeking re-election in the Batavia City District. All three are running unopposed.

A Perry man has been sentenced to 10 years in state prison for the repeated rape of a 13 year old girl.
38 year old Lance Riley will also spend 18 years in post release supervision.
In 2004, Riley was convicted and served time for assault after burning the same child in a bathtub as an infant.

Batavia Police search for witness in city assault.
It occurred Sunday night near Central Ave and Jackson St.
Police say 3 people were taken to the hospital and released while a fourth person was seriously injured from the attack.
Anyone with information in the case is encouraged to call Batavia Police confidential tip line. (345-6370)

Record setting state funds roll in for rehabbing and repairing infrastructure.
Senator Michael Ranzenhofer has announced today that a record level of state funding will continue to help local governments rehabilitate area highways, roads and bridges.
The city of Batavia is set to receive over $426,000 funding and Genesee County is on tap for nearly $2.3 million

Governor Cuomo is postponing his trip to Israel due to the violence on the Gaza border.
Cuomo was supposed to visit Golan Heights after missiles were fired toward the area last week.
Cuomo’s office says the governor wants to also visit the Gaza border and will reschedule his trip once violence in the area subsides.

Press Release:

Albany, NY– State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has announced today that a record level of state funding will continue to help local governments rehabilitate area highways, roads and bridges.

“Western New York will be getting its fair share of state transportation dollars again this year. With winter finally over, local highway crews will start to put these dollars to work by fixing our infrastructure. This state funding will help to provide safe and reliable transportation for motorists and their families,” said Ranzenhofer.

A total of $603 million in statewide funding will help municipalities with infrastructure improvement projects. The 2018-19 New York State Budget allocates $438 million for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement program (CHIPS), $100 million for the Pave NY program and $65 million for the Extreme Winter Recovery program.

The following is a breakdown of funding by municipality:

Erie County

Monroe County

Genesee County

Convicted child rapist from Perry sent to prison.
A Former Perry resident will be spending the next ten years in state prison on a first degree Rape conviction.
38 year old Lance Riley pleaded guilty to first degree Rape in March for repeatedly raping a 13 year old girl and was sentenced last week in Wyoming County Court to 10 years in prison to be followed by 18 years post release supervision.
In a statement released by Wyoming County District Attorney Donald O’Geen, he said Riley “continuously and savagely” raped the victim over a long period of time, and said this is the second time Riley is going to prison for harming the same child.
In 2004 Riley was convicted and sent to prison for assault after burning the child in the bathtub as an infant.
District Attorney O’Geen said Riley’s guilty plea in the rape case was a complete vindication to the victim.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on sports-betting has the Downs getting on deck for sports betting in New York.
The court struck down a federal ban on the practice, paving the way for many states to begin legalizing betting on college and professional sports.
Batavia Downs is already securing partners and prepping their facility to be on the ground floor of offering sports betting in NY.
Chief Operating Officer for Batavia Downs Mike Nolan…

Nolan says the casino is looking forward to working with New York lawmakers to enable legislation to capitalize on the new opportunity.

Police believe alcohol may have been involved in a fatal ATV accident in East Pembroke.
Police say 51 year old Robert Boyce was trying to make a turn along a trail near Hartshorn Road in East Pembroke Sunday night when his ATV rolled over.
He was taken to ECMC where he later died.
Investigators believe speed and alcohol may have been factors in the crash.

Police seeking public assistance in an assault near Central Ave and Jackson Street in the city.
The Batavia Police Department is investigating an assault which occurred Sunday night at approximately 11:30.
According to authorities 4 victims were located on scene, 3 of which were treated at the hospital and released and one who remains with serious injuries.
Batavia Police are looking for any witnesses to the event.
Anyone with information in the case may the confidential tip line at 345-6370.

Voters in school districts across Genesee County today will decide budgets for the coming year.
In the Batavia City School District, the largest in the county, a budget of 52-million dollars goes to a vote.
The financial plan carries a tax levy increase of just under 2.4 percent.
Three incumbent school board members are running for re-election, unopposed.
Voting in Batavia takes place today from 7am to 9pm at Robert Morris building and Batavia High School.
Genesee County’s remaining seven public school districts also will be holding budget votes today.

A weekend ATV accident turns fatal today.
51 year old Robert Boyce of East Pembroke died early this morning at ECMC in Buffalo.
Mr. Boyce was injured yesterday when his ATV failed to negotiate a curve on a trail near Hartshorn Road.
Deputies say alcohol use and speed may be contributing factors.

Michael Nolan COO Batavia Downs

Batavia Downs celebrating today as they are one step closer to being able to offer betting on spots beyond horse racing.
The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down the 1992 federal law that prohibited gambling on Professional and Amateur sports.
Mike Nolan is Chief Operating Officer for Batavia Downs

The next step is legislative approval of sports betting in New York State.

Batavia police investigating an assault near Central Avenue and Jackson Street.
Police said the fight happened about 11:30 last night.
Four people were hurt in the fracas, one has been admitted to the hospital with serious injuries.
Police are asking for information from the public.

An Attica woman sent to prison for using a child in a porn video.
23 year old Victoria Young was sentenced to 5 years in state prison and 10 years post release supervision.
Young was accused of videotaping a sex act between a 4 year old and an adult.

Bills fans are mourning the death of a former head coach.
Chuck Knox has died at the age of 86 after a long battle with dementia.
He coached Buffalo from 1978 to 1982.

Press Release:

Today, the United States Supreme Court decided to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, a 1992 federal law that limited gambling. This Supreme Court decision paves the way to bring sports betting to New York State and to the customers of Central and Western New York. Western Regional Off Track Betting and Batavia Downs Gaming are perfectly positioned with existing infrastructure to deliver a sports betting platform to our customers in our 15 Counties including the cities of Buffalo and Rochester.

As the only municipally owned gaming facility in the state, Batavia Downs Gaming is not only a strong economic driver for Central and Western New York, but it provides critical funding for community development which creates jobs, keeps families safe and helps to offset tax increases for residents. Since its inception, Batavia Downs Gaming has generated over $226 million to 17 municipalities and bringing sports betting to our locations will significantly increase these important contributions.

“Legislation to allow sports betting in New York State will help grow jobs in our brick and mortar locations through Western and Central New York, and will increase the significant community development contributions we provide to our municipalities,” said Henry F. Wojtaszek, President/CEO of Batavia Downs Gaming WROTB. “We are looking forward to working with New York State officials to enable legislation that will allow this dynamic opportunity to become a reality.”

“We have been preparing for this sport betting decision and we are confident we can get the product up and running quickly, smoothly, and professionally.” said Michael Nolan, Chief Operation Officer of Batavia Downs Gaming WROTB.

Updated Press Release:

The Genesee County Sheriffs Office is continuing investigation into an ATV crash occurring in East Pembroke, New York on May 13, 2018 at about 8:16 p.m. This news release should be considered in addition to the initial news release dated May 13, 2018, concerning the incident. (See Attached)

The operator of the ATV, who has been identified as Robert A. Boyce, age 51, of East Pembroke, New York was transported for treatment of his injuries to ECMC via Mercy Flight. As of May 14, 2018, Mr. Boyce succumbed to his injuries while at ECMC.

At this time, both alcohol use and speed are being considered to be contributing factors into the crash. The investigation is continuing at this time.

Previous Press Release:

The Genesee County 911 Center received a call of a personal injury accident involving an ATV in the area of 8706 Hartshorn Road at approximately 8:16 PM. Once in the area, East Pembroke Fire Department members and Genesee County Sheriffs Deputies located an ATV along with the operator off the west shoulder of Hartshorn Road. Both operator and ATV were approximately 200 yards off the roadway. The operator of the ATV was identified as Robert A. Boyce age 51 of East Pembroke. Boyce is alleged to have been traveling east on a trail along National Grid Power Lines, heading towards Hartshorn Road. Boyce then failed to negotiate a turn, rolling his ATV. Boyce was then transported to ECMC via Mercy Flight for unknown injuries. Assisting at the scene was Mercy Medics and East Pembroke Fire Department. A full investigation as to the cause of the accident will be conducted by Sergeant Andrew Hale, Investigator Christopher Parker, and Deputy Travis Demuth of the Genesee County Sheriffs Office.

Press Release:Jordan Brennan (right) had a pair of goals and pair of assists for GCC including the team’s last goal with 34 seconds that got the Cougars within a goal at 15-14

No. 3 Men’s Lacrosse Team’s Rally Falls Short in Final Four

The No. 3 Genesee Community College men’s lacrosse team trailed twice in its National Junior College Athletic Association Men’s Lacrosse Championship Tournament semifinal game.

The first time they were able to overcome the deficit, but the second time they came as close as they could before running out of time and falling by a single goal to No. 2 Nassau Community College 15-14 May 12 at Charles R. Wilber Field on the campus of Onondaga Community College in Syracuse.

The back-and-forth affair saw the Lions jump out to an early lead 14 seconds into the contest, but the Cougars came back with authority by scoring seven of the game’s next eight goals in getting their biggest lead of the game with a five-goal margin at 7-2 with less than six minutes to go in the first half.

The Lions turned the game in the final 12 minutes of the third quarter by scoring a half-dozen goals and re-taking the lead at the end of three quarters at 11-9. The third quarter was also the only quarter where Genesee didn’t win a majority of the faceoffs.

Genesee fought back and after being down four goals with nearly nine minutes left at 14-10, they scored four of the game’s last five goals with the last coming with 34 seconds remaining before the Cougars ran out of time.

Statistics heavily favored the Cougars as it appeared they deserved a better fate.

Genesee out-scored Nassau in three of the four quarters and out-shot the Lions 44-37 overall and 25-22 with shots on net. Overall the Cougars took two-thirds of all the faceoffs with 22 wins and also won the groundball game at 33-29. The Cougars killed five man-up opportunities, while Nassau killed just one Cougar odd-man advantage.

But perhaps the most telling statistic that heavily favored Genesee was its time with the lead. The Cougars had the lead for more than half the contest at 31:28, while the Lions led for 19:41 with the teams tied for the other 8:51.

Six players accounted for all the offensive production for Genesee. From a point-perspective, Evan Hollfelder had a team-high six points. Jason Chiodo had a five-point outing with four points coming each from Jordan Brennan, Kevin McParlene, and Alex Mack. Rounding out the scoring was Patrick Bilbrey with three points.

Goal-wise Chiodo and McParlene each scored three, while a pair came each from Hollfelder, Bilbrey, Mack and Brennan. Chiodo and Mack both registered a team-high five shots on net.

Hollfelder had a team-high four helpers, with a pair each coming from Chiodo, Mack, and Brennan. McParlene and Bilbrey added an assist each.

Garrett Lazore had seven saves in the cage, while the production rate for man-up goals and faceoffs both being at 66 percent.

Andrew Forte had a team-high 21 faceoff wins, as well as a team-high 12 groundballs. Bilbrey had seven groundballs with four coming from Chiodo. Mack added three and Zach Wade had a pair to round out multiple groundball getters.

Hoya’daiwat John had a team-high three caused turnovers to go with a groundball.

Genesee completes its 2018 season at 12-3 and with a seventh final four appearance in the last eight years.

Taylor Stefaniak (seated center) signs with GCC softaball and is surrounded by her parents (left) and Cougar softball coach Taylor Maurer
Batavia High School’s Stefaniak Set to Join Cougars’ Softball Team

The Genesee Community College softball team announced the signing of Taylor Stefaniak of Batavia High School.

The shortstop has not only been recognized with multiple post-season accolades, but is also known as a clutch performer in big contests.

With Batavia falling just short of a sectional title in 2017, Stefaniak perhaps had her best playoff game in the Class A-2 quarterfinals after going 4-for-4 with three triples and a double.

In addition to making the list as an All-Greater Rochester selection, the Batavia High School senior has also appeared multiple times for selections for Monroe County as well as Batavia’s Best Softball Team encompassing a prestigious softball career beyond her four years while attending high school.

Stefaniak plans to pursue a liberal arts degree at GCC after being a scholar athlete at Batavia High School.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Bergen basement fire contained by quick thinking retired Batavia Firefighter.
A retired city of Batavia firefighter has been credited for saving a residence from complete destruction.
Report came in for an apparent house fire at a North Bergen Road address in Bergen shortly before 6 yesterday evening.
Former City Fire Captain Pat O’Donnel was the one on scene reporting to dispatchers he observed heavy black smoke with no flames visible.
Bergen Fire Chief Chuck Dodson said having O’Donnel on location was fortunate for responding fire crews and what he did next may have saved the house from total loss…

Fire crews from Bergen, Byron, South Byron, and Le Roy were activated staying on scene for approximately 2 hours.
No one was injured and the family along with their dog were away from home at the time.
The family cat did perish from apparent smoke inhalation and the family is being assisted by Red Cross.
Information provided by our news partner The Batavian.

An ATV accident sends an East Pembroke man to the hospital.
At around quarter after 8 last night emergency dispatchers received a call of an ATV accident with injury off of Hartshorn Road in East Pembroke.
First responders found the four wheeler and the operator around 200 yards off the west shoulder of Hartshorn Road.
The driver, 51 year old Robert Boyce of East Pembroke was taken via Mercy Flight to ECMC for unknown injuries.
According to investigators Boyce rolled the ATV after heading eastbound on a trail along the National Grid Power Lines and failing to negotiate a turn.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Co-conspirator in Batavia booze store burglaries is caught.
57 year old Edward Perdue of Rome has been arrested and charged with two counts of Burglary, two counts of Conspiracy and a single count of Grand Larceny.
He was busted for burglarizing Mr. Wine and Liquor on Lewiston Road in August of last year and then the Plaza Spirits on East Main Street in November.
Purdue was additionally charged with identity theft and petit Larceny for allegedly stealing and using someone’s credit card from the alleged burglary in August.
Purdue is currently serving time in Mohawk Correctional Facility and is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on May 22nd. 49 year old Willie Dozier of Rochester was arrested earlier this month as a co-conspirator in the two booze store burglaries and was jailed without bail.

Bills fans are mourning the death of a former head coach.
Yesterday the Bills tweeted out that Chuck Knox had died at the age of 86 after a long battle with dementia.
He coached Buffalo from 1978 to 1982 and was later honored as a coach of the year for being the first NFL coach to lead three teams to the playoffs.
Knox also went by his nickname, ground chuck, for his emphasis on the run game.

Voters in school districts across Genesee County on Tuesday will decide budgets for the coming year.
In the Batavia City School District, the largest in the county, a budget of 52-million dollars goes to a vote.
The financial plan carries a tax levy increase of just under 2.4 percent.
Three incumbent school board members are running for re-election, unopposed.
Voting in Batavia takes place Tuesday from 7am to 9pm at Robert Morris building and Batavia High School.
Genesee County’s remaining seven public school districts also will be holding budget votes on Tuesday.

A Medina man is locked up following a domestic incident in the Town of Alabama.
33 year old Christopher Doxey is facing four charges following a report of domestic violence in a home on Lewiston Road early Friday morning.

A Batavia man has been charged with Drunk Driving following a crash in the Town of Byron.
23 year old John-Paul Dougherty of Tracy Avenue was charged early Saturday morning
Dougherty was also charged with suspected pot possession.

Byron man faces charges for past larcenies.
Following investigation into stolen property from a Byron Elba Road residence Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 38 year old Joseph Kuzma of Byron Holley Road.
He was charged with Grand Larceny and Trespassing for allegedly unlawfully entering the victims premises and stealing over three thousand dollars’ worth of property in January of this year.
Kuzma was also accused of stealing property from a Bergen residence in June of 2016 and was additionally charged with Criminal Possession of property.
He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice with appearances scheduled in both the Town of Byron and Bergen Town Courts.

Local restaurateur dies suddenly.
66 year old Stylianos “Steve” Spryopoulos co-owner of Settler’s Restaurant, was found unresponsive on the floor of his neighboring business, Billy Goats, early yesterday morning and was later pronounced dead.
Spryopoulos and his wife, Rula, owned and operated Settler’s with his son John.
In 1984 he opened Settler’s and in 1995 expanded it to seat 150 people.
He opened Billy Goats, a bar and grill, in late 2000.
The restaurant closed yesterday but has reopened this morning.

Former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is guilty on all counts in his corruption retrial.
Outside federal court Friday, Silver stopped to speak to reporters.

Prosecutors convinced the jury Silver had used his influence as speaker in exchange for four-million-dollars in bribes.
He had been convicted a few years ago, but the verdict was thrown out after the Supreme Court changed the definition of corruption.
Silver faces sentencing on June 13th.

The 20th Annual Batavia Rotary Club High School Tournament will take place today at Dwyer Stadium.
Due to the threat of rain, there has been a change in the schedule of games.
Attica will play Notre Dame in the first game at 1p.m followed by Oakfield-Alabama vs. Batavia at 4 p.m. with the championship game schedule to start at 7 p.m. There will be no consolation game.
Admission is $5 for an adult all-day pass and $2 for a student all-day pass. All proceeds from the tournament will help benefit Batavia Rotary Club charities.
The 4pm Oakfield-Alabama / Batavia game and the 7pm Championship will be broadcast on WBTA.

Stylianos “Steve” Spryopoulos, 66, co-owner of Settler’s Restaurant, was found unresponsive on the floor of his neighboring business, Billy Goats, early this morning and was later pronounced dead.
Spryopoulos and his wife, Rula, owned and operated Settler’s with his son John. He opened Settler’s in 1984 and expanded it to seat 150 people in 1995. He opened Billy Goats, a bar and grill, in late 2000.
The restaurant was closed today. It will reopen at 5 a.m., Saturday.

A jury has found Sheldon SIlver guilty on all counts in his corruption retrial. Prosecutors accused the 74-year-old Silver of using his position as New York State Assembly Speaker to do favors in exchange for four million dollars in bribes. Silver was convicted a few years ago but the verdict was thrown out after the Supreme Court changed the definition of corruption. SIlver was first elected to the Assembly in 1976 and eventually became one of the three most powerful politicians in the state.

Batavia traffic stop busts three using various drugs.
Batavia Police allegedly found a trio of local men in possession of a quantity of crack cocaine, Oxycodone and marijuana after being subject to a traffic stop on Pringle Ave in the city.
18 year olds Conner Beaumont of LeRoy, David Renteria of Pavilion and 29 year old Eric Bratcher of Batavia were all arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance along with Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia.
They all received appearance tickets for Batavia City Court at a later date.

President Trump is nominating a Buffalo lawyer to be a federal judge in Western New York.
Trump nominated John Sinatra Junior yesterday after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Congressman Chris Collins endorsed him.
Schumer said he wanted attorney Kathleen Sweet but the White House refused to nominate her.
Schumer resigned to support Sinatra, saying he was a well-respected and qualified choice.

The 20th Annual Batavia Rotary Club High School Tournament will take place tomorrow at Dwyer Stadium.
Due to the threat of rain, there has been a change in the schedule of games.
Attica will play Notre Dame in the first game at 1p.m followed by Oakfield-Alabama vs. Batavia at 4 p.m. with the championship game schedule to start at 7 p.m. There will be no consolation game.
Admission is $5 for an adult all-day pass and $2 for a student all-day pass. All proceeds from the tournament will help benefit Batavia Rotary Club charities.
The 4pm Oakfield-Alabama / Batavia game and the 7pm Championship will be broadcast on WBTA.

Press Release:

East Bethany, NY – Bring your best friend and join us for a dog walk at the park on Saturday May 26th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am! This guided walk is great for socialization and healthy exercise! Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center in Genesee County Park & Forest. Dogs must be on a leash at all times.

Current license or proof of rabies vaccination is required. Aggressive dogs will not be allowed to participate.

Cost is $5/dog. Pre-registration is required! Call (585) 344-1122 to register!!

Call (585) 344-1122 to register. For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Press Release:

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) announced that a bill he authored with Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ-09), the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act, passed the United States Senate. This bill unanimously passed the House on September 12, 2017 and now has unanimously passed the Senate with one amendment offered by Lamar Alexander (R-TN) on May 10, 2018.
A 2015 study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that firefighters had a greater number of cancer diagnoses and related deaths than the general population. This revealed an enormous gap in research, which led Collins and Pascrell to author the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act, which will require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop and maintain a registry to collect data regarding the incidence of cancer in firefighters.

“This is a huge win for firefighters across the United States, now that we are so close to getting this bill on President Trump’s desk,” said Collins. “When this bill becomes law, we will have a succinct and voluntary registry of cancer incidence in firefighters so we know what causes cancer in these individuals and how we can better prevent it. These brave men and women put their lives in danger to keep their communities and neighbors safe, and we have a commitment to do everything we can to keep them safe and healthy in return.”

“Passage of the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act in the Senate moves us one step closer to implementing this critical legislation. Improving the well-being of firefighters who risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe is an important goal. Better understanding any connections between their work and an increased risk for cancer will help mitigate those risks to keep our firefighters healthy,” said Rep. Pascrell, co-chair of the House Fire Services Caucus. “I am hopeful that the House will act swiftly so that we can get a final bill to the White House as soon as possible and we can get the program started.”

When signed into law, the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act would authorize federal funding to gather data about potential risk factors in order to better improve equipment and procedures. Participation in the registry would be completely voluntary and data collected would include status of the firefighter (volunteer, paid-on-call, or career), number of years on the job, the number of incidents attended, and the type of incidence.

The Firefighter Cancer Registry Act is expected to be passed in the House as amended in the coming weeks before heading to President Trump’s desk.

Press Release:

Like a crescendo of a year-long concerto, Genesee Community College is fine-tuning all the logistics of its 50th Commencement Ceremony scheduled Sunday, May 20, 2018 in the new Richard C. Call Arena (RCCA), one of the last events of its multi-faceted 50th Anniversary celebration. More than 200 students are anticipated to walk across the stage after hearing Dr. Kristina M. Johnson, the new Chancellor of the State University of New York give the keynote address.

In addition to this being the College’s 50th Commencement celebrated in a new facility, other unique aspects of this year’s event are the 44 international students that will be graduating this year; 11 of those are from the island nation of Curacao. GCC is also delighted that ten students from area high schools will be completing their GCC degree requirements concurrently with their high school diplomas. These ten graduates participated in the inaugural cohort of the College’s STEM Program with the Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Office which started back in 2012 when the students were in seventh grade. Several other special opportunities are also going to be part of the event.

“Overall, this is a very exciting Commencement Ceremony for the College. So many wonderful opportunities are coming to fruition and all in the name and spirit of student success,” Dr. James M. Sunser, president of GCC said. “This ceremony will be one to remember.”

The Commencement ceremony rehearsal will be held on Friday, May 18, 2018 at 10 a.m. in the RCCA to prepare soon-to-be graduates for the procession. Prior to the rehearsal, representatives from Carlson’s Studio will be set up in Room H103 of the Call Arena to take individual graduation photographs. Graduates should be in cap and gown, and have payment for their photo package. Graduates are encouraged to contact Carlson’s Studio in advance at (585) 786-2871 or via email at carlsons@rochester.rr.com to inquire about photo packages and pricing. Families can also pre-order flowers and gifts for their graduate through this website https://www.thecommencementgroup.com/Genesee/.

Each GCC graduate received five tickets for guests to attend the ceremony inside the RCCA Fieldhouse as part of their commencement package. There are no additional tickets available. On Commencement Sunday, guests with tickets can enter the Fieldhouse starting at 12 p.m. for general admission seating. All guests, regardless of age will require a ticket to enter the Fieldhouse.

Additional seating for guests without tickets is available on a first come, first served basis in the Stuart Steiner Theatre where the ceremony will be broadcast on the Theatre screen. The doors of the Theatre will also open at 12 p.m. For distant family and friends scattered around the world and unable to enjoy the event in Batavia, New York, the entire Commencement Ceremony will be live-streamed with easy access from GCC’s website or at this web address: https://www.genesee.edu/home/event-streaming/.

Accessible seating accommodations are available in both the RCCA Fieldhouse for ticketed guests and non-ticketed guests in the Stuart Steiner Theatre. For details, please contact GCC’s Office of Student Activities (585) 343-0055 ext.6261 or via email at sa@genesee.edu before Friday, May 18, 2018 to make arrangements.

GCC’s Child Care Center will be open for all graduates and guests for children from six weeks to five years of age to allow family and friends to focus on the ceremony. However, guests wishing to bring children to the commencement are required to have a ticket for each child regardless of age. To sign up for FREE child care services, please contact Student Activities or call (585) 343-0055 ext.6261 before Friday, May 11, 2018. The Child Care Center will open at 12 p.m. on Commencement Day.

For more information, contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616, or via email: dsutherland@genesee.edu.

Fatal Pembroke shooting case closed with Deputy found justified.
The fatal shooting of a man at a Pembroke restaurant by a sheriff’s deputy was ruled to be justified by a Genesee County Grand Jury.
Deputy Ryan Young shot and killed 61 year old Keith Kent of Albion in the parking lot of the Log Cabin Restaurant on April 11th after Kent had fired a gun off at least three times threatening customers.
First Assistant District Attorney Melissa Cianfrini described the scene…

Deputy Young fired 15 rounds from an AR-15 rifle, hitting Kent twice in the neck and back.
Police found restaurant patrons in the basement who said they feared for their lives with at least one crediting the deputy for saving them.
Deputy Young has since returned to duty and authorities say the case is now closed.

Three arrested for drugs in Batavia traffic stop.
The Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force reports the arrest of 18 year olds Conner Beaumont of LeRoy, David Renteria of Pavilion and 29 year old Eric Bratcher of Batavia.
Batavia Police allegedly found the trio in possession of a quantity of crack cocaine, Oxycodone and marijuana after being subject to a traffic stop on Pringle Ave in the city.
All three are charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance along with Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia.
They all received appearance tickets for Batavia City Court at a later date.

A string of Batavia burglaries send a young city man to state prison.
19 year old Davon St. John of Oak Street was sentenced to 15 years in prison and 5 years post-release supervision for burglarizing residences on Ellicott Ave, Montclair Avenue and Union Street in Batavia last year.
Last month St. John pleaded guilty to a charge of Second Degree Burglary and he was sentenced in county court this week.
Police say they found much of the stolen property from the burglaries in his residence.

Family comes to the rescue after a medical emergency causes a crash in Pavilion.
Eileen Ostrander thought she may have heard hard rain or a fire when a pickup truck crashed into the woods outside their home on South Street Road in Pavilion last night.
Eileen her son Joe Condidorio went out the kitchen door to discover the crashed pickup with its tires still spinning…

Ostrander performed CPR on the man until he regained a pulse while her granddaughter called 911.
The man apparently suffered a heart attack and was transported to UMMC with the family being credited with possibly saving the man’s life.
For more on the story check the article by our news partner The Batavian.

An Amber Alert is cancelled after Schuyler County deputies say a missing infant is found safe.
Deputies confirm that last night 15-day-old Gionna Harter was safely located in Geneva by police.
They say Katrina Harter turned herself into Geneva Police.
The Sheriff’s Office thanked the public for calling in tips and information.

The Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, comprised of Police Officers from the Genesee County Sheriffs Office, Batavia Police Department, and the Leroy Village Police Department arrested 3 local men Wednesday afternoon as the result of a traffic stop conducted by Batavia Police.

One has been granted youthful offender status by the court.

David C. Renteria, age 18, of Bernd Rd., Pavilion, N.Y. charged with:

Criminal Possession Of A Controlled Substance 7th a class A-Misdemeanor of the New York State Penal Law. (2 counts) Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia 2nd, a class A-Misdemeanor of the New York State Penal Law. {1 count)

Eric J. Bratcher, age 29, of Pringle Ave. Batavia, N.Y. charged with:
Criminal Possession Of A Controlled Substance 7th, a class A-Misdemeanor of the New York State Penal Law. (1 count) Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia 2nd a class A-Misdemeanor of the New York State Penal Law. (1 count)

On Wednesday May 9 Batavia Police conducted a traffic stop on Pringle Ave. in the City Of Batavia. During the traffic stop Task Force members allegedly found the occupants of the vehicle to be in possession of a quantity of crack cocaine. a quantity of Oxycodone. a quantity of marihuana. and some drug paraphernalia. The operator (Beaumont) was issued a ticket for a vehicle and traffic violation. All three were issued appearance tickets for the other charges and are to appear in Batavia City Court at a later date.

Task Force members were assisted by Batavia Police Officers.

A Genesee County Grand Jury has found that the fatal shooting of a suspect by a sheriff’s deputy was justified.
61 year old Keith Kent of Albion was shot and killed by Deputy Ryan Young in the parking lot of the Log Cabin Restaurant on April 11th.
First Assistant District Attorney Melissa Cianfrini tells what happened when lawmen first encountered Kent…

Deputy Young fired 15 shots from a service weapon, an AR15 rifle, two shots hit Kent, the fatal wound struck him in the neck.
Once Kent was down, lawmen entered the restaurant and found witnesses hunkered in the basement

Deputy Young has since returned to duty and authorities say the case is now closed.

A 19 year old Batavia man will spend 15 years in prison for burglarizing several homes in the city last year.
Davon St. John of Oak Street pleaded guilty to a charge of Second Degree Burglary and was sentenced this week in county court.
Police said St. John burglarized homes on Ellicott, and Montclair Avenues and Union Street.
Much of the stolen property was recovered in St. John’s home.

An Albion man charged in a case of child sexual abuse.
37 year old Robert Tetrault of Albion has been accused of having sexual contact with a child between the age of 9 and 10 in July of 2012.
He has been charged with predatory sexual assault against a child.
Tetrault was previously convicted in a 2013 knife attack and sentenced to 2 to 4 years in prison.

The Thruway is getting more high-speed electric vehicle charging stations. Yesterday Governor Cuomo announced a more than four-million-dollar charging station expansion plan. According to the governor, electric car owners will soon be able to travel the entire New York Thruway without exiting to recharge. Cuomo has made it his goal to install ten-thousand charging stations by 2021.

A Genesee County Grand Jury has found that the fatal shooting of a suspect by a sheriff’s deputy was justified.

61 year old Keith Kent of Albion was shot and killed by Deputy Ryan Young in the parking lot of the Log Cabin Restaurant on April 11^th.

First Assistant District Attorney Melissa Cianfrini picks up what happened when lawmen encountered Kent…

Deputy Young fired 15 shots from a service weapon, an AR15 rifle, two shots hit Kent, and the fatal wound struck him in the neck.

Deputy Young has since returned to duty and authorities say the case is now closed.

News Release:

LEHIGH AVENUE will experience traffic delays on May 15th, 2018 BETWEEN 7:00 AM AND 5:00 PM for milling operations.

Please be aware that all motorists using Lehigh Avenue within the City of Batavia will experience travel delays on Tuesday, May 15th, 2018 between the hours of 7AM to 3 PM.

Roadwork involving the milling of pavement will begin at Ellicott Street working toward Creek Road. Local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence/property but should plan accordingly for delays.

All residents/businesses within the work area are asked not to park on the roadway during the day.

Once milling is complete, the roadway will be prepared for paving. An additional memo will be issued with specific dates and times for this work.

Please contact the Bureau of Maintenance with any questions.

Thank you for your cooperation in advance.

37 year old Robert Tetrault of Albion has been charged with a count of predatory sexual assault against a child.

He was arraigned in Orleans County court last week after being accused of having sexual intercourse and committing another sexual act with a child between 9 and 10 years old.

The incidents allegedly occurred in July of 2012.

Press Release:

On May 9, 2018, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) out of SP Amity arrested Andrew P. Drexel, 18 of Ogden, NY for Burglary 2nd degree (C Felony).
This arrested is in connection with the burglary reported at the Shongo General Store on March 21, 2018 when Drexel and Michael R. Argento, 31 of Greece, NY stole twenty guns. Drexel and Argento are related. The New York State Police were assisted in this portion of the investigation by the Ogden Police Department, town of Greece Police Department and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

SP Amity BCI would like to thank all the local businesses in and around the town of Willing for their cooperation.

There is still a third suspect in this burglary investigation. If you have any information, contact the NYSP at 585-268-7085 or ATF at 1-888-ATF-GUNS (888-283-4867).

Press Release:

Batavia, NY 2018– The E.O.C. – Essential Oil Center is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser from 4/13/2018- 6/10/2018 to raise funds for a Uganda Mission Trip in September 2018. The E.O.C. co-founder Michelle Gillard will earn funds based on the total weight of the pairs of gently worn, used and new shoes collected, as Funds2Orgs will issue a check for the collected shoes. Those dollars will benefit the Uganda Mission Trip that Michelle Gillard will be serving on in September. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new shoes on Sunday, June 10, 2018 at the Artisan Vendor Carnival at Batavia Downs Gaming from 10am-4pm or by contacting Michelle at 585-297-0779 for pickup at any time. If you or your organization feel you can collect 25 pairs of shoes, contact Michelle and she can provide you with the materials to collect them.

All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise (small business) partners. Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create, maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited. Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected in shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed, clothe and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send to her son to law school.

“We are so excited about this shoe drive,” said Michelle Gillard. “We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donate to us. By doing so, we raise money for this great cause, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone. We have already reached 25% of our goal”
By donating gently worn, used and new shoes to the Uganda Mission Trip the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people’s lives around the world.

Requirements for Shoes:

Shoes must be new or gently used. They should be clean, no rips, no tears and soles must be attached. If possible each pair should be tied or rubber banded together. Kids & adults shoes are accepted. Sneakers, shoes (even heels), boots and sandals are all acceptable.

About Uganda Mission Trip:

Michelle Gillard became involved with the organization Sole Hope a couple years ago. What started as an individual fundraiser to help Sole Hope has turned into a heartfelt passion to help others on multiple levels. Join us in supporting two great causes, Funds2Orgs and Sole Hope and the people of Uganda. Michelle will be traveling to Uganda in September for her first of what she hopes is many mission trips where she will be serving in the slums and orphanages.

Contact
Michelle Gillard, Co-Founder
The E.O.C. – Essential Oil Center
585-297-0779
Michelle@essentialsoflife.org

Press Release:

Men’s Lacrosse NJCAA National Championship Information Announced for May 12-13

The National Junior College Athletic Association announced its semifinal seedings for the NJCAA National Men’s Lacrosse Championship hosted by Onondaga Community College at the Charles R. Wilber Field at Lazer Stadium, May 12-13.

Genesee received the third seed and will play the second-seeded Nassau Community College Lions (Garden City, NY), Saturday, May 12 at 3:30 p.m. The Lions have a record of 13-1.

If Genesee is victorious against Nassau, they would then face the winner of top-seeded Onondaga Community College (Syracuse, NY) and fourth-seeded Howard Community College (Columbia, Md.), who play prior to Genesee also on Saturday, May 12 at 1 p.m.

The semifinal winners would face one another for the NJCAA National Men’s Lacrosse Championship title game, Sunday, May 13 at 1 p.m.

The 12-2 Cougars return to the ‘Final Four’ for the seventh time in the last eight years and hope to reclaim to its national championship status from a couple of seasons ago.

General admission to semifinal contests is $5, while general admission for the championship game is $10. All three games (two semifinals and one championship) will be televised by NJCAA TV. For further information, visit the NJCAA’s men’s lacrosse online page at: http://www.njcaa.org/sports/mlax/index

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Funds flow in for a New water tower in Pavilion.
Senator Michael Ranzenhofer has announced that $325,000 in state funding has been secured to support a Water Storage Tank Improvement Project in the Town of Pavilion.
The project will expand access to public water for 232 households in the Town of Pavilion.
The new water storage tank will be located on York Road with an estimated capacity of approximately 300,000 gallons.

LeRoy Police looking for a person of interest, in an unnamed incident.
LeRoy PD wants to identify a possible person of interest and a vehicle that was just outside of Wright Beverage in the Village of LeRoy between 8:30AM and 9:30AM on May 8th, 2018.
He/She may be a person of interest or a potential witness; he/she has not necessarily committed a crime.
If you know this person please call 585-345-6350 and refer to Case #18-1915.

A routine scrap yard fire blazes out of control in Corfu.
Employees at the Ed Arnold Scrap Yard on Angling Road routinely burn of their discarded wooden pallets, however the small fire lite Tuesday evening quickly grew unmanageable consuming the surrounding scrap.
The fire was reported before 6 on Tuesday night with thick black smoke visible for miles.
Nine volunteer fire companies were activated to respond.
Fortunately no injuries were.

An East Pembroke silo accident leaves one hospitalized.
According to East Pembroke Firefighters a man said to be in his 50’s was climbing up the side of a silo when a rung on the ladder broke.
The man fell 40 feet, sustaining serious injury including multiple broken bones and possible internal injuries.
He was transported to ECMC via Mercy Flight.
His name and condition have not been released.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Congressman Chris Collins are in surprising agreement recommending a local attorney to be nominated federally.
This week Schumer sent the White House his support for John Sinatra Junior to be appointed as a federal judge in Western New York.
Sinatra’s a Buffalo native with a law degree from UB and years of experience with a top law firm.
However some question Collins’ support considering his business dealings with Sinatra’s brother.

The Thruway is getting more high-speed electric vehicle charging stations. Yesterday Governor Cuomo announced a more than four-million-dollar charging station expansion plan. According to the governor, electric car owners will soon be able to travel the entire New York Thruway without exiting to recharge. Cuomo has made it his goal to install ten-thousand charging stations by 2021.

The Town of Pavilion has cashed in at the state’s pay window to the tune of 325-thosuand dollars for a new water tower.
The grant announced by State Senator Michael Ranzenhofer.
The project will extend public water service to 230 homes that do not have access now, and provide additional storage tank protection to 90 homes already connected to public water.
The Town is holding a public hearing on the project tonight at 7:30 at the Town Hall on Woodrow Drive.

It’s the first full day on the job for Barbara Underwood as New York’s Acting Attorney General.
Underwood was sworn in yesterday after Eric Schneiderman resigned from the job amid allegations he assaulted women.
The State Assembly could select a longer term replacement.
Underwood is the first woman to hold the office.

A Corfu scrap yard routinely burns its discarded wooden pallets,.
But this fire, got out of control.
The fire started around 5:30 last night at the Ed Arnold Scrap Yard on Angling Road.
Thick black smoke from the fire was visible for miles.
Nine volunteer fire companies fought the blaze. No one was injured.

A man is seriously injured after falling 40 feet off a silo in East Pembroke.
A man identified only as in his 50’s was climbing up the side of a silo when a rung on the ladder broke.
He suffered broken bones and possible internal injuries.
He was taken via Mercy Flight to ECMC
His name and condition have not been released.

“How to Create a Positive Work Environment” will be the subject of a small business workshop to be hosted by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce on May 16.

This is the one of a series of business workshops held in conjunction with the United States Small Business Administration and the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce. The workshops are open to all Chamber and non-Chamber businesses and their employees and will offer expert advice from experienced professionals designed to help small businesses succeed and grow.

“It is possible to have positive – and perhaps even fun – work environment in any business and this workshop is designed to show you how,” said Tom Turnbull, Chamber President.

Greg Lindberg of the Small Business Administration will conduct the workshop.

The workshop will be held at the Chamber of Commerce office, 8276 Park Rd., Batavia. The session will run from 7:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and includes a question and answer period. Cost for non-Chamber members is $10 for each attendee. Chamber members and Batavia Business Improvement District members may attend all small business workshops free of charge but should make reservations to insure space.

To reserve a seat in any workshop or for more information, contact Kelly Bermingham at 585-343-7440 or email

Press release:

New York State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has announced today $325,000 in state funding to support a Water Storage Tank Improvement Project in the Town of Pavilion.

“Clean drinking water isn’t a luxury for our families, it’s essential. I am pleased to secure state funding to ensure safe drinking water for residents in the Town of Pavilion. This landmark investment will make it possible to extend water services to over 200 households that don’t have access now,” said Ranzenhofer.

The project will expand access to public water for 232 households in the Town of Pavilion. The project will also provide additional water storage tank protection during emergency conditions to 90 homes already connected to public water along Asbury, Walker, York, Perry, and South Street Roads in the Town of Pavilion.

“Senator Ranzenhofer is working to make water service possible for many homes desperately in need of a safe, reliable water supply, and this state funding will help to make our Town’s water improvement project a reality,” said Town of Pavilion Supervisor Dean Davis.

The Town of Pavilion Water Storage Tank Improvement Project consists of replacing and relocating an existing water storage tank that has deteriorated beyond repair. The new water storage tank will have an estimated capacity of approximately 300,000 gallons. It will be located on York Road in the Town of Pavilion.

The Town of Pavilion will host a public hearing today at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 1 Woodrow Drive, to provide more information about the project to residents.

Former Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has already been replaced.
New York States former Attorney General Schneiderman stepped down yesterday in disgrace after a bombshell “New Yorker” article detailed allegations by several women of repeated abuse.
The state’s solicitor general, Barbara Underwood, was quickly sworn in as acting New York attorney general.
Governor Cuomo says she takes over as the acting AG until state lawmakers pick someone on an interim basis through a special session.

Governor Cuomo appointed a prominent Long Island district attorney as special prosecutor and special deputy attorney general to investigate and, if appropriate, prosecute Schneiderman.

Pallet fire gets out of hand on Angling Road in Corfu.
Report came in for a large fire at the Ed Arnold scrapyard in Corfu shortly before 6 last night.
East Pembroke fire along with Corfu, Indian Falls, and Town of Batavia were all dispatched to the scene and Oakfield Fire Police shut down traffic at Angling Road and West Ave.
Tankers from Elba, Alexander and Alabama were also called to the scene.
The pallet fire was said to be about 150-ft from a building at the Scrap Yard.
East Pembroke Fire crews were on scene for around 4 hours before going back into service.

Batavia City Schools continue to beef up security.
According to Superintendent Chris Dailey his vision of hiring retired Genesee County Sheriff’s deputies has finally been realized.
The district has recently hired three veteran officers to be housed at the schools…

The school also installed an entrance system that requires an ID scan in every building.
Dailey also reminded district residents that the annual school budget vote is next Tuesday.
The district’s budget calls for a tax levy increase of just under 2.4 percent.

A man is seriously injured after falling 40 feet off a silo in Genesee County.
Batavia Firefighters say the man was climbing the silo and fell when a rung on the ladder broke.
The man wasn’t identified but did suffer from multiple broken bones.
His condition isn’t known.

The Elba branch location of M and T Bank is now slated to close.
M and T Bank said all employees of the Elba branch have been offered positions with other locations.
The closing will take place on August 7th.
The closest M and T branch location to Elba is housed in Oakfield.

Another sex scandal is rocking the New York political landscape after New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s resignation. Eliot Spitzer, Anthony Weiner and now Eric Schneiderman were well-esteemed politicians, whose careers fell from grace. Fifty-three-year-old Weiner was a seven-term Democratic congressman who resigned in 2011 after tweeting lewd photos and was sentenced to prison last May for sexting with a minor. Fifty-eight-year old Spitzer, once Governor of New York, saw his career collapse in 2008 after a prostitution scandal. But according to Kenneth Sherrill, a political science professor emeritus at the City University of New York’s Graduate Center, Schneiderman’s case is different due to claims of violence against women.

Security remains a top priority at Batavia City Schools.

Superintendent Chris Dailey says three recently retired Genesee County Sheriff’s deputies have been hired. He spoke this morning on WBTA’s “Main & Center” program:

Dailey also reminded district residents that the annual school budget vote is next Tuesday.
The district’s budget calls for a tax levy increase of just under 2.4 percent.

An Alexander man has been arrested for First Degree Rape.
The suspect has been identified as 50 year old Domingo Gomez-Gomez.
Deputies said Gomez allegedly raped a female co-worker during the early morning of April 29th. When questioned by investigators, Gomez allegedly produced numerous false documents to identify himself.
Immigration officials are investigating whether Gomez may be in this country illegally.

Marty Violante

Press Release:

Niagara Catholic Jr./Sr. High School is holding their annual Marty Violante Memorial Golf Classic honoring the late Peter I. Certo. A beloved Bishop Duffy Graduate, Peter has been on the committee since its inception. Marty & Peter were childhood friends who grew up next to each other.

Peter I. Certo

Peter has served as president of Certo Brothers Distributing Company since 1992, a family business founded in 1912. Peter was well-respected in the beer wholesale industry receiving numerous awards and accolades. He served as board member and chairman of the New York State Beer Wholesalers Association for the past 31 years.

The tournament will take place on Monday, July 16, 2018 at Niagara Frontier Country Club located at 1058 Lake Road, Youngstown, NY 14174. This event is open to the public and will cost $190 per golfer which includes 18 holes of golf including cart, lunch, refreshments and snacks on the course, one hour of open bar immediately after golfing, a steak dinner, and a gift for every golfer. There will also be raffles and a basket auction. Registration and check in will take place at the event at 11 am with a 12:30 pm Shotgun Start in Scramble format. This tournament will max out at 144 golfers, so get your registrations in early.

The Marty Violante Classic is a premier charity golf event. Proceeds from this year’s tournament will benefit Niagara Catholic students, scholarship funds, and other school programs. Peter will be honored during the tournament dinner, which will be held at the Niagara Frontier Country Club. Dinner tickets, registration, and sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Mike Volpe at (716) 283-8771 x242. Or mvolpe@niagaracatholic.org

News Release

Please note that the cold milling operation planned for Lehigh Avenue today has been postponed due to milling equipment breaking down. Work will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

News Release

For five decades, Genesee Community College has celebrated its graduating classes at commencement, and the College is excited about the upcoming 50th annual graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 20, 2018. The College, however, is also pleased to be introducing a new tradition this year. On Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. in the Richard C. Call Arena, the “SUNYGCC Employees – Serving Beyond Expectations” ceremony will formerly recognize the many outstanding achievements of GCC’s faculty and staff. Among the highest honors are recognizing the recipients of prestigious 2018 State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor’s Award for Excellence, which includes the following:

Award for Excellence in Faculty Service

Timothy P. Tomczak, Professor/Director of Social Sciences

Award for Excellence in Professional Service

Tara E. Conrad, Assistant Registrar

Amy A. Masters, Technical Specialist/Financial Aid Retention

Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Service

Joseph L. Ziolkowski, Assistant Professor, Photography and Art

Award for Excellence in Teaching

Candice S. Vacin, Associate Professor of Psychology

David W. Johnson, Instructor of Biology

Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching

Carol E. Geiselmann, Adjunct Instructor

Raymond A. Boucher, Adjunct Instructor

Award for Excellence in Classified Service

Raymond J. Strzelecki, Building Maintenance Supervisor

“Genesee Community College has long had a reputation for being a great place to work,” GCC’s President James M. Sunser said. “In the spirit of commencement and the hard work and commitment of our students, we have also wanted to recognize the dedication of our faculty and staff who consistently go beyond expectations in helping our students succeed. This new event is the opportunity to honor the many GCC employees whose passion and compassion are on the job every day.”

It should be noted that some College offices will be closed the afternoon of May 16, 2018 to accommodate the new awards ceremony.

In addition to the SUNY Chancellors Awards, the new “Serving Beyond Expectations” Ceremony will also recognize employees with extensive years of service at the Longevity Awards with benchmarks of 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service to the College. And, the College also created a whole new segment of recognition with seven unique categories of service in the newly adopted “Cougar Awards” in the following areas.

Spirit and Community Award – celebrates exemplary school spirit

Innovation Award – recognizes one who’s implemented idea made a positive impact on GCC

Cougar Salute – honors a supervisor or manager consistently demonstrating GCC’s core values

Teamwork Award – praises superior performance by a department or cross functional team

Rookie of the Year Award – acknowledges the outstanding achievements of a new staff member

Inclusive Excellence Award – commends a significant role in embracing the diversity, equity and inclusiveness of the campus community

President’s Award – distinguishes the efforts and services of an individual in support of the college’s mission and strategic priorities

The Cougar Award nominees are secret until the awards ceremony and recipients will be named live during the event.

Lastly, but no less important, the “Serving Beyond Expectations” Ceremony recognizes the numerous accomplishments and contributions made by GCC’s faculty and staff throughout the past academic year. The number and breadth of these achievements exemplifies the quality and compassion that seems near endemic across all departments and divisions at GCC. Forty-four members of GCC’s staff, and many of them with multiple honors and recognitions are listed under the general Awards category. From professional presentations to serving as a panelist, board member, keynote speaker, juror, volunteer, evaluator, singer, exhibitor and even earning a certified drone piloting license-GCC staff members are an active collection of top-notch professionals motivated by passion, patriotism and the idea of making the community a better place to live and work.

A follow-up news alert will be released just after the “SUNYGCC Employees-Serving Beyond Expectations” Ceremony with the complete details of all recipients and photographs. For more information, contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616, or via email: dsutherland@genesee.edu.

Tyler Prospero (Notre Dame) helped GCC baseball to a pair of wins last weekend

Press Release:

Baseball Cougars Continue to Climb Standings after JCC Sweep

The Genesee Community College baseball team has now won 14 of its last 18 region starts and have bolted to second place in National Junior College Athletic Association Region-III West Section standings after sweeping visiting Jamestown Community College May 6.

The Cougars built a comfortable 5-1 lead after two innings of the first game before cruising to a 10-7 win after scoring three runs in both the first and sixth innings.

The team’s top offensive player was Justin Taveras with a pair of hits, three RBI, and a pair of stolen bases.

Genesee had 14 hits with six players getting a pair apiece. Joining Taveras were Jakob MacLeod, Bryant Fontanez, Andrew Shapiro, Justin Baly, and Shannon Folkes, with the latter scoring a team-high three runs. Junior King and Shurburnie Jonis rounded out the Cougar hitters with Jonis adding a pair of stolen bases.

Tyler Prospero recorded the win at the mound with three strikeouts in allowing two earned runs in six innings of work.

Genesee got all that it needed in the first two innings of the second game with three runs before taking the matinee contest 5-2.

A combination of pitching and extra-base hits decided the contest in the Cougars’ favor.

Genesee had six hitters with four of them plating doubles on the day. Shapiro led the way with two of the team’s seven hits including a double. Also with doubles were MacLeod, King and Nate Darwin, with Folkes and Baly recording singles.

Colin Noeth had 11 strikeouts in his seven innings on the mound that saw the local product surrender one earned run and seven hits in recording the win.

The pair of wins against the Jayhawks gives Genesee the current second-best region winning percentage at .636, as well as the second-best overall winning percentage at .595.

The Cougars will round out the regular season with a pair of home doubleheaders May 8 and May 10 against two of the toughest teams in the region. Genesee hosts Erie first and then concludes the regular season by hosting the division-leader and nationally-ranked Niagara. Both first games are slated for a 2 p.m. start.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

News  Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is holding his next round of office hours for Genesee and Monroe county residents starting tomorrow. The office hours will be attended by Hawley’s staff. The 139th Assembly District, represented by Hawley, includes all of Genesee County and portions of western Monroe County.

“These office hours offer local residents an opportunity to share their thoughts, concerns and ideas regarding the issues facing state government,” said Hawley. “I strongly encourage those who are able to attend to come and make their voices heard.”

To schedule an individual appointment with Hawley, please contact his office at hawleys@nyassembly.gov or by calling 585-356-0686 for the Monroe County office hours, or 585-813-1608 for the Genesee County office hours.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley
May Office Hours:

Genesee County:

Genesee Community College
Conable Technology Building, Room T124
Assemblyman R. Stephen Hawley Drive (1 College Road), Batavia
Friday, May 11, 2018
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Genesee Community College
Conable Technology Building, Room T124
Assemblyman R. Stephen Hawley Drive (1 College Road), Batavia
Friday, May 25, 2018
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Monroe County:

Ellwanger Room
Seymour Library
161 East Avenue, Brockport
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Ellwanger Room
Seymour Library
161 East Avenue, Brockport
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Alexander man under investigation by immigration after being arrested for rape.
50 year old Domingo Gomez-Gomez of Alexander Road in Alexander has been arrested by Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputies on charges of First Degree Rape, Possession of a forged instrument, and Offering a false instrument for filing.
According to authorities Gomez forcibly raped a female co-worker in the early morning hours of April 28th.
Deputies made their arrest on Friday and Gomez allegedly lied to law enforcement about who he was and provided them with numerous false documents to identify himself.
Gomez was ordered to be held in lieu of $100,000 bail in the Genesee County Jail.
Immigration officials are also investigating whether Gomez may be in this country illegally.

Allegations of abuse lead to resignation for New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.
Several women he was romantically involved with made allegations that Schneiderman beat, choked and verbally abused them, usually while under the influence.
The news broke following a story published yesterday in “The New Yorker”.
As a notable figure in the Me Too movement, Schneiderman’s has been vocal about going after alleged abusers and even filed a lawsuit against Harvey Weinstein in February.
Although he strongly contested the allegations, Schneiderman said this will keep him from being able to do his job and his resignation will be effective at around five o’clock this afternoon.

A suspected booze store burglar is behind bars in Batavia
Police have arrested 49 year old Willie Dozier of Rochester for burglarizing two city liquor stores.
He is accused of breaking into Mr. Wine and Liquor on Lewiston Road last August and then Plaza Spirits on East Main Street three months later.
Dozier is now being held without bail on felony charges of burglary and conspiracy.

Trap Shooting Students at LeRoy High School are taking a shot at influencing state politics.
In order to defeat a proposed bill that would ban such clubs across the state the students in the school’s skeet shooting club are calling on state lawmakers to vote it down.
A New York City Assemblywoman was the one responsible for introducing the measure.
The students in LeRoy have started a letter writing campaign calling for legislators to vote against the bill.

Roadwork to begin today on Lehigh Ave in Batavia.
Motorists using Lehigh Ave will experience delays between 7 am and 3 pm.
Local residents will be permitted to and from their homes.
Constructions crews will be milling the pavement on Lehigh progressing from Ellicott to Creek Road.

Are you missing a ring?
Batavia Police say an engagement/wedding ring was found on Richmond Avenue on Saturday.
If you believe it is yours, contact Batavia Police with a detailed description or picture of ring.

Willie Dozier

Batavia Police bust a suspected liquor store burglar.
49 year old Wliie Dozier of Rochester has been arrested for allegedly breaking into Mr. Wine and Liquor on Lewiston Road last August.
Three months later, police say, Dozier broke into Plaza Spirits on East Main Street.
Dozier is now behind county bars without bail facing felony charges of burglary and conspiracy.

A heavy loss of farm equipment as fire destroys a garage in Pavilion.
It happened around 8:30 last night on Ellicott Street Road.
Authorities suspect an ATV that was under repair earlier in the day triggered the blaze.
No one was hurt. Five volunteers companies fought the fire.

LeRoy Central students who are members of the school’s skeet shooting club are getting a lesson in politics.
The students are calling on state lawmakers to defeat a proposed bill that would ban such clubs across the state.
The measure has been proposed by a New York City area assemblywoman.
The LeRoy students have now started a letter writing campaign calling for lawmakers to vote against the bill.

Roadwork to begin tomorrow on Lehigh Ave in Batavia.
Motorists using Lehigh Ave will experience delays between 7 am and 3 pm.
Local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence.
Constructions crews will be milling the pavement on Lehigh from Ellicott to Creek Road.

Two New York state lawmakers are urging their colleagues to pass an anti-bullying bill.
Jacob’s Law would require school officials to notify parents of the bullies and victim when they are aware of a bullying situation at school.
The law is named after 13-year-old Jacob Taras who took his own life in 2015 after claiming he was bullied at his school in South Glens Falls.

Are you missing a ring?
Batavia Police say an engagement/wedding ring was found on Richmond Avenue on Saturday.
If you believe it is yours, contact Batavia Police with a detailed description or picture of ring.

Doming Gomez-Gomez

On May 4th 2018 at about 2;25pm Domingo Gomez-Gomez, age 50, was arrested for
Rape 1st, two counts of Possession of a Forged Instrument and Offering a False Instrument for Filing.

It is alleged that on April 28, 2018 Gomez-Gomez forced a female he worked with to have sexual intercourse with him. When questioned by Genesee County Sheriff’s Investigators Gomez-Gomez allegedly possessed numerous false instruments to identify himself.

He was arraigned Saturday May 5 at 1000am and is being held in the Genesee County Jail on $100,000/$200,000 cash bail/bond. Gomez-Gomez is scheduled to return to Alexander Town Court on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 to answer to the above charges.
Authorities also confirmed that Gomez-Gomez may be in this country illegally.

Press Release:

An engagement/wedding ring was turned in to the Batavia Police Department after it was found on the sidewalk on Richmond Ave on 05/05/2018. If you believe you are the owner of this ring, please contact Officer Ivison at (585) 345-6350 with a detailed description and/or pictures of the ring.

Press Release:

On April 10, 2018, at the Empire State Convention Center in Albany, two international Genesee Community College students were awarded the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence by Dr. Kristina M. Johnson, the Chancellor of State University of New York. Glenn Holmes of Ireland and Benjamin Martis of Curaçao received the prestigious award for outstanding academic performance, demonstrated leadership and commitment to their communities. Holmes and Martis were two of only 249 students to receive this recognition this year state-wide.

“To be selected from among the more than 600,000 students pursuing their higher education degrees at SUNY, those nominated for the Chancellor’s Award have not only demonstrated that they excel academically, but that they are champions outside of the classroom – actively involved in improving both campus life and their communities. These students have proven to be exceptional leaders, athletes, volunteers and visionaries. Their achievements reflect hard work and dedication, along with the support of their family and friends, and the faculty and staff at SUNY. We are extremely proud of them all,” Chancellor Johnson stated in her address to the honorees.

Glenn Holmes receiving the SUNY Chancellor’s Award

Glenn Holmes, a 20 year-old Sports Management major was born in Ireland, traveled to the United States to attend Genesee Community College. In three semesters, Holmes has earned a 3.88 GPA and was appointed to the President’s list twice, the Dean’s List once and was inducted as a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Holmes also co-captained GCC men’s soccer team to their first-ever National Championship Title. Holmes was selected as a First Team All American three times as a NJCAA First Team Player, a USC First Team Player and a USC First Team Scholar. With his Associate Degree in Sports Management from GCC, Holmes plans to transfer to Thomas Jefferson University in Pittsburgh on an athletic scholarship. In addition, this summer he will be playing for the Rochester Lancers. Through all of his success, Holmes cites his mother was his biggest inspiration.

Benjamin Martis receiving the SUNY Chancellor’s Award

A native of Willemstad on the Caribbean island nation of Curaçao, Benjamin Martis is a dual major at GCC, enrolled in both Theater Arts and Theater Technology. Since beginning his education at Genesee Community College, Martis has excelled academically and has been very active in many aspects of campus life. He is a member of GCC’s Forum Players Theatre Company, an orientation leader, resident assistant at College Village, student government representative and also the student representative on GCC’s Board of Trustees. Martis participated in the College’s 50th Anniversary Celebration of Theatre in several scenes, including Peter Pan’s “Hook’s Waltz” and “Off to the Races” in The Mystery of Edwin Drood. He plans to graduate from GCC this spring and continue on to Fredonia State College.

“We commend these two hardworking students,” Dr. James M. Sunser, president of GCC said. “This past two years, both Ben and Glenn have become an integral part of the GCC family and it has been a pleasure having them on our campus.”

Every year since its creation in 1997, campus presidents establish a selection committee which reviews nominations of exemplary students. After the presidential review, the nominees are then forwarded to the Chancellor’s Office and are subject to another round of review. Finalists are then recommended to the Chancellor to become recipients of the award. During the awards ceremony, each recipient receives a framed certificate and a medallion to be worn at commencement for every degree they ever earn.

The featured speaker at this year’s ceremony in Albany was four-time Olympian, two-time World Champion, and 2014 Olympic Bronze Medalist, Erin Hamlin. Hamlin, who is also a SUNY Empire State College Alumna, inspired the honorees, remarking that their achievements were just the beginning of their success.

A complete listing of the 2018 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence winners is available online at http://system.suny.edu/media/suny/content-assets/documents/university-life/awards/CASE-Program-2018.pdf.

For more information, contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616, or via email: dsutherland@genesee.edu.

Press Release:

On Thursday, May 10, 2018 starting at 9 a.m., more than 100 high school students from across the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming County) region will be participating in high-tech, agricultural career experience at Genesee Community College, hosted by The BEST Center. The third annual Precision Agriculture Day at the College’s Batavia Campus features a wide array of presenters from the industry who will share information on the latest technological, science, engineering, and agricultural trends including drones, embryo transfer, precision farming and processing, GPS/GIS, auto steering and robotics. This emerging technology is anticipated to create new employment opportunities in the future. High schoolers from 13 districts across the four counties have the opportunity to discover more about these potential and exciting career pathways and will be checking out how these technologies are used in their own backyard of Western New York.

The Precision Agriculture Committee, chaired by Nathan L. Rudgers, senior vice president of Business Development at Farm Credit East was formed in 2015. The committee, comprised of local precision agriculture consultants, agricultural leaders, as well as high school representatives, has been providing guidance and input on the development of programs to address the educational and awareness needs of this growing field. Advances in technology have resulted in agricultural systems collecting data and using it in multiple operations all controlled through a computer, tablet or smart phone. This technology has created education and training opportunities, but there is a lack of skilled workers. Enter The BEST Center, which is working to provide multiple educational opportunities in this growing arena.

The BEST Center provides businesses and organizations with customized training solutions ranging from supervisory skills to technical training. The Center also offers numerous professional and personal development courses for individuals, including classroom and on-line opportunities.

For more information, contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616, or via email: dsutherland@genesee.edu.

View Online: http://genesee.meritpages.com/news/third-annual-precision-agriculture-day-at-gcc–/3679

Press Release:

Please be aware that all motorists using Lehigh Avenue within the City of Batavia will experience travel delays on Tuesday, May 8th, 2018 between the hours of 7AM to 3 PM.

Roadwork involving the milling of pavement will begin at Ellicott Street working toward Creek Road. Local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence/property but should plan accordingly for delays.

All residents/businesses within the work area are asked not to park on the roadway during the day.

Once milling is complete, the roadway will be prepared for paving. An additional memo will be issued with specific dates and times for this work.

Please contact the Bureau of Maintenance with any questions.

Thank you for your cooperation in advance.

Andrew Forte (Pittsford) scored the first and last goal in Genesee’s national championship 22-4 quarterfinal win

Press Release:

No. 3 Men’s Lacrosse Team Moves on to Final Four

The No. 3 Genesee Community College men’s lacrosse team defeated No. 6 Ocean County College 22-4 to advance to their seventh National Junior College Athletic Association men’s lacrosse national final four in the last eight years.

The Cougars dominated their New Jersey opponent from Section XIX from the get-go with faceoff man Andrew Forte scoring just seven seconds into the contest. It was Forte’s first of 25 faceoff wins at an 88 percent winning rate and first of a team-leading 11 groundballs of his team’s 40.

The Cougars out-shot the Vikings by a 2-1 margin with 52 shots for and 26 against, and were potent on the man-up with five goals from five chances.

At the other end Garrett Lazore made six stops on eight shots on net for a 75 percent save percentage in his 30 minutes of first-half action.

Genesee had three different players score four goals each that included Kevin McParlene, Alex Mack and Jordan Brennan.

Both McParlene and Brennan co-led the team in points with seven, and with Evan Hollfelder also co-led the team in assists with three apiece.

Jason Chiodo had three goals, while Patrick Bilbrey and Forte added a pair each with the latter getting the first and last goal of the contest with the final goal mirroring his jersey number.

Single tallies came from Zach Wade, Tyler Thompson and Hollfelder.

Genesee next plays No. 2 Nassau in a national semifinal contest May 12 in Syracuse.

Baseball Team Records 12th Region Win in Finger Lakes DH

The Genesee Community College baseball team continues to roll after splitting a pair of games against Finger Lakes Community College May 5.

The Lakers were just the fourth region team in the last eight region doubleheaders to get a split with the Cougars. Genesee has been solid in region play the last four weeks with a .750 winning percentage in taking a dozen of their last 16 region contests.

Genesee completed its fourth doubleheader in the last six days by falling behind in both games against the Lakers. In the first game, Finger Lakes got runs in the first two innings, but the Cougars responded with all seven of their runs in the next four innings to take the contest 7-3.

Deion Rosalia had a career day with a third of the team’s 12 hits with four including a homerun. Rosalia also had six of the team’s seven RBI on the day. The next best performance at the plate came from Justin Baly, who had a pair of hits including a double.

Bryant Fontanez and Justin Taveras also plated doubles, with the latter picking up the team’s other RBI. Other hitters included Shannon Folkes, Jakob MacLeod, Andrew Shapiro, and L’Shandry Kirindongo, who scored a team-high pair of runs.

Zachery Zinck pitched all but one out in allowing a half-dozen hits and one earned run, while striking out seven in earning the win.

In the second game the Cougars fell behind again, but this time the team ran out of gas after rallying to tie the game at 2-2.

Baly had three of the team’s eight hits in the second game that included a triple with a pair of team-leading RBI. In addition, he scored two of the team’s four runs while four Genesee pitchers collectively allowed 13 earned runs of Finger Lake’s 17.

Folkes had a pair of hits with Shapiro, Jayson Libert and Fontanez rounding out the Genesee hitters.

Leah Herman after signing with Plattsburgh’s women’s lacrosse program

Women’s Lacrosse Team Has Plenty Of Positives after Playoff Elimination to NJCAA No. 1 Ranked Team

The Genesee Community College women’s lacrosse team knew it had an uphill battle in their region semifinal playoff contest against the National Junior College Athletic Association’s top-ranked and reining national championship team from Monroe, but that didn’t spoil the success the team has made this season.

For starters, the team doubled its win-total from a season ago and earned a post-season berth. Although Genesee wasn’t able to score on the nation’s top team last season, the Cougars did score five goals against Monroe this season in its final two outings. Genesee also held Monroe at bay by not allowing more goals than in its meeting last season.

In the first of the two seasons that head coach Jeff Reyngoudt had an eligible transfer player from his aspiring program; NCAA Division-III Plattsburgh became the first beneficiary of the program’s growth by signing Leah Herman.

The two-time, all-conference midfielder will receive a scholarship from the Cardinals and also captured the Cougar Award during her freshman season in an unsung hero role, while receiving her first Western New York Athletic Association Conference accolade in women’s lacrosse last season.

Herman became one of five women’s lacrosse WNYAC selections for this season along with teammates Molly Barden, Rachel Ladd, Kali Wright and Ashley Barclay.

The Cougars also placed two players on the all-region team in Barden and Ladd, and another pair in the NJCAA Region-III All-Tournament team in Ladd and Barclay.

In the semifinal Region-III playoff game against Monroe May 5, Ladd had a pair of goals with Barclay also netting a goal. Sara Zakes had a stellar performance with 19 saves from 47 shots on net.

Multiple Batavia burglaries land a Rochester man in lockup.
Batavia Police have arrested 49 year old Willie Dozier of Rochester following investigation into multiple liquor store burglaries around the city.
In August of last year, Dozier allegedly burglarized Mr. Wine & Liquor on Lewiston Road, then in November he allegedly targeted the Plaza Spirits on East Main Street.
Dozier was charged with two counts of third degree Burglary and two counts of Conspiracy.
He was committed without bail to the Genesee County Jail.

Structure fire in Pavilion sparked by an ATV.
Report of a structure fire at an Ellicott Street Road address in Pavilion came in around 8:30 last night.
The blaze apparently was ignited by an ATV that was recently worked on sitting inside a shop that was only 20 feet away from the residence.
Pavilion Fire Chief Dewey Murrock was on the scene…

Pavilion Fire along with crews from Stafford, Bethany, LeRoy and Alexander’s Fast Team were all activated.
Ellicott Street Road was shut down during the response.
In addition to the ATV, two tractors and another piece of farm equipment were lost.

Investigation into reported pedestrian versus car accident uncovers a suspected stupid stunt.
City Fire, Mercy EMS and Police all responded to Buell Street in Batavia late last night for report of a person being struck by a vehicle.
After conducting an initial investigation, police on scene said that the patient may not have been struck by the car after all.
Apparently the 19 year old male was acquainted with the driver and was attempting to ride the top of the vehicle or had jumped onto the vehicle.
He was taken to United Memorial Medical Center for a road rash and a possible head injury.
Investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

Assault in Pavilion leads to charges for a LeRoy Man.
21 year old Michael Panepento of North Street Road is accused of causing substantial swelling, bruising and cutting after he allegedly punched another man in the head several times during an argument.
Panepento was arrested and charged with Third degree Assault following the incident on Lake Road Pavilion last month.
The victim was transported to United Memorial Medical Center for treatment.
Panepento was given an appearance ticket for Pavilion Town Court on June 5th.

LeRoy High School skeet shooters are asking lawmakers to let them keep their guns.
A bill proposed by a New York City Assemblywoman to ban shooting programs is being considered in committee.
The LeRoy High School trap shooting team spoke out against this at a recent practice.
Dozens of school programs like this across the state focus on safe and responsible gun use.
The students have started a letter writing campaign calling for lawmakers to vote against the bill.

A Batavia man, who bolted from police during a court appearance in Attica , has been recaptured in Tennessee.
26 year old Dylan Perry formerly of Kingsbury Ave Batavia was for burglarizing a Town of Darien business last December.
Perry is now in the Genesee County without bail.

A neighbor accused of negligent homicide in the carbon monoxide deaths of a mother and son in Kendall.
39 year old David Wiley turned himself in. He is accused of causing the deaths of Joan Gilman and her 14 year old son RJ.
Deputies say Wiley lived in a duplex next to the Gilman’s and was the caretaker of the place. Authorities said Wiley ran a generator inside a garage for 17 hours when power to the Gilman’s apartment was shut off.
Wiley is facing two counts of criminally negligent homicide.

Democratic hopeful for New York governor Cynthia Nixon is releasing her tax returns. Nixon and her wife pulled in nearly two-million-dollars last year through their incomes, investments and sale of a house. They also gave about 53-thousand-dollars to charity. Meantime, Governor Cuomo said he and other candidates for the office have made it a tradition to disclose their taxes every April.

Governor Cuomo says he hasn’t made up his mind about a special election to replace Congresswoman Louise Slaughter. The longtime Western New York representative died in March but so far, despite a lawsuit, the governor hasn’t called for a special election. Yesterday Cuomo told reporters in Rochester that they’re working to coordinate federal and state elections right now but he’ll have an answer in the coming weeks.

A Batavia couple has won a million dollars after playing a New York Lottery scratch-off ticket.
27 year old Marquele Tomlin and his girlfriend Amber Blackshear decided to split a lump sum payment of $800,000.
That will result in a cash payment, after withholding taxes, of $269,000 each. The couple said they had dated for eight years but broke up for a while.
The day they got back together was the day they won the million bucks.

Neighbor accused of negligent homicide in Kendall deaths caused by gas poisoning.
A Kendall man is behind bars on counts of criminally negligent homicide in connection to the carbon monoxide deaths of a Kendall mother and son last month.
39 year old David Wiley turned himself into authorities on Thursday night.
He has been accused of causing the deaths of Joan Gilman and her 14 year old son RJ.
Wiley lived in a duplex with the Gilman’s in a neighboring apartment and was said to be the caretaker of the residence.
Orleans County Undersheriff Christopher Burke said Wiley ran the generator that poisoned the mother and son.

National Grid shut off the electricity to the Gilman’s home and Wiley then apparently ran the generator for 17 hours right under their bedroom.
He is being held in the Orleans County Jail in lieu of $2,500 bail.

Batavia man arrested in Tennessee for local Burglary.
The man who escaped police custody at a court appearance in Attica has been apprehended on other charges down south.
26 year old Dylan Perry of Kingsbury Ave Batavia was located and arrested in Manchester Tennessee and has since been extradited back to New York.
Perry was accused of unlawfully entering a business on Broadway Road in Darien and stealing money last December.
He was arrested and charged with third degree Burglary and Petit Larceny and was remanded to the Genesee County Jail pending further proceedings.

A big winning Batavia couple is seeing it pays to stay together.
Million dollar scratch off winners, 27 year old Marquele Tomlin and his girlfriend Amber Blackshear decided to split a lump sum payment of $800,000.
The couple said they had dated for eight years but broke up for a while.
The day they got back together was the day they won the million bucks.
After taxes the couple will receive $269,000 apiece.

David Wiley

An Orleans County man has been charged with criminally negligent homicide in the carbon monoxide deaths of a Kendall mother and son last month.
39 year old David Wiley of Kendall turned himself last night.
He has been charged in connection with the deaths of Joan Gilman and her 14 year old son RJ.

Undersheriff Christopher Bourke

Orleans County Undersheriff Christopher Bourke said Wiley was a caretaker for the apartment in which the Gilman’s lived.
Bourke said Wiley ran the generator that poisoned Joan and her son

The electricity to the Gilman’s home had been shut off by National Grid.
Wiley reportedly ran the generator for 17 hours.
He is being he;ld in the Orleans County Jail in lieu of 25-hundred dollars bail.

A Batavia couple has won a million dollars after playing a New York Lottery scratch-off ticket.
27 year old Marquele Tomlin and his girlfriend Amber Blackshear decided to split a lump sum payment of 800-thosuand dollars.
That will result in a cash payment, after withholding taxes, of 269-thousand dollars each. The couple said they had dated for eight years but broke up for a while.
The day they got back together was the day they won the million bucks.

A Wind Advisory has been posted for Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties until 11 tonight.
The National Weather Service is forecasting westerly winds between 20 and 25 miles per hour, gusting to 55.

26 year old Dylan Perry of Kingsbury Ave Batavia was located in Manchester Tennesse and then extradited back to New York.

Perry was accused of unlawfully entering a business on Broadway Road in Darien and stealing money last December.

He was arrested and charged with third degree Burglary and Petit Larceny and was remanded to the Genesee County Jail pending further proceedings.

Agri-business Academy students at Porter Farms in Elba, NY

Press Release:

Commonly referred to as the GLOW region, Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties have celebrated agriculture as its number one industry driving the local economy for the past two centuries. As the demands of that industry continue to change, today’s agricultural businesses need dependable, hard-working professionals with college degrees, technology and management experience, as well as business and communication skills.

The Agri-Business Academy offered through a partnership between Genesee Community College and the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (GVEP) is a one-year program designed to expose high school seniors to the many career options available in today’s agri-business industry. The academic year is comprised of classroom learning, critical on-site internships, job-shadowing and as the photos of last week’s tour of the Intergrow Greenhouses Inc. indicates – many dynamic site visits to local agri-businesses that are often seeking for talented employees.

“The Agri-Business Academy is a significant jump start to numerous career options in our region and beyond,” Deborah Dunlevy, ACE Programs Career Pathways project director said. “Perhaps the most rewarding learning comes from the internships, job shadowing and site visits. Being immersed in the field gives them the experiences that will put them at the top of the job candidate list.”

Agri-Business Academy students earn 15 college credits applicable to a wide variety of college degrees and careers through its unique combination of business and community involvement, work-based experience, and a foundation in agri-business learning. Interested students should contact ACE Programs Career Pathways Project Director Deborah Dunlevy at (585) 343- 0055 ext. 6316 or via email at dkdunlevy@gensee.edu before the end of the school year.

Agri-Business Academy students receive a substantial college tuition discount and pay only $55 per credit hour, which is roughly one-third of GCC’s regular tuition rate for the same courses! Also, as a GCC enrolled student, these individuals have GCC IDs with access to the College’s facilities including computer labs, athletic facilities, library resources and databases, as well as a GCC email account to communicate with professors and fellow students.

During the academic year, Agri-Business Academy students take five college courses for a total of 15 college credits; Western NY Agriculture (AGR101), Career and Educational Planning (CEP101), Public Speaking (SPE108), Principles of Biology (BIO101) and Principles of Business (BUS101). These courses provide a foundation for a number of two and four-year degree programs and many professional careers ranging from Agricultural Journalism and Bioengineering to Energy Technology and Farm Management, Food Science, Supply Chain Management and so many more! Additional information is available at https://www.genesee.edu/assets/file/ace/techprep/AgribusinessAcademyBrochure.pdf.

Agri-Business Academy eligibility requires high school seniors to have maintained an 80% or higher overall grade average for the first three years of high school, demonstrated exemplary attendance and a proficiency in reading and writing. They must also possess the responsibility to work independently and with a team.

Applications for the Agri-Business Academy are available at: https://www.genesee.edu/assets/file/ace/techprep/Application_Agribusiness_Academy.pdf. To obtain more information, contact ACE Programs Career Pathways Project Director Deborah Dunlevy at (585) 343- 0055 ext. 6316 or via email at dkdunlevy@gensee.edu or Agri-Business Academy and GCC Adjunct Instructor Kerri Richardson at (585) 344-7783 or via email at krichardson3@gvboces.org. Applications are free and are being accepted now.

Press Release:

SPEECH ON THE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR:

Volunteer of the Year Award – Peggy Schreck
Presented by Shelly Kordish, Director of Education – Rainbow Preschool

“Each year the Arc of Genesee Orleans honors an individual for their commitment to outstanding volunteerism for making a difference in the lives of others. Volunteers are the cornerstone of our agency and are vital to raising awareness of the great work the Arc provides in the communities in which we live and work. This year the Arc of Genesee Orleans has selected Peggy Schreck as the Volunteer of the Year.

Peggy Schreck began volunteering at Rainbow Preschool in Albion in 2012, and before that Peggy participated on various Arc committees. Peggy actually began her career in the very same building that Rainbow Preschool is now, when it was the Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital and she was a lab technician. Peggy and her husband moved to this area so her husband could complete college at GCC and Brockport where he then went on to become an elementary teacher. Peggy also enjoyed the educational setting and was a teacher aide for several years at Medina schools. Peggy later moved in to a position at Medina Savings and Loan where she retired 2010. She wanted to still be a part of the classroom and that is when Peggy began volunteering at Rainbow Preschool.

It is very obvious to the staff, students and families that Peggy thoroughly enjoys her time in the Rainbow Preschool classrooms and the time spent with the children. Peggy states she most enjoys watching the children’s growth and success during the school year, such as hearing a child’s speech develop or their gross motor skills expand. She also enjoys all the children’s smiles and hugs when she gets to the classroom. Peggy notes she enjoys the structure of the classrooms and this is a good fit for her with her prior classroom experience. Peggy says she has also developed many friendships with the staff and families from her volunteer role and she enjoys these new relationships within the community.

Peggy feels she is utilized in the classroom and enjoys the hands on activities and responsibilities she is provided. The teachers and aides all comment what an incredible addition Peggy is to the classroom and she brings such compassion and care to her work. She does special projects with the children and brings fresh ideas to the classroom. Peggy treats all the children as she would her own grandchildren, and she enjoys this because she does not get to see her own grandchildren because they live far away in Georgia where her son is located for his profession. The children call her Miss Peggy or Grandmom and this warms Peggy’s heart with happiness and brings her joy.

I am so pleased to present this year’s award for Volunteer of the Year to Peggy Schreck and to give her on the behalf of everyone at Rainbow Preschool and the Arc of Genesee Orleans our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for her years of dedicated volunteerism at Rainbow Preschool. “

Mary Anne Graney Scholarship Recipients with Scholarship Committee Chair Molly George, Riley Seielstad, Albion Central,
Abigail Klos, Oakfield – Alabama, Hannah Duhow, Medina Central, Kathleen Dessert, LeRoy Central

Seated – Brandi Kinnicutt, Day Habilitation Specialist, Carolyn Dawson, Chief Administrative Officer, Dylan DeSmit, Direct Support Professional, Jim Henning, Trash Collection/Recycling Driver Standing – Jennifer Conklin, Special Education Teacher, Kim Austin, Culinary Arts Manager, Kaelie Grazioplene, Supported Work Assistant Manager, Carl Jones, Trash/Recycling/Transfer Station Manager

Shiori Ubukata

Press Release:

Cougar Softball’s Ubukata Commits to University of Hawaii

Genesee Community College softball team member Shiori Ubukata signed a letter of intent to transfer and accept a scholarship to the University of Hawaii at Hilo for next season.

“Shiori signed a national letter of intent and scholarship agreement to play for us and will be joining us in August 2018 for the 2018-19 softball season,” said head University of Hawaii at Hilo head softball coach Callen Perreira, who is one of the most accomplished coaches in the NCAA Division-II Pacific West Conference (PacWest), after having taken the Vulcans to a fourth-place Softball World Series finish during his tenure.

“We look forward to having Shiori in our program we know that she will bring a good attitude and work ethic,” the veteran Vulcan softball caoch of more than 700 collegiate wins said.

The native of Tokyo, Japan; Ubukata has been the Cougars’ premiere player this season in leading the team in almost every offensive category.

To date, her season batting average is at .400 with an on-base percentage of .455. The infielder has a fielding percentage of between .910 and .920 that encompass both overall and conference play, while leading the team in hits and scoring almost one-third of the team’s runs.

Nine Men’s Lacrosse Players Named to All-Region Team

Nine members of the Genesee Community College men’s lacrosse team have been named to the National Junior College Athletic Association’s All-Region-III Team.

Of Genesee’s selectees, three were from the attack position, three were midfielders, and three were selected from defense.

The first-team selections from Genesee were Jason Chiodo, Andrew Forte and Kevin McParlene, while second-team selections included: Jordan Brennan, Alex Mack, Evan Hollfelder, Mat Anderson, Hoya’daiwat John and Nate Ess.

Of the first-team selections, Chiodo is currently third on the team in points with 58, McParlene co-leads the team in points with 64, and Forte is the team’s faceoff and groundball leader with 179 and 147, respectively.

Of the second-team midfielders and attackman, Brennan co-leads the team in points and assists with 64 and 30, respectively. Mack is fourth on the team in points with 50 and Hollfelder co-leads the team in assists with 30 and is fifth in scoring with 49 points.

The Cougars host Ocean County in a play-in national championship game May 5 at 12 p.m., with the winner advancing to the Final Four in Syracuse May 12-13.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Man charged with homicide in death of a Kendall mother and son.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 39 year old David Wiley Jr in connection with the deaths of 38 year old Joan Gilman and her 14 year old son Richard.
Autopsies revealed the cause of death was found to be inhalation of products of combustion.
According to authorities Wiley lived next to the Gilman’s in a duplex and was the “care taker” for the owner of residence.
National Grid reportedly shut off the power which was a utility under Wiley’s name.
He then allegedly ran a generator in a closed garage directly beneath the bedroom of the victims for over 17 hours.
He’s charged with two felony counts of Criminally Negligent Homicide and two felony counts of Reckless Endangerment.
Wiley was remanded to the custody of the Sheriff on $2,500 bail and is scheduled to return to the Town of Kendall Court on May 7th.

Wind Advisory going into effect.
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for the entire GLOW region and several surrounding counties, which is in effect from 1 this afternoon to 11 this evening.
Westerly winds between 20 and 25 mph are expected with gusts reaching up to 55 mph.

Some gubernatorial campaigning in Batavia
The Presumptive Republican Gubernatorial candidate makes a stop in Batavia.
He is Marc Molinaro, the County Executive of Dutchess County.

He was escorted around by Batavia Republican Steve Hawley promoting the “Think Differently” campaign.
The two led a roundtable discussion at the Arc of Genesee Orleans on how businesses and organizations can better treat persons with developmental disabilities.

Volunteer of the Year Peggy Schreck

ARC of Genesee Orleans holds their annual awards dinner and a familiar name takes top board seat.
Director of Rainbow Preschool Shelly Kurdish presented Rainbow Preschool volunteer Peggy Schreck with the Volunteer of the Year award at the annual dinner of the ARC.
Our own Debrah Fischer, co-owner of WBTA, assumed the office of president of the board of directors for Arc.
The dinner was held at GCC’s new field house with more than 400 people attending.

President of the board of directors for Arc: Debrah Fischer

Budget passed for Richmond Memorial Library.
The 2018-19 Library budget was easily passed with 88 percent of approval from the 214 total votes tallied.
The budget increases spending by nearly $25,000.
Gregg McAllister was elected to a five-year term on the library’s Board of Trustees, filling a vacancy to be left by Jennifer Reardon at the expiration of her term next month.

The NFL is looking at what to do about former Bills President Russ Brandon.
He stepped down earlier this week after Kim Pegula informed him they were conducting an internal investigation into allegations of inappropriate relationships with female employees.
Pegula has taken over as president of the Bills, Sabres and Bandits, and the Rochester Americans.
The NFL said it’s going to announce in the coming days whether the league plans on taking further action against Brandon.

Marc Molinaro

The Presumptive Republican Gubernatorial candidate makes a stop in Batavia this afternoon.

He is Marc Molinaro, the County Executive of Dutchess County.

He was escorted around by Batavia Republican Steve Hawley promoting the “Think Differently” campaign.

The two led a roundtable discussion today at the Arc of Genesee Orleans on how businesses and organizations can better treat persons with developmental disabilities.

Kim Pegula

Kim Pegula is now one of the most powerful women in American sports.  This week she took over as president of the Buffalo Bills and the Sabres after Russ Brandon resigned amid misconduct allegations.

Pegula is the first female president of an NFL team and the only female NHL president.

A head-on collision this morning at Route 98 and West Saile Drive in Batavia.

Mercy flight was called then cancelled and both drivers were taken via ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

The Northbound lane of Route 98 was closed as deputies investigated the accident.

A shooting on Thorpe Street in Batavia last year sends a city man to prison for 15 years.

25 year old Tyshawn King of Maple Street was allowed to plead guilty to a weapons possession charge.

Police arrested him in connection with the shooting that left King’s victims with wounds to his hand and abdomen.

Darien Lake is debuting a new roller coaster very soon.  The ride is called Tantrum and while it won’t be the fastest in the park, it will be the only ride with a heart-pounding semi-inverted drop.  Tantrum is the theme park’s first new roller coaster in a decade.  Darien Lake opens this weekend but Tantrum isn’t expected to open until later this month.

Press Release:

Batavia, New York, May 7, 2018 – New York Gubernatorial candidate Larry Sharpe (L), will meet with citizens of Batavia to share concerns and discuss solutions to New York-specific business challenges including regulations, taxes, and the overall business climate.

“We need to unleash the individual New Yorker, who loves their state and wants to bring value to their community,” said Sharpe, a former business owner and leadership management consultant. “We must stop limiting them and start encouraging them to be innovators in their communities. I’m excited to hear what they have to say.”

The event will be hosted by a local entrepreneur at T. F. Browns (214 E Main St, Batavia, Genesee County, New York 14020) from 8-10 a.m. Breakfast will be provided for residents and business owners who attend. A brief press conference will be held immediately following the event.

For more information regarding this event, please contact Deborah Kerr-Rosenbeck as 585-356-1712

Larry Sharpe (L) is a Bronx native, a Marine Corps veteran, an entrepreneur, and a management consultant with 15 years of experience mentoring international executives, entrepreneurs & sales people. He is also a teacher, previously serving as a guest instructor for business management and leadership at institutions such as Yale University, Columbia University, Baruch College and John Jay College. He is now running for Governor of New York in order to make education more effective through innovation, reform the criminal justice system to focus on rehabilitation, and build an economy that works for all of New York State.

Press Release:

WILLIAMSVILLE, NY – Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) will host a ceremony to honor any Vietnam era veteran on Friday May 11th at the Batavia City Center from 4-5:00 PM. Veterans that are interested in receiving a pin from The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration are encouraged to contact his office to confirm their eligibility and RSVP for the ceremony.

“This year we commemorated the first National Vietnam War Veterans Day to recognize the brave individuals who served in our nation’s military during the Vietnam War years,” said Collins. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to meet Vietnam veterans in my district and distribute these special pins.”

Any veteran who served in Vietnam is eligible for a pin and should contact Alex Gould in the Congressman’s office at (716)634-2324 for more information on obtaining one. Event details are copied below.

May 11, 2018
4:00 PM
Batavia City Hall, Board Room
1 Batavia City Center
Batavia, NY 14020

A head-on collision has been reported at Route 98 and West Saile Drive in Batavia with Town of Batavia Fire, Mercy Medics and law enforcement responding.

Both female drivers were reported to be out of their vehicles and were alert when first responders arrived on scene.

According to reports from the scene one driver was a 36 year old from Kent and the other was a 53 year old from Elba.

The crash occurred as the two vehicles were heading opposite directions on Route 98 when the southbound tried turning left onto West Saile Drive.

Mercy flight was called then cancelled and both drivers were taken via ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

The Northbound lane of Route 98 is closed at West Saile Drive.

The accident remains under investigated.

Information on the report provided by our news partner The Batavian.

Press Release:

East Bethany, NY – Learn nature photography basics and tricks of the trade from photographer Bill Moon. Bring your camera or phone and capture great images from Genesee County Park & Forest! Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park and Forest on Saturday May 12th from 10 am to 1 pm. This program is FREE!!!

Pre-registration is recommended. Call 585-344-1122 to reserve your spot!

Call (585) 344-1122 to register. For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Like the Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry on Facebook

15 year sentence handed down for Thorpe Street Shooting.
For the next 15 years, 25 year old Tyshawn King will be behind bars in state prison.
King of Maple Street in the city was sentenced in Genesee County Court on Friday for shooting another man on Thorpe Street last September.
King was apprehended without incident after Police found a male victim who had gunshot wounds in his hand and abdomen.
They were responding to a reported fight near Thorpe and Maple Streets where a gunshot was also heard.
In February King pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Weapon and he is now serving a 15 year prison sentence along with 5 years post-release supervision.

Truck driver injured in Big Rig Rollover accident in Batavia.
One person was reportedly injured in a tractor-trailer rollover accident yesterday afternoon at Batavia-Elba Town Line Road, west of Route 98.
Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy medics were called to the scene and the truck driver was transported via ground ambulance to Strong Hospital for evaluation.
Some of the 8,000 pounds of O-AT-KA dairy-processing byproduct that the trailer was hauling spilled out.
The organic material was on its way to local farms to be used as feed or fertilizer.
A heavy wrecker tow had to be called in to haul the big rig away.
No other vehicles were involved and the cause of the accident is under investigation.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Executive Director honored as Woman of Distinction.
Senator Michael Ranzenhofer has recognized the Cooperative’s Executive Director Beverly Mancuso, as a Woman of Distinction at the 21st annual ceremony.
Mancuso has served at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Genesee County for 16 years, 13 years as Executive Director.
She is expected to retire from as director in June.

Darien Lake is opening a new roller coaster very soon.
The ride is called Tantrum and while it won’t be the fastest in the park, it will be the only ride with a heart pounding semi-inverted drop.
Tantrum is the theme park’s first new roller coaster in a decade.
Darien Lake opens this weekend but Tantrum isn’t expected to open until later this month.

Kim Pegula is now one of the most powerful women in American sports.
This week she took over as president of the Buffalo Bills and the Sabres after Russ Brandon resigned amid misconduct allegations.
Pegula is the first female president of an NFL team and the only female NHL president.

Tyshawn King

25 year old Tyshawn King of Maple Street, Batavia, will spend the next 15 years in state prison.
King has been sentenced for a shooting on Thorpe Street back in September of last year.
Police found that a man had been shot in his hand and abdomen.
King was arrested for the shooting a short time later and was allowed to plead guilty to criminal possession of a weapon.

Domestic abusers must now surrender their firearms under a new bill signed into law yesterday by Governor Cuomo. The move closes a loophole in state law that will ensure those convicted of domestic violence surrender all firearms, not just handguns. The governor is also proposing legislation that would extend the criminal background check waiting period from three days to 10 days.

With more than four-months to go before the primaries, Governor Andrew Cuomo holds a large lead over Cynthia Nixon. According to the latest poll from Quinnipiac University, Cuomo holds a 50 to 28-percent lead over Nixon. The poll also shows Cuomo with more than a 30-point lead if he was in a two-way race with Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro in the General Election.

Darien Lake “Tantrum”

Darien Lake is showing off their brand new roller coaster today.
The theme park previewed the Tantrum today, a 5-million dollar coaster said to be the first of its kind in New York State and Ontario.
Riders will be taken on a 98-fott vertical lift in a matter of seconds and then plummet at a 97-degree drop.
Darien Lake Theme Park opens this Saturday.

Cooperative Extension Executive Director Beverly Mancuso honored as a Woman of Distinction.
Mancuso has been with Coop-Extension in Genesee County for 16 years.
She is retiring next month.

News Release

Darien Lake showed off its newest roller coaster, Tantrum, on a hard hat tour just prior to the park’s opening day, Saturday, May 5. The nearly $5 million addition will be Darien Lake’s seventh coaster that will take riders on a signature beyond-vertical drop that hasn’t previously been offered to park guests.

Tantrum, the first coaster of its kind in New York State and Ontario, Canada, is scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend. When complete, the coaster will embark riders on a 98-foot vertical lift at a 90-degree angle – straight up the coaster’s first hill. In a matter of seconds, upon reaching its apex, the train plummets into a 97-degree drop and pretzel inversion. Reaching speeds of 52 mph, the coaster snakes through the structure over a bunny hop, keeps riders wondering which way is up or down during an Immelmann turn, and finishes with a tilted loop.

“There is more time to ride the new Tantrum roller coaster and establish new family traditions with an extended operating season from May 5 to October 28,” said Darien Lake General Manager Chris Thorpe. “Season Pass holders visiting the park during opening weekend will even receive a bonus free friend ticket!”

Press Release:

Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has recognized Cornell Cooperative Extension Executive Director Beverly L. Mancuso, as a Woman of Distinction at the 21st annual ceremony, for her outstanding contributions in enriching the quality of life for the community and beyond.

“Beverly has been widely recognized as an effective leader and a connector for community-based organizations to other partners and volunteers. This is a well-deserved honor to recognize Beverly’s efforts in our community, as well as her positive impact in the lives of so many residents. I wish her all the best in retirement,” said Ranzenhofer.

Mancuso has served at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Genesee County for 16 years, 13 years as Executive Director. She is responsible for the overall leadership of the organization, including programming for Leadership Genesee, 4-H Youth Development, Master Gardener Program and Agriculture.

Mancuso started her career working in finance and physician practice management at two hospitals, then furthered her education at the Rochester Institute of Technology. For five years, Mancuso worked to enhance the experience of patients at the Genesee County Health Department.

Mancuso is expected to retire from the Cornell Cooperative Extension in June.

“I am honored to be recognized by Senator Ranzenhofer. I learned the importance of listening at an early age, and this skill has helped me during my career in both the public and not-for-profit sectors,” said Mancuso. “I am looking forward to the next great adventure.”

Mancuso was a member of the inaugural class of Leadership Genesee in 2001, and she was recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus years later. She is currently a proud member of the Muriel H. Marshall Fund Planning Team. Mancuso has been actively involved in the community for years, including Kiwanis, Boy Scouts, Genesee Country Village, Parish Councils, and Office for the Aging Advisory Committee.

New Headquarters being fitted for First responders.
Final preparations are being made to the brand new Genesee County Operations Center which will be home base for Mercy Flight EMS equipment and operators.
It is expected to open later this month.
The 12-thosuand square foot facility is located on Call Parkway off of Route 98 near the county airport and will house up to seven ambulances at once along with 100 employees.
According to Tim Wooten from Mercy EMS, the improvements made to the new facility are necessary ones…

There will be a formal ribbon cutting on May 21st to officially open the new operations center.

Livingston County Investigators have yet to file charges against a Canadian truck driver accused of fatal hitting a former SUNY Geneseo student.
24 year old Nick Iannarelli was found dead on Route 63 in Geneseo Saturday.
Police have identified 54 year old trucker Valeri Belioutsa of Ontario as the driver who allegedly struck and killed Iannarelli.
Investigators used surveillance footage to pinpoint the suspected driver.
After the alleged accident on Saturday and Belioutsa’s truck apparently made it back to Canada by Monday.
Deputies haven’t said why charges haven’t been filed against him however the investigation continues.

Domestic abusers must now surrender their firearms under a new bill signed into law yesterday by Governor Cuomo.

Those convicted of domestic violence were previously barred from owning or possessing handguns, which Cuomo’s executive order extends to all firearms.
The governor is also proposing legislation that would extend the criminal background check waiting period from three days to 10 days.
Cuomo was joined by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a Parkland, Florida student.

Near miss with a patrol car leads to DWI arrest for an Attica man.
Attica Police said they stopped 66 year old Ronald Vallett of Creek Road, after he nearly crashed into one of their patrol cars.
Valett was charged with two counts of DWI along with a traffic infraction.

Two Western New York Congressmen are calling for an investigation into the firing of the House chaplain.
Representative Higgins said House Speaker Paul Ryan’s firing of Father Pat Conroy last week was anti-Catholic.
Conroy is a Jesuit priest that served the House of Representatives for seven-years.
Congressman Reed says this simply doesn’t feel like it was handled right.

Russ Brandon is no longer president of the Pegula sports empire.
Brandon was an executive running the Buffalo Bills, Sabres and Bandits, and the Rochester Americans until his resignation yesterday.
“The Buffalo News” reports that he had been the subject of an internal investigation for misconduct allegations by female employees.
Kim Pegula is now president of both the Bills and Sabres.

News Release:

United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) physicians, leaders, and clinicians will gather together to celebrate the Robert A. Warriner III, MD., Center of Excellence award, which is being presented to the Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Center. For two consecutive years, UMMC has achieved patient satisfaction rates of higher than 92 percent and a healing rate of at least 91 percent in less than 30 median days to heal. The Center is being awarded this prestigious honor by Healogics, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services. Out of 340 eligible Centers, 268 were honored with this award. The award is named for Dr. Robert A. Warriner III, a pioneer in wound care and the former Chief Medical Officer for Healogics.

Lisa Albanese, Program Director, announced the achievement. “This is the second consecutive year the center has received a distinction from Healogics. It is a direct reflection of the team’s ongoing commitment to patient-focused care and clinical excellence for our patients, the community and to our hospital partners.”

UMMC’s Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Center is a member of the Healogics network of nearly 700 Wound Care Centers®, with access to benchmarking data and proven experience treating approximately 2.5 million chronic wounds. The Center offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds which have not healed in a reasonable amount of time. Advanced treatments included negative pressure wound therapy, bio-engineered skin substitutes, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, biological and biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies.

Jerod Baltz

A Pavilion man has been accused of rape.
38 year old Jerod Baltz of Sparks Road is charged with 1st Degree Rape and Criminal Sexual Act in the first degree.
Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputies said the alleged act occurred in a Sparks Road home on March 1q8.
Baltz was arraigned in Town of Pavilion Court and ordered held in the Genesee County Jail on $25,000 bail.

Training seminar being held today, May 1, 2018 and tomorrow, May 2, 2018, at GCC, Conable Building

Press Release:

Tuesday, May 1st

8:00 – 8:45 REGISTRATION
& CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
8:45 – 9:00 WELCOME
9:00 – 10:00 DIFFUSING CONFLICT
& PERSONAL PROTECTION
10:00- 10:45 DUTIES OF A DOG CONTROL OFFICER
10:45- 11:00 BREAK
11:00- 12:00 CRIMINAL OR CIVIL OFFENSE?
12:00- 1:00 LUNCH
1:00 – 2:00 WRITING TICKETS
& SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
2:00 – 4:00 BUILDING YOUR CASE
& INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES

Wednesday, May 2nd

8:00 – 8:30 CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
8:30 – 9:15 GRANT WRITING
9:15 – 10:00 DOG PARKS
10:00 – 10:15 BREAK
10:15 – 11:15 DOG BEHAVIOR
11:15 – 12:15 CANINE DEMO
12:15 – 1:00 LUNCH
1:30 – 4:00 DANGEROUS DOG PRESENTATION
& MOCK TRIAL
AT
TOWN OF OAKFIELD
MUNICIPAL BUILDING
3219 DRAKE STREET
OAKFIELD, NY 14125

In the Doghouse

The theme of this seminar is how to be an effective Dog Control Officer and protect yourself while carrying out your duties. Dog behavior can be difficult to understand and we have a certified behaviorist to explain the subtle cues. Issuing appearance tickets can be time consuming and supporting documentation can be confusing; there is a presentation to clarify the process. Going to court? Building your case properly is going to you the desired result in the courtroom. Court procedures and a mock trial for a Dangerous Dog hearing will bring a close to the seminar.

Presentations

Diffusing Conflict & Personal Protection

Learn how to diffuse situations and protect yourself in the process. What are you allowed to carry on your person by law? Demonstrations of the proper use of a catch pole will be followed by hands-on practice by participants.

Duties of a Dog Control Officer

A representative from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets will be available with the most current version of Article 7 & 26 and ready to answer any questions.

Court Procedures: Judge Thomas Graham & Melissa Cianfrini, ADA Genesee County

Back by popular demand, these two presenters will be going through their presentation on Article 7 and Dangerous Dog Hearings. The Honorable Judge Graham is opening up his courtroom for the presentation and a mock trial for our attendees. This is a unique opportunity to ask questions from a Judge that was a former K-9 Officer and a Sergeant for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. He has experience on both sides of the bench that is very valuable. Ms. Cianfrini is an excellent and thorough presenter and is always ready to answer any questions that arise.

Presenters & schedule are subject to change.

Presentations

Criminal or Civil

Is your case civil or criminal in nature? Should the DCO issue a summons or an appearance ticket? Will the complainant need to file in a civil court of law? Determine how to proceed and handle the situation.

Writing Tickets & Supporting Tickets Documents

How to write an appearance ticket and the supporting documentation that is needed. When do you need an accusatory instrument, a supporting deposition, and who get copies of which forms? Is the ticket being issued off of state law or local law? Participants will be asked to share local laws that they have found to be effective in their own municipalities.

Building Your Case & Interviewing Techniques

How do you interview complainants, witnesses, dog owners? Learn which questions to ask and how to ask them. What is admissible in court…screen shots of social media accounts? Learn how to build your case and the proper chain of evidence.

Grant Writing

Grants are out there for the animal sheltering world. This presentation will focus on how to find the grants that your organization qualifies for and how to write for the grant.

Dog Parks

Dog parks are the popping up all over the place. If they are not in your municipality yet, there may be a group discussing putting one in and it might be there soon. This presentation addresses the laws concerning dog parks and how they affect DCOs in their daily duties.

Dog Behavior: Karlene Bonnes,
Animal Behavior Specialists, Inc.

Karlene Bonnes is a graduate of Cornell University and certified behaviorist specializing in dog behavior. Ms. Bonnes has been in the field for over 25 years and is widely used as a behaviorist in Dangerous Dog cases.

Canine Demo: Deputy Christopher Erion & Destro

Deputy Erion and Destro are a K-9 team for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Destro is used for human tracking and drug detection, along with his handler, of course! We will build upon what learn with Karlene Bonnes with Destro.

The Genesee Community College men’s lacrosse team display their championship plaque after defeating Monroe 22-6

Press Release:

GCC Men’s Lacrosse Team Punches Ticket to Final Four with Regional Crown Win over Monroe

The No. 3 Genesee Community College men’s lacrosse team dismantled Monroe Community College 22-6 at Lazer Field in Syracuse April 28 to capture one of two National Junior College Athletic Association Region-III titles and advance to the Final Four in two weeks at the same venue.

The game started without any weather issues, but four minutes into the third quarter the game was delayed 30 minutes so that lightning could pass. Unfortunately for Monroe, at the time of the delay lightning had already struck the scoreboard as Genesee’s offense was more electric than any weather threat by having 15 goals at that point.

The Tribunes got the first game of the contest, but after an illegal check put the Cougars in a man-up situation Genesee took the lead for good an never looked back.

Genesee scored 14 first-half unanswered goals to take a 13-goal lead into the intermission. Although the contest was tied at 1-1 midway through the first quarter, Genesee tacked on five more tallies to end the opening quarter including their final three that came in a 63-second span with the last goal by current NJCAA Men’s Lacrosse Player of the Week Jordan Brennan as the official game winner. The Cougars’ scoring was more evenly spread in the second quarter as they matched the seven they put up in the first.

As impressive as Genesee’s offensive display was, perhaps the best player of the half – and possibly the game – was Cougar goalie Garrett Lazore. Without a doubt, he played his best 30 minutes of the season during the first half and was selected to the Region-III Championship All-Tournament Team. Lazore made eight saves in his three quarters of work leaving the game after Genesee had an 18-3 lead.

Evan Hollfelder tallied seven points from four goals and three assists to lead all Genesee players. Three Cougars registered five-point outings that included Kevin McParlene, Alex Mack, and Brennan.

Genesee had two players with four-goal performances that included Samuel Koczwara and Hollfelder; a pair of players with three goals each in Mack and Brennan; and two players with a pair of goals McParlene and Josh Bernas.

GCC men’s lacrosse captains pose with the region championship plague. (From left-to-right) Mat Anderson, Sam Koczwara, Alex Mack and Patrick Shea

Four players scored single tallies that included Jason Chiodo, Patrick Bilbrey, Tyler Thompson and Andrew Forte, with the latter dominating the faceoff circle and joining teammates Lazore and Hollfelder on the all-tournament team.

Mark Campbell and Adam Witscheber were also selected to the all-tournament team from Monroe.

It was the seventh time in the last eight years the Cougars have booked a trip to the Final Four. The Cougars now return to Lazer Stadium May 12-13 in the hunt for another national crown, which they first achieved in 2016.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Joana Reiko Sato (left), Dr. Virginia Taylor, vice president of GCC Student Enrollment and Yuki Lai (right)

News Release:

Two Genesee Community College students were inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society this semester at a special academic awards ceremony in the New York State Museum in Albany in March. Phi Theta Kappa is a prestigious international honor society for students in two-year colleges. The society promotes academic excellence and provides leadership opportunities, service projects and fellowship amongst members.

GCC’s PTK chapter, Alpha lota Upsilon was founded in 1985 by Dr. Bernie Hoerbert, a retired professor of Mathematics. To be eligible for induction into Alpha lota Upsilon, students must complete at least 12 credit hours, earn a 3.6 grade point average (GPA) to be inducted and maintain a 3.3 GPA to remain a member. To date, the Alpha Iota Upsilon PTK chapter has over 3,000 members.

At the ceremony, GCC sophomore Yuki Lai of Brockport, NY was inducted based on her 3.88 GPA in GCC’s Associate in Applied Science in Digital Art program. She has been involved with numerous student clubs including Applecore, the International Student Organization and Foodlink. Her poster design was selected by GCC’s Fashion program students to promote “Ascendant,” the 37th annual Fashion Show occurring this past Saturday. A native of Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, Lai came to GCC on the recommendation of her uncle, GCC alumni Kevin (Kah) Chan, who found GCC to be the perfect place to absorb American culture and explore career aspirations. Lai will graduate from GCC in May and will be transferring to RIT this fall to pursue a four-year degree in in graphic design.

In addition, GCC sophomore Joana Reiko Sato of Batavia, NY was inducted based on her 3.97 GPA at GCC. Since she was a child growing up in Japan, Sato dreamed of earning a college degree in the United States. After graduating from Tokyo Metropolitan Koge High school in 2015, she was employed as indoor rock climbing instructor for about a year and then enrolled at GCC. As an international student, Sato was honored to share her story at last year’s “East Meets West” Multicultural Communications Club special event. She also participated in the Outdoor Adventure Club and was a resident assistant at College Village. Sato is currently pursuing a Liberal Arts and Science: General Studies Associate Degree and intends to transfer to Colorado State University with a major in Biochemistry. Sato plans to become a veterinary doctor.

Press Release:

National Travel and Tourism week is May 6 – 12, 2018 and we were pleased to join with the Wyoming County Board of Supervisors in declaring it Travel and Tourism week in Wyoming County. The Wyoming County Board of Supervisors will pass an official proclamation recognizing the week at their regular Board meeting on May 8, 2018.

To celebrate, the Chamber & Tourism is running an “I Love Wyoming County” testimonial contest from May 6 – June 1, where everyone is encouraged to write a short story (500 words or less) and/or recommendation about their favorite Wyoming County tourism attraction(s).

Testimonials can be about an amazing dish at one of our restaurants; a brewery that serves delicious craft beer; a wonderful attraction that provides plenty of excitement; a favorite family-fun adventure; that “best” camping spot; or anything we can share with tourists nationally and internationally to tell our story of what makes Wyoming County such a wonderful place to vacation and visit.

Three winners will be selected to receive $100, $75 and $50 Wyoming County Visa Gift Cards. Winners will be drawn on June 8, 2018.

To participate in this exciting contest:

• Visit our website: GoWyomingCountyNY.com and complete the “I Love Wyoming County” form online, or
• Email us your testimonial at: info@gowyomingcountyny.com

“We’re thrilled to celebrate National Tourism Week with the “I Love Wyoming County” testimonial contest, because who knows more about Wyoming County than the businesses, families, residents and fans that live, work and play here,” said Eric Szucs, Director of Tourism and Marketing. “With Letchworth State Park drawing over 700,000 visitors a year, and the attractions, family friendly restaurants, events, art galleries and more – we offer tourists an incredibly rewarding experience in Wyoming County. Through this contest we want to give our residents a voice in sharing what they love best, because they tell the best stories and these are the things we want tourists to know!”

“Tourism is critical to the economic health of our county, and we are very fortunate to have so many tourism businesses in Wyoming County,” said Scott Gardner, President of the Chamber & Tourism office. “Travelers are spending $44 million annually in Wyoming County which generates millions in state and local sales taxes, and the average savings per Wyoming County household from tourism generated taxes is $338. It is a critical and growing segment of our economy and our county’s success.”

There are almost 200 hundred tourism related businesses in Wyoming County. From the natural beauty of Letchworth State Park to the historic landmarks, rural character and agriculture, family friendly attractions, restaurants and lodging, Wyoming County is a true four season destination for outdoor adventure and family fun. Travelers and visitors spend more than $44 million annually, generating $21 million in labor income. Wyoming County sees a return of $5.2 million in state and local sales tax, and the average savings per Wyoming County household from tourism generated taxes is $338.

National Travel and Tourism Week is an annual tradition that was established by a Congressional Resolution in 1983 and first celebrated the following year. This nationwide week of events serves to champion the power of the travel and tourism industry. Travel and tourism is one of America’s largest industries, generating $2.4 trillion in economic output, with $1 trillion spent directly by domestic and international travelers.

According to the US Travel Association, tourism directly generated $164.8 billion in tax revenue for local, state and federal governments in 2017. Travel and tourism is America’s largest services export industry and is one of America’s largest employers. Travel is among the top 10 industries and supported 15.6 million jobs, including 8.8 million directly in the travel industry and 7 million in other industries. One out of every 9 jobs in the U.S. depends on travel and tourism. Each U.S. household would pay $1,300 more in taxes without the tax revenue generated by the travel and tourism industry.

The Wyoming County Chamber & Tourism is the leading membership organization for local and regional growth, advocacy, and connection for Wyoming County’s business community. The Chamber & Tourism’s mission is to serve the members and community; promote and grow the area’s economic and tourism assets; and work collaboratively to create an environment that leads to the success and economic prosperity of Wyoming County. For more information or to become a member please call 585-786-0307 or visit the website at www.wycochamber.org or www.gowyomingcountyny.com

Rape charges land a Pavilion man in lock up.
Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested 38 year old Jerod Baltz of Sparks Road Pavilion on charges of Rape and Criminal Sexual Act both in the first degree by forcible compulsion.
The alleged rape occurred on March 18th at a Sparks Road residence.
Following arraignment, Baltz was committed in lieu of $25,000 bail to the Genesee County Jail.
He is scheduled for Pavilion Town Court this afternoon.

Lawmen look for driver and identify victim in fatal Geneseo hit and run.
24 year old Nicholas Iannarelli of East Amherst was struck and killed in a hit and run between an unknown vehicle and a pedestrian on Route 63 near Court Street in Geneseo early morning Saturday.
9-1-1 dispatchers received a call from a truck driver who said he observed a person in dark clothing walking in the roadway while he was northbound on Route 63.
Iannarelli was later found deceased in the roadway by Geneseo Police dispatched to the area.
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the fatal accident and encourage anyone with any information or possible video surveillance of the crash to call the Sheriff’s Office at 585.243.7100.

Near miss with a cop car leads to drunk driving charges for an Attica man.
Attica Police stopped 66 year old Ronald Vallett of Creek Road, Attica late Friday night after he nearly collided with an Attica Police Patrol car.
Officers determined that Vallett was impaired by alcohol and he subsequently provided a breath sample reaching close to twice the legal limit.
Vallett was charged with two counts of DWI, along with failing to yield right of way.
He was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to reappear in the Attica Village Court on May 7th.

Rochester City Court Judge Leticia Astacio wants to keep getting paid during her suspension.
She was suspended after allegedly trying to buy a gun last month which would violate terms of her probation.
The Commission on Judicial Conduct made the recommendation recently to remove her from office.
Astacio is still being paid her more than $185,000 salary.
Her attorney wrote the state court of appeals last week arguing that she should continue to be paid while suspended.

A cub scout in Leroy is being hailed as a hero.
Although he has never been trained in CPR 10 year old Steven Sanders knew eggz-actly what to when his 3 year old younger brother Troy began choking on a hardboiled egg.
The brothers were watching cartoons Saturday when Troy began choking on his hard boiled breakfast.
Steven immediately started slapping his brothers back with the palm of his hand and dislodged the egg before their mother made it into the room.
The Boy Scouts plan to honor Steven for his heroics.

The victim of a fatal hit and run pedestrian accident in Geneseo has been identified.
Sheriff’s deputies say 24 year old Nicholas Iannarelli of East Amherst was struck and killed early Saturday morning on Route 63 near Court Street in Geneseo.
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for any information or video surveillance in the area of Route 63. (585-243-7100)
Iannarelli was a former SUNY Geneseo student who may have been in the area for an Alumni Weekend Festival.

One person is being taken to UMMC with injuries suffered in a crash this morning in Bergen.
The mishap occurred near the intersection of West Bergen and Dublin Roads.
National Grid was called to repair a broken utility pole.

Firefighters from two volunteer departments respond to a tractor trailer fire in Bethany.
That fire yesterday afternoon activated volunteers from Bethany and Alexander.
The truck driver escaped the flames unhurt.
The cab of the big rig was destroyed.

Roberta “Bobbi” Norton was recently recognized with a Western New York Educational Service Council Award for Excellence.
Norton is the executive assistant to the superintendent and assistant clerk /secretary to the Board of Education for the Batavia City School District.
Norton has worked for the District for more than 38 years, beginning as a clerical intern in the business office, continuing with positions in schools and administrative offices, and, for the last 10 years, in the superintendent’s office.

Former State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is in Federal Court in Lower Manhattan today for his corruption re-trial. Silver was flanked by attorneys and told the media heading in that he’s wonderful after being asked how he’s feeling. The Democrat was convicted of a bribery scheme in 2015 but that conviction was later tossed by a judge after the Supreme Court narrowed the legal definition of public corruption. There’s a new defense and prosecution team and a new jury but much of the same evidence is expected to be presented.

Livingston County deputies are searching for the driver who hit and killed a man walking down Route 63.
Authorities learned of the accident from a truck driver passing by the scene early Saturday morning.
Route 63 was shut down for several hours
Deputies said the man killed was in his mid-20’s and may have been visiting the SUNY Geneseo campus for the Alumni weekend.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office

Parental concerns are growing over safety at Alexander Central School.
Recent school board meetings have had some parents square off with board members and the school administration over safety concerns.
School Superintendent Catherine Huber released a statement over the weekend saying student safety is a top concern but parents need to understand the district cannot comment on specific instances involving students or staff.
The budget vote slated for May 15th includes funds to hire a school resource officer.

A tractor trailer catches fire on route 20 in Bethany.
Bethany and Alexander firefighters responded yesterday afternoon.
The truck driver safely escaped the flames. The cab of the big rig was destroyed.

The corruption re-trial of former New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver kicks off today. He was convicted of a bribery scheme in 2015. Silver’s conviction was tossed after the U.S. Supreme Court narrowed the legal definition of public corruption. Silver is accused of using his office to hand out favors in return for millions in kickbacks.

Governor Cuomo says more help is on the way to Puerto Rico. During a one day stop to the devastated island this weekend, he said he’s deploying state experts to evaluate the storm battered island’s needs. He’s then dispatching hundreds of SUNY and CUNY student volunteers and workers this summer. Students with construction experience are expected to sign up to help rebuild starting in June. He calls the plan, the New York Stands with Puerto Rico Recovery and Rebuilding Initiative.

With a backdrop of growing parental concerns over safety at Alexander Central School voters there will be asked to approve a budget that includes funding a school resource officer.
Recent school board meetings have had some parents square off with board members and the school administration over safety concerns.
School Superintendent Catherine Huber released a statement on the school website saying student safety is a top concern but parents need to understand the district cannot publicly comment on specific instances involving students or staff.
The budget vote slated for May 15th includes funds to hire a school resource officer, something Genesee County Sheriff’s William Sheron is urging all schools to do.

Livingston County deputies are searching for the driver who hit and killed a man walking down Route 63.
Authorities learned of the accident from a truck driving passing by the scene around 3 a.m. yesterday morning
Route 63 was shut down for several hours
Deputies said the man killed was in his mid-20’s.
13-WHAM TV reports the man was a former SUNY Geneseo students and may have been attending the school’s Alumni Weekend Spring Fest.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office. (585-243-7100)

Congratulations to Law Day awards recipients.
The 2018 Law Day Observance & Criminal Justice Awards recipients were announced this week.
The Kiwanis Criminal Justice Award Recipients for 2018 are Sergeant Bradley Mazur of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and Sergeant Daniel Coffey of the Batavia Police Department.
The Charles Mancuso Mock Trial Award went to the Oakfield-Alabama High School Mock Trial Team.

Press Release:

Cougars Split Doubleheader at OCC after Extra-Inning Matinee Loss

If you needed any convincing on just how well the Genesee Community College baseball team’s past couple of weeks have gone, just look at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division-III West Section baseball standings.

The Cougars have the best record in their last 10 appearances and only nationally-ranked current No. 5 Niagara County Community College has done as well. That record could have easily have been 9-1, but Genesee lost a heartbreaker in the 11th inning after rallying from behind to take the lead.

In the second contest against Onondaga Community College, Genesee got a pair of runs in the fifth inning after the Lazers took the lead in the fourth. Onondaga re-took the lead and the teams played four innings of scoreless ball until the Lazers got the winning run in the 11th.

In the first game, the Cougars plated two runs in the top of the seventh to break a 3-3 tie on their way to victory.

Colin Noeth went the distance from the mound with four strikeouts and two earned runs in allowing six hits.

Leading the way up front was Shannon Folkes and Harrison Lourens with a pair of hits each. Folkes stroked a triple, while Lourens had a double and a run. All three of the team’s RBI also came from the pair with Folkes collecting a pair.

L’Shandry Kirindongo, Bryant Fontanez, and Andrew Shapiro added one hit and one run apiece, while Edgardo Jurado also scored for the Cougars.

The Cougars deserved better in the 3-2 loss after out-hitting the Lazers 9-7. Three Genesee players registered a pair of hits each that included Kirindongo, Peter Bradford, and Justin Taveras, with the latter scoring one of the Cougar runs and Lourens the other.

Rounding out the hitters for Genesee were Deion Rosalia, Shapiro, and Jakob MacLeod; with the latter also getting the start on the mound with seven strikeouts, two earned runs in allowing seven hits after seven innings.

Jayson Libert surrendered three hits with one strikeout in going the rest of the way. Kirindongo had the team’s lone RBI and Braford the team’s lone extra-base hit with a double.

Men’s Lacrosse Team to Face Monroe for Regional Title April 28

The Genesee Community College men’s lacrosse team learned who their region and district opponent will be yesterday after Monroe Community College held on to beat Mercyhurst North East, 9-5 April 25.

The Cougars will now face the Tribunes in Syracuse, April 28 with a 1:30 p.m. start time for a chance to return to the men’s lacrosse junior college national championship also to be held in Syracuse at Lazer Stadium May 12-13.

The championship game will be live-streamed from Syracuse via Onondaga Community College’s athletics online channel found at the following link: https://bit.ly/2pEIT9N

The Cougars were in the national spotlight April 25 with the National Junior College Athletic Association naming Cougar Jordan Brennan as its national men’s lacrosse player of the week. The honor for Brennan came just one day after being named the NJCAA Region-III Male Athlete of the Week, April 24.

Brennan became the second Genesee player to earn national player honors after Andrew Forte captured the honor earlier in the season. The two national player weekly recognitions for Genesee are currently the most by any men’s lacrosse team nationally.

In their only meeting of the season, Genesee beat Monroe 15-10 in the Cougars’ opening game of the season in Rochester. The Tribunes had leads of 3-1 and 4-2 before Genesee rallied for the win. The Cougars out-shot Monroe by a more than 2-1 margin at 49-24.

On the overall season, Genesee averages nearly 20 goals-per-game, while Monroe is just over 16 goals-per-game. Although the Cougars average more shots-per-game at 54-43, the Tribunes score at a higher-average-percentage at 38-36.

The goalies with the most minutes played this season are Garrett Lazore from Genesee and Mark Campbell from Monroe. The latter holds the edge in goals-against average at 5.73-to-6.24 and also save percentage at 67-54 percent.

Up front, the Cougars are led by Jordan Brennan and Kevin McParlene, who both have 59 points; Jason Chiodo in goals with 40; and Brennan in assists with 28.

Monroe’s Nick Kallio is the Tribunes’ team leader in points (75), goals (35) and assists (40). Chiodo has a team-high 97 shots, while Monroe’s Jared George leads the Tribunes with 79.

The top groundball getters for each team include Forte (129) for Genesee and Adam Witscheber (51) for Monroe, while the faceoff leaders are Reed Perestam (80) for Monroe and Forte (155) for Genesee.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Alexander School supports staffing a resource officer.
In a statement released by the Alexander Central School District addressing concerns about issues of school safety they indicated that the district has already set aside money in the proposed 2018-19 school budget to hire a School Resource Officer.
It has become a priority for Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron to convince all local school districts to hire School Resource Officers.
Sheron said. “There is no price we can put on our children’s lives.”
The budget vote is on May 15th and the district will hold a public hearing on the budget proposal on May 2nd.

Getting ready to play ball at Dwyer Stadium.
Crews have been busy this week making improvements to the infield and outfield of Dwyer in preparation for the new season and new era of Muckdogs baseball.
Chuck Hoover is with Batavia Turf

Crews are re-setting the pitcher’s mound and laser leveling the infield.
The Muckdogs home opener is scheduled for June 18th.

A Batavia dad has been arrested for allegedly allowing his two-year old son to walk the streets alone.
Sheriff’s Deputies arrested and charged 36 year old David King Jr. with Endangering the Welfare of a child.
Deputies say King apparently fell asleep after taking prescribed medication and did not notice that his son walked out of the house and was wondering the street by himself.

Congratulations to Law Day Observance and awards recipients.
The 2018 Law Day Observance & Criminal Justice Awards recipients were announced this week at an annual dinner held at the Batavia Country Club.
The Kiwanis Criminal Justice Award Recipients for 2018 are Sergeant Bradley Mazur of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and Sergeant Daniel Coffey of the Batavia Police Department.
The Charles L. Mancuso Mock Trial Award went to the Oakfield-Alabama High School Mock Trial Team.

The Bills have the quarterback they wanted.
Buffalo traded up to seventh overall and snag Josh Allen.
The Wyoming quarterback is a towering six-foot-five, 237-pound power pocket passer.
The Bills also traded up with the Ravens to pick 19-year-old Virginia Tech linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who’s the first teenager to be drafted in more than a decade.

It is National Prescription Drug take back day.
Genesee County residents can drop off un-used prescription meds at both the Batavia and LeRoy Police Departments, or to Deputies at the Pembroke Town Highway barns on Routes 5 and 77.
The National Take Back runs today from 10 to 2.

Photo Courtesy: The Batavian

Getting ready to play ball at Dwyer Stadium.
Crews have been busy this week making improvements to the infield and outfield of Dwyer in preparation for the new season and new era of Muckdogs baseball.
Chuck Hoover is with Batavia Turf

Crews are re-setting the pitcher’s mound and laser leveling the infield.
The Muckdogs home openers in June 18th.

Flu rates in Western New York are the lowest they’ve been in months. According to the state’s newest numbers, confirmed cases of the flu dropped 23-percent from the week before.

A Batavia dad has been arrested for allegedly allowing his two-year old son to walk the streets alone.
Batavia Police charged 36 year old David King Jr. with Endangering the Welfare of a child.
Police say King apparently fell asleep after taking prescribed medication and did not notice that his son walked out of the house and was wondering the street by himself.

Batavia’s Business Improvement District has handed out its annual awards.
The BID’s volunteers of the year were Derik Kane and WBTA technician Jeff Gillard. Business of the Year Honors went to: Adam Miller Toy and Bike, celebrating their 100th year and to the Genesee Valley Penny Saver.

The Bills have the quarterback they wanted.
Buffalo traded up to seventh overall and snag Josh Allen.
The Wyoming quarterback is a towering six-foot-five, 237-pound power pocket passer. The Bills also traded up with the Ravens to pick 19-year-old Virginia Tech linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who’s the first teenager to be drafted in more than a decade.

Tomorrow is National Prescription Drug take back day.
Locally, you can drop off un-used prescription meds at the Batavia Police Department, downtown, the Sheriff’s Office on Park Road or the Pembroke Town Highway barns.

Press Release:

On Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Genesee County law enforcement agencies and the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Bring your pills for disposal to:

Pembroke Town Hall, Rt. 5 at Rt. 77 Pembroke

– received by Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputies

Batavia Police Department Headquarters, 10 W. Main St. – Batavia

– received by Batavia Police Officers

LeRoy Police Department Headquarters, 3 W. Main St. – LeRoy

– received by LeRoy Police Officers

Only pills and other solids, like patches, can be brought to the collection sites—liquids and needles or other sharps will not be accepted.  The service is free and anonymous; no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows year after year that the majority of misused and abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including someone else’s medication being stolen from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

Press Release:

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today voted for a bill to reauthorize Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs for five years, providing long-term stability for the nation’s aviation community. This legislation makes no changes to the enhanced pilot training hours that Buffalo area families who lost loved ones during the Flight 3407 crash advocated for, which became law in the Airline Safety and FAA Extension Act of 2010.

“For the next five years we will not have to worry about Congress watering down important pilot training requirements, giving us much needed certainty,” said Collins. “The families of Flight 3407 have been impressive and tireless advocates for flight safety reforms, and we will continue to work with the Trump administration to make sure there are no changes to these hours. Because of the work of the families, America’s flying public can have confidence in the skills of their pilots and we will do everything in our power to keep it that way.”

This legislation ensures our system remains the safest in the world for air travelers by enhancing maintenance procedures for aircrafts. Additionally, it requires the FAA to direct that all new passenger aircrafts include a second barrier of entry to cockpits within one year of the enactment of this legislation.
Bipartisan disaster relief reforms are also included, providing communities with resources to take action before a disaster occurs to pre-empt damage.

Collins added: “Since I was elected to Congress, I’ve made it a priority to keep Americans safe in our skies. This legislation is a win as we continue to advocate for reforms that enhance flight safety.”

For more information on H.R. 4, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, click here.

Press Release:

Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Nolan Donald, 19, of Lyndonville, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and being an unlawful user in possession of a firearm. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth T. Molisani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, between February 17, 2018, and April 18, 2018, the defendant posted videos and photos to the social media application “Snapchat” in which he appeared to be in possession of a pistol and large quantities of marijuana, and using what appeared to be marijuana and prescription medicine.

On April 18, 2018, Special Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a federal search warrant at Donald’s North Lyndonville Road residence. Agents recovered a pistol with an obliterated serial number, which was loaded with eight rounds of ammunition, and a 12-gauge shotgun. A small quantity of suspected marijuana, suspected edible marijuana cookies, plastic baggies and ammunition for a shotgun were also recovered.

The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder and was released on conditions pending a detention hearing on April 27, 2018.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict, New York Field Division.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District held their annual BID breakfast and awards ceremony this morning.

This years’ awards went to Jeff Gillard and Derik Kane.

Businesses of the year awards went to Adam Miller Toy & Bicycle and the Genesee Valley Penny Saver.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) will be hosting a special roundtable discussion with Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, called ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY.’ The discussion offers different perspectives on how our businesses, organizations and individuals can better treat our residents with special needs.

Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro said, “I thank Assemblyman Hawley for embracing the ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY’ initiative we’ve found so successful in Dutchess County, and I hope communities throughout his district will continue to answer our call to action. Each New Yorker deserves to treated based upon their own unique abilities and potential, and we in Dutchess County seek to embrace all residents of all abilities. I thank the communities that have chosen to ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY,’ and I look forward to seeing the trend continue throughout our state.”

The event will take place at the ARC of Genesee Orleans located at 64 Walnut St. in Batavia beginning at 2 p.m. on May 3. Residents who wish to attend are asked to please call Hawley’s district office ahead of time to register at (585) 589-5780.

“I am pleased to host this important roundtable discussion with County Executive Marc Molinaro, and I look forward to bringing in community stakeholders to talk about ways to foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment for our residents with special needs,” Hawley said. “I am hopeful we can implement many of the ideas and solutions that are part of this program, and I am eager to have a productive discussion.”

WHO: Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro

WHAT: ‘Think Differently’ Roundtable

WHEN: Thursday, May 3
2 p.m.

WHERE: ARC of Genesee Orleans
64 Walnut St., Batavia, NY

Press Release:

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia, Genesee County Bar Association, and the Genesee County Magistrates & Court Clerks Association Announce the Recipients of the 2018 Law Day Observance & Criminal Justice Awards

Kiwanis Club President Matt Landers and Genesee County Bar Association President Peter Casey announced the awards during an annual dinner held at Batavia Country Club on Thursday, April 26, 2018. The speaker at the dinner was the Honorable John Curran, Supreme Court Justice of the Appellate Division, Fourth Department.

Kiwanis Criminal Justice Award
The Kiwanis Club of Batavia Criminal Justice Award is presented to a member or members of the community, law enforcement, or a criminal justice agency serving the citizens of Genesee County whose exceptional career achievements and conscientiousness to citizenship have demonstrated a spirit of selfless public service or demonstrated an act of exceptional valor or heroism.

The 2018 Award Recipients are:
Sergeant Bradley D. Mazur, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office
Sergeant Mazur started his career with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office on January 31, 1999, as a Deputy Sheriff assigned to the Road Patrol. As a Sergeant, Brad’s primary assignment is to supervise the counties local drug task force. In Brad’s first year supervising the Task Force, they investigated a record number of cases since the Task Force was formed in 1989, for the sale and distribution of illegal drugs within Genesee County. These tireless investigations resulted in several arrests against those who use and sell drugs on the streets and neighborhoods of Genesee County. Brad, with his work in the Task Force, has proven to be a valuable source of information that assists in the apprehension and conviction of individuals involved in other felony crimes within Genesee County to include attempted murder, robbery, burglary, and assaults. Brad was also a Field Training Officer (FTO) in the Sheriff’s Office, which is a valuable position that helps train our newest Deputies as they are coming out of the academy and learning how to handle calls for service. Many officers look to Brad for guidance when dealing with difficult cases, especially when the cases involve drugs. With Sergeant Mazur’s guidance, the Drug Task Force is already looking to have another banner year. In 2002, Sergeant Mazur received the “Officer of the Year” Award and has received two Commendation Awards. Sergeant Mazur is most deserving of this award and recognition for his dedication and hard work towards protecting the citizens in Genesee County as a Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputy. Sergeant Mazur was nominated for this award by Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr.

Sergeant Daniel J. Coffey, Batavia Police Department
Sergeant Coffey has been instrumental in creating quality law enforcement training for the City of Batavia Police Department and other agencies in the County. Dan is a general topics instructor, firearms instructor, taser instructor and chemical breath test instructor. He has developed or helped develop training protocols throughout the county that have ensured law enforcement officers are trained to the highest standard possible. Dan continues to improve himself as a trainer and police officer regulary attending training symposiums and leadership schools. Not only has Sgt. Coffey been an asset to the City of Batavia as a police officer but he also spends a lot of his “free time” volunteering for the Town of Batavia Fire Department and is an instructor for Genesee County Emergency Management. Dan exemplifies what a public servant is and for that he should be recognized. Sergeant Daniel Coffey was nominated for this award by Chief Shawn Heubusch.

Charles L. Mancuso Mock Trial Award
The “Charles L. Mancuso Award” was presented to the members of the Oakfield Alabama High School Mock Trial Team as winners of the 2018 GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties) District Competition in the New York State Bar Association High School Mock Trial Tournament. The award reads “Dedicated to the Memory of an Outstanding Attorney-Citizen”, Mr. Mancuso, a Batavia lawyer, served as coordinator of the local competition until his untimely death 11 years ago. The Oakfield Alabama High School team members honored at the dinner include: Logan Cadieux, Noah Gray, Ryan Manges, Justina Pruski, Aiden Cornelius, John Igoe, Jr., Nick Munger, Alison Woodward, Colin Graham, Dylan Maier, Derek Pruski, Josiah Yantz, Coach Peter Beuler, and Attorney Advisor Melissa Cianfrini. Coordinator of the local Mock Trial Program, Kristie DeFreze, and Genesee County Bar Association President Peter Casey presented the award.

Governor accuses Immigration Enforcement Officers of illegal tactics, threatens lawsuit.
Governor Cuomo is threatening to Sue ICE.
Cuomo believes ICE agents are threatening illegal immigrants using illegal tactics during raids and arrests.

Cuomo’s criticism of ICE yesterday comes a day after the feds arrested a man inside a Supreme Court building on Staten Island.
The federal agency responded saying Cuomo’s disregard for the rule of law is a slap in the face to those whose mission is upholding the laws.

The ball field at Dwyer Stadium gets prepped like the pros.
In preparation for the 2018 baseball season crews from Batavia Turf and DuraEdge have been out on the field at Dwyer Stadium working diligently this week get it ready for professional level play.
Chuck Hoover of Batavia turf spoke with our news partner The Batavian while working on the Dwyer infield…

Hoover said by Major League standards, the pitcher’s mound should be 10 inches higher than home plate which was a little under the mark.
Hoover added that an overcoat will be added to the warning tracks that he described as “pretty red”.
Local high schools will be able to start playing on the field soon and the Batavia Muckdogs open their season June 18.

Batavia man accused of dosing off while toddler wanders away.
36 year old David King Jr. of Main Street Batavia was arrested after Deputies responded to a call for a 2 year old child wandering around Main Street in Batavia.
King is accused of falling asleep after taking prescribed medication allowing his 2 year old son to walk out of the home and wander the street alone.
He was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child and was given an appearance ticket for May 21st in Town Court.

State Police have arrested a Rochester-area man for an Allegheny County gun store burglary.
Troopers say they arrested Michael Argento for robbing the Shongo General Store in the Town of Willing last month.
He and two others are accused of stealing 18 guns, five pistols and 13 long guns.
Argento is behind bars on $100,000 bail and police are still trying to find the two other suspects.
Surveillance photos of the other suspects and contact information for law enforecment can be found here.

The Bills have a new hope for a franchise QB, but he doesn’t come controversy free.
New Bills QB Josh Allen says he was young and dumb when he sent some controversial tweets.
The tweets from Allen five-plus years ago appear to use the n-word but he says some of those were pop culture references.
General Manager Brandon Beane says he’s a really good kid and that will become evident.
Allen apologized for the tweets, saying that’s not the real him and he doesn’t have an ounce of hate in his body.