Local News

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.