Local News

Government at its grass roots, the village elections.
Voters in the Village of Oakfield have elected a mayor.
He is David T. Boyle who tallied 98 votes. Write in candidate Jeremy Yasses had 75.
In LeRoy: Village trustee seats were won by: Democrat, William Kettle the incumbent and Republican Richard Tetrault.
In Albion: a close race for mayor. Eileen Banker won with 250 votes defeating Joyce Riley and Kevin Doherty.

Governor Cuomo is declaring a state of emergency for the New York metro area, including Nassau and Suffolk counties, due to the nor’easter. The governor redeployed 300 National Guard members, generators and 350 additional large plow trucks to the region. He says currently there are no plans to close the Long Island Expressway and warned residents there could be a change in Long Island Railroad service as conditions worsen. The nor’easter is expected to dump over-a-foot-of-snow with the heaviest snowfall expected for the commute home.

A traffic Stop on the 390 leads to the arrest for three Warsaw residentsn drug charges.
35 year old Julie Bonham, 32 year old Samantha Smith and an unnamed 17 year old male were all arrested for suspected cocaine possession.
Smith and Bonham were remanded to jail while the teen was released on his own recognizance.

UB Women are getting ready for their game in the sweet 16.
The Bulls pulled off an upset win in the Sunshine State Monday to make it farther than their program ever has.
They will be playing the defending national champs from South Carolina in Albany Saturday night.

Press Release:

Three named to 2018 Byron-Bergen Alumni Hall of Fame

Bergen, NY ~ Byron-Bergen Central School District has named three alumni to the district’s Hall of Fame for 2018. Jacqueline Mullen (1972), Michael List (1978), and Kimberly (Thompson) McLean (2000) join the ranks of other distinguished Byron-Bergen alumni honored with a place in the Alumni Hall of Fame for their achievements after graduation. The 2018 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Wednesday, March 28, at 6:30 p.m. in the Byron-Bergen High School Auditorium.

The Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes the accomplishments of the district’s graduates. It provides young people with positive adult role models and shows that graduates of Byron-Bergen can achieve high levels of accomplishment in their lives. This honor is in its 15th year and has become part of the school district culture. It is a permanent reminder to students about the outcome of hard work and diligence.

Jacqueline A. Mullen (Class of 1972)

Editor of the school newspaper, member of National Honor Society/Student Council, and American Field Service (AFS) exchange student, Mullen was active in sports and music activities at Byron-Bergen HS. She received her bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies and Spanish from Hartwick College, and her master’s degree in community economic development from Southern New Hampshire University.

Mullen has lived and worked in Puerto Rico for over 39 years. She currently serves as Vice Chancellor of Sponsored Research and Programs for Universidad del Turabo, and is active as a consultant in organizational development and fundraising. She was the executive director at the Puerto Rico Farm Bureau (1991-95) and the community economic development director at Progressa (1996-2000). She has never stopped learning, and holds numerous certifications and affiliations with professional organizations. Her family includes husband Eladio, daughter Natalena, four stepchildren, and 14 grandchildren.

Mullen says she is proud of the educational opportunities she received at Byron-Bergen that served as a foundation for all her endeavors. Her dedication to family, friends, community, and profession make her an excellent role model for the students of Byron-Bergen.

Michael List (Class of 1978)

While attending Byron-Bergen, List participated in National Honor Society, the AFS Exchange Program, chorus, Jr. Olympics, JV and Varsity Wrestling, 4-H and several other clubs and organizations.

After graduating, he worked for the Bergen Canning Factory, Edward O’Ingerick, Inc. of RIT Housing Developments, and Victor Furniture. He joined the staff of Byron-Bergen CSD in the Maintenance/Buildings and Grounds Department in 1984, working his way up to the leadership role of Director of Facilities. He retired from the District in 2017.

List is an active community member. He has held many volunteer positions in Victory Baptist Church, and taken several mission trips, including one to Haiti. After many class hours and counseling, he received certification as a Biblical Counselor in 2013. He has raised four children with his wife Marsha, and has several grandchildren.

List sets a wonderful example for students as someone who always lends a hand, gives 110% to his alma mater, church and community, and remains true to faith and family.

Kimberly (Thompson) McLean (Class of 2000)

During her time at Byron-Bergen, McLean was her class’s Salutatorian. She participated in track, volleyball, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Future Teachers of America, and many other activities. She was a Genesee County Fair Queen contestant and a cheerleader.

McLean graduated from Geneseo State College in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in secondary mathematics. She received her master’s degree from Geneseo in 2008. She has volunteered with several local organizations and received many scholarships and accolades including membership in Pi Mu Epsilon National Mathematics Honor Society, Phi Eta Sigma, and the Golden Key International Honor Society.

Currently teaching math at Spencerport High School, McLean was awarded Teacher of the Year (2010), received The Golden Apple Award (2016), been class advisor, coached Jr. FLL Robotics, been an intern advisor for National Honor Society, coached Powder Puff Football, and taught summer school.

McLean’s passion for teaching, dedication and hard work make her an excellent role model for our youth.

All three inductees will spend the day of March 28 visiting with Byron-Bergen students and sharing how their school experience influenced their lives. Inductees will receive their Alumni Hall of Fame plaques during the school’s National Senior Honor Society induction ceremony that evening.

A photograph of the Albion Campus Center, courtesy of GCC

Press Release:

Albion, NY– Genesee Community College’s History Club welcomes Warren Skye, an Outreach Specialist for the Adult Educational Opportunity Center (AEOC) and a member of the Deer Clan from the Tonawanda Seneca Nation on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at 7 p.m. at the GCC’s Albion Campus Center.

The History Club would like to invite the entire community to join us at the Campus Center located at 456 West Avenue in Albion. This event is free and open to the public.

Skye will present “Indigenous Peoples: Echoes of History and Culture” as part of GCC’s Historical Horizons Lectures Series.

Skye has extensive experience in higher education as a full-time faculty member with three Western NY colleges. With his passion and his expertise in the areas of social work practice, cultural competency and indigenous issues, Skye is shining light on the experiences of indigenous peoples in the region.

Skye’s talk will focus on the historical and cultural experiences of indigenous peoples from the Colonial period to the present with an emphasis on the Iroquois Confederacy and how listeners might consider placing themselves in the footsteps of native tribal men and women.

For further information visit https://gcchistoricalhorizons.wordpress.com (link is external) or contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616 or via email at dsutherland@genesee.edu.

Keynote Speaker Deborah Nawoczenski

Press Release:

The Genesee Community College Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities (CURCA) Committee is excited to invite the entire college community to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our students at the third annual Scholars Symposium – a celebration of inquiry and scholarship.

GCC students and faculty pour countless hours and precise attention to their work. As a result, our academic year is full of achievement. On Thursday, March 29, 2018, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., students, faculty, staff, community leaders and friends, will gather at the symposium to educate and demonstrate their scholarly achievements which transcend all disciplines. The presentations, poster exhibits and performances provide an opportunity to expand horizons, hone presentation skills and engage our collective brain power for all to enjoy and to appreciate. The entire event is free and open to the public.

The full schedule of events for GCC’s Third Annual Scholars’ Symposium is as follows:

• 8:15 – 9:00 a.m.: Judges’ Meeting with Karen Wicka and Charles Scruggs (T104)
• 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.: Registration (William W. Stuart Forum)
• 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.: Oral Presentation Session A (Conable Technology Building, T102, T122, T121, T119 A & B)
• 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.: Oral Presentation Session B (Conable Technology Building, T102, T122, T121, T119 A & B)
• 11:00 a.m. – Noon: Poster Session (William W. Stuart Forum)
• Noon – 1:00 p.m.: Symposium attendees are invited to purchase lunch in the Cafeteria or Subway located in the Wolcott J. Humphrey III Student Union)
• Noon – 1:00 p.m.: Symposium participants, judges and mentors will enjoy a private lunch in T119A/B (RSVP required).
• Noon – 1:00 p.m.: Guests are invited to visit various art exhibits in the Steiner Theatre Lobby; Media Center of the Alfred C. O’Connell Library; and Penumbra Exhibition Space – second floor hallway between B205 and B207.
• 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.: Dr. Deborah Nawoczenski, Keynote Address, “Curiosity Does Not (Always) Kill the Cat – Extending Discovery Beyond “Ok, Google”(Stuart Steiner Theatre)
• 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.: Award Ceremony & Reception (Stuart Steiner Theatre)

The symposium will include keynote speaker, Deborah Nawoczenski PT, PHD. to address the benefits of being involved in research. Nawoczenski received her BS in Physical Therapy and Master’s in Education from Temple University in Philadelphia. She completed her PhD work at the University of Iowa with a specialization in Exercise Science and Biomechanics. Nawoczenski was a full-time faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy at Ithaca College’s Rochester Center for 21 years. She co-founded (with Dr. Judy Baumhauer from the University of Rochester) the Center for Foot and Ankle Research at Ithaca’s Rochester Center, and also was co-director of the Movement Analysis Laboratory. Throughout her career, Nawoczenski’s research focus was directed to the study of foot and ankle pathologies and to the analysis of shoulder pain in people with spinal cord injuries. This work was funded through a number of different organizations including the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, the National Institutes of Health, the Arthritis Foundation and the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation and has led to more than 60 publications in major peer-reviewed journals. Nawoczenski considers herself privileged to volunteer as a Physical Therapist in this country as well as in Jamaica and Poland. She recently served as a visiting professor in Kenya, India and Brazil. Her presentation at the Scholars Symposium will center on her own path to research and publishing and how others can enrich their lives through scholarly endeavor.

“We are so proud of the hard work and learning our participants have accomplished,” says Director of English, Communications and Media Arts JoNelle Toriseva. “And we are very grateful for the support we received from the President’s Innovation Award (PIA) in our initial launch of this program. The Scholar Symposium has become a legacy celebration of the collaboration between students, faculty and administration at GCC.”\

The Symposium will feature GCC’s student Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects in Photographic Exhibitions on display in the Alfred C. O’Connell Library, the Penumbra Exhibition Space (second floor hallway between B205 and B207), and the lobby of the Stuart Steiner Theatre. Under the leadership of the COIL Center, the Latin American Academy (LAA) has developed and implemented course-based partnerships between SUNY GCC and universities in Latin America, which are members of the growing Global Partnership Network (GPN). The team-taught courses use technology to expose students in different countries to each other’s cultures resulting in an enriched intercultural learning experience. The course-based partnerships emphasize experiential and collaborative student learning and help sustain long-term international teaching and learning partnerships.

The 2019 Scholars’ Symposium has been scheduled for April 11, 2019.

For further information on the Scholars’ Symposium, visit: www.genesee.edu/home/events/scholars-symposium/ and please contact Director of English, Communications and Media Arts JoNelle Toriseva at jrtoriseva@genesee.edu or at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6627 with any questions.

News Release: Batavia Downs Gaming

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel announced their onsite plans for the upcoming Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 5th, 2018. Three parties will take place onsite.

The first party, running from 11:30a til 7p, will take place in the Batavia Downs Gaming Paddock Room. It is the Downs’ most well attended party with over 600 attendees last year. For $15, patrons receive their choice of a variety of meals, $15 in Free Play once one point is earned on the gaming floor, a $2 wager on the Derby, and a Free Derby program. There will be a $5 Mint Juleps special which includes a commemorative Derby glass and samplings from Black Button Distilling. Attendees must be at least 18 years of age to attend. Many big screen televisions will show the races and there will be mutuel clerks available for wagers to be placed.

The second party, which is new, will take place in the Batavia Downs Gaming Grandstands Banquet Room on the 2nd floor. Admission for the Derby Gala at the Downs is $50 per person and proper attire is required. Patrons will receive an open bar from 4:30p to 7p, grazing stations, a $10 wager on the Derby, $25 in Free Play and a Free Derby Program. Attendees must be of legal drinking age to attend. There will also be televisions and mutuel clerks for patrons to place wagers. A best dressed contest and best hat contest will take place with prizes from the Hotel at Batavia Downs. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, March 21st at 10am on Bataviaconcerts.com and at the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop.

The third party, taking place inside 34 Rush. Attendees must be at least 18 years of age to attend. There will be a $5 Mint Julep special which includes a derby commemorative glass. Cider Samplings will be provided by Official Derby Sponsor; Angry Orchard Rosé. A sampling of Corona will also be taking place for Cinco De Mayo. Patrons may place Derby wagers using self-service terminals.

Wagering will also be available at the 2nd floor Downs Simulcast center. Prize Drawings for Derby t-shirts and glasses will take place there.

“It’s exciting to see that interest in the Kentucky Derby is alive and well in Western New York, “ said Todd Haight, General Manager of Racing at Batavia Downs Gaming. “Our paddock room party has grown exponentially throughout the years and we expect that trend to continue this year. Our marketing department has put together a tremendous offer for our new Grandstands party. It’s a great way for our loyal customers to come out and enjoy the most exciting two minutes in sports.”

CRASE Caledonia

Press Release:

Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty advises members of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office have been training civilians how to respond to an active shooter event.
Starting in 2016 the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office started training civilians on how they should handle an active shooter event. This training started with the county workforce and has now expanded to other entities. The Sheriff’s Office has trained over 750 civilians to date.

Sheriff’s Sergeant Aaron Galvin began presenting Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) in early 2016 to the county employees. CRASE was created by Advance Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) based at the Texas State University.

CRASE teaches the strategy of Avoid, Deny, Defend (ADD), a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event. The Sergeant is a certified CRASE, ALERRT level one and two and Exterior Response to Active Shooter Events (ERASE) Instructor.

Deputy Bob Holt and Deputy Brittany Smyder, both certified CRASE instructors, have also presented these trainings to school officials in their roles as School Resource Officers (SROs).

Recently, the Sheriff’s Office partnered with several local church groups in the county to bring this valuable training to members of the community that attend church gatherings. Three regional trainings were held reaching over 250 people through Sergeant Galvin’s efforts, as well as Chief Deputy Jason Yasso.

Sheriff Dougherty would like to thank the county entities, church leaders and schools that made this training possible and in particular the York Central School, the Grace Baptist Church in Dansville and St. Columba’s Church in Caledonia for hosting the past three church trainings.

“This is part of our comprehensive plan regarding safeguarding and preparing our citizens for an active shooter,” stated Sheriff Dougherty. “We will continue these trainings in hopes that it will never have to be utilized but if it does, our residents and school officials will know exactly what to do.”

  Account Executive Cody Niccloy

Press Release:

Tompkins Insurance Agencies has hired Cody Niccloy as an account executive in its personal lines division. Niccloy is based in the Tompkins Geneseo office located at 11 South Street.

In his role, Niccloy will be responsible for building client relationships, providing trusted service, and creating customized insurance solutions. He will primarily serve clients across Livingston and the surrounding counties.

Prior to joining Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Niccloy worked as a licensed sales producer with Allstate Insurance in LeRoy. Niccloy has his New York State property and casualty insurance broker’s license and holds a bachelor’s degree from Buffalo State. He lives in LeRoy.

Former priest in Batavia listed as accused sex abuser by Buffalo Diocese.
New information has revealed that a former St. Mary’s Church Priest in Batavia was relocated following allegations of child sex abusing.
A list of 42 retired or removed priests released by the Buffalo Diocese included Donald Becker as the second name from the top.
24 of the accused pedophile priests named are already dead and many on the list were never prosecuted.
Becker pastored the church in St. Mary’s for around 12 years and in 2003 he suddenly retired for alleged medical reasons.
His retirement came shortly after church leaders agreed to the Charter for Protecting God’s Children which took a stronger stance against sex abuse allegations.
The Buffalo News reported at least three men accused Becker of molesting them as children which Becker has denied.
He is now retired living in Florida.
After releasing the list of alleged abusers yesterday, Bishop Malone dropped another 27 priests’ identities who hadn’t been publicly linked to sexual abuse allegations.
Malone was in Albany yesterday according to “The Buffalo News” lobbying with other bishops to keep a key part out of the proposed Child Victims Act that would allow child sex abuse victims to sue dioceses decades after the abuse.

Stop on 390 leads to drug arrest for three Warsaw residents.
A Deputy assigned to the Sheriff’s Office Operation Safe Interstate Initiative conducted a traffic stop on interstate 390 on Sunday.
35 year old Julie Bonham, 32 year old Samantha Smith and an unnamed 17 year old male were all arrested for alleged cocaine possession.
Further investigation revealed that Smith was also allegedly in possession of 14 vials of heroin and cocaine.
All three were charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Smith and Bonham were remanded to jail while the teen was released on his own recognizance.

The investigation of a 14 year old autistic Rochester teen found in the Genesee River is now criminal.
Yesterday the Monroe County DA’s Office and Rochester police confirmed that they are reviewing all circumstances around the disappearance and death of Trevyan Rowe.
He never showed up to class earlier this month after being dropped off by the bus and his search was severely delayed after he was marked present for class.
Three teachers have been suspended as have six 9-1-1 Center employees.
No criminal charges have been brought yet but police say they’re waiting until the investigation is done before they make that decision.

The New York State Senate is approving several pieces of legislation designed to increase protections for police, firefighters and other emergency service workers.
The so-called “Community Heroes Protection Act” was in response to recent attacks on first responders, such as last year’s fatal ambush shootings of three NYPD Officers.
The bill would make crimes committed against law enforcement, firefighters and first responders punishable as hate crimes and would increase penalties for those convicted.
The measure now goes to the state Assembly for consideration.

A priest who once served as the pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Batavia was removed from his position here amid allegations of sexually abusing children.
Father Donald Becker was named on a list of 41 other priests, living and dead, named by the Buffalo Diocese today.
Becker served as pastor of St. Mary’s at the time of his sudden departure in 2002. At the time the church said Father Becker left for medical reasons.
The Buffalo News has reported at least three men accused Becker of molesting them as children.
Becker has denied the allegation in the Buffalo News article.
He is now retired and living in Florida.

A State Street woman is accused of stabbing another person witgh a steak knife.
27 year old Elizabeth Grattan is charged with Second Degree Assault for allegedly knifing another person during a flight Friday night at a home on Lewis Place.

The Village of Albion is holding an election for mayor today.
There are three candidates:
The current deputy mayor Eileen Banker is the Republican candidate;
Joyce Riley is the democrat and Kevin Doherty is running on an independent line.
Incumbent Albion Mayor Dean Landon is not seeking re-election.

Cynthia Nixon

Actress Cynthia Nixon is entering the race to be New York’s next governor:

Challenging the incumbent Andrew Cuomo by name, the “Sex and the City” star blasted New York City’s failing schools and widening income gap. Nixon spoke in Brooklyn, where she promised to be a candidate for all, aiming to make the state fair and prosperous.

The University at Buffalo women’s basketball team is advancing to the Sweet 16 for the first time in program history.
The 11th seed team beat 3rd seed Florida State last night 86-to-65.
They now take on last year’s National Champions, 2nd seed South Carolina on Saturday in Albany.

The Diocese of Buffalo has released the names of 42 diocesan priests who were removed, retired or had left the ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.

The list included 24 deceased priests who had more than one allegation made against them.

George Richert Director of Communications for the Diocese of Buffalo who released the list said 10 of the priests were already dead before the diocese was made aware of any allegations.

The second name on the list was former St. Mary’s Priest in Batavia Donald Becker.

Becker was a priest in Batavia for 12 years and has denied allegations made by three men accusing him abusing them as children.

Becker retired in 2003 allegedly for medical reasons.

That was one year after church leaders signed the Charter for Protecting God’s Children according to Communications Director Richert.

He said a lot has been done about the alleged abuse since the charter was enacted.

He added that there were over 1,000 priests working for the diocese over the past 50 years and he believes that the list accounts for less than four percent of those priests.

Richert went on to say that even one report of abuse is too many.

To give you an idea of how much 4 percent is in relation to the general public, according to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children there are approximately 750,000 registered sex offenders is the U.S. with a population of 325.7 million or around 0.23 percent of the general population.

Press Release:

The following list identifies diocesan priests who were removed from ministry, were retired, or left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. This list also includes deceased priests with more than one allegation made against them. The year of death is listed next to those who are deceased.

John R. Aurelio (2009)
Donald W. Becker
David M. Bialkowski
Robert J. Biesinger (2012)
James H. Cotter (1991)
Donald S. Fafinski
Douglas F. Faraci
Fred G. Fingerle (2002)
Michael R. Freeman (2010)
Joseph P. Friel (1995)
Mark M. Friel
Thomas G. Gresock
John P. Hajduk
Michael J. Harrington (1989)
Brian M. Hatrick
James F. Hayes (1988)
Louis J. Hendricks (1990)
J. Grant Higgins (2016)
Francis T. Hogan (2010)
Fred D. Ingalls
Florian A. Jasinski (1983)
Gerald C. Jasinski
Richard P. Judd (1988)
Timothy J. Kelley
Thomas L. Kemp
Richard J. Keppeler (2011)
John D. Lewandowski (1982)
Bernard M. Mach (2004)
Loville N. Martlock (2014)
Thomas J. McCarthy
Basil A. Ormsby (1997)
Norbert F. Orsolits
Martin L. Pavlock
Roy K. Ronald (2013)
Joseph E. Schieder (1996)
Gerard A. Smyczynski (1999)
James A. Spielman
Chester S. Stachewicz
Edward J. Walker (2002)
William G. Ward (2008)
William F. J. White (2016)
Robert W. Wood

Press Release:

The best way to get over the end-of-winter slump is to plan something for the summer! Genesee Community College reminds students of all ages that registering for a summer class is the best kind of spring seedling to plant. Higher education is like putting money in the bank with life-long interest. And because GCC serves such a wide age range of students, the summer course listing has something for everyone. The full 12-week session begins May 29, 2018, so now is the time to register to ensure your seat. Go to: https://www.genesee.edu/courses/schedule/.

Among the many classes to consider is Female Role in Film (CIN242) taught by John Reich. Over the winter, the major social movement, #MeToo started in Hollywood. Learn how American films have depicted women in a variety of genres: melodrama, romance, comedy, film noir and more. In this online course students will study how societal changes affected the way women were presented by Hollywood from 1920 through to today.

Other interesting coursework dovetails with GCC’s beautiful new 64,000 square foot sports complex, the Richard C. Call Arena-home of the 2017 NJCAA Champion Men’s Soccer Team. The Arena houses health and athletic classrooms, coach’s offices, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. All these facilities are available to GCC’s students studying healthy living, fitness and bodying conditioning. Beginning Personal Fitness (PED259) covers fitness theory, training and conditioning techniques, as well as nutrition, flexibility, injury prevention and the dangers to health and fitness such as smoking and alcohol all in the online learning modality.

“Students enrolled in Beginning Personal Fitness establish individual fitness goals and apply the course teachings to work towards those goals throughout the summer semester,” Rebecca Dziekan, director of Health and Physical Education said. “Students use our brand new training facility to learn the proper use of free weights and a variety of exercise machines. However, as an online course, students can choose any training facility or even chose to do the workouts at home.”

Intro to Healthy Living (HED204) focuses on healthy lifestyles, examining influential factors such as stress, drug, alcohol and tobacco use and abuse, nutrition and weight control, healthy relationships and sexuality, and much more. Students will learn to identify dangerous environments and prevent child abduction, fire and arson and communication skills all leading to a Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) Legislation Certification. This course is offered online during the full summer session and also at the Dansville and Albion Campus Centers during the five-week session starting July 9, 2018.

Another online course, Community Health and Safety (HED115) teaches the four major requirements for the New York State Education Department’s Certification under SAVE Legislation that covers identifying and reporting child abuse; alcohol, tobacco and sign of drug use, as well as preventing fire and arson.

Many other fascinating GCC course options are designed to accelerate the path to higher education. Some of those other courses, which are all available online include:

• Principles of Business (BUS101)
• Introduction to Computers (CIS102)
• Microcomputer Applications (CIS116)
• Intro to Criminal Justice (CRJ101)

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

About Genesee Community College:

Genesee Community College serves over 6,000 students through more than 70 hands-on and high-tech academic degrees and certificates. GCC operates its main campus at One College Road in Batavia and campus centers in Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw.

Visit the new Student Success Center for admissions, registration, financial aid, student counseling and more. Mark your calendars for upcoming events in both the Stuart Steiner Theatre and Roz Steiner Art Gallery.

Genesee Community College is a student-centered college committed to providing the educational experiences which promote intellectual and social growth, workforce and economic development and global citizenship.

Additional information about Genesee Community College is available at www.genesee.edu and through Facebook and Twitter.

Press Release:

What: GCC to Host: Business Plan Basics

(This workshop is part of the Business Idea Pitch Competition Workshop series)

When: Thursday, March 22, 2018 from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: Genesee Community College ~ Batavia Campus – Room T121 ~ Conable Technology Building

Who: Entrepreneurs of all industries! Highly recommended for Business Idea Pitch Competitors!

Background: Do you have a passion you’d like to turn into a business? Ready to start writing a business plan? Join us at GCC for a FREE Business Plan Basics workshop to get you started!

Great entrepreneurs of our time have great business plans! On March 22, 2018, GCC will host a special workshop that teaches the basic components of a good business plan led by Sam Campanella of the Small Business Development Center.

Business Plan Basics will take place on Thursday, March 22, 2018 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. in room T121 of the Conable Technology Building at GCC’s Batavia Campus.

Campanella will also lead a workshop on Idea Pitch Preparation on Thursday, April 12, 2018 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. to help you prepare to pitch your business idea.

This workshop is free and open to the public; you do not have to be participating in the Business Idea Pitch Competition to attend these workshops. To sign up for a workshop, please contact Amy Conley at avconley@genesee.edu.

Ready to test out your business idea? Consider participating in a Business Idea Pitch Competition! You could even earn a cash prize! The first-ever local Business Idea Pitch Competition will be held Thursday, April 19, 2018 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Conable Technology Building at the Genesee Community College’s Batavia Campus. The deadline for competitors to register is Friday, March 30, 2018. Business Idea Pitch Competition details are available at https://www.genesee.edu/home/events/businesspitch/. To register for the Pitch Competition, please contact Dr. Lina LaMattina at lmlamattina@genesee.edu or (585) 343-0055 ext.6319.

View Online: http://genesee.meritpages.com/news/gcc-to-host–business-plan-basics-/2777

Press Release:

Anyone who has attended or even started looking to attend college can be easily overwhelmed with the financial aid application process. The Genesee Community College Wyoming County Campus Centers in Arcade and Warsaw are opening their doors to offer FREE help!

Experts from the Adult Education Opportunity Center (AEOC) will be available to assist with your financial aid applications on:

1. Tuesday, April 3, 2018 from 3 – 7 p.m. at the Arcade Campus Center – 25 Edward Street in Arcade. Call (585) 492-5265 today to schedule your appointment.
2. Thursday, April 5, 2018 from 3 – 7 p.m. at the Warsaw Campus Center – 115 Linwood Avenue in Warsaw. Call (585) 786-3010 today to schedule your appointment.

At your appointment, our experts can help with Federal and State aid – Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), TAP and NYS Excelsior scholarships for the 2018-2019 academic year!

Applicants should bring the following to their appointment:

1. 2016 Federal and State income taxes and income information
2. If you have previously filed, bring your FSA and TAP user ids and passwords (for the student, and parent or guardian if student is under 24 years of age).
3. If you have never filed before, please visit www.fsaid.ed.gov at least 3 days before your scheduled appointment to obtain your FSA user id. If the student is under 24 years of age, a parent or guardian will need to apply for an FSA user id.

In 2017, GCC helped our students obtain more than $26 million in aid. However, you do not have to be a Genesee Community College student to take advantage of these assistance sessions, all are welcome.

“We are dedicated to helping individuals overcome any hurdles to pursuing higher education. Our collaborative efforts with our AEOC colleagues continue to create pathways to life-career success for so many”, says Dr. Thomas C. Priester, associate dean of the Wyoming County Campus Centers. “Hosting events such as these at the Arcade and Warsaw campus centers is just one of the ways we open a doorway to the future for our neighbors here in Wyoming County.”

For more information, contact Director of Operations for Wyoming County Campus Centers Jessica Hibbard at (585) 786-3010, or via email: jlhibbard@genesee.edu.

View Online: http://genesee.meritpages.com/news/gcc-to-host-free-financial-aid-application-assistance/2780

Orleans County officers bust an Illegal Alien housing an illegal cache of weapons.
Investigation by the Orleans Major Felony Crime Task Force has ended with the arrest of an illegal alien and the seizure of an illegal arsenal.
32 year old Gregario Salinas-Guzman was arrested last Thursday as Task Force members executed a search warrant at his Alps Road residence in the Town of Yates.
He was charged with felony counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon and of a Firearm along with felony counts for Criminal Possession of Forged Instruments.
Officers seized a rifle, a defaced .22 caliber handgun, two shotguns and numerous forged documents.
Salinas-Guzman was remanded to the Orleans County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail and is expected back in court today.
The investigation was assisted by officers of Homeland Security along with the Department of Environmental Conservation and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed a detainer on Salinas-Guzman because of his illegal status in the States.

Alleged stabbing lands a State Street woman in lock up.
27 year old Elizabeth Grattan of Batavia was accused of using a steak knife to stab someone during an altercation at a Lewis Place address in the city last Friday.
She was arrested and charged with second degree Assault with a deadly weapon and with Criminal Possession of a Weapon.
Grattan was arraigned in Batavia City Court and committed to the Genesee County Jail to await her next appearance.

Bishop Richard Malone is expected to release the names of all priests in the Buffalo Diocese who were removed from ministry, were retired, or left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse involving children.
This comes after mounting pressure for the Buffalo diocese to be more transparent.
The diocese has traditionally refused to release the names in the past.
Malone is expected to disclose the information today.
A former St. Mary’s priest in Batavia for 12 years beginning in 1991 denied allegations he molested 3 people during his time with the buffalo diocese.
Rev. Donald Becker now of Florida and suffering from Parkinson’s disease retired in 2003 due to medical reasons.
Two of the men who spoke to the Buffalo News said they were teens when they encountered Becker the other said he was 9 years old.
Det. Eric Hill said no criminal complaints against Becker in the city of Batavia have been filed and no investigations are ongoing.

Washington Ave man jailed for alleged imprisonment.
Batavia Police were called to investigate an incident at a Washington Ave residence on St. Patrick’s day afternoon.
Their investigation ended with the arrest of 21 year old Moises Garza Jr. of Batavia on charges of Criminal Obstruction of Breathing and Unlawful Imprisonment.
Garza was accused of preventing an individual from leaving a room at the residence and of putting his hands around their throat and squeezing.
Garza was committed to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of bail.

One man is dead following a snowmobile accident in Wyoming County.
Authorities say Robert Henry of Dansville was driving his sled across Route 19  in Genesee Falls on Saturday when he was struck by a vehicle driven by Thomas Brice of Nunda.
Henry was declared dead at the scene. The crash is under investigation.
So far, no charges have been filed.

We are learning of a new development today in the death an autistic Rochester student who walked away from school and drowned in the Genesee River.
The body of 14-year-old Trevyan Rowe was found last Sunday.
Bridgitte Griffin, the interim principal at School Number 12, was removed from her post on Friday. Three school district employees have been placed on leave after Rowe was incorrectly marked as “present.”

While mulling over a primary challenge to Governor Andrew Cuomo Cynthia Nixon now has new poll numbers to review.
A Siena College poll released this morning shows Governor Cuomo handing the “Sex and The City” star a lopsided loss: 66-percent to 19-percent among New York Democrats.
The poll also found that Nixon “is far from a household name in New York.”

Holley Central School Superintendent Robert D’Angelo is retiring.
The Orleans Hub reports today that D’Angelo, who has been on medical leave for the past three months, will retire on June 30th.

On the Bad Boys report this afternoon:
31 year old David Neauaus of Fisher Park in Batavia is in all kinds of trouble.
Neauaus is behind bars for assault and fleeing from police in a vehicle.
He had already been wanted on a warrant for a variety of charges in an unrelated case.

Submitted photo: (L to R) Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R-Batavia) Maddilyn Genovese representing Senator Robert Ortt and Jay Grasso of Senator Mike Ranzenhofer’s office

News Release: Arc of Genesee Orleans

The fight for a living wage for Direct Support Professionals in New York State took center stage Friday night at the Arc of Genesee Orleans Community Center. Amid signs and buttons proclaiming #bFair2DirectCare, Arc staff and individuals sat down with Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Jay Grasso of Senator Mike Ranzenhofer’s office and Maddilyn Genovese representing Senator Robert Ortt.

Agencies like Arc of Genesee Orleans were promised funding last year to be able to give direct care staff a 3.25% wage increase, effective in January. “If the State of New York has promised someone something, then they need to deliver,” Assemblyman Hawley said, “You should have had it. You should have been able to spend it. You should have received what you were promised. The state of New York too often doesn’t deliver on its promises,” he said.

For nearly eight years, non-profit agencies which serve New Yorkers with developmental disabilities went without a funding increase, leaving Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) at low wages despite their critical work. To address this issue, #bFair2DirectCare formed and waged a statewide educational campaign to win funding for a living wage, phased in over six years.

Arc Associate Executive Director of Residential Services Deb Fox oversees sixteen community homes and several supportive apartments in two counties. She asked the legislative representatives for their insight. “While the fast food industry has the ability to raise prices and reduce their overhead to raise wages, our reimbursement rates are set. The regulatory expectations of social programs ties our hands. What is your suggestion on how we can compete for quality labor?”

Assemblyman Hawley replied, “I’m in business myself. It certainly is ludicrous that someone who is ‘working hard’ flipping burgers, pulling fries and onion rings can make $15.00 an hour when you and some of my employees don’t make that much.”

State Police arrested 32 year old Heather Gearman of Chaffee in Southern Erie County for DWI under Leandra’s Law, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Troopers stopped Gearman at around one o’clock on Sunday afternoon on Liberty Street in the Village of Arcade, for allegedly speeding and crossing over the center line multiple times.

She reportedly had her 5 month old daughter with her at the time.

After failing several field sobriety tests, Gearman was placed under arrest.

A search of her vehicle revealed she was allegedly in possession of multiple amphetamin/dextroamphetamine dosage units.

Gearman was issued tickets returnable to the Arcade Village Court at a later date.

Cougars’ goal keeper Garrett Lazore (center) recorded a dozen saves against No. 2 Nassau CC March 17

Press Release:

No. 4 Cougars Finish Strong against No. 2 Lions in Men’s Lacrosse Home Opener

Certainly if there was a ‘Game of the Week’ in the early National Junior College Athletic Association men’s lacrosse season, it came March 17 with the second-ranked Nassau Community College Lions versus the fourth-ranked Genesee Community College Cougars.

The early season matchup between two of the top-four teams in the nation ended with the visiting Lions taking the contest 13-6, but not before the Cougars came on strong in the end.

From the middle of the third quarter to the end of the game, the teams looked like either could have come away with the win as both teams evenly split the game’s last 10 goals with five apiece.

The late Genesee rally began and ended with Kevin McParlene, who not only netted three of those five goals but also ended a scoring drought that saw the Cougars go without a tally for more than a quarter-and-a-half.

McParlene scored his team’s second goal just past midway in the third and then added a pair of goals in the game’s final five minutes.

Four other Cougars recorded multi-point games. Jason Chiodo got Genesee’s opening goal late in the first quarter that left the Cougars trailing by just a pair after the opening quarter.

Evan Hollfelder and Jordan Brennan sandwiched goals in the third quarter between McParlene’s three tallies to bring Genesee’s deficit to 9-4 late in the third.

Chiodo, Hollfelder all added assists, while Brennan registered a pair of helpers in joining McParlene for multi-point performances.

Garrett Lazore made a dozen saves from 25 shots on net. Genesee will next host fellow Region-III opponent Hudson Valley Community College March 21 with a 4 p.m. start.

The Genesee Community College baseball team poses for a team photo before departing South Carolina

Cougar Baseball Team Sweeps Opponents on Final Day in South Carolina

The Genesee Community College baseball team left South Carolina with a three-game winning streak after winning both games March 16 that left the team almost as hot as the weather in taking five of its last six contests down south.

The Cougars started the day with a 7-4 win over Westmoreland County Community College and ended play with a 4-0 shutout win over Nassau Community College.

In the morning game against Westmoreland, Zachery Zinck recorded his first win from the mound in allowing five hits with four strikeouts while going nearly six innings. Colin Noeth was also solid in allowing a single hit and run in relief.

Junior King was the most productive Cougar from the plate belting a home run and a double with a pair of RBI. Jacob MacLeod also had a pair of RBI to go with a double.

Bryant Fontanez, Jayson Libert and Edgardo Jurado all plated singles with the latter two bringing home runs.

Base stealing also picked up for Genesee with three collectively by MacLeod, King and Andrew Shapiro.

In the afternoon contest, Tyler Prospero was an out shy of six innings of work but kept the Region XV team at bay with no runs in only allowing three hits. Shapiro was perfect in relief in allowing no hits or runs, while the Cougar offense registered 10 hits.

Genesee had three players with a pair of hits each with all plating at least one for extra bases. Of the three, Noeth and Shannon Folkes both stroked doubles with the latter recording a RBI, while Justin Baly hit a triple.

Jayson Libert recorded just one hit, but it scored a pair of runs and Fontanez also brought in a runner with a single of his own.

Harrison Lourens and King rounded out Genesee’s hitters.

The Cougars’ three-game win streak began the night before with a 5-4 win against National Junior College Athletic Association Division-I Chesapeake College, who entered the contest against Genesee with only a pair of losses on the season.

The five Cougar wins in its last six contests gave the team the highest win total of any NJCAA Region-III team in being the hottest team in the region as conference play begins in April after a pair of road games against NJCAA D-II Monroe Community College on March 22.

Softball Team Returns from South Carolina

The Genesee Community College softball team faced some of the toughest competition it may face all season during its trip down south, and after seven contests in South Carolina the team will now have a few weeks to prepare against Region-III competition beginning in April.

On their final day in South Carolina the team started the day with a tough loss to Joliet Junior College 2-0 March 15. While the Cougars were only out-hit by a 4-3 total, it was the extra base hits Joliet plated that ultimately decided the morning contest.

Sam Tatarski tossed a solid game in only allowing four hits and a single earned run in facing 25 batters with a pair of strikeouts.

Cougars hitters against Joliet included Nicole Cooper, Britni Way and Becca Meyers.

Genesee officially ended its southern play on a high note against Rend Lake. In the team’s final inning they matched a season-high for runs with a pair that also led to another season-high for runs in a game at three.

Heading into the bottom of the final inning, the Cougars trailed by just a pair of runs at 5-3 with hits coming from Jackie Guzdek, Mikayla Bush, Shiori Ubukata and Kennedy Lampert. The latter two along with Tatarski also each recorded a RBI in the 11-3 loss.

The Cougars next take the field for their home-opener April 3 in a doubleheader against Finger Lakes Community College starting at 3 p.m.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Wyoming County crash claims the life of Dansville man.
A fatal motor vehicle versus snowmobile accident on Route 19A near Denton Corner Road in Genesee Falls drew the response of Wyoming County’s Sheriff’s Deputies to the scene.
The deadly crash was reported at around noon Saturday.
54 year old Robert Henry of Dansville was apparently traveling eastbound trying to cross Route 19 A on a snowmobile.
While crossing the road Henry was struck and killed by a northbound vehicle driven by 56 year old Thomas Brice of Nunda.
Henry was pronounced dead at the scene.
The vehicle had four other passengers, none of which were injured.
The Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office Crash Management Team responded and the investigation is continuing.
Currently no charges have been filed in the case.

Attempts to flee officers add to a Fisher Park residents’ rap sheet.
Batavia Police had an active arrest warrant out for 31 year old David Neuhaus following an alleged incident at Fisher Park Road address in Batavia that occurred in September of last year.
Neuhaus was initially taken into custody on charges of Obstructing Governmental Administration, Resisting Arrest, Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Criminal Trespass.
While being apprehended on the warrant, he picked up two more charges for Assault in the third degree and Unlawful fleeing of a police officer in a motor vehicle.
Neuhaus was remanded to the Genesee County Jail and was ordered to be held on $5,000 bail for counts related to the warrant and was ordered an additional $10,000 bail for the charges he accumulated in resisting and fleeing police.

Clinton Street Road resident charged with forcible touching.
Following an investigation alleging that he had touched another person without consent or invitation, Deputies arrested 40 year old Johnny Dinh of Clinton Street Road Batavia.
The incident allegedly occurred at Clinton Street Road address last month.
He was charged with a single count of Forcible Touching and was released with an appearance ticket for Batavia Town Court on April 9th.

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter is being remembered after her death on Friday.
Slaughter was 88-years-old and served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1987, most recently in the 25th District. She was chair of the U.S. House Committee on Rules when the Affordable Car Act was being written.
Multiple politicians, including both of New York’s senators and Governor Andrew Cuomo, are calling for the Rochester Intermodal Station to be renamed after Slaughter.

New York’s flu season could be coming to an end soon.
The state health department released its newest numbers showing for the third straight week that flu rates dropped statewide.
Confirmed cases of the flu in Western New York have dropped significantly over the past couple weeks.

We are into the final hours of special law enforcement efforts for the St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Drivers can expect a number of sobriety checkpoints, additional DWI patrols, and stings targeting underage drinking. State Police will also be ticketing distracted drivers who use handheld electronic devices.

One DWI arrest made in Genesee County: 26 year old Jonathan Elleman of Exchange Street in Attica was arrested early this morning.

Saying animals suffer from many of the same illnesses as people, one lawmaker wants to make medical marijuana available for pets. New York Assemblywoman Amy Paulin is introducing a bill to give veterinarians the right to prescribe it. A spokeswoman from the New York State Veterinary Medical Society says pet owners are increasingly asking about medical marijuana for their animals, but there is not enough research about the drug’s impact. State Senator Diane Savino of Staten Island, who sponsored the state law legalizing medical marijuana for people says about animals, “As long as they don’t smoke it, I am OK with it.”

Airman 1st Class Alex B. Freeman

Press Release:

U.S. Air Force National Guard Airman 1st Class Alex B. Freeman graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Freeman earned distinction as an honor graduate.

He is the son of Bradley and Tania M. Freeman of Medina, N.Y.

The airman is a 2017 graduate of La Webber High School, Lyndonville, N.Y.

Press Release:

U.S. Air Force National Guard Airman 1st Class Hunter J. Freeman graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Freeman earned distinction as an honor graduate.

He is the son of James and Margaret Freeman of Albion, N.Y.

The airman is a 2016 graduate of Medina High School, Medina, N.Y.

GCC Cougar baseball team warming up in South Carolina

Press Release:

GCC Baseball Cougars Split Pair in South Carolina

The Genesee Community College baseball team split a pair of games March 15 with the latter contest being an impressive 5-4 win over National Junior College Athletic Association Division-I Chesapeake College, who currently has a 14-3 record.

Pitcher Jason Downs went almost six innings in only allowing five hits and struck out seven in leading the team defensively. Tyler Prospero relieved Downs with just more than an inning of work for the save.

Offensively, the Cougars out-hit the Skipjacks 11-5 with both Shannon Folkes and Jakob MacLeod going 3-for-4 at the plate with Folkes knocking in the winning run in the seventh inning to break the 4-4 deadlock.

Justin Baly added a pair of hits with single tallies coming from Deion Rosalia, L’Shandry Kirindongo and Peter Bradford. Aside from Folkes, Kirindongo had two RBI and Bradford one.

The Cougars got behind in their opening game against Camden by seven runs in the first two innings and weren’t able to recover in suffering a 9-0 loss.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

A Batavia man is killed in a Stafford crash.
A collision between a pick-up and a large dumpster roll-off truck has claimed the life of a young Batavia man.
24 year old Thomas Manzella of Batavia died at UMMC shortly after the crash yesterday morning on Route 5 at Clipnock Road in Stafford.
Deputies say Manzella was driving his pick-up when he apparently lost control on the snow covered highway and spun into the opposite lane.
The pick-up then ran into the path of the roll off container truck being driven by 32 year old Curtiss Mallory of Buffalo.
Mallory was able to immediately call 9-1-1. Manzella had to be extricated from the wreckage and was rushed to UMMC where he died shortly after arrival.
Deputies said blowing snow and poor road conditions were factors in the crash.

Rochester Congresswoman Louise Slaughter has died.
Representative Slaughter served her district for 31 years.
She died yesterday morning at a Washington, D C hospital where she was being treated for a fall last week at her Washington home.
Louise Slaughter was 88.

New York’s flu season could be coming to an end soon.
The state health department released its newest numbers showing for the third straight week that flu rates dropped statewide.
Confirmed cases of the flu in Western New York have dropped significantly over the past couple weeks.

New York State Police and local law enforcement will conduct special enforcement efforts during St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Drivers can expect a number of sobriety checkpoints, additional DWI patrols, and stings targeting underage drinking. State Police will also be ticketing distracted drivers who use handheld electronic devices.

A collision between a pick-up and a large dumpster roll-off truck this morning has taken the life of a young Batavia man.
24 year old Thomas Manzella of Batavia died from his injuries a UMMC shortly after the crash on Route 5 at Clipnock Road in Stafford.
Deputies say Manzella was driving his pick-up when he apparently lost control on the snow covered highway, spun into the opposite lane.
The pick-up then ran into the path of the roll off container truck being driven by 32 year old Curtiss Mallory of Buffalo.
Mallory was able to immediately call 9-1-1. Manzella had to be extricated from the wreckage and was rushed to UMMC where he died shortly after arrival.
Deputies said blowing snow and poor road conditions were factors in the crash.

Rep. Louise Slaughter

Rochester Congresswoman Louise Slaughter has died.
Representative Slaughter served her district for 31 years.
She died this morning at a Washington, D C hospital where she was being treated for a fall last week at her Washington home.
Louise Slaughter was 88.

New York’s flu season could be coming to an end soon.
The state health department released its newest numbers showing for the third straight week that flu rates dropped statewide.
Confirmed cases of the flu in Western New York have dropped significantly over the past couple weeks.

New York State Police and local law enforcement will conduct special enforcement efforts during St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Drivers can expect a number of sobriety checkpoints, additional DWI patrols, and stings targeting underage drinking. State Police will also be ticketing distracted drivers who use handheld electronic devices.

Rep. Louise Slaughter

Rep. Louise Slaughter, a Democrat who represented the Rochester area in Congress since 1987, died Friday morning in a Washington, DC hospital. She was 88.

Her office released a statement confirming her passing. Slaughter fell at her DC residence last week and was taken to George Washington University Hospital to receive treatment and monitoring for a concussion.

House Speaker Paul Ryan called Slaughter “a giant in the people’s House.”.
“LouiseSlaughter was tough, unfailingly gracious, and unrelenting in fighting for her ideas. She was simply great. In her memory, I have ordered that the flags above the Capitol be lowered to half-staff,” Ryan said.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who also took office in 1987, said she was “heartbroken” by Slaughter’s death.

“In her lifetime of public service and unwavering commitment to working families, Congresswoman Slaughter embodied the very best of the American spirit and ideals. With her passing, the Congressional community has lost a beloved leader and a cherished friend,” Pelosi said in a statement. “Louise was a trailblazer.”

Slaughter was the first woman to chair the powerful House Committee on Rules and served as the Ranking Democrat in the 115th Congress, often exchanging friendly banter with Chairman Pete Sessions – a rival on the committee for 20 years.

News Release: Genesee County Sheriff’s Office

At about 6:24 a.m. on today’s date the Genesee County Sheriffs Office responded to a report of a head-on motor vehicle accident with serious physical injury in the area of State Route 5 and Clipnock Road in the Town of Stafford. Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2007 Chevrolet pickup truck being operated by Thomas J. Manzella, age 24, of Batavia, New York was traveling westbound on State Route 5 when he lost control of the vehicle on the snow covered road. The 2007 Chevrolet pickup truck spun counter clockwise sliding sideways as it crossed into the eastbound lane and into the path of a 2006 Mack roll off container truck being operated by Curtiss L. Mallory, age 32, of Buffalo, New York. Following the impact, both vehicles traveled off of the south shoulder of State Route 5 where they came to rest.

Mr. Mallory immediately called 911 prompting the response of Sheriff’s Office patrols along with ambulances from Mercy Emergency Medical Services and responders from the Stafford Fire Department. Mr. Manzella was extricated from the vehicle and transported via ambulance to United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, New York where he succumbed to his injuries sustained during the crash. Weather conditions including blowing snow and poor road conditions are believed to have been contributing factors in the crash. A minor fuel spill from the Mack container truck was addressed at the scene by the New York State DEC. Route 5 in the area of the accident remained closed for several hours while the accident was being investigated.

The accident investigation is being conducted by Deputy L. Nati, Deputy E. Andre, Deputy H. Wilson, Deputy C. Erion, Investigator J. Diehl, Investigator C. Parker and the Genesee County Sheriffs Office Crash Management Unit. Assisting at the scene were Mercy EMS, the Stafford Fire Department, New York State DEC and the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management.

Public Notice

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That there has been introduced before the Legislature of the County of Genesee, New York, A Local Law Introductory No. Two Year 2018 entitled A LOCAL LAW DECLARING THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE COUNTY OF GENESEE A PUBLIC NUISANCE, AND ESTABLISHING A COST RECOVERY PROCEDURE FOR THE COUNTY’S EXPENDITURES INCURRED IN PROVIDING SERVICE RELATED TO THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC. Notice is further given that the Genesee County Legislature will conduct a Public Hearing on proposed Local Law Introductory No. Two, Year 2018 at the Old Courthouse, 7 Main Street, Batavia, New York on the 28th day of March, 2018 at 5:30 PM. All interested persons will be heard.

Pamela LaGrou, Clerk Genesee County Legislature

Press Release:

National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation (National Fuel) reminds its customers that company representatives always carry photo identification. When visiting your home, if the representative’s identification card is not visibly noticeable, you should ask to see it. If you are suspicious of the reason given for visiting your home or you have questions, please contact National Fuel at 1-800-365-3234 to verify the employee’s identity and the purpose of the visit. If you suspect a problem, please call your local police.

In addition, customers are reminded that:

• National Fuel employees DO NOT conduct door-to-door sales of gas supply. Any door-to-door salesperson wearing a hard hat or another article of clothing or accessories commonly associated with utility employees is not likely a National Fuel employee.

• National Fuel employees DO NOT visit customers’ homes to view their gas bills, to ask them to sign any sort of agreement or to discuss account matters unless they are related to collection activities.

• National Fuel employees DO visit customers’ homes for operational purposes, including meter reading, construction work and gas emergencies. Employees will carry identification cards and will produce them without resistance if asked.

National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation is the Utility segment of National Fuel Gas Company, a diversified energy company that is engaged in a number of natural gas-related activities. The Utility provides natural gas service to more than 740,000 customers in Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.nationalfuelgas.com.

Press Release:

GCC Softball Team Set to Wrap up Play in South Carolina

The Genesee Community College softball team began its season in South Carolina and after four starts continues to look for its first win.

Of the four contests the Cougars came closest to victory in the season-opener against Frederick Community College. The Cougars played even after the third inning, but allowing four runs during the first three innings proved to be the difference in the 6-2 loss March 10.

The team plated five hits and was led by a pair each by Shiori Ubukata and Sam Tatarski. Jackie Guzdek also added a hit.

After a pair of rainouts March 12, the Cougars dropped a pair of games March 13 to Rowan College and Illinois Central, 11-2 and 23-0, respectively.

In the loss to Rowan, Genesee again finished with five hits with another pair by Ubukata to lead the Cougars with one being a double. Also registering hits for Genesee was Mikayla Bush, Katie Haefele and Nicole Cooper.

Against Illinois, Genesee recorded three hits with one each by Britni Way, Cooper and Tatarski.

The Cougars played one game March 14 with a 17-0 loss to Monroe College with hits coming from Haefele and Ubukata, who improved her team-high hit total to five on the season.

Genesee wraps up its South Carolina trip March 15 with games against Joliet Junior College and Rend Lake College ####

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Just before 6:30 this morning report came in of a serious two car motor vehicle accident on Main and Clipnock Road in Stafford.

Dispatchers issued a third request for support updating that there were serious injuries and entrapment in the head on collision.

It was reported at around 6:45 that there was also a Diesel spill at the scene.

News partner The Batavian was on scene updating that the driver of a dump truck  is out of their vehicle and doing okay, with the male driver of a pickup truck unresponsive needing extraction.

Mercy Flight was contacted but unable to fly due to the weather and the man was transported via ambulance to United Memorial Medical Center with serious injuries.

Traffic control was set up at Sanders Road and Route 5 and the scene is currently being cleared.

(From our news partner The Batavian) UPDATE 11:26 a.m.: The Sheriff’s Department has confirmed that this was a fatal accident. The driver of the pickup truck succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

YWCA discloses financial woes and efforts to fix them.
The YWCA of Genesee County has released a statement saying they are experiencing serious funding difficulties.
In the brief statement released by the 150 year old organization it said that the Y is quote “facing major financial challenges” including problems of cash flow.
The YW’s newly named Executive Director, Millie Tomidy-Pepper, has hired an independent auditor to determine the extent and the causes of the problems.
Tomidy-Pepper joined the YW on February 5th. She took over for former director Jeanne Walton, who resigned.

Sheriff William Sheron remains committed to placing a School Resource Officer in every school in Genesee County.
On WBTA’s “Main & Center” program Sheron said that, based on what he has seen, the SRO in Parkland, Florida did not do his job…

Sheron believes local school boards should budget for the school resource officers.

Tens-of-thousands of students across the country walked out of class Wednesday morning to remember the victims of the Florida school shooting and to protest gun violence, with a small number of schools reportedly disciplining students who walked out.
Governor Andrew Cuomo said administrators shouldn’t punish students who participated and has called for an investigation into schools that allegedly blocked exits during protests.

The Batavia Fire Department reports today that last week’s fire on Columbia Avenue has been ruled accidental. Five people were left homeless in that blaze and at least four pets perished in the fire.
Authorities said the structure is salvageable but the interior of the home was destroyed. Damage tab placed at $200,000.

The National Weather Service has issued another Special Weather Statement for the region.
They say a band of brief heavy snow showers will continue to move southeast across portions of Western New York through the early morning hours.
Genesee, Wyoming and Livingston Counties are expected to be effected.
The heavy snow is not expected to last long at any one location, but will drop visibility to a quarter mile and produce a quick coating of up to an inch of fresh accumulation.

Even though the Bills hired quarterback A.J. McCarron this week, they’re still looking for a fresh arm.
Yesterday the Bills owners and manager said they want to draft who they hope to be a franchise quarterback next month.
The former Bengal is expected to bridge the gap until the next QB is drafted or ready to take the field.
McCarron isn’t discouraged and said he looks forward to competing to start for Buffalo.

The YWCA of Genesee County is having major money trouble.
The 150 year old organization released a brief statement today that it is, “facing major financial challenges,” including problems of cash flow.
The YW’s newly named Executive Director, Millie Tomidy-Pepper, has hired an independent auditor to determine the extent and the causes of the problems.
Tomidy-Pepper joined the YW on February 5th. She took over for previous executive director Jeanne Walton who resigned.

Sheriff William Sheron remains committed to placing a School Resource Officer in every school in Genesee County.
On WBTA’s “Main & Center” program this morning that, based on what he has seen, the SRO in Parkland, Florida did not do his job

Sheriff William Sheron

Sheron believes local school boards should budget for the school resource officers

Governor Cuomo thinks schools shouldn’t impose unfair disciplinary action against those who participated in yesterday’s gun safety walkout.
He’s calling for an investigation into those schools that blocked exits during protests. Cuomo says students who participated in the walk-out are trying to advance laws and actions that could save lives.

The Perry Town board says board member and murder suspect Joseph Mlyniec will not be removed from office.
The town supervisor says they cannot force Mlyniec out but he wishes the retired deputy would resign.
Mlyniec is accused in the shooting death last week of Robert Irvine.

The Batavia Fire Department reports today that last week’s fire on Columbia Avenue has been ruled accidental. Five people were left homeless int hat blaze and at least four pets perished in the fire.
Authorities said the structure is salvageable but the interior of the home was destroyed. Damage tab placed at $200,000.

The Wyoming County Drug Task Force has arrested eleven people accused of selling various drugs in Wyoming County in an aggressive campaign to push back against drug pushers.

Out of the eleven individuals arrested two were residents of Genesee County.

27 year old Lance Mercado of Dellinger Ave in Batavia and 29 year old Mitchell Freeman of Quinlan Road LeRoy were both arrested in February for allegedly selling Buprenorphine in the Village of Attica last fall.

Both men were remanded to the Wyoming County Jail.

Task Force members are still searching for other suspects who have active warrants for alleged drug sales in Wyoming County.

The Sheriff’s Office continues to push for funding to provide resource officers to every school in Genesee County after thousands of students nationally and around a hundred Batavia High School students walked out of class yesterday morning.

Some student protesters, including the Batavia Senior who organized the Batavia walkout, said they don’t support having a Police presence in the school.

Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron appeared as a featured guest on WBTA’s Main and Center program this morning.

The Sheriff says the officer in the Florida school shooting may have failed to respond correctly but he remains confident in his trained officers…

The Sheriff says school boards should include funding for a School Resource Officer in their budget and leave it up to tax paying voters for approval.

Batavia Assemblyman Steve Hawley has purposed legislation that would provide $50,000 of state aid to each school in the state in order to employ an armed resource officer.

Press Release:

YWCA of Genesee County is facing major financial challenges, including problems of cash flow. The Board of Directors, working with newly appointed Executive Director Millie Tomidy-Pepper, who began Feb. 5, has retained an independent auditor to assist in determining the extent and causes of the problems.

They are also actively pursuing financing options and revenue generation opportunities to enable the 150-year-old organization to continue its mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Details will be shared with the community as soon as they become available.

Joanne Beck
Marketing and Communications
YWCA of Genesee County

Nanako Shiozawa (Chiba, Japan) and Ferran Martinez (Barcelona, Spain)

Press Release:

Cougar Athletes of the Week Announced

The Genesee Community College’s athletes of the week for the period ending March 11 are Nanako Shiozawa (Chiba, Japan) from the women’s swimming team and Ferran Martinez (Barcelona, Spain) from the men’s swimming team.

Competing in the NJCAA Swimming and Diving National Championships, Martinez was a part of eight different school records. Individually he set four school records and also set another four school records as part of four relays. On the second day of Nationals, Martinez set the 400 IM record, on Day Three he set the 200 butterfly record, and on Day Four he set a record in the preliminaries of the 200 breaststroke only to break that record a second time during finals competition just hours later. In the four relay school records Martinez was a part of, two were in freestyle (400 and 800) and two were in medley (200 and 400) competition. Of the four, the 800 freestyle relay garnered all-American status for Martinez and his other three teammates with a third-place finish.

Shiozawa set four individual school records at the NJCAA Swimming and Diving Championships last weekend with three records coming in finals competition and one during preliminaries. Her first record came in the 100 butterfly during the second day of competition and was followed on the third day with a new school record in the 200 butterfly. Shiozawa’s fourth day of competition saw her set a record in the 200 backstroke during preliminaries, only to break that same record during finals competition just hours later.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Cougars prepare for a game in South Carlina March 13

Press Release:

Baseball Team Ends Early Week Spring Training with 16-Run Win

The Genesee Community College baseball team focused on practice March 14 after a trio of games the previous two days that ended with a 16-6 win over SUNY Adirondack in the second March 13 game in South Carolina during spring training.

Deion Rosalia led the way with a pair of homeruns and a double while adding four RBI. Joining Rosalia with a trio of hits was Justin Taveras.

The Cougars plated five homeruns for the game and in addition to Rosalia’s pair had single homeruns from L’Shandry Kirindongo, Shannon Folkes and Jakob MacLeod, with the latter adding three RBI.

Edgardo Jurado and Peter Bradford each stroked a pair of hits with single shots coming off the bats of Keny Sanchez and Justin Baly.

Colin Noeth picked up the win in four innings of work with two strikeouts while allowing six hits.

The Cougars lost their morning game March 13 to Mercer County Community College 17-11. The team deserved better with each team getting 13 hits. The Cougars fell behind early 7-0 after two innings, but out-scored No. 3 ranked National Junior College Athletic Association Division-II Mercer 11-10 the rest of the way despite the Cougars being a NJCAA Division-III team.

Overall from the third inning of the morning game to the first two innings of the afternoon game the Cougars scored 23 runs over a seven-inning span.

Taveras and Baly led Genesee with three hits against Mercer with the former getting a triple and the latter with a trio of doubles.

Bradford had a pair of hits that included a homerun and a double, while MacLeod also hit a homerun and added four RBI. Single hits came from Kirindongo, Folkes, Bryant Fontanez and Zachery Zinck.

On March 12, the Cougars started the week with a close 6-5 loss to Montgomery. Fontanez led the team with a pair of hits and also suffered the loss from the mound.

Kirindongo, Taveras, Bradford and Harrison Lourens plated singles during the team’s six-hit performance.

The Cougars resume play in South Carolina with a pair of games March 15 that includes a 1 p.m. start against Camden County at Pelican Stadium followed by a 6 p.m. start against Chesapeake College.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Press Release:

Albany, NY– The New York State Senate’s one-house budget resolution– approved earlier today– establishes tax parity between the Batavia Downs and other gaming facilities across the state. The Senate Budget proposal increases the facility’s portion of net winnings to 42%.

Senator Ranzenhofer has issued the following statement:

“I am pleased that the Senate Budget Resolution levels the tax playing field for Batavia Downs. Decreasing the tax rate for the oldest nighttime harness track in the nation will ensure a fairer share of revenues are returned to taxpayers through our local governments. Now, the Genesee County racino will be more competitive with other gaming facilities. I will continue working to address this issue in the final budget.”

In January, Senator Ranzenhofer introduced legislation (S7397) in the State Senate that would lower Batavia Down’s taxes paid to New York State by increasing the facility’s portion of net winnings from 35% to 41%. The Executive Budget proposes increasing net winnings to 37%.

Students call for action on gun violence in school walkout.
Thousands of students from across the national and around one hundred Batavia High School students joined the call to end gun violence in a massive school walkout planned by Women’s March organizers.
Students were allowed the opportunity to walk out of their classes yesterday morning at 10 a.m. with the blessing of school administration.
Students memorialized the 17 students and staff gunned down last month in Parkland, Florida in various ways.
Superintendent Chris Dailey has been working with Batavia Police for several years trying to secure funding for a school resource officer.
Batavia Senior Sydney Atchinson, who organized the walkout, admits she does not know what would make the school safer but she remains opposed to having a permanent Police presence at the school…

Batavia Assemblyman Steve Hawley has purposed legislation that would provide 50-thousand dollars of state aid to each school in the state in order to employ an armed resource officer.

The Perry Town board says former Sheriff’s Deputy and current board member won’t be removed from his position after being charged with murder.
60 year old Joseph Mlyniec was arrested last week for allegedly gunning down Robert Irvine the Third.
He is also currently serving as Perry board member.
The town board supervisor said at last night’s meeting they can’t force Mlyniec out but wish the retired deputy would resign.
He said the town will wait to see if Mlyniec will resign on his own or if he is convicted.

LeRoy woman arrested for paying herself thousands from her employer’s pocketbook.
43 year old Lisa Sinclair of Myrtle Street in LeRoy was arrested and charged with Forgery and Grand Larceny for allegedly forging falsified checks from a business on Main Road in Stafford.
She was accused of stealing more than 23-thousand dollars from her employer.
Sinclair was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is scheduled for Stafford Town Court on April 3rd.

Toys “R” Us is closing or selling all of their stores.
CNN Money reported yesterday that this could be the beginning of the end for toy retailer.
It isn’t known when their two Rochester area locations are going out of business.
Senator Chuck Schumer is asking that the company allow gift cards be exchanged for cash.

The Bills are saying hello to a new quarterback.
Yesterday Buffalo picked up former Bengal AJ McCarron in a free agency deal.
He led the Alabama Crimson Tide to consecutive BCS National Championships in 2011 and 2012.
McCarron has been with Cincinnati for four seasons but WIVB reports he’s only played in eleven NFL games.

About a hundred students from Batavia High School added their voices to a national call to end gun violence.
With the blessing of the school administration, more than 100 students BHS walked out of their classes this morning. Students in high schools across the nation did the same thing at the same time.
In various ways, the students memorialized the 17 students and staff gunned down last month in Parkland, Florida.

BCSD Superintendent Christopher Dailey

Superintendent Chris Dailey says Batavia schools are not violent enough to qualify for federal funding for a resource officer:

Batavia Assemblyman Steve Hawley today called allocating $50,000 of state aid to each school in the state to hire an armed resource officer.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Cuomo is showing his support for the National School Walkout. He joined students today at a high school in lower Manhattan and said you can have safe gun legislation:

Cuomo said his administration is setting up a website called New York Students Against Gun Violence to help them communicate with lawmakers.

A LeRoy woman is facing felony charges for bilking her employers out of more than 23-thousand dollars.
43 year old Lisa Marie Sinclair of Myrtle Street In Leroy allegedly wrote checks from her employer – payable to herself.
She has been released in under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

The National Weather Service has a Winter Storm Warning in effect for Wyoming County through tomorrow morning. The weather to the south of us has prompted Attica Central Schools to cancel all afternoon and evening activities.

Another suspected Batavia dope dealer is off the street, at least for a while.
The Genesee County Local Drug Task Force has arrested 35 year old Jonathan Hoges of Jackson Street in Batavia for allegedly selling crack cocaine to a task force for agent. Hoges was jailed without bail.

Walkout Organizer /Batavia Senior Sydney Atchinson pictured in the bottom right in front of a crowd of classmates at Batavia High School

Around 100 students or more at Batavia High School walked out of class to join students across the nation in a planned protest against gun violence.

Students gathered outside the front entrance shortly after ten o’clock today and began huddling together to keep warm.

The event was organized and encouraged by the same group responsible for the recent women’s march in response to the Parkland, Florida school shooting.

The school has been trying for several years to increase school safety by securing funding for a School Resource Officer According to Superintendent Chris Dailey…

Dailey remains hopeful that the recent proposals by lawmakers in Albany will provide some sort of funding in the near future.

Batavia Senior Sydney Atchinson organized the student walkout at the school.

She says she does not know what would make the school safer but she remains opposed to having a permanent Police presence…

There were several Batavia Police Officers present at the request of School Administrators.

Police Chief Shawn Heubusch also remains hopeful there will funding for a full-time school resource officer for the district.

Press Release:

A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) on the guilty verdict of former Cuomo aide Joe Percoco

“Today’s guilty verdict of Joe Percoco, someone the governor once called a ‘brother,’ shows that corruption and private influence has permeated even the most prominent in our government.

“True leaders take responsibility when their house is engulfed in turmoil, and yet the governor remains weak and vague on ethics reform.

“We have a perfect opportunity to start changing the culture here by passing meaningful ethics reform. However, Assembly leadership would rather pass nonsensical, worthless, one-house measures codifying abortion. Shameful.”

Brain Fobbs shows off his player-of-the-year plaque and first-team all-region certificate (photo credit: GCC Athletics/Curtis Kreutter)

Press Release:

Fobbs Awarded NJCAA Region III Player of the Year

Prior to the National Junior College Athletic Association Region III Final Four games, Genesee Community College’s Brian Fobbs was awarded NJCAA Region Player of the Year.

Fobbs was one of four Cougars recognized as all-region players along with teammates Rahmel Thompson and Brandon Peters. From the Cougars’ women’s team Rosalyn Sealey was also recognized as all-region.

Fobbs led the region in points-per-game (26.4) and rebounds-per-game (20.2). The latter total is currently the best in the nation at NJCAA Division-II, while Fobbs’ point total has him at No. 2 nationally.

In the team’s season-ending semifinal playoff game against eventual champion Erie, after trailing by double digits in the second half Fobbs gave his team its first lead that put the Cougars on the brink of playing for the region title in the game’s final minute. Among Fobbs’ many highlights this season was setting a points record in a single game with 46.

Thompson saved his best ball for playoffs and led the team in both post-season contests against Mercyhurst North East in the quarterfinals and Erie in the semifinals. The sophomore wasn’t far behind Fobbs as Thompson ranked as the region’s third-best in points-per-game (20.2) and fifth in rebounds-per-game (6.4). The pair both reached the 1,000-point career mark this season with Thompson getting to No. 10 all-time and Fobbs to No. 4 all-time, and both were first-team selections.

The player that helped the aforementioned pair the most in scoring all those points by getting them the ball was Brandon Peters, who topped all region players in assists with 5.6. That total also put him in the nation’s top-25 in that category in NJCAA D-II statistics and earned him a third-team nod to all-region.

Sealey was a region top-10 performer in both points and assists. She ranks seventh in points with 15.3 per-game, and third in assists-per-game with 3.8. Those totals helped the Cougar sophomore to the region’s second team as the lone selection from the Cougars’ women’s basketball team.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Press Release:

In response to the recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida on Valentine’s Day, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has written a letter to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) requesting an additional $50,000 be included in this year’s state budget for every school in the state to hire armed school resource officers.

“I hereby request that you provide an additional $50,000 a year toward the cost per armed school resource officer for every New York State school in this year’s budget,” Hawley wrote.

Hawley is also requesting that the salary cap for retired police officer serving as school resource officers be raised from $30,000 to $50,000 per year. This is in addition to his proposal to recruit veterans and retired law enforcement to bolster security at schools.

“A mother in my district actually purchased a bullet proof vest for her 16-year-old son subsequent to a shooter threat in his high school. How incredibly heartbreaking it has come to this!” said Hawley in the letter ”I vehemently urge that you seriously consider these measures and any other that you feel will create an environment that is safe and secure for our most cherished and vulnerable constituents, our children.”

Top aide to Governor found guilty of corruption.
Following more than a week of deliberations, the jury delivered a partial verdict in the trial against Joe Percoco.
The Westchester Democrat was convicted yesterday of taking $300,000 in bribes from businesses hoping to get contracts in New York.
The jury found him guilty on three counts of public corruption but not of conspiracy.
Percoco is currently considering his options for an appeal as he could receive up to 50 years in prison at his sentencing in June.
Governor Cuomo has distanced himself from his former campaign manager, who he once referred to as his brother, saying more safeguards must be put in place to secure the public trust.

Batavia Students plan on walking out this morning.
Batavia High School students are joining other Students across the state and nation in a planned walk out today to protest that something be done about gun violence.
Syndney Atchinson a Senior at Batavia has taken the leadership role locally, organizing the students and contacting media to cover the protest.
Students plan to walk out of class at ten o’clock today for 17 minutes symbolizing the 17 victims at the school shooting in Parkland, Florida.
The same group that organized the women’s march is responsible for rallying students across the country.
School Administrators at Batavia are allowing the students to participate in the walkout and have requested a police presence to ensure the safety of the student protestors.
Police Chief Shawn Heubusch…

The Chief said he has been in talks with the school district for a long time in the hopes of establishing a permanent School Resource Officer in Batavia.
He said currently financial restraints on the school and Department have hindered the creation of such a position.

Jackson Street man jailed for alleged drug sales in the City.
35 year old Jonathan Hoges of Jackson Street in Batavia has been arrested and charged with two counts of Criminal Sale and two Counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance which were all Class B Felonies.
Hoges was accused of selling crack cocaine to a task for agent on two occasions.
He was remanded without bail to the Genesee County Jail.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for areas to the south, including Wyoming County.
The warning is in effect until tomorrow morning.
Total snow accumulations of 8 to 16 inches are expected with winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

One of Governor Cuomo’s former top aides is guilty of public corruption. Following eight days of deliberations, the jury delivered a partial verdict in the trial of Joseph Percoco. He was convicted on three counts of public corruption, but acquitted on conspiracy charges. Twice the jury had told the judge they were deadlocked, but today’s development comes after they were told a partial verdict was acceptable. Percoco faces a maximum of 20-years in prison on some of the counts, and a maximum of ten-years on others.

Property owners in the city of Batavia will see a three-percent decrease in their city property taxes.
Council last night unanimously approved next year’s city budget.
The decrease was due in large part to the sal.e of the county owned nursing home to a private company. That put the facility back onto the tax rolls.
The budget also contains a 3 and a half percent increase in water rates and a two percent pay raise for non-union city emplolyees.

Batavia High School students will join in tomorrow “walk-out” with the school administrations blessing.
The students will leave their classrooms at 10am for 17 minutes, one minute for each of the lives lost in the recent shooting in Parkland, Florida.
That shooting has touched off a wave of support for greater gun control across the country.

Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch

Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch says his department has been in talks with the school for a long time about providing a permanent resource officer:

The Chief said he doesn’t have an opinion on whether the walkout is right or wrong and his primary concern remains the safety of students and staff.

Maybe we will dodge this one. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for areas to the south of us, including Wyoming County.
The warning takes effect at 6 this evening until Thursday Morning.
Total snow accumulations of 8 to 16 inches are expected with winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

Joseph Percocvo

One of Governor Cuomo’s former top aides is guilty of public corruption. Following eight days of deliberations, the jury delivered a partial verdict in the trial of Joseph Percoco. He was convicted on three counts of public corruption, but acquitted on conspiracy charges. Twice the jury had told the judge they were deadlocked, but today’s development comes after they were told a partial verdict was acceptable. Percoco faces a maximum of 20-years in prison on some of the counts, and a maximum of ten-years on others.

School administrators are allowing Batavia High School students the opportunity to participate in a planned protest tomorrow morning encouraged by the March for Our Lives and Women’s March movements.

Batavia Senior Sydney Atchinson has organized the walkout for tomorrow at 10 a.m. and has sent out media coverage requests.

Batavia Police were requested by the school to be in attendance to ensure the safety of the student protesters.

Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said the department has been in talks with the school for a long time about providing a permanent resource officer…

Heubusch said the police are there to support the school in any need that they have.

The Chief said he doesn’t have an opinion on whether the walkout is right or wrong and his primary concern remains the safety of students and staff.

Press Release:

What: Last Chance is TODAY to Register for SAT Prep Course at GCC in Lima
And the Registration deadline for Dansville session is April 19, 2018

Registration Deadline: Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Course Schedule: Thursdays, March 20 through May 1, 2018 (no class April 3) from 6 – 9 p.m. Note: Date change

Where: GCC’s Lima Campus Center ~ 7285 Gale Road, Lima, NY

Who: Anyone planning to take the SAT Exam

Background: The BEST (Business and Employee Skills Training) Center at Genesee Community College will host its second SAT Prep courses in Lima and the registration deadline is March 13, 2018. The SAT Prep course is designed to prepare students for the English and Math components of the SAT exam. The course familiarizes students with the format of the exam and provides practice using questions similar to those that will appear on the SAT. In preparation for the English component, course participants will practice critical reading, sentence completion, grammar usage and writing. The Math component practice will focus on pre-algebra, algebra and geometry.

The SAT Prep course consists of six sessions totaling 18 hours and costs $149.00 per participant which includes the course prep textbook. Participants are required to bring their own calculators.

The SAT Prep course session will be at GCC’s Lima Campus Center – 7285 Gale Road, Lima, NY. The course will run on Thursday evenings beginning March 20, 2018 through May 1, 2018 from 6 – 9 p.m. No class on April 3. Participants MUST register by today, March 13, 2018 to attend.

The BEST Center will also offer the SAT Prep course at:

• GCC’s Dansville Campus Center – 31 Clara Barton Street, Dansville, NY. Thursday evenings beginning April 26, 2018 through May 31, 2018 from 6 – 9 p.m. Register for this session by April 19, 2018.

To register for any of the SAT Prep courses, please visit www.bestcenter.org or call (585) 345-6868.

Additional Details: http://news.genesee.edu/news/2018/01/19/gcc-offers-sat-prep-course

Best Friend is going to be featured at the Arc Film Festival. It’s the story of Deirdre, a young girl from New York
struggling to accept Los Angeles as her new home

Press Release:

A St. Patrick’s Day art show and film festival highlights Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month at Arc of Genesee Orleans. The community is invited to attend the Saturday event at Stuart Steiner Theatre at Genesee Community College. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. for the art show featuring work by individuals served at the Arc followed by films at 1:00 p.m.

Arc Director of Development Shelley Falitico said this year eleven different films from the New York City based Sprout collection will be presented. “Sprout films are produced by or feature individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities – the work is amazing,” Ms. Falitico said.

The March observance of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month began in 1987
When President Reagan invited “all individuals, agencies, and organizations concerned with the problem of developmental disabilities to observe this month with appropriate observances and activities directed toward increasing public awareness of the needs and the potential of Americans with developmental disabilities.” He urged all Americans to encourage opportunities to help people with developmental disabilities lead productive lives.

In the years since that first observance, Arc of Genesee Orleans has grown immensely over two counties with the opening of several community homes, development of unique vocational training and day programs. Ms. Falitico said the Arc also encourages volunteerism and giving back to the community. “From Waterport to Pembroke, Oakfield to Holley and every town in between, the community has played a significant role in our growth and the opportunities we are able to offer the people we serve,” she said.

Also during March, the Arc of Genesee Orleans is kicking off its annual membership drive and has a Developmental Disabilities Awareness display at Case-Nic Cookies in Medina. From March 19 – 24, Case-Nic Cookies will donate $1.00 of every dozen cookies sold during that week directly to the Arc Genesee Orleans. You will find more information on the Arc of Genesee Orleans programs, services and upcoming events at www.arcgo.org.

Press Release:

Since 2008, Genesee Community College has offered the Genesee Promise Plus (GPP) scholarships to help remove financial barriers to higher education for citizens in the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming (GLOW) counties. As the scholarship program celebrates its 10th Anniversary, the College encourages all qualified individuals, from students in high school to adults who have never taken a college course before–to apply for up to two summer semester courses tuition-free at GCC!

Ten years ago, GCC’s Board of Trustees sought unique ways to encourage high school students who may have been reluctant to enroll in college. The first year, Genesee Promise Plus was only for graduating seniors, but officials soon realized that GPP would serve high school juniors equally as well. In successive years, GPP was opened up not only to juniors, but also to adult students who have never attended college in the past.

“Summer is a perfect time for new GCC students or students in our Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) program to immerse themselves in the college culture, acquaint themselves with the rigors of college coursework or appreciate the nuances of online learning,” Lindsay Gerhardt, assistant dean for Recruitment and Admissions said. “The GPP program provides a wonderful opportunity for college-bound students to cost effectively earn up to six credits, complete prerequisite or general education courses and get a head start on a degree program. It’s a win-win for all.”

GPP is available to GLOW region citizens who are high school juniors (rising seniors), graduating high school seniors or new adult college students (adults who have never attended college before). With more than 60 courses being offered this summer, in two summer sessions and both online and at GCC’s seven campus locations, there are ample opportunities for all eligible applicants in these categories:

• High School Juniors (rising seniors) and qualifying Homeschool Students are eligible for scholarship funding to take one course.
• Graduating High School Seniors are eligible for scholarship funding to take one or two courses
• Adults who have never attended college are eligible for scholarship funding to take one course. This includes adults who have received a GED prior to May 1, 2017 or graduated from a GLOW area high school in December 2016 or earlier. GCC will require a copy of high school transcripts.

GPP scholarship applications are being accepted until June 22, 2018 for the 2018 summer session. The complete list of courses available this summer is available at https://www.genesee.edu/courses/schedule/ and includes Females Roles in Film (CIN242), Beginning Personal Fitness (PED259), Principles of Business (BUS101) and many, many more.

Applications, qualification criteria and additional information are available at http://www.genesee.edu/gcc/promise/.

All interested individuals are encouraged to contact the office of admissions at admissions@genesee.edu or by calling (585) 345-6805 today!

Additional information about Genesee Community College is available at www.genesee.edu and through Facebook and Twitter.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) [left] joins members of the Assembly Republican Conference to unveil a plan requiring a ten year state takeover of Medicaid costs

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) joined his Republican colleagues today in Albany to announce a groundbreaking plan that would pave the way for significant local tax reductions for upstate residents. The plan would entail New York State taking over the county share of Medicaid expenses over a 10-year period.

“These cradle-to-grave welfare programs are bleeding our state dry,” Hawley said. “Many state leaders do not realize that a large portion of these state-imposed costs are mandated expenses on counties which are then passed down to residents in the form of higher property and local taxes. The bottom line is that Albany should pay for what Albany spends instead of passing the buck down to local governments.”

New York’s Medicaid budget is about $70 billion, more than one-third of the entire state budget. In federal fiscal year 2016, New York spent more on Medicaid than Texas and Florida combined, despite the fact that the combined populations of these states was approximately 46.1 million to New York’s 19.7 million.

An Albion man accused of incest in child sex abuse investigation.
Investigation into an Albion couples alleged sexual abuse of three children has led to disturbing new charges.
45 year old Richard L. Hering Jr. has been charged with incest, rape and predatory sexual assault against a child.
Hering and his girlfriend, 54 year old Renee Koch were both arrested two weeks ago after being accused of sexual abuse, forcible touching and child endangerment.
The couple resided at 301 Hamilton Street in Albion and according to authorities the abuse against the three children took place at various locations in Albion.
The children were said to be between 4 and 15 years old.
The couple was initially released on bail when they were first arrested, however Hering has since been ordered to be held without bail.

Budget passed by City Council boasting a 3 percent tax decrease.
Council members have unanimously passed the City budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year that begins on April 1.
Batavia Interim City Manager Matthew Worth boasted about the included three percent decrease in taxes before entering the Council’s Executive Session. He also explained some changes in the cities investments policy.

The $26.9 million budget calls for a tax levy of $5.25 million dollars, and also includes a 2 percent salary increase for 10 supervisors and department heads.
City Counci breezed through two dozen resolutions during the meeting.
Council passed Local Law No. 1 for 2018 which establishes 3.5 percent increases in water rates and meter fees, and a 10 percent increase in capital improvement fees.

Investigators continue to piece together Perry Murder case.
More details were released on the shooting death of 32 year old Robert Irvine the third of Perry.
Irvine was allegedly shot to death by an acquaintance, Joseph Mlyniec last Wednesday evening in the suspect’s driveway.
Authorities said Mlyniec, a retired Wyoming County Sherriff’s deputy, shot Irvine four times with a .45-cal handgun.
In the leg, chest, neck and head.
The death has been ruled a homicide.
Mlyniec is being held without bail charged with second degree murder.
Deputies say the two men knew each other but a motive for the slaying has not been determined.

Winter Storm Warning to the South.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Southern Erie Counties from 6 this evening until Thursday Morning.
Total snow accumulations of 8 to 16 inches are expected with winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

New charges have been placed against an Albion an Albion man previously charged with sexually abusing these children, between the ages of 4 and 15.
45 year old Richard L. Hering Jr. is now facing a charge of incest, rape and predatory sexual assault against a child.
Hering was arrested two weeks ago along with his girlfriend, 54 year old Renee Koch. Police said both lived at 301 Hamilton Street in the Village of Albion.

Richard Hering

Renee Koch

The two were accused of sexual abuse, forcible touching and child endangerment.
Police have said the abuse of the children occurred in various location in Albion over the past eight years.
Both had been released on bail at the time of their original arrest. Hering is now being held without bail.
Police are not releasing any information about the children or their relationship to the suspects.
We are learning new information today into the shooting death of Robert Irvine of Perry.
Irvine was found shot to death last Wednesday evening in the driveway of an acquaintance, Joseph Mlyniec,
Authorities said Mlyniec, a retired Wyoming County Sherriff’s deputy, shot Irvine four times with a .45-cal handgun. One shot struck Irvine in the head.
The death has been ruled a homicide.
Mlyniec is being held without bail charged with second degree murder.
Deputies say the two men knew each other but a motive for the slaying has not been determined.

State Police are saying littler about the arrest of a Buffalo man on a charge of rape.
28 year old AddikadirSabtow of Buffalo was arrested following a report of a rape in the Town of Batavia.

Victoria Young

An Attica woman takes plea deal in child sex abuse case.
23 year old Victoria Young of East Ave in Attica has pleaded guilty to a felony child pornography charge for a promised 5 year prison sentence.
Young was arrested in January, accused of sexually assaulting a four year old boy she was related to by using the child in a sex video.
She is also set to receive 10 years post release supervision and will be ordered to register as a sex offender when she is sentenced on April 26th.

Joshua Bush has been indicted on a count of rape in the first degree.
The case date back to October and allegedly occurred in the Town of Bergen.

News Release: Albion Police Dept.

Richard Hering

Renee Koch

On February 27, 2018 the Albion Police Department conducted an investigation involving Richard L. Hering Jr. and his girlfriend Renee D. Koch who reside at 301 Hamilton Street in the Village of Albion. The investigation involved sex crimes allegedly committed by both Hering and Koch on separate times and dates. The 3 victims in the case ages when these crimes were committed range from 4 to 15 years old.

As a result of the investigation both Hering and Koch were charged with various crimes on February 27, 2018. The investigation then developed further evidence that resulted in additional charges being filed against Hering on March 9, 2018.
Hering and Koch were arraigned on February 27, 2018 in the Town of Albion Court and placed in the Orleans County Jail. Hering’s Bail was set at $20,000.00 while Koch’s bail was set at $10,000.00
Hering and Koch were released from Jail after placing bail on March 7, 2018.

On March 9, 2018 Hering was arrested again after additional information was developed. Hering was arraigned on the additional charges in the Town of Albion Court and placed in the Orleans County Jail on No Bail.
The crimes are alleged to have occurred over the past 8 years at various locations in the Village of Albion. The case is being prosecuted in both the Town of Gaines and Town of Albion Court because of the locations of the offenses.
The names of the Victims and their relationship to the suspects will not be released.

Charges: 02-27-18

Hering: 2 Cts Sex Abuse 1st PL 130.65(1) D-Felony
6 Cts Endangering the Welfare of A Child PL 260.10(1) A-Misdemeanor
4 Cts Forcible Touching PL 130.52(1) A-Misdemeanor

Koch: 2 Cts Sex Abuse 1st PL 130.65(1) D-Felony
2 Cts Forcible Touching PL 130.52(1) A-Misdemeanor
2 Cts Endangering the Welfare of A Child PL 260.10(1) A-Misdemeanor

03-09-18

Hering: 2 Ct Predatory Sex Assault Against a Child 130.96 A-II Felony
2 Ct Rape 1st PL130.35(3) B-Felony
2 Ct Incest 1st PL255.27 B-Felony

News Release: Byron-Bergen Central Schools

Betsy Brown

Bergen, NY ~ “The growth mindset of this district was what really attracted me to Byron-Bergen,” said Byron-Bergen Elementary School’s new Assistant Principal Betsy Brown. “The approach to education is innovative and forward-thinking. I’m so impressed with the opportunities our students have here.”

“We’re fortunate to have an administrator with Betsy’s depth and experience,” said Elementary School Principal Brian Meister. “She is a great addition to our team, and I think she will bring a wonderful combination of commitment, caring, innovation, and humor to her role.”

Brown has 15 years of experience in elementary education. She came to the district from Avon Central Schools, where she supported students and staff as a literacy coach for three years. Prior to that, she taught in third- and fourth-grade, and kindergarten classrooms. Brown holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and a Master of Education degree in literacy, earned at the State University of NY at Geneseo. Her administrative coursework was completed at the University of Rochester.

Brown was an active member of the video coaching professional development team at Avon, and will continue her activity as a coach at Byron-Bergen. “Byron-Bergen has been the regional leader in offering video coaching as a way for teachers to grow and to improve their teaching methods,” she said. “Teachers here have embraced the technology, and students are benefitting from the results.”

Open communication, Brown believes, is an essential part of any school. She is looking forward to meeting families and parents and working with them to ensure an exceptional school experience for their students. She encourages parents to call or stop in. “We have an active social media presence on Twitter and Facebook, too,” she said. “They provide a window into all the activities students are doing in the classroom.” The community can follow the assistant principal on Twitter @MrsBetsyMBrown.

28 year old Abdikadir Sabtow of Buffalo was arrested by State Police Troop A in Batavia on Friday afternoon following a report on March 6th of an alleged rape in the Town of Batavia.

According to State Police details have not been released because the nature of the pending investigation.

Sabtow was charged with a Class E felony of third degree Rape for allegedly having sexual contact with someone who was not consenting or incapable of doing so.

News Release: Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff Gregory J. Rudolph reports, “On Thursday, March 9, 2018 at about 8:00 p.m. and after about twenty-seven hours of forensic work, the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office released the house and property to Cathy Mlyniec, Joseph Mlyniec’s wife. The Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office investigators and forensic technicians were assisted by: NYS DEC Police (K-9 assisted in locating projectiles), NYS Parks Police (assisted utilizing their drone for an overview of the property), NYSP (Forensic Unit assisted in measurements and 3D imagery inside the residence). Additionally, Sheriff’s Office Forensic Technicians secured several electronic devices and a request will be made to the Western New York Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory to assist in analyzing for potential evidence.

On Friday, March 9, 2018, at the direction of Coroner Renee Hill, the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy of Robert Irvine, III. A Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Technician attended. The cause of death has been ruled a homicide. Additionally, it was determined Mr. Irvine had been shot four times (leg, chest, neck and head). It is believed a .45 caliber handgun was used, which was secured at the residence but further analysis needs to be conducted to confirm. A full autopsy report will not be completed for several months awaiting toxicology.

As of the 8:00 a.m. on Monday, March 12, 2018, the Criminal Investigations Division has conducted 16 interviews to continue to develop a timeline for the victim, Mr. Irvine, and the defendant, Joseph Mlyniec, along with a motive. Many more interviews will be conducted in the days and weeks to come. District Attorney Donald O’Geen has reported a Felony Hearing has been waived by the defendant and there will not be an appearance in the Town of Warsaw Court on March 12, 2018. A new Town of Warsaw Court date of May 21, 2018 has been set, however, it is expected the case will be presented to the Grand Jury and transferred to Wyoming County Court in the interim. The defendant remains remanded to the Wyoming County Jail with no bail. The investigation is continuing and anyone with information is asked to call Captain Edward Till at: 585-786-8989 or our Confidential Tipline at: 585-786-8965.”

ORIGINAL- March 8, 2018

On March 7, 2018 at 5:42 p.m., the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from 2468 Route 246 in the Town of Perry from Joseph Mlyniec (age 60 of the same address) who reported the incident. Two Deputies arrived at 5:48 p.m. and after a very brief conversation, Joseph Mlyniec, was taken into custody and transported to the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office.

The victim was later identified as Robert Irvine, III- age 32 of Perry. A Search Warrant has been obtained for the property and the Forensic Technicians continue to process the scene. Mlyniec was arrested and charged by the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office with Murder in the second degree. He was arraigned by Judge Mohun and ordered to the Wyoming County Jail with a return date of March 12, 2018. The investigation is continuing and will continue through court proceedings.

Joseph Mlyniec retired as a Patrol Sergeant at the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office in 2008 after a twenty plus year career. In 2009 he returned to the Office on a part time basis as a Deputy Sheriff and resigned in 2013. He is also a current Councilman of the Perry Town Board. The Wyoming County District Attorney Donald O’Geen and his Office has been involved and assisting from the outset and was represented at the arraignment. Additionally, Wyoming County Coroner Renee Hill is investigating the official cause of death with the assistance of the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office. “The Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office is committed to justice in this case and will utilize every resource to ensure that happens. This investigation will be conducted at the upmost professional level, leaving no stone unturned.”