Local News

Press Release:

AUTHORITY: Chief Michael Lefancheck, President

There are a number of legislative proposals currently being considered as “criminal justice reforms” in New York State. The opinion of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, Inc., (NYSACOP), on these matters is as follows:

FUNDING FOR SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS

NYSACOP is IN FAVOR of such legislation

The members of NYSACOP strongly support funding for police departments to work cooperatively with the school districts within their jurisdictions so officers can be hired and then assigned as School Resource Officers (SRO’s) in those schools where districts desire such a presence. Many departments across New York State have worked to establish positive relationships with the school districts they service; and SRO’s are already assigned in a number of those schools. Unfortunately, due to the funding demands, most of those districts do not have an SRO in every school. Other districts have expressed interest in establishing an SRO program to our members, but due to limited or no funding, have been unable to establish one. These programs have had a strong track record of success and help to foster positive police interactions with young people in the communities we serve; and we are strongly in favor of funding to expand or establish School Resource Officer programs across New York State.

BAIL REFORM

NYSACOP is OPPOSED to the current legislative proposal

A number of difficult issues are connected to overhauling New York State’s bail system including how to approach pre-trial services, preventative detention and bail alternatives. Adequate funding must be provided for any successful changes to the bail system.
NYSACOP members are opposed to any proposal that provides for a presumption of release for misdemeanors and also feel strongly that New York State must provided sufficient funding for pretrial services so that the services are effective and that individual municipalities are not burdened by the costs.

We have to keep in mind how big New York State is and there is so much regional diversity amongst different municipalities.

o Year after year, New York continues to be a leader in public safety. New York is the fifth safest state in the country. New York has the lowest crime rate of any large state. (According to FBI, Crime in the United States annual report) New York also has the lowest imprisonment rate of any large state.

As for who is held and for what crimes, we all have to understand this needs to be done by careful consideration to make sure that the dangerous people are held. A presumption that those who commit non-violent felonies should be released without bail doesn’t take into consideration some troubling examples.

o The drug dealer who sells heroin laced with fentanyl, or any deadly illicit drug for that matter, that causes a deadly overdose would be released.
o Someone who is found with 1000 bags of fentanyl, heroin or cocaine would be released.
o If someone is arrested for violating bail in a first instance or even a second instance they would be released.

New Jersey eliminated cash bail and moved to a system where judges can order defendants jailed based in part on a risk assessment that weighs the defendant’s criminal history and the charges they face. They did not allocate money in the State budget for the system and relied on court fees for funding. A recent report to the Governor and legislature warns that the system is “simply not sustainable” and faces “substantial annual structural deficit” because its funding mechanism relies on court fees rather than State budget. The report found staff at the pretrial monitoring program lack resources to keep tabs on people released and lack resources to help defendants who suffer from mental health or addiction problems.

In certain cases family members or loved ones want a defendant to be held until they can get the help or treatment they need. For example, when someone is arrested and they are high on drugs if they are released family are members are concerned they will go right back to the bad behavior they were involved in. In these instances family members actually request that the person be held until they come down from the high or can get the professional help they need.

More people are dying from opioid overdoses than gunshots and DWIs combined. We are the safest state but not the healthiest. We are one of the most addicted states and we need to continue to address the opioid epidemic as well as the scourge of other drugs. Many of these proposals regarding changes to the bail system or discovery run counterintuitive to efforts to fight the opioid epidemic at all levels.

DISCOVERY REFORM

NYSACOP is OPPOSED to the current legislative proposal

Our members have grave concerns that prematurely exposing the identity of witnesses will result in more harassment, intimidation and violence against innocent citizens. Witnesses will increasingly refuse to cooperate if they know that their name, address and contact information will be given to the defendant well before trial. Public confidence in the criminal justice system will be shattered.

Current NY law recognizes while it is appropriate to confront a testifying witness in a courtroom it is inappropriate for a defendant to confront a citizen in their living room. The law balances the right of defendants to fashion a defense with the right of a witness to be free from harassment, tampering, manipulation and intimidation. NY law achieves a fair balance by providing a defendant pre-trial discovery rights well in excess of that required by the federal or state constitutions while prudently keeping in mind the privacy rights and security interests of ordinary citizens who will be confronted by the defendant should they testify in court. This system has worked for over 3 decades.

The accelerated discovery being proposed would require the prosecution to expose the identity of all cooperating citizens regardless of whether they will even testify well before trial. These changes are transformative, unwarranted and disastrous especially given the frequency of witness intimidation.

Our membership asks the following question, what is the justification for all of this?

Many defendants want to find out as much about witnesses as soon as possible not to unearth exculpatory information, but to identify, target and intimidate witnesses who possess incriminating information. There is no evidence that shows a nexus between the current NY discovery rules and wrongful convictions. There is overwhelming evidence that witness tampering and witness intimidation has a significant impact on the ability of law enforcement to bring criminals to justice.

Witness tampering and intimidation represents a fundamental threat to the rule of law. It makes it more difficult to detect crimes, because many will go unreported to the police. It also makes it extraordinarily difficult to prosecute crimes because it deprives the prosecution of credible witness testimony.

Recent violent events across the country have renewed the call for citizens that; “If you see something say something”. Those who saw something will realize that their identities will soon be known by the very person observed committing the crime as well as their friends and associates. Witnesses will need to be advised that their identities and contact information will likely be disclosed to the defendant sooner rather than later and regardless of whether the witnesses even testifies at trial. Even simple requests for tips that could lead to more information will come with the caveat that the tipsters name must be disclosed to the defendant or accused.

ASSET FORFEITURE REFORM

NYSACOP is OPPOSED to the current legislative proposal

The need for the current laws that have been in place regarding civil asset forfeiture are varied, but in its simplest form, many criminals commit crimes to make money, spend money and live a life of tax-free excess. This statute is to take the profit out of crime and make assets unavailable to fuel further criminal activities.

The constitutionality of a so called, “13-A procedure” is well settled and NY’s law contains procedural protections for defendants. A seizure must be accompanied by a prior judicial order issued upon a significant evidentiary showing. The statute requires that all defendants receive notice and an opportunity to be heard within 5 days after seizure. Any party may ask the court for an order releasing property to pay reasonable attorney’ fees and living expenses.

The current legislation helps victims of financial crimes. The only real way to get assets back to victims is to seize and forfeit them. This statute makes it possible to return stolen funds to crime victims.

It is a common practice for criminals to move money out of their names and into the names of third parties. Often third parties are not indicted but own an interest in property that constitutes proceeds of crime. Without this statute criminals will be encouraged to launder money and give ill-gotten gains to other individuals to hold for them. The current law allows prosecutors to seize and forfeit assets if they prove in court that the third party knew or should have known that the property was obtained or used illegally.

Narcotics distribution networks often separate the movement of money from the movement of the drugs themselves making it difficult to criminally prosecute the money movers. Under the current law prosecutors can sue parties who are knowingly hiding, laundering, or transporting narcotics proceeds.

The proposed Assembly Bill A9505 hurts victims of financial crimes and favors defense attorneys and defendants over the rights of crime victims. The bill removes prosecutors’ ability to civilly restrain or seize property pre-trial that cannot be traced to criminal activity. Currently prosecutors can seize or freeze, pursuant to a pre-trial order, any property owned by a defendant equal in value to the proceeds of criminal activity, even if they property is not traceable to the criminal activity. The bill would provide that only after a judgment can you use untainted property to satisfy the judgment.

Many defendants hide illegally obtained money, invest it in improvements to real property or spend it prior to arrest. Often the only way to make sure a victim gets some of their money back is to restrain untainted assets before the defendant knows he will be arrested. By the time a defendant is convicted he often cannot pay back a victim.

Tom and Kim Cox, the 2018 Encore co-chairs

Press Release:

The Genesee Community College Foundation will be shaking things up this December with a new venue for the 27th annual Encore Gala. Before the first crocuses and daffodils are up, GCC suggests that all community members “save the date” for the 2018 Encore celebration on Saturday, December 1, 2018 in the brand new Richard C. Call Arena at the Batavia Campus.

The annual Encore Gala raises funds for student scholarships giving the local community the opportunity to support students through the College Foundation, while enjoying a very special evening that kicks off the holiday season. This year, co-chairs Thomas A. and Kim M. Cox are working with the GCC Foundation to plan something truly exciting for the 2018 Encore Gala under the theme, Let it GLOW.

“We are honored to chair the 2018 Encore Gala and are excited to be having this event in the new Richard C. Call Arena,” Kim Cox said with an enthusiastic smile. “In addition to the new venue, we have many surprises planned for the evening.”

Tom, a retired superintendent of Gananda Central School District and Kim, retired superintendent of LeRoy Central School District, both recognize the importance of education and supporting the Foundation’s scholarship program at GCC. Their career-long passion for education made them a perfect couple to chair the 2018 Encore Gala. Tom and Kim currently reside in Conesus, NY.

“From the first committee meeting, it was clear that the 2018 Encore celebration would be a unique celebration,” Richard Ensman, executive director of GCC Foundation said. “Tom and Kim have some great ideas, but the real motivation behind Encore comes from the scholarship opportunities it funds for GCC students.”

For more information about Encore please contact the Foundation Office at (585) 345-6809, or via email to foundation@genesee.edu.

View Online: http://genesee.meritpages.com/news/save-the-date-for-gcc-s-2018-encore-celebration-/2905

Press Release:

U.S. Air Force Airman Taylor C. Maier 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.

Maier is the daughter of Robert H. and Nancy J. Maier, and sister of Amanda J. Maier of Spencerport, N.Y.

She is a 2017 graduate of Spencerport High School, Spencerport, N.Y.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Michaela C. Austin

Press Release:

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Michaela C. Austin 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.

Austin is the daughter of Deanna Grady and Jeremy Austin, step-daughter of Alexander Grady, and sister of Joshua Austin and Casey Austin, all of Batavia, N.Y.

She is a 2015 graduate of Byron Bergen High School, Bergen, N.Y.

Woman accused of Brockport murder is now mentally fit to stand trial.
A Monroe County Justice has deemed accused murderess 32 year old Holly Colino formerly of Rochester mentally competent to stand trial.
Colino has been held in a state mental health facility charged with Murder for shooting Megan Dix of Lyndonville in cold blood last summer.
She was deemed mentally unfit Last October and sent to the facility for treatment and according to Colino’s attorney he says she’s much better now.
Colino was apprehended after allegedly pulling a gun on a restaurant employee in a parking lot in Rochester and managed to briefly escape police custody soon after her arrest.
Her bizarre string of seemingly insane videos posted on social media were used as a source for speculation over her mental state.
Colino’s Attorney says he’s going to argue that she was mentally ill when she pulled the trigger if the case goes to trial.

Pavilion man’s Sex Abuse conviction overturned on appeal.
Beniluis Ruiz of Pavilion was convicted on counts of first-degree sexual abuse and criminal sexual act in 2015 in Genesee County Court.
Ruiz who maintained he was innocent through his sentencing was on trial for allegedly sexually abusing children.
Now the State Supreme Court, Appellate Division has thrown out his conviction because of what the court deemed the improper use of testimony by an expert witness.
They ordered that Ruiz receive a new trial on the charges and by order of the court Ruiz was released from prison last week.
He’s scheduled to appear on March 30th in Genesee County Court for further proceedings in his case.

Elba man busted for pawning stolen goods in Batavia.
30 year old Mathew Williams of Hundredmark Road in Elba has been arrested and charged with possession of stolen property and falsifying business records for allegedly selling someone else’s property at Pawn King in Batavia.
Williams was given a court appearance ticket and released.

The Diocese of Syracuse isn’t following Buffalo Catholic leaders who identified priests accused of sexual abuse.
Last week the Diocese of Buffalo dropped a bombshell list of 42 local priests who had credible accusations of sexual abuse lodged against them.
The Buffalo News” reports the Catholic Diocese of Erie, Pennsylvania, says it’ll release its own list soon.
New-York-Upstate-dot-com reports the Syracuse diocese isn’t changing its position and will continue withholding the names of priests accused of sexual abuse unless victims identify them first.

Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly is thanking fans for their prayers ahead of his cancer surgery.
The former Bills all-star who led the franchise to four Super Bowls in a row announced earlier this month that his oral cancer had returned.
Kelly posted a thank-you video yesterday on his wife’s Instagram account.
He said he was traveling to New York City today for his surgery.

Interim City Manager Matt Worth

The city wants your sump pumps to drain naturally off your property not into the sanitary sewer.
City Hall has fired off letters to residents of Redfield Parkway and Bogue Avenue reminding homeowners that allowing storm water to drain into the sewer is a code violation.
Some property owners thought the city hall letter was threatening.
DPW Director and Interim City Manager Matt Worth explains the problem

There are just a handful of homes exempt from the code that was enacted more than 50 years ago.

An Elba man is charged with pawning stolen property.
30 year old Mathew Williams of Hundredmark Road is charged with possession of stolen property for allegedly selling someone else’s property at Pawn King. Williams given a court appearance ticket and released.

Remember the Wyoming County man arrested after driving a car with an axe planted in its roof?
21 year old Jared Price of Java was actually arrested four times over a 10 day period on a variety of charges including burglary, damaging a state police patrol car.
Price is not going to jail. He was sentenced to five years propbation and a two-thousand dollar fine.

Students in New York can start applying for free tuition.
The governor has announced that the State has begun accepting Excelsior Scholarship applications for the 2018-2019 school year.
New SUNY students whose families make under 110-thousand-dollars annually may qualify.
Students already receiving the scholarship don’t need to apply again.

The “I Love NY” signs will start coming down in New York State next month. The Federal Highway Administration said there was a delay taking down the more than 500 signs due to snowstorms. Removing the signs would potentially end a controversy dating back to 2013, when Governor Cuomo put them up over the objections of the feds.

30 year old Matthew Williams of Hundredmark Road in Elba was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and Falsifying Business Records following a larceny complaint from an Oak Orchard Road address in Elba.

Williams was accused of selling someone else’s property at a Pawn Shop in Batavia.

He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is expected in Batavia Town Court on April 10^th.

Press Release:

There are nearly three million nurses working in the United States today. It is a demanding and skilled profession oftentimes with intense emotion. Genesee Community College’s Nursing Program produces qualified and skilled job candidates for the healthcare field each year. Now, under the direction of the Alumni Affairs Office, the Nursing Program Alumni are working hard to help ensure every qualified Nursing Program student can and will succeed.

The GCC Nursing Alumni Committee has established a new scholarship opportunity for future Nursing Program students to help mitigate financial obstacles to GCC student success. The committee is excited to invite the entire community to kick off National Nurses Week at the Batavia Downs on Friday, May 4, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. for the first annual Gatsby Gala to support the GCC Nursing Alumni Scholarship.

The Gatsby Gala will include dinner and dancing for all and chances to win big with door prizes and a cash raffle! Tickets are only on sale until April 20, 2018 – so contact the Alumni Affairs Office at alumni@genesee.edu today. You can also get your tickets and RSVP online at https://www.genesee.edu/home/offices/alumni/alumni-events/gatsbygala/. Tickets to the gala cost $100 per person and all proceeds go directly to the GCC Nursing Alumni Scholarship.

In addition to attending the Gatsby Gala, there are opportunities to sponsor the scholarship at a number of levels. The sponsorship opportunity detail is available at https://www.genesee.edu/home/offices/alumni/alumni-events/gatsbygala/ and includes commitments of $100 – $3000 and includes In-kind Support for those wishing to customize their sponsorship. All sponsorship levels include a variety of benefits from free advertising to photos, and GCC Foundation recognition. All sponsorships must be submitted by April 20, 2018 for full recognition.

The Nursing Program Alumni committee includes:

• Committee Chair – Michelle Grohs, director of Surgical Services, Maternity and Women’s Health at Wyoming County Community Health System
• Decoration Chair – Heather Glosser, Warsaw Central School District School nurse and owner of Glosser Family Farms
• Food and Beverage Chair – Susanne Roggow, Spectrum Human Services nurse
• Ticket Chair – Stephanie Durfee, GCC Nursing Program instructor
• Hospitality Chair – Laurel Sanger, GCC’s director of Nursing Program
• Entertainment Chair – Kelli Pease, WCJW radio personality and GCC Communications instructor
• Photography Chair – Maureen Spindler, GCC’s visual communications specialist and photographer
• Communications Chair and Event Emcee – Scott Gardner, president of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce
• Sponsor Chair – Jennifer Wakefield, GCC’s assistant director of Alumni Affairs

For more information, contact Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs Jennifer Wakefield at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6265, or via email at jgwakefield@genesee.edu.

News Release: Assemblyman Steve Hawley 

As part of the ‘Finger Lakes Forward’ initiative, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that the Village of Holley was awarded $1,000,000 for the restoration and conversion of the former Holley High School at 1 Wright Street into Holley Gardens, a mixed-used facility geared toward senior living and accessible office space for the community.
“Public investment in our small towns is inspiring and necessary to turn dilapidated and neglected areas into robust centers of community and commerce,” Hawley said. “I am pleased to hear that the old Holley High School will become a welcoming living community for our seniors, and I look forward to watching this project transform and progress as we move forward.”

Danny Hamner

Press Release:

What: GCC’s History Club Presents: “The Removal Crisis of 1832” with GCC’s adjunct professor, Danny Hamner

When: Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 7 p.m.

Where: Genesee Community College ~ Batavia Campus – Room T102, Conable Technology Building

Who: This event is free and open to the public.

Background: Genesee Community College’s History Club presents GCC adjunct professor Danny Hamner to discuss “The Removal Crisis of 1832: How Nationalism, Political Ambition and the Electoral College Shaped the Trail of Tears.” This presentation, part of the Historical Horizon’s Lecture Series, will take place on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 7 p.m. in room T102 if the Conable Technology Building at the Batavia campus.

Hamner will discuss how the “Trail of Tears” is often remembered as the inevitable tragedy of an indigenous people swept aside by the rising forces of modern America. While there certainly were large historical forces transforming America in the early 19th century, the removal crises of the period were ultimately shaped by the personalities, politics and needs of the movement. The mix of personal ambitions and zealous nationalism linked the destiny of the Cherokee Nation to Henry Clay’s presidential aspirations with catastrophic but not inevitable results.

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

Additional Details: http://news.genesee.edu/news/2018/01/03/gcc-announces-historical-horizons-spring-2018-lecture-series

The 2018 GCC Fashion Show graphic, designed by GCC’s Graphic Arts student, Yuki Lai

Press Release:

The Fashion Program students at Genesee Community College have been interviewing models and finalizing pieces for the 37th Annual Fashion Show to take place on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 7 p.m. in the new Richard C. Call Arena. Get your tickets now!

Each scene in the show is designed and coordinated by a student in the Fashion program. This year, the students challenged themselves, selecting “Ascendant” as the show theme. “Ascendant” speaks to the rising power GCC has in communicating thoughtful and impactful fashion while simultaneously representing a person’s rising sign – the astrological sign under which a person is born. The “Ascendant” theme moves beyond recognizing astrologically assigned character trait differences and to using fashion to make statements about appreciating those differences as potential contributions to creative teamwork.

This year’s show features the following scenes:

Cancer – Fuses bohemian wear and earthy elements into a free spirited look

Scene Coordinator: Maya Neeley of Harrisville, NY

Libra – A wedding scene emphasizing romance and elegance

Scene Coordinator: Jewel Watters of Sandy Valley, NV

Gemini – Examines the sameness and individuality of twins

Scene Coordinator: Emily Lontkowski of Batavia, NY

Capricorn – Showcases the independent and professional women’s work attire

Scene Coordinator: Alexa Higgins of LeRoy, NY and Tykayila Hawkins of Rochester, NY

Taurus – Demonstrates the conservative and unisex styles of today

Scene Coordinator: Felton Terrell Poole of Medina, NY

Virgo – Exposes an inner realness through the transparency of ingenuousness

Scene Coordinator: Adeline Kijsiravej of Bangkok,Thailand

Pisces – Utilizes bright colors and impactful graphics to depict the Pisces personality.

Scene Coordinator: Serenity Brown of Rochester, NY

Scorpio – Compiles mystery, passion and fierceness into a contemporary street look

Scene Coordinator: Charlotte Hughes of Ordizan, France

Leo – Portrays a desire for love and admiration

Scene Coordinator: Tsubasa Mirua of Japan

Aries – Represents individuality and confident fierceness through dark and neutral colors with bold trims

Scene Coordinator: Katie Plummer of Brockport, NY

Sagittarius – Screams “Freedom” through a variety of denim pieces

Scene Coordinator: Harrison Lourens of Batavia, NY

Aquarius – The unique nature of Aquarius will be communicated through garments of unique styles constructed by various GCC students

Luna – A nighttime scene that showcases formalwear created by various GCC students

In Darkness & In Light – Draws luxury from utility as light is drawn from darkness

Scene Coordinator: Kaeli LaFrance of Akwesasne, NY

Comet – Elegant formal wear with an upbeat taste

Scene Coordinator: Kaitlyn Tipton of Meyersdale, NY

Ophiuchus – The newest zodiac sign which falls between Scorpio and Sagittarius is being celebrated by our guest design company, Sseko Designs. Sseko Designs develop clothing and accessories that are constructed by women pursuing higher education and fair wages in Uganda, Africa. The new zodiac is a positive representation of a new ethical direction of the fashion industry.

“Ascendant” will completely transform the field house in the new Richard C. Call Arena into a dreamlike space with a powerful runway! Tickets to attend the show are available in advance for $5 per person until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25, 2018. Tickets will also be available at the door for $8 per person. To purchase tickets in advance, email fashionshow@genesee.edu today.

Are you interested in an opportunity to show your support for the Fashion Show? GCC’s fashion program students are currently soliciting and accepting production sponsors. Business donation opportunities of $10 and personal donation opportunities of $5 are still available. Sponsors will be included in the Fashion Show Program as well as on the Fashion Show website. Please email fashionshow@genesee.edu to schedule a donation pick up or to make special arrangements for your donation. Checks should be made payable to GCCA and can be mailed to Genesee Community College, Fashion Show, One College Road, Batavia NY 14020-9704.

As it has in the past, the Fashion Show will include a vendor fair giving local businesses a chance to showcase their products and services. There are still a few tables available for additional vendors. Interested businesses should email fashionshow@genesee.edu. Tables are only $25 and are an excellent marketing opportunity, given the fashion show attendance of nearly 2,000 local consumers.

To get an inside look at the 37th Annual Fashion Show, Ascendant, follow @trendygcc_ on Instagram and @trendygcc on Twitter. You can also read our student blogs at https://geensee.edu/wordpress.com/blog/. Students will be sharing details about the show and more!

News Release: Byron-Bergen Central Schools

The Byron-Bergen Central School District is one of 152 school districts and Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in New York State to receive the Utica National lnsurance Group’s School Safety Excellence Award for 2018. District Superintendent Mickey Edwards, Jr./Sr. High School Principal Patrick McGee, and Elementary School Principal Brian Meister accepted the top “Titanium with Honors” level award and a $500 prize, to be used to further safety efforts, on March 22, 2018.

“Our district has continued to take action in making our school safe and secure,” said Edwards. “We were one of the first in our area to bring in a school resource officer. Over the past few years, he has become an integral part of our schools and our culture, forming personal connections and relationships at all grade levels. Our character education program and anti-bullying activities are making measurable impacts on a daily basis. We also continue to use and improve security measures like the New York State Sheriff’s Association (NYSSA) Rapid Responder® Program, an all-hazards site-based crisis management system; our security camera system that oversees buildings and grounds; and our comprehensive visitor management system.”

“Providing a safe and secure learning environment for our students, teachers, staff, and visitors is our first priority,” he said. “We are honored to receive this recognition.”

The School Safety Excellence Award Program has three levels—titanium, platinum and gold—and annual awards are given based on quantifiable measurements of excellence in categories that include bullying prevention programs, playground safety, and other areas. Utica National has kept children and school staff safe for over 40 years, and currently insures more than 300 school districts in upstate New York alone.

“Safety and health concerns continue to be a priority in our school districts,” said Brian Saville, resident senior vice president in Utica National’s Educational Institutions Unit. “Districts that go above and beyond to provide a safe, healthy and focused culture for learning are to be applauded, and we’re pleased to count Byron-Bergen Central School District among them.”

Saville noted that, beyond the recognition itself, an added benefit of following the safety program is the chance to pinpoint specific threats to safety. “The time to address those threats is before a loss happens, which really helps contribute to the safety culture that districts are working toward.”

City Council addresses a stinky situation on Redfield Parkway.
Residents of Redfield Parkway and Bogue Ave in Batavia attended the latest City Council Meeting expressing concern over letters sent to them by the City regarding sump-pump connections that tie into the city’s sewer line.
Some of the residents say they felt the letter was threatening and seemingly blamed them for an overflow in a city sewer station.
Interim City Manager Matt Worth explains the issue…

Sump-pump connections to the cities sanitary sewer system are not permitted however many residents were allowed the exception when the ordinance was established in 1966.
Other Redfield residents said they are being unfairly punished for having to upgrade or change a system that was once allowed and may not be harming the city’s sewer system.

A Churchville man is AWOL and it is a mystery to both the Army and his family.
Sergeant Car Seeman disappeared in Fayetteville, North Carolina Sunday afternoon.
His cell phone was found in his unlocked truck in the parking lot at Walmart.
He had checked in with his command Saturday but missed Sundays check in.
The search began Sunday and has his family bewildered.
Seemans grandfather said Sergeant Seeman was living his dream of being a paratrooper in the army.
Fort Bragg officials say Seeman has been with the 82nd Airborne division for 6 years and spent 2012 in Afghanistan.

The Wyoming County man accused of driving a car with an ax in the roof and being on drugs isn’t going to jail.
21 year old Jared Price of Java was arrested four times over a period of about ten days last year.
He was accused of damaging a state trooper’s vehicle, burglary and violating an order of protection.
Yesterday Price was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay a $2,000 fine.
The DA said he wanted him to serve the maximum sentence of about 5 to 14 years in prison.

Meth making operation busted in Arcade landing one resident in lock up.
Lawmen say they raided a home on Liberty Street in Arcade and found 44 year old Shawn Wing running a meth making operation.
Wing was jailed on various drug charges with additional charges possible pending lab results on the chemicals found in the home.

Students in New York can start applying for free tuition.
Yesterday Governor Cuomo announced that they began accepting Excelsior Scholarship applications for the 2018-2019 school year.
New SUNY and CUNY students whose families make under $110,000 annually may qualify.
Students already receiving the scholarship don’t need to apply again.

The Batavia City Council will hold their first public meeting with the consultants searching for Batavia’s new city manager on Wednesday.
Council will hold a public meeting this Wednesday night with a representative of Novak Consulting of Cincinnati.
The rep is expected to go into somedetailon the recruitment process.
The firm is being paid $26,000 to find Batavia’s next manager.
The council is also meeting tonight for a regularly scheduledconference meeting. Both meetings will be heldat 7pm in city hall.

What police describe as a violent domestic incident puts a Dellinger Avenue man behind bars.
26 year old Joseph Tornabene is accused of attacking a woman during a domestic dispute. Police say the woman suffered injuries but they did not elaborate.
She tried to call 9-1-1 on her cell phone but cops say Tornabene took the phone from her.
Tornabene is charged with assault and robbery and jailed on 25-thousand dollars bail.

A Meth lab is shut down in Wyoming County.
Lawmen say they raided a home on Liberty Street in Arcade and found 44 year old Shawn Wing running a meth making operation.
Wing has been jailed on a variety of drug counts and more charges may be placed pending lab resyuklts on the chemicals found in the home.

Beware of your own dog: he, or she, could get you in trouble.
41 year old Scott Lardner of Tracy Avenue found out the hard way. He was charged with owning a vicious and unlicensed dog.
Seems Lardner’s dog allegedly bit someone earlier this month in Lardner’s apartment.

Lawmakers have until April 1st to finish a massive $150-billion spending plan for New York State. One of the key issues in negotiations is how much to spend to fix chronic repairs at New York City housing developments. Governor Andrew Cuomo has staged several events at NYCHA properties, calling the agency incompetent. Albany is also considering rules on sexual harassment and gun control.Lawmakers say they hope to complete the budget before Friday because of the Passover and Easter holidays.

Governor Cuomo apparently thinks Jewish people can’t dance very well. On Palm Sunday yesterday, Cuomo visited a Harlem Church and made an awkward joke implying that Jews are bad dancers during a speech. He told the crowd at Mount Neboh Baptist Church that he is Catholic and Catholics are in his words not as without rhythm as our Jewish brothers and sisters. Not many laughed after the comment.

The Batavia City Council will hold their first public meeting with the consultants searching for Batavia’s new city manager this week..
Council will hold a public meeting this Wednesday night with a representative of Novak Consulting of Cincinnati.
The rep is expected to go into somedetailon the recruitment process.
The firm is being paid $26,000 s to find a replacement for former city manager Jason Molino who resigned in January to become Administrator of Tompkins County.
The council is also meeting tonight for a regularly scheduled conference meeting.

Both meetings will be held at 7pm in city hall.

Law Enforcement in Wyoming County executed a search warrant at a Liberty Street address in Arcade that resulted in the arrest of 44 year old Shawn Wing for allegedly running a meth making operation.

The raid was conducted shortly after 12 on Friday afternoon.

Wing was charged with Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, Criminal Possession of Meth Precursors and Meth Making Materials along with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and use of drug paraphernalia.

He was remanded to the Wyoming County Jail in lieu of $7,500 bail and Police say more charges could be pending following lab results.

News Release: GCEDC

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) will consider approving incentives for two project as well as consider accepting an application for another.

Genesee Lumber Company will demolish an existing structure to make way to build a 7,158 sq. ft. warehouse addition to their operation in the City of Batavia. The $300,000 capital investment project would create three new jobs and retain 29 jobs. Genesee Lumber Company is seeking approximately $57,000 in incentives. If the project is approved, it will contribute to the Batavia to Prosperity (B2P) and Reinvestment Fund.

Town Center Plaza, LLC is seeking to bring back a grocery store to the Village of Corfu on a site that also was a former grocery store that has been closed for several years. The new 20,000 sq. ft. facility is a $1 million investment that would create 7 new jobs. The company is seeking approximately $77,000 in incentives. While the grocery store is a retail project, it qualifies to apply for financial incentives because the store will be located adjacent to a highly distressed census tract. Town Center Plaza, LLC also is claiming that they will provide unique goods and services to the community that otherwise are not available.

Finally, the GCEDC board will consider accepting an application from Xylem (Golden Pumps). The company is proposing to expand its existing facility of 18,282 sq. ft. to 26,382 sq. ft. The expansion would result in a capital investment of approximately $800,000. Total incentives being sought are approximately $100,000 and as such would require a public hearing. Xylem is planning to consolidate Rochester operations into Batavia as well.

The GCEDC Board meeting is Thursday, March 29th at 4 p.m. in the Innovation Zone at 99 MedTech Drive in Batavia. The meeting is open to the public.

Dellinger Ave disturbance lands an alleged abuser behind bars.
26 year old Joseph Tornabene of Batavia was arrested after allegedly being involved in a violent domestic dispute with a female victim.
The disturbance occurred at a lower apartment at a Dellinger Ave address in the city on Friday morning.
Tornabene was accused of punching the woman in the face and forcibly taking her phone to prevent her from calling 911 for help.
He was also allegedly in violation of a protection order.
Tornabene was jailed on charges of Assault, Aggravated Criminal Contempt, Criminal Mischief and Robbery.
He is being held in lieu of $2,500.

A Byron man is behind bars following a poor probation check.
22 year old Jacob Russell of Walkers Corner Road was subject to a probation check at his residence last Thursday in which officers allegedly found him in possession of a switchblade knife and five pot smoking devices containing drugs.
Russell was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon with a Previous Conviction along with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and was committed to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail.

Sex Offender in Pembroke busted for allegedly failing to report a change of address.
According to deputies, 41 year old Daniel King failed to register a change of address within a 10 day period.
He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Tracy Ave man hit with charges after dog bit another resident.
41 year old Scott Larnder of Batavia was arrested and charged with Owning a Vicious Dog and for keeping them without a license.
Earlier this month Larnder’s dog allegedly bit another individual at his upper apartment on Tracy Ave.
He was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court on April 3rd.

State Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle is expected to run for Congress.
Democratic Representative Louise Slaughter passed away earlier this month after serving Western New York for more than three-decades.
“The Democrat and Chronicle” reported yesterday that Morelle, a Democrat, is gearing up to run for the open seat.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi honored Slaughter’s memory at her funeral on Friday.

The state attorney general’s office is investigating the research arm of an Albany based organization that some say is a cult.
“The Times Union” says the Ethical Science Foundation associated with Nxivm allegedly sponsored studies in brain activity and human behavior without any oversight.
A justice with the state Supreme Court recently ordered all research documentation be turned over.

A Probation check puts a Byron man behind bars.
22 year old Jacob Russell of Walkers Corner Road was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon with a Previous Conviction along with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana.
Officers say they found Russell in possession of a switchblade knife and five pot smoking devices containing drugs.
Russell was locked up in lieu of $20,000 bail.

A Pembroke man arrested for allegedly failing to report a change of address as a sex offender.
Lawmen say 41 year old Daniel King failed to register a change of address within a 10 day period.
He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

A Rochester resident busted for untaxed smokes in the Town of Alabama.
32 year old Bin Chen of Rochester was stopped on Alleghany Road in for allegedly failing to stop at a stop sign.
Deputies say they found Chen in possession of 30,000 untaxed cigarettes he was intending to sell.
Chen was released on his own recognizance with a court appearance ticket.

Congratulations to Joe Marchese the new Mr. Batavia for 2018.
Marchese was crowned following a two and a half hour competition with 11 other contestants at Batavia High School Friday night.
The event raised more than 44-hundred dollars this year, half of which will go to Crossroad House, Joe’s charity of choice.

The Diocese of Buffalo in damage control.
The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo is attempting to control the fallout from a sex abuse scandal that has plagued the church for years.
Recently, the diocese released a list of 42 priests, living and dead, who served in Western New York, who were accused of abusing children.
Buffalo Bishop Michael Malone continues to apologize for the sins of the past…

Bishop Malone’s statement was taken from a longer video released by the diocese on Friday.
A copy of that video can be viewed here.

The Grand opening of the Eli Fish Brewing Company is on tap for later today. The $2.8-million development is in the former J J Newberry Building in Batavia. The project consists of a tavern, brewery, and restaurant on the first floor with apartments ready to be built on the second and third floor. The opening is set for 2 o’clock this afternoon.

Probation check in Byron leads to lock up for resident.
22 year old Jacob Russell of Walkers Corner Road was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon with a Previous Conviction along with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana following a Probation check at his residence Thursday.
Officers allegedly found him with a switchblade knife and five pot smoking devices containing drugs.
Russell was remanded to jail in lieu of $20,000 bail.

Rochester resident busted for untaxed smokes in Alabama.
32 year old Bin Chen of Wangman Street in Rochester was stopped on Alleghany Road in Alabama for allegedly failing to stop at a stop sign.
Deputies allegedly found Chen in possession of 30,000 untaxed cigarettes he was intending to sell and was arrested and charged with Criminal Tax Fraud.
Chen was released on his own recognizance and is expected back in Alabama Town Court on May 3rd.

Congratulations to Joe Marchese the newly crowned Mr. Batavia for 2018.
Marchese was crowned following a two and a half hour competition with 11 other contestants at Batavia High School last night.
The event raised more than $4,400 this year, half of which will go to Crossroad House, which is the new Mr. Batavia’s charity of choice.

Bishop Richard Malone

The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo is trying to control the fallout from sex abuse scandal that has plagued the church for years.
Recently, the diocese released a list of 42 priests who served in Western New York, who were accused of abusing child.
Some of the priests are dead and some are living.

Buffalo Bishop Michael Malone continued today to apologize for the sins of the past

Bishop Malone’s statement was taken from a longer video released by the diocese today.

The Grand opening of the Eli Fish Brewing Company is on tap for tomorrow.
The 2.8-million dollar development is in the location of the former J J Newberry Company in Batavia.
The project consists of a tavern, brewery, and restaurant and soon to be built apartments on the second and third floor.
The opening is set for 2 tomorrow afternoon.

New York’s flu season appears to be winding down.
The state released the newest numbers showing that for the fourth week in a row the number of reported flu cases went down.
Confirmed flu cases dropped by 19-percent statewide

Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame Quarterback Jim Kelly is scheduled to have surgery for cancer again. The former Bills all-star announced earlier this month that his oral cancer had returned. His surgery is set for this coming Wednesday. Kelly’s prognosis isn’t known but he tweeted that he’s enjoying quiet time in the mountains of Arizona now.

News Release: Go Art!

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council has announced plans to reopen the former Batavia Club Bar in the Seymour building located at 201 East Main Street. GO ART! members and special guests are invited to a private prelude opening at the newly named Tavern 2.o.1, Friday, April 6 from 5-7pm. Guests will be treated to hors d’oeuvres from the Red Osier Landmark Restaurant. Specially priced tasting of the selection of wine, cider & beers being served at Tavern 2.o.1 will also be available.

The doors officially open to the public at 7pm on April 6. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, door prizes and raffles.

Tavern 2.o.1 will be serving a selection of wines, ciders and beers (many of which are locally created within the GLOW region).
Staff and Board members will be on site for the opening reception to promote and describe the delicious libations.

(Quote Tammy) ‘Our bar has the capability to offer events that people are traveling to Rochester or Buffalo to attend. After numerous requests from groups to partner and hold festivities, we made the commitment to open the space as a tavern and to begin scheduling some fun evening experiences for the community.’’

Currently, Tavern 2.o.1 will be open for both public and private events held at GO ART’s headquarters, the Seymour building. However, there is talk of the bar being open for regular hours in the future. For more information on events at GO ART! visit our website at www.goart.org or like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/geneseeorleansarts/.

Reward offered in State Police investigation into firearm burglary to the south.
Troopers in Amity are seeking public assistance in identifying possible suspects a burglary at a store that sells firearms in Allegany County.
Shongo General Store located in Willing was burglarized by possibly two or more unidentified suspects between 2 and 5 Wednesday morning.
The suspects made off with thirteen long guns and five handguns after forcefully entering the store.
A combined reward of up to 5-thousand dollars has been offered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the National Shooting Sports Foundation for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects.
There are pictures of the alleged burglars and contact information located in our local news article.
The criminal investigation remains on-going.

It’s O-Fish-al
The Eli Fish Brewing Company will officially open tomorrow.
It’s the first locally brewed beer to in Batavia in a century.
Eli Fish Brewing Company is the cornerstone of the $2.8 million redevelopment of the former J.J. Newberry building on Main Street. The building includes the brewery and restaurant incubator on the ground floor, with apartments planned for the second and third floors.
As part of the Grand Opening celebration, Eli Fish Brewing Company will also unveil its first two in-house brewed beers.

Alleged Batavia dirt bike burglar busted.
38 year old Robert Ratcliffe of Castile is accused of smashing a window at Batavia Cycle Shop last May and taking off with a dirt bike.
Ratcliffe is facing felony counts of burglary and grand larceny. He’s been released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Genesee County’s bond rating has been downgraded, but local officials have been left scratching their heads as to why.
County Treasurer Scott German reported to the legislature that the county’s bond rating has been reduced from Double-A to Double-A-minus.
The S & P report blames a “weak economy” for the downgrade.
German says he disagrees with the finding.
It could mean that the county’s cost of borrowing money could go up.

Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame Quarterback Jim Kelly is scheduled to have surgery for cancer again.
The former Bills all star who led the franchise to four Super Bowls in a row announced earlier this month that his oral cancer had returned.
This week he tweeted that his surgery is set for this coming Wednesday. Kelly’s prognosis isn’t known but he tweeted that he’s enjoying quiet time in the mountains of Arizona now.

News Release: New York State Police

The Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) out of SP Amity are investigating a burglary at Shongo General Store, 2953 Hawks Road, Willing, NY. On March 21, 2018 from 2-5 A.M. the unidentified suspect(s) forcefully entered the store and took thirteen long guns and five handguns.

ATF, NSSF offer up to $5,000 for information about the burglary of Shongo General Store FFL
Buffalo, NY –The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) have offered a combined reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the burglary of firearms from federally licensed firearms dealer.

If you have any information on the suspect(s) or this investigation contact the NYSP at 585-268-7085 or ATF at 1-888-ATF-GUNS (888-283-4867), email ATFTips@atf.gov.

New York State Police BCI are working with ATF, NSSF and the Pennsylvania State Police- SP Coudersport. This is still an ongoing criminal investigation.

The Eli Fish Brewing Company will officially open this Saturday.
The occasion will mark the first locally brewed beer to flow in Batavia in a century.
Eli Fish Brewing Company is the cornerstone of the $2.8 million redevelopment of the former J.J. Newberry building on Main Street. The building includes the brewery and restaurant incubator on the ground floor, with apartments planned for the second and third floors.
As part of the Grand Opening celebration, Eli Fish Brewing Company will also unveil its first two in-house brewed beers.

An arrest has been made in a 10 month old burglary.
38 year old Robert Ratcliffe of Castile is accused of smashing a window at Batavia Cycle Shop last May and taking off with a dirt bike.
Ratcliffe is facing felony counts of burglary and gfrad larceny. He’s been released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Genesee County’s bond rating has been downgraded, but local officials have been left scratching their heads as to why.
County Treasurer Scott German reported to the legislature that the county’s bond rating has been reduced from Double-A to Double-A-minus.
The S & P report blames a “weak economy” for the downgrade.
German says he disagrees with the finding.
It could mean that the county’s cost of borrowing money could go up.

The Rochester Amtrak station is being renamed after the late Congresswoman Louise Slaughter. She died less than a week ago in the hospital where she was being treated for a fall.
Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that Amtrak agreed to rename the station the “Louise M. Slaughter Intermodal Station in Rochester.”

A New York lawmaker is proposing a bill that would allow medical marijuana for pets. If passed, only authorized veterinarians would be allowed to certify pets for the treatment. Sponsors of the bill say it would ease unnecessary suffering and pain for animals, but those against the bill say there is not enough research on the drug’s impact on pets.

Local beer is about to flow in Batavia for the first time in nearly a century. Owners of the Eli Fish Brewing Company will be joined by state and local officials, business leaders and plenty of thirsty friends when they celebrate the brewery’s official Grand Opening. The celebration is scheduled for Saturday, March 24 at 2 p.m. at the brewery, 109 Main Street, Batavia.

Named in honor of one of Batavia’s early leaders and owned by three native Batavians, Eli Fish Brewing Company is the cornerstone of the $2.8 million redevelopment of the former J.J. Newberry building on Main Street. The building includes the brewery and restaurant incubator on the ground floor, with apartments planned for the second and third floors.

As part of the Grand Opening celebration, Eli Fish Brewing Company will also unveil its first two in-house brewed beers.

Following investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office into a burglary at the Batavia Cycle Center deputies arrested 38 year old Robert Ratcliffe of South Main Street in Castile.

He was accused of smashing a window and illegally entering the business on East Main Street Road in Batavia during the overnight hours of May 23^rd last year.

Ratcliffe allegedly stole a dirt bike in the ordeal.

He was charged with Third degree Burglary, Grand Larceny and Criminal Mischief.

Ratcliffe was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is expected back in Batavia Town Court on April 10^th.

Jason Chiodo had four goals for Genesee including the game winner in a 22-4 win over visiting Hudson Valley March 21

Press Release:

No. 4 Cougars Remain atop Region III Men’s Lacrosse Standings with 22-4 Win

The Genesee Community College men’s lacrosse team remained atop the National Junior College Athletic Association Region-III standings with a 22-4 win over previously unbeaten Hudson Valley Community College March 21.

Genesee and nationally top-ranked Onondaga Community College are now both tied for first in Region-III standings with 2-0 records.

The Cougars took a 5-0 lead after the first quarter with their final goal of the opening quarter proving to be the game winner from the stick of Jason Chiodo – one of three Cougars to finish the night with five points or better.

Genesee took a 12-2 lead into the break and resumed play with the next 10 tallies before the Vikings added a late pair in the fourth.

Kevin McParlene netted a half-dozen scores to lead in that department, while Jordan Brennan added five points with three goals. McParlene also had team highs in shots with 11 and groundballs with three.

Tyler Thompson scored a pair of goals with single tallies coming from Josh Bernas, Henry Reber, Zach Wade, Samuel Koczwara, Alex Mack, Andrew Forte and Robert Campany.

Three Cougar keepers guarded the cage with Troi Benedict earning the start and the win with four saves. Both Garrett Lazore and Lincoln Potter each played a quarter and each registered a pair of saves.

Genesee dominated in the faceoff circle with 23 wins off 30 attempts.

Saturday, March 23 is the big showdown between No. 1 Onondaga and No. 4 Genesee in Syracuse with a 12 p.m. start.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Local Village Election results are in.
David T. Boyle was elected Mayor of the Village of Oakfield.
After the votes were tallied, Boyle came out ahead of write in candidate Jeremy Yasses with a vote of 98 to 75.
Incumbent Democrat, William Kettle and Republican Richard Tetrault won Village Trustee seats in LeRoy.
In Albion there was a close race for mayor with Eileen Banker winning over Joyce Riley and Kevin Doherty with 250 votes

Albion man arrested for stalking in Batavia.
34 year old Leon Johnson of South Main Street in Albion was arrested following a domestic incident at an Edwards Street address in the City.
Johnson was accused of following an individual with the threat of injury and was charged with third and fourth degree counts of Stalking along with a count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
Johnson was remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail and is expected in Batavia City Court at a later date.

Canandaigua resident arrested on 6 year old parking violation in the city.
37 year old Otha Rivers the third of Lakeshore Drive in Canandaigua was arrested on an outstanding Batavia City Court arrest warrant.
Rivers had allegedly illegally parked at the Genesee County Courts Facility in August of 2012 and was finally apprehended for the charge this week.
River was arraigned in City Court where he pled guilty to the violation and was ordered to pay a fine before being released.

A Rochester grandmother is going to prison for trying to kill her granddaughter.
Yesterday 54 year old Stephany Ruckdeschel pleaded guilty to attempted murder for the incident in October.
She was accused of giving the seven year old girl pills to take in an attempted murder suicide.
Family members found them unconscious and were able to get them to the hospital in time.
Ruckdeschel will spend 12-years behind bars.

More sexually abusive priests from the Buffalo Diocese could be identified soon.
This week, under pressure, Bishop Malone publicly released the identities of more than 40 priests that had credible allegations of child sexual abuse against them.
Advocates say the list is incomplete and will continue to grow whether the diocese helps or not.
The diocese says they’re considering disclosing more information in the future.

The Rochester Amtrak station is being renamed after the late Congresswoman Louise Slaughter.
She died less than a week ago in the hospital where she was being treated for a fall.
Yesterday Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that Amtrak agreed to rename the station the “Louise M. Slaughter Intermodal Station in Rochester.”
Gillibrand said bringing the train station to Rochester was one of her proudest achievements.

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.