Local News

65 year old Felix Cabrera-Lopez of Emerson Street in Rochester was stopped on South Lake Ave in Bergen late Tuesday night where he was arrested for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and for having an Uninspected Vehicle.

Deputies found that Cabrera-Lopez had his driving privileges revoked on at least 10 different occasions.

He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

53 year old Anthony Calabrese of Firestone Road in Lackawanna was stopped for allegedly speeding on Route 5 in Batavia early Tuesday morning.

Calabrese was accused of being intoxicated and was taken into custody for DWI.

He was additionally charged with speeding, moving from a lane unsafely and Misuse of dealer plates.

He was released with an appearance ticket returnable to Batavia Town Court on April 19th.

Dr. Thomas C. Priester, courtesy of GCC

Press Release:

Officials at Genesee Community College announced that Dr. Thomas C. Priester of Lancaster, NY has accepted the position of associate dean of the Wyoming County Campus Centers in Arcade and Warsaw. Dr. Priester has been operating as interim dean since the summer of 2017 when his predecessor retired. He came to GCC in 2012 as an instructor of Transitional Studies and was named director of Transitional Studies in 2015. Prior to GCC, Dr. Priester worked as the director of Academic Success at Finger Lakes Community College and the program coordinator at Monroe Community College.

“I first came to GCC for an opportunity to serve as a faculty member at a forward-moving community college in Western New York,” Dr. Priester said. “Community colleges are affordable, transformational institutions. From access to success, the unique role of the community college is to meet students where they are and help to get them to where it is they want to go. As hope-inspired institutions dedicated to helping students interact with the future, community colleges assist students overcome barriers to enrollment, develop and deliver rigorous curricula that prepare students for their respective life-career goals, and lead purposeful efforts that activate student persistence, retention and completion.”

Dr. Priester also serves as a lecturer for the Higher Education Administration graduate program at SUNY Buffalo State College, and he is a member of the board of directors for the SUNY Fredonia Alumni Association, an accreditation reviewer for the National Association for Developmental Education and a peer evaluator for the Middle States Commission of Higher Education.

“Tom’s commitment to the Wyoming County community and his dedication to higher education are evident in the work he began as interim associate dean,” said Dr. Craig Lamb, dean of Distributed Learning who oversees both GCC’s six Campus Centers and Online Learning. “His official appointment as associate dean will only spur his efforts and allow him to continue to serve our students, our faculty and staff, and our communities.”

Dr. Priester earned his B.A. in Secondary English Education at SUNY Fredonia, his M.S. in Student Personnel Administration at SUNY Buffalo State College, and his Ed.D. in Executive Leadership at St. John Fisher College.
“With the academic and life-career success of our students (both inside and outside of the classroom) as our motivating factor, I am thrilled to work closely with the exemplary team of faculty and staff at the Wyoming County Campus Centers as we work together towards our common goal-student success,” Priester said. “While relationships are the currency of higher education, one of our immediate goals is to rejuvenate successful relationships with local high school personnel and community members to position both the Arcade and Warsaw Campus Centers as educational hubs in Wyoming County. Ultimately, we plan to keep our hallways hoppin’!”

In Wyoming County, the Arcade Campus Center was established in 1995 and is located at 25 Edward Street, Arcade, NY 14009, https://www.genesee.edu/home/about/campuses/arcade/; and the Warsaw Campus Center was established in 1991 and is located at 115 Linwood Avenue in the YMCA Building, Warsaw, NY 14569, https://www.genesee.edu/home/about/campuses/warsaw/.

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

Jason Chiodo (left) carries the ball before scoring one of five goals in a 15-10 win at MCC (photo credit:GCC Athletics/Mark Jagord)

Press Release:

Men’s Lacrosse Team Scores Double-Digit Middle Frames to Rally Over MCC

The Genesee Community College men’s lacrosse team must have had the weather on their minds because like the temperature, the team had a cold start. The Cougars put together back-to-back five goal quarters for a combined 10-goals in the middle frames in the second and third to coast to a 15-10 road win to open the season.

After trailing 4-2 after the first quarter, the team rallied to take a 7-5 lead at the intermission and then scored eight more goals in the next two quarters. Andrew Forte was a key figure in giving the Cougars possession after dominating the faceoff circle with 18 wins.

Genesee had four multi-goal scorers and was led by Jason Chiodo’s five goals. Alex Mack scored three including the game winner, while Jordan Brennan and Evan Holfelder each added a pair. Single tallies came from Kevin McParlene, Patrick Bilbrey and Tyler Thompson.

Brennan and McParlene co-led the team in assists with three, while Chiodo also recorded a pair of helpers for a seven-point night. Garrett Lazore and Lincoln Potter split equal time in the cage with Lazore getting the start and recording four saves, while Potter recorded three saves in relief with each logging 30 minutes. Although each keeper allowed five goals against, one of Lazore’s and two of Potters’ were while Monroe was man-up.

Genesee had 18 more shots toward the net than Monroe at 51-33 and also won 14 more draws than the Tribunes at 40-26.

Jason Chiodo blows this shot past Monroe’s netminder and would pick up seven points on the day with five goals and two helpers

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

2017 Virtual Business Trade Fair, courtesy of GCC

Press Release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to host the Virtual Business Trade Fair on Thursday, March 22, 2018. The trade fair will be set up in GCC’s William H. Stuart Forum at the Batavia Campus from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for everyone to come and enjoy some virtual shopping.

The Virtual Business Trade Fair, available through the Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Program, provides students enrolled in economics and entrepreneurship courses with a hands-on learning opportunity to apply the theories, practices and knowledge from their classroom learning to an almost-real innovative business venture. The students work collaboratively to develop all of the components of a successful virtual business. They begin by writing mission statements and conducting extensive research into product features and competition, and culminate their work in building advertising pieces and their trade fair displays.

The students’ trade fair goal is to sell their products or services and allow the attendees to make purchases with virtual dollars. Community members are invited to come, pick up virtual spending dollars, shop any of the companies and support our local students. Thousands of virtual dollars will be given out to attendees to “spend.” At the end of the trade fair, the business or school with the most virtual dollars and virtual sales will be recognized.

As in years past, high schoolers from the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties will come to the forum and set up booths to “sell” their virtual products and services. This year will feature the following high schooler-created companies:

• Batavia High School featuring Relaxation Corporation
• Byron-Bergen High School featuring Survival Surplus
• Dansville High School featuring Trendline Designs
• LeRoy High School featuring Wide Awake Café
• Livonia High School featuring Delicious Deliveries
• Notre Dame High School featuring Cruisin’ Cuisine
• Pavilion High School featuring Spectrum
• Pavilion High School featuring Tailgatorz
• Wayland-Cohocton High School featuring iSnack
• WNY Tech Academy featuring AmeriWare

“The students learn so much building their virtual businesses. From basic business operations to salesmanship and marketing strategies, booth design and product presentation, this is a complete hands-on learning experience,” Deborah Dunlevy, Career Pathways Program director said. “It’s wonderful to watch the students learn to work collaboratively to make their businesses and the event successful.”

For the third year, volunteer bankers from M&T Bank will be on-site to help the virtual businesses to track and manage their sales.

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

2017 Virtual Business Trade Fair, courtesy of GCC

Press Release:

“Facebook Marketing” will be the subject of a small business workshop to be hosted the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce on March 14.

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

“Facebook marketing is a great way to market your business at a lower cost,” said Tom Turnbull, Chamber President. “This workshop will offer tips on how to make your Facebook marketing more effective.”

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

To reserve a seat in any workshop or for more information, contact Kelly Bermingham at 585-343-7440 or by email at kbermingham@geneseeny.com.

Press Release:

While Batavia and Genesee County have long been recognized as one of the top micropolitan regions in the United States, the area received its highest ranking ever as it climbed all the way to number 2 among 575 micropolitans across the country. The annual rankings are compiled by Site Selection magazine.

Batavia was the only town in New York State to be ranked in the top 40 of micropolitans. It is the fifteenth consecutive year Batavia and Genesee County have been recognized. The ranking of “Top Micropolitans” is based on cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people which cover at least one county.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment and it once again demonstrates the commitment and collaboration among the public and private sectors to bring new investment and jobs to the region and just as important assisting companies that are already here in expanding and retaining jobs,” said Steve Hyde, President and CEO of the GCEDC.

The GCEDC achieved 16 project “wins” in 2017 that generated approximately $240 million in investment.
Since 2003, the GCEDC has provided similar assistance and incentives for 449 projects which have generated $1.3 billion in capital investment and the creation and/or retention of approximately 4,528 jobs.

Full the full list of rankings, including some commentary about the region’s rise to 2nd place, please visit:
https://siteselection.com/issues/2018/mar/top-micros-2017-crowning-achievement.cfm?utm_source=Dispatch&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Editorial

Former kindergarten teacher in Brockport pleads guilty to child porn charge.
Prison awaits a disgraced former teacher at the Brockport Central School following a guilty plea for receiving child pornography.
31 year old Roland Yockel the second admitted to receiving and possessing the material in a Federal Court in Buffalo Yesterday.
Yockel is said to have lived in the basement of his parents’ home with his mother providing babysitting services at the residnce.
Last year investigators searched through his residence uncovering hundreds of child porn videos.
Officers even found children’s underwear beneath his mattress.
Yockel admitted he had contact with a girl under seven years old who was being babysat by his mother.
He faces between 5 and 20 years behind bars when he is sentenced in June.

Flu rates on the decline after tripling previous cases recorded.
Health Director Paul Petitt reported to the Human Services Committee during their Monday meeting, that there have been 520 confirmed flu cases in Genesee County this season.
The number is nearly three times the average of the 150 to 200 cases usually recorded during the same period.
Fortunately the number of reported cases is beginning to slow, however there is typically a second peak during flu season.
Petitt said the flu shot is still the best way to prevent or reduce the severity of the flu even though it is only reported to be around 40 percent effective.

A 100 year old home is lost to an early morning fire in Batavia.
Flames ripped through the home on 20 Columbia Avenue yesterday morning destroying the home and belongings of a family of five .
Fortunately there were no injuries.
The fire went to a third alarm with crews from Elba and Alexander activated as well as the Town and City of Batavia Departments.
The home was declared a total loss and several pet dogs perished in the blaze.

Two Medina residents behind bars for drugs and funny money.
A home visit by Parole officers at a Medina residence allegedly uncovered a small amount of pot along with bag of various other drugs.
That spurred a full search of the residence with a police K-9 unit.
The search uncovered even more cocaine and marijuana along with a large sum of money as well as several counterfeit bills in 100 dollar denominations.
Collen Poole and Rebekah Champlin were both arrested and charged with felony counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to sell along with several other related charges.
Both were committed to the Orleans County Jail.
Poole was ordered to be held without bail and Champlin was held in lieu of $25,000 bail.

A brand-new initiative to sniff out suspected opioid dealers in Western New York is off to a fast start.
On Monday, law enforcement in Erie County offered people up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of an opioid dealer.
It said about 70 tips were received within 24 hours of the offer.
The Erie County D-A has set aside $45,000 to reward tipsters through Crime Stoppers Buffalo.
WHEC says they’re working to find out if Rochester will start a similar program.

The number of confirmed cases of the Flu in Genesee County this year is three times what it was last year.
County Health Director Paul Petit told the legislatures Human Services committee yesterday there were 520 confirmed cases so far this flu season, compared to 150 cases last year.
There was a bit of positive news: Petit said the number of new cases seems to have slowed but he added that there is usually a second peak of cases before the season is over.
Petit also reported there was a cases of rabies in January. A total of 12 people required treatment after they took in a stray kitten that tested positive for rabies.

PHOTO: Courtesy: The Batavian

Fire at 20 Columbia Avenue this morning rips through a 100 year old home.
There were no injuries.
A family of five, including an infant, has been left homeless.
City of Batavia Fire Captain Marty Heinz;

Three alarms were sounded to bring the blaze under control.
The home and contents declared a total loss. Several pets dogs perished in the blaze.

Two Medina residents busted with drugs and phony money.
Collen Poole and Rebekah Champlin were both arrested during a parole visit last week. Authorities say the found a quantity of cocaine and pot along with several counterfeit $100 bills.
Both were committed to the Orleans County Jail where they held on $25,000 bail.

Darien Lake is hiring for the upcoming summer season. The amusement park is looking to fill 1,600 positions in lodging, entertainment and food service. The theme park is holding a job fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at its Lodge on the Lake Hotel.

Health Director Paul Petitt reported to the Human Services Committee at a meeting yesterday that there have been 520 confirmed flu cases in Genesee County this season.

That’s well over twice the average of the 150 to 200 cases usually recorded during flu season.

Fortunately the number of reported cases is beginning to slow, however there is typically a second peak during flu season.

Petitt said the flu shot is still the best way to prevent or reduce the severity of the flu even though it is only reported to be around 40 percent effective.

For more on the story check the article by our news partner The Batavian.

Parole officers allegedly located a small amount of pot along with bag of various other drugs during a home visit Thursday in Medina.

The discovery led to a thorough search of the residence by Local and State Police along with a K-9 unit.

The search uncovered even more cocaine and marijuana along with a large sum of money as well as several counterfeit bills in 100 dollar denominations.

Collen Poole and Rebekah Champlin were both arrested and charged with felony counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to sell along with several other related charges.

Both were committed to the Orleans County Jail.

Poole was ordered to be held without bail and Champlin was held in lieu of $25,000 bail.

Press Release:

When we think of nurses, we think of the care they provide to patients in a hospital, nursing homes, medical offices or schools. However, Genesee Community College’s Nurse’s Club is taking “care” to another level. On Saturday, March 10, 2018 GCC’s Nurse’s Club will host a community Easter Basket Assembly event at the Dr. Bruce A. Holm Upstate MedTech Centre. Beginning at 10:30 a.m. the entire community is invited to come and help assemble the baskets. Families are encouraged to bring their children and donate a couple hours to this meaningful community project.

The Nurse’s Club’s goal is to prepare 50 baskets to be given to the families staying in the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester on Westmoreland Drive as well as the House within the Hospital in Rochester.

Supporting GCC’s Nurse’s Club, Willow Group, Ltd. of Batavia has donated all 50 baskets and Pauly’s Pizza also of Batavia is donating pizza for the basket-makers to enjoy during the assembly event. The club is currently accepting monetary donations, candy (no peanuts), plastic eggs, playdoh, sidewalk chalk, or other Easter goodies to fill the baskets. The club is also eager to welcome any volunteers who’d like to help assemble. To volunteer or to make a donation, please contact Sandy Kosciolek at sdkosciolek@genesee.edu or (585) 343-0055 ext.6355 by March 7, 2018.

“The families staying at the Ronald McDonald House are there to be near their sick children. They didn’t choose to find themselves there during the Easter holiday, but they are there. These baskets will hopefully lift their spirits and make the holiday a little easier,” Rebecca Herlan, a GCC nursing instructor and co-advisor to the Nurse’s Club. “Often times, the hospitalized child’s siblings are staying at the Ronald McDonald House too and so these baskets will go to them as well.”

For Trista Teets, the student organizing the entire event, this is much more than a community service project, it is about the warmth these donations bring to the hearts of these children and families. Teets’s daughter was a patient at Golisano Children’s Hospital when she was just two weeks old. “It was Easter time and our entire family was so wrapped up in our daughter’s care, we had no time or energy left for an Easter celebration for our older children. The Easter Bunny and a local police officer visited the hospital and gave both of our sons a small stuffed bunny. It made our sons smile and our hearts melt. I am hoping this basket event will do the same for other families who are just trying to get through this difficult time in their lives,” says Teets.

The Ronald McDonald House provides a “home-away-from-home” for families while their children receive the medical care they need. The Westmoreland Drive House has 24 bedrooms, three kitchens, complimentary laundry facilities, gardens and play areas where kids can be kids. The house also provides meals and snacks for the families and transportation to and from the medical facilities is available. More information about the Ronald McDonald House Charities including ways to donate or volunteer is available at http://www.rmhcrochester.org/.

The Nurse’s Club at GCC was founded over two decades ago with the desire to promote community involvement and leadership. The club members provide health information and charitable contributions to organizations related to the health care industry. In addition to the basket assembly event, the club is currently operating a drive to collect towels and feminine hygiene products for the House of Mercy in Rochester.

The basket assembly event will take place at the Dr. Bruce A. Holm Upstate MedTech Centre which is located at 99 MedTech Drive in Batavia, across the street from GCC’s Main campus. The MedTech Center provides GCC’s Nursing Program students with state-of-the-art medical equipment and laboratories. The facility also houses the United Memorial Medical Center’s Physical Therapy program and the Genesee County Economic Development Center offices.

To volunteer, to make a donation, or for further information please contact Sandy Kosciolek at sdkosciolek@genesee.edu or (585) 343-0055 ext.6355 by March 7, 2018.

Fire crews face tight quarters in structure fire on Columbia Ave.
What was initially reported as a basement fire on Columbia Ave in the city quickly went to a second then a third alarm after spreading to the upper floors.
Firefighters were called to respond at around 4:20 this morning for a working struture fire at 20 Columbia Ave near Ellsworth Ave in Batavia.
First responders reported only a few flames were visible however there was heavy smoke pouring out of the house.

City of Batavia Fire Captain Marty Hinz…

City of Batavia Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano…

City and Town of Batavia Fire Departments along with Elba Fire and Alexander’s Fast Team were all activated.
Firefighters had a tough job maneuvering equipment around the scene due to the closely neighboring buildings and the narrow street.
There have been no serious injuries reported and all the occupants along with a pet dog made it out safely.
The occupants are said to have several pets which have yet to be accounted for.
The Chief said the building appears to be a total loss as of his current assesment.

Troopers arrest a Lockport man on multiple felony drug and gun charges, with five kids in the car.
Police received a report of reckless operation on Transit Road near the Wendy’s and Walmart in Lockport.
Troopers located the 2016 Nissan speeding through a parking lot and performed a traffic stop.
After failing a field sobriety test, 26 year old Alexander Ruof-Brown was taken into custody.
He was allegedly driving intoxicated with five children ranging in from ages 2 to 9.
The children were turned over to family.
During the inventory of the vehicle a loaded handgun was located along with powder cocaine, over 82 grams of marijuana, numerous Alprazolam pills, a digital scale and empty glassine baggies.
He is facing a litany of felony charges including Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated under Leandra Law.

Orleans County man arrested for threatening to shoot someone in Batavia
30 year old Derek Dingman of Route 231 in Albion was arrested following an alleged incident on Prospect Ave in Batavia last Friday.
Police were alerted of a disturbance in which Dingman allegedly threatened to shoot another person.
He was charged with second degree Harassment and remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.

Conversion therapy is now illegal in Erie County.
The practice aims to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of someone under the age of 18.
County Executive Mark Poloncarz signed a law yesterday banning the therapy.
Officials say the law will ensure the physical and mental well-being of minors.

Several bills are under consideration in the New York Senate that aim to keep students safe.
Lawmakers are looking to increase schools’ ability to hire security, invest in infrastructure to improve school safety, and strengthen penalties for crimes committed on school grounds.
Other bills that have been introduced would increase access to school-based mental health services and expand actions and intelligence coordination to help protect schools against attacks.
As current bills are being sent to the Assembly, additional safety measure could be unveiled next week during the conference’s Security Agenda.

Press Release:

On March 10th at 10:30 am the sixth ward and first ward will have a neighborhood meeting open to the public for any concerns. City reps and Council will be there. Please join us. Rose Mary Christian 6th Ward council person.

30 year old Derek Dingman of Route 231 in Albion was arrested following an alleged incident on Prospect Ave in Batavia last Friday.

Police were alerted of a disturbance in which Dingman allegedly threatened to shoot another person.

He was charged with second degree Harassment and remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.

He is expected in Batavia City Court this afternoon.

47 year old Twan Conway of Batavia was accused of entering a Walden Creek Drive address in Batavia at the end of last month violating a court order of protection.

Conway was allegedly told to stay away and leave before being arrested and charged with Criminal Trespassing, Criminal Contempt and with an Aggravated Family Offense.

He was committed without bail to the Genesee County Jail and is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on Thursday.

18 year old Baily Burns of Goade Park in Batavia was accused of driving a black sedan on Jackson Street in the city that had no insurance or registration plates along with being uninspected.

Batavia Police allegedly discovered an amount of marijuana in the vehicle that Burns was operating.

Burns was arrested and charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle without Insurance, Uninspected Motor Vehicle, No Registration Plates Displayed and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana.

Bailey was released with appearance tickets for March 20th in Batavia City Court.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) poses with Carl Gouveia, Director of the Seymour Public Library, and his family in the Assembly Chamber

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) met with several representatives of prominent local libraries who visited the Assembly Chamber in Albany recently. Hawley thanked them for their community support and work to sustain such great educational resources, and for sponsoring many public programs in Western New York.

Hawley poses with representatives from the Monroe County Library system in his Albany Office

“Libraries are such an integral party of communities across New York State, and it is saddening to hear that some state leaders propose to cut library aid in our budget,” Hawley said. “Many times, these dedicated men and women volunteer long hours to see that that our local students and children have access to books, research materials, broadband internet and helpful community programs. That is why I spearheaded a letter with nearly 40 lawmakers from both sides of the aisle asking Assembly Speaker Heastie to restore full library aid in this year’s budget.”

Press Release:

WHO: Ascension Parish

WHAT: Saint Joseph Day Table

WHEN: Sunday, March 18th, 2018 @ 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Slomba Hall, 15 Sumner Street, Batavia, New York 14020

WHY: To provide funding for the ministries and outreach of Ascension Parish.

EVENT DESCRIPTION: A traditional Italian Buffet offered by DFC Catering of Batavia, NY. A seven course meal will be served family style to include: antipasti, bread, fish, greens and beans, smelt, pasta con sarde along with a cash bar and wine available for your table. A childrens menu will include mac and cheese, pizza and finger foods.

COST: $20.00 DONATION/Per Person $5.00 Children ages 2-8!

HOW TO OBTAIN TICKETS: Call the Parish Office at 585-343-1796 to Reserve your table, families and businesses welcome. You may also Pre-pay and buy your tickets online at: www.ascensionrcc.weshareonline.org. Please note: There is a service fee for this option! Tickets are Pre-Sale only. Day of Sales available at the door this year!

Cash or Check ONLY.

Make Checks Payable to: Ascension Parish $20.00/pp Adults $5.00/pp kids

U.S. Air Force Airman Haley L. Fletcher

Press Release:

U.S. Air Force Airman Haley L. Fletcher 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.

Fletcher is the daughter of Jamison and Suzanne Fletcher of Alexander, N.Y. She is also the sister of Courtney Fletcher.

The airman is a 2017 graduate of Alexander Central School, Alexander, N.Y.

Press Release:

Pete and Kristy Broughton are generous neighbors in Wyoming County. Their home and business Broughton Diversified Farming, are located in Silver Springs. Pete and Kristy give of their time and talents in many leadership roles. They can also be depended upon when disaster strikes in their neighborhood to lend a helping hand. On Saturday, March 3rd, at the Wyoming County Pride of Agriculture Dinner at the North Java Fire Hall, they were named the 2018 Wyoming County Pride of Agriculture Good Neighbors.

Pete’s present leadership roles include President of the Letchworth Central School Board, Open Class Superintendent of the Livestock Show at the Wyoming County Fair and a member of the 4-H Livestock Committee. Kristy is a member of the Wyoming County 4-H Program and Dairy Committees and Leader of the Showin’ and Growin’ 4-H Club. Pete is a former President of Wyoming County Farm Bureau. He has served in a leadership capacity with beef organizations across New York.

Their farming enterprise includes custom heifer raising, field crops, custom field operations and Hubner seed sales. They are a respected local employer. On numerous occasions, Pete has lent a helping hand by moving livestock, sharing equipment or just getting a crop in for someone in need. The Broughton’s willingly reach out when neighbors are in need.

Their work with youth extends to countywide activities. Pete is always on hand helping to keep the 4-H Livestock Sale moving smoothly and sorting and loading animals following the sale. Kristy is often observed helping a youngster with an animal of one sort or another. They support the activities of FFA at Letchworth too.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Wyoming County and Wyoming County Farm Bureau are proud to honor Pete and Kristy Broughton as Wyoming County’s 2018 Pride of Agriculture Good Neighbors.

Press Release:

2018 Wyoming County Friends of Agriculture were announced at Pride of Agriculture Good Neighbor Dinner on Saturday, March 2 at the North Java Fire Hall. Will and Louise Herrick were honored for their commitment to helping youth explore opportunities for the future in agriculture.

The Herricks were celebrated for their tireless support of the Wyoming County 4-H, Junior Holstein Club and Dairy Princess activities. They have coached teams for Dairy Bowl contests for both 4-H and Junior Holstein. As leaders of the Barnstormers 4-H Club, they actively seek opportunities for youth to learn about agriculture as a career path. They have energetically supported the Dairy Princess Program for several years. Louise serves on the 4-H Home Economics Committee.

Will serves his community as a Councilman for the Town of Eagle. He has also been on the Town Zoning Board. Louise is a Trustee for the Bliss Library and involved in supporting the National Honor Society at Pioneer Central School. Their whole family is actively involved many aspects of their local church community.

If the Herricks aren’t hosting a youth practice activity at their home, they are providing or organizing rides for children in their community to participate in contests to grow their knowledge and instill passion for agriculture. Will and Louise are serious about showing young people the opportunities in agriculture that abound in Wyoming County.

Thank you Louise and Will for your dedicated support of agriculture and the efforts you make to develop future leaders for agriculture in our community. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Wyoming County and Wyoming County Farm Bureau congratulate you for your knowledge, generosity and forward thinking approach to leadership in agriculture, your local community and Wyoming County.

Breaking Down Batavia’s Police Blotter.
Alleged incident involving a child lands a Milton Street man in lock up.
22 year old Juaquin Davis of Milton Street in Batavia is accused of punching and choking a female acquaintance while she as holding a child during a reported domestic incident last month.
Davis was arrested and charged with Harassment, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing and Endangering the Welfare of a Child following the alleged incident on Center Street in the city.
He was committed to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $2,500.

Students get an earful of obscenities as a Batavia man is arrested for Middle School incident.
34 year old Eric McGill of Lewis Place in Batavia was arrested for alleged concerning behavior following investigation into an incident at the Batavia Middle School last month.
He was charged with two counts of disorderly conduct for his bad behavior and for allegedly cursing loudly in front of the middle school students.
McGill was released with an appearance ticket returnable to Batavia City Court on March 28th.

Beer bandit finds himself behind bars.
34 year old Matthew Zane of Park Road Batavia was arrested and charged with Trespassing and Petit Larceny following report of a larceny at the Speedway on West Main Street.
City Police were called to respond early Sunday morning for report of a man who had just stolen beer.
Zane was previously removed from the property and barred from returning.
He was ordered to be held in the Genesee County Jail to await arraignment.

Buffalo Bills legend Jim Kelly says cancer isn’t going to slow him down.
This weekend the hall of fame quarterback was honored in Milwaukee with the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation award of excellence.
This comes just days after he announced that his cancer was back yet again.
Kelly said he’s going to have surgery at the end of the month but planned on fishing this weekend in Miami with a cold one in his hand.

Congratulations to the Elba Lancers Girls team on another championship.
‪‪The girls from Elba emerged victorious in a tough back and forth matchup against Andover.
WBTA’s John Vazquez covered the championship match live from Cal-Mum…

The final score was 47 to 42.
The game can be heard on demand on our website at WBTAi.com.

Sabres star Jack Eichel’s ankle is getting better.
The forward was injured last month while playing, and beating, the Bruins.
Yesterday head coach Phil Housley said this weekend Eichel was able to start skating again.
He said progress is being made and Eichel wants to play before the season ends. No timeline or schedule was put on his recovery.

Congressman calls 1366 technologies into question.
Spokesperson for 1366 Laureen Sanderson told our news partner The Batavian the company has decided to build their first full scale factory aboard following the much lauded construction of a solar wafer production plant in Genesee County as their first full scale factory site.
The company said delays and uncertainty around a loan guarantee from the Department of Energy spurred the decision to go overseas.
After blame was apparently cast on the DOE under the new president Congressman Chris Collins defended the Trump Administration questioning whether 1366 was ever really serious about staying with the STAMP Park site.
Collins said it seems like 1366 was spending the last six and a half years playing the field to see if they could get a better deal elsewhere.
The GCEDC which helped secure 1366 as a tenant said, regardless of the recent news they will continue with infrastructure investments to prepare the site for development.

Maple Street man jailed for prison contraband.
23 year old Jason Perry of Batavia was accused of introducing contraband into a secure portion of the Genesee County Jail.
Perry was arrested and charged with Promoting Prison Contraband in the first degree.
He was remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Two busted for Bail Jumping in Batavia.
54 year old Scott Spencer of Rochester was wanted for allegedly failing to appear in Genesee County Court on a Felony charge last November.
He was arrested by Monroe County Probation and turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Spencer was ordered to be held pending his arraignment.
48 year old Dawn Gates of South Glenns Falls was also arrested for Bail Jumping after she allegedly failed to appear on a felony criminal matter from January of last year.
Gates turned herself into the Pembroke Court where she was arraigned and remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $2,000 bail.

Hawley blasts bill targeting Veterans Medical Leave.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley voted against legislation this week that would reduce the number of days veterans would be able to take for medical leave related to their combat duties.
The bill was introduced by Westchester County Democrat Amy Paulin, and would reduce the amount of medical leave days provided from eight down to five.
Hawley a staunch proponent of protecting our state’s veterans said in a statement “We should be doing everything in our power to protect and care for our servicemen and servicewomen at home and abroad, and this is a terrible display of gratitude.”

Congratulations to the Elba Lancers Girls team on another championship.
‪‪In a tough back and forth matchup against Andover, the girls from Elba pulled out ahead with a final score of 47 to 42.
They become the Section V Class D2 Champions for the second-straight year in a row.

Press Release:

Wyoming County, N.Y. – U.S. Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) has once again earned the support of the Wyoming County Republican Committee. The Committee voted to endorse Congressman Collins during their meeting on Thursday in Warsaw.

“I am honored to have once again earned the support of the Wyoming County Republican Committee,” said Congressman Chris Collins. “These men and women have worked tirelessly to ensure we have a representative in Washington who will help grow our region’s agriculture industry, fight to protect our dairy farms, and expand broadband access throughout our rural communities. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made on these important issues together and I look forward to bringing more results back to Wyoming County in the years to come.”

GCC’s first 2018 softball all-skills clinic recently concluded at the Richard C. Call Arena as participants gather for a group photo

Press Release:

GCC Softball Begins First of Several Community Clinics at Richard C. Call Arena

The Genesee Community College softball program recently held its first four-week all-skills clinic in the new state-of-the-art GCC Richard C. Call Arena located on the Batavia campus of GCC.

The clinic was well attended with 40-plus registrants and was open to girls of all skill levels ranging in ages from 8-16 years old.

Matt Landers and Stan Kaus of Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball were prominent in the success of this initial clinic in many capacities that also included gathering participation from more than a half-dozen local school districts that included Pembroke, Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Oakfield, Elba, and Chili.

The clinic was held weekly on Sundays during the entire month of February and was instructed by GCC softball coaches and players and led by GCC head softball coach Taylor Maurer and assistant coach Kenneth Maurer.

The players included incoming 2018 prospects, former players, and last year’s National Junior College Athletic Association Region III Player of the Year, Mackenzie Weber.

“It was a great opportunity for our players to serve as role models and coach drills they are used to performing,” the GCC head softball coach said.

“The participants were exposed to topics such as hitting, pitching, defensive plays, throwing and catching, as well as improving their knowledge of the game, “ Maurer added in describing a comprehensive overview of information and skills.

“With early softball revolving around weather at this time of year practices must be held indoors. There aren’t many places locally that offer the kind of space the Richard C. Call Arena offers. It is great to see the younger generation take advantage of such an amazing venue. From utilizing the college’s new, high-end athletic facilities-to-working with coaches and players, it’s our hope that everyone left having a positive experience. We will most definitely be hosting another clinic this summer.”

2017-18 GCC Men’s Basketball Team

NJCAA Region-III Releases Men’s Basketball’s Division-II Playoff Brackets

Monroe Community College will host the Region III-DivisionII/NJCAA District II Men’s Basketball Tournament March 9-11.  The Tribunes earned the right to host the tournament as the top seed in the tournament after finishing the regular season with a 22-5 overall record including a 13-2 record against divisional foes in Region III.  Erie Community College will enter the tournament as the second seed (16-9, 10-5) and earns a bye along with MCC to the tournament semifinal round.

Two quarterfinal matchups are set for Friday, March 9th. Third-seeded Genesee Community College will take on Mercyhurst University – North East at 5:30 p.m. in the first game while Niagara County Community College enters as the fourth seed and will take on the Community College of Rhode Island at 7:30 p.m.

Genesee swept the regular season series with Mercyhurst NE as the Cougars most recently defeated the Saints 109-94 in the teams’ regular season finale.  Niagara CCC will take on CCRI for the second time this season in their quarterfinal matchup.  The two teams faced off in the Genesee CC Holiday Classic in mid-December when Niagara emerged the victor 86-65.

Monroe CC will face off against the winner of the Niagara/Rhode Island matchup on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. while Erie awaits either Genesee CC or Mercyhurst NE in the second semifinal scheduled to tip off at 6:00 p.m.

Mark Jagord

GCC Sports Information

A photo depicting the current bill up for debate and vote that hangs on either side of the Assembly Chamber in Albany.

Press Release:

This week in Albany, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) voted against legislation that would reduce the number of days veterans would be able to take for medical leave related to their combat duties. Gov. Cuomo signed the bill last year allowing eight days of leave in exchange for Assembly Democrats amending the law to reduce the number of days to five this year.

“These are the kinds of political games Albany politicians and the governor play with people’s livelihood,” Hawley said. “While Assembly leadership had a chance to stand strong for our veterans against the governor’s desires to cut paid leave, they capitulated per their pre-arranged backroom deal.”

The bill was introduced by Westchester County Democrat Amy Paulin, and would reduce the amount of medical leave days provided from eight down to five.

“This was a shameful day in Albany as downstate politicians introduced a bill that reduced the number of medical leave days our veterans can take to receive treatment related to their combat duties,” Hawley said. “We should be doing everything in our power to protect and care for our servicemen and servicewomen at home and abroad, and this is a terrible display of gratitude. I voted no on this bill and will continue to stand up for our armed forces to see they receive the time for treatment they greatly deserve.”

Hawley, a veteran of the Ohio Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves, is a staunch proponent of protecting our state’s veterans and serves on the Assembly’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Hawley hosts the Patriot Trip each year, traveling to Washington D.C. with local veterans and their families to visit our nation’s sites and memorials.

13-66 technologies has confirmed that the company will not continue pursuing a solar wafer production plant in Genesee County as their first full scale factory site.
Spokesperson for 1366 Laureen Sanderson told our news partner The Batavian The company has decided to build the first full scale factory aboard.
The Masschuchett’s-based company said it made its decision based on delays and uncertainty around a loan guarantee from the Department of Energy.
Following the initial reports of the decision yesterday, Congressman Chris Collins responded by defending the Trump Administration and questioning whether 1366 was ever really serious about staying with the STAMP Park site.
Collins said it seems like 1366 was spending the last six and a half years playing the field to see if they could get a better deal elsewhere.
The company spokesperson claimed they are still interested in manufacturing in the U.S. and the GCEDC will be the first call they make.
The GCEDC which helped secure 1366 as a tenant said, regardless of the recent news they will continue with infrastructure investments to prepare the site for development.

Batavia man busted for DWI as deputies follow a female driver who fled an accident.
35 year old Robert Campbell of College View Drive in Batavia was arrested and charged with Aggravated DWI and Unlicensed Operation following investigation into a property damage accident in which the female operator had fled the scene.
Campbell was accused of being intoxicated while operating a vehicle at the female suspect’s residence.
He was released with appearance tickets for March 29th in Batavia Town Court.

Two year old incident leads to a Liberty Street woman’s arrest.
41 year old Shannon Klinkbeil-Hayday was accused of assuming someone else’s identity with the intent to defraud them and of stealing more than one thousand dollars’ worth of property.
Klinkbeil-Hayday was arrested and charged with Identity Theft and Grand Larceny following investigation into the alleged incident that occurred in November of 2016.
She was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is expected back in Bethany Town Court on March 20th.

Jury deliberations continue in the New York corruption trial of a former aide to Governor Cuomo. Before the jury got the case Thursday, prosecutors argued that Joseph Percoco used his position to shake down several businesses that wanted to do jobs with New York. His lawyer claims there’s no legal basis to convict Percoco, who declined to testify during the trial. Cuomo, meanwhile, has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Press Release:

LIVINGSTON COUNTY: Livingston County Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty advises that Livingston County is no longer under the “No Unnecessary Travel” advisory.

The travel conditions have improved on our primary roads within the county. However, you may encounter some hazardous conditions on our secondary roads. The Highway Departments are still out working diligently to further improve conditions throughout the county.

We are still under a Travel Advisory as you may encounter hazardous conditions. If you must drive, please plan ahead, provide yourself with extra time, and drive safely.

Thank you for your partnership in public safety!

Press Release:

BATAVIA, NY – “We are obviously very disappointed by the news from 1366 Technologies, but understand the business decision.

“Regardless, we will continue with infrastructure investments to prepare the site for development. This infrastructure work is the result of the financial support of New York State and I think it is important to note that no taxpayer dollars have ever been allocated to 1366 Technologies.

“We remain extremely excited and committed to STAMP because there is a long pipeline of leads and great interest in the site by various advanced manufacturing businesses.

“We also have a number of partners in the public and private sector who I know remain committed to STAMP. This collaboration is critically important in our efforts, especially as we combine the resources of our economic development partners to market the significant attributes of the Buffalo and Rochester metropolitan areas as one region.

“So, for the GCEDC it is business as usual in our ongoing efforts to get STAMP shovel ready and continuing to market the site to these businesses.”

The anchor tenant for the STAMP park project planned in Alabama has pulled out of the deal to house a major manufacturing facility in the region with intentions of taking operations overseas.

A representative from 13-66 technologies spoke with our news partner The Batavian, confirming that the company would not continue pursuing building their first full-scale solar wafer production plant in Genesee County.

The Masschuchett’s-based company made its decision based on delays and uncertainty around a loan guarantee from the Department of Energy.

Spokesperson for 13-66 Laureen Sanderson told The Batavian The company has decided to build the first full scale factory aboard.

Sanderson said that doesn’t mean the second can’t be here in the U.S. and as those pieces come into place, the GCEDC will be the first call they make.

The heavily anticipated economic impact from the company was lauded by local development agencies and Governor Cuomo’s Administration as a big win for Western New York.

The GCEDC which helped secure 13-66 as a tenant said, regardless of the recent news they will continue with infrastructure investments to prepare the site for development.

For more on the story check the article by our news partner The Batavian.

The Travel Advisory for Genesee County has been lifted

The advisory for no unnecessary travel was lifted at around 10 this morning.

Route 63 in Pavilion which was shut down this morning due to the weather has been reopened.

U.S. Air Force Airman Jonathan G. Rice

Press Release:

U.S. Air Force Airman Jonathan G. Rice 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.
Rice is a 2017 graduate of Clarence High School, Clarence, N.Y.

Press Release:

Troop T advises motorists on the New York State Thruway to use caution when traveling during winter weather conditions.

Use your best judgment to determine if driving is prudent and allow for adjustments to your schedule to ensure a safe commute or simply avoid unnecessary travel.

****Allowing Some Space*****

Use the “two second rule” Choose an object near or above the road ahead. As the vehicle ahead passes it, count aloud, slowly, “one thousand one, one thousand two.” If you reach the object before you finish counting, you are following too closely. Allow the other vehicle to get further ahead. In bad weather, increase the count to three or four seconds for extra space

*************Keep the following tips in mind*************

• Get the latest weather forecast before leaving with your local weather apps, monitor radio or TV stations
• In WHITE OUT conditions, turn on your Hazard or 4-way lights
• Always clean your windows and mirrors FULLY of any snow and ice before driving
• Keep a full tank of gas
• Ensure your fluid levels are sufficient (windshield washer fluid and anti-freeze)
• Ensure the spare tire is sufficient and you have the jack and wheel wrench
• Use headlights at all times to increase your visibility
• Vehicles equipped with simultaneous flashers are required to use them while traveling on the Thruway at a speed under 40 miles per hour.
• Drive prudently. If the conditions are adverse you should decrease your speed accordingly
• Look down the road for potential hazardous
• Be observant
• MAINTAIN SAFE DISTANCE BETWEEN VEHICLES, DON’T TAILGATE
• DO NOT use cruise control. This decreases your reaction time to apply brakes.
• Be aware of all EMERGENCY VEHICLES: Police, Fire, Ambulances, Town Trucks, and Maintenance Vehicles
• If you do not absolutely have to go out onto the roads, then don’t

If you are involved in a collision or leave the roadway:

If you drive off the roadway and are stuck in a snow bank or ditch, stay in your vehicle and call 911. DO NOT exit your vehicle unless it is an absolute emergency. You put yourself at risk of being struck by another vehicle.

Roll the windows down a few inches or turn your vehicle off if you are stranded in snow for a period of time with your vehicle running. Covered mufflers can cause physical injury or death due to inhalation of carbon monoxide.

If you should become stranded on the Thruway, know your location by being aware of your direction and mile post marker. This will help emergency personnel reach your location as quickly as possible.

Follow the New York State Police’s Twitter page @nyspolice for up to the minute information on road closures and weather alerts.

The Thruway Authority provides a wide variety of information for travelers including current traffic conditions, accidents, and lane closures. Visit www.thruway.ny.gov for more information.

Sheriff’s issue Travel Advisories for Genesee and Livingston.
Both the Genesee and Livingston County Sheriff’s Offices, have issued travel advisories due to the poor visibility and road conditions from blowing and drifting snow.
They advise no unnecessary travel.
Roads leading north to south will be particularly difficult to drive due to the storm’s path.
The advisory is in effect until further notice.
Route 63 in Pavilion has been shut down because of the poor weather.
Click here for a complete list of closings and cancellations this morning.

Female flees accident and Batavia man busted for DWI during investigation.
35 year old Robert Campbell of College View Drive in Batavia was arrested and charged with Aggravated DWI and Unlicensed Operation following investigation into a property damage accident in which the female operator had fled the scene.
Campbell was found operating a vehicle at the suspects residence allegedly intoxicated.
He was released with appearance tickets.

Liberty Street woman arrested for Identity Theft.
41 year old Shannon Klinkbeil-Hayday was arrested and charged with Identity Theft and Grand Larceny following an investigation into an alleged incident that occurred in November of 2016.
Klinkbeil-Hayday was accused of assuming someone else’s identity with the intent to defraud and is accused of stealing more than one thousand dollars’ worth of property.
She was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is expected back in Bethany Town Court on March 20th.

Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame Quarterback Jim Kelly has cancer again.
The former Bills all-star who led the franchise to four Super Bowls in a row announced yesterday that his cancer had returned.
In 2013 he had part of his upper jaw and several teeth removed for oral cancer and in 2014 announced that he was cancer free.
Right now it isn’t known what Kelly’s outlook is.

Joe Zambito has been named the new head football coach at Notre Dame High School. He takes over for Rick Mancuso who has retired.
Zambito has been a volunteer coach at Notre Dame for the past seven seasons following a successful run as coach at Elba.
Joe Zambito works as race secretary and track announcers at Batavia Downs.

A Winter Storm Warning that takes effect tonight shuts down Genesee Community College for tomorrow.
College officials announce this afternoon that all classes and special events at GCC’s Batavia campus scheduled for tomorrow have been cancelled.
The National Weather Service is forecasts 8 to 12 inches of over Genesee, Orleans, Niagara and Northern Erie counties.
The heaviest snow is expected late this evening through early Friday morning.
Travel will be very difficult especially during tomorrow’s morning commute.
Gusting winds will impair visibility.

One other cancellation has been received today:
The Genesee County Pamona Grange meeting scheduled for tonight in East Pembroke has been cancelled.

Jim Kelly PHOTO: Buffalo Bills

Hall of Fame Quarterback and Buffalo Bills legend Jim Kelly is again fighting cancer. After first being diagnosed with oral-cancer in 2013, the 58-year-old Kelly has endured several battles with the disease. The Bills issued a statement calling Kelly tough and courageous, asking fans to pray for their long-time signal caller. Kelly said he will continue to focus on faith, family, friends and fans in a statement of his own.

Joe Zambito has been named the new head football coach at Notre Dame High School. He takes over for Rick Mancuso who has retired.
Zambito has been a volunteer coach at Notre Dame for the past seven seasons following a successful run as coach at Elba.
Joe Zambito works as race secretary and track announcers at Batavia Downs.

Dr. Michael Eula Genesee County Historian

Genesee County’s historian is looking for the Melton shirt off your back!
Historian Michael Eula is working with an engineer and clothing entrepreneur who wants to bring the old Melton Shirt Factory in Batavia back to life as a museum.
Eula said the museum would focus on the work of Polish and Italian immigrants who made up most of the Liberty Street factory’s workforce

You can call the history department at 815-79-04. A meeting has been set for 2pm on March 6th at the Liberty Street site.

Hall of Fame Quarterback and Buffalo Bills legend Jim Kelly is again fighting cancer. After first being diagnosed with oral-cancer in 2013, the 58-year-old Kelly has endured several battles with the disease. The Bills issued a statement calling Kelly tough and courageous, asking fans to pray for their long-time signal caller. Kelly said he will continue to focus on faith, family, friends and fans in a statement of his own. He was enshrined in Canton in 2002, and after playing college football at the University of Miami also played for the USFL’s Houston Gamblers before joining Buffalo.

A Winter Storm Warning that takes effect tonight shuts down Genesee Community College for tomorrow.
College officials announce this afternoon that all classes and special events at GCC’s Batavia campus scheduled for tomorrow have been cancelled.
The National Weather Service is forecasts 8 to 12 inches of over Genesee, Orleans, Niagara and Northern Erie counties.
The heaviest snow is expected late this evening through early Friday morning.
Travel will be very difficult especially during tomorrow’s morning commute.
Gusting winds will impair visibility.

Press Release:

The following is the list of City of Batavia Plumbers who have obtained their 2018 Plumbing Renewal License to do plumbing in the City of Batavia, NY.

Arthur Allen
2927 Main St.
Leicester, NY 14481

Richard Biegasiewicz
2 Burke Dr.
Batavia, NY 14020
344-0051

Jason Brownlie
100 Nassau St.
Rochester, NY 14605
325-1290

Anthony Cellino
631 Bullis Rd.
Elma, NY 14059
716-683-5874

Henry H. Cook, Inc.
3508 Rose Rd.
Batavia, NY 14020
345-0915 or 762-8064

Christopher Cook
3508 Rose Rd.
Batavia, NY 14020
345-0915 or 762-8064

James J. DeWald
JW Danforth
300 Colvin Woods Pkwy.
Tonawanda, NY 14150
(716) 832-1940

Diegelman Plumbing LLC
4995 Ellicott St.
Batavia, New York 14020
356-3438

Michael Dollendorf
140 Cooper Ave.
Tonawanda, NY 44150
(716) 873-5000

James Ficarella
19 Warren St.
Batavia, NY 14020
409-5256

Timothy Fortin
JW Danforth
300 Colvin Woods Pkwy.
Tonawanda, NY 14150
(716) 832-1940

Joseph Grasso
2690 Wilson-Cambria Rd
Wilson, NY 14172

Ricky Hale
28 Swan St.
Batavia, NY 14020
343-3805

Warren Herdic
5769 Herman Hill Rd.
Hamburg, NY 14075
716-913-5721

Matthew Kandefer
2215 Broadway
Buffalo, NY 14212
716-893-8376

Richard Lovria
150 Ross St.
Batavia, NY 14020
343-4852

Michael Mager
8939 Alexander Rd.
Batavia, NY 14020
343-2678

Robert Marvin
Tradestar Mechanical
764Flower City Pk.
Rochester, NY 14615

Carl McQuillen
8171 E. Main Rd.
LeRoy, NY 14482
768-2322

Philip Martorana
64 Hickory Hill Rd.
Williamsville, NY 14221
716-688-1456

Fredrick Mruczek
1 Valle Dr.
Batavia, New York

Thomas Mruczek
3 Valle Dr.
Batavia, New York

Dave Muskopf
3198 Union Rd.
Orchard Park, NY 14227
716-681-6997

Mark Napoleon
44 Morrow Ave.
Batavia, NY 14020
409-9961

William Penepent
7182 Kenyon Ave.
Basom, NY 14013
762-8687

David Pero
Charles R. Pero & Sons
121 Trumbull Pkwy.
Batavia, NY 14020
343-7011

John Pestillo
8486 Seven Springs Rd.
Batavia, NY 14020

Erich K. Postler
615 South Ave.
Rochester, NY 14620
546-7450

Alfred Rosemark
27 West Ave.
Elba, NY 14058
757-9291

Gabriel Sepi, Jr.
25 Ganson Ave.
Batavia, NY 14020

Walter Szczesny
24 Wood St.
Batavia, NY 14020
345-1697

Mark Taylor
8734 Stahley Rd.
East Amherst, NY 14051
716-913-2023

Larry W. Toal
3670 South Main St. Rd.
Batavia, NY 14020
344-3839

Ryan Toal
3670 South Main St. Rd.
Batavia, NY 14020
344-3839

Joel Tucciarone
202 Roosevelt St.
Tonawanda, NY 14150
716-696-6122

Rahmel Thompson

Press Release:

Thompson Goes Over 1000 in Cougars Second-Consecutive Triple-Digit Win

The Genesee Community College men’s basketball team coasted to a 15-point road win over Mercyhurst North East by registering their second-consecutive 100-plus point game, 109-94, in their regular-season finale Feb. 28.

Rahmel Thompson entered the game with 990 points and his 21 against the Saints put him at 1011 for his career. Thompson joined teammate Brian Fobbs as the second Cougar to hit 1000 career points this season. Thompson, who wears jersey No. 13 is now No. 13 on the Cougars’ all-time scoring list and needs 48 points to move into the all-time top-10. Fobbs is currently No. 4 and needs 82 points to get to No. 3.

In addition to Thompson’s 21 points against Mercyhurst, three other Cougars recorded double-digit performances including Fobbs (30), Jarett Haines (26) and Brandon Peters (17).

Fobbs registered a team-high seven rebounds, just ahead of Peters’ five and Haines’ four. Thompson co-led the team with Peters in steals with three, while Peters and Haines co-led the team in assists with three.
Genesee shot 57 percent from the floor with 39 points coming from beyond the arc at a 54-percent shooting percentage.

With the game just a one-score affair with a Cougar 21-19 lead, Genesee went on a 17-2 run to go up 38-21 before taking a 52-38 first half lead. The Cougars kept a double-digit lead through the second half with a lead between 15-20 points for most of the way.

Jasmine Holmes had 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks

Lady Cougars End Regular Season with Double-Digit WNYAC Win

The Genesee Community College women’s basketball team beat Mercyhurst North East 78-62 to end both the month of February and their regular season. The 16-point winning differential was the highest by the team in any Western New York Athletic Conference win this season and the 78 points were three points away from a season-high.

The contest became the lone Genesee WNYAC game where the Cougars never trailed at any point during the game. After starting with a 10-2 lead, the Cougars ended the first quarter with a 17-10 lead. Genesee nearly doubled its winning margin after the second quarter at 39-26.

The Cougars played their best overall quarter in the third by out-scoring the Saints by double digits that was fueled by a 12-0 run during the quarter.

Genesee shot 54 percent from the floor and 53 percent from beyond the arc that accounted for 30 of its 78, while recording five double-digit scorers.

Reika Murota led all Cougars in points with 22 points with 18 coming from three-land that included a 67 percent shooting percentage from beyond the arc.

Jasmine Holmes added 18 points with team-highs in rebounds with nine and blocks with four. Both Rosalyn Sealey and TaLia Burgess added a dozen points apiece with Sealey recording a team-high eight assists and Burgess hauling in seven boards.

Current Cougar Female Athlete of the Week Kierra Perl rounded out the double-digit offensive Genesee players with 10 points.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Riley Marconi (center) became a double signee for GCC soccer and lacrosse from gates Chili

Press Release:

Marconi Becomes Double Signee for Soccer and Lacrosse

Riley Marconi became the latest Cougar to join the Genesee Community College athletic program as a double signee Feb. 26 for the women’s soccer and lacrosse teams for Cougar coach Jeff Reyngoudt, who coaches both.

Marconi plays for the Gates Chili Spartans in Section V of the New York Public High School Athletic Association for one of the largest high schools in Western New York that compete at the Class-AA level.
The senior Spartan joins both teams with the best attributes a recruit can possess that include academics, leadership and talent as she has been tabbed as an honor student, captain and most valuable with her high school team.

Marconi plans to attend GCC after high school graduation and compete for the Cougars in the fall of 2018 with the women’s soccer team at the midfielder position, and then with the women’s lacrosse team in the spring of 2019 at either the midi or attack positions.

Cougar Athletes of the Week Announced

The Genesee Community College’s athletes of the week for the period ending Feb. 24 are Kierra Perl (Attica, NY) from the women’s basketball team and Brian Fobbs (Rochester, NY) from the men’s basketball team.

Kierra Perl (far right) battles under the boards against Niagara Feb. 17

Perl just missed recording back-to-back double-doubles by a single rebound last week against No. 1-ranked Monroe Community College and Jamestown Community College, but still averaged double-double statistics in scoring 27 points to go with 20 rebounds in the pair of games. Although she led the Cougars in scoring in both games last week, her better of the two was in Jamestown with a 17-point performance that accounted for 40 percent of the Cougars’ offense.

Brian Fobbs gets one of several dunks Saturday against JCC as he moved into the eighth in all-time GCC scoring

Fobbs averaged 26 points, 10.5 rebounds, two assists and three steals in a pair of games last week while shooting 56 percent from the field as the Cougars locked up third place in the WNYAC. On the weekend game at Jamestown, Fobbs recorded a double-double 30-point performance and 13 rebounds to go with three assists and four steals. With his 30-point performance, Brian moved into sole possession of fourth-place all-time in Genesee career scoring with 1243 points.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

The Genesee Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse also known as GCASA has received a $1.9 million state grant to build a 16 bed detox unit.
The grant was provided through the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, Rapid Treatment Expansion Capital Funding Grant.
The detox facility would be the first for the GLOW region, something that GCASA Executive Director John Bennett said is urgently needed in the area….

The new building will be constructed on CGASA’s Main Street campus and will consist of 16 single units for patients going through drug detoxification.
Bennet hopes to open the facility by July of next year.

Plans for brewing in Batavia remain firm as Buffalo based Resurgence Brewing expands its operations in the Queen City.
Resurgence plans to build a restaurant and tavern along Ellicott Street as part of Savarino Development’s Ellicott Station project.
Sam Savarino spoke with our news partner The Batavian saying that financing for the Ellicott Station project should be completed by the end of this month and construction could begin with two months after that.
Ellicott Station is expected to include the brewery, some office space and 50 market rate apartments.

Lawmakers in Albany are struggling to find common ground on gun reform legislation.
Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins says her colleagues need to work quickly to get bills passed…

Senate Democrats tried to bring a handful of bills to the New York Senate floor on Wednesday.
The legislation included a bump stock ban and more research into gun violence.
However Republicans in the GOP-led senate blocked the bills from going to the floor.
Republican leaders say they’re currently working on their own legislation to address gun violence.
The GOP says their bills will focus on beefing up school security and make it more difficult for people with mental illnesses to get firearms.

Forecasters say the area could be in for a foot of snow.
Another relatively warm week will end this evening as a Winter Storm Watch goes into effect lasting through tomorrow.
The Watch covers most of Western New York including Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties.
The National Weather Service is forecasting possible snow accumulations of 6 to 11 inches in the most persistent areas.

Buffalo based Resurgence Brewing says its expansion in the Queen City will have no impact on its plans for Batavia.
Resurgence plans to build a restaurant and tavern along Ellicott Street as part of Savarino Development’s Ellicott Station project.
San Savarino tells our news partner The Batavian today that financing for the Ellicott Station project should be completed by the end of March and construction could begin with two months after that.
Ellicott Station is expected to include the brewery, some office space and 50 market rate apartments.

The Genesee Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, GCASA, is awarded a state grant to build 16 bed detox unit.
The grant amounts to $1.9-million.
GCASA Executive Director John Bennett tells WBTA the need for such a facility is urgent

The detox unit will consist of 16 single units in a new building to be constructed on CGASA’s Main Street campus. Bennet says he hopes to have the unit operating by July of next year.

Batavia firemen quickly knock down a minor fire at Hanson Aggregates on Cedar Street late this morning.
Officials said Hanson employees were doing some work in a silo when materials onto the roof and caught fire.

Genesee County now has an estimate of the cost of a brand new jail.
Consultants tell legislators are looking at $52-million for a new lock-up and maybe more.
The estimate takes into account new state regulations and a projected increase in the county jail population.

A Winter Storm Watch goes into effect tomorrow night through Friday
The Watch extends to Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties and most all of Western New York.
The National Weather Service is forecasting possible snow accumulations of 6 to 11 inches with most falling in higher elevations.

The Genesee Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (GCASA) gets a $1.9-million state grant to build 16 bed detox unit.

GCASA Executive Director John Bennett tells WBTA the need for such a facility is urgent:

The detox unit will consist of 16 single units in a new building to be constructed on CGASA’s Main Street campus. Bennett says he hopes to have the unit operating by July of next year.

The GCASA grant was part of a $10-million award in capital funding to five providers for the development of 84 new community-based Medically Supervised Withdrawal and Stabilization Services beds throughout New York. The detox programs will provide around-the-clock care to people who are under the influence of alcohol, opioids, or other substances, or suffering from withdrawal, and help stabilize them and connect them to long-term treatment services.

“This investment for new community-based detox programs will provide the care and treatment services needed to help people suffering from alcohol and drug addiction,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Co-Chair of the Heroin and Opioid Task Force. “These programs are providing resources and helping to save lives, particularly in underserved communities.”

Medically Supervised Withdrawal and Stabilization Programs offer medical assessment, information about recovery support, family treatment, clinical services, and medication to manage withdrawal symptoms. This expansion of services is part of the Governor’s continued multi-pronged approach to address the opioid epidemic by providing comprehensive prevention, treatment, and recovery services.

Fire crews in Batavia were called to a report of a structure fire at the Hanson Aggregates building off of Cedar Street and Ellicott Street Road at around 11:30 this morning.

Apparently workers at the sand and gravel supplier were doing work on the silo when some materials fell onto the roof and caught fire.

The workers thought they had put the fire out before it reignited.

City fire crews quickly extinguished what was left of the fire.

Press Release:

Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R-C-I, Amherst) has introduced legislation (S7815) today in the State Senate to expand New York’s Child and Dependent Tax Credit by doubling the current cap on child care expenses across the board.

“Child care costs continue to rise for parents. These high costs are a major burden for families, even among households with both parents working. This legislation would make it a little easier for hard-working parents by doubling the child tax credit. This new proposal makes it more affordable to raise a family in New York State,” said Ranzenhofer.

The proposed expanded tax credit is estimated to provide $225 million in new relief for middle-class families. Most families are estimated to receive a new average credit of $750, an increase of $375 from last year.

Under existing law, taxpayers are eligible to claim the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to help offset the costs of caring for a child under the age of 13, a disabled spouse or a disabled dependent. The expense amount allowed toward the credit is limited at various levels depending on the number of children.

If enacted, taxpayers would be able to take advantage of the increased limits starting in 2019.

Amherst man arrested in Thruway stand-off identified as court officer.
The Amherst resident responsible for shutting down the thruway during an hours’ long stand-off has been reported to be a court officer in Erie County.
WKBW in Buffalo has identified 50 year old John Pezzino of Amherst as the man who was taken into custody after leading police on a short pursuit and negotiating for several hours on the Thruway near Stafford Monday.
The news source confirmed with the New York Courts that Pezzino is a Court Officer Sergeant in the Erie County Court.
State Police have charged him with fleeing and resisting arrest.

Consultant tells County a new jail is needed in Genesee.
Genesee County Officials are looking at the new requirements and necessity of building a new jail while being faced with increasing pressure from New York’s corrections commission.
Consultant Rod Miller who is president of CRS Incorporate spoke Saturday morning with members of the Legislature, senior county officials, and Sheriff’s Office staff about his analysis of the county’s incarceration facility.
Miller said the county needs a new jail.
The Jail could cost more than $52 million dollars to house the projected jail population of 184 by 2042.
The design of the jail must also deal with the reality of state regulations and the needs of a jail population that is ever in flux.
When it comes to the question of a regional jail, Miller said there are states with examples of successful regional jails, but in those states, the state government picked up half the cost. For more on the story check the article be our news partner The Batavian.

Byron man busted for allegedly stolen steel.
37 year old Joseph Kuzma of Byron Holley Road in Byron was arrested and charged with Petit Larceny following investigation into an alleged theft that occurred in January.
Kuzma is accused of stealing $780 worth of steel from a Byron Elba Road address and selling it in Monroe County.
He was issued an appearance ticket for Byron Town Court in March.

Sheriff’s Office warns of the latest phone scam.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about reports of scammers calling residents attempting to elicit medical records.
The scammers use medical histories to refill prescriptions which are sent to medical offices and once signed by a doctor, are used to bill insurance companies.
The Sheriff’s Office reminds residents NOT to provide personal or medical information over the telephone.

New figures paint a bleaker picture of the opioid crisis throughout New York State.
New Health Department statistics show that there were close to two-thousand opioid-related deaths in the state, not counting New York City, in 2016, up 100 from previously reported.
The discrepancies suggest that medical examiners can’t keep up with the number of people dying of opioid overdoses.

Winter Storm Watch Going into effect tomorrow.
The National Weather Service has issued the watch for counties including Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming to be in effect from Thursday evening through Friday evening.
Total snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches are possible.
The morning commute on Friday is expected to suffer from difficult travel conditions.

Dawn Fairbanks City of Batavia H-R Specialist

A Cincinnati, Ohio executive search company will now begin finding Batavia’s next city manager.
The city council last night awarded a $26,000r contract to Novak Consulting Group.
Dawn Fairbanks is the city’s H-R specialist.
She said the three firms that made the final cut were very close

Council noted that the cost of the search firm is easily made up because the city is not currently paying a manager or assistant manager.

New figures paint a bleaker picture of the opioid crisis throughout New York State. New Health Department statistics show that there were close to two-thousand opioid-related deaths in the state, not counting New York City, in 2016, up 100 from previously reported.
The discrepancies suggest that medical examiners can’t keep up with the number of people dying of opioid overdoses.

Another telephone scam. This time, authorities are warning the public about an attempt to elicit medical records.
Scammers use medical histories for prescription refills which are sent to medical offices and once signed by a doctor, are used to bill insurance companies.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents NOT to provide personal or medical information over the telephone.

Would you like to help out some baby Blue birds?
The Genesee County Park and Nature Center is offering a special program on March 10th to learn all about Nest Watch. You’ll get the chance to be outdoors and prepare next boxes for this season. The program is free but you have to register. Call the Park and Nature Center in East Bethany at 585-344-1122.

News Release: Genesee County Park 

How does a team of volunteers help baby birds?

Join us for Bluebird Babysitters: Nest Box Monitoring for Science on Saturday March 10th from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm as we look out for the Bluebird families at Genesee County Park & Forest! Learn about NestWatch – a nationwide nest monitoring program – and find out what YOU can do to keep baby bluebirds and their friends happy and healthy. Dress for the weather and meet at the Interpretive Nature Center at Genesee County Park & Forest. Get all the latest tips about bluebird nest boxes and the secret life of the Eastern Bluebird, then head outside to prepare the boxes for nesting season 2018! This event will go on, rain or shine.

This program is FREE!! Pre-registration is required, call 585-344-1122!

47 year old Nancy Mordenga of Hilton was arrested on Route 237 in Byron after allegedly failing to appear in court.

She was ordered to be held in lieu of bail.

35 year old Nefetiria Turner of Seven Springs Road in Batavia was apprehended on Drake Street in Oakfield for allegedly jumping bail.

She was remanded in lieu of bail to the Genesee County Jail.

30 year old Kendra Thomas of Bank Street Batavia was taken into custody on West Main Street and charged with Bail Jumping in the Third Degree.

Thomas was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

53 year old Dean Covis and 46 year old Tom Marano have been on unpaid leave from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office since their arrest last year for working security jobs while on the clock as deputies.

The pair were initially facing over 100 counts each of falsifying business records along with counts of Grand Larceny.

Both Covis and Marano accepted a plea deal yesterday in which they pleaded guilty to misdemeanor counts of Petit Larceny and Falsifying Business Records and agreed to pay back restitution.

There were no sentencing promises made in the deal and the charges carry a maximum of one year in jail.

Both are scheduled for sentencing on May 7th.

For now, it remains unclear what their status with the Sheriff’s Department will be.

Press Release:

H.E.R.O. Program: Livingston County Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty announces that on February 15, 2018 the H.E.R.O (Heroin Education, Resisting Opiates) Program was provided to youth of Livingston County.

This is the third year of presenting this program which began with students from the Dansville School District receiving the program. The program continues to grow with seniors from every high school in Livingston County invited to attend. This year’s event took place at the Wadsworth Auditorium on the campus of SUNY Geneseo, where approximately 600 students attended the program. To date, over 1,000 students have received this program.

The goal of the program is to educate the students on the “real Life” dangers of heroin and opiate use.

The program was moderated by Dansville High School Principal Tom Frazier. The students heard emotional and powerful presentations from parents who have lost children to a heroin overdose, Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty, a Livingston County Jail inmate who has had been incarcerated due to heroin addiction, a recovering addict who is currently in counseling, the Dansville School drug and alcohol counselor, and a mock ambulance call by the Livingston County EMS representing a heroin overdose.

Sheriff Dougherty would like to thank the school districts for their commitment to educate their students to the opiate crisis. Sheriff Dougherty would also like to acknowledge the Dansville Central School District, Livingston County EMS, parent and family victims, Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse of Livingston County, and the SUNY Geneseo Staff for their support and planning of the program.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Sheriffs Office would like to warn the public of a scam involving personal medical information. Perpetrators of this scam contact local residents by telephone and attempt to elicit medical history/records. The information received is then used to fill out prescriptions which are sent to medical offices for refill. Once signed, these prescriptions are being used to bill insurance companies. The origins of this scam are unknown at this time but it is under investigation and is, quite likely, a multiple-state crime. The Sheriffs Office would like to remind local residents NOT to provide personal or medical information over the telephone. Remember, thieves can appear to be very knowledgeable and convincing in nature. It is important to contact your local physician or pharmacy if you believe such information has been compromised.

GCC student activity image, courtesy of GCC

Press Release:

What: Spring Open House at Genesee Community College

When: Wednesday, March 7, 2018 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Where: Genesee Community College – One College Road, Batavia NY

Who: Everyone looking for affordable higher education!

Background: Ready to begin your college experience? Not sure where to start? GCC is truly the place to be! At Genesee Community College, our admissions team and student success coaches, know how daunting it can be to begin a degree or certificate program. So, we’re here to help!

To get started, attend a Spring Open House! The first will be on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. If evenings are difficult for you, then join us on Saturday, April 14, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Representatives from GCC’s student services offices will be on hand to answer questions about admissions, career and transfer services, student activities, athletics and you can even attend a financial aid session. Tours of the campus will be available, including the new Student Success Center, Richard C. Call Arena and College Village – GCC’s apartment-style residential housing.

To register for either Open House visit www.genesee.edu/openhouse or call 1-866-CALL-GCC!

Can’t make it to either session? Consider attending a Friday Visit Day! You can learn about GCC’s simple application and admissions processes, financial aid opportunities, take a campus tour, and even sit in on a college class!

Friday Visit Days begin at 9 a.m. and end at noon on the following dates:

• March 2, 2018
• March 23, 2018
• April 20, 2018
• May 4, 2018

You can also visit www.genesee.edu/VT for a virtual campus tour!

GCC offers a comprehensive selection of over 70 degree and certificate programs! Dedicated to student success and accessibility, GCC offers a totally FREE application process, FREE career counseling, FREE tutoring and FREE parking! With over 100 courses available online every semester and 15 degrees that can be earned completely online, GCC is more convenient than ever. GCC’s Campus Centers located in Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw provide additional options to attend class close to home.

For more information about the Open House, contact GCC’s Admissions Office at 585-345-6800 or email Admissions@genesee.edu. For online, door-to-door driving directions go to: http://www.genesee.edu/about/visit/maps/.

Additional Details: http://news.genesee.edu/news/2018/02/08/gcc-place-be

Press Release:

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

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

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

Assemblyman Steve Hawley
March Office Hours:

Monroe County:

Ellwanger Room
Seymour Library
161 East Avenue, Brockport
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Ellwanger Room
Seymour Library
161 East Avenue, Brockport
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Genesee County:

Genesee Community College
Conable Technology Building, Room T124
Assemblyman R. Stephen Hawley Drive (1 College Road), Batavia
Friday, March 9, 2018
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Genesee Community College
Conable Technology Building, Room T124
Assemblyman R. Stephen Hawley Drive (1 College Road), Batavia
Friday, March 23, 2018
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Stand off on the thruway with a possibly suicidal suspect ends without injury.
A dangerous police pursuit that shut down the Thruway in Batavia for nearly five hours ended with the arrest of an emotionally disturbed Amherst man.
Shortly after one yesterday afternoon State Police were called to the I-90 in Stafford for a BOLO or (be on lookout) alert for an emotionally disturbed person that was possibly operating an SUV in the area.
Police located and attempted to stop the vehicle however the male occupant refused to pull over.
The suspect crossed over the median avoiding roadblocks that were put in place at the interchanges in LeRoy and Batavia.
The male subject surrendered peacefully after lengthy negotiations, and was taken into custody.
He was transported by ambulance to an area hospital for evaluation with no injuries reported.
The Thruway was shut down between LeRoy and Pembroke causing massive traffic jams on Routes 55 and 33 in and around Batavia.
The Thruway was reopened around 6 p.m.

Council approves hiring recommended search firm from Cincinnati.
During their Special Business Meeting last night, council voted unanimously in favor of hiring the Novak Consulting Group to conduct the search for a new city manager.
The city’s search committee tasked with filling the vacant position recommended the Cincinnati based firm because they had more experience recruiting in New York than other service.
It’s estimated to cost around $26,200 to conduct the search, an expenditure that is offset because there is no salary currently being paid to a city manager or an assistant.
One guarantee provided with the Novak deal is that the company would conduct a new search for free should the new hire leave the position within two years.

Mayors from across Western New York are standing behind Governor Cuomo on his campaign to change tax law.
Cuomo wants to sue the federal government for eliminating the ability to fully deduct state and local taxes.
The mayors of Rochester, East Rochester, Buffalo, Canandaigua, Honeoye Falls and Warsaw are all onboard.
Cuomo says he’s proud to have mayors from across the state working with him on this.

It isn’t known if a woman accused of making a terroristic threat against a Rochester school will be deported.
Rochester police arrested 21-year-old Abigail Hernandez on Friday for allegedly threatening East High School, where she had been a student.
WROC reports her dad says she’s special-needs and isn’t capable of making this type of threat considering she isn’t capable of finding her own way to school.
Hernandez doesn’t have legal status in the U.S. and is in federal custody waiting for an immigration judge to decide if she stays.

The Buffalo Bills are picking up a veteran cornerback.
Last night, they announced they signed Vontae Davis, who most recently played for the Indianapolis Colts.
Davis and the Bills have agreed to a one-year contract.
“The Buffalo News” reports this could mean cornerback E.J. Gaines would go on the market as a free agent next month.

The police standoff with a potential suicidal suspect ended late this afternoon along the NYS Thruway between near Batavia.
The suspect in the police pursuit is in custody and the Thruway has been reopened.

The incident, which began around one o’clock Monday afternoon, shut down the Thruway between LeRoy and Pembroke for almost five hours.
During that time, traffic backed-up into Routes 55 and 33 in and around Batavia creating traffic jams in the city’s normally easily passable streets.
Dozens of tractor-trailer trucks further hampered the traffic flow when inadvertently blocked intersections.

Troopers said the pursuit of the suspect began between LeRoy and Batavia. At times, the suspect crossed the I-90 median to avoid roadblocks that were established at the LeRoy and Batavia interchanges.

News Release: Genesee County Sheriff’s Office

I-90 is closed between exit 48A Pembroke to Exit 49 Le Roy due to an ongoing law enforcement incident. For travelers please use the following alternate routes until further notice:

Eastbound traffic: Please use Route 77 South to Route 20 East to Route 19 North to rejoin I-90 in Le Roy (travelling East on I-90 only).

Westbound traffic: Please use Route 19 South to Route 20 West to Route 77 North to rejoin I-90 in Pembroke (travelling West on I-90 only).

Any questions regarding I-90 operations, please contact the NYS Thruway Authority.

PHOTO Above:  Westbound truck traffic backs up several blocks on Main St. in Batavia

What has been described as police activity has closed the thruway between Pembroke and LeRoy.
As a result, traffic is building up in Batavia along Route 5 and 33 at times creating a small city grid lock.
The closure of the Thruway began around one this afternoon.
State Police began to pursue a driver from Canandaigua along the thruway from LeRoy toward Batavia.
There was a report that the suspect driver may be suicidal.
Once the thruway was closed in each direction, the suspect vehicle began to cross the median of the 1-90 to avoid the roadblocks.
It appears now that the pursuit is over and troopers have stopped the suspect vehicle but the thruway remains closed and traffic continues to build-up in Batavia.
The 1-90 is closed between Pembroke and LeRoy, in both directions. Westbound traffic is allowed to enter the thruway at Pembroke and eastbound traffic can get on the thruway at LeRoy.

PHOTO Below: Two car accident at Main & Center Streets this afternoon. No serious injuries. Occurred at peak of traffic congestion.

BREAKING NEWS UPDATE

The New York State Thruway is closed between Pembroke (Exit 48A) and LeRoy (Exit 47) due to a police incident.
Both the eastbound and westbound lanes are closed.

State Police have responded to a report of a potential suicidal driver traveling along the Thruway between Batavia and LeRoy.

The pursuit of the suspect’s vehicle began in Canandaigua.

Witnesses said the driver crossed the median of the I-90 several times
The driver was reportedly making U-turns to avoid the blocked exits.

Several State Police patrol cars have responded.

Traffic is being allowed to travel eastbound on the Thruway from LeRoy.

Batavia Police have remarked that traffic along Main Street in Batavia is heavier than usual and travel has slowed considerably.