Local News

56 year old Jacob Sumeriski was arrested following an investigation into a broken down car on Plowe Road in Attica.

He was allegedly found in possession of a suspected crack pipe and other drug paraphernalia and was showing signs of drug impairment.

After a drug influence evaluation Sumeriski was arrested and charged with DWAI by drugs and Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia.

He was released to a sober party with appearance tickets for Attica Town Court.

Press Release:

There will be a primary, and I plan on being your next Congressman. The people of this district deserve the freedom to choose their candidate.

You deserve the freedom of a primary, and you deserve a rural candidate who lives in the district. I’ve shown you, my neighbors, that I have a plan to beat Chris Collins come November, and it starts with you.

Throughout this campaign I’ve promised you honesty and accountability, and that’s why I am staying in the race. I’ve committed to you not to divide us on partisan politics, but to unite on the values that makes us all Americans.

I encourage you to listen to all candidates, to learn about who we are and what we stand for, and choose the candidate that you want to be your next Congressman.

You’ll learn that I believe in family, in accountability, and in you. Imagine a Congressman who does not hide in Washington or does not believe that this is the next step in a political career. I’m running because we can do better.

I came back to Western New York to take care of my family and my family’s business. I’ve taken what I learned from business school and experiences throughout my career in business to invest in new technology and grow my family’s small business. Our small businesses can do better. They deserve the chance to grow and to thrive.

Imagine a Congressman who does not worry about your political party, how much money you make, or what you look like. A Congressman who only cares about ensuring every single person in Western New York is doing better than they were before, and a Congressman who ensures our children can do better than we ever believed.

I’m looking forward to meeting you on the campaign trail and learning how to make Western New York a better place. Remember, this is about your values, your voice, and your vote.

Nick Stankevich

Search committee makes its recommendation for firm to handle City Manager search.
The specially formed search committee tasked with filling the vacant city manager position is recommending that The Novak Consulting Group conduct the professional search.
They estimate the total search to cost around $26,200.
Council members Eugene Jankowski, Adam Tabelski and Robert Bialkowski along with HR Specialist Dawn Fairbanks comprise the committee.
During tonight’s Conference Meeting the committee is expected to ask Council to consider the Cincinnati based firm with the ultimate goal of garnering a positive vote from council at their Special Business Meeting later this evening.
The search committee received seven responses from executive search services, which were narrowed down to three finalists, and each of those companies were interviewed via a conference call.
The two year contract would come with the guarantee that if the new hire leaves the position within that time, Novak would conduct a new search for no professional fee.
For more on the story check the article by our news partner The Batavian.

An Elba man stopped for speeding now faces felony drunk driving charge.
41 year old Cale Rice of Drake Street Road in Elba was stopped for speeding on Oak Orchard Road.
Due to having a previous DWI conviction within the past 10 years, Deputies charged him with a felony count of DWI.
He was released with an appearance ticket for March 21st in Elba Town Court.

Dellinger Ave man turns himself in after domestic disturbance.
26 year old Joseph Tornabene of Batavia was arrested and charged with second degree Harassment with physical contact following a reported domestic incident that occurred Friday afternoon at a Dellinger Ave address.
Tornabene was accused of striking his wife in the face before leaving the scene.
After a charge was signed Tornabene turned himself in to the Batavia Police Department and was released with an appearance for today in Batavia City Court.

Tyrod Taylor might be sticking around Orchard Park long enough to pick up a six-million-dollar bonus.
The Bills need to up their offense to stay competitive next season which could mean trying to trade up quarterbacks.
However last week it was reported that the Bills could be hedging their bets and keeping Taylor on.
If Taylor is still a Buffalo Bill on March 16th, they owe him a six-million-dollar bonus.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is warning President Trump against cutting funding for school safety.
Last night Schumer tweeted against Trump’s budget saying it calls for nearly half a billion-dollars in cuts from the Department of Education’s school safety measures and mental health assistance.
Schumer said this funding has made schools like Newtown safer and will do everything in his power to fight this.

The National Weather Service posts a High Wind Warning for Genesee and Orleans counties.
Southwest winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour are forecast with gusts up to 60 miles per hour.
The High Wind Warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. this evening

An Elba man arrested on a felony drunk driving charge.
41 year old Daniel Rice of Drake Street Road was stopped for speeding on Oak Orchard Road.
Deputies then charged him with DWI and filed the added felony charge when it was learned that Rice had a previous DWI conviction within the past 10 years.

A guard at Wyoming Correctional is on the wrong side of the bars for allegedly taking money from inmates for drugs.
37 year old William Fannan of Orchard Park is accused of taking bribes from two inmates to smuggle the drug K2 into the prison.
Fannan is now in the Wyoming County Jail on $40,000 bail.

Police patrols to increase around Batavia City Schools.
There has been no credible threat against students or staff according to The Batavia City School District however following several perceived threats locally, police will increase their visibility around city school buildings.
Yesterday Superintendent Chris Daily released a letter addressed to parents, faculty and staff referencing the tragedy in Parkland, Florida:

Daily says the increased police presence around schools is meant to be a positive and proactive step toward thwarting any real or perceived threat.

Evans Street woman busted for drugs after being taken in on a bench warrant.
32 year old Madalyn Muntz of Batavia was arrested following investigation by the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force.
Muntz was taken into custody on a bench warrant and was allegedly found in possession of cocaine, a hypodermic instrument, and other various drug paraphernalia.
She was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and of a Hypodermic Instrument along using drug paraphernalia and pot possession.
Muntz was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court on March 6th.

Suspicious store customer arrested for shoplifting and found with drugs.
35 year old Jonathan Stanton of Vine Street in Batavia was arrested and charged with Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia and Possessing a Hypodermic Instrument, along with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and Petit Larceny.
Stanton was apprehended following report of a suspicious male at the Rite Aid Pharmacy on West Main Street Road in Batavia.
He allegedly stole $119.97 worth of merchandise and was found in possession of various drug paraphernalia and pot.
Stanton was released with an appearance ticket for Batavia Town Court on March 26th.

Dog abuser sent to prison.
35 year old Shawn Twardowski formerly of Bank Street Batavia appeared for sentencing in Genesee County Court yesterday on a burglary conviction.
Twardowski was arrested a year ago, for strangling and punching a beagle, attacking a woman, stealing and attempting to disable her mobile phone and then, upon police arrival, barricading himself in a bedroom.
Judge Charles Zambito agreed with the prosecution that Twardowski is a threat to society, and sentenced him to two-and-a-half to five years in prison.

An officer at Wyoming Correctional has been put on the other side of the bars for allegedly taking money from inmates for drugs.
37 year old William Fannan of Orchard Park is accused of taking bribes from two inmates to smuggle the drug K2 into the prison.
Fannan is now in the Wyoming County Jail on $40,000 bail.

Governor Cuomo is extending his emergency executive order allowing New York pharmacists to give flu shots to children ages two to 18.
The governor says it’s important to increase access for New Yorkers as flu diagnoses continue to rise across the state.

The Batavia City School District says there has been no credible threat against students or staff but police will increase their visibility around city school buildings.
Superintendent Chris Daily released a letter today addressed to parents, faculty and staff referencing the tragedy in Parkland, Florida:

Daily says the increased police presence around schools is meant to be a positive and proactive step toward thwarting any real or perceived threat.

An officer at Wyoming Correctional has been put on the other side of the bars for allegedly taking money from inmates for drugs.
37 year old William Fannan or Orchard Park is accused of taking bribes from two inmates to smuggle the drug K2 into the prison.
Fannan is now in the Wyoming County Jail.

A Town of Darien man arrested for allegedly grabbing a 13 year old boy by the neck during a domestic dispute.
28 year old Alexander Seegar of Allegany Road charged with harassment and endangering eh welfare of a child.
Seegar given a court appearance ticket.

It looks like jurors in the bribery trial of Joseph Percoco might start deliberations as early as next week.
The government has rested its case and the defense will likely wrap up on Monday.
Prosecutors say the former aide to Governor Cuomo accepted more than $300,000 in bribes in exchange for political favors.

Governor Cuomo is extending his emergency executive order allowing New York pharmacists to give flu shots to children ages two to 18.
The governor says it’s important to increase access for New Yorkers as flu diagnoses continue to rise across the state.

28 year old Alexander Seegar of Alleghany Road in Darien was arrested and charged with Harassment and Endangering the Welfare of a Child following a domestic incident that occurred late last night.

Seegar is accused of grabbing a 13 year old child by the back of the neck during a verbal altercation.

He was issued an appearance ticket for March 13th in Darien Town Court.

28 year old James Longmire of Bloomingdale Road was arrested following a complaint on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation.

He allegedly crashed into an embankment after failing to negotiate a curve on Councilhouse Road on the Reservation.

Longmire was allegedly intoxicated at the time and was charged with DWI, and Drinking Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle along with traffic infractions for speeding and failing to keep right.

He was released with appearance tickets returnable to Alabama Town Court on March 28th.

46 year old Barbara Ferrando of Summit Street was arrested yesterday following investigation alleging that she and another person stole an item from the store two weeks ago.

Ferrando was released with an appearance ticket for March 12th in Batavia Town Court.

In a separate incident 37 year old Michael Jackson Jr. of State Street in the city was also arrested and charged with Petit Larceny.

Jackson was accused of committing the larceny from Walmart last Thursday.

He was released with an appearance ticket returnable to Batavia Town Court on March 15th.

23 year old Jordan Mock of Warsaw was stopped Wednesday night for allegedly speeding on North Academy Street in Warsaw.

Deputies allegedly found Mock in possession of heroin, hydrocodone pills, both powder and crack cocaine and marijuana.

He was arrested and charged with three felony counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance along with Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia and pot possession.

Mock was committed to the Wyoming County Jail in lieu of $7,500 bail.

Hannah Kirisits (center) is surrounded by her parents as she commits to GCC’s women’s lacrosse program from lancaster

Press Release:

Kirisits is Latest Women’s Lacrosse Edition

Hannah Kirisits became the latest Cougar to join the women’s lacrosse ranks after signing on and enjoying a family campus visit Feb. 21.

After returning from one end of the state and signing Julia Malkischer from the Albany area, Genesee Community College women’s lacrosse coach Jeff Reyngoudt stayed a little bit closer to home by heading in the opposite direction this time – west – to recruit literally a legend.

Kirisits plays for the Lancaster Legends in Section VI of the New York Public High School Athletic Association for one of the largest high schools in Western New York that competes at the Double-A level.

Not only does Reyngoudt’s latest recruit have the versatility as both a defender and midfielder, but like so many other Reyngoudt recruits, she comes along with a winning pedigree as a high-school sectional champion and her athleticism goes beyond the lacrosse field and onto the courts of basketball and tennis. In addition, there’s no better recruit than one that excells both on the field and in the classroom as Kirisits is also an honor student.

Kirisits plans to attend GCC to help pursue a career in graphic design and will join the team in the spring of 2019.

Nanako Shiozawa (Chiba, Japan) from the women’s swimming team and Ferran Martinez (Barcelona, Spain) from the men’s swimming team

Cougar Athletes of the Week Announced

The Genesee Community College’s athletes of the week for the period ending Feb. 18 are Nanako Shiozawa (Chiba, Japan) from the women’s swimming team and Ferran Martinez (Barcelona, Spain) from the men’s swimming team, with the latter also being selected as the NJCAA Region-III Male Athlete of the Week.

Martinez helped the GCC men’s swimming team set three school relay records and he also captured first place three times at the NJCAA Regionals/NE District Championships in helping the Cougars to a regional championship runner-up finish last weekend. Martinez captured half of all the men’s individual first places that included the 200-yard butterfly, 200-yard individual medley and the 400-yard individual medley. The three school relay records Martinez was a part of were the 400-yard freestyle, the 400-yard medley and the 200-yard freestyle.

Shiozawa was the lone Cougar to capture a first-place finish (200-yard butterfly) in women’s compettion at the NJCAA Regionals/NE District Championships in helping Genesee to a third-place Region-III finish (fourth-place NE District) last weekend at MCC. Shiozawa took home three top-three finishes overall that also included a pair of runner-up finishes in the 100-yard butterfly and the 100-yard backstroke, as well as being part of four relay teams that finished in the top-four with one second-place (400-yard medley), one third-place (200-yard freestyle) and two fourth-place (200-yard medley and 400-yard freestyle) finishes.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Students report Threat of Violence at another area school.
Concerned students at Letchworth Central School contacted Lawmen in Wyoming County to investigate a possible threat of violence.
According to The Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, students identified another Letchworth High School student as the author of a perceived threat posted on social media.
Sheriff Greg Rudolph said there was no actual threat to campus, students or staff.
He said school safety is the number one priority for the Sheriff’s Office had he is glad that students and staff at the Letchworth District share the same mission.
The incident follows The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office investigation into verbal threats made by a Batavia High School student attending BOCES late last week.
No arrests have been made in either case, however police said they take threats of any kind very seriously.

Corrections Officer in Wyoming behind bars for allegedly taking bribes from inmates.
37 year old William Fannan of Orchard Park is accused of taking money from two inmates to smuggle in a dangerous synthetic drug called K2 into the Wyoming Correctional Facility.
Fannan was arrested and charged with Promoting Prison Contraband, Receiving a Bribe, Official Misconduct and Conspiracy.
The two inmates who were purchasing the drugs from Fannan were transferred to another facility after being charged with promoting prison contraband and conspiracy as well.
Fannan was ordered to be held in lieu of $40,000 bail in the Wyoming County Jail.

Judge gives Batavia woman final chance to avoid prison.
32 year old Ann Capuano of Montclair Avenue was originally arrested for attempted burglary last April when she allegedly entered a State Street business brandishing a knife.
She later admitted to being on drugs at the time.
Yesterday she was sentenced to 6-months in jail and 5-years’ probation for violating provisions of her release under supervision.
In treatment, she was accused of stealing medication from another patient.
Judge Charles Zambito told Capuano this was her last chance and the next step would be state prison.

Flu rates in New York continue to rise.
The newest numbers from the state department of health show confirmed flu cases are up nine-percent from the week before but related hospitalizations are down 13-percent.
Western New York’s flu season is slightly better than it was the week before.
However, we still have the second-highest flu rate of any part of the state.
Governor Cuomo is again urging New Yorkers to get the shot and help stop the spread.

A threat of violence at Letchworth Central has Wyoming County lawmen investigating.
The Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office says a perceived threat on social media was traced to a Letchworth High School student.
The sheriff says there was no actual threat to campus, students or staff but were thankful other students came forward with their concerns.
Late last week, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office investigated verbal threats made by a Batavia High School student attending BOCES.
In both cases, police said they take threats of any kind very seriously.
No arrests were made in either case.

A Batavia woman gets 6-months in jail and 5-years’ probation for violating provisions of her release under supervision. 32 year old Ann Capuano of Montclair Avenue was originally arrested for attempted burglary last June when she allegedly entered a State Street business brandishing a knife.
She later admitted to being on drugs at the time.

The Batavia Development Corporation gets a vote of confidence from City Council.
During a budget session last night council debated the $110,000 in funding for the BDC.
Ward 4 Councilman Al McGinnis favored funding BDC for another year, he was review it for next year:

The Batavia Development Corporation and its executive director are funding with the city’s share of slot machine revenue from Batavia Downs.
That cash feed the city’s general fund and could be used for any purpose.

There’s speculation Governor Cuomo may be eyeing the White House in 2020. Cuomo has said he’s focused on winning a third term but gave a one liner during a union endorsement speech yesterday that sounded presidential. Cuomo told the crowd, we’re going to make America America again. When asked if that was a presidential campaign slogan, Cuomo ducked the question and referred to a poem titled “Let America be America Again.”

The Batavia Development Corp received support across the board from City Council members during their latest budget workshop.

Council was discussing the $110,000 in funding the city provides to the BDC which includes paying Economic Development Coordinator Julie Pacatte salary.

Councilman Al McGinnis said he he would like the funding reviewed next year but that it might be OK to fund BDC this year.

After learning that funding for the BDC comes from the video slot machine proceeds paid to the city by Batavia Downs, McGinnis backed off his initial request.

The City’s Superintendent of Maintenance Ray Tourt was a featured guest on WBTA’s Main and Center program this morning where he laid out plans for a lengthy tree replacement project…

Tourt said that they are planning on replacing between 40 and 60 trees this year.

He said there will be an award for the tree bid within the next month.

32 year old Ann Capuano of Montclair Avenue appeared for sentencing in Genesee County Court this morning after repeated violations of her release under supervision agreement.

She pleaded guilty to a Class E felony of attempted burglary in June after admitting to a bizarre incident in which she entered a business on State Street Road brandishing a knife.

She later admitted to being on drugs during the incident.

First Assistant District Attorney Mellissa Cianfrini requested incarceration after citing a list of interim probation violations including an accusation that she stole medications from another patient at drug treatment, and that she skipped appointments.

Before being sentenced Capuano rapidly went through a list of excuses for every violation incident and blamed transportation issues for her absence at scheduled treatments before breaking down in tears.

Judge Charles Zambito sentenced her to shock probation which consists of 6 months in jail and 5 years’ probation.

He told Capuano this was her last chance and the next step would be state prison.

Press Release:

February 22, the Kiwanis Club of Batavia celebrates its 95th Anniversary. The club’s rich history of performing community service projects for the children of the Batavia community has left its mark in a variety of ways.

The club received its charter from Kiwanis International on February 22, 1923 with 56 original members, including the former Batavia Mayor, Ashton W. Caney, and many other community businessmen and professionals. The mission of Kiwanis is to serve the children of the world, and as one of their first projects, the Kiwanis Club of Batavia started a fresh air program where they sponsored bringing children from the cities into the country for a week. The club began recognizing the top ten students from Batavia and Notre Dame High Schools in 1944, and continues to do so today. The club’s largest project during their first half century included raising over $42,000 to assist in building the city pool at MacArthur Park, which was dedicated in 1962. Following the pool project, the club sponsored the development of Kiwanis Park in the Town of Batavia. The park was dedicated in 1977, and most recently the club helped to convert the park to one that offers specialty equipment for children with developmental disabilities.

During the second half century of the club’s existence, a most significant impact was realized through the Bidding on a Brighter Future Gala event that raised a combined total of nearly $200,000 over five years to assist the Justice for Children Advocacy Center in securing a permanent home. These funds are presently be utilized to renovate a building that will meet the service needs related to assisting children who have been physically or sexually abused.

Other projects started by the Kiwanis Club include a Soap Box Derby, an ice carnival, Farm City Days, a ski tow in Attica, and the Golden Olympics for seniors. The club continues to work tirelessly for the community in a variety of ways. Monies raised through their Pancake Day, Spaghetti Dinner and 5K for Autism Awareness are distributed to local children-centric organizations. Money from those projects also funds several annual community events: Easter Egg Hunt, Thanksgiving Morning Skate, Holiday Tote Project and AMBA Blood Analysis. The club supports Meals on Wheels by delivering meals on a weekly basis, as it has done for nearly 20 years. Most recently in partnership with Genesee County, club members volunteered to maintain the outdoor ice rink at DeWitt Park on Friday nights so the community would have the opportunity to skate under the lights on a weekly basis. The club also partners with the Genesee County Bar Association to recognize outstanding law enforcement professionals from the Batavia Police Department, Genesee County Sheriff’s Department, State Police Troop A and the Leroy Police Department at their Annual Law Day Dinner.

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia currently has 43 members, and is proud of the long-term membership of Kiwanis Past Lieutenant Governor Richard Rung since 1973, as well as that of local Past President Donald Lewis since 1965.

Press Release:

New York State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R-C-I, Amherst) announced today that the Executive Budget proposes a lower tax rate for Batavia Downs. The proposal would provide $1.4 million in tax relief.

“The Executive Budget proposal is a first step to leveling the tax playing field for Batavia Downs. Lowering the tax rate will make the local facility more competitive and ensure a fairer share of dollars are returned to taxpayers through our local governments. I will continue to advocate for establishing tax parity between Batavia Downs and other gaming facilities across the state,” said Ranzenhofer.

The Executive Budget also eliminates mandated spending levels of 10% for marketing expenses and 4% for capital improvements. Under existing state law, the oldest nighttime harness track in the country pays one of the highest effective tax rates among gaming centers in the region.

In January, Senator Ranzenhofer introduced legislation (S7397) in the State Senate that would lower Batavia Down’s taxes paid to New York State by increasing the facility’s portion of net winnings from 35% to 41%. If enacted, the act would take effect on April 1, 2019.

Batavia Downs Gaming, operated by WROTB, is a standard bred racetrack and gaming facility. WROTB is a public benefit corporation–owned by 15 Western New York counties, including Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Wyoming, as well as the cities of Rochester and Buffalo. Since its inception, WROTB has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in operating and surcharge revenues to the residents of those participating municipalities.

Caylen Williams goes in for a layup against No. 13 MCC Feb. 21 (photo credit: GCC Athletics/Curtis Kreutter)

Press Release:

Men’s Basketball Team Falls to No. 13 MCC

The Genesee Community College men’s basketball team went toe-to-toe with nationally-ranked Monroe Community College (No. 13) for the entire first half in a key Western New York Athletic Association matchup in the Cougars’ regular-season home finale.

Genesee responded to a 7-0 Tribunes run to start the game by rallying back to take the lead at 16-15 with a Rahmel Thompson bucket midway through the first half. The Cougars would go ahead by as much as four points and hold the lead for most of the latter part of the first half until the Tribunes went on an 8-2 run to take a 38-34 lead at the break.

Monroe came out in the second half just as hot as in the first, but this time Genesee’s rally didn’t fare as well before dropping the contest 88-67.

Brian Fobbs and Thompson did most of the damage for the Cougars as the pair combined for 42 points and 15 rebounds. Fobbs scored a team-high 22 points with Thompson right behind him at 20. Fobbs may have had a string of double-double performances snapped, but it didn’t stop the sophomore from still leading the team in boards with eight. Once again, Thompson wasn’t far behind with seven rebounds.

Jarett Haines was Genesee’s other double-digit scorer with a dozen points and he led the team in steals with four and co-led the team in assists with four, as Caylen Williams also registered four assists while adding seven points.

Fobbs’ 22 points moved him into sole possession of fifth place on the Cougars’ all-time scoring list with 1213 points. After starting the game at No. 7 all-time, Fobbs leapfrogged LaShawn Levert (1206 points) and Jason Cornute (1211 points) and now need just 29 more to pass current No. 4 Naquil Jones’ 1241 total.

Departing Cougars from the women’s basketball team were honored prior to their game against No. 1 MCC Feb. 21 (photo credit: GCC Athletics/Curtis Kreutter)

Lady Cougars Fall to No. 1 MCC

The Genesee Community College women’s basketball team closed out its home schedule by honoring its departing players and hosting the National Junior College Athletic Association’s No. 1 ranked team Monroe Community College Feb.21.

The Cougars started the second quarter within three scores before the Tribunes pulled away for an 83-39 win. Genesee put up double-digits in three of the four quarters and were led by Rosalyn Sealey and Kierra Perl, who each scored 11 for the Cougars.

Perl also led the team in rebounds with nine and was a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line. Jasmine Holmes and Rachel Meyer added eight boards, while Holmes also scored seven points for the Cougars.

Sealey and TaLia Burgess each registered three assists to lead the team, with the latter also adding seven boards.

Rounding out the scorers for Genesee were Burgess and Reika Murota, who each scored three; and Sierra Chudy and Meyer with a pair of points apiece, with the latter also adding a pair of assists.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

30 year old J W Hardy of Batavia has been sentenced to 10 years in state prison for his part in a violent gang assault last year.
Hardy appeared in Genesee County Court yesterday for sentencing on his felony gang assault conviction stemming from last July’s beating and stabbing of a man on East Main Street.
If it wasn’t for the quick action of first responders Hardy’s victim would have likely died in the attack according to Prosecutors.
26 year old Anthony Spencer of Batavia was also arrested for the assault and his case is still pending.
Spencer is expected to take his case to trial.

Rochester man adds to prison time for Batavia Bank robbery.
25 year old Steven Vega of Rochester is currently serving a 2-4 year sentence on a charge in Monroe County.
Yesterday he added to his term after being sentenced to 3-6 years in prison for robbing the Bank of America branch in Batavia last July.
Judge Charles Zambito agreed with the prosecution that he was already provided a substantial break in his plea deal gave Vega the maximum sentence allowed under the plea agreement.

Tops says vendors have no reason to worry.
“The Buffalo News” confirmed yesterday that the supermarket chain filing for bankruptcy is telling its vendors that this will have no impact on their dealings.
The company says this is just an internal restructuring and it will be business as usual.
Tops says that food providers or other vendors will be paid in full moving forward but any debts owed before the filing have to be addressed by the court.

Committee approves funding for Jail elevator.
It will take nearly $72,000 to fix the elevator at The Genesee County Jail.
It’s a matter of safety according to Former Sheriff Gary Maha.
Maha who is now a county legislator, told the County’s public safety committee that it is safer to use the elevator to move inmates between floors. It’s also used to deliver meals to inmates.
The Public Safety Committee unanimously approved the expenditure.
The County legislature will be presented a full analysis on the Jail conditions by the SMRT Architects Firm This Saturday Morning at 8.

Families displaced after apartment fire in Lima.
A passer-by driving past an East Main Street residence in Lima reported flames coming out of the front of the house to Emergency Communications at around 9:00 pm Tuesday night.
The caller went to the house and alerted the other residents of the fire while dispatchers requested assistance.
The building contained six apartments that were occupied and all the residents were able to get out of the house safely.
All the residents were displaced from the building and The Red Cross was on scene assisting and continues to help the residents with a place to stay.
No injuries were reported however several family pets were lost in the fire.
The cause of the fire has not been determined but authorities ruled out any criminal act as the cause.

The Genesee County Jail needs almost $72,000 just to fix its elevator.
It’s not a convenience for the inmates, it’s a matter of safety.
Former Sheriff Gary Maha, now a county legislator, told the legislature’s public safety committee that moving inmates between floors is safer with the elevator. It’s also used to deliver meals to inmate cells which otherwise would mean carrying trays up several flights of stairs.
The Public Safety Committee unanimously approved the expenditure.

A Batavia man gets 10 years in prison for his part in a brutal gang assault last year.
30 year old J W Hardy was sentenced this morning for last July’s beating and stabbing of a man on East Main Street.
The assault, prosecutors said, nearly killed Hardy’s victim.

Eugene jankowski

Batavia City Council President Eugene Jankowski continues to rack up marksmanship awards.
Jankowski finished third in the Bushnell Elite Tactical Sniper challenger in South Carolina.
Competitors hiked 25 miles over three days carrying a 50-pound backpack from one shooting stage to the next.
Jankowski is a retired Batavia Police lieutenant and host of a cable TV on rifle shooting.

A six unit apartment building in Lima is heavily damaged by fire leaving six families homeless.
Authorities said several family pets perished in the blaze that occurred last night.
A passer-by reported to the Livingston County Emergency Communications Center (E-911) that he was driving by the residence and observed flames coming out of the front of the house. The caller went to the house and alerted the other residents of the fire. All the residents were able to get out of the house safely.
Firemen were able to contain the fire to the front down stairs apartment and were able to bring the fire under control. The down stairs front apartment suffered major fire, smoke and water damage and the other apartments suffered smoke and water damage
The Red Cross is assisting all residents.
The cause of the fire has not been determined but authorities ruled out any criminal act as the cause.

Rochester will not be the final frontier for William Shatner, but the former Star Trek star is coming to town anyway.
Shatner is scheduled to appear April 5th for the screening of the movie “Star Trek Two: The Wrath of Khan”.
The actor who portrayed Captain James T. Kirk will then engage in a live conversation with audience members.
Tickets go on sale on Friday.

Press Release:

What: Creativity in the Entrepreneurial Zone Conference at GCC

When: Wednesday, February 28, 2018 from 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Where: Genesee Community College ~ Batavia Campus ~ Conable Technology Building

Who: Entrepreneurs, creative thinkers and all are welcome!

Background: Do you have a hobby or passion? Ever consider turning it into your own business? Then you won’t want to miss this conference! Genesee Community College will host the fifth annual Creativity Conference: Creativity in the Entrepreneurial Zone on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at the Batavia Campus.

The Creativity Conference will open for participants to check in at 8:15 a.m. in the Conable Technology Building lobby. The conference cost is $49 per person. For GCC students, faculty or staff, the conference cost is $25 per person. Registration includes a continental breakfast and delicious lunch. Seating is limited, so register today at www.genesee.edu/best under “View our classes now!”

At 9 a.m. conference attendees will be welcomed by GCC’s Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Kathleen Schiefen. Then, the conference will feature keynote speaker, Erica Swiatek. She will address the link between creativity and entrepreneurship as she has demonstrated in her own business, 3600 Escape – a Buffalo based company that hosts escape room experiences.

From 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Swiatek will host a special escape room experience right here at GCC! Participants will work in small groups to look for clues, propose hypothesis and race against other teams to solve the problem first. Anyone registered for the conference can sign up for this special breakout session which costs an additional $15 per person and is limited to 30 participants, so sign up quick!

For those not attending Swiatek’s escape room experience, there will be nine unique and inspiring breakout sessions featuring entrepreneurial leaders from our region to share stories of their own startups, answer audience questions, and inspire the next generation of great new ideas. Conference participants will be able to select three of these sessions to attend. Each session will be offered at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12 noon.

Among the breakout sessions will be:

• Rashaad Santiago, special effect/ make-up artist, Face Off-Season 6 Winner (2014)
• Sue Fuller, owner of Della’s Chocolates in Medina
• Trace George, President/ CEO of VSP Graphic Group in Buffalo, (the official graphic company for the Buffalo Bills) and GCC Alum
• Shawn Ramsey, owner of Canalside Tattoos in Medina
• Maureen Spindler, owner of The Village Photographer in Hilton and GCC’s own visual communications specialist/photographer
• Deb Altrieth, owner of Deb’s Bakery in Batavia
• Rhonda Parker, Writer/ Director and founder of Beaver Alley Studios, Inc.
• Leslie Zink Ward & Geoff Dale, owners of Lovin Cup & Three Heads

Additional sessions will be available and session schedules are subject to change.

At 12:45 p.m. everyone will come together for a sit-down lunch, provided by American Creative Dining served in the centrally located William H. Stuart Forum.

After lunch, the team from Startup Genesee will conduct a powerful wrap-up session for all conference attendees with give-aways and a very exciting announcement sure to help take entrepreneurial ideas to the next level!

The Creativity in the Entrepreneurial Zone conference, presented by GCC has been made possible through partnership with the Startup Genesee Committee and the Ain Center at the University of Rochester’s ongoing support for the “Year of Entrepreneurship” series.

Behind every great business is a great idea! Let GCC be a resource for your idea and your path to success! GCC offers both an Associate Degree and a Certificate program on Entrepreneurship. Check out the options at https://www.genesee.edu/academics/programs/business/entrepreneurship/.

For more information, contact Director of Business Programs Lina LaMattina at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6319, or via email: lmlamattina@genesee.edu.

Additional Details can be found through the following links:

https://www.genesee.edu/home/events/creativity-conference/

http://news.genesee.edu/news/2018/02/08/gcc-s-creativity-entrepreneurial-zone-conference-inspires-pursuit-one-s-passion

Assistant Vice President Kevin Robertson

Press Release:

BATAVIA, N.Y., February 21, 2018 – Tompkins Insurance Agencies announces Kevin Robertson has been promoted to assistant vice president, personal lines supervisor. Robertson is responsible for overseeing personal lines account managers throughout the entire Western New York region. He has been with Tompkins Insurance for six years. Robertson holds his New York State Insurance Brokers License for property and casualty, in addition to a master’s degree from SUNY Brockport. Robertson currently resides in the Village of LeRoy.

Press Release:

U.S. Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Tyler J. Sabo 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.

Sabo earned distinction as an honor graduate.

He is the son of Wes and Carmen Sabo of Holley, N.Y.

The airman is a 2007 graduate of Holley High School, Holley, N.Y.

Per LCSO Facebook:

*****UPDATE***** Per Dansville PD – Evan Sinsebox has been located.

FULL CANCEL-SUBJECT HAS BEEN LOCATED

*MISSING JUVENILE*

The Livingston County Sheriffs Office is assisting the Dansville Police Department with a missing juvenile.

Missing is 15 year old Evan Sinsebox. Evan is 5’7 140 pounds with Brown hair and blue eyes. He is possibly wearing a blue hoodie and dark pants or sweats.

Evan may have a hand injury that is bleeding. He is missing from the area of Chestnut Ave in the Village of Dansville but resides on Jay Knapp Road in Ossian.

If located please call 585-243-7100.

Student under investigation for making threats at BOCES in Batavia.
Local Law Enforcement is looking into alleged threats made by a Batavia High School student to shoot people at BOCES.
The unnamed student was taken to Buffalo for a mental health examination yesterday.
Genesee county Sheriff’s Office Chief Investigator Jerome Brewster:

The potential threat of a school shooter is keeping everyone extra vigilant following the latest incident in Florida.
Assistant superintendent at Batavia Boces Julie Donlon says the threat has been addressed and the school will start up as usual tomorrow.

Donlon says the school is will be offering specialized training in the region to help schools recognize and deal with potential threats.

Livingston County Law Enforcement Search for Missing Teen.
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of Dansville Police are continuing to look for 15 year old Evan Sinsebox of Jay Knapp Road in Ossian.
The missing boy was last seen near Chestnut Avenue in the village of Dansville.
He is described as 5 foot 7 inches approximately 140 lbs with blue eyes and brown hair.
Evan could possibly be wearing a blue hoodie and dark pants or sweatpants and may have a hand injury that is bleeding.
Anyone with information on Evan’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (585) 243-7100.

Council President is a real hot shot.
Eugene Jankowski of Batavia was awarded for finishing in Third Place for the Trooper Division at the Bushnell Elite Tactical Sniper Challenge held last weekend in Clinton, South Carolina.
During the team competition the members must carry their rifle and gear between the nine separate stages of fire based off of real life military and police incidents.
In total teams hiked around 25 miles over three days in natural terrain carrying an approximately 50-pound backpack.
Jankowski is a retired City of Batavia police lieutenant and current president of the Batavia City Council.
More than 100 competitors from all over the country attended the event.

A New York lawmaker wants the state to pay to put school resource officers in all New York schools.
Senator Patrick Gallivan says the funding should be included in the 2018-2019 budget.
The school resource officer program is currently in place in only some school districts.
It places trained law enforcement officers inside schools to help deter negative situations.

Weather records were broken in Rochester on Tuesday.
The high temperature at the Greater Rochester International Airport was 70 degrees, which broke the old record of 62, according to the “Democrat and Chronicle”.
A dramatic drop in temperatures is expected for Wednesday, with forecasters predicting highs in the 30s and a chance for snow on Thursday.

Chief Investigator Jerome Brewster

A Batavia High School student, attending BOCES, is under investigation for threatening to shoot people at his school.
The student, who has not been identified, is undergoing a mental health examination in Buffalo.
Genesee county Sheriff’s Office Chief Investigator Jerome Brewster is handling the case

The threat of violence in schools is top of mind since the murderous rampage at a Florida high school recently.

Julie Donlon, Ast. Superintendent BOCES Batavia

Julie Donlon is the assistant superintendent at Batavia Boces. She says Boces is taking the lead in offering specialized training int the region to help schools recognize and deal with potential threats:

Donlon assured parents that this latest threat is under control and that Boces is safe for the return of students on Thursday.
The school has been on a winter break.

An unnamed BOCES student is currently undergoing a mental health evaluation in Buffalo after allegations that he made threats of violence at the Batavia campus.

What the student said or wrote, if anything, remains unclear, however initial investigation has characterized the threats as vague without specific reference to how the student would actually carry out the alleged acts.

Batavia’s Superintendent Chris Daily confirmed he notified local law enforcement after being made aware of the threats.

The name of the student is not being released and he has not currently been charged.

Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster said that the student will be charged if there is enough evidence that he committed a crime.

Brewster said local law enforcement takes these kinds of threats seriously and they will act on them.

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

An altercation on Center Street in Batavia leads to charges for three.
47 year old Raymond Cook and 28 year old Rae Cook both of Clinton Street Road in Bergen along with 33 year old Lyndsay Wilcox of Center Street were all arrested and charged with second degree Harassment following an incident last Thursday in the city.
Raymond Cook was accused of holding someone’s arms during the fight while Rae Cook was accused of striking someone in the face and head multiple times.
Wilcox allegedly struck someone as well in the scuffle and all three were released with appearance tickets for March 6th in Batavia City Court.

Couple accused of using coke and driving with their infant from Attica.
39 year old Joseph Marr of Attica and 29 year old Jenna Josephite of Batavia were both arrested by Genesee County Deputies following the alleged incident on Thursday.
Deputies say they used cocaine in front of their one year old baby before driving with the child from Attica to Batavia.
They were both charged with Endangering the welfare of a child.

Burglary in Batavia lands an Otis Street man in lock up.
Following a domestic dispute last week at an East Main Street address in the city officers arrested 28 year old Cody Eaton of Batavia.
He was charged with two counts each of Burglary, Criminal Contempt and Petit Larceny.
Eaton was arraigned in city court and committed without bail to the Genesee County Jail.

Super 8 worker arrested for phony record keeping.
40 year old Joseph Blatchley of Pratt Road in Batavia was arrested following investigation accusing him of removing and altering business records at the Super 8 Motel on Oak Street.
He was charged with Falsifying business records in the first degree and given an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court this afternoon.

Tops Markets headquartered out of Western New York could be filing for bankruptcy.
On Saturday, “Bloomberg News” reported that Tops could file Chapter Eleven to stay in business.
The head of the union representing more than ten-thousand Tops workers says they’re working to deal with enormous debt.
It isn’t known if the chain will have to sell any stores.
As of now, the supermarkets will be open for business.

Forecasters are warning that unseasonably warm temperatures could cause ice jam flooding Upstate.
Highs are expected to reach into the 60’s in the region over the next couple of days.
Snow melting and rainfall could raise water levels, shifting ice jams and causing unexpected flooding.
The National Weather Service has a Hazardous Weather Outlook issued for the entire Western New York Region reminding residents who live along rivers or streams to take extra precautions.

Tops Markets, Batavia

Tops Markets is saying nothing about growing reports of their financial troubles.
Over the weekend Bloomberg News reported that the Williamsville based grocer could file for bankruptcy as early as this month.
The union representing almost 12-thosuand Tops workers say it’s been monitoring the company’s financial health for months.
Tops operates the largest free-standing supermarket in Batavia.

A Town of Batavia couple accused of driving while doing dope with their baby in the car.
29 year old Jenna Josephite of Main Street Rd and 29 year old Joseph Marr of Attica were charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
Authorities said the two used cocaine in front of their one year old child and then drove under the influence of the drug from Attica to Batavia.

State Police arrest an Alden woman for a violation of Leandra’s Law.
Troopers say they stopped 47 year old Deanna Carhart for speeding on Crittenden Road in Alden.
They said Carhart was driving drunk with a 9 year old child in the vehicle

The journalism dean at SUNY-Stony Brook is calling on the Board of Regents to offer “news literacy” lessons in classrooms throughout New York State.
Howard Schneider says the alternative could be generations of young people unable to distinguish fake news from the real thing.
Stony Brook’s Center for News Literacy has been offering courses in news literacy since 2007 that are now used by 22 other colleges in the U.S. and in ten other countries.

Today, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced that the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has completed the final acquisitions of an additional 60-acre parcel and a 77-acre parcel in Pembroke, New York that is required in order for the VA to construct the new Western New York National Veterans Cemetery. With the acquisitions complete, Schumer is now urging the VA to swiftly begin construction of the cemetery this year. Schumer said with the two newly acquired parcels the cemetery will effectively double in size. Schumer said once constructed, the new Veterans’ Cemetery in Genesee County, will be the first and only of its kind in the Buffalo-Rochester area and will save thousands of military families from having to travel upward of 100 miles to visit their loved ones at what is now the closest vet cemetery in Bath, NY. Schumer said now it is vital the VA begin the cemetery’s construction.

“I applaud the Department of Veteran Affairs for overcoming this last impediment and acquiring these two land parcels. With this final hurdle cleared, I urge the VA to stick to a swift construction timetable and take the steps to begin the Western New York Veterans Cemetery construction this year. Making this cemetery a reality has been one of my top priorities, and now the VA has a clear path to begin construction. I am elated the VA heeded my calls and I look forward to seeing this project come to fruition,” said Senator Schumer. “This cemetery’s construction guarantees Western New York’s veterans will have the proper burial, at a site close to the homes, families, and the very communities they dedicated their lives to defend and serve.”

Previously the VA purchased a 132-acre site bordering on Indian Falls Road and State Route 77 in the Town of Pembroke as the site of the new veteran’s cemetery but required these two additional parcels before construction could begin. Schumer explained the new cemetery design calls for the main entrance to be built through this 60-acre parcel of land so that veterans, their families, and cemetery visitors can access the cemetery from Indian Falls Road, rather than via the busy State Route 77 corridor. Schumer said both parcels are located adjacent to the existing 132-acre cemetery site that was purchased by the VA in 2014. The VA had advised last year that before the VA could acquire these two parcels needed to begin the cemetery’s construction, a buried gas line that traversed the 60 acre and 77-acre parcels needed to be plugged and then relocated. Per the timeline provided by the VA to Schumer’s office in June 2017, the VA aimed to begin construction approximately six months after purchase of the 60 and 77-acre parcels, followed by the opening of the early turnover area for burials a year later in 2019.

Tops Markets, Batavia

Tops Markets is saying nothing about growing reports of their financial troubles.
Over the weekend Bloomberg News reported that the Williamsville based grocer could file for bankruptcy as early as this month.
The union representing almost 12-thosuand Tops workers say it’s been monitoring the company’s financial health for months.
Tops operates the largest free-standing supermarket in Batavia.

A Town of Batavia couple accused of driving while doing dope with their baby in the car.
29 year old Jenna Josephite of Main Street Rd and 29 year old Joseph Marr of Attica were charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
Authorities said the two used cocaine in front of their one year old child and then drove under the influence of the drug from Attica to Batavia.

State Police arrest an Alden woman for a violation of Leandra’s Law.
Troopers say they stopped 47 year old Deanna Carhart for speeding on Crittenden Road in Alden.
They said Carhart was driving drunk with a 9 year old child in the vehicle

The journalism dean at SUNY-Stony Brook is calling on the Board of Regents to offer “news literacy” lessons in classrooms throughout New York State.
Howard Schneider says the alternative could be generations of young people unable to distinguish fake news from the real thing.
Stony Brook’s Center for News Literacy has been offering courses in news literacy since 2007 that are now used by 22 other colleges in the U.S. and in ten other countries.

Cougars are runners-up

Press Release:

Cougars Finish Second and Fourth in Swimming Regionals

The Genesee Community College swimming teams concluded their third and last day of competition in the National Junior College Athletic Association Region III Northeast District Swimming Championships at Monroe Community College Feb. 18.

The Cougar men’s team finished as regional champion runner-up, while the Cougar women’s team finished fourth.

The highlight of the last day of competition was the setting of another men’s relay school record. The foursome of Nathan Richardson, Joan Ferrer, Ferran Martinez and Brandon Brown finished with a new record time of 3:19.53 in the 400-yard freestyle.

The men’s relay team was just one of seven top-three finishes on the day that was highlighted by three individual first-place finishes – two by the men’s team and one by the women’s team.

Two of the three first-place finishes were in the 200-yard butterfly. Nanako Shiozawa took first in women’s competition with a 2:24.55 time and Martinez did the same in men’s competition with a 1:58.71 time.

Matthew Langerman recorded Genesee’s other first place; in the 1,650-yard freestyle (18:02.32).

In addition to the men’s 400-yard freestyle relay, two other individual Cougars were runners-up in individual competition with both coming in the 200-yard backstroke. Angel Priest was second in women’s competition with a 2:21.39 time, while Richardson was second in men’s competition with a 2:02.41 time.

Ferrer rounded out Cougar top-three finishes with a third-place finish in the 100-yard freestyle.

Genesee’s 464.5 points were only second to host Monroe, who finished with 631 on the men’s side. On the women’s side, Fashion Institute of Technology took first with 512 points followed by Monroe (414), Erie (312) and Genesee (220).

The Cougars finished ahead of seven other schools combined in both competitions and now Genesee gets set for the NJCAA Nationals in Florida next month.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Nanako Shiozawa finished second in two events during the second day of NJCAA Swimming Regionals at MCC

Press Release:

Second Day of Regional Swimming Competition Completed at MCC

The Genesee Community College swimming teams completed the second of three days of the National Junior College Athletics Association Region-III and Northeast District Championships with the men’s team in second with 317 points and the Cougar women’s team in fourth with 163 points after 26 events.

Genesee finished in the top-three in 10 different events.

Three Cougars recorded first-place finishes that included Ferran Martinez, Joan Ferrer and Nathan Richardson.

Martinez captured the 400-yard individual medley (4:22.10), Ferrer took the 100-yard butterfly (54.06), and Richardson was first in the 100-yard backstroke (55.68).

Genesee finished second in six different events including two relays.

Nanako Shiozawa finished runner-up in two 100-yard events that included the butterfly (1:03.04) and the breaststroke (1:16.07).

Angel Priest was second in the 100-yard backstroke, while Benjamin Vacanti was second in the 100-yard breaststroke.

Two men’s relay teams also took second that included the 200-yard medley (1:45.27) and the 800-yard freestyle (7:26.58).

The 10th Genesee swimmer with a top-three finish was Brandon Brown, who finished third in the 200-yard freestyle with a 1:53.58 time.

Matthew Langerman, Richardson, Martinez, and Ferrer comprised the 800-yard, second-place relay team; while Richardson, Vacanti, Brown and Ryan Mahaney were all part of the 200-yard medley relay team.

The men’s team currently trails leader Monroe by 100 points, while the women’s team is 80 points out of third behind Erie.

Day Three begins with preliminaries at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 18 and finals are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at host Monroe Community College.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Brian Fobbs (center) dunks the ball against Niagara Feb. 17 as he moved into No. 7 all-time on GCC’s career scoring list (photo credit: GCC Athletics/Curtis Kreutter)

Press Release:

Men’s Basketball Team Rallies from Double-Digits Late in Second Half for Comeback Win

The Genesee Community College men’s basketball team trailed by as much as 10 points in the tail end of the second half, but went on a 13-2 run to re-take the lead with four minutes left. Both teams were tied with 78 seconds at 65 apiece, but clutch free-throw shooting proved to be the difference in giving the Cougars a 71-66 win against visiting Niagara County Community College Feb. 17.

A pair of Cougars decided the game in the final 30 seconds. The second of Jordan Smart’s free throws put Genesee up 67-65 and ended up being the deciding score, but Caylen Williams added another four charity-strip scores with the first pair coming with 13 seconds and the insurance free throws with just four seconds to seal the win.

Niagara built as much as a four-point lead in the first half at 20-16 with six minutes left before Genesee rallied late in the first with a 14-6 run to close out the first half with a 30-26 lead.

Current National Junior College Athletic Association Men’s Basketball D-II Player of the Week Brian Fobbs led the team in points with 31 and rebounds with 11 in recording yet another double-double performance. His 1,191 points moved him to No. 7 all-time among GCC scorers by passing Melvin Council (2001-2003) and now Fobbs needs just 21 more to leapfrog into sole possession of fifth place on the career scoring list.

Although the starting guard has a nation-leading 27 points-per-game, he has averaged 32 during February and he also continues to lead the nation in rebounds-per-game with 13.5.

Jarett Haines and Rahmel Thompson each added 13 points, but Haines also recorded tam-highs in assists with six and steals with four. Thompson was second on the team in rebounds with five despite only playing 26 minutes.

The Cougars close out their regular season home schedule against conference-leading Monroe Feb. 21 with a 7:30 p.m. tipoff. The Tribunes are also nationally-ranked at No. 9.

Kierra Perl (far right) battles under the boards against Niagara Feb. 17 (photo credit: GCC Athletics/Curtis Kreutter)

Lady Cougars Post Back-to-Back Seventy-Point Performances

The Genesee Community College women’s basketball team may have come up on the short end in their contest against Niagara County Community College, but the team has had one of its most productive offensive surges in its last two games.

The Lady Cougars put up 76 points in an 86-76 loss Feb. 17 to NCCC and combined with their previous game’s total have averaged 73.5 points during the past two games for the most points in consecutive games when not winning this season.

Genesee got out of the gate hot while building an 8-0 lead and kept the game close at 22-20 after the opening-quarter of play. Their best quarter came in the second when the Cougars took a six-point lead into halftime by a 43-37 margin.

The Cougars stayed close and were tied in the dying seconds of the third at 58 before the Thunderwolves went on a roll to take the contest.

While the offense has been there it has also come by committee with five Cougars recording double-digit performances.

Rosalyn Sealey led the way with 21 and Kierra Perl added 14. Both Jasmine Holmes and TaLia Burgess scored 13 each, while Reika Murota added 11.

Burgess’ team-leading 12 rebounds gave her a double-double, while Sealey also led the team in assists with seven and steals with four. Holmes just missed a double-double with nine boards and had a pair of blocks.

The Cougars close out their regular season home schedule against conference-leading Monroe Feb. 21 with a 5:30 p.m. tipoff. The Tribunes are also nationally-ranked at No. 1.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Într-o epocă în care tot ceea ce are de oferit internetul este un val de reclame pentru orice, de la mașini la băutură, este surprinzător că mai există loc pentru videoclipurile sexuale. Dar de ce? Este aceasta o tendință care merită susținută sau o încercare cinică de a monetiza sexualitatea?

Pornografia este educatorul sexual implicit

Pornografia este educatorul sexual implicit pentru un număr mare de tineri. Este o formă vizuală, scrisă și online de media sexuală care comunică o serie de mesaje problematice. Acestea pot afecta modul în care tinerii gândesc despre sex și relațiile lor.

Deși pornografia poate fi o resursă utilă, are și un impact semnificativ asupra vieții tinerilor. De fapt, un studiu recent a constatat că expunerea la pornografie violentă este corelată cu violența la întâlniri între adolescenți. Și un studiu longitudinal olandez a constatat că educația despre pornografie scade probabilitatea de a vedea femeile ca obiecte sexuale.

Mulți adolescenți sunt curioși în legătură cu sexualitatea și pot accesa accidental pornografie în procesul de căutare a conținutului. Problema este că mesajele problematice sunt rareori recunoscute. Dar există programe de studii concepute pentru a ajuta tinerii să evalueze critic influența porno gratis și să răspundă în mod corespunzător.

Una dintre cele mai cuprinzătoare programe de alfabetizare sexuală se numește „Porn Literacy”. Dezvoltat de un cercetător și un educator, curriculumul este livrat prin Start Strong, o organizație nonprofit care oferă o varietate de servicii sociale și programe educaționale. Acest program, care este unul dintre puținele din lume, are ca scop să-i învețe pe adolescenți să gândească critic despre filme porno.

Bărbații tineri, în special, au mai multe șanse să fie expuși la filme porno violente. Și pentru că este atât de disponibil pe scară largă, joacă un rol semnificativ în crearea unui context în care tinerii nu sunt educați despre practicile sexuale sănătoase.

Femeile tinere, totuși, își exprimă îngrijorarea cu privire la modul în care pornografia le influențează comportamentul și așteptările sexuale, insa trebuie tot timpul alese cele mai bune videoclipuri sexuale ca cele din Romania de la filmexxx.tube. În special, ei simt că pornografia are potențialul de a-i presa să întreprindă acțiuni nedorite.

O altă preocupare este că pornografia poate încuraja și normaliza comportamentele degradante și violente. Acest lucru poate duce la atitudini care promovează violența sexuală. Un studiu de la Universitatea din Amsterdam a examinat efectele pornografiei atât asupra adolescenților, cât și asupra femeilor. Cercetătorii au descoperit că pornografia a fost asociată cu comportamente mai agresive și negative atât în rândul băieților, cât și al fetelor.

Bărbații tineri sunt deosebit de vulnerabili la mesajele violente și sexiste. Băieții sunt mai predispuși să folosească pornografia pentru a afla despre sex și pentru a căuta informații despre propriile experiențe sexuale. Cu toate acestea, capacitatea lor de a procesa și procesa ceea ce văd este limitată. Prin urmare, este esențial să îi sprijinim să gândească critic despre portretizarea sexualității și a relațiilor de către pornografie.

Un program recent de educație sexuală, „Vocea ta, viziunea ta”, îi ajută pe elevii de clasa a 10-a să înțeleagă impactul pornografiei asupra corpului și minții lor. Printr-o serie de cinci sesiuni, studenții au fost învățați să privească pornografia în mod critic, să ia în considerare impactul acesteia asupra propriei sexualități și să dezvolte un plan pentru cum să facă față sentimentelor și emoțiilor negative care decurg din experiență. De asemenea, au avut o discuție deschisă despre subiect cu colegii lor.

Pornografia este legată de traficul sexual

Traficul sexual este o problemă serioasă în Statele Unite. Industria valorează 97 de miliarde de dolari la nivel mondial și reprezintă 12 miliarde de dolari numai în SUA. De fapt, este a treia cea mai mare afacere criminală din lume. Există mai multe moduri în care se realizează traficul sexual, iar pornografia contribuie major.

Pornografia este adesea folosită pentru a atrage clienții către o victimă a traficului sexual. Aceste victime pot fi femei, adolescenți sau copii. Un număr mare dintre aceste victime sunt, de asemenea, abuzate și exploatate. Multe dintre aceste victime sunt recrutate de oameni de încredere care sunt în industrie. Acesta este motivul pentru care este important să recunoaștem relația dintre porno și traficul de persoane.

În ciuda omniprezenței pornografiei, este greu de determinat cât de mult provine de la traficanții sexuali. De asemenea, este imposibil să știți numărul exact de videoclipuri porno produse de traficanți. Cu toate acestea, este clar că industria traficului sexual este în creștere.

Traficanții folosesc porno pentru a antrena victimele în acte sexuale. Ei pot chiar forța artiștii interpreți să intre în producție. De exemplu, un studiu a constatat că mai mult de jumătate din scenele dintr-un film porno tipic conțineau violență fizică. Chiar dacă o victimă nu este rănită fizic, ea se califică totuși drept victimă a traficului sexual.

Un alt studiu a constatat că filmele pornografice pot modela de fapt tendința spectatorilor de a se angaja în comportamente sexuale agresive. Cercetătorii au descoperit că 88% dintre cele mai populare filme porno conțin un fel de violență fizică, inclusiv agresiune fizică și agresiune verbală.

Pornografia este, de asemenea, utilizată pe scară largă pentru a desensibiliza oamenii la violență. Poate fi folosit pentru a instrui victimele în traficul sexual, pentru a îngriji victimele și pentru a crește cererea de traficanți sexuali. Un studiu a constatat că aproximativ 80% dintre supraviețuitori raportează că un client le-a arătat pornografie.

Pornografia nu este doar un produs rău cele mai bune scene erotice securizate si perfecte le gasesti pe filmexxx.tube, este o forță diabolică care contribuie la traficul de persoane. Utilizarea pornografiei pentru traficul sexual a devenit o industrie profitabilă, care câștigă în popularitate. În ciuda efectelor negative ale pornografiei, mulți americani doresc să lupte cu această problemă.

Deși nu există o legătură definitivă între pornografie și traficul sexual, există mai mulți factori care sugerează că cele două sunt corelate. Una dintre acestea este că pornografia este mai frecventă în rândul bărbaților. Bărbații care frecventează prostituția au de două ori mai multe șanse să vizioneze porno decât ceilalți bărbați. Mai mult decât atât, Statele Unite sunt în frunte în ceea ce privește consumul de porno. Cei mai mulți școlari sunt liberi în vacanța de iarnă și o mulțime de cercetări au arătat că pornografia crește în această perioadă.

În ciuda riscurilor, porno este adesea lăudat în cultura actuală bazată pe sex. Mulți observatori porno cred că primesc o plăcere vinovată. Cu toate acestea, realitatea este că porno este mai des folosit ca instrument de antrenament decât o experiență plăcută.

Conținutul erotic poate fi afirmativ pentru sexualitatea ta

Unul dintre cele mai îmbucurătoare aspecte ale apariției în afaceri este oportunitatea de a-ți explora propriul libido atunci cand vizionezi porno futai. Cu toate acestea, la fel ca în majoritatea lucrurilor din viață, este greu să știi de unde să începi. Cel mai bun mod de a face acest lucru este să ai o conversație cu partenerul tău. Acesta este cel mai distractiv mod de a face acest lucru și cel mai bun mod de a obține cel mai mult de la celălalt semnificativ. Acestea fiind spuse, este posibil să găsiți persoana cea mai bună menționată mai sus pentru a se angaja în acest efort. Cu siguranță nu este cel mai rău, dar poate fi puțin la nas dacă nu ești pe aceeași pagină cu partenerul tău.

Femeile sunt interesate de poveștile de dragoste, deoarece poveștile prezintă femei

Pentru mulți, dragostea și dragostea sunt o parte universală a experienței umane. Este un concept care poate fi găsit într-o varietate de forme, de la filme la muzică la cărți. Cu toate acestea, povestea este puțin mai complicată decât s-ar putea crede. De fapt, este mai dificil să scrii o poveste de dragoste decentă decât și-ar putea imagina oamenii. Cheia este să creezi o poveste care să nu aibă loc pentru erori. Dacă înțelegi greșit povestea, îți va fi greu să găsești un public pentru munca ta.

Romanele de dragoste sunt un gen popular în SUA. Genul se concentrează pe pasiune, sexualitate și relații. Aceste povești sunt scrise de o gamă largă de autori. Femeile sunt mai predispuse să citească aceste romane decât bărbații. Dar de ce sunt femeile atât de interesate de aceste povești?

Unele studii au arătat că femeilor le place să citească romante erotice. Alții nu au găsit nicio legătură între obiceiurile de lectură ale unei femei și comportamentul ei sexual. Alții au sugerat că femeile sunt pur și simplu atrase de aceste povești pentru că au o afinitate profundă pentru dragostea romantică. Există, de asemenea, teorii conform cărora literatura romantică servește ca instrument de rezistență a structurilor patriarhale. În cele din urmă, nu există o explicație unică pentru ce femeilor le place să citească aceste povești.

Studiile genului au fost modelate de contextele culturale și istorice ale vremurilor. Unul dintre cele mai proeminente dintre acestea a fost condus de Young (1979). Ea a chestionat un eșantion de femei tinere și nu a găsit nicio corelație între obiceiurile lor de lectură și comportamentele lor sexuale. În cele din urmă, relația dintre obiceiurile de lectură ale unei persoane și comportamentul sexual al acesteia este complicată și poate fi influențată de diverși factori. Cu toate acestea, rezultatele sugerează că femeile sunt mai interesate de romanțele erotice decât bărbații. În consecință, acest gen este probabil să rămână o categorie literară populară pentru anii următori.

Tops Friendly Markets finding the grocery market is not to friendly these days.
According to Bloomberg, one of the nation’s leading financial news organizations, Tops markets is ready to file bankruptcy.
The announcement could come as early as this month.
Tops operates the largest stand-alone grocery store in Batavia.
With low margins and increasing competition the grocery business has always been challenging.
With additional competition from non-traditional grocers like Walmart, and on-line groceries like Amazon, traditional chains like Tops are threatened.
Tops is headquartered in Williamsville. The company has had no comment.

Pastor Allen Werk

Active shooter training draws a big response in Batavia.
St. Paul Lutheran Church on Washington Avenue hosted the training yesterday with deputies from the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Over 100 people attended.
St. Paul’s Pastor Allen Werk

Audio Courtesy: 13WHAM

A similar class is planned at Grace Baptist Church on Vine Street in Batavia on February 25th.

The case of convicted child molester Marlek Holmes seems like a never ending saga.
In his last court appearance on Friday, Holmes tried to back out of a sentencing deal again.
That deal would dismiss remaining charges against him in return for a sentencing cap of 25 years.
After a half-hour of talk with his lawyer, Holmes decided to stick with the original offer.
D-A Lawrence Friedman said it’s possible Holmes could back out again but his deal will not get better.

A Batavia man suffered burns to his arms in a fire on Porter Avenue.
The fire was reported in a garage at 17 Porter last night.
Batavia firemen said damage was minor and the fire was nearly out when they arrived on scene.
The unidentified burn victim was treated at UMMC.

Ferran Martinez (fourth from left) and Nathan Richardson (third from left) finished 1-2 in the 200 IM at NJCAA Regionals

Press Release:

Men Swimmers Shatter Two School Relay Records in First Day of Regionals

After the first of three days of National Junior College Athletics Association Region-III and Northeast District competition complete, the Genesee Community College men’s team is second with 131 points and the Cougar women’s team is fourth with 76 points after 11 events.

Ten different individual swimmers qualified for final competition and both men’s and women’s relay teams also advanced.

The highlight of the day was two new school relay records recorded by the men in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:32.05 and the 400-yard medley with a 3:42.06 time.

Ferran Martinez, Joan Ferrer and Brandon Brown were a part of both record-setting relays. Ryan Mahaney was the fourth member of the 200-yard freestyle, while Nathan Richardson was part of the 400-yard medley.

The best finish individually came at the 200-yard individual medley where two members of the men’s team took first and second. Martinez won the event handily with a 2:00.59 time, while Richardson was second at 2:05.08.

The men’s team did almost as well in the 500-yard freestyle after taking first and third. Matthew Langerman posted a winning time of 5:06.58, while third-place went to Brown with a time of 5:15.08.

Also notching a third-place finish was Mahaney in the 50-yard freestyle with a 23.55 time.

The women’s team had a pair of top-three finishes in individual competition with Angel Priest finishing as runner-up in the 200-yard individual medley with a 2:26.02 time, and Natalie Amico finishing third in the 500-yard freestyle at 6:07.37.

Both the men’s and women’s relay teams finished in the top-three in the 200-yard freestyle with the men at second and women in third (1:50.78) with the latter foursome comprised of Zulwena Alberto, Nanako Shiozawa, Priest and Amico.

Day two begins with preliminaries at 10 a.m. tomorrow – Feb. 17 – and finals again scheduled for 6 p.m. at host Monroe Community College.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Batavia Sex Offender attempts to back out of sentencing deal.
A pattern of delay tactics and appeal attempts is becoming evident in the numerous cases brought against convicted child sex predator Marlek Holmes.
Holmes was scheduled to appear in Genesee County Court yesterday after sending a letter to appeals attorney Timothy Murphey stating that he had changed his mind on the sentencing deal that capped his sentence to 25 years satisfying all remaining charges in Genesee County.
Holmes was transported from the Correctional Facility in Auburn to Batavia where after 30 minutes talking with attorneys, Holmes decided to stick with the original deal.
District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said it’s possible Holmes could back out on the agreement again, however he will not be afforded a better deal.
Friedman said he would pursue convictions on remaining sex offender violation charges and a persistent violent felony offender status for Holmes that would potentially lock him up for life.

Henrietta Swim Coach cat-fished by Police pretending to be teen girl.
37 Matthew Lincoln of Henrietta was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.
Lincoln who was the head coach for the Golden Comets Swim Club was accused of engaging in sexually explicit online conversations with a child believed to be 16 years old.
After allegedly sending nude pictures of himself to the child he set up a meeting to engage in sexual activity.
Unbeknownst to Lincoln, the child was actually an undercover Brighton Police Investigator and he was arrested.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, a maximum of life, a $250,000 fine, or both.

An Erie County contractor will spend weekends in jail for the next four months.
24 year old Mathew Hardesty of Blasdell was accused of taking money to build a fence for a Batavia customer and never doing the job.
Hardesty made restitution but only after facing a longer jail term.
D-A Lawrence Friedman described Hardesty as a con-artist.

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Batavia is holding special Active Shooter training for leaders of local congregations.
St. Paul Pastor Allen Werk says the training will address what individuals and groups can do to be prepared for the worst.
He said one issue the training will not address is whether parishioners are safer with guns in church

The training will be offered this morning at 10 at St. Paul’s Church on Washington Avenue.

An Attica woman is accused of using a stolen credit card to run up almost 300-dollars in charges.

The Genesee county Grand Jury has indicted Leah Wimmer of Attica on two felony counts.

Authorities say Wimmer used the stolen credit card at the Rite Aid on Prospect Avenue in Attica back in September.

An Erie County contractor will spend weekends in jail for the next four months.

24 year old Mathew Hardesty of Blasdell was accused of taking money to build a fence for a Batavia customer and never doing the job.

Hardesty made restitution but only after facing a longer jail term.

Genesee County District Attorney  Lawrence Friedman described Hardesty as, ” a con-artist.”

Pastor Allen Werk

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Batavia is holding special Active Shooter training for leaders of local congregations.

St. Paul Pastor Allen Werk says the training will address what individuals and groups can do to be prepared for the worst.

He said one issue the training will not address is whether parishioners are safer with guns in church

The training will be offered tomorrow morning at 10 at St. Paul’s Church on Washington Avenue.

Governor Cuomo is boosting security at schools around New York State following a pair of copycat threats in the aftermath of the Florida school shooting.

Cuomo says there were two incidents this morning in Western New York where students threatened violence and said they would bring guns to schools.

He says the threats, involving the Chautauqua Lake School District and the Randolph Academy in Cattaraugus County, are under control and that both students are in custody.

–

Press Release:

On February 16, 2018 at 9:05 a.m., Troopers and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) responded to Chautauqua Lake School for a threat of violence reported to school staff. The school initiated a lockout while State Police investigated.

The investigation revealed that a possible threat of violence could exist at Ashville BOCES. Ashville also went into lockout and additional Troopers and BCI responded. During this investigation, a 17-year-old student at Chautauqua Lake and a 15-year-old student from Ashville BOCES were taken into custody under the state’s mental hygiene law. Subsequently, the lockouts at both schools were lifted.

Both students were transported to hospitals for evaluation, and this investigation is continuing.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office was invited by St. Paul Lutheran Church leadership to present Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events training or ‘CRASE’ for short, to address what individuals and groups can do to be prepared for the worst.

St. Paul Lutheran Church Pastor Allen Werk has been the Chaplin for the Sheriff’s Office for the past 5 years.

He was taught on administering the CRASE training after completing it along with other local deputies.

The training will focus on how to avoid, deny access, and potentially defend yourself against the threat of a shooter.

One hot button issue the training doesn’t address is whether congregants are safer with guns in church.

The Pastor said that is a decision better left to the congregation.

St. Paul Lutheran Church will be hosting the special training event for community congregation leaders tomorrow, February 17th at 10 a.m.

Nate McMurray

Press Release:

Turn 27 Blue proudly endorses Nate McMurray for Congress. For the first time in a generation, Democratic leaders, who normally endorse, have joined ranks with grassroots activists to make a strong endorsement in this year’s congressional race. We believe that Nate has what it takes to represent the people of Western New York. His impassioned and energizing campaign is already gathering the momentum and support it needs to win in November.

Nate McMurray is an experienced businessman, dedicated public servant, and Western New York native, who believes that families should have access to quality healthcare and education, that full-time work should come with a decent paycheck, and that elected representatives should represent their constituents, not their donors.

Turn 27 Blue brings together voices from the county Democratic Chairs and from many of the district’s dedicated activist groups. We endorse Nate because of his demonstrated ability to work across the aisle as Town Supervisor of deep red Grand Island, NY and his dedication to improving the lives of hardworking Americans. “I’m honored to receive the endorsement of this group of county Democratic Chairs and grassroots leaders. I’m confident we are going to turn the 27th District blue, and I’m eager to take this fight to Chris Collins,” Nate said, in response to the news.

Michelle Johnston Schoeneman, a resistance leader in the 27th and member of Turn 27 Blue, said “we were incredibly impressed with Nate’s passion for Western New York, his platform for bringing jobs and prosperity to the area, and his ability to persuade people who have never voted for a Democrat that he’s the person for the job.”

Over the past several months, Turn 27 Blue has hosted public forums, meetings, and interviews with the several talented and dedicated individuals running. “From the start, our goal was simple: identify the best candidate to beat Chris Collins,” said Judith Hunter, Chair of the Livingston County Democratic Committee, “and create the best possible conditions for victory in November. Each of the five announced candidates has something to offer, and we are grateful that they volunteered to serve. We are extremely proud to conclude our process by supporting Nate McMurray for the Democratic nomination.”

As the candidates traversed the 27th and met residents from every county in the district, one thing was clear: “from the pending ethics investigation against him to his decision to ignore his district in favor of his wealthy donors, people were fed up with Chris Collins and his cronies,” said Jeremy Zellner, Chair of the Erie County Democratic Committee. Chris Collins’s arrogant disregard for his constituents and his support for extreme policies that directly hurt New Yorkers has remade NY-27 into a competitive district.

Jamie Romeo, Chair of the Monroe County Democratic Committee added, “we urge everyone who cares more about Western New York’s economy than tax cuts for the rich, who cares more about affordable healthcare for our families than favors for donors, and who cares more about a true representative of the people than a talking head who rushes onto cable news to talk about anything but the needs of his constituents, to support Nate McMurray for Congress.”

Press Release:

Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Foundation will award two $1,000 scholarships, one to a Genesee County student and one to an Orleans County student.

GCASA Foundation supports the work of GCASA and other non-profit organizations in Genesee and Orleans Counties. Several organizations have received mini-grants to help sustain the crucial work they do in our community. Now, individuals pursuing a degree in health sciences or human services can apply for scholarship money that will help them pay for college.

The board of directors of both GCASA and GCASA Foundation are committed to providing quality services. Educated, skilled employees and board members are the necessary for effective service delivery. GCASA Foundation Board President Brian Paris states, “GCASA is excited to once again be providing scholarship funding to Genesee and Orleans County residents. We are dedicated to supporting our mission and this creates a strong alignment in this regard. It is our goal to produce positive community change and we understand this begins with the commitment and education of future generations.” GCASA Foundation has been pleased to honor some exceptional students in the past.

Individuals whose primary residence is in Orleans or Genesee County and who have been accepted at an accredited college in an eligible program such as social work, nursing, health science or human services are encouraged to apply. Scholarship criteria and applications are available in high school counseling offices throughout both counties and on-line by visiting www.gcasa.net.

45 year old Douglas Uberty of North Main Street in Warsaw was arrested and charged with Unlawful Surveillance in the second degree following investigation into an alleged incident at Walmart in Batavia in June of last year.

Uberty is accused of using a cell phone to take photos under the clothes of a person while at the store.

He was issued an appearance ticket for March 1st in Batavia Town Court.

Press Release:

St. Paul Lutheran Church will be hosting a special training event for community congregation leaders tomorrow, February 17, at 10:00am, to assist in preparations should an active shooter situation occur in their church.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office was invited to present Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) training, which addresses individual responses and actions as well as group preparations. The training has been developed in partnership with Texas State University and is funded in part by the United States Department of Justice. “We are pleased to assist Pastor Werk in educating congregation leaders on the appropriate actions to take should an active shooter situation arise,” stated Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr.

“This training affords congregation leaders the opportunity to come together to talk about ideas they may want to implement in their own churches should the unthinkable occur. We pray this will help all our churches be better prepared if the inconceivable happens,” stated Pastor Allen Werk.

For More Information, Contact: Pastor Allen Werk 585-721-4218

Rosalyn Sealey (Oakland park, Fla.) and Brian Fobbs (Rochester, N.Y)

Cougar Athletes of the Week Announced

The Genesee Community College’s athletes of the week for the period ending Feb. 10 are Rosalyn Sealey (Oakland park, Fla.) from the women’s basketball team and Brian Fobbs (Rochester, N.Y) from the men’s basketball team.

Rosalyn was the Cougars’ leading scorer in both Genesee contests last week having scored 31 points against Mercyhurst North East Feb. 7 and 16 points against Jamestown Community College Feb. 10. For the week, the sophomore shot 53 percent from the floor in going 19-for-36, 58 percent from the free-throw line with seven charity-strip points and 44 percent from outside the arc with a dozen points. In addition, she added 10 rebounds, five assists and five steals collectively in both games. Of the two contests, she was most impressive in the game against Mercyhurst, where Rosalyn attributed for more than half of the entire point total of the team.

In addition to being GCC’s Male Athlete of the Week, Brian was also selected as the National Junior College Athletic Association D-II Men’s Basketball Player of the Week, as well as NJCAA Region-III Male Athlete of the Week. Brian set a GCC record for points in a game with 46 and moved into sole possession of eighth in scoring in GCC history. Helping the Cougars to a pair of wins, Brian averaged 38 points per game and 15.5 rebounds per game last week, which were both higher than his nation-leading totals in both those categories. His point total average from last week was almost 11 points higher than his nation-leading average. Currently, Fobbs is the top NJCAA Division-II scorer at 27.2 ppg and 13.5 rpg. Last week, the sophomore scored 76 points with 31 boards in recording back-to-back double-double performances with a combined shooting percentage from the floor at 72 percent that included 71 percent from outside the arc and also 88 percent from the free-throw line, with 30 points coming from the latter two categories.

Men’s Lacrosse Team Names Captains and Comes in at No. 3 in First 2018 NJCAA Poll

The Genesee Community College men’s lacrosse team enters the season at No. 3 in the first National Junior College Athletic Association Poll for 2018 by coaches.

The Cougars will look to return as national champions from two seasons ago after losing a heartbreaking one-goal game last season in the Final Four to Howard Community College 14-13.

This year’s national championship will again be in Syracuse with the Final Four competing May 12-13.

The GCC men’s lacrosse coaching staff announced its four captains for the 2018 season that include Mathew Anderson, Samuel Koczwara, Alex Mack, and Patrick Shea.

Mathew Anderson is a defender, who has been a four-year varsity letterman and a two- time, first team all-state and all-conference defender from Groham, Maine.

Samuel Koczwara, a midfielder from Mount Hawthorn, Australia, was on the Australian National Team for the U19 World Championships in 2016, and has captained many teams overseas.

Alex Mack started all 14 games at attack last year and was selected as a NJCAA Region-III second team selection after scoring 67 points from 49 goals and 18 assists.

Patrick Shea will help lead the defensive unit as he returns from injury that allowed him limited action last season.

Genesee is a member of the Western New York Athletic Conference (WNYAC) and NJCAA Region III. This year’s schedule is highlighted with games against Howard CC, CCBC- Essex, Nassau CC, and Onondaga CC.

A link to the NJCAA National Poll can be found at: http://njcaa.org/sports/mlax/polls

Cougars Run into Hot-Shooting Kats Team

The Genesee Community College men’s basketball team ran into a hot-shooting Erie Community College Feb. 14. Erie shot almost 59 percent from the field and added 39 points from threes at a shooting percentage of 50 to score 110 points to Genesee’s 70.

Genesee held its last lead at 10-9 early in the first half before the Kats poured it on and re-took the lead for the rest of the contest.

National Junior College Athletic Association D-II Player of the Week Brian Fobbs led the Cougars with 22 points and 15 rebounds in recording another double-double performance.

Two other Genesee players registered double-digit points with Caylen Williams scoring 14 and Rahmel Thompson adding 10. Williams also had a team-high six assists for the Cougars.

Genesee will now need some help to secure one of the two playoff byes as they fell to third in Western New York Athletic Conference standings.

Lady Cougars’ Rally Falls Short Against Erie

The Genesee Community College women’s basketball team rallied several times in the second and third quarters, but couldn’t muster a fourth-quarter rally and dropped to host Erie 81-71 Feb. 14.

The Kats got out to a 7-0 start, but Genesee pulled within two by the end of the first at 18-16. Rosalyn Sealey opened the scoring in the second quarter to finally get the Cougars even at 18, and it wasn’t until a Reika Murota three gave Genesee its first lead of the game at 23-22 almost three minutes into the second quarter.

After trailing 33-30 at the half, Sealey gave Genesee a 45-43 lead with just three minutes left in the third before Erie re-took the lead by the end of the quarter at 53-47.

TaLia Burgess led the Cougars with 19 points and was one of five Genesee players to hit double-digits. Sealey netted 15, Kierra Perl had 14, Murota scored 11 and Jasmine Holmes finished with 10.

Burgess also hauled down a team-high 10 rebounds to secure the double-double. Holmes registered a season-high seven blocks to go with eight rebounds, while Sealey added a half-dozen assists.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Photo by Michelle Pohl via WBTA News Partner 13WHAM 

Two railroad personnel were taken to the Erie County Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries following a train derailment in Attica.
Emergency Communications received a call just after 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon reporting a train derailment near the East Main Road intersection in the Town of Attica.
The Attica Fire Department was the first to respond to the scene with their Fire Chief reporting there were two engines and approximately ten railroad cars derailed of the Norfolk Southern Railroad.
The railroad cars were carrying new cars as cargo.
Alexander, Varysburg and Bennington Fire Department assisted at the scene, along with mutual aid from both the Wyoming and Genesee County Emergency Services and Hazmat Teams and State Police.
The Wyoming County Sheriff Office conducted an initial investigation and then turned it over to the Norfolk South Railroad Police and the Federal Railroad Administration.
They have yet to determine the cause of the crash and the long term cleanup of the damaged engines and rail cars is expected to take days.

The lineup at the Downs second summer concert series has been announced.
The Money man himself, Eddie Money makes his return to kick off the Friday night concert series beginning on June 22nd followed by Grand Funk Railroad the following week.
This year’s concert series has expanded due to the success of last summer’s series according to Downs’ President Henry Wojtaszek…

The lineup also includes Fleetwood Mac tribute band Rumours, 60’s rock band, Three Dog Night and country music star Lee Ann Womack.
Also appearing are Blue Oyster Cult, Rik Emmett of Triumph and Puddle of Mudd.

UMMC Urgent Care facility in LeRoy is moving to a new location.
The clinic will move to 3 Tountas Avenue by this spring.
The Urgent Care facility currently located on Lake Street in LeRoy is closing today, although diagnostic services will continue.
Patients can use the UMMC’s Urgent Care on Bank Street in Batavia during the transition in LeRoy.

The first ever teen law enforcement academy in Genesee County is being offered by Sheriff’s Office this summer.
It’s for local teenagers interested in a career as a police officer.
The academy will run for one week at Byron-Bergen Central School.
It is the idea of veteran deputy Matt Butler

This year’s academy will run from July 23rd to the 27th.

Congressman Chris Collins says there isn’t an easy solution to tragedies like the school shooting in Florida on Wednesday.
The Western New York Republican says this isn’t about gun control.
Central New York Congressman John Katko says Washington’s inaction on mass shootings is unacceptable and called for both parties to work together to better address this.

A Norfolk and Southern freight train has dereailed near East Main Road in Attica late this afternoon.
Preliminary reports at the scene indicate that no hazzardous material was being hauiled by the train.
At least one person, believed to be a crew member of the train, has been taken to the hospital with a leg injury and head laceration.
Attica and Alexander Fire Departments were the first to respond to the scene around 4pm.
The derailment occurred in a wooded area.

Continuing Coverage on 13WHAM

Photos by Michelle Pohl via WBTA News Partner 13WHAM 

Batavia Downs has announced the headliners for its Friday night concert series this summer.
The concerts begin on June 22nd when Eddie Money makes a return appearance followed by Grand Funk Railroad the following week.
Downs’ President Henry Wojtaszek says the success of last summer’s concerts has allowed for the expansion of this year’s series:

Read complete Batavia Downs News Release here

The lineup also includes a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, 60’s rock band, Three Dog Night and country music star Lee Ann Womack.
Also appearing Blue Oyster Cult, Rik Emmett of Triumph and Puddle of Mudd.

UMMC is moving its LeRoy Urgent Care facility.
The clinic will move to 3 Tountas Avenue by this spring.
The existing UMMC Urgent Care on Lake Street in LeRoy will close tomorrow, although diagnostic services will continue.
UMMC’s Urgent Care on Bank Street in Batavia will be available during the transition in LeRoy.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office will offer a La Enforcement Academy this summer.
It’s for teenagers interested in a career as a police officer.
The academy will run for one and be held at Byron-Bergen Central School.
It is the idea of veteran deputy Matt Butler:

The academy will run from July 23rd to the 27th.
We have all information on how to apply on the local news page of our website.

Craft beer is becoming big business in New York. The state now has 400 breweries, which Governor Cuomo says makes New York the leader in the nation’s craft beer industry. You can find breweries throughout the state but the Hudson Valley has the most with 63.
The Eli Fish Brewing Company is opening on Main Street in Batavia next month.
Resurgence Brewing has also proposed a tavern on Ellicott Street.

 Henry Wojtaszek President of Batavia Downs Gaming making the announcement with Michael Nolan VP of WROTBC

Batavia Downs has announced the headliners for its second summer concert series.

President of Batavia Downs Gaming Henry Wojtaszek said the success of last year’s series has allowed them to expand for this season…

The money man himself, Eddie Money returns to kick off the summer concert series on June 22nd.

Then Grand Funk Rail Road rolls into the Downs on June 29th.

Need more cowbell, how about Blue Oyster Cult on July 6th followed by Rik Emmett of Triumph with Carl Dixon on July 13th.

Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band – Rumours starts off the second half of the series on July 20th followed by Puddle of Mudd on July 27th.

Then it’s Legendary Rock Band Three Dog Night bringing Joy to the World on August 3rd and Country Superstar Lee Ann Womack rounding out the series on August 10th.

An added bonus that will be auctioned off at the final event will be a diner at the Downs with Lee Ann Womack.

Wojtaszek said the concerts were very successful last summer and in turn have brought in even more players to the gaming floor.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office will be offering its first annual Teen Academy July 23 – 27 at the Byron-Bergen Central School.

Deputy Matthew Butler, who presented the idea to the Sheriff’s Office appeared as a featured guest on WBTA’s Main and Center program this morning…

The one-week academy is a structured program designed to provide students an introduction to law enforcement training and gain an understanding of law enforcement’s role in their community
There is no charge to attend the academy and the application deadline is March 30th.

For more information, contact Deputy Matthew Butler at (585) 345-3000 ext. 3252
or (585) 494-1220 ext. 2304 or via e-mail at matthew.butler@co.genesee.ny.us

Visit http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/sheriff/index.php or https://www.facebook.com/geneseecountysheriff/ to learn more and download an application.

Teen Academy Brochure July 2018 FINAL

Original posting of Press Release

News Release

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced the lineup for their 2nd annual Rockin’ the Downs concert series, with 8 consecutive Friday dates, an increase over last year’s 6 shows.

Kicking off the series on Friday, June 22nd is return of the money man, Eddie Money. With over 28 million records sold, Eddie rocked the Downs last summer with massive hits including Baby Hold On, Two Tickets to Paradise, Think I’m in Love, Shakin’, Take Me Home Tonight, and I Wanna Go Back.

Next up, on Friday, June 29th are rock band Grand Funk Railroad. Originating from Flint, Michigan in 1969, GFR has now accumulated 13 gold and 10 platinum records with record sales in excess of 25 million copies sold worldwide. Original Band Members Don Brewer and Mel Schacher have been delighting fans with hits like An American Band and Some Kind of Wonderful for over 40 years.

Friday, July 6th sees Blue Oyster Cult make their Batavia Downs debut. Known for their songs, (Don’t Fear) The Reaper and Burnin’ for You, this rock band will cure you if you’ve got a fever for more cowbell.

A pair of Canadian Rock Legends hit the stage on Friday, July 13th with Rik Emmett of the Band Triumph along with Carl Dixon of Coney Hatch. Emmett helped pen such legendary songs as Lay it on the Line and Somebody’s Out There. Dixon co-wrote hits like Hey Operator and Devil’s Deck.

Rumours – a Fleetwood Mac Tribute performs on Friday, July 20th. Hailing from Atlanta, GA, Rumours captures the energy of Fleetwood Mac at the height of their career by blending perfect harmonies, precise instrumentation, and a visually engaging stage show. Playing to sold out audiences all over the country, Rumours has earned its place as one of the top tribute bands around today.

Friday, July 27th sees American Alternative Rock Band, Puddle of Mudd at the Downs. The post-grunge band from Kansas City Missouri has sold over 7 million albums. Concert goers will be sure to hear hits such as She Hates Me, Blurry and Control.

Legendary Rock Band Three Dog Night will rock the Downs on Friday, August 3rd. Founding member Danny Hutton takes pride in performing their hit filled concerts with songs like Mama Told Me Not to Come, Joy to the World, and Old Fashioned Love Song. Concert goers will be sure to see and hear why the band has had 21 consecutive Top 40 hits with tens of millions of records sold.

Closing out the series is Grammy Award winning Country Artist Lee Ann Womack. Known for her Number #1 hit, I Hope You Dance, as well as A Little Past Little Rock and I May Hate Myself in the Morning, Womack had delighted audiences for over 20 years and sold over 6 Million albums worldwide.

Tickets for all eight concerts will be available at www.BataviaConcerts.com beginning at 10am on Friday, February 16th. Individual tickets to each concert will remain at $10 for General Admission while VIP tickets will again be $25. Tickets can also be purchased in-person at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel at their “Lucky Treasures” Gift Shop located in the lobby. New this year is a “Season Pass” that includes a single ticket good for each concert for a discounted rate. Prices are $60 for General Admission and $150 for VIP.

“We are excited to again host a concert series in the region with another great lineup of musical legends,” said Henry Wojtaszek, CEO/President at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. “With all the great feedback from our patrons, we decided to keep General Admission ticket prices at just $10 to ensure that that local music enthusiasts are able to enjoy a concert without breaking the bank.”

Hotel room/ticket packages will be available for each concert. Purchase of a Hotel Room on the night of a concert using the code includes 2 VIP tickets to the show. Each concert ticket is also redeemable once at Player’s Club in the three days following the concert for $10 Free Play to be used on one of Batavia Downs Gaming’s 800+ gaming machines. Additional information may be found at www.BataviaDownsGaming.com.

About Batavia Downs/WROTB
Owned and operated by 15 Western New York counties and the cities of Rochester and Buffalo, Western Region Off-Track Betting Corporation is a public benefit corporation with headquarters in Batavia, NY. WROTB owns and operates 29 branches, as well as Batavia Downs Gaming, a standard bred racetrack and gaming facility. Since its inception, Western Region OTB has generated over $215 million in operating and surcharge revenues to the taxpayers of those participating municipalities.

News Release

United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) is relocating its urgent care services in LeRoy from 8745 Lake Street Road to 3 Tountas Avenue. The move is part of Rochester Regional Health’s plan to expand primary care, diagnostic and urgent care services in the area. After a renovation project at the 3 Tountas Avenue location, residents will have more timely access to care in a convenient, modern and comfortable setting.

“It is important we remain focused on patient-centered care and acknowledge the needs of the community. Centrally locating these services will enhance access, operations, communication and patient engagement,” stated Jennifer Dunivent, United Memorial Medical Center’s director of operations, outpatient services.

To accommodate the project, Urgent Care services in LeRoy will temporarily close effective Friday, February 16 until the project is finished in the spring of 2018.

During this transitional period, patients can visit UMMC’s urgent care location at 16 Bank Street in Batavia. The urgent care in Batavia will have additional staff, expanded hours and onsite laboratory and radiology services. The location is open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 9 pm and Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 7 pm.

Diagnostic services at the 8745 Lake Street Road location in LeRoy will not be affected and will remain open Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4 pm.

This latest project reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to ensuring patients have local access to the care and services they need; all while staying connected to emergency room services and a team of highly skilled specialists when patients need them.

Batavia’s City Fire Chief Steve Napolitano reports the department has an 11.4 percent spending reduction over last year.
He says now that the department is fully staffed with six new recruits, they are not having to pay overtime or training costs.
Napolitano is looking down the road to replace fire engine 12 that is 15 years old, however his next priority is replacing old turnout gear…

The Chief said the replacement program helps ease what could be a large expense for the city.
The total budget for the City Fire Department is around $3.6 Million.

Rochester resident arrested for taking a car in Batavia with four active warrants elsewhere.
Following report of a stolen vehicle from a Willow Street address in Batavia Police arrested 33 year old Thomas Wolcott a Rochester resident with no permanent address listed.
He was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle for allegedly taking a vehicle from the residence without the owner’s permission and driving on a revoked license with eleven suspensions.
Further investigation found that Wolcott was wanted on active warrants out the State Police Troop A, Rochester, Ogden and Gates Police Police Departments.
He was ordered to be held in the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,500 bail.

Domestic dispute leads to lock up for a Batavia woman.
Following investigation into a domestic incident on Saturday 23 year old Stephanie Pelkey of Masse Place was arrested and charged with Unlawful Imprisonment, Reckless Endangerment of Property, Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Resisting Arrest.
She was accused of restricting the movement of a subject inside the residence, throwing property outside and resisting arrest all in the presence of a child.
Pelkey was remanded in lieu of $1,500 bail to the Genesee County Jail.

Flood Watch going into effect this afternoon.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for a portion of Western New York including the Genesee and Wyoming Counties.
The combination of snow melt from warm temperatures today and possible rainfall tonight may result in flooding on some area creeks and rivers.
It is issued for 3 o’clock this afternoon through Friday afternoon.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is cosponsoring a bill to end federal prohibition of marijuana.
Yesterday, she and New Jersey Senator Corey Booker announced their support for the Marijuana Justice Act.
This would remove marijuana from the schedule of controlled substances and expunge related convictions.
Gillibrand says the country knows how unfair and damaging the current laws are.

Batavia Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano

The Batavia City Fire Department is now fully staffed with the addition of six new recruits.
Fire Chief Steve Napolitano says full staffing reduces overtime and results in an overall budget saving of 11 percent.
During the first of City Council’s budget review sessions last night, the fire chief said he wants to begin an on-going replacement program for firefighter’s turnout gear

The annual budget for the city’s fire department is about $3.6-million.

 Eugene Jankowski

Several search firms want the job of finding Batavia’s next city manager.
Council president gene Jankowski says seven companies have responded:

The cost of a search firm is estimated at $20,000.

A Batavia woman is accused of driving drunk to pick up a man arrested for suspect DWI.
State Police arrested Jay Markle on Monday after he failed field sobriety tests on Route 33 in Bergen. Police say Markle called Darlene Martaus to pick him up at State Police headquarters.
But when Martaus turned up, troopers said she was legally drunk and charged her with felony DWI.

Interim City Manager Matt Worth

The once popular Batavia Softball league is gaining traction again with the help of Michael Jamil and his ball playing friends.
Jamil has headed up the League for the past three years growing it to 33 teams.
He has approached City Council on a number of occasions for their support and financial assistance in maintaining the ball field at Kibbe Park, but the message never hit home.
Interim City Manager Matt Worth shed some more light on where the city stands on the field…

Council was provided a list of requested material and equipment costs but will reserve making any funding commitments until budget workshops are underway.

Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano

Batavia’s City Fire Chief Steve Napolitano says the department has an 11.4 percent spending reduction over last year.
He says that now that the department is fully staffed with six new recruits, they are not having to pay overtime and training costs.
Napolitano is looking down the road to replace fire Engine 12 that is 15 years old, however his next priority is replacing old turnout gear…

The Chief said the replacement program helps ease what could be a large expense by the city.
The total budget for Batavia’s City Fire Department is around $3.6 million.

City of Batavia FD Engine 12

Lindsay A. Gerhardt, GCC’s new assistant dean of Admissions and Recruitment

Press Release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce the appointment of Lindsay A. Gerhardt as the new assistant dean of Admissions and Recruitment. Gerhardt will be responsible for the administration of college admissions and recruitment efforts, overseeing a team of recruitment specialists who travel extensively across the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming County region, as well as to Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, New York City area, and occasionally internationally.

Gerhardt comes to GCC after eleven years of service at SUNY Geneseo in progressively more demanding admissions roles, culminating as the associate director. She served on numerous committees at Geneseo, among them: President’s Commission on Diversity and Community; Enrollment Marketing Strategy Team, Equity Scorecard; and the Scholarship Committee. She also worked Alfred University as an admissions counselor, where she was recognized as the #1 Recruiter in 2005-2006.

“Lindsay is a solid addition to our already fantastic Admissions and Recruitment team,” Dr. Virginia (Ginny) Taylor, vice president of Student and Enrollment Services said. “Her professional experience and obvious dedication to student success aligns perfectly with our student success coaching model and with GCC’s student-centered philosophy to higher education.”

Gerhardt first cultivated her love of education during her four years as a teacher in Rochester. Since 2007, she has been very involved in the New York State Transfer and Articulation Association – a non-profit professional organization dedicated to the promotion and mobility of transfer students in higher education. She has served as a member of the NYSTAA executive board, newsletter committee and annual conference co-chair. In 2014, she received the New York State Transfer and Articulation Association Distinguished Service Award.

Gerhardt earned her M.S. Ed. in Literary Education from Nazareth College of Rochester in 2006, and her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Mercyhurst University in 2002. A Rochester native, Gerhardt currently resides in North Chili with her family.

Press Release:

Registration for Girls Fastpitch Softball this Saturday, February 17th 2018

Batavia, NY, February 13, 2018: After a successful inaugural season in 2017, Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball (also known as the Batavia Stingers) is excited to announce that we will be hosting a registration day at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Batavia. The registration will take place on Saturday, February 17, 2018 from 10 am – 2 pm. Sign-ups will be for teams in the 10u, 12u and 15u divisions. Registration is open to girls that live in the City or Town of Batavia or who attend school in Batavia. Board members and coaches will be present to answer questions. The registration fee of $75 is not due until April 1, 2018. The 10u and 12u teams begin practice in April with games beginning in May. The 15u seaon will begin in June and games will be held from July to the beginning of August.

If you are unable to attend our registration event please email us at bataviagfs@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page (Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball) in order to download a registration form. Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball welcomes players of all skill levels including those new to the sport. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Coach Stan Kaus at 585-370-9861.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) rises to introduce a reform on Messages of Necessity in the Assembly Chamber.

Click Here for an .mp4 video of Hawley speaking on the Assembly Floor

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) proposed a measure on the Assembly floor today that would require a two-thirds vote of the house for Messages of Necessity to be accepted when issued by the governor.

“Too often, controversial measures are rushed through the legislative process in the middle of the night without adhering to the constitutionally-mandated, three-day ‘aging’ process,” Hawley said. “This is the people’s government and they have a right to know what bills are being passed with a high level of transparency.”

Legislation is usually subject to an “aging” period of three days before it can be voted on. However, Messages of Necessity are issued by the governor to forgo this process and rush a vote on important and/or controversial legislation, as was done with the SAFE Act.

“Messages of Necessity rob the public of the right to know what’s in a bill as was the case when the unconstitutional SAFE Act was rammed through the Legislature leaving many lawmakers no time to actually read the legislation that was to be voted upon,” Hawley continued. “I am disappointed that this and over a dozen other common-sense ethics reforms were voted down by New York City Democrats. Our citizens deserve better.”