Local News

50 year old Dino Callara of Slade Road in Medina was arrested following an investigation alleging that he possessed and sold a gun in November of last year.

Callara is barred from possessing firearms due to being a two time convicted felon and was charged with Criminal Sale of a Firearm.

He was additionally charged with Grand Larceny for a separate incident in October where Callara allegedly sold a vehicle as scrap that he was hired to install a transmission on without the owner’s consent.

He was jailed without bail and is expected back in Shelby Town Court on Thursday.

Troopers on the State Thruway in LeRoy stopped a car for speeding on Sunday.

The driver was identified as 23 year old Albert Santos of Louisville Kentucky.

Not only did Troopers discover Santos was driving on an invalid license but a search of the vehicle revealed he was in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun and a quantity of marijuana.

Further investigation determined the gun was stolen and Santos was wanted in Indiana.

He was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Stolen Property along with pot possession and traffic infractions.

Santos was committed in lieu of $50,000 bail to the Genesee County Jail.

Wyoming County woman pleads not guilty to sexually abusing a young child.
23 year old Victoria Young is accused of sending a video to someone showing a sexual act by a four year old child she’s related to.
She was arrested by Attica police last month and yesterday she pleaded not guilty to the charges in court.
Young has been barred contact with the child and is being held on $100,000 bail.

Another round of winter weather is ready to rock the region.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for much of Western New York including Livingston and Wyoming Counties
The Watch is going into effect tomorrow across the region with forecasters predicting a possible foot of snow and ice.
Peak snowfalls could make the afternoon drive particularly difficult with snow fall expected to drop at the rate of up to an inch an hour.

Darien man accused of dozing off on drugs while driving in Elba.
Dispatchers received a report of vehicle illegally parked on Batavia Elba Townline Road in Elba in which the driver was apparently passed out behind the wheel.
Deputies located the vehicle and identified the driver as 19 year old Nicholas Schafer of Broadway Road in Darien.
He was arrested and charged with DWI, DWAI by a combination of Drugs, Operating a Motor Vehicle Impaired by Drugs and a Parking violation.
Schafer was issued an appearance ticket for Elba Town Court on March 21st.

Damaging domestic incident in LeRoy lands a Greece man in lock up.
Deputies were called to respond to a reported domestic disturbance at a Main Road address in LeRoy were they arrested 23 year old Armando Carrion-Rojas of Greece.
During the domestic incident Carrion –Rojas was reportedly locked out of his girlfriend’s home, that’s when he allegedly broke the driver’s side mirror off her vehicle and damaged the door frame to the residence after discovering it was locked.
He was charged with Criminal Mischief and committed to the Genesee County Jail in Lieu of $500 bail.
He is expected back in LeRoy Town Court on March 13th.

Governor Cuomo is calling for the state Senate to pass the Dream Act.
Yesterday the Assembly overwhelmingly passed legislation trying to give the children of undocumented immigrant’s financial aid for college.
Cuomo says it’s important that New York protects immigrants when Washington isn’t.

A SUNY Geneseo employee and his daughter are record winners on an NBC game show.
Last night on “The Wall,” Kirk and Brooke Spangler won more than $1.4 million.
Kirk is an associate director at SUNY Geneseo, but the two are originally from Allegheny County.

The Eli Fish Brewing Company hopes to tap its first keg on March 1st.
Co-owner Matt Gray said today construction inside the old Newberry Building on Main Street is now complete.
He says he’s just waiting for furniture and kitchenware.
The completely renovated site features a tavern on the first floor with the basement brewery visible from the bar area.
Two two restaurant incubators and a common seating area to service all three operations. The restaurants have yet to be named. They were determined in what was known as a Fresh Lab competition. They are expected to be open by April 1st.
The building also has four apartments on the second floor.
There is space for three more apartments on the third floor.

A Winter Storm Watch has been posted for Wyoming and Livingston counties for later this week.
The National Weather Service is forecasting moderately heavy snow from Wednesday morning through late Wednesday night.
So far, the Watch does not include Gensee County.

Sen Charles Schumer (D-NY)

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is urging the IRS to honor prepayments of 2018 property taxes.

The so-called Trump Tax Plan caps state and local deductions $10,000.
Homeowners in New York’s pricier communities flooded their towns’ tax offices last December to prepay property and school taxes before the end of the year.
The IRS has said those taxes are deductible only if you were billed beforehand.

Reserve Airman 1st Class Margo N. Westcott

Press Release:

U.S. Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Margo N. Westcott 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.

Westcott earned distinction as an honor graduate.

She is the daughter of Tracey and Mark Westcott of Brockport, N.Y. Westcott is also the sister of Candice Westcott and Brittney Westcott.

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

28 year old Jacqueline Kobee of Buffalo was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, possessing a Controlled Substance in a non- original container, Unlawful Pot Possession and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle.

State Troopers stopped Kobee Saturday afternoon on Route 77 in Pavilion.

She was ordered to be held in lieu of bail.

68 year old Michael Morasco of Batavia was stopped by State Police on Route 63 in Pavilion for allegedly moving from a lane unsafely.

Morasco was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs along with a traffic infraction.

He was issued an appearance ticket.

Rochester resident jailed without bail for alleged drug sales in the city.
Following investigation into a disturbance in Batavia, police arrested 27 year old Torrence Greene of Rochester.
Police were called to a disturbance on Walnut Street last Friday where they allegedly found Greene in possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell it.
He was hit with two felony counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and was remanded without bail to the Genesee County Jail.

Accident in Alexander leads to felony DWI for a LeRoy woman.
36 year old Michelle Condidorio of South Street in LeRoy was arrested early Saturday morning following an accident on Telephone Road in Alexander.
Deputies charged her with felony DWI due to a previous drunk driving conviction within the past 10 years.

Pratt Road man accused of threatening a member of Law Enforcement.
62 year old Joseph Misiak of Prat Road in Batavia was arrested and charged with Aggravated Harassment following an incident last month.
Misiak is accused of calling a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office with the intent to threaten and alarm them.
He allegedly left a voicemail threatening violence against the individual.
Misiak was issued an appearance ticket for city court on February 22nd.

Country Max is closing in Batavia.
The pet and garden supply store on East Main Street is closing on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14th.
Owner Don Payne said local employees are being offered jobs in either Geneseo or Brockport.
After seven years the business was not able to grow enough to sustain itself according to Payne.

Rite Aid Employee faces felony for allegedly stealing funds.
46 year old Darcia Golda of West Main Street in Batavia is accused of stealing more than $31,000 from the Rite Aid Pharmacy on West Main Street Road.
She reportedly stole the funds while working at the drug store between October of 2016 and September of last year.
She was arrested and charged with a felony count of grand larceny.

Governor Cuomo says he’s preventing state entities from doing business with companies that tolerate discrimination.
Yesterday he signed an executive order that bans state agencies and authorities from doing business that tolerate or promote discrimination.
Cuomo said this includes sex, gender identity and national origin.
The governor also wants to prevent the use of something called the gay panic defense in court for those who attack someone after learning of the victim’s gender or sexual orientation.

A LeRoy woman is charged with a felony count of drunk driving following an accident on Telephone Road in Alexander.
36 year old Michelle Condidorio of South Street in LeRoy was arrested early yesterday morning.
Deputies charged her with felony DWI due to a previous drunk driving conviction withint he past 10 years.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew Cuomo says he’s “ashamed” that this country failed to help Puerto Rico recover faster from last year’s hurricane.

Cuomo made the remarks yesterday during a rally in the Bronx with Puerto Rico’s Governor.
Cuomo said the Trump administration showed what he called “disrespect” toward the people of Puerto Rico for not helping out more after Hurricane Maria.

Country Max is closing in Batavia.
The pet and garden supply store on East Main Street is closing on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14th.
Owner Don Payne said local employees are being offered jobs in either Geneseo or Brockport.
After seven years the business was not able to grow enough to sustain itself according to Payne.

46 year old Darcia Golda of West Main Street in Batavia is facing a felony count of grand larceny for allegedly stealing more than 31-thousand dollars from the Rite Aid Pharmacy.
She reportedly stole the funds while working at the drug store on West Main Street Road.
Deputies say the thefts occurred between October of 2016 and September of last year.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has once again called for the removal of the infamous blue and white ‘I Love NY Signs’ that have been erected along the New York State Thruway and highways all over the state at a cost of $8.1 million to taxpayers.

“We know the governor’s hubris has gotten our state into trouble, but now it has cost taxpayers another $14 million in federal fines – totaling $22 million,” Hawley said. “It is unconscionable to think Gov. Cuomo knew the signs were illegal since the Obama administration, then used $8.1 million in taxpayer money and an out of state company to design and build them anyway. Furthermore, after many were destroyed by harsh winds in Western New York last year, he used more public money to rebuild and replace them.

“Many of the signs were built downstate by an Arkansas-based company with many manufactured out of state. The Cuomo administration has ignored federal warnings for years that the signs were illegal and must be taken down.

“I am calling for Gov. Cuomo to immediately take down all ‘I Love NY Signs’ and adhere to federal law before more of New York’s money is washed down the drain.”

Press Release:

WARSAW, NY – The Wyoming County Chamber & Tourism is pleased to announce that tickets are now on sale for the 11th annual “Pride of Wyoming County Agriculture Dinner,” sponsored by Cole Building Solutions, LLC, is scheduled for Saturday, March 3, 2018 at the North Java Fire Hall from 6:00PM – 10:00PM.

The Wyoming County Chamber & Tourism office partners annually with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Wyoming County, Wyoming County Farm Bureau, Wyoming County Soil and Water and members of the agriculture community including farms and agri-businesses. The exciting sell-out event celebrates and recognizes the important impact of agriculture in Wyoming County.

“The Pride of Agriculture dinner is a true celebration of everything good and prosperous about agriculture in Wyoming County,” said Chamber & Tourism President Scott Gardner. “We are excited to be celebrating 11 years of this great recognition event, and are very fortunate to have a strong agricultural sector recognized as a leader in New York and the nation. We can all take great pride in their hard work that provides jobs and value to the nation’s food supply.”

The Wyoming County Chamber & Tourism office will present the Agri-Business of the Year award to a local agri-business and will make the announcement in the coming weeks. The event also features the presentation of the Pride of Agriculture – Good Neighbor, and the Friend of Agriculture awards which are joint awards given by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Wyoming County and the Wyoming County Farm Bureau. The awardees are always a closely held secret until the night of the dinner. Nomination forms for the award are available and people are encouraged to nominate a farm, agriculture business or person that truly exemplifies the qualities of a good neighbor. Nominations will be accepted until February 9th. Please contact Joan Petzen at Cooperative Extension at 786-2251 for a nomination form or online at www.wyoming.cce.cornell.edu.

The Pride of Wyoming County Agriculture Dinner is open to the public and is a sell-out event. Tickets are $25 per person and may be purchased through the Wyoming County Chamber. Please call 786-0307 for more information or to make a reservation. You can also reserve tickets online at www.wycochamber.org

Cole Building Solutions, LLC is the 2018 presenting sponsor of the event. Additional sponsors include: Arc of Livingston-Wyoming; Attica Auto & Hardware; Bank of Castile; Batavia Daily News; Brad Veley Masonry; Byrncliff Golf Resort & Banquets; Caledonia Diesel LLC; Carolina Eastern-Crocker LLC; Castile Agway Service; Clark Patterson Lee; Cole Building Solutions LLC; Complete Payroll; Creative Food Ingredients; Creekside Convenience; Dairy Farmers of America (DFA); Dziedzic Farms; Elitsac Lumber & Rental Center; Everlast Roofing, Inc.; Farm Credit East, ACA; Farm Family Insurance Company; Five Star Bank; Foote & Meyer, PLLC; Freed Maxick CPAs; Gary Swede Farms, Inc; Gary Swede, Ind. DeKalb/Asgrow Dealer; George & Swede Sales & Service, Inc; Glen Iris Inn; Gramco, Inc.; Growmark FS; Hubner Seed Co.; Kelly’s Garage; Koike Aronson; Lamb & Webster; LandPro Equipment; Lincoln Agribusiness Services; McCormick Farms; Morton Salt; NYSEG/RG&E; NAPA Auto Parts; Ortel Supply Inc.; OXBO International; Perry Vet Clinic; Pioneer Credit Recovery; R&R Lumberyard Restaurant LLC; R&R Precision Construction; Reisdorf Brothers, Inc.; Royce Electric; Sedam Tire, Inc.; Senator Patrick Gallivan; Shur-Gain USA; SJF Construction, Inc.; Solar Liberty Energy Systems, Inc.; Steuben Trust Company; Table Rock Farms; Tompkins Insurance Agencies; Upstate Auto Group; Upstate Milk Cooperative; Upstate Door; Vasile’s Catering & Anastassia Events; WCJW Radio; WNY Crop Management; Ward & Kutzuba; Warsaw’s Country Courier; Warsaw Penny Saver; William Kent, Inc.; Wyoming County Ag and Farmland Protection Board; Wyoming County Community Health Systems; Wyoming County IDA; Wyoming County Soil & Water Conservation District; Zimmer Auto Parts/Zimmer Footwear.

Press Release:

Genesee Community College Athletics Hall of Fame Accepting Nominees

The athletics department of Genesee Community College will be accepting GCC Athletics Hall of Fame nominees until April 1, 2018 for the next enshrinement class that includes not only former athletes, but also teams and individuals who have made a noteworthy contribution to GCC athletics.

While selection as a contributor can be considered in a multitude of ways that may include either growth, development and/or success of the athletics department; the criteria for former student-athletes has certain parameters in place before consideration can begin.

Among that criteria for past GCC athletes is: a minimum of 30 credit hours having been earned at GCC, having been graduated or no longer enrolled for five years, and having achieved a level of academic excellence and community service.

Criteria for team nominations begins with a level of championship success; whether regional or national, along with a distinguishable significance through the school and/or community.
Completed nomination applications should be returned to the athletics department at the Richard C. Call Arena, and nomination applications can be downloaded from geneseeathletics.com where hall of fame information can be found under the “Inside Athletics” tab.

Inclusion in the Athletics Hall of Fame is the highest athletic honor that GCC can bestow on its alumni and supporters. Inductees are honored at Homecoming each year a class is enshrined. Since the Hall’s inception in 2010, 23 members have been enshrined to date with three selections being teams.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports information

Press Release:

The New York State Police will join local law enforcement agencies across the state in an effort to crack down on impaired driving during Super Bowl weekend. The STOP-DWI campaign will include underage drinker enforcement, increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints to deter, identify and arrest impaired drivers. The campaign runs from Saturday February 3, until 3 a.m. on Monday, February 5.

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the number of drinking and driving fatalities, too many lives continue to be lost due to crashes caused by impaired drivers. During the 2017 Super Bowl campaign, State Police arrest 110 people for impaired driving and issued more than 4,098 tickets. The enforcement crackdown is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II said, “Make the winning decision on Super Bowl weekend and don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking. Driving while impaired can result in tragic consequences for you, your passengers and others on the road. State Police will be visible this weekend looking for impaired and distracted drivers. Those celebrating the big game this weekend should do so safely by planning ahead or driving sober. Together, we can save lives and prevent serious injuries.”

An impaired driving conviction carries a maximum fine of $10,000, up to 7 years in prison and license revocation.

Pharmacy Employee in Batavia facing felony for stealing thousands from her workplace.
46 year old Darcia Golda of West Main Street in Batavia is facing a felony count of grand larceny for allegedly stealing more than 31-thousand dollars from the Rite Aid Pharmacy.
She reportedly stole the funds while working at the drug store on West Main Street Road.
Deputies say the thefts occurred between October of 2016 and September of last year.

A Corfu woman is facing three felony counts for allegedly torching her ex-boyfriend’s hog.
52 year old Jacqueline Saeli of North Lake Road is accused of intentionally setting fire to a shed on her property.
Inside the shed was her former boyfriend’s Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Both the shed and the bike were destroyed.
Saeli is charged with arson and criminal mischief and was released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Police pursuit ends with a Batavia man’s arrest.
41 year old Maurice Leach was finally stopped by state police Thursday night at Bank Street and Hawley Drive in the Town of Batavia.
Leach was charged with possession of pot, driving without a license, reckless driving and resisting arrest.

An Oakfield woman accused of DWI after crashing in Batavia.
Following investigation into a motor vehicle crash on Downey Road in Batavia deputies arrested 38 year old Jennifer Davis of Webber Ave in Oakfield.
She was charged with DWI, speeding and for having an uninspected vehicle.
Davis was issued an appearance ticket for April 19th in Batavia Town Court.

Country Max Closing in Batavia.
The pet and garden supply store on East Main Street is closing with the last day of business less than two weeks away on February 14th.
Owner Don Payne said local employees are being offered jobs in either Geneseo or Brockport.
After seven years the business was not able to grow enough to sustain itself according to Payne.
None of the regional chain’s other 15 stores are closing.

A Batavia woman is facing a felony count of grand larceny for allegedly stealing more than $31,o00 from the Rite Aid Pharmacy.
46 year old Darcia Golda worked at the drug store on West Main Street Road.
Deputies say theft thefts occurred while Golda was employed at the store between October of 2016 and September of last year.

Jacqueline Saeli

A Corfu woman is facing two felony charges for allegedly torching her ex-boyfriend’s hog.
Deputies say 52 year old Jacqueline Saeli of North Lake Road intentionally set fire to a shed on her property. Inside the shed was her former boyfriend’s Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
The bike was destroyed.
Saeli is charged with arson and criminal mischief. She was released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

A Batavia man is facing charges for allegedly leading lawmen on a chase.
41 year old Maurice Leach was finally stopped by state police last night at Bank Street and Hawley Drive in the Town of Batavia.
Leach was charged with possession of pot, driving without a license, reckless driving and resisting arrest.

With flu cases up 50-percent in New York since last week, Governor Cuomo is urging all New Yorkers to get vaccinated. He’s calling the flu outbreak an epidemic with more than eleven-thousand confirmed cases and more than 22-hundred people hospitalized just last week. That’s the highest weekly total in New York since record-keeping began in 2004. A new Canadian study shows the vaccine is just 17-percent effective against the most dominant flu strain but the CDC says you should still get vaccinated because if you get the flu, the symptoms won’t be as severe.

The popular Pennsylvania prognosticator reports his predictions.
Punxsutawney Phil, the most famous groundhog in America, has seen his shadow which – as the story goes – means we’re in for six more weeks of winter.

An unnamed 18 year old male in Holley is accused of committing a number of sex crimes against a child.

The teen was arrested yesterday and charged with three felonies related to the use of a child under 17 in an obscene sexual performance.

The alleged incident occurred last October in Pavilion and the teenagers’ name has been withheld due to his age.

41 year old Maurice Leach of Batavia is accused of leading police on a car chase before being apprehended around the intersection of Stephen Hawley Drive and Bank Street in Batavia.

The police pursuit occurred last night where Leach was allegedly found in possession of pot and was accused of driving on a license with a number of suspensions.

He was hit with a litany of charges including Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Acting in a Manner Injurious to a Child less than 17, Fleeing an Officer in a Motor Vehicle, Reckless Driving and Resisting Arrest.

Leach was jailed in lieu of bail.

56 year old David Gurgir of Hulberton Road in Holley was accused of conspiring with two other individuals to purchase a truck and fill out the associated paperwork under false pretenses.

The incident allegedly occurred last March in the Target parking lot in Batavia.

He was arrested and charged with six counts of Conspiracy, two felonies and four misdemeanors.

Gugir was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to reappear in Batavia Town Court on February 13th.

Press Release:

As part of the state’s Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) grant program which seeks to revitalize 13 communities around the state, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that the Village of Holley has been awarded a $165,600 grant for revitalization funding.

“Many times, rehabilitation and rebirth of these types of properties are hindered by contamination or environmental concerns, and this is a great opportunity to turn once dilapidated properties into proud parts of our community,” Hawley said. “I am pleased to see Holley receive this important state aid, and I look forward to witnessing its progress first hand.”

The funds will be used to transform 813 total acres containing 55 potential sites. The scope of the project includes improved housing and income opportunities for residents, formulating potential design guidelines for the public square, better utilization of the Erie Canal, reducing commercial vacancies and identifying opportunities surrounding the former high school in the downtown core.

46 year old Darcia Golda of Wast Main Street in the city was arrested and charged with a felony count of Grand Larceny.

Golda was accused of stealing over $31,000 while working as an employee at Rite Aid on West Main Street Road in Batavia.

She allegedly stole the funds from October 2016 through September of last year.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) today shared its 2017 economic performance results. The 16 projects included providing assistance and incentives to businesses in the food and beverage, life sciences, community development, tourism, distribution and construction sectors.

These projects generated $240 million in pledged capital investment in addition to commitments to create 288 jobs. Since 2003, the GCEDC has provided similar assistance and incentives for 449 projects which have generated $1.3 billion in capital investment and the creation and/or retention of approximately 4,528 jobs.

Projects that worked with the GCEDC and closed in 2017 included:

• Arby’s
• Batavia Brewing Company
• Bonduelle (in conjunction with Empire State Development)
• Darien Lake Theme Park Resort
• HP Hood
• Junior’s Maple
• Manning Squires Hennig – 2017
• Mercy Flight
• WNY STAMP National Grid Marketing Grant
• O-AT-KA Milk Products
• Resurgence Brewing Co. (in conjunction with Empire State Development)
• First Light Creamery
• Ten Car
• GVT Rail
• Liberti, Valvo & Associates, LLC.

“The goal of the GCEDC is to bring new businesses and opportunities to our area by highlighting all of the amazing resources Genesee County has to offer,” said Paul Battaglia, chair of the GCEDC board. “It was a very exciting year in 2017 for Genesee County and we are energized to continue building on this momentum for 2018.”

“Through strong leadership demonstrated by our board and staff, we have proved through the years that Genesee County is a place where businesses can prosper and grow,” said Steve Hyde, president of the GCEDC. “From our proximity to densely populated areas to business incentives to industry specific shovel-ready sites, both local and out of state businesses are continuing to invest in Genesee County.”

Airman Hope Goodenbury

Press Release:

U.S. Air Force Airman Hope M. Goodenbury 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.

Goodenbury is a 2017 graduate of Alexander Central High School, Alexander, N.Y.

Tractor Trailer accident in Alabama leads to broken spirits and mixed drinks
No one was injured, however many spirits were broken in an accident on Lewiston Road in Alabama, approximately 60-thousand dollars’ worth.
A tractor-trailer with a cargo load of wine and spirits over turned spilling much of its contents after apparently catching a gust of wind early yesterday afternoon.
Bottles of booze were scattered over the roadway blocking traffic in each direction.
No charges were filed in the incident.

Corfu woman facing felony counts for roasting her ex’s hog.
52 year old Jacqueline Saeli of North Lake Road was arrested and charged with two felony counts of Third degree Arson and a single felony count of Criminal Mischief.
She is accused of intentionally setting fire to an unattached shed on her property burning down the structure and destroying her ex-boyfriend’s Harley Davidson Motorcycle.
Saeli was issued an order of protection and was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.
She is expected back in Pembroke Town Court on March 1st.

The flu season in New York doesn’t seem to be slowing down.
Yesterday, the state health department released the latest week’s numbers showing a 50-percent jump in confirmed flu cases over the week before.
Western New York has some of the highest flu rates in the state.
The CDC says flu shots protect against all flu viruses and can reduce the severity of the flu if you get it.
You can find a place to get one at vaccinefinder.org.

Following new State law, counties are dealing with new rules for detaining youthful offenders.
County Manager Jay Gsell says that under new state regulations, county governments have to provide youthful offenders a separate detention facility.
Speaking on WBTA’s Main and Center program Gsell said these new facilities are required as part of a law that changed the age limits of youthful offenders

Gsell said that the state expects counties to begin building such detention facilities by October of this year.
He said state regulations on such facilities are still not in place and building a new detention center within the time frame allowed is not realistic.

Washington is not loving “I Love New York” signs.
New York State is being docked $14 million in highway funds by the federal government for installing more than 500 I Love NY road signs.
The signs violate both federal highway rules and state law.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has spent over $8 million installing the illegal signs, after being specially ordered not to do so in 2013.
The move marks the strongest penalty imposed by the Federal Highway Administration in attempting to have the blue-and-white signs removed.

An estimated $60,000 worth of wine and spirits spilled onto Lewiston Road in the Town of Alabama.
A tractor-trailer hauling the alcoholic beverages was apparently caught by a gust of wind and over turned yearly yesterday afternoon.
The cargo littered the highway. Traffic was blocked in each direction.
No one was injured and no charges were filed.

Nearly 100-million-dollars in state grants are set to go to companies that provide internet across Western New York and the Finger Lakes.
Governor Cuomo has announced the next phase of the “New NY Broadband” program to give all New Yorkers access to high-speed internet. None of the dollars in this next phase, however, were earmarked for Genesee County.

Jay Gsell, Genesee County Manager

Genesee County, and counties across the state, are now left to deal with new rules for detaining youthful offenders.
County Manager Jay Gsell appeared says that under new state regulations, county governments have to provide youthful offenders a separate detention facility.
Speaking on WBTA’s Main and Center program Gsell said these new facilities are required as part of a law that changed the age limits of youthful offenders

Gsell said that the state expects counties to begin building such detention facilities by October of this year.
He said state regulations on such facilities are still not in place and building a new detention center within the time frame allowed is not realistic.

As a result of the decision by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) to allow over 51,000 inmates statewide to use electronic tablets free of charge, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has written a letter to Gov. Cuomo and DOCCS demanding that the program be shut down immediately.
“This policy decision to reward and furnish luxury items like these tablets to prisoners is an affront to our law-abiding citizens,” Hawley wrote in the letter.

“We already have people moving to New York State for our lavish Medicaid programs and now criminals will also be moving here and if convicted and sent to a state prison will have access to luxuries not afforded in other out of state correctional facilities,” Hawley continued in the letter.

“I call on you to reconsider this misguided policy and urge JayP Inc. to work with our school system, libraries and veterans organizations to furnish tablets to law abiding citizens.”

Photo Courtesy: The Batavian

An estimated $60,000 worth of wine and spirits spilled onto Lewiston Road this afternoon.
A tractor-trailer hauling the alcoholic beverages was apparently caught by a gust of wind and overturned.
The cargo littered the highway and blocked traffic in both directions.
Most bottles and boxes remained intact. Some bottles broke.
No one was injured and no charges were filed.

County Manager Jay Gsell appeared on WBTA’s Main and Center program this morning where he spoke about the County’s responsibility to house newly classified youthful offenders in a separate detention facility following legislation passed last year that raised the age of juvenile defenders to 18.

Gsell said that the state expects counties to begin building such detention facilities by October of this year.

He said state regulations on such facilities are still not in place and building a new detention center within the time frame is not realistic.

Gsell said officials from the GLOW region are already discussing using existing sites as shared facilities to house the handful of youthful offenders arrested every year.

The newly hired General Manager of the Muckdogs, Dave Chase appeared as featured guest on WBTA’s Main and Center program this morning.

He said he is going to encourage more engagement and interaction between the players and fans.

Chase said players are obligated by contract to attend promotional events…

One of his ideas is to implement a Muckdogs Monday where players would interact with fans, greeting and signing merchandise weekly during the season.

Press Release:

Cougar Swim Teams Combine to Take 19 of 22 Events at JCC

The Genesee Community College swimming teams dominated host Jamestown Community College Jan. 31 with the men’s team winning 129-8, and the women’s team winning 78-39.

There were 11 events for each team. The men’s team won all 11 and the women’s team captured eight of the 11.

Three men’s team members won multiple individual events that included Joan Ferrer, Ferran Martinez and Matthew Langerman.

Ferrer won the 100-yard butterfly and the 50-yard freestyle. Martinez won the 1,650-yard freestyle and the 100-yard backstroke, while Langerman captured a pair of freestyle events at 200 and 500 yards.

Natalie Amico and Nanako Shiozawa also won a pair of events, but for the women’s team. Amico captured the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard breaststroke, while Shiozawa won the 100-yard butterfly and the 200-yard freestyle.

Rounding out the rest of the winners for the women’s team were Mady Roth (100-yard backstroke) and Angel Priest (500-yard freestyle).

Rounding out the rest of the winners for the men’s team were Nathan Richardson (200-yard individual medley), Benjamin Vacanti (100-yard breaststroke) and Brandon Brown (100-yard freestyle).

In relay competition, the Cougars won all four events with the men’s and women’s teams each capturing 200-yard medleys and 400-yard freestyles.

The Cougars will host their last meet of the season this Saturday, Feb. 3 at Genesee’s Last Chance Invitational at 1 p.m.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Press Release:

Men’s Basketball Team’s Strong First Half Not Enough to Contain No. 15 MCC

The Genesee Community College men’s basketball team traveled to Rochester to face the nation’s No. 15 National Junior College Athletic Association D-II team and although the Cougars didn’t upset the Tribunes they rallied twice – once in each half – with the first rally resulting in a four-point 39-35 half-time lead.

Another impressive second-half rally got the Cougars within a pair of scores late in the contest before falling 90-84 to No. 15 Monroe, who have been as high as No. 8 in recent national polls.

The nationally-ranked Tribunes were fast out of the gate and built a six-point lead, but Genesee was undaunted and quickly turned the tables from being down a pair of scores to leading by a pair.

Brian Fobbs sank a three to give the Cougars its first lead at 11-10 and Rahmel Thompson repeated the feat for a 14-10 lead and the Cougars never trailed the rest of the first half in building a lead as high as six points before intermission.

Genesee restored its game-high six-point lead with the second half’s opening score, but the Tribunes responded and showed why they are a nationally-ranked team with an 11-0 run that resulted in a reverse in leads that found the Cougars down by three scores.

The Cougar deficit got as high as 16 in the game’s final minutes, but a late 14-4 Genesee run brought the contest within two scores at 86-80 before the last points of the game favored MCC 6-4.

Thompson finished the contest as the team’s leader in points with 26, while Fobbs was not far behind with 21 and had the team’s only double-double performance with a team-high 14 rebounds.

Brandon Peters also hit double-digits with 16 points, while adding a team-high seven assists.

Lady Cougars Drop to No. 1 MCC

The Genesee Community College women’s basketball team traveled to Rochester to face the nation’s No. 1 National Junior College Athletic Association D-II team and although the Cougars didn’t upset the Tribunes they did close out the final quarter by a one-score deficit at 24-22.

The Tribunes displayed why they are the top team in the country by shooting nearly 52 percent from the field in a 124-59 final.

Rosalyn Sealey scored a team-high 16 points as one of four double-digit scorers for the Cougars. Jasmine Holmes and Reika Murota each scored a dozen points with Holmes also registering team highs in rebounds with eight and blocks with four.

Kierra Perl scored 11 points, while Rachel Meyer pulled down seven boards.

The Cougars next host Mercyhurst North East in Western New York Athletic Conference action on Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Press Release:

A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) on the decision by DOCCS to allow inmates the use of free tablets while in prison

“New York state’s paradigm of pampering those who break the law or are here illegally never ceases to amaze me. The average middle-class taxpayer must scrape and save to afford a luxury such as a computer tablet, and now the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) is allowing them to be given out like candy to hardened criminals.

“If it’s this easy to encourage vendors to provide free tablets to inmates, why aren’t they being provided to our students in disadvantaged school districts or to libraries across the state as a community resource? I suppose crime does pay, especially if you live in New York.”

Aborted Bergen burglaries have lawmen on the lookout.
Would be burglars apparently abandoned attempts to break into two Bergen residents.
Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputies are investigating an attempted burglary at a Gibson Place apartment and another at a single family home on Creamery Road.
Deputies said in both cases the potential intruders failed to make entry.
Lawmen remind residents to lock their doors and windows and be on the lookout for suspicious activity.

Albion man picked up in Oakfield after passing out in a parking lot.
23 year old Christopher Allison of Gaines Waterport Road was taken into custody on charges of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Using Drug Paraphernalia and pot possession.
Allison was arrested after Genesee County Deputies responded to the 7 Eleven in Oakfield yesterday afternoon for a report of an unconscious male in a vehicle in the parking lot.
After being identified Allison was allegedly found in possession of drugs and paraphernalia.
He was issued an appearance ticket for Oakfield Town Court in March.

Batavia woman arrested for pocketing phony refunds from her employer.
41 year old Shannon Klinkbeil of Liberty Street is accused of making fraudulent return refunds as an employee at a business on Main Street in the City and then stealing the refunded money.
Klinkbiel was arrested and charged with Falsifying Business Records and Petit Larceny.
She was given an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court on February 6th.

Batavia man brought in on Bench Warrant allegedly found with a needle.
Police were called to a reported disturbance at a West Main Street address in the City where they located 22 year old Devin Hofert of Hutchins Street Batavia.
Hofert was wanted on a bench warrant out of City Court and officers allegedly found him in possession of a hypodermic needle.
He was ordered to be held in lieu of $5,000 bail in the Genesee County Jail.

Grace’s Kitchen in LeRoy closed two years ago, ending its free community meal service.
Now, the LeRoy Rotary Club, the Masons and other organizations want to re-start the program.
LeRoy Rotarian Tracy Ford says the need right now is manpower,

Organizers hope to begin serving by the end of March at the Masonic Hall on Bank Street in LeRoy.

The Bills could be losing as many as three of their five team captains.
“The Buffalo News” reported yesterday that the team could be looking at a serious leadership void next season.
Eric Wood has a career ending injury, the team is expected to move on from quarterback Tyrod Taylor and 34-year-old defensive tackle Kyle Williams’ may not be resigning.
The Bills GM said they’re going to try their best to fill the void on the field and in the locker room.

Genesee County Sheriff’s deputies investigate two attempted break-ins in Bergen. Both were reported last week.
One attempted burglary was of an apartment on Gibson Place, the other was a home on Creamery Road.
Deputies said in both cases the would-be intruders failed to make entry.
Lawmen remind residents to lock their doors and windows and be on the lookout for suspicious activity.

Tracy Ford

It’s been two years since Grace’s Kitchen closed in LeRoy, ending its free community meal service.
Now, the LeRoy Rotary Club, the Masons and other organizations want to re-start the program.

LeRoy Rotarian Tracy Ford says the need right now is manpower:

Organizers say the big need is for volunteers to prepare and serve the meals. They hope to begin serving by the end of March at the Masonic Hall on Bank Street in LeRoy.

A new report indicates a spike in deadly construction accidents throughout New York state. The Committee for Occupational Safety and Health say 71 people died on job sites in 2016, which represents a 14 year high. Fifty-five people had died in accidents the previous year. However, in New York City construction related deaths went down during the same period, decreasing from 25 to 21 between 2015 and 2016. Experts attribute those results to a crackdown on unsafe workplaces.

Some New York politicians are reacting to President Trump’s State of the Union address. Trump called for strength and unity between the parties. Congressman Chris Collins applauded the speech, saying America is on the right track. Governor Cuomo, however, accused Trump of paying lip service to the idea of unity, saying this has been one of the most divisive years in memory.

Three New York Republicans now are trying to run against Governor Cuomo.
State Senator John DeFrancisco of Syracuse has announced his campaign for governor.
DeFrancisco is throwing his hat into the ring with former Erie County Executive Joel Giambra and Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb of Canandaigua.

It’s been two years since Grace’s Kitchen closed in LeRoy, ending its free community meal service.
Now, the LeRoy Rotary Club, the Masons and other organizations want to re-start the program.

LeRoy Rotarian Tracy Ford said the need is real:

Grace’s Kitchen operated for five years and served 100 to 125 people regularly, about 70 percent of those individuals were elderly.
Much of the food will be provided by Foodlink. Ford said local restaurants said they will assist with meals.
Organizers say the big need is for volunteers to prepare and serve the meals. They hope to begin serving by the end of March at the Masonic Hall on Bank Street in LeRoy.

What: Kevin Pawlak Presents “The Jewels of War” at GCC

When: Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at 7 p.m.

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

Who: All are welcome.

Background:

Kevin R. Pawlak, Licensed Battlefield Guide at Antietam National Battlefield, will be presenting “The Jewels of War: Robert E. Lee, George B. McClellan and the Battle of Antietam” as part of GCC’s Historical Horizons Lecture Series on Wednesday, February 7, 2018.

The Battle of Antietam is America’s Bloodiest single day. In totality, twelve hours of fighting on Wednesday, September 17, 1862 left approximately 23,000 casualties. During this lecture, Pawlak will assess the dramatic events of the battle from the unique perspective of the commanders on the field.

Pawlak also serves as the director of education for the Mosby Heritage Area Association in Virginia and is the author of “Shepardstown in the Civil War: One Vast Confederate Hospital” and “The Heaviest Blow Yet Given the Confederacy: The Emancipation Proclamation Changes the Civil War.”

Pawlak’s presentation will begin at 7 p.m. in room T102 of the Conable Technology Building. All lectures are free and open to the public.

For further information visit https://gcchistoricalhorizons.wordpress.com or contact Donna Rae Sutherland, associate director of Marketing Communications at (585) 343-0055 x 6616 or dsutherland@genesee.edu.

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

From L TO R: Undersheriff Matthew Bean, Deputy Matthew Moran, K9 Kane, Mary Jane Kane-daughter to Sheriff Kane and Sheriff Tom Dougherty

Press Release:

Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty is pleased to announce that the Sheriff’s Office held a name recognition ceremony for the Sheriff’s newest K9, “Kane.”

On January 19, 2018 a ceremony was held at the afternoon patrol briefing formally recognizing Sheriff’s K9 Kane. K9 Kane was named in honor of Sheriff Richard “Dick” Kane.

Sheriff Kane’s family was in attendance for the ceremony. They were able to meet Kane and his handler and were presented photos of K9 Kane.

Sheriff Kane’s daughter, Mary Jane, spoke at the ceremony and highlighted her father’s soft spot for dogs, his passion for police work and his love for the Sheriff’s Office.

K9 Kane’s handler Deputy Matt Moran, K9 Trainer and Supervisor to the Sheriff’s K9 teams Sergeant Chad Draper, as well as the administrator of the K9 teams Chief Deputy Jason Yasso all spoke at the ceremony of the benefits of our K9 teams and specifically about Kane’s personality and the challenges he faced to become certified as a Police K9 in New York State.

Sheriff Dougherty read the following:

“I would like to thank the Kane family for attending this very special day. Sheriff Richard Kane was a determined man who climbed through the ranks, adding to his legacy as Sheriff.Deputy Richard “Dick” Kane was hired as a part time Deputy in 1961, became a full time Deputy Sheriff in 1962. Deputy Kane became Sergeant Kane in 1965, Chief Deputy in 1969 and Undersheriff in 1971.

Sheriff Kane was sheriff for thirteen years, from 1976 to 1989, God Bless him and his family! During his term a new more efficient jail was built, housing maximum and medium security
inmates. Sheriff Kane increased staff from 15 to 59 staff members, making his office more able to reach the community and better serve the needs of the people he served.

An interesting fact, Sheriff Kane was one of the first Deputies assigned to motorcycle patrol. Even more exciting in light of today’s ceremony is Sheriff Kane was the first known Livingston County Deputy K9 handler. Partnered with K9 King.

In April 1989 a twenty-one year old Geneseo student drowned in the Genesee River after the car she was in drove off a river bank. I myself know what Sheriff Kane had to deal with, the heartache and how it affects the soul. Doing his best to deal with a grieving family, making sure his first responders are well, all while continuing to run his Office. It is a tough job and Sheriff Kane did it well for thirteen years.

Sheriff Kane was an honorable man and community minded. He was a member of the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, the youngest Assistant Fire Chief and a member of the Cuylerville Fire Company, a member of the Kiwanis Club as well as Cuylerville Gun Club.

It is a privilege and honor to introduce to you K9 Kane. Who, like Sheriff Kane, exhibits a strong work ethic and loyalty to his partner and this Office. I have no doubt that K9 Kane will excel in all areas.

K9 Kane was certified in Nitrate Detection in May of 2017 and Patrol/Tracking in August of 2017. In K9 Kane’s short time partnered with Deputy Moran, they have compiled 876 hours of training, 19 nitrate searches, 3 tracks and 3 community policing events.

The name “Kane” was selected by the Student Council at Keshequa Central School. The name contest was handled by School Resource Officer Deputy Ross Gerace who is the KCS SRO. Keshequa Central was picked for the naming contest as Deputy Moran is a graduate of KCS.

We thank the Kane family in attendance today for allowing us to use their name in honoring and remembering Sheriff Dick Kane.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that he has been honored as one of the Assembly’s most conservative legislators; being awarded a 92 percent ranking, according to the Conservative Party of New York State. The legislation considered for the award covers a wide array of topics, including: spending, pro-life issues, crime, education and big-government issues, among others.

“Public service and representation are about channeling the thoughts, ideas and desires of one’s constituency into an effective legislative platform,” Hawley said. “Frequently traveling around the district and holding weekly office hours allow me to best represent my neighbors in Albany and this award is a reflection of their feelings toward state government. I am proud and honored to accept this distinction and will continue to fervently represent residents in my district in an accurate and robust manner.”

Overdose Death leads to lock up for a Pavilion Man.
Members of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office arrested 38 year old Steven Rigoni of Pavilion following an investigation into the death of a 34 year old Geneseo man that occurred this past June.
Investigators discovered that Rigoni had allegedly provided heroin to the man before he died.
Rigoni was charged with a Class B Felony count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance.
He was committed to the Livingston County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Client Misconduct lands an Albion Attorney behind bars.
31 year old Kevin Allen of Gaines Basin Road was arrested by Orleans County Sheriff’s Deputies for allegedly defrauding at least two of his clients.
In one case Allen was allegedly paid to commence divorce proceedings for a client which he never even started.
Another client allegedly paid Allen $57,000 to file civil case against certain companies.
He allegedly took the payment without rendering any legal services.
Allen is facing charges of Grand Larceny and scheming to defraud and he is being held in the Orleans County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

The Livingston County sheriff’s office is being sued over an inmate who died behind bars.
Last November, Noel Colon was found dead in his jail cell less than one day after being arrested. His body was found surrounded by bags of fentanyl.
The sheriff’s office is accused of gross negligence.
An internal investigation into Colon’s death continues.

Some New York politicians are reacting to President Trump’s State of the Union address.
Last night, Trump called for strength and unity between the parties.
Congressman Chris Collins applauded the speech, saying America is on the right track.
Governor Cuomo, however, accused Trump of paying lip service to the idea of unity, saying this has been one of the most divisive years in memory.

Three New York Republicans now are trying to run against Governor Cuomo.
Yesterday, state Senator John DeFrancisco of Syracuse announced his campaign for governor.
DeFrancisco is throwing his hat into the ring with former Erie County Executive Joel Giambra and Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb of Canandaigua.

A Pearl Street Road resident picked up for snacking without paying.
24 year old Randy Heslor of Batavia was arrested by LeRoy Police and charged with petit larceny following a complaint from a store on West Main Street.
Heslor was accused of taking a deli sandwich, eating it and leaving the store without paying.
He was issued an appearance ticket for a later date in LeRoy Town Court.

Kevin Allen

An Albion lawyer is accused of defrauding at least two clients by taking payments for legal services and not delivering.
31 year old Kevin Allen of Gains Basin Road is charged with Grand Larceny and scheming to defraud.
Sheriff’s investigators say that in once instance, Allen accepted payment from a client to begin divorce proceedings. Allen later said that was divorce was final when in fact, lawmen said, Allen had not even started the process.
In another case, a client allegedly paid Allen 57-thosuand dollars in fees to bring a civil case against certain companies only to learn nothing had been done on behalf of the client.
Allen has been jailed in lieu of $10,000 bail.

A lawsuit has been filed against The Livingston County sheriff’s office over an inmate who died behind bars.
Last November, Noel Colon was found dead in his jail cell less than one day after being arrested. His body was found surrounded by bags of fentanyl.
The sheriff’s office is accused of gross negligence.
An internal investigation into Colon’s death continues.

Monroe County is reporting eight flu related deaths this season. The Monroe County Department of Health confirmed the fatalities today. Health officials say all of the deaths occurred in people over the age of 50.
As a result, many elderly facilities in the area are reducing group activities and warning patients to avoid others.

LeRoy Police collar a Batavia man for allegedly chowing down a sandwich at a LeRoy deli without paying for it.
24 year old Randy Heslor of Pearl Street Road, Batavia, was charged with one count of Petit Larceny.

The New General Manager of the Muckdogs is hoping the community comes out to support Baseball in Batavia this coming season.

David Chase was hired by the New York Penn League to run operations for the minor league team.

Chase along with Commissioner of the New York Penn League Ben Hayes held a press conference at the Quality Inn and Suites in Batavia yesterday to address changes in the franchise and its future in Batavia.

General Manager David Chase,

The primary concern for Chase is making sure the ball field and clubhouses at Dwyer stadium are in shape for the Miami Marlins farm players.

Commissioner Ben Hayes said the League doesn’t want to take the ball club out of Batavia however he questions whether the community is supporting it enough to survive on its own.

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

Press Release:

Women’s Soccer Team Adds Willette to Cougar Roster

The Genesee Community College women’s soccer team inked Payton Willette to its 2018 roster as the Eastridge High School senior becomes the fourth recent addition by head coach Jeff Reyngoudt.

All four have defensive skills that will make it difficult for any other region team to beat the Cougars next season, especially at home on one of the finest new turf fields adjacent to the Richard C. Call Arena.

Willette caught the eye of many recruiters after an outstanding Senior Game. She helped lead her team to a division title and along the way was acknowledged as an all-county selection for Monroe.

Willette plans to study physical education at GCC in pursuing a career as a physical education teacher as well as a soccer coach.

Reyngoudt looks to improve upon last season with returning National Junior College Athletic Association All-American Miko Yamashita. The 2017 GCC women’s soccer team went unbeaten in its first 10 games against D-III opponents and climbed to a national ranking of No. 1 along the way.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Press Release:

What: Author Kevin Pawlak at GCC in Medina

To Present “Shepherdstown in the Civil War: One Vast Confederate Hospital”

When: Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at 7:00pm

Where: Genesee Community College, Medina Campus

11470 Maple Ridge Road, Medina NY 

Who: All are welcome.

Background:

Author Kevin R. Pawlak will be at GCC’s Medina Campus to discuss his book “Shepherdstown in the Civil War: One Vast Confederate Hospital” on Tuesday, February 6, 2018.

Due to its location, during the Civil War the small town of Shepherdstown, West Virginia was suddenly flooded with Confederate soldiers wounded in battle. Homes and churches transformed into triage centers and the town, into “one vast hospital.”

Join us as Pawlak shares this unique story from our nation’s history. Pawlak’s presentation will begin at 7 p.m. at GCC’s Medina Campus. All lectures are free and open to the public.

Pawlak serves as the director of education for the Mosby Heritage Area Association in Virginia and is also the author of “The Heaviest Blow Yet Given the Confederacy: The Emancipation Proclamation Changes the Civil War.”

For further information visit https://gcchistoricalhorizons.wordpress.com or contact Donna Rae Sutherland, associate director of Marketing Communications at (585) 343-0055 x 6616 or dsutherland@genesee.edu.

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

Press Release:

What: Polite Ink – Sketch and Improv Comedy Show at GCC

When: Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Genesee Community College ~ Batavia Campus ~ Stuart Steiner Theatre

Who: Everyone looking for a LAUGH OUT LOUD Saturday night!

Background: Genesee Community College is excited to welcome Rochester’s own, Polite Ink on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.!

Polite Ink is a co-ed comedy team of six individuals with over 35 combined years of improv experience. The team writes and performs their own original scenes and improv games powered by audience participation.

The ensemble includes Director Karen Kraft from Fairport, Bolan Graham from Rochester, Corrie Spike Carter from Fairport, Don Beechner from Spencerport, Michael Anthony from Rochester and Reuben Tapp from Rochester.

Get your tickets now for this LAUGH OUT LOUD evening! Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for seniors (55+) and GCC faculty/staff. Students and children are $3, and GCC alumni with ID will receive a $2 discount on an adult ticket. To reserve seats, contact the GCC box office at boxoffice@genesee.edu or (585) 345-6814.

In addition, a special interactive improv and comedy workshop will be held on February 1, 2018 from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. led by Corrie Spike Carter and Don Beechner. Anyone interested in attending should RSVP to boxoffice@genesee.edu or (585) 345-6814.

Additional Details: http://news.genesee.edu/news/2018/01/17/polite-ink-crushin-it-genesee-community-college

Byron-Bergen High School’s 2018 Athletic Wall of Fame honoree Clyde Bianchi.

Press Release:

Bergen, NY ~ This year, Byron-Bergen High School’s athletic department will recognize an alumnus who has demonstrated not only athletic achievement but also character, citizenship, success, and leadership during and after their time at the school. The department is proud to announce that this honor will be awarded to Clyde Bianchi in a ceremony on Feb. 9, 2018 at 6:15 p.m. during the scheduled JV and Varsity basketball games at the Jr./Sr. High School gymnasium.

Bianchi, a 1987 graduate of the school, was an exceptional multisport athlete. He played on the varsity teams for basketball, baseball, and soccer, and was named to the Genesee Region All-Star Teams for all three sports during a stellar high school career.

In 1985, a motor vehicle accident left the promising young athlete paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair.

His spirit and perseverance continued to propel Bianchi forward, however. He graduated with a Regents degree in math and art, and worked full time to pay for higher education at Genesee Community College and The College at Brockport where he earned his undergraduate degree in business, math, and economics. He attended the Rochester Institute of Technology from 1997-2000, studying information technology.

From 1994-96, Bianchi played professional basketball with the Rochester Wheels, winning the 3-on-3 Wheelchair Basketball Rochester Championship for all three years. He is also a professional power lifter, a billiards champion, and plays football.

Bianchi had a very successful career as a computer engineer, advancing to director of technology, a position he held for 10 years. Since 2013, he has been the CEO and president of the largest animal boarding facility in the Rochester area, Howlywood. Located in Bloomfield, the company is owned and operated by Bianchi and his family, including his wife and business partner Kelly.

“Clyde Bianchi is an inspiring role model for our student athletes and for everyone at our school,” said Athletic Director Rich Hannan. “He set the bar on his life high and never compromised. He has always made sports and competitive principles an important part of his life and he has made significant contributions to his community. We are absolutely honored and proud to recognize his achievements, and add his name to our Athletic Wall of Fame.”

Press Release:

In support of National Wear Red Day this Friday, February 2, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is encouraging residents to join him in wearing red to support women’s cardiac health. Heart Disease and stroke cause one in three deaths among women each year, killing approximately one woman every 80 seconds.

“National Wear Red Day is an important event that raises awareness for cardiac health and helps encourage individuals to live a healthy lifestyle,” Hawley said. “Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, but education and action are integral parts of changing that statistic. I will be wearing red on Friday, and I encourage my fellow residents to show your support and do the same.”

Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and Body Mass Index (BMI) are important numbers to be aware of and monitor for optimal cardiac health. For more information, or to join the conversation and show your support, please visit https://www.goredforwomen.org/.

Attorney in Albion jailed for misconduct.
31 year old Kevin Allen of Gaines Basin Road in Albion was arrested following a two week long investigation by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office into alleged misconduct including fraud and grand larceny.
Allen who works as an attorney in Albion is accused of taking money from clients without actually providing any legal services.
One client payed to commence divorce proceedings which Allen had never actually started, and a second client paid him more than $57,000 to file a civil law suit for them which was not completed either.
Allen was charged with Grand Larceny and Scheme to Defraud and was remanded to the Orleans County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.
He is expected in Albion Town Court on March 14th.

Much of Western New York is under a winter weather advisory this morning.
Forecasters say that heavy snowfall could cause visibility issues for drivers today.
Up to six inches is expected across much of the GLOW region and several surrounding counties.
The advisory expires at one o’clock this afternoon.
Accused Craigslist scammer arrested for possessing a weapon.

Lawsuit against The Livingston County sheriff over an inmate who died behind bars.
A notice of claim was filed yesterday saying in November, Noel Colon was found dead in his jail cell less than one day after being arrested, surrounded by bags of fentanyl.
The sheriff’s office is accused of gross negligence and wrongful death, with the suit saying he shouldn’t have had access to drugs in jail.
An internal investigation into Colon’s death is still ongoing.

Craigslist scamming suspect in Batavia hit with a weapons charge.
23 year old Jaequele Tomlin of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a blunt force weapon.
Police say Tomlin was in possession of a realistic looking BB gun pistol while waiting for a potential buyer for his phony pick-up truck advertised on Craigslist.
Tomlin was jailed in lieu of $10,000 bail and is expected in City Court on February 15th.

Some are calling for safe injection sites in the Capital Region.
Yesterday the End Overdose New York Coalition held a rally in Albany calling for supervised injection sites.
Proponents say this will allow IV drug users who are going to use, do so under medical supervision.
They say this could help lower casualties of the growing opioid epidemic.
These sites are still illegal in the United States but some are working to try to change that.

A Buffalo Bills team Captain may be retiring soon.
On Friday Offensive Center Eric Wood tweeted that a post season physical found he suffered a career ending neck injury.
At a press conference yesterday however he read a statement thanking the Bills but not officially retiring.
It appears that Bills might not be able to take the salary cap hit of retiring or releasing Wood so they’re keeping him on the roster for now.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until tomorrow afternoon.
The National Weather Service is predicting snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches.
The weather service advises motorists to be prepared for reduced visibility especially during tomorrow morning’s commute.

A weapons charge has now been placed against one of the defendants in a Craigslist scam.
23 year old Jaequele Tomlin of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a blunt force weapon.
Police say Tomlin had a realistic BB gun pistol when a would-be buyer went to answer a Craigslist ad.
Tomlin is also facing charges of conspiracy.

Adams Street man accused of damaging jail property.
23 year old Ryan Bartholomew of Batavia allegedly caused over 470 dollars’ worth of damage to an isolation cell door in the Genesee County Jail after kicking it.
He was arrested and charged with Criminal Mischief and released with an appearance ticket for February 8th in City Court.

Batavia Teen arrested for alleged Incident with a knife.
A 16 year old male in Batavia was charged with Menacing and Endangering the Welfare of a Child following an alleged incident last week.
The teenager was accused of threatening another male with a knife during an altercation.
The 16 year old was and given an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court.
Police have withheld the suspect’s name due to his age.

Governor Cuomo is warning New Yorkers to be wary of potential scams when filing their taxes.
The New York State Tax Department has free tax assistance sites available to help ward off potential issues.
Cuomo says folks need to be careful when tax preparers offer “instant refunds” or “no up-front cost.”
In addition, the governor says not to be fooled by threatening phone calls or phishing emails, and to carefully protect your personal information.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Genesee County.

Forecasters are calling for snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches which will make for slippery road conditions for commuters tomorrow morning.

The Advisory will go into effect at 4 this afternoon lasting until 1 p.m. tomorrow.

Craigslist scammer jailed on weapons charge.
It was the third arrest in less than three weeks for 23 year old Jaequele Tomlin of Central Ave.
Tomlin and an alleged co-conspirator from Stafford were initially arrested and charged earlier this month with Conspiracy for setting up the fake craigslist ad for a pickup truck.
They were initially reported to have realistic BB guns in their possession however following investigation into the incident Tomlin was recently charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon.
He was allegedly in possession of a blunt force weapon with the intent to use it against a potential robbery victim.
Tomlin was also picked up on a warrant for Assault stemming from a domestic incident last November.
He was remanded to the Genesee County jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.
He is due back in City Court on February 15th.

Batavia Teen arrested for incident with a knife.
A 16 year old male in Batavia was arrested last week following an altercation in which they allegedly threatened another male with a knife.
The 16 year old was charged with Menacing and Endangering the Welfare of a Child and given an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court.
Police have withheld the suspects name due to his age.

Winter returns to Wyoming County.
A Winter Weather Advisory will be going into effect this afternoon for Wyoming and several other Counties to the south.
The National Weather Service is calling for snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches making for slippery road conditions on tomorrow mornings commute.
The Advisory will be in effect from 4 this afternoon until tomorrow at 1 p.m.

As the flu continues to sicken New Yorkers throughout the state, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is calling for federal help.
The Senate minority leader said yesterday a special CDC flu-surveillance team should be dispatched to the state.
New York hospitals have recorded a surge of influenza cases lately.
Schumer says the CDC team would help track individual strains, identify the most effective treatments, and map out a plan of attack.

A couple of star Bills players helped the AFC win the Pro Bowl.
Yesterday The AFC beat the NFC 24 to 23 in Orlando.
LeSean McCoy carried three times and scored one touchdown.
Left Guard Ritchie Incognito was active in 33 plays.
The broadcasters didn’t touch on his investigation for alleged racist comments.
“The Buffalo News” reports that all players on the AFC team earned $64,000 for the win.

County law enforcement cracking down on drunk driving over Super Bowl weekend.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia and Village of LeRoy Police will participate in the special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.
The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown runs from February 2nd through February 5th.

New York pharmacists are now being allowed to administer flu shots to kids. It’s the main feature of an executive order signed yesterday by Governor Cuomo to combat the flu epidemic. There were nearly eight-thousand confirmed cases across the state last week, the highest number the state’s seen since it began reporting flu cases in 2004. Cuomo says with pharmacists giving flu shots to kids ages two to 18, parents are more likely to get their kids vaccinated because of improved access and convenience.

With the flu epidemic widespread across the country, many people are concerned over what they should do if they become sick with the virus.
Dr. Susan Rehm with the Cleveland Clinic recommends first looking for specific symptoms to make sure you have the flu.

Doctors recommend if you start to feel these symptoms, get home, get plenty of rest and drink a lot of fluids to avoid being dehydrated.
The Cleveland Clinic recommends anyone who hasn’t gotten a flu shot to get one, since any protection is better than none at all.

Dave Chase is the new general manager of the Batavia Muckdogs.
Chase has a career in baseball that spans over four decades including stints with six minor league baseball teams, work in a baseball broadcast booth and a term as commissioner of the Prospect League.
Chase said the fact that an experienced manager like himself was hired to run the local ball team shows the NYPL’s commitment to Batavia.
He steps in to run a team that has had an uncertain future for more than a decade, however Chase said his primary focus is to take care of the Miami Marlins players and make sure they have a quality experience in Batavia and to re-establish the team in the mind of the fans.

A traffic stop in Corfu finds a Rochester resident with a record of 27 license suspensions.
64 year old Louis Warren was stopped for speeding on Alleghany Road in Corfu.
A license check revealed that Warren had a whopping 27 suspensions.
Warren was arrested and charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and given an appearance ticket for Corfu Village Court.

County law enforcement cracking down on drunk driving over Super Bowl weekend.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia and Village of LeRoy Police will participate in the special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.
The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown runs from February 2nd through February 5th.

Muckdogs New General Manager is optimistic about Batavia Baseball.
Dave Chase is the new general manager of the Batavia Muckdogs.
Chase has a career in baseball that spans over four decades including stints with six minor league baseball teams, work in a baseball broadcast booth and a term as commissioner of the Prospect League.
Chase said the fact that an experienced manager like himself was hired to run the local ball team shows the NYPL’s commitment to Batavia.
He steps in to run a team that has had an uncertain future for more than a decade, however Chase said his primary focus is to take care of the Miami Marlins players and make sure they have a quality experience in Batavia and to re-establish the team in the mind of the fans.
For more on the story check the article by our news partner The Batavian.

Corfu crash leads to drunk driving charge for a village resident.
51 year old Richard Wahl Jr. of West Main Street in Corfu was allegedly involved in a motor vehicle accident not far from his address on West Main.
Corfu police allegedly found Wahl to be intoxicated and he was arrested for Aggravated DWI along with vehicle and traffic violations.
He is expected in Corfu Village Court on February 5th.

Rochester resident stopped in Corfu on staggering amount of suspensions.
64 year old Louis Warren was stopped for speeding on Alleghany Road in Corfu.
A license check revealed that Warren had a whopping 27 suspensions.
Warren was arrested and charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and given an appearance ticket for Corfu Village Court.

Cuomo joins other governors to challenge the Trump Tax Bill
Calling the Trump Tax Bill “misleading labeling” by saying it benefits the middle class, Governor Andrew Cuomo today joined the Governors of New Jersey and Connecticut to challenge the legality of the new law.
The governor’s say they will argue the bill is a violation of states’ rights because 12 states, which all happen to be Democratic, are bearing the brunt of the new ten-thousand-dollar limit on state and local tax deductibility.

County law enforcement cracking down on drunk driving over Super Bowl weekend.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia and Village of LeRoy Police will participate in the special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.
The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown runs from February 2nd through February 5th.

Calling the Trump Tax Bill “misleading labeling” by saying it benefits the middle class, Governor Andrew Cuomo today joined the Governors of New Jersey and Connecticut to challenge the legality of the new law.
The governor’s say they will argue the bill is a violation of states’ rights because 12 states, which all happen to be Democratic, are bearing the brunt of the new ten-thousand-dollar limit on state and local tax deductibility.

New York pharmacists are now being allowed to administer flu shots to kids. It’s the main feature of an executive order signed yesterday by Governor Cuomo to combat the flu epidemic. There were nearly eight-thousand confirmed cases across the state last week, the highest number the state’s seen since it began reporting flu cases in 2004. Cuomo says with pharmacists giving flu shots to kids ages two to 18, parents are more likely to get their kids vaccinated because of improved access and convenience.

Rachael Tabelski

The Eli Fish Brewing Company is getting ready to open.
The craft brewery has been under construction in the old Newberry Building on Main Street.

The Genesee County Economic Development Center and the Batavia Development Corporation have been supporting the project.
In addition to craft brews, the project will also feature food vendors in what’s called a fresh lab

Rachael Tabelski, with the GCECD, on WBTA’s “Main & Center” program:

The fresh lab incubator is designed to help start-up restaurants get a foothold in business.

County law enforcement cracking down on drunk driving over Super Bowl weekend.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia and Village of LeRoy Police will participate in the special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.
The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown runs from February 2nd through February 5th.

2017 Conference, courtesy of Genesee Community College

Press Release:

Attention all creative thinkers, small business entrepreneurs, and undiscovered inventors – Genesee Community College will host the fifth annual Creativity Conference: Creativity in the Entrepreneurial Zone on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at the Batavia Campus.

This year, the conference will bring together entrepreneurial leaders from our region to share stories of their own startups, answer audience questions, and inspire the next generation of great new ideas. The conference cost is $49 which includes a continental breakfast and delicious lunch. For GCC students, faculty and staff, the conference cost is $25. Seating is limited, so register today at www.genesee.edu/best/. GCC faculty and staff are encouraged to contact The BEST to register. Students are asked to work through their instructor.

Erica Swiatek

The event will feature keynote speaker, Erica Swiatek of Innovate Faster and 3600 Escape. Then, join Swiatek as she takes participants on a special three-hour “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. At the end of the session, Swiatek will breakdown the skills and tools used by each personality type to help participants better understand their individual problem solving strengths. This special breakout session costs an additional $15 per person and is limited to 30 participants, so sign up quick!

GCC has collaborated with the Startup Genesee Committee to put together an agenda full of learning and networking opportunities, inspirational stories and education. Among the supporters of GCC’s “Year of Entrepreneurship” program is the Ain Center at the University of Rochester. The “Year of Entrepreneurship” began last fall with the series of speakers.

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 Associates Degree and a Certificate program on Entrepreneurship. Check out the options at https://www.genesee.edu/academics/programs/business/entrepreneurship/.

Press Release:

Fobbs’ Buzzer-beating Three Sinks Thunderwolves

Brian Fobbs of the Genesee Community College men’s basketball team broke a tie game at 84 points with a buzzer-beating three to propel the Cougars to an 87-84 win over host Niagara County Community College Jan. 24.

In the team’s 18th game of the season, Fobbs entered the contest needing just 19 points to join Genesee’s elite 1,000-point club and finished with 29 for a career total of 1,010 and counting. The sophomore has been particularly sharp as of late averaging 30 points in his last seven contests and currently leads all National Junior College Athletic Association D-II scorers with a 26.1 average as of Jan. 24.

Fobbs now has 470 points this season and ranks 12th in Cougar all-time scoring. The sophomore needs 21 more points to leapfrog over two other scorers and into 10th overall all-time, and is 466 points away from tying Ervin Mitchell – the all-time leader with 1,476 points from 2013-15.

Fobbs amassed 540 points in his freshman year through 32 games with a single 30-point performance. This season he has hit 30 points or better in four of his last seven games. To date, Fobbs has scored 20 or more points 27 times in 50 career games as a Cougar and has scored double-digits in 48 of those 50. This season his lowest total is 16 and he has a single-game high of 36, while netting 20 or more points in 17 of 18 games. Fobbs also leads all rebounders nationally with a 13.2 average as the Cougars continue to appear in the national polls for the second week in a row.

Against Niagara, Fobbs finished with eight rebounds, two assists and one steal while going 3-for-5 from three-point land that included the game-winning bucket. Rahmel Thompson finished behind Fobbs with 20 points, eight rebounds, and a pair of assists and steals. Brandon Peters got 12 of his 14 points by going 12-for-14 at the free-throw line, while adding a team-high six assists to round out Genesee’s top players.

The Cougars had a tremendous first half and built an 11-point lead heading into the intermission at 39-28, but had to hold off a Thunderwolves second-half attack that produced 56 points.

Lady Cougars Get Two Solid Quarters of Play at NCCC

The Genesee Community College women’s basketball team traveled to Sanborn for a key Western New York Athletic Conference matchup against the Niagara County Community College Thunderwolves. The Cougars had a solid showing in quarters two and four, but it wasn’t enough to carry them past the host Thunderwolves in a 72-53 loss.

Genesee out-scored Niagara 19-15 in the second quarter and played even ball with the Thunderwolves in the final quarter with each team scoring 17.

Rosalyn Sealey led the Cougars with 18 points and also added six rebounds. Kierra Perl also had a double-digit scoring game with 11, while grabbing six boards and a team-high four steals.

TaLia Burgess hauled down a team-high 11 rebounds and also had three steals and seven points, while Reika Murota added nine points.

Jasmine Holmes contributed six points and eight rebounds and Rachel Meyer had a team-high three assists to go with six rebounds and a pair of points.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Sentencing deal reached for a Sex Offender looking at possible life behind bars.
Convicted Sexual Predator Marlek Holmes of Batavia has agreed to a deal that will leave him locked up for 25 years.
The Level Three Sex Offender received two consecutive five-year terms for his assault convictions as part of the deal.
Holmes had to drop current his appeals and waive his right of appeal as well.
Per the agreement charges of failing to register his change of address as a sex offender in Genesee County were dismissed.
According to Genesee County District Attorney Lawrence Friedman Holmes is considered one of the most hardened criminals he has ever prosecuted.

Holmes latest trial was scheduled to start Monday however a metal object was detected in his body by Auburn Prison Officials before he was to be transported to court.
Holmes had to “clear” the object, before he was moved.  By accepting the deal Holmes avoided a hearing to declare him a persistent violent felony offender, which could have led to a life sentence.

Drones have been added to the crime fighting arsenal for Troopers in Batavia.
State Police housed at Troop A headquarters in Batavia have been provided two new two high-tech drones which will be put to use throughout Troop A’s jurisdiction in Western New York.
The drones are not going to violate anyone’s right to privacy according to Captain Scott Reichel.

16 such drones have been purchased for use across the state. They cost about $7,000 each.

Batavia Police announce joining the SafeTrade initiative.
SafeTrade is a simple program for police and sheriff’s departments to encourage transactions at their facilities.
The announcement comes after the arrest of two local men accused of setting up a phony Craigslist ad to lure in robbery victims.
Online sellers or buyers can insist on using SafeTrade by conducting their transactions only at a local police or sheriff’s office.
The Batavia Police Department have designated a spot at the rear of the Department in the vestibule. This area is marked with a SafeTrade sign, and is under 24 hour video surveillance.

The flu season in New York is getting worse.
The state department of health just released their latest report showing a record number of confirmed flu cases and related hospitalizations.
Western New York still has one of the highest flu rates in the state.
Governor Cuomo signed an executive order yesterday allowing pharmacists to give flu shots to minors as young as two-years-old.

County law enforcement cracking down on drunk driving during the big game.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia and Village of LeRoy Police Departments will participate in the special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.
The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on Super Bowl Weekend from February 2nd through February 5th.

Marlek Holmes

Sexual predator Marlek Holmes agrees to a deal that will send him to prison for 25 years.

Holmes agreed to drop all of his appeals in exchange for consecutive five year terms on his assault convictions and dismissal of an indictment that accused him of failing to register his change of address.

Genesee County District Attorney Lawrence Friedman considers Holmes one of the most hardened criminals he has ever prosecuted:

Holmes was to have appeared in court on Monday but officials at Auburn Prison, where he was being held, detected a metal object in his body.
A hearing to declare Holmes a persistent violent felony offender was canceled when he accepted the sentencing deal.

State Police have added a new tool to their crime fighting arsenal.
Troop A headquarters in Batavia has obtained two high-tech drones which will be available throughout the eight Western New York counties that fall under Troop A’s jurisdiction.
Captain Scott Reichel said the drones will not circumvent anyone’s right to privacy:

Photo Courtesy: The Batavian

A total of 16 drones have been purchased for use across the state. The Troopers Foundation, a private charitable organization, purchased all but two of the drones. They cost about $7,000 each.

Governor Cuomo has signed an executive order to combat the flu epidemic. The order will allow pharmacists to give flu vaccines to children as young as two. That will increase access and convenience for New Yorkers trying to get the flu shot. There were nearly eight thousand confirmed cases across the state this past week. That is the highest of any weekly number the state has seen since reporting began in 2004.

Governor Cuomo is moving to protect net neutrality in New York. He’s signed an executive order aimed at Verizon, Spectrum, Sprint, AT&T and other Internet service providers. If they want to do business with state government, they’ll first have to agree to keep the Internet free and open to all users. Cuomo’s order comes just weeks after the FCC abolished net neutrality regulations barring providers from blocking or slowing down Web traffic.

News Release: Batavia Police Dept.

The Batavia Police Department joins SafeTrade – a national safety initiative for completing online transactions safely when meeting in person.

The Batavia Police Department today announced it has joined the SafeTrade initiative for safer completion of online transactions.

SafeTrade is a simple program for police and sheriff’s departments to encourage transactions at their facilities; for classified sites to strengthen their safety and security initiatives, and for users to insist on “SafeTrade” by conducting their transactions only at a local police or sheriff’s office.

The Batavia Police Department is excited to partner with SafeTrade to provide a safe location for the residents of Batavia when conducting online transactions. Our goal is to make Batavia a safe community, and to provide unique services to attain that goal. Partnering with SafeTrade is one of those programs.

The SafeTrade logo can be used (without charge) on any ads posted; by classified websites, newspapers and publications to promote safety and security, and by police departments to indicate they are hosting SafeTrade online transactions.

In the past few months, a number of U.S. police departments have offered to host online transactions, most of them referring to Craigslist as the reason. Participating police departments can now post banners or use logos referring to their facilities as SafeTrade Stations. Additional information is available at www.safetradestations.com.
Those wishing to utilize the Batavia Police Department for a location of transactions, may do so at any time. The area suggested is at the rear of the Department (north side) in the vestibule. This area is marked with a SafeTrade sign, and is under 24 hour video surveillance.

The Batavia Police Department is located at 10 West Main St., Batavia. If you should have any questions regarding this service, please contact 345-6350.

Press Release:

The Genesee Community College’s athletes of the week for the period ending Jan. 20 are TaLia Burgess from the women’s basketball team and Ferran Martinez from the men’s swimming team.

TaLia scored 31 points in a pair of games last week and led the Cougars to a 1-1- record. Her 20-point performance helped the Cougars reach their second-highest point total in a single game this season at 78 in a win against Herkimer. TaLia also added 21 rebounds, six assists, five steals and two blocks.

Ferran captured three first places that helped the Cougar men’s swimming team to a second-place finish at Alfred State College Jan. 20 with wins in the 200-yard butterfly, the 200-yard breaststroke and the 400-yard individual medley. Not only did those three wins allow Ferran to have the most wins amongst the entire men’s field of five teams at the event, but it also led to his being named CollegeSwimming.com’s NJCAA National Swimmer of the Week. It was the third time this season Ferran captured a trio of wins with the previous two occurring at invitationals at JCC and NCCC.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

29 year old Nathanael Parkhurst of Warsaw was arrested yesterday on charges of Aggravated Harassment and Stalking.

Parkhurst was accused of stalking and harassing his ex-girlfriend.

He was ordered to be held in lieu of one thousand dollars bail in the Wyoming County Jail and is due back in Perry Village Court on January 30th.

27 year old Zackery Billings of Mount Morris was convicted of conspiracy to manufacture, possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.

According to prosecutors Billings conspired to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine from January through October of 2011.

In order to avoid restrictions and detection Billings engaged in the practice of “smurfing” or buying small quantities of a drug used in meth making at local pharmacies.

Billings was sentenced to three years in state prison.

Press Release:

Why I am running progressive in the reddest congressional district in New York State

By Nick Stankevich

It was December 2016 and my father was released from the hospital for the fourth time that year. I didn’t know if my dad had two weeks or 10 years left on his heart. Fortunately, my career allowed me to move back home to be with my father and to help run our family business, the Genesee Country Inn Bed and Breakfast.

I was born and raised in rural Western NY. Early in my professional development, my career took me away from my hometown to places all over our great country, like Florida, Arkansas, and California. There, I gained business and leadership skills that allowed me to create businesses and organizations that helped add value in my community. When I decided to return home, not only did I see the economic struggles that originally pushed me away from Western New York but also the corrupt leadership that has been systemic in this area. My family, friends, and neighbors all deserve much better and this is why I’m running for congress.

Located between Buffalo and Rochester, the 27th Congressional District of New York like so many around the country was drawn up in such a way to guarantee Republican Party dominance and that its constituents could be taken for granted to support the ambitions of party bosses in Washington, often at the expense of the community. Our two previous Republican Congressmen were forced out of office by scandal, and now a third, Chris Collins, is presently under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for possible insider trading and conflict of interest violations.

Known nationally for being the very first member of the House of Representatives to endorse (February 24th, 2016) the candidacy of Donald Trump, Rep. Collins would later vote to spitefully destroy the Affordable Care Act to prove his partisan loyalties despite how it would have devastated our rural hospitals and leave tens of thousands of his constituents without health insurance in this economically depressed area. Simply put, corporate health insurance policies do not grow on trees in rural agricultural districts. The ACA at first, because of partisan disinformation, manipulation, and fear mongering was an unwelcome and under-appreciated Godsend to our community, but people are starting to see things differently now. For example, in 2011 when the Republican candidate Jane Corwin spoke glowingly of Paul Ryan’s ideas about cutting Medicare during a special election (we were the 26th District at the time) to replace the scandal-plagued Chris Lee, Kathy Hochul suddenly became the first Democrat to be elected in a generation, and only lost her reelection by 5,001 votes.

Rep. Chris Collins is also famous for candidly confessing to reporters, without a wisp of self- awareness, that he felt an urgency to vote for and pass the GOP tax bill (the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act”) because his donors told him to pass it or “don’t ever call again.” And he did so despite that the tax bill unjustly targeted states like New York for higher taxes. I would love to ask Chris, ‘since when is paying new taxes on taxes less taxes?’ But Rep. Collins enthusiastically cared much more about giving President Trump a ‘win’ than he did his constituents while forcing us to yet again subsidize debtor states whom unlike us will continue to receive much, much more money from the federal government than they contribute. But, of course, Rep. Collins’ donors have been well taken care of.

I am running to take back our future and end the crony-capitalism that epitomizes Chris Collins and his donors he claims to represent. As a candidate who lives in rural America, I only want to represent the best interests of the 27th District as a whole. I am a fiscally responsible rural progressive with an economic agenda and a heart to match. Here are some of the campaign issues I am running on

1. Economic Security with fair economic development and enforcement of our antitrust laws to fix our broken economy.

2. Healthcare for All, single payer-system, which is fiscally responsible and morally correct.

3. Debt-Free College and Trade School so our citizens can meet the job demands of tomorrow.

4. Rural Infrastructure, Rural Jobs, Rural Internet, which will keep our rural communities competitive by attracting talent and innovative businesses.

5. Conserving and investing in our Environment by transitioning into a 100% renewable economy, which equals jobs

People are fed up and ready to listen. If I can get my message out of “Putting People First”, I will win. Resources are limited for a candidate running as a “Rural Progressive Democrat” in the NY- 27th. If you’re looking to adopt a district that can be flipped, please know that we are worthy.

Sincerely yours,

Nick Stankevich
Candidate for Congress, NY-27

nickforny27.com