Local News

Press Release:

Bergen, NY ~ The 2018-19 school year is fast approaching. Byron-Bergen families with children who have turned 4 or 5 years of age by Dec. 1, 2018 should register them for Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) or Kindergarten as soon as possible.

1. Universal PreK Registration

The Byron-Bergen School District hopes to once again offer a half-day Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) program for the 2018-19 school year. The class will be held at the Byron-Bergen Elementary School which is located at 6971 West Bergen Road, Bergen, NY 14416.

Students eligible for the program must have turned 4 years of age by Dec. 1, 2018. If you have a child eligible and are interested in having him/her attend our UPK program, please send a letter of interest with your child’s name, parents’ names, address, phone number, and date of birth to: Brian Meister, Elementary School Principal, 6971 West Bergen Rd., Bergen, NY 14416, by Friday, April 6, 2018. Parents who have already contacted the Elementary School by phone will still need to send in a letter to be eligible for UPK. Please note that if we receive more than our allowed capacity, we will select students using a lottery system.

What are the program goals of UPK at Byron-Bergen?
• To meet the NYS learning standards by using a curriculum that is thematically-based and supported using literature, songs, and exploration.
• To foster an environment that promotes happy, confident children who are willing to take risks, make independent choices, and ask questions.
• To create an inclusive community that builds upon the student’s strengths and accommodates his/her needs.

Philosophy of UPK
The UPK program at Byron-Bergen is focused on socialization, learning through play, and self-exploration. Children learn through a hands-on learning environment that includes activities, learning centers, concrete materials, and manipulatives. Students learn through a nurturing environment that is enriching, challenging, and developmentally appropriate.

2. Kindergarten Registration

Children who are 5 years of age, on or before Dec. 1, 2018, are eligible for entrance to Kindergarten in September of 2018. New families in the school district should notify the school if they have a child that will enter Kindergarten in September of 2018. Parents may contact the Byron-Bergen Elementary School Office by calling 494-1220, ext. 1301. Information may also be sent to the Byron-Bergen Elementary School, 6971 West Bergen Road, Bergen, New York 14416.

All children registering for Kindergarten will be scheduled for a screening appointment this summer. The results of this screening will be used to plan for the 2018-19 Kindergarten Program.

The following items are necessary to complete the registration process:

1. Your child’s Birth Certificate
2. Certificate of Immunization—New York State law requires that every child entering school must have received a minimum of five doses of diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine (DPT) and four doses of polio (IPV) vaccine, two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), three doses of Hepatitis B, and two doses of varicella (chickenpox). Those children born on or after 1/1/2008 must have four doses of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV). Their immunizations must be completed prior to entering school.
3. Proof of Residency—If this is the first time you have a child entering Byron-Bergen Central School District, please bring proof of residency to your screening appointment. This can be a copy of your mortgage statement, rental/lease agreement or a copy of your tax bill.

The Bureau of Criminal Investigations out of the State Police Troop in Batavia have arrested 18 year old Anthony Miraglia of Byron following investigation into multiple alleged incidents around Genesee County.

He was arrested yesterday on charges of Unlawful Imprisonment, Forcible Touching, Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Sexual Abuse.

According to investigators Miraglia abused at least two victims between the ages of 15 and 17 during multiple incidents from May 2016 through July of last year.

Miraglia was arrested and arraigned in the Town of Bergen then released on his own recognizance.

He is ordered to return to Bergen Town Court in February.

Investigators believe there may be other victims of Miraglia and encourage anyone with information to contact the New York State Police at 585-344-6200.

30 year old Matt Williams originally of Batavia, now an Elba resident, appeared in Genesee County Court this morning where he accepted a plea agreement in regards to incidents that occurred in September of last year.

Williams was facing charges of Falsifying Business Records and Grand Larceny for allegedly stealing from a business in Bergen.

He admitted to stealing a vehicle in the incident and pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Fourth degree.

Under terms of the deal Williams will face 1 and 1/3 – 3 years in prison as a Second Felony Offender when he is sentenced on March 26th.

Batavia City Council unanimously passed a resolution that authorizes handing the Dwyer Stadium lease over to the New York-Penn League and its subsidiary the Batavia Muckdogs.
The League has already taken over the Short Season Class A team, which for the past decade was operated by the Rochester Red Wings.
In November the league ended the agreement between the Red Wings and the Genesee County Baseball Club.
City Attorney George Van Nest said that Penn League officials expressed a desire to stay in Batavia for 2018 during several conversations last fall.
Van Nest said extending the lease and sublease is time a sensitive issue since the New York Penn League hopes to begin assessing Dwyer Stadium later this month.

City Council members also agreed to consider a proposal to back a building project by Habitat for Humanity planned in the flood zone on the City’s south side.
The organization is looking for $17,395 grant from the City to cover the design costs included in building a flood-compliant home at 116 Swan Street.
Mike Fahey, Habitat for Humanity board president,

Fahey said because the property is in the 100-year flood zone, a complete demolition of the existing home is the only way the project will work for the organization.

Court Violation lands a Hutchins Street man in lock up.
22 year old Winston Lockhart Sr. of Batavia allegedly violated an order of protection and assaulted the protected person during a reported incident on Holland Ave in the city before leaving the address.
Lockhart was located and taken into custody on charges of Assault with intent to cause physical injury, Aggravated Criminal Contempt, Burglary and Strangulation.
He was jailed without bail.

Accused Craigslist scammer jailed for Assault.
23 year old Jaequele Tomlin of Central Ave in Batavia was arrested last week along with a Stafford man for allegedly setting up a craigslist scam to lure in potential robbery victims.
The pair was jailed without bail for Conspiracy.
Tomlin was recently arrested and charged with Criminal Mischief and Assault for a domestic incident that occurred last November.
He was accused of fighting someone and damaging their property.
Tomlin was remanded back to jail to await arraignment.

The three-day government shutdown is over.
President Trump signed a bill extending government funding to February 8th after passage by the Senate and House.
The latest temporary funding measure is the fourth continuing resolution, or CR, since September.
The impasse broke when Senate Democrats ended a filibuster over immigration.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer took a shot at President Trump saying while he was negotiating all weekend to end the shutdown, the great deal making president sat on the sidelines.

Most of Western New York is under a flood watch.
According to The National Weather Service folks living near creeks and rivers prone to flooding should have an emergency plan ready just in case.
The flood watch ends at seven o’clock tonight.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced $5.5 million is now available to farmers and agricultural producers as part of two new grant programs. The awards are aimed toward farmland conservation, assisting farmers in identifying available land and ensuring that arable land is permanently protected from development and non-farm uses.

“Farming is one of the cornerstones of our community and extremely important to our local economy, traditions and way of life,” Hawley said. “Too often, farmers lose the ability to work the land due to environmental concerns or development, and these new grants will help protect our producers and ensure that family farms remain family businesses. I remain committed to giving our farmers a voice in Albany, and I look forward to advocating their concerns as we progress through this year’s session.”

More information can be found on the state’s Agriculture and Markets site and interested applicants can access grant information here. Applications will be processed until all funding for the program has been exhausted.

Hawley is the former owner/operator of Hawley Farms in Batavia and sits on the Assembly’s Agriculture Committee.

The latest trial against convicted level three Sex Offender Marlek Holmes was stalled due to the criminal’s absence.

There was an apparent issue with his transportation from Wende Correctional Facility where he is currently being held and his jury selection process which was staled to begin this morning had to be delayed.

According to District Attorney Lawrence Friedman they will attempt to begin the trial tomorrow and again on Wednesday however Holmes must be present to proceed.

Friedman said he could not comment on why Holmes was not transported.

Holmes is already serving a 15 year prison sentence for attempted criminal sexual act and is also facing a hearing that could label him a persistent violent felony offender.

He could be looking a life in prison if the prosecution is successful with their declaration.

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

Dave and Minerva Stefanski were permanently crippled by a motorcycle crash in Orangeville last July and have been dealing with surmounting medical costs ever since.

The crash occurred on Route 20 while the couple was riding a pair of motorcycles with family members George McGann and Tomasa Martinez

29 year old Joshua Huntress of Chautauqua County was impaired by a combination of drugs when he drove his vehicle into the two motorcycles killing Tomasa and seriously injuring the others.

Months later and the couple are now dealing with disabilities and are unable to work.

There is a GoFundMe account that has been set up for the family with a goal of raising $200,000 for medical expenses.

A link to the donation page can be found here.

Press Release:

USC Concludes Philadelphia Convention with Recognition of Cougar Quartet

Four members of the Genesee Community College men’s soccer team family were recognized this past weekend at the 71st United Soccer Coaches Convention at the Philadelphia Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pa. as the USC concludes its festivities today.

Cougar head coach Ken Gavin accepted an award on behalf of his award-winning staff, while Cougar captain Glenn Holmes led a host of player recognitions with teammates Charlie Livesey and Ben Wattis.

The near week-long gathering brought together leaders, teachers and facilitators of the game that concluded with an awards banquet honoring the Cougar quartet.

Of the trio of Cougar sophomore players recognized, Holmes was honored twice – once as an all-American player and once as an all-American scholar.

The 2017 National Junior College Athletic Association National Champion Cougars were co-captained by Holmes, who hails from Kildare, Ireland. The sports management major was just one of four overall junior college players who were recognized as first-team selections both on the field and in the classroom by the USC. At the junior college division-three level, he was just one of two to achieve the feat and the lone defensive player in the country.

Although known more for his stealth defensive play, Holmes’ offensive numbers were quite astonishing. He led all NJCAA defenders in points with 32 and goals with 13. In addition, the Genesee sophomore was the catalyst behind the team’s amazing run that ended with a 10-game winning streak and a 20-game unbeaten streak in bringing the Cougars its first national championship in soccer.

Joining Holmes as a USC First Team All-American was GCC forward Livesey (Sandbach, UK), who set a single-season school record for assists with 26. That total was seven more than anyone else in the nation at D-III and the most in the country among all NJCAA players (D-I and D-III) for 2017. Livesey led the Cougars in goals, assists and points and his totals ranked him nationally No. 4 in points with 60 and tied for No. 16 in goals with 17 in addition to his No. 1 ranking in helpers.

Wattis (Langley, UK), who scored the team’s first goal in the Cougars’ national championship semifinal game to help them advance to the championship game, was named as a USC Second Team All-American as a defender.

Genesee Community College was also recognized as the Junior College D-III Staff of the Year for the men’s division and was led by Gavin and assistant coach Josh Carpenter, with the pair leading the 2017 GCC men’s soccer team to its first national title in Herkimer, N.Y. in November. An often overlooked but vital part of Genesee’s staff is its athletic trainers, who assisted the coaches and players throughout their championship run and include Amber Nichols and Jeff Engels.

The United Soccer Coaches (formerly known as the National Soccer Coaches Association of America / NSCAA) is an organization of American soccer coaches founded in 1941. It is the largest soccer coach’s organization in the world, with more than 30,000 members and recognizes youth, high school and college men’s and women’s players, coaches and teams. The NSCAA was rebranded as United Soccer Coaches about four months ago in early August and is based out of Kansas City, Mo.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Press Release:

Cougar Swimmers are Officially Back

It’s been six weeks since the last time the Genesee Community College swimmers have officially competed and if there was an event that signaled that their swimming strokes had returned back to form, it was the backstroke.

Genesee captured every backstroke event in the Pioneer Invitational hosted by Alfred State College Jan. 20 on their way to a second-place finish for the men and a third-place finish for the women.

Aside from relay and diving events, the Cougars registered first-place finishes in more than half of the remaining 24 individual events. The men’s team finished first 10 times, while the women’s team captured a trio of firsts for 13 total.

Four of those 13 wins came in the backstroke. Nathan Richardson and Angel Priest captured a pair of backstroke wins apiece at 100- and 200-yards.

Ferran Martinez captured the most first places with three that included: the 200-yard butterfly, the 200-yard breaststroke and the 400-yrad individual medley.

Matthew Langerman and Joan Ferrer each recorded a pair of wins with the former taking two freestyle events (500-yard and 1650-yard) and the latter taking one freestyle (50-yard) and one butterfly (100-yard).

Rounding out the winners were Nanako Shiozawa (100-yard butterfly) and Benjamin Vacanti (100-yard breaststroke).

Alfred State finished atop both the men’s and women’s scores with a combined 1057 points for the four-year school. The GCC men’s team was 100 points behind the Pioneers with 381, but had more points than the third, fourth and fifth teams combined that included SUNY Delhi, Roberts Wesleyan College and Herkimer County Community College, respectively.

The GCC women’s team finished behind ASC and Roberts Wesleyan, but ahead of Herkimer and SUNY Delhi. The Lady Cougars amassed 123 points and were 127 points behind the runner-up Redhawks.

Complete ASC Pioneer Invitational results can be found at: http://www.geneseeathletics.com/sports/swimdive/2017-18/files/Pioneer_Invitational_results.pdf

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Police interrupted a potentially dangerous online deal resulting in the arrest of two local men

They allegedly posted a phony Craigslist ad to lure potential victims to be robbed.

23 year old Jaequele Tomlin of Central Avenue and 19 year old Quamane Santiago of Main Road in Stafford were both charged with Conspiracy.

The pair posted an ad on Craigslist to sell a truck, however, there was no truck.

According to Batavia Police two men answered the ad and once they arrived one of the men noticed the butt of a gun in the suspects pocket, so he made an excuse that he would have to leave to go pick up the cash.

They then notified police and officers set up a meeting with pair and took them into custody.

Both men were found with realistic looking BB guns and were committed to jail without bail.

Students facing charges for fake bomb threat at Livonia.

The school received a voice message last week warning of a bomb hidden in the school that would go off the following day.

A sweep of the school with bomb sniffing dog cleared the facility and investigators tracked down three teenagers allegedly responsible.

Investigators charged two 15 year olds and a 16 year old student with felony counts of Falsely Reporting an Incident.

The names of the suspects are being withheld due to their ages.

The blame game continues for state and federal legislators.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is blaming Republicans for the government shutdown.

On Friday Senate Democrats blocked a short term spending plan to keep the government open because it didn’t include legal protections for Dreamers.

Schumer said the White House and Congress are responsible for finding a compromise and only President Trump can end this shutdown.

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is blaming the Democrats for the government shutdown.

This weekend she told “The Post Star” she was disappointed in Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for not supporting the bill that would have staved off a government shutdown.

Stefanik accused the Senators from New York of playing political games with peoples’ lives and called for an end to this.

Western New York could be in for more flooding.

A warm front moving in today will cause unseasonably warm weather for several days this week leading the National Weather Service to issue a Flood Watch for the GLOW region and several surrounding counties.

The Watch will be in effect from early this afternoon until Tomorrow evening.

It’s expected to be warm and rainy today and tomorrow which could spell ice jam flooding for areas along creeks and rivers.

The National Weather Service has issued also a Dense Fog Advisory for the entire GLOW region, which is in effect until 10 this morning.

Dense fog will create poor visibilities of quarter mile or less, resulting in hazardous driving conditions.

A warm front will lift across the region on Monday, boosting
temperatures into the 40s. Temperatures will then remain in the
40s Monday night into Tuesday.

Area creeks and rivers still have ice in place. Rises in water
level can break up this ice, which can then become jammed where
there are constrictions in the river or creek channel, such as
curves or other restrictions. Localized flooding will be possible
in the vicinity of any ice jams. People living in areas that are
prone to ice jam flooding should take the time in advance to
prepare for the potential for flooding.

Jaequele Tomlin

Quamane Santiago

Two local men are arrested for allegedly using a phony Craigslist ad to lure in robbery victims
23 year old Jaequele Tomlin of Central Avenue and 19 year old Quamane Santiago of Main Road in Stafford were both arrested for Conspiracy.
According to police the pair posted an ad on Craigslist to sell a truck.
Turns out, there was no truck and police said the two were just trying a lure in people with cash.
Batavia Police Assistant Chief Todd Crossett said two people answered the ad:

Police then set up a meeting with Santiago and Tomlin and made the arrest. Two realistic looking BB guns were confiscated.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says only President Trump can end this government shutdown.

Sen Charles Schumer

Schumer is urging the President to “pull up a chair” and begin negotiations with Senate Democrats so the government can re-open.

Rep. Chris Collins

Meanwhile Western New York Republican Congressman Chris Collins wants his congressional pay withheld during the shutdown.
Collins, naturally, blames Schumer and the Democrats for the budget impasse.

Three teenagers charged with making a bomb threat to the Livonia Central School.
Investigators charged two 15 year olds and a 16 year old student with felony counts of Falsely Reporting an Incident.
The names of the suspects are being withheld due to their ages.

Press Release:

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

The SAT Prep course costs $149.00 per participant which includes the course prep textbook. Participants are required to bring their own calculators.

The BEST Center will offer the SAT Prep course at three locations this year. Each course will consist of 6 sessions totaling 18 hours. Participants are encouraged to sign up now for one of the following courses:

GCC’s Warsaw Campus Center – 115 Linwood Ave, Warsaw, NY
Thursday evenings beginning March 1, 2018 through April 5, 2018 from 6 – 9 p.m.
Register for this session by February 22, 2018.

GCC’s Lima Campus Center – 7285 Gale Road, Lima, NY
Tuesday evenings beginning March 20, 2018 through May 1, 2018 from 6 – 9 p.m.
Register for this session by March 13, 2018.

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

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

Craigslist scammers in Batavia behind bars.
A Phony Craigslist ad and a pair of BB guns has led to the lock up of two local men.
23 year old Jaequele Tomlin of Central Avenue and 19 year old Quamane Santiago of Main Road in Stafford were both arrested for Conspiracy.
According to police the pair posted an ad on Craigslist to sell a truck.
However no truck was for sale and the two were accused of attempting to lure in potential buyers with cash.
Batavia Police Assistant Chief Todd Crossett said two people answered the ad…

Police said Santiago and Tomlin were found to be possession of realistic looking B-B guns. The two were jailed without bail with additional charges pending.

Three teens charged for bomb threat to the Livonia School District.
At around quarter to 5 Wednesday evening the Livonia School District received a message on their school tip line warning of bomb being hidden in the school and alerting that it would go off the following day.
Sheriff’s Office nitrate K-9 “Kane” performed a physical search of the school along with Livonia School personnel while other Sheriff’s Officers were tracing the source of the online threat.
Investigators charged two 15 year olds and a 16 year old student with felony counts of Falsely Reporting an Incident.
The 15 year olds were referred to Family Court and the 16 year old was charged as an adult and will appear in criminal court on the matter.
The names of the suspects are being withheld due to their ages.

Silver Springs man pleads guilty to child porn charge.
25 year old Ronald Caryl of Silver Springs pleaded guilty to conspiracy to produce child pornography in a federal court yesterday.
Investigators found that Caryl had solicited a 23-year-old woman in Nashville, Tennesee on MeetMe.com for sex and as the conversation progressed Caryl continued to press the woman to send naked pictures of her one year old daughter.
He is looking at 15 to 30 years in prison and a quarter million dollar fine.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 1st.

Federal agents sweep Genesee County rounding up seven suspected or convicted foreign nationals.
They were taken into custody in Batavia, Elba, Byron and Bergen.
No names were given and no other details were provided.
The arrests came over a five-day period and were carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents throughout Western New York.
A total of 46 suspected illegals were arrested in the regional sweep.

Quamane Santiago

Jaequele Tomlin

Batavia police nab two local men for allegedly conducting a scam on Craigslist.
They are identified as 23 year old Jaequele Tomlin of Central Avenue, Batavia and 19 year old Quamane Santiago of Main Rd., Stafford.
Batavia Police Assistant Chief Todd Crossett tells WBTA the pair posted a ad on Craigslist to sell a truck.
Trouble is, they there was no truck. It was a scam to lure in potential buyers with cash.
Crossett tells WBTA that two people answered the ad

Police said Santiago and Tomlin were found to be possession with realistic looking B-B guns. The two were jailed without bail.

Seven people were rounded up in Genesee County by federal agents looking for suspected or convicted foreign nationals.
The seven were taken into custody in Batavia, Elba, Byron and Bergen.
No names were given and no other details were provided.
The arrests came over a five-day period and was carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents throughout Western New York.
A total of 46 suspected illegals were arrested in thr regional sweep.

State Police have arrested a civilian employee at Attica Correctional for allegedly having an affair with an inmate.
53 year old Joann Thompson of Wyoming is charged with Official Misconduct and Sexual Abuse.

Governor Cuomo says there’s been a drastic rise in flu cases in New York over the past week with more than 16-hundred people hospitalized because of it. That’s the highest number since the State Health Department began tracking influenza in 2004. Flu cases were up 54-percent last week with new cases diagnosed in all 62 counties. Cuomo is urging New Yorkers ages six months and up to get vaccinated, if they haven’t done so already.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul says she’ll remain Governor Cuomo’s running mate. There had been talk about her challenging Congressman Chris Collins this November.
There had also been talk about Hochul being replaced on the ticket by Rochester’s Mayor Lovely Warren.

News Release: Batavia Police Dept.

Quamane J. Santiago

Jaequele M. Tomlin

Jaequele M. Tomlin, 23 years of age, of Central Ave in Batavia, NY and Quamane J. Santiago, 19 years of age, of Main Rd in Stafford, NY were arrested on Sumner St in Batavia for PL 105.10-1 – Conspiracy 4th. It is alleged that Tomlin and Santiago posted a false “Vehicle for Sale” ad on Craigslist with the intent to rob any would be buyers. Concerned citizens alerted police to the post and the suspect’s suspicious behavior. Santiago and Tomlin were taken into custody by members of the Batavia Police Department and the Genesee County Drug Task Force. During their apprehension, both suspects were found to be in possession of replica firearms.

Tomlin and Santiago were arraigned in Batavia City Court before Judge Balbick and remanded to the Genesee County Jail with no bail. Tomlin and Santiago are scheduled to re-appear in BCC on 01/19/2018 at 1:30 PM. Tomlin was also arrested on a City of Batavia warrant for Criminal Mischief and Assault. Additional charges are pending on both suspects. If anyone has responded to a suspicious “Vehicle for Sale” ad in the City of Batavia please contact Detective Sergeant Kevin Czora at 585-345-6311.

The public should be aware of these types of scams, and report any suspicious activity to their local authorities. When making transactions of these types, it is encouraged that you meet in a very public location, including local police departments.

A total of seven people were rounded up in Genesee County by federal officials looking for suspected or convicted foreign nationals in this country illegally.
The seven were taken into custody in Batavia, Elba, Byron and Bergen.
No names were given and no other details were provided.
The arrests came over a five-day period and was carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents throughout Western New York.
A total of 23 suspected illegals were arrested.

An Attica woman is accused of making a porno movie with a four year old child she is related to.
23 year old Victoria Young of East Avenue, Attica, is charged with allegedly using the child in a sexual act with an adult.
Police did not say how Young and the child were related.
Young is being held in the Wyoming County jail in lieu of 100-thousand dollars bail.
The child has been placed in the custody of other relatives and an order of protection has been issued barring Young from any contact with the child.

State Police have arrested a civilian employee at Attica Correctional for having an unlawful personal relationship with an inmate.
53 year old Joann Thompson of Wyoming is charged with Official Misconduct and Sexual Abuse.

A Rochester man busted by the Genesee County Local Dtug Task Force.
34 year old Jarvis Seymore (say-more) known on the street as “D,” was arrested in a Park Road parking lot.. Police say “D” was in possession of
Cocaine, Fentanyl, and pot and a large quantity of cash..
Seymore is locked up without bail.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul says she’ll remain Governor Cuomo’s running mate. There had been talk about her challenging Congressman Chris Collins in Western New York this upcoming election. There had even been talk about her being replaced on the ticket by Rochester’s Mayor Lovely Warren.

An Attica woman is facing felony charges for allegedly using a child she was related to in a pornographic video.
23 year old Victoria Young of East Avenue, Attica, is accused of using a four year old child in a sexual act with an adult.
Police say Young and the child were related, they did not say how.
Young is being held in the Wyoming County jail in lieu of 100-thousand dollars bail.
The child has been placed in the custody of other relatives and an order of protection has been issued barring Young from any contact with the child.

The Genesee county Chamber of Commerce has announced that Baltz Concreate Construction of Pavilion is the 2017 Business of the Year.
The William Kent family of Stafford have been recognized as Geneseeans of the Year. The Annual Chamber Awards will be presented on March 3rd.

Jarvis “D” Seymore

A Rochester man is the latest collar for the Genesee County Local Dtug Task Force.
34 year old Jarvis Seymore of Rochester, known on the street as “D,” was arrested in a Park Road parking lot.
Police say “D” Seymore was in in possession of Cocaine, Fentanyl, pot and a stash of cash.
“D” has been locked up without bail.

Governor Andrew Cuomo is keeping a promise to donate campaign contributions from Harvey Weinstein.
Cuomo donated just over one-hundred-eleven-thousand dollars he received from Weinstein to Women’s Justice Now, a New York City based charity.
Cuomo says he is seeking a third term this November.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul says she’ll remain Governor Cuomo’s running mate. There had been talk about her challenging Congressman Chris Collins in Western New York this upcoming election. There had even been talk about her being replaced on the ticket by Rochester’s Mayor Lovely Warren.

News Release: Genesee County Chamber of Commerce

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 46th Annual Awards Ceremony which will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at the Quality Inn & Suites, Park Road, Batavia. This is the County’s premier event that honors businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service and volunteerism. Tickets are $50.00 per person or a table of 10 for $450.00.

The evening begins at 5:30 with Hors D’oevures, Entrée Tables & Cash Bar (no formal sit-down dinner is to be served). The Award Program starts at 7:00pm where dessert and coffee will be served.

This year’s honorees are:

• Business of the Year: Baltz Concrete Construction, Pavilion
• Innovative Enterprise of the Year The Firing Pin, Bergen
• Agricultural Organization of the Year: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, Batavia
• Special Service Recognition of the Year: Batavia Cross Training, Batavia
• Geneseeans of the Year: The Family of William Kent, Inc., Stafford

The National Weather Service issued the advisory for Northern Erie and Genesee Counties to be in effect until 7 o’clock this evening.

Forecasters are calling for total Lake effect snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches in the most persistent areas.

They say to plan for slippery road conditions and reduced visibilities.

Special Weather Statement:

A BAND OF LAKE EFFECT SNOW WILL AFFECT NORTHERN ERIE AND WESTERN GENESEE COUNTIES…

Lake effect snow will continue to increase across much of northern Erie and western Genesee counties through mid to late morning.
Snowfall will become moderate, with snowfall rates of a half inch to one inch per hour.

Southwest winds gusting to 35 mph will also produce blowing and drifting snow in open areas. Travel conditions will steadily deteriorate this morning across the Buffalo Metro Area and western Genesee County.

This includes Interstate 90 between exits 55 and 48.

Conditions can deteriorate rapidly in lake effect snow situations.
Be prepared for snow or ice covered roads. Slow down and allow extra time when traveling.

Press Release:

O’Brien Becomes Latest Women’s Soccer Recruit

Mackenzie O’Brien became the latest recruit and signee of Genesee Community College’s women’s soccer team from Akron High School.

The Lady Tigers defender comes with quite a pedigree of awards and accomplishments during her high school athletics career.

From a team perspective, O’Brien helped her squad to Section VI championship and along the way received honors that include: All-Western New York and Niagara-Orleans All-League, with multiple recognitions in both.

O’Brien plans to study criminal justice and pursue a career in forensics at GCC and is the third major recruitment of Cougar head women’s soccer coach Jeff Reyngoudt for the 2018 fall season.

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.

Story Link: http://www.geneseeathletics.com/sports/wsoc/2017-18/releases/20180117pt9gjg

Men’s Basketball Team Named in Latest NJCAA D-II Poll

The Genesee Community College men’s basketball team entered the national polls as an honorable mention in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s D-II poll released today.

The Cougars are currently second in the Western New York Athletic Conference with a 4-1 record and only behind nationally-ranked No. 9 Monroe Community College with both teams leading the conference in overall play with a dozen wins.

In national statistics that included games as of Jan. 16, the Cougars were No. 8 in free-throw percentage, No. 10 in total points, and No. 13 in points-per-game with 91.3.

The Cougars have been led by the performance of Brian Fobbs, who already has hit double-double performances in double-digit games.

Fobbs leads the country in rebounds-per-game with 13.5 and is third in the nation in points-per-game with 25.9. In WNYAC play, Fobbs also leads the conference in both aforementioned categories and is also second in three-point percentage at 44.1 and third in field-goal shooting at 57.5.

Ten of the Cougars’ last dozen games are against conference opponents beginning with a matchup at Niagara County Community College Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m. A win at MCC Jan. 31 has potential to vault Genesee into the national top-20.

NJCAA D-II Poll Jan. 17: http://www.njcaa.org/sports/mbkb/2017-18/div2/polls

Story Link: http://www.geneseeathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2017-18/releases/20180117nqnm7j

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

State Police Officer arrested for allegedly lying about a domestic incident in Batavia.
State Troopers in Batavia arrested one of their own accused of lying about a weapon reported in domestic incident.
Yesterday State Police announced the arrest of 25 year old Brianna Smith for offering a false instrument for filing and falsely reporting an incident.
Smith claimed to have been menaced by someone wielding a weapon while she was off duty in the December incident.
Investigators determined no weapon was displayed or used.
Smith is a State Police Officer out of Troop T in Syracuse and her current status within the agency isn’t known.
She was issued an appearance ticket for a later date.

An Attica woman is behind bars for allegedly sexually abusing a four year old child.
23 year old Victoria Young was arrested yesterday and charged with Sexual Abuse, Use of a Child less than 17 for sexual performance and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
She is accused of sending a video to someone showing a sexual act by the child to an adult.
Young has been barred contact with the child through a protective order and she is being held on $100,000 bail.
Police said she and the victim are related.
Young could be facing even more charges pending examination results and she is due back in court next month.

Corfu Police take on a few good dogs.
Officer Anthony Bartucca was recently hired by the small village police force bringing his previous K-9 experience and his two skilled dogs as well.
One of the dogs specializes in tracking and drugs, the other is trained in explosives.
Bartucca joined the Corfu Police after his prior department in Lyons was disbanded.

New York’s Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is suing President Trump’s Administration for air pollution.
Yesterday Schneiderman and Connecticut’s attorney general filed a joint lawsuit claiming the EPA isn’t doing enough to keep smog from drifting over state lines.
According to the press release about one in three New Yorkers breathe an unhealthy level of smog and Schneiderman blamed other states for much of this.
He says this is a violation of the Clean Air Act.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul says she’ll remain Governor Cuomo’s running mate.
There had been talk about her challenging Congressman Chris Collins in Western New York this upcoming election.
There had even been talk about her being replaced on the ticket by Rochester’s Mayor.
Hochul told “The Buffalo News” yesterday that Cuomo has asked her to run with him for re-election again and she’s embracing her job.

Tpr. Brianna Smith

State Police have arrested one of their own for falsely reporting an incident.
25 year old Brianna J. Smith of Batavia, a New York State Trooper, is accused of claiming she was menaced with a weapon during a domestic incident. After an investigation, troopers determined a weapon was never used or displayed

Governor Cuomo is trying to keep spending down in the next state budget. He is dealing with a four-billion-dollar budget gap.
Cuomo said they’re looking at ways to cut that number down but still increase school funding.
Batavia Republican Assemblyman Steve Hawley agrees the state needs to find cuts and he suggests starting with Medicaid:

He proposed funding a study to see if it’s possible that recreational marijuana could impact the state’s economy.

The Corfu Police Department has added a K-9 unit.
The small village police force has recently hired an officer with previous K-9 experience and comes with two dogs of his own.
One of the dogs specializes in tracking and drugs, the other is trained in explosives.
The Sheriff’s office has K-9. The state police and the DEC also have K-9’s available for local deployment.

Corfu PD Officer Anthony Bartucco and K9 “Rocco”

A Social Media posting lands a Batavia man in lock up.
23 year old Ryan Bartholomew of Adams Street was arrested on charges of Aggravated Harassment and Making a terroristic threat.
Bartholomew was accused of threatening serious physical harm toward law enforcement officials.
He was arraigned in City Court and jailed without bail.

A Batavia man pretends to be another person to avoid paying a bill.
30 year old David Andrews of Lewis Place was arrested on charges of Criminal Impersonation and Conspiracy following investigation into a complaint from a business on West Main Street in the city.
Andrews was accused of conspiring with another individual to impersonate someone with the hopes of escaping payment of a bill.

Tpr. Brianna Smith

On January 17, 2018, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) out of SP Batavia arrested Brianna J. Smith, 25 of Batavia, NY for Offering a False Instrument for Filing and Falsely Reporting an Incident.

On December 20, 2017, Smith reported a domestic incident to the State Police in the town of Batavia.
Smith stated during the incident she was menaced with a weapon.  After further investigation, BCI determined a weapon was never displayed or used in the incident.  Smith was arrested and processed at SP Batavia.

Smith, a New York State Trooper who was off-duty at the time of the incident, was issued an appearance ticket for the town of Batavia Court in January 2018.

The Corfu Police Department has added a K-9 unit.
The 14-member, all part-time, village police force has recently hired an officer with previous K-9 experience and comes with two dogs of his own.
One of the dogs specializes in tracking and drugs, the other is trained in explosives.
Officer Anthony Bartucca, with 27 years experience in law enforcement and K9s “Rocco” and “King” by his side, became available to Corfu after the Village of Lyons dissolved and shut down its police department.
Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron welcomes the additional K-9’s to the inter-municipal agreement

PHOTO: Corfu PD Ofificer Anthony Bartucca, with K-9 Rocco

The Sheriff’s office has K-9. The state police and the DEC also have K-9’s available for local deployment.

Press Release:

Albany, NY– State Supreme Court Judge Richard J. McNally, Jr. has dismissed a New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) lawsuit, filed in May 2016, regarding rights for farm workers. Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R-C-I, Amherst) was the first outspoken State Legislator to criticize the NYCLU’s actions.

Senator Ranzenhofer has issued the following statement:

“The NYCLU’s attempt to bypass the State Legislature and push increased regulations on our agriculture industry has failed. These burdensome regulations would have had a devastating impact on our family farms. I applaud the judge’s decision, and I commend the New York Farm Bureau for defending our 35,000 farms all across our state. As New York State’s number one industry, agriculture is the backbone of our rural communities, and this is a major victory for our family farms.”

30 year old David Andrews of Lewis Place in Batavia was arrested on charges of Criminal Impersonation and Conspiracy following investigation into a complaint from a business on West Main Street in the city.

Andrews was accused of conspiring with another individual to impersonate someone with the hopes of escaping payment of a bill.

He was issued an appearance ticket for January 23rd in City Court.

21 year old Preston Herbst of Hamlin Drive in Canandaigua was arrested following investigation of a vehicle that was reported to be off the roadway on Route 20 Telephone Road in Pavilion.

Herbst was allegedly driving while intoxicated and was charged with DWI along with moving from a lane unsafely.

He was issued an appearance ticket for Pavilion Town Court on March 13th.

Press Release:

On January 16, 2018, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) stationed out of SP Clarence arrested Joseph T. Jurek, 28 of Alden, NY for Assault 1st degree (B Felony), Reckless Assault of a Child (D Felony), Criminal Possession of Marijuana 3rd degree (E Felony) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

On January 7, 2018, Troopers stationed out of SP Clarence responded to Exchange Street in the town of Alden for a medical call of a four-month old child that had fallen. Troopers were assisted with Alden EMS at the residence. The child was taken to Children’s Hospital by the parents. Further investigation by the BCI determined that the child suffered from bilateral subdural hemorrhages which was a result of shaken baby syndrome.

Jurek was arrested and processed at SP Clarence and arraigned at the Village of Alden Court. Jurek was remanded to the Erie County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail.

Unpacking Cuomo’s $168-billion budget plan.
Governor Andrew Cuomo rolled out his $168 billion dollar state budget proposal with a vow to fight back against Washington Republicans and their recent tax reform.
In order to ease the transition of the new federal tax overhaul enacted by Republicans, Cuomo said he’ll urge lawmakers to consider restructuring the state tax system.
Republican Assemblyman Steve Hawley of Batavia said he likes the reforms out of Washington

Hawley singled out Medicaid for the lion’s share of cuts.
Overall, Cuomo’s budget caps state spending increases at under 2 percent over last year’s budget.

Sex offender Marlek Holmes looking at life in prison after rejecting a sentencing deal.
Holmes was offered 25 years in prison to satisfy his remaining charges in the County as he appeared in Genesee County Court yesterday.
Holmes said he would “absolutely not” accept the deal offered by D A Lawrence Friedman…

Holmes used profane language against Friedman on at least two occasions in the proceedings, which went unaddressed by the court.
Holmes will now go to trial on the latest charges and also face a hearing to determine if he should be declared a “persistent violent felony offender.” Which could leave him locked up for life.

Facebook postings put an Adams Street man behind bars.
23 year old Ryan Bartholomew of Batavia was arrested and charged with Aggravated Harassment and Making a Terroristic Threat for something he shared on social media.
Bartholomew was accused of threatening serious physical harm toward law enforcement officials on Facebook.
He was arraigned in City Court and remanded to Jail without bail.

Another Batavia resident arrested for allegedly making a terrorist threat.
62 year old Joseph Misiak Jr. of Pratt Road allegedly called the sheriff’s office and left a voicemail threatening to harm a member of the sheriff’s office.
He reportedly threatened to damage property as well.
Misiak was released under supervision of Genesee Justice and an order of protection was put in place.

Michigan Street man jailed for a cache various controlled substances.
27 year old Pierre Humphrey of Batavia was subject to a traffic stop on Park Road in Batavia.
Deputies allegedly found Humphrey in possession of three various controlled substances along with a quantity of marijuana.
He was charged with multiple counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled substance including a count with Intent to Sell.
Humphrey was remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $2,500 bail and is due back in Town Court on February 13th.

Marlek Holmes

Serial sex offender Marlek Holmes refuses a sentencing deal and takes his chances on life in prison.
The 44 year old Holmes appeared in Genesee county Court today and was offered 25 years in prison to satisfy a number of charges.
Holmes, in an expletive laced response, said ‘no’ to the deal outlined here by D A Lawrence Friedman:

Now, Holmes will go to trial on the latest charges and also face a hearing to determine if he should be declared a “persistent violent felony offender.”
Such a declaration could leave him locked up for life.

A Batavia man has been arrested for allegedly making a terrorist threat.
Deputies say 62 year old Joseph Misiak  of Pratt Road called the sheriff’s office and left a voicemail threatening to harm a member of the sheriff’s office. Misiak was taken into custody and an order of protection was issued.

Byron Woman accused of driving while on drugs in a convenience store parking lot.
32 year old Anna Howard of Ivison Road in Byron was arrested in the parking lot of the 7 – 11 in Bergen. She was also charged with driving without a license.

If your business has a surveillance camera system Batavia Police want to hear from you.
BPD is asking business owners with surveillance systems to voluntarily register with the police department.
The police emphasize they will not dictate how the cameras are used. It is, they say, a database to help them determine who might have captured footage related to a particular crime.
You can register your system HERE.

New Release: Batavia Police Dept.

The Batavia Police Department is asking citizens and business owners with surveillance cameras to partner with us in the fight against crime! The Batavia SafeCam Registration Program allows citizens / businesses to register their camera systems with the police department to aid in crime prevention strategies and investigations which may occur in the proximity of their camera systems. The registration process is very easy and free. Simply go to THIS SITE and fill out the form. Registration forms can also be picked up at Batavia Police Headquarters located at 10 W. Main St., Batavia, NY.

Surveillance cameras have been an integral part of fighting crime in Batavia. Privately owned camera footage has helped solve a variety of serious offenses in Batavia over the years, including various burglaries, a fatal hit-and-run accident, and even a homicide. Working together, we can keep Batavia a safe place to live and work.

Please note that the police department will not have the ability to freely or remotely access your cameras, claim ownership, or dictate the camera systems functions. This is simply a database that will allow the Batavia Police Department to see who might have captured footage related to a particular crime.

Marlek Holmes

Sex Offender Marlek Holmes was given every opportunity to accept a deal that would cap his sentence to 25 years in prison, satisfying the remaining indictments against him in Genesee County.

He appeared in Genesee County Court this morning for possible sentencing on five separate indictments.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman tells WBTA today:

Holmes would have to withdraw his current appeal concerning his Attempted Criminal Sexual Act conviction and 15 year prison sentence and wave his right to appeal the remaining indictments.

Holmes was clearly heard swearing at District Attorney Lawrence Friedman before and during court proceedings, however he was allowed to continue answering the Judge’s questions without anyone addressing the expletives.

After the District Attorney, Judge Charles Zambito and Defense Attorney Fredrick Rarick reiterated the deal to Holmes and he admitted to understanding it he said he would “absolutely not” accept it.

Holmes is expected back in court next Tuesday for trial regarding his Sex Offender Registration violations and for a hearing to determine whether he should be declared a persistent violent felony offender which could leave him locked up for life.

Press Release:

The Wyoming County Chamber & Tourism is pleased to announce the release of the official 2018 Wyoming County Visitor Guide. This year’s guide features a cover photo by well-known Letchworth State Park enthusiast John Kucko, showing hot air balloons soaring through the Genesee River Gorge at Letchworth State Park. The cover shot once again beckons readers to visit the “Grand Canyon of the East” and all that Wyoming County has to offer.

The 2018 visitor guide has an exciting new layout that offers readers a fresh and engaging visual experience, while providing valuable information for people, especially the over 700,000 visitors to Letchworth State Park each year. The visitor guide is also linked to the Wyoming County Tourism website www.gowyomingcountyny.com which features an interactive and fully mobile platform, travel itineraries, events calendar, maps and business listings.

“We are thrilled with the 2018 visitor guide,” said Director of Tourism & Marketing Eric Szucs. “This comprehensive piece is engaging, informative, and does a phenomenal job of depicting everything that makes Wyoming County a premiere tourism destination for visitors worldwide. It showcases Wyoming County’s many diverse tourism businesses, attractions and events. It tells our story – a great story – about how visitors will have adventures here that are unsurpassed by anything else in New York State.”

“On behalf of the membership and Board of Directors, I would like to extend a special thanks to Eric Szucs for his hard work to deliver a great looking product for 2018,” said Chamber President Scott Gardner. “I would also like to thank all the businesses and advertisers in the guide, and the following who assisted their time and talent with the 2018 visitor guide: The Warsaw Penny Saver, for the design of the guide; John Kucko Photography, for the cover photo, and to community members for sending us beautiful pictures of the County as part of the ‘I Love Wyoming County Photography Contest.’”

A record 110,000 copies have been printed for distribution this year, and will be handed out at nationwide trade and travel shows, and sent to information centers and rest stops across New York, the Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada. Visitor guides will also be available at the gates to Letchworth State Park and at local attractions, government offices, restaurants and retail locations throughout Wyoming County.

Guides can be picked up at the Chamber office located at the Wyoming County Ag and Business Center, 36 Center Street in Warsaw. Area residents are encouraged to call, stop by the Chamber office, or arrange to have a visitor guide mailed to friends or family who may be interested in Wyoming County.
Area businesses who would like to have a supply of visitor guides at their location are also encouraged to contact the Chamber at (585) 786-0307 or info@gowyomingcountyny.com.

The Wyoming County Chamber & Tourism is the leading membership organization for local and regional growth, advocacy, and connection for Wyoming County’s business community. The Chamber & Tourism’s mission is to serve the members and community; promote and grow the County’s economic and tourism assets as the official Tourism Promotion Agency; and work collaboratively to create an environment that leads to the success and economic prosperity of Wyoming County.

For more information or to become a member please call 585-786-0307 or visit the website at www.wycochamber.org.

Dispatchers received a complaint Sunday afternoon of an erratic driver in the parking lot of 7 – Eleven in Bergen.

Deputies located the vehicle and identified the driver as 32 year old Anna Howard of Ivison Road in Byron.

She was arrested for allegedly Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs along with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and a vehicle infraction.

Howard was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Bergen Town Court in March.

Flood Warning remains in effect for Parts of the region.
The National Weather Service has extended the flood warning for Erie, Niagara and Genesee Counties through noon today.
The Tonawanda Creek and its tributaries are included in the warning.
Drivers who find flooded roadways are warned not to attempt driving through them but encouraged to turn around and find an alternate route.
Continued warm rainy weather may lead to even more flooding later this week.

Time for pistol permit renewal for some New Yorkers is running out.
As the deadline for some residents renewal is quickly coming up New York pistol permit holders are encouraged to check and renew their registration.
Permits have to be recertified every five years under the SAFE Act and any Upstate resident who had their pistols licensed on or before January 15th 2013 has until the end of the month to renew it.
Permits will be revoked if they are not renewed and recertification can be done online.

An Oakfield man arrested for operating a snowmobile while intoxicated.
43 year old Raymond Smith Junior of Oakfield was arrested by Deputies after he reportedly crashed his snowmobile not far from his home on Lockport Road over the weekend.
Smith was accused of drinking and driving, driving a snowmobile on a highway, driving it without insurance, driving too fast and refusing a breath test.
He was released and is due back in court this spring.

Dishes fly at Denny’s leading to one man’s arrest.
Batavia Police were called to the Denny’s Restaurant on West Main Street early Sunday morning for a report of a disturbance.
They arrested 37 year old Jeffrey Freeman of South Spruce Street for allegedly throwing a plate at a woman.
Freeman was given a court appearance ticket for January 23rd in City Court.

Former Erie County Executive and possible GOP candidate for Governor Joel Giambra says he wants legal pot and its revenue for the state.
Yesterday he said that taxes from marijuana could help New York in the face of financial difficulty.
Giambra said he feels this is a more appropriate action than raising taxes.
WIVB reported that they reached out to Governor Cuomo’s office about this and didn’t get a response.

The deadline for some New Yorkers to renew their pistol permits is coming up.
Under the SAFE Act anyone Upstate who had their pistols licensed on or before January 15th 2013 has until the end of the month to renew it. Permits have to be recertified every five years and will be revoked if they are not. Recertification can be done online.

An Oakfield man is accused of drinking and driving, on a snowmobile. Deputies arrested 43 year old Raymond Smith Junior of Lockport Road over the weekend.
Lawmen say Smith was drunk when he crashed his sled not far from his home.
He was also ticketed for driving a snowmobile on a highway, doing so without insurance, driving too fast and refusing a breath test.
Smith was released and is due back in court this spring.

Where were you when dishes flew at Denny’s?
Early yesterday morning, Batavia Police responded to the Denny’s Restaurant on West Main Street for a report of a disturbance.
They arrested 37 year old Jeffrey Freeman of South Spruce Street for allegedly hurling a plate at a woman.
Freeman was given a court appearance ticket.

Rev Al Sharpton

There’s lots of criticism of President Trump in New York on this Martin Luther King Junior Day. National Action Network President, Reverend Al Sharpton calls Trump an embarrassment for his alleged vulgar comment about African nations.

Governor Cuomo says the situation in Washington is about division and discrimination.

State Police stopped a vehicle on I-87, in Bethlehem for allegedly speeding.

According to police the driver 26 year old Johnoy Muschette of Hartford Connecticut gave probable cause to search the vehicle and its occupants.

Muschette was allegedly found in possession of several forged personal checks.  The passenger 22 year old Cassandra Newell of Batavia was allegedly found in possession of approximately 833.3 grams of marihuana which is approximately 1.8 pounds of pot.

Both Muschette and Newell were taken into custody.

Muschette was charged with felony counts of Possession of a Forged Instrument and Newell was hit with a felony count of Criminal Possession of Marihuana.

Both were remanded to the Albany County Jail with Newell held in lieu of $4,500 and Muschette in lieu $5,000.

They are expected in Bethlehem Town Court tomorrow afternoon.

37 year old Jeffrey Freeman of South Spruce Street Batavia was arrested following a reported disturbance at the Denny’s restaurant on West Main Street in Batavia.

Freeman was charged with second degree Harassment for allegedly throwing a plate at another female.

He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on January 23rd.

22 year old Winston Lockhart was arrested and charged with second degree Harassment with physical contact and Acting in a Manner Injurious to a Child less than 17.

Batavia Police were called to a Holland Ave address to investigate a domestic incident in which Lockhart had left the scene of prior to the officers’ arrival.

Lockhart was released on his own recognizance.

38 year old Matthew Vickers of Court Road in Pavilion was arrested following investigation into a traffic accident on West Main Street in Batavia.

Vickers was accused of speeding while attempting to pass a vehicle on West Main Street.

He reportedly drove into the median and struck a tree.

Vickers was charged with Aggravated DWI, for recording a blood alcohol content over twice the legal limit along with traffic infractions for speeding and failing to keep right.

He was released with an appearance ticket for January 24th in Batavia City Court.

Press Release:

Men’s Basketball Team Sweeps CCRI Tourney Opponents

The Genesee Community College men’s basketball team was just one of two teams to record wins in each of its tournament games hosted this past weekend at the Community College of Rhode Island Jan. 13-14. For Genesee both wins came against Region XXI opponents.

The Cougars put up almost identical first half scores in both victories over Bristol Community College and host CCRI. Genesee led 47-35 against Bristol and 46-35 against CCRI at the breaks before coasting through the second halves of each game.

The Cougars started the tournament with a 92-65 win over Bristol Jan. 13, mostly from the offensive production of Brian Fobbs (31 points) and Rahmel Thompson (24 points). In addition to being the team’s top point getter, Fobbs went 9-for-9 from the free throw line and also led the team in rebounds with 18 in registering a double-double performance.

Both Thompson and Tyrese Cherry recorded eight rebounds apiece and Brandon Peters had a team-high eight assists in support of Fobbs’ performance.

Genesee then beat host CCRI 94-78 Jan. 14. Five different Cougars scored double-digit points with Fobbs again leading the way with 28. Thompson added 21, while Caylen Williams netted 13, Jarett Haines scored 11 and Cherry 10.

Fobbs added 17 boards for another double-double and led the team in threes with six. Genesee went 15-for-30 from three- point land with Thompson adding five of those from beyond the arc to go with seven boards. Cherry also registered a double-double with 11 rebounds, while Williams added three steals.

Women’s Basketball Team Prepares for Conference Opponents with Rhode Island Tournament

The Genesee Community College women’s basketball team dropped a pair of tournament games hosted this past weekend by the Community College of Rhode Island Jan. 13-14.

The Cougars began the tournament with a 70-45 loss to host CCRI Jan. 13 and then dropped a game to the University of Connecticut Avery Point Jan. 14, 98-66. In the latter game, the 66 points were the second-highest point total by Genesee in a loss.

Against CCRI, Genesee put together a pair of quarters that kept them in the game. The combined scores of quarters two and four produced a collective score of 26-22.

Leading the way against CCRI was Rosalyn Sealey and Kierra Perl. Both scored a dozen points and added three steals, while Sealey also had a team-high five assists.

Jasmine Holmes led the team in rebounds with 13 and added five points. TaLia Burgess scored eight, while Rachel Meyer added five and Sierra Chudy three to round out the scoring.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Accused Batavia drug dealer behind bars on terrorist charges.
Washington Ave resident 46 year old Eddie Miles Jr. was arrested following a domestic incident in Batavia in which he was accused of threatening to shoot police and setting his apartment on fire.
The incident occurred on December 6th and a week later Miles was arraigned on charges of Arson, Aggravated Criminal Contempt, and two counts Making a terroristic threat.
In the meantime officers were holding Miles on drug sale charges for allegedly selling crack to a Task Force Agent.
He is currently being held without bail in the Genesee County Jail and is due back in court on Thursday.

Buffalo man jailed without bail for robbery in Batavia.
44 year old Francisco Martinez of Buffalo was arrested following a reported domestic incident and robbery at a Bank Street Apartment in Batavia.
He was accused of fighting with another person and stealing property from them in the presence of a child.
Martinez was charged with Harassment, pot possession, Robbery and Endangering the Welfare of a Child and was remanded to the Genesee County Jail without bail.

Woman arrested for bringing drugs into Attica Prison with a nine month old child.
State Police in Warsaw arrested 25 year old Danielle Greene of Rochester for allegedly smuggling drugs into the Attica Correctional Facility on an attempted inmate visit while accompanied by her nine month old daughter.
While attempting to enter the facility she was allegedly found with Oxycodone and Percocet hidden in her clothing and eleven latex glove finger-tips containing marihuana secreted within her person.
Greene who is currently on probation was charged with a felony count of Promoting Prison Contraband, along with Misdemeanor counts of drug possession and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
The nine month old child was turned over to responsible family members.
Greene was remanded to the Wyoming County Jail in lieu of $2,500 bail.

Batavia City Council to vote on a tax rate decrease included in the upcoming budget.
Jason Molino submitted a financial plan to council that recommends a property tax rate decrease of 3-percent in his final act as City Manager.
Molino said the tax rate decrease was due to growth in the city’s tax base.
He said the private take-over of the old county nursing home which did not pay property taxes, was a large part of the growth.
City Council must adopt a final budget by March 31st.

The Bills are wasting no time trying ratchet up their offense.
Yesterday the team announced Brian Daboll had been hired as their new offensive coordinator.
The 42-year-old will replace Rick Dennison who was fired on Friday.
Daboll went to high school in Western New York and has a solid track record coaching for the Patriots, Dolphins, Chiefs and the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Eddie Miles Junior is behind bars today, held without bail, accused of a domestic incident last week.
The 46 year old Miles has now been charged with arson and making terrorist threats.
It all began last Sunday when police said Miles barricaded himself in his apartment with his girlfriend, threatened to shoot police and then set his place on fire.
Miles was originally arrested last week on outstanding drug warrants.
Police say Miles has a lengthy criminal history.

An Alexander woman has been charged with falsely reporting an incident.
Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputies say 21 year old Katherine Wilkinson
Claimed she was struck across the face during a domestic dispute.
When deputies arrived she said the incident never happened. She’ll have to explain court later this month.

The Batavia City Council is left with a proposed budget for the coming financial year that calls for a tax rate decrease.
In his final act as City Manager, Jason Molino submitted a financial plan to council that recommends a property tax rate decrease of 3-percent.
In his budget message issued late Friday afternoon, Molino said the tax rate decrease was due to growth in the city’s tax base.
That growth made possible in large part, he said, to the private take-over of the old county nursing home which did not pay property taxes.
City Council must adopt a final budget by March 31st.

You’ve seen those tiny houses on cable TV?
The show claims they are sweeping the country.
Well now you can see one in our backyard and maybe even rent it for a day or two.
Heather Adams of Pembroke has one:

Courtesy WBTA News Partner: The Batavian

The tiny house is on South Lake Road in Pembroke. The town has approved a temporary permit allowing Adams to rent the place as a B & B.

Statement from City of Batavia issued at 9:30AM

“The offical flood warning for the Tonawanda Creek remains in effect however within the City of Batavia the water levels have fallen below flood stage. A contiuned decline of the water level is expected throughout the day.”

The Winter Storm Warning from the National Weather Service has been cancelled early.

It was to have been in effect until 4PM this afternoon.

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BUFFALO NY
642 AM EST Sat Jan 13 2018

…The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a Flood Warning
for The following rivers in New York…

Oatka Creek At Garbutt

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a

* Flood warning for
the Oatka Creek At Garbutt
* until late tonight.
* At 6 AM Saturday the stage was 6.0 feet and rising.
* Flood stage is 6.0 feet.
* Minor Flooding is ongoing.
* Forecast…the river is expected to rise above flood stage this
morning and crest near 6.1 feet this morning.
* IMPACT…At 6.0 feet…Flood stage, general flooding of agricultural
land begins, some basement flooding in Scottsville and Garbutt.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

SAFETY MESSAGE…Never drive your car through flooded roadways. The
water may be deeper than it appears. Turn around…don`t drown!

Accused drug dealer charged with arson and making terrorist threats for fiery domestic incident in Batavia.
46 year old Eddie Miles Jr. was most recently arrested for a domestic incident at 207 Washington Ave in Batavia that escalated quickly into a standoff with police and a house fire.
Miles was arrested last Sunday after he allegedly barricaded himself and girlfriend in their apartment while threatening to shoot police and setting the apartment on fire.
He was arraigned in City Court yesterday on charges of Arson, Aggravated Criminal Contempt, and two counts Making a terroristic threat.
Miles was initially arrested for active warrants stemming from drug sale charges, and has a lengthy criminal history with several recent arrests.
He is currently being housed in the Genesee County Jail without bail and is due back in court on Thursday the 18th.

Out-going city manager proposes a tax decrease as a parting gift.
Batavia City Manager Jason Molino is leaving with a gift to taxpayers in the form of a tax decrease.
Yesterday afternoon in Molino’s last few hours as city manager he proposed a budget for the city’s fiscal year 2018-19 that calls for a property tax decrease of 3-percent.
The proposed tax rate is 8-dollars-99 cents per thousand of assessed valuation.
City Council must take final action on the budget by March 31st.

Police searching for hit and run driver who struck a pedestrian in Batavia.
The accident occurred on West Main Street near Settlers Restaurant yesterday afternoon when a black Honda sedan struck an unidentified pedestrian while they were crossing the street.
The driver who then fled the scene was described as a white female with curly hair.
The pedestrian is currently being treated at UMMC.
Anyone with information about the accident is asked to contact Batavia Police.

Tonawanda Creek reaches moderate flood stage.
There is a Flood warning in effect for the Tonawanda Creek in Batavia.
The water level crested at just over 10 feet early this morning reaching into moderate flood level stages but appears to be on the decline.
Low lying areas behind homes on Walnut Street, Law Street and Kibbe Park are expected to Flood.
Residents of the affected area are asked to keep vigilant and take precautions to minimize property loss in these areas.
A Winter Storm Warning also remains in effect until this afternoon.
The foul weather prompted some schools to cancel activities for today.
All of the closings and cancellations are on the Closing and Cancellation page of our website, WBTAi.com.

Alert Issued at 8:15PM Jan 12, 2018 by City of Batavia

Flood warning is in effect for the Tonawanda Creek in the City of Batavia. At this time water levels are above flood stage and crest at less than 10 feet. Low lying areas behind homes on Walnut Street, Law Street and Kibbe Park are expected to Flood. Residents of the affected area are asked to keep vigilant and take precautions to minimize property loss in these areas. More information will be available at www.BataviaNewYork.com as conditions change

City Manager Jason Molino

Today marked the last day on the job for Batavia City Manager Jason Molino and he is leaving with a gift to taxpayers in the form of a tax decrease.
Molino announced late this afternoon that his proposed budget for the city’s fiscal year 2018-2019 calls for a property tax decrease of 3-percent.
The proposed tax rate is $8.99 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
City Council must take final action on the budget by March 31st.
Molino cited a growth in the tax base primarily due to the private take-over of the former Genesee County Nursing Home.
The prosed budget does call for a 3 and a half percent increase in water rates.
Read the entire budget message released by City Hall HERE

Rapidly changing weather has caused cancellation of school activities for both tonight and tomorrow.
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until tomorrow afternoon.
The anticipated foul weather prompted schools to cancel evening activities and also some cancelled for tomorrow:
Here is the complete list can be viewed HERE

Batavia Police investigating a car/pedestrian accident which occurred on West Main Street near Settlers Restaurant earlier this afternoon.
While the unidentified pedestrian was crossing the street, a black Honda sedan struck the individual and fled the scene
The driver was described as a white female with curly hair.
The pedestrian is currently being treated at UMMC.
Anyone with information about the accident is asked to contact Batavia Police.

A public meeting with the consultants studying the future of the Genesee county jail will be held next month.
The meeting between legislators and SMRT Architects was originally scheduled for tomorrow morning but has not been changed to Saturday, February 24th, 8am, in the Old County Courthouse.

News Release: City of Batavia

Upon his last day as Batavia City Manager, Jason Molino delivered to the City Council a 2018/2019 Recommended City Budget. The budget supports quality City services; sustained investment in infrastructure; reasonable and reliable employee wages and benefits; and a budget that proposes a 3% tax rate decrease to $8.99 per $1,000 of assessed value.

City Manager Jason Molino

The Proposed Budget supports total expenditures of $ 24.3 million (an increase of 1.9%). It meets the City Council’s budget goal of staying below the City’s tax cap. Due to a substantial 4.1% increase in the City’s tax base, half of which is due to the Genesee County nursing home becoming privately owned and taxable, the budget contains a property tax rate that will go down, to $8.99 per $1,000 – a reduction of 3%. This is the lowest City tax rate since 2006. Under the Proposed Budget, the City property tax bill for the owner of a home valued at $90,000 would decrease by $25.20.

“The Proposed Budget is a result of growth in our tax base,” said City Manager Molino. In his budget message to City Council he said, “We are committed to our focus to an unabashed “all in” approach to growth.” Last year the City set a path to achieve $100 million of new investment through the efforts of four distinct priorities: FOCUS on growth, operational excellence, neighborhood investment and BIG Collaborative projects. While the City has made significant gains with all priorities, none are more noticeable than the City winning the Governor’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative.

“Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the City of Batavia will accelerate the redevelopment of existing buildings, and create additional business and residential opportunities downtown” the Manager states. “By investing in the entrepreneurial climate and downtown environmental qualities, and by encouraging ethnic diversity and active lifestyles, Batavia hopes to foster a creative class of workers who will spur continued job growth.”

Currently, the City has made significant movement towards our goal of $100 million. As of December 31, 2017, the City’s “I’m All In!” Scoreboard revealed over $8.8 million in completed investments,
$15.8 million in-progress for completion in the next two years and another $58.8 million planned by 2022. In total, after just one year of commitment, we have over $83.5 million on our horizon for completion by 2022, and more still to come.

The Recommended Budget includes:

• Completion of Healthy Schools Corridor sidewalk project, a $1 million federal grant for the construction of over 12,000 linear feet of new sidewalk
• Completion of Highway PM grant, $2.55 million federal grant for the resurfacing of 6 streets
• $256,000 of additional annual street resurfacing
• $285,720 of additional annual sidewalk replacement
• Resurfacing of the East Parking Lot at the City Centre
• Supporting the Town of Batavia in the construction of the Ellicott Trail

Sales Tax: The budget projects that sales tax collections will increase slightly, .4% for next year, a somewhat improvement from the past two years of decline.

Water & Sewer Rates: The proposed rate adjustment for FY18/19 includes a water rate increase of $.18 or 3.5%. In addition, the plan includes a capital improvement fee increase for all meter sizes. The impact to a typical residential customer with a 5/8-inch meter will be $.54 per quarter. The proposed water rate for a typical residential user is $5.30 per 1,000 gallons and the capital fee per typical residential user is $5.99 per quarter. The total impact to a typical residential customer (approximately 95% of customers) from the proposed rate and fee adjustments is approximately $4.49/quarter. There is no rate increase proposed for the sewer rate this year.

“I wish to thank City Department Heads and Bureau Chiefs, and their staff, for their professional approach to the challenges that mark every budget,” Molino states. “They continue to serve the community with highest standards, and it has been an absolute pleasure to work with them.”

The 2018/19 proposed Budget is posted on the City website HERE

Public copies of the Proposed Budget are available for review at the City Clerk’s office, One Batavia City Centre (1st Floor).

Lynnell Schreiber, Wyoming County Mental Health Department; Bridget Givens, Wyoming County Community Health Systems; Barbara Ferris, Tompkins Bank of Castile; Aimee Rader, RTS Wyoming; Hillary Crane, Five Star Bank; Erin Pataye, Partners for Prevention; Pilar McKay, Arts Council for Wyoming County; Jen Monteleone, Pioneer Credit Recovery; Ashley Schumaker, Pioneer Credit Recovery; Megan Burley, Burley Berries and Blooms; Daryl DeGroff, Morton Salt; Ella Boxler, Hidden Valley Animal Adventure.

Press Release:

On January 10, 2018 the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce hosted the graduation ceremony for the 11th class of the Leadership Wyoming program at the Byrncliff Golf Resort and Banquets in Varysburg. Following remarks and a presentation by the graduates based of all the positive experiences and leadership qualities learned during the year, graduation certificates were presented in a brief ceremony. Since its inception in 2006, 180 individuals have graduated from the Leadership Wyoming Program.

“Everyone has the potential for leadership development and this program continues to provide a great opportunity for individuals to learn through a variety of experiences,” said Scott Gardner, President of the Chamber. “For eleven years, the Chamber has promoted the importance of growing citizens who are community minded and has equipped them to take on new leadership challenges in their personal and professional lives. The benefit to the county is tremendous, as these individuals set out to take on fulfilling projects and beneficial new ways to serve our community.”

The participants’ journey began in March with a two-day retreat where each person was put through a Meyers-Brigg profile; talked about the strengths and challenges of Wyoming County; and began to learn about themselves and their personality styles. This leadership component continues throughout the year as the class participates in discussions and group activities. The program also included exploring small businesses; touring local manufacturers; learning from the County’s economic development team; an up close and personal tour of one of Wyoming County’s most famous locations, Attica Correctional Facility; checking out the unique technologies found on local farms; and taking time to be tourists by exploring all of Wyoming County’s tourism destinations. The class also attended a monthly committee meeting of the Wyoming County Board of Supervisors. Classes were given the opportunity to speak to various town supervisors during county government and criminal justice day, and witnessed the county’s legislative body in action.

“We are very proud of the very diverse individuals that have taken part in the Leadership program over the years and this class is no exception. It is always exciting to listen in on their conversations and participate with them throughout the process. They have gone on a yearlong journey of personal and professional discovery, and we look forward to seeing how they use their new skills,” said Kelly Ashcraft, Program Coordinator and Chamber Director of Member Services.

This year’s class included: Lynnell Schreiber, Wyoming County Mental Health Department; Bridget Givens, Wyoming County Community Health Systems; Barbara Ferris, Tompkins Bank of Castile; Aimee Rader, RTS Wyoming; Hillary Crane, Five Star Bank; Erin Pataye, Partners for Prevention; Pilar McKay, Arts Council for Wyoming County; Jen Monteleone, Pioneer Credit Recovery; Ashley Schumaker, Pioneer Credit Recovery; Megan Burley, Burley Berries and Blooms; Daryl DeGroff, Morton Salt; Ella Boxler, Hidden Valley Animal Adventure.

Applications are being accepted for the 2018 Leadership Wyoming Class now through February 16, 2018. Interested businesses or individuals should call the Chamber office at (585) 786-0307 or email kelly@wycochamber.org to request more information. Applications are also available on-line at www.WyCoChamber.org

The Wyoming County Chamber & Tourism is the leading membership organization for local and regional growth, advocacy, and connection for Wyoming County’s business community. The Chamber & Tourism’s mission is to serve the members and community; promote and grow the area’s economic and tourism assets; and work collaboratively to create an environment that leads to the success and economic prosperity of Wyoming County. The key programs and services of the organization are educational seminars; leadership development; business assistance and guidance; cost-saving opportunities; advocacy; recognition, networking, exposure and promotional opportunities.

For more information or to become a member please call (585) 786-0307 or visit the website at www.wycochamber.org.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) outlines his budget priorities

Government is about the people. Making a difference in the everyday lives of individuals should be the central role to which we aspire as legislators. Society flourishes when personal freedom and liberty rule the day, not directives and penalties handed down in the form of taxes and mandates.

Unfortunately for New Yorkers, Gov. Cuomo’s State of the State Address last week was filled with the latter. Lofty expansion of programs and more state spending is what many witnessed but few desire.

According to the Tax Foundation, New York ranks 49th in the country in tax climate for businesses for the fourth year in a row. In addition, our state ranks 49th in terms of tax levies on personal income, 47th in property-taxes and 43rd in sales taxes – all of which have contributed to more than one millions residents who have left the state since 2010.

We have the power to change these embarrassing statistics and rewrite New York’s mantra of tax, fine and harass.

The solutions start with reducing fraud and waste in our Medicaid system, which spends more than Florida and Texas combined, and mitigating the over 140,000 pages of regulations Albany elites impose on our job creators – not bloating government as Gov. Cuomo proclaims.

Mandates like these, which counties and local governments cannot afford, are eventually paid by individuals in the form of higher property and state taxes.

We need to build on the success of the Charitable Gaming Act that was signed into law last year and further empower the thousands of fire departments, Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs, non-profits, churches and charitable organizations that provide tremendous community services through their raffles.

Lake Ontario flood victims are still hurting and this year’s budget should include more funding to help these struggling individuals and business owners return to normalcy.

State government should hinge on allowing people to flourish and that cannot happen if disconnected elites like Gov. Cuomo continue to use their tax dollars to tax, penalize and restrict them.

Press Release:

The Genesee Community College men’s basketball team registered a season-high 119 points against Isiah Christopher Academy (NJ) while recording its 10th win of the season in a home contest 119-105.

The 225 points by both teams was also the most scored in any game this season. The Cougars led out of the gate and at times had 20-plus point leads in the run-and-gun affair.

Rahmel Thompson had the most productive point-day of any Cougar with a season-high 39 points, while also grabbing seven rebounds and three steals. Thompson was also a perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line on the day.

Just as impressive was Brian Fobbs with 21 total rebounds with 16 coming from the defensive zone. Fobbs recorded the team’s only double-double with 23 points, while also adding eight assists.

Brandon Peters had a team-high nine assists to go with 19 points and went 6-for-7 from the charity stripe, while Caylen Williams also scored 19 to be the fourth Cougar in double-digit points.

Williams (three) and Fobbs (four) combined for seven of the teams 13 threes with both shooting 50 percent beyond the arc.

The Cougars travel to Rhode Island this weekend to participate in a tournament hosted by the Community College of Rhode Island. Genesee begins with a 3 p.m. contest against Bristol Community College Jan. 13 before facing host CCRI Jan. 14 at 1 p.m.

Mark Jagord
GCC Sports Information

Winter weather comes storming back to the region.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Genesee County going into effect later this afternoon lasting until tomorrow.
Forecasters predict that precipitation will transform from rain to freezing rain and eventually into heavy snow by this evening through Saturday.
The Warning covers the entire GLOW region and several surrounding Counties.
Total snow accumulations of 9 to 17 inches are expected in the persistent snow areas.

The winter weather would have been welcome for ice-skaters planning to attend the evening skate at DeWitt Park.
However, due to yesterday’s warm-up the county has announced that, tonight’s Kiwanis skate at DeWitt Park, has been cancelled.

City Centre Mall Settlement is settled for good by an Erie County Judge.
The lone holdout in the City Center mall dispute with the city has had the settlement forced upon him.
Dr. Marlin Salmon had refused to sign off on the deal to end the long legal battle with the city.
On Wednesday, an Erie County Supreme Court Judge ordered the settlement over the objection of Dr. Salmon.
The city will take over management of the City Centre concourse on April 1st

Bergen man busted for allegedly bringing drugs into jail.
30 year old Brian Resch of Buffalo Road in Bergen was arrested and charged with Promoting Prison Contraband following a complaint of contraband in the Genesee County Jail.
While confined in the facility Resch was allegedly found in possession of Suboxone.
He was issued and appearance ticket for Batavia City Court on January 17th.

Tax Exemptions for Veterans approved by City School Board.
The Board of Education for Batavia City Schools approved two additional tax exemptions for veterans owning homes in the school district.
The Cold War and Eligible Funds exemptions were passed potentially benefitting 80 eligible veterans who live in the district.
The veterans’ exemptions will be in effect for the 2018-19 school year.

According to an independent investigation, the University of Rochester didn’t mishandle allegations of sexual misconduct.
The report released yesterday condemned Professor Florian Jaeger’s behavior but said in the eyes of the law, he did not commit sexual harassment.
The report’s findings suggest Jaeger didn’t violate university policy, the university isn’t liable for his behavior and some of the allegations against him were untrue.
Jaeger’s accusers say they plan to go forward with a federal lawsuit.

Impending bad weather is prompting schools and community activities to alter plans for today and even tomorrow.
A Flood Watch remains in effect for Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans Counties until late tonight.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office reports these area roads are closed due to high water:
Old Creek road, Dorman and Cookson Roads in Alexander;
Stegman Rd in the Town of Batavia closed between Route 5 and Miller Rd.
After closing due to flooding this morning Route 20 in Alexander between Route 98 and Brookville Road is now open per the States Department of Transportation.

A Winter Storm Warning has been posted for Genesee County beginning later this afternoon and running through tomorrow.
The National Weather Service says that rain will change to freezing rain and sleet by this evening and then heavy snow is expected through Saturday.

The forecast has prompted a pre-emptive action by several area schools.
A complete list of closings and cancellations can be viewed HERE

A Winter Storm Warning has been posted for Genesee County beginning tomorrow afternoon and running until Saturday.
The National Weather Service says that rain will change to freezing rain and sleet by Friday evening and then heavy snow is expected through Saturday.
The Warning extends to all of Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
Total snow accumulations of 9 to 17 inches are expected. Ice accumulations of a 10th of an inch are also forecast.

While there is a Winter Storm Warning for tomorrow, it apparently comes too late for the Friday Night skate at DeWitt Park.
The county announced today that due to today’s warm-up, the Friday Kiwanis skate at DeWitt Park, has been cancelled.

The lone holdout in the City Center mall dispute with the city has had the proposed settlement forced upon him.
Dr. Marlin Salmon had refused to sign off on the deal to end the long legal battle with the city.
Now, an Erie County Supreme Court Judge has ordered the settlement over the objections of Salmon. The city will take over management of the City Centre concourse on April 1st

Batavia’s Fire Chief says city fire hydrants are up for adoption.
City Fire Chief Steve Napolitano on WBTA’s Main and Center program this morning, encourages city residents to adopt one of Batavia’s 512 fire hydrants for the winter season.

He said volunteers who shovel out a path of approximately 3 to 4 feet around hydrants and report missing hydrant markers greatly assist the Fire Department.

Buffalo is one of “The New York Times” 52 places to visit this year. Yesterday, the paper put out its yearly list with New Orleans ranking first. Buffalo ranked 37th due in part to the city renewing and re-purposing older and more historic buildings and the charm that goes along with that. Buffalo beat out Seattle and several famous locations around the world

Batavia City Fire Chief Steve Napolitano appeared on WBTA’s Main and Center program this morning encouraging city residents to adopt one of Batavia’s 512 fire hydrants for the winter season.

He said volunteers who shovel out a path of approximately 3 to 4 feet around hydrants and report missing hydrant markers greatly assist the Fire Department.

53 year old Sharry Habberfield is facing felony charges of Assault on a Peace Officer and Attempted Escape following an incident at the Livingston County Jail.

On Tuesday morning Habberfield allegedly asked a female deputy to assist her in the common area of her housing unit.

She then attacked the deputy, choking her and threatening to kill her and escape.

The deputy was able to defend herself until other officers intervened.

There was no report of serious injury.

Habberfield who was being held on charges of Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Grand Larceny was remanded back to the custody of the Sheriff in lieu of $15,000 bail.

Three Alabama men in custody accused of murdering an Alexander Native in Florida.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office in Florida has reported the apprehension of three men accused of shooting and killing former Attica Prison guard and Alexander native William Reiss.
Last Wednesday Reiss was shot to death in his Polk City home in Florida.
All three men were from Mobile, Alabama according to authorities and they are all currently behind bars facing First Degree Murder charges.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said 18 year old Gerjuan Jackson, had met Bill Reiss previously and had actually purchase two handguns legally from him,

Judd said Jackson pulled a gun and shot Bill Reiss in the head four times after entering the home.
Sheriff Judd said Jackson and his two accomplices all confessed.
They are being held in Mobile awaiting extradition to Florida.

Rick Mancuso retiring as coach of Notre Dame Football.
After a 37 year long coaching career with Notre Dame High School football Rick Mancuso has announced his coaching retirement.
Mancuso coached 22 seasons and spent the other 15 as a key support staff member of the football program.
During his tenure as head coach, Mancuso led his teams to qualify for sectionals in 9 of his 13 seasons, winning Sectional Championships in 2006 and 2012.
His teams advanced to the title game on three other occasions winning three GR League championships.
Mancuso said he wants to spend more time with his family especially his grandchildren.

Troopers in Batavia are getting a new toy.
State Police headquartered out of Batavia are getting a drone this month, following Governor Cuomo’s announcement of the State Police Unmanned Aerial System program.
The drones can be used to better photograph crash sites and crime scenes and keep troopers out of dangerous situations.
14 more drones will be distributed throughout the state soon according to the Governor.

Winter Storm Watch following a Flood Watch in the area.
A Flood Watch is in effect for the area until late tomorrow night.
Possible flooding could occur with the rapid warming and rainfall, however the rain is expected to turn into snow going into the weekend.
A Winter Storm Watch issued for the entire GLOW region and several surrounding counties will be in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon.
Total snow accumulations of 8 to 14 inches and ice accumulations of a tenth of an inch are possible.
Forecasters say to begin needed preparations at home or with your vehicle.