Performances of the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by the BHS Drama Club will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday and Sunday (7 p.m. and 2 p.m.) with Friday's postponed performance being moved to 7 p.m., Sunday. Tickets for all three shows are still available here. 

Previously: BHS Drama Club presents Sherlock Holmes play

Press release:

After a thorough investigation of the social media threats against the Batavia City School District (BCSD) that surfaced on Thursday, December 2, the Batavia Police Department has found no evidence of a credible threat to the district.

BCSD has been cleared to resume all activities beginning Saturday, December 4, and schools will open for all students on Monday, December 6.

As a precautionary measure, there will be an increased police presence in and around BCSD buildings for all activities this weekend and next week.

The Batavia Police Department continues to work in collaboration with the FBI and Secret Service to monitor all social media threats to ensure the continued safety of the district’s students and staff.   

If any student or family has any additional information regarding the threats, we ask that you please contact the Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350 or the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370. 

Press release:

Due to the increase in Covid cases within the county, Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr. is requiring all business (including animal adoptions and turn ins) at the Genesee County Animal Shelter be conducted by appointment only.  This goes into effect beginning Monday, December 6.  This is a precautionary measure to prevent the risk of exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to community members, Animal Shelter employees, and volunteers.   

Press Release:

On December 1st QuestBridge announced the results of its 2021 National College Match, a national program that pairs high-achieving, low-income high school seniors with full scholarships to the nation’s top colleges. From a pool of over 16,500 applicants, from which QuestBridge chose 6,312 as finalists, QuestBridge's 45 college partners matched with 1,674 Finalists, who are recognized as Match Scholarship Recipients. This is the highest number of Match Scholarship Recipients to date for QuestBridge. We are ecstatic to announce that one of the 1,674 recipients was Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School's Emily Williams, who was awarded a full scholarship to Amherst College, one of the top liberal colleges in the country. Emily has accepted the offer and will attend majoring in Education Studies.

"Before I was introduced to QuestBridge, I wasn't even sure if college was a practical goal for me, but now it feels like all my hard work is finally paying off. I'm looking forward to getting the college experience without having to worry about the financial aspect." -Emily Williams, Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School Senior

"Emily has worked incredibly hard to put herself in the driver's seat to be selected for such a prestigious opportunity at one of the most selective schools in the entire country. She has demonstrated to our entire student body that if you take full advantage of every opportunity that is presented you can achieve great things. Emily has excelled in a variety of our advanced placement courses along with being a major contributor to our music program. I truly cannot think of a more deserving person to be chosen for the QuestBridge National College Match Program than Emily. She has made me along with our entire school community proud." -Austin Dwyer, Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School Counselor

"We are beyond proud for Emily to be awarded this incredible full scholarship to prestigious Amherst College. Emily's commitment to academic excellence coupled with a passion and immense talent in music and art has put her in a position to go toe to toe with top students in the country. Evidence of her success can be found all over our school from excelling in her AP courses to performing in our marching band and musical pit. Her top-notch character and work ethic go hand in hand with her compassion for others and kind heart. We are very excited for her and her family; this opportunity is truly life-changing, and we can't wait to see her soar in the next chapter of her life! I would like to thank QuestBridge for their commitment to college-bound students across the country." -Tim McArdle, Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School Principal

From QuestBridge:
Match Scholarship Recipients are admitted early to QuestBridge college partners with full four-year scholarships that are provided by the colleges and universities, ensuring for these students and their families that an education at a top college can be affordable. QuestBridge’s 45 college partners include top liberal arts colleges such as Amherst, Pomona, and Williams and exceptional research universities such as Duke, Princeton, Stanford, UChicago, and Yale. The Match Scholarship is offered as part of a generous financial aid package provided by the college that covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, room and board, books and supplies, and travel expenses.
This year’s Match Scholarship Recipients come from 49 states, as well as the territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.

These outstanding high school seniors have an average unweighted GPA of 3.93, and 92% are in the top 10% of their graduating class. Financially, 95% come from a household with an annual income under $65,000, and 87% qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. The majority of these new QuestBridge Scholars — 81% — are among the first generation in their families to attend a four-year college in the United States.
Since 2003, the QuestBridge National College Match has successfully connected over 10,500 students with full scholarships at college partners. These 2021 Match Scholarship Recipients become the first QuestBridge Scholars for the Class of 2026. Based on previous years, it is estimated that approximately 2,000 Finalists will be admitted to QuestBridge college partners later in the year through Early and Regular Decision processes.
All Finalists who ulte thoughtful and broad-minded leaders, and we are honored and excited to help them pursue their dreams after college graduation.”
About QuestBridge:

QuestBridge is a national nonprofit that connects the nation’s most exceptional, low-income youth with leading institutions of higher education and further life opportunities. By recruiting, developing, and motivating these students — beginning in high school through college to their early career — QuestBridge aims to help talented, low-income students attend the nation’s best colleges and to support them to achieve success in their respective careers and communities.
https://www.questbridge.org/

Press Release from Genesee and Orleans County Health Department:

The smell of the evergreen trees, the taste of warm hot cocoa, and the cheerful Christmas songs are some lovely things that bring family and friends together during this festive season. With cold weather moving people indoors, there is also an increased risk of the spread of illnesses such as the flu , also known as influenza. However, there are ways to lower your risk of getting sick with the flu. National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is December 5-11, 2021. NIVW is an annual observance in December to remind everyone that there is still time to get vaccinated against the flu to be protected during the upcoming winter and holiday months. “You can protect you and your family members by getting vaccinated against the flu each year,” said Paul Pettit, Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments. “The vaccine lowers the chance of getting you and those around you sick with the flu. We also encourage those that have not received the COVID-19 vaccine, to get vaccinated as soon as possible ahead of the Holidays.” The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Experts say that flu viruses are spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. The runny nose, sore throat and slow development of symptoms which are common for a cold, are not as common for the flu which tends to appear suddenly and includes a fever, body aches, chills, fatigue, chest discomfort and cough. Although a cold can be a bother, you usually feel much worse with the flu and sometimes influenza’s complications could be deadly.

Everyone 6 months or older should get a flu vaccine every year. It's best to get the flu vaccine early in flu season, ideally by the end of October. That way, the body develops antibodies in two weeks’ time which provides protection from the influenza virus. You might wonder, is it too late to get vaccinated? The simple answer is no. “Getting the vaccine later is better than not getting it at all,” said Mr. Pettit. “Once you have the flu vaccine, research shows that the vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness if you do get the flu.”

Below are the number of reported flu cases for Genesee and Orleans Counties since 2018 according to the New York State Department of Health. You will notice that there was limited flu in 2020-2021 because people were practicing public health precautions such as frequent hand washing, social distancing, limiting social gatherings, wearing face coverings, and staying home when ill. In addition, less germs were spread because people were staying home and limiting their contact with people outside of their household as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Flu seasons are unpredictable every year, so there is a new flu vaccine developed to potentially provide protection for the viruses that are considered to have the most potential to cause serious illness. As long as flu viruses are spreading and causing illness, vaccination should continue throughout the flu season in order to protect as many people as possible. If you have not received your annual flu vaccine this year, now is the time! It generally takes 2 weeks after receiving the vaccine for your body to develop immunity.

Talk with your primary care provider or visit your local pharmacy to get the flu vaccine. To make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the GO Health website: https://gohealthny.org/covid-19-vaccine-information/.

If you want to see weekly flu updates, you can use the NYS Flu Tracker:

https://nyshc.health.ny.gov/web/nyapd/new-york-state-flu-tracker. For more information about Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, visit www.gohealthny.org. You can also visit Facebook at: Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments, Twitter, and Instagram: @GoHealthNY

 

A two-vehicle accident is reported at Oak Orchard Road and North Byron Road, Elba.

One person is complaining of a head and arm injury.

One vehicle is off the road.

Elba Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

Press Release:

The Genesee County 4-H Program is now accepting registrations for its 2022 4-H Tractor Safety Program.  The program is open to youth age 14 and over and covers farm safety, tractor safety, tractor operation and other related topics.  

The National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program is a certification program that allows youth age 14 and 15 to be certified to legally operate farm equipment for hire.  After completing the training course, youth will need to pass a written knowledge test and driving test to receive the certification.

The program is scheduled to run Saturdays, 8:00am to 12:00pm, January through April at farm machinery dealerships throughout Genesee County.  The fee for the program is $10 and youth must also be currently enrolled 4-H members.  Registrations are due January 29, 2022.  To register for the program or receive more information, please contact the Genesee County 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040 ext. 131.  Registration forms are also available online at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/4htractorsafety

Press Release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors approved assistance for a $4.5 million project investment by Valiant Real Estate USA Inc. for a bus operations facility in the town of Batavia at its board meeting on Thursday, December 2, 2021.

Valiant Real Estate USA Inc.’s 20,000 sq. ft. facility will include office space, training space, repair areas and storage in order to support school districts and school bus operators across the Western New York and the Finger Lakes regions. The proposed facility will be located less than a mile of Interstate 90 Exit 48, providing a strong logistics base for the project.

The project includes infrastructure to support future utilization of electric/clean energy vehicles and related initiatives.  Over the next three years Valiant Real Estate USA Inc. plans to create up to 19 new jobs and 12 part-time jobs. The $430,120 in estimated assistance to the project is estimated to produce a $50 return for every $1 of assistance.

The GCEDC Board also accepted an application from Mega Properties Inc. and approved scheduling a public hearing on the potential assistance for the purchase of a vacant 142,000 sq. ft building in the town of Batavia and plans to develop the building into a warehouse distribution facility. The proposed $8.5 million financial investment by Mega Properties Inc. would retain nine full-time employees and the creation of up to 11 new jobs. The project has requested approximately $600,000 in property, sales, and mortgage tax exemptions.

 

John Kenneth Hobbs, 34, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd and violation of an order of protection.  Hobbs is accused of entering the home of a protected party at 1:10 p.m., Nov. 24. He then allegedly fled the property and was located in  the nearby woods by Deputy James Stack and K-9 "Rayzor."  He was also accused of burglary 2nd and disobeying a mandate for a similar incident at 11:30 p.m., Nov. 4.

Alexander Douglas Scheg, 27, of Warboys Road, Byron, is charged with bail jumping 3rd.  During an unrelated incident, Scheg was identified who allegedly failed to show up for a scheduled court appearance.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Gerard Hart Altenburg, 26, of Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, speeding, unsafe passing, and reckless driving. Altenburg was stopped at 7:02 p.m., Dec. 1, on Main Road in Pembroke by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Beth Kemp
(2016 file photo)

This year’s Christmas in the City parade is a special one to Beth Kemp, executive director of Batavia Business Improvement District.

It will resume the years-old holiday event after the pandemic shut down, and close out a chapter on Kemp’s career path. She is leaving the role for a position in marketing and accounting with Council Rock Wealth Advisory Group in Batavia.

“December 10 will be my last day. This is my last big parade; the parade is kind of my baby, I love it,” she said to The Batavian Friday morning. “It’s like a well-oiled machine at this point, and I hope it will continue.”

Thirty-four participants have signed up for the parade, set to begin at 6 p.m. Saturday outside of Wendy’s restaurant on Main Street, Batavia. Floats, costumed characters, and music will follow a route that leads toward Summit Street. 

Christmas in the City was originally dubbed Taste of the Holidays, which is when Kemp first became involved with it. She was on an event committee and was integral to the creation of a festive parade as part of the renamed event. Meant to be a family-friendly, fun downtown happening, Christmas in the City runs from 2 to 6 p.m., ending with the parade. 

A train ride, several vendors, pictures with Santa, hot cocoa, professional carolers and an elf, the Muckdogs mascot, and a GO-ART! building-turned-Whoville will be part of the excitement. There will also be hidden gnomes at downtown businesses for kids to find and take photos of for a contest boasting prizes of Muckdogs tickets, a basket full of board games, and more. 
 

A possible environmental conservation violation on Horseshoe Lake Road in Stafford turned into a two-county criminal pursuit and the eventual arrest of three men on various felony charges on Monday night, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Taken into custody:

Zachary P. Hursh, 37, of Rochester

• Criminal possession of stolen property 3rd
• Unlawful fleeing of a police officer
• Criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th
• Obstructing governmental administration 2nd
• Reckless driving among other traffic violations.

Alexander D. Scheg, 27, of Byron

• Criminal possession of stolen property 3rd
• Criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th
• Obstructing governmental administration 2nd

Jason R. Schmeer, 41, of Rochester

• Criminal possession of stolen property 3rd
• Criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th

According to the Sheriff's Office, a DEC conservation officer stopped to investigate a possible violation of conservation law in the area of Horseshoe Lake and Sanders road at 10:19 p.m., Monday, and when she attempted to make contact with a suspect vehicle by activation of her emergency lights, the vehicle fled the area. 

Deputies then joined the pursuit and successfully deployed spike strips at Route 237 and Route 33 in Stafford.  

The vehicle continued to flee at a high rate of speed, failing to yield to emergency vehicles operating lights and sirens.

The Orleans County Sheriff's Office was informed the pursuit.

The vehicle failed to negotiate a turn onto Glidden Road in Clarendon going off the north shoulder of the roadway and striking a street sign and utility pole. 

The vehicle was no longer operational and two occupants, including the driver, fled on foot.

A third person, Schmeer, was in the back seat and immediately taken into custody. 

A search ensued involving deputies from both counties, troopers, Albion police, and Batavia PD Officer Stephen Quider and his K-9 "Batu."  The conservation officer deployed K-9 "Handley."

A short time later, the passenger, ID'd as Scheg was located in a heavily wooded area.

Hursh was subsequently located in a nearby residential garage.

Upon investigation, officers determined the vehicle the trio fled in, a 2017 Honda Civic, was allegedly stolen from Rochester.  The vehicle allegedly contained cocaine and drug paraphernalia. 

All three suspects were arraigned in the Town of Stafford.  Hursh and Schmeer were ordered held in jail based on having two or more previous felony convictions. Scheg was released on the new charges but held in the Genesee County Jail on a City of Batavia warrant.

The folks at Alleghany Farm Services in Basom made a snowman out of agricultural drainage pipe.

Photo submitted by Michelle Battaglia 

There was a time when Jenny Wall thought practically about being a prison counselor, which is why she obtained an associate degree in human services.

But, a decent salary and retirement benefits aside, she pushed away practical and went for the dream. Wall, 38, who has owned and operated J Dubs Pizzas and Subs of Alexander for more than a dozen years, just opened Liberty’s Liquor Cabinet in October of this year, and added fish fries to her menu as of Friday (Dec. 3). 

“For the most part, I really liked running a kitchen, and I took a chance,” the Alexander native said during an interview Thursday. “It’s a lot harder than people think. It’s a lot of hours and a lot of sacrifice, but you do make some great relationships in the community. You’re so grateful that you have to do what you can, you’ve just got to keep on keeping on.”

A big part of Wall’s expansion has included the purchase of a building three years ago to house both of her business ventures at 10594 Main St., Alexander. A former appliance store, it took some renovations to make the place restaurant-worthy: a “nice big kitchen” and dining room expansion to accommodate 30 people. 

The pizzeria had formerly been across the street, but a talk with her dad, doing some research, and an entrepreneurial vision prompted Wall to buy the much larger site and move in with room to grow. Two years later another renovation paved the way for the liquor store. The property also contains three apartments and another woman-owned business of a beauty salon. A 12-space back parking lot was added in the last three years. 

Opening a pizzeria wasn’t a random move, Wall said, as she had worked in the pizza industry for about seven years until the last shop she was at closed. The question of working for someone else or going out on her own wasn’t an easy one, she said. 

“I kind of knew what I was doing; I had been doing every aspect of the business,” she said. “I hemmed and hawed for a week, and then I asked the landlord if I could rent the space. It was super scary.”

J Dubs moved into a spot that had been occupied by six pizzerias, all of which had closed in a 10-year span. Wall had a strategy of not using frozen dough; only freshly made from scratch and the same for the sauce. 

“I use really good products. I’ve kind of built a reputation that if you leave my place hungry, something’s wrong. A lot of customers have turned into family.”

The liquor store seemed like a natural fit, she said, and adding fish fries — using fresh haddock and a genuine “light and crunchy” beer batter — will run through Lent. She wanted all three components to be in the same central location.

Wall’s workweek is upwards of 60 hours, which leaves precious time for her to spend with husband Craig Romesser and their 7-year-old daughter Scarlett. Wall credits her family, her husband’s help for much of the renovation work, and her employees for their ongoing support, even when she took a six-week hiatus after giving birth to Scarlett. 

“I wouldn’t be able to do it without my employees; they are wonderful people. There’s no way I could do it without them,” she said. “It’s a wonderful feeling to have such a tight-knit group. I think you should treat your employees with the utmost respect, or you’re not going to survive.” 

As for respect, Wall has had to deal with people making assumptions about her as they ask to speak with the “boss.” She doesn’t think they mean any harm but wants to make it clear that women entrepreneurs are out in full force making a go of the business world. She’s been able to do it with support from friends, family, and the community, Wall said.

“Anybody can run a business, anybody can do whatever they put their mind to … it’s a different day and age,” she said. ”I have such a great circle, and am so grateful for that.” 

J Dubs is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Sundays during football season. Liberty’s Liquor Cabinet is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and seasonal hours are noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Fish fries are served at the pizzeria from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. To order, call 585-591-3827.

Photos by Howard Owens

Genesee County Manager Matt Landers, in response to a record number of new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, has revised the masking policy for county employees.

Effective yesterday, all county employees are required to wear masks while in county buildings, regardless of their vaccination status. Previously, the requirement was that county employees had to show that they were vaccinated in order to not have to wear an approved face covering.

“We can point to three key reasons why this change has been made,” Landers said last night. “First, Genesee County set a new record for positive cases in one day yesterday (Wednesday) with 82; next we are seeing that 35 percent of the positive cases are vaccine breakthrough cases (those who previously were vaccinated) and, although not confirmed, there is suspected spread of the virus from county employees.”

Landers said he is approaching further policy changes “in steps,” adding that the next step would be to require masking of members of the public in county facilities.

However, he said there would be “no step where we would impose anything on private entities, such as businesses. That would be left up to the state.”

He said he is leaving it up to department heads when it comes to specific buildings.

“At the Office for the Aging (on Bank Street), masks are required for both staff and the public,” he said, noting a higher risk among elderly residents.

Landers did say that once people are seated and kept apart by at least six feet, they can remove their masks.

The county employs about 500 people at various locations.

Press release:

Earlier today the City of Batavia Police Department was made aware of threats being spread on social media involving students from the Batavia City High School. Officers have been investigating, and continue to investigate this matter with assistance from our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in order to determine the credibility of the threats circulating.

Out of an over-abundance of caution, the District, in consultation with the Police Department, has made the decision to close all buildings within the Batavia City School District tomorrow, Friday, December 3.

"The Department is taking this matter seriously, and will devote the resources needed to ensure the safety and security of the students in the Batavia City School District.", stated Chief Shawn Heubusch, "We remind parents to continue to monitor their child's social media presence and report anything that is suspicious."

We ask that parents and students report any information relative to the threats going around by contacting the City of Batavia Police Department at 585-345-6350 or submit a tip on the Department's CrimeWatch page (www.bataviapolice.org). Further, we discourage the public from continuing to share any posts as it can create unnecessary fear within our community.  

Previously: City Schools to close Friday due to threats of violence on social media

Press release:

Over the last few hours, it’s been brought to the attention of the Batavia City School District (BCSD) administration that reports of threats of violence at buildings in the district are circulating on social media.

BCSD is currently working closely with the Batavia Police Department, and out of an abundance of caution, BCSD has decided to close all buildings in the district tomorrow, Friday, December 3, while the Batavia Police Department continues its investigation into whether these threats are credible.

All after-school activities are also canceled for Friday, December 3.

BCSD will continue to update students, families, and staff as relevant information on the investigation becomes available. The safety of BCSD students and staff is the top priority, and the district is taking these allegations against our community very seriously. 

If any student or family has any information regarding the threats, we ask that you please contact the Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350 or the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370. 

UPDATE: News release from the Richmond Memorial Library.

Along with the Batavia City School District, the Richmond Memorial Library will be closed on Friday, December 3 to deal with an emergency situation.