Submitted photo and press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) announced today that Ryan Silva, executive director of the New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC), will be the keynote speaker for the Annual Meeting at Batavia Downs on Friday, March 6.

The New York State Economic Development Council is the state’s principal organization representing the mission of professionals engaged in economic, community and workforce development.

The organization’s members include Industrial Development Agencies, Local Development Corporations, commercial and investment banks, private businesses, utilities, chambers of commerce, and higher education institutions across New York.

“Ryan is a tremendous advocate for economic development agencies across New York State and has significantly raised the profile of NYSDEC, especially from a public policy perspective,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC. “This will be a great opportunity for our partners across Genesee County to hear about statewide opportunities in economic development and how Genesee County is advancing our shared vision.”

Prior to joining NYSEDC in 2017, Silva served as vice president of Regional Economic Development and deputy director of the Regional Councils for Empire State Development (ESD) from 2014-2016, leading the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) process.

He began his economic development career at the local level, working for a decade at the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce and launching their Economic Development Partnership. 

“I am excited to be able to share with the GCEDC’s stakeholders how Genesee County and its partners are achieving economic growth,” Silva said. “This is an important time for our state to continue to grow our economy, and Genesee County’s strong vision and development strategy is showing the results we want to expand across New York.”

Silva has been recognized for his professional achievements throughout his career. He was selected as a City and State 40 under 40 Rising Star in 2018 and recipient of the Albany Business Review’s 40 under 40 Award in 2016, among many other career and community honors and recognitions.

Press release from the trustees of St. Paul Lutheran School:

St. Paul Lutheran School in Batavia would like to thank all the corporate sponsors for their donations to our annual auction.

With your donations our auction was a huge success!

Thank you to:

• Baldwin's Country Store
• Batavia Garage Door
• Batavia's Original Pizzeria
• Cinquino's Pizzeria
• Frank Morse Lawncare
• Home Depot
• Pizza 151
• Pudgie's Lawn & Garden
• Settler's Restaurant
• Sport of Kings Family Restaurant
• State Street Animal Hospital
• Tiffany Gill Photography
• Town & Country Restaurant
• Toyota of Batavia
• Valle's Jewelers
• Willow Group Inc.
• Promised Land CSA
• Center Street Smokehouse
• Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle
• Southside Deli
• Phillips Oil

We would also like to thank Ben Paratore, Mark Snyder (auctioneer extraordinaire,) folks of St. Paul Church Leadership Team, St. Paul Lutheran School staff, and all of the St. Paul Lutheran Church and School families.

Billie and Howard Owens of The Batavian, and Brian Quinn and Mark Gutman of The Batavia Daily News also helped to make our auction a success, THANK YOU!

Our school is blessed to have all of your loyal support!

St. Paul Lutheran School is accepting registrations for the 2020-2021 school year. St. Paul offers Christ centered education with small class sizes, individual attention for your child, and a child friendly environment with a committed and dedicated staff. We offer 3- and 4-year-old preschool through fifth grade.

We are located at 31 Washington Ave. in the City of Batavia. You can also contact us at (585)-343-0488 or at stpaulbataviaprincipal@gmail.com.

Press release:

As of Feb. 18, households can apply for a second emergency benefit through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) if they are in danger of running out of fuel or having their utility service shut off and have already received assistance from HEAP this winter.

Additionally, the deadline to apply for both regular and emergency HEAP benefits has been extended until April 24.

With this additional funding, eligible households could receive up to $2,200 from HEAP to help defray the cost of heating their home this winter.

Statewide demand for HEAP remains high. So far this winter more than 1.2 million households have received a regular HEAP benefit, with more than 40,000 of those also receiving an emergency HEAP benefit.

Deanna Lynn Yox, 34, of Broadway Road, Alexander, is charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. At 9:27 p.m. on Feb. 25, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to a residence on Broadway Road in the Town of Alexander for a physical altercation between a male and female. Following an investigation, Yox was arrested. She allegedly became involved in an altercation with an adult male and struck him multiple times in the face while in front of two children. Yox was issued appearance tickets and is due in Alexander Town Court at 4 p.m. on March 10. The case was handled by deputies Erik Andre and Brock Cummins.

Michael R. Lanze, 30, of Hutchins St., Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree harassment. Lanze was arrested at 10:29 p.m. on Feb. 10. It is alleged Lanze punched another person in the head during a domestic dispute, while in the presence of two children. Lanze was arraigned in Batavia City Court on Feb. 11 and released. He is due back in court today (Feb. 27). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Wesley Rissinger.

Shannon M. Armstead, 26, of Bloomingdale Road, Akron, is charged with: second-degree criminal mischief; petit larceny, thrid-degree criminal tampering; and second-degree harassment. On Feb. 24, Armstead was arrested on a Batavia City Court warrant after being located by NYS Police. The warrant stems from an investigation into a disturbance at an address in the 4000 block of West Main Street Road in Batavia on Oct. 1. Armstead is accused of throwing paint on the victim's car. Following arraignment in city court, Armstead was released on recognizance and is due in city court on March 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Raymond C. Cook, 49, of Pleasant Street, Le Roy, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more -- with a prior conviction within the last 10 years; driving while intoxicated -- with a prior conviction with the last 10 years; failure to keep right on a two-lane road; failure to return license plates/registration after revocation; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor in the second degree -- with drugs/alcohol involved. Cook was arrested on Main Street in Batavia at 1:14 a.m. on Feb. 13. Batavia Police officers Austin Hedges and Nicole McGinnis conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Cook was driving and allegedly determined he was intoxicated. Cook was arrested, then released with an appearance ticket for March 4 in Batavia City Court.

Heather K. MacPherson, 30, of Gully Road, Le Roy, is charged with driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent or more, and DWI. MacPherson was arrested at 3:03 a.m. Feb. 23 on Jackson Street in Batavia after she was allegedly found sleeping behind the wheel of her vehicle in the parking lot of a local vehicle. She was issued tickets returnable to Batavia City Court on March 4. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Joshua Girvin, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

Eric K. Ricks, 41, of Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested following an investigation into a domestic incident that occurred on Feb. 17 on Thomas Avenue in Batavia. Ricks was transported to Batavia Police headquarters and processed. He was then arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on his own recognizance He is due back in city court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

Dan. M. Carter, 58, of Leopard Street, Rochester, is charged with identity theft. Carter was arrested on Feb. 24 after a disturbance complaint on West Main Street in Batavia. He is accused of identity theft stemming from an incident at 3:59 p.m. on Feb. 28, 2017 in the 100 block of Walnut Street in the City of Batavia. Following his arraignment in Batavia City Court on Monday, he was released on his own recognizance and was due back in court today (Feb. 27). The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Wesley Rissinger.

Adam D. Altobelli, 39, of Schell Place, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. At 8:20 a.m. on Feb. 22, Altobelli was arrested after he allegedly stole a Red Bull energy beverage from the Dollar General store on East Main Street in Batavia. He was allegedly found to be in possession of a controlled substance at the time of his arrest. He was issued appearance tickets for Batavia City Court and is due there March 3. The case was handled by Batavia Police OfficerJoshia Girven, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

Jeremy M. Fairbanks, 42, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to comply with a court-ordered program. He was arrested and arraigned in Batavia City Court at 11:55 on Jan. 30 on a bench warrant. It was issued after he allegedly failed to comply with a court-ordered program on Jan. 22. He was released on an appearance ticket for city court Jan. 31 and was placed under supervision of Genesee Justice. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Alec Roberts, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Devon A. Wright, 18, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree. Wright was arrested at 5:34 p.m. Feb. 12 on Law Street in Batavia after a traffic stop. Wright was released on an appearance ticket for Feb. 25 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Muliple accidents are reported on Route 63 at Route 19 in Pavilion. Pavilion Fire Department is responding. Fire Police requested to shut down northbound traffic on Route 19. Law enforcement is on scene.

Press release:

As you try to make the most of your dollar, the county Weights & Measures Department is there to make sure you’re getting what you pay for. W&M acts as financial protection for both the buyer and the seller, ensuring fair transactions for all parties involved.

We celebrate these relationships during the first week of March, National Weights & Measures Week.

The Genesee County Weights & Measures Department tests devices used in your day-to-day activities; including devices at gas stations, grocery stores, delis, bakeries, produce stands, and laundromats to name a few.

Last year, 705 devices were tested in Genesee County.

Of those, 85.42 percent initially tested correct. When a device is found incorrect and in the stores favor, the Director orders the device repaired. The business cannot use that device until the correction has been retested and inspected by a W&M inspector.

The Department is also responsible for testing the quality of the fuel sold in the county, this effort is 100 percent reimbursed by New York State. Locally, there were zero octane/cetane failures in 2019.

The Genesee County Health Department is on the forefront when it comes to shared services, in our case, with Orleans County; a joint effort to better serve both communities.

Starting in January 2019, the counties agreed to fully combine the two Weights & Measures departments. This collaboration has created a safer and healthier environment for all residences as well as visitors to the area.

Between the two counties, the agreement has estimated savings of $54,290 in its initial year.

“Rarely does a costs saving result in better and more efficient services for the community, but this arrangement does exactly that," said Ronald P. Mannella, director of Weights & Measures for Genesee – Orleans County Departments of Health (GO Health). "We have figured it out. This department will continue to explore ways of stretching our taxpayer dollars."

Paul A. Pettit, Public Health director, said "This latest integrated approach to working across county lines and sharing services is another great example of how we can enhance benefits for our residents while reducing county costs.”

With support from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Genesee - Orleans and the surrounding counties are cracking down on credit card skimmers and those responsible.

W&M inspectors perform random sweeps of fuel stations looking for these fraudulent devices. Arrests have been made. Know that New York will not tolerate these criminal acts.

If you have suspicious credit card activity, call your bank immediately.

When shopping, look for the official seal. These seals indicate the device has been tested and passed inspection by a Weights & Measures inspector.

If you believe the device is incorrect, simply point your smartphone at the QR Code on the seal and you will be prompted to our department website. Once there, you are quickly able to report a complaint. This office will continue to accept phone calls and emails.

For information about Genesee CountyHealth Department services contact:

• Genesee County Health Department at: 344-2580, ext. 5555, or visit the website here.

Press release:

Officials from Batavia Downs Gaming and Western OTB formally closed the books on a record-breaking 2019. Revenues distributed to member municipalities totaled $3,628,250, a new high.

Distributions were given in the fourth quarter for the first time since 1999. Batavia Downs Gaming contributed $31,315,212.38 to State Education via the New York State Lottery in 2019. This was also a record, beating 2018’s number by $1.6 million.

Distributions to each municipality were as follows, first listed is in 2019, then since OTB’s inception:

City of Buffalo -- $341,896  /  $27,338,900

Cattaraugus County – $114,116  /  $5,098,921

Cayuga County -- $107,047  /  $5,291,686

Chautauqua County -- $187,170  /  $9,481,076

Erie County -- $860,687   /   $61,410,960

Genesee County -- $83,483  /  $12,556,944

Livingston County -- $89,637  /  $3,381,747

Monroe County -- $683,647  /  $40,091,743

Niagara County -- $278,003  /  $20,466,264

Orleans County -- $60,923  /  $2,529,226

Oswego County -- $115,898  /  $9,502,653

City of Rochester -- $269,704  /  $20,396,738

Seneca County -- $47,635  /  $2,994,175

Steuben County -- $136,002  /  $6,692,909

Schuyler County -- $26,509  /  $1,055,437

Wayne County -- $128,282  /  $5,076,503

Wyoming County -- $57,612  /  $1,875,587

“With the close of 2019, we’re able to really see what we’ve accomplished,” said Jacquelyne Leach, chief financial officer for WesternOTB/Batavia Downs. “Our total distributions to municipalities were $3,628,250, bringing our total since our inception to $235,241,469.

"We haven’t had distributions to municipalities in the fourth quarter since 1999 but with 6.85 percent growth in 2019’s fourth quarter, we were able to distribute $417,540 for the quarter to the counties and cities whom we serve.

"At a tax rate of 49 percent almost half of the money generated at Batavia Downs goes to NYS to help fund the State Education Budget. We’re proud to have given the highest amount we’ve ever had back to the citizens of New York.”

Henry Wojtaszek, president, and CEO of Batavia Downs, said: “These numbers are a testament to the hard work put in by our entire staff. By adding more events and promotions, we’ve continued the growth into 2020 with back to back record weeks in February and overall growth of 13 percent through the 24^th of February this year.

"With a highly anticipated Summer Concert Series, Racing Dates and promotions we’re looking forward to contributing more to our member municipalities and the State Education Fund.”

About Batavia Downs/WROTB

Owned and operated by 15 Western New York counties and the cities of Rochester and Buffalo, Western Region Off-Track Betting Corporation is a public benefit corporation with headquarters in Batavia, NY. WROTB owns and operates 17 branches, online Wagering site Bataviabets.com as well as Batavia Downs Gaming, a standardbred racetrack and gaming facility. Since its inception, Western Region OTB has generated over $235 million in operating and surcharge revenues to the taxpayers of those participating municipalities.

Press release:

Genesee County STOP-DWI coordinator Matt Landers, announced Wednesday (Feb. 26) that the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of Le Roy Police Department will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.

The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on March 13^th and will end on March 18^th. St. Patrick’s Day Weekend is a notoriously deadly period for impaired driving due to the number of celebrations and drivers on the road.

New York State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force in this across the board effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related injuries and deaths.

The STOP-DWI St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by STOP-DWI NY and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

This partnership has allowed local programs to significantly increase their enforcement and public awareness efforts. The Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign also targets Memorial Day, 4^thof July, Labor Day Weekend, Halloween and the national Holiday Season in December.

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have made great strides in reducing the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers.

You can do your part to become part of the solution by downloading our FREE mobile app “Have a Plan” at www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp and may the luck of the Irish be with you!

In Wednesday's Scholastic Bowl competition, Batavia scored 340 points in the second match to beat Notre Dame, 170, and Alexander, 160.

In the first match, Pembroke beat Le Roy and Alden 240 to 230 and 170.

A tractor-trailer slid off the roadway and is leaking fuel at 2264 Lewiston Road. No injuries. Alabama Fire Department is responding. The location is between Knowlesville and Lockport roads.

UPDATE 11:39 a.m.: Oakfield Fire Police called to provide traffic control at Lewiston and Lockport roads. A first responder on scene reports the fuel tanks on the disabled tractor-trailer are about half full; unsure of the amount of fuel that has leaked so far.

Photo, from left: Delcina Cassidy, Courtney George, Catherine Long and Mikayla Hickey.

Submitted photo and press release:

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit #576 of Le Roy has selected four local high school juniors girls to attend this years Empire Girls State week held at SUNY Brockport the week of June 28^th.

Delcina Cassidy of Le Roy High School, Catherine Long of Le Roy High School, Mikayla Hickey of Alexander High School and Courtney George of Pavilion High School have been selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) New York Girls State.

As part of the premier ALA program, the girls will study local, county, and state government processes during this five-day nonpartisan political learning experience. 

The girls were selected to attend Girls State based on selection criteria through Auxiliary unit and/or high school, which includes being in the top third of her class, along with consideration given to scholastic achievements, leadership, character, honesty and physical fitness.  

Delcina is the daughter of Glenn and Delcina Cassidy. She is involved in the National Honor Society, school musicals, cross country team, indoor and outdoor track. Participates in many clubs, helped multiple times during community service, and assists at the Community Kitchen.

Catherine is the daughter of Rob and Julie Long. She participates in National Honor Society, Scholastic Bowl, Math Team, Emerging Knights, Chorus, Band, Marching Band, Eastman Honors Wind Ensemble, Hochstein Youth Wind Symphony and also helped multiple times doing community service projects.

Mikayla is the daughter of Mike and Cherie Hickey. She participates in many activities in her school and community, including National Honor Society, Ace/Stem program at Genesee Community College, HOBY 2019 member, Math Team, Mock Trial, band, plays soccer, softball, and is a student rep for the 2019 Alexander Building Project Board. She also volunteers at her church, participates in the wrestling tournament and the Alexander’s Outdoor classroom.

Courtney is the daughter of Tracie Rowland and Michael George. She is active in her school and community, including National Honor Society, Youth Leaders Conference, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Spanish Club, Future Farmers of America, and she plays volleyball, softball and is active in her community with Food Link and a member of the Girls Service League.

ALA Girls State attendees, known as “citizens,” receive special instruction in parliamentary procedure and organize themselves into two mock political parties.

The young women then campaign, hold rallies, debate, and ultimately vote to elect city, county, and state officials. Once elected to office, delegates are sworn in and perform their prescribed duties.

Attendees not elected to office are given appointments and visit the offices of those elected to share their viewpoints as citizens.

Every spring, approximately 25,000 young women across the country are selected to attend ALA Girls State programs in their respective states. Two outstanding citizens from each of the 50 ALA Girls State programs are then chosen to represent their state as “senators” at ALA Girls Nation held in Washington, D.C. in July.

Congratulations girls!

Schools that have canceled classes:

• Batavia City Schools
• Byron-Bergen Central School
• Elba Central School 
• LeRoy Central School 
• Notre Dame High School
• Oakfield-Alabama Central School
• Pavilion Central School
• GCC Batavia campus

Closures and cancellations:

• Richmond Memorial Library
• Office for the Aging has cancelled Meals On Wheels deliveries today and congregate meal sites are closed. Cients should use their emergency meals.
• Liberty Center for Youth is closed.
• GAPA's "Employee Engagement" event at the Dibble Center tonight is canceled.
• Classic Optical

Email closures and cancellations to howard@thebatavian.com

The 17-year-old right-hander put together 12 straight strikes in the middle game during the T.F. Brown’s Adult-Child League at Mancuso Bowling Center. His other games were 208 and 209, giving him a personal-best 717 series.

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For more local and national bowling news, check out Mike Pettinella’s Pin Points bowling column that appears every Thursday exclusively on The Batavian.

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Using a MOTIV Venom Shock ball (the only ball in his possession besides a plastic spare ball), the Batavia High School senior bettered his previous high game of 279 – and can claim his USBC award for his first 300 as a youth bowler. He also will be eligible for a USBC adult award when he posts his first perfect game after the age of 18.

He is the second local teen to roll his first 300 game in the past two weeks; classmate Tony Sprague registered 300 on Feb. 16 at Medina Lanes.

Johnson, who bowls in the doubles league with his father, Mike, said he wasn’t nervous.

“Once I got to the 10^th frame, I noticed after the first ball what I was going for,” he said. “I was thinking just make a good shot. If I made a good shot and I didn’t strike, I couldn’t really be mad.”

Mike Johnson, a lefty, has several 300 games and four 800 series, and Kyle’s brother, Bryan, also had a 300 game (which he rolled as a 19-year-old on March 2014).

Kyle said he got back into bowling recently after an 18-month layoff, but found that he was having problems with his release.

He said that a trip to Lightning Strikes Pro Shop in Rochester, owned by Chris Lamb, resulting in changing the pitch of his finger holes.

“My ring finger is a lot shorter than my middle finger, so we had to take an eighth of an inch back towards my thumb on my ring finger and leave my middle finger in the same spot,” he said. “Before that, it was catching on my thumb, and I was squeezing the ball.”

Johnson says he plans to compete in the Brockmyre Classic singles scratch tournament in Newark this weekend – an event that traditionally features a very challenging oil pattern.

“We’ll give it a try,” he said. “It will be good experience.”

MICKEY HYDE ROLLS 300 IN LE ROY

On several occasions over his 15 years as a regular league bowler at his hometown Le Roy Legion Lanes, Mickey Hyde came oh so close to perfection. He’s had 298 and 299 games, but never could seal the deal.

All that changed last Thursday night when the 53-year-old righty placed 12 consecutive balls in the pocket – and carried them all – for a 300 game in the Le Roy American Legion Men’s League. He finished with a 741 series on lanes 1-2.

“I used the original (Hammer) Black Widow ball that was drilled about 14 years ago by Bill Beachner (then at Perry Bowling Center),” Hyde said. “It feels really good to finally get one here.”

Hyde, manager of Tompkins Bank of Castile in Le Roy, had a 300 in 2010 at Scopano’s Lanes in Oakfield.

He won the Genesee Region USBC Senior Masters at Mount Morris Lanes in November, and has enjoyed success in a variety of tournaments over the years.

While the 300 topped the “high game” list in the league last Thursday, his 741 was second-best to the 749 posted by his nephew, Shayne Herold.

Press release:

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (INWR) announces changes to the turkey hunt and youth turkey hunt application processes for the 2020 season.

In order to streamline these processes, applications are now done online here. You can create an account, or log into your existing account at the website. Once you are logged in, select the appropriate hunt, and follow the prompts to apply.

Applications can be filled out online from March 1 until April 1 for both hunts.

The youth turkey applications will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no fee for this permit.

The preseason lottery will be conducted to select hunters for the first and second sessions of the spring turkey hunt season. Please note there will be a $5 application fee to cover administrative costs.

Winners will be notified approximately one week after the close of the application period by email, whether selected or not.

All other aspects of the Iroquois NWR turkey hunt will be similar to previous years.

Hunters with disabilities may contact the refuge for information on how to apply.

Please see the Turkey Hunting and Youth Turkey Hunt Fact Sheets for full details on the 2020 hunting season, which can be found on the Permits page of the INWR website.

INWR is located midway between Buffalo and Rochester, and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For further information contact Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013, or call 585-948-5445.

A Canadian trucker was cited in a three-vehicle crash Feb. 20  that caused a Le Roy truck driver to injure his back. The accident occurred on Route 63 in the Town of Covington, Wyoming County.

Richard Witzel, of Le Roy, was transported to Wyoming County Community Hospital for back pain following the collision involving a passenger vehicle and two tractor-trailers.

According to Deputy Sampson (first name not provided) of the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to the accident scene and determined Kayla Allen, 34, of Warsaw, was waiting to turn onto Court Road when she was rear-ended.

Allen was waiting for a westbound tractor-trailer to pass in order to make her turn, when a second tractor-trailer, driven by Randeep Sidhu, of Ontario, Canada, failed to stop and rear-ended Allen's vehicle.

The collision cause Allen's car to be pushed forward and under the westbound tractor-trailer operated by Witzel. The impact caused Witzel's axles to break off of his trailer.

Allen's vehicle was demolished and she was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester for chest injuries.

All three vehicles had to be towed from the scene due to extensive damage.

Sidhu was charged with following too closely. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Covington Town Court at a later date.

Assisting Wyoming County Sheriff's deputies at the scene were the NYS Police, Pavilion Fire Department, Medic 80, BLS1, Karson's Garage, Stella's Towing, and T and R Collision.

City of Batavia leaders have been working diligently to erase a projected $700,000 shortfall in the 2020-21 budget, reducing expenses by nearly $350,000 while proposing a 7.48 percent property tax increase to generate the remaining $350,000.

City Manager Martin Moore on Tuesday sent an email to The Batavian outlining the departments and/or programs that have been targeted for cuts.

The actual amount of expense cuts (totaling $348,329) from the municipality’s general fund are as follows:

-- General operations -- $60,165;
-- Youth bureau -- $18,230;
-- Information systems -- $20,000;
-- Department of Public Works -- $117,114;
-- Police -- $77,870;
-- Fire -- $54,950.

As previously reported, the cuts include eliminating (for now) the hiring of an additional school resource officer as part of the police department.

Moore’s revised budget – his first budget called for a 0.97 tax hike – was prompted by what is shaping up to be the loss of $440,000 in revenue from video lottery terminal usage at Batavia Downs Gaming. The VLT money currently has been added to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s state budget.

Still, there is a $260,000 difference between the VLT money loss and the $700,000 shortfall.

The Batavian has sent an email to Moore seeking an explanation, specifically the line items and/or factors that resulted in that situation, and will update this story upon his response.

Press release:

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer today released a detailed proposal for $8.5 billion in emergency funding to fight the spread of coronavirus in the United States.

“Congress must act swiftly to confront the threat of this global health crisis,” Schumer said. “This proposal brings desperately needed resources to the global fight against coronavirus.

"Americans need to know that their government is prepared to handle the situation before coronavirus spreads to our communities. I urge the Congress to move quickly on this proposal. Time is of the essence.”

With no plan to deal with the potential public and global health crisis related to the novel coronavirus, the Trump Administration made an emergency supplemental appropriations request on Monday.

It was too little and too late — only $1.25 billion in new funding. For context, Congress appropriated more than $6B for the Pandemic Flu in 2006 and more than $7B for H1N1 (Swine) flu in 2009.

The administration’s request also asked Congress to reprogram funding dedicated to fighting Ebola — still considered an epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (the second-biggest Ebola epidemic ever recorded, behind the West Africa outbreak of 2014-2016) — to deal with the coronavirus, which would make American people and the world less safe.

America must prepare for — and aggressively combat — all infectious diseases with urgency and vigor. In order to do so, we need a comprehensive plan and robust resources to execute a mission.

Thus far, the Trump Administration has failed to develop a plan and request the appropriate resources from Congress. Many of our states and cities have been left to foot the bill. The Schumer Supplemental request will address these problems.

1. $1.5B for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention—Including for the Infectious Disease Rapid Response Reserve Fund (IDRRRF​)and Global Health Security

a. CDC is at the front lines of America’s domestic and international response to the coronavirus. This funding is needed to strengthen critical support to state and local health departments, bolster laboratory work, and more.

Other activities, like the evacuation of American citizens from China, deployment of CDC staff to states and ports of entry, and the purchase of protective and laboratory equipment and supplies, have been supported by the IDRRRF, depleting this fund.

2. $3 billion for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund

a. The Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund helps drive our nation’s medical and public health preparedness for, response to, and recovery from disasters and public health emergencies. These funds would ensure our Department of Health and Human Services has the resources need to do the job and help contain the spread of this new virus.

3. $2 billion set-aside for State and Local Reimbursement

a. State and local health departments are on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak. Many cities, like New York, have already spent millions on personnel, lab equipment, and supplies. Additional expenditures are expected to include supplies for hospital triage and isolation spaces, as well as lab testing. Additionally, there’s significant need for staff and other resources to support the public health and healthcare response, including implementing the federal quarantine order. These activities require around-the-clock staffing, temporary housing, transportation, cleaning contracts, and wrap-around services.

4. $1B for the USAID Emerging Health Threats—Emergency Reserve Fund

a. The global health community is actively fighting the dual threats of Ebola and coronavirus in the midst of a potentially severe influenza season. This global response is a resource intensive effort. The international effort, led by the United States, is severely underfunded. The Emergency Reserve Fund allows USAID to respond to emerging health threats that pose severe risks to human health.

5. $1B for the National Institutes of Health—Vaccine Development

a. For the preclinical and clinical development and testing of vaccines and other medical countermeasures for the coronavirus.

Calvin John Rodriguez, 40, of Hillside Avenue, New York City, is charged with: criminal contempt in the second degree; obstructing governmental administration; two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree; and possession of a hypodermic instrument. On Monday (Feb. 24), the Genesee County Sheriff's Office was investigating a violation of a duly served order of protection. Deputies located the suspect -- Rodriguez -- who allegedly had made threatening gestures toward the protected party and acted in a manner contrary to the provisions set forth in the order of protection. During the interview with deputies, he allegedly attempted to flee the encounter and resisted as deputies attempted to perform their lawful duties. He was taken into custody and charged with criminal contempt in the second degree and obstructing governmental administration. The investigation led to the execution of a search warrant at an address on Park Road in the Town of Batavia. During the search, methamphetamine, prescription medications and drug paraphernalia were located, allegedly possessed by Rodriguez. He was arraigned the next day in Batavia City Court on the charge of second-degree criminal contempt -- a qualified offense under the new Bail Reform Law, and the other charges. He was put in the custody of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office in lieu of cash bail or bond. He is to appear in both City and Town of Batavia courts at a later date. Assisting in the investigation were members of the Genesee County Drug Task Force, Sheriff's Sgt. Michael Lute, Deputy Brock Cummins, Batavia Police, along with the GC District Attorney's Office. Rodriguez was also charged with petit larceny in connection with an incident that allegedly occurred the afternoon of June 8 at Kohl's department store on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia. He received an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia Town Court on March 5 to answer that charge. The petit larceny case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.