Skip to main content

Video: Public service video for June Election

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
.pane-node-body img {background: none !important; border: 0 !important; margin: 0 !important; padding: unset !important; padding-left: 1px !important } broadstreet.zone(69076)

The Genesee County Election Commission has released a new video in advance of the June gubernatorial primary.

Oakfield Fire receives 98 cases of canned water donated by Anheuser-Busch

By Howard B. Owens

ofdbeerwater_16902401.jpg

Looks can be deceptive.  That's not a can of Budweiser in a firefighter's hand.  It's a cold drink of water courtesy of Anheuser-Busch.

Joshua Finn, president and a captain with Oakfield Volunteer Fire Department, heard about a program run by Anheuser-Busch to provide cans of drinking water to volunteer firefighting companies so he applied on the behalf of Oakfield Fire.

Then he forgot about the application.

On Tuesday, he was notified to expect a special delivery.  the next day, 98 cases of canned drinking water arrived at the department. 

"This water will be used for events and emergencies as well as shared with our neighboring departments," Finn said. 

Anheuser-Busch says that since the program began, the company has donated 4.8 million cans of emergency drinking water to more than 900 volunteer fire departments across 49 states.

Submitted photos.

ofdbeerwater_67177729.jpg

Pair of BOCES students win $10k scholarships in auto tech competition

By Press Release

ron_smith_comp_1.jpg

Press release:

Two Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center Auto Tech students brought home a very BIG trophy on May 21!

Conner Gale from Byron-Bergen Central Schools, and Noah Burke from Batavia City Schools, took first place in the Ron Smith Memorial Automotive Competition that was held at Erie Community College and sponsored by Niagara Frontier Automotive Dealer Association (NFADA).

Each student won a $10,000 college scholarship, as well as, a $5,000 tool scholarship.

Charlie Pfeil and Tom Hermann, representatives from NFADA, recently paid a visit to the Batavia CTE Center to recognize these two students and also present them with their scholarship certificates.

Hermann explained how noteworthy it was for these two high school seniors to win this competition.

“This is a very big deal for you to win the competition. In the past, the winners of the competition have been people who have graduated from high school and are employed at dealerships,” Hermann said.  “This is a great accomplishment to put on your resume. The future is yours.”

When asked about the competition both Connor and Noah said that they were apprehensive.

“It was nerve-racking,” Noah said.  “We knew the tasks that we had to complete but we weren’t sure of the specific issues we had to fix. But we worked together as a team.” (One of the tasks included diagnosing and repairing an issue with a vehicle that had been purposely bugged.)

Overall, both students felt prepared for the competition.  “We spent time after school preparing and also spent a week working at Basil Ford in Buffalo so we could work on newer model vehicles,” Connor said.  “The extra time that we spent preparing really paid off. Mr. Yates really helped us to understand how to problem solve,” Noah said.

Bob Yates, Auto Technology Instructor, said, "Conner and Noah represented Genesee Valley BOCES and my Automotive Technology class in the most professional manner. These two students were so dedicated and spent many hours preparing for the competition,” Yates said.  “This preparedness proved their success, and I’m so proud of Connor and Noah.”

Both Noah and Conner plan to pursue their education.  Conner is currently employed at Livingston Associates and plans to go to college for automotive technology.  Noah plans to attend the State University of New York at Morrisville to study Automotive Management.

Vincent Dickinson, a junior from Batavia City Schools, placed second in the Ron Smith Memorial Automotive Competition Tire Rodeo.  This event is a timed event test of how a student to properly mounts, balances and, installs a tire.

Congratulations to Conner Gale, Noah Burke, and Vincent Dickinson.

 

Top photo: Margaret Poray, Executive Principal GV BOCES Batavia Campus; Bob Yates, Auto Technology Instructor; Noah Burke, Conner Gale, Charlie Pfeil and Tom Hermann, representatives from NFADA.

Submitted photos.

ron_smith_comp_2.jpg

 Vincent Dickinson and Bob Yates with Vincent’s award for placing second in the Ron Smith Memorial Automotive Competition Tire Rodeo.

‘Wings Over Batavia’ air show slated for return in September 2023

By Press Release

wwiiplanemay102014-10.jpg

Press release:

Genesee County officials and business leaders are joining forces to once again fill the Batavia skies with the one-of-a-kind excitement generated by a professional air show.

The “Wings Over Batavia” festival -- a family-oriented event that is looking to feature awe-inspiring aerobatic jet teams such as the Blue Angels, Thunderbirds or Snowbirds and patriotic displays of F16 and F22 fighter jets -- tentatively has been scheduled for Sept. 15-17, 2023, at the Genesee County Airport on Saile Drive.

“We are in the process of putting committees together to handle the various aspects of conducting a show of this magnitude,” said County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens, who also oversees operations at the airport. “We haven’t had an air show since 1998, and it’s long overdue.”

Hens has presided over two meetings attended by county emergency services department staff members as well as municipal and agency representatives. Plans are to offer “a successful and safe event,” he said, adding that the group has enlisted the services of Doreen Hillard of Fort Worth, Texas, who has years of experience in the air show industry throughout the United States.

Batavia entrepreneur Peter Zeliff has been selected to serve as the festival’s general chair, with assistance from Hillard.

At Wednesday’s meeting at the county Fire Training Center on State Street Road, Zeliff said the committee is pursuing an agreement with Dennis Dunbar of Berlin, Wis., director of Air Show Operations for EAA AirVenture and president of Dunbar Airshows, to be the show’s promoter.

“With Doreen and Dennis on board, we know that our show will be first-rate,” Zeliff said. “And with the community’s support, we believe this is something that can take place on an annual basis.”

Zeliff said he already has been in contact with leading aviation industry operations and Genesee County business owners regarding sponsorship of the show.

“It is going to take a lot of financial and volunteer support to make this happen, and we’re counting on the people of the GLOW region to come through,” Zeliff added.

Photo: file photo of Whiskey 7 by Howard Owens

The air festival is scheduled to take place in conjunction with the renewal of the Wing Ding event on Sept. 16 in the City of Batavia.

Residents interested in volunteering in the planning and on-site operations of the air show are asked to contact Hens at tim.hens@co.genesee.ny.us.

Special Olympics celebrated with annual Law Enforcement Torch Run to ARC location in Batavia

By Press Release

12arctorchrun.jpg

Press release:

Law Officers ran for a cause Thursday to support Special Olympics!  The Law Enforcement Torch Run, organized by Genesee County Sheriff’s Department Investigator Chad Minuto, is a 5k route from the Sheriff’s office on Park Road to Arc GLOW’s GO TO Hub location on Walnut Street.  The event brings awareness to Special Olympics and athletes with disabilities.

Scott, an individual in Arc GLOW’s AIM Day Habilitation program helped carry the torch over the finish line, and then everyone was treated to a picnic lunch and had an opportunity to visit with the officers.

The following participated in the event: Investigator Chad Minuto, Investigator Kevin Forsyth, Deputy Rachel Diehl, Deputy Jordan Alejandro, Deputy Trevor Sherwood, Undersheriff Brad Mazur, Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, Batavia Police Detective Steve Cronmiller, Genesee County Corrections Officer Austin Davis, Genesee County Corrections Officer Tyler Stewart and Retired Gates Police Officer Daniel Perl. Assisting with traffic were Genesee County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Kyle Krzemien and Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is an annual event that has been held at the Arc Chapter’s Genesee County location since 2005.  “Everyone looks forward to this day, to support the officers as they raise awareness for Special Olympics,” Arc’s Community Relations Coordinator Sandy Konfederath said.  “The rain certainly didn’t dampen their enthusiasm,” she added.

1arctorchrun.jpg

5arctorchrun.jpg

1aarctorchrun.jpg

Accident with minor injuries reported at Warboys and 237, Byron

By Howard B. Owens

A motor vehicle accident is reported at Route 237 and Warboys Road, Byron.

Injuries are "relatively minor" according to a chief on scene. 

Byron, South Byron fire departments responding along with Mercy EMS

Fire police requested to the scene for traffic control.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of assaulting neighbor, stealing neighbor's bike

By Howard B. Owens

Arthur L. Golden, 63, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Golden is accused of stealing a bicycle from a neighbor on East Main Street at 6:36 p.m., May 20. The bicycle was recovered and returned to its owner. Golden was issued an appearance ticket.

Arthur L. Golden, 63, of Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd. Golden is accused of attempting to assault one of his neighbors in an apartment complex at 4:15 a.m., May 26.  Golden was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. He was issued an order of protection and ordered to return to court on June 16.

Luis Gilbert Torres, 42, of Gilbert Street, Le Roy, is charged with assault 2nd, menacing 2nd, and criminal possession of a weapon 3rd.  Torres was arrested on June 1 in the Village of Le Roy. Information on his alleged offense was not released. he was arraigned in Town of Le Roy Court and ordered jailed on $20,000, $40,000 bond, or $80,000 partially secured bond.  

Julious "Fatboy" Murphy, 69, of Jerome Place, Batavia, is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd, and criminal possession of controlled substance 3rd. Murphy was arrested Sunday on a sealed Grand Jury indictment during a traffic stop by Batavia PD. Murphy is accused of selling crack cocaine to an agency of the Local Drug Task Force while in Batavia.  Murphy was arraigned in Genesee County Court and released under supervision.

Delonta Rashid Sharif Curry, 21, of Thomas Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and speeding. Curry was stopped at 12:06 a.m., June 1, on Route 33 in Bergen, by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush. He was released on appearance tickets.

Logan Michael Biedrzycki, 19, Sunridge Drive, Rochester, is charged with three counts of reckless endangerment 1st, unlawful fleeing a police officer, acting in a manner injurious to a child, criminal possession of a weapon, and reckless driving. Biedrzycki is accused of fleeing from Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush after the deputy attempted to make a traffic stop at 4:03 p.m., June 5, on Biedrzycki's vehicle. It's alleged there was a juvenile in the vehicle.  Biedrzycki was arraigned in Stafford Town Court and ordered to reappear on July 12.

Andrew Joseph Draper, 43, of Miller Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving while impaired by drugs, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, unlicensed driver, and inadequate headlights.  Draper was stopped at 11:26 p.m., Dec. 21, on West Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Morgan Ewert.  Draper was arrested on June 6.  He was arraigned in City Court and ordered to reappear on June 29.

Jacqueline Patrice Olsen, 60, no address released, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and speeding.  Olsen was stopped at 10:12 p.m., June 1, on Ellicott Street Road, Bethany, by Deputy Trevor Sherwood. Olsen was ordered to appear in court on July 27.

Tarrence Y. Williams, 22, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd and two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd. Williams was arrested on June 9 as the result of an investigation by the Local Drug Task Force into the transportation, sale, and possession of crack cocaine in the City of Batavia. Williams was arraigned in Genesee County Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Kimberly Ann Brodsky, 30, of County Complex Drive, Canandaigua, is charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th.  Brodsky is accused of stealing, in conjunction with an unidentified white male, merchandise from Kohl's Department Store at 7:46 p.m., May 25.  Brodsky was arrested by Deputy Andrew Mullen.  Brodsky is scheduled to appear in Town of Batavia Court on July 5.

Nikita N. Shook, 36, of Perry, is charged with petit larceny. Shook was arrested on a warrant in Wyoming Couty by State Police. The warrant was issued after an investigation by Batavia PD into an alleged theft on April 23. Shook is accused of stealing property from another person. Shook was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance.

Mary I. Flick, 51, of Batavia, is charged with DWI/drugs, unlicensed operation, and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Flick was arrested on a warrant by Batavia in relation to an incident on June 2. She was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision.

Erica M. Raphael, 37, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant.  Raphael was sentenced on the charges contained in the warrant. The charges were not specified in the release by Batavia. The sentence issued was not released by Batavia PD.

Alicia M. Lyons, 42 of Batavia, is charged with trespass. Lyons is accused of entering a business she had previously been told not to enter at 12:46 p.m., May 28. Lyons was issued an appearance ticket.

Yasier A. Castro Rivera, 34, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal impersonation, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, speeding, and aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd.  Castro Rivera was stopped by a Batavia patrol officer at 9:48 p.m., May 25, on Oak Street. Castro Rivera was issued an appearance ticket.

Dajuandrick C. Gardner, 45, of Batavia, is charged with bail jumping 2nd. Gardner is accused of failing to appear in court.  He was jailed without bail and ordered to return to court on June 16.

Robert J. Ritchey, 58, of Oakfield, is charged with forcible touching, sex abuse of a victim less than 13 years old, and acting in a manner injurious to a child. The alleged incident was reported at 10:04 a.m., April 5. This is a pending investigation.  Ritchey was arrested by State Police on June 8. He was ordered held.  No further details were released.

Dustin M. Locicero, 37, of Boliver, is charged with burglary and petit larceny. Locicero was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 8:56 p.m., June 5, in the Town of Darien.  He is also charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th and falsifying business records in connection with an incident reported at 11:47 a.m., June 6 at a location in the Town of Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.  No further information was released.

Joshua P. Martin, 38, of Basom, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd, two counts of criminal contempt 1st, and endangering the welfare of a child. Martin was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 7:27 p.m., June 8, in the Town of Batavia.  His release status is "cash bail."  No further details released.

Traffic delays expected on Columbia, Seneca, Miller avenues Friday

By Joanne Beck

Press Release

All motorists please be aware that Columbia Avenue, Seneca Avenue, and Miller Avenue will experience traffic delays on Friday, June 10th from 7AM to 3PM for cold milling operations.

While work is being performed in this area, the roadway will be closed to all through traffic. Local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence/property but should plan accordingly for delays.

All residents/businesses within the work area are asked not to park on the roadway during the operation.

This is weather dependent work; if work is postponed it shall progress the next workday.

Please contact the Bureau of Maintenance at 585-345-6400, Option 1 if there are any questions.

Photo: Storm clouds over Indian Falls

By Howard B. Owens

img_2056.jpg

Joanne Meiser submitted the photo of storm clouds rolling in near McAlpine Road in Indian Falls.

There is a strong thunderstorm alert for parts of Genesee County through 8:30 p.m.

Winds could exceed 35 mph and there may be pea-sized hail.

Areas affected could be Batavia, Darien Lakes State Park, Le Roy, Pembroke, Pavilion, Byron, Oakfield, Stafford, Alabama, Corfu, Elba, and Alexander.

Offering a retail personal touch, a brand new police station, fire and DPW upgrades and booming ice arena in city's future

By Joanne Beck

citymanagerrtjune92022.jpg

Editor's Note: This is part of an ongoing series about city updates and visions from city officials. 

If you ever have opportunity to shop Rodeo Drive, be prepared for personal attention, the feeling of luxury, and some mighty big pricetags.

While strolling down the ritzy commercial zone in Beverly Hills may seem an obscure comparison, it is something worth considering right here in Batavia, City Manager Rachael Tabelski says.

A shopping experience can happen anywhere, she says.

"So here, the retailers like, I think of the bicycle shop, or Charles Men's Shop, they make it an experience for the person shopping there. I do think we'd have what it takes, and will continue to be more and more attractive as these new investments come online. With the building rehabs (and expansion of the YMCA), all of that starts to build more momentum for people to be downtown,” Tabelski said during an interview with The Batavian. “And when you have people, then having the retail offerings comes naturally. So I do feel that we will succeed in bringing more retail back into our downtown, whether it's a large department store or in places like Saratoga Springs, where they have small shops that are like the Gap and Banana Republic. I would love to see that here someday, like specialty shops, specialty brands.”

As for why some of the more exclusive-type shops make it while others do not, she thinks it may be about timing. Pollyanna and Dot, for example, was a successful boutiquey shop with a hint of vintage, but “they hit the market before we were quite ready,” she said.

“But you know, they were on the front end of the momentum building,” she said. “I think as we continue, there's definitely going to be more opportunities for retail offerings. And then the other side of that is online ordering.”

hochulshoplocalnov262016.jpeg

She pointed to some retailers that seem to do a good job at those personal experiences, such as Adam Miller Toy & Bicycle shop, Charles Men's Shop and Valle Jewelers.

“They become successful because, it's not just ‘I’m running to get a suit,’ it’s ‘I’m going to see Dave and I'm going to talk to everyone there and I'm going to, you know, get measured for this and that and the other thing, and get dry cleaned all at the same time,” she said. “Or they're going to have nights where — Valle Jewelers is really good at this —  I think they have nights where you can come in and they have hors d'oeuvres, and then everyone stands around and chats, and you can do your shopping for your birthdays for the next few months there. Like I said, it makes it more of an experience than just a ‘I get to run in and get something at Wal-Mart.’ So I think that's the key to these retailers is finding niches of buyers; they need to operate online, but in person they need to offer these experiences for their customers. And I think a lot of them here do that. And those are the ones that have been successful.”

While we’re downtown, what’s happening with the new police station plans?
"Right now, the police station is under design. And we are just getting our first look at what's called a schematic design and potential pricing of the police station. So internally, we'll be reviewing that, we'll be looking to determine the affordability of all the elements, they kind of give all the elements you want in a building, and then they put it together and they give you a price and you're like, okay, well, now we'll move forward with that internally,” she said. “So we are looking forward to continuing the process with the architect and engineering firm we selected, which is Ashley McGraw out of Syracuse. And then they move once we've kind of settled on this, what they call final schematic design.”

From that point, the process moves into design-draft documents of the station. City officials hope that the project can be finalized and go out for bids on construction by the next calendar year, she said. Tabelski predicts that city police staff won’t be moving into new digs until summer of 2024, with an allotted 18-month construction period.

“So overall, I think the process is moving along. And we're getting through the design elements of the facility,” she said.

As for financing, a “level debt” payment plan that is paid into reserves, and a potential $2.5 million “direct spending request” submitted to senators Chuck Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Chris Jacobs are to assist with capital costs of the new facility, she said.

There is also a City Fire and Public Works departments project that will resume after being stalled during — you guessed it — COVID-19. City staff has “picked that back up” to finally get some work done that, up to now, has only been talked about “for many, many years,” she said.

A $1.1 million project focuses on the Bureau of Maintenance garage, which is to get a new air filtration system to ensure a safe space inside where gasoline-fueled vehicles operate. The fire station is slated for a new generator and boiler, handicap accessibility to the front of the building and parking bay apron and some improvements to the restrooms and locker rooms, she said.

mccarthydedication2022-2.jpeg

On the other side of town, the new David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena was officially named, per a 10-year lease agreement with Guy Pellegrino for the naming rights. With the end of Firland Management’s involvement (the company announced previously it was not renewing its contract in June), the city has put out a request for proposals to find a new management company for the Evans Street site.

RFPs are to be into the city by Friday. What if a company wants to put its own name on the arena in addition to managing operations?

“If there was anyone that wanted to come in and rename the rink, it would have to be a renegotiation of that contract. I do not see us changing that in any way, shape, or form,” she said. “So I would consider the naming rights stable.”

The RFPs specify that the contract would be for the McCarthy arena, so a managing company would know up front that the name is in place, she said. As of Thursday, there have been five RFP "respondents" seeking additional information, she said. Some of them have contacted her for more details and/or requested tours of the ice rink.

“So there's definitely been an interest in operating at the rink. And I'm excited to see what those proposals look like. They’ll be scored internally. And then the recommendation will be brought to council. And we hope to have everything set by the July 11 meeting,” she said. “I’m very excited to see the interest in operating the rink. I think whoever comes in next is going to have the passion to maybe bring new things to the rink, and continue to operate it and work with the city. The city is responsible for the building and the capital improvements and needs to work hand in hand with the operator. And the operator needs to work hand in hand with GAHA (Genesee Amateur Hockey Association).”

Other groups that use the rink regularly include Batavia City Schools, Notre Dame’s hockey team and a local men’s league.

Overall, she is looking for an entity that would not only have great financial planning capability and business sense, but would also have “a great ability to communicate with all parties to make sure that the ring is being utilized as much as possible, and being put to use in our community,” she said.

“And there's a return on that to our businesses in the community because the more people we draw into our city for different things like hockey tournaments and hockey games, the more spin-off economic impact we have in our restaurants and our retail and other areas,” she said. “So there's definitely an economic impact to the rink, and the respondents are going to really need to highlight how they see themselves running this … and make it a lively and vibrant place similar to what Robbie Nichols Did with Dwyer Stadium. He has done phenomenal ever since, and promotions and involving the KMS dance team, involving Little League, involving the high school baseball team. He's really brought the community together at the stadium for a lot of different things.”

Next up is about city sidewalk and street repairs, with a map of sidewalk projects to date.

Top Photo: City Manager Rachael Tabelski in her office at City Hall. 2016 File Photo: Gov. Kathy Hochul during a prior visit with downtown retailers, including Adam Miller Toy & Bicycle on Center Street. 2022 File Photo: A crowd celebrates the official naming of the David M. McCarthy Ice Arena, which has great potential to be a booming ice complex, City Manager Rachael Tabelski says. Photos by Howard Owens.

Accident reported at Sumner and Fargo, Darien

By Howard B. Owens

A two-car motor vehicle accident is reported at Sumner Road and Fargo Road in Darien.

Injuries are reported.

A utility pole is damaged

Darien Fire and ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 5:46 p.m.: Two minor injuries. Mercy EMS requested to the scene non-emergency.

Average gas price locally jumps 15 cents in four days, NYS tops $5 for first time

By Press Release

Press release from Automobile Association of America:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.97, up 10 cents since Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.07. The New York State average is $5.01 ($5.009 to be exact), up 13 cents since Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.09. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

  • Batavia - $4.90 (up 15 cents since Monday)
  • Buffalo - $4.89 (up 17 cents since Monday)
  • Elmira - $4.97 (up 19 cents since Monday)
  • Ithaca - $4.96 (up 17 cents since Monday)
  • Rochester - $4.95 (up 16 cents since Monday)
  • Rome - $4.96 (up 17 cents since Monday)
  • Syracuse - $4.94 (up 20 cents since Monday)
  • Watertown - $4.94 (up 14 cents since Monday)

Motorists are feeling pain at the pump even with the recent New York state gas tax cap. When it went into effect last week, statewide prices did drop initially as nationwide prices increased dramatically. However oil prices continue to increase, and the gas tax relief doesn’t amount to enough to counterbalance the increased price of oil, which has a direct impact on what we pay at the pump for gasoline.

For example, right now oil prices range from $121 to $123 per barrel, up from $120 per barrel on Monday. Oil accounts for at least half of each gallon of gas.

Given that gas taxes make up less than a fifth of the price consumers pay at the pump, removing it offers little margin for price decreases when compared to the other factors that contribute to 85% of the price paid by consumers at the pump. Moreover, when external market and economic factors impact the price of oil, rising crude prices can often play an outsized role in pushing pump prices higher. As a result, the impact of gas tax holiday proposals can be limited because any price reduction from the lack of taxes can be quickly offset by a steady increase in oil prices, which is what we are seeing now.

From Gas Buddy:

The national average price of gas in the U.S. surpassed $5 per gallon today for the first time ever, according to GasBuddy, the leading fuel savings platform saving North American drivers the most money on fuel. This long-anticipated milestone comes behind months of gas price increases across the country, accelerated by the rise in seasonal demand amidst supply constraints borne out of the pandemic.

Gas prices have surged in recent weeks as U.S. gasoline inventories have fallen over 25 million barrels, or over one billion gallons, since the start of March amidst a global decline in refining capacity due to the Covid-19 pandemic and accelerated demand going into the summer. The price of oil has also jumped due to escalations stemming from the Russian war on Ukraine, as countries choke off Russian oil supply via sanctions, pushing supply down at a time of rising demand. In addition, U.S. refining capacity has fallen by some 1 million barrels per day over the last three years. All of these factors have created an environment ripe for a surge in gas prices, while Americans balk at prices but continue filling up as demand has seen little decline.

 

Batavia Downs announces traffic pattern change for Friday concerts.

By Press Release

Press release:

Ahead of the concerts at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel, beginning with this Friday’s Bruce in the USA charity concert to benefit the Ricky Palermo foundation, has announced the following traffic pattern changes for the roads surrounding the facility.

In conjunction with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, please note the following:

With northbound traffic on Park Road already closed due to construction, all those looking to attend the concerts who approach from the south should park in the former K-Mart Parking lot.

Those approaching from the north and the Thruway can go south on Park Road as normal and park in the Batavia Downs Lot.

Due to road construction, all foot traffic from both lots should be directed up and through the main entrance.

Valet is open and is free as per usual.

On Fridays, beginning at 9:30 p.m. and lasting for about an hour, traffic southbound on Park Road will be diverted down Richmond unless that person is attempting to visit Batavia Downs.  Traffic leaving the main Batavia Downs Parking lot at that time will be sent North and then be diverted down Richmond.  Traffic can then find their way back to the thruway or into Batavia itself.  Traffic will NOT be permitted to travel south on Park Road during this brief time as patrons exit the main doors into the various parking lots.

Due to concert traffic, if you do not have a need to be near the Batavia Downs facility, it is best to avoid the area during those times.

Grand Jury Report: Man accused of damaging truck, choking person in Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

Kevin H. Ayers is indicted on counts of criminal mischief in the third degree, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, menacing in the second degree, and harassment in the second degree. Ayers is accused of damaging a Ford F350 pickup belonging to another person on Oct. 8 in the town of Pembroke.  He is accused of damaging the rear driver-side tire, door, and fender. He is accused of choking the same victim on the same date at the same location. He is accused of displaying a knife in order to threaten that person. And with the intent to harass, annoy, or alarm, he is accused of having physical contact with that person.

Joshua L. Webster is indicted on two counts of criminal contempt in the first degree, one count of menacing in the second degree, one count of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and one count of criminal contempt in the second degree. Webster is accused of violating an order of protection on Dec. 31 at a location on West Main Street, Le Roy, by intentionally placing a protected person in reasonable fear of injury or death by displaying a deadly weapon. He is accused of displaying a knife with the intent of using it against another person while children were present. He is accused of violating a stay-away order of protection on March 28 at the same location, and again on May 1. 

Zachary P. Hursh is indicted on counts of criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree, obstructing governmental administration, unlawful fleeing a police officer, and reckless driving. Hursh is accused of knowingly driving a stolen 2017 Honda Civic on Dec. 1 in the Town of Stafford. He is accused of using physical force to prevent a public servant from performing his official duties. He is accused of fleeing from a police officer in a vehicle at speeds in excess of 25 mph above the posted speed limit. He is accused of driving in a manner that jeopardized public safety.

HCR Home Care celebrates growth, new office in Batavia

By Joanne Beck

group_hcr_1.jpg

For the last 13 years HCR Home Care has partnered with Genesee County Health Department as it forged new territories within the Finger Lakes region.

On Wednesday, the Batavia-based agency celebrated moving into yet another new space at Batavia City Centre. With a local foothold in Genesee County, plus Orleans, Monroe and an expanded reach into a total of 26 counties, HCR employs 35 people in this region and more than 750 employees in Upstate New York, Chief Executive Officer Louise Woerner said.

“Our employees are not only caring for patients, but helping to create jobs across New York State,” Woerner said during a ribbon-cutting celebration Wednesday at 47A City Centre. “We look forward to the growth this office brings HCR within Genesee and Orleans counties, and the continued partnerships within this area of our footprint.”

Woerner knows a thing or two about home healthcare, having been involved since 5 years old, helping out with her live-in grandmother. Later on, while living several states away from home, she later faced the challenge of assisting her father after her mom died at an early age.

That’s a dilemma that many people face when loved ones are in need of care while wishing to remain at home. Woerner founded the agency based on her knowledge of that need.

Agency employees “play an important role in treating people and keeping them safe and healthy in the comfort of their homes,” its website states. Services include a “wide range of home health care and social services” to provide support for a loved one’s needs, it states.

President Suzanne Turchetti thanked guests for attending, including City Manager Rachael Tabelski, City Council President Eugene Jankowski, Genesee County Legislator Gary Maha, state Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, who presented a certificate of merit to HCR, and agency staff.

“We are so excited to christen this new office; what an upgrade it is,” Turchetti said of the space on the City Centre’s west side. “We are so glad everyone was able to make it today, and we wanted to thank you all for being such wonderful ambassadors for HCR within the (Genesee and Orleans County) community. Your dedication to your patients as well as HCR is unmatched.” 

Regional directors recognized local staff members with awards and gifts as thanks for their dedication. HCR has cared for more than 26,000 unduplicated patients in Genesee and Orleans counties since its partnership in 2009.

hcr_ribbon_1.jpg

hcr_certificates_1.jpg

Top photo: HCR Home Care President Suzanne Turchetti, left, and CEO Louise Woerner flank state Assemblyman Stephen Hawley as he presents the agency with a certificate of merit Wednesday in Batavia. Local Genesee County and City of Batavia representatives and agency staff celebrate a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday at HCR's new office at 47A Batavia City Centre; agency staff members were recognized with certificates and goodies as a thank-you for their dedication. Photos submitted by HCR Home Care.

 

Top Items on Batavia's List

Tourism Marketing Assistant Position The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, serving as the official tourism promotion agency for Genesee County, NY is seeking an experienced marketing professional to assist in the overall Chamber tourism and marketing initiatives for Genesee County. https://visitgeneseeny.com/about/join-our-team
Tags: Jobs offered
Town of Batavia Court Department is seeking a part time as needed Court Officer. Court Officers are responsible for maintaining order in the court room and court facility during proceedings. Please send resume to Town of Batavia, Attention Hiedi Librock, 3833 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. Complete job description is available on the Town web site or at the Town Hall Application deadline is April 15, 2024.
Tags: Jobs offered

Authentically Local