It looks as though you can add paint to the list of materials eligible for disposal at the GLOW Region Solid Waste Management Committee’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection.

GLOW Recycling Administrator Peggy Grayson on Monday reported that New York’s Paint Stewardship program is expected to become operational by May 1, setting the stage for Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming county residents to drop off left over latex and oil-based paint at the Sept. 17, 2022 collection day at the Genesee County Highway Department on Cedar Street.

The collection event, which rotates among Genesee, Wyoming and Livingston each year, is open to the public at no charge. The electronics collection day is set for Sept. 24, also at the highway department.

Grayson, appearing at the Genesee County Legislature’s Public Service Committee meeting at the Old County Courthouse, distributed brochures indicating that the paint program (www.paintcare.org) has established more than 2,000 drop-off sites in 10 states and the District of Columbia.

While most sites are paint and hardware stores, solid waste facilities – including transfer stations, recycling centers and landfills, plus household hazardous waste facilities – also participate as drop-off locations.

The program is funded by the addition of a small fee to the price of paint containers sold in stores and online.

Information provided by Grayson points out that latex paint is not hazardous waste and small amounts can be safely disposed of in the trash once it is in hardened form. If the can is more than half full, it should be taken to an approved PaintCare location or to the hazardous waste collection site.

In related action, the Public Service Committee approved an extension of a contract with Environmental Enterprises, Inc., and the other GLOW counties for the GLOW Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program at a cost not to exceed $32,000.

“This will be our 18^th year (with EEI),” Grayson said. “It’s a great job that they do for us; always on time and they clean up afterwards.”

The PSC also voted in favor of the following resolutions (subject to approval by the full legislature on Feb. 23):

• Leasing of a new Caterpillar hydraulic excavator from Milton Caterpillar in Batavia for $299,929, with annual payments set at $64,135.80. Funding will come from the road machinery budget, which had an estimate of $85,000 annually for the lease purchase.

• Utilization of $77,000 in grant funding for the Sheriff’s Office to pay overtime for the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee operations and for additional police services in the Village of Bergen, and for expenses related to a Department of Homeland Security program.

• Acceptance of a $4,056 grant from Homeland Security to cover the costs of sheriff’s deputies' participation in emergency preparedness exercises.

• Implementation of Automated Secure Alarm Protocol at the county’s Emergency Dispatch Center that will cut down the amount of time from the sounding of an alarm to the dispatch of first responders. The $35,000 capital project will be paid by revenues generated by wireless fees and state aid. This would affect all alarm companies linked to The Monitoring Association. “This could mean as much as 30 seconds saved on the front end … and that could make a huge difference (when it comes to a fire),” said Steven Sharpe, director of Emergency Communications.

• Acceptance of a $500,000 grant from the NYS Office of Children and Family Services to fund Justice for Children services in Batavia, Albion and Warsaw and Genesee Justice programming for the next five years through Sept. 30, 2027.

• A $718,564 contract with Union Concrete and Construction Corp. of West Seneca for replacement of the Darien-Alexander Townline Road bridge over Tunnery Brook. The bid was more than $100,000 less than the engineer’s estimate, according to the resolution.

Press release:

Christine Jones, 34 of Batavia, pled guilty to one count of Grand Larceny 4^th in Batavia Town Court on February 8, 2022.  Sentencing has been scheduled for May 4, 2022.

Jones was originally charged with 5 counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing and a single count of Grand Larceny 3^rd after an investigation by Department of Social Services Investigator Robert Riggi revealed that Jones failed to report that the biological father to one of her children was residing in the home, or that he was earning wages/income.  Jones subsequently received $17,197.00 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to.

With a couple of 50-plus degree, rainy days forecasted for Wednesday and Thursday, most of the snow that has accumulated as a result of a couple of nasty winter storms earlier this month likely will be washed away.

While it may serve as a welcome break from plowing and shoveling, there’s bound to be more snowfall (and the dilemma it creates) in the coming weeks.

Coming into last night’s City Council meeting, Council member Robert Bialkowski said he had received complaints about piles of snow and ice on city streets and he requested that “snow removal and sidewalk plowing” be put on the agenda.

Bialkowski’s key points -- no plowing of snow onto the street or sidewalks and no parking of cars on sidewalks – triggered a 20-minute discussion that focused upon the responsibilities of residents, independent plowing services and business owners to clear snow in a legal and proper manner.

Armed with a few photographs of problem areas, Bialkowski said he wasn’t blaming city workers for not doing their jobs, but mentioned that it was time “to re-educate some people in the community (as) they don’t seem to get it.”

PICTURES TELL THE STORY

He said the pictures showed snow from a driveway on Union Street plowed about seven feet into the street and about four feet high, causing motorists to have to swerve to avoid hitting it.

Another photo showed snow from a West Main Street business plowed onto the sidewalk “and now that’s a big block of ice about six foot high,” Bialkowski said, adding that this and similar situations led to complaints from mail carriers.

Bialkowski also mentioned buildup of ice on sidewalks, some of it resulting from city sidewalk plows.

Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. asked Maintenance Supervisor Ray Tourt about the condition of the sidewalk plows, with Tourt responding that they are 19, 39 and 43 years old and are susceptible to breaking down.

When Bialkowski suggested forming a citizen committee to look at the issue, Jankowski quickly said, “I was following you until you said committee and then I was, like, do we really need to make it that complicated?”

Then Bialkowski mentioned distributing a pre-printed handout for residents, informing them of their responsibilities when it comes to snow removal.

CITY MANAGER WEIGHS IN

City Manager Rachael Tabelski said a police officer sent to the scene where the snow was piled in the road determined that it wasn’t a hazard … “so I have to go with their judgment that it was not a hazard.”

“I think there’s a lot of snow this year compared to the last few years, and there’s a lot of clearing of sidewalks and roads and driveways that needs to be done,” she said. “And a lot of times neighbors have figured out where they’re going to place their snow and other times, people just move in and don’t really know where to place the snow and how to do it.”

She then thanked the Department of Works crew “for the tremendous job they’ve done,” adding that they haven’t stopped working since the beginning of January when “all of this snow came down.”

DPW workers are continuing the snow removal process this week, concentrating on some of the narrower streets, Tourt said.

Tabelski said residents are responsible for clearing in front of their house and, in many cases, the sidewalk plow operator will come through afterwards, leaving tracks from the machine in the snow.

“We do have an ordinance and we do ask residents to take care of their snow removal,” she said. “I know some residents can’t get to it – they may be elderly or disabled – but you plan for it, just like you plan your garbage service or your cable. You plan to get Johnny down the street to come for 20 dollars when it snows over a few inches, and do that for you.”

MESSAGE TO INDEPENDENT PLOWS

Jankowski said it is up to independent and commercial plow services to make sure the snow is moved so that it doesn’t cause further problems.

“We shouldn’t have to be in the awkward position of having to chase them down and make them come back and move it,” he said.

Bialkowski said he thinks many people “just expect the city to do everything and they don’t even shovel a path to their house for the mailman.”

“They have to get away from the computer for a while, go outside and get some fresh air.”

Council member Patti Pacino asked if residents could be informed of what snow services the city provides.

Tourt said the priority route is the main arterials – Main and Oak Streets – and priority school (walking) routes, which have been designated by the school district.

“We hit those first,” he said. “If we still need to go ahead and do sidewalks, we have two distinct routes – one for the northside and one for the southside. And we start working our way through the city.”

Photo: City of Batavia worker plowing the sidewalk along East Main Street. Photo by Howard Owens.

A two-vehicle accident, blocking, with possible minor injuries, at Clinton Street Road and Route 237 in Stafford.

Stafford Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 8:37 p.m.: Two occupants in one vehicle, a single occupant in the other. Airbag deployment.  One person with a complaint of chest pain.

The Batavia City Council is throwing its support behind an Oneida County-initiated pitch to Gov. Kathy Hochul to provide state funding for “necessary repairs and enhancements” to municipally-owned baseball stadiums across New York State.

Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr., at tonight’s Business Meeting at the City Hall Council Board Room, asked for – and received – authorization from his colleagues to put his name on a letter written by Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. and Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League President Robert F. Julian, asking Hochul to set aside $250 million in her state budget for improvements at these facilities, which include Dwyer Stadium in Batavia.

Dated Jan. 27, the letter is in response to state lawmakers’ consideration of appropriating $1 billion in taxpayer money to build a new stadium for the Buffalo Bills and proposing more than $100 million for Lake Placid to host the World University Games.

“… we believe there should be equity for other communities that are owners of municipal baseball stadiums throughout the state,” the letter reads. “These stadiums have a rich history and are part of the fabric of our communities. While they are not profit centers, they are a critical part of the public infrastructure providing recreational opportunities and civic engagement that enhances the quality of life in our communities.”

The letter also touches upon Major League Baseball’s “sudden abandonment” of minor league affiliates in 2020 that negatively affected operations in small cities and towns.

“New York has a proud history as a home to amateur and professional baseball, and that has continued as the PGCBL and other Independent leagues have quickly stepped up to fill the void left behind,” it reads. “However, we need assistance to make the transition into this new paradigm.”

Dwyer Stadium continues to be the home of the Batavia Muckdogs, a summertime club that is part of the PGCBL. Muckdogs’ owner Robbie Nichols also has signed the letter.

Other signatures are from representatives of the communities of Auburn, Boonville, Altamont, Amsterdam, Elmira, Geneva, Glens Falls, Jamestown, Little Falls, Niagara Falls, Newark, Oneonta, Saugerties, Utica and Watertown.

Picente and Julian wrote that the level of funding being requested “would provide adequate funds to allow for each of our communities to invest in necessary repairs and enhancements to protect and stabilize these stadiums.”

They also indicated they are reaching out to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, “seeking a partnership to bring to life their vast offerings in our facilities throughout the state.”

The letter also will be sent to state Senate and Assembly Majority and Minority leaders and State Budget Director Robert Mujica.

Council member Paul Viele, apparently thinking about the Batavia Ice Arena, asked if the letter could be modified to include arenas, but Jankowski said that it was focused on stadiums.

In other developments, Council approved the following resolutions:

• Scheduling of a public hearing for 7 p.m. Feb. 28 on the city’s 2022-23 budget, water rates, meter fees and capital improvement fees. The $17.7 million spending plan calls for a tax levy of $5,986,000 – up $121,403 from 2021-22. The property tax rate, however, would decrease by 78 cents to $8.94 per $1,000 of assessed value. Water rates, meter fees and capital improvement fees are set to increase by 1.5 percent from last year’s rates.

• Re-naming the Batavia Ice Arena on Evans Street to the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena as a result of a contract with Pellegrino Auto Sales and the David M. McCarthy Memorial Foundation that would pay the city $3,100 annually for 10 years. Council member Robert Bialkowski applauded the decision. “I really appreciate the citizens coming forward and doing this. I think it’s a good move forward,” he said.

Previously: Council sends favorable signals to Batavia duo seeking to acquire ice arena naming rights

A Wyoming County man is facing multiple felonies, some stemming from an accusation that he stole a rifle and vehicle keys of an employee of a local business, as well as a chase by law enforcement from Pembroke to the neighboring county.

Duane R. Hamill, 65, of Warsaw, is charged with:

• Burglary 3rd
• Grand larceny 3rd
• Robbery 2nd
• Robbery 3rd,
• Criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, and
• Menacing 2nd.

The incident began with a call sometime on Saturday (the time of call is not provided in the Sheriff's Office release) about a burglary that had occurred at an unidentified business in Pembroke.

Dispatchers were informed that an employee of the business was following the suspect. 

Once in the Town of Darien, Hamill and the employee reportedly got into a physical altercation and Hamill allegedly robbed the employee of a rifle and his vehicle keys. 

Hamill fled the scene and continued south in Wyoming County.  Deputies in Wyoming County located Hamill in his vehicle and initiated a pursuit.  He was eventually taken into custody and turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

He was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court on the robbery and weapons charges and in the Town of Pembroke Court on the remaining charges.  He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

The investigation was conducted by Investigator Kevin Forsyth, Investigator Erik Andre, Sgt. Michael Lute, Deputy Kevin McCarthy, Deputy Ryan Young, Deputy Ryan Mullen, and Deputy Alexander Hadsall.

The Genesee County public defender said he hopes to see a centralized location for arraignments in the near future – action that could save the county money in transportation costs.

Speaking at the Genesee County Legislature’s Public Service Committee meeting today at the Old County Courthouse, Jerry Ader said that arraignments are back to the “24/7 … off hours and weekends” set-up now that emergency declarations related to the COVID-19 pandemic have ended.

“We went through some changes during the pandemic; the state allowed us to go virtual for all court proceedings,” Ader said. “So, the electronic appearances were being done without any travel for the sheriff's department, for the court staff or for us (public defenders) -- and everything was done at the jail through electronic appearance.”

Ader said the Sheriff’s Office has been cooperating with his department to possibly allow arraignments at the old sheriff’s office building on West Main Street for a centralized arraignment.

“Talks are ongoing right now between the (New York State) Indigent Legal Services Office, Office of Court Administration and the sheriff's department,” he reported.

“So, there might be some progress in the very near future that we might have a central location to do arraignments at night and weekends and during the day either at the jail and at the city courtroom, depending on when the arraignment is done. This would alleviate transportation for defendants to the courts of their jurisdiction and, obviously, transportation for my attorneys.”

Ader said many counties have instituted such a plan, and that local magistrates are supporting it for Genesee. He said that his office is handling 20 to 30 arraignments per month on average.

In his report to the committee, Ader said he has funds to fill open staff positions this year, but it has been difficult to find qualified applicants for attorney, paralegal and social worker jobs, and office space is a concern.

The public defender’s office application to the Unified Court System for a new five-year contract to provide "attorney for the child services"was successful, Ader reported. The new pact will fund a full-time Family Court lawyer.

The Public Service Committee approved a resolution to accept an amended contract with the Office of Indigent Legal Services for grant funding for year three of the county’s five-year contract.

State law ensures that all eligible defendants are represented by counsel at arraignment, in compliance with ILS caseload standards. The contract for 2022 is for $283,260.

Ader said negotiations with ILS for the fourth year of the grant will be focused on renovations at the former Engine House to create more office space for the department.

Training to be a U.S. Marine can be grueling but being a Marine is also about being part of a community, and Saturday, aspiring recruits got to experience both aspects of life in the Corps at Beyond Driven Fitness in Le Roy on Saturday.

Sponsored by Beyond Driven and the American Warrior Festival, aspiring Marines from Genesee County and beyond learned about physical fitness and a series of exercises they can use to help them prepare for boot camp.

"We're getting these future Marines motivated and trained up," said Dan Clor, director of the American Warrior Festival. "They're all going to be shipping out most likely within the year. So it's just kind of a way to build morale and get them working together and keep fit. You know, the Marine Corps is very big on fitness."

Matt Walther, co-owner of Beyond Driven, said it was exciting for his facility to participate in the training event because the kids coming in are from the local community and part of Beyond Driven's mission is to support the community.

"Everything that we do here is based in the community and all these kids are part of the community," Walther said. "The more that we can provide a place that will bring them value, bring the community value, it's better for everybody.

"We can help prepare them to be the best cadets going into training," Walther added.

Sgt. John Anderson, the lead recruiter in Batavia, said the community aspect is also what helps the Marines communicate better what being a Marine is all about.

"We're trying to be more outgoing, more involved, and when other people come in and help us out it puts a good light on us and allows us to grow and show people that we're not just a fighting force, that we're more than that," Anderson said. "We're a part of the community and we're trying to help."

Arctic Refrigeration Co. of Batavia and the Mager family delivered a $2,310 donation today to Crossroads House.

Half of the money came from family members, a donation in lieu of Christmas presents to each other, and half came from the proceeds of the annual Henry J. Mager Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament.

After a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic, the golf tournament, founded in 2010, will return this September.  Named after the founder of Arctic Refrigeration, proceeds from the tournament are used to fund scholarships for students from Batavia High School or GVBOCES who are intent are pursuing a career in a trade, such as construction engineering, architecture, HVAC, automotive, building, agriculture, or energy.  

Fundraising has been more difficult during the pandemic, said Diane Sia, a staff member at Crossroads House, and donations by families and businesses such as the Magers set an example for what others can do to help organizations in the community.

"That is huge in our books," Sia said.

Photo by Howard Owens. From left, Emily Crawford and Diane Sia, with Crossroads House, and Jon Mager and Teresa Tamfer.

Press release:

If you are someone who is civic-minded, independent, ambitious, enjoys exploring creative solutions to problems, and wants to make an impact in your community, we want to talk to you about running for local office.

If you are interested in getting involved politically in any capacity, please reach out to us at geneseenydemocrats@gmail.com or www.geneseedemocrats.net

The following local elected offices will be voted on in November 2022. 

• City Council at Large

• City Council 6th Ward Representative

Press release:

The Genesee Community College Foundation and Cougar Classic Scholarship Honorary Chairperson, Mickey J. Hyde '87, have confirmed the 7th Annual Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble will take place on Monday, July 18, 2022, at the Stafford Country Club, 8873 Morganville Road (Rte. 237) in Stafford.

Hyde, a resident of LeRoy, earned an associate degree in Business and Marketing from GCC in 1987 when he was also named the College's Scholar-Athlete of the Year for his participation in baseball and bowling. As a baseball player, he was named to All-District, All-Region, and All-Conference teams. After graduation, he played five seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies organization, culminating in a call-up to Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre in 1993. During his career, he was named the Phillies Minor League Player of the Month in April 1991 and that year was named the Phillies "Outstanding Player of Spring Training." Hyde earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. In 2003, he joined Tompkins Bank of Castile and currently is vice president and branch manager of the Bank's LeRoy branch. He has served on the boards of Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern, Leadership Genesee's Funding Committee, Wyoming County Community Action, and GCC's Walkathon. He is a member of LeRoy-Pavilion-Stafford Kiwanis, the Rochester Press-Radio Club, and the Sons of the American Legion.

"I am sincerely grateful to Mickey for serving as chair for the seventh annual Cougar Classic," remarked Executive Director of the GCC Foundation, Justin Johnston. "He has supported our Cougar Pride Athletic Campaign, previous Cougar Classic tournaments and is a proud 2010 GCC Athletic Hall of Fame inductee. Mickey's leadership is vital to so many areas of GCC, and I look forward to working with him on this important initiative to raise scholarship funds for our GCC students."

The Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble allows up to 36 foursomes for the 18-hole event at the esteemed Stafford Country Club. Sign-in starts at 11:00 a.m. with lunch available, and golfers tee off in "shotgun" style at 12:30 p.m. Registration is $150 per golfer and includes 18 holes of golf, a golf cart, all beer, and nonalcoholic beverages during play, lunch, and dinner with a cash bar, and much more! Those wishing to attend only dinner can do so for $40.

The registration deadline for golfers is July 1, 2022. Contact Director of Development and Alumni Affairs Jennifer Wakefield at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6265 or via email at foundation@genesee.edu. The golfer registration form is also available online at https://gccfoundationinc.org/cougar-classic/

Most importantly, all proceeds go directly to the GCC student scholarship program, making higher education possible for deserving students in our community.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) cosponsored the Protecting Family and Small Business Tax Cuts Act to make the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent. 

“Following the implementation of President Trump’s tax cuts, our nation witnessed an extraordinary period of economic expansion, wage growth, and job creation,” Jacobs said.“Businesses were bringing manufacturing back from overseas, employers were using savings from the federal government to hire additional employees, and our nation saw our output and productivity increase.” 

The legislation co-sponsored by Jacobs most notably: 

• Make permanent the doubled standard deduction of $12K for those filing single and $24K for jointly filed returns
• Make permanent the doubled child tax credit of $2K including full refundability of $1400
• Maintains the mortgage interest deduction at $750K
• Maintains the Medical Expense Deduction to allow the deduction of qualified expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of an individual’s AGI
• Provides a 20 percent tax deduction for small businesses

“Since taking the White House and majority, Democrats have made clear they want to undo these successful policies and force through policies that waste trillions of dollars and raise taxes on Americans,” Jacobs said. “We have already seen the disastrous impact of their policies on our economy. I am proud to join this legislation to ensure a successful Trump policy is made permanent so it can continue to help families and small businesses in the future.” 

Tara Lyn Robinson, 29, of Genesee Street, Pembroke, is charged with unlawful possession of a noxious material. Robinson is accused of using pepper spray on another person without proper justification during an incident reported at 10:36 a.m., Feb. 10, at a location on Genesee Street, Pembroke. Robinson was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court and released on her own recognizance.

Matthew J. Sanchez-Sanquiche, 25, of Batavia, is charged with Burglary 2nd, robbery 3rd, criminal contempt 1st, and criminal contempt 2nd. Sanchez-Sanquiche allegedly violated an order of protection at 3:59 p.m., Jan. 20, at a location on North Spruce Street, Batavia, by striking a person multiple times in the cause causing an injury. He also allegedly took the victim's phone during the incident. There were also allegedly children in the residence who are protected by stay-away orders. He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $15,000 bail, $30,000 bond, or $60,000 partially secured bond.

Lyndsay T. Young, 38, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Young is accused of making numerous calls to a person thereby violating an order of protection. Young was also arrested on two warrants for alleged failure to appear. Young was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision. 

Christina Sanchez-Anderson, 33, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Sanchez-Anderson was arrested on a warrant stemming from an incident reported at 3:18 p.m., Oct. 11. She was arraigned in City Court and ordered jailed on $1 bail.

Jessica L. Holtz, 38, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Holtz was taken into custody by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and turned over to Batavia PD on two warrants stemming from an incident reported at 7:42 a.m., Nov. 27 on South Swan Street, Batavia, and at 10:44 p.m., Nov. 18, on Jackson Street, Batavia. Holtz was arraigned in City Court and released.

Daniel T. Henning, 41, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th. Henning was arrested on a warrant following an investigation. He is accused of stealing property from a residence in Batavia and then found in possession of it at noon, Dec. 22, at a location on Veterans Memorial Drive. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released under supervision.

William Ramson Dieter, 48, of Lewiston Road, Oakfield, is charged with harassment 2nd. Dieter is accused of putting his hand on another person's neck and pushing her into a wall during an incident reported at 12:15 a.m., Feb. 5, at a residence on South Pearl Street, Oakfield. Dieter was arraigned in Town of Oakfield Court and released on his own recognizance.

Rafael Eliseo Colon, 39, of Grant Street, North Tonawanda, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Colon is accused of violating an order of protection at 8:46 p.m., Feb. 5, at a residence on Prestige Crossing, Batavia. Colon was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court. There is no information available on his release status.

Travis C. Wissinger, 22, of Medina, is charged with DWI. Wissinger was stopped at 3:09 p.m., Feb. 7, in the Town of Alabama by State Police. He was issued an appearance ticket. No further information released.

Press release:

Genesee County announced on Friday that the policy requiring employees and members of the public to wear masks inside County facilities, regardless of vaccination status, ended effective Friday, February 10, 2022. This decision was made following statements from Governor Hochul that she will allow the State’s indoor setting mask mandate to expire as scheduled today.

Effective Friday, February 10, 2022, employees and members of the public may enter County facilities without wearing masks, with the exception of the Genesee County Mental Health and Public Health Clinical settings.  Employees and visitors to the Genesee County Mental Health and Public Health Clinics must continue to wear a mask while on the premises.  County officials urge both employees and the public to assess their own risk and strongly encourage those with increased risk of contracting COVID-19 or anyone with a compromised immunized system to continue to wear a mask.

The County will continue to practice social distancing and enhanced cleaning measures to help ensure the safety of employees and residents.

“We are encouraged by the continued and significant decrease in cases and hospitalizations in Genesee County and across the Finger Lakes region.” Said County Manager Matt Landers. “The expiration of the State’s mask mandate announced yesterday by the Governor is a welcome sign that things are continuing to trend in the right direction and we can begin taking steps to return to some semblance or normalcy.”

Public Health Director Paul Pettit commented, “While we continue to see decreasing cases and hospitalizations, there is still a significant amount of viral spread within the community. We urge residents to assess their own risk factors and make decisions about the mitigation strategies they should continue to utilize to help protect them from this virus that is still very much present throughout our area.”

After 42 seasons, 708 wins (a Section V record), 32 Genesee Region championships, nine Section V championships, and two State championships, Notre Dame's Mike Rapone will be honored before Wednesday evening's basketball game at the high school.

Game time is 7 p.m.

Rapone is a 1971 graduate of Notre Dame and also served as the school's athletic director.

His coaching career began in 1978 as JV coach.

In 1981, he became varsity coach. The team was just two years removed from a 1-17 season yet Rapone helped guide the team to its first of 17-straight Genesee Region championships, a Section V title, and a win in the Far West Regional Championship.

The GR championship streak was broken in 1998 but Rapone's teams won 14 of the next 16 GR titles.

Submitted photos. Top photo, Mike Rapone as a player with Notre Dame.

Mike Rapone in 2008

Coach Mike Rapone with his son Mikey in 2002.

Coach Mike Rapone, 1979.

After 17 straight wins to start the 2021-22 season, Oakfield-Alabama fell to Wheatland-Chili (15-3) on Friday 62-54.

Kam Cusmano scored 16 points for the Hornets. Gaige Armbrewster scored 13 and Kaden Cusmano scored 12.

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

For the second straight week, Medina's Hayden Allis posted a United States Bowling Congress honor score in the Sunday Rolloffs League at Medina Lanes.

The 25-year-old right-hander rolled games of 255, 269 and 290 for an 814 series on Feb. 6. It is his second 800 in a row, having recorded an 805 series on Jan. 30, and his third overall.

In other Genesee Region USBC action over the past couple weeks:

• Kevin Gray Jr. of Warsaw fired a 289 game and 780 series in the Thursday Owls League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen;

• Rich Wagner of Batavia had a 299 game in the Wednesday Men's Handicap League at Rose Garden Bowl;

• Jim Pursel of Batavia started with a 290 game en route to a 754 series in the Toyota of Batavia 5-Man League at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.49, up five cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.51. The New York State average is $3.68, up nine cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.60. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $3.60 (up eight cents from last week)
• Buffalo - $3.62 (up nine cents from last week)
• Ithaca - $3.68 (up ten cents from last week)
• Rochester - $3.66 (up eight cents from last week)
• Rome - $3.70 (up seven cents from last week)
• Syracuse - $3.64 (up nine cents from last week)
• Watertown - $3.66 (up eight cents from last week)

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased while gasoline demand increased. A decrease in total stocks and an increase in demand have contributed to upward pressure on pump prices, but rising crude prices continue to play a dominant role in pushing pump prices higher. Pump prices will likely continue to follow suit as demand grows and stocks decrease if crude prices continue to climb.

Oil prices are well over $90 per barrel this morning. The tension between Russia and Ukraine continues to contribute to rising oil prices. Russia is a member of OPEC+, and any sanctions based on their actions toward Ukraine may cause it to withhold crude oil from the global market. Additionally, EIA reports that total domestic crude stocks decreased recently. The current stock level is approximately 13 percent lower than at the beginning of February 2021, contributing to pressure on domestic crude prices.

From Gas Buddy:

"The jump in gasoline prices has continued unabated as oil prices continue to push higher, reaching $94 per barrel last week on continued concern over the possible imminent threat that Russia may invade Ukraine," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "Not only are oil prices up, but the bulk of the nation is starting the multi-month transition to summer gasoline, further adding to the rise at the pump. In addition, cold weather in Texas last week caused some power outages at major refineries, further weighing on markets. I see no other potentials in the short term but additional price increases unless Russia does an about-face on Ukraine. Even then, we'll still see seasonality push prices up, so motorists should be ready to dig deeper."

Of the myriad weight loss apps, programs, diets and routines out there, many people still fail to achieve long-lasting success, and Nancy Fallon, certified coach and manager of the Ideal Me Weight Loss Clinic in Batavia, believes there can be another outcome, she says.

“The Ideal Me protocol is a science-based program designed to help you lose weight by resetting your body to lose fat,” Fallon said during an interview with The Batavian. “It’s a three-phase approach to losing weight, and, most importantly, learning how to  keep it off. We’re excited about it. When you lose those initial pounds, it gives you the motivation to keep going.”

Ideal Me Weight Loss is part of Guler Cardiology and Wellness at 34 Swan St., Batavia. It’s a branch of the Ideal Protein of America company, which focuses on fat-burning through an initially low-carb, higher protein food program.

Unlike many of those other programs, Fallon said this one provides one-on-one counseling and the education necessary to keep clients on track with a life-changing transformation. The three phases start with the actual weight loss; that is achieved by getting the body into ketosis with a quality protein meal plan of three “Ideal Me Protein” products, plus vegetables and proteins such as chicken, beef, or fish. That initial phase includes a review of the client’s health history, weight loss goals, and food preferences. For example, there are gluten-free and vegetarian options for those clients who need them. 

Phase II is to stabilize that weight loss by re-introducing carbs — low glycemic carbs — to the meal plan and drop to two Ideal Me Protein foods per day; and the third phase is to sustain the weight loss by making healthier food choices, writing in a food journal and maintaining a weekly check-in with a certified coach, she said. 

The program is overseen by a medical physician, Dr. Ahmet Guler. There is “a huge epidemic” of people being overweight and obese throughout this country, he said, and that leads to many different illnesses.

“Heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, atrial fibrillation, and the list goes on,” Guler said. “So with all that in mind, what our goal here, or our vision here, is, basically, how can we get our communities healthy.”

The answer was discovered with the Ideal Protein of America program as a way to improve the local population’s diet and ultimately reach a healthier weight, he said. The program decreases highly saturated fats and carbohydrates and increases proteins and low-carb fruits and vegetables, supplemented with protein-based snacks and desserts. In turn, by doing that, those symptoms of hypertension, diabetes and/or high cholesterol might also improve, Dr. Guler said.

His philosophy is that people who are overweight also often move less as a result, which leads to other problems. So by attacking the cause — the weight — the issues of painful hips and knees, heart disease, and other ills have a better chance of improving, he said.

“So if we could help you lose that weight in a healthy way, in a scientifically proven way, then basically, you may have a chance, a second chance, at life in terms of motivating yourself to start moving,” he said. “And as you move, it might motivate you to do more exercise. And if you do more exercise or cardio exercise, then your overall health just may improve. So that's basically the gist of it.”

The Ideal Me program is a one-year package deal that includes a variety of 70 Ideal Protein foods of salty, savory, chewy, crispy, and/or sweet tastes; plus vitamin and mineral supplements, and one-on-one sessions with the coach. Does it mean never eating fast food again? Not necessarily. However, the coach and program material will teach you how to make healthier choices for overall better health, he said. 

Fallon experienced first-hand how the program worked, and has gone from client to cheerleader and coach for its effectiveness.

“I did the program four years ago, and I lost 35 pounds. My bloodwork was better than it ever has been in years,” adding what made the difference for her. “I could still have those little treats I liked, the chocolate products I was able to have.”

She also believes that the program strays from others by offering individualized plans, accountability and motivation depending on clients’ needs. Seminars on the program are being offered every two weeks at the wellness center. Prospective clients will be able to sample products and hear more about the program, she said.

For more information or to sign up for a seminar, call (585) 250-4567 or email gulercardiology@gmail.com.

Top photo: Dr. Ahmet Guler and Nancy Fallon celebrate the addition of the Ideal Me Weight Loss Clinic at Guler Cardiology and Wellness at 34 Swan St., Batavia. The clinic (and one in Warsaw) is the "only one in this area" between Buffalo and Rochester, Guler said. Photo by Howard Owens.  

Genesee County is doing its part to facilitate the proper disposal of tattered and worn United States flags by placing an official disposal box in the foyer of the Old County Courthouse on Main Street. The box, which carries the official seal of Genesee County, also acknowledges the contributions of the National Association of Counties and the National Flag Foundation. Flags placed into the box will be given to Veterans Services, which will follow protocol for their disposal. Submitted photo.