Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel announced the official opening of its new Gatsby bar with a ribbon cutting on Friday at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. The Gatsby bar is located just outside Fortune’s restaurant and will feature high-end bourbons, gins and other spirits along with other handcrafted cocktails. 

“We’re excited for guests to check out the Gatsby Bar for quick drink or appetizer before dinner in Fortune’s,“ said Vice President of Operations Scott Kiedrowski. “Alternatively it’s a nice place to get a quiet drink if 34 Rush is busy with sports or live entertainment.”

The bar will also feature New York State Lottery Games like Quickdraw and will have a self-service terminal to place horse wagers.

“This is the first phase to open of our new expansion,“ said Henry Wojtaszek, president and CEO. “This and those that follow will better serve our valued guests.”

Expansions for more seating at Thurman’s 34 Rush and Fortunes are due to open in the following months. A new look inside the “Park Place,” formerly known as the Paddock Room, is near completion.

“This is another banner day in the history of our facility,“ said COO Michael Nolan. “We pride ourselves on customer service and giving our guests what they want. Our expansions continue to make the facility a premier entertainment destination.”

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at Park Road and Oak Street, Batavia.

City fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 7:33 p.m.: Two cars, three patients, one possible transport at this time, according to a first responder.

Downstairs has lots of room, great storage space and extra living /play area! Besides the attached garage, there is a great deep backyard with easy access to watching all the games! Easy to see! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today 344-4663 or click for more details.

The Batavia Police Department is looking to identify the person in this photo. We believe he might be able to assist us with a found wallet complaint.

If anyone knows who he is, please contact Officer Jamie Givens at 585-345-6350.

UPDATE 6:20 p.m.: The person has been identified and located by Batavia PD.

A chimney fire is reported at 9420 Warsaw Road, Le Roy.

Le Roy fire along with Bergen dispatched. City of Batavia Fast Team requested to the scene.

The house is charged with smoke and there's fire in the ceiling, according to a chief on scene.

UPDATE 4:29 p.m.: City fire first platoon requested to headquarters.

UPDATE 4:36 p.m.: The fire appears to be out. Checking for extension.

UPDATE 4:54 p.m.: Bergen can go back in service.

UPDATE 5:13 p.m.: Le Roy back in service.

Spring sports, golf, and bus tours, filled mostly with visitors from China seeing the sights in NYC and Niagara Falls, continue to drive tourism dollars to Genesee County, members of the County's Ways and Means Committee were told Wednesday.

Tom Turnbull, president of the Chamber of Commerce, and Kelly Rapone, tourism marketing director, provided the committee with an annual review of tourism activity.

For 2018, bed tax revenue was up 10 percent. It was up 15 percent in the second quarter, which is the quarter that sports teams from throughout the region travel here for softball and soccer tournaments. 

Hotel rooms during that period, especially on weekends, tend to be sold out.

The bed tax was revenue was $498,000 in 2018. 

Total related revenue flowing into the county was about $176 million.

The tourism department also sold out of its annual local golf packages. The packages brought in 600 golfers to the county over the course of the season.

Niagara Falls continues to be an attractive destination for Chinese tourists and their tourist buses during the summer have become a frequent sight in Batavia. The tour companies have figured out that Batavia is both close to Niagara Falls and hotel rooms are less expensive than those in Niagara County, Rapone said.

Tourism representatives attended 39 trade and consumer shows last year where they promote Genesee County as a tourism destination, including an annual golf show in Toronto, Canada, which is proven fruitful in promoting golf packages.

There are also more interest groups coming to Genesee County, Rapone said, such as a writers' group in 2018, and more car clubs.

Car clubs are an interesting niche the county might be able to attract, Rapone said, because of the restoration project locally of the Thomas Rocket Car. She is working on arranging tours at Dick McClurg's shop on West Main Street.

Judge Durin Rogers, Batavia City Court judge, has received the endorsement of the City of Batavia Republican Committee for the full-time Batavia City Court position up for election this fall as the result of Judge Robert Balbick having reached mandatory retirement age.

“I am truly humbled by the support and endorsement of the City Republican Committee for Batavia City Court Judge," Judge Rogers said following the City Republican Committee endorsement meeting held last night at the Old Courthouse Legislative Chambers. "Their endorsement today energizes me as we move forward.” 

Judge Rogers has dedicated his almost 25-year legal career to public service including volunteering for the public defender’s office, representing indigent defendants in criminal matters as an assigned counsel attorney, and having been a longtime prosecutor with the Genesee County Attorney’s office.

Judge Rogers is now serving in his fourth year on the bench as the City of Batavia part-time judge following his unanimous appointment by Batavia City Council in 2015 and has recently been qualified as an Accessible Magistrate for “Raise the Age” legislation. 

Following the City Republican Committee meeting, David J. Saleh, Esq., City of Batavia Republican Committee chairperson, said Judge Rogers received his party’s endorsement because he brings to the bench a unique combination of experience, commitment and character.

“Tonight, the City of Batavia Republican Party unanimously endorsed Judge Rogers for the full-time City Court Judgeship," Saleh said. "We can think of no other candidate who has the qualifications, judicial experience, and commitment to our community than Judge Rogers.

"Over the past four years, Judge Rogers has demonstrated a strong work ethic, knowledge of the law and temperament fitting of our City Court Judge. He has our full support."

Judge Rogers said “Beyond my experience, I have a strong respect and commitment to my fellow residents as they are my friends and neighbors. I have always strived to be honest, straightforward, and open-minded with everyone I come in contact with…I assure you that I will continue to bring each of these qualities to the bench.”

About Judge Durin Rogers —Judge Rogers lives with his wife, Paula Campbell-Rogers, and their four children in the City of Batavia. They are longtime residents and are proud to call Batavia home. You can frequently find Judge Rogers coaching or assisting with youth sports and volunteering in Batavia city schools.  

Judge Rogers assisted in bringing the Youth Court to Genesee County. He was a founding board member and former legal counsel for Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County; a Budget Ambassador for the City of Batavia School District; an appointed member of the Batavia City Youth Board; a member of the original Board of Ethics for the City of Batavia; and a member of the City of Batavia Police Facility Task Force.  

Other volunteer activities included attorney for the Surrogate’s Decision-Making Committee (SDMC), long time Mock Trial Judge; School Volunteer; and President of the Genesee County Bar Association (GCBA), during which time he collaborated with Genesee Community College to bring a new program to Genesee County known as the “People’s Law Series,” a biannual symposium designed to educate and guide the public in topical areas of law.  

Judge Rogers is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Law; and received his Juris Doctor legal degree from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in Cleveland, Ohio.  

Connect with the Committee to Elect Judge Rogers by visiting their Facebook page at @electjudgerogers (facebook.com/electjudgerogers) or by email at electjudgerogers@gmail.com

Inset photo of David J. Saleh, Esq., City of Batavia Republican Committee Chairperson, left, and Judge Durin Rogers, currently the part-time Batavia City Court judge.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is blasting a recent proposal by New York City politicians to pay convicted rapists, drug dealers and robbers as much as 30 times more for the work they perform in prison.

The move comes as Gov. Cuomo mulls eliminating middle-class tax cuts to cover his budget gap.

“When is the middle-class going to get a break in this state? First it was a taxpayer-funded college education for prisoners, then it was free computer tablets, voting rights for parolees – now it’s a pay raise,” Hawley said. “How about we start rewarding those of us who have actually contributed to society instead of abused its privileges?”

The proposal comes after Gov. Cuomo allowed prison inmates access to free computer tablets and conditional pardons in order to vote last year while still on parole for anything from rape to robbery to molesting children.

“Individuals don’t end up in prison for first-time minor offenses. These are serious offenders and they should face harsh consequences for their transgressions,” Hawley continued.

“The far-left, realizing their message no longer appeals to middle America, is now courting the votes of anyone who will listen, including criminals – this is the new New York.”

Assemblyman Hawley represents the 139^thDistrict, which consists of Genesee and Orleans counties and parts of Monroe County. For more information, please visit Assemblyman Hawley’s Official Website.

Genesee County reportedly is on board with 13 other Western New York counties, including Erie and Monroe, whose law enforcement officials state that they will not enforce the NY SAFE Act’s seven-round capacity limit.

In a Feb. 7 article on the website of Second Amendment advocate 2AWNY, Genesee County District Attorney Lawrence Friedman is quoted as saying that it isn’t a priority for his office to prosecute someone over the number of bullets loaded into his or her firearm’s magazine.

“I can’t say that we will ‘be halting enforcement of the SAFE Act seven-round limit in Genesee County’ because there hasn’t been any such enforcement,” Friedman said. “No such arrests have been made and so there have not been any such cases for us to prosecute.”

He added that is his understanding that “there will not be any such arrests in this County in the future but, if there were, we would not prosecute such charges.”

Recent comments from Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron line up with Friedman’s assessment.

William Fox, chair of the Genesee County chapter of SCOPE (Shooters Committee on Political Education), applauded the county’s law enforcement stance.

 “The judge (Federal Court Justice William Skretny) ruled that they couldn’t do that, and he’s right – it should be that way,” Fox said. “Constitutional rights don’t come with limitations.”

Fox added that three Genesee County towns – Bethany, Batavia and Le Roy -- have joined Genesee County in passing resolutions against the SAFE Act and that he expects more.

Passed in 2013, the SAFE (Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement) Act is a package of more restrictive gun control measures, including the broadening of assault-style weapons, high-capacity magazine provision and universal background checks.

Judge Skretny, in his ruling less than a year later, wrote that the “seven-round limit is largely an arbitrary restriction that impermissibly infringes on the rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment. This Court therefore strikes down that portion of the Act.”

On Tuesday, Congressman Chris Collins reintroduced the Second Amendment Guarantee Act (SAGA) which, if passed, would negate most of the language in the SAFE Act.

Fox acknowledged that it will be tough for that to pass, but he’s vowing to press on.

“It will be a long road at the federal level but, then again, we have a long way to go here,” he said, stating that the current “red flag” legislation being proposed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo is another case of government overstepping its bounds.

“There is no due process with any of these red flag measures,” he said. “They will be able to confiscate firearms without (determining) just cause.”

The bill would restrict gun possession for those deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. Other proposed bills call for a ban on bump stocks (which allow semi-automatic weapons to mimic automatic fire) and an extension of the waiting period to buy a firearm from three days to 10.

Both bills are expected to pass due to Democratic majorities in both the state Assembly and Senate.

In a related development, Fox said that SCOPE will be coordinating a "Life, Liberty and Freedom" public rally at 10 a.m. Feb. 16 at the Batavia City Centre that will focus on unconstituional laws, attacks on the Bill of Rights, high taxes, abortion demand, illegal immigaration, attacks on faith and attacks on the free press.

Press release:

The Genesee County & City of Batavia Youth Boards continue to seek nominations for their annual Youth Recognition Banquet.

Nominations are due by Friday, Feb. 15th.

There are three awards presented at the Youth Recognition Banquet:

• Youth Recognition Award — This award recognizes young people who have performed exceptional service to the community and/or have assumed extraordinary roles in their families. Typically, the best candidates for this award are high school students, but we also know there are 12-, 13- and 14-year-olds who exemplify distinctive qualities of service. Several youths will be recognized; however the Youth Boards reserve the right to limit the number of recipients.
• Adult Volunteer Award — This award recognizes an adult who provides service as a volunteer to youth in Genesee County.
• Adult Youth Worker Award — This award recognizes a youth service professional whose work surpasses normal expectations.

Recipients will be honored at the Youth Recognition Banquet on Thursday, March 28.

For more information or to receive nomination forms, please call the Genesee County Youth Bureau at 344-3960 or email youthbureau@co.genesee.ny.us

The forms are also on the Youth Bureau page of the Genesee County website here.

From Sarah Kingdon:

Sign-ups are now open for the Pavilion Youth Baseball/Softball League.

Please sign up through this new online portal here.

Click on Registration, select 2019 Pavilion Baseball/Softball Registration.

Registrations are due by Feb. 22.

Babe Ruth -- $75

12U, 10U, 8U -- $60

T-Ball (5-6 years old) -- $40

Please note that you will pay for the cash raffle fundraiser up front for $50. Tickets will be handed out by your coaches to sell.

The Opening Day Parade is on Saturday, April 27.

Please contact Tim Kingdon with questions at (585) 322-2804.

An elderly man who lives on Warsaw Road in Le Roy called dispatch stating he "believes his roof is coming off because he can hear it going up and then sliding back down." A sheriff's deputy just arrived to check on the roof and the welfare of the resident.

The deputy says "The roof is starting to come off." Code enforcement will be called to respond.

Also, in Elba, a tree is down and blocking the roadway on Norton Road between Edgerton and Batavia-Elba Townline roads. Elba Fire Police are called to control traffic.

Tonya L. Buzzell, AKA Tonya L. Bennett. 36, white female, 5’ 5” 150 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes. Last known address Liberty Street, Batavia, NY

Four Active Warrants:

Bench Warrant for alleged False Personation PL 190.23 Batavia City Court. Warrant issued 3/23/18

Arrest Warrant for alleged Violation of Family Court Act Genesee County Family Court. Warrant issued  3/29/18

Bench Warrant for alleged Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Batavia City Court. Warrant issued  5/9/18

Arrest Warrant for alleged Bail Jumping 3rd PL 215.55 Batavia City Court. Warrant issued 6/14/18

Steven D. Fronczak, 61, white male, 5’7” 190 lbs., blond hair green eyes. Last known address Oatka Road, Perry, NY

Two Active Warrants:

Bench Warrant for alleged Aggravated Felony DWI  VTL 1192-2aa Genesee County Court. Warrant issued 10/29/18

Arrest Warrant for alleged Felony Bail Jumping 2nd   PL 215.56  Batavia City Court. Warrant issued 1/23/19

Ralph A. Burdick, 43, white male, 6’ 1” 185 lbs., brown hair, blue eyes. Last known address Clinton Street Road, Bergen, NY

Two Active Warrants:

Bench Warrant for alleged Petit Larceny PL 155.25  Batavia Town Court. Warrant issued 10/9/18

Arrest Warrant for alleged Bail Jumping 3rd PL 215.55 Batavia Town Court. Warrant issued 11/19/18

Michael S. Ryan, 59, 5’ 10” 218 lbs., white male, blond hair, brown eyes. Last known address Bank Street, Batavia, NY

Warrants: 

Bench Warrant for alleged Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th  PL 165.45-2  Felony Genesee County Cour. Warrant issued 2/27/18.

Jeanine D. Fuller, 32, white female, 5’7” 160 lbs., blond hair, brown eyes. Last known address Bank Street, Rochester, NY

Four active warrants:

Bench Warrant for alleged Petit Larceny PL 155.25 and Conspiracy 6^th PL 105.00  Batavia Town Court. Warrant issued 9/18/18

Arrest Warrant for alleged Conspiracy 6^th PL 105.00 Batavia Town Court. Warrant issued 9/26/18

Arrest Warrant for alleged Conspiracy 5^th PL 105.05 Batavia Town Court. Warrant issued 9/28/18

Arrest Warrant for alleged Bail Jumping 3^rd PL 215.55 Batavia Town Court. Warrant issued 10/13/18

If you are able to assist the Sheriff's Office in locating these people, the Sheriff's Office asks that you do not approach these people and that you call (585) 343-5000 with information that may assist in locating the suspects.

Press release:

By reintroducing the Second Amendment Guarantee Act (SAGA), Congressman Collins continues his effort to protect the Second Amendment rights of all New Yorkers by limiting a state's authority when it comes to regulating rifles and shotguns.

The Collins’ bill would prevent states from implementing any regulations on weapons that are more restrictive than what is required by federal law. Passage of this bill would void most of the language included in New York’s Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act of 2013 signed into law by Governor Cuomo.

“Governor Cuomo unjustly took away the Second Amendment rights from law-abiding New Yorkers with his so-called SAFE Act,” said Collins. “I have and always will be a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and my legislation will guarantee that New Yorkers have the rights guaranteed to them in the Constitution.”

The Cuomo SAFE Act violates federal regulations because it imposed rifle and shotgun bans that possess certain features. It also banned the capacity of magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition and limiting magazines to seven rounds at any time.

Any current or future laws enacted by a state that exceeds federal law for rifles and shotguns would be voided under the Collins' legislation. Should a state violate this law and a plaintiff goes to court, the court will award the prevailing plaintiff a reasonable attorney’s fee in addition to any other damages.

Press release: 

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) voted to accept applications for incentives from Graham Manufacturing and Gateway GS, LLC at the agency’s Feb. 7 board meeting. 

Graham Manufacturing is investing $1.075 million for capital improvements to expand various properties at its campus in the City of Batavia. The company will renovate an existing 8,000 square feet of buildings, including an expansion and renovation of its 4,000-square-foot welding school to meet market demand for welders. 

An existing 4,000-square-foot manufacturing building also will be repurposed and the company will build a new 5,000-square-foot warehouse for storage needs. The capital investments will help Graham retain 291 jobs in the City of Batavia.

The company is seeking sales, mortgage and property tax exemptions totaling approximately $130,000. For every $1 of public benefit offered, Graham Manufacturing is investing and helping generate an economic contribution/ impact of approximately $5.90 into the economy. 

Gateway GS, LLC is investing $450,000 to build out the interior of an existing 27,000-square-foot speculative building the company constructed in 2018 at the Gateway II Corporate Park in Batavia. The project would create five new jobs.

Gateway GS, LLC intends to lease the space where tenants would provide input to the final buildout. Among the various uses that the building offers includes space for warehouse, distribution, light manufacturing, technology and commercial operations.

The company is seeking sales, mortgage and property tax exemptions totaling approximately $206,000. For every $1 of public benefit offered, Gateway GS, LLC is investing and helping generate an economic contribution/ impact of approximately $12.60 into the economy. 

“We are very excited to support two great projects that will have significant economic impacts for Genesee County and Batavia,” said GCEDC Board Chairman Paul Battaglia.

“These projects demonstrate the importance of assisting companies such as Graham Manufacturing that are retaining jobs and in the instance of Gateway GS creating new jobs and hopefully even more new jobs as they bring in tenants to their spec building.”

A semi-truck has tipped over in the area of 9575 Alleghany Road, Corfu.

Traffic is blocked. There are no injuries.

The location is south of the village.

Heidi L. Harder, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested following a shoplifting investigation into an incident at 2:19 a.m. on Feb. 6 at Tops Friendly Market in Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on Feb. 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan.

Paul Kittisack, 53, of South Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 6 after he allegedly shoplifted from Tops Friendly Market on West Main Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on Feb. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

There were no injuries reported in an accident at Ledge Road and Route 77 in Alabama just before 3 p.m.

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS responded.

Photos submitted by Yalonda Skeet.