Second-grade students pictured above are promoting the annual John Kennedy School Pasta Night fundraiser, which is this Friday, March 8^th, in the school cafeteria, 166 Vine St., Batavia.

The money raised supports the parent group to fund future activities for students that include: Father Daughter Dance, Mother Son mud event, community night, field trips and much more. 

There are two seatings available, at 5 p.m. and 6:30. (The 5 p.m. seating is a great options for those who are attending the “Sound of Music” at Batavia High School the same evening.)

Take-outs are available.

Presale tickets can be purchased at the main office, and table reservations for eight or more must be made in advance. Costs are: $6 adults and $4 for students ages 5-12; children under 4 are free. 

Depending on seating availability tickets may be purchased at the door. Adults $7, students ages 5-12 $5 and children under 4 are free. We recommend you purchase tickets in advance.

Parent volunteers are still needed. Email Christopher Sputore at coach_sputore@yahoo.com prior to the event.

For the first 10 minutes of Monday's crossover game between Pembroke and Avon at Cal-Mum, it looked like the Dragons might be on their way to continuing a great post-season run that on Saturday had given the school its first sectional title in girls basketball.

Then, things fell apart and Pembroke would eventually lose to Avon 57-49. A pair of whistles for traveling gave Avon the ball in their half of the court and Avon erased Pembroke's three-point lead on two easy baskets.

Next, Avon's Abby Decillis and Keni Read rained threes down on the Dragons. They hit five between them plus another pair of two-point buckets. 

"We had a little bit of a run going," said Coach Ron Funke. "We had some momentum. The turnovers and then those daggers, those three-pointers were just, you know, they just killed us."

In the second quarter, Avon outscored the Dragons 26 to 12. Only once the rest of the way would Pembroke get as close as nine points of the lead.

On the night, Decillis hit three three-pointers and Read hit five. Decillis finished with 20 points, Read with 19, and Sarine Mcdowell with 17.

"We got some of the looks that we wanted, we just couldn't finish near the basket," Funke said. "And our free throws ... I just can't understand. We set a school record for free throws percentages this season."

On Monday, Pembroke shot only five for 15 from the line.

In the fourth quarter, down by 14 or 15 points, Pembroke got some life back with under five minutes to play. Playing with hustle and confidence, twice they pulled within nine points of the lead but time expired before they could close the gap.

"They never quit," Funke said. "That's for sure. They never have. And you know, those girls they never will."

For Pembroke, Serene Calderon scored 16 points. MacKenna Johnson scored 13. Dekari Moss scored nine. Casey Wurtz scored six.

At 6:30 p.m. tomorrow at Genesee Community College, Avon plays Oakfield-Alabama to see which Class C team will represent Section V in the Far West Regional championship.

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported in front of Arby's on West Main Street, Batavia.

City fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 10:26 a.m.: Two cars blocking westbound traffic.

A woman has been struck by a vehicle on Judge Road and police are in pursuit of the vehicle.

The pursuit apparently started in Orleans County before the woman was struck.

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS are responding to Judge Road.

The vehicle has reportedly returned to Orleans County. Genesee County units are not pursuing the vehicle into Orleans County but have advised patrols in Orleans County of its location.

No word on whether the woman struck suffered serious or non-serious injuries.

UPDATE 11:47 p.m.: Dispatchers are checking on the availability of Mercy Flight.

UPDATE 11:50 p.m.: Orleans patrols lost sight of the vehicle.

UPDATE 11:59 p.m.: The vehicle has apparently been located. Genesee County units told they can stand down. Report from the accident scene, Mercy Flight can stand down.

UPDATE 12:47 a.m.: The vehicle was impounded by State Police and the woman was transported to ECMC.

Notre Dame High School kicked off Inclusion Month with an assembly this morning. In March, Notre Dame highlights diversity and acceptance of all people.

A three-vehicle collision with injuries is reported at Route 5 and Batavia Stafford Townline Road. Stafford Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics.

UPDATE 5:42 p.m.: Mercy medic #1 and Le Roy ambulance are called -- second and third ambulances to the scene.

Press release:

Batavia and Genesee County have continued their streak of being recognized as one of the nation’s top micropolitan regions for business growth, as the area was ranked third in Site Selection magazine’s annual rankings.

The ranking of “Top Micropolitans” is based on cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people which cover at least one county. It is the 16th consecutive year Batavia and Genesee County have been recognized and the fifth consecutive year ranked in the top five.

The area received its highest ranking ever in 2017 as it climbed all the way to number two among the annual survey of micropolitans across the country. 

“We are thrilled that the hard work that Genesee County and our partners in the public and private sector continues to be recognized as making Batavia-Genesee County the top micropolitan for business in New York,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the Genesee County Economic development Center.

“Our region is focused on building the shovel-ready sites, active business attraction, expansion and retention, and workforce talent development to continue our economic growth.”

Site Selection magazine recognized 13 of the GCEDC’s project “wins” in 2018 across several stages of project development. The GCEDC closed on 16 projects in 2018, securing $33.7 million in capital investment, 99 new jobs, and more than 189,000 square feet of new construction in Genesee County.

Since 2003, the GCEDC has provided similar assistance and incentives for 465 projects which have generated $1.3 billion in capital investment and the creation and/or retention of approximately 4,627 jobs.

Above, file photo of inside LB Grand taken in March 2018.

Press release (inset photo below submitted):

Some History on the LB Grand

The LB Grand came to be in 1983 as a result of the extraordinary efforts of Ron and Dolly Piazza. In the subsequent decades, the Piazza family fed and served drinks to two generations of LeRoyans, Genesee County residents, friends, neighbors, and lovers of homemade Italian food. In 2017 the Piazzas “passed the torch” to the Farmer family.

Admittedly, when the Piazzas approached the Farmer family, the timing wasn’t ideal. With the restoration of Farmer’s Creekside Tavern & Inn well underway, the thought of opening two restaurants simultaneously seemed challenging.

However, after touring the facility, Bill Farmer, proprietor, remarked, “We saw something” mentioning that the building had a sort of “mystique” that he was drawn to.  He added that his Italian heritage added a nostalgic pull as well.

Executive Chef Wolf said that he was all for the idea and that he saw the LB Grand as “the spot” for the community, noting that the size of the building and history associated with it made the LB Grand a real gem within the community that was worth maintaining.

After the purchase, the Farmer family decided to keep the name that the Piazza family had built and continued operations while working towards exposing the character of the building.

Bill noted that “Things that take longer often yield a better result,” and for the past two years has worked in conjunction with his team to fine tune the interior, exterior and overall operations. “As with any business, it’s still a work in process but we’re proud of where it’s come and are excited to celebrate with the community.”

Above, LPN Valedictorian 2019: Heidi Mix, director of Regional Medical Programs (left) with Class Valedictorian Jenna Staheli.

Submitted photos and press release:

The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership recently celebrated the graduation of 23 students from its School of Practical Nursing program. Of these 23 students, 18 students graduated with high honors, a 90 percent or above.

Students took part in this 12-month, 1,200-clock-hour program that is certified by the New York State Education Department. It is designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-PN Examination for licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

This course is offered in three different sites located in Batavia, Rochester Tech Park in Gates, and Mount Morris.

“As a nurse, you can truly make a difference in someone’s life; you could help save a life or help bring a new one into the world," said Heidi Mix, regional director of medical programs. "You can care for patients as they recover, and assist families through some of the most difficult times in their lives.

"A career in healthcare truly is rewarding. The need for nurses grows every day. Our School of Nursing Programs have a 100-percent placement rate.”

For more information about this program, contact the Adult Education/School of Practical Nursing at (585) 344-7788.

Below, LPN Perfect Attendance 2019: Heidi Mix, director of Regional Medical Programs, (left) congratulates LPN graduates Jenna Staheli, Amanda Booth and Denise Bagwell, for earning perfect attendance.

About the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership:

It offers a broad scope of adult education programs including a School of Practical Nursing and a Certified Nursing Assistant program, vocational training as well as classes for those seeking to broaden their skill sets. The Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services offering shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York state.

The following people are wanted on warrants issued out of Batavia City Court. If you have any information on the whereabouts of these subjects, please contact the Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350.

Do not make any attempt to apprehend these individuals on your own.

If you have an active warrant and want to avoid ending up on a WANTED list like this, the Batavia Police Department would be more than happy to assist you on resolving the warrant.

Brian J. Hawkins, age 39
Charge(s): prohibited sale of alcohol to a minor. Brittney E. Johnson (AKA Jones), age 31
Charge(s): aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, 3rd degree John M. Gallt, age 31
Charge(s): driving while intoxicated and operating a motor vehicle without a license.

 

    Justin T. Gladney (AKA Frazier), age 29
Charge(s): criminal impersonation, 2nd degree, falsifying business records, three counts of petit larceny, and one count attempted petit larceny.    

Andrew J. Bilicki age 34, W/M 5’9” 200 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes, LKA West Ave. Medina, NY

Bench warrant for petit larceny PL 155.25 (misdemeanor) Alabama Town Court, DOW 6/20/18

Arrest warrant for bail jumping 3rd PL 215.55 (misdemeanor) Alabama Town Court DOW 8/17/18

Jesse D. Bowman age 26, W/M 6’1” 170 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes, LKA Vine St. Batavia NY

Arrest warrant for petit larceny PL 155.25 (misdemeanor) and conspiracy 6th PL 105.00 (Misdemeanor) Batavia Town Court DOW 2/4/19

Barbara E. Ferrando age 47, W/F 5’9” 180 lbs., brown hair brown eyes, LKA Summit St. Batavia, NY

Bench warrant for petit larceny PL 155.25 (misdemeanor) Batavia Town Court DOW 2/4/19

 

Creagan T. Maclaren, age 20, W/M 5’10” 175 lbs., brown hair, green eyes, LKA Brower Rd. Spencerport, NY

Bench warrant for DWI VTL 1192-2 (misdemeanor) Darien Town Court DOW 8/4/18

Clint J. Reed, age 21, W/M 5’6” 180 lbs. black hair, brown eyes, LKA Barton St. Rochester, possibly in Ellicottville, NY area

Bench warrant for DWAI VTL 1192-1 (violation) Batavia Town Court DOW 7/30/18

Arrest warrant for bail jumping 3rd PL 215.55 (misdemeanor) Batavia Town Court DOW 9/17/18

Shawn M. Szczygiel age 41, W/M 5’8” 145 lbs., blond hair blue eyes, LKA  Tinkham Rd. Darien, NY

Bench Warrant for DWI VTL 1192-2 (misdemeanor) Darien Town Court DOW 11/28/17

 

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.

Brian Wilson, 30, no address noted, of Corfu, was arrested on two counts of reckless endangerment after deputies say he was driving in wintry conditions without his headlights on. Wayne County Sheriff's deputies said he drove without headlights in two separate incidents on Route 104 and Lake Avenue in Williamson early this morning in the predawn hours (March 4). Deputies allege he was driving at a high rate of speed on Lake Avenue. Both of those incidents, deputies say, took place before sunrise and during snowy weather conditions, with roads covered in snow. Wilson was put in Wayne County Jail on $250 cash or $500 bond.

Armando M. Teruel, 35, of Black Spruce Court, Amherst, is charged with second-degree contempt. He was arrested on Feb. 25 on a Batavia City Court warrant. He is accused of violating a stay away order of protection that was issued on May 13 by contacting the protected party. He was released on his own recognizance. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Spencer Alan Luthart, 22, of Mill Street, Middleport, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- first offense; DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or more; unlawful possession of marijuana; operating a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate. Luthart was arrested at 1:32 a.m. on March 3 on Wolcott Street in Le Roy after he was stopped for alleged traffic and vehicle violations. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Le Roy Town Court on April 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen, assisted by Deputy Jenna Ferrando.

Aiken R. Ahdeosun, 20, of Ellicott Avenue, Batavia, was arrested March 1 by Batavia police after he was spotted walking on Thorpe Street. He had a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court for failure to appear on a charge of petit larceny that occurred at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 18 at the M&T Express Mart at 100 W. Main St. in Batavia. He was also charged with bail jumping back in September for failing to appear in court on another matter in August. After his arraignment, he was jailed in lieu of $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond. He was due to return to city court today (March 4). The cases were handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

Joseph W. Freeman, 34, no address provided, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 10:27 a.m. on Feb. 27 at Tops Market in Batavia after allegedly shoplifting. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and found to have a bench warrant issued Jan. 31 for failure to appear concerning an unspecified incident. After arraignment, he was jailed in lieu of bail and is due in city court on Tuesday (March 5). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Frank Klimjack.

For the longest time, Batavian Ron Lawrence flew under the radar when it came to throwing honor scores. That's not the case anymore.

In November, the 61-year-old right-hander posted his first United States Bowling Congress-certified 300 game at Mancuso Bowling Center and this past week, he recorded his first USBC-certified 800 series, also at Mancuso’s.

Lawrence's big series came in the Antique World Tuesday Coed League. His rolled 31 strikes, including the last 22 in a row in a 245, 268, 300 effort on lanes 19-20.

In other league action around the Genesee Region, Jeremy Vallance of Warsaw rolled a 300 game and 758 series and Nate Cordes of Batavia shot 290--748 in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday Night League at Mancuso's.

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

Mike Pettinella's next Pin Points bowling column is scheduled for this Thursday.

Press release: 

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced $40,000 in federal funding for the Genesee County Office for the Aging.

This grant was awarded through the Senior Corps RSVP from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), a program that leverages the skills and experience of seniors from across the country to serve in a variety of volunteering activities.

The Senior Corps RSVP is one of the largest volunteering networks in the nation that engages Americans 55 or older in citizen service to address problems that our country faces. These services can range from fighting the opioid epidemic, connecting veterans to jobs and benefits, and ensuring seniors age dependently and with dignity.  

“ As we get older it is important we keep ourselves active,” Congressman Collins said. “The Senior Corps program is a great way to get involved in our community while helping others.”

The Genesee County Office for the Aging offers a variety of programs and services to all county residents who are the age of 60 and over. Their mission is to provide information, support, and advocacy to their residents while promoting independence to improve the quality of life.

The Senior Corps engages approximately 220,000 Americans at 25,000 locations across the nation through its Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion and RSVP programs.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.43, up 3 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.53. The New York State average is $2.53 – up 1 cent from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.71. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $2.47 (no change since last week)
• Buffalo - $2.50 (no change since last week)
• Ithaca - $2.48 (up 2 cents since last week)
• Rochester - $2.48 (no change since last week)
• Rome - $2.51 (up 1 cent since last week)
• Syracuse - $2.47 (up 1 cent since last week)
• Watertown - $2.51 (up 1 cent since last week)

Rising crude oil prices are pushing up gas prices at the pump. Refineries are also gearing up for spring gasoline production and maintenance season.