Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia), a former farmer and member of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, is expressing grave concern following a 2-1 decision by the Farm Laborers Wage Board to implement a 40 hour overtime threshold for farm laborers in New York state. Hawley has joined farmers and advocates from across the state throughout the last several months to speak out against this proposal, arguing that since farms operate on schedules that are at the mercy of the weather and other unpredictable factors, that lowering the threshold would prove fatal for farms who barely turn a profit when paying their laborers under the existing 60-hour threshold.

“Farm operators and farm laborers alike have been more united than ever in opposing this mandate, but sadly it seems their voices were ignored, and I now fear the decision will come at the cost of countless multi-generational family businesses who will now have no choice but to cease operations,” said Hawley. “Being someone with origins in upstate New York, I sincerely hope that Governor Hochul will be able to put aside her partisanship and stop this policy’s implementation for the sake of our farmers, families, and rural economies throughout the state. For the millions of people who love everything about agriculture as we know it here in upstate New York, it would be truly tragic if our local farms became nothing more than memories of a better time.”
 

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

Pembroke beat Lyndonville in girls basketball on Friday, 64-63.  Izzy Breeden and Sydney Johnson each scored 14 points.  Breeden had four rebounds and Johnson, three, along with five assists. Karli Houseknecht had 12 points and five steals. Elle Peterson scored five points and had eight rebounds. "Pembroke jumped out to a big first lead," said Head Coach Jamie Johnson. "Lyndonville played tough and slowly got back into it and tied the game up with 1:01 left in the game on a 3-pointer by Ella Lewis. Sydney Johnson was fouled with no time left on the clock and made the first of 2 free throws to secure the win."

Also in girls basketball on Friday:

• Notre Dame beat Attica 49-35
• Warsaw beat Le Roy 36-33. Kailyn Tresco scored 10 points and had seven rebounds. Lindsey Steffenilla scored nine points and had seven rebounds. Corina Dunn had 10 rebounds.
• Elba beat Holley 49-19. Sydney Reilly scored 13 points.
• Oakfield-Alabama beat Byron-Bergen 55-37. Kelsey Schlagenhauf scored 16 points and had 14 rebounds. Caitlin Ryan scored 14 points and scored 10 points. MaKena Reding scored 13 points.

In boys basketball:

• Le Roy beat Warsaw 69-39
• Cal-Mum beat Pavilion 71-37
• Arcadia beat Batavia 55-40. Carter McFollins scored 11 points and Javin McFollins scored 10 points.

An Olympic Torch passed through Batavia today with a spot at the Ice Arena where members of the Ramparts passed it into the arena and then were given a chance to sake it around the ice rink.

Above, Levi Bennett during his turn to carry the torch.

Genesee Region USBC bowlers have plenty of tournaments to choose from over the next couple months, starting with this weekend’s 9^th annual Scott Whittier Triples No-Tap Memorial Tournament at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.

The event lists four squads – 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. today and Sunday – and offers at $600 first prize. The entry fee is $75.

Proprietor Randy Hanks reports that today’s squads are nearly full, but there are many openings tomorrow. To enter, call 589-6900.

More information can be found on the Oak Orchard Bowl website – www.oakorchardbowl.com/tournaments.

Other tournaments are as follows:

• Feb. 4-6 – Help-R-Hero’s 4-Person Handicap No-Tap, Le Roy Legion Lanes. Entry fee is $100 per team. First place is $1,000, based on 40 teams. Squad times are 7 p.m. Feb. 4, noon and 3 p.m. Feb. 5 and 2 p.m. Feb. 6. Call 585-409-6459 to enter.

• Feb. 5-6 – GRUSBC Youth Team, Oak Orchard Bowl, Albion. An entry form can be found at www.bowlgr.com.

• Feb. 13 – Super Bowl Handicap Singles, Mancuso Bowling Center, Batavia. Entry fee is $45. One squad at noon. Call 716-474-7960 to enter.

• Feb. 19 – GRUSBC Doubles No-Tap, Mount Morris Lanes. An entry form can be found at www.bowlgr.com.

• Feb. 25-27 – 20^th Anniversary Ron Riggi Memorial, Le Roy Legion Lanes. Four-person handicap. Call 585-409-6459 for squad times and availability.

• Feb. 25-27 – 26th Annual Betty Ellison Memorial Strike Out for Crossroads House fundraiser, Mancuso Bowling Center.  Squad times are 6 p.m. Feb. 25, 3 and 6 p.m. Feb. 26 and 1 p.m. Feb. 27. Entry fee (five person team) is $125. To enter, call Cindy at 585-993-0584 or Tara at 585-409-0136 or go to www.crossroadshouse.com/upcoming-events.

• Feb. 27 – Tommy Kress 60-and-Over Tour, Brockport Bowl. Qualifying squad at 11 a.m. Entry fee is $50. Walk-in are accepted (registration starts at 10 a.m.).

• March 4-6, 11-13, Bertram Memorial No-Tap, Mount Morris Lanes.  Entry fee is $125 for a five-person team. First place is $1,000. To enter, call 585-658-2540.

• March 5 – King & Queen Mixed Doubles Handicap, Mancuso Bowling Center. Entry fee is $50, with a $500 first prize, based on 60 entries. Squad times are noon and 2 p.m. Call 716-474-7960 to enter.

A 24-year-old male has reportedly suffered a leg injury in a snowmobile accident in an area off Route 20 in Pavilion.

The location is near Texaco Town and the patient is said to be near the roadway.

Pavilion Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

Mercy Flight is on ground standby.

Oakfield-Alabama continued to run the table in the 2021-22 hoops season -- they're now a perfect 13-0 -- with a 69-51 win over Byron-Bergen at home on Thursday night.

Kam Cusmano scored 19 points for the Hornets, while Kyle Porter scored 18, and Gaige Armbrewster scored 13.

For the Bees, David Brumsted scored 13 and Colin Martin scored 12.

Also in boys basketball on Thursday,

• Elba beat Holley 50-29
• Notre Dame beat Attica 64-60
• Pembroke beat Lyndonville 69-33
• Pavilion fell to Mount Morris 53-44

There were no local girls'd basketball games on Thursday.

Press release:

The Farm Laborers Wage Board voted two-to-one to recommend lowering the overtime threshold to 40 hours a week over the next decade, despite 70% of the testimony made by farmers and farm workers who asked for overtime to stay at 60. It is disingenuous and irresponsible that the data, research, and comments made from those who know agriculture best were cast aside by the majority of the Wage Board. Changing the overtime threshold to 40 hours a week for farmworkers in New York means that these workers will be limited to 40 hours, due to simple farm economics. This is not a win for farmworkers that self-proclaimed worker advocates will claim. 

Agricultural production, diversification, and job availability will suffer. That is no scare tactic. We have already seen farmworkers leave the state for more hours of work and production shift to less labor-intensive crops since the farm labor legislation was enacted in January 2020. Further collapse of New York agriculture is on the hands of those who spread falsehoods and look to destroy the livelihoods of farmworkers they say they represent. This is also a loss for New Yorkers who enjoy and depend on access to local food, something that was highlighted during the pandemic. 

New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher voted against lowering the threshold, simply asking for more time to study the economic impacts of a lower threshold. Governor Hochul and Commissioner Reardon must now do what is right and let the facts be their guide. If this administration cares about the future of upstate New York, Long Island, and urban access to locally produced food, they must put a stop to the constant regulatory assault on agriculture.

Grow NY Farms would like to thank everyone who testified this year. The care and respect they have for their employees were clear from the beginning. No wage board decision can take that away. We all value essential farm work and want the very best for farm employees, which includes the ability to earn a livelihood in the profession they have chosen.

Thursday night’s 4-2 home win over Victor has moved Batavia Notre Dame’s varsity hockey team into the No. 4 seed in the Section V Power Seeding Standings.

BND defeated the previously once-beaten Blue Devils to raise its record to 10-4-3, which is good for 88 points in the standings. The team’s per game average of 5.1765 puts it fourth on the list of the section’s 12 Class A clubs.

Penfield (12-1-1) is No. 1 with a 6.5714 per game average, followed by Victor (12-2-2) at 6.5625 and Pittsford (7-5-1) at 5.6154.

Other teams in Class A, currently ranked fifth through 12^th, are Brighton/HFL/ER, McQuaid Jesuit, Portside Royals, Greece Storm, Fairport, Hilton, Gates/Wayne/EI/Wheatland and WFL Panthers.

Should United finish in the top four at the close of the regular season, it would get a first-round bye into the Section V Tournament.

BND Head Coach Marc Staley said the power seeds are determined by strength of schedule, with more points awarded to clubs taking on teams with winning records.

“Teams that are better and have a winning record give us more points whether we win or lose,” he said today. “So, it rewards you for playing against top teams. For instance, we can beat Geneva (WFL Panthers, currently 1-8-0) and we will only get four points. Or we could lose to Aquinas (11-3-0 in Class B) and we still get four points.”

Last night’s victory gave United 10 power seeding points – moving them up from seventh to fourth.

Section V hockey officials say they are using the power seeding system “to provide the best opportunity for the best teams (in) Section V ice hockey to potentially represent us onto (New York) State competition.”

Staley took a deeper dive into his team’s won-loss-tie record, which has been boosted by five wins and a tie in its last six matches.

“Our record may not look incredible at 10-4-3, but in 17 games, we’ve only lost three games in regulation time. That’s impressive; 14 games we’ve either won or went into OT,” he said.

United is back in action at 6 p.m. Tuesday against visiting McQuaid, and then has a rematch with Victor at 5 p.m. Feb. 3, this time at the Rochester Ice Center in Fairport. The regular season finale is scheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 8 at home against Geneseo/Avon/Livonia.

The Class A sectionals begin with pre-quarterfinals on Feb. 15-16. The top four teams would start with quarterfinal contests on Feb. 17-18.

Semifinals are scheduled for Feb. 25 at the higher seed’s rink and the finals are set for 4 p.m. Feb. 27 at Tuttle Ice Arena on the Brockport State College campus.

Regional competition in Division I will take place at 1 p.m. March 5 at Tuttle Ice Arena.

File photo: Batavia Notre Dame's Gavin Schrader scored three goals and added an assist on Thursday night to raise his Section V-leading totals to 29 and 28, respectively. The senior forward's 57 points are five more than compiled by Max McKay of Churchville-Chili (24 goals, 28 assists). Photo by Howard Owens.

Press Release:

Genesee Valley Conservancy is seeking 100 painters for this year’s Genesee Valley 100: Community Painting Project.

Painters will be given a 12x12 canvas upon which to create a piece inspired by the Genesee Valley landscape. The project aims, through art, to celebrate the diversity and importance of the
Genesee Valley landscape that the Conservancy works to protect. The subject and style of the painting is up to each individual artist. Paintings are due October 14 in preparation for the in-person and online show. Signups will be accepted until all slots are filled.

In person signup and pickup of canvases is taking place in Perry at the Silver Lake Brewing Project, 14 Borden Ave., on Sunday February 6 from 1-3.p.m. After that, artists can visit the
Conservancy website for details on signing up and receiving their canvas. All paintings will be pulled together at the end of the year for a show at the Silver Lake Brewing Project in Perry where the paintings will create a mosaic that represents the diversity and beauty of the Genesee Valley. The works will also be online for viewing and purchase.

There is a $10 fee to participate, but school classes are encouraged to reach out to Ben at the Conservancy to waive this fee as part of a class project. The Genesee Valley 100 is proudly underwritten by Steed Energy.

Press Release:

 Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) took numerous actions this week to end the dangerous Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy that allows illegal immigrants to use arrest warrants, among other documents, to gain access to airplanes in the absence of identification. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed the use of this practice.

“To think after 9/11 that anything short of photographic, government-issued identification would be allowable to pass through a TSA checkpoint and board an airplane is stunning. However, this administration has taken that a step further is going so far as to allow illegal immigrants, who lack any identification, to use arrest warrants as an acceptable security document,” Jacobs said. “The fact that the administration is actively allowing this to happen is reprehensible and threatens the safety of every American.”

This week Jacobs cosponsored the Crime Doesn’t Fly Act to put an end to this policy and outlaw the current DHS practice of allowing arrest warrants as acceptable forms of identification. Additionally, Jacobs sent a letter to DHS Secretary Mayorkas demanding additional answers about this practice and security measures for those entering our nation illegally. You can read the letter by clicking the link below.

https://jacobs.house.gov/sites/jacobs.house.gov/files/Arrest%20Warrants%20Oversight%20Letter%20to%20DHS%201.26.2022%20(002).pdf

“This administration continues to blatantly ignore the rule of law and the safety of American citizens. The President’s actions – or lack thereof – have directly contributed to the record-breaking surge of illegal immigration at our southern border that has caused a sustained national security and humanitarian crisis,” Jacobs said. “I have continually fought for the safety and security of our nation and our communities, and I will continue to do just that.” 

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) took numerous actions this week to end the dangerous Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy that allows illegal immigrants to use arrest warrants, among other documents, to gain access to airplanes in the absence of identification. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed the use of this practice.

“To think after 9/11 that anything short of photographic, government-issued identification would be allowable to pass through a TSA checkpoint and board an airplane is stunning. However, this administration has taken that a step further is going so far as to allow illegal immigrants, who lack any identification, to use arrest warrants as an acceptable security document,” Jacobs said.“The fact that the administration is actively allowing this to happen is reprehensible and threatens the safety of every American.”

This week Jacobs cosponsored the Crime Doesn’t Fly Act to put an end to this policy and outlaw the current DHS practice of allowing arrest warrants as acceptable forms of identification. Additionally, Jacobs sent a letter to DHS Secretary Mayorkas demanding additional answers about this practice and security measures for those entering our nation illegally. You can read that letter here.

“This administration continues to blatantly ignore the rule of law and the safety of American citizens. The President’s actions – or lack thereof – have directly contributed to the record-breaking surge of illegal immigration at our southern border that has caused sustained national security and humanitarian crisis,” Jacobs said. “I have continually fought for the safety and security of our nation and our communities, and I will continue to do just that.” 

Upon request, Jacobs' office provided The Batavian with a copy of the TSA communication to Rep Lance Gooden, which confirms the TSA does allow the use of arrest warrants for ID.  To download a copy, click here (PDF).

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia), a member of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture joined Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) and Sen. Ed Rath (R,C,I-Amherst) for a meeting he organized with local farmers Thursday to discuss the federal vaccine mandate and its impact on the well-being of their businesses. 

During the meeting, farmers expressed concerns that the vaccine mandate is negatively affecting the supply chains farmers depend on, as well as their ability to hire and retain laborers. This concern has arisen after a new mandate was hastily issued by the Department of Homeland Security requiring essential workers who are not U.S. citizens, including farm laborers, to be vaccinated before entering the country.

“Farming is the backbone of all economic activity in our nation, providing the food and materials necessary for other industries to operate effectively,” said Hawley. “Vaccine mandates have only served to worsen conditions experienced by Americans during the pandemic, and this new mandate pertaining to essential farm laborers is no different. By slowing our supply chain and keeping much-needed farmhands out of our fields, this mandate will strain both our rural economies in upstate New York and slow the restocking of vital goods in grocery stores across the state. I stand opposed to this mandate, and any others like it that may be implemented at the state or federal level.”

“Representing our farmers on the House Agriculture Committee is a job I take very seriously, and right now their livelihoods are at stake as a direct result of President Biden’s vaccine mandates,” said Jacobs. “Farming is a year-round industry that has no room for delays or logistical blockades, yet that is exactly what the president has created. His mandate that just recently went into effect is causing trucking delays, which seriously impacts our farmers and hurts our ag-focused economy in New York’s 27th District. I have fought against these mandates, and I will continue to do so to ensure our supply chains remain intact and our farmers are supported.”

“Our New York farmers have been taking hit after hit,” said Rath. “Many are already struggling with staffing shortages and supply chain issues, at no fault of their own. Jeopardizing their available workforce is irresponsible and inconsiderate of the overwhelming pressures that farmers are facing.  I have advocated for simplifying the countless mandates to help our farms and businesses. I will continue to fight for our agriculture community."

Press release from Rep. Chris Jacobs:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27), NYS Senator Ed Rath (R,C,I - Amherst), and NYS Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I – Batavia) met with local farmers and agricultural leaders yesterday to discuss the impact of President Biden’s vaccine mandate at the Northern border, and the current supply chain issues and labor shortages facing the agricultural industry.

“Representing our farmers on the House Agriculture Committee is a job I take very seriously, and right now their livelihoods are at stake as a direct result of President Biden’s vaccine mandates,” Jacobs said. “Farming is a round the clock industry that has no room for delays or logistical blockades, yet that is exactly what the President has created. His mandate that just recently went into effect is causing trucking delays, which seriously impacts our farmers and hurts our ag-focused economy in New York’s 27th District. I have fought against these mandates, and I will continue to do so to ensure our supply chains remain intact and our farmers are supported.”

"Our New York farmers have been taking hit after hit. Many are already struggling with staffing shortages and supply chain issues, at no fault of their own. Jeopardizing their available workforce is irresponsible and inconsiderate of the overwhelming pressures that farmers are facing. I have advocated for simplifying the countless mandates to help our farms and businesses. I will continue to fight for our agriculture community," Rath said.

​“Vaccine mandates issued at any level of government only serve to cripple our response to the very pandemic such mandates seek to improve,” Hawley said. “For farmers in particular, disruptions in the supply chain could mean the loss of crop yields, the death of livestock animals and critical equipment remaining in a state of disrepair for long periods of time when out of order. When the operations of our farms slow down, the economies of our rural communities slow as well. And across our nation, the restocking of grocery store shelves will continue to be a spotty process. Mandates that stifle the efficacy of our supply chain will only prolong the suffering brought about by this pandemic, and I remain committed to combating their implementation in any broad capacity,”

Jacobs is a member of the House Agriculture Committee. In December, Jacobs sent a letter with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik to President Biden warning of the disruption his vaccine mandate at the border would cause in the supply chain. The President ignored this warning. You can read the letter here.

Press release:

The Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School Girls’ Basketball Team will host its 11th annual Shooting For A Cure! event versus Oakfield-Alabama on Friday, February 11, 2022, at 7:00 PM at the high school gym located at the corner of Routes 5 and 77 (8717Alleghany Road) in Pembroke, New York. Admission is free. The team asks that attendees make a donation of any amount as they enter the facility, and all donations go to Roswell Park to support research efforts. In addition to donations at the door, all proceeds from raffle tickets, concession sales, and apparel sales go directly to Roswell Park. To date, Shooting For A Cure! has raised over $200,000 and has become Roswell Park’s largest independent, community-based fundraising event.

The event began over a decade ago when the team approached then head coach Mike Wilson with an idea; they wanted to show their support for Toni Funke, wife of former coach and Pembroke teacher Ron Funke, in her battle against breast cancer by hosting a game in her honor which would bring the community together to raise awareness and funds for cancer research at Roswell Park. This season, the team hopes to add to the $200,000 the event has generated and donated since 2011, by continuing this benevolent Pembroke tradition.

At this present time, in accordance with NYS guidelines, we kindly ask that all attendees wear a mask when entering the school that evening.

Direct online donations are now being accepted in support of this year’s Shooting For A Cure! at: http://give.roswellpark.org/goto/shooting-for-a-cure-11. In addition, the team is seeking donations from the community in the form of items to include in various raffles, as well as food, beverages, and merchandise that can be offered for sale during the event.  All of the proceeds will benefit cancer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.  The 2021-2022 Shooting For A Cure! donors list already contains many businesses and organizations, including 26Shirts, ADPRO Sports, Buffalo Bandits, Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Burnin’ Barrel BBQ, Buttercumbs Bakery, Clarence Deli, Five Guys, Genesee County YMCA, Hershey's Ice Cream, Homeslice 33 Pizzeria, Knockaround Sunglasses, Linda's Family Diner, Original Pizza Logs, Pesci's Pizza, Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, Salvatore’s, Terry Hills, Tim Horton's. Businesses and organizations wishing to make a donation for this year’s event should contact Mike Wilson, the Shooting For A Cure! coordinator at Pembroke, by calling 716.949.0523.

For more information, please go to:          

Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/PemGBBPinkGame/

Twitter, https://twitter.com/pemgbb_pinkgame

Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/shooting4acure/

Team Roswell, http://give.roswellpark.org/goto/shooting-for-a-cure-11

Paid summer internship available. Intern at one of the news industry's most respected online new websites! To apply send a cover letter and resume along with at least three news-related writing samples to: howard@thebatavian.com.

That was the message conveyed from Haymarket, Va., by Rob Kent, general counsel for the White House Office of National Drug Policy, during last week’s GOW Opioid Task Force quarterly meeting via Zoom videoconferencing.

“We need to understand in that 100,000 number … that’s 100,000 people who have brothers, sisters mothers, fathers, grandparents and kids themselves. It’s human,” said Kent, who previously served in a similar position for the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports and frequently worked with personnel at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.

Kent said that when people view addiction beyond the human element, “we just we lose the opportunity to do what we need to do -- which is to help people stay alive.”

During his time with OASAS, Kent was instrumental in creating the Certified Recovery Peer Advocate program that enlists people, primarily, who are in recovery and can relate to those in need.

“That’s one of the things I’m most proud of,” he said. “We mandate that insurance -- both Medicaid and private insurance -- pay for them because they help engage people and they're even more critical right now.

“People respond positively to others who can come to them and say, ‘I know what you're going through, I walked that walk before -- I know what it's like.’ I'm not saying they're the end-all, but they’re certainly a key component of what needs to be done.”

GCASA has woven CRPAs into its recovery policy, utilizing peers at The Recovery Station on Clinton Street Road and in other programs in both counties.

Kent pointed out that illegal fentanyl has become a major problem.

“I know there's an uptick with meth (methamphetamine), but illegal fentanyl is being mixed into everything,” he said. “And I think it's important for us to understand that it is lethal; it kills people easily. And it it's changed the ballgame.”

Of that 100,000 number, more than 5,000 are dying in New York State, Kent said.

Kent said the federal government has sent billions of dollars to the states in supplemental block grant funding. In March 2021, New York received $104 million from the stimulus package and, a few months later, received another $90 million from the American Rescue Plan Act.

He said another $50 million to $100 million is expected to flow to the states over the next few years.

While the money is vital, spending it properly is just as important, Kent said.

“I’m not paying enough attention to New York to know how much has been spent, but they should be spending it because people are dying right now,” he said. “I’m very optimistic with the new (OASAS) commissioner (Chinazo Cunningham) that she gets what's going on. She has a heart; she cares and she will try her best to do the right thing.”

Kent said the Biden Administration has made harm reduction a key element of its comprehensive approach to addressing substance use disorders through prevention, treatment, and recovery where individuals who use substances set their own goals. Federal funds are being used to purchase fentanyl test strips and other testing equipment, sponsor syringe service programs, expand access to Naloxone and create guidelines for streamlined and expanded buprenorphine prescribing.

“I know there's reactions (from people) to harm reduction generally into the services I just talked about,” he said. “Some folks will tell you, you're enabling the drug use. I say that when we don't do those things, we're ignoring that it's happening.”

Connecting with those dealing with substance use disorder in genuine and meaningful ways ultimately will make the biggest difference, Kent said.

“We need to understand that we can continue to sit here and talk about drug use as a failure of will – a lack of personal strength, whatever you want to call it -- and we can continue to do that and watch more and more people in this country die from drug use, or we could embrace people,” he said. “We could understand they're human beings. They have families, they have loved ones, and when we focus on it from that perspective, everything then becomes possible.”

Disclosure: Mike Pettinella is the publicist for GCASA.

Jameson Arland Crocker, 35, of Godfreys Pond Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI, resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration 2nd, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, and unsafe backing of a vehicle.  Crocker is accused of being leaving the scene of a property damage accident at 12:22 a.m., Jan. 23. He was arrested by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell. He was issued an appearance ticket. 

Harold P. Gage, 78 of Le Roy, is charged with DWI, failure to keep right, and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Gage was arrested by a trooper out of SP Warsaw on South Road, Town of Covington at 7:36 p.m., Jan. 25. Gage allegedly failed a field sobriety test and recorded a BAC of .14.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Press release:

Officer of the Year Award – Deputy David D. Moore

Deputy Sheriff David D. Moore has distinguished himself in the performance of service to the citizens of

Genesee County during 2021.  Deputy Moore is a seven-year member of the Sheriff’s Office, with three and a half of those years on Road Patrol.  Deputy Moore is a consistent, professional Deputy who always presents a positive image to those he deals with, no matter the circumstances.  Deputy Moore has strived to gain more knowledge of the job and has been able to share that with newer Deputies as a Field Training Officer.  Deputy Moore’s dedication to traffic safety is evident in his impaired driving enforcement and being certified as a Drug Recognition Expert.  

Deputy Sheriff David D. Moore has reflected great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s

Office and most deserves to be named Officer of the Year.

Photo – Officer of the Year Deputy David D. Moore

From left to right:  Assistant Director of Emergency Communications/Operations Francis A. Riccobono, Chief Deputy Road Patrol Brian M. Frieday, Undersheriff Bradley D. Mazur, Deputy Sheriff David D. Moore, Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr., Chief Deputy Criminal Investigations Joseph M. Graff, Jail Superintendent William A. Zipfel, Director of Emergency Communications Steven C. Sharpe.

Distinguished Service Award – Matthew R. Burgett

Senior Correction Officer Matthew R. Burgett has distinguished himself as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for over sixteen years. 

Senior Correction Officer Burgett began his career at the Genesee County Jail on January 22, 2005, and was promoted to Senior Correction Officer on February 22, 2014.  During his career, he was the recipient of a Meritorious Service award for his professionalism and dedication and has consistently performed in an

outstanding manner which has led to the betterment of the Genesee County Jail.  His positive attitude and willingness to assist other officers has been consistent over several years.  Senior Correction Officer Burgett leads by example and is respected by his co-workers.

Senior Correction Officer Matthew R. Burgett reflects great credit upon himself and the Genesee County

Distinguished Service Award – Chad J. Minuto

Investigator Chad J. Minuto has distinguished himself as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for over eighteen years. 

Investigator Minuto began his career as a Correction Officer at the Genesee County Jail on March 20, 1999, was appointed Deputy Sheriff in 2005, and promoted to Investigator in 2015.  During this time, he has been the recipient of a Meritorious Service award, two Commendations, and Officer of the Year for his professionalism and dedication.  Throughout his career, Investigator Minuto has performed his duties to the highest standard.  He has accepted additional responsibilities without hesitation which includes maintaining the evidence room for several years.  Investigator Minuto is looked upon as the Sheriff’s Office lead evidence technician and carries these duties out at serious crime scenes.  He is often called when off duty to answer questions from other Deputies and provides answers without fail or complaint.  He is a trusted member of this Office and sets the bar for others.

Investigator Chad J. Minuto reflects great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Photo – Distinguished Service Award – Investigator Chad J. Minuto

From left to right:  Assistant Director of Emergency Communications/Operations Francis A. Riccobono, Chief Deputy Road Patrol Brian M. Frieday, Undersheriff Bradley D. Mazur, Investigator Chad J. Minuto, Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr., Chief Deputy Criminal Investigations Joseph M. Graff, Jail Superintendent William A. Zipfel, Director of Emergency Communications Steven C. Sharpe.

Certificates of Appreciation

Pastor Corey Hancock

Jessica Mitchell

Patricia Famiglietti

Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester

Perry Veterinary Clinic

Volunteers for Animals

The Sportsmans Coonhunters Association

Longevity Awards

Emergency Services Dispatcher Peggy D. Richardson

10 years

Emergency Services Dispatcher Kelly E. Smith

10 years

Emergency Services Dispatcher Andrew K. Merkel

10 years

Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher John W. Spencer

15 years

Youth Officer Howard J. Carlson

15 years

Community Victim Services Counselor Rosanne M. DeMare

15 years

Cook Lynn J. Jakubowski

15 years

Emergency Services Dispatcher Nathan L. Fix

15 years

Correction Officer Anthony J. Ridder

20 years

Correction Officer Philip A. Mangefrida

20 years

Senior Correction Officer Kevin D. Wolff

20 years

Chief Deputy Brian M. Frieday

25 years

Deputy Sheriff Cory W. Mower

25 years

Deputy Sheriff Patrick J. Reeves

25 years

Meritorious Awards

Deputy Sheriff Chad P. Cummings

1^st

Program Coordinator Theresa M. Roth

1^st

Financial Management Assistant Tammy M. Schmidt

1^st

Case Manager Erin M. Martin

1^st

Youth Officer Howard J. Carlson

2^nd

Case Manager Nicole M. Easton

2^nd

Commendations

Deputy Sheriff Kenneth A. Quackenbush III

1^st

Emergency Services Dispatcher Shelby M. Turner

1^st

Emergency Services Dispatcher Jennifer M. Kirkum

1^st

Emergency Services Dispatcher Stephen R. Smelski

1^st

Financial Clerk-Typist Tracy L. Ranney

1^st

Senior Correction Officer James M. Smart

1^st

Correction Officer Adam C. Snow

1^st

Deputy Sheriff Travis M. DeMuth

1^st

Emergency Services Dispatcher Marie A. Vaughn

1^st & 2^nd

Emergency Services Dispatcher Emily K. Moskal

1^st & 2^nd

Emergency Services Dispatcher Fleur R.C. Remington

2^nd

Deputy Sheriff Joshua A. Brabon

2^nd

Emergency Services Dispatcher Peggy D. Richardson

2^nd

Emergency Services Dispatcher Samantha L. Conibear

2^nd

Assistant Director of Emergency

Communications/Operations Francis A. Riccobono

2^nd

Deputy Sheriff Robert C. Henning

2^nd

Correction Officer Michael A. Cox

3^rd

Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Michael T. Sheflin

4^th

Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher John W. Spencer

5^th

Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Robert H. Tripp

8^th

Coach Marc Staley’s United club posted a major victory tonight, knocking off the Victor Blue Devils, ranked third in the state by the NYSSWA, by a 4-2 score at the Batavia Ice Arena.

Gavin Schrader, Section V’s leading scorer, poured in three more goals to lead BND, which stands at 10-4-3 after its fifth win in its last six games (the other being a tie). United is not listed among the NYSSWA’s top 15 teams in Division I in its latest poll.

Victor’s second straight loss puts its record at 12-2-2.

United got a big lift from sophomore goalie Frank Falleti Jr., inserted into the starting lineup for the first time since he suffered a leg injury in the team’s opening game. Falleti stopped 29 of 31 shots, including several at point-blank range.

BND managed just 13 shots against the Blue Devils, but made the most of its opportunities – driving starting goalie Cameron Beal out of the game after Schrader’s third goal at the 12:11 mark of the third period gave the home team a 4-1 advantage.

As expected, Staley was ecstatic after the final buzzer sounded – yelling out “I told you we would win this game” – as he headed to the locker room.

Afterwards, he brought up the fact that his club had just beaten an elite opponent.

“Well, they are the third-ranked team in the state,” he said, responding to the significance of tonight’s win. “So, you tell me. I mean it was 4-1 at one point and we went into our trap the last eight minutes to keep the clock moving. We knew they were going to come after us late, but we hung on.”

Victor opened the scoring five minutes into the first period when sophomore forward Chris Donnelly scored after a shot from the point by teammate Christian Kurz popped out of Falleti’s glove and onto the ice.

United responded eight minutes later when senior Vin DiRisio swept a rebound on a long shot by Schrader past Beal for a power play goal to tie the game. Zack Eschberger also picked up an assist on the play.

Neither team scored in a second period that proved to be a clinic in penalty killing as the teams combined for six infractions – four of them by BND. Falleti was tested throughout the frame as the Blue Devils outshot United by a 12-1 count.

The third period showcased Schrader’s talents as the senior forward registered a “natural hat trick” with three goals in the final 17 minutes. He now has 29 goals and 28 assists in the team’s 17 games.

BND took the lead with 14:46 on the clock when Andrew Kasmarek got the puck to Brady Johnson, who passed it in front of the net to Schrader, who quickly put the puck in the net.

Schrader made it 3-1 when, after taking a pass from DiRisio, rushed down the ice untouched and beat Beal high to his glove side with 12:31 to play. Following a Victor timeout, Schrader scored again just 20 seconds later when he jammed the puck into the net, with Johnson picking up the assist.

Victor’s Simon Kowal collected a rebound of a missed shot at the 7:08 mark to make it 4-2, but the visitors were unable to score again as Falleti came up with five nifty saves down the stretch.

“We’ve been a great third period team all year – outshooting and outscoring teams – but we got outshot tonight, and we knew that was going to happen,” Staley said, assessing Victor’s strengths. “But we wanted to get quality shots, and a couple of those went in to really help us out.”

He said he wasn’t pleased with all the penalties in the second period, but was happy that BND was able to kill them off and also was one for four on the power play.

“When you get that and then you add in some g

Staley said the team’s nickname is appropriate at this stage of the season.

“I just feel by the way we've been practicing that these kids are really united, and they’re really playing for each other right now,” he offered. “Everybody on the bench is happy. Even when we see guys blocking shots and clearing the puck, the team is responding to that now.

“And we've really found our identity in terms of the style we want to play. And when we stick to our game plan, we're going to be a tough team to beat down the stretch. Teams are going to have to play their best hockey to beat us.”

United is off until 6 p.m. Tuesday when McQuaid Jesuit comes to town, and then it will face Victor again at 5 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Rochester Ice Center in Fairport. Its last regular season game is set for 6 p.m. Feb. 8 at home against Geneseo/Avon/Livonia.

Photos from tonight's game: Coach Marc Staley on the bench, United players congratulate goaltender Frank Falleti Jr. (33). Photos by Mike Pettinella.