Press release:

Evidence-based prevention services at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse will be receiving a nearly $40,000 boost thanks to an award announced over the weekend by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

GCASA is one of 87 agencies throughout New York’s 10 economic development regions that had their services negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants will be administered by the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports.

The local nonprofit organization will use the funds to enhance its environmental strategy efforts, specifically to fund law enforcement compliance checks in Genesee and Orleans counites, and also to purchase programming for school prevention education and to upgrade its ability to use technology in the delivery of its services, Prevention Director Shannon Ford said.

“We are thankful to Gov. Hochul’s office for accepting our grant application,” Ford said, “and are looking forward to working with the City of Batavia Police Department, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and Orleans County Sheriff’s Office to make sure establishments that serve alcohol are checking IDs.”

About two-thirds of the $39,417 in funding will be appropriated for environmental strategies, including social media posts and targeted advertising, Ford added.

In its grant application, GCASA indicated that individuals or businesses found to be out of compliance in the distribution of alcohol will be referred to the agency’s Responsible Server Training program for employees.

“For the media portion of the strategy, we will submit press releases to local media recognizing establishments who are in compliance with the Alcohol Beverage Control laws specific to underage drinking,” Ford said. “We will also use social media to boost prevention messages and create targeted ads for youth and adults regarding the dangers of underage drinking and consequences for serving underage youth.  In addition, we will create and print materials targeting adults and youth with prevention messages regarding the dangers of underage drinking.”

In announcing the awards, Hochul spoke off alcohol’s impact on her family.

“Like many New Yorkers, my family has been affected by addiction," she said. "Expanding support services for those dealing with addiction is as vital as ever as we battle the opioid crisis. We will continue to work with local partners to boost preventative measures and treatment to help set New Yorkers on the path to recovery.”

OASAS Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham said, “Prevention is an important pillar of the OASAS continuum of care, and during the COVID-19 pandemic our prevention providers have faced unprecedented challenges in delivering their services. Providers awarded funding through this initiative have the opportunity to greatly increase their prevention infrastructure, and make the changes that they need to continue to provide these lifesaving services in the communities they serve.”

The City of Batavia may have to get its ducks in a row after the City Council president on Monday night expressed his view that farm animals living in the community apparently have gotten his goat.

Eugene Jankowski Jr. said he was compelled “to start a conversation” over the fact that he has received a couple complaints from residents about neighbors who are keeping animals such as goats on their properties – resulting in excessive noise, excrement and other byproducts of such species.

“What we’ve had in the last year – we’ve had a couple of interesting cases where people had multiple goats on their property and it kind of disrupted the neighborhood,” Jankowski said. “I don’t know what we can do, if anything? I don’t know what the public input is on this, but I wanted to start the conversation and at least have some direction from Council …”

Jankowski suggested looking at what other municipalities are doing in similar cases, adding that maybe the city can act to limit the number of non-traditional pets and possibly to install some enforcement measures.

“When you have multiple goats in the backyard and they’re kind of loud and they scream and make weird noises, and they also leave a lot of dung laying around. Maybe we should have some oversight on it,” he added. “It’s not something you’d really expect to see in the city … (where) a person has to wake up with a goat screaming right outside their bedroom window at 5 in the morning.”

Terming it a “low priority” at this point, Jankowski asked for input from his colleagues.

Patti Pacino spoke up, stating, “If it’s disturbing someone, I think we need to look into it.”

Robert Bialkowski said he dealt with this issue in the past and noted that code enforcement officers treat farm animals differently than pets.

“If you have a lamb and it’s a pet and it’s named as a pet, there’s nothing they can do about it,” he said.

Bialkowski said in his case it was St. Bernard dogs “which probably leave as much waste as a small goat, and we couldn’t use our backyard in the summer because the flies were so bad; they didn’t clean up after themselves.”

He said he turned it over to the county Health Department and it was resolved quickly.

Jankowski said they he did try to resolve it but found it was a “gray area.”

“It wasn’t the same as a dog or a cat … and again I don’t want to prevent people from,” he said. “If they have a horse and that’s their means of transportation, where some communities do that … I wouldn’t want to prevent someone from living in the city and not having their transportation.”

The council president said he was referring more to goats, geese, ducks and even roosters who count themselves as city dwellers.

“I was told that Rochester has certain regulations on chickens,” he said. “Nothing like if you’re working the midnight shift and you just put your head to the pillow and you hear a rooster out your bedroom window. It kind of makes you angry.”

City Manager Rachael Tabelski, responding to Jankowski’s request to “find out what our options are,” asked what direction she should take.

“Are you directing me to look into all types of animals on city property or specifically goats, or cloven hoofed animals which would be considered sheep, goats, horse and cattle?” she asked.

Jankowski said he was thinking about animals normally considered to be raised on a farm, which produce food and eggs. He said he wanted to make sure the animals were treated humanely and safely, and were located in an area where they didn’t disturb the neighbors.

Again, he suggested finding out what other communities do and to get public input on the matter.

At that point, John Canale, speaking remotely, said he wished to stay “fairly neutral” since he is dealing with the same problem in his neighborhood.

“I, too, have received complaints about it and I am very apprehensive about making a move in any way because I get along with all my neighbors tremendously well and I certainly don’t want to put myself in a situation where I upset some neighbors and don’t upset other neighbors.”

Canale said if it came down to involving his neighbors that he would recuse himself from the fray, but agreed that Council should look into it.

“Totally understand,” Jankowski replied. “And one of the complaints I received was your neighborhood.”

Concluding the nine-minute discussion, Jankowski called for a “fact-finding thing” and report back in February or March.

A public hearing on the City of Batavia’s $17.7 million budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year is tentatively scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 28 at the City Hall Council Board Room.

City Council on Monday night forwarded several resolutions to its Feb. 14 Business Meeting, including the chance for residents to speak about the budget ordinance and water rate changes.

The proposed General Fund 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.

Council has scheduled four budget work sessions, with the first one taking place last night. Others are set for tonight, Jan. 31 and Feb. 7 (if needed).

The budget, if adopted as it currently sits, would raise water rates, meter fees and capital improvement fees by 1.5 percent from last year’s rates.

Other items forwarded to the next Business Meeting:

• A long list of capital projects that include several late additions thanks to funding received through the American Rescue Plan Act:

-- Walnut Street mill and fill;
-- Interior improvements to the Batavia Ice Arena;
-- Multiple water plant projects and sewer bypass repairs at the Waste Water Treatment Plant;
-- Maple and Mill Street sanitary sewer project;
-- Sewer lining improvements.

Previously identified projects include the Richmond/Harvester highway improvement program, Bureau of Maintenance/Fire Department facilities, Jackson Square, Austin Park playground, new police station, water treatment plant filters, Jackson Street water project, Waste Water Treatment Plant air system blower and City Centre.

• An increase in the fee charged to accept waste from bulk haulers at the Waste Water Treatment Plant of $5 per 1,000 gallons -- from $35 to $40.

Tabelski is recommending that each time a truck dumps the waste that it be charged for a full tank capacity, a change in policy that could reap another $11,400 in revenue. She indicated that $40 to $45 per 1,000 gallons is the industry standard.

• Rezoning parcels at 145 and 147 Pearl St. from Planned Development (P-1) to Residential (R-2) in response to one of the owners’ desire to erect a shed on his property. No one spoke at a public hearing held last night.

Two resolutions were passed during a Special Business Meeting that took place prior to the Conference Meeting:

• Authorizing a contract for $615,000 with Ashley McGraw Architects of Syracuse to design, engineer and provide construction management services for the city’s new police headquarters, which is expected to be built on the Alva Place parking lot off Bank Street.

• Creation of a temporary human resources director position in light of HR Director Dawn Fairbanks’ intention to retire in the coming months. The non-union job would allow for a smoother transition and handling of the department’s workload, according to the resolution.

Give Jesse Coots a couple of hours and he will find plenty to say. The Pavilion native’s enthusiasm is infectious, whether it’s about his family, hot rod shop, or a new campground venture slated for later this year. 

The 45-year-old entrepreneur and his wife Jolene are eagerly mapping out their Lokee-Hikee Campgrounds project at 10156 Perry Rd., Pavilion. It seems rather easy to start daydreaming of packing up the camper as the Coots verbally paints a picture of their vision: friends, families, campfires, slowing down, relaxation, swimming, catching frogs, and taking scenic hikes in the great outdoors. The site’s tagline perhaps says it all: “We’ll leave the stars on for you.”

“We really live in a great area. We love Pavilion, it's where I'm originally from. I mean, we've lived here for 20 years. It's kind of where we really wanted to be,” Mr. Coots said during an interview with The Batavian Saturday at the family’s 1800s farmhouse. “We walked the property and it's perfect. It' in a great location, it's on a back road, but … there's a lot of main roads that run right by it. So it's a very accessible spot, and the land itself is perfect. It's really a great spot, it's got great terrain. So I'm really excited about it.”

Low Key, High Key …
That piece of land is 110 acres — and an estimated $250,000 investment so far — requiring a special use permit, engineering, land surveys, drilling for wells, securing town board approval and doing everything they can to ensure the site will be environmentally sound and neighbor-friendly, he said. 

Providing a fun, family-friendly campground has been a dream-in-the-works for the last five or six years, the couple said. They began scouting properties a few years ago, from Alexander and Batavia to Caledonia and found the ideal property practically in their own back yard.  But they were a step too late; it had already been purchased. Mr. Coots congratulated the new owner and admitted that it was a great parcel of land. 

Fate took a turn, and that owner changed his mind, notified the Coots, and put it back up for sale. There was no misstep this time, and the Coots became the proud owners of property that’s only three miles away from their home. 

Jesse and Jolene walked the property with some friends who are avid campers, and they gave a nod of approval. 

“They're like ‘you couldn't have picked a better piece of land,’” Mr. Coots said.

The first phase of the project is a section of 26 acres for about 80 campsites, a registration building, bathroom and shower facilities, a pool, and a stocked pond large enough for paddle boats, swimming, fishing, and skipping stones. There are also to be a host of jobs for people — especially youth —  to keep busy and gain work experience. The Coots want to provide that type of wholesome family experience for their three girls and the community. 

The special use permit has been a sticking point so far, as a prior hearing was rendered null and void after the board asked for the application to be completed again, Mr. Coots said. Another hearing has been set for 7 p.m. Wednesday at Pavilion Town Hall, 1 Woodrow Drive, Pavilion. (See “What’s in a Plan?”)

The name Lokee-Hikee has a touch of Native American appearance in it that appeals to the nature-loving, outdoorsy Coots family. It also is a play on words to imply a sense of low key relaxation with high key fun, energy, and friendliness, he said. 

Mrs. Coots, the quieter one of the couple, created the logo of five trees representing the family, silhouetted against a sunrise with the tagline about the stars. She complements her husband by filling in the creative gaps. It was the three girls — Cricket, Trilly, and Souly, 14, 12, and 11, respectively —  who reminded their folks that they appreciate the seemingly small stuff. The girls texted mom and dad one morning and told them to look at the sunrise. Likewise, the girls have asked their parents to check out the stars on particular nights.

“I love that my kids know enough to look at the sunrise and go ‘this is beautiful.’ And it's the same with the stars,” Mr. Coots said. “It's like, that's what camping is about. And that's what we want to expose kids and people to, because it seems that in our fast pace in life, you forget to enjoy the stars.”

The girls shared their excitement for the project with reasons of meeting new people, getting to play outside and help out, and, no doubt, enjoying some chocolatey S'mores. 

Who are Jesse and Jolene Coots …
It was, no doubt, his zeal for car rebuilds and providing hospitality that helped Jesse’s Hardcore Happenings event to mushroom in size and importance. The gathering has been a longstanding yearly opportunity to show off one’s classic car, eat some picnic fare and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow hot rod lovers. 

He has owned and operated The Old Soul Hot Rod Shop for more than a dozen years next to his home in Pavilion. Rebuilding and working on 1930s to 1950s era vehicles has been a passion since he started doing it in high school. 

Mrs. Coots, 44, is a massage therapist with a plan to offer her services at the campground. The three girls, plus dogs Trixie and C.C. (for chocolate chip), some chickens, bunnies, fish and a rooster, round out the family homestead.

A glitch with the Planning Board aside, the Coots have been pleased with everyone they’ve encountered, from the Department of Environmental Conservation and Genesee County Health Department to well-drillers, topographical surveyors and Army Corps of Engineers.

“We have really gone through the steps of making sure we're doing everything right legally (with all entities involved). They have been fantastic to deal with. It's our engineering that our Town of Pavilion is obviously involved in, and wants to make sure we're doing everything right,” he said. “So we have the entire product. They've made us engineer everything. So we have hired (Engineer Sara Gilbert), and she has been heaven-sent.” 

This labor of love will come down to the Planning Board, he said, and whether board members want the land available for the Coots' dream-come-true campground.

“Of course we would like people to be able to come and, you know, if they want to buy a membership they can have coffee there, they can use the hiking trails … we plan on having disc golf and different things like that for people to do,” he said. “And we know we're going to have, obviously, a swing set and stuff for kids, and we'd like to be able to open that to the community to use.”

The Coots family has been charging forth with the plan despite a small handful of Perry Road area neighbors complaining with signs advocating for no campgrounds and a rumored petition being circulated against the project. 

Mr. Coots said that he and his engineer have ensured not only the recommended setbacks but increased that to be amply compliant. For example, the required minimum of 25-foot setbacks has been lengthened to 150 feet, he said. And there will be no Hardcore Happenings, live concerts, or loud parties allowed on the property, Coots said. 
   
“So that's kind of one of the reasons we went after the campground idea because it is a family and community kind of thing; we can all work together,” Mr. Coots said.

“We wanted a piece that was of large size …  so it could be wide open and free and not be intrusive on the neighbors and also not having our guests be crowded,” he said. “We can really spread it out and make it a beautiful place and let everybody have lots of freedom and space.”

Middle photo by Howard Owens. Jesse and Jolene Coots, shown here with daughters Cricket, Trilly, and Souly, pose outside of their Pavilion home. 

Photo courtesy Jesse Coots.

Jesse and Jolene Coots are keeping their fingers crossed for a positive outcome of their hearing this week. Pavilion Town Planning Board will be reviewing the Coots’ application and supporting documents for their Lokee-Hikee Campground at 10156 Perry Road, Pavilion.

"The hardest part of these projects is just starting," he said during an interview Saturday with The Batavian. "Our setbacks with neighbors are over the top. We're well within the code." 

The hearing is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday at Pavilion Town Hall, 1 Woodrow Drive, Pavilion. 

The Details …
The proposed site is 26.4 acres to be carved out of a total 110-acre property with woods, wetlands, and rolling topography. The campground is to be seasonally operated, neatly landscaped and maintained, and geared toward families, retirees, and seasonal occupancies, the application states.

Amenities are to include a registration building and camp store, food service, a swimming pool, public restrooms, and shower facilities, and a recreational fishing pond. 

The application is for approval of 145 total campsites that would be developed in multiple phases and compliant with the town’s zoning ordinance. In addition to the town  Planning Board’s approval, the project will also be reviewed by the Genesee County Planning Board and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.  

During a prior Planning Board meeting, Mr. Coots needed to address the use of an existing driveway at 10162 Perry Road, the campground’s main entrance, plans for the whole 110 acres (half to be for farming and half for campsites), water, septic, buffering, dark sky technology and the recreational area, according to meeting minutes.

Because the project’s original concept changed, the board recommended that the Coots had to “restart with a new complete site plan plus engineering” and return for another hearing. The board agreed to consider a campground site plan of up to 150 sites at that initial meeting in May 2021. 

The application also includes prospective “project benefits” of:

• Positive economic impact to the town through bolstered sales at local restaurants, gas stations, golf course, laundry service, and retail stores.
• Job growth potential from those businesses named above.
• An increased town tax base.
• Compliance of town codes, the Comprehensive Plan, and Environmental Regulatory mandates.
• Buffering and setbacks (exceeding the minimum of 25 feet with nearly 150 feet) to mitigate any negative impacts to neighboring residents.

Time to Speak Up …
Public comments are encouraged during the hearing. Speakers may be given maximum time limits, and the board may terminate a speaker’s time for combative, rude, overly emotional, or non-relevant statements. 

The Coots encourage people to attend and speak up about the project. They wanted to have discussions with those who oppose it, but haven’t been able to do that, Mr. Coots said. He would like to be able to hear and address residents’ concerns, he said. 

See Also: Pavilion campground venture merges entrepreneurship with family values

Calling it a significant event in his lifetime, Batavia businessman Guy Pellegrino walked away from tonight’s City Council Conference Meeting with a good feeling that the Batavia Ice Arena soon will be named in honor of the late David McCarthy.

Pellegrino, owner of Pellegrino Auto Sales on Pearl Street Road, and Brian McCarthy, president of the David M. McCarthy Memorial Foundation, spoke to city lawmakers at the City Hall Council Board Room to let them know how much it would mean to them for Council to vote in favor of accepting their offer to purchase the naming rights of the Evans Street facility.

City management put out a Request for Proposal back in October and apparently has drafted a contract that stipulates annual payments of $3,100 from Pellegrino Auto Sales over a 10-year period for the privilege to rename the rink The David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena.

“You couldn’t find a better person to have their name on that building,” Pellegrino said. “This is one of the most special things I have ever embarked upon.”

Pellegrino said he and David played hockey together from 1983 through the Batavia High Ice Devils’ run to the New York State finals in 1995.

“He was our team captain and was just one of my great, great friends,” he said. “But back to the naming rights and making sure David's name is on there. He was just very passionate, just a great, great hockey player and even greater person. So, to honor him -- that's honestly what we set out to do.”

David McCarthy was killed tragically in a motor vehicle accident in November 2006 at the age of 29. Shortly thereafter, his family and friends started the foundation in his name to support local youth sports.

His brother, Brian, said he appreciates Pellegrino’s generosity and will work closely with him to advance youth hockey and enhance what the arena has to offer for children and adults, alike.

“Guy came to us and said when this proposal (from the city) came out that he wanted to do this – not necessarily for his business, but in honor of his teammate and my brother, David McCarthy,” Brian said to the City Council members.

“Our family was just blown away that he wanted to do this. We thought, well, what can we do? So, what we bring to the table is … a charitable foundation that is passionate about improving and supporting youth athletics in Genesee County.”

McCarthy said the foundation has supported “a long and diverse list of organizations” over the past 15 years. The foundation has donated around $80,000 to youth sports during that time.

With help from his father, Michael, and other family and friends, McCarthy said the foundation is in a position to help sports groups get started or move to the next level.

“As Guy and I talked about it a few weeks ago, I have the fun job of often times getting back to these organizations, reporting to them that we're going to step in and help,” he said.

“We have a huge golf tournament every June where we raise money to support youth athletics and it's become a very big event, and the community has just been amazing in supporting us,” he mentioned. “So, we're excited to take kind of that recipe and join forces with the people that have been working hard for years to make the ice rink an amazing place, and maybe even add a little more to the equation.”

Both men said they are hopeful that their offer will be accepted when Council votes at its next Business Meeting on Feb. 14.

Judging by some of the Council members’ initial reactions, they have reason to be optimistic.

Patti Pacino said she has an 8-year-old and 4-year-old (grandchildren) that use the rink and said, “I couldn’t agree more” with their bid to win the naming rights.

Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. thanked both of them for “thinking about the long term” status of the rink and fostering public partnership; Tammy Schmidt noted that her son “grew up at the rink and now her grandson” and Robert Bialkowski said he was glad that somebody from Batavia responded to the RFP.

Bialkowski asked what would happen if the city leases the rink to a different management firm that wanted to change the facility's name. City Attorney George Van Nest said there is an opt-out clause and that would be addressed at that time.

For now, both Pellegrino and Brian McCarthy are spending their free time as coaches – teaching the basics of hockey to their young children.

“We’re coaching together at the beginner level. Yeah, the smallest kids on the ice – 4 and 5 years old; as little as they get,” McCarthy offered. “The two of us have a long extension to our own hockey adventure ahead of us with our sons.”

Photo: Guy Pellegrino, left, and Brian McCarthy address City Council tonight about their offer to have the Batavia Ice Arena named in memory of Brian's brother, David. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Previously: City drafts resolution to name ice arena in memory of standout Batavia athlete David McCarthy

The Town of Batavia blocked out the hours of 5 to 7 p.m. to distribute free COVID-19 test kits at Town Hall.

All 110 kits were gone by 5:30 p.m., according to Clerk Teressa Morasco.

The kits were only available to Genesee County residents, proof of residence required, and there was a limit to two per household.

At about 5:40 p.m., City Fire received a report of an object next to a vehicle on fire with the fire spreading to the vehicle at 18 Elm St., Batavia.

Lt. David Green said the owner of the vehicle had tried hitting a latch in order to open using a propane heater.

It's been a week and Mark Fanara, owner of High Voltage Tattoo at 110 W. Main St., Batavia, is feeling increasingly frustrated that nobody can park in front of his business because of the massive pile of snow in the very limited space available for parking at his location.

He said he's called the city's maintenance department twice and that his landlord called as well and was told the snow would be removed today.  

Snow removal in front of city businesses is a perennial complaint of local shop owners, especially downtown where businesses often rely on the ability of customers to park along Main and walk into stores.

Dave Howe, Charles Men's Shop, said it is frustrating to have snow piled up or piling up, because it does hurt business, especially when the snowstorm comes on a holiday, as it did a week ago on Martin Luther King, Jr., Day.

"It's important for retail because bank clerks and school teachers and city workers all have the day off and it can be really busy for us," Howe said. "It's unfortunate because here we are generating tax money for the county, the state, and the city.  But I get it. It's money. It'd budget. It's overtime."

The Batavian spoke with City Manager Racheal Tabelski about the situation at High Voltage Tattoo before checking on the snowbanks downtown.  As for High Voltage, she said, "It's on DPW's list and they will get to it as soon as they can."

She has yet to respond to a text message about the snowbanks along Main Street in the downtown area.

UPDATE 11:15 p.m.: Tabelski said tonight that, yes, snow removal on Main Street in downtown continues to be an issue with every big snow event. "I absolutely sympathize with businesses trying to survive with customer access in the snow.  As you are aware, the crews have been doing the best they can. If it would stop dumping 4-5 inches on us each night, crews could get back to removal and these areas cleaned up sooner. I am hopeful they will get to public parking lanes quickly."

The snowbanks have been cleared from in front of City Hall.

Bubba's Landscaping cleared the snow from in front of the YNGodess Shop. Owner Chris Crocker said it took the crew about an hour using a snowblower and shovels.

Crocker said she understands the storm came on a federal holiday, and the city may even be short staff, "but then get on WBTA or The Batavian and explain it," Crocker said. "Tell the community what is going on and the community will come together."

She said her biggest concern is the safety of citizens who are forced to walk in the street to get to not just her business but Alberty's and the bank.  Some of those people are elderly, she noted.

"I don't want anybody to get hurt," she said.

The snowbank in front of the Masonic Temple building, the location of several businesses, including Charles Men's Shop.

Press Release:

On December 17, 2021, four members of the City of Batavia Police Department’s Emergency Response Team graduated from DCJS Basic SWAT School training in Livingston County. Basic SWAT School is a four-week intensive school focused on advanced weapons and tactics, forced entry (manual and mechanical), medical training, chemical deployment, distractionary device deployment, multi-terrain navigation, high-risk apprehensions, and specialized event security. The school was hosted by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office and was put on over a four-month period.

“The skills and tactics learned are essential to the functions of our Emergency Response Team and will enhance operations even further for our Team.”, stated Chief Shawn Heubusch, “I would like to thank Sheriff Dougherty and the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office for hosting us. I want to congratulate the men and women of our department that successfully completed this intensive training and are now more capable to serve our community in times of crisis.”

Top photo: Asst. Chief Chris Camp, Officer Wesley Rissinger, Officer Felicia DeGroot, Officer Arick Perkins, Detective Matthew Wojtaszczyk, Chief Shawn Heubusch, and ERT Commander Sgt. Eric Bolles

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) joined his colleagues from the Assembly Minority at a press conference today calling for the passage of the Inflation Relief & Consumer Assistance Plan (A.8481) in response to rapid and ongoing inflation faced by New Yorkers throughout the last year. The proposal would suspend state sales tax on several everyday goods such as gasoline, cleaning products. and prepared foods for two years. Gas prices have risen over a dollar within the last year alone, while household and everyday items have risen steadily in price over the last several months. 

“Inflation is an economic force that impacts the working class more than anyone else, erasing the impact of wage increases as people find their paychecks buying less and less every week,” said Hawley. “For those who rely on fuel to heat their homes, these price increases mean less money put aside for college and emergency funds, fewer family nights out, and for some, choosing between heating their homes or filling up their vehicles. Passing this legislation would have a direct and immediate impact on the economic well-being of New Yorkers and restore the power of their hard-earned paychecks.”

Press Release:

The Town of LeRoy has received  110 COVID test kits. Each kit contains two tests. The town will distribute them for free on Wednesday Jan. 26 at the Town Hall starting at 10:00 a.m., on a first come first serve basis. Each household may have two test kits. You must be a resident of Genesee County in order to receive the kits. Please bring ID that shows your residency.

 

Batavia High School 11^th-grader Charlie Kegler is carving out his niche as the “floater” for the Zing sailboat racing team that will represent the Youngstown Yacht Club in the 2021-22 IC37 Winter Series Lauderdale Cup early next month in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The lone youth member of the nine-person crew, Kegler (at right in photo above) has excelled in a highly-competitive sport that demands sound judgment, quick thinking, strength and stamina.

Versatility is the key to becoming a successful floater, a position recognized as the glue that keeps the crew’s moving parts together. Going into his second year on the major regatta circuit, Kegler has proven himself worthy in competition as his numerous trophies would attest.

Kegler was introduced to the sport four years ago by his father, Charles, who serves as vice commodore of the yard at YCC.

In an interview with The Batavian (where he was joined by his father and grandfather, Bill), the 5-foot-11, 180-pound Charlie said that his participation in sailboat racing has enabled him to value teamwork and to speed up (no pun intended) his development.

“For me, sailing makes me feel like I’m in a different world,” he said. “It’s a sport that I enjoy, can be competitive in different ways and on different boats and with different people.”

CHARLIE’S DAD CAUGHT THE SAILING BUG

Charlie’s dad got involved in the sport six years ago at the invitation of a friend, Shane Vanstrom, currently the junior sailing director at YCC.

“I sailed once and became instantly hooked,” Charles said, adding that in time he brought his only son along to experience the thrill of sailboating.

Charlie started in the junior sailing program where the goal, according to his father, is to emphasize the safety aspects of the sport while learning racing tactics and strategy. He quickly showed that he was up to the task, participating and winning in the 420 class (normally featuring two people).

This past summer, Charlie’s Zing crew competed in the Canada Cup Challenge and, although it didn’t win, plans to challenge the champion Defiant team, that includes four past Olympians, again this summer.

The Canada’s Cup, the second-oldest match race trophy in the world, started in 1896.

SEVEN TEAMS VYING FOR THE TITLE

In the immediate future, Charlie and his team are ready to compete from Feb. 4-6 in the Fort Lauderdale regatta’s IC37 division. IC37 is the type of boat (at 37 feet) that the Zing crew and six other entrants will be racing. The other teams are from Fort Lauderdale, Newport, R.I.; New York City, Tampa, Cohasset, Mass., and Norfolk, Va.

February’s competition is the second of three legs of the Winter Series Lauderdale Cup – the first was in November, when Zing placed fourth, and the final leg is in March. The Zing crew is looking to improve its standing -- banking on the experience it gained from the first leg.

“We’re confident,” Charlie said. “We plan to go as hard as we can – max power.”

The team’s other members are in their 40s, with the strategist, Chris Doyle, in his early 60s.

Charles said that it’s rare to see someone as young as his son become part of an international crew, especially representing YCC, “which has a storied reputation from the 1970s of producing world class sailors.”

ZING SKIPPER GIVES GLOWING REVIEW

According to Zing Skipper Adam Burns, who started in the sport as a child, the Zing crew is fortunate to have Charlie as part of the team.

“He’s phenomenal,” said Burns, who recently was elected as commodore at YCC. “He’s a team player with a great attitude in a role that is very unique. Not many people can do that and it’s nice to have an agile junior sailor on board.”

Burns said sailboat racing has embraced a more diverse population in recent years, encouraging women and teens to be a part of what is considered an amateur sport.

“Two of our crew are women, plus we have Charlie, and I think that is admirable the way the sports has become more diverse,” said Burns, a wealth management consultant in Buffalo. “I didn’t have this opportunity growing up.”

TRAINING AT CROSSFIT TO GET READY

To prepare for Florida trip, which could consist of up to 12 races in those three days, Charlie said he has been working out regularly at CrossFit Tsunami in Oakfield.

“It’s important to have arm strength to pull in the spinnaker (lightweight flying sail) and the retrieval line,” he said. “In my role, I have to move from position to position, help on the deck and with the mast team; whatever is needed.”

A B-plus student enrolled in the Diesel Technician course through Genesee Valley BOCES, Charlie is exploring his college options. While scholarships aren’t plentiful, there are opportunities for assistance at colleges with sailing programs.

Furthermore, someone knowledgeable in diesel engines would have a place working at boat yards as almost all of the sailboats are diesel-powered, said Charlies’ dad, who will be accompanying him on the Florida trip – cheering him on while keeping a trained eye on the team’s performance.

Charles and Charlie Kegler at the Youngstown Yacht Club.

Charlie going solo in small sailboat.

Overhead view of the Zing crew.

Charlie with some of the trophies he has earned as a top-notch sailor.

Submitted photos courtesy of Charles Kegler.

Press release:

Light snow across western New York will increase in intensity for a few hours into the early evening. Snow will accumulate quicker on area roadways. With the sun setting and temperatures dropping, earlier wet roads will re-freeze if not well treated. The combination of accumulating snow and re-freezing roads will cause driving conditions to deteriorate through the evening commute.

The increased snowfall rate will also cause reduced visibilities to a quarter-mile at times. If traveling, allow extra time to reach your destination and allow extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Matthew Zakrzewski, 42, of Batavia, is charged with arson 5th. It is alleged that at 9 p.m., Jan. 16, Zakrzewski entered the bank yard of a residence on Bank Street and set a canvass shed on fire causing damage to the shed and its contents. Zakrzewski who is being held on other charges was issued an appearance ticket.

Matthew Zakrzewski, 42, of Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd and petit larceny. Zakrzewski is accused of trespassing on private property at 9:06 p.m., Jan. 16, and stealing a bicycle. Zakrzewski was arraigned in City Court and ordered jailed on $100 bail.

Kenneth Marrocco, 29, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 3rd and criminal mischief 4th. Marocco was arrested on a warrant issued in relation to an incident reported at 5:43 p.m., Dec. 28, on Ross Street, Batavia. He was arraigned in City Court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Adam Bortle, 38, of Wayland, is charged with petit larceny. He is accused of shoplifting from a local business on Dec. 17.  He was arrested at the Livingstone County Jail by Officer Kevin DeFelice on a City Court arrest warrant. He was jailed pending arraignment and following arraignment, released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Michael L. Jackson, 41, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He is accused of a theft on May 16. He was arrested on a warrant and released on an appearance ticket.

Kyle A. Hillyard, 29, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Hillyard was arrested by a Batavia PD patrol officer following an accident reported at 12:09 p.m., Jan. 16, on East Main Street. Hillyard allegedly fled the scene of the accident, He was issued an appearance ticket.

Alexandro Rodriguez, 25, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and criminal possession of a controlled substance. At 4:58 p.m., Jan. 17, Rodriguez allegedly pulled another person to the ground causing her to injure her hand. He was also allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Laquisha M. Bloom, 36, of Medina, is charged with assault 3rd. Bloom is a suspect in an incident reported at 11:15 p.m., Jan. 17, at a location on Bank Street. Bloom turned herself in at Batavia Police headquarters. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Jose A. Alvarado, 33, of Albion, is charged with sex offender failure to report a change of address within 10 days. Alvarado was reportedly living at the Days Inn but was allegedly located living at an address in Albion in an investigation conducted by Det. Jason Ivison. Alvarado is currently on federal probation.

Michael Ross Whiteman, 49, of South Federal Street, Perry, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, open alcohol containers, and inadequate exhaust system. Whiteman was stopped at 12:58 a.m., Nov. 4, on Cockram Road, Byron, by Deputy David Moore.

Nicholas M. Canty, 24, of Buffalo, is charged with fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle and reckless driving. Canty was arrested by State Police following an incident reported at 1:54 a.m., Jan. 22, in the Town of Batavia. Canty was issued an appearance ticket.  No further details were released.

Joshua D. Quaintance, 33, of Byron,  is charged with DWI. Quaintance was stopped at 4:10 p.m., Jan. 20, by State Police.  He was issued an appearance ticket. No further details were released.

Article by Matt Holman, Ski Coach

Saturday was a picturesque day at Swain. Cold, sunny and partly cloudy. A perfect day for ski racing. The racecourse was all but bulletproof on Wheels Run after a large amount of natural snowfall followed by a few days of cold temperatures.

One Run of Giant Slalom:
Sophomore Lily Wagner had her best finish of her young career. She finished in 13th place in the morning giant slalom race. Lily has been training hard all season and we are finally seeing the results. This is her second top 15 finish this season. Sophia Minuto was 21st, Abby Bestine was 26th and Quinn Woeller was 29th. The Girls finished 6th. Boys competitors Ben Stone was 18th and Ethan Bradley was 24th. 

Two Runs of Slalom:
Lily Wagner finished 18th, Sophia Minuto 22nd, Abby Bestine 23rd, Quinn Woeller 24th.  Ben Stone 20th 

Quinn's second run time was an improvement of a full second and finished 3rd on the team. This team's improvement this year has been phenomenal, The team is looking forward to Monday's training session with a two-run Slalom Race on Wednesday 1/26

Photo submitted by Matt Holman. Lily Wagner, Sophia Minuto, Abby Bestine, and Quinn Woeller

Press Release:

New York State has provided Orleans County Emergency Management Office with free at-home COVID-19 test kits to distribute to residents. Starting Tuesday, January 25, 2022, each library, town hall, village hall, and the Orleans County Office Building will have a limited supply of COVID-19 test kits to distribute to their residents during normal business hours until the kits are gone. Please note all the school districts have received kits for their students and will distribute according to their respective plans. A maximum of one kit per family will be distributed at the following locations:

• Orleans County Office Building: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Town of Yates: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Village of Lyndonville: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.  Closed Daily 12:30-1 p.m.
• Town of Ridgeway: Monday–Friday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Village of Medina: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Town of Shelby: Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Town of Carlton: Tuesday–Friday 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. / Saturday 9 a.m.-12p.m
• Town of Gaines: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. / Monday Evenings 5-7
• Village of Albion: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Town of Albion: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30-11 a.m. and 12-3:30 p.m.
• Town of Barre: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• Town of Kendall: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. -3:30 p.m. (closed for lunch from noon to 12:45 p.m.)
• Town of Murray: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m./ Saturday 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Village of Holley: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Town of Clarendon: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. / Tuesday 12 -6 p.m./ Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. / Saturday 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Yates Community Library: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m./ Friday 10 a.m.-5  p.m./ Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Lee Whedon Library: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m./ Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Hoag Library: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. / Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. / Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Holley Community Free Library: Monday, Wednesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. /4-8 p.m. / Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. /Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

“Residents should use at-home COVID-19 tests after a possible exposure to someone with COVID-19 or when they exhibit symptoms of COVID-19,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Testing is one mitigation strategy that can help reduce the community spread of COVID-19.”

For Free PCR and rapid testing you can go to the NYS COVID-19 Testing site located at GCC Albion Campus Center at 456 West Avenue, Albion. Walk-ins and registration allowed Monday-Saturday.

To register: https://appointments.bioreference.com/nystatecovidtesting.

To report a Positive At-home Test:
Individuals can visit the GO Health website COVID-19 Testing page under Emerging Issues (GOHealthNY.org) and choose the appropriate Home Test button for their respective county. Individuals should complete the at-home tests according to the directions provided. When the test is completed, individuals should take a picture with the individual’s name, the date and the time they took the test legibly written in permanent marker within 15 minutes of reading the test. Towards the end of the online form, the individual will be required to upload the picture on the website and attest to the authenticity and truth of the form. If there are any missing sections that are required, the form is invalid. At this time, individuals do not need to report negative at-home test results. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is to self-isolate immediately. You may not be contacted regarding your contacts, so it is important to notify your close contacts (those who you spent 15 minutes or more in a 24 hour period 2 days prior to symptoms or 2 days prior to a positive test result). It is important to continue with self-isolation from household members as much as you are able. Isolate for 5 days and if you are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, your symptoms are getting better, and you can tolerate a tight-fitting mask you can return to work/school but you are still required to wear a tight-fitting mask for 5 more days. If you must share space, make sure all in contact with you are wearing masks covering their nose and mouth and frequently shared items/surfaces are sanitized often. To access isolation orders and isolation release paperwork visit our website at GOHealthNY.org (COVID-19 Isolation & Quarantine Documents & Information) and complete and print out or print and hand write the forms from the county you reside in and provide to your employer or school.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.33, up two cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.40. The New York State average is $3.50, up two cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.49. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $3.43 (down one cent from last week)
• Buffalo - $3.45 (up one cent from last week)
• Ithaca - $3.49 (no change from last week)
• Rochester - $3.50 (up one cent from last week)
• Rome - $3.53 (up one cent from last week)
• Syracuse - $3.47 (up one cent from last week)
• Watertown - $3.52 (up two cents from last week)

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand rose slightly. The small increase still puts gas demand in a typical range for the winter driving season. Typically, pump prices decline in January due to low gas demand and a rise in total stocks, but continued growth in the price of crude oil has helped to elevate pump prices. As crude prices continue to climb, pump prices will likely follow suit.

From Gas Buddy:

“With oil prices remaining elevated, average gas prices inched up in most states over the last week even as gasoline demand weakened, a testament to how concerned oil markets are with unrest in oil-producing nations. With all eyes on the Russia/Ukraine situation, oil will likely remain north of $80 per barrel, with additional volatility. Prices could rise even more significantly if there is any further deterioration in the situation," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "For now, I don't expect any immediate fireworks at the pump, but the trend of rising gas prices will likely persist as worries continue to overpower weak global consumption."

Press release:

Batavian Mike Pettinella reached the finals of the Tommy Kress 60-and-Over Tour event Sunday, averaging 222 for six games to place third in the 51-bowler field at Doug Kent’s Rose Bowl Lanes in Newark.

Steve Nowicki, one of the best bowlers in Rochester for several decades, took first place in the tournament with a 254 final game to earn the $333 top prize. Wayne Potter of Canandaigua was second with 222 ($230), followed by Pettinella at 195 ($160) and Jim Galetta of Oswego at 190 ($120).

It is the second straight top five finish on the 60-and-Over Tour for Pettinella, a two-time titleist on the tour. He qualified with a 652 three-game series before rolling 226 and 254 in the eliminator rounds to reach the final four.

In fifth through eighth place were Rochester bowlers Joe Shullek, Charlie Gfeller and Terry Bennetti, and Elmira’s Jim Pitts.

The next stop is scheduled for Feb. 27 at Brockport Bowl.

In Genesee Region USBC league action last week, several big 700 series were reported, with Pettinella leading the way with a 764, highlighted by a 279 third game, in the Turnbull Heating Triples League at Mancuso Bowling Center.

Alex Van Scoter posted a 268 game en route to a 757 series in the County Line Friday Trios and James Townsend finished with 298 in a 756 series in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday 5-Man, both at Mancuso’s.

At Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, Rob Husted spun 278—751 in the Every-Other-Saturday Mixed League; at Medina Lanes, Hayden Allis shot 256—744 in the Sunday Rolloffs League, and at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, John Beadle registered 278—741 in the Sneezy’s Monday Night League.

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

Submitted photo: From left, Pete Nashburn, Tommy Kress 60-and-Over Tour director; tournament finalists Steve Nowicki of Rochester Wayne Potter of Farmington, Mike Pettinella of Batavia and Jim Galetta of Oswego, and PBA Hall of Famer Doug Kent, proprietor of Doug Kent's Rose Bowl Lanes in Newark.