A possible structure fire, with heavy smoke, is reported at Hickory Lodge, College Village, 8170 Batavia Stafford Townline Road.

Town of Batavia fire is dispatched.

UPDATE 2:53 p.m.: The apartment requires ventilation.

Three-year-old Matthew helps his father, Tom Cunningham, shovel snow on Kibbe Avenue.

Kathy Ferrara clears the sidewalk outside her business on East Main, Batavia's Original Pizzeria.

Dave Graney shoveling snow on Ellicott Avenue.

Elmwood Cemetery

Kibbe Park

Ellicott Street at Liberty Street

East Main Street

Snowman on Ganson Avenue

Traffic control is needed at Ag Park Drive West and Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, because a tractor-trailer "is tipping over." Law enforcement is responding.

Press release:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced an extension of eviction and foreclosure moratoriums on USDA Single Family Housing Direct and Guaranteed loans through June 30. The actions announced today (Feb. 16) will bring relief to residents in rural America who have housing loans through USDA.

“USDA recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an almost unprecedented housing affordability crisis in the United States," said USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson. "That’s why USDA is taking this important action today to extend relief to the hundreds-of-thousands of individuals and families holding USDA Single Family Housing loans.

"While today’s actions are an important step for them, we need to do more. The Biden Administration is working closely with Congress to pass the American Rescue Plan to take more robust and aggressive actions to bring additional relief to American families and individuals impacted by the pandemic.”

A recent Census Bureau survey showed that 8.2 million homeowners are currently behind on mortgage payments, and of that 8.2 million, 3 million homeowners behind on payments were Black or Hispanic.

This effort underscores a commitment by USDA to bring relief and assistance to farmers, families and communities across the country who are in financial distress due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In January, USDA took action to bring relief to more than 12,000 distressed borrowers of USDA farm loans by temporarily suspending past-due debt collections, foreclosures, non-judicial foreclosures, debt offsets or wage garnishments, and more. Learn more at the following link: USDA Temporarily Suspends Debt Collections, Foreclosures and Other Activities on Farm Loans for Several Thousand Distressed Borrowers Due to Coronavirus.

Visit www.rd.usda.gov/coronavirus for additional information on USDA’s Rural Development COVID-19 relief efforts, application deadline extensions and more. USDA Rural Development will keep our customers, partners and stakeholders continuously updated as additional actions are taken to bring relief and development to rural America.

Homeowners and renters can also visit www.consumerfinance.gov/housing for up-to-date information on their relief options, protections, and key deadlines from USDA, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Medal of Honor recipient David G. Bellavia is being honored by the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley in Kansas as part of the Big Red One Year of Honor Opening Day events.

The event includes a street dedication in the name of Bellavia, with a street on the base becoming Bellavia Way. Three other streets will be renamed in honor of three other Medal of Honor winners this year.

Throughout the year, the 1st Infantry Division will celebrate the Big Red One Year of Honor, a yearlong tribute to the 37 Big Red One soldiers who have been awarded the nation’s highest honor.

Bellavia served in 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.

After failing to find the range in a loss to Notre Dame on Saturday, senior guard Bryn Wormley hit her first three three-point shots tonight and went on to score a game-high 29 points to spark the Batavia High Lady Devils to a 69-34 victory over host Greece Odyssey in Monroe County League girls' basketball action.

It was the first win in four outings for Batavia, which raced to 13-point first-quarter lead and never looked back against Odyssey, 0-2.

Wormley's sharpshooting in the game's first five minutes propelled Batavia to an 11-2 advantage. She then converted a pass from senior guard Mackenzie Reigle to make it 13-2. A basket by Tess Barone, a steal and layup by Reigle, and a 15-footer from the side by Haylee Thornley made it 19-6 after one period.

Batavia blew the game wide open in the second quarter, outscoring the home team 19-2 behind Wormley's 11 points -- all on two-point baskets and foul shots.

Odyssey rallied in the third quarter, outscoring Batavia 19-9 to cut the deficit to 47-27, before the Lady Devils put up a 22-point fourth quarter to win going away.

Reigle filled the stat sheet -- recording a triple-double with 14 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds -- and came up with seven steals, while Barone tallied nine points, and Thornley added eight points. Batavia made nine of its 14 free throw attempts.

For Odyssey, three players -- Sienna Tyo, Janayla Hunter and Asia Philip -- each scored nine points.

Batavia's next game is Wednesday at Greece Olympia.

Alicia M. Lyons, 41, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: petit larceny; menacing a police officer; and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. Lyons was arrested on Feb. 5 following an investigation of a larceny that occurred at 5:37 p.m. that day at the Kwik Fill on Jackson Street in the city. When confronted by law enforcement, Lyons allegedly brandished a knife toward a police officer. She was arrainged in city court and was due there on Feb. 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer John Gombos, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Lucas H. Benjamin, 69, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with forcible touching. He was arrested at about 2:20 p.m. on Jan. 28 after allegedly inappropriately touching an employee at a business on Bank Street in the city. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on March 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens.

Jason L. Jones, 49, of 76 Road, Brooktondale, is charged with: trespass; first-degree reckless endangerment; second-degree assault; and operating a vehicle with suspended registration. On Feb. 8, Jones was located on Jefferson Avenue in the City of Batavia and taken into custody without incident on an arrest warrant out of city colurt. The warrant stems from an incident on Dewey Avenue in Batavia that occurred at 5:25 a.m. Dec. 16. It is alleged that Jones struck a female with his vehicle during a domestic incident, causing injury to the victim. Jones was arraigned and put in jail on $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 bond or $8,000 partially secured bond. Jones is due in city court March 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Alexander L. Baldwin, 32, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree grand larceny. He was arrested Feb. 8 after a fraud complaint on North Street in the city alleging that he was paid money for a construction job he never began. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court, released under supervision of Genesee Justice and is due back in court April 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer John Gombos.

James Erick James, 41, of West Creek Drive, Webster, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree harassment. He was arrested Feb. 12 on a warrant out of Town of Bergen Court and transported to Genesee County Court for virtual arraignment. His case stems from an incident (unspecified) that occurred at 4:43 p.m. on Dec. 14 on Route 33 in Bergen. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Cummings.

Daniel Myles Macleod, 33, of East Main Street, Corfu, is charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated; aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; driving while intoxicated -- with a previous offense; circumventing a required ignition interlock device; refusal to take a breath test; speed not reasonable and prudent; and operating an unregistered motorcycle. Macleod was arrested Feb. 13 at 4:22 p.m. after an investigation of a  motor-vehicle accident that occurred at 5:45 p.m. Nov. 27 on Alleghany Road in Darien. Macleod was issued traffic tickets and is due in Town of Darien Court on April 6. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Patrick Thomas Fuhr, 61, of Union Street, Cheektowaga, is charged with: reckless driving; obstructing governmental administration in the second degree; failure to signal, operating an unregistered motor vehicle on a public highway; and aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree. At 4 p.m. on Jan. 29, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies attempted to contact Fuhr on Buffalo Road in Bergen, and he allegedly tried to flee the scene once they made contact. He is due in Bergen Town Court on March 3. The case was handled by Deputy Ryan Young.

Brandon C. Smart, 43, of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with: harassment in the second degree; criminal trespass in the second degree; and criminal mischief in the fourth degree. Smart was arrested after a domestic incident on Liberty Street that occurred at 11:15 a.m. on Feb. 8. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is due in city court on March 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Connor Borchert.

Shaun Marquise Dukes, 39, of Elba Street, Rochester, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operator of a motor vehicle in the first degree; unregistered motor vehicle; and uninspected motor vehicle. On Feb. 12 Dukes was arrested at 8:43 a.m. on Route 33 in Stafford after a traffic stop. It is alleged that Dukes was operating a motor vehicle and had a revoked non-driver indentification card with 27 suspensions/revocations. Dukes was released with appearance tickets and is due in Stafford Town Court on March 16. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Randy L. Ridd, 63, of Williams Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested after an investigation of an incident that occurred at a business on East Main Street in Batavia at 11:28 a.m. on Feb. 7. It is alleged Ridd took laundry detergent pods from a store without paying for them. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on April 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Connor Borchert, assisted by Officer Joshua Girvin.

Alicia M. Lyons, 41, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested after an investigation of a larceny that occurred at 3:11 p.m. on Jan. 29 at the Kwik Fill on Jackson Street in the city. She was released with an appearance ticket to be in city court April 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer John Gombos, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Cameron Jacob Sokolowski, 28, of River Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested Feb. 5 after a shoplifting complaint at a store on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia at 10:58 a.m. It is alleged he stole items from the store. He was taken to jail then released on an appearance ticket to be in Batavia Town Court on March 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Mathew Clor.

Batavian Jason Quilliam, who has rolled 300 games in league play on consecutive Mondays this month, placed second in the Super Bowl Singles Handicap Tournament at Mancuso Bowling Center.

Quilliam averaged 244 for his first six tournament games before slipping to a 179 game against Buffalo resident Andy Kaczorowski in the title match.

Kaczorowski fired a 270 game (255 scratch) against Quilliam to capture the $400 first prize.

He came in with a 200 average, receiving 15 pins, while Quilliam, who won $300, entered with a 215 average.

Handicap was based on 100 percent of the difference in the bowler’s average and 215. Bowlers with averages of 215 and higher received no handicap.

 “I was gassed once we got to the finals, lost focus and had my worst game of the tournament,” said Quilliam, whose perfect games came in the Mancuso Real Estate Doubles League on Feb. 1 and Feb. 8.

Kaczorowski advanced to the title match with a 219-185 win over high qualifier Rich Wagner of Batavia (of 899 series fame), while Quilliam advanced by defeating Marty Lindner of Scottsville, 222-182.

Wagner and Lindner won $150 apiece.

Quarterfinal results had Kaczorowski beating Heather Roy of Rochester, 261-184; Quilliam topping Tom Baker of Pavilion, 259-178; Linder ousting Brady Weber of Perry, 198-192, and Wagner stopping Geoff Harloff of Batavia, 268-226.

Roy, Baker, Weber and Harloff won $100 each.

Wagner led the four-game qualifying round with a 989 score, while Quilliam was next with 984. Harloff secured the eighth and final spot with 928.

The tournament drew 42 entries.

From left, Jason Quilliam, Tournament Director Mark Brown, Andy Kaczorowski​. Submitted photo.

Public Notice

Due to the winter storm predicted for the GLOW region, Genesee County is announcing the cancellation of COVID-19 testing on Tuesday, Feb. 16^th.

From the National Weather Service office in Buffalo:

A Winter Storm Warning with heavy snow  -- 7 to 14 inches -- takes effect this evening at 7 o'clock for Genesee County and the City of Batavia, in fact for all of Western and Central New York.

It will be in place until 1 p.m. tomorrow.

Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of blowing snow along the south shores of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. The hazardous conditions will impact the Tuesday morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS -- Widespread accumulating snow will create dangerous travel conditions.

The Byron-Bergen/Le Roy girls swim team won the Genesee Regional Championship over the weekend, placing first out of seven teams at the meet.  

The team scored 492 points. Notre Dame/Batavia finished second with 419 points.

Swim Coach Sara Stockwell said it has been 10 years since Byron-Bergen won the league championship meet.

Senior Alaura Rehwaldt won the 100-meter butterfly and broke her own school record with a time of 1:03.59.

Alaura Rehwaldt, Jorie Strzelecki, Peyton Koukides and Natalee Shepard won the 200-meter freestyle relay and also broke their own school record with a time of 1:46.36.

Information and photo submitted by Sara Stockwell.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.51, up 4 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.44. The New York State average is $2.60 – up 4 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.62.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.52 (up 8 cents since last week, 7 cents less than last year)
• Buffalo -- $2.52 (up 5 cents since last week, 4 cents less than last year)
• Ithaca -- $2.56 (up 6 cents since last week, 7 cents less than last year)
• Rochester -- $2.55 (up 5 cents since last week, 2 cents less than last year)
• Rome -- $2.63 (up 5 cents since last week, 1 penny more than last year)
• Syracuse -- $2.54 (up 6 cents since last week, 5 cents more than last year)
• Watertown -- $2.63 (up 4 cents since last week, same price as last year)

Pump prices continue to increase again this week. In many areas across the country, gas prices have surpassed last year’s level. In Central New York, Watertown is on par with last year while Syracuse and Rome prices are slightly higher than one year ago. Other areas have not reached last year’s level as noted in the above list.

Increasing pump prices have been supported by higher crude oil prices and gas demand, which grew slightly last week though it remains lower than pre-pandemic levels, according to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Based on current trends, drivers will likely see pump prices continue to increase ahead of spring.

Last week, on Wednesday, crude prices reached the highest daily settlement price since January 2020. Crude and pump prices are likely to continue to move higher as crude inventories continue to drop and refinery utilization increases.

From GasBuddy:

"It's not surprising that gasoline prices continue to follow oil prices higher, as the national average now stands at its highest level since January 2020 as Pay with GasBuddy data shows U.S. gasoline demand rose over 2 percent last week," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"The rise in gas prices continues to be driven by improving demand in the United States, and has nothing to do with who sits in the White House, but rather how many motorists are filing their tanks on a daily basis, and from that data, it's no guess, but prices will continue to trend higher.

"This situation will last as long as OPEC continues to restrain their oil production, creating the situation we're in where demand is recovering faster than demand. The situation won't get better, just wait until spring, it's likely the national average will rise another 10 to as much as 50 cents per gallon if oil production doesn't respond to the continued recovery in demand."

A snowmobile accident is reported 50 feet off the railroad tracks in the area of Ellinwood, near Genesee Street, in Corfu.

Corfu fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 5:36 p.m.: Mercy Flight is being placed on standby.

UPDATE 5:42 p.m.: A male patient, conscious and alert. CSX has been notified of the incident.

UPDATE 5:47 p.m.: Mercy Flight #7 dispatched. The landing zone is on Ellinwood. Fifteen-minute ETA.

UPDATE 6:26 p.m.: Corfu assignment back in service.

UPDATE 6:40 p.m.: Patient being transported by Mercy Flight to ECMC.

A pursuit of a vehicle by law enforcement is underway on westbound Route 33. Didn't hear where it began. They are putting spikes in the roadway and have asked city police to stand by at the city line in case the vehicle is not stopped.

UPDATE 3:52 p.m.: Two Sheriff's patrol cars have a black vehicle stopped on westbound Clinton Street Road, but it does not appear spikes were deployed. They are speaking with the male driver.

UPDATE 4:02 p.m.: This was an elderly couple who simply did not see a patrol car behind them attempting to stop their vehicle. They were not speeding; spikes were not deployed.

While Rich Wagner's mind-boggling 899 series dominated the bowling scene last week -- and will be talked about for years to come, a few other other Genesee Region USBC league bowlers rolled noteworthy games and series.

Wagner, a 38-year-old left-hander from Batavia, recorded 300-300-299--899 on Thursday night in the Toyota of Batavia 5-Man League at Mancuso Bowling Center, posting 35 consecutive strikes before leaving a 6-pin on the final ball.

Meanwhile, Batavia right-hander Jason Quilliam posted his second 300 game in as many weeks, finding perfection once again in the middle game of a 676 series in the Mancuso Real Estate Doubles League at Mancuso Bowling Center on Monday night.

The previous week, he ended with 300 for a 781 series.

At Perry Bowling Center, Tim Grasby started with a spare before stringing 11 consecutive strikes for a 290 game in the Thursday Night League.

"I made a small adjustment after the first game, which was only 171, and from that point on, I couldn't miss," Quilliam said. "I got a break on the 11th ball, tripping a 9-pin."

At Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, Robbie Hanks fired a 797 series in the Sneezy's Monday Night League, missing an 800 series when he left a 10-pin in the final frame. Later in the week, he continued his fine bowling with a 778 series in the Thursday Men's Triples League at Oak Orchard Bowl.

---------

Wagner was looking to become the 37th kegler to post a United States Bowling Congress-certified 900 series, but his 899 is the highest three-game set in the nation this season (which runs from Aug. 1 through July 31).

Reflecting upon the achievement, Wagner, who has 43 perfect games, called it "an incredible experience."

"I made great shots and held my composure throughout and I will forever remember that moment. I don't think any other thing I do in bowling will compare to how awesome a moment that was, and I doubt I'll ever be as nervous bowling again as I was right there. So all things considered, I gave it one heck of a run."

Previously: Batavian Wagner rolls 300-300-299--899 at Mancuso Bowling Center

Yesterday at Pinnacle Athletic Complex in Victor the Batavia Blue Devils indoor track squad set the bar higher with new personal records in multiple events.

Since announcing the start of the season in January the double-digit Section V squad for both boys and girls have had challenges to overcome.

Head indoor track Coach Nicholas Burk said “Our athletes have now been practicing for five weeks and we're just starting to see the results of consistent training. It takes time to see results from our workouts, but we're reaching that point of our season where our athletes times and performances are going to start improving.”

In a phone interview after the meet, Burk spoke about new rules with COVID-19 for student athletes, training and the outlook this season.

"We've been very fortunate for the opportunity to practice and honestly besides keeping small separate groups in practice, we've been able to have pretty consistent and productive training," the coach said. "We've been utilizing the weight room, Van Detta, the high school gyms, and running outside for practice.

"With approximately 80 athletes involved, we've had to use multiple locations to keep our groups small. We have two remaining league meets but are looking for some event specific meets to go to as well. Some of our pole vaulters went to a pole vault meet at Gates, and we're hosting a high jump/shot put meet this week.

"Sectionals is on March 7th and our girls’ team will be competing for their 17th Sectional Championship and our boys are looking for their 10th. We don't have all of the information for Sectionals yet, but we expect it will be a very tough meet with great competition. We'll keep working towards our goals try to be ready to compete March 7^th.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Team Highlights

Boys

Jacob Long / 44' 2" Shot -- (First Place)

Austyn Fernandez / 41' 8.5" Shot – (PR) (Second Place)

Dan Seava / 40' 10.75" Shot – (PR) (Third Place)

Fabian Vazquez / 55 Hurdles -- 8.63 (First Place)

Jesse Reinhardt / High Jump -- 5'10" (Second Place)

Jamarion RIchardson / 55m -- 7.01 (Third Place)

Jamarion Richardson / 300m -- 40.80 

Jonah Epps, Cody Harloff, Nate Canale, Dom Grillo / 4x8 team -- 9.33.30 (First place)

Girls

Rebekah Daniszewski / 37' 10.75" Shot -- (First Place)

Emma Radka / 28' 9.75" Shot – (PR)

Elizabeth Kingston / 25' 10" Shot – (PR)

Samantha Davis / 19' 10.25" Shot – (PR)

Campbell Riley / 1,000m -- 3:35.82 (Third Place)

Melanie Quinones / 3,000m -- 13:25.92 (First Place)

Melanie Quinones / High Jump -- 4' 6" (Second Place)

Team information provided from coaches Buckenmeyer, Boyce and Geiger.

For all results click here.

A two-car motor vehicle accident is reported at East Main and Lawrence Avenue, Corfu.

One person reportedly has a head injury.

Corfu fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Results of the early stages of Genesee 2050 survey indicates that a majority of Genesee County residents purchase local farm products, are satisfied with many aspects of public parks, and have not experienced serious health issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

County Planning Director Felipe Oltramari forwarded preliminary findings of the survey -- which can be found at www.genesee2050.com – to The Batavian earlier this week, emphasizing, however, that his department continues to seek the input of citizens to help determine the best course of action going forward.

The survey, thus far, showed that 134 people responded – about half from the City and Town of Batavia, 13 from the Town of Pembroke and the rest from the county’s other towns and villages, except the Village of Alexander. Five respondents said they do not live in Genesee County.

“This exercise has really just started,” Oltramari said. “We are hoping for a significant number of responses and, as such, will be making this available for some time.”

The survey touches upon a number of topics, including respondents’ views on public safety, housing, schools, transportation and government; parks, trails and recreation areas; the pandemic’s effects on their well-being; renewable energy; and agriculture and food production.

On the latter, 85 percent of those who responded signaled that they purchase local farm products at a farmers market, while 71 percent said they buy local farm products at stores and shops other than the supermarket, and 51 percent said they buy local farm products in the supermarket.

All told, the survey indicates that local farm food production is extremely important.

Concerning the pandemic, a “mini-survey” revealed so far that 57 percent reported that their families have not experienced negative health or health care impacts due to COVID-19, while between 15 and 20 percent stated that surgery or treatment was postponed because of the pandemic.

Furthermore, of the 18 respondents who had to close a family business or a business they own, four are open again, six have not or will not reopen, and eight are still unsure. Of the 56 who answered the question about seeking assistance from the county, 48 did not seek assistance, four were able and four were unable to access assistance.

County planners are very interested in public opinion regarding recreation, especially parks and trails now that Ellicott Trail is complete.

To the question, How often have you or members of your household visited any park or trail in Genesee County in the past year?, 42 percent indicated less than once a month but at least a couple times a year; 29 percent said less than once a week but a couple times a month, and 21 percent stated at least once a week.

More than 90 percent of respondents regard the following characteristics as very/somewhat important -- support facilities such as washrooms, drinking fountains; trails and greenway connectivity, and year-round use.

Other aspects deemed very/somewhat important were landscaping and appearance, park and playground safety, and water accessibility.

On a question concerning level of satisfaction with recreation facilities, the top very satisfied/satisfied amenities were natural areas; nature interpretive areas, and nature trails, snowmobiling trails and walking/hiking trails. A higher level of dissatisfaction was revealed for swimming pools, beaches and off-leash areas.

Other survey questions and responses are as follows:

• Why do you choose to live in your Genesee County community?

The top answers here were to be close to family/friends, nearly 60 percent; always lived here, 43 percent; close to school/work, 42 percent, and feel safe, quality of life, rural character, all at over 30 percent. Interestingly, only 20 percent checked “quality of schools.”

• Please indicate how important each of the following is to you.

Four categories drew 90 percent of the respondents -- taxes, government efficiency, public safety and fire protection, and availability of jobs. On the other end, only 45 percent indicated that transportation choices were very/somewhat important.

• Please indicate your level of satisfaction with each of the following.

Public safety and fire protection led the way at 77 percent who are very/somewhat satisfied, following by parks and trails, 60 percent. Taxes was the number one choice for somewhat/very dissatisfied at 45 percent.

• Who should be responsible for issuing guidelines or standards in siting these projects and/or mitigating their impacts?

Forty-two percent indicated that local municipalities should be responsible, and only 9 percent felt that New York State should have oversight, interesting in light of the fact that more and more large-scale solar projects are being pushed by the state.

Sophomore guard Amelia McCulley scored eight straight points in a three-minute stretch late in the fourth quarter this afternoon to lead Notre Dame to a 34-24 nonleague girls’ basketball victory over host Batavia High.

With the score tied at 24 with about 4 ½ minutes remaining, McCulley drove to the hoop for two points, and followed that with a running shot in the lane, another strong drive for two more points and a pair of free throws to put the Lady Irish in front, 32-24.

Two free throws by Emma Sisson closed out the scoring in a contest marked by numerous turnovers and poor shooting from both sides.

McCulley tallied 18 points while Sisson chipped in with nine. Lindsey Weidman added four and Maylee Green sank a three-point shot – the only three-pointer of the game – for ND.

Batavia’s top scorers of Mackenzie Reigle and Bryn Wormley were held to 10 and five points, respectively, while Haylee Thornley had three points and Tianna Rhim, Tess Barone and Rachel Wright scored two points apiece.

The Lady Devils controlled the pace of the game for the first 12 minutes, forging a 12-7 lead, before Notre Dame closed out the second quarter on a 10-1 run. McCulley scored eight in the period.

The teams combined for only 11 points in the third quarter, which ended with the Lady Irish on top, 22-19.

A basket by Sisson made it 24-19 before two free throws by Reigle, Wright’s basket and a free throw by Thornley pulled Batavia into the 24-24 tie.

Notre Dame improves to 2-1 while Batavia is 0-3.

Photo: The 12th-graders on the Batavia High varsity girls' basketball team were honored by their families and coaches on "Senior Day" prior to their game against visiting Notre Dame.

From left are: Tess Barone, Haylee Thornley, Bryn Wormley, Mackenzie Reigle, Kennedy Kolb, Bella Houseknecht and Rachel Wright.

Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Press release:

GO ART!  -- Genesee Orleans Regional Arts Council -- will reopen applications for Decentralization Arts Grants for the 2021 cycle.

Artists in Genesee and Orleans counties, as well as sponsoring 501c3 organizations may apply in three categories:

1. Reach Community Arts grants (501C3 organizations up to $5000)
2. Spark Arts in Education (partnering with local schools up to $5000)
3. and Ripple Individual Artist grants ($2500.)

Visit our website www.goart.org for links to the online applications.

Email tkehl@goart.org for information and assistance or call (585) 322-2420.

Applications will remain open through March 15 at 11:59 p.m. Apply today!