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Hawley criticizes NYS plan to require background checks for ammo purchases

By Press Release

Press Release: 

FIle photo of 
Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) denounced the state government’s recent decision to require background checks for all ammunition purchases in New York. While the current system allows for free customer background checks for firearm purchases, this initiative would hand over this duty to the New York State Police.

Once this new system goes into effect, customers will be charged an additional fee of $9 for firearms and $2.50 for ammunition in order to cover the cost of a background check. Hawley is disappointed the state government is once again disregarding New Yorkers’ Second Amendment rights.

“This new plan to require background checks for ammunition purchases is completely outrageous,” said Hawley. “Not only does this infringe on our Second Amendment rights, but they’re making responsible, law-abiding gun owners foot the bill. Actual criminals are not going to go through the process of doing a background check and pay an additional fee on top of that. This will only deter law-abiding citizens from exercising their constitutional rights,” continued Hawley.

“As New Yorkers, we shouldn’t have to worry about career politicians in Albany picking away at our rights piece by piece. As your assemblyman, I’ll do everything within my power to make sure our Second Amendment rights are safe and secure.”

Tenney and NY reps announce bipartisan support for regional tech hub designation

By Press Release

Press Release:

File photo of 
Claudia Tenney

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), alongside Congressman Joe Morelle (D-NY), Brian Higgins (D-NY), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Marc Molinaro (R-NY), and Brandon Williams (R-NY), announced their bipartisan support for the New York Semiconductor Manufacturing and Research Technology Innovation Corridor (NY SMART I-Corridor) application for the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) Program.

The bipartisan group of New York members together support this initiative as an opportunity to build on the strengths of their unique communities, collaborate across specialized industries and reinvigorate economic growth for years to come. Following enormous community effort and collaboration from universities, field experts, and local and federal advocates, the NY SMART I-Corridor application offers a promising future for the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region.

“Over the past few years, we have seen how our reliance on foreign countries for semiconductors can cause shortages, economic harm, and the undermining of our national security,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. 

“Designating Western New York as a Tech Hub will help make our national supply chains more secure and self-reliant while bringing jobs to Upstate and Western New York. Home of the industrial revolution, with this federal investment, our community can continue to be a source of technological innovation and advancement. I am honored to join a bipartisan group of New York legislators as we work to boost innovation, support our local economy, and create opportunities for our businesses to thrive.” 

“For generations, Rochester has been synonymous with innovation, and it has long been my priority in Congress to launch our next chapter of growth and prosperity with Tech Hub designation,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Federal investment in local innovation will build on the strengths of our unique communities and catalyze the growth of our domestic semiconductor industry benefitting all Americans. I’m grateful for the bipartisan support of my colleagues from the New York delegation and look forward to our work together reinvigorating the Finger Lakes region for the next generation.”

Union rep: Employees want their ideas to be heard before more Off-Track Betting parlors are closed

By Mike Pettinella
Rotilio

The labor relations agent for the employees union at Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. is calling for an “open and honest" conversation with management and the board of directors concerning the future of the public benefit company's brick-and-mortar OTB branches.

Antonella Rotilio. (photo at right), who attended Thursday’s board meeting at the Park Road facility but was not on the agenda to speak, said recent closings of OTB parlors have occurred without proper communication with the union, and a published report of more closings have branch employees worried that they will be losing their jobs.

“My number one concern is obviously for my members (employees). They had read a few weeks ago in article printed by The Batavian in which (WROTB President/Chief Executive Office) Henry (Wojtaszek) had stated that they were possibly going to be closing more branches. I believe it was five,” Rotilio said by telephone this morning.

“These employees are reading these articles. And they have to go to work. They have to work those jobs, and they just saw that another branch closed (the Phoenix branch in Oswego County was closed at the end of July). And all of them are afraid. This isn't a corporation where they come in and they're there a year and then leave. Some of our members -- a lot of our members of the branches -- have been there 30 years. So, this is a big thing. They've spent their entire adulthood in those branches. It's more than a job; it's their life.”

Rotilio represents workers through the United Professional & Service Employees Union Local 1222 at Batavia Downs Gaming and at eight OTB parlors throughout the corporation’s 15 counties and cities of Buffalo and Rochester.

She was referring to a story in The Batavian following the July board meeting, at which Wojtaszek said management’s plan is to reduce the number of OTB branches from the current eight to five by 2025. He said more emphasis is being placed on EZ Bet, which are self-betting terminals in existing bars and restaurants. WROTB has 27 EZ Bet locations across Western New York.

“When they read an article like that and see what’s happening, they’re nervous,” she added. “So, they thought is, why can't we have a conversation with the board and management because we work at the branches, and we handle the customers. I think a conversation that's open and honest and maybe gives options -- maybe listens to what the members have to say and the ideas that they have to maybe cut costs and keep the operation going – would make them feel like they had a little control over their future. To not know if tomorrow they're going to come into your shop and they say, ‘We're closing,’ is an awful feeling.”

They eight OTB branches are located in Williamsville, Cheektowaga, Auburn, Jamestown, Gates, Penfield, Tonawanda and Rochester. Twenty years or so ago, there were more than 30 branches scattered throughout WROTB’s 15 counties and cities of Buffalo and Rochester.

Rotilio said management and the board owes it to their employees to include them when considering short- and long-term plans for these locations. Instead, she contends, branch workers are hearing from customers about rumors of branch closings.

“Customers will come in and they're telling employees what they're hearing because there's some kind of attachment to either the corporation or someone who works at the corporation,” she said.  “It’s like months before an action is taken and the customer knows, while they employees are thinking, ‘Is this true?’ And the union is not told at all in advance what they’re going to do.”

She said employees at the Military Road branch in Niagara Falls were given 10 days’ notice.

“We were very upset about that, and we reached out to the corporation. And when Phoenix closed, they notified us after the fact,” she said. “That’s why I think meeting with us -- meeting with the members and having an honest conversation and looking at the numbers together – would have a positive impact because everybody is worried about their job.”

Rotilio acknowledged that the handles (revenues) vary at the different branches and said she realizes that the financials dictate company policy.

WROTB officials on Thursday reported that the branches, grouped in with intertrack wagering, Dial-A-Bet, EZ bet, online Batavia Bets and live racing, incurred year-to-date losses of about $600,000. That includes a book loss posted on the sale of the Military Road OTB branch in Niagara Falls.

Contacted this morning, Wojtaszek said that finances “are a big part” of the equation, but said the corporation needs to consider the employees as well.

“Our obligation is to make revenue and turn it over to the member communities,” he said. “To maximize revenue; to make sure that we do work with our employees. As I have said many times, we have the best employees in Western New York, we believe that.

“What will happen in the next few months is that we will discuss the branches and the situation with the various counties that currently have branches in them and find out what their intentions are. We will, obviously, we will include the workers, the employees within that discussion. We will let them know what’s going on. So, that’s certainly the plan.”

Wojtaszek said the COVID-19 pandemic “forced us to take a hard look at where we were going for the future and that’s when we put together the plan that we discussed a few months ago (to close three more branches by 2025).”

“But, certainly we should be discussing with the members of the board where those locations for the branches are and then we should be discussing with those employees, how it affects them. That is the plan.”

When asked if management knew which branches were earmarked for closing, Wojtaszek said the proposal wasn’t etched in stone, but is something that “we are continuously looking at.”

“It’s something that changes over a period of time, depending on the circumstances. If one of these branches are doing better, financially, it might not need to close, or if other circumstances change. But, at the time, it was based upon geography, where EZ Bets were relocated, and in the end, it's always going to be how are they doing financially?”

He said the corporation is not looking to totally eliminate the branches but has indicated that an emphasis is being placed on EZ Bet locations, which are housed in established businesses such as restaurants and/or bars.

Wojtaszek defended WROTB’s decision to close branches in recent months, noting that the corporation sustained losses for a long period of time.

“I think the moves that we have made over the last couple of years were warranted,” he said. “We don't want anybody to lose their jobs or employment. But we'll do what's necessary to make sure that the corporation remains strong. But again, we'll do that with the advice and input from the various board members and also we will speak with our employees as we make any moves going forward.”

He said there will, in fact, be the “open and honest” conversation that Rotilio is advocating.

Dealing with communication shutdown: 'a long process,' city manager says

By Joanne Beck
sam savarino
File photo of Sam Savarino, president/CEO of Savarino Companies, which he announced he was closing this week, during the groundbreaking of Ellicott Station.
Photo by Howard Owens

Suffice it to say that the name Savarino will be the word of the day for some time to come, as working through the recent company’s closure and what that means for Ellicott Station will be “a long process,” City Manager Rachael Tabelski said Thursday.

The Batavian had reached out to Tabelski late Tuesday about any updates on the closure of Savarino Companies and how that may impact the work-in-progress at the Southside apartment complex known as Ellicott Station. 

Tabelski responded on Thursday to say that company President Sam Savarino has not been in touch with the city since the publication of the news and that city officials are continuing to work on the situation. 

“There’s been no contact from the company,” Tabelski said. “We’re trying to gather as much information as we can. We don’t have answers yet, and we’ll be working on it. And looking to get those answers for everybody in the community, what next steps might be and what that might look like.”

She confirmed that prospective developers have contacted the city expressing interest in the project and that no vendors or subcontractors have called with concerns or complaints at this point.

City officials plan to meet with staff from the New York State Office of Homes and Community Renewal in September, which has been in the works since the city learned about lower-than-expected income requirements at Ellicott Station.

First promised as market rate, then workforce housing, the apartment complex's application surprised city officials earlier this year with low to very low-income levels, prompting them to reach out to HCR for assistance to see what could be done to raise those income levels to allow for workforce housing tenants. 

Apparently, in addition to the apartment complex, on-site work has also included preparation for a brewery, which had been discussed in original plans but had fallen through with the one company, Buffalo-based Resurgence Brewing. Savarino had later said that he still intended to follow through with the plan for a restaurant and/or brewery, whether it be another vendor or his own company. 

The developer owns the property at 30-50 Ellicott St. as part of a deal brokered by Batavia Development Corp. in an effort to throw a spark onto an underutilized piece of “brownfield” property that needed a remediation and economic boost.

New York State’s Office of Homes and Community Renewal promised $1.2 million per year for 10 years in low-income housing tax credits -- incentives that were tied to the developer securing an investor or investors to back the project.

He requested approximately $3.6 million in economic incentives, with a $2,105,792 property tax exemption, a $790,512 sales tax exemption, and a $180,792 mortgage tax exemption. The bulk of the incentives are only realized by the developer after the compilation of a project.

Genesee County Economic Development Center CEO Steve Hyde said Wednesday that the agency is working to determine the next steps to be taken and that the agency had already found the company to be in default of its financial agreement. 

Savarino was awarded $425,000 of the city’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant money and $5.7 million of HCR’s low-income housing tax credits.

In 2017 and 2018, the city also awarded his company two grants: one from Empire State Development called the Restore New York grant for $500,000 to rehab the old electric building that’s on the site and a $250,000 National Grid grant to enhance the Ellicott Trail on the property area right behind the Savarino campus. 

Savarino stated at the start of the project that the estimated construction costs at the time were more than $22.5 million.  The total of awarded grants, incentives, and tax credits is about $11.6 million. With the project incomplete, Savarino has not yet realized the full value of those incentives, grants, and tax credits.

The Batavian has reached out to Savarino for further details about the closure and future of Ellicott Station and its 55 previously confirmed tenants; and to HCR for comments about the agency's ongoing role and responsibility in this situation and will provide an update when/if a response is provided.

Previously:

Record-setting class graduates from 2023 BOCES pre-apprenticeship program

By Press Release
boces pre apprentice program graduation
In a reception line of staff and officials who were part of the program this year, Darlene M. Robare-Kessler is congratulated by Chris Suozzi, VP of business development for GCEDC.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Press release:

Ten participants from the third annual Genesee Valley Pre-Apprenticeship Program graduated from this year’s six-week paid training program. The “boot camp” style program is an earn-while-you-learn model which pairs in-class instruction at the Genesee Valley BOCES in Batavia and on-the-job training at several local advanced manufacturing companies. 

The Genesee Valley Pre-Apprenticeship Program was created in 2021 to assist companies in the greater Rochester and GLOW Region (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties) with recruitment and training for one of the region’s largest industries. Participants graduated from the program with 96 hours of state-of-the-art mechatronics training and more than 100 hours of on-the-job experience at advanced manufacturing at companies in Genesee, Livingston and Monroe counties. 

“This program continues to train workers of all ages, skill levels and abilities for a wide array of high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing,” said Bob Coyne, Executive Director of the Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA). “The ‘Genesee Valley Boot Camp’ is an incredible partnership between industry, academia and workforce development partners in our community.”

The Genesee Valley Pre-Apprenticeship Program includes hands-on simulation training for a variety of available careers; including electromechanical trades, construction materials manufacturing, agricultural manufacturing and more. In addition to the classroom time, participants received paid, on-the-job training and a fast-track opportunity for a full-time career with local manufacturing companies.

“Enabling students to acquire hands-on skills training without incurring any costs, the Genesee Valley Pre-Apprenticeship Program stands as a pivotal workforce enhancement,” remarked Jon Sanfratello, Director of the Instructional Program at Genesee Valley BOCES. “This remarkable training initiative forges a career pathway that effectively addresses workforce employment demands. Such practical skills development serves as a shining illustration of our dedication to aiding GLOW regional students and current employees while also meeting the precise needs of our local business community.” 

"The BEST Center at Genesee Community College remains grateful for the funding provided by SUNY DOL and its Reimagine Workforce Preparation Training Program that provides resources for high-demand training for industry-recognized credentials like the Genesee Valley Pre-Apprenticeship Program", said Jennifer Wakefield, Executive Director of Workforce Development, "We look forward to continued collaboration in this program to expand opportunities for increased pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship training." 

Training was provided at no cost to the students and companies due to grants secured by Genesee Community College’s BEST Center, Genesee Economic Development Center and the Workforce Development Institute.

Participating employers for the 2023 program include Oxbo, United States Gypsum, Triton Mechanical, Goforth Electric, Diamond Packaging, Arctic Refrigeration, Maris Systems Design and more.

“This year’s Genesee Valley Pre-Apprenticeship Program offered students a unique opportunity to discover their career path and their future without the burden of college debt. Thanks to our participating employers, students have been introduced and empowered to succeed in these in-demand careers through instruction and on-the-job training,” said Chris Suozzi, Vice President of Business and Workforce Development, Genesee County Economic Development Center.

boces pre apprentice program graduation
Ethan Appis with Richard Turner.
Photo by Howard Owens.
boces pre apprentice program graduation
Ben Bishop
Photo by Howard Owens.
boces pre apprentice program graduation
Bradley Burdett
Photo by Howard Owens.
boces pre apprentice program graduation
Kaytlin Day
Photo by Howard Owens.
boces pre apprentice program graduation
Alexander Matthews
Photo by Howard Owens.
boces pre apprentice program graduation
Trejan Mills
Photo by Howard Owens.
boces pre apprentice program graduation
Xavier Mitchell
Photo by Howard Owens.
boces pre apprentice program graduation
Wyatt Parker
Photo by Howard Owens.
boces pre apprentice program graduation
Darlene M. Robare-Kessler
Photo by Howard Owens.
boces pre apprentice program graduation
Kyle Stefan
Photo by Howard Owens.
boces pre apprentice program graduation
The 2023 Graduating Class
Photo by Howard Owens.

GC Master Gardeners announce fall plant sale

By Press Release
master gardner fall gala 2016
File photo, Fall Master Gardner Gala in 2016.
Photo by Howard Owens

Press Release:

Save the date!  Saturday, September 16, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., the Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Fall Garden Gala and Plant Sale at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main Street in Batavia.

This plant sale features hardy garden perennials, most of which are grown by Master Gardeners.  Fall is a good time to plant many perennials as there is still time for them to grow a strong root system before winter. A wide variety of house plants will also be available for sale.

Learn how to artfully arrange flowers fresh from the garden, as talented Master Gardeners create arrangements and bouquets right before your eyes! These beautiful flower arrangements will be available for sale.

Don’t forget to stop inside for the Basket Auction. You never know what treasures may appear. The Basket Auction drawing will begin at 12:30 p.m.

The Master Gardener Helpline will be open to answer your gardening questions.  Not sure what your garden soil pH is? Bring in a soil sample for FREE pH testing.

Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants at great prices. Arrive at 10 a.m. for the best plant selection.  No early birds, please.

Proceeds from the sale benefit the educational outreach of the Genesee County Master Gardener Program.

For more information contact Jan Beglinger at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 132, or stop by the Extension office at 420 East Main Street in Batavia.  Visit our website at: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events for more information.  Like us on our Facebook page for Gala and other Master Gardener program updates https://www.facebook.com/CCEofGenesee.

Tenney announces support for creating a Space National Guard

By Press Release

Press Release:

File photo of 
Claudia Tenney

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, announced her support for establishing a Space National Guard as the reserve component of the Space Force. This builds on Tenney’s previous support for establishing the Space Force, which occurred during the Trump administration.

Under the current system, individuals who serve as de facto Space Force reservists are part of the Air National Guard. This could prevent these individuals from participating in official Space Force educational and training opportunities and cause organizational issues. Importantly, creating a Space National Guard would require no additional personnel, units, or facilities and would improve communication, reduce costs, and allow these dedicated space warfighters to continue supporting the Space Force’s missions at a high level. 

Tenney recently cosponsored H.R.3048, the Space National Guard Establishment Act, to formally establish the Space National Guard as the primary reserve component of the U.S. Space Force. H.R. 3048 was introduced in the House by Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) and Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO). 

“Now more than ever, as our adversaries continue to ramp up their space capabilities, we must enhance our own efforts and continue to focus on space exploration and defense,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “By supporting the creation of the Space National Guard as the primary reserve component of the U.S. Space Force, we are leveraging the technical expertise of part-time reservists who work full-time in the private sector. The bipartisan and bicameral support for the establishment of the Space National Guard illustrates the importance of cooperation in advancing our military capabilities. Notably, this would have a direct impact on the 222nd Command and Control Squadron, based in Rome, New York, which is part of the 107th Attack Wing, based at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. This Air National Guard Squadron would be a natural fit for the Space National Guard. Further, the 222 CACS is particularly vulnerable to the potential risks of continuing to delay establishing a Space National Guard. I look forward to the positive impact this will have on our region and on our nation's ability to maintain its dominance in space."

“There are seven states and one territory that have a space mission as part of their Air National Guard Wing’s and New York State is fortunate to be one of them,” said John Cooper, Chairman of the Niagara Military Affairs Council. “The creation of a Space National Guard is critical to us in New York State as the 222nd Command and Control Squadron in Rome, N.Y. presently performs a space mission and is part of the 107th Attack Wing in Niagara Falls, NY. The establishment of a Space National Guard must be included in the operational structure of the Space Force and is critical to the future of the 107th Attack Wing. Failure to do so could negatively affect the State of New York and the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station for many years to come. We are fortunate to have our foot in the door with the future of the Space National Guard through the existing work of the 222nd Command and Control Squadron and the 107th Attack Wing. We encourage our federal delegation to support any legislation that supports the creation of a Space National Guard as without it we will lose qualified and experienced Airmen who already perform this mission on behalf of our nation.”

“The 222nd Command and Control Squadron (222 CACS) of the 107th Attack Wing, New York Air National Guard, has a unique and enduring partnership with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO),” said Colonel Andrew Carlson, Commander of the 107th Attack Wing, New York Air National Guard. “Our highly trained space professionals provide surge and contingency support to the NRO and are also involved with the State Partnership Program. My personal opinion is that the creation of a Space National Guard (SNG) would prevent the possibility of a future training void. This void could happen if the US Space Force decided to limit their space-based training programs to those service members with only Space Force Specialty Codes, and not Air Force Specialty Codes (members of the 222 CACS have Air Force Specialty Codes). It is also my personal opinion that an attempt to transfer Air National Guard space mission sets and space professionals into the Active-Duty component, even on a part-time basis, will potentially cost the US Space Force expertise that could require 7+ years to recapitalize. Lastly, it is my personal opinion that the creation of a Space National Guard would appropriately align the members of the 222 CACS to provide forces in accordance with US Space Force deployment models. In the 222 CACS members’ current status, they will align to the Air Force Generation (AFFORGEN) model as Air National Guard members, even though they are space professionals.”

The views and opinions expressed are solely those of Col. Andrew Carlson and do not represent the New York Air National Guard, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense. 

Batavia Downs announces dates for Oktoberfest, Family fun day, and more

By Press Release
weiner dog race batavia downs 2018
Photo from teh 2018 Wiener Dog Race at Batavia Downs.
Photo by Howard Owens

Press Release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced the on-sale dates for several upcoming events taking place this fall at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel.

On Friday, September 22, the Ricky Palermo Foundation Comedy Night will be held inside Park Place. Attendees will receive admission to a night of comedy, a free drink, a buffet dinner, and $25 in Free Play. Tickets can be purchased at rickypalermofoundation.org.

Monday, September 25 will be Batavia Downs’ Oktoberfest featuring music from Fritz’s Polka Band. This free event will run from Noon - 3 p.m. The Homestretch Grill doors will be open and several Polish food specials will be available.

On Saturday, September 30, the 3rd annual Vodka & Gin Fest, presented by Deep Eddy Vodka and Ford’s Gin will take place from 4 to 6:30 p.m. For $40, attendees will have access to vodka and gin sampling as well as grazing stations and receive $25 in free play as well as a free program and $5 wager on that evening’s races at Batavia Downs. Designated Driver tickets will also be available. $35 early bird tickets are now on sale at BataviaConcerts.com for a limited time.

WBBZ’s popular show, Polka Buzz, will tape their show inside the Park Place Room on Thursday, October 5 – tickets and details will be available at a later date.

Batavia Downs’ famous Family Fun Day & Wiener Dog Races will take place on Sunday, October 15. Family-related activities will also take place including on-site entertainers, kettle corn stand, pumpkin decorating for kids 15 and under, carriage rides, and pony rides will take place from 12 - 2 p.m. with the wiener dog races commencing at 2 p.m. The time was moved up to accommodate guests who want to make sure they don’t miss the Buffalo Football game at 8:20 p.m. that evening.

The Batavia Bacchus Wine Festival will be happening on Sunday, November 5 from 1 - 3:30 p.m.  For $35, attendees will have access to wine sampling from local and national wineries as well as grazing stations. All attendees will receive $25 in free play. Designated Driver tickets will also be available. Tickets for this event will be on sale later in the fall. This event will take place well ahead of that night’s Buffalo Football game at 8:20 p.m. giving attendees time to watch the game after the event.

“Our event schedule remains jam-packed for the fall,” said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO of Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. “We pride ourselves on providing a diverse variety of events for the people of Western New York.  Our guests will find that these events are fun, well run, and affordable.”

Tickets for other previously announced September events like the Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift Tribute show, the Elvis Tribute Show, and the Silent Disco are on sale now at BataviaConcerts.com.

 

Jimmy Sturr performing at Batavia Downs for Polka Buzz earlier this year. Photo by Howard Owens
Jimmy Sturr performing at Batavia Downs for Polka Buzz earlier this year.
Photo by Howard Owens

GO Health educates public on ticks and tick borne diseases

By Press Release
tick-dragging-picture.jpg
Submitted photo of tick dragging.

Press Release:

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) encourage residents to protect themselves, their children, and their pets from tick-borne diseases. Not all ticks can cause disease and not all bites will make you sick, but as ticks become more widespread, there is a higher risk the ticks will carry disease. 

It is important to learn how to prevent a bite, how to check for ticks, how to remove a tick, and what to do if you think you could have a tick-borne disease. 

“Lyme disease is endemic (widespread) throughout New York State,” states Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services for GO Health. “Lyme disease is also the most common disease spread by ticks in New York, but there are other serious diseases ticks spread including Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. There are many different species of ticks, but locally the most common is the deer tick. The deer tick is a vector (carrier) for several diseases (Lyme disease, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis) and received the name because of its habit of living and feeding on white-tailed deer, however, ticks acquire Lyme disease by feeding on infected mice and other small rodents,” stated Bedard.

“According to the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Genesee and Orleans Counties have had 36 local cases of Lyme disease between 2018-2020,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “Ticks are here locally and you can’t tell which are infected by disease or not.”

Ticks are found in many types of settings such as woodlands, tree stumps, lawns and gardens, around stone walls, nature trails, outdoor summer camps, and playing fields. Ticks do not jump or fly, they attach to their host when a human or animal makes contact with something that a tick is on, like tall grass, shrubs, or an animal. The risk of human infection with Lyme disease is greatest in late spring and summer, but ticks can be active any time the temperature is above freezing. 

“We know the ticks that cause Lyme disease are in Western New York, that is why it is so important to make sure you do regular checks for ticks while outdoors and when you first get home,” said Pettit. “It is also important to check pets for ticks after they spend time outdoors.”

GO Health started conducting local tick surveillance in both counties this month. Tick dragging is a widely used technique for the active collection of host-seeking ticks and is done by dragging a cloth over the top of vegetation and regularly checking it for the presence of ticks. The collected ticks are sent to the laboratory and tested for the presence of tick-borne diseases. Over the next few months, health department staff will continue tick dragging in local parks and public places.

To prevent tick-borne illness exposure while outdoors, you and your family can do the following: (https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme/)

  • Wear light-colored clothing with a tight weave to spot ticks easily.
  • Wear enclosed shoes, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots and shirt into pants.
  • Check clothes and any exposed skin frequently while outdoors.
  • Use insect repellent with 20-30% DEET. Follow the instructions.
  • Stay on cleared, well-traveled trails. Avoid dense woods and busy areas.
  • Avoid sitting directly on the ground or on stone walls.
  • Keep long hair tied back, especially when gardening.
  • Bathe or shower as soon as possible after going indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that may be on you.
  • Do a final, full-body tick check at the end of the day (also check children and pets), and remove ticks promptly.

Additional prevention tips to create a tick-free zone in your backyard to keep you, your family, and pets safe from tick exposure include: (https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2825/)

  • Keep grass mowed, along with clearing tall grasses and brush.
  • Remove brush and leaves around stonewalls and woodpiles.
  • Keep woodpiles and bird feeders away from your home.
  • Keep family dogs and cats out of wooded areas to reduce ticks brought into your home.
  • Place swing sets, sand boxes, decks and patios in a sunny spot away from yard edges and trees.
  • Place a 3 foot wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas and around patios and play equipment.

To properly remove a tick, you should use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the ticks by its mouthparts, as close to the surface of the skin as you can. Carefully pull the tick straight up without twisting. Do not touch the tick. Do not squeeze the body of the tick (it may increase your risk of infection). Clean your hands and the areas on your skin where the tick was. Watch the site of the bite for rash (3-30 days after bite). 

Removing a tick within 36 hours of attachment to the skin can lower the risk of contracting Lyme disease. You can view the following video to learn more about what you can do if you find a tick attached to you: https://youtu.be/oGrK4ZKUfhQ.

To learn more about ticks, Lyme disease and other diseases ticks can spread visit the New York State Department of Health, https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme/. 

For more information on Health Department programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your respective health department at:

  • Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
  • Orleans County: 585-589-3278

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One arrest reported for Lumineers concert at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

The following arrest was made by the Sheriff's Office in conjunction with the Lumineers concert at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Tuesday.

Nicholas J. McKee, 27, of King Avenue, New Castle, Ontario Canada is charged with criminal Trespass 3rd after allegedly jumping over a fence into a restricted area of the concert venue.

Judicial commission recommends censure for Darien justice over social media posts

By Howard B. Owens
jennifer nunnary
Justice Jennifer R. Nunnery

The State Commission on Judicial Conduct is recommending censure of a Town of Darien Justice in connection with social media posts attributed to her that used foul language and contained sexual innuendo, with some of the content being associated with her role in the legal system.

Justice Jennifer R. Nunnery has the option of requesting a review of the commission's determination, which was submitted to the Court of Appeals on Aug. 23. If Nunnery does not request a review within 30 days, the commission will censure her in accordance with the determination.

A censure is a formal reprimand. It does not otherwise affect Nunnery's standing as a lawyer or a judge.

Nunnery was admitted to the bar in 2015 and became a town justice in January 2020.

She is accused of making inappropriate social media posts between December 2020 through April 2021. She apparently made changes to her behavior on social media and deleted the problematic posts after being counseled by a supervisor.

Among the social media comments cited by the commission:

Nunnery
Nunnery comment 2
nunnery comment 3

The commission states that the third of those posts received 57 reactions and 31 comments before Nunnery removed it in April 2021.

During this time frame, Nunnery reportedly also posted two responses to a re-shared seven-year-old post. Nunnery is accused of making comments about being hungover, using profanity, and in a separate comment, she recalled drawing a picture of male anatomy on the face of a person she apparently knew who was passed out on a plane.

She is also accused of liking posts regarding the candidacy of a person running for city judge in Buffalo, Carrie Phillips, and of a candidate for school board in Alexander, Lindsay Bessey.

In the commission's view, these likes, which could be seen by most members of the public, gave the appearance of a judge endorsing candidates for office, which is prohibited conduct.

In a press statement, Commission Administrator Robert H. Tembeckjian said, “Judges are obliged, on and off the bench, to uphold the integrity and dignity of judicial office and to avoid partisan political activity. While those constraints apply regardless of the forum, a judge should be especially careful when communicating on social media, which can compound the impropriety of an inappropriate message by spreading it far and wide.”

In the determination report, the commission states that Nunnery said she was unaware that her "likes" of posts were visible to the wider public. The commission also states that Nunnery was aware of the privacy setting options available on social media posts.

"Respondent now appreciates that the integrity of the judiciary is undermined when a judge publicly posts puerile and explicit content," the commission stated, adding that she also now understands the appearance of endorsing candidates through "likes."

"The Rules require judges to maintain high standards of conduct and to 'act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary," the commission stated. "The Rules also prohibit judges from engaging in extra-judicial activities which 'detract from the dignity of judicial office.' Respondent violated these rules when she made inappropriate and undignified public posts and comments on Facebook, some of which referenced her role as an attorney in the legal system."

The commission continued, "It is well-settled that judges are held to a higher standard of conduct than the general public. 'The ethical standards require a judge to avoid extra-judicial conduct that casts doubt on the judge’s impartiality . . . or detracts from the dignity of judicial office . . .  Upon assuming the bench, a judge surrenders certain rights and must refrain from certain conduct that may be permissible for others.'"

And quoted the rules on judicial conduct, "[e]very judge must understand that a judge's right to speak publicly is limited because of the important responsibilities a judge has in dispensing justice, maintaining impartiality and acting at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the judge's integrity.”

Nunnery, a Batavia native and Batavia High School graduate, was named a Woman of Distinction by the YWCA in 2016.  The press release announcing the award states she was in the Army Military Police Corp and was deployed to Iraq in 2003 and 2006.  She was honored for her work with veterans and for sharing her own experience with PTSD.

She attended GCC and later obtained a bachelor’s degree in Political Science at Brockport State College and pursued law at University at Buffalo Law School.

At the time, she had a law office in downtown Batavia. She volunteered as a veteran mentor at the Batavia Veterans Treatment Court in City Court. She was also an advisor on the GCC Paralegal Advisory Committee and for the Alexander High School’s Mock Trial Team.

And they're off: Batavia Downs looks to add 'historical horse racing' component to gaming experience

By Mike Pettinella

Batavia Downs Gaming is looking to add an “historical horse racing” component to its gaming options.

“It’s our No. 2 (priority) behind getting involved in I-Gaming,” said Henry Wojtaszek, president and chief executive officer of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. at the public benefit company’s board of directors meeting this morning.

Historical horse racing, or HHR, has been around for several years and, in most instances, refers to gaming that permits players to wager on replays of past horse races – while placing their bets on slot-like historical racing terminals, or HRTs.

Wojtaszek said HHR has been “put in place to help Off-Track Betting locations,” and statistics show that it has become a multi-billion industry in itself.

According to the Betting USA website, six states – Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Hampshire, Virginia and Wyoming – offer historical horse racing wagering as of January 2023.

“We’re making a push to pass legislation (to allow HHR in New York State) in 2024,” Wojtaszek said.

HHR machines come in a wide variety of styles, but all are based on the results of randomized past races. 

Also, from the Betting USA website:

“… each round of play begins with the machine selecting one race at random from a database of up to a hundred thousand past races. The terminal obscures names and dates but provides a handicapping form so players can select three horses, just as they would at a live race.

However, many terminals offer a way for players to automate the selection process, so they end up with a machine that looks and feels just like a slot. Only the last few seconds of the race are displayed on a small part of the screen. The rest of the monitor displays reels and symbols to show the player what, if anything, they won off the slot pull.

The Batavian previously has reported about WROTB’s desire to get in on the iGaming craze, which covers any kind of online betting that wagers on the outcome of a game or event. Sports betting, poker, eSports and online casinos are under the iGaming umbrella.

“Data shows that brick-and-mortar (facilities) are not hurt by (iGaming). So, we’re in the mix,” said Wojtaszek, pointing to a possible rollout in 2025.

He did acknowledge that Batavia Downs Gaming likely won't be authorized to offer sports betting, which has grown exponentially via apps such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and Caesars.

Wojtaszek said those four sportsbooks hold about 90 percent of the market share, and “we’ll probably see a shrinkage” in the number of other sportsbooks as time goes on.

In other developments:

-- Chief Financial Officer Jacquelyne Leach reported that Batavia Downs Gaming set another record in July, amassing $7.8 million in net win – the highest figure in corporation history. Net win is the amount of money left in the Video Lottery Terminal machines after paying out the customers.

Credits played for the month fell just short of $100 million, an increase of $6.9 million compared to July 22 and $13.5 million compared to July 21.

On the pari-mutuel (horse racing) side, the handle was $4.7 million in July, down 7 percent from last July but up 5 percent from the corporation’s operating plan.

The July surcharge to be returned to the 17 municipalities came in at $56,675, and operational earnings of $1.04 million for July have Leach predicting that third-quarter earnings distributions to municipalities will come in at around $2 million.

-- Marketing Director Ryan Hasenauer reported that the public is invited to see and take a photo with a Clydesdale from 2-4 p.m. this Saturday during Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational Pace weekend at Batavia Downs.

The heavy draft-horse breed – that averages 68 to 72 inches tall, 2,000 pounds in weight and was made famous by the Budweiser brewing company – will be stationed in the winner’s circle of the racetrack.

The Kane Memorial will feature a full field of eight horses that have excelled this year on the harness horse racing circuit.

Racing secretary Don Hoover said that the wagering handle, when considering simulcasting and on-site betting thus far, for 23 race days, is averaging $243,237 – up 77 percent over the average handle in 2022. The live handle (patrons at Batavia Downs) is down about 9 percent from last year, however.

-- Paul Bartow of Watkins Glen has joined the board of directors, representing Schuyler County. His appointment by his county’s legislature completes the 17-member board roster.

Bartow is vice president of the Schuyler County Cooperative Extension and a member of the county planning commission and historical society boards.

Muckdogs and 'Skip' come to terms for 2024 and 2025 seasons

By Press Release
Batavia Muckdogs v. Geneva Red Wings July 11 2023
Batavia Muckdogs Manager Joey Martinez during a 2023 baseball game at Dwyer Stadium.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs have agreed to terms with current Manager and coach Joey “Skip” Martinez for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.  Skip Martinez took over in 2021, the first season CAN-USA Sports took over ownership of the Muckdogs.  The Florida native and former Detroit Tigers draft pick has come to know Batavia as a second home these past few years.            

Since taking over, Martinez has led the Dogs to the playoffs in two of his first three seasons. The Muckdogs won the West Division in 2022 and fell just 1 game short of winning the PGCBL Championship that season. Under Martinez, the Muckdogs claimed the #1 seed in the regular season in both 2022 and 2023. 

"Joey has done a great job for us here in Batavia, and we are pleased to have him back," said Muckdogs Owner Robbie Nichols. 

“I am very happy to be back to my second home and continue to be part of the Nichols family and our Muckdogs Mafia, I hope to be here amongst family for a long time. Thank you for the continued support for our organization, We will be back, and we will be better,” said Martinez.

Season tickets are on sale as low as $99 for the 2024 season.  If you are interested in tickets, sponsoring the Muckdogs, or hosting a group event next year at Dwyer Stadium, call 585-524-2260.  For the latest news throughout the offseason, check out their website at www.canusamuckdogs.com. The Muckdogs will be hosting the Battle of the Badges this Saturday at 6 p.m. at Dwyer Stadium and will be hosting Muckdogs Trick or Treat on Saturday, October 21st 3 to 6 p.m.

Former luthier at Roxy's, and a partner, bring music retail back to Batavia

By Howard B. Owens
Logan Music Store Jeremy Logan
Jeremy Logan, luthier and co-owner of a new music shop in Batavia, Logan's Music.
Photo by Howard Owens.

The way Jeremy Logan sees it, Batavia needs a music store. 

A community this size needs a place not just to buy instruments but all of the accessories musicians sometimes need on short notice, from strings and reeds to picks and drumsticks.

Logan worked for 13 years at Roxy's Music Store, and after Rose Caccamise died and the store closed, he knew there was a void to fill.  He worked from home repairing guitars for former Roxy's customers and continued taking guitar lessons from Paul Runfola at St. Anthony's.

Going to a lesson one day, he drove by a recently vacated storefront next to Southside Deli on Ellicott Street and thought it might be a good location to start a music store.  A few days later, there was a for-rent sign in the window.

He spoke to Runfola about it, and they decided to form a partnership and open a store.

In less than two weeks, Logan's Music has already started generating buzz among local musicians, and a lot of players are stopping by to say hello and check out the store. He's even made a few sales.

Currently, the store is stocked with second-hand guitars, from a gold-top Gibson Les Paul to custom Telecasters, along with lower-end models, as well as a few guitars Logan built or customized himself.

Logan, born in Batavia and raised on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation, fell in love with guitar at an early age. As he grew older, he wanted to find a way to make a living in the music business.

"I've loved guitar since I was kid, you know, but I wasn't good enough of a player to go further," Logan said. "I could play in local bands, but I wanted something consistent."

In 2000, he enrolled in the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery in Phoenix and, after his studies, moved to Eugene, Oregon and worked for a company making graphite guitar necks.  

Then he returned home and eventually took a job at Guitar Center in Buffalo, first in sales and then as a luthier when the company decided to open a repair shop.

One day he happened to Roxy's and met Rose.

"I was just talking with her and told her what I did and everything, and she said, 'Come over here,' and we sat down in the corner we talked for about a good hour about what I was doing. The next day, she gave me a call and offered me a job.

Logan liked holding down a job closer to town, and he gained a reputation among local guitarists as an expert luthier.  

He became a luthier because he loved tinkering with guitars but also because he wanted to build custom guitars himself.

"I've always wanted to make my own kind of crazy designs," Logan said.

There's also satisfaction, he said, in bringing a broken guitar back to life, whether that is for a customer who drops by with a damaged instrument or if he finds a crippled axe at a flea market or garage sale, giving him an opportunity to turn it into something that brings joy to a customer.

"I like fixing guitars, taking a perfect junk guitar and making it playable and getting it to somebody who can use it," Logan said. "That's always really cool.  I like the look on someone's face when they get a guitar. It's always the same feeling. I like just bringing a guitar back to life and getting it out to people to where they're it's to be played and not just sitting in a pile of junk."

The selection of second-hand guitars in the shop offers shoppers a wide variety of choices.  He has buyers who go out and find them, and now that he has a storefront, customers will bring in guitars to sell.  That makes the selection always eclectic and always changing, making the store a bit of a paradise for local guitar players who haven't had a place in Batavia to browse a variety of guitars for a couple of years.

He's still building his stock but has no plans in his current small space to stock many other instruments.  He does intend to carry supplies to support all kinds and levels of musicians in the community and is open to suggestions. 

"I had a music teacher from John Kennedy come in, and he was talking to me and asked me if I was going to carry certain stuff, and I said I don't really know what to carry for schools, so he sat down, and he gave me a whole list of what he needed," Logan said. "He said he would send over a teacher from Batavia High School, too.  That was cool because everybody has been ready to give me advice and what is needed for the community. That is what I've wanted. It's going to be hard to take the place of Roxy's, but there was nothing here for the community, so it's cool (to get advice)."

Logan's Music is at 302 Ellicott St., Batavia. The store is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. The phone number is 585-201-7133.

Logan Music Store Jeremy Logan
Alan E. Rose, formerly of Nashville, stopped in at Logan's to buy a new guitar and amp last week. He said he was really happy to find the store, another blessing, he said, in a string of recent blessings. He moved to Batavia so his daughter could help care for him after he became partially paralyzed. He hadn't been able to play guitar for three years and could only recently pick up an instrument again.  With a voice like Waylon Jenning's and some fine flat-picking, he put on a little show playing his political novelty songs based on familiar tunes.
Photo by Howard Owens.

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Tourism Marketing Assistant Position The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, serving as the official tourism promotion agency for Genesee County, NY is seeking an experienced marketing professional to assist in the overall Chamber tourism and marketing initiatives for Genesee County. https://visitgeneseeny.com/about/join-our-team
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Town of Batavia Court Department is seeking a part time as needed Court Officer. Court Officers are responsible for maintaining order in the court room and court facility during proceedings. Please send resume to Town of Batavia, Attention Hiedi Librock, 3833 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. Complete job description is available on the Town web site or at the Town Hall Application deadline is April 15, 2024.
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