The Batavia Town Board is expected to appoint Ray Tourt as the town’s highway superintendent at its monthly meeting on Wednesday night.

A resolution included in the meeting agenda has Tourt, who has announced his retirement as City of Batavia Bureau of Maintenance superintendent, moving into the position, effective April 4.

A city employee since 1999, Tourt’s last day with the city is March 30.

Town Supervisor Gregory Post today said that Tourt will serve out the remainder of this year before being placed on the ballot to run for the part-time, salaried position for three more years. It pays around $20,000.

Tourt would be replacing Tom Lichtenthal, who resigned, but continues to work for the town in an engineering capacity.

Also, on the agenda for Wednesday’s meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall on West Main Street Road, is the setting of a public hearing for 7 p.m. April 20 (at the Town Hall) on “A Local Law to Amend the Town of Batavia Zoning Ordinance for Solar Energy Systems.”

For the past several months, the town’s solar committee worked to revise the law governing solar systems in the municipality and has come up with a final draft for the public’s consideration.

Previously: Town planners: solar law process is on the right track

Previously: Town solar committee asked to 'revisit' setback distances

There is no reason to believe the man, Lewis Hyde, went into the creek, said Investigator Eric Hill, Batavia PD, but because he was last seen in the area and his jacket was found yesterday on the bank of the creek, officials decided it best to undertake a search.

"We're doing our due diligence and hoping we don't find him," said Hill.

By 12:30, crews had searched the north half of the creek and were halfway done with the south side, and Hyde had not been located.

If his body is not found in the creek, it provides hope he's still alive, Hill noted.

Hyde is described as being 5’10”, 180 pounds.

He was last seen at 2 a.m. March 11, wearing a tan coat, jeans, and black boots.

Anyone with any information is asked to please contact the Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350.

Anthony Daniel Micucci, 27, of Darien Alexander Townline Road, Alexander, is charged with five counts of criminal contempt 1st, criminal contempt 2nd, stalking 3rd, and stalking 4th. Micucci was arrested on a warrant for allegedly violating a complete stay-away order of protection. Micucci was also arrested by State Police on charges of stalking 3rd and two counts of criminal contempt 2nd.  He was jailed without bail.

Matthew Scott Williams, 34, of Hundredmark Road, Elba, is charged with harassment 2nd and endangering the welfare of a child. Williams is accused of head butting a person while in the presence of a child during a disturbance reported at 9:15 a.m., March 10, at a residence on Hundredmark Road, Elba

Michael Joseph Elmore, 31, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration. Elmore allegedly refused to obey lawful orders by deputies during an investigation at Days Inn in Batavia at 4:45 a.m., March 13.

Michael Andrew Kos, Jr., 43, of Hampton Brook Drive, Hamburg, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater.  At 8:25 p.m., March 10, Deputy Nicholas Charmoun and Sgt. Andrew Hale were dispatched to the Kwik Fill on West Main Street Road, Le Roy, for a report of a suspicious condition behind the building. At that location, they located Kos and upon investigation determined he was allegedly too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle. He was transported to the Genesee County Jail for processing and issued an appearance ticket.

Lauralee Pacer, 36, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear.  Pacer had previously been issued an appearance ticket. 

Shante R. Williams, 38, of Batavia, is charged with bail jumping 3rd. Williams was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision.

James D. Hooten, 33, of Batavia, and Brittanee J. Hooten, 33, of Batavia, are charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. James and Brittanee are accused of shoplifting from the Kiwk Fill at 99 Jackson Street, Batavia. They were issued appearance tickets.

Shawn M. Twardowski, 39, of Le Roy, was arrested on multiple warrants for failure to appear for trespass and petit larceny.  Twardowski was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision.

Lyndsay T. Young, 38, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Young is accused of striking another person in the face causing a scratch under the person's eye at 2:34 p.m., March 4, at a location on State Street, Batavia. Young was issued an appearance ticket.

Jolene Y. Stevens, 33, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear. Stevens was arraigned in city court and released on her own recognizance. 

Rufus G. Johnson, 28, of North-Chili, is charged with petit larceny. Johnson is accused of stealing merchandise from a business in Batavia. He was allegedly located with the merchandise and arrested. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Matthew S. Williams, 34, of Elba, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and criminal contempt 2nd. Williams was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 1:03 p.m., March 11, in Elba.  His release status is unknown.  No further information released.

Press release:

Senator Rath has been named to the Senate Budget Committee on General Government and Local Assistance. Senator Rath is ranking member on the Senate Local Government Committee. 

“I look forward to advocating for our local communities.  While many local governments saw growth this past year, it is critical to assure that vital programs remain whole.  Over the past two years, many saw extremely trying times, it is important that we work to adopt a budget that is financially viable and protects vital programs that our local governments depend on,” said Senator Ed Rath.  

The budget subcommittees will begin meeting in the coming weeks.  

Press release from Automobile Club of America:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.33 ($4.325), up 26 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.86. The New York State average is 4.45, up 19 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.90. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $4.38 (up 15 cents from last week)
• Buffalo - $4.40 (up 19 cents from last week)
• Elmira - $4.41 (up 22 cents from last week)
• Ithaca - $4.44 (up 22 cents from last week)
• Rochester - $4.42 (up 18 cents from last week)
• Rome - $4.40 (up 18 cents from last week)
• Syracuse - $4.42 (up 18 cents from last week)
• Watertown - $4.41 (up 16 cents from last week)

It appears as though oil prices have tapered off – this morning prices are $110 per barrel and under rather than over $130 one week ago. In August, oil prices were $30 per barrel. At one point during the pandemic, they were below zero, in negative territory. Oil prices have a direct impact on gas prices.

New survey data from AAA finds that two-thirds of Americans felt gas prices were too expensive just a few weeks ago at $3.53 per gallon. Now with the national average at an all-time high of over $4, Americans may have reached a tipping point. Over half (59%) said they would make changes to their driving habits or lifestyle if the cost of gas rose to $4 per gallon. If gas were to reach $5.00, which it has in some parts of the country, three-quarters said they would need to adjust their lifestyle to offset the spike at the pump.

From Gas Buddy:

“After a furious increase in the national average over the last two weeks, the top appears to be in with average gas prices slowly starting to decline over the last few days,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysts at GasBuddy. “While the decrease could be short-lived, it is nonetheless a well-needed break from the large surge in gas prices we've experienced over the last few weeks. The situation remains fluid, and escalations remain very possible, if not likely. For now, a $4.50 per gallon national average is off the table, but it certainly could be a future possibility as long as there is conflict between Russia and Ukraine.”

Tammy Hathaway presented the Geneseean of the Year Award to fellow Geneseean Jay Lazarony, recipient of the 2021 honor. Hathaway was one of several people touting Lazarony’s worthiness during the awards event Saturday at Batavia Downs Gaming.

After accepting a tiara from Chamber President Eric Fix, because she is “the queen,” Hathaway began a tribute to the GLOW Work Force Development Board executive director for his 25 years of working with thousands of youngsters in various roles throughout Genesee County.

“Jay is a pretty amazing human being,” Hathaway said. 

Karyn Winters, director of Genesee County's Business Education Alliance, nominated him for being an "exemplary professional and volunteer," and embodying what's great about Genesee County," she said. He founded GLOW With Your Hands in 2019 and has been a "selfless, kind, motivating and fearless leader," she said.

"While his career alone warrants recognition, what truly makes Jay an admirable Geneseean is his infectious enthusiasm to mentor local youth," Winters said in her nomination.

Colleagues, staff, and program participants continued the trail of accolades via pre-recorded videos played on several screens throughout the banquet room. Jocelyn Sikorski has known Lazarony through the county’s Youth Bureau for more than 20 years, she said, and has witnessed his focus on “looking out for the best interests of youth and our families.”

“He’s a very caring and outgoing man,” she said. “I want to honor Jay and say great job, you are so deserving.”

When Lazarony applied for the executive director position seven years ago, the board made “a unanimous decision” to hire him, board member Norb Fuest said. 

“He just exceeded our expectations, to say the least,” Fuest said. “Our training numbers have been some of the best in the state, a lot of that because of Jay.”

Entrepreneur Jessica Pratt, co-owner of several businesses in Genesee County, including Whole Life Fitness in Batavia, knows first-hand about Lazarony’s impact, she said. He has helped her become “the person I am today,” she said.

Lazarony thanked and acknowledged his family, wife Donna and children Christina, Scott, and Nick and his grandchildren, several colleagues within Genesee County, and his staff from the GLOW regions of Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties. 

He noted a group of counselors that, during the pandemic’s social distancing requirements, turned "traditional services into a virtual system and continued to provide unemployment opportunities during a very, very difficult time,” he said.

“What I was most impressed with was the time and understanding they gave to each and every customer case with massive layoffs,” he said.

He also took a few minutes to urge the audience of at least 200 people to “give youth a chance.” He shared a story of a young man named Justin, a program participant who wasn’t sure of his abilities to pursue a job in nursing. Lazarony made him a promise that if he did all of the work, Lazarony would find the funding to help him succeed on a career path. Justin became a nurse practitioner and worked at a facility where Lazarony’s father spent his last days until he died on December 28.

Justin called the family to notify them, and his demeanor was proof that he had absorbed his lessons well, Lazarony said.

“He provided the information with dignity and respect,” Lazarony said. "Take a chance on them."

Other award recipients included:

Valle Jewelers for Business of the Year, presented by Guy Pellegríno, who grew up next door to the Valle family, he said. 

“What a wonderful family,” he said. “I’m so proud to introduce you, you so earned this. I looked up to Mary and Dominic; I was so in awe.” 

Owners Stephen Valle and Carrie Lawrence, along with former owner and mom Mary Valle, accepted the award. In a pre-recorded video, Mary recounted the story of the store’s humble beginnings 70 years ago. It was founded by Grandpa Dominic, who arrived in New York City with $16 in his pocket. The physical location moved from Carey Mansion to Genesee Country Mall to its current spot at 21 Jackson St., all in Batavia. 

Her son Stephen added that over the years the jewelry business has changed, but “customer service has not.” He thanked the chamber, the store’s “fantastic staff” and one person who has been integral to the business’ success, his late father Dom.

“We’re missing one man,” Stephen said, taking an emotional breath. “But we know he’s smiling down on us.”

Theresa DeMars nominated Valle Jewelers for its customer service, engagement with and support of the community, steadfast participation in downtown events, and being a “fixture in our community for three generations,” DeMars said.

“Valle Jewelers is a community staple, a true family-run business, and one of our best-kept secrets,” she said in her nomination. 

Alleghany Farm Services for Agricultural Business of the Year, presented by last year’s recipient L&M Specialty Fabrication.

Their business protocols pushed the company into its sixth state and garnered the attention of Jeanna Clark of M&T Bank and Farm Credit East. Clark’s nomination cited several reasons, including how the company has:

• Increased their fleet of tile plows from two to four, including a prohibitively expensive mini tile plow that fits the space constraints of vineyards and orchards 
• Expanded company size and employees by 25 percent over the last two years
• Thanked and gave back to customers with a yearly Field Day 
• Focused on drainage education by working with local soil and water districts

Farm Credit East also cited the company’s impressive expansion statistics and lauded it for its remaining loyalty to Genesee County with headquarters in Basom.

Company partners Drew and his son Chad Klotzbach accepted the award. The business began in the 1980s with a landscaping focus, followed by Alleghany Farm Services, which was founded by Drew and his wife Dianne in 2001. 

The process is about much more than sticking a pipe in the ground to drain water from a field, Drew said. And Alleghany Farm Services has mastered that process to become one of the leaders of drainage issues in the Northeast. 

Business Operations Manager Christina Fetzer acknowledged those who helped make the company a success.

“We wouldn't be where we are today if it wasn't for the support of the ag community and our loyal customers. Every project that we do is unique and we take pride in being able to customize a solution that will benefit each farm,” she said. “Our goal is to build long-lasting relationships with each customer to provide ongoing education, maintenance, and guidance. A large portion of our growth has been through word of mouth from our existing customer base. And for that, we are very thankful.”

Drew thanked the Chamber, the company’s employees, and the ag community.

Batavia Muckdogs for Entrepreneurial Business of the Year. Dan Ireland, representing Rochester Regional Health, commended owners Robbie and Nellie Nichols and General Manager Marc Witt for their efforts to bring “baseball back to Batavia in 2021.”

“They didn’t just bring baseball back,” Ireland said. “You revitalized it. We want to say thank you for what you did.”

Their first year at Dwyer Stadium couldn’t have gone any better, Witt said.

“The community embraced everything we threw at them,” he said. “We’re already off to a great start. We can’t wait for the first pitch in June. We found zero challenges and accomplished all our goals. Thank you to the community.”

There was a dance competition, an Alzheimer’s Walk, a Dogs Trick or Treat Halloween event, and other public happenings at the Bank Street facility, plus participation in off-site activities including the Memorial Day parade, he said. Batavia Muckdogs drew the community support, he said, including from City Manager Rachael Tabelski who “was true to her word,” and the very first team sponsor, Bill Hayes of Turnbull Heating & Cooling. 

In his nomination of the Batavia Muckdogs for the award, lifelong Batavian Tom Turnbull said the city and county have been enriched because of Robbie and Nellie Nichols’ hard work and community spirit.

“While the Batavia Muckdogs may not seem like a new business due to the continuation of the name (from the former New York-Penn League), the new Batavia Muckdogs … are not only an incredible local business success story but have enhanced the quality of life for the residents of Genesee County,” Turnbull wrote.

Photos by Howard Owens. Top photo: Jay Lazarony reacts to words of tribute for him as 2021 Geneseean of the Year during Saturday's 50th Genesee County Chamber Awards dinner at Batavia Downs Gaming.

Tammy Hathaway, the 2020 Geneseean of the Year, received a tiara from Chamber President Eric Fix.

Lazarony acknowledged his GLOW Workforce Development Board staff during his acceptance speech. 

Carrie Lawrence, Stephen Valle, and Mary Valle say a few words of thanks and remembrance for Valle Jewelers' Business of the Year Award. 

Drew and Chad Klotzbach of Alleghany Farm Services accept their Agricultural Business of the Year Award.

Batavia Muckdogs General Manager Marc Witt and owner Robbie Nichols accept and say thank you for the Entrepreneurial Business of the Year Award.

The crowd watches speakers at the podium and on screens placed throughout the gold-adorned room at Batavia Downs. 

Press release:

Mike Rose Jr. of Rochester on Saturday once again showed why he’s one of the best tournament bowlers in the nation, rolling three strikes in the 10^th frame to win the T.F. Brown’s Scratch Eliminator Tournament at Mancuso Bowling Center.

Needing the first strike in the final frame to secure the victory, Rose came through to post a 207 game, edging Rochester’s Phil Kaiser, who posted 194, to win the $1,200 first prize.

Rose qualified second off the Saturday 2 p.m. squad with 883 for four games.

Kaiser earned $800 for placing second while Kevin Alajko of Buffalo took home $700 for finishing third, posting 148 in the three-bowler title match.

Four Genesee Region USBC bowlers cashed in the event, which was bowled on a challenging oil pattern.

Adam Philp of Le Roy advanced to the semifinals where he rolled a 198 game, just short of reaching the finals as Alajko rolled 199. Philp won $190.

Mike Pettinella of Batavia, the tournament’s high qualifier with 893 for four games, made it to the second round, but missed by 10 pins from advancing to the semifinals. Pettinella earned $160.

Rich Wagner of Batavia and Marty Lindner of Scottsville were eliminated in the first round. Both won $130.

The tournament drew 60 bowlers.

In Genesee Region USBC league action last week, Brian Green of Batavia fired a 300 game and 770 series in the Mancuso Real Estate Doubles League at Mancuso Bowling Center.

Other high series for the week:

-- Hayden Allis, 794, to end the season with a 237 average; Eric Kraus, 298—756; Alex Allis, 746, Sunday Rolloffs, Medina Lanes;

-- James Townsend’s 764, Toyota of Batavia 5-Man, Mancuso’s;

-- Curtis Foss’ 761, in the Sneezy’s Monday Night League at Oak Orchard Bowl, Albion;

-- Mike Pettinella, 744, Turnbull Heating Triples League, Mancuso’s;

-- Josh Elliott, 741, and Frank Jarkiewicz, 740, Wednesday Men’s Handicap League, Rose Garden Bowl, Bergen.

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

Submitted photo: Mark Brown, tournament director, left, congratulates Mike Rose Jr., Phil Kaiser and Kevin Alajko -- finalists in T.F. Brown's Eliminator on Saturday.

I remember how I felt when I left home to go to college. I was nervous and excited at the same time. I knew I was going to miss my hometown. I was a little homesick and looked forward to coming home for a visit.

How could two words cause so much damage to our Main Street? So I went to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary for a definition. It was defined as The process where an urban neighborhood or area is improved and rehabilitated. 

The renewal process can include demolishing old or run-down buildings, constructing new, up-to-date housing, or adding features like a theater or stadium. 

In looking for a better definition, I came across Bill Kauffman's words on Urban Renewal from his book Dispatches from the Muckdog Gazette. His words I could identify.

In 1991 he wrote, "The city fathers rushed headlong into urban renewal, whereby the federal government paid Batavia to knock down its past: the mansions of the founders, the sandstone churches, the brick shops, all of it Batavia tore out—literally—its five-block heart and filled the cavity with a ghastly mall, a dull gray sprawling oasis in a desert of parking spaces. The mall was a colossal failure, but it succeeded in destroying the last vestiges of our home-run economy. JC Penney and Wendy's were in; the Dipson Theater and the Dagwood Restaurant were out."

Yes, some of the buildings needed repair, and some were the home for rodents, but people lived in those upper apartments; it was their home.  

Urban Renewal demolished our history and our memories.

Today, we see the value in preserving our history. Almost simultaneously with the destruction of Urban Renewal, the Landmark Society was created. The mission of the Landmark Society of Genesee County was the preservation, protection, improvement, restoration, or reproduction of places and objects of historic or civic interest and natural or architectural beauty. Catherine Roth was very instrumental with this new group as one of the charter members.    

Today local artists and authors preserved postcards, paintings, and drawings. For example, the late Pat Burr took the north and south side of Main Street and painted every store standing in the 1950s. Her artwork is priceless. Don Carmichael, another incredible artist, sketched many of the early buildings of Batavia. 

Many or most can agree that Urban Renewal did not make our city better, it did not provide homes to the people living above the businesses downtown, and it certainly did not enhance our downtown.    If you want to learn more about Genesee County's History, please visit the Holland Land Office Museum under the directorship of Ryan Duffy on 131 West Main Street. In addition, they have the Joseph Ellicott Book Store with shelves of books on local history.

Our county historian, Dr. Michael Eula, can be found at the Genesee County History Department at County Building 2, 3837 West Main Street Road is another excellent resource on our county history.

Every time I drive down Main Street, I remember what we had and lost due to someone's idea that Urban Renewal would enhance our city.  

Anne Marie Starowitz is a writer and teacher living in Batavia.

Story by Mike Wertman/OrleansHub
Photos by Debra Reilly/The Batavian

Completing the sweep, the Genesee Region League boys likewise outlasted the Niagara-Orleans League 86-82 in overtime in the Exceptional Senior game this evening at Albion.

The N-O sent the contest into overtime on late baskets by Jarin Rhim (Medina) and Jahmeek Riley (Albion), the latter coming with just four seconds to go knotting the score at 72-72.

The G-R though claimed the win by outscoring the N-O 14-10 in the extra period as Zach Marscelli (Elba) had a two and a three, Gaige Armbrewster (Oakfield-Alabama) a pair of baskets, Kam Cusmano (Oakfield-Alabama) a bucket, and CJ Gottler (Elba) his fifth three of the evening.

Aiden Petrie (Roy-Hart) and Connor Gunby (Newfane) both had a pair of baskets for the N-O in the overtime.

The N-O held a slender 21-19 lead at the end of the first period but the G-R rallied into leads of 40-33 at the half and 57-51 at the three-quarter mark.

Gottler scored 11, including three threes, in the first half and Marsceill had a pair of threes in the third period for the G-R.

Vinny Buscarino (Roy-Hart) hit two threes in the opening period for the N-O as Tyler Gibson (Albion) and Brady Harrington Newfane had two baskets each. Harrington also scored 6 in the third and Riley 6 in the fourth.

Gottler finished with a game-high 17, Marsceill 14, Armbrewster 11, Kam Cusmano and Aaron Lund (Wheatland-Chili) 9 each, and Colin McCulley (Notre Dame) and Cody Henry (Notre Dame) 7 each to set the pace for the G-R.

Buscarino finished with 14, Harrington 12, Gunby 11, Petrie 10, Riley 10, Paul Smith (Wilson) 8, Gibson 7, and Rhim 7 to lead the N-O.

The N-O now holds a 12-9 lead in the series.

The Batavia Police Department is seeking assistance from the public in locating Lewis Hyde. Hyde is described as being 5’10”, 180 pounds. He was last seen wearing a tan coat, jeans and black boots. Hyde was last seen on March 11th, 2022 at approximately 2:00 a.m. on West Main Street in Batavia. Anyone with any information is asked to please contact the Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350.

Two men from outside Genesee County are in custody and charged with murder in the second degree in the double homicide in Alexander on Friday night.

The suspects are Raul Cruz, 18, of Warsaw, and Prince N.K. Wilson, 23, of Albion.

The men are accused of stabbing and killing two men in a bunkhouse at a dairy farm at 10216 Alexander Road, Alexander.

The names of the victims have not been released pending notification of next-of-kin.

Both Cruz and Wilson are being held without bail.

Wilson was located in Batavia a short time after the incident and taken into custody.

Cruz was the subject of a manhunt in Warsaw on Saturday and located in the afternoon in the Warsaw area.

The incident began at 9:59 p.m., Friday, when dispatchers received a report of a disturbance in the bunkhouse at the dairy farm.  A short time later, after deputies responded, smoke was seen coming from the bunkhouse and Alexander Fire was dispatched. The fire was quickly extinguished.  The Sheriff's Office release states the fire was set but doesn't clarify whether it was set for heat/cooking or another reason.

The Sheriff's Office reports that the two victims were found dead inside the dwelling upon arrival of patrols. 

Investigators believe this was an isolated incident and there was no threat to public safety. 

This is an ongoing investigation. Assisting are State Police, Warsaw PD, the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office, Albion PD, the Orleans County Sheriff's Office, and DEC. Assisting at the scene were Emergency Management and Alexander Fire.

In a hard-fought girls basketball game in which neither team ever managed more than a four-point lead until the closing seconds, Notre Dame fell to Sherman in the Far West Regional Championship for Class D. 

The final score: 35-29.

Judah Macdonald scored nine points, Avelin Tomidy, eight, and Emma Sisson, five. Maylee Green scored three points and had eight rebounds.

For Sherman, sophomore Paige Grotto led the way, scoring 24 points and being a strong defensive presence.

For more photos, click here.

Notre Dame hosted a 5K race along with a run and walk for families this morning with proceeds raised going to the school's athletic programs and GLOW Arc.

Press release:

The deadlines for paid entries for the 15^th annual Genesee Region USBC Association Tournament at Mancuso Bowling Center this month have been extended.

GRUSBC directors agreed to move the deadlines as follows:

-- Tuesday, March 15, for competition on the weekend of March 18-20;

-- Tuesday, March 22, for competition on the weekend of March 25-27.

All of the handicap tournament’s events – Four-Person Team, Doubles, Singles and All-Events – will take place at Mancuso’s, the 24-lane center on East Main Street.

Reservations will be taken by contacting Mike Pettinella, GRUSBC association manager, at 585-861-0404 or sending an email to mikep@bowlgr.com.

Entries must be paid in full and received by the GRUSBC office at 55 Edgewood Drive, Batavia, NY, 14020, by the dates above.

First prize in the Open Team event is $1,000 guaranteed. Prizes in all categories in both the Open and Women’s Divisions will be paid on a 1:5 ratio.

Openings exist on all squads but some are close to being full.

The entry fee is $30 per person per event. The All-Events fee (Team, Doubles and Singles scores combined) is $10.

To download an entry form, go to www.bowlgr.com.

BARDOL, LANDERS TRIUMPH

Chris Bardol and Caycee Landers captured their second King & Queen bowling tournament title last weekend, defeating Brad Weber and Kelsey Ayers in the finals at Mancuso Bowling Center. The victory was worth $500.

The duo also won the event in 2019.

Fifty-seven couples competed this year, with Rochester’s Roger Thaine and Chey Landers earning the top qualifying spot with 1,420. Bardol and Landers qualified in seventh with 1,351.

The top 16 teams advanced to the finals.

Genesee County cashers were Jim Pursel/Kathy Allen, Mike and Heather Johnson, Rich Mortellaro/Cherie Bender, Scott Culp/Kim Starken, and Nate Cordes/Mary Meyer.

SCRATCH TOURNAMENT TODAY

Mancuso’s is hosting the T.F. Brown’s Scratch Eliminator today, with squads at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. The finals will follow.

Bowlers will roll four games with one in five per squad advancing to the eliminator finals.

First prize is $1,200.

Sheriff's investigators are in the early stages of a homicide investigation at 10216 Alexander Road, Alexander, according to Chief Deputy Joseph Graff.

Late tonight, deputies responded to the Blumer Dairy Farm for a report of a disturbance. At about 10:20 p.m., Alexander Fire was dispatched for smoke coming from an employee bunkhouse and dispatchers informed responding units that the fire could be related to the disturbance. They were also informed that a person may have been stabbed at that location.

Graff declined to discuss the incident further while at the scene and said there will be a press release at some point with more information.

The bunkhouse is at the back of the farm property.

UPDATE: This is a double homicide, according to a statement from the Sheriff's Office.  The statement says this was an isolated incident and there is no threat to public safety. There was no further information released.

Press release:

The Bureau of Inspection will be closed Monday, March 14th through Wednesday, March 16th. Documents may be dropped off at the Department of Public Works.  The Bureau of Inspection will reopen on Thursday, March 17th at 8:30 a.m.

There may be a fire in an employee bunkhouse at the rear of a farm on Alexander Road in Alexander.

There is smoke coming from the structure.

It may be related to an ongoing law enforcement incident at that location where a person may have a knife injury.

Alexander Fire and Town of Batavia's ladder truck dispatched along with Mercy EMS.

UPDATE 10:24 p.m.: A chief on scene reports "smoke showing."

UPDATE 10:25 p.m.: Town of Batavia's response is canceled. 

A senior corrections officer at the Genesee County Jail has been arrested and terminated after being accused of stealing more than $50,000 from the Sheriff's Employee Association.

Kevin D. Wolff, 51, of Stafford, is charged with grand larceny 2nd, a Class C felony.

Wolff worked for the Sheriff's Office for more than 20 years.

The association membership consists of corrections officers, emergency dispatchers, dog control officers, and jail cooks.

Wolff was arraigned in City Court today and released on his own recognizance.

The investigation into the alleged theft is being conducted by the Sheriff's criminal investigation division and is ongoing.