Press release:

With New York State making major changes to the School Tax Relief (STAR) program in recent years and Gov. Cuomo proposing even more changes in this year’s budget, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is urging homeowners to double-check that their enrollment is up to date. 

If you currently receive the Basic STAR exemption and your income is between $250,000 and $500,000, the program is changing for you. If eligible, you will now receive a check for the STAR credit instead of the reduction on your school tax bill. If you receive a letter asking you to update your STAR registration (Form RP-425-RDM), see "switching to the STAR credit from the STAR exemption" see section on the state tax website.

If your income is $250,000 or less and you currently receive the STAR exemption, you can choose to register for the STAR credit to receive a check instead; you may receive a greater benefit. See see "switching to the STAR credit from the STAR exemption" see section on the state tax website to make the switch.

Gov. Cuomo has proposed eliminating STAR benefits for homeowners who are delinquent in paying their property taxes as part of his Executive Budget proposal. Furthermore, the governor has proposed to lower the income limit for homeowners in the Basic STAR program from $250,000 to $200,000 in order to push more individuals into the Personal Income Tax Credit Program where they would receive a paper check rather than an automatic tax deduction.

Visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for information on STAR benefits here.

“Lowering property taxes is one of the great things we have accomplished in recent years but massive changes to the program are causing heartache and confusion for many homeowners across the state,” Hawley said. “The program was working, but Gov. Cuomo insists on making nonsensical changes in order to make it appear as though he is keeping the state under a 2-percent spending cap.

"I strongly encourage all homeowners to ensure that their STAR benefits are up to date and accurate in order to continue receiving benefits.”

The Attica/Batavia Varsity Wrestling Team defeated Canandaigua last evening 43-36 on Senior Night at Batavia High School.

Attica/Batavia jumped ahead 29-0 to start the evening. Canandaigua battled back later to take the lead by one point 36-35. Batavia closed the gap on a win at the end by Gabe Yonkin (pictured above). The team lost a point in the 99-point class by a strap down on the mat.

Individual wins were, pins by Wyatt and Travis Kauffman, Zeshan Armstrong, Josh Barber and Gabe Yonkin. 

Casper Stewart received a forfeit at 113 pounds. Owen Strzelec won by decision. Overall it was a very tough match. 

To view or purchase photos click here.

Two Monroe County residents who fled from police after an attempted traffic stop Thursday night, who are now facing multiple felonies, including a weapons charge, were released on an appearance ticket per New York's bail reform law shortly after they were apprehended.

Denzell A. Johnson, 27, of Orange Street, Rochester, and Shafatiah H. Miller, 26, of Lake Avenue, Rochester, were reportedly in a vehicle on Ellicott Street when Deputy Ryan DeLong and Investigator Pete Welker, working as part of a coordinated enforcement detail, tried to initiate a traffic stop for an alleged traffic violation at 8:16 p.m.

The vehicle reportedly turned south onto Otis Street in an attempt to evade police and drove through a yard in the area of 255 S. Swan St. where the occupants jumped from the moving vehicle and ran. The suspects ran in different directions and officers engaged in a foot chase, with one of the suspects running across Jackson School property. Both suspects were located and taken into custody. The vehicle came to rest without incident.

Johnson allegedly had a handgun and a quantity of a controlled substance on him at the time of his capture.

He is charged with:

• Criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds, a Class E felony;
• Criminal possession of a firearm, a Class E felony;
• Obstruction of governmental administration 2nd;
• Unlawful fleeing a police officer;
• Two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th;
• Displaying a forged certification of inspection;
• Inadequate lights;
• Unlicensed operation;
• Two counts of failure to stop at a stop sign; and,
• Insufficient turn signal.

Miller is charged with:

• Criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, a Class B felony;
• Two counts of promoting prison contraband, 1st, a Class D felony;
• Promoting prison contraband, 2nd; and
• Unlawful possession of marijuana, 2nd.

Both suspects are expected in City Court at 1 p.m., Feb. 18.

Additional charges are pending further investigation.

Participating in the coordinated enforcement effort on Thursday were the Local Drug Task Force, Sheriff's Office, Batavia PD, Le Roy PD, the Department of Environmental Conservation, NYS Probation, NYS Parole.

Patrick Mandia grew up in a family of restaurateurs -- the Pok-A-Dot, Sunny's, the Red Carpet, Pontillo's -- and after 15 years of working as a DJ at the former Billy Goat's he thought it might be time for him to own his own tavern.

At first, his wife, Carrie Mandia, thought it a rather risky idea. But as they talked, she realized she trusted her husband and trusted her own business background.

"You only live once," she said.

The couple has completely revamped the former Billy Goat's location and turned it into a county-themed bar, Copperhead Creek.

Gone, never forgotten and now providing inspiration for those reaching out to help others whose lives have been adversely affected by the opioid crisis.

That was the message conveyed by Nicole Anderson, Statewide Targeted Response case manager at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, as she provided information about a “remembrance painting” at the recent GOW Opioid Task Force meeting in Batavia.

“As part of Overdose Awareness Day last summer at Austin Park, we asked people to participate in remembering those we have lost to overdose deaths,” she said. “This beautiful painting – created and donated by one of our members -- was displayed at the event for loved ones to put a heart with the name of those they have lost.”

Anderson, who lost her stepfather to a heroin overdose 17 years ago, went on to say that the task force put the painting on display in agencies across Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties, and now has extended the opportunity for community members to add their loved ones’ names to the painting.

“It is our hope that the task force will continue to support those who have lost loved ones and honor the memories of those who have passed and, this year, with the support of the GOW Opioid Task Force Steering Committee, we would like to donate this painting to the GCASA Recovery Center,” she said.

The Recovery Center, located at the former Bohn’s Restaurant on Clinton Street Road, is scheduled to open by the end of February.

Anderson also serves as the secretary of the task force’s Families, Loved Ones and Allies Work Group, which is committed to providing support and resources for those distressed by the opioid epidemic.

She said another Overdose Awareness Day is planned for this August. The 2019 inaugural event drew more than 100 people and more than a dozen representatives from substance abuse prevention agencies in the tri-county area.

Photo: Members of the GOW Opioid Task Force display a “remembrance painting” dedicated to those who have died as a result of the opioid crisis. From left are Nick Volpe, Marlowe Thompson, Brandon Fogg, Scott Davis, Chris Budzinack, Debbie Dutton, Ricco Oquendo, Sue Gagne, Nicole Anderson and Christen Ferraro.

Disclosure: Story and photo by Mike Pettinella, GCASA publicist.

A man facing a pair of felony indictments will likely serve seven and a half years in prison under terms of a plea deal he agreed to in Genesee County Court today.

Darius Jones, 27, of Rochester, entered a guilty plea to the lesser included offense of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 5th. (He was originally charged with the same crime in the third degree.) He faces two-and-a-half years in prison for that conviction. He admitted in court that he possessd a controlled substance in the City of Batavia on Feb. 22 with the intent to sell it.

Jones also faced a weapons charge stemming from a traffic stop where a pistol was found under the seat of the car he was sitting in.

To a charge of attempted criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd, Jones entered a guilty plea on an Alford basis, which means Jones told Judge Charles Zambito that he couldn't admit to the facts of the crime as charged but he realizes that based on the evidence presented by the prosecution, he would likely be convicted at trial. The Alford plea affords Jones the opportunity to accept a plea deal without admitting to the crime in order to receive the benefits of a plea offer.

On the weapons charge, Jones will likely be sentenced to five years in prison.

The two terms will run consecutively.

Jones also admitted to being a second felony offender and a second violent felony offender. He was convicted of grand larceny in Monroe County in 2014 and of criminal possession of a weapon in Monroe County in 2010.

Pending sentencing, Jones was released from jail on his own recognizance, with no objection from District Attorney Lawrence Friedman. Sentencing is set for 9:30 a.m., April 6.

Submitted photo and press release:

Jacqualine Berger, a labor activist, and current Town Board member and Deputy Supervisor in the Town of Amherst, formally enters the race for the 61st Senate District.

Berger was first elected to the Amherst Town Board in 2017 and was the top vote-getter that year. In 2020, she was appointed Amherst Deputy Supervisor.

Berger is no stranger to serving the community. She’s spent her career as an educator, currently teaching at SUNY Empire State College, and a labor leader, locally and nationally, through her work with New York State United Teachers and American Federation of  Teachers. Berger has a master’s degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from Tulane University. She’s a lifelong advocate for individuals with special needs, running a local Challenger Baseball program for children and adults with disabilities since 1991. In 2019, Empire State College awarded Berger the Altes Prize for Exemplary Community Service.

Berger believes she has the qualifications and ability to bring representation to the 61st Senate seat that encompasses parts of Erie, Monroe, and Genesee counties. She promises to utilize her position in the Democratic Senate majority to bring attention and State resources to the district and work with local municipalities to assess their needs. She cites the need for updated resources in school districts and improvements to aging infrastructure throughout the district as major proponents of her campaign.

“It is extremely important to the Town of Amherst that we have a State Senator who shares our values and understands our community. As an Amherst Town Council member and Deputy Town Supervisor, Jacqui Berger possesses the knowledge of our area and the skills to be an excellent and effective Senator in the 61st District,” said Assemblymember Karen McMahon.

In her role as Town Boardmember, Berger works directly with New York State to secure funding for projects throughout Amherst. Recently, she aided efforts to secure $783,000 for the Sattler Dellwood Park Green Infrastructure and Storm Water Project. Amherst will use the funds from this Green Innovation Grant Program to construct a bio-retention area, porous roller hockey rink and a porous parking lot.

Town of Amherst Supervisor Brian Kulpa stated his support for Berger, “As an educator, Jacqui is a champion for students, and as Deputy Supervisor, she is a champion for Amherst residents. She takes taken bold actions to improve Amherst, and I’m confident that her values will make her a champion for this Senate district. I am proud to support her.”

Berger is a resident of Amherst, where she’s lived with her family for the past 32 years. In addition to her work in the town and with labor, she serves as liaison to Nature View Park Advisory Committee, Planning Board, Youth Board, Recreation Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals.

Genesee County residents Jason and Nancy Kota lost their son Matthew in 2008 who died at the age of 17 due to complications from brain surgery.

Twelve years later, they’re still keeping his memory and spirit alive.

On Saturday, Feb. 1, Jason and Nancy Kota along with their children Sean, Sara and Tyler will host the 12th annual Matthew Kota Memorial Blood Drive in his honor at Notre Dame High School.

Time is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The school is located at 73 Union St. in the City of Batavia.

The family gathers every year, with many family members, friends and the general public, to make this blood drive a big community event and scholarships are raised for Notre Dame and Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School.

The Kota family has collected 625 units in their first 11 years of hosting the blood drive in memory of their late son and brother, Matthew.

The public is invited to donate blood for this worthy cause. Proper ID is required. Walk-ins are welcome. For an appointment, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org

There will be a bake sale, too, and donations are accepted to benefit the Matthew Kota Scholarship Fund.

Submitted photo and press release:

Cameron Bontrager, of Batavia, was one of 40 SUNY Oneonta music industry students who got to attend the world's largest music products trade show, The NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Show, from Jan. 16-19 in Anaheim, Calif.

The NAMM Show is an annual event that brings together leaders of the music products, pro audio and event technology industries for four days of product introductions, business opportunities, networking and inspiration.

The students got to preview and test new products from more than 7,000 brands; enjoyed special events, live music and celebrity appearances; and attended dozens of educational sessions tied to today's trends.

Bontrager is studying Music Industry at SUNY Oneonta.

Students also got to hear interviews with the music world's top innovators, artists and professionals, including musician/producer Finneas O'Connell, who took home Grammys for record of the year, album of the year, song of the year, non-classical engineered album and non-classical producer of the year at the 62nd Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Jan. 26. O'Connell is superstar Billie Eilish's brother.

SUNY Oneonta students also got to watch 1970s R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire perform and hear artist, songwriter and producer Jack Antonoff speak.

NAMM gave SUNY Oneonta students a first-hand look at how music retail and music business go hand-in-hand. They were able to test out the latest products, see lots of live performances, and attend cutting-edge demonstrations as well as panel discussions about upcoming technologies and marketing techniques. A group of students also got to volunteer at NAMM's She Rocks Awards show, which pays tribute to women in the music industry.

While in California, the students also visited Paradigm Talent Agency, where SUNY Oneonta music industry students have completed internships.

The NAMM trip is a long-running SUNY Oneonta tradition. Music Department faculty have been taking students to the event for more than 25 years.

Lecturer Nancy Tarr, who has accompanied Oneonta students on the trip for the past five years, said it's a wonderful opportunity for students to meet and learn from people who have been in their shoes. It shows students that they, too, can be successful someday.

This trip was made possible, in part, by support from the Caroline ('67) and David D'Antonio Student Travel for Excellence Fund.

SUNY Oneonta is a public, four-year college in Central New York, enrolling about 6,000 students in a wide variety of bachelor's degree programs and several graduate certificate and degree programs. The college is known as both an exemplary residential campus that values inclusion, service and sustainability, and a nurturing community where students grow intellectually, thrive socially and live purposefully. Visit https://suny.oneonta.edu/

Kelly A. Rodriguez, 47, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment in the second degree. She is accused of spitting in the eyes of a nurse at UMMC in Batavia who was caring for her. She was given an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court at 1 p.m. on Feb. 11. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post.

Wendy L. Henry, 35, no permanent address, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Henry was arrested for allegedly violating a stay away order of protection at 5:37 a.m. on Jan. 26 on Central Avenue in Batavia. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 4. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Joshua Girvin, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Jacoby Luc Green, 20, of Lake Street, Perry, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs and moving from lane unsafely. At 4:56 a.m. on Jan. 29, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to the intersection of Route 20 and Perry Road in Pavilion for a report of a one-car collision. After an investigation, Green was arrested and arraigned in Town of Pavilion Court. The defendant is due back there on Feb. 4. The case was handled by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

Matthew Ronald Hinze, 29, of Genesee Street, Attica, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; aggravated DWI; and possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle. At 9:15 p.m. on Jan. 28, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies stopped a vehicle on the south shoulder of Sumner Road in Darien. Following an investigation, Hinze was arrested. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Town of Darien Court on Feb. 18. The was was handled by Deputy Erik Andre.

In 30 years as an emergency dispatcher, Steve Robinson has probably handled every imaginable kind of call, first with the City of Batavia and later with the Sheriff's Office -- lost cats, petit larcenies, fires, train derailments, overdoses, homicides, and everything in between.

It's a tough job but on the night of his final shift, he said he is glad he chose the job he did as a young man.

"It's been an amazing career," Robinson said. "I've made a lot of friends -- with other dispatchers, judges, DAs, police officers, EMS, fire -- everybody involved in the whole process. I couldn't have asked for a better career for 30 years. It's not pretty sometimes. We deal with a lot of unpleasant stuff, but we get through it and I appreciate everybody I've worked with, and I've gotten a lot of help over the years."

To be a good dispatcher, Robinson said, you have to be able to multitask. You can find yourself dealing with a police officer on the radio about one call while taking an emergency call from an unrelated incident on 9-1-1. 

"There is a lot of activity in the room and you can't rely on somebody else to answer your phone for you," Robinson said.

And because you're sometimes dealing with people in duress, at the worse time of their lives, or who are angry, you have to have good people skills to be a good dispatcher. You have to be able to stay calm, talk people through their situations and ensure first responders are kept safe.

"The people I work with, not just the dispatchers, but the first responders, we have a bond because nobody else understands what we do," Robinson said. "In this job, unless you do it, you can't understand what we deal with and that is what bonds us."

In retirement, Robinson will still be around, and not far from the career he's loved. He will continue to work part time for Batavia PD as a desk clerk.

"I'll keep a hand in the business," Robinson said. "I'm not totally walking away."

Press release:

National Grid has approved an economic development grant totaling $127,000 to offset costs related to an upgrade to three-phase electricity power at McCormick Family Dairy Farm in Alexander.

As part of an upgrade, the owners of the farm are planning to install new equipment that will keep their 2,500 cows healthy, save the company money and add power to run fans, motors and improve product quality.

“We frequently work with small businesses and agribusiness customers that are looking to grow but may be limited due to lack of three-phase power at their site,” said National Grid Regional Director Ken Kujawa.

“McCormick Family Farms had examined other potential alternatives to meet their new and growing electricity needs. By working with them, it was determined that three-phase power is the appropriate solution to meet the farm’s electric load.”

The grant was made through National Grid’s Three-Phase Power Incentive program, which provides grants to fund the extension of three-phase electricity service to eligible National Grid customers.

More information about National Grid’s economic development programs is available at www.shovelready.com.

Even though Pittsford-Sutherland had a size advantage down low, the Blue Devils kept their home game Wednesday night close until the third quarter.

Then Pittsford-Sutherland's guards started dropping threes like gumdrops in a five-and-dime. 

Drew Kull, Jalyn Moorehead and Owen Flisnik combined for seven makes beyond the arc and sealed the deal of a 58-42 win for the Knights.

For Batavia, the only player in double digits scoring was Alex Hale with 11 points. Zach Gilebarto scored nine, Caeden White, eight, and Camden White scored seven.

The Blue Devils are now 7-6 on the season.

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A family in Pavilion would like to get their 2003 Chevy Silverado back.

It was stolen at 5:20 this morning.

It's dark gray/black with a light bar, and a plow mount (the plow was not attached at the time it was stolen). The passenger side door handle is broken. There are glow lights under the truck and the front license plate is on the driver's side grill. There is a plastic toolbox across the bed of the truck.

Whoever stole the truck apparently headed north on Roanoke Road because there was sheet steel in the bed of the truck that fell out.

State Police took the stolen vehicle report. The State Police can be reached at (585) 344-6200. A friend of the owner, Jessica Wolcott, can be reached at (585) 815-3625.

Submitted photos and press release:

A dream of Crossroads House founder Kathy Panepento has been realized through a generous gift from the family of a past resident.

Twenty years ago, Samuel Marchese spent his last days at Crossroads House. Because of a generous gift given by his daughter, Antoinette Clancy, and her husband, Emmett, Crossroads House was able to fund some foundational projects throughout the home, open only two years at the time.

The families of Crossroads House residents are forever families and so many faithfully support the mission long after their loved ones were served in our home. The Clancys remain one of those families. Recently they reached out to Crossroads House with the desire to bless our home again.

Panepento has always envisioned the idea of a comfort care home having it’s own wheelchair van to enhance the end of life experience and embrace every opportunity to live and make memories while at Crossroads House.

The Clancys embraced that idea and funded a brand new 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan wheelchair van. This gift allows Crossroads House to relieve families of often unreimbursed ambulance trips on admission.

The van will also make it possible to take residents and their loved ones out for day trips and outings that will create forever memories. Giving residents and their families the opportunity to live every moment has always been the mission of Crossroads House and this gift will help us continue to fulfill that in new and enduring ways.

"Crossroads House would like to thank Antoinette and Emmett for this wonderful gift!" said Crossroads House Executive Director Jeff Allen.

Top photo, from left: Kathy Panepento (Crossroads House founder and director of Resident Care), Deb Chilano with dog "Boston" (volunteers), John Chilano (volunteer and official wheelchair tester), Emily Crawford (coordinator of Volunteer Services), Vinnie Tjhung (volunteer), Diane Sia (director of Development), Jim Gardner (volunteer).