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Genesee County Democrats seek candidates for local elected offices

By Billie Owens

Press release:

If you are someone who is civic-minded, independent, ambitious, enjoy exploring creative solutions to problems, and want to make an impact in your community, we want to talk to you about running for local office.

If you are interested in getting involved politically in any capacity, please reach out to us at geneseenydemocrats@gmail.com or www.geneseedemocrats.net

The following local elected offices will be voted on this November.

  • Genesee County -- Sheriff, Treasurer, Family Court Judge, Coroner -- two positions

  • City of Batavia -- one City Council at Large -- unexpired term

  • Town of Alabama -- one Town Council -- unexpired term

  • Town of Alexander -- one Town Clerk -- unexpired term

  • Town of Batavia -- one Town Justice

  • Town of Bergen -- one Town Justice

  • Town of Byron -- one Town Justice

  • Town of Elba -- one Town Justice, one Town Council -- unexpired term

  • Town of Le Roy -- one Town Council -- unexpired term

  • Town of Oakfield -- Town Justice, one Town Supervisor -- unexpired term, 1 Town Council- unexpired term

  • Town of Pavilion -- Highway Superintendent -- unexpired term

Accident reported on Telephone Road, Pavilion

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident is reported in Pavilion at 6672 Telephone Road. A passenger is complaining of head and neck pain. The location is between Cook and Roanoke roads. Pavilion Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 1:53 p.m.: A first responder reports a total of five occupents, but says he thinks they will all be sign-offs.

UPDATE 2:03 p.m.: The Pavilion assignment is back in service.

Video: Christmas tree bonfire in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
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It's an annual tradition in the Coots family of Pavilion -- the family collects discarded Christmas trees, with friends and neighbors dropping them off or Jesse Coots and his kids hopping in a pickup truck and heading through local neighborhoods rounding them up.

Then one night in the dead of winter, they invite a bunch of friends over for some chili and beverages and set the trees afire. 

Friday was Decision Day for students at WNY Tech Academy

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and information from Genesee Valley Educational Partnership:

Decision Day was held Friday at the Western New York Tech Academy. It is similar to a college signing day.

A total of 10 WNY Tech Academy students were honored for officially declaring the pathways they will pursue as they complete their free applied associate degrees through Genesee Community College.

The students could choose to study Accounting, Food Processing Technology, or Supply Chain Management.

Staff, administrators, business partners and parents attended Decision Day.

The high school juniors who participated are named below, along with their high school and declared paths of study. They are in the top photo.

  • Brett Bogardus, of Perry -- Accounting
  • Dante Brent, of Attica -- Accounting
  • Cameron Durfee, of Attica -- Supply Chain Management
  • Nathan Geise, of Warsaw -- Accounting
  • Holly Grisewood, of Perry -- Accounting
  • Devon Heick, of Byron-Bergen -- Food Processing Technology
  • Trevor Pahl, of Pavilion -- Food Processing Technology
  • Veronica Shepherd, of Le Roy -- Accounting
  • Carl Stachura, Batavia -- Accounting

(Everett Claud, of Perry, is not pictured. He will study Supply Chain Management.)

In addition, the Tech Academy also recognized 12 seniors in Friday's program:

  • Collin Aquina, of Oakfield-Alabama -- Supply Chain Management);
  • Gabriel Bucknam, of Perry -- Food Processing Technology;
  • Stephanie Dibble, of Batavia -- Supply Chain Management;
  • Zachary Evert, of Attica -- Supply Chain Management;
  • Abigail Hackett, of Pavilion -- Supply Chain Management);
  • Evan Harter, of Byron-Bergen -- Accounting;
  • Peyton Heesch, of Caledonia-Mumford -- Supply Chain Management;
  • Dylan Kipfer, of Attica -- Supply Chain Management;
  • Cole Lowery, of Pavilion -- Food Processing Technology;
  • Peyton Penders, of Pavilion -- Food Processing Technology;
  • Alexis Jade Reed, of Batavia -- Food Processing Technology;
  • Jace Hilton Vilinsky, of Avon -- Supply Chain Management.

For more information about the WNY Tech Academy visit wnytechacademy.org

About Western New York Tech Academy

It is a program of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services offering shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York State.

Pavilion residents amazed 'small town' support after business location damaged in windstorm

By Howard B. Owens

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After the west wall of the Opera House in Attica was heavily damaged in a windstorm last week, Pavilion resident Jolene Coots found her business, Hands of Time Massage, displaced.

It didn't take long for the community to find out and the outpouring of support has been overwhelming, said her husband, Jesse Coots.

"Because of the damage, the county has deemed the building unsafe so she was instantly out of business," Jesse said. "Feeling crushed, we went to Attica yesterday (Monday) to remove what we could then we went for lunch at local diner and people were amazing to Jolene. They gave her hugs and words of encouragement and offered any help we needed.

"We took a walk down Main Street looking for a place to rent. Nothing was advertised for rent and feeling desperate we just walked into a couple of local businesses and asked if they knew if anything. Everyone, and I mean everyone, offered space to Jolene. They offered to share a room and offered to make room for her!

"We were really shocked. We thought she would be out of business for a few months but the community has literally rallied behind her."

Talking about it makes Jolene tear up.

"It's amazing," Jolene said during a phone interview. She started to sob and confessed she thought she had told the story often enough already that she wouldn't cry during the interview.

"Everybody knew," Jolene said. "It's a small town. Word spreads quickly. The expressions of concern when we went out, messages on Facebook, Jesse's friends had spots available, even in neighboring towns, they'd say they have spots available and though know it's not close for a majority of my clients, but they have space. It's been great."

That's the advantage of small-town life, both Jesse and Jolene noted, and why they wanted to share their story.

Jolene has been a massage therapist for 20 years and had her own business in Attica for more than 19 years. The Coots are known, of course, for the Hardcore Happening, which they host at their home in Pavilion every August.

While Jolene is hopeful the Opera House can be repaired -- she believes her landlord expects to repair it -- she now has space for her practice. 

On Monday, while she and Jesse stepped into the Tompkins Insurance office and asked if the staff new of open space downtown. Manager Mike Hardy came out and right away offered a space upstairs. Jolene said it was the most move-in ready space they had seen and Hardy allowed her to move her business into the room immediately.  

"The words of encouragement have meant the most," Jesse said. "I don’t think she ever realized how loved she is or how powerful and supportive a small town can be.

"We’ve had offers from people all over once word got out -- friends who own building in Batavia, Le Roy, Pavilion and Attica have reached out. Other massage therapists have offered space. It really made us feel good to live in such a caring community and feel loved by so many."

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Two-car collision reported in Pavilion

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is partially blocking the roadway at Starr Road and Ellicott Street Road in Pavilion. A small child reportedly has a laceration to the chin. Pavilion Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 4:52 p.m.: A second ambulance is requested to the scene.

Three Genesee County students named to Fall 2019 President's List at SUNY Potsdam

By Billie Owens

POTSDAM -- The State University of New York at Potsdam recently named 946 students to the President's List, in recognition of their academic excellence in the Fall 2019 semester. The SUNY Potsdam students were honored for earning top marks by President Kristin G. Esterberg.

The students included:

  • Harmony Parker, of Pavilion, whose major is Archaeological Studies;
  • Megan Privatera, of Le Roy, whose major is Theater;
  • Hannah Rosicka, of Le Roy, whose major is Politics.

To achieve the honor of being on the President's List, each student must have satisfactorily completed 12 numerically graded semester hours, with a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence.

The College currently enrolls approximately 3,600 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit http://www.potsdam.edu.

Law and Order: Alexander woman charged with menacing after road rage incident on Oak Street, Batavia

By Billie Owens

Lisa Marie Fox, 48, of Broadway Road, Alexander, is charged with third-degree menacing. Fox was arrested at 12:08 p.m. on Dec. 24 on Oak Street in Batavia following a road rage incident. It is alleged that she "displayed an object in a way to appear as to have a knife while engaged in a verbal dispute with another person." The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

James F. Perry, 34, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Perry was arrested after a domestic incident. It is alleged that he damaged the front door to a female's apartment at 8:48 p.m. on Dec. 27 on State Street in Batavia "in full violation of an order of protection." Perry was located walking on Washington Avenue. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.

Randy K. Wilmet, 43, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful  imprisonment. He was arrested at 9:46 p.m. Dec. 26 on Bank Street after allegedly preventing a person from leaving their residence. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court then released on his own recognizance. He is due back in city court on Jan. 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Victor Trejo, 32, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; speed not reasonable and prudent; and DWI with a BAC of .18 percent or higher. At 3:07 a.m. on Dec. 19, Trejo was arrested following a property damage accident on Ellicott Street Road in Pavilion. He was given appearance tickets and is due in Pavilion Town Court on Jan. 14. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jared Swimline, assisted by Deputy Jenna Ferrando.

Lillian A. Doll, 25, of Buffalo (no address provided), is charged with: driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent or more; DWI -- first offense; and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration. Doll was arrested at 12:23 a.m. on Dec. 29 after an investigation on Alleghany Road in Pembroke after the vehicle she was driving ran out of fuel. She is issued an appearance ticket and is due in Pembroke Town Court on Jan. 16. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Austin Heberlein.

Karen E. Scott, 51, of Thurston Road, Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree and speeding. At 2:48 a.m. on Dec. 29, Scott was allegedly observed driving in excess of the posted 30 mph speed limit on Main Street in Batavia. A traffic stop was conducted and it was determined that Scott possessed a revoked non-driver ID, with 10 or more scoffs on 10 or more dates. She was issued an appearance ticket and released on her own recognizance. She is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 15. The case was handled by Batavia City Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

Shawn Philip Stevens, 42, of York Road, Le Roy, is charged with disobeying a mandate. At 2:53 a.m. on Dec. 23, Stevens was arrested after the investigation of a suspicious condition. He allegedly violated a court order of protection. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Elba Town Court on Jan. 22. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jared Swimline, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

Thomas James Leonard, 36, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: falsifying business records in the first degree; petit larceny; and sixth-degree conspiracy. He was arrested at 5:08 p.m on Dec. 30 following a larceny complaint at Walmart in Batavia. Leonard was processed at the Genesee County Jail and issued an appearance ticket and is due on Town of Batavia Court on Jan. 9. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Joshua Brabon. While being processed at the jail, Leonard allegedly introduced contraband at the facility. He is therefore also charged with promoting prison contraband in the second degree. He is due in Batavia City Court to answer that charged on Jan. 7. Deputies Krzemien and Brabon handled that case, too.

Michelle Lynne May, 45, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with sixth-degree conspiracy and petit larceny. On Dec. 30, following a larceny complaint at Walmart in Batavia, May was arrested at 4:57 p.m. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on Jan. 9. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Four Genesee County students named to Nazareth College Fall 2019 dean's list

By Billie Owens

Nazareth College is proud to announce that the following area students have been named to the Fall 2019 dean's list.

Kimberly Davis, of Pavilion 

Chelsea Jensen, of Batavia 

Lauren Reding, of Oakfield

Ryann Stefaniak, of Batavia 

A student's grade-point average must be at least 3.5 or above, and they must complete 12 credit hours of graded work that semester in order to be included on the dean's list at Nazareth.

Nazareth College's academic strengths cross an unusually broad spectrum of 60 majors, including education, health and human services, management, the fine arts, music, theater, math and science, foreign languages, and the liberal arts. The coeducational, religiously independent, classic campus in a charming suburb of Rochester challenges and supports 2,000 undergrads and 800 graduate students.

Nazareth is recognized nationally for its Fulbright global student scholars and commitment to civic engagement. Rigorous programs, an uncommon core, experiential learning, career skills, and a global focus prepare graduates for not just one job, but for their life's work.

Lady Gophers 3-1 after victory over Cal-Mum

By Howard B. Owens

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Pavilion is now 3-1 in girls basketball after the Gophers beat Cal-Mum Tuesday night 41-27.

Lauren Kingsley led Pavilion with 13 pts, 21 rebounds, and three blocks. Karlee Zinkievich scored 11 points and had five steals and five assists. Lindsay Lowe had 10 rebounds and scored two points.

Photos by Ryan Paddock.

Top photo: Lindsay Lowe fights through Cal-Mum pressure for a basket.

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Lauren Kingsley towers over Cal-Mum defenders to sink a shot at the beginning of the first quarter.

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Emily Kingsley goes up for a shot in the third quarter.

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Shea Amberger on defense.

Unoccupied house trailer on fire with flames showing on South Lake Road, Pavilion

By Billie Owens

A residential structure fire is reported in Pavilion in a house trailer that is believed to be unoccupied at 9887 S. Lake Road (Route 19). Flames are showing. Pavilion Fire Department is called to respond along with mutual aid from Le Roy and Stafford fire departments. The location is between Junction and Cole roads.

Man found with stolen property pleads guilty, released from jail pending sentencing

By Howard B. Owens

A 22-year-old North Chili man who was found sleeping in a car in Pavilion in May, along with a woman and a with a cache of apparently stolen items, is being released from jail under terms of the state's new bail reform law while awaiting sentencing after his guilty plea in Genesee County Court on Thursday.

Daniel Lewis entered a guilty plea to criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree as a second felony offender and faces a minimum prison sentence of one and a half to 3 years and a maximum sentence of two to four years.

He admitted to possession of a stolen debit card.

After his guilty plea, his assigned attorney, Fred Rarick, asked Judge Charles Zambito to consider releasing Lewis under supervision of Genesee Justice since he will become eligible for such a release Jan. 1 under terms of New York's new bail reform law. 

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman made sure Zambito was aware that Lewis has a prior probation violation and a prior parole revocation. 

After confirming that Lewis has a place to live if released -- his father's house -- and instructing Lewis to submit to a substance abuse evaluation and abide by any recommendations for treatment, Zambito agreed to release him under supervision.

Lewis is eligible for parole supervision at sentencing and Zambito told Lewis his ability -- or inability -- to follow instructions regarding evaluation and treatment will be a factor in his decision at sentencing.

Lewis was arrested May 27 when Deputy Ryan Young was dispatched to Peoria Road in Pavilion for a report of a disabled or abandoned vehicle. Young found Lewis and Stormy Watts, 21, of Stafford, sleeping in the back seat. They told Young they were waiting for a time to call somebody to come and bring them gas.

Upon further investigation, Young found numerous items that appeared to have been stolen from vehicles inside the car with Lewis and Watts.

Both were arrested.

According to Friedman, Watts took a plea on Tuesday (Dec. 3) to criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree. She will be sentenced at a later date.

Young also reportedly found a firearm in the vehicle and Lewis was charged with criminal possession of a weapon as a convicted felon. That charge was subsequently dropped in connection with the plea agreement, Friedman confirmed for Zambito yesterday.

Hollwedel library in Pavilion hosts 'Christmas Magic' show with pro magician Dec. 2, free

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Hollwedel Memorial Library is hosting an awesome, professional Christmas-themed magic show, open to the community, at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2.

The free show, titled “Christmas Magic,” is being used as part of the library’s efforts to encourage children to read more during the holiday season.

The magic show is presented by professional magician Cris Johnson and will feature music, age-appropriate humor, fun magic, audience participation, and more. The show is intended for children ages 4-12 and any fun-loving adults.

“This particular magic show is something different – it was designed to promote what the meaning of Christmas is supposed to be in terms of kindness and a giving attitude, but this show does not feature any religious content,” Library Director Josselyn Borowiec said.

“The show will feature magic such as beautiful Christmas lights appearing from thin air, a drawing of a Christmas elf that comes to life, an indoor ‘snowstorm’ and more!”

Why did Johnson the magician go to the trouble of creating an entire show around Christmas?

“I’ve been creating and presenting themed shows to libraries and schools all across North America for nearly 20 years and it’s a passion of mine,” Johnson said. “With budget cuts increasing all the time, we as a community really need to support our local libraries, encourage children to read more, watch less TV, and protect our children’s future.”

The library is located at 5 Woodrow Drive in Pavilion.

State DOT announces work is complete on $1.6 million Oatka Creek bridge project in Pavilion

By Billie Owens

Press release:

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced that major construction is complete on a $1.6 million project to replace elements of the bridge carrying U.S. Route 20 over Oatka Creek in the Town of Pavilion, Genesee County.

The bridge, which reopened to traffic today, will be more resilient and capable of withstanding potential damage from flooding or stream debris during inclement weather.

“By making existing infrastructure more resilient to wearing and weather impacts, we are investing in the future of our transportation system,” Commissioner Dominguez said. “The renovations, which DOT incorporated as part of this project provide safe access for users and will greatly benefit Genesee County residents and travelers as part of the Finger Lakes Forward initiative.”

As part of this project, the existing steel truss was replaced with a modern steel multi-girder superstructure that includes a concrete deck. To accommodate all users of the roadway, 12-foot-wide travel lanes and seven-foot-wide shoulders were included in the striping pattern of the bridge to facilitate bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

Multi-girder type bridges have more redundant elements than truss bridges, making them more resilient. Rip rap shoring up the base provides additional strength to the bridge, preventing erosion, and the inclusion of joint-less approaches to the bridge will help reduce corrosion.

Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer said “I am glad that the construction on Route 20 bridge over Oatka Creek is complete. The safety of our roads and bridges is one of my top priorities. With winter fast approaching this construction completion was crucial.”

Assemblyman Steve Hawley said “The Route 20 Bridge over Oatka Creek has been subject to flood waters and damage for some time, and I am pleased to see that repairs have been made and travelers may now cross the bridge with ease and confidence. Safe and reliable infrastructure is paramount for our business owners, local residents and emergency service vehicles, and I will continue to advocate for Western New York’s bridge road and highway needs moving forward.”

During the bridge closure, which began in July, motorists were detoured using nearby state routes 19 and 63. While the bridge is now open to vehicular traffic, there is anticipated cleanup work and shoulder work remaining.

For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY app.

Rollover accident with injuries reported at routes 19 and 20, Pavilion Center

By Billie Owens

A rollover accident with injuries is reported at routes 19 and 20, Pavilion Center. Pavilion Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding along with law enforcement.

UPDATE 3:59 p.m.: A first responder says the pickup truck was southbound on Route 19 and then turned left onto the onramp to Route 20 and was T-boned by a minivan that was northbound on Route 20 19. The truck rollover over as a result of the impact and the minivan was disabled in the roadway. Both drivers, who were the sole occupants, sustained minor injuries and were transported by ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Sponsored Post: Join us for our Holiday Housewarming at Country Hill

By Lisa Ace


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Visit Country Hill, located at: 11119 W Park St., Pavilion, NY 14525. Or vist our Facebook page for more information on store events and sales.

Hollwedel library in Pavilion hosts 2020 Census Job Fair and info meeting this afternoon

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Hollwedel Memorial Library is hosting 2020 Census Job Fair (4-6 p.m.) followed by informational meeting at 6:15 p.m. today (Oct. 23).

The Census Bureau is holding informational events all over the country to answer questions about jobs and the hiring process with the goal of recruiting temporary workers for positions beginning in the spring of 2020. These jobs are critical to ensure a complete and accurate census.

The Census Bureau needs to hire about 500,000 census takers across the country in 2020.

In order to meet this goal, the Census Bureau is starting peak recruiting efforts now.

Applying early to work as a census taker is a great way for holiday seasonal workers, students, retirees and workers in the gig economy to line up spring and summer employment opportunities.

Any questions can be directed to the library director, Josselyn Borowiec, at (585) 584-8843.

Hollwedel Memorial Library is located at 5 Woodrow Drive, Pavilion.

Pavilion splits pair boys volleyball games

By Howard B. Owens

Information provided by Ryan Paddock.

Pavilion/York beat North Rose Wolcott 3 sets to 1 in boys volleyball on Saturday.  The team then lost to Midlakes three sets to zero.

Pavilion/York is now 10-6 on the season.

Cameron Milligan sets single match & single-season records for the program against NRW with his 43 kills tallying 374 for the season. Both records were previously held by his cousin Luke Milligan. Luke continues to hold the career kills record with 1,313. Cameron added 18 kills against Midlakes to set his career mark at 796 and counting.

Stats vs. NRW:

  • Cameron 43 kills 23 digs 6 blocks 
  • Cole Tillotson 45 assists 4 kills 
  • Dan Nichols 9 digs 6 aces 

Vs Midlakes 

  • Cameron Milligan 18 kills 4 blocks 
  • Dan Nichols 10 digs 
  • Charlie Urbanczyk 5 digs 

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