Ten goats died in a barn fire on Thursday night at 3602 Rose Road, Batavia.

Homeowners Shey and Gina Doane said they also had antiques stored in the barn along with some belongings of Shey's late father.

The fire was reported at 9:13 p.m.

Deputy Fire Coordinator Dan Coffey said the homeowner spotted smoke when he returned home and that the barn was fully involved a few minutes later when the first firefighters arrived on the scene.  The barn was a total loss.

Shey said he had returned from taking his son's girlfriend home when he found the fire.

The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation, Coffey said.

Town of Batavia Fire responded with mutual aid from East Pembroke and Alexander. Oakfield and Stafford provided fill-ins for the responding departments.

There may have been one minor firefighter injury, a slip-and-fall, Coffey said, but he was not treated at the scene.

Crews cleared the scene at 1 a.m.

The Doanes said the goats were rescues rejected by their mothers, so they were raised inside the barn and bottle fed. Gina said the goats were like her kids.

Photos by Kara Richenberg. Kara Richenberg contributed to the story.

Alabama-Basom Methodist Church, 1392 Lewiston Road, Alabama. Join us for worship at 10:30 a.m. on December 22. This week our sermon title is "Love God, Love People", led by Rodney Stringham (CLM). Scripture readings will be from Hebrews 10:5-10 and Luke 1:39-55. We will also be lighting the "Love" candle on the Advent Wreath as we celebrate the season of Advent. Come and join us on Christmas Eve at 4 p.m. as we celebrate Advent by lighting the Christ Candle. Come join us for Worship and fellowship after the service!

Ascension Parish - Roman Catholic Church, 135 Swan St., Batavia. We are open for Mass in the Church on Sundays at noon. We hope to see you there! 

Assemblies of God-New Covenant Chapel, 6690 Oak Orchard Rd., Elba.14058. We welcome all seeking a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ through His finished work on The Cross with The Power of The Holy Spirit. John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” If you want a small, close-knit church family and a place to make a difference, please join us. Worship Service is Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Bible Study Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and Thursday at 7 p.m. Contact us at (585)-757-6651 (585)-969-1528 or visit us on Youtube.

Batavia Assembly of God, 24 North Spruce St, Batavia. Join us for coffee in our café before our Sunday morning service that begins at 10:30 a.m. We offer "Movement Kids" (age 4 - grade 5) at 10:30 a.m. and "MVMT YTH" (grades 6-12) meet on Sunday nights at 7 p.m.

Batavia First Baptist Church, 306 E. Main St., Pastor David Weidman, where "Christ the Center, Love for All" is very evident to all who enter. We invite you to our Full Gospel Sunday services at 10 a.m.; The Thrift Shoppe is open Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., come and browse in our beautifully renovated space. Donations are accepted during business hours. You can also enjoy a light lunch at Lydia's Kitchen while you shop. Questions? Email: firstbaptist2002@yahoo.com. Call us at (585)343-9002.

Batavia First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia, invites you to join us for in-person worship on Sundays at 9 a.m. (Arise-relaxed with band music) or 10:45 a.m. (Sanctuary -liturgical and organ) or on Livestream via Facebook Live for both times at: https://fpcbatavia.org/  or https://www.facebook.com/fpcbatavia/videos/.

Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia. Our mission & vision statement:  “To be disciples, we must listen, learn, lead, and love our way to God.” Reverend Wayne Mort leads our worship service every Sunday morning at 10 a.m. in the church sanctuary. Childcare is offered for children birth-3 years old and Sunday school is offered for children ages 4-14 years old. You can also find the service on Facebook. We invite you to learn more about Batavia First UMC by visiting our website at www.BataviaFirstumc.com.

Byron Presbyterian Church, 6293 W. Main St., Byron. Pastor: Rev. Michael Fry. Musical Director: Laurence Tallman. Worship and Sunday School are at 9:45 a.m. 4th Sunday of Advent. Join us for the children’s program, “What Will You Bring to the Manger?” Our children will bring the pieces to the Nativity set. Please join us immediately after worship in the fellowship hall for Caroling and a Birthday Party for Jesus! We will enjoy familiar songs of the season and enjoy cake and hot chocolate!

Calvary Baptist Church of Le Roy, 8703 Lake Street Road, Le Roy.  If you do not already have a church that you attend regularly, we would like to invite you to give Calvary Baptist Church a try.  It would be a pleasure to have you join us for worship and fellowship on a Sunday morning or at one of our other mid-week events. As a multi-generational congregation that enjoys our time together, our Sunday worship service typically includes singing a mix of both traditional and contemporary songs and hymns, a children’s message, and a sermon from the Word of God. Our Sunday worship service begins at 10:15 a.m.

City Church, 210 E. Main St., Batavia, invites you for our Sunday morning services at 8:30 and 10 a.m. with Kids ministry at 10 a.m. and Thursday evenings at 7 p.m.  Everyone is welcome to join us for worship and a message. We believe in doing life together and would love to do life with YOU!  You can also connect with us online at www.thecitychurch.com, through our Facebook page, The City Church, or our YouTube channel.  We do life together.

Corfu United Presbyterian Church 63 Alleghany Road, Corfu. Corfu United Presbyterian Church (CUPC) welcomes all visitors to come worship with us on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. in person or via our Facebook live stream led by our pastor, the Rev. Evan Wildhack. Our mission at CUPC is to connect with Christ, connect with others, and connect others with Christ. We offer children's Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings and weekly Bible study on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The church also hosts the Corfu Food Pantry which is open on the third Saturday of the month from 9 - 10 a.m. For the Christmas season this year, we are offering two special worship services. On Wednesday, December 18 at 6 p.m., we are holding a Blue Christmas service. This is a service that is geared towards those where this season may not feel as joyful, as well as those who are dealing with grief towards endings and anxiety towards new beginnings. On Tuesday, December 24 at 7 p.m., we are holding our Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship. This service will include communion and will be centered around the theme Love Knows Your Name. We'd love to see you at both of these special services. For more information, feel free to contact the church office by phone at (585) 599-6414 or via email at office@corfuchurch.org. You can also visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/corfuchurch.

Cornerstone Church of East Pembroke, part of American Baptist Churches USA, 2583 Main Road, East Pembroke. Our Sunday service is at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Glenn Bloom preaching. Bible Study is every Wednesday at 10 a.m. We are a small church and welcome new members. (585) 762-8721

Darien Disciples Church, 1951 Broadway (Route 20), Our worship service begins at 9 a.m. Sunday December 22, the fourth Sunday of Advent. The sermon title is "Promise" by Eric Phelps CLM.  Also there will be a Christmas Eve Service at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Discovery Chapel, 315 West Main Street, Batavia. Pastor Ingrim Green's services are on Sundays at 10 a.m. "Let's Talk Real Talk the Gospel For Real Life." Visit our website letstalkrealtalk.org for more information.

East Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5735 Ellicott Street Road, East Bethany. Our Sunday morning worship service is held at 10:30 a.m. and is led by Rev. Dr. Shiela McCullough. Visitors are always welcome. You can find out more information on our Facebook page or by emailing us at ebpresbyterian@gmail.com.

Elba First Baptist Church, 31 S. Main St., Elba, is open for the main service in person at 10:45 a.m. on Sundays. For more information about our church go to www.fbcelba.net. The pastor is Michael Davis. Email: office@fbcelba.net / Phone (585) 757-2722

Emmanuel Baptist Church, 190 Oak St., Batavia. Emmanuel Baptist Church is celebrating Advent with a Christmas Cantata on Sunday December 15! Our cantata begins at 2 p.m., followed by an Old-Fashioned Hymn Sing! Come participate in your favorite Christmas Carols, and THEN?? SANTA comes!!! He'll have a bag-ful of gifts for the kids, so bring your own, and any others you'd like to bring! After all of that fun, there will be a free-to-ALL dinner in the Fellowship Hall. PLEASE join us for "Food, Fellowship, and FUN!" Questions: Contact Debbie Prosser at 585-762-9046 or 716-912-0217.

EverPresent Church, 4 Batavia City Centre, Batavia(off of Bank Street). We welcome you to come to experience the Holy Spirit in a fresh way. Jesus wants to set you free from your bondages. Wednesday Service at 6 p.m. & Sunday Service at 10:30 a.m., Toddlers dismissed at 10:15 a.m., Children's Church dismissed after 2nd Worship Song. For more info visit www.everpresentchurch.com. 

Grace Baptist Church, 238 Vine St., Batavia. We offer two Sunday Morning Worship Services. Both services are live-streamed on our Facebook page, Grace Baptist or view it on the web at: www.gracebatavia.org. The first service is at 8:45 a.m. (children's classes available for Nursery - 1st grade). The second service is at 10:30 a.m. (children's classes available Nursery - 5th grade). KidZone for ages 4-5th grade and Grace Student Ministries (Grades 6-12) meet on Sunday Evenings at 6 - 7:30 p.m. 

Indian Falls Methodist Church, 7908 Alleghany Road, Corfu. We have our worship service at 10 a.m. on Sunday mornings, led by Rev. Karen L. McCaffery. This week's message is "The Grace of Growing in Christ". To view our services online please go to our website https://indianfallsgmc.com/ for a link for Live Streaming. Join us for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on December 24 at 7 p.m. Our next Youth Group meeting is on Sunday, January 5 from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Morganville United Church of Christ, 8466 Morganville Rd, Stafford. Observe the last week of the Christmas Advent season with a visit this cold, cold Sunday to our warm and friendly church where God is still speaking. Reverend James Morasco will share his sermon “Because Mary Said Yes” at 10 a.m. A Christmas Eve service open to anyone and everyone will be held Tuesday evening at 6:00 pm. Friend us on Facebook! or better yet, visit us Sunday.

North Darien Bible Church, 9768 Simonds Road, Corfu. We are open! Sunday worship service begins at 10 a.m. Children's Church classes are available for children ages birth through sixth grade, including a classroom for children with special needs. For more information, visit our website. You can also watch LIVE on our Facebook or YouTube channel. Join us from 9 a.m. to noon on the first Saturday of every month for our free community closet, full of clothing, coats, and shoes for all. (585) 547-9646.

Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road (North Campus), Batavia. This Advent, join us for "The Choice"—a message series that explores the pivotal decisions woven into the story of the first Christmas. From Mary’s courageous "yes" to God, to Joseph’s choice to trust, to the shepherds’ decision to seek the Savior—each moment points us to the power of faith in life’s defining moments. Come discover how these choices still inspire us today as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the arrival of Jesus! 

Oakfield-Alabama Baptist Church, 2210 Judge Road., Oakfield. Join us for Sunday School for all ages at 9:45 a.m., followed by our worship service at 11 a.m. every Sunday! Visit our website (www.oabchurch.com) for additional information about our church, our beliefs, upcoming activities, and past messages. Men’s and Ladies’ Bible studies also meet on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. on the church grounds. We look forward to worshiping and fellowshipping with you! Questions? Email Pastor Matt Ervin at mervin@tyndale.edu.

Oakfield Community Bible Church, 82 North Main St. Oakfield. This Weeks “Oakfield Community Bible Church”, Weekend Worship Service is at 10:30 a.m. With Praise & Worship Music by Keith Burroughs. With the morning message  by Pastor, Timothy Young; entitled: “For God So Loved The World”. Scripture: “John 3:16-17” (NKJV). Our Adult Sunday School is at 9:30 a.m., along with “Sunday School through Age-16”.  There will be a Time of “Fellowship” following our Worship Service! THERE WILL BE A CHRISTMAS EVE EVE SERVICE Monday December 23 at 6 p.m. with a time of fellowship following. Come out and Join Us. ALL ARE WELCOME!

Our Lady of Mercy (44 Lake St. LeRoy) & St. Brigid (18 Gibson St. Bergen) parishes; Parish Office - 44 Lake Street, Le Roy. Weekend Masses Saturday at 4:30 p.m. (livestreamed); Sunday at 7:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m. (livestreamed), and 5:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy. Also, Sunday at 9 a.m. at St. Brigid. Daily Masses Monday-Friday at 7:30 a.m. (livestreamed) and Saturday at 9 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy and Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30 a.m. at St. Brigid. View on YouTube and Facebook. Please visit the parish website (https://www.ourladyofmercyleroy.org/).

Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph church in Batavia). St. Joseph’s Church masses are on Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at noon. Confessions are held at St. Joe's on Saturdays from 3 - 3:30 p.m. Vigil & Holy Days to be announced. Holy Name of Mary Site (East Pembroke) 8656 Church St., East Pembroke. Mass on Sundays 11 a.m. and Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m.

St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia. Join us on Sundays at 9 a.m. on zoom, 10 a.m. in the church building, and on Facebook Live. Links and the bulletin can be found on our website: https://www.sjecbataviany.org/

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 E. Main St., Le Roy, is open for in-person services at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. Communion will be offered to people in their seats and will only include bread. We welcome you to join us -- either in person or online. For more information, visit our website.

St. Padre Pio Parish, St. Cecilia, 56 Maple Ave., Oakfield Mass is celebrated on Sundays at 10 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. OR Our Lady of Fatima Church, 65 S. Main St., Elba, Mass is celebrated on Saturdays at 5:45 p.m. and Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 6188 Main Road, Stafford. In-person service, including Holy Communion, is at 9 a.m. Sunday mornings. All  Are Welcome. 

St. Paul Lutheran Church, Batavia, 31 Washington Ave, Batavia. This coming Sunday (December 22) we will celebrate The Fourth Sunday in Advent. Our Sunday service begins at 10:15 a.m. or can be viewed 'live' on Facebook. Join us for our Christmas Eve service at 6:30 p.m. & our Christmas Day service at 10:15 a.m. Our Adult Bible Study and Children's Sunday School is every Sunday, 9-9:45 a.m. Communion is part of every service. Our Youth Class is on Sunday's 5-7 p.m. Quilters group is on Tuesday's 9 - 11 a.m. (No quilter's on 12/24 & 12/31).  

The Church In Alexander, 10540 Main St., Alexander. Join us for Sunday Worship at 10 a.m. weekly. For more information please visit our website at www.thechurchinalexander.com. We offer a Free Food Pantry for people in our community, please call ahead if you need items from our pantry. For more information on Programs and services please contact us at (585)591-1765 or by email at thechurchinalexander@gmail.com. Church office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:15 - 11:15 a.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church, 75 Main St. in Attica, worships together at 10:45 a.m. on Sundays. All are welcome! Contact Frank White at uncleferter@msn.com for a ZOOM link or for prayer requests.

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A man wanted by Batavia PD on a weapons charge since September 2023 is in custody after being located by U.S. Marshals.

Batavia PD has released little information on the case. 

Royse, age and area of residence not disclosed, was wanted on a charge of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. The release about his arrest does not state what charges he is being held on or what incident the charges stem from.

A reward of $2,500 was offered for his capture. Batavia PD does not say whether the reward will be paid, but the release thanks the community for tips and Le Roy PD for assisting in the investigation.

There is no information on where Royse was located.

At the time the search for Royse was announced, he was on parole for a conviction on burglary in the second degree and had an active parole warrant out for his arrest.

A 59-year-old landlord in Elba was admitted to County Court on Thursday to menacing a tenant at a location on Ridge Road in August. The landlord will serve a year on interim probation.

Michael Joseph Schad, of Ridge Road, Elba, entered a guilty plea to a felony count of menacing.

When he was arrested at 9:05 a.m. on Aug. 24, he was charged with five counts of menacing in the second degree as a hate crime and one count of menacing in the second degree.

District Attorney Kevin Finnell said Schad was accused of using a derogatory racial term directed at his tenant. He said Schad was intoxicated and possessed what appeared to be a weapon during the confrontation with the tenant, which Finnell described as a "tenant dispute." 

Schad has no prior criminal history, and Schad had no history of prior disputes between Schad and his tenant.

ADA Earl Voss prosecuted the case.

Schad agreed to the year of interim probation and to address his anger/substance issues.  He will be sentenced in one year and will if successful on interim probation, will be sentenced to less than 364 days in jail. If unsuccessful, he faces up to four years in prison. 

The tenant has apparently moved out of the property. 

Thursday was carved out of the week to celebrate a partnership that literally has merged Rochester Regional Health United Memorial Medical Center and GLOW YMCA programs under one roof to provide a holistic approach to wellness through educational, physical and supportive offerings in one Downtown Batavia space.

Chip Davis, chief executive officer of RRH, spoke of pride in the movement to help reshape rural health care in the United States and closer to home in New York.

“Our organization has a purpose to uplift humanity through care for the community. As an organization, I would tell you, we try to live that way each and every day. And I believe that this facility and all the things that Dan and his team and our sponsors at the Y are doing really represent what we're trying to facilitate in Batavia and beyond,” he said during a ribbon-cutting of the new Healthy Living campus at Main and Wiard streets. “A lot has changed since 2014 when we first announced United Memorial Medical Center would merge into Rochester Regional Health. It has been quite a 10-year journey, as I understand it, and I do believe that both organizations have been firmly committed to truly some remarkable activities for the residents of Batavia and beyond." 

Expanding telemedicine options and leveraging innovative approaches to help facilitate access to world-class quality care sets the ultimate goal “to help improve the quality of life of all the residents within the region,” he said.

“Our efforts are absolutely grounded in a spirit of collaboration and partnership. The Healthy Living campus here at Batavia is truly, I think, a testament to that collaboration overall ... we have tried to create a space that is not just for medical care but for our comprehensive wellness experience. And I will tell you that there are a few places around the country that have this type of model where you can go from your workout to your primary care," he said. "There's a number of innovative activities here, including an intergenerational center, group exercise room, and, of course, the preschool facility.

 "So at Rochester Regional Health, we truly believe that treating illness is not just about medical care, it is about healthier outcomes for everyone," he said. "We believe that this is the future of healthcare. This is what it looks like. It's innovative, it's collaborative, and it's focused on the needs of each and every one of you.”

Dan Ireland, president and chief operating officer of Finger Lakes Rural Hospitals, thanked Davis for helping to fulfill the vision and “champion the idea of innovation and thinking differently.”

This new place is a location where one can feel the out-of-box thinking that came together for the group of people he worked with, Ireland said. That included Rob Walker, chief executive officer for GLOW YMCA.

“And I think, as Rob and I have talked over the years, this concept, this idea, came from our community voice from the day we came together to talk about a simple idea of what more could we do to the hundreds, and I mean hundreds of people in the Batavia and Genesee County community that came together to really bring forth what's important. What do we want to see, even down to where should it be?" Ireland said. "We really decided through a voice of this community and really helping us grow and develop along the way. I want to thank you, especially for our partnership. As I referenced Rob, we've been along this journey. We talk about the fact that as the date this will open, it will have been 10 years from that first conversation and such an important journey along the way, and I can't think of a better partner." 

Healthy Living has moved several programs under the roof of this new $33.5 million building next to the old YMCA awaiting demolition this spring. Programs include diabetes education, prevention and support groups, nutrition and basic life support classes, a cancer services and MOMS program, childbirth and infant feeding class and Baby Cafe.

“From the early morning phone calls to the drive on the way home phone calls, we had to say, 'let's solve this hurdle. Who do we get involved there?' And you know, the nicest part about that is we've been able to lean on you, our partners in the community, to help us solve challenges that every project has along the way, and I’m so, so grateful for that,” Ireland said. “Our work here in Batavia, from a health system standpoint, is not just providing that medical care, but it's really providing an integrated health care model, and that's the vision this was built on."

 He said they would integrate primary care medicine and healthy outreach, two of Rochester Regional's core services, to partner with the wellness community. They answered that the Teaching Kitchen helps teach people to cook better for healthier lifestyles so "they can live to be the very best that they can be."

 "And that ripples out into our community, that ripples out into a healthier community that can really do wonderful things as we go down the road,” he said.

“This is just the shell of the future of how health and wellness come together,” he said. “But this shell will grow into something that we will do to make a difference in healthcare, make a difference to you, your friends, neighbors and our loved ones, and help us grow health and wellness in a rural community such as Batavia.”

The new GLOW YMCA has preschool and child care programs, a pool and splash pad, and boasts “state-of-the-art” weight and cardio equipment and an EGYM station, walking track, full court gym, dance and exercise studios, and men’s, women’s and family locker rooms.

This type of project was talked about for years — creating a space where people of all ages could come together and build lasting connections — Walker said.

“And now, thanks to your unwavering community support and the hard work of countless individuals, that dream has become a reality,” he said. “This Healthy Living campus will create a hub of activity, offering first-class programs and services for our youth, resources for our seniors and spaces for our families to create memories, from aquatics programming to youth sports to fitness programs and the medical services provided by Rochester Regional Health UMMC, these walls will echo with the sounds of laughter, learning and healthy living. 

"But let's not forget the journey that brought us here," Walker said. "It took the vision of our community leaders, our donors, the city and community support and the state acquiring DRI funding and other grants, and the sweat and determination of our construction team.”

Vincent Esposito of Empire State Development said that it's been a long time coming and has taken a lot of work and a lot of vision to get here. Batavia received a Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant in 2017, nearly eight years ago, and this project was one of the main reasons this community was selected, he said, because of a winning application.

“And to see it come to fruition, and to see it be, honestly, bigger and more beautiful than I even expected it to be, is really gratifying,” he said. “I can only imagine how good it feels for those of you who’ve been involved in this project. I'd like to thank my colleagues in New York State government who helped work on this … It really is transformational for a lot of communities," he said. "I know it's helped to really spur a lot of great things in Batavia. You know, there’s well over $5 million from New York State just in this one project. It's pretty cool to see it happen. So congratulations. Best of luck to everyone who gets to utilize this facility. It's really spectacular.”

The Healthy Living campus is now open, and the new YMCA opens Jan. 2. The old YMCA is set to be demolished in the spring. 

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office held its annual awards luncheon on Tuesday and released the following press release announcing the awards.

Officer of the Year Award –  
Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello has distinguished himself in the performance of service to the citizens of Genesee County during 2024. 

In the early morning hours of March 10, 2024, Sergeant Sanfratello was working a special detail and responded to an incident involving unruly subjects at a business. Tragically, while escorting the subjects out of the business, he was attacked by the subjects and died during the struggle.  Sergeant Sanfratello was a thirty-two-year member of the Sheriff’s Office, starting as a Dispatcher before becoming a Deputy Sheriff and later being promoted to Sergeant.  Sergeant Sanfratello was in charge of the Civil Division and often instructed on civil practices at conferences throughout New York State and was very well respected in this capacity.  He was a Field Training Officer and had the duty as the lead Sergeant at Darien Lake, coordinating the Sheriff’s Office efforts at concerts and events.  Sergeant Sanfratello was also generous with the community as shown by his organization of Shop With a Cop and always keeping his own supply of Hot Wheels cars available to give to children who were in need of a kind gesture in difficult times. 

Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello reflected great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and most deserves to be named Officer of the Year.

Distinguished Service Award – 
Jail Superintendent William A. Zipfel has distinguished himself as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for over 42 years. 

Jail Superintendent Zipfel began his career on April 5, 1982, as a part-time Dog Control Officer.  He has held the positions of Correction Officer, Senior Correction Officer and was appointed Jail Superintendent in 2014.  During his tenure, he was the recipient of a Distinguished Service Award, five Meritorious Awards, and five Commendations.  Jail Superintendent Zipfel has distinguished himself through his dedication and commitment to the operations of the Genesee County Jail which can be seen through the amount of selfless time devoted to his position.

Jail Superintendent William A. Zipfel has reflected great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Distinguished Service Award – 
 

Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr. has distinguished himself as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for over 47 years. 

Sheriff Sheron began his career on June 4, 1977, as a Dispatcher and progressed through the ranks as a Deputy Sheriff, Sergeant, Investigator, Chief Deputy—Road Patrol, and Undersheriff for 21 years before being elected Sheriff in 2017.  During his career, Sheriff Sheron was awarded Officer of the Year, two Meritorious Service awards for his consistent dedication in the performance of his duties and five Commendations.  He was a founding member of the Genesee County Drug Task Force, was a hostage negotiator, field training officer, and was member of the crash management team.  Sheriff Sheron has been a source of pride for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr. has reflected great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION: 

1. The following are being recognized for their actions and invaluable support and assistance during and after the critical, physical incident involving our fallen officer, Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello, on March 10, 2024.  These recipients are to be commended for their courage and willingness to quickly take action during this critical incident, demonstrating their commitment to the safety and well-being of others.  Their actions reflect the highest standards of bravery and responsibility, and we are deeply grateful for their efforts.

City of Batavia Police Department

Batavia Downs Security Guards:  Alex Marcello, Brayden Basch, Mary Hallenbeck, Nicholas Licata, Cameron Brownell

Patrons:  David Reamsnyder, David Reamsnyder, Jr, Damon Tilbe, Kimberly Schreiner 

2. Correction Officer Anita H. Ortiz
3. Correction Officer Tylin A. Torcello
4. Genesee Justice Case Manager Erin M. Martin
5. Genesee Justice Community Services/Victim Advocacy Gary D. DiSalvo
6. Genesee Justice Principal Clerk Sharon L. Burns
7. Public Safety Systems Manager Justin T. Allen
8. Barb Starowitz
9. John Bachulak
10. Village of Corfu Police Officer Tyler Lang
11. Deputy Commissioner of Public Works Paul Osborn
12. Assistant County Engineer Laura Wadhams
13. Pike Construction Assistant Project Manager Michelle Lipke
14. Emergency Services Dispatcher Shelby M. Turner 
15. Dog Control Officer Sarah L. Fountain
16. Dog Control Officer Catherine D. Seward

LONGEVITY AWARDS:

• Deputy Sheriff Chad P. Cummings, 10 years
• Emergency Services Dispatcher Samantha L. Ehrke, 10 years
• Investigator Joseph D. Loftus, 10 years
• Investigator David D. Moore, 10 years
• Sergeant Richard S. Schildwaster, 10 years
• Financial Management Assistant Tammy M. Schmidt, 10 years
• Senior Correction Officer James M. Smart, 10 years
• Correction Officer Kevin P. Thomas, 10 years
• Correction Officer Andrew D. Hurley, 15 years
• Chief Deputy of Criminal Investigation Division Joseph M. Graff, 20 years
• Emergency Services Dispatcher Stephen R. Smelski, 20 years
• Undersheriff Bradley D. Mazur, 25 years

MERITORIOUS AWARDS:   These employees have, for an extended period of time, performed in an exceptional manner worthy of special recognition. 

• Genesee Justice Program Coordinator Diana M. Prinzi 
• Emergency Services Dispatcher Nathan L. Fix 
• Sergeant Mathew J. Clor 
• Program Coordinator Tracy L. Ranney 
• Correction Officer Brian M. Manley 
• Sergeant Andrew B. Hale 
• Investigator Ryan M. DeLong 
• Emergency Services Dispatcher Beth A. Hynes 

COMMENDATIONS:  These employees were recognized for their actions for a specific act, occasion, or project that reflects courage, exceptional performance, and dedication to the Office and profession.

• Investigator Kevin P. Forsyth 
• Correction Officer Dani M. Stone
• Correction Officer John P. Garlock 
• Emergency Services DispatcherJustin M. Lewandowski 
• Correction Officer Corey J. Cieszki 
• Deputy Sheriff Alexander R. Hadsall 
• Deputy Sheriff Jacob A. Kipler  
• Deputy Sheriff Ryan J. Mullen 
• Deputy Sheriff Mason S. Schultz 
• Emergency Services Dispatcher Shaylene S. Kilner 
• Principal Financial Clerk Deborah A. Shea 
• Correction Officer Dennis J. Bartholomew 
• Correction Officer Andrew D. Hurley 
• Investigator David D. Moore 
• Deputy Sheriff Joshua A. Brabon
• Investigator Howard J. Carlson  
• Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Robert H. Tripp 

For additional photos, click here.

Press Release:

Expansion projects in Bergen and LeRoy advanced Wednesday by the Genesee County Economic Development Center Board of Directors have an estimated $4 million positive fiscal impact for Genesee County.

The GCEDC board of directors advanced an initial resolution for Appletree Acres, LLC in the town of Bergen and approved a final resolution for 9 Lent Avenue, LLC (Rochester Davis Fetch Corp.) in the village of LeRoy at its December 18 meeting. 

Appletree Acres, LLC is proposing to add a 15,000 square-foot expansion to an existing 50,000 square-foot warehouse in the Apple Tree Acres corporate park. The $1.015 million investment would create four full-time equivalent positions with an estimated annual salary range between $45,000 and $65,000 plus benefits.

Appletree Acres, LLC is requesting a sales tax exemption estimated at $48,160 and a property tax abatement estimated at $142,785 based on the incremental increase in assessed value generated by the expansion. The project is estimated to generate $2.99 million in local fiscal impacts, including payroll and tax revenues, for an estimated $19 local benefit for every $1 of requested incentives.

A public hearing for the proposed project agreements will be scheduled in the town of Bergen. 

9 Lent Avenue, LLC is proposing to construct an 8,000 square-foot light manufacturing and storage facility in the village of LeRoy. The $265,000 project will be in addition to a current $3.8 million project renovating a separate facility on the property.  The expansion will create two additional full-time equivalent positions with an estimated annual salary range between $62,000 and $72,000 plus benefits. 

9 Lent Avenue, LLC has requested a sales tax exemption estimated at $13,200 and a property tax abatement estimated at $86,016 based on the incremental increase in assessed value generated by the expansion. The project is estimated to generate $1.49 million in local fiscal impacts, including payroll and tax revenues, for an estimated $17 local benefit for every $1 of requested incentives.

If you've been hearing helicopters overhead Thursday evening in Genesee County, often in Batavia, there's an explanation, according to a source.

The CH-47 Chinooks are partaking in military drills, the source said.   

TICKETS FOR THE 2025 WINGS OVER BATAVIA AIR SHOW GO ON SALE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON FRIDAY
Labor Day Weekend Air Show to Feature the USAF F-35A Lightning II Demo Team

BATAVIA – On Friday, December 20, tickets for the 2025 Wings over Batavia Air Show will go on sale online to the general public at 8:00 AM for the August 30 -31, 2025, show at Batavia Airport.  The 2025 show features the United States Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demo Team, the award winning Pyromusical show finale each evening that intermixes flying with fireworks, pyro, drones, and a specially curated soundtrack, and additional performers to be announced in the coming weeks. 

 Beginning Friday, tickets can be purchased at www.wingsoverbatavia.com/tickets.  A variety of different seating packages is available, from general admission to premium club and box seats. Children twelve and under are admitted into the general admission of the air show for free.  For companies and organizations seeking upscale hospitality options, branding opportunities and on-site exposure, corporate partnership opportunities are available. Email info@WingsOverBatavia.com for additional information. 

 Air show enthusiasts are encouraged to sign up to become an Air Show Insights member.  Members receive updates on air show performances, notices of special promotions, and access to advance ticket sales.  Membership is free at www.WingsOverBatavia.com.  The full lineup of 2025 Wings over Batavia performers will be announced in the coming weeks and featured at www.wingsoverbatavia.com/performers, and additional show details are available by visiting www.WingsOverBatavia.com and the show’s social media channels.

 About the USAF Lightning II Demo Team

The USAF F-35A Lightning II Demo Team travels the world demonstrating the incredible capabilities of the F-35A, the first and only stealth, supersonic, multi-role fighter jet on the planet. The F-35A can reach speeds up to 1,200 MPH, and its helmet mounted display system is the most advanced system of its kind. Accordingly, each year air shows everywhere compete for the F-35, but only a select few are approved by the Air Force.

Additional images and b-roll of the USAF F-35A Lightning II Demo Team are available by contacting Rob Nichols at (330) 760-7582 or Rob@herbgillen.com.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) has received his committee assignments for the upcoming legislative session. Hawley will be a member of the Agriculture, Insurance, Rules, Veterans' Affairs and Ways and Means Committees. Hawley is proud to have received these appointments and looks forward to bringing common-sense policy back to Albany.  

“I am proud to once again announce the appointment of Assemblyman Steve Hawley as Deputy Minority Leader. His proven leadership and wealth of experience will be invaluable to our conference as we navigate the challenges of the 2025 Legislative Session. I have every confidence in his ability to remain a strong voice for a better, more affordable New York,” said Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski).

“Right now, New Yorkers are facing record-high inflation and costs at the gas pump and checkout line. As elected officials, it should be our primary goal to ensure working families cannot just get by, but thrive in our state,” said Hawley. “I’m proud to be able to continue this work as both a committee member and leader in our Conference to bring common-sense policies back to New York.”

Press Release:

On Friday, December 20, tickets for the 2025 Wings over Batavia Air Show will go on sale online to the general public at 8 a.m. for the August 30 - 31, 2025, show at Batavia Airport. The 2025 show features the United States Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demo Team, the award-winning Pyromusical show finale each evening that intermixes flying with fireworks, pyro, drones, and a specially curated soundtrack, and additional performers to be announced in the coming weeks.

Beginning Friday, tickets can be purchased at www.wingsoverbatavia.com/tickets.  A variety of different seating packages is available, from general admission to premium club and box seats. Children twelve and under are admitted into the general admission of the air show for free.  For companies and organizations seeking upscale hospitality options, branding opportunities and on-site exposure, corporate partnership opportunities are available. Email info@WingsOverBatavia.com for additional information.

Air show enthusiasts are encouraged to sign up to become an Air Show Insights member.  Members receive updates on air show performances, notices of special promotions, and access to advance ticket sales.  Membership is free at www.WingsOverBatavia.com.  The full lineup of 2025 Wings over Batavia performers will be announced in the coming weeks and featured at www.wingsoverbatavia.com/performers, and additional show details are available by visiting www.WingsOverBatavia.com and the show’s social media channels.

Press Release:

Hundreds of nature lovers will start the new year outside with a growing New Year’s tradition on one of New York State’s longest trails.

On Jan. 1, nine meeting locations and 11 hikes on Genesee Valley Greenway State Park cover miles of trail from Rochester to Hinsdale, along the route of the abandoned Genesee Valley Canal and Pennsylvania Railroad. Guides will lead the way, pointing out a huge variety of historical and natural nuggets from this remarkable trail.

Hikes meet at: 

• Brook Rd Parking lot, 30 Brook Rd, Rochester, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Canawaugus Park, Village of Scottsville, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Erie-Attica Parking lot off of Rt 5, Avon, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• York Landing Parking Area, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• LivCo Basecamp & Visitor Info Center, corner of Rt 408 & Rt 36, Mt Morris, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Nunda Highway Department, 1955 Hay Rd, Nunda, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Music Way, next to Shop n’ Save, Fillmore, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Bull St., Cuba by gazebo, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Hinsdale Methodist Church, Main St, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

More details available at parks.ny.gov/events/event-results.aspx?pk=189

Other state parks in the area have First Day Hikes too: Letchworth State Park, Hamlin Beach State Park, Lakeside State Park, and Darien Lakes State Park. Follow them all on social media or email genesee.education@parks.ny.gov to be first to get new outing calendars.

First Day Hikes started in 1992 at Blue Hills Reservation in Milton, Massachusetts. Since 2012, state parks nationwide have joined the tradition. 

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 individual parks, historic sites, recreational trails, and boat launches, which were visited by a record 78 million people in 2020. 

A recent university study found that spending by State Parks and its visitors supports $5 billion in output and sales, 54,000 private-sector jobs and more than $2.8 billion in additional state GDP. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit parks.ny.gov, connect on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

Main Street Pizza in Batavia has once again demonstrated its commitment to the local community with a generous donation to Genesee Cancer Assistance. Owner Vic Marchese presented a donation from his "Pink Box" campaign, contributing a portion of sales from October to support cancer patients in need.

For the entire month of October, Main Street Pizza donated $1 from every large pizza sold to Genesee Cancer Assistance, which provides financial support to families caring for a loved one battling cancer. 

Doc and Mary Sardou bought the Rose Garden Restaurant -- 30 years in business at the time -- in 1954, added a bowling alley three years later and renamed it Viking Valhalla in 1966.

The business is now run by Tom Sardou and his wife, Chris, and this year, Viking Valhalla celebrated its 70th anniversary as a Sardou family business, which helped the restaurant earn a spot on the New York Historic Business Preservation Registry.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley presented Tom and Chris a certificate on Wednesday commemorating the honor.

"We have a great history here of businesses that have been successful," noted Hawley at the start of his remarks, adding, "The fact that you're still here means an awful lot to folks that are here."

Village of Bergen Mayor Joseph Chimino agreed.

"Viking Valhalla is a great asset to our community," he said. "It's a fine place for dining and entertainment, and to say it's been here 70 years is incredible. On behalf of the community, we want to thank you for all your services."

The HBPR was established in 1920. The registry highlights the legacy of local businesses that have significantly impacted their communities, offering them recognition and support to continue growing and serving the public.

Tom Sardou said inclusion in the registry was a great honor. Chris added that it was an exceptional award.

"We just celebrated our 70th anniversary, and now to be inducted into the state's historic registry, it means a lot."

Turning to Tom, she added, "I think your parents are looking down and saying, 'Great.'"

Previously (from 2010): Genesee County Business of the Year: Viking Valhalla Restaurant

Press Release:

Three Byron-Bergen seniors led a community service project to provide blankets to a local charitable organization. In September, Samantha Beale, Isabelle Best, and Shawna Spinks invited other Byron-Bergen Liberty Partnership members to help meet the goal of donating 25 fleece blankets. 

They brainstormed organizations to give the donation and on Tuesday, December 10, students visited the YWCA in Batavia to deliver 26 hand-made blankets. 

“A winter going without heat or blankets or a way to stay warm is really hard,” said Shawna. 

“It’s getting a lot colder out so there’s a lot more need,” said Isabelle. “We were looking for women’s shelters and we saw the fliers up for donations at the YWCA.” 

“We knew we could help people who don’t have a lot,” said Samantha. “We thought it would be a nice thing to do.”

The blanket kits were provided by Liberty Partnership, a state grant-funded program administered through Genesee Community College. Led by the seniors, twelve participants used study halls and extra time during the school day to complete the hand-tied blankets. They began the project in September and met their goal of 25 blankets just before the December drop-off date.

“Liberty Partners helps prepare students for success after high school,” said Byron-Bergen Liberty Partners Program Facilitator Diane Kindig-Grillo. “Through the program, the students collaborate with colleges, community organizations, and businesses as well as teachers, parents, and volunteers. I’m very proud that these students took the initiative to connect with the YWCA.”

Liberty Partnership serves students in Byron-Bergen as well as the Albion, Batavia, and Brockport School Districts.

Before the presents were handed out to the hundreds of children inside City Church's St. Anthony's Community Center, Pastor Ryan Macdonald reminded the families gathered in the gym why there is a yearly Christmas celebration.

He shared from Matthew 1:20-24. The passage where Joseph learns that Mary will conceive a child through the Holy Spirit is a bit of stunning news that Joseph took some time to consider after an angel told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife.  Macdonald said Joseph was considering the truth.

"The truth that Jesus was coming to the earth," Macdonald said. "The truth is that Jesus is the Christ of Christmas, and he came for you and me. If you go through this season and you don't recognize what Joseph did, he recognized the truth, you'll miss the reason for the season."

Macdonald also thanked the more than a dozen sponsors who provided the funds to buy the presents for the children.

"Let me tell you something: without Jesus, this night's not possible," Macdonald said. "Without Jesus Christ, we couldn't come together like this. Without Jesus Christ, I couldn't go to people and say, 'Hey, will you help us make this night possible?'"

The stage was full of hundreds of toys.  One side of the court was lined with 30 bicycles waiting for their new owners, and after Macdonald's message and short prayer, the families lined up in front of the stage to take their turns for the children to pick out their own presents. The church compiled a list of children who were getting bikes.

The night included face painting, games, pictures with Santa, hot chili, and basketball.

Photos by Howard Owens.

With just a week to go before Christmas, the folks at St. James Episcopal want to throw one last musical get-together to feature the church’s grand organ and three pianos, plus vocalists, during a concert this week.

Carols and Keyboards will be at 7 p.m. Friday at the church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia. 

Led by choir director John Novak, the one-hour concert includes four musicians performing “mostly familiar Christmas carols,” with piano duets, piano and organ duets and vocal solos, Novak said.

Church musicians Peter Geise, Jeff Thompson, and Tim Smith, all from the Western New York area, will join Novak to perform and lead some songs and sing-alongs with the audience.

The line-up includes “O Holy Night,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Go Tell it on The Mountain,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “and other seasonal favorites,” Novak said.

“There will be a piece with all four musicians playing ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas,’” he said. “It’s a fun closing piece.”

Novak, the business administrator at Letchworth Central School District, has been the choir director at St. James for about three years. He had been commuting to a church in Buffalo, and when he moved to Silver Lake, he found a job and a closer location in Batavia.

“It’s a great fit,” he said. “There are a lot of wonderful people.”

Church member Maureen Scoville added that, in addition to carols and keyboards, cookies will be served in the parish hall after the concert. 

She and Novak hope to see community members there to enjoy some festive music and sweet treats as the calendar draws closer to a busy Christmas week.

There is no admission to the concert. A free will offering will be taken. 

Byron-Bergen beat Holley in Boys Basketball at home on Monday, 58-55.

Noah Clare scored 19 points for the Bees. Cole DiQuattro and Adam Cardenas each scored 12 points. Cody Carlson scored 10.

For Holley, Vinny Golisano scored 20 points. 

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro