After more than two years at the same job, Brittany Hausfelder still looks forward to it, from the camaraderie of her co-workers to the positive response of customers.

That’s not exactly what you might expect from a motor vehicles rep, given the atmospheres and reputations of those departments with long lines and staff with short tempers. 

“We have a great crew of employees here, and that stems down from the top line. So our bosses are great. And then we do have a good group here. We all get along. We all help each other so that just makes coming to work a lot easier. I have never woken up and said ‘Man, I don’t want to go to work today,’ and I think we’ve all had jobs where we’ve definitely felt like that, so I’ve loved it since I started,” Hausfelder said Friday at Genesee County’s Department of Motor Vehicles. “We do have people every day that come in from the public saying how great it is to come to our DMV versus big city ones, how they see a difference. We're so friendly. We really try to help. So I think just hearing that too makes you internally want to help more and do better because you see the results coming right in.”

And in the last six months, it has only gotten better, with dress-down Fridays in Buffalo Bills gear to benefit local charities, a special ring-the-bell incentive for teens who pass their written driving test, a whopping and slightly secretive enthusiasm to win big in this year's Halloween costume contest (fair warning to the county manager) and overall helpful attitudes from staff and management.

Bigger city DMVs seem to fit the mold of herding people through to get the job done, but that’s not the atmosphere at Genesee County’s DMV, and it’s a purposeful difference, Deputy County Clerk Debbie Underhill said.

“I think we’re one of few DMVs that answers their phone,” she said. “I’m a customer service person. I have been my whole life.  I want you to come in and be greeted and one stop. I don't want multiple trips, you know. I want to make your experience the best it can be in one stop, if at all possible. That doesn't always happen, but that's the goal.”

Underhill has been with the department for more than 20 years, holding the position of deputy clerk for the last four. When she does her staff training, she focuses on team bonding and the aspect of quality customer service, she said, adding that she’s willing to step out of her office and walk the walk.

“I’m out on the floor working right along with the girls and helping, assisting as needed,” she said. “I love helping people.”

Customers have responded favorably, with verbal compliments, online five-star ratings, treats from Tim Horton’s, flowers and thank you cards, she said. 

Not every 16-year-old takes them up on the offer to ring the bell after passing the written driving exam, but when one does, others in the office and lobby cheer and clap to make it a fun, memorable experience. A staff member came up with the idea of recognizing one of the regular occurrences in the DMV that previously went without so much as a whimper.

During his annual report presentation earlier this week, County Clerk Mike Cianfrini mentioned the department’s improved flow since being able to recruit and retain a full staff. His department had been down one or two employees in the Motor Vehicle and Records departments for at least the past year, he said.

“It was intermittent; someone would leave, or they weren’t working out, and we were without a full staff,” he said. 

He attributed the retention of staff for about the last six months to a pay raise as part of labor negotiations with the CSEA union. During the meeting, he thanked county legislators for approving that deal, acknowledging that it made the difference between hiring and keeping people.

“The staff has said it; we're now able to actually hire people and keep them,” he said. “They don't come in, work for six months, and then say, fine, I can make $3 an hour more working somewhere else and leave. So thank you all.”

In turn, Legislative Chair Shelley Stein praised his work and department, as “the change has been amazing,” she said, and “your staff is welcoming, friendly, ready to greet people. It is a reflection of leadership.”

Cianfrini did refer to the occasional need for the department’s security guard, which was for “nothing violent,” but to address a couple of issues when a customer was yelling or swearing about an issue.

“They can just walk in and tell them enough, and it not be me or Deb,” he said. “So that’s been a huge help.”

During a walk-through of the DMV on Friday, Cianfrini nodded to staff members wearing the signature red, white and blue Bills garb. They pitch in donations to wear the gear on Fridays, and the collection goes to a local charity. So far, it has supported Genesee Cancer Assistance, Genesee County Animal Shelter, Crossroads House, and others, Underhill said.

The shift in focus has been on that customer service component, including when prospective employees interview, Cianfrini said. 

“And that's one of the things that we do really stress when we're doing the interview, is we try to focus on finding people that we think have not just the knowledge to be successful, but also the personality to put the image out there that we want: friendly, welcoming, that's what we're really looking for when we do the interviews,” he said, answering if any services have been added.  “The services are the same; it’s just the manner in which we provide them.” 

Speaking of services, there has been a “big development” in the DMV for revenue sharing with New York State, he said. Previously the county would receive 12.7% of transactions processed in person and nothing if done online, which has now been changed so that the county receives an across the board 10.75% for all transactions. 

Vehicle use tax revenue is projected to be approximately $410,000 for the year, which is an increase of $25,000 from 2023, he said. 

On the declining end, local mortgage tax is expected to decrease, going from $481,000 in 2023 to $425,000 this year, “given the significant increase in interest rates and declining housing market,” Cianfrini said in his report. He is uncertain as to what 2025 will bring for mortgage tax since it will be the first of an election year, so his department is estimating it to be about $450,000.

A hunter who heard a crash victim's screams called 9-1-1 leading to a response from Le Roy Fire, Le Roy Ambulance, and Le Roy PD, according to a release from the police department.

An unidentified 61-year-old resident of Brockport was seriously injured after he apparently lost control of his motorcycle at about 4:30 p.m. on Friday on Circular Hill Road, Le Roy.  

The driver's motorcycle had left the roadway and would not have been visible to any passersby, according to police.

Le Roy Officers Trerrez Smith and Sgt. Jordan Wolcott were first on scene.  They administered life-saving measures, including the application of a tourniquet to stop serious bleeding. 

The operator was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight. He is listed in critical condition, according to Le Roy PD. 

"We would like to sincerely thank the hunter for his quick action in calling 9-1-1," said Chief Greg Kellogg.  "His timely response was crucial; without it, the operator could have remained undiscovered for an unknown period.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation but preliminary indicates the driver failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway.

Photos courtesy Le Roy PD.

Is Lathan-based Plug Power pulling the plug on its $290 million green hydrogen fuel plant under construction at WNY STAMP?

Heatmap, a news organization that tracks alternative energy companies, reports that the STAMP site is not included in Plug Power's loan application with the Department of Energy. 

Plug Power has preliminary approval for a $1.6 billion loan from the DOE to help it build more fuel plants. The company is aiming to become the nation's first vertically integrated green hydrogen producer, providing customers with fuel, products, and support.

Chris Suozzi, VP for business and workforce development at the Genesee County Economic Development Center, reportedly told a Washington, D.C.-based commercial real estate firm that Plug Power's STAMP project is on hold.

Asked to authenticate the quote, Suozzi said, "no comment."

According to Heatmap, Suozzi spoke to PRP Real Estate Management. The firm recorded the phone call.

“They’re not ready to go," Suozzi reportedly said. "They’re on pause. We don’t know what’s going to happen with them at this point.”

Plug Power has not responded to The Batavian with requests for comment, including a spokesperson The Batavian has communicated with before, who didn't respond to an email sent early Friday morning.

The Batavian also reached out to two people in Sen. Charles Schumer's office  seeking comment. Schumer has been a major proponent of STAMP and a supporter of Plug Power's initiative. The Batavian has not received a response.

Editor and Publisher has described Heatmap as a start-up news company run by seasoned professionals. The company lists its leadership and reporters on its masthead, and all have substantial credentials.

The story published two days ago indicates a lawsuit filed by the Tonawanda Seneca Nation may be influencing Plug Power's actions.

Environmental justice issues have also been a drag on development. The native Tonawanda Seneca Nation is opposed to the entire industrial park because of the resulting impacts on wildlife, noise and the visual landscape. In April, the Fish and Wildlife Service revoked a necessary permit for a wastewater treatment pipeline that would be used by companies at the park.

Earthjustice attorney Alex Page – who is working with the Nation to fight the project – told me the tribe was told last year by the Energy Department that Plug Power had withdrawn the New York site from its loan application. The Nation will continue to fight the project and DOE’s loan financing to Plug Power on the chance that money could be reprogrammed to the industrial park. Page said: “The Nation remains very, very much opposed.”

When Plug Power received its preliminary loan approval in May, The Batavian published this explainer about the project:

• Plug Power is a New York-based company with headquarters in Lathan. It is a "green hydrogen" company, which means it uses renewable energy sources to convert water into hydrogen fuel, which can be stored in fuel tanks and sold to power vehicles and factory equipment.  
• In its 20-year history, Plug Power has never turned a profit. It's annual revenue is currently about $800 million. In 2023, the company reported a $1.4 billion loss. 
• Plug Power is building a $290 million hydrogen energy plant in WNY STAMP, the GCEDC-developed high-tech business park in Alabama. The plant is expected to employ 69 people with an average annual salary of more than $70,000. In exchange for the job creation, the company is anticipating $2 million in grants from New York State. 
• The company received $118.2 million in sales and property tax exemptions from the Genesee County Economic Development Center. Over the 20-year life of the property tax extensions, Plug Power will make payments in lieu of taxes totaling $2.3 million annually, which will be shared by Genesee County, the Town of Alabama, and the Oakfield-Alabama School District.  Each jurisdiction will also receive an increasing amount of property tax payments each year over the life of the agreement.
• In March, the DOE awarded Plug Power grants totaling $75.7 million.
• The DOE loan, if finalized, is expected to help Plug Power complete the WNY STAMP plant, along with five others in the nation, which is reportedly critical to the company generating the hydrogen fuel sales necessary to start achieving profits.
• This phase of the loan guarantee process requires the DOE and Plug Power to negotiate a term sheet, which means "certain technical, legal, environmental and financial conditions, including negotiation of definitive financing documents, must be satisfied before funding of the loan guarantee" (company statement).

For previous coverage of Plug Power, click here.

Batavia High School's Class of 2025 was out in force in the community on Friday, helping to make a difference in the lives of community members and the organizations that serve them.

This was the 25th year BHS seniors participated in Make A Difference Day.

"Make A Difference Day is something we look forward to every year," said Superintendent Jason Smith. "It's amazing to see our seniors rolling up their sleeves and helping out all over our community. It shows our students that they can make a real difference right here at home, and it also gives them a sense of community pride and an appreciation for all the wonderful places that make Batavia special. It also sets a great example for our younger students to see these seniors pitching in. It's all about building a stronger community together and teaching our students that giving back isn't just important, it's rewarding too."

The organizations this year were:

• All Babies Cherished
• Batavia Cemeteries
• Batavia Community Garden
• Batavia Peace Garden
• City of Batavia Maintenance - starting at the bike trail on Route 33
• Crossroads House
• First United Methodist Church
• Genesee County Parks
• Genesee Co Youth Bureau
• Gen-Orleans Arts Council
• Holland Land Museum
• Main St. 56 Theatre
• Mercy Flight
• NYS School for the Blind
• Salvation Army
• The Manor House
• YMCA

On Thursday at Genesee Community College against Oakfield-Alabama Elba, the Alexander Trojans started hot and keep the heat through all four quarters of football for a 47-14 win.

The Trojans drove down the field with their opening possession, capping the drive with a TD run from Junior Kingston Woods from three yards out.  

A stout defense gave the Trojans their second possession soon after and Brody Heckman tossed a 12-yard TD pass to Duke Snyder. With a two-point conversion, Alexander led 14-0.

On its next possession, OAE put together a drive of its own to make the score 14-7, but Alexander answered with a 92-yard kickoff return by Kingston Woods.

Four minutes later, Damien Hale sprung loose and scored on a run up the middle from 17 yards out. Melissa Sawyer's kick was good, notching the score at 28-7 into the half.

In the third, Ryder Reichert scored from three yards out, extending the lead to 34-7.  

OAE put together another drive of its own, making it 34-14.

Early in the fourth Heckman, ran a keeper from nine yards out for a TD and Sawyer's kick was good 41-14.

Later in the fourth, Hale scored on a 35-yard run that included braking four tackles, wrapping up the scoring at 47-14.

7487 Fisher Road, Oakfield, New York 14125. Country hidden gem! One owner custom built home that was lovingly up-kept throughout the years and it shows! This ranch home has so much possibility for the new owners but can be immediately moved into as it is immaculate and freshly painted thruout and the hardwood floors shine! From walking into large breezeway entrance with parquet floors to the bright and homey large kitchen with plenty of cupboards and counter space you will be impressed with all the room thru out! The bedrooms are large with hardwood floors and closets and the oversized livingroom will make you just want to stay and relax! There are beautiful windows with gorgeous views and very pretty glass French doors to add to the charm. Downstairs adds an **ADDITIONAL almost 600 sq ft!** Clean and brite with cozy gas fireplace and walk out entrance to amazing back yard that boasts an **extra tax ID included with sale that adds an additional 7.4 acres and TWO barns!!**Taxes and assessment reflect both parcels Additionally there is central vac a tear off roof(2014) and charming Eternal Gas lite outside!! Come take a walk and enjoy all of this and more!!

24 Columbia Avenue, Batavia-City, New York 14020. Solid house for the money and ready to move in immediately! This home has been freshly painted, cleaned and all new carpeting thru out! There are two xtra large bedrooms upstairs and first floor bedroom if needed-currently has laundry hook ups should you prefer first floor laundry. Living room and kitchen are both very spacious! Many upgrades thru out the years including brand new water lines from road to house. INCLUDED with the home is 20 Columbia Ave -true building lot with garage that has new trusses, siding and metal roof-used as driveway to 24 Columbia and provides perfect opportunity for hobbyist or someone who needs to also park their RV or any other toys! There’s a lot of opportunity here for the money!! Easy to see!
Call Reliant Real Estate - 585-344-HOME (4663).

Press Release:

The 5th Annual Rotary Club of Batavia Trick or Trot fun run and walk will be held on Saturday, October 26.

Over 100 runners and walkers are expected to participate, according to Co-Chairman and Batavia Rotarian Jamie Mott. The event will begin and end at the Dewitt Park Recreation Area on Cedar St., in Batavia. 

Runners can begin to assemble in the Upper Pavilion at 3:30 p.m. and walk the course beforehand if they wish. 

“In keeping with the season, the route will travel through Batavia’s St. Joseph’s and Elmwood Cemeteries,” Mott said. “The course is 5km or 3.1 mi.”

The Rotary Club Trick or Trot was founded by Rotarian Douglas Forsyth as a family oriented fun event for persons of all ages. Forsyth encouraged participants to dress in Halloween costumes and not to be surprised by “spirits” that may jump into your path.

Registration for Trick or Trot is $25. Runners can sign-up on-line or the day of the event. Registration includes pizza after the race and water along the route. Swag bags will be given out as supplies last.

The Trick or Trot is one of many fundraising events held by the Batavia Rotary Club throughout the year. The local club supports dozens of Batavia area non-profit organizations, many involved with activities for young people. This year Batavia Rotary awarded over $20,000 in Community Grants. 

The club is also sponsoring a collection of household items to benefit Eagle Star Housing in Pembroke providing safe and comfortable housing for veterans. Donations can be made at the race or dropped off at Lawley Insurance at 20 Jefferson Ave. in Batavia.

Items needed by Eagle Star include:

• New standard size pillows
• Winter Hats
• Gloves
• 13-gallon garbage bags
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• New pillows
• New Twin- & Full-size sheet sets
• New bath towels and wash cloths

Press release:

The “scene” is set for UConnectCare’s Prevention Department to “direct” local school and community projects during this month’s Red Ribbon Week, which is draping itself in the theme, “Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free.”

Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s largest and longest-running drug-use prevention campaign, will take place from Oct. 23-31. The observance has touched the lives of millions of people around the world since its inception nearly 40 years ago.

This year's theme, “Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free," encourages everyone to contribute to creating safe, healthy, and drug-free communities,” said Sheila Harding, UConnectCare assistant director of Prevention. “It highlights the significant impact that healthcare professionals, educators, parents, and others can have through their dedication and commitment.”

The campaign was started as a response to the 1985 murder of Drug Enforcement Agency Agent Enrique Camarena in Mexico by members of the Guadalajara drug cartel.

Angered by this terrible act, parents and youths in communities across the United States began wearing red ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs.

Today, Red Ribbon Week, which is sponsored by the National Family Partnership, serves to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.

UConnectCare Prevention educators reported that numerous schools in Genesee and Orleans counties have scheduled Red Ribbon Week activities. Furthermore, red ribbons are being placed in the City of Batavia and the cupola at the Old Courthouse will be lit up in red during that week.

“We invite you to celebrate not just this week, but to embrace healthy choices throughout the year and inspire those around you to do the same,” Harding said.

For more information about Red Ribbon Week and the substance use prevention efforts at UConnectCare, contact Harding at sharding@uconnectcare.org.

While a wine bar and waste disposal company may seem as opposite as you can get for entrepreneurial pursuits, they each have qualified for a $20,000 Revolving Loan Fund grant and city leaders' encouragement as worthwhile endeavors in the city of Batavia.

City Council approved the grant requests from Jon Waggoner of Waggoner Holdings for building improvements at 41 Jackson St., which will be home to Shush Wine Bar, LLC, and to Jean Lucas of Enercon Systems Inc., doing business as Eco Waste Solutions at 109 Cedar St.

Eco Waste Solutions is a government contractor that converts waste to energy, especially in remote job locations where sewer systems and waste removal do not exist, City Manager Rachael Tabelski said during Monday’s council meeting at City Hall. 

“Rather than burning waste or burying waste or disposing of it in other ways, they have advanced technology used by the military, natural resource companies and remote communities,” Tabelski said. “They have purchased a building on Cedar Street and would like to do exterior renovations. And I believe, Tammy, correct me if I'm wrong, this location is the U.S. headquarters for research, development, manufacturing and assembly.”

Batavia Development Corporation Director Tammy Hathaway revised that to say manufacturing is “actually done in Ohio,” and assembly is performed on Cedar Street. It’s a Canadian company with a CEO who lives in Hamilton.

“It's a very interesting story. The CEO was actually traveling with her and her husband with their muscle car to a car show in Syracuse. They stopped here in the City Centre when I was going to have lunch and fell in love with Batavia, so they drove around. This was two years ago when they found the site was released on Cedar Street; it was the old Verizon building. And a year later, started the motions to purchase the building,” Hathaway said. “They do have a contract with the Department of Defense, and the incinerators are used — soldiers cannot, but they have to dispose of their trash when they're deployed overseas. They were using jet fuel and it was giving a burn lung syndrome, and so this eliminates that.

“They're very interesting units to see. It's like the back of a box truck, a small delivery truck. They assemble into three components. You can put a tire on one side that comes out clean air on the other,” she said. “They also use it in expeditions. They have smaller units for expeditions, the Andes and different places, so that there's no trash (left behind).”

The company project is for $65,000 of renovations, Tabelski said, and CEO Jean Lucas requested a $20,000 from the city’s Revolving Loan Fund. The BDC reviewed and approved the request, which was now before council for a vote.

“I’d like to also add that this is a two-part project. This is for the exterior renovations,” Hathaway said. “They will have a project that will be for interior renovations as well that they will not apply for funding for.”

City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. added a point about the fund’s origins.

“I think that's the original intent of it, was to improve the outward appearance of various businesses and the storefronts,” he said, encouraging any council questions.

Councilman Bob Bialkowski asked if any of the manufacturing would be done on the premises, and Hathaway said that’s all done in Ohio. There are “research technicians and engineers; they’re putting it all together” here in Batavia, she said.

“There’s a lot of components on the inside,” Hathaway said, as Tabelski added, “and so higher-end jobs and more of the R&D high-end assembly; it’s here.”

The current staff is 10 to 12 people, and “they probably don’t really expect to have many more than that,” Hathaway said. One unit will be assembled on the inside of the building and tested outside at the rear, per the space available, she said, and to ensure that “everything is done absolutely to perfection.”

A key piece to an outside company being located here is that it has used local contractors since the beginning of the lease, she said.

“Anyone that they needed for fabricating, an electrician, they used all locals,” she said. “At one point, the CEO had logged 28 local companies from the city of Batavia and the surrounding area.”

The Batavian first wrote about Eco Waste Solutions being located at Cedar Street in August 2023 after speaking with an employee at the site and it soon after was awarded a $100,000 Empire State Development grant and $180,000 in excelsior jobs tax credits to manufacture its waste disposal systems as part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s $27 million financial package.

The other project would also require an investment of $65,000 but is “a little bit different,” Hathaway said, in that it would involve more interior renovation, including a “rearrangement of where the kitchen was” at 41 Jackson St., which is the older, longtime Salvania’s Restaurant and the more recent Gilliana’s Diner. 

The building has “received about a quarter of a million dollars of private investment thus far,” Tabelski said, and property owner Jon Waggoner of Waggoner Holdings has requested the $20,000 from the Revolving Loan Fund. 

The renovations are in preparation for Shush Wine Bar LLC to move in and open by early next year, business manager Rob Credi said during a previous interview with The Batavian. 

City Council approved both grants during a business meeting that followed.

It was senior night at Pembroke's Boys Soccer game on Wednesday, with members of the Class of 2025 on the team honored in a pre-game ceremony.

On the field, the Dragons came up short, losing to Newfane 2-0.

Photos by Kristin Smith.

Although a recent meeting between VJ Gautieri Constructors Inc. and tenant John Hedlund, the franchisee of Save-A-Lot at 45-47 Ellicott St., had no definitive outcome, Vito Gautieri says the store is apparently closing as of Saturday, per a crudely written sign on the downtown Batavia door.

In speaking with Save-A-Lot corporate, it seems that company leaders would like to keep a presence in Batavia, Gautieri said. He is hopeful that his company can find another franchisee to fill the 18,000-square-foot space.

It’s not the first time for the real estate developer to come through for downtown city dwellers, as Gautieri worked to fill gaps left first by Jubilee and then Latina’s, to then fill the void with Save-A-Lot in August 2011. 

When Save-A-Lot opened 13 years ago, Hedlund owned four grocery stores with business partner Bill Larson in Pennsylvania and New York. 

In 2021, Hedlund opted to extend his Batavia lease and make some major renovations — about $300,000 worth — when Victor Gautieri, president of VJ Gautieri Constructors, began the extensive project of adding market-rate apartments to an upper floor of the building. 

Vito Gautieri is hopeful that another grocery store, ideally Save-A-Lot, will want to move into that corner spot at Jackson and Ellicott streets.

Press Release:

Senator George Borrello has introduced legislation to establish the Green Energy Anti-Corruption Act, which authorizes local municipalities to have the final say on whether a renewable energy power plant can be sited in their jurisdiction.

“This legislation is designed to ensure that renewable energy projects are developed with responsibility, transparency, and adherence to local and state regulations, thereby fostering public trust and promoting sustainable development,” said Senator Borrello.

Under this bill, project applications that do not comply with local laws will be denied, empowering municipalities to enforce their regulations and retain control over developments within their jurisdictions. Additionally, the bill prohibits compensation or host agreements with local officials and their immediate family members, while requiring recusal from votes related to any compensation received. 

The legislation specifies that all host agreements and land contracts must be publicly accessible, enhancing transparency and enabling public oversight in order to deter unethical practices. 

“It’s important that taxpayers have full access to all relevant documents related to projects since virtually all these projects involve taxpayer subsidies. All contracts and agreements should be public,” said Senator Borrello.

The bill clarifies that for major renewable energy facilities, municipalities can impose various requirements for development and operation, which requires them to hire independent attorneys for agreement reviews. This requirement ensures unbiased legal counsel and addresses local concerns by promoting better integration with community standards. 

“Frequently, wind and solar companies supply their own attorneys to negotiate agreements with municipalities. This often results in deals that favor the developers over the municipalities,” said Senator Borrello.

An important provision states that landowners will no longer be required to relinquish mineral rights when signing host agreements.

“We need to protect landowners’ control over their resources and prevent exploitation by renewable energy developers,” said Senator Borrello. “Developers will sometimes sell their projects, and the new owners might decide to extract minerals or drill for gas and oil, keeping all the profits. This occurs because the landowner had to give up their mineral rights to the previous owner for the initial project. However, there’s no reason why hosting a wind turbine or solar panel installation should require landowners to relinquish their mineral rights.”

Lastly, under this new bill, clear boundaries are established for renewable energy solicitors. This is to prevent impersonation of law enforcement or government officials and to curb abusive communication practices. Violations of these boundaries will be classified as misdemeanors, with penalties aimed at deterring such behavior.

“Overall, this bill is vital for ensuring responsible development of renewable energy projects, protecting local governance, and fostering an environment of trust and accountability within communities,” Senator Borrello concluded.

Press Release:

At the recent meeting of Genesee County Pomona Grange, FFA Chapter advisors and officers from area schools in Genesee County were present. Each presented the program offered in their respective school district.

Jeff Parnapy teaches Agriculture and Home Economics at Byron-Bergen. Forty-five students are members of the High School FFA Chapter. Many of the students will be competing at the upcoming National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN late October. 

The Ag Mechanics Team placed first in NYS, the Poultry Evaluation Team placed second in NYS and sixth place at the Big E, the Horticulture/Vegetable ID Team placed first in NYS, and Taylor Lundfelt placed sixth in the Individual category. Byron-Bergen will be well represented at the National competition. The Columbus Day Apple Cider Sale, the Spring Strawberry Sale, and the Career Speaking Contest are annual events at Byron-Bergen. 

Tracey Dahlhaus is in her sixth year at Elba teaching Agriculture to Middle & HS students. Fifty students belong to the FFA chapter. Elementary Ag classes are taught by the STEM teacher. Two years ago, Elba’s Dairy Judging Team competed at National. This year Maggie Winspear will compete in the National Prepared Speech competition as the NYS first place winner. Her topic was researched and her speech on “Reintroducing Whole Milk into the School Lunch Program” was presented to those present. Elba students participate in the Ag Explore Program each year. Bing Zuber and Maggie Winspear represented the Elba chapter. 

Todd Hofheins, Agriculture teacher and FFA Oakfield-Alabama advisor attended with students, Eli Williams & Amora Mabon to talk about their program. A very busy chapter at Oakfield-Alabama has seen its membership double to 100 students. There is a barn on the school property that houses steers and pigs, cared for by the students. Last year, 1,200 students attended Glow with Your
Hands to see O-A students present the NYS Maple Program. This past summer, the Welding Contest was held at the Genesee County Fair under the leadership of Todd Hofheins and his Oakfield-Alabama chapter. A second Agriculture teacher has joined Oakfield-Alabama this year, teaching Grades 6-8.

Pavilion FFA will share its program on November 4 at its monthly Board of Education meeting. Kylie DeBerardinis is the Pavilion FFA advisor. 

Each of the chapters received a $600 check from Genesee County Pomona Grange to further their program. We are certainly PROUD of these FUTURE FARMERS and wish them well at the 2024 National FFA Convention.

If interested in joining FFA, contact your school advisor or officers. If interested in joining the Grange, contact Joan Phelps at 585-762-8503.

Press Release:

Genesee Valley BOCES (GV BOCES) is excited to announce two upcoming Fall Open Houses designed to welcome students, families, and community members to explore the variety of career and technical programs available. These events will be held at Batavia and Mt. Morris campuses, providing an opportunity for future students to learn more about career pathways and for current students to showcase their work.

Batavia Campus Open House

• Date: Wednesday, October 23
• Time: 5 to 7 p.m.
• Location: 8250 State Street Road, Batavia

Programs Featured: Career & Technical Education, ITP, Alternative Education, Transitions, WEST, and other future student opportunities.

At the Batavia campus, families will have the opportunity to visit classrooms, meet instructors, and explore the hands-on learning environments offered through GV BOCES' diverse programs. Career and Technical Education (CTE) students will also be able to connect with industry representatives and learn about the pathways available in trades and technical careers.

Mt. Morris Campus Open House

• Date: Thursday, October 24
• Time: 5 to 7 p.m.
• Location: 27 Lackawanna Ave., Mt. Morris

Programs Featured: Career & Technical Education, ITP, and Alternative Education 

The Health Careers and Sports Science programs will be located at the GCC Dansville Campus – 31 Clara Barton St., Dansville

• Health Careers Academy – Room 115
• Sports Science Academy – Room 114

Other off-campus programs will also be featured, with separate locations highlighted below:

• Diesel Mechanics Program – 28 Mill St., Mt. Morris (off-campus)
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program – 3360 Gypsy Lane, Mt. Morris (off-campus)

Both the Diesel Mechanics and EMS programs are located off-campus at their respective addresses, providing hands-on learning in real-world environments. Visitors are encouraged to stop by these off-site locations to see the specialized equipment and training available in each program.

At the Mt. Morris campus, families and prospective students will have the opportunity to explore different programs on the Academy and CTE side.Each of these programs will offer students valuable insights into potential career paths and educational opportunities that prepare them for success in skilled trades, healthcare, emergency services, and beyond.

Come Join Us! GV BOCES encourages all parents, guardians, and prospective students to attend these informative open houses. Whether you are interested in exploring a career in health, technology, mechanical trades, or emergency services, these events provide an excellent opportunity to see the resources and opportunities available through Genesee Valley BOCES.

James Pontillo, owner of the former Odd Fellows Hall in Stafford, apparently has the funds to put siding on the building and bring it up to fire code, according to information shared in Genesee County Supreme Court on Thursday morning.

The questions, according attorney David Roach, representing the Town of Stafford, is exactly whether Pontillo is planning to leave the building vacant and whether that is permissible under the town's building code.

Roach wants to consult with the architect who provided the parties in the case with a scope of work and budget. Roach said that Matthew Hume has provided two letters that seem to indicate that Hume's scope of work contemplates curing only those code violations applicable to a vacant building.

In order to clarify whether that's an acceptable offer from Pontillo, Roach said he needs to talk with Hume and determine whether that is actually what is being proposed, and if it is, is that legal? 

The total cost is expected to be about $55,000, with the cost of new siding estimated at $45,000.  Roach told Judge Diane Devlin after a recess that he reviewed financial statements on a mobile device provided by Pontillo that indicated he has $55,000 in cash available for the project.

The case is continued until Nov. 7 to give Roach time to research the issues related to the proposal.

During a discussion of the case, Attorney Chad Hummel, representing Pontillo, told Devlin that Hume engaged in the case even before he was hired by Pontillo and that the town had previously received a letter stating he would need six months to draw up plans for restoration of the building.

Roach quibbled with that representation, saying that the town wasn't asking for completed plans; rather, the town requested a scope of work, cost estimate, and schedule for completion.

Outside of court, The Batavian attempted to interview Pontillo with his attorney present and Hummell asked The Batavian to submit questions via email, promising a speedy response. Among The Batavian's questions is whether it is Pontillo's intention to leave the building vacant. The Batavian had not received a response by time of publication.

UPDATE 5:30 p.m.: Hummell responded for Pontillo. We asked Pontillo if he planned to leave the building vacant, and Hummell said, "We plan to follow the current Court Order, which requires us to get the building in full compliance with the NYS Uniform Fire Prevention Code.  We will develop further plans, if appropriate, after this stage."

We asked if leaving vacant was fair to the community, Hummell said, "With all due respect, the Pontillo's financial and other personal investments in this property are not for the community.  It will be fair however to allow them the time and space to get the building in full fire code compliance."

We noted that the building seems to be in worse condition now than when he acquired it so what assurances can Pontillo give the community that it once again becomes a building the community can take pride in, and Hummell wrote back, "That may be your opinion? The architect's current report and the engineer's report (hired by the Town) from back in 2016 clearly state otherwise."

He also said, "This matter is not about pride.  It is about the right to own property free from harassment.  Again, our current aim is to get the building into full code compliance, and we will."

We asked that while Pontillo showed he has the $55,000 available, would spending that potentially deplete his funds, and so could he really afford it, Hummell said, "Yes, and we supplied the proof.  If we could not afford it, how could we 'return it to a building the community can take pride in'?'

In a continuing effort to put more time and distance between the Advanced Clean Trucks Rule coming to fruition here in Genesee County and in New York State, Public Works Commissioner Tim Hens asked members of the Legislature to send a resolution listing the issues for Gov. Kathy Hochul’s consideration.

Hens said the Advanced Clean Trucks Rule (ACT), a measure that originated in California, while noble in its effort to combat climate change, hasn't addressed issues such as what winter-laden Western New Yorkers must deal with.

“Our state association for county highway superintendents has asked commissioners and superintendents across the state to basically ask their legislature or board of supervisors to pass resolutions more or less, seeing there's going to be major impacts with the new advanced clean trucks across the state, especially relative to emergency vehicles and snow plows having to be electrified,” he said during the Public Service meeting. “So this resolution goes through all the things that we talked about previously in my department, update the cost of the vehicles, being able to charge them, the number of vehicles we'd have to have, the inability of the cost, and the inability to get any revenue when you sell them because of the battery life. 

“There's a whole litany of things that have yet to be figured out to make this new act something that's even tenable and capable for towns and counties to react to throughout the state,” he said. “So, it's really a utopian pipe dream that at this point in time, with the technology we have in place, cannot even come close to half.”

The bottom line is that battery technology does not exist to make a heavy-duty fleet — such as municipal snow plows — anywhere near as effective as the current diesel fleet, he said. 

“To fight a snowstorm, we would need three times as many trucks, a facility that can house and charge these trucks, and enough power in the grid to make charging a possibility,” he said. “The trucks are twice as expensive, 20,000 pounds heavier, have only a 10-year life, and no resale as the cost of new batteries will exceed the cost of the truck,” Hens said. “None of it makes sense. We’re hopeful that if enough counties and towns in New York make some noise, that maybe the lawmakers in Albany will understand that electrification in this instance doesn’t work.”

Legislator Gary Maha wondered why this Act was modeled after a state out west in the first place.

“I can't understand why New York State has adopted anything out of California State,” he said. “How ridiculous it is? Did they take into consideration that California's a different area than New York State? They don't get the snow or freezing rain and ice or anything else.”

Northern California does have mountains with colder temps, Hens said, though he isn’t certain how those areas are complying with the regulations.

“It’s just crazy. It’s to the point where truck manufacturers are talking about not selling vehicles in New York. And there’s large trucking companies … they’re talking about registering all their vehicles in other states, buying them all in other states, and then just operating them in New York with out-of-state plates, so it’s just crazy.”

The resolution states:

WHEREAS, in 2019, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) was signed into law to require New York to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and no less than 85 percent by 2050 from 1990 levels, and

WHEREAS, the CLCPA directs the development of performance-based standards for sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions including for the transportation sector by reducing GHG emissions from motor vehicles, and

 WHEREAS, New York State adopted California's Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) Rule in December 2021 that requires applicable medium and heavy-duty (M/HD) vehicle manufacturers to sell a percentage of their total sales in New York as zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) starting in model year 2025 with increasing ZEV sales through model year 2035, and

WHEREAS, the cost of transitioning the state and local highway departments’ utility and construction vehicles, snowplows and equipment to run on battery power as mandated by ACT and other state strategies is at this juncture incalculable, but expected to exceed the ability to be financed without substantial sources of new revenues directed strictly for the retrofit or procurement of such ZEVs and equipment, and

WHEREAS, as commercial production of M/HD large-scale, electric construction vehicles is today a nascent industry, the ability of local highway departments to plan for this transition, with its concomitant mandates that fuel and electricity charging sources be carbon-free, is of tremendous concern considering that the transportation system at all levels of New York government is significantly underfunded, and

WHEREAS, while ACT regulations do not require M/HD fleets, owners, operators, or dealerships to purchase ZEVs, the sales mandates on vehicle manufacturers are expected to lead to shortages in supply of not only complying electric vehicles but of traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles as well, and

WHEREAS, alarmingly, some M/HD vehicle dealerships have notified highway departments that, due to manufacturers’ need to plan for the sales mandates adopted by New York and some other states, many orders for trucks are being delayed or canceled, and

WHEREAS, notably, Maine, North Carolina and Connecticut among other states recently stepped back from adopting ACT regulations citing concerns over the availability of heavy-duty vehicle charging stations and the high cost of zero-emission trucks, and

WHEREAS, in July 2024, the New York State Comptroller released an audit on the State’s progress in meeting Climate Act goals and noted several deficiencies including the need to increase communication with stakeholders and provide more accurate cost estimates. The audit goes on to add that the lack of cost estimates jeopardizes the chances of success in meeting climate goals. The comptroller urges the state to clarify for key stakeholders, especially energy ratepayers, the extent to which ratepayers will be responsible for Climate Act implementation costs, and

WHEREAS, New York’s climate goals must be implemented in a way that is affordable while assuring adequate supplies of these specialized vehicles and functional highway construction equipment that meet state specifications, estimated to increase the cost of a new truck by about one-third, and

WHEREAS, the rush to introduce electric vehicles in New York can be counterproductive to the environment as the bulk of the power generation used to charge new vehicle batteries is produced by fossil fuels, and is a reason to move more slowly to sync with the pace of the transition to a zero-emission electric grid by 2040, and

WHEREAS, recognizing these potential impacts on the ability of local governments to continue to deliver necessary transportation services and facilities to the traveling public it is vital that state elected representatives and agencies assist county highway departments in developing strategies, funding sources and realistic timelines for achieving these aggressive GHG emissions reduction goals in the face of market and fiscal barriers to the transition, and

WHEREAS, all levels of government need to work together throughout the regulatory process to assure strategies and mandates put in place to meet the CLCPA goals for the transportation sector are realistic and achievable and will benefit the environment. Now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that Genesee County of New York State calls on the Governor, the NYS Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), NYSERDA, PSC, Commissioners and legislative leaders to commit to providing support for addressing these concerns in the regulatory and implementation process and to dedicate the funding necessary to fully cover the counties’ costs of complying with the state mandates under the CLCPA, Be it further

RESOLVED, that the Governor consider a pause or suspension of the implementation of ACT until there is strong evidence that the state has in place the necessary direct financial assistance and incentives and charging infrastructure necessary, and can definitively determine that vehicle manufacturers are prepared to effectively supply the New York market without disruption to the critical work needed to maintain the state’s vast and aging infrastructure, Be it Further

RESOLVED, that the state recognize that highway construction, maintenance vehicles, and equipment are critical to governments’ mission to maintain a safe and functional transportation system by designating these municipally owned vehicle and equipment as a category among “transit buses, motor coaches, and emergency vehicles,” and thus exempt from ACT regulation, Be it further

RESOLVED, that Genesee County shall forward copies of this resolution to Governor Kathy Hochul, the New York State Legislature; and the commissioners of NYSDOT, NYSDEC, NYSERDA, PSC and all others deemed necessary and proper.

Hens is not sure about the overall long-term effects of these more recent appeals from organizations and politicians to slow or halt the Act’s progress. 

“But in the short term, it seems we’ve gotten some response, as NYS Department of Environmental Conservation has reached out to municipalities and stated they will not enforce the new truck rules for emergency equipment for two years,” he said. “This is a start but a long way from full relief.”

Legislators agreed to sign and send the resolution to Albany.

For previous article about what the Clean Truck Act could mean for municipalities, go to Looming ev truck regulations to bring financial, logistical concerns

Matt Landers wasn’t quite ready to go on record with an official comment about a nearly $15 million settlement of two opioid-related lawsuits, but both cases will mean some money for Genesee County, he said.

Landers was hesitant to count those proverbial chickens before finding out exactly how much the county would be receiving as part of a national class action lawsuit against each, the national Big Box retailer Target and Henry Schein, a worldwide distributor of medical and dental supplies, including vaccines, pharmaceuticals, financial services and equipment. 

During Wednesday’s Ways & Means Committee meeting, county Attorney Mark Boylan briefed the group that both cases had been settled and that the county would receive a portion of the $900,000 settlement from Henry Schein and $14 million from Target.

“So this was part of the class action suit. I think every county in New York State is involved, as well as municipalities, towns, and villages,” Boylan told The Batavian, answering about a potential timeline for payment. “I would expect all the agreements have to be executed by all the municipalities before those wheels start to turn and checks are issued, so I would say probably in the next six or eight months.”

Genesee County is one of 62 counties in New York State likely to be sharing in that pot of $14,900,000.

The lawsuit alleged several causes of action against distribution defendants Target and Henry Schein based on claims that each company contributed to the opioid epidemic by failing to comply with their obligations under the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the New York Controlled Substance Act in order to implement adequate measures to prevent diversion of the prescription opioids that they distributed to pharmacies, all of which contributed to a public health crisis in the County of Genesee.

Lazavia M. Price, 25, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful imprisonment 1st, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, strangulation 2nd, menacing 2nd, and assault 3rd. Price is accused of fighting with another person on Oct. 4. He allegedly strangled the other person and threatened him with a knife. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed.

Supreme R. Hines, no age nor address provided, is charged with tampering with physical evidence, attempted grand larceny 4th, criminal possession of stolen property 5th, obstructing governmental administration 2nd, unlawful fleeing of a police officer in a motor vehicle 3rd, and conspiracy 6th. Eric L. Ball, Jr., is charged with tampering with physical evidence, attempted grand larceny 4th, criminal possession of stolen property 5th, obstructing governmental administration, and conspiracy 6th. Hines and Ball are accused of attempting to steal a large amount of merchandise from Dick's Sporting Goods at 4:21 p.m. on Oct. 15. Hines was allegedly the driver of a Honda Accord that fled from the scene. Three deputies responded and spotted a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle and attempted a traffic stop at Oak Street and Park Road. The deputies pursued the Honda Accord onto the Thruway. During the pursuit, the suspects allegedly started discarding stolen property.  The vehicle was eventually stopped by the combined efforts of deputies, troopers and officers with Le Roy PD on the I-490 in Le Roy. Hines was held for arraignment and Ball was issued an appearance ticket.

Jason Matthew Wood, 37, of Freeman Road, Byron, was arrested as a fugitive from another state on Oct. 11. The arrest warrant was issued by the Adams County Sheriff's Office in Colorado. Wood was wanted on two counts of sexual assault on a child, sexual assault on a child pattern of abuse, and two counts of sexual assault on a child from a position of trust. While deputies were at Wood's address, they noticed him pass the location on an eclectic bike. They were able to catch up with Wood and take him into custody without incident.  He was jailed pending extradition to Colorado.

Raymond A. Amaro, 38, no street address, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd and criminal mischief 4th. Amaro is accused of entering a dwelling unlawfully at 5:40 p.m. on Oct. 6 on West Main Street Road, Batavia, and of damaging the property of another person. He was held pending arriagnment.

Phillip P. Heale, 46, of Batavia, and Jessica D. Delcour, 41, of Batavia, are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and two counts of criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd. Heale and Declour were allegedly found in possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia during a home probation search on Oct. 7. They were reached and issued appearance tickets.

Dean D. Root, 43, of Le Roy, was arrested on Oct. 8 on a warrant. The warrant was issued for Root when he allegedly failed to appear in court after being issued a misdemeanor traffic ticket. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Hillary D. Russell, 31, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Russell is accused of shoplifting at Save-A-Lot in Batavia on Sept. 30. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Trace G. Brewer, 24, of Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration 2nd and resisting arrest. Members of the Batavia Police NET Unit spotted Brewer on Watson Street on Oct. 4 and attempted to arrest him on an outstanding warrant. Brewer allegedly ran from officers but was eventually taken into custody. He was arraigned and released.

Terrance H. Riley, 36, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and endangering the welfare of a child. Riley is accused of fighting with another person in the presence of three children on Oct. 1. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Trevor N. Christman, 34, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on Oct. 4. Christman allegedly failed to appear in court after being issued an appearance ticket for a misdemeanor crime. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Morgan A. Schoonmaker, 28, of Perry, was arrested on Oct. 3 on a warrant. Schoonmaker allegedly failed to appear in court on a misdemeanor traffic ticket. She was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail. 

Booker T. Ricks, 53, of Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd. Ricks is accused of punching another person several times on Sept. 28 causing injury. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Kevin Allan Knickerbocker, 53, of West Main Street, Byron, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd.  Knickerbocker is accused of violating an order of protection at 3:32 a.m. on Oct. 12 at a location in Byron by placing the protect party in fear for his or her safety. Knickerbocker was issued an appearance ticket.