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As part of the Le Roy School Central School District's strategic plan, cultural awareness and what it means to be a good citizen will be a greater focus in the coming year.

Superintendent Merritt Holly briefed the Board of Education on the process to define those terms and goals before the district's retreat on Aug. 6.

"I guarantee I'm gonna get seven, I hope I do get seven different definitions from you of what it means to you and how it applies to both of our buildings," Holley said. " I'm going to have you look at it as a district-wide setup of what cultural awareness means to you. ... The other part I'm going to have you define is what it means to be a successful citizen?"

He's asking other district administrators to provide their definitions as well.  

The results will be shared with the instructional team and they will start take a look, he said, at getting some idea of a definition. 

Other stakeholders, he said, will also be asked for input.

"We're trying to alleviate the craziness of the Aug. 6 retreat and really get some things (in place) ahead of time so we can have good dialogue and conversation," Holly said.

Once the initiative is in place, Holly told the board, he will report back during the year on the progress the district is making in these areas.

The questions will be sent to board members in a Google doc, along with other topics of conversation related to the district's mission statement and vision statement.

"We should get in the routine here now and understand what our mission statement and what our vision statement is, what are the goals inside of those mission and vision statements," Holly said. "Then most importantly, what you're going to hear ad nauseam throughout this year, and it's a point of emphasis for us, is our graduation outcomes."

That includes ensuring students are ready for college or careers after receiving a diploma. 

"Things like accountability, responsibility, effective communicators, community minded critical thinkers, able to persevere, able to embrace diversity," Holly said. "So those are the things you're going to hear from us throughout the year."

The key takeaway from Le Roy High School Regents Exams results is that the pass rate is pretty consistent, Principal David Russell reported to the Board of Education on Tuesday.

Recent pass rate:

• 23-24, 88%
• 22-23, 82%
• 21-23, 88%
• 20-21, 79%
• 19-20, no test due to pandemic
• 18-19, 93%

Naturally, Russell said he would like to see better results.

"As a building principal, you're always going to want to strive for 100 over 100," Russell said. "I think if any principal would come in here and say otherwise, you've questioned their motivation, right? I think what I would say is, looking at this, I think it's encouraging to see passing grades staying consistent. I think one thing that we can focus on with this data is working with our department chairs next year to say, 'All right, what can we do? We have some students who scored 63 and 64. How can we support those students getting to passing?"

Russell, of course, would also like to improve the percentage of students achieving mastery grades.

"I would say that the overall goal would be to try and focus on mastery, right?" Russell said. "We can keep pushing our students to get better, and not just being complacent, looking at passing. There's always going to be room that we're striving for the highest bar that we can attain."

• 23-24, 26%
• 22-23, 28%
• 21-23, 32%
• 20-21, 31%
• 19-20, no test due to pandemic
• 18-19, 39%

Not all districts in the county have posted the Regent results yet so Russell said he can't yet offer comparables with other districts.

Jackie Whiting, who has served on the Le Roy Central School District Board of Education since 2011, was elected to another term as president of the board at the board's reorganization meeting on Tuesday.

At the start of the meeting, all school board members, Superintendent Merritt Holley, and Clerk Lori Wrobel took their oaths of office.

The 2024-25 board and their terms of office:

• Jacalyn Whiting, president, 2011-2026
• Denise Duthe, vice president, 2023-2026
• Christine Dowell, trustee, 2019-2024
• Peter Loftus, trustee, 2016-2025
• Rachael Greene, trustee, 2022-2025
• Jason Karcher, trustee, 2022-2024
• William MacKenzie, trustee, 2018-2024

A tornado warning has been issued for Batavia, Byron, Oakfield, Stafford, Bergen, Corfu, Elba, and Alexander.

The warning is in effect until 2 p.m. Wednesday.

A tornado was reported on Wednesday near Attica and moving northeast at 30 mph.

Weather sports reported the tornado.

UPDATE 1:50 p.m.: A tornado reportedly touched down at Route 77 and Route 5 in Pembroke.  So far, no damage has been reported.  If you have photos or video, please send to howard@thebatavian.com or text 585-260-6970.

Press release:

The Batavia Concert Band will be at GCC at 7 p.m. on Wednesday due to current and forecasted weather conditions.  Please join us in the dry and warm indoors at the Stuart Steiner Theatre at GCC to hear some fantastic music led by Perry CSD Music Teacher and Concert Band guest conductor Dillon Hirsch. 

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for all of Western New York, including Genesee County.

The watch is in effect until 9 p.m. Wednesday

UPDATE 1:20 p.m.: There is a warning in place now until 1:45 p.m. for Darien and Pembroke. At 1:11 p.m., a tornado was reported in Billington Heights and over East Aurora, moving northeast at 40 mph. The weather service warns, "Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely."

Previously: Weather services warns of heavy rain, thunderstorms, elevated risk of tornadoes

Press Release:

Something for everyone is promised for those who gather at Veterans Memorial Park on Main Street in the Village of Elba. The event, Music in the Park, will take place on Saturday, July 13, and serves as a scholarship fundraiser.

The event will take place from 3-7 p.m. where there will be a bounce house and face painting for the little ones, as well as a Chinese Auction, 50-50 raffles, food trucks, and live music for all to enjoy. The music will be provided by several of the local favorite bands including GumShoe, Savage Cabbage, and The Royal Halls.

The event is sponsored by the Jared Lee Diehl Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc. which has been established to benefit local high school students with a scholarship award, to promote an interest in music and to encourage respect and compassion for one another.

Jared Lee Diehl tragically passed away before his 34th birthday in 2023. He will always be remembered for his contagious smile and positive, welcoming personality.

Press Release:

Effective July 9, the official internet domain for Genesee County will change from co.genesee.ny.us to geneseeny.gov. This transition aligns with State legislation requiring counties to utilize .gov domains for their official network presence prior to August 1.

This change reflects the County’s dedication to safeguarding public data. A .gov domain ensures that the public can easily identify official Genesee County government information. 

While the County has officially moved to geneseeny.gov, there are areas where co.genesee.ny.us will still exist. These web locations will be eliminated over time but remain in place to ensure a smooth browsing experience for County website users.

In addition, Genesee County email addresses have also been updated to @geneseeny.gov. Emails sent to @co.genesee.ny.us addresses will be automatically redirected to the new @geneseeny.gov inboxes.

Press Release:

The Elba Onion Queen Crowning ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 18 at the Elba Veteran’s Park. This will take place during the Elba Betterment Committee’s Concert in the Park. The band, It’s My Party will begin at 6:30 p.m. 

The six Onion Queen contestants this year include: 

Jillian Brewer

Hello, my name is Jillian, and I am the daughter of Richard and Joy Brewer. I am 17 years old and will be a senior this year at Elba Central School. My family has been in Elba for many generations. I live on the family's dairy farm, Post Dairy Farm, LLC here in Elba. I participate in many activities in and out of school, including 4-H, FFA, New York Jr. Holstein Association, Cornell Junior Dairy leaders, National Honor Society, volleyball, indoor and outdoor track, and Yearbook Club. After high school my future plans are attending an agriculture school and focusing on agriculture science with a concentration in horticulture. I am very excited to run for Onion Queen because it is a long-standing tradition in Elba. It is a great opportunity that allows me to get deeper into the community and really listen and advocate for them. I really hope to gain more knowledge and experience with people in our community. 

Aerianna Cintorino 

Aerianna lives with parents Michael and Suzanne Cintorino and her two brothers, Jaxon and Evan. She is involved in Volleyball and Gold. She has also participated in Drama Club, Envirothon, Page Turners, Masterminds, Scholastic Bowl and is in the Senior National Honor Society.

 

Sadee Dillon

Sadee will be a Senior at Elba Central School. Her parents are Heather and Michael Dillon. She is active in the school’s music and arts programs, mainly Drama Club and high-school band. She also plays varsity volleyball and is a thrower on the OAE track and field team in the spring. Sadee is President of her class, Drama Club, and Pride and Allies. She also holds the title of Section Leader in her high school band. Sadee wants to be Onion Queen because Elba is her home and where she has all of her best memories and best people. She wants to go the extra step to show the town how much she cares and how much she is willing to do for their community. 

Alexa Ocampo 

Hi! My name is Alexa, I am 16 years old and the daughter of Alejandro and Esmeralda Ocampo. I participate in two sports, volleyball and tennis. I am a member of the Multicultural Club as well as the National Honor Society. I enjoy traveling with my family, playing volleyball with my friends and shopping. 

Sydney Reilly 

My name is Sydney, and I am the oldest of two and the daughter of Todd and Deb Reilly. I am involved in volley and basketball. I am in the National Honor Society, Student Athletic Association and Principal Cabinet. I have been a class office since freshman year and will be their Vice President for Senior year. I have been involved with 4-H Beef Club for nine years. I enjoy going on walks and hanging with my friends and family. 

Abigail Jay Russell 

Abigail is the daughter of Jennifer Cardinali (Stepdad, Tim Hoffarth) and Brian Russell. Brother; Michael Pfendler (Aprile) and nephew Jason. In the past at school Abby has participated in Page Turners, Drama Club, High School Chorus and Band, and Basketball (7). She currently participates in Student Council, SAA, Volleyball (5), Softball (8), and Basketball Cheerleading (1). Abby’s hobbies include camping with family, attending tractor pulls, taking vacations, spending time with family and friends and volunteering with the Elba Joint Fire District. She is still trying to decide her plans after graduation but is leaning towards something with EMS and/or dog grooming.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Genesee County’s GeneSEEtheEclipse program has been selected to receive a Tourism Excellence award from the New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA). The awards ceremony will take place on September 12 in Saratoga Springs.

The New York State Tourism Excellence Awards recognize the very best in destination marketing, management, and stewardship and is open to all New York State tourism marketers and are juried by an impartial panel of industry experts under the auspices of the New York State Tourism Industry Association.

“For more than a year, the Chamber staff worked collectively to ensure our community was prepared to experience a once-in-a-lifetime event. Only through incredible collaboration with numerous organizations and stakeholders, were we able to produce a campaign that demonstrated our unique position in the path of totality of the solar eclipse. Genny toured throughout our County for a year, was featured in her own Children’s book, and posed for numerous family photos. We are proud of the legacy that she leaves behind. We are thrilled to be honored by NYSTIA, as the dedicated and committed staff here truly put their passion into promoting the event. We are hopeful that she may just be around for the next one, in 2144!” said Chamber President, Brian Cousins. 

The GeneSEEtheEclipse project was developed to commemorate Genesee County’s unique position along the “path of totality” of the April 8 Great North American Total Solar Eclipse. The goals of the project were to attract visitors to view the eclipse from our destination, to create eclipse celebrations throughout the county and to inform and engage our community members of the upcoming spectacle. 

“Although we are still awaiting figures for overall visitor impact, our Q2 lodging data reflects that short term rentals in April saw a +210% in revenue over 2023 and April hotel lodging was 25% above the previous year. The Chamber plans to provide a full report later this fall once 2nd quarter tourism data becomes available, said Kelly Rapone, Tourism Marketing Director.

Press Release:

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Congressman Joseph Morelle today announced Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) was awarded a highly competitive $18,113,192 grant from the U.S Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Buses & Bus Facilities Grant Program to upgrade its hydrogen fuel cell electric bus facility and purchase three hydrogen fuel cell electric buses, which will reduce air pollution from dirty diesel busses.

“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, the Rochester-Finger Lakes region is on the road to a cleaner air and more efficient and modern transit future. Rochester resident can breathe a little easier because this massive federal boost will not only help add three new clean hydrogen electric buses to the RGRTA fleet and upgrade its state-of-the-art operational hub, but also accelerate RGRTA to achieve a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2040,” said Senator Schumer. “The Rochester-Finger Lakes is already a global leader when it comes to clean Hydrogen thanks to Plug Power, and thanks to federal investments like this Rochester is leading the way to show how this technology can build a better and cleaner future for our communities. This funding will keep the wheels of our local economy rolling and put Rochester residents on the road to a smoother and cleaner commute.”

“This $18.1 million in federal funding is a major boost for RGRTA and its goal to have a fully zero-emissions bus fleet by 2040. This federal investment will help bring critical upgrades to RGRTA’s electric bus facility and will add three new hydrogen fuel cell electric buses to its fleet, ensuring riders can have a cleaner commute,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This grant will boost the Rochester-Finger Lakes region’s public transportation and help Rochester remain a global leader in clean hydrogen technology.”

“Affordable, accessible, and climate-conscious transportation options are critical to supporting individuals and families and moving us closer to our green energy future,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “This new $18.1 million in federal funding for RGRTA will ensure Rochester continues to lead our country in clean energy technologies. Congratulations to RGRTA on this exciting award, and I look forward to continuing my work alongside my colleagues in the Senate and in the New York delegation to strengthen the future of our region.”

“On behalf of the RGRTA team and our customers, I thank Majority Leader Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and Congressman Morelle for securing this critical grant funding to help us continue our transition to a zero-emission bus fleet,” said RGRTA CEO Miguel Velázquez. “The best way to achieve a successful transition is to ensure we have adequate funding to upgrade existing facilities, address new infrastructure needs, and purchase zero-emission vehicles. Thanks to the leadership of our Congressional delegation, this grant funding will help us take an important step forward.”

RGRTA will use the funding to upgrade their existing facilities to allow for the storage and maintenance of hydrogen fuel cell battery electric buses as well as the replacement of three diesel buses with zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell electric buses.  The new hydrogen fuel cell buses will provide zero-emissions and with refueling time and driving distance range performance on par with diesel buses. The fueling time for hydrogen fuel cell buses is 6-12 minutes and even in the cold winter months, a fully fueled hydrogen fuel cell bus can travel 250-300 miles.

Schumer, Gillibrand, and Morelle have a long history of delivering the fed support needed to increase federal support to boost public transit in the Rochester-Finger Lakes. In 2022, the lawmakers delivered a whopping over $23 million for RGRTA to establish a new facility for their paratransit service RTS Access and launch a first of its kind Clean Hydrogen Fuel Cell pilot program which will be boosted further by the funding announced today. The reps also secured over $36.3 million for RGRTA through the CARES Act, over $23 million for transit in the Rochester region through the FY21 COVID Omnibus (Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021), and an additional $45 million through the American Rescue Plan. Finally, in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act the senator was able to deliver an estimated $94.7 million for RGRTA over the next 5 years.

A copy of Schumer’s original letter to Secretary Buttigieg in support of the grant can be found below:

I am pleased to write in support of the grant application submitted by the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) to the Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration’s Buses and Bus Facilities Grant program and the Low or No Emission Grant program.

With funding, RGRTA will make critical hydrogen related code compliance upgrades to RGRTA’s facilities and purchase three hydrogen fuel cell buses. RGRTA is working towards the goal of having a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2040. That goal will only be achieved if RGRTA receives the funding to purchase the vehicles and ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to facilitate the proper fueling, maintenance, and storage of the zero-emission vehicles. This work includes making the required upgrades to existing RGRTA facilities.

I applaud the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority for its foresight in submitting this grant application and sincerely hope it is met with your approval. Thank you for your consideration.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors will consider an initial resolution for Graham Corporation’s proposed new commercial production facility at its board meeting on Thursday, July 11.

Graham Corporation is a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission critical fluid, power, heat transfer and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy, and process industries. The project would add to the company’s existing location in the city of Batavia where the company has been headquartered since 1942.

The $17.6 million proposed investment includes the construction of a 28,867 sq. ft. expansion intended to reduce design and manufacturing costs and improve shipping capabilities. The project would create 24 new full-time equivalent (FTE) positions while retaining 367 current FTEs.

The initial resolution requests sales tax exemptions estimated at $383,546 and a property tax abatement estimated at $298,427 based on an incremental increase in assessed value totaling the proposed financial agreements to approximately $681,973. 

For every $1 of public benefit, Graham is investing $42 into the local economy resulting in a local economic impact of $19.5 million in wages and tax revenue. 

If the project application is accepted, a public hearing will be scheduled on the proposed project agreement in the city of Batavia. 

The July 11 GCEDC board meeting will be held at 4 p.m. at the MedTech Center’s Innovation Zone, 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia. Meeting materials and links to a live stream/on-demand recording of the meeting is available at www.gcedc.com.

Press Release:

Do you wish to support not-for-profit events? Do you like vendor craft shows and activities? Then why not take a short drive out to the country where you will find a gem of a gift shop nestled a short distance back off the road named Norton's Chizzelwood. 

On July 20 from 10 - 3 p.m., we will be hosting our inaugural outdoor Vendor/Craft Show with activities and fun for all!

Norton’s Chizzelwood, a popular craft store and gift shop, offers custom woodworking, woodcrafts, small cabinetry, outdoor poly furniture, Amish products, and hand-made items by us and local handcrafters.

Our Inaugural Coneflower Festival will have many vendors and crafters set up offering products such as jewelry, honey, woodcrafts, glassware, hand-sewn items, blacksmith wares with a full demonstration taking place during the event, Tupperware, and many other products. The Kidzone will include activities and games with a make-and-take craft for the little ones. Live alpacas will be on the premises, too!

This is a non-profit event with all vendor proceeds being donated to Crossroads House of Batavia. The Bethany Fire Department will be selling lunch that day with hotdogs, hamburgers, chips and soda and the Alexander Fire Department will be selling tickets for the Basket Raffle. 

All proceeds from these sales will be going directly to each fire department. Table registration fees are being donated to Crossroads House of Batavia. The Alzheimer’s Association will be on hand offering information.

So why not stop by on Saturday, July 20 from 10-3 pm at Norton’s Chizzelwood, 4309 Gilhooly Road, Alexander to support these agencies and thank them for their volunteerism, shop the gift store and visit the vendors on the grounds to purchase their goods.

Vendor applications are still being accepted; reserve your space now! To register, please contact Sue Bowman at 585-615-2726 or stop in at Norton’s Chizzelwood to fill out an application. Store hours are Tuesdays and Sundays by appointment, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 - 5 and Saturdays 10 - 2 p.m.

Press release from the National Weather Service for Wednesday:

Heavy rain from the tropical remnants of Beryl will soak the region today and tonight with rainfall amounts ranging from a half inch across the western Southern Tier and up to two inches across the lake plains from Buffalo to Rochester...to potentially more than three inches over the Eastern Lake Ontario region. This could lead to local flooding problems...particularly in urban areas and areas with elevated terrain.

Possibly a greater risk will come from strong thunderstorms that will develop this afternoon. While there will be tropical downpours and localized wind gusts to 40 mph...there will be an unusually elevated risk for tornadoes. The greatest risk for tornadic activity will be across the Finger Lakes region and parts of the western Southern Tier.

17 Hart Street, Batavia-City.  GREAT HOME. FANTASTIC LOCATION. BETTER PRICE!! SELDOM FOUND-FRONTAGE ON TWO STREETS! AWESOME LARGE YARD!! MINUTES WALK TO HOSPITAL, SCHOOL & BASEBALL STADIUM! This home is ready for someone new to move in and make their own. It offers super spacious downstairs with huge bright living room with gas fireplace, formal dining area, large kitchen and first floor den/bedroom, if you would need; currently used as rec/play room- with full bath attached and new sliding glass doors leading to back deck and awesome back yard! Upstairs has three more bedrooms and half bath. Upstairs bedrooms do have hardwoods, as well as primary bedroom has door leading to balcony porch for hot summer nites and firework watching!! Many updates to including year old furnace and central air, literally many new (days old) windows and sliding glass door! Back yard is best kept secret as it is extra deep(240') - going clear back to Douglas Street, with full frontage to !! Basement is extra large with some partially finished areas, for extra play/work areas! No delays here, come check it out and be home by Labor Day!! Call Reliant Real Estate today, call 585-344-HOME (4663).

Press Release:

The Elba Betterment Committee is pleased to announce the first of our 5 summer concerts in The Elba Village Park. 

On July 11, come on down and listen to Trolls 2.0. Calvin Nichols, of the original Trolls is back with 2 of his sons and a family friend to bring a variety of classic rock, alternative and pop with a little metal sprinkled in. There will be something for everyone!

Islands Hawaiian Grill, The Original Red Osier Restaurant, Ice Cream and Chill, and Circle B Winery will be providing food and beverages starting at 5:30. The music starts at 6:30, so come and pick out a good spot on the lawn to enjoy it all. 

The 50/50 raffle will benefit the Open Hearts Club Food Pantry at ECS. Please bring a non-perishable food or hygiene item to
support this cause.

All concerts are made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the NYS Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the NYS Legislature and administered by GO Art.

You know you wanna be there!