Please be advised that construction on the Jackson Street Water project will resume on Monday, April 1, with the installation of interconnections on Ellicott Street.
Loss of water should be expected from Main Street to Liberty Street and possible surrounding areas, depending on valve closures needed.
If discolored water occurs when water pressure is regained, please avoid doing laundry or cooking until the water runs clear.
We apologize for any inconvenience, and the public’s patience is greatly appreciated.
Business owner and artist Brian Kemp invites the public to a first-time event that involves five art galleries in downtown Batavia this weekend. Batavia Art Stroll will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Eden Cafe & Bake Shop, Iburi Photography, T-Shirts Etc., Eli Fish Brewing Co. and GO Art!
"This grassroots initiative, spearheaded by Judy from Eden, Akari from Iburi Photography, and yours truly, aims to celebrate our local artists and their incredible talent," Kemp said to The Batavian Friday. "We're transforming Batavia into a haven for art enthusiasts and culture aficionados alike. Our lineup of locations is nothing short of spectacular, featuring some of the most eclectic spots in town. Each venue promises a unique and immersive experience, showcasing the diverse array of artistic expressions our community has to offer."
Whether you're a seasoned art connoisseur or simply looking for a fun-filled day out, Kemp promises that the Batavia Art Stroll has something for everyone.
"Expect to be dazzled by captivating exhibits, demonstrations, and perhaps even a few surprise performances along the way," he said.
The galleries are at Eden, 242 Ellicott St., Iburi, 35 Jackson St., T-Shirts Etc., 37 Center St., Eli Fish, 109 Main St., and GO Art!, 201 E. Main St.
Hotel at Batavia Downs on opening day in 2016. File photo by Howard Owens.
Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. directors passed a pair of resolutions on Thursday advancing their look into a possible expansion of the Hotel at Batavia Downs. WROTB management has been talking about adding more rooms since last March.
Directors voted to contract with Bammel Architects of Orchard Park to provide conceptual design drawings per a request for proposal, at a cost of $76,000, and with Spectrum Gaming Group of Horsham, Pa., to perform a gaming market analysis, at a cost not to exceed $29,750 plus out of pocket expenses.
All directors, except newly appointed Erie County representative Timothy Callan, voted in favor of the resolutions, which could help determine whether adding 42 rooms to the 84-bed hotel is feasible.
Callan said after the meeting that many of his questions about the hotel in his role as Erie County’s deputy comptroller have gone unanswered. In the 17-member municipality board’s weighted voting system, he holds 24 of the 99 votes.
“A large number of our questions vis-à-vis my day job role were not answered by the corporation in the last couple of years,” he said. “So, when these two resolutions were presented yesterday at … the Batavia Downs Operations committee, I spent a great deal of time posing a large number of questions about both resolutions. I didn't feel like management gave me enough information to answer my questions about both of the proposed engagements.”
Callan said he was against paying an architectural or engineering design firm before conducting a market study. He voted against both measures because his questions “weren’t answered to my satisfaction.”
“Some of these questions pertain to the nature in which these vendors were acquired -- the competitive process in which they were pursued,” he said. “And so, and asking management questions about that yesterday, they didn't answer questions in a way that made me feel confident. And so that's why I chose not to vote for both items.”
Previously, Callan’s boss, Kevin Hardwick, called out WROTB’s 2021 decision to sell land to ADK Hospitality LLC of Buffalo to build the hotel and, then, its decision to buy it back from that group and the purchase price of the sale.
“While I wouldn't say that played a role in my decision as a director now, in voting on these two resolutions, it was certainly in the back of my mind, unanswered questions remaining about previous processes with the hotel,” he said.
Corporation President/Chief Executive Officer Henry Wojtaszek, when asked about Callan’s concerns, said that management “provided to board members everything necessary for them to make an intelligent vote.”
Wojtaszek said purchasing department staff explained the bidding process, adding that contracts were awarded to “the most responsible bidders at the best price.”
He also noted that the hotel has been experiencing a “high level of occupancy” in recent months.
“We’re looking forward to getting the results (of the study) and going from there,” he said.
In other action, the board:
-- Heard a report from Chief Financial Officer Jacquelyne Leach, who stated that $39,780 in surcharge from Batavia Downs Gaming wagering in February will be distributed to member municipalities;
-- Passed resolutions to contract with Alterity of Amherst as a insurance consultant for three years at a total cost of $120,000 and with Lawley of Buffalo to provide insurance coverage as “broker of record” for three years through May 31, 2027;
-- Passed a resolution authorizing WROTB to be an “ambassador sponsor: of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park at a cost of $25,000.
In what may prove to be a course reversal, Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. directors on Thursday said they are open to allocating more money to promote the branch segment of the public benefit company.
“We want to make an attempt to market it (the off-track betting branches). It seems like all marketing has been geared toward Batavia Downs Gaming,” said Thomas Wamp, board member representing Livingston County, prior to the monthly directors’ meeting at the Park Road gaming establishment.
For quite some time, WROTB management has pointed out that the corporation’s eight branch locations -- save one or two -- have been losing money. As a result, the publicized plan has been to reduce the number of branches, while working to add E-Z Bet sites, which do not have employees.
Wamp (photo at right) said the board is putting that strategy “on hold” as it explores ways to make the branches profitable.
“This being the 50th anniversary of WROTB, we believe we need to provide an opportunity to market and increase the pari-mutuel (horse wagering) handle,” he said. “Branches have served as a beneficial aspect of the corporation. It would be sad to eliminate the pari-mutuel end of the OTB operation.”
When asked about specific steps to enhance the branch side of the equation, Wamp offered ideas such as utilizing Thurman Thomas, WROTB’s ambassador; hiring another staff person or two to go to the branches to instruct on the use of self-vending terminal, and producing television and radio advertising spots focusing on off-track betting.
“We’ll let (Marketing Director) Ryan (Hasenauer) and his staff come up with ways to do this,” he added. “We trust that he’s on board with taking some of his personnel to come up with ideas to stimulate interest.”
Wamp noted that the on-track harness horse racing handle at Batavia Downs has picked up in recent months.
“That shows that there is some interest in horse racing. We have an excellent track, and we need to play up that benefit,” he said.
Antonella Rotilio, labor relations representative for the employees’ union at Batavia Downs Gaming has been calling for a joint effort of WROTB management, board and employees to explore ways to increase branch traffic.
The Batavian reached out to Rotilio, rep for the United Public Service Employees Union Local 1222, for comment. Her response:
"We are very pleased to hear the board's plan. This is all we wanted -- a fighting chance. Many of my members at the branches have felt forgotten about as the focus has been on the casino. This is an opportunity to invest in them, the communities and the local governments. We want the branches to be as successful as the casino, and yesterday's news gives us hope that we may have a fighting chance."
WROTB President/Chief Executive Officer Henry Wojtaszek, contacted by telephone this morning, acknowledged that horse racing, overall, has declined but said that it was incumbent upon the corporation "to look at all possible options before making a final decision (on branch closings)."
"As we approach the 50th anniversary of WROTB and the 150th anniversary of the Kentucky Derby, it is smart to make a concerted effort to promote the branches and other areas we offer pertaining to horse racing," he said. "We'll employ various means, including television advertising, over the next few months."
Anne Marie Starowitz with her sisters on Easter in 1968.
Young people today might not relate to the notion of a woman wearing a decorative bonnet that could have a bird perched in a nest atop the hat.
A hat was a must to complete a woman's attire; every hat was unique. Especially at Easter, the beautiful and unusual head adornment could be seen at every church in Genesee County. The idea of having a unique Easter bonnet spread through America in the later part of the 19th century when the New York Easter parade became a big deal in the 1880s. Wearing a freshly trimmed bonnet to church on Easter was nothing new. Now, calling it an "Easter bonnet" started to catch on.
Although early in the 1900s, most hats were enormous and adorned with flowers, feathers, ribbons, and tulle, by the 1920s, women's hair had become much shorter with the shingle cut, and the cloche (a fitted, bell-shaped hat for women invented by milliner Caroline Reboux in 1908) became especially popular. It hugged the head like a helmet with a petite brim.
According to an article in The Daily News, the ladies of Batavia looked forward to a spring opening at the millinery store of L.J. Tompkins. Tompkins' establishment had the reputation of being the largest millinery house in the county. The store was stocked with hat creations and employed the best-skilled milliner.
The favorite hat trimmings of that time were chiffons, malines (very fine silk net of gauze-like texture), liberty chiffons, Tucson braids, flowers, buckles, and ribbons. These trimmings were placed upon some of the hats on display. It was not unusual to see various hats marked "sold," proving that L.J. Tompkins' shop was trendy.
An example of a one-of-a-kind hat for sale would have been a white chip hat with a liberty scarf and a gray bird for trimming. Another example was a hat with a pastel blue brim, made of tucked liberty chiffon with point lace over Tucson crown, finished with a bunch of foliage in pastel shades.
Millinery store display windows were show places, admired by all. The store carried appropriate morning apparel and the best productions of the world's markets. Paris and New York City styles and patterns were shown, and one case of trimmings was entirely of imported goods. Special attention was also given to the sale of hair goods.
In 1931, The Bon Ton Millinery Shop, located at 92 Main St., became incorporated by the Batavia Millinery Corporation. Three businessmen owned the business in Buffalo, NY.
Another millinery business was owned and operated by Miss Harriet L. Holter at 20 Bank St. She had conducted an exclusive millinery shop in Batavia for over 25 years, catering to the most discriminating. Miss Holter's shop was on the corner of Bank and Main streets for many years. Her window displays were so unusual that many tourists stopped to inspect her innovative millinery line.
Miss Holter always carried exclusive lines of millinery, particularly the famous Gage and Knox hats (brand names). In her shop's last few years, she added the well-known Dobbs and Stetson brands. Miss Holter moved her millinery business to 20 Bank St., an ideal location to serve the people of Batavia and surrounding towns.
Mr. and Mrs. Goldstein, in 1940, operated the Bon Ton Hat Shop at 92 Main St. In 1955, Dominic Mancuso bought the shop for his wife, Mary. Also involved with the newly-acquired Bon Ton were daughters-in-law, Mrs. Nathan Mancuso and Mrs. Vincent Mancuso. Mary Mancuso was the principal owner.
Mrs. Sybil Porter, Mrs. Publia Polito, and Mrs. Emma Pontius were among the employees who worked at the store for many years. The oldest daughter, Sharon, recalls buying trips to Buffalo for hats: "Not a very exciting way for a teenager to spend a Sunday." Somebody must have noticed because this specialty store also started carrying other items. By 1968, Mary Mancuso's daughter, Mary Lou, accompanied her mother on buying trips to the Big Apple. One patron remembers buying a one-of-a-kind two-piece bathing suit, her favorite to this day, at the shop and hiding it from her father.
Mrs. Mary Mancuso, who lived at 39 Ross St., operated the store for 14 years. In 1969, Donald W. Grefrath purchased the Bon Ton Millinery. The new ownership would remodel and also carry wigs.
Today, you rarely see a woman wearing a hat unless she attends a function requiring a hat, such as the Kentucky Derby or a royal wedding in England.
Happy Easter to all my readers! Remember when mom made you wear your new Easter Hat to church on Easter Sunday.
Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. Board Chair Dennis Bassett, right, shows his appreciation for Richard Siebert's many years of service to the company with a smooch on the cheek at this morning's ceremony honoring Siebert at Batavia Downs Gaming. Photos by Mike Pettinella.
As lifelong Batavian Richard E. “Dick” Siebert thanked those that have helped turn a once decimated Batavia Downs into what it has become today – a successful gaming and horse racing destination, he turned his attention to Dennis Bassett, the current chair of the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. board of directors.
Speaking this morning at a ceremony at the Park Road facility honoring his 29-plus years as a WROTB director, Siebert turned his head, looking for Bassett in the crowd of well-wishers.
“Dennis and I disagreed about things over the years, but Dennis, I got to tell you,” Siebert said before being cut off by Bassett, who approached the lectern and proceeded to plant a big kiss upon Siebert’s left cheek.
As the audience roared with approval, Bassett said, “I miss you, I miss you.”
WROTB management set this time aside to dedicate a plaque in Siebert’s honor, which has been erected outside the remodeled Genesee Banquet Room adjacent to the Hotel at Batavia Downs lobby on the second floor.
The plaque reads as follows:
“In grateful appreciation for your years of tireless leadership and commitment as a longtime member and past chairman of the board of the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation. Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel Board of Directors, 1994-2023. We applaud you for your unwavering guidance and contributions to the success of this company. Dedicated on this day. March 28th, 2024.”
Siebert, active for many years as the Genesee County Republican Party chair, was a key figure in WROTB’s purchase of Batavia Downs in 1998 after it encountered hard times. He has been a staunch supporter of the track (and now casino).
“Batavia Downs has always been in my heart,” he said, acknowledging that he was “overwhelmed and humbled” by the gathering and plaque dedication.
“When I got out of college in 1958, I thought I was going to set the world on fire. I got a job working for M&T Bank … a bookkeeper for 55 dollars a week. I found out that Batavia Downs was hiring bankers to work in their money room. So, being a banker, I applied at Batavia Downs way back in 1958 to work in the money room.
“I got hired right away for $14 a night … I worked in that money room for 15 years, and when I think back on that if somebody ever told me in that money room that someday I would be on the board of directors for Batavia Downs—and even be the chairman for one year or so—I would have said, ‘What are you smokin' man?’ (to a burst of laughter).
“It is what it is, and things worked out. I’m just glad that I could be a part of this board for the 29 years …”
Siebert recalled when the former owners, the Sambergs, ran into financial difficulties and when the harness track was empty “with nothing in it but seagulls and asbestos.”
“When we bought it, it was a wreck. The board worked on it. Many people wanted to sell it … but we stayed with it, and this is a whole tribute to our county and the whole scope of things – Genesee County, the City of Batavia,” he said.
He then mentioned the current staff at Batavia Downs Gaming, giving leadership credit for what the organization has become.
“Just looking at the staff, (President/CEO) Henry Wojtaszek, (Chief Operating Officer) Scott (Kiedrowski), (VP/Administration) Bill White and (Chief Financial Officer) Jackie Leach,” he said.
“Jackie Leach, especially, … is the one who really saved the day for us because when COVID shut us down, we were empty. She kept the banks away from our doors. She arranged for the loans that we got to keep our staff working, which we did pay back.”
Looking around, he found her in the crowd and said, “You did a great job,” to more applause.
“I have to say this is the best staff … that I’ve ever seen in my 29 years.”
Siebert closed by acknowledging former Genesee County Judge Charles Zambito, who replaced him on the board last May.
“I can’t think of a better person to take my place, Chuck. I know you’ll do a great job.”
Several people praised Siebert prior to the unveiling of the plaque.
WROTB PRESIDENT/CEO HENRY WOJTASZEK “The thing that strikes me the most, in this world of rough and tumble, actually cutthroat, this world of politics in the gaming industry – a very tough industry, is that I’ve never met a gentleman like Dick Siebert,” he said. “Just a great man. If I had to sum him up … I would talk about the following adjectives -- respected, dignified, caring, savvy, a true family man, dedicated, calm, cool, collected, fearless and always willing to take a chance. Nobody, in my opinion, … no one loves Genesee County and Batavia gaming more than Dick Siebert.”
WROTB BOARD CHAIR DENNIS BASSETT “Richard -- a true legend, a true legend. I had the pleasure of being on the board with Dick for 14 of his 29 years. And I want to say, a gentleman's gentleman. And if there's anyone who loved Batavia Downs, it was Richard Siebert. He consistently brought his colleagues, his friends, and his neighbors to participate in whatever we had at Batavia Downs. And at the board meetings, he didn't fail to thank the staff for treating his guests and him in the utmost positive manner. But as you would imagine, Dick always had areas for improvement, so he shared that with them as well. But Dick, I want you to know that the board is a better place because you passed this way. Your unwavering support, your unwavering dedication for what we were trying to do and what we've been trying to do here at Batavia Downs is going to be etched in your plaque and in this banquet room for years on.
ROCHELLE STEIN, GENESEE COUNTY LEGISLATURE CHAIR “We're so thrilled for you today. Not only did you spend almost 30 years, which was your goal of being on that board, but you actually got to write the check from Genesee County for the inception and the investment that the county made. And you have always taken great pride and great privilege in having that hands-on opportunity for this entire entity here. And we are grateful for that. And we are grateful that you continue to guide and to challenge and to take courageously bold steps at times on behalf of all of the counties that are members here. We know that when you served us, you kept the fact that Genesee County is the host community in the forefront of your mind and that our people work here, and our people are benefited from their careers here. And our economy here in this region is benefited by this organization.”
GENESEE COUNTY LEGISLATOR GREGG TORREY Torrey spoke of his time working at the OTB branch in the Genesee Country Mall while in high school and then working at the Ellicott Street headquarters after graduating from college in the accounting department. He said Siebert stood by him and “brought me over here when we first opened the track.”
“It wasn’t always like this. Batavia Downs went through some lean times, and I appreciate he was always there for me … I hope I've let you know how much I appreciate you over the years. But if I haven't before … And nobody deserves this more than you do.”
EILEEN BANKER, REPRESENTING ASSEMBLYMAN STEPHEN HAWLEY “I had the opportunity of working with you because when I first started working here -- when we first opened way back here at Batavia Downs -- and it certainly has come a long way, and I'm sure your leadership is the reason why it has gotten this far. (Relaying a message from Hawley): Congratulations to my lifelong friend and mentor. Your years of service to our Western New York community should serve as a prime example of what citizens should emulate in terms of leadership in their communities. Congratulations.”
Photo by Mike Pettinella.
Richard Siebert and Charles Zambito, who took over as Genesee County's representative on the WROTB board last May. Photo by Mike Pettinella.
The Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble (GVWE) will be performing their Spring Concert & Premiere at Elba Junior/Senior High School on Saturday, April 27 at 4 p.m. There will be a pre-concert chat beginning at 3:30 p.m.
The GVWE Spring Concert's featured works include:
Celebration - William Palange
Dark Ride – Laurence Tallman *World Premiere*
La Bamba De Vera Cruz – Terig Tucci
O Magnam Mysterium – Morten Lauridsen
Selections from Encanto- Lin-Manuel Miranda, arr. Paul Murtha
On An American Spiritual- David R. Holsinger
Mambo- Leonard Bernstein, arr. Michael Sweeney
Glee Showstoppers: Jump, Total Eclipse of the Heart, The Safety Dance, Dream On- arr. Jay Bocook
Firebird Suite- Igor Stravisky, arr. Robery Longfield
The Stars & Stripes Forever- John Philip Sousa
Conductors for the spring concert are:
Philip J. Briatico, conductor & founder of the GVWE
Harold McJury- Member Conductor
Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors(55+) and veterans, $5 for students (with ID), and free for children under 5 years old.
Cooper Karas, a resident of Greece, hasn't been seen by family members since Monday.
Officer Christopher J. Glogowski, Albion PD, said on Thursday that Karas's silver VW Jetta was observed by a plate reader near Clifton Springs, heading eastbound on I-90.
He previously held a job in Dennis.
"A previous employer stated that he was seen at his business in the Town of Dennis, Mass., around 9:30 a.m. today," Glogowski said. "Local law enforcement in the town of Dennis has been notified and is attempting to locate Cooper as well."
Cooper Karas was last seen wearing black sweatpants, a black hoodie, and a black NF jacket.
At 7:30 p.m. on Monday, he drove his 2013 silver VW Jetta to his grandmother's house in Albion and left his dog in the fenced yard (the dog is fine) and left.
He is 5 feet 8 inches tall and 180 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.
He attended Batavia High School for a time a few years ago and has family in Batavia.
"As of right now, there have not been any new leads, but we are staying in contact with law enforcement in that general area," Glogowski said.
If you have any information regarding Cooper’s location or safety, please call Orleans County Dispatch at 585-589-5527, the Albion Police Department at 585-589-5627 or Greece Police Department at 585-581-4033 or Genesee County Sheriff's Office at 585-343-5000.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) voted against the H.R. 2882, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, which includes funding for Defense, Financial Services and General Government, Homeland Security, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, the Legislative Branch, and State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs.
This bill passed the House by a vote of 286 - 134.
"Once again, instead of instituting a serious cut to excessive federal spending, Congress was forced to vote on a massive spending bill that perpetuates President Biden's policies that are detrimental to hardworking Americans," said Congresswoman Tenney.
"Crafted at the last minute, this sprawling 1,012-page bill allocates $1.2 trillion of taxpayer funds and fails to include numerous priorities House Republicans advocated for during the appropriations process. This includes critical initiatives to bolster border security, such as reinstating the effective Trump era policy of "Remain in Mexico," and it fails to end Biden's disastrous Catch-and-Release policy, fails to sufficiently curtail funding for President Biden's woke agenda, and fails to halt Biden's unlawful proposed student loan program. While this bill had positive aspects, including a $27 billion increase to critical national defense efforts, this legislation was not enough to protect the American people. I could not, in good faith, support legislation that did not provide relief to hardworking families in NY24."
This bill:
Fails to include Rep. Tenney’s amendments to defund the salaries of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre Fails
Does not include funds for President Trump’s Border wall or any key policies in H.R. 2 especially by ending Biden's dangerous Catch and Release policy and re-instating Trump's effective Remain in Mexico policy
Continues to allow universities to host CCP-controlled Confucius Institutes
Fully funds the Department of Defense (DOD) abortion travel fund
Continues to fund woke DOD policies, such as DEI programs and transgender surgeries
Violates the Hyde Amendment and funds Planned Parenthood
Continues to fund the World Health Organization
Fails to defund the Biden administration’s woke executive orders
Funds radical Green New Deal programs
Subsidizes Biden’s student loan bailout scheme
Continues to fund Executive Order 14019 which turns federal agencies into Democrat vote-harvesting operations
Includes funds for radical organizations like Briarpatch Youth Service, which provides gender transition services to minors without parental consent, and the Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center which provides free needle and syringe exchanges for illegal drugs
Despite the wasteful spending in this bill, key provisions which Tenney fought for in this bill include:
Fully funding the Civil Air Patrol and Job Corps programs
Providing a $27 billion increase for Defense over the FY23 enacted level
Ensuring a 5.2% increase in basic military pay
Clawing back $2.16 billion in unused COVID-19 funding
Defunding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, which supported the horrific October 7th Massacre
Taking back $10 billion from the Administration
Securing $5 million for non-recurring engineering expenses to design the new LC-130J planes that will be operated by the New York National Guard
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) attends press conference with his colleagues in the Assembly and Senate to call for a review of the state’s COVID response.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) joined his colleagues in the state Assembly to call for an independent and public review of the state’s COVID response. On March 7, 2020, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency, shutting New York down for over a year, and exactly four years ago on March 25, 2020, Cuomo made the unthinkable decision to force COVID-positive patients into nursing homes.
During the pandemic, roughly 80,000 New Yorkers died while families and local businesses struggled to make ends meet and keep the lights on. In May of 2022, Gov. Hochul called for a multimillion-dollar study of the state’s pandemic response. Nearly two years later, no due date has been announced and New Yorkers are still left to wonder why their government failed them.
This proposed independent study will bring clarity and closure to those who suffered and lost loved ones in the pandemic while holding officials accountable for their actions.
“New Yorkers have suffered through unconstitutional lockdowns, mandates, and unscientific guidelines. Now is the time for answers,” said Hawley. “Gov. Cuomo’s reckless policies put countless people in harm's way and in many cases led to the tragic loss of lives. Nursing homes were forced to take in COVID-positive patients and hard-working communities were given curfews and told to stay home while their kids lost valuable time in the classroom. No number of independent reviews can reverse the pain and suffering New Yorkers experienced during that time, but it is our duty to be open and transparent with the public. It’s time for New Yorkers to learn the truth so we will not repeat the mistakes of the past.”
Assemblyman Steve Hawley represents the 139th Assembly District, which includes parts of Erie, Genesee, Monroe and Orleans counties. For more information, please visit his official website.
Currently, the drug drop boxes located at the City of Batavia Police Department, 10 West Main Street, Batavia, are out of service as we work to upgrade and relocate them.
Anyone looking to dispose of unwanted or outdated prescription medications can take them to any pharmacy that participates in a disposal program, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office located at 165 Park Road, or New York State Police Troop A Headquarters located on Saile Drive in the Town of Batavia.
Join us as we kick off our GeneSEEtheEclipse festivities! Andy Reddout, illustrator of our Genny Sees The Eclipse original children's book and Genesee County's commemorative eclipse poster will be at the Genesee County Visitor Center located at 8276 Park Rd. in Batavia.
Stop in for a free, signed commemorative poster, to have Andy sign your purchased Genny Sees The Eclipse books, or purchase a book when you get here! We'll also have our Genny cow-print solar glasses for sale and photo ops with life-size Genny The Cow! Check out the quick video to see how Andy made Genny come to life over the pages of the book!
File photo of Batavia Downs. Photo by Howard Owens
A State Supreme Court judge ruled today that a lawsuit can proceed challenging a new weighted voting system for the 15 counties and cities of Rochester and Buffalo that make up Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp's ownership.
Through the first 50 years of WROTB, each entity had the same vote, or one vote, for each municipality, regardless of the population.
However, the state budget approved about a year ago included legislation that implemented a new weighted voting system. It gives 99 votes total, with more populous municipalities getting more votes. Erie County gets the most with 24 votes, while the four smallest counties, Orleans, Wyoming, Seneca and Schuyler, get one each.
Here is the breakdown of votes per municipality:
Erie County: 24
Monroe County: 20
City of Buffalo: 10
City of Rochester and Niagara: 8
Chautauqua: 5
Oswego: 4
Steuben, Wayne, Cattaraugus, Cayuga: 3
Livingston and Genesee: 2
Wyoming, Orleans, Seneca, Schuyler: 1
Six counties filed lawsuits against Gov. Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, the State Senate, and the State Assembly.
The counties in the lawsuit are all Republican-led and include Orleans, Genesee, Niagara, Livingston, Wyoming, and Seneca. Oswego was also added to the lawsuit today.
The lawsuit was filed in September in Orleans County, and a motion to dismiss the case was heard today by Judge Frank Caruso.
Joe Terragnoli, representing the Attorney General’s Office, appeared in court today with Dennis Vacco, representing the seven counties.
Vacco said the case is a very important challenge, showing smaller rural counties standing up to a “power grab” imposed by the state.
“I’m a little emotional about it because I think they receive these types of shenanigans from Albany all the time,” Vacco, a former state attorney general, told the judge in court this afternoon.
The municipalities in WROTB fronted the money to start WROTB in 1973, which has returned about $245 million in profits to the municipalities. Terragnoli said the initial funding to start WROTB has been paid back – many times – to the counties.
“It’s been a very lucrative deal,” he said. “They gave loans, and they were paid in full.”
That contribution never guaranteed an equal vote for perpetuity. The money didn’t purchase voting rights, Terragnoli said.
The state has the right to restructure the board with a weighted vote, he said.
Vacco said the smaller counties never would have put up the money if they had such a small voice at the board table.
He said the change could harm the smaller counties economically, especially if the four members with the most votes – Erie, Monroe, Rochester and Buffalo – get together and make a decision that could hurt the payouts to the other counties. Vacco said the four larger municipalities could go on a hiring spree, approve a capital project the others oppose, or even sell Batavia Downs.
The racetrack in Batavia has 912 video gaming machines that generate about $7 million in profits each month. WROTB also has nine OTB branches and 24 EZ Bet locations.
Vacco also said the legislation approved in May 2023 specifically targeted WROTB and not the other regional OTBs in the state – Capital OTB, Catskill OTB, Nassau OTB and Suffolk OTB.
Terragnoli acknowledged the legislation, pushed by State Sen. Tim Kennedy of South Buffalo, was partly in response to allegations of mismanagement by WROTB. The organization was faulted in an audit by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, who said the organization’s leadership did not properly account for $120,000 worth of sports and event tickets purchased by the company. Kennedy and others have characterized the account error as "corruption."
WROTB has said there are tighter controls now for how those tickets are distributed.
The state comptroller and attorney general also have questioned WROTB for providing fully paid health insurance coverage to board members. The organization has also ended health benefits for new board appointees.
Terragnoli said the WROTB board didn’t do enough to self-correct, which prompted the legislation with the weighted voting for the board. That legislation also removed all the board members at the time, with the 15 counties and two cities to appoint either the same representatives or new ones. (Orleans County opted to reappoint Ed Morgan to the role. Genesee County's director, Richard Siebert, turned in his resignation over the board restructuring and later was replaced by former Genesee County Court Judge Charles Zambito).
Terragnoli said the counties that have sued the state over the changes with the board at WROTB are now claiming they could be hurt financially.
“Where was the concern when the comptroller’s report came out?” he said in court about the unaccounted tickets and perks intended for Batavia Downs customers.
Vacco also said the legislation championed by Kennedy twice failed to pass the Legislature on its own merits. It only passed when it was included in the state budget vote in an act of “subterfuge.”
The legislation would needed a two-thirds majority vote if it had been a standalone bill, Vacco said. It didn’t get the two-thirds threshold as part of the state budget, which is another reason the weighted-voting change should be negated, he said.
Vacco said the counties will wait for the state to file its response to today’s ruling. An evidentiary hearing could also be one of the next steps in the case.
Several women representing the various departments in Genesee County government celebrate Women's History Month Wednesday during the county Legislature meeting. Photo submitted by Steven Falitico
Although it's toward the end of March, Genesee County Legislature members didn't let the month slip by without recognizing the importance of Women's History Month with a proclamation presented by Legislative Chairwoman Shelley Stein and Legislator Marianne Clattenburg, pictured above on either side of the certificate.
Ever since it was proclaimed in March 1987, Women's History Month has given a nod to all of the feats and accomplishments made possible by women, who locally serve on government and school boards, as leaders of companies, role models and motivators in schools, industries, and organizations and as volunteers for various efforts throughout the county.
The proclamation sums it up below:
WHEREAS, American women of every race, social stratum and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of our Nation in countless recorded and unrecorded ways, and
WHEREAS, American women have played and continue to play a critical economic, cultural, and social role in every sphere of the life of the Nation by constituting a significant portion of the labor force working inside and outside of the home, and
WHEREAS, American women were particularly important in the establishment of early charitable, humanitarian, and cultural institutions in our Nation, and
WHEREAS, American women have been leaders, not only in securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the industrial labor movement, the civil rights movement, and especially the peace movement, which creates a fairer and just society for all.
WHEREAS, currently there are fourteen departments being led by influential women within Genesee County such as Legislature, Office For The Aging, Commissioner of Jurors, Compliance, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Elections, GLOW Solid Recycling, Human Resources, Job Development Bureau, Mental Health, Genesee Justice, Department of Social Services, STOP-DWI, Business Education Alliance and many more women in supporting roles throughout Genesee County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Legislature resoundingly embraces Women’s History Month and recognizes the value women bring to leadership in our community with many different professions. Evidence of this value shines through our staff, management, administration and local elected leaders.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, there are continuous contributions made by the women of Genesee County. They capture the spirit of women’s determination and clear, forward thinking by demonstrating creativity, courage and forging career paths for women of all levels of society.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Genesee County Legislature proclaims March as “Women’s History Month.” A month to take notice and appreciate the hard work women have done, and the continued work ahead for women in all societies.
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