Press Release:

Jo Coburn was the recent speaker at the Batavia Lions Meeting.  The talk was ‘Functional Wellness - Holistic Medicine’, a Natural Health and Wellness Option.  

She noted that Holistic medicine takes a broader approach than traditional medical care by considering the individual as a whole and doesn’t treat, diagnose, or cure, but works on the foundations of a healthy lifestyle and works to restore proper functions in the body. 

Her work focuses on eliminating the need for multiple medications to maintain health.  While traditional medicine focuses on identifying specific symptoms to label conditions and treating them with medication, Holistic medicine uses natural remedies and therapies to support the body’s natural healing ability.

Mrs. Coburn, a Functional Wellness Practitioner, likened her work to helping clients build a home. It is difficult to build a house when you have missing parts.  In her work to build a strong and resilient person, you must have all the necessary nutrients and functioning parts.

It is hard to build a home without nails, or a body without magnesium.  And it is difficult to keep a home functioning without a working sewer system or a body without good elimination. To further the analogy, she considers certain behaviors as the foundation on which good health is built: nutrition, hydration, breathing, digestion, elimination, and so on.

Her clients are concerned about Stress & Mental Health, Hormone Imbalances, Digestive Issues, Fatigue and Energy Levels, Sleep Disturbances, and Chronic Pain; and she works with individuals and families. 

The initial workup begins with standard lab tests you may already have had from your medical provider along with functional testing to determine where the client is deficient in minerals and nutrients, then helps build a healthy lifestyle for the client. 

The goal is a personalized insight into health with practical tools to enhance wellness in a supportive community for maximized benefits.

Further information is available by booking a free consultation at https://jocoburn.com/. The Batavia Lions Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month and everyone is welcome to visit the American Legion, 8960 Alexander Road, Batavia.

After being established as a downtown staple for all things beauty for the last two decades, The Spa At Artemis has apparently closed up shop under its latest company owner Marian Pautler (Keating). 

Rumors began circulating Thursday about the salon’s closure, and The Batavian reached out to find that no one was at the site during operating hours, and the business number’s voicemail box was full. Its social media site only had a “no content” message online.

Paul Marchese, landlord for the business at 206 E. Main St., Batavia, said that “as far we know, it is closed.”

“It’s truly a sad loss for what I would consider a thriving downtown business,” he said. “We were simply the landlord for the space. We tried to work everything out with her. I have not heard anything from the owner — I have texted her several times, and the last time was March 9.”

Keating left, if that's the case, in the middle of her lease, he said. Efforts to reach Keating have been unsuccessful. A phone number listed to Pautler Keating of Caledonia had a full voicemail box and no message could be left for her to request comment.

The good news is that he hopes to have someone new in there operating a similar business by April 1. However, since it will be a new company, that may be bad news for anyone with a gift certificate from Artemis. 

Keating, then under the name Pautler, purchased the spa in June 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic had just begun and many businesses had been forced to close or drastically reduce hours and services. 

A Genesee CARES Recovery grant program helped out with a $65,000 grant in 2022, which she said at the time would enable her to grow the full-service salon.

“I have quite a big vision for what I want this business to turn into, and this is going to help propel us in that direction,” she said to The Batavian in April 2022.

She planned to make a lot of cosmetic updates, replace equipment, and bring on some new staff members, she said.

Eligibility for the grant was the addition of one full-time equivalent job for up to $25,000, two for up to $50,000, and three for up to $75,000.

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As all of the young Easter egg hunters prepare for the annual Batavia Kiwanis Easter egg hunt, which begins at 9 a.m. sharp on March 30 at Centennial Park, club member Matt Landers wants to remind participants that there will be one golden egg hidden every day in the park from Friday through March 28 for the finding. 

"The eggs will be hidden even if there is snow on the ground, so hopefully the kiddos put on their snow boots and start searching tomorrow," Landers said Thursday as he prepared to hide the first of seven golden eggs. 

Each child that finds a golden egg may redeem it for a prize of a chocolate bunny from Oliver's Candies during the big event on March 30 at Centennial Park in Batavia.

The Easter egg hunt will feature "thousands of eggs," members say, so come prepared for the hunt and to have some family fun, even if Mother Nature doesn't fully cooperate with the beginning of spring. 

John P. Volpe, 71, of Buffalo Street Road, Alexander, is charged with predatory sexual assault against a child, course of sexual conduct against a child 1st, two counts of criminal sexual act 1st, attempted rape 1st, aggravated sexual abuse 2nd, aggravated sexual abuse 1st, aggravated sexual abuse 3rd, three counts of sexual abuse 1st, rape 3rd, two counts of criminal sexual act 3rd, and two counts of forcible touching. Volpe is accused of engaging in numerous acts of sexual conduct involving a child beginning in 2012 and continuing until 2024 with a known victim. Volpe was arrested on March 7. He was arraigned and ordered held on $20,000 bail. This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges are possible, according to the Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office was assisted in the investigation by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Police. The FBI also participated in the investigation.

Randolph R. Byrd, 60, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd, assault 3rd, unlawful imprisonment 2nd, criminal obstruction of breathing, criminal mischief 4th, and resisting arrest. Byrd is accused of illegally entering a residence on East Main Street on March 5 and attacking a victim. He allegedly resisted arrest and damaged an officer's portable radio. He was arraigned and held in the Genesee County Jail.

Anthony Michael Gabri, 28, of Long Wood Drive, Rochester, is charged with criminal impersonation of a public servant and front windshield non-transparent. Gabri was stopped at 11:30 a.m. on March 18 on an alleged traffic violation on West Main Road, Le Roy, by Deputy Jeremy McClellan. During the stop, Gabri was allegedly found to be wearing the badge of a village of East Rochester constable and an outer carrier tactical vest typically used to carry body armor while traveling to Batavia to serve paperwork for his privately owned business and not under the direction of village authorities. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Alicia M. Lyons, 44, of Batavia, is charged with trespass.  Lyons is accused of being at Kwik Fill, 99 Jackson St., Batavia, on March 11, after being previously barred from the property. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Trevon L. Armstrong, 38, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on March 11. Armstrong was initially arrested on Nov. 16 on a charge of criminal mischief 4th after allegedly damaging property during an incident on Denio Street. He is accused of failure to appear in court on the charge.  Armstrong was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Ronald W. Lewis, 36, of Ogden, was arrested on March 8 on two warrants issued by City Court. The first warrant stems from an incident on July 7, when Lewis was charged with petit larceny after allegedly stealing merchandise from a local business. The second warrant is the result of an incident reported on Sept. 24, when Lewis was charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave United Memorial Medical Center. Lewis was arraigned and released. 

Niranh S. Woods, 29, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on March 8. Woods was initially charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 2nd on Aug. 5. The warrant was issued after he allegedly failed to appear in court. Woods was arraigned in City Court and released. 

Robert J. Schultz, 66, of Elba, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Schultz is accused of damaging another person's car on March 8 during a fight on Liberty Street. Schultz was issued an appearance ticket.

Christopher G. Marr, 55, of Batavia, is charged with DWI.  Marr was stopped on March 3 on South Main Street by a Batavia patrol officer. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Shamond R. Adams, 27, of Batavia, is charged with a barking dog violation.  Adams is accused of allowing his dog to bark for an extended period of time on March 9. He was issued an appearance ticket.

John Carl Ireland, 39, of Sumner Road, Darien, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd. Ireland is accused of damaging the property of another person with a value in excess of $250 during an argument reported at 11:40 a.m. on March 12 at a location on Sumner Road, Darien. Ireland was arraigned and released.

Torres Epifanio Nazario, 47, of Church Street, Bergen, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, and improper turn signal. Nazario was stopped at 9:57 p.m. on March 9 on Route 19 in Bergen by Deputy Zachary Hoy. He was issued tickets and released.

Khadija Aisha Wilson, 27, of Freeman Street, Buffalo, and Shakayla Monique Williams, 29, of Petters Street, Buffalo, are charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. Wilson and Williams are accused of shoplifting from Ulta Beauty on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, at 12:39 p.m. on Feb. 27. Deputy Ayrton Blankenship and Sgt. Michael Lute investigated the case. 

Mark W. McWethy, 56, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and failure to keep right. McWethy was allegedly found in possession of cocaine during a traffic stop at 9:47 p.m. on March 18 on Main Street, Batavia. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Dustin James Brown, 22, of Raymond Road, Ontario, Canada, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, drinking alcohol or using cannabis in a motor vehicle, and unregistered motor vehicle. Brown was stopped following traffic complaints at 5:50 p.m. on March 14 on Byron Holley Road, Byron, by Deputy Stephen Smith. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Michael Anthony Sweet, 38, of Raymond Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and driving without an inspection certificate. Sweet was stopped at 1:09 a.m. on March 19 on Oak Street by Deputy Jacob Kipler. Sweet was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Vincenne Elizabeth Mendrysa, 68, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd and falsely reporting an offense to law enforcement 3rd. Mendrysa was arrested on March 14 after allegedly reporting an incident to law enforcement that did not occur. Mendrysa was allegedly found in violation of an order of protection at the time of her arrest. She was jailed pending arraignment.

Sharon Renee Boyer, 55, of Alexander, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or higher. Boyer was stopped by State Police at 11:28 p.m. on March 15 in the Town of Alexander. She was released to a third party.

A project to build 30 single-family homes on the north side of Batavia has passed the initial round of evaluation by the city’s Planning and Development Committee and is set for a public hearing next month.

North Pointe Patio Homes, represented by Robert Pidanick, manager of land development for Nussbaumer & Clarke, Inc., and Eric Harrower of Batavia Homes & Development, Inc., is a subdivision plan to divide two parcels into 30 individual building lots with common areas owned and maintained by the homeowners association on North Pointe Drive in the city.

“It’s a marriage of (Marrano Homes) Builders, who will construct the patio homes and Batavia Homes & Development, who will supply the lots and materials,” planning committee Chairman Duane Preston said. “The single-family patio homes will be for sale and not lease and can be customized to the purchaser’s liking. A spec house will be on-site at the North Pointe location.”

The site sits behind John Kennedy Intermediate School and between North Spruce Street and Garden Drive. There are to be 4-inch fiber-reinforced concrete sidewalks with widths of 5 feet, and the subdivision “shall be designed with consideration being given to the preservation of natural features,” the plan states. 

“Precautions shall be taken to protect existing trees and shrubbery during the process of grading the lots and roads. The developer shall not remove any trees over six inches in diameter at breast height from the site without City Planning Board approval,” it states. “In the event any trees over six inches are removed from a site, the developer shall replace each tree at a ratio of two to one. 

“The subdivider shall preserve unique physical features, such as historic landmarks and sites, rock outcroppings, hilltop lookouts, desirable natural contours, stands of trees and similar natural features,” it states.

The plan states that all lots that are disturbed during construction and that are not covered by structures or paving shall have a minimum vegetative ground cover to prevent erosion. There are no trees plotted out between the sidewalk and curb, and one shade tree shall be provided per residential lot. 

Each home is to have an attached garage.

Genesee Lumber has designated a portion of its Ellicott Street store for customization of the patio homes, Preston said. The homeowners association will take care of the subdivision maintenance.

Area variances will be made on an as-needed basis for all lots since the road has curves that may require particular variances depending on the location, he said. 

This week’s meeting included a preliminary review of the plan and drainage, street lighting, sidewalks, tree removal, and landscape plantings. Preston said more in-depth details of the plantings and street light recommendations made by the committee will be returned to the next meeting. 

A public hearing will also take place to allow for comments about the project. The meeting is set for 6 p.m. April 16 in council chambers, second floor, City Hall.   

After 16 years of operating as a short-term housing option for travelers, Airbnb is voluntarily signing up to be part of the bed tax system in Genesee County, Deputy County Treasurer Kevin Andrews says.

The popular offering to people looking for anything from big city apartments to cottages by the lake is expected to add an estimated $30,000 to the county’s bottom line once the Legislature votes to approve the measure.

“Basically, this is a voluntary agreement that Airbnb is looking to enter into with the county where they will collect the bed tax on behalf of anybody who rents through their platform, and then they will remit the bed tax to us directly themselves,” Andrews said at the county’s Ways & Means meeting Wednesday. “Currently, we've been reaching out to any individuals that we can find that have been using them, their platform, and others, and having them register with us directly and pay us directly, but this would just allow Airbnb to do that on their behalf and remit the tax to us on their behalf.”

What does Airbnb stand for?
It means "air bed and breakfast," a term coined when Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky founded it in 2007. According to real estate investing site Mashvisor, the two men were living in a San Francisco apartment when they came up with the idea to rent out a lounge room to designers visiting the city. The guests slept on air beds and were fed breakfast in the morning. And Airbnb was born. 

The founders’ website lists $7 billion in total taxes being collected and remitted globally and that the typical U.S. host earned $14,000 in 2023. 

Why does Airbnb want to cooperate and do this?
“To help make sure that all their customers that are using their platform are meeting the requirements of the bed tax law for Genesee County and other counties so that they're meeting those regulations and requirements,” Andrews said.

When will this take effect? Do you have any idea how many properties this would include?
“Once we have approval from the legislature, we're hoping to have the agreement in place in the next month or so,” he said. “No, I don't unfortunately, Airbnb is reluctant to provide any specific information on their individuals and their platforms. Once we start receiving payments from Airbnb, then we’ll have a clearer picture on that going forward, for sure.”

County Manager Matt Landers said that the Chamber of Commerce provided a figure of about $30,000 annually that staff estimates would be the bed tax to come from Airbnb rentals. 

“So this is significant,” Landers said. “Even though we’re not getting detailed information, it turns out, if there was a spot check, Airbnb can go through the process, they can see, okay, there’s a fee. You can check on it that way.”

Prior to this agreement, it was up to each individual property owner to collect and remit the bed tax. This will now allow Airbnb to assist with the process, Andrews said.

“Property owners are still supposed to register and file a report to us, and we’ll still try to get that information from them,” he said. “And Airbnb has said that they’ll put information on their website about that process so that hopefully that will assist with getting people to register in their office for that.”

Legislators shouldn’t hold their breath for other similar companies to follow suit — such as Vrbo, as Legislator Christian Yunker asked about, Landers said. This type of information isn’t “as readily available” or provided by others as it is with Airbnb, he and Andrews said.

“I think they’re less willing to work with counties on this, but we’ll make an attempt, for sure,” Andrews said.

The Legislature is to vote on a resolution on March 27 to include Airbnb, an internet-based booking platform that processes transactions within the county, which would be liable for the occupancy tax on behalf of facilities within the county that provide lodging on an overnight basis, into the county’s local law, and enter into an agreement with Airbnb to collect and remit the occupancy tax. 

Press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating an apparent homicide. The victim has been identified as Michael G. Poole, age 59, of the Olcott, NY area. The victim waslocated during the afternoon of March 19, 2024 in the Town of Alabama, New York during the investigation into a missing person out of Niagara County.

The preliminary investigation indicates that this appears to be an isolated incident and that there is no threat to the public. Anyone who may have information related to this incident is asked to contact the Genesee County Sheriff's Office at 585-343-5000. This investigation is ongoing, and no further details have been released at this time.

A heavy snow squall bulletin has been issued for northeastern Genesee County. The warning is in place until 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Parts of Genesee County could also receive heavy snow with blowing wind Wednesday evening.

There's also snow in the forecast for Friday and Saturday, with a low temperature on Sunday, which is estimated at 14 degrees.

Press Release:

The Genesee Amateur Hockey Association (GAHA) Timbit Beginners will be participating in their end-of-the-year “Jamboree” on Saturday, March 23 starting at 9 a.m. at the David McCarthy Memorial Arena. The world has the Olympics, Buffalo has pond hockey, but we have the Beginner Cross-Ice Event – “THE JAMBOREE”.  

The draft has taken place and the teams are set. Game schedules are confirmed and the blue lines are waiting for the hockey players to stand on them for the National Anthem. 

The Rink will be divided into three areas and two teams will play against one another in 2-minute shifts for 12 minutes; then they move on to play more “games” with other teams – a Total of 4 games.  Since there are five (5) teams the team not scheduled for a “game” will participate in skill drills in the middle section. 

At 9 a.m. the players will be introduced one by one as they step onto the ice and proceed to the Blue Line for the National Anthem. We’d love to have you join us and capture the progress of the little players ages 4 to 12. 

This year the Beginner Program consisted of 61 registered players. They are coached by Brennan Briggs along with Nick Harris as well as many other dads, family members plus GAHA Student Coaches serving as on-ice helpers.

Without all of this support, it would be impossible to run this program. Most of the players have been on the ice since early October through today. About 26 joined the program in early January after participating in the November USA Hockey – Try Hockey for Free Event. 

At practices they run through drills established by USA Hockey’s American Development Modules – six stations are set up around the rink and a different drill is introduced at each station. The players move from station to station.

GAHA is thankful for the sponsorship of its Beginner Program by the local Tim Horton Shop managed by Dave Lumberg. They provide the jerseys for all of the players as well as Timbit donuts for our special functions throughout the year.

For this Jamboree the players are divided into five teams (featuring the Black Team, the Royal Blue Lightnings, the Navy Blue Angels Team, the White Morasco’s Rink Rats, and the Red Crushers) denoted by the color of their jerseys and will play five 12-minute games with shifts of 2 min. A great time is had by all.

At the end of the Jamboree the GAHA organization will offer a free family skate for the Beginner Program until Noon and the McCarthy Rink Staff and Management will be providing “free” rental skates for those participating.

Press Release:

As the Presidential Primary approaches on April 2, the Genesee County Board of Elections is providing essential information and deadlines for voters in Genesee County.

Primary Eligibility:

New York State operates as a closed Primary State. Only registered Republicans and Democrats are eligible to cast their votes in the upcoming April 2 Primary Election.

Early Voting:

Early voting will be available for eight days, from March 23 through March 30. The designated early voting site is the ARC Community Center at 38 Woodrow Rd., Batavia.

• Saturday, March 23: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Sunday, March 24: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Monday, March 25: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 26: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 27: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Thursday, March 28: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Friday, March 29: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Saturday, March 30: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Please note that there will be no early voting on Easter Sunday. However, an additional hour has been allocated to the preceding eight days.

Polling Information:

All polling sites will be operational on April 2 from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. and are fully accessible. Voters can verify their designated poll site at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov or contact the Genesee County Board of Elections at (585) 815-7804. 

Absentee Ballot Information: 

Absentee ballots are available upon request for those unable to vote in person. Contact the Board of Elections or utilize the NY State Portal at absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov. Important deadlines for absentee ballots are as follows:

• March 23: Last day for the Board of Elections to receive an absentee ballot application. 
• April 1: Last day to apply for an absentee ballot in person.
• April 2: Last day to postmark a ballot. The Board of Elections must receive ballots by April 9. 
• April 9: Military/Special Federal absentee ballots must be received by this date.

Registration Deadlines:

Voter registration applications must be received by the Board of Elections by March 23 to participate in the presidential primary.

In-Person Registration:

In-person registration is available at the Genesee County Board of Elections or any state agency participating in the National Voter Registration Act. However, applications must be received by March 23 to be eligible for the Presidential Primary.

On Saturday, March 23, the Board of Elections will be open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. for registrations.

Please note that the west door (handicap accessible) will be the sole entry point into County Building 1, located at 15 Main St., Batavia.

Please contact the Genesee County Board of Elections for further inquiries or assistance. 

Genesee County Board of Elections 

• Phone: (585) 815-7804 
• Location: 15 Main St., Batavia, NY 14020
• Website: https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/elections/index.php

PUBLIC NOTICE: 

Pursuant to Section 104 Public Notice of the Open Meetings Law, this notice is to inform the public that the Town of Byron Town Board will hold a Special Meeting on March 25 2024 at 6:00pm at the Byron Town Hall located at 7028 Byron Holley Road, Byron NY 14422. The purpose of the special Meeting is to conduct interviews for the open Justice positions for the operation of the Town of Byron Town Court for the remainder of 2024.

Audiences will have an opportunity to watch a French connection this weekend.

Not the one with big city narcotics detectives investigating a heroin smuggling ring, but rather, the royal Shakespearean drama of “King John,” about the difficulties of who the lead character was and that he usurped the throne, Director E. Jane Burk says.

“One of the other characters that is in this play, his name is Arthur, he is John's nephew, he was the son of John's older brother, Jeffrey, who died. John took the throne before Arthur could ascend to it; he actually usurped the throne from his nephew Arthur. So much of the play revolves around a French connection. That's why we have (on the banners at the back of the stage) English lions on one side, and we have French fleur-de-lis on the other side,” Burk said during rehearsal Tuesday. “There is a significant threat of war because the French segment, the French king, King Philip, wants to put John's nephew Arthur on the English throne. So it all revolves around the situation that it was very militaristic. You could almost say contemporary in terms of the different factions that were trying to come to power.”

Batavia Players will present Shakespeare in Springtime’s “King John” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Main St. 56 Theater in Batavia City Centre.

Playwright William Shakespeare penned a significant number of plays that were histories about notables such as Richard the Third and Henry the Eighth, and this lesser known figure, King John, Burk said. 

“It is not frequently performed anywhere,” she said. “And it’s interesting because, actually, this particular play is all in verse. It’s all poetry; it’s not prose, it’s not normal, conversation-type stuff.”

A passage from King John’s character states:  

O cousin, thou art come to set mine eye.

The tackle of my heart is cracked and burnt,

And all the shrouds wherewith my life should sail

Are turnèd to one thread, one little hair.

My heart hath one poor string to stay it by,

Which holds but till thy news be utterèd,

And then all this thou seest is but a clod

And module of confounded royalty.

The time period is 1216, and the play is paying homage to the Magna Carta, which King John signed in 1215, a year before his death at 49, Burk said. The cast quickly became familiar with the setting, the lines and the demands of such a production, and has fulfilled its responsibilities with aplomb, she said.

Auditions were in mid-January, everyone received their scripts and immediately began to learn their lines after being cast for roles, and, because another show was happening during a portion of February, rehearsals didn’t even begin until later in the month.  

“And this is only March 19. And kudos to the cast. I give them so much credit. They have done an extraordinary job of creating this place that is not Western New York. That is not Batavia. That does not sound anything like the way we speak. I have French people that are speaking with French accents,” she said. “We have worked hard on this. They have learned their lines, their scripts, word for word. If you were to sit right now — I'm not exaggerating — if you were to sit and actually listen to what they are saying, watching but listening, and reading the script as you're going along, you will see that it’s word for word. It is extraordinary. That's exceptionally difficult. You cannot take away from the fact that they have given heart and soul to making this happen.”

And who are “they?” By all other accounts, they are ordinary people, volunteers in the world of community theater with a passion for the arts, people who have jobs, work for a living, tend to families, she said, and dedicate many hours to memorizing their lines and create the character they will eventually bring to life up on stage. 

The premise of “King John” is that he goes to war against the French after claiming that his nephew should be king instead. John has conflict with the church, orders his nephew's death, and turns the nobles against himself. In the end, John dies after a monk poisons him, the French retreat and his own son becomes king.

Burk isn’t necessarily looking to convert the masses onto Shakespeare; however, she’s hoping that folks are willing to give it a try.

“My idea is that, on some level, most of the people that will come to see the show probably have not had any sort of prior experience with Shakespeare,” she said. “But what we hope is that if we can make a difference in the life of one person if we can make the lightbulbs click on for one person, and they understand and discover what Shakespeare is all about, then we’ve succeeded. That’s what it’s all about.”

Tickets are $22 adults, $20 students and seniors online and $24 adults, $22 students and seniors for cash at the door.

A 37-year-old Le Roy resident is being accused by federal authorities of possession and distribution of child pornography.

Jordan Brodie faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison because of a prior child pornography conviction.

According to a statement by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, Brodie was using a chat application along with others who traded child pornography in May 2023, and Brodie uploaded at least one image to a different social media platform.  That upload was reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The State Police conducted an investigation and determined that the alleged upload took place from Brodie's home in Le Roy. 

A warrant was issued, and investigators seized Brodie's phone and the contents of a social media site. Authorities say they discovered images of child pornography involving children less than 12 years old.

At the time, Broadie was under the supervision of the Genesee County Probation Department following a child pornography conviction in May 2021.

Brodie was arraigned today in U.S. District Court and ordered held in custody.

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, Lyons, under the direction of Major Miklos Szoczei II, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. 

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) and Sen. George Borrello (R,C) will be dedicating a portion of the state highway system in Genesee County, as the “SP4 George Harold Fry Memorial Highway.” George Harold Fry, a native of Genessee County, was a Specialist-4 in the Army during the Vietnam War. 

On July 11, 1969, SP4 Fry gave his life to restore the company’s radio network during an assault by the North Vietnam Army. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his bravery and sacrifice in the battle. Hawley and Borrello led the initiative to designate a section of the highway in SP4 Fry’s honor, which the governor signed into law.

“I’m proud to stand with Sen. Borrello in recognizing one of Western New York’s most valiant, Specialist George Harold Fry,” said Hawley. “For generations to come, the SP4 George Harold Fry Memorial Highway will stand as a testament to Specialist Fry’s heroism and commitment to his country and our freedom.”

“For generations, many of our region’s finest and bravest young men and women have found their calling in military service and safeguarding the liberties we cherish,” said Sen. Borrello. “Specialist Fry was one of those patriots. Assemblyman Hawley and I felt it was important to name this highway in his honor to commemorate his courageous service to our country and to remind all who pass here of the immense contributions America’s veterans have made for us all.” 

Press Release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), working with the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) and the New York State Department of Special Education is hosting a workshop “Transition Planning: Life After High School”.  

Designed for the young people living in Genesee or Orleans County between the ages of 13 and 21 with a disability or special health care need and their parents, it will take place from 9 - 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30 at the ILGR office, 319 West Main Street at the Crickler Executive Business Center in Batavia.

Attendees will gain information on how to plan for life after high school. Learn what questions to ask, ideas for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), options, supports, and services that are available for them. A light breakfast will be provided.

Seating is limited and pre-registration is required by calling April Fearby, Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program Specialist at 585-815-8501, extension 401, or emailing her at afearby@wnyil.org.

“This event is funded by the New York State Department of Health using federal Health Resources and Services Administration Title V funding. The opinions, results, findings, and/or interpretations of content contained therein are the responsibility of the Contractor and do not necessarily represent the opinions, interpretations, or policy of the State or Federal funding agency.”