A dispatcher signed off tonight wishing Officer Kyle Slocum, Le Roy PD,  'Good luck on your retirement." He added, "We will miss you."

Slocum finishes his final shift at 3 a.m.

Best wishes, Officer Slocum. Thank you for your service.

Batavia PD officers are responding to a reported disturbance on State Street.

Individuals are reportedly fighting in the front yard of a home.

Another caller on Lewis Place reports that his daughter was attacked in the area.

The Batavia Music and Arts Advocacy Group (BMAA) held its premiere meeting Wednesday evening at the GoArt! building in Downtown Batavia. Cheri Kolb, seated, and Lauren Picarro-Hoerbelt formed this organization in response to the cuts that the Batavia City School District's arts and music programs have endured as a result of current economic woes. 

Kolb and Picarro-Hoerbelt both have children in the Batavia schools who are involved in music programs. They started this group out of: 1) concern for where they see the district going, and 2) a desire to maintain programs, teachers and the quality of arts/music activities for the kids.

Picarro-Hoerbelt said her hope is for this group to have a presence in both good times and bad.

"(We want) to help out in the bad times, and to remind everyone why these programs are important in the good times."

Kolb envisions BMAA as a "forum for parents (and others) to express their concerns and be a voice for their children."

Five parents were in attendance -- a scant turnout, but understandable, since it "fell in the middle of several vacations" (Kolb's words). A number of other people who were not able to attend the Wednesday meeting have expressed interest in joining.
 

The issue at hand

Over the past few years, art and music programs have taken some major hits, funding-wise. There has been particular concern about this at the elementary level, where art and music are not mandatory subjects.

For that reason, Kolb said, part of BMAA's mission is to "help create an understanding of how these subjects affect the ones that are mandated."

Part of the night's discussion centered around research showing that the more exposure kids get to these programs early on, the more they will contribute to brain development. Susan Dickenson, one of the parents at the meeting, noted that research has proven the beneficial effects of arts and music programs on reading, math and study skills.

Frank DeMare, another parent at the meeting, said part of the problem is that "it's all about test scores" in the education system right now.

"They want to get test scores up," he said, "and they think the way to solve the problem is to throw money at it. Well, if they're going to throw money at it, the place to throw it is music and the arts."

He noted that students from low income and minority populations are of special concern to the State Education Department in terms of test scores. Children from these populations could stand to gain a lot from the benefits of music programs, but don't have the money to purchase instruments. This is one area where additional funding resources could come in handy.

In spite of their zeal for the arts and music in the schools, Kolb and Picarro-Hoerbelt are not insensitive to taxpayers' concerns.

"People are worried about how their money is being spent," Kolb said. "But they need to know how (their decisions) affect the kids, who will be the next citizens of this community, and also to understand that trying to send a message by voting down budgets might not be the most productive message to this generation."

In the recent past, people have responded to this by arguing that it is the district employees who are "hurting the kids" by demanding unreasonable benefits, etc. Kolb addressed that concern.

"I think there was a time when New York State was in a period of prosperity," she said, "so they put into place a lot of benefits for teachers' unions. Now that the state is in greater economic need, they have had to accommodate the benefits that were in place before. But that's not the fault of the teachers."

She further noted that the teachers she knows "work an incredible amount of hours and contribute (a good amount of) their own money to purchase supplies they can't otherwise get because of budget cuts."

Teachers under pressure, students shortchanged

"The original spark (behind the idea of forming this group) stemmed from (the school board's discussions about) restructuring of the strings program," Kolb said. "That was our first public indicator that there was something going on, budget-wise, that could affect our kids."

Following this "original spark" was a major catalyst: A statement from one of the board members, quoted in The Daily News, about the need to look carefully at non-mandated programs in the wake of state budget cuts. At the elementary level, these include the arts and music.

"We knew they probably weren't going to be cut," Picarro-Hoerbelt said, "but they would be restructured to the point where the kids get less."

This "restructuring" has entailed staff cuts and increased workloads for remaining teachers. For example, the position of chorus instructor at Batavia High School has been eliminated, and the chorus teacher at Batavia Middle School must now pick up the slack by teaching grades six through 12.

Picarro-Hoerbelt's husband, Mark, who was also present at the meeting, has the exact same position (chorus teacher for grades six through 12) in Alexander, which is a smaller district with fewer students.

"I'm busy," he said. "I can't imagine what it's going to be like for him (the BMS chorus teacher)."

Meanwhile, recent retiree Cindy Baldwin's position as a districtwide strings instructor has also been eliminated. Students will now receive string lessons from staff at each of their respective elementary schools.

So at John Kennedy Elementary, for example, the music teacher is going to have to take on 55 string lessons per week. Keep in mind that this is in addition to his role as director of the school's vocal music programs and his regular classroom responsibilities.

Baldwin was also the music department chair for the district; that role will now be assumed by Jane Haggett. Haggett was hired as the high school band director several years ago and, since the band director position at Batavia Middle School was cut, has had to add grades seven and eight to her list as well.

DeMare expressed worry about the prospect of Haggett becoming department chair -- not because he doubts her capabilities, but because she is already overburdened with current responsibilities.

Fewer teachers available and more work for the teachers who remain in the district mean less time and energy to dedicate to the students.

"We're worried about our kids falling through the cracks," Picarro-Hoerbelt said.

Additionally, DeMare noted that the restructuring of programs leads to larger groups of students.

"Some kids get lost in big groups," he said. "They lose interest."

What about the cost?

Right now, the immediate goal of BMAA is to make sure nothing else gets cut. It's about maintaining programs rather than adding to them.

Kolb and Picarro-Hoerbelt stressed that parents and community members are going to have to assume responsibility and find creative ways to keep these programs going.

"There's a tendency to blame the state when things are so dire," Kolb said. "I think we're at a point where the state can't do any more. The districts have to take the initiative."

Dickenson presented the Royalton-Hartland School District in Niagara County (where she used to live) as proof that this can be done.

Royalton-Hartland has received media recognition for its sports programs in addition to having thriving arts/music programs.

"There's something for every student," Dickenson said. "(Royalton-Hartland) is a small district, just like we are. But they really make use of the resources they have available."

When she moved to Batavia, she found that there was "such a different mentality."

"There's almost an attitude in the community that, 'Oh, they're doing the best they can, so we'll leave it in their hands,'" Picarro-Hoerbelt said, "until things get really dire like this. Everyone has to step up."

Game plan

BMAA welcomes all community members with a passion for arts and a desire to see keep them kept alive and well in the schools. The only people who would not be accepted into the group are those who are currently teaching art and music in the Batavia schools, as this would create a conflict of interest.

People with various talents and skills are invited to join and to help out in whatever way they would like.

One way to help BMAA is to do research on various topics, such as:

• what music/arts programs are in school districts comparable in size to Batavia and how they are maintained;
• data and charts demonstrating the importance of music and the arts in relation to core subject areas and brain development;
• rules of conduct at school board meetings;
• and even something as simple as finding out which locations the school board will use for upcoming meetings and letting everybody else in the group know.

If you have a gift for public speaking, there is also room for people who would like to speak at board meetings or other events.

And that's another thing: BMAA is designed to foster a positive relationship with the school board, as opposed to the community vs. board mentality a lot of people seem to have.

"We are being reassured that they are looking at everything," Kolb said.

In other words, the board is examining options for making necessary cuts more equitable, keeping in mind that the arts and music have suffered disproportionately for a few years.

Other ideas

Another one of the key ideas presented at Wednesday's meeting was that of giving school arts and music programs more visibility in the wider community. Someone raised the question of how, for example, student art shows could be opened up so that it's not just the students and their parents who come, but also school board members, legislators, etc.

DeMare said that in many of the wealthier school districts, local businesses support arts and music programs. Batavia businesses already sponsor sports programs, and everyone agreed that this could be extended to the arts and music as well.

One of the most fundamental questions raised was this: "How can we get people out there to vote?"

A very small percentage of those eligible to vote in school board elections and budget votes actually vote. Picarro-Hoerbelt and Kolb feel it is important to encourage everyone to recognize their role in the lives of our community's children.

"Even if you no longer have a child in the district," Picarro-Hoerbelt said, "please come out and support the programs that meant a lot to your kids 20 years ago."

BMAA is drawing on information from the NAMM Foundation on how to effectively implement grassroots organizations in support of music in the schools. For more information, go to www.nammfoundation.org.

For more information on BMAA or to get involved, e-mail artsadvocacy14020@yahoo.com. The group's next meeting will be held at the GoArt! building, on the corner of Main and Bank streets, at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14.

A motorcycle accident with injuries is reported in Elba at Norton and Bridge roads. Elba Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 5:41 p.m.: The driver complained of right hip pain and was transported to a hospital via private vehicle. Elba fire and Mercy units back in service.

A tractor-trailer and car collision is reported at 700 Ellicott St. in the City of Batavia. No injuries are reported. City Fire Department is responding.

The Batavia Bulldawgs Youth Football Team is selling raffle tickets for a 2011 Johnny Pag Spyder motorcycle.

The tickets are $40 each and only 150 will be sold.

The drawing is scheduled for Aug. 28 during the seniors' game at John Kennedy School (approximately 2:45 p.m.)

Tickets may be purchased at IR Systems, 309-311 West Main St., or potential winners can call John Riegle at (716) 228-5787 or Ken Proefrock at 794-6034 for tickets.

Pictured above are Riegle, left, and Proefrock with the bike.

A two-car accident is reported at Route 19 and Parmelee Road in Le Roy. The caller says one vehicle is smoking, both are leaking fluids. All occupants are out of the vehicles.

Le Roy Fire and Ambulance Service responding.

UPDATE 4:37 p.m.: Fire police will be needed to direct traffic. The accident is at the top of the hill at the intersection. The roadway is blocked. Traffic will be shut down at Selden Road. There are two patient sign-offs and no one will be transported. A standard and a flatbed tow are requested.

UPDATE 5:21 p.m.: The roadway was reopened a few moments ago.

A fight is reportedly in progress at 40 Main St. in Le Roy. At least two police cars are en route.

UPDATE 1:40 p.m.: Three people were involved. Police have the situation under control.

The Genesee County Grand Jury issued these indictments today:

Shonnon J. Jefferson is indicted on one count of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a Class E felony. Jefferson was stopped on Feb. 3 on I-90 in the Town of Stafford while driving a 1995 Dodge and allegedly had a revoked or suspended driver's license. Further, Jefferson had in effect 10 or more suspensions imposed on at least 10 separate dates for failure to answer, appear or pay a fine. To wit, in the Town of Irondequoit, on July 29, 2009. And the City of Rochester on: March 16, March 20 in 2006; Jan. 24, Sept. 7 and Oct. 31 in 2007; March 13, May 19 and June 2 in 2008; Feb. 12, April 8 in 2009; and Jan. 19 this year.

Andrew L. Dailey is indicted on one count of DWI and one count of aggravated DWI for allegedly driving with BAC of .18. Both are Class E felonies. Dailey is accused of driving a 2010 Hyundai on Roanoke Road in the Town of Stafford on April 3 while intoxicated.

O-AT-KA Milk Products Cooperative, Inc., is receiving $204,000 in tax abatements through the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GDEDC) for an expansion at its facility at 700 Ellicott St., Batavia.

O-AT-KA intends to build a two-story dairy processing facility for producing dairy-based beverages and "ultra-filtered" milk ingredients. The project summary reads, "The additional dairy batch blend capacity allows more dairy-based products to be manufactured at O-AT-KA for shipment both nationally as well as exports."

Both projects would use milk produced exclusively in New York. O-AT-KA is receiving sales-tax exemption on construction material of $204,000. The estimated 10-year return on investment into the local economy is $21.2 million.

Graham Corp., of 20 Florence Ave., Batavia, is receiving a tax abatement of $125,906, through the GCEDC for the addition of a 10,000-square-foot sandblasting and painting building. Graham is receiving an $89,088 property-tax exemption (PILOT) and a sales-tax exemption on building materials of $36,818. The estimated 10-year economic impact is $89.8 million

Marktec Products, Inc., has been approved by the GCEDC for $57,109 in tax abatements for relocation to the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park. Marktec, owned by Bill Cox, will build a 5,002-square-foot building on two acres of land in the park. The company will receive a property-tax exemption (a 60 percent PILOT) of $32,739, a sales-tax exemption on building material of $18,800 and a mortgage-tax exemption of $5,570. The project is expected to retain four jobs and create two new jobs. The estimated return on investment over 10 years for the local economy is $2.45 million.

Thomas Michael Pillo, 40, of Alexander Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and harassment, 2nd. Pillo is accused of choking and shoving a victim multiple times during a domestic dispute. The incident, at an address on Alexander Road, Batavia, was reported at 9 p.m., Wednesday.

Joseph Michael D'Amato, 19, of Sumner Road, Corfu, is charged with unlawful dealing with fireworks. D'Amato was arrested following a complaint at 12:05 a.m., Thursday, about fireworks in the Town of Pembroke. D'Amato allegedly set off fireworks "causing annoyance and alarm to several homeowners in the area."

Kateyln Christen Kubala, 22, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Kubala is accused of shoplifting at Walmart.

City crews were busy on Jackson Street this morning doing some road repair work.

Like the headline reads, a tree in a cornfield on Phelps Road, Indian Falls.

Every once in a while I'll drive down a road I've been down many times and spot something I've never seen before. Today, it as the First Universalist Cemetery on Maple Street Road in Alabama. The cemetery features a large, jagged stone with a wood sign in front of it listing all of the people believed to be buried in the cemetery. All of them appear to have died before the middle part of the 19th Century. Most of the grave markers are moved or broken.

Thursday afternoon I stopped at a produce stand on Francis Road to buy some sweet corn (I never get enough sweet corn in the summer) and found these baskets piled up in the corner of the shed.

While Care-A-Van Ministries was out for their weekly cookout, some dancing talent was found! Mary Embroli, age 91, a resident of the MRSG Kirby Apartments enjoyed dancing to the music of the Care-A-Van band with volunteer Michelle Lawson.

Upon the evening ending, Mary was offered a prayer. Her response "I just need more energy! Please pray for that." Truly she has a lot more energy than some of us! God bless you Mary!

Dr. Jim Sunser is settling in quickly as the new president of Genesee Community College.

Even though the president's office, vacated by Dr. Stuart Steiner upon his retirement, has no furniture yet (to paraphrase a line from M.A.S.H. -- it's a big giant empty), Sunser has found a place to live, at least one good local restaurant (he mentioned O'Lacy's) and is getting to know the staff and the campus.

"This is a beautiful part of the state," Sunser said. "We're really enjoying it and everybody’s been as nice as they can be. Even though I’m familiar with Western New York, at least I thought I was, I’m learning more about it every day."

Sunser and his wife, Roseann, who have relocated from the Syracuse area, bought a house in Indian Falls.

Though Sunser enjoyed doing his own home repairs and remodeling in the past, he said, he figured the new job would keep him too busy for much house maintenance, so they sought out a newer home in an attractive location.

The search gave him and Roseann a chance to explore Genesee County and they were impressed by the variety of vistas and the beauty of the environment.

"The topography really changes as you cross the county from Pembroke to Pavilion," Sunser said. "Of course, the view of the hills from the campus is just gorgeous."

Four days into his new job, he's not formed many opinions about what, if anything, he might do differently, or what big plans he might like to launch, but he said it's natural to look for possible improvements.

"I'm starting to get to know people better and starting to come up with ideas as far as continuous improvement," Sunser said.

"But, I’m fortunate," he added. "It’s a great school with excellent people and I’m sure we’re all going to work well together to continue the tradition of excellence that we have here."

A man on a motorcycle is now the subject of a foot pursuit in a cornfield near routes 63 and 20 in Pavilion. The incident began in the City of Batavia. We didn't hear how things started, only that he's being hunted by Sheriff's deputies.

While he was gunning his motorcycle with the law in hot pursuit, the chain on his bike broke. He ditched it, along with his helmet, and ran into a nearby cornfield. They spotted him by a hedgerow and then he disappeared into the field again.

State Troopers are on scene, too, and they are asked to provide a helicopter to locate the suspect. Pharoah, the Sheriff's Office dog, is working the scene as well. The dog hasn't located the guy yet, but did return to his handler, Deputy Brian Thompson, from the west.

The man being sought is wearing jeans and has on a black leather jacket. The motorcycle doesn't have plates.

UPDATE 7:42 p.m.: A "whole family of deer" is hanging out in one area of the search, so they are thinking he hasn't gone in that direction. The helicopter is flying above.

UPDATE 8:10 p.m.: The helicopter is continuing a sweep of the farm fields west-to-northwest.

UPDATE 8:21 p.m.: The "family of deer has been spooked from its location" and so officers on the ground are asked to scour that area. The motorcycle is being towed "to a secure location."

UPDATE 8:27: The motorcycle is a 1990 GST Suzuki with an expired registered out of Belmont. The manhunt has yielded no results. The helicopter is returning to base.

UPDATE 10:14 p.m. (by Howard): Photo, Deputy Thompson and Pharoah. Deputies and troopers cleared the scene about about 9:30 p.m. with the suspect still at large. The chase started when Deputy Joseph Graff performed a traffic stop on a motorcyle that didn't have plates. After Deputy Graff exited his vehicle to approach the motorcyclist, the rider took off at high speed.