Market rate housing, the resurrection of Wing Ding, a craft beer festival and Alzheimer’s awareness walk, the Jackson Square redesign and a public hearing are all on tap for City Council’s conference meeting this week.

And that is to be followed by a special business meeting for several votes and an executive session to discuss “employment matters and real estate.”

The conference meeting is set for 7 p.m. Monday in the Council Board Room, second floor of City Hall.

Assistant City Manager Erik Fix is expected to outline a plan to create single-family homes and market-rate rentals to help supply Genesee County’s future housing needs of more than 4,800 units, according to a memo from Fix to City Council. The demand for housing is anticipated in correlation with the WNY STAMP project in the western part of the county.

“With low vacancy rates and free houses available for sale, if a surge of development attracted employment into the region, workers would need to look outside of the county for housing,” Fix said.

He is proposing that the Batavia Home Fund be established to capitalize Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) payments from project investors and land sales to plump up the fund.

The city will also be exploring a Core Housing Owner Incentive Exemption program based on a similar program in Rochester that provides exemptions for multi-family homes to convert to single-family homes, and for construction of new housing stock, Fix said.

As Genesee County, via a related committee, pursues hosting an air show once again, the city is considering resurrecting the Wing Ding that ran in conjunction with the former Wings of Eagles air show at Genesee County Airport. Fix is also expected to review the potential for a Wing Ding weekend, and transfer a leftover amount of $9,188 from the Centennial Celebration and move it into a Wing Ding account.

Air show committee leader and county highway superintendent Tim Hens has said that several people have asked that the air show be brought back, and many folks have shared fond memories from each event on opposite sides of the county -- at Genesee County Airport on Saile Drive and in downtown Batavia.

After years of committee meetings, investigation and talk about the potential for Creek Park, situated behind the ice arena, city officials are also expected to discuss the option of performing an environmental review for it to house a future business operation.

Eli Fish apparently doesn't want the fun to stop and has applied for a craft beer festival in Jackson Square later next month. That event, and an Alzheimer's awareness walk on Oct. 1 are up for review by council during its conference session. 

File photo of a previous air show. 

Batavia City School District residents are invited to offer comments and/or ask questions regarding the district’s proposition to use $95,000 from the Repair Reserve Fund.

A public hearing about expending the funds has been set for 6 p.m. Monday in the Superintendent’s Conference Room at Batavia High School, 260 State St., Batavia.

There will be a presentation about the emergency replacement of two water boilers, and the related contract for the $95,000 cost of repair. Business Administrator Scott Rozanski is to be on hand to answer questions and review the scope of work and contract award.

If approved by the board, the cost will be transferred out of the reserve fund to pay for the high school work.

Other agenda items include presentations from Trisha Finnigan, Dr. Molly Corey and board member Barbara Bowman; votes on several faculty appointments; contracts with groups and individuals related to transportation, personal day approval for the Custodial Association, an administrator’s retreat, clarifying payment eligibility for Batavia Teachers’ Association, and tuition for children with disabilities.

There are to be public hearings in each the city and county this week on the application and use of a $2 million Restore NY grant.

The city's hearing is during a conference session at 7 p.m. Monday in the Council Board Room, second floor, City Hall.

City Council's intended use for the grant is for the Carrs Reborn project in downtown Batavia. Cities with a population less than 40,000 can apply for up to $2 million, and it is available for projects to “demolish/deconstruct and/or rehabilitate/reconstruct vacant, abandoned, surplus and/or condemned residential, commercial and/or mixed-use buildings.”

The former C.L. Carr's site, with an expansive footprint within Main and Jackson streets and is owned by Ken Mistler, is expected to accommodate several upper-floor apartments and business/office use on the ground floor.

City Council is expected to vote on the grant submission during its business meeting to follow. The group is also to vote for support of a county-led Restore NY grant application to offset the $33.5 million Healthy Living campus project on Main Street, downtown Batavia. Work has begun to construct a new Healthy Living campus alongside GLOW YMCA, and the fitness facility at 207-209 East Main St. will eventually be demolished to make way for green and parking spaces.

It will take much investment for the entire plan to unfold, and Genesee County’s Ways & Means Committee has agreed to proceed with an application for a $2 million Restore NY grant to help with the costs.

Before anything else can happen, a public hearing must be conducted about the project to demolish 207-209 and 211 1/2 (rear) on East Main Street. Led by the county, the grant is available for “projects to demolish/deconstruct and/or rehabilitation/reconstruct vacant, abandoned, surplus and/or condemned residential, commercial, and/or mixed-use buildings.”

The county has set two public hearings for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Old Courthouse, 7 Main St., Batavia. In addition to one about the Restore NY grant, there is a hearing about a local law to expand the residency limit beyond Genesee County to open the pool of candidates for Genesee County Sheriff's Office correction officer vacancies.

Rendering of future Healthy Living campus in downtown Batavia, submitted by Rochester Regional Health.

Dan Butler, an artist from Perry, is nearing completion of a mural on the back of Seymour Place, the home of GO ART!, inspired by an idea presented to him by Director Gregory Hallock: People of many different races holding flowers.

"He wanted to welcome everybody," Butler said. "They're all welcome here to come and enjoy art or create it."

Butler has been assisted by Jill Pettigrew, who has painted the flowers.

Butler said he's enjoyed the project.

"I get to be outside and I get to paint," Butler said. "One of my specialties is portraits and faces so I get to work on what I do best and throw a lot of color and flowers into it and have a good time."

Catelyn Terboss, 7, tries out one of the pieces of antique technology on display Friday night at the Senior Center for Family Game Night.

The County's IT department was one of several county agencies with display tables during the event, which centered around family games and free games for families to take home.

Catelyn had never seen a rotary telephone before. Louis Stoller showed her how it worked though he admitted he's never used a rotary phone. 

Jeremy G. Ives is indicted on two counts of attempted assault in the first degree, a Class C violent felony, kidnapping in the second degree, a Class B violent felony, criminal use of a firearm in the first degree, a Class B violent felony, two counts of criminal use of a firearm in the second degree, a Class C violent felony, and menacing in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Ives is accused of attempting to cause serious physical injury to a person using a shotgun in the City of Batavia on Aug. 12.  He is accused of abducting another person on that same day. Previously: Arrest made in Elm Street shooting

Iverson M. Davis is indicted on counts of grand larceny in the third degree, a Class D felony, and eight counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, a Class D felony. Davis is accused of stealing property with a value in excess of $3,000 between March 25 and March 28 at Batavia Downs in the Town of Batavia. He is accused of possessing forged Western Union Money Orders.

Elayasia A. Mendez is indicted on counts of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, DWI, forgery in the second degree, falsifying business records in the first degree, and criminal impersonation in the second degree. Mendez is accused of driving a 2014 Chrysler on Clinton Street Road, Stafford, on June 11 on a suspended license while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. She is accused of signing the name "Jada Quinones" on a fingerprint card in an attempt to conceal her true identity. 

Alicia K. Urban is indicted on two counts of aggravated driving while ability impaired by drugs, a Class E felony, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor. Urban is accused of driving impaired on March 29 on East Main Street, Town of Batavia, while two children were in the vehicle.

Amanda B. Hopkins is indicted on two counts of aggravated DWI, a Class E felony,  and one count of endangering the welfare of a child a Class A misdemeanor. Hopkins is accused of driving drunk, with a BAC of .08 or greater, with a child in the car, on Route 63 in the Town of Pavilion on Jan. 21.

Garlyn M. Gause is indicted on counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, a Class E felony, and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Gause is accused of possessing cocaine on April 24 in the City of Batavia with the intent to sell it. On that same date, he is accused of preventing the use of evidence by concealment, alteration, destruction or by employing force, intimidation or deception. On the same date, is also accused of being in possession of a controlled substance. 

Trevor T. Cooke is indicted on counts of driving while ability impaired by drugs, a Class E felony, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree. Cooke is accused of driving a 2006 Chevrolet on April 2 on Bloomingdale Road in the Town of Alabama while his ability was impaired by drugs.

Genesee came in third in a Monroe County Athletics Gymnastics competition in Byron on Saturday.

The teams placed:

• Fairport: 119.9
• Gates-Brighton: 113.175
• Genesee: 110. 025
• Corning: 109.125

Individual results:

• All Around: 1. Sarah Lago (Fairport): 31.35, 3. Roan Finn (Genesee): 28.775, 6. Emily Salmonds (Genesee): 28.4, 9. Haylie Leitten (Genesee): 27.2
• Vault: 1. Sarah Lago (Fairport): 8.1, 2. Roan Finn (Genesee): 7.725, 6. Mikayla Yohon (Genesee): 7.45, 8. Emily Salmonds (Genesee): 7.275
• Uneven Bars: 1. Maryclaire Wirth (Fairport): 7.1, 7. Haylie Leitten (Genesee): 6.5, 9. Emily Salmonds (Genesee): 6.475
• Balance Beam: 1. Sophie Hain (Fairport): 8.725, 6. Haylie Leitten (Genesee): 7.75
• Floor Exercise: 1. Sarah Lago (Fairport): 8.6, 5. Roan Finn (Genesee): 7.625

Genesee Coach Stephani Hamilton said, "The girls placed third out of four teams today and I am proud of them.  Each girl has increased her skill level on each event so far this season.  They will continue to strive for their goals." 

Genesee's next meet is Friday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. at Bright Raven in Victor.

Submitted information and photo.

Javin McFolins completed nine of 11 pass attempts for 206 yards and two TDs to lead Batavia to a 49-20 win over Bishop Kearney on Saturday afternoon.

McFollins also gained 43 yards on the ground on four attempts and scored a touchdown.

Aavion Bethel ran nine times for 41 yards and a TD and Cam McClinic gained 43 yards on five carries.

Vincent Arroyo caught four passes for 107 yards and a TD.  

On defense, Cooper Fix had seven tackles.

The Pembroke Dragon improved to 3-1 on the season in eight-man football with a 46-32 win over two-time defending sectional champions Red Jacket.

The game opened with a 50-yard touchdown run by Caleb Felski.

Red Jacket quickly responded with a score of their own.

A big interception before halftime by Cayden Pfalzer led Pembroke to an extra possession and score before the half.

The Dragons sustained that lead for the rest of the game.

Tyson Totten rushed 25 times for 264 yards and four touchdowns.  He is at 727 yards on the season after four games.

Cayden Pfalzer added 106 yards rushing on 8 carries and a 54-yard TD pass to tight end Chase Guzdek.

Defensively Jayden Mast had seven tackles and a sack with help from fellow defensive lineman Octavius Martin with six tackles, Chase Guzdek six tackles, and Jayden Bridge with five tackles.

Pfalzer and Totten added 10 tackles each from the linebacker positions while Caleb Felski led the way with 11 tackles on the night.  

The Dragons play next Frida at 7 p.m. at Wellsville.

Submitted information and photos.

The Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Aggies scored 38 unanswered points through four quarters on their way to a 38-6 over Le Roy at home on Friday night.

Connor Scott opened the scoring with a 57-yard run at the start of the game to ignite the Aggie's offense.  Brodie Scott completed a pass to Noah Currier for the next score, then hit Connor Scott in the second quarter and scored himself twice in the third.  OAE's final score came early in the fourth quarter when Hyde connected with Kyle Porter on a 51-yard TD reception.

OAE compiled 475 yards in total offense to 188 for the Oatkan Knights.

Hyde completed six of 12 pass attempts for 156 yards and three TDs.  He was intercepted once.

Currier gained 134 yards on 19 runs, Hyde 93 on 16 attempts.

Kyle Porter had two receptions for 70 yards.

On defense, Nate Finta had five tackles.

For the Knights, Adrian Stephens was 5-13 passing for 41 yards. Jackson Fix rushed eight times for 70 yards and a TD. On defense, Tony Piazza had 9.5 tackles.

"A win like this against an opponent like LeRoy is huge for our team," said Aggies Head Coach Tyler Winter. "While the first half still was not the cleanest on our end, the way our guys came out of halftime and kept the pedal down on a good opponent speaks to what we are capable of, both physically and mentally.  They are really taking to our 'process over product' approach, and doing a phenomenal job of taking each opponent as they come.  For them, the next challenge is the biggest one."

Top photo: Le Roy’s Xavien Walker (44) holds on to Connor Scott (22).

Photos by Ed Henry

OAE’s Connor Scott (22) scores a TD early in the game.

OAE’s Noah Currier (20) snags a TD catch.

Le Roy’s Jack Tonzi grabs a reception in the flats.

Le Roy’s Drew Strollo (34) turns the corner.

OAE’s Aiden Warner holds on after an Antonio Martinez collision.

OA-E’s QB Bodie Hyde

OAE’s Angelo Penna (55) and Connor Scott (22) celebrate up top. 

Additional photos below by Kristin Smith.  For more, click here.

Alexander shut out South Seneca 50-0 to improve to 3-0 on the season and give Tim Sawyer his 100th victory as the Trojan's head football coach.

Trenton Woods threw three first-quarter TD passes. 

Senior tight end Christian Kissell caught a 10-yard strike for a TD just two minutes into the game. 

Tyler Marino scored on a 30-yard pass and then moments later Kaden Lyons hauled in a 20-yard pass. 

Dalton Selapak's point-after kicks and a defensive safety from Cole Dean the Trojans led 22-0 at the end of the first quarter. 

Senior running back Ricky Townley scored on two different runs in the second quarter.  One was a 10-yarder and later on a 4-yard run.

That made it 36-0 at the half. 

Tyler Marino carried the ball into the end zone in the third quarter from 4 yards out and in the fourth quarter and Bryce Feldman scored his first-ever TD on a 1-yard run.

Defensively, the Trojans did not give up a first down on the night.  Sr Defensive Back Benny Merrill had an interception and Cole Dean had a safety and a fumble recovery to go with three tackles.  Jaden Snyder, Bryce Feldman, Christian Kissell, and Trent Woods all had QB sacks.

The Trojans play at Notre Dame next Saturday.

Photo by Joanne Meiser.

Press release:

The Genesee County Office of Emergency Management Services was the host of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) FLASHOVER training. 

The FLASHOVER training was held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center on State Street Road, Batavia, on Sept. 10-11, where forty-three firefighters from around the region attended.

Seasoned instructors with years of experience teaching with a simulator, taught this program. The program included a one-hour classroom lecture, followed by two hours of intense live fire hands-on training evolutions in NYSAFC's mobile flashover simulator.

The FLASHOVER training allowed participants to experience fire development from the incipient stage all the way to flashover.  Participants completing the training are now able to identify the signs of the event before being part of the flashover. It is said that if you are more than five feet from the doorway, your chance of survival in a flashover is minimal.

Participants of the FLASHOVER training Included:

AKRON

• Hillery Dennies
• Michael Dennies

ALABAMA

• Gary Patnode
• Michelle Patnode
• Ryan Thompson

CITY OF BATAVIA

• Ryan Darch
• Nathan Flint
• Allison Hubert
• Jennifer Kirkum
• Dalton Major
• Benjamin Pickard

BOWMANSVILLE

• Mike  Andrzewski
• Evan MacPeek

CALEDONIA

• Andrew Carpino
• Samuel D'Agostino
• RJ Kantowski
• John Kellen
• Michael Lubitow
• Aaron Rychlicki
• Nathan Sherlock

EAST BLOOMFIELD

• Alex Brown
• Bill Gasser
• Abigail Miller

EAST PEMBROKE

• Stephen Smelski

PERRY CENTER

• David  Parfitt
• Chuck Wright

PITTSFORD

• Ron DeCamelia
• Brian Garber
• Matt Garber
• Marc Krieger
• Chris Otero

RANSOMVILLE

• Jim Harbison
• Chris Lederhouse
• Justin Stoelting
• Matt Wedge

SOUTH BYRON

• Nicole Boldt
• Vito Muoio
• Jeremie Rassel
• Jeffrey Starowitz

SPRINGWATER

• Brian Nadeau
• Zackery Ryan

WENDELVILLE

• Thomas Braunscheidel
• Benjamin Kalbfliesch

Bradley R. Jordan, 29, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with menacing 3rd.  Jordan is accused of threatening a person on Silver Road in the Town of Bethany on Sept. at 6:58 p.m.  Jordan was located by deputies Andrew Mullen and James Stack along with K-9 Frankie and arrested.  He was arraigned in Town of Bethany Court and on that charged released on his own recognizance but held in the Genesee County Jail pending extradition to Clark County, Nevada. No information was released on the charge Jordan faces in Nevada.

Julian Willard Mills, 24, of Hartford Road, Lansing, Mich., is charged with criminal possession of a firearm. During an investigation of a reported suspicious condition on Alleghany Road, Pembroke on Sept. 19 at 11:35 a.m., Mills was allegedly found in possession of a loaded handgun. Mills was released on an appearance ticket.

Nia M. Coppini, 23, of Prestige Xing, Batavia, Jordan P. Kuczyuski, 24, of Bacon Street, Le Roy, Nathan D. Clark, 25, of Central Avenue, Batavia, and Dakota White, 24, of South Lake Avenue, Bergen, are charged with trespass. Coppini, Kuczyuski, Clark, and White are accused of being in the Byron Swamps after dark in violation of posted signs. They were released on appearance tickets.

Behold, and Blush is a comprehensive telling of the 1779 Sullivan Expedition as it wound its way through western New York. We begin with the legend behind the creation of the Seneca Nation, the "Great Peacemaker," and Hiawatha, and the formation of the Haudenosaunee (League of Five Nations). Next, the book segues the French-led invasion of Seneca territory in 1687. Finally, it touches on the French and Indian War and the deeds committed by British General Jefferey Amherst, for whom Amherst New York is named. Behold and Blush reviews chronologically and introduces the readers to the campaigns of "Goose," Van Schaick, and Daniel Brodhead, culminating with Sullivan and Clinton. Thompson's research expands upon the expedition's little-

known members, which significantly adds to the story of the Sullivan Expedition. The book introduces the reader to Joseph Brant, Mary Jemison, Daniel Shays, Timothy Murphy, Lt. Thomas Boyd, and Sgt. Michael Parker. The book concludes with the discussion of genocide as it may or may not relate to Sullivan's Expedition. "If a reader expects to find this book treating the men of Sullivan's Expedition as barbarians and a book where the Seneca are treated as victims, they may be disappointed in what they find.”

Release date October 9:

Presentation and signing:

• Sat. Oct. 22 – Simply Positive 23 Main St. Livonia NY 10-1 p.m., (585) 204-0441
• Sat. Oct. 29 – Holland Land Office Museum 131 W. Main St Batavia NY, 1-3 p.m. 585-343-4727.

Press release:

Notre Dame has announced the newest members of its Athletic Hall of Fame who will be inducted on Saturday Nov. 12 in a ceremony held at the school.  Contact Kate Edwards at 343-2783 ext. 144 or email her kate.edwards@ndhsbatavia.com for ticket information.

Aaron Fix Class of 1992:  Aaron excelled in football, basketball and Baseball. He started on Notre Dame’s first State title the 1992 Boys Basketball Team. The basketball teams he played on posted a record of 40-9 (38-4 in GR) and won GR titles in 1991 & 1992.  He was a 2-time GR All-Star in both football and baseball with his teams winning GR championships in baseball in1990 &1991. He went on to play football collegiately at Canisius where he set a record for TD punt returns in a game (3), in a season (4) and was a D-1 AA All-American as a punt returner.

Christi Moskal Ganie Class of 2003:  Christi played volleyball, basketball and softball during her ND years. Her Volleyball teams won Section V titles in 2001 & 2002 advancing to State finals in ’02. She was selected as a multiple GR and Section V Volleyball All-Star. Christi’s basketball squads were Section V Champs in 2002 when she was named MVP and 2003 when she was a tournament All-Star. Christi was a 3-time GR Basketball All-Star on teams that won 3 GR titles. Her prowess as a student-athlete led to her selection as Notre Dame’s Outstanding Scholar-Athlete in 2003.

Kevin Smith Class of 1987: Kevin was a standout athlete in football, basketball and baseball.  He was a GR All-Star in football in 1986 when his team won the GR title and advanced to the Sectional Finals.  Kevin’s basketball teams won 32 and lost 9 winning GR Championships in ’86 & ’87 while advancing to Sectional Championship game in ’87 where they lost by 1 on a buzzer beater. In ’87, he earned GR All-Star recognition. He was a 2-time GR All-Star on Baseball teams that posted a record of 50-9 winning GR & Sectional Championships in ’86 & ’87. He was the recipient of the Rogowski Trophy one of the most prestigious ND Awards.

Jack Waggoner Class of 1989:  Jack played football, basketball and golf. He was Athlete of the Year in 1988 as well as the Batavia Lions Club Bill Cook Outstanding Scholar-Athlete Award in 1989. His football squads had a 2-year record of 12-4 winning a GR title and he was a GR All-Star in ‘87 & ’88. Jack’s basketball teams went 37-10 winning a Batavia Lions Club championship as well as a GR title in ’89 when they advanced to the Sectional Championship game. Arguably the most successful golfer in school history, Jack was  a 6-time Sectional qualifier, 3-time medalist of the GR qualifying event, twice advanced to the state championships and his 4-times as team MVP is a school record.

1973 Baseball:  The 1973 Baseball team went 16-4 winning the Smith League championship. They advanced to the Georgetown Cup Championship game losing 3-1 to Canisius HS. This team was coached by Hall of Famers Fr. John Zeitler and Bill Sutherland while the roster included HOF athletes Bob Carragher, Andy Vogl, and Mark Francis.

1992 Boys Basketball:  The 1992 Boys Basketball team earned the name “The Fab 5” as they posted a record of 26-1 winning the NYSPHSAA State title as well as Section V and GR championships. They set a school record for wins (26), win percentage (96.3%) and put ND back in the spotlight at a time when enrollment had dropped below 100 for the first and only time. HOF inductees affiliated with the team include Coaches Mike Rapone and Dave Pero as well as athletes Tom McCulley and Aaron Fix.

Press release:

Arc GLOW’s Meadowcrest Drive home received some help with fall spruce up and clean Wednesday afternoon from a group of hard-working volunteers representing Five Star Bank.

Five Star’s First Vice President Territory Director Jacqueline Lavoie shared a company statement about the bank’s Volunteering is a Work of HEART Day, that explained as part of this company-wide community service event, most branches and offices closed early to allow the team to come together and dedicate time and talent to better the communities they serve.  According to the statement, “More than 300 associates signed up to volunteer with over 30 non-profit organizations throughout our footprint to complete projects that make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

Stacey Vandetta, branch manager for Batavia and Attica, said her team was excited and honored to spend the afternoon at one of Arc GLOW’s Batavia homes.  “We brought our gloves, rakes and we are ready to work!!!” she said.

Meadowcrest Residential Manager Molly Smith was thrilled with the offer to help with a few major projects, including raking the backyard and painting the front porch.  “They had the porch painted in no time, and twelve bags of leaves raked,” Molly said.  “We’re thrilled – the porch looks great and the backyard has never looked better.” 

Five Star volunteers had the opportunity to work with John, one of the residents who lives at the Meadowcrest home.  “John quickly became the team leader,” Molly said, making sure everyone was hydrated and had all the supplies they needed.  “I can’t thank them enough for what they were able to do in such a short period of time,” the manager stated, with a smile.  “Their goal was to make a difference, and they did. We are so grateful!”

Five Star Bank employees participating in the Volunteering is a Work of HEART Day were: Jeff Westerman (LeRoy and Caledonia Manager), Stacy Vandetta (Batavia and Attica Manager), Mary Ann Gallo, Carrie Laney, Christine Adamczak, Sandy Smart, Amy Meisner, Makayla Hilchey-Richthammer, Michelle Vollmer, Cassandra Anderson and Lisa Gautieri.  Team member who wanted to volunteer for Arc GLOW but offered to work to keep the LeRoy branch open were Ty Ozkaynak, Cassidy Bratcher and Jen Lambert.

The Meadowcrest home is one of thirty residences operated by the Arc GLOW throughout its four-county service area.  Arc GLOW was created in October of 2021 as a result of a merger between Arc of Genesee Orleans and The Arc Livingston-Wyoming. The human service agency employs nearly 1,000 staff across 2,400 square miles and serves 2,000 people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families.

Submitted photos.