A 37-year-old Le Roy resident was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison on Monday on a conviction off possession of child pornography by U.S. District Court Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Jordan E. Brodie was charged following an investigation that revealed he traded child pornography through an online chat application in May 2023. Brodie was accused of uploading at least one image to another platform, which reported the image to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The State Police opened an investigation based on the complaint and determined the image was uploaded from Brodie's home in Le Roy. A search warrant was executed, and his phone was seized.
He was found with images that included violence against children.
Brodie was convicted of child pornography possession in May 2021, leading his supervision by the Genesee County Probation Department.
The UR Medicine Mobile Mammography Van will be providing breast screenings at Batavia Downs. The van will be available on October 23, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM in the parking lot at Batavia Downs. This service offers advanced 3D mammography screenings, targeting women aged 40 and older. It's an easy, quick process that provides the same quality of care as an in-office visit.
The Chamber’s Annual Awards Committee has announced the “2024” Annual Award Ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Batavia Downs Gaming, Park Road, Batavia. This is the County’s premier event that honors businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service, and volunteerism.
Please note that a brief write-up will qualify your nominee for consideration. Nominations are now being accepted for Business of the Year, Entrepreneurial Business of the Year, Agricultural Business of the Year, Innovative Enterprise of the Year, Special Service Recognition & Geneseeans of the Year. Business Nominees must be a Chamber Member (If unsure of your nominee, call the Chamber to verify).
Nomination forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce office, 8276 Park Road, Batavia, and can also be downloaded from the Chamber Website at www.geneseeny.com.
Nominations MUST BE RECEIVED BY December 13 to be eligible for consideration.
If you would like more information, feel free to call or email Kelly J. Bermingham, Director of Member Relations & Special Events at the Chamber office, 343-7440, ext. 1026, kbermingham@geneseeny.com.
Batavia High School's 2024 Hall of Fame inductees: Top row left to right: George Galliford, Ryan Darch, Robert Darch, Anthony Kasmarek Bottom row, left to right: Melissa Thurston, Nancy Arras (wife of late Peter Arras), Tricia Lewandowski, and Jennifer Adams Schuster. Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia High School inducted its Hall of Fame members for 2024 at Batavia Down on Saturday evening.
The 2003 hockey team: Top row, Jesse Catino, Paul Barton, Brennan Briggs, Kevin Zola, Charlie O’Geen, Nick Priolo, Kevin Wigton, Justin Kocent, Dave Martinez; Bottom row, John Kirkwood, Nate Korzelius, Tim Lutey, Matt Lutey. Photo by Howard Owens
More than 50 people from eight states gathered at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Le Roy to learn more about Jane Boyer.
As a 10-year-old in Le Roy in 1834, Boyer created a sampler that is popular with cross-stitch enthusiasts today.
St. Mark's hosted a full-day seminar on Boyer and her work in the neighborhood where she grew up and attended church. The seminar included three lectures on Boyer and visits to the Le Roy House and the Jell-O Museum. Each participant received two fully-kitted cross-stitch projects based on her sampler to work on during the retreat and a digital PDF chart of the full reproduction sampler at the end of the retreat.
Leslie Delooze, host of the event, School Girls Samplers of Western New York, said, "it was very common for girls in the early to mid 1800s to make these (samplers) as part of their education."
Samplers allowed the girls to demonstrate their skills at cross-stitch patterns and other embroidery stitches.
Batavia's Jameson Motyka strips the ball in the first half from Vertus and makes a big defensive play on senior night. Photo by Steve Ognibene
The Batavia Blue Devils dominated under the lights of Van Detta Stadium on Friday night as the beat the Vertus Warriors 33-8.
Bronx Bucholz was 14-23 passing for 128 yards and three touchdowns. He ran for 54 yards on nine carries, scoring twice.
Da'Van Gallo-Williams had two receptions for 22 yards and a TD. Lakoda Mruczek had five receptions for 43 yards and a TD. He had seven tackles on defense. Carter Mullen, five catches for 69 yards and a TD. Maggio Bucholz, 14 tackles and a fumble recovery.
Kendal Watson, a motor vehicle representative, demonstrates ringing the bell at the Genesee County DMV, which 16-year-olds are invited to do when they first pass the written test for their driver's licenses. Photo by Howard Owens.
After more than two years at the same job, Brittany Hausfelder still looks forward to it, from the camaraderie of her co-workers to the positive response of customers.
That’s not exactly what you might expect from a motor vehicles rep, given the atmospheres and reputations of those departments with long lines and staff with short tempers.
“We have a great crew of employees here, and that stems down from the top line. So our bosses are great. And then we do have a good group here. We all get along. We all help each other so that just makes coming to work a lot easier. I have never woken up and said ‘Man, I don’t want to go to work today,’ and I think we’ve all had jobs where we’ve definitely felt like that, so I’ve loved it since I started,” Hausfelder said Friday at Genesee County’s Department of Motor Vehicles. “We do have people every day that come in from the public saying how great it is to come to our DMV versus big city ones, how they see a difference. We're so friendly. We really try to help. So I think just hearing that too makes you internally want to help more and do better because you see the results coming right in.”
And in the last six months, it has only gotten better, with dress-down Fridays in Buffalo Bills gear to benefit local charities, a special ring-the-bell incentive for teens who pass their written driving test, a whopping and slightly secretive enthusiasm to win big in this year's Halloween costume contest (fair warning to the county manager) and overall helpful attitudes from staff and management.
Bigger city DMVs seem to fit the mold of herding people through to get the job done, but that’s not the atmosphere at Genesee County’s DMV, and it’s a purposeful difference, Deputy County Clerk Debbie Underhill said.
“I think we’re one of few DMVs that answers their phone,” she said. “I’m a customer service person. I have been my whole life.I want you to come in and be greeted and one stop. I don't want multiple trips, you know. I want to make your experience the best it can be in one stop, if at all possible. That doesn't always happen, but that's the goal.”
Underhill has been with the department for more than 20 years, holding the position of deputy clerk for the last four. When she does her staff training, she focuses on team bonding and the aspect of quality customer service, she said, adding that she’s willing to step out of her office and walk the walk.
“I’m out on the floor working right along with the girls and helping, assisting as needed,” she said. “I love helping people.”
Customers have responded favorably, with verbal compliments, online five-star ratings, treats from Tim Horton’s, flowers and thank you cards, she said.
Not every 16-year-old takes them up on the offer to ring the bell after passing the written driving exam, but when one does, others in the office and lobby cheer and clap to make it a fun, memorable experience. A staff member came up with the idea of recognizing one of the regular occurrences in the DMV that previously went without so much as a whimper.
During his annual report presentation earlier this week, County Clerk Mike Cianfrini mentioned the department’s improved flow since being able to recruit and retain a full staff. His department had been down one or two employees in the Motor Vehicle and Records departments for at least the past year, he said.
“It was intermittent; someone would leave, or they weren’t working out, and we were without a full staff,” he said.
He attributed the retention of staff for about the last six months to a pay raise as part of labor negotiations with the CSEA union. During the meeting, he thanked county legislators for approving that deal, acknowledging that it made the difference between hiring and keeping people.
“The staff has said it; we're now able to actually hire people and keep them,” he said. “They don't come in, work for six months, and then say, fine, I can make $3 an hour more working somewhere else and leave. So thank you all.”
In turn, Legislative Chair Shelley Stein praised his work and department, as “the change has been amazing,” she said, and “your staff is welcoming, friendly, ready to greet people. It is a reflection of leadership.”
Cianfrini did refer to the occasional need for the department’s security guard, which was for “nothing violent,” but to address a couple of issues when a customer was yelling or swearing about an issue.
“They can just walk in and tell them enough, and it not be me or Deb,” he said. “So that’s been a huge help.”
During a walk-through of the DMV on Friday, Cianfrini nodded to staff members wearing the signature red, white and blue Bills garb. They pitch in donations to wear the gear on Fridays, and the collection goes to a local charity. So far, it has supported Genesee Cancer Assistance, Genesee County Animal Shelter, Crossroads House, and others, Underhill said.
The shift in focus has been on that customer service component, including when prospective employees interview, Cianfrini said.
“And that's one of the things that we do really stress when we're doing the interview, is we try to focus on finding people that we think have not just the knowledge to be successful, but also the personality to put the image out there that we want: friendly, welcoming, that's what we're really looking for when we do the interviews,” he said, answering if any services have been added.“The services are the same; it’s just the manner in which we provide them.”
Speaking of services, there has been a “big development” in the DMV for revenue sharing with New York State, he said. Previously the county would receive 12.7% of transactions processed in person and nothing if done online, which has now been changed so that the county receives an across the board 10.75% for all transactions.
Vehicle use tax revenue is projected to be approximately $410,000 for the year, which is an increase of $25,000 from 2023, he said.
On the declining end, local mortgage tax is expected to decrease, going from $481,000 in 2023 to $425,000 this year, “given the significant increase in interest rates and declining housing market,” Cianfrini said in his report. He is uncertain as to what 2025 will bring for mortgage tax since it will be the first of an election year, so his department is estimating it to be about $450,000.
County Clerk Michael Cianfrini Photo by Howard Owens.
Deputy County Clerk Debbie Underhill Photo by Howard Owens.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Thank you cards from satisfied customers. Photo by Howard Owens.
Thank-you flowers as one of many gestures for staff at Genesee County DMV. Photo by Howard Owens.
Photo by Howard Owens.
A family of customers hangs out at the Genesee County DMV, which is decorated for Halloween. Photo by Howard Owens.
A hunter who heard a crash victim's screams called 9-1-1 leading to a response from Le Roy Fire, Le Roy Ambulance, and Le Roy PD, according to a release from the police department.
An unidentified 61-year-old resident of Brockport was seriously injured after he apparently lost control of his motorcycle at about 4:30 p.m. on Friday on Circular Hill Road, Le Roy.
The driver's motorcycle had left the roadway and would not have been visible to any passersby, according to police.
Le Roy Officers Trerrez Smith and Sgt. Jordan Wolcott were first on scene. They administered life-saving measures, including the application of a tourniquet to stop serious bleeding.
The operator was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight. He is listed in critical condition, according to Le Roy PD.
"We would like to sincerely thank the hunter for his quick action in calling 9-1-1," said Chief Greg Kellogg. "His timely response was crucial; without it, the operator could have remained undiscovered for an unknown period.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation but preliminary indicates the driver failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway.
Is Lathan-based Plug Power pulling the plug on its $290 million green hydrogen fuel plant under construction at WNY STAMP?
Heatmap, a news organization that tracks alternative energy companies, reports that the STAMP site is not included in Plug Power's loan application with the Department of Energy.
Plug Power has preliminary approval for a $1.6 billion loan from the DOE to help it build more fuel plants. The company is aiming to become the nation's first vertically integrated green hydrogen producer, providing customers with fuel, products, and support.
Chris Suozzi, VP for business and workforce development at the Genesee County Economic Development Center, reportedly told a Washington, D.C.-based commercial real estate firm that Plug Power's STAMP project is on hold.
Asked to authenticate the quote, Suozzi said, "no comment."
According to Heatmap, Suozzi spoke to PRP Real Estate Management. The firm recorded the phone call.
“They’re not ready to go," Suozzi reportedly said. "They’re on pause. We don’t know what’s going to happen with them at this point.”
Plug Power has not responded to The Batavian with requests for comment, including a spokesperson The Batavian has communicated with before, who didn't respond to an email sent early Friday morning.
The Batavian also reached out to two people in Sen. Charles Schumer's office seeking comment. Schumer has been a major proponent of STAMP and a supporter of Plug Power's initiative. The Batavian has not received a response.
The story published two days ago indicates a lawsuit filed by the Tonawanda Seneca Nation may be influencing Plug Power's actions.
Environmental justice issues have also been a drag on development. The native Tonawanda Seneca Nation is opposed to the entire industrial park because of the resulting impacts on wildlife, noise and the visual landscape. In April, the Fish and Wildlife Service revoked a necessary permit for a wastewater treatment pipeline that would be used by companies at the park.
Earthjustice attorney Alex Page – who is working with the Nation to fight the project – told me the tribe was told last year by the Energy Department that Plug Power had withdrawn the New York site from its loan application. The Nation will continue to fight the project and DOE’s loan financing to Plug Power on the chance that money could be reprogrammed to the industrial park. Page said: “The Nation remains very, very much opposed.”
When Plug Power received its preliminary loan approval in May, The Batavian published this explainer about the project:
Plug Power is a New York-based company with headquarters in Lathan. It is a "green hydrogen" company, which means it uses renewable energy sources to convert water into hydrogen fuel, which can be stored in fuel tanks and sold to power vehicles and factory equipment.
In its 20-year history, Plug Power has never turned a profit. It's annual revenue is currently about $800 million. In 2023, the company reported a $1.4 billion loss.
Plug Power is building a $290 million hydrogen energy plant in WNY STAMP, the GCEDC-developed high-tech business park in Alabama. The plant is expected to employ 69 people with an average annual salary of more than $70,000. In exchange for the job creation, the company is anticipating $2 million in grants from New York State.
The company received $118.2 million in sales and property tax exemptions from the Genesee County Economic Development Center. Over the 20-year life of the property tax extensions, Plug Power will make payments in lieu of taxes totaling $2.3 million annually, which will be shared by Genesee County, the Town of Alabama, and the Oakfield-Alabama School District. Each jurisdiction will also receive an increasing amount of property tax payments each year over the life of the agreement.
In March, the DOE awarded Plug Power grants totaling $75.7 million.
The DOE loan, if finalized, is expected to help Plug Power complete the WNY STAMP plant, along with five others in the nation, which is reportedly critical to the company generating the hydrogen fuel sales necessary to start achieving profits.
This phase of the loan guarantee process requires the DOE and Plug Power to negotiate a term sheet, which means "certain technical, legal, environmental and financial conditions, including negotiation of definitive financing documents, must be satisfied before funding of the loan guarantee" (company statement).
After doing her part of fill a school supplies bag at the NYS School for the Blind in Batavia, Cassndra Kesler flashes a peace sign for the camera while LIsa Robinson helps Andy Burton finish the bag. Kesler and Burton are both seniors at Batavia High School. On Friday, the Class of 2025 participated in Make a Difference Day, a day of volunteering at avarious locations in Batavia and elsewhere in Genesee County. Photo by Howard Owens.
Batavia High School's Class of 2025 was out in force in the community on Friday, helping to make a difference in the lives of community members and the organizations that serve them.
This was the 25th year BHS seniors participated in Make A Difference Day.
"Make A Difference Day is something we look forward to every year," said Superintendent Jason Smith. "It's amazing to see our seniors rolling up their sleeves and helping out all over our community. It shows our students that they can make a real difference right here at home, and it also gives them a sense of community pride and an appreciation for all the wonderful places that make Batavia special. It also sets a great example for our younger students to see these seniors pitching in. It's all about building a stronger community together and teaching our students that giving back isn't just important, it's rewarding too."
The organizations this year were:
All Babies Cherished
Batavia Cemeteries
Batavia Community Garden
Batavia Peace Garden
City of Batavia Maintenance - starting at the bike trail on Route 33
Crossroads House
First United Methodist Church
Genesee County Parks
Genesee Co Youth Bureau
Gen-Orleans Arts Council
Holland Land Museum
Main St. 56 Theatre
Mercy Flight
NYS School for the Blind
Salvation Army
The Manor House
YMCA
London Graham and Jaydah Williams were having a lot of fun checking out the infant jumpers in the storage room, while helping to straighten it up, at All Babies Cherished. Photo by Howard Owens.
Taelynn Bragg and Gabriella Hamill get instructions from Rev. Wayne Mort, pastor at Batavia United Methodist Church, on preparing this Sunday's church bulletin. Photo by Howard Owens.
On Thursday at Genesee Community College against Oakfield-Alabama Elba, the Alexander Trojans started hot and keep the heat through all four quarters of football for a 47-14 win.
The Trojans drove down the field with their opening possession, capping the drive with a TD run from Junior Kingston Woods from three yards out.
A stout defense gave the Trojans their second possession soon after and Brody Heckman tossed a 12-yard TD pass to Duke Snyder. With a two-point conversion, Alexander led 14-0.
On its next possession, OAE put together a drive of its own to make the score 14-7, but Alexander answered with a 92-yard kickoff return by Kingston Woods.
Four minutes later, Damien Hale sprung loose and scored on a run up the middle from 17 yards out. Melissa Sawyer's kick was good, notching the score at 28-7 into the half.
In the third, Ryder Reichert scored from three yards out, extending the lead to 34-7.
OAE put together another drive of its own, making it 34-14.
Early in the fourth Heckman, ran a keeper from nine yards out for a TD and Sawyer's kick was good 41-14.
Later in the fourth, Hale scored on a 35-yard run that included braking four tackles, wrapping up the scoring at 47-14.
For Alexander, Sean Pietrzkowski led the Trojan Defense with seven tackles and two tackles for a loss. Mason Snyder had six tackles and two tackles for a loss. Damien Hale and Ryder Reichert each recorded QB sacks.
For OAE Brayden Jachimowicz was 10-22 passing for 83 yards and two TDs, five yards to Hunter Tabolski, and 15 yards to Brendan Porey. Avery Watterson had 10 tackles. Jack Cianfrini had nine tackles. Dominic West had eight tackles.
"Hats off to Alexander for a physical game," said OAE coach Tyler Winters. "We will look to use the remaining weeks of the season to learn how to play tough football against tough opponents. If we can take care of business the rest of the way, we hope to set ourselves up for a chance to still get to where we want to go."
Alexander is now 6-1 on the season, and OAE is 4-3.
7487 Fisher Road, Oakfield, New York 14125. Country hidden gem! One owner custom built home that was lovingly up-kept throughout the years and it shows! This ranch home has so much possibility for the new owners but can be immediately moved into as it is immaculate and freshly painted thruout and the hardwood floors shine! From walking into large breezeway entrance with parquet floors to the bright and homey large kitchen with plenty of cupboards and counter space you will be impressed with all the room thru out! The bedrooms are large with hardwood floors and closets and the oversized livingroom will make you just want to stay and relax! There are beautiful windows with gorgeous views and very pretty glass French doors to add to the charm. Downstairs adds an **ADDITIONAL almost 600 sq ft!** Clean and brite with cozy gas fireplace and walk out entrance to amazing back yard that boasts an **extra tax ID included with sale that adds an additional 7.4 acres and TWO barns!!**Taxes and assessment reflect both parcels Additionally there is central vac a tear off roof(2014) and charming Eternal Gas lite outside!! Come take a walk and enjoy all of this and more!!
24 Columbia Avenue, Batavia-City, New York 14020. Solid house for the money and ready to move in immediately! This home has been freshly painted, cleaned and all new carpeting thru out! There are two xtra large bedrooms upstairs and first floor bedroom if needed-currently has laundry hook ups should you prefer first floor laundry. Living room and kitchen are both very spacious! Many upgrades thru out the years including brand new water lines from road to house. INCLUDED with the home is 20 Columbia Ave -true building lot with garage that has new trusses, siding and metal roof-used as driveway to 24 Columbia and provides perfect opportunity for hobbyist or someone who needs to also park their RV or any other toys! There’s a lot of opportunity here for the money!! Easy to see! Call Reliant Real Estate - 585-344-HOME (4663).
The 5th Annual Rotary Club of Batavia Trick or Trot fun run and walk will be held on Saturday, October 26.
Over 100 runners and walkers are expected to participate, according to Co-Chairman and Batavia Rotarian Jamie Mott. The event will begin and end at the Dewitt Park Recreation Area on Cedar St., in Batavia.
Runners can begin to assemble in the Upper Pavilion at 3:30 p.m. and walk the course beforehand if they wish.
“In keeping with the season, the route will travel through Batavia’s St. Joseph’s and Elmwood Cemeteries,” Mott said. “The course is 5km or 3.1 mi.”
The Rotary Club Trick or Trot was founded by Rotarian Douglas Forsyth as a family oriented fun event for persons of all ages. Forsyth encouraged participants to dress in Halloween costumes and not to be surprised by “spirits” that may jump into your path.
Registration for Trick or Trot is $25. Runners can sign-up on-line or the day of the event. Registration includes pizza after the race and water along the route. Swag bags will be given out as supplies last.
The Trick or Trot is one of many fundraising events held by the Batavia Rotary Club throughout the year. The local club supports dozens of Batavia area non-profit organizations, many involved with activities for young people. This year Batavia Rotary awarded over $20,000 in Community Grants.
The club is also sponsoring a collection of household items to benefit Eagle Star Housing in Pembroke providing safe and comfortable housing for veterans. Donations can be made at the race or dropped off at Lawley Insurance at 20 Jefferson Ave. in Batavia.
Town Court Clerk Below are two lists: one details the myriad responsibilities that fall within the purview of the court clerk; the other summarizes the knowledge and abilities that court clerks possess or acquire through training. These lists are provided so that a judge and municipality can intelligently discuss the benefits that a court clerk can provide. The items below can also form the basis for a list of job duties should a municipality need to fill a vacancy in a court clerk position. Primary Responsibilities A. Maintain confidentiality of records and information when required to do so B. Prepare court calendar C. Collect monies, reconcile daily receipts, deposit receipts, prepare reports for monthly disbursements, reconcile bank accounts, and prepare administrative reports D. Enter convictions on drivers' licenses and prepare conviction reports electronically transmitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles E. Enter criminal conviction on NCIC reports and electronically send same to Division of Criminal Justice Services F. Respond to inquiries-in person, by phone, by e-mail and by mail-and provide assistance to lawyers, litigants, media, and members of the public G. Prepare monthly reports that are electronically sent to the Office of the State Comptroller H. Prepare orders, summonses, warrants and other court forms i. Communicate with outside agencies in order to coordinate the Court's activities and provide services to litigants. Such agencies include: ii. Law enforcement agencies, such as local police departments, New York State Police, Sheriffs office, FBI and CIA, US Armed Forces, and the Office of the District Attorney; I. Other courts, including superior courts and other local town and village courts; and i. Miscellaneous county agencies, such as Community Service, Community Dispute Resolution Center, Pre-trial Release, Probation, Stop DWI program, Victim Impact Panel, and Youth Court. ii. State agencies that require periodic reporting, including the New York State Unified Court System, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Office of the State Comptroller, the Division of Criminal Justice Services, and the Office of Court Record Retention. J. Examine court documents to ensure their accuracy and completeness K. Receive and file summonses, traffic tickets and other documents for court proceedings i. Assist the Justice at the bench during all Court proceedings Knowledge of: 1. The functions and organization of the Unified Court System ii. Basic legal terminology, codes and abbreviations iii. Court forms, practices and procedures, including those set forth in the Uniform Justice Court Act and the Uniform Civil Rules for the Justice Courts (22 NYCRR Part 214) 2. Ability to: i. Prepare judicial orders and decisions ii. Effectively communicate information orally and in writing iii. File and retrieve materials, extract data from various sources for entry onto court form iv. Research and interpret laws outlined in court documents and litigants' motions and other papers v. Perform mathematical tasks in order to compile court activity reports, total receipts, accept payments, and verify bills vi. Refer to appropriate documents, statutes, citations or other sources in order to respond to specific questions from attorneys, litigants and members of the general public vii. Interpret policies, statutes, rules and regulations and apply them in specific contexts viii. Establish work priorities ix. Constructively manage conflict with court users Qualifications: Highschool diploma recognized by the NYS Dept of Education or appropriate equivalent. Along with 4 years of college, specialization in criminal justice, law, business administration or related field. -OR- 2 years college with specialization in Business Administration or related field. Please email your resume to abrownell@townofbatavia.com no later than 12/16/2024. Pay is based on experience.
