If you are interested in selling or leasing your property, call Tony Mancuso at Mancuso Commercial Realty and see what we can do for your bottom line.

For more than 60 years, Mancuso Commercial Realty has only marketed Industrial and Commercial properties. Call 585-343-5257 today!

City police are asked to respond to East Main Street in the area of North Spruce Street for a chicken reportedly running at large.

UPDATE 5:57 p.m.: "Any direction of travel on the bird?" asks an officer. The response: "In the parking lot of a doctor's office on North Spruce, heading toward East Main."

Photo, front row: Kyra Konopski (kneeling) and Mia Hampton; back row: Shelby Bridge, Brianna Gilliat, Faith Jones and Danielle Mason.

Submitted photo and press release:

Batavia Career and Technical Education Center (CTE) students recently attended the New York State HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) Leadership Conference, which was held in Syracuse earlier this month.

Six Health Dimensions students participated in this event, which included more than 300 students who represented New York State schools and BOCES. As a result of this competition, five of the students qualified to attend the 42nd annual national HOSA Conference, which will be held in Orlando, Fla., in June.

The students, their competitions, and their placements are:

• Kyra Konopski, a junior from Le Roy CS – two awards -- First Place in Nutrition; Second Place -- Healthy Living
• Shelby Bridge, a junior from Byron-Bergen CS – Second Place -- Personal Skills
• Brianna Gilliat, a senior from Elba CS – Third Place -- Healthy Living
• Mia Hampton, a junior from Le Roy CS – Third Place -- Home Health Aid
• Faith Jones, a senior from Caledonia-Mumford CS -- Third Place -- Personal Skills​

The Health Dimensions Program is offered at the Batavia CTE Center. Health Dimensions students engage in a challenging hands-on approach in the health care field. Participants experience and provide the "human side" of client care at local health care facilities.

All Health Dimensions students spend time in local facilities working collaboratively with staff members, residents, and patients. Students may choose to shadow medical professionals from many disciplines.

About the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center

It's a program of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services offering shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York State.  

Press release:

Rain or shine, the Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Spring Garden Gala on Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.

This annual plant sale features a variety of perennials, many of which are from the gardens of Master Gardeners. There will also be a selection of houseplants and locally grown geraniums. Plant sale starts promptly at 10 a.m. No early birds please.

Visit the Basket Auction for garden art, gift certificates and a variety of themed baskets. Gently used garden books will also be for sale. Basket Auction drawing starts at 12:30 p.m.

Bring in a soil sample from your garden or lawn for a free pH test (a half cup of dry soil in a clean container). Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions.

Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants at great prices, plus garden art and other interesting items. Arrive at 10 a.m. for the best plant selection. Proceeds from the sale benefit the educational outreach of the Genesee County Master Gardener Program.

For more information contact Brandie Waite at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by the Extension office at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia. Visit the website here.

Some of this information is from Ken Dispenza, who also provided the photo.

Batavia resident and Batavia High School graduate Marissa Dispenza, who is 21 (above, right), ran the 38th annual 7 Mile Bridge Run in Marathon, Fla., on April 6 and placed second in her age group (19-24).

A total of 1,500 runners compete in male and female divisions by age groups. Dispenza, wearing bib #430, placed 172 overall with a gun time of 59.16; net time of 58:51.84 and a pace of 8:40.

The 7 Mile Bridge Run is the only known run that is completely surrounded by water from start to finish. The scenery surrrounding the runners is breathtaking. It began as a dedication run in 1982, celebrating the opening of the then new 7 Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys. It is officially marked at 6.8 miles.

About the City of Marathon, Fla.

It's is set on 13 islands, known for their beaches and barrier reef. Its elevation is three feet above sea level and it's home to nearly 9,000 people. Loggerhead turtles nest at Coco Plum Beach and Sombrero Beach. Curry Hammock State Park has a sandy shoreline and mangrove creek. The Dolphin Research Center offers interactive demos in a shallow lagoon. Near the City Marina, Crane Point features a tropical forest, bird-rescue center and natural history museum.

Press release:

Following statewide and national support for his legislation that would expand MERIT scholarships to protect spouses and dependents of military members who lose their lives in the line of duty and provide them free college tuition and room and board, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is continuing his push for the legislation to become law this year and has launched a national petition to garner support.

“Gold Star families have heard the herald of bipartisan support from state lawmakers in both parties, along with Gov. Cuomo and even President Trump, following the defeat of my bill in committee last week,” Hawley said. “I will continue leading the effort to see that our military receive the benefits they deserve as they carry the tremendous sacrifice of losing a loved one in the line of duty.

"I am confident we can get this legislation passed this year and hopeful that this is the beginning of an era where veterans’ issues transcend political divides and we all can play a part in honoring our brave service members and veterans.”

To sign the petition calling for Hawley’s Gold Star Families Bill to become law please use the link here.

State Democrats defeated Hawley’s proposal (A.2991) in the Assembly’s Higher Education Committee due to the perceived cost it would impose outside of usual March budget negotiations. Assembly Democrats passed a $27 million package giving free college aid to the children of illegal immigrants in late January of this year.

The town board in Alabama has notified that New York Department of Transportation that it opposes a planned $1.8 million roundabout at the intersection of Route 77 and Ledge Road, the site over the years of numerous accidents.

State officials maintain that roundabouts save lives and reduce high-impact, right-angle, serious-injury accidents but town officials in a letter to the DOT said they believe a roundabout at that intersection will make things worse.

"While it may decrease high-impact accidents," the board members wrote, "it will increase low-impact accidents, which will, in turn, increase the amount of emergency calls for our volunteer firemen."

The letter also raises concerns about farmers moving equipment through the roundabout, plowing it in winter, increased noise from trucks slowing and applying their jake brakes, and the danger of traffic slowing as vehicles approach the roundabout.

"The proposed roundabout will be approximately 30 feet from a residence," the letter states. "This poses a significant safety hazard to this property owner."

The town is also concerned that current equipment cannot properly clear the roundabout during and after snowstorms.

"Is the state going to pay for (the town) to purchase the equipment necessary to maintain it?" the letter states, adding later, "Our own highway superintendent is not in favor of this project. It is very difficult to keep this intersection clear in the winter as it is. Adding a roundabout to the mix will make it even more difficult."

The letter is signed by Supervisor Janet Sage, Deputy Supervisor Kevin Fisher, board members Gordon Linsey, Jill Klotzbach and William Cleveland.

The County Legislature is poised to accept more than $2.5 million in federal grants to help pay for two bridge replacement projects, one in Pembroke and the other in Alabama.

In Pembroke, the current steel girder bridge with a steel grate deck over the Tonawanda Creek will be removed and replaced at a total cost of 2,033,050. A federal grant will pay for $1,651,100 of the replacement with state aid covering $389,200, and the county picking up the final $9,550 of the tab.

In Alabama, the county will replace the Judge Road Bridge over Whitney Creek. The cost is $1,183,000. Federal aid is $946,400, with state aid at $177,450 and a local share of $59,150, which will come from sale tax revenue.

In both cases, the federal aid is capped at 80 percent of the cost of the project.

The Pratt Road Bridge was built in 1971, the Judge Road Bridge in 1978.

Lu Engineers, in Rochester, will be retained as consultants on the Judge Road Bridge at a cost of $162,063.91.

The resolutions for these projects were approved unanimously by the Public Service Committee on Monday and will now go to the full Legislature for approval.

Also on Monday, the committee recommended the county accept a $200,000 grant from NYS Ag & Markets for improvements to the Animal Shelter, which is now 20 years old.

The committee also authorized the transfer, pending full Legislature approval, of $40,000 oil and stone funds to the salt fund. Deputy Highway Superintendent Dave Wozniak said the transfer is necessary to help replenish the road salt supply before the fall and that the transfer would have no significant impact on planned road resurfacing projects this summer. A couple of minor projects, including a parking lot at the County Park, would be delayed for a season.

Chief Deputy Brian Frieday

Press release:

Sergeant Brian M. Frieday -- promoted to Chief Deputy of Road Patrol, overseeing the operations of Road Patrol, Courts Security, and Animal Control.  Chief Deputy Frieday is a 23-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office who began his career as a Deputy Sheriff-Road Patrol in 1996 and was promoted to Sergeant in May of 2005. Chief Deputy Frieday’s appointment was effective April 13.

Chief Deputy Joseph M. Graff has moved from overseeing the Road Patrol operations to Chief Deputy of the Criminal Investigative Division. Chief Deputy Graff is a 15-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office who began his career as a Deputy Sheriff-Road Patrol, was promoted to Investigator in 2015, and to Chief Deputy – Road Patrol in 2017.  Chief Deputy Graff assumed his new duties on April 13.

Emergency Services Dispatcher Francis A. Riccobono -- promoted to the new position of Assistant Director of Emergency Communications/Operations where he will oversee the operations of the Genesee County’s 9-1-1 Emergency Services Dispatch Center.  Assistant Director Riccobono has more than 28 years of experience in emergency dispatching, having begun his dispatching career with the City of Batavia Police Department in 1991, and transitioning to the Genesee County consolidated dispatch center in 2008. Assistant Director Riccobono assumed his new duties on April 1.

Investigator James M. Diehl -- promoted to Sergeant and assigned to the Criminal Investigative Division. Sergeant Diehl began his career with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office in 2008 as a Deputy Sheriff – Road Patrol and was promoted to Investigator in 2016. Sergeant Diehl’s promotion was effective on March 30.

Deputy Sheriff Michael J. Lute has been promoted to Sergeant with the Road Patrol Division. Sergeant Lute joined the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office in 2015 as Deputy Sheriff – Road Patrol, having previously served with the Village of Akron and Village of Corfu police departments. Sergeant Lute’s promotion was effective on April 13.

Chief Deputy Joseph Graff

Assistant Director of Emergency Communications/Operations Francis A. Riccobono

Sgt. James Diehl

Sgt. Michael Lute

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office recognizes and commends the County’s 9-1-1 dispatchers for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to public service.  

In 1991, a formal Congressional resolution acknowledged the vital role that telecommunicators play in emergency situations by proclaiming the second week in April as a week of annual recognition in their honor.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators’ Week is a time to thank these men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving the public.  

The 9-1-1 dispatchers are there 24/7, 365 days a year for first responders and the public in time of need. Many people do not think about these seemingly nameless, faceless individuals until they experience actual emergencies themselves. In many instances, 9-1-1 Dispatchers make the difference between life and death.

Over 88,709 events were dispatched in 2018, a daily average of 243, and more than 116,792 telephone calls were handled last year which is an average of 320 calls per day.

The Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center (Public Safety Answering Point-PSAP) is comprised of 25 men and women who dispatch to five local police agencies/New York State Police; 19 fire departments/Emergency Management Service; three ambulance services; as well as 41 other local, county, regional, state, and federal agencies.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office recognizes these public safety professionals who have worked so hard during this past year. Everyday citizens depend on the skill, expertise and commitment of the 9-1-1 dispatchers.

They are the first to take that phone call; the first to provide basic life support in a medical emergency; and also the first to dispatch needed fire, police or EMS responders for the call.

They are to be recognized and commended.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) needs to fill two vacancies and is looking for a few good architects (we really need those!), historic district residents (and these!), historians, or volunteers who have significant interest in the commitment to historic preservation.

If this sounds like you, and you are a City resident, submit your application today!

The HPC works toward the protection, enhancement, and perpetuation of landmarks and historic districts in the City of Batavia. For about an hour a month you can help preserve our historic community.

Volunteer today to see the difference you can make! Applications are available at the City Clerk’s office or online at www.batavianewyork.com in the documents section of the Citizen Action Center.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact City Clerk Heidi J. Parker:

Office of the City Clerk

One Batavia City Centre

Batavia, NY 14020

Phone:  (585) 345-6305, opt. 5, opt. 1

Fax:    (585) 343-9221

E-mail:  hparker@batavianewyork.com

Submitted photo and press release:

The Batavia/Genesee Police and Fire Ice Hockey Team will be skating this weekend in the annual Police and Fire Hockey Tournament at Harbor Center in Buffalo.

The team, comprised of first responders from the City of Batavia Police Department, City of Batavia Fire Department, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, and Town of Batavia Fire Department, has participated each year since the inception of the tournament.

Teams from the United States and Canada participate, with a strong showing from the Western New York area.

This year’s team is sponsored again by Kenny Mistler, owner of Ken’s Charcoal Pits (and wood-fired brick oven pizza). Mistler has sponsored the team for the past several years, and his continuing support for our local first responders is greatly appreciated.

For those who wish to go and support the team, the schedule is as follows: Friday, April 19^th at 2 p.m. and again at 7:45 p.m.; Saturday, April 20, at 1 p.m., with playoffs starting at 2:45 p.m.

Sheriff's deputies are investigating an accident on Route 98 yesterday that may have begun as a rolling domestic argument and sent both the driver and his passenger to the hospital after the 2014 Chevy Cruze they were in struck a vacant house at 7889 Oak Orchard Road, Batavia.

Possible charges are pending.

Injured were Rodney J. Harmon Jr., of Elba, and Josette M. Harmon, also from Elba.

According to the Sheriff's Office, Harmon was driving the Cruze southbound on Route 98 at 3:16 p.m. when the car suddenly crossed the center line, crossed over the northbound lane, over the shoulder and into the yard of the vacant house before slamming into the structure.

The structure is owned by Offhaus Farms.

The Cruze sustained heavy front-end damage.

Rodney Harmon was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy EMS. Josette Harmon was taken first to UMMC by Mercy EMS and later transferred to Strong due to the nature of her injuries.

A conclusion on the cause of the crash is considered undetermined pending further investigation.

The investigation is being conducted by Sgt. Andrew Hale, Sgt. James Diehl, Deputy Travis DeMuth, Deputy Jeremy McClellan, and Deputy James Stack. Assisting at the scene were volunteers from the Town of Batavia Fire Department, Mercy EMS, Emergency Management, and Dan's Tire and Auto Service.

(Initial Report)

Reader Submitted Photos.

League bowling is winding down in the Genesee Region, but Brockport’s Chris Bardol shows no signs of tapering off.

The high-scoring right-hander continued his super season with an 809 series in the G&W Vending League earlier this week at Rose Garden Bowl.

His high game for the night was 279.

In other action, Jason Quilliam of Batavia was "on his game" in the Mancuso Real Estate/No Finer Diner league at Mancuso Bowling Center to the tune of a 268 game and 746 series.

Also at Mancuso's, Gary Kuchler, Genesee Region USBC president, posted a 702 series in the Antique World Tuesday Coed league, and at Legion Lanes in Le Roy, Matt Balduf closed the season with a 707 series in the Le Roy Moose league.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

Mike Pettinella's Pin Points column is scheduled to appear this Thursday.

From the Genesee County Sheriff's Office:

On April 15, former Genesee County Correctional Officer Justin M. Gugel was arrested on two charges: petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Both are Class A misdemeanors.

It is alleged that on Jan. 19 while employed at the GC Jail, Gugel stole a controlled substance from medication which had been prescribed and alloted for an inmate.

An investigation was opened after pills were reported missing following a routine medication count in the jail.

Gugel was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court at 1 p.m. on May 7. The case was investigated by GC Sheriff's Investigator Joseph Loftus.

Darien Lakes State Park 2019 Concert Schedule

All concerts are on Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at Shelter #2 and they are free to attend. Day area admission to the park is free after 5 p.m.

Darien Lakes State Park is located at 10475 Harlow Road, Darien Center. Phone is 547-9242.

Please remember that Darien Lakes State Park is a “Carry in/Carry out” park.

Please help support park events by supporting the Natural Heritage Trust. Donations to the Natural Heritage Trust for Darien Lakes State Park can be made at the park or online at www.nysparks.com.

June 25 -- Corfu/Pembroke Community Band

Come and kick off the beginning of the 2019 concert series with the hometown sounds from the Corfu/Pembroke Community Band. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the classic concert band ensemble.

July 2 -- NY Rockin’ Revue Gone Country

It’s all country tonight. They will be bringing out the banjo, fiddle and pedal steel guitar. It’s Patsy Cline, Charlie Daniels, Hank Williams Sr. and many more.

July 9 -- Ghost Riders

The Ghost Riders will lift your spirit with drivin’ “hardcore country” music with a twang that makes listeners of all ages want to get out and dance and have fun.

July 16 -- The Swooners

Enjoy the music of every decade, from the Roaring '20s thru the Big '80s and beyond. They will make you want to dance, sing, laugh -- and cry.

July 23 -- Auslanders

German night is back with the sounds of the Auslanders! This popular Buffalo band has been entertaining for years, as one of the area's most enjoyed Oktoberfest bands. Authentic German selections and a polka here or there will keep your feet stomping and spirits high!

July 30 -- Old Hippies

The music of the Old Hippies is acoustic and a varied brand, be it their own creative songs or recognizable covers from a golden musical era: the '50s,'60s, '70s and on and on...nostalgic to those who lived it and romantic to those who didn’t.

Aug. 6 -- The Batavia Swing Band

Listen and dance to Batavia’s premier swing band as they play the most popular swing, jazz, and Big Band music from over the years.

Aug. 13 -- The Band Anastazja

Armed with a banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, bass, spoons, eight kids, Mom, Dad and Gramma. The Band Anastazja travels here, there and everywhere to entertain folks with their unique style of music and their genuineness in real life stories that they tell and the songs to accompany them.

Aug. 20 -- In The House

Their repertoire includes dance hits and classics from the '40s to present. Their music includes R&B, blues, disco, country, gospel and classic rock.

Aug. 27 -- The Boomers

The Boomers have a vast repertoire of classic songs, which includes favorites from the '40s thru the '90s.

Sept. 1 -- NY Rockin' Revue  ***Fireworks Afterward***

Whether it’s classic rock, country or old-time favorites, NY Rockin’ Revue provides it all. Enjoy a night of great music and dancing, along with a firework show following.