In the wake of Governor Hochul’s recent announcement regarding an “inflation refund” plan, Republican Senators George Borrello, Dean Murray, and Pam Helming, all members of the Senate Committee on Small Business, Commerce and Economic Development, have called on the governor to take decisive action to alleviate the burdens facing New York’s small businesses.
In a joint letter, the Senators urged Governor Hochul to dedicate state funds to paying off the roughly $6 billion in Unemployment Insurance (UI) Fund debt that is still owed to the federal government, a critical step that they argue would provide a more effective and long-term solution to alleviating inflation and reducing consumer costs.
The senators highlighted that New York State’s UI Fund debt, accrued during the COVID-19 pandemic, has placed an undue financial burden on small businesses, forcing them to shoulder higher unemployment insurance premiums. These increased costs threaten to stifle recovery efforts for small businesses that are already grappling with inflation and other economic pressures.
"Instead of following the commonsense approach of other states and using some of the billions in federal COVID aid to pay down the unemployment debt, the governor unfairly shifted the burden to businesses and employers through the Unemployment Insurance Assessment Surcharge (UIAS),” said Senator George Borrello, 57th District. “Since the UI deficit stems from the government-mandated shutdown during the pandemic, it is only fair that employers are not left to shoulder these costs."
Senator Dean Murray, the Ranking Member of the Committee, emphasized the connection between this issue and rising consumer costs.
"By eliminating a massive expense for employers and businesses, we are helping them and allowing them to lower the costs of goods and services, which in turn, helps consumers. Instead of a one-shot check, this brings long-term relief for everyone,” said Senator Dean Murray, 3rd District.
The legislators also underscored that addressing the UI debt would demonstrate the state’s commitment to supporting its small business community.
“The state must take full financial responsibility for its UI debt to the federal government and end this burden on our small businesses and family farms,” said Senator Pam Helming, 54th District. “If we truly want to help our employers grow and protect local jobs, we must reduce the cost of doing business in New York State. Our economic success depends on it.” The senators are calling on the governor to act swiftly and decisively to address the issue before it further impacts New York’s economy. Their letter is attached.
Use the Coupon Code GOLOCAL2025 for 10 percent off for all of 2025 on either a monthly or annual plan. Offer good through Jan. 1.
Local news is what holds communities together. Local news reporters are the ones who keep tabs on local elected officials. Without local reporters, you would know very little about what is happening in your community. You would be in the dark.
Lights from nearby Christmas trees added to the spectacle of fireworks in Le Roy Tuesday night. Photo by Nick Serrata
There was a large turnout for the annual First Night fireworks in the village of Le Roy Tuesday night to bid farewell to 2024 and ring in a New Year. Happy 2025!
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is to donate to our local parks!
The Bergen Business & Civic Association(BBCA) is proud to make a $4000 donation to the Town of Bergen for the beautification of Robbins Brook Park.
Our organization wants to thank YOU, the community, as the money earned at our Bergen Park Festival all goes back into our local parks! As you can see this year was very successful.
We wish you all a safe and jolly Holiday season, and we can't wait to start planning for 2025.
A full slate of both girls and boys basketball is scheduled for February 8 and we hope to see you there. Batavia High School will take on the Notre Dame Irish for a full day of both JV and Varsity girls and boys basketball. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation.
Game times are to be determined and will be played at both Batavia High School and Genesee Community College.
Admission will be Adults $5 & Students $2, Children 5 & under -free!
There will be a 50/50 raffle at each game.
The Foundation will be running concessions and are looking for donations of soda, water, pizza, candy and chips! Monetary donations are also gratefully accepted. All donations assist our fundraising efforts!
The Foundation will also be looking for volunteers during the games to assist with raffles and concessions. Students will be awarded community service hours if volunteering.
Please call Laurie for any donations, volunteering, or questions at 585-409-3275.
The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation was established in 2007 in memory of Michael Napoleone who died at the age of 8 of Burkitts Lymphoma, a form of pediatric cancer. Since its start, the Foundation has given over $750,000 to families facing the challenges of a pediatric cancer diagnosis. They have donated over $75,000 to Youth programs from their grant funding, and supported research in the amount of $95,000. They also donated $50,000 to Golisano Children's Hospital and recently just completed their $25,000 gift to United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.
The Foundation depends solely on volunteers and less than 3% of monies raised are applied to administrative costs.
Come out and watch your hometown teams and support a great cause!
The Board of Assessment Review currently has one position to fill. The term is a five year term and will expire on September 2029. The Batavia City Council is seeking a City resident who is interested in volunteering as a member of this committee and has knowledge of property values.
Residents interested in applying for this position can obtain a Committee/Board Volunteer Application from either the City Clerk’s Office or on the website at www.batavianewyork.com, Find It Fast. The deadline to submit applications to the City Clerk’s Office is March 31.
For further information about this board, please contact the City Bureau of Assessment at 345-6301.
The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GOART!) is thrilled to announce the launch of its highly anticipated 2025 Winter Art Series. Offering a diverse array of classes and workshops designed for multi-aged individuals.
The upcoming series is designed to engage art enthusiasts across the region. Participants can expect a diverse lineup that caters to a wide range of interests. From young children to adults, everyone is invited to explore their creative potential or enhance their artistic skills through our engaging programs.
Be on the lookout for the GOART! Winter Event Calendar highlighting the schedule of classes and other events, which will be widely distributed or can also be picked up at GOART!
Individuals and families who are eager to learn what classes will be offered are encouraged to visit our website for information on registration and other details. The 2025 winter art series offerings allow participants to choose from a plethora of classes that align with their interests and schedules. Included in this series are Dotting Mandela and wearable-art classes.
In addition to adult classes, we are pleased to offer specialized sessions within our Explore Art program for youth up through twelfth grade. Our diverse curriculum ensures that there is something for everyone, including cooking classes for kids.
The upcoming series will also feature a six-week Hand Building Pottery class for youth in seventh through ninth grade, providing a comprehensive journey through various pottery techniques.
Additionally, our wearable fiber-art series will teach youths of all sexes how to crochet items such as hats, leg warmers, and fingerless gloves, emphasizing both creativity and practical skills. For those interested in jewelry making, we will offer classes tailored for young adults and adults, further expanding the scope of our wearable art series.
Furthermore, our annual youth art camp, scheduled for February 17-21, promises an enriching and immersive experience for young artists. Families are encouraged to secure their spots promptly, as space is limited. Scholarships are also available for those in need of financial assistance.
GOART! is also delighted to offer ongoing opportunities for artistic exploration, such as our drumming sessions with the Drum Circle, held monthly on the fourth Wednesday.
The public is invited to explore our website for detailed information on all our classes and events, with more exciting offerings to come throughout the year.
As spaces are limited, we recommend early registration to ensure participation in your preferred classes. GOART! extends deep gratitude to our teachers who will be sharing their expertise and passion with our community and we eagerly anticipate welcoming you to our creative space, where you can nurture your artistic talents and engage with other individuals who share similar interests.
For further details and to register for classes, please visit our website - www.https://goart.org. We look forward to welcoming you to one of our workshops and for you to experience with others the creativity that unfolds in our classes.
LeRoy wins large school Lions Tournament at GCC. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Le Roy scored 53 points and held Batavia to 46 points to win the large school division championship of the Peter Arras Memorial Basketball Tournament at GCC on Monday night.
The Oatkan Knights surged with five minutes left in the game, when they were trailing 44-37, going on a 16-2 scoring run.
The tournament is sponsored by the Batavia Lions Club.
Jean Agosto and Jake Higgins each scored 17 points for the Oatkan Knights. For each, 10 of those points came in the last five minutes. Adam Woodworth scored 11 points.
For Batavia, Carter Mullins scored 16 points and Casey Mazur scored eight.
Jake Higgins was selected tournament MVP, and Jean Agosto and Adam Woodworth made the all-tourney team.
City Manager Rachael J. Tabelski issued a statement Tuesday afternoon about the situation between the city and Batavia Players in which the nonprofit owes back rent for Main St. 56 Theater and has been awaiting word as its lease comes up for renewal Wednesday.
"Currently, the City of Batavia considers the Batavia Players as a holdover tenant in the space that they rent at City Centre. The Theater has provided myself and the City Attorney an executive plan and proposed budget forecast for the next five years," Tabelski said in an emailed statement. "The City recognizes the Batavia Players as a valuable asset to the community. However, they must prove their ability to remain viable and pay debts while continuing to operate. We look forward to meeting with members of the Players' executive committee in the New Year.
"The City wishes everyone in Batavia a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year," she said.
The city is landlord to the Players, since the new theater has been built at Batavia City Centre. Tabelski has said the group owes approximately $27,000 in back rent from when the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the country a few years ago. During that time, the theater was shut down, and Batavia Players had no ability to put on shows and make money, Patrick Burk said.
Alexander wins small school Lions Tournament at GCC. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Alexander won the Pete Arras crown in the small school division at GCC on Monday night, beating Notre Dame 58-50.
The Trojans led at the half 24-16, but the Fighting Irish pulled even three times in the fourth quarter. Alexander hits some key baskets in the final three minutes to seal the victory.
Kingston Woods was selected tournament MVP.
When Notre Dame challenged in the second half, Alexander coach Justin Smith remained confident in his team.
"Our second half is normally our worst, to be honest, but I felt that they were going to get on a run, and I knew that we just had to settle down," Smith said. "Our offense was going to be there. We just had to be more disciplined on defense. Once we did that, I knew the game would swing our way."
File Photo of Maia Zerillo in "Bye Bye Birdie" Photo by Howard Owens
As the saying goes, the show — or, in this case, the awards gala — must go on no matter what.
And no matter if there hasn’t been a definitive answer to Batavia Players’ third attempt to fulfill the city’s request for a five-year financial plan to pay rent and pay back rent owed, the group is preparing for its Harvie Awards gala later next month, Patrick Burk says.
"I have not heard from the city. I think the last letter that we got from the city was an explanation of what they were required to make a decision, and that was on December 19. We have sent them a number of pages of information, including our budget,” Burk said Monday. “You know, we have been working on making sure that we are attempting a plan to pay that COVID rent back; even though many people are questioning why we have to pay rent when we weren't allowed to go into the facility, we still just want to get on with what we do best, which is entertaining people and providing theater. And we're doing that very successfully.
“It's important for people to understand that we've been paying all of our bills. We owe nobody, every single month we've paid every single bill,” he said. “We've made arrangements for things to be paid on a timely basis, and we're doing our best with everything, including sell-out shows, and more audience members and bigger box office numbers than we've ever seen before.”
The five-year plan was requested as part of a resolution to the Players owing back rent for its new theater, which was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The theater folks have said it was difficult to raise revenue during a time when they weren’t even allowed in the building to put on a show and charge admission.
Meanwhile, city officials and the theater’s landlord have said there are still operating and maintenance expenses and that unpaid bills end up costing taxpayers. City Council President Eugene Jankowski has said that no one is against the theater but that the tab does have to be paid, and he’s hoping a solution can be found.
During council’s Dec. 10 conference meeting, two representatives of Batavia Players spoke about the attributes of their organization and asked that city leaders give them some time and understanding to pay back the money. City Manager Rachael Tabelski said the owed amount was approximately $27,000.
“We are awaiting an executive summary and five-year financial projections of the Players' plan moving forward,” she had said.
The lease expires on Wednesday, Jan. 1.
Burk is taking the contract to its word that the lease is “automatically renewed” on the first of the year, he said. Since he hasn’t heard from the city otherwise, plans are already being made for three events in January, including the 2025 Pure Imagination Harvie Awards Gala.
“We’re just going through that it's automatically renewed. I don't know what else we can do. Again, I only want to provide good entertainment shows. We've got a lot of things planned for the coming year; we're going to be announcing a new season relatively soon. We're working on securing that, like, right after the first of the year so that we can make a definitive announcement at the gala,” he said. “We've already started with programs in January that are not season-related. We have three weekends, the 11th, the 18th and the 25th, where things are going on at the theater. Two of them are from outside groups, and our gala is going to be wonderful.”
Set for 7 p.m. Jan. 11 at Main St. 56 Theater in Batavia City Centre, this annual event recognizes and honors exceptional talents of actors showcasedin Batavia Players productions from throughout the past year. Awards are given in several categories for male and female lead and supporting performances, venues of plays, cabarets, musicals, and from child to adult actors.
An emotional Sheriff William Sheron gives a final salute to his deputies, colleagues, and friends and family that showed up for his walk-out ceremony Monday at the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on Park Road. Photo by Joanne Beck
Of the hundreds of incidents and memories that retiring Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron will be taking with him, there’s no one particular instance that he holds dear, he says.
“I think it’s kind of cliche, but the people you get to work with, not only here in the sheriff’s office, but the fellow law enforcement officers, the emergency responders, the volunteer firemen, are incredible,” Sheron said Monday during his last day at the sheriff’s Park Road office. “Those are the things that really stand out to me, and just the opportunities I’ve had over the many years I’ve been here and the great people I’ve had to work with.”
Sheron began his career on June 4, 1977, at the age of 18 as an emergency dispatcher. On Monday, he was preparing for the official “walk-out.” Several deputies, county officials, friends and family members lined the sidewalk to salute and applaud the outgoing sheriff’s accomplishments and nearly five decades of service in law enforcement.
Before that could happen, he gave the final call over the radio: “Genesee One. GS-1, after 47 years of service, is out of service. Thank you to everybody. I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had, and God bless you all.”
Dispatch responded, “GS-1 out of service. Thank you for your 47 years of service and dedication to the community of Genesee County. Best of luck on your future endeavors.”
And, with that, Sheron pulled his hat on, topping off his dress uniform, and he and wife Shari linked arms and began to walk down the sidewalk during an emotional salute.
“I’m very proud of what he's accomplished, starting from dispatcher all the way up to Sheriff,” Shari said. “And I'm just very proud of him.”
Frank Riccobono has known the sheriff for nearly all of his time with Genesee County, having also worked his way up from an auxiliary police officer in 1980 to director of emergency communications.
“I’ve had a long career with Bill. He’s been a great leader. Not just a leader, but a good friend, and he's often helped me out, been great in guidance. Obviously, I've worked my way up through, and he's been there every step of the way. And I can't thank him enough,” Riccobono said. “It’s going to be different, especially because now I'm the old guy. So it's definitely going to be different with both Bills — both Bill Zipfel and Bill Sheron — retiring. That's a lot of experience that's gone out the door, and luckily, we have good people still here, but they both have big shoes that we're going to have to fill.”
Batavia City Police Chief Shawn Heubusch described Sheron as a “consummate gentleman” and someone who was “always there to lend a helping hand.”
“Any time there's a major incident or a major critical incident, Bill's always been there with whatever we needed. He's always been able to help us out. And personally, I've leaned on him for support and guidance through helping me become the chief that I am. So he's a good man, a real good man,” Heubusch said. “He’s got a really good successor in place, and Joe, Sheriff Graff, I think he's got big shoes to fill, but he's been around a long time. He's not like he's only got three years on the job; he’s been around for 20-plus years, and he's been around this organization for 20 years, which is important. He knows the inner workings. We have a great working relationship now. I don't expect anything to change, I think our relationship will just continue to grow.”
Meanwhile, Sheron said it would take some time to figure out what to do next. He has “mixed emotions” about leaving and plans to spend some time in warmer weather for a while.
“I love working here; it's my second family. I've always said that the people here are like my children now, brothers and sisters. So it's mixed emotions. I know it's time to move on, it's time for new blood in here, and I just think that I don't know, I'm gonna wait till the dust settles, and then it'll hit home, and I'll decide what I'm going to do from here. There are a few things going around in my head, but nothing concrete right now,” he said. “We're going to take a little time in Florida, and then I'm sure I'll come up with something. Between my wife and I, we’ll find something for me to do.”
Sheriff William "Bill" Sheron makes his last call for service as GS-1. Photo by Joanne Beck
Sheriff William Sheron and wife Shari walk together down the line of well-wishers, including Scott German, on the left in blue jacket, who was celebrating his final day as Genesee County treasurer after 31 years. Sheron had 47 years on the job, going from dispatcher to sheriff. Photo by Joanne Beck
Genesee County Sheriff William "Bill" Sheron and wife Shari, to his right, have a tearful embrace with family at the end of his walk-out ceremony outside the sheriff's office on Park Road Monday. Photo by Joanne Beck
Batavia Downs President and CEO Byron Brown reminds New Year's Eve revelers that Batavia Downs has a full line-up of free activities to ring in the new year that includes music, fireworks and a balloon drop.
The night starts with DJ Eddie Woo live inside 34 Rush at 8 p.m. that includes music and dancing, and is free and open to the public.
That will be followed by a live Fireworks show, by Youngs Explosives of Rochester, that will start at 10:30 p.m. on the outdoor track area. Patrons can view the fireworks show from the enclosed second floor grandstand area.
And then at the stroke of midnight, a balloon drop inside 34 Rush to celebrate the start of 2025.
Batavia Downs President and CEO said, "Batavia Downs has become a destination spot not just in Genesee County but in Western New York. With all we have to offer from almost a thousand gaming machines, a fabulous hotel, great dining options and of course live racing, that’s why people love coming here. And Batavia Downs will be the place to be on New Year's Eve with shows, restaurants, fireworks and much more."
And the action continues at Batavia Downs in 2025 with the start of the Live Winter Racing Season on Monday, January 6th. Racing will be Mondays and Thursdays until February 24th with post time at 3 p.m.
Use the Coupon Code GOLOCAL2025 for 10 percent off for all of 2025 on either a monthly or annual plan. Offer good through Jan. 1.
Local news is what holds communities together. Local news reporters are the ones who keep tabs on local elected officials. Without local reporters, you would know very little about what is happening in your community. You would be in the dark.
To the many people who knew former Batavia High School teacher and principal Glenn Young — from family and friends to students and colleagues — he served as an inspiration. He made a difference as a favorite teacher and fair administrator.
“This man was an amazing person to work with and for. I have nothing but respect for him,” Burton Howell said. “My thoughts and prayers are with the family and I remember so fondly him telling everyone about his nephew that might get drafted from Arizona and how cool that story ended up.”
As a former Batavia resident and BHS graduate, Young grew up on a dairy farm outside of Potsdam before that and joined the Army after he graduated high school. He served in Germany during the Korean War and worked his way through college at Potsdam University as a police officer for the city of Potsdam.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1964, he took a position at BHS as a history teacher. In 1985, he became principal of the school until he retired 10 years later.
Glenn Young died Dec. 27 in Tucson, Ariz., where he lived during retirement. He was 91.
There were certain things about Young that Howell isn’t likely to forget, he said, such as the sound of Young’s cowboy boots coming down the hallway: they announced his arrival before he ever showed up. He also talked about how excited he was about his nephew John Fina, a tackle at the University of Arizona when the boy was being considered for the NFL draft.
“It was awesome when he got drafted by the Bills, and even better when he had a remarkable career here,” Howell said. “My fondest memory as a teacher with Glenn as my principal was at a parent meeting where the parent began attacking me. Glenn literally stood up between me and the parent and told them they would never speak to one of his teachers that way, and dismissed me. As I walked away, I heard him tear into the parent about how his teachers wouldn’t be treated that way.”
He had nothing but good words for this former administrator, Howell said. Former Board of Education President Patrick Burk shared a similar sentiment in that Young "was always kind, inclusive and welcoming.”
“I was honored to work with him as a member of the Board of Education,” Burk said on a social media post.
Batavia school teacher John Kirkwood also posted, adding, “You were a difference maker for the Batavia City School District, and you will be remembered fondly by those who had the pleasure to work with you.”
Former student Cheryl Kowalik told The Batavian that Young “cared about the students and staff he worked with.” He was an excellent teacher and principal, she said, and was an educator who made learning fun.
Another former student, current school Superintendent Jason Smith, credits Young as a bridge for Smith’s longtime friendship with a foreign exchange student from the 1980s.
“My best memory of Mr. Young was when he met with me in his office in early December of my junior year in 1988 to discuss a foreign exchange student at BHS, who was also a friend of mine. He was having difficulty at his present home placement, and Mr. Young was looking for ideas, somehow knowing we were friends,” Smith said. “The following week Hiro Yamabe moved in with my family and I on Elm Street for the rest of the school year.
“That conversation initiated by Mr. Young about Hiro resulted in a wonderful 37-year friendship,” Smith said. “Hiro, my family and I are so grateful to Mr. Young for showing such kindness and caring, as Hiro would have likely returned to Japan, and instead, it led to a wonderful and special friendship.”
There were a number of things that came to mind for Ginny Tiede when she thought of Glenn Young, though her clearest memory was of him patrolling the halls of BHS, walking “very softly in his cowboy boots.” He also had quite a green thumb, planting clumps of white birch in the courtyard and converting his home porch into a year-round automatic vegetable watering system.
“We visited him and Rosemary at their home in the foothills near Sabino Canyon in Tucson several decades ago,” Tiede said. “There was a hummingbird nest in the frame of their basketball hoop. Glenn liked to go hiking.”
Apparently, Batavia High School had carved out a spot in his heart just as he had impacted that community. He shared many memories with his grandson on return visits to Batavia after his retirement, Dawson Young said.
“My grandfather lived an amazing and accomplished life,” Dawson said in an online post. “My grandfather loved Batavia High School. In his time there, he told me how he had helped build the courtyard adjacent to the cafeterias; that courtyard was named ‘The Glenn’ in honor of him. My grandfather talked very fondly of several teachers he had hired and worked with. My grandfather was close with many teachers and former students at the school.
“He would tell me his experience every time he returned to Batavia; he would walk down some of the streets and be recognized and admired. He was a remarkable person and I am so extremely proud to have had him as my grandpa,” Dawson said. “I love you, Grandpa, so very much. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and for being an inspiration to me.”
Glenn Young is survived by a brother, Dale Young of Spring Valley, Ariz.; a sister, Carol Sullivan of California; a son Douglas Young of Clinton, Ill.; and daughter Vicki Hoover of Springfield, Ill.; a son, Mike Young of Longmont, Colo.; and a son, Jeffrey Young of Tucson, Ariz.
York held Oakfield-Alabama scoreless in the third quarter on Friday of the first round of the Cal-Mum Tournament, which helped York lockdown a 42-28 win.
The Hornets trailed by only five points after the first half, down 23-18.
Tessa Rodwell led York with 17 points, nine rebounds, and four steals.
For O-A, Allie Williams had 10 points, while Alea Groff scored six.
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