We’re shaping the future of our community with a new place branding initiative, and your input is key! Take our quick survey for a chance to win a $100 gift card!

Residents – Tell us what makes Genesee County a great place to live, work, and play.
Visitors – Share what you love about visiting Genesee County. Take the survey today at BrandGenesee.com

Expansion of healthcare services, the limited number of dialysis clinics in the region, Medicaid expenditures, and naturopathic medicine — healthcare topics were top of mind for many in the audience of Wednesday's Town Hall Meeting in Darien, hosted by State Senator George Borrello.

The first speaker was a man named Tim who said that when his kidneys failed, his wife donated one of her kidneys to him, and that required him to be on dialysis for 18 months. It was hard, he said, to access clinics in the area. There had been one in Mount Morris, he said, but when the doctor left, the clinic closed.

Borrello, representing the 57th Senate District, said he's discussed the clinic shortage with providers and the biggest issue isn't a lack of willingness to expand -- hiring doctors is a major issue, and Borrello blamed the state's arcane licensing system.

"We have this ridiculous, long process of actually licensing those folks as if somehow being a doctor in Pennsylvania is so much different than being a doctor in New York," Borrello said. "One time, it took us a year and a half to get a surgeon who wanted to move from Pennsylvania, who had been practicing for 16 years as a surgeon, to New York to go practice only. In general, it took a year and a half to get through the red tape of the state government. My point is that we make it more difficult for people who want to get into that profession to come here."

Chetna Chandrakala, chief financial officer for Oak Orchard Health, asked Borrello to support a proposal that is currently part of the state budget bill that is designed to increase federal Medicaid reimbursements by restructuring the tax on health insurance.  Health insurance providers would be reimbursed for the tax from the increased federal funding, so the proposed tax would not affect premiums for Medicaid and Essential Plan programs. However, it could result in a small increase for private plans. The proposal could generate $50 million for Federally Qualified Health Centers, allowing for expanded services and fee schedule increases (more information).

Chandrakala acknowledged the people seeking an increase in services and said,  "We want to be able to provide that help, that medical help, but health centers are not getting the rate increases."

Borrello expressed frustration that out of a $260 billion state budget, not enough is being done to assist the people in the state who most need help paying for healthcare.

"Some of the most vulnerable people in our communities -- senior citizens, those with chronic disease, people with mental health issues, and the developmentally disabled are not getting enough help," Borrello said. "So, where is all this money going if it's not going to those folks? Yes, we should --your reimbursement rates should be increased. And there is certainly money to do that."

Borrello said that former Gov. Andrew Cuomo cut Medicaid payments, and Gov. Kathy Hochul has tried addressing the issue, but it hasn't been enough to keep pace with inflation. 

One issue plaguing Medicaid, Borrello said, is what an organization known as the Empire Center has identified as the "missing million." 

Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the percentage of New Yorkers getting at least some of their healthcare coverage through Medicaid has increased to 37% of the population. 

In 2022, Empire Center determined that there were 6.6 million people enrolled in Medicaid and another one million on the Essential Plan; however, Census Bureau data indicates only about 5.5 million New Yorkers are income eligible for any level of Medicaid assistance, so enrollment was two million higher than the demographic estimates would suggest, with about one million of that excess being attributed to Medicaid.

The Empire Center urged lawmakers to investigate the disparity to ensure Medicaid eligibility guidelines are being properly enforced. Some of the people in that missing million could be people who purchase health insurance through the Marketplace but pay the premiums without any Medicaid coverage.

"Empire Center FOILed the qualifications for all people on Medicaid, and the Department of Health, particularly the division of Medicaid, refused to respond to that full request for over a million people," Borrello said. "That means there are a million people in New York we can't prove actually exist that are qualified. If we cut that alone, we could give you all the money you needed."

A naturopathic medicine provider, who provided a first name of Michael, asked Borrello to support a bill that would provide licensing in New York for naturopathic doctors.

Borrello said that while he wasn't familiar with the current proposed legislation, he supports the idea in concept.

"On the surface, I would say I would support that. The more people who are providing more diverse medical health and advice, I think, is a good thing," Borrello said.

He acknowledged that there may be opposition from associations representing doctors and nurses, and they may have good reasons to lobby against the bill, but that doesn't mean there can't be negotiations and compromise.

"There's got to be a way to find a common ground there to see if there is some kind of modification that will allow it to happen," Borrello said.

While issued at the national level are outside of a state senator's job description, Borrello agreed to address questions about those issues, as well.

On other topics, one person asked how voters could help fight the "progressive movement" in the state.

"You know, I think the vast majority of New Yorkers all want the same thing," Borrello said. "They want to be able to live affordably and safely here in New York State. And there is definitely this far-left progressive movement that's based in New York City that is pushing back against that. And the best way to fight is to help educate your friends and neighbors across the state, people that you know."

He said nearly everybody belongs to some statewide association that enables them to interact with people around the state, and Upstate residents should use those networks to help inform others about the impact of progressive policies.

On the proliferation of solar farms in Upstate, Borrello called the initiative a "green energy scam." 

"This is not about climate change," Borrello said. "This is about money. Some folks on Wall Street figured out about a decade ago, this is a guaranteed return on their investment. 'Why should we risk our money in the market when we're guaranteed a return on investment courtesy of the taxpayers?'"

He said none of these farms would get built anywhere in the nation without taxpayer subsidies because there is no profit in wind and solar.

The statement is partially true.

Warren Buffett has said, “We get a tax credit if we build a lot of wind farms. That’s the only reason to build them. They don’t make sense without the tax credit.” 

However, recent analyses show that the cost of building new wind and solar farms is now competitive with, or even lower than, building new fossil fuel plants—even without subsidies. For example, Bloomberg New Energy Finance and Lazard both report that, on an unsubsidized basis, new wind and solar projects can be as cheap or even cheaper than new natural gas or coal plants in many regions of the United States.

The topic of guns came up, with one person complaining about the difficulty of getting a pistol and wondered why the state "caters" to people who oppose gun rights.

"You know, we live in a blue state, right? And even though, if you look at the map, most of the state is red, the high population centers are blue, and that's where most of the leadership comes from," Borrello said. "They absolutely cannot stand the Second Amendment."

He said the state's leadership is trying to kill gun rights by a thousand cuts.

"The most recent thing was background checks for ammunition purchases, all these ridiculous things that, in the end, really aren't stopping any crime," Borrello said. "If you could say, 'Yeah, look, crime is plummeting in New York State thanks to all these gun laws.' But that's just not true. Crime is up, so restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens is the goal."

The ammunition background check was initiated in 2023, and so far, only 0.55% of transactions have been denied.

In 2024, crime in New York City declined by 3%.  Statewide, since the pandemic, homicides in the state have declined by 53%. Gun violence declined by more than 26% in 2024 compared to 2023.  Those stats do not necessarily prove that any particular gun law is contributing to the reduction, as there may be other social and economic factors at play. 

One person praised the effort of DOGE, the controversial Elon Musk-initiated effort to reduce the size of the federal government, and asked for a similar effort in New York.

Borrello said he is supporting a bill to create a Commission on Government Efficiency. He said it would operate differently from DOGE because it would be a commission that would investigate waste.

"It would be made up of folks who are already in the system," he said. "I think it's a good idea. Like I said, there is so much money being wasted."

To those who said they were unhappy about the elimination of the federal Department of Education, Borrello said he was a strong supporter of public schools and that it was his understanding that while the DOE was being closed, its essential funding, such as Title 1, would remain.

The Town Hall wrapped up on a friendly note with a self-professed socialist endorsing any potential run by George Borrello for Congress.

"My name is Sam, and I live in Genesee County," Sam said. "I grew up here. I am a card-carrying socialist, and I want to say that out loud in this room, because I own a gun. There's a gun under my bed. I hunt. My husband is going to a gun safety course on Saturday run by socialists. So I think it's important to close the divide a little bit. We are not the evil left, and you are not the evil right. In fact, if you were to run for Claudia Tenney's spot, who won't answer emails, who refuses (to attend) town halls, who will not hold town halls, I would vote for you."

Borrello said he appreciated the comment.

"Here's the thing, folks, and maybe we'll close on this, what divides us is so small compared to what unites us, and we've kind of forgotten that," he said. "I mean, we've got to try to figure out the things that separate us and how we can at least agree to disagree. We used to be able to agree to disagree. That was what made America different from every other country in the world, because in other countries, when you disagree, it's time to go to war. We had the ability to agree to disagree, and we've lost that. I'd love to see us try to get back to that. I'd love to have a friendly conversation and discuss the things that we agree on and disagree on, and then agree to disagree."

Local trends are showing an increased need for mental health care, with more behavioral challenges that lead to emotional disabilities, additional specialized programs, and larger learning gaps between students, Special Education Director Kellie Marciano says.

In 2024, there were 283 students with disabilities at Batavia City Schools versus 287 this year, and “by the end of the year we're going to have more students classified just based on the number of students from the multi-tiered system support that have been referred, as well as some parent referrals,” Marciano said during a report to the school board during its regular meeting this week.

"This year, it is an increase for us, though, from 13% to 14%. The region has a total of about 1,003 students currently classified, with 938 last year. So as a region, we've really been talking a lot about why we're seeing an increase. Why are we seeing a high level of need?” Marciano said. “We've kind of come up with, there's a lot of mental health concerns currently that we're supporting our students with. We're also seeing a larger academic gap in the last couple of years between the intermediate and middle school levels. 

"We're also still kind of, as a team, have been talking about, is this because those students also missed a lot of foundational skills due to COVID. So how do we address that?" she said. "That's something we've looked at. They're seeing a bigger need in more of that specially designed instruction, and more of our students need more self-contained support. So that's a goal that we've been working on.”

The primary focus for the Special Education Department this year is to:

• Establish a guiding coalition for special education, known as the “Pupil Support Network.”

“This consists of our department leaders, who are our special education teacher department leader, we have related service department leaders, a counselor department leader, a social worker department leader, and then we also have a school psychologist who also serves as the UPK and preschool department leader,” she said. “They coined themselves "the pupil support network," so we're really trying to support a variety of needs. This year, they worked on a team, really looking at what our special education curriculum is.”

This network’s tasks include creating a special education continuum and determining a profile of current students in the continuum of services.

“We looked at our current continuum, and then determined what do our students need based on the profiles that we're now seeing for students, and is there any need for improvement or change?” Marciano said.

• Individualized Education Program (IEP) writing and development
• Develop professional learning communities for special education: developing a mission, vision, developing our values and our goals.

Mission - to promote logical progression, non-communication across the district with the usage of related services, specialized instruction, and the multi-tiered system of supports to ensure student success with a data-driven approach to support decision-making policies and processes.

Vision - will provide continuity between buildings with a logical progression of procedures and policies; communication within buildings and throughout the district through collaboration.

Values and Goals include collaboration between buildings and disciplines to support multi-tiered supports, measuring student success, developing policies and procedures, and using data to inform decision-making.

“It’s a nice team that works really collaboratively together that really represents the entire district,” she said. “We have people from every building who’s there, and our main focus, again, is that these are our students, we work together to create a newsletter that goes out to our special education staff.”

• Services related to professional learning teams include three domains of speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
• Continue to grow Batavia’s preschool program, which supports Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming counties. This program provides service for 23 kids in Batavia, three each in Le Roy and Alexander, two each in Pavilion and Attica, one each in Medina, Albion, Pembroke, Byron-Bergen and Elba.
• Continue to grow the Work Study program, which may includes tasks of cleaning and organizing, sorting silverware and dishes, collecting cans and bottles, and helping a teacher hand out papers in middle school; and recycling, helping with mailing, putting menus in staff mailboxes, shredding, manning the coffee cart, making copies,  or being part of the seedling sale in high school.

“So, we’ve actually expanded our work study to also make sure our middle school students are starting to gain access to work study skills,” she said. “We continue to make connections with the community organizations. This year is really exciting, our students are out at Tops, they’re helping with shelving, and they are helping get things organized in the back. We have more connections this year to different organizations, such as the Arc, and we’re really discussing post-secondary opportunities and helping families get connected so when they leave us, either at 22 or 18, they have a path to continue with support.”

• There will be a Special Olympics this year from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Van Detta Stadium, featuring athletes from the 12:1:1 classrooms at Batavia Middle and High schools and students from the New York State School for the Blind and Genesee Valley BOCES.

“It'll be a great activity for our students. And our hope is that we can expand it to more students … next year, and then maybe looking at adding districts who are interested as well, and then continuing focus for next year,” she said. “And our goal is going to be continuing that development of (a student’s) portrait, and in more professional learning communities, more professional development around goal writing for IEPs, looking at our professional learning communities for both our 6:1:1 teachers, and then also adding in our 12:1:1 who are our multi-age academic team. And then continue criteria for determining program placement, and looking at our students who need more restrictive placements, and how do we support them as long in the district as possible.”

Go HERE for the full presentation.

Press Release:

As a dog owner in the City of Batavia, it's essential to understand your role in keeping our community safe and clean.

The City of Batavia Municipal Code (BMC) outlines specific regulations to ensure the well-being of both humans and animals. By following these guidelines, you can be a responsible dog owner and contribute to a harmonious community. 

Licenses and Vaccinations 

According to BMC Section 40-11, all dogs over four months old must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. Make sure to obtain a license from the City Clerk's office and keep your dog's vaccination records up to date. 

Leash Laws 

BMC Section 40-5 states that dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet in length when in public. This ensures the safety of both your dog and others in the community. Always keep your dog on a leash when walking them in public areas. 

Waste Disposal 

As a responsible dog owner, it's crucial to clean up after your pet. BMC Section 40-6 requires dog owners to immediately dispose of their dog's waste in a sanitary manner. Always carry poop bags with you and dispose of waste properly. 

Noise Control 

BMC Section 40-6 prohibits excessive dog noise that disturbs the peace. Be considerate of your neighbors and take steps to minimize your dog's barking. 

Be a Responsible Neighbor 

By following these guidelines, you can help maintain a safe and enjoyable community for everyone. Remember, being a responsible dog owner is not only a legal obligation but also a moral responsibility to your neighbors and your pet. For more information on this and other local ordinances please vist the City of Batavia Municipal Code, https://ecode360.com/BA1824. Let's work together to make our community a better place for all!

Press Release:

The Agriculture & NYS Horse Breeding Development Fund is proud to announce that the 2025 New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) “Night of Champions” will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel in Batavia.

As the premier event of the NYSS season, the Night of Champions showcases the top two- and three-year-old Standardbreds bred, owned, and raced in New York State. With over $2.4 million in purse money awarded across the evening, the event represents the pinnacle of the harness racing calendar.

“We are excited to bring the Night of Champions back to Batavia Downs, where the event was last hosted in 2019,” said Ralph Scunziano, Executive Director of the Agriculture & NYS Horse Breeding Development Fund. “Batavia Downs has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to hosting world-class racing, and their upgraded clubhouse and facilities are sure to create another memorable experience for our horsemen, owners, and fans.”

Located between Buffalo and Rochester, Batavia Downs is centrally situated in Western New York’s agricultural hub, offering a unique opportunity to highlight both the sport of harness racing and the economic impact of equine breeding and training in the region. The half-mile track is well known for its quality surface and competitive racing.

The races will be streamed live on Batavia Downs’ YouTube page, and a live post-position draw will take place on Facebook ahead of the event. Pre-race commentary and on-site interviews with winning connections will also enhance the live broadcast experience.

“We are honored to have been selected to host this prestigious event here at Batavia Downs.  I appreciate the confidence that the Agriculture & NYS Horse Breeding Development Fund has in our team here and we will not let them down. Our track and facility will be ready to go, and we are prepared to celebrate the “Night of Champions” with all of the people that attend,” said Byron Brown, President and CEO of Western Regional Off Track Betting Corporation.

The 2025 Night of Champions will be the culmination of a 56-day NYSS season, beginning May 18 at Saratoga Raceway. Full schedules for the Sire Stakes, Excelsior Series, and County Fair Series are available at www.nysirestakes.com.

Press Release:

More than one billion people in 200 countries around the world will celebrate Earth Day on April 22. Reality Check teens started the celebration early by participating in a 3-day Earth Day Summit in Niagara Falls from April 13-15.

Seniors from Batavia High School, Judith Newton and Abbi Leone, joined youth from across Western New York and the Finger Lakes to learn about the impact of tobacco products and the tobacco industry’s manipulative and deceptive marketing tactics that attract and addict youth to nicotine.

The Summit was broken into two parts:

1. Monday, April 14 – a day of education with speakers from the Public Health Law Center, Monroe County Department of Environmental Services and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and sessions with youth leaders from all regions.
2. Tuesday, April 15 – “A Day of Poster Making” where youth created posters promoting cleaner, greener tobacco-free environments for Earth Day to display in their communities. Messages encouraged audiences to “Make Every Day Earth Day,” by eliminating tobacco product use and picking up tobacco product litter polluting our environment.

“This summit provides a platform for young people to share their ideas, concerns, and solutions for environmental challenges caused by tobacco products and the tobacco industry,” said Brittany Bozzer, Reality Check Coordinator, Tobacco-Free Genesee,
Orleans, Wyoming (TF-GOW). “It also helps shape the next generation of environmental leaders who will not only become active participants in protecting our environment, but to become champions for policy changes and solutions in their communities.”

“Tobacco doesn’t just negatively impact our health as individuals, it also endangers the health of our environment,” said Judith Newton, a senior at Batavia High School. “E-cigarette and cigarette waste makes its way into the environment and pollutes water, air and land with toxic chemicals.”

Niagara Falls lights up for Earth Day message. 

On Sunday, April 13, Niagara Falls was lit up in green to recognize Earth Day and the work the youth engaged in to preserve and protect the natural surroundings of this natural wonder.

Tobacco trash is an eyesore, as well as toxic litter.  

All tobacco litter, including cigarette butts, is harmful to the environment because they contain non-biodegradable plastic filters and leach toxic chemicals into the soil and water, impacting wildlife and ecosystems. The USDA estimates that about 360 billion cigarettes are consumed in the U.S. each year. Close to two-thirds of those butts — 234 billion — are tossed as litter.

Cigarettes make up the largest category of tobacco products and are the most polluted product, but as e-cigarette sales continue to rise, their contribution to environment waste is growing.

Harmful Components:

• Cigarette butts contain filters made of non-biodegradable plastic (cellulose acetate) that can take years to decompose.
• These filters contain and trap toxic chemicals, including nicotine, pesticides, and heavy metals (like arsenic and lead) that can leach into the environment.
• These chemicals can contaminate soil, water, and harm wildlife. 

Environmental Impacts:

• Water Pollution: Cigarette butts can be washed into drains and waterways, contaminating rivers, beaches, and oceans.
• Soil Contamination: The chemicals from cigarette butts can seep into the soil, potentially harming plants and organisms.
• Wildlife Harm: Animals can ingest cigarette butts, leading to poisoning or other health problems.
• Plastic Pollution: Cigarette butts are one of the most common types of litter, contributing to the overall problem of plastic pollution. 

Beyond Cigarette Butts:

• The entire tobacco lifecycle, from cultivation of tobacco crops to disposal of cigarette butts, has significant environmental impacts.
• Tobacco farming can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution.
• Tobacco product packaging also contributes to waste and litter. 

By addressing cigarette butt litter, we can support smokers in their quit attempts. 

Reducing the environmental impact of tobacco waste can raise awareness and potentially encourage smokers to consider quitting for their own health and the environment. For additional help, the New York State Quitline is a confidential service for all New York State residents who wish to overcome dependence on commercial tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. Free offerings include individualized coaching and assistance with quit-planning from highly trained tobacco treatment specialists, text and online chat support and free shipping of stop-smoking medications such as nicotine patches, nicotine lozenges or nicotine gum for those 18 and older.

Residents of all ages may contact the Quitline for support and educational materials. In addition, the Quitline encourages teens and young adults (ages 13-24) to text “DROPTHEVAPE” to 88709 to join “This Is Quitting,” a free texting support program for help with quitting vaping. For more information, text QUITNOW to 333888 or call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) seven days a week, beginning at 9 a.m.

Press Release:

Saturday, April 26, marks the 28th Annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, an initiative led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). As the date approaches, Tops Friendly Markets is reminding t he community that all 54 Tops Pharmacy locations are approved drop-off points for unused or expired prescription medications.

Each Tops pharmacy features clearly marked disposal bins, making it easy and convenient for customers to safely discard medications they no longer need. 

“Tops is proud to support National Drug Take Back Day and play an active role in the communities we serve,” said Matthew Hamed, Director of Pharmacy for Northeast Shared Services, a subsidiary of Northeast Grocery Inc., which oversees Tops Friendly Markets. “Our commitment to proper medication disposal extends beyond this single event—it’s a year-round priority. Disposing of medications responsibly protects both our environment and the people in our neighborhoods.” 

The most recent National Drug Take Back Day in October 2024 collected nearly 630,000 pounds of prescription drugs across the country. Since the program began in 2010, over 19.2 million pounds of medication have been safely removed from homes and properly disposed of. 

Customers can drop off medications anonymously at any Tops Pharmacy year-round during regular pharmacy hours. To locate a participating Tops near you, visit the Tops Friendly Markets Store Locator.

Press Release:

County, state, and federal officials are working to reduce the effects of severe weather and natural disasters. On March 3, FEMA released a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Genesee County for the public to see and comment on.

The new map gives updated information about the community’s flood risk. The map also shows areas where flood insurance coverage may be required. The current maps for Genesee County (paper, not digital) were developed in the 1980s. Some areas of the preliminary FIRM show major flood hazard changes compared to the maps that are in effect now.

FEMA, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and Genesee County officials invite residents to learn how they may be affected and what they can do to protect themselves. 

The Flood Risk and Insurance Open House will be held in person on Thursday, May 15, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at Genesee County Building #2, 3837 West Main Street Road, Batavia.

The Open House will not have a formal presentation. Residents can join at any time between 3 and 6:30 p.m. They can stay for any length of time. At this event, residents can talk one-on-one with FEMA representatives. They can learn more about their flood risk and potential changes to their flood insurance rates and requirements. 

If you already have flood insurance, please bring a copy of your declaration page. Residents can also see preliminary versions of the FIRM and the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report here. They can use the Old Paper Effective vs. New Digital Preliminary Data Viewer to compare the new preliminary map to the older maps.

The last FIRM for Genesee County was a paper map from the 1980s. The new FIRM will be online, which will make them accessible to more residents. It will also help community members think about how to protect themselves from future flood events. The map and the FIS report are the basis for each community’s floodplain management regulations.

Due to these map changes, some properties in Genesee County may no longer be shown in the high-risk flood zone. This is known as the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). If a building is outside the SFHA on the new FIRM, flood insurance is not federally required. However, it is still recommended for both homeowners and renters.

Some properties may be shown in an SFHA for the first time. Those owners may need to buy flood insurance. Flooding is the number one natural disaster in the United States. Community members should know their current flood risk. This can help them use the tools and programs available to make their property and community safer.

Would you like to request a reasonable accommodation (sign language, real-time captioning or other)? Please email Michael.Foley3@fema.dhs.gov or FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov. You may also call FEMA’s Civil Rights Resource Line at 833-285-7448.

To learn more or to see the flood maps, visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov. At floodsmart.gov, you can learn about flood insurance. You may also contact a map specialist at the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) at 877-336-2627 or FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov. 

For Open House questions, email our outreach lead, Rachel Wagner, at rachel.wagner@associates.fema.dhs.gov.

A 40-year-old Le Roy woman is facing a reckless endangerment charge in connection with a house fire reported at 4 Union St., Le Roy, on Monday at 10:55 a.m.

Det. Kaden Vangalio and Officer William Riley, Le Roy PD, were the first on scene, and helped an elderly woman, the suspect's mother, from the burning building.

"Their actions, along with the efforts of LeRoy Fire, EMS, and all assisting agencies, ensured that all occupants were safely evacuated and no lives were lost," said Le Roy Chief Greg Kellogg.

The occupants of an adjoining unit, a mother and son, were also displaced by the fire.

According to Le Roy PD, Kelcia Storey admitted to smoking crack cocaine on Sunday night in a second-floor bedroom. In the morning, she allegedly attempted to light a cigarette using two broken lighters while sitting on her bed. Investigators believe this attempt ignited the mattress and surrounding materials, sparking the fire. 

Storey allegedly left the residence and drove to Rochester to purchase more crack cocaine. She drove her mother's vehicle to Rochester. She allegedly admitted to using her purchase before driving back to Le Roy on a revoked driver's license.

Kellogg credited Vangalio and Riley for the investigation that led to Storey's arrest.

Red Cross is assisting the residents.

The department thanked Le Roy Fire, Genesee County Emergency Management, along with the mutual aid companies that responded to the scene for their teamwork and professionalism.

Photos courtesy Le Roy PD.

While it’s nice to memorialize someone after death, a group of Broadway actor John Bolton’s friends and colleagues decided to forego that route and do something while the living can also soak in how much he is appreciated, Jackie McLean says.

That’s why Bolton, a Le Roy High School graduate who has never forgotten his humble roots, is instead being honored — alive and in person — with a Lifetime Achievement Gala next month.

“Millie Tomidy is a community member in Le Roy and one of John’s very best friends from high school, and she also graduated in 1980 with John. She had been talking to retired music teacher Denise Duthe about how she wants to do something for John; he’s had such an impact on the community and in the school itself and the students in the region,” said McLean, Le Roy Central School’s music director. “And it just always felt like we always wait to celebrate people often until after they’ve passed away, and we’re honoring their life, and Millie and Denise are like, why are we waiting?

“We want to celebrate him, and we bounced a bunch of ideas around, and we talked to the school and (Superintendent) Merritt Holly and colleagues, because we wanted to have the school involved,” she said. “And we wanted to do a gala ceremony to just show John how much we appreciate him and how much he’s given back to the community, but also to celebrate all of his achievements.”

The Gala has been set for 3 p.m. May 18 at Le Roy Central High School, 9300 South Street Road, Le Roy. Doors open at 2 p.m., and a Taste of Le Roy Reception is to follow the ceremony. There is no charge, however, donations are welcome at the door.

Other Le Roy faculty, students, residents and alumni have jumped on board, including Laura Williams and Jim Bonacquisti, McLean said. There are to be speeches from a variety of community members “to make John realize how important he is to all of us,” she said.

A committee has been formed and everyone is “throwing our different expertise together,” she said, for the different components of the event, including speakers, performances and some “secret surprises.” There will be a Taste of Le Roy, featuring a dish from several local restaurants for a reception after the ceremony.

Will there be music? Oh yes. “A good amount of music,” she said, with a performance from current students from the musical “because John has so graciously attended our shows over the last few years and shown that support to those kids,” plus “some special shout-outs via videos, and a bio and video about John so that anyone who doesn’t know him can get a taste of why we’re celebrating him.”

So why are they celebrating him?

"For years he has given back to the Le Roy Community as well as the Rochester area," she said. "Working with students, budding actors, and schools, we are all so fortunate to know him."

According to Bolton’s bio, he is best known as a Broadway theater actor, starring on Broadway and nationally in "Anastasia," "Wicked," "Hello, Dolly!," "A Christmas Story: The Musical," "Dames At Sea," "Curtains," "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," "Young Frankenstein" and "Damn Yankees."

He was in the original Broadway productions of "Titanic," "Contact" and "Spamalot," all three of which won the Tony Award for Best Musical. Nominated for Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Lortel, Astaire, and Rivera awards, Bolton headlined sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. The world of TV has not ignored him, with appearances in "The Good Wife," "Gossip Girl," "Madam Secretary," "Belles du Jour," "Con Heir," "Boardwalk Empire," and "Where the Vile Things Are."

Perhaps not quite as well known were his roles as a soloist with the NY Philharmonic in 2012, or appearances in the David Letterman Show skits about a singing cowboy, an accountant guarding Oscar ballots, and a crazed Letterman fan.

Similar to the myriad past and present students and community members, McLean has her own story of how Bolton was gracious with his time and earned wisdom while in Buffalo touring with “Hello Dolly.” The Covid pandemic shut his show down, and a day later also shut down Le Roy’s musical.

“However, we were able to do what we called an open dress rehearsal for the Stars of Tomorrow judges, and John didn't know what was happening, nor did any of us, obviously. And he was in Le Roy with a friend, and he said, ‘I really I want to go over to the high school and see these kids. You know, their show is closing,’ and on a night that was kind of the worst for a bunch of teenagers thinking all this work they'd put in for five months and the school year ending with barely being able to open the show,” she said. “And John shows up and gives them this amazing speech and comes into the theater and talks to them about, how this might just be a pause, and how theater will be back. And obviously, he was right. It was a very inspiring speech. It really meant a lot to the students. Several of the students who were part of that cast are actually coming back for this event to share their talents.”

His gesture to offer them some words of comfort “was so kind,” McLean said, and the two have become good friends since. He supported student Evan Williams, a 2023 Stars of Tomorrow winner who went to the Jimmy awards, and was very supportive of McLean, an inspiring teacher award recipient, she said.

Bolton also came to Batavia in 2023 to help support a Main St. 56 Theater fundraiser and to teach a master class for Batavia Players.

“He is a special, special teacher and a good friend,” she said. “He is humble, but look at all the people he’s worked with, the shows he’s been in … the idea of legacy is so important to John, and he has definitely left one.”

RSVPs are requested by May 1 to ensure an accurate count for food. Go HERE to register. 

Henry Grace and Friends features a lineup of live music for a Saturday Morning Coffeehouse Acoustic Music Series through June 21 at GO ART!, 201 E. Main St., Batavia.

First up are:

• Paul Almeter and Henry Grace this Saturday
• Steve Kruppner and Howard Owens are on May 10
• Billy Lambert and Bart Dentino May 24
• Michael Iten and Steve Kruppner June 7
• Bart Dentino and Paul Almeter June 21

These morning coffeehouse sessions run from 10 a.m. to noon, and are free to the public.

Batavia went into the fifth inning in softball on Tuesday, leading 7-4, but surrendered nine runs to lose a lead they wouldn't regain.

Final score, 16-8.

Ariana Almekinder fanned five for Batavia.

Offense:

• Ariana Almekinder, 3-4, double, RBI, 4 runs
• Libby Grazioplene, 2-4, 2 triples, RBI
• Drew Stevens, 2-4, 2 RBIs
• Kyleigh Kabel, 2-4, RBI
• Lyla Smith, 2-4, RBI double
• Hannah Carney, RBI, double

"We had one of those innings that a very young team will have," said Coach Robert Kersch. "Need to learn from our mistakes and continue to grow." 

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Starter Brady Carney went all seven innings for the complete game victory on Tuesday as Batavia beat Olympia-Odyssey, 5-1.

Carney fanned seven, walked two and only gave up one hit.

Batavia offense 

• Carter Mullen, 3-4, triple, 3 RBIs, 2 runs scored
• Maggio Buchholz, 3-4,  1 RBI
• Nolan Ball, 2-3, 2 runs scored
• Brock Bigsby, 1 hit, 1 RBI 
• Jameson Motyka, 1 Hit

"We're really seeing the ball well at the plate the last couple of games, and it's starting to show, said Coach Michael Sputore. "Pitching has always kept us close and now the bats are starting to wake up."

Batavia Now 3-3 overall and 1-0 in league play.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

It was a pitchers' duel between Oakfield-Alabama and Byron-Bergen on Tuesday, with the Hornets picking up the 2-0 win.

There were only three total hits in the game, two for OA and one for the Bees.  

The Hornets scored in the first and third innings.

David Schnaufer picked up the win, going all seven innings, walking two and striking out 13.

Dylan Utter took it on the chin for the Bees, going 6 1/3 innings. He K'd nine Hornets and gave up only one earned run.

Hornets offense:

• Ryan Schnaufer, 1-3, stolen base
• Avery Watterson, 0-2, walk, hit by pitch. 2 Runs, 3 SBs
• Levi Kabel, 0-2, walk, stolen base
• Dom West, 0-2, walk

Utter had the lone hit for Byron-Bergen. He also had a stolen base. 

Photos by Jordyn Tobolski

Press Release:

It’s been a long 4 years with many life changes and lessons learned for all of us. Our fantastic community has changed and evolved with us. The DiSalvo for Council campaign is excited to announce that Sammy DiSalvo is running in November for one of the three City Council at Large seats.

The previous DiSalvo for Council campaign brought to light several important items and made real change in our City. The City began utilizing social media to communicate more with citizens, collectively Batavians' forced the City to follow proper procedures and hold a full search to fill the vacant City Manager position, and the DiSalvo for Council campaign advocated for everyone to be represented on the Police Board. 

Together, through actions and organizing, peoples’ concerns were heard rather than muffled. The DiSalvo for Council accomplished so much as a campaign that when Sammy wins in November, Batavia’s future accomplishments together will be limitless.

Some concerns you all voiced 5 years ago are still unresolved. Property assessments in the City are still inflating rapidly and annually, Council representatives tell citizens their requests are ‘too much work,’ and Council meetings have no follow-up when citizens voice concerns. The south side feels forgotten and is the last to receive support, the mall continues to take our tax dollars, and the Farmer’s Market isn’t valued by the City. 

Recently, even something as simple as replacing a streetlight can take 6 months. These are local concerns and this is local politics.

Sammy has not forgotten any of you over the past 5 years and understands your concerns, Sammy is living them with you. 

The DiSalvo for Council campaign will again be built on and about your concerns and the concerns of all Batavians. This campaign will again be everyone’s campaign.

Please vote for Sammy on November 4, and he promises to advocate for your concerns at Council meetings, communicate with you afterward, and keep you informed of the progress. 

Sammy looks forward to meeting and chatting with you all over the next few months and beyond. Sammy is also looking for signatures for an independent petition line. If you would like to sign for Samy on the independent line, please email him.

Share your ideas at https://bit.ly/disalvoforcouncilcomments or Donate https://secure.actblue.com/donate/disalvoforcouncil. 

Going for the top role in Pavilion’s fourth and fifth grade musical may have seemed daring for 10-year-old Maddie Smart, who admittedly had some apprehension to overcome.

But the soft-spoken fifth-grader decided to take the leap.

“I tried out for the role because I thought, I’ve never been the lead before, and I’ve never done a play,” she said Monday during a break from rehearsal at the high school’s auditorium. “I didn’t want to be on the couch, I wanted to be doing something. It’s very exciting; it’s not as scary anymore.”

It was almost as if Maddie, in her island-themed skirt and shell-decorated tank top, wearing a turquoise necklace and holding a small wooden paddle, had literally embodied lead Moana’s brave spirit from the show "Moana Jr. Musical."

The show goes on at 2 and 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Pavilion High School, 7014 Big Tree Road, Pavilion.

“She’s a brave person. She wants to save her island,” Maddie said of her character. “I can see myself in her. It’s not in this time; it’s a long time ago, before there were buildings. There was hay and stuff, and people had their own tribes and islands. She became a superhero by saving her tribe.”

Given the amount of time that Moana is in the show, that means learning many lines and choreography, and singing solos. There wasn’t much that felt too challenging for her, Maddie said.

“I memorized all my lines. My brain is just very smart and can memorize,” she said. “I feel good singing in front of people.”

Moana Jr. is a 60-minute adaptation of the 2016 Disney animated film, and features a “coming-of-age story that follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage,” Music Theatre International states.

Sixth-grader Connor Smart, Maddie’s cousin, was already in his own school’s play earlier this year, and was asked by Musical Director and Coordinator Rebecca Marczyk if he would help out with this one as assistant director. He hasn’t minded putting in the extra time after school the past few months, he said.

“I’ve been helping getting everyone out on time, and just helping people memorize their lines, and helping with the songs and stuff,” he said, answering if he’s had to act like a boss to fellow students. “Not really. Most of the kids are very well prepared and ready to go.”

Connor has gained from the experience, such as “learning just to be patient a little bit,” he said. He also has taught from his own acting on stage: "Speak louder to all the exit signs, articulate your words," he said.

“It’s a very good show, all the kids are doing a very good job, they’re very good at singing,” the 11-year-old said. “It’s definitely very upbeat, I would say, because it’s very, there’s some parts like, very calm, and kind of sad, and then there are others parts that’s very active. And people are coming in from all sides, that’s really cool.”

Dressed from head to toe for her role in the monster ensemble — an ocean creature of flowy underwater plants — Emma Sponaugle had not one but two roles in her first play ever. A transplant from Lyndonville last November, the 11-year-old also plays an ancestor. She wanted to be part of this production for reasons other than the plot.

“Moana is my favorite movie. I like swimming, and it’s all about the ocean,” she said. “The music is fun to listen to, it’s cheery.”

She also said that some of the movements can be challenging, displayed by a stage full of actors moving about the full width at any given time with dialogue, singing, dancing, and a crescendo of blue waves from the ocean, followed by stillness.

A trio of actors made up Essie Michau’s Tamatoa, a crab obsessed with all things shiny, with Ari Sardina serving as the left claw and Tenley Harris as the right one. All girls are in the fifth grade and described their central character as being “very sassy.”

“I am very bossy and have to make it about myself, and I love myself,” 11-year-old Essie said of her role, as Tenley added that “looking sassy is hard — the sassy face.”

There were lots of roles, though, both in front of the spot light and behind it. Landon Jett was one of the four stage crew members who opted to move sets and props in place, as another critical responsibility.

“I like to sing, but I didn’t really like singing in front of big crowds. So I wanted to be in stage crew,” the fourth-grader said, admitting to a change of heart for a future play. “Maybe I’ll act next time.”

Press Release:

That was the message from Arc GLOW and over 900 advocates, allies and professionals during the 2025 Disability Policy Seminar in Washington D.C. to support the intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) community.

“For me, Medicaid provides my home, transportation, staff, medication and doctors. … Because of my Medicaid, I attended a college experience program at SUNY Geneseo,” said Julie Johnston, an Arc GLOW self-advocate, during a meeting with staff from Sen. Chuck Schumer and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney’s offices. “I learned so much, and gained so many skills. I now have a job at SUNY Geneseo washing dishes. If Medicaid is cut, I would lose my house, my job and my independence.”

“Going to Washington was an opportunity of a lifetime,” said James Gibbs, an Arc GLOW self-advocate. “We talked about the importance of Medicaid. I liked advocating and I felt like they were listening to me when I spoke.”

Arc GLOW representatives including Vice President of Public Relations Lisa Bors, Vice President of Day and Employment Services Kellie Kennedy, Board of Directors President Cheryl Englert, Direct Support Professional Gabby Root, and Self-Advocates James Gibbs and Julie Johnston met with representatives from Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney to advocate for continued federal support to the IDD community.

“We are pushing lawmakers on Medicaid, education and disability funding,” said Bors. “We need to keep pushing the federal government to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.” 

Arc GLOW is asking community members to contact local representatives now to tell them:

• Reject any effort to block grant, cap or cut federal spending in Medicaid.
• Oppose work requirements in the Medicaid program.
• Congress should reject any cuts to Social Security or SSI, including any proposals to cut benefits or limit who can qualify.
• Fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• Oppose laws that reduce the rights of children with disabilities to secure a free, appropriate public education.
• Ensure that students with disabilities in higher education receive the accommodations that they need.
• Pass budget and appropriations laws that provide funding to support people with disabilities in the community.

Each call and message can make a difference. On Wednesday, 12 Republican Congressional representatives sent Speaker Mike Johnson a formal letter opposing any cuts to Medicaid including for people with disabilities; four of the 12 members were New York representatives.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

Empire Hemp Co., a trusted name in New York’s hemp and cannabis industry since 2018, is proud to announce an exciting new chapter in its journey: the transformation of its retail space at 204 E Main St. into Mrs. Green’s CANNAry, the area’s first woman-owned, licensed adult-use cannabis dispensary.

Founded by Shelly Wolanske and Chris VanDusen, Empire Hemp Co. has built a reputation for producing high-quality CBD and THC products with a commitment to integrity, consistency, and care. With New York State cannabis regulations prohibiting vertical integration, the company made a strategic decision to expand in new ways. As a result, Shelly has launched Mrs. Green’s CANNAry as a standalone retail dispensary, while Empire Hemp Co. continues to focus on cultivation and manufacturing.

The new dispensary will proudly feature the Empire products that helped define the brand—such as the popular GOAT Infused Pre-Rolls—alongside a carefully curated selection of top-tier cannabis products from across New York State. Mrs. Green’s CANNAry will continue to serve the community with the same warmth, transparency, and customer care that have been hallmarks of the location since its original opening in 2021.

“Mrs. Green’s CANNAry is a natural next step,” said Shelly Wolanske. “We’re building on everything that made Empire special and bringing that energy into a fully licensed adult-use dispensary. I’m excited to create a space where education, quality, and customer experience come first.”

Empire Hemp Co. remains under the leadership of Chris VanDusen, operating from a new production facility in Batavia that better supports its continued growth. The company will expand its manufacturing of high-quality THC products for distribution to dispensaries across the state—including Mrs. Green’s.

“This is a win-win,” said VanDusen. “Empire gets to focus on scaling production and developing innovative cannabis products, while Mrs. Green’s CANNAry offers customers access to the very best flower, pre-rolls, and extracts that New York has to offer—including our own.”

The opening of Mrs. Green’s CANNAry is expected in early May 2025, and updates will be posted on social media as preparations continue. In the meantime, customers can continue to shop Empire’s full line of CBD products online empirehempco.com.