Press release:

The Class-A Short-Season New York-Penn League and its member clubs are proud to announce that the league's philanthropic arm, the NYPL Charitable Foundation, will once again award more than $10,000 in scholarships this summer to deserving high school graduates from the league's 14 markets.

Now in its ninth year, the 2017 NYPL Scholarship Contest is open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school within the league's footprint. Any student who has been accepted at a two- or four-year college or university, vocational school, or technical education institution is eligible.

Applicants will be judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact their local NYPL club and Minor League Baseball have had on their lives.

The scholarship contest will consist of two stages -- a local round and a league round. In the local stage, students will apply directly to their local NYPL team, with one applicant chosen by each of the 14 teams to advance to the league/final round. The 14 finalists will then be judged by league representatives. Three applicants will be selected to receive the top prize of a $2,500 scholarship. All other finalists will receive a $250 book award.

“The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation and our 14 member clubs are pleased to have the opportunity to assist outstanding high school seniors within our league’s footprint for the ninth consecutive season,” said Ben J. Hayes, president of the New York-Penn League.

“This program will again recognize those seniors who not only meet and exceed traditional scholarship criteria, but demonstrate the positive community impact and lifelong memories fostered by their local NYPL clubs throughout the year.”

High school seniors interested in entering the 2017 Scholarship Contest can obtain the official application from their local NYPL club, or by visiting the league's official website, NewYork-PennLeague.com.

The deadline to submit applications to the nearest NYPL team is June 5. Each club's winner, including the three $2,500 scholarship recipients, will be selected in mid-July.

The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c) (3) charitable organization, in 2003. The mission of the Foundation is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its Clubs, and their staff.

Genesee Valley Farm & Crematory is dedicated to serving the needs of pet owners and their beloved pets. As a family-owned and operated Genesee county business for over 50 years, we pride ourselves in quality care and attention to detail that our clients have come to know and expect.

As pet owners ourselves, we understand that your pet was a vital part of your family and we try to help you deal with this loss. We would like to offer you peace of mind through a dignified farewell to a dear friend.

We are committed to exceptional service and pride ourselves in providing a friendly, personal touch for your pets final needs. Call us today 585-343-5878.

Press release:

Due to the recent expansion of gaming in Western New York and the lack of tax parity amongst gaming entities, WROTB/Batavia Downs Gaming could potentially lose in upwards of 100 jobs in Western New York. WROTB/Batavia Downs Gaming currently employs more than 500 hardworking Western New Yorkers throughout 15 counties and two cities.

A bill that would create ‘tax parity” appears to be logjammed in the budget process. If a concession is not made, there would be devastating effects to the local economy as WROTB has returned more than $226 million to local governments, purchased more than $480 million in local goods and services, and is one of the largest employers in Genesee County.

Having created new state casinos and a hypersensitive business environment without leveling the playing field, potentially means job cuts here and additional loss for horsemen through Central and Western New York.

“We have been working diligently with state officials to create a stable plan for tax parity and are very hopeful this can be accomplished in the state budget,” said Mike Nolan, chief operating officer at Batavia Downs Gaming. “Other facilities have fewer restrictions placed on them. With new gaming competitors entering the market, we are looking to be on a level playing field.

"We want to continue to make facility improvements, satisfy our patrons and continue to provide employment to hundreds of employees that rely on these jobs to provide for their families. We urge our representatives in the Assembly, Senate and in the Governor’s office to give our employees the peace of mind that tax parity will ensure the solvency of our corporation moving forward.”

From Bethany Town Supervisor Carl Hyde:

Over the last two years the Town of Bethany has been trying to fill some vacant seats on the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals by running several ads with no success.

There are two vacant seats on the Zoning Board of Appeals and one vacant Planning Board seat and one vacant planning board secretary/alternate seat.

Vacant board seats count as NO votes.

Any Bethany resident who would like to fill a vacancy may contact the Town Clerk at 585-343-1399.

If these seats are not filled by the June 12^th Town Board meeting, the Town will move forward in adopting a local law changing the number of members on each board to five and five (respectively).

Press release:

Nominations are currently being accepted for this year’s induction class of the Oakfield-Alabama Alumni Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding OACS alumni who have achieved distinction in their lives and chosen field after high school through significant contributions to their career, community or through personal achievements. 

If you know a person who meets the following criteria, please consider nominating him/her for this prestigious honor:

1.  Nominees must be graduates of OACS or one of its predecessors, or have been active in school classes and activities during their senior year. (Nominees who left school while in good standing to perform military service are also eligible.  Deceased alumni are not eligible for induction until the fifth anniversary of the year of their death.)
2. Nominees must have graduated prior to 2002.
3. Selection is based on achievement after leaving OACS which includes a worthy record in more than one, and exemplary achievement in at least one of the following:

• Job-related achievements
• Professional honors and awards, professional affiliations, publications
• Civic or community involvement
• Personal achievements/accomplishments
• Positive impact on the communities in the Oakfield-Alabama School District

Anyone may submit a nomination for any person meeting the criteria stated above. Nominations must be made during the nomination period only (March 1 – April 30) by using the Online Nomination Form or the PDF Nomination Form (see links below). Electronically submitted nominations are strongly preferred over mailed-in, hardcopy nominations.

1. Online Nomination Form  http://www.oacsalumni.org/content/HallOfFame/NominationProcess/OnlineForm
2. PDF Nomination Form http://www.oacsalumni.org/content_files/HallOfFame/NominationProcess/form.pdf

An ATV rollover accident is reported in the area of 8963 Woodland Drive, Stafford.

It's believed to be with minor injuries.

Stafford fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

A possible house fire is reported at 569 Scribner Road, Pembroke.

A fire responder reports heavy smoke.

Pembroke fire, Indian Falls fire and City of Batavia Fast Team are dispatched.

City's second platoon requested to the hall.

Mercy EMS dispatched to stand by at scene.

UPDATE 1:35 p.m.: It was a dryer fire. Fire is out. Ventilating. The structure is described by a source as "a brand-new house."

UPDATE 2:10 p.m.: All units back in service.  

Reader submitted photos.

At the Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew in Le Roy, the owners hosted an official launch party for Rogers Beer, a beer created by a Rochester brewer and acquired by the owners of the Eagle.

Al Rogers started Rogers Beer more than 12 years ago and achieved some regional success, including 58 Main in Brockport, the BBQ restaurant there owned by Jon and Marc Marcello.

When Rogers told Marc Marcello he was thinking of getting out of the beer business because of growing family commitments, Marc didn't want see that happen so the Marcello brothers and Smokin' Eagle co-owner Jay Beaumont met with Rogers and soon a deal was in place for them to acquire the beer brand and recipes, and as an added bonus, Al Rogers agrees to stay on as master brewer. 

Rogers Beer is now based in Le Roy, though the beer is currently brewed at a facility in Honeoye Falls. But Jon said the goal is to build up the business enough to open a brewery in Le Roy. (Click here for more of the Rogers Beer story.)

Cedar Street Sales and Rentals in Batavia, owned by Guy Clark, sponsored the launch party and the band Free Beer played for the party.

A chimney fire is reported at 6014 Albion Road, Oakfield. Oakfield Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Elba and Alabama; Town of Batavia is asked to fill in at Oakfield's fire hall.

UPDATE 10:08 p.m.: A first responder on scene says the fire appears to be out.

UPDATE 10:11 p.m.: Mutual aid companies can go back in service.

UPDATE 10:34 p.m.: Oakfield assignment back in service. 

State lawmakers have been working through the weekend to try and come up with a budget deal and have so far failed to come up with one, according to the latest news reports.

Somebody in Le Roy is unhappy with something about the proposed budget and put up this sign along Route 5.

Lots of activity today at the Falleti Ice Arena for the Genesee County Home Show.

The show continues tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To purchase prints, click here.

Chandler was excited to meet the Easter Bunny at Oliver's Candies this morning and eagerly gave the bunny a hug.

Here are the results of yesterday's vote in the Byron-Bergen Central School District:

• Proposition #1 -- Capital Improvements/Renovations/Repairs and use of Capital Reserve Funds -- YES: 233, NO: 239
• Proposition #2 -- 10-percent Building Aid Incentive from NYSED for Energy Performance Contract -- YES: 271, NO: 194

Music students from Genesee and Wyoming counties will perform today at 2 p.m. at Pavilion High School in the second of two all-county music festival concerts.

The festival is organized by the Genesee-Wyoming Music Educators Association.

Today's show features the high school band, the junior high chorus and the elementary band.

Tickets are $4 each at the door.

These photos are from yesterday's rehearsal.

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“It is unconscionable that an agreement, which state leaders have had months to negotiate, must wait until the absolute last minute year after year, leaving the public and legislators in the dark.”

“In keeping all 213 state legislators in Albany this week voting on useless legislation while a deal is struck behind the scenes, state leaders will have potentially cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in per diems because they are too incompetent and beholden to special interests to agree on a deal anytime in the previous several months.”

“At this point, it seems as though the ‘Three Men in a Room’ are hashing out various policy and spending proposals behind closed doors. Unfortunately, this troubling lack of transparency is usual during the final days of budget negotiations, but it is certainly not the appropriate way to do the people’s business.”

“Rumors are circulating surrounding an agreement on Upstate ride-sharing, a major clean water infrastructure investment and raising the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 18, but little legislation has been introduced or printed and we are at the will of the nebulous legislative leaders.”

“I am hopeful that the 2017 Charitable Gaming Act, increased money to repair our roads and bridges and small-business relief are included in the final budget and I will be fighting for our community every step of the way. I will keep you updated and issue reports when more information is known.”

A sold-out crowd packed Batavia High School last evening for the fifth annual Mr. Batavia Competition hosted by its student government.

The mission behind the community fundraiser is to “take care of BHS,” said Lisa Robinson, student government advisor.

Twelve seniors participated in these categories: Dance, Talent, Question & Answer, Swimsuit, Lip Sync and Tux Walk.

The contestants were: Jerry Reinhart, Dominic Brown, Campbell Andersen, Casey Radka, Cody Dioogardi, Sam Bartz, Quentin Branciforte, Ryan Bieniek, Casey Ausin, Joe Allegue, Freddie Cunningham and John Currier.

Lisa said they raised a new record of $4,500 for the local charities chosen by the top three winners. Habitat for Humanity is winner John Currier's charity; first runner-up Ryan Bieniek selected All Babies Cherished; second runner-up was Quentin Branciforte, whose charity of choice is Anna’s Wish Inc.

The judges were: Kaitlin Logsdon, cocreator of Mr. Batavia, past BHS student and senior at Ithaca College; Shawna Murphy, Batavia City Schools Board of Education member; Jim DeFreeze, Batavia City Police officer; and Matt Morasco, Batavia City fireman.

Tuxedos for the event were provided by Charles Men's Shop and Reed Eye Associations donated sunglasses to the dozen seniors who competed.

To view and or purchase photos go to: Steve Ognibene Photography

Adam Steadman, with Henry H. Cook, mugs with a, um, mug, that's shaped like a toilet, in the booth for his employer, during set up for the Genesee County Home Show, which opens this evening.

The mug will be used as a candy dispenser at the Henry H. Cook booth.

Dozens of vendors have set up booths at the Falleti Ice Arena in Batavia for the home show.

The show opens this evening at 5 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. Hours for Saturday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Mr. Batavia contest starts at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of Batavia High School, but if you don't have tickets, better get their early, because the event is nearly sold out.

Press release:

Families with students attending Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School gathered in the school’s auditorium for College Readiness Night on March 29. The presentation, by College and Career Counselor Robert Kaercher, was an informational overview of the college admissions process.

Topics included SAT and ACT testing, the Common Application Form, recommendation letters, deadlines, scholarships, grants, and financial aid. Although geared toward sophomore and junior students and their families, the presentation was open to all, and several families of eighth-graders took advantage of the evening.

“It’s never too early to begin planning,” Kaercher said.

“Choosing a college can be daunting,” said Principal Patrick McGee. “Researching, narrowing the field, visiting, applying, getting financial aid — there is so much involved at every step.

"That’s why our district is committed to helping students and their families negotiate the process. This is the second year for our dedicated College and Career Counseling Center. This outreach event is another way to increase awareness of the assistance available. Don’t do it alone. We are here to help.”

The Center is a busy place and its resources are growing. In the fall, it hosts a full schedule of visits and special presentations from a wide range of regional and national two- and four-year colleges, trade schools, and military branches. In the spring, the focus is on ensuring all seniors have a plan and have taken the steps needed to be successful after graduation.

Kaercher helps them apply for scholarships and financial aid.

“There are over 50 scholarships available right from our own community,” he said, adding that he can also help job seekers improve their interview skills and write better resumes.

“This is also the time to help juniors get serious,” Kaercher said. “I like to meet with each student to help them find their path. If they plan on college, I can give them personalized lists of college recommendations for them to start researching.

"Spring is a great time to plan college visits. Colleges all have preview days, tours, and open houses.”

The Center is planning a College Fair in May that will bring students together with representatives from a number of regional colleges.

Top photo: Families of college-bound students were welcomed to Byron-Bergen’s College Readiness Night by (l-r) College and Career counselor Robert Kaercher, School counselor Andrea Feeney, and Principal Patrick McGee.

Byron-Bergen HS College and Career counselor Robert Kaercher helped families begin the journey of preparing and applying for college.