The owners of Livingston Lanes & Pub in Geneseo, a 16-lane establishment that is part of the Genesee Region USBC association, are in the process of installing string pinsetters – an investment approaching $250,000 they say is being made to keep the bowling center open for the foreseeable future.

The timing of the change, however, is resulting in the disruption of several leagues at Livingston Lanes that are certified by the United States Bowling Congress.

Since string pinsetters – yes, the bowling pins are attached to strings connected to a mechanical device that interfaces with the computerized scoring – have yet to be recognized by the USBC, averages of the bowlers in the affected leagues will be “final” as of the last time they bowl on the standard AMF pinsetters.

Dana Carson, one of four men who own the business, said they had hoped to wait until after the traditional league season, which ends in April, but were subject to the installers’ (QubicaAMF) work schedule.

“Unfortunately, with the timing of everything, it is midseason, but we weren't able to choose our time,” he said. “So, with COVID and getting employees to work and the subcontractors involved, there's a lot of different variables going on. So, again, unfortunately for the league bowlers, we had to do it now.”

COST SAVINGS A CRITICAL FACTOR

Carson said he and his partners have been concerned about the costs involved in keeping the current pinsetters running efficiently and have discussed removing the lanes and going in a different direction with that space. Previously, they spent a couple hundred thousand dollars in renovating the concourse, restaurant and bar area.

“They tell us that because of the mechanic and the parts issues that there is a long-term savings,” Carson said. “But with the initial investment, we figure it is the best fit for our open bowlers and our league bowlers right now … a way to speed up the pace of play.”

Bill Little, district sales manager for QubicaAMF, said string pinsetters require very little maintenance, eliminate the need for a mechanic and save considerably on electricity costs.

Little, whose office is in Philadelphia, spoke with The Batavian last week while overseeing the installation, which is expected to be completed sometime next week.

He said that Livingston Lanes is the seventh bowling center in his region to switch from conventional to string pinsetters.

“These machines, on average, will run about 7,000 frames per stop, where your traditional free fall machine may run for around 1,000 frames per stop,” he said. “So, you're not going to have as many mechanical breakdowns. Anybody that works in the bowling center on the staff can be trained on how to do all the maintenance that is involved -- how to repair them and how to work on them."

AN APP TO ASSIST WITH MAINTENANCE

He said the system includes an app on cell phones where a person can download something called Tech Wizard, which will notify via a text message when there’s a problem with a lane.

“It will say, ‘Hey, lane seven has this problem.’ They’ll acknowledge it on their phone and then they’ll have the ability to look at what to do on the phone as they’re walking back to the machine,” he said. “It will show them a video, give them the ability to write notes and the ability to see what tools they need – and there are only six tools required to work on these machines.”

Little said the process calls for completely removing the old pinsetter and installing QubicaAMF’s Edge string pinsetter, which have very few moving parts. He said the equipment is a redesign of an old German machine that has been in existence for about 40 years.

While the initial cost is comparable to a free fall pinsetter, the maintenance costs are much less, he said.

“They cost only $12 per year per machine in electricity and the two 24-volt DC motors only run when there’s a call to action for the motor to run … not continuously like they do on these machines now,” he said. “And the parts’ cost savings is tremendous. You don’t need to spend $500 per machine per year on parts.”

The Edge string pinsetters are designed for competition, Little said.

LITTLE: NOT AN ARCADE GAME

“This is not an arcade game. It’s a very authentic experience to free fall. The back and the kickbacks are all black so you don’t really see the strings that much,” he said. “And the pinfall is very similar in some of the tournaments that we had and some of the tests that we've had with people bowling on them -- especially PBA (Professional Bowlers Association), male and female. That pin difference is like 1.3 pins (per game).”

Little noted that the pin itself is the same pin as used in conventional pinsetters “except it has three holes drilled at the top to put the string on it.”

“Other than that, it’s the same bowling pin – weighing 3 pounds, 6 ounces to 3 pounds, 8 ounces.”

The USBC Equipment & Specifications Team has been conducting tests on string pinsetters and is not at a point where it is ready to certify them for competition. Talk out of USBC headquarters in Arlington is that when they are certified, it would likely be a separate division along the lines of Standard, Challenge and Sport condition levels that exist today based on how the lanes are oiled.

After its most recent study in September 2021, the USBC identified several factors affecting pinfall, including string length, pin curtain, ball stop cushion and kickback thickness.

Adjustments were made to the string length, pin curtain location and ball stop cushion until results approached those of free-fall machines, and a design of experiment was conducted to identify the best combination of these properties to reduce the rate of splits being converted due to interference from the strings.

Videos on YouTube show a bowler converting the 2-8-10 split, for example, by hitting the 10 pin and seeing that pin bounce out of the pit to hit the 8 into the 2. That’s something that would never happen on conventional pinsetters.

HOPING BOWLERS WILL HANG IN THERE

It’s practically a certainty that the USBC will certify string pinsetters – likely before next fall – to avoid the possibility of losing out on membership revenue.

For bowlers seeing string pinsetters coming into their “houses,” especially in midseason as is the case in Geneseo, decisions on whether to bowl on the new apparatus or to quit have to be made.

Carson, a retired Geneseo Police Department officer, said he hopes that his bowlers will understand the situation at Livingston Lanes and keep bowling.

“We’re looking forward. People get second and third chances out here, but we’re looking for people to give us just one chance,” he said. “We’ve done a lot already. When COVID first shut us down, we decided to do a major renovation for the bar and restaurant. That’s two major projects that we're able to do as a small business during COVID. So, I think people and I think our league bowlers will appreciate that.”

Click HERE to watch the video summary of USBC's second research report on string pinsetters from September 2021.

Photo above: Bill Little, district sales manager for QubicaAMF, displays a string pin and mechanism that controls it, while at Livingston Lanes in Geneseo last week.

Little points to a box containing a string pinsetter that will replace the conventional AMF pinsetters at the Geneseo bowling center.

The remodeled concourse at Livingston Lanes. The bar/restaurant is located behind the windows in the background. Photos by Mike Pettinella.

Speaking at City Council’s Business Meeting at the City Hall Council Board Room, Heubusch (photo at left) said his department embarked on a “heavy” recruiting campaign in an attempt to attract more minority candidates to take the police officer exam.

He said that data compiled through a questionnaire that was filled out by 90 of the 100 or so people that took the Civil Service exam on Sept. 18, 2021 showed that “a more diverse population came out to take our exam.”

While 84.4 percent of the participants identified themselves as White, 3.3 percent were Hispanic or Latino, 2.2 percent Black or African American, 1.1 percent Asian and 1.1 percent Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander.

Heubusch said that the data collected will be used to establish a baseline for future exams.

The department also conducted a physical agility test last week at Genesee Community College, Heubusch said, where “we definitely saw a more diverse group of people come out for that.”

The Batavia Police Advisory Collaboration Stakeholder Group, consisting of citizens from various public and private sectors, was formed in compliance with former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Order 203 that called for community policing reform throughout New York.

It met several times during the fall and winter of 2020 and 2021, resulting in the creation of a list of action items that was submitted to Albany. Batavia’s plan is focused on training, community engagement/policing, community liaison, communication, officer wellness and diversity – including Civil Service reform.

“This (Civil Service reform) was a big nugget that everybody talked about across the state,” said Heubusch, who noted that he discussed that subject on a webinar yesterday with the New York State Police Chiefs Association. “(We) continue to advocate for Civil Service reform with elected officials and through professional organizations.”

Other highlights of Heubusch’s presentation to City Council:

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance has decreased by 54 percent on average over the past five years. Crimes such as larceny and simple assault also declined in 2020 compared to 2019. However, Heubusch said, preliminary reports for 2021 indicate a slight increase in those numbers.

• The BPD will continue community dialogue through neighborhood meetings and National Night Out. Heubusch said the department’s CrimeWatch page has resulted in enhanced communication with the public and includes a link to Division of Criminal Justice Services statistics.

• The department’s community liaison program is multi-faceted, including regularly scheduling outings at senior citizen complexes and civic groups, continued engagement with minority groups, placement of a school resource officer at Batavia City School District (Officer Miah Stevens) and establishment of a Citizens Academy Program for interested adults. Heubusch also said plans include enrolling Stevens in the next DARE training class.

• Community engagement/policing efforts include more foot and bicycle patrols, bicycle safety classes, enhanced training through an agreement with Genesee County Mental Health, crisis intervention training, ongoing implicit bias training, and certification of a de-escalation trainer and defensive tactics instructor.

• Emphasis on physical, mental and spiritual wellness of police officers, with monthly briefings with the police chaplain, participation in wellness program training, debriefing efforts after critical incidents and regular meetings with supervisors to discuss any potential issues.

Shannon Lee Marvin, 30, of West Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with grand larceny. Marvin is accused of stealing a credit card from a person in Bergen in November and making several purchases with the card. Marvin was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.

Abigail M. Russell, 19, of Hamburg, is charged with petit larceny. Russell is accused of shoplifting a bag full of groceries from a local store at 12:01 p.m., Jan. 4. After receiving a report of the larceny, Russell was located by a Batavia patrol officer, identified as the suspect, and arrested.  She was released on an appearance ticket.

Walter M. Rhynes, 30, of Rochester, is charged with harassment 2nd. Rhynes is accused of trying to strike an employee of a local hotel at 1:29 p.m., Jan. 1. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Brittany N. Leach, 28, of Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal mischief 4th. Leach is accused of damaging a door and a vehicle on State Street at 11:10 p.m., Jan. 4. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Marcus T. Hill, 29, of East Rochester, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. The warrant stems from an incident reported at 9:45 p.m., April 25 (no details released) and was issued July 28 after Hill allegedly failed to appear in court as ordered. He was released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Hailee N. Callicutt, 21, of Batavia, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration, resisting arrest, driving without insurance, driving on a suspended registration, and driving a vehicle with an obstructed view. Callicutt was stopped by Officer Peter Post at 10:02 p.m., Jan. 1, on Liberty Street.  She was issued an appearance ticket.

Brian Graziaplena, 70, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Graziaplena reportedly drove his car into a tree at 4:23 p.m., Jan. 1, on North Lyon Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket and released to a sober third party.

Dean C. Siminski, 32, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Siminski allegedly sent a letter to a person covered by an order of protection. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Eric Tyler McGrain, 29, of Donlin Drive, Rochester, is charged with felony DWI, speeding, refusal to take breath test, failure to keep right, and moving from lane unsafely. McGrain was stopped at 1:21 p.m., Jan. 8, on College Road, Batavia, by Sgt. Mathew Clor.

Trisha R. Santora, 39, of Batavia, is charged with eight counts of petit larceny and eight counts of falsifying business records 1st. Santora was arrested by State Police for an alleged crime reported in November. She was issued an appearance ticket. No further details were released.

Kyle A. Hillyard, 29, of Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Hillyard was stopped at 1:35 a.m., Jan. 9, by State Police in the Town of Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Brian P. Demko, 44, of Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment 2nd. Demko was arrested by State Police following an investigation in an incident reported at 7:42 p.m., Dec. 26, in the Town of Batavia. He allegedly made a threat toward another person. He was released on his own recognizance. No further details released.

Press release:

The City Water Department is making repairs to a water line on the corner of Liberty and Ellicott Street today.

Expect the water to be turned off from on Liberty from Main to Ellicott Streets. Due to the uncertainty of the repair water may also be turned off or experience low pressure in adjacent areas.

Traffic will not be allowed through the southern side of the intersection of Ellicott and Liberty, while repairs are being made.

We do not have a time frame for this work at this time.

We appreciate the public's patience during this repair.

Barring any changes made during the budget workshop process, the City of Batavia’s property tax rate for the 2022-23 fiscal year will be $8.94 per $1,000 of assessed value – a decrease of 78 cents from last year’s rate.

City Manager Rachael Tabelski shared details of the municipality’s $17.7 million budget at Monday night’s City Council Business Meeting at City Hall Council Board Room.

Putting the tax rate into perspective, Tabelski said that 5,700 properties in the city support the city’s General Fund operating budget.

"The property taxes they pay make up 34 percent of our total budget revenue," she said. "And the typical tax bill for a resident that owns a house assessed at $100,000 will be $894 under this proposed manager’s budget. The county tax for that same home is $916 and the school tax (is) $2,057."

The proposed General Fund lists a tax levy increase of $121,403, Tabelski said, noting that plans call for reinstatement of service, personnel and equipment purchase. Additionally, the water and sewer funds are stable, and improvements in infrastructure are on the table.

Tabelski highlighted the amount invested into the city in recent years, stating that $132 million in public and private investments are changing the landscape of Batavia.

“Batavia is going to continue to fly back from its rust belt city status, embrace its vibrant roots, double down on the investment and continue to focus on economic growth and neighborhood revitalization,” she said, referring to the impact of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award the city received and other large-scale corporate projects.

Her presentation indicated that $96 million already has been invested, $36 million more is in the works and another $42 million is planned.

Last year presented a “dismal revenue picture,” Tabelski said, but things “look much better” for 2022-23.

She said that 41 percent of the budget revenue is from sales tax (budgeting for $6.8 million in sales tax), while property taxes will bring in around $6 million. State aid is pegged at $1.75 million.

“Real property tax is the most stable revenue supporting the General Fund budget,” she noted.

The city manager also mentioned increases in assessed value, stating that the city’s assessed value of property has grown by about 26 percent over the past eight years compared to a 49 percent increase in assessed value in the Town of Batavia.

“A major way of creating additional revenue is to improve the overall value of our commercial and residential properties,” she said. “That’s through investment and new builds, and for continuing the strategy with the Brownfield Opportunity Area and the DRI.”

Tabelski said that about a quarter of the city’s property is not taxable – and that amounts to around $220 million.

The General Fund budget also will be supported by $275,000 in appropriated fund balance, $275,000 in water fund transfer and $130,000 in (one-time) retirement reserves, she said.

“(The year) 2021 has been another unprecedented year,” she said. “However, the city saw revenues rebound with full payments on state aid that helped us avoid layoffs and unfreeze positions throughout the year.

“The difficulty we still face is prices of commodities, hiring and retaining great workers, as this continues to be difficult,” she said. “Overall, the budget you have before you provides more resources to the departments, adds in services that were previously cut or underfunded and strives to meet the needs of the residents of the city of Batavia.”

If you have been confused or concerned by the flurry of shifting, revised, questioned and debated pieces of information out there for dealing with COVID-19, one solution is pointing straight at you.

Do your research, talk to your own healthcare provider and self-report when diagnosed with the virus, says Paul Pettit, director of Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments. 

“Any time you have conflicting messages out there it does create confusion … who should they be listening to and why. We want people to be informed. It’s ok for people to question things, we want them to get the most factual information and make a decision based on that. Ultimately, everybody’s individual health care should be discussed with their doctor,” Pettit said during a livestream interview Monday with The Batavian.

Pettit suggests that people check out the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and their own state and county health departments to make informed decisions. He’s not forcing any one answer on people, but asking that they acquire factual knowledge before making decisions about how to deal with COVID-19. 

Omicron, the latest — and apparently greatest variant in terms of infectious ability — may account for 85 to 90 percent of all positive cases in rural areas, Pettit said. There have been some 500 cases diagnosed locally just this past weekend alone, he said. Due to the quickly climbing numbers, the health department is changing the way it has handled contact tracing; it will be more of an individual responsibility for those 19 to 64 years of age, he said.

“It has to do with the extreme spread across the state. We just cannot keep up with the isolation and quarantine,” he said. “We’re trying to triage a response. We can’t get to all these contacts, we’re trying to use our resources the best we can.”

As of Monday, the system will depend on people who have tested positive for COVID-19 or have had close contact with someone who already tested positive, to self-report online. Go to www.GOHealthNY.org and choose the red COVID-19 Isolation & Quarantine Information button to be directed to the isolation and quarantine documents. For those who have tested positive for COVID-19, you will be contacted by NYS via email or text. Once you are notified of your positive results by the lab or NYS, immediately self-isolate and notify your close contacts of their potential exposure. For those that test positive in the 19-64 age group, follow the general directions that NYS provides for isolation and quarantine and contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

For those in schools or congregate settings who are under the age of 18 and over the age of 64, contact tracing will continue as capacity allows, he said. 

Although the omicron variant is highly infectious and has caused breakthrough cases for a lot of vaccinated people, there is an upside, Pettit said. 
“The good news is that it’s not as severe,” he said. 

More cases and less severe does not mean ignoring a diagnosis. People should still heed the five-day isolation rule when their lab result is positive, he said. He has heard from many people that they have symptoms resembling a cold or mild flu, and are also known to the omicron variant: coughing, fatigue, a scratchy throat. He tells them all the same thing.

“The only way to verify (that it’s COVID-19) is to have a test,” he said. “Don’t go to work that day, don’t send your kids to school.”

Genesee County is just under 60 percent for those fully vaccinated, which is “pretty close to our counterparts in the rural region,” he said. The health department is fully stocked with vaccines and booster shots, and people just have to call and make the appointment. A much lower rate of Genesee County residents — 28 percent — have gotten their boosters, which have been shown to be “very effective” at preventing illness and slowing down the potential severity of the virus, he said. 

Interviewer Howard Owens, publisher of The Batavian, shared his own experience after receiving the single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine and, a six months afterward, the booster. He had direct exposure to someone who later that day was symptomatic and then diagnosed with COVID-19. Owens quarantined for five days and tested negative with no symptoms. He believes that’s a testament to the protection of the vaccines, he said. 

It’s that kind of personal responsibility that the health department is urging.

“We’re going with more of an honor system. We want people to be responsible, make those decisions and do their part to eliminate Covid within their communities,” Pettit said. “Our data is clearly showing that it prevents severity. With spread so high, we can all do our part. If out in public, put the mask on … more of the well-fitting masks. We’re encouraging people to go out and get their booster shots. Stay home, especially if you’re symptomatic. Hopefully, we’re going to start to see those numbers come down.”

To reiterate Pettit's press release issued last week, if you test positive for COVID-19:

• Isolate for 5 days, where day 0 is the day of symptom onset or (if asymptomatic) the day of collection of the first positive specimen.
• If asymptomatic at the end of 5 days or if symptoms are resolving, isolation ends and the individual should wear a well-fitting mask while around others for an additional 5 days.
• Individuals who are moderately-severely immunocompromised should continue to follow standard (i.e., not shortened) Isolation Guidance.
• Individuals who are unable to wear a well-fitting mask for 5 days after a 5-day isolation should also follow standard isolation guidance (i.e., 10 days, not shortened)
• Quarantine (for those who have had close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19)
• Quarantine as follows, where day 0 is the last date of exposure:
• If not fully vaccinated or fully vaccinated and eligible for a booster but not yet boosted, quarantine for 5 days and wear a well-fitting mask while around others for an additional 5 days.
• If fully vaccinated and boosted (with the booster at least 2 weeks before the first date of exposure) or not yet eligible for a booster, no quarantine is required but these individuals should wear a well-fitting mask while around others for 10 days after the last date of exposure.
• If possible, test at day 5 with either a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT, e.g., PCR) or antigen test.
• If symptoms appear, quarantine and seek testing. In this situation, quarantine would end when the test is negative. If testing is not done, isolate according to the guidance above.
• Quarantine orders and releases are also included on the GOHealthNY.org website for you to complete and provide to your employer/school.

For COVID-19 data please visit the NYS site: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-data-new-york.





 

When Brian Schollard, a deputy coordinator with Genesee County Emergency Services and a former Corfu fire chief, arrives this afternoon at 13 East Main St., Corfu, he found heavy smoke coming from an attic window and a man hanging from the window trying to escape from the smoke.

Since no fire crews were on scene yet, he checked with a business across the street and the business did in fact have a tall ladder available.

Schollard and a Corfu patrol officer worked together to get the ladder in place and Schollard climbed to the attic window and helped the man, who has not been identified, down.

The victim had cuts on his feet and possible minor smoke inhalation, Schollard said.  He was taken to an area hospital for treatment and evaluation.

The cause of the fire is under investigation for Emergency Management Coordinator Tim Yaeger said it appeared to have started on the first floor.

(Initial Report)

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! You have the right to a safe workplace. Federal laws state that your employer must provide a work area with no known health or safety hazards. You also have the right to: 

Down by 13 pins after seven frames – and just coming off a split – Leach went into his bag for a different ball and proceeded to roll three consecutive strikes en route a 203-174 victory at Letchworth Pines in Portageville.

“I had been using the (Global 900) Honey Badger Extreme until then but figured it was time to switch to the (Storm) UFO Alert,” said Leach, who captured his first scratch singles tournament by running the table in the five-bowler stepladder finals.

Entering as the No. 4 seed after posting 822 in the four-game semifinals on the difficult Autobahn “Sport” condition, Leach turned back Mike Malone of Dansville, 236-176; Adam Philp of Batavia, 198-195, and Brett Van Duser of Perry, 192-154, before facing Rohl.

Rohl dominated the 15-bowlers semifinals, recording games of 198, 254, 241 and 231 for a 924 series – 93 pins better than Van Duser’s 831. The lefty’s chances for victory against Leach were thwarted, however, by splits in the final two frames.

Still, the two-time GRUSBC Masters champion, earned $360 for his efforts.

Leach, who bowls in four leagues, made headlines earlier this season with an 802 series in league play at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia. He is part of the large Leach and Bacon bowling family, but took up the sport in earnest only about eight years ago.

He is employed at Oldcastle Bonsal American concrete factory in Batavia.

Van Duser, proprietor of Perry Bowling Center, finished in third place, earning $280, while Philp took home $240 and Malone won $220.

Philp, who led the 12:30 p.m. Saturday four-game qualifying squad with 837, needed a double in the 10^th to defeat Leach, but left the 2-pin after getting the first strike.

Shawn Hurlburt of Freedom, who led the 10 a.m. Sunday qualifying squad with 839, placed sixth, good for $150, and defending champion Jake Rosenbeck, who was second on the Sunday qualifying squad with 823, finished seventh, earning $140.

Other cashers were Mickey Hyde of Le Roy, $135; Brian Weber of Perry, $130; Scott Culp of Honeoye Falls, $125; Brady Weber of Perry, $120; Anthony Drum of Dansville, $115; Mike Pettinella of Batavia, $110; Austin Hawker of Geneseo, $105, and Mel Helms of Nunda, $100.

Helms led the 4 p.m. Saturday qualifying squad with 843 and earned a $25 bonus as the overall high qualifier.

The tournament drew 66 entries. Five bowlers advanced to the semis from the first squad, four from the second squad and six from the third squad.

The GRUSBC will be running a handicap doubles no-tap tournament on Feb. 19 at Mount Morris Lanes. An entry form can be downloaded from www.bowlgr.com.

Submitted photo above: Mike Pettinella, GRUSBC association manager, presents the first place check to Devon Leach as runner-up Tom Rohl looks on following Sunday's Scratch Memorial Tournament at Letchworth Pines in Portageville.

Scratch Memorial finalists, (from left) Tom Rohl, Brett Van Duser, Adam Philp, Devon Leach and Mike Malone.

Press Release:

The Genesee County & City of Batavia Youth Boards are looking for nominations for their annual Youth Recognition Banquet.  There are three awards presented at the Youth Recognition Banquet:

• Youth Recognition Award—This award recognizes young people who have performed exceptional service to the community and/or have assumed extraordinary roles in their families.  Typically, the best candidates for this award are high school students, but we also know there are 12, 13, 14 year olds who exemplify distinctive qualities of service.  Several youth will be recognized; however the Youth Boards reserve the right to limit the number of recipients.
• Adult Volunteer—This award recognizes an adult who provides service as a volunteer to youth in Genesee County.
• Adult Youth Worker—This award recognizes a youth service professional whose work surpasses normal expectations.

Recipients will be honored at the Youth Recognition Banquet on March 31, 2022.  Nominations are due by Friday, February 11th.  For more information or to receive nomination forms, please call the Genesee County Youth Bureau at 344-3960 or youthbureau@co.genesee.ny.us.  The forms are also on the Youth Bureau page of the Genesee County website, www.co.genesee.ny.us. 

Batavia Notre Dame Head Coach Marc Staley believes his United varsity hockey team is prepared to make a strong push over the last eight games of the Section V regular season.

“Tomorrow (Tuesday) is our 13^th game and it’s the first time all year that we’re healthy, so I think we’re ready to put it together,” Staley said today, two days after United’s 4-2 victory over Western Finger Lakes Panthers at the Batavia Ice Arena.

The win over WFL – Staley’s 150^th in nine-plus seasons behind the Notre Dame (and now merged program) bench -- raised BND’s record to 6-4-2 entering Tuesday’s home game (6 p.m.) against Williamsville East.

“The way I look at the milestone is that I’ve stuck around long enough to compile that many victories,” said Staley, who has a 150-128-6 record. “I’m thankful for the kids that have played through the years. I’ve been able to watch a lot of great hockey players. It’s been rewarding, challenging and, at times, stressful.”

Staley said that this season’s six victories have meant more to him because of the merger of the Batavia and Notre Dame programs.

“For quite some time I felt that our kids were at a disadvantage playing against the Rochester teams by being split up,” he said. “We’re seeing mergers in Rochester, too, and I’m just glad that we were able to do this.”

As far as his future, he said he wants to keep coaching “for as long as they’ll have me,” with a goal of being able to coach his son, Luke, who will be entering seventh grade next fall.

HIGH EXPECTATIONS THIS YEAR

Batavia Notre Dame came into its first season as a combined unit with high expectations with a roster loaded with skilled players at all positions. Offensively, United hasn’t had too many problems putting the puck in the net – five players have at least eight goals each -- but has been hampered by inconsistency on the defensive end.

On Saturday against WFL, United held the Panthers to just 15 shots on goaltender Courtney Schum and killed four of five penalties – an encouraging sign, Staley said.

“We’re working to correct things defensively – limiting shots, limiting chances and being in better position,” Staley said. “Now, with Cooper (Hamilton) back from injury, we are looking at moving Zack Eschberger to defense as he is just a versatile player.”

Hamilton, a junior center, suffered a collarbone injury in the season opener and returned to action on Saturday, picking up an assist.

Staley said he plans to put him on a top line with senior wingers Gavin Schrader and Vin DiRisio while wingers Ronin Hofmaster and Jameson Motyka will skate with freshman center Brady Johnson on the team’s other high-scoring line.

SCHRADER LEADS ALL SCORERS

“Gavin is one of those generational type talents,” Staley said. “You rarely find someone his size (6-foot-4) that can skate as fast as he can and is as strong physically as he is. Beyond that, he’s become mentally tougher as a senior.”

Motyka had a goal and two assists – upping his totals to 10 and 16, respectively – while Eschberger and Johnson had the other goals. DiRisio has 11 goals and 12 assists; Hofmaster has eight goals and 16 assists, and Johnson has eight goals and 13 assists.

Defensive standouts thus far this season include senior Andrew Kasmarek, junior Noah Hudson and sophomore Orion Lama.

STRONG BETWEEN THE PIPES

United has been without starting goaltender Frank Falleti Jr. since its first game due to a right foot injury but senior Courtney Schum has performed admirably in his place.  Falleti, a sophomore, skated for the first time last Friday, Staley said, but it is unclear if he will make it back this season.

“We not rushing him; he’s got two more years ahead of him and we don’t want to risk any further injury,” Staley said. “We’re supremely confident in Courtney. We feel she has the ability to lead us down the stretch.”

Following tomorrow’s game, BND will be off for a week. It has a Jan. 18 game at Geneseo/Avon/Livonia before ending the regular season with a five-game homestand, including two games against powerful Victor with McQuaid Jesuit, another tough opponent, sandwiched in between.

File photo by Steve Ognibene.

A structure fire is reported at 13 East Main St., Corfu.

There are reportedly flames showing with a person hanging from a second-floor window.

Corfu fire along with a second alarm including the City of Batavia's Fast Team, East Pembroke, Darien, Pembroke, and Indian Falls, responding.

UPDATE 2:47 p.m.: One person was rescued from an attic window by a former Corfu chief and a Corfu police officer using a ladder borrowed from a local business before the first fire crews arrived on scene. The patient was transported to an area hospital for treatment of minor wounds and possible smoke inhalation.  The fire was knocked down quickly by the first crews on scene. Pembroke Fire is back in service.  Video TK.

UPDATE 3:04 p.m.: All units back in service.

Right-handers Curtis Foss of Medina and Geoff Harloff of Batavia rolled 800 series this week in Genesee Region USBC league bowling action.

Foss, 34, posted 258-260-289--807 in the Sneezy's Monday Night League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion and now has about three dozen 800 sets over the past 16 plus years.

For Harloff, 46, his 802 series in the County Line Stone/Mancuso's Trios League on Friday night is his first United States Bowling Congress-sanctioned 800. His games were 255-288-259.

Also in the Friday league, Jason Quilliam of Batavia started with 298 en route to a 750 series.  Josh Elliott and Alex VanScoter had big nights with 777 and 768, respectively.

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

Press release:

In a verdict rendered on January 4, 2022, defendant Michael T. Swiatowy was found guilty, after a single judge trial, of one count of misdemeanor driving while intoxicated. The trial was conducted on December 13, 2021, in Batavia Town Court by Judge Lisa Funke.

According to the trial testimony, as well as records of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the defendant’s home on January 10, 2020, for an unrelated matter. Upon arrival, they noticed that defendant had trouble standing and was slurring his speech. He also had bloodshot, glassy eyes, and was wearing only one sock and no shoes. Defendant admitted to driving home from a bar, and a witness at trial confirmed this.

While walking to the patrol car, the defendant was having trouble keeping his balance and kept saying, “I’m a corrections officer, extend me some damn courtesy.” He agreed to perform several field sobriety tests, which he failed. Defendant refused to provide a breath sample and was placed under arrest.

The arrest was handled by Brock Cummins and Deputy James Stack. Assistant District Attorney Robert J. Shoemaker was the trial prosecutor. The defendant was represented by Thomas D. Trbovich, Esq.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.30, up one cent from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.31. The New York State average is $3.48, down one cent from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.39. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $3.42 (down two cents from last week)
• Buffalo - $3.45 (no change from last week)
• Ithaca - $3.49 (no change from last week)
• Rochester - $3.49 (down one cent from last week)
• Rome - $3.52 (no change from last week)
• Syracuse - $3.46i (up one cent from last week)
• Watertown - $3.50 (no change from last week)

There’s no relief at the pump due to rising oil prices, which are back in the $80 per barrel territory. Last week, crude prices increased after the Energy Information Administration reported that total domestic crude stocks decreased. The current stock level is approximately 14 percent lower than at the end of December 2020, contributing to pressure on domestic crude prices. Additionally, a decision earlier last week by OPEC+ to maintain its crude production increases, starting in February 2022, also helped to bolster crude prices.

From Gas Buddy:

"Oil prices have remained stubbornly strong, touching nearly $80 per barrel last week, pushing gasoline prices higher even as U.S. gasoline demand starts to struggle. Some of this is typical seasonal weakness, but the lack of demand is likely enhanced by omicron cases surging and Americans who are just a bit more hesitant to get out right now," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "In addition, unrest in Kazakhstan, the 18th largest oil producer, is likely leading to impacts on oil production, while continued unrest in Libya also worries markets and overpowers the seasonal drop in gasoline demand. Without improvement or stability in oil producing countries, we're likely to continue to see upward pressure on oil prices."

The Batavia Ski Team competed Saturday in their first race of the season at Swain Ski resort.  In Giant Slalom the girls team was led by sophmore Lily Wagner who finished 17th overall with a combined time of 1:51:07.  

In Slalom, Sophia Minuto was the top skier finishing 17th with a time of 1:11.15.  Abby Bestine and Quinn Woeller also were the teams finishers.

The boys top finishers were Ben Stone in 25th in GS with a time of 1:45.77. Ethan Bradley finished 25th in Slalom with a time of 1:09.71.  

There was thick fog at the start of the race but conditions were good overall for the first race of the season said head coach Matt Holman.

The teams next race is this Wednesday night.  Start time 5:30p.m.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

The Hornets stayed undefeated at 8-0 on Friday after beating Notre Dame 62-45.

For Oakfield-Alabama:

• Gaige Armbrewster, 31 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 block
• Kam Cusmano, 18 points, 16 rebounds, 2 blocks
• Kaden Cusmano, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks

For the Fighting Irish:

• Jordan Welker, 16 points
• Ryan Fitzpatrick, 10 points
• Cody Henry, 10 points

Notre Dame is now 7-3 on the season.

Also on Friday in boys basketball:

• Le Roy beat Rochester Prep 80-41.  Merritt Holly, Jr. scored 34 points, Finn Shelby, 15, and Mitchel Hockey, 14.
• Pavilion lost to Livonia, 6-41.
• Alexander lost to Wheatland-Chili, 59-42
• Byron-Bergen beat Kendall, 74-54
• Elba beat Attica, 65-51

There were no local girls games on Friday.

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.