Press release:
Regional Transit Service (RTS) announced today that starting Sept. 8 it will resume service on Route 211 in Genesee County that was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
RTS Genesee Route 211 will resume running with two buses instead of one.
RTS is operating at 50-percent capacity on buses in Genesee County and customers must wear masks while on board.
For all other information, visit www.myRTS.com.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley recently testified in a virtual Zoom New York State Department of Labor public hearing regarding an upcoming decision on resetting the overtime threshold for farm laborers.
Concerned with the rashness of the actions attempted to be taken on this issue, during a pandemic, Hawley suggested that a delay in the decision-making would be most advantageous for farmers and their farms, and that the state should be doing as little as possible to interfere with their already modest margins.
“As someone with farming experience myself, I can tell you that however well-intentioned the lowering of the overtime threshold is for the farm workers, the actual farm employers themselves won’t be able to sustain these changes; certainly not in the economic world we’re living in right now,” Hawley said. “The last thing New York needs to be looking to do is strangle our farms and our farmers into submission.”
Hawley said during his testimony on Monday, “Why would we want to increase costs for our agricultural producers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic economic calamity? Workers are considered family; average wages are $13 an hour. In many cases, housing and food are provided.
"Even during good economic times, implementing mandatory increased labor costs for agriculture is a bad idea. Farmers have little to no control over prices they receive for their product, and with variations in factors like weather, long hours are necessary.”
In a closing note, Hawley said, “We need to protect New York state’s number one industry: Agriculture. [We should] delay the implementation of lowering the overtime threshold.”
Press release:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced today that the Trump Administration will award more than $1.2 billion in airport safety and infrastructure grants through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to 405 airports in 50 states and six U.S. territories.
In New York, there are 15 grants recipients, including one in Genesee County:
“This $1.2 billion federal investment will improve our nation’s airport infrastructure, enhance safety, and strengthen growth in local communities, which is especially important as the economy recovers from COVID-19,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
“The 434 AIP grants will fund critical airport infrastructure projects around the country,” said FAA Administrator Stephen M. Dickson.
Since January 2017, the Trump Administration delivered $13.5 billion to America’s airports to improve infrastructure and safety. In 2020, the Administration delivered $10 billion in economic assistance to America’s airports during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
A complete listing of grants (PDF) and an interactive map of airports receiving funding is available on the FAA website.
Press release:
On Wednesday, Sept. 2, the City of Batavia Water Department will be making repairs to a water main in front of number 23 Oak St.
The street will be open for traffic on Oak Street but lane restrictions and different traffic patterns will be in effect.
For safety, Prospect Avenue and Mix Place will be closed at Oak. There will be no parking permitted in this area on Oak Street while work in taking place.
Water may be turned off in the area; this may produce discolored water. Please refrain from doing laundry if water is discolored.
Work will begin about 8 a.m. and should be completed by 3 o'clock in the afternoon.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley has sent a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo requesting the state allow casinos, Video Lottery Terminal gaming facilities and racetracks to open while following proper social distancing and COVID-19-protection protocols.
Hawley points out how other ventures have been allowed to open that often draw more risk in enclosed spaces compared to casinos, despite not bringing in the same revenue the state desperately needs to pick itself up.
“With the economy continuing to struggle, I see the unwillingness to allow casinos and other gaming ventures to open and follow appropriate protocol as nothing but hindering the state’s further economic recovery,” Hawley said.
“New York is losing millions in tax revenue by making this decision, not to mention keeping a sizeable job market from opening in the rural areas of the state that could use support at this time. We need to open these casinos, gaming sites and racetracks now.”
If you or someone you know struggles with a gambling addiction, know that you’re not alone, and you don’t have to fight it alone. For help and resources on how to combat gambling addiction, visit https://oasas.ny.gov/problem-gambling.
Speaking at a Human Services Committee meeting, Ryan Duffy (inset photo right) presented a review of HLOM operations over the past year, and was quick to state the obvious: 2020 has been “very difficult” as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that forced the West Main Street facility to close for three and a half months.
Still, he said there has been progress in some areas, notably by utilizing social media “quarantine” programs such as "Genesee County Jeopardy!" and history-themed activities related to food, movies and travel.
“Really, we’ve been trying to look at this pandemic as an opportunity,” he said, with an eye on maintaining and, in some cases, expanding its programming.
Upon reopening in early July, Duffy instituted an admissions fee, charging $5 for adults; $3 for seniors/students/veterans; $1 for children; and $10 for families of four. Museum members are admitted free of charge.
“We have seen a positive response in the two months," he said. "The fee structure is right in the ballpark."
Duffy mentioned other “positive” developments, including a video series about artifacts, installation of a new projector, screen and sound system in the East Wing for events and use by community groups, and restoration of the two cannons under the front canopy.
The cannons were restored by Seed Artillery of Altoona, Pa., and now are period accurate to the time of their forgings, pre-Civil War, Duffy reported.
“They came back and they look amazing … you won’t believe the difference,” he offered.
While efforts have been made to overcome a significant revenue loss (gift shop sales, major fundraiser and summer program cancellations, lack of group tours, etc.), things could get tougher next year if the county slashes its funding to outside agencies.
The county has committed to fully funding its 2020 commitment of $33,554, which represents about 40 percent of the HLOM’s budget, County Manager Matt Landers said.
“For 2021, outside agencies have been informed of potential cuts,” Landers said. “We will know more after our department heads submit their budgets by September 4th for me to review.”
Along these lines, Legislature Chair Rochelle Stein asked Duffy what he could do to cut costs and increase funding.
Duffy said that some expenses were naturally eliminated due to being closed and that he could find across the board cuts in programming, exhibits and equipment, if necessary. He said staff is always looking for grants – noting they received one recently for $2,500 – and in May, the museum joined the Amazon Smile fundraising platform.
Stein then brought up that the Historic Le Roy House attracts 10,000 visitors annually, with the bulk of its visitorship on Saturdays and Sundays.
“So, I would offer that as a peer comparison,” she said. “Would you imagine that Sunday might be a good day for visitors from out of town?”
Currently, the HLOM is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Duffy said more than 1,000 people have visited the museum since September 2019.
Duffy, the only paid employee at the museum, responded by saying that’s “always a possibility” but the present schedule “is following the trends of the industry; most are closed on Sunday.”
Legislator Marianne Clattenburg spoke up in support of the museum, advising her colleagues that the HLOM received a Personal Payroll Protection loan from the federal government and conducted a fundraiser separate from its budget to restore the cannons.
As far as county funding is concerned, she said, “It seems like a small line item in our budget … but to them it is a large amount” and to reduce it would be “devastating.”
File photo of Ryan Duffy from Feb. 11, 2017.
A fifth person has been arrested on narcotics charges in connection with an Aug. 12 search warrant execution at 22 Hutchins Place in Batavia.
Desiree Hutchinson, 25, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th, criminal using drug paraphernalia, 2nd, and unlawful possession of marijuana.
This past weekend, Hutchinson was located by Det. Sgt. Matthew Lutey, Batavia PD, and arrested on the pending charges.
Her arrest is part of a Local Drug Task Force investigation into the sale of narcotics in and around the City of Batavia.
Previously arrested where Donald Brown, 46, of Liberty Pole Way, Rochester, Ronnie K. Johnson, 50, of Hutchins Place, Madalyn R. Muntz, 34, and Angela Bateman, 46, of West Main Street Road, Batavia.
Previously:
Photo by Philip Mangefrida of the Le Roy Volunteer Fire Training conducting a training exercise Monday night at the Oatka Creek.
Press release:
The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors will consider final approval for a building renovation project in the City of Batavia at its Sept. 3 board meeting.
Neppalli Holdings LLC is proposing to invest approximately $1.165 million to renovate a three-story building at 99 Main St. in Downtown Batavia. The renovation and redevelopment of the 7,500-square-foot building, which was built in 1865, would include a new storefront, façade and reconstruction of the existing three floors.
A dental practice will occupy the first floor with the second floor being developed for commercial office space. The third floor will include a pair of two-bedroom market-rate apartments.
Neppalli Holdings LLC is the latest transformational building renovation project to proceed in Downtown Batavia through Governor Andrew Cuomo’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI).
The project is requesting sales and mortgage tax benefits totaling $63,500.
The GCEDC Board meeting will take place at 4 p.m. this Thursday. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic the meeting will be conducted via conference and online at www.gcedc.com.
With no specific guidance on reopening criteria from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office, the window for amusement and theme parks to welcome back guests this summer is closing fast.
The rides and attractions at Six Flags Darien Lake remain dormant with only two months remaining before the popular entertainment venue’s scheduling closing date of Nov. 1.
“We’re certainly disappointed that we haven’t been able to open, but we’re doing what we have to do,” Communications Manager Mike Arena said on Monday. “The state is dictating what we need to do to get ready and when they do give us the green light, we will be ready.”
Amusement parks, casinos and movie theaters are on the outside looking in, while other Phase Four recreational and social industries such bowling centers and gyms/fitness centers just recently were able to open their doors following months of a COVID-19-induced shutdown.
Arena acknowledged the financial impact upon the multimillion dollar operation – revenues and summer jobs lost – but said Darien Lake officials are saddened because they “haven’t been able to deliver, thus far, a great product for the area that’s safe and fun” – even if at a smaller scale due to mandated attendance limits.
“Six Flags in different parts of the country have opened and have had great success, with the social distancing and safety protocols in place,” he said. “As much as we want to be open, we understand that the state is doing what’s best to keep everyone safe. And we are working hand-in-hand and very diligently with the state.”
Darien Lake employs around a thousand people for seasonal jobs – students and others seeking to supplement their income. Others are hired by Live Nation to work at the summer concerts, which also have been postponed or canceled.
Arena said the company’s full-time employees have been able to keep working thanks, in part, to “programs the government is implementing (such as the Payroll Protection Program).”
“We may be cutting people’s hours but we haven’t (laid people off). We’re doing a good job with that,” he said.
As far as patrons who purchased memberships or season passes, Arena said they will not lose out on their investments.
“Members who pay monthly had the option to pause their payments or they will receive a month for every month they didn’t get – and the same goes for those with a season pass, they would get a day for every day they didn’t get,” Arena said, adding that if the park doesn’t open in 2020, all of those benefits will transfer to 2021.
A season pass allows people to get into the park, while a membership – tiered at Gold Plus, Platinum, Diamond and Diamond Elite – is paid each month (even when the park is closed) and comes with numerous benefits and discounts.
Arena said that members will be “bumped up” to the next highest tier in consideration of the inconvenience of not being able to enjoy the attraction this summer – at least not yet.
“While the state hasn’t given us any indication right now, we’re having constant conversations (with NYS officials) and the conversation on our level is to be ready and to have everything corporate-wide -- all the safety measures and the sanitation stuff – in place," he said.
The Excelsior Solar Project in the Town of Byron will deliver “tangible benefits to the community,” said Keddy Chandran, project manager for Excelsior Energy Center, during a virtual open house tonight.
Chandran informed viewers and listeners of the 280-megawatt, 1,700-acre Article 10 project through a PowerPoint presentation for about 30 minutes. After that, he answered submitted questions with help from engineers Dan Marieni and Michael George, attorneys Michelle Piasecki and Sam Laniado, and consultant Kaitlin McCormick for another 30 minutes.
He outlined several benefits of the program, both to landowners who have signed lease agreements and to town residents, and also touted his company’s community engagement – citing frequent formal and informal meetings, and a willingness to include a 5-megawatt Community Solar area specific to Byron and a Host Community Agreement to fund local initiatives.
Excelsior Energy is a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources LLC, a sister company to Florida Power & Light, Chandran said. Next Era Energy has wind and solar projects in 32 states and Canada with more than 23,000 megawatts in operation.
Chandran said that half of the Byron project acreage will be covered in solar panels. Some of the remaining land will be used to place equipment to provide 20 megawatts/4 hours of energy storage (batteries).
If everything proceeds according to the current timeline, it would be operational in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Key aspects of Chandran’s report are as follows:
Community Engagement
He said Excelsior Energy representatives have met with county and town planners and the Byron Town Board, held first responder sessions, talked with residents on 14 occasions at the Byron Hotel and Trail House, and have made several donations to the community.
The Host Community Agreement is a vehicle for the company to fund local projects as requested by residents, he said. Those could include measures to preserve the agricultural base, maintain the rural character, support senior and youth activities, and sponsor green energy projects.
Chandran said the 5-megawatt Community Solar addition would enable business, residents and government to enter a program that produces credits leading to lower utility bills.
“We’re excited to be able to incorporate that into the project for the residents of Byron,” he said.
The Article 10 Process
Calling it “an exhaustive process … with a rigorous number of analyses,” Chandran said the project is at the Study Scope Stipulations phase, which leads to the filing of the formal application (expected to take place sometime in September).
Michelle Piasecki, attorney for Harris Beach, said seven more phases will follow: compliance determination; intervenor funding ($280,000 is set to come to the town and other stakeholders); a public hearing; evidentiary hearing to settle any disputes; recommended decision of Administrative Law Judges; decision by the NYS Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment; and construction/compliance.
Benefits to Landowners and the Town
The list of benefits on one of the presentation slides included: that solar is cost competitive; is clean, renewable energy; creates no pollution; creates jobs; provides payment in lieu of taxes to the taxing jurisdictions; supports farmers and the local economy; and preserves the land.
Chandran said one of the myths is that solar ruins the land. On the contrary, he said, the land will be available for farming even if the solar project is decommissioned in about 30 years.
Consideration of the Landscape
He said that designers are integrating an existing snowmobile trail into the site, and are keeping tree stands in place, with connections to a game trail to consider the well-being of wildlife.
Job Creation
With a $40 million investment, Chandran said the project will create 290 full-time equivalent jobs during construction and three or four permanent high-tech positions. Additional jobs will be available for routine snowplowing and mowing.
He also said that about 70 employees on farms enrolled in the program will benefit by the consistent revenue stream – payments from Excelsior Energy to the landowners. He pointed out that about 10 percent of the prime farmland in Byron is being used.
Officials answered the following questions submitted by those participating in the open house:
About the Battery System
In case of problems with the battery storage system, emergency training will be provided to mutual aid by NextEra’s power generation division at the outset and then every year.
They said there is low risk of potential leakage or damage since high-quality products are used, and if a battery did leak, it is enclosed in a housing unit. Additionally, the company’s monitoring system features remote problem identification from its Florida headquarters.
About Solar Panel Noise, Fencing
The solar panels, made of silicon, make “subtle” noises when they rotate, and that takes place for five to 10 seconds every 10 to 15 minutes. The fencing around the perimeter will be 7-feet high, which will be lower than the trees being planted over time.
Residents were advised not to go inside the fenced in area for any reason, but to call the company phone number or a town official if something needs to be retrieved. Setback area maintenance is the responsibility of the landowners.
About Visual Simulations
Within the next several weeks, a detailed visual analysis of the layout will be made available, with and without screening, and at three different distance zones.
The presentation can be viewed by going to www.excelsiorenergycenter.com.
Press release:
The Pembroke Corfu Darien Kiwanis Club is holding their 13th Annual Car Cruise and Fall Festival on Sunday, Sept. 20, at Pembroke Town Park on Route 77 (next to the high school). Rain or shine!
There will be music, a variety of vendors, food trucks, basket raffle and grilled lunch by Crossroads House, and lots 'n' lots of CLASSIC CARS!
This event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a free Kid’s Car Cruise for ages 8 and under from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cruise registration starts at 9 a.m.
The preregistration fee is $10 per car; $15 day of the cruise. Proceeds benefit PCD Kiwanis Kids Projects in our community.
Unique dash plaques and goody bags are guaranteed for the first 100 cars.
Participants vote and trophies are awarded at 3 p.m.
For Cruise info, call John at (716) 937-9918, or email him at drogicd@gmail.com.
*Vehicle owner assumes liability for vehicle damage.*
To preregister, make your check payable to PCD Kiwanis Club, and mail to:
Please include on a piece of paper: your name, address, city, state, Zip Code, phone number, email address, and the year/ make/ model of your vehicle. You may also download a car registration form or vendor application form on their website:www.pcdkiwanis.com.
For vendor information, please call Penny at (585) 356-3413 or email her atpcdkiwanis@gmail.com.
Masks will be required at this event, social-distancing protocol will be in place, and there will be hand-sanitizing stations throughout the park.
There will also be a blood drive from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (masks required). Preregistration is required and information can be found at www.connectlife.org. This is an organization that keeps blood donations local; one donation can save up to three patients at Western New York hospitals.
We hope you’ll come on out to the park on the 20th. It will be a great day!
Press release:
For the first time ever, the annual Jaycees Labor Day 5K will be completely virtual this year! This will be an unprecedented event for the Jaycees and the YWCA, and it has unlimited flexibility to meet your schedule!
Tickets MUST be purchased through our Eventbrite page here: This event is a fundraiser for the YWCA of Genesee County.
You get to choose where you run or walk and how far you will run -- it could be 5 feet or 50 miles or anything in between! You also can choose what level you're comfortable donating.
A $25 donation will enter you into the many prize* contests we will have, including longest distance run or walked, best costume, largest team, and more!
Just take a picture of yourself walking or running and post it to Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #JayceesYWCA5K, or email it to bataviajaycees@gmail.com (make sure your privacy settings are set so we can see the photo!).
For the speed and distance prizes, just take a picture or screenshot of your smart watch or fitness tracker on your phone, and then post it with the hashtag. The prize competitions will be open for photo submissions from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Sept. 7th, so you can also choose when you want to run!
A $50 VIP donation will get you entry into all those prizes, PLUS you will be mailed a certificate and a participant medal after the event!
A $100-sponsor-level donation you get all that, PLUS a framed photo of your choosing commemorating your race participation, AND you will be highlighted as a sponsor on the Jaycees' Facebook page!
Come support the YWCA and their amazing mission of empowering women and eliminating racism and have some fun while you do it!
*All prizes will be mailed after the event to the address you list on your ticket form unless otherwise requested.
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About the Batavia Area Jaycees
The mission of the Batavia Area Jaycees is to provide young people (age 18-40) with the opportunity to develop personal, professional and leadership skills through community involvement and specific trainings tailored to enhance their abilities for future endeavors. Our chapter was established in 1934 and is the second largest in New York.
Press release:
New Cases – As of 2 p.m.
Press release:
Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) was endorsed by the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association at a press conference this morning.
"Throughout his entire public career, Chris Jacobs has been a vocal advocate for the men and women of our law enforcement," said Jack Moretti, NYSTPBA retiree legislative liaison. "As a retired member of the New York State Troopers, I know firsthand that our police officers need more resources, which is why it is critically important we have elected officials who will tirelessly support our forces.
"We are proud to endorse Chris Jacobs for Congress, and we are more than confident that he will continue his strong defense of our police officers and be a true fighter for our needs and the safety of our communities."
Moretti was joined by John Clark, second vice-chair, and Ryan Hadsall, Troop A delegate, to deliver the endorsement of Jacobs. The NYSTPBA represents more than 6,000 active and retired New York State Police.
“At a time when there are growing calls to defund our police forces around our nation, it is essential that we support our law enforcement and elect leaders who are willing to stand by them," Jacobs said. "I am truly honored to be endorsed by the New York State Troopers PBA, and I am proud of my strong record fighting for our law enforcement's needs.
"I have profound respect for anyone who puts on the uniform and bravely serves their community, and I promise to continue fighting for our great police in Congress."
Paula G. Pierce, 28, of State Street, and David M. Schmieder, 26, of Silver Road, Bethany, were arrested a week ago along with Suzanne Corona for an alleged prostitution incident Corona's house on Osterhout Avenue in the City of Batavia, police announced today.
Pierce is charged with prostitution and Schmieder is charged with two Class A misdemeanors: patronizing a person for prostitution, 3rd; as well as criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th.
Corona's arrest was announced yesterday. The 51-year-old Batavia woman, who was once charged with adultery, is accused in this case of promoting prostitution, 4th, and permitting prostitution on a premises, class A and B misdemeanors, respectively.
The prostitution case was opened Aug. 19 at 4 a.m. after police were dispatched to Corona's residence after another member of the household reported a possible trespass.
Following an investigation, Pierce was located at an address on Maple Street in the city on Aug. 21 and taken into custody.
Police alleged that Schmieder was invited to the residence on Osterhout by Corona in order to pay for and engage in sex with Pierce.
Both Pierce and Schmieder were issued appearance tickets.
Officer Arick Perkins investigated the case assisted by officer Samuel Freeman, Jordan McGinnis, Wesley Rissinger and Adam Tucker.
Press release:
The New York State DanceForce, in partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts, announces the fourth cycle of the Western New York Choreographers’ Initiative (WNYCI).
The program provides professional development for choreographers living in New York’s 17 westernmost counties: Chautauqua, Niagara, Erie, Cattaraugus, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Allegany, Monroe, Livingston, Wayne, Ontario, Yates, Steuben, Chemung, Schuyler, and Seneca.
The application deadline is Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. EDT.
The WNY Choreographers’ Initiative is designed to help WNY resident choreographers develop their choreographic skills by providing them with appropriate resources that are generally unavailable or unaffordable.
These resources include a minimum of 24 hours of creative time, professional dancers, the guidance of a mentor chosen by the artist, and a $2,500 stipend.
The exact design of the project will depend on COVID-19 health recommendations at the time of the project.
Two choreographers will be selected for the award in 2021.
“This initiative is open to choreographers working in all dance genres," said WNYCI coordinator Lois Welk. "Each project is basically a mini-residency, designed to fit the specific needs of each artist. In 2020, the artists were doubly challenged to reinvestigate their choreographic habits -- first by the mentor and then by COVID-19.”
The New York State DanceForce is a consortium of 19 dance activists committed to increasing the quantity and quality of dance activity throughout New York State. Each of our members receives an annual allocation to create projects that bring dance artists to Upstate New York communities in customized residencies.
Since its founding in 1994, the DanceForce, through the work of its members, has funded more than 400 projects, raising more than $3 million in support of these endeavors.
Complete guidelines and application forms, can be found at www.danceforce.org. For more information contact WNYCI coordinator Lois Welk at loisapril9@gmail.com.
Robert D. Woods, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment, endangering the welfare of a child, and second-degree burglary. Wood was arrested at 7:17 p.m. Aug. 18 on Wood Street after he allegedly pushed another person and did so in the presence of two children. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court via Skype and released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court on Oct. 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.
David James Leroy, of Gabbey Road, Pembroke, is charged with two counts of second-degree aggravated harassment. On Aug. 26, following a complaint of harassment, Leroy was arrested at 8:40 p.m. on Gabbey Road. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Pembroke Court on Oct. 7. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy is Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Joshua Brabon.
Brian Keith Dyer, 53, of North Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degress harassment. At 7:11 p.m on Aug. 25, Dyer was arrested after a domestic incident that occurred at 7:35 p.m. Aug. 13 on North Street. He allegedly shoved another person. Dyer was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 24. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer John Gombos, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.
Brian Keith Dyer, 53, of North Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degress harassment -- with physical contact. At 7:12 p.m on Aug. 25, Dyer was arrested after a domestic incident that occurred at 7:20 p.m. Aug. 13 on North Street. He allegedly subjected another person to unwanted physical contact. Dyer was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 24. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Officer John Gombos.
Maurice G. Leach, 44, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration, resisting arrest and failure to use sidewalk. At 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 25, Leach was arrested after an incident that occurred outside a residence on State Street. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jordan, assisted by Officer Joshua Girvin.
Jacqueline Raj Garrett, 41, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with illegal use of toxic vapors. Garrett was arrested at 1:07 p.m. on Aug. 21 after she was allegedly found outside a business on West Main Street in Batavia huffing a can of compressed air used to dust electronics. Garrett is due in Batavia City Court on Dec. 1. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Peter Post.
Latiqua S. Jackson, 27, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Jackson was arrested at 11:55 p.m. Aug. 20 on an arrest warrant out of Batavia City Court. She was located at a residence on Highland Park while patrols were there on an unrelated matter. Jackson was arraigned in Batavia City Court via Skype then released on her own recognizance. She is due to return to court on Oct. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Joshua Girvin, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.
Press release from AAA:
Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.23, up 4 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.58. The New York State average is $2.29 – up 4 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.77.
AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:
- Batavia -- $2.24 (up 2 cents since last week)
- Buffalo -- $2.26 (up 9 cents since last week)
- Ithaca -- $2.23 (up 5 cents since last week)
- Rochester -- $2.28 (up 7 cents since last week)
- Rome -- $2.33 (up 3 cents since last week)
- Syracuse -- $2.24 (up 7 cents since last week)
- Watertown -- $2.34 (up 6 cents since last week)
Since our last press release alert on the impact of Hurricane Laura on gas prices, the national arrive increased by 4 cents. This jump can be attributed to both an increase in demand and Hurricane Laura. This increase in national pump prices has reached our local areas as we see a jump in prices locally.
From GasBuddy:
"Gas prices have reached their highest post-coronavirus level as Hurricane Laura caused Gulf Coast refineries to shut, limiting production as gasoline demand edged higher," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.
"The rebound in demand comes with just a week left in the summer driving season and isn't expected to continue once the driving season wraps up, but while some may see prices tick higher over the next few days, more decreases are coming to gas prices once Labor Day is over as demand will likely move lower.
"In addition, the switch back to cheaper winter gasoline will happen in a few weeks, giving more potential downward momentum for prices."
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