Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) has sent a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul demanding she pardon President Trump.
This letter follows the recent verdict in the case of The People of the State of New York V Donald J. Trump, which undermined the impartiality and credibility of our justice system by convicting President Trump in an attempt to silence him. The case was based on a targeted investigation in search of crimes to convict the former President for political purposes. Tenney's letter calls for Governor Hochul to pardon President Trump and to remove Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
“Our justice system was founded on the principle of blind justice, yet in an attempt to silence President Trump, this core value was denied to him,” said Congresswoman Tenney. "As a member of the New York Bar Association and the daughter of a New York State Supreme Court Justice, I am appalled by this abuse of power and the politicized, two-tiered system of justice Governor Kathy Hochul and DA Alvin Bragg have created. This verdict was an insult to our country, and it is evident that it had nothing to do with facts but was an attempt to hinder President Trump's ability to campaign freely. I demand Governor Hochul immediately pardon President Donald Trump and restore the integrity and faith of our legal system."
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, C-Batavia) recently commented on the newly announced pay raises for correction officers in New York. The New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association, Inc. (NYSCOPBA) announced earlier this spring that they agreed on a new three-year contract with the state.
On top of wage increases, the contract also includes new bonuses, reduced health care costs and up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave. Hawley believes this new deal is a step in the right direction toward supporting our correction officers.
“With the threat of prison closures across our state, our correction officers need all the support they can get,” said Hawley. “Providing pay raises and better benefits is just one way we can repay them for all they do to keep us safe. This new contract is a great sign of progress in supporting our correction officers and I hope we continue to see more strides in this area as we provide for our law enforcement personnel.”
Alexandra Manley and Emily Rowe, winners of RENY’s scholarships. Submitted photo.
The Genesee County Retired Educators’ Association held its annual spring luncheon meeting at Byron Presbyterian Church. Members attending were treated to a delicious lunch prepared by members of the church.
After lunch, the winners of two $500 scholarships awarded by the GCREA were introduced. The scholarships are given to high school seniors who intend to pursue a career in education or to people who are already students in an education program at an institution of higher learning.
The winners for this year are Alexandra Manley and Emily Rowe.
Alexandra is a senior at Elba Central School. She will attend Nazareth University in the fall, studying to become a music teacher. Emily is currently a student at SUNY Geneseo in the Childhood with Special Education program. Congratulations to both winners!
After the conclusion of the awards, Dan Lyon from Lifespan presented a program to attendees titled “Name That Scam.” In a fun, game-themed presentation Dan introduced many scams that senior citizens have been victimized by. He provided a great deal of valuable information in the presentation and provided flyers and pamphlets to help our members avoid falling victim to a scam.
After the program, a short meeting was held. Changes in the bylaws were approved, and officers were elected.
One of GCREA’s missions is to assist the community. A collection of personal care, laundry, and cleaning items and a monetary collection was taken. These will be donated to Community Action of Genesee County.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are reminding pet owners of the importance of keeping their dog(s) leashed and under control at all times.
This year, there have been numerous reported incidents of off-leash dogs biting children, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Leashing dogs can give pet owners greater control over their animals and lower the risk of mishaps, aggressive behavior toward people or other pets, and interactions with wildlife.
“GO Health is strongly encouraging all pet owners to prioritize the safety of themselves, their pets, and the broader community,” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for GO Health. “Leashing your dogs is an essential step to prevent dog bites and protect the safety of all residents.”
In 2023, Genesee County investigated 191 animal bite and rabies incidents, and Orleans County investigated 137. In 2023, a combined total of 45 individuals were treated for rabies post-exposure, 22 in Genesee County and 23 in Orleans County. Many of these incidents could have been avoided by pet owners keeping their dog on a leash.
Pet owners should:
Keep your dog fenced in or on a leash outside your home and in public areas.
Avoid allowing your dog to approach unfamiliar dogs, people, or wildlife.
Stay on top of your pet's yearly vaccinations.
Residents are encouraged to take note of our upcoming drive-thru rabies vaccination clinics for dogs, cats, and ferrets in Genesee and Orleans Counties, which are offered at no charge.
Genesee County Rabies Clinics at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia)
Thursday, August 8, from 4 - 7 p.m.
Thursday, October 10, from 4 - 6 p.m.
Orleans County Rabies Clinics at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion)
Saturday, August 10, from 9 - 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, October 19, from 9 - 11:30 a.m.
For more information on GO Health’s programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org. You can also contact your respective health department:
As the Genesee County Fair approaches, anticipation rises for the annual Princess/Queen Pageant, scheduled to take place on July 19 and 21 at the fairgrounds in Batavia.
The pageant, a highlight of the fair, offers participants a unique opportunity for personal growth and development while also opening doors to significant educational and career prospects. Moreover, it serves as a vital platform for agricultural representation, fostering a positive impact on both individuals and their communities.
Participants in the pageant receive complimentary entry to the fair, granting them access to a plethora of engaging activities and exhibits. The event itself comprises several components, including delivering a speech, showcasing a talent, and fielding questions from a panel of judges. Additionally, contestants have the honor of joining the fair's parade, further enriching their experience.
The Muckdogs are back at home, holding a 7-game winning streak, and first place in the PGCBL. On the other side, the Tarp Skunks look to end the streak tonight.
On Thursday, the class of 2024 of Alexander High School gathered in caps and gowns with children moving up from Pre-K class at Alexander Elementary School for a graduation celebration photo.
Susan Hartrick, board member and scholarship committee member; Rosalie Maguire-Simon, secretary and committee member; Ron Chrzanowski, VP and committee chair; Anna Long and Julie Long. Photo by Howard Owens.
Anna Long, a senior at Le Roy High School, is the 2024 William F. Brown Jr. Memorial Scholarship winner.
The Jerome Foundation administers the scholarship, which is worth $1,000 a year for four years. Genesee County seniors who are planning to major in journalism, communications, marketing, or public relations are eligible for the scholarship.
Long plans to attend Syracuse University, joining the Newhouse School of Journalism, majoring in magazine, news, and digital journalism.
The scholarship honors the late Brown, a local journalist and author, one-time owner of WBTA, as well as a community leader and volunteer.
In school, she's been named to the National Honor Society and participates in the music council, senior high chorus, school musicals, jazz, varsity basketball and varsity tennis.
Representatives from local law enforcement, including the Sheriff's Office and Batavia PD, participated in the Arc GLOW Torch Run on Thursday morning in support of the Special Olympics. The route took the officers from the Sheriff's Office on Park Road to the Arc facility on Walnut Street in Batavia.
Leonard Woltz, Jr., of Akron, treated at the UMMC Wound Care Center for a rare bacterial infection. Photo by Howard Owens.
Akron resident Leonard Woltz, Jr. was likely just days from death in October when he encountered the UMMC wound care treatment team.
Now, he is nearly healed, and Dr. Joseph Canzoneri expressed confidence that he will walk again.
Woltz had a necrotizing fasciitis infection in his foot. The infection is caused by a rare, flesh-eating bacteria.
"It just absolutely blew up over a matter of three or four days," Woltz said. "And that's it. I got a football on the end of my foot, and then that one day we came in, and I got right in, and you know, they started treatments and everything in the hospital. But the care here, and the folks here are just they are -- it's absolutely incredible."
On Tuesday, Woltz attended a ceremony honoring the Wound Care Center for its eight consecutive years of being honored by Healogics, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services. This year, the clinic received the President’s Circle Award along with the Center of Distinction and Robert A. Warriner III Clinical Excellence awards for 2023.
The trio of awards was dubbed the hat-trick, after the sports metaphor that originated in England among cricket players.
The awards recognize the center's quality care, consistent compassion for patients, and expertise. The center, according to a Healogics representative, had an 86 percent heal rate in 2023 and a patient satisfaction rate of 94 percent.
Healolgics works with more than 600 hospitals nationwide and only 34 are receiving the 2023 Presidents Award, and only two in New York.
"These awards are achievements well deserved, well acknowledged," said Toni McCutcheon, director of operations for Healogics. "It really comes from the people-first patient-centered processes they have here. They're healing patients, they're taking care of their patients, they love their patients. If it wasn't for that, this wouldn't happen. So it's always about the patient and will always be about the patient."
That's precisely how Woltz feels about the center.
"From the time you walk through the door and you talk to Mary Beth, you know you're amongst friends and people who care about you," Woltz said.
Canzoneri said Woltz presented one of the most challenging cases the clinic has faced.
"This is one of the worst types of infection," Canzoneri said. "It travels up the foot and very quickly results in sepsis and can often result in death and high incidence of leg amputation."
Woltz was admitted on a regime of IV antibiotics and drainage of the wound.
"We then took him back to the operating room for limb salvage procedures to preserve as much of this foot as possible to avoid below-knee amputation," Canzoneri said. "It is crucial to prevent below-knee amputations because it results in high mortality rates within three to five years. And almost 80 percent of patients who sustain a below-knee amputation never walk again and are confined to wheelchairs or assisted living."
The infection was contained with a mid-foot amputation and aggressive treatment, including use of the center's hyperbaric oxygen chamber.
At the gathering, Canzoneri pronounced Woltz "almost healed" and that he would almost certainly be totally healed within weeks.
Woltz said he's gone from the psychological trauma in October of wondering what his future would be like, and if he even would have a future, to looking forward to resuming most of his prior activities.
"Now we're down to this part here where this thing is closing so rapidly now because of all the stuff we've done before and the brilliant move that Dr. Joe made with my foot," Woltz said. "It's all coming down to 'Wow, I'm going to be okay.' I'm gonna be able to do 97 percent of the things I used to do. You know, I'm not gonna be running marathons anytime soon, but yeah, it's all right."
Lisa Albanese Klein, program director, Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine, at UMMC Photo by Howard Owens
Teresa Clark, click nurse manager, Dr. Joseph Canzoneri, Lisa Albanese Klein. Photo by Howard Owens
The UMMC Wound Care Center team. Photo by Howard Owens.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is announcing a portion of Route 77 in Darien is being renamed as the “Sgt. Terry James Garigen Memorial Highway.” Hawley and Senator Borrello both sponsored proposals that would dedicate this roadway in honor of Sgt. Garigen. Sgt. Garigen was a decorated Vietnam war hero who received the Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.
Sgt. Garigen served the town of Darien diligently as an active member of the Darien Town Board. He also served 50 years in the highway department and volunteered for the fire department. Sgt. Garigen was active in the veteran community as a member and leader of the Region 1 Patriot Guard Riders. Hawley is proud to recognize this local hero and hopes his legacy will help inspire others.
“Sgt. Garigen honorably served his country in Vietnam and exemplified the virtues of honor, courage, and sacrifice,” said Hawley. “Even after his military career, Sgt. Garigen dedicated himself to uplifting the people around him and supporting the veteran community. I was proud to be able to support this initiative in the state Legislature with Sen. Borrello and I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor. Sgt. Garigen’s legacy will continue to live on as an example of what it truly means to serve your country.”
Senator George Borrello spoke on the highway dedication saying:
“Sgt. Garigen bravely served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He and his fellow soldiers fought their way through dense jungles and endured blistering heat and guerrilla warfare tactics. He fought heroically on behalf of our nation and in support of freedom,” said Senator George Borrello, who represents the 57th district in the State Senate, which includes Genesee County.
“It always humbling to be able to pay tribute to brave individuals like Mr. Garigen who served our nation honorably out of love and loyalty to America,” Senator Borrello said. “One small way we can repay them is by honoring their example and contributions through highway designations like this one.”
On Tuesday, members of the City of Batavia Police Department, alongside members of the City of Batavia Fire Department, Town of Batavia Fire Department, Mercy EMS, Mercy Flight, the Genesee County Coroner, H.E. Turner's Funeral Services and the Genesee County DA's Office conducted a mock DWI fatal accident simulation for juniors and seniors of the Batavia City School District to raise awareness regarding the consequences of impaired driving.
Members of the BCSD drama club played the roles of victims, the "drunken driver," and the distraught parent in the scenario.
The demonstration showed the very real consequences of impaired driving, including the extraction and treatment of "victims" by the Fire Departments and Mercy EMS, and the landing of a Mercy Flight helicopter to transport a seriously injured patient.
The simulation also showed the processing and "arrest" of the suspected drunken driver by City Police Officers along with documentation, collection of evidence and photographs of the scene by members of the Police Department's Detective Bureau.
The Genesee County Coroner was on hand to demonstrate the role of the Coroner's Office, and H.E. Turner's Funeral Services was on hand to remove the "deceased."
Students also heard from District Attorney Kevin Finnell on the legal consequences of the decision to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle while impaired.
The Department wishes to thank the Batavia City School District for hosting this event. We also want to recognize the work of Officer Connor Borchert, School Resource Officer for the Batavia High School, in coordinating the simulation and all departments involved.
Defensive linemen Steve Kowalczyk (56) and Gunner Rapone attempt to deflect a pass during the Genesee County Spartans’ 19-12 win over the Rochester Chargers. Photo by Lauren Donovan.
Press release:
Quarterback Corey Turpin threw for a pair of touchdowns on Saturday to lead the Genesee County Spartans to a 19-12 victory over the host Rochester Chargers in Northeastern Football Alliance semipro action at Franklin High School.
The Spartans, 1-1, built a 19-0 lead with scores in each of the first three quarters.
Turpin connected with Deyonci Farley and found Rayshawn Huitt for a score to make it 12-0 at halftime before halfback Jed Reese burst into the end zone to put the visitors up 18-0. Kicker Julia Petry converted on the extra point to round out the Spartans’ scoring.
Genesee racked up 300 yards of total offense with Turpin passing for 150 and Reese running for 100.
Defensively, the Spartans held the Chargers, 1-1, to 200 yards of total offense, with three interceptions – two by Kaden Marucci and one by Marley English – and four sacks.
“The game marked a huge improvement from our first game (a 16-6 loss to Lockport), which I really felt we let slip away,” said Head Coach Harry Rascoe. “We controlled the line of scrimmage for most of the game. Credit to our secondary of Tre Bucci, Max Rapone, Jazon Henderson and Cody Wenner for holding down a very talented passing offense.”
Rascoe also credited coordinators Jermaine Henderson (offense) and Craig Tiberio (defense) for coming up with solid game plans.
The Spartans are off this weekend but will receive a forfeit victory since the East Coast Blue Devils have withdrawn from the league.
The team is back in action at 7 p.m. June 22 at the Watertown Red & Black.
Powered by Authenticity, the influential podcast led by tech industry veteran and Batavia native, Emily Carlson, proudly sponsored a networking event on June 4, hosted by The WIT Network Buffalo Chapter.
This event, the first to be hosted in Batavia, aimed to bring together women in technology for an evening of connection, inspiration, and professional growth.
During the event, attendees had the opportunity to learn about The WIT Network Buffalo Chapter's mission to support women in STEM fields through mentorship, professional development, and community engagement.
Emily Carlson, host of the Powered by Authenticity podcast, was present to share insights from her extensive career in IT consulting and project management. Her podcast, which advocates for gender equity and inclusion in technology, was a central theme throughout the evening. Guests were inspired by conversations that highlighted the experiences and achievements of women who are breaking barriers in male-dominated industries.
"We were thrilled to sponsor this event and support The WIT Network Buffalo Chapter's efforts to empower women in technology," said Emily Carlson. "Networking events like these are crucial for building a community where women can share their experiences, support each other, and drive meaningful change in the industry." Carlson continued, “this is the first opportunity we’ve had to extend the reach of the Buffalo Chapter to Batavia and are excited about future events to promote what our community has to add and the value the WIT Network brings to our members.”
The WIT Network Buffalo Chapter event provided an excellent opportunity for women in technology to expand their professional networks, gain valuable insights, and find inspiration from their peers. These events can be especially beneficial for students, new graduates, and professionals seeking internships or new career opportunities.
Special thanks to Carlson Media, led by Ken Carlson, for their media support, and Roman's for hosting the event. Their contributions were invaluable in making this event a success.
For more information and to learn about future events, please visit Local Communities - The WIT Network. Join us in fostering inclusivity, innovation, and growth within the tech community.
Members of the American Legion Auxiliary Botts-Fiorito Unit 576 proudly presented the American Legion Auxiliary Youth Good Deed Award to Le Roy resident and high school senior Sundae Duyssen.
Duyssen is known locally for her charitable work, including a highly successful toy drive for Golisano Children’s Hospital, along with fundraisers and other support for the Le Roy Village Green, Genesee County Animal Shelter, LeRoy Food Pantry and the Salvation Army.
An advocate for inclusivity, Duyssen recently wrote a children’s book titled, “Willow’s Wheel Life”.
Good Deed Award winners must be nominated by American Legion Auxiliary members and demonstrate a leadership role in community service. The National Committee for Children and Youth of the American Legion Auxiliary reviews nominations and issues a certificate to those who qualify.
Come enjoy the summer season at the Genesee County Park and Forest! Join us this June, July, and August for a variety of walks, hikes, and environmental education programs.
Programs include:
Saturday, June 1, July 6, August 3 – Guided Dog Walks
Saturday, June 29 – WNY PRISM Volunteer Workday (Free)
Saturday, June 29 – Free Family Fishing Day at DeWitt Recreation Area (Free)
Friday, July 5 – New Moon Stargazing Walk
Saturday, July 6 – Diving Deep into Black Creek
Monday, July 15 through Friday, July 19 – Environmental Science Summer Camp ($95/camper)
Saturday, August 3 – Music in the Park at DeWitt Recreation Area (Free)
Saturday, August 10 – Kayaking at DeWitt Recreation Area ($25/person with kayak rental)
Saturday, August 17 – Painting in the Park at DeWitt Recreation Area (Free)
Walks are led by a guide who takes you through forest, meadow, and wetland habitats. Each will explore a different topic. Walks are approximately 1 - 2 miles long over easy terrain and all are family friendly.
Cost is $5 per person, and $10 per family unless otherwise noted. Please pre-register to receive the exact meeting location and other details! Please pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/GenCoParkRegistration or by calling 585-344-1122.
Environmental Science Summer Camp information can be found at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks. Register your 7th - 10th-grade student by July 8 for a week-long adventure exploring the environment and environmental science careers at the Genesee County Park!
For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Claudia Nusstein at Claudia.Nusstein@geneseeny.gov or (585) 344-1122.
After receiving reports of gunfire in the area of 3310 West Main Street Road, Batavia, shortly after noon on Tuesday, Sheriff's deputies engaged in a standoff with a resident that lasted until after 11 p.m.
There were no injuries to the resident, neighbors, or responding personnel, said Chief Deputy Brian Frieday.
Friday noted the area is a fairly residential neighborhood with houses close together and a trailer park nearby, so law enforcement carefully assessed the situation and moved slowly in trying to coax the man out of the small house on the property.
"Just in dealing with anybody with a gun call these days, sometimes you have to take the time and the extra caution to make sure you're dealing with it properly and safely," Frieday said.
Based on multiple witness statements supporting the assertion that there was gunfire on the property, the Sheriff's Office was able to obtain a search warrant for the house.
Throughout the 11-hour standoff, deputies continued to try and talk the man out of the residence. Every 15 minutes or so, deputies with guns drawn and using shields approached the house and spoke through a bullhorn, telling the man to come out of the house.
Frieday said the man responded once to deputies, but "that ended quickly."
The details of how the subject was taken into custody have not been released, but there were no injuries, Frieday said. He indicated there was no struggle.
Asked if he knew what shots were fired, Frieday said any answer he might give would be speculation.
"I wouldn't want to say anything that wouldn't be 100 percent accurate," Frieday said.
After investigators entered the residence, they were seen removing possible weapons and taking inventory of them at the scene.
While at the scene, with the investigation ongoing, Frieday didn't want to release the possible charges against the suspect. At least one potential charge was needed to get the warrant, but Frieday said he didn't want to release that charge until a press release was issued with all possible charges.
Asked what possible charges might apply to the situation, Frieday said it's illegal to fire a gun within 500 feet of a residence, there is possibly reckless endangerment, and "a few different things," he said.
Route 5 west of Wortendyke was closed to traffic throughout the standoff. That, too, Frieday said, was done out of an abundance of caution.
"If ever something were to break out and a passerby on the road was to have something bad happen to them, we certainly wouldn't want that," Frieday said. "We wouldn't want to second-guess that."
That's also why several homes in the immediate vicinity were evacuated, Frieday said.
Frieday said if other witnesses would like to come forward, they can call the Sheriff's Office at 585-343-5000.
UPDATE: Ryan J. Goldman, 31, was charged with reckless endangerment 2nd and discharge of a firearm within 500 feet of a residence, an unclassified misdemeanor. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.
Town Court Clerk Below are two lists: one details the myriad responsibilities that fall within the purview of the court clerk; the other summarizes the knowledge and abilities that court clerks possess or acquire through training. These lists are provided so that a judge and municipality can intelligently discuss the benefits that a court clerk can provide. The items below can also form the basis for a list of job duties should a municipality need to fill a vacancy in a court clerk position. Primary Responsibilities A. Maintain confidentiality of records and information when required to do so B. Prepare court calendar C. Collect monies, reconcile daily receipts, deposit receipts, prepare reports for monthly disbursements, reconcile bank accounts, and prepare administrative reports D. Enter convictions on drivers' licenses and prepare conviction reports electronically transmitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles E. Enter criminal conviction on NCIC reports and electronically send same to Division of Criminal Justice Services F. Respond to inquiries-in person, by phone, by e-mail and by mail-and provide assistance to lawyers, litigants, media, and members of the public G. Prepare monthly reports that are electronically sent to the Office of the State Comptroller H. Prepare orders, summonses, warrants and other court forms i. Communicate with outside agencies in order to coordinate the Court's activities and provide services to litigants. Such agencies include: ii. Law enforcement agencies, such as local police departments, New York State Police, Sheriffs office, FBI and CIA, US Armed Forces, and the Office of the District Attorney; I. Other courts, including superior courts and other local town and village courts; and i. Miscellaneous county agencies, such as Community Service, Community Dispute Resolution Center, Pre-trial Release, Probation, Stop DWI program, Victim Impact Panel, and Youth Court. ii. State agencies that require periodic reporting, including the New York State Unified Court System, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Office of the State Comptroller, the Division of Criminal Justice Services, and the Office of Court Record Retention. J. Examine court documents to ensure their accuracy and completeness K. Receive and file summonses, traffic tickets and other documents for court proceedings i. Assist the Justice at the bench during all Court proceedings Knowledge of: 1. The functions and organization of the Unified Court System ii. Basic legal terminology, codes and abbreviations iii. Court forms, practices and procedures, including those set forth in the Uniform Justice Court Act and the Uniform Civil Rules for the Justice Courts (22 NYCRR Part 214) 2. Ability to: i. Prepare judicial orders and decisions ii. Effectively communicate information orally and in writing iii. File and retrieve materials, extract data from various sources for entry onto court form iv. Research and interpret laws outlined in court documents and litigants' motions and other papers v. Perform mathematical tasks in order to compile court activity reports, total receipts, accept payments, and verify bills vi. Refer to appropriate documents, statutes, citations or other sources in order to respond to specific questions from attorneys, litigants and members of the general public vii. Interpret policies, statutes, rules and regulations and apply them in specific contexts viii. Establish work priorities ix. Constructively manage conflict with court users Qualifications: Highschool diploma recognized by the NYS Dept of Education or appropriate equivalent. Along with 4 years of college, specialization in criminal justice, law, business administration or related field. -OR- 2 years college with specialization in Business Administration or related field. Please email your resume to abrownell@townofbatavia.com no later than 12/16/2024. Pay is based on experience.
