From Accuweather:

Breezy, mild and very dry conditions, especially in areas that have lost the snowpack, will result in an elevated wildfire potential across portions of Western New York toward the Finger Lakes region.

The risk will be greatest in open and sufficiently dried out locations such as fields and less wooded areas. Any outside burning is strongly discouraged.

According to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, the statewide open burn ban is in effect March 16 through May 14.

It's currently 60, sunny and breezy.

Press release:

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month (#PGAM). The Western Problem Gambling Resource Center (nonprofit) has training and awareness opportunities for the WNY region!

Please contact us at westernpgrc@nyproblemgambling.org to schedule our staff to come to your organization, FREE of charge, to increase awareness of problem gambling and find out about ways to help those struggling and their families. Here to help.

Jeffrey Wierzbicki - Western Team Leader 716-572-5017.

For additional resources, visit the New York Council on Problem Gambling here.

Submitted photo and press release:

 In 1972, the United States Department of Defense established the ESGR (Employer Support of Guard and Reserves) program to promote and recognize civilian employer support of Reserve Component Service members.

Two leaders at Genesee Community College are being recognized for their efforts in upholding that mission.

For more than 45 years, the ESGR has worked to foster a culture in which employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States.

Using a network of more than 50 committees comprised of 3,600 volunteers, the ESGR provides programs that help protect employment for enlisted employees, services to support families and opportunities to recognize significant employer support of an enlisted employee.

After his recent yearlong deployment, Lieutenant Commander Barry C. Chow, the Deputy J2 with U.S. Forces Japan Detachment 105, nominated Genesee Community College President, James M. Sunser, Ed.D., and Associate Vice President of Human Resources Gina Weaver for the prestigious Seven Seals Award.

The ESGR has adopted the slogan, "Together, We All Serve," and grants the Seven Seals Award in recognition of significant individual or organizational effort and achievement that supports a member of the Reserve or National Guard.

In his nomination, Chow wrote, "I have been part of the GCC team for 21 years and a member of the Navy Reserve for just over 16 years, during which time I've had to take leave for monthly drills and have been activated for deployment twice. Dr. Sunser and Ms. Weaver have consistently supported my service to this country and have worked to ensure I could continue."

"GCC has always prioritized supporting the needs of our community, which includes our staff and faculty, and of course, our country," Sunser said. "We are proud of Barry and proud to extend our support to all of our reservists, active-duty personnel and veterans. It is an honor to receive the Seven Seals Award, however, the true pride lies in the strength and bravery of those who serve.

Photo: GCC President James Sunser, Lieutenant Commander Barry C. Chow, and GCC Associate Vice President of Human Resources Gina Weaver.

Over the past six decades, bowling headlines out of the former Medina association -- and now Genesee Region USBC -- have featured the Allis family name on a regular basis.

Now, a new generation of Medina's "first family" of bowling has burst onto the scene and is primed to carry on the tradition for many years to come.

High-revving right-handers Alex Allis (age 20) and his cousin, Hayden Allis (age 23), each bowled his first United States Bowling Congress-certified perfect games recently -- with Alex following that up by rolling his first certified 800 series on Sunday morning in the Sunday Rolloffs League at Medina Lanes.

Alex, a second-year student at Brockport State College, fired his 300 game on Feb. 20 and Hayden, an employee at Oetiker Clamp in Batavia, got his on March 5 -- both in the Thursday Firefighters League in Medina. Their three-game series were 713 and 717, respectively.

In the Sunday Rolloffs League yesterday, Alex put together games of 267-268-299 for an 834 series -- the top three-game total in the GRUSBC this season.

In other league action in the area:

-- Kevin Gray Jr. of Warsaw spun a 300 game and sparkling 761 series in the Thursday Owls League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen. 

Gray, the 2019 GRUSBC Scratch Memorial champion, has several perfect games on his resume.

For more high scores from last week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

Note: Mike Pettinella's next Pin Points column will appear exclusively on The Batavian on March 19.

Colton Dillon dominated on offense, scoring 30 points, but it wasn't enough to stop a Prattsburg offense that never knew a cold streak throughout 32 minutes of play at Blue Cross Arena on Saturday in the Class D2 Section V championship game.

Prattsburg prevailed 72-64.

Jaykob Belluscio scored 10 points for the Lancers. 

Mason Putnam scored 19 points for Prattsburg, while Kris Johnson scored 16 and James Crowder scored 12.  

Photos below by Kristin Smith. For more photos, click here.

Press release:

“With Governor Andrew Cuomo’s declaration of a state of emergency in New York in response to COVID-19, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are focusing on preparedness to respond to potential positive cases of COVID-19 in both counties,” said Paul Pettit, director, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

New guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has authorized health care providers to order testing for COVID-19. There is no evidence of the disease reaching Western New York, however, this is a rapidly evolving situation and the likelihood of more cases being identified in the coming days is possible. We will continue to update with local media as appropriate.

In Genesee and Orleans counties, we’ve had 12 people undergo precautionary quarantine based on travel history. Eleven have been cleared, with none becoming ill; one remains in quarantine with no current illness and will remain under observation through the 14-day period.

“We encourage residents to remain calm; be prepared by making sure you have supplies on hand including a thermometer, fever-reducing over-the- counter medication, such as ibuprofen; and listen to factual reports from the CDC, NYSDOH, and Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments,” Pettit said.

“Our social media platforms will continue to post pertinent information/trusted links and can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with GOHealthNY as our user name. You can also call the NYS Novel Coronavirus hotline at 1-888-364-3065.

While there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses, including the flu (influenza), which is currently widespread:

• If you need to go to your primary care provider, a health center or the emergency room, call ahead to let them know your symptoms, travel and contact history.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick. If you have a fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea you should stay home at least 24 hours after the last incident without fever-reducing / anti-diarrhea medications.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue cover your mouth with your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The Elba Lady Lancers added to the legend that is Elba basketball Friday night, winning a fourth-straight Section V title, beating Andover 48-40.

Leah Bezon and Taylor Augello both had double-doubles, with 17 and 15 points, respectively, and 11 and 15 rebounds apiece. Bezon also had four assists.

Brynn Walczak, the tournament MVP for Class D1, scored nine points and had five rebounds.

For Andover, Emily Wahl and Kelsie Niedemaier scored 12 points each.

Walczak, Bezon, and Maddie Muehlig are all juniors and have been on varsity for all four titles. Augello is also a junior and in her third year on varsity. The only senior on the team is Lauryn Engle, third-year varsity. 

Elba and Pavilion, Class D2 champions, will meet at Mount Morris at 6 p.m., Tuesday to decide which team advances to the Class D state tournament.

The 48th annual Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Awards were given out last night (March 7) at Quality Inn & Suites in Batavia. This is the County’s premier event honoring businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service and volunteerism.

Honorees for 2019 were:

• Business of the Year: Tompkins Bank of Castile       
• Agricultural Organization of the Year: Call Lands/My-T-Acres   
• Special Service Recognition of the Year: Purple Pony Therapeutic Horsemanship                             
• Geneseean of the Year: Jeff Allen

Photos courtesy of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

​Group photo above -- back row, from left: John McKenna - Tompkins Bank of Castile; Dan Kilker - Purple Pony Therapeutic Horsemanship; Phil Call, Pete Call - Call Lands/My-T Acres; and Jeff Allen - director of Crossroads House. Front row, from left: Diane Torcello - Tompkins Bank of Castile; Gail Ehmann, Karen Reeverts - Purple Pony Therapeutic Horsemanship; Marie Call - Call Lands/My-T-Acres; and Darla Allen.

Above at podium, John McKenna of Tompkins Bank of Castile.

Above, Pete Call at podium alongside Phil Call, of Call Lands/MY-T-Acres.

Above, Purple Pony Therapeutic Horsemanship President Dan Kilker at podium.

Above, Crossroads House Director Jeff Allen.

Submitted photo and press release:

The Lady Dragons knew going into this game not to underestimate the 11^th seed Letchworth Indians Saturday afternoon at Gates Chili High School where the Class C1 Section V division title was on the line. 

Both teams tested each other’s game plan and remained even through the first quarter with Letchworth leading 10-9 after 1. Pembroke’s Emily Peters led the team with three three-point buckets along with a couple buckets by Dekari Moss and Serene Calderon to get a nine-point lead into halftime 29-20.

Brooke Degroff scored twice for Letchworth in the second quarter and finished third in points on the afternoon with eight. The Indians could not connect in the second quarter with some missed shots and Pembroke's defense holding tight in the paint.

Second half the Indians kept the Dragons scoreless through the first four minutes of play. Dana Callaro hit a big three-point bucket to ignite Letchworth on a ball controlling third quarter where the Indians were on a roll, hitting four more points in the paint. Pembroke did not give in and after a timeout was called they seesawed the points with Letchworth to lead by one -- with the score at 35-34 after three periods of play.

Fourth quarter Pembroke tightened their defense and, like the second quarter, Letchworth's luck was running out. Many missed field goals helped the Dragons capitalize and Serene hit a big three-point bucket to lift the lead to four and go on a point-scoring streak. Indians got into foul trouble, Dekari Moss and MacKenna Johnson both scored buckets and free throws to help the team win the game and back-to-back titles in two years.

Calderon finished the game with sixteen points, Peters 15 points and Moss 14 points for the Dragons. Indians' scorers Bliss and Callaro had 11 and 9 points, respectively.

Photos by Thomas Ognibene via Steve Ognibene Photography.

To view or purchase prints click here.

The finals of the NYS Masters Championship tonight at King Pin Lanes in Rome will be shown on Facebook Live tonight on the business page John Knight's Bowlers Shoppe. It is scheduled to begin around 8:40.

The title match features two Rochester bowlers -- Dan Keenan and Shanna Chepelsky -- competing for the $2,000 first prize and a paid entry to the 2021 USBC Masters.

Press release:

The Hope Center of Le Roy is undertaking the 10^th annual “Girls Helping Girls” prom dress giveaway from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14^th. Girls from all over the region are welcome.

The Hope Center is located at 42 Main St., Le Roy. It is decorated exquisitely and loaded with loving encouragement for next Saturday's event.

Several hundred dresses, some gently used but many brand new ranging in size from 0-24 have been donated and will be on display at the Hope Center of L e Roy.

Girls can find their size and color and try them on, according to Hope Center Director Rev. Henry Moore, whose wife, Valerie, was inspired to start this giveaway to relieve families from the pressure of buying a dress for a one-time event, precious as it is.

The dresses have come from individuals and stores around the area and are checked for condition and cleanliness. Volunteers from the local community staff this event to help girls’ sort through the displays, find matches to their tastes, and guide them to dressing rooms.

“Sometimes people can’t believe that these dresses are really free,” according to Rev. Moore, “but there really are no strings attached. This is a gift to the young girls of this region.

"We want them to know that they are loved by God, that He made them beautifully, and that their lives deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.”

The Hope Center spreads the benefit of this even beyond American shores.

"From the beginning, we wanted to provide these dresses strictly as an act of kindness, but some people insist on wanting to make cash donations out of appreciation” Valerie Moore said. “So, we decided to keep the ‘Girls Helping Girls’ theme going and pay it forward.

"The dresses are free, and we mean that; but if anyone really wants to make a donation out of gratitude, we will pass on any donations to Tanzania’s House of Hope in the City of Moshi. The House of Hope is a large home being built to rescue girls from a life of certain sex slavery; it will be a place where the girls can be equipped and trained for a life of meaning and purpose beyond their wildest dreams. It’s a Win-Win!”

But again, there as here, the emphasis is that these dresses are given freely.

The Hope Center was established with a vision to provide spiritual and material support to area citizens and, through the message of hope, call the community to reach its God-given destiny and over the past nine years it has donated upwards of 500-plus dresses to young women across five different counties here in Western New York.

Event coordinator Val Moore will be stepping down after this year’s event, so this year may mark the last year that the Hope Center will sponsor the event.

Her prayer is that someone from the local community will have the same heart and desire that she had that would love to carry this outreach to a whole new level.

Individuals or organizations that may be interested can contact the Hope Center, at which point the remaining dresses will be passed on. For more information, please contact the Hope Center at 585-768-8184, or at:   info@hopecenterleroy.org

Chance J. Barnwell-McClary and Marvelous C. Williams are indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 10 in the Town of Byron, that the defendants knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug -- fentanyl -- with the intent to sell it. In count two, Barnwell-McClary and Williams are accused of criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that on Oct. 10 in the Town of Byron that the defendants knowingly possessed or sold gelatin capsules, glassine envelopes, vials, capsules or other material suitable for packaging individual quantities of narcotic drugs or stimulants under circumstances that evinced the intent to use or unlawfully manufacture, package or dispense narcotic drugs or stimulants.

Niasia S. Jiggetts is indicted for the crime of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged that in 2017 at an apartment in the 4000 block of West Main Street Road, Town of Batavia, that the defendant, being age 18 or older, intentionally caused physical injury to a person under age 7. In count two, she is accused of another count of second-degree assault. It is alleged in count two that last year on Thomas Avenue in the City of Batavia that the defendant, an adult, intentionally caused physical injury to a person less than 7 years old.

Edwin Peart Jr. is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 29 in the City of Batavia the defendant knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug, cocaine, with the intent to sell it. In count two, Peart is accused of promoting prison contraband in the first degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged in count two that Peart introduced dangerous contraband -- cocaine -- into the Genesee County Jail. In count three, he is accused of tampering with physical evidence, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count three that on Aug. 29, believing certain evidence was about to be produced, he tried to suppress it, by an act of concealment, alteration, destruction, intimidation or force. Peart is accused of retrieving bags of cocaine from his underwear while being processed at the jail, placing them in his mouth and chewing them, "refusing all commands to open his mouth and spit the substance out."

Walter H. Bennett is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 24 in the City of Batavia that he knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug -- cocaine -- with the intent to sell it. In count two, he is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that on Oct. 24 in the City of Batavia that he knowingly and unlawfully possessed a controlled substance -- cocaine.

James R. Blakeslee is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 28 in the Town of Le Roy on Route 19, Blakeslee drove a 2003 Dodge while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of DWI, per se, as a Class E felony. In is alleged in count two that the defendant had a BAC of .08 percent or more at the time, according to an chemical analysis of his breath. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Blakeslee is accused of having been convicted of DWI as a misdemeanor on Sept. 16, 2014 in Wyoming County Court, and that conviction was within 10 years of the crimes alleged in the current indictment.

Schnell A. Ogletree is indicted for the crime of driving while ability impaired by drugs, as a misdemeanor. It is alleged that on Sept. 14 in the Town of Stafford that Ogletree drove a 2012 GMC Terrain on Route 33 while her ability was impaired by the use of drugs. In count two, she is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count two that when she drove that day she knew or had reason to know that her driver's license was suspended or revoked by authorities. In count three, Ogletree is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three that on that day she knowingly and unlawfully possessed a controlled substance -- cocaine. In Special Information filed by the District Attorney, Ogletree is accused of having been convicted of driving while ability impaired by the consumption of alcohol. It is alleged in Special Information that the defendant was convicted of this on June 12 in the Town of Onondaga and this conviction forms the basis of count two in the current indictment.

Shamya Brown is indicted for the crime of grand larceny in the fourth degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on March 19 in the Town of Batavia that Brown stole cosmetics and/or skin care items having a value exceeding $1,000.

Kyle Christopher Madden, 27, of Lake Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with: fourth-degree grand larceny; third-degree identity theft; and criminal impersonation in the second degree. Madden was arrested after an investigation of a larceny complaint at 5:52 p.m. Feb. 10 on Lake Street Road in Le Roy. He was released with an appearance ticket and is due in Le Roy Town Court on March 19. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Robert Henning, assisted by Investigator Christopher Parker.

Nashiem R. Harris, 21, of Batavia, and a 17-year-old female, also of Batavia, were arrested by Wyoming County Sheriff's deputies following a traffic stop on Route 246 in the Town of Covington at 7:45 a.m. on March 4. Harris is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree, and failure to keep right. The juvenile is also charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree, and stopping on pavement. A 2012 Ford Fusion was observed by law enforcement stopped in the middle of the driving lane on Court Road by Silver Lake Road. Two subjects exited the vehicle, switched seats, and then continued driving on Court Road, according to the report prepared by Wyoming County Sheriff's Sgt. Colin Reagan. Officers followed the vehicle and observed as the vehicle was being driven entirely on the left-hand side of the roadway. A traffic stop was conducted and the odor of burned marijuana was allegedly detected. A partially smoked marijuana blunt was allegedly located in the center console during a subsequent vehicle search. Both drivers allegedly performed poorly on field sobriety tests and were then evaluated by a Certified Drug Recognition Expert at the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office, who determined them to be impaired by the use of drugs.

Press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Market Animal Auction Program is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this summer! In recognition of this milestone, the 4-H Program is seeking photos, news articles and memorabilia from throughout its 50 years to be used in a display at the Genesee County Fair.    

If you have photos or items to share, please drop them off or mail to: CCE Genesee, 420 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020; or email to genesee4h@cornell.edu.  

Please mark your calendars for the 50^th Annual Genesee County 4-H Market Animal Auction on Thursday, July 30^th, at the Genesee County Fair in Batavia.

On Tuesday GO ART! held a ceremony to award funds to recipients of the New York State Council on the Arts' Decentralization Regrant Program.

Below are the Genesee County recipients.

Reach Grants were awarded to:

• Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble (Concert Season 2020 Mr. Mustard Beatles Cover Band Collaboration) -- $4,395
• Genesee Symphony Orchestra ("Destinations") -- $4,650
• Arc of Genesee Orleans (Film Festival and Art Show) -- $4,425
• Holland Purchase Historical Society (Holland Land Office Museum Guest Speaker and Concert Series, Mystery Theater) -- $1,000
• Elba Betterment Committee -- (EBC Music and More) -- $2,265
• Woodward Memorial Library (Summer Arts Camp) -- $1,500
• Genesee Chorale (2020 Series) -- $5,000
• ACORNS (Music in the Park) -- $350
• Gillam Grant Community Center (Cultural Connections) -- $4,993
• Batavia Concert Band (2020 Concert Series) -- $5,000

The lone Spark Grant recipient is:

• Judd Sunshine (Erie Canal Songwriting Project) -- $3,300

Ripple Grants were awarded to:

• David Burke (12 Center St., Batavia, External Mural) -- $2,500
• Bart Dentino ("The Spaces Between the Leaves") -- $2,500
• Mandy Humphrey (Routes 19 & 5 Mural) -- $2,500
• Eric Zwieg ("Slow Moving Grief") -- $2,500

All the awardees were grateful for the funding, which will help provide cultural and artistic programming to benefit the local community. It will also help create new works, and boost arts education for K-12 public school students.

Pauli Miano, a member of the Elba Betterment Committee, is delighted because the grant will allow her community to put on seven concerts in Elba's park this summer. Miano wrote the grant request along with another committee member, Kelly Dudley, who first suggested it.

The Elba concerts will feature area musicians, and there will be food and theme-related activities at each, most of which will be provided by local nonprofits, school groups, and businesses and restaurants.

Miano says all the bands have been booked and some other commitments have been made -- rock paintings ("Rock out with Bobby and the Pedestrians"), wine and cheese with Jimmie Leggs (jazz); and a car cruise. Shows start in June with The Corfu Pembroke Community Band (All- American theme) and run through August.

Top photo, from left: Theresa Kehl, education/decentralization grant coordinator for GO ART!; Jessica Torrey, GO ART! board president; Kelly Dudley and Pauli Miano, both of the Elba Betterment Committee.

Jeff Allen, director of Crossroads House in Batavia, will receive an award tonight from the Chamber of Commerce at the Geneseean of the Year. The awards dinner is at Quality Inn & Suites.

Tompkins Bank of Castile is Genesee County's Business of the Year. Tompkins will receive the award tonight during an awards dinner at Quality Inn & Suites in Batavia.

Purple Pony Therapeutic Horsemanship has been named the Special Service Recognition of the Year award winner by the Chamber of Commerce. The volunteers of Purple Pony will receive the award at the Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner tonight Quality Inn & Suites.

MY-T Acres, located off Lewiston Road in Batavia, is Genesee County's Agriculture Business of the Year. The Call family will receive the award at the Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner tonight Quality Inn & Suites.