Calvin John Rodriguez, 40, of Hillside Avenue, New York City, is charged with: criminal contempt in the second degree; obstructing governmental administration; two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree; and possession of a hypodermic instrument. On Monday (Feb. 24), the Genesee County Sheriff's Office was investigating a violation of a duly served order of protection. Deputies located the suspect -- Rodriguez -- who allegedly had made threatening gestures toward the protected party and acted in a manner contrary to the provisions set forth in the order of protection. During the interview with deputies, he allegedly attempted to flee the encounter and resisted as deputies attempted to perform their lawful duties. He was taken into custody and charged with criminal contempt in the second degree and obstructing governmental administration. The investigation led to the execution of a search warrant at an address on Park Road in the Town of Batavia. During the search, methamphetamine, prescription medications and drug paraphernalia were located, allegedly possessed by Rodriguez. He was arraigned the next day in Batavia City Court on the charge of second-degree criminal contempt -- a qualified offense under the new Bail Reform Law, and the other charges. He was put in the custody of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office in lieu of cash bail or bond. He is to appear in both City and Town of Batavia courts at a later date. Assisting in the investigation were members of the Genesee County Drug Task Force, Sheriff's Sgt. Michael Lute, Deputy Brock Cummins, Batavia Police, along with the GC District Attorney's Office. Rodriguez was also charged with petit larceny in connection with an incident that allegedly occurred the afternoon of June 8 at Kohl's department store on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia. He received an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia Town Court on March 5 to answer that charge. The petit larceny case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Last evening at Le Roy High School the Oatkan Lady Knights advanced to the Class B2 quarter finals with a win over Attica Blue Devils 69-57. The Knights jumped out to a 12-point lead 27-15 led by Bryn Luckey and a three-pointer from each Hailey Johnson and Jillian Curtis. 

Through the second quarter, Attica held better defense and juniors McKenna Jarnot and Mary Weber both added three-point buckets to keep the Blue Devils in the half only down by 10 points.

The Knights held a strong defense keeping Attica’s top scorer McKenna Jarnot scoreless in the quarter, which kept the momentum scoring points from Luckey, Condidorio and Logsdon.  Score 52-37 after three quarters.

Attica, backed against defeat, did not give up and Jarnot hit four three-pointers in the final quarter to bring the Devils within six points. But the Knights sophomore guard Kailyn Tresco answered back with two three-point buckets of her own. 

Le Roy’s Brynn Luckey finished with 25 points; Amara Condidorio and Kailyn Tresco each had nine points. McKenna Jarnot scored 21 points, Weber 13 points for the Attica Blue Devils.

The Le Roy Knights play this Friday against second seed Avon on their home court, game time 7 p.m.

To view or purchase photos click here.

Heavy snow is expected tonight through tomorrow afternoon throughout Western New York.

A winter storm warning has been issued from 10 p.m. through 1 p.m. Thursday.

Snow accumulations of five to nine inches are expected with winds from 45 to 50 mph, which is likely to result in blowing and drifting snow.

The National Weather Service warns that travel will become difficult with very poor visibility and snow-covered roadways. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

Graphic: Accuweather.

Town of Alabama officials decided Monday night to table a proposed change to the noise ordinance regarding windmills and instead refer the matter to the town planning board to take up during the development of a new comprehensive plan.

Supervisor Robert Crossen said given the impossibility of establishing a baseline for ambient noise for existing windmills, it's not possible to come up with an adequate ordinance for how loud a windmill can be.

He suggested the zoning code might need to be amended for siting windmills.

"To me, distance solves sound," Crossen said. "So when the planning board revises the law -- currently we are allowing it one and a half times the height of the property line, and that may be too close."

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Press release:

Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners as they “Catch the Gardening Bug.” They will be offering four gardening-themed programs from 6 to 8 p.m. on different dates this spring. If you are looking for garden inspiration and know-how to apply to your own garden, check out these classes.

March 31 -- “Seed Starting 101” -- Starting plants from seed is a great way for gardeners to take their hobby to the next level. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing a plant blooming in your garden or harvesting a vegetable from a plant that you once held as a tiny seed in your hand. It also opens the door to thousands of new varieties that you may never find at the local nursery. Starting your own seeds can be intimidating, but with the right tools and timing, seed starting is remarkably fun and easy. Registration is required by March 25.  Fee $10 per person.

April 7 -- "Oh Canada!" -- Come travel across Canada and enjoy a variety of their gardens -- tulips in Ottawa in the spring, summer in the prairies, fall in Vancouver, and winter at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Ontario. Registration required by April 1. Fee is $5 per person

April 22 -- “Everybody Loves Hostas!” -- Hostas have lush foliage and are usually grown for their impact in the shade garden. Even better, these perennials are reliable, easy to grow, and readily available. We will discuss the different types of hostas and how to best grow them including diseases, division and more. Lavish photos will show different hostas as well as ideas for landscaping. Be careful! What starts out as just one or two plants can quickly grow into a passion for collecting. Registration required by April 15. Fee $10 per person.

April 29 – “The Power of Flowers in Your Garden” -- Supporting pollinators is a vital conversation point in the gardening community. Join the discussion on developing a garden rich in biological diversity that supports pollinators indigenous to our region. The presentation will look closely at key garden elements that support the birds, bees and butterflies that pollinate our gardens. Registration required by April 22. Fee $10 per person.

All classes will be held at the Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension at 420 E. Main St., Batavia. Preregistration is required as class size is limited and classes may fill up.

Contact Rachel at 585-343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by the extension office to register. Visit the extension's website at: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events for more information.

A Statement by Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“This is an unprecedented attack on the autonomy of our local governments," Assemblyman Steve Hawley said. "If the people who live in our towns and villages Upstate have no say when it comes to something as fundamental as land use, what rights can they reasonably expect to maintain?

"Of course Cuomo’s wealthy donors in the energy industry want him to be able to handpick their projects and situate them wherever is best for them. That doesn’t mean the governor should go along with it. 

“I’m all for green energy projects that work for local residents, local governments and local economies. Giving the governor total, unilateral control would be a grave mistake. I’ll be fighting this misguided proposal, and I’ll be working hard to make sure it’s not included in our final budget plan."

Press release:

Six alumni and two retired Batavia teachers will be inducted into the Batavia City School District’s Musicians of Note Wall of Fame on the evening of Thursday, March 26.

Those being honored for making a significant impact in their field include:

• Joseph Robusto, Class of 1965;
• Harold McJury, Class of 1968;
• Mark Schumann, Class of 1980;
• Patrick Jee, Class of 1996;
• Brian Isaac, Class of 2001;
• Alex Davis, Class of 2008;
• Melinda Hay, former music teacher in the District;
• and Kenneth Hay*, former music teacher, BHS band director and BCSD Music Department chairperson for 21 years. 

The celebration will be held at the high school and begin with appetizers from 5-5:30 p.m., followed by dinner.

The awards ceremony and concert will begin at 7 p.m. and will feature select alumni performing with BHS ensembles. Kenneth Hay will conduct a musical number performed by the BHS Jazz Ensemble, and Harold McJury will perform with the BHS Jazz Ensemble.  

Tickets for the event are $25/person. Tickets to attend only the awards ceremony and concert are $10/person.

To reserve tickets, please contact Lisa Brown at Batavia High School (585-343-2480, ext. 2000).

Payment can be made by cash, or by check payable to Batavia Music Boosters.

Ticket with dinner reservations must be made by March 13. If only attending the ceremony and concert, tickets will also be available at the door.

Those wishing to make a donation for the Musicians of Note can do so through the Batavia City School Foundation Inc.

Batavia High School is located at 260 State St.

*Ken Hay was nominated last year but deferred his award until now.

Batavia Development Corporation Executive Director Andrew Maguire borrowed a line often used by his counterpart at the Genesee County Economic Development Corporation on Monday night as he outlined accomplishments and goals of the City-funded agency charged with attracting and facilitating investment.

“Economic development is a marathon, not a sprint,” Maguire said, echoing to a certain extent the message conveyed by Steve Hyde, GCEDC president, in his public addresses.

Maguire, a lifelong Batavian and former clerk-treasurer for the Village of Oakfield, was named to the post on Nov. 18.

He has had to absorb much information in that time as the City of Batavia is in the midst of negotiations to advance several projects that are part of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative, along with other business-friendly loan and grant programs.

Over the past few years, Batavia has come up with different strategies to spur new development and investment, including remediation of Brownfield Opportunity Area districts, Revolving Loan Fund and Grant programs, New York Main Street Grant program, and the Batavia Pathway to Prosperity Fund PILOT*-- repurposing agreement forged by the five taxing jurisdictions (City of Batavia, Genesee County, Batavia City School District, GCEDC and BDC).

“New development is about what will make Batavia attractive to all entrepreneurs,” Maguire said, adding that the success of these programs can bring about a “Live, Work, Play” lifestyle that young professionals are seeking.

Maguire said the City’s population of 14,396 is projected to decrease considerably over the next 20 years, with about 5,000 less citizens in the 25 to 64 age range. But, he said, that effective economic development could turn things around for a community that has 2.3 million people and 67 colleges within a 60-mile radius.

“HP Hood is set to hire 200 to 250 50 employees, which will double its workforce,” Maguire said, adding that about 75 percent of those who work in the City don’t live in the City.

He also pointed out that the housing situation in Batavia is less than optimal as more than half of housing units are more than 50 years old and “in need of substantial rehabilitation.”

“Industrial growth is outpacing housing (construction),” he said, factors not conducive to attracting millennials who are opting for a “more simplistic lifestyle.”

Maguire said he believes the City is poised for a burst of economic development as long as the DRI projects reach the ground-breaking stage in the near future and the Business Improvement Fund Grant investment reaps a projected three-fold harvest.

“The $10 million DRI projects (including Ellicott Station, Mall/City Centre, Healthy Living/Campus, Creek Park and Batavia Players theater) will result in $64.6 million in investments and the $600,00 BIF will generate another $2 million,” he said. “All programs combined are expected to bring in $72 million in capital investment to the City.”

Maguire, the lone paid employee of an independent agency governed by a board of directors and financially supported by the City, said “it is critical to not let this momentum stop … to increase the quality of life and attract new talent. More than ever, the City needs boots on the ground.”

* The acronym for Payment In Lieu of Taxes.

Photo -- Batavia Development Corporation Executive Director Andrew Maguire during Monday night's City Council meeting. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Another criminal charge has been filed against a Western New York man who was released from custody Dec. 5 after admitting to stolen property charges in Genesee County Court.

Daniel Jon Lewis, 24, who has variously been listed as a resident of Lima, Chili, and with no permanent address, went on -- if the allegations against him are true -- a crime spree in Genesee County starting Jan. 1.

The latest charge against Lewis is petit larceny for an alleged theft at a residence on Stringham Drive, Batavia, just after midnight, Jan. 3.

Lewis is being held without bail in the Genesee County Jail on a felony robbery charge. He is accused of forcibly taking property from a person on Bank Street, Batavia, on Jan. 1. He was named as the suspect in that case and taken into custody late in January. By that time, he had allegedly committed a number of thefts and fled from police when allegedly caught in the act in the Haven Lane area.

When Lewis pled guilty to criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree as a second felony offender on Dec. 6, his attorney, Fred Rarick told Judge Charles Zambito that his client should be released from custody since, under terms of bail reform legislation taking effect at the start of the year, Lewis would be eligible for release while awaiting sentencing.

Neither Zambito nor District Attorney Lawrence Friedman contradicted Rarick's mistaken interpretation of the new law, but it appears that Lewis would not have been eligible for release under bail reform. CLARIFICATION: Lewis was eligible for release; however, his release was not mandatory.

Public Defender Jerry Ader brought the discrepancy to the attention of The Batavian after previous articles noted that Lewis was released from custody because of bail reform. While that may be factually correct, to the degree that was the understanding in County Court on Dec. 5, the truth is, Ader said, bail reform only applies to pretrial/preconviction defendants. 

"The pretrial bail reforms were no longer applicable to his case after he entered a plea of guilty," Ader said in an email to The Batavian. "The judge exercised his discretion when he decided to release Mr. Lewis to the supervision of Genesee Justice. He did not have to do so.

"He also had the authority at any time after Mr. Lewis was released to revoke that securing order and issue a new one, which could have included setting bail if he was not compliant with his release conditions."

Over the course of our discussion of the case, which included Ader reviewing the minutes of the Dec. 6 hearing, Ader asked that in reporting this clarification, we include his view: "I do not know whether the Court would have still released Mr. Lewis under supervision of Genesee Justice if Mr. Rarick had made the request after the plea was entered without any reference to the upcoming changes in the bail statutes. He may have been inclined to do it either way. You can’t tell from the record of the proceedings."

Lewis remains a person of interest, according to criminal justice sources, in the theft and police pursuit involving a Spectrum work truck Jan. 25. Lewis has reportedly been cooperating with investigators on several pending cases.

Previously:

• Two people charged with possession of lots of stolen items in Memorial Day bust in Pavilion
• Man found with stolen property pleads guilty, released from jail pending sentencing
• Police looking for white male with long hair involved in stolen truck incident and chase
• Law and Order: Lima man accused of stealing vehicle on Clinton Street Road, Batavia
• Since being released from jail due to bail reform, man charged with two more crimes, person of interest in Spectrum truck theft
• New charges for man who allegedly went on crime spree after release from jail because of bail reform
• Criminal released because of bail reform faces another set of stolen property charges

If the Batavia City Council votes to not override the state’s 2 percent tax cap at its March 9 meeting and send the 2020-21 budget ordinance back to the city manager for further cuts, it will serve only to make a bad situation worse.

That is the steadfast opinion of Manager City Martin Moore, who spoke out against further reduction in services and/or personnel during an emotionally charged City Council Conference Meeting tonight at City Hall.

“I can tell you in the strongest terms that our City employees do not deserve another $350,000 in cuts,” said Moore, responding to City Council President Eugene Jankowski asking what further cuts could be made if the board decides not to authorize a budget that currently calls for a 7.48 percent property tax rate increase -- from $8.92 per $1,000 of assessed valuation to $9.59 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

At that new rate, property taxes on a house assessed for $100,000 in the City, for example, would be $959 -- an annual increase of $67 from a year ago.

The City is facing a $700,000 shortfall this year due to the loss of potential loss of more than $440,000 in Video Lottery Terminal funds generated by Batavia Downs Gaming.  The VLT money has always been part of the City’s budget. Things could change this year, however, as Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s has included those funds in the state budget.

Moore said that programs not critical to public health and safety would be the first ones on the chopping block. Those include youth and recreation programming, equipment replacement, travel/training seminars, and the elimination of temporary and part-time employees.

“We would look at cuts in the Batavia Development Corporation and even the K-9 (police dog) unit may not survive (being cut),” he said.

Moore defended the work of his department heads for finding $350,000 in expenses to slash, noting that youth bureau funding has been cut and an additional school resource officer, computer replacement programs and purchases, and vehicle replacement for the fire, police and public works departments already have been put on hold.

My personal feeling is that I think the City has struck the right balance between cutting expenses and asking the people in the community to step up with us and help us with the property tax levy," Moore said. "I know it's difficult -- it's difficult for all of us -- and it's very unfortunate that the state has a proposal (to take the VLT money) but it order to keep quality services, I think we need to stay right where we're at."

Jankowski said he put forth the “what if” scenario to “let the public know the gravity of what we’re facing. We’re looking at every line item.”

Initially, Moore’s budget came with a 0.97 percent property tax hike, a figure in line with the previous two budgets that had no tax increases. That fact wasn’t lost on Council Member John Canale.

“I always say, ‘get it under 1 percent and then we’ll talk,’ ” Canale said. “But now our wonderful leader in Albany has decided to steal some money from us.”

Canale then, respectfully, called out Council Member Rose Mary Christian for objecting to the revised budget despite the board sifting things out during several budget sessions.

Christian, along with Council Member Paul Viele, voted no to sending three resolutions to the Council’s Business meeting next month -- overriding the tax cap, the budget itself and establishment of new water rates (3.5 percent increase), meter fees and capital improvement fees. They all passed by a 7-2 margin.

Earlier in the debate, Christian said she didn’t think Council took enough time to discuss potential cuts, believing that it was left in the hands of the department heads.

“That’s b--- s---,” she said, not holding back.

Jankowski took offense to Christian’s view and, a bit later, Canale questioned her motives.

“It’s almost our final meeting and now we’re doubting the budget … after hammering out $350,000 in cuts,” he said. “Now we’re second-guessing that budget. We have to do it (override the tax cap). Our people see what Governor Cuomo did; they’re not idiots.”

Council Member Kathleen Briggs agreed.

“We can’t go down that road (of finding more to cut),” she said. “We can’t do that to these departments, and I don’t think he (Moore) has to give us a scenario.”

Jankowski reiterated that it is possible that Council votes to not override the cap, but said that in any event, the citizens of Batavia realize the board’s dilemma.

“They’re angry, but they understand and they are with us,” he said.

Previously, Council Member Robert Bialkowski took a jab at Cuomo and then gave credit to his colleagues and city officials for finding a way to close the monetary gap.

“I’m proud of Council and administration,” he said. “We got the first budget done but then threw it in the trash and started over. The manager and department heads made this happen.”

Bialkowski said the board is “not happy about raising property taxes on ourselves, but the budget now puts the least financial burden on taxpayers.”

During the budget public hearing, City residents David Twichell and John Roach spoke, with the former asking Council to reconsider cutting funds to the youth bureau and the latter suggesting that Council should use money earmarked for the Batavia Development Corporation to instead restore the school resource officer position.

“We have a brand-new youth center on Liberty Street … with 400 (kids) registered to use the facility – twice as much as before,” Twichell said. “What better way to invest our hard-earned tax dollars than to the youth of our community?"

Roach said he understood that Council didn’t see the loss of the VLT money coming and raising taxes by more than 7 percent is “not how you gain popularity.”

He said he is disappointed that the SRO was cut.

“You give $100,000 to pay the salary of a person who is not a city employee (BDC executive director) and not for a second SRO who is going to protect kids,” he said. “I’d rather see a police officer to protect the schools.”

Council Member Al McGinnis, the board liaison to the youth bureau, also said he was against cutting youth programming but said all (departments) have to take the cuts equally.

Bialkowski responded to the BDC suggestion by noting that it would difficult to find a volunteer to work the hours needed to coordinate development projects in the city, singling out the much-anticipated Ellicott Station mixed-use redevelopment initiative.

“Once you start down that road, you might as well leave the community,” he said. “It will be a ghost town.”

Press release:

New York State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon today announced she will convene a wage board for farm laborers that will hold hearings, review and make recommendations regarding overtime work for farm laborers in New York State.

Under the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act, which Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed into law last year, farm laborers are entitled to overtime premium pay as of Jan. 1 for any work that they perform in excess of 60 hours per week, and for work performed on their designated day of rest.

As part of that Act, the wage board will consider and make recommendations as to overtime work and, specifically, will hear testimony about reducing the threshold for overtime below 60 hours per week and whether to do so in phases.

“We worked hard to ensure this bill included the proper labor protections and benefits that our farm laborers are entitled to,” Commissioner Reardon said. “We have an opportunity to improve the quality of life for tens of thousands of farmworkers. Overtime is a key component and we need to get it right.”

Convening the Wage Board

As required by the Act, New York State Labor Commissioner Reardon will convene a wage board with the following members:

• David Fisher, president of the New York Farm Bureau
• Denis Hughes, former president of the New York State AFL-CIO
• Brenda McDuffie, president of the Buffalo Urban League

Under the Act, the wage board must hold at least three hearings at which the public will be afforded an opportunity to provide comments. The board will hold five hearings in various parts of the state. The board will carefully consider the input it gathers from farmers and other stakeholders.

The board has until Dec. 31 to make its recommendations, after which the Commissioner will have 45 days to take administrative action on those recommendations.

Public hearings are scheduled as follows:

• Friday 2/28 – 11 a.m. – Albany – New York State Museum Cultural Education Center, Clark Auditorium, 222 Madison Ave., Albany, NY 12230
• Friday 3/13 – 11 a.m. – Syracuse – Onondaga Community College, Storer Auditorium, 4585 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, NY 13215
• Monday 3/23 – 11 a.m. – Binghamton – Binghamton University, Symposium Hall, Center of Excellence Building Innovative Technology Complex, 45 Murray Hill Road, Vestal, NY 13850
• Thursday 4/16 – 11 a.m. – Long Island – Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738
• Thursday 4/23 – 11 a.m. – Batavia – Genesee Community College, William Stuart Forum, 1 College Road, Batavia, NY 14020

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.47, up 3 cents since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.39. The New York State average is $2.61 – no change from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.52. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.59. (down 1 cent since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.54 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.62 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.55 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Rome -- $2.62 (no change since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.48 (no change since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.61 (no change since last week)

The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline is $2.47 per gallon, which is 3 cents more than last week, 6 cents less than a month ago, and 8 cents more than a year ago.

With many people traveling for midwinter break, demand increased over the past week, which contributed to the spike in national gas prices.

Total national gasoline stocks also decreased last week, so that drop in supply also sent prices up nationally.

Demand will likely fluctuate in coming weeks with spring break travel and peak at Easter week.

Submitted photo and press release:

Following a briefing in Albany by members of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Assemblyman Steve Hawley joined lawmakers from across the state today (Feb. 24) at a press conference to highlight the dangers of the "Green Light Law," which went into effect on Jan. 1.

The law, which a recnt Siena Poll show is opposed by 48 percent of New York voters, allows illegal aliens to apply for a New York State driver’s license. 

Gov. Cuomo and legislative leaders have expressed strong opposition to allowing Customs Border Patrol and U.S. Immigration authorities to access the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) database to improve data sharing efforts.

Genesee County Clerk Michael T. Cianfrini recently wrote to Gov. Cuomo requesting that an amendment be passed allowing Customs Border Patrol to gain access to the DMV database. 

“As egregious and offensive this law is to law-abiding New Yorkers, we shouldn’t be making matters worse by limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities who use this information to keep the country safe,” Hawley said.

“Cooperation and data sharing between law enforcement agencies are key to tracking down and apprehending dangerous individuals and state leaders in New York are putting us all at risk by playing these political games with Washington.

"I am calling on Gov. Cuomo and legislative leaders to work with us to amend this dangerous law before the public’s safety is compromised any further.”

Photo: Assemblyman Steve Hawley, left, listens as Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay speaks at the podium on the dangers of the "Green Light Law."

Press release:

President Donald Trump’s recent endorsement of Republican Chris Jacobs is highlighted in a new radio ad, which will begin airing across the 27th district today (Feb. 24).

President Trump endorsed Jacobs on Tuesday saying, “Chris Jacobs will be a great Congressman who will always fight for the people of New York.”

“I’m grateful for the President’s endorsement and trust,” Jacobs said. “As Democrats like Bernie Sanders and Nate McMurray attempt to drag this country toward socialism, I’m proud to stand with President Trump in the fight to put America first, secure our borders, grow our economy and honor our veterans.”

The ad:

MAN: Who does President Donald Trump support for Congress?

WOMAN: Chris Jacobs.

MAN: Why did President Trump endorse Chris Jacobs?

WOMAN: Because Chris Jacobs will have Trump’s back in Congress.

MAN: Chris Jacobs will vote every time to help President Trump finish building the wall that will secure our southern border.

WOMAN: Chris Jacobs will be on the Trump team in the fight to hold sanctuary cities that hide illegals from federal law enforcement accountable.  

MAN: Chris Jacobs will fight side by side with President Trump to drain the swamp, secure the border and keep our economy growing.

WOMAN: It’s no wonder that President Trump gave Chris Jacobs his complete endorsement, tweeting that Jacobs supports our Make America Great Again agenda.

MAN: President Trump said Jacobs “will continue to Secure our Border. Loves our military, vets and is strong on the 2nd Amendment.”

WOMAN: Cast your first vote for President Trump this year by supporting Chris Jacobs for Congress on April 28th.

JACOBS: I’m Chris Jacobs and I approve this message.

ANNOUNCER: Paid for by Jacobs for Congress.

Submitted photo and press release:

The Rotary Club of Batavia recently blessed Crossroads House with a new snowblower and lawn mower to keep the grounds of their home beautiful in the summer, and safe and snow free in the winter.

Crossroads House Executive Director Jeff Allen and Rotary Club of Batavia President Bob Knipe were on hand to see the new equipment at Cedar Street Sales and Rentals.

“For so many years, we have relied on volunteers and staff with shovels in the winter and used lawn mowers in the summer that often times were held together with duct tape.” Allen said.

“With this wonderful gift from the Rotary Club of Batavia, the great folks who keep up our grounds all year long can do so more efficiently.”

Upon delivery of the equipment Guy Clark, along with sons Adam and Connor, presented Crossroads House with a certificate from Cedar Street providing all parts, labor, maintenance and tune-ups for the new equipment for three years.

“With the added bonus, we only need to pay for gas and that is great for our budget.” Allen added.

Rotary Club of Batavia has partnered with Crossroads House for many years. They provided funds in the recent past to install a vital handicap bathroom.

They also funded an upgrade to the security camera system as well as LED lighting in the parking lot providing peace of mind important to a home that operates 24 hours a day.

Pictured, from left Bob Knipe, Rotary Club of Batavia president; Connor Clark and Guy Clark, Cedar Street Sales and Rentals; Jeff Allen, executive director of Crossroads House.

Republican "Rally for Our Candidates" is Saturday at Dibble Center in Batavia; must RSVP to get breakfast

The 2020 “Republican Rally for Our Candidates” will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, at The Dibble Family Center.

It is located at 4110 West Main Street Road, Batavia.

A continental breakfast will be available to those who RSVP, and it will consist of fruits, bagels, pastries, coffee, etc.

Scheduled participating candidates are:

• Chris Jacobs– U.S. Congress
• Ed Rath II– NYS Senate
• William Sheron– GC Sheriff
• Scott German– GC Treasurer
• Karen Lang  -- GC Coroner
• Adam Palumbo– GC Coroner

To RSVP for breakfast, email Kathy Jasinski at:   kjasinski19@gmail.com

Or call Don and at (585) 356-5135 and leave a message.

Our website host started experiencing technical difficulities today about 9:45 this morning. That's why we were offline until 3 p.m. We're good to go now.

Press release from Senator Michael Ranzenhofer:

Participation in hunting is declining across New York State and much of the nation.

This not only has a dramatic impact on conservation funding but also a negative impact on state revenues. It is important that the state examine ways to both attract and retain hunters.

Expanding opportunities for hunters can help boost state revenue and aid the environment.

The issue of hunters “aging out” is well documented and it is important for New York State to do all it can to reverse this trend.

Expanding crossbow-hunting opportunities and loosening ambulatory hunting requirements would provide thousands of willing hunters the opportunity to continue pursuing their passion.

Current laws regarding ambulatory licenses, require that license holders need permanent assistance to qualify.

That being said, many hunters do not need assistance devices to complete daily activities but are unable to navigate a field or more rugged terrain without assistance.

This reality should be reflected when determining who qualifies for these privileges. If enacted, these proposals would help countless hunters.

In addition to retaining hunters, attracting new hunters is critical.

Lowering the hunting age has long been discussed as the primary way to get youth more engaged at a younger age.

While I do believe that reducing the big game hunting age to 12 would be helpful, hunter apprentice programs should also be examined.

Hunter apprentice programs have proven to be an extremely safe and effective way to introduce more youths to hunting in other states.

With the state facing a $6.1 billion deficit, I believe there is a tremendous opportunity to advance proposals that are positive for hunters as well as generate much needed license revenue and conservation dollars for the state.

I have shared these opinions with the Governor and colleagues in the legislature and will continue to advocate for their adoption.

Supporting hunting helps the environment, supports rural communities and provides license revenue for New York State.