Press release:

According to Punxsutawney Phil (the beloved groundhog from neighboring Pennsylvania), warmer weather is on its way and Genesee Community College is taking full advantage of an early spring by offering a calendar full of opportunities.

Explore the many different degrees and certificates offered by GCC that increase earning potential and even start a whole new career path.

On Saturday, March 28, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. GCC's Batavia Campus will host an Open House event for students of all ages. Learn why thousands of people across the nation are now choosing community colleges to avoid the crushing student loan debt often incurred at four-year institutions.

GCC's Open House covers the admission and financial aid processes and provides campus-wide tours including College Village and the new communal living with private bedrooms in the recently renovated Birch Hall.

Registration is encouraged and available online here to ensure a spot for GCC's Open House event, which will include:

• 8 a.m. -- Early Registration in Stuart Steiner Theatre
• 8:15 a.m. -- Early Bird Campus Tours
• 8:30 a.m. -- Registration
• 9 a.m. -- Hear from College Admissions, Financial Aid, Student Success Center and Student Activities Representatives*
• 10:15 a.m. -- 11:15 a.m. Academic Fair in the Forum with program faculty
• 10:30 a.m. -- 12 p.m. -- Campus Tours -- including College Village (residence halls)
• 11 a.m. -- 12 p.m. -- Nursing Information Session (optional)

*Presentations will be live-streamed here.

In addition to the Open House event, the College is also hosting specialized Major Exploration Days where attendees will meet with program faculty and dedicated student success coaches specialized to each major, and representatives from Admissions, Financial Aid and Student Activities. Attendees will also be given a tour of the campus and College Village.

Click on the links below to register online.

• March 6 -- Business Administration, Fashion, Science, Engineering, Tourism and Hospitality, and Food Processing Technology
• March 20 -- Law/Paralegal, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Teacher Education
• April 24 -- Healthcare programs including: Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, Sleep Technologist, Respiratory Care, Veterinary Technology and the NEW Health Studies, A.S. 
• May 8 -- Learn about the flexibility of a Liberal Arts degree: Creative and Fine Arts, Digital Arts and Physical Education

Major Exploration Days are scheduled on Fridays from 12 - 3:30 p.m. and start in the Conable Technology Building on GCC's Batavia Campus. These sessions fill up fast, so registration is recommended and available online here under "Major Exploration Days."

Genesee Community College serves over 5,000 students with more than 65 academic programs and certificates. Among the many options are the Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, Food Processing Technology, Theatre Arts and six different healthcare programs including the new Health Studies, A.S. 

Each GCC student is assigned a success coach at the College's Student Success Center, who provides academic and career guidance from the first steps of the admissions process through to graduation including transferring credits to other institutions. The College's robust athletic program is housed in the state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena featuring a fieldhouse, fitness center, Human Performance Lab, press box, as well as coaches' offices and classrooms. 

GCC operates a significant online program and student housing is available at College Village, just a three-minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and innovative technology inside and out of the classroom, SUNY GCC is known for being "high-tech" and "high touch."

GCC also offers classes and training through its Campus Centers located throughout Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties at:

• Albion Campus Center -- 456 West Ave., Albion
• Arcade Campus Center -- 25 Edward St., Arcade
• Dansville Campus Center -- 31 Clara Barton St., Dansville
• Lima Campus Center -- 7285 Gale Road, Lima
• Medina Campus Center -- 11470 Maple Ridge Road, Medina
• Warsaw Campus Center -- 115 Linwood Ave., Warsaw

A fire was reported at a residence in the Westside Mobile Home Park, 4016 W. Main Street Road, lot #6, Batavia. The occupant is still inside. But a Sheriff's deputy on scene reports the occupant says smoke filling the mobile home is due to burnt food and is refusing to go outside. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

A porch fire extending to the second floor is reported at 216 North St., Batavia.

All occupants are reported out of the residence.

City fire on scene. The third platoon is requested to headquarters.

UPDATE 5:10 a.m.: Fire is out, checking for extension.

Press release:

Hops for Hope to benefit the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16, at Eli Fish Brewing Company.

The brewery, located at 109 Main St. in Downtown Batavia, will be releasing a new Hope Lager for the event.

There will be a Cornhole Tournament with prizes and a Yeti Cooler Raffle. Commemorative glasses for the cost of $20 will enter you into a large cash prize drawing! It will be a “Sunday Funday"!

All of the proceeds from the new beer sale, along with the sale of several other items, will go to the foundation, which assists families undergoing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis, provides funding to youth activities through their grant, and supports research for pediatric blood cancers. 

Join us for an afternoon of “Hope” … listening to the music of the OHMS Band, purchasing a commemorative glass, participate in some games, purchase raffle tickets, buy some apparel and just spend a Sunday afternoon with friends. 

Tickets are available at the door for $15 and include live music and appetizer stations provided by Eli Fish. Go to elifishbrewing.com for details or call 585-861-0550 or 585-409-3275 for questions.

Press release:

The GCASA Foundation is accepting applications for its annual scholarship, which is open to Genesee and Orleans County students entering college this fall.

The purpose of the program that awards two $1,000 scholarships – one to a Genesee County resident and one to an Orleans County resident – is to provide financial support to those pursuing their education at an institution of higher learning in the fields of human services or social services and, ultimately, to contribute to improving community health.

Scholarship criteria includes the following:

• The applicant must be accepted at an accredited college or university and enrolled in or matriculated in an eligible program or major;
• Eligible programs include Social Work, Nursing, Health Science, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology and Human Services (and related majors);
• Current GCASA employees, board members and GCASA Foundation board members are not eligible, but relatives of the preceding are eligible.

Applicants are required to provide academic history (high school or college transcripts), two letters of recommendation from someone other than a relative who knows the applicant’s work/volunteer history/academic history, a resume or personal biography including work history, volunteer experience and extra-curricular activities, and an essay that addresses educational and employment objectives as they relate to the mission of GCASA.

Financial need, volunteerism, employment history and civic involvement will be given careful consideration. The recipients will be announced at GCASA’s annual membership meeting on May 20 upon verification of acceptance into an accredited college or university.

GCASA Foundation scholarship applications are posted on the agency’s website – www.gcasa.net.

Completed applications and accompanying documents should be mailed to Diane Klos, Prevention Secretary, GCASA, 430 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020, or emailed to dklos@gcasa.org.

Applications must be postmarked by March 6 if sent in the mail.

File photo of GO ART! Executive Director Gregory Hallock.

The executive director of the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council -- GO ART! -- is battling a rare form of cancer. There will be a raffle and fundraiser on Friday, March 27, to help Gregory Hallock and his family defray medical expenses.

The community is encouraged to help support him and his family during this difficult time.

The benefit for Hallock will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at GO ART!, located in the historic Seymour Building, 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia.

Tickets are $20 each. Only 500 will be sold.

Tickets are available at GO ART! and during business hours at Artic Refrigeration Co. of Batavia, located at 26 Cedar St. in the City of Batavia.

They are also available to buy online through the Batavia Society of Artists, here.

Baskets and an art raffle will also be held -- 10 tickets for $5.

Enter to win a Kegerator and half keg -- a $1,000 retail value. The drawing will be held at 8 o'clock; you need not be present to win.

For more information, contact Stuart McLean at (585) 729-7234 by phoning or texting; or email him at:   smclean17@yahoo.com

GO ART!'s galleries inside Seymour Place are open Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Additional gallery hours and office hours are available by appointment.)

Tavern 2.o.1, located inside Seymour Place, is open from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.

GO ART! was established in 1962 and is dedicated to developing the cultural life in Genesee and Orleans counties by facilitating the creation, presentation and experience of art, heritage and traditions.

For a story about how Hallock has grown the nonprofit GO ART! and raised its profile in the community since taking the helm in July 2017, click here.

Major James M. Hall, a 25-year veteran of the New York State Police has been named the 25^th Troop Commander in the 102-year history of Troop A.

As the Troop A Commander, Hall will oversee all State Police patrol and investigative operations within the eight counties of Western New York for more than 400 sworn and civilian personnel.

Hall began his State Police career in 1994 and rose through the ranks, most recently, serving as Troop A’s BCI Captain. His duties have included: Uniform Trooper, Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain. Additionally, he has served in the Professional Standards Bureau, as well as the Gaming Detail.

Hall received a bachelor's degree in Organizational Management from Houghton College and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Marist College. He is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.

Throughout his career, Major Hall has had the opportunity to work on several high-profile cases during his various assignments. He is committed to public service and comes from a family with a rich history in law enforcement.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors will consider accepting applications for assistance from Borrego Solar for five community solar projects at the GCEDC’s Feb. 6 board meeting.

Borrego Solar is investing approximately $21.6 million, which would generate 22 megawatts of energy for residential and commercial subscribers. The five projects are estimated to generate $2.092 million in revenues to the municipalities and schools where the projects are located.

In the Town of Batavia, Borrego Solar has submitted applications for assistance for three solar farms that would be located at 5230 Batavia-Stafford Townline Road (Elba Central School District), 3104 W. Main Street Road (Pembroke Central School District) and 3232 W. Main Street Road (Pembroke Central School District).

If approved, the proposed Payment In Lieu Of Taxes  -- PILOTs -- for the three Town of Batavia projects are estimated to generate $390,041 in revenues to Genesee County, $433,033 in revenues to the Pembroke Central schools and $318,292 in revenues to the Elba Central schools over 15 years.

In the Town of Pembroke, Borrego Solar has submitted applications for assistance for two solar farms that would be located at 241 Knapp Road East (Akron Central School District) and 241 Knapp Road West (Akron Central School District).

If approved, the proposed PILOTs for the two Town of Pembroke projects are estimated to generate $364,711 in revenues to Genesee County and $586,427 in revenues to the Akron Central schools.

Since all the projects are requesting more than $100,000 in incentives, public hearings will be scheduled for comment and feedback to the requests.

A Meat Raffle to support Batavia High School varsity baseball and softball teams will be held starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 6 at Ascension Parish's Slomba Hall, 17 Sumner St., Batavia.

There will be many raffles and prizes, too.

Tickets are $10 and the price includes a food buffet and beverage. Presale tickets. If any remain, they will be sold at the door on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For groups of eight or more, contact Lori at (585) 409-0452 or email Sue Ryan at:   spryan3412@gmail.com

Any BHS player will have tickets available to sell.

Come out for a great time and support our local teams!

Information from Don Chmielowiec.

The results are in for Groundhog Day 2020, which was yesterday: Punxsutawney Phil could not find his shadow.

And as the legend goes, this means we're in for an early spring.

The Pennsylvania groundhog isn't the only weather-predicting rodent in this curious American tradition, although he's the most famous.

Groundhog Day is a good enough excuse for a wintry get-together at the Batavia home of Don and Cheryl Chmielowiec on East Avenue. This was their 11th annual event, but faux-fur Phil's first appearance there.

Mike Pullinzi debuted the rodent suit he bought off ebay several months ago. It was a big surprise for everyone who attended. Pullinzi revealed his true identity after friends and revelers took their group picture.

"We didn't know who it was for over an hour," says Don Chmielowiec, who had 60 Groundhog Day buttons made and still has two -- which means 58 people attended in 2020.

The Batavia tradition was taken over by the Chmielowiecs from their longtime friend and former city councilman, Dan Snyder.

Sunday was a cold, slushy day of lake effect snowfall and, this being Western New York, today it's 41 degrees and there are some clouds and some sunshine.

That's all the reason an optimist apparently requires to make a definitive statement on the season.

"Spring is here as evidenced by my motorcycle ride this afternoon," Don writes in a text message, ending with a toothy emoji that's laughing so hard it's crying.

UPDATE 4 p.m.: Don Chmielowiec clarified that no costumed groundhog showed up at their party until this year's, so we fixed that in the story. He also sent another picture of faux-fur Phil looking puzzled outside a City of Batavia police patrol car, noting in jest that: "We aren't sure he made it home without getting into trouble though."

Photos courtesy of Marcy Pullinzi.

Above, Marcy Pullinzi and Jacqueline Patterson.

Above, Batavia hosts of a Groundhog Day party, Don and Cheryl Chmielowiec, and their special guest.

Above, Punxsutawney Phil​ seems to ask "What the heck?" We're not sure if he was naughty or not.

Write up and photos submitted by Matt Holman.

The Batavia Ski Team competed in a double race (two runs of Giant Slalom, one run of slalom) on a chilly overcast day at Swain. Saturday was also Senior Day, honoring the skiers of the Class of 2020. 

After a week of missing members due to illness and limited because of injury, the girls' team had a bounce-back day finishing fourth in GS and third in SL. Senior Aubrey Towner (top photo) was the team's top slalom skier, finishing in seventh place with a time of 50.70, 13th in GS. Lily Whiting was the team's top GS finisher at 12th with a combined time of 1:57.13 just ahead of Towner's 1:57.67.

Junior Zach Wagner finished in 12th in GS with a combined time of 1:40.67 and 15th in slalom with a time of 45.13.

Varsity racers will compete on Wednesday at Swain in the last race of the regular season.

The modified team wrapped up their season and the team's top finishers were: Ethan Bradley in 15th in GS and 12th in SL; Elijah Abdella was 13th in SL; Abby Bestine 19th in GS; and Brody Swinehart in 22nd in SL and 21st in GS.

Lily Whiting 

Zach Wagner

The Towner family with Coach Matt Holman.

The Batavia High School Drama Club will present its newest play next month, called "45 Plays for 45 Presidents."

According to Caryn Leigh Wood, musical and drama director, BHS swapped show time slots this academic year and held its musical in the fall, so the play that used to be in December is now in March.

"Basically the play is exactly how it sounds; one scene for each of our 45 presidents," Wood writes in an email. "It is considered experimental, historical, comedy and has some really interesting content."

It is performed in the black box format, the same format as in the past. Seating is limited.

Be advised the play is not intended for children under age 13.

"45 Plays for 45 Presidents" is offered through special arrangment with Playscripts Inc. It was written by Andy Bayiates, Sean Benjamin, Genevra Gallo-Bayiates, Chloe Johnston, and Ken Weinberg.

Shows are in the auditorium at 7 p.m. Friday, March 6th and Saturday, March 7th, with a Sunday matinee and 2 o'clock on March 8.

Tickets in advance are $9 and available here. At the door, they are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.

The school is located at 260 State St. in the City of Batavia.

Press release from AAA: 

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.47, down 5 cents since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.26. The New York State average is $2.66 – down 3 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.49. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.63 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.58 (down 3 cents since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.66 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.62 (down 3 cents since last week)
• Rome -- $2.64 (down 3 cents since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.54 (down 4 cents since last week)
• Watertown - $2.67 (down 2 cents since last week)

Gas prices continue to drop across the country and region. Motorists are using the cheaper winter blend fuel and demand is usually low at this time of year – combine that with higher domestic stock levels and gasoline prices drop. As long as oil prices don’t spike, we should continue to see more savings at the pump.

From GasBuddy:

"For the third straight week, motorists have been greeted by falling gasoline prices in virtually every corner in every city and state in the country," said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "Oil prices continue to sag on worries over the spread of the coronavirus, blowing the door wide open for a continued slump at the pump.

"Nearly 5,000 stations are currently selling gasoline under $2 per gallon, a critical psychological level, while some 17 states have at least one gas station under the mark. For most, there's no signs of the slump slowing, especially with fears of the spread of the Chinese-originating virus continuing to grow.

"Motorists need not be in a rush to fill up again, and with prices plummeting, I would urge them to be mindful that some stations are passing the drops on much faster and to shop around."

Press release:

The campaign of Republican Chris Jacobs launched its first ad today laying out the stakes in the upcoming April 28th special election.

“This race is a clear contrast between Nate McMurray who opposes the President’s border wall, supports Bernie Sanders’ Medicare for All scheme and wants to impose a socialist agenda versus Chris Jacobs, a conservative who will support the Trump agenda, end sanctuary cities and defend New Yorkers from a government takeover of healthcare,” spokesman Christian Chase said. “Conservatives can send Nancy Pelosi a message and Donald Trump a conservative ally on April 28th.” 

The ad:

ANNOUNCER: Immigration, healthcare, taxes.  Three big issues, three big differences in the special election for Congress.

Chris Jacobs stands with President Trump… while Nate McMurray wants to impose the socialist agenda.

Chris Jacobs and Trump will finish building the wall and end sanctuary cities.

Nate McMurray opposes the wall and supports amnesty.

McMurray supports Bernie Sanders socialist Medicare for All Scheme that will take away your health insurance…

Chris Jacobs says no way. Keep your plan, keep your doctor, protect Medicare.

McMurray’s already raised taxes … and voted himself a pay raise.

Chris Jacobs stands strong with President Trump. He’s for the Trump tax cuts, dead set against the socialist schemes.

Chris Jacobs is conservative, he’s on President Trump’s team.

On April 28th send Nancy Pelosi a message and Donald Trump a conservative ally. Vote Chris Jacobs for Congress.

JACOBS: I’m Chris Jacobs, candidate for Congress, and I approve this message. 

ANNOUNCER: Paid for by Jacobs for Congress.

Press release from Stefan I. Mychajliw:

In light of United States, Senator Mitt Romney voting against Donald Trump and in favor of witnesses in the impeachment trial of the President, the Stefan for Congress campaign released Chris Jacobs’ financial support for Romney and fellow moderate Republicans that previously opposed President Trump. The American Conservative Union CPAC conference also refused to invite Romney to their national 2020 gathering.

Chris Jacobs has consistently been on the wrong side of Donald Trump by making numerous political contributions to moderates that opposed the President.

“Chris Jacobs is NY27’s version of Mitt Romney and Jeb Bush. He is an Albany moderate that hurt conservatives by giving to those that opposed President Trump. Chris Jacobs, Mitt Romney, and Jeb Bush are kindred spirits. They’re establishment Republican insiders that cave when asked to stand up for President Trump,” said NY27 Congressional candidate Stefan I. Mychajliw.

According to the Federal Election Commission records below, Chris Jacobs donated the following amount to moderate Republicans that opposed President Trump: Mitt Romney: $5,000, Jeb Bush: $2,700 and Marco Rubio: $2,400.

“Chris Jacobs supports fellow moderates that opposed President Trump. He never gave to Donald Trump. I question the judgment of someone that even donated to disgraced Governor Eliot Spitzer but not President Trump. Jacobs gave to Jeb Bush, but never to Donald Trump. I was proud to volunteer on the Trump campaign in 2016 when it wasn’t popular. I’m a consistent conservative that isn’t claiming to support President Trump just because I want to climb the ladder to a higher elected office,” concluded Mychajliw.

Gerald Richard Soule Jr., 28, of Woodstock Lane, Brockport, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; DWI -- operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more; speeding -- going more than 55 mph; and refusal to take a breath test. Soule was arrested after a traffic stop on Clinton Street Road in Bergen at 1:37 a.m. on Feb. 1. He was given traffic tickets and is to appear in Bergen Town Court on Feb. 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor, assisted by Deputy Jordan Alejandro.

Merrill Phillip Anthony, 46, of Bernd Road, Pavilion, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- first offense; refusal to take a breath test; speed not reasonable and prudent; and failure to obey a traffic control device. At 2:23 a.m. on Jan. 25, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies received a call about a vehicle off the road in the 6900 block of Junction Road in the Town of Pavilion. Upon arrival, they found the driver and sole occupant, Anthony, attempting to drive his vehicle out of a ditch. Upon further investigation, Anthony was arrested on the charges. He is due in Pavilion Town Court on Feb. 4. The case was handled by Deputy Brock Cummins, assisted by Deputy Austin Heberlein.