Press release:

Genesee County Treasurer Scott D. German announced today (Jan. 20) that he will be seeking a fifth term as County Treasurer in November’s election.

German is in his 27th year in the office, the last 16 of which have been as Treasurer. Among the many accomplishments of the Treasurer’s Office is the extremely successful refinancing of county debt, which saved Genesee County taxpayers more than $1,000,000 in interest expense over six years.

German also hired the firm of Three + One to assist him in maximizing interest earnings while minimizing risk and complying with state regulations. In 2019, German earned more than $1.6 million in interest for the taxpayers. 

As Treasurer, German is the chief fiscal officer and tax enforcement officer for the County. Among a wide range of responsibilities as County Treasurer, German is responsible for: the safeguarding of all county monies; the processing of county payroll; the processing of vendor payments; collection of delinquent taxes; tax foreclosures; maintaining the financial records; overseeing of the independent audit; and working with state and federal auditors.

German hopes the voters of Genesee County return him to office this November so he can continue serving the people of this fine county.

German holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a concentration in Finance from the State University of New York, College at Brockport.

German is a past President (2012) of the New York State County Treasurers and Finance Officers Association; 2016 Finance Officer of the Year and currently serves as one of two New York State delegates to the National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers & Finance Officers.

He is also a member of the 2004 class of Leadership Genesee. German is a lifelong resident of Genesee County.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.55, down 3 cents since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.24. The New York State average is $2.71 – down 1 cent from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.53.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.64 (down 3 cents since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.63 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.68 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.67 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Rome -- $2.69 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.62 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.70 (down 1 cent since last week)

Gas prices have finally started to drop across the region. The usual January decline in prices was stalled due to the situation in the Middle East, which pushed oil prices up.

Today’s national price for a gallon of gasoline is down3 cents while state prices and all regional prices are lower than last week. As long as geopolitical situations don’t escalate, motorists should continue to see more relief at the pump.

January typically brings lower demand for gasoline and winter blend fuel is cheaper to produce.

From GasBuddy:

"With oil prices sagging lately, the door has been opened for a notable decline in U.S. gasoline prices, and that's exactly what has happened, with more declines likely coming ahead of us before the fun is over," said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"The Midwest has been the largest beneficiary of seasonal effects thus far with prices in several areas there declining upwards of 10-15 cents per gallon.

The rest of the country will follow lower for the time being as demand for gasoline remains abysmal and the fuel being produced today will have to eventually be purged from the system over the next few months as refiners begin the transition to summer gasoline."

Press release:

The Working Families Party (WFP), a grassroots party representing the interests of hardworking, everyday Americans, has endorsed Nate McMurray in his bid for Congress in Western New York.

“We are endorsing Nate McMurray because he firmly stands with us on issues that matter to working-class people in America today,” said WFP representative Louisa Pacheco.

“Nate boldly supports protecting immigrants as a marginalized labor force, expanding healthcare for all, and building a country that is for everybody -- not just the rich. We stand with him because he has an expansive and fresh vision for NY-27!”

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be endorsed for the second time by the Working Families Party," McMurray said. "We will win the special election by engaging our strong grassroots partnerships across the region and beyond.

"The good people of WFP will be a critical part of this coalition, help us finish what we started in 2018, and once and for all restore the people's voice in this office."

The Working Families Party is a minor political party founded in 1998 that uses fusion voting to cross endorse candidates on other party lines. Recently, the WFP has garnered national attention with its interviews of the 2020 presidential candidates and endorsement of Elizabeth Warren in the Democratic Primary.

Jake Rosenbeck got locked in early and never let up as he averaged 270 for his five games in the Sunday Rolloffs League at Medina Lanes.

The 33-year-old right-hander fired 258-258-300--816 in the qualifying round of singles handicap league and followed that up with a 534 two-game total in the rolloff portion to place first for the week in Division 1.

The perfect game is Rosenbeck's second USBC-certified 300 (his first came on Nov. 14, 2019) and the 800 series also is his second USBC-certified 800 (he had an 817 series in October 2018).

Elsewhere around the Genesee Region:

Veteran bowlers Jim Passarell and Mike Pettinella had 751 and 741, respectively, in leagues at Oak Orchard Bowl and Mancuso Bowling Center.

Passarell's big series came in the Sneezy's Monday Night League in Albion while Pettinella's came on the first week of the new Turnbull Heating & Air Doubles League in Batavia.

Other high series for the week included Tom Urbanczyk's 746 in the Wednesday Night Misfits at Mancuso's and Frank Jarkiewicz's 738 in the County Line Stone League at Paris Lanes in Oakfield.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

At the Corfu Volunteer Fire Department's annual dinner on Friday night, Ed Fauth, left, who has served actively for 65 years, was named Firefighter of the Year. He's pictured with new chief, Greg Lang.

Lori Stiles was named Service Person of the Year for her help behind the scenes with barbecues, fund drives, fishing raffles, and organizing the annual family picnic. She is pictured with President Steve Rodland, left, and Chief Greg Lang.

Photos and information submitted by Greg Lang.

Jeff Starowitz was named Member of the Year by the South Byron Volunteer Fire Department during an awards and installation dinner Friday night at the South Byron Recreation Hall.

Jennie Starowitz was honored for her 65 years of service to the South Byron department. Pictured in the front row are: Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Theresa Hammer, Bob Fite, Jennie Starowitz and Jeff Starowitz.

Lt. Vito Muoio was named Firefighter of the Year. Chief Brian Hickey, Muoio, and President Dean Bates.

Allie Gurgel completed the most training hours -- while also being a new mother -- in 2019.

Capt. Any Konieczny made it to the scene of the most calls in 2019.

Administrative officers for 2020: Dean Bates, president; Reggie Macdonald, vice president; Theresa Hammer, secretary; Alfred Klycek, treasurer; Bob Fite, membership chair; Al Secash, is Bell Jar chair; Rev. Harold Coller, chaplain.

Firematic officers for 2020: Brian Hickey, chief; Jim McKenzie, deputy chief; Jacob Yasses, asst. chief; Andy Konieczny, captain; Vito Muoio, 1st lieutenant; Jeff Starowitz, 2nd lieutenant; Chase Cone, engineer; Matt Dougherty, fire police captain; Aaron Belluscio, fire police sergeant; and Allie Gurgel, fire police corporal.

Video: Members of the South Byron Volunteer Fire Department reflect on being a volunteer firefighter.

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It's an annual tradition in the Coots family of Pavilion -- the family collects discarded Christmas trees, with friends and neighbors dropping them off or Jesse Coots and his kids hopping in a pickup truck and heading through local neighborhoods rounding them up.

Then one night in the dead of winter, they invite a bunch of friends over for some chili and beverages and set the trees afire. 

Photo courtesy of reader Mary Margaret Ripley.

A fullly involved structure fire is reported in Le Roy at 8707 Lake Street Road. It has gone to a second alarm. Le Roy fire is responding and mutual aid is dispatched from the City of Batavia, Bergen, Stafford, Pavilion and Mumford.

UPDATE 10:14 a.m.: The location is between West Bergen and Randall roads. Town of Batavia Fire Department is asked to fill in at Le Roy's fire hall.

UPDATE 10:28 a.m.: Reader Mary Margaret Ripley says in a text message to The Batavian: "A truck blew up and the back of the building caught (fire), too." The location is Weldon Service & Repair shop.

UPDATE 10:36 a.m.: The fire is out. Overhaul is underway.

UPDATE: Video posted. Chief Tom Wood said the fire appeared to start with the pickup truck parked outside the building. The cause is still under investigation. The fire spread into the building but a quick response by volunteer firefighters helped contain the fire to less than a quarter of the structure. (No interview with Chief Wood in the video due to camera operator error).

Submitted photo and press release:

It was a record-setting night at Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School on Thursday as the community came out to support the Varsity Girls’ Basketball Team’s ninth annual "Shooting For A Cure!" game.

Throughout the evening and early into Friday morning, donations continued to pour in, bringing this year’s fundraising total to $32,520.20.

That exceeds this year's goal of $30,000.

Since the event’s inception, the team has raised more than $150,000 to help with research efforts at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Head Coach Ron Funke and the Pembroke Varsity Girls’ Basketball Team presented the proceeds of "Shooting For A Cure!" to Team Roswell coordinator Mackenzie Giancarlo in the hospital lobby yesterday. It’s a post-game tradition that Coach Funke acknowledges has great meaning to the program.

When asked how much he has seen the game grow, Funke responded, “Well it started nine years ago when my wife was diagnosed (with breast cancer). And some of the girls on the team wanted to do something for her and for me. And it was $4,000 and now it's basically taking on a life of its own as shown by the $32,000 we made this year. So, growth? Wow.”

Toni Funke, wife of Coach Funke and the inspiration for the inaugural game, joined the team at Roswell for the check presentation.

“All the money we have raised in this event is going towards research and there are always new and better treatments and care for cancer patients, so it means the world to me and a lot of other people," Toni Funke said. "The support alone has grown immensely from the event inception to now. Everybody wants to be a part of this game, and for good reason, because it's helping so many people.”

Team Roswell coordinator Giancarlo met the team to receive the donation and had a few remarks to make during the check presentation.

“We are beyond impressed with 'Shooting For A Cure!' here," Giancarlo said. "It’s one of our top school fundraising events that you guys do, and you do it in a basketball game as the whole community comes together. It’s really impressive. Coming together to raise $32,000 is just more than we could ever expect.”

Following the check presentation at Roswell, the team headed to Chef’s restaurant for their annual post-event dinner.

“There are so many factors that add to the success of our 'Shooting for a Cure!' game,” said senior and captain Megan Conibear. “As a team, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish all that we have without the love and support from our community, local business owners, and the faculty and students at Pembroke.

"Getting to walk into Roswell side by side with both Mr. and Mrs. Funke is such an amazing feeling. After we present the check, we get the chance to bond over a delicious meal.”

The team knows "Shooting For A Cure!" would not be possible without the generous support of countless people, including local businesses and merchants such as:

• 26Shirts
• ACES Foundation
• ADPRO Sports
• Batavia Country Club
• Batavia’s Original
• Buttercrumbs Bakery
• Clarence Deli
• Coca-Cola of Rochester
• Crickler Vending Company
• Dollar General
• Dollars for Scholars
• Dry Creek Group
• Fava Brothers Lawn Care
• Five Guys
• Genesee Feeds
• Hershey’s Ice Cream
• Insty-Prints
• JetBlue Airways
• Kingdom Bound
• Knockaround Sunglasses
• Linda’s Family Diner
• Maple Ridge Landscaping
• Mosquito Hunters of Buffalo
• Northtown Automotive
• Oliver’s Candies
• OnCore Golf
• Original Pizza Logs
• Pesci’s Pizza and Wings
• Pillar Real Estate Investors
• Platinum Fitness
• Roswell Park Alliance Foundation
• Sincerely Kayla
• Six Flags Darien Lake
• Southwest Airlines
• Spa at Artemis
• Sweets by Shelby
• Terry Hills Restaurant & Banquet Facility
• Tim Hortons
• Walt Disney World
• West Herr Chevy of Orchard Park
• Yancey’s Fancy -- New York's Artisan Cheese
• and YMCA of Batavia

About Pembroke High School Girls' Varsity Basketball Team

It is comprised of 10 young women. The current team members, their numbers and positions are: 2 -- Serene Calderón, G; 3 -- Isabel Breede, G; 4 -- Brianna Rindell, F; 11 -- Mackenna Johnson, G; 12 -- Dekari Moss, F; 13 -- Casey Wurtz, F; 14 -- Megan Conibear, F; 21 -- Allie Schwerthoffer, G; 32 -- Emily Peters, G; 34 -- Nicole vonKramer, F.

This season’s captains are Megan Conibear, Mackenna Johnson, Casey Wurtz, and Serene Calderón. The Lady Dragons are coached by Ron Funke and Guy Gabbey.

The team colors are green, white, and black. The team began "Shooting For A Cure!" as an annual event during the 2011-2012 season, and they are committed to the hard work and dedication it will take to win the battle against breast cancer.

About Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

According to its website, “All donations made to Roswell Park are managed by the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that ensures that every donation is put to the best possible use. The Alliance Foundation has been recognized numerous times for these efforts.”

For more information about giving to Roswell Park, click here, and go to “Donate.”

The Alexander Fire Department is hosting their annual Valentine’s Steak Dinner & Dance on Saturday, Feb. 15^th, at their Recreation Hall at 10708 Alexander Road, Alexander. 

There will be an open bar from 6:30 to 9 p.m. with dinner at 7 o'clock.

Music by a favorite local band Red Creek!  

Tickets are $25 per person or $45 per couple.

Tickets are limited and must be reserved by calling Heidi at 585-813-6598.

A vehicle has reportedly slid off the roadway on the Thruway in the westbound lane near mile marker 383.7.

A passerby reports it appeared the driver hit his head.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 1:42 p.m.: A second vehicle is off the roadway and into the trees, in the eastbound lane of the Thruway near mile marker 375. Le Roy fire along with Bergen, Le Roy ambulance, and Mercy EMS dispatched.

In Thursday's Scholastic Bowl matches, Batavia and Attica picked up victories.

Batavia scored 230, while Oakfield-Alabama scored 120 and Elba 50.

In the second match, Attica beat Notre Dame 330 to 220.

The Alexander Fire Department will be hosting monthly All You Can Eat Firemen’s Breakfasts on four upcoming Sundays at their Recreation Hall, 10708 Alexander Road, Alexander.

Time is from 8 a.m. to noon on these dates: Jan. 26, Feb. 23, March 29, and April 26.  

Buffet-style breakfast will include: pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, home fries, biscuits with gravy, fruit, real maple syrup, coffee, tea, juice and milk.

Adults $11; children 5-12 years $6; under 5 free.  

Fun for the kids will include an indoor bounce house with themed activities: January “Hawaiian”; February “Mardi Gras”; March “Breakfast with Bunny”; and April “Carnival."

Bring your family and enjoy a relaxing Sunday breakfast!

Submitted photo and information from Genesee Valley Educational Partnership:

Decision Day was held Friday at the Western New York Tech Academy. It is similar to a college signing day.

A total of 10 WNY Tech Academy students were honored for officially declaring the pathways they will pursue as they complete their free applied associate degrees through Genesee Community College.

The students could choose to study Accounting, Food Processing Technology, or Supply Chain Management.

Staff, administrators, business partners and parents attended Decision Day.

The high school juniors who participated are named below, along with their high school and declared paths of study. They are in the top photo.

• Brett Bogardus, of Perry -- Accounting
• Dante Brent, of Attica -- Accounting
• Cameron Durfee, of Attica -- Supply Chain Management
• Nathan Geise, of Warsaw -- Accounting
• Holly Grisewood, of Perry -- Accounting
• Devon Heick, of Byron-Bergen -- Food Processing Technology
• Trevor Pahl, of Pavilion -- Food Processing Technology
• Veronica Shepherd, of Le Roy -- Accounting
• Carl Stachura, Batavia -- Accounting

(Everett Claud, of Perry, is not pictured. He will study Supply Chain Management.)

In addition, the Tech Academy also recognized 12 seniors in Friday's program:

• Collin Aquina, of Oakfield-Alabama -- Supply Chain Management);
• Gabriel Bucknam, of Perry -- Food Processing Technology;
• Stephanie Dibble, of Batavia -- Supply Chain Management;
• Zachary Evert, of Attica -- Supply Chain Management;
• Abigail Hackett, of Pavilion -- Supply Chain Management);
• Evan Harter, of Byron-Bergen -- Accounting;
• Peyton Heesch, of Caledonia-Mumford -- Supply Chain Management;
• Dylan Kipfer, of Attica -- Supply Chain Management;
• Cole Lowery, of Pavilion -- Food Processing Technology;
• Peyton Penders, of Pavilion -- Food Processing Technology;
• Alexis Jade Reed, of Batavia -- Food Processing Technology;
• Jace Hilton Vilinsky, of Avon -- Supply Chain Management.

For more information about the WNY Tech Academy visit wnytechacademy.org

About Western New York Tech Academy

It is a program of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services offering shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York State.

In a home game, Le Roy lost to LCAA D1 rival Livonia 50-44.

Cody Lytle scored 14 points. Andrew Loftus, 12, and Ethan Beswick, nine.

The Knights are now 6-6 on the season.

Also in boys basketball:

• Oakfield beat Wheatland-Chile 69-51
• Batavia lost to Eastridge 66-60
• Elba beat Alexander, 82-66

In girls basketball:

• Batavia beat Sutherland 59-57
• Livonia beat Le Roy 71-41

Photos by Tim McArdle.

Le Roy HS senior Taylor Hutton won the Medical Illustration Award (2D) at the opening reception Friday night at RIT Bevier Gallery for the RIT Art Design Start Here 2020 exhibit. The exhibit runs until Feb. 1.

Photo and info submitted by Tim McArdle.

At the Harvester Center in Batavia yesterday, Ed Rath, a 12-year member of the Erie County Legislature, announced his candidacy for the 61st State Senate, running for the seat that Michael Ranzenhofer will vacate at the end of the year.

Rath attacked the one-party rule of Albany that he said has led to sky-high deficit spending, the passage of one-sided legislation such as the Green Light Law, the farm labor bill, and bail reform.

He said he will work to repeal bail reform and ensure the concerns of upstate residents are presented in Albany.

Rath is attempting to follow the political path of his mother, Mary Lou Rath, who was also once a member of the Erie County Legislature before being elected to the 61st State Senate in 1993, holding the office until her retirement in 2008.

Yesterday, after the press conference, Ed Rath complimented The Batavian on the quality of the questions we asked as did a member of his campaign staff.  We hear that often from elected officials.  We work hard to bring you the most informed political coverage in the county but to keep doing that, we need your support.  Please become a patron today. Please click the supporter button below and subscribe or contribute.

Press release:

“The constituents of NY-27 deserve better, and today provides us the opportunity to close this disappointing chapter and start fresh," said NY-27 candidate Rob Ortt. "This district deserves a faithful and hardworking conservative representing them in Congress, putting the needs of Western New York and America first. I believe I am the candidate best qualified to do so and it is my sincere hope that I’m afforded the opportunity to once again serve my country.”