Photo, from left: Legislator Gary Maha, candidate and part-time Batavia City Court Judge Durin Rogers, and Sheriff William Sheron.

Submitted photo and press release:

Durin Rogers, currently a part-time judge for Batavia City Court, has received the endorsements of Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron and former Sheriff and current County Legislator Gary Maha for the full-time City Court judge position that is up for election this year.

In his endorsement letter, Sheriff Sheron said Rogers’ dedication and professionalism were key factors in his decision.

“He [Rogers] is a true professional who is extremely dedicated to his family and our community,” Sheron said. “(He) is readily available all hours of the day and night, including weekends and holidays to fulfill his responsibilities as City Court Judge. He carries out his duties in a fair, impartial, unbiased and ethical manner.”

In closing, Sheron wrote: “[I] have the highest regard for Durin B. Rogers and can assure you he will continue to be an outstanding Batavia City Court Judge. Please join me in supporting Durin B. Rogers for City of Batavia City Court Judge,”

Legislator Maha cited Rogers’ dedication and compassion in his endorsement, noting that Rogers works closely with those involved in the criminal justice system as part-time City Court Judge.

“He is a very dedicated person who acts fairly, objectively and with compassion when adjudicating cases that come before him,” Maha said. “Durin has the experience and temperament to make an excellent full-time City Court judge. I fully endorse his candidacy.”

Rogers has served as the part-time Batavia City Court Judge for more than four years, having been appointed unanimously by Batavia City Council in 2015 and has been a practicing lawyer in Batavia and Genesee County for nearly 25 years.

During his past four years on the bench, Rogers has handled thousands of cases within the court's jurisdiction including civil, criminal, small claims, housing code violations and even matters in the drug court, mental health court and veterans court.

“I am humbled and honored to receive the support of such fine public officials as Bill Sheron and Gary Maha,” Rogers said. “I believe these endorsements will carry tremendous weight with our local community and I am grateful to Sheriff Sheron and Legislator Maha for their kind words.

“I am committed to living up to the standard these endorsements set for the future and if elected as City Court judge, I promise to do my very best to live up to the standards that people like Sheriff Sheron, Legislator Maha and the rest of this great community will expect of me as City Court judge.”

Rogers lives with his wife, Paula, and their four children in the City of Batavia. His family has been longtime residents of the City and are proud to call Batavia their home.

Rogers is committed to the community and has volunteered his time to assist youth sports, mock trial, United Way, GCBA and many other civic boards.

He is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Law; he received his Juris Doctor legal degree from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in Cleveland.

There is a skills mismatch between what local employers need and what the available workforce has to offer, said Teresa Van Son, director of the Job Development Bureau in Genesee County, yesterday following her department review with the Ways and Means Committee.

During the meeting, Van Son said a recent job fair was poorly attended by job seekers.

The county's unemployment rate is historically low -- that may not be a surprise but there are still at least 1,300 people listed as unemployed (using the most recent unemployment statistics). Von Son said she believes there are still people with the ability to work who are not looking for work because there aren't jobs available for them. Meanwhile, there are more than 1,000 job openings in Genesee County listed with the Job Bureau.

To address that, Von Son wants to promote more the job-training opportunities available through the bureau.

"One thing we would like to work on is providing people with additional opportunities for training so people in those early skill level jobs can move up and fill some higher level positions and then you've got more room for the emerging workforce," Van Son said.

County-level data for prime-age workers who aren't working or looking for work is hard to come by, but nationally the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the labor participation rate in that cohort has returned nearly to 2009 levels after hitting a nadir in 2014. The percentage of prime-age workers, people 25-54, in the labor force (they have jobs or are seeking jobs) was 82.2 percent in April compared to 82.8 percent in April 2009 and 80.8 percent in April 2014.

Recently, Von Son said, there has been an increase in agriculture job openings. There are also jobs available in manufacturing.

There are not many people using job bureau services who have recently been out of the workforce and are returning now, Von Son said. In fact, she can think of only two such clients recently.

"Some folks I think just need opportunities to get training," Von Son said.

Today we're officially launching a new series, "The Batavian Sessions."

Though I've recorded a couple of live performances in the past few months and called those videos "The Batavian Sessions," those were really tests of the concept. Last month, we started recording area bands for the launch of this new series. 

I'm a big rockabilly fan and a year or so ago I discovered a series on YouTube called "The Bopflix Sessions." I've watched all 200-plus of those videos, many multiple times. I loved the kind of web-native, intimate and immediate vibe of the videos and those videos, as much as anything, are why you've been seeing a lot more video on The Batavian since November.

We kick off the series with "A" Blues Band performing their original composition, "Shelby Swamp Boogie." 

Here's an invitation to all bands in the region: If you can meet me at an appropriate venue (well lit and quiet) somewhere in Genesee County ready for a live recording of two or three songs, we will include you in "The Batavian Sessions." If you're able and willing, email howard@thebatavian.com.

Brewers and beer lovers from throughout Western New York will converge on Eli Fish Brewing Co. in Batavia this Sunday for the conclusion of Farm-to-Pint Week, a regional event organized by the Buffalo-Niagara Brewers Association.

The event is called a "tap takeover." Brewers from the association who used ingredients grown on Western New York farms will take over the taps with their own beers (Eli Fish will have four of its own beers on tap) from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is open to the public.

The association bills the week as a chance to celebrate the regional brewers and growers who work together to produce some incredible handcrafted beers.

Earlier this week there were events at Resurgence Brewing in Buffalo, Food Truck Tuesday in Buffalo, and tomorrow 42 North Brewing Co. in East Aurora hosts "Full Circle Fest 2019."

The tap takeover event was previously hosted by a brewery in Hamburg, so Eli's brewmasters Adam Burnett and Jon Mager (top photo) said it's a real honor that the association decided to host the event in Batavia this year.

"We think it’s pretty cool that when we offered to host it they didn’t flinch," Burnett said. "I think that speaks to the inclusiveness, that we’re part of the real scene of the Buffalo-Niagara Brewers Association only in our second year. I know a lot more brewers are well established so it’s a sign of respect to be included."

Submitted photo and press release:

Congratulations to the Genesee and Monroe County 4-H Youth Team that competed in the 2019 New York State 4-H Horse Communications Event at Cornell University in Ithaca on Saturday, May 11.

4-H youth from across New York State came together to compete in the NYS 4-H Horse Communications Contest, which is an event for qualifying youth (decided at the Regional Level) to compete and show off public speaking and communication skills.

The event is centered around the horse world, encompassing a wide variety of topics. The communications program offered by 4-H is one of the most beneficial programs, allowing youth to learn and practice public speaking skills that can be used in future.

Representing Genesee and Monroe counties 4-H in the Senior Team Presentation category were, Alexandria Tarbell, of Genesee County (pictured right), and Ella Bohn, of Monroe County. Their presentation was titled "A Bit About Bits" and the girls placed third out five senior team presentations.

Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell University, and the NYS Horse Program are proud of all the youth who participated in this educational event. Congratulations ladies!

For more information regarding local opportunities in 4-H Youth Development call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County at 585-343-3040, ext. 101, or email genesee4h@cornell.edu

Press release:

Spring has arrived, and with it comes Genesee County Farm Bureau’s annual event -- Kinderfarmin'! This year, Kinderfarmin’ is being held Wednesday, June 5th, at Reyncrest Farm in Corfu.

Kinderfarmin’ attracts kindergarten students from every district in Genesee County and brings more than 600 students, as well as, teachers and chaperones together at a local dairy farm for hands-on learning stations and tours.

The event has been happening for more than 40 years and has become a staple for classrooms across our county. This winter, Kinderfarmin’ was even recognized by the American Farm Bureau Federation as an “Event of Excellence."

The bureau partners with more than 15 local businesses and organizations and more than 40 volunteers to provide a unique experience that is both fun and educational for all ages. They aim to highlight all the effort that goes into making our favorite dairy products, like milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, and, of course, ice cream!

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, June 5 Time: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location: Reyncrest Dairy

9666 Allegany Road (Route 77)

Corfu, NY 14036

Notice of Memorial Day events in Le Roy from the Botts-Fiorito American Legion Post #576:

Remembering the War Dead:

Memorial Day services will be conducted on Monday, May 27, at two community cemeteries, starting at Machpelah on North Street at 8 a.m., followed by St. Francis, located on the south side of Exchange Street.

The Post Chaplain will conduct the respective services, followed at each location with a volley by the Firing Squad in recognition of the deceased veterans.

Parade Schedule:

• Parade forms at 9:45 a.m. in the American Legion parking lot, 53 W. Main St.;
• Parade “steps off” at 10:30 a.m. SHARPLY, proceeds to Trigon Park.

Ceremonies at Trigon Park:

• Introduction and “Welcome” by the Post Commander, John Graney;
• Invocation reading by the Post Chaplain, Gary Bassett;
• Singing of the “National Anthem” by Mary Brady;
• Introduction of the 2019 “Poppy Girl” -- Celeste Vescovi;
• Memorial Day Guest Speaker: Town Supervisor Steve Barbeau;
• Dedication of Korean War Veterans Bench -- Lynne Belluscio and John Graney;
• Reading of names and placement of flags for veterans who have passed over the past year;
• Placement of wreath on the Monument -- Commander Graney, Auxiliary President Marlene McCumiskey;
• Musical selections by the Le Roy High School Band;
• Closing with the playing of “Taps” and volley by the Firing Squad;
• Benediction and closing by the Post Chaplain;
• Singing of “God Bless America” led by Mary Brady.

As per tradition, all are cordially invited to the American Legion Post Home, 53 W. Main St. for free hot dogs and a soft drink immediately following the ceremonies.

The best thing that can happen when police are dealing with a person who may be a threat to themselves or others is for a friend or family member to take possession of their firearms, Sheriff William Sheron told members of Genesee County SCOPE on Tuesday night at their monthly meeting at Calvary Baptist Church in Batavia.

If that isn't possible, the new "Red Flag Law" is a good tool for local law enforcement to help ensure people who are a threat don't have easy access to firearms.

Going into the meeting, Sheron said he knew that view wouldn't be popular with SCOPE members and some pushed back.

The new law goes into effect in August. It establishes a procedure for a person who believes a person who owns guns has become a threat to seek a court order requiring the person to surrender the guns to local law enforcement.

Sheron said the new law has ample due-process protections built into it and isn't really any different than police obtaining a warrant to search or seize property. The person seeking the order must provide clear and convincing evidence that the gun owner is a threat. The case goes before a supreme court judge -- in Genesee County, Charles Zambito -- who must agree the evidence is clear and convincing. The person who must give up their guns is entitled to a hearing within three to six days and can appeal any subsequent ruling to a higher court.

“Knowing Judge Zambito, he’s not just going to hand over a piece of paper and say 'we’ll take those guns,' " Sheron said, Zambia will want evidence.

The Sheriff's Office has been very successful over the years, Sheron said, in convincing gun owners who are going through a hard time to turn their guns over to a friend or family member for safekeeping until things cool down, or the person is under less stress, and that is still the default option for deputies, he said.

But that isn't always an option, or a person in distress doesn't want to cooperate, or if the deputy does take the guns, without a court order, the Sheriff's Office must give the owner the guns back upon request, even if there is no evidence the issues have been resolved for the gun owner.

In those cases, the ability of a family member, friend or a deputy to seek a court order to have the guns temporarily confiscated, and prohibit the person from legally acquiring guns, is a useful tool.

SCOPE members expressed concern about due process, about care being taken handling expensive guns, about family members who own their own guns getting those taken, and about the law not being applied as Sheron described it.

Sheron did his best to address each concern, reiterating the due process procedures, the courtesy and professionalism of his deputies, that the order only applies to the person named, and that he believes the court process will protect gun owners from overly zealous anti-gun types.

One SCOPE member suggested that the Sheriff's Office practice of letting a friend or family member take temporary possession of firearms violates the SAFE Act. Sheron said he would have to research it more but added, "we do it all the time."

The SAFE Act restricts the transfer of firearms to other people without going through licensed dealers, except for transfers to spouses or children.

Asked after the meeting if the word "transfer" in the act applied only to a change of ownership of the weapon and not giving it to somebody to hold for a period of time, while the original owner retained ownership, Sheron said that is correct.

(SCOPE is the acronym for Shooters Committee on Political Education.)

Press release:

In an effort to better serve our loyal customers, the Genesee County Motor Vehicle Office (“DMV”) and the Office of the Genesee County Clerk announce the imposition of summer hours.

Starting Tuesday, May 28, and ending Aug. 31, these offices will open to the public at 8 a.m. The DMV will close to the public at the normal closing time of 4 p.m., but will continue to serve any customers in the lobby until 4:30 p.m., and the Clerk’s Office will close at 4:30 p.m.

This change is in response to the high volume of traffic we have experienced in the mornings with customers seeking to complete their transactions before work. It is our hope that this change will prove more convenient to our residents and will help alleviate wait times. Normal operating hours will resume on Sept. 1.

As always, we appreciate the opportunity to serve the public, and thank you for your continued support in renewing locally and keeping your tax dollars in Genesee County.

The membership of Genesee County SCOPE donated a defibrillator to Pastor Bruce Balduf and the Calvary Baptist Church in Batavia during its monthly meeting last night.

The group, which regularly meets at the Galloway Road church, decided to make the donation after a member collapsed during a meeting and members realized that a place were groups of people regularly gather would be a good place to have a defibrillator installed.

"We appreciate you getting this for us," Balduf said. "Now after I preach a particularly stirring message we can revive everybody," which got a laugh from the members. "I don't have to worry about them collapsing in the aisle."

Photo: Legislator John Deleo, who assisted in securing the defibrillator, member Carl Hyde Jr., and Pastor Bruce Balduf.

SCOPE is the acronym for Shooters Committee on Political Education, a civil rights organization focused on the protection and preservation of the right of firearms ownership as guaranteed by the Second Amendment.

A dump truck is reportedly on its side in the area of 13465 Skye Road, Basom, with minor injuries reported.

The driver is said to be out of the vehicle.

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 9:31 a.m.: There doesn't appear to be anything leaking, a chief on scene reports. The truck was apparently hauling material from a house demolition and those contents have spilled out.

The stands are up, the turf is in and it looks like the Batavia Blue Devils will indeed have a new stadium in time for fall football as workers tighten bolts and sew up seams in coming days before the oval track around the field is installed.

The new stadium, replacing the 70-year-old Van Detta Stadium, is part of a $27 million district-wide capital improvement project approved by voters two years ago that includes upgrades at all three school sites.

In recent years, the number of seasonal deputies working during concerts at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center has increased from 10 to 15 and in 2019, 20.

It's not just that there are more concerts at Darien Lake, or the addition of concerts at Batavia Downs has increased demand, Sheriff William Sheron said at yesterday's Public Service Committee meeting. The Sheriff just needs a bigger pool of qualified deputies to draw from to ensure adequate staffing for each event.

There's no additional cost for the county since the cost is offset by fees paid by the concert venue for security on show nights.

Sheron said he wants more officers deputized for concerts because none of the men and women who work the shows on a part-time basis are able to make every show.

"This will give us a bigger pool to draw from," Sheron said.

Seasonal deputies must be sworn peace officers and must live in Genesee County. They can be current or retired Batavia PD or Le Roy PD officers, or retired from the Sheriff's Office or State Police.

Regardless of current or former affiliation, they are sworn in as deputies for their seasonal duty and wear Sheriff's deputies' uniforms.

The Sheriff's Office currently has five deputies going through training and expects five more to start training in the fall to replace deputies who have retired. The retirements have left the Sheriff's Office a bit short staffed, which will mean a little more demand for seasonal deputies at Darien Lake.  

Those who retired from the Sheriff's Office can also help with traffic control since they already have training for the duty at the park.

Deputies also assist with traffic control during concerts at Batavia Downs while Batavia PD handles security inside the venue.

The Sheriff is gearing up for 20 to 25 concerts at Darien Lake and another 10 at Batavia Downs. Concerts also return to the Ridge NY in Le Roy, but Sheron acknowledged there is seldom a need for a law enforcement presence at those shows.

"Each concert venue brings a different client of patrons," Sheron said. "Some of those individuals get rowdy at times and we have issues, but on the other hand we have many concerts where we don't have any difficulties at all; but you still need a police presence."

The Public Service Committee voted unanimously to send the recommendation to the full Legislature for approval.

"Have Mercy, on the people in the street; help them find a way to get back on their feet.

"Have Mercy, on those who would be free; free to work in hope, living peacefully. Oh, have mercy, have mercy on us all; have mercy on us all."

With those words from his song, "Mercy," Canadian rocker Carl Dixon set the tone as the keynote speaker on Saturday night at the Genesee Region USBC bowling association annual banquet at Batavia Downs Gaming.

While not a standout bowler (although he did say that he used to bowl while growing up in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario) – Dixon "struck" a chord with the 90 people in attendance as he shared his road to musical success and the details of a 2008 car accident in Australia, a horrific event that dramatically changed his outlook on life.

Dixon said he was born to perform in front of people, playing piano at the age of 3 and drums and guitar a few years later. He got hooked on rock and roll after buying a 45 of The Guess Who’s "Laughing" and "Undun," and eventually became the lead singer of the legendary group in the 1990s (when Burton Cummings took time off from touring).

His singing, playing and songwriting ability led to fame in Canada as a member of April Wine and Coney Hatch, and he said he was about to join The Guess Who again prior to the late night head-on collision while he was in Australia attempting to patch up problems with his wife at that time and his daughters.

Distraught over his inability to connect with his loved ones, Carl said he forgot that Australians drive on the opposite side of a two-lane country highway and his small car strayed into the other lane and into the path of a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

The force of the crash left him with multiple fractures, a brain injury, lacerated liver and the loss of his right eye.

Although he said he doesn’t remember the accident, the way he described it left no doubt of the severity of the collision.

“He (the other driver) came up at an angle and because he was so much bigger than my car, he came up over the top of the roof of my car and kept going after crushing all down on top of me,” he said. “I just had time, we figure, to get my arm in front of my teeth, which is why I still have my teeth, but the undercarriage of the car going over me, hit this side of my head and tore it all up.”

He said his right arm was pulled out of its socket and was torn into pieces. The impact crushed the side of his head, cheekbones and eye socket. He also had a C-7 fracture of his spine; both legs were badly broken and had many other internal injuries. All told, he had sustained 50 injuries in the space of just two seconds.

“There are a number of factors while I’m still able to stand here tonight and talk at all,” he said, mentioning that he, 49 at the time, was in peak physical condition (he played hockey three times a week right up to the accident) and was a non-smoker and a light drinker.

“My cardiovascular system was able to at least keep things pumping and get me through the crisis on that level,” he said. “Apparently I was still able to form sentences when people first came along, and this is the miraculous part: I’d like to say I must have had a whole squadron of angels watching over me that night.”

Within minutes, on what was a lonely stretch of road at the time of the crash, Carl said that several cars came upon the scene to offer assistance.

As he reflects upon it, Carl said he “takes heart from the many people who have said that God had more for you to do in this world; your work on Earth wasn’t done yet. That’s why you got through that night and the (ensuing) days.”

He said that during his recovery years, things still did not go well with his marriage and he longed for someone to come into his life to share his journey. In 2013, he said he met that person – his wife, Helen, an Australian, who accompanied him at the dinner.

Today, Carl continues to perform, touring with a couple different bands. He said he is booked to return to Batavia Downs on July 5 as part of its concert series and will be performing a tribute to The Guess Who next February at the Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda.

He left his audience with some of the principles that he now lives by.

“Love and connection gets us through everything that life throws at us … and it’s not something that we should turn our backs on ever,” he said. “We should stick together and believe in each other. And when things get tough, we have it in us – our thoughts are the most powerful force in the universe. We can turn our best thoughts toward the problem, and not beat ourselves up.”

"Believe in positive things, turn your energy toward the belief that I’ll get through this. I’ll tell you one thing, after what I’ve been through, anything now – well, I can always say, ‘I’ve seen worse.’ ”

Photo at top -- Carl Dixon speaking at Genesee Region USBC annual banquet Saturday night. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Rotary Club of Batavia group photo by Kevin Carlson of Carlson’s Studio.

Submitted photos and press release:

The Rotary Club of Batavia is celebrating its 100th anniversary and to mark its centennial, the club hosted a gala at Batavia Downs on Friday, May 10, to celebrate its accomplishments and energize for more projects that benefit the community.  

As an organization designed to instill values of community service and professional development, Rotary was founded in 1905 in Chicago. In 1919 the Batavia Rotary Club was chartered with 25 members who pledged to the organization's motto of "Service above Self." 

Now, 100 years later, that commitment remains strong.  The 75 men and women of Batavia Rotary seek to serve others through local community projects and international partnerships.

Rotarians are committed to service, and we're not afraid to dream big and set bold goals, said Laurie Mastin, the current president.

Locally, the Batavia Rotary has contributed more than $700,000 to charitable causes in the Genesee community in the last 20 years. Additionally, it provides $18,000 in scholarships to local college students each year.

On a worldwide scale, Rotary began a fight against polio in 1979 and has reduced that crippling disease to only two countries -- down from 125 in 1988. And we won't stop until we're done and polio is eradicated. Batavia Rotary continues to financially support that campaign and has contributed more than $150,000 over the years to eliminate polio from the Earth. 

In the words of Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary, "We believe we can change the world one life at a time."

Photos below by Paul Figlow for Figlow Productions.