batavia

Five projects in Genesee County are receiving more than $2.1 million in state aid, the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council announced.

The aid is part of $500 million awarded to the council by the Governor's Office.

From the announcement:

Buildout of major sites in Genesee County, including: $1,500,000 to the Town of Alabama to help build water infrastructure to serve the STAMP site; $920,000 total for the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park in Batavia and the Le Roy Food and Technology Park; $750,000 for the soon-to-be built Genesee Biogas facility at the Batavia Agri-Business Park; and $500,000 to revitalize the Newberry Building in Downtown Batavia.

From the announcement:

The Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council (FLREDC) was named an Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI) Best Plan Awardee for its new strategic plan, entitled “United for Success: Finger Lakes Forward.” This means the region will receive $500 million over five years, in addition to economic development funds announced through Round V of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council competition. In total, more than $2 billion in economic development resources was awarded statewide through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative and REDC competition.

“We are proud that Governor Cuomo and New York State have singled out the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council as a ‘best plan awardee’ and that we will receive half a billion dollars to move the region forward,” stated Joel Seligman and Danny Wegman, co-chairs of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council. “This is recognition that Governor Cuomo believes in the Finger Lakes and is giving our region the attention it deserves. With this infusion of funding in our pockets, we are united for success and ready to move our communities forward.”

The Finger Lakes Region’s URI plan consists of three industry clusters, or pillars, that will act as the core drivers of job and output growth: optics, photonics and imaging; agriculture and food production; and next generation manufacturing and technology. 

It's a tough time of the year for people to lose jobs, said Steve Hyde, CEO of the Genesee Economic Development Center, but there is a silver lining on the dark clouds hanging over the Quaker Muller Dairy Plant.

A large dairy processing organization is close to closing a deal to purchase 320,000-square-foot plant, which cost PepsiCo and Muller Group an estimated $200 million to build. 

"We expect it won't take long and they will employ lots of folks," Hyde said. "Probably more than Muller Quaker and it will be good for Western New York dairy farmers."

While details of the plant closing are not available, some sources indicate it won't close immediately, even so, right before Christmas is a hard time to hear you might be out of a job soon, Hyde acknowledged.

"It is a sad day, especially this time of year, and we're all very sad about it, but there is a silver lining," Hyde said.

The GCEDC is already working with the Job Bureau to find suitable replacement jobs for Muller Quaker employees, along with job search assistance and transition training, Hyde said. There may be a job fair to assist workers. Hyde noted there are a lot of local job openings right now.

While Pepsi and Muller made a substantial investment in the plant, they did so with the backing of the state and the local IDA. The state promised Pepsi/Muller some $14 million in tax credits, but those tax credits were contingent on meeting specific job creation goals.

Quaker Muller never went beyond its Phase I goals, which was a bit less than 200 jobs, Hyde said, so the company received "only a fraction" of the anticipated tax credits though Hyde did not have the exact amount of tax credits awarded immediately available.

The project was also eligible for $11 million in tax abatements related to the improvement of the former farm field, mostly in the form of a Payment in Lieu of Taxes on the increase in assessed value. Such tax abatements are not a direct subsidy but are only realized if the project is built and the property tax assessment goes up. The next owner, assuming there is one, will inherit the PILOT.

There were also federal grants that have gone into the creation of Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park that did not directly benefit Quaker Muller, but provided infrastructure, such as sewer and roads, to make the plant construction possible.

Hyde said it's impossible to say, at this point, when this dairy processing organization might complete its acquisition of the plant, but he is optimistic the deal will go through. 

UPDATE 6:15 p.m.: Empire State Development has issued the following statement: “Empire State Development will be working with the new plant owner, DFA (Dairy Farmers of America), to restart operations soon.”

UPDATE 6:20 p.m.: Assemblyman Steve Hawley said he was briefed on the plant closing last night and only recently learned of DFA's purchase plans. He's hoping DFA will rehire the displaced Muller workers. "I'm not sure what the future holds, but we're moving forward and I hope this shutdown is short term." 

UPDATE: Statement from DFA: "DFA has agreed to acquire the Muller-Quaker Dairy Plant in Batavia, NY. The acquisition is a strategic one for DFA as it is in an important milkshed for us. This facility creates multiple potential milk handling and dairy manufacturing opportunities. We are currently exploring these."

Previously: Developing: Muller Quaker plant reportedly closing

Muller Quaker Dairy apparently announced the closing of its Batavia yogurt plant today.  We have not been able to confirm that announcement with the spokeswomen for Muller Quaker.

GCEDC issued this statement a few minutes ago.

“While we are extremely disappointed about today’s announcement by Mueller Quaker Dairy, we are optimistic that the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will continue to play a key role in the agricultural sector in our region, including remaining a major employer.

“The Genesee Agri-Business Park where the facility is located is a community asset and it continues our strategy of building and marketing sites targeting industry clusters. 

“Regardless of this announcement, we will continue to enhance the infrastructure at the Ag-Park in our efforts to bring new jobs and investment to Genesee County in the agricultural sector.

“Our immediate focus in the meantime is to do everything we can to assist the impacted employees.”

Submitted photo of Ken Ball.

By Tim Bojarski, president, UNY-USHWA

Scores of horsemen and women have come and gone over the years at Batavia Downs, but the ever changing look of the local driving colony has had a single, steady constant in its midst that still sends horses postward after 49 years in the business. His name is Ken Ball.

Ball got started in harness racing in 1966 as a second trainer for Eldon Harner. But it wasn’t long before he departed to start his own stable.

The first and probably best owners he ever had were Morris and Betty Miller. They bred and raced a string of horses that bore the “Whiz” name. These horses were stalwarts of his stable for thirty years.

During his time in the business, his most successful horse was Missile T (1:57.2 $313,644). The Master of Style colt was one of the best 2- and 3-year-old male trotters in New York State in 2006 and 2007. The largest purse Ball ever won was the $100,000 Elitist Cup at the Syracuse Mile with Brass Target Sam ($1:56.2 $74,793) in 1990. And the fastest race he ever drove was a 1:56.2 mile with his good Open trotter, Derby Tex Whiz (1:56.2 $125,941), also at the Syracuse Mile.

But the hits didn’t stop there. Ball was also responsible for the careers of Major T Collins (1:59.2 $221,804), PJ Whiz (2:00.2 $161,696), Super Whiz (1:59.4 $142,879), Crescent T Collins (2:02.2 $94,178), Gantry T (1:57.2 $69,923), Tempest Lobell (2:03.2 $63,411), BJ Grattan (2:02.4 $60,035), Chip Rebel (2:02.3 $58,474) and of course, the local legend Mr. Tizwhiz (1:59.3 $48,633).

For his career, Ken Ball drove 1,143 winners that accounted for $3.1 million in purses. On the training side, Ball started 2,337 horses posting 263 wins, 311 seconds and 324 thirds (40 percent in the money) and earned another $1.1 million for those starts.

Ball is still actively training today, but limits his driving to county fairs and an occasional qualifying race. He defers the pari-mutuel lines to his son, Keith, who is continuing the family tradition. Keith Ball is also a Monroe County Sheriff.

Ken Ball still lives in Batavia with his longtime companion Patricia Arnold. But he’s more likely to be found shipping his horses to the track or a fair than at his house. But that’s the only way one could ever put together such an impressive body of work.

Ken Ball will receive his award in the Purple Haze Winner’s Circle at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Dec. 12) during UNY-USHWA’s Night of Distinction.

One vehicle's alleged failure to yield to another led to a three-vehicle collision that included a school bus yesterday afternoon at the intersection of R. Stephen Hawley Drive and Med Tech Drive.

One person suffered a minor injury and was transported to an area hospital.

Cited was Tasha L. Wiltberger, 25, of Buell Street, Batavia. She was also the person injured in the crash.

Wiltberger reportedly stopped at a stop sign facing north from Med Tech Drive while a car driven by Joshua E. McKinsey, 23, of Prestige Crossing, Batavia, was on Hawley Drive.

Wittberger allegedly pulled out in front of McKinsey's vehicle. The two vehicles collided and McKinsey's vehicle then struck a school bus that was stopped at the stop sign on College Road.  

There were a bus driver and eight students, ages 15 to 18, on the school bus.

The accident was reported at 1:06 p.m.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Rachel Diehl.

Jose Maria Agustin, 41, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, and sex offender failure to notify change of address to another state within 10 days. Agustin was arrested following a raid at 6274 Oak Orchard Road, Elba, by members of the Sheriff's Office and Homeland Security. Agustin was found in possession of two allegedly forged instruments and he allegedly failed to notify the Department of Criminal Justice Services of his change of address from another state. He was jailed without bail.

James Cameron Lonergan, 38, of Pries Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with moving from lane unsafely, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, DWI, and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Lonergan was allegedly driving drunk when involved in a property damage accident at 12:38 a.m. Tuesday on West Main Street Road, Batavia. The accident was investigated by Deputy Andrew Hale.

What started out as a daily special has become a daily staple at Settler's Restaurant -- Mac and Cheese.

"We'd see it around other places and thought we would give it a try," said John Spyropoulos. "People love mac and cheese these days. It's kind of a fad. We tried it and people loved it."

The eight-item special mac and cheese menu will be incorporated into the restaurant's regular menu next month, Spyropoulos said. 

"We're already known for our homemade soups and our Greek salads, so if this becomes one more thing we're known for, that's good," Spyropoulos said.

The choices on the menu are:

• Homemade Mac and Cheese
• Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
• Philly Steak Mac and Cheese
• Tomato and Bacon Mac and Cheese
• All-American Mac and Cheese
• Broccoli Mac and Cheese
• Hot Dog Mac and Cheese
• Stinger Mac and Cheese

Settler's regulars might detect a theme to the menu -- the options match many of the recipes on the restaurant's sandwich menu.

John's wife, Miranda, created the cheese sauce (milk, cheddar and American cheese, white pepper and garlic powder), but what really tops off the huge bowl of elbow noodles is the Ritz-cracker crumb topping.

"Now we have to make cheese sauce all the time," Miranda said. "We’re going through gallons and gallons of milk and butter."

H.E. Turner & Co., along with Bohm-Calarco-Smith and Burdett & Sanford, held their annual candlelight rememberance service at Northgate Free Methodist Church in Batavia on Monday evening.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Republican Committee is seeking City Republicans who are interested in being considered for the Committee’s recommendation for Council At-Large.

This position is for the seat soon to be vacated by John Deleo, who was elected as Legislator District #7 in November. The City of Batavia Republican Committee will make a recommendation to City Council with the appointment being made by City Council after Jan. 1.

Letters of interest can be e-mailed to City Republican Chairman Melissa Gaebler at mgaebler83@gmail.com by Dec. 14.

Emily J. Walker, 22, of North Lyon Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, 3rd. Walker allegedly presented a forged doctor's note to a former employer on Nov. 20.

Thomas O. Hart, 64, of Grafton Street, Rochester, is charged with DWI and failure to stop at stop sign. Hart was involved in a single-car accident at 6:39 p.m., Saturday, on West Sweden Road, Bergen. The accident was investigated by Deputy Chad Minuto.

Joseph R. Dux, 27, of Linwood Road, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and failure to keep right. Dux was stopped by Le Roy PD on Wolcott Road at 1:40 a.m., Friday.

Nathen Edward Donald Brege, 23, of South Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on an aggravated unlicensed operation charge.

Heather M. Ace, 24, of State Street Road, Batavia, was arrested for alleged failure to appear and aggravated unlicensed operation.

Timothy J. Corke II, 28, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Corke is accused of shoplifting at Tops market.

Dustin V. Gothard, 27, of Wolcottsville Road, Akron, was arrested on a warrant. Gothard was located by State Police in Lockport and arrested on a warrant out of City Court stemming from an alleged incident in December 2014. Gothard posted $100 cash bail and was released.

Richard Levins, 58, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with deteriorated roof covering. Levins turned himself on a warrant, posted bail and was released.

Ian C. Lawlis, 35, of Central Avenue, was arrested on a warrant stemming from an overnight parking charge. Lawlis posted $100 bail and was released.

James A. Hancock, 46, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with robbery, 2nd, grand larceny, 4th, strangulation, 2nd, aggravated criminal contempt and assault, 3rd. The charged stem from an alleged domestic incident Dec. 1. Hancock was arrested on a warrant at an address on Lewiston Road by officers from Batavia PD and deputies from the Sheriff's Office. He was jailed without bail.

Bethani M. Dibble, 23, of Prospect Avenue, Batavia, is charged with attempted petit larceny. Dibble was arrested after an investigation into a shoplifting complaint at Tops market.

Marlek E. Holmes, 41, no permenant address, is charged with harassment, 2nd, endangering the welfare of a child, and failure to report address change. Holmes was arrested on Dec. 2 on charges stemming from an alleged incident Nov. 8 on Central Avenue. Holmes was spotted on Wood Street by a resident who contacted police. Holmes was located inside a residence with the assistance of Deputy Chris Erion and K-9 Destro and was taken into custody without incident. He was jailed without bail.

Rylie A. Day, 25, of Wyndham Road, Rochester, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Day was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation on May 29.

John C. Orlowski, 18, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Batavia PD responded to a residence on Spruce Street at 6:26 p.m., Wednesday, on an unrelated investigation. Orlowski was allegedly found in possession of marijuana.

Ronald L. Worthington, 45, of Buell Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. He turned himself in and was released on $100 bail.

Elizabeth A. Hicks, 32, of Read Road, Batavia, is charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument. Hicks was allegedly found in possession of a hypodermic instrument during an arrest on an unrelated charge.

Jason P. Wickson, 34, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, criminal contempt, 2nd, aggravated family offense and criminal mischief, 4th. Wickson was allegedly involved in a domestic incident at 7:59 p.m., Wednesday, on Cedar Street, Batavia. Wickson was jailed without bail.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is investigating a telemarketing scam where an “Officer” claiming to be a member of a Police Department in the Dominican Republic has your relative (actual relative name used) in custody. The “Officer” explains your relative is in trouble and needs court costs, legal fees, fines and hospital bills paid, before they are released from a Dominican Republic Jail or allowed to leave the country. The “Officer” then has your inconsolable “relative” placed on the phone to beg for your assistance. The “Officer” advises the only way they accept payment for the debt is with iTunes Gift Cards over the phone.

The Batavia Police Department would like to remind the community during this holiday season to be mindful of this or similar telemarketing scams. Anyone who suspects they have been contacted by this or similar “Officers” are encouraged to file a report at www.IC3.gov or contact the NYS Attorney General’s Office to make a report.

Amy M. Carpenter is accused of the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. On Oct. 18, it is alleged Carpenter drove a 2002 Dodge on Willow Street and State Street in the City of Batavia while intoxicated. In count two of the indictment, she is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree for operating a motor vehicle while she allegedly knew, or had reason to know, that her driver's license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities and did so while allegedly intoxicated. Also, Genesee County District Attorney Lawrence Friedman has filed Special Information, accusing Carpenter of having been convicted of felony DWI previously, on Jan. 27, 2008, and therefore alleging she had knew or had reason to know her driving privilege was suspended or revoked as a result of this conviction.

Daniel J. Vanderjagt is accused of the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. On Aug. 8 in the Town of Darien, it is alleged that Vanderjagt drove a 2014 Ford on Main Park Road while intoxicated. In count two of the indictment, he is accused of DWI, per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 or more at the time.

Frank L. Schiavi is accused of the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree, a Class A-II felony. It is alleged that on May 7 in the City of Batavia, Schiavi knowingly and unlawfully possessed one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures or substances containing a narcotic drug, in this case, cocaine, and that these had an aggregate weight of four ounces or more.

Morgan R. Todd is accused of the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. On June 6, it is alleged that Todd drove a 2011 Volkswagen on Interstate 90 in the Town of Pembroke while intoxicated.

John W. Walsh is accused of the crime of criminal mischief in the third degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 6, having no right to do so nor any reasonable grounds to believe he had such right, he intentionally damaged property of another person in an amount exceeding $250 on Oak Street in the City of Batavia.

Batavia High School Blue Devils faced Mendon in a season home opener Friday night. From the tip off Batavia controlled the ball and scored on their first possession. Batavia jumped out to an 11 to 0 lead and never let go. Batavia was up 25 to 9 at the half.

In the second half Mendon was able to control the ball but the shots did not drop for them and they never really got back into the game. The final score was Batavia 48 Mendon 28

For requests for custom pictures of this game, or to photograph your player at an upcoming game, contact jim@jimburns.org

Click here for slideshow

Yunn-Shan Ma will conduct the Genesee Symphony Orchestra at 4 p.m., Sunday, through a program that includes holiday music and performances by the Oakfield-Alabama School Chorus, directed by Danielle Mileham, and Lars Kirvan on cello.

The program includes Leonard Bernstein's Candide Overture, Dvorak's Silent Woods, Hayden's Cello Concerto No. 1, Rimsky-Korsakov's Selections from the Snow Maiden Suite and the Polar Express Suite, among other numbers.

Ma is one of four guest conductors this season under consideration for a permanent position as conductor of the GSO.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $7 for students, $10 for seniors and family packages are available for $35. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at GeneseeSymphony.com.

To purchase prints, click here.

Residents gathered in Austin Park this evening for an aerial photo of them forming the number 100 on the ground while they held flashlights. The photo was arranged by the Centennial Committee to help wrap up a year marking the 100th anniversary of Batavia's incorporation as a city. The photo was taken with the assistance of City fire, using the department's ladder truck.

We'll have more photos from Christmas in the City later.

Brunch with Santa - Sunday, December 6th • 10am-2pm
The area's best Sunday Brunch made even better with an appearance from this special North Pole guest! Enjoy your brunch favorites, such as a chef-attended omelet station, hand-carved meats, eggs Benedict, Belgian waffles, and seafood-stuffed cod, while celebrating the holidays with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Bring the entire family for this festive holiday treat!* 
$15.95/Adults, $9.95/Children 5-10, 4 & Under Free

Holiday Quick Lunch Buffets -- 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

• Friday, December 11th
• Thursday, December 17th 
• Friday, December 18th 
• Tuesday, December 22nd
• Wednesday, December 23rd

Looking for a last minute way to celebrate the holidays with friends, family, or coworkers? Bring them on down to Terry Hills for a fantastic luncheon! Offering soup, salad, sandwiches, potatoes, vegetables, 2-3 hot entrees, seafood-stuffed cod & dessert -- plus coffee, soda, & tea all for only $10.95/person! *Reservations Required for all holiday events. Call 585-343-0642. 

Holiday Gift Card Sale - Purchase a $50 Restaurant or Golf Course Gift Card, and get a FREE $10 Restaurant Gift Card (limit 5 per person). Gift cards can be purchased online or in-house at:  Terry Hills, 5122 Clinton Street Road (Route 33), Batavia.

Wendy S. Pritchard, 39, of MacArthur Drive, Batavia, is charged with false reporting an incident and providing a false written statement. Pritchard is accused of falsely reporting that a check written to her landlord was stolen and cashed without her permission.

Ajia R. Hasenauer, 22, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Hasenauer was arrested by Le Roy police after a check by a probation officer of her residence allegedly uncovered a quantity of pregabalin, a controlled substance.

Brenda L. Babcock, 31, of West Ave, Brockport, was arrested on a warrant by Le Roy PD. Babcock was wanted in connection with a 2008 charge of issuing a bad check. 

Michael J. Elmore, 24, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Elmore was arrested following an investigation into a trespassing complaint at 6:06 a.m. Monday at an address on Summit Street, Batavia.

Ela Arana, 37, of Chapin Street, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Arana was allegedly observed by Batavia Downs video surveillance staff stealing a phone. Also charged with petit larceny, Luz E. Ramos, 54, of Chapin Street, Rochester.

Jae-Quele M. Tomlin, 21, of East Delavan Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with trespass and harassment, 2nd. Tomlin was arrested following a complaint of a disturbance at Billy Goats, 345 W. Main St., Batavia, at 11 p.m. Friday. Also arrested, Amber D. Blackshear, 21, of East Delavan Avenue, Buffalo, who was charged with assault, 3rd. Blackshear allegedly hit and injured a bouncer. Also arrested, Winston Ashton Lockhart, 20, no permanent address, who was charged with second-degree harassment and trespass.

Barbara Lynn Burns, 51, of Westwind Drive, Rochester, is charged with DWI and refusal to take breath test. Burns was arrested by Deputy James Diehl following a report of a property damage accident at 9:39 p.m. Tuesday at 8315 Park Road, Batavia.

Larson Zane Sundown, 18, of Meadville Road, Basom, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, moving from lane unsafely, unlawful possession of marijuana, failure to stop for a red light on a right turn and driving left of pavement markings. Sundown as stopped by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello on Lewiston Road, Batavia, at 11:53 p.m. Nov. 25.

Most notably, perhaps, Glenn R. Morton was a Genesee County Judge, but in matters of public service, he was so much more than that.

Morton was a former county legislator, a former Genesee Community College trustee and a member of the GCC Foundation Board of Directors, as well as a former supervisor in the Town of Batavia. He was also active in the Lions Club and on the board of the YMCA.

The 81-year-old Morton passed away Tuesday.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m., Dec. 8, at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.

Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Co. is handling arrangements.

For Morton's full obituary, click here.

Pictured above is Batavia chiropractor Dr. Tom Mazurkiewicz and his secretary Brittany Moretti, who are continuing the legacy of Don Carroll.

Mazurkiewicz along with Beth and Brian Kemp from T-Shirts Etc. have joined together to host the annual Toy Drive for Kids at his office, Mazurkiewicz Family Chiropractic 184 Washington Ave., Batavia, this Saturday from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Tom has been involved for more than 25 years helping Don, who asked him to carry the tradition for him and keep it going in his memory. Mazurkiewicz said that anytime between now (during office hours) until the close of Monday, donors are welcome to bring in an unwrapped toys for ages 2 to 15.

If you come to the event this Saturday, he will offer a free chiropractic adjustment at no charge.

Local nurses from Batavia and Oakfield school districts have provided names of 52 children who will receive the gifts at a private party that is hosted by the Kemps.  

For questions, call (585) 343-9316.