batavia

Press release:

The City of Batavia is considering applying for Federal grant assistance to help income-eligible, owner-occupied, single-family homeowners with essential home improvements.

If you own a single-family home in need of repairs, please download the survey from the City’s “Useful Links” tab on the City’s homepage at www.batavianewyork.com. Click on Residential Rehabilitation Survey. Or you may pick up a survey in the City Manager’s office at City Hall.

Grant money would enable homeowners to make home repairs with grant and low-interest loan funding.

The City of Batavia is requesting your full cooperation to help us obtain housing rehabilitation grant funding. Please complete and mail in or drop off the surveys to the City Manager’s Office, One Batavia City Centre, Batavia, New York, 14020.

If you have any questions please contact the City Manager’s office at 585-345-6330. 

Over his 28 years in law enforcement, Kris Kautz has helped a lot of people and that's the best part of the job.

Mostly, it's about helping the victims of crime, mainly by finding the people who stole from them or harmed them or a member of their families.

But sometimes it's helping those same criminals get their lives turned around.

Now he's moving on to a job he thinks will be just as gratifying -- a security aide for Batavia City Schools.

"It’s a more laid-back position, obviously, but I’m looking forward to it, working with the kids and the school seems awesome," said Kautz, whose last day with the Sheriff's Office was Friday.

Kautz started with the department in 1988, three years after earning an associate degree in criminal justice at GCC.

"After I graduated, I realized to get those jobs, I would need to take exams," Kautz said. "That’s a good theory, I think. Do well on the exam and you should be a good candidate. Unfortunately, I wasn’t a very good test taker. I took many exams before I actually got a phone call. It was almost three full years before I got a job offer, and then, of course, I got three decent job offers within a month-and-a-half. Luckily, this job was one of them and it was really the job I was hoping for, so I accepted the position as a deputy."

Kautz was on road patrol for five years when he was promoted to investigator, the job he wanted all along.

He said he's been fortunate to stay in that position for 23 years, but now it's time to move on.

"You do reach a burnout factor," Kautz said. "I've probably reached the end of my shelf life. I'm not embarrassed to say that. I like to think I’ve done my part and it’s time to move on."

Leaving now isn't without its drawbacks. There are unsolved cases Kautz wishes were closed during his time in the investigator's office

"Those are kind of a sore spot," Kautz said. "Sometimes you know who you think did it, and you’re really close to solving it, but you just don’t have that extra piece."

Among the unsolved cases, Kautz worked are on is the Fickel murder.

"We worked long and hard on that for many, many months after that happened and unfortunately, the leads kind of started drying out and obvious we had another case load we needed to attend to," Kautz said. "It doesn’t get the attention we wish it would. We don’t have the luxury of having a quote-unquote 'homicide division' or 'burglary task force' or a 'sex crimes team.' "

Kautz leaves with cases pending, but there is a person of interest and some solid evidence that might one day hold up in court, but it will be up to other investigators to uncover the piece of evidence that wraps things up.

"We have been actively pursuing it and we’re just kind of crossing our fingers that maybe that one little piece of the puzzle we don’t have yet might show up one of these days," Kautz said.

(If you have information that might assist in the case, contact the Genesee County Sheriff's Office at (585) 343-5000.)

Much has changed over 23 years in how investigators do their jobs. There is new technology and new techniques, but the basics remain the same -- gather evidence, safeguard it, ask questions, test answers and build a case.

"I'm not saying it (new technology) has made it easier to solve cases, but it's really solidified convictions," Kautz said. "When there is a fingerprint or DNA evidence at a crime scene, you can't dispute it. You have a hard time explaining that away when you're a defendant."

Too many cases, just by the nature of things, go unsolved, but when they are solved, it's a great feeling, he said, especially when you see the satisfaction on the faces of the victims.

"It’s all about the victims because when you come home after working a hard day, working an honest job, and come home and your door is kicked in and your TV and your family heirlooms are gone, you’re furious and it's devastating," Kautz said. "That’s where the cops come in and do their best to solve it and it’s very, very, very gratifying when you do solve it for them."

And sometimes, solving a crime helps another person improve their own lives, and that's a good feeling, too, Kautz said.

"People always say this is the best job in the world and I really think that," Kautz said. "You really have a chance to make a difference for people, in people’s lives, not only making it right for the victims but also maybe contributing to the improvement of some of the defendants' lives. Maybe getting arrested can often be a positive thing in the long run for somebody. They know they screwed up. They know they’ve got problems. They know they’ve got things they need to address. Sometimes getting arrested will be that last little push they need to really get their lives straightened out."

Photo: Kris Kautz with his family, wife Susan, and daughters Kelsey, Adeline and Ella.

A two-car accident is reported in the area of 112 W. Main St., Batavia.

One person suffered a possible neck injury.

City fre and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 10:52 a.m.: One patient transported to UMMC for evaluation.

Photo and story via our news partner, WBTA.

R. Stephen Hawley, who was 94 years old, died early this morning in Arizona.

Before his retirement, he had been elected to 10 terms in the New York State Assembly, serving 20 years beginning in 1973.

Hawley, a World War II Veteran, was a 1939 graduate of Batavia High School and at the beginning of his political career owned a family farm in Batavia.

Since 2006, Hawley’s son Steven M. Hawley has taken up his mantle of local representation in the State Assembly.

Jacob M. Twardowski, 22, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment, endangering the welfare of a child and third-degree menacing. He was arrested at midnight on Aug. 24 following a domestic incident at his residence. He was transported to City Court, arraigned and released. He is due in City Court on Sept. 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Cassandra L. Brunea, 43, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 12:56 p.m. on State Street following a disturbance. It is alleged that during the incident Brunea subjected another person to unwanted physical contact by spitting on the person. She was issued an appearance ticket and released. She is due in City Court on Sept. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Michael S. Klotzbach, 29, of Boyce Road, Pembroke, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 23 after a physical altercation with an acquaintance. He was issued a computer-generated appearance ticket for City Court on Aug. 29. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan.

Fifth-grade Student & Parent Orientation

Batavia Middle School, located at 96 Ross St. in the City of Batavia, will have a brief orientation program at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30, in the Batavia Middle School Auditorium for fifth-grade students and parents.

Students will have the opportunity to purchase their locks. This will give fifth-graders an opportunity to practice, at home, before school starts. Please bring $4.50 for your child's lock. Exact change is always appreciated. If you choose to write a check, please make it payable to: Batavia City School District.

We will review the schedule for Connect Day (on Sept. 7th) and parents and students will receive some helpful materials.

It is not necessary to bring any school supplies with you at this time. Do, however, complete and bring with you the Emergency Go Home Plan, which will be mailed home with your child's teacher/homeroom assignment.

Come and get acquainted ~ We look forward to working with you as your child transitions to Middle School. If you have any questions, please call Julia Rogers, House Administrator at (585) 343-2480, ext. 3001, or at (585) 201-3389.

Transfer Student Orientation

All students in grades 6-8 who are transferring to Batavia Middle School are invited to attend an orientation program at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30, in the Middle School Auditorium. The program will include an overview of our Middle School and will be followed by a building tour. School counselors will be available for students and parents.

The Batavia Blue Devils hosted the Batavia Bulldawgs (Minis, ages 8-9) at Van Detta Stadium on Wednesday night for the annual scrimmage between the two teams.

Jericka, lead singer for the local Christian band Salt of Earth, sings during the opening of Batavia's Great Tabernacle, a three-day event of music and worship at the Genesee County Fairgrounds.

The event continues tonight with free performances by Jim Drew and Jason Upton, and with speakers each night, tonight is Pastor Kevin Traux.

Last night's guest speaker was Tim Bennett, and Robin Mark performed.

Rep. Chris Collins hosted members of his Agriculture Advisory Committee -- local farmers and people involved in the local ag industry -- at Genesee Community College yesterday for a briefing on issues at the federal level affecting agriculture.

Collins noted that while he's not on the Ag Committee in Congress, he is on a committee with key oversight of a number of issues that affect agriculture.

"I am on Energy and Commerce, a more powerful committee, with oversight over the EPA and FDA," Collins said. "It’s certainly a good place to be."

Collins also addressed the issue of immigration, an important issue to farmers who, in recent years, have struggled to fill their farm labor force.

The NY-27th's representative is one of the few members of Congress to endorse Donald Trump for president and until this past week, Trump was calling for the deportation of 11 million immigrants who may have entered the country illegally. In the past week, Trump modified his position and is no longer promising to deport migrant workers living in the United States peacefully. 

Collins said the shift reflects Trump growing into the job of presidential candidate and one who is open to discussion.

"We will secure the borders and make sure the workforce that many of you have do have legal work papers and can figure out visas and other things that might ensure you’re not short of help," Collins said. "I think that’s a positive."

Mark Zittel, from Erie County, who brought samples of some of the produce he grows.

Collins staff member Jeff Freeland.

Joey Williams and Marcell Taylor, friends from Albion, started talking about opening a business together six years ago, when Williams was still in high school.

A few weeks ago, it all finally came together when they opened Clean Cut Barbershop at 466 Ellicott St., Batavia.

"The most ironic part is he's actually the one who got me into barbering," Williams said. "I used to do it as a hobby and he told me, 'dude, I think you can get pretty serious about this. Let's go check out a school.'

"Once you start cutting a couple of people in the neighborhood, the kids started talking and the word gets around," Williams added. "I didn’t really take it serious at first and then I graduated high school and that’s when he was like, let’s get a move on things."

Williams started barbering school and Taylor, who had completed his training in cosmetology at Continental School of Beauty in Batavia, honed his craft working in the basement of his mother's house.

After a couple of years, Taylor was ready to open a shop, but Williams wasn't quite there yet, so Taylor went ahead and opened up on his own in Albion. The process was on-the-job training for starting and running a business, so after Williams apprenticed in Brockport for a couple of years, he told Williams it was time to get going on their plans. 

It was up to Williams to find the location.

"I told him as long as you can do some quality cuts and get some good barbers in here, I can take care of the paperwork and everything," said Taylor, who describes himself as as "an entrepreneur by day and by night," and he's also a partner in Taylor and Taylor Consulting, an accounting firm.

They picked Batavia because it's a big enough city that is centrally located and they think there is open space for a barbershop that offers modern haircuts.

They also want to grow a business that has an impact on the local community. Their shop is more than a barbershop. They have a pool table and are planning to bring in TVs with video games where they can host Madden tournaments and perhaps erect a basketball hoop in the parking lot.

"It’s all just a way to bring kids together and kind of get away from all the negativity that is out there," Williams said. "We want to offer different activities that help kids stay out of trouble. We both come from a background where it was a struggle to find programs for youth and we see a need out there."

Taylor said they hope they can be a positive influence that shows kids they can accomplish things in life.

"We want to help the youth out there know that there is a future out there beyond what maybe they know right now," Taylor said.

Joshua D. Murphy, 30, of Pleasant Street, Le Roy, was arrested on Aug. 23 by the Le Roy Police Department. Murphy was charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor. Murphy was arrested following the investigation of a child who had been struck in the ribs. Murphy allegedly struck a 20-month-old child in the ribs on Aug. 13. Murphy was issued an appearance ticket on the charge and is due in the Le Roy Town Court on Sept. 26 to answer to the charge.

Kenisha A. Thomas, 18, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on Aug. 14 by the Le Roy Police Department. Thomas was charged with: two counts of criminal mischief in the 4th degree, a Class A misdemeanor; one count of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor; and second-degree harassment, a violation. Thomas was arrested following a larceny complaint at the Beautiful Kitchen Chinese restaurant on West Main Street. Thomas allegedly stole a tip jar from the counter of the establishment, which had approximately $60 inside. While fleeing the scene, Thomas allegedly damaged the exit door and struck an employee in the face. Thomas was arraigned and is being held at the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $200 cash bail or $400 bond. Thomas is to return to the Le Roy Town Court on Sept. 6 to answer to the charges.

Jon Roblee, 40, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment, resisting arrest and unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested on the charges following an incident on Aug. 16 that originally occurred at 10 p.m. on Oak Street in Batavia. He allegedly pushed a subject at that location but left prior to arrival of police. Patrols later located Roblee on Bank Street and attempted to take him into custody. He allegedly resisted but was eventually subdued and arrested. He was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana. He was arraigned and jailed on $2,500 cash/bond. Roblee was due back in City Court on Aug. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

Nicole R. Elmore, 28, of Erie Street, Le Roy, was arrested on Aug. 22 by the Le Roy Police Department. Elmore was charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor. Elmore was arrested after she allegedly allowed a child to be in the area of numerous items of drug paraphernalia in her residence. Elmore was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. Elmore is to return to the Le Roy Town Court on Sept. 6 to answer to the charge.

Jason A. McFollins, 39, of Union Street, Batavia, is charged with: DWI; open container of alcohol; obstructed vision; aggravated unlicensed operation -- previous conviction; and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more -- first offense. McFollins was arrested at 2:05 a.m. on Aug. 14 on Olyn Avenue in Batavia for allegedly operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

Jonathan H. Wincott, 22, Gilbert Lane, Plainview, is charged with: refusal to take a breath test; speeding; unlawful possession of marijuana; and driving while ability impaired by drugs. He was arrested at 12:18 a.m. on Aug. 16 following an investigation into a traffic violation that occurred on East Main Street in Batavia a short time earlier. Wincott was processed at BPD headquarters and given several traffic tickets and an appearance ticket for City Court on Aug. 31. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Dianna Leon, 18, of Richmond Avenue, Batavia, turned herself in at city police headquarters on a bench warrant. It was issued because she failed to appear in court on a driving-while-ability-impaired charge stemming from a hit-and-run accident on Ellicott Street in Batavia on Halloween 2014. She posted $250 cash bail and was issued a computer-generated appearance ticket. She was due in City Court on Tuesday (Aug. 23). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze.

Patrick Neaverth, 35, no permanent address, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt and second-degree burglary. On Aug. 13, Batavia PD was dispatched to a Kingsbury Avenue address for a report of a male lying on the floor of an enclosed porch. Police found Neaverth in the enclosed porch. The female resident has a valid order of protection against the defendant out of City Court. He was arrested and jailed without bail. He was due in City Court on Aug. 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Matthew Joseph Engert, 25, of Geddes Street, Holley, was arrested Aug. 8 on a bench warrant out of City Court for allegedly failing to appear on a charge of aggravated harassment. He was jailed in lieu of $2,000 cash or $4,000 bond and was due in City Court Aug. 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Sgt. Jason Davis.

Darryl Simone Robinson, 52, of East Main Street, Batavia, turned himself in on a City Court bench warrant on Aug. 16. Robinson allegedly failed to pay a fine on Aug. 3 on an unnecessary noise conviction. Robinson was arraigned on the warrant then released on his own recognizance. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Tyanna D. Green, 21, of Walnut Street, Batavia, was arrested on Aug. 16 on two bench warrants -- one for failure to appear in court, the other for failing to pay a fine from two separate incidents. Green was arraigned and the judge also signed and executed a warrant for violation of Probation. Green was jailed in lieu of $5,000 bail and was due back in City Court on Aug. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Gina L. Avino, 41, of Haven Lane, Batavia, was turned over to BPD by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on Aug. 19 on a bench warrant out of City Court. Avino was arraigned and jailed on $250 cash bail or bond and is due in City Court today. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Cody Moore, 27, no permanent address, was arrested on a bench warrant Aug. 22. He allegedly failed to appear in Batavia City Court to answer charges of traffic violations. Moore was arraigned and put in GC County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash bail. He is due in City Court on Aug. 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Sgt. Jason Davis, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Jordan G. Merica, 24, of Main Road, Stafford, was arrested at 9:46 p.m. on Aug. 20 after being located in Kibbe Park in Batavia after hours and allegedly in possession of marijuana. Merica is due in City Court on Aug. 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Press release:

Don’t miss out! Spots for the GLOW’s 2016 Household Hazardous/Pharmaceutical Waste Collection Event are going fast. Residents who want to dispose of materials at the Saturday, Sept. 17, collection in Batavia must have an appointment in order to attend.

GLOW accepts a wide range of household chemicals, oil base paint, home computers (NOTE LIMIT OF TWO (2) CRT TVs AND/OR MONITORS PER REGISTRANT), propane tanks and canisters, vehicle batteries and other materials. Microwave ovens and for the seventh year, thanks to the assistance of the Genesee County Sheriff’s office, pharmaceuticals (unwanted, outdated, unusable and over-the-counter medicines) will be accepted. These materials are accepted FREE OF CHARGE. There is a nominal fee for tires.

Funding is provided by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), GLOW’s county contributions and Covanta Energy.

This is a great opportunity for residents to dispose of household chemicals and medicines they no longer want or need. Past collections have resulted in the safe and legal disposal of thousands of tires, thousands of gallons of solvents, cleaning products and paint, not to mention vehicle batteries, propane tanks and computers. Whenever possible materials collected are recycled.

The collection is open to residents in Genesee, Livingston and Wyoming counties. To make an appointment residents are asked to call the GLOW office at 585/815-7906 or 800/836-1154, or email glow@co.genesee.ny.us

City fire is being dispatched to 212 N. Spruce St. for what could be a brush fire in the woods behind the apartment complex, or it could be a campfire.

UPDATE 10:05 a.m.: It's a small, outdoor cooking fire. No word yet on whether it was attended. The fire was put out.

A car vs. bicycle accident is reported at 505 E. Main St. and the bicyclist is said to be lying in the roadway. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 7:32 p.m.: A 14-year-old male who was the bicyclist is being transported to UMMC with a complaint of right knee pain. He was boarded and collared as a precaution, according to a medic.

Press release:

The two new facilities under construction at Genesee Community College are beginning to take shape and both projects are on schedule to be completed next summer, the College's Board of Trustees learned at its monthly meeting following a project tour. 

The structural steel is rising on the new 18,478-square-foot, two-story Student Success Center, which will connect to the existing Conable Technology Building through a second-story bridge. As the new "front door" of the Batavia Campus, the Student Success Center will partially enclose the College's central clock tower quad and provide a one-stop service center for students seeking admissions, financial aid, academic advisement, as well as job and career counseling. 

The site work for the new, 56,614-square-foot Richard C. Call Arena continues with the structural steel anticipated in the coming two or three weeks. Located adjacent to the Soccer and Lacrosse Turf Field at the far west side of campus, the new facility will be the largest open public space in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties and is expected to draw as many as 500,000 visitors to the campus each year. The large arena will not only accommodate an array of athletic competitions, but all kinds of civic, community, trade, industry as well as college events -- from farm, boat and tractor shows to commencement ceremonies where a whole family can sit together. 

Combined, the two projects make up the largest component of a nearly $25-million overall capital project. 

In other business, the Board of Trustees:

• Heard a report from Barbara Sadden, director of the Upward Bound program, which is celebrating its 32nd year as part the federally funded TRiO Program. Through a partnership between Genesee Community College and numerous area secondary schools, the program serves students in Genesee and Wyoming counties from low-income families and/or families where neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. Upward Bound provides these students with year-round academic instruction, tutoring, counseling, mentoring, cultural enrichment, work-study programs and other activities all focused on increasing their likelihood of graduating from high school and enrolling in a college or university. Since 1984 when the program was introduced, 1,671 students have been served, and Upward Bound students have successfully enrolled in more than 24 different colleges and universities. In addition, as high school students enrolled in GCC's Accelerated College Enrollment Program, Upward Bound students have taken 324 college credits. 

• Approved President James Sunser's report on the reaffirming of the following College policies with minor revisions: Use of Equipment (5006), On-Campus Sales (5007), Parking Regulations (5008), External Support of Research and Development Activities (5010), Process for Independent Auditing Services (5011), Purchasing Policy (5015) and Petty Cash (5016). 

• Appointed the Board of Trustee committee assignments as follows: Buildings & Grounds -- Donna Ferry (chair), Peter Call, Maureen Marshall, Laurie Miller and Jacalyn Whiting; Personnel -- Laurie Miller (chair), Benjamin Bonarigo, Robert Boyce, Maureen Marshall, and Diane Torcello; Policy -- Benjamin Bonarigo (chair) and Jacalyn Whiting; Finance -- Peter Call (chair), Donna Ferry and Diane Torcello; NYCCT -- Donna Ferry; Foundation -- Robert Boyce, Peter Call, and Jacalyn Whiting; GCC Association -- Laurie Miller; Nominating -- Donna Ferry (chair) and Robert Boyce.

• Heard President Sunser report on the following new personnel appointments:

• Laurel Sanger, will begin as the new director of GCC's Nursing program on Sept. 5. She leaves Monroe Community College after nearly 20 years of experience as the dean of Science, Health and Business, the chair of the Nursing department and a nursing instructor. She earned two master's degrees, in Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and Public Administration from Nazareth College and The College at Brockport, respectively. She resides in Rochester.

Other new Nursing program instructional staff include: 

• Crystal Shelanskey earned her master's degree in Nursing Education from Roberts Wesleyan College, and has been clinical adjunct instructor at GCC for three years and a visiting nurse in the Rochester area performing in-home patient support. She resides in Rochester.
• Beth Felix also earned her master's degree in Nursing Education from Roberts Wesleyan College. She has worked as a clinical instructor for both GCC and MCC and currently works as an intensive care RN in the Rochester Regional Health System. She resides in Rochester.
• Sabrina Schwartz is a 2010 graduate of GCC's Nursing Program and earned her master's degree from SUNY-IT Utica. She has worked in a variety of nursing specialties including clinical teaching, in-service and telehealth, and has three years of maternity experience. She currently is a per diem nurse in maternity and newborn nursing. She resides in Newfane.
• Mary Dixon is a 1984 graduate of GCC's Nursing Program and earned her master's degree in Nursing Education from St. John's Fisher College. She has since served as an adjunct nursing instructor at both institutions. As a certified oncology nurse, she currently practices oncology and hematology nursing. She resides in Batavia.

Press release from the city Department of Public Works:

Paving operations are scheduled to begin on Washington Avenue and Jefferson Avenue with pavement milling on Thursday, Aug. 25, and work continuing through next week until the new pavement is completed.

The paving aspect of this project includes Washington Avenue in its entirety and the northern end of Jefferson Avenue.

Traffic delays can be expected during this phase of contruction and alternate routes should be used when possible.

Photo provided by GCC. Award winners -- all wearing medals around their necks -- are pictured from left: Michelle A. Peck, M. Richard Dudkowski, Rafael Alicia-Maldonado, Ph.D, Karen Huffman, Ph.D, Carol Marriott, Pamela N. Lusk, Edward J. Grabowski, and Karen K. Wicka. (Not shown: Roxanne M. Holthaus.) GCC President James Sunser is standing in back in the center. Chair of GCC's Board of Trustees Laura Bohm is standing in front with her hands clasped together. 

Press release:

Nine members of the Genesee Community College faculty and staff, two of whom live in Genesee County, have been recognized by State University of New York Chancellor Nancy Zimpher for outstanding contributions to their profession, the campus and the community. The Chancellor's Award for Excellence is given in recognition of consistently superior professional achievement and encourages the ongoing pursuit of excellence.

The following GCC faculty and staff members earned the 2016 award and were honored at a reception on the Batavia Campus Thursday, Aug. 18, in the Stuart Steiner Theatre.

Award for Excellence in Teaching

***Roxanne M. Holthaus, Assistant Professor, Nursing – Holthaus joined GCC as a full-time faculty member in 2009. With over 16 years of experience, both as a highly engaged registered nurse and a family nurse practitioner in a university setting, Holthaus was promoted by the College to the rank of assistant professor of Nursing in 2015. She earned a bachelor's degree in Biology from SUNY Binghamton and a bachelor's and master's degree in Nursing from the University of Rochester School of Nursing. Entirely dedicated to the success of her students, Holthaus is the coordinator and point of contact for the "Nursing Boot Camp" program, a series of clinical lab and simulation exercises run for two to three nights during the months of July and/or August, as a means of helping students maintain their nursing skill set during the semester break. In the classroom, Holthaus uses multiple techniques to enhance the learning environment and believes that all students enrolled in the nursing program have the right to learn and the chance to be successful. She believes that students need to be reached where and how they learn best, which means understanding that the same approach will not work for all. ***Holthaus resides in Le Roy.

Karen K. Wicka, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice – Wicka was an attorney who left the practice of law to pursue her passion of teaching. She began her time at GCC as an adjunct professor of criminal justice in 2001 and was hired as a full-time instructor in 2008. As of 2012, Wicka has held the title of assistant professor. In addition to classroom learning, she has taken an active role in promoting learning through other school activities, including the Criminal Justice Club which she is a co-advisor for. Within the club, Wicka aids students in running various activities and events which help them learn more about and participate in the criminal justice field. She has also inspired in students to give back to the community through various service activities such as raising money for the Genesee County K-9. Wicka obtained a bachelor's degree in Political Science from SUNY Potsdam before earning a juris doctorate from Albany Law School of Union University. Her legal experience includes serving as an associate for Bond, Shoeneck & King, LLP, in Buffalo and O'Connell and Aronowitz, P.C. in Albany, where she previously worked as a law clerk. Wicka is a member of the Criminal Justice Educators Association of New York (CJEANYS), Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS), the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the New York Bar Association. She continues to give back to the College with her time as a volunteer for the Scholars Symposium and the New York State Historical Society Essay Contest for GCC, helping students prepare and revise essay submissions. She resides in Hamburg.

Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching

Edward J. Grabowski, Adjunct Instructor of Social Science and Business – Grabowski teaches a variety of courses at GCC across multiple disciplines, including Criminal Justice, Business Law and Paralegal Studies, and at several locations. He has taught on an adjunct basis at the College since 2007, bringing a level of excitement and entertainment to the classroom. Grabowski's teaching style creates an atmosphere that is highly conductive to student learning and he does whatever he can to help students be successful, frequently going above and beyond expectations of adjuncts to help a student in need. His career in law enforcement began with an A.A.S in Police Science from GCC in 1976. He then earned a B.S. in Police Science and Education from Buffalo State College and finally, Grabowski received a J.D. from the University at Buffalo School of Law in 1997. Heavily involved in his community, he has been a Boy Scout leader for 20 years and teaches law and criminal justice-related merit badges to Boy Scouts. Grabowski is a member of the Orleans Niagara BOCES School Board and has a professional Santa Claus costume, portraying Santa since 1982 at local events. He resides in Medina.

Pamela N. Lusk, Adjunct Instructor of Social Science and Health – Lusk has taught for GCC since the Albion Campus Center opened in the fall of 1990. Her background and education allow her to teach in multiple subject areas, including Psychology, Health, Human Services and Sociology. Lusk obtained a dual-major bachelor's degree in Health Education and Community Development and a master's degree in Health and Social Sciences from The College at Brockport and completed her Ph.D in Psychology from Cornell University. She has been so highly regarded at Genesee that she has been asked to fill other temporary assignments for the College including acting associate dean for the campus center and wellness coordinator the Title III Grant. In addition to teaching, Lusk volunteers her time both within the College and in her community and encourages her students to do the same. She has led the Albion Campus Wellness Student Club and has overseen numerous fundraisers and other service projects to help those in need. Lusk's exuberance and positivity is contagious, not only with students, faculty, and staff but also with community members.

Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities

Karen Huffman, Ph.D, Assistant Professor of Biology – Huffman has been a member of the College's Science faculty since 2011 and has become an integral part of the department, being promoted to the rank of assistant professor in the fall of 2014. She has been instrumental in developing service learning at Genesee and has worked to develop coursework with colleagues from across the academic divisions to help students learn better study skills, note taking, and develop writing skills. Huffman graduated with Honors from Indiana University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology. She then moved to Texas and completed a Ph.D in Biology at the University of Texas, teaching, carrying out original research, and presenting at national meetings. Her teaching includes stints as an adjunct professor at a number of community and four-year colleges in Chicago and Buffalo, and as a high school biology teacher at Mt. Mercy Academy in Buffalo. Beyond GCC, Huffman serves on several state level committees including the NYS Science Content Advisory Panel and the Science Teachers Association of New York State, where she serves on the Board of Directors and was recently elected as the statewide college level representative. She was instrumental in planning and executing the College's first Scholars Symposium Day, which was held in the spring and provided a platform for students and faculty to present their research on topics of interest to them. Huffman continues to represent GCC through presentations that she makes at local, state and national conferences as well as through a long list of publications.

Award for Excellence in Faculty Service

M. Richard (Rick) Dudkowski, Professor of Business/Marketing/Fashion – Dudkowski has been a valued member of the GCC faculty since 1984, making significant contributions to the College and in particular, the Fashion Business program. He was hired as the first full-time faculty member in the Fashion program and through his leadership, the program has grown from 12 students to its current enrollment of 73 students. He is well known in the Western New York fashion industry and is frequently sought after to serve as a guest speaker or judge for an event. "Mr. D," as he is called by his students, was the 2001-2002 recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching and the 2008-2009 recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities. He is currently co-chairing the College's 50th anniversary steering committee and he co-chaired the 20th anniversary steering committee, helping to organize special events to recognize the founding of GCC. Under Mr. D's watch, the annual fashion show celebrated its 35th anniversary in the spring and has grown into the largest and longest-running fashion show in Western New York. For the past 15 years, under the direction of Mr. D, the Business Forum Club has hosted the annual "Ducky Derby," raising thousands of dollars to support the United Way. Richard earned an associate degree in Business Administration from Erie Community College, a bachelor's degree in Consumer and Business Studies from Buffalo State College, a master's degree in Vocational and Technical Education from Buffalo State College, and he has completed all but the dissertation at the University at Buffalo in the Educational Doctorate program in Vocational Education. He resides in Clarence.

Award for Excellence in Professional Service 

Rafael Alicea-Maldonado, Ph.D, Dean of Math/Science and Career Education – "Dr. RAM," as he is known on campus, came to GCC as an instructor of Chemistry in 2000. He received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2004-2005 and after reaching full professor status in 2010, and he won again in 2011 for Faculty Service. He oversees 40 academic programs, a significant portion of the Academic Affairs division. A native of Puerto Rico, Dr. RAM earned a bachelor of science degree in Chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico and a doctoral degree in Chemistry from the University at Buffalo. He was awarded the Mattern-Tyler Excellence in Teaching Award from the Department of Chemistry at UB, has authored several publications, and has presented at over a dozen conferences. In August of 2011, Dr. RAM was became the academic dean of the Math, Science & Career Education Area at GCC after the College conducted a nationwide search for the position. He currently teaches the Intro to Chemistry course in an online format, which he developed. Dr. RAM resides in Buffalo.

***Carol Marriott, Associate Vice President for Institutional Research and Assessment – Marriott's career at the College began in 2000 as a temporary grant coordinator to oversee operations of a Title III Grant. Under her direction, the grant provided GCC with a strengthened endowment and several facilities that greatly improved the quality of the learning experience, setting the College apart from its peers. At the end of the grant, Marriott returned to school and obtained a master's degree in Higher Education from the University at Buffalo before returning to work at Genesee as the director of Institutional Research. She advanced to the position of associate dean for Institutional Research and Assessment in 2009 before being named associate vice president in 2012. Under Marriott's leadership, Genesee has never missed a deadline, or been unable to accommodate a change to reporting requested by external stakeholders such as SUNY or Middles States Commission on Higher Education. Her creative and innovative approach to problem solving has resulted in the development of major decision-making tools at the College, such as the Genesee Strategic Intelligence (GSI) system. Her leadership has put GCC at the forefront of its peers and been recognized at the state level as well as by Middle States. ***Marriott resides in Corfu.

Award for Excellence in Classified Service

Michelle A. Peck, Secretary of Health, Physical Education and Athletics – Peck started her career at the College in 2007 and she has been an integral part of the Health, Physical Education and Athletics departments from that time forward. Serving as secretary to both the director of Athletics and to the director of Health and Physical Education at GCC, Peck's work requires a high level of organization and her daily routine consists of multitasking to complete several projects in a timely manner. She has served on several search committees and is a member of LEAD, which is a leadership, development committee for student athletes. Peck actively assists in organizing and participating in several events each year, such as the GLOW Corporate Cup, athletic team games and fundraisers, Mission Condition, Athlete Olympics, Mini-Summit, Athletics Hall of Fame, and more. She continuously meets the needs of hundreds of students, faculty, athletes and coaches each year while balancing her responsibilities and efforts under two supervisors. Peck resides in Orangeville.

A one-vehicle accident occurred on Lewiston Road in front of the Town of Batavia fire station and the driver may have a minor injury.

"The vehicle then continued, unoccupied, across the street into the Tops parking lot," says the dispatcher.

It struck a parked vehicle and came to rest against it. 

Because multiple jurisdictions are involved, town and city fire were notified. A State Trooper is responding and so are Mercy medics.