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Sponsored Post: Register today! Strike Out for Crossroads House Bowling Tournament

By Lisa Ace


Hurry and get your team together for the 22nd Annual Betty Ellison Memorial Strike Out for Crossroad House Bowling Tournament.

The Friday night shift is sold out but a few lanes remain on Saturday and Sunday.

This is a fun event for a great cause -- and 100 percent of your support stays right here in the community. Come on out and pay it forward. “We are a gift to the community made possible by the community.” 

Town of Batavia fire celebrates 70th anniversary at annual dinner

By Howard B. Owens

Town of Batavia Volunteer Fire Department's annual awards and installation dinner marked its 70th anniversary and Earl Dorman, an original 1948 member of the department, was honored with a Service Award.

Also receiving a Service Award was Renee Long.

Joshua Boyle was named Firefighter of the Year and Top Responder.

Gary Diegelman received the President's Award.

Boyle receiving Top Responder award from Chief Dan Coffey and Corporate VP Nate Fix.

Coffey and Boyle, Firefighter of the Year and Top Responder.

Gary Diegelman received the President's Award, with Coffey, Fix, and Corporate President Scott Garlock.

Joyce Diegelman was recognized for her 65 years of serving the department.

Photos: 4-H makes Valentine cards for veterans

By Howard B. Owens

Genesee County 4-H hosted a Valentine-making workshop today at JOANN Fabric and Craft Store in Batavia. Children who participated made Valentine cards to distribute to local veterans.

Photos: Skating under the lights at DeWitt

By Howard B. Owens

About a dozen kids showed up over the course of the evening for skating under the lights at DeWitt Recreation Area last night. The Batavia Kiwanis Club served free hot cocoa.

Two-car accident reported at Main and Bank

By Howard B. Owens

A motor-vehicle accident is reported at Main and Bank streets, Batavia, believed to be with injuries.

City fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 10:15 a.m.: No injuries. 

Dozens honored on GCC's dean's list for fall 2017 semester

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College, including all seven campus locations in Batavia, Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw, proudly announces the following are among 351 full and part-time students who were named to the dean's list for the Fall 2017 semester. Students honored on the dean's list have earned a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74. 

The College also maintains President's and Provost's Lists comprised of students who earned quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better. These other GCC honorees are announced separately. Go to the College's website at www.genesee.edu.

This year's Genesee Community College Fall 2017 dean's list honorees, with their hometowns, are listed below:

Zachary Antonucci of Alexander, NY

Alexis Hackmer of Alexander, NY

Kathleen Kwasniewski of Alexander, NY

Jared Lennon of Alexander, NY

Katlyn Adamczak of Basom, NY

Sara Stanley of Basom, NY

Natalie Amico of Batavia, NY

Brianna Brade of Batavia, NY

Cameron Clark of Batavia, NY

Katelyn Connors of Batavia, NY

Hope Davids of Batavia, NY

Riley Dyson of Batavia, NY

Matthew Fouquet of Batavia, NY

Andrew Frank of Batavia, NY

Emily Harris of Batavia, NY

Jillian Helwig of Batavia, NY

Shelby Hill of Batavia, NY

Sarah Hollands of Batavia, NY

Jazmine Holmes of Batavia, NY

Leighann Howland of Batavia, NY

Felicia Kennedy of Batavia, NY

Dolapat Kijsiravej of Batavia, NY

Sataka Kijsiravej of Batavia, NY

Samuel Lang of Batavia, NY

Rebecca Mattison of Batavia, NY

Angelina Miconi of Batavia, NY

Leah Monteleone of Batavia, NY

Shannon O'Brien of Batavia, NY

Taylor Paris of Batavia, NY

Chandah Sundown of Batavia, NY

Madison Swiatowy of Batavia, NY

Micheal Van Dorn of Batavia, NY

Cassandra Warren of Batavia, NY

Laura Whitcroft of Batavia, NY

Jennifer Williams of Batavia, NY

Jaysen Wylie of Batavia, NY

Jeremy Fink of Bergen, NY

Kristin Hohn of Bergen, NY

Kimberly Lovett of Bergen, NY

Tina Ambrosoli-Keller of Corfu, NY

Timothy Crandall of Corfu, NY

Sarah Gohn of Corfu, NY

Spencer Graff of Corfu, NY

Alysia Magoffin of Corfu, NY

Katelin Miller of Corfu, NY

Jessica Ryckman of Corfu, NY

Brittany Taylor of Corfu, NY

Shelby Turner of Corfu, NY

Alexander Breissinger of Darien Center, NY

Claire Francis of Darien Center, NY

Cameron Sutton of Darien Center, NY

Laura Tyx of Darien Center, NY

Curtis Kreutter of East Bethany, NY

Matthew Baker of Elba, NY

Aaron Bastiano of Elba, NY

Amanda Castaneda of Elba, NY

Alyssa Laudico of Elba, NY

Justin DiFalco of Le Roy, NY

Mondell Elliott of Le Roy, NY

John Gombos of Le Roy, NY

Alyssa Hill of Le Roy, NY

Brandon Hodge of Le Roy, NY

Taylor Kirby of Le Roy, NY

Morgan Luce of Le Roy, NY

Sara Platek of Le Roy, NY

Mary Ross of Le Roy, NY

Jessica Barclay of Oakfield, NY

Samantha Borkholder of Oakfield, NY

Rebecca Carlsen of Oakfield, NY

Allen Chatt of Oakfield, NY

Jonathan Kedzierski of Oakfield, NY

Christopher Coniber of Pavilion, NY

Nathan Ford of Pavilion, NY

Trinidad Salinas Guzman of Pavilion, NY

Maelee Sanford of Pavilion, NY

Alyssa Stalica of Pavilion, NY

Elizabeth Blossom of South Byron, NY

Genesee Community College serves over 6,000 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics. 

GCC's new Student Success Center makes admissions, financial aid, and enrollment a simple and efficient process. The college has earned three national sports titles; most recently, the Men's Soccer team brought home the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association D-III title. The athletics program, housed in the brand new, state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena hosts more than a dozen intercollegiate men's and women's teams.

Highly convenient, GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as a significant online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high-tech" and "high-touch."

For further information about all of GCC's opportunities, go to www.genesee.edu.

Country Max owner says decision to close Batavia location a difficult one

By Howard B. Owens

Country Max, the pet and garden supply store at 610 E. Main St., is closing with the last day of business planned for Valentine's Day, Feb. 14.

None of the regional chain's other 15 stores are closing.

Owner Don Payne said employees of the Batavia store are being offered jobs in either Geneseo or Brockport.

"We had entered that location more than seven years ago with a great deal of optimism but it has just not worked out," Payne said.
"We just have not been able to bring the stores business along far enough to make it even cover the costs."

The decision to close the store, he said, wasn't easy.

"We certainly leave the area with a heavy heart and wish to thank all of the people that have shopped at our store over the years," Payne said.

Many local students made the Provost's List at GCC for the fall 2017 semester

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College, including all seven campus locations in Batavia, Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw, proudly announces that the following students are among 228 students who were named to the Provost's List for the Fall 2017 semester.

Students honored on the Provost's List were enrolled part-time and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better. The College also maintains a President's List comprised of full-time students who, like the Provost's list honorees, they earned the equivalent of an A. In addition, GCC's dean's list is comprised of full- or part-time students who earn a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74. These other GCC honorees will be announced shortly. Go to the College's website at www.genesee.edu

This year's Genesee Community College Fall 2017 Provost's List honorees, with their hometowns, are listed below:

Matthew Penepent of Basom

Justin Barton of Batavia

Michael Bauer of Batavia

Catherine Chilano of Batavia

Rebecca Meloon of Batavia

Amii Capuano of Batavia

Cory Feary of Batavia

Brian Wheeler of Batavia

Katelyn Held of Batavia

Alexander Crossett of Batavia

Sara Olivani of Batavia

Kristin Smith of Batavia

Jessica Newton of Batavia

Nicole Rott of Batavia

Audra Davis of Batavia

Daniel DiMartino of Batavia

Kelsee Korczak of Corfu

Elizabeth Dubey of Corfu

Lewis Ryan of Darien Center

Dustin Wheeler of Darien Center

Kodian Becker of Darien Center

Caroline Pelton of East Bethany

Bailey Delelys of Elba

Heather Ezard of Elba

Mariah Woodrich of Oakfield

Jessica Waite of Oakfield

David Giles of Oakfield

Justina Pruski of Oakfield

Patrick Puccio of Stafford

Caitlyn Klotzbach of Stafford

Joshua Robinson of Bergen

Adam Kendrot of Bergen

Elizabeth Jarnot of Bergen

Rebekah Ireland of Byron

Richard Sia of Le Roy

Morgan Pasquale of Le Roy

Debra Pangrazio of Le Roy

Meghan Merica of Le Roy

Jacob Bolton of Le Roy

Tara Jagodzinski of Linwood

Sandra Fanton of Pavilion

Sierra Bosdyk of Pavilion

Genesee Community College serves over 6,000 students per semester through more than 70 academic programs and certificates, including the new Marketing and Social Media concentration within the Business Administration program, and the new Nanotechnology degree with ECC. On a microscopic scale, nanotech focuses on careers in biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, medicine and photovoltaics.

GCC's new Student Success Center makes admissions, financial aid, and enrollment a simple and efficient process. The college has earned three national sports titles; most recently, the Men's Soccer team brought home the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association D-III title. The athletics program, housed in the brand new, state-of-the-art Richard C. Call Arena hosts more than a dozen intercollegiate men's and women's teams.

Highly convenient, GCC operates seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as a significant online learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes and state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high-tech" and "high-touch."

For further information about all of GCC's opportunities, go to www.genesee.edu

Committee reviewing applications for DRI prize money seeks more information on some projects

By Howard B. Owens

The planning committee for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative will ask project leaders from seven project applications to make a presentation about their project at a future committee meeting, committee members decided during a meeting at City Hall this morning.

The projects are: 

  • Carr's Reborn
  • Ellicott Place
  • Theater 56
  • Healthy Living Corridor
  • Healthy Living Center
  • BID marketing/branding
  • Public Market
  • GO Art!

The committee is either looking for more information, to clarify other funding sources, to ask if the amount of DRI funding for the project could be reduced, or just to better understand the projects.

The DRI is a $10 million prize received by the City of Batavia from the state to help fund a variety of downtown projects intended to increase traffic and business in the city's primary business and cultural center.

Several other projects, the committee felt, were complete applications already and no additional information is required, such as Ellicott Station, Newberry Place, Jackson Square, renovations to the second floor of 206 E. Main St., and the Masonic Temple Building.

Six other projects were selected for a group submission; however, the applicants will need to go through a process similar to the state's Main Street Program, which provides funding at 75 percent of the project's total cost. Those projects include building renovation to 39-43 Ellicott St., Borrell Gym, facade work for 214 and 216 E. Main St., and Batavia Showtime.

This morning's conversation included some concern about some of the projects under consideration. 

Committee Co-Chairman Eugene Jankowski said he's hearing objections from local residents to using DRI prize money for the Healthy Living Center, which is a nonprofit, tax-exempt project. He said people felt the project backers, UMMC and the YMCA, being nonprofits, have other funding avenues not open to local business owners competing for DRI money. City Church Pastor Marty Macdonald shared the same concern and it was his perception that the project was well underway before the DRI award was made to the city.

Co-Chairman Steve Hyde said he was part of the project in its early stages -- he resigned after being selected for the DRI committee -- and he said organizers knew the city was applying for the DRI prize and that the potential of the grant was always part of the potential financing plan for the center.

There is also concern that the project is seeking $5 million, or half of the $10 million pie.  

Similar concerns were raised about the $3 million for the mall and $5 million for renovations to Ellicott Street (a median, plus pedestrian and bike paths).

Committee member John Riter expressed concern that both of these projects aren't far enough along and aren't able to provide the committee with enough information.

Hyde said the Genesee County Economic Development Center is taking a lead role in the revitalization of the mall and suggested that perhaps the mall should be included with a $1 million request to provide some start-up funds for the potential $30 million project. He said there is a developer interested but there needs to be some preliminary work done.

The committee appeared willing to consider that request.

The committee will present a list of projects totaling $15 million in requested funding and state officials will select the final winning projects for a total prize of $10 million. The current list is at $16,187,000.

Sponsored Post: Pre-need funding and taxes

By Lisa Ace


Pre-Need Funeral Accounts in New York State are considered assets of the individual, not the funeral home.

Each year, those that have prepaid their funerals with a funeral home receive a tax document for the interest earned in the previous year.

If you have an account with any of our funeral homes, and did not receive your statement, please call us. We'd be happy to assist you.

GCEDC's annual meeting and luncheon is March 9 at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

From the GCEDC:

The annual meeting and luncheon of the Genesee County Economic Development Center will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 9, at Batavia Downs in the Paddock Room.

Co-keynote speakers are Thomas Kucharski, president and CEO of Invest Buffalo Niagara, and Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise.

According to the GCEDC, 2017 was a landmark year for Genesee County, and you are invited to learn more about how the center is connecting the "Buffalo-Rochester Metro Corridor" and advancing economic development regionally.

At the annual meeting, the GCEDC and its partners will be celebrated and highlights from 2017 will be reviewed; also, the economic landscape in New York State for 2018 will be discussed.

This is an excellent opportunity to network with economic and elected leaders from around the region. The GCEDC will unveil the "2018 Economic Development Partner of the Year Award."

Feel free to arrive an hour early, at 11 a.m., for an informal networking opportunity.

Batavia Downs is located at 8315 Park Road, Batavia.

To register for the event, click here.

For more information, contact Rachel Tabelski, Marketing & Communications director for the GCEDC, at rtabelski@gcedc.com or phone 585-343-4866, ext. 12.

Law and Order: Corfu woman accused of starting fire that destroyed Harley

By Howard B. Owens
      Jacqueline Saeli

Jacqueline M. Saeli, 52, of North Lake Road, Corfu, is charged with two counts of third-degree arson and one count of second-degree criminal mischief. Saeli is accused of starting a fire at 5:33 a.m. Jan. 6 at 8455 North Lake Road, Pembroke. The fire destroyed a shed and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Investigators say the shed and motorcycle were the property of her ex-boyfriend. The incident was investigated by Deputy Ryan Young, Investigator Christopher Parker, with assistance from the Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department and the Emergency Management Office. Saeli was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Darcia Marie Golda, 46, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree grand larceny. Golda is accused of stealing more than $31,000 from her employer, Rite Aid, at 4155 W. Main St., Batavia, between October 2016 and September 2017.

David Allen Gurgir, 56, of Hulberton Road, Holley, is charged with two counts of conspiracy, 4th, and four counts of conspiracy, 5th. Gurgir is accused of working with two accomplices to purchase a truck and complete all of the associated paperwork under false pretenses.

Daniel L. Schmiegel, 32, of Basom, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd. Schmiegel is accused of possession of an assault rifle and an ammo clip. Schmiegel was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

Maurice G. Leach, 41, of Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest, unlawful possession of marijuana, endangering the welfare of a child, fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, 3rd, aggravated unlicensed operation, using a vehicle without an interlock device, reckless driving. Leach was arrested by State Police in relation to an incident reported at 8:42 p.m. Thursday. No further details released.

Ice rink at DeWitt open today, evening skate with free hot cocoa planned

By Howard B. Owens

It is once again cold enough to open the outdoor skate rink at DeWitt Recreation Area.

County Parks Director Paul Osborn said the rink will be open all day until 7:30 p.m.

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia is hosting the evening skate and will serve free hot cocoa this evening.

CANCELLED: Culinary Arts Club hosts pop-up bakeshop

By Billie Owens

Say "I love you" with a special homemade treat! The Batavia Career and Technical Education Center's Culinary Arts Club will host a pop-up bakeshop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10.

Handmade scones, cherry pies, cookies, cakes and baked goods of all assortments will be for sale! 

This pop-up shop will be held in the Culinary Arts Dining Room at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center. The center is located at 8250 State Street Road, Batavia. Use side door 71 and find room a-124-B.

Event Date and Time
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Woman arrested for smashing car window, stealing purse, enters guilty plea

By Howard B. Owens

A 37-year-old Batavia woman was caught smashing into a car window and stealing a purse, using credit cards from the purse, and later accused of using stolen checks, made a factual admission today to her crimes in Genesee County Court.

Brandi Marie Smith, of North Bennett Heights, entered a guilty plea to the Class E felony of grand larceny in the fourth degree.  

The plea satisfies all the charges against her and gives her a chance to avoid a prison term.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said if Smith abides by the court's orders while awaiting sentencing May 4, she will likely be given five years probation.

She is currently out of jail under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Smith was arrested in October and accused of smashing out the car window of a vehicle parked at a business, stealing the purse containing credit cards, debit cards and checks, and then using the items to make purchases at local stores.

She was charged with four counts of first-degree identify theft, four counts of forgery, three counts of second-degree identify theft, three counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, and one count of fourth-degree grand larceny.

Later the same month, she was arrested again and charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd. 

As part of her plea, Smith is required to pay restitution.

'A Fireside Tribute to Howard Frank Mosher' at Richmond library

By Billie Owens

Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia, is hosting “A Fireside Tribute to Howard Frank Mosher” on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 1-2 p.m. in the library’s Reading Room.

The late Howard Frank Mosher was the Tale for Three Counties’ author in 2004 and was well-known for his travels to bookstores and libraries across the country to read and talk about his books.

Event Date and Time
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St. James church Outreach Committee hosts 'Just Desserts' event Friday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Please plan to join us for an evening of famous St. James desserts! The church’s Outreach Committee is hosting the first “Just Desserts” event: an evening of sweets and treats to raise funds in support of Community Health and Education for Rural Africa foundation (CHERA).

This project will encourage self-sufficiency through the development of a community maize milling cooperative. 

“Just Desserts”
Chocolate for CHERA
St. James Episcopal Church
405 E. Main St., Batavia
Friday, Feb. 2nd

4:30 – 5:30 p.m.: Dessert -- take-out only

7 – 9 p.m.: Eat–in, Basket and “Mystery Bag” Silent Auction

$5 Donation = 5 tickets                       

$5 Each Additional Strip of 5 tickets      

Desserts and Sweets for both enjoying here and taking home will range in price from 1 to 4 tickets.

Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and milk (both plain and chocolate) will be included in the admission price.

A basket and “mystery bag” auction along with music will be provided.

Questions: call the church office at 343-6802.

Law and Order: Employee accused of stealing from business

By Howard B. Owens

Shannon L. Klinkbell-Hayday, 41, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and falsifying business records. Klinkbell-Hayday allegedly made fraudulent return refunds at a business where she was working and then kept the return money.

Devin P. Hofert, 22, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Police came into contact with Hofert during an investigation into a domestic incident. He was also allegedly found with a hypodermic instrument. He was jailed on $5,000 bail.

John A. Snook, 29, of Oak Orchard, Albion, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt. Snook allegedly violated a stay away order of protection by going to the home of the protected person. He was jailed without bail.

Freddie L. Cunningham Jr., 56, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Cunningham allegedly threatened harm to another person during an incident reported at 3:14 p.m. Tuesday.

Christopher Lynn Allison, 23, of Gaines Waterport Road, Albion, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Allison was arrested after Deputy Ryan Delong responded to a report at 3:20 p.m. Wednesday to the 7-Eleven in Oakfield of a male unconscious in a vehicle.

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