The City of Batavia Fire Department will flush fire hydrants on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, Wednesday, June 5, and Thursday, June 6, from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the general area North of E. Main St. and East of Bank St. Homes and businesses nearby will be affected.
These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about five minutes or until clear.
This annual testing is essential to maintain the community Class III Insurance Services Office (ISO) public protection classification and to assure that fire hydrants are operating efficiently for fire protection purposes. Along with maintaining the fire rating, the test monitors the health of the city's water system, identifies weak areas in the system, and removes material that settles in the water lines. Checking each hydrant improves fire department personnel's knowledge of the hydrant locations.
If you have any questions or should notice a hydrant in need of repair, please contact the fire department at 585-345-6375.
Photo of GCC Accelerated College Enrollment graduates, courtesy of Genesee Community College.
Press Release:
On May 18 Genesee Community College celebrated its 56th annual Commencement Ceremony with a group of 15 students from area high schools and homeschools deserving special mention. They completed their GCC degree requirements concurrently with their high school diplomas or New York State High School Equivalency. Nine of these graduates participated in the sixth annual cohort of the College's Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Enrichment Program through GCC's Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Office.
These high-achieving individuals include the following: Jason Anstey (Albion), Finnegan McCue (Albion), Meganne Moore (Albion), Lucy Rivers (Albion), Jacqueline Santiago Garcia (Albion) and Isabella Thom (Holly).
The following graduates took part in the STEM Enrichment Program: Alexander Balaban (Medina), Cash Domes (Attica), Connor Domoy (Oakfield), Kaylynn Green (Oakfield), Nicholas Martinucci (Batavia), Zachary Narowski (Perry), Benjamin Stone (Batavia), Kara Tobolski (Oakfield) and Samantha Werner (Warsaw).
The STEM Enrichment program began in 2012 allowing the students to start their college studies as early as the seventh grade. In addition to their traditional schoolwork, they enrolled in college level coursework each year taking advantage of many academic opportunities and successfully completing all of the rigorous challenges of an associate degree.
"We are extremely proud of these 15 exceptional students who have not only earned their high school diplomas but also completed their GCC degree requirements. Their dedication and hard work demonstrate the power of early college enrollment and the opportunities it provides. They are truly an inspiration to future generations of students," said Ann Valento, director of Accelerated College Enrollment programs at Genesee Community College.
Kaitlyn Harloff, STEM/EXCEL program coordinator at Genesee Community College, added, "This program highlights the remarkable achievements of our students and their ability to excel in demanding academic environments. Their success is a testament to the effectiveness of the STEM Enrichment Program and the commitment of our faculty and staff to support and guide them."
Genesee Community College's 56th annual Commencement Ceremony was held at the Richard C. Call Arena and featured special guest Keynote Speaker Dr. James M. Sunser, President of Genesee Community College. To view the ceremony, please visit: https://www.genesee.edu/commencement/.
For more information contact Vice President, Development, Admissions and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
Post-game fireworks for the Batavia Muckdogs home opener on Saturday were set up in dramatic fashion in the bottom of the ninth inning when the home team erased a 3-2 deficit to win 4-1 on a squeeze bunt with the bases loaded.
The Elmira Pioneers had high school senior Bryce Mashanic making essentially his baseball debut at the collegiate level to start the ninth, after he entered the game with two outs in the eighth inning.
Mashanic faced adversity in the inning early after second baseman Tim Haftl made a bad throw on a routine grounder for an error, allowing Anthony Greco to reach base. Greco advanced on a wild pitch to Sean Mindas, who would get a free pass on the next pitch. Mindas then stole second, and Pioneers issued an intentional walk to Caleb Walker.
Greco scored on a sacrifice fly by Cooper Romich, tying the game.
That brought Travis Hammond to the plate with one out and Walker on third. Walker inched down the line as Mashanic went into his wind up, dashing toward the plate and scoring standing up after Hammond laid down a perfect bunt down the first base line.
The walk-off sacrifice improved Batavia's record on the young season to 2-1.
DH Trevor Dutra, a sophomore at Lafayette College and from Rye Brook, was 2-3 with a walk. He had the only multi-hit game on the night for the Muckdogs.
Josh Livengood, a senior attending Center College and from Lexigton, Ky., got the win in relief, going 3 1/3 innings giving up no hits or runs and fanning six Pioneers. It was his first appearance of the season.
Starter Gavin Chandler went four innings, giving up two runs on four hits and fanning three. Chandler is a sophomore at Marion Military Institute and is from Alabaster, Ala.
Nazareth University students named to the spring 2024 Dean's List:
Laura Lepkowski of Batavia
Matthew Smith of Batavia
Katherine Spiotta of Batavia
Maveric McKenzie of Pavilion
Benjamin Robinson of Le Roy
Abigail Hoerbelt of Batavia
Hannah Wies of Bergen
Chad Ohlson of Oakfield
A student's grade point average must be at least 3.5 or above, and they must complete 12 credit hours of graded work that semester in order to be included on the dean's list at Nazareth.
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good.
Seeing the contracts NFL teams are handing out, it’s wild to see the value of a journeyman quarterback or a promising left tackle.
But we have students graduating from our high schools this year who have made their own million-dollar decisions in mechatronics and in the metal trades.
And nothing is preventing more students from doing the same.
Take Joseph Costa and Thomas Condidorio from Le Roy.
We just celebrated our 100th graduate in the Batavia Career & Technical Education Center’s Electro-Mechanical Trades Program, and their story is an example of why this career pathway is working.
In their junior and senior years, Joseph and Thomas trained in the Electro-Mechanical Trades classroom and went on job shadows and paid youth apprenticeship co-ops at Gorbel.
Both students are now graduating with accepted offers to continue with the company and pursue apprenticeships.
Without college debt and with the starting salaries matching their training experience, they are on the path to making $1 million over the next 12 years.
How?
Upon entering the workforce in a specialized field, students can complete a four-year apprenticeship program, where they gain hands-on experience and develop their skills while contributing to the team as a valuable asset.
These four years can earn you as much as $250,000 debt-free!
After your apprenticeship, you will be well on your way with promotions, additional job duties, and leadership roles that will set you up for sustained success throughout your professional career.
Your next eight years in the workforce can earn you an additional $750,000, which will complete your 'make a million in mechatronics' milestone as a professional who can receive a steady annual salary increase.
Joseph and Thomas are thrilled to have the chance to 'make a million in mechatronics', but what's even more exciting is that every other student in their region and their classmates in the CNC and Welding programs at the Batavia CTE share the same incredible opportunity!
These three programs are just the beginning of what mechatronics and the metal trades have to offer, providing a foundation for a wide range of career possibilities.
Mechatronics is an in-demand skill set that employers are actively searching for. It provides professionals with diverse roles related to computing, robotics, mechanical engineering, and information technology.
For Joseph and Thomas, the programs that led them to start their careers in mechatronics with a strong foundation in robotics, residential/commercial electrical, circuit boards, wiring, and most importantly, how to become self-sufficient learners, skills manifested from the instruction of Rich Monroe and the Electro-Mechanical Program.
These skills lead to local careers including residential electrician, industrial electrician, maintenance technician, advanced manufacturing technician, robotics technician, engineering/engineering technician, solar technician, and even healthcare technician!
Even if your child is graduating without taking advantage of this program, there are opportunities to catch up.
The same partners who supported Joseph and Thomas team up for a six-week mechatronics-based program at the Batavia CTE Center. The program provides students aged 18-24 with paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
By gaining these skills, students can improve their job prospects and increase their earning potential in the region.
With all of the companies growing in our region, we can help your son or daughter find their path. As a career coach, I’m passionate about helping them.
We can get them on the path to ‘make a million in mechatronics and the metal trades’!
Contact me at csuozzi@gcedc.com to learn more about the opportunities available.
Chris “Coach SwazZ” Suozzi is the Vice President of Business & Workforce Development at the Genesee County Economic Development Center.
City Council President Eugene Jankowski, Brian S. Murray, NYS director of the USDA, former Rep. Chris Jacobs, Rep. Claudia Tenney, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, City Manager Rachael Tabelski, Police Chief Shawn Heubusch, Matt Wojtaszczyk, a detective and president of the Batavia Police Benevolent Society. Photo by Howard Owens.
Construction may have begun six weeks ago, but the "groundbreaking" -- a dignitary-studded event on Alva Place -- on a new home for the Batavia Police Department was held late Friday morning under clear blue skies.
The new police headquarters on Bank Street will be 20,000 square feet and cost more than $15 million. According to officials, the facility will be "state-of-the-art," compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and provide all the features necessary for a 21st-century police state.
It replaces a 167-year-old building, the Brisbane Mansion, once the home of one of Batavia's most historically important wealthiest families, then City Hall, then the police station.
Police say it is dilapidated, outdated, and totally inadequate to handle the demands of modern policing.
"For years, we have known that our current police station, which is housed in a 19th-century residential mansion, is an inadequate home for our police officers. However you slice it, the current facility does not meet the needs of a 21st-century law enforcement operation. Today, under City Council leadership, we're doing something about it. It has taken many years of planning and due diligence to get us here today. But we stand on this site breaking ground on the new facility. The city of Batavia police force will have a new modern police station, and residents will have an ADA-compliant building where they can seek services." -- Rachael Tabelski city manager. Photo by Howard Owens
Photo by Howard Owens
"I, too, want to acknowledge the city's workforce and the various department heads, not only for your hard work but for making today's groundbreaking a reality, for everything you do on a daily basis to provide services to the citizens and businesses of Batavia. In particular, I want to acknowledge the leadership of our city manager, Rachael Tabelski.This project has presented some difficult challenges. But Rachael and her team have once again demonstrated their excellent management and leadership skills as they keep this transformative project moving forward. " -- City Council President Eugene Jankowski. Photo by Howard Owens
"This is a big day and a great day for Genesee County and particularly the city of Batavia; you're finally going to have a well-running state-of-the-art facility where you can all actually go and work and not feel like you might have your roof caving in on you." -- Rep. Claudia Tenney. Photo by Howard Owens
"We recognize the vital role that our law enforcement officers play in keeping our community safe. Whether it be new and updated equipment, vehicles, or a new facility that is being built right behind us -- or right in front of you -- our police deserve the best of the best. This is a much-needed upgrade for the Batavia Police Department, and I'm excited to see the progress on this new state-of-the-art facility." --Assemblyman Steve Hawley. Photo by Howard Owens
"I understand that the current police station is located just around the corner from here at the Brisbane Mansion. It's about 170 years old. Well, that building has served its purpose over time. This new facility is going to provide needed security technologies and meeting and administrative space for not only the community but also the officers and the staff; the police department here in Batavia can enjoy. Speaking to you as a father, both of my sons are in law enforcement. I know personally what this facility means not only to the community but those individuals who work here. But it also means a lot to the families of these men and ladies in blue because, literally, these people in blue put their lives on the line every single day. " -- Brian S. Murray, NYS director, USDA. Photo by Howard Owens.
Photo by Howard Owens
"I felt in my brief time in service in the Congress, we felt that Batavia -- so strongly -- that Batavia is so poised for a true renaissance and rebound and that we wanted to do everything we could to play a role in helping in that regard. We were thrilled because, first and foremost, this is going to be for law enforcement and to keep our citizens safe, but it's also the piece of the puzzle of what you're doing here in downtown Batavia." -- former Rep. Chris Jacobs. Photo by Howard Owens
"I don't want to belabor it -- why (the Brisbane Mansion) is no longer functionally serves as a police station. We all know it's a very old and antiquated structure. We also know that policing today has changed dramatically, and the building no longer serves a purpose as far as public health and safety is concerned. We believe that a police facility should be a welcoming place for the community. The police station is the second most frequented city building aside from City Hall. People come and go all day long to retrieve reports, file complaints and seek guidance or advice from our staff. The way the new police facility is being constructed will allow it to function as a place where the community can gather and where the members of the department can do their work and protect to serve our community." -- Chief Shawn Heubusch. Photo by Howard Owens
"Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of law enforcement in Batavia. The groundbreaking for a new police station symbolizes our commitment to creating a safe and secure environment for all." -- Matt Wojtaszczyk, a detective and president of the Batavia Police Benevolent Society. Photo by Howard Owens
Milenda Kilby, CRPC TM, APMA TM is part of the Batavia office of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. as an associate financial advisor. She practices with Fieldstone Private Wealth, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Their office is located at 219 East Main Street, Batavia.
“Mindy’s passion for helping clients address their financial concerns and delivering personalized investment, retirement, and estate planning makes her a wonderful team player,” said Mark Woodward, CFP ®, CLTC ®, APMA TM, owner of Fieldstone Private Wealth.
“I am thrilled to be a part of Fieldstone Private Wealth because of our strong, positive reputation in the community and the way we provide exemplary service to clients,” said Kilby.
She has 17 years of experience with Ameriprise Financial. Fieldstone Private Wealth has served the Western New York area for 30-plus years. Kilby graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo with a degree in Business Administration.
As a private wealth advisory practice, Fieldstone Private Wealth provides financial advice that is anchored in a solid understanding of client needs and expectations and provided in one-on-one relationships with their clients. For more information, please contact Mark Woodward at 585-344-1262, visit the Ameriprise office at 219 East Main Street, Batavia or visit their website www.fieldstoneprivatewealth.com.
Eugene Jankowski Jr., of Batavia, won two gold medals in individual events at the North-South Skirmish Association (N-SSA) 149th spring national match held May 17-19 at Fort Shenandoah near Winchester, VA.
Jankowski won 1st place in the individual 25-yard smoothbore musket event, and 1st place in the individual 50-yard rifled musket event.
The N-SSA is the country’s oldest and largest Civil War shooting sports organization, with 3,000 individuals making up its 200 member units. Each represents a particular unit or regiment, and members dress in authentic period-correct uniforms to compete in live-fire matches with original or authentic reproduction black powder Civil War period muskets, carbines, breech-loading rifles, revolvers, mortars, and cannons. The national match is the largest Civil War shooting sports event of its kind.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office will hold its 5th annual Teen Academy from July 8 to July 12 at Genesee Community College. Over the past several months, posters and flyers have been posted at Genesee County Schools, and the June 1 deadline to apply is only days away. There is no charge to attend the academy.
“Partnering with GCC has allowed us the opportunity to introduce Teen Academy participants to the college’s criminal justice facilities, which include a 9-1-1 dispatch console simulator and a firearms simulator. The Teen Academy is a one-week, structured program that consists of instructional classes designed to provide high-school-aged students within our community an introduction to law enforcement training and gain an understanding of law enforcement’s role in their community. It is our hope that teens will build confidence while learning good decision-making and leadership skills,” stated Sheriff Sheron.
Academy instructors are experienced Deputy Sheriffs who will discuss the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office. Participants will also:
visit the County Jail, 911 Emergency Services Dispatch Center, and Sheriff’s Office
observe displays of the Emergency Response Team (ERT), Hostage Negotiation, K-9 Unit and Evidence Recovery
be provided insight into motor vehicle accident reconstruction
participate in daily physical fitness runs, defensive tactics, and team-building exercises
participate in a classroom setting and learn about the NYS Penal Laws and Vehicle & Traffic Laws
participate in mock traffic stops and DWI procedures
Qualified candidates will be selected for an interview screening process if they meet the following requirements:
must be entering grades 10-12 at the time of application submission
must be in good academic standing with little to no disciplinary issues
must be able to participate in physical fitness activities
must have a positive attitude
must have their parent’s permission
For more information or to obtain an application, scan the QR code below or contact Deputy Joshua Brabon at 585-345-3000 x3230.
Photo of the James M. Sunser Student Success Center, courtesy of Genesee Community College. Submitted photo.
Press Release:
Genesee Community College (GCC) proudly announces the renaming of its Student Success Center to the James M. Sunser Student Success Center in honor of Dr. James M. Sunser's distinguished service and commitment to student success.
Dr. Sunser, a visionary leader in education, has served as the President of Genesee Community College for thirteen years, leaving an indelible mark on both the institution and the lives of countless students. During his tenure, he oversaw initiatives that fostered academic excellence, student engagement and growth, including the construction of the Student Success Center and the Richard C. Call Arena. Dr. Sunser has announced his intention to retire at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 academic year.
With the opening of the Student Success Center in 2017 as the new 'front door' of the main campus, Genesee Community College introduced a new student success coaching model. This model provides efficient enrollment and student services with a new level of intentional engagement focused on students' academic and personal success.
"This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of our dedicated faculty, staff, and students, who have worked tirelessly to create an environment where every student can thrive. Our goal has always been to provide the support and resources needed for students to achieve their dreams, and I am deeply grateful for this acknowledgment of our shared commitment to their success," said Dr. Sunser.
A hub for academic support services, career development resources, and extracurricular opportunities, the Center embodies Dr. Sunser's belief in providing students with the tools and guidance needed to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
"We are honored to rename our Student Success Center after Dr. James M. Sunser, whose leadership has profoundly impacted our college community," said Jacalyn Whiting, Chair of the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees.
For more information contact Vice President, Development, Admissions, and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
On Thursday afternoon, Danielle Rotondo, general manager at Terry Hills, presented JT Turnbull with $16,228.55 -- the total of funds raised at a charity golf tournament held at the course on Saturday.
The funds will assist Turnbull with expenses related to lifestyle adjustments following a spinal injury while skiing in January.
Rotondo set a fundraising goal of $10,000 for the event.
The Batavia Police Department honored the men and women who served the city of Batavia as peace officers on Wednesday at Officer Arthur J. Luplow's graveside.
Luplow served the city for 26 years, from the incorporation of the city in 1915 until his retirement in 1941.
He likely served as a village constable prior to incorporation.
He's described as a gentle giant—a big man who filled a big uniform once on display at the Holland Land Office Museum but whose final on-duty photo shows him holding the hands of two children, helping them cross a street.
Following his retirement, he was an exempt fireman and served as the organization's president. He was also active in Elks and a "formidable" cribbage player.
Luplow is buried in Grandview Cemetery.
There are approximately 50 people who retired from the police department buried in various cemeteries in Genesee County.
The 2024 Batavia Muckdogs at Eli Fish on Tuesday. The players were on hand to meet season ticket holders. Photo by Howard Owens.
At the start of every season, when asked, "Who are the players fans should really watch this season?" Batavia Muckdogs Manager Joey Martinez has the same trouble answering the question
He just can't seem to narrow the response down to two or three players.
"It's not fair to just pick just one. I can pick them all. I love all my guys," Martinez said. "I bet on them. I bet on us. You know, that's all I can do. That's all I know. I like them all."
He did try to single out a few players, starting with, "We've got a couple of arms out there that are pretty impressive."
There's Michael Benedict, Matt Misiti, Reed Marcum, and Garrett Brunstetter.
"Liam Ryan is pretty nasty. He's pretty nasty," Martinez said. "I watched him yesterday. He's pretty nasty."
He added, "I like the arms that we have, and we still got three or four guys coming. I'm looking forward to our William and Mary guy getting here. Anthony Greco. It looks like he's going to be a good guy.
Yet to arrive yet is a projected third baseman, Jake Butler.
"He's a very young guy with a very high IQ," Martinez said. "He has a great feel for the game."
Then he mentions Justin Austin and says, "I mean, the list goes on and on. We have got some really good players. I'm not even sure who else to say. The list goes on and on."
There are also a half-dozen or more returners, including local pitchers Bryceton Berry and Ty Woods. Trey Bacon, Garrett Beaver, Isidro Rosario, Lucas Lopez, and Tucker Beving are also returning.
James Bolton, from Webster, will make his Muckdogs debut this season.
"I always have a lot of surprises and tricks up my sleeve, but I think our team is a little younger this year, a little bit more athletic, a little bit more speed," Martinez said. "We tried to make some adjustments in the offseason. So I would say more bats and balls skills. The pitching staff is looking good on top of that; I think, you know, with the Dogs, we are always gonna be competitive, man, you know, that's the only way I like it -- win or go home."
The Muckdogs open the season on Thursday in Jamestown, followed by an away game on Friday in Elmira, before the home opener against Elmire at 6:35 p.m. on Saturday. Fireworks will follow the game.
The team's first day game at Dwyer is on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. against Niagara Falls Americans, a new team in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, and like Batavia and Elmira, the team is owned by Robbie and Nellie Nichols. The next home page after that is June 6 at 6:35 p.m. against Newark. For the complete 2024 schedule, click here. For the current roster, click here.
Please be advised that Alva Place from Bank Street to State Street will be closed on Friday, May 31 from 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. We recommend selecting an alternate route to minimize traffic congestion.
Please also note effective May 31 at 3:30 p.m., the City will close Alva Place from Bank Street to the entrance of the City Centre parking lot near JC Penney’s for the duration of the Police Station construction project.
The closure is in anticipation of the beginning of Phase 2 Police Facility Parking Plan. The goal is to make parking accessible for businesses on Washington Avenue and State Street in the City Parking lot during the construction project.
Please see the attached Phase 2 map for reference. Phase 2 will commence in mid to late June. Please plan accordingly, when accessing parking around the construction site.
The upcoming Bourbon & Whiskey Fest at Batavia Downs is seen as a natural fit for both Jeff Weisenborn's company and the venerable Genesee County destination.
"I see it as a perfect partnership," said Weisenborn, a sales representative for the Cheektowaga office of Empire Merchants North.
Empire is the regional distributor of popular brands such as Jack Daniel's, Woodford Reserve, and Old Forester - three of the most popular bourbon and whiskey brands sold in Western New York.
Batavia Downs and Empire Merchants North are partnering for the Sixth Annual Bourbon & Whiskey Fest on June 8, which also ties in with the Belmont Stakes. Various Jack Daniel's, Old Forester, and Woodford Reserve will be showcased.
"We do events like this because it helps draw attention to all our brands," Weisenborn said. "Jack Daniel's is an old town classic."
Events like the Bourbon & Whiskey Fest help Weisenborn "connect" with those who buy the various Jack Daniel's, Woodford Reserve, and Old Forester brands.
"People love to talk whiskey," Weisenborn said. "Whiskey and bourbon are extremely popular. People associate it with getting together and having a good time. And they love the history of our brands."
The Sixth Annual Batavia Downs Bourbon and Whiskey Fest is Saturday, June 8. The event runs 4:30 - 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 and include a $20 coupon for free play at Batavia Downs, a $5 betting voucher for the Belmont Stakes, food, a program, and a free glass. Tickets are available through BataviaConcerts.com.
James Fink writes on behalf of Batavia Downs. Sponsored Post paid for by Batavia Downs.
Please be advised that Bank Street from Alva Place to Washington Avenue will be closed on Thursday, May 30, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. To minimize traffic congestion, we recommend selecting an alternate route.
We apologize for any inconvenience and thank the public for their patience and cooperation as we work to improve our community.
