Stories from

From Rick Mancuso, owner of T.F. Brown's Restaurant:

At this time we would like to notify the Genesee County community that we will be closing until we get further guidance from government officials as to how and when we will be allowed to open as a full-service restaurant.

We would like to thank our dedicated, hardworking family of coworkers for all of their sacrifice and efforts through these most difficult and trying times.

I am very proud to be able to work with such an amazing group of people, for they are truly the heart and soul of our business.

To our many customers, friends and family that continue to patronize our establishment both past and present: “Thank you and we look forward to seeing you here at T.F. Brown’s in the near future.”

We would like to thank all of the front line heroes who sacrifice and risk their safety each day to protect and serve this community -- doctors, nurses, EMTs, fire, police, essential food and product providers, many  that are our neighbors, friends and family. 

Please keep them all in your good thoughts and prayers. 

Be safe and healthy.

From Todd L. Rapp, operations manager and coordinator Emergency Disaster Services for local The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army is still assisting with emergency food -- but needs your HELP!

Supplies are very limited due to the overwhelming need. Because of this they are asking that patrons only access the Emergency Pantry when necessary.

The pantry is at the Batavia headquarters, located at 529 E. Main St. Food distribution is at the rear of the building.

In order to maintain social distancing, there should be only one person per vehicle. Please remain in your vehicle and be prepared to show ID for each household at the time of pick up.

Distribution times are: Monday / Wednesday / Friday -- 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Donations are gladly accepted during the same hours.

Should you need further support please reach out by leaving a voice message at (585) 343-6284 or on Facebook.

Priority needs are:

• Canned fruit, vegetables and meat
• Pasta and pasta sauce
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Soup
• Cereal

Press release:

Beginning this week, Tops will be rolling out additional safety measures at all of its 162 stores in New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont. Those safety measures include providing all of its associates with American made cloth face masks to ensure their associates health and well-being while serving the community as essential workers.

This safety measure is in addition to the 5,000 face shields already distributed to its workforce. These masks have been ordered from multiple providers in order to ensure that the quantities needed are available.  

The masks that Tops is providing to their associates are American made, which was important to Tops as a company. An added bonus was that some masks were even made locally in Buffalo, where Tops is headquartered.

Tops is confident that the masks will be distributed to all associates by the end of this week. In the meantime disposable masks will be available. 

“There is nothing more important to Tops than the health and safety of our associates, customers, vendors, and their respective families,” said Chairman and CEO Frank Curci. “We have been laser-focused on COVID-19 since it became clear that the United States was going to be greatly impacted by this pandemic and can assure the public that we are implementing the safety and sanitation protocols that are being recommended by the experts available to us.

"As this crisis has unfolded, I know that our protocols have evolved to stay abreast of the latest medical and scientific advice coming from these health experts and Tops can pledge to you that we are fully engaged on this task for the sake of all involved.”   

Tops is also 90-percent complete with the installation of plexiglas on both sides of its registers as of today, and is complete with the installation of Plexiglas at all of its customer service desks, pharmacy, and fuel stations. In total the company will have installed nearly 1,000 plexiglas safety shields by close of business on Wednesday, April 15.

Additional safety measures rolled out at all stores include providing gloves for their associates, hand sanitizer and wipes for their associates and customers respectively, and the newly instituted Comfort Zone areas at the registers, pharmacy, and deli areas, which provides more social distancing between customers as well as the customer and Tops associate.

Further, an associate is assigned at each store specifically in charge of sanitization of the front end registers, check stands, conveyor belts, customer service desks, point of sale devices, restrooms,and other frequently touched surfaces most accessed by customers on a continual basis during operating hours.

From Senator Charles E. Schumer:

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer today (April 13) doubled down on his push to have the federal government cover the entire cost of federal disaster aid, just like after 9-11 and Superstorm Sandy.

This follows a successful push for the Trump administration to approve New York State’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic Major Disaster Declaration request, unlocking billions in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) money for New York.

Under the current federal arrangement, FEMA is only expected to pay 75 percent of New York’s emergency expenses to fight the virus, sticking New Yorkers to foot the rest of the bill.

Schumer had previously written the president, along with a coalition of bipartisan senators, requesting this cost-share adjustment under all COVID-19 Emergency Declarations.

NY: Nation's first COVID-19 Major Disaster Declaration

Now, Schumer has written directly to President Trump, and called him, to urge the administration to grant a waiver allowing 100-percent federal cost share for New York State for all work under the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration and subsequent first-in-the-nation COVID-19 Major Disaster Declaration.

Schumer explained that with the rapid pace of spread in New York, the state is facing an explosion in the cost of fighting COVID-19, and needs full federal support in its efforts.

His push comes after he made a personal calls to President Trump and FEMA Administrator Peter Gaynor over the past few weeks, urging the president to approve the waiver.

The administration has not yet acted to provide New York with the maximum possible funding, despite precedents such as previous Democrat and Republican administrations’ approval of cost sharing waivers during FEMA’s response to September 11^th and Hurricane Sandy, both events which had devastating effects on New York.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic reaching alarming new levels in New York every day, New York’s health care system and our state and local governments are being strained to the max,” Schumer said. “As our nation’s heroes continue to battle this deadly disease, it’s incumbent on the federal government to give them every tool the need to fight and recover as soon as possible.

"As the epicenter of this global pandemic, New York has paid more than any other state when it comes to front line workers, doctors, nurses, and victims. It is imperative that this waiver get approved with all due speed to ensure that New Yorkers are not forced to pay even more.”

Traditionally, a Major Disaster Declaration allows access to the Disaster Relief Fund, currently a $40 billion pot of money that can be used to pay for Public Assistance, including Emergency Protective Measure, in New York at a 75 percent federal to 25 percent state cost share.

However, Schumer argued, New York’s economy has been deeply impacted by the outbreak, leaving it ill-prepared to shoulder the burden of the local share of FEMA aid, warranting an immediate waiver of the state’s portion of this cost share and full, 100-percent federal financial support.

Coronavirus toll

Schumer’s push comes after New York State Department of Health reported more than 170,000 positive cases of COVID-19 and more than 7,800 COVID-19 deaths as of 1 p.m. April 10^th.

To date, New York has been obligated over $1.24 billion from the Disaster Relief Fund, which has paid for the conversion of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center into a temporary hospital, as well as other line items necessary to fighting the outbreak.

From Neighborhood Legal Services:

Neighborhood Legal Services is a free civil legal services firm serving Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans counties.

It specializes in domestic violence prevention, divorce, eviction prevention, health insurance access, disability, student loans, SNAP, shelter and other government benefits.

Neighborhood Legal Services’ new Justice Bus program works with community-based agencies to increase access to justice by bringing lawyers into communities where the most vulnerable Western New York residents need legal assistance for basic needs such as food, shelter and safety.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Neighborhood Legal Services’ Justice Bus program will provide expanded telephone access to free civil legal services on Monday and Thursday evenings from 5 – 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. as follows:

Domestic Violence/Family Legal Needs -- (716) 847-0650, ext. 279

Landlord/Tenant Legal Needs -- (716) 847-0650, ext. 272

COVID-19 Programs/Government Benefits/Health Insurance -- (716) 847-0650, ext. 221

Student Loans/Social Security Disability/SSI/Benefits Counseling -- (716) 847-0650, ext. 302

Neighborhood Legal Services, which has an office in Batavia, remains open for TELEPHONE INTAKE during the COVID-19 pandemic Monday through Friday. Genesee/Wyoming/Orleans County residents can call (585) 343-5450, or email: contactus@nls.org.

We can help with domestic violence and other family law matters; health insurance; government benefits/SNAP/shelter/benefits counseling; Social Security disability/SSI hearings; and evictions/housing conditions/housing discrimination matters.

Jordin Michael Schultz, 22, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with third-degree menacing and reckless endangerment in the second degree. It is alleged that Schultz spit at a nurse and public health official at 5:39 p.m. April 2 at a location in the 6200 block of Main Road in Stafford. The defendant is due to appear in Stafford Town Court at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Brock Cummins, assisted by Kyle Krzemien.

Ronald M. Refermat, 35, of Broadway Road, Darien, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. At 11:30 a.m. on April 11, Genesee County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a residence on Route 20 in Darien for a reported domestic incident. An investigation allegedly reveal that the defendant endangered the welfare of a child. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released. The case was handled by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Luis J. Santiago, 31, of Buell Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. The arrested follows an investigation of a domestic incident that occurred on Edward Street in the City of Batavia at 2:49 p.m. on March 28. Santiago was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on May 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Jordan McGinnis.

Press release:

For any Genesee County resident 60 years of age and older in need of food, please call NY Connects/Office for the Aging at (585) 343-1611, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. for assistance.

Office for the Aging not only offers home-delivered meals for those who qualify, but also helps individuals connect with other resources.

NY Connects/Office for the Aging staff continues to work with community partners to identify resources in every community in Genesee County.

“We are aware that some older adults who normally would not need our assistance, are finding that in this situation, they are part of the 'vulnerable' population and really need to stay indoors for their safety," said Diana Fox, director of the Office for the Aging. "We hope they will reach out to us so that we can help during this unusual time.”

Dorian Ely, services administrator at Office for the Aging added, “We have seen an increase in demand, but we have excellent partnerships with ARC, The Salvation Army, and FoodLink. In addition, we have received assistance from Star Growers, Harrington’s Produce, and Ferrell Gas. With these resources and others, we have been able to increase our normal capacity.”

If you or your organization has resources to share with the elderly in our county, please let Office for the Aging know by calling (585) 343-1611 or email OFA.Dept@co.genesee.ny.us.

If you wish to make a donation to the Meals on Wheels program, please send to Genesee Senior Foundation, 2 Bank St., Batavia, NY 14020.

Press release:

In 1991, a formal Congressional resolution acknowledged the vital role that telecommunicators play in emergency situations by proclaiming the second week in April as a week of annual recognition in their honor. National Public Safety Telecommunicators’ Week is a time to thank these men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving the public.  

Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. along with the Genesee County Legislature and all emergency first responders recognize these public safety professionals for their continued dedication, professionalism and commitment to public service.

The Genesee County Legislature issued a proclamation at its Wednesday night meeting recognizing April 12 – 18 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators’ Week. The lights on the Old County Courthouse cupola will be changed to red, white and blue to acknowledge this week.  

Emergency Services 9-1-1 Dispatchers are there 24/7, 365 days a year for first responders and the public in time of need. Many people do not think about these seemingly nameless, faceless individuals until they experience actual emergencies themselves.

In many instances, Dispatchers make the difference between life and death. More than 89,445 events were dispatched in 2019, a daily average of 245, and over 115,114 telephone calls were handled last year which is an average of 315 calls per day.

The Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center (Public Safety Answering Point-PSAP) is comprised of 25 men and women who dispatch to five local police agencies/New York State Police; 19 fire departments/Emergency Management Service; three ambulance services; as well as 41 other local, county, regional, state, and federal agencies.

“Everyday citizens depend on the skill, expertise and commitment of the 9-1-1 dispatchers," Sheron said. "They are the first to take that phone call; the first to provide basic life support in a medical emergency; and also the first to dispatch needed fire, police or EMS responders for the call.

"They are to be recognized and commended during this very special week. I would like to personally extend my sincere appreciation for their hard work and dedication. They are truly unsung heroes in our community."

Village of Bergen Mayor Anna Marie Barclay sent us these photos of today's tour in the village and town of the ubiquitous and beloved Easter Bunny, courtesy of the Bergen Fire Department.

He also made a special drive through the high school parking lot.

The snaps are in reverse chronological order.

Due to extraordinary circumstances, he was permitted to stand in the bed of the truck for the slow and steady ride.

Mr. Bunny, looking dapper all the while in a smart blue coat, brought needed cheer and seasonal good tidings.

They were lucky to get a glimpse of him since his schedule tomorrow is chock-full. No, let's face it, on Easter Sunday he's slammed.

From the New York State Association of Counties:

The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) on Thursday sent a letter to the New York Congressional Delegation today calling on congress to swiftly pass a fourth stimulus bill that provides additional funding for counties and the State of New York. 

Specifically, the counties are supporting Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s request seeking an increase in federal Medicaid assistance and unrestricted federal funding to address lost revenue and an increase in need for social services provided through New York’s counties.

“Through our public health department hero’s, first responders, and the social service workers helping families cope with the economic devastation of COVID-19, counties are on the front lines of this crisis,” said NYSAC President John F. Marren.

“Today, we are thanking our congressional delegation for their support and leadership, and we are asking them to support the Governor’s request for additional federal assistance so that counties can continue providing services through this crisis.”

Counties are looking for support for funding and administering a wide array of social services—TANF, HEAP, child support, child welfare services and adult protective services—that are of increasingly vital importance during the COVID-19 pandemic and the acute economic slowdown brought on by social distancing.

“Whether it’s the heroic doctors, nurses and staff of our local health departments, our first responders or the social service providers who are helping families as they cope with the economic devastation of COVID-19, counties are on the front lines of this crisis,” Marren said.

“While counties are grateful for the support we’ve received from the New York Delegation, the depth and length of this crisis is placing incredible strain on our local governments and we need swift, additional assistance from the federal government to continue providing the services our residents depend on.”

Services administered and/or funded by counties in New York (which are unique in the nation) include:

• Medicaid-administered and funded by counties;
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Administered by counties;
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC) – Administered by counties through their public health departments;
• Safety Net Assistance – Counties administer and fund 71 percent;
• Child Care – Subsidized by some counties in New York;
• Child Support Enforcement – Administered by counties;
• Early Intervention and Pre-School Special Education – Counties in New York contribute roughly 50 percent of the total cost to each program;
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) – Counties play a large role in paying for and coordinating services;
• Preschool Special Education Programs – Counties and NYC spend about $800 million per year on this program;
• Summer School Special Education Program – Counties contribute roughly 10 percent, roughly $40 million annually.

“The federal support is critical during these extraordinary times, and we urge the federal government to move quickly to pass a fourth piece of recovery legislation that provides direct support to the state and to the local governments in the form of increased Medicaid funding and unrestricted aid,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario.

“We are one New York, and the state’s ask to the federal government ought to be supported by the thousands of local government elected officials. We are partnering with the state in solidarity to get the assistance New York needs.”

From the Rotary Club of Le Roy:

Due to circumstances beyond our control, and with respect to the calls placed to the Le Roy Police Department, the Rotary Club of Le Roy has been asked to cancel the drive-thru candy giveaway with the Easter Bunny, which was set for noon today (April 11) at Trigon Park in the village.

"We appreciate the support of our sponsors, Mayor Rogers, the Le Roy Village Board in this effort," says Scott McCumiskey, of the Rotary Club.

An accident with unknown injuries involving a tractor-trailer and small sedan have collided at Bowen and Broadway roads in Alexander. Alexander Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE: 9:36 a.m.: No injuries appear to have been reported as no Mercy rig was called. A tow is responding for the sedan.

A message from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

"The healthcare workers on the front lines are truly the heroes of the day today. Getting out of bed early in the morning, working through the nights, and braving the coronavirus virus to ensure citizens get the help and support they need during this crisis is nothing short of extraordinary. I, like many of you, have constantly been thinking about ways we can show our gratitude and support to these extraordinary individuals. I have some ideas I wanted to share with you today.

"The simplest thing we can do is follow instructions to make their jobs easier. That is, stay home if possible, practice social distancing, and help to flatten the curve. I’ve seen that this habit is being practiced with seriousness and great regularity, and I want to encourage those who haven’t done so to try to implement it into their daily lives for the time being. The fewer cases these healthcare workers have to worry about, the better.

"Another way to show support is through social media. Even if we can’t say our thanks to these heroes in person, the beauty of the modern world allows us to connect virtually, across entire continents. Find your local hospitals on social media, like that of Medina Memorial, United Memorial and Summit Medical Center, among others, and feel free to leave uplifting messages and videos for the staff who continue to work day and night throughout this crisis.

"Lastly, continue this habit after the crisis ends. It’s true that with all this free time, many people have the opportunity to give thanks and give back to our healthcare workers. But these heroes continue to work even after health crises like the one we face now are resolved. Being able to show kindness and support to our health officials is a small way we can continue to support them. I will be taking these steps, and I invite you to do the same."

Press release:

Absentee Voting during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Because of the continued safety concerns of voting during the COVID-19  pandemic, the Governor has signed an executive order to expand the narrow absentee criteria for the upcoming June 23^rd Primary and Special Election to include the potential for contraction of COVID-19.

This order was also requested and supported by the bipartisan NY State Election Commissioners’ Association. This will give all Genesee County registered voters the option of requesting an absentee ballot.

To vote by absentee ballot, you need to fill out an absentee application. To get an absentee application;

1. Call our office at (585) 815-7804 – Please leave a detailed message. Our staff is working from home half of the week for social distancing safety, so you may not be able to speak directly, but we will make sure your call is returned within two business days.
2. Print application by going to our website. Go to the dropdown "departments" and go to "elections." Application is half way down on left side of Elections homepage. Address to mail back application is on the bottom of the instruction page.
3. Email request to:   election@co.genesee.ny.us

During these difficult times our mission right now is to keep the public, candidates and poll workers informed of any changes and to advocate for the safest election process for both the voters and our election workers.

Genesee County Board of Elections Commissioners -- Dick Siebert and Lorie Longhany

Press release:

The New York Coalition For Open Government, (formerly known as the Buffalo Niagara Coalition for Open Government), calls upon local government officials to keep the public fully informed and engaged during these emergency times.

The New York Coalition For Open Government, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing open government issues at the local and state level.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic public attendance at local government meetings has been banned.

Local governments across the state of New York are conducting public business by way of video meetings. In this time of emergency it is important that the public be kept fully informed as to the actions being taken by their elected officials and that citizens have the opportunity to provide their input at local government meetings.

Steps that local government officials can take to keep the public informed and involved are:

1)   Posting meeting agendas and meeting documents online – Even before the Coronavirus many local governments were not posting meeting documents online for the public to see. The public should be able to view the same documents elected officials have before them at a meeting. The entire packet of information that elected officials have before them should be posted online several days before a meeting occurs. Watching elected officials conduct a meeting by video without being able to view meeting documents is unacceptable.

2)   Meetings Should be Live Streamed and Recordings Posted Online – Government meetings are now being conducted by video which the public should be able to view live or to watch at a later date. Government websites should make it clear where the public has to go to watch meetings. The technology that is available through Zoom, Facebook, Skype, etc., is readily accessible and not difficult to manage.

3)   Public Comments Should Be Solicited During Meetings: Prior to the Coronavirus most public bodies, but not all provided the opportunity for citizens to address agenda items and general community concerns. Public comments typically have a time limit of several minutes.

While meetings are being conducted through video, efforts should be made to obtain public comments in real time. Many local governments during this emergency situation have eliminated providing the public the opportunity to be heard, which is unacceptable.

Public comments can occur during a meeting in real time by:

• Reading email submissions;
• Providing a telephone number for comments to be made by telephone;
• Just as elected officials appear by video so can members of the public;
• Chat or Facebook comments.

4) Timely Posting of Meeting Minutes – Posting meeting minutes as soon as possible, after a meeting occurs is important for keeping the public informed. Minutes should ideally be posted within two weeks of a meeting occurring and definitely before the next meeting occurs.

“In the best of times ensuring that government operates in an open and transparent way is often difficult," said Paul Wolf, Esq., president of the New York Coalition For Open Government. "In an emergency situation it is even more important for local governments to do everything they can to provide information to the public and to hear from their citizens.”

For more information about the New York Coalition For Open Government, visit www.nyopengov.org.

Press release:

Pembroke Central School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.

Now in its 21st year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

To qualify for the designation, Pembroke CSD answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music programs, Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

This award recognizes that Pembroke CSD is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The legislation guides implementation in the states and replaces the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) which was often criticized for an overemphasis on testing-while leaving behind subjects such as music.

ESSA recommends music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children.  

Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music.

After two years of music education, research found that participants showed more substantial improvements in how the brain processes speech and reading scores that their less-involved peers and that students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate high school, but also to attend college as well.

Everyday listening skills are stronger in musically trained children that in those without music training. Significantly, listening skills are closely tied to the ability to: perceive speech in a noisy background, pay attention, and keep sounds in memory.

Later in life, individuals who took music lessons as children show stronger neural processing of sound; young adults and even older adults who have not played an instrument for up to 50 years show enhanced neural processing compared to their peers. Not to mention, social benefits include conflict resolution, teamwork skills, and how to give and receive constructive criticism.

A 2015 study supported by The NAMM Foundation, “Striking A Chord,” also outlines the overwhelming desire by teachers and parents for music education opportunities for all children as part of the school curriculum.

About The NAMM Foundation

The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,400 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs. For more information about the NAMM Foundation, click here.

Submitted photos and press release:

The philanthropic arm of the trade group known as the National Association of Music Merchants -- the NAMM Foundation -- has designated Le Roy Central School District as one of the 2020 Best Communities for Music Education in the nation.

This designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

Le Roy is one of 754 districts across the county receiving the prestigious award in 2020. Congratulations to the Le Roy music teachers, administrators, students, parents, and community leaders on this distinguished designation!

Le Roy has received this designation 14 out of the last 15 years and continues to thrive in providing music education through many opportunities throughout the district.

In the Le Roy Central School District, the music education program supports 325 students in chorus and 220 students in band, and offers vocal and instrumental performance ensembles for students in grades 4-12 as well as a competitive marching band.

Annually, the program produces a sixth-grade musical and a jr.-sr. high musical. In the classroom, general music and a variety of sr. high electives are also offered each year.

Merritt Holly -- Le Roy superintendent: "On behalf of the Board of Education and the entire Le Roy Central School District, we are extremely proud to be recognized again as a 2020 Best Communities for Music Education. This prestigious honor signifies the continued dedication and passion our teachers and students have each day to excel in music education. Congratulations to our administrators, teachers, students, parents, and community for setting high expectations in order to achieve this tremendous accomplishment!"

Carol Messura -- Wolcott Street School principal: "Wolcott Street School is beaming with pride at receiving the "Best Community for Music Education" designation for the 14th year! Our music department continues to raise the bar of excellence for our students! Each and every staff member in the department plays an integral role in providing quality, sound instruction to meet the needs of all their students. Congratulations on another year of excellence!"

Tim McArdle -- Jr.-Sr. High School principal: "We are so proud of our music students and staff who year in and year out produce high-level performances on our stages, in the pit, in competition, and on the field across many places throughout the region. Our program is so successful because of the dedicated teachers, families, and community who continue to offer so many opportunities for our students. A special thank you to our students for their commitment and willingness to perform at such a high level. Their dedication to and work ethic on their craft is inspiring, way to go, Knights!"

Matt Nordhausen -- Le Roy Music Department chair: "We are truly humbled to receive this wonderful designation for a 14th year, which casts a national spotlight on the incredible contributions made by the parents, teachers, school administrators, board of education, and members of this community to provide unparalleled music educational opportunities and experiences for the growth and benefit of our students. It is especially uplifting to earn this distinction during these troubling and uncertain times. Thank you NAMM Foundation for this recognition and thank you Le Roy community for your continued support!"

For more information about NAMM Foundation and its support of programs, research and activities that promote music making across the lifespan, click here.

A male suspect was just taken into custody on the Southside of the city following a brief foot pursuit by Batavia police. We did not hear what prompted the manhunt, which was in the area of Wood Street, Cherry Street, and Pringle Avenue.

UPDATE 5:11 p.m.: Per Det. Eric Hill, Batavia PD, this was juvenile matter and no further information will be released.