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Press release:

In collaboration with the Monroe County Health Department, all Monroe County hospitals, including Rochester General and Unity Hospital are implementing enhanced visitor restrictions and visitor screenings beginning Friday, March 13 at 12 p.m.

Rochester Regional Health is extending the enhanced visitor restrictions and visitor screenings to all RRH facilities, including all RRH hospitals and long-term care facilities within and outside of Monroe County.

Access to RRH facilities will be limited to designated entrances only and they will be staffed to screen visitors at arrival.

Visitor Restrictions and Visitor Screening Details:

• Visitors will be asked upon arrival if they are experiencing a cough, fever or shortness of breath.
  • Patients with a previously scheduled hospital appointment who exhibit symptoms will be provided a mask and asked to notify the department their appointment is with prior to entering.
  • Visitors with symptoms will be asked to leave the hospital/facility and advised to call their primary care provider.
  • Visitors with symptoms who are requesting to see end-of-life patients will be provided a mask and allowed to see their family member/friend.
• SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES: No visitors will be permitted to visit our skilled nursing facilities until further notice.
• VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS: All RRH volunteer programs are placed on hold until further notice.

For more information about COVID-19, click here.

A 23-year-old man who went on a crime spree in Batavia in January while awaiting sentencing on a prior conviction was in Genesee County Court today to plead guilty to attempted robbery and three other charges.

He was originally scheduled to be sentenced today on his Dec. 5 guilty plea to a charge of criminal possession of stolen property.

Today, Daniel Jon Lewis, who has been a resident of Lima, admitted to using a knife to try and rob a person on Bank Street in Batavia on Jan. 1.

He also admitted: to stealing a 2015 Chevy Silverado from a location on Clinton Street Road on Jan. 2; to stealing a 2008 Dodge Caliber from a location on Creek Road on Jan. 3; to stealing a credit card and debit card. He admitted to three counts of grand larceny.

The admission could satisfy all of Lewis's other pending charges, including charges of theft and possession of stolen property in the City of Batavia, Town of Batavia, and Town of Stafford. Among those charges is an accusation that Lewis stole a Spectrum work truck on Jan. 25 and led police on a chase that resulted in property damage to fences and other vehicles on property along Oak Street.

As part of the plea, Lewis agreed to waive his right to appeal on most issues, although he could potentially appeal related to his conviction and sentence. If he doesn't file an appeal within 45 days of his sentence, the other pending charges will be dismissed.

Lewis is being held in the Genesee County Jail without bail on the robbery charge. He appeared in court today with his hands cuffed, in an orange jumpsuit and his long hair in a bun.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on his prior conviction as well as his conviction today on April 9 at 10:15 a.m. He faces up to 15 years in prison.

Plush Kevin Dozier, 23, charged with arson and attempted murder, has a new attorney, so his trial, scheduled to start next week, has been delayed.

Fred Rarick, who has taken over Dozier's case from Tom Burns, said new information has come to light as well that indicates Dozier may have an alibi for June 15, when he is accused of starting a fire at an occupied residence on Maple Street in Batavia.

The earliest date for the delayed trial to start -- when both the court is available and Rarick doesn't have a scheduling conflict -- is July 13.

Dozier is being held on $100,000 bail.

Rarick informed Judge Charles Zambito that an investigator has been assigned to Dozier's case to determine if Dozier's possible alibi can be substantiated. If it can, Rarick will file an alibi motion.

There was no discussion in court about why Rarick replaced Burns as Dozier's attorney.

While there is no current plea offer, Zambito set a plea cutoff date of May 15.

Dozier is also charged with criminal mischief in the second degree and criminal mischief in the third degree for alleged incidents while he has been in custody. District Attorney Lawrence Friedman intends to try those charges separately and they will be dealt with after the arson/attempted murder trial.

Press release:

Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. announced this morning that he is suspending all inmate visitation at the Genesee County Jail. This will take effect tomorrow morning, Friday, March 13, until further notice.

This is a precautionary measure to prevent the risk of exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to employees, inmates and families.  

NOTE: If your group or agency is canceling or postponing an event, email howard@thebatavian.com. We'll compile a list, post it, and keep it updated.

Press release:

“In response to Monroe County releasing a travel-related positive case of COVID-19, we want to assure Genesee and Orleans county residents that our health departments are continuing efforts to be prepared and ready for action when COVID-19 is diagnosed in one of our residents,” said Paul Pettit, director, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

“It has been determined there is no indication of community transmission in the Monroe County case. We currently have one person under precautionary quarantine and (that person) is not displaying signs of illness. Our responsibility in this outbreak is fourfold: 1. To prepare and be ready. 2. Detect, protect and treat. 3. Reduce transmission and, 4. Innovate and learn.”

“Our departments have been preparing for events such as this, Pettit said. "We are diligently in conversation with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for updated guidance.

"As we move forward with this outbreak we will be working with those returning from travel from Level 3 and Level 2 Travel Health Notice Countries as well as those who may have contact with someone who traveled and are displaying symptoms.

"We encourage residents to remain calm; be prepared by making sure you have supplies on hand, including a thermometer, fever-reducing over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen; and listen to factual reports from the CDC, NYSDOH, and Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments."

You can also call the NYS toll-free Novel Coronavirus Hotline at 1-888-364-3065 or visit this Genesee County website.

It is important for everyone to be aware of how they can reduce transmission, not just for COVID- 19, but other respiratory-related illnesses, such as the flu.

For the majority of individuals infected with COVID-19, they will have mild symptoms, however for those at risk, such as older people or those with underlying health issues such as heart, lung, diabetes, etc. they are at a higher risk of potentially life-threatening symptoms.

Limiting exposure to large group events and staying home when unwell are important steps. Organizations should start planning how they will meet the needs of their constituents if there is community transmission in our counties.

While there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses, including the flu (influenza), which is currently widespread:

• If you need to go to your primary care provider, a health center or the emergency room, call ahead to let them know your symptoms, travel and contact history.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60-percent alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick. If you have a fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea you should stay home at least 24 hours after the last incident without fever-reducing / anti-diarrhea medications.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue cover your mouth with your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

It wasn't easy but Elba prevailed over Pavilion in the Class D consolidation game Tuesday night at Mount Morris 50-47.

Leah Bezon scored 14 points, Taylor Augello, 12, Brynn Walczak, and Maddie Muehlig 10. Muehlig hit a trio of three-point shots. Bezon had 11 rebounds.

For Pavilion, Lauren Kingsley scored 22 points and Karlee Zinkievich scored 14. Kingsley also had 12 rebounds.

Elba takes a shot at a regional championship at Rush Henrietta on Saturday. Game time is 1 p.m.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

To view or purchase prints, click here.

Genesee Community College issued the following announcement this evening:

In accordance with SUNY, CDC and New York Health Department guidelines, GCC is taking the following actions:

• Classes will not be held on March 16th, 17th, or 18th;
• Classes will resume via remote delivery on Thursday, March 19th, and continue through the end of the semester;
• Campus buildings will remain open during regular hours of operation unless further notice is provided;
• All employees are expected to report to work consistent with their normal schedules;
• College Village housing will also remain open;
• College leaders will continue to communicate regarding other on-campus activities and events as information becomes available;
• Tech Wars on March 12th has been canceled.

Without Kekari Moss on the court, Serene Calderon stepped up to carry the offensive load for Pembroke on Tuesday in the Class C consolidation game against Keshequa.

Calderon scored 27 points and had 11 rebounds along with three steals to lead the Dragons to a 48-43 victory.

Isabel Breeden and Emily Peters each scored eight points. Casey Wurtz had nine rebounds.

Pembroke will try and snag the Far West Championship -- a prerequisite to moving onto the state tournament -- at 3 p.m. Saturday at Rush-Henrietta High School.

In Tuesday's other big game, Elba beat Pavilion 50-47 in the Class D consolidation game. We'll have a story and video in a separate post later (hopefully) today.

Photos by Philip Casper.

Paige McKerrow (11) driving for the basket, scoring six points for Keshequa in the first quarter.

Emily Weaver (12) looking to pass as Emily Peters (32) blocks the way.

Casey Wurtz (13), left, Serene Calderon (2), right, eliminate any passing lanes for Faith Wood (32).

Allie Schwerthoffer (11 Pembroke) driving past Paige McKerrow (11 Keshequa). 

Casey Wurtz (13) going for a layup

MacKenna Johnson shooting a free throw late in the game.

Everybody needs a mentor, a trusted adult, to talk with about life's difficulties, Tom Thalen, an anti-bullying expert from Michigan told a group of sixth-graders at a youth conference at Genesee Community College on Tuesday.

True, most bullying takes place in middle school, but even 15 percent of 12th-graders report being bullied on a regular basis (meaning, at least three times a month).

And nearly 15 percent of adults report being bullied at their jobs.

"Your whole life, you're going to have to deal with people who are dealing with their own hurt, who are messed up, and are going to bully you," Thelen said. 

That means, we all need to learn how to control our response, remain calm, don't react in anger or hurt, don't lash out, and find a trusted adult to talk to about it. For schoolchildren, that often means reporting it to a teacher or administrator so an adult can deal with the issue.

Thelen said he was bullied as a child and was angry and sullen until he met Mrs. Burdick, a teacher who helped him learn to not let others control his thinking and his actions.

By the time he was in high school, he recognized bullying for what it is  -- it's not teasing, it's not a joke, it's something meant to humiliate another person that attacks their identity -- and he learned to control his response.

He also learned to help protect other students from bullying.

He recalled an incident in high school when he was standing in line at lunch in the cafeteria and two boys started making comments to a girl who was new to the school about the food she was putting on her plate.

"Take an extra dessert," they said.

They made similar comments about the types and amount of food on her plate. You know what they were getting at.

Thelen did nothing that day but he said it bothered him.

Then it happened the next day. And still, he did nothing.

That night, he looked at himself in the mirror, angry at himself, and became determined not to let it happen again.

When it happened again, he gently but firmly said, "Hey, guys, cut it out."

Years later, he got a note on Facebook from that girl praising him for being an inspiration and good example to his classmates. He was confused at first. He didn't immediately think of that incident. Then when he realized who she was -- the new girl, the girl who didn't know the old Tom, the Tom who was angry and sullen, only the Tom who was going through the process of being a better human being -- only then did he understand who it was she remembered.

She remembered the guy who stood up for her. And, he understood, it made a difference.

"I can’t change the rest of the world," Thelen told the sixth-graders. "I can't change what people do. But I can change what I do. You deserve to live an emotionally intelligent life."

Tom Thelen on the web.

Pavilion Central School presents "The Wizard of Oz" this week.

Dorothy is played by Kali Markek, the Scarecrow by Anthony Brown, Tin Man by Alex Stalica, the Cowardly Lion by Jacob Taylor, and the Wizard of Oz by Aiden McConnel.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. tomorrow, 7 p.m. on Friday, and 2 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $8 for adults, and $6 for seniors and children.

Press release:

Our district, NY-27, is home to the worst metropolitan job market in the country. 

Yes, you read that right: worst in the country. It’s clear that our leadership has failed us. 

It’s not that our district is lacking in resources and potential — far from it. Every time I drive across the Skyway in Buffalo, I look out at Lake Erie. I see windmills along the waterfront and parts of the shoreline restored. Along the paths of Tiff Nature Preserve, birds will literally eat out of your hand as hulking abandoned factories, standing relics from a lost era, loom in the background. 

Looking at it, I’m reminded of Ireland — the abandoned moss and ivy-covered castles of Cork and Chashel. But for the castles and the factories alike, no one is coming back anytime soon. And those factories once employed thousands of people. 

So where will the next generation work? How will we support this region and our families? The challenge is that many of the jobs we lost didn’t only go to Mexico or Asia — they just no longer exist. Automation and advances in technology will continue to take more jobs in the coming years. 

But we can’t lose hope. There are answers to these problems if we have the courage to take action and build on our strengths. 

SUPPORT FARMING 

Farming and agriculture is still our biggest local industry, but we must rethink its importance as a matter of national security. Think of it: If we can’t grow here, what country will we go to for food? And we have the best land in the world, dark, rich, and more arable land per mile than almost any nation or state. 

Like it or not, these farms need workers. That proves troublesome for the 80 percent of Upstate communities that have lost population in recent years. Immigration reform and a proper visa program (so migrants are not “illegal”) is a must. And our President needs to stop using our farmers as cannon fodder in failed trade wars. 

Finally, we must look at new crops. The hemp and cannabis industry continues to grow across our country — and the world. We can’t be the last to accept this and lose out on the benefits, including new jobs and a major boost to our economy. Time is running out. 

EMBRACE NEW TECH

To truly catch up to the modern era, we also need to embrace new technology. One hundred years ago, we laced this country in electric and telephone wire. Today, we must lace it with broadband to end the cable monopoly’s stranglehold on the local economy. Developing a network of broadband wires that send information at the speed of light will employ tens of thousands of union workers, including workers in the healthcare industry. Solar and wind projects — properly sited in a way that does not unreasonably mar our natural spaces — will do the same. 

INVEST IN CRAFTSMANSHIP

We must invest in trade schools and journeymen programs. Mechanics, plumbers, and electricians, to name a few, are needed right now. These are jobs that aren’t going anywhere. We will always need people to keep the lights on. Key cities in our region have some of the highest child poverty rates in the country and dismal high school graduation rates. If we invest in our schools, we will not lose another generation of builders and creators. 

REBUILD AMERICA

Crucially, we have to pass an infrastructure bill that will rebuild America. I have seen the mighty new airports, bridges, and superhighways built by our competitors in Asia. The tallest building in the World? It’s not in New York City. The longest suspension bridge? It’s not the Golden Gate. We built the vast majority of our infrastructure over 100 years ago. An investment in America is an investment in the jobs of the future. 

REMEMBER UNIONS BUILT THE MIDDLE CLASS

When our country had a high rate of unionization, the middle class had more buying power, more vacation time, and more savings for retirement. But our President is working to destroy unions. We must reverse this trend. 

Look at the facts. Trump-appointed two Supreme Court justices who have documented anti-union and anti-worker voting records. He appointed Antonin Scalia’s son (Eugene) to be the Secretary of Labor. Eugene’s entire career has been focused on anti-union litigation. And under Trump, the National Labor Relations Board has whittled down union rights by undercutting union apprentice programs, making it easier for employers to hire non-union subcontractors, and allowing employers to dis-regard and not recognize unions. 

DON’T GIVE UP HOPE

We can do this; I can help. I represented some of the biggest companies in the world. I helped create jobs as a local leader, attracting major businesses by investing in infrastructure and new technology. Under my leadership on the local level, buildings that were once closed for generations reopened, our town reached new levels of financial stability (under the tax cap!), and we filled dormant industrial space with new business.

Give me this job, and together we’ll get thousands more. 

Nathan D. McMurray
Candidate for Congress in NY-27

Batavia Downs hosted its fourth GLOW Wedding Expo on Saturday, with more than two dozen vendors, food, music, and a wedding gown fashion show.

Genesee County's first female fire chief, Stephanie Call, was named Firefighter of the Year for the Stafford Fire Department at the department's annual awards and installation banquet Saturday night.

Matt Hendershott, who takes over as chief in 2020, praised Call for her hard work and dedication, her countless hours of service, often behind the scenes doing the administrative work necessary to keep the department running, as well as her leadership and inspiration.

He also singled out an incident at Call's place of employment in Le Roy on Dec. 15 when an employee collapsed. Call found the coworker unresponsive on the floor and began CPR. She stayed with her coworker until police and EMS arrived.

Hendershott quoted the victim, "My family sees Stephanie as the woman who saved my life."

Ken Collins received the Chief's Award for his service to the department.

Stafford fire responded to 289 calls in 2019, up 17 percent from 2018. The top responder was Hendershott, who went to 145 calls.

David Krzemien is running against incumbent William Sheron for Genesee County Sheriff. He held a campaign kickoff on Saturday at Batavia Country Club. Here is a short, introductory video.

Press release:

In light of the CoronaVirus impacting individuals in Western New York, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is urging residents to remain calm, but take basic precautions to avoid becoming infected or ill.

To date, there have been 142 total confirmed cases of CoronaVirus in New York, with eight people hospitalized. The highest at-risk populations are seniors, those with underlying illnesses and those with compromised immune systems.

“The state is taking an expedited and thorough approach to ensuring the well-being of our residents and executing the appropriate steps to stop the spread of CoronaVirus,” Hawley said. “My office has been in close contact with state leaders and the most important thing residents can do is to remain calm, practice thorough hygiene and avoid travel and contact with those thought to be infected.”

Gov. Cuomo announced today that hand sanitizer will be provided to New Yorkers free of charge and paid sick leave will be given to individuals under quarantine. In addition, there are new guidelines for those visiting correctional facilities and for nursing homes.

“The 18 students who have returned from Italy are asymptomatic but are being quarantined in an empty dorm at SUNY Brockport out of precaution," Hawley said. "School officials are doing everything necessary to keep the student population safe and the Brockport community will be given additional info in the days to come. Please remain vigilant and precautionary, and seek medical attention if you think you’ve become infected.”

Bob Trombley had a nice side hustle going -- selling items that reminded people of pleasant pasts on eBay -- but doing that, working at the hospital in Warsaw, while raising four kids kept him a bit too busy.

So he decided, why not make the nostalgia business his main focus.

Saturday, joined by his wife and one of his children and the Chamber of Commerce, he cut the ribbon on his brand-new retail store in the Harvester Center, Vintage.

Just before cutting that ribbon, he recalled one customer who bought a radio-controlled car from him online. After the customer received it, he wrote Trombley a two-page email recalling the same RC car he lost at 13 and then spent 20 years looking for it again.

"Getting that meant everything to him," Trombley said. "It made me feel good about connecting those items to the past for people."

He wanted more of that.

“I noticed that a lot of items I sold online brought people happiness because they were things from their past," Trombley said.  

The new thrift and consignment store, will be more than a place to buy knickknacks from the past. He plans open mic nights on Thursdays (7 to 9). On Saturdays, parents can bring their kids in to "bang on the guitars on the wall" (and maybe get a free guitar lesson) (11 to noon). There will also be game nights and quilting lessons.

“We want a real sense of what it was like for me growing up in the '80s, just a real sense of a real community place," Trombley said.

Here's the Vintage internet link for hours and directions.

Last week, Batavia scored 310 points in the final round of the Scholastic Bowl season to become the 2020 champions. Batavia beat out other finalists, Pembroke (270 points) and Attica (230).

In terms of economic development, Genesee County has a lot to crow about, Ryan Silva, executive director of the New York State Economic Development Council, told the audience at Batavia Downs on Friday for the annual meeting luncheon of the Genesee County Economic Development Center.

And crow county leaders should, he said.

The county has eight shovel-ready business parks that are already home to 37 businesses generating $809 million in economic output.

"That's staggering," Silva said. "That's great, but we need more."

When those eight parks -- including WNY STAMP, which does not yet have its first tenant -- are at capacity, he said, the economic output will double to $1.6 billion.

Getting those parks to capacity means putting more effort into increasing the local housing stock, of making Downtown a more attractive place to live, work, and play, to help capture those younger residents who might otherwise move away.

"Of course, the cost of doing business is one of the things that is a challenge for New York but that is why we have incentive programs," Silva said. "We want to offset the high cost of doing business, but then the next thing we want to talk about is workforce.

"When companies look at our region, they want to know that they can staff up in the first 12 months and have enough workers in 18 months. The more we do to partner with elementary schools, the more we can keep those future workers here."

Success means knowing what you're good at and building on those strengths.

"Genesee County is good at manufacturing, good at distribution, and good at agriculture," Silva said. "That economic cluster is an engine that drives the region."

Economic development is a risk, he noted. There are successes and failures along the way -- more successes but the failures often get more public attention, so local economic growth advocates should celebrate their accomplishments.

"Be proud of the work you're doing," he said. “It’s important for those who are naysayers out there for them to hear the good things that are happening in Genesee County.”

Theresa Bresten, VP and treasurer at HP Hood, one GCEDC's economic development success stories, accepts the 2020 Economic Development Partner of the Year Award.

Hood has hired 250 workers and is looking for 50 more. It's also recently purchased more land in the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park in Batavia with an eye toward future expansion. The core of the current plant was built by PepsiCo/Müller Dairy. Presenting the award was Genesee County Legislature Chair Shelly Stein.

State Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer was congratulated on his retirement in 11 months from elective office after 12 years in the state Legislature with a silver-plated shovel. Ranzenhofer is widely credited with providing key political support to helping get WNY STAMP shovel ready.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley spoke to the burden New York politicians place on the business community and emphasized the need for economic development efforts to overcome those liabilities.

"While the challenges we face in New York are numerous and the focus of many state lawmakers involves enriching Downstate and New York City, Genesee County and Western New York have the potential to be the economic hub of Upstate New York," Hawley said. "Our diverse economy coupled with strong leadership and achievable solutions will continue to propel us forward."

GCEDC CEO Steve Hyde.

Press release:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.38, down 6 cents since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.47. The New York State average is $2.56 – down 3 cents from last week.

A year ago, the NYS average was $2.59. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.55 (down 4 cents since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.51 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.59 (down 3 cents since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.52 (down 4 cents since last week)
• Rome -- $2.60 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.47 (down 4 cents since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.55 (down 3 cents since last week)

The national average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline has decreased by 6 cents to $2.38. A healthy stock level and cheaper crude prices continue to push pump prices down.

The trend of pump prices facing downward pressure is likely to continue through the end of the winter driving season, especially amid concerns about the coronavirus causing the price of crude to decline.

However, the current refinery maintenance season could put pressure on regional refinery utilization, supply and gas prices during the run-up to the spring driving season. Once refineries switch over to summer blend fuel, prices will start to increase since that formula is more expensive to produce.

From GasBuddy:

"It's been an unprecedented week, one in which oil majors Russia and Saudi Arabia saw anything but eye to eye on lowering oil production, leading crude oil prices to plummet 20 percent in Sunday evening trade, combined with COVID-19 fears escalating, and gas prices have nowhere to go but down and like a rock," said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"Oil has now seen its value cut nearly in half after Iran tensions inflamed prices months ago and it doesn't immediately look like it will get any better. For motorists, I urge them to be in absolutely no hurry to fill up as gas prices will drop in nearly every nook and cranny of the country, from the smallest cities to the largest metros, at a time of year that prices are usually rising, we'll see anything but that. The national average came into March like a lamb and will likely be leaving like a lion, with prices roaring lower."

Colton Dillon dominated on offense, scoring 30 points, but it wasn't enough to stop a Prattsburg offense that never knew a cold streak throughout 32 minutes of play at Blue Cross Arena on Saturday in the Class D2 Section V championship game.

Prattsburg prevailed 72-64.

Jaykob Belluscio scored 10 points for the Lancers. 

Mason Putnam scored 19 points for Prattsburg, while Kris Johnson scored 16 and James Crowder scored 12.  

Photos below by Kristin Smith. For more photos, click here.