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Press release:

The Genesee County Libertarian Party is pleased and excited to announce three candidates for three Batavia City Council at-large positions. Lisa Whitehead, James Rosenbeck and Mark Potwora.

All three are longtime Batavia City residents who care deeply about their city and want to continue and improve its great quality of life while being fiscally responsible to future generations.

We envision Lisa, Jim, and Mark as a team who will take on this challenge as a team. The GCLP endorses and will support them fully.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today held a press conference with Sen. Patrick Gallivan (R-Elma) in Albany calling for an expansion of New York’s charitable gaming laws to include measures such as allowing for the use of credit and debit cards as payment for raffles and allowing advertising and sales online for raffles and games of chance.

“Momentum is at all-time high to reform these outdated and detrimental restrictions,” Hawley said. “These reforms would benefit thousands of not for profits and organizations like Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary Clubs, churches, fire departments and foundations for children like the Buffalo Sabres Foundation. I thank my colleagues in the Senate for spearheading this charge in their house and am hopeful that we can pass these changes before session adjourns in a few weeks.”

Hawley has been influential in leading the fight to reform the antiquated laws the past few years and championed legislation included in this year’s budget that would allow television and internet advertising of raffles, the use of personal checks as payments and expanding the definition of “authorized organization” to include volunteer ambulance workers and organizations that have been in existence for one year, among other provisions.

Press release:

The Byron-Bergen community’s agricultural heritage was celebrated on June 2 with the Jr./Sr. High School’s fourth annual Agriculture Appreciation Day — better known as the bring-your-tractor-to-school-day.

Brothers Garrett and Wyatt Sando were the first to arrive in their carefully restored and shining 1973 White tractor. They were soon joined by other students with their farm vehicles, large and small, including a classic 1952 Farmall.

Science teacher Jeff Parnapy is excited about the important role agriculture will be playing in education at the school next year. He is spearheading the new agriculture program, which will launch in the fall with an Intro to Ag class and a new Byron-Bergen chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA).

“We’ve been working with our Advisory Council, a wonderful group of experienced people from the community, to plan and organize the program,” he said. “Our Superintendent, Mickey Edwards, and Principal Pat McGee, recognize the interest our students have in agriculture and natural resources. We already have 22 students signed up for the first class.”

Junior Garrett Sando is one of them. His family owns 75 acres and he has had his tractor license since ninth grade.

“I’m really interested in trying the program out,” Garrett said.

Parnapy is excited to work with young people who are interested in building futures in agriculture. He taught Agriculture in Albion schools before coming to Byron-Bergen in 2000, and sees similarities between the two communities.

“My hope is to launch the program and expand it every year. The FFA chapter will be open to kids in grades nine through 12 for the first year, with plans to extend it to grades seven and eight when it is solidly established.”

Top photo: Brothers Garrett and Wyatt Sando with their 1973 White tractor.

Student drivers strike a pose on Adam Starowitz’s tractor: (l-r) Garrett Sando, Brandon Lewis, Marquis Brown, Benjamin Latham, and Starowitz with School Resource Officer Matt Butler.

Press release:

Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer's bill (S5814) to quicken Western New York access to ride-sharing services has been signed into law by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

Senator Ranzenhofer has issued the following statement:

“It's official: Ride-sharing services will arrive in Western New York before Independence Day. I applaud Governor Cuomo for signing my legislation into law. Access to transportation network companies will positively impact our region by creating new jobs, reducing drunk driving deaths and helping to boost small businesses and tourism spending. Now, this new, safe and reliable transportation option, and its benefits to our community, will be available to residents sooner than expected.”

Press release:

The GLOW YMCA on Tuesday announced record-breaking support as they raised just over $100,000 in its Annual Strong Communities Campaign, exceeding a $91,000 goal.

“This year’s contributions shattered our expectations! We had so much incredible support. I would like to publically thank the more than 500 donors that helped us to make this happen,” said Rob Walker, CEO of the GLOW YMCA.

The Genesee Branch specifically raised $38,613 or 108 percent of its $36,000 goal. With 90 new donors and 158 renewed donations , a total of 248 generous donors helped to achieve this year’s local campaign record. The money raised helps the YMCA meet its charitable mission by offering scholarship support to children, families and seniors in our community that otherwise could not afford to experience the many benefits of the YMCA.

YMCA Camp Hough also had a record-breaking year; exceeding its campaign goal by 112 percent and doubling its donor support!
As a leading nonprofit for strengthening community, gifts made to the Annual Strong Communities Campaign help the Y advance programming and services that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. More importantly, 100 percent of gifts made will make a direct impact on the residents in our communities.

To find out more about how you can help volunteer for the Annual Campaign at the Y or to make a donation that will have a meaningful, enduring impact right in your own community, visit www.glowymca.org or call the GLOW YMCA at 585-344-1664.

Press release:

On Wednesday June 14, the City of Batavia will be applying for Governor Cuomo’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Competition. Prior to submission the Batavia City Council and the City Manager’s Office want to hear from you.

“City Council has ramped up engagement with our citizens over the last few years with the Batavia Opportunity Area planning, the 2016 DRI process, the 2017 Comprehensive Planning process and other strategic initiatives that the city has completed, and we want to continue to connect with residents,” said Eugene Jankowski, City of Batavia Council president. “We need citizens and businesses to share their thoughts, ideas, and stories with us” said Jankowski.

The Governor’s DRI competition is in the second year. The program funds communities to implement transformative projects in their downtown neighborhoods. The goal is to create vibrant sustainable communities that are inclusive of all ages and socioeconomic situations. Last year the City of Geneva was granted the top prize for the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Region (FLREDC), and this year Batavia hopes to bring home the prize.

“Through the leadership of City Council, we have undergone major planning in the last few years to set the direction of the City of Batavia,” said Jason Molino, City of Batavia Manager.

“These plans that have yielded considerable community feedback and participation are shaping our 2017 DRI application. We know that receiving the top prize will propel the downtown, and the community, to a new level and yield more investment and jobs that are needed for residents."

The City of Batavia is at a tremendous disadvantage to the rest of Genesee County with three, out of six, census tracts are classified as highly distressed. No other community in Genesee County is in such a difficult situation as the city. Recent activity to combat the high unemployment and poverty has included the Batavia Pathway to Prosperity (BP2), a program to reinvest PILOT payments from all taxing jurisdictions directly into the City to combat brownfields and poverty.

“The BP2 is a long-term plan to help reduce the blight and poverty within our city, but the 2017 $10 million DRI could bring immediate change that you will be able to see and feel within months of the award. Please contact us at the email listed or reach out to your councilmembers to start the discussion,” said Jankowski.​

The email address $100MillionImAllIn@batavianewyork.com will be operational starting today (June 6th) and serve as a general email address for citizens input on the direction of the city as it relates to economic development and planning in the City.

As part of a budget proposal from President Donald Trump, funding for AmeriCorps, founded in 1994 and a part of the Corporation for National and Community Service, would be cut after 2017-18.

Jocelyn Sikorski, director of the Youth Bureau, shared her concerns about the future of the program with members of the County Legislature yesterday during the Human Services Committee meeting.

AmeriCorps, under the direction of Genesee County, provides a variety of services to nonprofit and government agencies throughout the GLOW region. Participants, usually teens, earn a living allowance and up to $5,800  for college -- paid directly to the college. Retirees can also serve and bank their college awards for their grandchildren to use anytime within seven years.

"That's significant if you're a college student you're only going to a local college," Sikorski said. "That might cover almost a semester. So it's significant money when you look at what they get for an education from their work."

A concern for supporters of AmeriCorps is that members of the majority party in both the Senate and House have long wanted to eliminate funding for the program, so while Trump's budget is just merely a proposal, cuts for such programs may gain support from congressional members.

The share of the budget for CNCS, a total of $1 billion, which also supports the senior program RSVP, is less than 3/10ths of a percent of the entire federal budget.

We requested a statement from the office of Rep. Chris Collins on the proposed cut this afternoon but have not yet received a response.

More than 80,000 people participate in AmeriCorps each year, including 35 in the GLOW region.  

AmeriCorp members mentor students, support veterans and military families, work in parts and on community projects. They also organize part-time volunteers for programs and projects.

According to a Columbia University Study, each dollar invested in community service programs, such as AmericCorps, returns $4 in benefits. 

The CNCS also raised $1.26 billion in private contributions to help supplement federal funding.

UPDATE 6:35 p.m.: We received the following statement from the office of Rep. Chris Collins:

“The budget proposal released by President Trump expands upon the priorities he previously released back in March. This proposal shows the President is committed to balancing the federal budget over 10 years, shrinking government and cutting tax rates to get our economy growing.  Balancing the federal budget is an important goal and I commend the President for making this a priority. Additionally, this budget protects a commitment President Trump made to rebuild our military and I appreciate him taking the necessary steps to make sure we are keeping America safe.

“As I said before, Congress will have vital say in this budget process and my top priority is always about fighting for my constituents. I am committed to protecting programs like NIH funding, Community Block Grants, Meals on Wheels, Great Lakes funding, among others, that play an important role in strengthening our community. We will take a careful look at all programs to make sure taxpayers are getting an appropriate bang for their buck.

“As we focus on creating jobs, reducing the national debt, and keeping Americans safe, it is clear that difficult decisions will need to be made. Ultimately, it is up to Congress to make these funding decisions. My constituents know that I will continue fighting for their best interests above all else.”

Genesee County is joining with five other counties that have service-providing mental health departments to create a new nonprofit that should help improve services and lower costs, Mental Health Director Ellery Reaves told members of the County Legislature yesterday.

The new 501(c)(3) will be called Integrity Partners for Behavioral Health.

It's being formed both because regional mental health leaders see the need and because the state is pushing for more consolidation and more shared services. The state has made available $60 million for such consolidations in mental health services and Integrity Partners is the first of its kind in the state.

"So while other parts of the state are sort of scrambling to get themselves together, we’re literally going to submit our application with all of our providers, affiliate providers, and network providers, and it’s going to cover literally a six-county group so far," Reaves said.

Genesee County's Mental Health Services has a staff of more than 65 people, including doctors, therapists, counselors, and care managers. The service provides care to patients who either come to it through the Genesee County Jail, schools, other agencies, or just walk through the front door. The cost of care is either covered by private insurance or programs such as Medicaid or Medicare.

The goal of Integrity Partners will be to reduce costs through greater efficiency and improve care outcomes by sharing resources and knowledge.

"This model we’re moving to is more of a value-based, performance-based model," Reaves said. "We’re all going to get together and decide on what the matrix is going to be for what’s quality care. Then we as providers are going to try and meet those matrixes and get paid based on the efficacy in keeping folks out of hospital beds and providing service immediately, same-day access."

The six counties participating -- Genesee, Niagara, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Livingston, and Orleans -- all have county-run mental health services. The coalition will also include non-government providers within the region.

The partners have retained legal counsel to help set up the tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) corporation, as well as ensure the organization complies with all state laws and the requirements of the state incentives to organize it.

“If we can pull that off then this corporation will literally be on par with some of the larger health entities in the state,” Reaves said.

Lower costs and improved efficiency comes at a time when the county and the region need it, Reaves said.

So far in 2017, mental health services is on pace to serve more clients than in 2016.

Much of the increase is driven by the decreased stigma associated with seeking mental health care, but for children, social media is creating more problems, and opioid use leading to more mental health patients.

Reaves said the opiate crisis locally is "massive." 

"It's beyond what people can comprehend," Reaves said.

He added, "If you look at the stats on drug use, it's going to have a peak and once it peaks then it will start to abate once we can get more services in place. We haven't reached that point yet."

A car has reportedly hit a pole in the area of 10532 Main St., Alexander.

The car is smoking.

Unknown injuries.

Alexander fire and ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 5:53 a.m.: The pole is broken but upright.

UPDATE 6:02 a.m.: A field sobriety test is being conducted.

UPDATE 6:25 a.m.: The vehicle also struck a sign on Route 98 in front of the fire hall. There is no tow yet for the vehicle because firefighters are concerned about electrical lines on the vehicle. National Grid is in route, no ETA.

The Jim Kelly Celebrity Golf Classic is underway at Terry Hills today after Kelly delivered welcoming remarks and shared the rules of the tournament.

The annual tournament benefits the Kelly for Kids Foundation, which provides grants to area nonprofits that assist children.

Notre Dame High School conferred diplomas on 41 students yesterday in a ceremony at Genesee Community College. 

Tyler Reese (above) was valedictorian and received several senior awards, including Man of the Year.

For the first time since 1983, the award for Woman of the Year went to two students, Hannah Bowen and Lyndsey Rowland (photo below).

Richard Oderkirk is still growing sunflowers this year, and vegetables and other flowers, but that big old barn that was once the backdrop for a scenic view along Route 33 in Stafford won't be there anymore to provide a touch of history to the six-generation family farm.

The barn was heavily damaged in a storm a couple of winters ago and this morning Stafford fire, with help from Bethany and South Byron, managed a controlled burn on what was left of the structure.

Oderkirk, along with his daughter, who currently lives in the old farmhouse on the property, was there to watch what was left of the century-old barn go up in flames.

Like a lot of old barns that have been lost over the years, this one long ago needed a new roof and it didn't get it, and that's the main reason it fell apart, Oderkirk said. The other barns on the property have been re-roofed.

The roof on this barn was added in 1922, Oderkirk said, because his grandmother for some reason wanted a gable roof on it. Oderkirk said he didn't know why she decided to make the change, but the barn was also enlarged at the time.

"My dad had mentioned the roofers kept the nails in the house so they were warm, so they worked all winter, or part of winter, putting the cedar shingles on," Oderkirk said.

The timber in the beams was still green when they were nailed into place, Oderkirk said, and when the hardwood dried around those nails the wood became hard as rock, he said.

"I can't even pull those nails out now," he said.

Previously: Sunflower farm adds beauty, but grower wants to sell produce

A head-on collision with entrapment is reported in Corfu on Alleghany Road in front of the Dollar General store.

Three ambulances requested.

Corfu fire, Mercy EMS dispatched.

Law enforcement is on scene.

UPDATE 10 p.m.: Four injuries. An officer on scene says, "it doesn't look like anybody is super serious." Darien ambulance responding.

UPDATE 10:01 p.m.: Pembroke fire requested to shut down traffic at Route 5 and Route 77.

UPDATE 10:18 p.m.: Mercy Flight #5 out of Batavia has been dispatched to the scene.

UPDATE 10:31 p.m.: Patient extricated.

UPDATE 10:58 p.m.: Route 77 reopened.

UPDATE: added a reader-submitted photo.

A two-car accident with unknown injuries is reported at Ellicott Street and Jackson Street, Batavia.

City fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE: No injuries. Both City fire and Mercy EMS are back in service.

Genesee Cancer Assistance held its annual Festival of Hope today at Batavia Downs, which included a crossing-training competition as well as basket raffles, music, a live broadcast by WBTA, and other events.

Volunteers from Volunteers for Animals were at the Animal Shelter today collecting donated scrap metal as a fundraiser for the shelter and the support provided by Volunteers for Animals.

A couple dozen young anglers turned out this morning for the 26th annual Youth Fishing Derby at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

Among the young fishermen were Henry and Darel Matthies, of Newstead, with father Ken.

Harry Gugino, of Buffalo.