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Residents throughout the county proudly display their Christmas trees in front windows so every passerby might enjoy the Christmas spirit.  Here are a few such trees in Batavia.

Today, VivIFY Hydration Lounge & Medispa hosted its grand opening and ribbon cutting at 413 East Main Street, Batavia.

The spa offers intervenous hydration along with the administration of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients appropriate to the client's needs.  The IV process enables the body to absorb 100 percent of the nutrients, a result not possible through pill-based supplements.

Infusion options include increased immunity, athletic recovery, a cure for a hangover, a metabolism boost, migraine relief, and hunger suppression. 

Appointments can be made by calling (585) 494-7411.

The former Santy's Tires building on Ellicott Street, which along with the former Soccio & Della Penna building, is part of a redevelopment effort downtown known as Ellicott Station, is nearly gone as construction on the $22 million project continues.

The brownfield redevelopment site has been vacant for many years and has been a challenge to redevelop because of environmental contamination.  Grants and tax abatements, about 15 percent of the project's funding, help offset the cost of environmental clean-up.

Savarino Companies of Buffalo is the project developer. It will include 55 apartments, office space, and a restaurant.

It is Christmas Sweater Day at Batavia Middle School.

Top photo: Evan Patrick, 5th grade, models his sweater.

Demarius Johnson, 5th grade

Reid Presley, 5th, and Robert Thurston, 5th.

EIghth-graders Kritina Buchanan, Alora Becket, Mimi Weicher, and Paige Harmon.

Vice-principal John-Martin Cannon and Principal Nate Korzelius.

There are currently 35 Genesee County residents hospitalized with COVID-19, according to Health Department data released today.

The county also reports 209 positive COVID-19 tests since Dec. 16.

There are currently 275 known active cases in Genesee County.

Of the previously reported positive cases, 150 people have completed their mandatory isolation.

Jackson Primary School hosted a drive-thru Christmas parade this evening for Jackson students and their families.

In the top photo, Jaxon Noonan reacts to seeing Santa while his parents Gemma and Kevin Noonan enjoy the moment.

A car-deer accident with injuries is reported in the rea of 2339 Broadway Road, Darien.

Darien Fire and ambulance responding.

UPDATE 5:42 p.m.: A Mercy EMS ambulance dispatched for a patient with facial injuries.

UPDATE 5:48 p.m.: The injuries are minor and bleeding is controlled.

Sidney C. Underhill, 72, of Batavia, is charged with stalking 4th and trespass. Following prior complaints of Underhill showing up and watching at places where the occupant of a residence on Swan Street, Underhill was allegedly located in the backyard of the residence, where he does not reside, without permission. Underhill was arraigned in City Court. An order of protection was issued and he was released on his own recognizance. 

Tevin D. Bloom, 28, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Bloom is accused of violating an order of protection by going to a protected party's house. He was issued an appearance ticket.

J'Shon K. Naegely, 25, of Batavia, is charged with false personation. During a welfare check at a residence on Dellinger Avenue at 1:40 a.m., Dec. 15, Naegely allegedly lied to police about his identity. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Michael L. Jackson, 40, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Jackson allegedly stole items from a local business at 9:55 p.m., Dec. 10. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Heather M. Davis, 55, of Lockport, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Davis is accused of violating an order of protection by contacting the protected party at 8:39 a.m., Dec. 10. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Jordin M. Schultz, 23, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. During a probation home check at 11:23 p.m., Dec. 11, Schultz was allegedly found in violation of an order of protection. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Lucas Potrzebowski, 27, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Potrzebowski is accused of pushing another person to the ground during a dispute at a local business at 11:30 a.m., Dec. 3.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Charles A. Tomaszewski, 59, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Tomaszewski is accused of violating an order protection by having contact with the protected party at 8:44 p.m., Nov. 15, at a location on Redfield Parkway. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Thomas J. Leonard, 38, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd, criminal mischief 4th, and criminal nuisance 2nd, after he allegedly damaged property and entered a residence on East Main Street, during an argument at 5:14 p.m., Dec. 11. He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $5,000 bail, or $10,000 bond, or $20,000 partially secured bond.

Christopher J. Diers, 39, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Diers is accused of stealing items from a store on East Main Street, Batavia, at 9:59 a.m., Dec. 10. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Samantha E. Hosmer, 34, of Medina, is charged with bail jumping 3rd. Hosmer was arrested on a warrant out of City Court and released on her own recognizance.

Kenneth T. Marrocco, 29, of Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration, criminal mischief 4th, and resisting arrest. Marrocco is accused of breaking the glass of a window of a storm door while attempting to force entry into a residence on Montclaire Avenue, Batavia.  When police arrived, Marrocco is accused of resisting arrest and allegedly kicking a Batavia police officer in the face.  He was arraigned in City Court and issued a stay-away order of protection along with an appearance ticket.

Michael J. Hilton, 30, no permanent address, is charged with petit larceny. Hilton is accused of shoplifting from a local business at 5:55 p.m., Dec. 7. He was issued an appearance ticket. He was held in the Genesee County Jail on an unrelated warrant issued by NYS Parole.

Joseph D. Turner, 39, of Albion, was arrested on a bench warrant for alleged failure to appear at 3:30 p.m., Dec. 15 by Albion PD and turned over to Batavia PD. Turner accepted a plea agreement to dispose of the case.

Kay E. Dilker, 31, of Albion, was arrested on a bench warrant for alleged failure to appear at 4:15 p.m., Dec. 14, by Albion PD and turned over to Batavia PD. She was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance.

Jason Patrick Wickson, 40, of Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion, is charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. At 10:21 p.m., Dec. 8, medics were dispatched to a residence in Pavilion on the report of a patient suffering a possible stroke. Upon arrival, Pavilion medics and Mercy EMS personal found Wickson suffering a possible overdose from narcotic use. Wickson is accused of using a narcotic in the presence of two children.  He was transported to UMMC for medical treatment. Once released from care, Wickson turned himself in the Genesee County Jail for processing and was released on an appearance ticket.

Scot J. Hinze, 35, of Batavia, is charged with felony DWI. Hinze was stopped on Dec. 17 by State Police in Alden for alleged failure to keep right. He allegedly failed a field sobriety test and was processed at SP Clearance where he was allegedly found to have a BAC of .16. Hinze was issued an appearance ticket.

Penny L. Mase, 65, of East Bethany, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. mase was stopped at 10:31 p.m., Dec. 18, in East Bethany by State Police. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Press release:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.31, down two cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.22. The New York State average is $3.51, down one cent from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.30. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $3.46 (down one cent from last week)
• Buffalo - $3.46 (no change from last week)
• Ithaca - $3.50 (no change from last week)
• Rochester - $3.51 (no change from last week)
• Rome - $3.53 (down one cent from last week)
• Syracuse - $3.47 (down one cent from last week)
• Watertown - $3.54 (down one cent from last week)

Since Monday, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has decreased by two cents to $3.31. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks are down while demand is on the rise. Typically, growing demand and tight supply would result in rising pump prices, but fluctuations in the price of crude oil have helped to put downward pressure on prices. This morning, oil prices are below $70 per barrel. Gasoline demand will likely increase with holiday travel and then drop in January when we typically see the cheapest prices of the year.

From Gas Buddy:

"For yet another week, average gasoline prices continue to fall as omicron cases surge, leading oil demand, and thus oil prices, to stall. The decline in gas prices will likely continue until new Covid cases slow down," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "With gas prices very likely to continue declining this week in most states, we may see Christmas gas prices fall just under their all-time high on the holiday, which was $3.26 in 2013. Beyond Christmas, with omicron cases likely to continue climbing, I do believe we'll see a more noticeable hit on gasoline demand once the holidays are over. There's a rising likelihood that we won't see gas prices rising for the rest of the year- with one caveat- gas prices in the Great Lakes states have plummeted by 30 to 50 cents in some areas, and stations in those areas may raise prices slightly should oil prices slow their decline. Aside from those areas, declines at the pump are likely to continue as we close out 2021."

A one-vehicle accident is reported in the area of 7989 Slusser Road, East Pembroke.

The car is in a field. The driver reportedly sustained only minor injuries but extrication is required.

East Pembroke Fire on scene and Alabama Fire called to assist.

UPDATE 2:59 p.m.: Crews have managed to get the patient out through the door.  Alabama can stand down and the East Pembroke engine can continue non-emergency.

Former Batavia resident David Bellavia, a Medal of Honor recipient, was the featured speaker today in a ceremony honoring veterans who have passed away and are buried at the WNY National Cemetery.

The event, Wreaths Across America, took place today at military cemeteries across America.  Friends, family members, and volunteers laid wreaths at the grave sites of the men and women who served this nation.

The Owen Library, a redesigned room containing art books, a white baby grand piano, a fireplace, seating, and table games, was dedicated at GO Art! in Seymour Place in Batavia on Friday night.

The library honors the family of Jim Owen, himself not an artist but from a family of people who pursued the arts in various ways.

"It totally made sense to dedicate this library in memory of the Owen family," said Gregory Hallock, director of Genesee Orleans Arts Council.

Frank Owen, the family patriarch, was a musician, conductor, and music instructor at Batavia High School. His wife, Natalie Walker Owen, was president of the Richmond Memorial Library Board of Trustees.  Kathy Owen, daughter of Frank and Natalie and sister of Jim Owen, was a photographer, and Robert Owen, also a sibling, was an author and actor (as well as, like Jim, an athlete).

"My parents, my sister, and my brother say thank you from heaven and I thank you from earth," said Jim Owen during his remarks.

Gregory Hallock reads a letter from a former typing student of Jim Owen in Hamburg, Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Proclamations were presented by members of the City Council (Eugene Jankowski and Bob Bialkowski) above, as well as the County Legislature (Marianne Clattenburg, John Deleo, and Gary Maha (not pictured) and Assemblyman Steve Hawley (not pictured).

Tarrence Yuron Williams, 22, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance 4th, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal obstruction of breathing and blood circulation, and menacing 3rd.  On Dec. 15, dispatchers received a report of a disturbance at the Quality Inn and Suites, 8250 Park Road, Batavia.  Williams is accused of choking another person at that location. He was taken into custody and allegedly found in possession of a quantity of crack cocaine.  Deputies obtained a search warrant for his room at the hotel and located an allegedly illegal firearm.  Williams was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and ordered held on bail of $5,000.  Batavia PD and the District Attorney's Office assisted in the investigation.

Sidney Carl Underhill, 72, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with disobeying a mandate.  Underhill allegedly violated an order of protection at 10:31 p.m., Dec. 8 at a location on Main Street, Batavia.

Dianna Lynn Sprague, 50, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Sprague is accused of shoplifting from Walmart in Batavia. 

Alexander Rian Toal, 18, of Swamp Road, Byron, is charged with menacing 2nd and acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17 years old. Toal is accused of placing a person in fear of his life by displaying what appeared to be a firearm and threatening that person while a child under age 17 was present.  He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on his own recognizance.

Stephen G. Ognibene, 64, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd.  Ognibene is accused of violating an order of protection by not surrendering his firearms.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Rae C. Cook is indicted on counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony, and assault in the second degree, a Class D violent felony. Cook is accused of using scissors to cause a physical injury to another person on Oct. 2 in the City of Batavia.

Joshua L. Webster is indicted on counts of aggravated criminal contempt, a Class D felony, assault in the third degree, a Class A misdemeanor, and criminal contempt in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor.  Webster is accused of violating an order of protection by intentionally or recklessly causing physical injury or serious physical injury to a person covered by an order of protection on Sept. 12 in the Town of Le Roy.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today that the Town of Byron will receive $924,000 in loan funding and $756,000 in grant funding for their Water Improvement Area #1 project, which will extend public water service to nearly 200 residents throughout the town.

The loan and grant are part of a $70 million project to improve critical rural infrastructure in New York.

With the release of these funds, the USDA is supporting 24 infrastructure projects in the state. 

“When we invest in rural infrastructure, we invest in the livelihoods and health of people in rural America,” said Rural Development Acting NY State Director Brian Murray. “Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, USDA is committed to Building a Better America by investing in America’s rural infrastructure, expanding access to broadband, clean drinking water, and resilient power infrastructure. The investments we are announcing today will drive the creation of good-paying union jobs and grow the economy sustainably and equitably so that everyone gets ahead for decades to come.”

JoAnn Hayes was among the T.F. Brown customers to show up Thursday night in an "ugly sweater" with a new toy for a free drink as part of the establishment's annual Ugly Sweater Contest.

The toys will be given out by Santa on Christmas day to children in families who show up for the restaurant's annual free Christmas dinner.

Anybody in the community is welcome to attend with a reservation for either the noon or 1 p.m. meal, which includes a visit for children with Santa and a present.

For community members wishing to attend the dinner, reservations are required. Call Barb at 345-1000. She will need to know how many people are attending and the names and ages of the children who will be there.

Chris White, Dave Cecere, and Susie Ott.

Oakfield-Alabama beat Alexander in boys basketball on Wednesday night 54-38.

For the Hornets, 

• Kam Cusmano, 16 points, 8 rebounds
• Gaige Armbrewster, 16 points, 5 assists
• Kaden Cusmano, 12 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, 5 blocks

For the Trojans: 

• Trent Woods, 10 points
• Braydon Woods, 9 points

Photos by Kristin Smith.  For more, click here.

Also, in girls basketball, Elba beat Wheatland-Chili, 49-36.  Game write-up by Drew Muehlig:

Led by senior Dakota Brinkman, Elba defeated Wheatland-Chili 49-36 Wednesday night in Genesee Region girls basketball. 

The senior baller notched a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Lady Lancers. 

Elba also got strong performances from freshman Sydney Reilly (11 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists), senior Adrianna Long (5 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists) and sophomore Halie Deville (8 points and 6 rebounds). 

Elba (1-2) led 29-13 at the half and led by as many as 19, but held off a valiant comeback effort by the Wildcats in the second half. 

Chyene Whitcomb led Wheatland-Chili with 10 points and 3 steals despite being in foul trouble throughout the game. Thailaih Sainpaulin added three 3-pointers to finish with 9 points and Reghan LaMere added 6 points for Wildcats. 

The Batavia Blue Devils overcame a first-half doldrums that left them trailing Greece Athena 34-21 to score 42 points in the second half, tying the score and sending the game into a double-overtime when Javin McFollins hit a three-pointer as the clock on regulation time expired.

McFollins finished the night with 18 points, hitting five three-pointers, including two in OT.

Carter McFollins also scored 18 points, Tanner Mountain scored 12, and Cam McClinic scored 10.

For Athena, Connor Osier scored 27 points. 

The Pembroke Veterans Outreach Club was recognized today by the Hiram G. Luhman Post 626 of the American Legion for their efforts to support Wreaths Across America.

The club raised $2,300 for the organization by selling 470 wreaths in support of service at the WNY National Cemetery in Pembroke on Saturday.

At the event, family members of servicemen and women, among others, will be laying wreaths on the graves of veterans and spouses. The event is open to the public and begins at noon (recommended arrival time, 11:30 a.m.) Speakers include David Bellavia, Medal of Honor recipient, Rep. Chris Jacobs, and Assemblyman Stephen Hawley.

Ed Mileham, far right, presented the club with a framed letter of appreciation from the Legion.

Previously: Wreaths Across America comes to Genesee County to honor veterans

A rekenrek is a tool to help elementary-age children build a better sense of numbers, Stacie Wilson, the new numeracy coach in Le Roy Central Schools, explained to the Board of Education on Tuesday evening.

Students use it to help them grasp the concept of how numbers work together.

For example, take the number seven, if students are told to arrange the pieces on the rekenrek into groups that ad up into seven, they might move four pieces on one line and three on another, or two and five, or one and six, etc.

There is no wrong answer, said Wilson (top photo), which both helps students see how numbers work together and develop confidence in thinking about numbers.

The rekenrek, similar to an abacus but it is not based on place value columns, is just one tool to help students grasp a better concept of numbers.  

Wilson also uses, for example, a jar filled with items -- changed regularly -- that encourages students to guess how many of those items are in a jar.

"(These things) help students generally understand numbers and how numbers work and connect," Wilson said. "They can place values on things and it weaves into so many connections they will make through the years."

Teachers engage students in math classes in "number talk," Wilson said, so they can better grasp the concepts of numbers. They can develop flexible thinking about numbers, especially through us of the rekenrek where numbers can be combined visually in multiple ways to create new numbers.

"Some students are more resistant to math and they fear the wrong answer," Wilson said.  "This allows all kids into the experience and allows for them to really push their thinking about numbers."

Newly appointed trustee Jason Karcher.