Stories from

It was Family Reading Night at Jackson School on Thursday night, with parents joining their children for events at the school, including community volunteers reading to students.

Above, City Schools Superintendent Chris Dailey reading to a class.

Barbara Holder, who retired many years ago from teaching, but still regularly volunteers at Jackson School, was the reader in another classroom.

Batavia Police Officer Pete Flanagan.

Shaley Johnson plays a puzzle game with Jesse Higgins.

Press release:

The Board of Directors of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) approved a final resolution for an application for assistance from Darien Lake Theme Park Resort, as well as an initial resolution for Mega Properties, Inc.’s Koolatron project, at its March 3 board meeting.

Darien Lake Theme Park Resort will add two new attractions in time for its 2016 operating season, including a six-flume water slide and a roller coaster train. The new attractions are part of the company’s 2016 Tourism Destination Project aimed to enhance visitor experience.

The company was approved for a sales tax exemption of $189,200 and the project’s planned capital investment will total an estimated $2.8 million.

“We are very pleased to have such tremendous support from the GCEDC in our efforts to offer guests the highest quality, most memorable visitor experiences,” said Chris Thorpe, general manager, Darien Lake. “GCEDC’s investment in our 2016 Tourism Destination Project will help us remain one of the Northeast’s most attractive tourist attractions.”

“As one of Genesee County’s largest employers, Darien Lake is one of the most powerful economic contributors to our local economy, providing over 400 full-time equivalent jobs and approximately 2,000 seasonal positions each year,” said Paul Battaglia, GCEDC Board chairman. “The GCEDC remains committed to investing in projects that will enhance the park and allow it to continue serving as one of our region’s most popular tourist destinations.”

In addition, the GCEDC board approved an initial resolution for Mega Properties, Inc., which provides distribution services to the United States for Koolatron Corporation, a Canadian-based manufacturer of consumer goods. Koolatron’s distribution center has operated in Batavia since 1979 and plans to add 25,000 square feet to its existing 45,000-square-foot facility in order to increase production and expand its global footprint.

The company was approved to receive a total of $172,096 in sales, mortgage and property tax exemptions. The capital investment for the project is approximately $750,000. Since the company is receiving incentives of more than $100,000 there will be a public hearing at a time, date and location to be determined.

Smoke is coming from a vehicle with heavy front-end damage following an accident at Route 98 and Lockport Road, Elba.

There's a possible minor injury.

Elba Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Law enforcement is on scene.

UPDATE 8:56 a.m.: Lockport Road is completely blocked.

A couple who met on Robbins Road, Le Roy, on Feb. 21 to discuss their relationship was subsequently arrested on felony charges after one was hospitalized and the other had her car seriously damaged.

Le Roy PD reports that Rebecca L. Rose, 23, of North Street, Le Roy, and Jeffrey W. Scott, of Walnut Street, Batavia, were in Rose's car discussing their relationship when things got heated. Scott allegedly became violent and caused $1,643.48 in damage to the interior of Rose's car.

Scott then reportedly got out of the vehicle and Rose allegedly backed over him and then, in pulling forward to leave, ran over him a second time.

Scott suffered pain and abrasions over several parts of his body. He was transported to an area hospital where he was treated and released.

Scott was charged with one count of criminal mischief, 3rd, a Class E felony, and Rose was charged with one count of assault, 2nd, a Class D felony, and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident. Both were arraigned in Le Roy Town Court both were released on their own recognizance.

Clients of Independent Living of the Genesee Region in Batavia have a new option for getting involved in artistic creation thanks to a donation of an Artcovz by the University Heights Arts Association in Buffalo.

Lawrence Kinney, who founded the association with is wife, Mary, made the kiosk with a 100-year-old humidor as the foundation and was on hand Wednesday for the donation ceremony.

Mary Kinney explained that a primary goal of the association is to make art accessible to communities that are underserved in the arts, such as those with limited ability to get around or limited finances.

"Anybody who passes by is welcome to take a project," Mary said. "The projects are free they contain everything from drawing to small sculpture projects, garden art, adult color sheets, CD samples, lectures, and we change out the art frequently. Also we have little donation box at bottom to allow people to pay it forward. We do accept donations of paper, pencils and old craft supplies."

Lawrence Kinney said part of the inspiration for the idea comes from the Little Free Library movement, were people set up boxes that act as roadside lending libraries.

One of his specialities as an artist is reclaiming old furniture, especially pieces made from hardwoods, and turning the furniture into art projects.

The one at the Independent Living center at 113 Main St., Batavia, began as an old humidor and he built it up into a kiosk with space for a varity of art materials.

The association is interested in connecting with any location, including local businesses, that would like to host a kiosk.

"Western New York has a wonderful art communtiy, but a lot of the art organizations serve seasoned artists and we want to serve underserved populations, like people with disabilities, who might not otherwise access programs as easily," she said.

Press release:

U.S. Representatives Chris Collins (NY-27) and Paul Tonko (NY-20) today released the following statements after H.R. 3716, the Ensuring Removal of Terminated Providers from Medicaid and CHIP Act,was unanimously approved by the House. This legislation included H.R. 3821, the Medicaid Directory of Caregivers Act (Medicaid DOC Act), legislation Representatives Collins and Tonko introduced to improve access to doctors for Medicaid beneficiaries.

“Ensuring Medicaid beneficiaries can quickly and easily find out what doctors they can visit is a commonsense and simple fix,” Congressman Collins said. “This legislation will increase health care access and efficiency for the most vulnerable, while reducing emergency room care. It’s a win-win. I want to thank Congressman Tonko for his steadfast efforts in helping to pass this vital reform through the House and look forward to this legislation being signed into law.”

“Ensuring Medicaid beneficiaries have the all the information they need when seeking care is a commonsense safeguard in our system,” Congressman Tonko said. “This bill will make it easier for patients to know their options and find a doctor. I have enjoyed working with Congressman Collins on this legislation, and I thank him for his work to improve care for Medicaid patients.”

The Medicaid DOC Act makes it easier for Medicaid beneficiaries to find doctors that accept their coverage by requiring states that operate a fee-for-service or primary care case management program to include a directory of physicians who served Medicaid patients in the prior year on the Medicaid program’s Web site. The listing on the state’s Medicaid website will include the physician’s name, address, telephone number, and specialty. This will help Medicaid beneficiaries easily identify doctors who can serve them.

Politico: Neocons declare war on Trump

Press release:

The Board of Directors of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) will consider a final resolution for Darien Lake Theme Park Resort’s Tourism Destination Project as well as an initial resolution for Mega Properties, Inc.’s Koolatron project, at its March 3 board meeting.

Darien Lake Theme Park Resort is planning to add two new park attractions, including a six-flume water slide and new roller coaster train for its 2016 operating season. The projected capital investment for both park projects is approximately $2.8 million. The company is seeking a total of $189,200 in sales tax exemptions for the construction and installation of the new rides and enhancements.

The board will also consider an initial resolution for Mega Properties, Inc., which provides distribution services to the United States for Koolatron Corporation, a Canadian-based manufacturer of consumer goods. The company’s distribution center has operated in Batavia since 1979 and plans to add 25,000 square feet to its existing facility in order to increase production.

The GCEDC Board meeting will take place at 4 p.m. and is open to the public. Meetings are held at the Innovation Zone Conference Room at MedTech Centre, 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia, on the first floor, across from Genesee Community College.

William E. Berge, 21, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. Berge was allegedly found in possession of a flare gun that was modified to fire a 12-gauge shotgun round.

Joseph M. Marceilli Jr., 30, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and obstructed view. Marceilli was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 4:52 p.m. Saturday on Liberty Street, Batavia, by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Tyler J. Henderson, 27, of Franklin Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Henderson was arrested on a City Court warrant and released on his own recognizance.

Woodrow C. Horseman, 39, no permanent address, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on criminal trespass and endangering the welfare of a child. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Jeffrey Robert Ammon, 48, of South Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with trespass. Ammon is accused of being on the premises of a location on Maple Avenue, Bergen, at 6:25 p.m. Tuesday after being told to leave. Also charged with trespass was Krista Renee Lewis, 46, of Church Street, Bergen.

Amanda Ann Allard, 35, of Cadwell Road, Bliss, is charged with possession or transport or offer for sale of unstamped cigarettes and speeding. Allard was stopped at 12:29 p.m. Tuesday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Tremain Valdez Gillbert, 26, of Wing Street, Bliss, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Wing was arrested following a traffic stop at 12:29 p.m. Tuesday on Route 77, Pembroke.

Todd A. Berkemeier, 46, of 61 Walnut St., Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Berkemeier allegedly sent an inappropriate message through Facebook to a child less than 17 years old. The alleged victim is a Village of Le Roy resident and Berkemier was arrested by Le Roy PD.

Joshua J. Nilsen, 28, of Hilltop Drive, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and having an obstructed driver's view. Nilsen was stopped by Le Roy PD following a complaint of an erratic operator on South Street Road. The reported vehicle was located on Route 19 in the Village.

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) has been selected to be a hub of inspiration and resources for those who wish to explore their artistic side, with an emphasis on disability-friendly activities. Following the official unveiling at 2 p.m. on Wednesday March 2nd, in the lobby of ILGR’s 113 Main St. office, Batavia, an ARTcovz self-serve kiosk will be available to all who want the packets of free art and literature supplies. The booth’s pockets, hooks and shelves will offer: colored pencils, watercolor pencils, drawing (graphite) pencils, watercolor/ drawing paper, craft paper, origami paper, polymer clay, and art-oriented audio books on CD. Eventually, artists with disabilities will come to ILGR to offer workshops and display examples of their work.

This opportunity is being made possible thanks to the North-Buffalo-based University Heights Arts Association (UHAA), a group of artists that serve as a driving creative force and educational resource to make a positive difference in people’s lives through the arts. Each ARTcovz booth caters to the demographic it serves; UHAA has partnered with ILGR to expand their outreach to people with disabilities.

Please contact Rae Frank at (585) 815-8501, ext. 406, or e-mail her at rfrank@wnyil.org with any questions.

ARTcovz is part of UHAA’s ARTboothz program, which offers sit-down art projects to passersby at community events. Each mini-art kit contains materials and a set of directions for completing a project, a link to further UHAA resources, including online databases of additional projects, and a schedule of upcoming programs. Designed/fabricated by sculptor/furniture maker Lawrence Kinney of UHAA, each ARTcovz includes a bin at the bottom of the booth to accept donations of art materials.

ARTboothz program served 2,427 people of all ages in 2015 at farmer's markets, festivals, community centers, and special events throughout Western New York. University Heights Arts Association plans to unveil a total of 10 ARTcovz in 2016. UHAA members offer donations, devise projects, put kits together at a series of "Potluck Packaging ARTraiser" events. These events are open to the public or anyone wishing to help or contribute supplies.

Press release:

U.S. Representatives Chris Collins (NY-27) and Jerry McNerney (CA-09) today released the following comments after introducing H.R. 4642, the Diabetic Eye Disease Prevention Act. The legislation works to prevent blindness and eye diseases associated with diabetes.

“Among the debilitating side effects associated with diabetes, early vision loss is particularly devastating,” Congressman Collins said. “To combat this significant health issue, I am proud to introduce the Diabetic Eye Disease Prevention Act. This commonsense and budget neutral legislation improves early detection for Medicare beneficiaries so those suffering can access the care they need to prevent long-term vision loss.”

“The millions of people who suffer from diabetes are at risk for early vision loss and impairment. These problems can be mitigated with early detection and proper treatment, and that’s why I’m proud to co-author the Diabetic Eye Disease Prevention Act,” Congressman McNerney said. “This bill would make it easier for Medicare beneficiaries who suffer from diabetes to get comprehensive eye exams from local doctors and diagnose any symptoms before they become significant visual complications. Early diagnosis will also promote savings in Medicare as costs often increase when treatment is delayed.”

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among adults. H.R. 4642 will help doctors catch eye diseases before they become debilitating to the patient. The legislation, which is endorsed by the American Optometric Association, establishes a five-year pilot program that incentivizes primary care providers to refer Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with diabetes to local eye doctors for comprehensive dilated eye exams. The cost of the pilot program is offset with funds from traditional diabetic eye care payments, keeping the legislation budget neutral.

“With the prevalence of diabetes among America’s seniors growing at an alarming rate and roughly one out of every three Medicare dollars currently being spent on treatments for those with diabetes, the bipartisan leadership of Reps. Collins and McNerney and their determination to reduce unnecessary Medicare costs and improve seniors’ lives through increased access to preventive eye health care is needed now more than ever,” said American Optometric Association President Steven A. Loomis, O.D.

“By encouraging better coordination and communication among key members of the diabetes care team – including America’s doctors of optometry -- and ensuring that a growing number of seniors with diabetes receive the comprehensive dilated eye exams that they need and deserve, together we can make even greater strides toward reducing seniors’ potential for significant vision loss and blindness while saving Medicare from avoidable costs associated with delayed diagnosis and treatment of a range of diabetes-related eye and vision conditions.”

This morning I'm flying to New York City to attend a couple of days of a conference on local publishing that is focused on revenue ideas. It's kind of a big deal conference that the organizer tries to talk me into attending every year, so I thought I'd take a bite of the apple this year and see what I might learn.

As always, we've made arrangements to ensure there is still local news coverage while I'm away.

There's also this: One thing I've been focused on recently is how to improve the business of The Batavian, and one key to any improvement in anything is greater knowledge and insight. Last week we posted a link to a survey about digital subscriptions and the feedback prompted a new set of questions I wish I'd asked then. So, I've created a new survey to ask those questions.

Please help me get smarter by responding to the survey now. Click here.

For what it's worth, much of my curiosity on this topic is driven by trends and commentary I see going on in the news industry, so I wonder what I can learn from our own audience and how that might apply to the local news industry as a whole. So please take the survey.

Rochard Joseph Tomaino, 28, of Wheatfield Street, North Tonawanda, is charged with: unlawful fleeing a police officer; speeding; no/inadequate plate lamps; obscured plate; failure to yield the right of way to emergency vehicles; aggravated unlicensed operation; failure to stop at a stop sign; reckless driving; criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and resisting arrest. Tomaino was arrested following an alleged police pursuit that started in the Town of Batavia at 1:36 a.m. Saturday on Pearl Street Road, proceeded through the City of Batavia and continued back to the west, ending in the Town of Darien at the Erie County line. The Sheriff's Office was assisted by Batavia PD, State Police and the Erie County Sheriff's Office. Tomaino was jailed without bail pending his next court appearance. (Initial Report)

Cody Patrick MacNaughton, 25, of Weatherwood Lane, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and registration / plate display violation. MacNaughton was stopped after allegedly being observed speeding in the Village of Bergen at 8:06 a.m. Sunday by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Carl Daniel Blackmon, 43, of Stewart Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Blackmon was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 2 p.m. Friday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

A 16-year-old resident of Mill Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, menacing, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. The youth was charged following a domestic incident reported at 5:30 p.m. Thursday. The youth was jailed on $500 bail.

Paul Konieczny, 51, of Harvester Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Konieczny was arrested by Batavia PD following an investigation into a reported domestic incident at 12:21 a.m. Thursday. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Ryan James Wetsell, 22, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Wetsell was allegedly found in possession of marijuana during a police investigation into a reported burglary at his residence.

Michael T. MacCowan, 42, of Meadow Farm North, North Chili, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and passed red light (two counts). MacCowan was stopped at 2:20 a.m. Sunday on Clinton Street by Officer Eric Foels.

Frank L. Morrison, 34, of East Avenue, Medina, was arrested on a warrant. Morrison was arrested by a deputy and turned over to Batavia PD on a City Court warrant.

We've seen Buddy Brasky celebrate sectional championships before, but he seemed to relish Sunday's 64-57 win over Wilson with a little more gusto.

"This was a very emotional one," Brasky told reporters after the game. "In a lot of ways, this was the hardest one. We had a lot of ups and downs during the season, but we came together at the right time, got into a little roll at the end."

The Blue Devils are now 16-7, and those seven wins are unusually high for a Brasky-coached team and a sectional championship and reflect the up-and-down nature of Batavia's 2015-16 season. There were certainly a couple of points during the course of the year that even making it to the postseason seemed in doubt.

"It's a little bit more special because it wasn't expected," Brasky said.

One challenge this year was the Blue Devils lacked what Brasky called that "go-to-guy," the guy who scores in bunches and the other team knows they have to account for him at all times. Last year, it was Jeff Redband. Before that, Jalen Smith. Before Smith, Andrew Hoy and prior to Hoy, Mike Chmielowiec.

The current edition of the Blue Devils learned over the course of the season, they had to call on each other and pick up each other to be successful.

"The good thing about this (no standout scorer) is that when one person is off, we've got other people to go to and they really step up when it's time," said senior forward Malachi Chenault.

That even attack was certainly evident over the 32 minutes of the championship game. Four players hit double figures in scoring and a fifth was just a point short. TeeSean Ayala led the way with 17 points, hitting four three-pointers, with Jake Schrider adding 13, Ryan Hogan, 12, Chenault 11, and Trevor Sherwood, nine. Chenault also snagged 11 rebounds, with Schrider and Hogan picking up seven apiece, Sherwood, six, and Ayala, five.

"It's kind of fitting that it was spread out like that today because that's the kind of team we were," Brasky said.

It was the type of game where it seemed Batavia was in control all the way, and most of the time, especially from about midway through the first quarter, they held the lead. Sometimes it was by 10 or 11 points, sometimes, only two or three. They held on, but not so tightly that the specter of a Wilson run didn't hang heavy over the court.

"That's the way it's been for us all year and one reason it's been that way is we struggle to score," Brasky said. "We can never put a team away. We get up six, seven, eight, nine points, even 12, and we have trouble delivering the knockout punch."

There was a point about midway through the third quarter when it looked as if Batavia was about to let Wilson make a run and Brasky called a time out.

"They were saying, 'we can't fold, we can't fold,' and I told them, 'You're not going to fold,' " Brasky said. " 'You're not going to fold. All you've got to do is relax, take a deep breath and you're in control of this game.You're not going to fold,' and they didn't. They handled the pressure. They made a lot of clutch free throws down the stretch and did what is needed to win down the stretch."

It was a well-timed timeout.

"Sometimes you wait too long because you want to save your timeouts for the end of the game, but sometimes you've just got to call them and I thought it was time, so I called it and it stemmed the tide, I guess," Brasky said.

As meaningful as the championship was for Brasky, it also meant a lot to the players, who endured the same ups and downs during the season as their coach.

"We had a goal coming in to win a sectional championship," said Ryan Hogan. "When it came time to start sectionals, we had to turn it on, and we knew that. The seniors had to step it up and we did."

Sherwood agreed.

"We knew we just had to work together and play as a team and that's what we did tonight and it paid off," Sherwood said.

Chenault, a senior who joined the varsity squad in eighth grade, just before that team headed into the postseason, said winning with the seniors he's practiced with throughout his basketball life was something special.

"It's just a great feeling, you know, with the squad we have and the effort we put into it," Chenault said. "It's about due that Batavia won one again. This is my senior class and going it with them is a wonderful feeling."

One reason the team was able to pull together, Brasky said, is that the team held together as a team, even in the down times.

"They all really cared about each other, and that's what kept us afloat, too," Brasky said. "Through ups and downs, they really cared about each other."

To purchase prints, click here.

Interview and photos by Mike Carney.

Three times this season, Notre Dame played Geneseo and lost, but there was really only one game that truly mattered, and that was the fourth one.

The Fighting Irish won that game, 2-0, to capture the Class B Section V championship in hockey.

"Coming into this game, I think the kids were anxious for one last shot, one last shot," said Head Coach Marc Staley. "I said, 'The good thing about the first three losses is no one handed a trophy out after those games, but they're handing one out tonight boys and you can erase the demons with one good effort.' "

That effort put the emphasis on defense. Notre Dame has scored prodigiously all season long, but Staley said he recognized that Geneseo goalie Morgan Brown is the best player in the league.

"We knew that weren't going to score four or five goals against them, so we thought we had to play a crazy good defensive game," Staley said. 

H. Toivainen scored the game-winning goal in the first period at 8:28. The second goal was by B. Moscicki on an empty net late in the game. The MVP was Toivainen.