A car has reportedly hit a tree in the area of 6209 Knowlsville Road, Alabama.
Injuries are reported.
Alabama fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.
UPDATE 2:58 p.m.: There is one occupant, with an arm injury.
UPDATE 2:59 p.m.: Oakfield fire also responding.
UPDATE 3:02 p.m.: Traffic is not blocked. The patient also has complaints of pain in his neck and back.
The doors at John Kennedy School are getting extra checks on a daily basis to ensure they're closing completely after a door that was left ajar was used by an unauthorized individual to gain entry and pull a fire alarm.
The man's name has not yet been released by Batavia PD. He is apparently undergoing treatment and will be charged once he has been released from care.
Det. Eric Hill confirmed the incident took place and that charges are pending.
The incident on Jan. 28 was discussed by the Batavia City School District Board of Education during its meeting Monday night, following a school review presentation by Principal Brian Sutton.
"The first door he pulled on, it was open," Sutton said. "He entered the building. He was in the building for about less than a minute, 55, 56 seconds. He stopped, looked at a bulletin board, and on his way, walking out of the loading docks, he pulled the fire alarm. We then had a fire drill where we accounted for all the students, all the individuals.
"Mr. Smith, our head custodian, and I went and checked out the alarm and could see it had been pulled. As soon as it was deemed safe, we had a headcount on everyone, we re-entered the building. Mr. Dehm, our security aide, pulled the camera up and we got an image of the individual and contacted our SRO Officer Davis, and they then apprehended the man down the street quite a bit, a few moments later."
Superintendent Anibal Soler Jr. told the board a man matching the description of the subject at John Kennedy had been seen earlier around Batavia Middle School and police were already in the area looking for him when the call came in from JK.
"He happened to pull on a door that happened to work for him," Soler said. "It was definitely an unfortunate situation. No one was obviously impacted. And we did communicate immediately with families that day of the event."
Sutton said as a result of the incident, the school's custodian is now checking on the doors more frequently each day to ensure the doors are closing after people pass through them.
'It's one of those things where it's a good reminder to make sure we check in multiple times," Soler said. "Now we have an alarm set on them. If they don't close all the way, they'll hear an alarm go off in the main office."
A two-car accident is reported in the area of 606 Broadway Road, Darien. The location is west of Harlow Road, near the county line road.
A first responder reports a vehicle is off the roadway in a ditch. A person is trapped, extrication required, possible serious injury.
Darien fire and Corfu fire dispatched.
The westbound lane of Route 20 is blocked.
UPDATE 11:45 a.m.: A second ambulance is requested to the scene for a driver requesting transport.
UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 11:51 a.m.: The entrapped driver has a minor child who was not in the vehicle, but will need to be transported. There is also a male who ran from the scene and ran into a house. Law enforcement is attempting to gain entry to the house.
UPDATE 12:02 p.m.: Medics have made contact with the entrapped patient and are extricating the person.
UPDATE 12:04 p.m.: Mercy medics are transporting a patient to ECMC.
UPDATE 12:08 p.m.: A total of four ambulances were called to the scene. First responders are still trying to contact the fourth patient, the man who ran into a house.
UPDATE 12:18 p.m.: Two patients were transported to hospitals -- the entrapped driver to ECMC and a child to Children's Hospital in Buffalo. A third patient was a sign-off. Law enforcement was unable to make contact with the fourth patient -- a male who ran from the scene into a house. The Darien assignment is back in service.
Photos courtesy Erie County Blotter.
Press release:
Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball (BGFS) is overwhelmed with gratitude from the community stepping up with very generous donations to allow for the installation of a brand-new electronic scoreboard at Lions Park, the home of the Batavia Stingers.
In particular, BGFS wants to give a special thank you to the two lead sponsors of the sign, Batavia’s Original Pizzeria and Batavia Restaurant Supply Inc. These two local businesses understand the importance of youth sports for our community and backed up this belief with critical financial support that made this scoreboard a reality.
When speaking with Batavia’s Original owner, Kathy Ferrara, and Batavia Restaurant Supply owners, Stacey Schrader and Nate Charvella, they were all moved by the disparities in girls and boys sports, and we're excited to help provide the girls with the first electronic scoreboard in Batavia for girl’s softball.
We hope people pay attention to these businesses that give back to our community, as they deserve our support the most!
In addition to the very generous lead sponsorships by Batavia’s Original and Batavia Restaurant Supply, BGFS would also like to give a special thanks to the almost two dozen sponsors that are permanently listed on the banner below the sign at Lions Park.
Three of these sponsors listed as Primary sponsors for their generous donations are the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation, Lawley Insurance, and the Dick's Sporting Goods Foundation. These are more examples of organizations and businesses that value the importance of youth sports.
Lastly, but certainly not least, BGFS would like to give a big THANK YOU to the project coordinator, and guy that pulled it all together, JC Kabel. He spent countless hours fundraising and leading the project design and installation.
The BGFS Board is forever grateful for helping us have our ladies look up at that beautiful scoreboard and think it is normal for girls to have the same opportunities as the boys.
Bill Campbell is the vice president for business development for Chapin International. Chapin is a privately owned, multi-location manufacturing company that started in Oakfield more than 100 years ago and remains based in Batavia.
Campbell's job gives him not only good insights into his own industry, but the economy in general. We'll talk with him about his company, the economy, the pandemic, what business can expect from the Biden Administration, at trade issues. The livestream is scheduled to start at 1 p.m.
Batavia residents Mike Pullinzi and Mark Schmidt will have to figure out how to share a brand new 2021 Corvette after winning this year's Batavia Rotary Club raffle, or perhaps they will split the $40,000 cash prize.
Pullinzi and Schmidt's winning ticket was picked randomly Saturday evening at Roman's by the Rotary Club members.
All proceeds support Rotary’s charitable causes, which this year included $20,000 in direct COVID-19 relief, in addition to the support of a dozen or more community nonprofits who take care of so many needs right here in Genesee County.
In addition to the Corvette, the following people won $500 cash: Paul George, Howard Kerr, Meghan D'urso, Nathan VanDeeBeck, Gail Kee, Jane Ziad, Deanna Mastin, Lori Lohan, Donna Salmon and Ken Hay.
Photo: Submitted photo. Tom Turnbull, president of Batavia Rotary, at the start of the drawing.
Press release from AAA:
Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.47, up 5 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.44. The New York State average is $2.51 – up 5 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.64.
AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:
- Batavia -- $2.44 (up 5 cents since last week)
- Buffalo -- $2.47 (up 4 cents since last week)
- Ithaca -- $2.50 (up 3 cents since last week)
- Rochester -- $2.50 (up 3 cents since last week)
- Rome -- $2.58 (up 5 cents since last week)
- Syracuse -- $2.48 (up 5 cents since last week)
- Watertown -- $2.59 (up 5 cents since last week)
Pump prices continue to increase while the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that gas demand decreased slightly.
This morning, WTI crude increased is priced by more than $57, which is the highest settlement price of the year. Crude prices rose last week after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its production reduction agreement partners met to review compliance with their agreement to collectively reduce their crude production by 7.2 million barrels per day. The group decided to hold the cuts steady and expects output to remain low this year, since demand is forecasted to be lower than expected throughout 2021 due to ongoing crude demand concerns as the pandemic continues to keep travel restrictions in place. An increase in crude utilization and increasing crude prices will continue to contribute to higher pump prices for drivers throughout the month.
From GasBuddy:
"Many factors continue to push oil prices higher, but at the foundation of the rise is the fact that the coronavirus situation continues to improve, pushing global oil demand higher as production continues to lag, pushing U.S. gas prices higher," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.
"Until OPEC intercedes and raises oil production in the months ahead, motorists should continue to expect rising gas prices, which for the first time some time stand at their highest in over a year, adding misery to the dire economic situation as millions remain jobless.
"The news won't likely improve in the months ahead, with continued increases in gas prices as OPEC maintains a tight balance between reduced demand and supply, keeping prices on the higher side."
Area residents woke up to a blanket of fluffy snow this morning with snowfall expected to continue into the early afternoon.
We plan to speak with Rachael Tabelski, Batavia's interim city manager at 2:30 p.m.
The livestream will appear right here on The Batavian's home page. Or you can view it on YouTube at this link, where you can ask questions in the live chat and we will try to get them answered for you. Or you can go to The Batavian's page on Facebook and watch the interview there and ask questions through that chat.
We're planning on talking with Matt Landers, county manager, at 1 p.m. We'll talk about the status of county government, tax revenue, COVID-19 response, and other topics.
At 2:30 p.m., we're scheduled to talk with Rachael Tabelski, interim city manager.
Press release:
Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is putting out the following statement regarding the vote today on the budget resolution to begin the budget reconciliation process.
"Two weeks ago, President Biden preached unity, cooperation and bipartisanship. However, his actions have failed to match his promises. In addition to the more than 40 executive orders and actions he has signed, Democrats in the House and Senate are now working with his blessing to advance a massive, partisan COVID-19 package.
"We passed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package one month ago. While I agree there are still important issues to address, such as funding for local governments and boosting vaccine distribution, this unilateral approach to relief legislation is damaging and unproductive.
"I was encouraged the President met with Republican senators this week about a deal. While I oppose using the reconciliation process for COVID relief, I am ready to address these challenges and will work with the administration and congressional Democrats if they meet us at the negotiating table."
NOTE: Republicans in Congress have opposed providing assistance to local governments who have lost revenue because of the coronavirus pandemic. Ten GOP senators met with President Biden to discuss a compromise relief bill, one that wouldn't include relief to local governments, but after the meeting, Biden rejected the GOP offer. Three days ago, we contacted a representative of Jacobs and asked for the congressman to clarify his position on aid to local governments and to explain the policy reason, not the political reason, Republicans oppose aid to local governments. This was the only response we've received, which doesn't really answer either question.
UPDATE: A member of the congressman's staff said he is working on an answer to my questions. This was not meant to be that answer.
We're scheduled to start at noon. We will be talking with Superintendent Anibal Soler about how things are going in Batavia city schools, get a COVID-19 update, talk about "high-risk" sports starting up, reopening Robert Morris, his experience on the Batavia PD stakeholders' group, and the district's new equity policy.
NOTE: The post has been updated with an edited version of the video that cuts out the technical problems at the start of the interview.
Press release:
The membership of SCOPE, Genesee County Chapter, has had the opportunity to interview both candidates running for Genesee County Court Judge, to replace retiring Honorable Charles Zambito -- Melissa Cianfrini and William Zickl.
Both individuals have impressive educational credentials and work records. Cianfrini has an extensive history mostly in civil litigation with some experience at the Genesee County’s District Attorney’s Office. Zickl's major area of expertise has been in criminal law working with the Genesee County District Attorney’s Office for several years and recently moving to the County Court as Judge Zambitos’ assistant.
Being an independent organization, SCOPE reviews qualifications and work history only. Bearing this in mind, and after a thorough review of both individuals' history, we have made the following determination.
As a result of his work experience, and knowledge of criminal law, along with his longstanding service to the community, we would rate Zickl with an A+. Cianfrini's lack of work experience in this field would be rated at a C level.
We wish both candidates good luck in their future endeavors.
A winter storm watch has been issued for Western New York starting Friday, with Genesee County included in the area that could see as much as nine inches of lake effect snow.
The watch is in effect from Friday afternoon through late Saturday night, with the heaviest lake effect snow expected Friday night into Saturday.
Wind gusts could reach 45 mph, which could mean considerable blowing and driving snow making travel difficult.
Visibility could also be reduced.
Pandemic protocols at schools have been devastating on students, a pediatrician told reporters during a Zoom videoconference call on Tuesday.
Dr. Lalit Jain, chief of pediatrics at United Memorial Medical Center, said some students are falling behind and that the resumption of winter sports considered "high-risk" for the spread of COVID-19, such as basketball, will be of significant benefit to participants.
"(Taking students out of sports) affects them because you are getting social isolation, and like I mentioned, it affects them academically," Jain said. "Just by going out, they will be seeing friends in a safe environment. I think just participating and more activity is going to be very beneficial for the mental health ... of our students."
Local school superintendents seem to agree that the increase in available athletics for students will benefit the children.
"The return of sports safely is a tremendous help for our student-athletes' psyche and those benefits will translate into other areas of their school and community experience," said Anibal Soler Jr., Batavia City School District superintendent.
"I wholeheartedly agree that participation in sports and extracurricular activities helps students in every way," said Matthew Calderon, superintendent of Pembroke Central schools.
Jain expressed concern about the decrease in physical activity, the lack of social contact, and the general academic performance of students participating in distance learning.
Superintendents we spoke with shared mixed views on the impact of distance learning on students.
Jain said, "What we see is that kids are having problems with the online platform, a lot of them, because the kids who were before doing fantastic, who were A students, are now having difficulty sustaining attention from home and almost have seen some become school failures, or like grades going from the 90s to almost the 60s.
"And these are the kids without academic difficulties. So we are not even talking about the kids who are challenged, who need special help, and they are even more affected."
Le Roy Central School Superintendent Merritt Holly characterized Jain's quote as "loaded."
"I think some students have adapted well to the challenges of online learning," Holley said.
He said there are "some who struggle somewhat (would rather be in the classroom), and others who this system does not fit their learning style (struggle big-time). Really a student-by-student situation."
During the school board meeting Monday, while discussing reconfiguring the use of space in schools, Soler suggested distance learning might remain an option for some students after the pandemic subsides. In response to Jain's comment, he said some students do well while others struggle.
"The pandemic has impacted all of our students and our staff and we continue to try to find ways to support everyone either academically or socially," Soler said. "Social-emotional learning is one of our district goals and we knew that the lack of socialization would ultimately have an impact on our kids and staff.
"The numerous COVID rules that we have to implement have changed much of the experience for both our students and staff, but we continue to do as much as we can safely to bring a sense of normalcy."
In Pembroke, Calderon said, where most students participate in classrooms five days a week, the students who do participate in distance learning seem to struggle the most.
"By no means is online learning or the hybrid model anywhere close to providing students the sound basic education that the New York State Constitution entitles them to receive," Calderon said. "While teachers and support staff throughout our region are doing an amazing job within those parameters, and many students are holding their own, there is no substitute for organic in-person learning."
Calderon said about 20 percent of the district's students are participating in online learning and he's thankful the option exists for those who need it but the situation isn't ideal.
"Our in-person learners love being in school, and many of them shed tears when they're told they need to go online for 10-14 days due to mandatory quarantines," Calderon said. "In regard to those who chose the 100-percent online option, a very small percentage are actually flourishing as they could be, and too many choose not to log on consistently despite all efforts to engage them. This may prove to be most problematic for some seniors who will not graduate as a result."
Calderon didn't mince words sharing his opinion about online learning.
"There is no way anyone will ever convince me that online learning is good for kids. and it certainly isn't sustainable," he said.
At the same time, he said, the district obviously takes seriously the need to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the district does all it can to keep the community safe.
"However," he said, "CDC hospitalization data seems to suggest that school-aged students are least at risk to be hospitalized, and therefore, I'm not sure why schools have some of the greatest restrictions in place.
"I'm obviously not a medical professional or in charge of public health, and in my role as a state-funded public school leader, I make sure our school district adheres to all the rules. At the same time, when I look at the data with my own eyes, I certainly scratch my head and wonder."
Citing similar data, Jain said he anticipates the return of "high-risk" sports to be safe for participants.
"Just following the guidelines by physicians and the authorities, I think of that will be really important," Jain said. "I don't think we're going to see that much increase in the (positivity) rate. The schools have been very safe so I think we'll do fine."
Michael S. Tomaszewski, the funeral home director accused of stealing money from customers, is apparently set to accept a plea offer from the District Attorney's Office but COVID-related delays in town courts are holding up the process.
Tomaszewski made a virtual appearance in Genesee County Court yesterday.
He faces one SCI (Superior Court Information, like an indictment but without a grand jury hearing, which Tomaszewski waived) with more than 200 criminal counts and there is another SCI coming but he has not been arraigned on those counts because courts in the towns of Batavia and Oakfield have been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Judge Charles Zambito indicated that he could possibly arraign Tomaszewski on those counts under specific circumstances, but said he would need to check with the court supervisor to ensure those circumstances are met in this case. Zambito said these are uncharted waters and the rules are changing a lot.
Tomaszewski is accused of taking money people used to prepay for funerals and, instead of depositing the money in appropriate accounts, he allegedly used the money for other purposes.
The SCI indicates the majority of customers lost from more than $2,000 up to $15,500 each.
The charges include 67 counts of third-degree grand larceny, 28 counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, four counts of falsifying business records, 93 counts of failure to deposit, seven counts of petit larceny, and counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree, and scheme to defraud.
Attorney Thomas Burns, representing Tomaszewski, said his client intends to accept the plea offer. Tomaszewski would admit to a Class D felony, a Class E felony, and a misdemeanor public health law offense. There is no cap on Tomaszewski's possible sentence but his time would run concurrently on all three counts.
The case is adjourned until 1:30 p.m., March 8, and will resume virtually.
Alecia Kaus/Video News Service contributed to this story.
Press release:
Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) joined colleagues in calling on the Biden Administration to resume payments for the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP).
“Throughout the pandemic, farmers have supported the American people with dedication, despite facing severe hardships as a result of COVID-19," Jacobs said. "The CFAP program has been one of many successful programs developed by the previous administration to ensure American farmers, producers, and processors have access to the resources they need to continue to support the American people.
"The Biden administration’s decision to halt this program is irresponsible given the ongoing pandemic, and many farmers are in urgent need of this assistance.”
The letter signed by 15 representatives specifically calls on the Biden Administration to immediately resume the processing of applications and payments for the second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) while the new USDA conducts its regulatory review.
The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program was created by the CARES Act of 2020, and the first round was implemented in May. It assists producers of agricultural commodities marketed in 2020 who face continuing market disruptions, reduced farm-level prices and increased production and marketing costs due to COVID-19.
Additional funding for CFAP was appropriated by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, signed into law on Dec. 27th.
“Supporting American farmers is critical to stabilizing the United States’ food supply during the pandemic," Jacobs said. "CFAP has been a key support to farmers and has received bipartisan support in Congress. I urge the Biden administration to immediately resume the processing of applications and payments for this program to provide critical relief to American farmers."
Additional Info: Agriculture.com
Press release:
Emergency Services Dispatcher Lynn B. Riccobono, a 27-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, has retired effective last Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021. Riccobono started her career with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office on March 8, 1983.
Through her career, Dispatcher Riccobono has earned several awards including six Commendation Awards, a Certificate of Appreciation, and a Meritorious Award for continuous excellence.
She spent the majority of her career working overnights serving the citizens of Genesee County while most were sleeping. For those needing emergency care, Dispatcher Riccobono was the voice at the other end of the line doing her best to keep callers calm while dispatching the needed urgent care.
“Emergency Services Dispatcher Lynn B. Riccobono has demonstrated great professionalism throughout her 27 years of employment,” Sheriff Sheron said. “Everyone here at the Sheriff’s Office wishes her all the best for her future.”
The distribution of free food for local residents may not be grabbing the headlines the way it did at the start of the pandemic, but the programs haven't stopped and the need has not subsided, according to leaders at two organizations involved in handing out bags and boxes of vegetables, dairy products, and canned goods.
"We've been feeding 500 families a week," said Ryan Macdonald, a pastor at City Church, which conducts free food distributions on Wednesday mornings at St. Anthony's on Liberty Street. "There's a lot of need out there. It's sad."
While The Salvation Army is not giving out as much food as it did when the pandemic first started when it utilized well-publicized drive-thru distribution days at Northgate Church, its three-day-week allocation at its location on East Main Street is still exceeding the pre-pandemic demand for food, said Todd Rapp, the local coordinator of emergency services.
"We're still seeing a significant need," Rapp said.
It's been a year since the first COVID-19 case was officially recorded in the United States, and 11 months since the first case was recorded locally.
People are out of work and are worried about paying their bills, both Macdonald and Rapp said.
"People are scared," Macdonald said. "They're scared to go out and that's hurting the economy."
Neither program requires recipients to provide financial information and is open to all residents who feel they need the assistance.
The Salvation Army, 529 E Main St., offers drive-up pick up on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. If you want to receive food, drive up, call the phone number on the sign, and somebody will assist you.
City Church's distribution at St. Anthony's starts at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays and lasts from one to two hours, depending on food availability.
Rapp said The Salvation Army also has a program to assist people with housing and he wanted to remind people that even though there is an eviction moratorium in place, tenants are still obligated for their rent. He said the Army has assisted a few local landlords who need food assistance because some tenants haven't been paying their rent.
At 7:34 a.m., Town of Batavia fire was dispatched to a report of a box truck that had overturned on the Thruway in the westbound lane near mile marker 390.7.
There were no injuries nor leaking fluids.
Rescue 20, 24, and Brush 23 all responded. All crews were back in service by 8:35 a.m.
Information and photo courtesy Town of Batavia Fire Department.
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