When 1978 Batavia High School grad Phil Zickl Jr. becomes part of the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame later this month, he knows his late grandfather Robert E. Noonan (1907-1965) would be proud and cheering him on if he could.
Noonan was an avid football fan and player who aspired to get into the NFL. Despite a chain of missteps, including a twice-broken leg, he never made it. He had been a strong supporter of his grandson, who went on to play football into his sixties, scoring big at 64 this year when he and his team, the Syracuse Express, were named to the Hall of Fame.
“My mother and my aunt, and both are deceased now, but they used to talk about how family-oriented he was and how supportive he was. And so my initial thought is how supportive he would be of this happening, especially because he was so athletic, and he wasn't just successful in football, even though football was his first love … but he would be very positive and very supportive of just the induction,” Zickl said during an interview with The Batavian. “I remember when I first heard, one of my former teammates called me and left a voicemail. But the voicemail, it was hard to hear everything, it kind of crackled a little but I heard him say something about Hall of Fame, and I thought he was calling to tell me that he got inducted to his high school Hall of Fame. So I called him back, got his voice mail, and I said, ‘Hey, Mike, congratulations; I didn't hear the message completely, but it sounded like you said something that you were inducted to your high school hall of fame.’
“So, he called me back and said, 'No, no, Zick, it’s our team, the Syracuse Express.' it's a big deal. It's not that high school Hall of Fames are not a big deal, every Hall of Fame is a big deal as far as I'm concerned. This is the Greater Syracuse Hall of Fame. We’re being inducted as one of the teams of honor,” Zickl said. “And I’ve got to say that it caught me off guard. It's one of those things you don't expect somebody to call you on the phone and tell you that. I'm not going to forget that night any time soon.”
His team will be honored during an awards dinner Nov. 11 in Syracuse. The GP/Syracuse Express went 36/6 across the 1985-86-87 seasons and won a pair of Minor Professional League championships in 1985 and 1987.
There were 15 former Orangemen who helped the Express to football glory during those title years. They included Ray Seals — the former Hotel Syracuse doorman who, as a starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers, would later sack Dallas’ Troy Aikman in Super Bowl XXX, and Dave Jacobs and Chuck Cassidy.
It was an athletic combination that defeated the Chicago Cowboys (7-3 at muddy Griffin Field in 1985) and the San Jose Bandits (17-10 in glitzy Las Vegas in 1987) for their crowns, a worthy choice for one of the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame’s “Teams of Honor” for 2024. Listed on a program titled “Welcome to ‘Express’ Football” is #65 Phil Zickl with fellow Outstanding Syracuse Players teammates.
The Express competed in the Empire Football League. The team was owned by Greg Portzline, coached by Tom Anthony, and cheered by supportive crowds at old Griffin Field in Liverpool. This year, it’s being recognized as a Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame Team of Honor for the excellence it demonstrated from 1985 to 1987.
Ever since high school, where he was named Most Outstanding Lineman in his senior year, Zickl played minor league football for 25 years, being named to the American Football Association’s semi-pro records for Most Years of Service, which at the time it was compiled was 20 years. His age when listed as Most Aged Player was 55, having played for the Syracuse Express, Batavia Bandits, Hornell Dragons, Batavia Titans and Buffalo Gladiators.
After graduating BHS, Zikl went on to University at Buffalo and was briefly profiled as an alumnus for his athletic and professional achievements per the following:
“Zickl has continued playing semipro football well into his fifties after a successful playing career at UB as an offensive guard and defensive end in the 1980s. Since 2018, Phil has expanded his health and wellness business (Total Personal Wellness) to include education on American football. He is an American Football specialist and has participated in the sport for more than 40 years as both player and coach.”
Before branching out with his own business, Zickl worked in education as a social worker at Batavia Middle School while also still playing ball in Syracuse. He was able to arrange a schedule of driving to only one weekday practice, followed by a second one on Friday that included an overnight stay, and he would then play the weekend game. He was definitely hooked on the sport.
While he loved the game of football, he also enjoyed the ambition taken on by the group of athletes, he said.
“You’re all trying to work for the same goal. You’re everybody’s teammate, just being on a team working toward a common goal,” he said.
Zickl established his wellness business in 2017, making presentations on various related topics of maintaining and regaining good health; however, the pandemic shut down those in-person activities. The business, as he puts it, “went into hibernation.” He also has a penchant for song lyrics, having written at least 100 sets of parodies that he has licensed, with no certain path for what he’s going to do with them all other than using one as a team warm-up rap song.
He is rethinking the scope of his speaking topics and wants to circle back to what he perhaps knows and loves best: football and the history of American football, dating back to 1869. He has learned plenty of other lessons, though, while immersing himself in the sport, including while with the Express.
“It was a real city of Syracuse team, and the majority of the players were African American, and so I was a minority. And I was a minority for months at a time. And it really made me think that every human being who is capable of understanding being a minority situation should have that experience. Because to me, I think it allows you, I mean, this is aside from what I said before about the team all pulls together, but it also allows you to feel, like, 'walk a mile in my shoes,' type of thing,” he said. “It gives you that opportunity to walk a mile in someone else's shoes, especially because I'm European American, so I don't remember any other times when I was a minority, but I remember early on, you know, first, second year on the team, I remember thinking, this is a really good experience.”
For more information about the Hall of Fame and upcoming event, go HERE.
Phil Zickl, second row from top, far left, with his Syracuse GP Express teammates. Submitted Photo
Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is welcoming anyone from the GOW (Genesee Orleans Wyoming Counties to stop into their office underneath the Green Awning at 319 West Main Street in the Crickler Executive Business Center in Batavia.
You are invited to stop in anytime between 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 2 to 5 p.m. on Thursday November 21. No appointments are needed!
You can learn about our health-related services for people with disabilities including: Loan Closet Equipment, Housing Employment, Medicaid Applications, Seniors’ Programs, Taking Control Personal care aide assistance; Children and Youth Service /Specialists and MORE!
More information is available at 585-815-8501, extension 400.
The Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies offer an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.
As the temperatures drop, people in our community will spend more time indoors, increasing the chance of spreading respiratory illnesses like Influenza (flu), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and COVID-19.
“During the fall and winter season, we typically have more people getting sick,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health), “For some people – like children, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions – these illnesses can be serious.”
There are simple ways to keep everyone healthy and small actions can make a big difference. When we work together, we protect ourselves and help protect family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers.
Tips to Stay Healthy
Viruses spread easily and can change over time, so it’s important to practice good habits to limit the spread.
Stay away from people who are sick.
If you aren’t feeling well, stay home.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer if you can’t use soap.
Try not to touch your eyes, mouth, or nose.
Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated and staying up-to-date on vaccinations.
Practice other healthy habits:
Clean surfaces you often touch at home, school, or work.
Drink plenty of water.
Eat healthy meals.
Stay active.
What to Do if You Become Sick
If you have symptoms of an illness, like coughing, a sore throat, trouble breathing, or a fever, it is important to act quickly to help yourself and protect others.
Stay home and avoid contact with others to avoid the spread of illness.
Watch your symptoms closely.
Seek medical advice if symptoms get worse or if you have underlying health conditions that make you more at risk.
Drink lots of water.
If you have a respiratory illness, like the flu or COVID-19, you can spread it to others. How long you are contagious can vary based on how sick you are and how long you stay sick, which may be different from person to person. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that once your symptoms are better and you haven’t had a fever for 24 hours (without using fever medicine), you are usually less contagious.
To be extra careful, wear a mask for 5 or more days after your symptoms improve. The CDC offers Respiratory Virus Guidance and continues to monitor health trends and update recommendations as needed. You can get information about the CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance Update here: Respiratory Virus Guidance Update Frequently Asked Questions.
Respiratory Disease Data
For the Genesee and Orleans Counties Respiratory Illness Dashboard that tracks confirmed cases of flu, RSV, and COVID-19, visit: GO Health Respiratory Dashboard. It is important to note the data on this page only includes reported cases. Residents can also access our GO Health Water Analysis Dashboard to see if there has been an increase in respiratory illness activity in their town/village.
For more information on Health Department programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your local health department at:
Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
Orleans County: 585-589-3278
Follow GO Health on Facebook, Instagram and X at GOHealthNY.
Sheriff Bill Sheron and his wife Shari. Photo by Howard Owens.
Sheriff Bill Sheron, who retires at the end of the year, was honored at Terry Hills on Thursday evening as a man who has not only served the residents of Genesee County for 47 years but has also been an innovator who has developed new programs to fight crime and assist and protect the young people of the community.
Sheron helped create the Local Drug Task Force in 1989. As sheriff, he created the department's School Resource Officer program, instituted the teen academy to introduce high school students to careers in law enforcement, and oversaw the construction of a new state-of-the-art jail in the town of Batavia.
Sheron started his career with the Sheriff's Office just before his 19th birthday in 1977 as a dispatcher before moving to road patrol. He transferred to deputy sheriff in the jail, then road patrol, then sergeant, then investigator, and then chief deputy of road patrol in 1993, undersheriff in 1996, and sheriff in 2017.
Legislator Shelley Stein recognized Sheron's willingness to shoulder the burden for public safety in Genesee County.
"It's our privilege to be here to celebrate the years of service Bill Sheron has carried on behalf of Genesee County," Stein said. "At first, he took up a badge, and then he took the mantle, and he has carried that for us. And it's not an easy weight."
City Council President Eugene Jankowski, a retired Batavia PD lieutenant, said he understands that burden, noting that there are nearly 60,000 residents in Genesee County.
"He's responsible for every one of those people who live there," Jankowski said. "It's a lot of work. It's a lot of worry. It's a lot of dedication, and he truly deserves his retirement, and I wish him all the best."
Sheriff Bill Sheron Photo by Howard Owens.
Alex Wilson, with the NYS Sheriff's Association, presents Sheriff Bill Sheron with a plaque commemorating his selection as a lifetime member of the association. Wilson praised Sheron's dedication to law enforcement and the association. "It's especially good to come here to say farewell to him and farewell to the wisdom and expertise that he's graciously shared with us for many years, and the tutelage that he's been able to give other sheriffs coming up through the ranks." Photo by Howard Owens.
On the heels of a record-setting weekend, New Batavia Downs President and CEO Byron Brown announced today that Batavia Downs will pay tribute to our veterans with a Veterans Day complimentary meal and drink for those who visit on Monday, November 11.
Batavia Downs anticipates a busy holiday weekend as it will host the Zonta Holiday Festival, an Artisan & Vendor Marketplace, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. This free-admission event will feature various vendors offering unique gifts, crafts, and holiday essentials, perfect for early holiday shopping.
Sponsored by the Zonta Club of Batavia/Genesee, this annual marketplace brings together local artisans, making it a must-visit event for the community. Guests can also enjoy a visit from Santa Claus on Sunday, November 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., making it an excellent outing for families. To add a touch of excitement, a Buffalo Football Door Prize will be drawn on Sunday.
In honor of Veterans Day, Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel is proud to offer a complimentary menu for veterans inside of Club Bud Light at 34 Rush on Monday, November 11, from 12 to 6 p.m. With a valid military ID, veterans can choose from a special menu, including:
Boneless Wings: 10 wings with a choice of sauce, served with bleu cheese and fries.
Rush Burger: 6oz beef patty with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a secret sauce on a Kaiser roll, served with fries.
Bruschetta Chicken Sandwich: Grilled chicken breast with bruschetta mix, provolone cheese, and balsamic glaze on a Kaiser roll, served with fries.
Soup & Salad Bar
Beverage Choice: 12oz domestic draft or soda.
Veterans are invited to relax and enjoy a meal in appreciation of their service.
“Our debt to the brave men and women of our military can never be repaid and should never be forgotten,” said Byron Brown, President and CEO of Batavia Downs. “As the new President and CEO, I join with our Board of Directors in thanking them for their service to our great country and look forward to seeing them on Veteran's Day at Batavia Downs.”
The previous weekend saw the 3rd highest Coin in day of all time, with handle passing $5.3 Million on Friday, November 1 as Batavia Downs welcomed the Legends and Stars Sports Expo to Batavia Downs. Several current and former Buffalo Football Players signed autographs for hundreds of fans from Western New York that Friday and Saturday. Legends and Stars’ next event is slated to be the weekend of February 21.
Photo of David's most recent holiday romance. Courtesy DN Publishing.
The Richmond Memorial Library is pleased to welcome local author David Neth for a reading, talk and book signing on Saturday, November 16 at 11 am in the Reading Room.
David will discuss being an author and his many books, including a Hallmark-like series of holiday romance books set right here in Batavia!
Get your holiday shopping done early! Books will be available for sale at the event. Light refreshments served. Free to attend and all are welcome!
David Neth is the author of nearly 30 books of fantasy and superhero fiction. He has also written over 10 holiday romance books under the pen name D. Allen. He has worked with books for over 10 years, from writing to editing, designing to promoting, and now curating collections and teaching as a librarian. He lives in Batavia with his family.
For more information visit batavialibrary.org or contact Samantha Stryker at sstryker@nioga.org.
The Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross St in the City of Batavia.
File photo of Genesee County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Joseph Graff. Photo by Howard Owens.
Press Release:
On November 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., “Stuff the Cruiser” will take place at Batavia Towne Center on Veterans Memorial Drive.
Local law enforcement and social welfare agencies, including the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Batavia Police Department, New York State Police, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Genesee County Probation Department, Genesee Justice and the Genesee County Department of Social Services, will collect donations to brighten the holiday season for children and teenagers in need across Genesee County.
Community members are invited to stop by and donate new toys, clothing, small gift cards, personal care items, hats, gloves, and non-perishable foods. All donations will stay within the county and benefit local families this holiday season!
For more information, please contact Jason Mindler at 585-344-2550 ext. 2254 or Jason.Mindler@geneseeny.gov.
The Joy Project, an exhibit inspired by the former Sibley’s Department Store in downtown Rochester, brings old-time Christmas to life at the Exhibit Hall at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 East Main Street, Le Roy.
There is a huge Christmas village and train display to enjoy as well as “department store windows” with animatronics and accompanying story, an idea that came directly from the Sibley’s Enchanted Tunnel of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Hand-painted murals of Christmases of yesteryear by local artist Lorie Longhany were funded by a grant from GoArt! (Genesee Orleans Regional Arts Council).
A key feature of this exhibit is the one-of-a-kind diorama of the 1937 radio show “The Cinnamon Bear.” Constructed by a Chicago-area model builder in the 1980s, it was displayed in a Chicago department store Christmas display, and when it needed a new home, this location was selected.
An extensive newscast was aired last year on Chicago PBS station WETA about this diorama and the need for a new home. https://www.pbs.org/video/man-created-miniature-maybeland-in-his-portage-park-home-18h/
This exhibit is open and free to the public on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m. from November 30 through December 22 between Thanksgiving and Christmas. And, yes, kazoos will be available for sale—just like they were at Sibley’s!
In Stafford v. Pontillo, a resolution appears to be at hand to ensure that the former Odd Fellows Hall, 6177 Main Road, meets the state code for vacant buildings.
Both parties were at the Genesee County Courthouse on Thursday to discuss the case, and David Roach, attorney for the town of Stafford, said they were in the process of negotiating a framework for bringing the building back to a state of code compliance, though not back to a condition that would allow occupancy.
"The code allows you to have a vacant building," Roach said. "But the code says if it is vacant, it still has, and this is the New York State property maintenance code, which says it still has to comply with certain conditions under varying sections of the code. So that's what we're working on right now, addressing what needs to be done under various sections of the New York property maintenance code."
James Pontillo said he still plans to restore the building, at least to the point of permitting businesses and residents to occupy it. To get there, he said he needs more cooperation from the town. In the meantime, he intends to meet the town's demands for basic code compliance.
"Some of it is aesthetics. That's part of it, the outside and stuff like that," Pontillo said. "The inside, everything was done for safety when we had tenants in that, so that hasn't changed."
There seems to be some discrepancy in understanding about whether building permits will be needed for the work Pontillo will be required to do. Pontillo told The Batavian that he won't need a building permit or architectural drawings for the work needed. Roach indicated that stamped architectural plans are required.
"Plans will still have to be submitted with a building permit application," Roach said.
The requirement for stamped architectural plans, it seems, have always been at the heart of the now decade-long conflict between Pontillo and the town over rehabilitation of the building.
In a FOIL request from The Batavian for all the documents in the town's files on the former Odd Fellow's Hall, the topic came up four times, with Pontillo being told he needed to submit stamped, engineered architectural plans to obtain a building permit. The trove of documents indicate he never submitted such plans and Roach made the same assertion.
A decade ago, Pontillo shared his ambitions for the building with The Batavian. Later, Pontillo invited The Batavian into the building to see all the kitchen equipment installed downstairs—high-end pizza ovens and other equipment—in anticipation of opening a pizza parlor.
On Thursday, Pontillo blamed the town and circumstances for the stalled restoration plans.
"There's been a lot of litigation. The town really comes across as being litigious," Pontillo said. "I think three days after I bought the building, I started having back and forth (with the town). I don't think it helps that we've had multiple clerks in that amount of time. We've got, I think, five inspectors, and (Gene) Sinclair's been in and out. That doesn't help. So when you also have attorneys, I think they've found that attorneys have changed since I've been in the community at least four times. So when you start adding all those, they have to keep on starting over. Many things get missed."
Pontillo said he did submit stamped plans for the roof replacement and that he submitted drawings for other work inside the building.
He also said he has no issue with Sinclair, who is now working with him as he remodels his personal residence at another location in the town, and he said town residents have been incredibly supportive. He said his issues seem to be with the town board.
Roach said blaming the town misses the point that Pontillo has never submitted stamped, engineered plans in order to get a building permit.
"You can look at one very objective thing. Did he ever submit architectural or stamped, engineered plans for the construction in conjunction with a building permit application?" Roach said, adding the answer is "No."
"Plans have never been stamped, engineered plans or architectural plans were never submitted," Roach said. "So to say, 'you never allowed me to do the work,' Well, you never did what you were supposed to in order for us to approve work."
Pontillo was hopeful outside the courtroom that, while he thinks the issues are with the town, they can reach an agreement so he eventually moves forward with more ambitious plans for the historic building.
"We're trying to get over these hurdles that the town has put in front of us that everybody's asking that (when he will finish), and until we know that the town's going to back off and allow us to finish and then maybe we can sit down and put that plan together," he said. "So that's why I stayed with it as a vacant building right now."
Genesee County Legislative Chairwoman Shelley Stein thanks the county manager and staff for compiling the proposed 2025 budget, which this year includes "98% of your tax levy as mandated services," she says. Photo by Joanne Beck
Sometimes, it’s the unspoken words that take center stage during something like a public budget hearing.
And the silence of no one who signed up to speak after Genesee County Manager Matt Landers presented his proposed nearly $1.9 million budget for 2025 indeed said something to Legislative Chairwoman Shelley Stein.
“The silence is meaningful because, as everyone is aware, all of our local government leadership is aware that sales tax revenue is down, and we aren't going to even make what we have budgeted for this year. And that was the pot of money that we had that was available to share,” Stein said after the hearing Wednesday at the Old County Courthouse. “But something that we do do is we make available to each community the opportunity to have the county pay for and provide a grant writer. So our communities are taking advantage of that, and you will see some of the recent wins that we've had in those communities. So, you know, a little bit of seed money that brings other people's money into the county has greater value than what we could do by giving an extra dollar of revenue distribution.”
In the last couple of years, at least one or two town supervisors have asked if the county could loosen the purse strings and allow more sales tax to be shared amongst the municipalities. During his talk, Landers explained that a lack of sales tax was a major challenge in creating this coming year’s budget.
So, as it stands, the proposed plan is a 3.4% increase, or $6,264,607, from this current year’s adopted budget. Reasons for the increase include a $1.9 million increase in preschool supportive health services program costs, $1.5 million in state retirement system cost increases, $727,000 increase in medical expenses, and $200,000 more in the 730 court-ordered competency evaluation costs, he said.
“We were able to hold the line for a couple of years, but just the second year in a row where we have sweeping cost increases on the medical side. This chart basically shows you know there's, we believe, no end in sight for mandate relief,” he said. “Over 95% of our property tax money goes directly to New York state-mandated costs. It'll be something that we continue to watch in the future. One of the fears we have is when the New York State Budget starts to go when it starts to become more challenging, and they do show how the reports that we get from NYSAC (New York State Association of Counties) indicate years of pledge deficits. There's always a fear that that just basically ends up resulting in a mandate push down to the counties. So when we're already at over 95% of our tax levy already on mandated services, there isn't much room to grow.”
With a shiny new $70 million county jail, that comes with $3.8 debt service payments in the general fund, plus operational, utility and contracted medical cost increases for the facility, he said.
“At this point, water expenditures continue to be funded with water revenues. But there is a looming $150 million Phase 3 of the water system that has us turning over every stone to try to minimize future general funding,” he said.
He has recommended using a property tax levy of $33,630,739 toward the budget, an increase of $908,362, or 2.78%, from this year. Due to increased property assessments, he said, the tax rate will decrease by 51 cents per $1,000 assessed value, lowering the current rate of $8.08 to $7.57 per $1,000 assessed value.
If the county Legislature adopts this budget, it would mean an annual bill of $757 for a property assessed at $100,000, versus this year's tab of $808, for a decrease of $51 if a homeowner has not had a property assessment increase.
However, if a home's value went up from $100,000 to $125,000, it would mean that a home that cost $808 yearly would now cost $946.25, for an overall yearly increase of $138.25 due to that increased assessment.
Landers wants to offset expenses by $2.5 million out of the county’s fund balance and $639,653 out of the Medical Reserve Fund. The budget would include $1 million for infrastructure spending on large span culverts; one full-time public works project manager and a part-time program assistant for the county park; 10 full-time corrections officers for the new county jail; and one each part-time financial clerk typist and discovery clerk for the Sheriff’s Office.
Infrastructure investments also include $4 million in capital projects for airport upgrades, building maintenance, information technology upgrades, Sheriff’s Office equipment upgrades — tasers, body cameras and guns — highway equipment replacement.
Annual payments of more than $500,000, per previously signed contracts, are also included for Mercy Flight and Le Roy Ambulance to provide dedicated ambulance service to the county, he said.
Listing three pages of budget challenges, Landers reviewed the rising employee retirement and medical costs, unfunded mandate increases, which include assigned counsel and 730 mental health restorative costs, and reduced sales tax — the first time since 2000 that sales tax revenues have declined year over year and falling under budget for 2024, he said.
The legal system is costing the county quite a chunk of money, to the tune of that extra $200,000 for the 730 mental health court and an additional $123,530 for assigned counsel costs, for a total spending of more than $1.8 million.
What is the 730 mental health court? When a criminal suspect with mental health issues enters the justice system following an arrest, that defendant has a constitutional right to understand the proceedings, whether the defendant eventually ends up accepting a plea offer or facing trial.
In New York, that right is also protected by statute in Article 730 of the Criminal Procedure Law. The purpose of Article 730 is to ensure that a defendant is able to understand the charges against him or her and participate in his or her own defense.
Officials in Genesee County have wanted to see the law changed because it is outdated and getting increasingly more expensive with less efficiency than more contemporary options for dealing with a defendant's mental health capacity.
What is assigned counsel, and why are costs going up? Assigned counsel costs "have been increasing drastically," primarily due to the state increasing the pay for assigned counsel attorneys from an hourly rate between $60 and 75 (depending on whether the offense was a misdemeanor or felony) to $158 an hour, more than doubling the cost of representation, Landers said.
“This is for people that both meet the financial criteria for publicly paid for representation and have a conflict that prevents representation by the Public Defender’s Office,” he said. “In 2022, the county spent $624,336 between Criminal Court and Family Court assigned counsel. In 2025, that budgeted figure has increased to $1,828,800.”
He thanked staff and department heads for the “team effort” to deliver an on-time budget that falls under the tax cap.
“I’m very happy that the legislature provided clear guidance. I feel like any time that I could reach out and communicate issues, this was my toughest budget because I didn't have a sales tax to help offset us … I felt like it was a team effort that department heads worked with me, delaying, pushing out costs in future years, if possible,” Landers said. “At this point, the budget is in the hands of the Legislature. Future budget meetings will be held to arrive at a consensus with the Legislature and make changes as recommended to manage the budgets. I hope for full adoption at the November 25 meeting, and feedback and input from the community is always welcome.”
Since the budget was just turned over to legislators, they would be reviewing and discussing it, Stein said, however, “when you have 98% of your tax levy as mandated services, it is really hard.”
“There’s almost nothing left to cut, and those things that we would cut are the highly valued quality-of-life issues such as our county park, such as our participation with our outside agencies of GO ART!, Cornell Cooperative Extension, our Workforce Development folks; those are not meaningful cuts, and so we appreciate the value that we can bring to our community through those, but also through our partners in our town, in our villages, in our city, where we offer them opportunities to participate with us, and they take advantage of that,” she said. “So we are happy to be a good partner, and we look for good partnerships because shared services is the only way that we’re going to get through what we have ahead of us today.”
Kelly Heilemann, Pamela Ware, Robin Ettinger (all DAR members), Michael Doktor, deputy mayor for the village of Corfu, and Jesica Doktor, a prospective DAR member). Photo by Howard Owens.
Members of the Anna Ingalsbe Lovell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution partnered with the Holland Land Office Museum on Wednesday to honor veterans from all eras, giving away pins, flags, challenge coins, stickers, and Constitution booklets.
"It's just our way of the DAR to help serve veterans and our mission to thank them for everything they've done for our country," said Robin Ettinger.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) has won his reelection bid for state Assembly in the 139th District. First elected in 2006, Hawley has an extensive record of delivering results for Western New York. During his reelection campaign, Hawley ran on the platform of bringing back conservative principles to our state while bringing down costs for working families and supporting our law enforcement officers. Hawley is grateful to have received the support of the 139th Assembly District and looks forward to bringing common-sense policies back to Albany.
“I want to thank the residents of the 139th Assembly District for their unwavering support in this year’s election,” said Hawley. “I spoke with countless voters throughout this campaign all the way from Albion to Batavia and I’m beyond grateful for the words of encouragement and support I received along the way. Last night, we saw an incredible return to conservative values that built our nation and our state. Now more than ever, New Yorkers want meaningful change and homegrown representation. I’m honored to be your choice to be a part of that change in Albany for the next two years. I will continue to support policies that will keep our community safe and affordable as we create a better future for Western New York.”
Ryan Duffy, executive director of Holland Land Office Museum, right, reviews his annual report with Genesee County legislators, along with museum curator Tyler Angora, during this week's Human Services meeting. Photo by Joanne Beck
Ryan Duffy was all about the numbers while discussing his annual report with legislators during Genesee County’s Human Services meeting this week.
The Holland Land Office Museum executive director talked about 287, the current membership, and how the museum is just 13 shy of the goal to reach 300 by year’s end; the $43,000 he was able to obtain through grant funds; $5,000 made from Wonderland of Trees; more than 200 videos, 15,000 views and 250 subscribers on the museum’s Artifact Video Series on YouTube; and a collection of nearly 22,000 objects.
“And in March, we were awarded the 2023 special recognition award by the Chamber of Commerce. So celebrating our 130th year as a museum, we got a little recognition for it,” Duffy said. “We were very proud of that, and I'm really just proud of the steps we've been able to take, and building off the growth of 2023, especially since we brought (curator Tyler Angora) on in June, we've just been taking more and more steps, and the goal is to keep building on that as we go forward.”
He broke down those accomplishments a little further: The museum has grown its visitorship “by a few more hundred people compared to where we were last year,” with two of the museum’s busiest months yet to go.
“So we're going to be even further ahead by the end of the year. Our YouTube channel has grown exponentially, over 10,000 views in the past year, which is up a few thousand from the year before,” he said. “Our membership is up another 45 from where we ended last year. And again, we still have two months to go. So our goal of 300 is very much in reach. We're at 287 now. So again, growing in that respect, our outreach has grown significantly, not just the YouTube channel, but we've started recording our other programs, which has brought in even more views, and getting people into the museum by showing them something maybe they wouldn't expect, and they come to the museum to check out what else we have.”
He has written columns for local news outlets, including The Batavian, and has worked with historians and several groups, including the Museum Association of New York, and local school groups, Richmond Memorial Library, Lancaster Historical Society, Attica Senior Citizens, Elba Grange, Alexander Happy Agers, Indian Falls Seniors, Batavia Lions and Rotary clubs and Office for the Aging’s RSVP program, he said.
“We’re getting more notice with that, and our outreach. Just in this past month I’ve done presentations in five counties of Western New York, so our name’s getting out there, and people are interested in what we have to say on a bunch of different topics. So we’re very happy about that,” he said. “On some of our other major achievements, we’ve brought in or been awarded $43,000 in grants this year, which is a significant jump from years in the past. And the money reimbursed to our grant writer, Sarah, has been a major factor in that we’ve gotten money to go towards our addition project, as well as some collections grants, some program grants, so it’s also been going to a lot of different areas to help us improve, and we’ve been continuing our connections with other institutions that we’ve done in the past, those have all increased significantly in terms of number of hours.”
Last year’s Wonderland of Trees exhibit was the biggest ever, he said, drawing more than 500 people and making more than $5,000 from admission.
“So there’s a major fundraiser. We’re starting to decorate now for this year’s, which we are expecting to even be bigger and better than last year, so we’re really looking forward to that,” Duffy said. “Our guest speaker program has really jumped off. We’re now doing sometimes three or four guest speakers or similar programs in a month, not to mention adding some other programming.”
Monthly staff presentations to share a particular passion, robust gift shop sales, business sponsorships and steady progress on the West Wing entrance — in the design phase — are other things happening at the West Main Street museum, he said.
Challenges in the last two years have included continued development of plans for the proposed wing addition to the western side of the museum adjacent to the parking lot, which includes fundraising and potential grant opportunities to cover that high cost; researching and learning new technology of new virtual programming; a reimagining of exhibit spaces, continued organization of collections and related storage areas; expansion of public programming and fundraising events and both growing and diversifying the audience base, he said.
When asked about the biggest challenge of the museum, Duffy first said it’s to continue all of his action steps, adding that the priority is “to get people in the museum and to get people to notice us.”
“And that's probably still our biggest challenge. We're trying to kind of get past people's past impressions of us. Still, I think we've made some significant steps, but people still kind of think of us as what we were sometimes 50 years ago. But I think people are starting to see a lot of change, a lot of new things coming through, and that's really making people more interested in what's going on on a more regular basis,” he said. “Because before it was, ‘Oh, I was there five years ago, I don't need to come anymore.’ And now I tell people, ‘if you haven't been here in six months, you've missed out on a lot.’ So it's just continuing to get that point across, and to get people interested and excited about what we're doing, because we're excited about what we're doing, and we're trying to diversify the programming, the exhibits, even the items in the gift shop, as best we can, to get people to take notice of us and say, ‘I haven't been there in a while. I need to check it out.’”
The VA Western New York Healthcare System Enrollment and Eligibility, Connected Care, Medical Foster Home, Speech and Language Pathology, Suicide Prevention, and Visually Impaired Services teams will be on-site to meet with Veterans at State Senator George Borrello's Veteran Enrollment and Outreach Event on Thursday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the VFW Post 1602-Veness-Strollo, 25 Edwards Street in Batavia.
During the event, Veterans and their families can learn about VA benefits and VA representatives will be on hand to answer questions about healthcare options, the federal PACT Act, and more.
Senator George Borrello expressed his gratitude to the voters of New York’s 57th Senate District for their trust in his continued leadership. Running unopposed, Senator Borrello was re-elected to his third term in the State Senate, reaffirming his commitment to upholding the conservative values of Western New York.
“I am honored to serve as your Senator, and I thank you for your steadfast support,” Senator Borrello said. “As Albany pushes its extreme agenda, I am more determined than ever to defend hardworking New Yorkers who feel left behind.”
As Chair of the Senate Republican Campaign Committee, Senator Borrello celebrated the return of all 21 Republican incumbents plus the pickup of a seat in Brooklyn that will end the Democrats’ supermajority. He welcomed Stephen Chan as the newest member of the Senate Republican Conference. “Stephen’s election sends a strong message that New Yorkers are calling for leaders who put public safety and common sense first,” said Borrello. “With dedicated allies like Stephen, we’re positioned to tackle crucial issues—repealing disastrous bail reform, ending harmful sanctuary policies, and making our state more affordable for everyone. His addition strengthens our Conference and amplifies the voices of New Yorkers demanding change.”
Senator Borrello congratulated newly elected Assembly allies, including Andrew Molitor and Joe Sempolinski in the 150th and 148th Districts, Andrea Bailey in the 133rd District, and returning Assemblymen, Stephen Hawley and David DiPietro. “Andrew, Joe, Stephen, David, and Andrea bring strong voices to Albany,” he said. “They will be valued partners in the effort to address public safety, tax relief, and job creation across the state."
Senator Borrello also praised President Donald Trump’s return to the White House, calling it a testament to America’s desire for change. "This win shows our country is done with reckless policies. President Trump will bring strength and stability back, especially as we fight the far-left agenda in New York.” Borrello emphasized that the Trump administration will address failed border policies that have created chaos, strained resources, and increased crime. "President Trump will re-secure the border and put American families’ safety first.”
Senator Borrello also expressed regret over the passage of Proposition 1, despite the strong grassroots efforts he helped lead in opposition to the amendment. “Prop 1 was a Trojan Horse designed to undermine our freedoms, threaten parental rights, and erode the values that define our communities,” he said. “While the outcome was disappointing, the dedicated grassroots efforts from people across the state helped raise awareness of the dangers lurking in this so-called ERA. We will not stop fighting to protect our state from such dangerous overreach.”
Entering his next term, Senator Borrello remains committed to fighting for lower taxes and safer communities as well as supporting small businesses. He will continue his work toward a brighter future for Western New York and the Empire State.
A life sentence. That is what victims of sexual abuse get, District Attorney Kevin Finnell said in County Court on Wednesday morning, a sentiment Judge Donald O'Geen agreed with before sending John Volpe to prison for what is likely the rest of his life.
The 71-year-old Alexander resident, who entered court and left court with the assistance of a walker, was sentenced, in accordance with his plea agreement, to 10 years to life in state prison.
His victim, now a young woman, will deal with the consequences of his sexual abuse and manipulation for the rest of her life, O'Geen said.
O'Geen described the young lady as strong and courageous.
"I have high hopes, based on her comments today, that she will live a good life, especially with the people around her to give her the strength to pull through," O'Geen said.
Finnell opened his statement to the court before sentencing by noting that Volpe would spend the rest of his life in prison, but the life sentence goes both ways.
"She will have to deal with this the rest of her life," he said.
He also noted that Volpe's record of good works -- Volpe was an environmental activist -- in the community also couldn't excuse his conduct.
The hearing opened with the victim reading a statement called an allocation, which gives victims an opportunity to tell the court of the true impact of the criminal's crime.
She said Volpe first sexually abused her when she was five years old. Based on his recommendation, she was removed from public school when she was 12. From age 13 to 17, when she finally told somebody about the abuse, she said she was terrified of him.
"I was brainwashed into thinking it was normal," she said. "That the fear and pain was normal. You convinced me that society was wrong and that you were the best for me. My entire life, I thought my role was to serve you any way you saw fit."
She hoped she would escape it when she turned 18, but Volpe told her that would never happen.
She hoped to escape him when she went to college, but again, he said that wouldn't happen.
"I prayed that I would get away from you when I was married," she said. "You told me that when my husband left for work, you would come over and use me any way you wanted. I said I wanted kids, and you tried to convince me I had to touch them. I told you I wanted to be a nurse and you told me I had to pleasure the old men I cared for. My whole life was decided for me when you met me."
She said when she went on vacations, she had to call him multiple times a day. She had to text him when she went to a friend's house. She had to call him from work, from her apartment when she got home. She said he isolated her from friends and family.
"I had no escape or excuse to get away from you. You used me in every possible way you could," she said. "I have been sexually, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually abused by you. You brainwashed my family and I into thinking the world was going to end. That we had to prepare for the end times. You used native culture as a way to manipulate others. You disgraced a culture for your own personal gain."
Now that she has come forward and Volpe is in custody, she is recovering, she said.
"I no longer have to wear a mask," she said. "I can choose what to do and who to see. I have friends and receive true real love. I learned that I was not damaged but that you were. I am now learning how to live, how to love, and how to laugh again. You took everything from me and I am taking it back. I didn't deserve what I received, but it brings me peace knowing that you will get what you deserve and more, that you will never hurt another child again, that you will never hurt another adult again, that you are going to a place that you are terrified of."
Defense attorney Jamie Walsh revealed that Volpe was also abused as a child and that he has been serving his own life sentence as a result of that sexual abuse. Still, O'Geen rejected that abuse as an excuse for Volpe's conduct.
He called such a concept "selfish," and asserting such a claim was a "slap in the face" to the victim.
"Because you were abused as a child is no excuse because your response should be the opposite of being an abuser," O'Geen said. "You know what it is to be abused."
Genesee County Sheriff-elect Joseph Graff Tuesday night at the Republican gathering spot of Terry Hills in Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens.
Tuesday began early for Democratic Election Commissioner Lorie Longhany, who got up around 3 a.m. in anticipation of a busy Election Day, she says.
Longhany monitored the voting process and supervised 60 election workers throughout Genesee County. At just a few minutes before midnight, votes were still being tallied as exhausted workers looked forward to the end.
“For us, we’re very glad it is almost over,” Longhany said at 11:50 p.m. “Our staff worked very hard, especially the last month preparing for early voting and immediately rolling into Election Day.”
Presidential elections always draw the most people out to the polls, officials have said, and numbers have backed up that belief with early voting and on Election Day for candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
For nine days preceding the big day, there was early voting, which brought in a total of 7,233 people to cast their votes for local and national races. The first day of early voting drew a record-breaking number of 1,143 people to the ARC in Batavia, she said, and there were more than 22,000 votes cast on Election Day in Genesee County. There are 37,670 active registered voters in Genesee County, putting voter turnout at 77.6%
True to this county's deep Republican roots, the numbers panned out accordingly for the presidential, congressional, and Byron clerk and town council races.
Joseph Graff was the lone candidate running for Genesee County Sheriff on the Republican and Conservative tickets and is the Sheriff-elect to fill a vacancy left by Sheriff William Sheron, who will be retiring from the position at the end of this year. Graff received 22,300 votes, and there were 91 write-ins.
Kevin Andrews, who ran unopposed on the Republican and Conservative lines to fill the spot left by former treasurer Scott German, who is also retiring at year's end, will be the Genesee County treasurer. Andrews received 21,939 votes, and there were 59 write-ins.
German will take up a new role in January as the Republican election commissioner to fill a gap left by the retiring Richard Siebert. However, this was an appointed position by the county Legislature and not on the ballot.
David Wagenhauser, a Democratic challenger to incumbent Republican Congresswoman Claudia Tenney for the NY-24 territory, lost by a vote of 7,531 to 18,921.
Donald Trump came out ahead of Kamala Harris for president of the United States with double the votes, 18,580 to 9,098, and 241 write-in votes.
Despite the high number of people processed, everything went well, from setup to the final day for voting, Longhany said. Voters were pleasant, and poll workers and techs did “an outstanding job.”
She said there were no issues with voters on Tuesday, and all poll sites had steady traffic throughout the day. They kept coming to cast their decisions right up to closing time at 9 p.m. Final, unofficial numbers were posted online at the Board of Elections by 2 a.m.
Genesee County Democrats monitored election votes at GO ART! in Batavia. The county party rented the space for $180. Photo by Howard Owens.
Genesee County Treasurer-elect Kevin Andrews at Terry Hills in Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens.
