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A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at Route 77 and Ledge Road. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics responding.

UPDATE 1:46 p.m.: A third ambulance is called to the scene, in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 2:12 p.m.: The Alabama assignment is back in service.

Press release:

It’s been a long time coming, but Superintendent of Schools Christopher Dailey received a letter from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) stating that, once the State makes its official review visit in the early part of March, the District and Batavia Middle School will be off of the NYSED District/Focus School list in 2016-2017. Middle School staff were invited to a brief meeting Friday morning for the announcement.

“We wanted you to be the first to know,” Dailey said. “Even though this was always viewed as a district-wide process, most of the efforts were concentrated here, and we appreciate all your hard work. So, thank you, and congratulations.”

The process began several years ago, going into the 2012-2013 school year, when the District was notified that it had not met New York State’s proficiency benchmarks for one subgroup of students and, as a result, had been identified as a Focus District that was required to choose at least one school on which to focus efforts toward improvement for this subgroup. Because the Middle School had the greatest number of students in the specified subgroup, it was named as the Focus School.

The District then assembled a school improvement committee which, from that point forward, reviewed data, recommendations, and survey input to develop annual school improvement plans built around six tenets identified by NYSED’s Diagnostic Tool for School and District Effectiveness as aligning with research-based proven practices of effective schools: 1) District Leadership and Capacity, 2) School Leader Practices and Decisions, 3) Curriculum Development and Support, 4) Teacher Practices and Decisions, 5) Student Social and Emotional Developmental Health, and 6) Family and Community Engagement.

The criteria for being removed from the list included (1) meeting State participation requirements for all accountability groups for ELA and math; (2) meeting State achievement goals for the specified subgroup for two consecutive years; (3) meeting State achievement goals for averaged scores of all students in grades 3-12 for two consecutive years; and (4) having no subgroup fall below the minimum State achievement benchmarks during that time period.

Batavia Middle School Principal Sandy Griffin, noting several positive outcomes not numerically measurable, said “Our faculty has increased collaboration and the use of data to inform decision making. They have a deeper understanding of the Common Core Learning Standards and have been more actively involved in writing curriculum.

"Throughout the building – faculty, students, and staff – have a renewed commitment to and enthusiasm for the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) initiatives and to working as a team to create the best environment for learning and growing.”

Says Dailey, “This is a tremendous accomplishment by the administrators and staff of the Middle School and District. Together we have created a community of learners that pushes themselves to improve each day. We have taken a very positive approach to improvement that has paid off by our change in status with NYSED.”

UPDATE Feb. 29: Following a reader's inquiry about which subgroup triggered the inclusion on the focus list, we contacted the school district. We were told that:

"In the 2010-2011 school year, the Middle School missed the State Performance Index (PI) by 4 points with the African-American subgroup."

Press release:

YWCA of Genesee County's Women of Distinction Committee is seeking nominations for those outstanding people deserving of one of six Women of Distinction awards this year. The deadline for submitting nominees is March 14.

Recipients will be honored during the annual Women of Distinction Awards Celebration June 18 at Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia.

Local YWCA officials have been striving to incorporate a more direct relationship between award recipients and the nonprofit's endeavors, including the Domestic Violence Crisis & Prevention Services program, Care & Crisis Helpline, Children and Family Services and Healthy Relationships course in the schools. No matter how big or how small, or whether it's a man, woman, youth or business, all of those efforts have tremendous potential to assist with our goal to empower women and eliminate racism.

These awards are one way to publicly acknowledge the good works of others that have ultimately contributed to the well being of our Genesee County population, Executive Director Jeanne Walton said.

"Our agency has been mirroring YWCA USA in that it is constantly evolving to meet community needs and share its strengths," Walton said. "This year the national organization released a new brand to emphasize that we're on a mission. YWCA of Genesee County's mission is to reach out to women and families with our domestic violence and childcare services while recognizing that we can't do it alone. The Women of Distinction Awards Celebration is a wonderful way to give a nod of thanks for the dedicated generosity of our supporters."

The selection committee is looking for nominations of women, companies and organizations that have gone above and beyond in the following categories:

Racial Justice: Supporting diversity through one's initiatives, philosophies and/or programs. This may include service in a leadership role, with commitment to racial justice and a high standard of courage, integrity and commitment to YWCA's mission to empower women and eliminate racism.

Economic Empowerment: Helping women to face the challenge of economic inequality or hardship. This is done with programs or initiatives that create opportunities for women to lift themselves from their current circumstances and gain more options to improve their lives.

Corporate Social Responsibility: Making a continuous effort to recruit, develop and promote a diverse work force and foster an inclusive  environment where women leaders thrive.

Military/Veteran: A veteran or related agency that has worked on behalf of veterans and continues to serve through civic, personal and/or professional improvements.

Advocacy/Civic Engagement: Working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. Promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.

Peace: Striving to make the world a better place by emphasizing the importance of kindness, compassion and peace.

Nominations are due by March 14 and may be e-mailed to: jwalton@ywcagenesee.org or sent to YWCA of Genesee County, 301 North St., Batavia, NY, 14020. Please include your name and contact information, the award category, name of nominee, some background and your reasons for nominating this person, organization or business.

For more information, call (585) 343-5808.

A burglary in progress was reported at 4 Mix Place in the city and police have a manhunt perimeter set up and the canine unit on scene. Law enforcement has switched to a secure communications channel.

UPDATE 11:20 a.m.: Police have searched and cleared the house but no burglar(s) found. Whether a burglary actually took place has not yet been determined.

UPDATE 2 p.m.: Batavia PD has put out a statement about the situation this morning. The police say following a report of a burglary in progress by a resident on location, police observed suspicious circumstances outside the residence. A K-9 and State Police were requested to the scene for assistance. A search was conducted, and though the residence was in disarray, no subjects were located inside the residence. There is an active investigation and anybody with information are asked to contact Officer James DeFreze by calling (558) 345-6350 or the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370.

A two-car accident with minor injuries, possibly wrist pain, is reported at West Main and North Lyon streets. It is blocking traffic. City fire and Mercy EMS are responding.

The Batavia High School Girls Basketball Team just won the Sectional V Class A2 game against Pittsford Mendon. Final score: 53 to 42.

More T/K, including photos.

UPDATE 8:41 p.m.: The team bus will be arriving in town shortly. Starting from the Aldi's parking lot, the team will receive a police and fire escort down Main Street.

An attached garage is on fire at 3933 Pearl Street Road. Flames are showing. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding. The location is between Donohue Road and Treadeasy Avenue.

UPDATE 7:23 p.m.: Command reports the fire is under control. It amounts to "superficial damage to an overhead door."

UPDATE 7:38 p.m.: Fire is out. Command reports it started because a cooking grill was located too close to the garage door.

The premier GLOW Wedding Expo is this Sunday, Feb. 28, from noon to 3 p.m. at Batavia Downs Gaming, located at 8315 Park Road, Batavia. 

More than 200 brides are already registered to attend this debut expo featuring 33 vendors representing all aspects of The Big Day, including dresses, jewelry, venues, bridal showers, photography, beauty, engagement parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, limos, catering, invitations, rehearsal dinners, and more.

Meet with the experts inside the new Batavia Downs Paddock Room Event Center. These will include Stella's Bridal Boutique, of Le Roy, which is providing the day's fashion show at 1:30 p.m. featuring attire from the boutique, and Bloomz Florist, of Attica. T-JAM ENTERTAINMENT is in charge of the music. Also, representatives from the now-under-construction Batavia Downs Hotel will be on site to promote guest rooms that are expected to be available late this summer.

Participating vendors also include:

• Valle Jewelers (Batavia)
• The Mane Attraction Salon & Spa (Batavia)
• Mancuso Limousine
• Jay Terkel Photography (Corfu)
• The Spa at Artemis (Batavia)
• Deb's Bakery (Batavia)
• Huron Creek Acres (Alexander)

Visit glowweddingexpo.com to register.

For information call the Down's Marketing Department Group Sales Manager Mary Bucceri at (585) 343-3750, ext. 468.

Following an investigation into the sale of heroin in the Town of Bergen, 27-year-old Ryan M. Bobzin, of West Bergen Road, was arrested, according to a press release today from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

The investigation was conducted by the county's Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, comprised of law enforcement personnel from the Sheriff's Office, Batavia Police NET and Le Roy Village PD.

Bobzin is charged with: criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, a Class B felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, also a Class B felony; and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, a Class A misdemeanor.

On Feb. 24, Bobzin was arrested by a uniformed deputy at the Genesee County Jail where he was incarcerated for a separate charge. It is alleged that he sold a quantity of a controlled substance, heroin, to an agent of the drug task force in the Town of Bergen. Bobzin was arraigned in Town of Bergen Court and jailed on $25,000 bail.

The District Attorney's Office and uniformed members of the Sheriff's Office assisted the task force with the investigation.

Press release:

Brian Eller, COO of 1366 Technologies, the Massachusetts-based solar company and first tenant of the Town of Alabama's STAMP (Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park), will be the featured speaker at the annual meeting of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) on Friday, March 4, at Batavia Downs.

Registration and networking begins at 11:30 a.m. and the event will conclude at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Other speakers include: 

·         New York State Senator Michael Ranzenhofer;

·         New York State Assemblyman Stephen Hawley;

·         Genesee County Legislature Chairman Raymond Cianfini;

·         Tom Kucharski, president and CEO, Buffalo Niagara Enterprise; 

·         Paul Battaglia, GCEDC Board chairman; and,

·         Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC

“We are excited to welcome Brian Eller of 1366 Technologies to speak at our annual meeting as the company invests its capital and resources right here in Genesee County, which is expected to create approximately 1,000 new jobs,” said Steve Hyde, GCEDC president and CEO.

“We look forward to celebrating the future economic impact of 1366 Technologies in our region, as well as recognizing our many public and private sector partners who have made played a critical role in helping us grow our local economy within the past year.”  

The GCEDC will unveil its 2015 report and announce the recipient of the annual Economic Development Partner of the Year Award.

Tickets cannot be purchased at the door, and seating is limited. For more information or to register please contact Rachael Tabelski at 585-343-4866or at rtabelski@gcedc.com.

The Le Roy Zoning Board of Appeals ruling in favor of Frost Ridge Campground, may have been one of its last as a joint town/village body.

The Town Board is moving forward with plans to consider creating an independent town ZBA.

The board voted unanimously on Thursday to schedule a public hearing for 7 p.m. March 10 on proposed Local Law No. 1 of 2016. The law would establish a three-member town ZBA.

This is the second time the board has scheduled a hearing on the proposed law.

Last November, the board voted to withdraw from the 2004 intermunicipal agreement that created the joint town/village ZBA. A public hearing on a law to create a separate town ZBA was scheduled for Dec. 10, 2015.

That decision came before the ZBA could comply with Supreme Court Judge Robert Noonan’s order for it to rule on the legality of camping, concerts and related activities at Frost Ridge Campground. Interim Supreme Court Judge Mark Grisanti subsequently ordered the town to cancel its public hearing, and for the existing ZBA to conduct a hearing on Frost Ridge by Dec. 18, 2015.

The ZBA met Grisanti’s deadline by a day, and officially ruled in favor of Frost Ridge on Feb. 17.

Press release:

In a recent Buffalo Business First magazine, Elba Central Middle and High Schools' combined ranking placed in the top spot among all 17 schools in the Eastern Tier (Orleans, Genesee & Wyoming counties).

Factors used in determining each school's ranking are percentage of graduates who received Regents diplomas, Regents scores in 10 subjects and scores on statewide English and math tests -- all over the last four years.

Elba Central was also the only school of the 22 schools in the Genesee Valley to have a 100-percent passing rate on the Geometry Regents and the U.S. History Regents.

“Because we’re small, it’s difficult for any student to get lost in the shuffle," explained Elba Schools Superintendent Keith Palmer. “And even though we’re a public school, our staff treat our students as if we’re providing a private education, focusing on individual needs with individual interventions and taking the time to work with students who need it."

Submitted photo.

Press release:

The Genesee County Master Gardeners will be offering their popular educational programs again this spring. A variety of gardening topics will be presented and taught by Master Gardeners.

All programs are from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension building, 420 E. Main St., Batavia. Cost is $10 per person per class unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration is required as class size is limited.

For more information call 585-343-3040, ext. 101, or visit our Web site at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/gardening.

March 30 – “Using Color in the Garden” -- We will discuss aspects of color theory and its application in the garden, all lavishly illustrated with photos. Blooms and beyond -- berries, bark, variegated foliage, and garden ornaments all combine for a more powerful visual impact. And Yes! You can grow these flower combinations here since the presentation features local gardens. Registration deadline is March 24.

April 7 – “Better Garden Photography” -- Have you ever visited and photographed a gorgeous garden, but were later disappointed with your photos? In this presentation we will cover many subjects including the impact of light, and elements of composition such as balance, contrast, perspective, and color. Useful techniques are taught such as the rule of thirds, framing, and the effect of lines. All topics are illustrated with photos of garden scenes. Practical tips will improve your photos in (and out!) of the garden. Registration deadline is April 1.

April 13 – “Urban Forestry and Tree Care” -- Healthy trees are an asset as they provide cooling shade, habitat for birds and can increase the value of your property. Department of Environmental Conservation forester Garrett Koplun will instruct us on how managing trees in an urban environment differs from a traditional forest environment. We’ll discuss a number of problems common to trees in an urban setting. We will also cover ways to improve and prevent tree health issues. Registration deadline is April 8. This program is FREE.

April 20 – “Invasive Plants & Other Species in the Landscape” -- What are invasive species? Where are they located? Are they growing in my garden? What can I do? Why should I care? Find out the answers to these questions and learn how gardeners can be part of the solution. We’ll also discuss some of the alternative plants you can grow instead of the ornamental invasive plants that may be lurking in your garden. Registration deadline is April 15.

April 27 – “What’s Wrong with My Plant?” -- A gardener's introduction to plant disease identification and treatment. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of the four major categories of plant diseases and their specific treatment strategies via a review of those most commonly brought into our Helpline. Registration deadline is April 22.

A car has struck a bridge by the Blue Dog Saloon, 2630 Attica Road. Possible ankle injury reported. Alexander Fire Department and medics are responding.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: A responder on scene reports the roadway is extremely slippery.

Batavia High School's Production Club will present a musical product of Mary Poppins next week with Nick Piedmon playing Bert and Andrea Gilebarto as Mary Poppins.

Photos are from yesterday's rehearsal. 

Caryn Burk Wood is the director and Dan Grillo the musical director.

The cast includes Ross Chua as Mr. Banks, Chelsea Jensen as Mrs. Banks, Eryn Dunn as Jane Banks and Colin Dunn as Michael Banks.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m., March 4 and March 5, and 2 p.m., March 6.

Representatives of Z&M Ag and Turf presented a donation of tools to the conservation program at BOCES yesterday as part of a two-day seminar by Z&M and John Deere on some of the latest farming technology.

The first day was focused on dealers from throughout New York and yesterday the farms and shop techs came in to learn about technology advances from John Deere and the new precision GPS planting system.

John Duyssen is one of the conservation instructors -- concentrating on diesel and hydraulics repair and maintenance -- and he said the job of being a farmer is getting a lot more sophisticated as technology becomes more embedded in the process of planting and harvesting. The conservation program provides that instruction along with instruction on soil and water conversation.

Top photo: Carson Decarlo, left, Tom Klaeper, Tarra Shuknecht, John Tyx, Keith Conwa, Branden Cerefin, John Duyssen, and Ed Swain.

Bradley John Broadbent, 36, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with false personation, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminal use of drug paraphernalia and possession of hypodermic needles. Broadbent was arrested following a traffic stop at 10:37 p.m. Tuesday on Route 33, Stafford, by Deputy Rachel Diehl.