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Bergen resident C.M. Barons was inspired by the column published last week by Anne Marie Starowitz on her reading of old local directories. He also owns a couple of antique directories, one from 1992 and another from 1917. He also has a souvenir publication, "Illustrated Genesee County and its Industries," published by The Batavia Times in 1907.

Previously: Recovering local history in names and places from old directories

By C.M. Barons

The 1882 directory contains useful information such as "A barrel of apples, pears, quinces, or potatoes, must represent a quantity equal to one hundred quarts of dry grain or dry measure, and a person buying or selling either of these commodities in the state, by the barrel, is understood as referring to the quantity specified in this section." It also explains mortgage laws, wills, contracts and deeds. Rules of polite behavior include guides for cleanliness and proper dress for men and women. The section on helpful information concludes with a brief history of the county and its towns and villages. 

What follows is an alphabetical directory of residents by town, detailing street address and occupation. EG: BATAVIA Kibbe, Chauncey S. dealer in gloves and mittens, Gloversville, N.Y., res 33 State. McKenzie James, builder, 1/2 (Bergen,) Vill. (James and brother, David, built many of the era's homes in Bergen, including mine.)

The 1917 directory has a more familiar feel, opening up with an advertisement for Scott & Bean, dealers in dry goods, carpets, notions, lace curtains, etc. Another ad was placed by C. L. Carr, 101 Main St., pledging to carry as much splendid stocks of reliable merchandise, to sell at such reasonable prices, to give such pleasant, courteous service that you will instinctively turn to this store when in need of anything in the Dry Goods or Coat and Suit Line.

Other familiar businesses include Le Roy Lime and Crushed Stone Products, Batavia Times, Sibley, Lindsay & Curr Co. (Rochester), H.E. Turner Furniture - Funeral Directors, Chas. J. Call, J G McJury Photographic (Bob McJury was a photographer/stringer for the Buffalo newspapers and the Batavia Daily.

The 1917 version of the directory (which bears the same cover plate as the 1950 version, image of the county courthouse) does include general information, but perhaps of a more down-to-earth practicality than mortgages, deeds and New York commerce regulations. There is a handy guide to weights and measures, e.g., an acre is 8 rods wide by 20 rods long; a pint of water weighs one pound. A spraying calendar for pesticide application on various produce crops, preventing crows and blackbirds from pulling up your seeds, farm animal diseases and do-it-yourself treatment, measuring a room for wallpaper- each is thoroughly covered in the volume.

The Batavia Times souvenir booklet is a trove of pictures--- the officers and directors of the Batavia Board of Trade, Batavia Mayor George D. Williamson, schools, churches and local businesses. There are also backgrounds of local businesses and business leaders such as the Richmond family, William Bohm, John Ward, Wiard Plow Co., Bidwell Thresher, Dr. Gray's Primrose Hospital and E H Gamble, giving mention to Eli Fish.

Also mentioned: Batavia Gun and Forging Co., Minor Shoe Mfg Co., W F Crickler, Fix & Fix Printing Establishment, Casey Moving, E J Salway, C M Ebling, The Eagle Hotel, Joseph Lapp, Wiss House, Beaudry Pipe Organ Co., W S & C E Housel, bankers, Miller Bros grain, A S Fisher & Son druggist and A J Tanner & Co canning.  

Press Release:

In the wake of a series of horrific crimes linked to individuals with histories of serious mental illness, Senator George Borrello criticized the failure of state leaders to act on legislation he introduced in 2022 with former Senator Diane Savino. The proposal aimed to expand the criteria for involuntary commitment and strengthen Kendra’s Law—reforms he argues could have prevented many tragedies and saved countless lives.

"Our state’s inaction on addressing serious mental illness has cost many innocent lives in recent years and put countless others at risk," said Sen. Borrello. "While most people with mental illness are not violent, the alarming rise in violent attacks by mentally ill individuals—many targeting unsuspecting victims on New York City subways—shows just how severe this crisis has become. State leaders’ refusal to enact commonsense reforms like the bipartisan solution proposed three years ago has had devastating consequences, leaving ordinary New Yorkers to bear the tragic and preventable outcomes of a broken system."

He noted that among the countless crimes that could have been potentially avoided are the following:  

• November 2024: Ramon Rivera, an individual with documented mental health issues and a long criminal history, is accused of a stabbing rampage across Manhattan that resulted in the deaths of three people.  
• December 2024: Kamel Hawkins was charged with attempted murder and assault after allegedly shoving a random stranger onto Manhattan subway tracks, causing severe injuries. Family members said Hawkins displayed signs of mental instability in the weeks leading up to the incident.
• December 2024: A woman was intentionally set on fire while she was sleeping on a New York City subway train, allegedly by a migrant with substance abuse and mental health issues.
• March 2024: Franz Jeudy, a criminal recidivist with mental health problems, was accused of sucker-punching a Brooklyn school bus aide in the face as she walked home. The victim lost teeth, suffered facial fractures and a broken jaw, and has lasting nerve damage from the assault.
• May 2022: Andrew Abdullah is accused of fatally shooting Daniel Enriquez as he was heading to Sunday brunch on the subway. Abdullah had an extensive criminal history and severe mental health problems.  
  Sen. Borrello pointed out that, amid this seemingly endless string of crimes, Governor Hochul has announced plans to propose strengthening state laws on involuntary commitment standards and Kendra’s Law—proposals that will likely echo reforms Borrello himself introduced years ago.

The legislation, originally introduced by Sen. Diane Savino and Sen. Borrello in 2022 as S.8508A, has been in existence for nearly three years and was most recently S.5508, sponsored by Sen. Scarcella-Spanton, with Sen. Borrello serving as a co-sponsor. The legislation has two key components that would:

• broaden the standard for involuntary hospitalization if an individual’s mental illness renders them unable to meet their own basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, or health care. This is the standard recognized by most other states; and
• strengthen Kendra’s Law by allowing longer hospital stays for people who fail to follow their court-mandated, assisted outpatient treatment (AOT). Current law allows for an involuntary, 72-hour hospitalization, a timeframe that is often inadequate to stabilize a patient. In these instances, the bill would allow mental health professionals to request longer hospital stays.

"This legislation is about saving lives and preventing tragedies," said Sen. Borrello. "By broadening the standard for involuntary hospitalization, we can ensure that individuals struggling with severe mental illness receive the care they desperately need before their condition spirals further. Strengthening Kendra’s Law is equally critical - allowing longer hospital stays for those who fail to comply with court-mandated treatment ensures that patients have the time and support to stabilize. These reforms are long overdue and will protect not only those suffering from mental illness but also the public from avoidable and often devastating consequences."

Kendra’s Law is named in honor of Kendra Webdale of Fredonia, New York, who was tragically killed by a man with a long history of schizophrenia in a subway-shoving incident in New York City in 1999. She was a friend and schoolmate of Sen. Borrello’s during their years at Fredonia High School.

“Kendra’s Law was spurred by a preventable and horrific tragedy that took the life of a kind, gifted young woman and a friend from my high school days. However, that tragedy gave us an important tool for helping seriously mentally ill people access lifesaving treatment,” said Sen. Borrello. “Evidence has shown that is extremely effective in helping prevent homelessness, incarceration, suicide and other harms that are often linked with serious mental illness. However, it is underutilized and deserves to be strengthened. Our bill would address these issues.”

"Nearly three years ago, a bipartisan solution was proposed that could have saved lives and provided critical help to those struggling with severe mental illness. Leaving mentally ill individuals to suffer on the streets, consumed by delusions, is neither compassionate nor humane—it is cruel and dangerous. What the governor is advocating for is the concept of the legislation we introduced three years ago. The framework already exists. If Governor Hochul is serious about reforming New York’s mental health system, she should include this bill’s language in her executive budget,” Sen. Borrello concluded.

Press Release:

Continuing the organization’s work to grow the economy, workforce, and communities of Genesee County, the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) supported 13 projects in 2024.

These projects spread across Genesee County’s business parks and other sites are estimated to produce an economic impact of $202 million. These include new municipal revenues and salaries for careers generated by over $1 billion of investment.

“The GCEDC is pleased to support the growth of our economy, workforce, and the tax base of Genesee County through projects that increase our manufacturing sector, renewable energy generation, and housing,” said Mark Masse, GCEDC President and CEO. “These investments have a significant impact that will grow over the next decade and beyond.”

In 2024, projects supported by the GCEDC pledged the creation of 96 new full-time equivalent positions and the retention of 513 positions. 

In the town of Bergen, GE Bergen Owner, LLC’s $42.4 million project includes a new headquarters and manufacturing facility for Oxbo. The agricultural equipment manufacturer will increase their workforce to 200. The facility broke ground in September. 

In the city of Batavia, Graham Corporation’s $17.59 million project includes a 28,867-square-foot expansion. The heat transfer equipment manufacturer will increase their workforce to 391. The facility broke ground in August. 

The GCEDC supported market-rate housing developments in the towns of Batavia and Pembroke, with MedTech Landing, LLC building 80 units and Countryside Apartments building 96 units.

The GCEDC’s 2024 projects plan to build or renovate over 445,000 square feet of facilities, including Rochester Davis-Fetch's 32,500 square-foot renovation of a village of Le Roy facility and Craft Cannery's 4,000 square-foot expansion in the town of Bergen.

Six solar energy developments in the towns of Batavia, Byron, Elba, LeRoy, Oakfield, and Pavilion will generate 524.275 megawatts of electricity.

“This kind of success cannot happen without the support of the Genesee County Legislature, all our local municipalities, and the companies who are willing to invest capital in our community and create jobs,” said Masse. “We also must recognize the number of hours that the GCEDC Board members have invested in reviewing the details for all these projects. Their knowledge, guidance, and support have been invaluable to our success.”

In total, projects supported by the GCEDC in 2024 will generate a $16 benefit to the local community for every $1 of local incentives.

Press Release:

Grace Baptist Church announced today that they will serve as a host of the 2025 Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. The unforgettable worldwide celebration event, centered on God’s love, honoring and valuing people with special needs will be held by host churches around the world simultaneously on Friday, February 7.

Grace Baptist is excited to join hundreds of other churches around the globe in celebrating people with disabilities as God’s image bearers. 

Night to Shine is hosted every year by churches on the Friday before Valentine’s Day. Each event is unique to its location, but some cornerstone activities included across all of them are a red carpet entrance complete with a warm welcome from a friendly crowd and paparazzi, hair and makeup stations, shoeshines, limousine rides, karaoke, gifts, a catered dinner, a Sensory Room, a Respite Room for parents and caregivers, dancing, and a crowning ceremony where every guest is honored as a King or Queen – the way God sees them each and every day. 

“Night to Shine is my favorite night of the year! It’s my favorite because we get to celebrate so many Kings and Queens and share how much they are loved by us and by the God of this universe. Our goal is to be able to get to every person with special needs around the world – until all are celebrated. No matter what city, no matter what country, no matter where you are, we want Night to Shine to be there.” said Tim Tebow, founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation.

As sponsor of Night to Shine, the Tim Tebow Foundation provides each host church with the official 2025 Night to Shine Planning Manual, personalized guidance and support from a Tim Tebow Foundation staff member, the opportunity to apply for a financial grant, and access to planning resources that will assist them in creating an unforgettable experience for their honored guests. 

The foundation also provides access to ongoing disability ministry resources through Shine On. Shine On, a ministry of the Tim Tebow Foundation, is a faith-based community – a source of inspiration, belonging, and education for everyone impacted by disability. Shine On envisions a global community of churches and families that foster belonging and purpose for all.

Over the past 10 years, Night to Shine, through hundreds of churches worldwide, has provided over half a million guest experiences and over a million volunteer experiences. 

For additional information on the Night to Shine hosted by Grace Baptist Church in Batavia, visit: https://gracebatavia.org/night-to-shine/. 

For more information on the worldwide movement of Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, please visit: www.timtebowfoundation.org/night-to-shine.

After Martha Horton lost her sister, who struggled with using pills and alcohol, to suicide in 1997, a pastor asked Horton to lead a recovery group, an experience that taught her another lesson about addiction.

Her sister Sharon had never been in any trouble, so when she ended up dead by her own hand while in county jail in Albany, a shocked Horton wanted to be helpful.

“I thought I was doing it for her,” Horton said. “I learned I was a codependent, which is also an enabler. I made a lot of progress, thanks to the Celebrate Recovery program.”

She mentored more than 60 women then and has gone on to make addiction recovery a focus of her ministry at EverPresent Church in Batavia. Horton and fellow minister Maury McCoy will be leading the Recovery Alive program, which begins at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 30 at the church, 4 Batavia City Centre. 

Based on the author, Christian counselor, and psychologist John Eklund’s book, Recovery Alive has become an international program that grew especially popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, Horton said. 

“It has twice the impact in half the time,” she said. “These things are all weaknesses that take us from our best life that God intended for us, and so this program works with us to find those weaknesses. Some people don’t even know the root of the problem, but we really get down to the root of the problem.”

It’s a program built upon the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, with use of scriptures and a handbook for participants to actively work through each step by answering thought-provoking questions and digging deeper to discover what may be underneath one’s hurts, habits and addictions. Or, as a brief promotional video describes it, hang-ups.

A weekly session of about 90 minutes each is to include a review of that week’s step, a guest speaker, and then breaking out into smaller groups to work on the handbook. While there certainly will be talking and sharing, part of the goal is to also help participants find out those buried root causes or issues and deal with them, Pastor Jason Norton said. 

“That’s powerful because a lot of people, a lot of these addictions are the results of an inner turmoil of some sort, an abuse, or a molestation, something, trauma,” Norton said. “This is more equipping people with tools to work the recovery.” 

Contrary to what some may believe, addiction is not just about drugs and alcohol, he and Horton said, and this program will address anything, from shopping, past abuse, and pornography to poor self-esteem, grief, depression, food, and any other issue that one needs help with. 

Chapters include The Power of  — Weakness, Humility, Surrender, Honesty, Confession, the Cross, Forgiveness, Ownership, Grace, One Day at a Time, The Altar, and of Service.

Full disclosure: the leaders can be available for ministerial and pastoral counseling and don’t have drug and alcohol counseling degrees, Norton said, “but all, most of us, have come from that background, probably half to three-quarters of our church are people that are in recovery.”

The handbook is described as a “practical, powerful and proven resource combining the raw honesty of the 12 steps with what Horton said is about finding your higher power, and she wants folks to come and check it out before deciding whether it’s for you or not.

“Just show up. A lot of people get to the point of just being so overwhelmed that they feel like, I can't, I just can't. I can't do it anymore. I can't stop doing what I'm doing, whatever it is,” she said. “But we get to what some people call the bottom of the barrel, and when we look at other people, we think they're at the bottom of the barrel, but it's an individual basis. We have to recognize when we're at that point, and then real recovery can begin.”

No one is obligated to attend every single session, she said; however, more progress will come with more participation. The program will last four to five months or longer, depending on the group's needs, and the cost is $20 for materials. Financial assistance may be available for those who can’t afford it. 

Three keys to Recovery Alive are power, as in your higher power; people — finding a safe community — and the process of working through the 12 steps, Horton said. Whatever is shared during the sessions and who attends must be kept confidential. “Boundaries” are discussed at each meeting to remind participants about the importance of privacy and respecting each other’s personal information, she said.

“There’s always a leader in charge,” she said. “And after a while, we talk about the five commitments: I commit to courageous honesty, to trusting and keeping the trust of the people in my group, to opening my heart to the healing, transforming power of God, to working the process, answering questions, and attending faithfully, to diligently seeking and ultimately attaining a sponsor and accountability partners.”

For a peek at the promotional video, go HERE.

Press Release:

The Town of Darien Republican Committee is seeking Republican candidates for the following positions for the 11/4/25 election:

• 2 - Town Council
• 1 - Town Clerk

Please email letter of intent to Darien Republican Committee attn: Mike Davis at msdavis1970@gmail.com. Please include full name, address, phone number and email info. Please submit letter of intent by January 27. 

Press Release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to host its 53rd Annual Awards Ceremony on Saturday, March 1, at Batavia Downs Gaming, located at 8315 Park Road in Batavia. This signature event celebrates excellence by recognizing outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals for their achievements in business, community service, and volunteerism.

Tickets for the event are $65.00 per person or $480.00 for a table of eight. 

The evening’s schedule includes: 

5 p.m. – Hors d'oeuvres, entrée tables, and cash bar (no formal sit-down dinner will be served).

7 p.m. – Awards program, featuring dessert and coffee.

Chamber President Brian Cousins shared his excitement for this year’s ceremony, saying "Each year, our Chamber organization receives numerous nominations highlighting the incredible people and businesses in our community. This year’s honorees exemplify the highest levels of dedication, commitment, and excellence. They have demonstrated a steadfast devotion to our community, an unwavering commitment to the greater good, and a drive to make Genesee County the best place to live. We are thrilled to celebrate their inspiring stories and contributions.”

The 2024 Honorees Are:

• Business of the Year: H.E. Turner & Company, Inc.
• Small Business of the Year: Southside Deli 
• Entrepreneurial Business of the Year: Meraki Beauty, LLC
• Agricultural Business of the Year: Alexander Equipment
• Special Recognition of the Year: Genesee County 4-H Critter Crew
• Geneseean of the Year: Mickey Charters

For reservations, contact Kelly J. Bermingham at 585-343-7440, ext. 1026. Join us as we honor and celebrate these exceptional contributions to our community! 

Danielle Lovell is a former Batavia resident living in Los Angeles.  She and her family have been displaced by the fires raging in and around the city.  Below is an update in her own words.

Previously: Former Batavia resident who survived Katrina forced from home in LA by major wildfire

By Danielle Lovell

The past 72 hours have been a harrowing ordeal. Unexplainable fires have swept through my community, forcing friends to flee with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. In just the last 24 hours, I’ve been evacuated, returned home, and received yet another evacuation warning. To make matters worse, false alarms sent to our cell phones have caused heightened anxiety, leaving us in a constant state of vigilance, wondering what might come next.

Due to apparent issues with the alert system, I now rely heavily on the news to stay informed. While a distraction, like watching a movie, might provide temporary relief, staying updated is necessary. The air is thick with smoke, making each breath feel like scraping sandpaper against my throat and nose. Even indoors, the environmental toll is evident—dirt and soot wash away whenever I use the sink or shower.

Initially, I planned to volunteer at my local school to distribute supplies, but the growing danger kept me at home. Reports of arson in the neighborhood and needing to care for my pets have made leaving seem unwise. Fear has become a constant companion, compounded by the looting that’s taking place—an appalling exploitation of an already dire situation.

For now, my belongings remain packed, ready for another potential evacuation. I stay indoors, doing my best to eat, rest, and stay connected with family and friends through social media. Seeing the heartbreaking images of destruction flood in is overwhelming, especially when I feel so helpless to assist.

Schools remain closed, with no clear timeline for reopening. The forecast predicts more wind, though not as severe as earlier this week. Life feels like a relentless cycle of uncertainty—a game of hurry up and wait. The sound of helicopters and fire engines racing back and forth constantly reminds us of the precarious situation we’re in. I can only wonder what tomorrow will bring.

In recent coverage of the criminal proceedings related to the death of Michael Poole, The Batavian misstated the status of the case against Kathryn A. Henry.

On Aug. 22, Henry entered guilty pleas to charges of hindering prosecution, a Class D felony, and concealment of a human corpse, a Class E felony.  She is no longer facing a murder charge as previously reported.  The Batavian was unaware of this Aug. 22 appearance and was informed of the error this week.

Henry is scheduled for sentencing in County Court on Aug. 18.

As previously reported, Edward Dunn is expected to stand trial on a charge of murder, among other counts, in March.

I was given some old books to look through for a possible article. I chose The First Directory of the Village of Batavia 1877-78 and a phone directory from 1950-51. You get a peek into what life might have been like during those eras. 

The early directory gives a little history of the village of 6,000. The Court House on Main and Ellicott was built in 1842 with a jail. The county clerk and surrogate's offices were in the front of Main Street. 

The small book explained the New York State Institution for the Blind. It also named the churches in the village: St. James Episcopal Church, The First Presbyterian Society of Batavia, the Baptist Society, St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, and the Methodist Church. 

There were three newspapers: The Progressive Batavian, Republican Advocate, and Spirit of the Times. 

There were six schools, three public and three private.   

The largest manufacturer was Wiard Plow. The Batavia Portable Steam Engine Company was another notable enterprise. Genesee Agricultural Works on Ellicott Street sold every possible farm implement used in farming, and all were operated by horse or steam power. Two hose companies took care of the village that was lighted by gas. A dollar store sold glassware, crockery, china lamps, and chandeliers. All goods were warrantied and sold for 99 cents and were cheerfully shown.   

The streets listed in the directory mainly were Main Street, Ellicott Street, River, Lyons, Evans, Oak, Walnut, Ross, Cherry, Bank, and Union Street. The book contains 46 pages; of the 46 pages, 14 include the names and streets of the villagers.

The 1950 phone directory had a hole at the corner of the book for you to hang near your stationary phone. Also interesting were the phone numbers. There were phone numbers with 2, 3, and 4 digit numbers, and a letter followed some phone numbers. A phone call outside Batavia but within the county costs 10 and 15 cents. Buffalo was 35 cents, and Seattle, Washington, $2.45. 

The job of the operator was vital. All calls out of the area required an operator. 

According to the Yellow Pages, you could buy a car from 28 places. Some names you don't hear today were DeSoto, Nash, and Studebaker.

Adding machines were also a very popular item to buy from many area stores, along with an address machine. There were seven department stores, 28 fruit and vegetable growers, 60 restaurants, 13 hotels, and 10 furniture stores. One ad I found interesting and a little upsetting was: "Dead Animal Removal, we buy grease, fat, bones, hides and skins. The highest price paid for horses, cows, sheep, and hogs." 

There were so many auto repair places that they took up an entire page. 

Before Dunkin Donuts, there were Freddie's and Jackie's Doughnuts. Many homes sold eggs because they had chickens in their back yards. You could buy baby chicks by calling the phone number 2150, which is listed in the advertisements.   

Most homes were heated with coal.   Colantonio Coal Co., Holland Furnaces, and Thomas Wood and Coal were the most popular places to buy coal. There were also 40 gas stations and 40 small grocery stores, most likely on every corner. The book was 180 pages long, and 81 pages contained the residents' names, addresses, and phone numbers.

Today, we have Dollar Stores, which are considered department stores. You can also rent furniture and appliances and lease a car. 

Some things do stay the same. Looking through the 1950 city directory, I recognized some existing establishments.    In no particular order they are: Max Pies, Arctic Refrigeration, Sallome Heating, Bohm Mortuary, Falcone Electric/Green Mountain Electric Supply, Genesee Lumber, Dougherty Heating, Batavia Downs, Batavia Players, McAndrew Funeral Home, Chapin Manufacturing, Adam Miller, Oliver's, Northside Grocery, Pero's Plumbing, Polish Falcons,  H.E. Turner Mortuary, WBTA, YMCA, YWCA, Charles Men's Shop, American Legion, Miss Batavia Diner,  The Kelly's Holland Inn,  Mancuso Bowling Lanes, Wortzman Furniture, Max Pies Furniture, Upson and Maybeck, Knights of Columbus, Batavia Marine Sporting Goods, R.A. Haitz,  and Wills Wallpaper and Paint. 

Please share the names of any other businesses from 75 years ago that are still here today. 

Back in the day, your phone book and directories were "smart device" connections to the world around you. Today, you can find everything you need on your iPhone. 

A semi-truck, with a NYS-licensed escort, carrying a large load and traveling north on Ellicott Street, struck the CSX overpass on the south side of Batavia late Thursday afternoon.

It's unclear if the impact caused the load to shift or just broke the plywood container around the item being hauled on the trailer.

At the time The Batavian was on scene, a crew was attempting to remove the box. The plan was to check the cargo and then if the truck could be safely backed up, and with Chapin's permission, park the trailer in Chapin's parking lot while the crew assessed the best way to proceed.

According to an officer on scene, the lead driver attempted to warn the truck driver to stop, but there was possibly an issue with the radios.

Batavia PD was on scene to take a report and direct traffic. Ellicott Street by the overpass is reduced to one lane while the accident is cleared.

Photos by Howard Owens.

When the Sunset Fire started to bear down on her Hollywood neighborhood on Wednesday evening, and the order to evacuate came, Danielle Lovell reminded herself to breathe.

She'd been through this before. In 2005, she and her family evacuated their home as Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans.

"I think the biggest takeaway (from Katrina) was -- and even last night -- just reminding myself to breathe and to stay calm," Lovell told The Batavian on Thursday. "You do not want to panic because you are in such a hurry, but breathe and stay calm. Getting out is the most important thing. Everything else is replaceable, and it'll be okay. As long as you're alive, it'll be okay."

Lovell grew up in Batavia and is a 1995 graduate of Batavia High School.

She and her partner, Scot Walsh, from Rochester, and their son Aidan moved to Los Angeles 16 years ago after a sojourn back in Western New York following Katrina.

Aidan was four months old when Lovell and Walsh had to leave New Orleans. They lived in the Garden District of the French Quarter.

When they heard news reports of Katrina heading toward the Crescent City, they got ready to leave but the evacuation order came a bit late, she said.

"We were trapped on the highway for a bit, but we were able to get out to just outside the city, which was at least safer than the fishbowl of New Orleans," Lovell said. "Within two or three days, we realized New Orleans was devastated. We couldn't go back. Then we drove the rest of the way, stopping in Tennessee and then to New York. We were in New York for about eight months or so and then got the offer to move out here to L.A."

Lovell is a special education teacher, Walsh is an operations manager at a nightclub, and Aidan attends UCLA.

Over the past 72 hours, at least five major fires have erupted in the Los Angeles area, claiming at least five lives and destroying hundreds of homes. The worst is perhaps the Palisades Fire, wrecking havoc and horror along the Pacific Coast Highway in the area of Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Santa Monica. The Eaton Fire started in the San Gabriel Mountains and has forced evacuations in La Canada Flintridge, Arcadia, Altadena, Pasadena, and Monrovia. The Hurst Fire struck Slymar in the San Fernando Valley, and the Lidia Fire broke out in the rural mountains north of Downtown LA.

The Sunset Fire, which forced Lovell and Walsh to evacuate their home, started in the Hollywood Hills and required evacuations in Hollywood, West Hollywood, Studio City, and Beverly Hills. So far, 43 acres have been burned.

Lovell said she's grateful for the local news outlets because that is how she first learned of the Sunset Fire.

"Thank God for you guys because that's what alerted me to this new fire," Lovell said. "Before anything happened, I walked out my door, saw the fire, and started knocking on my neighbors’ doors. I live in a little community, and then I just knocked on the doors. I didn't know what was going on, but I knew what to prepare for, because, unfortunately, I'd already done it before."

Her pets are Luna, a white Chihuahua, and Lux, a black cat. They're both safe, though Lux was a challenge to find in the house during the commotion of evacuation.

"They're just both really mad at me right now," Lovell said.

Her home is still standing and the evacuation order has been lifted.  She plans to return to her home today to check on it and repack and reorganize.

"Our fire started and spread so quickly that we didn't have time, you didn't have time to think you just literally got your pets, your medicine, and you threw it in the car," she said. "I got my laptop, and I left."

She isn't sticking around when she goes back today. She's worried about flare-ups, the potential for new fires, and the air quality.

"It's like a snow day of soot here," she said.

She wants to check on her house and her neighbors because of the potential for looting. Nearly all of her losses following Katrina were from looters, she said. Reports indicate that in the LA area so far at least 20 looters have been arrested."

"They should be arrested. That's not okay," she said. "That makes me very, very angry. I get very protective of my people, and that makes me very, very angry that people would even consider doing that, taking advantage of such a horrible situation. It's sickening, honestly."

Lovell is staying with friends, Scot is with friends, and so is Aidan. UCLA hasn't been evacuated but classes were canceled. 

Priorities are important in the face of imminent disaster, Lovell said.

"When you leave, when you evacuate, you grab your pets, you grab medicines for those pets, medicines for yourself; if you can find your important documents, cool," Lovell said. "If you can't, they're replaceable. Everything is replaceable. Your lives are not. Your health can be damaged forever. Just get out."

She also advises, "Keep an eye on the news."

That's what her sisters did for her while she was evacuating. They are in New Mexico, Rochester, and San Diego. They used Facetime to pass along information to Lovell.

"I'm driving to evacuate, and I don't know what's going on in my neighborhood at that point because I can't be watching anything," Lovell said. "They were on Facetime with me, keeping me updated on the status of the fire."

Lovell's friends and family have been an amazing source of support, she said. 

"I want to thank everybody for their love and support," Lovell said. "I think something to realize is that I'm here, but my family's affected back East. They're worried about me. I have family all over the country; they're all worried. This is an isolated area where it's happening, but these disasters are so wide-reaching. It's so important to just stay connected, and I want them to know I'm safe. Scot is safe. Aidan is safe."

Press Release:

A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“Last year, New Yorkers faced a rising cost of living and record-high crime and inflation brought about by a Majority that cares more about appeasing downstate special interests than helping upstate communities. During this year’s session, I will continue to work to bring down costs, clean up our streets, and bring common sense back to Albany.”

Press Release:

Arc GLOW has recently opened its doors to the community by offering event space at the Community Center in Batavia.

For anyone looking to plan a large event, the Community Center holds up to 300 people and has a retractable room divider, allowing for a variety of different types of community events. Anyone interested in booking the Community Center forum should visit ArcGLOW.org/Community-Center-Forum-Rentals to learn more about the space, fees, and rental terms or to book an event.

The Arc GLOW Community Center is located at 38 Woodrow Road in Batavia. For any questions, contact Samantha Redden, business services manager, at (585) 343-1123 ext. 1816 or SRedden@ArcGLOW.org or Bill Sofia, director of business services, at (585) 658-3311 ext. 2262 or WSofia@ArcGLOW.org. 

Arc GLOW is a nonprofit agency servicing about 2,000 individuals throughout the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties. For more information about Arc GLOW, visit ArcGLOW.org.

Press Release:

The City of Batavia Republican Committee is seeking Republican candidates for three Council-At-Large positions for the November 4, 2025 Election.

You may send your letters of intent to, The City Of Batavia Republican Committee P.O Box 260, Batavia, NY, 14020. You can also email batavia.city.republican.party@gmail.com. 

Please include your full name, legal mailing address, phone number, and email.  The deadline for postmarked letters or email acceptance dates is January 23.

Press Release:

The Genesee Chorale is excited to kick off our new Spring season this Monday, January 13, at 7 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church (405 E Main St, Batavia). Rehearsals will take place every Monday at 7 p.m. throughout the season.

This spring, we’re bringing you two exciting concert series:

March Concert: A Throwback to the 1960s

• We’ll be revisiting the iconic sounds of the '60s with hits like Blackbird and The Sound of Silence.

May Concert: Chorale Favorites

• A celebration of our members' most beloved pieces from the past two decades.

We’re thrilled to share this season of music with you!

Whether you’re a new or returning member, you can register online at Genesee Chorale Registration. We can't wait to see you there!

Ray Detor doesn’t yet know the full scope and price of a future project at his Le Roy Airport, but he does know he would like to be considered for a grant that’s been offered for public and private airports throughout New York State.

The engineer studies are in progress for work that includes making the airport more energy efficient, updated with renovations to restrooms and office space and shored up with new doors on a Quonset hut, Detor said.

“Gov. Hochul was offering airports the ability to apply for a grant, and we are in the process of applying for one. The cost is undetermined at this point, but it's to further to continue and maintain the airport in the state-of-the-art fashion that it already is, with upgrades along the way that we have needed in a long time,” he said Wednesday to The Batavian. “Our applications basically don't go in until the 22nd of January, so everything is still being put together and determined to be what is the best approach for a number of different options." 

Earlier Wednesday, his project was briefly presented to the Genesee County Ways & Means Committee for legislators to endorse the Le Roy Aviation Services, Inc. grant application. 

Detor's not certain about how many applicants he will be competing against, and being a private airport doesn’t provide any discrepancy in the required paperwork, guidelines and regulations that he must abide by than others such as John F. Kennedy International Airport, he said. 

Le Roy Airport is privately owned but is available for public use, so “you have to sign grant assurances and do the same thing that JFK does, that Syracuse does, that Buffalo does, all the airports have to sign the same kind of paperwork,” he said.

"As for the award, we may not know for a year. It just depends on how quickly everything works," he said. "As long as we’re coming in with something appropriate for an airport, everything is considered and judged on various merits.”

The grant is being offered through the state Department of Transportation. Eligible project activities include safety projects, preservation projects, new construction, sustainability and other projects that enhance business development and economic competitiveness, according to the state's website. 

Projects will be selected through a competitive solicitation process and rated based on established criteria. These include economic benefits for surrounding communities and businesses, adherence to regional economic development plans, safety improvements, improved operational efficiency, and energy efficiency and emissions reduction.

More specifically, the Le Roy work includes LED lighting, solar panels — either on top of a building with a sunny southern exposure or in a field removed from the runway —  and adding one or more electric car charging stations, depending on the budget. 

“If we can supplement any of our energy costs that make the airport more efficient, that’s a win for everybody,” Detor said. “An existing hangar with office space and restroom facilities  will be updated and made ADA compliant.”’

That work will be in approximately 1,000 of the building’s 8,000 square feet, he said. The Quonset, a 1960s half moon-shaped structure, is still “in really good shape,” though the doors could use a refresh, and will be replaced with a weather-resistant aluminum or other strong material, he said. These buildings are often spotted on farms and were used post-World War II to keep troops safe, allowing rain and snow to just slide right off the arching roof. They are amazing structures, he said.

Needless to say, that Quonset isn’t going anywhere for some time to come.

Actually, the airport receives plenty of attention on a regular basis, Detor said, with an upgrade two years ago with a new $700,000 hangar, asphalt crack fill and sealing, and fuel pump upgrades planned for 2025. 

Le Roy Airport has been around since 1945, he estimated, and as owner for 30 years who began to fly at age 14, he hasn’t just invested financially but emotionally as well. Why?

“It’s freedom. When you get up in the sky, you’re dealing with the third dimension. See on the ground, we can go left, right, straight. But when you jump up in the air, for example, just to jump as a person jumping up, you're now defying gravity," he said. "And when you fly, well, you're taking that third dimension all the way. You're going away, to where you're going up to, whether it's 2,000 or 5,000 or 8,000 feet, and you're going to the destination no different, really, than you would if you were in a car or a boat. You just happen to be in a plane, and a plane going through the air.

“It's nothing more than going through water because that's what, basically, what the air is. It's nothing more than water. But what it is about the sky is it’s just beautiful," he said. "Looking down at the ground, seeing the snow-covered fields this time of year, or the farmers out doing the planting at different times and harvesting, you get flying all over, it looks like somebody made quilts all over the place, different colors.”

This project may align with the World Aerobatic Competition coming to Batavia in 2026, and that’s a nice coincidence, not planned, he said. Event competitors will be using Le Roy Airport as one of four practice sites before the 10-day event in late August.

Part of a practice site will mean setting up an air box, which involves the Federal Aviation Administration and will be regulated boundaries set up with measured zones that each competitor plane must stay within during his or her routines, and other air traffic will be alerted that it exists once set up.

“So the notices are published out there. And once they’re published, then they have to be adhered to. And if somebody does not adhere to it, well, of course, they can get in trouble,” he said. 

He looks forward to the airport upgrades and upcoming event at his busy facility. Visitors fly in from anywhere such as Maine to California, he said.

Legislators in the committee agreed to endorse the application. A resolution will go on to the county Legislature for a final vote to endorse the grant application for state funds under the NYS Aviation Capital Grant program for an Airport Energy Efficiency Improvement Project. 

Under State Transportation Law, the state Department of Transportation requires that privately owned airports submit an endorsing resolution from the governing body of the county where the airport is located. There is no budget impact for Genesee County.

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) introduced the Red Light Act to withhold federal transportation funding from states that enact laws to provide driver's licenses or identification cards to illegal immigrants in the United States.

This bill directs the Department of Transportation to withhold a state's entire share of specific federal highway funds—namely, those allocated for the National Highway Performance Program, the Highway Safety Improvement Program, and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program—if the state enacts legislation allowing the issuance of driver's licenses or other identification cards to individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States.

In 2019, New York's Green Light Law took effect, allowing anyone over the age of 16, including illegal immigrants, to obtain a New York State driver's license. The license also serves as a legal form of photo identification. In just the first month after New York's Green Light law took effect, more than 50,000 illegal immigrants received a New York State driver's license.

"Our nation is grappling with an unprecedented migrant crisis, yet some states, like New York, are incentivizing and rewarding criminals with driver's licenses and identification cards. In New York, the Green Light Law has given licenses to illegal immigrants, allowing these dangerous individuals to roam freely in our country, brutally attacking, raping, and murdering members of our community. In addition, this law also restricts law enforcement from accessing DMV records, preventing the enforcement of our nation's immigration laws. This legislation ensures states that refuse to comply with our nation's immigration policies are not rewarded with federal funding," said Congresswoman Tenney.

A 39-year-old Lockport man confirmed in County Court on Tuesday that he wants to be tried on a murder charge rather than take a plea offer.

Edward Dunn initially turned down a plea offer in December. It would have capped his prison term to 15 years to life. His appearance on Tuesday before Judge Melissa Lightcap Cianfrini was his last chance to accept the plea offer. If convicted of murder at trial, he faces a potential term of 25 years to life on that count alone. With additional charges under New York law, he could be potentially sentenced to 50 years to life.

Dunn is accused of killing Michael Poole, of Olcott, and then hiding his body in the trunk of a car that was abandoned in the town of Alabama in March.

Also charged in the murder is  Kathryn A. Henry, 33, from Lockport, who was arrested on April 19 and charged with murder in the second degree. She was accused at the time of conspiring with Dunn to kill Poole and hide his body. Correction: Henry entered guilty pleas on Aug. 22 to charges of hindering prosecution, a Class D felony, and concealment of a human corpse, a Class E felony.  She is no longer facing a murder charge as previously reported.   

Norman S. DuBois, 45, of Lockport, is charged with hindering prosecution in the first degree, tampering with physical evidence, concealment of a human corpse and conspiracy.

Dunn's trial is scheduled to start with jury selection on March 2.  

Besides the Class A-1 felony of murder, he is also charged with assault in the second degree, a Class B felony; concealment of a human corpse, a Class E felony; and tampering with physical evidence, a Class E felony. 

Press Release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced its event lineup for the first 3 months of 2025.

ABBAMANIA returns to Batavia Downs on Friday, February 7. Doors are at 6:30 p.m., with the show starting at 7 p.m. ABBAMANIA will take you back in time to when ABBA was on stage, live in concert. ABBAMANIA performs 22 songs of ABBA in their two-set show with costume changes, choreography, comedy, and a great concert sound. Tickets start at $15, and guests get $10 back in Free Play. Tickets are available now on BataviaConcerts.com.

The first ever Batavia Downs Meat Raffle to benefit Roswell Park will take place at Batavia Downs on Saturday, February 8. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the first spin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 each and attendees receive complimentary draft beer, soda and water along with $15 in Free Play. Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center will receive 100% of the proceeds from the tickets and raffles. Penny auctions for baskets and merchandise will also take place.

The 6th Annual Batavia Brew Fest, presented by Genesee Brewery and Rohrbach Brewing Company is back on Saturday, February 15 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. For $30, attendees receive 2 and half hours of beer sampling from many WNY breweries. Early bird tickets available until January 29 for just $25. Light snacks will be served and attendees will receive a commemorative plastic sampling mug along with $15 in Free Play. Hotel packages that include tickets are available as well.

Returning again after several years of sold out shows is Music of the Stars on Saturday, March 22. Doors are at 6:30 p.m. with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. The high-energy seven-piece band pays tribute to internationally famous artists, including Tom Jones, The Bee Gees, Neil Diamond, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Gary Puckett, Elvis, The Beatles and many more. Tickets start at $15 and guests get $10 back in Free Play. Tickets are available now on BataviaConcerts.com. Hotel packages that include tickets are available as well.

On Sunday, March 23, the Record Riots Vendor Show, a vinyl record and music memorabilia event will run inside of the Park Place Events Center 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. With 40 dealer tables and more than 10,000 LPs in the room, attendees will be sure to have a great time browsing a wide variety of music while connecting with fellow music lovers. Details can be found online at: https://www.recordriots.com/. $15 Early Admission Tickets or regular $5 admission tickets can be purchased at the door. Each ticket comes with $5 in Free Play for the gaming floor.

“We are looking forward to supporting Roswell Park for this Meat Raffle fundraiser, “said Byron Brown, President & CEO for Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. “It’s something we’ve never done before, but we’re now looking to expand our offerings and try new things to go along with our guest’s favorite existing events.”

Tickets are available now on BataviaConcerts.com and the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop located in the lobby of the main entrance of Batavia Downs. Hotel Specials for select events are available on the Hotel Deals tab on BataviaDownsGaming.com.

Other events scheduled for the 1st Quarter of 2025 at Batavia Downs include the return of live racing Mondays and Thursdays through February, The Experience Psychic Fair January 17 through 19 and the Legends & Stars Sports Expo on the February 22 and 23. Batavia’s Thursday Concert Series tickets are already on sale. Information on all events can be found in the coming weeks on the Batavia Downs Facebook page.