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A man and a woman, who have not been identified by the Sheriff's Office, are suspected of perpetrating a scam involving jewelry outside businesses along Veterans Memorial Drive.

On June 3, deputies responded to the parking lot of Dick's Sporting Goods to investigate a complaint about a man soliciting people for money in exchange for a gold ring. 

During the investigation, the man was identified along with a woman in an associated vehicle.

A scam involving jewelry had previously been uncovered by the Sheriff's Office.

A description of the suspects was not provided.

The Sheriff's Office is asking residents who may have purchased jewelry from people outside businesses in the area to contact Investigator Ryan DeLong at (585) 345-3000 ext. 3572 or Investigator Erik Andre at (585) 345-3000 ext 3574.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a two-vehicle accident that occurred on Rt.19 in the Town of LeRoy on Monday afternoon.

According to Sgt. Michael Lute, a white sedan was heading north on Rt. 19 and crossed over into the southbound lane, colliding with a red minivan that was traveling south at about 1:27 p.m.

The collision spun both vehicles around with the minivan going over the guard rail but staying upright.

The female driver of the white sedan suffered moderate injuries and was unconscious and breathing after the LeRoy and Pavilion Fire Departments responded to extricate the victim. She was transported to Strong Hospital by Mercy Flight Central. Her injuries are not life-threatening according to Sgt. Lute.

The driver of the minivan was also extricated and transported to Strong Hospital by ground ambulance. His injuries are not life-threatening. A female front seat passenger and two children in the van were signoffs and not injured.

At this time there are no charges as the accident is under investigation.

Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

A motor vehicle accident with entrapment is reported at Route 19 and North Road, Le Roy.

Le Roy Fire with automatic mutual aid from Pavilion dispatched to the scene.  Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 1:39 p.m.: Bergen Fire requested to Route 19 and Griswold for traffic control.

UPDATE 1:43 p.m.: Mercy Flight requested to the scene.

Press release:

The Genesee County Board of Elections is seeking responsible individuals to work election days and early voting days.

Individuals must be at least 17 years old to be a poll worker and be a registered voter and resident of Genesee County.  Individuals also are required to attend a two-and-half-hour paid training session. Candidates are appointed to a one-year term. Positions include Election Day Coordinators and Inspectors and Early Voting Coordinators and Inspectors. Poll workers are paid a competitive daily rate.

“Due to a number of reasons, including in-person early voting, the COVID pandemic, poll workers who have retired, etc. Genesee County is in need of new poll workers to help set up polling places and to welcome and check-in voters,” said BOE Commissioner Lorie Longhany.  Commissioner Dick Siebert added, “Most importantly we need responsible workers who can ensure that voters are processed in a fair and efficient manner according to election law.”

Those interested in being a poll worker should call Genesee County Board of Elections at 585-815-7804 or email www.election.co.genesee.ny.us.

Press release:

All motorists please be aware that Columbia Avenue, Seneca Avenue, and Miller Avenue will experience traffic delays on Tuesday, June 21st and Friday, June 24th from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a two-course paving operation.

While work is being performed in this area, the roadway will be closed to all through traffic. Local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence/property but should plan accordingly for delays.

All residents/businesses within the work area are asked not to park on the roadway during the operation.

This is weather-dependent work; if work is postponed it shall progress to the next workday.

Please contact the Bureau of Maintenance at 585-345-6400 Option 1 if there are any questions.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Press release the Automobile Association of America:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.98, down 3 cents from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.07. The New York State average is $5.01 (5.008), down 3 cents since last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.13. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $4.89 (down 3 cents from last Monday)
• Buffalo - $4.89 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
• Elmira - $4.97 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
• Ithaca - $4.98 (up 1 cent from last Monday)
• Rochester - $4.97 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
• Rome - $4.98 (no change from last Monday)
• Syracuse - $4.96 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
• Watertown - $4.98 (up 2 cents from last Monday)

According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased while gasoline demand declined slightly, which limited pump price increases.

Crude prices dropped last week amid broad market concern regarding the potential for slower economic growth after the U.S. Federal Reserve raised the interest rate by 0.75 percent. Slower than expected economic growth could cause crude demand to decline, leading to lower oil prices. This morning oil prices are at about $109 to $113 per barrel. However, as crude oil prices remain volatile, the price per gallon for gasoline will likely remain elevated.

From Gas Buddy:

“Finally some relief! For the first time in nine weeks, gasoline prices have fallen, following a broad sell-off in oil markets last week, pushing the national average back under the $5 level with most states seeing relief at the pump," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "I'm hopeful the trend may continue this week, especially as concerns appear to be mounting that we may be on the cusp of an economic slowdown, putting downward pressure on oil. But the coast isn't yet entirely clear. We could see the national average fall another 15 to 30 cents, if we're lucky, by the time fireworks are flying, barring any unexpected shutdowns at a time when the market is extremely sensitive to such."

 Marsha Riggi chest bumps Oakfield-Alabama Superintendent John Fisgus during the high school's graduation ceremony on Saturday.  Riggi may have gotten the idea from Gaige Armbrewster, who chest bumped Fisgus when he accepted his diploma. 

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Last March, some of the regular campers at Jam at the Ridge Campground in Le Roy started talking about BBQ and smoking meat and thought they should have a friendly competition.

So they did.

And they turned it into a fundraiser for Golisano Children's Hospital.

It turns out that all of the cooks participating had children or grandchildren who had been treated at the pediatric hospital in Rochester.

They raised $750.

The cooks and campers brought their best recipes for brisket, pork, turkey, and chicken.

"And everybody came in for a fellowship," said Tim Hogle, one of the organizers.

The only prize was bragging rights and those went to Doug McDaniel (first), Tim McManus (second), and "Will the Barbequer" (third).

Photo: Shelia Kingston presents a mock check to Betsy Findlay, a senior director at Golisano.  Tim McManus holds a poster of the children and grandchild of the cooks who were treated at Golisano. Photo by Howard Owens.

Batavia's Just Kings Social Club hosted their third annual Juneteenth Celebration in Austin Park on Saturday.

Juneteenth commemorates the day -- June 19, 1865 -- that Federal troops forced the traitors in Texas to free the last of their still captive slaves, ending slavery as practiced in the United States up to that time. President Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves in the still rebellious, traitorous states with the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863. Slavery would become unconstitutional with the passage of the 13th Amendment in December 1865, fulfilling the promise of the Declaration of Independence that all people are created equal with the unalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 

The first Juneteenth celebration by Black Americans was held on June 1, 1866.  It became a state in 2020 and a federal holiday in 2021.

Since Juneteenth this year falls on a Sunday and Father's Day, Just Kings held their celebration on Saturday.

Chris Thorpe, general manager of Six Flags Darien Lake, is a bit excited about the newest thrill ride in the park -- the Wahoo Wave.

Of course, he's already been on it. He wants you to try it, too.

"It's a wonderful experience where people will ride in a four-leaf clover to go with their friends and family and hit a 60-foot wave wall when they plunge down the slide," said Thorpe in an interview with The Batavian. "For me, the most thrilling part of the ride is when you hit the top of the wave wall and it turns you to go back down on the other side. You have such exhilaration and thrill coming down the slide when you get to the top. When you spin the other way, it's a little disorienting but a little thrilling at the same time. So it's great."

The Wahoo Wave part of the water park, which now called Hurricane Harbor.  The expansion of the park includes more seating and a parents' patio where parents and grandparents can rest and recharge -- not just themselves but their mobile devices, as well.

Jody Brege, public relations and marketing manager said prior to a ribbon-cutting with the Genesee Chamber of Commerce on Friday, said the park, entering its 41st season, has made a number of other improvements during the off-season, including new landscaping and more seating.

"We are excited to make New York's largest family-friendly destination bigger, better, and now wetter than ever," Brege said. "Hurricane Harbor will be the perfect place to beat the heat in Western New York this summer."

Photos by Howard Owens

Chris Thorpe in front other the "selfie-shark," where guests can take selfies or Tik-Toks as they enter Hurricane Harbor.  Thorpe is planning a contest for children to come up with a name for the shark.

Saturday's sunset in Pembroke.

Photo by Joanne Meiser.

A fence is reportedly on fire at 111 Liberty St., Batavia, about one foot from a garage.

The structure is not involved at this time.

City Fire dispatched.

UPDATE 6:24 p.m.: Fire appears to be out. Firefighters checking for extension.

A woman is reporting trouble breathing after an automobile accident at Broadway Road and Harlow Road, Darien.

There are also two possible neck injuries and a possible rib injury.

The accident is not blocking.

Darien Fire and Darien ambulance dispatched.

City Firefighters, members of Local 896, were out on city streets on Saturday as part of their annual Fill the Boot campaign on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

This year's campaign also included over the past several months placing boots in the lobbies and entrances of area businesses.

In all -- yesterday's fundraising and the in-store boot drive -- the firefighters have raised $8,725.50 for MDA.

Photos by Frank Capuano.

The walkway leading from Wolcott Street to the Woodward Memorial Library in Le Roy may look like a mess now, but things will be a whole lot better in about a month, according to Le Roy Central Schools Superintendent Merritt Holly.

As part of a $12.1 million capital improvement plan approved by voters, the district is investing $186,349 in a new sidewalk for the library.

The old sidewalk was no longer up to safety standards.  The new sidewalk will not only be more attractive but its safety enhancements will include a snowmelt system.

"This (system) will eliminate the use of salts and/or other de-icing materials and physical damage from our tractors removing snow," Holly said. "Furthermore, when our maintenance crew leaves at the end of the school day, and the library remains open in the evening, the sidewalks will stay clear of snow and ice.  We have also added a small slope change to the sidewalk as you walk up to the library using the sidewalk."

 Holly said the district expects the sidewalk project to be completed before July 13.

Photos by Howard Owens

As part of the project, a main power line for Woodward Memorial Library and the Wolcott building was replaced, hence the big hole in front of the library during construction

When Steve Foster and Tim Adams, owners of the Red Osier Landmark Restaurant in Stafford, come up with small ideas, they often grow into grand ideas.

In the spring of 2021, for example, the decision to clean up the area behind the restaurant -- move a dumpster to the back of the property and remove the wood structures from behind the building -- was supposed to be just as a clean-up project.  Once the area was clear, Foster thought maybe they could put some gravel down, install some tables and chairs and have a small outdoor dining area at a time when COVID protocols were still in place.

"A close local friend who was helping with the demo joked about a 'man cave' at the restaurant," Foster told The Batavian. "Tim and I agreed, but not so much a 'mancave' but an outdoor entertaining area that you would envision seeing in Florida -- an area that is not directly on a busy street, but a nice casual and inviting area to enjoy our country views.  We named the patio after our aunts, Valerie DiFalco and Lynda Bird. Both were very influential in our lives and loved the outdoors, and more importantly, loved to entertain."

So now what you will find out back isn't gravel and a few tables.  Rather, there is a full concrete patio, redwood cover, a couple of dozen tables, a bar with seating, and enough space for a small rock, country, pop, or jazz combo to keep the space hoppin'.

"As we built the patio, we had a mindset to have a big enough area where we could host live entertainment, something that is seen in a lot of patio bars in Florida," Foster said. "Our area is full of local talent and we wanted to have a nice space where they would be comfortable to play.  We wanted music that is not genre specific but goes with our casual fine dining feel."

The patio has seating for 65 patrons.  The seats are often all taken on Friday and Saturday evenings -- the nights when there is live entertainment on the patio.

"We offer a 'lighter eats' menu on the patio, which I believe has been valuable," Foster said. "We didn't want patrons to think they had to come out and get a prime and lobster dinner, although they can if they want to.  We wanted a salad and sandwich option.  There are already plans to add live entertainment to Sundays due to the overall success of the patio, along with hosting car cruises and tailgate parties throughout the patio season."

The Red Osier Landmark Restaurant is located at 6492 Main St., Stafford. Phone: (585) 343-6972 (the restaurant takes reservations). The restaurant is closed for dining on Mondays and opens at 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Healthy spirits and healthy bodies is part of the goal of a planned curbside eatery on Route 20 in Darien, according to leaders of Freedom Fellowship.

The non-profit organization is seeking a special use permit for the planned establishment, which did get the blessing of the County Planning Board last week. 

The restaurant will be called The Table Latin American Grill and serve salads, rice bowls, and burritos.

"Part of our program is to eat healthy," said John Kula. "We don't really have sugars or a lot of carbohydrates in our menu. It's a pretty basic menu."

The staff for the eatery will be people who are going through or have been through Freedom Fellowship's addiction recovery program, which the ministry has been operating at 254 Broadway Road for a decade.

There's no new construction planned for the project.  The ministry will use existing structures.

The addiction program helps people in a faith-based atmosphere deal with a range of addictions and related issues, such as depression and anger.

The restaurant is the latest non-profit business for the ministry, which already operates an auto repair shop and a print shop.  The work in these businesses helps raise money for the non-profit but it is also part of the recovery process.

"It's outpatient therapy, really, for a lot of people," said Joshua Klenke, an operations manager. "It shows them a different way of life beyond what they know."

One of the managers of the new restaurant is a former regional manager for Cracker Barrel.

"He had an alcohol problem," Kula said. "The program changed his life. The Lord changed his life. And now he's paying it forward with this. And it's a blessing."

Freedom Fellowship's second annual Car Show and Chicken BBQ begins at 11 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m. on June 25.  There is a basket raffle and prizes and awards for various classes of cars in the show.  The location is 254 Broadway Road, Darien Center.

Dr. James Sunser, president of Genesee Community College, outlined the financial plan of $37.2 million and a request for $2,736,374 as the county’s local share. College officials are continuing to “work hard to keep our expenses in line,” Sunser said.

“As you know, after the pandemic, we had some pretty significant adjustments to the college operations. Some of them have perpetuated after this point. We have had the opportunity to keep things in line, the budget itself at $37.2 million. (Changes) include $ 100-a-semester increase in tuition for students, you all know that the majority of our students are financial aid eligible. So the majority of that in most cases will be covered from external grants that students will not have to pay back,” he said to the committee. “Even with that increase, GCC continues to be, if not the lowest, within the lowest, cost of community colleges throughout the system. So we're very conscious of keeping it affordable for our students.”

GCC Communications Vice President Justin Johnston said that GCC has traditionally used "a model of predictable and incremental budget increase requests" from Genesee County, rather than seeking larger or varying amounts year to year.  The proposed increase of $50,000 in county funding, from $2,686,374 to $2,736,374, “is reflective of this long-standing philosophy,” he said.  

About 67% of the budget is made up from salaries and benefits, Sunser said. That number can fluctuate up to 73 percent, and “not surprising when you think about what we do.”

“We have teachers and we have faculty, we have staff that supports students. So it’s not surprising that a good share of what you spend your money on would be for those services,” he said. “But we are still seeing some of the benefits of our five-step plan that we put in place during the beginning of the pandemic, and some salary savings that we saw through that. And we've also gotten some salary savings, and things like our adjunct lines, is a big piece. And that is really driven by enrollment. It was enrollment being flattened down slightly. We have less need for adjuncts and are shifting more of that work into a full-time workforce.”

County Manager Matt Landers said that, since the county’s share is still less than 8 percent of GCC’s total budget, along with the county’s share being one of the smaller shares compared to other sponsors, "the county believes a $50,000 annual increase is reasonable."

This presentation will end up going to the full County Legislature for a vote, and then on from there for final approval. 

“Given that the budget process remains ongoing with the county-level review preceding the state level later this summer, with deference to those parties and their ability to review, GCC will refrain from further comment until the budget process has concluded,” Johnston said. 

Photo: Dr. James Sunser, president of GCC

A proposal to hire a second School Resource Officer wasn’t a matter of “if” Thursday evening.

From the city schools board comments, it’s a matter of when.

Superintendent Jason Smith believes that, given “recent tragic events over the past month” in Buffalo and Texas, that school safety concerns have once again been heightened.

“I have been personally contacted by parents and staff members about adding a second School Resource Officer,” he said during Thursday’s school board meeting. “The safety of our students, faculty, and staff has always been and will always be our top priority. While our district continues to implement best safety practices, we felt there was room for improvement. Our current SRO covers four schools in our district, and with the addition of Robert Morris next year, it makes this position all the more necessary and timely.

“If approved, BCSD will fully fund both SRO positions via a contract with City Council. The SROs are employed, appointed and overseen by the Batavia Police Department.”

It’s about time, Board member John Reigle said.

“I think it’s overdue,” Reigle said. “Officer Stevens has a huge workload, and it would be beneficial for her and for our district.”

Board President Alice Benedict agreed, adding that it seems as though the current officer spends a lot of time at the high school and, due to time constraints, cannot make it to other city schools on a regular basis.

“I think we need another one to help cover those buildings,” she said.

The other question — no small detail — was about how to fund a second officer in the district. Business Administrator Scott Rozanski said that the district will be entering Phase III of the federal COVID monies distributed two years ago, and about $200,000 had been set aside for remote learning. Smith added that the money was to be used for learning needs through BOCES, but a lack of enrollment will free up the funding for other uses. Rozanski suggested that the district could use those funds for a second SRO.

“So we can reallocate those funds and put it towards the school resource officer and then work on phasing in that position to the general fund budget, it will be similar to what we did to close all the positions this year,” Rozanski said. “So the general fund budget will slowly, incrementally increase and absorb that cost over the next two years.”

These officers are not direct employees of the district, as they are subcontracted from the City Police Department. Smith has been talking to City Council, the city manager, and the police department about a possible arrangement. One officer would cover the high and middle schools while a second officer would cover Jackson Primary, John Kennedy Intermediate, and Robert Morris.

“Our current SRO has a myriad of responsibilities including providing assistance with the District on juvenile matters affecting our students, proactive interventions with families and students, general safety and security in our schools, along with our school security aides, and working in partnership with the District in general safety programming,” Smith said.

The board — Chezeray Rolle, Korrine Anderson, Barbara Bowman, John Reigle, John Marucci and Benedict — agreed to authorize Smith to pursue hiring a second SRO. The board is expected to vote on the measure in July or August.

The Batavian has reached out to City Manager Rachael Tabelski today for further clarification about the city’s role in obtaining a second SRO for the school district. This article will be updated with her response when possible.

UPDATED 6/18/22:  City Manager Rachael Tabelski recommended that City Council extend a prior agreement for the district's first SRO earlier this year, extending the contract to June 2024. If the district moves forward with hiring a second SRO, the process will involve a final vote from the school board and City Council.

The stipulations for a School Resource Officer are:

• The City will provide one officer to the BCSD that is a full-time City of Batavia law enforcement officer with excellent communication skills, ability to relate to children and students and planning skills.
• The BCSD will reimburse the City of Batavia 100% of the Officers salary and employee benefits, including any overtime actually worked.
• The City will assign a full-time SRO to the School according to a mutually agreeable schedule, between the first day of the academic year until the final day of the academic year.
• The City remains responsible for providing a vehicle for the SRO as well as the SRO’s uniform, equipment, and training.
• Services for the SRO will be billed based on the amount budgeted for the police officer assigned SRO duties and the actual overtime incurred during the billing cycle. Billing cycle will be on a quarterly basis.
• The term of this Agreement commences April 11, 2022 and expires on June 30, 2024.

Photo: File Photo, 2013.  Batavia Middle School.  Photo by Howard Owens.

Press release:

 Catholic Charities needs volunteers for its Friendly Phones and Home Visitation programs in Genesee and Orleans counties. Both programs depend on dedicated volunteers to provide weekly visits or phone calls to isolated seniors 60+ who live independently, or with family.

“With limited volunteers, we, unfortunately, have many homebound seniors who are currently on a waiting list to participate in both our Friendly Phones and Home Visitation programs,” said Linda Chadderdon, program manager for Catholic Charities’ Home Visitation program. “Both programs are built with the intent to bring a sense of connectivity and friendship to our program members through friendly conversation or partaking in hobbies and special interests such as reading, puzzles, or card games. Not only do these interactions brighten our seniors’ days, but our volunteers also enjoy the time spent together.”

The visitation schedule is flexible. Interested volunteers much are at least 21 years old and do not need to reside in Genesee or Orleans County. An interview, background check, and proof of COVID-19 vaccination are required. Training will also be provided upon acceptance into the volunteer program. For more information on volunteering, please call Catholic Charities at 585-343-0614, ext. 3804.