news

Matthew Zakrzewski

Matthew Zakrzewski, 42, of Batavia, is charged with arson 3rd and criminal mischief 3rd. Zakrzewski, already in custody on unrelated charges, was arrested on new charges stemming from an incident reported at 9:30 p.m., Jan 16, on Bank Street, Batavia. He was jailed on nominal bail. Previously: Batavia man accused of setting fire in Washington Towers, stealing a bike

Laura Lee Pacer, 36, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Pacer is accused of harassing a neighbor at 10 a.m., Jan. 24, on Jackson Street. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Bleyke Z. Culver, 25, is charged with harassment 2nd. Culver is accused of hitting another person in the face during a fight on Pringle Avenue at 5:31 p.m., Jan. 11. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Heather Nicole Holbrook, 36, of Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Holbrook is accused of stealing merchandise from Walmart in Batavia at 3:49 p.m., Jan. 28.  She was released on an appearance ticket.

Michael David Hazzard, 31, of Morgan Road, Scottsville, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, driving with an open alcohol container. Hazzard was stopped at 4:11 a.m., Jan. 23, on Dublin Road, Bergen, following a complaint of a disturbance by Deputy Trevor Sherwood.

Joshua M. Bratcher, 31, of Pavilion, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs. Bratcher was stopped at 5:24 p.m., Jan. 30, by State Police in the Town of Bergen. He was issued an appearance ticket. No further information released.

Alonzo A. Dillard, 29, of Medina, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Dillard was stopped at 2:46 a.m., Jan. 30, by State Police in the Town of Alabama. He was issued an appearance ticket.  No further information released.

Jordan E. Brodie, 32, of Le Roy, is charged with possession of sexual performance of a child. Brodie was arrested in connection with an investigation that started on Jan. 13, 2020 by State Police. He was arrested on Jan. 29 and released on an appearance ticket.  No further details released.

Bobbi M. Bane, 45, of Batavia, is charged with welfare fraud 3rd and three counts of filing a false instrument 1st. Bane was arrested by State Police in connection with an investigation that began Jan. 25 in the Town of Albion.

John M. Toal, 46, of Oakfield, and Andrea L. Osborne, 37, of Oakfield, are charged with petit larceny.  Toal and Osborne were arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 4 p.m., Jan. 28, in Albion. They were issued appearance tickets. No further details released.

Kenneth Harris, 26, of Tonawanda, is charged with two counts of grand larceny 4th. Harris was arrested in Cheektowaga by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 10:24 a.m., Oct. 23 in the City of Batavia. No further details released.

Jordan R. Rose, 21, of Oakfield, is charged with criminal contempt  1st. Rose was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 3:10 p.m., Jan. 25, in the Town of Royalton. He was ordered held. No further details released.

The Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal motor vehicle accident that occurred at 3:05 a.m., Saturday, on Route 77 in the Town of Pembroke.

Jordan E. Terkel, 32, of Corfu, was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Terkel's vehicle was reportedly southbound on Route 77 when it traveled off the south shoulder of the roadway and hit a utility pole. 

Coroner Karen Lang pronounced Terkel dead at the scene as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

The Sheriff's Crash Management Team is investigating the accident. 

Pembroke Fire and Indian Falls Fire assisted at the scene.

Peter Hunt, chief executive officer of Hunt Real Estate

A much-coveted piece of downtown property will soon be home to Hunt Real Estate, Chief Executive Officer Peter Hunt says.

The company has purchased 97 Main St., Batavia, at the corner of Main and Jackson streets. Give them a few months, and his blossoming staff  — of about 16 people and growing — will be operating out of the site. 

Company leaders chose to add a branch in Batavia because it provides an integral connection between two of the company's major markets, Hunt said.

“First, it provides a very powerful link for us between Rochester and Buffalo. We've watched the market closely and believe that there's stability there and that there's a seeming energy and a renewed spirit of investment, particularly along Main Street, that we weren't a part of,” he said, addressing the company’s impending move. “We’re very excited about it.”

Peter Hunt lives in Buffalo, and he was pretty familiar with this area as a hockey coach, and that athletic role brought him to Batavia whenever his team played at the ice rink. Hunt Real Estate has been in temporary digs at 5 Jackson St. for the past year. The new space will have room — an estimated couple of thousand square feet on each of three floors — for growth of personnel and offices, and an apartment on each of the second and third floors, he said.

“And also we see the way the real estate market has changed, particularly since the pandemic descended on us. We see that communities like Batavia have a great opportunity for both improvement of the quality of life and also growth because it's becoming increasingly desirable to be in small to midsize cities and communities that have the kind of natural beauty that Batavia has all around it,” he said. “And we think that being part of that renewed excitement about communities like Batavia will be very important to us.”

Hunt followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and joined the family business right out of college. His son Charlie Hunt has done the same, and the chief operating officer has 10 years in at this point. The company has 58 branches from Boston, MA to upstate New York and in Phoenix, AZ. The company deals in mortgage, titles, insurance, residential/commercial sales. It is poised to provide services that no one else offers in Batavia, Peter Hunt said.

“Our vision very simply is ‘always there for you,’ which means that we are an integrated real estate and homeownership services organization, which we are the only one of currently serving Batavia,” he said. “So we're excited about adding value to the relationships that our sales professionals have with our customers and clients.”

With an eye toward growth, another sales professional was recently added to the Batavia branch, and 97 Main will eventually include two apartments to be renovation projects on the upper floors of the building. 

“Which really, I think, are going to be very cool units. You may know that they are in a  beautiful space in terms of high ceilings and beautiful windows, and so it's going to be a great spot,” he said. “We intend to grow; that's always our goal. As far as I'm concerned, growth is the name of the game in any business.”

Real estate sales were at a record high in 2021 — the best in sales during the company’s entire 110-year existence, he said. There’s a balancing act of supply and demand, and Hunt believes “there’s way, way less supply than there is demand,” which will keep pushing the market upward.

“So in order for that market to really cool down, there'd have to be a huge influx of inventory, more homes for sale. Percentage-wise, there has been huge growth, or there'd have to be a huge lessening of demand. Interest rates have moved up just very little over the last two months, and that will move affordability to make things less affordable. And we think that will affect demand a little bit, but not a real lot, because there's still a lot of pent-up demand for a nice house, a decent place to live,” he said. “We are four generations into the business, and while I guess I didn't wake up at age six or seven and say, ‘gee, I want to be in real estate,’ it's always been, obviously, part of our family culture.”

Batavia’s market includes many older homes, as compared to brand new projects, which make for a great product in the eyes of younger homebuyers, he said.

"It's all of Upstate that has had, really, a shortage of brand new housing for a long time. So the existing housing — you say older homes — really remain in high demand,” he said. “Young people, in particular, will see that as an opportunity to get a very nice home for still a very reasonable price compared to other parts of the country, and also the opportunity to improve that house and make it more valuable.”

The timeline is to get moved in and settled at 97 Main St. in the next few months, before focusing on apartment renovations, he said. He expects work to begin on the two apartments at the end of this year or early in 2023. The former Genesee Bank building also housed Thomas & Dwyer shoe store in downtown retail's heydays, and more recently House of K, Foxprowl Collectables, and other varied businesses.

Top and bottom photo by Howard Owens.

Top Photo from front left, Carol Hunt, Branch Manager Michelle Schlossel, Annette Rotondo, Gavin Townsend, Carson Marzolf, and back row left, Stephanie D'Alba, Bob Kwandrans, Marie Scofield, and Office Administrator Lauren Becht. 

The property at the corner of Main and Jackson streets, Batavia.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.37, up four cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.42. The New York State average is $3.55, up five cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.51. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $3.51 (up eight cents from last week)
• Buffalo - $3.49 (up four cents from last week)
• Ithaca - $3.54 (up five cents from last week)
• Rochester - $3.55 (up five cents from last week)
• Rome - $3.58 (up five cents from last week)
• Syracuse - $3.51 (up four cents from last week)
• Watertown - $3.54 (up two cents from last week)

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand is in a typical range for the winter driving season, equivalent to mid-January 2020. Continued growth in the price of crude oil has helped to keep pump prices elevated. If crude prices continue to climb, pump prices will likely follow suit. This morning, oil prices are in the high $80s to low $90s per barrel. Tension between Russia and Ukraine pushed crude prices up last week. Amid tight global supply, there are market concerns that a looming invasion could contribute to a volatile market, pushing prices higher.

From Gas Buddy:

“The price of oil pushed into territory unseen in over seven years as WTI crude hit $88 per barrel, which continues to drag gasoline prices higher. With continued concerns over geopolitical tensions and crude oil supply, the small yet noticeable increases are likely to continue," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "The only factor keeping gas prices from rising more substantially is that gasoline demand remains low as winter storms keep motorists closer to home. Once the weather starts to turn and warm gradually, we'll lose the only restraint to larger price increases."

A motor vehicle accident is reported at State Street and Fairmont Avenue, Batavia.

Injuries are reported.

City Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 9:15 p.m.: Two cars, blocking.

UPDATE 9:20 p.m.: Two vehicles, no extrication required, three patients, two sign-offs.

Mercy Flight has been dispatched to the Stafford Fire Hall for a snowmobile accident that occurred at about 7:10 p.m. in the area of 5660 Horseshoe Lake Road, Stafford.

Stafford Fire and Mercy EMS responded.  Le Roy Fire dispatched with that company's UTV.

The patient is about a half-mile off the roadway and was initially unconscious but breathing and is said to now be somewhat conscious.

UPDATE 7:43 p.m.: Mercy Flight is on the ground.

Press release:

Regarding the upcoming vacant position of Council at large representative on City Council, City of Batavia Republican Committee Chairman Richard Richmond invites qualified individuals seeking to serve in this role to submit a letter of interest to him by February 17, 2022 

Mail Letters of interest to:

City of Batavia Republican Committee
PO Box 260
Batavia, NY 14021

To be qualified for the position, the prospective representative must be a resident of the City of Batavia and a member of the same political party as the representative who most recently served in the seat—in this case, a Republican.  These are requirements of Section 3-3 of the City Charter. ( Officially resigning, and his last day February 12, 2022, Jeremy Karas was a registered Republican; therefore, his replacement must also be a registered Republican).

The City Republican Committee expects to recommend an individual to the City Council, which has the appointment power to fill the vacancy temporarily.  The Council appointment will run through the calendar year 2022.  At the general election in 2022, there will be a special election to fill the remaining  3-years of the regular four-year term of office for the mentioned position.

 

Press Release:

The decision by the Farm Laborers Wage Board to lower overtime hours from 60 to 40 hours is fatal to our farms. Agriculture is a vital part of our Upstate community and with this change, many family farms will not survive. I have spoken with countless farmers and farm workers who have shared their concerns with this hour reduction.

Unfortunately, this will result in farm workers not coming to New York but going to other states with friendlier regulations. At a time when it is being preached to follow the advice of industry experts, the Wage Board instead opted to ignore the experts and pursue this out of touch agenda. I am deeply troubled by this decision and the impact it will have, not only in my district, but across our State.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia), a former farmer and member of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, is expressing grave concern following a 2-1 decision by the Farm Laborers Wage Board to implement a 40 hour overtime threshold for farm laborers in New York state. Hawley has joined farmers and advocates from across the state throughout the last several months to speak out against this proposal, arguing that since farms operate on schedules that are at the mercy of the weather and other unpredictable factors, that lowering the threshold would prove fatal for farms who barely turn a profit when paying their laborers under the existing 60-hour threshold.

“Farm operators and farm laborers alike have been more united than ever in opposing this mandate, but sadly it seems their voices were ignored, and I now fear the decision will come at the cost of countless multi-generational family businesses who will now have no choice but to cease operations,” said Hawley. “Being someone with origins in upstate New York, I sincerely hope that Governor Hochul will be able to put aside her partisanship and stop this policy’s implementation for the sake of our farmers, families, and rural economies throughout the state. For the millions of people who love everything about agriculture as we know it here in upstate New York, it would be truly tragic if our local farms became nothing more than memories of a better time.”
 

Assemblyman Hawley represents the 139th District, which consists of Genesee, Orleans and parts of Monroe County. For more information, please visit Assemblyman Hawley’s Official Website.

A 24-year-old male has reportedly suffered a leg injury in a snowmobile accident in an area off Route 20 in Pavilion.

The location is near Texaco Town and the patient is said to be near the roadway.

Pavilion Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

Mercy Flight is on ground standby.

Press release:

The Farm Laborers Wage Board voted two-to-one to recommend lowering the overtime threshold to 40 hours a week over the next decade, despite 70% of the testimony made by farmers and farm workers who asked for overtime to stay at 60. It is disingenuous and irresponsible that the data, research, and comments made from those who know agriculture best were cast aside by the majority of the Wage Board. Changing the overtime threshold to 40 hours a week for farmworkers in New York means that these workers will be limited to 40 hours, due to simple farm economics. This is not a win for farmworkers that self-proclaimed worker advocates will claim. 

Agricultural production, diversification, and job availability will suffer. That is no scare tactic. We have already seen farmworkers leave the state for more hours of work and production shift to less labor-intensive crops since the farm labor legislation was enacted in January 2020. Further collapse of New York agriculture is on the hands of those who spread falsehoods and look to destroy the livelihoods of farmworkers they say they represent. This is also a loss for New Yorkers who enjoy and depend on access to local food, something that was highlighted during the pandemic. 

New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher voted against lowering the threshold, simply asking for more time to study the economic impacts of a lower threshold. Governor Hochul and Commissioner Reardon must now do what is right and let the facts be their guide. If this administration cares about the future of upstate New York, Long Island, and urban access to locally produced food, they must put a stop to the constant regulatory assault on agriculture.

Grow NY Farms would like to thank everyone who testified this year. The care and respect they have for their employees were clear from the beginning. No wage board decision can take that away. We all value essential farm work and want the very best for farm employees, which includes the ability to earn a livelihood in the profession they have chosen.

Press Release:

Genesee Valley Conservancy is seeking 100 painters for this year’s Genesee Valley 100: Community Painting Project.

Painters will be given a 12x12 canvas upon which to create a piece inspired by the Genesee Valley landscape. The project aims, through art, to celebrate the diversity and importance of the
Genesee Valley landscape that the Conservancy works to protect. The subject and style of the painting is up to each individual artist. Paintings are due October 14 in preparation for the in-person and online show. Signups will be accepted until all slots are filled.

In person signup and pickup of canvases is taking place in Perry at the Silver Lake Brewing Project, 14 Borden Ave., on Sunday February 6 from 1-3.p.m. After that, artists can visit the
Conservancy website for details on signing up and receiving their canvas. All paintings will be pulled together at the end of the year for a show at the Silver Lake Brewing Project in Perry where the paintings will create a mosaic that represents the diversity and beauty of the Genesee Valley. The works will also be online for viewing and purchase.

There is a $10 fee to participate, but school classes are encouraged to reach out to Ben at the Conservancy to waive this fee as part of a class project. The Genesee Valley 100 is proudly underwritten by Steed Energy.

Press Release:

 Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) took numerous actions this week to end the dangerous Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy that allows illegal immigrants to use arrest warrants, among other documents, to gain access to airplanes in the absence of identification. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed the use of this practice.

“To think after 9/11 that anything short of photographic, government-issued identification would be allowable to pass through a TSA checkpoint and board an airplane is stunning. However, this administration has taken that a step further is going so far as to allow illegal immigrants, who lack any identification, to use arrest warrants as an acceptable security document,” Jacobs said. “The fact that the administration is actively allowing this to happen is reprehensible and threatens the safety of every American.”

This week Jacobs cosponsored the Crime Doesn’t Fly Act to put an end to this policy and outlaw the current DHS practice of allowing arrest warrants as acceptable forms of identification. Additionally, Jacobs sent a letter to DHS Secretary Mayorkas demanding additional answers about this practice and security measures for those entering our nation illegally. You can read the letter by clicking the link below.

https://jacobs.house.gov/sites/jacobs.house.gov/files/Arrest%20Warrants%20Oversight%20Letter%20to%20DHS%201.26.2022%20(002).pdf

“This administration continues to blatantly ignore the rule of law and the safety of American citizens. The President’s actions – or lack thereof – have directly contributed to the record-breaking surge of illegal immigration at our southern border that has caused a sustained national security and humanitarian crisis,” Jacobs said. “I have continually fought for the safety and security of our nation and our communities, and I will continue to do just that.” 

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) took numerous actions this week to end the dangerous Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy that allows illegal immigrants to use arrest warrants, among other documents, to gain access to airplanes in the absence of identification. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed the use of this practice.

“To think after 9/11 that anything short of photographic, government-issued identification would be allowable to pass through a TSA checkpoint and board an airplane is stunning. However, this administration has taken that a step further is going so far as to allow illegal immigrants, who lack any identification, to use arrest warrants as an acceptable security document,” Jacobs said.“The fact that the administration is actively allowing this to happen is reprehensible and threatens the safety of every American.”

This week Jacobs cosponsored the Crime Doesn’t Fly Act to put an end to this policy and outlaw the current DHS practice of allowing arrest warrants as acceptable forms of identification. Additionally, Jacobs sent a letter to DHS Secretary Mayorkas demanding additional answers about this practice and security measures for those entering our nation illegally. You can read that letter here.

“This administration continues to blatantly ignore the rule of law and the safety of American citizens. The President’s actions – or lack thereof – have directly contributed to the record-breaking surge of illegal immigration at our southern border that has caused sustained national security and humanitarian crisis,” Jacobs said. “I have continually fought for the safety and security of our nation and our communities, and I will continue to do just that.” 

Upon request, Jacobs' office provided The Batavian with a copy of the TSA communication to Rep Lance Gooden, which confirms the TSA does allow the use of arrest warrants for ID.  To download a copy, click here (PDF).

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia), a member of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture joined Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) and Sen. Ed Rath (R,C,I-Amherst) for a meeting he organized with local farmers Thursday to discuss the federal vaccine mandate and its impact on the well-being of their businesses. 

During the meeting, farmers expressed concerns that the vaccine mandate is negatively affecting the supply chains farmers depend on, as well as their ability to hire and retain laborers. This concern has arisen after a new mandate was hastily issued by the Department of Homeland Security requiring essential workers who are not U.S. citizens, including farm laborers, to be vaccinated before entering the country.

“Farming is the backbone of all economic activity in our nation, providing the food and materials necessary for other industries to operate effectively,” said Hawley. “Vaccine mandates have only served to worsen conditions experienced by Americans during the pandemic, and this new mandate pertaining to essential farm laborers is no different. By slowing our supply chain and keeping much-needed farmhands out of our fields, this mandate will strain both our rural economies in upstate New York and slow the restocking of vital goods in grocery stores across the state. I stand opposed to this mandate, and any others like it that may be implemented at the state or federal level.”

“Representing our farmers on the House Agriculture Committee is a job I take very seriously, and right now their livelihoods are at stake as a direct result of President Biden’s vaccine mandates,” said Jacobs. “Farming is a year-round industry that has no room for delays or logistical blockades, yet that is exactly what the president has created. His mandate that just recently went into effect is causing trucking delays, which seriously impacts our farmers and hurts our ag-focused economy in New York’s 27th District. I have fought against these mandates, and I will continue to do so to ensure our supply chains remain intact and our farmers are supported.”

“Our New York farmers have been taking hit after hit,” said Rath. “Many are already struggling with staffing shortages and supply chain issues, at no fault of their own. Jeopardizing their available workforce is irresponsible and inconsiderate of the overwhelming pressures that farmers are facing.  I have advocated for simplifying the countless mandates to help our farms and businesses. I will continue to fight for our agriculture community."

Press release from Rep. Chris Jacobs:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27), NYS Senator Ed Rath (R,C,I - Amherst), and NYS Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I – Batavia) met with local farmers and agricultural leaders yesterday to discuss the impact of President Biden’s vaccine mandate at the Northern border, and the current supply chain issues and labor shortages facing the agricultural industry.

“Representing our farmers on the House Agriculture Committee is a job I take very seriously, and right now their livelihoods are at stake as a direct result of President Biden’s vaccine mandates,” Jacobs said. “Farming is a round the clock industry that has no room for delays or logistical blockades, yet that is exactly what the President has created. His mandate that just recently went into effect is causing trucking delays, which seriously impacts our farmers and hurts our ag-focused economy in New York’s 27th District. I have fought against these mandates, and I will continue to do so to ensure our supply chains remain intact and our farmers are supported.”

"Our New York farmers have been taking hit after hit. Many are already struggling with staffing shortages and supply chain issues, at no fault of their own. Jeopardizing their available workforce is irresponsible and inconsiderate of the overwhelming pressures that farmers are facing. I have advocated for simplifying the countless mandates to help our farms and businesses. I will continue to fight for our agriculture community," Rath said.

​“Vaccine mandates issued at any level of government only serve to cripple our response to the very pandemic such mandates seek to improve,” Hawley said. “For farmers in particular, disruptions in the supply chain could mean the loss of crop yields, the death of livestock animals and critical equipment remaining in a state of disrepair for long periods of time when out of order. When the operations of our farms slow down, the economies of our rural communities slow as well. And across our nation, the restocking of grocery store shelves will continue to be a spotty process. Mandates that stifle the efficacy of our supply chain will only prolong the suffering brought about by this pandemic, and I remain committed to combating their implementation in any broad capacity,”

Jacobs is a member of the House Agriculture Committee. In December, Jacobs sent a letter with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik to President Biden warning of the disruption his vaccine mandate at the border would cause in the supply chain. The President ignored this warning. You can read the letter here.

According to the Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention, about 100,000 Americans have died from drug overdoses in a year’s time through May 2021 and that number only will increase unless treatment providers emphasize the human aspect of substance use disorder.

That was the message conveyed from Haymarket, Va., by Rob Kent, general counsel for the White House Office of National Drug Policy, during last week’s GOW Opioid Task Force quarterly meeting via Zoom videoconferencing.

“We need to understand in that 100,000 number … that’s 100,000 people who have brothers, sisters mothers, fathers, grandparents and kids themselves. It’s human,” said Kent, who previously served in a similar position for the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports and frequently worked with personnel at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.

Kent said that when people view addiction beyond the human element, “we just we lose the opportunity to do what we need to do -- which is to help people stay alive.”

During his time with OASAS, Kent was instrumental in creating the Certified Recovery Peer Advocate program that enlists people, primarily, who are in recovery and can relate to those in need.

“That’s one of the things I’m most proud of,” he said. “We mandate that insurance -- both Medicaid and private insurance -- pay for them because they help engage people and they're even more critical right now.

“People respond positively to others who can come to them and say, ‘I know what you're going through, I walked that walk before -- I know what it's like.’ I'm not saying they're the end-all, but they’re certainly a key component of what needs to be done.”

GCASA has woven CRPAs into its recovery policy, utilizing peers at The Recovery Station on Clinton Street Road and in other programs in both counties.

Kent pointed out that illegal fentanyl has become a major problem.

“I know there's an uptick with meth (methamphetamine), but illegal fentanyl is being mixed into everything,” he said. “And I think it's important for us to understand that it is lethal; it kills people easily. And it it's changed the ballgame.”

Of that 100,000 number, more than 5,000 are dying in New York State, Kent said.

Kent said the federal government has sent billions of dollars to the states in supplemental block grant funding. In March 2021, New York received $104 million from the stimulus package and, a few months later, received another $90 million from the American Rescue Plan Act.

He said another $50 million to $100 million is expected to flow to the states over the next few years.

While the money is vital, spending it properly is just as important, Kent said.

“I’m not paying enough attention to New York to know how much has been spent, but they should be spending it because people are dying right now,” he said. “I’m very optimistic with the new (OASAS) commissioner (Chinazo Cunningham) that she gets what's going on. She has a heart; she cares and she will try her best to do the right thing.”

Kent said the Biden Administration has made harm reduction a key element of its comprehensive approach to addressing substance use disorders through prevention, treatment, and recovery where individuals who use substances set their own goals. Federal funds are being used to purchase fentanyl test strips and other testing equipment, sponsor syringe service programs, expand access to Naloxone and create guidelines for streamlined and expanded buprenorphine prescribing.

“I know there's reactions (from people) to harm reduction generally into the services I just talked about,” he said. “Some folks will tell you, you're enabling the drug use. I say that when we don't do those things, we're ignoring that it's happening.”

Connecting with those dealing with substance use disorder in genuine and meaningful ways ultimately will make the biggest difference, Kent said.

“We need to understand that we can continue to sit here and talk about drug use as a failure of will – a lack of personal strength, whatever you want to call it -- and we can continue to do that and watch more and more people in this country die from drug use, or we could embrace people,” he said. “We could understand they're human beings. They have families, they have loved ones, and when we focus on it from that perspective, everything then becomes possible.”

Disclosure: Mike Pettinella is the publicist for GCASA.

Jameson Arland Crocker, 35, of Godfreys Pond Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI, resisting arrest, obstruction of governmental administration 2nd, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, and unsafe backing of a vehicle.  Crocker is accused of being leaving the scene of a property damage accident at 12:22 a.m., Jan. 23. He was arrested by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell. He was issued an appearance ticket. 

Harold P. Gage, 78 of Le Roy, is charged with DWI, failure to keep right, and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle. Gage was arrested by a trooper out of SP Warsaw on South Road, Town of Covington at 7:36 p.m., Jan. 25. Gage allegedly failed a field sobriety test and recorded a BAC of .14.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Press release:

Officer of the Year Award – Deputy David D. Moore

Deputy Sheriff David D. Moore has distinguished himself in the performance of service to the citizens of

Genesee County during 2021.  Deputy Moore is a seven-year member of the Sheriff’s Office, with three and a half of those years on Road Patrol.  Deputy Moore is a consistent, professional Deputy who always presents a positive image to those he deals with, no matter the circumstances.  Deputy Moore has strived to gain more knowledge of the job and has been able to share that with newer Deputies as a Field Training Officer.  Deputy Moore’s dedication to traffic safety is evident in his impaired driving enforcement and being certified as a Drug Recognition Expert.  

Deputy Sheriff David D. Moore has reflected great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s

Office and most deserves to be named Officer of the Year.

Photo – Officer of the Year Deputy David D. Moore

From left to right:  Assistant Director of Emergency Communications/Operations Francis A. Riccobono, Chief Deputy Road Patrol Brian M. Frieday, Undersheriff Bradley D. Mazur, Deputy Sheriff David D. Moore, Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr., Chief Deputy Criminal Investigations Joseph M. Graff, Jail Superintendent William A. Zipfel, Director of Emergency Communications Steven C. Sharpe.

Distinguished Service Award – Matthew R. Burgett

Senior Correction Officer Matthew R. Burgett has distinguished himself as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for over sixteen years. 

Senior Correction Officer Burgett began his career at the Genesee County Jail on January 22, 2005, and was promoted to Senior Correction Officer on February 22, 2014.  During his career, he was the recipient of a Meritorious Service award for his professionalism and dedication and has consistently performed in an

outstanding manner which has led to the betterment of the Genesee County Jail.  His positive attitude and willingness to assist other officers has been consistent over several years.  Senior Correction Officer Burgett leads by example and is respected by his co-workers.

Senior Correction Officer Matthew R. Burgett reflects great credit upon himself and the Genesee County

Distinguished Service Award – Chad J. Minuto

Investigator Chad J. Minuto has distinguished himself as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for over eighteen years. 

Investigator Minuto began his career as a Correction Officer at the Genesee County Jail on March 20, 1999, was appointed Deputy Sheriff in 2005, and promoted to Investigator in 2015.  During this time, he has been the recipient of a Meritorious Service award, two Commendations, and Officer of the Year for his professionalism and dedication.  Throughout his career, Investigator Minuto has performed his duties to the highest standard.  He has accepted additional responsibilities without hesitation which includes maintaining the evidence room for several years.  Investigator Minuto is looked upon as the Sheriff’s Office lead evidence technician and carries these duties out at serious crime scenes.  He is often called when off duty to answer questions from other Deputies and provides answers without fail or complaint.  He is a trusted member of this Office and sets the bar for others.

Investigator Chad J. Minuto reflects great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Photo – Distinguished Service Award – Investigator Chad J. Minuto

From left to right:  Assistant Director of Emergency Communications/Operations Francis A. Riccobono, Chief Deputy Road Patrol Brian M. Frieday, Undersheriff Bradley D. Mazur, Investigator Chad J. Minuto, Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr., Chief Deputy Criminal Investigations Joseph M. Graff, Jail Superintendent William A. Zipfel, Director of Emergency Communications Steven C. Sharpe.

Certificates of Appreciation

Pastor Corey Hancock

Jessica Mitchell

Patricia Famiglietti

Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester

Perry Veterinary Clinic

Volunteers for Animals

The Sportsmans Coonhunters Association

Longevity Awards

Emergency Services Dispatcher Peggy D. Richardson

10 years

Emergency Services Dispatcher Kelly E. Smith

10 years

Emergency Services Dispatcher Andrew K. Merkel

10 years

Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher John W. Spencer

15 years

Youth Officer Howard J. Carlson

15 years

Community Victim Services Counselor Rosanne M. DeMare

15 years

Cook Lynn J. Jakubowski

15 years

Emergency Services Dispatcher Nathan L. Fix

15 years

Correction Officer Anthony J. Ridder

20 years

Correction Officer Philip A. Mangefrida

20 years

Senior Correction Officer Kevin D. Wolff

20 years

Chief Deputy Brian M. Frieday

25 years

Deputy Sheriff Cory W. Mower

25 years

Deputy Sheriff Patrick J. Reeves

25 years

Meritorious Awards

Deputy Sheriff Chad P. Cummings

1^st

Program Coordinator Theresa M. Roth

1^st

Financial Management Assistant Tammy M. Schmidt

1^st

Case Manager Erin M. Martin

1^st

Youth Officer Howard J. Carlson

2^nd

Case Manager Nicole M. Easton

2^nd

Commendations

Deputy Sheriff Kenneth A. Quackenbush III

1^st

Emergency Services Dispatcher Shelby M. Turner

1^st

Emergency Services Dispatcher Jennifer M. Kirkum

1^st

Emergency Services Dispatcher Stephen R. Smelski

1^st

Financial Clerk-Typist Tracy L. Ranney

1^st

Senior Correction Officer James M. Smart

1^st

Correction Officer Adam C. Snow

1^st

Deputy Sheriff Travis M. DeMuth

1^st

Emergency Services Dispatcher Marie A. Vaughn

1^st & 2^nd

Emergency Services Dispatcher Emily K. Moskal

1^st & 2^nd

Emergency Services Dispatcher Fleur R.C. Remington

2^nd

Deputy Sheriff Joshua A. Brabon

2^nd

Emergency Services Dispatcher Peggy D. Richardson

2^nd

Emergency Services Dispatcher Samantha L. Conibear

2^nd

Assistant Director of Emergency

Communications/Operations Francis A. Riccobono

2^nd

Deputy Sheriff Robert C. Henning

2^nd

Correction Officer Michael A. Cox

3^rd

Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Michael T. Sheflin

4^th

Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher John W. Spencer

5^th

Senior Emergency Services Dispatcher Robert H. Tripp

8^th

Michael David Hazzard, 31, of Morgan Road, Scottsville, is charged with assault 3rd.  Hazzard allegedly hit a person 15 times in the face with a closed fist while at a location on Dublin Road, Bergen, at 2:30 a.m., Jan. 23. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Siavaija Treyevionna Lewis, 20, of Clifford Avenue, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Lewis is accused of stealing merchandise from the Target Store in Batavia at 5:11 p.m., Jan. 25. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Jeryn Chanel Boggs, 28, of Clifford Avenue, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Boggs is accused of stealing merchandise from the Target Store in Batavia at 5 p.m., Jan. 25. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Jerome Dwane Hightower, 22, of Princeton Street, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Hightower is accused of stealing merchandise from the Target Store in Batavia at 5:11 p.m., Jan. 25. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Todd Alan Brumber, 57, of Sumner Road, Darien, is charged with DWI, moving from lane unsafely, speed not reasonable and prudent, and failure to keep right. Brumber was reportedly involved in a property damage accident at 8:31 p.m., Jan. 23, at 9434 Alexander Road, Batavia. He was arrested by Deputy Trevor Sherwood.

Press release:

“Feet shuffling beyond his metal door blends with nightly screams from Room 5. Perfect at everything in life, being trapped inside the Asylum at Saint’s Hospital isn’t where Jacob imagined he’d spend his senior year. How dare people do this to him. His days are monotonous: go to a meal, see the doctor, and squeeze in some yard time, all of which is scattered between hours in a tiny cell waiting for someone else to decide his fate.”

Pique your interest? Wondering what comes next in Jacob’s life?

If so, you’re invited to join Sammy D. as he reads passages from his debut self-published novel, Count to Six, at GO ART!’s Seymore Place, 201 East Main St., Batavia, at 6:30 p.m. Friday.

The reading is an open, free event, and GO ART’s Tavern 2.o.1 will be open. Sammy D. will also be selling copies of his book at the event.

Sammy D. is a fiction author living in Western NY. He currently writes general fiction, and believes that the messy stories and struggles of life are stories that need to be told. He is currently working on a second unconnected novel.

Links to purchase digital copies of his book can be found on his website -- www.svdbooks.com.

Here’s a bit more from his book:

“Sessions with Dr. Forster are fine until a strange box is brought out and chords are attached all over Jacob’s body. Electric shocks are thought to be the cure but Jacob doesn’t feel cured. Instead, he struggles to hold onto the remaining pieces of himself and of Charlie as each zap takes a little more away. His saving grace is the three freaks he befriends in ASH.”