There are currently 35 Genesee County residents hospitalized with COVID-19, according to Health Department data released today.
The county also reports 209 positive COVID-19 tests since Dec. 16.
There are currently 275 known active cases in Genesee County.
Of the previously reported positive cases, 150 people have completed their mandatory isolation.
Jackson Primary School hosted a drive-thru Christmas parade this evening for Jackson students and their families.
In the top photo, Jaxon Noonan reacts to seeing Santa while his parents Gemma and Kevin Noonan enjoy the moment.
A car-deer accident with injuries is reported in the rea of 2339 Broadway Road, Darien.
Darien Fire and ambulance responding.
UPDATE 5:42 p.m.: A Mercy EMS ambulance dispatched for a patient with facial injuries.
UPDATE 5:48 p.m.: The injuries are minor and bleeding is controlled.
Sidney C. Underhill, 72, of Batavia, is charged with stalking 4th and trespass. Following prior complaints of Underhill showing up and watching at places where the occupant of a residence on Swan Street, Underhill was allegedly located in the backyard of the residence, where he does not reside, without permission. Underhill was arraigned in City Court. An order of protection was issued and he was released on his own recognizance.
Tevin D. Bloom, 28, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Bloom is accused of violating an order of protection by going to a protected party's house. He was issued an appearance ticket.
J'Shon K. Naegely, 25, of Batavia, is charged with false personation. During a welfare check at a residence on Dellinger Avenue at 1:40 a.m., Dec. 15, Naegely allegedly lied to police about his identity. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Michael L. Jackson, 40, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Jackson allegedly stole items from a local business at 9:55 p.m., Dec. 10. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Heather M. Davis, 55, of Lockport, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Davis is accused of violating an order of protection by contacting the protected party at 8:39 a.m., Dec. 10. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Jordin M. Schultz, 23, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. During a probation home check at 11:23 p.m., Dec. 11, Schultz was allegedly found in violation of an order of protection. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Lucas Potrzebowski, 27, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Potrzebowski is accused of pushing another person to the ground during a dispute at a local business at 11:30 a.m., Dec. 3. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Charles A. Tomaszewski, 59, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Tomaszewski is accused of violating an order protection by having contact with the protected party at 8:44 p.m., Nov. 15, at a location on Redfield Parkway. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Thomas J. Leonard, 38, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd, criminal mischief 4th, and criminal nuisance 2nd, after he allegedly damaged property and entered a residence on East Main Street, during an argument at 5:14 p.m., Dec. 11. He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $5,000 bail, or $10,000 bond, or $20,000 partially secured bond.
Christopher J. Diers, 39, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Diers is accused of stealing items from a store on East Main Street, Batavia, at 9:59 a.m., Dec. 10. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Samantha E. Hosmer, 34, of Medina, is charged with bail jumping 3rd. Hosmer was arrested on a warrant out of City Court and released on her own recognizance.
Kenneth T. Marrocco, 29, of Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration, criminal mischief 4th, and resisting arrest. Marrocco is accused of breaking the glass of a window of a storm door while attempting to force entry into a residence on Montclaire Avenue, Batavia. When police arrived, Marrocco is accused of resisting arrest and allegedly kicking a Batavia police officer in the face. He was arraigned in City Court and issued a stay-away order of protection along with an appearance ticket.
Michael J. Hilton, 30, no permanent address, is charged with petit larceny. Hilton is accused of shoplifting from a local business at 5:55 p.m., Dec. 7. He was issued an appearance ticket. He was held in the Genesee County Jail on an unrelated warrant issued by NYS Parole.
Joseph D. Turner, 39, of Albion, was arrested on a bench warrant for alleged failure to appear at 3:30 p.m., Dec. 15 by Albion PD and turned over to Batavia PD. Turner accepted a plea agreement to dispose of the case.
Kay E. Dilker, 31, of Albion, was arrested on a bench warrant for alleged failure to appear at 4:15 p.m., Dec. 14, by Albion PD and turned over to Batavia PD. She was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance.
Jason Patrick Wickson, 40, of Ellicott Street Road, Pavilion, is charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. At 10:21 p.m., Dec. 8, medics were dispatched to a residence in Pavilion on the report of a patient suffering a possible stroke. Upon arrival, Pavilion medics and Mercy EMS personal found Wickson suffering a possible overdose from narcotic use. Wickson is accused of using a narcotic in the presence of two children. He was transported to UMMC for medical treatment. Once released from care, Wickson turned himself in the Genesee County Jail for processing and was released on an appearance ticket.
Scot J. Hinze, 35, of Batavia, is charged with felony DWI. Hinze was stopped on Dec. 17 by State Police in Alden for alleged failure to keep right. He allegedly failed a field sobriety test and was processed at SP Clearance where he was allegedly found to have a BAC of .16. Hinze was issued an appearance ticket.
Penny L. Mase, 65, of East Bethany, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. mase was stopped at 10:31 p.m., Dec. 18, in East Bethany by State Police. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Press release:
Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.31, down two cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.22. The New York State average is $3.51, down one cent from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.30. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:
- Batavia - $3.46 (down one cent from last week)
- Buffalo - $3.46 (no change from last week)
- Ithaca - $3.50 (no change from last week)
- Rochester - $3.51 (no change from last week)
- Rome - $3.53 (down one cent from last week)
- Syracuse - $3.47 (down one cent from last week)
- Watertown - $3.54 (down one cent from last week)
Since Monday, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has decreased by two cents to $3.31. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks are down while demand is on the rise. Typically, growing demand and tight supply would result in rising pump prices, but fluctuations in the price of crude oil have helped to put downward pressure on prices. This morning, oil prices are below $70 per barrel. Gasoline demand will likely increase with holiday travel and then drop in January when we typically see the cheapest prices of the year.
From Gas Buddy:
"For yet another week, average gasoline prices continue to fall as omicron cases surge, leading oil demand, and thus oil prices, to stall. The decline in gas prices will likely continue until new Covid cases slow down," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "With gas prices very likely to continue declining this week in most states, we may see Christmas gas prices fall just under their all-time high on the holiday, which was $3.26 in 2013. Beyond Christmas, with omicron cases likely to continue climbing, I do believe we'll see a more noticeable hit on gasoline demand once the holidays are over. There's a rising likelihood that we won't see gas prices rising for the rest of the year- with one caveat- gas prices in the Great Lakes states have plummeted by 30 to 50 cents in some areas, and stations in those areas may raise prices slightly should oil prices slow their decline. Aside from those areas, declines at the pump are likely to continue as we close out 2021."
Press release:
The City of Batavia Water Dept. is on location of a water main break in front of Save-A-Lot on Ellicott Street
The water will be turned off on Ellicott from Jackson to Main Street and Part of Evans.
The road will not be closed traffic while repairs are being made
We appreciate your understanding while this repair is made. City crews will make every attempt to restore water as soon as possible.
After taking several months to review the Town of Batavia’s regulations governing the installation of solar systems, a seven-member committee working with a Williamsville consulting firm is ready to share its recommendations with the public.
An informational session is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Dec. 29 at the Town Hall on West Main Street Road.
The final draft of the town’s revised Solar Energy Local Law is available for viewing on the Town of Batavia website.
Town Board member Chad Zambito is the chair of the committee that also includes Town Building Inspector Dan Lang, Town Zoning Board members Steve Tanner, Don Partridge and Paul McCullough, Town Zoning Board of Appeals member Brittany Witkop and town resident Nancy Brach.
Drew Reilly of Wendel Companies served as the group’s consultant.
Zambito said the committee used the New York State Model Solar Energy Law as a basis for the town’s law, with some modifications. He said he hopes to receive feedback from residents at next week’s meeting.
According to the document, the town has the authority to develop a solar code through town law and Section 20 of the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, which authorize the town “to adopt zoning provisions that advance and protect the health, safety and welfare of the community, and, in accordance with the Town Law of New York State, to make provision for, so far as conditions may permit, the accommodation of solar energy systems and equipment and access to sunlight necessary therefore.”
It advances a five-fold “statement of purpose” – emphasizing the need to capitalize on renewable energy, reducing electricity costs to residential and commercial customers, increasing employment and business development, mitigating solar’s effects on agriculture and the environment and linking to the town’s Comprehensive Plan.
The revised law also lists solar term definitions, time frames, safety guidelines, decommissioning (end of use) procedures, maintenance/fees and enforcement/penalty provisions.
The bulk of the document is devoted to “permitting requirements” for the four levels of solar systems – Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 and Tier 4.
Press Release:
The students, teachers, and staff at Pembroke Intermediate School participated in their annual December Drive which benefits the Corfu Food Pantry. This year, almost 1,400 items were collected! Student Council members, 5th grade students, and 6th grade students delivered the food on Friday, December 17.
“This is one of the Intermediate School’s favorite holiday traditions. The entire school and community comes together to help those in need,” said student council and 6th grade teacher Arron Brown.
A one-vehicle accident is reported in the area of 7989 Slusser Road, East Pembroke.
The car is in a field. The driver reportedly sustained only minor injuries but extrication is required.
East Pembroke Fire on scene and Alabama Fire called to assist.
UPDATE 2:59 p.m.: Crews have managed to get the patient out through the door. Alabama can stand down and the East Pembroke engine can continue non-emergency.
Press Release:
Enjoy the forest in winter and track the secret lives of wild animals on a guided hike! Winter Wonderland Hikes are held at the Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park & Forest on the following Saturdays:
January 8th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
February 12th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.Hikes will go, snow or no snow. Snowshoes may be used, weather permitting, and are available for rent or you may bring your own. Snowshoeing lesson provided, no previous experience needed! Rental is included in the price, $5/person, $15 max/family. Recommended for ages 3 and up! Space is limited! Pre-registration is required, call 585- 344-1122! Masks must be worn whenever unable to maintain 6 feet of social distance. Join us for Winter Fun Night Hikes from 7:00 to 9:00 pm on the following Saturdays: January 8th Meet at the Interpretive Nature Center February 12th Meet at Pavilion A.
Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the forest at night! Park guides lead you on a night hike for ages 18 and over. Snowshoes may be used, weather permitting, and are available for rent or you may bring your own. Snowshoeing lesson provided, no previous experience needed! Rental is included in the price, $5/person, $15 max/family. Space is limited! Pre-registration is required, call 585-344-1122! Masks must be worn whenever unable to maintain 6 feet of social distance Make a memory this winter with your own Private Group Snowshoe Hike! A Naturalist guides your group through peaceful woodland trails and open meadows. Listen to winter’s quiet beauty and find signs of wildlife in this 431- acre park. Private hikes are available on Saturdays in January and February from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm by reservation only at the Interpretive Nature Center. No previous experience is needed; snowshoes provided or bring your own.
Rental is included in the price. Limit group size of 10 people. $5/person, minimum group fee is $50. Call 585-344-1122 to book your own adventure! Snowshoe Rentals are available at the Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Center 10:00 am – 3:00 pm on
Thursdays and Fridays, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays December through March, weather permitting.
Snowshoes must be used in the park. Fee is $5/pair and all proceeds go to ACORNS, the nonprofit organization that supports the parks!Call (585) 344-1122 to register. For more information visit our website at
http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/
The Owen Library, a redesigned room containing art books, a white baby grand piano, a fireplace, seating, and table games, was dedicated at GO Art! in Seymour Place in Batavia on Friday night.
The library honors the family of Jim Owen, himself not an artist but from a family of people who pursued the arts in various ways.
"It totally made sense to dedicate this library in memory of the Owen family," said Gregory Hallock, director of Genesee Orleans Arts Council.
Frank Owen, the family patriarch, was a musician, conductor, and music instructor at Batavia High School. His wife, Natalie Walker Owen, was president of the Richmond Memorial Library Board of Trustees. Kathy Owen, daughter of Frank and Natalie and sister of Jim Owen, was a photographer, and Robert Owen, also a sibling, was an author and actor (as well as, like Jim, an athlete).
"My parents, my sister, and my brother say thank you from heaven and I thank you from earth," said Jim Owen during his remarks.
Gregory Hallock reads a letter from a former typing student of Jim Owen in Hamburg, Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Proclamations were presented by members of the City Council (Eugene Jankowski and Bob Bialkowski) above, as well as the County Legislature (Marianne Clattenburg, John Deleo, and Gary Maha (not pictured) and Assemblyman Steve Hawley (not pictured).
Press Release:
The condition of buildings and land in the City of Batavia plays a vital role in the quality of life enjoyed by the City's residents, merchants and visitors. Enforcement of the Municipal Property and Zoning Codes ensures that each property meets required standards. The Municipal Property and Zoning Codes protect the health, safety and welfare of those who live, work and visit the City, and conserves the value of the property and neighboring properties. It also conserves the value of the property and neighboring properties.
The City of Batavia has a total of 4,460 residential structures, 514 commercial structures, and 34 Industrial structures. The condition and maintenance of these existing structures as well as the safe and code compliant construction of new buildings plays a vital role in the success of our businesses and City. In order to preserve these structure and enhance neighborhoods, the Bureau of Inspection conducts property and building code inspections and code enforcement activity.
“It is important that residents understand the role inspections plays here in Batavia, “ said Jill Wiedrick, Assistant City Manager. “Residents in Batavia seek a high quality of life in an aesthetically pleasing environment and are affected by what they see when they open their door every day. The Bureau of Inspection’s mission is to ensure a City where all residents have a clean, safe environment to live, work and play.”
The goal of the Bureau of Inspection is to achieve timely voluntary compliance of code violations. Code Enforcement Officers balance the goal of gaining voluntary compliance with ensuring the health and safety of our residents. They attempt to minimize the negative impact violations such as peeling paint, missing roof shingles, vehicles parked on lawns, trash, debris, and high grass have on neighborhoods.
Code Enforcement Officers follow a scripted process when inspecting structures and enforcing the Code.
Step One: Inspection:
An inspection is conducted by a Code Enforcement Officer on the basis of a complaint, neighborhood survey, or a referral. The primary focus of these inspections are on health, safety and removal of blight. If violations are present, a Notice and Order citation is issued to the owner requiring correction.
Step Two: Re-inspection:
The Code Enforcement Officer re-inspects a cited property. If the owner does not comply with the Notice and Order citation, the case will be prepared for the court process.
Tarrence Yuron Williams, 22, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance 4th, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal obstruction of breathing and blood circulation, and menacing 3rd. On Dec. 15, dispatchers received a report of a disturbance at the Quality Inn and Suites, 8250 Park Road, Batavia. Williams is accused of choking another person at that location. He was taken into custody and allegedly found in possession of a quantity of crack cocaine. Deputies obtained a search warrant for his room at the hotel and located an allegedly illegal firearm. Williams was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and ordered held on bail of $5,000. Batavia PD and the District Attorney's Office assisted in the investigation.
Sidney Carl Underhill, 72, of Oak Orchard Road, Elba, is charged with disobeying a mandate. Underhill allegedly violated an order of protection at 10:31 p.m., Dec. 8 at a location on Main Street, Batavia.
Dianna Lynn Sprague, 50, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Sprague is accused of shoplifting from Walmart in Batavia.
Alexander Rian Toal, 18, of Swamp Road, Byron, is charged with menacing 2nd and acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17 years old. Toal is accused of placing a person in fear of his life by displaying what appeared to be a firearm and threatening that person while a child under age 17 was present. He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on his own recognizance.
Stephen G. Ognibene, 64, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Ognibene is accused of violating an order of protection by not surrendering his firearms. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Press Release:
On November 20, 2021 at the Stifel Theatre in Downtown St. Louis, GCC Admissions Recruitment Specialist Dan Konopski accepted the Stan Musial Award on behalf of Buffalo Bills fans for their charitable donations to Blessings in a Backpack, a Louisville-based charity that helps feed elementary school students across the country.
While watching the Baltimore-Buffalo AFC playoff game last January from his home in Tonawanda, Konopski, a life-long Bills fan, looked on as Ravens Quarterback Lamar Jackson exited the game with a head injury late in the third quarter. While Jackson's exit helped Buffalo advance to the AFC Championship, it didn't sit well Konopski. After some research, he discovered that Jackson was affiliated with Blessings in a Backpack and decided to make a donation. He posted the receipt on social media, encouraging others to do the same. Bills fans took notice and a few days later, 18,450 individual donations were made in Jackson's honor and more than $550,000 was raised.
"An individual doing whatever they can to make a difference will always mean something. An army of united and inspired people doing whatever they can do to make a difference means everything. It's a good cause, it was a good game and he's a great player. It just made sense to me at the time. I never imagined it getting to this level but I guess that's just the Bills Mafia way," said Konopski.
Named for Baseball Hall of Famer Stan Musial, the Musial Awards honor the year's greatest moments of sportsmanship. The show is presented by Maryville University and produced by the St. Louis Sports Commission and the National Sportsmanship Foundation, a charitable nonprofit organization. In addition to keeping Stan Musial's legacy alive, the mission of the Musial Awards is to encourage kindness, selflessness, integrity and civility in sports and society - and to inspire people across the nation to be good sports. The event has occurred in St. Louis since 2005. Other 2021 Musial award recipients included Wayne and Janet Gretzky, Bryce Harper and LSU Gymnastics.
The Musial Awards will air on CBS on Christmas Day at 5 p.m. EST
For more information about Blessings in a Backpack, please visit https://www.blessingsinabackpack.org
Photo courtesy of GCC
The Genesee County Airport will receive $159,000 in federal funding through the recently-enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced on Thursday.
The latest round of funding will distribute $136,977,897 to 59 airports across New York State. Money can be used for improvements related to runways, taxiways, safety and sustainability projects, as well as terminal, airport-transit connections and roadway projects.
County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens, who oversees operations at the airport on Saile Drive, said he believes this award is another in a series "of standard funding that we normally get that doesn't have any fanfare attached to it."
Hens said he is waiting for more details on a similar funding announcement in the fall and has no specific information about yesterday's news.
Batavia High School senior and school board student representative Kylie Tatarka prepared board members Thursday that there were both positive and negative items in her monthly report.
The positive was that many school activities — high school football games, boy and girl swim teams, a production of Sherlock Holmes — “have been very successful,” Tatarka said.
“And now, due to the pamphlet,” she said during the board’s December meeting at BHS. “Students have expressed a lack of safety due to that situation, which was addressed by our administration.”
That “situation” was two weeks ago, when some students, who were frustrated by what they believed was inaction to bullying by the district, created written materials and began to organize a walk-out. Social media buzzed with comments as the school ended up closing for a day following the perceptions of threats of violence and after the distribution of those materials. The district closed Dec. 3 after reports of threats of violence at buildings in the district began circulating on social media.
On the plus side, high school counselors visited classrooms to understand how students have been feeling, Tatarka said, and how the district could potentially make them feel safer.
“This process went well, where many kids said they finally felt heard by this administration,” she said. “Students go through a lot of stress, especially right now, and we need adults to help go through this together. Communication and trust is key.”
As a senior with little time left in school before graduation, Tatarka still looks forward to seeing a change, she said, “especially for my friends, my peers and my own sibling who goes to school with me.” She was also speaking up for those younger classmates that will remain in school behind her.
“So I urge you all to think about students first,” she said.
High School Principal Paul Kesler reiterated the student ex-officio's remarks about how counselors went into each social studies class to give all students an opportunity to express their feelings, thoughts and concerns.
“Their struggle right now is real, they’re feeling a sense of loss in many ways, our staff is feeling that also,” Kesler said. “This is a good time to get some feedback on that.”
There were positive and negative comments, and suggestions to be followed up on next year, he said. Bullying specifically wasn’t the hot topic, he said, whereas the effects of COVID-19 and the related distancing policy this past year seemed to have a bigger impact on students, he said.
“A lot of feedback came back in terms of student’s mental health. I have seen that mental health needs have increased. Students have felt the loss of activities, like not having traditional school dances,” he said, listing some of the students’ suggestions. “They talked about public affirmation of the great things that they’re doing; publicize those on announcements more. They want more classroom meetings. It’s important to hear from marginalized students.”
Another suggestion, indicative of youth’s technological savvy, was to create a check-in sheet with a bar code so that students can remain anonymous while reaching out for help and/or to share concerns about someone else. The feedback so far was a good start, Kesler said, and counselors will be revisiting with students in a similar way in late January.
“All in all, I’m really proud of our students,” he said. “They’ve been really resilient in difficult situations.”
While on the topic of student safety, Interim Superintendent Scott Bischoping referred to a TikTok message that has been circulating nationally. The Federal Bureau of Investigations and law enforcement concluded that any such threat is unfounded, he said. City police are aware of the post and will monitor the situation, he said.
The popular site TikTok has suggested that school shootings are to take place in a nationwide TikTok school threat challenge on Friday, apparently titled National Shoot Up Your School Day.
The post encourages students to make threats of violence against their school. Some districts are reportedly taking heavier precautions, such as Scotia-Glenville Central School and West Genesee in Syracuse.
Top photo: Batavia High School Principal Paul Kesler reviews the steps taken so far to connect with students, hear them out and develop a list of potential remedies for the void left by COVID-19 protocols. Photo by Howard Owens
A severe wind storm. Damage to the high school roof. A COVID-19 pandemic. Student upheaval about not feeling safe from bullying.
For Interim Superintendent Scott Bischoping, it was six months of doing business as needed at Batavia City School District.
For Board of Education President Alice Benedict, it was impressive to watch the district leader in action, she said.
“I’ve been a board member for a number of years and been a part of having other superintendents. I have never met a calmer person in my life, with some of the things that have gone on in this school district in the last few months,” Benedict said during Bischoping’s last official meeting Thursday at Batavia High School. “And I totally appreciate it, and I give you a lot of respect for all of the information you have given us, and the leadership. And it’s very nice knowing you.”
The board is sad to see him go, she said, but also happy to have a new permanent superintendent. The board later approved a reorganizational appointment for incoming leader Jason Smith to take on the role of superintendent and chief emergency officer Jan. 3 of next year.
”I just wanted to say a big thank you to Mr. Bischoping; this will be his last board meeting before a new superintendent comes on board,” Benedict said.
For one of his last pieces of administrative duty, Bischoping briefed the board about recent wind damage sustained to the high school roof this past weekend. Extensive damage forced the temporary closure of the auditorium beneath it, and a three-pronged approach has been recommended for the roof’s repair, Bischoping said.
First up is to make sure the building is watertight and immediate damage is being take care of. Work will also include covering up any holes, to the tune of “probably close to 6,000 blocks holding the roof piece down now,” he said.
The second part involves some replacement hoods that will allow dampers to work, he said. That in turn enables outside air to be brought in so the auditorium can be used.
“We’re hoping to be able to do that in the next few weeks,” he said.
The actual repair is the third prong, which will need an estimate of cost. A section of roofing is about 20 years old, he said, and a portion of it is no longer up to code. So the repair will include removing all insulation beneath the roof and replacing it with new insulation material. Replacement insurance may cover a piece of that work, with state aid filling in the gap, he said.
As for the immediate response to the damage caused by winds up to 75 miles per hour, Bischoping credited the maintenance staff for doing “a great job.”
He also thanked the board for its work and assistance, and credited the district community for its role in his return after a prior interim stint.
"There are great people in this district which made it very easy to come back here," he said. "This is a challenging time for school districts and for most entities, and I think we’re entering uncharted territory. This has made rookies of us all. I look forward to the work that Mr. Smith will be doing with your district and the things that will be happening at Batavia City School District."
Top photo: Batavia City Schools Interim Superintendent Scott Bischoping conducts business during his last official Board of Education meeting Thursday at Batavia High School. Photo by Howard Owens
Adjusting bullying protocols to better accommodate student needs is in the hands of Batavia City School board members, Rebecca Eldridge says.
And she urges them and the district at large to work more diligently to improve the way district personnel responds to student accusations of verbal and physical attacks.
“I stand here tonight on behalf of many students and families whose stories and voices have been dismissed,” she said to the Board of Education during its meeting Thursday at Batavia High School. “Two weeks ago my family became one as well. I implore you to take action for every single student that walks through these halls. Enforce policies for every student every day.”
The story she shared came in between her introduction and final urgings. Her son had been assaulted to the point of a swollen eye, bloody nose, bruised ribs and abrasions to his legs, she said. Yet he, too, was suspended along with the bully for defending himself. Perhaps even more upsetting was that she learned he was sent on to his next class after the attack, and did not receive medical attention until later, she said.
“That is neglect without question,” she said. “Staff failed to report to their superiors, which is school policy.”
Not once but three times her son suffered “intimidation, threats and physical harm” from this bully’s sibling, she said. That history plus this particular assault she highlighted resulted in her son being physically injured and emotionally scarred due to trauma, she said.
The day she learned about the assault, Eldridge received a letter notifying her that her son had been suspended for throwing a basketball at the bully, she said. The bully had been seriously taunting her son for four years, and “the school has done nothing.”
Meanwhile, he has missed out on school academics and sports, she said, as district officials reminded her to “be grateful for two — not five — days suspension.”
“Your son was not the aggressor, but we have to; it’s policy,” Eldridge said, repeating what district officials told her.
She maintained that the district’s Information Technology and “higher administration” staff confirmed there was audio of the event with her son, and that she was subsequently lied to that there was none. The situation violates school policies, Code of Conduct and the Dignity For All Students Act, she said.
Her son’s record has been expunged, she said, “without conversation or an appeal.” Camera footage has disappeared as prior statements have been recanted, she said.
Eldridge is looking for a shift in the system.
“Recently students and the community have desperately asked for their voices to be heard, changes to be made,” she said. “Change is in your hands tonight. Students including my son deserve nothing less than that from every one of you.”
There was no board discussion about the issue after she spoke, however, she told The Batavian after the meeting that she was encouraged by what two board members privately expressed.
“They both thanked me for speaking,” she said. “One said ‘thank you for your courage,’ and the other said ‘I heard you, I heard you.’ I hope me speaking tonight has a positive impact, and brings change for our schools, for our children, and our community. As I said to them, it’s in your hands tonight.”
Parent Lidia Arteaga, who had previously spoken with The Batavian for a related article (Batavia City Schools’ parents speak out about bullying at the district), could not attend the meeting, but agreed with Eldridge’s main message. Arteaga’s daughter has experienced much verbal bullying, she said and deserves to be safe at school. Her daughter had created a pamphlet to raise awareness of the bullying episodes taking place without disciplinary action by the district. Her daughter was suspended for that act.
“Yes, change has to happen,” Arteaga said to The Batavian after the meeting. “Let me tell you that if anyone touches my daughter and they come back with those weak excuses, I will do anything I can to make them pay. I don’t know if change will happen, but I’m proud of my little girl for trying to make a difference. It’s at least opened the door for more communication.”
The Batavian asked Interim Superintendent Scott Bischoping for a response to Eldridge’s accusations, and he could not offer much comment, he said.
“I am unable to discuss a specific student discipline issue,” he said, offering to talk more about the situation in the future.
Top photo: Parent Rebecca Eldridge urges Batavia City School Board of Education members to take action and ensure the safety of students from bullying during a board meeting Thursday at the high school library. Photo by Howard Owens
In fact, the coronavirus paved the way for a new dynamic – the ability to meet via Zoom and other social media outlets to engage members of the focus groups who have contributed to the Comprehensive Plan, said Eve Holberg, planner/project manager with Joy Kuebler Landscape Architect of North Tonawanda.
Speaking at a presentation to the Genesee County Legislature tonight at the Old County Courthouse (and via Zoom), Holberg (photo at right) said that moving the process online has alleviated the challenge of bringing stakeholders together and has been key in communicating the various surveys that helped mold the documents.
“Zoom and other meeting platforms … can boost the efficiency of the focus groups (who) want to see their quality of life preserved,” she said.
About 10 people attended in person and several others viewed and listened remotely to the presentation, which also included an overview of the Recreation Plan and the Genesee 2050 Hub Site (www.Genesee2050.com) by Michael Kane and Jenny Mogavero, respectively, principals at Prospect Hill Consulting in Buffalo.
Joy Kuebler Landscape Architect and Prospect Hill Consulting have been commissioned by the Genesee County Planning Department to draft the updated plans, which carry the overarching goals of enhancing quality of life issues and providing viable places and opportunities that promote healthy living, recreation and the arts.
‘NOT YOUR GRANDFATHER’S PLAN’
Holberg said the economic, cultural and educational landscapes have changed considerably since the county first embarked on comprehensive planning more than 20 years ago.
“This is not your grandfather’s Comprehensive Plan,” she said, noting that she and others have been working on this for 18 months. She also touted the Genesee 2050 interactive website that will "carry the plan forward.”
The vision of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan targets the wishes of the residents of Genesee County and the willingness of county government “to advance budgeting and funding to achieve these ambitions,” she said.
Overall recommendations include maintaining and expanding the focus groups that have set the plans in motion and to sustain Smart Growth, the component that preserves the county’s farmland, promotes sustainable growth and supports economic development strategy.
The Genesee 2050 Comprehensive Plan lists 10 priority elements that are keys to achieving its goals:
Holberg provided an example when talking about transportation and mobility, suggesting a pooling of transportation resources (Social Services, Office for the Aging, Veterans Services) “to make it possible to have a better mobility system and to keep people in their communities.”
RECREATION PLAN: AN ALL-IN VENTURE
The first of its kind in Genesee County, the Recreation Plan is a road map for future development – “an ambitious plan” that considers the extensive facilities and parks in the City of Batavia and the county’s towns and villages, Kane said.
The plan’s five goals and objectives – “which remained consistent as the project evolved,” Kane said – are as follows:
Parks in the county for the most part are in excellent shape, Kane said, adding that information on all the parks and recreation areas is attractively displayed in the Recreation Plan.
His team reviewed more than 50 plans, including county, town and village comprehensive plans and New York State’s open space/recreation plans, and assessed the parks’ accessibility by walking and by car to “identify gaps in the county’s recreational inventory.”
Thus far, more than 20 projects have been identified, including expansion and upgrading of Ellicott Trail, creation of a new trail at Genesee Community College, paving of the shoulders of county roads for recreational use, establishing public spaces at Oatka Creek and reuse of the former amusement park at Indian Falls.
Kane said the projects are prioritized by how strongly they hit the five goals mentioned above. He also said these potential projects give Genesee County and other municipal entities a better chance to receive grant funding.
HUB SITE: AN EXTENSION OF THE PLAN
The Genesee 2050 Hub Site is a tool for the county to maintain the Comprehensive Plan and a platform to support community engagement activities, Mogavero said.
“It includes tools, data and documents for the focus groups .. and ensures that the plan will have a long shelf life,” she said, advising that the website will include the ability for public feedback in real time and links to agencies and maps to obtain current information.
In the end, Holberg said both plans reflect the values shared by county residents.
“Everyone wants more trails, and (because of that) the county can look for funding opportunities,” she said.
Over the past week, town and village government officials came to terms on a contract that would enable village police officers to respond to situations in the town, with the goal to enhance the public safety coverage already in place.
“Really, it's essentially for emergency calls and for protection of life and property,” Kellogg said today. “It’s not all calls. It's just a supplement, an augment to the law enforcement that's already out there -- the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police.
“So, if they're unable to respond and need our assistance, we're certainly available to do that. But the contract is obviously to not take away from the level of service already provided.”
Town Supervisor Jim Farnholz, in calling it “win-win for everyone,” said village officers won’t patrol in the town – that will be left up to sheriff's deputies and troopers – but they will be available to assist on emergency calls, for example.
“It will decrease the response time to those in need,” he said.
He also emphasized that this action will save manpower in the long run when Le Roy officers are able to handle a situation and advise other agencies not to respond.
“The agreement also includes responding to Le Roy Central School (on South Street Road in the town),” Farnholz said. “We’ve been working on this for a year and we’re pleased to be able to reach an agreement.”
Kellogg said the municipalities had a similar arrangement from 1983 to 2010, but the contract expired and wasn’t renewed. He said the town reached out to the village to reinstate the service.
“The town is interested in providing that additional level of protection in the event that we're closest and we can get out there and assess the situation,” he said. “Obviously, we're not going to deploy any resources into the town and leave the village uncovered. Our priority is the protection of all property and persons within the village.”
The police department employs around 16 officers, including a resource officer in the Le Roy Central School District.
Village Mayor Greg Rogers credited Sheriff William Sheron, Undersheriff Bradley Mazur and County Legislature Chair Rochelle Stein for their input in leading to the contract, which calls for the town to pay the village $20,000 for a year’s worth of service.
“This is about giving the people in our area the best chance to succeed in emergency-type situations,” he said. “There are 14 miles of road in Le Roy and just about everyone in the village travels into the town on a regular basis.”
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