news

From Pauli Miano:

The Elba Betterment Committee will hold a chicken BBQ at the Village Park on Sunday, June 13 to earn money for a trio of concerts this summer at the park.

Tickets for the chicken BBQ are $12 and limited in number. Some will be sold the day of the BBQ, but the bulk must be ordered by June 1.

You can order tickets via the committee's Facebook page or they can be bought at:

• Chap's Elba Diner, 5 S. Main St., Elba
• Sweet Life Country Store, 100 S. Main St., Elba
• The Village Office, 4 S. Main St., Elba
• The Town Office, 7 Maple Ave., Elba
• Elba Central School District Office, 57 S. Main St., Elba

The three music "festivals" will feature EBS Music and More 2.0. Details for that will be coming soon.

Contact Pauli Miano at pmiano@rochester.rr.com with questions or to order tickets.

(Photos by Howard Owens.)

A motorcycle crash is reported on the westbound I-90 in the area of mile marker 388.4.

One motorcycle is on fire but a total of three motorcycles may be involved, along with a passenger vehicle. CPR is in progress.

Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics and NYS Police.

UPDATE 1:11 p.m.: The westbound Thruway is shut down; eastbound traffic is moving slowly. The passsenger vehicle that is involved is on fire. Mercy Flight is called to the scene.

UPDATE 1:13 p.m.: Fires are knocked down.

UPDATE 1:35 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne and headed to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 1:42 p.m.: Town of Batavia fire assignment is back in service.

For the second time in seven months, a fire has been extinquished at the site of an apparently unoccupied construction trailer on Liberty Street in the City of Batavia.

This time, City firefighters saw the smoke filling the sky east of their fire hall and were en route before the call was dispatched.

The trailer was fully involved when firefighters arrived on scene.

Because the fire is suspicious in nature, Sgt. Marc Lawrence said there will be an investigation to see if any criminal activity is associated with the fire.

Previously: Brush fire on Liberty Street under investigation

Photo submitted by Tristine Vanice.

Photo submitted by Frank Capuano.

Photo submitted by Frank Capuano.

Photo submitted by Chris Crocker.

Members of the group Bikers Against Child Abuse, Niagara Chapter, rode through Genesee County today, one of the counties it serves in Western New York, and stopped for lunch at Oak Grill and Cafe in Oakfield as part of its 120-mile tour.

The purpose of the ride is to raise awareness of child abuse and let people know the group exists. According to the group's pamphlet, one of its services is to assign a member of the organization to an abused child to help provide a sense of protection and give the child confidence.

A pickup truck vs. motorcycle accident is reported at 136 W. Main St. in front of Dunkin' Donuts. It is blocking one lane of westbound traffic. Unknown injuries. City police are on scene.

City fire was called in. "We have no ambulances available in the city," the dispatcher said.

UPDATE 4:10 p.m.: Those involved will be sign-offs.

A man who lives on Gabbey Road in Pembroke says he is being harassed by a neighbor who displayed a knife and is now in a backyard shed. Sheriff's deputies are responding.

With help from her family and friends, a City of Batavia resident is expressing her appreciation and sharing her talent to support the local organization that made home ownership a reality.

Angelina Pellegrino of 150 State St. is conducting a yard sale – featuring clothing, household items and her original painted rocks – until 3 o’clock this afternoon and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County.

“We moved into our home – which is the eighth Habitat for Humanity home in Genesee County -- about 10 years ago, and I am trying to get the word out there about such a wonderful program,” she said. “While a lot of people hear about Habitat, unfortunately, they don’t know what it is.”

Affectionally known as the “rock lady (although she prefers “rock artist”), Pellegrino said she has been selling rocks for the past year with all proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity.

“Then I decided to have a yard sale and get the community involved,” she said. “The outpouring of support and donations from everybody has been amazing.”

Pellegrino, whose family includes husband, Matt Wolff, and children, Mikalina, Carmelina and Lorenzo, is on the local Habitat’s fundraising committee but said the yard sale is something they wanted to do on their own to promote the nonprofit enterprise.

She said she has received plenty of assistance getting things set up from her mom, Sue, and brother, Vinnie, as well as cousin, Jennie Barone; aunt, Tina Adams; best friend, Chrissy Morgan, and neighbors, Deb Romasser and Gretchen Franke.

“This is the first time for the yard sale. We’ve been collecting things from people, and The Batavian, Video News Service and WBTA have been helpful in getting the word out,” she said. “People have been dropping off things for over a month. My house is completed overloaded with all of this.”

Pellegrino also is selling her painted rocks, with the smaller ones going for a $5 donation and the larger boulders available for donations of $15 to $20.

“I paint, usually on canvas, but one day I started doing some gardening outside and thought that I would put some rocks around my tree. And I thought, they need to be colored. After that, it needs to be bigger,” she explained. “So, I started adding to it and before you know it, I went into my neighbor’s yard with them. It’s really taken off as there are probably more than 200 out here now.”

She looked back on the decision to apply for a Habitat for Humanity home as a life-changing experience.

“I was a renter in Batavia and I was told by somebody to apply for Habitat,” she said. “You have to have good credit and fall in line with certain income requirements – you have to make enough but not too much – and they get homes and rebuild them.”

The family’s home on State Street, across from Centennial Park, was completely gutted, said Pellegrino, who recently put on an addition in the back for her to operate her hair salon business.

“What Habitat does is make it possible for people to get a home. It’s a wonderful thing, at a fraction of the cost,” she said. “With Habitat homes, you also put in ‘sweat equity’ so for a certain amount of the time that they’re rebuilding it, you also have to help rebuild it.

“You learn the ins-and-outs of your home. I sided my house in 30-degree weather. I insulated it. You know your home and you take pride it in afterwards because you really worked hard on it.”

---------------

For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County, go to www.geneseehabitat.com.

Photos: At top, Angelina Pellegrino welcomes community residents to her home at 150 State St. for a yard (and rock) sale to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County; bottom, Pellegrino, an artist, holds a rock featuring Big Gay Al of the South Park TV show, and photos of a couple of her creations. The 'We're All Mad Here' rock is not for sale, but the 'Crocodile Rock' is. Photos by Mike Pettinella.

Press release:

Next week GO Health Departments will be on the road with Pop-up Clinics. The Pfizer vaccine is now able to vaccinate anyone 12 years old and older.  Clinics with Johnson & Johnson Janssen (J & J) and Moderna will be available for walk-in and registration. Pfizer clinics are by registration only.

“We are happy to be able to provide the Pop-Up clinics between the two counties,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health director for GO Health. “With the shift in bringing clinics close to where people live, work, and play and being more flexible with the scheduling now is a great opportunity for more people to get vaccinated.

"Being fully vaccinated, two weeks after the second dose for Moderna and Pfizer and two weeks after the single dose of Johnson & Johnson will help us enjoy the spring and summer activities with less restrictions.”

*************Our first Pfizer clinic opened to those 12 years old and older is Saturday, May 15^th from 9:15 a.m. to noon at Genesee Community College. There is still ONE open appointment window from 11:20 to 11:25 a.m.:  https://bit.ly/PfizerGCC*****************

Pfizer vaccine clinics are by appointment only. J & J and Moderna clinics offer walk-in opportunities; however, we encourage you to register via the vaccination webpage:  https://bit.ly/GOHealthVaccination  and choose the vaccine that best works for you. You can also click on the direct links in the grid below.

For those who do not have internet they can call the GO Health Vaccine Registration Help Lines:  

• Genesee:  (585) 815-7168
• Orleans:  (585) 589-3170

• These lines are ONLY to make vaccine appointments, are not able to answer COVID-related questions, and are not associated with either Health Department.  

  “With everyone looking forward to the summer and the looser restrictions we encourage everyone to get vaccinated now,” stated Pettit.  “There are plenty of options to get any of the three vaccines offered. For your health and the health of others, we encourage everyone who is able to be vaccinated to get vaccinated now.”

  If you are interested in making an appointment to get your COVID-19 vaccination, now is the time to do it locally!  

  If you are a business/church/organization that is interested in hosting a vaccination clinic at your location, please fill out the survey:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GOHealthPopUpVaccineClinic.  One of our staff members will be in contact with you.

  For those who are seeking testing, both health departments provide limited free rapid testing for those without symptoms at the respective Health Departments. For Genesee County, a rapid test drive-through clinic is scheduled for May 18^th 1:15-3:15 p.m. at County Building #2, 3837 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

To register for testing go to the GO Health testing page:  http://bit.ly/GOHealthC19Tests and choose your preferred clinic location.

Wednesday, May 19

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Genesee County 

Health Department 

3837 W. Main Street Road, 

Batavia

Moderna: Walk-ins & Apt.

http://bit.ly/ModernaGCHD

J&J: Walk-ins

Thursday, May 20

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

UR Medicine Primary Care – LeRoy Medical Associates

127 W. Main St. 

Le Roy

Moderna: Walk-ins

J&J: Walk-ins

A two-vehicle accident with injuries is reported on Route 20 in Bethany at East Road.

Bethany fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 8:16 p.m.: Bethany's ambulance transported a patient to UMMC. One of Bethany's trucks is back at the hall.

Photos by Glenn Adams.

Press release:

Data Update – Covering May 11 to May 14:

• Genesee County reporting 26 new positive cases of COVID-19. 
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, and 50s. 
  • Seven of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
  • Thirty-four of the previous positive individuals have completed their 10 day isolation and have been removed from mandatory isolation.

​

Orleans County reporting 16 new positive cases of COVID-19.  

• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 80s.
• Zero of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
• Thirty of the previous positive individuals have completed their 10 day isolation and have been removed from mandatory isolation.

Voters from throughout Genesee County are asked to go to the polls on Tuesday and vote on school district budgets and school board candidates.

Here is a summary of what is on the ballot and links for additional information for each district.

Alexander

• Budget: $19,175,475 for 2021-22, an increase of $635,217 from this school year.
• The program budget is $14,015,382 and the administration budget is $2,757,315.
• Tax levy: $5,088,006 (no change from 2020-21).
• Propositions on the ballot also include bus purchases at a cost of $318,085; the purchase of computers for $96,870 using the existing 2018 equipment reserve fund; establishing a capital reserve fund; and, establishing a school bus reserve fund. 
• There are two candidates for the school board, Josselyn Borowiec and Lindsay Bessey.
• There is more information about the budget and the election in the district's budget newsletter. Click here for the PDF.

Batavia

• Budget: $52,096,661, an increase of $625,935 over the current year.
• Tax levy: $19,493,958 (no change).
• The program budget is $39,021798 and the administration budget is $5,186,493. (Figures corrected from original post.)
• Ballot propositions include additional state aid for an energy performance contract and renewal of the provision that allows the student ex-officio board member to attend board meetings in a non-voting role.
• There are three board seats up for election and four candidates. They are: John Reigle, Brenda Good, Jennifer Lendvay, and Shawna Murphy.
• There is more information in the district's budget newsletter. Click here.

Byron-Bergen

• Budget: $24,991,065, an increase of $391,265 from this school year.
• The program budget is $17,260,368 and the administrative budget is $2,318,402.
• Tax levy: $9,024,961 (no change from 2020-21).
• There is a school bus proposition on the ballot.
• More information the district's budget is on the district website.

Elba

• Budget: $10,942,533, an increase of $673,211 over the current year.
• The program budget is $7,926,431 and the administration budget is $1,253,898.
• Tax levy: $3,204,487, up $61,292 from the current levy. The estimated tax rate per thousand is $19.8104. The current rate per thousand is $20.4016.
• Propositions include establishing a general capital reserve fund and expend up to $112,000 from the existing bus and vehicle replacement fund for a bus and a van.
• Michael Hare is the lone candidate on the ballot. 
• There is more information in the district's budget newsletter. Click here.

 Le Roy

• Budget: $26,869,288, an increase of $534,800 over the current year.
• The program budget is $13,602,008 and the administration budget is 4,072,951. 
• Tax levy: $10,597,025, an of $130,924 over the current year. The estimated is $23.11.
• Propositions include one on school bus purchases and the Woodward Library budget.
• There are three trustee seats up for election and four candidates, Darcy Porter, Christine Dowell, William MacKenzie, and Lucas Weaver. 
• There is more information in the district's budget newsletter. Click here.

Oakfield-Alabama

• Budget: $21,356,442, an increase of $232,696 in the current year.
• The program budget is : $14,824,207 and the administration budget is $2,361,695 (down $53,868 from the current year).
• Tax levy: $5,416,941, an increase of $103,105.
• Propositions on the ballot include establishing a new capital reserve fund.
• There are two seats on the board of trustees up for election and four candidates, Timothy Edgerton, Jeffrey Hyde, Lorna Klotzbach, and Maria Thompson. 
• There is more information in the district's budget newsletter. Click here.

Pavilion

• Budget: $17,576,661, a decrease in spending from the current year of $107,521.
• The program budget is $13,327,296 and the administration budget is $2,302,963.
• Tax levy: $5,642,520, a decrease of $27,361.
• Propositions include creating a school district public library and electing a library board of trustees.
• There is one open seat and one candidate for that seat, Jeff Finch.
• There is more information in the district's budget newsletter. Click here.

Pembroke

• Budget: $24,599,082, an increase of $919,560 over the current year.
• The program budget is $17,451,901. The administration budget is $2,519,239.
• Tax levy: $8,481,399, an increase of $165,046 over the current year. The projected tax rate is $19.40.
• Propositions on the ballot include authorization to purchase school buses and a capital project.
• There is more information in the district's budget newsletter. Click here.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley is putting pressure on Gov. Cuomo to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) example and lift all mask mandates for those who have completed their COVID-19 vaccinations.

A proponent against the one-size-fits-all solution to New York’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic, Hawley sees no reason why the entire state should continue to follow the draconian enforcement of capacity restrictions and mask wearing if the federal government is ready to move on. 

“Western New York is ready to move on from the pandemic, and we’re grateful for the recognition of personal responsibility the CDC is returning to the people,” Hawley said.

“It’s been a long time coming, as the governor’s continued restrictions are seemingly less and less about science and safety and more about continued state control over every aspect of our lives. The people of New York are reliable, smart and trustworthy, and the governor must absolutely follow the example of the CDC.”

Hawley said he staunchly believes in leaving the responsibility and decision making to the localities.

“I’ve said from the start that part of the mismanagement of the fight against COVID is the fact that the state oversaw it all without partnering with local governments. These local institutions know the needs and capabilities of their areas better than the state, and they’ll be able to legislate accordingly moving forward.”

Interest in a proposed campground on Perry Road in the Town of Pavilion is high, according to the consultant working with a LeRoyan looking to develop 20 to 30 acres of a 94-acre parcel.

“We have about 60 people who have signed letters of intent to rent campsites already,” said David Ciurzynski of Ciurzynski Consulting LLC, of Attica.

Ciurzynski represented Jesse Coots of Le Roy at Thursday night’s Genesee County Planning Board meeting via Zoom videoconferencing.

Planners recommended approval of a special use permit for the 346-site campground and recreation area at 10156 Perry Road, but included stipulations involving mitigation of adverse impact upon wetlands there and obtaining a stormwater pollution prevention permit from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Developers are addressing those issues, Ciurzynski said.

“We’re really excited about this project. We’ve completed the engineering study and wetland delineation, which has been submitted to the Army Corps of Engineers and the DEC,” he said. “Once we get the special use permit, we’ll get into full engineering and be able to complete the stormwater pollution prevention and other elements of the project.”

Ciurzynski said the plan is to start with 100 sites and build out the remainder after campers begin to populate the campground.

Planners asked about water and sewage capabilities, with Ciurzynski stating that the size of the project prohibits holding tanks.

“We’re going to have to do a septic system, with a full leach bed and everything,” he said.

Planning Director Felipe Oltramari responded by stating he hopes the owners have “good luck in finding water” when drilling wells.

Ciurzynski said the preferred option is to put the first 100 sites up against the road to minimize the number of wells required since the Town of Pavilion also has embarked upon its water district project.

“In talking with the supervisor (Rob LaPoint), he would like to get this water district along Perry Road going as well, so we’re hoping our project helps leapfrog that into place so we can use the water from the Pavilion water district instead of having to drill multiple wells,” he said.

Currently, the 94-acre parcel consists of woodland and farm fields, and is zoned Agricultural-Residential.

In other action, planners recommended approval of several other referrals, including:

• An area variance to change the parking space size for a proposed Rochester Regional Health medical building on Oak Orchard Road in the Town of Batavia;
• A special use permit for a covered outdoor dining space at the Red Osier Landmark Restaurant in Stafford;
• A change in zoning to Commercial for a parcel at 211 E. Main Street to facilitate the development of the GLOW YMCA/United Memorial Medical Center Healthy Living Campus;
• A site plan for a new liquor store at 9 E. Main St., Corfu;
• A special use permit, with modification, for a 5-megawatt solar system on Oak Orchard Road, south of the Village of Elba;
• A special use permit for a hair salon at 1 Farnsworth Ave., Oakfield, on an appointment-only basis.

Previously: Planners expected to consider outdoor dining site at Red Osier, sizeable campground on Perry Road in Pavilion

Press release:

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today announced that its Income Tax Call Center will be open until 7 p.m. ET on Monday, May 17, to assist last-minute filers.

Representatives will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET at (518) 457-5181. Standard hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET on weekdays.

Before you call, however, consider that the most efficient way to obtain tax filing guidance and information, including answers to common questions, is to visit the Tax Department’s website, www.tax.ny.gov.

Visit our Filing season resource center for online resources to help you electronically prepare and file an accurate return on time—without the wait.

Since the filing season began in February, Tax Department representatives have answered more than 130,000 tax return filing-related questions. They expect to assist an additional 4,700 callers on Tax Day alone.

A possible oil spill is reported in a parking lot on Liberty Street in the city. The quantity was not relayed by the dispatcher. The caller was not sure when the spill occured.

City fire is on scene.

UPDATE 2:38 p.m.: Command ask for someone from the Department of Public Works to respond to advise how best to clean up the spill, which is also on the sidewalk. Command says a few bystanders at the scene report the spill occurred three or four days ago.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) commemorated National Police Week (May 9-15) by delivering a floor speech honoring Western New York officers. In addition, Jacobs participated in the Back the Blue Bike Tour this week, honored fallen Western New York officers at the National Police Memorial, and cosponsored legislation to protect officers.

“National Police Week gives each of us a chance to take pause and honor law enforcement for their bravery and selflessness while protecting our communities,” Jacobs said.

“This week was truly humbling, and I was proud to join my colleagues in thanking police around the country, but this recognition and gratitude should not be limited to one week a year. Every day our officers put their lives on the line to protect Western New York and our nation, and we should be mindful of that every day.”

Wednesday evening, Jacobs delivered a floor speech during special order hour to honor Western New York law enforcement officers for the tireless and dedicated work to protect our local communities.

On Thursday morning, Jacobs joined other members of Congress on a bike tour through D.C. to the National Police Memorial. There, members honored officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Jacobs laid a wreath at the memorial in honor of all fallen Western New York police officers.

In addition, Rep. Jacobs also cosponsored the Qualified Immunity Act (H.R. 288). This codifies qualified immunity for law enforcement at the federal level and protects officers from legal liability for actions committed on the job in good faith. 

“Our police have an incredibly dangerous job and continually show true dedication in serving our communities. I’m proud to stand with our brave law enforcement officers, and I will continue to stand with them in Congress,” Jacobs said.

Submitted photos.

Press release:

East Bethany -- Silverline Comics* has launched "STEAM PATRIOTS," a comic book series that bills itself as "An American Steampunk Revolution," cocreated by East Bethany native and Coast Guard veteran Scott Wakefield.

The Alexander High School graduate and his co-author, fellow veteran and Cleveland, Ohio native Rory Boyle, imagined their story-world years ago and are now seeing it come to life. Their creative team is rounded out with editing, coloring and lettering by Batavia artist Dan Hosek.

The three join the Silverline team of accomplished artists, adding their title to a long list of exciting stories. 

"The storytelling's very strong and the dialogue shines," said world-renowned creator for Marvel and DC Comics, Chuck Dixon.

Fellow comics artist powerhouse Gary Kwapisz added “STEAM PATRIOTS" gives us a colorful and unique look at the original Revolutionary War!”

“This is the first title we’ve done with any sort of historical connection,” said Silverline Editor Roland Mann. “But it’s part of who Silverline is when we make our ‘genre-spanning’ claim. I’m excited to be able to add it to the lineup. I think people are really going to like it.”

In fact, prerelease reviews for "STEAM PATRIOTS" are fantastic.

Accomplished actor, voice-actor, and creator of "The World of Steam," Matt Yang King, says, "Intrigue! Rebellion! Ben Franklin as a steampunk engineer?! Sign me up!"

And Image Comics author of "Moriarty" and "Red City" writes “ 'STEAM PATRIOTS' is like a sci-fi 'Johnny Tremain' -- giving us a likeable hero who teams up with real figures from history to fight impossible odds. It's a very exciting narrative, and I look forward to seeing where it takes us!”

"STEAM PATRIOTS" is set in a steampunk world where steam technology is in its infancy, and America is at war for independence from Great Britain. The story's young hero, Felix Ward (top image), has a mind like no other, and he must help Ben Franklin, George Washington, and other heroes defeat the British juggernaut.

Keeping with the Silverline Comics crowdfunding model, "STEAM PATRIOTS" is finished and ready to print. The debut comic book contains 24 pages of story and art.

Here's the link to the website for "STEAM PATRIOTS."

Here's Silverline's Facebook page; subscribe to their email list to keep abreast of all news Silverline!

The Kickstarter campaign for "STEAM PATRIOTS" started yesterday, May 13, and runs through May 30. 

#steampunk #revwar #comics

"STEAM PATRIOTS" is trademarked and copyright ©Scott Wakefield & Rory Boyle. All rights reserved.

*Silverline Comics a genre-spanning independent comic book and graphic novel publisher.

Below, the completed Page 1 of the first "STEAM PATRIOTS" comic book.

For the first time today, students at Jackson School got to play on their new playground, after a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Yesterday evening's sunset in Pembroke.

Photo by JoAnne Meiser.

Elizabeth Fowler Gates, 43, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: third-degree grand larceny; six counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree; and seven counts of third-degree forgery. Gates was arrested after allegedly receiving $7,792 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program -- SNAP -- benefits she was not eligible to receive. She is accused of forging a signature on seven documents and providing six applications with false information in order the receive benefits. She was arraigned on May 10 in Oakfield Town Court and released to appear in Batavia Town Court at a later date. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Austin Heberlein, assisted by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello. The investigation was completed by Investigator Robert Riggi at the Department of Social Services on East Main Street Road, Batavia.

Andre Lamar Roberts, 28, of Burrows Street, Rochester, is charged with third-degree bail jumping. It is alleged that he failed to appear in Corfu Village Court on Dec. 7. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Genesee County Court tomorrow (May 14). The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Cummings, assisted by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

Terry Eugene Gamble Jr., 25, of Onslow Drive, Columbus, Ohio, is charged with: criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree; criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the second degree; and operating a motor vehicle without a license to do so. On May 12 at 3:19 p.m., Gamble was arrested following a traffic stop on South Main Street in the Village of Elba. It is alleged the vehicle he was operating was stolen out of Ohio. Gamble was released with appearance tickets to be in Elba Town Court on May 26. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Ronald Welker.