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Submitted photo and press release:

Tobacco-Free Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties (TF-GOW) and Reality Check youth champions from Notre Dame High School were at the New York Capitol on Feb. 4, talking with lawmakers about the success of the state’s Tobacco Control Program.

Notre Dame freshman Morgan Wahl, junior Benjamin Streeter, and senior Maddie Payton joined a pair of Reality Check peers from Warsaw High School in the Albany rally, Shelby Pietron and Katie Pietron. Brittany Bozzer, Reality Check coordinator at TF-GOW attended, too.

They focused their messaging on lowering the average smoking rate to 12.8 percent and about the unmet needs in tobacco control efforts, particularly among youth and certain communities. They met with Assemblyman Stephen Hawley and Assemblyman David DiPietro.

During legislative meetings, the youth stressed that cigarette smoking among high school youth statewide declined 82 percent between 2000 and 2018, but e-cigarette use by high schoolers continues to rise, now at 27 percent. In contrast, only 3.8 percent of adult New Yorkers use e-cigarettes. Additionally, nearly 40 percent 12th-graders use e-cigarettes statewide.

Research shows that youth who use e-cigarettes are four times more likely to start smoking conventional cigarettes than their peers who do not vape.

“Successfully reducing the average adult smoking rate to 12.8 percent in New York State is a significant achievement, but new and emerging nicotine products—like e-cigarettes—could reverse the substantial gains we’ve made in reducing smoking,” Bozzer said.

“We know that marketing attracts youth to e-cigarettes, and flavors are what gets them to try them. Nicotine is what keeps them addicted.”

Higher smoking rates among certain communities

New Yorkers with low education, low income and reporting frequent mental distress smoke at higher rates than the state average.

“Although the average smoking rate is down, cigarette smoking rates among certain communities are considerably higher than average," Bozzer said. "For example, throughout New York State, 25.5 percent of adults reporting frequent mental distress smoke cigarettes, as do 20 percent of those with less than a high school education and nearly 20 percent of those with an annual household income of less than $25,000.

“Income, education, and mental health status shouldn’t determine smoking rates, but they do, and our program has a local and statewide program in place to further tobacco-free norms."

While at the Capitol, the Notre Dame youth talked with lawmakers about work being done in their communities and provided an interactive display in The Well of the Legislative Office Building, revealing the true facts behind Big Tobacco’s misleading marketing.

More Facts: The Costs of Tobacco Use in New York State

• Annual health care costs directly caused by smoking in the state are $10.39 billion;
• This expense results in a tax burden of $1,410 for each household every year;
• There are 28,200 deaths in New York State each year due to smoking, and thousands who are living with illnesses related to tobacco use;
• The CDC recommends a $203 million annual investment in New York State’s Tobacco Control Program; the state’s investment is $39 million.

Reality Check New York empowers youth to become leaders in their community in exposing what they see as the manipulative and deceptive marketing tactics of the tobacco industry.

The organization’s members produce change in their communities through grassroots mobilization and education. Reality Check in this area is affiliated with Tobacco-Free Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties (TF-GOW) program managed by Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The NYS Tobacco Control Program is made up of a network of statewide contractors who work on Advancing Tobacco-Free Communities, which includes Community Engagement and Reality Check, the Health Systems for a Tobacco-Free New York, the NYS Smokers’ Quitline and Surveillance and Research.

Their efforts are leading the way toward a tobacco-free society. For more information, visit:

• TobaccoFreeNYS.org
• tobaccofreeny.org and
• NYSmokeFree.Com

Photo: Back row (from left) Maddie Payton, Benjamin Streeter, as well as Notre Dame freshman Morgan Wahl (kneeling in front) took in the grandeur of the New York State Senate Chambers on their recent trip to educate lawmakers at the NYS Capitol. Earlier that day, they talked with Assemblyman David DiPietro, right, about tobacco control work being done in their communities and revealed the true facts behind Big Tobacco’s misleading marketing. Also pictured (middle row, from left) are Warsaw High School students Shelby Pietron, Katie Pietron, and Brittany Bozzer, Reality Check coordinator at TF-GOW.

A single motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported in the area of 340 Council House Road on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation. Alabama Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics.

Press release:

Genesee County will hold a Public Information Session regarding the Jail Construction Project at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at the Old County Courthouse Chambers, 7 Main St., Batavia.

The purpose of the informational session is to update the public on the process taken by the County in the design of the proposed new County Jail and where we are in the project time line.

The County invites citizen questions and inquiries on the jail design process, and looks to provide County justification and rationale for the steps taken to date and planned into the future. We welcome any and all citizen views regarding any aspect of the project’s scope, purpose and implementation.

The County will provide project information including, but not limited to, project timeline, bed need analysis, jail site and projected costs. County staff along with SMRT, the County’s architect and engineer consultants will be on hand to answer questions and receive feedback.

The session will last until approximately 8 p.m. and the public is encouraged to drop by at any time to speak with County and SMRT representatives.

The County has also created a page on its website dedicated to the jail project that we encourage citizens to check on over time for updates on the progress of the jail construction project, the site is here.

From State Senator Michael Ranzenhofer, 61st District:

As the 2020 Legislative Session continues, Legislators are discussing several major policy changes. It is extremely important for me to hear directly from residents about issues facing New York State.  

This year’s community survey includes topics such as criminal justice reforms, strengthening vaccination requirements, making New York more affordable and the current $6.1 billion budget deficit.

Many of these topics are being actively debated and time is running out for you to share your opinions about these matters before they come to the floor for a vote.

Please take a moment to share your opinions with me.

Click here to take my 2020 Legislative Questionnaire

Batavia City Council Member Robert Bialkowski took a swipe at the state governor Monday night as he voted “yes” to setting a public hearing on Feb. 24 to override the property tax cap.

“I’d like to thank Governor Cuomo and his cronies for doing this to us,” Bialkowski said, referring to a proposed state budget that includes revenue generated by video lottery terminals at Batavia Downs Gaming – money that has always gone to municipalities, such as the City of Batavia, that host VLT gaming.

City leaders are scrambling to come up with ways to plug the gap caused by the potential loss of more than $440,000. A recommendation from City Manager to cut expenses and raise taxes in the 2020-21 budget (see Monday’s stories in The Batavian) currently is on the table.

Discussion during last night’s Special Conference Meeting centered on Moore’s recommendation and the governor’s action that, according to City Council President Eugene Jankowski, came as a surprise.

“Three years ago, we started using it (VLT money). “We were going to use it to offset taxes again this year and it got pulled from us without any advance warning,” Jankowski said.

He said that he hoped that pressure from state senators and assembly members would be able to change the governor’s mind about the VLT funds, but if not, thought the city would be in a better position to budget properly in 2021-22.

Moore said the loss of the VLT money is “fairly substantial” and credited the City’s department heads with delivering ways to cut expenses.

He warned against using unallocated cash tied to the workers’ compensation fund.

“We’ve got to be careful with that,” he said. “There’s a strong determination on my part … I needed to listen to them (staff) and to the data. We can not use those funds. They need to be there in case of claims, which could be $100,00, $200,000 or $500,000 in a single shot, and they come unexpected.”

Jankowski emphasized that Monday’s vote was just to schedule the public hearing – not to override the tax cap at this juncture.

He also made it a point to explain that the City was holding back on hiring an employee to handle additional paperwork caused by the state’s bail reform and discovery law changes and an additional school resource officer.

“We have no choice other than to take it out of reserves … and that is not a good idea,” he said.

On another front, Council members heard from Richard Unlauf, a city resident, who sought approval from the board to construct a skate park in the City and “hopefully within a City park.”

Umlauf said he has been in touch with the Tony Hawk Foundation and Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, which offer grants – one for $250,000 (a matching dollar-for-dollar grant) and another for ecological studies in the amount of $50,000.

“It’s a project that is close to me as I am one of the kids that benefitted from the previous park,” Umlauf said. “It kept me free and clear (of trouble).”

Umlauf volunteered to head a committee to look into such a project, adding that several residents have reached out to him to express their interest.

In response, Council Member Paul Viele asked about the liability to the City. Jankowski called for more information and Kathleen Briggs wanted to know more about the grant possibilities.

Moore said a skate park brings a number of different factors into play as far as insurance is concerned and was backed by City Attorney George Van Nest, who said that a skate park could add “different layers” to the insurability process.

“You need to make sure there is ample insurance and analyze the risk and cost associated with taking that on,” he said.

Council Member Rose Mary Christian suggested that Umlauf continue with his efforts and report back to Council next month.

On another matter, Moore reported that a committee formed to look into the deer overpopulation problem in the City has met twice and is looking at eight different areas or zones.

“They are looking at which ones to tackle first … to get the best bang for the buck – or probably the doe at this point,” he said, pun intended.

Press release:

“Governor Cuomo has done everything in his power to give the Democrats an advantage in this special election, but Chris Jacobs has won tough races before. We are confident that on April 28th, Western New Yorkers will choose Chris Jacobs, a conservative who will support President Trump’s agenda, end sanctuary cities and stop the socialist government takeover of healthcare that will bankrupt Medicare for seniors over Nate McMurray, who wants to impose a socialist agenda, supports Bernie Sanders’ Medicare for All scheme, opposes the border wall and supports amnesty.”

The Batavia City Council tonight voted to schedule three public hearings for 7 p.m. Feb. 24 dealing with the 2020-21 budget ordinance, including a resolution introducing a local law to override the state’s property tax cap.

The tax cap has become an issue in light of the possibility that the municipality could lose more than $440,000 in Video Lottery Terminal money from Batavia Downs Gaming as proposed in Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s tentative state budget.

City leaders are considering a 7.5 percent property tax increase (much greater that the 0.97 percent increase that was part of City Manager Martin Moore's original budget) along with spending cuts to close a projected $700,000 gap.

If adopted, the tax rate would go from $8.92 to $9.60 per thousand assessed valuation.

The other public hearings are on the budget itself – a $17.8 million general fund spending plan – and to establish new water rates (3.5 percent increase), meter fees (66 cents per quarter increase) and capital improvement fees.

Watch for more details on the discussion over the VLT and tax cap issues on Tuesday.

In other action, Council passed the following resolutions:

-- Adoption of the Genesee County 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan to serve as the City’s Hazard Mitigation Plan, a measure that would permit the City to receive federal pre-disaster mitigation funds.

-- Acceptance of a $25,481 STOP-DWI grant from Genesee County to be utilized throughout the year and a $22,500 with LaBella Associates of Rochester to facilitate the acceptance of a $300,000 New York Main Street grant as a match for private investments to undertake proposed building improvements within the Batavia Business Improvement District.

-- Sale of a 12- by 50-foot parcel of property next to Eli Fish Brewery Co. in Jackson Square for the company to expand their offerings to include outdoor dining. The sale price was $840.

-- Appointments of Lois Gerace to the Board of Assessment Review, and Council members Rose Mary Christian and Paul Viele as marriage officers to have the authority to perform wedding ceremonies.

Photo: City Council President Eugene Jankowski reads a proclamation commending retired Assistant Police Chief Todd Crossett for his 21 years of "dedicated service" and for being a "positive role model." Crossett said it always was his dream to be able to serve in law enforcement in his hometown, stating that it was an "honor and a pleasure" to be a part of the Batavia City Police Department. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

A chimney fire is reported on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation at 7748 Sand Hill Road. Alabama Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments.

The location is between Hopkins and Shanks roads.

UPDATE 4:45 p.m.: Alabama command is holding the assignment to units now on the road.

Faced with the possibility of losing out on more than $400,000 annually from Video Lottery Terminal revenue generated by Batavia Downs Gaming, the Batavia City Council has called a Special Conference Meeting at 7 tonight to consider an additional property tax increase in its 2020-21 budget.

A memo dated Feb. 5, 2020 from City Manager Martin Moore to City Council undoubtedly will trigger strong debate among Council members during their meeting at City Hall.

The regular Business Meeting that includes the setting of public hearings on Feb. 24 for the budget ordinance as well as water rates, meter fees and capital improvement fees is scheduled after the Conference Meeting.

Moore’s memo suggests that Council needs to “come up with a combination of $700,000 in cost savings and revenues to pass a sustainable budget” by reducing expenses by $350,000 and increasing the property tax levy by $350,000 from the currently proposed levels.

Doing this would require an override of the state-imposed property tax cap, which also is subject to a public hearing (that would be slated for Feb. 24).

Moore’s original proposed budget lists a tax rate increase of 0.97 percent (below the property tax cap) -- $8.92 per thousand of assessed valuation last fiscal year to $9.01 per thousand.

The revised proposal would raise the tax rate to $9.60 per $1,000 of taxable assessed value – a jump of 7.5 percent.

Originally, Moore recommended, along with the 0.97 tax levy increase, the following:

-- Using $259,100 in General unassigned funds;
-- Using $225,000 in Water unassigned funds:
-- Transferring $257,400 in unassigned funds from workers’ compensation into the General fund;
-- Reducing funding requests by $500,000 (vehicles, new positions to cover bail and discovery law requirements, capital project and equipment reserves, travel costs, etc.).

With Gov. Cuomo’s proposed budget calling for the elimination of VLT money to municipalities, the outlook has changed dramatically, Moore contends.

Moore’s memo states that after an extensive review of past City budgets, his original recommendation for the use of $257,540 unallocated cash from workers’ comp is “unsustainable.”

Toward that end, he writes that his new proposal of balancing the $700,000 burden equally between expenses and revenues “retains our ability to accomplish the following”:

-- Maintain a high credit rating and keeping the tax rate below $10;
-- Cover unexpected budget cost overruns and emergency purchases;
-- Maintain room in the budget to provide for a school resource officer, salary and benefits for all employees, and increases in repeated criminal offense due to bail reform;
-- Cover insurance-related deductibles and potential claims;
-- Assign fund to capital, retirement and/or insurance reserves;
-- Maintain lower levels of “fiscal stress” by maintaining the total General fund balance and assigned and unassigned General fund balances as a percent of gross expenditures, the cash position of the combined funds, and reducing the likelihood of operating deficits.

Press release:

Nate McMurray, the Democratic candidate in NY-27, has issued the following statement in response to Governor Cuomo calling for a Special Election today. 

“After months of uncertainty, Western New Yorkers will finally get representation in Congress," McMurray said. " It is clear that our base is fired up and ready to send a message to Washington: The people of NY-27 aren’t simply going to fall in line behind a single party while Washington robs us of our Social Security and healthcare.

"We are going to remind them that we’re not sheep -- we are farmers, veterans, and hardworking taxpayers and we deserve real representation from someone who will stand up for our working families. I’m not going to Washington for any Party or political insiders, I’m going for the people of Western New York."

Alexander Edward Seegar, 30, of East Main Street, Corfu, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful imprisonment in the second degree. He was arrested at 8:45 p.m. on Feb. 6 following the investigation of a domestic incident that occured at 2:30 p.m. that afternoon. It is alleged that Seegar acted in a manner likely to be injurious to a child under age 17 and that he prevented a person from being able to leave the incident by restraining tham. Seegar was arraigned in Village of Corfu Court and released. He is due back there on March 2. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

Thomas J. Wolcott, 35, of Buffalo Street, Bergen, is charged with second-degree harassment and obstruction. He was arrested after a disturbance at 7:10 a.m. Feb. 5 on Bank Street in Batavia. He was processed at Batavia Police Headquarters and arraigned in Batavia City Court. He was then released on his own recognizance and is due back in court on Feb. 11. The case was handled by Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Alec Roberts.

Anthony Wade Travis, 56, of South Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle without the owner's consent, and grand larceny in the third degree -- a Class D felony. He was arrested and arraigned in Le Roy Town Court on Feb. 7 for allegedly using a vehicle without permission at 7:07 p.m. on Jan. 18 in the 9300 block of South Street Road in Le Roy. Travis is due to return to Le Roy Town Court on Feb. 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Brock Cummins, assisted by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

John Patrick Cummings, 39, Dodgeson Road, Alexander, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more -- first offense; driving while intoxicated -- first offense; failure to use designated lane; failure to keep right (on a two-lane road); and failure to stop at a stop sign. Cummings was arrested at 1:37 a.m. on Feb. 5 on Ross Street in Batavia. Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis noticed a vehicle that was driving erratically and she stopped it. After an investigation, Cummings was arrested on the charges. He was issued multiple tickets and is due to be arraigned in Batavia City Court on Feb. 19. McGinnis was assisted by Officer Joshua Girvin.

Jacob M. Paige, 19, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt in the second degree. Paige was arrested after allegedly being found in the presence of a protected party at 8:11 a.m. on Feb. 4 on Bank Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Alec Roberts, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Roxanne Noeth took this picture of an eagle in the area of Lockport Road, Oakfield.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.43, down 4 cents since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.28. The New York State average is $2.63 – down 3 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.47. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.62 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.57 (down 1cent since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.64 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.59 (down 3 cents since last week)
• Rome -- $2.63 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.50 (down 4 cents since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.64 (down 3 cents since last week)

The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline is $2.43 per gallon, which is 4 cents less than last week, 16 cents less than a month ago, and 16 cents more than a year ago. Data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that a high level of gasoline stocks and low demand continue to put downward pressure on pump prices across the country.

From GasBuddy:

"The nation's gas prices continue to fall to fresh lows as coronavirus fears continue to put a choke hold on oil prices, leading to the fourth straight weekly decline in the national average," said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "All but a handful of states saw their averages decline over the last seven days, leading to plenty of smiling faces, but especially in the 21 states where at least one station is offering gasoline under $2 per gallon.

"It's impressive that in those 21 states, a total of over 10,000 stations are offering such low prices. With continued worries of economic slowdown due to the spread of coronavirus, I don't think the impact to oil is done yet, and for now, motorists are poised to see another week of falling gas prices."

Statement from State Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer:

As you may know, the federal government recently announced that it will no longer process new NEXUS applications from New York State. While this is extremely disappointing, it is not a surprise. Many senators, including myself, raised concerns with provisions of New York State’s Green Light Law, which ban the federal government from accessing DMV records.   

Despite warnings from the federal government when Green Light was being advanced, the Democrat majorities in the Senate and Assembly passed the bill. Meanwhile, the Governor dismissed warnings as nothing more than divisive, fearmongering. While the Governor continues to claim bias and point to a limited number of states that issue licenses to illegal immigrants, he fails to mention that these states do not prohibit law enforcement from accessing DMV data. Even California has agreements in place to share data with federal law enforcement. 

The federal government has sole authority and enforcement power over immigration and border security policies. If New York State decides to withhold information that federal agencies deem necessary for entry into the United States, the federal government has every right to deny travel privileges. In the end, NEXUS is a federal program and the federal government can decide who is eligible and what guidelines must be meant. If New York State chooses to pass policies that go against such guidelines, the state must accept the consequences.  

It is important to note that if you currently have NEXUS, you may not be effected immediately. However, you will not be able to renew when your current card expires. 

I am hopeful that New York State will take appropriate steps to ensure that residents again have access to NEXUS.

Teammates Jim Pursel of Batavia and Matt Balduf of South Byron were in the groove on lanes 15-16 during the Toyota of Batavia Thursday League at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia this week, with both right-handers taking their shots at a 300 game and 800 series.

In the end, they came up a bit short but only because of a couple of stubborn 10-pins.

Balduf started with back-to-back 279 games -- rolling the front nine strikes in the second game before leaving a 10-pin on his first ball in the 10^th frame.

Needing a 242 game for the 800 series, a couple of taps early in the third game prevented him from reaching his goal as he posted a 217 game for a 775 series.

Pursel began with a 227 game before catching fire in game two for a 278 game. With 505 after two games, the right-hander put together nine straight strikes to give himself a chance going into the 10^th frame.

Two strikes and five pins in the 10^th would give him 800, but unfortunately, he left a wobbly 10-pin on the first ball in the 10^th. Still, he ended the night with a 279 game and sparkling 784 series.

In other league action at Mancuso's, Roger Stone of Batavia conquered the Route 66 oil pattern used by the Turnbull Heating & Air Handicap Doubles League to the tune of a 745 series. His games were 235-244-266.

On Monday night, Dave Carlson rolled games of 269 and 277 en route to a 724 series on the last night of the Synergistic Online Solutions MNF League, while Laurie Waite popped a big 266 game in the Monday Independent Ladies League.

At Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, Rodney Jopson registered a 298 game and 740 series and Robert Manners had 278--760 in the Wednesday Men's Handicap League.

For a list of high rollers for the week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

A 23-year-old man who was released from custody in December after entering a guilty plea to stolen property charges and went on an apparent crime spree starting New Year's Day is facing new charges.

Daniel Jon Lewis, sometimes of Lima, sometimes of North Chili, also listed in arrest reports with no permanent address, has been charged with five counts of criminal possession of stolen property, 5th.

The property was allegedly stolen from vehicles in Stafford prior to Jan. 28 when the Sheriff's Office received complaints about items being stolen.

Lewis was arrested in Pavilion on Memorial Day after he and another person were found sleeping in a car that was filled with stolen property. In December, Lewis entered a guilty plea to criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree as a second felony offender and as a result, he faces a minimum prison sentence of one and a half to three years and a maximum sentence of two to four years.

However, citing the bail reform law that would be implemented in New York before sentencing, Judge Charles Zambito released Lewis from custody. Lewis would have been released from custody on Jan. 1 under terms of the bail reform law.

New accusations against Lewis for alleged crimes that took place in January:

• Stealing a vehicle on Jan. 23.
• Possession of stolen property charges from Jan. 24.
• He faces an additional 13 counts of criminal possession of stolen property from a Jan. 24 incident.
• He is being held in jail now as a suspect in a Jan. 1 robbery on Bank Street. He is also a person of interest in the theft of a Spectrum Truck and subsequent chase and foot pursuit on Jan. 25.

The Stafford crimes were investigated by Investigator Chad Minuto, Deputy Austin Heberlein, Deputy Ryan DeLong, Deputy Brook Cummins, Deputy James Stack, Deputy Chris Erion, and Trooper Hersee (first name not provided).

A possible structure fire is reported in Stafford at 8538 Route 237. A snowmobile is ablaze inside a barn where a lot of hay is stored. Stafford Fire Department is responding. The location is between Barthof and Morganville roads.

UPDATE 3:41 p.m.: Working structure fire. Byron Fire Department and ambulance are called for mutual aid, along with South Byron, Bergen, Le Roy, Bethany, Pavilion and city fire's Fast Team. The city's second platoon is called to headquarters on Evans Street. Town of Batavia Fire Department is asked to stand by in their own quarters.

UPDATE 3:55 p.m.: Alexander Fire Department is asked to stand by in Stafford's fire hall.

UPDATE 3:58 p.m.: Fire police are told to shut down Route 237 between Bartof and Morganville roads. Oakfield fire is requested to stand by in their hall for Town of Batavia fire. Elba asked to stand by in their hall for Stafford.

UPDATE 4:38 p.m.: Donny Branton told us his parents bought the property in the 1940s. The main barn was built around 1900, he says, and the barn on the south side of the property was built with wood Donny Branton's father cut into timber from trees on the land that he cut down himself. The property now belongs to Donny's son, Chad and his family.

UPDATE 4:57 p.m.: Le Roy Fire Department's Women's Auxillary requested to the scene to provide refreshments for the firefighters.

We asked each of the candidates in the NY-27 special election in April: If you represent NY-27 what will you do to ensure professional Minor League Baseball stays in Batavia?

Nate McMurray:

As your next congressman, I will work with the team, the MLB, and Batavia officials towards a solution to securing the necessary funding for the Muckdogs. Preserving cultural treasures like them here in Western New York is something we can all assist in by spreading awareness about the team to a broader regional audience, participating in team events, attending games and sponsoring group outings to the ballpark for seniors and other groups. I am also proud to promote the Muckdogs and related events on my widely viewed social media platforms.

Chris Jacobs:

“Minor league baseball teams, like the Batavia Muckdogs, are cornerstones of our communities and major drivers of local economies. I’m saddened by the prospect of the Muckdogs leaving Batavia, but I’m not going to give up. In Congress I plan to use my office to meet with the owners and MLB officials to find a workable solution so families can continue to make memories and our local economy can continue to benefit.”

Are there questions you would like to ask the NY-27 candidates that are specific to Genesee County (not national political questions, but specific to the local community): Email them to howard@thebatavian.com. We'll present the answers in the same format.

It's a hot political season in 2020. Help us cover it better by becoming a supporter. Click the button below.

"Symphonic Pictures III -- Once Upon a Time" is the third of four concerts this season performed by the Genesee Symphony Orchestra. It will be held starting at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 1 in the Elba Central School Auditorium, located at 57 S. Main St. in Elba.

The program will be:

• "Night on Bald Mountain" by Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky
• "Ma Mere 'L'Oye" ("Mother Goose Suite") by Maurice Ravel
• "Romeo and Juliet" selections by Sergei Sergeyevich Prkofiev

GSO Conductor S. Shade Zajac says the concert is intended to evoke magical storytelling through beloved pieces of music and he promises it will be "spellbinding."

"Night on Bald Mountain" for example is from Disney's animated classic "Fantasia." It depicts the spirits of darkness in celebration of "Chernobog," a Slavic deity aka "The Black God," before the sound of church bells drives them back into darkness.

"Very dramatic and maybe still a bit scary," writes Zajac in his "Message from the Maestro" to the orchestra, its board members and supporters.

The suite by Ravel is based on classic children's stories: "Sleeping Beauty," "Tom Thumb" and "Beauty and the Beast."

"It is a tour-de-force for our wind players and features everyone from the stratospheric piccolo to the grumbling contrabassoon!" Zajac says.

In the timeless ballet based on Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," some of the most famous moments will be performed musically: "The Montegues and Capulets," the balcony scene, and the tragic scene of Romeo at Juliet's grave, and more.

Concert tickets are adults $15, seniors $10, and students with ID are free.

Note that there will be a GSO raffle for a chance to win a day and overnight stay in lovely Canandaigua.

The winning ticket will treat two to fine dining at the NYS culinary arts facility -- The Restaurant & Bar at New York Kitchen (NYKitchen), right on the waters edge of Canandaigua Lake, where New York foods and beverages and the freshest seasonal produce are showcased. Stay at the postcard-perfect Bella Rose Bed & Breakfast in a beautifully appointed suite with private bath. The B&B offers "the best breakfast in Canandaigua," a three-course meal in its Victorian dining room.

Have a look-see at The Restaurant & Bar at New York Kitchen here, and the Bella Rose here.

Raffle tickets are on sale at the GSO concerts -- including the season finale concert May 3 ("Symphonic Pictures IV -- Dance"), also at Elba Central School Auditorium -- and from any board member. Raffle tickets cost $5 for one ticket; $10 for three tickets. The drawing will be held at the May 3 concert. Proceeds benefit the GSO.

The Village of Le Roy has adopted a resolution asking the state Legislature to reform its reform on how and when evidence is turned over to a criminal defendant.

The resolution, introduced by Trustee Ray Yacuzzo, was passed unanimously.

It argues in the "whereas" clauses that criminal justice reform is placing an unfair economic burden on small municipalities while acknowledging that reform was needed.

"It is widely recognized that several of the drastic changes in the laws pertaining to discovery are overly broad and vague and are having unintended consequences at the municipal level," the resolution reads.

It opposes the shortened time frame prosecutors and local law enforcement agencies have to disclose evidence and the broad expansion of information that must now be disclosed.

The changes "will have a significant cost, tax, and justice implications for cities and villages with police departments, local justice courts or code/parking enforcement departments," the resolution reads.

Not only do the changes give prosecutors only 15 days to gather and review evidence, but the law greatly expands the amount of evidence that must be turned over to the defense.

The 20-day mandate for court appearances is also an undue burden on local justice courts that are only in session once a month.

Local municipal governments are expected to bear the burden of the reforms without any assistance from the state, yet they are unable to increase revenue enough to shoulder the new expenses because of the 2-percent tax cap.

• The resolution asks for the following changes to the law:
• Ensure cities and villages are provided with financial assistance;
• Allow 60 days for prosecutors to disclose evidence;
• Exclude from accelerated discovery any charges that are not a misdemeanor or felony;
• Extend the arraignment requirement to 45 days;
• Allow prosecutors to withhold sensitive information from disclosure such as victim contact information.