Photo submitted by JoAnne Meiser.

Press release:

Travis Sick has recently joined Tompkins Bank of Castile as Branch Manager in the Arcade office. In his new role, he is responsible for overseeing daily operations of the branch, staff development and customer care. In addition, he also oversees business development for Tompkins, focusing on gaining new customers and retaining existing ones.

Prior to joining Tompkins, Sick worked three years as the Director of Game Day Operations & Special Events for the Rochester Red Wings and nine years as General Manager of the Batavia Muckdogs. In those roles, he was responsible for business development, overseeing operations and outside events, as well as providing a high level of customer service.

“We are pleased to welcome Travis to our growing community banking team,” said Diane Torcello, senior vice president, Community Banking. “He will ensure that we continue to provide the highest level of customer service while creating mutually beneficial financial relationships with small business customers. He will truly be an asset to our team.”

Sick earned a bachelor’s degree in sports management and business management from St. John Fisher College. He currently resides in Corfu.

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.19, up 1 cent from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.65. The New York State average is $2.26 – down a penny since last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.74. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.21 (no change since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.23 (no change since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.20 (no change since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.25 (no change since last week)
• Rome -- $2.32 (no change since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.19 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.32 (up 1 cent since last week)

In a recent report, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) noted a slight uptick in demand from 8.48 million barrels per day to 8/52, which pushed the national average price up by one penny. Meanwhile, local prices remain flat. With low pump prices and fall colors beginning to show, many travelers will be tempted to take fall getaways to enjoy the foliage.

From GasBuddy:

"Higher oil prices caused most states to see gas prices inch higher, with the national average rising ever so slightly in the last week, breaking its three week streak of declines," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "However, the rise is likely temporary as oil prices that had pushed higher gave up their gains last week and closed near the low-side of the range they've been in for quite some time.

"According to Pay with GasBuddy data, gasoline demand declined again last week, falling nearly 1 percent from the prior week, largely in line with expectations as we head into the first full week of fall. While the Atlantic is finally silent -- likely temporary -- really the only upside we could see over the coming months would be borne out of hurricane season, or if a COVID-19 vaccine proves successful in pushing demand back closer to normal."

Attica author Rob Thompson has released his 17^th book, but only his second historical fiction. "Candle in the Rain" is the story of the 1997 Genesee County homicide of Ann Rippel (inset photo, right).

Her body was found in the Little Tonawanda Creek near Brookeville and Creek Roads in Bethany. No arrest has ever been made and Ann’s case has been labeled cold for many years.

“I’ve been working on a book about Ann’s case for a couple of years now,” Thompson said, “I had to be very careful, I was limited in what information I could access, and I remained in touch with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department along the way to make sure I wasn’t jeopardizing an active investigation.

“Above all I wanted to be respectful to Ann and to her family; so historical fiction seemed to be the best way to go. I don’t deviate from known facts of the case, but I do incorporate some fictional elements around those publicly known facts.”

Thompson uses vivid imagery in telling his own personal story and that of Rippel's.

“I found it a good opportunity to share with my readers aspects of our lives they may not know,” Thompson said. "Poets, balladeers, and purveyors of prose have bemoaned at how close their protagonists have been during the layout of damnable syntax. I’ve been personally close to many things in life, so close at times. I’ve been close to winning, close to losing, close to God and awfully close to His rival.” 

“In my opinion, the investigating officers are and have been very close to solving this case, I believe it comes down to just one or two things or even just one long-silent voice stepping forward. I wanted the readers to know Ann was a very real person and not a just a dusty file folder…for example what might she had said to her family if she had been given a chance.

“Perhaps she would have something like this…

“If tomorrow starts without me…if the sun should rise and find your eyes filled with tears for me; I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the way you did today…God looked down and smiled at me. He said, your life on Earth has passed, but here, life starts anew. You have been forgiven and now at last are free.”

Thompson said, “I conclude the book with my providing a behavioral profile on a possible suspect to the family. My background in psychology and literary psychoanalytical criticism aids me during such pursuits. Based on studying the scene, the public information on the crime and after interviewing Ann’s family my detailed profile concludes with the labeling of the possible suspect as a sociopath.

Because of COVID-19, there may be no public signings, the book is available on Amazon (paperback, $9.29) and if anyone knows anything about Rippel’s case, or have heard about what may have happened during that April in 1997 please call the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department.

Press release: 

New York Council on Problem Gambling is hosting the 2020 Annual Conference VIRTUALLY. This year, we’re bringing the conference to YOU! We’re offering 20 hours of LIVE problem gambling education for only $20.

All sessions will take place on Oct. 8th and 9th.

Just because we can’t meet in person doesn’t mean we can’t see each other and connect. We’re excited to be offering networking sessions and online tools to support attendees and presenters who want to connect virtually.

Join your local Western NY Problem Gambling Resource Center staff, Jeffrey Wierzbicki and Angela DiRosa for 20 hours of virtual problem gambling education and partnership building. Check out all the exciting training and networking opportunities we are offering at this year's conference; attending is easier than ever!

Click here for more details! 

Or email: WesternPGRC@nyproblemgambling.org for a registration link.

The Huntington's Disease Society of America's (HDSA) New York/New Jersey Region will be hosting the Upstate NY Virtual Team Hope Walk on Sunday, Nov. 1.

HD is a fatal genetic disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain. In New York, the total HD population is more than 19,000.

Team Hope is HDSA’s largest national grassroots fundraising event. Thousands of families, friends, coworkers, neighbors and communities walk together each year to support HDSA's fight to improve the lives of people affected by Huntington's disease (HD) and their families.

A virtual walk is a real walk, but on your terms: You get to choose your own course, you can walk in your driveway, neighborhood, in your house and even on treadmill! 

Justin Gugel shared this photo of himself and a 34-inch, 11-pound pike he caught yesterday at the DeWitt Recreation Area.

Press release:

In response to President Trump’s announcement that he has nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court, Nate McMurray, the Democratic candidate in New York’s 27th Congressional District, released the following statement: 

“A mere week after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s passing, the Trump administration speeds forward with its plan to install another extremist ideologue on the Supreme Court by Election Day in November, flouting the Constitution yet again in the process. 

“All this so the Republican party can cruelly do away with protections for preexisting conditions and go after women's health and protections for minority communities. Over 204,000 Americans are dead, seven million more infected and at risk of long-term effects of COVID-19.

"Over 40 million Americans are out of work and 12 million lost their health insurance since March. It is unconscionable that President Trump would choose a nominee who will deliver the death blow to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and rip health care away from millions of people during a deadly pandemic.

After Justice Ginsburg’s passing, I said that Trump’s choice for the nomination would unravel Justice Ginsburg’s legacy of protecting choice and equality. Sadly, I was correct. And the hyper-political nature of this moment puts on full display his utter contempt for the American judicial system and the confirmation process. 

“There is no doubt that Trump will, if allowed to stack the highest court in the United States, ask them to overturn the ACA, including its protections for people with preexisting conditions. If Trump has his way, complications from COVID-19, on top of conditions like cancer, diabetes, and pregnancy, will become preexisting conditions that allow families to be denied healthcare coverage.

“My opponent, who has only known a life of wealth and privilege, including lifelong access to excellent healthcare, has already signaled his support of Trump’s nominee. Chris Jacobs has no idea what it is like to be unemployed or struggling, without health insurance, in a health crisis. I do. The voters do. God help us."

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is putting out the following statement following the President’s nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court today.

“Today the President fulfilled his constitutional obligation and put forth his nomination to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court created by the death of Justice Ginsburg," Congressman Jacobs said. "Judge Amy Coney Barrett is highly qualified, well respected, and has a record of upholding the Constitution.

"While the House of Representatives has no formal role in the confirmation process, I urge my colleagues in the Senate to give Judge Barrett a fair, swift and respectful consideration."

JoAnne Meiser shared these photos of last evening's sunset and the reflection of the moon on a pond.

The M&T Bank branch at 1 E. Main St., in the Village of Corfu, is closing its lobby and offices but keeping its ATM, according to a spokeswoman for the company.

Customers were informed on Friday, according to Julia Berchou, VP, public relations for M&T.

"We have no plans to close any other branches in Genesee, Orleans or Wyoming County," Berchou said.

Customers can also bank by phone (1-800-724-2440), online at www.mtb.com, and via Apple and Android mobile apps.

Berchou said bank staff at other nearby branches are available for virtual meetings with customers.

In addition, team members at nearby branches are also available to meet virtually with customers.

The decision to close the branch was difficult, Berchou said but the closure will help improve efficiency and help the bank serve customers where they are located.

"From banking online or by phone to scheduling branch appointments—customers have greater access to the bank than ever before," Berchou said. "And because our customers’ needs and the ways they bank with us constantly change, we continually evaluate where our branches are located and how we can deliver the best value and convenience to our customers."

A Jeep has reportedly hit a tree in the area of 215 Bloomingdale Road, Basom.

One person reportedly has a head injury.

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 9:26 p.m.: Alabama back in service. The scene is turned over to State Police.

Photo taken yesterday evening on Ellicott Street in Batavia behind the Save-A-Lot.

Frank Capuano shared this photo of last night's sunset that he took in Stafford.

Submitted photos and press release:

Eugene Jankowski Jr. of Batavia finished First Place in the Production Division for the match/season and Fourth Place overall at the New York State Precision Rifle Series 2020 grand finale, held Sept. 19 at the Olean Rod and Gun Club.

The 11-stage match challenged competitors to hit numerous different sized steel targets from 300 to 600 yards, off of various obstacles and from awkward shooting positions.

Jankowski also won the first stage of the “Accu-shot One Shot Challenge,” which required the first shot of the match to be fired at a playing card from 100 yards away.

“When I made a near perfect shot on the first shot of the match, I just knew it was going to be a great day!” Jankowski said.

Jankowski now qualifies to be invited to the Northeast region finale, which is scheduled to be held early October in Ohio. If he does well at the regional, then it’s off to the national match mid-December in Oklahoma.

Welcome home to 32 Porter Ave., Batavia.This home features 4 bed 1 bath updates include: Brand new electric this year, roof 2019, hot water 2017, high efficiency furnace 2017. Walking distance to all major amenities in Batavia with local parks the neighborhood. 32 Porter is ready for you to move in and add your personal touch! OPEN HOUSE this Sunday 9/27 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Call Sunny today (585) 813-2445. Click here for more information on this property.

While V.J. Gautieri Constructors Inc. is focused on completing as much exterior work as possible before the snow flies, Save-A-Lot management is overseeing an upgrade to the interior of the store at 45-47 Ellicott St.

Such is the current status of the Ellicott Place project, a $2.3 million renovation of the supermarket that will include 10 market rate apartments on the second floor.

Victor Gautieri, project developer, on Friday said that crews have created a new entry vestibule, with placement moved to the east along the north wall, facing the Court Street Plaza parking lot.

“That allows us room to construct our entrance to the elevator that accesses the second-floor apartments,” he said.

Gautieri said that Save-A-Lot is closed for “some pretty extensive remodeling on the inside of the store.” He believes the store has set a reopening date of Oct. 2.

“(They’re) painting and decorating as well as a lot of mechanical upgrades – coolers and freezers and systems of that nature for their operation,” he said.

The interior enhancements are part of Save-A-Lot's effort to upgrade its branding, Gautieri said.

“They’ve rolled out a different look – reorganizing how the groceries are stocked and the flow of traffic within the stores,” he said. “New signs will be going up as well as a different kind of a logo that will be in place as soon as we are finished completing the work on the front canopy.”

Gautieri said he is hoping to have all construction done by the end of April, weather permitting.

The project, part of the City of Batavia’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award, will feature seven one-bedroom and three two-bedroom apartments on the vacant, 11,600-square-foot second floor, and includes the development of 18,000 square feet of first-floor commercial/retail space.

Other improvements include a two-stop interior elevator, two stairwells, new exterior windows, doors, veneers and roof membrane.

The Save-A-Lot grocery store occupies around half of the ground floor.

Gautieri said his company plans to “roll out some advertising on the apartments by the end of the year,” with the goal of getting some preopening leasing in place.

“We’ve been receiving phone calls, wondering what the status of the project is and what the apartments will be like,” he said. “We want to try to get ahead of the curve and get things ready to go as soon as construction is done and we’ve got a certificate of occupancy in hand.”

Ellicott Place and the Ellicott Station mixed-use redevelopment venture across the street will provide a much-needed boost for that section of the city, Gautieri said.

“It’s going to be good for – we’ll call it the Southside, which has lacked any real new projects or anything of that nature,” he said.

Photo: View of the location of a new entry vestibule (boarded up), which will provide access to the elevator leading to second-floor apartments upon completion of the Ellicott Place project at the Save-A-Lot grocery store on Ellicott Street. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Previously: Planning boards to consider Ellicott Place residential/commercial venture special use permits