Submitted photo and press release:

The Batavia High School Winter Guard won First Place in Scholastic A Division at the North East Color Guard Circuit Championship on Saturday in Orchard Park.

It was their first competition since being promoted to the division.

Last spring, the Batavia High School Winter Guard won First Place in A1 class, so they were promoted to the next highest class this year -- Scholastic A.

Practices for the season began in October and the members have been working hard -- more than 12 hours per week -- to prepare for Saturday's competition.  

They took on two other groups that have been competing at the Scholastic A level for years. But at the end of the night, BHS placed first with a score of 59.75. 

The Batavia Scholastic A guard consists of 13 girls in grades seven through 12, who all have several years of marching experience. Their 2020 show is “As We Grow Together."

Batavia also has a Cadet Guard that competed in Orchard Park in Cadet class and the young ensemble scored 38.93. The BHS Cadet Guard consists of nine girls in grades four through nine and their show this year is called “Kaleidoscope.” 

Both guards are scheduled to perform in five shows before championships in March.

Batavia High will host a show at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15.

A total of 18 color guards from Western New York and Ontario, Canada, are scheduled to attend next month's event. Batavia and Medina will each have performance ensembles there and the public is cordially invited.

BHS is located at 260 State St. in the City of Batavia.

In an overtime game Saturday night, Oakfield-Alabama beat Warsaw 74-70.

Kaden Cusmano scored 18 points for the Hornets. Gaige Armbrewster scored 12, and Kam Cusmano scored 10.

Photos by Kristen Smith. For more photos, click here.

Press release from AAA: 

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.52, down 3 cents since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.26.

The New York State average is $2.69 – down 2 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.51.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.64 (no change since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.61 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.67 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.65 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Rome -- $2.67 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.58 (down 4 cents since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.69 (down 1 cent since last week)

Gas prices continue their long-awaited descent – most metro areas across the region and seeing a drop in prices at the pump while state and national prices are also down. Increased stocks and low demand have helped to push the national average lower.

As these trends continue, motorists will likely continue to see pump prices decline.

From GasBuddy:

Worry has gripped oil markets, sending the commodity plunging in value in recent weeks with downdrafts in gas prices starting to accelerate with motorists continuing to be the beneficiaries," said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"With oil prices now nearly $6 per barrel lower than a week ago and nearing their lowest level since October, there's plenty more room for the decline in gas prices to be extended again. While the national average could fall into the $2.30's before all is said and done, the downward move likely won't last much more than a few more weeks.

"For now, my advice to motorists is don't be in a rush to fill -- nearly every station nationwide will be cutting their prices in the days ahead -- but shop around if you do need to fill up and patronize the stations with the lowest prices."

Press release:

Nate McMurray, Democrat running in the Special Election in Western NY’s 27th District, today released his proposal for protecting and expanding health care for seniors, working families, rural communities and small businesses.

With a growing rural doctor shortage and many rural hospitals struggling, the high cost of health care for small businesses, entrepreneurs and so-called “gig workers,” nearly 30 million people still uninsured, and Trump’s new attack on Medicare, McMurray said the time for action is now.  

“Insurance companies and big pharma are choking our economy, making people sick and driving families into bankruptcy," McMurray said. “The cost of insurance is up, deductibles are up, and co-pays are up, and the CEOs of drug companies and insurance companies are taking home millions.

"Meanwhile, rural hospitals can’t find doctors, and Trump is getting ready to cut Medicare. The system we have isn’t working for too many people, and we need to change.” 

McMurray put a particular focus on Medicare, which provides healthcare to America’s seniors.

“Medicare is one of the great successes of our nation," McMurray said. "Before Medicare, half of all seniors couldn’t afford health insurance, now everyone is covered because taxpayers and employers put money into the system with every paycheck.

"How dare Trump and his allies threaten to cut benefits. Our seniors paid for those benefits all their lives, and as Congressman, I’m never going to let Washington break that promise."

McMurray slammed Washington’s approach to health care in general, and called out Congress members for taking corporate PAC money from the pharmaceutical and insurance industries, while protecting their profits, over helping families and small businesses.  

“It’s corrupt,” McMurray said. “Big pharma pushes cash to Congress members like they pushed opioids into our communities. The politicians they buy should be protecting us but they don’t, so we need to cure this sickness by electing people who will do the job.”

McMurray’s 4 Point Healthcare Platform includes: 

1.) Supporting rural hospitals by expanding debt forgiveness programs for medical professionals and doctors that work in rural hospitals and clinic and increasing funding for rural hospitals;

2.) Creating a single-payer health care system while protecting patients’ rights to choose their doctors;

3.) Blocking Trump’s Medicare cuts;

4.) Battling the opioid epidemic by reimbursing local hospitals and clinics for overdose treatment, and training all first responders in usage of Naloxone to save overdose victims’ lives.

 “Medical costs help cause two-thirds of all bankruptcies, and the average cost for small business for family coverage is over $20,000 per employee," McMurray said. "How many more small businesses have to go under and how many more families have to go bankrupt before we are willing to change? It’s time to break free and give Americans the health care they deserve."

Fact Check: According to the National Institute of Health, medical costs do not cause "two-thirds of all bankruptcies." The report states: " ... the magnitude of the bankruptcy effect is much smaller than previously thought: we estimate that hospitalizations cause only 4 percent of personal bankruptcies among nonelderly U.S. adults, which is an order of magnitude smaller than the previous estimates described above.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is investigating a robbery that occurred in the parking lot of Pizza Hut on Jan. 24 at approximately 7:38 p.m. The victims had gone to the lot to meet with a potential buyer of items the victims were selling online when the robbery occurred. It is believed the potential buyer is the suspect in this case.

The suspect was armed with a blunt object at the time. The victims were not injured during the incident. Further information can not be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.

The Batavia Police would like to remind citizens the Batavia Police Headquarters rear vestibule, located at 10 W. Main St., is a certified SafeTrade Station. This means members of the public wishing to buy or sell online items, can conduct the sale with the other party in a safer spot than a parking lot or house.

The vestibule area is monitored by surveillance cameras/police personnel and a direct phone connection to the Genesee County Dispatch Center is available. More information about the SafeTrade Program can be found here.

Anyone with information in reference to the case may contact: Detective Sergeant Matt Lutey at 585-345-6311, or the Batavia Police Department at 585-345-6350, the confidential tip line at 585-345-6370, or online here.

A white male who stole a Spectrum Cable pickup truck from a location in the Town of Batavia on Saturday night and then evaded capture during a pursuit on Oak Street is still at large, according to the Batavia Police Department.

The police are asking the public's assistance in identifying the suspect.

The incident began about 11:30 p.m. when the Sheriff's Office received a report of a stolen work truck.

An officer in the City of Batavia observed a white Ford F-150 with the Spectrum logo on its doors traveling on Washington Avenue.

The officer followed the vehicle onto West Main Street while confirming with dispatchers that the vehicle in question was the stolen vehicle.

The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the stolen vehicle at the intersection of Olyn Avenue and Holland Avenue. The suspect fled northbound on Holland, continuing northbound on to Oak Street before making an abrupt right turn at Charles Street.

The subject then drove through all the backyards of the houses located on the north side of Charles Street, damaging fences, vehicles and the yards.

The work truck then emerged through the driveway of 70/72 Oak St. damaging vehicles and a house. The vehicle traveled westbound across Oak striking and significantly damaging three vehicles in the driveway of 69 Oak St.

At that point, the operator then fled the area on foot.

Deputy Chris Erion and K-9 "Frankie" responded for a search of the area while state Troopers helped establish a perimeter.

Despite an extensive search, the suspect was not located.

The suspect was described by witnesses to be a white male, with long hair, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and a black backpack.

There were no reported injuries as a result of the incident. 

The Batavia PD press release suggests investigators have a possible name for the suspect but are looking for additional information to confirm the identity. Anybody with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Det. Jason Ivison. Ivison can be reached at (585) 345-6370.

The perfect game capped a 719 series on lanes 1-2 for the 29-year-old right-hander and came exactly a year after his brother, Ryan, notched his first sanctioned 300 game.

This past Wednesday at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia, Gary MacDonald of Batavia put together games of 300-269-225 for a 794 series in the Wednesday Misfits League.

McDonald, a 37-year-old right-hander, now has two 300 games and two 800 series to his credit.

Also at Mancuso's, Nate Cordes shook off a 174 start to post 267 and 300 for a 741 series in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday Night League. That's the fifth 300 game for the powerful right-hander.

At Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, veteran bowlers Larry Bateman of Byron and Scott Gibson of Oakfield were red-hot in the Wednesday Men’s Handicap League.

Bateman just missed an 800 series – shooting a 263 game and 782 series – while Gibson wasn’t far behind with a 268 game and 769 series.

At Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, Ryan Hanks registered a 298 game and 728 series to lead the Sneezy's Monday Night League.

For a list of high scores throughout the Genesee Region last week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

A light amount of heavy, wet snow is falling in Batavia and the roads are getting slick.

At about 8:35 p.m., a vehicle failed to negotiate a curve in Ganson Avenue and slid into a tree. City fire and Mercy EMS were called to the scene to evaluate a pregnant woman who was riding in the backseat.

Officer Mark Lawrence said City DPW has been notified of road conditions and are expected to start treating roadways.

Here at The Batavian, we go out at night to find out what's going on so you don't have to. Help us do more to inform you about what's going on in your community by becoming a supporter.

Press release:

Amid the unpredictable spread of the potentially fatal coronavirus, which has already been confirmed in three cases domestically, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer revealed today (Jan. 26) that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot access a special federal funding account known as the "Infectious Disease Rapid Response Reserve Fund" until the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), led by Secretary Alex Azar, officially declares a “public health emergency” related to the coronavirus.

Schumer made the case to affirm this emergency declaration and further revealed that in the recent budget deal he just negotiated, he was able to increase the very account relevant to combatting the coronavirus from $50 million to $85 million.

“If we have learned anything from the risks that new viruses pose to public health it is that a ‘stitch in time saves nine,’ and the more we can do to be proactive, the better off the public will be,” Schumer said.

“The CDC has been doing a tremendous job so far at being proactive and working around the clock to protect public health, but if we are going to make sure they can sustain this pace and remain at-the-ready should the outbreak get worse, they will need immediate access to critical federal funds that at the present time they remain unable to access.

"That is why, today, I am urging HHS to follow the CDC’s proactive lead: declare a formal public health emergency for the coronavirus. In doing so, HHS will unlock tens of millions for the CDC to access.”

Schumer explained that in the recent budget deal he just negotiated, he and Representative Nita Lowey, the chairwoman of House Appropriations Committee, were able to increase the account needed to combat the coronavirus from $50 million to $85 million.

Schumer explained exactly what the Infectious Disease Rapid Response Reserve Fund dollars will help the CDC achieve.

“The critical thing about these specific dollars is that the CDC has full discretion," Schumer said. "The agency can use them for whatever activities it deems appropriate, so long as they inform Congress. This kind of flexible funding needs to be unlocked now should this outbreak worsen."

Schumer said the dollars could also be used by the CDC for, amongst other things:

• Epidemiological activities, such as contact tracing and monitoring of cases;
• Additional or enhanced screenings, like at airports;
• Support for state, local, and tribal health departments;
• Public awareness campaigns
• Increased staffing.

Schumer explained that the sole purpose of his push today is to ensure the feds have the dollars necessary to wage a proactive and ongoing war against this developing outbreak. Even though the current risk to the American public remains low, Schumer said the federal funds must be unlocked now so that the CDC has them at-the-ready.

He added that, thus far, the CDC’s work has been critically important and that the agency will need immediate access to more funds if coronavirus continues to infect more Americans. He made the case for the emergency declaration as he detailed what happens next at the federal level amid this developing outbreak.

Schumer also confirmed today that a SUNY Stony Brook professor, who was visiting family in Wuhan, China, has been unable to return to the United States as a result of China’s lockdown. Schumer said today that he has worked with the State Department and Embassy officials to ensure the SBU professor is in constant contact with U.S. officials. Schumer said the United States is working on arranging a flight home for the SBU professor.

The novel coronavirus (termed “2019-nCoV” by CDC) can cause a wide range of symptoms, from those similar to the common cold to more severe respiratory illness that can be fatal. There is currently no direct cure-all, but a vaccine is currently under development at the National Institutes of Health.

According to the Washington Post, Chinese officials first detected this new strain of the virus on Dec. 31 in Wuhan, China. They initially linked it to an unsanitary food market where seafood and mammals were sold for human consumption. Scientist said people who were sickened were likely to have eaten something infected with the virus.

To date, there are nearly 2,000 confirmed cases in China, more than 50 reported deaths, and confirmed cases across 10 countries. The first case in the United States, discovered in Washington State, was confirmed on Jan. 21^st, and there have been reports of a second case in Illinois and a third in California.

In response to this outbreak, travelers from Wuhan, China are being screened for symptoms associated with the virus at five U.S. airports, including JFK. Additionally, China has placed travel restrictions on several cities and banned large public gatherings in an attempt to contain the virus.

To protect against infection, the CDC recommends basic hygiene techniques such as frequent hand washing, staying hydrated, and coughing into one’s arm or a tissue. If there’s a fear of animal transmission, CDC officials urge people to wash hands after contact with animals and thoroughly cook any meat before consumption.

Press release:

Yesterday, the county chairs held a closed-door meeting to pick career politician Chris Jacobs for the GOP ballot in the special election. This decision does not reflect the voice of the voters of NY27. Jacobs has voted to raise taxes and fees, funded planned parenthood, has been weak on the Second Amendment and voted to provide free college tuition. As a Republican in name only, he is the wrong fit for the constituents in the reddest district in New York State. 

As the true conservative, our message has resonated with voters. In six short days, we had over 2,500 voters sign our pick Parlato petition. Our campaign has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, our grassroots continue to build and we are gaining momentum as our movement continues to motivate and excite voters throughout the district.

We believe the voters deserve to have their voices heard. Therefore, we will continue our campaign and look forward to winning the Republican nomination in the June primary.

A two-car, head-on, minor-injury accident is reported in the area of 3325 Broadway Road, Alexander.

The accident is partially blocking the roadway.

Alexander fire along with Mercy EMS dispatched.

Jared Chick was named Firefighter of the Year for the Le Roy Volunteer Fire Department at the department's annual awards and installation dinner on Friday night, held at the Stafford Fire Hall.

Le Roy responded to 289 alarms in 2019.

Craig Johnson was issued the Medal of Valor for rescuing a woman from an early morning house fire in May 2019.

Rick Bater, past chief

The installation of fire fighters; Joe Orlando, left, Josh Fendler, right. 

Tim Yaeger administers the oath of office for Le Roy's officers and board members.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Water Department is on location of a water main break in front of 185 Pearl St. The water will be turned off on Pearl Street from 100 Pearl to the western City line.

We appreciate your understanding while this repair is being made. City crews will make every attempt to restore water as soon as possible.

UPDATE 6:30 p.m.: Water service has been restored.

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Press release:

State Senator Chris Jacobs received the Republican nomination for the special election to Congress from Western New York’s now-vacant 27th Congressional District seat.

 “I’m honored by this opportunity and I want to thank the county chairs and my fellow candidates,” Jacobs said. “Western New York needs a strong advocate in Congress who will stand with President Trump and get results for the American people.”

“Governor Cuomo is doing all he can to hand this seat to the Democrats, but I’m prepared for the fight,” Jacobs said. “I’ve got a track record of winning tough races and delivering real results for this community and we’ll win this race by focusing on strengthening the future of Western New York by creating an environment for job growth, defending our borders and preserving our shared values and ideals.” 

About Chris Jacobs
Chris Jacobs is a conservative reformer, small businessman and New York State Senator representing Erie County in Western New York. First elected to the Senate in 2016 and re-elected in November of 2018, Chris has been a strong voice for Western New York, fighting against policies driven by New York City political interests that are harmful to the region. He has also been a strong advocate for government reform. The first piece of legislation Chris introduced in the Senate was term limits for all state elected officials.

Prior to his election to the Senate, Jacobs was the first Republican clerk elected in Erie County in 40 years. As county clerk, Jacobs was credited with reforming the operations of the Office’s Real Estate Division, which had fallen into dysfunction. Jacobs drove dramatic efficiencies and revenues throughout the Clerk’s Office without increasing the number of employees. He was also credited with building the clerk’s “Thank A Vet” Program, now the largest veterans discount program of its kind in the entire state. As clerk, he also ran Erie County’s Pistol Permit Division, where he received an accommodation for his strong defense of Second Amendment rights, especially during the passage of the New York SAFE Act.

A small business owner, Jacobs is the founder and owner of Avalon Development. Founded in 2002, Avalon has redeveloped many vacant and historic buildings in Western New York. Chris has received numerous awards for bringing older buildings and the communities around them back to life. His projects have focused on providing unique and affordable space for small businesses to thrive. Jacobs’ business experience is one reason he believes that small business creation and growth is critical to the region’s comeback.

Jacobs' first job after college was working in Washington, D.C., for former Buffalo Congressman and Buffalo Bills quarterback Jack Kemp. In 1994, Jacobs returned home to Western New York to start the BISON Scholarship Fund, a charity that raised donations to help send children to private and religious schools. BISON will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary this fall, over that time providing scholarships for more than 20,000 children throughout Western New York. Jacobs believes that all children in America, no matter their income or their address, deserve an education of the highest quality.

Jacobs grew up in Western New York. He is married to Martina Jacobs and they have a daughter, Anna. He is a graduate of Boston College and has an MBA from American University in Washington, D.C., and a law degree from SUNY Buffalo.

Both Elba and Byron-Bergen went into Friday's girls basketball games with only a single loss each. Of course, only one team could leave the court with only one loss. In this case it was Elba, now 13-1, who came out on top, 54-43.

The Lady Bees are now 10-2.

For Elba, Brynn Walczak scored 17 points. Leah Bezon scored 15 and Lauryn Engle, nine. Taylor Augello and Maddie Muehlig has seven each.

Julianna Amesbury socred 21 for Byron-Bergen and Kelsey Fuller scored 16.

Also in girls basketball on Friday night:

• Pembroke beat Wheatland 47-36
• Batavia fell to HFL 50-43

In boys basketball:

• Batavia beat HFL 66-55
• Le Roy beat Dansville 75-65
• Perry beat Pavilion 55-41

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! You have the right to a safe workplace. Federal laws state that your employer must provide a work area with no known health or safety hazards. You also have the right to: 

Daniel Jon Lewis, 23, of Genesee Street, Lima, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny. Lewis was arrested Jan. 23. He is accused of stealing a vehicle from the 5000 block of Clinton Street Road in Batavia at 8:39 a.m. on Jan. 3. He was issued an appearance ticket for Feb. 6 in Town of Batavia Court, at which time he will be arraigned. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator Chad Minuto.

Jennifer Ann Clarke, 22, of Beckwith Drive, Pembroke, is charged with stalking in the fourth degree and second-degree aggravated harassment. She was arrested Jan. 23. She is accused of sending several text messages and making several phone calls to an individual after being told to stop contacting that person. Clarke was arraigned in Pembroke Town Court on Jan. 23 and then was released under supervision of Genesee Justice. Clarke is due in Pembroke Town Court again on Feb. 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.