John Kennedy School received the Outstanding School Award at last night's City Schools Board meeting. The school has been recognized as a school that boosts achievement for economically disadvantaged students by Better Outcomes, an educational research and consulting company in Hartsdale.  The selection was made based on demographic data and ELA Assessment results. Accepting the award, presented by Board President Pat Burk and Superintendent Chris Dailey, was Principal Paul Kesler.

Kristina Clark received the outstanding staff award. Clark was honored for her many years of dedicated teaching at Jackson School, especially her use of distance learning technology, which has taken kids to the Mariner's Museum in Virginia and a kindergarten class in Texas. She also volunteers on various school committees.

Kristen Fix received an outstanding staff award. Fix was honored for her strong ability to communicate and collaborate with parents as a kindergarten teacher at Jackson School. She also volunteers for school events, activities and committees.

Joe Husssar received an outstanding staff award. Hussar was recognized for his ability to work with at-risk students, including home visits to assist students and their guardians. Recently, he assisted a co-worker who had fallen, He rode with her to the hospital and stayed with her until her family members arrived.

Press release:

Friedrich Nietzche once said, "We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once." With great music, fine lighting, a diverse cast of more than a dozen practiced dancers and a range of choreographic styles by Tara Pocock, a Genesee Community College faculty member, "The Night of Dance" promises to be a great day found and fully appreciated. The one-show only event is scheduled Saturday, March 25 at 7 p.m. in the Stuart Steiner Theatre at the Batavia Campus. All proceeds will benefit the GCC Forum Players Theatre Group.

"This fun and family-friendly event will feature varying dance styles from jazz, hip hop, modern, lyrical, and tap," Pocock said. "It combines the talent of many and will even include an optional audience participation opportunity."

Music for "The Night of Dance" will range from Michael Jackson to Skrillex, the 90's hip hop hits to contemporary "rise up" and some "guillotine" music scores to complement multiple styles of movement. The cast includes: Tara Pocock of Batavia, Erin Korn of Brockport,

Katie Luttrell, Nicole Pritchard, Sam Hunt, Remiah Sundine, Alexis Moore, Alex Dowd,

Madison Dowd, Amanda ball and Riley McPherson-all from Churchville, Makayla Spence from Rochester, Rebecca Phelps of Bergen and members of the GCC Dance Club

Tickets prices are: General admission $8; Seniors (55+), students (16+), GCC faculty and staff $5; GCC students with a valid ID $3 and all GCC alumni with the Alumni card receive $2 off regular priced tickets. Doors open at 6:30 and there will be a 15 minute intermission during the 90 minute program.

Photos by Howard Owens

Press release:

“The phone lines at Cornell Cooperative Extension Genesee County have been down since Thursday, March 16 as we await repair of the line by the utility company. If you need to reach our office, please contact us at genesee@cornell.edu or feel free to stop by our office at 420 East Main St, Batavia during our office hours, from 8:30 am- 5 pm. Our Master Gardener walk-in hours remain the same, Monday-Friday, 10 am – 12 pm. We apologize for any inconvenience.”

Batavia High Schools annual Mr. Batavia contest is at 7 p.m., March 31, in the school auditorium.

Contestants have been in rehearsals for weeks for the annual event.

This year's contestants and their charities they are competing for: 

• Jerry Reinhart, Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation
• Dominic Brown, Iroquois Trail Council, BSA
• Campbell Anderson, Red Cross
• Casey Radka, Genesee Cancer Assistance
• Cody Dioguardi, Ricky Palermo Foundation
• Sam Bartz, Batavia VA
• Quentin Branciforte, Anna's Wish
• Ryan Bieniek, All Babies Cherished
• Casey Austin, Collin Crane Memorial
• Joe Allegue, Community Action
• Freddie Cunningham, Volunteers for Animals
• John Currier, Habitat for Humanity

Below, a few shots from rehearsal for the "swimsuit" competition.

Press release:

Darien Lake, Western New York’s largest theme park, is expanding benefits for season pass holders by increasing its free concert offerings through its partnership with Live Nation.

Season pass holders will have exclusive eligibility for a limited number of free lawn tickets to three Live Nation concerts during the 2017 season, including Third Eye Blind on June 29, OneRepublic on July 25 and Goo Goo Dolls on August 12.

“We are always looking for ways to reward our most loyal guests and increase the experience value,” said General Manager Chris Thorpe.  “What better way to do that than to increase our free concert offerings for season pass holders?”

Season pass holders will present their processed season pass at Darien Lake’s Live Nation Portal located in the park next to the Grizzly Run attraction only on the day of the concert to receive their free lawn ticket. This benefit is first-come, first-served, and only a limited number of tickets will be given out. As these concerts are Live Nation events, all Live Nation restrictions apply.

Paying for itself in just two visits, a Darien Lake 2017 season pass remains the best value available to park guests. In addition to unlimited admission all season long, season pass holders will enjoy a free souvenir mug, free tickets for friends, free parking, free concerts and other benefits if they purchase and process their pass by May 29.

For more information on season passes, concerts or accommodations, visit www.DarienLake.com.

Brian Fiorella became the first Batavia resident with TV service from Empire Access today when a work crew completed the addition of the service to his home network.

It's been a long process for Empire to get the agreements and approvals in place with the city and state to start providing TV service to Batavia residents, so Empire executive Bob R. VanDelinder was on hand for the installation.

"It's exciting for us," VanDeinder said.

Dozens of people have already signed up to start getting TV service from Empire, even though the company just started advertising its availability.

The service is entirely digital and combined with broadband service gives customers the opportunity to access the full array of home entertainment services available online and from TV networks.

"Given that it's all digital, you have great quality," VanDeinder said. "There are still systems out there that are analog, cable-type systems, so you don't have the same quality.

"Being on fiber optics allows us to provide better service uptime," VanDeinder added. "With this service we're able to provide amazing digital TV service, HD service, DVR -- whole-home DVR, and we have a watch-TV-anywhere feature, which allows you to watch TV from anywhere in the world with an internet connection."

Empire is also the only community-based cable or broadband provider in the area, which VanDeinder said helps the company provide better service. You always reach a live operator when you call customer service.

For more on local service, visit the website for Empire Access.

Erik Rindell, a technician with Empire, making the final connection for the TV service at the home of Brian Fiorella.

Justin Wing, an employee of Brian Fiorella, Steven DeWitt, Empire Access, Brian Fiorella, Bob VanDeinder, and Tom Hare, Empire access.

Fiorella owns Fiorella's Technical Services, based in Batavia. The company provides service and installation for home entertainment systems.

Kristopher Martin Driffill, 37, of Norwich Drive, Rochester, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny. Driffill was arrested at 2:46 a.m. on March 11 on Park Road in Batavia following an investigation into an incident in the Town of Batavia. The defendant allegegedly stole an amount of money exceeding $1,000 from another person at a local establishment. He was jailed in lieu of $5K cash or $10K bond and is due in Town of Batavia Court on April 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Deputy Michael Lute.

Todd F. Smith, 51, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Smith was arrested at 10:05 p.m. on March 13 at 122 Bank St., upper rear apartment, Batavia, following an investigation into an incident wherein he allegedly threatened a neighbor. He was issued an appearance ticket for March 21 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Cory Robert Lapp, 24, of Main Street, Attica, is charged with: DWI; DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or higher -- first offense; failure to yield the right of way when entering a roadway; and failure to use turn signal. At 2:18 a.m. on Union Street in Batavia, Lapp was arrested for DWI and the others charges. He was issued an appearance ticket for April 5 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Howard Wilson.

Samual D. Saxman, 19, of Sackett Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment and stalking in the fourth degree. At noon on March 19, Saxman was arrested for allegedly harassing and stalking another person on East Main Street Road, Batavia. He was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court and released on his onw recognizance. He is due in Town of Batavia Court on April 6. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jenna Ferrando, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Mark James Salven, 55, of Keeney Road, Le Roy, is charged with: DWI; DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or higher; operating a motor vehicle without inspection certificate; and driving left of pavement markings in a no-passing zone. At 4:57 p.m. on March 18, following a traffic stop on Keeney Road in the Town of Le Roy, Slaven was arrested for DWI. He was issued an appearance ticket for April 20 in Town of Le Roy Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Le Roy Police Officer Cameron Leight.

Zachary James Walsh, 23, of Route 237, Byron, is charged with operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more, DWI, and failure to keep right. Walsh was arrested at 2:07 a.m. on March 18 on Walnut Street in Batavia following a traffic stop. He was allegedly found to have a BAC of .10 percent and subsequently was issued several appearance tickets for Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Hale.

George John Budzinack Jr., 37, of Augustine Street, Rochester, is charged with: first-degree aggravated operation; DWI; refusal to take breath test; consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle; moving from lane unsafely; and unlawful possession of marijuana. At 9:19 p.m. on March 14, following the investigation of a single-car accident on Route 33 in the Town of Stafford, Budzinack was arrested for DWI and charged with offenses cited. He was issued an appearance ticket for March 21 in Stafford Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth, assisted by Deputy Cassidy Longhini.

Antonio Javier Santiago, 20, of Transit Road, Pavilion, is charged with second-degree harassment. The defendant was arrested at 11:33 a.m. on March 18 after a domestic dispute on Ellicott Street Road in Pavilion in which he allegedly grabbed a former girlfriend during an argument. He was issued an appearance ticket for April 11 in Pavilion Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Erion, assisted by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Richard L. Mosher, 50, of Zingarra Road, Conyers, Ga., is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol. He was arrested at 9:58 p.m. on March 14 on Alleghany Road, Pembroke, following a domestic incident on Route 77. He was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court, then released on his own recognizance. He is due in Town of Pembroke Court on April 11. The case has handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

Carlton L. Beardsley, 22, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 1:54 a.m. on March 10 on West Main Street, Batavia, following a shoplifting complaint at Tops Friendly Market where several alcoholic beverages were stolen. He was arrested on scene, then released on an appearance ticket for March 21 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Eric Bolles.

A 17-year-old resident of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. The youth was arrested following a complaint at Speedway, located at 204 W. Main St., Batavia, about an incident at 11:40 p.m. on Feb. 7. The youth was released on an appearance ticket for April 14 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Rajea S. Thomas, 28, of Sutorius Drive, Rochester, turned himself in at Rochester Police Dpeartment on a Batavia City Court bench warrant for failing to appear on a charge of third-degree aggravated unlicensed operator. The defendant was released on an appearance ticket for March 22 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Ahdeosun R. Aiken, 18, of Ellicott Avenue, Batavia, had an active bench warrant out of City of Batavia Court for failure to pay a fine. The fine stemmed from an incident on Feb. 9, 2016 wherein it is alleged that Aiken damaged glass at the Batavia Centre City shopping mall. The defendant was arrested without incident on March 13. After arraignment, Aiken was released after paying part of his restitution at Genesee County Probation Department. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Ghislaine Pena, 25, of Highland Park, Batavia, was arrested at 3:18 a.m. on March 11 on a bench warrant for failure to appear on an unspecified incident that occured on July 16. Pena posted $300 cash bail and was released on an appearance ticket for March 22 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels.

A driver who initially claimed she wasn't the one who struck a pedestrian in Stafford, causing the woman serious injuries, was issued traffic tickets related to the accident on Route 33 at 12:28 p.m., Sunday.

Cited was Katelyn Brown, 23, of Falling Leaf Trail, Brockport. She was also arrested on an unrelated warrant and turned over to Ogden PD.

Brown was issued tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, moving from lane unsafely and failure to use due care approaching a pedestrian.

The name of the woman who was injured was not released, but she reportedly suffered serious injuries and was transported by Mercy EMS to University of Rochester Medical Center. 

The original report was for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle with the vehicle leaving the scene, followed by a report of a car leaving the roadway, traveling into a ditch and striking a utility pole.

Brown reportedly told deputies when they first arrived that another car had struck the pedestrian and that she drove off the road when she became scared after seeing the accident.

Upon further investigation, deputies determined that Brown was the alleged driver who struck the woman with her vehicle.

The accident is being investigated by Deputy Andrew Hale, Investigator Joseph Graff and members of the Crash Management Team. 

Stafford fire assisted at the scene.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) today announced that bids for infrastructure work at STAMP -- Science, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park -- have been released. A legal notice announcing the bids will be published March 20.

The GCEDC also will host a pre-bid conference on March 29 at 10 a.m. at the MedTech Centre’s Innovation Zone so that interested parties can ask questions about specifications for the bids and other relevant information, including MWBE requirements and the Project Labor Agreement (PLA).

“We are extremely aware of the fact that the funding for the infrastructure work involves taxpayer money and as such this is going to be an extremely transparent process,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC. “We fully anticipate having shovels in the ground in a couple of months.”

Clark Patterson Lee is issuing the bids and will manage construction inspection for Phase I work for water infrastructure, including enhancements to the Town of Alabama water system. The engineering firm will also be issuing bids in the near future and managing construction inspection on roadways within the STAMP site and the main entrance off of routes 63 and 77. 

The firm will review the bids for the road and water infrastructure work and make recommendations to the GCEDC Board for approval.

Press release:

On behalf of the Jackson Primary School staff and students,  we would like to extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Father David Glassmire and Ascension Parish.

On Wednesday, March 8th, the school needed to evacuate all students quickly due to a serious house fire, across the street from the school. It was a very cold and windy morning as 350 primary students walked to the Ascension Parish parking lot in evacuation protocol.

Within minutes, students were able to enter the Sacred Heart reception hall and knew they were safe and warm. Father David welcomed us immediately and quickly supported our needs in order for the school to operate an efficient evacuation dismissal plan.   

Additionally, we would like to thank Sherry Otto who saw us coming and quickly communicated this to Father Glassmire, Dave Fasano, and the City Police Department for assisting us that morning.

The overall support from Ascension Parish is a true reflection of the wonderful and compassionate people that make up  Batavia’s community.

Diane Bonarigo/Principal

A fire alarm sounded at Woodward Memorial Library in Le Roy. No signs of smoke or fire. The library, located at 7 Wolcott St. was evacuated as well as Wolcott School. Le Roy and Pavilion firefighters are on scene. The alarm was tripped by an electrician working at the library. Pavilion is going back in service. The schoolchildren are being allowed to return to school. Le Roy will remain on scene a few more minutes.

Press release:

The Genesee County Fair announces today that 10 scholarship of $1,000 each will be awarded to current New York State high school seniors and also students enrolled in college. The New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs (NYSAAF) and the New York State Showpeople’s Association (NYSSA) sponsor the scholarships.

Qualifying students must be active at the Genesee County Fair or The New York State Showpeople’s Association. All applicants from Genesee County must submit their applications through the Genesee County Fair or the New York State Showpleople’s Association no later than Friday, April 10.

Information is available through the Genesee County Fair at (585) 344-2424, through Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, and from local high school offices. Applications must be printed and completed from the Web at www.nysfairs.org.

For more information, contact the Genesee County Fair Office at (585) 344-2424 or visiting www.gcfair.com

Press release:

On Wednesday, March 29th, Notre Dame High School will hold informational meetings to gauge community interest as they consider the addition of Boys Lacrosse and Girls Ice Hockey to their sports offerings.  

The Girls Ice Hockey meeting will be held at 6 p.m. followed by the Boys Lacrosse meeting at 7 p.m. 

Contact Mike Rapone or Wade Bianco at 343-2783 more information.

Press release:

2017 marks the 30th year that GO ART! has proudly administered the New York State Council on the Arts’ Decentralization (DEC)  Regrant Program  in Genesee and Orleans counties. This program was initiated by the NYS Legislature to offer more artistic and cultural decision-making for state monies spent at a local level.

On March 2nd , GO ART! honored 24 grant recipients from across our two-county region. This year, 20 Reach Grants have been awarded to deserving nonprofits and local government entities who will provide cultural and artistic programming to benefit the local community. In addition, one Ripple Grant has been awarded to an individual artist to create a new work, and three Spark Grants (Arts in Education Grants) have been awarded to individual artists and nonprofit organizations, providing K-12 public school students and/or senior learners high-quality artistic learning experiences.                

With the honorees and GO ART! Board and staff, Sharon White representative of Stephen Hawley, Lynne Johnson, Vice Chairperson of Orleans County Legislature, John DeFillips, of Orleans County Legislature, and Gregg Torrey, of Genesee County Legislature, were treated to a vocal performance by the Genesee Chorale and local school music teachers, Lauren Picarro-Hoerbelt and Jennifer Neroni-Trupo.

 These are the 2017 DEC recipients:

 Orleans County

• The Arc of Genesee Orleans, sponsored by Orleans County Chamber of Commerce (Open Mic & Art Show), $2,375
• Lee-Whedon Memorial Library ("Finally Fridays!"), $2,800
• Lyndonville Lions Club (Music Fun in the summer in Lyndonville), $3,800
• Orleans County Chamber of Commerce (Traveling Towpath Troubadours: Bicentennial Celebration of the Erie Canal), $5,000
• Village of Albion (Concerts on the Canal), $2,673
• Village of Holley (Concerts at Canal Park), $1,000
• World Life Institute Inc. (Voices from Earth: Pottery Experience in Orleans County), $4,908
• Yates Community Library (More Than Just Books ),  $4,400

Genesee County

• The Arc of Genesee Orleans (Art Show and Film Festival), $2,394
• Batavia Concert Band (2017 Summer Concert Series), $4,250
• Batavia Players (Summer Musical), $1,750
• Byron-Bergen Public Library (Art and Music in the Community), $2,250
• Genesee Chorale (Genesee Chorale 2017 Season), $4,000
• Batavia Players (Spring After School Program), $1,427
• Jill Pettigrew (NYS School for the Blind 150th Anniversary Permanent Ceramic Tie Mural), $3,559
• Ted Canning sponsored by Genesee Symphony Orchestra (Steel Band Residency), $1,725
• David Burke (Byron-Bergen Public Library Exterior Mural),  $2,500

If you enjoyed any of the events or public artwork created by the recipients, please note that the Decentralization Grant Program (DEC) is probably in danger of being cut or disseminated by Federal budget cuts that are being proposed. If you care about art and culture in your life at the grassroots level, let your legislators know that we need funding to continue to promote art and culture in our community.

Kelly's Holland Inn Stars beat the Bud Lite Sabres by a score of 3-1, scoring two quick goals about midway through the third period to seal the deal, in the Men's Hockey League Championship at Falleti Ice Arena this morning.

NOTE: The host for my photo site is having difficulty so the link below and the slideshow are not working right now, but I'm including the link and slideshow code so that as soon as service is restored, everything will be available.

To purchase prints, click here.

This morning's service at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Batavia was dedicated to members of the law enforcement community, to pray for them and to encourage them and to thank them for their service to the community. There were representatives at the service from the Sheriff's Office, Batavia PD and the State Police.

Pastor Allen A. Werk officiated. He is also chaplain for the Sheriff's Office.

Pastor Werk read from Joshua 1:9: "Be Strong. Be courageous. Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

His message was that God promises to be with us in whatever challenges and difficulties we face, especially those who serve.

“God is your backup," Werk said. "He has your back in every situation you face. Every call out, every domestic, every accident, every traffic stop, every disturbance, every break-in, every rescue, every crisis, every disaster, God promises that he will be with you wherever you go.”

A tractor-trailer and car collided on the eastbound Thruway by mile marker 396.9. All occupants are believed to be out of the vehicles. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

A two-vehicle collision with possible injuries is reported at Route 98 and the Thruway entrance. There was air-bag deployment. Town of Batavia fire and Mercy medics are responding. Law enforcement is on scene.

UPDATE 4:06 p.m.: Town assignment back in service.

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported in the area of 6150 Clinton Street Road. It's between Caswell Road and Route 237. Stafford Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics. Responders are told to use caution upon approach because a utility pole "may be involved."

UPDATE: Two flatbed tows are called. National Grid is responding to repair a damaged pole. Sheriff's deputies are on scene. The Crash Management Team is called in. A patient(s) was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital University of Rochester Medical Center. The Stafford fire assignment is back in service.