Press release:

The Alexander Fire Department is hosting a All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast with the Easter Bunny! It is this Sunday, March 25, 8 a.m. to noon at the Alexander Fire Department Recreation Hall. It is located at 10708 Route 98, Attica.

Menu will be pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, ham, sausage, bacon, sausage gravy and biscuits, home fries, fruit, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juice and real maple syrup!

The Easter Bunny will be there along with an indoor bounce house, coloring contest, face painting and 50/50 raffle.

Adults: $10; Children (5-12): $5; Under 4 eat free!

Please join us for some Easter Fun with Bunny!

Press release:

County Treasurer Scott German told members of the Legislature on Wednesday that he's somewhat surprised that Standard & Poor's has continued Genesee County's slightly downgraded credit rating because of a "weak economy."

He said he disagreed with the assessment.

"For some reason, they say we have a very weak economy here," German said. "I don’t get that."

The county's rating is AA-, which has been the case for awhile now. The minus after AA indicates the county is a slightly worse credit risk than other agencies with an AA rating. The highest rating is AAA.

A credit risk assessment, or bond rating, effects the cost of borrowing money, such as it needs for water projects or is likely to need for a new jail.

The county fares well as a credit risk because of good management, budgetary performance, strong budgetary flexibility, very strong liquidity, and low debt load.

The county's credit risk outlook for new municipal bonds is "stable," according to the report.

It's the "very weak economy" that is dragging the credit rating down, according to the report.

S&P's report says that the buying power of county residents is 83.2 percent of the national level with a per-capita market value $49,542.

"Overall, the county's market value grew by 2.1 percent over the past year to $2.9 billion in 2018," the report states.

The report does note that while income is below state and national averages, the county's unemployment rate is also traditionally lower and that remains true.

The county's tax base has increased modestly and consistently over the past five years.

There is unrealized hope for growth through the county's economic development efforts, the report states, particularly with STAMP -- Science, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park -- the 1,250-acre nano-tech business park under development in Alabama.

"However, given its early stages of development, it remains to be seen if these industries will relocate to the county," the report states. "One company recently changed its decision to move to the park."

The report also takes note of the $10 million allocated by the state for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and the expansion of the HP Hood facility in the Genesee Agri-Business Park as positive signs for the future.

"Given the modest amount of development still ongoing, we do not expect the tax base to experience any negative pressure in the near term," the report states.

Robert Edwin Ratcliffe, 38, of South Main Street, Castile, is charged with burglary, 3rd, grand larceny, 4th, and criminal mischief, 3rd. Ratcliffe is accused of smashing at window of Batavia Cycle Center, 4988 E. Main Street Road, Batavia, in order to gain entry to the building and then stealing a dirt bike during the overnight hours sometime between May 23 and May 25. The case was investigated by Investigator Christopher Parker, Deputy Chad Cummings, Investigator Jame Diehl, Chief Deputy Joseph Graff and DEC Officer Richard Rauscher. Ratcliffe was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court upon his arrest and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Alex S. Dumbleton, 24, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Dumbleton allegedly threatened another person at 4:44 p.m. Monday at a location on Franklin Street, Batavia.

Leon W. Johnson, 34, of South Main Street, Albion, is charged with stalking, 3rd, stalking, 4th, and endangering the welfare of a child. Johnson allegedly threatened injury to another person and caused harm to another person's mental and emotional health in an incident reported Monday. He was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Arlena G. Cox, 57, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Cox is accused of stealing $62.53 in makeup and soda from Tops Friendly Market.

Otha E. Rivers III, 37, of Lakeshore Drive, Canandaigua, was arrested on a warrant stemming from an illegal parking ticket. Rivers appeared in City Court, entered a guilty plea, and paid a fine.

Steven P. Lee, 35, of Warsaw, is charged with DWI, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, possession of a hypodermic instrument, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Lee was stopped at 7:55 p.m. Wednesday on Route 33, Stafford, by State Police.

An accident with possible injuries and airbag deployment is reported at Galloway Road and Lewiston Road, Batavia.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 7:50 a.m.: One of Town of Batavia's engines can go back in service. A chief says they're all set with what is on scene.

Press release:

The Genesee Community College Foundation is proud to announce its 2017 and 2018 Alumni Hall of Fame inductees. The entire community is invited to join us at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28, in the Conable Technology Building at One College Road in Batavia for the induction ceremony.

Candidates for the Alumni Hall of Fame are nominated by friends, family, colleagues or other associates.

Each of the selected honorees has made impactful contributions to their profession and has provided distinguished service to the community and/or Genesee Community College. The GCC Alumni Hall of Fame, which is located on the second floor of the Conable Technology Building, boasts honorees from a wide variety of industries and backgrounds.

Each of these outstanding GCC graduates has made a lasting impact on their communities and earned this honor. We are proud to welcome the following to the Alumni Hall of Fame:

2017 Inductees

George Walker IV, '98, SVP of Creative Development, Dynamic Attractions

James Branciforte, '80, CEO Lifetime Assistance Inc.

2018 Inductees

Georgann Carrubba, '03, President and CEO, Tencar

Scott Gardner, '98, President and CEO, Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce

The complete list of Hall of Fame members is available at www.genesee.edu/alumni/HallofFame/.

The Alumni Hall of Fame Induction is free and open to the public. GCC welcomes all Hall of fame members, GCC alumni, and of course, the friends and family of our newest inductees to attend this celebration.

Press release:

Byron-Bergen Central School District has named three alumni to the district’s Hall of Fame for 2018. Jacqueline Mullen (1972), Michael List (1978), and Kimberly (Thompson) McLean (2000) join the ranks of other distinguished Byron-Bergen alumni honored with a place in the Alumni Hall of Fame for their achievements after graduation.

The 2018 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Wednesday, March 28, at 6:30 p.m. in the Byron-Bergen High School Auditorium.

The Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes the accomplishments of the district’s graduates. It provides young people with positive adult role models and shows that graduates of Byron-Bergen can achieve high levels of accomplishment in their lives. This honor is in its 15th year and has become part of the school district culture. It is a permanent reminder to students about the outcome of hard work and diligence.

Jacqueline A. Mullen (Class of 1972)

Editor of the school newspaper, member of National Honor Society/Student Council, and American Field Service (AFS) exchange student, Mullen was active in sports and music activities at Byron-Bergen HS. She received her bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies and Spanish from Hartwick College and her master’s degree in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University.

Mullen has lived and worked in Puerto Rico for more than 39 years. She currently serves as vice chancellor of Sponsored Research and Programs for Universidad del Turabo, and is active as a consultant in organizational development and fundraising. She was the executive director at the Puerto Rico Farm Bureau (1991-95) and the community economic development director at Progressa (1996-2000). She has never stopped learning and holds numerous certifications and affiliations with professional organizations. Her family includes husband Eladio, daughter Natalena, four stepchildren, and 14 grandchildren.

Mullen says she is proud of the educational opportunities she received at Byron-Bergen that served as a foundation for all her endeavors. Her dedication to family, friends, community, and profession make her an excellent role model for the students of Byron-Bergen.

Michael List (Class of 1978)

While attending Byron-Bergen, List participated in National Honor Society, the AFS Exchange Program, chorus, Jr. Olympics, JV and Varsity wrestling, 4-H and several other clubs and organizations.

After graduating, he worked for the Bergen Canning Factory, Edward O’Ingerick Inc. of RIT Housing Developments, and Victor Furniture. He joined the staff of Byron-Bergen CSD in the Maintenance/Buildings and Grounds Department in 1984, working his way up to the leadership role of director of facilities. He retired from the District in 2017.

List is an active community member. He has held many volunteer positions in Victory Baptist Church, and taken several mission trips, including one to Haiti. After many class hours and counseling, he received certification as a Biblical Counselor in 2013. He has raised four children with his wife Marsha, and has several grandchildren.

List sets a wonderful example for students as someone who always lends a hand, gives 110% to his alma mater, church and community, and remains true to faith and family.

Kimberly (Thompson) McLean (Class of 2000)

During her time at Byron-Bergen, McLean was her class’s Salutatorian. She participated in track, volleyball, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Future Teachers of America, and many other activities. She was a Genesee County Fair Queen contestant and a cheerleader.

McLean graduated from Geneseo State College in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Mathematics. She received her master’s degree from Geneseo in 2008. She has volunteered with several local organizations and received many scholarships and accolades including membership in Pi Mu Epsilon National Mathematics Honor Society, Phi Eta Sigma, and the Golden Key International Honor Society.

Currently teaching math at Spencerport High School, McLean was awarded Teacher of the Year (2010), received The Golden Apple Award (2016), been class advisor, coached Jr. FLL Robotics, been an intern advisor for National Honor Society, coached Powder Puff Football, and taught summer school.

McLean’s passion for teaching, dedication and hard work make her an excellent role model for our youth.

All three inductees will spend the day of March 28 visiting with Byron-Bergen students and sharing how their school experience influenced their lives. Inductees will receive their Alumni Hall of Fame plaques during the school’s National Senior Honor Society induction ceremony that evening.

Is there anything better than the feeling of working with your hands? Of crafting, creating, and unleashing your creativity? We think not. March is Arts Awareness Month in Genesee County, so there’s no better time to get crafty!

Whether you want to dig in and create something yourself, or be inspired by those who do, we’ve rounded up the best places in Genesee County to celebrate art, artists and Arts Awareness Month.

1. GO ART! The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council, a.k.a. GO ART!, is a community organization that promotes art and culture and provides a range of opportunities for new and local artists. They’re also the sponsor of Arts Awareness Month! Since 1962, GO ART has been dedicated to the growth and promotion of artists and making art an integral part of everyday life. They hold classes, exhibitions, educational seminars and more. Check out their call for artists, classes and events, and more on their website.
2. Fired Up Ready to Paint Ceramics.  Located on Ellicott Street, Fired Up is the go-to place for all your ceramics needs. Stop by and paint a squirrel, elephant, plate, or whatever strikes your fancy! All ceramics are handmade by the owners in their home and brought to the shop for your painting pleasure. Guests are welcome to stay and paint or take the item home to decorate there. You can also bring your own paints, so each color is just right.
3. Art Ah La Carte. Art Ah La Carte is a teaching studio and art gallery committed to learning in an entertaining environment for all ages- because you’re never too old to be an artist! The studio specializes in a variety of art mediums to explore methods in acrylics, chalks, pastels, oil and watercolor paints. They offer group and individual art lessons, paint parties, sip and paint nights and more!
4. Neighborhood Art House. Located on Walnut Street, Neighborhood Art House is a studio and shop offering classes, workshops, paint and sips, paint your own ceramics and more- they really are a “one-stop art shop”. Whether you’re looking to attend a class or schedule your own, Neighborhood Art House is the place to go. 
5. Country Cottage. A hidden gem tucked off Route 20, Country Cottage is chock full of unique gifts and handmade decorative items. Stop by and unleash your whimsical side as your browse through the aisles. Almost everything you’ll find is handmade with care by artisans, and there’s always time for a stop at the pond out back.   
6. Karen’s Yarn, Paper, Scissors. If yarn is your preferred method of crafting, Karen’s is the perfect place for you. Stocked with yarn beyond any knitter’s wildest dreams, Karen’s hosts how-to classes for crocheting, as well as wreathes, painting and more.

With so many great places to get crafty, there’s no better time to stop by one – or all – of Genesee County’s great studios and shops. Classes, events and exhibits can be found on the Genesee County website year-round, so gather up your smocks, brushes and favorite paints colors and have fun!

Press release:

On Saturday, March 24th, the kids and families of March for Our Lives will take to the streets of Washington, D.C., to demand that their lives and safety become a priority and that we end gun violence and mass shootings in our schools today. There will also be a rally that day in Batavia, followed by a march to Batavia City Hall.

Led by student leaders, we will march in solidarity with Washington, D.C.

When: Saturday, March 24th, 12 p.m.

Where: Rally at Williams Park, 101 Pearl St., Batavia

What: Speeches by local student leaders as well as local Pastor Jim Renfrew and retired Monroe County Sheriff's Lieutenant Gary Pudup of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence. A march to Batavia City Hall will follow the rally.

For more information please contact glowprogressives@gmail.com

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum will be hosting the 12^th Annual Batavia Antique Show and Sale on Friday and Saturday, April 6^th & 7^th. The antique show will take place at the Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel located at 8315 Park Road, Batavia.

The show opens at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 6^th and continues until 8 p.m. It reopens Saturday, April 7^th at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. The admission is $5 per person, which helps support the museum to continue to hosts events and programming for the community.

The Batavia Antique Show and Sale is an annual event that brings together antique dealers, collectors and vendors from across Western New York, the Southern Tier, Central New York, and even out-of-state.

It contains a wide variety of vendors displaying many different and unique items, including: jewelry, glassware, books, and much more.

Each attendee will receive with their purchase of a ticket a $5 Free Play to be used at Batavia Downs. In addition, Saturday admission is free with the proof of Friday attendance.

For more information about the 12^th Annual Batavia Antique Show and Sale, please contact the Holland Land Office Museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com

Press release:

Nominations are currently being accepted for this year’s induction class of the Oakfield-Alabama Alumni Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding OACS alumni who have achieved distinction in their lives and chosen field after high school through significant contributions to their career, community or through personal achievements.

If you know a person who meets the following criteria, please consider nominating him/her for this prestigious honor:

1. Nominees must be graduates of OACS or one of its predecessors, or have been active in school classes and activities during their senior year. (Nominees who left school while in good standing to perform military service are also eligible. Deceased alumni are not eligible for induction until the fifth anniversary of the year of their death.)
2. Nominees must have graduated prior to 2003.
3. Selection is based on achievement after leaving OACS which includes a worthy record in more than one, and exemplary achievement in at least one of the following:

• Job-related achievements
• Professional honors and awards, professional affiliations, publications
• Civic or community involvement
• Personal achievements/accomplishments
• Positive impact on the communities in the Oakfield-Alabama school district

Anyone may submit a nomination for any person meeting the criteria stated above. Nominations must be made during the nomination period only (March 1 – April 30) by using the Online Nomination Form or the PDF Nomination Form (see links below). Electronically submitted nominations are strongly preferred over mailed-in, hardcopy nominations.

1. Online Nomination Form  http://www.oacsalumni.org/content/HallOfFame/NominationProcess/OnlineForm
2. PDF Nomination Form http://www.oacsalumni.org/content_files/HallOfFame/NominationProcess/form.pdf

Never one to settle for the status quo, longtime Batavia developer Gary McWethy has his sights set on converting the maintenance building for his 9-hole golf course into a bed & breakfast.

“That’s what I’d like to do, if certain things go right with the zoning, and I feel comfortable with it – that’s the direction I’m heading in,” McWethy said this morning, while giving The Batavian reporter a tour of the building.

On Tuesday night, he briefed the Town of Batavia Planning Board at its monthly meeting at Town Hall on West Main Street Road.

McWethy, 79, is the former owner of McWethy Construction and developer of Meadowbrook Estates in 1987 and Meadowbrook Golf Course in 1996. The upscale development sits off South Main Street Road and includes streets such as Woodland Drive, Edgewood Drive, Fairway Drive and Valle Drive.

The golf course is nestled between Valle and Woodland, and includes a two-story maintenance building (see photos above) that is in the process of being remodeled and updated for use as a three-bedroom bed & breakfast.

“It will be (done) in an Adirondack theme,” said McWethy as he shared stories of his hunting and camping experiences with his father, Vernon, and pointed out the numerous game trophies on the walls.

Entrances to the building are off South Main Street Road, passing by the homestead (built in 1852) where McWethy grew up – “I moved there in 1943 at the age of 4,” he said – and circling back to a peaceful, picturesque view of the Meadowbrook landscape.

McWethy said his goal is to maximize the potential for the golf course and give visitors a welcoming place to extend their stay.

“It hopefully will end up a three-bedroom bed & breakfast with an area to expand, and including an entertainment area, kitchen, laundry room and everything that goes with it,” McWethy said. “All would be on the lower level, with the primary owner, who is me, living in a small apartment upstairs.”

McWethy, who said he has built more than 70 homes over a long career, said he would like to finish the project – he plans to call it Meadowbrook Bed & Breakfast -- by the end of the year, and later hopes to add a gazebo and other amenities to the grounds.

It’s a large investment for McWethy, who said he has endured some financial challenges in connection with the development’s real estate as well as family tragedies in recent years.

Despite all that, the memories of his formative years at the site are motivating him to push ahead.

“My dad farmed the 35 acres here with a team of donkeys from 1943 to the late 1950s. We had a well down the road, and 30 to 40 sheep as well as cows, donkeys and horses,” he said. “I just love it here. When I get up in the morning, I can thank the Lord and walk out the door and close my eyes and remember where everything was.”

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel announced their onsite plans for the upcoming Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 5th. Three parties will take place on site.

The first party, running from 11:30 a.m. 'til 7 p.m., will take place in the Batavia Downs Gaming Paddock Room. It is the Downs’ most well-attended party with more than 600 attendees last year.

For $15, patrons receive their choice of a variety of meals, $15 in Free Play once one point is earned on the gaming floor, a $2 wager on the Derby, and a Free Derby program. There will be a $5 Mint Juleps special which includes a commemorative Derby glass and samplings from Black Button Distilling. Attendees must be at least 18 years of age. Many big-screen televisions will show the races and there will be mutual clerks available for wagers to be placed.

The second party, which is new, will take place in the Batavia Downs Gaming Grandstands Banquet Room on the second floor. Admission to the Derby Gala at the Downs is $50 per person and proper attire is required. Patrons will receive an open bar from 4:30 to 7 p.m., grazing stations, a $10 wager on the Derby, $25 in Free Play and a Free Derby Program. Attendees must be of legal drinking age to attend. There will also be televisions and mutual clerks for patrons to place wagers. A best-dressed contest and best hat contest will take place with prizes from the Hotel at Batavia Downs. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, March 21, at 10 a.m. on Bataviaconcerts.com and at the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop.

The third party, taking place inside 34 Rush, will have Buffalo radio station WGR550AM broadcasting live from 2-5 p.m. Attendees must be at least 18 years of age. There will be a $5 Mint Julep special which includes a derby commemorative glass. Cider samplings will be provided by Official Derby Sponsor; Angry Orchard Rosé. A sampling of Corona beer will also be taking place for Cinco De Mayo. Patrons may place Derby wagers using self-service terminals.

Wagering will also be available at the second floor Downs Simulcast center. Prize Drawings for Derby T-shirts and glasses will take place there.

“It’s exciting to see that interest in the Kentucky Derby is alive and well in Western New York, “ said Todd Haight, general manager of Racing at Batavia Downs Gaming. “Our Paddock Room party has grown exponentially throughout the years and we expect that trend to continue this year.

"Our marketing department has put together a tremendous offer for our new Grandstands party. It’s a great way for our loyal customers to come out and enjoy the most exciting two minutes in sports.”

The Village of Oakfield held an election yesterday for the board of trustees and mayor.

A total of 503 ballots were cast.

David T. Boyle received 98 votes for mayor. Jeremy Yasses ran as a write-in candidate and received 75 votes. Michael Ognibene received one write-in vote.

For trustee, there were two open positions and two candidates on the ballot. Micheal Cianfrini received 162 votes and Michele Graham received 156 votes.

Write-in votes were cast for Aaron Chamberlain (3), Robert Chamberlain (2), Douglas Hensel (1), Ronald D'Alba (1), Richard Pastecki (1), and Michael Ognibene (3).

The Village of Le Roy held a board of trustees election yesterday to fill two positions.

Here are the results:

• Democratic -- William Kettle (Incumbent), 141 votes
• Republican – Richard Tetrault, 131 votes
• Republican – Mitchell Cowen, 65 votes  

CNN: An expert weighs in on several conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy

Bob Taylor and Jim Bonacquisti at the Village Hall in Le Roy this afternoon after they had just finished voting into today's village board election.

There are three candidates for two seats.

Bonacquisti is currently serving and has two years left on his term (correction: he was not on the ballot this year). Taylor sat out this race after 10 years of service to the community. 

The polls close at 9 p.m.

• Be protected from toxic chemicals
• Request an OSHA inspection, and talk with the inspector
• Be trained in a language you understand
• Work on machines that meet safety regulations
•  See copies of the workplace injury and illness log
•  Get copies of test results done to find hazards in the workplace
•  Be provided required safety gear, including but not limited to: Hardhat, gloves and harness
•  Report an injury or illness, and get copies of your medical records If you or someone you know has been injured or fallen ill due to unsafe work conditions. 

Call Dolce Panepinto at 716-852-1888 immediately. We understand how life-altering a work injury can be, and we are here to help.