Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) honored student artists and announced the winners of the NY-27 Congressional Art Competition at a reception this morning in Batavia.

“Students from around the district submitted pieces of artwork for this competition; we clearly have some incredibly talented young adults in Western New York,” Jacobs said.

“I want to thank all of our teachers and parents who helped our participants create and submit their work, and most importantly, I want to congratulate all of our contestants for their hard work, dedication, and impressive pieces. I look forward to this becoming a tradition we celebrate every year.”

The Congressional Art Competition was first created under a different name in 1982 and is sponsored by the Congressional Institute. In NY-27, three winners were selected, their pieces will be displayed as follows:

• The First Place piece will be hung in the U.S. Capitol for all representatives and staff, and the winner will also be flown down to Washington, D.C.
• The Second Place piece will be hung in Rep. Jacobs’ Washington, D.C., Office.
• The Third Place piece will be hung in Rep. Jacobs’ Clarence District Office.

Pieces are judged and given their awards by an independent panel of judges. The winners for the 2021 NY-27 Congressional Art Competition are:

• First Place: "A New Chapter" by Isabella Houseknecht from Batavia (colored pencil).
• Second Place: Self Portrait by Molly Regan from Holland (charcoal).
• Third Place: "Creation of Bee-dam" by Madison Dugan from Albion (acrylic paint).
• Honorable Mention: Self-Portrait by Amaya Cleveland from Medina (handpainted negative-digitalized and painted on photo paper).

“Congratulations to our winners. I look forward to hanging these pieces in each of my offices and having a constant reminder of the exceptional talent in our district,” Jacobs said.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Molly Regan, second place, with Jacobs. First-place winner Isabella Houseknecht and her family were unable to attend the event.

Isabella Houseknecht's first-place drawing.

Second Place

Third Place

Volunteers turned out in droves yesterday for two big Earth-Day-related cleanups of public spaces in Batavia.

First was an effort to pickup litter along the Ellicott Trail. Also, County Parks officials hosted an Earth Day event at DeWitt Recreation Area that included not just a cleanup but Scouts involved in projects and games and information booths about taking care of our planet.

An open burn, a violation of the municipal code, is reported in the city at the corner of Swan and Ellicott streets. City fire and police are responding.

Forty-eight three-person teams gathered this afternoon over two shifts to participate in a no-tap (nine or 10 pins on the first ball equals a strike) handicap tournament at Mancuso Bowling Center.

And even before the last ball was thrown, tournament workers announced that $7,810 had been raised – money that will go toward mounting medical expenses for Tanya Harmon, 41, who has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

“There’s not much to say other than a heartfelt, ‘Thank you,’ to everyone who participated and donated,” said Ed Doody, who along with Geoff Harloff organized the fundraiser for Harmon, a mother of two teenage sons who is on disability from her job at Angelica Textile Services Inc.

Doody was in charge of soliciting donations from local businesses and some outside of Genesee County -- close to 100 baskets, gift certificates and other prizes were spread across several tables – while Harloff, Mark and Penny Brown, Kim Starken, Heather Johnson, Dan Cone, Rich Underhill Sr., Mady Underhill and Susan Harloff helped out with various aspects of the event. Doody also said he accepted individual cash donations as well.

Doody and Harloff are good friends with Harmon and her boyfriend, Dan Campbell.

When the monetary figure was announced, Harmon broke down in tears as she received hugs from her friends and her mother, Sheila Meyer (photo above left).

The $7,810 later increased to $8,110 after Doody reported that one of the teams donated its winnings.

On the lanes, the team of Chase Cone, Phil Young and Rich Wagner captured the $750 first prize with a score of 2,623 with handicap.

Seven other teams earned prize money:

Second Place – Sam Oddo, Matt Baker, Alex Morris / 2,454, $400;

Third Place – Josh Elliott, Carley King, Tom Baker / 2,429, $300;

Fourth Place – Kyle Johnson, Gregg Wolff, Mike Johnson / 2,422, $230;

Fifth Place – Mark Brown, Traci Spanitz, Rob Gustke / 2,385, $220;

Sixth Place – Fred Gravanda, Rick Saunders, Mike Pettinella / 2,372, $210;

Seventh Place – Brady Weber, Brian Weber, Chris Bardol / 2,341, $200;

Eighth Place – Matt Nolan, Teagan Miller, Paul Baney / 2,311, $180.

From left, Devin Harmon, Tanya's son; Dan Campbell; Ed Doody, Tanya Harmon; Mark Brown and Geoff Harloff at today's benefit no-tap bowling tournament at Mancuso Bowling Center. Photos by Mike Pettinella.

Previously: Bowlers 'roll' up their sleeves to support Batavia woman diagnosed with cervical cancer

In the area of Prospect Avenue and Oak Street in the city, a controlled burn is reported -- a violation of the municipal code. City fire is responding. The Department of Environmental Conservation will be notified.

Press release:

National Infant Immunization Week is April 24-May 1. This is an annual observance highlighting the importance of protecting children 2 years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases.

It is also a week to celebrate the achievements of immunization programs and their partners in promoting health communities. 

Vaccinations play a key role in protecting our children and our community from 14 vaccine-preventable diseases. They are the most successful and cost-effective public health tool available for preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases as well as preventing death. 

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, some infants and children have missed or delayed routinely recommended vaccinations.

“Childhood vaccinations are one of the best ways to protect infants and children from vaccine-preventable diseases before the age of two,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).

“Diseases like whooping cough (pertussis) and the measles can be serious for infants and children. That is why it is important to stay on track with well-child visits and the recommended vaccination schedule.

“Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your children are up to date on the recommended vaccination schedule, even during the pandemic. Doctor’s offices are taking the necessary precautions to keep you safe and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.” 

To learn more about vaccinations and to view the latest immunization schedule visit www.cdc.gov/vaccinesor speak with your healthcare provider.

Batavia resident Dan Crofts reading "The Dark Night" by John of the Cross for National Poetry Month.

Social distancing, mask-wearing, and keeping symptomatic children home are all key parts of slowing the spread of COVID-19, said Dr. Steven Schulz, pediatric medical director for Rochester Regional Health, in a conference call this morning with reporters.

"I think the biggest thing is looking at your situation from a community approach and wanting to make sure everybody in your child's class is maintaining health and the community as well," Schulz said.

"That involves following the rules that have been, again, set forward through the CDC and Department of Health. And so wearing those masks is important.

"Keeping your kid home from school, if they have any potential illness symptoms and having them evaluated is important; filling out those daily assessments to make sure your kid is safe to go to school and working with them and talking with them about the importance of continued masking, especially outside of school when they might be getting together with friends, whether that's in a school sport or just on their own.

"That's the area where we can see the spread. And it's important that they're continuing to mask and keep social distancing even in those social settings."

Children, Schulz noted, who catch COVID-19, have a high likelihood of being an asymptomatic spreader of the disease, which is why it is important they abide by the protocols. They can feel fine and still be spreading a deadly virus.

Children who are symptomatic should definitely stay home, Schulz said.

"I completely agree with erring on the side of caution in this case," Schulz said. "The (symptoms) that we worry the most about are fever, sustained headaches that are unusual for your child, loss of taste or smell, or especially if they have any symptom and have had exposure recently to somebody with COVID, they should definitely stay home. Other symptoms that can go along with it are runny nose, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain."

Because there are symptoms that overlap with season allergies and other illnesses, parents should consult with a doctor and get the child tested with a negative result before letting asymptomatic child leave the house.

This is especially important at a time when there is a greater spread of a COVID-19 variant that, while no more dangerous, does infect people more easily. That variant now accounts for 60 percent of the cases locally, the doctor said. 

Schulz's message comes alongside news that nationally 20 percent of the new, identified COVID cases are now among children, the highest percentage yet.

Updated, April 24, 9 a.m., with comments from City Manager Rachael Tabelski:

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The City of Batavia is “AIM-ing” to fortify its public safety personnel roster.

City Manager Rachael Tabelski, in a memo to City Council dated April 16, is proposing the restoration of a police officer and two firefighters to the 2021-22 budget and the funding of overtime for the Neighborhood Enforcement Team and community policing special details.

This action is possible, she wrote, as a result of New York State passing a budget that includes the full amount of Aid and Incentives for Municipalities’ funding to the city. The city now will receive $1,750,975 in AIM money -- $262,656 more than it had budgeted.

"These vacant positions are now able to be hired if City Council approves the budget amendment," Tabelski said. "AIM aid is an annual reoccurring revenue, and was only adjusted down by the state because of COVID. Once restored in the final state budget, I am comfortable using it to restore positions."

She added that the city workforce would still be short one police officer, one firefighter and one laborer position even after these other three posts are restored.

As far as the overtime funding, Tabelski said, NET and community policing are "special overtime police details normally funded each year via the city budget, but were cut due to COVID revenue challenges."  

"These details include increased neighborhood and community patrols, and community engagement assignments," she said.

Tabelski will be recommending that Council amend the city’s budget to account for the additional funds, allocated as follows:

Police Salary -- $66,464;
Police State Retirement -- $12,033;
Police Social Security -- $6,503;
Fire Salary -- $124,197;
Fire State Retirement -- $23,563;
Fire Social Security -- $12,240;
Police NET Salary -- $7,070;
Police NET Social Security -- $586;
Community Policing Salary -- $9,235;
Community Policing Social Security -- $765.

This proposal is on the agenda of Monday night’s Conference Meeting and, if forwarded, to a Special Business Meeting afterward. The Conference Meeting is scheduled for 7 o’clock at the City Hall Council Board Room.

Other items on the Conference Meeting agenda:

• Superintendent of Maintenance Ray Tourt will report that bids solicited for a contractor to replace a portion of the City Centre roof will be opened at 10 a.m. on April 29.

In a memo to Tabelski dated March 30, Tourt said the project will involve work not included in the Phase 1 roof replacement – the hallway nearest Dan’s Tire & Auto, the west side loading dock and the utility area. The entranceways (silos) will be part of a future project.

• Tourt also advised that AJ’s Tree Service of East Amherst submitted the low bid for annual trimming and removal of city trees as budgeted in the 2021-22 city budget. The contract expires on March 31 but can be extended for up to two years if both parties agree.

The amount of AJ’s Tree Service’s bid was not disclosed in the memo.

The Special Business Meeting agenda includes:

• A resolution to award a contract to Keeler Construction Co. Inc., of Albion, to replace an aging and inefficient air header at the wastewater treatment plant.

Keeler’s bid of $777,425 was considerably less than the next lowest bidder, Village Construction Co., of Victor, which submitted a bid of $1,263,175.

In a memo to Tabelski dated April 19, Tourt wrote that the project will cost an additional $854,000 for engineering work.

As previously reported on The Batavian, the air header is operating at 20 percent of capacity, forcing city officials to move up the timetable to get it replaced. The air header is essential to providing oxygen back into the ponds to digest waste.

Replacement of the air header is part of a $1 million wastewater treatment plant project.

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Monday’s meetings are open to the public with appropriate facemasks, social distancing and temperature screening upon arrival.

Options for viewing the meeting include streamed LIVE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bataviany/ or Spectrum Channel 1301 at 9 a.m. April 28 and 8 p.m. April 30.

Officials at Batavia Downs Gaming today announced that as a public service to the residents of the Genesee Valley, Rapha Family Medicine of Buffalo will be conducting a drive-thru COVID-19 Rapid Testing Site in the Batavia Downs Main parking lot. Cost is $65 per test.

Drive-thru testing will be available Mondays – Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. beginning on Monday, May 3^rd.

All monies for the test will go to Rapha Family Medicine. Batavia Downs does not receive a portion of the testing fee, nor does it get a fee from Rapha for the right to set up in the parking lot.

The Rapha Team uses a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test, which is quick and minimally invasive. Results are returned within minutes of taking the test.

“We are pleased to have the professionals from Rapha Family Medicine on site," said Henry Wojtaszek, president and CEO of Batavia Downs. “Those residing here in the Genesee Valley who are in need of a rapid test will have a convenient, efficient and professional option right in their backyard.”

For more information on testing, interested persons can call (716) 462 4612 or visit raphafamilymedicine.com/testing.

“We are looking forward to seeing and serving the people of the Genesee Valley," said Rapha Family Medicine spokesperson, Greg MacKinnon. “We currently conduct three other rapid testing sites in Buffalo and Niagara Falls and have tested over 5,000 persons in the last few months. We’re grateful to Batavia Downs for providing a place in the community for people to get tested.”

Beginning at 10 a.m. on Batavia Downs’ concert days, Rapha Family Medicine will be onsite for any ticket holders who are not yet vaccinated to receive a test for entry to the concert. The price on Concert Fridays for ticket holders will be $34.95.

Fully fenced backyard with sliding-glass doors to rear deck are perfect for owners with four-legged friends! Potential 1st floor bedroom, office, or Zoom Room.

Newer roof, updated electric, great floor plan, don't miss it! Negotiations to begin on Wednesday April 28th @ 6 p.m.

Call Chuck Flynn at Howard Hanna today or click here to view the listing.

Press release:

• Genesee County reporting 21 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in the:
    • West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke)
    • Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield) 
    • East Region (Bergen, Byron, Le Roy, Pavilion, Stafford)
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s. 
• Nineteen of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.  
• Seven of the current positive individuals are hospitalized. 
• We are saddened to report the loss of one community resident. The individual was under 65. We do not provide any further information to protect the privacy of the individuals and their families. Our deepest condolences to the families and friends during this very difficult time.

Orleans County reporting 16 new positive cases of COVID-19.  

• The positive cases reside in the:
  • West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby)
  • Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre)
  • East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon)
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s.
• Eleven of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
• Six of the new positive individuals were previously on quarantine prior to testing positive.
• Four of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is investigating a similar bail scam as referenced by the Sheriff's Office in their press release issued earlier today. The scam involves at least four people and is initiated with a phone call to the victim from a private number.

When the victim answers the phone, a distraught female begins the conversation by yelling “Grandma” or “Grandpa” and begins talking about how she was in a car accident, arrested, and needs bail. The female says that her phone broke during the accident and that’s why she’s calling on a private number. 

The female tells the victim she’s going to have her attorney call to arrange bail. A short time later a male scammer calls the victim saying he is the attorney and provides details about the case. The male says that he needs $10,000+ to get the granddaughter out of jail and that it must be cash only. The scammer instructs the victim to leave the cash on the porch for a courier to pick up. 

The courier arrives and takes the money from the porch. Once the scammers receive the money, they continue calling the victim attempting to get more money for various legal reasons.

The team of scammers is known to operate a white sedan, possibly a Kia, and a black sedan or SUV. The involved scammers in the Batavia incident include a female, a smaller build young-looking black male, a heavy-set white male, and a younger average-sized white male with dark hair.

The Batavia Police Department is seeking any leads which can be provided by the public. 

Anyone that was in the area of Ellicott Street and Williams Street on April 20 at approximately 12 p.m., and April 21 at approximately 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and observed the above individuals or their vehicles are asked to contact Detective Jason Ivison at (585) 345-6312 or the Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350, the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370.

Previously: Sheriff's Office warns of local bail scam targeting older residents

A two-vehicle accident is reported in the area of 8595 Lake Street Road, Le Roy.

Minor injuries are reported.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance are responding.

Fire police requested for traffic control.

UPDATE 3:03 p.m.: A second ambulance, basic life support, nonemergency, is requested to the scene.

A two-car accident with minor injuries is reported at Dellinger Avenue and West Main Street, Batavia.

One person has a complaint of back pain.

City fire and Mercy EMS dispatched. Law enforcement on scene.

Three new orders in the bankruptcy case of Michael Tomaszewski put 19 more of his victims at the front of the line -- at least as far as the bankruptcy proceeding goes -- for getting at least some of their money back from his scheme to divert funeral deposits to his own expenditures.

Tomaszewski was arrested last summer on more than 200 charges stemming from complaints that he mishandled deposits, known as prearrangement fees, for funerals and defrauded victims out of more than $500,000 in total.

Earlier this month, he entered a guilty plea to grand larceny, scheme to defraud, offering a false instrument for filing, and untimely burial and is facing a possible prison term as a result.

Separately, in February 2020 he filed for bankruptcy in Federal Court. He listed $1,094,346 in assets against $3,242,390 in liabilities. 

As part of his plea deal, he agreed to pay restitution to his victims. The exact amount of restitution has yet to be determined but it was revealed during his last court appearance that he has already reimbursed some of his victims.

The amounts owed to victims listed in the three recent orders are:

• $1,950
• $1,950
• $4,400
• $4,400
• $7,063.62
• $11,000
• $11,000
• $2,000
• $4,000
• $5,300
• $5,300
• $15,500
• $15,500
• $8,750
• $9,480
• $2,950
• $2,950
• $2,950
• $2,950

Many of the victims are married couples with each person having a separate claim for their individual deposits.

Under federal bankruptcy law, any money gained through fraud is a debt that is not dischargeable through Chapter 7 and victims receive priority for repayment for the first $3,025 owed to them.

For previous coverage of the Tomaszewski case, click here.

Edward G. Ruckdeschel, 58, of Marcy, Oneida County, is charged with: third-degree burglary and four counts of third-degree grand larceny, all Class D felonies; and three counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony.

His arrest was announced today after an investigation that began last July into stolen vehicles in Genesee County.

Ruckdeschel is currently incarcerated in a NYS prison, following his conviction in previous stolen vehicle cases in Genesee County and his sentencing for the crimes on Aug. 10.

Following his conviction last summer, Ruckdeschel was arrested on suspicion of stealing two more vehicles on Aug. 10 and Aug. 11 and those two grand larceny charges remain pending in Genesee County Court.

Altogether there are ongoing investigations concerning seven stolen vehicles. Ruckduschel was arraigned in town courts in Batavia, Pembroke, Stafford, Le Roy and Bergen. He is due to appear in county court on all charges May 4.

The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Office investigators Joseph D. Loftus and Kevin P. Forsyth.

Paul K. Kellner Jr., 53, of Wescott Avenue, Alden, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more; moving from lane unsafely; speed not reasonable and prudent; and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Kellner was arrested after a motor-vehicle collision at 9:59 p.m. April 21 on Genesee Street in Darien. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Darien Court on June 1. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Tower, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Rosemary Renee Waters, 35, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. Waters was arrested at 1:39 a.m. today, April 23, following a traffic stop for an alleged traffic violation on Vine Street in Batavia. During the investigation it was allegedly found that Waters was operating the vehicle while her driver's license was suspended. She is accused of having four different types of controlled substances in her possession at the time. She was issued appearance tickets, then released from custody. She is due in Batavia City Court on May 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Gauthier, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.

Press release:

Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York is recruiting volunteers to serve as escorts at our Batavia health center.

It is located at 222 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

Volunteers will greet and provide comfort to patients upon their arrival to the health center and upon their departure.

Candidates must be calm, friendly and comfortable ignoring protestor activity.

A commitment of two hours per week, primarily during daytime hours is required.

Thorough interview and screening required and training will be provided. For more information call (585) 546-2771, ext. 338., or email volunteer@ppcwny.org.

Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York provides high quality, nonjudgmental reproductive health care; promotes responsible and healthy sexuality; advocates for access to comprehensive health care; and supports those affected by sexual violence. Each year, PPCWNY serves more than 31,000 adults and teens throughout Central and Western New York.