Press release:

Do you want to have a voice in your community? The Genesee County Democratic Committee, including each town and the City of Batavia, is seeking civic-minded people interested in serving their communities as Genesee County legislators, town board members, town clerks, highway superintendents, town supervisors, etc. For more information on offices to be voted on, please see the Genesee County Board of Elections Web site tab "Offices to be Voted 11/3/15."

If you have any questions or if you are interesting in running, please send a letter of intent by May 1 to: Jennifer Keys, 43 E. Main St., LeRoy, NY 14482 or e-mail Jennifer.keys@rochester.rr.com After your letter is received it will be sent to the town chairperson representing the town you are seeking office in. Endorsement meetings will take place through May.

Are you a Democrat who is civic minded and would like to get involved but do not want run for office? This is also a committee position year. There are positions in every community in Genesee County.

A minor-injury car accident is reported in the area of 8392 Lewiston Road. Town of Batavia fire and Mercy medics are responding.

The City of Batavia has posted a job opening on at least one Web site for a new director of public works, a position currently held by Williamsville resident Sally Kuzon.

The city did not make any announcement about Kuzon's future, but WBTA reports Kuzon is retiring.

The job pays $73,134 to $88,705 for somebody with a minimum of a four-year degree and three to five years experience.

The job opening is not posted on the city's own Web site, which currently states there are no open positions with the city.

The director of public works oversees all operational and maintenance aspects of the community’s streets and roadways, water, wastewater, parks and grounds, engineering, public facilities and code enforcement.

The position also requires supervision of winter snow plowing and clean up, a job the city was repeatedly criticized for by local residents over this past winter.

Press release:

“I cannot, in good conscience, support a budget that allows the state to have power over the needs of individual school districts and classrooms. The education component of the budget gives the State Department of Education (SED) too much latitude in implementing the teacher evaluation system. We should have included teacher groups and school administrators in these decisions instead of leaving it up to bureaucrats and armchair educators. Furthermore, this budget makes no mention of exceptions for special education teachers’ evaluations, whose students will likely struggle with Common Core testing, and we will likely see a large number of students score poorly on Common Core Assessments.

“I cannot support budget measures which include funding for the SAFE Act. The Capital Projects and State Operations budget bills appropriate millions to be used for the SAFE Act database and personnel. It is unfortunate that good legislation is often tainted with politically advantageous appropriations. I refuse to vote for legislation that funds an irresponsible and shameful measure that was passed in the middle of the night without public input or adequate time for discussion and debate.”

Buffalo News: As state revamps teacher evaluations, movement to boycott tests grows

Steve Hawley gets a pie in his face at the Genesee County Nursing Home during a fundraiser over the weekend that benefited United Way.

Residents and staff raised $744 at the event, which included a hot dog day, open cafe, Easter candy basket raffles and pie throwing into the faces of Hawley, Christine Schaller, Cheryl Schezpanski, Amy Mazerbo, Beth Volk, Joel Chastek and Alisha Rudd.

Photos and information submitted by Amy Mazerbo.

People driving their cars like a smooth ride, and right now they're not getting it on River Street.

The intersection of South Main and River was damaged when a water line broke there over the winter and crews dug deep holes to find the leak and make repairs.

The holes were patched, but the surface remains lumpy and uneven.

So people have been complaining -- The Batavian has received e-mails. People want to know why, six weeks later, the street is still in the condition it's in.

"We're well aware of the problem and we're evaluating the condition all the streets are in," said City Manager Jason Molino.

River and Main won't be the only streets that need some resurfacing and the city will prioritize  road work for the spring and summer, but right now, it's too soon to even start. The ground is still unthawing and roadways are still settling.

"The weather is still subfreezing and we're not going to be able to do anything until the weather warms up," Molino said.

Even if they were ready, there's no asphalt to be had for such a project.

"The City cannot do road improvements until the asphalt plants are open and the weather is warmer," Molino said. "Once asphalt becomes available and we have warmer temperatures, we will be making road improvements. Asphalt plants usually open around mid-April."

There are fewer people with jobs and fewer people without jobs in Genesee County, according to labor statistics released this afternoon.

The Department of Labor reports that in February, 27,200 residents in Genesee County had jobs, compared to the same month a year prior when 27,500 had jobs.

At the same time, the number of residents without jobs dipped from 2,200 to 1,900 over the same period. 

The county's unemployment rate dropped 7.3 percent to 6.6 percent.

Meanwhile, the number of jobs in the county remained unchanged at 21,800. That number was 21,300 in 2013 and the most recent historical high for February comes from 2008, when there were 22,400 jobs reported.

The state's unemployment rate is 6.4 percent and the nation's is 5.8, both better than a year ago.

Erie County's rate is 6.1, Monroe is 6.5.

In the GLOW region, Livingston is 6.0, Orleans, 7.8 and Wyoming 8.0.

Marguerite Ann Magee, 76, of Oak Orchard East, Albion, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Magee allegedly struck another person with her elbow, which caused a cut lip. The incident was reported at 6:44 p.m. Monday at a residence on Judge Road, Alabama.

Terrance William Stenzel, 39, of Murray Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operator, 2nd, and obstructed plate. Stenzel was stopped at 1:06 p.m. Monday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves for an alleged traffic infraction. Stenzel was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine and marijuana. He was jailed on $550 cash bail or $5,000 bond.

Press release:

Mostert, Manzanero & Scott, LLP, presented a summary of the audit process undertaken and the scope of their engagement, as well as the findings and various observations related to the Genesee County Economic Development Center’s financial position at an open meeting of the GCEDC Board on March 30, 2014.

The GCEDC Board engaged Mostert, Manzanero & Scott, LLP, a certified public accounting firm, to perform the audit of 2014 financial statements. The audit was designed to issue an opinion on the financial statements of the GCEDC for the year ending December 31, 2014, a management letter to the Board of Directors and management and a report about internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Government Auditing Standards.

Included in the management letter is a statement from Mostert, Manzanero & Scott, LLP, affirming that no material deficiencies in internal controls were identified during the audit. They also affirmed that, in their opinion, the audited financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the GCEDC as of December 31, 2014, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

“I am confident that the GCEDC internal control policies are functioning correctly and that our finance team monitors the finances in accordance with the highest accounting principles,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC. “GCEDC CFO, Lezlie Farrell, who is a Certified Public Accountant, does an outstanding job monitoring all of our agency procurement and financial activities."

The financial statements of the GCEDC are reported using the accrual basis of accounting. Revenues are recorded when earned and expenses are recorded at the time liabilities are incurred, regardless of when the related cash transaction takes place. For example, expenditures are recorded in the period that services are provided, even though corresponding payment for those services may not be made until a later date.

The GCEDC finished 2014 with a net operating loss of $14,990 as compared to a net operating loss of $198,403 in 2013. As expenses remained consistent overall in 2014, revenues from project fees were significantly higher in 2014 as compared to 2013. The largest project in 2014 was the Yancey’s Fancy project. Yancey’s began construction on their 112,000-square-foot facility in the Buffalo East Technology Park, located in Pembroke, NY, in the spring of 2014. Overall, Yancey’s Fancy will invest more than $20 million and create 50 new jobs at the facility.

“The GCEDC budgeted for a loss of $175,000 for 2014 and I am pleased with our year end results,” said CFO Farrell. “At the end of 2014 there were several attraction projects in the sales pipeline that still remain active today. We anticipate that one of these major attraction projects will close in 2015 and bring significant investment and jobs to the region."

Press release:

The Board of Directors of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) approved a final resolution for an application for assistance from Darien Lake Theme Park Resort at the March 30, 2015, board meeting. 

Darien Lake Theme Park Resort is planning to add new attractions for its 2015 operating season, including a 75-foot “super loop” thrill ride and dual waterslide complex speed ride.
The company was approved for a sales tax exemption of $180,000 and the planned capital investment will total an estimated $2.5 million.

“The tourism industry is extremely competitive so enhancing our attraction through new rides and investments in other amenities is critically important to our business operations,” said Chris Thorpe, general manager, Darien Lake. “The support of the GCEDC allows us to make these investments and maintain our reputation as a popular and fun tourism destination and remain competitive against other attractions in the Northeast.”

“Darien Lake is one of the most impactful economic contributors to our local economy, providing over 400 full-time equivalent jobs and approximately 2,000 seasonal positions each year,” said Wallace Hinchey, GCEDC Board chairman. “It is in the best interest of our community to help Darien Lake remain a popular tourism destination and the resulting economic benefits in doing so.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that the Legislature has included several well-funded programs in the 2015-16 Enacted Budget that will bolster local agriculture. Hawley announced a $1 million initiative for the Beginning Farmers NY Fund to attract young people to the career of farming, a $4.2 million increase for local agriculture assistance programs, and a $500,000 loan fund for the Soil and Water Conservation Committee to create a revolving loan fund for drain tile installation on farms.

“As the former owner of Hawley Farms, I know the struggles that farmers face on a yearly basis,” Hawley said. “I have worked tirelessly to advocate on behalf of Western New York’s farmers and I am proud to see these proposals pass in the Assembly today. Farmers constantly deal with threats to their businesses such as drought, heavy rainfall and destructive insects. These proposals will help keep our agriculture industry flourishing, entice young people to the industry, and allow farmers to obtain loans they will use to protect and enhance their crop production.”

A two-car accident with minor injuries is reported at 1 Holland Ave. City firefighters and Mercy medics responding.

An accident with unknown injuries is reported at Ellicott Street and Jackson Street, Batavia.

Traffic is blocked.

City fire responding.

A three-vehicle accident is reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 403.9.

Injuries if any are unknown.

Pembroke and Indian Falls dispatched.

Press release:

Alpina Foods announced today they are launching the first-ever line of yogurt infused with real coffee called Alpina Café Selections. The new lineup includes Mocha, Caramel Macchiato, Vanilla Latte, and Coffee. The combination of smooth creamy Greek yogurt and the robust bold taste of real coffee makes Alpina Café Selection a perfect addition to anyone's morning or afternoon routine.

The line of Alpina Café Selections – different than anything that can be found on the market today -- uses real Colombian coffee and not "coffee flavoring" found in the dairy aisle. An excellent source of calcium, Café Selections also includes protein and caffeine and, at only 120 calories per cup, they provide a great option for breakfast or afternoon snack break.

"Thirty-four percent of Americans drinks coffee, higher than soda consumption. Specialty coffee makes up a large percentage of this growth, which is why we decided to launch Alpina Café Selections," said Gustavo Badino, Alpina Foods' general manager. "We are always looking to innovate in the dairy aisle. Once we found a recipe that tasted just like the consumer's favorite flavor and were able to include actual Colombian coffee, we knew we had a unique product the consumer would want and enjoy."

An alternative to sugary snacks and drinks, Alpina Café Selections are high in protein (12 grams) and calcium (20 percent), have 0 grams of fat, and provide 30-50 mg of caffeine (the equivalent to about half a cup of coffee) – perfect choice to help power anyone through their day.

Alpina Café Selections is sold in select regional and independent retailers including, ShopRite, Shaw's, Fairway Markets and Lowe's Markets, with plans to expand its distribution this summer; follow @alpinaUSA for updates.

Alpina Foods manufactures a variety of dairy products available in retailers throughout the United States, including Wal-Mart, Shaw's, Wegmans Food Markets, ShopRite, Duane Reade, Western Beef, and other national, regional, and independent food retailers. For a full list of retailers, visit www.alpinaus.com.

A driver involved in a four-car accident on Route 5 on Friday was cited for allegedly following too closely.

The accident was reported at 3:18 p.m. near Stegman Road, Batavia.

Marla Mugler, 26, was issued a traffic citation.

Mugler along with her passengers, Madison Chatley, 7, Colby Tyoe, 4, and Bryon Tyoe II, 7, were taken by Mercy EMS to UMMC for evaluation.

No other injuries were reported. 

The other drivers were David R. Foley, 55, of Jackson Street, Batavia, Rebecca M. Henning, 32, of South Main Street, Batavia, and Ann C. Moquin, 79, of Pratt Road, Batavia.

According to the report by Deputy Kevin McCarthy, Moquin was stopped on eastbound Route 5 to initiate a left turn onto Stegman Road. Henning was also eastbound and was coming to a stop behind Moquin's vehicle when it was struck by Mugler's vehicle. It was pushed to the left of the lead vehicle and sideswiped that vehicle. Foley's vehicle was also eastbound and was unable to stop in time to avoid the accident.

Accident diagram from McCarthy's report:

Sarah Regina Orsini, 59, of Exchange Street, Rochester, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, possession of untaxed cigarettes, unlawful possession of marijuana and driving with a broken windshield. Orsini was stopped at 11:40 a.m. Sunday on Route 77, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Michelle M. Michael, 42, of West Seneca, is charged with petit larceny. Michael is accused of switching a price tag from a shirt to a more expensive jacket at Stan's Harley-Davidson and then paying for the mispriced jacket and leaving the store. The alleged switch was caught on surveillance video.

Gary Aton Williams, 54, of Lang Street, Rochester, was arrested on a warrant out of Gates related to a petit larceny charge. Williams was identified as a warrant suspect during a traffic stop at 7:38 p.m. Sunday on Route 262, Byron, by Deputy Joseph Graff. Williams as a passenger in the vehicle that was stopped for an alleged traffic violation.

Nelson Henry Nowicki Jr., 40, of Broadway Road, Darien, is charged with forcible touching. Nowicki allegedly forcibly touched another person.

Nicholas Ryan Donahue, 21, of Caraway Lane, Spencerport, is charged with possession of unstamped cigarettes, unlawful possession of marijuana and no front plate. Donahue was stopped at 8:08 p.m. Saturday on Judge Road, Alabama, by Deputy Joseph Corona. Donahue was allegedly in possession of 1,400 untaxed cigarettes.

Joseph R. Volasquez, 18, of Byron, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. The alleged incident was reported at 11:57 p.m. Sunday in Byron. Volasquez was arrested by State Police. He was ordered held on bond. No further details released.