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Blue Devils pick up second win in OT, 65-62

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia beat Odyssey 65-62 in overtime in Boys Basketball on Friday night.

Carter Mullen scored 22 points for Batavia. Joey Marranco scored 15 and Aiden Bellavia scored nine.

The Blue Devils are now 2-1 on the year.

Woman chasing man near Texaco Town

By Howard B. Owens

A man has reportedly exited a GMC SUV at Ellicott Street Road and Telephone Road, Pavilion, and is being chased by a female.

The male is described as mid-30s, white, blond, wearing a snowmobile coat and orange shirt.

Law enforcement is dispatched.

Encore gala returns for 31st season to spread 'White Christmas' cheer

By Howard B. Owens
gcc foundation 31st encore 2023
Photo by Howard Owens.

The Genesee Community College Foundation hosted its 31st season of Encore on Friday in the Stuart Steiner Forum.

The gala, sponsored by Tompkins Financial, helps the foundation raise money to support student scholarships.

This year's co-chairs were Jeremy and Sandra Liles. The theme of the event took its inspiration from the 1954 classic holiday film, "White Christmas." 

Genesee Symphony Orchestra performed a selection of holiday favorites.

Jeremy Liles is a native of Genesee County, the owner of Oliver's Candies and Sweet Life Group, its parent organization, and has managed Oliver's Candies for over 20 years. Jeremy is actively involved in his local community and currently serves on the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and has served on the Batavia Town Planning Board. Sandra is a New Hampshire native who moved to Genesee County in 2005. 

Sandra opened Sweet Life Country Store in Elba and has managed the operation for the past five years. She says she enjoys working with many different local product vendors and artisans to make their wares available to the public at this store, as well as partnering with other local businesses to benefit the community. Jeremy and Sandra reside in Batavia with Tahlia, the youngest of their three children.

These photos capture the cocktail hour and dinner service. The Batavian anticipates further coverage on Monday.

gcc foundation 31st encore 2023
State Sen. George Borrello and Jeremy Liles, co-chair of the gala.
Photo by Howard Owens.
gcc foundation 31st encore 2023
Batavia resident and local small business owner Diana Kastenbaum.
Photo by Howard Owens.
gcc foundation 31st encore 2023
Toby and Charlie Cook.  Charlie Cook is chairman of the board of Liberty Pumps in Bergen.
Photo by Howard Owens.
gcc foundation 31st encore 2023
Jim Sunser, the soon-to-be-retired president of GCC.
Photo by Howard Owens.
gcc foundation 31st encore 2023
Joann Hayes, Bill Hayes, and Paul Saskowski.  
Photo by Howard Owens.
encore 2023
Photo by Howard Owens.
gcc foundation 31st encore 2023
Laura Taylor, a fashion instructor at GCC, shows off one of the dresses designed to display at the gala to help capture the theme of the movie "White Christmas."
Photo by Howard Owens.
gcc foundation 31st encore 2023
Peter Wybron displays one of the dresses designed for the gala.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Photo: An evening stroll

By Howard B. Owens
evening stroll van detta stadium batavia
A couple out for an evening stroll on Union Street in Batavia, past Van Detta Stadium, on Friday evening.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Notre Dame beats Wheatland in Girls Basketball

By Howard B. Owens
notre dame basketball

Notre Dame picked upa 61-19 win over Wheatland-Chili in Girls Basketball on Thursday.

The Irish are now 2-1 on the season.

Sofia Falleti led the scoring with a game-high 21 points and eight rebounds.

Luci Zambito scored 12 points, while Emma Sisson and Lucia Fiorentino contributed nine each.

“Tonight was a complete team effort as everyone contributed and got a balanced amount of play time for the win,” Coach Vinny Falleti said. “They executed well tonight and played like a team.”

Submitted photos.

notre dame basketball

Pavilion schools seeking bids from firms to assist with next series of renovations and upgrades

By Howard B. Owens

Pavilion Central School District is in the early phase of planning its next significant building and renovation project.

It's seeking bids from architectural/engineering firms to help it map out updates and upgrades at its two main school buildings, D.B. Bunce Elementary School and Pavilion Junior-Senior High School, which totals 275,800 square feet of education space.

The estimated budget for the project is between $20 million and $24 million.

The project is expected to include at least:

  • Replacement of boiler plants in both buildings;
  • Renovation of media centers in both buildings;
  • Expansion and renovation of one wing of the junior-senior high;
  • An upgrade to the fire alarm and security system at the junior-senior high;
  • An upgrade to theatrical lighting, sound, and projection in the auditorium; and,
  • The replacement of playgrounds.

The selected firm will perform design and construction-related services, including architectural, and engineering for all elements of construction.

The district expects to hire the firm with the winning bid in January with board review and voter approval requested in the fall.  Planning documents will begin the regulatory planning process in the summer of 2025. If all that goes as planned, construction will begin in the summer of 2025, with completion in the winter of 2026.

Bids are due by 3 p.m. on Jan. 10.

The Request for Proposal, which is a document for companies being asked to bid on a project, does not contain financial data beyond the broad cost estimate. The financial plan for paying for the project will be developed by district staff and approved by the board before a public vote on the proposal. Typically, these projects are paid for primarily through state aid.

To read the complete RFP, click here.

Works from members and staff on display at GO ART!

By Howard B. Owens
go art member show opening 2023
Photo by Howard Owens

GO ART!'s annual member and staff art show opened on Thursday evening.

The show runs through Feb. 3.

Artists with work on display are:

  • Justin Reynolds
  • Rebecca LaFevre
  • Rich Della Costa
  • Mary Bryant
  • Julie A Lambert
  • Jodi Fisher
  • Dan Hogan
  • Bryan Wright
  • Donald Fryling
  • David Burke
  • Mary Jo Whitman
  • Madeleine Rush
  • Judy Wenrich
go art member show opening 2023
Justin Reynolds with three of his paintings on display.
Photo by Howard Owens.
go art member show opening 2023
Three drawings by Mary Jo Whitman
Photo by Howard Owens.
go art member show opening 2023
Three paintings by Judy Wenrich
Photo by Howard Owens
go art member show opening 2023
Kayla Reynolds plays piano with sister Julia on the bench in the James R. Owen Memorial Library.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Comptroller's audit recommends Stafford Fire's directors improve financial management of department

By Howard B. Owens

While finding no malfeasance or misuse of public funds, a NYS Comptroller's Audit is critical of the Board of Directors of the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department for its handling of financial planning.

The comptroller's key findings include inadequate revenue estimates for 2021, 2022, and 2023, a lack of realistic budgets, and no written multiyear financial or capital plan to help guide budget development.

The lack of proper revenue estimates meant the district had extra revenue that could have been better allocated to capital projects, particularly fire truck replacements, the report states.  

In the three audit years, the board failed to include in its revenue estimates funds from farmland leasing, interest income, fire insurance tax proceeds, donations, and fire hall rental. In 2022, that amounted to $36,577 in revenue that wasn't included in financial planning.

"We compared the budget with actual expenses for 2021 and 2022. The operating budget was underestimated by $29,667 (10 percent) in 2021 and $33,298 (11 percent) in 202," the report states.

In response to the audit, Board President James Call said the district treasurer did share more than once the district's truck replacement plan, the comptroller's auditors determined the report was outdated.

The budget for 2023 also did not include a line item for buildings and ground maintenance, which in prior years exceeded $50,000.  

"The Treasurer told us," the report states, "these were errors in the budget and that she corrected them after we brought the omissions to her attention. The Treasurer also provided us with a corrected copy of the 2023 budget. The corrected budget increased the amount budgeted for building and grounds maintenance to $40,000 and decreased the amount budgeted for insurance to $40,000, and further decreased the firematic budgeted amount by $20,000."

Auditors determined that board members were not adequately involved in the budgeting process and oversight of monthly expenses.

The auditors issued these recommendations, which Call, in his letter, said the board will implement.

  1. Review and adopt structurally balanced budgets that contain realistic revenue and expense estimates.
  2. Present the budget to the membership for a vote, as required by the bylaws.
  3. Review the monthly financial reports provided by the treasurer and actively monitor the department’s spending.
  4. Consider having Department officers attend applicable and beneficial training sessions to obtain a better understanding of their duties. 
  5. Develop a written multiyear financial and capital plan to establish long-term goals and objectives for funding and long-term capital needs. This plan should be monitored and updated on an ongoing basis, and any funds already set aside for capital assets should be designated as such by board action.

Inadequate instruction possible cause of fatal Mercy Flight crash in Elba in April 2022

By Howard B. Owens
mercy flight fatal accident elba april 2022
April 26, 2022 file photo by Howard Owens

Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board Safety Board found no mechanical issues with a Bell helicopter operated by Mercy Flight that crashed during training in Elba on April 26, 2022.

The available evidence suggests, according to a final NTSB report, that an instructor did not provide adequate information to the pilot of the craft to recover from a maneuver, causing the Bell 429 to break apart mid-air.

The actions the pilot did take likely caused the main rotor blades to contact the tail boom, which caused the tail boom to separate from the body of the helicopter.

The pilot and trainer were working on dealing with a "vortex ring state," or VRS, which is a dangerous airflow condition that a pilot might encounter during flight.

Pilot James E. Sauer, 60, of Churchville, was being trained that day by Stewart M. Dietrick, 60, of Prosper, Texas. Sauer was the second pilot of the day to embark on a training mission with Dietrick.

The first pilot of the day told investigators he didn't think the VRS training went well.

"While in VRS, the pilot stated that he didn’t know why they were going so deep into VRS and that the instructor was just sitting there, 'hands on his lap,'" the report states. "So, the pilot, feeling uncomfortable at that point, had to exit this very high descent rate on his own rather than waiting for further guidance from the instructor pilot."

The report states that flight recorder data indicates that prior to the crash near Norton Road in Elba, there were multiple abrupt control inputs.  That data, combined with contact evidence found on the main rotor blades and tail boom after the accident, indicates the rotor blades hit the tail boom during the flight just prior to the crash.

"The parametric data and physical evidence observed during a postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any mechanical malfunctions or failures of the helicopter that would have precluded recovery from VRS," the report states.

To read the full report (PDF) click here.

Le Roy First Baptist Church holds 'Blue Christmas' service

By Howard B. Owens
le roy First Baptist Church blue christmas

The season of joy sometimes carries notes of sadness for those who miss loved ones, whether those close to them passed recently or many years ago, and with that in mind, Le Roy First Baptist Church held a "Blue Christmas" service on Wednesday evening.

The service called on those in attendance at the annual service to remember those whom they miss and recall God's comforting love.

"We invite you to reflect on the pain, the loneliness, and the sadness; you may feel an offer to God or healing and transformation,' said Pastor Edris Hitchcock. "We pray that you will find hope and comfort to know that you are not alone."

After a service of Bible verses, poetry, responsive texts, and hymns, people were invited to light candles in remembrance of those dear to them who have passed.

Photos by Howard Owens.

le roy First Baptist Church blue christmas
le roy First Baptist Church blue christmas
le roy First Baptist Church blue christmas
le roy First Baptist Church blue christmas

Pembroke opens season by beating undefeated Byron-Bergen Bees

By Howard B. Owens
pembroke byron bergen basketball

Many teams have already played four or five games in the 2023/24 season, but the Pembroke Dragons didn't hit the hardwood for the first time until Wednesday night to take on an undefeated Byron-Bergen team led by early season hot shot Braedyn Chambry.

Chambry set a school record in a game this season by scoring 41 points.  A couple of times, he's topped 20 points.

On Wednesday, the Dragons held him to nine points, sending the Bees (4-1) to their first defeat, 61-50.

For Pembroke, Tyson Totten scored 31 points, and Sean Pustulka scored nine.

Colin Martin led Byron-Bergen with 16 points. Noah Clare scored nine, and Brody Baubie scored eight.

"I was pleased with how we played defensively tonight, meeting our defensive goal 3/4 quarters," said Pembroke coach Matthew Shay. "I was also pleased with Jayden Bridge and Sam Pfeiffer and how they battled tonight defending Chambry along with our team defense limiting his touches. Roxanne always does a nice job with her squad, and I feel fortunate to come out of there with the win. Obviously, Tyson played really tough and controlled the game for us."

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro

pembroke byron bergen basketball
pembroke byron bergen basketball
pembroke byron bergen basketball
pembroke byron bergen basketball

Fourth quarter surge gives Irish 48-39 win over Trojans

By Howard B. Owens
notre dame girls basketball
Submitted photo.

Notre Dame beat Alexander in Girls Basketball on Wednesday, 48-39. 

The Irish trailed until the fourth quarter, when they pushed ahead and held on for the win.

 Freshman Sofia Falleti led the scoring with 21 points, seven rebounds, and four steals. Senior Emma Sisson dominated with a double-double 17 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two steals. 

“Tonight was a phenomenal win for the Lady Irish over a talented, veteran team, Alexander," said Head Coach Vinny Falleti. ”Our team did not take the lead until the fourth quarter and never gave up. I am so proud of how well they played.”

Big offense, stingy defense helps Elba to 77-33 win in Albion

By Howard B. Owens
elba basketball

On the road against Albion, Elba picked up another win in Girls Basketball, 77-33.

Sydney Reilly came on strong again, scoring 29 points. Lydia Ross scored 21 points, and Mariah Ognibene had 10 points with 6 rebounds. 

"The team is really playing solid team defense," said coach Charlie Pangrazio. "We got 27 steals tonight as a team. Ross had 12, and Ava Buczek had five."

Photos by Kristin Smith.

elba basketball
elba basketball
elba basketball
elba basketball
elba basketball
elba basketball
elba basketball

Clara R. Galliford

By Howard B. Owens
galliford obit

Clara R. Galliford, 98, of East Bethany, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2023, at Crossroads House in Batavia after a brief illness. Beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, her long life was devoted to supporting her family and her community. She was blessed by 75 years of marriage and celebrated the births of 36 direct descendants, all of whom survive her.

Clara was born May 1, 1925, in East Bethany. She was a 1942 graduate of Batavia High School. From 1951, she was a member of the East Bethany Presbyterian Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, trustee, and church elder. From 1956 to 1992, she served as Clerk and Postmaster for the United States Postal Service in East Bethany.  

Surviving are her four children: James D. Galliford Jr. of Batavia and Linda (Gerry) Fry, Jean George and Douglas (Judy) Galliford of East Bethany; ten grandchildren: J. Daniel (Kirsten) Galliford III, Laurie Fox, Julie Fry, Melissa (Allen) Iovannisci, Sarah (Tim) Lemley, Stacey (David Macdonald) George, Michael (Kristen) George, Debbie (Frank) Drazen, Brian (Becca) Galliford and Mary (Steve) Skoczylas; 22 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, J. Daniel Galliford Sr.; her brothers, Howard Raymond and Albert Raymond, and sister, Edith Nichols; and her parents, Arthur and Mabel (Cone) Raymond.

Clara’s family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Cindy Saeva at South Street Senior Care in LeRoy for the loving care she provided to Clara during her residence there.

Burial will be private with no prior calling hours. A memorial service for both Clara and her late husband Daniel will be held at a later date.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021, www.crossroadshouse.com/donate, or to the East Bethany Rural Cemetary Association, P.O. Box 117, LeRoy, NY 14482.

Arrangements for Clara were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Law and Order: Pair accused of leading officers on chase face drug and weapons charges

By Howard B. Owens

Tanner Bernard Wiley, 35, of Bennington Hills, Conn., is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle 3rd, obstructing governmental administration. Kimberly Ann Brodsky, 32, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, and criminal possession of a weapon 3rd. When officers attempted to stop a vehicle reportedly driven by Wiley at 1:09 a.m. on Dec. 7, Wiley allegedly fled from the traffic stop, leading to a pursuit of the vehicle from the City of Batavia into the Town of Pembroke, where Wiley allegedly attempted to flee on foot. Wiley and Brodsky were held pending arraignment.

Robert Alva Wright, 64, of Brooklyn Street, Warsaw, Rick William Reed, 42, of Maiden Lane, North Java, and Jesse James Schmidt, are each charged with assault 2nd. The three men are accused of participating in an assault at 11:11 p.m. on Sept. 8 at 2630 Attica Road, Alexander, the location of the Hillside Tavern.  All three men were arraigned on Dec. 4 and released on their own recognizance. The incident was investigated by deputies Erik Andre and Kevin McCarthy.

Talia F. Joubert, 21, of Le Roy, is charged with DWAI Drugs, speeding, and two counts of harassment 2nd.  Joubert was arrested on Dec. 5 in connection with a traffic stop conducted by a Batavia patrol officer on Dec. 5 at an undisclosed time and location. Joubert is accused of striking two police officers while at the police station. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Brian C. Johnson, 26, of Cheektowaga, is charged with harassment 2nd, criminal mischief 4th, and obstruction of governmental administration 2nd. Johnson allegedly engaged in a physical altercation with staff at UMMC while being treated in ER. He allegedly tried to flee police when officers attempted to take him into custody. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Wayne D. Potter, 40, of Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and harassment 2nd. He was arrested on Dec. 2 after an investigation by Batavia PD into an incident reported on Nov. 4 at an undisclosed time and undisclosed location where Potter allegedly fought with another person. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Cornelius Welch, 44, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd. Welch was allegedly found in possession of narcotics during a traffic stop by Batavia PD while Welch was riding his bicycle at an undisclosed location and at an undisclosed time. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Lisa Ann Centi, undisclosed age, undisclosed residential street, of Chili, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, criminal possession of a weapon 4th, false personation, insufficient signal, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd.  Centi was arrested following a traffic stop by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell at 9:58 p.m. on Dec. 1 on Forest Edge Drive, Batavia. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Kenniva Sharee Imoni Couser, 23, of Finch Street, Rochester, and Rickia Leshay Bryant, 25, of Clifford Avenue, Rochester, are charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and Bryant is charged with petit larceny. Couser and Bryant are accused of parking in a fire lane on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, at 2:51 p.m. on Dec. 6. There were reportedly children in the vehicle when the exterior temperature was 30 degrees.  The information related to the petit larceny charge was not released. Both were issued an appearance ticket. "Rickia Leshay Bryant" seems to be a name or a phrase.

Stacy Ramon Moss, 34, of Bates Road, Medina, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance 5th, aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd, seeding, and driving without a license. Moss was charged following a traffic stop by Deputy Stephen Smith at 2:03 a.m. on Dec. 4 on Lewiston Road, Batavia. Moss was processed at the Genesee County Jail, issued tickets, and released.

Taylor Marie Goodenow, 21, of Route 5, Le Roy, is charged with burglary 2nd, menacing 3rd, and conspiracy 4th. Riley Lucas Semaj Robinson, 19, of Route 5, Le Roy, is charged with burglary 2nd, criminal mischief 4th, criminal mischief 3rd, and criminal possession of a weapon 4th. Goodenow and Robinson are accused of entering an apartment in Pavilion by force at 3:43 a.m. on Dec. 3, menacing the occupants and causing property damage.

Matthew Ryan Bankes, 36, of Mayflower Street, Rochester, is charged with DWI and speeding. Bankes was stopped at 2:52 a.m. on Dec. 10 on Clinton Street Road, Bergen, by Deputy Ryan Mullen.  Bankes was issued an appearance ticket.

Sasha O. Wilson, 37, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Wilson was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 4:15 p.m. on Dec. 11 in the Town of Batavia. Wilson was issued an appearance ticket. Troopers did not release further information.

Jeanie L. Graham, 38, of Rochester, is charged with bail jumping 3rd. Graham was arrested by State Police on Dec. 11 and ordered held on cash bail. Troopers did not release further information.

Photo: Christmas fire truck in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens
scofield roll off fire truck
A fire truck lit up with Christmas lights in front of the Scofield Rolloff offices on Route 5 in Stafford.  The truck appears to be retired apparatus. There are no department decals on it.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Le Roy teacher resigns, under police investigation, accused of violating fraternization policy

By Howard B. Owens

A Le Roy Central School District has resigned, and his conduct is being investigated by Le Roy Police, according to Superintendent Merritt Holly.

Holly issued a statement to The Batavian following an inquiry about the status of a possible investigation involving a teacher.

According to Holly, John Beckler resigned his teaching position on Tuesday following an investigation by the district.  Holly said the district determined that Beckler violated the district's staff-student relations (fraternization) policy by communicating with students via text message and social media on matters unrelated to school.

"The District also referred the matter to the Le Roy Police Department, which is conducting a separate investigation," Holly said. "The district is cooperating fully with that investigation.  Because that investigation is ongoing, we will not provide any further comment.  The District’s top priority is ensuring a safe learning environment for our students."

Holly invited anyone with additional information to contact Detective James Prusak at (585) 768 - 2527 ext. 2024 or via email - jprusak@leroypolice.org.

Bees top Barker in hoops 71-59

By Howard B. Owens
byron bergen basketball

Byron-Bergen beat Barker in Boys Basketball on Monday, 71 to 59.

Braedyn Chambry scored 24 points, and Brody Baubie scored 19 points.

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro

byron bergen basketball
byron bergen basketball
byron bergen basketball
byron bergen basketball
byron bergen basketball

Elba racks up 88 points in win over Wheatland-Chili

By Howard B. Owens
elba basketball

Elba beat Wheatland-Chili 88-20 on Monday.

Five players for the Lancers hit double-figures scoring.  Sydney Reily and Lydia Ross each scored 18 points. Mariah Ognibene and Maddie Hall each scored 12. Brea Smith scored 11. 

"The team is really playing hard for each other," said Coach Charlie Pangrazio. "Our team defense is improving and will get better every game."

Photos by Debra Reilly.

elba basketball
elba basketball
elba basketball

Photos: Shop with a Cop at Walmart on Saturday

By Howard B. Owens
shop with a cop walmart 2023

On Saturday, the Walmart in Batavia hosted Shop with a Cop, the annual event that pairs children who may not have funds for Christmas presents, either for themselves or as gifts for others, with a local police officer.

This year, participating agencies were Batavia PD, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, and Le Roy PD.  

Photos by Howard Owens.

shop with a cop walmart 2023
shop with a cop walmart 2023
shop with a cop walmart 2023
shop with a cop walmart 2023
shop with a cop walmart 2023
shop with a cop walmart 2023
shop with a cop walmart 2023
shop with a cop walmart 2023

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