From Timothy J. Hens, superintendent, Genesee County Highway Department

Genesee County will be closing Hickox Road in the Town of Alexander from 4 p.m. this afternoon (June 4^th) through 5 p.m. Saturday afternoon June 6^th.

This will allow for the emergency repair of a landslide along the eastern embankment of the road approximately a quarter mile south of the Hamlet of Ray.

The road will be closed to thru traffic in the area of the repair during this time and will be open to local traffic only from Dodgeson Road to Walker Road.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley has called on Gov. Cuomo to consider changing his position on bail reform in the wake of mass looting and riots following the tragic murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Hawley’s first and foremost goal is to ensure law-abiding citizens have their livelihoods protected during this period when bad actors are taking advantage of thinly stretched law enforcement and the chaos that has ensued. 

“As someone who truly believes in the power of the U.S. Constitution and the rights it affords its citizens, I want to make it clear that any peaceful protestor has my full support; that is their right as an American,” Hawley said.

“What we are seeing is a large sect of criminals taking advantage of this situation for their own selfish gains to abuse the situation and sow seeds of anarchy and dissent, and they must be held accountable for their actions.”

“I am calling on Gov. Cuomo to consider a more aggressive and punitive response to these looters and rioters who are causing the destruction of our state,” Hawley said. “Because of current bail reform laws, these criminals are arrested and then immediately released back on the streets to continue their unlawful behavior.

"I appreciate our law enforcement who are working to contain these looters and rioters, and restoring peace and order. However, these officers are handicapped by the bail reform laws, as they create a continuous cycle where these criminals get arrested and released again and again. That needs to change during this period of unrest.”

Press release:

New York State Senator Mike Ranzenhofer (SD-61) endorsed Chris Jacobs for Congress (NY-27) today.

“I have had the honor of serving with Chris Jacobs as a State Senator for four years now, and I can say with all sincerity he has always put the needs of Western New York at the forefront of his agenda," Senator Ranzenhofer said. "Chris has served our state and our region with integrity and dedication, and he cares deeply about the men, women, and families of Western New York.

"I can think of no one more qualified or more prepared to fight for us as our next Congressman, especially at a time when we are in dire need of conservative leadership in Washington. I am proud to endorse Chris Jacobs for New York’s 27th Congressional District.”

“I am deeply grateful to be endorsed by Senator Ranzenhofer," Jacobs said. "It has been a pleasure serving in the Senate and representing Erie County with him; he has always been a strong, dedicated advocate for our region, and for our conservative values.

"I have been honored to serve Western New York in the Senate and I look forward to fighting for our region in Congress in June and ensuring that we restore strong conservative leadership to this seat. Senator Ranzenhofer’s support makes me confident we can develop a strong coalition of local leaders to ensure a bright and prosperous future for Western New York.”

Jacobs is also the only candidate to receive the endorsement of United States President Donald Trump, House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), Congresswomen Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Former Congressman Jack Quinn (R- NY), NYS Senator Patrick Gallivan, NYS Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, NYS Assemblyman Mike Norris, and Erie County Sheriff Timothy Howard.

The Batavian has reached out to school board candidates in Genesee County to get their answers to five questions prior to voting on June 9.

At Oakfield-Alabama Central School, five candidates are running for three open positions – Jackie Yunker Davis, Daniel N. Groth, Douglas Russo, Shanda Spink and Peter Zeliff.

The candidate receiving the most votes will begin serving on June 10 with the term ending on June 30, 2023. The terms of the two candidates with the second and third most votes will be July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023.

The questions are as follows:

1 -- What is your position on your school district’s proposed budget for 2020-21? What parts do you support? What parts would you change if you could?

2 -- Are teachers in your district compensated adequately?

3 -- With what we know now about COVID-19, should schools reopen in the fall?

4 -- Are you satisfied that your district responds to parents’ complaints and concerns in a way that ensures the parents know they have been heard?

5 -- What two books published since The Enlightenment have influenced you the most?

JACKIE YUNKER DAVIS

1 -- I am in favor of the proposed 2020-21 tax neutral District budget. Considering the current status and economic downfall of NYS, I cannot, however, be in favor of a Capital Improvement project that relies so heavily on a state that has such an enormous deficit. I do support the district’s ability to scale back appropriately as needed pending state cuts. The concept of "doing more with less" is here and real. Change is inevitable. I would certainly like to see proactive measures versus reactive measures in how we handle this change as a district.

2 -- I fall somewhere in the middle here. I would certainly like to see compensation relative to performance. As with many businesses/schools, you will have the high performing educators who go above and beyond their duties, day in and day out, and are under compensated in comparison to their value. On the other end of the spectrum, you have the middle or low performers who are overcompensated.

3 -- School should absolutely resume in the fall. Will it be the same as it was? No, certainly not, given what we know about COVID. I do think it's possible if we are willing to change how we’ve always done things, and have an open mind ... to make it happen. OACS has very dedicated, responsible, highly-educated, and caring individuals as part of their administration and staff, that I am confident will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of all.

4 -- I can speak only from what I know through my own experiences with the district, and what is voiced to me from others. I do believe OACS has done an excellent job of addressing the needs of both parents and students during these trying times. They have offered several different platforms of communication. They are visible and supportive. I have heard many complementary remarks of how OACS has worked through this and I am very proud to be in this district!

5 -- So many books to choose from however, I would say the two books that I find worthy to keep on my bookshelf, and often re-read or reference, are Who Moved My Cheese? Dr. Spencer Johnson. A classic. Change is constant. Adapting to change is a must. Always pertinent to our lives, and the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey. I absolutely love that our O-A students are getting such early exposure to timeless principles of what it takes to be “good humans.”

DAN GROTH

1 -- I feel it is appropriate given the current economic situation. I support all parts of the proposed budget. There are no parts of the proposed budget that I would change.

2 -- At this point in time, I think it is too early to make that decision. Schools will need more guidance, data and feedback. I’m confident the right decision will be made for all schools.

3 -- I feel teachers are compensated fairly.

4 -- I am satisfied and any communication I have had, the district responded in an appropriate and timely manner.

5 -- Eisenhower in War and Peace, Trail of Tears

DOUG RUSSO

1 -- I feel that the proposed budget is prudent and fiscally responsible for the taxpaying citizens. Therefore, I will support the budget for approval. I recommend the budget because it offers a 0 percent tax levy increase to our district property owners. Meanwhile, there is an increase in funding for instruction, which I believe is essential for our students. As we move forward, there is a grave concern regarding a reduction in (New York State) aid to our school district. If there are any changes to the school budget, I will work hard to ensure funds are allocated in a fiscally responsible manner and that the monies are well spent for our children. As a board member, I will advocate for fiscally sound (future) district budgets and, along with the rest of the board, will monitor our school organization's financial well-being.

2 --Teachers are compensated according to the collective bargaining agreement between the school district and the teachers association. I can tell you firsthand that the profession as a teacher is challenging while rewarding. Teachers hold an essential function in our community that impacts our children's learning and students' success. Maintaining and recruiting extraordinary teachers that are responsible for student achievement is a priority for our school system. As a board member, I will advocate that our school district provides equitable compensation, not only to our teachers but to all school staff members. I am devoted to working with the other board members and the administrative team, creating policies for a school environment that fosters a safe and positive workplace for all of our staff members and that it encompasses a collaborative culture with a growth mindset focusing on student achievement. 

3 -- I was saddened by the sudden school closing this year. As a father, my daughter Kiera, who is an Oakfield-Alabama Senior, missed-out on her senior events. As a teacher, I had 34 high school seniors in my class, and they missed out on essential activities. Most seniors were in the process of performing an internship at their designated worksite. We need to get students back to school as soon as possible in the fall. However, we must be diligent and cautious. Safety to our educational community is Priority-1. The COVID-19 is undoubtedly a harmful virus, and we must take the necessary steps so that students and staff and their families remain safe by following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and New York State guidelines. Thereby, we must work together and be innovative in the learning process to discover new ways and solutions to teaching our students, implement safety measures and continuously monitor the well-being of our community regardless if school resumes or shutdown continues.

4 -- Speaking for myself as a parent, Oakfield-Alabama School District has always listened to and addressed my concerns promptly and adequately. Every parent and student should be treated with the utmost respect, understanding, and dignity by our school district. One of my main objectives as a school board member is to listen to all stakeholders' interests and concerns in our district and our educational community effectively. As a board member, I will bring forth ideas to assist in developing and constructing district policies that will enhance and ensure a high level of student equity, equality, and excellence for ALL of our students and that it encourages parent involvement. 

5 -- I recently read the autobiography, On the Brink by Henry [Hank] M. Paulson, Jr. Hank Paulson was an American banker who served as the 74th U.S. Secretary of the Treasury during the 2008 financial crisis. Paulson speaks in detail about his experience as a leader contending with the crisis. I am intrigued about the crisis that I lived through and how a leader would handle such a disaster. Paulson was a bona fide capitalist and believed in moral hazard, whereas each business determines their destiny (succeed or fail) without government intervention or interference. Paulson's objective was to change the economic climate quickly. Despite Paulson's ideology and political resistance (including friendly colleagues, which became not so friendly), Paulson sanctioned the U.S. government to annex many large corporations to obtain the objective. This book demonstrated how a leader must put ideologies aside and do what's best for the organization he or she serves.

The second book that I am influenced by is Michael Fullan's Change Leader. In short, Fullan speaks about a leader being resolute with a purpose while demonstrating empathy for others. Having a seat at the board table, I will apply the things that have impacted me through my readings. I will do what is in the best interest of the Oakfield-Alabama School District and its students. I am devoted to working with the other board members, the administrative team, and our community to establish a clear vision to create a dynamic school system.

SHANDA SPINK

1 -- I support OACS's proposed budget for 2020-21. Given recent events with employment for so many, the fact that our school's budget proposes a 0 percent tax levy increase to our local community members is a blessing. I believe that the Capital Improvement Project is necessary and one that will provide our children with a safer and better learning environment. The only aspect of the budget that I would change is proposition #3 to acquire more school buses. I do not feel the need to have new buses. However, I would support the purchase of them, should the school decide to have the HS/Middle and Elementary start and end at the same time as other districts around us.

2 -- After comparing OACS's district average pay for last year to other districts, I do not think that our teachers are paid enough. I do believe that we provide amazing benefits, as I experienced them first hand when my mom was a school employee. However, I believe that teachers, especially in today's age with more work behind the scenes, deserve to be paid closer to the state average, like districts and counties around us.

3 -- As a Holistic Health Practitioner, I do not feel that schools should reopen, given the guidelines that the CDC has given at this point. We need to take into account the emotional health of our students, not just physical. I do not believe the guidelines set will give my children the best education experience possible. School is not just about the information taught. I believe that a major part of school is the interactions with other students, teachers, and staff. This helps our students to be well-rounded citizens. It helps our students feel a part of something bigger than themselves. If schools should open under the CDC guidelines, our children would be missing out on many interactions that help to shape them into the people we want to see in the world. Should the CDC have new suggestions, I would consider going forward to reopen schools in the fall.

4 -- For our family personally, it depended on the situation. I have felt heard at times and ignored at others. I believe that when the problem is addressed, Oakfield does an outstanding job of making you feel heard and together come up with a solution. However, as time goes on, the solution to the problem seemed to have been pushed aside and I would have to bring up the situation again to remind them of our previous solution.

5 -- The first book that has influenced me is Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown. This helped me find the courage to be brave and stand-alone in what I believe instead of trying to fit in and be the person others wanted me to be. The book talks about how true belonging is not about fitting in, pretending, or making the people around us comfortable. Instead, we need to be who we are and stand strong in what we believe in. It talks about how we need to follow our hearts and protect them from the constant evaluation you get from others when doing what you are led to do ... even if it is a little outside the box. Brené Brown says our belonging to each other can’t be lost, but it can be forgotten. Her research has reminded the world in recent years of the uncomfortable, life-giving link between vulnerability and courage. This book draws attention to the fact that we walked into the crisis of our life together and how we can move beyond it: with strong backs, soft fronts, and wild hearts.

The second book is a book that I read after attending the Global Leadership Summit, a few years ago, called Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley. It was a fresh perspective leadership book that talked about how to lead with courage then follow with character. The book helped me pinpoint and acknowledge my strengths as a leader. It also allowed me to see what my weaknesses are so that I can delegate those activities to someone else who has them as a strength. The book does an amazing job of how to be a leader in today's society. According to Stanley, "You have to courageous. You have to be clear in the midst of uncertainty. You need to have a leadership coach yourself. And along the way, it is absolutely essential that you maintain your character."

PETER ZELIFF

1 -- I feel our administration has done a great job on the budget and I fully support it. They always keep the taxpayers in mind while making sure our kids have everything to succeed. Managing the budget is going to be more crucial in the next year with not knowing where the state is financially and we may have to make adjustments based on that as the year goes on and pull back in certain areas. One example would be the bus purchase. I would want to know that the kids are coming back to school for sure before we made a purchase like that. 

2 -- I believe our teachers are our most valuable asset and that money isn’t the only thing that motivates people. We have a very unique community and school district that does a lot of little things other communities and schools don’t do which to me has a lot of value. Our teachers should be compensated competitively with other school districts but I also want our teachers to be drawn to us as a district and community, and I believe our school district has more to offer than just a paycheck. Seeing how a lot of these teachers come out support their students at things like sporting events, plays, and how great they have been during the corona pandemic with personally reaching out to students, leaving messages on the driveways, and so many other things is what I believe we are all investing in and I feel the board needs to make sure we are recognizing what these teachers do and to make sure they have everything they need to get the job done.

3 -- My initial reaction is yes but I feel we need to continue monitoring the situation before making that decision. As of right now that should be the plan and we should be gearing up for that to happen. I believe it is important to get these kids back into a class room and a normal or as normal as it can be routine but we also have to think of the safety of all of our children and be working on plan B as well so we are prepared.

4 -- Yes, I have felt our administration has always been willing to take the time to listen to your concerns and that they are always looking for community feedback and input. The fact that they look for community members to sit in on teacher and administration interviews, committees for construction projects, and other school agendas shows that they really want to hear from us. 

5 -- Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Capital Gains by Chip Gaines.

The legislature’s Ways & Means Committee this afternoon unanimously approved the appointment pursuant to the county’s Local Law No. 1, 1967. The term takes effect on June 10 – when Klotzbach is expected to be sworn in at a meeting of the full legislature – and runs through Dec. 31.

Klotzbach was endorsed by both the Town of Alabama and Oakfield Republican committees at meetings last month.

 “I’ve been interested in this type of service for a while after learning about the inner workings (of government) through my involvement with the (Town of Alabama) planning board and STAMP (Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park) in the Town of Alabama,” Klotzbach said.

A 2006 Oakfield-Alabama Central School graduate, Klotzbach is managing partner of Alleghany Farm Services in Basom, a family business started by his father, Drew, in the early 1980s. The company specializes in commercial construction site work and agricultural drainage across New York State.

Klotzbach earned his civil engineering degree from Clarkson University in Potsdam, where he was a competitive swimmer, before obtaining a master in business administration degree from Canisius College in Buffalo.

Currently, he is a member of the Town of Alabama Planning Board that is in the middle of a zoning update.

Asked to introduce himself at the Zoom meeting, Klotzbach, 31, said he interacts with residents of the district on a regular basis through his business and the planning board.

“I’ve done a lot of surveys and chatting with people in the town, so I have a pretty good status of what is going on in the town at the moment, what the forward thoughts are and where people want to see it going,” he said.

Klotzbach also said he enjoys working with and encouraging young entrepreneurs in the area.

“Just as it’s super important to bring in new businesses to the county, I also think it’s a better idea to foster and kind of encourage the students that we have – the younger people – to build their businesses and mentor them.”

The vacancy on the board was created when Hilchey resigned from the position on May 14, citing “risks of possible negative impact upon his employer.”

The District No. 1 seat will be up for election in November, which gives Klotzbach and any others interested in serving on the legislature, an opportunity to get on the ballot.

November's victor would serve in 2021 and then -- provided that he or she wishes to continue -- would run again in November 2021 when that seat goes for a four-year term.

In other action, the committee:

-- Approved an agreement between the county and Prospect Hill Consulting LLC of Buffalo to coordinate a Comprehensive Planning Process and create a County Recreation plan.

The project is designed to foster interagency cooperation and a smooth flow of information, starting with the vision of community residents about land use and developing into a policy that can be monitored by the legislature, County Planning Director Felipe Oltramari said.

Oltramari said the $100,000 project will be funded by a $40,000 award the county received in 2019, along with a $45,000 cash match from a previously established county project to create the County Recreation Plan and a $15,000 in-kind contribution.

Legislator Chair Rochelle Stein said she is excited about the prospects of working with Prospect Hill Consulting, which she said will “provide a youthful look at the county and our natural resources.”

“I can not wait for them to meet with our leadership partners – the towns, villages and city – to bring us into 2050,” she said. “It’s going to be a tremendous task, but the plan will make a big difference in Genesee County.”

-- Approved a retail lease agreement between the Town of Bergen and the Monroe County Water Authority for the operation and maintenance of the town’s Water Improvement Benefit Area No. 1.

Highway Superintendent Tim Hens said authorization by the legislature is required in agreements such as this one, adding that this will enable the town to have the “paperwork to get their district going.”

Residents using water in the new benefit area are subject to the full surcharge to the County Water Fund per a water supply agreement with the Town of Bergen dated June 13, 2018, Hens said.

-- Approved a 2.3 percent raise for Jay Lazarony, the GLOW Workforce Development Board manager, retroactive to April 1. The $1,508 increase bumps his salary to $66,271 and is covered by the GLOW WDB. County Manager Jay Gsell said that no county funds have ever been allocated to the organization.

-- Commended Legislative Clerk Pamela LaGrou following a review of the administrative office.

“We’re extremely pleased to have you sitting in that seat (at the Old Courthouse) and minding the fort for us,” Stein said.

A Batavia resident was among protesters on Main Street this afternoon but in his attempt to document his participation, he shot video of the Genesee County Jail.

That drew the attention of local law enforcement. He said he was approached by a Batavia police officer and a corrections officer and asked not to take photos of the jail. He said he told officers he was in a public place and could photograph anything visible to the public. He indicated officers didn't pursue matters further and he said he would continue to carry his sign and take video of the jail.

Press release:

Today, New York Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul announced her endorsement of Nate McMurray for the Special Election on June 23rd. Hochul represented this district from 2011-2012 after winning a special election to fill the seat prior to redistricting in 2012. 

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said, “I believe Nate McMurray will be successful based on the Democratic values he espouses and his track record advocating for the working families and farmers that make up this region.

"I know this district well and am confident that Nate will be a strong representative for all Western New Yorkers when he gets to Washington. We have a critical opportunity on June 23rd to send a national message to Trump and GOP insiders before the General election in November.” 

“I’m very proud to have Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul's support once again," McMurray said. "Kathy Hochul has long been a champion for women and families across New York. I look forward to getting to work in Washington and partnering with public servants like her to improve the lives of all New Yorkers and all Americans."

Story by Pete DeLea, of the Daily News-Record of Harrisonburg, Va. Republished with permission.

A Virginia man shot and killed by New York police last week became radicalized over the years, had a deep hatred for government and police, and was likely planning a large-scale attack, according to several law enforcement sources.

Over the course of three days last week, police say, FBI agents found a stockpile of firearms and pipe bombs in Joshua Blessed’s car and at his home in Rockingham County.

Sources say police and federal agents were aware of the 58-year-old, also known as Sergei Jourev. The FBI and Virginia State Police sent out bulletins to local law enforcement about Blessed’s extreme views and potential danger to police.

Rockingham County Sheriff Bryan Hutcheson said deputies had minimal dealings with Blessed in the past, but nothing that was criminal. He said he’s thankful no one was injured in New York or locally.

“We found out a whole lot more about him. You’re talking about a true extremist,” Hutcheson said. “He was a dangerous individual. You’re talking about someone that was serious about committing violence … some kind of terrorism.”

Calls to the FBI were not returned.

The investigation into Blessed began shortly after 8:30 p.m. on May 27, when a Le Roy police officer attempted a traffic stop on Blessed’s tractor-trailer on Route 5 in the Village of Le Roy.

Blessed took off while an officer was on the truck’s side rails. A pursuit ensued and it eventually included multiple police agencies.

He continued into Livingston County. Blessed opened fire, shooting four police vehicles. Police say one vehicle alone received 10 shots.

Police returned fire, striking him multiple times. Blessed died at the scene.

Officers say Blessed worked for Harrisonburg-based trucking company Yurman Express and was headed to New York to pick up dairy products.

During a press conference on May 28, Livingston County Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty said no police officers or civilians were injured.

“I would call it a miracle. I have no clue how nobody was hurt. He fired a lot of shots, and we fired a lot of shots,” he said, adding that one bullet entered a police car and struck the driver’s side headrest. “If he wasn’t ducking, it would have been right to his head.”

Following the shootout, Dougherty said, investigators began to focus on figuring out why Blessed did what he did.

Joined by the FBI, multiple law enforcement agencies turned their attention to Blessed's social media posts, which they say included troubling statements regarding his religious and anti-police views.

A YouTube video he posted showed snipers on roofs during a Second Amendment rally in Richmond on Jan. 20.

Under the video, Blessed posts: “The Civil War is coming to America and then Russian invasion on the east and Chinese on the west.”

The FBI then headed to the Shenandoah Valley, where they searched multiple properties.

They searched his former Augusta County home on Fadley Road in Weyers Cave, but nothing was found. Although he owns the property, police say, he didn’t live there.

Police say he rented a home in Keezletown.

During a search at that home, law enforcement said, they found more than a dozen explosive devices capable of being used in a large-scale attack.

The Virginia State Police blew up the devices at a remote farm in the county.

ADDITIONAL INFO: Le Roy Chief Chris Hayward told The Batavian the Le Roy patrol vehicle rammed and shot in the incident sustained $15,000 in damage.

Previously:

• Investigators using social media to work up profile of truck driver killed after police pursuit
• Le Roy PD releases photos of patrol vehicle shot and rammed by truck driver Wednesday night
• FBI raids home in Virginia of truck driver killed after chase through Genesee and Livingston counties
• After high-speed chase that ended with shoot out, Le Roy chief kept thinking of the 'what ifs'

While Le Roy fire and Bergen fire were on the Thruway working an accident that required a Mercy Flight transport near the Route 237 overpass, a second accident was reported in the westbound lane.

The first accident involved a tractor-trailer in the eastbound lane.

It appears there are minor injuries in the second accident.

Top two photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service. Bottom photo submitted by a reader. Additional photos added below by Alecia Kaus.

Press release:

As Genesee Community College puts the final touches on its Virtual Commencement Ceremony scheduled to be launched this Saturday, June 6, at 1 p.m., there is a group of six students from Genesee County high schools who deserve special mention.

They will be completing their GCC degree requirements concurrently with their high school diplomas or New York State Equivalents.

A half dozen GC graduates participated in the third annual cohort of the College's Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Enrichment Program through GCC's Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Office.

The STEM Enrichment program began in 2012 allowing the students to start their college studies as early as the seventh grade. In addition to their traditional schoolwork, they enrolled in college level coursework each year taking advantage of many academic opportunities and successfully completing all of the rigorous challenges of an associate degree.

These high achieving individuals are:

Student Last Name / First Name / GCC Degree Received / Hometown

Caballero, Siomara -- AS Liberal Arts & Sciences: Natural Science -- Byron-Bergen

Kesler, Erik -- AS Liberal Arts & Sciences: General Studies -- Batavia

Lin, Andrew -- AS Liberal Arts & Sciences: Natural Science -- Batavia

Luker, Nathaniel -- AS Liberal Arts & Sciences: Natural Science -- Alexander

Reimer, Morgan -- AS Liberal Arts & Sciences: Natural Science -- Batavia

Taggart, Madeline -- AS Liberal Arts & Sciences: Natural Science -- Batavia

"Once again this year, we are delighted to celebrate the achievements of our STEM program students who have worked hard to earn GCC degrees along with their high school diplomas or the New York State Equivalent, in the case of our homeschooled students," said Ed Levinstein, associate dean of GCC's ACE program.

"I commend their hard work and dedication to their studies, as well as the excellent contributions they make to GCC's classes and college community."

Officials at Genesee Community College invite all friends and family to enjoy the College's first-ever Virtual Commencement Ceremony, which was filmed and produced over the last several weeks under social distancing mandates.

The ceremony will be published online. It features:

• "The National Anthem" -- Performed by Alyssa Young, GCC student
• President's Welcome -- James Sunser, Ed.D., president, Genesee Community College
• Message from the Board of Trustees -- Donna Ferry, chair, Board of Trustees, Genesee Community College
• Greetings from GCC Faculty -- Marirose Ethington, GCC Professor and Director of Math and Science
• Presentation of Genesee Community College Foundation's Alpha Medal of Service Recipient: Robert Boyce
• Message from the SUNY Chancellor -- Kristina Johnson, Ed.D., Chancellor, State University of New York
• Introduction of Commencement Speaker -- James Sunser, Ed.D., president, Genesee Community College
• Commencement Keynote Address -- Peggy Marone, director of Leadership Genesee
• Presentation of the Graduates -- Kathleen Schiefen, Ed.D., provost/executive vice president for Academic Affairs, GCC
• Messages from NYS Senator Charles E. Schumer and Lieutenant Governor Kathleen C. Hochul
• Conferring of Degrees -- James Sunser, Ed.D., president, Genesee Community College
• "God Bless America" -- Performed by Alyssa Young, GCC student

The state has mandated all but essential services close down during the current state of emergency to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Click here for a list of what the state has defined as essential services.

We will include any locally owned business whether a sponsor or not at no charge. If your business is not included, please email:   howard@thebatavian.com

Periodically, we'll move this post back to the top of the home page with updates.

This listing is FREE to all locally owned businesses in Genesee County.

Auto Service

Batavia Automotive, 50 Liberty St., Batavia. (585) 344-7171

Batavia Starter, 282 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. (585) 343-3805

Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep (service; sales by appointment only), 306 W. Main St., Batavia. (585) 343-1780

Chesley's Auto and Tire Service, 562 E. Main St., Batavia. (585) 343-8691

Crazy Cheap Cars (service; sales by appointment only), 8 Main St., Oakfield. (585) 948-8000

Dan's Tire & Auto Service Center, 48 Batavia City Centre. (585) 343-7210

Dickinson's Auto, 4028 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. (585) 343-9800

Empire Tractor, 5072 E. Main St., Batavia. (585) 343-1822

Falleti Motors, service, and sales by appointment -- browse inventory online, 504 Ellicott St., Batavia. (585) 343-2247

Freightliner & Western Star of Batavia, 8190 State Street Road, Batavia. Heavy-duty trucking service & parts, deliveries. (585) 524-2100

Genesee Auto Body, 659 Ellicott St., Batavia. (585) 345-0432

John's Service Station, 187 Pearl St., Batavia. (585) 343-0535

Johnson Automotive, 4003 W. Main St., Batavia. (585) 343-6891

Ken Barrett Chevrolet, service / collision / parts / sales by appointment only, 229 W. Main St., Batavia. (585) 300-4966

L&L Transmission, 8781 Alexander Road, Batavia. (585) 343-1735

Parmenter Tire & Auto, 4531 W. Saile Drive, Batavia. (585) 343-0544

Pellegrino Auto Sales, full service and sales, 4060 Pearl St., Batavia. (585) 344-2658

Select Collision, 5273 Clinton Street Road, Batavia. (585) 344-4945

Sheelar Automotive Repair, 149 Pearl St., Batavia. Open for business. (585) 344-2484

Sloat Tire Shop, 5257 Clinton Street Road, Batavia. (585) 343-7730

Stan's Harley-Davidson, 4425 W. Saile Drive, Batavia. Full service, showroom open. (585) 343-9598

Stella Collision, 8375 E. Main St., Le Roy. (585) 768-7370

Thompson Motors (service; sales by appointment only), 11263 Route 98, Attica. (585) 591-4310

Toyota of Batavia (service; sales by appointment only), 3899 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. (585) 344-4141

Zirbel's Automotive, 149 Hutchins St., Batavia. (585) 343-6101

Child Care

Batavia Computer Center, 563 E. Main St., Batavia, Open Monday - Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (585) 343-2070

Marchese Computers, open by appointment. (585) 343-2713

Millennium Computers, (585) 343-3310

Construction, Electric, Home Repair & Maintenance, Plumbing, Refrigeration

A.D. Call & Sons Excavation and Trucking Inc., Stafford. (FAX) (585) 343-8147. (585) 343-2910

Arctic Refrigeration of Batavia, 26 Cedar St., Emergencies 24/7: for commercial, food service, agricultural storage; also, residential parts/service. Website. (585) 343-2678

Batavia Garage Door, (585) 344-4405

Bill Fox & Son Construction, (585) 356-4992

Ben's Appliance & Kitchens, (585) 343-7033

Brownell Sealing and Contracting, 7968 Lewiston Road, Batavia. Facebook page. (716) 474-5732

Cassidy’s Locksmithing, (585) 755-1237

Cedar Street Sales & Rental, 111 Cedar St., Batavia. Open for rentals / repairs. Retail online only. (585) 343-4899

Country Line Electric, Batavia, electric equipment, supplies. (585) 343-3448

Deep Blue Pool & Spa, (585) 343-7665

Denny's Pool World, 515 E. Main St., Batavia. (585) 343-8222

Diegelman's Plumbing, 4995 Ellicott Street Road, Batavia. (585) 356-3438

Empire Tractor, 5072 E. Main St., Batavia. Repair shop open. Curbside pickup or delivery of parts. Equipment shown upon request. New equipment delivery. (585) 343-1822

Erie East Windows and Doors, (585) 757-2768

Fava Brothers Lawn Care, (585) 260-8391

Falcone Electric, (585) 343-2018

Genesee Lumber Co., Batavia, now open Monday - Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. See updates here. (585) 343-0777

Genesee Country Residential Services. Home repairs, construction services. Weekdays 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (585) 345-0076

Genesee Plumbing, (585) 343-3805

Henry H. Cook, (585) 345-0915

Holland High Lift, 10033 East Road, East Bethany. (585) 343-9961

Humphrey's Electric & Security, (585) 721-3088

I.D. Booth Inc., 60 Liberty St., Batavia. Plumbing, heating, electrical products for trade professionals, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. (585) 343-4500

Kevin Bezon Enterprises, (585) 746-0246

Kreative Design Kitchen & Bath (Showroom open for construction projects only). (585) 345-0012

McCabe Enterprises Electrical Contractor, (585) 762-9347

Napoleone Plumbing and Carpentry, (585) 409-9961

New Look Windows LLC, 3245 Broadway Road, Alexander. (585) 547-3679

Northside Saw & Tool, 641 E. Main St., Batavia. (585) 219-4735

Precision Lawn Care, (585) 993-5296

Pro Seal & Paving, (585) 356-8689

R.A. Haitz Company, (585) 343-2400

Rickety Rich Home Repair / Construction, (585) 813-7071

RJN Electrical Services, (585) 343-6700

Sallome Heating & Cooling, (585) 343-8236

Seaman's Hardware, 2602 Main Street Road, East Pembroke. (585) 762-9211

Terance Cranston Construction, (585) 305-4254

Toal's Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, commercial and residential, (585) 344-3839

Tri County Glass, (585) 343-0277

Tri-County Safe & Lock, (585) 305-3835

Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning, (585) 209-0305

Valu Home Center, 4152 W. Main St.. Batavia. Curbside pick up available. (585) 344-1300

Viele Construction, (585) 343-2356

Waters Plumbing Heating and Electrical, (585) 762-8687

WTS Plumbing, (585) 993-1697

Yasses Construction, (585) 548-5014

Elder Care

Johnson's Elderly Care, (585) 548-3206

St. Ann's Community, (585) 768-2740

Finance & Insurance

Allstate Insurance Agency, H. Michael Roth, 106 W. Main St., Batavia. FAX (585) 344-3542. Phone (585) 344-3514

Insurance Center, (585) 343-2282

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, 419 W. Main St., Batavia. (716) 864-0715

Lawley Insurance, 20 Jefferson Square, Batavia. (585) 344-0300

Le Roy Federal Credit Union, 7093 W. Main Road, Le Roy. (585) 768-7207

Marathon Insurance, (585) 343-8609

Mark Lewis -- State Farm Insurance, (585) 343-4959

Mathis Agency with Nationwide Insurance, (585) 768-4810

RB Adams Agency/ The Northwoods Corporation, 539 E. Main St., Batavia, (585) 343-0046

Stephen M. Hawley & Associates -- The Insurance Center, 50 Main St., Batavia. Office closed, reduced staff; can take payments in envelope if can't pay online. M-F, 9 to 5. (585) 343-2282

Tompkins Bank of Castle (various locations), (585) 344-2898

Tompkins Insurance Agencies, 1-888-261-2688

Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union, 10 Jefferson Square, Batavia. (585) 343-5627

Funeral Homes

Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, (585) 343-5679

Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, (585) 948-5325

Cameron, Brady & Steuber Funeral Home, (585) 768-6800

C.B. Beach & Son Mortuary, (585) 599-4520

Falcone Family Funeral, (585) 768-2400

Gilmartin Funeral Home, (585) 343-8260

H.E. Turner & Co, (585) 343-8868

J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, (585) 343-6158

Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, (585) 343-7500

Garbage Collection & Recycling

Arc Collection Services-- Curbside and Dumpster. (585) 343-4203

Arc Transfer Station & Redemption Center, 3785 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. Monday/Friday/Saturday -- 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesdays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Customers remain in cars. (585) 343-4203

Haul-4-Less, (585) 813-7007

McNickel's Bottle and Can Redemption, 220 Ellicott St., Batavia. (585) 344-8652

Mickel’s Nickels Redemption, 80 Lake St., Le Roy. (585) 768-9610

Medical & Dental

Batavia Chiropractic Health Center -- Dr. Michael DeAngelo, 154 Pearl St., Batavia. (585) 343-4862

Batavia Foot Care Center, 3922 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. (585) 344-1677

Dr. Joseph Canzoneri, 2 State St., Batavia. (585) 343-8150

GCASA -- Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, (585) 343-1124

Genesee Dental, 37 Batavia City Centre, Batavia. Emergencies only. Dental staff phone hours 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. (585) 343-1113

Independent Living of the Genesee Region, 319 W. Main St., Batavia, assistance for the disabled, 8:30 to 5 weekdays. (585) 815-8501, ext. 400

Michael A. Kubiniec, DDS, 180 Washington Ave., Batavia. (585) 343-5865. Full services open.

Licata Chiropractic and Wellness Center, 542 E. Main St., Batavia. (585) 343-5311

Mazurkiewicz Family Chiropractic, PC, 184 Washington Ave., Batavia. (585) 343-9316

Oatka Family Medicine, 5762 E. Main St., Batavia. (585) 201-7055

Patronus Counseling -- Jennifer Geib, LCSW-R. Video/phone mental health sessions Monday-Friday evenings. (585) 483-0544

Pediatric Associates of Batavia (Dr. Idrees and Dr. Shahid), 43 Batavia City Centre, Suite A. (585) 343-7117

Pembroke Family Medicine, offices open in Alexander, Corfu and Batavia. Website. (585) 599-6446

Rochester Regional Health --

• Batavia Internal Medicine, 229 Summit St., Batavia. (585) 343-4440
• Batavia Primary Care, 16 Bank St., Batavia. (585) 815-6760
• Bergen Family Medicine, 6966 W. Bergen Road, Bergen. (585) 494-1300
• Community Pharmacy, 127 North St., Batavia. (585) 815-6736
• Dermatology, 229 Summit St., Batavia. (585) 815-6735
• Genesee Orthopaedics, 33 Chandler Ave., Batavia, (585) 344-9676
• Hope Haven Chemical Dependency Services, 16 Bank St., Batavia. (585) 344-5396
• Imaging – Jerome Center, 16 Bank St., Batavia. (585) 344-5444
• Lab – Jerome Center, 16 Bank St., Batavia. (585) 247-3500
• Le Roy Primary Care, 3 Tountas Ave., Le Roy. (585) 768-6530
• Lipson Cancer Institute, 127 North St., Batavia. (585) 344-5252
• Oakfield Family Medicine, 41 Main St., Oakfield. (585) 948-8077
• Occupational Medicine -- Jerome Center, 16 Bank St., Batavia. (585) 815-6780
• Pain Center, 229 Summit St., Batavia. (585) 815-6710
• Physical & Occupational Therapy, 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia. (585) 201-7080
• Sands Constellation Heart Institute, 229 Summit St., Batavia. (585) 442-5320
• Surgical Associates, 229 Summit St., Batavia. (585) 344-5470
• Urgent Care, 16 Bank St., Batavia. (585) 815-6715
• United Memorial Medical Center/Rochester Regional Health, 127 North St., Batavia. (585) 343-6030
• Women’s Care, 33 Chandler Ave., Batavia. (585) 344-4700
• Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine, 127 North St., Batavia. (585) 344-5372

Sleep Insights, of Batavia, for suspected sleep apnea, sleep disorders: telemedicine, in-home testing, CPAP supply delivery. Online. (585) 219-4330

Thomas C. Farrugia, DDS PLLC, 219 Washington Ave., Batavia. Dental emergencies only. (585) 343-7028

True Wellness of WNY, wellness products, virtual client visits, free phone consultations, curbside pick up, Batavia deliveries. (585) 813-4658

Village Physical Therapy, Batavia and Le Roy locations for PT; Le Roy gym is closed; telehealth encouraged. (585) 343-9496, (585) 768-4550

Pets & Livestock

Attica Veterinary Associates, P.C. Lab, located in Genesee County, serving WNY, large animal practice. FAX (585) 591-2898 / Phone (585) 591-2660

Beds-N-Bones Pet Lodge, 8870 Wortendyke Road, Batavia. Website. Email: bedsnbones@rochester.rr.com / FAX (585) 343-5866 / Phone (585) 343-8544

Genesee Feeds, 3860 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. (585) 344-3231

Genesee Valley Farm & Pet Cremation, 3520 S. Main Street Road, Batavia. (585) 343-5878

Perry Veterinary Clinic, 3699 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. Pet clinic hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Call for appointment; then call clinic from parking lot once you arrive. (585) 343-4046

State Street Animal Hospital, 7950 State Street Road, Batavia. (585) 344-4974

Additional Businesses

49 Express Pit Stop, 409 Bloomingdale Road, Tonawanda Seneca Nation, Basom. (716) 542-1073

Batavia Country Club, 7909 Batavia Byron Rd, Batavia. (585) 343-7600. Book your tee times online and prepay, click here. Friday night take out menu available, 4 pm - 8 pm. Outdoor seating only. 

Golden Coin Laundry and Dry Cleaners, 582 E. Main St., Batavia. New service - Shoe repairs! Alterations/specialized cleaning/mat rentals. Visit online. (585) 344-0040

Neighborhood Legal Services Inc., 45 Main St., Batavia, a free nonprofit law firm paid through a NYS Health grant to assist clients in enrolling in a health insurance plan through the Marketplace. Office closed, phone assistance only. April V. Anawald, paralegal, certified navigator:   aanawald@nls.org. (585) 343-5450

RJ's Washroom, 200 Ellicott St., Batavia. Laundromat and wash & fold services. (585) 344-8652

Food & Beverage

(Click here for our list of locally owned restaurant and food-related businesses with service.)

Press release:

New Cases

• As of 2 p.m.
  • Genesee County received one new positive case of COVID-19, for a total of 191 positive cases.
    • The new positive individual resides in Batavia.
    • The person is in their 40s.
    • The new positive case was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
    • Zero of the previous positive cases have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.
    • Zero of the total active positive cases are hospitalized.
  • Orleans County received two new positive cases of COVID-19, for a total of 238 positive cases.
    • Both of the new positive individuals reside at Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
    • Of the new positive cases one of the individuals is in their 60s, and one of the individuals is in their 80s.
    • One of the previous community positive cases has recovered and has been released from mandatory isolation.
    • Eighteen of the total active positive cases are hospitalized. Please note those in the hospital may be from the community or a state-regulated facility. We do not separate them out to protect their privacy.
    • We are sorry to report the death of two of our county residents. Both individuals were residents of Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of these individuals during this very challenging time.

A fundraising event this Sunday called "Cruising for Mercy Flight" has been cancelled.

It was to feature a Mercy Flight helicopter on a tractor-trailer along with vintage automobiles and hot rods, leaving the Genesee County Fairgrounds at about 1 p.m. escorted by Sheriff's deputies for a countywide convoy.

"The sheriff cannot guarantee the safety of the event," wrote Pam Cherry, Mercy Flight Outreach coordinator for Batavia. "We would like to offer participants to email me pictures of their classic cars and we will share them on social media as a virtual classic car show."

Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, especially Undersheriff Brad Mazur, the Genesee County Agricultural Society, and the Batavia and Le Roy police departments were working to make the event possible. It was the brainchild of Bill and Jeanne Freeman.

Send Cherry a digital photo of your ride at: PCherry@mercyflight.org

Press release:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced outdoor dining at restaurants will be permitted in phase two of reopening.

Restaurants in the seven regions that have already entered phase two -- the Capital Region, Central New York, the Finger Lakes, the Mohawk Valley, the North Country, the Southern Tier and Western New York -- can reopen for outdoor dining beginning tomorrow, June 4th.

Outdoor tables must be spaced six feet apart, all staff must wear face coverings and customers must also wear face coverings when not seated.

Also, Governor Cuomo also announced that Erie County is now eligible to resume elective surgeries and ambulatory care.

The Governor previously announced that the state will allow elective outpatient treatments to resume in counties and hospitals without significant risk of COVID-19 surge in the near term, and a total of 52 counties can now resume elective surgeries (four counties do not have hospitals).

"COVID-19 is still a real threat and we're still battling it. I know it's not on the front pages today, but it is still in people and in society," Governor Cuomo said. "But thanks to the people of New York and the nurses, doctors and essential workers, today we have the lowest number of hospitalizations ever and we have the lowest death toll ever.

"We are continuously evaluating activities that can be safely reopened, and today we are adding outdoor seating at restaurants to phase two."

In response to the governor's announcement, Melissa Fleischut, president and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA), issued this statement:

“The New York State Restaurant Association is grateful that the state has decided to allow outdoor dining in Phase Two.

"Governor Cuomo, his team and the Regional Control Rooms understand that the restaurant industry in New York is on the brink of collapse and this lifeline will undoubtedly be a huge help.

"We’re also promising to hold up our end of the bargain. NYSRA, our members and all restaurants in the state will follow stringent sanitation practices and social distancing to make our patrons feel comfortable and keep our diners and employees safe.”

***********************************************************************************

Click the link to guidance (PDF) for outdoor dining / takeout / delivery food service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Press release:

People with any kind of disability need an advocate to be in their corner and assure that they have the same rights and considerations as their able-bodied neighbors. The area’s leading human-rights organization run by, and for, people with disabilities, Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) in Batavia is hosting a group of such advocates and recruiting citizens to join it.

The Genesee Region Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities meets once a month to identify the challenges its constituency faces in areas like public access; employment; health care; voting; and education.

If you or a loved one with a disability can identify areas that need to be improved, please consider joining us.

The meetings are every third Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m. at the ILGR office, 319 W. Main St. in the Crickler Executive Business Center, Batavia.

For everyone’s safety, during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic restrictions, these meetings will be conducted via the internet.

Wheelchair-accessible van transportation assistance may be available if you call (585) 815-8501, ext. 400, or email rfrank@wnyil.org.

Please look into this exciting new way you could serve yourself and your fellow citizens.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Clover the rover is back home.

The inky-coated opportunist from the Raymond Avenue area of the city left April 25 to frolic about self-indulgently, thereby trifling with the tender hearts of the two little girls who dote on her. They fretted so about their pet's return.

In an email to The Batavian today, their mom, Bonnie Hoag, says: "Thanks to an amazing community effort (specifically Zachary and his girlfriend on Ellicott Avenue), Clover is finally no longer roaming! Thank you for your help, too!"

The cat's pre-escape modus operandi was self-imposed lockdown; perhaps now that is less a choice and more a rule.

Previously: Clover 'the rover' is roaming around the Raymond Avenue area of the city

Submitted photos.

A three-vehicle accident is reported, with unknown injuries, on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 380. Le Roy fire and ambulance are responding.

UPDATE 2:29 p.m.: Le Roy requests mutual aid from Mercy medics and they are responding.

UPDATE 2:45 p.m.: One of the vehicles involved is a semi. A portion of the roadway is being shut down completely in order to clear away debris from the accident.