Press release:

The Board of Directors of Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Genesee County is embarking on a strategic planning process to help determine future programming priorities.

They are seeking input from numerous stakeholders in order to fully explore the current and future needs of our community.

Community members of all ages and businesses are invited to participate in this survey, whose final results will be shared through a public document outlining the future direction of CCE of Genesee County.

The needs assessment survey can be accessed directly here. 

Surveys are also available in paper format. Anyone needing accommodations to be able to complete the survey should contact the local extension office.

Phone is (585) 343-3040.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Despite the many challenges faced in every aspect of the business from day one right through the final race due to the global coronavirus pandemic, Batavia Downs was able to race safely throughout the duration of its dates and just completed one of its most successful meets with regards to nightly handle. 

“The 2020 season was a rousing success because all parties involved in the racing product worked together to insure the health and safety of everyone on the grounds at all times,” said Todd Haight, director/general manager of Live racing at Batavia Downs. “With the help and cooperation of the New York State Gaming Commission and the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association headed by Bruce Tubin, we were able to formulate a safety plan that got us through the entire meet without incident.

"That in turn allowed us to engage our customers with quality racing all year and put up record breaking betting numbers despite the absence of a live crowd. That is an accomplishment that all of our racing participants should be proud of.”

Henry F. Wojtaszek, president and CEO of Batavia Downs added “I am very pleased with another flawless race season at the Downs as everyone pulled together to ensure the facility was safe for our horsemen and horse women, staff and customers. Safety during COVID was our number one goal while still offering a fun, family-oriented and exciting harness racing atmosphere.” 

Despite racing 21 less dates than 2019, bataviabets.com, the online betting arm of Western Regional Off Track Betting (WROTB), saw a huge 67-percent increase in total handle on Batavia Downs and the nightly handle average saw a spectacular 151-percent increase during the 42-night schedule.

The increase exhibited the strong following the track has via its export signal customers and their taking advantage of the generous monthly rewards of up to 8 percent on their wagers through the bataviabets.com wagering platform. 

Another contributing factor was the United States Trotting Association's Strategic Wagering Program that Batavia frequently utilized during the meet. It helped expose the product to a greater audience through free program pages and enhanced betting pools and the track saw major handle increases on nights where the Strategic Wagers were offered. 

The OTB handle which includes Batavia bets and our EZ-Bets rose by 52 percent, the track’s export handle grew by 35 percent and the total betting that included only very limited on-track betting in the clubhouse rose by 21 percent.

Scott P. Kiedrowski, vice-president of Operations said “We are thrilled with our numbers for the 2020 meet here at Batavia Downs. All of our staff did exceptional work under the most difficult circumstances.”

Haight added it was a record total betting number since WROTB reopened the track in 2002.

The dash winning driver of the meet was Jim Morrill Jr. who notched his third driving title at the Downs. In 408 starts Morrill won 102 races with 72 seconds and 53 thirds for a .391 UDR and winnings of $507,686 for the meet. Morrill also scored his 7,500th career victory at the Downs this past November.

Finishing second was Billy Davis Jr. who had 486 starts with 91 wins, 87 seconds and 54 thirds and $422,477 in purses, and Drew Monti who had 404 starts with 75 wins, 71 seconds and 62 thirds with $374,608 in earnings rounded out the top three.   

The dash winning trainer of the meet was Gerry Sarama who captured his first conditioning title at Batavia. Not only did he win 64 races, finish second 36 times and third 28 more for winnings of $286,068, Sarama also registered career training win 1,000 at Batavia this year. 

Shawn McDonough was second with 31 wins, 24 seconds and 39 thirds out of 214 starts with $138,544 in purses and Maria Rice was third with 30 wins, 30 seconds and 20 thirds from 174 starts and $184,833 in winnings. 

Upon approval from the New York State Gaming Commission, live racing will resume at Batavia Downs on Wednesday, July 21.

A fully involved garage fire is reported at 590 Main Road, Pembroke.

The detached garage is about 50 feet from the residence and has multiple cars in it. 

The residence has been evacuated of people and pets.

Pembroke fire, Indian Falls fire, and the City's fast team dispatched.

UPDATE 5:38 a.m.: A second alarm requested. Alabama fire, Town of Batavia fire, Corfu fire, Darien fire, requested to the scene. Route 5 is being closed between the county line and just east of the Pembroke Fire Hall. 

UPDATE 5:47 a.m.: Firefighters have two lines on the garage and the fire is knocked down. The house was not involved though some vinyl melted. Alabama is being diverted from the fire to a fill in at Indian Falls Fire Hall.

UPDATE 5:53 a.m.: State Department of Transportation requested to standby. The road will need to be salted after the fire response is completed.

UPDATE 5:54 a.m.: The garage is all metal. "We're going to need to pull it apart to get it out," a chief reports. The house is fine and "all cooled down." Minimal damage to one vinyl window. 

UPDATE 5:58 a.m.: Town Highway is responding in about 45 minutes for the icy road. "Perfect timing," a chief responds.

UPDATE 6 a.m.: Alabama did have a tanker responding to the scene. It can go back in service. Darien fire can go back in service.

UPDATE 6:15 a.m.: Town of Batavia and City Fire Engine 11 can go back in service.

UPDATE 7:22 a.m.: East Pembroke is back in service.

Batavia City Council members tonight voted in favor of appointing attorney Thomas A. Burns as the municipality’s part-time City Court judge and the lifelong Batavian said he couldn’t be more pleased.

“I’m very, very happy. And it’s kind of ironic that I was admitted to practice law 32 years ago this date, and in about 15 days, I turn 60, and I’ve been in this town my whole life and I love this community,” Burns said by telephone following Council’s Conference and Business meetings at the City Centre Council Board Room. “I’m just elated that Council has the confidence in me to do a good job.”

Burns will assume the role that became vacant with the death of David Saleh on Oct. 29. His term begins on Jan. 1 and runs for six years.

Burns, as he mentioned, was admitted to practice law in New York State on Dec. 14, 1988, after receiving his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University at Buffalo and his Juris Doctor from Buffalo State University.

He has been practicing criminal defense and litigating civil matters from his Batavia offices since then. He and his wife, Kelly Donohue Burns, an attorney with the Genesee County Public Defender’s office, have a grown daughter, Elizabeth, who works in the commercial field in Boston.

Burns said it is his responsibility to make sure he is accessible when called upon to wear the robe.

“It’s the obligation of a person assuming a judicial position not to get involved in too many cases that are going to involve conflicts,” he said. “You have to be available for not only the time of the court, but the last thing in the world that you want is your conflict providing judge (cases where Rogers recuses himself) to have a boatload of conflicts.”

City Council President Eugene Jankowski said the board interviewed applicants and decided to move forward with Burns.

“Personally, I voted for Mr. Burns because I believe that at this point, he is the best applicant to serve our community and the people of Batavia,” he said. “Hopefully, that will continue on and he will do a great job.”

Council Member Robert Bialkowski said he had nothing against Burns on a personal level, but voted against the appointment due to previous friction between City Court Judge Durin Rogers and Burns.

“I know that in the past he has had a conflict with Judge Rogers,” Bialkowski said following the meeting. “He’s filed complaints with the judicial district against the judge, so I see there would be an animosity. And the other thing, today with there being so many court cases handled by the public defenders -- what happens? – somebody has to recuse themself.”

Bialkowski said he was thinking about “the smoothness of the court” in casting the “no” vote.

“Judge Rogers was the elected judge and he’s full time, so the part-time judge would have to work for the full-time judge. I just see a lot of conflict that’s all,” he said. “I know that Mr. Burns is an excellent attorney and I’ve heard a lot of good things about him, but I don’t like to see people put in a position of conflict.”

Bialkowski also noted mentioned that he could foresee Burns having to recuse himself in cases involving his wife in her role with the Public Defender’s office.

When he brought that point up during the meeting, Jankowski replied that there is a "similar situation right now (as Rogers' wife, Paula, also is an attorney in Genesee County) and it's working just fine."

Burns, when informed of Bialkowski’s comments, expressed a measure of surprise.

“Let me say this. We’re all grown people and lawyers are litigators and advocates for their perspective positions and I understand my function – my function is a part-time judge,” he said. “I am not the elected judge. I am there to adhere what the Office of Court Administration expects of me to be fair and impartial and to support the full-time judge and providing coverage of the court – dealing with conflict issues that the judge might have. And if he steers it my way, it’s my obligation to take care of those cases.”

Burns said it was “unfortunate” that Bialkowski feels that way, but “there certainly is no conflict from my perspective.”

In other action, Council passed the following resolutions:

• Contracts with Empire Access for $3,500 to connect city facilities with fiber internet and $8,400 annually for a five-year service agreement;

• Granting of access to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to perform environmental cleanup work at 267 Bank St., a small parcel of the Dwyer Stadium property;

• $114,720 contract with Architectural Resources of Buffalo for engineering services in connection with the Jackson Square renovation project, one of the city’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative awards;

• Appointments of Ryan Duffy and Connie Boyd to three-year terms as members of the city’s Historic Preservation Commission.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) released the following statement in response to the first COVID-19 vaccines being administered in the United States.

“This is a historic day. Operation Warp Speed has lived up to its mission and is now delivering the first round of COVID-19 vaccines to high-risk Americans, including the brave men and women working on the frontlines in our nation’s hospitals," Jacobs said. "I commend the President, the Operation Warp Speed team, and the thousands of American researchers who worked tirelessly to ensure this ambitious goal was achieved.

"The administration is set to deliver millions of vaccines around the country over the next few months and make them available to any American who wants one. While we can finally see the light at the end of tunnel, I encourage Western New Yorkers to remain vigilant and continue to wear a mask and social distance – we are approaching the end, let’s finish strong.”

The federal government has an initial agreement with Pfizer for the purchase of 100 million doses of their vaccine. Furthermore, the FDA is set to consider Emergency Use Authorization of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate on Dec. 17th.

For more information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, individuals can visit the CDC’s website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect.html

Press release:

• Genesee County received 109 new positive cases of COVID-19 since Friday afternoon.
  • The new positive cases reside in Alabama, Alexander, Batavia, Bergen, Bethany, Byron, Darien, Elba, Le Roy, Oakfield, Pavilion and Pembroke.
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s.
  • Ninety-seven of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Twenty-one of the positive individuals are hospitalized.
  • Thirteen of the new positive cases are residents at the New York State Veterans Home.
  • We received notification of two deaths of community members. One of the individuals was over the age of 65 and one of the individuals was under the age of 65. To protect the individual and their family we will not be releasing any further information. We express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this community member during this very difficult time.
• Orleans County received 55 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in Albion, Barre, Carlton, Clarendon, Gaines, Kendall, Murray, Ridgeway and Shelby.
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s.
  • Sixteen of the individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Sixty-seven of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Four of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

Yellow Micro-cluster Zone: Batavia and part of Genesee County have been designated as a being in a Yellow micro-cluster Zone. We are waiting on the state to update the map. Go to https://forward.ny.gov/micro-cluster-strategy for updates. The following restrictions are now in place in these identified locations: for nonresidential gatherings 25 people maximum, indoors and outdoors; residential gatherings 10 people maximum, indoors and outdoors; House of Worship 50-percent of maximum capacity; Businesses are open; Dining indoor and outdoor dining permitted, four person maximum per table, and bars and restaurants close at 10 p.m. for on-premises consumption; Schools are open with 20-percent weekly testing of in-person students and faculty.

We continue to encourage everyone whether located in a micro-cluster zone or not to limit gatherings as much as possible, properly wear masks/face coverings, social distance at least 6 feet, frequently wash / sanitize your hands and frequently shared surfaces to minimize the spread. If the rates continue to increase further restrictions are possible.

Rapid Testing:  Preregistration is required for rapid testing clinics. 

Orleans County will be hosting a rapid testing clinic on Dec. 16th from 1 – 4 p.m., preregistration is required. The focus is for asymptomatic individuals and is free. This is a self-administered rapid test at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 Route 31, Albion -- please use the Taylor Hill Road entrance. To schedule a test for the Orleans County drive-thru clinic, please register online at https://on.ny.gov/36ZqTxF (this is the registration link). If you have a printer, complete and bring your GO Health Intake Form https://bit.ly/GOIntakeForm with you (see the link below). If you need assistance with online registration because you don’t have internet, call the Orleans County Health Department at (585) 589-3278.

To register for upcoming Genesee County Drive-thru testing clinics, preregistration is required, go to https://on.ny.gov/3qihbhF  (this is the registration link). Genesee County Drive-thru test clinics are scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. If you have a printer, complete and bring your GO Health Intake Form https://bit.ly/GOIntakeForm with you (see link below). Anyone needing additional help for online registration may contact the Genesee County Health Department at (585) 344-2580, ext. 5555.

 For both Genesee and Orleans to help the process please note the following guidelines:

• If you have a printer, complete the GO Health Intake Form https://bit.ly/GOIntakeForm and bring it with you. If you completed the Intake form online please print it out and bring it with you – if you don’t have a printer, the form will be provided for you at the clinic
• Make sure you have a pen in your vehicle.
• Everyone in the vehicle is to have their mask on when they pull up at the testing site.
• For those who are getting tested, they may get a call fairly quickly from an unknown number -- answer the phone. Staff cannot leave messages and can only give results to the individual tested or the guardian of minor children. Hard copy results will be emailed within 48 hours if we have a valid email address.

Quarantine and Isolation:

• If you believe you are a contact or have been notified you are a contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, it may take a few days for contact tracers to initially contact you due to the volume of contacts. Please self-quarantine. Stay away from other household members, use separate bathroom facilities (or sanitize after each use), have meals delivered.
• If you are being tested for COVID-19 it is important that you self-quarantine until you get your test results whether you have symptoms or not. If you are symptomatic, meaning you are coughing, have a fever or other symptoms, self-quarantine even if you are an essential worker until you get your results back, if you have COVID-19 you may be spreading it! That means to stay home and limit contact with other people, even in your household.

Business Reminder: It is important to periodically review your Business Safety Plan that was developed earlier on in the pandemic. As part of the plan businesses were encouraged to develop contact sheets for all patrons to assist with contact tracing in the event of a potential COVID-19 exposure. This will help in investigations and will limit the necessity of press releases which will help limit potential spread. 

COVID-19 101 Reminders: If a person is identified as a contact, they will be notified by the County Health Department, quarantined and if warranted, swabbed if indicated. Limited information is provided to the public in compliance with HIPAA regulations and out of the respect of those impacted by this virus.

• When, and if, there is a situation where potential contact is made in a public location where contact tracing doesn’t have actual names of close contacts, we will send out a media announcement to help seek contacts.
• If you are experiencing ANY COVID-19 related symptoms STAY HOME! Do not go to work, do not go to the store, do not go anywhere, YOU are spreading the virus. STAY HOME!

We encourage everyone to remember to be polite and respect individual privacy. If you have a complaint about someone or a business use the appropriate channels provided by the state. Using social media to air your complaints and accusing individuals / businesses of wrongdoing generally does nothing to fix the problem. Be compassionate of other people and spread kindness.

Press release:

Please be advised there is a City Council Conference and Business Meeting (one meeting this month due to the Holidays) scheduled for tonight, Dec. 14 at 7 o'clock in the Council Board Room on the second floor of the Batavia City Centre.  

• This meeting will be closed to the public in light of the Governors announcement made this morning, moving the City of Batavia to a Yellow Zone Designation due to COVID-19.
• The press is invited to attend in person and cover the meeting live with appropriate facemask and social distancing.
• Members of the public that would like to make a statement to the Council regarding agenda items can write to the City Clerk at hparker@batavianewyork.comprior to the meeting and she will read your email during the meeting -- public comments section. 

Options for viewing the meeting:

Batavia News Service Youtube Channel and City’s Facebook (later in the evening): 

• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOdvZ9lGH0FiD9ADz6Cg6EQ
• Spectrum Channel 1301 – Wednesday, Dec 16th at 9 a.m. and Friday, Dec. 18th at 8 p.m. 

The agenda is posted on the City website at the following URL link: 

Conference:  https://www.batavianewyork.com/city-council/agenda/conference-agenda-12-14-2020

Business:  https://www.batavianewyork.com/city-council/agenda/business-agenda-12-14-2020

Darazian W. Williams, 27, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, (inset photo right) is charged with: first-degree gang assault -- causing serious physical injury; burglary of a dwelling -- and causing injury; third-degree criminal mischief -- damaging another person's property valued at greater than $250; and fourth-degree conspiracy. Darazian was arrested after an investigation into an incident, which occurred Nov. 8 on Jerome Place in the City of Batavia. He was arraigned Dec. 4 and held in jail on unspecified bail. He is due to return to Batavia City Court at 2 p.m. on Jan. 13. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Austin Hedges, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Danny D. Williams Sr., 32, of Ellicott Avenue, Batavia, (inset photo left) is charged with: first-degree gang assault; first-degree burglary; third-degree criminal mischief, and fourth-degree conspiracy. He was arrested in connection with a distrubance at 10:22 p.m. Nov. 8 on Jerome Place. He was arrainged Dec. 4 in Batavia City Court and put in jail on $30,000 cash bail, $100,000 bond or $100,000 partially secured bond. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Connor Borchert, assisted by Officer Alec Roberts.

James A. Centner, 41, of Vallance Road, Le Roy, was arrested Dec. 11 after a two-vehicle head-on collision at about 7 p.m. on West Main Street in the Village of Le Roy. One person who was driving a Chevy Suburban was injured in the accident. Centner, the driver of a pickup truck, was charged with misdemeanor driving while intoxicated and traffic violations for failing to use designated lane, drinking in a vehicle on the highway, and refusal to take a breath test. It is alleged that he was leaving the area of Tops Market when he turned onto Route 5 and drove in the wrong lane, causing the collision. Following his virtual arraignment, he was released to a third party. The driver of the Suburban was transported to the hospital by LeRoy Ambulance Service with non-life-threatening injuries. During this investigation, it was also alleged that Centner's vehicle was involved in a minor motor-vehicle accident with no injuries while in the parking lot of Tops Market prior to the head-on crash, and this also is being investigated.

Bleyke Zhaviante Armonde Culver, 24, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with: obstruction of governmental administration; aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree; unlicensed operation; failure to yield to an emergency vehicle; and speeding. At 11:13 a.m. on Dec. 10, the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received a report of a male refusing to leave the Department of Social Services on East Main Street Road. Law enforcement responded and were advised he was operating a vehicle while his privilege to do so was suspended by New York authorities. A marked Sheriff's Office patrol car located the vehicle attempted to make a traffic stop by activating its overhead emergency lights. The vehicle allegedly failed to yield and led police on a vehicle pursuit. It continued through the City of Batavia and ended up returning to Culver's Walnut Street residence. He was taken into custody at 11:24 a.m. without incident then taken to jail for processing. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 4. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Tower, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong, and they were also assisted by members of the Batavia Police Department.

Ethan M. Conrad, 20, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- with a BAC of .18 percent or more; DWI -- common law; and moving from lane unsafely. He was arrested Nov. 26 after an investigation of a single-vehicle accident on River in the city in which the vehicle struck the River Street guard rail. He was released with traffic tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Alec Roberts. 

Michelle M. Hanssen, 54, of Chestnut Ridge Road, Middleport, is charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated; DWI; failure to stop at stop sign; moving from lane unsafely; and operating a motor vehicle while using a portable electronic device. At 7:11 p.m. on Dec. 12, Hanssen was arrested after a one-vehicle accident on Lewiston Road in Oakfield. She was allegedly intoxicated by alcohol and crashed her car. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in Oakfield Town Court on Jan. 18. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Gauthier.

Cody Middlebrooks, 30, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested after an incident on South Main Street in Batavia at 10:24 a.m. on Nov. 23. It is alleged that he damaged a cell phone which was valued at more than $250. He was processed then released with an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on Jan. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Conner Borchert and Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

Vicki Lynne Manns, 50, of Brookville Road, Alexander, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; DWI -- with a BAC of .08 percent or more; moving from lane unsafely; and unreasonable speed under special hazards. At 10:50 p.m. Dec. 12, deputies responded to the intersection of Stroh Road and Maplewood Road in Alexander for a report of a vehicle off the road. After an investigation, Manns was arrested on the charges. She was issued appearance tickets for Alexander Town Court and is due there Dec. 15. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Young, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

Christian M. Deluna, 19, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree harassment; burglary; criminal mischief; and conspiracy. Deluna was arrested after an incident that occurred at 1:50 a.m. at an apartment on North Spruce Street in Batavia. Following arraignment Dec. 1 in Batavia City Court, Deluna was released under supervision of Genesee Justice. Deluna is due back in city court on Jan. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jordan McGinnis, assisted by Officer Joshua Girvin.

Cody Middlebrooks, 30, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment and first-degree coercion. He was arrested on Dec. 8 on the charges. It is alleged that on Dec. 5 on Pearl Street that Middlebrooks was involved in a physical domestic incident and that he threatened to harm the victim if she called police. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is due back in court on Feb. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Samantha Lynn Wroblewski, 31, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. She was arrested Dec. 7 after an investigation into an incident that occurred Oct. 19 on West Main Street wherein she alllegedly possessed cocaine. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 23. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Jonathan Richard Piwko, 31, of Peppertree Drive, Derby, is charged with: driving while ability impaired by drugs; failure to keep right; moving from lane unsafely; and speed not reasonable and prudent. Piwko was arrest Dec. 10 after the investigation of a vehicle that went off the roadway and struck a business at 11:51 p.m. Dec. 9 on South Main Street in the Village of Elba. He was issued traffic tickets and is due in Elba Town Court on Dec. 23. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor, assisted by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

Lisa A. Way, 52, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with driving while intoxicated -- common law, and refusal to take a breath test. Way was arrested at 5:48 p.m. Dec. 5 on Ellicott Street in Batavia after a motor-vehicle accident behind a residence on that street. She was released with traffic tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

William Anthony Nichols II, 27, of East Avenue, Holley, and Renee Irene Brown, 40, of Federal Drive, Batavia, are charged with petit larceny and sixth-degree conspiracy. At 4:45 p.m. on Dec. 9, they were arrested on Lewiston Road in Batavia after allegedly working together to steal $122.95 worth of merchandise from BJs Wholesale Club. They were issued appearance tickets and are due in Town of Batavia Court on Jan. 7. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Gauthier, assisted by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

Steven Douglas Kelso, 36, of Columbia Ave., Batavia, is charged with falsifying business records in the first degree and attempted criminal purchase or disposal of a weapon. He was arrested Dec. 9 after an investigation into the attempted purchase of a firearm at a business on Buffalo Road in Bergen by a person ineligible to possess one. Kelso was released in an appearance ticket and is due in Bergen Town Court on Dec. 16. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Chazmar T. Walters Sr., 28, of Clay Street, Le Roy, is charged with obstructing governmental administration and unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree. Walters was arrested Dec. 5 after a traffic stop on Lewiston Road at 8:48 p.m. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia Town Court on Jan. 8, then released. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Joshua Girvin, assisted by Sgt. Eric Bolles.

Loretta Lynn Baer, 49, of Canal Street, Macedon, is charged with trespass. She was arrested Dec. 1 on Swan Street in Batavia after a trespass complaint at 12:35 p.m. at an auto parts store. She was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on Jan. 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Christopher P. Thomas, 36, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with have a dog running at large. He was arrested Dec. 7. It is alleged that on Dec. 3 on State Street that Thomas allowed his dog to run at large on another person's property. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Patrick O. Spikes, 39, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with attempted petit larceny. He was arrested Nov. 21 on a Batavia City Court bench warrant following a traffic stop. The charges stems from an incident Oct. 27 at 10:30 p.m. at the Speedway on West Main Street. Spikes was arraigned via Skype and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. Spikes is due back in court at a later date (unspecified). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Joshua Girvin, assisted by Officer Austin Hedges.

Christopher P. Thomas, 38, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, was arrested after turning himself in on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court that was issued after he failed to appear as required on May 26. He was processed and is due back in city court on Dec. 23. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker.

Destiny Nakia Green, 24, of Walnut Street, Batavia, was arrested Dec. 2 on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court. She had been due in court on July 22. A plea was entered and Green was sentenced (no information provided). Case resolved. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Jordan McGinnis.

Batavia City Council is expected to vote tonight to fill the vacant part-time City Court judge position.

Council President Eugene Jankowski said today that the board met on Friday in executive session to consider candidates for the position, coming to a consensus but not taking an official vote.

He said that is on the agenda for the Conference/Business meetings set for 7 o’clock at the City Centre Council Board Room.

“We did it the same way we proceeded the previous times (to fill vacant justice positions),” Jankowski said. “Then we made sure to check that the person was still interested, and we will conduct an official vote tonight.”

It is believed there were at least two persons interested in the post, but Jankowski would not reveal any names. The position carries a six-year term, effective Jan. 1.

The vacancy occurred upon the Oct. 29 death of David Saleh, who was appointed as part-time City Court judge in December 2019.

In other developments, Council is expected to consider:

• A resolution authorizing a contract with Empire Access, headquartered in Prattsburgh, to provide the city with secure fiber internet to connect all facilities at a cost of $3,500 and for a service agreement for five years at an annual cost of $8,400.

Empire Access was one of nine companies to respond to a request for proposal from the city, which, according to Interim City Manager Rachael Tabelski, is experiencing slow connection speeds and connectivity problems with its current point-to-point/multipoint radio-controlled wireless system.

Tabelski said the other firms that submitted bids were First Light, Granite, NetWolves, Nitel, Marchese Computer Products, Spectrotel, Spectrum and TDSUSA.Net.

• A resolution to give access to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to a small parcel of the Dwyer Stadium property at 267 Bank St. for environmental contamination cleanup in connection with remedial work at the Batavia Iron and Metal site next door at 301 Bank St.

• A resolution to enter into a contract for $114,720 with Architectural Resources of Buffalo for engineering services for the $750,000 Downtown Revitalization Initiative to renovate and enhance the Jackson Square entertainment venue.

Submitted photo and press release:

Robert L. Boyce announced his retirement as President of the LeRoy Ambulance Service Inc., effective Dec. 31. Boyce joined the Board of Directors in 1994 and has served as President since 2002.

LeRoy Ambulance Service is the primary provider of emergency medical services to the Town and Village of LeRoy. It began as a fully volunteer ambulance service in 1970 and under Boyce’s leadership, it successfully implemented career staffing. Today, it provides 24/7 basic and advanced life support services through its highly trained staff of EMTs and Paramedics. 

Boyce is well known to the LeRoy community as the former President of Tompkins Insurance. Among his many volunteer activities, Boyce was a member of the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees and headed the GCC Foundation. In 2019, he was named LeRoyan of the year. 

LeRoy Ambulance Service has faced many challenges during Boyce’s 26 year tenure, but his dedicated leadership and perseverance has ensured that LeRoy residents continue to receive the highest quality emergency medical care available.

The organization would like to thank Boyce for his service, and congratulate him on his retirement!

Press release from AAA: 

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.16, no change from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.56. The New York State average is $2.26 – up 1 cent from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.68.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.22 (no change since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.19 (no change since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.25 (up 1 cent since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.23 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Rome -- $2.33 (no change since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.18 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.30 (no change since last week)

In a recent report from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand dropped to its lowest weekly estimate since the end of May. The decrease in demand, alongside an increase in total domestic stocks should push gas prices down. However, crude prices continue to rise due to increasing optimism that coronavirus vaccines will be available in the coming weeks, which could help boost domestic crude demand.

From GasBuddy:

"After gas prices spiked last week in their biggest weekly rise since August, we've seen them cool back down for the time being. With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise and restrictions weighing on gasoline demand, we're likely to see optimism over vaccinations offset by lower current demand for the most part," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"In the weeks ahead as that balance shifts and millions get the vaccination, if things look much improved, I would expect for a longer upward move in gas prices. For now, however, the holidays will be marked by the lowest seasonal prices in years."

Jeremy Vallance of Batavia doubled his pleasure on the bowling lanes this week, registering a 300 game, 290 game and two outstanding three-game series while competing in two leagues at Mancuso Bowling Center.

The 43-year-old right-hander began the week with a 290-236-258--784 effort in the Mancuso Real Estate Monday Doubles League -- using a Storm Crux Prime ball for his highest series ever -- and followed that up with a 300-214-262--776 performance in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday 5-Man League -- using a DVD Turmoil. The perfect game is his third United States Bowling Congress-certified 300.

An employee of Summit Lubricants in Batavia, Vallance, a bowler for more than 30 years, raised his average ot 231 in the Monday league.

Vallance was one of several Genesee Region USBC bowlers who put up gaudy numbers over the past seven days.

• Frank Jarkiewicz of Byron notched his first certified 300 game in the Thursday Owls League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, posting 258-300-213 for a 771 series on lanes 3-4.. A furniture delivery driver for W.B. Mason, the 50-year-old righty used a Brunswick Melee Jab bowling ball.

• Laurie Morgante of Bergen fired a 258 game and 716 series to lead the way in the Wednesday Handicap League at Rose Garden Bowl.

• Mike Pettinella of Batavia had games of 276 and 269 in a 772 series in the Turnbull Heating Triples League at Mancuso's, using the just-released MOTIV Fatal Venom ball to raise his average to 234.

• Mark Brown of Attica finished with a 290 for a 762 series in the Toyota of Batavia league, while Rich Wagner of Batavia and Rick Underhill of Batavia each recorded 731 series while Mark Bisig of Le Roy rolled 731.

• In senior league action at Gates Bowl in Rochester, Kevin Gray Sr. of Honeoye Falls, a GRUSBC member, notched a 300 game on Thursday, his seventh.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

Two Genesee Region USBC tournaments are on this weekend's schedule -- a handicap no-tap doubles at Medina Lanes and the Senior Masters at Legion Lanes in Le Roy. Also, the GR Youth Travel League will be bowling on Sunday afternoon at Rose Garden Bowl.

For more information, go to the Genesee Region USBC website.

Photo, Ryan Macdonald, left, a pastor at City Church, and Batavia chiropractor Tom Mazurkiewicz.

Submitted photo and information.

Batavia chiropractor Tom Mazurkiewicz continues with the tradition of Don Carroll's Toy Drive for the 28th year, accepting unwrapped Christmas toys at his office for distribution to local children ages 2 to 15.

If you'd like to donate something, his office -- Mazurkiewicz Family Chiropratic -- is located 184 Washington Ave. Donations can be made during regular business hours through Dec. 18.

"Dr. Tom" is offering a complementary office visit to those who donate.

He is partnering with City Church once again. They have selected 25 families based on need and will distribute the toys individually to the families' homes.

Mazurkiewicz and City Church thank everyone once again for their support of local families in need this year.

A three-vehicle accident, unknown injuries, is reported at West Main Street and Wortendyke Road, Batavia.

East Pembroke fire and Mercy EMS responding.

A deputy just arriving on scene reports a large debris field.

UPDATE (By Billie) 11:42 a.m.: This accident involved a car and a pickup truck. The third vehicle referred to initially was that of a witness to the accident. An older female driver was making a left onto Wortendyke from West Main Street Road and said she did not see the oncoming pickup truck. She was shaken up by the collision and being evaluated by medics at the scene. The pickup driver was not injured. The East Pembroke assignment is back in service.

Fong Liu has worked at Genesee Senior Living/Premier Genesee Nursing and Rehabilitation (formerly Genesee County Nursing Home) for 20 years, and she has seen many Christmas holidays come and go.

She has also seen the residents who have no gifts and get few or no visitors.

This year she decided to do something about it.

The facility management always makes sure there are Christmas trees for residents of the senior living side and nursing and rehabilitation, as well as the lobby. But, thanks to Liu, the Genesee Senior Living residents are going to have a real Christmas party on Christmas Day, complete with music, holiday treats and gifts for everyone.

“What good is a Christmas tree if the residents can’t celebrate?” Liu asked. “Some of our people have no relatives at all, so I decided to organize a Christmas party for everybody.”

She visited local stores, where she bought slippers, nightgowns and other items residents could use.

She planned to contact local service clubs, such as Lions, Rotary and Kiwanis to see if they would help. After a call to the Office for the Aging, Liu learned they could only help people living at home, but they suggested a call to Senior Wishes of Western New York, who said they could help the residents with no relatives.

Administrator Dorothy “Dottie” Murphy said it is absolutely wonderful what Liu is doing. The residents will be served a traditional Christmas dinner, followed by Liu’s party, several showings of a Christmas movie and popcorn. 

“Fong goes above and beyond to make the facility beautiful for all the residents,” Murphy said. “She put up all the decorations and has made sure every resident has a package to open up. We are grateful for everything she has done.”

Liu has also put on tea parties for the residents and done exercises with them. 

Anyone still wishing to contribute gifts or money toward the Christmas party can contact Murphy at (585) 344-9584, ext. 2255.

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

Top photo: Nurse Fong Liu decorates the Christmas tree at Genesee Senior Living on Bank Street. Liu has taken it upon herself to have a Christmas party for residents, with music, holiday treats and gifts.

Below: Nurse Fong Liu, left, and Activities Director Alyssa McKenzie pose in front of the Christmas tree at Genesee Senior Living.

Bottom: Staff of Genesee Senior Living pose in front of a door they decorated for residents of the facility. From left are Resident Accounts representative Stephanie Mordell, nurse Fong Liu, Activities Director Alyssa McKenzie, Administrator Dorothy “Dotty” Murphy and aide Brandy Smith.

Pictures contributed by Dorothy Murphy/administrator Genesee Senior Living.

There isn't much to change in Batavia PD policy, members of Batavia Police Stakeholders Group indicated at their bimonthly meeting on Thursday but that doesn't mean there shouldn't be a change in the relationship between the department and the community.

There should be more communication, less misunderstanding, and more personal interaction between police officers and members of the Black community so that both police officers and members of the community see each other as people and not just numbers and uniforms.

The stakeholder's group was formed in response to an executive order signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo instructing every municipality with a police department to open a community dialogue about police policies, procedures and practices in an effort to reduce the incidences of police brutality.

There seems to be unanimous agreement on the committee that police brutality isn't an issue in Batavia. Chief Shawn Heubusch was praised for his presentation of the previous meetings outlining police department policies and procedures that already address proper police officer conduct.

No votes were taken, nothing committed being part of the final report that will go to the governor's office after being approved by the City Council, but there was an apparent agreement that some sort of ongoing focus group that would bring to light the concerns of Black residents about police conduct would be formed.

Committee member Anibal Soler Jr., superintendent of Batavia City Schools, said such a focus, however, needs to be constructed in a way that members of the Black community would feel safe to discuss issues. A police presence in the group might chill speech, he indicated.

Nathan Varland, Batavia Housing Authority director, referenced comments made earlier by Brandon Armstrong, a local business owner, and said perhaps a list of such concerns should be made so they can be addressed. He suggested the wider Black community be surveyed to gather other examples.

What Armstrong discussed was the perception -- if not the practice -- of Black residents being pulled over for minor traffic law infractions.

"We have to look at what's happening to people of color here in Batavia," Armstrong said. "It's not on the surface. There are just things that are used against us. There is a certain law, I think it's obstruction of view, if having something hanging from your rearview mirror. I've been pulled over for that for a Glade air freshener. It is illegal, but are they pulling over every single person who has a handicapped or air freshener thing on their rearview mirror? See, those things are used to target people of color to pull them over, to see what they have going on."

He said he's hearing from people visiting his barbershop that the latest tactic is people not using their signal within 50 feet of making a turn.

"People aren't looking at those but I know because I can ride down the street and within two minutes I can see about four people with something hanging from their rearview mirrors and they're not being pulled over," Armstrong said. "You see what I'm saying?"

In response to comments made early in the discussion by Raelene Christian about police being vilified and attacked, Greg Munroe said people misunderstand the concerns Black citizens have about the police.

"We have to stay on task," Munroe said. "Defunding the police does not mean we're not going to have a police department. It doesn't mean that at all. It's just defunding is a scary word. I understand but it's not. What it means is very simple. There are mental health issues that primarily happen in the Black community. Black people are targeted. It seems like they are targeted because they seem not to be understood. If the defunding, or whatever word you want to use, take that and help the police get more resources on how to deal with different situations, so things like what happens in the country do not happen."

There is a lot of misunderstanding, Victor Thomas said, about what Black concerns are about police.

"I just wanted to touch on what Greg was saying about Blacks being misunderstood," Thomas said. "I think that's a big part of it. The police brutality in Batavia doesn't happen as much as the Black people being misunderstood in Batavia."

Matt Wojtaszczyk, a detective with Batavia PD but on the committee representing the Batavia Police Benevolent Association, told members police officers want to know how to do their jobs better and connect better with community members.

"Whenever someone asks us to do an event, we really try to make an effort to do so," Wojtaszczyk said. "What else can we do? What are some other ideas out there? What else can we do to reach our minority communities? What can we do better? Tell us, because I think we really want to. We truly do."

Thomas's answer was: Get to know people.

"It's really a personal thing that has to happen between the Blacks and the police officers," Thomas said. "The police have to show these Blacks that they're not just a number in Batavia. They're not just a sentence getting ready to get slapped down on a judge's desk and sent up the road for years. The Black community feels that way deeply in Batavia."

It's that kind of distrust, Soler noted, that would make a focus group that included police officers potentially less productive. However, he said, both Blacks and police officers, as well as community members, need to work on themselves as well, educate themselves about each other. He suggested a number of documentaries and books both sides could watch or read.

Both Munroe and Soler noted it was kind of eye-opening to hear Heubusch talk at the first meeting about the arrest process and the fact that when a police officer tells someone they're under arrest, the conversation is over. It's time to comply with the officer's orders.

Munroe said he's had the same conversation with members of the Black community since that meeting and they all the same response he had, that they didn't know that.

"One thing that I learned from the chief was, man, once a police officer tells you those things, game over, you have to comply," Soler said. "Once you're told you are being put under arrest, that's it. Our community doesn't understand it. That's work we've got to do in our community of color. Once the police officer's -- 'I'm now placing you under arrest. You can't go. 'Now, wait a minute. Let's talk about it.' It's already too late. To Raelene's point, then you've got to go to court and go through through the process.

"We don't get taught that. We're taught, you know, 'I'm going to fight. I'm going to keep fighting until I can get my say. Then it becomes that we've put our officers sometimes in these really tough positions. But I just want to make sure that our police officers are really checking their own implicit bias in terms of trying to keep themselves educated, trying to understand some of these stories and narratives."

The topic of implicit bias came up several times during the evening's discussion.

The open dialogue started with Christian raising the issue of police being attacked in recent years. 

"I'm also concerned with minorities and how they're treated as well," Christian said. "I'm also concerned about how everyone is treated as a whole. But who I'm really concerned with a lot of times as our police officers, they're being vilified. They're being shot execution-style. 

In a long opening remark, she added, "The mainstream media doesn't tell you about all the unarmed white men that are shot. It happens. And I'm not saying it's right. And what happened to George Floyd, let me just be clear, was egregious. It was disgusting and despicable. And our police officers, most of them, I would say 99 percent of them agree with what happened to George Floyd was despicable and a disgrace. And Derek Chauvin, the police officer, did that, killed him. And I know he killed him because he did. He deserves to spend the rest of his life in jail and prison period. But I also feel like our police, they're being vilified and our police are being brutalized. Molotov cocktails are being thrown at them. They're being shot at. They're being shot execution-style, and there's no provocation for that. "

Later she added, "There's a broader picture here that, you know, yes, we can address police brutality. Does it happen? Yes. And is it going to continue to happen? Yes."

Her remarks elicited a calm response from several other committee members, among the more pointed from Director of Mental Health Service Lynda Battaglia, "I want to say to that -- this is the entire point of this meeting. It is the entire point of the executive order to end police brutality, so to say. Will it continue? Yes. Is unacceptable. It has to stop."

Munroe said, "This group was put together because of police brutality, period."

After addressing Christian directly, Soler said, "The reality is an implicit bias that many people who don't have a choice of how they look every morning when they wake up (deal with). I think Victor made a good point. Police choose to wear a blue uniform that, you know, historically has been designed to keep order and guidance in a community. Black people just wake up. Unfortunately, their communities are often the most targeted for patrols, for a variety of things to do, commingle with socioeconomic status. And so some of the comments that were made show your implicit bias. You don't really realize it."

W/hen next she had a chance to speak, Christian told Soler she wasn't biased and she took exception to being judged.

Soler apologized.

"I just want to be real quick and apologize again," Soler said. "If you think I was passing judgment, I was just more commenting on the overall feedback that was provided. So I apologize if you think I made a judgment. You're right, I don't know you. I was just trying to comment on this. I want to make sure we're clear that I'm not judging you at all. I just wanted to point out implicit bias is not something you necessarily know you have. That's why it's implicit."

Press release:

For at least the past 10 years, the American Legion, Post #626 of Oakfield-Alabama, has offered food boxes to those who might welcome a little extra help this time of year.

Information on families who might need these boxes was shared by our local schools, churches and community members.

The boxes were packed earlier this week with help from the people in the top photo, from left: Jessie Underwood, Fred Henry, Ed Mileham, Skip Cornelius, Jim Zasowski, and Rev. Robert Elkins.

The boxes included canned fruits and vegetables, cabbage, squash, eggs, apples, pie crusts, cake mixes, frosting, cookies, a ham or turkey, cereal, pickles, gravy mixes. Everything needed for an amazing holiday meal!

Food donations were gratefully received from: 

• Alabama Holley Farm (the Alexander Family) -- Alabama
• James Piedimonte & Sons Produce (all the trimmings) -- Holley
• Kreher's Farm Fresh Eggs (eggs) -- Clarence
• Bonduelle USA Inc. (turkeys) -- Oakfield
• John Starowitz -- Star Growers Inc. (onions) -- Elba
• Ronald Bruckner (stuffing) -- Medina
• Roberts Farm Market (apples) -- Medina

Monetary donations were also received to assist with purchasing additional food.

"We at the American Legion wish to give them (contributors) all our special thanks and appreciation for without them, none of this would have been possible."

The Legion would also like to acknowledge that any food not needed for the boxes will be shared with the Corfu Food Pantry to assist them with their mission to the community.

We wish you and your family all the best this time of year and good fortune for 2021.

American Legion Post #626 is located at 6554 Alleghany Road, Basom.

Photo submitted by Ed Mileham.

Press release:

The City of Batavia and the Batavia Police Department (BPD) are extending an online survey that is asking city residents to assist in formulating the department’s response to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Order 203, which requires police departments across New York State to submit reform plans to the state by April 1.

The online survey can be accessed here. The survey takes about five minutes to complete.

“We have approximately 500 completed surveys which is a good start, but we really want to double that number and in particular, we need more responses from our Black and minority residents and those in economically distressed neighborhoods, where there tends to be more engagement with the police,” said interim Batavia City Manager Rachael Tabelski.

“The Governor’s Executive Order is very specific in that our plan needs input from residents in neighborhoods where engagement with the police occurs is most common.”

At the Batavia Stakeholder Group on Dec. 10^th, members discussed various ways to enhance outreach in these neighborhoods. For instance, the Batavia City School District committed to issuing a text alert urging parents and guardians of students to go online to fill out the survey. Other members will be pushing the survey link out through their various social media channels.

“The response from the stakeholder group members who represent and work with residents in these neighborhoods at our meeting where we made this request was tremendous,” said Batavia Police Department Chief Shawn Heubusch.

“It sparked a great dialogue as we work collaboratively to put a plan together that we all agree is just the start of our efforts in sustaining open communications with the community and the police now and in the future.”