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Following an investigation into the sale of heroin in the Town of Bergen, 27-year-old Ryan M. Bobzin, of West Bergen Road, was arrested, according to a press release today from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

The investigation was conducted by the county's Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, comprised of law enforcement personnel from the Sheriff's Office, Batavia Police NET and Le Roy Village PD.

Bobzin is charged with: criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, a Class B felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, also a Class B felony; and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, a Class A misdemeanor.

On Feb. 24, Bobzin was arrested by a uniformed deputy at the Genesee County Jail where he was incarcerated for a separate charge. It is alleged that he sold a quantity of a controlled substance, heroin, to an agent of the drug task force in the Town of Bergen. Bobzin was arraigned in Town of Bergen Court and jailed on $25,000 bail.

The District Attorney's Office and uniformed members of the Sheriff's Office assisted the task force with the investigation.

Press release:

Brian Eller, COO of 1366 Technologies, the Massachusetts-based solar company and first tenant of the Town of Alabama's STAMP (Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park), will be the featured speaker at the annual meeting of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) on Friday, March 4, at Batavia Downs.

Registration and networking begins at 11:30 a.m. and the event will conclude at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Other speakers include: 

·         New York State Senator Michael Ranzenhofer;

·         New York State Assemblyman Stephen Hawley;

·         Genesee County Legislature Chairman Raymond Cianfini;

·         Tom Kucharski, president and CEO, Buffalo Niagara Enterprise; 

·         Paul Battaglia, GCEDC Board chairman; and,

·         Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC

“We are excited to welcome Brian Eller of 1366 Technologies to speak at our annual meeting as the company invests its capital and resources right here in Genesee County, which is expected to create approximately 1,000 new jobs,” said Steve Hyde, GCEDC president and CEO.

“We look forward to celebrating the future economic impact of 1366 Technologies in our region, as well as recognizing our many public and private sector partners who have made played a critical role in helping us grow our local economy within the past year.”  

The GCEDC will unveil its 2015 report and announce the recipient of the annual Economic Development Partner of the Year Award.

Tickets cannot be purchased at the door, and seating is limited. For more information or to register please contact Rachael Tabelski at 585-343-4866or at rtabelski@gcedc.com.

The Le Roy Zoning Board of Appeals ruling in favor of Frost Ridge Campground, may have been one of its last as a joint town/village body.

The Town Board is moving forward with plans to consider creating an independent town ZBA.

The board voted unanimously on Thursday to schedule a public hearing for 7 p.m. March 10 on proposed Local Law No. 1 of 2016. The law would establish a three-member town ZBA.

This is the second time the board has scheduled a hearing on the proposed law.

Last November, the board voted to withdraw from the 2004 intermunicipal agreement that created the joint town/village ZBA. A public hearing on a law to create a separate town ZBA was scheduled for Dec. 10, 2015.

That decision came before the ZBA could comply with Supreme Court Judge Robert Noonan’s order for it to rule on the legality of camping, concerts and related activities at Frost Ridge Campground. Interim Supreme Court Judge Mark Grisanti subsequently ordered the town to cancel its public hearing, and for the existing ZBA to conduct a hearing on Frost Ridge by Dec. 18, 2015.

The ZBA met Grisanti’s deadline by a day, and officially ruled in favor of Frost Ridge on Feb. 17.

Press release:

In a recent Buffalo Business First magazine, Elba Central Middle and High Schools' combined ranking placed in the top spot among all 17 schools in the Eastern Tier (Orleans, Genesee & Wyoming counties).

Factors used in determining each school's ranking are percentage of graduates who received Regents diplomas, Regents scores in 10 subjects and scores on statewide English and math tests -- all over the last four years.

Elba Central was also the only school of the 22 schools in the Genesee Valley to have a 100-percent passing rate on the Geometry Regents and the U.S. History Regents.

“Because we’re small, it’s difficult for any student to get lost in the shuffle," explained Elba Schools Superintendent Keith Palmer. “And even though we’re a public school, our staff treat our students as if we’re providing a private education, focusing on individual needs with individual interventions and taking the time to work with students who need it."

Submitted photo.

Press release:

The Genesee County Master Gardeners will be offering their popular educational programs again this spring. A variety of gardening topics will be presented and taught by Master Gardeners.

All programs are from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension building, 420 E. Main St., Batavia. Cost is $10 per person per class unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration is required as class size is limited.

For more information call 585-343-3040, ext. 101, or visit our Web site at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/gardening.

March 30 – “Using Color in the Garden” -- We will discuss aspects of color theory and its application in the garden, all lavishly illustrated with photos. Blooms and beyond -- berries, bark, variegated foliage, and garden ornaments all combine for a more powerful visual impact. And Yes! You can grow these flower combinations here since the presentation features local gardens. Registration deadline is March 24.

April 7 – “Better Garden Photography” -- Have you ever visited and photographed a gorgeous garden, but were later disappointed with your photos? In this presentation we will cover many subjects including the impact of light, and elements of composition such as balance, contrast, perspective, and color. Useful techniques are taught such as the rule of thirds, framing, and the effect of lines. All topics are illustrated with photos of garden scenes. Practical tips will improve your photos in (and out!) of the garden. Registration deadline is April 1.

April 13 – “Urban Forestry and Tree Care” -- Healthy trees are an asset as they provide cooling shade, habitat for birds and can increase the value of your property. Department of Environmental Conservation forester Garrett Koplun will instruct us on how managing trees in an urban environment differs from a traditional forest environment. We’ll discuss a number of problems common to trees in an urban setting. We will also cover ways to improve and prevent tree health issues. Registration deadline is April 8. This program is FREE.

April 20 – “Invasive Plants & Other Species in the Landscape” -- What are invasive species? Where are they located? Are they growing in my garden? What can I do? Why should I care? Find out the answers to these questions and learn how gardeners can be part of the solution. We’ll also discuss some of the alternative plants you can grow instead of the ornamental invasive plants that may be lurking in your garden. Registration deadline is April 15.

April 27 – “What’s Wrong with My Plant?” -- A gardener's introduction to plant disease identification and treatment. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of the four major categories of plant diseases and their specific treatment strategies via a review of those most commonly brought into our Helpline. Registration deadline is April 22.

A car has struck a bridge by the Blue Dog Saloon, 2630 Attica Road. Possible ankle injury reported. Alexander Fire Department and medics are responding.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: A responder on scene reports the roadway is extremely slippery.

Batavia High School's Production Club will present a musical product of Mary Poppins next week with Nick Piedmon playing Bert and Andrea Gilebarto as Mary Poppins.

Photos are from yesterday's rehearsal. 

Caryn Burk Wood is the director and Dan Grillo the musical director.

The cast includes Ross Chua as Mr. Banks, Chelsea Jensen as Mrs. Banks, Eryn Dunn as Jane Banks and Colin Dunn as Michael Banks.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m., March 4 and March 5, and 2 p.m., March 6.

Representatives of Z&M Ag and Turf presented a donation of tools to the conservation program at BOCES yesterday as part of a two-day seminar by Z&M and John Deere on some of the latest farming technology.

The first day was focused on dealers from throughout New York and yesterday the farms and shop techs came in to learn about technology advances from John Deere and the new precision GPS planting system.

John Duyssen is one of the conservation instructors -- concentrating on diesel and hydraulics repair and maintenance -- and he said the job of being a farmer is getting a lot more sophisticated as technology becomes more embedded in the process of planting and harvesting. The conservation program provides that instruction along with instruction on soil and water conversation.

Top photo: Carson Decarlo, left, Tom Klaeper, Tarra Shuknecht, John Tyx, Keith Conwa, Branden Cerefin, John Duyssen, and Ed Swain.

Bradley John Broadbent, 36, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with false personation, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminal use of drug paraphernalia and possession of hypodermic needles. Broadbent was arrested following a traffic stop at 10:37 p.m. Tuesday on Route 33, Stafford, by Deputy Rachel Diehl.

Press release:

The City in conjunction with National Grid will be removing trees between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Mondays thru Fridays for the time period of February 29 through March 31.

This work involves the removal of 18 trees that have become unbalanced due to years of required trimming for utilities, thus becoming a liability and unsightly.

The area of work is Oak Street between the NYS Thruway Exit 48/ Park Road to NYS Rt 5/ West Main Street. Work shall begin north of Richmond Avenue and proceed south.

This work will require lane shifts, lane reductions and temporary stoppages. All efforts will be made to minimize impacts to traffic but there will be delays so please plan accordingly and avoid the area if possible. Work will occur as weather and other work assignments permit.

Future work plans will be the replanting of more appropriate underwire street trees and replacement rate of 2:1. This work is anticipated in the Fall of this year.

Press release:

Today, Democrat Diana Kastenbaum announced her candidacy for New York’s 27th Congressional District.  \Kastenbaum is the CEO of Pinnacle Manufacturing Company, Inc., in Batavia, N.Y.

“As a small business owner from Batavia, I am well aware of the realities that face middle-class families. Using my years of experience as a businesswoman, I will bring new ideas and solutions to the problems we face in Western NY,” said Kastenbaum. “We need a member of Congress who will fight for Western NY on the issues that matter most; good paying jobs, ending income inequality, making college more affordable, and providing access to affordable healthcare. Where Congress has failed us, I will lead.”

Kastenbaum’s family has owned and operated Pinnacle, a zinc and aluminum dye casting manufacturing company, since 1972. She is a graduate of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Kastenbaum is heavily involved in many community organizations in Western NY.

Diana is married to actor and comedian Hiram Kasten. Their daughter, Millicent, is a senior Government major at Cornell University.

New York’s 27th Congressional District includes all of Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, and Livingston counties and parts of Erie, Monroe, Niagara, and Ontario counties.

Le Roy High School is presenting "The Addams Family: A Musical Comedy" on March 3, 4 and 5.

Director Jacqueline McLean said:

The story is inspired as a continuation of the Addams Family from the original comic strip and TV series. In the show, Wednesday Addams has gone off to college and fallen in love with a "normal" boy. When the "normal" family comes to meet the Addams, things get out of hand. This show is full of wonderful, dark comedy and will feature all of the characters that you remember in addition to some new ones. We hope you will join us at one of three performances and get ready to be "Pulled in a New Direction!" with this quirky story.

Books are by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, based on characters created by Charles Addams.

All show times are at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at leroycsd.org, in the HS main office or at the door. Tickets are $10 pre-sale and $12 at the door.

Press release:

Calling for an “end to business as usual” in Washington, Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced that he is endorsing Donald Trump to become America’s next President.

“Donald Trump has clearly demonstrated that he has both the guts and the fortitude to return our nation’s jobs stolen by China, take on our enemies like ISIS, Iran, North Korea and Russia, and most importantly, reestablish the opportunity for our children and grandchildren to attain the American Dream,” Congressman Collins said. “That is why I am proud to endorse him as the next President of the United States.”

“The results of Barack Obama’s failed presidency have been devastating. America is no longer seen as the world’s leader. Our jobs are gone. Our middle class is struggling. And, the federal government has grown too large and wastes too much of our hard earned money,” added Collins. “The last thing we need is a third Obama term, which we would get with either Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders.”

“We need a president willing to make the tough decisions necessary to restore our country to greatness. I believe Donald Trump is the man for the job, and I am proud to provide him with my support.”

Both Trump and Collins share a strong private-sector background. Before entering public service, Congressman Collins was in the private sector for over 35 years where he built a successful career as a businessman and entrepreneur.

Both as an Erie Country Executive (New York) and a Member of Congress, Collins has advocated running government like a business.

“If we want to get our nation’s economy growing again and deal with the daunting fiscal issues threatening America’s future, it’s time to say no to professional politicians and yes to someone who has created jobs and grown a business,” Collins said.

“America has the potential to once again become the land of opportunity. Donald Trump understands the importance of American exceptionalism, and has the unique qualifications to make America great again,” concluded Collins.

Two more people involved in a racketeering case that also involved a pair of Genesee County residents have entered guilty pleas in U.S. District Court.

The pleas are the latest in a string of convictions in the case for federal authorities.

Robert W. Moran Jr., 63, of Rochester, entered a guilty plea to a count of conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering. Gina Tata, 52, also of Rochester, entered a guilty plea to being an accessory after the fact.

Both defendants face possible federal prison terms and potential six-figure fines.

Authorities say Moran was an officer with the Hells Angels in Rochester and was involved in an assault at Spenders Bar on Lyell Avenue, Rochester, that involved an attack on a victim with a baseball bat. Authorities say Moran was the attacker and beat the victim on the head and body after the person made disparaging remarks about motorcycle clubs, including the Hells Angels.

"The defendant committed the assault order to maintain his position in the Rochester Hells Angels," said federal prosecutors.

Tata was the bartender that night and tried to help Moran evade arrest and prosecution. It was Tata who informed Moran of the remarks by the patron, prosecutors said. She then lied to police about the identity of the attacker and counseled other eyewitnesses not to speak to provide identifying information to police. She helped another member of the Hells Angels retrieve a hard drive containing recordings of the interior of the bar at the time of the attack.

"In May 2007, a year after the assault, Tata lied to the FBI about the perpetrators of the assault, describing them as tall, young Hispanic males, and falsely told the FBI that she used the phone at Spenders Bar only to call 9-1-1 and the owner of the bar," prosecutors said.

These pleas are part of a larger investigation that resulted in the indictment and arrest of members and associates of the Rochester and Monterey (California) Hells Angels for drug trafficking and racketeering-related offenses in February 2012. Hells Angels President Richard W. Mar, and Jeffrey A. Tyler, were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Five other defendants – Henry McCauley, Donna Boon, Paul Griffin, Richard E. Riedman, and Gordon L. Montgomery – were convicted for their roles in the methamphetamine conspiracy. Judge Siragusa sentenced Griffin to probation and Riedman to 37 months in prison. McCauley, Boon and Montomgery are awaiting sentencing. Another defendant, Timothy M. Stone, was convicted and of being an accessory after the fact to the assault and conspiracy, and was sentenced to 12 months in prison.

McAuley and Boon are residents of Oakfield.

Sentencing is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. and 11 a.m., respectively, May 25.

Some of the prior related stories:

• Alleged heist of scrap metal thwarted by Sheriff's deputies
• Five suspected meth dealers busted in early morning raids
• FBI agent's affidavit reveals some details of alleged meth ring investigation
• Le Roy meth dealer given time in federal prison
• Batavia woman proclaims her innocence after meth dealing case dropped by feds
• Three Genesee County residents accused of being part of Hells Angels meth distribution ring
• Men caught stealing tons of scrap metal convicted in federal court
• Batavia man admits to meth distribution charge in federal court
• Man with Genesee County ties given year in federal prison on racketeering charge
• Batavia man admits to meth distribution charge in federal court

Grace’s Kitchen celebrated its fourth anniversary on Tuesday — just a week late, but in “fabulous” style.

A total of 154 guests enjoyed prime rib dinner prepared under the direction of chef and founder Selby Davis.

“We were given a large donation by a former LeRoyan who wanted us to use some of it for a fabulous meal,” Davis said.

The menu also included “Grace’s Great Green Salad,” baked potatoes and chocolate souffle cake with whipped cream and raspberries.

Grace’s Kitchen serves a free “community dinner” from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Masonic Community Center, 12 Bank St. It is sponsored by the Le Roy Christian Community Project, and supported by donations and volunteers.

There is no charge for dinner, but free-will offerings are welcomed.

Tuesday’s special prime rib dinner had been planned for Feb. 16, but was postponed because of a snowstorm.

Grace’s Kitchen was launched on Valentine’s Day 2012 — and it’s been a “work in progress” ever since, Davis said.

Clientele shrank after Grace’s Kitchen moved from its original location at Le Roy United Methodist Church to the Masonic Community Center. But eight months later, attendance is picking up again.

“We’ve served varying numbers, predominantly seniors,” Davis said. “We do a consistent number of deliveries within the village, and continue to be blessed with a stellar group of loyal volunteers.”

Davis stressed that Grace’s Kitchen welcomes the entire community — “no matter what need we may be addressing.”

“Some guests are financially grateful we are here, and others are happy for the company and friendships they have made,” she said.

Davis said there seems to be a common perception that Grace’s Kitchen exists to feed a “destitute” population. That’s not at all true, she said: Showing up for dinner, does not mean you’re taking food away from someone else.

“I assure you that we always have enough, if not an overflow,” Davis said.

Tuesday’s dinner was made a little extra special, with help from third-graders from Wolcott Street School. Betsy Overacker’s students visited earlier in the day to help set tables, drop off cards they made to accompany deliveries, and to share placemats decorated by the entire grade level. Other classes will visit on one Tuesday of each month remaining in the school year.

Top photo: Volunteers Debbie Lathan and Sue Lints serve up a meal at Grace's Kitchen.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Press release:

In an extremely rare, once-in-a lifetime opportunity, Buffalo public elementary school students from PS 97 Harvey Austin will make contact with astronauts on the International Space Station via Amateur Radio. PS 97 was one of only 20 schools worldwide selected for this event, which is scheduled for the first week in March.

The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) event will be managed by an international consortium of amateur radio organizations and space agencies including National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium at SUNY Buffalo State, and the Lancaster Amateur Radio Club (LARC).

Pam Ware, Corfu resident and member of LARC, holds an Amateur Extra license AB3PW, and is the liaison for the team of radio operators in providing hands-on experience and training for the students.

“This is a very challenging and very exciting opportunity for these students to learn about space travel and exploration, how the astronauts live and work in space, and how the students can, even at a young age, become radio amateurs and learn cutting-edge technologies for the emerging field of interplanetary communications,” Ware said.

LARC was founded in 1987 by Western New York ham radio operators to advance the amateur radio hobby in the area. Since the founding, LARC has grown from just a few members to the largest amateur radio club in Western New York.