Superintendent Merritt Holly speaks to the Le Roy Central School District Board of Trustees during a budgt public hearing on Tuesday at Wolcott School. Photo by Howard Owens.
The Le Roy Central School District is bracing for difficult financial decisions as it asks voters to approve a $32,035,588 budget for the 2025-26 school year.
Spending is projected to increase 3.18%, or $986,768.
Superintendent Merritt Holly, speaking Tuesday night at a public hearing on the proposed budget in the Wolcott School auditorium, outlined a budget shaped by rising costs, staff reductions, and heavy reliance on state funding.
Edna Gruber, Batavia's notorious madam who operated a brothel at 101 Jackson St., Batavia, in the middle of the 20th century, is finally the subject of a book about her life.
With a dab of local scandal and a dash of historical intrigue, David Kinney’s new book, "Batavia’s Disorderly House," shines a fresh light on Gruber.
Grass clippings on Evans Street, Batavia Photo by Howard Owens.
For motorcyclists, a swath of grass clippings on a roadway is summer's version of black ice.
It appears unexpectedly and causes the bike to lose traction, which can result in serious crashes—bikes flipping onto their sides, veering off the roadway, and striking other vehicles.
Trooper Lynnea Crane with New York State Police told RochesterFirst in 2023 that crashes caused by grass clippings can be deadly.
“A lot of police officers will contact homeowners or the person blowing grass into the roadway and just let them know they need to remove it,” she said.
Batavia resident and motorcycle enthusiast Gordo Montgomery asked The Batavian to remind residents of the dangers of grass clippings.
Under Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1219(b), it is illegal to drop or permit any material, including grass clippings, that interferes with the safe use of a highway. Anyone responsible must remove it immediately. Section 1220(a) further prohibits dumping or placing any refuse, trash, or litter on highways
The danger is rising as the number of motorcyclists on New York roads has doubled since 2002. Environmental factors, including debris like grass clippings, account for roughly a quarter of motorcycle and car crashes. There are more than 750,000 licensed motorcyclists in the state.
The solution is straightforward, according to experts -- never blow or leave grass clippings in the street. Point mower chutes away from the road, sweep up any stray clippings, and consider composting or mulching them on your property, where they can benefit your lawn.
Batavia Players bring "Jesus Christ Superstar," a pioneering rock opera, to the Main St. 56 Theater with four shows this weekend.
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice wrote and scored "Jesus Christ Superstar." It dramatizes the final week of Jesus’ life, focusing on his relationships with his disciples, especially Judas Iscariot and Mary Magdalene. The story is told largely from Judas’ perspective, exploring his concerns about Jesus’ growing influence and the potential consequences from Roman authorities.
The musical began as a concept album released in 1970, with the stage musical debuting on Broadway in 1971. The show broke new ground by blending rock music with theater, helping to establish the rock opera genre.
The City of Batavia Police Department held its annual recognition luncheon on April 30 acknowledging the outstanding achievements and contributions of its members, as well as community partners, over the past year.
During the event, the department recognized individuals and groups of officers/detectives who demonstrated exceptional bravery, heroism, or furthered the mission of the City of Batavia and Police Department.
The following is a list of those recognized:
Letters of Recognition
Sharon Nuwer - Cleaner for the Department
Sharon was recognized for her dedication to the Department and it's members by ensuring a clean, safe and healthy environment for everyone.
Supervisor Brett Stevenson of the City of Batavia Department of Public Works
Brett was recognized for his assistance in facilitating events and celebrations over the years in his role as supervisor at the Bureau of Maintenance. Brett has coordinated with many officers and supervisors to make these events go smooth.
Department Honor Guard members:
Detective Sgt. Matt Lutey
Detective Eric Hill
Detective Jason Ivison
Detective James DeFreze
Officer Connor Borchert
Officer William Yung
All members of the Honor Guard exemplify the professionalism and dedication to the department in times of remembrance as well as times of celebration. There dedication to attend multiple events throughout the year is respected and appreciated.
Firearms Instructors:
Sergeant Arick Perkins
Officer Samuel Freeman
Both Sergeant Perkins and Officer Freeman have worked diligently to improve the firearms program through a variety of engaging activities while still maintaining a positive training atmosphere.
Accreditation Manager:
Officer Richard Messmer
Awarded for contributions to the accreditation program in 2024. Officer Messmer has worked diligently on this to ensure the department obtains its accredited status and is set to have the program evaluated soon. Certificates of Commendation
NET Officers:
Officer John Gombos
Officer Joseph Weglarski
In recognition of their efforts during an investigation into the transport and sales of illegal drugs in the City of Batavia resulting in several felony level charges.
Sergeant Arick Perkins
Officer Adam Tucker
Officer Bryan Moscicki
Officer Samuel Freeman
Detective Eric Hill
In recognition of their efforts during the investigation into a fatal motor vehicle accident that occurred in August of 2024.
Detective Sergeant Matt Lutey
Sergeant Arick Perkins
Officer Richard Messmer
Officer Joseph Weglarski
Detective Matthew Wojtaszczyk
Detective Jason Ivison
Detective Eric Hill
Detective Stephen Cronmiller
Detective James DeFreze
In recognition for your efforts in the line of duty death investigation of Genesee County Sheriff Sergeant Thomas Sanfratello.
Life Saving Award
Officer Samuel Freeman
Officer Bryan Moscicki
In recognition of their actions to prolong the life of an individual who had stopped breathing and was in cardiac arrest in December of 2024.
Meritorious Service Award
Detective Eric Hill
Awarded in recognition of his service to the City of Batavia Police Department for the past 20 years as a Police Officer, Youth Detective, PIO and resident IT consultant.
Citizen Commendation Award
Grace Baptist Church
Awarded to Grace Baptist Church in recognition by the City of Batavia Police Department to your dedication to furthering the department's professional development through your generosity and approachability.
Officer of the Year
Officer Andrew Mruczek
Officer Mruczek has been given this award based upon several factors which were submitted by several members of the department. In the nomination letters it was noted that Officer Mruczek is the “ideal team player” with an unwavering sense of loyalty to his fellow officers and the public. Officer Mruczek also demonstrates his commitment to learning, self-improvement and executing police duties on a consistent daily basis. Officer Mruczek was also recognized for his diligence in seeing investigations through to completion. Also noted was Officer Mruczek's ability to handle critical incidents in an exemplary manner. Throughout these nominations it was referenced several times that Officer Mruczek is a true professional that exemplifies what it means to be a police officer in the City of Batavia.
This annual event serves as a testament to the department's commitment to acknowledging and appreciating the hard work and selflessness of its members, as well as the invaluable contributions of its community partners. Congratulations to all the recipients and thank you for your service.
The Genesee County Health Department is seeking information about the location of a cat and its owner following a cat bite incident on Thursday, May 8 around 6 p.m. The incident occurred in the Batavia Cemetery (65 Harvester Avenue in Batavia) directly across the street from The Harvester Center.
The cat involved in the incident was running free in the cemetery. It was described as a grey tiger cat of average size with medium-length hair, wearing a collar with two tags-one blue and one black.
The health department would like to locate the cat as soon as possible to confirm that it is healthy. This would indicate that the rabies virus would not have been transmitted at the time of the bite.
If you have information about the location of the cat and its owner, please contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555.
This Blue Heeler has been missing since Saturday from Griswold Road in Bergen area. He is 4 years old and needs seizure medication, as the seizures can disorient him. Do not chase or call out to him, but please call or text any sightings of him to 585-630-8262.
On Wednesday, May 14, beginning at 8:30 a.m., the Genesee County Jail’s main phone number, 585-343-0838, will be unable to receive incoming calls for approximately 30 minutes. However, outgoing calls and in-house county extensions will not be affected. We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
2 Hilltop Drive, Leroy, NY.Fantastic village 3 bedroom 1.5 baths ranch. Spacious eat-in kitchen, ceramic floors, ample counter space & cupboards (some with glass doors). Sliding glass doors lead to an attractive heated sunroom overlooking a totally fenced rear yard. Extra Large Living room with fireplace, built in bookcases also has room for additional dining space. First floor laundry. Home has central air. Numerous recent updates. portable generator. Open front porch. Two tier deck is great for summer entertaining and enjoyment. attached garage. Near playgrounds, tennis courts, schools and shopping areas. Move in ready. Call Nancy Crocker at Empire Realty today - call 585-314-7982.
Due to delays on other projects, Stegman Road and Barrett Drive are now scheduled for resurfacing on Tuesday, May 13, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Traffic should expect delays and short-term closures while resurfacing operations occur. EMERGENCY SERVICE PERMITTED THROUGH. All through traffic should seek alternative routes.
Residents and Businesses on the listed roads will be permitted access to their property, but may experience minor delays.
This work is weather dependent; if delayed for rain, the work will occur the next available day.
If there are any questions concerning this work, please contact The Town of Batavia – Highway Department at 585-343-1729 Extension 218. Thank you for your cooperation in advance.
Ask Dan Schmidt about his boys and he will act like any proud father and fill the next several minutes with their accolades.
That may be partly because Gavin and Garrett were just 3 and 5 when Dan and his wife Shannon moved to Batavia and the city school district. Their boys went from pre-kindergarten all the way through high school graduation, with plenty of opportunities to be positively impacted by coaches and teachers along the way, Dan says.
And now he wants to take a turn by running for a seat on the school’s Board of Education.
“My heart is to invest in students, to empower teachers and to strengthen the community,” Schmidt said to The Batavian Monday afternoon. “It’s a community endeavor. I’m only one voice out of seven. We all come with a perspective; everybody has a voice that matters to ensure a healthy school district. I’ve got a heart to encourage. I’m going to raise the morale in the room.”
The lead pastor at the Assembly of God Church in Batavia, Schmidt has served on several related boards — “first and foremost” at his church as president of what he feels is a very unified board where “we have a real sense of community and health,” much of which he attributes to the board.
He also served as the western section presbyter for the Assemblies of God, one of 13 in New York State.
“I’ve had the opportunity to oversee about 34 churches with about 100 ministers in the western section for the Assemblies of God,” he said. “And with that, I sit on different boards. And so, if there’s a smaller church, or any church that may be without a pastor, I’ll go in with my leadership team and we sit as the board members and with the heart to just keep stability, to breathe life into the leadership that’s presently there.”
On a related note, that’s how he feels about the school district and how particular teachers and coaches did that sort of thing for his boys: “It just all points back to the investment that Batavia made into (Gavin) and Garrett,” he said.
“A mother and a father in any community can only do so much without others, and we feel like God has brought some really great people around our boys to kind of shape them and mold them into who they are,” he said. “Kind of the back story with it is I started refereeing wrestling three years ago, and just loved the idea in the heart behind investing my life into the community as a referee. And about eight months ago, I talked to President John Marucci. He's a friend of mine, and just said, ‘Hey, what does it take to be a board member, because I'm kind of considering running.’ And he said, ’ Oh, Dan, that would be great.’ And so it was about eight months ago that I started thinking about it, and (putting) my whole heart behind it.
“I think a lot of people come with an agenda. I really don't have one other than I want to invest my life where it counts. And I think serving on a the Board of Education is a place where I can make an investment that counts, because it's reaching from the youngest generation in a community. And so if I can speak life into that, then I'm all in.”
His church underwent a series of renovations and remodels and is not in debt due to successful capital campaigns, so he feels that perhaps his varied experiences can bring a degree of "wisdom to the table."
"But one thing that I found out is, when it comes to being like no one is wiser than everyone in the room," he said.
Marucci is not running for reelection this year. Both his and incumbent Chezeray Rolle’s terms are up in June.
During the board’s budget hearing Monday evening, Rolle said that he believes he adds value by being on the board and would like to continue serving if possible.
Schmidt further elaborated on those teachers, coaches and special people who helped to bring the best out of his children, such as when Gavin was having an issue with reading. He received specialized attention for that and, after a few years, “he was exceeding the reading level that he was supposed to be at,” Schmidt said.
“And so when it comes to why I’m standing here, it really comes down to investment the community has poured into, or, excuse me, has partnered with Shannon and I for almost 20 years, and I feel like now it’s my time to give back,” he said.
And those two young boys? Gavin, 23, did so well in auto body class at Genesee Valley BOCES, winning a related Skills USA competition twice. He has a great job “making more money than I do,” his dad cracked. Twenty-year-old Garrett is the vice president of his fraternity at Grove City College in Pennsylvania.
BCSD by the numbers As for the budget part of the hearing, nothing changed from the last few board meetings. Batavia City School District residents will have a $63.3 million budget before them for a vote on May 20. This 2025-26 budget calls for a $3 million budget increase and a 2.22% tax levy increase.
The proposed plan would replace six teachers, one secretarial and one administrative position, and move two social workers over from a grant to the general fund.
The estimated property tax rate would be $16.05 per $1,000 assessed value, subject to change once assessment rolls and equalization rates are finalized, he said. That would be approximately 35 cents (.349) more per $1,000 than the current rate, or about a $70 annual increase on a home assessed at $200,000, provided there have been no assessment changes.
The total proposed school tax levy is $20,790,870, an increase of $451,534 from this year. The levy falls within the allowable levy cap of $452,506, school officials said.
There will be two propositions on the ballot:
Proposition #1 General Fund Budget, which asks voters "Shall the proposed budget submitted by the Board of Education of the City School District of the City of Batavia for the 2025-26 school year totaling $63,310,108 be approved and shall taxes be levied upon the taxable property of the School District to meet the requirements of said Budget?”
A second proposition asks residents to vote for two vacancies on the Board of Education to each fill a three-year term, effective July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028. The terms of incumbents John Marucci and Chezeray Rolle are up this year. Rolle is running again and newcomer Dan Schmidt is running for a seat.
Voting is from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 20. District 1 residents (north of Main Street/Route 5) vote at Robert Morris School, 80 Union St., and District 2 (south of Main Street/Route 5) vote at BHS, 260 State St.
Maxine Fearrington of Attica, third from left, reads a portion of the script for the GLOW Nurses Honor Guard ceremony Monday at UMMC in Batavia. Photo by Joanne Beck
Being part of a nurses honor guard serves double duty for a Navy veteran still active as a registered nurse after 18 years, Maxine Fearrington says.
Not only is she able to honor any nurses who have died, but participating in the traditional ceremony connects Fearrington to her military experience—she proudly gave 20 years in areas of supply and finance.
“So being at an honor guard is especially important to me because I’m able to pay tribute to those who have done what I’ve done, walked in my shoes,” she said Monday outside of United Memorial Medical Center. “And, being in the military, what do you lean on? For a couple of years, when I was stationed in Wilmington, I was on the honor guard there. We represented the whole state of Delaware. So when a service member in Delaware passed away, we went and did a military funeral for them.”
Whether in Delaware or New York, Fearrington has pursued her ideals of providing service and comfort to fellow nurses as part of the GLOW Nurses Honor Guard, a local chapter of the New York State Nurses Association.
The group conducted its first ceremony in front of UMMC as a symbolic memorial for all those nurses who have given aid, a smile, and a gentle touch and have since passed on.
On Monday, the group of Honor Guard members, dressed in traditional white uniforms and deep blue capes lined in red satin, formed a semicircle around the flagpole in front of the North Street hospital. With little fanfare and no marching band, they read a script of poetry, instructions and words for thought.
“We honor you this day and give you a white rose to symbolize your devotion to your profession, and to show honor and appreciation for being our nursing colleague,” they said in unison.
A small audience attended the event and was invited to answer the first half of “they were there.”
They were there:
When a calming, quiet presence was all that was needed.
In the excitement and miracle of birth, the mystery and loss of life.
When a siren glance could uplift a patient, family member or friend.
At those times when the unexplainable needed to be explained.
When the situation demanded a swift foot and a sharp mind.
To embrace the words of the world, willingly, and offer hope.
To witness humanity, its beauty, in good times and bad, without judgment.
Michelle Moag of Pavilion has been a registered nurse for 11 years. She and Fearrington have been with the Honor Guard since it began in 2022.
As for becoming a nurse, “I just love helping people,” Moag said. “It’s like the foundation of it, helping people get through their darkest times, and I just love that.”
Following in her mother’s white-shoed footsteps, Moag remembers seeing her mom in action.
“I remember going to work with her when I was like, probably eight or nine, and be like, ‘I want to do that.’ So that’s what I did,” she said, sharing the Honor Guard’s ceremony schedule. “We had a few right off the bat, and then we didn’t have any for many months, and then we’ll have a few. And just now we’ve been getting more publicity with it, I guess people are realizing that this is a service that we offer, and now we’re getting more and more, and the people are telling their friends, and this is the first time we’ve done this ceremony. So hopefully this will be an annual thing.”
The ceremony was brief and solemn.
“I would like to invite any nurses present to stand as we do a final roll call,” a nurse said.
“Nurses, report for duty,” was said three times, with a triangle chime struck once after each sentence. “Nurses, we officially release you from your nursing duties. Your work on earth is done. You may now go home in peace.”
A candle, representing the Nightingale lamp that honors nurses from their nursing colleagues, was lit, then extinguished to represent a farewell.
Dan Ireland, who maintains his registered nursing license, celebrated his new title and place amongst the nurses as chief nursing executive and patient care officer while appreciating the moment before him.
“I think it's an honor to be able to recognize those who have come before us and who have left us. And so the ceremony today was just a wonderful chance for us to globally say to all the nurses who have passed and for all their years of dedication, a thank you and recognize their work and the work that they have done to shape the nursing profession,” Ireland said. “And so being asked to be a part of it was a huge honor for me. And these are a group of dedicated nurses who really want to make sure that even though there are people who aren't at the bedside, who eventually retire from nursing and eventually pass away, that they get recognized. Because once you're a nurse, you're always a nurse. And we never forget our nurses.”
Being in the role of nurse is humbling for Ireland, he said. It’s about serving at someone’s bedside and caring for a person “at their time of need, to give parts of yourself and helping them work through whatever life dilemma they’re going through.”
“It's just personally very fulfilling for me, and it's something that I'm humbled each time I have the opportunity to interact with the patient, and then away from the bedside, utilizing my nursing knowledge skills and the connections I've made with our staff helped me to really make decisions that will impact our patients better,” he said. “And when I think of it from a nurse's perspective, I'm able to really put that patient at the forefront of it and make sure that we're doing the very best we can for all our patients.”
Nurse’s Prayer
May I be a nurse, Lord, with gentle healing hands, who always speaks with kindness, who cares and understands.
And while I’m serving others, as you would have me do, please help me to remember that I’m truly serving you. Amen.
A golden-colored Yorkie, nearly 16 years old, went missing from his home at the upper end of Ross Street in Batavia. Named Zach, this frail guy cannot hear and does not see very well. If anyone sees him, please call his owner at 585-409-4870.
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has collected critical funds in the community since 1954 – one dollar at a time – as part of the Fill the Boot program for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). The Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 896 will continue this long-standing tradition as its members kick off the annual program, raising funds to support MDA’s vision to accelerate research, advance care, and advocate for the support of MDA families.
Dedicated firefighters from Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 896 will hit the streets with boots in hand, asking pedestrians, motorists, customers, and other passersby to donate to the MDA on June 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Main and Court Street and Ellicott and Court Street in the City of Batavia.
The partnership between MDA and IAFF began in 1954, when the IAFF signed a proclamation designating MDA its charity of choice and vowing to continue raising awareness and funds until cures are found. To date, the nearly seven-decade partnership has raised more than $679 million, with involvement from over 300,000 firefighters nationwide.
These funds have led in part to over a dozen FDA-approved drugs in as many years for those with neuromuscular disease. Those treatments were created from MDA’s vision to open a new field of medicine and push the boundaries of the medical frontier we call genetic medicine.
“What the IAFF has done for MDA over the past 68 years is unprecedented,” said Donald S. Wood, Ph.D., President and CEO of MDA. “With the support from our partners at the IAFF, MDA is doing the impossible in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for people living with neuromuscular disease. We have a mission to empower the people we serve to life longer, more independent lives and we will fulfill this mission together, with the IAFF.”
The 2024-2025 Ascension and Resurrection Faith Formation Program recently participated in the Western New York Catholic Charities "Competing for the Cup Challenge." The program won first place against other Faith Formation groups throughout the Diocese of Buffalo, raising over $1100. When the program resumes later this fall, the group will enjoy a pizza party and treats for all their efforts.
The Faith Formation Group sponsored a Soup Supper, basket raffle, and bowl-a-thon during Lent in support of this challenge. As part of their service projects this year, they also supported the Annual All Babies Cherished Basket Raffle.
Thank you to all our families and volunteers who participated in this year's program, which will officially conclude with Confirmation at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Buffalo on Pentecost on June 8.
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