Experience the power and intensity of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary rock opera as Main St. 56 Theater presents Jesus Christ Superstar! This groundbreaking musical brings the final days of Jesus to life with electrifying music, raw emotion, and an unforgettable cast. Purchase tickets here.
Press Release:
On Wednesday, May 14, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., a special event will be held at the Oatka Family Practice, located at 5762 E. Main Street, Suite 6, in Stafford. The event will begin with prepared remarks and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
OLV Human Services (OLVHS) – one of the region’s largest mental and behavioral health organizations - is celebrating the grand opening of their Genesee County location, which will serve the mental and behavioral health of the community. Located in suite 6 of the Oatka Family Practice building, OLVHS will serve residents’ needs through their Evaluation and Treatment Center and Outpatient Clinic services.
The event will feature prepared remarks and a ribbon cutting. The individuals noted below will also be available for interviews.
The Evaluation and Treatment Program offers multi-disciplinary assessments and evaluations for children suspected of having a developmental disability, including autism spectrum disorder. If the results of the assessment indicate the need for treatment, the team will provide individualized behavioral programming, occupational therapy, speech therapy and medical management including developmental pharmacology.
The Outpatient Clinic provides care and counseling for children, adolescents, and adults with behavioral, emotional and psychiatric difficulties of varying levels of severity. Licensed therapists work with the support of a board-certified psychiatrist to provide person-centered services for children and adults. Treatment plans are custom-tailored and may include individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy, as well as medication management.
Attendees will include Cindy Lee, CEO of OLV Human Services; Lynda Battaglia, Director of Mental Health and Community Services for Genesee County; Sheila Hunt, Chief Program Officer at OLV Human Services; Dr. Ted Andrews, a pediatric psychologist and pediatrician at OLV’s Evaluation and Treatment Center; Katie Cowley, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at OLV Human Services; and Heather Bell, Mental Health Counselor at OLV Human Services.
Contractors with Soil-King were on Jackson Street in Batavia on Wednesday afternoon, laying down a new layer of soil and grass seed as work nears completion on a $1.3 million project to lay new water lines and replace the sidewalk on the east side of the street.
Batavia received a $1 million CDBG grant to improve the aging waterlines on Jackson Street. The city committed an additional $351,908 of local funds.
Photos by Howard Owens.
Less than five years in, and Batavia Fire Chief Josh Graham’s vehicle — used for emergency response and transportation — went “ka-put,” City Manager Rachael Tabelski says.
The 2020 Ford Explorer had many mechanical issues, including the transmission, which rendered it out of commission for several weeks. There is no estimated time of return.
“We thought it was under warranty, we then found out that it wasn’t, and it’s still in the shop for repair,” Tabelski said during this week’s City Council conference meeting. “We also found out that the same make and model will have a full engine replacement that will be needed at any time here, and for an extended period of time, there won’t be a chief’s vehicle.”
All that is to say the city is on the hook for another vehicle, at a cost of up to $50,000.
Graham has been driving the city manager’s vehicle, which does not have the appropriate lights and sirens required by New York State, as well as necessary safety measures for emergency vehicles, he said.
At least one red light must be displayed and visible under normal "atmospheric conditions" from 500 feet away from an authorized emergency vehicle in any direction.
He even tried to use the red and white light from his dash, but that “didn’t really work,” he said.
“So we did make an emergency vehicle purchase from the town of Shelby, which is like a new condition for $30,000, and this resolution would be to memorialize the use of reserves for that vehicle,” Tabelski said.
Graham estimated that a new truck, after being upfitted, would cost between $75,000 and $85,000.
Councilman Bob Bialkowski had done some research on the Ford Explorer brand and found that “over 90,000 trucks” had problems with burning and breaking the valves. “So it’s a major problem,” he said.
Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. added that they’re talking about a piece of equipment and “not just a vehicle … driving you to the scene.” Once there, that vehicle becomes a “mini command post” with emergency equipment, a radio, “your necessary stuff,” he said.
Graham chose a 2015 Chevy Tahoe, “but it was not used as a chase vehicle, so it wasn’t a daily driver,” he said. “It was in the station, used as an EMS vehicle, and I have not seen a vehicle that has only 16,000 miles on it, and I have not seen a vehicle that is this well taken care of as could be.”
A search by The Batavian found on bannerchevy.com’s used Tahoe buying guide that the 2015 Tahoe has had issues with the A/C system, flashing interior lights, and dashboard cracks.
Tabelski approved it as an “emergency purchase” and asked the City Council to vote on a resolution to transfer $50,000 from appropriated reserves to the fire department equipment reserves.
During a business meeting that followed, council members unanimously approved the transfer of funds not to exceed $50,000. The fire department equipment reserve has a balance of $867,092.
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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.
The district’s proposed tax levy is $10,800,650, an increase of 1.25%, keeping Le Roy under the state’s tax cap. However, the district is feeling the squeeze from inflation, escalating health insurance premiums, and contractual obligations, including a new teacher contract and higher special education expenses.
Holly noted, as he did in the district's budget newsletter, the district has no say in or control over property tax assessments.
The estimated tax rates for the municipalities that overlap with the district:
One of the most significant impacts: staffing. Six retirements are expected, but only two positions will be replaced. This is a shift from previous years, when Le Roy was able to add staff while neighboring districts made cuts.
“The impact is being felt most at Wolcott Street School, where we're not replacing four of six retirees," Holly said. "It will directly affect students and staff.”
Enrollment is currently 1,103 students, down 114 students since 2016. Enrollment affects the district's share of state aid.
"When you look at the Jr./Sr. high school, we have one of our smaller senior classes that we've had in a while, at least in my time," Holly said.
There are 81 seniors.
The district is reliant on state aid. Holly said 63% of Le Roy’s budget comes from Albany, far more than in wealthier suburban districts.
“We’re not like the Monroe County schools that can tap into their tax base to close gaps,” Holly said. “We rely heavily on state aid, and any changes at the state or federal level could have a big impact here.”
Holly noted, as he did with The Batavian in March, that there are 152 unfunded state mandates, including the looming requirement for electric school buses and costly special education placements, as well as ongoing budget pressures. Inflation has also hit utility costs and other essentials.
“We’re all competing for the same teachers, and we’re all feeling the pinch from rising costs,” he said.
The superintendent also warned of federal uncertainty, noting that political debates in Washington could threaten funding streams like Title 1, which supports students from low-income families.
“We can’t sit and worry about politics, but we have to plan and prepare for whatever comes,” Holly said.
Despite these fiscal challenges, the district has historically enjoyed strong community backing for its budgets, the superintendent noted. This year’s ballot also includes a $379,000 proposition for the Woodward Memorial Library and the uncontested re-election of two Board of Education members.
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.
On Tuesday, Kinney, a Washington, D.C. resident, was at Eli Fish Brewing Company for a book signing.
Kinney recounted how a story about Gruber getting roughed up at Horseshoe Lake first piqued his curiosity, setting him on a year-long journey to untangle the real story behind Batavia’s so-called “most famous madam.”
Kinney, whose previous work explored the history of Horseshoe Lake, explained that much of what was known about Gruber came from a 1996 "Genesee Country Magazine" article. That account, he said, he found riddled with errors and gaps, especially regarding Gruber’s early years and family background.
“Many of the things in that article were incorrect,” Kinney said, noting that even Gruber’s granddaughter had been shielded from the true nature of Edna’s business, and family lore was often just plain wrong.
Born Edna Geyer in Buffalo in 1882, Gruber’s early life was marked by hardship. By 13, she was scrubbing floors in barrooms, and she married twice -- first to Joseph Gruber at just 15.
How she transitioned from these humble beginnings to become the proprietor of Batavia’s most infamous brothel was, until now, a mystery even to her descendants.
Kinney’s research, however, has resolved the question of how Edna entered the business and uncovered a significant family secret.
“Most of even the family didn’t know she had a brother, and her brother played a significant role (in her entering the business),” he said.
Gruber’s establishment, regularly raided during Prohibition, was notorious for its clientele and Edna’s ability to retain top legal counsel and pay handsomely for it. Despite her reputation, she was also known for acts of local charity, complicating her legacy in the community.
Kinney said his book will provide new insights into a woman who defied the conventions -- and the censure -- of her time.
Previously: Edna's 'house of ill-repute' funded madam's charity to the community, by Anne Marie Starowitz
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 production is directed by Patrick Burk.
Showtimes:
Press Release:
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.
Press Release:
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.
Pres Release:
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.
Chase Antinore threw a complete-game shutout on Monday against Oakfield-Alabama, leading Notre Dame to a 4-0 win.
He gave up four hits, walked on hitter, and struck out five.
Avery Watterson also went the distance for O-A, giving up five hits and three earned runs while recording five strikeouts.
Irish offense:
Evan Fitzpatrick 3-3 3B 2 RBIs 1 Run 1 BB
Hornets offense:
Photos by Jordyn Tobolski
Batavia played in Class B individual sectionals on Saturday.
Saturday's results:
Sunday team results:
Batavia lost to Victor 7-0 to drop to 7-7 on the season.
Team sectionals on Monday. The team's final regular season match is on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at home vs. Greece Athena/Odyssey.
To view or purchase photos, click here.
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.
Byron-Bergen defeated Holley in tennis on Monday, 5-0
Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro
Press Release:
To all traffic utilizing the following roadways:
- Stegman Road – Miller Road to Powers Road
- Barrett Drive – Route 5 to END (Kistner Concrete)
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.
For the district’s budget presentation, go HERE.
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