A lot of local residents had the same idea today -- stocking up for supplies at BJ's Wholesale Club in Batavia.

At about 5 p.m., the parking lot was full and lines at the registers were 10 or 12 people deep. Most shopping carts were full. There were empty shelves in the water and paper-products aisles.  

We spoke to several customers and most declined to be interviewed on camera. At least six of them with shopping carts brimming with household essentials said they were just doing their regular shopping. Some said they were stocking up but didn't want to be interviewed.

The video includes: customer Brian Odachowski who was stocking up; Legislator Gregg Torrey, who was more concerned about making sure the household supplies are ready because he and his wife are expecting a baby soon, and he spoke mainly about the county's response; and Jack Kershner who said he thinks CORVID-19 concerns are overblown.

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Press release:

To our Genesee County friends and family -- our country continues to navigate this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. While we have all seen numerous events and schools canceled or postponed, our team of funeral professionals are committed to providing dignified and meaningful services to our communities with the same level of excellence that you have come to know.

The most important part of any remembrance event has been and always will be the people who gather, remember, and provide support. We ask that if you visit with families and guests please use caution and practice safe hygiene.

All our currently scheduled public services will proceed unless Federal, State, County, or Municipal ordinances deem it unsafe. As difficult of a decision as it may be, we will promptly advise our communities if we must suspend and delay services or restrict guests to family only.

If you are uncomfortable or unable to attend a remembrance event, please know we have the technology to record and stream the service.

We as funeral professionals are prepared to be there for you in life's most difficult situations. Just as the many funeral professionals before us that have been on battlefields, accidents, bedsides, and hospital beds, we will be there when you call, ready to serve you, and honor your loved one.

Yours in Service,

Justin, Josh, Randy, Steve, and Jim
H.E Turner & Co., Inc. ~ Bohm-Calarco-Smith. ~ Burdett & Sanford Funeral Homes

Press release:

The City of Batavia is taking all reasonable precautions to keep City employees and residents safe from contracting and spreading the flu and coronavirus. The City will continue to clean all facilities and wipe down all “high-touch” surfaces during the day to keep residents and staff healthy and safe.                                                  

• The City has issued a ban on all nonessential training travel for personnel, however personnel are encouraged to participate in online training when available. 
• All City meeting facilities and conference rooms will be closed for external bookings and meetings at this time until further notice. 
• City staff is directed to attend meetings via conference call when able and reduce contact with colleagues and professional service vendors.
• The City Management will be attending daily internal briefings to assess readiness and stay up to date on the latest developments.
• The City and the County Manager and emergency personnel and other public organizations continue to coordinate with each other to keep information flowing.    

For residents and customers of the City, we encourage you to continue to use common sense, and when possible conduct your business via phone and email especially if you have flu-like symptoms.

The City has multiple options for you to pay your bills and is happy to speak to you via phone (585) 345-6300 and press 5.  Also, you may email by going to the City website under the contact us link if you have any questions.  

Residents who need to pay utility bills, taxes, parking tickets, and other miscellaneous bills are encouraged to use the dropbox outside of City Hall, pay through personal online banking, call with a credit card number (fee will apply), or mail your payment. 

If you need a dog license, hunting/fishing license, birth, death or marriage certificate/license we encourage you to plan ahead.  We may be able to process your application via email or fax.

You can also obtain information from the Frequently Asked Questions section on the City Clerk’s Page. You can prepare your documents in advance of your trip to the Clerk’s Office so you only need to come in once.

Visit the City Clerk’s webpage for application instructions for the following documents:

• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Death certificate

A visit to the City Clerk’s is still required for the following:

• Marriage license
• Dog license
• Hunting/Fishing license

All official updates on Coronavirus will continue to come from the Genesee County Health Department and you can stay up to date by visiting the County’s website.

Press release:

In collaboration with the Monroe County Health Department, all Monroe County hospitals, including Rochester General and Unity Hospital are implementing enhanced visitor restrictions and visitor screenings beginning Friday, March 13 at 12 p.m.

Rochester Regional Health is extending the enhanced visitor restrictions and visitor screenings to all RRH facilities, including all RRH hospitals and long-term care facilities within and outside of Monroe County.

Access to RRH facilities will be limited to designated entrances only and they will be staffed to screen visitors at arrival.

Visitor Restrictions and Visitor Screening Details:

• Visitors will be asked upon arrival if they are experiencing a cough, fever or shortness of breath.
  • Patients with a previously scheduled hospital appointment who exhibit symptoms will be provided a mask and asked to notify the department their appointment is with prior to entering.
  • Visitors with symptoms will be asked to leave the hospital/facility and advised to call their primary care provider.
  • Visitors with symptoms who are requesting to see end-of-life patients will be provided a mask and allowed to see their family member/friend.
• SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES: No visitors will be permitted to visit our skilled nursing facilities until further notice.
• VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS: All RRH volunteer programs are placed on hold until further notice.

For more information about COVID-19, click here.

From Chris Watson, director of Communications, New York State Public High School Athletic Association, 3/12/20:

Latham -- The New York State Public High School Athletic Assocation winter regional and state championships will be postponed indefinitely.

It is certainly understood that postponing the remaining winter state championships is disappointing, however the opportunity to participate in a NYSPHSAA championship event does not outweigh our responsibility and obligation to ensure students participate in a healthy and safe environment.

The impacted events include the NYSPHSAA Ice Hockey, Bowling, Boys and Girls Basketball Regional and State Championships. 

NYSPHSAA Executive Director Dr. Robert Zayas said “It was my goal to complete the winter championships on schedule. It has become increasingly more difficult to host these championship events with the number of challenges that have been presented.

"I also have concerns as the Executive Director of NYSPHSAA and a parent, that students will be participating in an event under circumstances that are not conducive to a quality and beneficial participation experience.”

As information becomes available NYSPHSAA will provide updates.

A 23-year-old man who went on a crime spree in Batavia in January while awaiting sentencing on a prior conviction was in Genesee County Court today to plead guilty to attempted robbery and three other charges.

He was originally scheduled to be sentenced today on his Dec. 5 guilty plea to a charge of criminal possession of stolen property.

Today, Daniel Jon Lewis, who has been a resident of Lima, admitted to using a knife to try and rob a person on Bank Street in Batavia on Jan. 1.

He also admitted: to stealing a 2015 Chevy Silverado from a location on Clinton Street Road on Jan. 2; to stealing a 2008 Dodge Caliber from a location on Creek Road on Jan. 3; to stealing a credit card and debit card. He admitted to three counts of grand larceny.

The admission could satisfy all of Lewis's other pending charges, including charges of theft and possession of stolen property in the City of Batavia, Town of Batavia, and Town of Stafford. Among those charges is an accusation that Lewis stole a Spectrum work truck on Jan. 25 and led police on a chase that resulted in property damage to fences and other vehicles on property along Oak Street.

As part of the plea, Lewis agreed to waive his right to appeal on most issues, although he could potentially appeal related to his conviction and sentence. If he doesn't file an appeal within 45 days of his sentence, the other pending charges will be dismissed.

Lewis is being held in the Genesee County Jail without bail on the robbery charge. He appeared in court today with his hands cuffed, in an orange jumpsuit and his long hair in a bun.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on his prior conviction as well as his conviction today on April 9 at 10:15 a.m. He faces up to 15 years in prison.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce has just put out a comprehensive FAQs for employers from the national law firm of Fisher Phillips regarding COVID-19, the novel coronavirus.

According to the law firm, which has 36 offices in major U.S. cities, it has assembled a cross-disciplinary task force of attorneys across the country to address the many employment-related issues facing employers in the wake of the COVID-19 coronavirus – especially now that the World Health Organization has declared the outbreak as a pandemic.

The COVID-19 Task Force has created a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document, which has been completely updated as of today, March 12, to address the many additional workplace law rights and responsibilities given the pandemic designation.

Here's the link.

Closures and cancellations announced March 12 as precautionary measures to prevent the risk of exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19):

• This weekend's Batavia Indoor Soccer Tournament, March 14th and 15th, is cancelled according to Jim Dillon.

• The New York State Public High School Athletic Assocation winter regional and state championships will be postponed indefinitely.

• Takeout only for Lenten Fish Fries on Fridays at St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia -- no dining in for remainder of Lenten season (through April 3).

• Le Roy Village Green takes the threat of COVID-19 very seriously and has been taking proactive measures to ensure the health and safety of our residents and staff. We are following the guidance of the Center for Disease Control and Centers of Medicaid and Medicare and our Local Health Department and have implemented visitor restrictions and screens for staff and essential visitors. It is essential that anyone who potentially carries the virus does not enter our facility. Our commitment is to protect our residents and employees to keep them safe and healthy.
• Premier Genesee Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation has banned visiting through 3-25-2020.
• Genesee Community College cancelled today's Tech Wars; Classes will not be held on March 16th, 17th, or 18th; Classes will resume via remote delivery on Thursday, March 19th, and continue through the end of the semester.
• Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. has suspended all inmate visitation at the Genesee County Jail, effective Friday, March 13, until further notice.
• The Alabama-Oakfield Senior Lunch Group – "We’ve Only Just Begun" – has canceled monthly meetings until further notice. The scheduled April 27th bus trip to Orleans County is also cancelled.

By Samantha Stryker, Adult & Community Services librarian, Richmond Memorial Library.

April 1 is Census Day, and Richmond Memorial Library is taking steps to make it easier for the community to participate. 

For the first time, the U.S. Census Bureau is offering and encouraging the option to complete the Census online. Beginning in mid-March, most households will receive a postcard with a code to complete the Census online, with options to complete the Census by phone or to request a paper form.

Any library user with a valid library card can use a computer at the library to securely complete the Census.

To obtain a library card, bring photo ID with proof of current address to the library. Lost your card? No problem! The library will waive the $1 replacement card fee during the months of March and April to increase access to computers.  

The library will have a dedicated phone and computer terminal for use by anyone wishing to complete the Census. Librarians can offer assistance in locating the online portal and will help patrons contact the Census Bureau by phone to complete the Census or request a paper form. 

The paper form will be available in English and Spanish.

In addition to English, Census questionnaire assistance will be available in 12 languages: Arabic, Chinese [Simplified], French, Haitian Creole, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. The Census Bureau is also providing language guides in 59 non-English languages.

When you participate in the Census, you are contributing toward a more complete count for the Genesee County region.

A complete count helps the appropriate amount of federal funds to be dispersed, which includes everything from money for infrastructure to agriculture to health care to education. Congressional representation in Washington, D.C., is also determined by Census data.

“Every missed count equates to $30,000 lost in regional funding per person,” said Genesee County Complete Count Chair and County Legislator Shelley Stein. “We appreciate the initiatives by Richmond Memorial Library and other community partners to help ensure a complete count.”

Complete Count Committees have been established all over the country to help encourage full participation, and Genesee County is no exception.

"We were invited to participate in Genesee County's Complete Count Committee when it formed," said library Director Bob Conrad. "Many agencies agreed to help just by spreading the word to their users that the Census is safe, secure, and mandatory to take.

"But libraries play a dual role, actually offering the technology and assistance that some people may need to participate. When these other agencies refer people to us, we want them to be able to take the Census, and to discover what else the library has to offer, whether it's the first time they've ever set foot in one, or the first time since losing their card."

For more information about the Census, visit census.gov or stop by the library! For information about the library, visit batavialibrary.org. 

Richmond Memorial Library continually provides access to physical and virtual resources and services that meet the educational, informational and recreational needs of its diverse community in a safe and comfortable environment.

Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

Submitted photo: Library Director Bob Conrad, right, shows Genesee County Legislator and Complete Count Chair Shelley Stein the "Census station" at Richmond Memorial Library. The library has a phone and computer terminal dedicated solely for use by those wishing to complete the Census.

Public Notice

The Alabama-Oakfield Senior Lunch Group – "We’ve Only Just Begun" – has decided to cancel the monthly lunch meetings until further notice.

The next one was scheduled for March 17.

The group is also cancelling the scheduled April 27th bus trip to Orleans County.

They will advise when meetings will once again take place.

Plush Kevin Dozier, 23, charged with arson and attempted murder, has a new attorney, so his trial, scheduled to start next week, has been delayed.

Fred Rarick, who has taken over Dozier's case from Tom Burns, said new information has come to light as well that indicates Dozier may have an alibi for June 15, when he is accused of starting a fire at an occupied residence on Maple Street in Batavia.

The earliest date for the delayed trial to start -- when both the court is available and Rarick doesn't have a scheduling conflict -- is July 13.

Dozier is being held on $100,000 bail.

Rarick informed Judge Charles Zambito that an investigator has been assigned to Dozier's case to determine if Dozier's possible alibi can be substantiated. If it can, Rarick will file an alibi motion.

There was no discussion in court about why Rarick replaced Burns as Dozier's attorney.

While there is no current plea offer, Zambito set a plea cutoff date of May 15.

Dozier is also charged with criminal mischief in the second degree and criminal mischief in the third degree for alleged incidents while he has been in custody. District Attorney Lawrence Friedman intends to try those charges separately and they will be dealt with after the arson/attempted murder trial.

Press release:

Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. announced this morning that he is suspending all inmate visitation at the Genesee County Jail. This will take effect tomorrow morning, Friday, March 13, until further notice.

This is a precautionary measure to prevent the risk of exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to employees, inmates and families.  

NOTE: If your group or agency is canceling or postponing an event, email howard@thebatavian.com. We'll compile a list, post it, and keep it updated.

Press release:

“In response to Monroe County releasing a travel-related positive case of COVID-19, we want to assure Genesee and Orleans county residents that our health departments are continuing efforts to be prepared and ready for action when COVID-19 is diagnosed in one of our residents,” said Paul Pettit, director, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

“It has been determined there is no indication of community transmission in the Monroe County case. We currently have one person under precautionary quarantine and (that person) is not displaying signs of illness. Our responsibility in this outbreak is fourfold: 1. To prepare and be ready. 2. Detect, protect and treat. 3. Reduce transmission and, 4. Innovate and learn.”

“Our departments have been preparing for events such as this, Pettit said. "We are diligently in conversation with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for updated guidance.

"As we move forward with this outbreak we will be working with those returning from travel from Level 3 and Level 2 Travel Health Notice Countries as well as those who may have contact with someone who traveled and are displaying symptoms.

"We encourage residents to remain calm; be prepared by making sure you have supplies on hand, including a thermometer, fever-reducing over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen; and listen to factual reports from the CDC, NYSDOH, and Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments."

You can also call the NYS toll-free Novel Coronavirus Hotline at 1-888-364-3065 or visit this Genesee County website.

It is important for everyone to be aware of how they can reduce transmission, not just for COVID- 19, but other respiratory-related illnesses, such as the flu.

For the majority of individuals infected with COVID-19, they will have mild symptoms, however for those at risk, such as older people or those with underlying health issues such as heart, lung, diabetes, etc. they are at a higher risk of potentially life-threatening symptoms.

Limiting exposure to large group events and staying home when unwell are important steps. Organizations should start planning how they will meet the needs of their constituents if there is community transmission in our counties.

While there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses, including the flu (influenza), which is currently widespread:

• If you need to go to your primary care provider, a health center or the emergency room, call ahead to let them know your symptoms, travel and contact history.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60-percent alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick. If you have a fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea you should stay home at least 24 hours after the last incident without fever-reducing / anti-diarrhea medications.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue cover your mouth with your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

It wasn't easy but Elba prevailed over Pavilion in the Class D consolidation game Tuesday night at Mount Morris 50-47.

Leah Bezon scored 14 points, Taylor Augello, 12, Brynn Walczak, and Maddie Muehlig 10. Muehlig hit a trio of three-point shots. Bezon had 11 rebounds.

For Pavilion, Lauren Kingsley scored 22 points and Karlee Zinkievich scored 14. Kingsley also had 12 rebounds.

Elba takes a shot at a regional championship at Rush Henrietta on Saturday. Game time is 1 p.m.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

To view or purchase prints, click here.

Genesee Community College issued the following announcement this evening:

In accordance with SUNY, CDC and New York Health Department guidelines, GCC is taking the following actions:

• Classes will not be held on March 16th, 17th, or 18th;
• Classes will resume via remote delivery on Thursday, March 19th, and continue through the end of the semester;
• Campus buildings will remain open during regular hours of operation unless further notice is provided;
• All employees are expected to report to work consistent with their normal schedules;
• College Village housing will also remain open;
• College leaders will continue to communicate regarding other on-campus activities and events as information becomes available;
• Tech Wars on March 12th has been canceled.

Three members of the Batavia High Lady Blue Devils varsity basketball team received Monroe County League Division 4 accolades after leading their team to a 14-8 record this season. From left are Bryn Wormley, first team all-league; Mackenzie Reigle, first team all-league and Division 4 Player of the Year, and Emma Krolczyk, second team all-league. Wormley and Reigle are juniors while Krolczyk is a senior. The girls received their certificates tonight at a banquet at Roman's (formerly City Slickers) celebrating the varsity and junior varsity teams' seasons. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Without Kekari Moss on the court, Serene Calderon stepped up to carry the offensive load for Pembroke on Tuesday in the Class C consolidation game against Keshequa.

Calderon scored 27 points and had 11 rebounds along with three steals to lead the Dragons to a 48-43 victory.

Isabel Breeden and Emily Peters each scored eight points. Casey Wurtz had nine rebounds.

Pembroke will try and snag the Far West Championship -- a prerequisite to moving onto the state tournament -- at 3 p.m. Saturday at Rush-Henrietta High School.

In Tuesday's other big game, Elba beat Pavilion 50-47 in the Class D consolidation game. We'll have a story and video in a separate post later (hopefully) today.

Photos by Philip Casper.

Paige McKerrow (11) driving for the basket, scoring six points for Keshequa in the first quarter.

Emily Weaver (12) looking to pass as Emily Peters (32) blocks the way.

Casey Wurtz (13), left, Serene Calderon (2), right, eliminate any passing lanes for Faith Wood (32).

Allie Schwerthoffer (11 Pembroke) driving past Paige McKerrow (11 Keshequa). 

Casey Wurtz (13) going for a layup

MacKenna Johnson shooting a free throw late in the game.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Information from Le Roy Jr./Sr. High School:

Le Roy Jr./Sr. High School will present the Stephen Sondheim musical "Into the Woods" at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 12, and POSTPONED -- Friday and Saturday -- March 13 and 14 -- in the auditorium.

Tickets are $10 presale; $12 at the door. The school is located at 9300 South Street Road in Le Roy.

Based on the book by James Lapine, "Into the Woods" at first appears to be a familar story based on Grimm’s fairy tales that most of us grew up with. But there's frustration afoot as the audience delves into questioning what brings true happiness.

The story is a metaphor for life's journeys. What directions we choose to take in life and the discoveries we make along the way in regards to love, loss, values, choices, and responsibilities. The story also shows the lightness and darkness which we all encounter in life and focuses on how the choices we make in our lives truly do affect those who are around us and the journeys they take, says the production's Artistic Director Jacqueline McLean.

While this show poses a lot of serious questions and thoughts, it also has a delightful score full of beautiful and entertaining music, as well as several comedic characters and moments, and characters we all know who take us through the ups and downs of the journey called life.

Le Roy students have proven up to the extreme challenge of the difficult score as well as developing the deep characters.

"We spent an extensive amount of time developing our characters this year so that we would find ease forming the correct relationships on stage, thus hoping to make it believable," McLean says. "Through the process, students asked themselves questions and did a bit of self discovery as well. 

"There is not a person in the world that can’t relate to or see someone they know in the characters of 'Into the Woods'. While the students portray these characters, it is an exaggerated version of real-life stereotypes and personalities."

The cast includes:

• Erik Schwab (Narrator)
• Hailey Grasso -- Cinderella
• Brady Fix -- Cinderella's Prince
• Wade Dzedzic -- Rapunzel's Prince
• Sean Czyrca -- Wolf
• Evan Williams -- The Baker
• Alexis Pfendler -- The Baker's Wife
• Marlena Pencille -- The Witch
• Emily Overacker -- Jack's Mother
• Ashlyn Puccio -- Little Red Ridinghood
• Nathan Yauchzee -- Jack
• Jackson Cain -- Mysterious Man
• Maureen Klaiber -- Rapunzel
• Allison Primatera -- Cinderella's Stepmother
• Jillian Curtis -- Florinda
• Kylee Wright -- Lucinda 
• Amalia Morris -- Cinderella's Mother
• Catie Long -- Giant
• Jonathan Napper -- Cinderella's Father
• Cooper Terry -- Granny
• Ethan Riggs -- Steward
• Allyson Austin -- Snow White
• Anna Long --Sleeping Beauty
• Maria Calhoun -- Milky White

In addition to Artistic Director Jacqueline McLean, the production crew includes:

• Assistant Director -- Joseph Kusmierczak
• Vocal Director -- Jeffrey Fischer
• Choreographer -- Jessica Pcionek
• Pit Orchestra Director -- Nastassia Dotts
• Costumes -- Mary Platek, Heidi Austin
• Dance Captain -- Allison Primatera
• Assistant Dance Captian -- Aubrey Puccio

"Into the Woods" is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

Press release:

Careers in healthcare have always ranked among the most rewarding in terms of salaries, job security, career advancement and overall employee satisfaction. Coupled with the continued shortage in qualified, credentialed healthcare workers in Western and Central New York, this is a great time to consider a career in compassion.

Genesee Community College has officially opened enrollment for its newest program, the Health Studies Associate in Science. Requiring a total of 62 credit hours, this program is designed to be completed in as little as two years and offers flexibility with up to 50 percent of its coursework available through online learning.

"The Health Studies associate degree was meticulously designed to meet the demands of our region," said Rafael Alicea-Maldonado, Ph.D., dean of Math, Science and Career Education. "Students who graduate from this program are fully prepared to transfer to a four-year institution under SUNY's Health Education Transfer Path for a bachelor's degree that leads to a variety of career options."

GCC Health Studies degree students fulfill their General Education requirements and focus on industry-specific information such as medical terminology, nutrition and the many issues revolving around health insurance.

This combination saves GCC students thousands of dollars in tuition, offers small classes with plenty of hands-on learning and one-to-one instruction. It also provides valuable exposure to the many different career paths in healthcare and the coursework includes all of the pre-requisite courses for GCC's other healthcare programs.

Upon graduation, GCC students are uniquely positioned to transfer and earn bachelor's degrees that can lead to high-demand and lucrative health-related employment opportunities.

Additionally, GCC also offers a Health Studies Certificate option where credit hours can be fully applied toward the associate degree and five additional healthcare degree programs including; Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, Polysomnographic Technology, Respiratory Care and Veterinary Technology.

Details on all programs can be found here. 

Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Marirose Ethington, GCC's director of Science at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6389, or email: mtethington@genesee.edu or Deborah Erion, student success coach dedicated to the Health Studies program at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6423, or email: daerion@genesee.edu.