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GCC partners with St. Paul Lutheran School to provide physical education classes

By Press Release
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Press Release:

Beginning in October of this 24/25 school year, St. Paul Lutheran School, has had the privilege of partnering with Genesee Community College (GCC) Physical Education Department. G.C.C. students have worked with the St. Paul students to provide instruction for the Kindergarten through 6th Grades. 

The freshman and sophomore students, under the direction of the Director/Professor of the Health and Physical Education Department, Rebecca Dzieken, and Krystal Forsyth, Instructor, Health and Physical Education Department, have planned the curriculum for the year. 

Throughout the year they led classes in soccer, basketball, team building games, volleyball and exercise
fundamentals. On Friday, May 2 they planned to lead the St. Paul students through the experience of a Field Day. The G.C.C. students had planned six different stations that will challenge the St. Paul students. 

The G.C.C. students include Evan Frier, Cayden Lilleby, Cody Costello, Aaron Birkby, Ryan Winters, Saunders Mireault and Michael Hayes. The G.C.C. Physical Education class have done an amazing job interacting with the St. Paul students.

Submitted photos.

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Beat the Champ host Paul Peck to speak at Genesee Region bowling banquet on May 10

By Press Release

Press release:

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Paul Peck
Submitted photo.

Veteran Buffalo sportscaster Paul Peck, a familiar face to the bowling community through his commentator role on the Beat the Champ television show, will be the guest speaker at the Genesee Region USBC Annual Banquet on May 10 at Batavia Downs Gaming.

The buffet dinner gets underway at 6 p.m. at the Genesee Banquet Room on the second floor of the Park Road facility.

Strikes and Spares. Touchdowns and Sacks. Slam Dunks and Three Pointers. They’ve all been a part of Peck’s 36 years in front of the camera.

For the last 25 years, he’s called University at Buffalo football and basketball on radio and TV as the “Voice of the Bulls.” In 2024, he reached a significant milestone, calling his 300th UB football game on the Bulls Radio Network.

Last fall, Peck joined Buffalo Bowling Hall of Famer Sue Nawojski in the revival of the long-running Beat the Champ bowling competition show. The show just finished recording its debut season on the MSG Network, with a second season coming in the fall of 2025.

For this past Buffalo Bills season, Peck was a part of ESPN Radio’s national coverage as sideline reporter for the broadcasts from Highmark Stadium.

He previously served as sports anchor, reporter, and producer at WIVB-TV (CBS) for 24 years. In that role, he covered all four Buffalo Bills Super Bowls, the Buffalo Sabres in the Stanley Cup Finals, the NCAA Basketball Tournament and the Daytona 500.

For 10 years, he served as the radio sideline reporter and host for the Buffalo Bills Football Network. Peck also has been the Master of Ceremonies for the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, one of the largest sports banquets in Western New York.

The GRUSBC previously announced that Scott Culp of Honeoye Falls and Darwin “Auggie” Dale of Piffard will be inducted into the association’s Hall of Fame.

Tickets for the dinner are $40 per person. Reservations close on Saturday (May 3). To purchase a ticket, email mikep@bowlgr.com or calling 585-861-0404. For more information, go to www.bowlgr.com.

West Main Street Road reopened

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

As of May 3, 2025, Route 5 between Kelsey Road and Lewiston Road (Route 63) is reopened to public travel, and the surrounding area is considered safe. However, an investigation into the fire remains ongoing, and crews will continue work at the site in the days ahead.

Operations at the Genesee County Jail and Animal Shelter have returned to normal, and County Building Two will reopen to the public on Monday.

The Genesee County Office of Emergency Management sincerely thanks the community for their cooperation and patience, and extends deep appreciation to the fire departments, emergency responders, and law enforcement agencies involved in the response.

Rotary Baseball Tournament rained out

By Press Release

Press release:

For the safety of all players, the 2025 Rotary tournament is canceled for this weekend. There will not be another weekend scheduled this season.

Farm workers union organizes protest at federal facility in Batavia after 14 migrant workers detained

By Howard B. Owens
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Protesters came with signs and bullhorns to the Buffalo Detention Facility on Friday evening in a hastily organized demonstration to raise their voices against Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The protest was called, said Gabrilla Szpunt, an organization coordinator for the United Farm Workers, after 14 migrant workers the union claims to represent were picked up en masse early Friday morning by agents of ICE.

All 14 were on a bus owned by Lynn-Ette & Sons Farms in Kent, where they worked, Szpunt said.

"They were on their way to work," said Szpunt. These are workers we've been organizing with for at least a year. An entire family was picked up in this raid, and other workers have been here for decades, some for several years. We're here to support them and let them know they're not alone in this process."

She said the union doesn't inquire about the legal status of migrants they organize with, but given the longevity of several of the workers, they likely had visas to work in the U.S., though she couldn't say with certainty that they all were documented.

Szpunt said the UFW is in the process of securing legal counsel for the farm workers.

The protesters chanted a revolving set of messages, many of them demanding an end to deportation and for the protection of workers, but a few of them were laced with profanity, such as "eff ICE" and "eff Fasicist America." 

When asked about the tone of some of the chants, Szpunt said she understood the concern, but she wasn't there to censor what the people who participated wanted to chant. 

Asked what message the UFW wanted to send, she said, "Our message is that we believe these workers have been here for decades. They deserve to a process if they're going to be facing these kinds of immigration proceedings. That hasn't been the case under the Trump administration. People with green cards have been picked up, citizens have been picked up and detained, and disappeared."

At one point during the protest, a stream of cars exited the detention facility. A passenger in one car held a mobile phone in one hand, apparently shooting video as the car drove past, while simultaneously extending the middle finger on his other hand.

According to the UFW website, the UFW has been involved in disputes with Lynn-Ette farms. The union filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the farm for allegedly requiring a UFW representative to leave the farm while meeting with workers. The Public Employees Relations Board in October required Lynn-Ette Farms and two other farms to engage in binding arbitration with the union, according to the UFW website.

Photos by Howard Owens

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Tennis: Oakfield-Alabama beats Byron-Bergen 5-0

By Staff Writer
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Oakfield-Alabama  defeated Byron-Bergen in tennis 5-0 on Friday, 

  • First singles, Carson Warner beat Riley Shallenberger 6-2,6-2
  • Second singles, Brady Williams beat Erron Kimble 6-2-6-1
  • Third singles, Trevor Enes beat Josiah Hiscutt 6-0, 6-0
  • First doubles, Corbin DeMare/David Schichler beat Sara Bishop/Addy Cummings 6-1,6-1
  • Second doubles, Cara Williams/Logan Clark beat Craig DeQuattro/Noah Clare 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(7-5)

Oakfield is now 5-0, and Byron-Bergen is 1-4.

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro

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Flag Football: Batavia's seniors shine on special night, beat Spencerport 24-6

By Press Release
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Press release:

Batavia topped Spencerport on Friday night, which was senior night, 24-6.  

Senior quarterback Jaimin Macdonald had a big night with 95 yards and two touchdowns on 8 of 16 passing.  Macdonald connected with senior wide receiver Alyssa Turner for touchdowns of 16 and 17 yards in the second half.  Macdonald also rushed for 36 yards and a score on six carries.  Turner finished the night with five receptions for 64 yards.  

Senior running back Kylee Brennan led the team in rushing with 44 yards and a TD on five carries, while sophomore receiver Leilah Manuel chipped in 4 catches for 31 yards.

The Batavia defense kept the pressure on all night, forcing three turnovers and keeping Spencerport off the scoreboard until the game's final two minutes. 

Alyssa Turner returned an interception deep into Spencerport territory to set up Batavia's first TD.  Kylee Brennan led the team with 10 flag pulls (2 for loss) and an interception off a tipped ball by Jaimin Macdonald.  Macdonald registered eight flag pulls (2 for loss) and an interception of her own.  Leilah Manuel secured five flag pulls, and senior Nicole Doeringer added 4.  

Batavia moves to 4-3 with the win and will face Gates-Chili on the road on Monday.

Photos by Mike Ognibene.

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Battling fire, chemicals and wind during daylong event at Hodgins Engraving

By Joanne Beck
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Photo by Howard Owens.

A fire that was updated to possible magnesium on fire at Hodgins Engraving Friday morning caused the evacuation of people and animals and calls for a hazmat team, law enforcement and several fire companies to the scene.

What began as an automatic alarm at 11:18 a.m. at 3817 W. Main St., Batavia, was then updated to the possible chemical fire, followed by a working structure fire, said Chief Chris Strathearn, of Town of Batavia Fire Department. A second alarm was then called.

“When we arrived, there was heavy smoke blowing out the back corner, which we will call the Charlie Delta corner. Initially, we tried an interior attack, and we had to pull back because of the heat and smoke. At this point in time, we've upgraded to multiple departments here. At this point we're drafting out of the creek across the street,” Strathearn said later Friday. “At this point in time, we have 20 departments that have been called, 15 that are on scene in conjunction with New York State Police, DEC, Office of Emergency Management for Genesee County. We're operating at a building approximately 200 by 400 at this point.”

The chemicals of magnesium, nitric acid and ferric chloride were known to be involved, he said, with the challenge that “magnesium doesn’t mix well with water.”

“So we’ve had several explosions at the beginning of this call, which there’s none at this point,” he said. “The environmental hazards are being monitored by town of Batavia water, City of Batavia water, DEC and Office of the Emergency Management.”

They were working to mitigate water run-off and watching wind direction, as it could be a hazard as well “because it’s blowing smoke to the west,” he said. Several businesses in the area were being monitored, with some having been evacuated or told to shelter in place.

Water, or the lack thereof, was an issue for firefighters.

“We started at the hydrants, which is not enough water to support what we're doing at this point in time. So there's four engines at this point at the creek flowing water to the aerials and the hand lines that we're using,” Strathearn said, explaining the need for more water. “It's just the size of the building. Trying to get everything coordinated at that point, and then having a plan B and a Plan C after that. When water hits (magnesium), it explodes, essentially, so that's a hazard to the firefighters, obviously, that was mitigated by the crews in the back.

Ask if with the magnesium,  “You gotta wait it out? You gotta let it burn itself out?” 

Strathearn said, “Well, the building was on fire, so we had to put water in the building.”

Genesee County Animal Shelter was evacuated, with the animals going to Perry Pet in Batavia. Genesee County Jail and the adjacent government buildings were being monitored by Emergency Management as the HVAC systems were shut down immediately.

Sgt. Michael Lute  gave an update on the jail and said “everything is set to move if need be, but right now it’s sheltering in place.”

“Emergency Management has consulted with Superintendent (Diana) Prinzi and the air quality and wind direction is sufficient and they’re confident it’s going to be knocked down in the next couple of hours and it’s not posing grave risk to anyone in any of the county buildings, town buildings, or the jail and the inmates,” Lute said. “I don’t know who’s in or out, if they left, they left, or they’re sheltering in place.”

By late afternoon Strathearn estimated that it would be at least another six hours of fighting the fire and keeping Route 5 closed during that time (from Lewiston to Kelsey roads). Some of the building’s firewalls were holding back fire growth and at least a third of the building had been “consumed” by the fire. He believed it may have begun in some type of maintenance area, but an investigation has not yet been conducted.

“So this is something that's going to be ongoing, because … it's tough to estimate this as far as how to gain access to the fire and get water on the fire, but, I think it's at least about another six hours that we think that we're going to be combating the fire and obviously disruption, and it's unfortunate, but West Main Street is closed and is going to have to stay closed for that time frame. “It makes it difficult, the size of the commercial building, and then the chemicals that are involved. So obviously, the firefighter safety is the most paramount. So gaining access to that type of fire, I think it had a pretty good growth pattern to it, so it was already well involved. They did make an initial attempt to get in and combat the fire, but it was unsuccessful. Just because of the size of the fire and the type of chemicals that were inside, they chose to withdraw for safety.”

There had been no civilian or firefighter injuries reported at that time, he said. And weather helped the situation due to the wind direction blowing the smoke away from the public, he said. The wind was at “such a speed” that it was moving all the smoke away, though it was not helping the firefighting effort, “because it’s feeding oxygen to the fire.”

“But we're able to at least get this smoke on its way and away from here and away from the public, and that's our biggest concern, just West Main at this point. So there is some information out to avoid the area of downwind from the smoke. There's smoke all the way out to the New York State Thruway. It's drivable, but you just don't want to be in this smoke shouldn't be driving through it,” he said. “Shouldn't be breathing, and that's with any fire not just this one. Because I would still say that there's a small amount of chemicals, considering the size of the building. So you know, 150 gallons of chemicals. By now, those chemicals have been consumed by the fire, so that hazard is gone. But now it's just a commercial building fire with hazard to the components or the combustion byproducts.”

Emergency Management Services Director Tim Yaeger said that the business has had “some small magnesium fires” in the past, but not anything recently, and has done a really good job safety wise.

“But I think some of the processes, they end up having a small magnesium fire, which the town of Batavia Fire Department’s handled. Over the last 15, 20 years, they've handled it very well. But apparently, again, our investigation hasn't started yet, so we really have to get more information to find out what actually started the fire, and that's going to be ongoing over the next couple days,” he said, explaining about shelter in place. “So that's basically shut down your heating or air conditioning system, close your windows, bring your animals indoors and just stay inside. It's the safest place to be. Don't go out and get in your car and breathe it. You stay in your house for the next few hours until this smoke can dissipate.”

There were 20 fire departments called, and at least 15 at the scene, with several standby units, from Genesee, Erie, Livingston, Monroe and Wyoming counties.

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Town of Batavia Chief Christopher Strathearn and City Fire Chief Josh Graham.
Photo by Howard Owens.
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Voters approve Richmond library budget, levy increase

By Joanne Beck

Richmond Memorial Library district residents approved this year’s budget — including a tax levy increase of $27,905 — by an overwhelming vote of 179 yes to 49 no in Thursday’s annual vote for the 2025-26 budget and trustee positions.

The vote was to authorize “the Board of Education of the City School District of Batavia to raise by tax $27,905 to increase the annual appropriation from $1,395,283 to $1,423,188 for the benefit of the Richmond Memorial Library.”

The 2% tax levy increase would mean adding 2 cents more per $1,000 assessed property valuation, or $3 total for a property assessed at $150,000.

Assistant Director Samantha Stryker gave a comment in the absence of former Director Beth Paine who recently resigned.

“We are grateful for the continued support of our patrons and Community,” Stryker said.

There were three candidates for three trustee vacancies, and they each received votes of:

Trustee Leslie Moma was reelected with 198; and Rebecca Oshlag and Marcia Bohn were each elected to three-year terms with 209 and 207, respectively.

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By Sponsored Post
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Public is asked to stay clear of Batavia Towne Plaza Friday

By Joanne Beck

Genesee County Office of Emergency Management has issued a request that, due to an active fire in the area on Friday, the public is asked to avoid the vicinity of the Batavia Towne Plaza and surrounding businesses.

Emergency crews are actively fighting the fire on West Main Street —please steer clear to ensure their safety and yours, county officials said. Updates to follow.

Working industrial fire on West Main Street Road in Batavia, hazmat team responding

By Joanne Beck
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Photo by Howard Owens

Heavy smoke can be seen as part of a working industrial fire at Hodgins Engraving Friday, as reported by The Batavian at the scene. There have been two explosions in the building, and everyone has been evacuated as of noon. 

A hazmat team was called in and a residence next to the business, at 3817 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, was also being evacuated. 

Town of Batavia Fire and City of Batavia Fire departments responded to the scene, and East Pembroke, Elba, Alexander and Stafford fire companies are also responding to the scene. Bennington and Albion responded a short time later.

Genesee County Jail is being used as shelter in place mode for now, officials said. Route 5 is being closed in both directions, at Lewiston and Kelsey roads.

Tankers from Darien, Corfu and Attica are at the scene. Extra water is needed, and a five-inch line was run across the road from the creek, since Route 5 was shut down. 

Animals from Genesee County Animal Shelter are being moved to the fairgrounds Perry Pet in Batavia.

Update 2:25 p.m.: Oakfield, Alabama and Pavilion fire companies are on scene, Mercy EMS is on standby, and a ladder truck from Clarence has been requested. State fire, Genesee County Sheriff's Office and State Police are all on scene.


Photos by Howard Owens

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Culinary Institute grad to add breakfast, lunch, bread, dessert -- 'a little bit of all of it' to GO ART! bakery

By Joanne Beck
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Grace Greene is bringing her CIA-game to Audrey 2.0.1 Bakery at Seymour Place, located inside GO ART!, 201 E. Main St., Batavia, Thursdays through Saturdays.
Photo by Howard Owens

What are the odds of two bakers with the same last name applying for a position at GO ART!’s Audrey 2.0.1 Bakery at Seymour Place? As it turns out, the odds were in the arts council’s favor, and both landed a sweet — and savory—spot in the fully equipped kitchen at 201 E. Main St., Batavia.

While Kiel Green opened up shop at the bakery last September as part of an Artist Incubator Program to hone his skills, Grace Greene also sent in her resume for a position as she was completing her degree at the Culinary Institute of America. One could say she brought her CIA game.

“So, I actually originally applied for just the baking position, and (Executive Director) Gregory Hallock ended up seeing my resume after they had hired the last person. And so he ended up being like, 'Hmm, you know, maybe she can take on a little bit more.' So they ended up welcoming me in and starting a new job description, basically. So I kind of am overseeing everything in the kitchen as well as I'm going to eventually make it into the bar area and work on some mixed drinks and specialty items on that side of things too, because I took a mixology, a wines class and a beer-making class at school, so I have a background in a little bit of all of it,“ Greene said on her first day open Thursday. “We'll definitely have the sandwiches next week, and then we'll probably tack on one at a time in the following weeks. And then I'm also working on a breakfast menu for Saturdays, so we'll have things like waffles, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast. And then I'm also going to make fresh doughnuts every Saturday as well. So we'll have a few different options, and then hopefully a specialty.”

Greene, who moved back to Rochester after finishing culinary school in Hyde Park, obtained her bachelor’s in professional studies with a concentration in baking and pastry. She graduated on April 16 and made a quick move back in with family to take this job, with the intention to move closer by the fall, she said. 

The 25-year-old did a lot of hands-on training, working in a bakery and for a large restaurant in Poughkeepsie, she said, finessing handmade dough into stuffed dumplings by being in charge of making 700 pierogi each week. (So don’t be surprised if this Polish specialty makes it on the menu eventually.)

For those who have missed the aroma and taste of fresh baked bread, that’s “my favorite thing,” she said: a tall, airy house focaccia with sautéed onions and garlic, and her own version of a glaze-topped cinnamon roll focaccia, brioche, rustic baguettes, ciabatta, sour dough and a rye sour. They will be available for purchase and as the base for future build-your-own sandwiches with assorted meats, cheeses, and toppings, a turkey club, and bruschetta topped with tomatoes, onions, olive oil, salt, pepper, and then topped off with fresh mozzarella.

What is it about making your own bread?
“It’s really just, since it is so hands-on, relative to other things, finally getting that product and seeing what you made with your hands, is just great to see,” she said. “It’s a lot of waiting around, it's on its own time, you can't rush it. I feel like a lot of times, people don't let it, at the very end, proof long enough, and that's when you get it popping out and all that kind of stuff. So it's really a hurry up and wait kind of thing.”

Soups will begin with a chicken noodle and perhaps a cheddar broccoli, garden vegetable, or classic Caesar with homemade croutons for salads, with homemade dressings. For the sweet tooth? Large sugar cookies, cakes, brownies, brookies — a crunchy creamy combination of a chocolate chip cookie layered with Oreos in the center and topped with brownie mix  — muffins, cupcakes, special orders of decorated cakes, cupcakes, the increasingly popular Rice Krispie treats, cake pops, and bridal or baby shower dessert boxes, and that's probably not even the exhaustive list, as she will work with customers for special requests.

There will also be espresso and regular drip coffee, decaf, French roast, and latte drinks with — you may have guessed it — house-made caramel and chocolate sauces. Speaking of made in-house, Greene will be whipping up her own butter for the bagels, waffles and pancakes.

She plans to tack on Sundays to the three-day schedule at some point as part of future expansion of hours and days “as things go forward.” Other goal are to:  work with some culinary arts students from Genesee Valley BOCES to allow them hands-on experience and offer more variety to the community as they learn. There are likely to be cake and cupcake decorating classes for adults and children, and more opportunities “to have people in the kitchen” learning, she said.

"There's actually a couple of students over at the BOCES program who we were thinking about bringing in kind of as a mentorship or part-time work. One of them is very much into adapting recipes and making them healthier by substituting flours and sugar types, and all kinds of things. So I have a background in all of it," Greene said. "But the one thing with school is, basically, every three weeks we'd switch classes. You only had a three-week period to get exposed to all of the different types of things. So I have a good groundwork for everything, but there's definitely a lot that I still need to explore on my own."

As for her own mentor, Greene’s favorite cooking show was “Cake Boss” as a kid, she said, though “no one really presented it as a career for me.”

“So when I was kind of in between jobs, I was like, what do I do? I’ve gotta figure something out. And I decided to apply to the CIA (Culinary Institute of America),” she said “And once I got in, I was like, well, we’re gonna really go for it then, all places, definitely, to really absorb as much as you can and learn as much as you can as well.”

Hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

She is working on the menu, which will be available, along with options for take-out, HERE.

Photos by Howard Owens.

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Baseball: Five-run third propels Batavia to sixth-straight win

By Staff Writer
 Brady Mazur gets the win at the mound as Batavia defeats Sutherland Wednesday afternoon at Dwyer Stadium.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Brady Mazur gets the win at the mound as Batavia defeats Sutherland Wednesday afternoon at Dwyer Stadium.  Photo by Steve Ognibene

Batavia continued its winning ways of late, notching it sixth-straight victory on Wedensday over Pittsford-Sutherland, 6-3.

The Blue Devils were buoyed by a five-run third inning.

Brady Mazur went the distance for the win, giving up three runs on six hits while striking out five.

Batavia Offense: 

  • Brock Bigsby,   2-3, run scored, 2 RBIs
  • Bronx Buchholz, 1-2, RBI
  • Lakoda Mruczek, 1-3, run scored
  • Maggio Buchholz, 1-2, 2 runs scored, stolen base
  • Brady Mazur, RBI
  • Jameson Motyka, RBI

"Brady was clutch today, getting ahead of hitters and challenging them all day," said Coach Michael Sputore. "He got out of a big jam in the first inning after giving up two, and settled in down the stretch. 

"We've gotten quality starts from our pitching staff, which has resulted in alot of wins for us."

Batavia is now 7-3 on the season.

They travel to Canadaigua on Friday. Game time is 5:30 p.m.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

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Photos: Rain-soaked anti-Trump protest

By Howard B. Owens
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People across the nation on Thursday participated in a protest against the policies of the Trump Administration, including in Batavia.

The protest was scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. The Batavian did not arrive until 7:20 p.m., when about 50 people were still present.

One protester said there had been a much larger group of protesters at the start of the protest, but thunderclouds and rain had left "only the diehards."

Photos by Howard Owens.

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Father Kulzcyk returns to inspire faith formation families

By Press Release
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Press Release:

Batavia High Class of 2010 graduate and past parishioner of Sacred Heart/Ascension, Father Aaron Kulzcyk, joined our final Resurrection and Ascension Family Faith Formation Session to discuss how God calls us all to use our gifts and talents.

Submitted photos.

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Genesee County highlights Apple Tree Acres at GCEDC annual meeting

By Press Release
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Town of Bergen Supervisor Ernest Haywood and Village of Bergen Mayor Joseph Chimino received the Genesee County Economic Development Center’s Economic Development Partners of the Year Award at the GCEDC’s Annual Meeting.
Submitted photo.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) celebrated the work of its economic development partners and the impact generated by the Apple Tree Acres business park with over 240 stakeholders gathered Friday.

The work of the town and village of Bergen, the commitments by homegrown businesses, and the support of New York State were recognized at the GCEDC’s annual meeting for generating a hub for economic development at Apple Tree Acres.

The 185-acre site is the latest, and largest, Genesee County shovel-ready site to be fully developed and sold to private companies. Current companies at Apple Tree Acres employ over 400 professionals with a cumulative payroll estimated at $30 million and contribute over $343,000 in annual property taxes and PILOT revenue.

“I’m pleased today to offer Apple Tree Acres as a case study for how economic development is making a positive impact in Genesee County,” GCEDC President & CEO Mark Masse told guests at the GCEDC’s annual meeting. “The economic impacts of Apple Tree Acres to the town, village and county cannot be underestimated. Not only have companies invested over $100 million in Bergen, they have also generated a significant value to municipal services.”

In recognition of the success of Apple Tree Acres, the town and village of Bergen were both recognized as the GCEDC’s Economic Development Partners of the Year. Town of Bergen Supervisor Ernest Haywood and Village Mayor Joseph Chimino accepted the awards.

During the annual meeting, the GCEDC also presented a video featuring testimonials from businesses at the Apple Tree Acres. Tenants reflected on the support provided by the GCEDC and their success in Bergen.

“We were pleased to showcase the businesses that have contributed to our goal of rebuilding the manufacturing and skilled trades sectors that have created more and better jobs for our residents,” said Masse.

In 2024, projects supported by the GCEDC pledged the creation and retention of over 600 careers. These projects spread across Genesee County’s business parks and other sites are estimated to produce an economic impact of $202 million. These include new municipal revenues and salaries for careers generated by over $1 billion of investment.

“When a community can work together to develop solutions, the rewards can be transformational and have generational impacts,” Masse said.

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Batavia Rotary Club high school baseball tournament is Saturday at Dwyer Stadium

By Press Release
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Photos of team captains from LeRoy, Notre Dame and Oakfield at the luncheon at Batavia's Original. Missing were Batavia's captains Brady Carney, Bronx Buchholtz and Jameson Motyka.
Submitted photo.

Press Release:

The 25th Annual Batavia Rotary Club High School Baseball Tournament will take place Saturday, May 3 at Dwyer Stadium with a rain date of Sunday, May 4.

Oakfield-Alabama and Notre Dame will play in the first game at 11 a.m. followed by Le Roy vs Batavia at 1 p.m. The Consolation Game will be at 4 p.m. with the Championship Game at 7 p.m. 

An All-Day Admission Pass is $5 for an adult and $3 for a student or senior. Cash or Venmo will be accepted for payment. All proceeds from the tournament will help benefit Batavia Rotary Club charities.

Youth ages 12 and under will get in free if they wear their baseball or softball uniforms to any of the games and attend with a parent/adult family member.

Any Challenger Sports athletes and Unified Sports athletes will get in free if they wear their uniform or t-shirt and come with a parent/adult family member or adult caregiver. 

We look forward to seeing the community come out to cheer on our local athletes!

Sponsored Post: Reliant Real Estate - WATERFRONT open house this Saturday; 8515 E. Lake Road, Stafford

By Sponsored Post
Reliant Real Estate

8515 E Lake Road Stafford. Super opportunity to own waterfront property in Genesee County! This lovingly kept and well maintained ranch sits directly on waterfront edge of super peaceful Horseshoe Lake. Updated throughout the years this home is move in ready and will surprise you with how much space you have! Starting at road front this home has extra parking space across private road for all your guests as well as ample parking at house. As you walk in back door you are immediately in large enclosed porch in case you want a change of scenery and a perfect place for your extras and coats and shoes! Walk into pretty kitchen with plenty of cupboard space and work island and with easy viewing out through dining area to the lake-the scenery makes all cooking better! There is also an open office room or sitting room/hobby area off of kitchen! The formal dining area of course looks over "front" yard and lake and leads to large deck for outside entertaining as well as private dock for your water toys(Lake rules and regulations apply) The home has three good-sized bedrooms with plenty of closet space and then best of all there is large and brite family room with cathedral ceiling, wet bar and cozy gas fireplace! Furnace and hot water tank are 7/8 years old approximately, there is PUBLIC water and a BRAND NEW septic system install in 2021. Conveniently located to dining shopping college and thruway!! This year round waterfront property checks all the boxes! Any accepted offer is subject to approval by Horseshoe Lake Corporation.

 

Top Items on Batavia's List

NOW HIRING seasonal agribusiness positions. CDL A & B Drivers to deliver bulk crop nutrients. Potential long-term opportunities. Great for retirees! GENERAL LABOR positions. Daily variety of indoor/outdoor responsibilities. Loader experience a plus. SIGN-ON BONUS and plenty of OT during spring/summer months. Apply in person at: 8610 Route 237, Stafford, NY www.cecrocker.com
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