Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) nominated President Donald Trump, Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, and former Defense Minister of Israel Yoav Gallant for their tireless efforts on the Abraham Accords, to advance peace in the Middle East, to combat terrorist groups and to confront radical and oppressive Islamist regimes.

For decades, politicians and foreign affairs professionals claimed Middle East peace depended on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, through the efforts of President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and former Defense Minister Gallant, historic normalization agreements were secured between Israel and Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Sudan, while laying groundwork for future agreements with Saudi Arabia.

During Israel’s recent war of self-defense, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant severely weakened Hamas, Hezbollah, and the IRGC. These men courageously stood up to radical Islamist dictators like Ayatollah Khamenei in Iran and, formerly, Bashar al-Assad in Syria, who waged war against their own innocent civilians through the indiscriminate use of violence.

“President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and former Defense Minister Gallant’s valiant work to combat terrorism and stand up to Islamist regimes has directly led to greater regional and global stability. Without their work, terrorist groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the IRGC would still pose a massive threat to all civilians in the Middle East and around the world. In a time of global turmoil, the bold and unwavering efforts of these leaders is unprecedented and offers hope for lasting peace in the Middle East and around the world. The Nobel Peace Prize Committee has honored esteemed world leaders and champions of peace; it is only fitting that valiant and heroic leaders like President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and Defense Minister Gallant join these esteemed ranks. I am eager to see these leaders receive the respect, honor, and distinction they richly deserve,” said Congresswoman Tenney.  

In Boys Basketball on Saturday, Byron-Bergen beat Pembroke by just two points on Saturday, 45-43.

Cody Carlson scored 18 points for the Bees. Noah Clare scored 11, and Cole Diquattro scored eight.

For the Dragons, Jayden Bridge scored 20 points.

Photos by Jennifer Diquattro.

Elba beat Byron-Bergen in Girls Basketball on Saturday 66-35.

Brea Smith scored 21 points, and Syndey Reilly scored 18 points for the Lancers.

For the Bees, Janessa Amesbury scored 11, and Riley Shallenberger scored 10 points.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Wheatland-Chili beat Elba on Friday 70-43.

No stats available.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Officers with Batavia PD, as well as sheriff's deputies later in the morning, participated in the 10th annual Shop with a Cop event at Walmart on Saturday. 

Shop with a Cop allows local children who are selected with the help of school resource officers and school officials from each school in Genesee County to buy Christmas presents for themselves or for friends and family members. Children are provided funds and their own personal police officer or deputy to accompany them on a Christmas shopping trip in the store.  

Walmart hosts and staffs the event.  Walmart also provides funding and goody bags for each child. 

Grant money from Walmart, donations from the City of Batavia Police Benevolent Association, City of Batavia Civil Employee’s Association (CSEA), the City’s “Jeans for Friday” program, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Employee Association and donations made in the memory of Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello makes the event possible. 

Photos by Howard Owens.

Just in time for the holidays! Bontrager Auction's Man Cave Collectibles Auction is open for online bidding until Dec. 18. We have over 750 lots, including a great motorcycle collection, an array of vintage advertising, neon and backlit signs, sports and racing memorabilia, games, WWII posters, and much more. Create the ultimate man cave or buy a one-of-a-kind gift for someone on your holiday shopping list.  Don't miss the live preview on Monday, Dec. 16, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Bontrager's Auction Center, 8975 Wortendyke Road, Batavia. Have questions or need help with online bidding? Call our office at 585-343-4529 or email bontrager@bontragerauction.com.  

Health and wellness have always been important to family nurse practitioner Renee Marie Robbins. However, it wasn’t until a close family member became critically ill that it took on a deeper meaning.

“I was interested in it and went and did some training and really loved what I did. And then, the whole weight loss thing kind of blew up around here, and I have a personal love for it because, seeing my brother at 45 have a heart attack and almost not be with us, I've really delved into nutrition and health,” Robbins said Friday while doing last minute set-up of her new place at Batavia City Centre. “Also, just being in family practice, helping others, and then having issues with them being denied from their insurance when they really could use the help. A lot of people have been where they just need that little extra push and motivation, and to be held accountable and have someone really care about their health and their journey.” 

A Batavia native and 1997 Notre Dame High School graduate, Robbins has more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She most recently worked at Oak Orchard Health, which she left one and a half years ago. She continues to work at Guler Cardiology in Batavia while debuting her Renee Marie Aesthetics and Wellness next door at 47b in the City Centre. 

Robbins is having a grand opening to introduce herself and her offerings, including a Dyson supersonic raffle prize, beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday.

She first rented space at a salon in Elma and ran it for two and a half years, drawing clients from the area and her hometown. However, she said, few practitioners offered the weight loss or aesthetic services she is now bringing to Genesee County. 

Those include individualized counseling, use of supplements, an FDA-certified compounding pharmacy to mix two medications together when needed, and finding alternatives when one’s insurance won’t cover a service or someone doesn’t want to go the drastic route of a gastric bypass or end up with diabetes before the insurance company might provide more coverage.

“Bottom line is, I'm willing to try to help someone with their weight loss or their health needs, we'll say, in any way that I can, whether it's through insurance, and if insurance doesn't cover weight loss, then I have alternative means,” she said. “There’s a lot that goes into it; it’s not just what you eat, it’s not just exercise, but it’s also habits. More mindful eating is what I try to teach, we need to always be conscious about what we’re putting into our bodies, about portions. And that’s, I think, where people struggle a lot.”

On the aesthetics side, Robbins has trained with the American Academy of Facial Aesthetics and keeps up on techniques with continued trainings, she said. Services include lip and facial fillers, wrinkle relaxers including Daxxify and Dysport, microneedling, glow facials, EMS body sculpting of various body parts (the abs are especially popular, she said, with electrical stimulation of the muscles to simulate doing 30,000 sit-ups in 30 minutes to strengthen the core).

Some of those body sculpting procedures can be part of a weight loss package. She offers single-session and package prices for services and is available for free Telehealth consultations. 

“I hope to help others achieve their health goals. I am proud to own and operate my own aesthetics and wellness clinic, taking pride in providing exceptional service and delivering results to my clients … and how much I care to help others be more healthy, happy, have confidence and be more successful in their goals,” she said. “It’s about helping others. People were coming out to me in Elma, and I live out here and they live out here, and it was like, all right, through a lot of encouragement, I decided just to go ahead and do it, because it’s just the best feeling, it really is.

“My vision is to empower other practitioners … like massage therapists. I really would like to make it a wellness center,” she said. “There’s no better feeling than to hear ‘you’ve really changed my life.’”

Robbins works with individuals, couples, groups, people of all ages, and people with various medical conditions and provides “complete confidentiality,” she said. Hours are by appointment, Monday through Friday. 

For more information, call 585-483-0038, email reneemarieaesthetics@gmail.com or go HERE.

Batavia's Just King's Social Club held a toy drive and a visit with Santa in City Centre on Friday night.

WBTA, Ken Barrett Chevrolet, and the Salvation Army teamed up on Friday for their annual toy drive for the families of Genesee County.

Click here to see our featured listings

The 17 municipalities that co-own the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. can expect a payout of $7.8 million in 2025, according to an operational for the new year approved by the board of directors on Thursday.

If the 2024 estimate of $7.4 million holds, that's a $400,000 increase, but it still falls far short of 2023's record of $10,255,058.

The plan projects a net gaming win of $90,495,000.

Of that, close to $45 million will be paid to state agencies by statute.

The total operating expenses for all operations will exceed $38.6 million. Batavia Downs will account for $33 million of these expenses. This is an increase of $1 million.

Net earnings (profits) from all operations are expected to exceed $8.8 million, with branches generating more than $500,000 in surcharge revenue, losing more than $1.5 million, leaving municipalities the anticipated $7.8 million payout.

Previously: Revenue is up at Batavia Downs but expenses, including wages and contract buyouts, cut into municipal profits

Branch operations continue to be a financial drain on the organization, with revenue steadily decreasing every year. 

The anticipated handle for branch operations is projected to be $38.8 million in 2025, down from the planned handle of $43.9 million in 2024. OTB will earn more than $8 million on commissions, with other revenues exceeding $1.8 million. Statutory payments will be more than $4.7 million. Operating expenses will grow by more than $100,000 to $5.6 million.

There are eight branches within WROTB, 28 EZ-Bets sites(including four expected to start in 2025), plus online and telephone wagering.

The plan calls for Batavia Downs to operate 939 gaming machines, with a win per terminal per day of $267.17 for a total net win of $90.5 million.

Food and beverage revenue is expected to exceed $5.6 million with operational earnings exceeding $1.1 million.

The Rockin' the Downs concert series will return in 2025 with eight concerts, including a promise of some bigger name acts. Projected revenue from all sales is expected to approach $1 million. Net earnings will be less than $100,000.  The plan does not project an increase in hotel and gaming revenue associated with the concerts.

Projected revenue for the hotel in 2025 is $2.9 million with a profit of $780,000.

At the track, between the summer-fall season and the winter season, there will be 71 racing dates. The anticipated handle is $968,200. 

Administrative costs is projected to exceed $8.2 million, an increase of $1 million. The increase is related to ongoing demand for new and upgraded computers and software, legal services, and retirement benefits (including one buyout), plus the increased cost in health insurance.

Health benefit plans will increase by 6.5%.

Press Release:

Due to HVAC issues, the Clerk’s Office will be closed for the remainder of the day on Friday, December 13, 2024. The office will reopen for normal business on Monday, December 16th. We apologize for any inconvenience.

We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Press Release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is again working with the University Heights Arts Association (UHAA) to showcase the talents of another local young artist, Hope Smith. Her paintings will be displayed in the Independent Living Center lobby at 319 West Main Street, left rear, in the Crickler Executive Business Center in Batavia, from now until March 31.

Concerning her work, Hope states, “I started painting at a young age and I am currently 17. I enjoy painting because it makes me feel better when times are tough.”

The public is invited to her free Opening Reception, Monday, December 16 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at ILGR, with light refreshments provided.

More information is available at 585-815-8501, extension 406.

The Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies offer an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Village and town property owners left Genesee County on the hook for delinquent water, sewer and school taxes worth more than $2.3 million for 2024, and the respective amounts are to be included in the county and town/village tax levies -- some of which for an extra fee.

The Legislature approved several resolutions Wednesday, including those related to the unpaid tax and utility payments.

Legislators agreed to add the following delinquent water/sewer accounts to town tax levies:

• Alabama $14,144.17
• Alexander $3,718.89
• Batavia $75,310.57
• Bergen $1,746.83
• Bethany $417.69
• Byron $33,419.52
• Darien $17,233.81
• Elba $4,468.89
• Oakfield $390.72
• Pavilion $13,508.75
• Pembroke $1,151.80
• Stafford $370.35

Total: $165,881.99

Budget Impact: The County’s share of the total amount collected is $10,852.11. 

The Real Property tax law requires that, by Nov. 15, 2024, all rural Genesee County school districts return their respective unpaid 2024-2025 school taxes to the county treasurer for inclusion in the 2025 county and town tax levy. 

The following amounts are to be re-levied against the various towns of the County of Genesee as specified:   

• Alabama $79,068.82
• Alexander $141,811.41
• Batavia $148,045.22
• Bergen $128,073.33
• Bethany $58,052.06
• Byron $106,514.76
• Darien $266,217.04
• Elba $98,654.88
• LeRoy $340,266.50
• Oakfield $103,677.72
• Pavilion $72,882.73
• Pembroke $390,049.17
• Stafford $99,346.79

Total: $2,032,660.43

Budget Impact: The county makes the school districts whole for their portion and retains a 7% fee. The 2024 total was $2,081,259.37.

The unpaid village taxes will also be re-levied as part of the 2025 town and county levy.

The following amounts are to be re-levied against the various villages in the County of Genesee as follows: 

• Alexander $2,336.63
• Attica $190.13
• Bergen $4,624.48
• Elba $4,038.26
• LeRoy $91,659.49
• Oakfield $5,695.34
• Corfu $2,009.25

Total: $110,553.58

Budget Impact: The County makes the Villages whole for their portion and retains a 7% fee. The 2024 total was $127,544.41.

In related tax collection resolutions, the Legislature also approved the county treasurer assisting in collecting the 2025 town/county tax bills for the Town of Alexander, per the supervisor’s request. The Genesee County treasurer is willing to collect the 2025 Town/County taxes on behalf of the Town of Alexander for a fee of $7,500 to cover the cost of providing the tax collection services.

In turn, Treasurer Kevin Andrews has requested to hire a temporary financial clerk-typist to assist with collecting these taxes. The position will be funded by the revenue received from the tax collection agreement with the Town of Alexander.

The Genesee County treasurer and Human Resources director were then directed to amend the 2025 Employee Salary Schedule by establishing a temporary position of financial clerk-typist, CSEA Grade 9, in the Treasurer’s Office, with varying hours not exceeding 37.5 hours per week from Jan. 6, 2025, to April 30, 2025.

The 2025 Genesee County budget is to be amended as follows:

• Increase Appropriation A.1325 1010.0000 Personal Services by $6,967
• Increase Appropriation A.1325 8010.0000 Social Security Tax by $432
• Increase Appropriation A.1325 8011.0000 Medicare Tax by $101
• Increase Revenue A.1325 1230 Treasurer Fees by $7,500

Budget Impact: Increased appropriations of $7,500 offset by increased revenue from the Town of Alexander in a like amount.

In an unrelated approval, the Legislature agreed to renew the county’s Economic Development Center contract for $233,513 plus $25,000 for workforce training program administration. The contract runs from Jan. 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2025, and will be paid in regular installments upon receipt of proper vouchers. 

The financial history of payments to GCEDC includes a low of $193,513 in 2017 and 2018, which then jumped to $233,513 in 2019 and has remained for subsequent years. The additional $25,000 began in 2022.

• 2024 = $233,513 + $25,000 workforce training program administration
• 2023 = $233,513 + $25,000 workforce training program administration
• 2022 = $233,513 + $25,000 workforce training program administration
• 2021 = $233,513
• 2020 = $233,513
• 2019 = $233,513
• 2018 = $193,513
• 2017=$193,513 – 10% reduction in funding or $21,501 less
• 2016=$215,014
• 2015=$215,014
• 2014= $215,014
• 2013= $215,014
• 2012 = $215,014; 5% reduction in funding or $11,317 less
• 2011 = $226,330; 15% reduction in funding or $29,942 less
• 2010 = $266,271; 5% reduction in funding or $14,014 less
• 2009 to 2006 funding = $280,285
• 2005 to 2003 = $275,285

Peter S. Celentano, Jr., 35, of Bergen, is charged with eight counts of criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, two counts of criminal possession of a firearm, and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon 4th. On Sept. 29 and 30, officers executed search warrants on the residence of Celetano in village of Bergen as part of a multi-agency investigation into the manufacture and possession of illegal firearms. Evidence was located at the residence as well as locations in Orleans County. The Sheriff's Office arrested Celetano on Dec. 4. He is accused of possessing large-capacity ammunition feeding devices, short-barreled shotguns, and 3D-printed firearm frames without serial numbers. Celentano was arraigned in Town of Bergen Court and ordered held on $10,000 bail or $20,000 bond. Celentano is being held on federal charges stemming from an arrest in October. He is accused of possessing AR-style receivers qualified as machine guns. He is also facing criminal charges in Orleans County following an arrest in November by State Police.

Tyler J. Bull, 22, of Medina, faces multiple unspecified charges following an incident reported at Alexander Central School on Dec. 4. Deputies responded to a 9-1-1 call at 6:02 p.m. The call reported a male assaulting a female in the parking lot. When school officials attempted to intervene, the male pulled out what appeared to be a handgun and menaced staff. When deputies arrived on scene, the male was taken into custody without incident.  The female was known to the male. Deputies recovered a C02 air pistol. Bull was jailed pending arraignment. 

Megan June Courtney, 28, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny 4th. Courtney is accused of withdrawing funds from another person's credit card without permission on Nov. 30 at a location on Park Road, Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket. Courtney was also arrested on Dec. 1 and charged with grand larceny 4th, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and petit larceny. Courtney is accused of stealing a credit card, money, and a vehicle in connection to a dispute with another person. She was held pending arraignment.

Timothy Gage Rathke, 24, of Lakeview Park, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and drinking alcohol or using cannabis in a motor vehicle. Rathke was reportedly found by Deputy Jacob Kipler sitting in a parked car on the shoulder of Route 33 in Stafford at 12:57 a.m. on Dec. 2. Following an investigation, he was issued an appearance ticket.

Brennan Pearce Blowers, 36, of East Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and failure to keep right. Sgt. Mathew Clor stopped Blowers at 12:44 a.m. on Dec. 2 on Genesee Street, Pembroke. Blowers was released on traffic tickets.

Zachary Ryan Eichenberger, 40, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd and inadequate plate lamp. Eichenberger was arrested on Dec. 2 on a warrant issued by the Town of Bergen Court stemming from an incident on July 20, 2021. He was held pending arraignment.

Marshawn Jamal Singletary, 42, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance 4th, and obstruction of governmental administration 2nd.  Singletary was arrested on Nov. 29 a warrant issued by Genesee County Court. He was held pending arraignment.

Robert L. Drennen, 42, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Drennen is accused of attempting to steal a case of beer. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Veronica Garcia, 44, of Buell Street, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC .18 or greater, circumventing an interlock device, drinking alcohol or using cannabis in a motor vehicle, moving from lane unsafely. Garcia was stopped at 12:32 a.m. on Dec. 4 on East Main Street by Deputy Jacob Kipler. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Myejay Nasir Braction, 20, of Wyoming Street, Buffalo, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Braction is accused of shattering the window of a cell door in the Genesee County Jail at 12:45 a.m. on Oct. 16. He was arrested on Dec. 4. He was arraigned on the charge in Town of Batavia Court.

James Carl Malone, 27, of Hopkins Street, Mount Morris, is charged with aggravated criminal contempt, endangering the welfare of a child, and harassment 2nd. Malone is accused of violating an order of protection during a disturbance reported at 9:22 p.m. on Dec. 7 at a location on Ellicott Street Road, Bethany. He is accused of slapping another person three times in front of three children. He was held pending arraignment. 

Terrance Lee Falk, 26, of Rochester, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Falk is accused of intentionally damaging the window of the Genesee County Jail at 3:15 p.m. on Nov. 30. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Brandon Ryan Fogg, 38, of Lyman Road, Byron, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, menacing 1st, criminal possession of a weapon 4th, and obstruction of governmental administration 2nd. Fogg was arrested on a warrant issued in County Court stemming from an incident reported on Dec. 3 at a location on West Main Street, Batavia. Fogg was jailed and held.

Casey Thomas Vaughn, no age provided, of Prestige Xing, Batavia, is charged with aggravated criminal contempt, aggravated family offense, unlawful imprisonment 2nd, assault 3rd, and criminal contempt 2nd. At 11 p.m. on Dec. 3, deputies responded to a residence on Prestige Xing, Batavia, to check on the welfare of a female who was subject to a stay-away order of protection. Following an investigation, Vaughn was arrested and held pending arraignment.

Brandi Rose Hough, 29, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, unlicensed operation, deposited refuse on highway, and uncovered cargo. Hough was arrested on a warrant issued by town of Stafford Court stemming from an incident reported at 6:03 p.m. on July 2 on Route 63, Stafford. Hough was held pending arraignment.

David Henry Kendall, 40, of Sierk Road, Attica, is charged with assault 3rd. Kendall is accused of punching the driver of a vehicle in the face at 9 p.m. on Dec. 10 at a location on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, which resulted in a motor vehicle collision. Kendall was held pending arraignment.

Matthew J. Sanchez-Sanquiche, 28, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd. Sanchez-Sanquiche is accused of assaulting another inmate in the Genesee County Jail at 3:16 p.m. on Nov. 30.