Le Roy walked off with a 3-2 extra-innings win over Dansville on Sunday, capping a tense pitchers’ duel with a single from Jagger Smith in the bottom of the ninth.
Alex Spezzano went the distance for Le Roy, allowing no walks and striking out six while scattering eight hits. Dansville’s Nolan DeZorn pitched eight strong innings, striking out 14 and giving up seven hits.
Le Roy struck early. Spezzano led off the game with a single, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Brady McClurg, and scored when Adam Woodworth and Jake Higgins hit back-to-back doubles for a 2-0 lead.
Dansville responded in the third. Jake Kreiley was hit by a pitch, and the Mustangs followed with four consecutive hits. Carson Mays drove in a run with an RBI single, and the tying run scored on an error. Le Roy left fielder Jude Sherman ended the threat with a diving catch, leaving the bases loaded.
In the ninth, Austin Cordaro singled with one out, moved to second on a passed ball, and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Jude Christ. Smith then delivered the game-winning RBI single on the first pitch he saw.
Le Roy improved to 14-3 and will finish the regular season Monday night at Livonia.
Andre' Miller, owner of Zoom n' Groom, along with assistants, was parked outside the Genesee County Animal Shelter on Sunday afternoon, trimming the nails of dogs as a fundraiser for the Volunteers for Animals.
From oncology floors to community centers, tech startups to charcuterie spreads—Western New York is filled with people quietly (and boldly) making a difference. Now, their stories are taking center stage in a brand-new series from the global podcast Powered by Authenticity.
The Powered by Authenticity WNY Changemakers series, hosted by Batavia native and PBA Consulting CEO Emily Carlson, officially launched today and will feature weekly episodes over the next six weeks.
Each episode dives into the real, raw journeys of local leaders who are challenging the norm, giving back in big ways, and redefining what it means to lead with purpose.
“This series is truly a love letter to Western New York,” said Carlson. “These are the folks who roll up their sleeves, build something meaningful, and lead from the heart—whether they’re running a business, treating patients, or lifting up entire communities.”
The guests aren’t household names—yet. But they’re the kind of people who make WNY proud: a nurse practitioner pushing cancer research forward, a nonprofit leader transforming how support reaches families, a tech advocate lighting the way for digital inclusion, and an executive who traded spreadsheets for charcuterie boards (yes, really).
Listeners can expect unfiltered conversations, unexpected inspiration, and a reminder that leadership doesn’t always come with a title—it often starts with a question: How can I make things better?
Now streaming on all major platforms, Powered by Authenticity’s WNY Changemakers series is for anyone who believes in the power of local stories to spark global change.
First episode will be available on May 16. New episodes drop every week for the next six weeks.
Listen in, get inspired, and meet the people who are putting Western New York on the map—one bold move at a time.
Listen to Emily's new podcast series here on Spotify.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging drivers to buckle up ahead of a national Click It or Ticket seat belt safety campaign. The national high-visibility seat belt enforcement effort, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs from May 19 to June 1.
“Seat belt use should be an automatic habit for drivers and passengers alike,” said Assistant Police Chief Chris Camp. “It’s not just a safe thing to do — it’s the law. During the Click It or Ticket campaign, we’ll be working with our fellow law enforcement officers across local and state lines to ensure the message gets out to drivers and passengers. Buckling up is the simplest thing a driver can do to limit injury or save a life during a crash. We see the results of not wearing a seat belt all the time. So often, it could have been prevented.”
The national seat belt daytime use rate in 2023 was 91.9%, which is good — but it can be better. The other 8.1% still need to be reminded that seat belts save lives. Participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations day and night.
One of the focuses of the Click It or Ticket seat belt high-visibility campaign is nighttime enforcement. NHTSA data shows a higher number of unrestrained passenger vehicle occupant fatalities happen at night. Also, seat belt use differs among females and males. Of the males killed in crashes in 2023, more than half (53%) were unrestrained. For females killed in crashes, 41% were not buckled up.
“If the enforcement effort alerts people to the dangers of unrestrained driving, we’ll consider our mission to be a success,” said Assistant Police Chief Chris Camp. “We are asking friends and family to remind each other to buckle up when they drive, and to consider changing their habits if they don’t. Help us spread this lifesaving message before one more friend or family member is killed as a result of this senseless inaction. Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and adult — needs to remember to buckle up.”
For more information on the Click It or Ticket seat belt high-visibility enforcement campaign, please visit NHTSA.gov/ClickIt.
The Batavia City School District (BCSD) is proud to announce it has once again been honored with the 2025 NAMM Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education designation, recognizing its continued excellence and longstanding commitment to comprehensive music education.
The designation honors districts that demonstrate exceptional achievement in ensuring access to high-quality music education for all students. This marks the second consecutive year BCSD has earned this national honor, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in music education.
Superintendent Jason Smith said of the honor, “We are incredibly proud to once again be recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education. Receiving this distinction two years in a row is a true reflection of our district’s commitment to fostering a well-rounded education where the arts—and especially music—play a central role. From our elementary school instrumental and vocal programs to high school ensembles, marching band, and theater productions, Batavia students have access to meaningful, enriching music experiences at every stage of their education. As someone who personally benefited from our music program, I’m thrilled to see our students and staff receive this well-deserved national recognition.”
“Being honored with this award for the second consecutive year speaks volumes about the strength and depth of our music program here at BCSD. Our students engage in everything from voice and instrument lessons to performing in chorus, orchestra, rock band, pep band, and musical productions. This achievement belongs to our students, our passionate music educators, and the families and community members who continue to support the arts. We are building something truly special in Batavia, and I’m excited to see where we go from here,” said Melzie Case, BCSD Music Department Chair.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, BCSD answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by the leading arts educational research firm, WolfBrown.
Two awards are given each year: Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) for school districts and the SupportMusic Merit Award (SMMA) for individual school sites. Both reach K-12 schools and districts throughout the U.S. and offer opportunities to increase awareness and support for music programs. Over 1,000 districts and individual school sites (public, private, charter, parochial) were recognized for having the highest commitment to producing exceptional music programs.
Emmanuel Baptist Church’s Community Garden is looking for green thumbs to come and grow! We have 20 raised 3X4 garden plots, water, tools, seeds, and fertilizer. We need gardeners! Do you want to provide fresh from the garden veggies or flowers for your family? Come grow with us!
The Sun is shining and the plots have been re-done with new soil but not enough people signed up for plots! We still have several in need of gardeners. Plots are free till gone! Call 585-343-4905 or email ebcbatavia@gmail.com to sign up!
Mikayla Yohon (middle) with her parents. Back: (l-r) Sara Stockwell, Ethan Heim. Photo by Gretchen Spittler.
Press Release:
On May 15, 2025, Byron-Bergen senior Mikayla Yohon committed to continuing her formal education after graduation at Genesee Community College (GCC) where she will compete as a member of the swim team. The official signing was witnessed by Byron-Bergen Le Roy Varsity Swim Team Coach Sara Stockwell, GCC Head Swim Coach Ethan Heim, and Yohon’s parents.
“I’ve coached Mikayla for 5 years,” said Stockwell. “She joined in the 8th grade. She is extremely talented, especially at the butterfly. It’s been a pleasure watching her swim and I’m going to miss her personality and the times when she really was a leader on the team.”
While at Byron-Bergen, Yohon participated in Varsity Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Swim Team, and Track. In her time on the Byron-Bergen Leroy swim team, she set three new team records and won countless events. Her fastest event times include the 100 Butterfly (1:05.5), 50 Freestyle (25.98), 100 Freestyle (58.76), and 50 Butterfly (27.50).
“I would like to thank both of my coaches, Fix and Stockwell, and my teammates for really helping me in the pool setting and making me the swimmer I am today,” said Yohon. “In addition, I want to thank my parents for helping me succeed and achieve my goals.”
Yohon plans to enter GCC’s Health Studies program with the intent of a career in nursing.
When the new $6.3 billion data center was recently announced at STAMP in the town of Alabama it was hailed as an economic boon to Genesee County and rightly so.
What should not be overlooked though have been the various benefits to the residents and taxpayers in the town of Alabama since the inception of STAMP twenty years ago.
This is due to the foresight, leadership and wherewithal of the town Board over the last two decades which continues today.
Town leaders have repeatedly demonstrated decision making and vision in the best interests of the residents and taxpayers pertaining to STAMP. That is what they are elected for, and despite some recent unfounded claims and accusations, PILOT payments to the town to date have totaled almost $665,000. The town leadership has been steadfast in their support of STAMP.
From a public health perspective, the infrastructure investments at STAMP have significantly enhanced access to public drinking water in the town. This is a very serious public health issue in rural communities across the GLOW region and upstate New York for that matter, but particularly for Alabama because of its unique geography as one of the highest points in the county which poses engineering challenges.
The build-out of water infrastructure at STAMP through the support of New York State resulted in Phase 1 and 2 of the town’s $12 million water project to be completed. With these phases completed the town was able to do Phase 3 on its own and now approximately 94% of town residents have access to an abundant supply of safe, clean drinking water. Those water lines also provide access to clean drinking water for the Tonawanda Seneca Nation and the town has reached out to them but have not heard back yet.
Another aspect to public health and quality of life as a result of STAMP are going to enable the town to plan for investments to modernize town hall, the town’s fire department and its emergency services facility.
From an economic development standpoint, STAMP is poised to create several hundred jobs in the near term as Edwards Vacuum nears Phase 1 completion of its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility to support the fledgling semiconductor industry.
Edwards Vacuum’s $127 million Phase 1 investment will create 280 new jobs. Ultimately the company will invest $212 million and create approximately 350 jobs while generating approximately $644 million in economic impact, including payroll.
This figure also includes future revenues to local governments, including the town of Alabama. The fact is that the current two projects at STAMP are providing tax payments to the town at a rate 50 times more than if the property remained undeveloped farmland.
A familiar refrain in the business sector is that economic development is a marathon and not a sprint. STAMP is the epitome of this mantra and that is why over the long term, STAMP has the potential to create several thousands of jobs as a result of a robust pipeline of companies interested in the site.
What this means to the town of Alabama is continued growth, financial investment and opportunities for generations of residents to come.
Mark Masse is president and CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center.
Dan Mault, Jamie Waff, Ron Tyx. Photo by Howard Owens
Dan Mault was named Firefighter of the Year at the annual Pembroke and Indian Falls Fire Department banquet on Saturday.
Mault was recognized for his dedication to training, leadership in planning district training, and his role in rescuing three dogs in Alabama.
“The firefighter of the Year Award goes to the guy who has the best Monday night attendance in 2024. He was instrumental in planning the district training in 2024 and just so happened to be my nozzle man and assisted in the rescue of three dogs in Alabama,” said Chief Jamie Waff.
Dave Olsen was honored for 50 years of service to the Pembroke Fire District. State Senator George M. Borrello presented Olsen with a proclamation and a special service plaque. Near the end of the evening, he also received an honorary axe as framed wall art as a special service recognition.
Other awards included EMS Provider of the Year, presented to Ed Mileham, and the Training Award, presented to Ron Tyx, who logged the most state training hours and now serves as district training officer for 2025.
LuAnne Mileham, Ed's wife and an EMS officer, presented Ed with the award and shared stories highlighting his decades of service.
She recalled a call more than 30 years ago when Ed delivered a baby across the street from their home.
“I don’t think I’ve ever sweated so much in my whole life delivering this child,” she remembered him saying.
LuAnne also described a moment at church years later when a young girl recognized Ed as the man who helped bring her into the world.
More recently, she recounted a winter call where Ed assisted another woman in labor.
“He was thinking of throwing her in his truck and taking her to the hospital, but the ambulance said they were only five minutes out, so he waited,” she said.
The baby boy was later delivered in the ambulance in front of Antique World, and Ed carried him into the hospital emergency room.
LuAnne presented Ed with two stork pins to commemorate his role in those deliveries.
Members recognized for more than 50 years of service included:
• George Klotzbach: 58 years • Norm Waff: 52 years • Ed Mileham: 52 years • Mike Warren: 50 years • Dave Olsen: 50 years
“All right, now that everyone has their stuff, you guys have an aide and a nurse waiting outside with your bus," joked Waff. "In all honesty, I do sincerely appreciate all of you guys. More people need to look up to you and pay attention to some of the advice that you give.”
Top responders for 2024 were:
• Ed Mileham: 191 calls • Kevin Ross: 185 calls • George Klotzbach: 183 calls • Dave Olsen: 172 calls • Dan Mault: 146 calls • Jimmy Garrett: 128 calls • Ron Tyx: 114 calls • LuAnne Mileham: 113 calls • Dave Linneborn: 111 calls • Roger Mault: 104 calls
Waff reported that the department answered 260 calls in 2024, including 133 EMS calls, six fire calls, 39 motor vehicle accidents, and 27 mutual aid requests. The departments also achieved 1,800 hours of training.
The night also featured a special guest.
On Christmas Eve, during Winter Storm Elliott, Andy Garcia arrived in the hamlet of Pembroke after 24 hours on the road, determined to visit his children for the holiday. Hoping to outrun the blizzard, he instead crashed into a snow bank in front of the Pembroke Fire Hall.
Garcia became known as “Survivor #1,” the first stranded motorist to take shelter at the fire hall, quickly forming friendships with several members of the department.
“I thought I was going straight onto the highway, but instead, I drove right into a snow bank,” Garcia said.
Despite wearing a Kansas City Chiefs baseball cap, he was welcomed inside.
“I was red-eyed, probably because I had been driving for 24 hours or crying because I thought I was gonna die,” he said.
Now a resident of Lockport, Garcia spent three days at the fire hall with 35 other stranded motorists during the blizzard.
“You guys were amazing. I only met you for three days, but you made us breakfast, dinner, and made sure that we were happy,” he said. “They let me win in Uno a couple of times. That was fun. Got to watch some football. Got to teach them how the Super Bowl champions play.”
The evening also featured the installation of officers for the coming year and a memorial honoring members who have passed.
William Joyce, a Pembroke volunteer and Genesee County's Veterans Services Officer, presented a certificate of appreciation to the departments from the Western New York National Cemetery for supporting ceremonies and events.
The evening's emcee, Dan Curtis, had encouraging words for the volunteers, calling on them to persevere in service to their communities.
“Keep at it. Keep your head down. Serve the community," he said. "Do your job the best you possibly can. If you need training, get more training.”
Ron Tyx, Dave Olsen, Ed Mileham. Photo by Howard Owens
Dave Olsen Photo by Howard Owens
Ed Mileham, ringing the bell during the memorial service for volunteers who have passed. Photo by Howard Owens
Ed Mileham and LuAnne Mileham. Photo by Howard Owens
Barker captured the championship at its annual high school softball tournament Saturday, edging Oakfield-Alabama in a tight final.
The tournament featured strong pitching, explosive offense, and several late-inning rallies as Oakfield-Alabama, Lyndonville, and Elba joined the host Bulldogs for a full Spring day of softball.
Oakfield-Alabama opens with league win over Lyndonville Oakfield-Alabama started the tournament with a 6-1 victory over Lyndonville in a game that counted toward league standings. Savannah Durham delivered a strong performance in the circle, tossing a complete game two-hitter with seven strikeouts. Piper Hyde sparked the Hornets’ offense, going 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. Allison Harkness added two hits and an RBI, while Chloe Lamb contributed a sacrifice fly.
“It was just a great high school softball game. Definitely had a Sectional Final feel to it,” said Hornet's coach Jeff Schlagenhauf. “Lyndonville is an excellent softball team, and Coach Moore does a fantastic job year in and year out with his teams. Total respect for him and his program. Our kids played incredibly well defensively. We got some big hits when we needed them and capitalized on our opportunities.”
Barker Holds Off Elba’s rally Barker advanced to the championship with a 7-5 win over Elba. The Bulldogs built a seven-run lead by the fourth inning, taking advantage of a hit batter and an error in the second that led to four runs. Elba responded with four runs in the fourth, fueled by singles and patience at the plate, but could not complete the comeback.
Elba outhit Barker 6-4, with Lauren Hawkins leading the Lancers with two hits. Brea Smith started for Elba, pitching six innings and striking out four. At the plate, Smith drove in two runs, while Maddie Hall and Madison Marks each drew two walks. Barker’s Mady Flint drove in two runs, and Peyton Bradley pitched a complete game, striking out four.
Lyndonville outslugs Elba in consolation game Lyndonville topped Elba 17-11 in a high-scoring consolation matchup. Elba took an early lead, but Lyndonville answered with five runs in the first and pulled away with a five-run sixth inning. Addison Dillenbeck led Lyndonville, going 4-for-5 with a double, two triples, and five RBIs. Arnie Sturtevant added three hits, including a home run and a double, and Alexa Robinson and Braelynn Dillenbeck each had multiple hits.
Elba’s Bri Totten drove in five runs with two hits, including a triple. Brea Smith collected three hits, and Madalyn Marks reached base three times on walks. Elba rallied for five runs in the seventh but could not close the gap.
Barker tops Oakfield-Alabama in championship In the final, Barker edged Oakfield-Alabama 5-3. The Hornets erased an early deficit with a two-run homer from Rylee Denny in the fifth inning, tying the game. Defensive miscues in the sixth allowed Barker to regain the lead. Oakfield-Alabama threatened in the seventh, putting the tying runs in scoring position, but Barker held on for the win.
Emma Moeller pitched six innings for Oakfield-Alabama, allowing five hits and two earned runs. Hyde doubled, and Raine Denny, Allie Williams, and Jess Sosnowski each added hits. Piper Hyde was named to the all-tournament team for her efforts.
“We dug ourselves a hole early, but Rylee Denny’s two-run HR over the fence tied it. A couple of miscues defensively in the sixth hurt us, but we battled back in the seventh and had the tying runs on second and third to give ourselves a chance. A great day for us to get two good games in preparation for sectionals,” Schlagenhauf said.
Piper Hyde was named to the All-Tournament Team.
Oakfield-Alabama finishes the regular season at 14-2.
Setting up a parachute toss and other fun outdoor games for a community get-together on Sunday are, from left, representing Batavia First Presbyterian Church Frank Strock with Faith, Eric Raymond, Tom Schubmehl, and Rev. Roula Alkhouri, and from St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia Jo-Ann Bestine. Photo by Joanne Beck
Churches often draft mission statements that encompass far-reaching goals across the country and throughout the world; however, there’s also something to be said for extending a kind hand to someone right next door to you, Jo-Ann Bestine says.
As a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia, she knows the extensive hard work that’s been done in the name of outreach, she said.
“We’ve done outreach for years, internationally and nationally. We’re making an attempt to do outreach on Main Street, Batavia. And why it’s perfect, this is the Presbyterian Church. We’re both on Main Street, we’re both in Batavia, we both want to do outreach; it just fits the bill,” Bestine said Saturday outside of First Presbyterian Church at East Main and Liberty streets. “Get to know our neighbors, they don’t have to come into our church to be our neighbors. So let’s be a good community, just get everyone to know your neighbors in this local community.”
The churches invite everyone to stop by, grab lunch, mingle, play a lawn game and get to know fellow residents. The event is free and will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia.
Besides the common denominator of food — who doesn’t like creamy toasted cheese sandwiches or peanut butter and jelly? — now might be a perfect time to take moments for relaxation and socializing, Bestine said.
“Actually, right now, people are a little bit upset with things going on internationally and nationally, and are frustrated that they can’t fix what they think is broken. I can’t fix what’s overseas, I can’t fix what’s in the nation, but maybe if I focus on my community, on Main Street, Batavia, it’ll help me, it’ll help us,” she said. “That’s something we can do. We can’t fix the world, but maybe we can make a difference right here in Batavia. It does satisfy, it’s the frustration with what’s going on nationally and internationally that we can’t fix, but we can do this. This is achievable. One grilled cheese sandwich at a time.”
The Rev. Roula Alkhouri of First Presbyterian added that it’s “the fun of coming together as a community.” The goal is to build community and connect people through a fun and simple event, she said, where people may bring a lawn chair and sit and enjoy a time of conversation and fun with others.
Action doesn’t have to be major to be effective, she said.
“We don’t have to be divided on anything. We just love each other and enjoy a good time. I think that’s always the challenge, is for people to remember that you don’t have to do big things in order to change the world, you could just be together and change how you see others,” Alkhouri said. “It’s going to be a great event, I think, no matter where we end up doing it, inside or outside, but we’ll have fun. And I think it’s a great way for them to share their gifts, teach them more by service and caring for the community.”
Both women agreed that this isn’t any type of recruiting event for the churches, even though folks might just find that what’s behind the walls of each less intimidating than what they may have previously thought.
“No, it’s just we’re part of the community, so let’s look like it, get out from behind the walls,” Bestine said. “The idea of having it, if weather permits, having it on the lawn, perhaps one is a little bit intimidated with coming through the big stone walls at St. James. I mean, they call it the castle on the hill. It’s just not an inviting structure, so we’ll meet you on the front lawn.”
Genesee County's Master Gardeners held the group's annual Spring Gala plant sale at the Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 E. Main St., Batavia, on Saturday.
Pembroke, now 11-2 on the season, racked up its highest run total of the season on Friday, leading to a 17-3 win over Attica.
UPDATE: Game story submitted by Allison Lang.
Behind a commanding performance from ace Brayden Lang, the Pembroke Varsity Dragons cruised to a 17–3 win over Attica on Friday in a five-inning blowout.
Lang was electric on the mound, striking out 13 while surrendering just four hits and three runs. The right-hander walked one and shut down Attica’s offense over five strong innings.
Offensively, Pembroke wasted no time. Anthony Abbatiello got the Dragons rolling with an RBI single in the top of the first. They exploded for eight runs in the second, capitalizing on a combination of errors and timely hitting. Joshua Von Kramer and Landon Santini each drove in runs, with Abbatiello adding an RBI double. Jarrett Lewter brought home another after being hit by a pitch, and Von Kramer capped the inning with a two-run single.
The onslaught continued in the third as Pembroke plated six more. Jayden Bridge laced a two-run double, Lewter and Lang each added RBIs, and Owen Shultz chipped in with an RBI groundout.
Santini led the Dragons’ offense, going 3-for-4 with three singles and two stolen bases. Pembroke collected 14 hits in total, with multiple contributions throughout the lineup. Von Kramer, Abbatiello, Bridge, and Lewter all drove in two runs apiece. Lang and Shultz also recorded multi-hit games.
Pembroke’s patience at the plate paid off with nine walks, including two each from Trey Newton, Jacob Johnson, and Abbatiello.
Attica’s starter, Wild, struggled to find rhythm, giving up 10 hits and 14 runs—just five of them earned—across two innings. Stockweather and Kilian each drove in a run for Attica.
Pembroke improves its momentum to 11-3 heading into Monday’s road matchup at Newfane.
About 40 people brave thunder and rain early Saturday afternoon to display their causes during a protest in downtown Batavia. Photo by Joanne Beck
About 40 people braved the thunder and raindrops early Saturday afternoon to take a stand for various humanitarian issues along downtown Main Street.
Sarah Wolcott, who first rallied for a Hands Off! Protest in April as part of a national event, organized it again. She said this gathering came together more quickly with less publicity.
“This has been in the works for about two weeks. This was through the women’s march. So the main protest is women’s rights and rights of the marginalized, so Black Lives Matter, immigration rights, due process, or lack thereof,” Wolcott said just outside of City Hall. “I’m here rain or shine, whoever wants to be here with me. I didn’t expect a huge April 5 turnout or anything like that.”
The April 5 protest drew an estimated 300 people who formed two lines, one on each side of Main Street near City Hall. The event's focus was broader, ranging from education and social security to healthcare and anti-Donald Trump and anti-Elon Musk sentiments.
A visit to the back portion of the Harvester Center, 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia, in the daylight of a Friday afternoon reveals that the old factory buildings are in as bad a shape as the collapse of a wall of one of the buildings suggested on Thursday night.
The city of Batavia has cited six buildings in the complex for code violations, and the owners are under court order to submit an action plan for addressing the code violations.
City Manager Rachael Tabelski has recommended that City Council submit a $1 million Restore NY grant application to fund an extensive demolition project at the Harvester campus.
The city’s plan, developed in cooperation with Amerinac Holding Corp., proposes demolishing the severely deteriorated buildings to open space for parking, lighting, and green areas, while supporting redevelopment of the remaining structures.
Amerinac Holding Corp. is a company based in Ohio led by John F. Wachter III and John F. Wachter Jr.
The complex spans 29 acres, contains approximately 1 million square feet of former industrial use.
Tabelski described the project as “phase one of the redevelopment of the campus,” to transform the site into a mixed-use destination similar to Buffalo’s Larkinville district. The total cost for demolition and redevelopment is estimated between $8 and $12 million, with the Restore NY grant covering a portion of that amount.
The Harvester Center, originally the Massey-Harris-Ferguson plant, closed in 1958, causing a sharp rise in local unemployment. The Mancuso family purchased the complex and, in 1959, pioneered the business incubator model by dividing the space for use by small businesses. Over the past six decades, more than 3,000 businesses have operated within its walls. The property was sold to Amerinac Holding Corp. in 2021.
Photos by Howard Owens.
Aerial view of the Harvester Center from Genesee County's GIS Mapping System. The red dot is located in the open area that provides the view for the buildings in these pictures.
Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes. Photo by Howard Owens
Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said Friday that a newly approved tax reduction for the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. will directly benefit OTB employees and communities across Western New York.
Speaking at a press conference at Batavia Downs, Peoples-Stokes said, “I assure you, both the elected representatives as well as the board members, that in Albany, we paid attention to what you asked for.”
She called the $4.5 million annual tax cut, signed last week by Gov. Kathy Hochul, the result of persistent local advocacy and a commitment to workers.
“It’s really challenging when you’re working on a budget the size of the one that New York works on,” Peoples-Stokes said. “You can get right to the last day, and some things that you think were in there could come out because something else found its way in. That did not happen with this issue.”
Peoples-Stokes said the tax reduction will help Batavia Downs provide better wages and benefits for employees, improve entertainment for guests and increase distributions to the 17 member municipalities.
“I want to give God all the glory, because clearly that’s how I take my lead, and it’s been working for me my entire life,” she said.
She also credited Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie for supporting the measure, saying she personally lobbied him to keep the provision in the budget for Western New York.
“The idea came from Western New York. So the idea should actually happen for Western New York in this budget,” Peoples-Stokes said.
About 50 Batavia Downs employees stood behind the speakers during the press conference, holding signs thanking the political leaders who helped secure the tax cut in the state budget.
Byron Brown, president and CEO of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp., said the tax cut will allow Batavia Downs to do “even more for all of you and our host communities,” estimating the change will provide $25 million over five years.
“Our dedicated employees and the 2.7 million residents in our 17 member municipalities will be the beneficiaries,” Brown said.
Dennis Bassett, chair of the board, said the measure is a step forward, but more work remains in Albany.
“There are issues that need to be addressed in Albany that haven’t been addressed until now, issues that must be addressed if Batavia Downs and the OTB are going to increase revenue and profits for the municipalities,” Bassett said. “We know that we can’t grow this business and be successful if we don’t look at how we can go into different ventures, and we can’t do the same things we’ve been doing tomorrow that we’re doing today and be successful.”
Rochelle Stein, chairwoman of the Genesee County Legislature and a board member, said the partnership between management and the board was critical to achieving the tax reduction.
“This is what happens when everyone pulls in the same direction for the good of our region,” Stein said. “It’s not just about Batavia Downs -- it’s about every community that benefits.”
Mo Sumbundu, Western New York regional director for Gov. Hochul’s office, praised the collaboration in order to benefit the municipalities and OTB employees.
“The tax rate reduction also allows Western New York Off Track betting employees, who are standing here with us today, to receive much-deserved pay raises, reducing costs for their families and also reducing their health care insurance costs,” Sumbundu said.
Antonella Rotilio, a representative of the United Public Service Employees Union, said the tax reduction is a win for the staff.
“Our members work hard every day to make Batavia Downs a success,” Rotilio said in a statement. “This tax relief means our voices were heard, and it will help us continue to provide for our families and support our communities. We appreciate the leadership that made this possible.”
Peoples-Stokes closed by urging Batavia Downs to “keep doing that great job of entertaining " and congratulating the board and staff on their work in securing the tax cut.
Gregg Torrey, Jackie Tarricone, Steve Hawley, Jayleen Carney. Photo by Howard Owens.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley has opened a new district office in Batavia, aiming to make state government more accessible for Genesee and Monroe county residents.
The office is located inside the Cornell Cooperative Extension building at 420 East Main St. in Batavia. Hawley said the move brings his staff closer to constituents who previously had to travel to Albion, the site of his official district office in Orleans County.
“We just decided that it was about time,” Hawley said. “I had talked to Jocelyn Sikorski, the coordinator and director here, about maybe having a space on the first floor for handicapped accessibility. She said, ‘We’ve got just the right space for you.’”
Hawley said his staff will be available at the Batavia office at least once a week, every Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m., with more hours added if needed.
“We need to be visible and accessible,” he said.
Hawley noted that his team has always offered outreach hours in Genesee County, previously operating out of Genesee Community College, and in all four Monroe County towns in his district. The new Batavia office, he said, is a practical step to better serve the community.
“It’ll also be a little closer for folks from Scottsville and Monroe County, up in Sweden too, rather than going over to Orleans County,” Hawley said.
He emphasized that the new location comes at no additional cost to taxpayers.
“No, none whatsoever,” Hawley said. “Spending taxpayer money to have an office -- one office is plenty to pay money for. But when they came forward and said, ‘We’ve got a spot for you,’ it just made sense.”
Hawley represents the 139th Assembly District, which covers parts of Genesee, Orleans, and Monroe counties.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley with a map of the 139th Assembly District inside his new district office in the Cornell Coopeative Extension in Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens.
Members of emergency response, including Mercyflight EMS: Janel Koeth and Kyle Enzina; East Pembroke Fire District: Don Newton and Jen Groff; City of Batavia Fire Department: Jeff Whitcombe and Dalton Major; Le Roy Ambulance: Destin Danser; and Genesee County Emergency Management: Tyler Lang; took a few minutes for recognition during EMS Week with the Genesee County Legislature, represented here by Legislator Chad Klotzbach, back row left. Photo by Steven Falitico
This coming week will be a time to reflect on those first responders that provide vital medical services and lifesaving care 24 hours a day throughout the community, Genesee County legislators say.
The Legislature presented a proclamation Wednesday in advance of Emergency Medical Services Week, May 18 to 24, to thank those service men and women and offer recognition for what they do each day and night, seven days a week.
The proclamation continues:
WHEREAS, access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury, and
WHEREAS, emergency medical services has grown to fill a gap by providing important, out of hospital care, including preventative medicine, follow-up care, and access to telemedicine, and
WHEREAS, the emergency medical services system consists of first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, firefighters, police officers, educators, administrators, pre-hospital nurses, emergency nurses, emergency physicians, trained members of the public, and other out of hospital medical care providers, and
WHEREAS, members of emergency medical services teams, whether professional or volunteer, dedicate thousands of hours every year to specialized training and ongoing education to improve lifesaving abilities and skills, and
WHEREAS, it is fitting to acknowledge all contributions and achievements of our community’s Emergency Medical Services providers by celebrating Emergency Medical Services Week. Now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, in recognition of Emergency Medical Services Week the Genesee County Legislature does hereby acknowledge the EMS Strong theme: ‘We Care’ and encourages the community to show gratitude to our EMS staff for all their hard work and dedication.
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