Press release:

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) today announced that the Route 20 (Broadway Road) bridge over Tonawanda Creek in the town of Alexander is being restricted, effective today, to vehicles weighing 14 tons or less. The shoulders are closed.

This posting is being put in place following a recent inspection and engineering analysis that revealed the bridge can no longer safely carry heavier vehicles in its current condition. Tractor-trailers and school and coach buses will not be able to use the bridge.

NYSDOT monitors bridge safety through a thorough and rigorous inspection program. All bridges are inspected at least every two years and are analyzed for their capacity to carry vehicular loads.

This bridge is located just east of the cloverleaf intersection with Route 98. Electronic message boards and several other signs are being placed at key locations along the Route 63, Route 98, Route 19, Route 77 and Route 20 corridors to inform commercial trucks.

Commercial truck drivers should also be aware the structure that carries Route 20 over Oatka Creek in the Town of Pavilion was recently posted at 22 tons.

State forces will be making temporary repairs to both structures over the next several weeks to raise the posting limits. A capital project to replace both structures is being advanced and is expected to be under construction in 2015.

Press release:

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer will hold a State Budget Forum at Batavia City Hall from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 8. This forum is an opportunity for residents to let their voice be heard on the 2014-2015 State Budget in the State Capitol.

“Since the Governor released his Executive Budget proposal, I have been working with my colleagues in the State Senate and State Assembly to scrutinize and review all aspects of the plan. I want to hear residents’ thoughts on the budget plan, too, so that I can share their views with my colleagues,” Ranzenhofer said. ”That is why I hope that residents will join me this Saturday to hear an update on the State Budget, and participate in a discussion and question-and-answer session on important issues impacting our community.”

The forum marks the second opportunity for residents to express their views with their representative in State government, after hosting a Town Hall telephone conference live from the State Capitol with thousands of constituents on Feb. 26.

Senator Ranzenhofer encourages residents to get the facts on the 2014-2015 Executive Budget proposal by visiting ranzenhofer.nysenate.gov.

“In an effort to keep residents informed, I have added a new Budget Information Page at my Web site," Ranzenhofer said. "It allows residents to review specific details of the Executive Budget, stay up-to-date on new developments, and share your input on the budget plan. By working together, I am hopeful that a balanced budget plan can be developed in a timely manner to help New York State move in the right direction.”

Residents not able to attend the State Budget Forum can still share their input with Senator Ranzenhofer by sending an e-mail to ranz@nysenate.gov or contacting the district office at (585) 454-0322.

Press release:

YWCA of Genesee County, Inc., is accepting nominations for this year's Fabulous Females Awards. Deadline for submissions is March 21. The awards will be presented during this year's "A Garden Party: Celebrating YWCA's Fabulous Females and Friends of Batavia Peace Garden" on May 10 at Terry Hills.

There are four award categories:

• Seedling is for a young lady between 12 and 17 who has demonstrated "perseverance and gumption" through adversity and a willingness to help out the community;
• Petal is for a woman from 18 to 30 who has shown her spirit through volunteer, professional and personal efforts to improve the community in some way;
• Blossom is for a special woman who has become an integral member of society in the way she "works, serves, speaks and behaves";
• Bouquet is a legacy award chosen from past recipients due to that woman's continuing efforts and contributions to the community.

Nomination forms for Fabulous Females are available online at www.ywcagenesee.org <http://www.ywcagenesee.org>  or at YWCA, 301 North St. in the City of Batavia. Event tickets are $35 each or $250 for a table of eight. For more information, call (585) 343-5808.

"We know there are many special women in Genesee County, and we look forward to highlighting four of them while honoring all of them during our dinner this year," YW Executive Director Jeanne Walton said. "It will be a beautifully decorated event to set the mood and complement those being recognized."

This year, YWCA has merged its efforts with Friends of Batavia Peace Garden to throw "A Garden Party" and honor supporters of the Peace Garden and Fabulous Females recipients. It's set for 5 p.m. May 10 at Terry Hills, Route 33.

The evening will include social hour, dinner, a special toast to award recipients and a garden hat contest. Organizers of both nonprofits promise that it will be a fun evening as it signals the start of an ongoing relationship.

"We are partners in peace to begin collaborations of nonprofits in Batavia," Peace Garden spokeswoman Marilyn Werner said. "This is the first step. Considering everything the YWCA stands for and everything the Peace Garden stands for, it makes sense for us to work together."

A driver involved in a two-car accident on Norton Road yesterday said he was had something in his left eye and was rubbing it while making a left-hand turn. As a result, he said, he never saw the car that hit his.

The other driver was taken to ECMC by Mercy Flight, were she was treated in the emergency room and released.

James J. Heschke, 60, of East Pembroke, was driving a 1998 Ford SUV south on Norton Road at 1:29 p.m. when he made a left-hand turn onto property owned by Torrey Farms at 7170 Norton Road.

At that point, he said, he had something in his left eye.

Amanda C. Demare, 19, of Barrville Road, Elba, was driving a 2000 Subaru SUV north on Norton Road.

Heschke said he never saw Demare's vehicle until they hit.

Demare's SUV was pushed into a utility pole off the east shoulder of the road. A telephone wire came down, but the pole appeared undamaged, according to the accident report.

Heschke received a citation for alleged failure to yield right of way.

Elba fire and Mercy EMS responded to the scene.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Brian Thompson.

(Initial Report)

Illustration: Diagram from accident report.

A Pembroke grandmother portrayed by state officials as a leader of a significant drug ring that sold cocaine and pills in a three-county area, including Genesee County, entered guilty pleas to two felony counts in a Buffalo court today.

Geraldine Horsefall faces a possible seven year jail sentence after admitting to criminal possession of a controlled substance, 5th, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd.

Another person arrested as part of the months-long, multi-agency law enforcement investigation, Michelle King, entered a guilty plea to criminal sale of a controlled substance, 4th. She is facing a possible judicial diversion sentence.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced the break up of the drug ring Jan. 28 in Buffalo.

Schneiderman said Horsefall's operation moved a significant amount of cocaine, which was transported by couriers from Florida to WNY in the soles of tennis shoes.

King was accused of providing pills from a doctor's office where she worked to the drug ring.

Press release:

The region’s largest seasonal employer is looking to fill approximately 2,500 open positions across its operations, including the amusement park, water park, lodging, entertainment, food, and retail departments.

More than 50 percent of eligible employees from 2013 plan to return to Darien Lake this season, including local area teachers, seniors, high school and college students. Returning employees, along with new team members, will support weekend and holiday operations starting May 10, with daily park operations beginning June 13. Staffing levels adjust during these time periods and increase once the season is in full swing. 

"There’s something special about working a summer job at Darien Lake,” said Jan Peters, Darien Lake director of human resources. “We’re looking for energetic, friendly applicants of all ages and backgrounds who are interested in learning new skills and helping to create memorable experiences for our guests. It’s hard not to have a fantastic summer when you’re around great people in an environment that’s as fun as Darien Lake.”

Immediate opportunities are available in food services, park services, ride operations, retail, accommodations, campground housekeeping, games, gift shop sales, aquatic operations, skilled trades and park maintenance, entertainment, guest services, safety and security.

Interested applicants can apply online at www.DarienLake.com/jobs or call the Darien Lake Job Line at 585-599-5108.

Press release:

Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation today reacted to media reports of the Seneca Nation of Indians’ purchase of 32 acres in the Town of Henrietta as a potential site for a gaming casino.

“Today’s announcement by the Seneca Nation of a significant land purchase in Henrietta for a casino gaming facility should not come as a shock to anyone,” said Michael P. Nolan, executive vice president/COO of WROTB. “Despite the fact that the casino compact of 2002 specifically allows them to operate only three casinos in the region, the Senecas never had any intention of abiding by the terms of that agreement. This land purchase only reinforces that point. The compact also provides that they will not use any of the Seneca Settlement Act funds for another casino. The use of these funds for another casino shows another potential breach of the compact by the Senecas.”

In 2002, the Seneca Nation signed a gaming compact with the State of New York, under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which allowed the Seneca Nation to operate three “class III gaming” casino facilities. The Seneca Nation currently operates casinos in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Salamanca. 

With the land purchase by the Seneca Nation, Nolan believes that community opposition will grow exponentially.

“There is already significant opposition to the casino from residents of Henrietta, the business community, church and civic organizations, and a multitude of town boards and county legislative bodies throughout the region,” Nolan said. “Now that the Senecas’ intentions have taken a much more serious turn with the land purchase, I fully expect opposition to grow in terms of both numbers and intensity.”

Nolan vowed to work with local communities and opposition groups to stop casino gaming in Henrietta.

“This region is oversaturated with casino gaming, and another facility will cause irreparable harm to thousands of businesses, families, and municipalities throughout the region,” Nolan said.

Owned and operated by 15 Western New York counties and the cities of Rochester and Buffalo, Western Regional OTB is a public benefit corporation with headquarters in Batavia, NY. WROTB owns and operates 31 branches, as well as Batavia Downs Gaming, a standard bred racetrack and gaming facility.

Press release:

Vibrant Batavia and City leaders have scheduled meetings to include four designated neighborhoods in the series “Bringing Neighborhoods Together.” The purpose of the series is to follow up from the Coffee Talk hosted last fall and allow more opportunity for questions and sharing concerns. Other topics will include crime prevention and brainstorming on street-wide events and beautification projects for the Spring 2014. Postcard invitations will be mailed to residents within the designated neighborhoods.

Bringing Neighborhoods Together will encourage discussions about neighborhood concerns and start to list projects that will build confidence and pride in their community. Candidates will be recruited in each neighborhood to lead future neighborhood functions, such as block parties, neighborhood clean-up, neighborhood garage sales, etc.

Refreshments and snacks will be served at each of these events hosted 6-8 p.m. at City Hall. Residents living in the designated neighborhood are invited to attend on the following dates:

Southside (South of Ellicott Street, east of Tonawanda Creek)
Date: March 19

West Wedge (Southwest of the Tonawanda Creek)
Date: March 26

West End (North of Tonawanda Creek, west of Oak Street)
Date: April 2

Central Park District (North of Main Street, east of Oak Street and west of Bank Street)
Date: April 9

Vibrant Batavia is a community network organized to celebrate the past, build on the present and to create a more vibrant future. The volunteers work side-by-side with the City of Batavia, NeighborWorks® Rochester and the business community to strategically improve the City's neighborhoods and to promote a livable community of choice.

It's been another chilly day in Genesee County, but at least the sun's been out.

There is a wind-chill advisory in place for tonight starting at 6 p.m. Single-digit temperatures combined with winds of 10 to 15 mph should produce a wind chill of minus 15.

Photo: Kibbe Park, Batavia.

Three trees were removed by National Grid contractors today from Farrell Park as part of a project by the city this winter to take out 31 problem trees.

Two of the trees were diseased and the falling branches presented a hazard for children playing in the park. Another tree was a black walnut and the walnuts on the ground were a hazard for children, but also some youths were throwing them against the bathroom building and pavilion causing damage and trying to flush them down the toilets, causing damage.

The city intends to plant new trees, perhaps cherry or some other springtime flowering tree.

The Pavilion Fire Department received a $2,500 donation today from the Monsanto Fund, thanks to Roberta Klapper, of Noblehurst Farms.

Nate Holt, district sales manager for Monsanto, explained that the company started a program four years ago of making a donation to the charity of a farmer's choice in select counties across the nation. Each year, there are donations in more than 1,200 counties in 39 states.

It's not unusual for the selected farmer to pick a local fire department for the donation, Holt said.

"As I've done this over the years, it's been a chance to educate myself about volunteer fire departments," Holt said. "We tend to think that being a fire department they get funding through taxpayers, but no, that's not entirely the case. A good amount of their funding comes from chicken BBQs, pancake dinners, fundraising events that get them the money they need to support us when we need them the most."

Klapper said she appreciates what the volunteers in Pavilion do to keep the community safe.

"It's one of those organizations we all hope we never have to call upon, but when we do, we're glad to know they're there," Klapper said. "As a volunteer organization, we know they struggle with funds and we wanted to do what we could to help them."

Pictured are Roberta Klapper, representing Noblehurst Farms, Nate Holt, regional sales manager for Monsanto, Chad Freeman, Pavilion fire chief, and Doug Wright, Pavilion Fire District president.

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at 7170 Norton Road. Elba Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding, along with mutual aid from Town of Batavia fire. The location is between Edgerton and Ford roads. One subject "is now conscious but not alert."

UPDATE 1:39 p.m.: A crew is asked to be ready to set up a landing zone for Mercy Flight, if it is needed.

UPDATE 1:41 p.m.: Fire police are asked to shut down Norton at Ford Road and at Edgerton Road.

UPDATE 1:53 p.m.: Mercy Flight was called to the scene and is about to land.

UPDATE: Patient transported to ECMC. Elba cleared the scene shortly after 2 p.m.

Joshua Lee Baltz, 37, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Baltz allegedly was found to be carrying marijuana while entering the City Court facility.

John Robert Gerhardt, 64, of Centerline Road, Varysburg, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and moving from lane unsafely. Gerhardt was stopped at 6:32 p.m. Friday on River Street, Batavia, by Deputy James Diehl.

Lisa M. Durham, 42, of Thorpe Street, Batavia, is charged with misapplication of property and falsifying business records, 1st. Durham allegedly rented merchandise from Rent-A-Center and pawned it at Pawn King.

Steven Michael Meyers, 34, of East Bethany - Le Roy Road, Bethany, is charged with menacing, 2nd. Meyers allegedly displayed a firearm during a dispute with another person.

Jenae M. Macleod, 29, of Genesee Street, Corfu, was arrested on a bench warrant out of City Court. Macleod was located by deputies from the Erie County Sheriff's Office during an investigation of an incident and discovered to have an active warrant. She was turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, arraigned, and jailed on $500 bail.

Tracy A. Hilton Sr., 33, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Hilton was allegedly involved in a domestic incident at 12:07 a.m. Saturday.

Tyler D. Macey, 18, of Grandview Terrace, Batavia, is charged with strangulation, 2nd, acting in a manor likely to be injurious to a child and assault, 3rd. Macey is accused of being involved in a domestic incident.

Joshua A. Laraby, 23, of Byron, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and a traffic violation. Laraby was stopped at 5:56 p.m. Friday by State Police.

Daniel J. Laudico, 20, of Elba, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right and speeding. Laudico was stopped at 1:02 a.m. Sunday on North Byron Road, Elba, by State Police.

After losing five starters from last year’s state semi-final team, not many people expected Batavia to reach the sectional finals this season…but they did.

Unfortunately, the magic ran out in the Class A2 at Blue Cross Arena tonight, as Geneva rolled to a 63-30 win.

The Blue Devils never led in the contest, as the Panthers dominated from start to finish.

“They’re very good, they have a lot of weapons,” said Batavia Head Coach Buddy Brasky. “Their game plan was good. They sat a few guys in the paint, and whenever Justice (Fagan) and Jeff (Redband) would get by their man, there would be two more waiting for them.”

Batavia hung tough in the first quarter, trailing by just five. But the second quarter was all Geneva.

The Panthers outscored the Blue Devils 17-3 in the frame and cruised into halftime with a 30-11 lead.

Batavia struggled to find their shot all night, as Redband scored all 11 of the team’s points in the first half and the team shot just 32 percent from the field for the game.

Geneva also cleaned the glass with ease all night, keeping Batavia without an offensive rebound until midway through the third quarter as James Sims Jr. and Terrell Johnson Jr. had their way.

“They were bigger and stronger than we were,” Brasky said. “They doubled our rebounding total; they killed us on the boards. They played better than us in every facet of the game.”

While Sims and Johnson took care of business inside, that left Steven Dolgos open all night and he responded with a season-high 19 points.

“Our concern was keeping Johnson and Sims away from the basket,” Brasky said. “We wanted to close out short and sag in to keep them away from the basket. He took advantage of what we were giving him.”

Dolgos was name tournament MVP after going 5-of-8 from behind the three-point arc.

While Redband had a respectable game, scoring 16 points, Justice Fagan never got going.

The senior who has been reliable all season long, was held to just five points on 2-of-7 shooting by Geneva’s Akia Johnson.

“He did a nice job, but it was more than just him,” Brasky said. “Any time Justice beat him, they had an extra guy standing right in the lane. They weren’t guarding a couple of our guys; they just stood them in the lane, so it was tough for Justice to get to the basket.”

Despite a tough end to the season, Batavia far surpassed many expectations from the start of the season.

“They’re a great group of kids,” Brasky said. “They were a true team, they played their role. We had no problems; they did everything I asked them to do. All they wanted to do was win. If they didn’t play their roles like that, they wouldn’t have gone to a sectional final this year. My hat is off to my team and I’m very proud to be their coach.”

Batavia finishes the season 14-6, while Geneva (19-2) advances to play Rochester East in the Class A regional play-in game.

Photos by Howard Owens.

To purchase prints, click here.

The basement of a home at the end of the street on Dawson Place in Batavia is flooding. According to city fire command on scene, it's already a foot deep and more water is flowing in with no way to stop it. So a city public works crew is going to have to shut down the water supply on the street temporarily to repair a broken pipe. It is said to be an ongoing problem on that street because of the configuration of the pipes. "We'll keep our fingers crossed," says command, hoping that the problem can be resolved quickly.

A one-vehicle rollover, just a minor injury, possibly a sign-off, is reported at 10719 Bethany Center Road. Bethany Fire Department is responding. The location is between Linden Road and Route 20.

UPDATE 3:48 p.m.: The Bethany assignment is back in service.

What more can Notre Dame Head Coach Mike Rapone accomplish in his career?

He became the first coach in Section V history to reach 600 wins. He’s won two state championships, 30 Genesee Region League championships, and after a 62-37 victory over Jasper-Troupsburg in the Class D1 final, he tied the Section V record for most sectional titles with nine.

“It’s all about the kids,” Rapone said. “The kids are the ones who earn it. We’re just along for the ride. It’s fun coaching these kids. It’s fun coming to practice every day. It’s the small reward I have for the great opportunity I have.”

Things looked bleak early for Notre Dame, as they found themselves down by 7 after the first quarter and as many as 10 at one point. But then they got some instant offense from perhaps an unlikely source.

Senior reserve Jason Hart (and Rapone’s neighbor) came off the bench to knock down four three-pointers in the first half to help propel the Irish back in front.

Hart would finish 5-for-5 from long range for the game and finished with a season-high 15 points.

“I was nervous coming into the game,” Hart said. “Coach made me the sixth man this year. He told me my role was to come off the bench and be a spark. Everybody knows their roles on this team and I filled mine today.”

The Fighting Irish outscored Jasper-Troupsburg 19-8 in the second quarter and were able to take a 30-26 lead into halftime and never looked back.

“We made a couple of changes on defense,” Rapone said. “That’s the way we’ve been playing all year. We’ve been playing good defense all year. And we have a few players that can make shots if they’re left open.”

The second half was all Notre Dame.

The Irish came out on fire to start the third quarter, opening on an 18-3 run.

Senior Alec Covel was a huge part of the surge, as he scored all 11 of his points on that streak, knocking down his first four shots of the second half.

If you are wondering why Tim McCulley hasn’t been mentioned, don’t worry.

McCulley had another monster game, scoring 16 of his game-high 24 points in the first half, while pulling down nine rebounds, dishing out four assists and making four steals.

“Tim is so steady, you don’t even notice what he’s doing,” Rapone said. “He kept chipping away and getting some baskets. Then Covel got hot to start the second half and broke it open.”

McCulley’s effort earned him tournament MVP honors, making him just the third player in school history to be selected to three sectional all-tournament teams.

“We’re on a big stage,” McCulley said. “Everyone was just so excited to be there. It’s just something so special. These are like my best friends, it means a lot.”

With his 9th sectional title in 18 championship game appearances, Rapone ties former Lyons Head Coach Dean Schott for most championships in the open tournament era (1975). It is quite remarkable, considering that Notre Dame had lost two out of three and was just 4-2 when the New Year began.

“We have seven or eight kids that are really good players, who don’t have every aspect of their game,” Rapone said. “We have a lot of good role players, and that showed tonight. I’m just so proud of these guys, because at the beginning of the year I didn’t know if we’d get there. We were struggling with people accepting their roles, but since January I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

Covel and Hart joined McCulley on the all-tournament team, as they combined to go 8-of-10 from beyond the three-point arc.

Bryan Guild led the way for Jasper-Troupsburg (18-3) with 11 points and five rebounds, while Dalton Cady added 10 points and seven rebounds.

Notre Dame (18-3) will next take on Houghton Academy (12-10), who defeated RCMCS in the Class D1 title game 75-55.

The game will be played Tuesday at Letchworth High School, with tip-off at 7 p.m. The winner will represent Section V in the Far West Regional next Saturday at Buffalo State College.

Photos by Howard Owens.

To purchase photos, click here.