Fourth graders today competed in Batavia's annual Fourth Grade Track Meet at Van Detta Stadium.

In 2019, the competition was held in Oakfield because the Van Detta was under construction and in 2020 the meet was canceled because of COVID-19, so this year's fourth-grade class is the first group of fourth graders to hold its meet in the new Van Detta Stadium. 

That's something they'll be bragging about in 50 years said Athletic Director Mike Bromley.

Press release:

U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Matthew Barber, 53, of Batavia, pled guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny to possession of child pornography following prior federal and state convictions relating to sexual abuse involving a minor.

The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that on May 20 officers with the U.S. Probation Department and New York State Parole conducted a search at the defendant’s residence.

Officers seized a cellular phone, which was found to contain images and videos of child pornography. A flash drive containing child pornography was also seized.

Barber possessed more than 1,000 images and 200 videos of child pornography on the two devices, some of which depicted prepubescent minors, violence, and the sexual abuse or exploitation of an infant or toddler.

In April 2007, the defendant was convicted on a federal charge of possessing child pornography, and a state charge of sexual abuse in the first degree.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Sliwinski; the Batavia Police Department, under the direction of Chief Shawn Heubusch; and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci.

Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 27 before Judge Skretny.

Previously: Batavia man who previously served time on child pornography charges indicted by Feds again

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, City Church, at its St. Anthony facility, has continued to offer free food to anybody who drives through on the distribution today. There was another distribution this morning with a line of cars stretched down Liberty Street and dozens of volunteers helping with the distribution.

A statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley on Gov. Cuomo's decision to end COVID-19 State of Emergency in NYS June 24:

“While this should’ve happened months ago when my colleagues and I in the Assembly Minority called on those in the Majority to restore checks and balances to state government, I am happy that a return to constitutional state government is imminent.

"The needless restrictions the governor mandated within our businesses, schools, places of worship and communities caused a great deal of struggle and suffering, so it is heartening to know the days of living at the mercy of the governor’s whims are coming to an end.”

Three Batavia High School student-athletes have signed letters of intent to continue both their studies and their sports careers in college.

Stone Siverling, above, will play basketball at Alfred State College. Pictured with him are: Jason Siverling, Holly Siverling, Coach Tim Stevens, Coach Buddy Brasky, Sawyer Silverling, Sheldon Silverling, and Morgan Murray.

Rebekah Daniszewski, center, will compete at Seton Hill University in track and field. Pictured are Paul Daniszewski, Douglas Daniszewski, Wendy Daniszewski, and Coach Dan Geiger.

Tyler Kleinbach, second from left, will swim at Genesee Community College. Pictured, David Kleinbach, Desire Kleinbach, and coaches Eric Geitner and Frank Dibacco.

Press release:

Statement by Melissa Fleischut, president and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association:

“While the lifting of the emergency order is a welcome milestone to the end of the pandemic, with it comes the sudden end to alcohol to-go. A permanent extension of alcohol-to-go is supported by 78 percent of New Yorkers, but the Legislature failed to extend it and now the Executive Order has ended.

"Only in New York would elected officials ignore an overwhelming majority of the public. Restaurants are struggling to find staff, keep up with rising costs and manage a limited supply of goods, and nearly two thirds of the applicants will not receive Restaurant Relief Funds. New York State must do more to help, not hurt, our restaurant industry.”

Press release:

Statement from NYSCEA President Marcus Molinaro on the End of COVID-19 State of Emergency:

"Today, we learned from a tweet that the Governor will end the COVID-19 State of Emergency, effective tomorrow (June 24). 

"This is yet another important milestone signaling the approaching end of a pandemic that so many heroic Americans have battled for over 16 grueling months.

"On behalf of the counties of New York, in addition to all those who played a critical role, I thank the leaders and government employees who were too often the unsung heroes in this pandemic. They all worked tirelessly, day and night saving lives and rebuilding our communities.

"Counties across New York led the local response to this catastrophe. County leaders were the onsite incident commanders, leading local emergency response, and our local health and mental health departments were the tip of the spear in administering the testing, tracing, and vaccination efforts that made this day possible. 

"And, on behalf of all county governments, I extend our heartfelt prayers to those who lost loved ones. We are committed to recovering and rebuilding in their memory and honor."

A traffic controller has contacted Genesee County Emergency Dispatch to report the sighting of a drone flying at 3,000 feet over Pembroke, apparently in the flight path for the Buffalo Airport.

It's illegal to fly a drone above 400 feet unless flying over a tall structure. 

A deputy has been dispatched to the area of Gorton Road and Phelps Road.

The drone is described as about two feet by two feet and silver.

Rebbecca Storm Wissinger, 29, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with: endangering the welfare of a child; custodial interference in the second degree; and second-degree harassment. Wissinger was arrested at 5:03 p.m. June 21 after an incident at GC Social Services on East Main Street Road in Batavia. It is alleged that she became physical with a third party while trying to take custody of her children, against a GC Family Court order. Following her arrest, she was released with appearance tickets to be in Batavia Town Court June 24. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Andrew Hale, assisted by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

Thomas Joseph Scheuerlein, 56, of Overlook Drive, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Following an incident at 4:48 p.m. June 21 in the Town of Batavia, Scheuerlein was arrested, arraigned in Alabama Town Court, then released. He is due in Genesee County Court on Aug. 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

Grace Crystal Murray, 22, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal trespass. At 11:50 a.m. on June 23, Murray was arrested on a bench warrant and arraigned in Batavia City Court, then "returned" on her own recognizance. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Zachary Hoy.

Interview with Dr. Ahmet Guler at the ribbon cutting last week for his new cardiology and wellness center at 34 Swan St., Suite 3, Batavia.

Press release:

The Salvation Army in partnership with Northgate Free Methodist Church in Batavia will be hosting their final food box distribution at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 28^th.

The distribution will take place at the church's north campus located at 8160 Bank Street Road. This is a drive-thru distribution.

Be sure your trunk/hatch are cleared out for the volunteers to place the boxes in your vehicle. You will need a photo ID for each household you will be picking up for.

There will be boxes of assorted fresh produce and boxes of assorted dairy items. The distribution will continue until the boxes are gone.

When lining up ahead of time please do not block traffic and stay in your vehicle until it is time to procede.

Sunset in Pavilion yesterday evening, submitted by Jeslene Beach.

Press release:

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation is getting back in the “swing”of things. We are “teeing off” with a new FUN-raiser and we are asking for some assistance in making this event a success.

“Links & Drinks” is a unique golf outing that will be held Aug. 14, 2021 at Terry Hills Golf Course, Batavia. This event will consist of nine holes of shenanigans, beverage tastings on select holes, chicken barbeque, music, and an evening full of fun.

Registration for golfers will begin at 3:30 p.m. followed by a shotgun start at 4 p.m.

Sponsorship opportunities are available as listed below, donations of gift cards or basket raffle items are also appreciated.

Sponsorship levels are as follows:

• Event Sponsor                 $500
• Music Sponsor                 $250
• Beverage Cart Sponsor   $200
• Hole Sponsor                   $100

If you would like to participate in the event, the costs are as follows:

• Golf Foursome               $320
• Dinner/Music                   $40

Join the “Club”and help us Lend a Hand for Hope and continue our mission of assisting families with the challenges of a pediatric cancer, supporting research in finding a cure, and providing grants for youth activities in Western New York communities.

Please let us know if you can help in any way by calling the Foundation phone at (585) 861-0550, Donna Kabel at (585) 993-1580, or Laurie Napoleone at (585) 409-3275.

Rebekah Daniszewski and Alex Hale received Batavia Coaches Association Athlete of the Year awards tonight at the Batavia High School Athletic Awards ceremony at Van Detta Stadium.

Athletic Director Mike Bromley presided over the event that recognized outstanding Blue Devil senior class student-athletes for their accomplishments over the four sport seasons in 2020-21.

Daniszewski, a Section V track and field champion in the shot put (indoor) and shot put and discus (outdoor), and Hale, a three-sport standout, each were given $50 and a plaque from the Coaches Association.

The Athlete of the Year award goes to a senior girl and boy for outstanding leadership, sportsmanship and athletic performance.

Daniszewski also received the Burk Family Scholarship for Excellence in Track and Community Service, a $300 award from the Batavia City School District Foundation, while Hale also was selected to receive the Daniel Van Detta Memorial Scholarship for football and baseball, a $250 award from the BCSD Foundation.

Jonah Epps III was the winner of the Thomas Ricci Memorial Scholarship for track and field and/or cross-country, a $500 check from the BCSD Foundation. He also received the Project Play WNY Multisport Athlete Award, which comes with a certificate, celebratory lawn sign and social media spotlight.

Jacob Long was named the Burk Family Scholarship for Excellence in Football and Community Service winner, earning a $300 check from the BCSD Foundation.

The Danny Lullo Memorial Football Scholarship went to Zachariah Brown, who received a $300 check from the BCSD Foundation.

Luke Rogers was selected to receive the Jason Gioia Memorial Scholarship for dedication to school and the community. The scholarship is for $500.

Other award winners are as follows:

• Outstanding Physical Education Student Award: Alexander Childs, Mykola Bartz, Lillian Whiting.
• Air Force Scholar Athlete: Luke Rogers, Tess Barone.
• Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete: Cooper Mattice, Isabella Houseknecht.
• Navy Outstanding Athlete Award: Zachary Gilebarto, Lillian Whiting.
• Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award: Bannon Moore (who also received the Judd Gouinlocke Memorial Scholarship), Haylee Thornley.
• Varsity Club Award: Chloe Torres Brown, Kathryn Fitzpatrick, Zachary Wagner, Natalie Clark, Evan Preston, Dallas Lama, Andresha Richardson, Chase Pangrazio, Jonah Luplow, Jianna Torcello, Elizabeth Kingston, Troy Helsdon, Stone Siverling, Tyler Kleinbach.
• Dr. Pierce Sportsmanship Award: Sean Pies, Sadie Loria.
• Batavia Coaches Association Scholar-Athlete Award: Kameron Kuszlyk, Sophie Beckman.
• Project Play WNY Multisport Athlete Awards: Jonah Epps III, Bryn Wormley.
• Batavia Lions Club Athletic Award: Jacob Long ($50).
• 1947 Club Athletic Awards: Faraz Idrees, Mackenzie Reigle.
• Certificates of Excellence: Zachariah Brown, Rebekah Daniszewski, Jonah Epps III, Ian Fuchs, Alex Hale, Faraz Idrees, Kameron Kuszlyk, Jacob Long, Jonah Luplow, Bannon Moorre, Chase Pangrazio, Sean Pies, Mackenzie Reigle, Bryn Wormley.

Several athletes were recognized for winning sectional titles. They were:

• Boys Swimming: Cooper Mattice.
• Wrestling: Cooper Stewart, Nicholas Lamkin.
• Indoor Track and Field: Jamarion Richardson, Gavin Konieczny, Noah Burke, Rebekah Daniszewski, Jesse Reinhart.
• Outdoor Track and Field: Fabian Vazquez, Isabella Walsh.

The labor market in Genesee County continued to tighten in May the number of people in the job market without a job dropped by 200 from the previous month.

In May 2021 in Genesee County, there were 1,200 people in the labor force without jobs according to NYS Labor Department data.

The unemployment rate is 4.2 percent, or similar to May 2017, when it was 4.3 percent. In May 2019, the rate was 3.2 percent. Last year, three months into the coronavirus pandemic, it was 11.1 percent.

Meanwhile, there are 1,057 open job positions listed with the Job Bureau in Genesee County, according to Director Teresa VanSon.

Also according to the state, there are 21,000 non-farm jobs that are filled in Genesee County, up 1,700 from 19,300 May 2020. The total private-sector jobs jumped from 14,200 to 15,900 year-over-year. Government jobs remained unchanged at 5,100.

From the city's Department of Public Works:

The City of Batavia Water Department is going to be repairing a water line at 10 Vernon Ave. at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 23. The repair will require the road to be shut down for through traffic. 

This will include emergency vehicles.

The road should be open by 3 p.m.

The City appreciates your patience while we perform this repair.

A caller reports a small child, about age 2, is driving a motorized scooter in and out of the roadway in the area of State Street and Lewis Place. City police are responding.

UPDATE 4:54 p.m.: An officer is speaking with someone about this call at State and Hutchins Place.