At least 400 people entered the labor force in Genesee County from March to April, according to the latest data released by the New York State Department of Labor.

That puts the total size of the labor force at 29,400, with 1,300 people classified as unemployment, which puts the unemployment rate at 4.6 percent.

A year ago in April, the unemployment rate was 4.5 percent in the county.

Over the past year, the county's labor force has declined by approximately 500 people. It's difficult to pinpoint the reason for the decline, but Baby Boomers reaching retirement age could be a factor.

The total number of employed residents 28,100. A year ago in April, it was 28,600 and in March it was 27,500.

The unemployment rate in the GLOW region is 5.0, the same as a year ago. 

In Rochester, it's 4.6 percent. In Buffalo, it's 5.0. For the state, it's 4.2. For the nation, it's 4.1 percent.

Press release:

Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School’s seventh-graders began a new tradition on May 18 with their participation in the Village of Bergen’s Community Action Day.

The entire Class of 2022, along with counselors, teachers and school administrators, rolled up their sleeves and helped plant flowers and trees in the village green spaces. Two of the new trees planted in Hickory Park were dedicated to the Class, and will grow right along with them for years into the future.

"It was such a rewarding experience for our students,” said Principal Patrick McGee. “This is the first year the school has partnered with the Village of Bergen on Community Action Day and we would like to make this a tradition. Not only in the Village of Bergen but in Byron as well.”

“We truly believe that the school-community partnership is essential for creating pride in our community. Listening to our kids talk about how much they enjoyed volunteering is what it is all about."

The first work toward revitalizing the Della Penna buildings into Ellicott Station -- apartments, office space, a restaurant, and brewery -- began today with a contractor digging test pits and checking soil samples.

The tests are the first step in any contamination remediation process. The tests will provide officials with information on the scope of any remediation that is needed.

The old industrial parcel on Ellicott Street will undergo a $17 million transformation that will eventually bring in Buffalo's Resurgence Brewing Company as the anchor tenant.

For previous coverage, click here.

Tawny L. Collazo, 32, of Swan Street, Dunkirk, is charged with DWI, felony DWI with passengers under 16 years of age, and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Collazo was stopped at 12:48 a.m. on Main Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Jeremy McClellan. Collazo is accused of driving drunk with two children under age of 16 in the vehicle. Collazo was released on an appearance ticket.

Cindy Starr, the town clerk, brought Pavilion Day back in 2013. Before then, it had been more than 20 years since it was last held.

This year, the Pavilion High School Band will play at 10 a.m. with Mike Seege, a magician from Cheektowaga, performing at 11:30.

Starr said she is looking for bakers for a dessert contest. If anyone is interested, contact her at 584-3850.

Press release:

To all Village of Elba residents who have received easement notices for the new water project:

If you have received notice of a temporary easement for your property and have not signed and returned it yet, or if you have received notice of a permanent easement for your property that needs to be signed, notarized and returned, please plan to attend a meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, at the Town of Elba conference room at the town office on Maple Avenue.

The project engineer, Jason Foote from Clark Patterson, will be there to answer any questions. If you are unable to attend the meeting, you may call Jason at 402-7505.

Barry Flansburg, Elba's tax assessor, will also be in attendance for those who need to have their paperwork notarized. Original easements to be signed will be available Monday - Friday between 8 and 10 a.m. in Barry's office on Maple Avenue, Elba.

This is an important part of the process that needs to be completed in order for the Village of Elba to move forward in replacing the old water lines.

Press release:

"What is the biggest challenge you face in your business?" is a question often asked by the Agri-Business Academy students during tours of local agriculture businesses. The answer is almost always the same. "Labor."

The challenge of finding dependable, hardworking individuals for stable, well-paying careers in agriculture has been a constant battle for agriculturalists for years. As the instructor of the Agri-Business Academy, I've spoken with local agribusiness people from more than 100 local agribusinesses and the need for good employees is a common thread.

The common misconception is that these are not careers, but physically demanding jobs that do not require a college degree and involve a way of life that many would not willingly choose. Today, agribusinesses are usually seeking applicants with college degrees, technology and management experience, and business and communication skills. What is most important is that the compensation aligns with these requirements. In addition, the benefits and satisfaction that comes from working in the agriculture industry is unlike any other.

Agriculture continues to be the number one industry in Genesee County and the driving force of the local economy. When students of the Agri-Business Academy toured Torrey Farms, among the largest agribusinesses in New York state, they heard Maureen Torrey Marshall explain that Torrey Farms does not simply employ a few people in the surrounding community.

She described the multiplier effect, which means that other businesses, such as trucking companies, mechanic shops, equipment dealerships, transportation hubs, technology, fuel and fertilizer suppliers, and many others are all part of the agribusiness economy. Most people do not recognize the many different aspects of agriculture and the need for individuals with a broad array of interests and expertise. Animal and plant systems, food products and processing, agricultural mechanics, precision agriculture, agribusiness networks, international trade, environmental and conservation systems, and energy use are just a few of the trades under umbrella of agriculture.

To ensure that the agriculture community has the employees they need to thrive, and to continue to be the bedrock of our community the Agri-Business Academy is again seeking high school seniors to learn about careers in all aspects of agriculture. The Agri-Business Academy is a one-year partnership program between the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership and Genesee Community College.

Through this program, the students earn 15 college credits through the ACE program at Genesee Community College. They spend half the school day in the Agri-Business Academy enrolled in the following five college courses: Western New York Agriculture, Career and Educational Planning, Principles of Business, Principles of Biology and Public Speaking.

Throughout the year students tour area agribusinesses to learn and experience these businesses, job shadow professional producers and at the end of the year each student participates in a two-week internship. This year's Agri-business Academy students are working at their internships experiencing many different aspects of agribusiness -- from robotic and organic dairies to maple syrup and crop management and much more.

The following locations throughout Western New York are currently sponsoring student internships: DeLaval Dairy Services in Corfu, WBB Farm in Alden, Beaver Meadows Audubon Center in North Java, Merle Maple Farm in Attica, Cottonwood Farms in Pavilion, Cornell Cooperative Extension in Wyoming County, Schierberdale Holsteins, Perry and WNY Crop Management in Warsaw.

If you know of a current junior or underclassman who is interested in business or agriculture, or is unsure of a career path, please encourage them to apply for the Agri-Business Academy at the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. Through the Agri-Business Academy, students explore the plethora of wonderful careers available to them -- locally, internationally or often it is a dynamic blend of both.

Whether they like working inside or outside, with their hands or crunching numbers, handling heavy equipment or studying the nuances of soil (agronomy), tending to livestock or discovering how technology can help feed the world-the "Ag Academy" is a career starter.

Jack Klapper, an Agri-Business Academy graduate and Cornell University assistant men's basketball coach, said, "I would recommend this academy to anyone, whether they are pursuing a career in agriculture or not. The life skills I developed in this program are some of the best skills I have ever learned."

Applications are available at http://www.genesee.edu/home/ace/career-pathways/agri-business-academy/.

The first 20 students to submit their application will receive a free Genesee Community College flash drive wristband.

Questions? Please do not hesitate to contact me at 585-344-7783 or kirchardson3@gvboces.org. Check out the Agri-Business Academy on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Agri-Business-Academy-680673051998953/

Top photo: Agri-business Academy student Cherie Glosser of Warsaw High School with calf at Post Dairy Farms.

Agri-Business Academy students at Torrey Farms, in Elba.

Agri-Business Academy students at Porter Farms in Elba.

Agri-Business Academy students at SJ Starowitz Farm, in Byron.

The Corfu Free Library is now a school district public library, after the vote passed by residents of the Pembroke Central School District on May 16.  

Diana Reding, the library director, said the school will collect and levy the tax for the library, but the library will remain a separate entity from the district.

“Now, we will no longer be asking the Village of Corfu, the Town of Pembroke and the Town of Darien for the funds that previously supported the library,” Reding said.

Tony Kutter, a member of the board of directors at the Corfu Free Library, said he is amazed at what it offers.

“Every small community is losing their businesses, but we don’t want to lose our library,” Kutter said. “Now things have changed, with social media, but you still have to go to the library.”

The Corfu Free Library has fiction and nonfiction books, books on CD, magazines, DVDs, video games, printing, copying and faxing. The library is free to residents of Genesee, Niagara and Orleans counties. Nonresidents can also obtain library cards if they are employed or attend school in Genesee County.  

Kutter said he has lived in the area all his life and the library has always been a part of the community where people always go.

“As I raised my children, they were exposed to Sesame Street and story hours at libraries,” Kutter said. “I think it’s very important for these children to have a library to go to.”

Reding said the story hour program has been around for many years.

“It’s great because we have grandparents bringing their grandchildren and parents whose children aren’t old enough to go to daycare,” Reding said. “The kids get a chance to come here and socialize, and see their peers. The parents also get a chance to socialize. It becomes a community social.”

The mission of the library is to provide everyone in the community with a welcoming environment where there is equal access to knowledge and technology to inspire learning and personal growth.

“Once you retire, I find a lot of people don’t have the motivation to read,” Kutter said. “If you just stop when you retire, that’s not healthy mentally.”

The Corfu Free Library started as the Franklin Library Association 1819.

Twenty residents from the towns of Alexander and Pembroke formed the association in honor of Benjamin Franklin. The Corfu Ladies Library was then organized in 1872.

The Corfu Library was formed in 1920, after the Corfu Study Club was granted a provisional charter as The Corfu Free Library Association. In 1927, the library was moved to its current location at 7 Maple Ave.

Reding said she has seen lots of changes in the library over the last few years.

“Even in the last few years that I’ve been here, we’ve introduced two new digital services,” Reding said. “For me, it has been a balancing act between having our typical New York Times bestsellers versus trying to introduce the new platforms.”

Kutter and Reding both said they hope to see an increase in members of the library in the future.

“Life is more stressful nowadays,” Kutter said. “There’s only so many hours in a day. We’re competing against a lot of things.”

James L. Ozzello, 29, of Kathryns Way, Livonia, is charged with: pedestrian failed to yield right of way to a vehicle; pedestrian proceeded into the path of a vehicle; disorderly conduct; and resisting arrest. The alleged incident was reported at 2 a.m. Saturday on West Main Street, Batavia. Ozzello was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Geoffrey M. Anderson, 51, no permanent address, was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear. He was jailed without bail.

Bonnie Mae Marrocco, 47, of Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. During an argument, Marrocco allegedly damaged property of another person with a value of more than $250.

Rebecca A. Edwards, 23, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Edwards was arrested on a warrant and jailed on $500 bail.

Wendy Lee Henry, 32, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration. Henry allegedly interfered with a medical situation at 4:08 a.m. Friday at a residence on Central Avenue.

Christopher S. Usselman, 25, of Hamilton Street, Albion, is charged with criminal impersonation, 2nd, two counts of aggravated unauthorized operation, 2nd, open alcoholic beverage in motor vehicle, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Usselman was stopped at 1:49 a.m. Friday on West Main Street, Batavia, for an alleged traffic violation by Officer Mitchell Cowen. Usselman allegedly initially gave the officer the name of another person for his identity. Further investigation allegedly led to the discovery of an open container of an alcoholic beverage in the vehicle, marijuana and a revoked driver's license.

Bleyke Z. Culver, 20, of Willow Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct, trespass, and criminal mischief, 3rd. Batavia PD responded to a residence on Maple Street at 8:02 p.m. Friday for a report of a disturbance involving several people. Police were able to separate the parties and after an investigation, Culver was arrested. Culver was jailed (bail status not included in press release). Also arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, Laqueasha M. Taylor, 23, of Bank Street, Batavia.

Bryan S. Harris, 35, of Stratford Road, Buffalo, was arrested on a warrant stemming from an incident reported at 9 a.m., Feb. 23, 2015. No further details released.

Sandra Ann Muhs, 50, of South Street Road, Pavilion, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, failure to keep right, and unsafe tires. Muhs was arrested by Deputy Mathew Clor following the report of a motor-vehicle accident, no injuries, at 5:56 a.m. Tuesday in the area of 9778 South Street Road, Pavilion.

Corey B. Rieser, 29, of Darien Center, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, insecure license plate, and visibility distorted by broken glass. Rieser was stopped in the Town of Sheldon by Sgt. Colin Reagan, Wyoming County Sheriff's Office, for alleged traffic violations. He was jailed on $500 bail or $2,500 bond.

Press release:

The Botts Fiorito American Legion Auxiliary 576 announces that the 2017 Poppy Girl is Ellison Williams, who is a third-grader at Wolcott Street School in Le Roy. She is the daughter of Dave and Mindy Williams, Granddaughter of Dave and Bee Hyde and Jim and Peggy Williams.

She comes to the Auxiliary from a long line of American Legion Members her Great Grandparents were  Hank and Mary Zimmerman. Ellison participates in dance and also enjoys drawing, playing basketball, volleyball and swimming.  

Ellison will be at Tops Market on Saturday with Poppies please stop by to meet her. Also, Poppies will be available at Tops Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 10 a.m.

Press release:

The Turn 27 Blue coalition is pleased to report that the coalition's process for identifying and assisting candidates who would like to run for Congress in 2018 against Chris Collins in New York's 27th district is exceeding expectations -- 10 candidates so far have submitted cover letters describing their intentions and resumes; it is anticipated more candidates will follow.

Democratic county chairs in the district along with several grassroots leaders held a meeting with seven of those candidates last Thursday in Batavia; a second session will be offered for candidates who were unable able to attend the first meeting. Each prospective nominee gave a brief presentation and answered questions from members of the coalition.

"This was a really exciting event for us," said Judith Hunter, Livingston County Democratic chair and Turn 27 Blue coordinator. "We heard from several people who weren't just plausible candidates but plausible members of Congress.

"Every single one of them was motivated by the desire to serve the district and its constituents, rather than by a desire to promote themselves or a party or an ideology."

"What a refreshing contrast to Representative Chris Collins, who is too busy running to cable televisions studios, fending off an ethics investigation for insider trading, and fundraising from pharmaceutical industry lobbyists to be bothered with actually meeting with his constituents to hear their concerns," said Michelle Johnston Schoeneman of Citizens Against Collins. "These candidates who met with us truly seemed to aspire to the ideal of public service."

Jeremy Zellner, Erie County Democratic chair, noted, "We're laying the groundwork here for success in November of 2018. Each of these prospective nominees has his or her own timeline for announcing, so we're going to respect that and keep their names confidential at this point. But they're serious people who are putting in the work, and we want to help them however we can." 

In addition to the ongoing advice the leaders are providing, they have also set up a NY-27 2018 nominee fund on ActBlue.com as a vehicle for those want to contribute today to defeating Chris Collins next year.

"There's just so much energy out there right now to accomplish this, and we're making sure ordinary voters in the district can do something constructive right now," said Cynthia Appleton, the Wyoming County Democratic chair.

Although the Turn 27 Blue leaders want to emphasize that they are open to hearing from more possible candidates, they would like to stress that getting started as soon as possible increases a campaign's chance of ultimate success. Those who are interested should email a cover letter and resume to Judith Hunter at Chair@livingstondemocrats.org.

Judith Hunter, Livingston County Democratic chair
Jeremy Zellner, Erie County Democratic chair
Nick Forster, Niagara County Democratic chair
Jeanne Crane, Orleans County Democratic chair
Michael Plitt, Genesee County Democratic chair
Cynthia Appleton, Wyoming County Democratic chair
Jamie Romeo, Monroe County Democratic chair
John Hurley, Ontario County Democratic chair
Michelle Johnston Shoeneman, Citizens Against Collins
Amber Hainey, GLOW Progressives
Dan Beagley, Indivisible NY 27
Tom White, Sister District of Western New York

Press release:

We are thrilled to announce that Lowe’s has awarded the Le Roy Jr. /Sr. High School $3,500 in funding for our “Builders Club” project.

The grant was written as a collaboration between our instructional tech coach, Jen Bertrand, and our Technology Education teacher, Matt Kleehammer. The grant application was based on the goal of an authentic opportunity for our students to project plan, build, create, and connect with our school and surrounding community.

We look forward to sharing the “Builders Club” with the Le Roy community. We expect that this project will be up and running this September with students able to take real-time staff or community building requests and turn them into a reality.

Our school and community will greatly benefit from this grant. We wish to thank our friends at Lowe’s for generously supporting this important project! 

All K-12 public schools in the United States are eligible for the Toolbox for Education program. More information is available at www.ToolboxforEducation.com.

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs, Genesee County’s only professional sports franchise and the Single-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, are excited to announce the release of their promotional schedule for the 2017 season. This year’s schedule will once again feature fireworks, giveaways, special events and daily promotions. 

This year’s promotional schedule is jam packed with fun and amazing values. Throughout the 2017 season, the Muckdogs will feature six fireworks shows, eight giveaway nights, Bark in the Park and the annual post-game helicopter candy drop. This year will also feature a “Turn Back the Clock” game where all tickets are just $5 and hot dogs and soda that night will cost just $1.

Highlights of the 2017 Promotional Schedule include:

Opening Day/Magnet Schedule Giveaway

Monday, June 19^th

Pre-Game Chicken Wing Eating Contest

Monday, June 26th

Independence Day Celebration Fireworks

Tuesday, July 4^th

T-Shirts Etc. 20^th Anniversary Night & T-Shirt Giveaway

Saturday, July 15^th  

Irish Night 

Thursday, July 20^th

Downtown Batavia Night 

Thursday, July 27^th

Former Buffalo Bills LB Ray Bentley Autograph Appearance & Book Giveaway

Saturday, July 29^th  

Muckdogs Note Pad Giveaway

Saturday, Aug. 5^th

Post-Game Helicopter Candy Drop

Sunday, Aug. 6^th

Batavia Lions Club Bike Raffle

Monday, Aug. 7^th

Turn Back the Clock Night 

Thursday, Aug. 17^th

Team Photo Giveaway

Saturday, Aug. 19^th & 26^th

Bark in the Park 

Sunday, Aug. 20^th

Fireworks Nights will be as follows: July 4^th, July 14^th, July 21^st, July 28^th, Aug. 4^th and Aug. 18^th. 

The Muckdogs will once again offer fans a daily menu of money-saving promotions available throughout the season. 

The Muckdogs daily promotions lineup is as follows: 

• Mondays: Muckdog Monday presented by The Daily News: With a coupon from the Saturday edition of The Daily News, fans can purchase buy one get one free General Admission tickets. 
• Tuesdays: Kids’ Tuesday Night Tickets courtesy of New York’s 529 College Savings Program: The first 50 kids accompanied by an adult receive a free General Admission ticket. 
• Wednesdays: Family 4-Pack Night: Fans can purchase four General Admission tickets, four hot dogs, four 12-oz. sodas and a 2017 program for just $32, a savings of $19.00. 
• Thursdays: Kids Eat Free courtesy of Bob Evans Restaurants: The first 100 kids 12 and under receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soda, and snack item. 
• Fridays: Post-game fireworks will light up the sky after every Friday night home game. 
• Saturdays: Dollar Draft Saturday: From 6-7 p.m., 12-oz. Bud Light and Genny Light drafts are just $1. 
• Sundays: Post-Game Run the Bases with Homer presented by Bob Evans Restaurant: Kids have the opportunity to run the bases with Homer after the game and receive a coupon from Bob Evans Restaurant in Batavia. Seniors Eat Free courtesy of The Williams Law Firm: The first 100 seniors 60 and over receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soda/coffee, and a snack item. 

For a complete promotional schedule, go to www.muckdogs.com or call the Muckdogs office at (585)343-5454. 

The Muckdogs open their 2017 home schedule on Monday, June 19^th vs. the Auburn Doubledays at 7:05 p.m. Muckdogs’ season tickets, coupon books, group tickets and ticket packages are on sale now. Individual tickets went on sale Monday.

City Ladder 15 and Engine 11 were called to the Senior Center on Bank Street after employees of St. Jerome's called 9-1-1 and reported smelling smoke outside the building. They discovered an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) unit on the roof that was smoking and resolved the issue.

Press release:

Locating affordable, accessible housing has long been a crucial need of senior citizens and people with disabilities who wish to live independently in the community. In a concerted effort to address this concern, Office for the Aging of Genesee County and Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) are holding a FREE buffet-style Landlords’ Breakfast, to which owners who rent housing in Genesee County are invited.

We are “rolling out the red carpet” by holding the event at Terry Hills Golf and Banquet Facility, 5122 Clinton Street, Batavia, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31.

Landlords will have the opportunity to share applicant and tenant issues, and we will share information about the programs and wrap-around services we provide for renters.  For those landlords who generally see a high turnover rate, you can learn how ILGR can help to support your tenants, to encourage a more prolonged tenancy.

Those who plan to attend must pre-register, so there will be enough food on-hand. For questions, or to RSVP, please call Donna Becker at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411. 

This program is made possible through funds from the New York State Office for the Aging, NY Connects, the Older Americans Act, and the generous support of the Genesee County Legislature and Independent Living of the Genesee Region.

Press release:

The State University of New York (SUNY) has pioneered the world of online learning, and its success has been made possible in part by a community of researchers, instructional designers and online educators.

To build its foundation and advance its online efforts, SUNY launched the Center for Online Teaching Excellence (COTE) that celebrates, connects and grows effective online learning education practitioners across the SUNY system while also furthering its knowledge of the most effective teaching and learning practices in online education. Two faculty members at Genesee Community College, Gary Glaser and Jennifer Sisbarro will now be on the forefront for this advancement, after being named SUNY COTE Teaching Ambassadors for 2017. Glaser and Sisbarro were nominated by the College and by accepting, became the first COTE Ambassadors from GCC.

Sisbarro is an assistant professor of music at GCC. She serves on the Online Faculty Advisory Committee and she participated in the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) course orientation. Among the online courses that Sisbarro teaches are: History of Rock and Roll (MUS 203), Music Appreciation (MUS101), and Basic Musicianship (MUS102). She also developed the online Hip Hop Culture (MUS107) course. Sisbarro began teaching at GCC in 2014, and she previously taught at Finger Lakes Community College and Hobart and William Smith College. She has been performing in musical theatre productions since the age of 10, and has toured internationally with the Geneseo Chamber Singers and performed with the Cayuga Vocal Ensemble.

"I am passionate about teaching online, and I believe that online learning is a wonderful alternative for non-traditional students who have careers, families, health issues and other life commitments," Sisbarro said. "I feel fortunate to be offering classes for students who otherwise may not be able to attend college."

Genesee Community College currently offers 16 different online associate degree and certificate programs and was ranked as the number one Best Online College for community colleges in New York State by Affordable Colleges Online (AC) in 2016-2017. The College offers more than 100 online courses each full semester; and tuition and fees are below $5,000 for full-time study for a full academic year.